A long hard nap.

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Need?  More.  No real choice.  As I round this end of the Cape of Malady I may need more sleep.  I won't fight it.  It seems to help.  More, on the up side, I will attempt to eat a little more regularly.  Smaller bites, more often.  An egg here, a small sandwich there.  Nothing fancy, it just seems as if sleep and food really help.  A bit bruised and tired, as a fish swimming upstream in spring might know.  I have had much worse springs even without the cold, and much worse colds in better seasons.  Even the combination has been mild compared to the worst, or even typical before medication, springs or illnesses.  No complaints mind you!  I'll take it, suffer the mild indignities, even with a bit of a grin... not mocking just knowing... and aim for the better shore sooner than later.

I've been having a set of painkillers up to twice a day if usually just once.  Not sure I really need it today, the soreness in the neck from poison drainage is gone, the stiff neck and headache seem to have been let go, though that sore spot from sneezing...  I might as well take one more set.  I find that if the pain can be settled a bit, then relaxation can begin to set in, which allows spots of pain to diminish sooner rather than later.  Not always, but there is a chance.  And that tender spot seems to be one of those pains my body maintains by coalescing around.

I would still like to hit the dishes, then get a shower or bath in.  And if those happen, begin working on boxes, get a meal in there somewhere, and tinker here and there on this and that, while gaming between projects... or napping if need be.  I did check the hanging fruit and vegetable baskets which recently arrived.  I was a bit afraid they would block the freezer lid, as it opens upward.  Not so much a problem it seems, as being too high to be useful.  If it isn't one problem it is a different difficulty.  Still, that was a consideration and easy enough to fix.  The next time I am in town I will find chromed links of chain.  I also need to find the wood in the ceiling into which to drill pilot holes, then place the holder/wood screw, for the hook type device.  Clever, really.  I really like the mechanics behind some things these days.  Not all, but if you look just a bit, you will see things that make as perfect of sense of mechanics as one could want.  A bit more coin, though not always... and not always even compared to slightly or even greatly inferior.

I love to think things out, and do them.  I just need a gentle, or firmer, hand to send me on my way.  Crossed eyes aren't always needed, though if they mix with a smile, one can never know just how fast they will... send me.  Good, good, all good.  Even so, I am working my way toward doing a bit more on my own.  I'll never get even half way there solo, but the more the better, innit?  Dreams of other ways, whiles, and styles creep in and sneak up on me while I sleep.  All good.

I would really like to mess with crepes.  It just isn't time.  Same with tortillas and pita bread.  I'll probably just dice onions and cold cut, fry eggs again, and cover with a bite of cheese.  Small, easy, light, yet quite good.  I find it better with less, to be honest.

Good afternoon and, later.

It is morning, isn't it?

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Ever feel like what one suspects the groundhog feels like, when popping out of it's hole.  Looking around, trying to decide if it is time to wake, almost afraid of your own shadow or the thought that it might appear, if any fears are more in the back of the mind and would be instinctively managed?  That is how my morning is beginning.  I've been awake for nearly an hour.  Reading posts, looking over what passes for news these days, finally getting to my first post.

My cold is still here.  More a whole body thing than just a head cold.  I suspect it may  be weakening, though won't guarantee that.  It has been a very long time since I have been ill.  On the good side, it is no more than a nuisance.  Causing a bit more tiredness.  The sneezing, or what goes for it, has actually caused a tiny but deep spot of pain as well.  The rest is much more minor, such as the sore skin from blowing my nose so often, and having to keep facial tissues pretty much in hand in case a sneeze or runny nose symptom hits quickly.  Ever notice how, if you have a tissue at hand, you CAN'T sneeze, but if the box is just out of reach you might sneeze three times before you can reach it?  Or is that just me?

I am hoping to hit the dishes today, and shower.  I really am not sure much else will be done.  A bit feverish from time to time, tired as can be, headaches and body pains come and go.  Nothing too severe, just annoying and project arresting.  I sure hope to get better soon.  I have things I need and want to do, should be doing now.  I simply can't.  Bleh.  Might go back and lay down for just a bit longer.  Or not... not sure yet.  Later.

This cold is getting out of hand.

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Either I can't clear the nasal passages or I can't keep up with the discharge.  A minor headache, body aches, and even a bit of pain down the neck, as if from the infection.  I've had that before.  A minor fever from time to time.  Nothing too terrible, mostly just irritating.  Well, and it is keep me down.  Not falling down, just not quick to rise or act.

I had hoped to hit dishes, get a shower, maybe start on boxes.  I just don't have it.  I may take a short nap, see if that helps.  As I said, it isn't horrible.  A bit messy, slightly groggy, not the most active, but... livable.  Hmm... hot tea with honey, fresh sliced garlic, a dab of cayenne, and a touch of whisky.  Yeah, that has worked in the past.  Not too much of anything, though it certainly isn't for taste.  There might have been something else in there, if I can't remember for the life of me... tea brewed in chicken stock?  Something.  Yeah, no.  Not a party favorite, but it does work.  Though may be I am too far into the sickness for it to work.  I may try it.

The shoes arrived.  One pair will go back.  A size 13 fits easily, and really too big save for the variability of size.  Cotton socks will work fine with them unless it gets too hot.  Not sure then.  Could go barefoot in them, but that is not the best for a lot of reasons.

I did bother to make breakfast... more a brunch moving as slowly as I was.  Diced onion, sauteed.  Then eggs.  I used several, plus the whites left over from making mayonnaise.  I julienned two small pieces of salami and chiffonaded fresh basil, adding those when the eggs were nearly done.  Then, as a base, I plated one piece of munster, added half the scrambled eggs, then added a slice of havarti, covering that with the remaining egg.  Quite nice.  The only thing that would have really been a nice touch would have been fresh diced tomato.  I happened to have canned salsa.  Being the season it was good enough.  I wanted to make crepes, I just couldn't quite get into that much work.  When I get better I hope to make crepes, savory first off.  Though all a dessert crepe would take is fruit filling, perhaps a compote.  I've been thinking about making pure fruit reductions, using as little, or no, sugar, as possible.  Honey might work, though even that can be too much.  Pancakes are also in the queue.  I know, similar.  But not the same.  And I've just not really heard of savory pancakes, unless you go the potato pancake way.

I'll keep working.  I need to get better so I can get out and do some things.  Lots to do.  Business, church, social, health, physical... hiking!  I'll... keep at it.  Later.

A child of the ravens.

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I mentioned to my friend that, as a child, ravens followed me to school quite often.  Through, I would guess, the third grade, I would often have one or more accompany me to school.  More so if I was alone.  Even if not alone, there would often be one following, from power pole to light pole to tree, an half or quarter block back, or sometimes it would fly ahead.  Parents don't have time for such nonsense, and siblings don't care, even if they take note.  I had no fear, just wonder.  No one answered my questions.

Throughout my life I have had an association with the bird.  I am talking about the larger of the birds.  I have heard, though never checked, that these birds were imported from Europe.  The Starling was, I think.  Not sure about the Raven proper.  I may, actually, search for information on this point, too, while I am at it.

Beyond being followed as a child, every time I have been close to death these birds have made themselves known.  In Iowa City, at the hospital, in spite of there not seeming to be anything upon which to perch, they were there, outside my window, for the first few days as I came out of an induced coma.  I was telling the people I white-water rafted with about the raven showing up near times where death had been close.  In the parking lot, after having fallen in and nearly not been rescued, just such a bird came in and sat on a power pole right above our heads.  I pointed it, but only one or two saw it.  As with siblings, they... averted eyes.  People like stories, they don't necessarily like true stories.  *wink*

I haven't studied the myth and lore.  It just wasn't scientific, or Christian, you know.  Still, curiosity has finally gotten the best of me.  Now, this is just a general site, and jumps around.  As well, it looks as much of a site to sell trinkets and baubles, but it has some information.

Prophecy.  War.  Death.  Though good and bad things.  All belong to the tagged story I suggest, or through the eyes I see if they are not mine.  Of course, the trickster figure, though I already knew the raven was another form of the coyote, wolf, fox, and others... depending from whence you hail.  If... that isn't the full truth of it.

That worked out.

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Head cold still has me in a bind.  It feels like my head is in a vice.  No major headache, just everything is tight, ear to ear.  When I blow my nose everything, from ear to ear, sounds mushy.  Still, a sickness goes, this isn't actually debilitating, just annoying.  I am sort of hoping it clears up before heading out.

Even so, last night a crew arrived to help with my limb problem.  Oh, I had been... keeping an eye on it.  If mostly to not do so.  Every time I would look out there, I would avert eyes.  I was afraid of the electrical... still had power, if that didn't mean a whole lot, nor was it sure to stay.  But the power line to the outhouse (not that kind of outhouse)... I wasn't sure about it.  And there was too much board foot of limbs for me to handle.  The main part of the biggest branch was probably six inches in diameter.  And it truly was as tall as some smaller trees.  Plus it had two offshoots that had four inch diameter limbs.

I helped, a bit, but quickly ran out of steam.  Not being on medicines, I realize, is an extreme limiter.  The head cold, while not totally debilitating, does add additional limits... mostly with getting enough air.  The carburetor is gunked up, really.  I did get to try out my axe though.  It worked quite well.  I chopped the main branch in half, and the two side branches fairly well.  Hard wood, chinese elm?  Something like that, I think I heard.  I meant to check that last night, but after running out of breath I failed to carry that out.  I branched a bit, too.  It is a fine ax.  Too expensive?  Maybe, maybe not.  I do know I could take a moderate full size tree with a rather small ax, if need be.  And, that capacity, if mostly limbing, are why it was purchased.

The men worked hard, and got it all out.  There were... five, seven, maybe ten truckbed loads?  Yeah.  And last fall there was nothing.  I had pretty much cleared it all out.  This was all from the last major blow we had around here.  I am going to have to figure out who trims and get them in here.  I will, eventually, lose power.  I may have damage that will need serious repairs... just lucky these didn't take out a bank of windows or the power as is.  The whole idea of doing it myself might be a bit... exaggerated.  The help was greatly appreciated.  By the time I could have cleared it a new group would have been down.

Today?  I'm still nursing this head cold.  If I can get to some things, I would like to get some things in to town.  Not sure that will happen.  I suppose it is a bit debilitating.  I'll try to hit the dishes, shower, then think on things... when I can get to it.  Later.

Damn!

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Her.

Today?

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I have an half dozen things on my list for today.  I was almost sure I would do half of them.  I am beginning to doubt.  Headache, neck pain, runny nose, bloody nose, too tired even with a nap already.  Or... maybe anyway.  It's a matter of if I can push through.  Oh, and the most annoying symptom?  Have you ever had the back of your throat, inside the cavities that connect the mouth and the nose, dry out?  Actually that has been the case for a while, since yesterday.  Somehow it, I think, is associated with whatever else is wrong.  Not quite a flu or cold, just a seasonal malaise, an exhaustion from weather changing too often, too greatly?  I've had it before, not quite anything but a tired body, I think.  Not being on medicine, I might be a bit more susceptible is all.

A sandwich, some painkillers, fresh tea with honey, and then if I can do the dishes again I will take a shower.  If I can do that, I will see what, if anything, might be next.  Not sure when, or even if, that all will happen.  I am not giving up until I have no choice.  Tomorrow would work for the dry cleaning.  It would just narrow the gap for picking it up before events requiring the items.  All doable, just... I would like to get that in, and get some other things going, before it's too late and I have to otherwise make do with what is sub par and on hand.

At least I know the sandwich will be excellent.  Might even fry pan toast the bread.  Hmm... I'll skip the mayo for today, just not up to that much extra fussing.  Ought to make mayo, put it in a container, even if I won't be using it immediately.  Well, I suppose that is the idea of homemade stuff in the first place.  It's only a matter of doing it in enough of a timely manner that it doesn't get wasted.  Bleh.  Oh!  I finally found my pressure cooker!  I just... can't remember, right now, where that was.  Double bleh.  I'll... figure things out.

Later.

Finally on a schedule.

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I had worked so hard to bring my days and nights into alignment with that of business and natural elements.  A struggle I have known, and my mother before me regarding me from as soon as I was brought to our home for the first time.  I was born for the night.  Businesses, medical practitioners, friends, associates, and the rest, simply don't care about your personal problems.  So... I have struggled to comply, at least enough to get by, more if I can.  Between this and that, I ended up pushing things a bit too much this last time.  I almost thought I was going to overshoot the landing strip.  While I did go to bed a bit late last night, carried over from a long day making sleep difficult, it wasn't as late as it was the night before.  More, I woke right in around 3:30 or 4:00.  Took a while to realize it was actually time to get up.  I really had to think about it.

Sore around the scruff, with some sort of dryness in my naval cavities, and with a touch of general exhaustion, I realize I have been, for me, pushing things.  That doesn't mean I am going to give in, only that I may fail at a moments notice.  For me, that isn't an admission, only something to manage.  If I see problems, perhaps a nap.  If pain becomes an issue, and I have things I yet want to do... think I can do... perhaps some painkiller.  My job isn't to trick my body, merely to help it do some things.

The goal, today, is to gather my good clothes which need dry cleaning, get those in, take my friend to lunch, then when I return, hit boxes a bit.  No more, nothing fancy, I won't even suggest I will get through, or should do, all the boxes.  That isn't probably likely, if it might be possible.  After yesterday, and recent days, plus just getting days and nights in some kind of order, I am... pushing some limits.  To do just a bit, today, is good enough.

I may, also, do a bit of prep for making pita bread, and while at it make tortilla dough.  I might as well make a big enough batch of each to make three batches, freezing most of each.  I simply want to experiment with the stuff.  I love homemade flour tortillas and have wanted to make a jab at pita bread.  Eventually "regular" bread is on the menu as well.  Sometimes that is good, sometimes it is a bit dense.  I probably never would bake bread at home, not often.  Just... want to tinker with it.

On to my morning.  Later.

Good! Good day that is.

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A bit of shopping here, then there.  Grocery and other.  My friend is looking for compression socks, above the knee.  I wouldn't mind having a pair or two myself.  It helps with some things, though isn't really needed daily.  Too hot anyway.  Once in a while, though, even I can agree that such might help.

I found everything I wanted.  I didn't buy everything.  I though the egg plant available looked a bit small for the price, and not quite ready for such a main ingredient in that kind of dish.  Oh, and the bread store wasn't open.  I... knew that, too.  Bleh.  I have a loaf in the freezer.  It will do nicely, if I hit hummus again soon.  Oh, but I purchased cold cuts, so will need that either way.  I bought hoagies and sandwich rolls, which might actually be enough.  Still, that ciabatta can't be beat for deli sandwiches.  I'll think on that.

I now have enough ingredients to make mayo and some other things in plenty, and over time.  I did make aioli tonight.  It didn't mix as well, or thickly, as I had hoped.  I had to add Dijon mustard.  That did work well enough.  I had a smattering of it with my deli sandwich... and it was quite good.  I left the remains with my friend.

I am not sure if I mentioned it, but I did receive my medical card today.  There are still a ton of hurdles that must be attended... the doctor, and his clinic I suppose, have to accept it... the V.A. has to approve of the doctor... who knows what else.  I hope to place a few calls tomorrow.  I still need to go in, to have my good clothes cleaned and pay a bill.  Money, money, money, but it's... all good.  Some expenses are better than others.  Hopefully, within the month, I might have medicine and doctors back in line so as to start up that whole mess again.

It's been good.  To get out, to do things, to start on things, to begin making promises and being able to keep them, cooking and maybe baking before long...  Yes, it is starting to look like it might end up being a successful spring.  Later, or good night.

A day of it, perhaps.

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Two calls, no answer.  No matter.  I had plans in the running and believed this or that would go forth.  Shopping.  Nothing fancy, just a few daily items and several new items.  I will be sampling olive oils.  Many are no more extra virgin than I am.  Way out, that.  I doubt if anyone I know would know, and you can't believe the producers, and the FDA has become just a union job market for the otherwise unemployable... they certainly don't check food, unless it is produced by a conservative or they think they can fine a producer enough to have another conference in Las Vegas this month.  Not so much asleep at the wheel as criminally complicit in going off the road.  Still, have to pick something.  Cost and taste are the two measures.  I would say health, but that would only be possible with a functional bureaucracy.  Has there ever been such a thing?  Anyway...

So, shopping.  It would also be good to get out, just for a country drive, if with birds or other wildlife in mind... just because.  It's a rough and tumble day, weatherwise.  No precip, but it's on the tip of mother nature's tongue.  Could go wet, even to snow.  Might just look like mother when she finds her chocolates have been plundered but can't quite be sure by whom.  Or it might just turn bright.  I love it when it hits all three, then does it again.  Reminds me of the variable beauty to life.

I actually am hoping to pick a few things up in order to make aioli.  Use that with some of the bread and cold cuts, even yet today.  Aioli?  Really, it is just garlic mayo, sans mustard.  Oh, fine, here.  Further, no electronics are needed, it does last a while if put up right, and it just looks good.  After too much garlic in the first hummus batch, I might go with half a clove of garlic in this.  Fresh bread, top of the line deli cuts, and this?  Yeah.  Hmm, fresh spinach would do well, or some other crispy leafy green.  Maybe green onion as well.

Hmm, sun is peaking out.  Though, as I said, especially it being spring, I don't mind which way it goes.  It just can't get too cold for me, in any practical way.  Sure, if my vehicle broke down, I couldn't hitch it out, and night fell, yeah...  Even that might not actually get me, unless I comatized where no one would notice.

Life is good, people.  Figure out how to enjoy it.  I'll head out a bit later, right after a nice spot of tea that just came in and some music.  That was, actually, the first thing I relearned to do when I was beginning to apply problem solving to real life... figuring out how to enjoy the bounty of breath.  Good day.

Too much garlic.

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In the hummus.  Being the man that I am, however, I fell on my sword, after falling all over it, and ate the Med goo like a real Mensch.  Didn't have to tell, or ask, me twice.  Too much garlic, did I mention.  Truth be told, for me, there almost is no such thing.  Still, I will back it down next time.  Just in case, or so that, I may share it.  Oh, and it probably ought to be brought up to room temp.  I think that would help.  The last thing?  I think I missed adding salt.  Still, I was quite pleased with it.  Even if I will have garlic breath for a week.

I didn't get down until after midnight.  I think, with the sun being up a bit longer, and that varying due to spring weather moodiness, a long sunny day which isn't impeded thus dark at all, ends up keeping me awake longer.  I got enough sleep though.  Not too worried, if I really want to go to bed by 18:00 to 20:00, if possible.  Then wake in the early dark.  Again, if possible.

To town sometime soon.  Shopping, a fishing license, perhaps a day out if I can get my friend to go.  Oh, and he has some things he wants done.  Tasks my assistance would be useful.  Good to be useful.  Actually, I think that is a fundamental need, and a difficult thing to obtain in my condition.

A shower in an hour or so.  Then a call to see what is what, or leave a message.  A review of wants from the store, needs if some recipes are to go forward.  If the call doesn't go through, only a message is left, perhaps boxes can begin to be collected and deconstructed.

Life is good, boys and girls.  You don't even have to try, just do.  You will see.  I am no angel, nor saint, but that is the goal.  I'll tuck you all into silent prayers as I go through my day, just so's you know someone cares.  Later.

Yeah, good.

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Not all, but I'll share some.  Some things are just for me.

I never did find the stick blender.  I did look.  And, as I improve the kitchen, I will find it.  No doubt.  I don't need it immediately.  For mayo, I need a much milder olive oil.  Now, I love o.o. as much as the next, probably a bit more.  It just doesn't work as a base for mayo, not the strong stuff.  I am not sure if peanut oil would work, and perhaps, in time, I will try it.  But, for now, no.  While I have a good portion of extra virgin olive oil, I'll have to wait until I buy some milder stuff.  Probably... maybe... tomorrow.

Now, I did arrange to make, then produce, hummus.  Being later, I didn't even allow it to settle for six hours.  I simply set a portion of it aside, right after finishing in the little processor, putting the rest away.  Even though it is not all melded, it certainly wasn't bad.  The rest is away, in the fridge, doing it's thing.  Oh, but I forgot to buy, and add, plain yogurt!  Still, not bad.  I suspect, over time, and when I have all of the ingredients, I might really do well.  Though next time I would like to make pitas for with it, as well as yogurt cooked meat of some sort... chicken, lamb, and goat are the more common meats, though I suppose, done right, beef and perhaps even pork might do?

Trash and recycling were taken out, if only trash was taken to the curb.  I simply only had one partial bag of recycling, removing it, even then, only for fear of a stink if I didn't.  I wasn't sure I would get to any of this.  It wasn't all that much, and yet it really was, in my mood, or health, or state.  Not bad, just on the low energy side of things.  If I do get out, I'll even get the trash barrel back in.  I need to go to the post office, so... that means, if I can, and earlier out tomorrow.

I do need to make another grocery list.  Yogurt, male egg plants (dot, not dash... look at them the next time you are in the store), and... more.  I'll have to see if I can find my old list and revise it.  I got most of the list, then ran out of steam.  Hmm, oh, wet cat food.  I got dry, and litter.  They didn't have what I was looking to buy.  Though I believe there must be another five or six items.  I have the stuff for a Mirepoix (pronounce moir paw, give or take).  A beef roast, with that, might be interesting... just to see it work with something I am well acquainted.  

I have the next two Sundays with something each.  A social call on one, the men are putting on a meal for the other.  I agreed to help.  I'll have to get... ah, right... my slacks and sport coat need to go in to the dry cleaner.  I found dress shoes, I'll just need to dust those.  Bleh.  I am horrible about some things.

Good night.

Finally, a bit.

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I was blackmailing my want of a shower with the dishes.  I could have drained that, taken a shower, and put them back, resetting the soak.  What I have found is that, unless you wash the dishes, just changing the water, no matter how hot, did not clean the dishes.  It just doesn't.  So, rather than wasting time and effort, if I can, I like to wash with each sudsy soak.  The worst of pots, pans, dishes, or else seem to come clean after two soakings, unless I burned something really much or left it setting for too long.  Blahk!  No such case was a difficulty.  They all, actually, seem quite clean.  I am simply waiting to make sure the water heater is full up before dousing the dishes in that liquid fire and soap.

Showers, baths, whatever... wonderful things.  Too many aren't healthy, too few aren't either, but not even on the same person, over the same set time period, will ensure that another cleaning is required.  The fear of body odor keeps me more on the cautious side.  And yet, how can you tell?  We become immune to our own stink, sometimes.  Even spouses can miss it, or... just not say anything... or say something, but only when it is too late.  Though, on that latter, I learned my women to either shut up or go with it.  I can, and have, pulled the plug on important social events if, nearing the door, I am told I am unsat.  I'm king, baby.  Don't toy.  No man or group is above my laws and ways, save those of God.  Which, actually, are rather scant in many ways.  Anyway, I sure love showering.  I might get back to bathing a bit more, as the weather is warming.  A long sitbath, with or without salts and scents... window open, perhaps some music, and who knows... Ah... bath toys!  *grins*

I haven't found the stick blender.  I haven't put the hummus together.  I haven't gotten the trash out.  And, yet, I have hope for some or all of that, after I recover from the facial trimming, dishes, then shower.  Yeah, as it heats up, until I get used to it, even little things are going to knock the wind out of me.  Though, most likely, for much shorter periods of time.  It feels like going through a timed entry.  Move ten feet, stop and rest, move another ten feet, etc.  I don't get anywhere very quickly, but if I stay I track, I do notice, over several runs, that I have moved along.  Quicker than it felt, too, overall.

I may actually open the doors and windows, get some fresh air in.  It's a wonderful day.  I hope tomorrow is as nice.  I do hope to get out then.  I may, if I remember to clean some jars, pick up some honey for various neighbors.  The mountain flower stuff.  Just a little thank you, or happy spring, or pass it along type of thing.  I would like to try the honey from even closer, too.  Having several sources isn't a bad plan, along with a working association.

On to... something.  Maybe some music.  Later.

It took years to begin solving problems.

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Little to big, for many years, decades really, I had fallen to reactionary living.  If something would break or fail, replacement was quite difficult.  I depended on luck, friends, and family.  At the best, even when all was on my side, that didn't work well.  Some options that had made life easier simply went away when failure or consumption was complete.  I couldn't always think my way through to action, and then memory would consume even the memory of the want or need.  This has changed.

Recently, for winter, I have added a pair of bath robes.  Nothing fancy, but very hand for cool weather.  As well, thicker pajama bottoms.  Further, house slippers with bottoms that allow me to go out... if I surely would not wish to need to walk far in them.  Summer is shorts season.  I used to despise shorts, choosing to tough it out rather than diminish... in my eyes... stylistically.  Thing is, I kept believing that regular shoes would do fine in the summer.  But they don't, nor do regular slippers.  Too hot.  As with many things, resistance for various reasons, considerations all around, and various other obstacles kept me from digging in.  Well, and the hassle, fear of costs, etc.  Not this year.  I decided, before it gets too hot, to begin my search for hot weather home, mostly, footwear.  Cheap, yes.  That was part of the goal.  I will, probably, go a bit better, next winter, with slippers.  Proof of concept was good, now to find slippers that don't stink so quickly, and maybe socks that work well enough... plus slightly larger slippers.  One thing, this year, I hope to do is start with sandals that won't be awful.  My first choice, and ordered just yesterday.  A size 14, and a 13 in a slightly different style.  No between the toe stink maker, adjustable, with a reasonable sole, not too much material...  A problem solver, a potential one.

It is much better, life, when problem solving occurs.  Oh, I know, a simple thing.  And, some problems I tend much better than others.  If, however, what needs to be tending is a weakness, or limits solution production itself, it is a bit more difficult.  Some believe that they are good at problem solving, but really aren't.  They are, quite often, just high reactive.  Very often solving without weighing everything in the balance.  I am often as such, though that is improving.  Cost to solution ratio, true quality of the solution, how to add to the solution in a time, energy, thought, and cost effective manner, then better or worse through a whole list of possible addendums to a list of possible solutions.  See, this sandal is just one part of a whole host of pieces.  It is, as sandals go, in theory for now, of a solid enough quality that it won't cause foot odor or simply fall apart nearly immediately... it is useful for more than just indoors to a reasonable degree... it is cool enough, most likely, and due to the adjustability, perhaps can be worn with socks of burning is an issue for any amount of time outdoors... But it is just one part of a solution set, only some of which will be tended this year.  Add in that shorts are now on the menu, larger and less covering shirts of various sorts are added in, and then the ac for this year... perhaps another one as well... and an whole house ac some time in the very near future.  Bleh... problem solving, weighing the coins in one's pockets, and considering all else... tricky.  Finally doable, to a degree.  Small but important.

Eggs, of some sort.  Maybe french toast.  Perhaps french toast and eggs?  Maybe.  But just a bit.  Two eggs, scrambled, two smaller orders of whole wheat french toast?  Most likely.  Right after I feed the girls, or they will meowl and meowrl the whole way through making my own breakfast.  And they have been, mostly, patient this morning as I have been attempting to wiggle my way out of sleep and the chill that seems to remain regardless of what I do.  After that, and a bit of time to let the food settle, I'll wash and reset the dishes.  Later.

A day of rest or not?

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Yes, yes, Sunday.  All day.  Tired, yet, but... maybe not that tired.  As I explained, given that many days, and much of each day, is forced to be given over to rest, I have to believe that if God sees me working on the Sabbath, he will know it's because my ass has fallen in a hole.  All I'm saying.

I can't keep up, so if I can work today, I will.  The bathroom might get a sweeping and the bowl cleaned.  I take the seat in while I shower, which also allows me to clean the brush and brush stand.  Yeah, it might sound bad, but to keep things up I have to... negotiate, fudge, mulligan, out of, into, and around projects.  It works.  Dishes before I can get in.  Not all of them, most of them though have been collected.  I'll do that lot, wash it once, set it out, shower and do some cleaning, then put them back for a rinse or second hot sudsy soak.  Resting a bit after that.

If I can do something else, it will be to collect boxes and begin tearing them down.  I hope to be into town sometime early this week, they can go in then.  As a last item, trash needs to be readied.  Well, last work item.  I realize I need to reset my checks for city utilities.  I'll see if I can find the latest bill, cover that, and begin with a year or two collection of checks.  It's easier for them and myself.  Much easier.  That is as much as I hope to do today...  Well, save for putting a batch of hummus together.  If I make enough, and I might, I just might cut a small share out to taste before flavors meld... as a, oh what do they call it?  Use it as a base sample, or some such.  Plus, I must admit, my mouth is watering for it.  I'll let it set for six hours, anyway, give or take, before I sample.

Sleeping and waking were easy enough, and about the right times.  All good.  Later.

Oh, but first, a better mayo recipe.  I like this one better.  As well, it had both Dijon and garlic, so you could go more, or all the way, one way or the other using this and some personally preferential sliding scale.

A day for rest.

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I just couldn't get much going.  I did make a couple of meals, finished rinsing and removing tags from fruit, the letting it dry before setting it out in a basket.  Of course, the girls were fed, water changed, though I skipped doing the litter.  I'll do that now, as I get ready for bed.  I suspected a day or two of rest might be needed.  Yesterday was simply a bit much.  And the minor sunburn added to it.  Though I think that is, mostly, all better.  I recover quickly, if the burn isn't too bad.  It wasn't, simply rather noticeable.

It is about bedtime.  I'll set the alarm, though for a time I am hoping to beat.  A shower, first thing.  Not sure it will help, it just usually can't hurt.  Then I'll... look around.  Boxes, as I said.  And some work spaces in the kitchen.  I would sure like to put together a batch of hummus, though, unless I do it very early in the day, I won't consume any of it until the next day.  Why?  The flavors need time to meld.  That's just the way it is.  I have heard, generally, at least six hours, if overnight is better.

Hmm... before bed, I might have a beer or two.  I just have a thirst for a bit of the bubbly yellow.  Oh, for deglazing, while lemon or lime might work, white and red wine vinegars are sometimes suggested.  I would like to have a number of options, depending on what the recipe calls for, and then over time what my own taste buds suggest.  I may have to lay up several cases of table wine, for cooking and else.  Not too expensive, but to my taste.  Just for my own occasional feast.  But for others, I will attempt to find a best next option.

Good night.

Finding things.

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The first, culinary, item I want to find is my stick blender.  I have everything I need for the recipes I can remember save this.  What will it be used to make?  Mayonnaise.  I have been wanting to make mayonnaise for a very long time.  The advantage?  It tastes much better, and can be made in small batches.  A double-edged advantage is that it doesn't last like.  Why is that double-edged?  Well, then you don't over-use the stuff.  It's not super healthy, a bit fattening.  Hush, I am fat because I have been crippled by a nearly dead heart for decades, and again have no treatment options for it.  so don't give me carp, or crap.  Still, I know what is what, if I don't always have the attention span in such a condition to do much about it.  Okay, so, the one bad edge is you have a small amount and it doesn't last long.  Of course, the good edge is pretty much the same thing, as mentioned.  Oh, and adding ketchup to it, and perhaps a bit of hot stuff, would make a very good dipping sauce.  I won't make my own ketchup because I have never been really impressed with that.  It's more like a tomato chutney, no thank you.  Sure, once in a while, as an culinary art thing, but not a daily driver.

I am hoping, in a week or two, to buy a few deli cuts.  No huge blowout.  That's good, perhaps, twice a year.  Still, a small amount of beef, salami, and a couple cheeses, plus artisan bread, then the homemade mayo.  Yeah.  Dine on that for three days and just enjoy the view.  Hmm... would make an excellent day pack picnic fixing for a day in the mountains, innit?  Life is improving, even if it's a bit of a struggle without meds.  Lemons?  Lemonade.

Just thought I would tease some of you with a notion or three.  If the dead can dance, why not you?  Good day.

Not rough, strange.

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I was awake until midnight.  I felt thoroughly roughed up, used up, dried out, and under the weather when I finally arrived home.  I still had to put things up.  Somethings could wait until the morning, but the fridge and freezer requiring materials had to be laid in, which meant separation as well.  And so it was.  Still, I was in bed, according to the the alarm clock, somewhere between a quarter and three quarters past midnight.  Very late.  Neck hurt, which was creeping up the spine and I thought sure to result in a headache, even when and certainly while I slept.  Plus, I was burned.  Not sure if that has healed already.  Sometimes, for light burns, I do heal fast.  I was not looking forward to morning, whatever and whenever that might be.

As it turns out, morning was at right at 7:00.  I hadn't bothered to set the alarm.  I couldn't tell if I would be popping out earlier or later and didn't want to be tripping over the device... not this morning.  Though it is a bit... rustic, here in the body, it isn't bad, not yet.  It might go bad, there is that vein if my body goes that way... tender nerves on the neck leading into headachesville.  I didn't exhaust any muscles, per se, simply tweaked my general capacity for an extended stay while switching day and night.  All good, mind you.  I need to keep pushing things, from time to time.  Still, all in all, it is a good start to the morning.

I already put the fruits to a soak, and will be tending those before long.  Some things aren't washed, of course.  Onions, scallions, garlic cloves...  I don't even wash the bigger potatoes until I use them.  They have been cleaned a bit, but a little of that on the out layer keeps them longer, or so I have heard.  Scrub them just before use, I believe, is how mothersville puts it.  Not all such tales are true, though you can trust science less quite often, so...  Pick your poison.  I generally, on some things, break toward mothersville... if I don't always do it easily, freely, or openly.  They'll take advantage if they see you doing it.  *grins*

What today?  I am not absolutely sure anything will go forward.  If I can get out of my my coffin and find my walker, you ask?  Well...  breaking down boxes, sorting some things as I go, and if I get through those, then on to the kitchen.  In the kitchen I am hoping to do a top down break down and cleaning, while sorting, on the exterior spaces.  Then, when that is done, doing a check, clean, and toss, on the cabinet cupboard interiors.  Yes.  I think I can.  I do not know how women keep everything "up", put away.  Some do better, some not so much.  But most women I have known have been sticklers about it.  I guess I don't know stickler!  I'd like to try to figure out how to do so.  I want a clean, or at least clean looking (though with a solid footing) home.  And I want to cook, and be able to cook... and otherwise tinker... in the kitchen.  With the table perpetually clear, for example, I can much more easily sharpen knives.  I would like to sharpen, or attempt to sharpen, my own kitchen knives... and my straight razors.  Even if I don't get it just so, at the start... which already I haven't... over time I will learn.  It's the angle, especially for the Shun knives (more because it is a different angle, more like, say, 12 to 15... while I have learned more like an 18 to 22 degree grind angle.

Cooking, and tinkering, cleanliness, and life.  It's what I'm hereafter.  It's just, often enough, I forget what I am hereafter.  Bleh.  I'm working on it.

Oh, not sure I will dig into the hummus today.  Tomorrow most likely.  So I really do want to do a bit of this and that in the kitchen.  I could, probably, do it as is.  I just don't want to do it as is.  Incentives.  The only thing really perishable is the lemons.  Even the fresh herb won't go bad too quickly, as I bought a whole plant.  Smells loverly by the way.  If I water it, it will last at least a week, more like a month.  So... I have a bit of time, as lemons don't go bad with speed.

That's that for the morning report.  Be well, enjoy your weekend, lay in a little work if have it to you.  Find some durned fool or blessed sufferer to lend a prayer, even if it is yourself though I have better even myself, and be well.  Blessings, ladle, and close your eyes and prepare to shiver... blessings can be a little chilly yet this time of the year.  *smile*

Long hard day.

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As far as cripples go.  I woke around 4:00.  Getting out of bed about five minutes after, though that clock runs an half hour fast, so it was more like 3:30.  Here it is, 22:06, it just ticked.  That's nineteen hours up, plus pushing the day around, and with shopping.  I hit four stores, plus visited with my friend for... a while.  Oh, right, and I burned.  The sun was out.  I haven't seen the sun in a while.  Red Man, have no doubt.

I got most of what I wanted from the store.  I did remember the list, if instead of forgetting that I forgot my phone.  I didn't get everything on the list... just started missing beats and timing out.  I got what I could then returned home.  I have enough to start, and push getting the kitchen together for some culinary tinkering.  No baba, but I can make hummus.  Plus I have meat enough, and fruits, veggies, and onion and garlic plus relatives, which should all run me through half of the month, more if it doesn't go bad.  Yeah...  Quite a day.

I am sore.  I am tired.  I am gritty with dried sweat.  All good.  I told God, this morning, I think, that anything I did was to His glory (a bit of a trick, I consider this to be true whether I warn Him or not!).  I should guess that, give all and all, I offered up a bit of glory.  And, over the next few days, I am probably going to not offer much for glory, save a bit of an apology for not being able to keep at it.  Rest should see me back into shape before too long though.  And, I hope, I can still do a bit.

Good night.

Shopping.

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That is the theory.  A list has actually been made.  I hope, this time, I don't remember it... that is, remember right where it is, which is on the freezer, when I am in town.  Memory does little good if the timing of, and use for, the memory is off.  Some basics, some new stuff.  Egg plant, and for now store bought flour, a few extra special items, to attempt some special dishes, and some simple things, combined for a taste treat that won't break the bank.  Oh, and some meats... just enough to get me through the month.  Fresh beef next month, mind you.  Then I'll put in an order for an hog.  I'd actually like to have the snout, if it comes with the rest of the head, and the hooves too.  Yes, really.  Beef hooves do offer collagen, but they don't offer much flavor.  Pig hocks offer both, a bit.

Beside food, I need charcoal.  I buy the real stuff.  No complaints for those who don't.  Not sure, pound for pound, there is that much of a price difference.  It's just, for me, the notion.  I like real, whole, cowboy charcoal.  As well, cat food and litter matter.  There are a few other things, always.  Sometimes I remember, sometimes not so much.  For example, I would like to search for wok tools.  I don't have, and probably won't get, a wok.  I do, however, have high carbon and cast iron pans.  Those tools work really well in those.  Not a high priority thing, just something I'd like to find and price check, for now.  Amazon is fine, but some things are so terribly made, and you can't tell until you have them in hand.  Often it isn't worth sending it back, as packing costs more.  Then again, you don't want to pay enough for such simple tools that returns are worth the costs.  Bleh.  So... hands and eyes on, for some things.

The goal, actually, is to make a baba ganoush, hummus, and pita bread meal for tomorrow, or Sunday.  I might have to tinker with pieces and parts, store things due to my limits and their need to flavorize through time, and do a final collection on some day soon.  I do love hummus, and baba ganoush is okay though extra special with fresh hummus and pita bread.  Though basting stew beef in the remaining yogurt over night, then brazing(?) in the yogurt and perhaps a bit of stock?  Mixing this and that in the pita... Oh yea.  Lamb would be better, but, for now, lamb isn't in the price range AND store lamb has been far too bitter these last few years.  I just won't take the risk of getting mutton called lamb, especially at that price.  Yeah, there is a major difference.

My friend might or might not do anything today.  No problems.  I understand.  Though, perhaps, after a nap, I might be able to help him get some tools moved and set up.  What are friend for?  Even disagreeable ones.  *grins*  I'm taking in my bino's, for him to look at.  Other than that, just shopping, a bit of business, more shopping, and perhaps helping him gear up for some tinkering.  All good.  I'll kill about forty five minutes, finish making myself dashing in case a dame needs flattered or with whom flirting might please, then off to the races.  Yeah... even if I was married to her, I will still flirt.  No more, no less, it's... just the way of it.  Good afternoon.

Even so.

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Oh, right.  A thought bounced into my lap, biting and scratching while doing so.  Tamed, mostly, for my part.  Here, you hold the bouncing baby thought bomb.  Watch those claws.

A twist in a twist.

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Why things work they way they do sometimes just doesn't make sense.  I wasn't able to stay up as late yesterday, only making it to, perhaps, 16:00.  I kept the alarm at 4:00, though I knew I would wake, uncontrollably, far before that.  I hadn't been able to sleep that long the night before, even going to bed at 18:00.  However, as odd as it seems, I did just that.  The alarm work me.  Surprised me.  It's been a long time since I set the alarm for a time when it would wake me, or could wake me.  I've slept through it several times, and like recently, set it for (usually) after I ended up being awake.  So it actually took a while to realize what that weird sound was.  Very glad I set it.  Now, perhaps from pushing, this way and that, I have been cutting shy on sleep often enough lately that a little or lot in this case of extra sleep was simply, finally, needed.  All good.

I never did get in to work on anything yesterday.  It was an energy issue, though compounded by the dark.  Overcast to shadowlessness, that after a day of decent sun.  I suppose it was a combination in contrast?  Yeah.  While I can get used to dark days, it takes a bit.  Just as really sunny days can stress my system.  One makes function difficult, the other one makes work too easy so as I end up working too hard and going down... or being unable to sleep on top of it I end up in the fog.  No sleep and too much sleep end up being very similar animals, taken to their extremes.

Today I have plans.  I best shower right away, then set up dishes for a soak.  While I have been tending the bigger dirty dishes, I need to get the bits and pieces collected and soaking too.  All good, I'll get that going, then make a very light breakfast.  There ended up being enough leftovers from Wednesday that I didn't need to make another grain gruel.  I'll do that for this morning.  A savory one, even so.  You know, if I had eggs, poaching a couple, then nestling those into the gruel, with a savory mix of spices and herbs, might just do well.  With or without heavy whipping cream... I will have to explore that.  Then I wouldn't need as much gruel itself.

Food has definitely been on my mind.  Three things I would really like to make as a grouping, if meats might well go in on the side, is baba ganoush, hummus, and pita bread... all homemade.  As the potential for getting my kitchen in order, and keeping it that way somehow, seems to approach in mind and in the world, I may be trying to incentivize the notion.  Though, too, something... in me... hungry, but for better foods.  Cooking might be fun, but that it feeds hunger makes it a different, functional, sort of fun.

I placed my amazon order today.  A good, solid (I hope), cutting board... several hanging basket sets (one for fruits, one for vegetables).  I figure I can keep onions, potatoes, lemons and sometimes limes, and various fruits and aromatics more on hand and more in use with them in easy sight.  Plus, the fridge is a terrible place to keep those things.  A few items, after pricing as well as I could and considering value, such as tahini, a reasonably priced larger white bean that can stand up to long cooking, and a few other items.  Yeah...  I ought to make a list today.  One thing I ordered from Amazon broke, so I had them send it back.  I would have had to do that anyway, somehow.

Oh, and today I am getting out.  Shopping for sure, though perhaps a small meal, a bit of a drive about the valley, bird hunting... if with binoculars and maybe camera, and then maybe a visit.  Depends on temps, light, energy level, and such.  Still, the day, even if it is dark, with a bit of company, has much possibility.  I do need to fix a list beforehand.  Cat food, of both kinds.  Milk, cream, and maybe a general visit to the health food stores.  Lemons, onion, a few potatoes, several garlic buds, apples and or several other fruits.  I would like to have some things ready for when the baskets arrive.  A ready kitchen and larder, truly, is a sexy thing.  The belly loves being fed.

Hmm... a bit more tea to wake, a shower, sorting out my wardrobe for the day, a small bite of breakfast gruel, and...  Good morning.  Heh... and it really is morning.

Addendum:  I am going to begin sourcing certain difficult to find foods in a sidebar.  The first few are a collection of general foods, and one specific item will be a link all itself.  Yeah, no... I don't eat these items daily.  However, for a special occasion, once a month, every other month, or more... it is nice to do things traditionally to you or your family, or as it has been done for longer than this nation existed, or just taste something you might only have heard about.  Though food storage is also an large aspect of my food life, so at least one such will be included.

Not a day of fasting.

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Given my goals, fasting is not in the plan.  I want to work, work takes food.  It just does.  Sometimes I have worked without food.  It isn't the best, often it wasn't a choice.  I had to work through to food.  That's a dark place.  While I am out of eggs, have no meat easily at the ready, I do have milk, whole whipping cream, and various grains.  A grueling day?  In one, if the better sense.  Oatmeal this morning, and later a nine-grain, cracked, blend.  Oh, and I have a small portion of food left over from an experiment yesterday.  I used one of the cans of cheese.  I have tried that "raw", and found it quite satisfactory.  Beside being out of much, I have wanted to see how well it works cooked, how well it melts in.  I was satisfied with taste and texture, with some caveats.  It's just not, exactly, like any cheese I have eaten.  It is good, but different, a bit.  Sometimes different is good, sometimes it is bad, and sometimes... to my mind this case... it is neither.  Different, sometimes, is just that.

I think starting out with a shower is my best plan.  Being cool enough to still have snow remaining after several days means a little warmth in the body might help.  As well... past due.  When you retire, you will find that... sometimes... stretching things comes a bit more natural, especially during dog days.  I am currently in dog days, though attempting to work out of them.  So, yes, a shower.  Plus, it will be breaking in my new, clean, bathroom!  Yeah, it's exciting.  More as I have a path to keeping it clean much longer and more robustly.

I was thinking how to sweeten the oats.  Sugar?  No.  The artificial stuff just doesn't work.  Maybe maple syrup?  No, nearly out of that, saving the remnants for something else.  Honey?  Why, yes!  Mountain flower honey, actually.  Just a dab will do, but will do quite well.  This afternoon, for the multigrain gruel, I will probably go savory... a pat of butter, a touch of salt and pepper, perhaps thyme, basil, sage, or... whatever herb, spice, or mix draws me as I approach the meal.  Perhaps a bit of whole whipping cream with it as well, to add protein and a touch extra fat.

This month I really have to watch my spending.  No worries, just, this and that, you know.  I am so looking forward to what I am saving to get.  It is exciting to stock up and well.  Still, I have decided, of the things I want or need, cooking and food related items are taking the top of the list.  A true butcher board, a hanging basket for fruits and veggies, and other such items.  Cooking, I suppose, and perhaps baking, are looking to be back on the menu.  The few things I want and need for the kitchen, plus getting the kitchen back in shape... it's all coming together.

Breakfast is about ready.  A touch of sweet notion spices, have been added, just letting it all rest before digging in.  Well, I was.  Top of the morn to you.  Just remember, if you don't have proteins proper, you can still have a decent meal.  Go get em', and enjoy the work.

Update:  Well worth the minimal effort.  Sure, you have to hover and/or set the alarm for every few minutes between hovering... and it takes a bit... very much worth it.  I ended up making a bit too much.  Intended, though next time a little less too much would be better.  I just avoid making too little.  Worse, oddly, the smaller the amount it is short.  Being so close, or closer, to having hunger tended only to have it fall short... it's perturbing... among other things.  Two teaspoons of honey served a rather large bowl of the stuff quite well.  Quite a splendid little meal.  Still, since I had extra, I wanted to just sample it with maple syrup.  You know what?  Worth the dollars and effort either way.  I will not finish the maple syrup sample, but now I know.

Oh, and the pans and pots, utensils, and such?  I've been keeping up on those.  No, not washed, but rinsed of remnant goobers, set to soak in hot soapy water, and... keeping up as well as I can.  Cheesy and grain foods, if left to set, go bad and ugly very fast.  I've done that, you know.  Not this time.  Later.

Kicking through.

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Yeah, I really see, easily, where I have problems getting my days and nights square.  I can more easily push my waking hours than my sleep time.  I made it to 18:00 this evening.  I tried to push sleep until 4:00, it just would work.  As with last evening, I really only made it to 2:00.  I stayed in bed until 3:00 but was not asleep, I simply finally surrendered.  Sure, eight hours is good.  It just isn't always enough when pushing my days.  When it fails, it can fail through a need of too much sleep, and inability to wake in a timely fashion, or often both.  Oversleeping or underwaking, or both.  As I have mentioned, this has always been a struggle.  I was a night creature from the time my mother brought me home from the hospital.  Drove her to distraction.  She spent much effort, and as much will and strength as she could muster, to try to get me to switch that.  I was on her side.  Some things, however, seem to be baked into a cake and there is no changing.  The health issues simply exaggerate the issue.  No real complaints, it just gives me something to fuss with, I suppose.

I am trying to figure out what to make today, for food.  I have been eating quite well on odds and ends the last few days.  I am out of eggs, however.  Cheese is pretty much done.  I have milk, but nothing much to use it on.  I might have rice.  I don't have much meat, nothing thawed save canned tuna.  I do have lentils, and black beans but those would need a six hour soak, at least.  I am on my last food legs.  Hmm...  I'll have to think of something.  Necessity... mother... invention.  Then again, I might just fast.  I used to have to do that for days, weeks, without choice.  A day certainly won't kill me.  I actually learned to enjoy the hunger, or... did I just convince myself that I enjoyed what simply had to be endured?  Though, finding something in the desert, whether you come to it from plenty or from poverty, it can be just as inspiring.  Though inspiration, often, is best to be minimal or it can become... a bit too rich.  Just your Zen thought for the day?  Hmm...  I suppose, as always, it is up to you.

I am hoping to get back to some work today.  A shower, folding laundry, then tearing into boxes.  I don't know, but that is the hope.  With the bathroom looking so good, I really am hankering to get the kitchen into similar shape.  Then the computer room, living room, and bedroom.  Well, and then have a plumber in to check on some things, maybe fix them, get a quote for work on the floor (when they begin on the floor, that would be a good time to go camping), and maybe get a quote on a new heater and ac unit.  Yeah.  Carrot, stick, neither alone serves.  I need both, and a prayer.  While I have hope, that is not enough alone.

I am, actually, doing well.  When I get my larder meated out, the manual grain mill and the electric one working actually, begin canning and drying at least meats, I'll be a bit happier.  But it is coming together as well as I can make it happen.  I'm just not good at housekeeping.  Just not.  Later.

Oh well, might as well give it a shot... one last post.

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Not much today.  I simply didn't have it going.  I did do some things.  Cooking, a bit of cleaning, this and that.  Still, no where near what I had hoped.  I will be up until, I am thinking, at least 17:00, maybe 18:00.  All probable, if I am thinking likely.  It has stopped snowing, but earlier it looked like there was six inches on the ground.  That might have been an illusion, with grass holding the stuff higher than it really was.  As I said, though, the sidewalk and drive are clear.  It is a pretty last snow memory, so there is that.

My friend called.  He hadn't received my message.  Odd, but I don't always get messages.  Just a bit of talk, and plans.  Today, of course, was out for getting out.  I was thinking tomorrow.  He suggested Friday, as that will be payday.  And, yes, I think that is best.  I spent a bit much, again, this month.  I am really going to have to go shy on spending this coming month.  Buying a whole beef is a bit of an expense.  Just this once, probably.  A hog isn't too difficult, and a lamb might not be to hefty of coin, more so if I can find a non"organic" lamb.  Bleh.  So... I need to watch my coins a bit more closely.  I didn't spend it all.  And what I have purchased was, sort of, planned.  So, no major issue.  The fish and duck will serve for a good long time.  Oddly, even sharing things out and I find myself, even so, in much better stead.  Even if I didn't, it's just how to do things.

I was telling a friend, a girl friend if you must know, about some food ideas I wanted to post.  Both really look good, if for different reasons.  The first is a breakfast that can be made the night before.  Really good for pressing mornings or a bunch of folk.  As for me, I might alter the volume just a bit... or make an extra.  If you have growing boys, as well, or a big boy, well... just plan on extra.  The other is a dessert, one I have been wanting to try at home for a very long time.  Only slightly different.  Both in vid forms, though one requires another vid, and a visit to another blog for more exact directions.  Here you go.

Hashed browns, one way.

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I looked around online, searching the various recipes.  Some wanted egg whites, others suggested this or that.  I was looking for simple.  No flour, no egg whites, not excessive handling or care.  Time wasn't as much of an issue.  While I have flour, it is old.  More, I really don't want to use flour if I don't know how fresh it is.  While it won't go bad in three days, from grinding, as one woman suggested, it will in three months, quicker if handled.  Now, when I say bad, I mean it will become nutrient neutered.  One can still eat it, it's just that anything in it that would make eating it useful, will have leeched out.  My flour, even kept in the freezer, is simply too old.

The simplest idea, and easy enough to try, was quite simple.  Peel potatoes, the standard type if I can't pull the name out from the tip of my tongue.  Grate those, then pat them dry with paper towels.  In my case, as in the example given, it took two bunches of paper towels to remove enough moisture.  Then simply put in a pan on medium high, with a little oil, and let cook for about 15 minutes.  Flip and repeat.  I used clarified butter from the other day.  Now, in my opinion, that was a bit raw still.  However, since I had eggs to fry, and wondering about that from the start, plus wanting the browns to stay warm, I had set the oven to 200F, and used an oven able china plate as the medium for the browns.  In the time it took me to cook the eggs, the browns had finished to my liking.  Still just a bit raw, but perfectly crisped.  I still think, perhaps, parboiling or some such, then grating... maybe even soaking to leach some of the starch?  I'll begin experimenting.  Still, very simply, this worked well enough in a pinch.  Eggs, these, and a few of the remaining slices of bread but toasted and buttered, with tea on the side.  Should have had a glass of milk for a change.  I might just have one in a bit.

Next?  Boxes, I believe.  Then hitting the laundry.  It's all done, it just needs tended.  I really doubt I will get much beyond those.  Not even sure I will get to, or completely through, those.  Though, perhaps.  If so, I will begin in on the kitchen.  I'm getting excited to cook again.

Just a word on ingredients.  I was looking for ingredients, as the chef/cook suggested.  Some beans are not like other beans.  At $25 for a couple of pounds, I do believe I will find other beans.  A bit of research will find beans which hold up better under intense cooking but at a much more reasonable price.  If this were a yearly feast, a tradition, for a family... I could see it.  But not a daily driver.  Further, the sausage suggested was... at the cheapest... $33 for eight, plus double and more for shipping.  No, I think I'll source locally.  Not sure there are any sausage makers anymore, of the craft variety.  I'll take mass manufactured to that.  Something funny?  The French ate what they did because it was all they had, often, at least initially.  Eventually they became snobs about it.  Before that, however, it was just what was available.  As you notice, that dish actually, when you think about it, is a way of taking leftovers that would not serve many on their own and turning them into something better.  Cook with both the spirit, and at times if available for even peasant wallets the original or traditional ingredients, and enjoy.  Don't spend a fortune on a meal.  That is... for the pigs.

It's chilly out there.  The sidewalk and driveway seem to have cleared, unless it has snowed again.  Two, three, days of snowing?  Crazy.  It's pretty.  It's nearing the last of the snow.  I didn't have to shovel.  I just wish there was someone to go out and play in it.  The last snow fort, a snowball fight... do they do those things anymore, or has the tyrannical safety nannies of the world shut down all the fun boys used to have?  Anyway...  On with the show.  Later.

Little twitches, slow to work, but worth the effort.

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I did make it to 16:00 before crashing.  The last hours were like in a prize fight, when one of the opponents is still on his feet but not really at the top floor anymore.  I was bloating with fluid because I couldn't remember to use the facilities.  A third the way through the night, then another third on, I emptied over 32 ounces of fluid.  I didn't know a human bladder could hold that much, or drain that much twice in a row?  Well, then, maybe it can't.  Not absolutely sure I am human, not fully.  Still, waking was easy enough, if I would have liked to have slept until 4:00 perhaps, instead of not quite making it exactly to 2:00.  All good.  Actually I should begin slowing the pace of change.

The bathroom looks fantastic.  I put down a rounded toilet rug and small matching runner rug.  Good only for the toots while sitting, no good as a shower mat... too small.  I will probably change out the shower curtains, wash the recently used in a next general wash, then stow those.  Having things to change out from time to time adds interest and keeps favored items around longer.  Down goes Mona Lisa, up goes the Eiffel Tower.  I suppose, even if their new friends destroy the real one, I'll still have this as a reminder of the West is throwing to the dogs.

I'm thinking of doing just a bit of cooking as I wake.  Boiling eggs, then... what... parboiling potatoes?  Just enough so that they are easy to skin and slice... or shred... then, when they are cool enough, shredding and bagging that.  A serving per sandwich bag, then those bags into a larger gallon bag, all save one on into the freezer.  A LOT cheaper than buying storebought.  Hmm... might fry them up, actually, just a bit, before storing them?  So that they get browned, leaving only a final heating and inside finishing?  I'll be thinking about it as I go.  Might do a bit of looking online, see what others do.

Today?  A shower, folding and storing laundry, then on to boxes.  Well, that's the goal.  I think, probably, these things I can do.  Later.

Eh?

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Yeah, the bathroom is in very good shape.  I'm not putting everything in it's place just yet.  Some minor items are back, some I am saving for when a complete drying is more sure.  As I do things now, the bathroom should stay in very good order for a week or two at a time.  The bowl will need more often cleaning, twice a week at least.  I have the tub drain up to snuff.  I might attempt to figure out the sink drain.  If I can't do that, I may have to break down and buy a plumber.  I want the kitchen clean by then, too.  I want someone to look at why the water delivery in the sink keeps failing.  Three different faucets, only one has used a ceramic device.  The faucets should not fail like this.

As I said, I need to tear the kitchen apart, cleaning on the way down.  Sorting as I go, cleaning even what might be in cupboards.  I have, actually, been cleaning some of the cupboards and nooks over this late winter and early spring.  Something to do when I can do little else.  Impossible for one to stay atop.  And yet, a little here and a little there, from time to time, really helps.  Oh, and I have foods to go to the cellar.  They just last longer, much longer, down there.  No light and lower temps, pretty steady really.

I kept thinking of making something to eat.  I don't think I will get to it.  I started looking online, for this or that, hoping seeing something out there might induce me to make a meal.  I won't swear that I won't, either.  It's just... unlikely.  I ran into a meal that I ran into over there.  If not this, though I think it was, it was something very similar.  I have spoken, roughly, of it on my blog and to friends, trying to track it down.  I had it at least once over there, then a time when I was back in the states... probably on my way too or from one of the vampire club shindigs.  Something about those was good food, and anything you might wish, was available for participants.  I never did know how such things were arranged, only enjoyed when I was available, and seemed to be welcomed enough to be invited.

This and that.

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The bathroom will be done before long.  I am really hitting the floor.  Twice mopped so far.  When it is dry enough, I'll clean out the mop caddie, rinse the mop well, then rinse the floor.  I'll do another set of each of those.  Need it?  Well...  I am sure, when I am done, it won't need it.  I'll be working on laundry as well, finishing that off.  A shower after the floor is done and dry.  Then I'll set the dishes up.  Yeah, I think I can.

Hmm. Not much.

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Just couldn't get it going.  Temps have dropped.  It snowed again by the looks of things.

I did make a decent meal.  French toast.  Eggs mixed with whole cream, allspice and cinnamon, a bit of sugar, and the bread I had frozen.  As I said, that bread freezes well, at least in the short run.  That makes buying several loaves something I would be willing to do.  Sure, bake my own.  But everything has to be in place to work the dough and bake.  Currently it isn't, and I can't always promise that it will be.  This is the next best option.  It is, as noted, good to know that I can buy more than one loaf at a time.  I could see buying three or four, if I use it within the month.  No more though, though time will probably tell about that, too.  I really like real maple syrup.  I think I have more in the larder, but would like, say, four to six in storage and one or two in the fridge.  Honey?  Perhaps four quarts in the pantry, one in rotation.

I am hoping to kick out the bathroom and set up the dishes... perhaps do some of the laundry.  I'll know shortly.  Just getting going is a bear.  From start to stop, this day has simply been rough.  Not harsh, just flat?  Yes.  I still have some hope.  Later, maybe good night.

Work while waking.

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I thought it was midnight.  As I push my days and nights back into alignment I attempt to reach, perhaps exceed, certain goals.  Each night, for example, I attempt to sleep until an hour or two later than the night before.  Sleeping too much will usually destabilize my pattern.  Sleeping too little may, though is a softer mistake.  As it turned out, it was only 23:00 when I woke.  Couldn't do much about it.  Still, as with many things, including this, and as a usual not uncommon trait, a few steps forward to a few steps back, progress being a... slow thing.  The hope is more steps in the desired direction, fewer steps back, and in time the goal is reached... for a while anyway.

I finished the dishes.  The laundry is all dried, but needs to be tended.  The snow, to my surprise, actually seems to be totally melted from the driveway.  Snow remains, but not in places that are of concern at the moment.  I also did some cleaning in the bathroom.  The goal, tonight?  Finish the bathroom, floor to mirror to emptying trash to the last bit, then resetting the place for a fresh start.  A shower, perhaps a bit of a shave... I am keeping a goatee and mustache for the moment.  May or may not keep that much longer.  Then reloading all of the dishes I can find for a hot sudsy soak and finish the laundry.  If I can get those things, then begin in on boxes.

Some days I just hit it as a hammer to a nail.  Some days it is pure struggle.  Laying out the hopes, desires, goals, helps but is no guarantee.  Oh, best have a meal in there somewhere.  Nothing fancy.  I have bread from the recent purchase which is still good.  It seems to freeze well.  I might make french toast, with a side of something... fried potato chips, from one potato?  Maybe.  I might bake a small batch of potatoes and grind those into hash, then have some of that?  Boil or bake?  I ought to see what others tell, then show... see if I have a preference.

Oh, I have been looking at variants on roasting duck.  There are two that have my fancy.  While orange might be a bit sweet, it would be a rarer treat, so eminently doable.  The other, however, is favored.  As, most recently, I am having a fine fling with tea.  I won't use the tea advised, but I will investigate what sort of tea that is and procure a similar tea, or blend of teas, and work that up to my preference... first as a drink, then as an addition to this, and probably other, recipes.  I could see this doing quite well with, say, lamb.  Not so much beef, probably not pork.  Duck, lamb, chicken, pheasant...  Well, that is how I see it.  Ah, the vids.

Some of it.

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Dishes, at least what was soaking, have been done.  Washed if necessary, rinsed as required, dried and put away.  The clothes have gotten a tumble, and are dry.  That is that for that for now.  And, yes, I did some work in the bathroom.  Sweeping, roughly.  Mopping a bit.  More to do in there.  Once that is done, however, with new tricks it should stay in much better shape from now on.  I didn't fix anything to eat.  Sure though about it.  If I visit your place, and do not eat much, do not take it as an issue.  Sometimes I can't eat, even when seemingly hungry.  A chunky middle and I eat less than a teen girl, or those skinny ones.  Doesn't seem to matter.

It snowed.  I was about to go out, then I realized it isn't worth the effort.  Well, and more, I had no effort to offer by the time I saw the snow.  At a certain part of the day any potential go has gotten up and gone.  So it was.  Oh, and looking around, I see some huge branches have come down.  I'll have to figure those out before too long.  I am talking branches that might be considered trees by themselves in some parts, and pretty much on the house... or at least pretty much touching.  Yeah, work for another day.

I will call my friend before I go down.  Just to check on him.  Still planning on Wednesday, unless snow and freezing rain arrive and stay or some such.  I need to do shopping, sooner than later, but what happens happens.  Yeah, time to call then crash.  Good night, and day.

A slow start.

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I did reset the dishes and put the laundry through a tumble in the dryer.  I've fed the girls, though could do some work on the litter boxes.  I may fry eggs, or boil a few, before long.  I will need to check them, make sure the ones I use are good.  I do hope to finish the laundry and dishes, plus the bathroom, and then get trash out.  I've been keeping up on trash.  If you just do normal foods, changing out the trash bag isn't as demanding.  Start with fish and such and keeping up on trash becomes vital.  While everything goes bad at room temperature, nothing goes as bad or as quickly as fish.  Zounds.

If I can get these things done, boxes are next.  I have a bunch of them.  And, being that I plan to go in Wednesday, and my days and nights might be swinging enough, fast enough, to perhaps make it in to town, I will be able to deliver them to the recycling center.  Far too many to put in my bin.  As well, I'll be taking in styrofoam packing.  I'll keep some.  Those make excellent, temporary, hot/cold maintaining devices.  I just don't need that many.  The other thing is, if I have something hot or cold to offer, I don't need them back, or to remember them.  Fire and forget.  Hmm... might be good for fishing, too.  Yes, I'll keep some of those.  Sure, my coolers would work.  But they would begin to smell fishy, and I'm not sure that comes out all that well.

Ah, right... the other thing.  I'm finally in a position where I can begin treating my good clothes.  I may try to get my slacks and sport coat ready for the dry cleaners as well, Wednesday.  I need to shop for button down white, and maybe blue and brown/beige oxfords.  That's what I prefer.  I know I need new ties.  What I have, though nice at one time, have seen better days.  It's difficult to find ties I like, in my size.  I prefer silk.  The designs are difficult.  Roses, in darker colors, for example.  Though French designs, patterns, are well liked hereabouts.  Though all in darker themes and colors.  It's just how I do those things.  I have purchased actual dress socks, have my eye on some actual and better dress shoes, and am considering, in time, a couple of suits.  Yes, I know.  It'll probably take several years, maybe four, to finally complete a meager but functional dress wardrobe.  If I can just survive... and assuming I don't see no reason to stay and head out...  Yeah, it's still an option, though it may not stay an option if between the state and the V.A. I can't get medicine and thus can't keep the license.  I'm... flexible.

Hmm... on to... something or other.  Oh, I want to see if I should keep the duck bones, or if one duck is enough to create a stock.  If not, I'll freeze it, adding it to the next duck remnants.  It will be the first stock I have ever created.  I best get a grocery list for that as well.  I am thinking that will be a first of the month meal, so I have a bit of time.  The rough part is that Mirepoix requires fresh veggies.  Perhaps I can figure out to shop on the day I will be cooking?  Or actually the day after?  Bleh.

Later.

Just a bit more.

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I know what day it is.  I also know that if I stop going forward, I will fall back.  Back, in this case, is back into nowhere.

I didn't think I would be able to stay awake, even this long.  I didn't think another thing would be done.  As it turns out, the first doubt has obviously been overcome.  The other doubt too, if you will simply have to trust.  More dishes were done, though not all.  A load of laundry has gone through.  It is in the dryer.  A meal was warmed and eaten.  Not perfect, less than I had hoped going into the night, more than I supposed as things started to fall apart.

Today is a day when Jesus proved He wasn't just willing to die for us, but that He was worthy as a sacrifice, and more.  Today Jesus fulfilled the hope of a, and became the, Christ.  I hoped to have a duck thawed, and make that.  However I simply knew I wasn't in shape for it.  Perhaps in this next month I will find a way to a fine feast to honor Christ's culmination and our salvation.  I am quite sure He understands my dilemma, and yet solid faith.  Hmm, yes.  And perhaps a meal shared with my friend.  Sharing bread for the holy is better than the already great times of sharing it in normal times.

Well, on to bed I do believe.  May you have a wonderful day of feasting, a great day with family and friends, and a righteous day of faith in Truth.  I'm doing good, I'll pray for you all this day.  Happy Easter and... good night.

It's not working.

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Too tired.  I can't break out.  I did wash the dishes and set them to a rinse.  Even that was a push.  Well, and I made coffee.  A pot of that down, then back to tea.  I made tea, I simply haven't been able to wake to drink some.  I believe I will pull a mason jar of it, game a bit, perhaps have a bite to eat, in the hopes of getting something going.  So very tired.  I don't think it's the coffee.  And I turned the heat up.  If I can get just a few of those things I want done completed... or I should say a few more.  Finish the dishes that are soaking, a shower, a load of laundry (and maybe find the agitator for washing woolens  tomorrow).  And, if I get those things, setting up the last of the dishes in a sudsy soak just to end over end things to completion.  Not sure that can go forth.  There is some hope.  I may need a nap first.

Later.

Another day another shot at the ring.

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Dinner, yesterday, closed down the operation.  Not that it was a lot of work, simply, between what I had done, and what dinner did to me, I could not regain traction.  Still, not a bad start.  As well, I think I can start in again today.  After coffee is finished brewing, the first pot of coffee in a long while, I will reset the dishes that are soaking, and at least round up pants and any remaining cottons.  I might actually have wools, but I want to hand wash those.  Which, if I get through the bathroom, I might at least begin.  Hmm... could hand agitate, but I believe I bought an agitator.  It came without a handle, which I now have.  Problem is, while I know where the handle is, I don't know where the agitator head is.  Gah!  Mucking around in cold water is fine in the summer, or warmer months and days.  It simply isn't fun in the cooler months.  And it is staying cool lately, at night anyway.

My days are shifting, but so slowly.  I am able to stay awake until past noon, nearing 13:00 or 14:00.  But those last hours are rough.  Getting my wake time to shift is actually, seemingly, the sticking point.  It has taken four days to move it from 20:00 to 21:00.  Which also means I'm not, probably, even getting a full eight hours of sleep.  Which, now that I have a handle on what my health problems are, and found solutions (whether always available or not), I realize eight to even ten or twelve hours, depending on the level of recent efforts, and usually (as Burning Man and S. Man, showed that, for special occasions, in foreign territory, but with the potential for fun and games I can push... nearly miraculously).

I would love to make S. Man this year, but it's not possible.  Next year I hope to plan for it early and be there, even if none of my friends are there.  Though that is always hoped.  Camping without being completely alone and yet having some idea who might be there.  Open minded folk might not make for the best choosers of politics, but association with them can be easier up front in the short term.  Though, from what I am seeing, they aren't... there are changes in their arena as well.  Many are abandoning those who have ignored them just as many on my side are.

Hmm?  Oh, today.  Dishes that are ready, just a cycled hot rinse then drying.  A load of machine laundry, maybe wool socks by hand if that all comes together.  A field strip and clean of the bathroom.  Another shower, or bath.  Then all the remaining dishes.  And, if all that goes forward, perhaps I'll begin tearing down boxes in the computer room and kitchen, and actually wherever they might be.  In that process some things will be sorted, collected, then stored.  Tomorrow will be an off day, or just light work.  Then, if/when that all is done, I begin really working the kitchen.

I'm excited.  I really hope I can keep this tune playing for a while, get the cave in good enough shape that in a bit, I might be able to hire in some help to finish the detail cleaning, then begin having some professionals in to look at some plumbing issues, a new floor in the kitchen, and getting quotes for a new heater and air conditioning unit.  No, not all for the immediate, but maybe a year or two off, any of them.  I want plumbing fixed before all else, as it is problematic for anything else, or could be.  The kitchen floor would be next.  The cost of that would most likely depend on if the subflooring needs replaced or not.  Hey, I'd love to do it.  But... know your limits.  Finally, once that is done, I really ought to buy a new heater, while adding whole house AC.  It simply makes sense out here.  In the meantime, perhaps, on my own and probably with a little help from my friends on some of it, I could get the garage rewired and wired for heavy loads, then do the en suite bathroom.

I know, I know, I keep promising.  Sometimes I have reason to reconsider putting money in.  Sometimes I can't carry on.  My life gets messy in a hurry sometimes.  At this point, these are the plans.  Later.

Another little hobby.

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Since sudoku is not going to improve all that much I thought a new hobby might have to be undertaken.  I still hit 5 second solves in sudoku regularly enough that I know it's not a complete fluke.  Further, 7 seconds is my new second fastest time.  I get 7, 8, and 9 second solves often enough, beyond having hit 5 seconds at least five times, that...  Oh, I suppose, I might, somehow, hit 4 seconds.  Maybe, in some madness, even 3 seconds.  But, really, I think I am... mostly... at a limit with sudoku.  So?  So, rubik's cube.  Now, I am learning, a bit at a time.  I'm not in a race, yet.  Perhaps I won't be able to learn the rhymes to solving the thing, or I may.

As to the rest of my plans?  The dishes were cycled.  Those which were in a rinse, or where the washing was quick and easy, those have been dried and put up.  The rest were set aside for my shower, which I took.  They are, even so back in for a final effort.  Let them soak for a bit.  As well, dinner is cooking.  I already got it up to a boil, then turned it down to a simmer.  An hour more should do it.  While I did get the wash into the dryer, I haven't scared up a mess enough of clothes for a second wash.  I'll get to that before the night is through, I do believe.

Really, what I have left, is another load of laundry, pushed through to completion, drying the last of the dishes in soak, dinner and putting that up after I am done... oh, I need to remember to scrub and add a patch of red potatoes... the sauerkraut can be heated at the end, then, later, to scrub the bathroom... sweep, mop, pickup, rinse the floor, and perhaps hit the pot while I am at it.  Then, if I still have mojo, put in the last of the dishes which are free ranging my a.o.

Not bad.  I really wasn't sure if I was blowing smoke about my efforts.  Especially off medicine.  All good.  Now to game a bit, as things percolate their way to completion in their time and I recoup some of the energy cast off on my side of things.  Good good.  Later.

A start.

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A first load of laundry is going.  Simple cottons.  I don't have much in any category.  Still, I might be able to put a couple more loads together, and through, tonight.  If nothing, I will take laundry back and separate it for when I do have enough.  I reset dishes to a fresh soak, or rinse as the case demanded.  I set the alarm, after that.  When it goes off I will hit the dishes again.  Those in a soapy soak will be washed, the others will be dried and put up.  Then a shower.  After that, the dishes go back in for a fresh rinse, laundry will be rotated with a new load going in if there is enough, then back to gaming.  Hmm... might set dinner to cooking before I rest.

After that, a bit down.  Then dinner, and a bit more down.  Finally, perhaps, tending the dishes that were soaking.  As a last effort, cleaning the bathroom.  Though once that is clean, then I will set up the last of the 'wild' dishes, the ones remaining around the house.  Mostly all in the kitchen.  Still, it's wise to look here or there.  A fork might have been set aside, or even a glass from time to time.  You never know when dealing with an ogre.

If I get these things done, tomorrow I really hit the kitchen.  With the intent of completely cleaning and clearing it.  It's mostly empty boxes and packing material, with general clutter.  It, if I can get to it, and can stay with it, will take a couple of days to clear and clean down to something resembling a shine.  Then a day or two off, and then on to the computer room.  Yeah, I am going to really push to clean.  A couple of days in each room, a day off... two if needed, then back to another room.  If I finish, then a week break, while trying to maintain my gains, then back for finer detail work.  That's the idea anyway.

I am hoping to have my place cleaned well enough that I can have company visit without too much embarrassment.  A meal, here, where I have my favored pans and systems.  Well, and to cook, even for myself.  I really want to get back into cooking, do some baking, and not have to trip over too 'busy' of a kitchen.  We'll see.  Later.

Yes, I know the day.

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Not much I could do about it.  Sleep is very off, and strictly limited.  I AM pushing, for what it is worth.  I wake at about 20:00, then can't really do anything until about 22:00 or a bit later.  I am staying awake until 11:00 to noon, but those last four hours are pretty useless.  They merely mark a full day.  As I push those, in order to weave night into day, I suffer.  This time it is taking a great deal of effort to push days and night around.  It is taking longer.  I chalk that up to not being on any medicine.  Though, even on medicine, that can happen.  I have arranged to get out Wednesday.  So I am hoping to have things set up, or close enough, by then.  But it may be a week after that before I am back on days.  I just know, having a goal can help.  Especially with a ribeye tied to success.

I have been doing bits and pieces of this and that, workwise.  I hope to try to increase that.  A true push.  Tonight I hope to hit laundry, again, and in a major way; dishes, doing what is soaking, setting those aside, getting a shower, then doing what of those are still wanting and any other dishes I can find, cave wide; and, if that goes well, perhaps hit the bathroom hard tonight.  The tube/shower area is fine, it is the floor that needs hit, and the sink to a much more minor way.  The toilet itself, of course, could always use a bit of work.  I have found that doing just a bit, but often, with the toilet, is far better than hitting it really hard bur rarely.  Twice a week, three times maybe, just lightly... a bit of cleaner, a short soak and brush clean, then a final brushing out.  Very little elbow grease is needed this way.

Oh, and I might fix a corned beef roast through the night.  I have a small bag of red potatoes and plenty of sauerkraut.  I'll see if the sauerkraut is any good.  It's been in the frig the whole time, bottled up.  Not sure how long it really lasts.  Must be a year or two old though.  Always nervous about old food, even if it is supposed to 'last forever'.

Will I get to it all?  Who knows.  I have some doubt and some hope.  Both are good, for their own reasons, in the mortal plains.  If you know how to use them, they can help.  If you aren't watching them as if they were wild children, they may well trip you up.  It's not always a choice though.  Young ones are quick and we are only... well... human.  Or, that is how you would understand it!  Later.

With eating fish comes responsibility.

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What's that, again?  Oh, well, if you are going to eat fish, shrimp, or shellfish, or the like then you have to do some things.  First, buy as fresh as you can.  Better out some coin than out some coin and with bad fish.  A bit more for a bit less means care in use and a bit of humility in consumption.  If you aren't coastal, that is as good as it gets.  Still, I would like to do trout.  Even that is a bit of an expense to obtain, mind you.  I doubt if it is any cheaper, costs over price.  Though I think that taking a trip up, camping over several days, maybe a week, if care is given in foods and living arrangements, perhaps trout could be had at a better price, though time is money too... just less expensive for one such as myself than for most.

Okay, after freshness?  Ah, cleanliness.  I found this out quickly, last time.  If you cook fish or the like, you must clean up immediately.  Any waste needs to be tended, first in the kitchen, then out of the house.  Quickly.  Hie!  That stuff goes bad so fast your head will spin.  Cooking the food will put a bit of a stank in the dwelling, but that will pass.  Remnants will put a stink on the place that lives like a curse, one which can only be lifted first by removing the source, then allowing enough air in, then back out, to carry it off.  Clean, immediately.  Trash out, pots, pans, utensils, in a soak at least.  Any fluids best to flush, as if put in the trash I swear it always finds a way out of the "waterproof" trash bags.  Always.  Even this time.  Which means I double bagged (initially out of an abundance of caution, which happened to be right), and after I have hit the dishes once I will rinse out the trash container.  Bleh.

Love fish and etc.  Do not like the immediacy of cleanliness.  Still, gotta do that if I want to eat good food.  Once a week.  I can handle the expense and work.  Though, usually, with just fish, the hassle is much less.  Shrimp, lobster, even probably oysters, and the work load doubles and more.  Still, worth it.  Sacrifice for sacrifice?  Yeah.  The shrimp was fantastic though.  And I made clarified butter, enough for a bit, or ghee as some call it.  Mostly the same thing, good for lots of things, lasts well if prepped then put in the refrigerator.

Now for a settling gallon of tea, with lemon.  Later.