Pretty exhausted.

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I did get a hose in, from outdoors, as a waste line.  I had to warm the house a bit, to get it to become flexible enough to use.  Then got it attached.  Finally, I opened the drain valve at the base of the tank and let it go out.  It is slowly filling the tub.  I ran the pump several times.  But it empties a lot faster than the tub fills.  A couple of runs, just to make sure everything was working.

It is.  So, now, I am giving it fifteen minutes to drain.  Watching isn't going to make it go any faster.  And, if it spills, it spills.  I have some worries that the tank won't empty enough.  I guess I'll just have to find out.  I am sure, in time, it will dump enough to be below the top element.  After that?  After that I may just have to close it up, remove the hose, and let the water flow into a drain basin down there, and use the pump from there.

Tired, sore, sleepy, and really wanting a hot shower.  A bath would be a dozen times better, but that is so much work.

So far, no major spills or leaks or splashes.  The house does not tighten well, so that connection is spraying.  But that is well contained in the tub.  It isn't even sprinkling out onto the floor.  And, yes, it is getting the water out to about the middle of the lawn.  It'll freeze, but, it's winter!  It does that.  It has been snowing, thawing, and freezing, for this last week, off and on.  So no worries there.

Even so, I'll just have to see if I can get to the electrical yet tonight, or even the elements.  I think so.  But It'll be a late night.  Not much I can do about it.  Work, work, work, work, work.  At least this time I can get to it.  And I have the resources to work around having few resources.  It'll sort out shortly.  Or... not.  I may have to delay some things, miss some things, or not.  Will know when I know.  But this sort of work is really getting to me.

Oh, and I did try the valve down there.  The shutoff valve?  It has a little side tester valve.  Then again, the water is off outside.  Still, it wasn't pressurized.  I don't know if it will hold back the water though.  I think it failed at that, to some degree.  Will find out when I turn the water on outside again, next time.  Hard to know.

Last I saw, early into the dark, it was 28 out there.  Hopefully it hasn't gotten much colder since.  I did close the lid on the water shutoff valve, the outside one.  Just in case.  Though it may get a bit sticky anyway.

Way early, but I want to check the water level, run the pump.  See if it is continuing to drain or is finished.  Live and learn.  Later.

A visitor and research.

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Marrying, shortly.  Stopped by to check on the water heater problem.  Got some of what I got him for their new place.  Nothing sexy, just basics.  Seems strange, but...  Paper towels, paper plates, facial tissue, 250 quart and gallon ziplocs, and in bulk all.  Most of those things last six to twelve months, as a single ogre.  And more.  Not all of it was in.  Got them a start.  Well, and a few used things, slightly used?  My big older vac, and bags... a Viking knife set?  And, I may have a instapot for them.

Get them started well, get them ahead.  Offered a freezer.  They don't have room for that yet, but when they do, if they move before long, it will be there for them.  It's good to be ahead of the game.  Even if just for a few moments, once in a while.  Like when I was in the 5 1/2 rapids?  Getting air, just once in a while, and deep breaths?  Was golden.  That's... all we get, moments.

Oh, and I do have the pump down, a hose hooked up (though not yet flowing), the outside water turned off.  I didn't use a seven gallon bucket.  I took the 64 quart (16 gallon) holds-all down, and will use that.  Have a cast iron pan to hold the hose down.  But I need another hose for the outlet.  Always something.  As well, the parts and tools are down there, ready weather tonight or tomorrow morning.

Sort of wearing out.  But... hoping.  A last fatted coffee.  And, if kefir seems ready, I'll reset that shortly.  So many things to do.  And really need a shower.  Bleh.  We'll see.  I am doing... well beyond my expectations.  There are times were I have gone without hot water for a week, two?  Couldn't... get to it.  A few days isn't great, but it has been much worse.

Now I need a break.  Something to eat, or at least drink.  Then to a few things yet tonight.  I don't want to take out the electronics until all waterworks has been done and is all sealed.  And, if need be, more drying time.  I'll be much more patient with that.  If things get sprayed tonight, there is no way I will risk resetting it tomorrow.  Ugh...  I'll be careful, but there are limits as to what caution will prevent.

Still?  I'll... keep trying, I hope.  I'd really like to get the water pumped out tonight, drain the thing... empty, to the bottom.  And, maybe, pull the elements.  Put in the new.  But electronics?  As mentioned, I don't want to mess with those unless the operation is dry near those things, and if I can be awake enough to tinker.  Maybe.

Ugh.  Later, or goodnight.

A call a bit more research and?

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Checked up on mom.  I do worry about here sometimes.  A part of a dream last night caused concern.  Only just now remembered it.  Not sure which of us will go first, but I want to tell her she is loved before one of us can't.

A bit more looking about the odd pipe size.  Nothing new found.  I did, also review the parts kit.  Measured the heating elements themselves, and looked at the list of probably compatibility.  My brand is on there, the size, again, is right.

Now to start the game up, check the kefir, turn off the water to the house, get some things downstairs and ready, then play a bit.  Later.

Well, we'll see.

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I bought the whole kit.  No reason not to do so.  It was less expensive, and is probably due.  At worst, I will have spares.  If, most likely, it will all be needed.  As well, I did purchase a pump.  It isn't what I had hoped it would be, but it will do.  I may run a short hose to a 7 gallon bucket, and put the pump down in that.

As to a main shutoff inside?  Even more difficult than anticipated.  While the pipe is galvanized, it is of a very irregular outside diameter... 7/8ths.  They don't carry anything in that size.  Which means, even if I can get the whole pipe off, getting fitting for it might... be difficult.

I don't want to mess with that unless I am ready, with a solid plan in hand, and parts bought, all ready to begin trying.  Or getting a plumber in.  Get a quote.  Let them know, up front, that the pipe is irregular of size.  It might not be an issue for a pro.  Or it might be just as difficult for them as for me.  If I have a plumber in, and get a few quotes, I will also see about getting a series of sediment filters.  With the r.o., I don't need other things filtered out.  But I would like from say thirty then down to half or one micron... through two or three filters.  Why?  For one, the reason I am back to doing dishes in the tub is because the kitchen faucet has clogged on the hot side, again.  No reason to hit that all over again, because it will just clog back up, until/unless the silt, dirt, else, gets filtered.

I wonder if...

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This is one type of valve.  But honestly I don't trust them.  I much prefer ball valves.  However, I really wonder if they have compression ball valves.  One more look before I get on to coffee and gaming, to wake.  I need a break from research.  My mind is... spinning.  I will see about compression ball valves as a last bit before a break.

A bit of research done.

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Will check a bit more, in a bit.  Can only focus for just so long.

It looks like a pressure washer just won't work.  In a term, head pressure... the height a pump can lift water.  On a flat, or nearly flat, surface?  Some pressure washers might work.  With a ten foot lift not so much.

The problem with most pumps, is that they are submersibles.  Which, is fine, if you don't mind flooding your floor.  I would rather not.  Perhaps I have found one which can work that way, and another way.  Have to look it over.  Not certain.  It would be good to have the submersible, for other sorts of problems, but for standard events, want one with more options.

I'll get some coffee in me, finally.  Then make a call.  If that fails, then move on to other forms of research.  Well, and I'd like to figure out... beyond the parts needed and the pump, perhaps how to set up shutoff valves, and maybe a faucet down there.  So I wouldn't have to go out to shut the water off and drain the water upstream of everything, mostly.  Always going to be some water in there.  Always something.

Still, getting there.  Just... I have limits.  Later.

Earlier than anticipated.

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Between this and that, I could not get down until 23:45 on the nose.  So tired, but had to relax into sleep.  Too tight until then.  On the other hand, I slept well, solid, and long enough.  Awake at 6:00, but couldn't keep it.  Awake, finally, very shortly after eight.

Up, bed made, pee jugs rinsed.  No hot water, but it will do for the moment.  Sassy fed, I'll check her litter when I go to make coffee.  A kefir down.  And plans.

I will call the replacement part number, see if there is anyone on that end still.  And research a pump that will work with garden hoses.  Hopefully one with one of several sets of features, so it doesn't burn out.  I'm thinking, perhaps, one that can take a short hose, from the water heater to the pump, the push the water out from there.  I have to drain the tank in order to replace the parts.  At the very least, to replace the heating element.  And the bottom one is shot.  Though, if I am replacing the bottom one, I will just replace both.  Curious what they will look like.

If the device is the age printed on it (and not just first produced then), it is ten years old.  We have rather hard water here.  The tank is fiberglass, so it won't be as much of a problem.  Probably.  But the heating elements might be toast, no matter what else?  Will find out.

As well, I'll need, again, to turn off the water to the whole house, and drain as much as possible before hand.  I'd really like to get a couple of shutoff valves, ball valves, in the house.  Upstream of everything.  I think there are some, but they don't work.  There is at least one.  I'd like to have two.  Ball valves probably won't fail, still, nice to have two.  As well, I'd like a faucet, in order to dump water before it hits the softener or heater.  This would be a good time to do it.  I have sweating torches, so should be able to get them in.  It's a matter of figuring out what is needed, and how to do it.  Are there ball valves which can be sweated in solid?  Or do I need to have at least one side arranged with a bolt in section?  I just am not sure.  Will... do a bit of research.  I don't mind sweating them in.  May have problems, make mistakes, but it will work, in time.  I will arrange the faucet on it's own branch, and usually shut off.  Because faucets fail too frequently.  Or find a ball valve that will work instead of a faucet?  Dunno... have to review some things.  Bleh.

A winter day out there.  Cloudy?  Foggy?  Or just... or was when I woke.  I checked, again.  It is 24, still a bit hazy if clearing slightly, but fully overcast and rather dark.  Still, not a bad day for winter.

Bed made, cat fed, a kefir down, coffee water heating.  Just to get more properly dressed, figure out what I need from town, and maybe where to get it... make a list and check it twice.  Then getting to it all.  First a bit of research.  To see if there is a pump, or something that might work as a pump.  I wonder if a pressure water system would work as a pump?  If so, it might get two birds with one stone?  And might not cost all that much more than some sump pumps.  Just thinking out loud.

Well... on to research.  Maybe a bit of gaming after, to wake better.  Some coffee would be good, as well.  Getting to things, and not doing too awfully terrible.  Sure, some would have kept at it, until it was done.  I have... limits.  Still, some things just couldn't be known until after some things were done.  And the store might have been closed by the time I realized some things.  Unless you have a truck full of spares, and have seen these things before?  It's... a process.  I think I am doing fairly well, given the givens.

Coffee!  Later.

Sweating it won't work.

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Now I remember why I didn't already replace the valve.  It is on galvanized piping.  All copper outdoors, but when it enters the house, it is galvanized.  Why?  Anyway.

After a bit of digging, more than what was already done, the notion is to go pex.  The minimum is a pex expander, and possibly parts or a parts kit if they have it.  Well, and valves.  The thing is, once that is in, any other work with it is very easy.  The expense may keep that from happening today, though.  Will... find out.

Essentially, just looking at a pump, and parts for the water heater.  I will look at pex, but probably not buy.  I want the expand, not crimp, sort.  I've just heard better things about the expander pex, in both the long run and regarding installation.  Ugh.  Oh, best make a call, see if they still have a line, and if they can tell me what parts are needed.  Otherwise, perhaps, two trips to town?  Bleh.  Later.

A rather keto meal?

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Cheese, salami, kefir, and a fatted coffee?  I think so.  And, yet, I feel a bit off.  Not sure if it was what I ate, or what I have been eating catching up to me.  Yes, fast food will sideswipe me.  Maybe not on the day, but soon after.  If I can get to town, I may well eat out again.  But, not the whole shebang.  Just a burger, or two, without the bun... so either Wendy's or In-N-Out.  There is a new burger joint in town, I have heard is good.  Not sure if they offer low carb forms, like lettuce wrapped burgers.

I'll see if I have carbonated water.  What is too bad is that they don't offer that, on the tap.  Then again, it would probably be through the tap, unfiltered.  I just don't prefer that either.  Drinking chlorinated water, directly, just isn't the best.  Bad for the gut.  Add in fluoride and you've doubled down.  Who knows what else is in there, from local, or things they just don't tell people about.  Lawful and not.  There are very good reasons not to trust the government.  If it is all you've got, then... that is the way of it.  Beats straight river water, I guess.

Still, having a bit of a rough morning.  Not sure why I'm not feeling so great.  But, I'll see if I can get to it anyway, in just a bit.  I gamed for a bit.  A bit longer than I had hoped, due to not feeling the best.  Then again, I wasn't feeling great this morning.  In some ways it got worse.  The stomach upset.  But, in other ways, the aches and pains, it got better.  Bleh.

I will check the pipe outer diameter.  It should be 3/4", but you can never be absolutely certain.  I am dressed, just getting ready of mind as much as anything.  Hoping what is listed as being instore is actually in.  Will do what I can.  There wasn't much, of the bottled water I wanted.  Though there might be just a few more out back?

It's about time to get going... within an hour or two.  Later.

I did the check.

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Looks like the lower systems, both the power input and the rod are shot.  No problem.  I just have to sort out what I need for replacement.  The manual got soaked, not sure I can sort through it.  So may need to simply find the model and serial number, and go from there.

Done.

While at it, I looked at the fuse box.  Still looks good.  That could have blown too.  Though, if it had, it would show.  So, for now, it's just a matter of finding the components.  I have heard that the panels aren't that expensive to replace.  The only problem might be finding them.  It's from 2013?  Hard to know if parts are available.

A bit of a look and I'll know, I guess.  

Well?  I can't find an exact fit.  But there is a general repair kit.  I'm not sure about the length of the internal component.  Hmm.  Looks like I will have to turn off the water, again, tomorrow.  Then pull the heating element.  I may just do that before going into town to check?  The problem with that is, I may need another tool.  To remove the element.  Though, perhaps, I may have that tool.  I will look around tomorrow.  It would only be in one of a few places.  Bleh.

Still, I am getting there.  I couldn't get to it, until later.  Wearing myself out, doing this and that.  And a shower would be really good, but it sort of just isn't possible.  Oh... I'll go see if the manual can be delicately reviewed.  See if any data can be found in that.  

Okay.  The data is there, what is there.  There isn't enough, however, to be sure.  I am not sure I can drain the thing.  As is.  It is in the basement.  A hose won't do it, without a pump to pull, push, or whatnot.  Ugh.  There is a number, by which to order parts.  All that is required is the serial number and model number, which I plucked off the main panel while down there.

Yes, well... bit by bit I am closing in on whether this can be repaired or not.  The repair kit looks right, save possibly for the length of the heating elements.  A call may or may not provide that detail.  Even if the elements aren't the right length, I could buy those on the side, along with the rest of the kit, or purchase it all in component forms?  Maybe.  I think I did see individual parts and pieces while there.  But all of them?  I'll find out tomorrow.

Was getting confused.  Thought today was Wednesday, maybe Tuesday.  Monday?  Well... I'll... keep at it.  Goodnight.

Well... got it, then... lost it?

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I finally got it connected.  Taped everything.  Tightened it well.  As well as I could before testing.  Trying not to break anything.  Yes, Doom can break even solid metal, or do other... bad things.  

At first I thought I had wasted my money buying the open/closed box wrenches.  But, no, there were times where they really came in handy, made a few of the twists much easier.  So there is that.

After everything was as tight as I felt was safe, I wrapped the inlet of the extension, the new elbow in that area, and the connection to the water heater, since if those blew water, they would hit the fuse box, then went and turned the water on.  It was very difficult to turn the water back on.  I wondered if it had frozen.  I was just about to give up when it started giving and going.  A bit of a trial, but it turned on.

As I was coming in, to the back porch, I heard a lot of noise.  I... was almost sure the water couldn't be spouting out that much?  Of course, my ears were on alert the moment I stepped in.  No, as it turns out, my tightening was very good.  Not even a drop drip.

The sounds?  All of the faucets in the house were still on.  Not a bad thing.  Thankfully I got in before the bathroom sink overran, but the rest was good.  It must have rocketed through as soon as it could, and was running the whole time.  Plus, with five faucets open, full blast, the drains were a bit slow.  Still, no mess, no fuss.  Oh, and downstairs, the fan was still on.  What a relief.

With everything seeming quite dry, the fan having run all day and through the night, I thought it would be good.  I turned the fuse panel to on, and was about to reach in to reset the top heating element, then would have gone to the bottom one.  Before I could reach into the top one, the bottom one snapped, crackled, popped, and smoked!  I took a goodly step back, then turned off the fuse panel.

I don't know if... that is that.  If that was just a temporary thing.  Will find out later, tomorrow.  I have it remaining open, of course.  And the fan continuing.  I should look for my multimeter as well.  Hopefully, if something popped, it was just one of the elements or the sub-board down there.  No, I haven't looked, still a bit unnerved, jumpy.  But, I did look something up.

Getting there.

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I did get the water shut off, disconnected, and ready.  Dumped as much water as possible before disconnecting the water heater.  And, learned something about the shutoff valve, to the whole house.  I thought it was a ball valve.  There is a stem, on top.  I thought, when it was crosswise to the pipe, that meant it was fully closed.

Nope.  I had to take it another third past the crosswise seeming indication.  Very strange.  Still, I did, finally, get the water all shut down, off, whatever.  Emptied, detached, and ready.

I bought an extra flexible pipe.  Just... because.  I found the elbows.  I bought tape, since I had forgotten to look for it, and just to make sure I had it.  As well, I bought standard wrenches large enough to manage this process, a set of them for this and other work.  Good to have, if rarely used?  That gives me three tools which can be used on these sizes of nuts, bolts, and whathaveyous.

The pipe wrench will, if anything can, open just about anything.  The crescent wrench is pretty good, but doesn't quite have that much pull and push capacity.  And the standard wrenches will be good for just burning it down, once opened.  Though it might work at simply opening.  I like having options.  

I shouldn't have gotten a fast food meal.  I've been eating pretty poorly lately.  But, While working, I can't cook.  I get choices.  And, yet, I need food.  So... so there.

I have to take a bit of a break.  This much work is getting to me.  Still, will try to get it together shortly.  Check to see if it needs more drying time, after the water spillage from detaching the flex hoses.  I was careful.  But care only helps just so much.  I am hoping to have it all attached in a few hours.  Hmm... painpills might help.  Pinched neck, sore biceps and triceps, nearing knots in my leg muscles, a bit of a tension headache.  Nothing too much, just enough singularly though certainly in unison, to beg a bit of tending.

Quite happy with how things are going.  I suspect I might be able to have things ready for a shower either this evening, or by noon tomorrow.  I love doing this kind of work.  Don't like doing it on a rushed schedule, but that... gets it done more swiftly.  It is a difficult world.  Men do better when things are difficult.  Actually, I suspect women do better in a difficult world too.  

On to resting just a bit.  Good day.

Back up.

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It was a bit of a struggle to get back up.  I finally rousted around ten.  Having a bite to eat.  Planning on a trip to town.  If an elbow won't do it, what else might, on it's own or with the elbow?  Perhaps a few short lengths of straight pipe?  Maybe.  Can always return them, if the cost justifies it.  I will be seeing about pipe tape.  Would prefer pipe dope, but as mentioned, I never end up using enough of it.

As well, I will fill a few jugs extra of water, refill Sassy's water container, then shut off the main water, and disconnect the hoses after draining as much water as possible otherwise... keeping a towel handy.  The crescent wrench, massive as it is, is much easier to use than the even more massive pipe wrench.  Still, it'll be a chore.

I do need to wake a bit, first.  But then will get to it.  thankfully, currently, I do have a store card, so am not digging into my scarce resources this month.  Will just pay it off next month.  Not as expensive, so far, as I thought they would be.  Last time I purchased the flexible hose connects, they were twenty to thirty dollars.  Down to ~$14 or a little less now?  Strange.  

No, I bought them back when I put the new water heater in... four to six years ago, so not during the covid price gouging... some of which is still happening.  Price gouging of some other era, I guess.  I suppose, if you pee on the back of peasants, for some odd reason they tend to not come back.  There are things I would like to do, but with lumber prices so high, I can't.  Won't even do little projects.  Is low volume bringing prices down?  I avoid the place, and most other places, these days, for a dozen reasons.  Am beginning to avoid spending as much as possible, altogether.  Cash might be becoming worthless, but overpriced commodities are worse.

Later.

Back to bed for a bit?

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Yes, I think so.  Cooled off enough to sleep?  Something.  Still warm, but cool enough.

Sassy has been begging for food, but... no.  Too early.  I won't even open the back door, so she can get dry food.  It's just not time.  I did have kefir, but only because I was going to refill the big jars and there wasn't space.  But... I... just can't get to it.  And, I'll probably have to consume another glass, but am full.  Had two glasses, that's all I can do for now.

Bleh.  On back to bed.  Good morning, or night, or day.  Later.

Up at 2:00?

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Yea.  And it sucks, actually.  Too warm?  Oddly, yes, as well.  I went to bed at or just before 19:30.  I think I was pretty much asleep before I hit the sack.  possibly before I even went up the steps?  Who knows.  Though I think so.

A bit sore from yesterday's doings.  All good though.  Swinging those various wrenches around will do that, at odd angles, and above even my shoulders.  Though some of it is mechanical exhaustion, like from having to keep the water shut-off tool on the valve.  I think they got one that is too big, and has to be oddly situated to work.  While it doesn't take a lot of energy, it takes concentrated energy.  The combination is really what got to me.

After I get any water usage out of the way, for the morning, I'll turn off the water to the house until the elbows are put in.  I may get on to town, after the shops are open, to see about elbows... if I haven't hear anything.  As well, I will drain the water, then undo the flex pipes, on the sides which will be attached to the elbows.  As well, tighten up those where they connect to the water heater.  Be all ready.  As well, I will look around for pipe tape.  I would like pipe dope, but don't use that often enough to entertain buying it.  It always ends up mostly unused and dried up.

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Cold.

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Between the work, the shower, getting out, tinkering even outside to get the water off then back on, I am finally feeling cold.  It's more from exhaustion than anything.  I am surprised I was able to be so warm while drenched, to be honest.  Even had to go out and turn the water off, after getting soaked.  And being out at other times while still wet.

I suppose adrenalin, from the event, helped me stay warm?  Well, and using that massive pipe wrench.  I think the thing weighs seven to ten pounds.  Plus, trying to manage to get it into areas where it really didn't fit, and above shoulder height, while wet.  I did well.  I am satisfied.  Will be much happier if the the water heater works.

I'm about to go down and check it.  But I doubt if it will be dry yet.  And... I think I am going on to bed.  It's only 18:00, but I... I need to rest, sleep.

No, not dry.  And, there are minor leaks from two of the fittings.  Talking a drop an hour or such.  When I add elbows, I'll tighten those.  At the angle they currently sit, tightening them is difficult.  Might... cause a crack, or just break the nipple on the water heater.  Don't want to go there.

Turned the electric blanket on.  But I need to get a few pee jugs emptied and reset.  Yea, always something.  Far better to do that than to have to tumble down the stairs, three or four times a night, through the cold and dark.  No thank you.  No bathroom upstairs.  One of the only downsides to being up there.  I am almost sure there is a way to get a loo up there.  A sink would be nice too, but that would be a lot more work, if hot water was wanted as part of it.

I will game a bit, just to let the blanket heat the bed a touch first.  I really am pleased with my efforts.  Not perfect, not done, but... a good enough start so that I can sleep with a clear conscience, and with plans and outlines about how to finish the job.  All good.  So tired.  Which is how it should be.  Goodnight.

Looks like I did get the water shut off.

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Well, I mean, I got the connectors connected tight enough to stop water flow.  The pan, where the electrical connections went down to?  Was full of water.  That is where I saw smoke, or steam.  Good thing I didn't tinker with that until I got the power off, which to do safely I had to turn the water off.

We opened things up, dried things off, got a fan down there, and... yea.  Waiting for it to dry.  Will check later tonight, or tomorrow.  Wanted to go to bed early.  At around 18:00.  But... no.  Then again, I'll only stay up to 20:00, then go on to bed.  With the bed already made, should be easy enough.

Not bad, for a cripple.  But, yes, I am exhausted.  My shoulders hurt from using those big tools, and possibly from doing so while taking a cold shower.  Still?  Pleased.  I... actually can... do some things.

He thinks he might have an idea, a fix.  So I don't have to buy two more flex hoses and connectors.  He thinks a 90 curve would work.  And, yes, I think it would.  As is they go straight down.  Worse is they go a bit far.  It puts a kink in the hoses, though not enough to stop the water.  If, over time, it would break through.  Yea.  If he has them, he'll be by tomorrow.  If not, I'll make another trip to town.  I would have tonight, but I just can't.

All good.  I put a fan going down there.  Surprising how little water is down there, for as much as was gushing out.  It must have just started spraying out as I was going down stairs to check on it.  I had just tried the water, and found it to be cold, but had let it run for a bit.  That must have just been too much pressure, at the cold water, so it snapped.  Otherwise there would be at least a puddle down there.  Weird, but a thing to be thankful regarding.

Hmm?  A sandwich?  I think that might be dandy.  And some kefir.  I'll also check the kefir, see if that can be turned over yet.  I am hoping it will be ready sometime yet today.  No telling though.  Later.

Well?

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I got the pipes connected, and tightened.  Turned the water back on.  And?  Reminded me to the training, in the Navy.  Were we had to shut valves, or patch pipes, while being flooded from a dozen places.  The trick was to work fast, hit the bigger pipes first, and just... enjoy the suck.

All the pipes and connectors were the same size, but some were spraying worse than others.  That water is cold, people!  Still, on I went.  I got three of them tightened down, but the third one was in a corner, between bends, and folds, of pipe, just too difficult for the big pipe wrench I was using.  I thought I had a massive crescent wrench somewhere.  It has a more sleek jaw, so should fit in there.  And, once I found it, it did get the job done.

Absolutely exhausted for it, but I think it is done.  Another neighbor visited.  An event coming up in a few days.  I wasn't sure I'd be able to get to it, for the lack of hot water, so no shower.  He had things to do, but will stop back in a bit.  I wanted to try to get it done, before he returns, and have done what I might.

I'll have him look over the connections, see if I got them tight enough.  Perhaps tighten a few if needs be.  Then I'll just let it dry for a while.  I will open the panel... with it off.  And I will open the front panels on the heater itself, pull the insulation, let them air dry for a day, or two.  Then try... perhaps tomorrow night.  I'll have to go without hot water between now and then.

The dishes are clean.  Just need rinsed.  I could heat water in a kettle, or just in the tea pot.  Nothing fancy, and not much at a time, but... it might work to get me through.  And, maybe, I could do a sitz bath if all else failed, assuming I can do that.  It's sort of a heavy effort.  And I've spent my effort for the week.  Month?  Bleh.

If it weren't so annoying, I would count that as fun.  If it works out, I... will count it among my fond memories.  Actually, for sure, it's more a matter of how much time needs to pass.

At least the house water is back on.  And I think I have the nuts tightened enough that there isn't a drip.  I may need to get two more, and splitter, or connector piece... of the flex hoses.  These are just too short.  They didn't have anything more than twenty four inches.  Though even thirty six inches might have been tight.  So, two, plus a connecting piece, might do.  Three if not, though two most likely.  But, for now, I just want this set up.

If nothing else, I... did get water back on, and any drips to a very tiny minimum.  Though, when I go in for more, I will see about a standard wrench, which fits these connectors, possibly buy two.  That makes like a LOT easier.  Adjustables are good, for some things.  But fixed sizes have their place too.  Ugh.

Now to dry out.  The good side?  Even soaking wet, I am warm enough from the effort that it isn't a problem.  I've become a clothes dryer!  Later.

More troubles.

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The water wasn't hot, when I went to rinse the dishes.  Nothing but cold.  Very cold.  So, I headed downstairs.  I thought I heard something I really didn't want to hear.  Was hoping it was... just... something running... like the water softener cycling one thing or another.  But, no.  It was running water, a leak.

Now, thankfully, it hadn't been leaking for long.  My first impulse was to turn the water off outdoors.  But... no.  I had to find the leak first.  It was odd.  Could see it coming from the pipes, but was hitting the ceiling, needed more light.

I went up, dressed well enough to go out if required, or even to town really.  Then I grabbed a light source.  Then headed back down.  It took a bit.  No reason to panic, if I wanted to find the leak so I could then turn the water off asap.  It was leaking from the flex hose which was replaced recently.  Strange, but okay.

I got out, turned the water off, and got in to town in order to get a replacement hose.  I bought two, while at it.  A slightly different sort than the replacement, or what I had originally installed.  All about the same price.  I am simply looking for one which might last longer?  Bleh.

Back home, I took one off.  Had to use a huge pipewrench on the nut.  It was on too tightly to get off with just a regular wrench or even a massive lockjaw.  I did get one flex pipe clean off, then one side and part of the other side for the next one.  It... was wearing me out.  Had to take a break.  And, yes, I did turn the fuse panel to the off position.

I have to take a bit of a break.  Just getting to town was... exhausting.  Add in wrestling with the water shutoff, getting upstairs and dressed in a hurry, getting to town on a dark tired day, and then wrestling with those connections, I... have to take a bit of a time-out.

Still, I will get it going, before long.  Might be an hour away, but I will get back to it.  I did text the neighbor.  What would "H" do.  Mostly just let him know what was going on, and what I was doing.  He has two or three or four jobs, a wedding coming up, don't expect much.  And, for at least the first six months to year of marriage, until she is... well... too busy with else to manage things, he will be lost in a wonderland.  Still, if he can advise, I'll listen.  No comment back, but... that... isn't a surprise.  Don't think I don't know.  I just don't have another resource.

I'll get to it.  After the pipes are set up, I will leave it as is, to dry out, for a few days.  Then attempt a reset.  The thing may simply have shorted, due to water hitting the electronics.  So... yea.  Hook it up, open it up, dry it with what is available (of course before turning the panel back on).  Then letting it air dry for a while... might even take a fan down there to add air movement.  Then, say, Tuesday night, or Wednesday sometime, get in and turn it on... assuming no leaks.

As well, I will run the water through the lines.  But maybe not until the day before starting the electronics, just to make sure it isn't dripping.  Have to check on it, after that, even so.  Hmm... I may turn the water on right away, then just check for leaks?  As soon as the flex pipes are replaced?  Yea.  I think so.  I will want water, for this and that, between now and then.

Well?  At least I... got to it.  Successfully?  Time will tell.  Later.

Difficult to wake.

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Granted, I couldn't get to bed until 21:30ish.  Still, a twelve hour sleep, pretty much to the minute.  I couldn't wake, either.  I did roll, check the clock, starting at around 7:30.  Every hour to half hour after, I'd... sort of try to work my way out.  No chance.  Even waking at 9:30 was chore.

I will try to be to bed earlier tonight.  Maybe even 18:00.  I made the bed this morning.  Then again, the only reason it wasn't done yesterday is that someone was waiting on me.  Still can't believe I am sleeping so late!  We are hitting deeper winter.  I suppose that is it.  Maybe the snow has something to do with it?  Don't quite know, for certain.

Still, up, and... a bit done.  Sassy was fed, her litter cleared.  Then I had a few kefirs while filtering the fermented kefir, resetting that.  I do enjoy kefir.  Usually I have it plain, sometimes I will add sweetener.  I honestly, mostly, like it plain.  I guess I just need a little variety.

A bite to eat, a cold-cut sandwich.  Nearly a dagwood?  No, not nearly enough fillings.  Salami, ham, swiss, and fresh onion, with mayo.  Not fancy, but I sure like it from time to time.  Can't have it too often, but will have it from time to time.  Thought about heating the other half of the squash, but will save that.  Hoping to get a pork roast cooked in a bit.  Will heat the squash up for that as a side.

Well, on with my day.  Good morning, day, and later.

I didn't nap.

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I was just certain it would burn all the work I have done to develop a day schedule.  It has been... a month, or two maybe, of work to get to being awake before dawn (until this morning for reasons I still don't understand).  And, then being awake until 18:00 to 20:00 or so.  That was a rough long hard tug.  But I got there.  Just didn't want to relinquish it.

There is no reason for it.  I am just... waiting to die.  Then again, I have been waiting for 35 years, since falling in.  And, really, even since I was a child... around seven I realized death was the last thing I would do, here.  I began waiting for it, to some degree, then.  No push for it, just and understanding that it was coming.  I didn't like that answer, but began settling with it.

Still, it's... being on and off my deathbed for the last thirty five years, and mostly on it, I don't have a great deal of worry.  I suspect I can make it another thirty five years.  Might even take on a wife, if I could find the right woman.  Children would be... interesting.  Troubling, difficult, and else.  But... watching a small one grow into an adult, then get off my porch?  I'd do it, if possible.  Maybe a small gang of tuffs.

Anyway, up.  Still.  Will probably see about making something to eat.  Perhaps a bit more kefir.  See if kefir is ready to flip.  Take care of Sassy.  Oh... I didn't make my bed.  Was in a hurry to dress and get to the door.  Bleh.  I'll go up, make the bed, and set the electric blanket to warming the bedroll.  Nice.  Then take care of Sassy, then myself.

Feeling a bit better.  But am growing weary.  It's cool, was 18 much earlier.  It was 12 just recently.  Cool?  No, that's... cold.

I am not going to eat much more.  Last time I was at the store, I picked up another butternut squash, and two acorn squashes.  I... can't remember what acorn squashes taste like?  I'll find out tonight.  I split and seeded on, then put it in to the oven.  Once you get used to cutting them, and don't lose a limb or digit, they aren't too difficult to prepare.  And cooking is literally just turning on the oven, turning it on, setting a timer, and checking it until it is done, if it isn't finished when the timer rings.  

The only downside is waiting.  There is, however, a good side to the down side?  Yes!  Smelling it bake.  At least the other two dispersed and aroma that was wonderful.  I didn't add butter, or brown sugar, just put them in.  Let them bake.  Like... cookies!  The smell is wonderful.  Maybe a hint of pumpkin pie?  Oh, it was wonderful.  Especially, now that the oven is clean, I am keeping up on the foil replacement in there.  Or even it begins to put off a skunky odor.  So, I am getting the smells, as if from a fresh, even new, oven.

Ah, that's nice.

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I did get in and check my mortgage.  It looks like it was paid on the first, the one time.  So... I checked on the automatic payment.  Can't do more this month, obviously, with two payments going in.  But I arranged for the automatic payment to be sent the 8th, just at minimum payment.  So... will check the 8th.  If it doesn't show, I'll check Monday.

While tinkering with these things, I noticed there is a cola adjustment coming up.  This year it is... larger than usual.  No thanks to Biden.  Because of him, and the increase in inflation.  But it was automatic.  If he could have stopped it, he would have.  Surprised he didn't try.  Anyway... That?  Will go directly to the bill.  And a little extra, on top of the extra I had been putting out.  So, I will, in the end, be nearly doubling my payment.  That will severely cut the length of the loan, and the amount of interest paid.  Still, I keep... thinking... a few more hundred, if I could do it, would pay it off a few years even shorter, and cut interest from $60k to $12~$14k.  If, too, that would mean living dry and light.

Though, thinking about after?  That would be $1200 freed up, a month, for savings.  To be spent on the house.  Save it for a few years, then do a few big projects?  That assumes the furnace holds, nothing else major becomes an expense, and else.  Could I save anything else, after that?  I don't know.  That would be so very tight.  I'm talking living on nickels, dimes on solid months, pennies on more difficult months.  But... maybe... it... might be possible.

Still, they didn't catch me off-guard, or even screw up my current program.  Thinking on it.  I would have to give up a lot of things.  Just how worth it would that bet?  Well, twenty two years shorter (minus 2 and an half already out of the program), and say thirty six k fewer dollars out the door, and in that less time?  Sure might be worth it.  Dunno if I can do it though.  Will... be contemplating.  Will be doubling the mortgage, next month, though.  But two and an half?  Dunno, dunno.  We'll see.  Later.

A bit on the rough side.

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Arteries, in the neck, ache.  A slight headache.  An upset stomach.  Kefir usually helps with that latter, but not so much today.  No worries.  I'll just ease through until life improves.  Won't be able to push or shove through, but will make it through.

Gaming, at the moment.  Hope to get to dishes.  Had a bite to eat, beside kefir.  That didn't help either.  Sometimes it will, with or without kefir.  It didn't make it worse, so it's not really a g.i. thing, it's... some... chemical thing.  At least I have some food in me.  That does help work anything else through.

It is about 18 out there.  So, yeah, chilly.  I thought about getting a nap in, but I don't think that would be good.  I still can't believe I slept so late!  That just doesn't make any sense whatsoever.  

Mostly just gaming.  But my ability to focus sucks, and keeping on keeping on is difficult.  And, yet, there is nothing else, currently, I could do successfully.  Well, maybe sleep, but I don't want to do that.  Then again, not so sure that is a choice.  I may go on up, turn the electric blanket on, and see if I can keep it to a few hours.

I think, come to think about it, I know what the 'Picasso' thing was about, in the dream.  A video, long ago, about Dr. Who and Picasso, I think?  Maybe, something like that, perhaps?  Of course, she would know of no such thing, so it was just in my mind.  Even if my brother knows of my blog, he wouldn't share it with his girls, or even visit himself.  Or very rarely.  He would fear my blog, terribly.  So, just... a dream.

I will see what people are talking about, online.  Then set the blanket to warming, game a bit longer, than hopefully nap.  Good afternoon and day.

Up so very late.

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I even went to bed early, around 20:00?  I think so.  I heard the doorbell.  Was going to ignore it, since it didn't make... sense?  It must have drawn me out of a very deep slumber.  Nothing made sense.  Had to figure out... I knew there was something, that if I fumbled with it, would... give me information.  The alarm clock.  Tells time, and date, and... other things.  Saturday?  Ah.

Dairy had arrived.  So, I... figured out how to get... up, but had to dress and then get down.  So I sent a text, that I was on my way, and dressed as quickly as possible.  Got a response, but I was too busy going to stop and read it.  The door was locked because usually I am up by... 3:00?  Lately, five, or six some odd mornings if I go to bed late.

Not sure why I slept so late.  I do know I was dearly tired last night, sleepy.  I wanted to game just a bit before bed, but couldn't keep my eyes open.  Perhaps what I had done yesterday had totally wore me out?  Shouldn't have, but, then, that is the most I have done in... a fairly long time.  I really am at the bottom of the barrel as to activities.  Have been for a while.

Very good.

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Trying to stay on top of things.  Not doing terribly.  This, that, the other thing.

Groceries managed, for a while.  Water heater back to heating water.  Order placed, for milk.  Did I ask for eggs?  If not, I'll order them next week.  Beard trimmed, a bit too much.  I think I prefer it a bit longer than too neat.  A fuller beard, even to ragged, is far superior to a gay beard.  Well, too neat is dandy material.  Queer or not, it looks funny.  Back to shaggy.  Difficult not to obsess about it though.  Still, other than on the neck, the rest will be allowed to roam where it may, for a while.

I did call my mother.  I called my brother, left a message.  No return so far.

The bed was torn down this morning, and allowed to air.  Then put back together just a bit ago.  Made, and the electric blanket set to go.  A fresh bed, recently rolled, reset, and warm.  Should be a good sleep.

Kefir was reset today and tonight.  Probably tomorrow too.  I will always order three gallons of milk, going forward.  I did, finally, break down and buy more milk this week.  Had to.  The kefir was hitting too dry of a spell, and I didn't have enough milk.  Two just won't do.  Oh well, I tried.

On to bed.  I should sleep very well.  Good evening, day, and night.

To the store, and back.

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It was bad out there.  The roads.  Nasty.  A thick underlay of ice.  I didn't push it.  And, if someone ahead wanted to go slow, I let them.  Except one case.  But she was going 15 on a regular 55 that other cars were taking at 40 to 45.  No.  I went around her, and a bit hot about it.  No... aggressive driving, just a hard look.  If you can't drive faster than 15, don't get on the damned road!  There are limits.

To the store.  There are some things my original store does well.  So, they won't be completely booted.  But, some things, no.  I am now attached to two stores, one closer, with meats I don't trust (their pork is fine, but chicken and some cuts are too much or not good, to my way of thinking).  The other one?  Well, there are advantages to each.  I will use both.

And, I did, today.  I should have enough meat for a while.  Still, if toward the end of the month, or next month, I may stock up if I have it.  Meat is only going up.  And quickly.  Fifty cents extra a pound, on any given month or every other month, never going down.  I can't keep up with it.

The chicken, in both stores seems to be on sale.  Loads of it.  No one is touching it.  For the reasons I have expressed.  It is old, very old.  They might repackage it, change the dates, whatever, but by taste I can tell.  I am not the only one.  They had halved the price, in one store, and had out reams of chicken platters.  Not one was gone.  I saw others approach it, with big eyes, only to then, like me, get a funny, disgusted, look on their faces, remembering their last chicken meal, and turn away.  At least I wasn't the only one.  I tossed the last, unopened, package of chicken.  I simply can't even choke it down.  The spices, and brining, helped.  Not enough.  I wouldn't feed that to animals.  Not ones I like.

I had thought about eating out, but no.  I did get the suv washed.  A new place.  He asked if I wanted to sign up, they have a really good deal.  I guess discretionary is seeing membership dumps.  Possibly service, and attitude, and else too?  I told him about the problems I had with the previous shop.  I told him I would try their shop, several times.  If I have no problems, then I might sign up.  Customer is first.  And, if that fails, fuck around and find out.  I don't need any given car wash, or deal.  I used to just wash it every three to six months.  Joined and did it more often, but still only biweekly (as in every other, that word means both twice a week and every other week, queer, innit?).  :p

I can go back to once ever two to four months.  I don't expect much.  Just don't smirk at me, and don't fuck up my vehicle.  Treat me square, straight, white, clean, and neat, and we will do business.  Otherwise, eat dirt and die.  It isn't just business, but that is the main part.

It did warm.  The ice is coming off.  But it's a spooky drive out there even now.  Though, I think, by tomorrow, the roads should be clear.  Even if we got more snow, it would just be snow.  There must have been nearly an inch of ice under the snow, on some of those roads.

Well... it's time.  For something?  Not quite.  Later.

Up a bit late.

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For tinkering, then cleaning up, then setting dishes to a last go, I couldn't just go to bed.  When I push, and shove, to get at things, I have to come down before I can sleep.  It was nearly midnight.  Between a quarter and half to, leastways.  But I slept so very well.  I thought... I heard it raining?  Couldn't have been.  Just the wind ruslting leaves?  I was just about to seriously contemplate it when I stopped contemplating anything.  Uhm... warm bed.

Dreams of women, and storms, and mercy.  Rage too.  The temple, down she came.  Sampson?  My brother of another mother.  And father?  Kin though.

I heard Sassy down, doing... something.  I called to her.  See if she would visit.  Then I realized what the sound was.  Sassy doesn't do that.  Shoveling?  It must have snowed.  I looked out, just couldn't see well enough.  But I could see someone doing something like shoveling.

Up!  So slow, they had hit the front of the drive.  The back stoop at least.  But then I heard the machine.  To plow the rest.  I was finally dressed.  So peaked out, and gave a hearty hello, thanks, and just a bit of banter as is our wont.  I kept it short.  He has more to do.  Five inches, or that is what is down.  Given that it was 43 yesterday (at least) evening/night, and raining, if we have five inches down we got a lot more snow than that.  Just before it would stick, it would have to refreeze the ground, partly ice the rain up, then begin layering.  Though, if it is really fluffy, it's not all that.

Anyway, up earlier than I had thought I might be, given bedtime.  About 06:30?  Give or take a quarter.  I just can't be sure.  Just that it is 7:10 as I started this, eighteen after as I finish, if I started water heating, and did a few other things while digitally penning this.

Checked the hot water, in the middle of writing, too.  It is working.  Very fresh, very hot.  Hotter than when I took my shower yesterday.  Maybe something peculiar went through the wire, and tripped something?  A near brown or black out rolled through?  An odd current?  Don't know.  But it is working, currently, for now.  Will definitely be... keeping an eye and ear open for any problems.  Actually, it is warmer than it has been in a while.  It was as if it was sliding down in water warmth.  Will see if it easily lasts a whole shower today.  I was down to just hot water at the end, yesterday.

Best have some coffee, then brush the teeth.  Have things to do.  Thankfully, if I need to get out, that is possible.  Crazy lot of snow, and in a strange hurry.  Will take it, of course.  Oh, best check the front.  Open the sidewalk if they didn't.  No packages to arrive, today, but don't want that to freeze up, or down.  No complaint.  Just... a) if undone, gives me something to do, b) tending a bit on my own is good, and c) might have a snowball fight with myself.  Takes a wicked curveball, or a math and physics background... what goes up, must come down, put simply.  :p

Later.

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Nope.  They got the front sidewalk too.  All good.  Just thought I might have been able to scoop them.  :p  Ah well, and all very good.  Won't complain, to be certain.  

Yes!

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A shower.  It did start cooling, but lasted through a rather long shower on a cold night.  Is it losing, no pun intended, some steam?  I'm not sure.  I will be resetting dishes shortly.  I just wanted to rest a bit, after an extended time in there.  Clean!  I love being clean.

It was very hot, to start.  But cooled a bit, as mentioned.  Then again, the tank had gone cold.  It had only been given fifteen minutes, to an half hour, to warm.  And warming a full, cold, tank... We will see, in the next few days.  If it stays lit, if it holds temp better, all good.  I have a spare one down there.  From the last time I thought it was failing.  Just need to switch it over.

Still?  Even if for a day, I... am pleased I was actually able to sort this out.  Just this once, maybe.  And, maybe not permanent.  But I got a shower, and will set up dishes.

I had been thinking of gaming, a bit, in order to let my hair dry.  I just don't think so.  Not going to happen.  Too tired.  Just getting the dishes reset is going to be it.  Just had to brag about actually getting a shower in, for all my good works.  Good night and goodnight.

Wow, something in my doings worked.

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For now.  I can't say I fixed it.  I don't know what caused the need for a reset.  Or for the fuse box to be cycled.  Or... whatever else I may have done.  All I know is I have hot water back in the house.  So, in just a short bit, a shower.  I won't do dishes, it has gotten too late.  But, after the shower, I will reset them.  I drained them, just now.  Will put them back to a soapy soak over the night, hit them in the morning.

I had been texting the neighbor.  Hadn't heard anything back.  I did send him a text, anyway, letting him know the problem, for now, has been sorted.  A shower will be quite nice.  Meant to have one yesterday.  Though I think the water seemed cold then, too.  That isn't why I didn't get to it?  But that would have stopped the process.  That water was, while not truly cold, it wasn't warm, just room temp?  Or a bit less?  Maybe a bit more?  Not to be showered in, in winter.

I'm just glad I got it!  Goodnight.

Not getting to much.

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Just... haven't.  Well, in part because I have been working with the water heater.

I looked up the panel, with the fuses.  Mainly to see how to remove them, if only really to check them.  But, in reviewing the information, I realized it wasn't the fuses.  There is a subpanel just for that.  Now, I haven't checked the main box, yet.  However, I did read the manual, and found a bit that might help.

The information wouldn't explain why it stopped working.  But it might have proven to be a solution to fixing it.  Or... this time.  A reset button.  Especially since I changed the water temp.  I had both top and bottom at 150, F.  I was sure I had changed that, when installed.  So, has someone messed with the temps since?  Don't know, but it's odd.

I add cold water with it, when shower.  But, yes, I can handle rather... warm water.  Not boiling water, anymore.  But I can handle rather hot water.  At 150, full blast, it won't scald me.  Though I prefer some cold water in with it.  They recommend 120, or less.  I'm not even sure that would make for even a warm shower, to my thinking.

Anyway.  I found the reset button and clicked it, to a nice satisfying, tactical and audible click.  Then I pushed the lever to turn on the subpanel (wasn't going to play in there with that live, 250 v, at 30 a?  no).  It sounds like the thing started.  Though... who knows.  It sounded like it had been working before.  Just... a stir, or sense... of something.  I'll give it an half hour, check the water.  That should be warmed by then, if... it can be warmed.  Ugh.

Until that gets sorted, dishes, laundry, and showering are on hold.

Quite a wind came up.  Earlier, it was up to 42 F, or so?  Crazy.  Wow!  It's 43 out right now?  Far after sundown, with hefty gusts and a steady wind as well.  Very strange weather.  Humidity is up, too.  Either a southern or warm wind from the west?  Though, wherever it is from, when it hits the valley it may well become distorted.  Not sure where it comes from by where it blows.  Only by the temp, to some degree.  Or so I suspect.

Well... I'll game just a bit.  I turned the electric blanket on.  If the water heater does it's job, I will make sure to shower tonight yet, if that probably also means finishing off a few dishes.  Bleh.  Later, or goodnight.

Well?

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.

Not getting to things.  Just too dark, too cool, can't quite get going.

I made a small lunch, but didn't care for it.  I ate a few bites.  Meh.

I did order two headsets, about the same price as the three I had ordered before, which seem to have gotten lost in the process.  If these work well, I will, next month, buy another one or two... try them out.  If all work, I'll put a few of them up, keep the others for general use.  Trade them out as they die.

Someone at amazon wanted to reorder the paper plates.  I explained that I had originally ordered them at ~$23.  And, that I was supposed to have the price reduced, once I received it.  I suggested, that should I be able to get it at a similar price, then reordering would be fine.  Otherwise cancel the order.  Actually, if they would keep that price, I suggested I would happily order two.

We'll see if they just go away, if they make a promise (they possibly can't keep), or... what happens.  Curious to see.  Two would be good.  Well into my last box of those.  Would have to go without, I can' afford double and triple the cost.  Won't.

Extra money.

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.

Two orders, through amazon, for items which were paid ahead, but just weren't moving?  Canceled.  The headsets, and paper plates.  So, about $200 back in my account.  All good.  Though, a small monthly order, and several shoes, to see about size.  Why more shoes?

Well... I had to go through stages.  First, to 13's.  As my feet got into those, I needed more room, on to 14's.  But... that... only lasted a while.  Finally, they expanded to 15's/16's, depending on the brand.  Currently, I have two pair of shoes of the right size.  And a slew of shoes just a bit too small, or very much too small.  Once you have decompressed your feet, from decades of shoes too small, you'll never go back to pinching shoes.

So, three ordered.  Though, they will be checked immediately, and any that are too big, too wide, or too small will go back in days.  But, those were already in.  Those, the small order today, and the minor toiletries and house goods from recently.  Will see how finances go though.  Some of this was done before I realized the mortgage company was trying to skunk me.

The calls have started, again.  Buying my house?  I just put them into a junk file and block them.  I won't bother calling them back, and asking to be taken off the list.  They are just trying to bottom dollar the thing, at best.  More like, just calling around for those who have become unemployed, and have no choice, too.  At this point, they are pigs, rooting about for anything free, cheap, easy.  I'll just erase any messages, and add any other numbers they call through to the junk pile.  Trying to get them on any other sort of spam notification does absolutely no good.  

Between burner phones and compliance from phone companies, that does absolutely no good.  I also have my phone set that their calls won't even ring through.  Can't stop them from leaving a message, but usually just keeping them from ringing through works.  Kills most tele-callers.  A few, once every other week or three, leaves a message.  I just vaporized them and forget.  After adding their number to a blocked contact.  Life has smoothed out, just a bit.  Still a tangle to answer the phone quickly.  But, so be it.  I wonder how much better the phone systems would work without all the spam calls?  But, that would cut into the phone companies bottom line.  Spammers are some of the best, and highest paying, customers.  We are just bait.

It is 36 out there, but still frozen?  Odd.  Elevation has something to do with it.  Perhaps there are other factors... barometric pressure affect freezing and thawing?  Odd, but fine.  It is the way it is.  And, yes, it feels cold.  I should get a shower, shortly.  Trim the whiskers a bit.  Hmm... dishes in the way.

The dishes are mostly done, just want to run them one more time.  Then could get to them.  While resetting them, I'll trim the whiskers.  Game for a bit, say an hour?  Finish them, and either a bit more gaming or on to a shower.  I'll... keep at it.  Later.

Well?

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I decided to put money in savings.  If I need it, I can just undo that.  But, that gives me... a bumper.  Pulling money from savings is a last resort, and often a process the bank does automatically by the time I know it was needed.  It has only happened once, I think, since I have been saving... so six of seven months?  Something like that.

I just love having things paid down, off, out.  And, in short order, within... three to four months, everything extra should be covered.  And, what I was putting on those bills can go into savings as well.

Why did I go into debt?  Food.  Inflation.  I got enough to last me six months to a year, am keeping that stocked, eating lightly from it, but bought it before it got worse.  Or just disappeared.  It might really last a few years.  Eating partly from it, partly from grocery shopping.  Only filling gaps when the prices are right, or finding alternatives.  Couldn't feed a family with it.  Not for long, three months max, and you'd still need meat.  The canned ham would get really old, even after the first one.  Those... weren't very good.  Tuna and other isn't all that great either.  But, put into other things, as recipe items, they could stretch.  A family of four?  Three months, max, and that eating light.  Myself, as mentioned, without being restored, if supplemented with meat and some fresh from the store, several years.  The trick is to keep up, maybe add a bit more.  But not so much anything goes bad.  A heck of a juggling trick.

As well, I have enough tp for a year, paper towels (now that I got a good price, glad too, was almost out), paper plates, even probably six months or more of cat food.  Nothing, out there, has to go wrong.  But, without medication, or even when I could get it, something could go wrong with me.  I might not be able to get out.  Heck, often I can't.  So... it... offers some surety I won't starve to death in my own home.  Or... as close to secure as I can make it.

Always pleased when plans, eventually, come together, are implemented, and work.  Even when ankle biting mortgage companies who try to push their woke shit in my face, and lose if at a cost to me.  Still, I am at a point where I am hardened.  At the fuck around and find out stage.  And... they are finding out.  Oh... I'll have to look around for the state's ag office that handles complaints (covers for these corrupt businesses).  Still, it'll be on record.  On to gaming.  Later.

Payments!

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I checked EVERYTHING.  Two regular bills, to irregulars.  Paid.  Not in full, but in plenty.  Room created.  Utilities paid, and mortgage payment reconfigured, reset, paid today.  And, will reset the recurring payments as soon as this one goes through.  I love having bills paid, early.  No waiting, so see what I have.  Just in case.  Pay them, make sure they are gotten, then deal with what is left.  I know, I know, but for a while, it was so tight I... didn't know how to resolve things well.

It was good to see I had paid some things down.  Not... usually any problems.  Merely, this month will be a bit messy because Freedom Mortgage interfered with my automatic payment program, by refusing to take the payment, then sending me government papers for some sort of leniency.  I don't trust the government, or them.  Probably some sort of reverse buy-back thing, that is round about so you'd never see it coming.

Still, paid.  Done.  Now I can consider some shopping.

I had a cart, ready to go.  But I saw some actual deals on some things I have been needing/wanting.  Prices have continued to go up, to the point people stopped buying, at all.  I haven't bought some of these things for months.  Nearly half a year.  I was looking at alternatives.  I had some in stock, but that was falling.  Probably just going to go without.  But, they popped, for half their, until recently, going prices.  Or less.  So, I ordered what I needed.  Still at a bit of premium, over pre-covid, but inflation (regular inflation) would have seen to that price increase anyway.

I must assume a lot of people have totally backed off as well.  Well, and crypto bros, among others, are getting their asses handed to them.  It's all fun and games until you can't order a case of champagne to shower with, and get that new tat or piercing.  Money for nothing always ends up the same.  Though, where they loading up on tp, paper towels, and such?  Someone was.  Either the rich are stocked, or people like me just quit the game in large enough numbers, or both, that prices are tumbling.  Might go lower, might get jacked up.  They are half trying to curtail demand by overpricing, half working with the demand curve, just never sure what or which.

Even so, I didn't just buy.  I also took things out of the cart to balance.  Lower spending levels, even if the mortgage company hadn't tried to screw me.  I won't even have to dip into savings, if I may not be able to add to savings.  Will see, shortly.  I can't be sure how things are working until I get to, around, the tenth.  After that, there is gas and electric, which will be harsh going forward.  And, maybe, a few other little things.  But, by the tenth, everything automated should be settled... phone, internet, insurance, mortgage (usually, fucknuts!), and such.

Still, now that I have system for paying everything online, or on the phone, and easily, I generally don't get behind.  And, this month, with utilities paid, and been being paid for several months now, I should be able to automate that.  I could never find my checks, or remember to deliver them, or... this is much easier.  And, I don't have to go through facepalm, as I had been told I would.  Bleh.

Still, pretty good.  Might be a tight month, but I'll make it through.  Eat a little less, milk is even mostly paid for.  I'll add some to the kitty, but I am up around a bennie, maybe a frank and bennie?  Somewhere in there.  Still, adding another one of those.  Dang it, five Saturdays (delivery days) this month.  Which means, more like a bennie.  Still... it's working out.  Plus, I started the month with a bit in the bank... not completely broke.  Later.

I like waking early.

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Not late in the day, but early in the real morning.  From three to six is a good time to rise.  Five, this morning.

Making the bed daily.  Going to bed, in what seems a warm embrace, is the only way to fly.  I think that is why sleep has been so good.  I used to think I was getting too warm, so would kick things off.  But?  I think I was feeling the inverse of what was actually happening.  Cold felt like hot, so I would kick things off, and get colder, so not sleep as well.  

How can I tell?  I can't, for certain.  But, two things.  While awake, that happens.  My feet feel cold, when they are actually too warm... or just the opposite.  But, I am awake enough to sort it out.  Why the inversion?  No clue.  Diabetic issue?  From the bad heart?  I... just don't know.

The chicken...

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Brining helped, as did spicing.  But, honestly?  It was old tasting.  I will toss the rest.  The skin was good, but the meat was slightly old, tainted.  I will toss the other package, and won't buy chicken until they get rid of the bottom of the barrel reserves.  Which, from the sounds of things, won't be for a while.

Not sure I believe the bird flu is any more a thing than covid actually was.  It was, in this case, just another means of causing a food scarcity.  Everyone goes along with it, because certain people make money from the process, through the process.  Big enough companies, at worst, write it off.  But, more likely, are priced well given comparative worth, through insurance and government payments.  Just the cost of doing rich business.

Yeah, no good.  Wont' buy chicken for a good six months, or more.

The roasted vegetables were okay.  To be honest, I don't think roasting veggies is the best process.  Save for things like squash.  The carrots, down in the juices, were pretty good though.  That I could do again, regardless of what meat is roasted.  Those were tasty as the dickens.

Fast.

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Beard trimmed, chicken set to a brine, coffee quart jar cleared, cleaned, rinsed, and another one set to soak, fatted coffee made, kefir drawn to drink beside the coffee, litter box cleared, water filter set up and going, kefir jars moved to where I process them... but that will have to wait.  I have to draw down enough kefir to filter the new in.

All good.  All very little jobs, but each a thing that stood in place of other efforts.  Moving along just fine.  Tired.  The little efforts wear me out.  But, I should be back to it when the alarm goes off.  Which reminds me.  I'll get the game going, set a close alarm, as a warning.  Then set the one on the oven.  That one doesn't turn off by itself, so I won't just lose it, if concentrating on the game.  It'll keep annoying me until kingdom comes.  I have to do it that way, when I am this tired.  Stress, from the bill, will cause exhaustion.

Anyway... all good.  A fast start, a lot done, more to do.  Later.

Awake again.

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I went down at or a bit after 20:00.  I just... can't be exactly sure.  Looked at the clock, but short term memory had already clocked out for the day.  Sleep was very good.  Awoke, first, at 04:30.  Didn't feel like getting up quite then.  Not until 5:56, or so, did I see it as time to get up.  Made the bed, dressed lightly in order to shower sometime earlier this morning, and am ready for life?  Well, awake, anyway.

Sassy was fed first thing.  One can a day, plus several rounds of treats, and dry food.  she is eating more of that, but still really doesn't like it.  Fair enough.  I don't like everything I eat, or exactly when I am eating it.  Such is life.  And, yes, she is still losing, if more gradually as this point.  She will never be a slim hipped girl child, again.  Getting fixed kills their metabolism.  But, she can be in better shape, is in better shape.

The water is heating, for a fatted coffee first thing.  I'll have a glass or two of kefir, as well, right away.  The plan is to brine the chicken, in the hopes that will tend and foul flavor of the fowl.  I'd hate to toss it all again, but would if it tastes as bad as that last batch.  Then, a kefir with that, and a fatted coffee or tea later.  But to be done taking in hard calories of any sort within a six hour period from the first kefir or fatted coffee.  

Hmm... I should begin brining the chicken even before I begin eating.  It takes an hour (minimum) to brine.  And, say, an hour to cook.  I'll have fresh veggies today.  The salad is bad, it goes bad so fast.  I may just begin buying romaine hearts, and shredding them here at home.  The bags, from the new store, don't last even a week.  And the old store seems to have quit making their prepackaged, in-store, salads.  I ought to call and check, maybe I am just missing those?  A few salads a week, with meat crumble for taco salads, or tuna or other sorts of canned fish, or a plain salad on the side, sure stretches things, and if done correctly, doesn't add many calories or carbs.  Not my favorite, but it... isn't always about that.

Dreamed, of marriage.  Children shortly after.  Always a good dream.  Women might be lunatics, but... beyond being beautiful, they are handy in so many ways.  At least I have dreams.  Oh, there, even in the dreams, is the bad parts.  For whatever reason, I can't even escape those in my dreams.  But, so be it.  I am not sure I would wish to idolize women, as some men are wont to do.  It's why they are single.  The first time she farts, he becomes terrified.  I just laugh.  Maybe scare her by saying I need to keep a lighter handy.  :p  Maybe get tape for my eye brows, at that rate... save them from burning off!

Today?  A shower, trim the beard, laundry?  Something.  Well, and cooking the chicken.  If a piece or two of chicken isn't enough, I may have eggs and bacon.  Just... eggs and bacon.  Three should do, eggs.  Four pieces of bacon.  With bacon already mostly cooked, that is so easy.  And, finishing the bacon adds just enough fat in the pan to do the eggs?  Well, with just a dab of coconut oil or butter.  The blends are fantastic.

I'll set up the brine, set a timer for an hour and an half, get on the game, and probably take a shower before setting up the brine.  A trim first.  Ugh, that... isn't working.  I think I'll have to start the chicken first.  Not sure I can do that, and get a shower, and... whatever else I was thinking... all at once.  So, set the brine, a timer, and then get the chicken baking, gaming until the alarm goes off.

A shower sometime in there, after that.  A trim, of the beard, first.  Then a shower.  And, more gaming until lunch is ready.  Oh, but after setting the brine, kefir and a fatted coffee, while gaming.  There we go!  Just trying to create a rough roadmap for events.  It... helps, or can.  Hmm... might trim my whiskers right after setting up the brine, so it's done.  It's a small job, but when added to showering and this and that, it adds to it.

On to the day.  Later.

A few things.

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Just a day of business, but vital.  Mostly settled, for now.  Have to keep up on it.  Christmas nearly wrapped up, figuratively more than literally.  Should sleep better.

I have been dealing with Sassy.  She is losing weight nicely.  Not... happily, but nicely.  Her belly doesn't flip and flap, one side to the other, like an old milk cow anymore.  Not... quite tight, but better.  She isn't absolutely happy about it, I am.  I'm the king of the cans, I win!

I had thought to cook chicken.  Thawed it and several other meats.  But, I didn't want to eat more.  If I had cooked it, assuming it was edible, I would have had to have at least one piece.  One meal a day, or two if close enough in proximity.  I had timed out, so just let it go.  I'll bake it tomorrow.

Tired, very tired.  The electric blanket has been going for a bit.  should be pleasant up there.  Just at 20:00, so all is good.  A right time to sleep.  Hopefully I can stay down, tonight, until 3:00, maybe 5:00.  Any time in there would be a good waking time.

I really am having a good winter, even keeping the house chill.  It isn't perfect, but I can't afford higher bills.  And they will be higher no matter what else I do.  But, I can cut down, and keep it steady.  I have finally learned to layer, and fairly well.  Still, a bit cool.  That is just as good as I can do, at what I can afford.

Funny thing?  The greens wanted people to cut down, right until we did.  They were just scamming for more money for... pretty much everything.  Just another corporate hoax.  Paid for the U.S., and other, government(s).  Enjoy.

Goodnight.

A few more things done.

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My last Christmas gift, second to last, was sent out.  I had to call my mother, to make sure it was going to the right address.  And I had to let her know the gift I tried to get wasn't available.  And other options were just not available.  I told her I would try to find something local, but just not promises.  Though let her know, if there was something smaller she would like, or thought of, to let me know.

Then, I called the recipient to let him know it was on the way.  And the day it would arrive.  No soap this year, but I won't say what I sent until... actually, I already told him.  Bleh.  Me and my big mouth.  But... he asked.  I'm a bit jealous.  It has been a few months since I have been able to order for myself, and this month is not going to be different.  Those better cheeses, and some salami.  Enough that, with some care, they could probably have two or three settings of the stuff.

They are... different cheeses, for American tastes.  And many Americans really don't eat salami, or other anti-pasta meats?  Some such.  But, they are quite good.  Or, so I say.  My neighbors don't seem to care for it.  

They both got soap last year.  More expensive than they might know.  None seemed all that interested.  I always worry that they just tossed it.  Dunno, never heard back.  This year, it was charcuterie for one, a roof snow rake for the other.  Nothing all that sexy, but... whatever.

Got it, online, not sure what the problem was/is.

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I got to their site.  Had to fight through, to get my password changed.  It kept failing to stay online.  I was finally able to see my account.  The site suggests my automatic payment is still functioning, but obviously it is not.  I set up an single pay event, for the third.  Don't have money before that.  Crap, will have to change that.  Or... not.  They will take it early, shouldn't be a problem.

One payment was skipped, for not cause.  They sent me a packet of info on how to get covid or whatever relief.  I don't want that.  Don't need it.  Just want to pay my stupid bill and otherwise be left alone.  Thankfully, I can handle one missed payment.  But, I will be putting this in to the state's ag office.  I'll have to figure out how to contact them, and how to file a complaint.  But... I'll get it done.  They can't be trusted not to continue doing this, essentially, because I am not interested in being fleeced by their various "loan" systems (loan sharking, actually).

Well?

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Too much kefir, not enough milk, always a bit confused.  Tuesday, and I am nearly out of milk?  Only two gallons, but still.  So fast.  A gallon, at this pace, lasts about two and an half days?  So... three gallons should do.  But... I'm never sure.  I keep tweaking the process.

Currently, I am trying to filter the kefir a bit more often.  The trick is, with eighteen hours, it's quite a stretch.  But with twenty four hours, the kefir has completely separated, so isn't as good.  It's a trick to do things.  So?  I don't know.  Just doing my best, at the moment.  As is, about every other day I get better kefir, versus separated curds and whey.  But, doing it sooner, on some days, means using milk faster than that which makes it last seven and an half days.

I'll... sort it out.  Perhaps find a slightly cooler place to ferment it?  Out in the back porch?  It is fully enclosed, but I do close the door to it, at night (to keep Sassy away from food for a while).  So, it is cooler.  Maybe.  Then twenty four hours will do more accurately.  In the summer?  I'll... deal with that then.  Perhaps cure it in a cooler, downstairs?  No ice, just kept more moderate, in a more moderate place?  Dunno.

Back to bed, then up again.

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I had to get up.  So angry about the payment stoppage.  After I bit, I was able to get on back to bed.  I think I went down around 2:30, then woke again around 6:30?  Give or take an half hour, or toward the give side I think, where give is to be had.

A bit of web  browsing.  Not terribly interesting.  It looks like everyone, after the second fake election, realizes that being mouthy about it will probably just get them in trouble.  America in now a police state.  Where if they don't use the feds, the IRS, the SSA, or other, they will use corporate to clobber you... if you step out of line.  So, they are shutting up, and just being clowns.  The gig is over, the American dream dead, and you are on your own.

I ordered one of the things for my mother.  But the singing Santa wasn't going to arrive until... January 15th to the 19th?  Yea, no.  So I canceled that part of the order.  I looked for options, but there aren't any.  Okay, I guess she'll just have to go without.  It was a hit or miss thing, and some suggested it didn't do what was advertised, at all.  Sorry, mom.

Awake.

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A bit after midnight.  Couldn't sleep.  Things on my mind.

A bit.

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Sassy sorted, a last meal for her shortly.  She only gets one can of food a day, two or three rounds of treats, and any hard food she wants... if I close that door when I go to bed.  She won't come upstairs with me, anymore.  Maybe it's just too cold for her comfort?  Don't know.  Though, I think with the electric blanket, she might... find it much nicer.  Strange.  

On the good side, she really is losing weight.  Perhaps she is just angry that I don't feed her between 1.5 and 3 cans of food a day.  Oh, don't worry.  When I say lose weight, I mean down from bohumungous to slightly ginormous.  Or... well, from rather obese down to mildly obese.  And I do mean obese.  I think she will be able to lose even more through time.  Took a while.  Wasn't sure she would lose weight, but it is working out.  I wish I had a food boss, to help me lose.  Though, as mentioned, I don't think my weight can be controlled by diet.  My metabolism is simply shot.

Finally!

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Not only have I been working on days and nights, I have been trying to get to town, to return a few things.  Through UPS.  Today was the day.  Almost made it Saturday.  Just... too tired, from pushing days around.  Always glad to get things returned, in time, on time, give or take.  Plus, the refunds will be... good things.  Especially since they are already spent.  Bleh.  Or nearly, by ordering their replacements.

As well, I stopped through In-N-Out burger.  Not... really impressed.  Their burger is okay, but their fries aren't even as good as McDonald fries, even since they started using only vegetable oil.  Not... all that good.  Their fries, to be honest, taste like cardboard.  Well, I tried.  I may stop through, from time to time, and just order their burgers.  I believe they offer them in lettuce wraps.  Today was a treat, and I wanted to compare the whole monty.  Wasn't impressed.  Will try their burger wrap soon, just alone.  It will be a lot cheaper than Wendy's.  There is definitely that.  And Wendy's burgers are only so-so as well.

I did call my mother earlier, checked in on her.  It's not much.  To say it is the least I can do is...  If too, it's honestly as much as I can do.  Time isn't on either of our sides, but... will spend it as wisely as I may.  Which... includes checking in on her, even if just to tell her she is loved, remind her.  It's all I can do, but I... will try to do it.

A later start.

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Then again, I was late down.  I didn't get home until around 19:30? 20:30?  Somewhere in there.  Then had to... relax in order to sleep.  I think I didn't go down until 22:30?  Not used to company, or even leaving the house.  Odd how the world goes.  My systems require certain things.  Up at 6:30, bed reset, dressed well enough for around the house, hair brushed and put up, teeth brushed, beard brushed a bit.

Very good.  Today?  I don't know.  Clean enough for a foray, if possible.  Just not sure I have any gumption.  Sleepy, tired, dusting off psychic cobwebs, but I think I'll make it to full consciousness before long.  Even comfortable in the cool of the morning.  Though best find my housecoat over the rest of the lost, or I'll find a chill, which is difficult to alter.

Closing in on payday.  Which is... proving to be more plentiful as I back away from spending.  Nearing as prepped a status as possible.  Now it is just replacement, when and where, of what is at a reasonable price, at any given time.  They are learning that gambling with prices won't work.  They will choke on stock that is priced too high until they price it correctly.

I made it.

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Not too early, or late.  Just a bit early.  But... all good.

Enjoyed the meal, had seconds.  Kept it... to within reason.

Roast beef, potatoes, and gravy.  Water to help.  I now drink water regularly, with meals.  So I am used to that.  Good to have company, over a meal.

Dressed correctly.  Was showered.  Hair was even dry by then.  Beard trimmed yesterday, so it was still in good shape.  An old goat, but I clean up okay.

His younglings have all grown quite well.  The girls were speaking.  Last time they were all timid as mice.  Good to see.  And his son spoke, a bit.  I don't expect young men to speak, it's... not... what they do.  Not so much.  As well, I heard about his eldest son... married not so long ago, to my memory.  But long enough that he has four children and another on the way.  Good to hear.  That is... what it is about, like it or not.

All is well.  They, as well, invited a few missionaries.  Ladies.  So, I wasn't the only visitor.

Good to go.  I need to turn the electric blanket on, then game just a bit.  Let it warm.  Then on to bed.  It was quite a bit of concentrated effort to get my days and nights arranged.  Trying to keep it that way may prove tricky.  Will... do what I may.  Good evening, day, and goodnight.  

Lunch was super.

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I did get bacon cooked.  Not all of the package, and it is a bit old.  But, it worked just fine.  I cooked fifteen to twenty pieces.  And, it worked really well.  Into the oven, on a cookie sheet covered in aluminum foil, with a cookie cooler tray that fits on it.  About twelve minutes, and it was mostly done.

I kept four for breakfast, rather underdone ones.  So, I just used those to oil the pan for the corned beef.  I fried the bacon until it was done to more my taste, pulled those, added the corned beef hash.  Flipped that a few times.  Then put the other skillet on, with coconut oil to melt.

Trying to keep up on both skillets, I did fairly well.  The eggs came out perfect.  And, yes, I like mine easy over, and do so.  A very good little meal.  A glass of kefir to go with it, and a large glass of water.  Very good.  I love it when I set out to make a meal, and it works just so.  Tastes excellent.  The texture is just right.

So very odd.

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Snowing, so a bit dark out there.  Just hitting 8:38.  But it feels like early to late afternoon!  Drowsy in that way that winter afternoons often are.  Less sun, less light beyond, cooler to cold, it just adds up to a want for sleep.  Creeps up, and, for me, never quite goes away until I am screaming from the heat of summer.

Some green tea, first.  Then kefir.  Then a fatted coffee.  Would like to eat something this morning.  Thinking about crisping bacon in the oven, and having that with eggs.  Maybe corned beef hash as well.  Another kefir, as well, shortly.

Still not sure about kefir.  Some days it takes 36 hours, some days it seems to be done in twelve hours.  When it is done quickly, it ends up overdone, so that curds and whey separate.  That isn't the best kefir.  I just can't quite tell that it is done.  I'm working on it.  I suspect, from day to day, week to week, depending on how the milk is set, and else, it will always go faster or slower.  I won't be able to ever really tell.  I sort of just have to tolerate what I get, to some degree.

A breakfast, a nap, a shower, all by 13:00?  I can hope.  Maybe 14:00, with the shower thrown in.  I'd best get to it, though, if I want a breakfast before a nap.

Morning already.

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Had to wake a bit early.  Pee jug was full, and the rest are down here, needed cleaned and bleached.  No choice.

I am sleeping much better.  I have sorted a few things, including a new way to keep most of the blankets together.  The two tops one usually get sluffed off at some point, the the main three, and electric, stay in one package, together, parallel, and even easily reset in the morning.  Even the two which are sluffed off stay together as a set.

Not only is the bed much easier to make in the morning, I sleep so much better, and warmer, through the night.  It doesn't matter if it gets down to the 40's or is in the higher 50's, life is much easier.  With sleep tended, I am better able to keep a day and night.  Strange, that.  I didn't think that was as much of a problem as it is obviously turning out to be.  Can't do much about summer... blast the ac, and pray, struggle.  But winters?  I think I have them down.