.
.
That nap, and some time off work for good behavior... mostly... has helped a great deal. My legs are no longer working like wooden blocks. The pains have eased a good deal as well. And, while I was sleeping, about two hours in, the burning left. It left so greatly that I started to freeze enough that my toes hurt. Yeah, well. I gathered every blanket I had, plus the bedspread, created a pocket for my feet, bundled in, and that was enough that I could sleep through the freeze of seeming space. I slept another three to four hours.
I just needed extra sleep. The nap will help me push into tomorrow to get some things done. A few phone calls, maybe some shopping. Tonight I want to figure out a simple worm bin. A single five gallon pail, with a lid in which I cut the center out, for air, but far enough in that the worms can't, if they can, crawl up the sides and out and up the air shaft. With shredded paper, soil mix, and eggshells, I merely need to water the paper, then hand ring it, as a base, mixed with soil and eggshells, then have some dry shreds for on top. I thought about doing a double, but this is really just a temporary home until I can find larger double bins, say 20~25 gallon double totes. If I can get a better price on multiples, that would even be better. I wouldn't mind having up to three systems going, if I can support it. Though, in time, I may experiment with other worms, such as the red wriggler. Why? Because I can! Well, and there are reasons for other worms. red wrigglers are slightly more cold tolerant. Though the difference is so slight that, if one can survive here, the other can too, probably. Because. I. can.
Next month maybe, or the month following much more likely, I hope to get enough wood to put in a couple of raised beds, x 12" or 16" for 4'x4's. Next month I will definitely be putting in a small section of x 6" 2'4"x6'~8' flower beds, and maybe a bit more around the side of the house. Changes are coming. As are growing things and things to grow. Oh, I will be ordering, reordering, asparagus and rhubarb tomorrow.
It has been a blast lately. I am hoping to keep it going. I still have much to do. The gutters I do have need cleaned. Then I need to consider how and where I would like to add gutters for eventual water storage. There are rock gardens, from the last owners, which need reset. Glass, outside and in, to wash. Weeds to attempt to kill with homemade goodies... or would those be called baddies? Lots and lots to do and just one me. I'll be continually burning my circuits and having to let them repair and then get back to it. Better to work, at first, when it is still cool, hopefully to work up a tolerance so when the heat hits, I can... continue if at a lower pace. I still have old tasks I never got to... the chicken coop roof project, for example. Ugh. Because, if the gardening and work goes ahead this year, and maybe next, I might really consider chickens. The roof and cleaning out the hutch, perhaps setting up some things out there would be required too.
I hope to do more shredding tonight, off and on. As well as washing the dishes that are in there, drying those and putting them up. Then a shower. And finally setting up the last of the worst of the dishes, as well as getting a couple of compost bags out. Tomorrow, hopefully, I will find the parts for the compost center (30' of 1/2" grid wire, 8 t-posts, and bailing wire) and begin on that. I may also buy a few bags of peat moss and coconut coir to mix in with the rest. I'm just not sure I'll have enough carbons and hope these things will help. Yeah, probably more than I need, and not always the greatest sources, but it's... a learning process. I'll figure it out or bull through or not.
Anyway, as I woke, the fire returned. Nothing like almost literally feeling as if something is burning on the surface of the skin. It's as if it's not quite getting through the layer that is burning, but the heat is warming things up if not charring. My skin is cool to the touch, save for my hands and face which are just the opposite, exacerbating the difference at a touch. Well, first a bit of waking, another episode of Penny Dreadful. Then dishes, compost, a shower, and setting up more dishes. On my way. Later.
Friday, April 7, 2017
Thursday, April 6, 2017
The burning remains.
.
.
As before, the burning seems to be from the outside in. It is milder, though still potent. If you have ever come in from the cold of winter, to have your ears seem to burn, that would be an aspect. The aches and pains remain, perhaps lesser, difficult to say.
I loaded dishes up, just easy to wash ones, and they have been soaking. I am probably going to take a nap right after posting this. I don't know if I can sleep. It would be worth a shot. It would make being awake longer into the real day tomorrow more possible. Oh, and some anacin before I try. That might help in several ways.
Oh, while I don't have the worm bed together, I did get to a part of it. I have been seeking and shredding mail, old mail. Lots of it. Much more to go, though I have shredded enough for, to my mind, the wormbed, or even two. Now that composting and worm ranching is on the menu, all that stupid junk mail will finally have a use, excluding being a financial security threat. I bought a better shredder. While all things can be put together, this would make doing that, and having it be useful... in time... much less likely. It takes sixteen sheets a time, which I don't generally feed. Putting in, say, ten sheets at a time and this thing doesn't even cough. In some ways it will, in time, pay for itself. Though, from now on, raking and saving leaves will be my true main carbon grab.
Life is coming together. There are so many things one needs to focus upon, with a home, with gardening, with this and that. It is difficult to keep everything... impossible really... working right, in the correct direction, with the right tools, and all. Some have thought the more the better. That rarely proves true, save for twofers. That seems about as much mutual annoyance that seems to work toward mutual success and successfully. While that can be tight, too, it... has a really wonderful ring to it.
On to a nap. Good... night? Sort of.
.
As before, the burning seems to be from the outside in. It is milder, though still potent. If you have ever come in from the cold of winter, to have your ears seem to burn, that would be an aspect. The aches and pains remain, perhaps lesser, difficult to say.
I loaded dishes up, just easy to wash ones, and they have been soaking. I am probably going to take a nap right after posting this. I don't know if I can sleep. It would be worth a shot. It would make being awake longer into the real day tomorrow more possible. Oh, and some anacin before I try. That might help in several ways.
Oh, while I don't have the worm bed together, I did get to a part of it. I have been seeking and shredding mail, old mail. Lots of it. Much more to go, though I have shredded enough for, to my mind, the wormbed, or even two. Now that composting and worm ranching is on the menu, all that stupid junk mail will finally have a use, excluding being a financial security threat. I bought a better shredder. While all things can be put together, this would make doing that, and having it be useful... in time... much less likely. It takes sixteen sheets a time, which I don't generally feed. Putting in, say, ten sheets at a time and this thing doesn't even cough. In some ways it will, in time, pay for itself. Though, from now on, raking and saving leaves will be my true main carbon grab.
Life is coming together. There are so many things one needs to focus upon, with a home, with gardening, with this and that. It is difficult to keep everything... impossible really... working right, in the correct direction, with the right tools, and all. Some have thought the more the better. That rarely proves true, save for twofers. That seems about as much mutual annoyance that seems to work toward mutual success and successfully. While that can be tight, too, it... has a really wonderful ring to it.
On to a nap. Good... night? Sort of.
Awake, another down day though.
.
.
I must have worked more than I thought. Thought working legs often results in that. Leg muscles are the largest in the body. It didn't stop with those, either. Worked? I think overworked is more like it. Even so, with the worms in and other things going on, I can't just stop. I need to create a bed for them, or two. Initially it will just be a bucket with shredded moistened paper and soil. Oh, and ground eggshells. In time I am hoping to get some of those larger storage containers, nest two of them... the top one with holes drilled for drainage. For now, simple, just to see what I am dealing with. I need to do the simple one today. I have heard these worms won't/can't climb out. I trust nothing, so will proceed, at least initially, as if they could and will escape.
Sore. Stiff. But that has receded a bit. Mostly just my arms, a bit of the core of my torso, and still my legs which seem to have it the worst. Something I will be looking for is a non-sugar, unsweetened, electrolyte replacement drink. I've found one but it seems rather expensive. Maybe the good ones simply are? I take vitamins and minerals, extra, in these categories, already, because of the water pill and my heart. But if I am going to stress my body, I need to add even more. That might help with the pains and stiffness, though some of that has to happen. It's just, I would have thought I would be over it by now.
I did thaw meat for today. I think I'll grill though. I still have dirty dishes to work on. I may attempt to get all of those last bits done. Then grill for a while as well, until I have the kitchen in as good of shape as the bathroom. The bathroom has become a jewel. Some of it is old, it can be dusty, but compared to what it has been for a little too long, it is a jewel.
Mostly today is a day of rest. It just has to be. I burned out the week. I did contact the place where I thought I ordered starters. They say they don't have an order, so I will call them tomorrow. As well, I will make several other calls. Ugh. It's tight when days and nights are tumbled. And when one is so sore. I'll... get to it. Later.
.
I must have worked more than I thought. Thought working legs often results in that. Leg muscles are the largest in the body. It didn't stop with those, either. Worked? I think overworked is more like it. Even so, with the worms in and other things going on, I can't just stop. I need to create a bed for them, or two. Initially it will just be a bucket with shredded moistened paper and soil. Oh, and ground eggshells. In time I am hoping to get some of those larger storage containers, nest two of them... the top one with holes drilled for drainage. For now, simple, just to see what I am dealing with. I need to do the simple one today. I have heard these worms won't/can't climb out. I trust nothing, so will proceed, at least initially, as if they could and will escape.
Sore. Stiff. But that has receded a bit. Mostly just my arms, a bit of the core of my torso, and still my legs which seem to have it the worst. Something I will be looking for is a non-sugar, unsweetened, electrolyte replacement drink. I've found one but it seems rather expensive. Maybe the good ones simply are? I take vitamins and minerals, extra, in these categories, already, because of the water pill and my heart. But if I am going to stress my body, I need to add even more. That might help with the pains and stiffness, though some of that has to happen. It's just, I would have thought I would be over it by now.
I did thaw meat for today. I think I'll grill though. I still have dirty dishes to work on. I may attempt to get all of those last bits done. Then grill for a while as well, until I have the kitchen in as good of shape as the bathroom. The bathroom has become a jewel. Some of it is old, it can be dusty, but compared to what it has been for a little too long, it is a jewel.
Mostly today is a day of rest. It just has to be. I burned out the week. I did contact the place where I thought I ordered starters. They say they don't have an order, so I will call them tomorrow. As well, I will make several other calls. Ugh. It's tight when days and nights are tumbled. And when one is so sore. I'll... get to it. Later.
Yeah, pushing it.
.
.
I meant to get my shower in at around 7:30. It took until nearly 9:30 to do that. I did get right to the post office afterward. Many packages, more on the way. Ugh. The worms were sent to my physical address, but came through. I'll... have to talk to them about that. Two large, wide brimmed hats, for working in the sun. Other bits and pieces for this and that.
I had ordered rhubarb, asparagus, and a few other things. The company doesn't send items until they can be safely sent and in time for the planting season. They have that out as a sort of warning. Which is fine. However, my order wasn't confirmed, or listed on their web cite. So I sent off an email in hopes of making sure my order was placed. I'd hate to receive a double order. I'm working in a bit of a budget.
I am so sore, stiff, and done though. The shower knocked the fire down for a bit, but it seems to be coming back. I'll turn on the fan. The house has dropped to 68 and should drop to 66~65 when it finishes cooling off. I won't open windows today though, too cool out there. I just don't want to risk pipes or other such.
I can't believe how undone I seem to be. I'm pleased to have gotten into this shape, I just wish I could have done more. All told I count breaking my body as a win. Now to find a way to get back up and do it again, more quickly up, longer up, and as good or better of a fall. Good day, and night.
.
I meant to get my shower in at around 7:30. It took until nearly 9:30 to do that. I did get right to the post office afterward. Many packages, more on the way. Ugh. The worms were sent to my physical address, but came through. I'll... have to talk to them about that. Two large, wide brimmed hats, for working in the sun. Other bits and pieces for this and that.
I had ordered rhubarb, asparagus, and a few other things. The company doesn't send items until they can be safely sent and in time for the planting season. They have that out as a sort of warning. Which is fine. However, my order wasn't confirmed, or listed on their web cite. So I sent off an email in hopes of making sure my order was placed. I'd hate to receive a double order. I'm working in a bit of a budget.
I am so sore, stiff, and done though. The shower knocked the fire down for a bit, but it seems to be coming back. I'll turn on the fan. The house has dropped to 68 and should drop to 66~65 when it finishes cooling off. I won't open windows today though, too cool out there. I just don't want to risk pipes or other such.
I can't believe how undone I seem to be. I'm pleased to have gotten into this shape, I just wish I could have done more. All told I count breaking my body as a win. Now to find a way to get back up and do it again, more quickly up, longer up, and as good or better of a fall. Good day, and night.
Burning.
.
.
I turned the furnace down and went to shorts and a t-shirt. Doesn't matter. I've been too hot all night. It's still 70 in here. Perhaps a shower will help. It's like a skin level fever. Or at least it seems as if the heat is from the outside in. Such a strange anatomy. I'm not sure it works... like any other.
I did get the refrigerator and one of it's bins cleaned off, hitting the lower shelf one more time while at it. I have been putting easier to wash items in the wash bin. After a shower I'll put that, and a few other pots and pans, maybe, in for a hot soak. I'll let it soak all day. I'll be going to bed after I shower then get to the post office.
I don't know if I will wash the dishes even this evening/tomorrow. I will, hopefully be ready enough to reset a soak. It helps. I will probably putt around, doing minor things, in prep for when energy and ability return. Yeah, I did do most of the dishes. Oh, I best get one or two bags of compost out while I am at it. One from clearing the fridge yesterday, another of beans I set to soak then forgot. Nasty. The pots and pans, and beans, should be the last of the stink bombs in the cave. I'll check the weather. If the temps are going to be reasonable, I may open a window or three to let in fresh air. That, and later, burning a candle or two, here and there, and maybe putting out a few ramekins of vinegar. I know candles work, vinegar pots is a rumor I wish to experiment regarding. If you plastic wrap vinegar in a cocotte, puncturing the top with toothpick sized holes, you can quickly kill fruit flies. Which... I don't have at the moment. Still... I do seem to have an odor problem. I will work on it. Hopefully it's not b.o. ??? :p I actually have been showering rather often. Brushing teeth and working hard though, at least for me, might cause problems. Especially on keto.
Well, I best get going. I can't figure out why I am so very hot. Burning, all but literally. And, as I said, it seems as if it's from the outside in, as if I rolled in lineament of some strong sort, like that for horses when their muscles are well used. Perhaps it's just muscle formation and some other things. A shower, the post office, and probably down for a good long count. Good ni... day.
.
I turned the furnace down and went to shorts and a t-shirt. Doesn't matter. I've been too hot all night. It's still 70 in here. Perhaps a shower will help. It's like a skin level fever. Or at least it seems as if the heat is from the outside in. Such a strange anatomy. I'm not sure it works... like any other.
I did get the refrigerator and one of it's bins cleaned off, hitting the lower shelf one more time while at it. I have been putting easier to wash items in the wash bin. After a shower I'll put that, and a few other pots and pans, maybe, in for a hot soak. I'll let it soak all day. I'll be going to bed after I shower then get to the post office.
I don't know if I will wash the dishes even this evening/tomorrow. I will, hopefully be ready enough to reset a soak. It helps. I will probably putt around, doing minor things, in prep for when energy and ability return. Yeah, I did do most of the dishes. Oh, I best get one or two bags of compost out while I am at it. One from clearing the fridge yesterday, another of beans I set to soak then forgot. Nasty. The pots and pans, and beans, should be the last of the stink bombs in the cave. I'll check the weather. If the temps are going to be reasonable, I may open a window or three to let in fresh air. That, and later, burning a candle or two, here and there, and maybe putting out a few ramekins of vinegar. I know candles work, vinegar pots is a rumor I wish to experiment regarding. If you plastic wrap vinegar in a cocotte, puncturing the top with toothpick sized holes, you can quickly kill fruit flies. Which... I don't have at the moment. Still... I do seem to have an odor problem. I will work on it. Hopefully it's not b.o. ??? :p I actually have been showering rather often. Brushing teeth and working hard though, at least for me, might cause problems. Especially on keto.
Well, I best get going. I can't figure out why I am so very hot. Burning, all but literally. And, as I said, it seems as if it's from the outside in, as if I rolled in lineament of some strong sort, like that for horses when their muscles are well used. Perhaps it's just muscle formation and some other things. A shower, the post office, and probably down for a good long count. Good ni... day.
I am sure I can't be full human.
.
.
I didn't post it, but four days ago I weighed myself. Weighing in at 261 I was rather pleased with were that was going. Since then I have been working to the bone, other than today. While I have had a meal or two each of those days, they have been smaller meals. On top of that, I have been working until I can barely walk. So imagine my surprise, when I weigh in today to see I have gained twenty three pounds.
It isn't water weight. My ankles would be massive. It's not internal, I have been *cough* regular, then some. Not to the point of medical concern but twice, even three times a day... soft though not liquid. Keto seems to do that. Something to keep in mind, at least for me and initially on keto, is... be suspicious of every fart. They aren't all what the mind has been lead to believe before keto. I get over it after two or three weeks, some people don't. It's not showing up around my middle section either, I'm in the ~38 range, which is as good as I have ever been. Still hoping for the 36 waist, but that just hasn't happened yet. I do bounce up to a solid 40 from time to time, but trending lower, if slightly and slowly for now.
Anyway... so... how in the world did I gain that much weight? Keto, along with intermittent fasting, can boost muscle gains. But... This is vexing. And it isn't typically human. Especially with it not showing up anywhere. That my whole body still feels similar to nearly dried concrete... just a bit of wet in there so that I can move, if in a blocky fashion. Very strange. Hmm, that's five pounds of weight gain a day, day after day, for four days... plus.
Whatever. Anyway, it looks like I have missed a nap. So I'll stay awake, try to get that bit of spot cleaning done in the fridge, take a shower, then get to the post office today? That's the plan. I think I can. Later.
.
I didn't post it, but four days ago I weighed myself. Weighing in at 261 I was rather pleased with were that was going. Since then I have been working to the bone, other than today. While I have had a meal or two each of those days, they have been smaller meals. On top of that, I have been working until I can barely walk. So imagine my surprise, when I weigh in today to see I have gained twenty three pounds.
It isn't water weight. My ankles would be massive. It's not internal, I have been *cough* regular, then some. Not to the point of medical concern but twice, even three times a day... soft though not liquid. Keto seems to do that. Something to keep in mind, at least for me and initially on keto, is... be suspicious of every fart. They aren't all what the mind has been lead to believe before keto. I get over it after two or three weeks, some people don't. It's not showing up around my middle section either, I'm in the ~38 range, which is as good as I have ever been. Still hoping for the 36 waist, but that just hasn't happened yet. I do bounce up to a solid 40 from time to time, but trending lower, if slightly and slowly for now.
Anyway... so... how in the world did I gain that much weight? Keto, along with intermittent fasting, can boost muscle gains. But... This is vexing. And it isn't typically human. Especially with it not showing up anywhere. That my whole body still feels similar to nearly dried concrete... just a bit of wet in there so that I can move, if in a blocky fashion. Very strange. Hmm, that's five pounds of weight gain a day, day after day, for four days... plus.
Whatever. Anyway, it looks like I have missed a nap. So I'll stay awake, try to get that bit of spot cleaning done in the fridge, take a shower, then get to the post office today? That's the plan. I think I can. Later.
Outsmarting a cat.
.
.
Sassy is still reluctant to go near the water fountain. I am happy to see her fuss. It isn't a love-hate thing. It is just that I know she will become... better for it. It will hurt. Learning can do that. I know this. She has lost a little weight, on top of it. I don't let her eat what Sam leaves. Meaning she HAS to go in there for food. Not only is her food in there, so is the dry food. As to water? I don't there there are any other sources. There is the toilet, but due to the depth of the water and the large size of the bowl, the chance of going swimming is too great. Actually, I don't think she can reach the water without going in. It is entertaining.
While I haven't been doing anything at great speed, I am doing little things here and there. I pulled fish, thawed it in an enclosed water bath, then baked it most of the way done, frying it the last third of the way. Keeping up on tea as well, brewing a fresh pot before I finish one of the half gallon jars completely. The system works. It is just that sometimes, when I am doing other heavier work, keeping up on everything else isn't possible.
A shower, probably, shortly. Oh, and cleaning out a bit of spilled blood in one of the refrigerator bins and along one of the surfaces, and below the bins. Ugh. I saw it a bit ago but was doing too much else to get to it. Oh, while the bloody bin soaks, I also got in and removed several groups of veggies. Some of it was already chopped. What wasn't got chopped. Yeah, I think that works better.
After cleaning the refrigerator I hope to get a shower, dry off naturally, then go on to bed for a bit. I'll set the alarm in an attempt to get to the post office. Sprinkler heads, large brimmed straw hats, and... something else. I might be running short on time on one of the packages. I'll surely try to get in today. A nap might be enough. Later.
.
Sassy is still reluctant to go near the water fountain. I am happy to see her fuss. It isn't a love-hate thing. It is just that I know she will become... better for it. It will hurt. Learning can do that. I know this. She has lost a little weight, on top of it. I don't let her eat what Sam leaves. Meaning she HAS to go in there for food. Not only is her food in there, so is the dry food. As to water? I don't there there are any other sources. There is the toilet, but due to the depth of the water and the large size of the bowl, the chance of going swimming is too great. Actually, I don't think she can reach the water without going in. It is entertaining.
While I haven't been doing anything at great speed, I am doing little things here and there. I pulled fish, thawed it in an enclosed water bath, then baked it most of the way done, frying it the last third of the way. Keeping up on tea as well, brewing a fresh pot before I finish one of the half gallon jars completely. The system works. It is just that sometimes, when I am doing other heavier work, keeping up on everything else isn't possible.
A shower, probably, shortly. Oh, and cleaning out a bit of spilled blood in one of the refrigerator bins and along one of the surfaces, and below the bins. Ugh. I saw it a bit ago but was doing too much else to get to it. Oh, while the bloody bin soaks, I also got in and removed several groups of veggies. Some of it was already chopped. What wasn't got chopped. Yeah, I think that works better.
After cleaning the refrigerator I hope to get a shower, dry off naturally, then go on to bed for a bit. I'll set the alarm in an attempt to get to the post office. Sprinkler heads, large brimmed straw hats, and... something else. I might be running short on time on one of the packages. I'll surely try to get in today. A nap might be enough. Later.
Even if I can't...
.
.
Have you ever watched a cat watching birds through a window? *meow* Beyond the impossible number of tasks, chores, gardening, household, and general things to do, there are always more. I can't even do what all I want, so doing the new stuff? In time... in time I will get to some of it.
What else? Just lately I have been thinking about several problems. The sink drain, in the big bathroom, has always been a bit of a problem. While I was ordering some things, I also ordered a new pop-up drain plug and reviewed how to change that out. I am also thinking about doing some work on the tub. I had thought about changing the plug, but the dimensions and ordering on line... not sure I want to go that way. But a hair screen and a different sort of plug were appealing, so I went with that. More? The tub faucets are starting to get leaky. I have the parts and tools to, probably, fix those. I have been holding off until a freeze isn't a worry. I will need to shut off the whole house water before doing that. The sinks are fine, it's just the tub and shower faucets. I'll be reviewing videos about that, every once in a while, as the time nears.
As I suggested, I also need to repair some of the wall in that main bathroom. I wrote about another tool I would like, and more about that project before. If I do that, however, I would like to, then, repaint that bathroom. And I'll need to buy new floorboarding... or whatever the wood trim along the baseboards is called. Baseboards? I'm... never sure. The thing with any job... ANY JOB... is that it can go from a simple, if technical, single process into a group of tasks of quite divergent nature. Even if you have the energy, money, and time, to run and gun a project to it's end, you can still end up way over your head, over budget, out of time, and still not done... and worse maybe needing to call in a pro.
Still, all fun an games until someone pokes an eye out. Then you go for broke, double down, and see if lightning really does strike twice? Maybe that's just me. Way too fun. I'm trying to rest. There are just so many pretty birds. And I am so hungry. Actually literally. The eggs were okay. The keto stuff was alright. But I think I need a lot more. Hmm? Oh... I may water thaw some fish! That would be okay. I might even have lemon or lime juice. I know I have butter. Two different kinds? Three? I am hungry, don't have much for sides. The veggies in the fridge are probably all gone.
Actually, while at it, I might chop the veggies for compost. I don't know that I mentioned, but I have done some work. I emptied some bins and put them in to wash, then got the salts and sugar I wanted to store, put those in quart jars and labeled them... six sugar, three kosher salt, and two and an half regular ionized table salt. I need a couple more kosher and table salt packages to get those to five each. That'll be next month, or the month after. Then I begin buying three or four quarts of honey, for a few months. Then I begin molasses and maple syrup.
I kept thinking, if I bought this stuff it would be the best way, and in bulk. But every time I thought of it, or did it, I realized... that doesn't work. Smaller amounts, no more than a quart, is the way to go. More so for me, but really for even a family. It is expensive to buy it already stored, and probably no more sure. Now, for some things, like molasses and maples syrup, buying by the lot might be the way to go. It would be with honey, save that we have a local supplier. Finally putting up some of the basics. Though, next? To figure out which dry spices and herbs I might like, which store well, how to store them in smaller batches, and getting on that.
Yeah... I really am at it. Maybe for no reason at all. Maybe it will mean a world of difference, to me or someone else, or more. Which reminds me, I have a lot of work to do in the basement. Hmm... that'll be a good place to work in the high heat of summer though. Yeah... Later.
.
Have you ever watched a cat watching birds through a window? *meow* Beyond the impossible number of tasks, chores, gardening, household, and general things to do, there are always more. I can't even do what all I want, so doing the new stuff? In time... in time I will get to some of it.
What else? Just lately I have been thinking about several problems. The sink drain, in the big bathroom, has always been a bit of a problem. While I was ordering some things, I also ordered a new pop-up drain plug and reviewed how to change that out. I am also thinking about doing some work on the tub. I had thought about changing the plug, but the dimensions and ordering on line... not sure I want to go that way. But a hair screen and a different sort of plug were appealing, so I went with that. More? The tub faucets are starting to get leaky. I have the parts and tools to, probably, fix those. I have been holding off until a freeze isn't a worry. I will need to shut off the whole house water before doing that. The sinks are fine, it's just the tub and shower faucets. I'll be reviewing videos about that, every once in a while, as the time nears.
As I suggested, I also need to repair some of the wall in that main bathroom. I wrote about another tool I would like, and more about that project before. If I do that, however, I would like to, then, repaint that bathroom. And I'll need to buy new floorboarding... or whatever the wood trim along the baseboards is called. Baseboards? I'm... never sure. The thing with any job... ANY JOB... is that it can go from a simple, if technical, single process into a group of tasks of quite divergent nature. Even if you have the energy, money, and time, to run and gun a project to it's end, you can still end up way over your head, over budget, out of time, and still not done... and worse maybe needing to call in a pro.
Still, all fun an games until someone pokes an eye out. Then you go for broke, double down, and see if lightning really does strike twice? Maybe that's just me. Way too fun. I'm trying to rest. There are just so many pretty birds. And I am so hungry. Actually literally. The eggs were okay. The keto stuff was alright. But I think I need a lot more. Hmm? Oh... I may water thaw some fish! That would be okay. I might even have lemon or lime juice. I know I have butter. Two different kinds? Three? I am hungry, don't have much for sides. The veggies in the fridge are probably all gone.
Actually, while at it, I might chop the veggies for compost. I don't know that I mentioned, but I have done some work. I emptied some bins and put them in to wash, then got the salts and sugar I wanted to store, put those in quart jars and labeled them... six sugar, three kosher salt, and two and an half regular ionized table salt. I need a couple more kosher and table salt packages to get those to five each. That'll be next month, or the month after. Then I begin buying three or four quarts of honey, for a few months. Then I begin molasses and maple syrup.
I kept thinking, if I bought this stuff it would be the best way, and in bulk. But every time I thought of it, or did it, I realized... that doesn't work. Smaller amounts, no more than a quart, is the way to go. More so for me, but really for even a family. It is expensive to buy it already stored, and probably no more sure. Now, for some things, like molasses and maples syrup, buying by the lot might be the way to go. It would be with honey, save that we have a local supplier. Finally putting up some of the basics. Though, next? To figure out which dry spices and herbs I might like, which store well, how to store them in smaller batches, and getting on that.
Yeah... I really am at it. Maybe for no reason at all. Maybe it will mean a world of difference, to me or someone else, or more. Which reminds me, I have a lot of work to do in the basement. Hmm... that'll be a good place to work in the high heat of summer though. Yeah... Later.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Still amazed.
.
.
What surprises me is both how sore I am and how I was able to get that sore. It takes a lot of work over capacity to burn the body down like this. As I suggested, it wasn't just what I was doing it, but when. Working while in a coma has greater costs per unit spent... sort of. I really hurt in weird ways, as well as the regular old ways. Legs, deep in my torso, of muscle and organ, ground down to empty then on to fumes and beyond that by far. I was crawling to finish that last batch of dishes. Almost literally. Even then I had hoped to wake to help rake and do other things. Of course, I was unable. I almost fell, several times, from muscle pains, while going to the bathroom when I finally did wake.
I am feeling a bit better. It's not as if my ability to do anything has improved. I almost thought I might sneak out tonight. And I might, though probably not. It isn't that driving is a great energy drain, it's that even thinking about it, and maintaining focus, is a drain. Or even that steering would be using energy I don't want to spend. If I had to I would. I don't, so I won't.
It might be that I am in ketosis, and I am not eating as I could or possibly should be... at least to maintain. While my goal is to lose, my body isn't quite ready to wrestle with that. And, yet, here I am. The ketocana is probably what is allowing me to move forward. But with my body only beginning to think about burning fat instead of carbs, and not switched over fully yet, work is painful. I doubt if it is damaging. It is just driving my cells to look for energy. While there is fat, the cells are ready to burn that yet. So? So they cannibalize. It will motivate my body to switch to fat burning, but in the moment I am cooked.
I... finally, think, I figured this out. This will motivate me to do those projects and housecleaning I am listing. I am even thinking of doing more soil turning at the side of the house. The rhubarb is on the way. It won't use all of that area. But I would also like to try my hand at garlic. And, in a few days or this weekend I will plant herb seeds, indoors for now. As spring warms I may transplant some of those outside, and that would be a good place to attempt that.
Actually, if I were to plant an invasive sort of species? That might be the area to attempt it. It is hemmed in by sidewalk, a concrete patio, and the driveway. Though, really, I am thinking, for now, I will keep invasive species in as strict of control as possible. Yeah... I can't stop thinking and planning. I am coming back to life, changing some ways, planning for living and success. And I am able, even when I am not, it seems. For now it is a terrible and beautiful thing.
Hmm, anacin, a few episodes, some reading, sudoku... The problem? When my mind is on the hunt, it is difficult to keep the body down, to make it rest. It, too, wishes to hunt. I'm not sure how to fix that. Later.
.
What surprises me is both how sore I am and how I was able to get that sore. It takes a lot of work over capacity to burn the body down like this. As I suggested, it wasn't just what I was doing it, but when. Working while in a coma has greater costs per unit spent... sort of. I really hurt in weird ways, as well as the regular old ways. Legs, deep in my torso, of muscle and organ, ground down to empty then on to fumes and beyond that by far. I was crawling to finish that last batch of dishes. Almost literally. Even then I had hoped to wake to help rake and do other things. Of course, I was unable. I almost fell, several times, from muscle pains, while going to the bathroom when I finally did wake.
I am feeling a bit better. It's not as if my ability to do anything has improved. I almost thought I might sneak out tonight. And I might, though probably not. It isn't that driving is a great energy drain, it's that even thinking about it, and maintaining focus, is a drain. Or even that steering would be using energy I don't want to spend. If I had to I would. I don't, so I won't.
It might be that I am in ketosis, and I am not eating as I could or possibly should be... at least to maintain. While my goal is to lose, my body isn't quite ready to wrestle with that. And, yet, here I am. The ketocana is probably what is allowing me to move forward. But with my body only beginning to think about burning fat instead of carbs, and not switched over fully yet, work is painful. I doubt if it is damaging. It is just driving my cells to look for energy. While there is fat, the cells are ready to burn that yet. So? So they cannibalize. It will motivate my body to switch to fat burning, but in the moment I am cooked.
I... finally, think, I figured this out. This will motivate me to do those projects and housecleaning I am listing. I am even thinking of doing more soil turning at the side of the house. The rhubarb is on the way. It won't use all of that area. But I would also like to try my hand at garlic. And, in a few days or this weekend I will plant herb seeds, indoors for now. As spring warms I may transplant some of those outside, and that would be a good place to attempt that.
Actually, if I were to plant an invasive sort of species? That might be the area to attempt it. It is hemmed in by sidewalk, a concrete patio, and the driveway. Though, really, I am thinking, for now, I will keep invasive species in as strict of control as possible. Yeah... I can't stop thinking and planning. I am coming back to life, changing some ways, planning for living and success. And I am able, even when I am not, it seems. For now it is a terrible and beautiful thing.
Hmm, anacin, a few episodes, some reading, sudoku... The problem? When my mind is on the hunt, it is difficult to keep the body down, to make it rest. It, too, wishes to hunt. I'm not sure how to fix that. Later.
OOOUCH.
.
.
I went to bed somewhere between 4:00 and 7:00, I think. I was a bit... distressed, maybe a bit after 8:00? I can't be at all for sure. Things hurt that I didn't know existed. It isn't, I don't think, how much I did. It is how much I did in the condition I am in. I bulled my way over a rotten corpse, which happened to be mine. Now, it is fine that I can do that. I have literally not been able to do things like that for longer than people who just got their doctorate have been alive... assuming they do it straight through.
.
I went to bed somewhere between 4:00 and 7:00, I think. I was a bit... distressed, maybe a bit after 8:00? I can't be at all for sure. Things hurt that I didn't know existed. It isn't, I don't think, how much I did. It is how much I did in the condition I am in. I bulled my way over a rotten corpse, which happened to be mine. Now, it is fine that I can do that. I have literally not been able to do things like that for longer than people who just got their doctorate have been alive... assuming they do it straight through.
Finis.
.
.
I finished the dishes. But that's it. I had to push to get them done, but I wanted at least that. I had hoped to finish long ago, then to have gotten a shower in, and be heading to the post office, plus maybe putting in a last load of dishes. I had hoped, actually, to have much of that done, plus a nap in, to be waking about now. Not a chance. I am fried. I will have a few of those eggs then on to bed. The chance that I will hear the phone is... much diminished.
My body hurts. It's been pushed out of trim. I know sleep will fix it. That is what I'll be giving it. Oh, best take medicine. I'll finish an episode of something while I am eating and preparing to crash so very hard. I had to have some of that carb replacement. All good.
Good night.
.
I finished the dishes. But that's it. I had to push to get them done, but I wanted at least that. I had hoped to finish long ago, then to have gotten a shower in, and be heading to the post office, plus maybe putting in a last load of dishes. I had hoped, actually, to have much of that done, plus a nap in, to be waking about now. Not a chance. I am fried. I will have a few of those eggs then on to bed. The chance that I will hear the phone is... much diminished.
My body hurts. It's been pushed out of trim. I know sleep will fix it. That is what I'll be giving it. Oh, best take medicine. I'll finish an episode of something while I am eating and preparing to crash so very hard. I had to have some of that carb replacement. All good.
Good night.
It is difficult to keep pushing.
.
.
Even just doing the dishes, hoping to finish in time to get a shower so as to take a nap in order to be able to help with the raking? Cat meet tail. Or so it seems. I keep cheating, by adding more to the dishes though. And yet, what is being washed has been in the queue for a while. Quart jars from a pack that had been opened, a few used, and from an unopened pack... a manual puree twist device that has been on my shelf for months. I didn't even do everything. There are still a few items I would like to wash. I finally put my foot down though.
I have washed most of the dishes. Actually all of those I had in soak and some of the easier adds. I didn't want to put really nasty pots and pans in, but "clean" new wouldn't mess up the water. All of the jars, lids, and popper tops (they are canning jars) are washed, dried, and set to add several salts and sugar. I'll put a label on each, masking tape with a date, anyway. These are supposed to last well. Time will tell. I want them to be more than hand dry though, I want them air dry to boot. Water is the one thing that could mess up these grains. Hmm... might see about a desiccant, for dry foods. I am sure I have small packs of those, air sealed, around somewhere. Might not work, might be just what was needed.
The last part of the dishes are simply soaking. I am resting. I did get the compost veggies bagged and out. For now they are just in with the weeds, in the wheelbarrow, from the other day. I set up the small bin for going forward. Oh, and I have decided, if at all possible, to dice any veggies I put compost. Some will go into compost, some will be bagged and frozen, to later be processed down then frozen as worm food. Well... it's all a theory.
My herb seeds arrived. Much to my lament, almost all of the seeds suggest they grow better in full sun. Hmm... that isn't easily doable for me. I have several planting options. A few rather small but self watering and easy to check planters is one easy way, but it would take a lot of space, somewhere, and might be a temptation for the girls (cats). The other option is a wall hanging, multi-compartment rig. It's smaller than it looked online... always seems to be one way or the other... even when I measure according to their stats. Still, it would work for quite a number of plants, smaller ones. Might be a starter method, for transplanting?
I finally found horseradish tubers. I also found 'Jerusalem artichokes'. I ordered both. I also ordered inexpensive five gallon planters. I won't put either into the ground... just too aggressive, invasive. I won't build another monster, or group of them. I think I can at least keep these alive, and they would be quite appreciated in a longer term grid down. Well, much as manna, there are limits. And, yet? Shut up.
Yeah, I'm getting there. While I rest I often do more research. I have a lower portion of drywall in a room that is damaged. It's a long bottom strip. I have been trying to figure out how to cut it out. I know how to fix drywall now. But getting it off is another thing. Some of it is in a narrow confine, so will be trickier yet. An oscillating tool seems to be the trick. I tried a dremel kit, but that didn't work well at all. This tool would not only work well for that piece, but, in time, if I ever get to the bathroom, it would allow me to cut out a place for an inset medicine cabinet. Yeah... I'm still going to go there. Hmm, might also make for some other interesting projects on my blackbag list.
I am pushing. Just by continuing to do. And, yet, I will continue. At least until the raking is done. If I miss it, so be it. If I do it, better yet. Then another day down. Maybe two days off. And probably no work. I mean none... if I can keep my hands idle. When I'm in this mode, feeling it or not, some aspect of my body just want to work. Later. Or good night.
.
Even just doing the dishes, hoping to finish in time to get a shower so as to take a nap in order to be able to help with the raking? Cat meet tail. Or so it seems. I keep cheating, by adding more to the dishes though. And yet, what is being washed has been in the queue for a while. Quart jars from a pack that had been opened, a few used, and from an unopened pack... a manual puree twist device that has been on my shelf for months. I didn't even do everything. There are still a few items I would like to wash. I finally put my foot down though.
I have washed most of the dishes. Actually all of those I had in soak and some of the easier adds. I didn't want to put really nasty pots and pans in, but "clean" new wouldn't mess up the water. All of the jars, lids, and popper tops (they are canning jars) are washed, dried, and set to add several salts and sugar. I'll put a label on each, masking tape with a date, anyway. These are supposed to last well. Time will tell. I want them to be more than hand dry though, I want them air dry to boot. Water is the one thing that could mess up these grains. Hmm... might see about a desiccant, for dry foods. I am sure I have small packs of those, air sealed, around somewhere. Might not work, might be just what was needed.
The last part of the dishes are simply soaking. I am resting. I did get the compost veggies bagged and out. For now they are just in with the weeds, in the wheelbarrow, from the other day. I set up the small bin for going forward. Oh, and I have decided, if at all possible, to dice any veggies I put compost. Some will go into compost, some will be bagged and frozen, to later be processed down then frozen as worm food. Well... it's all a theory.
My herb seeds arrived. Much to my lament, almost all of the seeds suggest they grow better in full sun. Hmm... that isn't easily doable for me. I have several planting options. A few rather small but self watering and easy to check planters is one easy way, but it would take a lot of space, somewhere, and might be a temptation for the girls (cats). The other option is a wall hanging, multi-compartment rig. It's smaller than it looked online... always seems to be one way or the other... even when I measure according to their stats. Still, it would work for quite a number of plants, smaller ones. Might be a starter method, for transplanting?
I finally found horseradish tubers. I also found 'Jerusalem artichokes'. I ordered both. I also ordered inexpensive five gallon planters. I won't put either into the ground... just too aggressive, invasive. I won't build another monster, or group of them. I think I can at least keep these alive, and they would be quite appreciated in a longer term grid down. Well, much as manna, there are limits. And, yet? Shut up.
Yeah, I'm getting there. While I rest I often do more research. I have a lower portion of drywall in a room that is damaged. It's a long bottom strip. I have been trying to figure out how to cut it out. I know how to fix drywall now. But getting it off is another thing. Some of it is in a narrow confine, so will be trickier yet. An oscillating tool seems to be the trick. I tried a dremel kit, but that didn't work well at all. This tool would not only work well for that piece, but, in time, if I ever get to the bathroom, it would allow me to cut out a place for an inset medicine cabinet. Yeah... I'm still going to go there. Hmm, might also make for some other interesting projects on my blackbag list.
I am pushing. Just by continuing to do. And, yet, I will continue. At least until the raking is done. If I miss it, so be it. If I do it, better yet. Then another day down. Maybe two days off. And probably no work. I mean none... if I can keep my hands idle. When I'm in this mode, feeling it or not, some aspect of my body just want to work. Later. Or good night.
A few things.
.
.
One piece of advice? Don't bag compost and hope it will be okay for a few days while waiting for the compost bit and sacks. Yeah, that... doesn't work. Still, it'll go in, to a proper bag, or three, and out yet tonight. Thankfully, for now, I am a bachelor. My neighbor noticed though. I thought it was the dishes, but, nope. I'll fix that, and the dishes too though, yet tonight.
I soft boiled eggs tonight. This time reserving the shells. Mostly for worms at this point, but they will, in time, also go into compost. Who knows how things work out. I have a few other projects going forward regarding worms. I have 1/4 mesh, but 1/8 mesh on the way. With those I will create nesting sifters, so that I can keep the worms on top, the eggs next level, while letting the compost/peat go on through. A single pass double sorter, for various needs and wants. If I simply want to sort out worms, or worms and eggs, I can do that easily too. It's not all tools, not all techniques, but a bit of both, coupled with experience. Oh, instead of microwaving, I am baking the egg shells at 350 for an half hour. I heard that in a different video, by a worm rancher. I... don't trust microwaves to actually sterilize... or such.
Oh, right. It seems my grass needs mowed. Which is fine, if I can't do it. There is someone willing to do it. But I need to rake first, which as you'll note, is on my list. Due to timing involvements, raking has been moved up to tomorrow. I want to help though. Fresh air and back to work is good. The thing is, with my days off, it might be a difficult time. I will keep the phone handy and keep the intention of getting up and out to help in the fore of my mind. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. I want to help because I want to keep as much "brown" as possible. I have bags galore, of the right sort. If I can get two or three bags of leaves and small branches, I'll... be good. With the paper I need to get on shredding, I'll have enough 'brown' matter for a while. Some say you don't need to mix it one to one. And, of course, you don't. If you would be willing to put up with the stench... or that's my theory. I am not so interested in the stink. Hmm... need to clean out my big trash and recycling bins, come to think of it. Hate that smell.
A few things to do. Dinner that I tried, eggs and burger, or... second dinner... was a flop. I'll have a few of those eggs before long, and toss the burger mess. Yeah. Sometimes an idea or technique just doesn't work, shortly or ever. I think I'll look for a low-carb meatloaf? I do have some wonders. If I used, say, a tablespoon of ketchup in a meatloaf, and the ketchup had sugar somewhere in the ingredient list of the ketchup, would it really have that much of an affect on my blood sugar or insulin? I have doubts, about much of what I am told. I have learned some things, like orange juice, store bought in any case, is brutal on my blood sugar, no matter how fresh or pure or... anything. The trouble? Have you noticed there is almost nothing made without sugar, or some sort or another? They often call it something else, but it's... in there.
I did order asparagus and rhubarb. I haven't been able to find horseradish roots yet. I gave up on finding them in town. As I said, seeds won't due. On to dishes. I really want to get those done, get a shower anyway (don't think I'm up for a bath), then get the rest of the dishes into a soak. Hmm, actually I have to wash, rewash, then rinse the dishes currently soaking. Bleh. More work that is more than it seems. I'll... get to it. Then, hopefully, a nap, maybe a long one, in hopes of being able to wake and rake. Later.
.
One piece of advice? Don't bag compost and hope it will be okay for a few days while waiting for the compost bit and sacks. Yeah, that... doesn't work. Still, it'll go in, to a proper bag, or three, and out yet tonight. Thankfully, for now, I am a bachelor. My neighbor noticed though. I thought it was the dishes, but, nope. I'll fix that, and the dishes too though, yet tonight.
I soft boiled eggs tonight. This time reserving the shells. Mostly for worms at this point, but they will, in time, also go into compost. Who knows how things work out. I have a few other projects going forward regarding worms. I have 1/4 mesh, but 1/8 mesh on the way. With those I will create nesting sifters, so that I can keep the worms on top, the eggs next level, while letting the compost/peat go on through. A single pass double sorter, for various needs and wants. If I simply want to sort out worms, or worms and eggs, I can do that easily too. It's not all tools, not all techniques, but a bit of both, coupled with experience. Oh, instead of microwaving, I am baking the egg shells at 350 for an half hour. I heard that in a different video, by a worm rancher. I... don't trust microwaves to actually sterilize... or such.
Oh, right. It seems my grass needs mowed. Which is fine, if I can't do it. There is someone willing to do it. But I need to rake first, which as you'll note, is on my list. Due to timing involvements, raking has been moved up to tomorrow. I want to help though. Fresh air and back to work is good. The thing is, with my days off, it might be a difficult time. I will keep the phone handy and keep the intention of getting up and out to help in the fore of my mind. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. I want to help because I want to keep as much "brown" as possible. I have bags galore, of the right sort. If I can get two or three bags of leaves and small branches, I'll... be good. With the paper I need to get on shredding, I'll have enough 'brown' matter for a while. Some say you don't need to mix it one to one. And, of course, you don't. If you would be willing to put up with the stench... or that's my theory. I am not so interested in the stink. Hmm... need to clean out my big trash and recycling bins, come to think of it. Hate that smell.
A few things to do. Dinner that I tried, eggs and burger, or... second dinner... was a flop. I'll have a few of those eggs before long, and toss the burger mess. Yeah. Sometimes an idea or technique just doesn't work, shortly or ever. I think I'll look for a low-carb meatloaf? I do have some wonders. If I used, say, a tablespoon of ketchup in a meatloaf, and the ketchup had sugar somewhere in the ingredient list of the ketchup, would it really have that much of an affect on my blood sugar or insulin? I have doubts, about much of what I am told. I have learned some things, like orange juice, store bought in any case, is brutal on my blood sugar, no matter how fresh or pure or... anything. The trouble? Have you noticed there is almost nothing made without sugar, or some sort or another? They often call it something else, but it's... in there.
I did order asparagus and rhubarb. I haven't been able to find horseradish roots yet. I gave up on finding them in town. As I said, seeds won't due. On to dishes. I really want to get those done, get a shower anyway (don't think I'm up for a bath), then get the rest of the dishes into a soak. Hmm, actually I have to wash, rewash, then rinse the dishes currently soaking. Bleh. More work that is more than it seems. I'll... get to it. Then, hopefully, a nap, maybe a long one, in hopes of being able to wake and rake. Later.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Solid work.
.
.
It isn't just my legs. As I am resting, not focusing on my next task so that my body eases, I am seeing other issues. The main one is that my lungs are... stressed. That is serious, in a good way. If you were ever in football, and had summer camp in which you started slowly in preparation for the actual season, that first day of windsprints, then the next day? Yeah.
I didn't think I was working that hard or doing that much. Truth is, that is a bit of work, and it was pretty much on all the time. I would rest for a bit, but even then seemed to be doing something small or planning something else. It's a good thing. I just wish I could keep at it more often. The lungs burn, just a bit. And seem wet, but not with as little fluid as I am drinking and with the water pills. No... I just dug deep to use the very depths of my lungs, then used them hard. All good. Yeah, legs... if you work those, especially when they are a bit cranky and rusty, you'll burn through oxygen. And kneeling and hunching over can both go anaerobic for a bit, forcing lung use too.
I am hoping to keep at it. Maybe, by the time spring actually hits, I'll be ready for hiking. As I said, I'd like to find the various trailheads for a particular mountain. It is said there is a path that, with full vigor, can end up on top, in two hours. My goal, this year or next, is to do that. And do it so that eventually it isn't so much of killer as an ability. We'll see.
Yeah, perhaps some pre-emergence, boiling water and/or vinegar and soap spot treatments, plus compost and good grass seed on the lawn this spring. With better sprinklers, and hopefully a riding lawnmower, perhaps I could get that part of life in order. Oh, and later, perhaps, borrow/renting/or buying a power washer and washing the siding... clearing gutters... and who knows. I wonder if the lower setting would allow for washing windows? I hate washing windows. Anyway... plans and ideas. Some are already in the works. And you should see my bathroom. Next, too, the kitchen... though later this week. For today, just dishes.
Yes, beating the drums helps drive the one-man trireme. Getting up to ramming speed in this old of a boat is a thing of wonder. They have always wondered though. Ha! Later.
.
It isn't just my legs. As I am resting, not focusing on my next task so that my body eases, I am seeing other issues. The main one is that my lungs are... stressed. That is serious, in a good way. If you were ever in football, and had summer camp in which you started slowly in preparation for the actual season, that first day of windsprints, then the next day? Yeah.
I didn't think I was working that hard or doing that much. Truth is, that is a bit of work, and it was pretty much on all the time. I would rest for a bit, but even then seemed to be doing something small or planning something else. It's a good thing. I just wish I could keep at it more often. The lungs burn, just a bit. And seem wet, but not with as little fluid as I am drinking and with the water pills. No... I just dug deep to use the very depths of my lungs, then used them hard. All good. Yeah, legs... if you work those, especially when they are a bit cranky and rusty, you'll burn through oxygen. And kneeling and hunching over can both go anaerobic for a bit, forcing lung use too.
I am hoping to keep at it. Maybe, by the time spring actually hits, I'll be ready for hiking. As I said, I'd like to find the various trailheads for a particular mountain. It is said there is a path that, with full vigor, can end up on top, in two hours. My goal, this year or next, is to do that. And do it so that eventually it isn't so much of killer as an ability. We'll see.
Yeah, perhaps some pre-emergence, boiling water and/or vinegar and soap spot treatments, plus compost and good grass seed on the lawn this spring. With better sprinklers, and hopefully a riding lawnmower, perhaps I could get that part of life in order. Oh, and later, perhaps, borrow/renting/or buying a power washer and washing the siding... clearing gutters... and who knows. I wonder if the lower setting would allow for washing windows? I hate washing windows. Anyway... plans and ideas. Some are already in the works. And you should see my bathroom. Next, too, the kitchen... though later this week. For today, just dishes.
Yes, beating the drums helps drive the one-man trireme. Getting up to ramming speed in this old of a boat is a thing of wonder. They have always wondered though. Ha! Later.
Awake, alive, relatively pain free.
.
.
I'll admit it, I thought I was going to wake to a world of hurt. Taking anacin before bed was probably a smooth move. When I take medicine this "morning", I'll add another dose. Stiff? Yes. Though not as bad as all day yesterday. I do have more flexibility. Probably because I worked off the rigor mortis. All good, I am pleased with what was done, and easily for the price. I'd do more if I could.
As is I am done for a bit. Today might see the dishes I set up to be done. Perhaps, just maybe, a small shopping trip to town later as well. No more. Oh, and last night? It got down into the 20's, lower if I read and remember correctly. It's... a bit early to be planting anyway. Still, I could begin, today or tomorrow, calling around in an attempt to source starters. I just won't do seeds, especially for some things.
Today, and very possibly tomorrow, are days of mostly rest. Okay, a few things will go forward. My compost bin arrives. It's not exactly a great deal of work to put the filter on and add a bag. Still, that is one thing. What also arrived were a number of planting options, for in the house, and herb and spice seeds. I will wait on setting those up until I have compost (store-bought, just a bit of starter for several things) and maybe a bit of standard, ongoing, plant food of some sort, until compost gets going. But it is here, and ready.
So many plans. I have jumped out of the gate well enough, but I burned out pretty fast. No worries, what I did is a good start. Of course, I keep adding to the pile. I am very far behind. Something I plan on working more regarding is my lawn, and weeds on my driveway and sidewalks. As well, boiling water, or a vinegar and soap plus or minus salt (depending on if it's a grow areas) to get rid of weeds and even invasive grasses. Plus some serious planting of grass, though I have heard mixing THAT with compost material will give it a super boost, even to help fighting out weeds and invasive grasses.
Maybe it's not always in our hands, not alone. A little trust in the hands that help make it all possible. Just... not sure about trust, always. Still, here.
So many things. Only so much time, energy, and money. Well... all good. I'll keep at it. But, today, a bit more slowly. Good day.
.
I'll admit it, I thought I was going to wake to a world of hurt. Taking anacin before bed was probably a smooth move. When I take medicine this "morning", I'll add another dose. Stiff? Yes. Though not as bad as all day yesterday. I do have more flexibility. Probably because I worked off the rigor mortis. All good, I am pleased with what was done, and easily for the price. I'd do more if I could.
As is I am done for a bit. Today might see the dishes I set up to be done. Perhaps, just maybe, a small shopping trip to town later as well. No more. Oh, and last night? It got down into the 20's, lower if I read and remember correctly. It's... a bit early to be planting anyway. Still, I could begin, today or tomorrow, calling around in an attempt to source starters. I just won't do seeds, especially for some things.
Today, and very possibly tomorrow, are days of mostly rest. Okay, a few things will go forward. My compost bin arrives. It's not exactly a great deal of work to put the filter on and add a bag. Still, that is one thing. What also arrived were a number of planting options, for in the house, and herb and spice seeds. I will wait on setting those up until I have compost (store-bought, just a bit of starter for several things) and maybe a bit of standard, ongoing, plant food of some sort, until compost gets going. But it is here, and ready.
So many plans. I have jumped out of the gate well enough, but I burned out pretty fast. No worries, what I did is a good start. Of course, I keep adding to the pile. I am very far behind. Something I plan on working more regarding is my lawn, and weeds on my driveway and sidewalks. As well, boiling water, or a vinegar and soap plus or minus salt (depending on if it's a grow areas) to get rid of weeds and even invasive grasses. Plus some serious planting of grass, though I have heard mixing THAT with compost material will give it a super boost, even to help fighting out weeds and invasive grasses.
Maybe it's not always in our hands, not alone. A little trust in the hands that help make it all possible. Just... not sure about trust, always. Still, here.
So many things. Only so much time, energy, and money. Well... all good. I'll keep at it. But, today, a bit more slowly. Good day.
Done.
.
.
Not a step further. I tried to figure things out. There isn't anything left. Actually, there hasn't been anything since the second to the last job. Momentum kept me moving forward on fumes that were already gone. I'm going down hard, fast, and in a terror. Good nig... whatever.
I wouldn't even know if it hurt. I think I will take anacin on my way though. It might allow sleep without twisting and writhing on the way or in slumber. Wow. I think I best take some time off.
.
Not a step further. I tried to figure things out. There isn't anything left. Actually, there hasn't been anything since the second to the last job. Momentum kept me moving forward on fumes that were already gone. I'm going down hard, fast, and in a terror. Good nig... whatever.
I wouldn't even know if it hurt. I think I will take anacin on my way though. It might allow sleep without twisting and writhing on the way or in slumber. Wow. I think I best take some time off.
Oh my word.
.
.
Way more work than what it looked on paper. I finished most of the tea jars, and the ten liter 'kraut container, lid, and ceramic weights. There were still a bunch of quart jars. I just added a bunch of other dirty dishes, pots, and such. I really shouldn't have. Oh well. I'll give that another episode or two, then hit it again. The goal, however, is to finish them off. Then take a shower. And then be ready to go to the post office.
I am fried. My legs are doing okay, but I know I am working them even more. Even with a chair in there, it's... I'm using my legs well beyond the rubbery stage. No pain, just stiffness, if that is actually breaking up. Is it like drinking yourself sober? Oh my but this is turning into a fat lot of work.
Then again, walking into a very clean bathroom is a very nice plus. And seeing piles of dishes shrink, and then be put where they go or a place found for them is great. One pan has died. It has teflon or some other such, but was flaking. Time to go. Better to go dirty! :) I am not sure I will be able to do much more for a bit. In a few days I might get in for shopping, probably not all of it.
I have simply worked a bit too hard. I don't have any reserves. I don't have any more push. Fried. But in a good way. At least until it becomes in a bad way. Wow... I need to chill a bit, as I brew tea and watch something. Hmm, popcorn? That might be good. I don't have anything cold to drink though. I'll skip food, for now, and snacks. Later or good night, morning, day.
.
Way more work than what it looked on paper. I finished most of the tea jars, and the ten liter 'kraut container, lid, and ceramic weights. There were still a bunch of quart jars. I just added a bunch of other dirty dishes, pots, and such. I really shouldn't have. Oh well. I'll give that another episode or two, then hit it again. The goal, however, is to finish them off. Then take a shower. And then be ready to go to the post office.
I am fried. My legs are doing okay, but I know I am working them even more. Even with a chair in there, it's... I'm using my legs well beyond the rubbery stage. No pain, just stiffness, if that is actually breaking up. Is it like drinking yourself sober? Oh my but this is turning into a fat lot of work.
Then again, walking into a very clean bathroom is a very nice plus. And seeing piles of dishes shrink, and then be put where they go or a place found for them is great. One pan has died. It has teflon or some other such, but was flaking. Time to go. Better to go dirty! :) I am not sure I will be able to do much more for a bit. In a few days I might get in for shopping, probably not all of it.
I have simply worked a bit too hard. I don't have any reserves. I don't have any more push. Fried. But in a good way. At least until it becomes in a bad way. Wow... I need to chill a bit, as I brew tea and watch something. Hmm, popcorn? That might be good. I don't have anything cold to drink though. I'll skip food, for now, and snacks. Later or good night, morning, day.
Yeah, way more work than how it looked.
.
.
Lists are great. They are also empty plans. It's a one dimensional arrangement in a four dimensional world. Some are better at understanding that, some of us simply have no real comprehension. I can do some things at speeds that just don't make sense to others. I hit sudoku at 5 seconds yesterday. The 100% mark, for that level of game, is about 32 seconds. Heck, I hit 16 seconds the other other day and it... was annoying. Oh, I still hit 30 even 32 seconds from time to time. But I don't always think about it. Lists, and the time for work projects, and... such... not so much.
After clearing the bathroom, I swept as well as possible. Then I got rubber gloves, cleaner, a mild scrubby, and a wash cloth. I hit it, and hit it, on hands and knees. Even with the knee pads it was hard on my knees. It's just a weak spot for me. I hit everything in and around the toilet for three to five feet twice, with continuously freshened soapy water, then rinsed probably twice. CLEAN! Then I cleaned the plunger and it's case, the holder for the toilet brush, and other bits and fidgets. Finally I let it all dry for a bit then reassembled. My new method should keep the bathroom in better order for longer. And I am keeping up on the toilet much better as well.
After that, I set up the 'kraut crock, quart, and half gallon tea jars to a hot sudsy. I hope one wash and one rinse, since these are mostly just new and/or slightly dusty. The tea jars aren't that bad, just... needed slight tlc. Quite a thing. And, yes, my legs are getting hit again. I am hoping to hit the dishes in an hour or two, then break while they rinse for another hour or two, then a shower while refilling the jars with tea. I keep four half-gallon jugs of tea full, and in rotation at various levels. All good.
I need to make a bite to eat. I am thinking hamburger, eggs, and cheese. Nothing fancy, but okay. I would also like to boil a dozen and an half of eggs as well. I am pretty sure I'll make burger mash, but I'm not as certain about eggs. With eggs you have to boil, then cool, then peel (and pray), then store. It's so much more than just "make hard or semi-soft boiled eggs" sounds. Before I hit the next section, I may use some of the ketocana. A friend has a brother who sells a competing product. I've been meaning to look that over. It's more expensive, but per use? Even so, has he used it? I'd like to sample it, to be honest. Not sure if he has samples. I sort of like the stuff I am using, or well enough. And I like what it does, feeling wise. Not sure if it really helps with ketosis, but that's not all. Just making it so I don't choke on bile (?) from carb deficiency while working is worth it's weight in gold. It means I don't have to just sit, or work more slowly. I can rip and tear. Hmm, yeah, I'll see if he has a sample, or even several. Not looking for freebies, just like to see what I am getting if I can. If not, I might just take a shot anyway.
After that? I am hoping to get to the post office today, and make a few business calls. If I don't crash. I'll tell you, I'm... really hitting it. Not quite back to stride, but getting there, maybe. Oh? And when I finish the quart jars, if I can find new sealing lids, I'll put up some salt and sugar in them. Sugar isn't prime for me, but in a grid down simple or long emergency, calories and trade is where it is at. Mind you, trade isn't always just this for that. Sometimes it's this for help, or that for... it's not always simply like for like. And, sometimes, it is purely a favor. After I get, say, five quarts two kinds of salt and about five of sugar, I'll begin adding honey and real maple syrup. Not for use, really, just for storage.
Later.
.
Lists are great. They are also empty plans. It's a one dimensional arrangement in a four dimensional world. Some are better at understanding that, some of us simply have no real comprehension. I can do some things at speeds that just don't make sense to others. I hit sudoku at 5 seconds yesterday. The 100% mark, for that level of game, is about 32 seconds. Heck, I hit 16 seconds the other other day and it... was annoying. Oh, I still hit 30 even 32 seconds from time to time. But I don't always think about it. Lists, and the time for work projects, and... such... not so much.
After clearing the bathroom, I swept as well as possible. Then I got rubber gloves, cleaner, a mild scrubby, and a wash cloth. I hit it, and hit it, on hands and knees. Even with the knee pads it was hard on my knees. It's just a weak spot for me. I hit everything in and around the toilet for three to five feet twice, with continuously freshened soapy water, then rinsed probably twice. CLEAN! Then I cleaned the plunger and it's case, the holder for the toilet brush, and other bits and fidgets. Finally I let it all dry for a bit then reassembled. My new method should keep the bathroom in better order for longer. And I am keeping up on the toilet much better as well.
After that, I set up the 'kraut crock, quart, and half gallon tea jars to a hot sudsy. I hope one wash and one rinse, since these are mostly just new and/or slightly dusty. The tea jars aren't that bad, just... needed slight tlc. Quite a thing. And, yes, my legs are getting hit again. I am hoping to hit the dishes in an hour or two, then break while they rinse for another hour or two, then a shower while refilling the jars with tea. I keep four half-gallon jugs of tea full, and in rotation at various levels. All good.
I need to make a bite to eat. I am thinking hamburger, eggs, and cheese. Nothing fancy, but okay. I would also like to boil a dozen and an half of eggs as well. I am pretty sure I'll make burger mash, but I'm not as certain about eggs. With eggs you have to boil, then cool, then peel (and pray), then store. It's so much more than just "make hard or semi-soft boiled eggs" sounds. Before I hit the next section, I may use some of the ketocana. A friend has a brother who sells a competing product. I've been meaning to look that over. It's more expensive, but per use? Even so, has he used it? I'd like to sample it, to be honest. Not sure if he has samples. I sort of like the stuff I am using, or well enough. And I like what it does, feeling wise. Not sure if it really helps with ketosis, but that's not all. Just making it so I don't choke on bile (?) from carb deficiency while working is worth it's weight in gold. It means I don't have to just sit, or work more slowly. I can rip and tear. Hmm, yeah, I'll see if he has a sample, or even several. Not looking for freebies, just like to see what I am getting if I can. If not, I might just take a shot anyway.
After that? I am hoping to get to the post office today, and make a few business calls. If I don't crash. I'll tell you, I'm... really hitting it. Not quite back to stride, but getting there, maybe. Oh? And when I finish the quart jars, if I can find new sealing lids, I'll put up some salt and sugar in them. Sugar isn't prime for me, but in a grid down simple or long emergency, calories and trade is where it is at. Mind you, trade isn't always just this for that. Sometimes it's this for help, or that for... it's not always simply like for like. And, sometimes, it is purely a favor. After I get, say, five quarts two kinds of salt and about five of sugar, I'll begin adding honey and real maple syrup. Not for use, really, just for storage.
Later.
Monday, April 3, 2017
Not fast enough.
.
.
Which is fine. Between this and that, time slipped through my fingers. Though no small part of it was putting too much on my list. I did get the trash collected and out, rebagging as I went. The last of the dishes were washed. Both of those were on track and fine. It is when I went to clean the bathroom that I ran into a time crunch. As I said, the toilet itself is very clean. The tub is quite good too. Everything else, however, needs serious work. The floor, the sink, plus I have been using the bathroom as a pseudo storage area. Mostly items to be washed, new items. So I had to unpack the area. It wasn't stock full, it, well... there was a goodly lot of stuff in it. Plus, figuring out where to put things, even in the short run... organizing, while I am improving, is still a tangle for me.
No worries, I did get the bathroom uncluttered. I put the plunger and it's case, the toilet scrubber and it's holder, and other things in to the bathtub. Those all need cleaned as well. I found my mop and caddie and they are in, after I swept. I needed a little break, as I did all of that all in one fell swoop. Might not be much to you, but it is for me, more so with upper leg muscles near cramping tight. Oh, that they aren't cramping? Means I am handling electrolytes and certain minerals well, in spite of the water pill! Yes, it... all adds up.
Next, after I have rested enough, I'll find my knee pads. Mopping is okay, but it really doesn't get into the nooks and crannies. An old sponge, rag, and maybe an old toothbrush, soap of some sort and water, gloves, and elbow grease should see the place spiffy in no time. Then I'll mop over it, twice, and rinse at least once. My new bathroom ninja techniques should make life in there simpler. I've used it before, to good(er) effect. The thing is, when I fall? I fall too hard, and can't keep up with even technique. I feel good and hard this last time.
.
Which is fine. Between this and that, time slipped through my fingers. Though no small part of it was putting too much on my list. I did get the trash collected and out, rebagging as I went. The last of the dishes were washed. Both of those were on track and fine. It is when I went to clean the bathroom that I ran into a time crunch. As I said, the toilet itself is very clean. The tub is quite good too. Everything else, however, needs serious work. The floor, the sink, plus I have been using the bathroom as a pseudo storage area. Mostly items to be washed, new items. So I had to unpack the area. It wasn't stock full, it, well... there was a goodly lot of stuff in it. Plus, figuring out where to put things, even in the short run... organizing, while I am improving, is still a tangle for me.
No worries, I did get the bathroom uncluttered. I put the plunger and it's case, the toilet scrubber and it's holder, and other things in to the bathtub. Those all need cleaned as well. I found my mop and caddie and they are in, after I swept. I needed a little break, as I did all of that all in one fell swoop. Might not be much to you, but it is for me, more so with upper leg muscles near cramping tight. Oh, that they aren't cramping? Means I am handling electrolytes and certain minerals well, in spite of the water pill! Yes, it... all adds up.
Next, after I have rested enough, I'll find my knee pads. Mopping is okay, but it really doesn't get into the nooks and crannies. An old sponge, rag, and maybe an old toothbrush, soap of some sort and water, gloves, and elbow grease should see the place spiffy in no time. Then I'll mop over it, twice, and rinse at least once. My new bathroom ninja techniques should make life in there simpler. I've used it before, to good(er) effect. The thing is, when I fall? I fall too hard, and can't keep up with even technique. I feel good and hard this last time.
Yeah, I'll get to it.
.
.
I'll finish the dishes that are soaking, then take a shower. I sure thought about a bath, then I considered how I would possibly lower myself into the tub. Sure, I could get it done. But the chance of a slip is much greater since my legs don't easily, or quickly, react to strains. No, I'll take a simple shower. Then I hope to put a good load of dishes in to soak again. After that, to town.
Having so many potential problems and projects can be overwhelming. I have a list... or two. Some of it is for checking, some of it is for buying, some for now, later, next month. Grhhh! Some things? I want materials to create a compost center and a planter or two. I need peat moss and sand. I would like to grab a few more five gallon buckets, say four, plus lids. As well, I want handheld shears and sucker goop. I can forgo some of it. If the composting center materials are too much, I might cut it to one or two portions. If the planters are too much, perhaps just one, or even just go with the one I have and buy when my finances are more solid. Remember, beside being just slightly on this edge of being financially sound, I... am hoping to have enough to buy a riding lawnmower, or half of one this coming month, plus a few extras.
There are other things I am considering. I want another pump sprayer. I have one, but it is for insects. I really don't want to mix and match. I want one for weeds. I had thought about roundup, or such, but have heard there are other options. And, being a sucker, I am going to give it a chance. It is not even all that expensive. I looked for recipes for 'killzall' and for something that just kills weeds/surface stuff (sort of). I found that vinegar, soap, and salt, mixed and sprayed, will kill all (or so I am told). That will be used for the driveway, cracks between the house and walk, and such. Another recipe is that, without the salt. Vinegar (some say regular, some say apple, most say 5% is good, 20% acidity is faster) and soap will work for just killing off a small area. I might try that on the grass patches around the raspberry pits. Along with the plastic cover that might get rid of the grass. Or... not. Life is an experiment.
Oh, I missed getting the trash out. I fell too hard and fast. No worries. I will collect up the trash before showering, then spray for bugs around the house. Take a shower and air dry while watching another episode of Penny Dreadful. Then, probably, off to town. Yes, medicine is down. I have been doing much better. I will be refilling the other med-set shortly, this time up to full dose. My last one had double dose, up to full dose. But I hadn't put that in, I didn't think. Anyway, I saw the mistake and fixed it on the fly. I wasn't ready for that much. In two weeks, though, I will up my carvedilol to it's final dosage. Along with the supplements, I have to hope that is enough. Then again, who wants to, or even can, in this realm, live forever.
This week? Too much to be sure about. Of course, spraying for bugs, maybe spraying for weeds... and spot spraying on the lawn? Adding cardboard to the bed if the spray and plastic isn't enough. Building part or all of the compost center, including metal mesh on the bottom and top so as to keep critters out. Raking and collecting those beautiful browns. Seeking starters for several crops, plus shopping for other items and projects. I will look over gutters tonight, get a more solid cost estimate. I am thinking about fifty feet of gutters, six down spouts, with about ten foot down spout runs, along with elbows and legs. For now I won't think about a full run to a water tank, but I might discuss it if a tech guy is on hand at the store. Could go underground with that, and it will work if the heights are right. Of course, if you lower it to fill you lose the height that would give you water pressure. So... considerations.
Hmm? Right, see? I really am thinking, but about a bit much. The world is at my door and it... tastes like an oyster. :p Later.
.
I'll finish the dishes that are soaking, then take a shower. I sure thought about a bath, then I considered how I would possibly lower myself into the tub. Sure, I could get it done. But the chance of a slip is much greater since my legs don't easily, or quickly, react to strains. No, I'll take a simple shower. Then I hope to put a good load of dishes in to soak again. After that, to town.
Having so many potential problems and projects can be overwhelming. I have a list... or two. Some of it is for checking, some of it is for buying, some for now, later, next month. Grhhh! Some things? I want materials to create a compost center and a planter or two. I need peat moss and sand. I would like to grab a few more five gallon buckets, say four, plus lids. As well, I want handheld shears and sucker goop. I can forgo some of it. If the composting center materials are too much, I might cut it to one or two portions. If the planters are too much, perhaps just one, or even just go with the one I have and buy when my finances are more solid. Remember, beside being just slightly on this edge of being financially sound, I... am hoping to have enough to buy a riding lawnmower, or half of one this coming month, plus a few extras.
There are other things I am considering. I want another pump sprayer. I have one, but it is for insects. I really don't want to mix and match. I want one for weeds. I had thought about roundup, or such, but have heard there are other options. And, being a sucker, I am going to give it a chance. It is not even all that expensive. I looked for recipes for 'killzall' and for something that just kills weeds/surface stuff (sort of). I found that vinegar, soap, and salt, mixed and sprayed, will kill all (or so I am told). That will be used for the driveway, cracks between the house and walk, and such. Another recipe is that, without the salt. Vinegar (some say regular, some say apple, most say 5% is good, 20% acidity is faster) and soap will work for just killing off a small area. I might try that on the grass patches around the raspberry pits. Along with the plastic cover that might get rid of the grass. Or... not. Life is an experiment.
Oh, I missed getting the trash out. I fell too hard and fast. No worries. I will collect up the trash before showering, then spray for bugs around the house. Take a shower and air dry while watching another episode of Penny Dreadful. Then, probably, off to town. Yes, medicine is down. I have been doing much better. I will be refilling the other med-set shortly, this time up to full dose. My last one had double dose, up to full dose. But I hadn't put that in, I didn't think. Anyway, I saw the mistake and fixed it on the fly. I wasn't ready for that much. In two weeks, though, I will up my carvedilol to it's final dosage. Along with the supplements, I have to hope that is enough. Then again, who wants to, or even can, in this realm, live forever.
This week? Too much to be sure about. Of course, spraying for bugs, maybe spraying for weeds... and spot spraying on the lawn? Adding cardboard to the bed if the spray and plastic isn't enough. Building part or all of the compost center, including metal mesh on the bottom and top so as to keep critters out. Raking and collecting those beautiful browns. Seeking starters for several crops, plus shopping for other items and projects. I will look over gutters tonight, get a more solid cost estimate. I am thinking about fifty feet of gutters, six down spouts, with about ten foot down spout runs, along with elbows and legs. For now I won't think about a full run to a water tank, but I might discuss it if a tech guy is on hand at the store. Could go underground with that, and it will work if the heights are right. Of course, if you lower it to fill you lose the height that would give you water pressure. So... considerations.
Hmm? Right, see? I really am thinking, but about a bit much. The world is at my door and it... tastes like an oyster. :p Later.
I can barely walk.
.
.
It's much like walking on stilts. There simply isn't much flex due to the stiffness, perhaps swelling? It doesn't hurt all that bad, even when I go beyond and squat or bend. However I can't do those things quickly. That was quite a bit of leg work, as most pick, awl, and shovel of soil was gone through by hand, sometimes twice. It didn't hurt at the time, it is just as if my legs have become concrete, more so the upper hind part of my legs, though the calves are a bit worked... they are just more used to it.
All good. I won't complain. And, if tomorrow or whenever, I can get starters and the parts and pieces I want, I will continue working. Heck, tonight I might get out and do some of the shopping. Breaking up convoluted tours of shopping sure makes it easier. An all dayer in various businesses, driving hither and thither, is pretty draining. Hmm, if I could get the parts for the compost bin, a planter or two, sheers and shooter killing sap, I could do a few things earlier tomorrow, then head out for more of it on Wednesday.
Perhaps make a few calls and inquire about where to source starters... if possible, tomorrow, as well. I really don't want to muck around with seed for things like asparagus. Yes, I understand the problems of bringing starters home. I also understand how much it takes to grow... anything... from seed. It takes a year, or two, or three, of dedication, depending on what it is. That means planting, watering, feeding, getting it the right amount of light, and heat. On and on and on. I just don't have it.
I have been checking ketones. I seem to be right between, by the color chart, 15 and 40... light to medium ketosis. I did check my fasting blood sugar. That is at 227. Not good, but pretty regular, actually. I think fasting is about the only way to bring my blood sugar down. To fast I pretty much need to be into ketosis, and I am getting there. It's more a matter of having enough food on hand to feast in a four to six hour period. It also meant getting back in potassium levels I can live which, but will also mean more greens. All of which is just about where I need it. So? So, on top of all else I am up to, I need to begin food planning.
Tonight I will boil a dozen and an half eggs. More than that and it just... it's too much. When I go to town, I may pick up more greens, and other vegetables. Cauliflower is great, as is spinach, kale, and cabbage. I also need more salads, and will begin checking out various dark greens to mix in, and some to cook, ones with which I am not terribly familiar. I don't need sweets, and am very tolerant of bitters. Plus eggs and homemade dressings help. Ugh. Currently I am eating to perceived needs, of meat and greens (mostly). I am hoping, as I get back into it all, including work, I will slowly both decrease how much I eat, but again begin being able to fast.
It is coming. My whole life is coming back around. I think I will be able to get the riding mower this coming month. I think, I say, I think, boy. I just want to make sure it can handle a hauler, maybe an aerator, a snowblower, perhaps even a blade... and that it has the power to use those. My lawn is a mess, perhaps a few years of solid work and it will be back in shape? Who knows. I sure like where things are going. Good afternoon.
.
It's much like walking on stilts. There simply isn't much flex due to the stiffness, perhaps swelling? It doesn't hurt all that bad, even when I go beyond and squat or bend. However I can't do those things quickly. That was quite a bit of leg work, as most pick, awl, and shovel of soil was gone through by hand, sometimes twice. It didn't hurt at the time, it is just as if my legs have become concrete, more so the upper hind part of my legs, though the calves are a bit worked... they are just more used to it.
All good. I won't complain. And, if tomorrow or whenever, I can get starters and the parts and pieces I want, I will continue working. Heck, tonight I might get out and do some of the shopping. Breaking up convoluted tours of shopping sure makes it easier. An all dayer in various businesses, driving hither and thither, is pretty draining. Hmm, if I could get the parts for the compost bin, a planter or two, sheers and shooter killing sap, I could do a few things earlier tomorrow, then head out for more of it on Wednesday.
Perhaps make a few calls and inquire about where to source starters... if possible, tomorrow, as well. I really don't want to muck around with seed for things like asparagus. Yes, I understand the problems of bringing starters home. I also understand how much it takes to grow... anything... from seed. It takes a year, or two, or three, of dedication, depending on what it is. That means planting, watering, feeding, getting it the right amount of light, and heat. On and on and on. I just don't have it.
I have been checking ketones. I seem to be right between, by the color chart, 15 and 40... light to medium ketosis. I did check my fasting blood sugar. That is at 227. Not good, but pretty regular, actually. I think fasting is about the only way to bring my blood sugar down. To fast I pretty much need to be into ketosis, and I am getting there. It's more a matter of having enough food on hand to feast in a four to six hour period. It also meant getting back in potassium levels I can live which, but will also mean more greens. All of which is just about where I need it. So? So, on top of all else I am up to, I need to begin food planning.
Tonight I will boil a dozen and an half eggs. More than that and it just... it's too much. When I go to town, I may pick up more greens, and other vegetables. Cauliflower is great, as is spinach, kale, and cabbage. I also need more salads, and will begin checking out various dark greens to mix in, and some to cook, ones with which I am not terribly familiar. I don't need sweets, and am very tolerant of bitters. Plus eggs and homemade dressings help. Ugh. Currently I am eating to perceived needs, of meat and greens (mostly). I am hoping, as I get back into it all, including work, I will slowly both decrease how much I eat, but again begin being able to fast.
It is coming. My whole life is coming back around. I think I will be able to get the riding mower this coming month. I think, I say, I think, boy. I just want to make sure it can handle a hauler, maybe an aerator, a snowblower, perhaps even a blade... and that it has the power to use those. My lawn is a mess, perhaps a few years of solid work and it will be back in shape? Who knows. I sure like where things are going. Good afternoon.
Yes, yes, a new day.
.
.
It's the same day, really. Sleep cycle days and mechanical days don't always line up. Actually, on submarines, for most of us, that only happened every third day if even then imperfectly. Between work, the sun being out or hidden, temperature fluctuations, medicine, and health, I'm spinning like a top. I am mostly staying up a few to many hours more each day. Some days I can maintain, some days just happen to cause me to gain back an hour, nothing is certain save for the general trend. It'll even out before too long. It always does.
I know there are dreams back in there too. Not terrible ones, I don't think, lately. I don't know about you, but I usually enjoy my dreams. Even the ones about heartbreak. If you have lived without pain you haven't lived. Embrace that, I say, just don't let it own you, or be all of you. And, for my part, that is how it is. Though the same can be said of almost any intense sensation or feeling... enjoy it, but don't let it be the whole of you. I... think I have tried that. I have tried asceticism and stoicism as well, in and through time. Which is worse? Honestly, I think the latter groups. I would much rather live too steeped in sensuality and emotion than to be already dead, again, and in those ways.
Ah, yes, there are dreams back in there. Nothing too disturbing, though rich, deep, sometimes dark, sometimes brighter even to seeing the face of the Sun. Not long ago I dreamed of Him, with a face that shone. In the dream I knew that wasn't me, I knew it was Him. I also knew, in time, it would be Me. It was when I dreamed of my cousin who passed, and went along with me "hiding my face", which I wrote and which was in the song, and something I had told her while she yet lived. While she had dreamed that my feet never touched the ground. Yes, they... get complicated, involved, terrifying, and beautiful. Oh, if I dream something I think is wrong, but it's in the dream, I leave it as it was in the dream. I assume "mistakes" are there for a reason. What reason? I cannot know.
Well, without dreams I will just have to do something so as to have post fodder. I didn't finish the dishes. I crashed so very hard my ears started ringing. No, not really. *crossing eyes* I did go down hard and fast. On the good side, I was down to rinsing a few pot lids and cookie sheets. That'll be easy to reset and do. Then a shower, if not quite all that quickly. Hmm... maybe I will clean the bathroom totally, then take a shower? Yes. Top to bottom, laundry to removing a few things, resetting and configuring. Top, indeed, to bottom, the place will be good. I keep the toilet rather clean, scrubbing a few times a week, and using housekeeping ninja tactics to make it mostly sparkle. It's everything else that needs elbow grease.
Oh... I can't wait to feed the girls today. I always wait a few hours after I wake, no matter when I wake. This keeps the girls from climbing all over my back, trying to wake me early for earlier feeding. And, yes, they do learn IF you choose to teach them. Again, Sassy will be fed in near the water fountain. Closer and closer at some speed. She only ate half her food last night. Fine. She'll be hungrier today. I know how to use all sorts of tools, but the mind is my favored. I try to keep it... healthy. I experimented with myself first, often without... just means. So I... know the difference. The intention, implementation, and results all count. If one is not in line with, as I have it, God would want it, then I don't use it. Cut corners? Only for the right reasons, and not without... guilt and penalty too. A choice in hard times, one no one wishes to make.
Oh, right, well... on with my day. Good day, afternoon, whatnot.
.
It's the same day, really. Sleep cycle days and mechanical days don't always line up. Actually, on submarines, for most of us, that only happened every third day if even then imperfectly. Between work, the sun being out or hidden, temperature fluctuations, medicine, and health, I'm spinning like a top. I am mostly staying up a few to many hours more each day. Some days I can maintain, some days just happen to cause me to gain back an hour, nothing is certain save for the general trend. It'll even out before too long. It always does.
I know there are dreams back in there too. Not terrible ones, I don't think, lately. I don't know about you, but I usually enjoy my dreams. Even the ones about heartbreak. If you have lived without pain you haven't lived. Embrace that, I say, just don't let it own you, or be all of you. And, for my part, that is how it is. Though the same can be said of almost any intense sensation or feeling... enjoy it, but don't let it be the whole of you. I... think I have tried that. I have tried asceticism and stoicism as well, in and through time. Which is worse? Honestly, I think the latter groups. I would much rather live too steeped in sensuality and emotion than to be already dead, again, and in those ways.
Ah, yes, there are dreams back in there. Nothing too disturbing, though rich, deep, sometimes dark, sometimes brighter even to seeing the face of the Sun. Not long ago I dreamed of Him, with a face that shone. In the dream I knew that wasn't me, I knew it was Him. I also knew, in time, it would be Me. It was when I dreamed of my cousin who passed, and went along with me "hiding my face", which I wrote and which was in the song, and something I had told her while she yet lived. While she had dreamed that my feet never touched the ground. Yes, they... get complicated, involved, terrifying, and beautiful. Oh, if I dream something I think is wrong, but it's in the dream, I leave it as it was in the dream. I assume "mistakes" are there for a reason. What reason? I cannot know.
Well, without dreams I will just have to do something so as to have post fodder. I didn't finish the dishes. I crashed so very hard my ears started ringing. No, not really. *crossing eyes* I did go down hard and fast. On the good side, I was down to rinsing a few pot lids and cookie sheets. That'll be easy to reset and do. Then a shower, if not quite all that quickly. Hmm... maybe I will clean the bathroom totally, then take a shower? Yes. Top to bottom, laundry to removing a few things, resetting and configuring. Top, indeed, to bottom, the place will be good. I keep the toilet rather clean, scrubbing a few times a week, and using housekeeping ninja tactics to make it mostly sparkle. It's everything else that needs elbow grease.
Oh... I can't wait to feed the girls today. I always wait a few hours after I wake, no matter when I wake. This keeps the girls from climbing all over my back, trying to wake me early for earlier feeding. And, yes, they do learn IF you choose to teach them. Again, Sassy will be fed in near the water fountain. Closer and closer at some speed. She only ate half her food last night. Fine. She'll be hungrier today. I know how to use all sorts of tools, but the mind is my favored. I try to keep it... healthy. I experimented with myself first, often without... just means. So I... know the difference. The intention, implementation, and results all count. If one is not in line with, as I have it, God would want it, then I don't use it. Cut corners? Only for the right reasons, and not without... guilt and penalty too. A choice in hard times, one no one wishes to make.
Oh, right, well... on with my day. Good day, afternoon, whatnot.
It was a plan.
.
.
I got the carb replacement down before starting the dishes. It did help in that I didn't end up swallowing bile back down by the gulps and going through a rash of other very strange physical, mostly gastronomic, impleasantries. And I mostly got through the dishes. I am heating up the last of them, so they dry better. Some, the plastics, will just be allowed to air dry. I hate trying to dry plastic, at almost any temps. Just... doesn't go well.
I will get that load of dishes finished, but I won't do much else. I hit a wall. Any other day, and minus the ketocana, I would guess I would be down, sulking somewhere in limbo though without thought. I'd be unhappy about it later, or not. Still, I am done. I hope to figure out something tomorrow. Just, today, not happening. Not even a shower as I finish the dishes. But the tub will be open for a bath or shower later on.
I fed the girls today, and put Sassy's food as close to the water bowl as I could. It'll take time, but I think I can creep her closer. Eventually she will lose track of the noise. If you don't remember, the first two weeks to month she was here she was almost never seen. Neither by Sam nor myself, actually. She stayed hidden. I tried to be patient with her, was patient. That wore thing. Finally I made it so she had to come close to be fed, and be held before being fed. Eventually she got better. Even now she can be a bit shy, but she is quite tame... other than when her and Sam get into it. I'll... train her about this, too.
Good night... and day.
.
I got the carb replacement down before starting the dishes. It did help in that I didn't end up swallowing bile back down by the gulps and going through a rash of other very strange physical, mostly gastronomic, impleasantries. And I mostly got through the dishes. I am heating up the last of them, so they dry better. Some, the plastics, will just be allowed to air dry. I hate trying to dry plastic, at almost any temps. Just... doesn't go well.
I will get that load of dishes finished, but I won't do much else. I hit a wall. Any other day, and minus the ketocana, I would guess I would be down, sulking somewhere in limbo though without thought. I'd be unhappy about it later, or not. Still, I am done. I hope to figure out something tomorrow. Just, today, not happening. Not even a shower as I finish the dishes. But the tub will be open for a bath or shower later on.
I fed the girls today, and put Sassy's food as close to the water bowl as I could. It'll take time, but I think I can creep her closer. Eventually she will lose track of the noise. If you don't remember, the first two weeks to month she was here she was almost never seen. Neither by Sam nor myself, actually. She stayed hidden. I tried to be patient with her, was patient. That wore thing. Finally I made it so she had to come close to be fed, and be held before being fed. Eventually she got better. Even now she can be a bit shy, but she is quite tame... other than when her and Sam get into it. I'll... train her about this, too.
Good night... and day.
I still have things to do.
.
.
While I haven't been to bed, so technically, or literally in my book, it is still Sunday... it... also isn't. Yes, yes, I... do that, what, thing?, yes, thing, once in a while. Trick me once, fie on me, trick me... Never mind, I'll trick you, me, them, and us, as often as it takes to get the job done. We'll argue about it over breakfast, lunch, or dinner. On you, of course. *grins*
Uhrm, right. Things to do. I'm going to check the rinsed dishes. I am hoping they are still hot enough to dry and put up. Yeah, that'll smart. My legs and knees are still a bit sort. Lower back snapped back to fully recovered the fastest this time. Anyway, I'd like to do the dishes, get another shower in since I don't have time for a bath. A bath tomorrow? I sure hope so. Though maybe this evening. I won't be messing with dishes, more dishes, probably, until tomorrow. So...
A bit of price checking and perhaps minor purchases. I need a bit of sand, for the worms. They need grit. I want to check a couple of places for starters, at least find and price. Hmm, I might take my telephone book in. Since I still have my cellphone for now, I might as well use it. I am sure I want to buy material to create at least one, but possibly the three outdoor compost space(s). I have a list of things to review, price check, and perhaps buy. I have some prices from Amazon with which to compare.
As well, a meal, a stop at the post office for some or a package, and perhaps just a small bit of grocery shopping. But first, carb replacement. That stuff really helps me not gag on bile, or some such, when trying to run on empty. Plus, I can keep breakfast to just protein and fat... a few eggs, a chop or several sausages, and bacon? Something like that. I'll (try to) skip the potatoes and toast. Hmm... A meaty omelet would be good though, with some sort of green veggie on the side? Dunno, I'll find out when I get there.
I best get to it. Later.
.
While I haven't been to bed, so technically, or literally in my book, it is still Sunday... it... also isn't. Yes, yes, I... do that, what, thing?, yes, thing, once in a while. Trick me once, fie on me, trick me... Never mind, I'll trick you, me, them, and us, as often as it takes to get the job done. We'll argue about it over breakfast, lunch, or dinner. On you, of course. *grins*
Uhrm, right. Things to do. I'm going to check the rinsed dishes. I am hoping they are still hot enough to dry and put up. Yeah, that'll smart. My legs and knees are still a bit sort. Lower back snapped back to fully recovered the fastest this time. Anyway, I'd like to do the dishes, get another shower in since I don't have time for a bath. A bath tomorrow? I sure hope so. Though maybe this evening. I won't be messing with dishes, more dishes, probably, until tomorrow. So...
A bit of price checking and perhaps minor purchases. I need a bit of sand, for the worms. They need grit. I want to check a couple of places for starters, at least find and price. Hmm, I might take my telephone book in. Since I still have my cellphone for now, I might as well use it. I am sure I want to buy material to create at least one, but possibly the three outdoor compost space(s). I have a list of things to review, price check, and perhaps buy. I have some prices from Amazon with which to compare.
As well, a meal, a stop at the post office for some or a package, and perhaps just a small bit of grocery shopping. But first, carb replacement. That stuff really helps me not gag on bile, or some such, when trying to run on empty. Plus, I can keep breakfast to just protein and fat... a few eggs, a chop or several sausages, and bacon? Something like that. I'll (try to) skip the potatoes and toast. Hmm... A meaty omelet would be good though, with some sort of green veggie on the side? Dunno, I'll find out when I get there.
I best get to it. Later.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Small pieces of information at a time.
.
.
I spoke with the neighbor. Yes, grass is an issue. If I have similar grass I might be having a problem as well. He has tried many things and finally is on the ropes. They are going for a knockout. Oh, I'll have to write the name of the stuff they are going to use. As well, he suggested a gardening center which focuses on local. They have any seed, perhaps starters. It's a beginning. I will also give them more of a shot at other needs and wants, such as peat moss and such. For some things, even if it costs a bit more, local is better... if it really is local. Can openers? Not so much. Starters, mulch, and such? Maybe.
I finally got the cat watering system cleaned and together. I had to take the pump apart. I may have... well I definitely didn't read the instructions. I worried, initially, that I damaged the pump. Nope. Actually, it looks like this was a returned item. And it looks like they top part had been tossed, as it was scraped. Anyway... I took the pump apart, cleaned and watered, made sure the inlet was wide open, put the pump back together, then installed it all again. This time I used just enough water and it worked like a charm. I showed Sam. But it was dinner time and she wasn't all that interested. I couldn't get Sassy, so I'll show her in a bit. I just like having a much better water source for them. A ramekin is okay for one cat, if you stay up on it. But for two it's just... not right. This needs to just be kept full, then cleaned once every three to five weeks. It has a filter which helps.
I think I will be able to finish the dishes tonight. A bath? Maybe. But I won't do much more. Though, whenever I wake tomorrow, I might take a bath then. I'll still be mostly clean. *grins* I am going to try to wake much earlier tomorrow. I have a lot to do and little time. Or it seems like I have little time. I want to get started. Oh, and I have things at the post office. *shrug* Later, or maybe good night.
------------
Ruh-rho. I can get Sam in, and maybe get her to drink? She doesn't seem to fear the machine. Sassy not so much. I have carried her in twice. She actually tries to scratch me, to get away, and howls and yowls at the device. I don't know how this will work out. I have moved the hard food near the machine. If necessary, I will go all out and put her wet canned food near the device. She will either get over it or go hungry for a bit. Ugh. We'll see.
.
I spoke with the neighbor. Yes, grass is an issue. If I have similar grass I might be having a problem as well. He has tried many things and finally is on the ropes. They are going for a knockout. Oh, I'll have to write the name of the stuff they are going to use. As well, he suggested a gardening center which focuses on local. They have any seed, perhaps starters. It's a beginning. I will also give them more of a shot at other needs and wants, such as peat moss and such. For some things, even if it costs a bit more, local is better... if it really is local. Can openers? Not so much. Starters, mulch, and such? Maybe.
I finally got the cat watering system cleaned and together. I had to take the pump apart. I may have... well I definitely didn't read the instructions. I worried, initially, that I damaged the pump. Nope. Actually, it looks like this was a returned item. And it looks like they top part had been tossed, as it was scraped. Anyway... I took the pump apart, cleaned and watered, made sure the inlet was wide open, put the pump back together, then installed it all again. This time I used just enough water and it worked like a charm. I showed Sam. But it was dinner time and she wasn't all that interested. I couldn't get Sassy, so I'll show her in a bit. I just like having a much better water source for them. A ramekin is okay for one cat, if you stay up on it. But for two it's just... not right. This needs to just be kept full, then cleaned once every three to five weeks. It has a filter which helps.
I think I will be able to finish the dishes tonight. A bath? Maybe. But I won't do much more. Though, whenever I wake tomorrow, I might take a bath then. I'll still be mostly clean. *grins* I am going to try to wake much earlier tomorrow. I have a lot to do and little time. Or it seems like I have little time. I want to get started. Oh, and I have things at the post office. *shrug* Later, or maybe good night.
------------
Ruh-rho. I can get Sam in, and maybe get her to drink? She doesn't seem to fear the machine. Sassy not so much. I have carried her in twice. She actually tries to scratch me, to get away, and howls and yowls at the device. I don't know how this will work out. I have moved the hard food near the machine. If necessary, I will go all out and put her wet canned food near the device. She will either get over it or go hungry for a bit. Ugh. We'll see.
Surprises.
.
.
I did get to the dishes. Some of them washed, rinsed, and up. Though more of them just washed and put to a rinse. As well, I finally got the cat watering system in for a wash. I just don't use anything right out of packages... not for me, not for the critters. Do not trust. That's not even a bad thing, it is just the facts of mass production. In time to be freshly washed for when dinner arrives.
The only other things I plan to do today are to eat something or other, finish the dishes in the rinse... well and the cat waterer, get the trash out, then take a good long soak bath. I am sore pretty much everywhere. It is wonderful, and yet I am hoping a salt soak will work things out. I will be set to sprint this coming week. Much to do. Though, in truth, my goal is to begin working regularly, if lightly. Can I get to ten solid hours of work, committed dedicated timed? I don't know. I think so. I am finally doing well enough that I can not only think about it, but might be able to do it. If I can, I suspect I might begin going beyond that. Working twenty to thirty hours around the house and yard a week? Maybe.
I am well pleased with the digging so far, and planning. Some of the purchases have been made, just a few left for this month. I did check the prices for various pvc gutter systems. Sure, metal is much stronger, and would last a lot longer. Hmm, I didn't actually price it though. I believe I will be going with pvc for now. If that fails too often or catastrophically, then I might go with metal. If I go with metal, it will be with steel. Oh, and there are mesh screens for over them now, so they aren't as difficult to keep clean. They just snap on and off, so they aren't another layer of seemingly small but in truth large complications. Life... you think you found a trick to keep it all together. The trick turns into a curveball, but not for but against you.
Another job for this week? Shredding mail. I have... piles and piles of it. I also have the new incentive of needing carbon sources. Raking might bring some, but shredding will probably be the most abundant, if limited, sources to start the game. To think I tossed... six or seven bags of "brown" a year or two ago. Ugh. Well, it's something to keep me in the game, I guess.
Oh, right. Live and learn. Not only are horseradish roots useful, the leaves are another green. Actually, that might be a reason to grow more than one, or two. The thing is, I really want them in planters. At least until I figure out my growing areas and... it begins to take shape and make sense. Invasive? That... bothers me. I'm already a local nuisance, I do not wish to complicate things further.
Later.
.
I did get to the dishes. Some of them washed, rinsed, and up. Though more of them just washed and put to a rinse. As well, I finally got the cat watering system in for a wash. I just don't use anything right out of packages... not for me, not for the critters. Do not trust. That's not even a bad thing, it is just the facts of mass production. In time to be freshly washed for when dinner arrives.
The only other things I plan to do today are to eat something or other, finish the dishes in the rinse... well and the cat waterer, get the trash out, then take a good long soak bath. I am sore pretty much everywhere. It is wonderful, and yet I am hoping a salt soak will work things out. I will be set to sprint this coming week. Much to do. Though, in truth, my goal is to begin working regularly, if lightly. Can I get to ten solid hours of work, committed dedicated timed? I don't know. I think so. I am finally doing well enough that I can not only think about it, but might be able to do it. If I can, I suspect I might begin going beyond that. Working twenty to thirty hours around the house and yard a week? Maybe.
I am well pleased with the digging so far, and planning. Some of the purchases have been made, just a few left for this month. I did check the prices for various pvc gutter systems. Sure, metal is much stronger, and would last a lot longer. Hmm, I didn't actually price it though. I believe I will be going with pvc for now. If that fails too often or catastrophically, then I might go with metal. If I go with metal, it will be with steel. Oh, and there are mesh screens for over them now, so they aren't as difficult to keep clean. They just snap on and off, so they aren't another layer of seemingly small but in truth large complications. Life... you think you found a trick to keep it all together. The trick turns into a curveball, but not for but against you.
Another job for this week? Shredding mail. I have... piles and piles of it. I also have the new incentive of needing carbon sources. Raking might bring some, but shredding will probably be the most abundant, if limited, sources to start the game. To think I tossed... six or seven bags of "brown" a year or two ago. Ugh. Well, it's something to keep me in the game, I guess.
Oh, right. Live and learn. Not only are horseradish roots useful, the leaves are another green. Actually, that might be a reason to grow more than one, or two. The thing is, I really want them in planters. At least until I figure out my growing areas and... it begins to take shape and make sense. Invasive? That... bothers me. I'm already a local nuisance, I do not wish to complicate things further.
Later.
Later and sore.
.
.
Nothing unexpected. Actually better than anticipated on the soreness. I didn't get dishes done last night so I really do have to do them today. The goal is to do those, then take a shower, before dinner arrives. No promises though. Digging and weeding hit both my legs and lower back. Not terribly, but it does slow me down. Then again, I don't feel pain well, so it's probably worse than I suspect. Moving more slowly is a way for my body to continue hiding pain.
I was thinking, if the plastic doesn't work as well as I would alike, or alone, I might add cardboard underneath. And, with the raspberries, I may do more than the plots I have. Perhaps dig out the whole area? If not now, in time. I would like those transplants to turn the area into a true hedge. Though I may see how these do then go from there?
As for general purposes, I need to get some goop to put on shoots from around trees and scrubs I cut. Otherwise every year I have to cut just as many as before. I honestly thought eventually they would stop. Nope. So... yeah. I am sure I will always have some, but not this many. These mostly look like reshoots off old cuts. I'll fix it.
Cleaning the gutters will be a chore for this week too. While I am doing that I would like to get an idea about additional or new gutters. While I do have two levels of roofs, the upper level simply drops directly to the lower level. If I wanted to try to be tricky, and catch more, I might well Put a small section of gutter, without need of a drain... just let it pour out further in toward the middle of the lower roof. But that might be a lot of work for very little. Having a clean, unpainted, metal roof really helps in a lot of ways. Oh, and beside my house, my garage. I have some outhouses too, but the closest one has traditional roofing... and it's small. Not sure it's worth the work. Though maybe. Actually, that one might be good to water the raspberry bushes. Bushes?
This week? Attempting to find local rhubarb, asparagus, and horseradish... perhaps another bigger planter pot or halfbarrel to plant a second horseradish root. Finding shoot-goop and then trimming the shoots and scrub while applying the goop. Keeping an eye on the opened beds, laying cardboard if necessary. Raking the lawn, sweeping the sidewalks, and doing some general cleaning. Calling about the fees for a dumpster, though that isn't quite in the books yet, I just want to think about when to schedule it. Oh, and checking out materials for a compost center. That's outside.
Inside I am hoping to finish all dishes, as well as that is possible. Then getting laundry going again. I would like to finish that and be up, then keep up. Then hit the bathroom and kitchen, a bit or enough, along with restarting the bedroom. Ugh. But, that's... the deal. Oh, I do have a few pieces of business to manage as well. I best get these dishes washed, a shower in, then rinse them, and maybe, later, take a soak bath. It'll help get me started for the week.
Later.
.
Nothing unexpected. Actually better than anticipated on the soreness. I didn't get dishes done last night so I really do have to do them today. The goal is to do those, then take a shower, before dinner arrives. No promises though. Digging and weeding hit both my legs and lower back. Not terribly, but it does slow me down. Then again, I don't feel pain well, so it's probably worse than I suspect. Moving more slowly is a way for my body to continue hiding pain.
I was thinking, if the plastic doesn't work as well as I would alike, or alone, I might add cardboard underneath. And, with the raspberries, I may do more than the plots I have. Perhaps dig out the whole area? If not now, in time. I would like those transplants to turn the area into a true hedge. Though I may see how these do then go from there?
As for general purposes, I need to get some goop to put on shoots from around trees and scrubs I cut. Otherwise every year I have to cut just as many as before. I honestly thought eventually they would stop. Nope. So... yeah. I am sure I will always have some, but not this many. These mostly look like reshoots off old cuts. I'll fix it.
Cleaning the gutters will be a chore for this week too. While I am doing that I would like to get an idea about additional or new gutters. While I do have two levels of roofs, the upper level simply drops directly to the lower level. If I wanted to try to be tricky, and catch more, I might well Put a small section of gutter, without need of a drain... just let it pour out further in toward the middle of the lower roof. But that might be a lot of work for very little. Having a clean, unpainted, metal roof really helps in a lot of ways. Oh, and beside my house, my garage. I have some outhouses too, but the closest one has traditional roofing... and it's small. Not sure it's worth the work. Though maybe. Actually, that one might be good to water the raspberry bushes. Bushes?
This week? Attempting to find local rhubarb, asparagus, and horseradish... perhaps another bigger planter pot or halfbarrel to plant a second horseradish root. Finding shoot-goop and then trimming the shoots and scrub while applying the goop. Keeping an eye on the opened beds, laying cardboard if necessary. Raking the lawn, sweeping the sidewalks, and doing some general cleaning. Calling about the fees for a dumpster, though that isn't quite in the books yet, I just want to think about when to schedule it. Oh, and checking out materials for a compost center. That's outside.
Inside I am hoping to finish all dishes, as well as that is possible. Then getting laundry going again. I would like to finish that and be up, then keep up. Then hit the bathroom and kitchen, a bit or enough, along with restarting the bedroom. Ugh. But, that's... the deal. Oh, I do have a few pieces of business to manage as well. I best get these dishes washed, a shower in, then rinse them, and maybe, later, take a soak bath. It'll help get me started for the week.
Later.
Okay?
.
.
A bit of research on exactly when to plant some of the things on my menu. It is the right time for hardier crops, including both asparagus and rhubarb. I would bet a dollar, if I bet, that I could plant horseradish too. Which, actually, I am going to plant in planters, big planters, if just two of them. If I do well, and keep up on them, I may plant them either in a small, tight, raised bed, or maybe in some area I don't mind getting slightly overrun if I mismanage a year.
I have found a place to order these, and perhaps other things. The problem I am having is finding one place to order them all. Then again I would rather buy them locally. To speak with employees who might have more information, advice, and maybe even information on a few other topics. Perhaps, when I am out this week, I will stop at a couple of places. Hmm, maybe I should call first. I hate driving for nothing. I would also like to find out about planting flowers. My guess is those won't be ready until next month, maybe later.
You know, I don't know if I have the right information. Even if I do, I don't know if it will work out. If it doesn't, I'm not sure I'll be able to do much about it. That, my friends, is life. I know I am enjoying finally getting to a few things. If I can't do, always, what I want, perhaps I can do... something else? Doing is better than not doing. Yes, frustrated with problems with fixing the bathroom. Problems with a still, sometimes, leaking sink drain which doesn't help with the problem of needing new flooring in the kitchen. Problem with many things. Sometimes there are problems with just doing anything. Yet here I am and there I go. Life isn't a problem. Life is a bunch of problems, sometimes intertwined, sometimes with solutions that can't make sense for two or more problem sets, everything and everyone is a problem. I am a fixer, but even I can't fix them all, not even for myself.
Later, or good night.
.
A bit of research on exactly when to plant some of the things on my menu. It is the right time for hardier crops, including both asparagus and rhubarb. I would bet a dollar, if I bet, that I could plant horseradish too. Which, actually, I am going to plant in planters, big planters, if just two of them. If I do well, and keep up on them, I may plant them either in a small, tight, raised bed, or maybe in some area I don't mind getting slightly overrun if I mismanage a year.
I have found a place to order these, and perhaps other things. The problem I am having is finding one place to order them all. Then again I would rather buy them locally. To speak with employees who might have more information, advice, and maybe even information on a few other topics. Perhaps, when I am out this week, I will stop at a couple of places. Hmm, maybe I should call first. I hate driving for nothing. I would also like to find out about planting flowers. My guess is those won't be ready until next month, maybe later.
You know, I don't know if I have the right information. Even if I do, I don't know if it will work out. If it doesn't, I'm not sure I'll be able to do much about it. That, my friends, is life. I know I am enjoying finally getting to a few things. If I can't do, always, what I want, perhaps I can do... something else? Doing is better than not doing. Yes, frustrated with problems with fixing the bathroom. Problems with a still, sometimes, leaking sink drain which doesn't help with the problem of needing new flooring in the kitchen. Problem with many things. Sometimes there are problems with just doing anything. Yet here I am and there I go. Life isn't a problem. Life is a bunch of problems, sometimes intertwined, sometimes with solutions that can't make sense for two or more problem sets, everything and everyone is a problem. I am a fixer, but even I can't fix them all, not even for myself.
Later, or good night.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Didn't want to work on Sunday.
.
.
So I got out yet tonight. I didn't want to. I still have dishes to do, a shower and bath to take, then dishes to put into another soak. So... Yeah? Not sure if any of that will get done, but maybe. And maybe before it is technically Sunday. But being that my days are somewhat out of control, I keep the day to what it started as, or I'd be in serious trouble... from medicine to food to fasting, and more, all of the time. If I can I will.
Oh, right, I should eat. I have been going without today. I started working before I thought about it, and was either working or too tired to do much else, so food just never became a concern... until I thought my stomach was going to eat my stomach lining. I used a teaspoon of the ketocana in a glass of water. Eight ounces? Who knows. That... actually helped. It tastes a bit like an alkaceltzer dissolved in sprite, though probably more like diet? Only a better form of diet? Yeah. And it worked. If I was crashing, it solved that. Though, going out again, and with work yet to do, I may take another dose. It can be used as a carb replacement, to help out when doing cardio on keto.
Oh, what I did outside was used plastic bags, industrial not household, to cover the soil exposed earlier. Tent spikes and logs out back to hopefully keep the plastic down. I just didn't want to let it go. I got back to it as soon as I could. I needed a long rest after digging up the soil, even loose as it was. While I was out, I think I did decide where to create an asparagus bed and where to put the compost center. I am also considering what to use to aerate the compost. I have an extended breaker bar, several, of various natures actually, which I think will work just fine. The temptation to buy, buy, buy is always there. I am starting to try to see how to make use of what I have. And, in time, if that doesn't work, then to migrate to something else. But with experience, so it isn't a blind shot in the dark as so many purchases for new projects are. Buying will not get the job done. It might actually hinder getting into it. Yes. Yes indeed.
Another sip of that carb replacement "juice", an hour or so of rest, then on to the dishes if I can. If that gets done, then a shower a rest and then maybe a bath. Finally, if that is done and I'm still moving, I'll put a bunch of dishes, what remains, in for a wash. Oh... but I should make something to eat. A ribeye and cauliflower, perhaps. Later, or good night.
.
So I got out yet tonight. I didn't want to. I still have dishes to do, a shower and bath to take, then dishes to put into another soak. So... Yeah? Not sure if any of that will get done, but maybe. And maybe before it is technically Sunday. But being that my days are somewhat out of control, I keep the day to what it started as, or I'd be in serious trouble... from medicine to food to fasting, and more, all of the time. If I can I will.
Oh, right, I should eat. I have been going without today. I started working before I thought about it, and was either working or too tired to do much else, so food just never became a concern... until I thought my stomach was going to eat my stomach lining. I used a teaspoon of the ketocana in a glass of water. Eight ounces? Who knows. That... actually helped. It tastes a bit like an alkaceltzer dissolved in sprite, though probably more like diet? Only a better form of diet? Yeah. And it worked. If I was crashing, it solved that. Though, going out again, and with work yet to do, I may take another dose. It can be used as a carb replacement, to help out when doing cardio on keto.
Oh, what I did outside was used plastic bags, industrial not household, to cover the soil exposed earlier. Tent spikes and logs out back to hopefully keep the plastic down. I just didn't want to let it go. I got back to it as soon as I could. I needed a long rest after digging up the soil, even loose as it was. While I was out, I think I did decide where to create an asparagus bed and where to put the compost center. I am also considering what to use to aerate the compost. I have an extended breaker bar, several, of various natures actually, which I think will work just fine. The temptation to buy, buy, buy is always there. I am starting to try to see how to make use of what I have. And, in time, if that doesn't work, then to migrate to something else. But with experience, so it isn't a blind shot in the dark as so many purchases for new projects are. Buying will not get the job done. It might actually hinder getting into it. Yes. Yes indeed.
Another sip of that carb replacement "juice", an hour or so of rest, then on to the dishes if I can. If that gets done, then a shower a rest and then maybe a bath. Finally, if that is done and I'm still moving, I'll put a bunch of dishes, what remains, in for a wash. Oh... but I should make something to eat. A ribeye and cauliflower, perhaps. Later, or good night.
Not a bad start.
.
.
Oh, it took a while to get going. Another hour, or two, after that last post. But, then? I got to it. I dug six or seven plots for raspberry runners. I cleared out the sod, leaving as much dirt as I could. I picked and spaded deep, turned it all over, then put it all back. I took the sod with me, hoping to use it elsewhere in the yard. Not sure that will work, but who knows. I simply left them around in barer spots. If they get a month before mowing, they might just do something. Or not.
Then I really got to work. A bed for rhubarb, 3' x 10', dug as deep as up to twice what the pick-awl would go down. If it was just dirt, one depth would have been fine. But there are dandelions, and I wanted to go as far down with their roots as I could. Bleh. There were so many! And, some other sort of grass. I'm not sure what it is, but it's... different. It's not blue, but... I just don't know. I cleared everything green, within reason, and rootbulbs from anything or nothing. After clearing weeds, mostly using the pick-awl, I took a spade through each area, turning and doing one last check for weeds and grasses.
It was a bit of work. I did enjoy. I just hope, going forward, I can begin doing more work, daily. I am thinking about making a goal of five to six hours a week outside and five to six hours inside. There needs to be a carrot and a stick. I know this thing. Stick? If I fail by more than 25% I cut my allowance by 50%. Now, that's a good thing. It'll add to savings. But it will... aggravate. If I do 25% or 50% more? I can either hold those over for when I am not doing well or feeling like it, or... five 25% grants me a steak dinner out, wherever I want, five 50% will induce me to take a trip somewhere. Just a few days at one of the national parks, or such. A vacation, not a camping trip... though, if I get camping going a bit, in the back yard, perhaps a longer, more involved, camping trip? Something like that. Or a special piece of gear, like a true 4-season tent, pair of climbing hammer-picks, or such.
Oh, right, this year? I am going to break down and ask some folk if they might show me where the climbing accesses to a certain peak are. There are several, from fast and difficult to slow but easy and long. Yeah, I'm going to try the hard one first. Why? Because... well, just because. Even if I can't do it, I'll... learn some things. I might not even be able to do the easy way, at first.
Did I mention that the dirt was amazing? Rich, dark, full of worms and other creatures, moist, and to a good depth. Someone really did work this soil, had to have. I think the last folk who lived here were, sort of... new-ager types... more so than me. Though, too, the people who lived here before that, through their generations, had lived here since 1880. My guess is they took pretty good care of the land themselves. I really don't deserve this plot, but it's how it worked out. Maybe, in time, I can figure out how to do my part.
Oh, and while out? I saw much else to do. Pruning, gutters to be cleaned, and of course I still need to cover the dirt I just opened up. Covering it should help keep moisture in and anything from growing until I am ready to plant. Raking, as well, needs to happen, and branch collecting. Well, and cleaning windows, sweeping walkways, perhaps redoing the bed gardens so as to keep weeds out, and maybe learning how to manually attempt to remove weeds though certainly planting grass and trying to get that going. Ugh. Yeah, I am 'that guy'.
I am rather bushed. I'll do a bit of research on whether plastic bags, or certain types, can be used as ground cover. If so, I may get a few of those set up and put out. I still need to figure out where I might want an asparagus bed, then get that dug this next week. Plus get the compost rig set up, attempt to find rhubarb, asparagus, and horse radish starters and get those in. Or is it a bit early for that? I should check the frost advisory. Oh, and perhaps look for several lily of the valley plants. Plus obtain wood for a small raised bed planter, or two, and a bag or two of just peat moss. Well... yeah... I'm going to try to get through.
I'm still going to try to save enough in savings that between this and next month I can get a riding mower. I am nervous, but a bit excited, about that. A hauler would really help with some things, along with the mowing capacity. Ugh. Later.
.
Oh, it took a while to get going. Another hour, or two, after that last post. But, then? I got to it. I dug six or seven plots for raspberry runners. I cleared out the sod, leaving as much dirt as I could. I picked and spaded deep, turned it all over, then put it all back. I took the sod with me, hoping to use it elsewhere in the yard. Not sure that will work, but who knows. I simply left them around in barer spots. If they get a month before mowing, they might just do something. Or not.
Then I really got to work. A bed for rhubarb, 3' x 10', dug as deep as up to twice what the pick-awl would go down. If it was just dirt, one depth would have been fine. But there are dandelions, and I wanted to go as far down with their roots as I could. Bleh. There were so many! And, some other sort of grass. I'm not sure what it is, but it's... different. It's not blue, but... I just don't know. I cleared everything green, within reason, and rootbulbs from anything or nothing. After clearing weeds, mostly using the pick-awl, I took a spade through each area, turning and doing one last check for weeds and grasses.
It was a bit of work. I did enjoy. I just hope, going forward, I can begin doing more work, daily. I am thinking about making a goal of five to six hours a week outside and five to six hours inside. There needs to be a carrot and a stick. I know this thing. Stick? If I fail by more than 25% I cut my allowance by 50%. Now, that's a good thing. It'll add to savings. But it will... aggravate. If I do 25% or 50% more? I can either hold those over for when I am not doing well or feeling like it, or... five 25% grants me a steak dinner out, wherever I want, five 50% will induce me to take a trip somewhere. Just a few days at one of the national parks, or such. A vacation, not a camping trip... though, if I get camping going a bit, in the back yard, perhaps a longer, more involved, camping trip? Something like that. Or a special piece of gear, like a true 4-season tent, pair of climbing hammer-picks, or such.
Oh, right, this year? I am going to break down and ask some folk if they might show me where the climbing accesses to a certain peak are. There are several, from fast and difficult to slow but easy and long. Yeah, I'm going to try the hard one first. Why? Because... well, just because. Even if I can't do it, I'll... learn some things. I might not even be able to do the easy way, at first.
Did I mention that the dirt was amazing? Rich, dark, full of worms and other creatures, moist, and to a good depth. Someone really did work this soil, had to have. I think the last folk who lived here were, sort of... new-ager types... more so than me. Though, too, the people who lived here before that, through their generations, had lived here since 1880. My guess is they took pretty good care of the land themselves. I really don't deserve this plot, but it's how it worked out. Maybe, in time, I can figure out how to do my part.
Oh, and while out? I saw much else to do. Pruning, gutters to be cleaned, and of course I still need to cover the dirt I just opened up. Covering it should help keep moisture in and anything from growing until I am ready to plant. Raking, as well, needs to happen, and branch collecting. Well, and cleaning windows, sweeping walkways, perhaps redoing the bed gardens so as to keep weeds out, and maybe learning how to manually attempt to remove weeds though certainly planting grass and trying to get that going. Ugh. Yeah, I am 'that guy'.
I am rather bushed. I'll do a bit of research on whether plastic bags, or certain types, can be used as ground cover. If so, I may get a few of those set up and put out. I still need to figure out where I might want an asparagus bed, then get that dug this next week. Plus get the compost rig set up, attempt to find rhubarb, asparagus, and horse radish starters and get those in. Or is it a bit early for that? I should check the frost advisory. Oh, and perhaps look for several lily of the valley plants. Plus obtain wood for a small raised bed planter, or two, and a bag or two of just peat moss. Well... yeah... I'm going to try to get through.
I'm still going to try to save enough in savings that between this and next month I can get a riding mower. I am nervous, but a bit excited, about that. A hauler would really help with some things, along with the mowing capacity. Ugh. Later.
Yeah, awake.
.
.
Oh, and the sun is up. I kept trying to wake, when I realized the sun was out, but... it is what it is. Until the weather settles, and then I catch my breath and make it around, it will be what it has been... a crapshoot. Not that I mind. I'll keep at it as I may.
I realized that, with all the rain and the lack of sun, the ground should be about as soft as it gets. What does that mean? It means if I were to spade some soil, this would be as good a time as ever. The spot I would like to plant rhubarb and maybe horseradish, and another area I might want to plant asparagus, plus where the raspberries will go, since I have decided against raised beds for those, will have to be dug open, degrassed, and maybe covered until things go in. Staked-in trash bags might work for cover, though those might not be recommended. Chemically treated?
I'll do some research as well. But, today, I might go out with a spade, tape measure, and whatever elbow grease I have on hand. Mine isn't in the 55 gallon barrels, yet. I'll have to make do with the quart jar I do have... and whatever level it is currently at. *shakes head* Funny thing about elbow grease? The more you use it, the more, in time, you can have on hand at any time. The less you use it the less you have, gradually. Each of those has some limits. But...
Oh, not just spading. Even with the decent and recent rain with a lack of sun, this soil is medium to difficult to hand dig. I would give it good loam, moderate clay, but fairly gravely on up to fist-sized rocks. That is why I purchased a pick-axe and a man-heighted heavy breaker bar. Those work right until they don't. Trust me, I've been down and dirty and zapped. Back-hoe, all I'm saying there. And with gratitude. This won't take that... probably. :p
Actually, I will do what I can of that, then do some dishes, then get a bath in. Probably nap in the bath. A shower first? Maybe. I would like to take a soaker bath, that requires being clean first. Yeah, I know. I checked, it's a Saturday. So I can, officially and faithfully, break my ass. I can only deal with my ass on Sunday if it's in a hole. Well... I best get to it. Burning daylight and it is getting late. Good day.
.
Oh, and the sun is up. I kept trying to wake, when I realized the sun was out, but... it is what it is. Until the weather settles, and then I catch my breath and make it around, it will be what it has been... a crapshoot. Not that I mind. I'll keep at it as I may.
I realized that, with all the rain and the lack of sun, the ground should be about as soft as it gets. What does that mean? It means if I were to spade some soil, this would be as good a time as ever. The spot I would like to plant rhubarb and maybe horseradish, and another area I might want to plant asparagus, plus where the raspberries will go, since I have decided against raised beds for those, will have to be dug open, degrassed, and maybe covered until things go in. Staked-in trash bags might work for cover, though those might not be recommended. Chemically treated?
I'll do some research as well. But, today, I might go out with a spade, tape measure, and whatever elbow grease I have on hand. Mine isn't in the 55 gallon barrels, yet. I'll have to make do with the quart jar I do have... and whatever level it is currently at. *shakes head* Funny thing about elbow grease? The more you use it, the more, in time, you can have on hand at any time. The less you use it the less you have, gradually. Each of those has some limits. But...
Oh, not just spading. Even with the decent and recent rain with a lack of sun, this soil is medium to difficult to hand dig. I would give it good loam, moderate clay, but fairly gravely on up to fist-sized rocks. That is why I purchased a pick-axe and a man-heighted heavy breaker bar. Those work right until they don't. Trust me, I've been down and dirty and zapped. Back-hoe, all I'm saying there. And with gratitude. This won't take that... probably. :p
Actually, I will do what I can of that, then do some dishes, then get a bath in. Probably nap in the bath. A shower first? Maybe. I would like to take a soaker bath, that requires being clean first. Yeah, I know. I checked, it's a Saturday. So I can, officially and faithfully, break my ass. I can only deal with my ass on Sunday if it's in a hole. Well... I best get to it. Burning daylight and it is getting late. Good day.
Friday, March 31, 2017
A compost center?
.
.
I looked at a number of ideas. I haven't completed the book about composting either. Still, I would like to get something going for sooner rather than later. With the need for raised beds off the immediate schedule, save for a flower bed, that frees up some money. A lot of money, actually. Usually not a problem, but I am still recovering from recent problems.
Of the various projects I noticed, I did pick two, which I think I can combine. I liked the idea of a three section compost system. Basically, the notion is to have three different areas in which to compost. As one fills, it can be left to do it's work, or even pulled out, stirred, and put back or put into an empty or emptier section. A third compartment could be used for experiments.
Wooden compartments seem the most interesting, but, again, there is expense. I love it when people talk about "free" or "reclaimed" lumber and construction bits. I am sure that is possible. For example, I am going to find about local mulch. I won't need much, not this year, or possibly ever... who knows. But I would like to find where that can be had. Mulch isn't that expensive, but it is a bit of work to get, there is the travel and time... local would be better, even if at some minor cost.
.
I looked at a number of ideas. I haven't completed the book about composting either. Still, I would like to get something going for sooner rather than later. With the need for raised beds off the immediate schedule, save for a flower bed, that frees up some money. A lot of money, actually. Usually not a problem, but I am still recovering from recent problems.
Of the various projects I noticed, I did pick two, which I think I can combine. I liked the idea of a three section compost system. Basically, the notion is to have three different areas in which to compost. As one fills, it can be left to do it's work, or even pulled out, stirred, and put back or put into an empty or emptier section. A third compartment could be used for experiments.
Wooden compartments seem the most interesting, but, again, there is expense. I love it when people talk about "free" or "reclaimed" lumber and construction bits. I am sure that is possible. For example, I am going to find about local mulch. I won't need much, not this year, or possibly ever... who knows. But I would like to find where that can be had. Mulch isn't that expensive, but it is a bit of work to get, there is the travel and time... local would be better, even if at some minor cost.
Later, ever later.
.
.
Dark, again. I'm losing, or gaining time, depending on how it is viewed. Back on medicine well enough, attempting to eat and doing okay with it... or better. Can't seem to catch and keep days an nights rightly though. No worries, I'll get there when the weather settles out. For what it is worth, I am enjoying spring... the weather.
I discussed some of the notions I have been pondering with an old hand at gardening and such. I have been reading too. I have changed some notions. I am skipping raised beds for the raspberries. As for a flower bed, I'll go with 6" for now. It's a small bed. That opens up more for the purchase of rhubarb, asparagus, and maybe flowers or such for the bed. Not sure what will be available, or where. I'd like to find things locally. That isn't always possible.
If that all goes well, and money is looking good, I may consider building a 4x4 raised bed, or two, yet this year. While they are heavy, they can be moved, or taken apart then moved. Oh, and with the shredder here, and ready, I should be able to set up both the beds and compost well. To think I was just going to toss all the shreddings. Oh, but I would like to figure out where to put a compost pile.
You know, I remember hearing about compost piles heating up so much that they burned. I have... some suspicion that no such thing ever occurred. As you notice, you almost never hear about these things these days. Truth? I think neighbors, or even the owners, simply got tired of it and lit them. I was always suspicious about such things. More so now. I could be wrong. I simply doubt it. They were nearly epidemic at one point. Same with hay fires, as I recall.
Well... on to waking and such. Later.
.
Dark, again. I'm losing, or gaining time, depending on how it is viewed. Back on medicine well enough, attempting to eat and doing okay with it... or better. Can't seem to catch and keep days an nights rightly though. No worries, I'll get there when the weather settles out. For what it is worth, I am enjoying spring... the weather.
I discussed some of the notions I have been pondering with an old hand at gardening and such. I have been reading too. I have changed some notions. I am skipping raised beds for the raspberries. As for a flower bed, I'll go with 6" for now. It's a small bed. That opens up more for the purchase of rhubarb, asparagus, and maybe flowers or such for the bed. Not sure what will be available, or where. I'd like to find things locally. That isn't always possible.
If that all goes well, and money is looking good, I may consider building a 4x4 raised bed, or two, yet this year. While they are heavy, they can be moved, or taken apart then moved. Oh, and with the shredder here, and ready, I should be able to set up both the beds and compost well. To think I was just going to toss all the shreddings. Oh, but I would like to figure out where to put a compost pile.
You know, I remember hearing about compost piles heating up so much that they burned. I have... some suspicion that no such thing ever occurred. As you notice, you almost never hear about these things these days. Truth? I think neighbors, or even the owners, simply got tired of it and lit them. I was always suspicious about such things. More so now. I could be wrong. I simply doubt it. They were nearly epidemic at one point. Same with hay fires, as I recall.
Well... on to waking and such. Later.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Oh, another book in the lineup.
.
.
While looking over the author David the Good I found another book. I'm not sure it will be of any use immediately, but it has been on my mind, or the theme of the book. It concerns itself with how one might push their grow zone. That is something that has been on my mind, for a number of plants and trees. It isn't, as I suggested, something I will be working right away.
For the foreseeable future I will be working with plants, bushes, and trees that are timed for my zone. That is for several reasons. The first is, when starting, keeping it simple is the real way. I will, most likely, have enough stumbles even as things are. Adding complexity, as a beginner, is simply asking to lose. Or... lose squared, or quadrupled? Yes. I will have enough losing, just as things stand. The goal is to have enough winning, along with it, to cover my losses. The ego, the wallet, stress levels, and other things have to be managed. To succeed, you must spend or front in other ways your assets. Failing quickly might be best, if that is the way, but there is no reason to aim for loss.
I think I will be able to do some things, and more in time. The true goal is to get to a nearly work-free food production system. That... will never happen, but I can get much closer. The way from here to there, of course, is through a lot of sweat of the brow, a lot of mistakes, but I need successes, and probably more successes than not. So... start simple.
And yet, it would be awesome to be able to trick some things that don't normally grow here into being a plentiful crop... without cheating by insane watering, crazy fertilizing, a mix of those, or more. Just... maybe a raised bed, in just the exact right spot for sun and shade, and with just a bit extra work. I hate it when I see a crop I have liked, or think I might, only to see that it "can't" be grown here. Yes, I think, in time, I will enjoy that book. I have started reading his other books, side by side. Yes, Dante and Haiku, but... I am slogging down on those, and gardening is on it's way. So... read I do. Later.
.
While looking over the author David the Good I found another book. I'm not sure it will be of any use immediately, but it has been on my mind, or the theme of the book. It concerns itself with how one might push their grow zone. That is something that has been on my mind, for a number of plants and trees. It isn't, as I suggested, something I will be working right away.
For the foreseeable future I will be working with plants, bushes, and trees that are timed for my zone. That is for several reasons. The first is, when starting, keeping it simple is the real way. I will, most likely, have enough stumbles even as things are. Adding complexity, as a beginner, is simply asking to lose. Or... lose squared, or quadrupled? Yes. I will have enough losing, just as things stand. The goal is to have enough winning, along with it, to cover my losses. The ego, the wallet, stress levels, and other things have to be managed. To succeed, you must spend or front in other ways your assets. Failing quickly might be best, if that is the way, but there is no reason to aim for loss.
I think I will be able to do some things, and more in time. The true goal is to get to a nearly work-free food production system. That... will never happen, but I can get much closer. The way from here to there, of course, is through a lot of sweat of the brow, a lot of mistakes, but I need successes, and probably more successes than not. So... start simple.
And yet, it would be awesome to be able to trick some things that don't normally grow here into being a plentiful crop... without cheating by insane watering, crazy fertilizing, a mix of those, or more. Just... maybe a raised bed, in just the exact right spot for sun and shade, and with just a bit extra work. I hate it when I see a crop I have liked, or think I might, only to see that it "can't" be grown here. Yes, I think, in time, I will enjoy that book. I have started reading his other books, side by side. Yes, Dante and Haiku, but... I am slogging down on those, and gardening is on it's way. So... read I do. Later.
It was just starting to lighten and warm.
.
.
This morning it was dark, cold, and it is raining again. While not terrible, it... makes getting going difficult. I have been awake since noon(ish). I have been delving into news, blogs, and some music. Actually that is an improvement. Someone called, or several calls? I'll check in a bit. I don't even bother trying to figure out messages for the first few hours I am up. Usually. There are a few exceptions, this isn't one of those "mornings".
Oh, those cheap pillows? Never again. Something in them made is so that I couldn't breath last night. I had to get rid of them, bring in an old pillow, and work to get my breath back. And it wasn't just me. Sam wasn't sleeping in my room anymore, for the last few nights. When I removed the pillows she came back. Yeah. Remember though, cats don't just use their lungs for oxygen exchange, they also use it for heat control. Clear breathing is twice as critical.
I'll turn the furnace up, work on dishes, look over laundry, take a shower... or bath? bath, though maybe a shower first, then... hit the kitchen if I have more? Maybe. Still feeling a bit abused from last night's fight for oxygen, and fighting through the dark and chill. No matter, I'll do what I can. I may need a nap in four to six hours, which is fine. Better to be rested when attempting to work. Hmm... before all else, breakfast.
Though, today might be a good opportunity to try KetoCaNa, vitamin b-5 (or the whole complex plus b-5 which is separate), and fasting? Just... curious. I'll know shortly. Good "morning" and day.
.
This morning it was dark, cold, and it is raining again. While not terrible, it... makes getting going difficult. I have been awake since noon(ish). I have been delving into news, blogs, and some music. Actually that is an improvement. Someone called, or several calls? I'll check in a bit. I don't even bother trying to figure out messages for the first few hours I am up. Usually. There are a few exceptions, this isn't one of those "mornings".
Oh, those cheap pillows? Never again. Something in them made is so that I couldn't breath last night. I had to get rid of them, bring in an old pillow, and work to get my breath back. And it wasn't just me. Sam wasn't sleeping in my room anymore, for the last few nights. When I removed the pillows she came back. Yeah. Remember though, cats don't just use their lungs for oxygen exchange, they also use it for heat control. Clear breathing is twice as critical.
I'll turn the furnace up, work on dishes, look over laundry, take a shower... or bath? bath, though maybe a shower first, then... hit the kitchen if I have more? Maybe. Still feeling a bit abused from last night's fight for oxygen, and fighting through the dark and chill. No matter, I'll do what I can. I may need a nap in four to six hours, which is fine. Better to be rested when attempting to work. Hmm... before all else, breakfast.
Though, today might be a good opportunity to try KetoCaNa, vitamin b-5 (or the whole complex plus b-5 which is separate), and fasting? Just... curious. I'll know shortly. Good "morning" and day.
At least two forms of composting.
.
.
Two methods, with products in my immediate queue, at any rate. The simple, straightforward, collection of veggies, for sure, in a bucket. Yes, air filter and compostable bags. I don't eat all that many things, but I do WASTE much! I will certainly feel a great deal better... better? maybe... about things when apples go bad, or I don't get to one or both heads of cabbage, or that bag of shredded romaine. Now, all of that will have a place to go. Further, I'll begin collecting grass clippings and other such. Not so much weeds, of course. That's the first method.
The other method will be a slight drag on that first method, in that some of the organic matter will be used for feed. Worm farming is the plan, Alabama jumpers to be specific. If they don't do well, being too cold, I'll still keep them around for composting, but add red wrigglers... or some such. For now I'm going with the A.J.'s, as they are potentially good for composting, in the ground, and for fishing. Yeah... perhaps I'll have to try my way back to that.
Now, not as much potential compost material will be needed as I initially thought. I looked around for a proper worm wrangler video, and believe I have found it. Even with a large herd, worms just don't eat as much as I had sort of started to believe. As shown in the video above, an compost cube at a time, and when that's gone more. I have, actually, already started collecting material in an half gallon jug in the refrigerator. I can just blend it, when it's full, then freeze the mash. I won't have enough, right away, but I'll get there. Hmm... actually... speaking of those lost vegetables? I think I do have quite a bit. I shopped, then fell off my feed-bag. Yeah.
I suppose, shortly, I'll see how things turn out. I should be able to put the berry raised bed together right near the first of the month. Though the berries won't go in until later this spring. The 'trough' will be about 15' to 16' long, and either 6" to 12" high. I think I can set up a minor watering system, roughly based on what they need and how the water can be managed. It's getting tricky. We should be good on water this year, but I have been a bit suspicious about what they are doing with the water. Something is off, they aren't telling us the truth about water. It's a shady business, from big biz to government at all levels, to... something is really off about water. We'll see though.
I didn't price local asparagus and rhubarb just yet, but that is my next thing. I do believe I will simply plant those at ground level. I'll do strawberries next spring, in a raised bed. Perhaps fruit and/or nut trees this fall and on through the falls for several years. Every once in a while, if I see a good price on wood, I might grab some up. Just having it on hand means soil, perhaps fertilizer if I don't have enough compost and worm castings, would be the limit. Having costs smaller at any given time makes life much easier.
How much of a garden am I planning? Well? Hmm, I really would like the raspberries, and maybe black berries. Rhubarb, strawberries, and asparagus, each of those enough for the equivalent of a 4x4, though not where I will generally be planting. One front box for flowers, or two. Lily of the Valleys take over, so perhaps their own box. Favorite flowers of two of my favored women, including my mom. Then, out back, in time? Perhaps eight to ten 4'x4's and a 2' box surround that, in which to grow plants that deter pests? Something like that. But over time, if I can keep up, as needed. Some might become cold storage. I might attempt a small greenhouse/hoophouse. If I live long enough, if it is attainable, as things go.
Oh, and I found the two books I purchased from David the Good, one is on composting, the other regards gardening in general. I... honestly never thought I'd get back to gardening. Well? Here I am. I bought them because they really are well reviewed, I was interested through some minor contact with the author, and I liked helping Castellia House. Finances have sucked lately, so I haven't been doing that. But I'll get back to it. I like, mostly, what they are doing. Save when one of THEIR authors pulls this girlpwr shit out. I stomped that and left. I don't argue, or belabor. I stomp the shit out of teh stupid and leave it go. Vox get's his share too. I'm in pout mode over... whozit? I'll eventually put his link back up. I have a back door or two as is. Hey, I'm human. Or... nearly. Some have thought, perhaps, more... in that I was different and came to a soul? Dunno. Stomp! :)
.
Two methods, with products in my immediate queue, at any rate. The simple, straightforward, collection of veggies, for sure, in a bucket. Yes, air filter and compostable bags. I don't eat all that many things, but I do WASTE much! I will certainly feel a great deal better... better? maybe... about things when apples go bad, or I don't get to one or both heads of cabbage, or that bag of shredded romaine. Now, all of that will have a place to go. Further, I'll begin collecting grass clippings and other such. Not so much weeds, of course. That's the first method.
The other method will be a slight drag on that first method, in that some of the organic matter will be used for feed. Worm farming is the plan, Alabama jumpers to be specific. If they don't do well, being too cold, I'll still keep them around for composting, but add red wrigglers... or some such. For now I'm going with the A.J.'s, as they are potentially good for composting, in the ground, and for fishing. Yeah... perhaps I'll have to try my way back to that.
Now, not as much potential compost material will be needed as I initially thought. I looked around for a proper worm wrangler video, and believe I have found it. Even with a large herd, worms just don't eat as much as I had sort of started to believe. As shown in the video above, an compost cube at a time, and when that's gone more. I have, actually, already started collecting material in an half gallon jug in the refrigerator. I can just blend it, when it's full, then freeze the mash. I won't have enough, right away, but I'll get there. Hmm... actually... speaking of those lost vegetables? I think I do have quite a bit. I shopped, then fell off my feed-bag. Yeah.
I suppose, shortly, I'll see how things turn out. I should be able to put the berry raised bed together right near the first of the month. Though the berries won't go in until later this spring. The 'trough' will be about 15' to 16' long, and either 6" to 12" high. I think I can set up a minor watering system, roughly based on what they need and how the water can be managed. It's getting tricky. We should be good on water this year, but I have been a bit suspicious about what they are doing with the water. Something is off, they aren't telling us the truth about water. It's a shady business, from big biz to government at all levels, to... something is really off about water. We'll see though.
I didn't price local asparagus and rhubarb just yet, but that is my next thing. I do believe I will simply plant those at ground level. I'll do strawberries next spring, in a raised bed. Perhaps fruit and/or nut trees this fall and on through the falls for several years. Every once in a while, if I see a good price on wood, I might grab some up. Just having it on hand means soil, perhaps fertilizer if I don't have enough compost and worm castings, would be the limit. Having costs smaller at any given time makes life much easier.
How much of a garden am I planning? Well? Hmm, I really would like the raspberries, and maybe black berries. Rhubarb, strawberries, and asparagus, each of those enough for the equivalent of a 4x4, though not where I will generally be planting. One front box for flowers, or two. Lily of the Valleys take over, so perhaps their own box. Favorite flowers of two of my favored women, including my mom. Then, out back, in time? Perhaps eight to ten 4'x4's and a 2' box surround that, in which to grow plants that deter pests? Something like that. But over time, if I can keep up, as needed. Some might become cold storage. I might attempt a small greenhouse/hoophouse. If I live long enough, if it is attainable, as things go.
Oh, and I found the two books I purchased from David the Good, one is on composting, the other regards gardening in general. I... honestly never thought I'd get back to gardening. Well? Here I am. I bought them because they really are well reviewed, I was interested through some minor contact with the author, and I liked helping Castellia House. Finances have sucked lately, so I haven't been doing that. But I'll get back to it. I like, mostly, what they are doing. Save when one of THEIR authors pulls this girlpwr shit out. I stomped that and left. I don't argue, or belabor. I stomp the shit out of teh stupid and leave it go. Vox get's his share too. I'm in pout mode over... whozit? I'll eventually put his link back up. I have a back door or two as is. Hey, I'm human. Or... nearly. Some have thought, perhaps, more... in that I was different and came to a soul? Dunno. Stomp! :)
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
New projects, old ideas seeing light, and more.
.
.
The visitor today was by to discuss a solar system installation. The prices definitely have come down. Even so, getting it in... might be a bit of a pinch. Up-front, I couldn't do it. Over 20 year? Yeah. There are several things needed to be hashed out. I'm being cocky and going with it as if, but for my side I'd like to see if the federal and state subsidies could somehow be applied. If not, the price would be double and an half what I am paying on electric now. Otherwise it would be a hundred fifty percent of my current bill. To be honest, even the last might be worth it. Yes, with batteries. I don't like the smart meter though. I'm thinking. Hey, they called me. Oh, but I don't know about my credit score. It's all a big maybe, all the way around. Still, there is that.
I did get about half of the dishes washed, rinsed, and up. A shower too, was taken. Love showering, bathing more... just not up to those lately. The remaining dishes were put back to a fresh sudsy. I am hoping to do them, all the way, yet tonight. After a shower again tomorrow, I'll put the last of the dishes in. Bleh. I hate dishes, especially as I have to do them.
After all that, I headed to town. I was thinking I would have a meal and buy some planting dirt, as well as check on lumber. I have nine square feet of soil and two bags of mulch. I think we might have some locally. I just wanted some to be sure. Lumber? Well, it's... expensive. I am not sure that 12" is required. I still haven't figured it completely out, but... the ~12" x 2" x 10' treated ran ~$28. the ~6" x 2" x 6' ran ~$9. ... Uhm-kay... I thought so. The boardman was wrong. the 10' x 12" is cheaper per foot, at ~$2.80. Now, the thing is, do I really need 12" for the berries? I am saying probably not. I would like it for actually gardening, but that is a bit off. For flowers, asparagus, rhubarb, and strawberries, not so much. Only for heavier gardening? I'll... think on it.
I probably don't need boxes for rhubarb, and maybe not for asparagus. I don't think those spread like strawberries and raspberries. And, really, I may not need them, truly, for raspberries. It might help to keep them in a clearly defined area though. And make it easier to get mulch in, fertilize, and do other work. And, yeah, 12" would be a lot easier to work with. But the cost? I would need four 12" x 10's ~$112, twelve 6" x 6's ~$108 (for 12") or six (for 6") ~$54... Hmm... my math is seeming to suck. I'll... do it right sometime soon. Never mind, I'll check it again when I am more rested. I've been tinkering off and on all day.
You know, I never did eat, either. I just had an apple. Good and all but it's not going to cut it. Or is it? No. A handful of nuts and tea would be good enough. I didn't check house plants. Those might have to wait. I do have some herb seeds, and some smaller planters in the queue. How to keep the cats out? Anyway, things are moving along. I will be putting the hose carrier together soon too, and getting the hoses fitted to it. Rubber hoses are great, but heavy.
Oh, last thing I checked, was riding lawnmowers. It was too late for anyone to be right out there, but soon. Maybe they would let me ride one for a bit. I just want to make sure a snowblower would fit it for this fall, maybe even a scoop for some time more in the future, and check about a small hauler and maybe planter, plus chains and maybe wheel weights in prep for winter? Then again, I have a lot of cast weights. Perhaps I could figure out how to use some of those?
It's been a great day, even if I am still a bit weak, slow, tired, and all. Wonderful. It's been fun, too. When I was awake enough to think about it. Good evening, or night maybe, already.
.
The visitor today was by to discuss a solar system installation. The prices definitely have come down. Even so, getting it in... might be a bit of a pinch. Up-front, I couldn't do it. Over 20 year? Yeah. There are several things needed to be hashed out. I'm being cocky and going with it as if, but for my side I'd like to see if the federal and state subsidies could somehow be applied. If not, the price would be double and an half what I am paying on electric now. Otherwise it would be a hundred fifty percent of my current bill. To be honest, even the last might be worth it. Yes, with batteries. I don't like the smart meter though. I'm thinking. Hey, they called me. Oh, but I don't know about my credit score. It's all a big maybe, all the way around. Still, there is that.
I did get about half of the dishes washed, rinsed, and up. A shower too, was taken. Love showering, bathing more... just not up to those lately. The remaining dishes were put back to a fresh sudsy. I am hoping to do them, all the way, yet tonight. After a shower again tomorrow, I'll put the last of the dishes in. Bleh. I hate dishes, especially as I have to do them.
After all that, I headed to town. I was thinking I would have a meal and buy some planting dirt, as well as check on lumber. I have nine square feet of soil and two bags of mulch. I think we might have some locally. I just wanted some to be sure. Lumber? Well, it's... expensive. I am not sure that 12" is required. I still haven't figured it completely out, but... the ~12" x 2" x 10' treated ran ~$28. the ~6" x 2" x 6' ran ~$9. ... Uhm-kay... I thought so. The boardman was wrong. the 10' x 12" is cheaper per foot, at ~$2.80. Now, the thing is, do I really need 12" for the berries? I am saying probably not. I would like it for actually gardening, but that is a bit off. For flowers, asparagus, rhubarb, and strawberries, not so much. Only for heavier gardening? I'll... think on it.
I probably don't need boxes for rhubarb, and maybe not for asparagus. I don't think those spread like strawberries and raspberries. And, really, I may not need them, truly, for raspberries. It might help to keep them in a clearly defined area though. And make it easier to get mulch in, fertilize, and do other work. And, yeah, 12" would be a lot easier to work with. But the cost? I would need four 12" x 10's ~$112, twelve 6" x 6's ~$108 (for 12") or six (for 6") ~$54... Hmm... my math is seeming to suck. I'll... do it right sometime soon. Never mind, I'll check it again when I am more rested. I've been tinkering off and on all day.
You know, I never did eat, either. I just had an apple. Good and all but it's not going to cut it. Or is it? No. A handful of nuts and tea would be good enough. I didn't check house plants. Those might have to wait. I do have some herb seeds, and some smaller planters in the queue. How to keep the cats out? Anyway, things are moving along. I will be putting the hose carrier together soon too, and getting the hoses fitted to it. Rubber hoses are great, but heavy.
Oh, last thing I checked, was riding lawnmowers. It was too late for anyone to be right out there, but soon. Maybe they would let me ride one for a bit. I just want to make sure a snowblower would fit it for this fall, maybe even a scoop for some time more in the future, and check about a small hauler and maybe planter, plus chains and maybe wheel weights in prep for winter? Then again, I have a lot of cast weights. Perhaps I could figure out how to use some of those?
It's been a great day, even if I am still a bit weak, slow, tired, and all. Wonderful. It's been fun, too. When I was awake enough to think about it. Good evening, or night maybe, already.
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