Something different.

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You all, probably, know I love ribeye.  And I do!  However, with beef prices seemingly about hitting on par with buffalo or ostrich meat... if you can find those... I am having to rethink things.  No, extending my protein sources into other expensive meats is not the way.  I've had to pull back as if my fingers were burned.  That was actually my wallet, if the reaction was the same.  Even when I can find ribeye they have been terrible, as if they were ridden to market.  Tough, poorly fatted, and with a green nature to them that is to be avoided.  Not that I ever purchased truly aged beef.  Though it was common to let beef stand a bit, between this stage of processing and that.  It seems that is no longer the case.  So... I started considering other sources of meat and other cuts of beef.

Just waking.

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I was about to set a pot of tea to brew, use the bathroom, then go on back to bed.  But something was off.  My refrigerator.  It's been on the blink lately.  I just thought, initially, that the light might be going.  It would turn on when the door was a certain portion of the way open, but then would flicker.  I tightened it, which slightly, sometimes, helped the flickering... but not the lateness of turning on.  What gave it away today, I suppose, was that the light did not come on at all.  I was trying to find the cord and where it went.  I was still mighty sleepy.  I ended up getting the utility dolly out of the garage and into operation, to pull the fridge.  It had been unplugged.  Well, now I know that someone is actually doing that.  Cats can't do this kind of unplugging, and then dropping the cord behind the refrigerator.  If the cord had been just pulled, or the cord gnawed through, it might have been the cats.  If the fuse had failed, that would have been an overload.  That just wasn't the case.  Someone is sabotaging my home.  I may have to speak with the sheriff and my insurance company.  I'm not sure how much that will help.  Still, if I have a major problem, they will have paperwork to back things up.

I think I caught it before the anything went bad.  The frozen food seems still solid, the milk seems to still be cool enough.  I think the last time I saw everything on, for sure, was last night at about bedtime.  It was only by a fluke that something... drew my attention to the refrigerator.  To be honest, I can't remember what that was.  It wasn't anything obvious.  Good thing though, another few, four to six, hours and the freezer, at least, would have had to be emptied.  I will also be checking food that I attempt to use out of it.

I haven't seen the sun up all day.  I would still enjoy getting out in this.  It is more than just being tired.  The sickness has not fully left.  I did go last night because it just happened to be a waking time and I didn't think I was infectious.  I doubt if I am now, either.  It's just that I really am running rough, too rough, still, to do much else.  Some of it might be my body going back to the level of sickness from before heart medicine.  The medicines brought me up to 20% refraction ejection.  I had, when they initially found it, been at 15%.  Perhaps I am dropping back down to 15%.  I may try to get back on the otc stuff.  That might help some.  Adjusting it upward even then, trying various other options in that area.  It's what is available that I can afford.  It's a matter of being well enough to focus in order to set up the medicines.  That is always a pain as r.e. drops.  Focus, memory, thought processing... it all tanks, as does energy and drive.  Something for me to push against, though.  We'll see.  I might yet be able to pull some of it off, maybe put it back into shape.  Diabetes... or what passes for it... is the thing that worries me.  Then again, if I am correct, taking better care of the heart should fix that, mostly.

Hmm... breakfast?  Yeah, maybe.  A few over easy, a couple of slices of bacon, milk, and toast if that is still good.  Good day.

Too much sleep, interesting dreams, funny thoughts.

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I set the alarm, pushed to wake, reset it just in case, no chance.  Being cold and wet, dark and raining, I could not push on up and out.  It's not a bad thing.  It didn't make sense, though, until I woke and realized the chips were stacked against my waking in good order.  Although, last night, after putting the Vic's on for several nights in a row, I think something broke.  I thought, at first, I had a bloody nose.  I've had so many of those in life that they wake me in their onset... usually.  But something seemed different.  I cupped a hand and scampered to the bathroom to check.  Nothing actually dripped.  Blowing my nose only expelled white liquid.  I do suspect the stuff has slowly opened things up.  Those cavities are still not open, or closed back over?  Not sure.  I may start wearing the stuff even in the day, since I won't be out.  Though I want to take it off a few hours before attempting to eat.  I can only imagine what that would do for taste buds!?!

I don't know if I will get to much today.  Too tired, or so it seems right of.  I might even go back in to nap a bit longer.  It's a brutal "morning", just from exhaustion.  The rest of the systems seem a go.  Tired.  So, if I can manage the exhaustion... think of it as another sort of pain... then I could be set to cook, clean, do the last of the dishes, attempt to sharpen some knives (I have the stones soaking), and/or other chores.  A bite to eat wouldn't be bad.  Something simple.  A few bits of bacon, an egg, and toast if any of the bread is still good.  Small portions, just two eggs and the equivalent of a few pieces of bacon and just a thin slice or two of toast.  Later, though.  I hope I left some of the bacon out!  Gah!

As dark as it is, I honestly wish I was in better shape.  I would get out, do some hiking, and such.  This is my kind of weather.  Even if it is sprinkling, or even raining, I really dig this weather.  So much better than the beating sun and heat of even mid 70's.  I'll be keeping that in mind if I can link wake time with functional time.  Yeah, the critter saw it's shadow, so back down and another long rest, or so the story goes.  Good day.

So very tired.

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I did fix the dutch baby.  I won't call it my favorite.  It was something new, different.  And, honestly, I would like to work on the recipe.  I get the feeling there was too little egg.  More, I would like to perfect the recipe.  If he was cooking at sea level, which I somehow suspect being from Florida, I need to adjust some things.  It isn't just cooking times that elevation affects.  More so in semi-arid areas.  It's been raining lately, so I don't know if that has been a factor.  Still, everything from how acids affect other food to times on to other factors seem to make baking, frying, and other cooking just a wee different.  Yeah, I will try this again before too long.  More egg for certain, perhaps more moisture of some sort in general.  A full cup instead of 2/3rds cup of milk?  Yes.  Still, it was fun.

I made it to the event tonight.  The father of a local, from here in my town, is a Mormon archaeologist.  He put on a presentation.  Really?  Pretty good.  Much better than I thought, though I did think it would be reasonably good.  I noticed he is running into lots of trouble with mainstream academia.  Then again, everyone is.  And ms academia is proving to be a failure in so many ways.  Some things I have learned, against ms academia, he has found as well.  He has found things, from a different perspective, that support things I have found on my own.  It is amazing how many circles of non-traditional science is finding that mainstream stuff is outright hiding material, lying, and more.  Some of it is political, some is anti-religion, some of it seems to be entrenched beliefs that mainstream refuses to reconsider, but there is more.  I don't know if there is a single overarching reason, though it seems more that academia is refusing to consider anything that isn't to their liking.  Their flaws are becoming all of what they are!  Amazing.  Louts.  White collar union thugs.  Liars, cheats, thieves, and worse.  We have to break those unions and leftist only hiring practices, and tie retention to validity of their works.

Much of what I have found can be comparably, and favorably, applied to many of the notions presented.  Some things, some links, I thought were a bit weak.  Some I didn't see the connection.  And yet, with all the flaws... and I expect some... I think he has done a very good job.  Far better than mainstream academia.  His faith may get ahead of his science here or there.  Though that is better than those who refuse to believe in God, god, gods, or anything else and so excise any piece of information that might confirm what they deny.  I will be checking some data points that were new.  I want to find outside sources, both confirming and denying.  Then compare notes.  It's how I do.

One of the major examples was the notion that a certain group of Americans were using a written language that was either exact, or quite similar, to a form of Egyptian hieroglyphics.  I heard, perhaps a half or full dozen years ago, about a German scientist who, while testing various ages of mummies out of Egypt, for trace elements, discovered that coca matter, tobacco, and a few other biological specimens had been used in mummies across a fairly wide time span.  She was afraid to go public with it, believing she would be terribly derided.  So she tested enough, and double and triple checked, so that she felt she had to go forward with her find, to publish.  Why is that important?  Those biologics are only native to the Americas.  Whether those findings have been proven, or perhaps even disproven, I don't know at this point.  I do know she hit a major snag in her career.  And, even if she might prove correct, that may mean nothing as her career might still be crushed and her data eliminated from availability.  It's just how modern academics works quite often.  Not sure why, on this one.  It's just the way it is.

It is about bedtime.  Perhaps yesterday was just a quirk regarding my sleep patterns.  I am not just tired, but sore, somehow.  Oh... I know... all the dishes.  When I fill, move, drain, move again, a large bin full of water, pots, pans, utensils... and do that wet or dry... I think it has beat me up a bit.  All good.  Good night.

Rather snappy.

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Down late, so of course, up late.  The cold threw my schedule off.  No surprise there.  One load of dishes, first thing.  Washed, dried, put up, replaced.  That load has been washed and set to another soak.  I hope to finish that tonight.  Part of the reason the dutch baby wasn't crafted was because my big cast iron pan was not in order to do so.  That has been remedied.  Though, too, I didn't have enough clarified butter, or at least believe add a bit more to the mix would be good.  That, too, was done.  All the while, pecking at the kitchen.  A bit here, a little there.  Not a race, just a task with an end very possibly in sight.  Sure, I suggested boxes first.  But, really, plans are great until they fall apart.  As I have suggested, plans are just what get the recalcitrant to the job site.  I simply don't have the upfront energy to pound boxes into recycling format, definitely not with all else I am attempting.

Dreams, again.  Gone before I could get a face or name, and yet... quite a generous amorous resultant.  I did sleep well.  I suspect the Vic's helped, though can't swear to it.  I do believe, while at home, and when sleeping, I will use the stuff for a while.  Whether it is the Vic's or simple recovery, that snot ball that was stuck between the two exits/entrances to the navals, does seem to have softened, gotten smaller, and isn't quite so sticky.  I still wouldn't want to try to race talk.  Might end up in a coma.  Or just gummed up a bit.

Well, tonight?  Out, I believe.  I think something was happening, but maybe not.  Showered and ready.  Either way I will go.  Not, exactly, sure where to go.  Could make a jab at it.  Sometimes it works, sometimes not.  After, or really beside that, I am hoping to finish dishes, clean the bathroom again, keep digging in the kitchen, and making the dutch baby is high on my list.  Oh, while in town, if I get there alone, I will buy several ramekins.  I used to have about eight of several types, each.  Through time I have broken or lost all save... two to three per type.  Beside baking, they come in hand for a lot of things.

Oh, yesterday while out, I picked up bones and stew meat on the bone for beef stock.  Not sure when I will get to that, hopefully this weekend.  That I hope to reduce down to pocket soup.  I was talking to the checkout clerk at one of the stores.  I suggested that, if you had food, you weren't poor.  Got a tone of gold but no food or access to it?  You aren't rich.  I pointed to a carton of whole whipping cream.  I asked if he knew if that could make whipped cream?  Or even that it could make butter.  That rather surprised him.  He, I think initially, thought I was teasing.  I tried to explain that you don't have to have this or that, if you know how to replace, exchange, and make it work.  I don't know if he bothered to check, but I am pretty sure he thought I was teasing.

Oh, I won't jazz him.  It's only been in the last decade that, as I started realizing the future has been gambled away, and the bets covered by government, so that there isn't anything real left.  It seems like it.  Everyone is playing along.  It just isn't real.  So I have started to store some things, arrange items, learn substitutions, and attempt to prepare for lean times.  I am far from a good wife or grand mother.  But I am worlds away from where I began this trip.  Even if I never use it, the trip itself has been splendid, eye-opening, and wonderful.  Learning not a new thing every day, learn a dozen, if you can catch it.  Learning, in a way, snowballs.  The synapses open, expand, begin seeking patterns on their own, and, finally, you become like an informatin vacuum.  Even if you don't get it all, openly, it is surprising how much, built on other learning, comes back easily in it's due.

Oh, well... later.  Jabbering indeed.

Some, more, and a bit more.

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I can't say I got it all.  One load of dishes through, dried, put up.  Another in to soak.  Didn't see enough laundry to fuss with that, though I did get the cat litter tended and trash and recycling out.  I made it to town for shopping and a bit to eat.  That has all been put up, save for what needed washed.  I had hoped to figure out dinner, it just isn't going to happen.  I have been applying the Vic's to my undernose bushes.  Seems to be helping,  I hope a night, or day, of sleeping with it will help out.

I doubt if I will make it to town earlier today or make the dutch baby.  No problems.  I will put the strawberry topping away, airtight and refrigerated.  Then  I can do that any time in the next day or two.  I should be able to make an evening event.  Always this or that.  I have done bits and pieces in the kitchen on top of that and this elsewhere.  It is bedtime though.  Good night.

You know, though...

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As I have mentioned, travel does not exclude the option at love.  When, but when a woman is younger, or well past childbearing, is travel suitable for and to her?  With one child in tow, that is still possible.  It does become cumbersome and quickly as the child grows.  Each child adds to the complexity and weight of the chore until, usually after one, though certainly after several, travel becomes a luxury.  Depending on the woman, connecting with a man who is both willing and able to travel, right from the start, isn't all that bad.  There might even be a way to keep the cave, and all the pretty home toys I have collected through time.  While any stainless 36 quart pot will do, and All-Clad is definitely finer.  I have both, I know.

Some of what I have I would keep, even if I headed out sans the home.  Water stones to tools.  Some things would be gone, including most family sized cooking ware, bedding, and furniture.  However, if I could figure out even smaller travel events, while maintaining the home, I could really do well.  Oh, I think a woman might well enjoy a tricksy handy man who is too old to run too far alone but still has the roar of the lion and isn't too long in the tooth to tussle, argue, and love.  I'm almost certain of it.  Yes, just... thinking.  Hmm, sometimes she might even want me to head out.  Perhaps to bring back a load of trout while not having to look at my ugly man-face for a bit?  Or maybe to take a handful of youngens out of her hair while she recuperates for round three or enjoys some alone time with the one in the oven.

Oh, well, just thinking out loud.  Which is my want.  While you may prefer to lick snails through glass, so be it.  While I insist that if I will, or must, do something, I want the whole monty.  Oh, yes, chattering like a bird in a bug den twice enlarged!  Yeah, I could have said it too.  Maybe twice if you were paying attention.  Or... not.  Or me?  Life is good today.

Instead of low sugar strawberry jam, I decided, upon finding a package of frozen strawberries, to produce my own strawberry addition.  I thawed it, drained the freeze moisture, added some filtered water, a touch of sugar, and a smidgen of balsamic vinegar.   I have some of the latter that has been aging for ages.  It was perfect for the sauce and the sauce soothes the tongue.  Now, I have much to do.  I have set the dishes to a soak, will gather a load of clothes and put them in, then derive a grocery list from my needs and wants, and... some other things.  Hmm, trash out.  Not enough to put it out Monday, one bag in truth.  Still, I could put it out.  Didn't bother, haven't been... wait.  Yeah, best get it out, and the cat litter needs to be changed whole or part.  Bleh.  If I get those things done, I'll then head to town with my list and when I return... and after some time, perhaps a dutch baby for my questionable but tolerable good deeds.

She knows I think of her.  She knows I pout.  She knows I'd kill or die for her.  I wonder... is faith starting to sink in beyond the foolishness I might seem to present?  *grins*

Tonight.

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Dinner will be arriving soon.  I'm showered, air dry, and will be ready.  I believe the water heater has done it's job, so I can put the washed dishes in for a hot soak, hopefully to be dried and put away within a few hours.  Yeah, well, when you are something between a hound dog and a turtle, you have to learn how to do things a certain way, not do them, or find another resource.  Choices, tick tock.

I have decided, though, if I am a good boy... if I get to town... if I do the dishes... if I set the last of the dishes to a soak... if I do a load of laundry... if I prepare for my outing tomorrow evening and perhaps get my dry cleaning together for a trip to town tomorrow, in which I will stop at the post office and visit with a KoC officer to tend some matters... then...  Then?

Then.

I will do this.  Minus the powdered sugar.  Not that a little bit would be that bad, merely that I would rather add low sugar strawberry jam.  Lemon is fine, butter is super, but sugar, being it is already a carb... Still, it should do fine.

Sticks are good in their place, carrots in theirs.  Tonight I will work with a carrot.  Definitely want milk with that.  Oh, and just so you know?  Most of what I am cooking or baking is not fancy.  This is humble food.  It's just that people have gotten so into instant gratification that if it can't come out of a can and be on the table in 10 minutes, it is considered fancy or hard.  Baffles me.  Simple food.  And I know what is in it.  No gums, or chemical... or pseudo chemical formulas, not flavors that aren't even fully addressed as to their origins... artificial... really...  Just real simple food products, put together into something edible.  Carrots indeed.

I'm just waiting for the call.  I would call my friend but not until after dinner.  Haven't heard back from him, but that's fine.  I'm just as bad, sometimes on purpose if usually not directional, though just as often because I just am not aware.  Vics, milk, butter, a few veggies... kale would go well in the chicken soup... add a nice thickener and something with extra bite plus green, perhaps some meat to mix with hamburger... trying to make sausages that aren't too heavy or with the wrong kinds of fat that I like... say beef and lamb or veal.  Yeah... I'm... starting to enjoy cooking.

I have been keeping up on the bathroom, pushing on the kitchen, and the kitchen might get a real heavy hit soon.  As well as I am doing, I might be able to get more caught up and keep that, until I can move on.  A commercial dumpster would be good, for a bit, just to get rid of some things.  Tick, tock, tick, tock.  Even if I find a way to stay I want some cleaning and clearing.  And yes, the whole world is my oyster.  What happens will happen at least as much due to my choices as any attacks.  Attacking a feather, even if it is a dragon, is quite difficult.  And yet, patience has allowed great comfort from such.  Though some, because of their nature, will only know suffering thusly.  Choices... yours, theirs, mine.  *wink*

There is dreaming and then there was last night.

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I am, though, actually feeling better in any case.  The cold has mostly lifted, I have been sleeping enough, I consumed nearly a full meal, I have some options I am working on for this and that...  Yeah, I am seeing and enjoying the new and potential days.  A lot of problems even so.  For each, a solution, short, medium, and long term... solutions I can live with.

I'll reset the dishes to a hot soak right first thing.  Then, in two hours when I feed the girls, I will hit the dishes and get a shower in.  I still have to rinse them, but can do that after the shower.  Then on to getting clothes set up for getting out.  Maybe work in the kitchen through the evening, as well.  Maybe a quick trip to town.  Back at it.

All good, boys and girls.  I have very rarely experienced such an epoch of happiness.  Viewers would have needed eye protection.  Erotic?  I suppose that is as close as a word could get.  Though that would be like suggesting wet to someone caught in a place the surf lands for a day or two.  Just doesn't quite do it justice.  Why?  No clue.  Put my vow in disarray also.  I don't know if God cheats to keep me from... petering out... or if the game is just rigged that way?  Mysterious ways and among the first of the non-sequential commandments, mind you.  What was it that "dead" guy, who was going to be stone dead in a moment, said?  I feel happy?  Never mind.  I don't think it hurt things.  Still, sore I can't keep my vow as an absolute.  He knows I try, when I can remember to try, and when...  Bleh.

Hmm... I might make a small bite to eat, if any of the bread is still good and the cold cuts smell right.  Tea either way, more if that doesn't work out.  Later.

Possibilities.

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Yes.  Still awake.  It's just the way it goes.  The notion of this and that, and how to do things.  Old friend provide a means of escape, if all else fails.  I have been connecting with some of those.  One suggests life has gotten a little dull.  Well, Doom has a way of fixing that.  An offer.  Oh, sure, he could refuse.  There is plenty of time to plan.  Not all cards have been played.  A simple proposal.  Laid out and offered up, an advance of little with the possibility of payment, excitement, a favor owed, and an adventure.  Some of it vicarious, in time, and leading up to the exploit.  Some of it would be seeing if I can make it in a new land, or more, how well I make it or not.  There might even be a deal in there, if more than just what I am suspecting will fall also fails.  More irons in the fire than any critter should have, but that is the way I do things.  I don't care if an egg or watermelon is lost in the doing.  That had to happen, would have happened, whether I was involved or not.  So... might as well plan big.

I was able to eat a bit.  Good, good.  Didn't enjoy, but I wouldn't have enjoyed anything.  Not ribeye, not lobster, not chicken soup, not something I made... my appetite is simply dysfunctional, my ability to eat is warped.  That I could eat it means it was probably very good.  Imagine how things, if a ghost could eat, would taste to such a being.  Wallpaper paste, saw dust, maybe a touch of salty or sweet... just enough to tease the life that once was without bringing it back.  So it is.  Even the cookies were terrible.  I realize now nothing will taste good for a while.  Tea is good, so long as it is mild enough... a second brewing... so as not to irritate.

All is well enough.  I don't get to die.  Just move on again, I suppose.  Yes, her.  I don't think she... I am pretty sure of it.  Though, perhaps, I could be wrong.  There are always options, variables, possibilities.  More irons than an eight handed critter can juggle, even if he is good, mind you...  I mentioned that, I do believe.  Good night.

Some, though again not all.

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All of the big pots, inner strainer, and lids are done.  They have been soaking since as soon as they were emptied.  As well I hit half or more of the other dishes.  My motivation was food.  I promised, if I did well, I would warm up dinner and eat.  I wasn't sure I even wanted to eat.  Does motivation always have to be factual?  And yet, I did heat up dinner.  I will know shortly if I can even eat.  I know I want to.  I like the looks of dinner.  I have been looking at it for hours.  Chicken?  Even when I make it, that is, well, chicken.  But this looks good.  It does.  Wild rice is something I like, I just never learned to do it right, or this or that.  But I like it, a lot... or the idea of it.  Anyway, I know I need food, and I've wanted to eat.  I just... well...  I will find out shortly.

I was thinking today was Wednesday.  Not so much.  That gives me a little breathing room before I am hoping to get out.  Another good nights rest, if I don't splurge sleep trying to do anything else.  Should have been to bed hours ago.  Oh, I'll take Tylenol before sleep.  I think that is actually working fairly well on what was paining me.  One or two doses a day.  Usually one, but I took the other dose about when I woke, so it's wearing off.  If I had been to bed at a proper time, this wouldn't be needed.  Though I would wake sore, perhaps.

I called my friend.  No answer.  I left a message.  Not sure he gets, or checks, those.  Either way, if I am feeling a bit better, I may hit the stores tomorrow.  Mostly a quick resupply of groceries, plus brown sugar, and some air-tight plastic containers.  Leave the flour in the packaging and then you limit any potential leaching.  Same with any dry goods.  Oh, I probably should source some good vanilla extract too.  The stuff lasts well, it just gets used up around here.  Especially as cooking and baking is back on the menu.  Might have to pick up extra chips, too.  I would like to make some for the neighbors, though probably more like next week.  Hmm... I think they like dark chocolate though.  I bought some of those fresh, just a few days old, and I know I don't like them.  I might buy one of each kind, leave them with the semi-sweet and keep the milk chocolate for myself.  Doing all of us a favor.

The electronic annoyance, for when the microwave finishes, is chirping.  I'll make a stab at eating.  Oh, and an interesting video about Alaskan river camping.  Good night.

I want to sleep.

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I want to eat.  I would like to take a shower.  Actually I really don't want to be a millionaire or billionaire... traps.  I have done some of the dishes.  I need to do the rest before I can shower.  I was hoping to push through, so that I could shower before sleeping.  Following me?  Yeah, no.  I'm not going to make it.  I might hit some of the dishes.  I don't know about getting all of them, I am almost sure no shower will be taken, and food is just off.  I really am hungry, but the hunger feels like it is coming from a different place, maybe even from someone else.  If I can do some of the dishes, though, I may warm up dinner and give it a go.  Or not.  Odd to be hungry and yet have no more interest in eating than what exists.

Tea.  Lots of it lately.  Sometimes warm, when it is cool.  Iced more often than not, sometimes just room temp.  Rarely, anymore, do I add sugar, xylatol, splenda, or such... just tea, thank you.  I don't even add lemon all that often.  I did make orange juice, from unsweetened, pure, concentrate.  I wasn't impressed.  But then orange juice just doesn't seem interesting these days.  I've even tried the, if you believe the label, fresh squeezed, never frozen, full pulp, varieties.  The world has changed.  Nothing, it would seem, is what it seems.  So be it.  Tea seems to be fine, for now, if I avoid the kind that makes me choke.  I am nearly allergic to some things... artificial syrups, some spices, and some teas it seems.  It doesn't choke off the airway completely, just creates a cough, much as with syrups and spices.  I'll figure this out before long.  I love coffee, it's just too thick anymore.  I've tried parsing it, but then it becomes like tea.  If I am going to have tea, I'll pick a real tea.  Reminds me of politics.  No, all of politics is fake, and neither coffee nor tea.

It's been a nice day, give or take.  I haven't work myself out, or been able to do so.  I did remove the stock from the ice trays, then bag and double bag them.  Two big bags of various numbers of smaller bags, tagged with the month and year.  Should be good until October, if I hope to have them gone well before then.  Unsalted, reduced by (after thinking it out more surely last night) a factor of five... so one ice cube should, when thawed and added with water to make a cup, work as a cup of regular strength broth.  We'll see.  I am hoping to make a batch of those beans I mean to use in the casserole, as I finish out the rest of the ingredients.  Some sort of smoked pork... probably just thick cut, or even uncut, bacon... though I will look at options... and then just a good, thick, pork chop.  I want to see if the beans will work.  I could use chicken stock in that just to experiment that way.  Beans definitely could use a little something.  And since you can't use salt without risking making the skins hard and doing odd things to texture, unsalted chicken stock should do well.  Also I have been meaning to cook lentils in chicken stock.  They cook up very quickly, but are rather bland.  Chicken stock might be the trick.  Wouldn't hurt using in a batch of rice, either.

Life may be heading down a different path, sooner or later.  And yet, while I have access to the fiddle and harp, so shall I play.  Well, if I can get my taste for food back.  No need to cook if you can't eat.  Later, or good night.

I won't be able to drive out.

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I would be able to walk out.  Where to go, how to get around, or where to live... each of those is a bit different.  In Alaska, there are possibilities.  Summer and winter would be different.  There just isn't the possibility of living out of a pack in the winter full time.  That just isn't practical.  Going out for a hunt if game animals pass through, or some such, is one thing.  Now, in the summer, living out of a pack is possible.  Dangerous, even if you know what you are doing.  I don't.  I have survived learning curves that are lethal to most.  But I am older and slower.  Though, at times, that is an advantage too.

I sure thought this was interesting.  Not possible, in my case, but interesting.  If I could get away with it, I might have tried it.  Solo would probably be cheaper.  Though I might have more difficulty, being a giant old ogre rather than an unassuming young couple.

Love MREs?

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All one need do is compare this to that, that to those, here with there.  In short order, choices make themselves.  Now, salt pork doesn't sound all that bad.  Unless it really was prepared for a war four years past.  Or, if that is the only meat, or even the best of meat, that one would get for a long time.  Add in not having access to good cooking utensils and you have another form of sacrifice.  Just compared, this to that, MREs are quite fine.  I never minded them, personally.  But then, at the time, food was just a tool, not so much a pleasure.  Even so, MREs aren't all that bad.  Playing with it, mixing this and that, and some guys really could put out a decent spread.  Everyone tried, some weren't all that good.  I just wan't that interested.  As picky as I seem, at times I really didn't care in some ways.  At that time, when I had the option, I pushed for higher protein, then fat, and carbs as a lesser food.  When I didn't have a choice, food was just food.  Calories in for calories out, flavor, portions of this and that, freshness, all optional variable and such.

Sleep!

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Lots of good, cool, gorgeous sleep!  When sick, I suppose, that is not the time to push.  All can understand the frustration with being homebound though.  Even Sassy, a lady cat, needs to escape the confines from time to time.  Still, these last few days, I have been sleeping when tired, like hitting nails that have pulled loose.  It has been very good to me.  I'll worry about a schedule after I stop being sick.  I'll probably stop being sick quicker by not fighting, at least the way I have been.  Oh, and Tylenol first thing.  It just seems to work and I am tired of fussing.  I might not get Vics, this time.  I do hope to put it on a list and have it here for when next I fall ill.  Then again I only get sick like this every five or six years.  As I said, I probably have a run of symptoms over a day or three, but never truly get sick.  Even that is sort of rare.  Dunno.  Still, would be nice to have goop.

I called the doctor.  Out to lunch.  I had to wonder if that is a metaphor for... too much in my life?  Just... laughed.  I left a message.  I have a plan.  Of course, beyond them approving, they have to be approved.  So it's not a shoein.  And the V.A. is broken, in just about every way.  Just approving what is already approved seems impossible.  And they won't pay, usually.  Sometimes, when fighting a fat bully, you simply use their weight and momentum against them.  By the way, don't try that trick on me.  For one, if I am bullying you, you are doing something very wrong... so leave that girl or nerd alone, pick up your ass because you will find yourself floored, quit trying to attack which is also part of your problem, and scoot.  Anyway...  We will see.

I am feeling a bit better.  A bit wet, again, this morning.  But that might be normal.  Some mornings, even when quite well and healthy, my nose will run in the morning.  It live in farm country, it is spring, it is still a bit cool out there... all can motivate a body to drip a bit, to empty the nasals.  My nasals are moving, a bit.  It is between quicksand and cement in there, though, so... until that finally gets worked out... so, yes, Vics could still come in handy.  Maybe, if I think the wet is normal, I might sneak in to town.  Milk and some other things would be good.  A bite to eat, ham potato soup which I put up, might work.  Too much chicken soup is just... too much.  I need variety.  Soup is better, I need fluid.  All good.  If I can keep on top of things I do, if not... well...  Don't take it hard or personal.  I r a ogre.  *blink blink*  *grins*

If I go to town, I would like to buy a few more air-tight containers that will just hold a 5 lb (I think) bag of flour or sugar.  That and brown sugar.  Put the flour in there, and keep it in the freezer, for now.  Perhaps make another batch of chocolate chip cookies, mostly as a hobby and to hand out, though I... well... the chef must check all food, innit?  Yes.  Just say yes.  I still need to do dishes, and I really want them done.  Then a shower, before I can go.  Not great but not bad.  Everything is on edge, a maybe.  Such is life.  Be well.

Less, more? Difficult to say.

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After my falling out, then downgrade, I wasn't sure what would be done.  Stock was finally put in trays, then into the freezer.  In the morning, I hope, smaller bags will be used, then hopefully all of it will be bagged in a bigger ziploc.  One cube for a bit of stock in something simple, a whole sandwich bag of cubes for a full on soup or stew?  It's a plan, which means it will work until my feet hit the ground.  Love me some plan.  Plans only get you there, they don't have any other real purpose.  Much as a wife to a man job.  She just gets you there, then leaves you to die.  *grins*  Hey, don't get me wrong, that's half why I like them.

I did make the cookies.  Bleh.  The chips I used were from Christmas, when I was going to make fudge, maybe even the Christmas before last?  Actually those weren't too bad, though I decided when I understood what I was dealing with, that I couldn't give these out.  Oh, and the one for one turbinado to brown sugar?  Not so much.  I figured I should have added something moist, just wasn't sure what.  As well, I honestly do not like semi-sweet chips.  Even going halvsies with milk chocolate it was just not my thing.  These were a gooder brand too, so it wasn't that.  Just not right.  It was fun to tinker, and do, anyway.  The next time I am in town I will pick up some brown sugar and, perhaps, a container to keep it in for a bit longer life.  I don't use it often, but when it is called for, it really probably is best.

I've been limping through the day.  Headache seems to have met it's match in the Tylenol.  But the fever is ramping up just a bit.  Exhaustion remains.  Everything is just a wee out of kilter.  More sleep might help.  Napping and sleeping and tea and food as needed, I guess.  My next event isn't until mid week.  I got the number, and let him know if I go wet with the cold, dripping and fussing, or just fall, I won't be going.  I want to go, but this cold is a tricky enemy, not so easily lost.  I was sure, last time, that I would be good by now.  No real worries, this isn't the worst, just a little of a sidetrack.  I put dinner up, just couldn't eat.  But it might be nice, and needed, tomorrow.  A bit of potato ham, a bit of chicken rice, whatever it takes.

I am out of milk, though I have tea, coffee, and cream.  Nothing else... wait... I have frozen juice, orange juice!  Yeah, that might be good.  I'll check the instructions.  If they want it thawed, I'll thaw it in the fridge tonight.  I just need something else.  May have to sneak in to town, for a few items, tomorrow.  Vics rub, milk, maybe a few other easy, non-sugary, edibles that might help with easy digestion and nutrition.  Only if I am not too wet or too woozy.  Good night.

Pretty rough.

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Some things are improving.  I thought I was doing good today, heading toward recovery.  I still think I am.  It is simply that for every two to five steps forward, one to three back might be required.  My nasals have dried since a run this morning to mid morning.  Most of the symptoms have gone, save a feverishness that comes and goes.  However my neck, by way of bones, muscle, and tendon, has stiffened up, causing local aches and a headache.  My mother suggested Tylenol.  I... didn't want to.  However, she could be right.  I took some last night, not sure if it helped but it didn't hurt.  I am taking more now, as I remember.  Moms are the first doctors we see.  Right?  What doctor is always right.  But, women seem to be weak to pains, so tend them more than men do.  Men only seem like we are weaker because when a certain woman is around, we will... use pain as a lure.  Nurse, nurse!  I've fallen and I'm about to... never mind.  You either know or you will find out.

The whole right side of my neck is sore, more like a bruise.  Nasal drain poison or just stiffness I can't be sure.  I am about ready to head in to bed.  Tired.  I have been napping, on and off, sort of.  Not really naps, but not really sleep either.  I am definitely hoping I get to feeling better.  I have things to do this week, lots of them.  I am not really thinking I will be able to do much until midweek though, in truth.  It just isn't likely.  I also don't want to push it.  I have enough of this and that to get through.  So it's really just an irritant.  Odd though, that not until the illness is mostly over that it becomes debilitating, even a bit.

Good night.

Have you ever slept in protest, as a pout?

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I had promised to help with a meal today.  And I meant it.  I am not sure if I had the cold when I promised, though usually I am finished with such thing in days.  I actually think I get a cold more often than I remember.  It is just that usually they are so mild, and I go through symptoms one at a time, then am well before I have even succumbed to any symptom, or even all of them.  Rarely combined.  This thing not only slowed me down a bit, the symptoms have piled up enough to be well noticed.  I could have gone in today, and since I was dry yesterday, I thought I would go in.  Nope, about midnight my nose started to tickle and nasal movement made me realize that being around people would be bad... for them.

I didn't call, not at the time right before.  I was too... frustrated.  And it wouldn't have helped.  You have two choices, call before or call after.  Or, at least, that is how I see it.  Both will require braving the guilt.  In the latter, however, the troupe has made it through without you, and isn't jittery due to the upcoming performance.  I did sleep, out of frustration... well and the cold, pushing hours, and such, but really mostly just frustration.  As I woke a bit ago, I went looking for my phone then called.  Keep me on the list, I said.  I will help, more if I can, especially if I can get back on medicines.  That helps, a bit, if I didn't mention that part.  I just wanted to explain why I missed, and that I am interested in helping.

I sure hope this thing ends soon.  Yesterday I had dried up so much I couldn't clear my nasals.  At least today, off and on, I can again.  Vic's, my mother said.  Yeah.  I might have to break down and find some of that stuff, or head into town tomorrow.  Just a quick, pointed, run into a pharmacy.  I'm good for work, just not company.

Oh, my mother said she never used vinegar.  If she used something, she used lemons.  What else did she say?  Oh, pulling the meat after just a few hours of cooking is good enough.  She didn't say it, but I think she was pleased with my effort.  She says we were actually pleased with her food making when we were young.  I had thought we were... embarrassed.  I think, then, we were a bit shy about it.  So many other people ate out of a can that we felt abnormal?  Even if we liked the food.  Some abnormal is better than others.  She was a good housewife and mother type, if the world had been right.

That age was out of it's mind.  While it hasn't, fully, recovered, I think... as with me... after searching for the Argus Apocraphex, ending up merely playing Sisyphus... well... even an ancient dog sort can, actually, left to it's own devices, learn.  Certainly the sons and daughters of man, too, may learn.

Hmm?  Today?  I'd really like to kick out dishes, fold laundry, hit the kitchen.  Don't know if I can honestly do much.  While the cold isn't beating me too harshly, I think it has some negative affect on energy.  A boss, at times, like this time, would be good.  Just noise containing task and direction outside of the fog of my own head helps.  "Yes, fill-in-the-blank*, I'm right on that."

*mother, father, sister, brother, even a youngling should they prove out... remember... it's not who provides direction, only the quality of the direction

Oh, and I have to finish tending the stock.  Not, exactly, sure how to deal with it.  I really don't want to use ice trays, may just not have another practical means.  I certainly don't want it to go to waste.  I have it reduced by at least a fold factor of four, maybe five, just possibly reduced to a sixth.  And, finally, it is cool and has been rightly skimmed.  Later.

More work even now.

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Every time I thought I was about done, there was something else.  I have transferred the remaining half gallon of soup to a jar and stored that.  Even then I have another pretty large bowl to eat.  More, I cooled the liquid stock.  I kept it in the freezer for quite some time thinking a thicker skin of fat would appear.  It did not.  I only ever had, perhaps, an eight of an inch of fat.  Finally I gave up, skimmed that off, then set the pot to heat again.  My goal isn't, this time, to work toward pocket soup.  I aim to reduce by four, so that four quarts, for example, would fit in one quart.  How to freeze it though?  Ice cube trays, I suppose.  But those are so small.  Several ladies and gents out there suggested using silicone cupcake molds.  I concur, if I have none of those... yet.  Yeah, I put them in the basket.  I am thinking those would be just about perfect.  A heavy reduction would make one of those about perfect for, say, a four large-man portion of chicken soup... or as a strong additive to some sort of gravy.  Each "cupcake" would produce four times it's size, plus, when hydrated... or be a very strong flavor for a smaller recipe.  Yeah, it works.

Of course, after it all, are dishes.  Some of those were rinsed, and put in with the regular dishes, the bigger pots and pans, other than what is being used to reduce the stock, are in a hot soak on their own.  Too big to fin with the rest.  I am having trouble keeping up.  And yet I am doing my best.  If you leave meat, stock, or other out too long, it can go bad quickly and be quite a... disappointment.  All that work having to be flushed.  I really don't want that.

While stuffed sole might be next on my entree menu, sometime this week, maybe not until Friday honestly, I have other things on my mind.  One is chocolate chip cookies.  Oh, hush, even diabetic/pre-diabetic ogres get a treat once in a while.  I don't have brown sugar.  I hate brown sugar.  Not because of flavor, or this, or that... because it goes bad too quickly.  I don't care what they say, at some point, and it isn't very long, the stuff goes stiff and that isn't fixable.  However, in doing a bit of research, I found a very pleasant surprise.  Turbinado is a one for one replacement.  I prefer turbinado sugar anyway... slightly less processed.  And, yes, I do have some of that.  The other thing is beef stock and egg noodles.  No, not really soon.  Perhaps within the next few weeks.  I found recipes for all of those things that I am satisfied, on a good day, I might be able to make.

More?  I am thinking that, with things like the noodles, on a "fresh" day, when life is good, if I have my dietary needs met, that would be a great day to make, say, a triple batch of the stuff, dry it, dry it some more, dry it even a bit more, than bag tag and freeze it.  Same with stocks, stews, and such.  Simply make all or parts of this or that, freeze portions for in batch sizes, and... on some not so future day, pull it all out, assemble, right into smooth sailing.  We'll see.

I didn't do what I had hoped to do today.  Busy with the soup, still a bit down from illness, napping from time to time out of need.  I didn't really have too much of a choice.  I am, however, hoping to get things together and be to the breakfast tomorrow, to help out.  If I can stay on into the afternoon, to help them finish up, I will.  If I can only help with cooking, so be it.  I like working with them, I like helping, I like being near church, I like being useful.  Feeling something is one thing, being something is totally different.  I am guessing, as I learn more and do more in the kitchen, I will become more helpful too them.  Just a fringe benefit.  I best figure out something along the way of wardrobe though.  I never did get my proper slacks in, though my cords should be well set.  I may go with just a standard shirt.  I do need to find shoes though.  Bleh.

Oh, I best finish off the dishes so as to get a shower in.  Needed, though mostly from cooking.  Wanted, always, though.  Required for church, either way.  Later, most likely.

Count me in.

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I will continue with homemade stock.  The soup was well worth the, and actually small, effort.  I messed up my sleep pattern, at least for last night.  More from an abundance of caution for a first time effort than from any true need.  Though I think the meat would have been gone if I had let it cook all night.  I was late to start, as well, so I had to edge into what I prefer as a sleep time no matter what.  Making sure that the liquid drops to a simmer is worth spending the time to check.  Though adding water through the night, I think, isn't a bad deal.

The soup ended up being quite good.  The rice took a lot longer to cook.  The one recipe I ran down indicated the rice should take about fifteen minutes.  Being that they didn't indicate which rice was used, and knowing what I know about my favored rice, I suspected they used a white rice.  No issue, just noting that brown rice takes longer.  I planned on twice as long, while it actually took more like three to four times as long.  No problem.  I did add a bit more water to keep the stock at a level flavor and volume, and just cooked until that part was done.  I then added the veggies and meat, letting that all meld and warm for ten minutes.  It was very good.  Chicken soup is not fancy, but it doesn't need to be.  I don't want it to be.  That is, to me, part of it's schtick.  While it takes time to make, it is a humble, if quite variable, food.  And yet, while I can't call it superior, being the cook, I will say that I would happily eat this where I can't eat anything out of cans these days, and rarely do I enjoy even restaurant chicken soup that is not out of a can.  It seems many restaurants, the ones I can afford, aim for a canned chicken soup taste.

I did add salt, though I suspect I have less salt in my whole pot of soup than many have in a bowl.  No, I am not one who favors, or allows, low salt.  However, there are limits both up and down.  I honestly don't want 1,000%, but then neither do I want 2%.  I wasn't sure salt would work, as an after production add.  It did, quite well.  I will be eating much of this batch in the next few days.  Next time I hope to have egg noodles, those thick kind, if store bought, that my mother used to make.  If I can find them.  I'd love to make them.  I have attempted it several times.  I have not been successful.

That is that for chicken stock and my first soup.  Probably the crab stuffed sole next.  Then, if there seems to be another cold spell coming up, I may make the been cassoulete, or whatever.  I will begin experimenting with freezing portions of these things as well.  I think I need to take a good long nap.  Later.

I was waiting, for too long.

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Cooking, starting with raw ingredients and simple herbs and spices, is the way to go.  If you enjoy eating well, it's the only way to go.  Whether you count taste, health, or any positive measure, starting from scratch is the only way to go.  I knew this, and have hit it from time to time.  I quit, for a long time, hoping that the want would induce me to figure out how to keep the place up.  Well, you know, that will probably never happen.  The best I can do for housekeeping is as that of a, and rather lame, sidekick.  Think of Robin without Batman?  Or any of dozens of others.  Good for special tricks, rare surprises, but not for the big ticket items, not regularly.

Cutting up carrots, celery, and onion, for the soup, much more precisely and smaller than for the stock, reminded me of just how good it is.  Every twentieth item, as well, must be sampled.  Rabbit food, aye, but rather good.  When too much was pulled off or peeled, down it went into sticks for snacks.  Beyond that, it is honestly fun to play with my food.

A lot of new things this time.  Starting with homemade stock, then using homemade stock, but dealing with chicken this way, learning to filter, some things yet to come.  Actually, I am not sure I have diced carrots.  Onions of course, perhaps even celery.  Just never carrots.  Why?  I don't know that.  I think I was always suspicious of using sharps on round somewhat squishy things?  Onions are round, but big enough to fix, and seem more firm, sort of.  There are other firsts, but that will do on the list.

As is, the diced veggies have been sweated, and are waiting to add, with the chicken, to the liquid and rice.  As soon as, to my mind, the rice is done... in ten to fifteen minutes, meat and veggies go in.  I then simply wait until I believe the meat is warmed.  THEN, finally, I will have my just deserts (yes, deserts, not desserts, oddly... just so you know... look it up).  I am excited.

Oh, my next major dish?  I have all the ingredients save peppers of some sort.  While I generally take hotter better, since I really haven't had fish spiced hotly before, I will probably go with his recommendation, as a middling trial balloon.

Later.

A late start.

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I was awake quite late tending the stock.  Some call it stew if it is meat based.  This was a bit of both, really.  Nowhere did I see where the meat was taken off the bone then the bones put back.  It's a bit more work than many, now or then, want to do I suppose.  However, I believe my mother would often do that.  Not always, depended on what else in life was pulling on her stopwatches.  Though if she couldn't pull it, just as often the meat would be no good after too much time in the pot.  Or so I seem to remember.  I'll ask her sooner or later.

This stock is finished.  Thankfully, beside having the very large steamer basket in that 36 quart stock pot, I actually have a second large stock pot.  Need?  Well, until now, no.  It's just, when you are a milder form of giant, even so, everything normal looks too small.  Bigger isn't necessarily better, it just seems more normal.  I live in a world that was made for small people.  And, since it is often women who cook, smaller even yet.  Then again, sometimes bigger is much better.  I swear, toilets are also made for the female perspective.  I have about the biggest on the market, finally, and... even it seems a bit small.

I finally have good use for those stock pots, and some other things.  Especially since stock can be frozen for up to six months.  I... well... perhaps I made too much this time.  Time will tell if I can use it all in time.  If I can get to two thirds, next time I will make a bit less, or even half, while making another batch of beef stock of the same halved size.  I will freeze some, in the ice trays, though that will be reducded further.  I want that to be rather strong.  Just one tray for now.  Salt free bullion cubes, really.

I thought I turned it off at 9:00.  Not so, found it still simmering at 11:00.  I may have decided to let it reduce a bit, but forget to leave myself a mental note?  I did turn it off at 11:00 though.  No real worries, the meat was pulled, and these things can run for up to even sixteen hours.  I strained the veggies and bones with the steamer strainer, then ran it through the chinois.  I didn't think that would be enough, and I think less so after finishing.  So I have washed that gear for another run, at least the chinois.  Better to strain it cool, I am told.  And while some don't use cheesecloth, I probably will.  It is sold easily doubled, though I think I will double that.  I am hoping for very clear liquid.  I just like the idea, and think I can get it.  I thought about dropping the kettle into the freezer.  Yeah, no.  Not until it is room temp and has been strained, just to get the fat off.

I am hoping to figure out my own rice soup recipe from what others suggest.  My main concern is to not overcook the meat or vegetables.  The meant might even just go in just long enough to be warmed.  But the carrots, onions, and celery will need a bit to cook.  I've just not made a soup before, so don't have a handle on volumes, various cooking times, and such.  Wish me luck?

Later.

Awake later than planned.

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I simply wanted to keep checking on the stock.  An hour here, and there.  Then two, then three hours?  Something like that.  Then, I decided with the last span, to pull the chicken, let it cool, part it out, putting the skin, fat, bones, and less desirable parts back in to the simmering pot.  I have three batches of chicken meat that will easily make some major production each.  The pot simmers on.  I will probably wake somewhere between 6:00 and 10:00, most likely much closer to 8:00.  As close as I get I will then turn the burner off, add the lid, then let it cool for several hours... probably until I am awake properly.  Then I portion out the stock, saving out enough for a good chicken and rice meal.  Yes, the other two batches have been stored and are now in the freezer.  I may put the remnants back to reduce, then get the soup going.  I will need some unreduced stock in which to cook the rice.  It won't be fancy, and no noodles, but it should do fine.

My neck is cramped.  I have been awake too long.  Perhaps a bottle of setlzer water, a few painpills, and then sack time.  I am a bit amazed at what I have done, given my conditions.  I am going to try to do something tomorrow I have been meaning to do for quite some time.  Not sure if I will succeed.  Tonight's deeds are not a guarantor.  Actually, if anything, just the opposite.  I may have pulled some neck muscles and drained all gumption.  Still, I don't give up on hope for a particular effort until the ship has sailed long enough that a return wouldn't be possible based purely on fuel capacity versus consumption.  *blink blink*

Good night.

It has begun.

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Mirepoix is quite simple.  Easier still if it won't be used for anything but flavor.  Now, how much for a four batches, when the idea is rough to start?   I did the best I could.  No fresh thyme, I did have dried.  And I added cider vinegar to what I thought was right.  It has gotten close to a boil, then been lowered, finally being skimmed.  I'm calling it at an official simmer right at 20:00.  So, twelve hours would be 8:00 am, eight hours would be 4:00.  With me still getting up often enough at night, and with the stock needing to come to a room temp chill, I should be able to do it in eight hours if I really want.  Though twelve hours is really what I am going for.

All of the vegetables are below the strainer, which makes removing just the chicken meat fairly easy.  I do have a very large, very fine, chinois.  Though I also have culinary cheese clothe, if that doesn't do well enough alone.  If I am awake enough, and the chicken seems done enough, at 4:00, I might pull the meat out, later pull the meat off, then put the bones back in.  Probably not, but it is possible.  I actually ended up making three full batches, so nine quarts at standard stock flavor.  I will definitely be reducing that.  I might have enough to attempt pocket soup.  No salt goes in, so it should work at just about any level of rehydration.

I have always wondered about stock.  If this works well, next stock will be beef.  I might even try a mix of beef, pork, and fowl.  Who knows.  Especially if I can successfully go on to use it well in various dishes.  I have the beans and sausage for that dish I included a video regarding a week or so ago.  I simply need stock, and this might well do, some sort of smoked cured meat, and fresh pork.  I'll probably just use white wine vinegar this first run, regardless what I suggested.

I am going to watch it for the next hour, add a bit of fluid if need be.  Perhaps one more hour up, watching, then on to bed.  So much for chicken soup today.  Tomorrow is looking much more hopeful.  I even have enough else to add more than enough fresh mirepoix.  Too much chicken meat and broth.  Though, perhaps the extra chicken meat could go into something else, a casserole of some sort, or for chicken tacos, or chicken salad.  It's all dark meat, so I can tolerated it more easily, if I can handle that much.  Freeze some?  I'll check to see if it freezes well.  Perhaps canning some soup?  Dunno.  I'll figure it out.

Good night.  I probably won't be back to post.

Not at rocket speed.

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Not complete, either.  The dishes never were done.  I kept setting up a soak, only to forget, have the water run cold, and not be interested in doing dishes in cold water.  The last time I simply gave up, waited for the water to heat back up, then took a shower and went to town.  The bread store was open, thankfully.  Then on to the grocery store.  I bought most of what I needed, forgetting noodles.  I have pasta, it's just not the same as frozen thick egg noodles, or the like.  I didn't visit my friend as I am still pretty blocked up.  I'm not sneezing or draining so I don't think I am much of a threat to standard folk, or I really wouldn't have gone out.

I am just now considering putting my stock together.  I figure, after the meat is cooked, and the all, I can cook rice in some of the stock.  Whole rice will be a solid add to the chicken soup.  I may also add lentils, though I can add those right to the main mix while I stew mirepoix and meat.  I went with hindquarters, if I had to go with drummies and thighs.  I don't seem to be able to find full hind quarters these days.  No real worries.  And, I probably have enough of everything for two batches, or about six quarts.  I will, most likely, after pulling out enough for one batch of chicken soup, reduce the rest... say four quarts, down to about one or two quarts.  Then consider experimenting with freezing blocks of it, then bagging those perhaps.  You know, one of those ice cubes, and say four times strength, would be good to melt into a 2 or 3 part water to cube as a healthy bullion cube, for just a taste of chicken without too much fuss.

I best get on that.  Though I will be simmering for eight to twelve hours.  How long the reduction, and soup production, will take is another thing.  There are many recipes out there.  One thing some miss, that I am sure shouldn't be missed, is a spot of vinegar.  That, somehow, really pulls flavor from bones.  My mother... I think... back in the day... swore to that.  I didn't always get along, or agree.  I did learn, if nothing else though there was more, that regarding food my dam knew here whereabouts.  And, in time, some of it has come back... some of it stayed and some will need to be heard over and over.  This one is a memory from then, I believe.  Seen it elsewhere, but her bona fides pushed the notion over the edge.  Just a tablespoon or two per portion, if I had to guess.  Hmm... might be a good reason to call her.  She loves to be right, and remembered, and helpful.  Mostly.  :)

Later.

Health seems near to returning.

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Near, folks, not here... not yet.  The head cold has fully turned into a standard cold.  As well, it is eased.  Much less sneezing, no real aches or pains, the moments of feverishness are much milder and happen much less often.  I can't really figure out anything that helps much.  Napping more often, and as heavily as needed, has been better.  Not sure if that helped or just allowed me to sleep through the worst of it.  Extra food doesn't really help, though I wonder if chicken soup would be good.  I can't handle canned chicken soup all that well though.  It's three levels of salt with weird noodles, more salt, and not much other flavor.  I really ought to make chicken stock, keeping that on hand.  You know, you can always condense stock, a little or lot.  If you don't salt it, it won't compress to a salty mess.

Quite the dream.

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Post some sort of war or event.  No longer was it even discussed.  Past the first and worst of the events to follow.  It wasn't all over, nor would it probably ever be over.  I had become a part of a small group of men, a soldiery of sort, though quite independent and highly mobile.  We weren't uniformed.  We had a mission, no real handlers or orders.  We traveled, looking for problems to solve.  Sometimes we were together, sometimes, in order to blanket more widely we would separate.

In this case I was on my own.  Somewhere in the SouthWest I entered a medium sized city.  A bit spooky, as if there are trouble spots it is often from areas like this on to the massive metros, which we only enter as a group... if we enter them.  and when we enter, it was often to eliminate a major threat to the area.  My instincts and a few other measures and sources all indicated that this city was worth a risk.

The city had shrunk a good deal, leaving the outskirts empty.  The interior wasn't full of life, not human life, though people could be spotted doing simple labor.  None approached so I didn't approach.  I was about to go back the way I came.  My task was not to interfere or cause threat.  Then I saw a large park that seemed to be a gathering place.  That seemed a place to investigate.

As I entered the park, I noticed blacks.  Though not just those.  There was a mix of races.  If races were completely separate, that was a sign to get out... if you weren't of that race.  I didn't often see the races mix.  Perhaps very small portions of one or several races might be together.  This was a bit unusual.  The blacks I saw immediately were not hostile, nor the Mexicans next.  Friendly, in a general way.  Looking white, that is what one is in this new world.

Then I met a man I was almost sure I knew.  He had the features of a grown up, if Mexican, Charley Brown.  I approached.  He seemed to be someone with whom the others deferred.  Not as a slave master or war lord, but as a wise man or such.  Double the reason to approach.  At first he did not recognize me, so I couldn't be sure.  Then, after dropping the name of a certain city and roughly the year, his face brightened up.  Doom?!?  He had been my teacher in, I think, sixth grade.  I couldn't remember his name, but I was right about his face.  Far too many teachers.  Oh, and he had a beautiful daughter in my class-age.  Now, he had always said he was Spaniard.  Let me tell you now, he wasn't.  I'd bring that up with him later, for a chuckle, not a stab.  Back in the day, I was considered the Mexican, he the Spaniard, obviously all... politics of a bygone time.

Things went well here, and I saw that the risk was worth the cost on nerves.  I ended up creating a place to pull back, for myself and my cohorts, should all else fail.  As well, I learned of their problems.  Even at their size, raiding parties were a constant threat.  Sometimes my crew could remove a thorn, sometimes the best we could do is create a secondary reactionary force, work with that for a while to dampen the impact and reduce the assaulting force through attrition favorable to the locals.  A good deal of recon, probably the whole group, and definitely some training of the locals, had to occur first.  I wasn't sure which this would be.  Depended on the numbers of attackers, how solid their resources and reserves were, and such.

I let them know what I, or we, could do.  I explained that the price was putting us up, following training, and see us refit when we were ready to go.  Though we would leave comms instructions should a major event become imminent.  Or I could leave, never calling my crew, and we leave them to status quo.  It really depended on what they wanted.  There would be losses either way.  More over time, one way... less, but more immediate, should they decide to train to resist.  Every town or settlement had to decide.  Some exist no more, after years of mild or no resistance, or leaving only the very old and sick to live out the hard part of the last of their lives alone.  Though, too, sometimes if resistance was to a small band with a larger affiliate, the larger group would come in and do the same thing.  Usually, though, little resistance groups disappeared into the criminal bands and resistant groups survived, even started to thrive as the population enlarged.

This group, as it turns out, wanted to be trained.  I let them know, from the outstart, that we could not turn chickens into war dogs... no offense but it just isn't doable and probably wouldn't be wise anyway.  We could turn fowl into smart fowl, teach them what to do, where to go, how to resist and where and when.  Much of what we planned to teach a group, unless it's natural talents or resources for defense and some offense lied elsewhere, was a covered retreat, cacheing, and some other techniques.  Lives were the, immediate term, most valuable asset.  And there were lives that were more valuable, if none were to be surrendered lightly.  A short term food and water supply was next, then a long term supply of essentials were next.  Though seed and water topped any list save life.   Of course, some life may have to be lost in the process.

I sent a summons to my group, then while waiting, I began assessing the arms and abilities of the group.  Some, many actually, were fairly good with their firearms.  Few marksmen, though the potential was there.  All that was really needed was enough ammunition, and the right calibers, plus time and teaching.  The basic skills were there.  Some had learned to scout, just as a means of survival.  Those scouts could be taught enhanced skills, how to work as a group, and with a sniper corps there would be added protection, and a falling back line of it, for those men.  There really is nothing half so beautiful, after stirring a hornets nest of hateful hounds of hell, to have a couple lead dogs go down and so that the rest of the pack decides a siesta might be a better thing.  These men, and some women, were willing and already able.  It was just a matter of aligning, organizing, informing a bit more surely, and helping them just as long as needed to give them the upper hand and a psychological advantage.  Once the enemy has the fear of God instilled, one lost bandit at a time... without any real gain on their side or loss on the other side, the battle takes a new face.  For my part, I then have a place, another place, to call home.  Especially if, for the most part, I make my visits cheap.

And so it went.  They were trained.  They were shown how to resist unless the band was far to large.  At that point, a tactical retreat was put in play.  Food and the vulnerable out first, sniper "towers" covering a rolling ground retreat, with much of the food and necessary items cached away from the area, or hidden too well to be found, with scouts usually in place to know who or what was arriving well before a war party arrived.  Beautiful.  Some groups just get it, have a will to live.

Of course, when you teach a man war, sometimes he becomes the one you must concern yourself regarding.  War, often, seems easier than work.  Taking another man's labor, slowly and quickly killing him... or the other geese that lay the golden egg, to some, just means finding another.  Always a worry.  This group was better than could be hoped.  Not only did they not war, they went on to teach other groups what we had taught them, to create pacts of mutual assistance, and to share out members of their teams to create a more unified group of defenders.  A force multiplier that multiplies is a wonder to behold, especially when they do it professionally, civilly, and as free men... and women.

My teacher eventually died, peacefully, in the city.  I continued to travel on through my 80's, maybe early 90's.  I stopped teaching defense, just acting as a traveling judge toward my end, for cases the locals... had difficulty mitigating yet wanted done fairly.  The land had become peaceable, most of the criminal bands killed off or driven off.  It was still, and would remain, somewhat rough.  Life being hard, tech being simple and a product of hard labor.  Finally, toward my last years, it was a land worth living in, again, though.  Heck, I traveled in horse-drawn buggy!  People were learning to farm, bank, blacksmith, animal husbandry the old way, trade, and such, all over again.

So few remained, really.  Thankfully, in most areas, there were no lasting scars or poisons on the land.  A few, but they were being poisoned long before the war.  And some areas were naturally poisonous, tech had kept that in place.  Even with few, just with some things so well advanced, and remnants such as calculus books, and tables for civil and mechanical engineering, among other things, life was beginning to make sense again.
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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.