.
.
Beside getting the shelving down and stowed, the weights out, and the electric piano upstairs with a little help, I got going on a few other things. I first searched for adjustable rod holders. Amazon wanted $8 for a pair. No way. I looked for other options. I found nothing. I kept the one set on my mind, but needed to get a printer anyway, so decided to look while in. They had no such thing. However, I did find more inexpensive rods, with shorter rod holders, that would work easily for the sheers. I also bought a few more of the bigger ones. Those will really do well for the main curtains. Those things are heavy, which is why they work. Currently they are on cheap(er) plastic than what I found... for less money. I'll do some mixing and matching of rods, rod grabbers, and what holds what. Yeah. Probably still wouldn't make a woman, or matron anyway, happy. No problem, I may have 99 problems, and change, but... that's not one of them.
I could do that tonight. But, you know what? Nope. I did get the new printer, set it up, programmed it in, got it running, and printed off the return labels for this and that. That should make up for what I blew on these other things, and the curtains coming in. Actually, easily. Amazon is getting wicked expensive. I have to check everything from hereon in. They are becoming absolutely ridiculous, price-wise. Anyway, the printer worked, labels are ready, I just need to find boxes.
I also got the trash out and out to the curb. I kept the printer box until I was sure it worked. I will take that out next. Along with tiddly bits, extra, etc. Quite good, really. I am pleased with it. I don't think I'll be doing heavy work tomorrow. Besides, the wood is wet. Not the best to work as such. Though I might collect what is in the field and at least get it over the fence, perhaps even sorting it for final prep... depending on rain. Mostly, tomorrow, I believe I will be working on the window treatments. I am sort of excited to get at it and finally have it done. If I do end up heading out next or the following year, I will just leave them. This is a starter home, so it might work well... if they can sell it... ever honestly these days. Then again, you know how some women are. They might well hate the things, take them out, burn them, buy what "looks good", and end up regretting it. Not one of my problems.
Music, tea, maybe a bite. Oh, the last box out to the trash. Then, sometime, on to bed. I saw a song I played long ago. Not sure what it's all about but I liked it then and now. Enjoy or not. Good night.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Not much, but pleasing.
.
.
I had the shelving rather close to stripped yesterday. I have been looking at it since I woke, and after taking a nap. Mostly sitting here today. No sun, worn, just as things go. Finally I got to it. I sorted, to a degree, what remained on one of the shelves. It hasn't found a final place, but the materials were removed from the surfaces of the shelf. Then I began taking it apart. Not a difficult task. A bit of thinking, a little bit of coordination, just a touch of muscle, but often in odd groups in various orders. I doubt if it took 10 to 15 minutes. It's parts will need to be collected and put together, either for discard, some other use, or charity. I have weights, for some reason, under where the shelving had been. Perhaps I had thought to use weight for the bottom shelf? Not sure. Those will have to go out. Plates of 25, 10, and 5 pound denominations... I think.
After I get the weights out, and the shelving components sorted and at least temporarily given a home, I do believe I will take the electric piano down. Then the sheers will go up. Today? I don't know. It is sort of a goal. It's just that I am rather cooked. I haven't really recovered from last week. And Monday is just tomorrow. Still, maybe. The new curtains for up here will be in early this week, so I want the sheers up. That will mean just a quick swap of the curtains and I'll be rigged for summer. If all else is done.
Just a bit sore, if mostly tired. With no sunshine to help I am simply having to bust through. I am starting to wonder if I didn't just simply push too hard last week. I'll keep at it anyway. Tomorrow is wood collection day, from the field. Perhaps more parting and sorting, maybe some weedeater use, and working on my packs. Always have more planned than you can do, and keep that up. Do what is vital, keep fed and watered, and it works out. What I have noticed is that when I do really heavy work I do end up being able to do lighter stuff much easier... if I can get to it.
Hmm... I'll at least clean off the electric piano, and maybe get the weights out. Oh, and collect the shelving components. I need to bag shims that hold the shelves to the legs. Later.
.
I had the shelving rather close to stripped yesterday. I have been looking at it since I woke, and after taking a nap. Mostly sitting here today. No sun, worn, just as things go. Finally I got to it. I sorted, to a degree, what remained on one of the shelves. It hasn't found a final place, but the materials were removed from the surfaces of the shelf. Then I began taking it apart. Not a difficult task. A bit of thinking, a little bit of coordination, just a touch of muscle, but often in odd groups in various orders. I doubt if it took 10 to 15 minutes. It's parts will need to be collected and put together, either for discard, some other use, or charity. I have weights, for some reason, under where the shelving had been. Perhaps I had thought to use weight for the bottom shelf? Not sure. Those will have to go out. Plates of 25, 10, and 5 pound denominations... I think.
After I get the weights out, and the shelving components sorted and at least temporarily given a home, I do believe I will take the electric piano down. Then the sheers will go up. Today? I don't know. It is sort of a goal. It's just that I am rather cooked. I haven't really recovered from last week. And Monday is just tomorrow. Still, maybe. The new curtains for up here will be in early this week, so I want the sheers up. That will mean just a quick swap of the curtains and I'll be rigged for summer. If all else is done.
Just a bit sore, if mostly tired. With no sunshine to help I am simply having to bust through. I am starting to wonder if I didn't just simply push too hard last week. I'll keep at it anyway. Tomorrow is wood collection day, from the field. Perhaps more parting and sorting, maybe some weedeater use, and working on my packs. Always have more planned than you can do, and keep that up. Do what is vital, keep fed and watered, and it works out. What I have noticed is that when I do really heavy work I do end up being able to do lighter stuff much easier... if I can get to it.
Hmm... I'll at least clean off the electric piano, and maybe get the weights out. Oh, and collect the shelving components. I need to bag shims that hold the shelves to the legs. Later.
A better day?
.
.
In spite of the ease, yesterday was a bit hard. I didn't let it go completely to waste, if I didn't do all that much either. My body was tired. No real pain, it simply couldn't pull much energy from anywhere. Cloudy, wet, cool, and it rained. No help there. Though as the world dries out, and the sun hits full light, that will be rough. While someplace like Hawaii is liked by some, my problem there is if I got in a rut, the change of weather wouldn't force me out of it. Summer, however, is the one season that might flatten me... well... winter can too, if I have a better chance of digging out in winter, or staying ahead. Cold can be handled, a bit better if the sun is out too. That summer heat is unrelenting, and not my gig.
Even so, the sun just hasn't been out much this spring, to my mind. It does complicate things. And when it goes from full light to full sun, if I have used that energy gained on sunny days, I am sort of cruising for a bruising. Either way, I hope to get back out Monday. I had forgotten about some wood, from the other other tree. I need to get that over with the rest of the piles, sort it, then process from there. There isn't as much good wood from that as from either of the other trees by quarter. Though there are a lot more green branches. Not worth it for processing, but it has to be collected with the rest of the green.
Sleep was fantastic. I sleep better when I have done something in the day, more so when I finished certain things. Putting food away helped. Sometimes I can't get everything put away. I lose focus, memory slips, and such. On those nights, since I am often hungry, knowing that food is going bad, later in the night, haunts me. As I said, not last night. The unused half of cooked meats are in the freezer, the noodles were bagged, and the sauce and used burger balls were put up. So bland, but it's food.
Down a bit late, but up at a reasonable time. It's as if my body is trying to stay with days. A nap threw me off a bit, as to when I slept last night, but made waking... somewhat reasonably considering possible. I am still tired, and as noted no sun to bolster life. I'll grab a bit to eat and... figure life out. I might be able, today, to take down the shelving, get the sheer on the other window, perhaps rearrange... no I won't be changing curtains quite yet... Well, if I get that, I may hit the kitchen just a bit today. Clearing the last of the floor, opening up flat surfaces, mild cleaning. The list hasn't changed. Oh, and trash and maybe recycling out. Bleh. Later.
.
In spite of the ease, yesterday was a bit hard. I didn't let it go completely to waste, if I didn't do all that much either. My body was tired. No real pain, it simply couldn't pull much energy from anywhere. Cloudy, wet, cool, and it rained. No help there. Though as the world dries out, and the sun hits full light, that will be rough. While someplace like Hawaii is liked by some, my problem there is if I got in a rut, the change of weather wouldn't force me out of it. Summer, however, is the one season that might flatten me... well... winter can too, if I have a better chance of digging out in winter, or staying ahead. Cold can be handled, a bit better if the sun is out too. That summer heat is unrelenting, and not my gig.
Even so, the sun just hasn't been out much this spring, to my mind. It does complicate things. And when it goes from full light to full sun, if I have used that energy gained on sunny days, I am sort of cruising for a bruising. Either way, I hope to get back out Monday. I had forgotten about some wood, from the other other tree. I need to get that over with the rest of the piles, sort it, then process from there. There isn't as much good wood from that as from either of the other trees by quarter. Though there are a lot more green branches. Not worth it for processing, but it has to be collected with the rest of the green.
Sleep was fantastic. I sleep better when I have done something in the day, more so when I finished certain things. Putting food away helped. Sometimes I can't get everything put away. I lose focus, memory slips, and such. On those nights, since I am often hungry, knowing that food is going bad, later in the night, haunts me. As I said, not last night. The unused half of cooked meats are in the freezer, the noodles were bagged, and the sauce and used burger balls were put up. So bland, but it's food.
Down a bit late, but up at a reasonable time. It's as if my body is trying to stay with days. A nap threw me off a bit, as to when I slept last night, but made waking... somewhat reasonably considering possible. I am still tired, and as noted no sun to bolster life. I'll grab a bit to eat and... figure life out. I might be able, today, to take down the shelving, get the sheer on the other window, perhaps rearrange... no I won't be changing curtains quite yet... Well, if I get that, I may hit the kitchen just a bit today. Clearing the last of the floor, opening up flat surfaces, mild cleaning. The list hasn't changed. Oh, and trash and maybe recycling out. Bleh. Later.
Spaghetti...
.
.
I did get it all done. I took extra time, due to the grains not being cooked beforehand. I added spice and herb, both to the meatballs and in the marinara sauce. And? Meh. It was okay. I will not be writing home about it. Next time I will mix burger and sausage. There is one spice missing, to my mind, in the meatballs. It's sort of a seed, offering a black licorice flavor. Best crushed a bit, or the seed might be too hard. I'll have to remember the name and buy some of it. Best to buy it at least cracked. While it doesn't last, the whole seeds age harshly... especially in this drier climate. Anise seed? Maybe.
Even so, it was a pleasant meal. I did only use about half the meatballs. They really were bland, even spiced rather heavily, then also the marinara. I can't believe how bland. Yes, fresh herbs and spices. Well, freshly bought dry. Smelled good going in, too. Oh well. I'll have some tomorrow as well. The remaining meats will go into a freezer bag for next week. Though I'll try to think of something else in an attempt to dress that up. A salad would be nice, as well as garlic french bread. I'm not so much into meatball sandwiches. Something, to me, just off about that.
I didn't do much more in the computer room. However, as mentioned, I did clear much of the shelving and surrounds. I did receive allowance to return the curtains I purchased, already had the label for the sheers printed. Upon reviewing those, I noticed the printer isn't doing well. Perhaps it is too low, though the indicator suggested otherwise. I cleaned and aligned the heads, that didn't help. I might try the other printer. They are almost cheap enough that just tossing the printer rather than buying new cartridges is the way to go. And as messy as finding the right one can be, it may be much better to just toss. Not green, not even right in some real ways, but it is what it is. If that doesn't work I may make another run to town tomorrow. I just don't want to fuss with anything else tonight. I am tired.
Yeah, but still, a good day after a good week. I really need to figure out the power cable from the house to the shed. If I can get that disconnected safely, I can do a lot more limbing. I want to do a lot more limbing. It's good exercise, I should begin figuring out some light roping and climbing safety, and... well... the risk is sort of entertaining. No bungee climbing or falling, mind you. I'll keep it more practical. Though I may see about camping up in there. Yeah, I really would like to do that. I don't trust the trees enough to try it in heavy weather, but sometime it would be fun to find some trees that seem more trustworthy and giving that a whirl. You only die a bunch of times! Or, well, some of us. *blink blink*
Good night.
.
I did get it all done. I took extra time, due to the grains not being cooked beforehand. I added spice and herb, both to the meatballs and in the marinara sauce. And? Meh. It was okay. I will not be writing home about it. Next time I will mix burger and sausage. There is one spice missing, to my mind, in the meatballs. It's sort of a seed, offering a black licorice flavor. Best crushed a bit, or the seed might be too hard. I'll have to remember the name and buy some of it. Best to buy it at least cracked. While it doesn't last, the whole seeds age harshly... especially in this drier climate. Anise seed? Maybe.
Even so, it was a pleasant meal. I did only use about half the meatballs. They really were bland, even spiced rather heavily, then also the marinara. I can't believe how bland. Yes, fresh herbs and spices. Well, freshly bought dry. Smelled good going in, too. Oh well. I'll have some tomorrow as well. The remaining meats will go into a freezer bag for next week. Though I'll try to think of something else in an attempt to dress that up. A salad would be nice, as well as garlic french bread. I'm not so much into meatball sandwiches. Something, to me, just off about that.
I didn't do much more in the computer room. However, as mentioned, I did clear much of the shelving and surrounds. I did receive allowance to return the curtains I purchased, already had the label for the sheers printed. Upon reviewing those, I noticed the printer isn't doing well. Perhaps it is too low, though the indicator suggested otherwise. I cleaned and aligned the heads, that didn't help. I might try the other printer. They are almost cheap enough that just tossing the printer rather than buying new cartridges is the way to go. And as messy as finding the right one can be, it may be much better to just toss. Not green, not even right in some real ways, but it is what it is. If that doesn't work I may make another run to town tomorrow. I just don't want to fuss with anything else tonight. I am tired.
Yeah, but still, a good day after a good week. I really need to figure out the power cable from the house to the shed. If I can get that disconnected safely, I can do a lot more limbing. I want to do a lot more limbing. It's good exercise, I should begin figuring out some light roping and climbing safety, and... well... the risk is sort of entertaining. No bungee climbing or falling, mind you. I'll keep it more practical. Though I may see about camping up in there. Yeah, I really would like to do that. I don't trust the trees enough to try it in heavy weather, but sometime it would be fun to find some trees that seem more trustworthy and giving that a whirl. You only die a bunch of times! Or, well, some of us. *blink blink*
Good night.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Improvisation.
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.
I have been teasing myself with spaghetti and meatballs for days now. It was becoming downright cruel. I decided to go for it. A quick search, finding no bread, panco, or other mixings of that sort wasn't going to put me off. Grains? I found about a pound of six grain mix. Usually used for breakfast, if not recently. No bugs, though, I suppose, a quick check and if the right kind of bug? Meh. No worries this time. Look, if you are thinking of wild living you had best get used to eating what is for to eat, not what you want. Now, since I used unprocessed grains, just cooking the meatballs through will not be enough. I had thought to soak them in the marinara for a bit, an half hour or so at least. Now it's not so much an option as a requirement. Just a dandy one... if I will suffer, it will be worth it.
So, next to check the meat. It smelled not only okay but good. I was a bit surprised. I was almost hoping it was even a tad off. While my belly wants the food, my... ask me later... wants to sit. Anyway, with everything a go, I put the spices, herbs, salt, meat, and grains in and went to mix. Hrm? I had always hated watching eggs go into such mixes. I figured it was just a way to lessen the expense. Or because mom's like gooey things. Tricksies, womenzes. Well, they are. However, perhaps not on this particular thing. Yeah, fine. Eggs were required to pull it together. Sorry mom. Yes, I have had this grudge against that process since I was a child. I was a very different child.
Well, one side is done, so I flipped and am crisping the bottoms of the meatballs. Not required, just... I like a bit more crunch... a more solid texture. The marinara is going. When the timer goes off, in they go... half of them... or whatever seems about right. If all else fails, I can use the spares for a snack as are, or with salsa, on chips, with cheese, sliced up a bit? Maybe. Oh, I shouldn't tease, even accidentally, by talking of food. So very hungry.
Ah, you know what is next? Especially now that I have several types of fresh pork sausage? Scotch eggs. Here. Doh! No more food stuff for a while.
Later.
.
I have been teasing myself with spaghetti and meatballs for days now. It was becoming downright cruel. I decided to go for it. A quick search, finding no bread, panco, or other mixings of that sort wasn't going to put me off. Grains? I found about a pound of six grain mix. Usually used for breakfast, if not recently. No bugs, though, I suppose, a quick check and if the right kind of bug? Meh. No worries this time. Look, if you are thinking of wild living you had best get used to eating what is for to eat, not what you want. Now, since I used unprocessed grains, just cooking the meatballs through will not be enough. I had thought to soak them in the marinara for a bit, an half hour or so at least. Now it's not so much an option as a requirement. Just a dandy one... if I will suffer, it will be worth it.
So, next to check the meat. It smelled not only okay but good. I was a bit surprised. I was almost hoping it was even a tad off. While my belly wants the food, my... ask me later... wants to sit. Anyway, with everything a go, I put the spices, herbs, salt, meat, and grains in and went to mix. Hrm? I had always hated watching eggs go into such mixes. I figured it was just a way to lessen the expense. Or because mom's like gooey things. Tricksies, womenzes. Well, they are. However, perhaps not on this particular thing. Yeah, fine. Eggs were required to pull it together. Sorry mom. Yes, I have had this grudge against that process since I was a child. I was a very different child.
Well, one side is done, so I flipped and am crisping the bottoms of the meatballs. Not required, just... I like a bit more crunch... a more solid texture. The marinara is going. When the timer goes off, in they go... half of them... or whatever seems about right. If all else fails, I can use the spares for a snack as are, or with salsa, on chips, with cheese, sliced up a bit? Maybe. Oh, I shouldn't tease, even accidentally, by talking of food. So very hungry.
Ah, you know what is next? Especially now that I have several types of fresh pork sausage? Scotch eggs. Here. Doh! No more food stuff for a while.
Later.
Almost lost the day.
.
.
No major complaint if that had happened. I have been doing well. I might have pushed too far too fast. Even so, dropping into comfort after such is not the best idea, if it can be avoided. I realized I had the other front room curtain on the list, sheer set anyway. A simple gaze and I realized that just wan't going to be a simple drill and pray. I still have the shelving I purchased and constructed right in front of that window. It had been for growing plants. That just never really worked out. I only tried it one year. Though that really wasn't the problem. It was gardening. That was simply too much. The more I did to alleviate, such as using drip irrigation, the more complicated, time consuming, expensive, and problematic the process got. I never did see where extra effort ahead paid off on the return, anywhere. Weeds might have been a little easier, but not enough to call it a major gain. Anyway... so I had that shelving tower, which has collected... bits of everything.
I dug in, not wanting to say I did nothing. It is mostly clear, save for some of the seed growing materials. Probably trash, but I'll ask around. Hmm... then again, some of those things might be good for starting a few herbs... the legit kind. The trick is to keep the cats out of the seeds then the pots for the big plants. Nothing, and I mean nothing, like fresh herbs though. Yeah.
I may just call that done for now, then go on to dinner. I have everything I need, save maybe enough gumption. I have even been keeping up on dishes, give or take. So that isn't a swarming problem. I sure could dig in to a plate of good food. In spite of doing nothing, my body is telling me that food would be advisable. Oh, I also reset kefir jugs. I had one half gallon that had been out... what I would have thought would be too long. I really wondered if it had gone bad. Nope. My sniffer is rather particular. It's let enough poison and bad food go in, it doesn't want to play that anymore. I can handle some of that, on some things. But if my nose, stomach, brain, or even emotion center says no, I accept the veto. This was good. I just needed to split out the goo between two half gallon jugs, refill with milk, and it should be ready maybe even by the morning. Kefir really is good stuff. Fresh local fruit would really add to it. This year I have to make extra care to get fresh peaches and cherries, in season. Some to eat, some to add, some perhaps to freeze. Pureed, blended, or even just well diced, those, without any additional sugar, would definitely make kefir even more grand. I still like the plain, but a seasonal bump would be nice. Hmm... I bet, somewhere, fresh local strawberries might be coming due?
Tea, rest, a bit of this and that. Today is good. I feel changes coming. Who knows if they will continue or fade. I still think a good year at this level and wherever it takes me would see me fit for anything a normal man would even consider. That's the trick, though, isn't it. Not just the year, but then on from there. I don't see a lot of choices. Later.
.
No major complaint if that had happened. I have been doing well. I might have pushed too far too fast. Even so, dropping into comfort after such is not the best idea, if it can be avoided. I realized I had the other front room curtain on the list, sheer set anyway. A simple gaze and I realized that just wan't going to be a simple drill and pray. I still have the shelving I purchased and constructed right in front of that window. It had been for growing plants. That just never really worked out. I only tried it one year. Though that really wasn't the problem. It was gardening. That was simply too much. The more I did to alleviate, such as using drip irrigation, the more complicated, time consuming, expensive, and problematic the process got. I never did see where extra effort ahead paid off on the return, anywhere. Weeds might have been a little easier, but not enough to call it a major gain. Anyway... so I had that shelving tower, which has collected... bits of everything.
I dug in, not wanting to say I did nothing. It is mostly clear, save for some of the seed growing materials. Probably trash, but I'll ask around. Hmm... then again, some of those things might be good for starting a few herbs... the legit kind. The trick is to keep the cats out of the seeds then the pots for the big plants. Nothing, and I mean nothing, like fresh herbs though. Yeah.
I may just call that done for now, then go on to dinner. I have everything I need, save maybe enough gumption. I have even been keeping up on dishes, give or take. So that isn't a swarming problem. I sure could dig in to a plate of good food. In spite of doing nothing, my body is telling me that food would be advisable. Oh, I also reset kefir jugs. I had one half gallon that had been out... what I would have thought would be too long. I really wondered if it had gone bad. Nope. My sniffer is rather particular. It's let enough poison and bad food go in, it doesn't want to play that anymore. I can handle some of that, on some things. But if my nose, stomach, brain, or even emotion center says no, I accept the veto. This was good. I just needed to split out the goo between two half gallon jugs, refill with milk, and it should be ready maybe even by the morning. Kefir really is good stuff. Fresh local fruit would really add to it. This year I have to make extra care to get fresh peaches and cherries, in season. Some to eat, some to add, some perhaps to freeze. Pureed, blended, or even just well diced, those, without any additional sugar, would definitely make kefir even more grand. I still like the plain, but a seasonal bump would be nice. Hmm... I bet, somewhere, fresh local strawberries might be coming due?
Tea, rest, a bit of this and that. Today is good. I feel changes coming. Who knows if they will continue or fade. I still think a good year at this level and wherever it takes me would see me fit for anything a normal man would even consider. That's the trick, though, isn't it. Not just the year, but then on from there. I don't see a lot of choices. Later.
As the quickening occurs...
.
.
Thoughts, memories, functions, ideals, hungers, all coalesce into shapes, a form. It'll take a bit, at a heavy pace, for any of this to mean anything. It will never quite mean what it once meant, I'll never be that good again. I'll never be that strong or fast. I may bring some of it back. The call is too strong to ignore, this time. It's pulling me right out of the nice comfy grave I had dug for myself.
.
Thoughts, memories, functions, ideals, hungers, all coalesce into shapes, a form. It'll take a bit, at a heavy pace, for any of this to mean anything. It will never quite mean what it once meant, I'll never be that good again. I'll never be that strong or fast. I may bring some of it back. The call is too strong to ignore, this time. It's pulling me right out of the nice comfy grave I had dug for myself.
Jack the Giant Killer
.
.
Well, maybe not always Jack. Only mother and the Lord knows. Then again, in cosmic things, who knows jack? Well, other than God, but He hasn't spoken in some time.
.
Well, maybe not always Jack. Only mother and the Lord knows. Then again, in cosmic things, who knows jack? Well, other than God, but He hasn't spoken in some time.
Well...
.
.
I stayed up for an hour, maybe two, perhaps three? Something in my mind had stretched, like a rubber band being pulled to the breaking point... but not quite over. So I went on back to bed. For an hour or two I simply laid in bed. It reminded me of the decades I lived between being awake and asleep. You don't know the horror of that, unless plagued enough by insomnia to paint yourself as a ghost often enough to wrap your mind around the notion. Horrified, I was. The fear of going back to that fog is intense. Still, I made a great attempt to focus my mind, pull away from the fog, begin putting my mind into simple gear, and then letting it drift. The first hour was rough, the second hour saw stabilization. Between the second and into the third hour, perhaps, I ended up sleeping. I then slept for a few hours. Long enough to feel better.
Funny thing is, my body started to ache, just a bit, through these things. I think it was supposed to be hurting, I just was a little overworked to get that going. As things were mended and dealt with, the aches returned. All good. I really don't mind natural, healthy, aches and strains. Besides, at this time they are mild. I don't need even a few painkillers for it. Funny again? I haven't needed painkillers since I started working. One pain, for me, or many, often inactivate others. There is some crescendo of pain which I have to back down from. I am not quite fit enough currently to reach that. Though how much of a natural limit I have is... another thing. As can be seen, even by my humble beginning into tree work, given all the givens, when I can I can go very deep.
Today? Oh, I suppose I might, later, attempt to put the other sheers up. I have the one I put up yesterday in use. It is quite nice to have light, even if today is rather dark, and yet privacy too. Though I would like to get rod holders that extend further. For now the curtains and sheers are at the same outset level as the other. Doable, just, as I said, might cause a home matron to laugh and cry at once. Dames and waterworks, innit? As well, spaghetti... I have worked up a hunger for that which is nearing on mean. It shouldn't take all that long, even if, after making the meatballs, I let them simmer in the marinara sauce for an half hour. If, with that and this, I have any extra gumption, I'd like to begin again in the kitchen. I haven't moved on that much. I have kept the bathroom topped. I have moved on edges of the kitchen, very little bits, while not allowing it to degrade. A major strike on what boxes and such still clutter part of the floor, opening up the kitchen table more or completely, then sweeping. For today that would be grand. A few more, or all of, the counters tomorrow... cleared and washed... then mopping? If I can do those things, the kitchen would, mostly, be done. Over the next week I could fiddle with final details as I work on the remaining logs et. al. Then to learn to maintain the bathroom and the kitchen, at once. From there, then add the living room.
Beside fiddling with the inside next week, I do plan at least two more days of outdoor work and one day of hiking. Not just a shorter walk, several miles at least, as a starter. Hmm... I should find my hiking boots and get those seasoned and ready. They are pretty good, just need a spring hit. I try to do spring and fall, though... well... I do my best. Oh, so I should also get my pack going. I can also attempt to set some time aside to make sure I have everything needed for the hammock and overtarp. An MRE or two will deal with any nutritional needs to start out. Especially with a water-powered heat pack with each. I'll work on food packs over time. I want to have groups of days and weeks of those ready for Alaska. Just leave them in various storage places along my paths... until I figure a way out further... then cacheing.
I did have to chuckle. A neighbor asked if I was growing my hair weird for Burning Man or the other one, Sanguero Man. How do you not chuckle when... all I have done is not been able to remember to get in for a haircut since before his two month old was conceived? *chuckles* What is left of the pseudo mohawk and time... All good, but, yeah.
Ah, right... back to waking. Later.
.
I stayed up for an hour, maybe two, perhaps three? Something in my mind had stretched, like a rubber band being pulled to the breaking point... but not quite over. So I went on back to bed. For an hour or two I simply laid in bed. It reminded me of the decades I lived between being awake and asleep. You don't know the horror of that, unless plagued enough by insomnia to paint yourself as a ghost often enough to wrap your mind around the notion. Horrified, I was. The fear of going back to that fog is intense. Still, I made a great attempt to focus my mind, pull away from the fog, begin putting my mind into simple gear, and then letting it drift. The first hour was rough, the second hour saw stabilization. Between the second and into the third hour, perhaps, I ended up sleeping. I then slept for a few hours. Long enough to feel better.
Funny thing is, my body started to ache, just a bit, through these things. I think it was supposed to be hurting, I just was a little overworked to get that going. As things were mended and dealt with, the aches returned. All good. I really don't mind natural, healthy, aches and strains. Besides, at this time they are mild. I don't need even a few painkillers for it. Funny again? I haven't needed painkillers since I started working. One pain, for me, or many, often inactivate others. There is some crescendo of pain which I have to back down from. I am not quite fit enough currently to reach that. Though how much of a natural limit I have is... another thing. As can be seen, even by my humble beginning into tree work, given all the givens, when I can I can go very deep.
Today? Oh, I suppose I might, later, attempt to put the other sheers up. I have the one I put up yesterday in use. It is quite nice to have light, even if today is rather dark, and yet privacy too. Though I would like to get rod holders that extend further. For now the curtains and sheers are at the same outset level as the other. Doable, just, as I said, might cause a home matron to laugh and cry at once. Dames and waterworks, innit? As well, spaghetti... I have worked up a hunger for that which is nearing on mean. It shouldn't take all that long, even if, after making the meatballs, I let them simmer in the marinara sauce for an half hour. If, with that and this, I have any extra gumption, I'd like to begin again in the kitchen. I haven't moved on that much. I have kept the bathroom topped. I have moved on edges of the kitchen, very little bits, while not allowing it to degrade. A major strike on what boxes and such still clutter part of the floor, opening up the kitchen table more or completely, then sweeping. For today that would be grand. A few more, or all of, the counters tomorrow... cleared and washed... then mopping? If I can do those things, the kitchen would, mostly, be done. Over the next week I could fiddle with final details as I work on the remaining logs et. al. Then to learn to maintain the bathroom and the kitchen, at once. From there, then add the living room.
Beside fiddling with the inside next week, I do plan at least two more days of outdoor work and one day of hiking. Not just a shorter walk, several miles at least, as a starter. Hmm... I should find my hiking boots and get those seasoned and ready. They are pretty good, just need a spring hit. I try to do spring and fall, though... well... I do my best. Oh, so I should also get my pack going. I can also attempt to set some time aside to make sure I have everything needed for the hammock and overtarp. An MRE or two will deal with any nutritional needs to start out. Especially with a water-powered heat pack with each. I'll work on food packs over time. I want to have groups of days and weeks of those ready for Alaska. Just leave them in various storage places along my paths... until I figure a way out further... then cacheing.
I did have to chuckle. A neighbor asked if I was growing my hair weird for Burning Man or the other one, Sanguero Man. How do you not chuckle when... all I have done is not been able to remember to get in for a haircut since before his two month old was conceived? *chuckles* What is left of the pseudo mohawk and time... All good, but, yeah.
Ah, right... back to waking. Later.
Down late up early.
.
.
Yeah, strange. It does happen. Obviously. My guess is time is not on my side. A nap at around 10:00, if I can make it that late if I hope to work it until noon.
Funny thing is, I am not sore. I was feeling good by the time I went to bed and remain in good stead as I wake. I have some serious bruises. Working with limbs of that size, at least until you harden up, get experience in not being in the way, and such... it's part of the job. Scrapes too. But those don't really hurt unless activated. I mean muscles, bones even, tendons and ligaments. Perhaps I didn't work hard enough? It is strange. I'll get another chance at it this week. Not all that much more with limbs, unless I can sort out the power cable. But there are other physical things to do. Probably including a day hiking, with the smaller pack.
I did get just the one set of sheers up. Yes, I returned to the store and found more of each item. I had to override the doorman. He would not tag the goods, he had been told they were not allowed to do so anymore. It sounds as if distrust and bad blood exists on both ends of that. Not my problem. I suggested he witness, for what it was worth, and just went on in. I wasn't going to stand in a long lane for returns when that was not what this was. Ugh! More panels, enough and one extra... it's all that had. I would like to have purchased more. And at half the price of Amazon, otherwise similar quality. And the rods are much better. Funny, I didn't realize there were grades of cheap plastic. Oh, my friends, there is. Take Walmart cheap plastic you can see over Amazon cheap plastic you can't any day of the week.
As to curtains? I looked for my old order. I had to go through by hand, as their search system sucks. I did find them, and ordered what I could. For some reason their distributor will only allow four to be purchased at a time (panels, not sets). These are extremely good at what they do, and are of a solid material, with solid backing, not thick spandex like material. Bleh. I am attempting to get approval for a return on those, already got approval for the sheers to be returned. I may have enough to sort around, one way or another. All probably need washed though.
I am just not sure if I will get to working on the curtains before I need a nap. While not sore, I'm also not all that spiffy, what with so little sleep. Just an odd thing, probably having to do with such heavy work and then such light work. I don't always get to pick how things work or work out. I simply have to make do with what fruits, vegetables, meats, bruises, health, and bleeding out life serves. I do so with as much aplomb as I can muster. Sometimes even a grin, a real one when I forget... some things... or everything.
Later.
.
Yeah, strange. It does happen. Obviously. My guess is time is not on my side. A nap at around 10:00, if I can make it that late if I hope to work it until noon.
Funny thing is, I am not sore. I was feeling good by the time I went to bed and remain in good stead as I wake. I have some serious bruises. Working with limbs of that size, at least until you harden up, get experience in not being in the way, and such... it's part of the job. Scrapes too. But those don't really hurt unless activated. I mean muscles, bones even, tendons and ligaments. Perhaps I didn't work hard enough? It is strange. I'll get another chance at it this week. Not all that much more with limbs, unless I can sort out the power cable. But there are other physical things to do. Probably including a day hiking, with the smaller pack.
I did get just the one set of sheers up. Yes, I returned to the store and found more of each item. I had to override the doorman. He would not tag the goods, he had been told they were not allowed to do so anymore. It sounds as if distrust and bad blood exists on both ends of that. Not my problem. I suggested he witness, for what it was worth, and just went on in. I wasn't going to stand in a long lane for returns when that was not what this was. Ugh! More panels, enough and one extra... it's all that had. I would like to have purchased more. And at half the price of Amazon, otherwise similar quality. And the rods are much better. Funny, I didn't realize there were grades of cheap plastic. Oh, my friends, there is. Take Walmart cheap plastic you can see over Amazon cheap plastic you can't any day of the week.
As to curtains? I looked for my old order. I had to go through by hand, as their search system sucks. I did find them, and ordered what I could. For some reason their distributor will only allow four to be purchased at a time (panels, not sets). These are extremely good at what they do, and are of a solid material, with solid backing, not thick spandex like material. Bleh. I am attempting to get approval for a return on those, already got approval for the sheers to be returned. I may have enough to sort around, one way or another. All probably need washed though.
I am just not sure if I will get to working on the curtains before I need a nap. While not sore, I'm also not all that spiffy, what with so little sleep. Just an odd thing, probably having to do with such heavy work and then such light work. I don't always get to pick how things work or work out. I simply have to make do with what fruits, vegetables, meats, bruises, health, and bleeding out life serves. I do so with as much aplomb as I can muster. Sometimes even a grin, a real one when I forget... some things... or everything.
Later.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Back to town?
.
.
Yeah. It's still early enough. I did start on the sheers. I installed one set, then went to put up the curtains. Urhm, I don't care what Amazon or it's distributors called it, that is not blackout, that isn't heat resist. It looks like they found material from when discos and afros were still in, couldn't think of anything else to do with it so turned it into the world's worst and cheapest curtains, then sold it at a premium. I'll bet that stuff burns at the drop of a match, too. *woof!* Along with the wrong sheers, these will go back. I will look around in Walmart, failing that I will look at my previous order to see if I can find the same brand/type. The ones I have are a corduroy, backed by some... gooey sort of material... perhaps rubber. But they really keep the sun, heat, and surprisingly to a degree the sound out as well.
How well are they up? Well... a woman, a good woman as they were once called, a housekeeper sort... would either laugh or cry. Some of the more talented women could do both at once. Or... maybe I am just talented at eliciting special traits from dames? Dunno? Who knew? Oh no! *grins* Still, they will work for their intended purposes, one way or the other. Problem solving, for times short or long. If, or as, I come back to health I will begin doing what comes naturally. Perhaps it isn't practical, with Alaska almost a certainty within a year or two. Still, now, for now, do what I do, so be it... aka... amen.
What took me, you ask? No, the job wasn't that time intense. I had to recharge the batteries for the cordless. Yes, I have a corded. It's a hammer drill. It just doesn't do well on delicate tasks like this. Think... fine cutting a 2x4 with a chainsaw. Yeah... there really is, sometimes, just too much much. I've tried. There is only so much delicate that can be squeezed out of that. So... I had to wait for the light to go off on the charger, then charged the other one just for kicks.
Later.
Oh, right. Mail.
.
.
I thought the past had gone to, and remained, the past. A ghost from not the furthest back, but from some time ago, made contact. Snail-mail, would you believe. Quite nice to receive. I could attempt contact this or that way. However, I believe in like for like. I guess even dragon's breath and the delicate nature of Doom aren't enough to... Oh, just a postcard, and some minor gift. As harsh as I am, or seem, I... actually do care.
It is about time to get to work on the curtains. It just feels good when things get done. This little group of tasks will probably end up being more than it seems. It always does. Though if I can just get through getting the hardware in place, the rest is pretty easy, even if I tucker out and save some of it for tomorrow. I'll know shortly. And I really want those meatballs done. I might push through on that meal. It will last at least two days. And it shouldn't be that much work. The chair just seems to have a bit too much gravity associated with it! :p
The anacin did help. But I am having tingling in my fingers, as if I had rested on them in such a way so that they fell asleep. I probably pushed a bit too hard, to start out. Still, hit while the iron is hot, and it was. I should be ready for more by Monday. I just need to figure out how to detach the minor power line from the house to the outhouse. There is probably a fuse, though... the house is old and the wiring is a patchwork of old. Probably totally rewired in the early 70's, then patched variously, as needs grew, since then. And I know nothing to boot. If I can remove that, I'll probably bring another small forest of dead or troubling limbs down, limbs I wouldn't risk with the line in place.
Yeah, I might eventually get up into the other trees as well. Over this summer I will learn to climb again. Just working these limbs will begin to get me in shape for that. I might even make a pass at camping up in one of the trees, so long as the weather isn't going to be rough. Keeping a slip line around, just in any case though too. Slip? Zip? Down in a fast go, not impediments, but good brakes and more than one of those. If you know how to roll, though, you can go a pretty good drop. Ask any seriously experienced parachuter. Best be ready for it, whether a climber, chuter, or whatnot. Sometimes what you thought was the bottom, or a smooth low and easy, becomes... not so much what you thought. *plop* *grin*
Oh, right... to work. Later.
.
I thought the past had gone to, and remained, the past. A ghost from not the furthest back, but from some time ago, made contact. Snail-mail, would you believe. Quite nice to receive. I could attempt contact this or that way. However, I believe in like for like. I guess even dragon's breath and the delicate nature of Doom aren't enough to... Oh, just a postcard, and some minor gift. As harsh as I am, or seem, I... actually do care.
It is about time to get to work on the curtains. It just feels good when things get done. This little group of tasks will probably end up being more than it seems. It always does. Though if I can just get through getting the hardware in place, the rest is pretty easy, even if I tucker out and save some of it for tomorrow. I'll know shortly. And I really want those meatballs done. I might push through on that meal. It will last at least two days. And it shouldn't be that much work. The chair just seems to have a bit too much gravity associated with it! :p
The anacin did help. But I am having tingling in my fingers, as if I had rested on them in such a way so that they fell asleep. I probably pushed a bit too hard, to start out. Still, hit while the iron is hot, and it was. I should be ready for more by Monday. I just need to figure out how to detach the minor power line from the house to the outhouse. There is probably a fuse, though... the house is old and the wiring is a patchwork of old. Probably totally rewired in the early 70's, then patched variously, as needs grew, since then. And I know nothing to boot. If I can remove that, I'll probably bring another small forest of dead or troubling limbs down, limbs I wouldn't risk with the line in place.
Yeah, I might eventually get up into the other trees as well. Over this summer I will learn to climb again. Just working these limbs will begin to get me in shape for that. I might even make a pass at camping up in one of the trees, so long as the weather isn't going to be rough. Keeping a slip line around, just in any case though too. Slip? Zip? Down in a fast go, not impediments, but good brakes and more than one of those. If you know how to roll, though, you can go a pretty good drop. Ask any seriously experienced parachuter. Best be ready for it, whether a climber, chuter, or whatnot. Sometimes what you thought was the bottom, or a smooth low and easy, becomes... not so much what you thought. *plop* *grin*
Oh, right... to work. Later.
Yeah. Rest day, mostly.
.
.
After reviewing the sheers Amazon sent, in spite of requesting very specifically what I wished, I got the other kind of sheer. It would work, just not as well. So I'll have to figure out a return on those. Not only did I need rods and fiddly bits, I needed sheers. Walmart it was and it worked well. The rods were even on about a 30% reduction clearance. All good. I may even get those up today yet. That and change out the curtains. It's very light duty.
On the way home I stopped for a bite. Yeah, pretty worn. I don't know if I will get to the whole spaghetti meal yet today, though I think I can get the meatballs ready, freezing half, putting the rest in the fridge for tomorrow. I also didn't stop at the bread store nor the grocery store, so it'll just be spaghetti, no side courses. And, really, that is good enough for me.
I took my camera with. I just really didn't have the energy to monkey with everything. Plus it was sprinkling off and on. I do have, and did take, camera rain sleeves... two different types to compare... Again, I just wasn't up to fiddling. I even had my own rain coat, and a fleece for underneath if needed. I am well geared to do much. I am just not always able. Hmm? Oh, well, photography might be a way by which I could gain access or such in some Northern arena. While not quite gold, if marketed slightly a photo or two could do one some favors. Plus I really do want some photo memories of this place. My first home since I have... learned how to be alive again. It'll be missed.
A bit of resting from the trip and dinner, some music, then on to work... if I can get to it. Later.
.
After reviewing the sheers Amazon sent, in spite of requesting very specifically what I wished, I got the other kind of sheer. It would work, just not as well. So I'll have to figure out a return on those. Not only did I need rods and fiddly bits, I needed sheers. Walmart it was and it worked well. The rods were even on about a 30% reduction clearance. All good. I may even get those up today yet. That and change out the curtains. It's very light duty.
On the way home I stopped for a bite. Yeah, pretty worn. I don't know if I will get to the whole spaghetti meal yet today, though I think I can get the meatballs ready, freezing half, putting the rest in the fridge for tomorrow. I also didn't stop at the bread store nor the grocery store, so it'll just be spaghetti, no side courses. And, really, that is good enough for me.
I took my camera with. I just really didn't have the energy to monkey with everything. Plus it was sprinkling off and on. I do have, and did take, camera rain sleeves... two different types to compare... Again, I just wasn't up to fiddling. I even had my own rain coat, and a fleece for underneath if needed. I am well geared to do much. I am just not always able. Hmm? Oh, well, photography might be a way by which I could gain access or such in some Northern arena. While not quite gold, if marketed slightly a photo or two could do one some favors. Plus I really do want some photo memories of this place. My first home since I have... learned how to be alive again. It'll be missed.
A bit of resting from the trip and dinner, some music, then on to work... if I can get to it. Later.
Chainsaw maintenance and safety.
.
.
I have done a bit of reading, listening, and watching. Probably not enough. I still have all my limbs, no cuts from the saw anyway, and... And yet, beside the practice of use, I am rereading, listening again, and watching both new and old material. Why? First, when you start something like this, it is very easy to read over your head. Reading is great, as a starter. Often, however, it simply doesn't make sense. Then, once in the field, when you get experience, the reading has simply... evaporated... the connection is not, maybe cannot be, made that way. There is simply too much that could be known that has to be paired with practical experience to get it all to connect in even several, or many, experiences.
.
I have done a bit of reading, listening, and watching. Probably not enough. I still have all my limbs, no cuts from the saw anyway, and... And yet, beside the practice of use, I am rereading, listening again, and watching both new and old material. Why? First, when you start something like this, it is very easy to read over your head. Reading is great, as a starter. Often, however, it simply doesn't make sense. Then, once in the field, when you get experience, the reading has simply... evaporated... the connection is not, maybe cannot be, made that way. There is simply too much that could be known that has to be paired with practical experience to get it all to connect in even several, or many, experiences.
Technically I was awake at 5:30.
.
.
I really did wake up. On any other day, regardless of the time, when I function like that I get out of bed and start my day, happily or not so much. Not today. Upper body muscles were screeching. It all hurt. So... I kept trying to sleep a bit longer in hopes of shedding some of the pain. I twisted, turned, flipped, and flopped, like a live fish in a frying pan. If I had been able to think through it I would have gotten up and taken a fistful of anacin. Actually, I thought about it at one point, but right as I was going under. The lights went out along with the idea.
I kept waking to go to the bathroom. It seems that working out has opened up channels that were previously closed. Since shoveling snow this winter, something changed. I could still use the water pill, but with that not available, at least my body is handling fluids much better, somehow. Well, this work that I am currently doing is keeping that going. So, up, often. Without the pill I just have to wake several times each night, on top of daily rounds.
I knew I had at least one package. I was hoping to get in today. Right at 11:30 I struggled to push it all into action, and did. No shower, but I took one last night. Just getting dressed and out the door in time. Two packages were in, but not the two I was expecting. Which means, probably Monday, I have to make it back in. Out here, FedEx doesn't deliver to your door. They just drop it off at the post office, then write on Amazon that they "tried to deliver". I wish I could find out who the delivery would be by. I would skip FedEx every time. That's b.s.!
Today? Ugh. My upper body is numb, as if I slept on it wrong. That isn't the case. Just, for as rusty as it is, it has been overused. I had almost thought of pressing on, doing more work, as I wound down, then was falling asleep last night. That's not going to happen. I just took a few painkillers, I'll see how that works. And, no, even if I get to feeling better I won't hit it.
Meatballs! I will make those, I think, if I can get to that. One of the packages that arrived, I think, is my new curtains. Plus the sheers from a bit ago. However, I need some sort of treatment for the sheers. The curtains can just be swapped out, and the old ones moved back to the rear windows. As well, while I am working with food, I might do a bit more work in the kitchen. The bathroom is being maintained quite well. I just gave it an after-shower wipe-down last night. Much easier if you never let it drop to pre-civilized conditions, innit? :p That is today, at most, at best. I have earned the spaghetti and meatballs! Though, if I go to town for rods and such, I may attempt to find french bread... then butter and garlic that for the meal. Yeah... a rare treat to have a meal forethought, partially handmade, and full. Hmm... romaine lettuce for salad? Just a bit, or it goes bad, but I suppose.
Later.
.
I really did wake up. On any other day, regardless of the time, when I function like that I get out of bed and start my day, happily or not so much. Not today. Upper body muscles were screeching. It all hurt. So... I kept trying to sleep a bit longer in hopes of shedding some of the pain. I twisted, turned, flipped, and flopped, like a live fish in a frying pan. If I had been able to think through it I would have gotten up and taken a fistful of anacin. Actually, I thought about it at one point, but right as I was going under. The lights went out along with the idea.
I kept waking to go to the bathroom. It seems that working out has opened up channels that were previously closed. Since shoveling snow this winter, something changed. I could still use the water pill, but with that not available, at least my body is handling fluids much better, somehow. Well, this work that I am currently doing is keeping that going. So, up, often. Without the pill I just have to wake several times each night, on top of daily rounds.
I knew I had at least one package. I was hoping to get in today. Right at 11:30 I struggled to push it all into action, and did. No shower, but I took one last night. Just getting dressed and out the door in time. Two packages were in, but not the two I was expecting. Which means, probably Monday, I have to make it back in. Out here, FedEx doesn't deliver to your door. They just drop it off at the post office, then write on Amazon that they "tried to deliver". I wish I could find out who the delivery would be by. I would skip FedEx every time. That's b.s.!
Today? Ugh. My upper body is numb, as if I slept on it wrong. That isn't the case. Just, for as rusty as it is, it has been overused. I had almost thought of pressing on, doing more work, as I wound down, then was falling asleep last night. That's not going to happen. I just took a few painkillers, I'll see how that works. And, no, even if I get to feeling better I won't hit it.
Meatballs! I will make those, I think, if I can get to that. One of the packages that arrived, I think, is my new curtains. Plus the sheers from a bit ago. However, I need some sort of treatment for the sheers. The curtains can just be swapped out, and the old ones moved back to the rear windows. As well, while I am working with food, I might do a bit more work in the kitchen. The bathroom is being maintained quite well. I just gave it an after-shower wipe-down last night. Much easier if you never let it drop to pre-civilized conditions, innit? :p That is today, at most, at best. I have earned the spaghetti and meatballs! Though, if I go to town for rods and such, I may attempt to find french bread... then butter and garlic that for the meal. Yeah... a rare treat to have a meal forethought, partially handmade, and full. Hmm... romaine lettuce for salad? Just a bit, or it goes bad, but I suppose.
Later.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
I didn't quit, just did what I did.
.
.
I wasn't able to do four separate work periods. But the last one I extended. In stead of taking a break at the time for it, I ended up doing a cool-down work. Which wasn't as cooling as I had thought. I cut the suckers from around one of my trees. Now, that didn't quite make a full work session, but then without a break it... was enough. I did end up cutting the five, maybe six, large limbs into parts, and getting those stowed. I know have one pile of branches, and one of bigger logs, to process. I am done for the week though.
I headed out for fast food. Not great but I was truly done in but needed to eat. Bruises, cuts, scratches... I look like I've been doing something. My muscles are tight, nearly to mush though. Sore, pinched, stretched, and running to nearly grumpy. Oh well. A bit of rest this weekend. Perhaps some cooking, and minor cleaning, not much else. A shower before I go to bed though. Yikes but I've been wrung out. Still, it feels quite good.
Three days next week, and a hike perhaps. Yeah, I ought to get my packs back in order. Oh, and perhaps this weekend, if I recover, an attempt to set up some of my gear. Just to make sure I have everything I need, and to put that all into one grouping within the rest of the camping kit. I might test out some of the cooking gear while I am at it. Just to make sure it all works. A backyard outdoor gear lab, finally.
Good night. Sleep well. I know I will.
.
I wasn't able to do four separate work periods. But the last one I extended. In stead of taking a break at the time for it, I ended up doing a cool-down work. Which wasn't as cooling as I had thought. I cut the suckers from around one of my trees. Now, that didn't quite make a full work session, but then without a break it... was enough. I did end up cutting the five, maybe six, large limbs into parts, and getting those stowed. I know have one pile of branches, and one of bigger logs, to process. I am done for the week though.
I headed out for fast food. Not great but I was truly done in but needed to eat. Bruises, cuts, scratches... I look like I've been doing something. My muscles are tight, nearly to mush though. Sore, pinched, stretched, and running to nearly grumpy. Oh well. A bit of rest this weekend. Perhaps some cooking, and minor cleaning, not much else. A shower before I go to bed though. Yikes but I've been wrung out. Still, it feels quite good.
Three days next week, and a hike perhaps. Yeah, I ought to get my packs back in order. Oh, and perhaps this weekend, if I recover, an attempt to set up some of my gear. Just to make sure I have everything I need, and to put that all into one grouping within the rest of the camping kit. I might test out some of the cooking gear while I am at it. Just to make sure it all works. A backyard outdoor gear lab, finally.
Good night. Sleep well. I know I will.
That is some hefty effort.
.
.
It really is easier today, the work. That I am pulling duty two days in a row, though, is probably why it seems harder than it is. Other than the limbs that still need to be cut from whole, I have the green needles in a pile, the logs, branches, and twigs in their own piles, save for one load of branches that need to be rendered. I think I have five full limbs which were not processed at all. Five? I thought I... well, there was the other other day. Or was that... My mind is slipping. Work can do that, I'll figure it out shortly. Oh, wait, I have been involved with cutting on three different days. Saturday was the first? Yes. Then yesterday and today... Thursday, right? For as long as I had no memory, and could not keep new, I fight for memory. Not the best, but... better.
It looks like I am doing about what I did yesterday... about 45 minutes at work and an half hour down. Though the last break might be longer. The axe has a natural feel in my hands. The chainsaw is pretty natural, as well, if I don't like the noise. Even with ear protection it is beastly loud. Though... it reminds me of some of my music. :) Well, not quite, unless I play it too loud.
This weekend? Probably rest. Though tomorrow is rest too. I hope to get spaghetti and meatballs tonight or tomorrow. Not sure about either, but that is my dessert. If not tonight, another trip to town. Fast food isn't the best, but when I am pulling tight calories, for me, I really have to top the tank. Home cooking is much better, it just isn't a reality these days, save for those few of us who make it so. It's a discipline now, not a reality. Some are "stuck" with it, most are figuring out how not to be "stuck".
In one sense, the work is taking longer than I expected. But in a more real understanding, I actually think I am buzzing right along, going faster than any would guess. It is improbable, unlikely, and not suited to me. There it is anyway. I've got to cool off before I go back out. But I will go back out, at least one more time. If I can, even if I am not done with the sorting and such, I may grab the clipper and cut the saps and upstarts around the trees, then collect that to be put in with the green needle pile. Yeah... if I can... as a cool-down. But, that would be after one more work period on the main chore. Bit by bit.
Iced tea! I need it. Later.
.
It really is easier today, the work. That I am pulling duty two days in a row, though, is probably why it seems harder than it is. Other than the limbs that still need to be cut from whole, I have the green needles in a pile, the logs, branches, and twigs in their own piles, save for one load of branches that need to be rendered. I think I have five full limbs which were not processed at all. Five? I thought I... well, there was the other other day. Or was that... My mind is slipping. Work can do that, I'll figure it out shortly. Oh, wait, I have been involved with cutting on three different days. Saturday was the first? Yes. Then yesterday and today... Thursday, right? For as long as I had no memory, and could not keep new, I fight for memory. Not the best, but... better.
It looks like I am doing about what I did yesterday... about 45 minutes at work and an half hour down. Though the last break might be longer. The axe has a natural feel in my hands. The chainsaw is pretty natural, as well, if I don't like the noise. Even with ear protection it is beastly loud. Though... it reminds me of some of my music. :) Well, not quite, unless I play it too loud.
This weekend? Probably rest. Though tomorrow is rest too. I hope to get spaghetti and meatballs tonight or tomorrow. Not sure about either, but that is my dessert. If not tonight, another trip to town. Fast food isn't the best, but when I am pulling tight calories, for me, I really have to top the tank. Home cooking is much better, it just isn't a reality these days, save for those few of us who make it so. It's a discipline now, not a reality. Some are "stuck" with it, most are figuring out how not to be "stuck".
In one sense, the work is taking longer than I expected. But in a more real understanding, I actually think I am buzzing right along, going faster than any would guess. It is improbable, unlikely, and not suited to me. There it is anyway. I've got to cool off before I go back out. But I will go back out, at least one more time. If I can, even if I am not done with the sorting and such, I may grab the clipper and cut the saps and upstarts around the trees, then collect that to be put in with the green needle pile. Yeah... if I can... as a cool-down. But, that would be after one more work period on the main chore. Bit by bit.
Iced tea! I need it. Later.
Exactly off time and... that other thing doesn't make sense either!
.
.
Off time? I mean I started at 15:00, exactly as I had wished not to start. This and that, then 13:00 sped by, 14:00 flew by, and 15:00 almost scampered through. Coattails, skin of my teeth, name the nature of my catching of 15:00 whatever you wish, so long as it seems impossibly thin one way or another.
I dressed the part, grabbed my kit, and got out to it. Sort, chop, crunch, chop, pile, sort... So it went. It's cooler today. No sun. I am wearing less, as I don't have the chainsaw helm on. I worked a shorter shift, just about 40 minutes. Yet today I am sweating. I didn't sweat a noticeable drop yesterday. Perhaps I had to work the sweat up, then double down, to get the moth balled body out of retirement? Maybe just that system? I did get red. Red as a beat. Yesterday. I suspect I am red as a beat already, though I can never tell. Sometimes yes, sometimes no, sometimes for emotion, sometimes for work, sometimes I just don't get red. Huh? Dunno.
The work I am doing today is, to my mind, a lot easier. It is as fun as work gets. Which, actually, is pretty fun. While God cursed men and those like them to live from the sweat of the brow, He added something that, if seen humbly, makes the effort a pleasure. Sometimes my body just isn't capable of... getting there... or even if it does, it can't seem to interpret the pleasure. Then again, when muscles are screaming for blood while organs are already on the edge of expiry... the pleasure simply cannot overcome the pain. So what has changed? I'm not sure anything has. I just know I can work, and I can enjoy it. Even with my internals doing flip-flops. My insides have hurt for months now. Just not enough to keep me down. Then again, I have things to do. I can change some things, not others. More? I'm not sure I would change certain things. I can live or die without this or that and have it not concern me a spot. *wink* The devil you say! Not so much. A past time, though even then that wasn't quite right either.
Iced tea, a seat, some time, then back to it. I am not worried if I get it all today. I will simply work for a while, rest, and repeat until, soon or late, it is all done. Suckers, weeds, wood sorting... I am putting the green in one pile. Not good for much unless someone wishes to strip that and dry the mains. The very small twigs are being collected in my main work area. Yes, those are just as necessary as bigger pieces. Next, a pile of longer medium twigs, then heavier mains. I am using my axe or gloved hand to take off the smaller stuff... whichever seems most functional. It is good work. Honest work. It might even mean something.
I can't believe I sweating so quickly today. Then again, I almost can't believe I am working. I really wasn't sure that would happen. If this keeps up, I could get a lot down around, and then in, my cave. In July, I believe, I will order a commercial dumpster and begin taking things out. I can probably have a lot of it down, set in a easy access spot, ready to go. When clear, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, steam cleaning, and washing walls will begin. I'll shut off each area as it is completed, sealing it as much as possible. Time can happen quickly, on this side anyway. I have little of it to get ready. Even then I may have to... hmm... fudge? Yeah. One way or another. I have so much to do, in and out, first.
Well... back to resting. Later.
.
Off time? I mean I started at 15:00, exactly as I had wished not to start. This and that, then 13:00 sped by, 14:00 flew by, and 15:00 almost scampered through. Coattails, skin of my teeth, name the nature of my catching of 15:00 whatever you wish, so long as it seems impossibly thin one way or another.
I dressed the part, grabbed my kit, and got out to it. Sort, chop, crunch, chop, pile, sort... So it went. It's cooler today. No sun. I am wearing less, as I don't have the chainsaw helm on. I worked a shorter shift, just about 40 minutes. Yet today I am sweating. I didn't sweat a noticeable drop yesterday. Perhaps I had to work the sweat up, then double down, to get the moth balled body out of retirement? Maybe just that system? I did get red. Red as a beat. Yesterday. I suspect I am red as a beat already, though I can never tell. Sometimes yes, sometimes no, sometimes for emotion, sometimes for work, sometimes I just don't get red. Huh? Dunno.
The work I am doing today is, to my mind, a lot easier. It is as fun as work gets. Which, actually, is pretty fun. While God cursed men and those like them to live from the sweat of the brow, He added something that, if seen humbly, makes the effort a pleasure. Sometimes my body just isn't capable of... getting there... or even if it does, it can't seem to interpret the pleasure. Then again, when muscles are screaming for blood while organs are already on the edge of expiry... the pleasure simply cannot overcome the pain. So what has changed? I'm not sure anything has. I just know I can work, and I can enjoy it. Even with my internals doing flip-flops. My insides have hurt for months now. Just not enough to keep me down. Then again, I have things to do. I can change some things, not others. More? I'm not sure I would change certain things. I can live or die without this or that and have it not concern me a spot. *wink* The devil you say! Not so much. A past time, though even then that wasn't quite right either.
Iced tea, a seat, some time, then back to it. I am not worried if I get it all today. I will simply work for a while, rest, and repeat until, soon or late, it is all done. Suckers, weeds, wood sorting... I am putting the green in one pile. Not good for much unless someone wishes to strip that and dry the mains. The very small twigs are being collected in my main work area. Yes, those are just as necessary as bigger pieces. Next, a pile of longer medium twigs, then heavier mains. I am using my axe or gloved hand to take off the smaller stuff... whichever seems most functional. It is good work. Honest work. It might even mean something.
I can't believe I sweating so quickly today. Then again, I almost can't believe I am working. I really wasn't sure that would happen. If this keeps up, I could get a lot down around, and then in, my cave. In July, I believe, I will order a commercial dumpster and begin taking things out. I can probably have a lot of it down, set in a easy access spot, ready to go. When clear, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, steam cleaning, and washing walls will begin. I'll shut off each area as it is completed, sealing it as much as possible. Time can happen quickly, on this side anyway. I have little of it to get ready. Even then I may have to... hmm... fudge? Yeah. One way or another. I have so much to do, in and out, first.
Well... back to resting. Later.
Be careful with wishes.
.
.
Breakfast, in this case. I did get to it rather swiftly, as intended. It was smaller than that from yesterday, I even ate less on top of it being a smaller meal. I did dice shallots this time, some for the meal, some in a small container... probably for meatballs when I get to those. Full, still, somehow. Too full. I don't quite get that. Which means, however, that a 13:00 start for work isn't going to happen. I am hoping for 14:00, but 15:00 might be the actual time, again. How could such a small meal bowl me over? Oh well.
I am looking forward to the work. There is nothing like chopping branches from limbs, piling like with like, logs with logs and pine branches with their same. The work is pleasant, the organization isn't just paper, it has heft and real world meaning... not man made word or time-stamp meaning. No sheaves of paper, no silly allowances, trifles, or vagaries having to do with thoughts. Real work, real design, muscle and mind combined to develop a means to an end... that of handling discard material, if discard with use itself. Discard with weight and measure. Cutting weeds, if many think it a man-made silliness, is much less that than it is a reasonable thing in a fallen world. Beside giving the serpent no perch from which to strike, flame and other enemies too are defeated from a stealthy approach.
More than just that, these efforts allow my mortal seeming engine to hum. It taxes the body and mind, it draws forth strength and design... often on the fly, it commands things which can't be realized until the effort is in full swing. I will, again, review those limbs which have proven difficult. Like the apple just a bit too high, the buck just a bit out of range, the water just a bit too deep... how to get that one thing. It's a hunger, though this of a different kind. I will, sooner or later, get those limbs. Oh, yes.
And more. As I am out, I see other things to do. I never did repaint those plum colored outer window treatments. Must be done. I might give them all a bit of paint while I am at it. If need be, perhaps I could scrape the old, worn, paint. There are old wasp hives to be removed. There might be others hiding here or there. I haven't seen any activity, but that doesn't mean much. It has been cold. Oh, and bug bombing the chicken coop. I have the material for a new roof. I just haven't been able to get rid of the wasps. Every time I thought I had, I ended up finding more. And, while my allergy seems to have diminished... so that I handled a wasp sting without out too much fuss... instead of getting really bad at the point of poison, the poison was swept through my body and showed signs at various places for nearly a week I believe... a group of stings might be a serious threat, or at least a serious downer.
Yeah... I'll get to work. I'll do what I can. I think I'll be much more involved out there this summer, until it gets too hot, or I fall again. My actual goal is to do three hours of solid work three to four days a week. The others days can be rest days, or light work days, as is required, available, or such. The question is, will hiking, canoeing, or such be work or light? Perhaps it depends on how able I become and then how much I put into it beyond my fitness level at any given point.
Later.
.
Breakfast, in this case. I did get to it rather swiftly, as intended. It was smaller than that from yesterday, I even ate less on top of it being a smaller meal. I did dice shallots this time, some for the meal, some in a small container... probably for meatballs when I get to those. Full, still, somehow. Too full. I don't quite get that. Which means, however, that a 13:00 start for work isn't going to happen. I am hoping for 14:00, but 15:00 might be the actual time, again. How could such a small meal bowl me over? Oh well.
I am looking forward to the work. There is nothing like chopping branches from limbs, piling like with like, logs with logs and pine branches with their same. The work is pleasant, the organization isn't just paper, it has heft and real world meaning... not man made word or time-stamp meaning. No sheaves of paper, no silly allowances, trifles, or vagaries having to do with thoughts. Real work, real design, muscle and mind combined to develop a means to an end... that of handling discard material, if discard with use itself. Discard with weight and measure. Cutting weeds, if many think it a man-made silliness, is much less that than it is a reasonable thing in a fallen world. Beside giving the serpent no perch from which to strike, flame and other enemies too are defeated from a stealthy approach.
More than just that, these efforts allow my mortal seeming engine to hum. It taxes the body and mind, it draws forth strength and design... often on the fly, it commands things which can't be realized until the effort is in full swing. I will, again, review those limbs which have proven difficult. Like the apple just a bit too high, the buck just a bit out of range, the water just a bit too deep... how to get that one thing. It's a hunger, though this of a different kind. I will, sooner or later, get those limbs. Oh, yes.
And more. As I am out, I see other things to do. I never did repaint those plum colored outer window treatments. Must be done. I might give them all a bit of paint while I am at it. If need be, perhaps I could scrape the old, worn, paint. There are old wasp hives to be removed. There might be others hiding here or there. I haven't seen any activity, but that doesn't mean much. It has been cold. Oh, and bug bombing the chicken coop. I have the material for a new roof. I just haven't been able to get rid of the wasps. Every time I thought I had, I ended up finding more. And, while my allergy seems to have diminished... so that I handled a wasp sting without out too much fuss... instead of getting really bad at the point of poison, the poison was swept through my body and showed signs at various places for nearly a week I believe... a group of stings might be a serious threat, or at least a serious downer.
Yeah... I'll get to work. I'll do what I can. I think I'll be much more involved out there this summer, until it gets too hot, or I fall again. My actual goal is to do three hours of solid work three to four days a week. The others days can be rest days, or light work days, as is required, available, or such. The question is, will hiking, canoeing, or such be work or light? Perhaps it depends on how able I become and then how much I put into it beyond my fitness level at any given point.
Later.
Extra sore.
.
.
I ended up staying up a bit late. I went down around 1:30. When I work like that, sometimes it takes a while to come done. Waking at 10:30, at first, seemed excessive. While an hour or two long from my usual, given the late night and work, nine hours is reasonable. And it is cooler and dark this morning. All good though, I've had sun for several days now, so those particular batteries are recharged... or something. The sun really does help, until it hurts. I could have waken earlier, but to be honest, I felt terribly sore. I didn't want to face that. Funny thing is, now that I am up, while I am just a bit sore, tight, and such? I'm actually not all that sore.
As I laid in bed, and would drift toward consciousness, I wasn't sure I would be able to do more work today. I was lamenting. The work wasn't going to be as difficult as yesterday, but it would involve heavy, steady, effort. Using the axe, piling smaller limbs, stacking small to medium five foot logs, and trimming the side growths around trees and up their trunks perhaps. Then, perhaps, using the weedwhip. Still, it's mostly physical of some sort. I was so frustrated. Now? I actually think I will get to some or all of it. Might even get the ladder back out and bring the Christmas lights down. Who knows. Sore, sure, just not that sore, too sore.
I hope to get to work just a bit earlier today, if possible. I want to have breakfast a little quicker than yesterday. I'm not sure, with the late start, if I will get out any earlier. It might just be earlier compared to the time I woke? If I want it, I best begin breakfast right now, so I best do that right away. About the best goal I have is a 13:00 start. I'll work on the limbs first, then the weeding, saving the ladder work for last. I hope you have something to do? I'm sure you do. Maybe that I get to it will help you go after it? Later.
.
I ended up staying up a bit late. I went down around 1:30. When I work like that, sometimes it takes a while to come done. Waking at 10:30, at first, seemed excessive. While an hour or two long from my usual, given the late night and work, nine hours is reasonable. And it is cooler and dark this morning. All good though, I've had sun for several days now, so those particular batteries are recharged... or something. The sun really does help, until it hurts. I could have waken earlier, but to be honest, I felt terribly sore. I didn't want to face that. Funny thing is, now that I am up, while I am just a bit sore, tight, and such? I'm actually not all that sore.
As I laid in bed, and would drift toward consciousness, I wasn't sure I would be able to do more work today. I was lamenting. The work wasn't going to be as difficult as yesterday, but it would involve heavy, steady, effort. Using the axe, piling smaller limbs, stacking small to medium five foot logs, and trimming the side growths around trees and up their trunks perhaps. Then, perhaps, using the weedwhip. Still, it's mostly physical of some sort. I was so frustrated. Now? I actually think I will get to some or all of it. Might even get the ladder back out and bring the Christmas lights down. Who knows. Sore, sure, just not that sore, too sore.
I hope to get to work just a bit earlier today, if possible. I want to have breakfast a little quicker than yesterday. I'm not sure, with the late start, if I will get out any earlier. It might just be earlier compared to the time I woke? If I want it, I best begin breakfast right now, so I best do that right away. About the best goal I have is a 13:00 start. I'll work on the limbs first, then the weeding, saving the ladder work for last. I hope you have something to do? I'm sure you do. Maybe that I get to it will help you go after it? Later.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Very good.
.
.
The chainsaw kicked over, if it did take just a bit. Why? I have no idea. Too hot? Did I flood it after filling it earlier? Maybe I didn't have it quite set up right. It did finally kick in. I ended up doing four limbs. I wanted to do a fifth, but it was nearly as complicated to cut as the other. It may be easier to get at, but it still would have required some squirrel climbing... going up into the tree, then going around on branches... plus climbing up off the ladder. And I couldn't quite see a straight shot to it from down below. So I called that off. I then chopped up the limbs into reasonable lengths for hauling. Finally I put everything away for the night.
It was too late and I was too tired to hit the suckers around another tree. I am hoping to hit that tomorrow. As well as cutting branches from the main limbs, stacking and sorting the various bits, and perhaps taking a look at the remaining problems to see if I will keep them on my list or just call it good for the year. And, if I get this and that and those, and have some energy, I might even get the weedeater going and hit the far side of my driveway. No promises that I'll get it all, though I suspect so, unless the machine heat chokes. There are a lot of weeds, and they are tall. As well, if I can, I may get up and pull the Christmas lights down. Yeah, I know. So be it.
I'll probably take Friday off. Though I may start planning for other things next week. A religious social call, along with some business. More work. Setting up the backpacks and the hammock out back. Learning how to put it up, take it down, work in, out, and near it... perhaps learning how the bivy works, and... just tinkering... getting ready to head out. I've done some very good work today, this last week really. There are some things I would like to do from long ago, a few new things, and I'll probably find more along the way.
Tired? I sure hope so. Not done yet though. I will probably have the chainsaw at the ready. I am hoping to use the forest axe to limb. The chainsaw will just be to take down lengths that are still too long, or which I missed. Then I'll need to figure out how to get rid of this and that. Some can stay, some can't. As well, the old water heater has to go. It's sure nice to have that out of the way down there. Not bad for a dead guy? :p Good night.
.
The chainsaw kicked over, if it did take just a bit. Why? I have no idea. Too hot? Did I flood it after filling it earlier? Maybe I didn't have it quite set up right. It did finally kick in. I ended up doing four limbs. I wanted to do a fifth, but it was nearly as complicated to cut as the other. It may be easier to get at, but it still would have required some squirrel climbing... going up into the tree, then going around on branches... plus climbing up off the ladder. And I couldn't quite see a straight shot to it from down below. So I called that off. I then chopped up the limbs into reasonable lengths for hauling. Finally I put everything away for the night.
It was too late and I was too tired to hit the suckers around another tree. I am hoping to hit that tomorrow. As well as cutting branches from the main limbs, stacking and sorting the various bits, and perhaps taking a look at the remaining problems to see if I will keep them on my list or just call it good for the year. And, if I get this and that and those, and have some energy, I might even get the weedeater going and hit the far side of my driveway. No promises that I'll get it all, though I suspect so, unless the machine heat chokes. There are a lot of weeds, and they are tall. As well, if I can, I may get up and pull the Christmas lights down. Yeah, I know. So be it.
I'll probably take Friday off. Though I may start planning for other things next week. A religious social call, along with some business. More work. Setting up the backpacks and the hammock out back. Learning how to put it up, take it down, work in, out, and near it... perhaps learning how the bivy works, and... just tinkering... getting ready to head out. I've done some very good work today, this last week really. There are some things I would like to do from long ago, a few new things, and I'll probably find more along the way.
Tired? I sure hope so. Not done yet though. I will probably have the chainsaw at the ready. I am hoping to use the forest axe to limb. The chainsaw will just be to take down lengths that are still too long, or which I missed. Then I'll need to figure out how to get rid of this and that. Some can stay, some can't. As well, the old water heater has to go. It's sure nice to have that out of the way down there. Not bad for a dead guy? :p Good night.
All save three.
.
.
Three branches... limbs really. Don't even proffer sass. Beyond having cut most of them already, on that tree, I was also parting them out. every second or third limb down I would slice the wholes into three or four bits. While I was choking for a rest, I kept going. The chainsaw forced a time out. It choked. After trying to get her relit, and failing after several hits, I checked the gas. Yep. Plumb empty. So, I topped her off, got her back to the killing fields, and? Nothing. I tried and tried, and did this, then that. I gave it a bit, then hit it again, and again, and once more. Call me lazy, though I think that's wrong. Anyway... just what I had done, and then the crazy attempts to burn the gasoline, I... about had it. I do hope, after an half hour or so, she will light up again. If not I am done for the day. Still, nice little bit of work. Sad thing is, unless you were here this week... minus the limbs on the ground... you wouldn't even know.
However. I do believe, however it works out, that I am not going to cook. Fast food, not McDonalds, they are off my list. Don't know why they decided to go so wrong, so fast, on everything from food to service. I guess they finally got that anti-American, anti-US corp meme? Whatever. Unless they really turn things around, and advert it and well enough that an ad killing machine such as myself can get it, they are done. Make it clear. Make it conscise. No mealy-mouthed multi-culti stuff. No more of the same. You want to do that where they live? Cool. Oh, and cut CNN and other leftist faux news sources. Just cut news, it's all propaganda now. I promise you, if you go where you are headed, you will end up out of business. And you should be if you continue that way. Trump isn't winning because he is great. He has one, maybe two, jobs. And they are counter to your business future. *wink* Anyway... yeah... something to eat. Fast, easy, tasty I hope.
That was some serious work. As I suggested, there may be more if the machine roars again. Three more limbs and I will be quite good. I will begin reviewing... I think they are called gator saws? They have extended arms, used to cut down those weird or out of reach limbs. I'm not sure though. This limb might be too big, with a 3"-5" diameter. I'll continue to think on it. If that doesn't work, I may have to getting the sewing machine going and stitch up a couple half dozen, of various length, safety snatches. A couple for me, one for the chainsaw, one for the ladder... or two. I don't mind doing things upside down and thirty or forty feet up if the blood rush doesn't undo me. I'm good with giving it ago, just so long as I am secure enough and have something to press off so as to create leverage. Gotta admit, it's sort of fun. The work sounded fun, the gymnastics not so much. I'm changing my tune on that latter. *wee!*
Well... one more shot. If I write again, it will just be to let you know, fly or no fly. I'm pretty done. I do hope to get a shower in before I crash, but no promises there. Cooked, boys and girls, and might not yet be done. Later or good night.
.
Three branches... limbs really. Don't even proffer sass. Beyond having cut most of them already, on that tree, I was also parting them out. every second or third limb down I would slice the wholes into three or four bits. While I was choking for a rest, I kept going. The chainsaw forced a time out. It choked. After trying to get her relit, and failing after several hits, I checked the gas. Yep. Plumb empty. So, I topped her off, got her back to the killing fields, and? Nothing. I tried and tried, and did this, then that. I gave it a bit, then hit it again, and again, and once more. Call me lazy, though I think that's wrong. Anyway... just what I had done, and then the crazy attempts to burn the gasoline, I... about had it. I do hope, after an half hour or so, she will light up again. If not I am done for the day. Still, nice little bit of work. Sad thing is, unless you were here this week... minus the limbs on the ground... you wouldn't even know.
However. I do believe, however it works out, that I am not going to cook. Fast food, not McDonalds, they are off my list. Don't know why they decided to go so wrong, so fast, on everything from food to service. I guess they finally got that anti-American, anti-US corp meme? Whatever. Unless they really turn things around, and advert it and well enough that an ad killing machine such as myself can get it, they are done. Make it clear. Make it conscise. No mealy-mouthed multi-culti stuff. No more of the same. You want to do that where they live? Cool. Oh, and cut CNN and other leftist faux news sources. Just cut news, it's all propaganda now. I promise you, if you go where you are headed, you will end up out of business. And you should be if you continue that way. Trump isn't winning because he is great. He has one, maybe two, jobs. And they are counter to your business future. *wink* Anyway... yeah... something to eat. Fast, easy, tasty I hope.
That was some serious work. As I suggested, there may be more if the machine roars again. Three more limbs and I will be quite good. I will begin reviewing... I think they are called gator saws? They have extended arms, used to cut down those weird or out of reach limbs. I'm not sure though. This limb might be too big, with a 3"-5" diameter. I'll continue to think on it. If that doesn't work, I may have to getting the sewing machine going and stitch up a couple half dozen, of various length, safety snatches. A couple for me, one for the chainsaw, one for the ladder... or two. I don't mind doing things upside down and thirty or forty feet up if the blood rush doesn't undo me. I'm good with giving it ago, just so long as I am secure enough and have something to press off so as to create leverage. Gotta admit, it's sort of fun. The work sounded fun, the gymnastics not so much. I'm changing my tune on that latter. *wee!*
Well... one more shot. If I write again, it will just be to let you know, fly or no fly. I'm pretty done. I do hope to get a shower in before I crash, but no promises there. Cooked, boys and girls, and might not yet be done. Later or good night.
Just isn't going to happen.
.
.
Well, not that one or three branches. I tried to shimmy this way, climb that, figure what could be cut... not much... or gone around. I wrestled the ladder to the other side of the tree. Great access. Problem? The tree was leaning into the ladder. I made a makeshift harness, tied in, and started breaking little branches. I am amazed at how well I did up there, sometimes backwards, always off balance or so very close to it. Always on the edge. I did what I could, broke through the crown of smaller dead branches, untied then wrestled the chainsaw from the other side of the tree, from the wrong side, below, and off balance. Cool. I got it over and... the @%$#@% wouldn't start! I tried this way, that way, the other. Still not sure if it was a lack of balance meaning a lack of torque, or if I was doing something wrong, or...
Enough. I did what I could. Couldn't cut other branches, or they'd take out a power line. Couldn't climb up, or around... too much dead, wrong angle, or just nothing to climb on. Quite a little workout though. Finally, realizing I simply have the wrong tools, I slipped on down the ladder... with the chainsaw in one hand. I just didn't have it in me to try to tie it and lower it. *shrug* I think I'll have to get one of those extend-o'-saws. They have mechanical, electric, and gas. I think I'll go with mechanical. Bleh.
No major worries. I did a good little bit of work, and have an idea of what I need to do next, and how to do it. Plus, I am not done. I took the ladder to the last tree, set it up, gathered all gear to it, and then came in for a break. I actually worked as long this time as I did the first time. I burned at least as many calories. Not bad. Now to finish the branches on this tree. Should go well. These are all just, maybe, three steps up on the 'v' form of the ladder. I can put the safety on, start the saw, and just step up. No need to tie in. The drops aren't convoluted by other branches, wiring, a roof, or anything. Still, while the cutting will be easy, these are 50' to 60' trees. If they aren't the broadest of evergreens, they are still big. Thus so are their branches. Which means cutting them to size, then pulling them to stack, will be a bit of work. I probably won't hit it until 18:00. Too warm.
Perhaps during the break, if I feel a spark but still want to chill, I might put the meatballs together, then put them in to cook. One suggestion was to broil them. But broiling, if memory serves, has always been a nasty dirty way to cook. Messy. Sure, my oven has a self-cleaning thing. But you still have to figure out how to use it, then use it. Better to do on a cool night. Hmm... you know... it probably needs cleaned anyway. Might as well, then see how well that works? Yeah. Later.
.
Well, not that one or three branches. I tried to shimmy this way, climb that, figure what could be cut... not much... or gone around. I wrestled the ladder to the other side of the tree. Great access. Problem? The tree was leaning into the ladder. I made a makeshift harness, tied in, and started breaking little branches. I am amazed at how well I did up there, sometimes backwards, always off balance or so very close to it. Always on the edge. I did what I could, broke through the crown of smaller dead branches, untied then wrestled the chainsaw from the other side of the tree, from the wrong side, below, and off balance. Cool. I got it over and... the @%$#@% wouldn't start! I tried this way, that way, the other. Still not sure if it was a lack of balance meaning a lack of torque, or if I was doing something wrong, or...
Enough. I did what I could. Couldn't cut other branches, or they'd take out a power line. Couldn't climb up, or around... too much dead, wrong angle, or just nothing to climb on. Quite a little workout though. Finally, realizing I simply have the wrong tools, I slipped on down the ladder... with the chainsaw in one hand. I just didn't have it in me to try to tie it and lower it. *shrug* I think I'll have to get one of those extend-o'-saws. They have mechanical, electric, and gas. I think I'll go with mechanical. Bleh.
No major worries. I did a good little bit of work, and have an idea of what I need to do next, and how to do it. Plus, I am not done. I took the ladder to the last tree, set it up, gathered all gear to it, and then came in for a break. I actually worked as long this time as I did the first time. I burned at least as many calories. Not bad. Now to finish the branches on this tree. Should go well. These are all just, maybe, three steps up on the 'v' form of the ladder. I can put the safety on, start the saw, and just step up. No need to tie in. The drops aren't convoluted by other branches, wiring, a roof, or anything. Still, while the cutting will be easy, these are 50' to 60' trees. If they aren't the broadest of evergreens, they are still big. Thus so are their branches. Which means cutting them to size, then pulling them to stack, will be a bit of work. I probably won't hit it until 18:00. Too warm.
Perhaps during the break, if I feel a spark but still want to chill, I might put the meatballs together, then put them in to cook. One suggestion was to broil them. But broiling, if memory serves, has always been a nasty dirty way to cook. Messy. Sure, my oven has a self-cleaning thing. But you still have to figure out how to use it, then use it. Better to do on a cool night. Hmm... you know... it probably needs cleaned anyway. Might as well, then see how well that works? Yeah. Later.
Well, that's something.
.
.
I may not be working fast, but that was accounted. It will take longer than I thought. First though, there were many branches at the bast of the primary project tree... the one in which I am going to have to... do a lot more cutting than anticipated, and that is just to get in there. So I did about an half hour of cutting and restacking. And still there will be more to do. No problem, just noting things. While the stacking after cutting doesn't seem much, it is. All good. After clearing the base fairly well, I hit the punks, or suckers, or... the little branches attempting to grow out of where big branches had been cut. I cleared that, mostly as a breather from the heavier work. Then I got the ladder over, arranged it, went up to see how that would work. It's a bit skinny going up that high alone. I did it though, and then roped the saw up, tying it in for now.
I realized I hadn't messed with the waist rope harness or tube safety straps. I had found them recently, and they were right were I remembered them. The problem, however, is that I had never worked the tube safety lines. They need to be cut to length and stitched together. Bleh. I have several ropes I could use, they simply won't be as convenient. And I want something on the chainsaw. I'd like to secure the ladder too. One step, on the top, coming onto it, and it would be a 15 to 20 foot drop. I've done such before, and came out fine. Not a bet I'd prefer to assume, then or now. Past performance is no guarantee of... blah, bleh, snap. I'm not sure what I have available though.
So, I pretty much cleared, trimmed, set up the ladder. Now for the hard and dangerous work. I needed a bit of a break though. Taking it. Then I'll gather what I can, secure as I may, and take my best shot. Probably another break after that. Even if the work goes much quicker than I suspect... and it might... the nerves are what are giving me some sweat. Not so worried about what others consider a risk, more worried about pride. A bit of a build up. I'd hate to do something stupid and not be able to do what I said. Yeah, yeah, pride, fall. Still, it's good if a man can be measured by his word. Every time you think you have it all figured out you realize you don't, can't.
On the good side, all that is left is quite a bit easier. It is all at the nominal height of the ladder in a v config, not full length height, or closer to that. More stable, the branches are all, more or less, in line around the tree at that milder height, and I don't have to potentially cut through to climb, to squirrel around, cut, and maybe climb some more, to get to anything. In theory it is the difference between working on a Maserati versus working on the engine of a 4x4 monster truck.
Still, I think I can get it done. I'll do music until 16:15, by this computer, so 14 minutes out, then get back to it. Wish me luck. I sure hope it all works out. I want spaghetti and meat balls tonight. I think I can if I don't break or cut something. Oh, hey? If you are going to do this type of work, wear gloves. Thick, heavy, gloves. Old dogs, new tricks? Hmm, not so much. Just old dogs and old memories. Later.
.
I may not be working fast, but that was accounted. It will take longer than I thought. First though, there were many branches at the bast of the primary project tree... the one in which I am going to have to... do a lot more cutting than anticipated, and that is just to get in there. So I did about an half hour of cutting and restacking. And still there will be more to do. No problem, just noting things. While the stacking after cutting doesn't seem much, it is. All good. After clearing the base fairly well, I hit the punks, or suckers, or... the little branches attempting to grow out of where big branches had been cut. I cleared that, mostly as a breather from the heavier work. Then I got the ladder over, arranged it, went up to see how that would work. It's a bit skinny going up that high alone. I did it though, and then roped the saw up, tying it in for now.
I realized I hadn't messed with the waist rope harness or tube safety straps. I had found them recently, and they were right were I remembered them. The problem, however, is that I had never worked the tube safety lines. They need to be cut to length and stitched together. Bleh. I have several ropes I could use, they simply won't be as convenient. And I want something on the chainsaw. I'd like to secure the ladder too. One step, on the top, coming onto it, and it would be a 15 to 20 foot drop. I've done such before, and came out fine. Not a bet I'd prefer to assume, then or now. Past performance is no guarantee of... blah, bleh, snap. I'm not sure what I have available though.
So, I pretty much cleared, trimmed, set up the ladder. Now for the hard and dangerous work. I needed a bit of a break though. Taking it. Then I'll gather what I can, secure as I may, and take my best shot. Probably another break after that. Even if the work goes much quicker than I suspect... and it might... the nerves are what are giving me some sweat. Not so worried about what others consider a risk, more worried about pride. A bit of a build up. I'd hate to do something stupid and not be able to do what I said. Yeah, yeah, pride, fall. Still, it's good if a man can be measured by his word. Every time you think you have it all figured out you realize you don't, can't.
On the good side, all that is left is quite a bit easier. It is all at the nominal height of the ladder in a v config, not full length height, or closer to that. More stable, the branches are all, more or less, in line around the tree at that milder height, and I don't have to potentially cut through to climb, to squirrel around, cut, and maybe climb some more, to get to anything. In theory it is the difference between working on a Maserati versus working on the engine of a 4x4 monster truck.
Still, I think I can get it done. I'll do music until 16:15, by this computer, so 14 minutes out, then get back to it. Wish me luck. I sure hope it all works out. I want spaghetti and meat balls tonight. I think I can if I don't break or cut something. Oh, hey? If you are going to do this type of work, wear gloves. Thick, heavy, gloves. Old dogs, new tricks? Hmm, not so much. Just old dogs and old memories. Later.
Slow.
.
.
Not impossibly slow, merely a bit frustratingly slow. I finally worked a breakfast. A few scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon, and a glass of milk. I wanted to chop onions or some such. I would have had to sweat those a bit first. I was already adding the eggs before I remembered. Some other day. Hmm... might have to keep a small container of chopped onions, shallots, perhaps other items from time to time. Anyway... breakfast was calling before wakefulness was strong enough for the very slight precision needed. Still, it worked well. I turned the heat up just a bit a while ago, hoping that might help. Not so much, though maybe slightly better.
Now just to bide my time until the food finds ease and I wake more fully. I will be working today, and well. I think I can get all the cutting for sure, barring a major problem. Even being tired and sore? In spite of it? I am thinking... because of those conditions. It's a cause, today. Which is causing me to rethink some things. Holding back for health is good, at times, but not always right. I don't think I was so wrong in the past as that things have changed. Gathering the gumption to push, however, is a whole other thing. Today will be the first real chance this year, and at this level for a while.
I did look at a number of meatball recipes. And, really? It looks like they are require bread crumbs. Which, of course, I don't have. I do, however, have panco (or some such) crumbs. They might could work. Most recipes also call for two kinds of ground meat, beef usually, but also either pork or veal. I haven't seen veal... ever... I think. And I am not really keen on pork, not half and half. I may give in another shot, but at 2 beef to 1 part pork sausage. Veal might be a 'by request' thing, or... just in some shops. I liked the way they were cooked, though that would be messier than baking. Still, I might or might not give that a go.
I'm feeling it. It is exciting to get out and do some work. Whether you like it or not, if you set yourself up for something like this, it is best to own it, choose it, go for it with as much cheer as possible. In my case, I'm not having to push for that. I really do enjoy working. Working with a chainsaw, on a ladder, or strapped to a tree, is actually a boyhood adventure come to life. I may never be a true logger so this may be as close as I get. Plus the yard will look better, be more functional, and allow for more adventures as a back yard camping area is created... developed... produced? Something. It might not be until 14:00, even 15:00. But it will get done today. I had to have something to eat, and I have to let that settle. Later.
.
Not impossibly slow, merely a bit frustratingly slow. I finally worked a breakfast. A few scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon, and a glass of milk. I wanted to chop onions or some such. I would have had to sweat those a bit first. I was already adding the eggs before I remembered. Some other day. Hmm... might have to keep a small container of chopped onions, shallots, perhaps other items from time to time. Anyway... breakfast was calling before wakefulness was strong enough for the very slight precision needed. Still, it worked well. I turned the heat up just a bit a while ago, hoping that might help. Not so much, though maybe slightly better.
Now just to bide my time until the food finds ease and I wake more fully. I will be working today, and well. I think I can get all the cutting for sure, barring a major problem. Even being tired and sore? In spite of it? I am thinking... because of those conditions. It's a cause, today. Which is causing me to rethink some things. Holding back for health is good, at times, but not always right. I don't think I was so wrong in the past as that things have changed. Gathering the gumption to push, however, is a whole other thing. Today will be the first real chance this year, and at this level for a while.
I did look at a number of meatball recipes. And, really? It looks like they are require bread crumbs. Which, of course, I don't have. I do, however, have panco (or some such) crumbs. They might could work. Most recipes also call for two kinds of ground meat, beef usually, but also either pork or veal. I haven't seen veal... ever... I think. And I am not really keen on pork, not half and half. I may give in another shot, but at 2 beef to 1 part pork sausage. Veal might be a 'by request' thing, or... just in some shops. I liked the way they were cooked, though that would be messier than baking. Still, I might or might not give that a go.
I'm feeling it. It is exciting to get out and do some work. Whether you like it or not, if you set yourself up for something like this, it is best to own it, choose it, go for it with as much cheer as possible. In my case, I'm not having to push for that. I really do enjoy working. Working with a chainsaw, on a ladder, or strapped to a tree, is actually a boyhood adventure come to life. I may never be a true logger so this may be as close as I get. Plus the yard will look better, be more functional, and allow for more adventures as a back yard camping area is created... developed... produced? Something. It might not be until 14:00, even 15:00. But it will get done today. I had to have something to eat, and I have to let that settle. Later.
Sore, bruised, tired.
.
.
It's still cool, or maybe being tired enhances the effect? I have been on the cusp of waking since 6:30-7:00. Just made it up (regardless of time-stamp, it was about 10:00 when I woke). Dreams... dream after dream, on and on. A lot of... figuring past through over under problems, enemies, lovers and a few other women types, a few combat sort of enemies if outside of war tactics. It was more the mental part of dealing with the darker, more competitive parts of life. I did well, if I had to suffer to succeed. That is the way. More so with two types. Friends, family, enemies, and women... the most dangerous of all of those, in just about any context, is when you know them extremely well or you don't know them at all. Further, the times they are most dangerous is when they think they have all the aces and feel free to play them. That, my lad, is when you really have to be on your toes. Even if you have to lose, you can mitigate. Oh yes you can. Funny thing is, people like to lord, and haggle, and between those two... *wink*
In spite of how rough I feel, I will be getting out before long. Probably, I hope, around 13:00, maybe noon. We will see. I should make a bite to eat first. Eggs and bacon, nothing fancy. I thawed bacon from the hog I brought home the other day. I'd like to try beef and pork sausage... take the plain pork, add some beef, then work up a spice and herb mix I like. I'm not sure how well that will work. Pork is rich and beef is rather bland, so they might work. I have heard ground lamb would do well with pork... but rich and rich? Different types of rich? Or was it lamb and beef? Bleh. Morning memory can be less than wonderful. Anyway, bacon and eggs.
Something I am hoping to do today is to look up how to make simple meatballs. I don't know about any fillers, but I'll look. Egg? I don't know that. Sauces or spices? Maybe. I just want to take a look at a dozen or so ideas, then pick one and go, mix and match, or just get a general idea and run with my own thing all but whole hog. I am hoping for something that can be backed on cookie sheets, perhaps done in some bulk, throw half of them in a bag when cool, then into the freezer and use the rest for spaghetti and meatballs. I had that last night and it just... well... I have meat sauce and spaghetti from time to time. But I have always thought the notion of meatballs to be nifty. Not sure I will do as well, I just want to try. Uhrm, that will be after the trimming.
As to trimming? After I complete the high work, assuming nothing on me is broken or cut off, I would then like to cut suckers or such from the trunks of a number of trees. That would make for a good cool-down session. I suspect I have a good hour of pruning those, if I go slowly enough. :p At least one of my mothers told me that she sometimes had to line me up with the corner of a building to see if I was actually moving. I just asked if she wasn't, finally, proud of me for something. Oh, she tried to get wicked mad but... found a little joy in her heart and just couldn't. ...makes everything look better. We cried, we laughed.
Well... on to waking. Be well, work hard, move slowly, cry, laugh, and point fingers. Good day, sir or madame.
.
It's still cool, or maybe being tired enhances the effect? I have been on the cusp of waking since 6:30-7:00. Just made it up (regardless of time-stamp, it was about 10:00 when I woke). Dreams... dream after dream, on and on. A lot of... figuring past through over under problems, enemies, lovers and a few other women types, a few combat sort of enemies if outside of war tactics. It was more the mental part of dealing with the darker, more competitive parts of life. I did well, if I had to suffer to succeed. That is the way. More so with two types. Friends, family, enemies, and women... the most dangerous of all of those, in just about any context, is when you know them extremely well or you don't know them at all. Further, the times they are most dangerous is when they think they have all the aces and feel free to play them. That, my lad, is when you really have to be on your toes. Even if you have to lose, you can mitigate. Oh yes you can. Funny thing is, people like to lord, and haggle, and between those two... *wink*
In spite of how rough I feel, I will be getting out before long. Probably, I hope, around 13:00, maybe noon. We will see. I should make a bite to eat first. Eggs and bacon, nothing fancy. I thawed bacon from the hog I brought home the other day. I'd like to try beef and pork sausage... take the plain pork, add some beef, then work up a spice and herb mix I like. I'm not sure how well that will work. Pork is rich and beef is rather bland, so they might work. I have heard ground lamb would do well with pork... but rich and rich? Different types of rich? Or was it lamb and beef? Bleh. Morning memory can be less than wonderful. Anyway, bacon and eggs.
Something I am hoping to do today is to look up how to make simple meatballs. I don't know about any fillers, but I'll look. Egg? I don't know that. Sauces or spices? Maybe. I just want to take a look at a dozen or so ideas, then pick one and go, mix and match, or just get a general idea and run with my own thing all but whole hog. I am hoping for something that can be backed on cookie sheets, perhaps done in some bulk, throw half of them in a bag when cool, then into the freezer and use the rest for spaghetti and meatballs. I had that last night and it just... well... I have meat sauce and spaghetti from time to time. But I have always thought the notion of meatballs to be nifty. Not sure I will do as well, I just want to try. Uhrm, that will be after the trimming.
As to trimming? After I complete the high work, assuming nothing on me is broken or cut off, I would then like to cut suckers or such from the trunks of a number of trees. That would make for a good cool-down session. I suspect I have a good hour of pruning those, if I go slowly enough. :p At least one of my mothers told me that she sometimes had to line me up with the corner of a building to see if I was actually moving. I just asked if she wasn't, finally, proud of me for something. Oh, she tried to get wicked mad but... found a little joy in her heart and just couldn't. ...makes everything look better. We cried, we laughed.
Well... on to waking. Be well, work hard, move slowly, cry, laugh, and point fingers. Good day, sir or madame.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Yeah, not much.
.
.
Just under the numbers. I couldn't quite pull off more effort. It could have gone either way. Though it might have thrown tomorrow off. To bed early in hopes of waking well to get ready. I figure, without a rest, it would take two hours to ladder, then climb further, plus use some safety gear in the one tree, then to cut and pile the limbs. I'm only really using the safety gear, mostly, for practice. Though I may end up doing some seriously odd angle stretches, twenty to thirty feet up, with a chainsaw. A little precaution isn't completely unwarranted. However, I may well get tuckered after each tree. And, maybe, on one tree, before I finish. Why rush. Especially if I am sure I will do it. I don't mind taking a break. Though I have found, when the work is difficult, to put a timer on the break to push things along. It just helps somehow. An artificial boss? Maybe.
I am feeling better. Not fully recovered from several days of effort. Not all that much, most of it. But, for me, coming off the back bench of the back bench, it was a good effort. A day off, and another in there, help. I suspect tomorrow will take me down a bit. Which is fine. If I think, after doing that, I can get going, I will attempt to make an arrangement for later in the week... to tend a bit of private faith business. Yeah, it takes time. I live a precarious life. One slip here, or a fall there, and I might go down for quite some time. And yet, when I can, I get back to it. It's not a duty, not anymore. Doing what I can I do with gratitude.
Good night.
.
Just under the numbers. I couldn't quite pull off more effort. It could have gone either way. Though it might have thrown tomorrow off. To bed early in hopes of waking well to get ready. I figure, without a rest, it would take two hours to ladder, then climb further, plus use some safety gear in the one tree, then to cut and pile the limbs. I'm only really using the safety gear, mostly, for practice. Though I may end up doing some seriously odd angle stretches, twenty to thirty feet up, with a chainsaw. A little precaution isn't completely unwarranted. However, I may well get tuckered after each tree. And, maybe, on one tree, before I finish. Why rush. Especially if I am sure I will do it. I don't mind taking a break. Though I have found, when the work is difficult, to put a timer on the break to push things along. It just helps somehow. An artificial boss? Maybe.
I am feeling better. Not fully recovered from several days of effort. Not all that much, most of it. But, for me, coming off the back bench of the back bench, it was a good effort. A day off, and another in there, help. I suspect tomorrow will take me down a bit. Which is fine. If I think, after doing that, I can get going, I will attempt to make an arrangement for later in the week... to tend a bit of private faith business. Yeah, it takes time. I live a precarious life. One slip here, or a fall there, and I might go down for quite some time. And yet, when I can, I get back to it. It's not a duty, not anymore. Doing what I can I do with gratitude.
Good night.
He who moweth.
.
.
That time again. Needed to know about the branches. Well? Mow around. After he finished, we looked at the work that had been done. Spiffy. Not his exact words. Not having to duck, and still get raked, by the branches, however, was good enough. Plus he thinks the yard looks better from the street. While here, I chatted about what he thought could be done. Letting the lad gain he breath before sprinting on to do his own lawn, a touch of gab, if not overweening, can be a gift indeed. He outlined what he would do. It aligned well with my general thoughts. More, the thing I noted about the second tree to be worked on is that all of the branches are lower. No climbing will be needed. For some reason I hadn't noticed that to point. For his good deeds, I sent him on his way with enough for something cool to drink, or two, or one and a snack. At least I don't have to wear food around my neck to just get wolves to visit. :p I would, but no wolves and they aren't tasty.
A nap was taken, by the way. Which means I did do a spot of tidying in the bathroom. Mirror, sweeping, a bit of washing and wiping. As I am doing things, the bathroom is staying extremely clean. Five minutes a week, if I stay on top of my end of things, might be enough to last a month or two. I am learning what it takes to do things. And it isn't how I like to do things. As I have mentioned, in the recent past, I am also learning that doing things is primary to how you feel about doing things. So it goes. Do I want to add time to the process, add bulk to the wash, spending extra time sorting this and that, or... do I want to "recycle/reuse"? Definitely the latter. Before I had been holding out for my way, but getting nowhere. Now I am getting somewhere. Sure, I caved on my principles. But I have, and can keep, that area clean. Bleh. Idealism, like a plan, is great until implementation.
I'll attempt to hit the kitchen a bit tonight. No water stone work. Not tonight. If I can clear an area tonight, and clean up. Plus do the counters, I might well be ready for some sharpening tomorrow. After some heavier work, some fine work forces the body to come down... or it does for me... if I can manage it. Sharpening blades to a fine edge is very fine work. And cutting and moving limbs is definitely in my classification heavy work.
Drinking tea has really helped something or other. Coffee, while I enjoy it, was getting far too heavy. I might still have some, from time to time. Just not as often, not daily. It might work better in winter, when it is more seriously cold? Well, not this winter, I don't think? Who knows, memory is a little spotty on the topic at the moment. Was learning to live off medicine, then I had the cold so bad for so long. I'll know more next year. Still, as summer approaches, iced coffee with whole cream will still be a nice treat from time to time. Mostly tea though. I remember lemons from the store, those can really cut tea, which can be a bit tight on the first brewing. Oh, right, I also got mint. That really can pick up tea, especially in it's later brews, though hugely on a first pass. Hmm... more tea, as I review the kitchen challenge. Later.
.
That time again. Needed to know about the branches. Well? Mow around. After he finished, we looked at the work that had been done. Spiffy. Not his exact words. Not having to duck, and still get raked, by the branches, however, was good enough. Plus he thinks the yard looks better from the street. While here, I chatted about what he thought could be done. Letting the lad gain he breath before sprinting on to do his own lawn, a touch of gab, if not overweening, can be a gift indeed. He outlined what he would do. It aligned well with my general thoughts. More, the thing I noted about the second tree to be worked on is that all of the branches are lower. No climbing will be needed. For some reason I hadn't noticed that to point. For his good deeds, I sent him on his way with enough for something cool to drink, or two, or one and a snack. At least I don't have to wear food around my neck to just get wolves to visit. :p I would, but no wolves and they aren't tasty.
A nap was taken, by the way. Which means I did do a spot of tidying in the bathroom. Mirror, sweeping, a bit of washing and wiping. As I am doing things, the bathroom is staying extremely clean. Five minutes a week, if I stay on top of my end of things, might be enough to last a month or two. I am learning what it takes to do things. And it isn't how I like to do things. As I have mentioned, in the recent past, I am also learning that doing things is primary to how you feel about doing things. So it goes. Do I want to add time to the process, add bulk to the wash, spending extra time sorting this and that, or... do I want to "recycle/reuse"? Definitely the latter. Before I had been holding out for my way, but getting nowhere. Now I am getting somewhere. Sure, I caved on my principles. But I have, and can keep, that area clean. Bleh. Idealism, like a plan, is great until implementation.
I'll attempt to hit the kitchen a bit tonight. No water stone work. Not tonight. If I can clear an area tonight, and clean up. Plus do the counters, I might well be ready for some sharpening tomorrow. After some heavier work, some fine work forces the body to come down... or it does for me... if I can manage it. Sharpening blades to a fine edge is very fine work. And cutting and moving limbs is definitely in my classification heavy work.
Drinking tea has really helped something or other. Coffee, while I enjoy it, was getting far too heavy. I might still have some, from time to time. Just not as often, not daily. It might work better in winter, when it is more seriously cold? Well, not this winter, I don't think? Who knows, memory is a little spotty on the topic at the moment. Was learning to live off medicine, then I had the cold so bad for so long. I'll know more next year. Still, as summer approaches, iced coffee with whole cream will still be a nice treat from time to time. Mostly tea though. I remember lemons from the store, those can really cut tea, which can be a bit tight on the first brewing. Oh, right, I also got mint. That really can pick up tea, especially in it's later brews, though hugely on a first pass. Hmm... more tea, as I review the kitchen challenge. Later.
A slow day.
.
.
No, I haven't hit the bathroom yet. Oh, I'll get to it. No worries. It's very light work, won't take long. The bathroom is quite clean other than just a bit of dust. Sweeping, maybe a bit of washing, and laundry to the back room. Hmm, I'll wash the mirror while I am at it. It won't take five minutes.
I found an ad in my email, to Duluth Trader. Being that they really do have the best belts I have ever owned or found, at any price, I decided to visit. Problem? I can't view their products without having to allow access to third party systems that aren't showing up as trusted or not. It isn't just them, today it just happens to be them. Sometimes I can get through without facing that, sometimes I can't. If I can't get a bead on what they are trying to install, or pass through, my computer, I simply won't shop there. They all seem to like to steal data. I don't know if this is where the hack phone calls, if allowed, come from. Or if they get the data anyway, somehow, and sell it. Is it the companies, or their software partners who are the criminals? I'll check over the next week or two. If I can't get through, I'll skip the belt. Sometimes, with these companies, they realize it isn't working and they back that off. Other times it can be a long time before I can get through. I think, with Eddy Bauers, it was nearly two years at one time, before they changed. And, yeah, I let them know that unless they fixed that I wouldn't be shopping with them. I guess they are either zombie companies and their handlers want the lesser info more than they want actual company sales, or they get more money from the sale of information, or... something. There is, actually, one more way I may attempt to access their site. A direct link rather than through their ad.
I can still get some things, beyond the bathroom, done today. Tired and sore is meaning more than I thought initially. All good, even if I get nothing done. I have really gotten into things this last week. If I can just, when I can, keep it rolling I will be fine. Hmm... may take a nap if I can get the bathroom sorted quickly. Later.
.
No, I haven't hit the bathroom yet. Oh, I'll get to it. No worries. It's very light work, won't take long. The bathroom is quite clean other than just a bit of dust. Sweeping, maybe a bit of washing, and laundry to the back room. Hmm, I'll wash the mirror while I am at it. It won't take five minutes.
I found an ad in my email, to Duluth Trader. Being that they really do have the best belts I have ever owned or found, at any price, I decided to visit. Problem? I can't view their products without having to allow access to third party systems that aren't showing up as trusted or not. It isn't just them, today it just happens to be them. Sometimes I can get through without facing that, sometimes I can't. If I can't get a bead on what they are trying to install, or pass through, my computer, I simply won't shop there. They all seem to like to steal data. I don't know if this is where the hack phone calls, if allowed, come from. Or if they get the data anyway, somehow, and sell it. Is it the companies, or their software partners who are the criminals? I'll check over the next week or two. If I can't get through, I'll skip the belt. Sometimes, with these companies, they realize it isn't working and they back that off. Other times it can be a long time before I can get through. I think, with Eddy Bauers, it was nearly two years at one time, before they changed. And, yeah, I let them know that unless they fixed that I wouldn't be shopping with them. I guess they are either zombie companies and their handlers want the lesser info more than they want actual company sales, or they get more money from the sale of information, or... something. There is, actually, one more way I may attempt to access their site. A direct link rather than through their ad.
I can still get some things, beyond the bathroom, done today. Tired and sore is meaning more than I thought initially. All good, even if I get nothing done. I have really gotten into things this last week. If I can just, when I can, keep it rolling I will be fine. Hmm... may take a nap if I can get the bathroom sorted quickly. Later.
Given all, quite a good morning.
.
.
Even so, a day of rest. I am achy, I am sore, I am a bit scratched from the pine and bark mauling I took the other day. A bit tired from this shopping and picking up and sorting hog meat yesterday. All very good though. It's a mild suffering, and a good one. I love the things that say I have been fruitfully employed. As a fact, though today will be restful, I will do a few things through the day. Sweeping the bathroom, just to keep one step ahead. Clearing a few spaces in the kitchen... counters and the table top. Maybe at least sorting out what remains of the floor clutter in the kitchen so I know what is what. And, if I get enough table top space opened, I may soak the water stones and start in on a few knives. Some of them will need a great deal of work, some not so much. Perhaps the practice will make me ready for the straight razors.
The sun is up. It is still cool though, perhaps in the 50's or 60's as a high? I could check the news, I just don't have much interest in trust. I'd druther guesstimate and call it good than bring advertising money to quacks. Voting at the ballot box isn't the only, or always even the best way. What I am saying, though, is, for me, this weather is just about perfect. I wish I had more done, and more going, so I could be out in it. Maybe next week. Though, as I said, after I do a bit of work with branches, I will be setting up a minor camping arrangement to be out in it a bit. It's a start.
I've been thinking of what to make for breakfast. Something better, but not too messy... or... full of effort.
.
Even so, a day of rest. I am achy, I am sore, I am a bit scratched from the pine and bark mauling I took the other day. A bit tired from this shopping and picking up and sorting hog meat yesterday. All very good though. It's a mild suffering, and a good one. I love the things that say I have been fruitfully employed. As a fact, though today will be restful, I will do a few things through the day. Sweeping the bathroom, just to keep one step ahead. Clearing a few spaces in the kitchen... counters and the table top. Maybe at least sorting out what remains of the floor clutter in the kitchen so I know what is what. And, if I get enough table top space opened, I may soak the water stones and start in on a few knives. Some of them will need a great deal of work, some not so much. Perhaps the practice will make me ready for the straight razors.
The sun is up. It is still cool though, perhaps in the 50's or 60's as a high? I could check the news, I just don't have much interest in trust. I'd druther guesstimate and call it good than bring advertising money to quacks. Voting at the ballot box isn't the only, or always even the best way. What I am saying, though, is, for me, this weather is just about perfect. I wish I had more done, and more going, so I could be out in it. Maybe next week. Though, as I said, after I do a bit of work with branches, I will be setting up a minor camping arrangement to be out in it a bit. It's a start.
I've been thinking of what to make for breakfast. Something better, but not too messy... or... full of effort.
Monday, May 2, 2016
A busy day.
.
.
Not until after supper did I get out. To town, this time, shopping and picking up an item. Retrieving an item took a lot longer than I thought it might. I had a feeling if I didn't do something, soon, I would lose the item. What else I suspected was also true. I think someone thought they were going to put one over on me. Not even a bit. But that is now done. I then got on to the store, purchased most of what I need. I just didn't have the energy to hit every place I wished. I was able to buy more items at one store than I had intended. While some items are not optimal, they will do. Yeah, being single and preferring home cooked foods allows for a lot of pickiness.
I would like to get in to town tomorrow, but no chance. I really need to rest. Wednesday is out. Either I will still be resting, if trying to pull up, or I will be up in the trees taking a few limbs down. I do not know if I will get all that I want done, Wednesday or Thursday. I just know that I will push for it. That'll mean three trees and anywhere from five to seven limbs or various bits and parts. No limb is right next to the other, aside from being in various trees they are in very different spots even when on the same tree. It'll be some effort. Well, that and working a chainsaw, keeping balance, after getting up in there to start. Still? I am looking forward to it.
I attempted landscape photographs with my 90 mm. It just... yeah... no. The 50 mm is okay, a lot sharper, better generally. But there has to be better than this. I would like to get a few pictures to remember the valley by. I have never done that before. Good people, good place, wish I could stay. Too old to fuss with fusses. Need to get in shape. Finding vantages, by hiking, might help. Camping while traveling by foot should work. I need to learn, while I gain my feet, as I do other things yet. A year, two... Yeah, sometimes it takes me longer. I just wouldn't count on it. Though which way not to count on it... that's for you to decide.
Some reading, music, then sleep. I'll be ready for it. Good night.
.
Not until after supper did I get out. To town, this time, shopping and picking up an item. Retrieving an item took a lot longer than I thought it might. I had a feeling if I didn't do something, soon, I would lose the item. What else I suspected was also true. I think someone thought they were going to put one over on me. Not even a bit. But that is now done. I then got on to the store, purchased most of what I need. I just didn't have the energy to hit every place I wished. I was able to buy more items at one store than I had intended. While some items are not optimal, they will do. Yeah, being single and preferring home cooked foods allows for a lot of pickiness.
I would like to get in to town tomorrow, but no chance. I really need to rest. Wednesday is out. Either I will still be resting, if trying to pull up, or I will be up in the trees taking a few limbs down. I do not know if I will get all that I want done, Wednesday or Thursday. I just know that I will push for it. That'll mean three trees and anywhere from five to seven limbs or various bits and parts. No limb is right next to the other, aside from being in various trees they are in very different spots even when on the same tree. It'll be some effort. Well, that and working a chainsaw, keeping balance, after getting up in there to start. Still? I am looking forward to it.
I attempted landscape photographs with my 90 mm. It just... yeah... no. The 50 mm is okay, a lot sharper, better generally. But there has to be better than this. I would like to get a few pictures to remember the valley by. I have never done that before. Good people, good place, wish I could stay. Too old to fuss with fusses. Need to get in shape. Finding vantages, by hiking, might help. Camping while traveling by foot should work. I need to learn, while I gain my feet, as I do other things yet. A year, two... Yeah, sometimes it takes me longer. I just wouldn't count on it. Though which way not to count on it... that's for you to decide.
Some reading, music, then sleep. I'll be ready for it. Good night.
That was a lot of pig.
.
.
I was sort of rooting around to get going. I did call, it was ready, I made a general note that I'd be in this afternoon or tomorrow. Couldn't focus, wasn't sure. As it turns out, a shower, this, that, and I ended up there today. I have bought a hog twice. This one, for some reason, seems twice the other pigs? No complaints, just a bit of a surprise. I thought, since they were going to butcher early, that they might be smaller. Especially since it was much less expensive this year. The price has come down, a lot, I am told. All good. Wow, though. Thankfully I will be sending some out the back door. Beef next month? Tight. But it's a sort of tight I can live with. Might have to get another, smaller, drop-in, or see if they or another shop, does freeze storage. I, this time, asked about lamb. Yep! Later this summer, around August. Oh yeah. The trifecta. They asked about chicken but I'm... not so much on chicken. Still... you know... if I am going to buy chicken... I'll see what they have. I'll buy local, especially non-organic. Hutch or free-range isn't so much of a deal, so long as the price is right. A dozen chickens in the freezer, per year, isn't bad. Rabbits? If they offered those, I'd do half and half, at least as an experiment.
I never did call my friend. While I am a bit tuckered with the driving, sorting, lifting, hauling, arranging... it actually is a bit of work... especially whole hogging it... I do believe I will make it to town for groceries later. Just a quick trip, nothing fancy. A minor haul. Meat is now tended for the next year, or that is in the works. Milk, eggs, corn starch, and a few minor such. I'll make an attempt to contact him in a few minutes. A couple of various packages of the various cuts, so as to see if he likes what is offered locally. He knows of the place, simply hasn't quite gotten around to shopping there. Though they do have a small shop where they retail some of their meats just down the way. I'm not sure I have seen pork in there, if I wasn't looking all that closely.
Definitely a good day, if I finish as I am proposing. With groceries and such, tomorrow will be a down day, for rest. That in the hopes I can be ready to climb several trees, cutting this and that, and maybe setting some things up out there. Not too much work, but it'll wind me. Wednesday or Thursday, whenever it is that my wind returns. Like a boomerang, you can only use your breath when it is back in hand after a use. Later.
.
I was sort of rooting around to get going. I did call, it was ready, I made a general note that I'd be in this afternoon or tomorrow. Couldn't focus, wasn't sure. As it turns out, a shower, this, that, and I ended up there today. I have bought a hog twice. This one, for some reason, seems twice the other pigs? No complaints, just a bit of a surprise. I thought, since they were going to butcher early, that they might be smaller. Especially since it was much less expensive this year. The price has come down, a lot, I am told. All good. Wow, though. Thankfully I will be sending some out the back door. Beef next month? Tight. But it's a sort of tight I can live with. Might have to get another, smaller, drop-in, or see if they or another shop, does freeze storage. I, this time, asked about lamb. Yep! Later this summer, around August. Oh yeah. The trifecta. They asked about chicken but I'm... not so much on chicken. Still... you know... if I am going to buy chicken... I'll see what they have. I'll buy local, especially non-organic. Hutch or free-range isn't so much of a deal, so long as the price is right. A dozen chickens in the freezer, per year, isn't bad. Rabbits? If they offered those, I'd do half and half, at least as an experiment.
I never did call my friend. While I am a bit tuckered with the driving, sorting, lifting, hauling, arranging... it actually is a bit of work... especially whole hogging it... I do believe I will make it to town for groceries later. Just a quick trip, nothing fancy. A minor haul. Meat is now tended for the next year, or that is in the works. Milk, eggs, corn starch, and a few minor such. I'll make an attempt to contact him in a few minutes. A couple of various packages of the various cuts, so as to see if he likes what is offered locally. He knows of the place, simply hasn't quite gotten around to shopping there. Though they do have a small shop where they retail some of their meats just down the way. I'm not sure I have seen pork in there, if I wasn't looking all that closely.
Definitely a good day, if I finish as I am proposing. With groceries and such, tomorrow will be a down day, for rest. That in the hopes I can be ready to climb several trees, cutting this and that, and maybe setting some things up out there. Not too much work, but it'll wind me. Wednesday or Thursday, whenever it is that my wind returns. Like a boomerang, you can only use your breath when it is back in hand after a use. Later.
Curious things.
.
.
Recently, a neighbor asked after my health. Good, given the givens and then some, I bellowed. Could be better, but that's been true since the day I was born. I didn't mention that. Something about having an air of fitness or vigor or... something. I kept tossing words. They seemed close, but not quite right. Or maybe I did get the word. Long days wear a man with many duties, so not always does he deal with such to it's finality. As well, I've been noticing that my shorts keep falling off. I kept thinking... 'wear a belt'! When I would finally focus enough to go get a belt on, I would come to the realization... 'I AM wearing a belt'! Cinch it, I would suggest! No more holes. I could punch more holes, probably two more, but then the belt tongue would be longer than to the middle of my back. Hmm?
I looked at my feet. I'm carrying a goodly bit of water. While not elephantine, they are pretty thick, on up past the ankle. So I expected stepping on the scale wouldn't show much. Usually, when I carry this much water, I am in the 290's, even 300 range (I usually run 280, when clean). I was a bit surprised, topping off at 271 and small change. And, yes, my pants, too, are falling off. I need new belts... 38's, a pair of them... the strong kind. Duluth Trader makes excellent belts. They cost a small fortune per each, but I have never had one fail. Or I could go buy several on the cheap. But as tight as I need to wear them, with how things configure and the weight of my clothes, I've had Walmart specials break on the first cinching. *le sigh* I'll just buck up and order the good ones. Problem is, I know I will, if this keeps up and I think it will, end up shifting down in sizes at a very fast pace. Hmm... I'll just order one at a time until... until I hit 34. If I get back down to 31? I won't wear a belt, baby. When you conquer Rome, they do as you do. *wink*
The pig is in. I have a list for the store, several places actually. I am considering which way to go. I am thinking, picking up the hog first. After that is done and arranged in the freezer, I'll see where I am at. If I've go mojo, or think I will before the day is done, I'll either sprint shop to town, or go later. I'll take some chops in for my friend, if I go later. Yeah... I'll just plan on later, might call him soon in an attempt to arrange a visit. He has been terribly difficult to reach, so... I don't want to take pork in if he won't be there. Even with the ice chest, an hour in mid 60's/70's, in a vehicle, with a semi-serious sun raining down, and that meat would not do well on a round trip. In is fine, if I drop it right away.
I went out to look up in the trees again. Sneaky snaking branches. Just a few. Maybe just one, on the one tree. There are others that could come down, in either of the other evergreens. Maybe a few branches in the faux chinese elms, if I can do that. I am thinking, hoping, to be ready for that Wednesday. I have my climbing harness located, and I believe the safety loops, and some static climbing rope along with some other rope for... finagling. I won't be doing miracles or playing with fire, just... tug, secure, cut, and using caution.
Fit? Full of vigor? Not quite yet. Better than a bit ago, not even close to tomorrow. Later.
.
Recently, a neighbor asked after my health. Good, given the givens and then some, I bellowed. Could be better, but that's been true since the day I was born. I didn't mention that. Something about having an air of fitness or vigor or... something. I kept tossing words. They seemed close, but not quite right. Or maybe I did get the word. Long days wear a man with many duties, so not always does he deal with such to it's finality. As well, I've been noticing that my shorts keep falling off. I kept thinking... 'wear a belt'! When I would finally focus enough to go get a belt on, I would come to the realization... 'I AM wearing a belt'! Cinch it, I would suggest! No more holes. I could punch more holes, probably two more, but then the belt tongue would be longer than to the middle of my back. Hmm?
I looked at my feet. I'm carrying a goodly bit of water. While not elephantine, they are pretty thick, on up past the ankle. So I expected stepping on the scale wouldn't show much. Usually, when I carry this much water, I am in the 290's, even 300 range (I usually run 280, when clean). I was a bit surprised, topping off at 271 and small change. And, yes, my pants, too, are falling off. I need new belts... 38's, a pair of them... the strong kind. Duluth Trader makes excellent belts. They cost a small fortune per each, but I have never had one fail. Or I could go buy several on the cheap. But as tight as I need to wear them, with how things configure and the weight of my clothes, I've had Walmart specials break on the first cinching. *le sigh* I'll just buck up and order the good ones. Problem is, I know I will, if this keeps up and I think it will, end up shifting down in sizes at a very fast pace. Hmm... I'll just order one at a time until... until I hit 34. If I get back down to 31? I won't wear a belt, baby. When you conquer Rome, they do as you do. *wink*
The pig is in. I have a list for the store, several places actually. I am considering which way to go. I am thinking, picking up the hog first. After that is done and arranged in the freezer, I'll see where I am at. If I've go mojo, or think I will before the day is done, I'll either sprint shop to town, or go later. I'll take some chops in for my friend, if I go later. Yeah... I'll just plan on later, might call him soon in an attempt to arrange a visit. He has been terribly difficult to reach, so... I don't want to take pork in if he won't be there. Even with the ice chest, an hour in mid 60's/70's, in a vehicle, with a semi-serious sun raining down, and that meat would not do well on a round trip. In is fine, if I drop it right away.
I went out to look up in the trees again. Sneaky snaking branches. Just a few. Maybe just one, on the one tree. There are others that could come down, in either of the other evergreens. Maybe a few branches in the faux chinese elms, if I can do that. I am thinking, hoping, to be ready for that Wednesday. I have my climbing harness located, and I believe the safety loops, and some static climbing rope along with some other rope for... finagling. I won't be doing miracles or playing with fire, just... tug, secure, cut, and using caution.
Fit? Full of vigor? Not quite yet. Better than a bit ago, not even close to tomorrow. Later.
Little things to begin all else.
.
.
Trash, collected, and out then on to the curb. Such a simple task. Such a nuisance. Still, done. I also found the source of a sour odor. I used to use those mechanically self-wringing mops. They really are made for women. I kept going through them, not knowing or discovering why. As it turns out, when I wring those, after about... a score or two wrings, the mechanism dies. I just learned this as I decided to use up what I have in inventory. I think I have a few more mop heads, if it wasn't the mop heads that gave way... but the mechanism on the mop handles, then I am done. If the handle mechanisms are still good, I will use the mop heads up. A waste either way. Sure, light and easy to use. But if they can't take a wring... Well... the head on one of those had been removed, but I hadn't wrung it out... because of the failure (of some sort). So... it got sour. It smelled a lot like a diaper, to be honest. Luckily, it was in the trash already. The odd thing? While I could smell it, I couldn't actually find it. It seemed to be elsewhere. But it was right where it should have been.
Trash, prepping for some dishes, little bits of this and that going on. A spot of tea going. Planning on a shower, after a bit. I just wanted to get the trash out before I missed the pickup. Well, and doing a few things sort of primes the pump. I would like to fix a few eggs, perhaps with cheese thrown in, and onion as well? Or I'll just skip for not. I really need to remember to add kefir water to a cup of grains for breakfast. That's good stuff, easy, fast to make, and actually pretty cheap. You just have to be willing to spend more than a few seconds getting it from a package to a microwave, or such.
Funny? I've spent the last thirty years trying to regain focus. I used to be able to do incredible feats of focus. Sudoku may be showing that I have little bits of that returning, though perhaps at depths I might not have had before. While I am coming back to focus, over a rather damaged body, I see most... even the young... trying to find their way to what I have been trying to escape. They don't want to think, or act, or be able to function. They want to be oblivious. I'll warn you once, coming back from that is... well... hell. Don't go there. I didn't have a lot of choice. You do. My guess is it is even harder to come back if you chose to go there.
Well... a bit of a rest, then I'll call the butcher shop, see where that process is. Later.
.
Trash, collected, and out then on to the curb. Such a simple task. Such a nuisance. Still, done. I also found the source of a sour odor. I used to use those mechanically self-wringing mops. They really are made for women. I kept going through them, not knowing or discovering why. As it turns out, when I wring those, after about... a score or two wrings, the mechanism dies. I just learned this as I decided to use up what I have in inventory. I think I have a few more mop heads, if it wasn't the mop heads that gave way... but the mechanism on the mop handles, then I am done. If the handle mechanisms are still good, I will use the mop heads up. A waste either way. Sure, light and easy to use. But if they can't take a wring... Well... the head on one of those had been removed, but I hadn't wrung it out... because of the failure (of some sort). So... it got sour. It smelled a lot like a diaper, to be honest. Luckily, it was in the trash already. The odd thing? While I could smell it, I couldn't actually find it. It seemed to be elsewhere. But it was right where it should have been.
Trash, prepping for some dishes, little bits of this and that going on. A spot of tea going. Planning on a shower, after a bit. I just wanted to get the trash out before I missed the pickup. Well, and doing a few things sort of primes the pump. I would like to fix a few eggs, perhaps with cheese thrown in, and onion as well? Or I'll just skip for not. I really need to remember to add kefir water to a cup of grains for breakfast. That's good stuff, easy, fast to make, and actually pretty cheap. You just have to be willing to spend more than a few seconds getting it from a package to a microwave, or such.
Funny? I've spent the last thirty years trying to regain focus. I used to be able to do incredible feats of focus. Sudoku may be showing that I have little bits of that returning, though perhaps at depths I might not have had before. While I am coming back to focus, over a rather damaged body, I see most... even the young... trying to find their way to what I have been trying to escape. They don't want to think, or act, or be able to function. They want to be oblivious. I'll warn you once, coming back from that is... well... hell. Don't go there. I didn't have a lot of choice. You do. My guess is it is even harder to come back if you chose to go there.
Well... a bit of a rest, then I'll call the butcher shop, see where that process is. Later.
Sleep was good.
.
.
I have had better, and several layers of better. And yet, for decades, all I had was worse, and by many layers on to the very worst... no sleep, or a type of waking sleep. This was near the top and I wasn't exactly expecting it. When I work until I hurt, and keep it up, and for several days, sometimes good sleep can't be had. Gratitude is in play this morning. Well, and shortly a handful of painkillers. I didn't take any the last day or two, I don't think? Not yesterday anyway. On the good side, or not(?), I can feel the pain today. And yet I feel good, too.
Lots of dreams last night. I only remember one. Some woman and I were... debating. If you have ever known a woman with whom you should not have an interest, of a romantic nature, but do in truth... and you both keep things civil... but underneath there is a want? Well, this was that. It might well have been directly from a memory. Oh, in spite of my past nature, I was actually pretty good about this sort of thing. And, yet, playing with just a touch of fire... What seems even worse, to my way of thinking, is that we were debating something I was rather keen about. And I couldn't seem to really hit all that hard. Bleh. Still, the bitter sweet portions of life, especially when maintained in innocence over bodily contradictions, are very fond memories. I can't remember exactly who it was, but from the hints I suspect only a handful of women with whom I had such feelings in mutuality. Several of them are still very alive.
Today? I honestly suspect a shower will go forth. Trash will most likely go out and probably on time. A bit of a sit after those, and before them as I wake. And, very possibly, a call to the butcher. If the hog is ready, I'll do that. If not, I will go on to the store, shopping. Just groceries. I forgot, when they smoke some of the hog meat, that is on a bit of a waiting list. Only so much so quickly? Or is it more that it takes time? In any case, the hog may or may not be ready. I will get out today, though.
I may do just a bit of work in the kitchen and bathroom though. Sweeping the bathroom to keep ahead, clearing some of the countertops and tabletop... or more... and the floor a bit more. Nothing big, not too much, just a bit. Later.
.
I have had better, and several layers of better. And yet, for decades, all I had was worse, and by many layers on to the very worst... no sleep, or a type of waking sleep. This was near the top and I wasn't exactly expecting it. When I work until I hurt, and keep it up, and for several days, sometimes good sleep can't be had. Gratitude is in play this morning. Well, and shortly a handful of painkillers. I didn't take any the last day or two, I don't think? Not yesterday anyway. On the good side, or not(?), I can feel the pain today. And yet I feel good, too.
Lots of dreams last night. I only remember one. Some woman and I were... debating. If you have ever known a woman with whom you should not have an interest, of a romantic nature, but do in truth... and you both keep things civil... but underneath there is a want? Well, this was that. It might well have been directly from a memory. Oh, in spite of my past nature, I was actually pretty good about this sort of thing. And, yet, playing with just a touch of fire... What seems even worse, to my way of thinking, is that we were debating something I was rather keen about. And I couldn't seem to really hit all that hard. Bleh. Still, the bitter sweet portions of life, especially when maintained in innocence over bodily contradictions, are very fond memories. I can't remember exactly who it was, but from the hints I suspect only a handful of women with whom I had such feelings in mutuality. Several of them are still very alive.
Today? I honestly suspect a shower will go forth. Trash will most likely go out and probably on time. A bit of a sit after those, and before them as I wake. And, very possibly, a call to the butcher. If the hog is ready, I'll do that. If not, I will go on to the store, shopping. Just groceries. I forgot, when they smoke some of the hog meat, that is on a bit of a waiting list. Only so much so quickly? Or is it more that it takes time? In any case, the hog may or may not be ready. I will get out today, though.
I may do just a bit of work in the kitchen and bathroom though. Sweeping the bathroom to keep ahead, clearing some of the countertops and tabletop... or more... and the floor a bit more. Nothing big, not too much, just a bit. Later.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Naps are sometimes necessities.
.
.
And so it was today. About 15:00? Somewhere in there. I have a watch that is an half hour off. As I was going to sleep I can't remember if that was the time piece I used. Anyway, sometime in that range I went down. Didn't sleep all that well, good enough though I think. I keep checking under the kitchen sink. It looks like my plumb job has worked, well enough for now. I just hated having to fuss under there every time I had a spot of tea. Too tired to be fussing like that.
I am well and truly sore and tired. It isn't debilitating, or too much more than usual. Just a healthy feeling that I did some work. A twenty foot, four inch diameter, full of smaller branches, very alive with pines, branch weighs a goodly lot. While that was probably the biggest, there were a goodly sum of various sized branches near enough to that. Some I cut while balancing on a ladder, most I shuffled over to a pile for further breakdown, both were some small but noticeable amounts of effort. All told, they added up heavily, for me anyway.
I did look, again, this afternoon. While I could take a limb or two off each tree, and may, any more is not needed. Rather than set up my hammock between two pines, I should be able to set it up between an evergreen and the chinese elm (?). Though I might wish to do just a bit of work in the c. elm. In some ways working it will be easier, in other ways it will be a bit trickier. Every tree has it's ways.
Hmm? I don't know. Today is pretty much done. Rest was enjoyed. Tomorrow will mostly be a day of rest, though if I can do some minor shopping, and maybe pick up the hog on the way home, I'll be good. The rest of the day will be for resting... other than just keeping up on trim around what is clean or targeted, on top of the noted projects, and mostly resting. The sun helped a bit today. The work recently, while bruising is also going toward health more than not. Still, the work tomorrow is a hope, not a surety.
I did call my mother. She was busy cleaning her floors, wet vacuuming I think she said. All good. She says she is losing ground in her home, more as time goes on. Housecleaning isn't, completely, something on which you can ever completely, or statically, manage. Here and there, this and then, now and over there. On a rare moon, perhaps all seems done, or done enough, but for a moment. And, as age happens, or if children reign... Patience. Though some are far more Sargent Mom than others. It's just... how it goes. Oh, and men are simply not capable of being in that league unless they have... other issues? Issues I definitely don't have. *zzz*
Later. Maybe good night.
.
And so it was today. About 15:00? Somewhere in there. I have a watch that is an half hour off. As I was going to sleep I can't remember if that was the time piece I used. Anyway, sometime in that range I went down. Didn't sleep all that well, good enough though I think. I keep checking under the kitchen sink. It looks like my plumb job has worked, well enough for now. I just hated having to fuss under there every time I had a spot of tea. Too tired to be fussing like that.
I am well and truly sore and tired. It isn't debilitating, or too much more than usual. Just a healthy feeling that I did some work. A twenty foot, four inch diameter, full of smaller branches, very alive with pines, branch weighs a goodly lot. While that was probably the biggest, there were a goodly sum of various sized branches near enough to that. Some I cut while balancing on a ladder, most I shuffled over to a pile for further breakdown, both were some small but noticeable amounts of effort. All told, they added up heavily, for me anyway.
I did look, again, this afternoon. While I could take a limb or two off each tree, and may, any more is not needed. Rather than set up my hammock between two pines, I should be able to set it up between an evergreen and the chinese elm (?). Though I might wish to do just a bit of work in the c. elm. In some ways working it will be easier, in other ways it will be a bit trickier. Every tree has it's ways.
Hmm? I don't know. Today is pretty much done. Rest was enjoyed. Tomorrow will mostly be a day of rest, though if I can do some minor shopping, and maybe pick up the hog on the way home, I'll be good. The rest of the day will be for resting... other than just keeping up on trim around what is clean or targeted, on top of the noted projects, and mostly resting. The sun helped a bit today. The work recently, while bruising is also going toward health more than not. Still, the work tomorrow is a hope, not a surety.
I did call my mother. She was busy cleaning her floors, wet vacuuming I think she said. All good. She says she is losing ground in her home, more as time goes on. Housecleaning isn't, completely, something on which you can ever completely, or statically, manage. Here and there, this and then, now and over there. On a rare moon, perhaps all seems done, or done enough, but for a moment. And, as age happens, or if children reign... Patience. Though some are far more Sargent Mom than others. It's just... how it goes. Oh, and men are simply not capable of being in that league unless they have... other issues? Issues I definitely don't have. *zzz*
Later. Maybe good night.
Actually, a few things right off.
.
.
I did go look. The trees are 99.9 percent, really. Maybe one to three branches left. But those will be tricky. Not bad, a good minor work day. No where near the last two to three days. More brain than back work, though with some risk. I may well grab some of the safety snatches and the climbing rig. Just... at those angles, with the saw, in a tree, branch to tight branch and through the brush... Not just a chore, an adventure!
After that, I checked the plumbing under the sink. Leaking, I might have mentioned. I got a little huffy. Not enough energy to tinker long, but a need to simply the process of using the r.o. So... I grabbed the rubber mallet, a bit of righteous anger, and a thinking cap. Those last two don't always fit together. If placed correctly on the board, however, they can be a spiffy combo. As today, it turns out. I took the thing off only to find a plug in there. It... looks like wax. Later on, after a nap and some thinking, music, and such, I may go do I vivisection or biopsy... of sorts. For now, removing it should allow flow. How could a plug get in there when I'm not using that sink, thus drain, except for reverse osmosis dumping? Anyway... I removed that, then began attempting to fit the pipes together. They just did not want to go, and should have fit. No normal screwing loose or tightening seemed to have any effect, so... *bam, bam, bam, BAM* I did get it all back together, as a unit. Then I had to fit it into the down and out drain pipes. *bam, bam, BAM* Oh, but it was, again, still leaking. Hmm? *knee to the joint* Ah... peace at last. That seems to have worked. No, it won't last, but it will allow me to get water without flooding the floor, for a while... Hopefully long enough for me to rest a bit, get that cleaned out under there, then call a plumber to put it all together in a more permanent fashion. Bleh.
Now, if nothing causes a major fuss, perhaps the rest of the day can be a bit restful. Timer just went off to feed the girls. Tea should be ready. Then back to music, perhaps some gaming after that, maybe a nap or lunch, or lunch then nap, and... rest. I do hurt. Bones, chest, muscle, lungs... No energy, less now. But all good. Later.
.
I did go look. The trees are 99.9 percent, really. Maybe one to three branches left. But those will be tricky. Not bad, a good minor work day. No where near the last two to three days. More brain than back work, though with some risk. I may well grab some of the safety snatches and the climbing rig. Just... at those angles, with the saw, in a tree, branch to tight branch and through the brush... Not just a chore, an adventure!
After that, I checked the plumbing under the sink. Leaking, I might have mentioned. I got a little huffy. Not enough energy to tinker long, but a need to simply the process of using the r.o. So... I grabbed the rubber mallet, a bit of righteous anger, and a thinking cap. Those last two don't always fit together. If placed correctly on the board, however, they can be a spiffy combo. As today, it turns out. I took the thing off only to find a plug in there. It... looks like wax. Later on, after a nap and some thinking, music, and such, I may go do I vivisection or biopsy... of sorts. For now, removing it should allow flow. How could a plug get in there when I'm not using that sink, thus drain, except for reverse osmosis dumping? Anyway... I removed that, then began attempting to fit the pipes together. They just did not want to go, and should have fit. No normal screwing loose or tightening seemed to have any effect, so... *bam, bam, bam, BAM* I did get it all back together, as a unit. Then I had to fit it into the down and out drain pipes. *bam, bam, BAM* Oh, but it was, again, still leaking. Hmm? *knee to the joint* Ah... peace at last. That seems to have worked. No, it won't last, but it will allow me to get water without flooding the floor, for a while... Hopefully long enough for me to rest a bit, get that cleaned out under there, then call a plumber to put it all together in a more permanent fashion. Bleh.
Now, if nothing causes a major fuss, perhaps the rest of the day can be a bit restful. Timer just went off to feed the girls. Tea should be ready. Then back to music, perhaps some gaming after that, maybe a nap or lunch, or lunch then nap, and... rest. I do hurt. Bones, chest, muscle, lungs... No energy, less now. But all good. Later.
Quite right.
.
.
Awake, and relatively early. I didn't get to bed until right around midnight. That's just how it works if I work later, or hard. I pushed everything doing what I did. Arms, chest, legs just a bit, and internals... the lungs and heart were stressed diligently. No, not to a bad place, just to the end of capacity, then several more times. But in, I think, the right way. Now, that means today will be a day of very little. Maybe burritos, perhaps some tinkering with the camera, and maybe a very little bit of work about the cave. That will be it. Same, very possibly, with Monday. It's not so much a will thing as a reality combining health and physical fitness levels. I have found that even getting over the latter leaves the former, and even medication wasn't fixing the former. So... it is what it is.
Even so, I plan to review the project, the cutting. If I think a bit more can be done, later this week, I will get to it. Now, If I do that, it will be just a limb or two, maybe three. I did more than that myself, my neighbor did double what I did. And, even when I wasn't cutting, I was shifting limbs and logs (some limbs were dead, with no branches, but rather thick and long) out of the way. It was pretty hefty work. On the lucky side, for me, he really likes that chainsaw. :) I do too. I bought a pro-level, and just a bit bigger, of a saw. I really had hoped I would be able to get the major trees, or at least down to the trunks. Five to six foot trunks take more of a saw than I would even want! And, I may yet get to some of that. I don't mind paying for the high, overarching, branches. But the others I might be able to begin felling a bit at a time.
Funny how just a bit of that real work tightens my body up though. It wouldn't take much to build fast either. Remember, the last time I was able to work out, if with a helper, I went from just being able to do the bar to benching 350 in three months... along with swimming just five laps, in that same time, to swimming a mile a day three days a week. If I can, I do, and do very well. I don't know if I can push on through, without anything, but... Well... we'll see. I best be able to get to some level of function before I hit the road.
That reminds me... I need to get my camping gear and packs in, figure out, again, what is what. Repackaging all that so as to begin a backyard excursion into prepping for the real outdoors and camping. I am excited for this. Both packs will probably be a major hurdle initially. But, I think, in time, even the big one will be doable. The small one gets to about 40 pounds, the big one, if packed lightly, starts at 60, but can probably stow an 100 and much change, perhaps 150. Starting with 35-40, though, is the way. Ugh. Thinking of humping and it isn't even Wednesday. :p
Good morning and good day.
.
Awake, and relatively early. I didn't get to bed until right around midnight. That's just how it works if I work later, or hard. I pushed everything doing what I did. Arms, chest, legs just a bit, and internals... the lungs and heart were stressed diligently. No, not to a bad place, just to the end of capacity, then several more times. But in, I think, the right way. Now, that means today will be a day of very little. Maybe burritos, perhaps some tinkering with the camera, and maybe a very little bit of work about the cave. That will be it. Same, very possibly, with Monday. It's not so much a will thing as a reality combining health and physical fitness levels. I have found that even getting over the latter leaves the former, and even medication wasn't fixing the former. So... it is what it is.
Even so, I plan to review the project, the cutting. If I think a bit more can be done, later this week, I will get to it. Now, If I do that, it will be just a limb or two, maybe three. I did more than that myself, my neighbor did double what I did. And, even when I wasn't cutting, I was shifting limbs and logs (some limbs were dead, with no branches, but rather thick and long) out of the way. It was pretty hefty work. On the lucky side, for me, he really likes that chainsaw. :) I do too. I bought a pro-level, and just a bit bigger, of a saw. I really had hoped I would be able to get the major trees, or at least down to the trunks. Five to six foot trunks take more of a saw than I would even want! And, I may yet get to some of that. I don't mind paying for the high, overarching, branches. But the others I might be able to begin felling a bit at a time.
Funny how just a bit of that real work tightens my body up though. It wouldn't take much to build fast either. Remember, the last time I was able to work out, if with a helper, I went from just being able to do the bar to benching 350 in three months... along with swimming just five laps, in that same time, to swimming a mile a day three days a week. If I can, I do, and do very well. I don't know if I can push on through, without anything, but... Well... we'll see. I best be able to get to some level of function before I hit the road.
That reminds me... I need to get my camping gear and packs in, figure out, again, what is what. Repackaging all that so as to begin a backyard excursion into prepping for the real outdoors and camping. I am excited for this. Both packs will probably be a major hurdle initially. But, I think, in time, even the big one will be doable. The small one gets to about 40 pounds, the big one, if packed lightly, starts at 60, but can probably stow an 100 and much change, perhaps 150. Starting with 35-40, though, is the way. Ugh. Thinking of humping and it isn't even Wednesday. :p
Good morning and good day.
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