.
.
Okay, I washed the one inside window, the both outside windows involved. Then I hit the window on the screen door, one window to my bedroom (frontside one, couldn't do both due to a screen... for now), and then went to another side window that will be getting sheers. All fine, really. I don't mind getting ahead or expanding the operation. Then I rested just a bit. Some of those windows are large, lots of reaching, and I am as I am... limited that is. I then broke the piano table and stool down, taking those upstairs. As I was finishing that, I took a look at the living room window which will be next, as windows go if not on the job list. It seems such an easy thing. Except that I have been using the loveseat in front of it as a storage device. Boxes of stuff, loose videos and games, this and that. Oh, it's a trick alright. I should have remembered. My mothers used to say things like... "Let's go wash the windows.", or "Let's clean the floors or rugs or such". The trick was everything you had to do to get to the job. Oh, they knew. We didn't until we got there and noticed. Tricks.
Still, it's what's for dinner? Something like that. My job, now that something has kicked over, is to use as much as possible. Busy every day, as busy as possible. For now, windows and limbs will do. After those? Cleaning floors, putting the bathroom together, changing lightbulbs out, keeping up on weeds and watering, perhaps planting grass, reducing possessions, planning and making dehydrated foods, packing various groupings of items for various types of outings and then going on those outings. It's going to hurt, it will be a bit much even too much, quite often. I may never actually get over that, but that is how my life will be from now on. I can't, honestly, see all that much difference between that and being silenced into nursing care and an allowed or assisted death. It's just that the medical industrial complex won't get richer off it.
I best feed the girls, then thing about a bite of something for myself. I am hungry, I just can't seem to... I have a plan. Nothing tastes or sounds all that good. Even so, I've got to eat. So... I dunno. I'll figure it out. I definitely need calories in order to get to work. Raking, later, and next, I do believe. A quarter to half the yard, unless I catch a good wind. Later.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Oh? Ouch?
.
.
A little. I slept well and hard. I didn't let the girls sleep with me, and probably won't again until I am put back together. All good, mind you. I don't mind these aches and pains. It does mean I am working and that adds to strength and some other things needed. Plus the yard is really looking better, safety is improving, and... some other stuff. The next group of limbs I remove will be used for firewood. I'll process them, if I didn't mention though I probably did, right where they fall which is right near where the wood will be stacked. I have some there already. This won't be stacked on that, though. The old wood should be well cured. That can be taken for camping this summer, at least car camping... while fishing? Maybe.
No tree adventures quite today. However, raking might go forward. That actually will be a lot of work, so I don't know if it will be finished. It's not a race, so long as I keep at something each day. That very little bit of weeding will be next. In the house, adding sheers to two more windows, cleaning, and putting old curtains on the back windows is next. I have enough rods for the back windows. Those have, currently, the standard flat curtain holder so I have to change those out. The girls have twisted those terribly. I'll have to use at least one middle bracket, maybe two extra helper brackets, as the girls... Sassy really... are hard on things. Oh, and before I forget, I'll wash the other front window and take some things upstairs... parts to the electric piano. Perhaps, since it is day, washing inside and out on each window I do. Ugh. It sure adds up.
Oh... I'll clean the inside window and both outside, take the things upstairs, and call that making yesterday more complete... then I'll spend a few hours doing my usual wakeup routine. That'll both put me ahead of the game and give me a chance to sort the rest and prepare more surely. Yeah... that's how it works best for me. I'm just not a morning man. Morning, in my case, is very relative, as to time, mind you. Oh, and a few anacin. Tomorrow is another slower rest day, I'll try not to use painkillers then or for the rest of the week until a day or two after a major work day. Gotta be careful with that stuff. And pain is a warning as much as anything. Plus, suffering is an offering, an oblation that, now that man has fallen, God appreciates if it's all of proper affairs.
Later.
.
A little. I slept well and hard. I didn't let the girls sleep with me, and probably won't again until I am put back together. All good, mind you. I don't mind these aches and pains. It does mean I am working and that adds to strength and some other things needed. Plus the yard is really looking better, safety is improving, and... some other stuff. The next group of limbs I remove will be used for firewood. I'll process them, if I didn't mention though I probably did, right where they fall which is right near where the wood will be stacked. I have some there already. This won't be stacked on that, though. The old wood should be well cured. That can be taken for camping this summer, at least car camping... while fishing? Maybe.
No tree adventures quite today. However, raking might go forward. That actually will be a lot of work, so I don't know if it will be finished. It's not a race, so long as I keep at something each day. That very little bit of weeding will be next. In the house, adding sheers to two more windows, cleaning, and putting old curtains on the back windows is next. I have enough rods for the back windows. Those have, currently, the standard flat curtain holder so I have to change those out. The girls have twisted those terribly. I'll have to use at least one middle bracket, maybe two extra helper brackets, as the girls... Sassy really... are hard on things. Oh, and before I forget, I'll wash the other front window and take some things upstairs... parts to the electric piano. Perhaps, since it is day, washing inside and out on each window I do. Ugh. It sure adds up.
Oh... I'll clean the inside window and both outside, take the things upstairs, and call that making yesterday more complete... then I'll spend a few hours doing my usual wakeup routine. That'll both put me ahead of the game and give me a chance to sort the rest and prepare more surely. Yeah... that's how it works best for me. I'm just not a morning man. Morning, in my case, is very relative, as to time, mind you. Oh, and a few anacin. Tomorrow is another slower rest day, I'll try not to use painkillers then or for the rest of the week until a day or two after a major work day. Gotta be careful with that stuff. And pain is a warning as much as anything. Plus, suffering is an offering, an oblation that, now that man has fallen, God appreciates if it's all of proper affairs.
Later.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
When you have to use the same hole, but it is dead?
.
.
Curtain and sheer hardware, mind you. Not that such other topics aren't covered, or uncovered, here. But that isn't the issue in play. Or... not in play? Never mind. So... is there a trick? I don't know. I just made one up. Gorilla wood glue on the wood screw in question, then a light work getting it back in place. Time will tell. It's not like it needs to hold even tend pounds. Well... depending on how the girls treat the new stuff. Sassy is that big and change, more like a raccoon. She's not so much mean as easily frightened. When frightened, you very well might think you have a coon in your hands. Anyway, that is what I did. I had to... fix the glue dispenser though. Old, but it still flowed, what was in the bottle. Life is often hopes and prayers, a touch of sheer luck which fits since I am putting sheers up, and some other things.
I did look around for ideas about how to keep the parts level while putting them up. From what I saw my above notation regarding life and doing things seemed more useful. A lot of people on YouTube really shouldn't be there. Anyway, I just did my best, with what I would guess... measured here, and there, then this, that, and... they look even enough. If I decide to get picky about it, I am sure they are close enough that I could actually tinker them to... as fine as a level can get a project... which really isn't all that level... what... between 1 and 3 degrees, if absolute care is taken and over five feet with a few other givens that shoot the score down? Yeah.
I have both of the front curtains and sheers up. I even cleaned one of the windows. If I get back to work tonight, I might clean the other window rather than digging in on the last two windows to have sheers installed. Those are for tomorrow. I am actually ahead by doing what I did today. Still shot but didn't want to waste the whole day. I may do just a bit more tinkering, taking a few things upstairs... or not. I almost decided to make a run to town. It's just too late by the time I have a rest to head in and hit the store I prefer. Tuesday, right? Yeah, tomorrow or Thursday, and more than just a bit of shopping I hope.
Dinners here. It has been for a bit, but I... Well... I'll see about it, warm if need be, and have a bite. Probably. Food is wonky lately. As I work out, and become hungry, my body is becoming strangely picky. It's difficult for me to fix something I like! Well, and I don't seem, usually, to be able to eat as much. Don't ask, I simply don't know. I'm sort of starving, but food mostly repulses me. Even my favorites. I doubt if a ribeye would do more than be a somewhat better bite. I might not even be able to eat a whole steak. I'll... give it a go. I suppose, out there, I'll have to figure some things out. The woods are no place to starve. And, actually, if I'm going back-bush? I'll just take longer lasting fats, flour, tea, and such. I'll either fish or hunt the meat or go without. And, for the most part, vegetables won't be on the menu. Wild foods are too tricky, even for professionals. Berries, though, just so long as bears are kept well in mind. Not much else, I suppose.
Anyway, I love it when I get something in my noggin and pound it out in flesh. Curtains, with sheers, are a bit of a silly thing. But when every degree counts, and privacy is needed, but sleep schedule is crazy? They really do help. Going or staying doesn't matter, for now it is now. Later... or good night? Probably not. I am the wrong kind of tired to sleep, was asleep until 3:08! :p Actually, 15:08, and more... 14:38... but those last two are not what it said.
.
Curtain and sheer hardware, mind you. Not that such other topics aren't covered, or uncovered, here. But that isn't the issue in play. Or... not in play? Never mind. So... is there a trick? I don't know. I just made one up. Gorilla wood glue on the wood screw in question, then a light work getting it back in place. Time will tell. It's not like it needs to hold even tend pounds. Well... depending on how the girls treat the new stuff. Sassy is that big and change, more like a raccoon. She's not so much mean as easily frightened. When frightened, you very well might think you have a coon in your hands. Anyway, that is what I did. I had to... fix the glue dispenser though. Old, but it still flowed, what was in the bottle. Life is often hopes and prayers, a touch of sheer luck which fits since I am putting sheers up, and some other things.
I did look around for ideas about how to keep the parts level while putting them up. From what I saw my above notation regarding life and doing things seemed more useful. A lot of people on YouTube really shouldn't be there. Anyway, I just did my best, with what I would guess... measured here, and there, then this, that, and... they look even enough. If I decide to get picky about it, I am sure they are close enough that I could actually tinker them to... as fine as a level can get a project... which really isn't all that level... what... between 1 and 3 degrees, if absolute care is taken and over five feet with a few other givens that shoot the score down? Yeah.
I have both of the front curtains and sheers up. I even cleaned one of the windows. If I get back to work tonight, I might clean the other window rather than digging in on the last two windows to have sheers installed. Those are for tomorrow. I am actually ahead by doing what I did today. Still shot but didn't want to waste the whole day. I may do just a bit more tinkering, taking a few things upstairs... or not. I almost decided to make a run to town. It's just too late by the time I have a rest to head in and hit the store I prefer. Tuesday, right? Yeah, tomorrow or Thursday, and more than just a bit of shopping I hope.
Dinners here. It has been for a bit, but I... Well... I'll see about it, warm if need be, and have a bite. Probably. Food is wonky lately. As I work out, and become hungry, my body is becoming strangely picky. It's difficult for me to fix something I like! Well, and I don't seem, usually, to be able to eat as much. Don't ask, I simply don't know. I'm sort of starving, but food mostly repulses me. Even my favorites. I doubt if a ribeye would do more than be a somewhat better bite. I might not even be able to eat a whole steak. I'll... give it a go. I suppose, out there, I'll have to figure some things out. The woods are no place to starve. And, actually, if I'm going back-bush? I'll just take longer lasting fats, flour, tea, and such. I'll either fish or hunt the meat or go without. And, for the most part, vegetables won't be on the menu. Wild foods are too tricky, even for professionals. Berries, though, just so long as bears are kept well in mind. Not much else, I suppose.
Anyway, I love it when I get something in my noggin and pound it out in flesh. Curtains, with sheers, are a bit of a silly thing. But when every degree counts, and privacy is needed, but sleep schedule is crazy? They really do help. Going or staying doesn't matter, for now it is now. Later... or good night? Probably not. I am the wrong kind of tired to sleep, was asleep until 3:08! :p Actually, 15:08, and more... 14:38... but those last two are not what it said.
Roughly pushing?
.
.
I am rather in a tough place. I really simply pushed too hard, added this and that in, then did more. Some of it wasn't my fault. Though I'm not unhappy about it. I will have to push, and a lot harder than this. When the license is lost, things are going to get very complicated very quickly. Do I stay here and attempt to figure things out? Do I vacate, continuing to pay, trying to sell, holing up until I can contact folk to escape when that time comes. It'll hit hard and fast. It may be fall or winter when the loss occurs. Difficult.
I best get used to roughing it, pushing it, figuring things out on the fly without a real prayer. Forced into homelessness, really. In any case, at this point, I can't see staying. No reason, too many enemies, and I have other interests coming. My real trick is to try to get as much of my world ready for travel as possible. Prep as many meals for packing out in smaller portions, to be cached either literally 'out there', though some of it, perhaps most of it, will be put up in storage. Getting rid of most of what I have. This won't be the first time, though it may well be the last time. If I live to my 70's or 80's, as I suspect, I may have to give up some things and move somewhere a final time. Who knows.
Achy, just a bit. Cranky on the side, though also just a touch of it. A bit feverish, couldn't sleep right and ended up sleeping too long... it doesn't something odd, those things together. Does that disturb the spinal fluid, cause a bit of a rush in the brain of that by hydraulic method, something else like that? Even so, I am feeling fairly good. These things are minor. Not all that energetic and yet I'm starting a bit.
I am redoing the front window. The sheers are definitely light enough for the very weak rods I purchased for them. As well, there is a center screw-in rod holder if I have any doubts. The curtain rods I bought initially for the sheers are twice or three times as strong as the first type of rods I purchased for the curtains. I'm not the best at aligning things though. I may see if there is a quick, simple, means of aligning the rod holders, leveling them, and all that. There is some play, what with the screws in the round rod arm. And yet, for me, I just want to have it all look more trim, much more trim, than it seems to work out. Some of the brackets are going in through old, unchangeable, holes. No choice. But I would like the rest to be more even. Yeah... I'll see if there is a minor guide somewhere. If I can get that part down, I should be able to do most or all of the sheers and curtains yet tonight. Oh... I'll spot me some anacin. This'll be the first helping of that in more than a week, I do believe. So I don't mind.
Tomorrow? If it is anything like today I won't be doing much. Which is fine. I can, however, begin planning the rest of the week. Raking, though, perhaps weeding around the tree? That would be good. And, if I am feeling really ambitious, the Christmas lights. They have been on my list, but I keep running out of me to spend on that task. Given the outdoorsy, but light, work planned, it would fit right in there. Not even a twenty minute task, from getting the latter, detaching the snaps, collecting and winding it all, then putting the ladder back. Probably. Still, tomorrow needs to be somewhat light again. Raking can be heavy or light.
I best... either have supper or get back to the curtains... Wait, I'll do a short search regarding lining up rod kit, on the wall. I can think about that, if I find something, while I eat or tinker or... rest. Later.
.
I am rather in a tough place. I really simply pushed too hard, added this and that in, then did more. Some of it wasn't my fault. Though I'm not unhappy about it. I will have to push, and a lot harder than this. When the license is lost, things are going to get very complicated very quickly. Do I stay here and attempt to figure things out? Do I vacate, continuing to pay, trying to sell, holing up until I can contact folk to escape when that time comes. It'll hit hard and fast. It may be fall or winter when the loss occurs. Difficult.
I best get used to roughing it, pushing it, figuring things out on the fly without a real prayer. Forced into homelessness, really. In any case, at this point, I can't see staying. No reason, too many enemies, and I have other interests coming. My real trick is to try to get as much of my world ready for travel as possible. Prep as many meals for packing out in smaller portions, to be cached either literally 'out there', though some of it, perhaps most of it, will be put up in storage. Getting rid of most of what I have. This won't be the first time, though it may well be the last time. If I live to my 70's or 80's, as I suspect, I may have to give up some things and move somewhere a final time. Who knows.
Achy, just a bit. Cranky on the side, though also just a touch of it. A bit feverish, couldn't sleep right and ended up sleeping too long... it doesn't something odd, those things together. Does that disturb the spinal fluid, cause a bit of a rush in the brain of that by hydraulic method, something else like that? Even so, I am feeling fairly good. These things are minor. Not all that energetic and yet I'm starting a bit.
I am redoing the front window. The sheers are definitely light enough for the very weak rods I purchased for them. As well, there is a center screw-in rod holder if I have any doubts. The curtain rods I bought initially for the sheers are twice or three times as strong as the first type of rods I purchased for the curtains. I'm not the best at aligning things though. I may see if there is a quick, simple, means of aligning the rod holders, leveling them, and all that. There is some play, what with the screws in the round rod arm. And yet, for me, I just want to have it all look more trim, much more trim, than it seems to work out. Some of the brackets are going in through old, unchangeable, holes. No choice. But I would like the rest to be more even. Yeah... I'll see if there is a minor guide somewhere. If I can get that part down, I should be able to do most or all of the sheers and curtains yet tonight. Oh... I'll spot me some anacin. This'll be the first helping of that in more than a week, I do believe. So I don't mind.
Tomorrow? If it is anything like today I won't be doing much. Which is fine. I can, however, begin planning the rest of the week. Raking, though, perhaps weeding around the tree? That would be good. And, if I am feeling really ambitious, the Christmas lights. They have been on my list, but I keep running out of me to spend on that task. Given the outdoorsy, but light, work planned, it would fit right in there. Not even a twenty minute task, from getting the latter, detaching the snaps, collecting and winding it all, then putting the ladder back. Probably. Still, tomorrow needs to be somewhat light again. Raking can be heavy or light.
I best... either have supper or get back to the curtains... Wait, I'll do a short search regarding lining up rod kit, on the wall. I can think about that, if I find something, while I eat or tinker or... rest. Later.
Burned out.
.
.
Doing what I did yesterday was a wonderful thing. I didn't hurt, didn't feel too worn, and yet I knew... suspected... I had gone over the line. Good thing I stopped there. Not that I think I would have hurt myself, merely that recovery time might have ended up being long. Who knows, as is, how long that might be. My body has been doing spot checks, trying to wake since about 7:45. The exact alarm time I woke was "3:08". Loved the time, just not how it relates to day and night.
I am a bit sore, somewhat stiff, still a bit sleepy, but not as bad as I have been. When I do heavier work (for me), I always sleep in such a way so that my arms seem to fall asleep. Both of them somehow. Though I am not sure it is all about how I sleep. But when worked beyond a certain point, they lose their ability to remain at the right angles, while sleeping, to prevent that? I suspect the latter more, as even during the day, while awake, while sort of resting, my arms can fall asleep. I have to do stretches and shoulder lifts from time to time. All good. That is pain I earned. It is actually double duty. Not only was it good for my body, but it did actual functional work that makes the yard look better, improves the health of the trees, and makes the area safer from falling dead.
Raining and overcast today. That cools things off. Actually, cool is a good thing today. I think working out has raised my core body temp. Over time, even on the coolest days here, I have been just fine. I have my thermostat set on 66 F, for example, which is what my thermometers are reading, and I am fine in undershorts and a t-shirt. Almost too warm. I told you I was a bear. Well, closer than most.
I don't know if I will get to window dressing today. I might. Even being tired as I am. Though I would say that for the next few days at least, that will be the heaviest work I do. Window work, minor cleaning, a bit of cooking. I need a bit of a break from the heavy stuff. Though with the rain, and I'll be occasional wind, that wasn't likely to be a choice. Oh, and a trip to town for at least two reasons. One is church business and friendship, one is panco... panko??? breading. Though real bread would be nice as well. I forgot that, for the scottish eggs. Always something. I had the list, just didn't check it well enough. Bleh.
Oh, I can still get a couple good solid work days in, and then maybe go hiking. Someone, thankfully, did the weeding, most of it. I have just a bit to do around the tree. Raking will also need to happen, just not on rainy days. More limb cutting, too. Most of that will be falling under the trees, in needed killed zones, so won't be much of a lawn fuss. And I will be processing those in place, and the storage area is a few feet away. While work, it won't quite be as complicated or heavy of work. Getting into the trees is always a bit of a trick, one I am beginning to enjoy. I just dreamed of knots and methods for up there. I'm all but sure I have done some serious roping up in trees before. I now remember how to make an impromptu chest harness to go with my waist harness so as to zipline a bit. I'll want to review some knots, but... the dream seemed legit.
Later.
.
Doing what I did yesterday was a wonderful thing. I didn't hurt, didn't feel too worn, and yet I knew... suspected... I had gone over the line. Good thing I stopped there. Not that I think I would have hurt myself, merely that recovery time might have ended up being long. Who knows, as is, how long that might be. My body has been doing spot checks, trying to wake since about 7:45. The exact alarm time I woke was "3:08". Loved the time, just not how it relates to day and night.
I am a bit sore, somewhat stiff, still a bit sleepy, but not as bad as I have been. When I do heavier work (for me), I always sleep in such a way so that my arms seem to fall asleep. Both of them somehow. Though I am not sure it is all about how I sleep. But when worked beyond a certain point, they lose their ability to remain at the right angles, while sleeping, to prevent that? I suspect the latter more, as even during the day, while awake, while sort of resting, my arms can fall asleep. I have to do stretches and shoulder lifts from time to time. All good. That is pain I earned. It is actually double duty. Not only was it good for my body, but it did actual functional work that makes the yard look better, improves the health of the trees, and makes the area safer from falling dead.
Raining and overcast today. That cools things off. Actually, cool is a good thing today. I think working out has raised my core body temp. Over time, even on the coolest days here, I have been just fine. I have my thermostat set on 66 F, for example, which is what my thermometers are reading, and I am fine in undershorts and a t-shirt. Almost too warm. I told you I was a bear. Well, closer than most.
I don't know if I will get to window dressing today. I might. Even being tired as I am. Though I would say that for the next few days at least, that will be the heaviest work I do. Window work, minor cleaning, a bit of cooking. I need a bit of a break from the heavy stuff. Though with the rain, and I'll be occasional wind, that wasn't likely to be a choice. Oh, and a trip to town for at least two reasons. One is church business and friendship, one is panco... panko??? breading. Though real bread would be nice as well. I forgot that, for the scottish eggs. Always something. I had the list, just didn't check it well enough. Bleh.
Oh, I can still get a couple good solid work days in, and then maybe go hiking. Someone, thankfully, did the weeding, most of it. I have just a bit to do around the tree. Raking will also need to happen, just not on rainy days. More limb cutting, too. Most of that will be falling under the trees, in needed killed zones, so won't be much of a lawn fuss. And I will be processing those in place, and the storage area is a few feet away. While work, it won't quite be as complicated or heavy of work. Getting into the trees is always a bit of a trick, one I am beginning to enjoy. I just dreamed of knots and methods for up there. I'm all but sure I have done some serious roping up in trees before. I now remember how to make an impromptu chest harness to go with my waist harness so as to zipline a bit. I'll want to review some knots, but... the dream seemed legit.
Later.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Well?
.
.
As it turns out, tonight was the night for removing the wood. Smaller log lengths down to twigs, with much between. As well, the wire came down so I can begin sawing more of the two trees in which I was limited or outright stopped. Plus, I got the quarter hog together and got that sent. Not bad, really, I'll tell you. I'm not too worn, with gloves and a work sweater I didn't end up nearly as scratched, cut, or bruised. A little of that, just a little. Got some other things out, concrete that had been split while putting in the backyard water pump. Seriously good work. Well, and that was after a busy "morning".
Sheers and curtains yet tonight? I just don't know. I'll rest, well, for a bit, then decide. Even if I could do the work, and that might be so, it might be best not to do it. There is too much. What I have done today is not simple, and is good. That would be good work for tomorrow. Just a day of easy work and rest. Nothing fancy. Although, as today, if something comes up, I might just be able to do more.
Like it or not, I can move past my broken heart, at least from time to time. I will have to do so. I have seen, in my dreams, just how hard it is, summer or winter, using feet for most of my transportation, without a roof over my head. That reality is becoming more and more sure. More reason to clean, fix, arrange, and manage the estate. I don't want to leave more of a mess than I must. The bathroom... this summer if I can manage heat, or fall and winter otherwise. I have a good deal more work before I can get to that, so...
Nice... now to relax, rest, listen to music, sip tea, and let my mind shift through what is coming. It isn't as dark as it might seem. Difficult, at times, but it is just as troubling here. There, though, two legged government won't be an issue. Nor will many other such problems. Unless a bear catches me off guard, I still have decades up there. I have seen it. More than I have here, all else being equal. Yeah... I am getting notifications that I am not asking the right questions. The problem is, the area in which the right questions might exist are, potentially, dangerous areas. Not worth the risk, not without a clue. I like my bets better.
Well... on to rest, music, windwalking, and some other such. Later or good night.
.
As it turns out, tonight was the night for removing the wood. Smaller log lengths down to twigs, with much between. As well, the wire came down so I can begin sawing more of the two trees in which I was limited or outright stopped. Plus, I got the quarter hog together and got that sent. Not bad, really, I'll tell you. I'm not too worn, with gloves and a work sweater I didn't end up nearly as scratched, cut, or bruised. A little of that, just a little. Got some other things out, concrete that had been split while putting in the backyard water pump. Seriously good work. Well, and that was after a busy "morning".
Sheers and curtains yet tonight? I just don't know. I'll rest, well, for a bit, then decide. Even if I could do the work, and that might be so, it might be best not to do it. There is too much. What I have done today is not simple, and is good. That would be good work for tomorrow. Just a day of easy work and rest. Nothing fancy. Although, as today, if something comes up, I might just be able to do more.
Like it or not, I can move past my broken heart, at least from time to time. I will have to do so. I have seen, in my dreams, just how hard it is, summer or winter, using feet for most of my transportation, without a roof over my head. That reality is becoming more and more sure. More reason to clean, fix, arrange, and manage the estate. I don't want to leave more of a mess than I must. The bathroom... this summer if I can manage heat, or fall and winter otherwise. I have a good deal more work before I can get to that, so...
Nice... now to relax, rest, listen to music, sip tea, and let my mind shift through what is coming. It isn't as dark as it might seem. Difficult, at times, but it is just as troubling here. There, though, two legged government won't be an issue. Nor will many other such problems. Unless a bear catches me off guard, I still have decades up there. I have seen it. More than I have here, all else being equal. Yeah... I am getting notifications that I am not asking the right questions. The problem is, the area in which the right questions might exist are, potentially, dangerous areas. Not worth the risk, not without a clue. I like my bets better.
Well... on to rest, music, windwalking, and some other such. Later or good night.
Work, work, work.
.
.
Waking late meant starting late. I heard loud machinery outside, but wasn't quite ready to see what it was. Might have been a neighbor, might have been a farmers' parade, who knows. And until I am ready to face the potential of seeing my shadow, I just don't look. Usually. It turns out that it was a neighbor, but working my field and the other field nearby. Bleh, I hadn't gotten the branches out so he had to drive around some of that. Feeling guilty, if I had made no promise, and ran out of time and energy in any case, I got out, after more fully waking, and removed the branches from the field. Just setting them over the fence at the time. I had other things I had to do.
A grocery list was hastily readied. And the packages to be returned were arranged, along with the paperwork. Then on in to town. With a list, and a strong intent to keep to it, plus simple enough tasks, sometimes getting to town goes swiftly and smoothly. So it did. The only minor hitch was that one of the packages had to be returned through FedEx. It was just across the way, with my grocery store right on the way anyway. All good, really. The only thing they didn't have was milk. I have plenty to drink, I believe. I just had hoped to produce more kefir. All good, I'll be back into town later this week. Fresh fruits, some veggies just for giggles and with the meats on hand, life is good.
Returning home, after taking the groceries in (but not putting them away, even yet? bleh), I decided to move the branches and logs all over to my work area. I won't be doing much more with them until it dries off a bit. Though, maybe. For as wet as it has been, the branches seem to have dried out quite well anyway. Definitely some of them. We'll see on that. I still need to rake pretty much the whole yard due to branches, twigs, and all being everywhere. That might give me something physical, along with wrangling the Christmas lights and the ladder to do that first of all. Raking is a nice medium effort item. It's on the feet, using the arms, creating then hauling piles... Mostly fresh air, with very light weights and walking about thrown in.
I need a bit of a break. I will put the groceries away after this. Nothing too spooky. Cream cheese and cottage cheese are the only more perishable items, with carrots being sort of next. The rest is shelf stable, or at least less quick to go bad. I leave my fruits out, though it would be nice to have a secondary fridge for those things in the summer heat. For now, room temp is best.
As to the curtains and sheers? After the groceries and break I'll think on those. I really want to get to some of that tonight. Perhaps all of it. I have four windows, anyway, that I would like to fix. Four panels came in, from Amazon. A day early. Perfect. If I can get those four, then, tomorrow or my next work day, I might hit the back and kitchen windows with the... slightly Sass damaged. Even so they will keep the heat, light, and sound out much better than what is there. Oh, and with the electric piano upstairs, I might as well take the stand and piano seat up. It seems so strange to see what had been fixtures, since I moved here, gone... or at least out of sight.
Work, work, work, and more work. I've really got to keep up. Right now I can, pretty much, only stick to a list. The hope is that, at some point, I will be able to use a list, but then go beyond. Perhaps I won't become as tuckered, and can either find a more reasoned list of chores and tasks and even then go beyond, or... something. It is far better to start in when it is still cool then wait until the heat compels me. Because right after it compels, it crushes. I have a few tricks up my sleeves, so as to allay the crushing by the heat. But... it's just a trick, a maybe, a hope. Later.
.
Waking late meant starting late. I heard loud machinery outside, but wasn't quite ready to see what it was. Might have been a neighbor, might have been a farmers' parade, who knows. And until I am ready to face the potential of seeing my shadow, I just don't look. Usually. It turns out that it was a neighbor, but working my field and the other field nearby. Bleh, I hadn't gotten the branches out so he had to drive around some of that. Feeling guilty, if I had made no promise, and ran out of time and energy in any case, I got out, after more fully waking, and removed the branches from the field. Just setting them over the fence at the time. I had other things I had to do.
A grocery list was hastily readied. And the packages to be returned were arranged, along with the paperwork. Then on in to town. With a list, and a strong intent to keep to it, plus simple enough tasks, sometimes getting to town goes swiftly and smoothly. So it did. The only minor hitch was that one of the packages had to be returned through FedEx. It was just across the way, with my grocery store right on the way anyway. All good, really. The only thing they didn't have was milk. I have plenty to drink, I believe. I just had hoped to produce more kefir. All good, I'll be back into town later this week. Fresh fruits, some veggies just for giggles and with the meats on hand, life is good.
Returning home, after taking the groceries in (but not putting them away, even yet? bleh), I decided to move the branches and logs all over to my work area. I won't be doing much more with them until it dries off a bit. Though, maybe. For as wet as it has been, the branches seem to have dried out quite well anyway. Definitely some of them. We'll see on that. I still need to rake pretty much the whole yard due to branches, twigs, and all being everywhere. That might give me something physical, along with wrangling the Christmas lights and the ladder to do that first of all. Raking is a nice medium effort item. It's on the feet, using the arms, creating then hauling piles... Mostly fresh air, with very light weights and walking about thrown in.
I need a bit of a break. I will put the groceries away after this. Nothing too spooky. Cream cheese and cottage cheese are the only more perishable items, with carrots being sort of next. The rest is shelf stable, or at least less quick to go bad. I leave my fruits out, though it would be nice to have a secondary fridge for those things in the summer heat. For now, room temp is best.
As to the curtains and sheers? After the groceries and break I'll think on those. I really want to get to some of that tonight. Perhaps all of it. I have four windows, anyway, that I would like to fix. Four panels came in, from Amazon. A day early. Perfect. If I can get those four, then, tomorrow or my next work day, I might hit the back and kitchen windows with the... slightly Sass damaged. Even so they will keep the heat, light, and sound out much better than what is there. Oh, and with the electric piano upstairs, I might as well take the stand and piano seat up. It seems so strange to see what had been fixtures, since I moved here, gone... or at least out of sight.
Work, work, work, and more work. I've really got to keep up. Right now I can, pretty much, only stick to a list. The hope is that, at some point, I will be able to use a list, but then go beyond. Perhaps I won't become as tuckered, and can either find a more reasoned list of chores and tasks and even then go beyond, or... something. It is far better to start in when it is still cool then wait until the heat compels me. Because right after it compels, it crushes. I have a few tricks up my sleeves, so as to allay the crushing by the heat. But... it's just a trick, a maybe, a hope. Later.
Late down and to wake.
.
.
All good. I really didn't rest as I probably really needed this weekend. While it wasn't the heaviest of work, it was something every day. No worries, I'll go until I can't or get over it. My day is slipping away though, I think caused by too much work. Even when I am not working a great deal, just thinking, planning, arranging, researching... ends up being another form of work. How will hiking through Alaska be? Well... it will be walking. There won't be a lot of planning. That will have to be done ahead of time. As for work, that will be quite simplified. Setting up camp, tearing it down, cooking, cleaning, and such. All of it will become routine. If I am too tired, I will simply stay in a camp for a bit longer. Perhaps fishing or hunting small game for extra food. It won't be a constant barrage of... in a way... very unnatural efforts. Curtains? Sheers? Messing with trees other than avoiding falling ones or cutting some for fire? Washing one's surroundings? A very different set of efforts. Living will be the work.
Still, I am here, for now. I have the various rods and other materials to do what I had planned. What was done will actually be redone, actually twice now. I simply need to wake... just woke, mostly. I am hoping to change four sets today. I may change some curtains around, washing them if necessary. As well, if I can catch a better wind in my sails, I will also move the cuttings from the field over to the piles. No reductions today. I want those to dry out a bit.
Ah, and one last thing, if not for today. I need to thaw sausage, for the Scottish egg recipe. One pound should be more than enough, leaving extra for plain sausage sometime else this week. The eggs are fresh, so that should be easy. I don't have greens, and wouldn't go that way anyway. I have some doubts about the whole thing. Then again, doubts are where to start, quite often, not where to end. Ah, I also want to get the packages in to UPS for return, so I could do a small amount of the shopping I missed last week. Yeah... wasn't I just saying, and just the other day, something about planning more than I can possibly do? In theory, either you at least stay busy, or you learn to do more. FM running, me and my big mouth. Well... nothing to do for it but to get at it... in just a bit. :p
Later.
.
All good. I really didn't rest as I probably really needed this weekend. While it wasn't the heaviest of work, it was something every day. No worries, I'll go until I can't or get over it. My day is slipping away though, I think caused by too much work. Even when I am not working a great deal, just thinking, planning, arranging, researching... ends up being another form of work. How will hiking through Alaska be? Well... it will be walking. There won't be a lot of planning. That will have to be done ahead of time. As for work, that will be quite simplified. Setting up camp, tearing it down, cooking, cleaning, and such. All of it will become routine. If I am too tired, I will simply stay in a camp for a bit longer. Perhaps fishing or hunting small game for extra food. It won't be a constant barrage of... in a way... very unnatural efforts. Curtains? Sheers? Messing with trees other than avoiding falling ones or cutting some for fire? Washing one's surroundings? A very different set of efforts. Living will be the work.
Still, I am here, for now. I have the various rods and other materials to do what I had planned. What was done will actually be redone, actually twice now. I simply need to wake... just woke, mostly. I am hoping to change four sets today. I may change some curtains around, washing them if necessary. As well, if I can catch a better wind in my sails, I will also move the cuttings from the field over to the piles. No reductions today. I want those to dry out a bit.
Ah, and one last thing, if not for today. I need to thaw sausage, for the Scottish egg recipe. One pound should be more than enough, leaving extra for plain sausage sometime else this week. The eggs are fresh, so that should be easy. I don't have greens, and wouldn't go that way anyway. I have some doubts about the whole thing. Then again, doubts are where to start, quite often, not where to end. Ah, I also want to get the packages in to UPS for return, so I could do a small amount of the shopping I missed last week. Yeah... wasn't I just saying, and just the other day, something about planning more than I can possibly do? In theory, either you at least stay busy, or you learn to do more. FM running, me and my big mouth. Well... nothing to do for it but to get at it... in just a bit. :p
Later.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
No idleness today.
.
.
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.
.
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.
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.
.
.
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.
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