.
.
There are enough new and old things going on, that I am not terribly worried. Not worried at all. Frustrated, sure. I am just basically back on medicines after a major slip. Anything over two days is such, this was somewhere between three and five days. Look, it's going to happen. Usually I catch it in a day, or even a single dose. Rarely I just don't. More when I am doing a bit of traveling, and pushing myself along with it, over the course of several days. Next, as summer has hit, I am having to figure out acclimation. I have found a simple system that works very well. But that takes some time. I'm, mostly, now keeping the cave in the 75 F range. So long as I don't have to turn on a lot of lights, or traipse in and out too often, or even work hard so burn a lot of calories in here so turn into a human-like heater, I can keep it pretty level in here. I don't even need the ac, now, unless I have worked, in or out, or the heat gets much higher for whatever reason. Fans, always, but nothing more. So far. Still, it's busting my balls. Even that, for me, is hot. If I go slow, it's okay. I think I can get more used to it, and perhaps higher heat, but I don't do that quickly. Toss in quitting tobacco, and I think those are the primary culprits. Any would do alone, though would be managed more easily, perhaps quickly. But all together and I get what I get.
I tried to go down at 20:?? but that just didn't happen. I think I made it in at 22:30 or so. It just didn't matter. My body wasn't serious about even attempting to sleep until 0:30, though what time I finally slept I can't see. Dreams, and probably wakeful spots, haunted my attempts at actual sleep all through the night. It wasn't a horrible night, or anything, it just wasn't a fast way to rest. I tried to get up several times. I had the alarm set for 6:00, but while awake at 5:30 or so, I realized I would no more be getting up at 6:00 than I would probably even make it by 9:00. Between waking periods, dreaming, and a rather soft-serve sleep as a general rule, I didn't climb out of the bunk until noon, maybe noon-thirty... at least by the alarm time, which is set an half hour fast. All good. Rest, like food and medicine, are among the keys. I know, bodily, if I have slept too much. It's as bad as not sleeping enough. Neither, always, have a direct, or regular, time equivalent. Sometimes six hours of sleep is best, sometimes, like last night, it's twelve hours... with the various stipulations. I am rested, but not overly so. Body is a little sore from needing to stay down that long, but... it otherwise feels right. Nah, I don't like it either.
I just don't know what today will bring. I know the list. I also know that there isn't much focus, energy, or tolerance for the temps. I'll keep the list handy, look for a way to some of it, and just... keep tat it. Later.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Just about bedtime.
.
.
No, I didn't get to a thing. Rested. It's in the mid 70's in the house, mid 80's outside, or was an hour or two ago. I have been reading an e-mag. Sci-fi based.
The most recent story was more a conversation about the various Matrix movies. While I agree with him, on the one hand, in that I too believe the second and third movies were significant, just in a different way (less pop, more thinking), I disagree with him a great deal about what it all means. Actually, I agree with his notions about what the the sequels suggest, or the questions they present, and some of the possibilities. I simply disagree with what he sees as the probable solutions.
Is there such a thing as free will? Philosophy, which has become, to my mind, for the most part, a subset of logic, thus mathematics, can no more decide that than physics or any field of mathematics. These things, at their very best, can provide a mechanism for how something might happen, not why it might happen. Being a professor of philosophy probably doesn't give him rise to entertain the hard sciences well enough to understand their limits. Wine and cheese with wowed undergrads, and various other intellectuals, discussing people from history who honestly understood even less than they, but with a toast as if toasting immortals and gods. It's just the way of it. I think, for men who limit themselves in order to have overpaid, underworked, employment, they have to believe in... whatever they are told to believe. Anything but God, and that would preclude choice, which would also cover their caddish, queer, socialist, behavior... while they live at the wrong end of that line of history. Dead enders of their own hands, is it? Yeah.
Never mind. You do have free will. That free will may, or may not, have any affect in this world. It may be canceling, good for bad. It may purely come down to intent, though I don't believe that is always, or even usually, the case. Still, it is a possibility. Such men would have the greatest of faith, mind you. God alone will know their hearts and judge them in their great faith just so.
While I don't think highly of philosophers, I do admit that they can be greatly entertaining when not trying to foolishly grandstand. The best are the ones who are honestly still looking. If they have closed doors, say to God, then they are not still looking. Usually I find those who have chosen other than God, have chosen so not because God has failed them, but that they have failed God. They want perfection, but, to them, God's rules are too hard. Why have sin, which is debt, to hold you down, when denial is so easy. One might have to do drugs, or be careless sexually, and dig deeper and more often, to offset one sin with another, and attempt to forget so as to have no need to forgive or be forgiven of mind. The further the deeper, and maintaining a steady orbit just away from God is impossible. Either closer or farther.
Interesting reading. And several stories before this, that were more true stories, then with questions the story might have raised. Some good, some too simple, some just not to my taste, but a bonus feature I rather enjoyed. Some of the less than favored questions lead me to seek questions that I much preferred, and am consider even now. On the dark side of my mind... where consciousness does not see. Who needs to sleep to walk there? Well, I don't, whatever else the case. I may not know what is happening to know something is happening. Sometimes I even get various levels of the results, and can add questions, do a mark up, and send it back through the loop. If I have the time and interest. It all comes back, in time.
Good night.
.
No, I didn't get to a thing. Rested. It's in the mid 70's in the house, mid 80's outside, or was an hour or two ago. I have been reading an e-mag. Sci-fi based.
The most recent story was more a conversation about the various Matrix movies. While I agree with him, on the one hand, in that I too believe the second and third movies were significant, just in a different way (less pop, more thinking), I disagree with him a great deal about what it all means. Actually, I agree with his notions about what the the sequels suggest, or the questions they present, and some of the possibilities. I simply disagree with what he sees as the probable solutions.
Is there such a thing as free will? Philosophy, which has become, to my mind, for the most part, a subset of logic, thus mathematics, can no more decide that than physics or any field of mathematics. These things, at their very best, can provide a mechanism for how something might happen, not why it might happen. Being a professor of philosophy probably doesn't give him rise to entertain the hard sciences well enough to understand their limits. Wine and cheese with wowed undergrads, and various other intellectuals, discussing people from history who honestly understood even less than they, but with a toast as if toasting immortals and gods. It's just the way of it. I think, for men who limit themselves in order to have overpaid, underworked, employment, they have to believe in... whatever they are told to believe. Anything but God, and that would preclude choice, which would also cover their caddish, queer, socialist, behavior... while they live at the wrong end of that line of history. Dead enders of their own hands, is it? Yeah.
Never mind. You do have free will. That free will may, or may not, have any affect in this world. It may be canceling, good for bad. It may purely come down to intent, though I don't believe that is always, or even usually, the case. Still, it is a possibility. Such men would have the greatest of faith, mind you. God alone will know their hearts and judge them in their great faith just so.
While I don't think highly of philosophers, I do admit that they can be greatly entertaining when not trying to foolishly grandstand. The best are the ones who are honestly still looking. If they have closed doors, say to God, then they are not still looking. Usually I find those who have chosen other than God, have chosen so not because God has failed them, but that they have failed God. They want perfection, but, to them, God's rules are too hard. Why have sin, which is debt, to hold you down, when denial is so easy. One might have to do drugs, or be careless sexually, and dig deeper and more often, to offset one sin with another, and attempt to forget so as to have no need to forgive or be forgiven of mind. The further the deeper, and maintaining a steady orbit just away from God is impossible. Either closer or farther.
Interesting reading. And several stories before this, that were more true stories, then with questions the story might have raised. Some good, some too simple, some just not to my taste, but a bonus feature I rather enjoyed. Some of the less than favored questions lead me to seek questions that I much preferred, and am consider even now. On the dark side of my mind... where consciousness does not see. Who needs to sleep to walk there? Well, I don't, whatever else the case. I may not know what is happening to know something is happening. Sometimes I even get various levels of the results, and can add questions, do a mark up, and send it back through the loop. If I have the time and interest. It all comes back, in time.
Good night.
Odd thoughts and music, too.
.
.
It's a slow day, a healing day, a good day. Rest, mostly. A bite to eat. A nap earlier. Maybe some work on the humidifiers and pack. I don't mind. Quitting tobacco is a bit heavier than I thought... remember... but worth the price. Just to not be in perpetual future debt to a non-necessity. The mind, in part from the odd dreams, in part from building back up, and maybe just because, is playing enjoyable games with my imagination. Some things, albeit, less imagination than they might seem. Pick and choose, even I do sometimes. I can't know.
.
It's a slow day, a healing day, a good day. Rest, mostly. A bite to eat. A nap earlier. Maybe some work on the humidifiers and pack. I don't mind. Quitting tobacco is a bit heavier than I thought... remember... but worth the price. Just to not be in perpetual future debt to a non-necessity. The mind, in part from the odd dreams, in part from building back up, and maybe just because, is playing enjoyable games with my imagination. Some things, albeit, less imagination than they might seem. Pick and choose, even I do sometimes. I can't know.
A while, a nap, and more.
.
.
I wouldn't say today is a great day. I think it wise that I didn't try to push out for a hike. I simply don't have much. I was up for a while, then crashed so hard I am almost surprised I didn't break something. Odd dreams to go with it.
The ones I remember were... Well. Women on the mind. In one, somehow, I found myself in a dalliance with an female AI. A geek girl, but she did have a flesh suit... figuratively in one sense, quite literally in another. A biological device through which she could interact with the world. Downloaded into, however, really limited here... and cowed her a bit. Electrons have no need for fear, a skin suit can. A few cuts and bruises and she started to understand why people act... illogical. Missing a step, walking into a screen door that is snapping shut, there is a reason for seeming illogic, more so if there is no way to upload and repair, or even get a new "suit". Anyway, we started out as fast friends, just enjoying playing logic games. Neither of us thought we could love the other, it just happened. No sure how it ended up, I think I got the remote control before she could rewire herself, though. :p Nah, just can't remember.
The next dream... I didn't go looking for trouble, it came and found me. First, a woman became available. Now, in the dream, I was pretty much me, as I write. Celibate, attempting humility, faithful, and... pretty much just me, only in a dream. So when this woman became friendly, I meant to keep it just as such. She had no such intentions. And then there were others. I ended up having a harem enforced on me! I will not tell you it wasn't a wonderful dream. I knew it was wrong, but... soft, warm, round, frisky, friendly, patient, open. I couldn't, for the life of me, resist. I ended up with, like, 30 women? They pretty much created a living center, some of them worked, some tended the children, and I was given a... well... a rather large allowance. They took care of the the hive, gave me a large chunk of the excess honey, and that was that. Three to four times a day, save when I was traveling. I might take a couple of them with me. Or not. *breath* Anyway.
Probably the nicotine patch. But... something odd has been whirling around lately. No idea what it is, can't quite catch it. It's like being hunted by pixies, woodland female spirits. Just that sort of feel. Of course they aren't real, just work with the idea. Women are pixies, and they often hunt like that. Never see them, but they sure see and watch you, somehow. Something out there, a whole pack of them. Not sure it's for love, might just be girls being... girls... or... whatever. Women do very strange things sometimes. I know that sensation was in the dreams, if in several distinct forms.
Not as much of a twitch today, with the tobacco patch. The munchies are much relieved. Hungry, mostly just normally. There is a bit more to it, but nowhere as bad as yesterday. Yesterday it was like the hunger hives. Today is just... food tastes slightly better, but otherwise isn't in great demand. I am trying to floss every night, brush twice, and gargle morning and night. I ordered whitening strips, as a duty to this sacrifice. I am pleased. Still twitchy, other than in a way that has been expressed by hunger. Nervous. But that, too, is diminishing. I think smoking those cigarettes just aggravated things.
I am hoping to go to bed earlier tonight, then get up early tomorrow again, and get going. I may tinker with the pack a bit tonight, replacing the old sleeping back in it's original stuff sack and setting up the new one with the hammock and netting, and putting personals in another stuff sack. The stuff sack for personals is flat-bottomed, and see-through mesh for the top two thirds, which makes it easier to sort and find things. Toothpaste, sun lotion, whatever... seeing is finding. It will fit in the rocket pack perfectly. Then I don't lose things all over while unpacking as well. That and maybe making a bite to eat, and putting the humidifiers together. I've got to keep trying. Keep them on my list. Or they get forgotten.
Later.
.
I wouldn't say today is a great day. I think it wise that I didn't try to push out for a hike. I simply don't have much. I was up for a while, then crashed so hard I am almost surprised I didn't break something. Odd dreams to go with it.
The ones I remember were... Well. Women on the mind. In one, somehow, I found myself in a dalliance with an female AI. A geek girl, but she did have a flesh suit... figuratively in one sense, quite literally in another. A biological device through which she could interact with the world. Downloaded into, however, really limited here... and cowed her a bit. Electrons have no need for fear, a skin suit can. A few cuts and bruises and she started to understand why people act... illogical. Missing a step, walking into a screen door that is snapping shut, there is a reason for seeming illogic, more so if there is no way to upload and repair, or even get a new "suit". Anyway, we started out as fast friends, just enjoying playing logic games. Neither of us thought we could love the other, it just happened. No sure how it ended up, I think I got the remote control before she could rewire herself, though. :p Nah, just can't remember.
The next dream... I didn't go looking for trouble, it came and found me. First, a woman became available. Now, in the dream, I was pretty much me, as I write. Celibate, attempting humility, faithful, and... pretty much just me, only in a dream. So when this woman became friendly, I meant to keep it just as such. She had no such intentions. And then there were others. I ended up having a harem enforced on me! I will not tell you it wasn't a wonderful dream. I knew it was wrong, but... soft, warm, round, frisky, friendly, patient, open. I couldn't, for the life of me, resist. I ended up with, like, 30 women? They pretty much created a living center, some of them worked, some tended the children, and I was given a... well... a rather large allowance. They took care of the the hive, gave me a large chunk of the excess honey, and that was that. Three to four times a day, save when I was traveling. I might take a couple of them with me. Or not. *breath* Anyway.
Probably the nicotine patch. But... something odd has been whirling around lately. No idea what it is, can't quite catch it. It's like being hunted by pixies, woodland female spirits. Just that sort of feel. Of course they aren't real, just work with the idea. Women are pixies, and they often hunt like that. Never see them, but they sure see and watch you, somehow. Something out there, a whole pack of them. Not sure it's for love, might just be girls being... girls... or... whatever. Women do very strange things sometimes. I know that sensation was in the dreams, if in several distinct forms.
Not as much of a twitch today, with the tobacco patch. The munchies are much relieved. Hungry, mostly just normally. There is a bit more to it, but nowhere as bad as yesterday. Yesterday it was like the hunger hives. Today is just... food tastes slightly better, but otherwise isn't in great demand. I am trying to floss every night, brush twice, and gargle morning and night. I ordered whitening strips, as a duty to this sacrifice. I am pleased. Still twitchy, other than in a way that has been expressed by hunger. Nervous. But that, too, is diminishing. I think smoking those cigarettes just aggravated things.
I am hoping to go to bed earlier tonight, then get up early tomorrow again, and get going. I may tinker with the pack a bit tonight, replacing the old sleeping back in it's original stuff sack and setting up the new one with the hammock and netting, and putting personals in another stuff sack. The stuff sack for personals is flat-bottomed, and see-through mesh for the top two thirds, which makes it easier to sort and find things. Toothpaste, sun lotion, whatever... seeing is finding. It will fit in the rocket pack perfectly. Then I don't lose things all over while unpacking as well. That and maybe making a bite to eat, and putting the humidifiers together. I've got to keep trying. Keep them on my list. Or they get forgotten.
Later.
Yes!
.
.
Not that it means anything, or will, in fact. However, I was awake by 6:30... 7:00 by my alarm, but my alarm is set an half hour fast (is it?), so that those two times are the same. I actually had it set for 6:30*, but couldn't rise, and didn't want to mess with the snooze as that isn't a winning strategy in the shape I was in. So I rest it for 7:00 and did get up. I am lumbering and uneasy on my mind's feet, but awake. In theory, I might make it out to hiking. In reality, I'm not sure I can. I know my corpse like some people know their old machines. When they have to do with what they have, they learn to know the sounds and feel. Some things tell them that the day won't be terribly productive. That is what I am hearing.
No worries. That I made it out by 7:00 means I might be able to keep making it to my feet by 7:00. And, one of those mornings, I will be out there. I will just toodle around, maybe do some cleaning, perhaps some microfacturing, a shower or bath later, and probably to the post office to see if I want to accept that package. I have been out every other day lately, and getting cooked. So I don't mind skipping one of those days out and just taking two days off. Prepping, one hopes, for another early start and a push back into hiking. I will be buying a fishing license this next month as well. More reason to hike, and a way to pass my time while resting. Might even just eat on the fly, or right off it. Lemon, salt, a sharp knife, and a good look at the innards first, and I might not even need a cook device. Hmm... a soy sauce mix wouldn't be bad to take either. Love me some bait.
One shoe at a time. And waking at this time is the first shoe. Getting out the next. I was missing medicine and food, so I suspect those things caught up to me. As well, I was pushing it by getting out. I don't mind, but there does come due a price. How much better I am doing is difficult to gauge, as improvement really is in fractions of percents. But given that I have been in a funk, they have been healthy percentages over past non-funk status. Uhrm, unless it gets worse. But I'm not seeing that. If this is as bad as funk gets, I'm... alive again. Not fully, even now. Couldn't hold a job, and... yeah... that's the criteria. I can't guarantee my schedule, I can't guarantee I can be out on any given day, I can't be out daily. But I can get by much better. I can, over time, exert some control. I can focus on short, mid, and longer term goals and keep them in focus enough to walk my way to them. I am even attempting to stretch that.
I am honestly hoping to make a large part of my way up the mountain. I believe I heard that it is roughly 10 miles. It isn't Mt. Everest, but it isn't a flat, across town, hike either. As long as there is a place to rest, I should be fine. Not sure about mountain lions, but I am the size of a bigger black bear and a bit mean about rude creatures. Still, would rather not have to get stitches. My guess is, rattlesnakes are a possibility too. On that score, hammocks have an advantage. Wood against mountain lions if you could hang them high enough... they couldn't balance out on the ropes, really. Anyway, that will happen sooner or later, and then begin taking on a life of it's own... or kill me. :p
Later.
.
Not that it means anything, or will, in fact. However, I was awake by 6:30... 7:00 by my alarm, but my alarm is set an half hour fast (is it?), so that those two times are the same. I actually had it set for 6:30*, but couldn't rise, and didn't want to mess with the snooze as that isn't a winning strategy in the shape I was in. So I rest it for 7:00 and did get up. I am lumbering and uneasy on my mind's feet, but awake. In theory, I might make it out to hiking. In reality, I'm not sure I can. I know my corpse like some people know their old machines. When they have to do with what they have, they learn to know the sounds and feel. Some things tell them that the day won't be terribly productive. That is what I am hearing.
No worries. That I made it out by 7:00 means I might be able to keep making it to my feet by 7:00. And, one of those mornings, I will be out there. I will just toodle around, maybe do some cleaning, perhaps some microfacturing, a shower or bath later, and probably to the post office to see if I want to accept that package. I have been out every other day lately, and getting cooked. So I don't mind skipping one of those days out and just taking two days off. Prepping, one hopes, for another early start and a push back into hiking. I will be buying a fishing license this next month as well. More reason to hike, and a way to pass my time while resting. Might even just eat on the fly, or right off it. Lemon, salt, a sharp knife, and a good look at the innards first, and I might not even need a cook device. Hmm... a soy sauce mix wouldn't be bad to take either. Love me some bait.
One shoe at a time. And waking at this time is the first shoe. Getting out the next. I was missing medicine and food, so I suspect those things caught up to me. As well, I was pushing it by getting out. I don't mind, but there does come due a price. How much better I am doing is difficult to gauge, as improvement really is in fractions of percents. But given that I have been in a funk, they have been healthy percentages over past non-funk status. Uhrm, unless it gets worse. But I'm not seeing that. If this is as bad as funk gets, I'm... alive again. Not fully, even now. Couldn't hold a job, and... yeah... that's the criteria. I can't guarantee my schedule, I can't guarantee I can be out on any given day, I can't be out daily. But I can get by much better. I can, over time, exert some control. I can focus on short, mid, and longer term goals and keep them in focus enough to walk my way to them. I am even attempting to stretch that.
I am honestly hoping to make a large part of my way up the mountain. I believe I heard that it is roughly 10 miles. It isn't Mt. Everest, but it isn't a flat, across town, hike either. As long as there is a place to rest, I should be fine. Not sure about mountain lions, but I am the size of a bigger black bear and a bit mean about rude creatures. Still, would rather not have to get stitches. My guess is, rattlesnakes are a possibility too. On that score, hammocks have an advantage. Wood against mountain lions if you could hang them high enough... they couldn't balance out on the ropes, really. Anyway, that will happen sooner or later, and then begin taking on a life of it's own... or kill me. :p
Later.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Just resting, mostly.
.
.
It seemed cool enough. But getting out in the heat really takes it out of me. Yesterday was a light day, and yet it's just hot. I heard a complaint or two about humidity. I just laughed, and told them I was from Iowa. Then they laughed, and we cried. :p Today has seemed cooler, and I haven't done much work. The patch may or may not have something to do with the slow day. I keep wanting to gobble. I hope the munchies pass before I eat my way to a new belly. A nap this afternoon. All good.
I am going to try to get to bed earlier tonight, and be out early tomorrow. I just don't know. If the temps are as cool into the late morning as they have been, I may head out whatever happens. Twitchy about the heat, I realize a day of hiking will put me down for at least a day... for now, twitchy about tobacco, and just back on meds after... a while off them. I am not sure how many days I forget medicine. At least two, up to four days without. I am doing my best, but that isn't all that good lately. The heat is a real deal-breaker at times.
Oh, I had heard a comment or two, here or there, when at the shop for a trim and lessons. Something about, "Who does he think he is, a biker?" between a couple of customers who obviously talk too loudly, and the woman who cuts my hair said something about enjoying my bike. So I asked her, this time, if they think I am a biker. That, it seems, is the consensus. I laughed and laughed, on the inside. But tried to make a few corrections. You can tell a woman, but not always much, right or wrong if she has made up her mind, that is that. Still, she has my side of it.
You read here. You know how poor my health is. I don't wear leathers. I have never owned a motorcycle. I wear jeans, and either t-shirts or polos. And until I went with a middle trim, I had a conservative short business haircut. I do, often, lately, just trim my beard rather than fully shave, but it's very short and neat. I just, honestly, have no idea where they get that. Laughed I did, inside. Didn't want that boom laugh to startle the hens in there. You know how they can be.
Well... I thought it was all funny. And I do try to dress civilly, and be fashionably polite, tone down voice and even expression. The things I do! And to even then be thought a biker? I wonder what they would think if I just was myself? Seriously. I don't know if there is a term for that. Not that I am rude, just that my voice can boom reverberate on windows, my laugh can be heard blocks away, and my expressions can cause tears and powerful empathy or fear. Especially with a booming articulation to support it. Oh well. Still, I just chuckle while they cluck.
Have I ever mentioned that I have no tattoos? None showing, none hidden. I have never been inked. Just imagine what an old, mostly dead guy has to look like, without tattoos, to be taken for a biker. Way too funny. It did come as a surprise to me.
No work today. Just really couldn't get to it. Hungry, all the time, then too full. And the twitch energy is aimed at food. I'll try to get out tomorrow. Later, perhaps good night.
.
It seemed cool enough. But getting out in the heat really takes it out of me. Yesterday was a light day, and yet it's just hot. I heard a complaint or two about humidity. I just laughed, and told them I was from Iowa. Then they laughed, and we cried. :p Today has seemed cooler, and I haven't done much work. The patch may or may not have something to do with the slow day. I keep wanting to gobble. I hope the munchies pass before I eat my way to a new belly. A nap this afternoon. All good.
I am going to try to get to bed earlier tonight, and be out early tomorrow. I just don't know. If the temps are as cool into the late morning as they have been, I may head out whatever happens. Twitchy about the heat, I realize a day of hiking will put me down for at least a day... for now, twitchy about tobacco, and just back on meds after... a while off them. I am not sure how many days I forget medicine. At least two, up to four days without. I am doing my best, but that isn't all that good lately. The heat is a real deal-breaker at times.
Oh, I had heard a comment or two, here or there, when at the shop for a trim and lessons. Something about, "Who does he think he is, a biker?" between a couple of customers who obviously talk too loudly, and the woman who cuts my hair said something about enjoying my bike. So I asked her, this time, if they think I am a biker. That, it seems, is the consensus. I laughed and laughed, on the inside. But tried to make a few corrections. You can tell a woman, but not always much, right or wrong if she has made up her mind, that is that. Still, she has my side of it.
You read here. You know how poor my health is. I don't wear leathers. I have never owned a motorcycle. I wear jeans, and either t-shirts or polos. And until I went with a middle trim, I had a conservative short business haircut. I do, often, lately, just trim my beard rather than fully shave, but it's very short and neat. I just, honestly, have no idea where they get that. Laughed I did, inside. Didn't want that boom laugh to startle the hens in there. You know how they can be.
Well... I thought it was all funny. And I do try to dress civilly, and be fashionably polite, tone down voice and even expression. The things I do! And to even then be thought a biker? I wonder what they would think if I just was myself? Seriously. I don't know if there is a term for that. Not that I am rude, just that my voice can boom reverberate on windows, my laugh can be heard blocks away, and my expressions can cause tears and powerful empathy or fear. Especially with a booming articulation to support it. Oh well. Still, I just chuckle while they cluck.
Have I ever mentioned that I have no tattoos? None showing, none hidden. I have never been inked. Just imagine what an old, mostly dead guy has to look like, without tattoos, to be taken for a biker. Way too funny. It did come as a surprise to me.
No work today. Just really couldn't get to it. Hungry, all the time, then too full. And the twitch energy is aimed at food. I'll try to get out tomorrow. Later, perhaps good night.
Late to bed, late to wake.
.
.
I had hoped a beer would help. Sometimes it really does. Last night it neither helped nor hurt. Tea, beer, milk, no difference. Not at that volume. And by the time I began to sip, I was already beginning to cool down. Technically it is still cool enough, but would it be by the time I got there? Doubtful. Besides, I was out yesterday, and that does drain the system. Excuses? Maybe. But I honestly have made efforts to go to sleep earlier, and wake earlier, and I simply will not test that heat like that. I won't go after a certain time unless I am sure it won't get way too hot, often quite quickly, on top of what I am working up to internally. I'll keep trying. I really am ready, just need the window to match up with consciousness and clarity plus function.
I'm on the patch today. Okay, I am actually wanting real tobacco. I don't remember this. Oh well, I'll take it. Medicine is back on schedule. I am out of chewable vitamins, and could use more super-b. My little system seems to work rather well. Yeah, hiccups, bumps in the road, and all... given the givens, I'm doing miracles. They know it, too. You should. Just that I can even mostly self medicate in my condition... Toss in living alone? Throw in hiking, camping, canoeing, if I ever get to those? Or, get further along those tracks, I'll be getting there. Truth is, I am burning off a lot of fat. I'm not say it's just melting off, but it is slowly being eaten away. Between diet changes (not dieting) and more muscle use, the fat is slowly going away. It didn't all go on in a day, won't go off in a day, even a year or two. And, to be honest, I want to keep some of it. I don't want a 31 inch waist again, if 34~36 wouldn't be bad. Fat is a savings account that would take a long time to force withdrawal. In some cases that would be a bad thing, in many cases it would be good.
I asked my friend how deep he thought the lake up there is. He didn't know, so I asked him if he floats. I don't think he trusts me anymore. I DID suggest I had rope. I wouldn't leave a friend at the bottom... for long. :p Actually, if I get up there, I plan on finding out. Uhrm, up to a point. If it ends up being some kind of 300 ft deep glacier lake, I'll just have to get a longer rope, and send my friend down. Hey, I'm better at retrieving.
Today, to be honest, I am going to try to go low and slow. I'm not hurting for the beer, but the tobacco thing is a bit tighter than I remember. And yesterday was another day out in the heat. A more temperate heat but it wore me out well enough. I will see if the new stuff bags work as intended. I can probably, finally, get those humidifiers drilled and going. Perhaps some cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom. And, just maybe... nah... if I can get those things done, I will wait until it begins cooling, take a bath while letting the ac run, then try, again, to sleep early and wake early. Later.
.
I had hoped a beer would help. Sometimes it really does. Last night it neither helped nor hurt. Tea, beer, milk, no difference. Not at that volume. And by the time I began to sip, I was already beginning to cool down. Technically it is still cool enough, but would it be by the time I got there? Doubtful. Besides, I was out yesterday, and that does drain the system. Excuses? Maybe. But I honestly have made efforts to go to sleep earlier, and wake earlier, and I simply will not test that heat like that. I won't go after a certain time unless I am sure it won't get way too hot, often quite quickly, on top of what I am working up to internally. I'll keep trying. I really am ready, just need the window to match up with consciousness and clarity plus function.
I'm on the patch today. Okay, I am actually wanting real tobacco. I don't remember this. Oh well, I'll take it. Medicine is back on schedule. I am out of chewable vitamins, and could use more super-b. My little system seems to work rather well. Yeah, hiccups, bumps in the road, and all... given the givens, I'm doing miracles. They know it, too. You should. Just that I can even mostly self medicate in my condition... Toss in living alone? Throw in hiking, camping, canoeing, if I ever get to those? Or, get further along those tracks, I'll be getting there. Truth is, I am burning off a lot of fat. I'm not say it's just melting off, but it is slowly being eaten away. Between diet changes (not dieting) and more muscle use, the fat is slowly going away. It didn't all go on in a day, won't go off in a day, even a year or two. And, to be honest, I want to keep some of it. I don't want a 31 inch waist again, if 34~36 wouldn't be bad. Fat is a savings account that would take a long time to force withdrawal. In some cases that would be a bad thing, in many cases it would be good.
I asked my friend how deep he thought the lake up there is. He didn't know, so I asked him if he floats. I don't think he trusts me anymore. I DID suggest I had rope. I wouldn't leave a friend at the bottom... for long. :p Actually, if I get up there, I plan on finding out. Uhrm, up to a point. If it ends up being some kind of 300 ft deep glacier lake, I'll just have to get a longer rope, and send my friend down. Hey, I'm better at retrieving.
Today, to be honest, I am going to try to go low and slow. I'm not hurting for the beer, but the tobacco thing is a bit tighter than I remember. And yesterday was another day out in the heat. A more temperate heat but it wore me out well enough. I will see if the new stuff bags work as intended. I can probably, finally, get those humidifiers drilled and going. Perhaps some cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom. And, just maybe... nah... if I can get those things done, I will wait until it begins cooling, take a bath while letting the ac run, then try, again, to sleep early and wake early. Later.
If you have an hour, do drop in.
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Living and dying. And again. Time and space and places and people.
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Living and dying. And again. Time and space and places and people.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Cooling down, should be to bed early enough.
.
.
Not bad. I filled the camping lighter with fuel. One of them. After that I have mostly just tried to calm and cool myself.
I ordered books recently, and kept waiting for an email. I checked since I ordered. Oddly, it ended up in the spam bin. I do think google manipulates against certain companies. Any company that isn't leftest, or cowed by them. Whether it is a managerial decision, or just the typical SJW's who work in such companies doing a solid for their causes matters little. Still, I figured it out. Not sure how best to download the books though, or which format. They suggested one type for android, one type for kindle, but I'm using kindle ON an android. Bleh. :p So I sent off an email inquiry about that and how best to download. I'm now, again, officially a heavy reader. Until I run out of their books.
I also received something in the mail, something I have to sign to receive. I have nothing on order, and already received my medication. Perhaps this is someone at the V.A. making sure I got my medication? I don't know. I'll find out tomorrow, if I can get up early enough. Still, if it's from someone I don't know, or looks suspicious, I'll simply refuse it. People are becoming seriously murderous these days, and corruption and some other things from various bureaucracies and other institutions are endangering people. Do not think I jest. And do not accept anything you cannot identify. Just signing and taking might make you guilty, somehow, these days. Or dead.
Oh, right. Having eggs and that hash back to easy availability is fantastic. It sure seems like simple, humble, food. And it is. That is exactly what it is and it is wonderful. I know what it is, I know what is in it (nothing but what I add, all of which I know what that is). I know how it was cooked. I know when it was cooked. And I even know what it will taste like... with butter, or a bit of salt and pepper, perhaps pepper flecks, or with sprouts, bacon, sausage, and-or cheese. It is food that does exactly what it is supposed to do. Boring? Yeah, okay, but not every meal should be a gourmet delight. Even so, sometimes, after being without it for a few days, it actually is.
Oh, yes. I might have one beer tonight. My kind of beer, mind you. A cheers to the end of tobacco. Then I'll brush the teeth and head off to a new start at an end to tobacco tomorrow. Every once in a while, for the next two years, I'll go looking for my can. Then remember. It's a weird thing, changing a habit that has existed for that long. Good night.
.
Not bad. I filled the camping lighter with fuel. One of them. After that I have mostly just tried to calm and cool myself.
I ordered books recently, and kept waiting for an email. I checked since I ordered. Oddly, it ended up in the spam bin. I do think google manipulates against certain companies. Any company that isn't leftest, or cowed by them. Whether it is a managerial decision, or just the typical SJW's who work in such companies doing a solid for their causes matters little. Still, I figured it out. Not sure how best to download the books though, or which format. They suggested one type for android, one type for kindle, but I'm using kindle ON an android. Bleh. :p So I sent off an email inquiry about that and how best to download. I'm now, again, officially a heavy reader. Until I run out of their books.
I also received something in the mail, something I have to sign to receive. I have nothing on order, and already received my medication. Perhaps this is someone at the V.A. making sure I got my medication? I don't know. I'll find out tomorrow, if I can get up early enough. Still, if it's from someone I don't know, or looks suspicious, I'll simply refuse it. People are becoming seriously murderous these days, and corruption and some other things from various bureaucracies and other institutions are endangering people. Do not think I jest. And do not accept anything you cannot identify. Just signing and taking might make you guilty, somehow, these days. Or dead.
Oh, right. Having eggs and that hash back to easy availability is fantastic. It sure seems like simple, humble, food. And it is. That is exactly what it is and it is wonderful. I know what it is, I know what is in it (nothing but what I add, all of which I know what that is). I know how it was cooked. I know when it was cooked. And I even know what it will taste like... with butter, or a bit of salt and pepper, perhaps pepper flecks, or with sprouts, bacon, sausage, and-or cheese. It is food that does exactly what it is supposed to do. Boring? Yeah, okay, but not every meal should be a gourmet delight. Even so, sometimes, after being without it for a few days, it actually is.
Oh, yes. I might have one beer tonight. My kind of beer, mind you. A cheers to the end of tobacco. Then I'll brush the teeth and head off to a new start at an end to tobacco tomorrow. Every once in a while, for the next two years, I'll go looking for my can. Then remember. It's a weird thing, changing a habit that has existed for that long. Good night.
No hiking.
.
.
Up too late. I went to bed at about 22:15, but then realized at about 22:30 that I hadn't taken my medicine. Okay, but, my medi-sets hadn't been set up. So I did that. I do a month at a time. I was sure hoping furosemide showed up today though. Anyway, setting up the meds made a midnight sleep time. I set the alarm for 6:30. Yeah, I remember hearing it. Not what I did about it. I am sure I snoozed it... for a while. At some point I just no longer got my nerves jangled every few minutes, then woke around 10:30. A long sleep, but whatever. Too late to get out, would be too hot. Beyond, I had the appointment coming up. As it turned out, today was a relatively cool one. On that score I could have been out. Something like 84~87 in the valley. But the appointment time didn't allow for that, and I wouldn't have expected it either, so wouldn't have gone. I'll try again tomorrow.
I did get the sides shaved, pretty much, to the scalp. If I get into using the straight razor, I'd love to learn to shave the pith. Or... something like that. Though that will be sort of tricky. Eventually I'll get a mirror on an arm, in the bathroom, and learn to do that, then learn to do it by touch... or that's the theory. Yeah, right after I learn to shave my face with that though. Then again, shaving the head is a lot easier than shaving the face, just takes a bit of acrobatics and training to do it blind. I'll keep going in for a trim, ever month or two, then get a final one if visiting my brother remains part of the the plan.
After that, my friend wanted to go shopping for music and movies. He was pretty lackluster about it. Then again, the thought of movies and music always sounds good until you get in there and have to face stacks and cases full of distracting covers. It's impossible. You could ask for help, but for a simple browsing day, what do you even ask? "Do you know that one group that does that one song?", or "Do you know that movie that has, oh... what's her name in it?" Yeah... Too much, too much. Still, he found a Moody Blues cd and a MMonroe cup. I grabbed three, as there was a buy two, get the third for a dollar. Problem is, as I was heading to the register I realized they were just dvd. If you've got bluray, dvd doesn't cut it. I don't think it looks any more awful played on a dvd or bluray, but dvd just... bleh.
After that, I went to the sporting goods store. A couple of stuff sacks. One for the hammock and netting, one for my personals in the side rocket pack. A pack of alcohol fuel for that stove, some lighter fluid, two types... old school zippos and propane. Oh, and a bladder for my small pack. About the same prices as Amazon, easier to return. Then I took my friend home and hurried home myself. That heat, even in the mid-80's, is nothing to play with.
I'll try to go down earlier tonight and get out tomorrow. Doing what I can. Later.
.
Up too late. I went to bed at about 22:15, but then realized at about 22:30 that I hadn't taken my medicine. Okay, but, my medi-sets hadn't been set up. So I did that. I do a month at a time. I was sure hoping furosemide showed up today though. Anyway, setting up the meds made a midnight sleep time. I set the alarm for 6:30. Yeah, I remember hearing it. Not what I did about it. I am sure I snoozed it... for a while. At some point I just no longer got my nerves jangled every few minutes, then woke around 10:30. A long sleep, but whatever. Too late to get out, would be too hot. Beyond, I had the appointment coming up. As it turned out, today was a relatively cool one. On that score I could have been out. Something like 84~87 in the valley. But the appointment time didn't allow for that, and I wouldn't have expected it either, so wouldn't have gone. I'll try again tomorrow.
I did get the sides shaved, pretty much, to the scalp. If I get into using the straight razor, I'd love to learn to shave the pith. Or... something like that. Though that will be sort of tricky. Eventually I'll get a mirror on an arm, in the bathroom, and learn to do that, then learn to do it by touch... or that's the theory. Yeah, right after I learn to shave my face with that though. Then again, shaving the head is a lot easier than shaving the face, just takes a bit of acrobatics and training to do it blind. I'll keep going in for a trim, ever month or two, then get a final one if visiting my brother remains part of the the plan.
After that, my friend wanted to go shopping for music and movies. He was pretty lackluster about it. Then again, the thought of movies and music always sounds good until you get in there and have to face stacks and cases full of distracting covers. It's impossible. You could ask for help, but for a simple browsing day, what do you even ask? "Do you know that one group that does that one song?", or "Do you know that movie that has, oh... what's her name in it?" Yeah... Too much, too much. Still, he found a Moody Blues cd and a MMonroe cup. I grabbed three, as there was a buy two, get the third for a dollar. Problem is, as I was heading to the register I realized they were just dvd. If you've got bluray, dvd doesn't cut it. I don't think it looks any more awful played on a dvd or bluray, but dvd just... bleh.
After that, I went to the sporting goods store. A couple of stuff sacks. One for the hammock and netting, one for my personals in the side rocket pack. A pack of alcohol fuel for that stove, some lighter fluid, two types... old school zippos and propane. Oh, and a bladder for my small pack. About the same prices as Amazon, easier to return. Then I took my friend home and hurried home myself. That heat, even in the mid-80's, is nothing to play with.
I'll try to go down earlier tonight and get out tomorrow. Doing what I can. Later.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Yeah, well, I am ready for in the morning.
.
.
I got the rest of my kit ready. Beside the bladder, I have two canteens along with. One is my mess canteen, stailness, with a nesting stainless cup and "near" lid for that. Just enough to heat two or three cups of water for... anything. I may test my stove tomorrow too. Just to see how it does. If, that is, I decide to stop somewhere. Or, even if I make it far enough along the trail TO stop. I have a lot of time, and it should still be somewhat cool, and cooler up there than down here at any given time. Incentive, and assistance, all in one factor. I had to wash those out though. They were new. Was carrying them just for weight for a while.
Now everything is functional, I think. Everything is ready. I have the closes I want changed out, I have everything rigged and placed where I want it, I am sure I have the gear that I want and need and nothing more, water is secured, I even have the clothes and boots I will be wearing ready to go. Plus, having bathed, the most I might want to do is a quick shower in the morning. Hmm, and maybe shave. Meh, maybe not. We'll see.
It looks like my can of tobacco will last through tomorrow. I could make it last another day, but... I don't want to do a half a day though. So I will try to use it up by tomorrow night, but not have it gone by noon or something. Then, Tuesday, I begin the patches. I always worry. But truth be told, quitting is rather easy for me. This method has worked three other times. I just messed up. The only provisio is that if my teeth start going bad, even with decent care, I will go back to tobacco. I'm not going to lose my teeth that particular way.
I've got to admit it. I'm a bit afraid of the pack and the trail tomorrow. I just am. Not so much that I'll stroke out, or have a medical. More that it'll drive me into the dirt, and drop me like a bag of rocks off a cliff. Just beat me silly. This pack is almost 50% heavier... wait, it's 100% heavier, though it does handle pretty well even without the belt clip. It just seems... large. I don't think that has been my problem getting out. Crowding really has been an issue. And heat, and migraines, and burning out on other things too. We'll see. In spite of the fear, I have truly been looking forward to this. And I am really hoping I can get far enough along, and find an out of the way place to pitch a minor camp, whether I heat water or just rest or snooze of a bit. Just to say I did. It'll be the first real start to anything else.
I best get on to bed. I didn't even get most of what I wanted, but I am ready for hiking, and it is the start of a new week. To do more, I might have to run the ac a bit more in early afternoon, and dress slightly warmer until my heat breaker trips. I just hate having to fuss so much just to try to get in a little work. But... fuss I must if I want to catch up, keep up, and even dig into getting ahead. So many little projects, and big ones. I'll get there. Good night.
.
I got the rest of my kit ready. Beside the bladder, I have two canteens along with. One is my mess canteen, stailness, with a nesting stainless cup and "near" lid for that. Just enough to heat two or three cups of water for... anything. I may test my stove tomorrow too. Just to see how it does. If, that is, I decide to stop somewhere. Or, even if I make it far enough along the trail TO stop. I have a lot of time, and it should still be somewhat cool, and cooler up there than down here at any given time. Incentive, and assistance, all in one factor. I had to wash those out though. They were new. Was carrying them just for weight for a while.
Now everything is functional, I think. Everything is ready. I have the closes I want changed out, I have everything rigged and placed where I want it, I am sure I have the gear that I want and need and nothing more, water is secured, I even have the clothes and boots I will be wearing ready to go. Plus, having bathed, the most I might want to do is a quick shower in the morning. Hmm, and maybe shave. Meh, maybe not. We'll see.
It looks like my can of tobacco will last through tomorrow. I could make it last another day, but... I don't want to do a half a day though. So I will try to use it up by tomorrow night, but not have it gone by noon or something. Then, Tuesday, I begin the patches. I always worry. But truth be told, quitting is rather easy for me. This method has worked three other times. I just messed up. The only provisio is that if my teeth start going bad, even with decent care, I will go back to tobacco. I'm not going to lose my teeth that particular way.
I've got to admit it. I'm a bit afraid of the pack and the trail tomorrow. I just am. Not so much that I'll stroke out, or have a medical. More that it'll drive me into the dirt, and drop me like a bag of rocks off a cliff. Just beat me silly. This pack is almost 50% heavier... wait, it's 100% heavier, though it does handle pretty well even without the belt clip. It just seems... large. I don't think that has been my problem getting out. Crowding really has been an issue. And heat, and migraines, and burning out on other things too. We'll see. In spite of the fear, I have truly been looking forward to this. And I am really hoping I can get far enough along, and find an out of the way place to pitch a minor camp, whether I heat water or just rest or snooze of a bit. Just to say I did. It'll be the first real start to anything else.
I best get on to bed. I didn't even get most of what I wanted, but I am ready for hiking, and it is the start of a new week. To do more, I might have to run the ac a bit more in early afternoon, and dress slightly warmer until my heat breaker trips. I just hate having to fuss so much just to try to get in a little work. But... fuss I must if I want to catch up, keep up, and even dig into getting ahead. So many little projects, and big ones. I'll get there. Good night.
Part of it.
.
.
I emptied the big pack and went through everything with a fine tooth comb. I changed some of the clothing out, took out the old sleeping bag and put in two parts of the new one, put snake skins on the hammock and netting, then stole the stuff sack for the old sleeping bag and used it... for now... for the hammock system. Then I organized what I wanted where, but remembered the repair job. That ended up being a bit of a letdown. I was expecting this grand cutting and gluing bonanza, with all attempts at perfection leading to something looking like a third grader had gotten bored then busy. The buckles just slid off the webbing and the new slid right back into place.
Then I repacked the central section, as I saw fit. Clothing and then sleeping bag at the bottom, cooking gear and food near the middle (all sealed, then sealed, then sealed), then rain and cold gear near the top, along with the tarp, leaving the outside top pocket for the hammock, ridgeline, and treesaver rigging straps. The inside upper pocket is empty, waiting for maps and map case. I haven't gotten the rocket packs loaded yet, but everything is sorted. As I was getting to that, I realized the time, and decided on a bath. Since it IS Sunday, and dinner will be arriving before long. Plus, it'll mean I am ready to just head out early in the morning. Hmm... might set a pot of coffee to the ready, so I can at least have a fresh punch of joe on the nose to get me going.
I won't be going fast, I might not get far. I think the trail that heads west is the one that gets steep fast, the other is a bit more leisurely, for a while... or while longer. I believe both end up on Logan peak, after about a 10 mile hike, though they probably go other places too. It might actually be easier exploring than just... hiking a known quantity. If need be, as I suggested, I might be able to get off the track, set up a little camp, and take a nap. My appointment isn't until early afternoon.
I'll finish the pack, for sure. And I might hit the kitchen just a bit. Though I may wait until it begins cooling down in a few hours. I am hoping to stop at the ranger station on my way back, if I have it in me. I'd like to discuss fire and cooking, wildlife, and anything else they would like to let me know. I'm not fully trusting, but I like to give folks a fair chance. Plus, if they are who runs the show, best to get their side of it. As I said, I don't fully trust them, but I don't trust the yahoos who think the land is theirs either. I don't want to be a problem, and I would like to be informed, and maybe even on decent terms with... pretty much everybody, if possible. Just understand, I don't trust my own mother, not always, not on some things. I don't trust my friend on all things. I don't even trust myself, not fully. Not my area? Then I seek out the informed, some authority, some men who know otherwise, and compare my experiences with that.
Had to have the lights on, so that heated the place up. No, I don't use the mercury laden light bulbs! Beside them being used as spy devices, they are poisoning the land fill, and very possibly careless users. So, they do heat up. Had to do it though. It'll begin cooling off soon enough though. A drift of clouds has come in and partially shielded the area from full light... 40% off, or so? That'll help. Later.
.
I emptied the big pack and went through everything with a fine tooth comb. I changed some of the clothing out, took out the old sleeping bag and put in two parts of the new one, put snake skins on the hammock and netting, then stole the stuff sack for the old sleeping bag and used it... for now... for the hammock system. Then I organized what I wanted where, but remembered the repair job. That ended up being a bit of a letdown. I was expecting this grand cutting and gluing bonanza, with all attempts at perfection leading to something looking like a third grader had gotten bored then busy. The buckles just slid off the webbing and the new slid right back into place.
Then I repacked the central section, as I saw fit. Clothing and then sleeping bag at the bottom, cooking gear and food near the middle (all sealed, then sealed, then sealed), then rain and cold gear near the top, along with the tarp, leaving the outside top pocket for the hammock, ridgeline, and treesaver rigging straps. The inside upper pocket is empty, waiting for maps and map case. I haven't gotten the rocket packs loaded yet, but everything is sorted. As I was getting to that, I realized the time, and decided on a bath. Since it IS Sunday, and dinner will be arriving before long. Plus, it'll mean I am ready to just head out early in the morning. Hmm... might set a pot of coffee to the ready, so I can at least have a fresh punch of joe on the nose to get me going.
I won't be going fast, I might not get far. I think the trail that heads west is the one that gets steep fast, the other is a bit more leisurely, for a while... or while longer. I believe both end up on Logan peak, after about a 10 mile hike, though they probably go other places too. It might actually be easier exploring than just... hiking a known quantity. If need be, as I suggested, I might be able to get off the track, set up a little camp, and take a nap. My appointment isn't until early afternoon.
I'll finish the pack, for sure. And I might hit the kitchen just a bit. Though I may wait until it begins cooling down in a few hours. I am hoping to stop at the ranger station on my way back, if I have it in me. I'd like to discuss fire and cooking, wildlife, and anything else they would like to let me know. I'm not fully trusting, but I like to give folks a fair chance. Plus, if they are who runs the show, best to get their side of it. As I said, I don't fully trust them, but I don't trust the yahoos who think the land is theirs either. I don't want to be a problem, and I would like to be informed, and maybe even on decent terms with... pretty much everybody, if possible. Just understand, I don't trust my own mother, not always, not on some things. I don't trust my friend on all things. I don't even trust myself, not fully. Not my area? Then I seek out the informed, some authority, some men who know otherwise, and compare my experiences with that.
Had to have the lights on, so that heated the place up. No, I don't use the mercury laden light bulbs! Beside them being used as spy devices, they are poisoning the land fill, and very possibly careless users. So, they do heat up. Had to do it though. It'll begin cooling off soon enough though. A drift of clouds has come in and partially shielded the area from full light... 40% off, or so? That'll help. Later.
While waking, thinking.
.
.
Yeah, I know. Afternoon already and yet... Same as yesterday, and really the day I did get out last. Afternoon seems to be the time it takes for me to get going. I suppose I am keeping it a bit cool, with the windows and fans. Seems, in this season, I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't. If I don't make it too cool (relative, sort of) in the mornings, then it gets outrageously too hot by this time. But in keeping the temp down earlier, it impacts performance. Stuck in the middle? Yes. I'll take it though. Shaving a few extra, or five, or ten, or more degrees off my already cooler inside than out home is worth a later start. I am just hoping, when I get ready for a hike, I can just pick up and go before I realize I am out of my league? Yes to that too!
While I have the dehydrator, and some things planned for it, on hand, and other things yet to be purchased and tried, once I get arranged again for all of that, I am also looking at other tools. The next item will probably be a vacuum sealer, then maybe a slicer. Hrm... though I really need a grain mill, so... Yeah, probably the grain mill next, then those others, in that order. The goal is to increase storage, but also produce my own pack foods. To be honest, just what I have created in beef jerky has saved me more than the cost of the machine. *burp* And I haven't even, quite, eaten it all. Yeah, better get that sealer sooner than later. I'll do what I can.
How much does it save? Like I said, the jerky has already paid for the dehydrator. I am guessing, comparing mre's and freeze-dried prices, these devices will pay for themselves in one or two extended camping trips. Plus, I won't be dependent upon the general tastes of cooks who prepare recipes for a broad audience. I can make what I like, alter it to my tastes beyond that, and save money doing it. Plus, I can fill out my food storage for longer prep more fully and better, more affordably, cutting out a lot of middle men, a delivery system cost, and the rest.
As I choose a device, I read, look, compare. Price is but one qualifier. Not every higher price is justified. Do I need stainless when I know everything under it is plastic? No. Do I need a larger size, when a little bit of tinkering and minor elbow grease can allow a smaller sized unit to do the same work? No. But longevity, replacement parts, and things like that, are a consideration. As with all things, balance, and a realistic look at my accounts and income plus use by volume and time. I will never have it all down. Accounting isn't my schtick. I could do it, but I won't. Can't to be honest, in real terms. Just because you might be able to swim ten miles, most wouldn't do that for love or money. Just three miles three times a week and I sometimes had to deal with chaffing. Bleh.
I am also looking at what the device requires, or could use. As with the dehydrator, more plates and screens. And, in the longer term, a minor food slicer, for even cutting thus drying times. Some are needed and wanted sooner, some can just go on the list. With the vacuum pack sealer, bags of course, but what about mylar bags? There are round about ways, with the right attachments and tools. And, desiccants or oxygen absorbers? The Mormon church has studied, and found desiccant bags aren't necessary. Good enough for me. They don't play around on some things. But oxygen absorbers are recommended, so will be purchased with the kit. Mylar bags are more of a next step, sometime in the future. Right now the focus is on trail ready, short to mid-term, prep.
The goal is to, initially, have compact easy to eat foods on the trail, and meals ready for any occasion, as needs or wants might dictate. As experience is gained, then I'd like to add to my long term stores, learning what can be stored, for how long, and how best to do that. As well, in time, I am hoping to have enough meals laid up for my trip to Alaska, straight out, and extra. If I should move to Alaska, I am honestly hoping to have enough food laid up for two years of living before I have to consider buying a single food item... in a worst case scenario. Which probably means a couple of trips, first with Nandi, then with a rented moving vehicle of some sort. Doable.
If I don't move? Great. Then I'll be prepped for two years, and will probably grow that a bit, then begin living off it. Replacing as I use, broadening the scope and volume, but no more than a three year supply. As well, opening up other venues, such as making various soaps and shampoos, maybe growing some of my favored herbs and learning how to collect seed, adding rhubarb, asparagus, horse radish, and other sorts of things around the outside of the cave. Even if I go, those things might carry into Alaska, or there might be similar types of natural growing things to be developed even up there. I just won't garden proper. Too darned much work!
Well... I'll get on to something now. The bags. I want to empty the big one anyway, before repairs. That'll set me up to tinkering with some of the contents and figuring out what will go in which pack. Later.
.
Yeah, I know. Afternoon already and yet... Same as yesterday, and really the day I did get out last. Afternoon seems to be the time it takes for me to get going. I suppose I am keeping it a bit cool, with the windows and fans. Seems, in this season, I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't. If I don't make it too cool (relative, sort of) in the mornings, then it gets outrageously too hot by this time. But in keeping the temp down earlier, it impacts performance. Stuck in the middle? Yes. I'll take it though. Shaving a few extra, or five, or ten, or more degrees off my already cooler inside than out home is worth a later start. I am just hoping, when I get ready for a hike, I can just pick up and go before I realize I am out of my league? Yes to that too!
While I have the dehydrator, and some things planned for it, on hand, and other things yet to be purchased and tried, once I get arranged again for all of that, I am also looking at other tools. The next item will probably be a vacuum sealer, then maybe a slicer. Hrm... though I really need a grain mill, so... Yeah, probably the grain mill next, then those others, in that order. The goal is to increase storage, but also produce my own pack foods. To be honest, just what I have created in beef jerky has saved me more than the cost of the machine. *burp* And I haven't even, quite, eaten it all. Yeah, better get that sealer sooner than later. I'll do what I can.
How much does it save? Like I said, the jerky has already paid for the dehydrator. I am guessing, comparing mre's and freeze-dried prices, these devices will pay for themselves in one or two extended camping trips. Plus, I won't be dependent upon the general tastes of cooks who prepare recipes for a broad audience. I can make what I like, alter it to my tastes beyond that, and save money doing it. Plus, I can fill out my food storage for longer prep more fully and better, more affordably, cutting out a lot of middle men, a delivery system cost, and the rest.
As I choose a device, I read, look, compare. Price is but one qualifier. Not every higher price is justified. Do I need stainless when I know everything under it is plastic? No. Do I need a larger size, when a little bit of tinkering and minor elbow grease can allow a smaller sized unit to do the same work? No. But longevity, replacement parts, and things like that, are a consideration. As with all things, balance, and a realistic look at my accounts and income plus use by volume and time. I will never have it all down. Accounting isn't my schtick. I could do it, but I won't. Can't to be honest, in real terms. Just because you might be able to swim ten miles, most wouldn't do that for love or money. Just three miles three times a week and I sometimes had to deal with chaffing. Bleh.
I am also looking at what the device requires, or could use. As with the dehydrator, more plates and screens. And, in the longer term, a minor food slicer, for even cutting thus drying times. Some are needed and wanted sooner, some can just go on the list. With the vacuum pack sealer, bags of course, but what about mylar bags? There are round about ways, with the right attachments and tools. And, desiccants or oxygen absorbers? The Mormon church has studied, and found desiccant bags aren't necessary. Good enough for me. They don't play around on some things. But oxygen absorbers are recommended, so will be purchased with the kit. Mylar bags are more of a next step, sometime in the future. Right now the focus is on trail ready, short to mid-term, prep.
The goal is to, initially, have compact easy to eat foods on the trail, and meals ready for any occasion, as needs or wants might dictate. As experience is gained, then I'd like to add to my long term stores, learning what can be stored, for how long, and how best to do that. As well, in time, I am hoping to have enough meals laid up for my trip to Alaska, straight out, and extra. If I should move to Alaska, I am honestly hoping to have enough food laid up for two years of living before I have to consider buying a single food item... in a worst case scenario. Which probably means a couple of trips, first with Nandi, then with a rented moving vehicle of some sort. Doable.
If I don't move? Great. Then I'll be prepped for two years, and will probably grow that a bit, then begin living off it. Replacing as I use, broadening the scope and volume, but no more than a three year supply. As well, opening up other venues, such as making various soaps and shampoos, maybe growing some of my favored herbs and learning how to collect seed, adding rhubarb, asparagus, horse radish, and other sorts of things around the outside of the cave. Even if I go, those things might carry into Alaska, or there might be similar types of natural growing things to be developed even up there. I just won't garden proper. Too darned much work!
Well... I'll get on to something now. The bags. I want to empty the big one anyway, before repairs. That'll set me up to tinkering with some of the contents and figuring out what will go in which pack. Later.
Sunday?
.
.
Not sure which day I lost count on in there, Friday or Saturday. I remember Thursday well enough. I must have really baked. Funny thing is, not so long ago, not knowing the day (or date, which I still don't always track) was far more the norm than not. How odd to be on this side of that affair. Missing a day is a big deal now. Sunday? Well, okay. I'll fix that in my mind and get going. I have something tomorrow, an appointment. Local, easy. It is later in the day, so I can try to get a hike in earlier. I don't know if I will be out by sunup, but if I am prepped, I can be out within an half hour of waking. I don't know how far I will get. I may explore both ways along the closest trailhead. I'd like to take my big pack, so that if I need a rest, I can just go off the trail if possible, and if I can do that then rig the hammock and maybe the canopy and just rest or even nap for a bit. Something about that sounds... good.
I might back down a bit on my workload today, too. Still, the packs need to be sorted and the big one really needs a new buckle. And I would like to get the humidifiers running. Or at least further along in the process. But I think, once I begin on those, they will kick out in very short order. Maybe a bit of picking up around the house too, but... not a huge effort. I really am still resting from the heat. Not sure why it is hitting so hard, but it is. Kicking my legs out from under me, and hard. I'll work through this too. Sure beats the migraines, if just about as disabling. Though this, I think, I can get a bit more familiar with, and conquer... a bit better... maybe. Heat, though... my environmental Achilles's heel.
Yeah, I haven't gotten around to my 'reverted to draft' post. While the headache is managed, I don't think it would take a lot to set it off. So, until music is tenable again, I won't be fussing. I've got to read and listen, both may need editing. I'll let fly much... just not all. Some things are private, some things I can get wrong in such situations, and the world is becoming terribly dangerous. From lawsuits to government oppression to failing churches and "pastors" to nuts with nothing to lose. Been that last, seen the rest. Funny? I never thought murdering someone else would solve any of my problems, ever. Or solve any problems, really. Attrition in war is one thing, and actual deaths are less important, strategically, than wounding. One of the lefties, recently, called me a chump. Yeah, perhaps. But... if that's being a chump, I'll take it.
Later.
.
Not sure which day I lost count on in there, Friday or Saturday. I remember Thursday well enough. I must have really baked. Funny thing is, not so long ago, not knowing the day (or date, which I still don't always track) was far more the norm than not. How odd to be on this side of that affair. Missing a day is a big deal now. Sunday? Well, okay. I'll fix that in my mind and get going. I have something tomorrow, an appointment. Local, easy. It is later in the day, so I can try to get a hike in earlier. I don't know if I will be out by sunup, but if I am prepped, I can be out within an half hour of waking. I don't know how far I will get. I may explore both ways along the closest trailhead. I'd like to take my big pack, so that if I need a rest, I can just go off the trail if possible, and if I can do that then rig the hammock and maybe the canopy and just rest or even nap for a bit. Something about that sounds... good.
I might back down a bit on my workload today, too. Still, the packs need to be sorted and the big one really needs a new buckle. And I would like to get the humidifiers running. Or at least further along in the process. But I think, once I begin on those, they will kick out in very short order. Maybe a bit of picking up around the house too, but... not a huge effort. I really am still resting from the heat. Not sure why it is hitting so hard, but it is. Kicking my legs out from under me, and hard. I'll work through this too. Sure beats the migraines, if just about as disabling. Though this, I think, I can get a bit more familiar with, and conquer... a bit better... maybe. Heat, though... my environmental Achilles's heel.
Yeah, I haven't gotten around to my 'reverted to draft' post. While the headache is managed, I don't think it would take a lot to set it off. So, until music is tenable again, I won't be fussing. I've got to read and listen, both may need editing. I'll let fly much... just not all. Some things are private, some things I can get wrong in such situations, and the world is becoming terribly dangerous. From lawsuits to government oppression to failing churches and "pastors" to nuts with nothing to lose. Been that last, seen the rest. Funny? I never thought murdering someone else would solve any of my problems, ever. Or solve any problems, really. Attrition in war is one thing, and actual deaths are less important, strategically, than wounding. One of the lefties, recently, called me a chump. Yeah, perhaps. But... if that's being a chump, I'll take it.
Later.
Headache treated.
.
.
No, the headache wasn't from that little spit o' beer. When I woke this morning, I knew I would have a headache. I slept on the wrong pillow arrangement, and my neck arteries, on both sides, were screaming at me as I woke. A kink in those pipes, through a night, means only one thing. Well, maybe two... either massive headache, as today, or rarely a migraine. Painwise, migraines just squeeze out the win. But side issues takes it so far over the top there is no comparison... when thinking of pain sources as you might aged cheese in a country fair. It would be like judging not just the taste, but scent(s), appearance, heft, and whatever else. Migraines are blue ribbon specials. And can't always be managed. For some reason, sometimes, otc do it for me. Though, just the pain, which isn't always wise.
I took a handful of otc, after waking and realizing the problem, then went back to bed. It's difficult, even with a nasty headbomb having gone off, to go back to sleep right in the morning after waking. I managed it, for a bit. Two or three hours. My main neck bloodways are still sore from being kinked all night though, but that will work it's way out. It happens sometimes whether I drink or not, and not always even when I do drink. I guess I just got "lucky" last night. Other than the neck, feeling pretty good this morning.
Oh, yeah, I posted something last night. I'll take a look at it, later, for wording and such. Sometimes I say the queerest things, that really can, often are, often with intent, be taken wrong. So, I'll do any editing necessary. No, if Doom suggest queerity, it has nothing to do with bareback nothing. The queerest I have been is letting her be on top. Something I don't even allow anymore, and haven't for the last few *cough* women. So... At least I haven't thought spurs were necessary. Just have to have a big enough whip, I guess.
Today? Not a lot. Not so much because of beer thirty last night. But because I am still recovering from heat tox, and still adjusting to the heat. Moving a bit slower as summer hits, and deep in winter, is just how it goes. I think I can still do some big projects, hikes, and such. They just won't be as close together, and recovery simply takes longer. And yet, I will attempt to rattle a few cages around here. Splitting out and prepping both packs, repairing the one, a good hit on the kitchen and bathroom, and working on the humidifiers. I still think I can get to most of that. Perhaps all of it. But first I want to spend time nursing from my coffee cup.
It sure is nice to have a stein that fits my needs. Battle tested, washed and back on the ready. Don't always have to use it, don't always have to fill it when I do use it. Though I do hate starting with a cup/glass/stein half full. A style, or logic thing rather than a superstition. So... I can probably overcome that, if I want to.
Later.
.
No, the headache wasn't from that little spit o' beer. When I woke this morning, I knew I would have a headache. I slept on the wrong pillow arrangement, and my neck arteries, on both sides, were screaming at me as I woke. A kink in those pipes, through a night, means only one thing. Well, maybe two... either massive headache, as today, or rarely a migraine. Painwise, migraines just squeeze out the win. But side issues takes it so far over the top there is no comparison... when thinking of pain sources as you might aged cheese in a country fair. It would be like judging not just the taste, but scent(s), appearance, heft, and whatever else. Migraines are blue ribbon specials. And can't always be managed. For some reason, sometimes, otc do it for me. Though, just the pain, which isn't always wise.
I took a handful of otc, after waking and realizing the problem, then went back to bed. It's difficult, even with a nasty headbomb having gone off, to go back to sleep right in the morning after waking. I managed it, for a bit. Two or three hours. My main neck bloodways are still sore from being kinked all night though, but that will work it's way out. It happens sometimes whether I drink or not, and not always even when I do drink. I guess I just got "lucky" last night. Other than the neck, feeling pretty good this morning.
Oh, yeah, I posted something last night. I'll take a look at it, later, for wording and such. Sometimes I say the queerest things, that really can, often are, often with intent, be taken wrong. So, I'll do any editing necessary. No, if Doom suggest queerity, it has nothing to do with bareback nothing. The queerest I have been is letting her be on top. Something I don't even allow anymore, and haven't for the last few *cough* women. So... At least I haven't thought spurs were necessary. Just have to have a big enough whip, I guess.
Today? Not a lot. Not so much because of beer thirty last night. But because I am still recovering from heat tox, and still adjusting to the heat. Moving a bit slower as summer hits, and deep in winter, is just how it goes. I think I can still do some big projects, hikes, and such. They just won't be as close together, and recovery simply takes longer. And yet, I will attempt to rattle a few cages around here. Splitting out and prepping both packs, repairing the one, a good hit on the kitchen and bathroom, and working on the humidifiers. I still think I can get to most of that. Perhaps all of it. But first I want to spend time nursing from my coffee cup.
It sure is nice to have a stein that fits my needs. Battle tested, washed and back on the ready. Don't always have to use it, don't always have to fill it when I do use it. Though I do hate starting with a cup/glass/stein half full. A style, or logic thing rather than a superstition. So... I can probably overcome that, if I want to.
Later.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
A nap.
.
.
I made it past 13:00, but just stumbled over that hour. Still feeling burned from yesterday. I set the alarm for three hours, more as a backstop generally, but today hoping even that would be enough. It was cool enough for me to nap with the fans, how I have the cave rigged windowwise, and possibly a bit of overcast. I never did really feel as if I slept. I think I did... one of those drifting things. Just not feeling the best in such a way that doing is not in the cards. Not so much an emotional feeling as a flawed body thing.
I dreamed of having created a design for a pack/hammock combination. Can't remember how it worked, but seemed pretty swell in the dream. Able to handle pack, sleeping, and rigged just how I liked it for a number of uses and conveniences. Woolen, strong, could be slung with little or much gear. Not really for the ultralight packer/camper, more for the real woodsman. Hmm, why was I wearing a kilt? Can't remember the tartan, though I think it was plain heather brown?
When the alarm went off, I just turned it off. And rolled to consider. Before even getting back into sleep position, I had decided to wake... after... a bit of thinking. This time it wasn't two hours of thought, just a few moments. Just enough to gather strength to push up, then kick out. I post just after settling a few affairs, eating a few grapes, and after browsing blogs a bit. Still not awake, still with a slight sting of feeling cooked, but awake and a bit better.
I'll try to wake a bit, then get to some things. No promises. Ah... medicine. I bet I missed that the last few days? Yeah, if, again, I am never sure if that is cause or effect, though it can be either, sometimes both. It's how vortexes do, sometimes. I'll get those soon. Later.
.
I made it past 13:00, but just stumbled over that hour. Still feeling burned from yesterday. I set the alarm for three hours, more as a backstop generally, but today hoping even that would be enough. It was cool enough for me to nap with the fans, how I have the cave rigged windowwise, and possibly a bit of overcast. I never did really feel as if I slept. I think I did... one of those drifting things. Just not feeling the best in such a way that doing is not in the cards. Not so much an emotional feeling as a flawed body thing.
I dreamed of having created a design for a pack/hammock combination. Can't remember how it worked, but seemed pretty swell in the dream. Able to handle pack, sleeping, and rigged just how I liked it for a number of uses and conveniences. Woolen, strong, could be slung with little or much gear. Not really for the ultralight packer/camper, more for the real woodsman. Hmm, why was I wearing a kilt? Can't remember the tartan, though I think it was plain heather brown?
When the alarm went off, I just turned it off. And rolled to consider. Before even getting back into sleep position, I had decided to wake... after... a bit of thinking. This time it wasn't two hours of thought, just a few moments. Just enough to gather strength to push up, then kick out. I post just after settling a few affairs, eating a few grapes, and after browsing blogs a bit. Still not awake, still with a slight sting of feeling cooked, but awake and a bit better.
I'll try to wake a bit, then get to some things. No promises. Ah... medicine. I bet I missed that the last few days? Yeah, if, again, I am never sure if that is cause or effect, though it can be either, sometimes both. It's how vortexes do, sometimes. I'll get those soon. Later.
Cooked, I was.
.
.
Even with a rather short period out, mostly in an air conditioned vehicle and even then wearing sunglasses, my eyes were bloodshot, my face slightly red, and my body pretty much at the end of the rope last night. I didn't notice until I went to brush and floss. Cooked. Not to the raw, but a nice rare. It wasn't just an external thing, either. Inside and out, cooked. All good, worth the price to have a few places lined up for hiking. I believe, even in the winter, those areas might work. One would require a ten mile hike in, using snowshoes, and then would lead to a good place to begin training on varied slopes with slope/flat mix cross-country skis. A good place to do a ten day plus outing, with enough cover to take shelter from a storm, or to rest out of the elements a bit if I was not up to a full day.
I looked for a bladder and map case, and found a few. I want the map case fairly large and totally waterproof. That actually took a bit, but they do exist. Clear on both sides as well. Many really aren't very good, unless you only hike when dry, for certain. I have an idea about which bladder, 2 liter is as big as I can go, and that might be too big. Choosing a better brand just helps ensure the pack doesn't get soaked. Even with clothing and some other things in a secondary waterproof container, who wants a wet pack? Especially if it gets cool, or downright cold? Not I. I may consider a watertight sack for the bladder, if I can find one that fits well. Not for this month. If I take the small pack, I'll have to take canteens, and keep the hike shorter or make sure there are water sources.
Today? Yeah. Well, I did finish the dishes last night, but then made spaghetti and meat sauce, heavy on the meat. So I'll need to clean that up, and hopefully hit the kitchen and bathroom, finally. As well, I'd like to strip out the packs and reset them. Plus fix the one strap on the big pack. If I can chug through those chores, I'd like to hit a few spots in the living room, where the girls have... let messes. Should be dry enough to work by now. Clean, vacuum, and spot steam vac, plus police the zone.
This weekend will be slower. Maybe get the evaporative coolers microfactured, perhaps get the holes drilled in the shelf arms and get the shelving up, and keep up on eating, medicine, and such. Nothing fancy, mostly rest, just enough work and play to keep the engine at a reasonable idle. Ready to begin Monday as is possible.
Beside hiking Monday, I need to finish the living room next week, and hopefully get going on the bedroom. Whatever is needed, perhaps figuring out where to put the last of the furniture, and figure out to do with the two boxes of stuff I removed from flat surfaces... Should have done that long ago, but burned out on cleaning and sorting and such. Well, and the migraines sort of beat me into the dirt, causing me to lose track of lists and all.
Oh, when fiddling with my blog, some links were lost. I have tried to put them back, but either blogger is having some problem, or one of my security programs is not allowing the process. I have attempted to figure out how to open access, but finding a way to allow pop-ups withing pop-ups, is eluding my computer and software mojo. I'm working on it Sig. Still not sure how the links got lost... The mouse sticks on things, sometimes, showing up where it isn't, so when it is clicked, what it clicks isn't what was supposed to be clicked. And, it moves on it's own sometimes, even now. Hacked, I would guess, though there might be more to it. Another ongoing project to figure out.
A good day, but I'm still stinging from yesterday a bit. Feel good but pushed. Not a lot in the tank to work with. Still, a bit here, and there, and maybe a bit more... if I take it at a reasonable pace. Oh, but first thing, a few eggs. Those really... smooth out the day. Maybe some hash and a brot later. Food, just a bite here and there, is a form of medicine. More so when I don't realize the need. Later.
.
Even with a rather short period out, mostly in an air conditioned vehicle and even then wearing sunglasses, my eyes were bloodshot, my face slightly red, and my body pretty much at the end of the rope last night. I didn't notice until I went to brush and floss. Cooked. Not to the raw, but a nice rare. It wasn't just an external thing, either. Inside and out, cooked. All good, worth the price to have a few places lined up for hiking. I believe, even in the winter, those areas might work. One would require a ten mile hike in, using snowshoes, and then would lead to a good place to begin training on varied slopes with slope/flat mix cross-country skis. A good place to do a ten day plus outing, with enough cover to take shelter from a storm, or to rest out of the elements a bit if I was not up to a full day.
I looked for a bladder and map case, and found a few. I want the map case fairly large and totally waterproof. That actually took a bit, but they do exist. Clear on both sides as well. Many really aren't very good, unless you only hike when dry, for certain. I have an idea about which bladder, 2 liter is as big as I can go, and that might be too big. Choosing a better brand just helps ensure the pack doesn't get soaked. Even with clothing and some other things in a secondary waterproof container, who wants a wet pack? Especially if it gets cool, or downright cold? Not I. I may consider a watertight sack for the bladder, if I can find one that fits well. Not for this month. If I take the small pack, I'll have to take canteens, and keep the hike shorter or make sure there are water sources.
Today? Yeah. Well, I did finish the dishes last night, but then made spaghetti and meat sauce, heavy on the meat. So I'll need to clean that up, and hopefully hit the kitchen and bathroom, finally. As well, I'd like to strip out the packs and reset them. Plus fix the one strap on the big pack. If I can chug through those chores, I'd like to hit a few spots in the living room, where the girls have... let messes. Should be dry enough to work by now. Clean, vacuum, and spot steam vac, plus police the zone.
This weekend will be slower. Maybe get the evaporative coolers microfactured, perhaps get the holes drilled in the shelf arms and get the shelving up, and keep up on eating, medicine, and such. Nothing fancy, mostly rest, just enough work and play to keep the engine at a reasonable idle. Ready to begin Monday as is possible.
Beside hiking Monday, I need to finish the living room next week, and hopefully get going on the bedroom. Whatever is needed, perhaps figuring out where to put the last of the furniture, and figure out to do with the two boxes of stuff I removed from flat surfaces... Should have done that long ago, but burned out on cleaning and sorting and such. Well, and the migraines sort of beat me into the dirt, causing me to lose track of lists and all.
Oh, when fiddling with my blog, some links were lost. I have tried to put them back, but either blogger is having some problem, or one of my security programs is not allowing the process. I have attempted to figure out how to open access, but finding a way to allow pop-ups withing pop-ups, is eluding my computer and software mojo. I'm working on it Sig. Still not sure how the links got lost... The mouse sticks on things, sometimes, showing up where it isn't, so when it is clicked, what it clicks isn't what was supposed to be clicked. And, it moves on it's own sometimes, even now. Hacked, I would guess, though there might be more to it. Another ongoing project to figure out.
A good day, but I'm still stinging from yesterday a bit. Feel good but pushed. Not a lot in the tank to work with. Still, a bit here, and there, and maybe a bit more... if I take it at a reasonable pace. Oh, but first thing, a few eggs. Those really... smooth out the day. Maybe some hash and a brot later. Food, just a bite here and there, is a form of medicine. More so when I don't realize the need. Later.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Way too hot.
.
.
I got started late. Which is fine. My friend wasn't in perfect shape. Not even the extra time really fixed that for him. I grabbed three maps, and spoke with some of the people in the shop. I found four trailheads, though only two real trailheads. Each has two trails leading off in different directions, with different skill levels. Actually, there was another trail, but I didn't locate that one. I know where it is on the map though, and can figure out how to get to it. I've been to it, just didn't know what it was. My friend knows places, but not as a hiker. Really, only as a car camper, or trailer camper with past women.
Yeah, I think, for me to handle the heat and cut the crowding a bit, I'll have to get out early. Some of the trails might allow for off-trail camping. Best to look around a bit out there first before considering. If nothing else, just getting out and then up there, was good. There is some hope that I can hike when at where it is cool enough, and enough on my own. We'll see. The heat is really closing in, but at enough altitude, it isn't quite so bad. This is just the turn of the season though.
My friend wasn't feeling the best, so I let him off first. I thought to look for a pack bladder and map holders, but decided it was just too hot. I did, since I have been being as good as I can, buy beer. Not for tonight. I still want to finish the dishes, clean the kitchen and bathroom a bit, have a bite to eat, and maybe work on the packs. Not sure how much of that I will get done today, but should get through some of it. Most of it probably. I need an hour down, with the fan going. Might even turn on the ac and let that blow out and cool the place for a bit. I burn up on longer runs.
I did, sort of, time the drive from the trailheads. An hour and an half for the farthest one, about forty five to the closest one (that I visited). The one I didn't visit, I would guess, would take about an hour and an half as well. It's farther than the others, but no twisting slow drive up to it. I'm trying to guesstimate, so as to be on the road to be there, roughly, at sunup. Best remember to take both a jacket, but a hat and sunglasses too. Monday? That's sort of the hope. Of course, with the sun coming up earlier, and those places being variously in a canyon or near the top of a mountain, east facing, sunup is going to be a guess. There won't be published times for those.
Yeah... burned out. I won't get out tomorrow, but I might get to some things in the house, and regarding the packs if I don't finish those tonight. I did get the flint I ordered, along with the lighter and forged knife/flint striker from the post. Almost done. A few more items still to arrive, another bladders, and map holders, and I should be about done for three season camping. Winter camping will be geared for this, or maybe next, fall/winter. Out, get out, be ready become able, but get out!
.
I got started late. Which is fine. My friend wasn't in perfect shape. Not even the extra time really fixed that for him. I grabbed three maps, and spoke with some of the people in the shop. I found four trailheads, though only two real trailheads. Each has two trails leading off in different directions, with different skill levels. Actually, there was another trail, but I didn't locate that one. I know where it is on the map though, and can figure out how to get to it. I've been to it, just didn't know what it was. My friend knows places, but not as a hiker. Really, only as a car camper, or trailer camper with past women.
Yeah, I think, for me to handle the heat and cut the crowding a bit, I'll have to get out early. Some of the trails might allow for off-trail camping. Best to look around a bit out there first before considering. If nothing else, just getting out and then up there, was good. There is some hope that I can hike when at where it is cool enough, and enough on my own. We'll see. The heat is really closing in, but at enough altitude, it isn't quite so bad. This is just the turn of the season though.
My friend wasn't feeling the best, so I let him off first. I thought to look for a pack bladder and map holders, but decided it was just too hot. I did, since I have been being as good as I can, buy beer. Not for tonight. I still want to finish the dishes, clean the kitchen and bathroom a bit, have a bite to eat, and maybe work on the packs. Not sure how much of that I will get done today, but should get through some of it. Most of it probably. I need an hour down, with the fan going. Might even turn on the ac and let that blow out and cool the place for a bit. I burn up on longer runs.
I did, sort of, time the drive from the trailheads. An hour and an half for the farthest one, about forty five to the closest one (that I visited). The one I didn't visit, I would guess, would take about an hour and an half as well. It's farther than the others, but no twisting slow drive up to it. I'm trying to guesstimate, so as to be on the road to be there, roughly, at sunup. Best remember to take both a jacket, but a hat and sunglasses too. Monday? That's sort of the hope. Of course, with the sun coming up earlier, and those places being variously in a canyon or near the top of a mountain, east facing, sunup is going to be a guess. There won't be published times for those.
Yeah... burned out. I won't get out tomorrow, but I might get to some things in the house, and regarding the packs if I don't finish those tonight. I did get the flint I ordered, along with the lighter and forged knife/flint striker from the post. Almost done. A few more items still to arrive, another bladders, and map holders, and I should be about done for three season camping. Winter camping will be geared for this, or maybe next, fall/winter. Out, get out, be ready become able, but get out!
I hear the want of heroes.
.
.
They are out there. Heroes. The ones who have been made heroic cannot help those who are in need. I have suggested, and maintain my belief, that the men who became heroes, for them to remain such, did not come back. Some still living have been heroic, but they still have the capacity to err. They can spend their heroism, and so lose some aspects of it. None can maintain their nature. Time, if nothing else, steals even the capacity to be a hero. Only one of many ways to lose it.
Those who still draw breath, are at best, hopeful heroes. At worst, they aren't even going to try. Either they will wait for someone else to do it for them, or they will turn their backs on good and do evil. How many are in any camp at any given time is... how much sand is on any particular beach at any particular moment, neither wet nor at the end where sand turns to dirt? The tides and winds have their say, but those are analogous to choices people make, if just as variable.
Some believe their hero has come and gone, and lives yet. Not here, maybe. And while what He did, and will do, is heroic, ultimately and finally, He only opened the door. You have to walk through it. Further, He suffers to this very day, for us, because of us. It wasn't the Jews, or Romans, who murdered Him, it was each of us, and we continue to do so. What is amazing to me are those who complain about Christ not returning yet. Urhm... who, exactly, suffers more in this time? Every new life another lash, or set of many lashes. A little perspective, here, would be very good.
If you wish for a hero, someone to take you over the line, best figure out that there is one, and exactly one. There is only one who can choose to save or damn you. It isn't me, Christ only opened the door, no one else can force you to choose good or evil. Best look for a specific device, and take a deep look into it. If you don't see a hero there, then you are lost.
Just... thinking as I get ready to go about my day. Blessings and prayers your way.
.
They are out there. Heroes. The ones who have been made heroic cannot help those who are in need. I have suggested, and maintain my belief, that the men who became heroes, for them to remain such, did not come back. Some still living have been heroic, but they still have the capacity to err. They can spend their heroism, and so lose some aspects of it. None can maintain their nature. Time, if nothing else, steals even the capacity to be a hero. Only one of many ways to lose it.
Some believe their hero has come and gone, and lives yet. Not here, maybe. And while what He did, and will do, is heroic, ultimately and finally, He only opened the door. You have to walk through it. Further, He suffers to this very day, for us, because of us. It wasn't the Jews, or Romans, who murdered Him, it was each of us, and we continue to do so. What is amazing to me are those who complain about Christ not returning yet. Urhm... who, exactly, suffers more in this time? Every new life another lash, or set of many lashes. A little perspective, here, would be very good.
A slow day.
.
.
I'll get there though. I went down, relatively, early. I think right at 21:00. That isn't as early as I would like, but with the temps, it's earlier than I expect. However, in spite of setting the alarm... which I don't remember going off... for an eight plus one hour down time... more as a backup... I didn't wake until 9:00. Yes, twelve hours. I just don't get that. Anyway, a bit of blogging, with a hot topic coming down the pike, then faux news cycles looking for the real news, and some tinkering that went astray... probably... Well? It was a bit after 10:00 when I decided to call my friend.
I had suggested 10:00 would be the outer time that I would be going to town. Often I am at least on my way by then. He, however, is having troubles of his own, so... a couple more hours before arriving sounded good to him. That should give me time to bath and wash my hair, air dry, do this post, and then get going. No rush today. I'll leave my pack in the vehicle, so he can see it, but bring it in to work on it when I get home. Other than looking at maps, and trying to find a number of trailheads, I would like to find a few containers of propane... butane?... for a lighter. I purchased a trail lighter and some flint, both are in. I simply want more fuel for the lighter. Next month I'm going to purchase an old school lighter. Yeah, often, it's a little thing that goes bad that can get you. And fire starters are easy enough to come by, stock up on, and have various types in the pack, or several packs really. It really is the little things. If there are a whole lot of little things that can go wrong, if you take care of four or five variables in multiples, you... can at least limp out, or crawl, alive.
Today? Other than stirring up hornet nests? Hmm... cleaning in the kitchen. I should actually get caught up on dishes today. But more, I hope to tear into the kitchen, then hit the bathroom. I want those done! Having a few eggs this morning was super, by the way. And the option for mush, just wasn't that hungry, or that kind of hungry either. Then to repack the main bag, and set up the minor bag. Next month I might buy another bladder for that one. Bladders are neither better or worse than canteens, just an easier sometimes or starter method. They ensure you have some water from the start. The easy way, before it gets tricky. As I said, it would be good to have a minor hiking pack that would see me through getting lost on a trail, should I see and do without thinking. A little dab will do you. Fire, water, food, shelter. Since no one will know, and no one cares, where I might happen to be, I'm on my own. There won't be a rescue party. I'm it. So... I suppose I should get some maps for further south along the Wasatch Front, at least after I get something local going, and more regularly. Some trails would be difficult to get lost along. In the short run, sure, but not with a day or two of food. More to the east, especially a bit further in. But even there, not so much. Just keeping going. The sun and land shape is really all you need, with enough food and water and other essentials.
If the pack is too much, I may have to either alternate, or go back to the lower pack for a while. Yeah... that has been causing me some worry. I shouldn't worry, my body seems to have a pretty good notion of what is too much. At it's half way point, even if the last half would be a serious hump, it will let me know. But with the heat, that... could get spooky close. I'm not sure my body can calculate in rising temps. Higher, especially much higher, heat can be crippling. Anyway... I best get washed and ready. Later.
.
I'll get there though. I went down, relatively, early. I think right at 21:00. That isn't as early as I would like, but with the temps, it's earlier than I expect. However, in spite of setting the alarm... which I don't remember going off... for an eight plus one hour down time... more as a backup... I didn't wake until 9:00. Yes, twelve hours. I just don't get that. Anyway, a bit of blogging, with a hot topic coming down the pike, then faux news cycles looking for the real news, and some tinkering that went astray... probably... Well? It was a bit after 10:00 when I decided to call my friend.
I had suggested 10:00 would be the outer time that I would be going to town. Often I am at least on my way by then. He, however, is having troubles of his own, so... a couple more hours before arriving sounded good to him. That should give me time to bath and wash my hair, air dry, do this post, and then get going. No rush today. I'll leave my pack in the vehicle, so he can see it, but bring it in to work on it when I get home. Other than looking at maps, and trying to find a number of trailheads, I would like to find a few containers of propane... butane?... for a lighter. I purchased a trail lighter and some flint, both are in. I simply want more fuel for the lighter. Next month I'm going to purchase an old school lighter. Yeah, often, it's a little thing that goes bad that can get you. And fire starters are easy enough to come by, stock up on, and have various types in the pack, or several packs really. It really is the little things. If there are a whole lot of little things that can go wrong, if you take care of four or five variables in multiples, you... can at least limp out, or crawl, alive.
Today? Other than stirring up hornet nests? Hmm... cleaning in the kitchen. I should actually get caught up on dishes today. But more, I hope to tear into the kitchen, then hit the bathroom. I want those done! Having a few eggs this morning was super, by the way. And the option for mush, just wasn't that hungry, or that kind of hungry either. Then to repack the main bag, and set up the minor bag. Next month I might buy another bladder for that one. Bladders are neither better or worse than canteens, just an easier sometimes or starter method. They ensure you have some water from the start. The easy way, before it gets tricky. As I said, it would be good to have a minor hiking pack that would see me through getting lost on a trail, should I see and do without thinking. A little dab will do you. Fire, water, food, shelter. Since no one will know, and no one cares, where I might happen to be, I'm on my own. There won't be a rescue party. I'm it. So... I suppose I should get some maps for further south along the Wasatch Front, at least after I get something local going, and more regularly. Some trails would be difficult to get lost along. In the short run, sure, but not with a day or two of food. More to the east, especially a bit further in. But even there, not so much. Just keeping going. The sun and land shape is really all you need, with enough food and water and other essentials.
If the pack is too much, I may have to either alternate, or go back to the lower pack for a while. Yeah... that has been causing me some worry. I shouldn't worry, my body seems to have a pretty good notion of what is too much. At it's half way point, even if the last half would be a serious hump, it will let me know. But with the heat, that... could get spooky close. I'm not sure my body can calculate in rising temps. Higher, especially much higher, heat can be crippling. Anyway... I best get washed and ready. Later.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
A bit of it.
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.
I did mark the bucket for drilling, and checked the fan to see what size hole in the lid to cut. It runs on a score already in the lid, so should be easy enough. I boiled two dozen eggs, but missed the alarm, so they were overdone. They will still, work, the dozen I was able to get away from the shells. I also cooked enough mush to last a week and change. And then I started a batch of alfalfa. I am trying a teaspoon and an half. I'm trying to jet just the right amount. I am out of the bean sprouts, not sure I will get more or not. There is another such store in town, I may check what it has for variety. I'm not as worried about price on these, more variety. And I don't mind splitting my business if one has one and the other has other seeds. As for eggs, while they aren't going to be the best, being overcooked, at least I only have to put up with a dozen of them. I keep forgetting, with the fans going I just can't hear the alarm, even in the living room. My phone has an alarm, which I have started using.
I checked the 2" buckles. I was worried that they would be really weak, or problematic. To be honest, I think they are as good or better than what they will be replacing. Which means they should do very well for a chest harness. I will finally get to use that hot glue gun I bought some years back. That seems to be the better way to attack these. I'll have to see if the old one is sewn on, glued, or such. It's probably going to be a bit messy. I don't want to lose any line, so perhaps if I keep it right where I detach the old it will cover up much of the mess. Either way, it's what I can do. I didn't get the pack in. Just haven't been running well. It is warm in hear, but to my way of thinking, blistering outside. And it will be getting worse. Hmm... I need to remember to turn on the ac of a bit either leading into the afternoon, or shortly after. My mind spins, though, and slowly boils into forgetfulness. Come to think of it, I'd best turn on the ac in prep for sleep. A bath, tonight, and just a hair wash otherwise. Should cool me off if I adjust it correctly.
I'm down to my last can of chew. So I have been trying to be more careful about brushing twice per, and flossing. If my teeth stay good for a year I will be in the clear.
On days like these, it seems like reading material for first aid or the ham radio would be a good choice. But, often, when I can't get to work, I can't think any better. I may still try to push that through. I can't be wasting time. If I can't work, I need to try to figure out how to learn. If I can't do those, then I need to be cleaning or exercising. I just don't have the luxury of ease. Looks like the shit is parsing so heavily toward the fan. You can tell, in part, by the raft of crap from the anti-preppers. One recently gave me a raft of it, which I easily set aside. Though I think she was getting it from another side. She knows better. She has seen bad, and she knows this is similar. I understand her position, but she best watch her nose. I bark and bite. Her problem is not my problem.
Tomorrow, out. A bit of searching for hiking trails that are easy to moderate, long enough, and not too complicated. That and maybe a few maps. Dunno, depends on what they have. After the checking, I am hoping to get the bag fixed and both bags sorted. Maybe some cleanup. I did finish with the dishes tonight, putting the dishes I have used today in to soak. Ugh... Falling behind, too much to do, too little capacity in this heat. I'll... get working on what I can. Later. Or... just as likely... good night.
.
I did mark the bucket for drilling, and checked the fan to see what size hole in the lid to cut. It runs on a score already in the lid, so should be easy enough. I boiled two dozen eggs, but missed the alarm, so they were overdone. They will still, work, the dozen I was able to get away from the shells. I also cooked enough mush to last a week and change. And then I started a batch of alfalfa. I am trying a teaspoon and an half. I'm trying to jet just the right amount. I am out of the bean sprouts, not sure I will get more or not. There is another such store in town, I may check what it has for variety. I'm not as worried about price on these, more variety. And I don't mind splitting my business if one has one and the other has other seeds. As for eggs, while they aren't going to be the best, being overcooked, at least I only have to put up with a dozen of them. I keep forgetting, with the fans going I just can't hear the alarm, even in the living room. My phone has an alarm, which I have started using.
I checked the 2" buckles. I was worried that they would be really weak, or problematic. To be honest, I think they are as good or better than what they will be replacing. Which means they should do very well for a chest harness. I will finally get to use that hot glue gun I bought some years back. That seems to be the better way to attack these. I'll have to see if the old one is sewn on, glued, or such. It's probably going to be a bit messy. I don't want to lose any line, so perhaps if I keep it right where I detach the old it will cover up much of the mess. Either way, it's what I can do. I didn't get the pack in. Just haven't been running well. It is warm in hear, but to my way of thinking, blistering outside. And it will be getting worse. Hmm... I need to remember to turn on the ac of a bit either leading into the afternoon, or shortly after. My mind spins, though, and slowly boils into forgetfulness. Come to think of it, I'd best turn on the ac in prep for sleep. A bath, tonight, and just a hair wash otherwise. Should cool me off if I adjust it correctly.
I'm down to my last can of chew. So I have been trying to be more careful about brushing twice per, and flossing. If my teeth stay good for a year I will be in the clear.
On days like these, it seems like reading material for first aid or the ham radio would be a good choice. But, often, when I can't get to work, I can't think any better. I may still try to push that through. I can't be wasting time. If I can't work, I need to try to figure out how to learn. If I can't do those, then I need to be cleaning or exercising. I just don't have the luxury of ease. Looks like the shit is parsing so heavily toward the fan. You can tell, in part, by the raft of crap from the anti-preppers. One recently gave me a raft of it, which I easily set aside. Though I think she was getting it from another side. She knows better. She has seen bad, and she knows this is similar. I understand her position, but she best watch her nose. I bark and bite. Her problem is not my problem.
Tomorrow, out. A bit of searching for hiking trails that are easy to moderate, long enough, and not too complicated. That and maybe a few maps. Dunno, depends on what they have. After the checking, I am hoping to get the bag fixed and both bags sorted. Maybe some cleanup. I did finish with the dishes tonight, putting the dishes I have used today in to soak. Ugh... Falling behind, too much to do, too little capacity in this heat. I'll... get working on what I can. Later. Or... just as likely... good night.
Yes, well, hmmm?
.
.
I don't know that! It has been cool enough, mostly. But the last few days took me down. I just don't have a lot to work with. A few bites, fruit, jerky, milk, and such. But it really isn't helping all that much. I did work the windows and fans, and that is helping. The parts to fix the backpack are in, so I would like to get on that, and repack the bag while I am at it. Perhaps set up the smaller pack too, or some of it. And I would really like to get the humidifiers going.
I am planning on five pipes out of the buckets, and at least for the first, would like to have them equidistant between each other. That would make it 72 degrees apart, from their centers. Now, measuring the diameter, then figuring the circumference, using a bit of trig I believe I could figure out the arc lengths. Or... I could just measure and divide. Oh, right, that. Never mind, I think the last will work, just thought of it. I do have a measuring tape that is flexible enough. And I really would like to get some eggs and mush going. Thing is, getting off my butt is proving difficult. Heat, especially the first load of it in summer, really takes it out of me.
My friend called. Wanted to know if I was getting out today. Not today, I assured him. I asked if he can be awake and ready by 9:00 or 10:00? It's still sort of cool then. I didn't have a plan, but as we were talking, one was forming. I have been wanting to find trail heads, so I thought I might look for the trail books and do a bit of research. I told him of my plan to find some hiking trails. He thinks he knows of a place with maps for trails, and perhaps information about trails. So... we will go there tomorrow, earlier in the morning. Then, between what they find, and should I find anything, head to a couple of places to see how busy they are, put them in memory a bit, and just get out for a while.
Ugh. Just don't have much going today. I'll try to get some of these things done. If not, I'll start tomorrow and go from there. Later.
.
I don't know that! It has been cool enough, mostly. But the last few days took me down. I just don't have a lot to work with. A few bites, fruit, jerky, milk, and such. But it really isn't helping all that much. I did work the windows and fans, and that is helping. The parts to fix the backpack are in, so I would like to get on that, and repack the bag while I am at it. Perhaps set up the smaller pack too, or some of it. And I would really like to get the humidifiers going.
I am planning on five pipes out of the buckets, and at least for the first, would like to have them equidistant between each other. That would make it 72 degrees apart, from their centers. Now, measuring the diameter, then figuring the circumference, using a bit of trig I believe I could figure out the arc lengths. Or... I could just measure and divide. Oh, right, that. Never mind, I think the last will work, just thought of it. I do have a measuring tape that is flexible enough. And I really would like to get some eggs and mush going. Thing is, getting off my butt is proving difficult. Heat, especially the first load of it in summer, really takes it out of me.
My friend called. Wanted to know if I was getting out today. Not today, I assured him. I asked if he can be awake and ready by 9:00 or 10:00? It's still sort of cool then. I didn't have a plan, but as we were talking, one was forming. I have been wanting to find trail heads, so I thought I might look for the trail books and do a bit of research. I told him of my plan to find some hiking trails. He thinks he knows of a place with maps for trails, and perhaps information about trails. So... we will go there tomorrow, earlier in the morning. Then, between what they find, and should I find anything, head to a couple of places to see how busy they are, put them in memory a bit, and just get out for a while.
Ugh. Just don't have much going today. I'll try to get some of these things done. If not, I'll start tomorrow and go from there. Later.
A wildcard day.
.
.
I tried to get to bed earlier last night. It worked to some degree, if not as early as my first attempt. The goal is to be up, prepped, and ready, by sunup. The heat of the day is simply too much for doing much. As well, opening the house up and running fans helps throughout the day. A day out is murder, at this point, not something to be done every day if I can avoid it. And yet, if I want to get back to hiking, I am going to have to find a place to hike that is a little less crowded. Which means probably both further away and more isolated. If I am up early enough, and ready to go, I might be able to just drive someplace to be there right at dawn, or a bit after but while still cool. Thing is, I have no idea where to begin looking for such paths. I have some books, somewhere. But I am not sure how accurate they are, as to finding the places. Maybe between the books and the internet, plus a map? A lot of these places are out in the boonies, with no real signs. I would prefer to go higher up into the deeper mountains, where it gets cooler at night and stays cooler during the day.
As for today, and probably tomorrow, I will be mostly in. I need to get food prepared, and do some cleaning, plus might as well reset my bag exactly as I want it and then set up a more minor day pack if I am not up to a full run. It's good to have a travel bag in the vehicle anyway. I now, probably, have enough stuff that I could keep a second, rough-it bag, in the vehicle at all times. Something that, should I end up traveling, and find a path, I could take it and have enough food and whatnot to last a day should I get lost a bit, or just get tired. Oh, and it would be good to get the humidifiers operational. Those should help a goodly bit. Especially with a gallon milk container, filled with water then frozen, put into the water bath. Yeah, heat just rips me up... at least if I can't escape it once in a while.
Lots of little things to do, perhaps a trip or two if I do find a couple of paths within, say, a fifty mile radius. I am sure there are several to the southeast, but those are either steep or murder steep. One follows the high peak as a camel's back, the other is more like laterally climbing the hump, and there may be others... certainly the lengthwise path has a start and finish... and is ~7 miles. But there may be others. Thing is, all of those are rather steep. Not starter hikes.
I also bought unsweetened apple sauce and frozen berries. I would like to mess with making various fruit rollups. Some just apple, some a mix of this and then that, some just fruit, and some fruit simply dehydrated. Not sure when I will get to that. I still have to rewash the trays that hit the floor. Simply put, much as with canning, do NOT skimp on cleanliness when messing with food that will be stored. Even for me, and I can handle a lot, it's best not to play that game. That is a vital lesson, one I have seen many of the teachers in this hit over and again. It's a lesson I would rather learn from another woman's mistake. Urhm, by the way, on this, I trust women a lot more than men, from what I have seen. Just in case I have to share out some of my food, mostly. Women, children, and the elderly are so very fragile.
For now I need to go ahead and wake up. Maybe another bath/shower. I did figure out the drain problem. No need for more baking soda and vinegar. I grabbed the plunger, plugged the vent, and went to town. Oddly, the whole problem seemed to be a very small clump of hair. All totaled, it was less than the size of a dime, compressed. It came out as a long clump. My guess? I do have good venting, but this little bit of hair had been enough to clog that. Now I can shower without standing in any water, and a bath drains in a minute or two. All the other drains also work as well as ever. And the toilet... I've got to tell you, the new toilet I put in... can you love a toilet? It just works... though it has limits, it's mostly how much tp at one time. I can live with that, just so's I know now. But even that is easy to fix.
Well... a bit more coffee and I'll begin plotting my day accurately, or precisely? Later.
.
I tried to get to bed earlier last night. It worked to some degree, if not as early as my first attempt. The goal is to be up, prepped, and ready, by sunup. The heat of the day is simply too much for doing much. As well, opening the house up and running fans helps throughout the day. A day out is murder, at this point, not something to be done every day if I can avoid it. And yet, if I want to get back to hiking, I am going to have to find a place to hike that is a little less crowded. Which means probably both further away and more isolated. If I am up early enough, and ready to go, I might be able to just drive someplace to be there right at dawn, or a bit after but while still cool. Thing is, I have no idea where to begin looking for such paths. I have some books, somewhere. But I am not sure how accurate they are, as to finding the places. Maybe between the books and the internet, plus a map? A lot of these places are out in the boonies, with no real signs. I would prefer to go higher up into the deeper mountains, where it gets cooler at night and stays cooler during the day.
As for today, and probably tomorrow, I will be mostly in. I need to get food prepared, and do some cleaning, plus might as well reset my bag exactly as I want it and then set up a more minor day pack if I am not up to a full run. It's good to have a travel bag in the vehicle anyway. I now, probably, have enough stuff that I could keep a second, rough-it bag, in the vehicle at all times. Something that, should I end up traveling, and find a path, I could take it and have enough food and whatnot to last a day should I get lost a bit, or just get tired. Oh, and it would be good to get the humidifiers operational. Those should help a goodly bit. Especially with a gallon milk container, filled with water then frozen, put into the water bath. Yeah, heat just rips me up... at least if I can't escape it once in a while.
Lots of little things to do, perhaps a trip or two if I do find a couple of paths within, say, a fifty mile radius. I am sure there are several to the southeast, but those are either steep or murder steep. One follows the high peak as a camel's back, the other is more like laterally climbing the hump, and there may be others... certainly the lengthwise path has a start and finish... and is ~7 miles. But there may be others. Thing is, all of those are rather steep. Not starter hikes.
I also bought unsweetened apple sauce and frozen berries. I would like to mess with making various fruit rollups. Some just apple, some a mix of this and then that, some just fruit, and some fruit simply dehydrated. Not sure when I will get to that. I still have to rewash the trays that hit the floor. Simply put, much as with canning, do NOT skimp on cleanliness when messing with food that will be stored. Even for me, and I can handle a lot, it's best not to play that game. That is a vital lesson, one I have seen many of the teachers in this hit over and again. It's a lesson I would rather learn from another woman's mistake. Urhm, by the way, on this, I trust women a lot more than men, from what I have seen. Just in case I have to share out some of my food, mostly. Women, children, and the elderly are so very fragile.
For now I need to go ahead and wake up. Maybe another bath/shower. I did figure out the drain problem. No need for more baking soda and vinegar. I grabbed the plunger, plugged the vent, and went to town. Oddly, the whole problem seemed to be a very small clump of hair. All totaled, it was less than the size of a dime, compressed. It came out as a long clump. My guess? I do have good venting, but this little bit of hair had been enough to clog that. Now I can shower without standing in any water, and a bath drains in a minute or two. All the other drains also work as well as ever. And the toilet... I've got to tell you, the new toilet I put in... can you love a toilet? It just works... though it has limits, it's mostly how much tp at one time. I can live with that, just so's I know now. But even that is easy to fix.
Well... a bit more coffee and I'll begin plotting my day accurately, or precisely? Later.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
I gave it a shot.
.
.
I had to spin the wheels, but I finished the dishes, even setting up the last few dirty dishes from the last few days to be washed... hot soak. Then I took a bath, then a shower. Dressing quickly, no time to dawdle. I thought about reworking the pack, but... meh... I am just using it for weight, at this point. And I do have enough in there for an overnight or three. So... I decided to fuss with particulars later, time was ticking, but more heat was rising. *zoom*
I made it to the trail head at about 9:00~9:30. The lot was already two thirds full. Bleh. No. Just... no. I am simply going to have to find other trails, further from civilization. So, on to shopping. I hit the hardware store first. Bits and a few links to hold the pipes. Nothing too fancy. The bits weren't cheap but they aren't, basically, disposable. Then to the grocery store. I was amazed to see how much was on sale. Much of it stuff that was timing out. I bought a bit more than I had planned, including a couple of smaller ribeyes. I did find fruit this time. Not sure if it was there last time. Either way it was not in the area labeled for fruit. Pretty pricey, but this is just for experimenting. From now on I will look for sales. Eggs, as I have heard, were double the price. I was still able to get them in volume. I have heard that some places in Texas are rationing eggs.
I have the grill going, for the steak but also for brots. This evening I will get eggs going and mush. I really have to eat, and that stuff really helps. Easy to add more if I am still hungry, just another egg... or a piece of fruit, or cheese. If I am not all that hungry, just go with two eggs and call it good. A bit boring, but... there is something pleasant about boring. Further, the proteins really help me build. When I haven't eaten eggs for a bit, I can tell.
About my curiosity from the other day... if today was a hint, I'd say it's more hate. The odd notions I get are of people trying to not expose their hate. One day doesn't make a certainty, not even a week of days. I may never figure it out. To be seen as a devil by secular and religious means nothing. It was the religious who ensured Christ was crucified. The secular were merely the means, if with their own interest in seeing to the task. His will, not mine, even in dark times. Especially in dark times.
Well... I need to rest just a bit, then figure out what to do next. Later.
.
I had to spin the wheels, but I finished the dishes, even setting up the last few dirty dishes from the last few days to be washed... hot soak. Then I took a bath, then a shower. Dressing quickly, no time to dawdle. I thought about reworking the pack, but... meh... I am just using it for weight, at this point. And I do have enough in there for an overnight or three. So... I decided to fuss with particulars later, time was ticking, but more heat was rising. *zoom*
I made it to the trail head at about 9:00~9:30. The lot was already two thirds full. Bleh. No. Just... no. I am simply going to have to find other trails, further from civilization. So, on to shopping. I hit the hardware store first. Bits and a few links to hold the pipes. Nothing too fancy. The bits weren't cheap but they aren't, basically, disposable. Then to the grocery store. I was amazed to see how much was on sale. Much of it stuff that was timing out. I bought a bit more than I had planned, including a couple of smaller ribeyes. I did find fruit this time. Not sure if it was there last time. Either way it was not in the area labeled for fruit. Pretty pricey, but this is just for experimenting. From now on I will look for sales. Eggs, as I have heard, were double the price. I was still able to get them in volume. I have heard that some places in Texas are rationing eggs.
I have the grill going, for the steak but also for brots. This evening I will get eggs going and mush. I really have to eat, and that stuff really helps. Easy to add more if I am still hungry, just another egg... or a piece of fruit, or cheese. If I am not all that hungry, just go with two eggs and call it good. A bit boring, but... there is something pleasant about boring. Further, the proteins really help me build. When I haven't eaten eggs for a bit, I can tell.
About my curiosity from the other day... if today was a hint, I'd say it's more hate. The odd notions I get are of people trying to not expose their hate. One day doesn't make a certainty, not even a week of days. I may never figure it out. To be seen as a devil by secular and religious means nothing. It was the religious who ensured Christ was crucified. The secular were merely the means, if with their own interest in seeing to the task. His will, not mine, even in dark times. Especially in dark times.
Well... I need to rest just a bit, then figure out what to do next. Later.
Hmm... Day already?
.
.
Down by nearing 21:00, but it took a while to drop. I set the alarm for 6:00 but didn't actually launch until 7:36. I forgot to open the house up last night, so it was a bit warm already. But with outside temp reading right at 56 F, I opened up a bunch, put the fans to work, and... yeah... feel much better already. Even 71 is the beginning of hot, for me. Stuffy. I told you, Alaska, except in the summer, isn't a problem. Perhaps I could make a more northern summer camp, hunt there, and return when it cools off? Summer isn't the best time for hunting anyway.
I am hoping to kick out the last little bit of dishes, get a bath and shower in, then make a run at hiking. Yeah, I know. Not even sure I will get that done. Tick-tock, always, and I'm just not feeling it. Of course, as I have said, it's not about feelings. But sometimes the feeling is related to actual incapacity. I also want to do a little bit of bag sorting before I go. Some things out, somethings in. Ugh... Well, I know I'll get the dishes. And I am pretty sure I will at least get to town. Ah... part of my problem is that I don't have boiled eggs and mush. I haven't been eating right. Ah, okay. Between heat, and this, and food... Yeah, okay. I'll... be sure to fix that today.
It seems like I am spinning more than moving. Sometimes the obvious seeming reasons are the cause, sometimes it really is just because and the failures are a symptom, not the problem. I have to try to push through anyway. And, really, I have been, as well as I can in any case. Coffee is going down, a new pot is brewing, and I feel ready to push. Actually I already reset the rinse on the dishes, so that they dry easier. I'm... getting there. And, I might try to use the ridgeline as a temporary belt for the backpack. While the belt isn't vital, it sure helps keep the pack load stable on the back. Might allow me a longer hike, or at least a more comfortable one. Yeah, I'm... figuring things as I can.
I had a cool dream last night, but it's already gone. I tried to grab it. I had to grab the other dreams, and was able to. Not this time it seems. It was sort of a who done it with... very odd results. There is more to this, God's green earth, than science or man can know or will even admit. All I'm saying there. Sanity is usually the truth, but when it isn't, sanity just becomes another form of insanity. A denial of what is. Oh, and I understand. The truth is terribly frightening for even the stoutest of minds and bodies and hearts. It is downright horrifying, sometimes. Speak with an exorcist. See naturally preserved corpses of saints, be touched by death and left alive, more so again, and again, and again. To the rational minded, what can't be understood because it doesn't follow what they understand as logic drives them to academia, denial, law, or the sciences. Lies. The truth is only what it is, and it isn't ours. Either we are of the truth or we are liars. We can't understand.
Well... best get a dose of music, then hit the trail, hopefully to the trail. Good day.
.
Down by nearing 21:00, but it took a while to drop. I set the alarm for 6:00 but didn't actually launch until 7:36. I forgot to open the house up last night, so it was a bit warm already. But with outside temp reading right at 56 F, I opened up a bunch, put the fans to work, and... yeah... feel much better already. Even 71 is the beginning of hot, for me. Stuffy. I told you, Alaska, except in the summer, isn't a problem. Perhaps I could make a more northern summer camp, hunt there, and return when it cools off? Summer isn't the best time for hunting anyway.
I am hoping to kick out the last little bit of dishes, get a bath and shower in, then make a run at hiking. Yeah, I know. Not even sure I will get that done. Tick-tock, always, and I'm just not feeling it. Of course, as I have said, it's not about feelings. But sometimes the feeling is related to actual incapacity. I also want to do a little bit of bag sorting before I go. Some things out, somethings in. Ugh... Well, I know I'll get the dishes. And I am pretty sure I will at least get to town. Ah... part of my problem is that I don't have boiled eggs and mush. I haven't been eating right. Ah, okay. Between heat, and this, and food... Yeah, okay. I'll... be sure to fix that today.
It seems like I am spinning more than moving. Sometimes the obvious seeming reasons are the cause, sometimes it really is just because and the failures are a symptom, not the problem. I have to try to push through anyway. And, really, I have been, as well as I can in any case. Coffee is going down, a new pot is brewing, and I feel ready to push. Actually I already reset the rinse on the dishes, so that they dry easier. I'm... getting there. And, I might try to use the ridgeline as a temporary belt for the backpack. While the belt isn't vital, it sure helps keep the pack load stable on the back. Might allow me a longer hike, or at least a more comfortable one. Yeah, I'm... figuring things as I can.
I had a cool dream last night, but it's already gone. I tried to grab it. I had to grab the other dreams, and was able to. Not this time it seems. It was sort of a who done it with... very odd results. There is more to this, God's green earth, than science or man can know or will even admit. All I'm saying there. Sanity is usually the truth, but when it isn't, sanity just becomes another form of insanity. A denial of what is. Oh, and I understand. The truth is terribly frightening for even the stoutest of minds and bodies and hearts. It is downright horrifying, sometimes. Speak with an exorcist. See naturally preserved corpses of saints, be touched by death and left alive, more so again, and again, and again. To the rational minded, what can't be understood because it doesn't follow what they understand as logic drives them to academia, denial, law, or the sciences. Lies. The truth is only what it is, and it isn't ours. Either we are of the truth or we are liars. We can't understand.
Well... best get a dose of music, then hit the trail, hopefully to the trail. Good day.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
It's in!
.
.
I have been looking for a modular sleeping bag system for... since before I moved here, here, here. Back in Iowa, maybe before I moved out from my last? I tried snugpak, went with just their smallest part, to see if it would work. Yeah, not so much. Can't even zip it shut on myself. It fits like a long legless tube top. Not... really my thing, or what I wanted. Back then I wasn't healthy enough to return it in time, so... Hmm... now I might find someone who could use it, but only if they would use it. It is a very quality, and expensive, summer bag, and of ultra-light notions before such things were truly considered all that much. It simply isn't size appropriate. If it was heavier, and longer, I'd use it as the base for an hammock underquilt. But if it was big enough for that, it would have fit. Meh.
Anyway, what I ordered arrived. I had heard good things about it. But at 6'5 1/2", and 280... last I checked anyway, could still be growing... they just... I'm pushing what is available. Oddly, I have no difficulty with clothing now. Other than tall, I'm two to three sizes down from typical size availability. My inseam is considered in the normal range, at the last peg of it albeit. Though my chest measurement suggests I should be double or triple extra large, a simple extra large fits, sometimes a little looser or tighter, though usually about exactly right... independent of brand. Some larges would do, save for my shoulders.
I had ordered it a while ago, and it took a while, plus the Amazon has changed how it indicates shipping so I just couldn't tell when it was arriving, and lost track. I saw the UPS truck pull up, and take a pack to the back door, but couldn't fathom what it was. When I went back and got the package, it looked like a basketball had been stuffed into a box... couldn't figure it out, until half way to the living room. I was so excited, but nervous too. At least, this time, if it didn't fit, I could send it back. I've gotten much better. Heck, I doubt if I even had enough going to try the first, too small, bag out before the return time. Just didn't have it going back then.
I ripped in, opened it up. A stuff sack, a bigger one. I opened that, then pulled out... the waterproof surround bivy, then another stuff sack, but there was another bigger stuff sack which I left in. That is the winter bag, for alone or with the rest of the system, but bigger than the little sack in the smaller stuff bag. I opened the smallest bag. That is the one that would either fit and make it a system, or not. Excited but nervous. Open, spread and down, unzipped, and... Yes! It fits easily. I can roll, inside, onto my side, I can curl up a bit on my side, and there is even more length than I have height. Neither girth nor length were an issue! If I had the bread, I might buy another for backup. As is, it will have to do. But it will do. I posted a review on Amazon right away. There are a lot of big guys out there, looking for decent equipment. It's difficult to find.
.
I have been looking for a modular sleeping bag system for... since before I moved here, here, here. Back in Iowa, maybe before I moved out from my last? I tried snugpak, went with just their smallest part, to see if it would work. Yeah, not so much. Can't even zip it shut on myself. It fits like a long legless tube top. Not... really my thing, or what I wanted. Back then I wasn't healthy enough to return it in time, so... Hmm... now I might find someone who could use it, but only if they would use it. It is a very quality, and expensive, summer bag, and of ultra-light notions before such things were truly considered all that much. It simply isn't size appropriate. If it was heavier, and longer, I'd use it as the base for an hammock underquilt. But if it was big enough for that, it would have fit. Meh.
I had ordered it a while ago, and it took a while, plus the Amazon has changed how it indicates shipping so I just couldn't tell when it was arriving, and lost track. I saw the UPS truck pull up, and take a pack to the back door, but couldn't fathom what it was. When I went back and got the package, it looked like a basketball had been stuffed into a box... couldn't figure it out, until half way to the living room. I was so excited, but nervous too. At least, this time, if it didn't fit, I could send it back. I've gotten much better. Heck, I doubt if I even had enough going to try the first, too small, bag out before the return time. Just didn't have it going back then.
I ripped in, opened it up. A stuff sack, a bigger one. I opened that, then pulled out... the waterproof surround bivy, then another stuff sack, but there was another bigger stuff sack which I left in. That is the winter bag, for alone or with the rest of the system, but bigger than the little sack in the smaller stuff bag. I opened the smallest bag. That is the one that would either fit and make it a system, or not. Excited but nervous. Open, spread and down, unzipped, and... Yes! It fits easily. I can roll, inside, onto my side, I can curl up a bit on my side, and there is even more length than I have height. Neither girth nor length were an issue! If I had the bread, I might buy another for backup. As is, it will have to do. But it will do. I posted a review on Amazon right away. There are a lot of big guys out there, looking for decent equipment. It's difficult to find.
A day at home, cleaning.
.
.
Down later than I like. Waking was tough, and not as early as I had wanted. Even when I finally crawled out, it was a struggle. Yesterday took more out of me than I had thought. Fine, fine. I will finish a few tasks, sweep and mop, clean the living room a bit... sort of reset. I never did finish the living room, so I may begin on that as my next real project, before hitting the bedroom. I need to drill holes in the shelving for the suction cups, to hold the glass shelf plates, and then set up the bluray and game console, well and parts of the surround sound. But before that, maybe today still, I would like to fabricate the humidifiers. They shouldn't take all that long. I'm not sure I have a bit large enough for the pvc pipes though. A run to town wouldn't be bad, though that heat is murder. I could knock out grocery shopping while I am at it, if the trip ends up being required.
I should also take down the last string of Christmas lights. That had been on the list, but it rained so often, sometimes with heavy winds, that the chore just fell off the list with all else that was happening. It's been a crazy spring. Busy, full, good. It's become a bit unhinged as summer broke, between migraines and recovery, then having to dig a bit more deeply backtracking to keep up on the cave. Still, not a bad thing. It will happen. And this isn't a major slide, just one step back... at least so far.
I do need to remember to open the windows at night. I might have gotten out hiking today if I hadn't thought it was already too warm. It was warm, but only in the house. It was 68 F outside, which is fine for a hike, at about the time I would have been going. The felt warmth tricked me into not showering and heading out, an half hour later I remembered to check the temp and realized my mistake. Got to admit, I am a little nervous about the heavier pack. Still... only one way to find out. I have it in from the auto, and will be taking some things out and adding a few things. The single man bivy tent is coming out, the ridgeline and a couple of mre's are going in, and I may sort through things just a bit while I am at it. It's easy to forget what you have in there. Oh, and I'll change out the jeans for a pair of thinner cargo pants. Both are cotton, but the cargos are much lighter, zip convertible to shorts, and much more amenable to trail life for other reasons.
Yeah, trying to figure things out and get going. Still bumping into a bit of exhaustion acclimating to the heat. I told you, it takes me a bit to get used to changes. It just does. Well, and more sunlight, daylight, is sort of messing with the internal clock. I'll figure it out. On to a bit of cleanup here in the cave, first. Then checking for drill bits. I'll figure things out from there. Later.
~Oh, something that has been on my mind of late. Something I noticed some time ago, but released as just... an unusual improbability. The problem is, it persists. Some things, if you feel, or believe you see, or such... given time... go away or can be ignored. Some things don't. There is nothing to be done about some things, so there is little use to discuss some issues. Ah, on about something again, is he? Yes. Shut it. The deal is this. I have been being treated rather well, almost with some minor reverence. Which, whatever. It's a weird thing, but so be it. I don't engage that or avoid it, just notice. Which is odd enough all it's own. The thing is, some of the people who do that are also people who have an underlying hatred for me. Or hate my writing, but many such types cannot differentiate the two. Okay, I get the one, I get the other (not really the former as I... just don't, but the latter certainly), but what I don't get is the mix. Not at all.
The closest big town is a full-on college town. Between who is there, what goes on, the type of people who show for the show, I am an outcast. Politically and socially hated. Which is why I would no more live in the town, long term, even if the college (through misappropriation of tax money at that) didn't corrupt housing prices all out of shape. As a general rule, not my gig. I left one Wonderland, wasn't about to stick around for another. I seem to be rather known, if not just by the left-set, but by locals too. I tend to bend noses way out of shape, which, as I suggested, I get. Water and oil simply do not mix. So, why the decent, and more, treatment? Is it an attempt to put me at ease while a knife is prepared for my back, literally or figuratively? Is there something I am not understanding about that set? Just a nagging problem I don't have a solution regarding.
My gut says it isn't a pacification for attack. It isn't nefarious. Perhaps it is reverence for the insane, as they might see it? But that doesn't feel right either. It is like they... understand the truth and it has little to do with their beliefs. Or they are strongly discouraged from... disturbing. Fear, sometimes. Hatred. But... reverence. These aren't the local population, so many aren't Mormon, or Christian of any sort. Not sure. Not sure what forces would cause them to tow that line, either. At that age, they don't listen to professors, or the law, or their parents or grandparents. Peers, if more loosely, and themselves, of a social and stylistic nature, and for selves at an emotional level. Not easy to train or command cats, but herded they seem to be? Dunno... Just... an annoyingly odd situation to contemplate.
.
Down later than I like. Waking was tough, and not as early as I had wanted. Even when I finally crawled out, it was a struggle. Yesterday took more out of me than I had thought. Fine, fine. I will finish a few tasks, sweep and mop, clean the living room a bit... sort of reset. I never did finish the living room, so I may begin on that as my next real project, before hitting the bedroom. I need to drill holes in the shelving for the suction cups, to hold the glass shelf plates, and then set up the bluray and game console, well and parts of the surround sound. But before that, maybe today still, I would like to fabricate the humidifiers. They shouldn't take all that long. I'm not sure I have a bit large enough for the pvc pipes though. A run to town wouldn't be bad, though that heat is murder. I could knock out grocery shopping while I am at it, if the trip ends up being required.
I should also take down the last string of Christmas lights. That had been on the list, but it rained so often, sometimes with heavy winds, that the chore just fell off the list with all else that was happening. It's been a crazy spring. Busy, full, good. It's become a bit unhinged as summer broke, between migraines and recovery, then having to dig a bit more deeply backtracking to keep up on the cave. Still, not a bad thing. It will happen. And this isn't a major slide, just one step back... at least so far.
I do need to remember to open the windows at night. I might have gotten out hiking today if I hadn't thought it was already too warm. It was warm, but only in the house. It was 68 F outside, which is fine for a hike, at about the time I would have been going. The felt warmth tricked me into not showering and heading out, an half hour later I remembered to check the temp and realized my mistake. Got to admit, I am a little nervous about the heavier pack. Still... only one way to find out. I have it in from the auto, and will be taking some things out and adding a few things. The single man bivy tent is coming out, the ridgeline and a couple of mre's are going in, and I may sort through things just a bit while I am at it. It's easy to forget what you have in there. Oh, and I'll change out the jeans for a pair of thinner cargo pants. Both are cotton, but the cargos are much lighter, zip convertible to shorts, and much more amenable to trail life for other reasons.
Yeah, trying to figure things out and get going. Still bumping into a bit of exhaustion acclimating to the heat. I told you, it takes me a bit to get used to changes. It just does. Well, and more sunlight, daylight, is sort of messing with the internal clock. I'll figure it out. On to a bit of cleanup here in the cave, first. Then checking for drill bits. I'll figure things out from there. Later.
~Oh, something that has been on my mind of late. Something I noticed some time ago, but released as just... an unusual improbability. The problem is, it persists. Some things, if you feel, or believe you see, or such... given time... go away or can be ignored. Some things don't. There is nothing to be done about some things, so there is little use to discuss some issues. Ah, on about something again, is he? Yes. Shut it. The deal is this. I have been being treated rather well, almost with some minor reverence. Which, whatever. It's a weird thing, but so be it. I don't engage that or avoid it, just notice. Which is odd enough all it's own. The thing is, some of the people who do that are also people who have an underlying hatred for me. Or hate my writing, but many such types cannot differentiate the two. Okay, I get the one, I get the other (not really the former as I... just don't, but the latter certainly), but what I don't get is the mix. Not at all.
The closest big town is a full-on college town. Between who is there, what goes on, the type of people who show for the show, I am an outcast. Politically and socially hated. Which is why I would no more live in the town, long term, even if the college (through misappropriation of tax money at that) didn't corrupt housing prices all out of shape. As a general rule, not my gig. I left one Wonderland, wasn't about to stick around for another. I seem to be rather known, if not just by the left-set, but by locals too. I tend to bend noses way out of shape, which, as I suggested, I get. Water and oil simply do not mix. So, why the decent, and more, treatment? Is it an attempt to put me at ease while a knife is prepared for my back, literally or figuratively? Is there something I am not understanding about that set? Just a nagging problem I don't have a solution regarding.
My gut says it isn't a pacification for attack. It isn't nefarious. Perhaps it is reverence for the insane, as they might see it? But that doesn't feel right either. It is like they... understand the truth and it has little to do with their beliefs. Or they are strongly discouraged from... disturbing. Fear, sometimes. Hatred. But... reverence. These aren't the local population, so many aren't Mormon, or Christian of any sort. Not sure. Not sure what forces would cause them to tow that line, either. At that age, they don't listen to professors, or the law, or their parents or grandparents. Peers, if more loosely, and themselves, of a social and stylistic nature, and for selves at an emotional level. Not easy to train or command cats, but herded they seem to be? Dunno... Just... an annoyingly odd situation to contemplate.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Ugly hot out there.
.
.
Too hot to do too much. I made a good jab at getting shopping done. Everything but groceries. If I can get out hiking tomorrow, perhaps I can catch those on my way back. I did buy what I wanted for the humidifiers (swamp coolers), looked for a replacement buckle for my pack in two stores... no buckles but I did pick up some (I think) darning needles and yarn (another new project), and there was something else. I wasn't exactly thrown off by the heat, it wasn't that rough. I did get my friend out as well. He's thinking shooting would be fun, but not in this heat. When it cools, whenever that might be.
I ordered some buckles from Amazon. I can only look locally, I can't make them carry what I need. I ordered a few other things as well. Actual flint, as another form of fire starter... looked for flint strikers that suited my size. Nothing. So I went to ebay. All their strikers were children sized as well. Then I noticed a hand fashioned high carbon blade for sale, in the same price range. It isn't sharpened, has a sheath. Perfect, so I ordered that. I suppose I could sharpen it, but I have enough blades. Good cooking utensil, too, in my opinion. I also ordered 2" nylon webbing, to make a chest harness, and sliders for the set as well. And then, finally, a refillable butane lighter. I have three or four means of lighting a fire, I just want to have more. Different ones for different duties, seasons, reasons. Some of it is, currently, inexpensive experimentation. Some of it I can try right on my grill, along with the egg carton, lint, and paraffin fire starters I make. See what makes the best sparks, and how to optimize all the various sorts.
I should hit it. It's later than I like to be awake. I'll put one, or both, of the humidifiers together soon. I really want to see how much that will help in here. This front, southern, computer room... with the sun, the computer, and myself, gets really warm in the afternoons. Which makes it difficult to cool down for sleep. Yeah. I'll turn on the ac and fan in the bedroom, open some windows out here, have a bite to eat, then hit it. Good night.
.
Too hot to do too much. I made a good jab at getting shopping done. Everything but groceries. If I can get out hiking tomorrow, perhaps I can catch those on my way back. I did buy what I wanted for the humidifiers (swamp coolers), looked for a replacement buckle for my pack in two stores... no buckles but I did pick up some (I think) darning needles and yarn (another new project), and there was something else. I wasn't exactly thrown off by the heat, it wasn't that rough. I did get my friend out as well. He's thinking shooting would be fun, but not in this heat. When it cools, whenever that might be.
I ordered some buckles from Amazon. I can only look locally, I can't make them carry what I need. I ordered a few other things as well. Actual flint, as another form of fire starter... looked for flint strikers that suited my size. Nothing. So I went to ebay. All their strikers were children sized as well. Then I noticed a hand fashioned high carbon blade for sale, in the same price range. It isn't sharpened, has a sheath. Perfect, so I ordered that. I suppose I could sharpen it, but I have enough blades. Good cooking utensil, too, in my opinion. I also ordered 2" nylon webbing, to make a chest harness, and sliders for the set as well. And then, finally, a refillable butane lighter. I have three or four means of lighting a fire, I just want to have more. Different ones for different duties, seasons, reasons. Some of it is, currently, inexpensive experimentation. Some of it I can try right on my grill, along with the egg carton, lint, and paraffin fire starters I make. See what makes the best sparks, and how to optimize all the various sorts.
I should hit it. It's later than I like to be awake. I'll put one, or both, of the humidifiers together soon. I really want to see how much that will help in here. This front, southern, computer room... with the sun, the computer, and myself, gets really warm in the afternoons. Which makes it difficult to cool down for sleep. Yeah. I'll turn on the ac and fan in the bedroom, open some windows out here, have a bite to eat, then hit it. Good night.
Ah, time, right.
.
.
I think it was just at 8:00, maybe 8:30, when I headed back to take a shower. Ah, but trash! Right, and I should find out about recycling. Just check the neighbors... look both ways though, not all neighbors put on recycling, but if one of them have it out, it's usually right. How do they do that? Never mind. Yep, recycling day, on both sides. Has to be right, innit? So, I begin with the trash. Not much, two bags, when all is policed and done, and a quarter of that is cat litter. Sad sacks even so. But, as might be noticed, while collecting, I refreshed the cat litter, whole this time. Whew, that... yeah. I've been bad. Busy or dying, so... but bad just the same. All good. Then I gathered recycling. Now that I don't drink soda, it's just cat food cans. As I got that together, and one of the bags of trash, I noticed the forest of boxes that had accumulated, again, in the kitchen. GAH! So, I got the trash out, and the bagged recycling, then took the recycling bin out. They pick that up earliest, but haven't been by according to one neighbor's full to lid-lifted state of his bin. I would then try to break the boxes down, and get those in, before the final hour. But I left the trash bin, as I still had another bad, the heavier one, and you never know if they leak as well. Didn't want to track it through the house. Busy on the cardboard, I got. Pulling a Yoda and my favorite pocket slicer, I went to work. Dehydrating air balloon packing, sorting paper packing (I save the paper), cutting, tearing, folding, knocking over the real dehydrator... which means it'll have to be washed. Don't mess with dehydrators and cleanliness! Don't, just... don't. But not then. Yeah... I got the stuff out.
But, here it is, 10:30 and change, and getting hot. Not going to hike today. I still have to get a shower and bath in, though I think I'm going bath first now. My scalp is drying out, I want to see if using olive oiled water will help with that. I'll take a leisurely stroll through personal cleaning, then go to town and drag my friend along if he will go... shopping and touring plus causing trouble as we may. I missed his birthday, a meal and... a gift of some sort. Hey, friends don't have to be on time, they just have try? Hmm... I wonder what the old boy is curious about or wanting? I shouldn't encourage the lad, but it's fun to watch. Tit-for-tat, anyway. *grins*
Yeah, I can get shopping out of the way, and look for a new buckle for the harness and maybe get that attached before I go hiking. It will help, a lot. Almost nothing is absolutely necessary, some things are just more or less useful. A belt cinch for a heavy pack fits in the extremely useful, as I count things. More eggs, and some other stuff. And just getting out. Hmm... best call him to let him know to stay hungry. Oh, and yes, beer. I'll be thinking it fair by this weekend. Yes I will. At least I know where all my time has been going lately. Even if it still seems to tock away at a glacially slow pace. Later.
.
I think it was just at 8:00, maybe 8:30, when I headed back to take a shower. Ah, but trash! Right, and I should find out about recycling. Just check the neighbors... look both ways though, not all neighbors put on recycling, but if one of them have it out, it's usually right. How do they do that? Never mind. Yep, recycling day, on both sides. Has to be right, innit? So, I begin with the trash. Not much, two bags, when all is policed and done, and a quarter of that is cat litter. Sad sacks even so. But, as might be noticed, while collecting, I refreshed the cat litter, whole this time. Whew, that... yeah. I've been bad. Busy or dying, so... but bad just the same. All good. Then I gathered recycling. Now that I don't drink soda, it's just cat food cans. As I got that together, and one of the bags of trash, I noticed the forest of boxes that had accumulated, again, in the kitchen. GAH! So, I got the trash out, and the bagged recycling, then took the recycling bin out. They pick that up earliest, but haven't been by according to one neighbor's full to lid-lifted state of his bin. I would then try to break the boxes down, and get those in, before the final hour. But I left the trash bin, as I still had another bad, the heavier one, and you never know if they leak as well. Didn't want to track it through the house. Busy on the cardboard, I got. Pulling a Yoda and my favorite pocket slicer, I went to work. Dehydrating air balloon packing, sorting paper packing (I save the paper), cutting, tearing, folding, knocking over the real dehydrator... which means it'll have to be washed. Don't mess with dehydrators and cleanliness! Don't, just... don't. But not then. Yeah... I got the stuff out.
But, here it is, 10:30 and change, and getting hot. Not going to hike today. I still have to get a shower and bath in, though I think I'm going bath first now. My scalp is drying out, I want to see if using olive oiled water will help with that. I'll take a leisurely stroll through personal cleaning, then go to town and drag my friend along if he will go... shopping and touring plus causing trouble as we may. I missed his birthday, a meal and... a gift of some sort. Hey, friends don't have to be on time, they just have try? Hmm... I wonder what the old boy is curious about or wanting? I shouldn't encourage the lad, but it's fun to watch. Tit-for-tat, anyway. *grins*
Yeah, I can get shopping out of the way, and look for a new buckle for the harness and maybe get that attached before I go hiking. It will help, a lot. Almost nothing is absolutely necessary, some things are just more or less useful. A belt cinch for a heavy pack fits in the extremely useful, as I count things. More eggs, and some other stuff. And just getting out. Hmm... best call him to let him know to stay hungry. Oh, and yes, beer. I'll be thinking it fair by this weekend. Yes I will. At least I know where all my time has been going lately. Even if it still seems to tock away at a glacially slow pace. Later.
Pride.
.
.
A great pride, a burning pride. A terrible pride, as some might call it. I have it.
I was just thinking, as I was getting ready for a shower, and planning the courses of action which were considered desirable for the outcome I have planned. As the course was being set, and action beginning, it hit me. A grand pride, in a way, of self.
It isn't in what I can, or can't, will, or won't, do. It isn't in my alacrity, wisdom, strength, or dexterity. It isn't in what I do or don't own. It isn't in anything easily measured, not by others.
I attempt to suggest the truth, and to fulfill that with the living of my life. I may be wrong, wrongheaded, stark, dark, and just plain mean and-or ornery sometimes. But I mean what I say and I say what I mean. While that doesn't mean I can't be wrong, nor does it excuse it which is why I attempt, as able, to learn, it means that at the level of my understanding I do my best to be honest. That is not appreciated in these times. Certainly not by our elites, who seem to believe everyone is guilty, and that this can and should be used as a weapon against us, and each other if one should get out of line. Much as a Cavlinist police state, only secular these days. Everything implied, save a faith in Christ. Though I would argue that the way Calvinism played out as a governing form, it disregarded that faith so I am not seeing a whole lot of difference.
Anyway... Yeah. Agree, don't. It really doesn't matter. Offer thoughts to the contrary. If well thought out, I might even contemplate... even if I rebuff. Which I must do until I can look for myself. I won't be argued into a notion. And yet poor debaters who have sound reason can sway me, while the most profound of debaters, far my superior in the field, will fall flat without good cause. I can be taught, I cannot be led... not astray... not to my knowledge or around it.
Remember when I had suggested that, when I surrendered to God, I thought it was, mostly, about loss? The seeming loss, and surrendering, of choices and deeds and such? And, then, in time, I started seeing some of the gifts? There are many gifts, by the way. Far more gifts than losses, almost none of which I saw from the starting line. Anyway. This pride is a great gift. One of the greater, if not the greatest... that I did see from the start, mind you. Salvation, of one form or another. I am not totally convinced I am human. Not fully human. Agnostic, a bit, perhaps, but more believing 'not' than 'am'. But this gift has been the most recent of true discoveries.
Now, while I hold this pride, I will not wag my head or fingers regarding it. Spending a gift is releasing it. No, this gift is just for me. A divine pat on the head, a sense, not something to be squandered. Only shared in small ways, usually through acting out the reason for the gift, or sharing the notion of it to others who might be looking at God as a possibility. A surety that gifts aplenty come from finding and trying to live in grace. A ray of sunshine in a dark forest, cloudy day, when weak and tired, or working up the gumption to get to it. One of many, if often, like today, only one is even needed. But it never stops with the first. Today will be a blessed one. Good day.
.
A great pride, a burning pride. A terrible pride, as some might call it. I have it.
I was just thinking, as I was getting ready for a shower, and planning the courses of action which were considered desirable for the outcome I have planned. As the course was being set, and action beginning, it hit me. A grand pride, in a way, of self.
It isn't in what I can, or can't, will, or won't, do. It isn't in my alacrity, wisdom, strength, or dexterity. It isn't in what I do or don't own. It isn't in anything easily measured, not by others.
I attempt to suggest the truth, and to fulfill that with the living of my life. I may be wrong, wrongheaded, stark, dark, and just plain mean and-or ornery sometimes. But I mean what I say and I say what I mean. While that doesn't mean I can't be wrong, nor does it excuse it which is why I attempt, as able, to learn, it means that at the level of my understanding I do my best to be honest. That is not appreciated in these times. Certainly not by our elites, who seem to believe everyone is guilty, and that this can and should be used as a weapon against us, and each other if one should get out of line. Much as a Cavlinist police state, only secular these days. Everything implied, save a faith in Christ. Though I would argue that the way Calvinism played out as a governing form, it disregarded that faith so I am not seeing a whole lot of difference.
Anyway... Yeah. Agree, don't. It really doesn't matter. Offer thoughts to the contrary. If well thought out, I might even contemplate... even if I rebuff. Which I must do until I can look for myself. I won't be argued into a notion. And yet poor debaters who have sound reason can sway me, while the most profound of debaters, far my superior in the field, will fall flat without good cause. I can be taught, I cannot be led... not astray... not to my knowledge or around it.
Remember when I had suggested that, when I surrendered to God, I thought it was, mostly, about loss? The seeming loss, and surrendering, of choices and deeds and such? And, then, in time, I started seeing some of the gifts? There are many gifts, by the way. Far more gifts than losses, almost none of which I saw from the starting line. Anyway. This pride is a great gift. One of the greater, if not the greatest... that I did see from the start, mind you. Salvation, of one form or another. I am not totally convinced I am human. Not fully human. Agnostic, a bit, perhaps, but more believing 'not' than 'am'. But this gift has been the most recent of true discoveries.
Now, while I hold this pride, I will not wag my head or fingers regarding it. Spending a gift is releasing it. No, this gift is just for me. A divine pat on the head, a sense, not something to be squandered. Only shared in small ways, usually through acting out the reason for the gift, or sharing the notion of it to others who might be looking at God as a possibility. A surety that gifts aplenty come from finding and trying to live in grace. A ray of sunshine in a dark forest, cloudy day, when weak and tired, or working up the gumption to get to it. One of many, if often, like today, only one is even needed. But it never stops with the first. Today will be a blessed one. Good day.
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