A new day.

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Friday already?  I have been pushing.  Then going to bed later, and waking later.  Which is the cause, effect, I can't say.  On the good side, my days and nights aren't flipping like objects of some cosmic juggling.  And, there is some hope to bring alignment back, if I could just back off a bit, for a while.

Today?  Freezertop finishing, dishes, perhaps some laundry?  Maybe a bit in that bathroom hallway.  Cooking chicken drumsticks... I'll want to brine those for a bit.  And something to eat.  I've been eating, pretty much, just one meal a day.  More yesterday, but as events lead to that.  Oh, and I'll give homemade mayonnaise a shot.  Then, with cream tomorrow, I can make a base for several salad dressings.  I do have keto mayo, if my attempts fail.  But I really don't care for it.  It is avocado oil based, but there is always way too many ingredients in it for it to be a clean food.  

Look, egg, oil (a good one, like avocado, ev-olive, or such), mustard (without carbs, mustard doesn't have carbs, unless added!), is all that is required.  Sure, that isn't shelf stable.  And it is tricky to make.  But... it is rather easy to make, too.  Mostly.  And, I have to admit, homemade tastes so much better than storebought it... just can't be rightly compared.

So, a list of things.  I forgot to call to check about confession yesterday.  They are not open today.  There are confessional times, but there is both a longer line, and a presumption that confession will be short and sweet.  Not that my list is all that long, but it is both a catching up, and with things from the past which need... managed more properly.  Odd how things become clearer the more you look, and see.  I'll get on that Monday.  Put something in the phone to remind me.

A good list for today.  And, very possibly doable.  Maybe a bit more.  If I ease into things, and figure out how to do them without standing the whole time.  Tired, but not terribly so.  If I don't push it too hard, I have some wind in me, and potentially a second or third wind.  If I am careful.  I might be able to work well today.

Dreams.  Crazily deep dreams this week.  Enemies, allies, the state, the good and bad part of that.  Changes, chaos, order, light, darkness.  Filled.  So complex there is no way I could bring that back to waking.  Or, not this time.  Or this week.  Every other day or so, I have been dreaming deeply.  Death, life, war, all in efforts toward a real, right, peace.  You must war, often, with your own, before you can war with anyone else.  Or even before you can rightly war with anyone else, or even decide whether that is right.  We... have a war upon us.  At home.  Probably shouldn't be anywhere else with that, until this is done.

On to my day.  Good morning and day.

A reasonable start.

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Couldn't get it all finished.  Did get the freezertop cleared.  Then got the burger sorted from five to two pound packages, and cooked one.  As well, got the meats put away in the freezer.  The fridgetop freezer is full.  So it all went into the chest freezer.  A reasonable start.

I did leave one package of chicken out, well in the fridge.  Will try that tomorrow.  Had some of the burger with some of the salad.  Nothing hot added, just a bit of milder spice, and some cheese.  A pleasant bit to eat.  I still have to put up the cooked burger, but... it'll get done.

Oh, I'll remember to pull some chicken or beef stock, for use with liver.  And pull liver?  Ah, when I get onions.  Ugh.  I forgot those.  Got everything else, plus some things, today.  Just not onions.  Oh, and I need to look up which spices are recommended for ranch... make sure I have them.  And, buy a small chunk of blue cheese, to be crumbled into a portion of the base dressing.

Uhrm?  Right, and I need to attempt making homemade mayonnaise.  I have creme fraiche made.  What else was required?  I'll... look.  Ah... sour cream (which I will replace with sour cream with cream cheese, for half of it.  I do have sour cream, would like to try both ways.  For both types I am making.  Spices?  Salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder, parsley, and dill (or chives?), plus or minus sweetener of some sort... or so I hear.  And, yes, I have those.  So... okay.  For the blue cheese, I just want the base, salt and pepper, plus chunked up blue cheese.  So, yes, I have it.  When I get fresh cream this Saturday, I'll... get to it.  Well, I do need blue cheese.  I'm planning to be out Saturday, so can pick up a brick of blue cheese.  Though I can make, or try to make, mayonnaise between now and then.

I did get a shower today.  And did a couple of smaller batches of dishes, after doing two small batches yesterday.  Hopefully, tomorrow, I will finish those that are soaking, set up another set of dishes.  Wash the now cleared freezertop.  And maybe get several sets of dishes through.  And, make a few more calls.  I have heard nothing back about confession.  I'll... call until I do, one way or the other.  Damn, but one has to keep people's feet to the fire sometimes.

I am tired.  Still, I have... things to do.  People to see.  I even reached out about getting help finding the septic tank.  Sounds... possible.  Not sure when.  But I will be here.  And I am usually awake during the day, if it's slipping into later morning.  Will... keep trying.

I have to do a bit of gaming tonight.  Might be a little later again tonight.  I just can't go to bed quite yet.  Some tea?  Perhaps.  And painpills again.  I am pushing my body.  Foot is mostly doing okay, but neck, skull, shoulders are rather tight.  I'll... keep at it.  Goodnight.

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One more thing.  I checked my mortgage.  They did take it, this time.  A day early but that is just fine.  They billed me, illegally, $20 for last month, which was their fault and problem.  Don't work with Freedom Mortgage.  Bad company all around.

Another day out.

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Hopefully that is it for a while.  I have something planned for this weekend.  Other than that, nothing.  

I couldn't wake until around 10:00 this morning.  Had to get a shower, and get out.  Running a bit rough, but running.  Did get out.  Some shopping and a visit.  Yea.

I did get the freezertop cleared off.  I have some things to freeze, and thaw.  Probably things to remove from the fridge, and probably toss.  I had too much meat thawed, and some of it definitely went bad.  I have to be careful, that stuff is expensive.  Ugh.  I'll check it, to make sure.  Some might be good.  Will see.

Mostly meat bought today.  The burger, at $3.50, required five pound packaging.  So I'll have to repackage that.  All good, I suppose.  Down to two pounds per.  That's plenty of meat, for the week, of that sort.  That, and a three to four pound roast, will easily get me through.  I've been off pork for a while, but saw ribs for $2.50 a pound.  Yea.  I wish I could have grabbed more.  Still, not sure if it's good.  Food has been... questionable, lately.  Even the supposed good stuff.

I did get chicken, as well.  Thighs were $1.29 a pound, as were drumsticks still.  Two of the latter, one pack of the former.  Large packs.  One would last a week, if it's... edible.  I'll find out shortly.  Butter is still nosebleed high.  I don't bother with storebought eggs, of any sort, at this point.  So didn't even look.

Mostly meat.  A bit of dietary sin, but had some, shared the majority out.  All good.  I best get to things.  Had to rest.  The day is... well... another day out.  It's a difficult run these last few weeks.  Doing what I can.  Trying to keep up on things, calls, events, and such.  Tired, very tired.  But... pushing on through.

Have a good one if I don't post again.  Good afternoon.  Dark out there already, or almost?  Winter, you know... it often surprises me even when I know, should know.  Later or goodnight.

A very long, hard, sleep.

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While I am not working as physically hard as I had been.  Remember, that is within my capacity, not yours.  I have been gaming hard.  Trying to get through the game I am playing at it's most difficult level.  And, yes, that is brutal.  I think that is what is causing the shoulders, neck, and skull to be so tight.  I tighten up when trying.  Brutally so.

I do stretches, ever so often, and even try to remember to relax in the moment.  And do.  But the level of intensity, from clenching everything, is so powerful that those things only mildly help.  More?  It's not just one game.  I had three games to get through.  I am at... 1.3 to 1.5 the way through.  At least it eats my time and pushes the limits I can push.

I have a few things to do today.  Had hoped to be up a bit earlier.  I need a shower first.  A few painpills to sort of try to gather and push through.  I did feed Sassy first thing, and switched the new kefir out.  I dumped the old kefir yesterday.  I need to keep fresh jars, for the fermenting kefir and storage kefir.  And make sure I have fresh milk.  If it was poisoned or tainted by others, then it was just left too long on the shelf on week.  If needs be, I'll have to make a milk run in the middle of the week.  Sometimes, yes, that is very difficult.

They say it doesn't go bad.  But it seemed very off.  The new stuff is much better.  It isn't quite there yet.  And it is just now starting to grow.  It takes a few days.  Almost surprised it has gotten this far this quickly.  But the smell, of good, fresh, well fed kefir, makes a huge difference.  I kept some containers, they arrived in.  I will wash those out, then fill them with these newer fresher, kefir grains.  And keep them for this type of situation.  Pulling them out, once in a while, to turn over.

I am trying a few other things, as well.  Including changing where I put the jars as they ferment, probably lowering the volume of kefir grains used for fermentation, and changing the lids out whenever kefir starts building on those.  Live and learn?  They say kefir grains don't go bad.  And certainly not in that period of time.  They just become more sour.  But they said there was a way to sweeten them back, again.  But that just wasn't working.  I honestly think something less than good got in with them.  I could and did... and am... handling it, even as I drink the last of the product from that.  But I wouldn't have offered it to... you know... real humans.  It... would harm you.

Oh, but it is a beautiful sunny day out there!  Oh my.  It is 22 F, I think I say?  Yep, it is.  So, a bit crisp.  But that sun just made me smile on the inside.  I needed a clear day.  I love the mysterious darker days, too, mind you.  And frosty days, especially if the sun shines to fantastic sparkles on all that frost, is sure magical.  But a sunny day, now and again, is a true gift from God in winter.  Even if it comes at the cost of a colder cycle.  Trade-offs are the way of the world, though... I think those come from God Himself.  I suspect He lives within them, as a grace of some sort.  He doesn't change, everything around Him, now, does.  Amen?

I... don't know, folks.  I only suspect.  As I have mentioned.  As well, I have mentioned that I am a very suspicious man... one way, and the other.  Ha!

A few light things.

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An order for ground beef.  Enough to last for a bit.  I will have to repackage it, as for the very good price, five pound packages are required.  Still, it... should work for now.  I'll be picking that up tomorrow.  As well, I will see about a few other specials they have going on.

My mother called.  She is in her new place.  Set up and comfortable.  An uncle and cousin, at least, helped her get moved over.  She sounds good, but a bit tired.  Still, that is all good.  Always good to hear things are going well.  As mentioned, I didn't want to bother her until she was ready to call me.  I'll call her in a few days, just for a quick checkup.  There are five or six from the last home living there now.  A few familiar faces can become a luxury as life changes.  Good to hear.

Tired, but...  I am going to stop turning the kefir I don't trust.  I will just use what is rest, flush the rest.  Just half a quart of that, per day.  And washing the jars as I flush them.  I'll just keep switching the new kefir grains, and checking them.  Hopefully they aren't tainted too.  Ugh.  I did redo those this morning.  And have everything being washed, from that old batch of grains.

A meal, shortly.  Eating meat and kefir, pretty much.  Well, a few veggies from time to time.  Things do seem... better.  Beside a cheap steak, I'm hoping to fry burger, and get it stored, this evening.  Or... not.  So tired.  I pushed a bit hard for a goodly while there for a bit.  Not what you would call pushing, but definitely pushing from my side of the world, events, notions.

It is 29 out there.  Not bad.  Really.  It seems, sounds, cold.  But when you've had it into the negative twenties, ~30 is pretty pleasant.  Perspective.

I did call about a confession.  Not sure if, when, that will happen.  Another message left.  Not sure when I'll hear back, let alone be able to make an arrangement.

I have decided to look for materials through which to learn Spanish.  I gave Japanese a good shot, but realized... I just wouldn't fit there.  Argentina, Ecuador, and perhaps visiting a few places, might work out better.  Either that or Cambodia.  No chance at learning Cambodian, save perhaps on the ground, with a trainer.  Spanish?  Maybe.  Argentina has it's own version, if to a degree they all do.  But... worth getting some of it down, and perhaps working on the exceptions after I get to some level.  Bleh.

Doubts exist, if I will ever get there.  But... there is some possibility.

Well, on with a dinner.  Later.

Couldn't get to bed until midnight thirty or so.

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Waking at 9:30 was a bit of a trick.  But done.  Sassy came up, but ended up just napping with me.  I love the furry runt.  She helps, or joins, as is required.

Oh, my feet had been itching.  Foot spray just couldn't get in past the cuticle spikes or under the nails.  Now that is all clear.  I kept noticing the itch.  But had forgotten I had spray.  Yesterday evening I put two and two together.  Sprayed the feet well.  Figured it would take a week or two for it to clear, and stop itching.  Nope.  Killed the itch then and there.  Still, I have powder too.  Which I will use in the mornings.  And, after every shower and any time I work on my feet, I will spray or powder them again, for a week or two.  Oh my word, it is good to have clear, clean, feet which don't itch.  Can't do much about the changes from freezing to burning, currently.  But I... am trying various things.  One thing at a time.  And, perhaps, some things have to simply be tolerated.  Mostly cured, when on insulin.  But, that isn't available currently.  So... yeah.

It was 25 F, when I checked perhaps half an hour ago.  I was too tired yesterday, and relaxed, to do much.  Today may be similar.  Though, today, I will try to do a few small things.  A call, about confession.  Some dishes.  Cleaning the freezer top before dishes though... and clearing first before even that.  Mostly sorted, just a bit more.

Perhaps laundry.  Yes.  I need to get some shirts and pants arranged and ready.  Ugh.  Always something.  I did turn over the new kefir grains today.  Accidently put them in with raw milk.  Too early, had to drain that off.  Might kill them.  I am hoping, by this Saturday or Sunday, the new grains will be ready.  Can't be sure.  Will find out.

Some reading, this evening.  Just a bit.  Promised.  Other than that?  Today is going to be a day of ease.  Between working, the pedicure, the broken foot still having some issues, and no medicine, I... have to take some downtime.  Next week, I am hoping, I'll be back on top of things.  

The broken foot is still rather impressively swollen again.  Though, no pain.  So, I really think that was a good thing.  It'll take a day or week to get that sorted out.  Will possibly do that every time I go in, for that, for a number of months.  I heal well, but... there are some limits.  As long as their is no pain, I don't worry about the swelling.  And, I have trick to manage that.  If I am just letting it be swollen for a while, hoping it is a healing thing.  I will begin compressing it, again, next week, if it doesn't reduce in size on it's own.  For now I'll let it... do it's thing.

Have a good morning.  Later.

I forget...

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Sometimes they respond.

Right, wrong.  Women are purely poetic, when they aren't purely pragmatic.  Doesn't seem to be ought else to them, if that is enough, in their times?  Thin, at times.  But... not all soups should be stews?

For the last few days, a rider.

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Not sure... which one.  Digging deeper, hitting bone.  Or... such.

Blogs reviewed.  Forming a pattern?  I think so, a single, another single, and a collection.  But... with... hints and tips.  Though, not... from that one?

One that may be from that one.  But does she read here?  Couldn't be?

And... some others... from other blog posts.  I didn't keep those on hand, as I was trying to ignore.  If you don't like the message, or think it's someone joking, or pushing, just... ignore.  If it continues, and your proverbial ears begin to bleed, then put it out, give it a chuckle, and leave it where it is.  Which... my proverbial ears are ringing, and bleeding, at this point.  Ah, some of the singles.

Checking is... very low?

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I had to look around.  See why.  Ah.  I see.  I usually pay a certain card down, then use it.  For amazon orders.  But, this month?  I paid it down.  I then ordered.  Usually it doesn't show up as having been used for a while.  But, this time, it looks like they laid claim to the funds almost immediately.  I guess, since this and the last balance was nearly the same, I assumed it hadn't been paid, so paid it again.

Sure, it will short me a bit this month.  Okay, I get that.  Should be able to survive.  And, if something comes up, I have that card completely free?  Well, I think $20 or $30 wasn't immediately pulled.  But.. that gives me room.  Plus, I'm paying off other things, and putting money in savings.  Tight.  I'll try to live in that narrow window, survive the month.

I have walkaround money, enough for four or five meals, perhaps.  Dairy was paid.  Things are... looking very good.  Well, better.  Still digging out of a few holes, but not doing too poorly, for the choices I made.  Though they were choices I would make again.  Inflation is not flattening.  The interest rates are rising just enough to kill savings interest, in the crunch between it and inflation.  Worst comes to worst, revolving goes away.  As long as I have food, and a house, I'm not worried.

Bloody nose today.  I think I have just run too many days in a row.  Or nearly in a row.  I am exhausted beyond my ability to do much today.  Feet still feel great.  Legs too.  I was a bit concerned, whether the broken foot would come around and bite me.  Nope.  A bit more swollen, but I think that's a good thing.  It is breaking up what was knotted and clotted, but without causing pain.  Not even down underneath my pain resistance.  No nausea, feverishness, or such.  I have healed well.

The woman who did the work was telling me her mother broke her foot.  It took six months for it to even begin healing.  And, a year and an half later, it is still in rough shape.  So... she... was impressed with my healing.  Then again, if she chose to believe some of my stories, she knows I am... a bit unusual in those ways.  Most people don't tolerate even a bit of draino.  Though the luck, too?  How many people have put a loaded shotgun to their head and pulled the trigger?  *grins*  Well, and are writing about?  So... yea, I... tell my tale.  Believed?  Not my problem.  But, I think she does.  Seen... a few things.  The current level of swelling of the broken foot, for example.  And how much bigger it got during the process.  As I mentioned though, a good thing.

Oh, and she remember that my feet were size 12 last time I saw her.  And noted that they are 16's now.  Something about some of this is... strange to her.  But... interesting.  Or some such.

I called my brother this morning.  He didn't answer, which is fine.  I left a message letting him know I wasn't asleep, just busy, yesterday when he called.  

About to warm the last of the roast beef.  Had kefir, then a berry kefir, earlier.  I do like that stuff.  The new kefir grains were flipped.  But I just tossed the kefir from it.  First, it was watery.  Second, it smells like storebought milk.  It'll be a few days to week before it is ready.

It is up to 30 out there.  It seems like there is some melting up front.  Strange.  Must be the temp and a bit of the sun, even if it is rather cloudy out.  Just enough of each.  Not thawing anywhere else.  Well... on to... not much.  Oh, I want to add tarragon to the beef.  That's... tasty.  Later.

Ah, remembered.

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I tracked down numbers, yesterday, for a few floral services in the area.  I suspected they were closed.  Remembered to check today.  Good, good.  One is a bit more expensive, out of the box.  The other costs more for delivery.  Still, now I have a way to send mom something, from time to time.  For a reason, or holiday... or just because.

Wasn't there... Yes, there was something else.  But it's too late today.  Tomorrow.  Overwhelmed with things to do!  I... should make a list.  Or several lists.  Keep them... somewhere hereabouts.  A list for things for the day, and tomorrow... plans, goals.  A list for more short to medium term.  As money goes.  And, some longer time-line things, a list for that.  Then, try to keep them in some order.  Though if something becomes low hanging fruit, take it a bit ahead of schedule.  Yea.  I... need to start doing that.  The trick is to keep those lists close, without losing them.  Ugh.

Still, two things done today.  Another day out, of four out of the last five, six, days?  That's... a lot for me.  I need to rest.  I really do.  It's winter, for heaven's sake!  I should be hibernating!  It is just now down to thirty, but was warmer, by a lot, earlier.  I didn't see any warmer readings, but it was warm out there (comparatively).  And there was a lot of melting going on.  So... yea.  Actually, glad I got out today, just for that.

Well...  Getting near bedtime.  Having to come down a bit.  Looks like I missed a call from my brother.  I'll... see about managing that tomorrow too.  And another call.  Oh... and I did create a list, and there... is a place for it.  If... I don't forget.  Yea.  I... have two things on it.  Hmm, could add one more.  A short term list, for now.  It's a start.

Good day, afternoon, and goodnight.

Out, again.

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Pedicure.  My former pedicurist is still there.  I told her I had called three times, about every six months... never got a response.  Which I have.  Anyway, today was the day.  She will be leaving soon, though.  Found a guy, moving in, a bit distant.  So, yeah.

I'll get a few more appointments before then.  All good.  She really worked my feet today.  Cleared the backup, cleaned, everything but the polish.  Yea, no.  I just... like it stripped of dry skin, cleaned under the nails, and having those trimmed.  Well, and the cuticles.  Otherwise cuticles become razor blades.  I can trim the nails, but the cuticles... I can't do well.  Those are what are dangerous to my feet.

We had a good talk.  Caught back up.  It was very good.  My feet feel like a million bucks.  She was actually impressed with how well I have been keeping them.  Still, there was... a lot of room for improvement.  And it was done.  My feet look human again!  Or... as... close to human as they get.

I had thought to stop at the store, after.  No, just... that relaxed me far too well.  I thought about dinner out, but then remembered I have good food at home.  I had thought I would fry some burger, and have some of that with salad.  But, again, no.  Far too relaxed.  Legs have become jelly!  In... the best ways possible albeit.  I have leftover roast, so that is in the oven with the last pack of fresh mushroom, butter, water, salt, and pepper.  Oh, and some garlic powder... not garlic salt, just... garlic.  That... should be quite good.

I feel like I am floating on clouds.  My feet literally feel lighter, but that can't be.  But it sure feels like it.  So relaxed I'm about to crash.  I'll stay awake long enough to eat, then probably head on to bed.

Oh, I didn't mention I had broken my foot.  I wanted to see if it would hurt a little, or a lot.  The swelling increased.  But there was no pain.  I think... the messaging part was exceptionally good for it.  We'll see tomorrow.  But the massage probably broke up things which were... knotted, clotted, closed in.  So very pleased.

I'll get to see her a few more times.  Then... I'll try out who she suggests as a replacement.  See... if another will do.  Never can tell.  Worth a shot, to be sure.  Funny how quick and long it takes to catch back up?  Always... going hither and thither, missing, and then not, but just for a short spot?  Aye.  Good day, and maybe goodnight.

Painpills and a shower.

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Doing well enough.  The headache was managed.  Bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles all seem calmed.  The shower was a nice finishing touch to managing pain.  Warm.  Some days the water doesn't seem to be able to be warm enough.  Today was not among those days.  Though neither was it too hot.  Can tell by skin color.  If I pop out, and I'm red?  I... was insensitive to the heat.  Too sensitive, a whiter shade of pale.

Though, sometimes, I am those colorations even if I don't take a shower.  So... so it goes, I guess.  A redman, regular man, and ghost.

Things to do?  I suppose.  Best get going.  Oh, best get the litter box sorted.  Odd, but she won't use the other litter box, no matter how full her main (only) box is.  It shouldn't be too bad.  I am sure I cleared it last night.  And, she doesn't usually go overnight.  Just in the morning, after food.  And, through the day, as she gets fed her little meals and snacks.  Probably every other feeding time.

I... really don't pay attention.  I just happen to notice by when to clear, clean, so as not to waste my time looking for those golden cat gifts at the wrong times.  :)

Well, on with things I suppose.  It's a good day.  Still dark, obviously winter, rather chill if not frigid.  All good.  Good day.

Late.

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Went to bed late, too.  Looks like I am sleeping about twelve hours, here in the winter.  Not much choice, either.  Been trying to wake earlier, it just isn't possible.  I was awake, obviously, until about 20:30 last night.  My neck has a terrible kink in it.  Gaming too intently yesterday.

Having a kefir, first thing.  Well, second thing.  Sassy got fed first thing.  She worked hard to wake me this morning.  A bit... too much.  But, I wanted to be up, and she wanted food.  So, she pestered me pretty intently.  I worked with her, as able.

It is dark out there.  Not so cold, at 25.  Still, that isn't exactly warm.  And, there is a feel to it that gives an even colder touch to out there.

A few plans for the day.  Not sure I can get to everything.  We'll see.  But, first, to wake up!  Ugh, it is such a rough morning.  Later.

Solid headache.

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Oh well.  But, the neighbor son the second was by, and plowed the drive.  I did thank him.  Offered him money too.  Just won't take it.  Trying to think of something to keep on hand.  I don't want soda, I'd drink it.  But... something.  A can of fruit seems okay, but that would get boring.  I'm thinking.

I did get kefir reset, and the new kefir grains started.  I didn't do more dishes than that.  I probably won't do much else.  The game is killing me.  So I'm going to stop playing until I can relax a bit, get ready again.  It's cold, but not so deeply cold as it has been.

Hmm, 18:10.  I planned to be to bed earlier.  I'll get on to bed shortly.

I had some of the roast earlier.  That is it for food.  Roast and half an onion I baked in with it.  Just one glass of kefir today.  I'd like a can of fruit.  That would work.  Then on to bed.  I keep checking for what's on prime, but keep coming up empty handed.  I will just stop bothering at this point.

Sunday, right?  As I wake at night, I keep thinking it is Tuesday, Wednesday, even Thursday.  Losing my place in time.  All good.  I just have to check a calendar more often when time gets strange.

My mother called me.  Though I think I mentioned that?  She is already packing.  Will be moving soon.  All good.  And, as mentioned as well, I found floral services in her area.  Affordable?  Who knows.  I guess I will find out.  I like the old girl.  Mostly.  Like?  Well, love yes, but... we don't always like each other.  It's just how it goes.  Do our best though.

Goodnight.

Not much?

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Nothing on the list.  But when I went out, a few hours ago, to check the temp, I noticed the snow.  It was coming down heavy and fast.  Probably an inch out there.  Fluff, but a good bit of moisture out there, in it.  So, I got to it.  I cleared ten feet out from the garage, opened up the back porch area, shoveled a short path to the front sidewalk, and cleared that sidewalk and the front porch.  Not much, but... a bit.

I gamed for a while.  Then, went to check the temp again.  Yep, more snow.  This time probably between two and four inches, total, but just two and some inches where I had cleared.  So, back to it.

I had wondered if it was shoveling or kidneys hurting me in the back.  Now I am certain.  Last time it didn't hurt right away.  This time, it hurts now.  Check.

I've been trying to speak with my mother.  She just isn't answering the phone.  I need to know where... what town... she is moving, and when.  I've called twice.  Perhaps they are moving already?  Though I didn't think it was until April?  Though, if she has a place, maybe she is getting out sooner?  Or, perhaps, they are having a goodbye celebration?  Don't know.  She isn't answering her phone though.

My brother texted me the other day.  A prize puzzle thing.  A gift.  He was just telling me about it.  I have doubts about prizes, for solving puzzles, I don't care what they say.  But, if the puzzle is a challenge, that is good enough.  And, given freely?  Check.  I'm... a bit of a partypooper, I suppose.  But I'm just not a believer.

The burned hand is better.  It did hurt the day I did it, on through the evening.  I burned a lot while taking the shower.  I did put it in cold water, this time.  As it actually, oddly, hurt.  It was only 415 F, and just a high carbon pan, not the chrome handled one.  Must be getting old.  But, all good today.  It did leave a bit of a mark, but no blisters or such.

Weary.  But, hoping to stay awake until 16:30 to 17:30.  Maybe do some dishes.  I moved the quart jars to a rough rinse.  will rinse them again, just a bit, then put the new kefir grains and storebought milk all together in them, to start getting good kefir going again.

I may also see if I can get some help seeking the septic tank.  I don't want to have to be charged a bundle for finding that, on top of pumping and inspecting.  Should be able to get to that this coming month.  If it's warm enough, and if I have found the tank.  He suggested adding access to it.  At first I didn't think so, but now that I realize there may be screens which may need cleared, yes.  If those are in there, then maybe.

Yes, it's still snowing.  But it didn't fill back in what I had done before I finished.  Why shovel, if someone may be getting to it before too long, with equipment?  I... guess... just to not be dead?  To try, to do some of it, to... give it a shot?  Pretty tired today.  may end up taking a few days down.  I've pushed well beyond my usual hard limits.  Surprised I haven't conked out for a few days or week.  Yet.

Forgot to post.  Anyway, I did find out when, and where, she is going.  Made a call that got me headed in the right directions.  Nothing is probably open today.  So... all good.  At least I have that managed, to this point.  Later.  Or, maybe, goodnight.

Up late.

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I think it was about 8:30 when I woke.  Why so late?  I didn't go to bed all that late, maybe 22:30?  Then again, here in deep winter, I sleep twelve hours.  So that isn't all that bad.  Even so, usually, for one late night, or two, I can retain the same wake up.  So, what was it, why?  Ah... because I have been out of the house three days in a row.  Might not be much to you.  Absolutely fries my system.  

Still, all good.  If probably a first in... since Burning Man?  Though, even with that, I could sleep, and did, often.  Though the heat, and adrenalin from being near strangers, occultists, pagans, and so-called atheists helped.  If, to be honest, being around coreligionists, Catholic and Christian, would be... just as unnerving for me.  Just... the way it goes.  I don't fit, here, anywhere.

It is ten F, out there.  And feels colder.  A bit foggy, to start, overcast as well so that won't burn off quickly.  Unless it just did.  :p  Never can tell.  Slept like a king.  Warm, deep at times, good.  Dreamed, of many things.  A few things troubling, a few things pleasing, and at least one caused me to wake up due to my deep-boned laughter.  Not sure what was so funny, but just the memory of the laughter brings a broad grin and glimmer to my eyes.  It... must have been good.

Trying to pull to wakefulness.  Just a bit difficult this morning.  A bit of kefir to start things.  Love that stuff.  The goal, today, is to clean the freezertop, after clearing the last bit.  Then hit dishes.  Resetting kefir, and starting the new stuff as well.  Then something to eat.  I'm thinking of frying the burger, putting most of it away, and having some with salad.

Oh, but first I may try to make ranch dressing.  If I have the spices, or enough of them.  If I am missing one, or the other, oh well.  If I can make that dressing, I'll make a large base sort.  Use some of it for ranch, reserve half for blue cheese dressing.  Which... I'll have to figure out, obtaining a block of blue cheese, to crumble in, this week.  As those get used up, I'll make an italian dressing, or balsamic dressing.  Or, maybe both.  Ah, but first I have to attempt to make homemade mayo.  Ugh.  Still... I'd like to try to push that through.  I'm only successful some of the time.  But, mayo, when homemade, with a good olive oil, is fantastic.

I know how it works, but it's as good, and speedy, as I can do.  Fresh eggs, and good olive oil on hand.  Should... do.

But, first, as mentioned, I need to wake.  I suppose, as I am doing things in the kitchen one way, I can do other things.  Cleaning, clearing, prepping the recipes, cooking, and all.  A rest every half hour to hour.  I've pushed these last few days.  Not sure how much blood I can get out of the stone that is my heart.  Will... see.

Later. 

Out again?

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Aye.  One of the fellow knights is trying to create a social group.  So far, there are three of us, off and on.  I couldn't make it the last time he called.  I need a running start to have a hope of being anywhere.  Today plenty of lead time was provided.  And, in general, I was otherwise in good trim.  A bit tired from else this week, but... given an opportunity I do try to make it.

I will be setting up a confession this week.  Whether for this week or next is another issue.  But, it... will be set up.  After which, I will begin returning to church.  I promised I would be to the meeting this month as well.  I will try to make mass as often as possible, but really, affordability cuts that to twice a week, at best.  Still, it's possible.

Getting to it.  Just... things interfere, or I wear down.  But... yes.  I... will get things going.  Done.

Went to an oriental place.  Not bad.  I did try sashimi.  Some I liked, other I didn't.  Eel just wasn't my favorite.  Still, I finished it.  I did like the rolls.  And tried tempura.  I know, not fully keto.  But... not always can you be social, eat out, and be keto.  Though it really was mostly keto?  Oh, rice.  Nope.  It was good though.

I had been thinking of eating tonight, but wasn't sure I would.  Now I know!

Should get to bed.  This is late for me.  Have to... relax a bit.  Then I can sleep.  Can't game.  Just too... tired for that.  Can't focus.  Goodnight.  

Had hoped it would warm a bit more.

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I mean, yes, sure.  It's 24.  Or when I checked last an hour or so ago.  But two degrees up isn't exactly making me smile.  Still, beats what it has bee for a week, or so.

Those gizzards and mushrooms were fantastic.  I grabbed the pan I was baking them in, at 415.  Yea... with a bare hand.  Yea... that was fun.  Nothing brings you alive like that sort of pain.  Still?  Just a minute later, pretty much did it with the other hand.  But, this time, I realized what I was doing before it was half way up for a check... or taking it out... or whatever.  Just a... quick grab, then a no-thank-you release before it began charring.

If I can eat again, I'll either have roast or... something.  I may have left too much meat out.  We'll see how much I can get through.  I'd also like to fry the burger, get it stowed for the week.

Still gaming.  Really tired.  Probably won't do much work.  Just making awake to 15:30 might be a trick.  Not in bad shape, other than tired.  Two days out of the house, in row, and both to town.  In the cold.  It just got to me.  I keep thinking it is already Sunday.  Thankfully not.  I've checked my phone three times today.  I know it's not Sunday, but I can't seem to shake the certainty that it is.  Tomorrow?  :p

The one thing I might do, and finish washing, then rinsing, two quart jars and lids to set up the new kefir.  I don't want that to stall too long.  Just dumping the kefir it makes, as storebought milk isn't fit to drink.  The homogination process and pasteurization make it no longer real milk.  And real, whole, raw milk, by itself, isn't good for you.  So... I can only guess the kefir isn't good.  I have eaten it before, but that is when I didn't have an option.  Would rather have tainted raw milk kefir than storebought milk kefir.

Not fully carnivore yet, but working toward it.  Trying to get a ranch dressing put together, homemade save for the spices.  The first trick it to make homemade mayo.  Not sure if the creme fraiche is ready, but it should be.  And I do have another bit of cream to add.  Should do well.  The other trick is having the spices I need and want.  I think I got what was recommended.  Oh, but mustard?  I... might have some.  It isn't dejon, but I don't prefer dejon, they add honey usually.  Honey is... just sugar.  It isn't magic non-carb sugar, it isn't better sugar, it... does have some properties that are good.  But... it's just sugar with good properties.  Don't kid yourself.  Get a glucometer, a bottle of the finest honey you can find, eat one, then measure with the other.  Sugar.

Haven't heard from my cousin.  So I tried to call my mother.  Nope.  She isn't picking up.  Probably out and about, saying goodbyes, and else.  As things stand, the people who are going to different places... she will never see them again, like them or not.  Or napping.  It would be a good Iowa day for a nap.  I do worry about her.  But... it's... as much as I can do.

I'm hungry for something quenching!  May see about a drought of kefir.  If I'm not sure that will quite hit it.  Maybe some vinegar and electrolyte powder, in water.  Hmm, may have pickles, so pickle juice, somewhere.  That might do.  Good afternoon and day.

Up to 22 out there.

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I wouldn't say it is warm.  It feels colder, for whatever reason.  Cold exhaustion?  Maybe.  I have the house a bit warmer, but that doesn't seem to matter either.  It just feels cool to cold.

I called a cousin who lives in the town my mother is moving.  I can't... remember the town's name, or I would have looked things up in a different way.  A floral shop, local, so I can order her flowers on blue days, holidays, and such.  It's not much, but it is something.  I was thinking about doing something for this Valentines day, but time has slipped, I don't have the number to that floral shop, and money is getting tighter this month.  So... yeah.  Had to leave a message.  She may not ever call.  I may have to find the number another way.  We'll see.

Gizzards are being steamed, along with mushrooms.  I'll fry them after.  Mushrooms just go with gizzards, and a lot of things really.  They will be fried with the gizzards as well.  Should be a delicious dish.  I doubt if I will be able to eat it all, which is... okay.  I can put some up for later or tomorrow.

I reset the standard kefir.  But need to get some jars cleaned to start the fresh kefir.  I don't know if the kefir was tainted environmentally, or was sabotaged by two footed rats.  Can't know.  But it's off.  I have to try again.  They say kefir doesn't get off, but it's off.  It isn't killing me, but... that may just be me.  I wouldn't offer it to people.  I did buy storebought milk, which really does work better with new grains, to get them going.  They just aren't strong enough, initially, to handle raw milk.  After a week or so, that will do.  But, I won't drink that kefir.  With the other kefir around, even if... tainted.

Dairy arrived.  All good.  And eggs.  Ready for the week.  And, finally, with some time to game a bit, I am gaming.  I have figured a few things out and seem to be doing better, mostly.  Later. 

A rough waking?

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Just not in the typical way.  My legs got overlapped, to the point the my left lower leg was sort this morning.  Must have had a longer sleep period, and it just hurt.  Mostly over it, an hour later.  Still, that was an odd thing.  Doesn't happen almost ever.  Not never, not usually that bad when it does.

Then I called Sassy.  Usually, by that time, she would already have been up, planning how to wake me so as to feed her.  I called again.  She just didn't arrive.  I thought to let her sleep.  Then I feared she was dead.  That... was rough.  When all you have is one critter, for companionship.  Your world shrinks a bit.

She did arrive, about fifteen minutes later.  Still, shaken from that, a bit.  Odd what can sneak up on you when still half asleep.  It seems warmer in here.  Being more careful with the doors, the blanket in front of the front door, and it is a bit warmer, at 5 F out there this morning.  Not great, but beats twenty below or more.

Still full, from yesterday.  I won't be able to eat as much as I had hoped.  It's amazing how full I can get on just a bit of meat.  Probably just one meal today?  We'll see.  If you ever are curious what kidneys taste like, in my opinion they taste like mild liver, with much better texture albeit.  There... may be (I think) uric acid odor, but that doesn't exist in the taste, just in the smell.  Either you eat it or you don't.  Just remember, the early hunters go dibs on this meat, and took it over any fattier protein cuts even.  Liver, heart, and such.  Not sure if kidneys topped the list until cooking such, so as not to waste, became more of a thing.  That was probably more settled lands, widows, and cattle, than bison... where they field butchered and brought the stuff back to camp.  Too much risk of certain organs going bad?  But heart and liver, at least, were often eaten right there, at the place of butcher, by the hunters.  I'd have to look more, but that is my guess.

It wouldn't surprise me if kidneys were given to the poor.  Who had to learn to cook it?  About ten to twelve minutes of boiling will do.  If you like it slightly more rare.  Twelve to fourteen if you want it more done.  Fourteen to sixteen if you want it absolutely done.  I do about twelve, and it's... still pretty medium rare... if because of the higher altitude.  I'm thinking of doing the next one for fourteen minutes.  But at this altitude it will be more like twelve minutes at sea level.

Today?  Not sure.  Gizzards, most likely.  Not sure if they have as extremely good of a nutritional value.  But they are tasty.  A good bite, a mild flavor, steamed for twenty to half an hour, crisped in butter, and they are a good, probably rather healthy, meal.  My mother used to make them.  It took a lot of years for me to be patient enough to do them right.

I am amazed how, even out here in the country, so few eat... offal, or else.  I guess the country just isn't the country anymore?  Then again, I may have been a bit of a foodie, long before the term ever existed.  I remember trying earth worms, as a kid, if on a dare.  No thank you, to those, certainly not raw.  I think that got me thinking about what might actually be good though.  Some things I won't eat, mostly out of principle.  But that still leaves a lot of foods yet to try.  Oh, I found squid, at a reasonable price.  I've been wanting to try that, beyond calamari, at some point.  In a stew, or steamed, or a variety of ways.  Just... to say I did.  I love calamari.  I like the bite of it, chew.

Anyway... today?  Trash and recycling out.  It isn't a recycle pickup week, but there will only be one bag out so no problem.  Trash?  Probably only one bag out too, so it might not be put to the curb.  Clearing and washing the freezertop, doing dishes, getting a shower, and working on the small kitchen to bathroom hall?  That's the idea.  But, two days of getting out has me tired.  I'll do what I can.

Get up, and to church, if you can.  I'm getting closer.  If I will most likely be going to Saturday masses.  Though, when my schedule flips or flops, the good thing is Sunday is available.  Having options will help.  If... I can just... get this one thing done.  Once I start going, I'll stop in here locally from time to time.  Dancing with death, but have been doing that for a long damned time.  Be doing it for a long time to come.  It hasn't stopped me.  Though, when they shut the church, that did throw me a bit.  Still a bit unsure if they are really open, any of them.  Takes me a while to adjust, to changes.  One way, and the other.

But?  It allows me to be pleasantly grumpy, and a bit gun-shy, about everything.  :p  I enjoy, mostly.  Even when it hurts.  A good chuckle, then get on to things.  Later.

Out, again.

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Had an appointment tomorrow.  But... tomorrow was today?  Sort of.  All good, today off, or tomorrow, it works out.  Done.

Then, after, I got to the store and the post.  I had a small package in.  I was hoping to find less expensive burger.  Did, too.  Forgot to check chicken at the other store.  I know, I am going to be cautious with it.  If it's old tasting, out it goes.  But, at $1.29 a pound, for drumsticks, I did it.  Wasn't sure I wanted to risk thighs, though not sure they were also on sale.

I checked their butter too.  But butter, everywhere, is sky high at the moment.  I got just a few packs the other day.  That will do, with what else I have.  Just skim by, until a sale, then stock up.

The kidney was fantastic.  It really is good.  Then, I got the chuck cooked.  Just had to have a bite of that.  So I did.  Very good.  But that is that for today.

I'll try to get to work tomorrow.  Today and tomorrow got partly rearranged is all.  Though I did gets some of what I hoped to do done today.  Now to see if I can finish it tomorrow.  Not so very tired, today.  A bit, getting there.  But a good day, really.  Cold out there.  Have had worse, and went through phases where the temp seemed worse or better.  Perhaps wind?  Was pushing through, not thinking about the weather.  Trying to remember what I wanted at the store, or where to go next, or... else.

Tomorrow?  The bathroom and hallway.  Mostly the hallway.  Frying burger and putting that up.  Dishes.  Maybe another shower.  Gizzards and more roast.  Resetting kefir, and a new batch to be started out.  Bit by bit.  Trying to get into meats much more heavily.

An odd thing.  I received one of the groups of canned mushrooms.  The strange thing is, there is no sign that it was to be delivered.  Could this be an old order, that got lost somewhere in time?  Very strange.

Oh, and it sounds like my mother did get into the other nursing home, near where some family live.  Further from her friend.  Always tradeoffs.  I think the last remaining brother lives there?  I think he is it.  Though his daughter and some of her children live there.  I hope they visit from time to time.  All very good.  I know leaving Iowa would be difficult for mom.  She listens to the radio reports of deaths, and knows... so many.  I am sure she feels alone, at time, though often hears of another she knew from time to time.  Well, and the weather, and elevation, and everything.  She is an Iowa girl, at this point, and again.  And, she got a bigger room!  :)

It's about bedtime.  Something to cut the thirst, first.  Maybe just a bit of gaming.  Then on to bed.  Good evening and goodnight.

A heat wave?

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If I didn't mention, it is up to 17 today.  Still below freezing, but thirty one degrees warmer than the lowest that I saw.  Yea, still pretty cold.  But the house feels much warmer.

I'm about so get a roast going.  Actually, I will salt it, and let it set for an hour.  In the meantime, I think I'll get a kidney cooking.  Those are truly delicious, if you... learn... a few things, acquire the taste, truly.  And the vitamins and minerals in these things are absolutely awesome.  A bit of butter adds... just that extra touch.  Perhaps fresh onion chopped and cooked with, or added as a relist.  Diced really finely, if eating raw.  But with the butter if going that way.

Not quite getting to work yet.  But the plan is to clean the freezertop, clear the last little bit before that, then hit the dishes, pull them, shower, rinse them.  Gaming between efforts.  Then finish them.  Then, sitting as possible, begin going through the little hallway off that bathroom, between the kitchen and it.  Things have just settled there.  Have to find a place for things, toss some things, and toss cat food boxes.  That's... too easy to become a catchall.  Then, sweep and mop.  After a shower and dishes.

Well?  I think I'll... get to gaming, warm up out in that room a bit more.  Maybe make tea.  It's still chilly.  Have a great day.  Try to stay warm, dry, safe, and well.  It's a good day here, so far.  A bit slow.  But I did a good deal yesterday.  And... plan to try to do something, and a bit extra at that, for these next few weeks.  Must admit, the idea of mother showing up has me a bit... nervous.  Will have to get the other bathroom in order.  Set up the bed.  And... clean as possible.  Doubt she will come, but... choices aren't always... simple, or our own.  Later.

Waking up was easy.

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Couldn't do it until eight thirty.  When it was time, I almost did calisthenics out of bed?  Close enough.  Like a cork off a champagne bottle.  Well, if you don't mind bruised fancy grape juice?  Back when that was an occasional thing, I couldn't tell the difference.  No headache, foot feels mostly better.  A bit jelly in there, and bruised jelly at that, from time to time.  I am hoping that is a good sign.

Getting things paid is always fun.  Have to sort, a bit, into the month though.  I'll have to check around the ninth and tenth, make sure the mortgage company takes out two payments again.  If they don't, I'll have to let my bank know they will try to bumrush my account again, and do a single one-time pay.  If they try to take two again, I will just have to end the automatic payments and do single pay, and track that.  I have completely severed this companies access because of their ill faith loan attempt, and other shenanigans.  Oh, I keep forgetting to see if the state's ag can put some pressure on these quasi weaponized lending practices.  Not sure they will help some people.  Or... any, these days.  The state doesn't... seem to really care.  Their problems are our problems, our problems are personal?  We'll... see.

Finally have some food.  The right food.  I'll get to cooking before too long.  This food is pretty easy to cook, at least.  Rather straightforward.  Meat.  And, mostly, fattier cuts and organ.  Kidneys are the easiest.  I'm not sure why people pull the fat.  That is leaf fat, the best fat on the animal.  Gizzards are a bit more complicated, but just take time more than effort.  Steam or braise, then fry.  Roast is very easy as well.  Just stick in an oven until it reaches, what, 135?  Give or take as to your preferences.  If you like it more done, maybe to 150? 160, 165?  Somewhere in there.  Or, cook it down until it nearly falls apart.  But then you really need to use to juices, or you've wasted the fast, most of them.  Recipes are simple, for me anyway, most of the time.  Salt and pepper to taste, cook/braise/bake/fry to doneness and taste, and done!

I will still be making kefir.  So... that will be on the menu.  I may try to push the food into early afternoon, starting with a kefir at around my noon, 'noon', or "noon".  I know, if the sleep cycle spins, I have to improvise until I can regain control.  For now, today, I'll have kefir shortly.  But, plans include a return to intermittent fasting.  Two meals, closer together.  Kefir, then a small meat or organ meat.  Then a larger meal, including a bit of kefir, three or four hours beyond that.

Keto wasn't working, because it... would always stretch into too many other.  Veggies, the ones I was eating, were fine.  But, just the want of other things, from bread to some sauces, to... other additions to the meal, would get me going astray.  And, on keto, consumption is more limited, by volume.  On a carnivore diet, you are recommended to only eat meats, or meats and dairy, perhaps some specific veggies if your really stretching... and they aren't causing inflammation.  At my keto level, even as dirty, and off track as I get sometimes, inflammation is no longer an issue.

I can't seem to remove any gut fat.  I doubt if that will change.  Too tired, most of the time, even when running a pure keto diet for an extended time.  I have zero believe carnivore will do that either.  My heart is in too bad of shape.  It just can't help guide the body to burn enough calories to lose weight.  That would take nearly daily strenuous exercise.  And I can't do it.  I have thought about walking, but not in the winter.

Oh, well, my former foot tender is still working, is back to work(?).  And the place where she works is open.  I have called... some number of times.  The last time I called, six months ago, they never got back to me.  Or the time before.  I was beginning to think I was a persona non-grata.  And, maybe I am.  But I connected with someone, this time.  And... they set up an appointment.  I can, and have been, caring for my feet.  Right to having just a rough patch on the heel.  It used to be thick cracked layer... an half inch thick at the worst.  But, I can't clip my nails rightly, or clean the cuticles.  Oh, and since I was going, I figured out the shoes were too small.  Last time I was there, I was wearing 12/13 shoes.  Now I'm wearing 15/16's.  I wonder if that will cost more!  From a frigate to a battleship!  Since I am not doing the septic tank this month, I'll do this one little thing.  If try to get help finding the tank.

Well, yes.  Plans.  Today is going to be an easier day.  I need to finish clearing, then clean, the freezer top.  Then get to dishes.  Perhaps another shower.  And, just maybe, some work in the small hall from the bathroom.  Then a sweeping and mopping from the bathroom to that area if I can clear it yet today.  Try to get ahead again.  Even the though of mother arriving on my doorstep is... a bit spooky.  You let a woman in, it... isn't your house anymore.  I... wonder if she'd like to visit Argentina?  Or Ecuador?  *grins*  Well, she'd have someone on the plane with her, so wouldn't have to wait around for a tow truck.  *laughs*  I'd... expect a tip though.  If, knowing her, it'd be something like "Don't eat yellow snow".  Oh, I get it.

Have a good one.  I need to look around, get some kefir in, maybe tea or water, game a bit to wake, then get to some things.  Good morning and day.

Out and to it.

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A package returned.  Nice.  Was worried that wouldn't get back in time.  Still not sure.  But... I think so.  They took it, in any case.

Then to dinner.  Pizza.  I know.  But I did have tea with it, not soda or beer.  If... I'm having some beer now.  Oh well.  But, just a tall boy.  Very good.  Very bad.  I did have a salad with it.  It's been so long!  I do miss salads.

Then to groceries.  Yes, I did order the chuck, as fat as they could.  Haven't seen one yet, but one is out and will be cooked tomorrow.  Most of the rest of what I got was meat too.  Well, and butter and cultured cream.  No, I didn't take a list.  Found some steaks on sale, plus on clearance.  Always a risk, but... so rarely do I have them.  I... got some.

As well, I obtained fish, and a fishhead.  That's a first for me.  But I would like to make my own fish soup, with one of the packages of fish and the fishhead.  A chowder.  I'll get a potato replacement, simmer the fish head, add cream, perhaps a few other veggies... should work out well enough.  Not this week.  Perhaps when I go back to the store in the middle of the month?  Maybe.  I didn't get burger, it was all a bit high for my wallet.

Oh, but I did get more organ meat.  A few more packages of gizzards, a few packages of beef kidney, and a few packages of chicken liver.  Sort of an exotic mix, or oldschool.  If you can learn to eat kidney, the rest is a picnic.  Though the fish head stew might be a little tight.  We'll see.  A bit of a learning curve there, but I... like learning curves.

Oh, mom called.  Bad news.  They are closing her nursing home.  She is going to try to get in to a nearby place.  Not sure if it's possible.  I made it clear, if all else fails, she always has here.  It's a mess, but...  She said it wouldn't be for long.  All I ask for... is one room.  Oh, and speakers for while she watches t.v.  I hate that thing.  But want her to enjoy.  I use them for my games and computer, so I won't bother her.

I doubt if she would come all this way.  Beside being an Iowa girl, I... just don't think so.  But, she is welcome.  I would... make room for her.  And... lose my house in the meanwhile.  :p  That's how women do.  Even the barbaric part of my genes knew to... well... women owned the house.  Just... they understood this.  And, in a divorce, the house was theirs.  The more things change?  Right.  Beaver badgers?  Or... the other way around.  Crazy.  Mean.

A nice little spot of effort.

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.

Didn't even need a break.

The tub got a final cleaning.  The pee jugs, which were backed up again, were cleared, cleaned, bleached, dried.  I did those in two batches, though.  One much earlier.  Look, not a pleasant topic.  But when you have issues, you... have issues.  Then the tub was cleaned out, a final time, with that effort.  The toilet too.  I cleaned the floor, and swept, a day or so ago.  I just have to finish the sink.  I've been slowly working on it.  It drains slowly, so... well... it is taking some time.

Then a shower.  I keep writing about how much I love those things.  You... had to go without, often, heavily, for days, weeks, months even, to understand.  Assuming you were taught to like them.  If then, you go without, when you get them, you adore them.  Never knew when I would be denied, or for how long.  Only that I often went without.  Spot (pit) checks, and cleansing when possible, will roughly get one through.  But... even those aren't always available.  If you have to move, sometimes, there... just isn't time.  Sleep becomes a luxury.  Food becomes a luxury.  Even water becomes... a rare treasure.  Those... were the days, my friend.

I have stopped buying from Eddie Bauer.  Between woke black and queer, I just won't endorse them with my money.  I have found a company which will, mostly, do.  For now.  But they are heading E.B.'s way.  Give those co*ks8ckers an inch, they'll eat your company.  Could warn them.  But they know, and don't seem to care.  Couldn't be profiting from it.  Must be being covered by .gov somehow.  Still, for the moment, until they are gone, I will use them.  The thing is, their 3x is like a tent on me.  I guess E.B. was cutting corners.  I understand why, but it won't save them.  I'll have to order some 1x and 2x, see which fits the best.  Perhaps buy a few for storage, and burn some E.B.'s.  Gotta keep my co2 rates up!  Just the old ones, not going to toss passable shirts.

Oh, then I put the dishes in.  Set them up.  All good.  The tub was draining slowly.  After clearing and cleaning the pee jugs, and tub, then taking a shower, it drains well again.  Not so the sink.  But... one thing at a time.

Trying to stay up on business, and other things.  Getting going, getting done.  Hurry and wait, the way I do things these days.  But, all good.  If I didn't mention, I did get money put into savings.  Very good.  Doing fairly well.  I have goals, plans, ideas, and things to do.  We'll see.

Have a great day.  Stay warm if possible.  And enjoy something to eat.

Slightly better.

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Still a bit sleepy, very light nauseated.  But the foot feels slightly better.  Still, oddly uncomfortable, all around, but just on the edges.  I think I'll go ahead and take tylenol.  It upsets my stomach the least.  And I think it has been a day or two since I've taken any.  Was going to take some two days ago, don't think I ended up taking it.  Forgot.  A good way to do it, honestly.  Thinking about taking painpills sometimes relieves the pain without ever having done so.  And... I hate taking pills.  Even these light ones.  Nothing is free.

Tea, with electrolyte powder.  Not bad.  Less nauseating than coffee, in spite of supposedly having more caffeine.  And, still, a warm drink.  I'm not sure what else to drink that is warm.  Kefir is horrible even at room temp.  Cold or not, for that.  I'd love hot cocoa.  Hmm, I wonder if there is a keto recipe that would both work, and is legitimately keto?  A lot of fraudsters, and seriously dirty keto to the point of it... really not being keto.  Let me... look.

No, I didn't find anything.  Almond milk as a replacement for real milk.  No thanks.  One more expensive ingredient to go to waste, because I am afraid to use it.  Or have no other plans for it.  No.  I did see something, but it too required quirky ingredients of no real interest.  I'll do without hot cocoa.  Hmm, though perhaps there are powders out there, which might work?  I just want no other forms of sugar (including the likes of dextrose, etc), no soy products (will eat soy products, if they are fermented and I can tolerate that form (think soy sauce)), no filthy ingredients that make no sense to be in food products.  Why all the acids, and such?  Meh.

Well, I may have... found an option.  For some time in the future.  It's in the basket.  For later in the month if I have it, or next month.

Yes, a shower.  Shortly.  Getting dressed well and politely.  Not sure I'll make it out, but could get set up for a run, sooner or later.  A practice run, or maybe more.  We'll see.  I am definitely hungry.  Fresh meats would be good.  Salad would be good.  Maybe some veggies.  Butter and storebought cultured buttermilk... for creme fraiche.  I really am enjoying that stuff.  A few such things.  Oh, and some cash for dairy and pocket money... and a meal out, if... when... I get out.

I have some pocket money left, but... may collect that up, and begin trying to store a bit of cash hereabouts.  It'll only be twenty to fifty a month, but that adds up.  Good for... when I can't get out, yet need something.  Or can get out, but just barely.  Money, money, money.  Everything costs something, or more.

Warmer, too.  Me, personally.  It is up to 14 out there, last I looked.  That is still cold.  But a shower, getting dressed more warmly, and such, might help me get out.  Especially if I could do so a few days in a row.  Or... not?  :p  The cold is messing with me.  But the rest is doing better.  Mostly.  At least I am not sleeping days at a time, even in the deeper winter.

I keep dreaming, and daydreaming, of finding a woman.  Not... for a wife, or even technically a girlfriend.  Just... as a friend.  It's a bit late to marry?  But... having a woman friend isn't... a bad thing.  As long as they understand, no babies possible, no ring.  Just... friends.  Someone to annoy, enjoy time with, play games with, speak with, who is safe... safe enough.  My problem might be that I... say what I think.  Women just can't, often, handle the truth, and I don't negotiate with their feelz, pretty much the same with any liberal or such type.  I quash my own feelz, just... to make sure I stay on track, often.  Yes, that... does make your ass look big.  It's how I do.  Still, enjoying the dreams.  I do like women.  Mostly.

I saw a vid.  Something about knowing if a woman is angry at you?  I had to laugh.  I know a woman is, or will be, angry at me.  If she is talking to me, or isn't.  :)

Well... on to a shower?  Maybe.  Then a bit of gaming as I let my toes dry.  I don't go nekked through the place.  But I don't mind leaving my feet open, for a bit, after a shower.  I like those dry before putting them in socks and shoes.  Hate sticky toes.  Oh, and my feet are finally in pretty good condition.  A pedicurist could finish off the last little roughness.  I just can't afford such.  Prices keep going up, and my income keeps going down.

Well?  Indeed.  Later.

Awake.

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Life isn't easy, if sleep has been good.  I don't quite get it.  My feet feel cold, but are burning hot.  I, as a whole, am sleeping better, warmer.  But always have to figure out how to get blankets wrapped and tucked to avoid cold spots.  It was 52 F, upstairs.  Which is... sort of on the colder side.  After I was up there a while, even though it cooled through the night, it was 56 this morning.  Meaning I put off a lot of heat.  You'd think, with as little as I eat of late, I'd thin up a bit.  Nope.  Same size, same weight.

Sassy arrived at 3:31.  She... knows when I generally wake, and actually want to wake up.  I have become somewhat regular again, with sleep.  Going down between 15:30 and 17:30 this last four to six days.  Waking between 3:30 and 5:30?  Something like that.  It's as good as I can do, but not too bad.  She was fed when I got down.

The goal is to get a shower as soon as I can do anything.  Then set up dishes.  Or, maybe, clear and clean the freezertop first, then set up dishes.  They are mostly clean, just need a quick wash and then a rinse.  But, yeah, I would like to get those done today.

My card finally cleared, so I placed my amazon order.  I dropped some things, as they increased the price a bunch.  No worries, I can wait for lower prices or do without.  I really don't... like those stupid games.  Gambling against penny-pinchers, who have nothing to lose and no way to increase their income, is a bad bet.

I have to call the bank, and get them to put the money in the correct account.  I have a one other order to make this month.  Will see how things go through the month.  Groceries have to be bought, as well.  And money for dairy, and walkaround cash.  Not much, just... a bit.  For occasional fast food, small items, and gratuities.  Not bad.  Savings is building.  Just in savings I can take a $1k hit.  But... that would be about it.  Should be better by next year, by a goodly lot.  If, really, only double to triple that, depending on any improvements.  I'd like to begin getting quotes for an new and improved electrical box.  But that won't happen until probably spring?  Though... a quote?  Maybe I could start getting quotes?  Decide on an electrician beforehand?  Maybe.  Well, and depends on cost.  If it's too much, I'll just wait another year.

Trying to game, to kill some time.  Foot is still a bit rough.  Rougher by a lot than yesterday.  It may have taken a few days for my efforts recently to have caused problems.  Swelling is back to, say, sixty to seventy percent?  Up from the lows of fifteen to twenty percent.  I haven't bumped or otherwise hurt or overused it the last few days.  Yea, just catching up from when I did use it?  My body is... strange.  Mostly dead a few too many times, so injury, trauma, take a while to take effect.  Strange thing is, at night my feet are burning, during the day they are freezing.  Annoying.  But, just lately.  Not sure what all is up with them.

I thought it was -6 when I checked, first thing.  But couldn't remember for certain.  Checked again.  It's -8 now.  It... sometimes does cool as morning approaches.  I guess.  Yes, it's cold.  Oh well.  Later.

Getting near bedtime.

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Still hoping to get a shower taken.  And set up dishes.  Weary.  Leftovers from last week.  The back is easing up.  It had been fairly fierce.  Not sure what got it.  Shoveling.  Right.  Just near the kidneys, but it wasn't the kidneys.  Dimples in the area were pushed a bit?  Something odd like that.

I polished the eggs off.  Very good.  Yes, I think I will see if two dozen is possible.  Boiling one group, frying the other.

It had been staying 12 F.  I checked twice during the day.  Two or three hours ago, before this last one.  This last time, though, it had dropped to 7.  It's better than -26, but I had hoped it would rise a bit more.  And I am surprised it dropped this early.  It's not terribly unusual.  If that cold spot seemed, to me, to be a bit unusual.  Then again, having only been here a decade and change, that isn't... enough to really see it all.  I doubt if that was even the coldest it has gotten here, by far.

I called the bank, to see about putting money into savings.  Checked it just now.  They... got it backwards.  I know I said checking to savings, so...  I'll call them tomorrow.  No harm, no foul.  Oh, they said their phone systems are... problematic.  So... there is that.

I have started paying my amazon card, then using it.  I am sure it said it had gone through, but... hasn't.  So, I had to cancel the order, put everything back in the care, and wait for that to be ready.  Odd how they can say money is available, then it not be?  Well, not funny.  I have learned not to keep that order in limbo, because they will change the delivery time to a long way out.  Best to just cancel and reorder.  Unless you want to wait an extra week or three.  Tit for tat, I guess, as they see it?

Well, it's about bedtime.  No shower.  Just... couldn't do it.  But the tub is ready.  I did clear things, cook and eat, manage Sassy's needs, make some calls, pay some bills... not a perfect day, but not a bad one.  Just a bit too cold, and still a bit off.  Getting there.  Later.

Moving along.

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I finished the tub.  The brooms are clean and dry, so I set them out.  And kefir is about ready to go.  I may have a sip of that, if there is plenty after.  Oh, and a few more eggs were eaten.  I may just polish those off.  Not sure I will get out today.  Last I checked, an hour or two ago, it was up to 12 F.  A heatwave!

I did make a few payments.  I have to call my bank.  Every once in a while they refuse to allow me to transfer money from checking to savings.  No idea why.  Shouldn't really matter, as a security thing, as the money remains in personal accounts.  Ugh.

Still, would like to get a shower before too long.  And, perhaps, get another one tomorrow.  I love showers.  After the shower, I'll get dishes set up and going again.  This, that, and the other thing.  I am hungry for a bit more.  But eggs, for now, will do.  Easy on the stomach, too.

Oh, and a minor order from amazon.  I ran out of mushrooms, so ordered more.  And a few other things.  Mostly foodstuffs wanted, or used up.  But, keeping orders light for a while.

It's been a good day.  But something seems to be going south.  Not sure what the problem is.  I'll... get on past whatever it is.  Get a bit more done today.  Later.

A bit more.

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The tub has been drained.  First, though, I washed the brooms.  Or, as well as possible.  Then let the pool drain.

Sassy's needs were tended.  Food and litter.  Later I will get her fresh water.

Then, to boiling eggs.  I have used the last of the eggs.  They really taste so very good.  Storebought eggs have some... fishy taste to them.  As well, when eating with corned beef, canned, it... tastes a bit funny too.  But, just eggs, quite good.  I boiled what I had left.  Then ate three for breakfast.  I may have more, later.  These are mixed, between medium and small.  But they cooked well.  Shelled well too.

I boiled them in an inch or two of water, for ten minutes.  May try twelve minutes next time.  I will order two dozen this coming week.  And, boil half.  I should be out by the time they arrive.  The other will be for frying.  I should get bacon back on the menu.  Goes very well with eggs.

Today?  With the eggs out of the way, and the bath tub sort of sorted.  A shower, dishes back in the pool, and... who knows.  It's sort of dark out there.  But, yea, winter.  Oh, and I have to clear off the freezertop.  Maybe to not just start but finish dishes yet today.

A bit tired, or some such.  But I'll try to push through a bit.  Not heavy work, but something here and there.  May call the store, see if they will set up some meat for pickup today or tomorrow.  As they are able, willing.  Six or seven chuck roasts, and make sure they have 80% available, burger... six or eight packs.  And, when I do go to pick those up, look at other meats.  That is about two months of meat, but I'd want some variety.  I am going to start packing the freezer just a bit.  I'd like to get four to six months, if too a bit more variety of meats, mostly beef as possible.

Oh, and a package has to be returned.  I would send two back, but I think the return on one would cost almost as much as the item itself.  Odd how that works.  Anyway, a shower has to be had first, and the meat will need to be readied.

Ah, and it is payday.  As soon as the money is in the account, I'll begin making a few payments, and putting a bit into savings.  Always something.  Later.

Up and at it.

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Not sure what all I said I would get done, before bedtime last night?  But, I did get the tubs of dishes out, and without spilling.  So, this morning, I swept the tub clean(ish).  Got as much out as was possible.  Now it is soaking in hot water and bleach... hopefully to be spick and spanned before too long.

Then a shower, and dishes back in, probably given a refresh, then set to soak just a bit.  Which means I need to clear and clean the freezertop.  If I can get all that done by noon, perhaps I can get to grocery shopping.  And return some things.  Today or tomorrow.  Tomali?  Who knows.  Goofing can be fun, even if no one understands.  Heck... that might be half the fun.  Unfortunately, I am not that clever, by half?  Maybe.

Slept well.  Had to turn the electric blanket on for a bit though.  It was 40 up there.  I need to remember to open the door to the upstairs an hour or two ahead of time.  I think I could have done without the electric blanket, but it would have been a rougher start to sleep, and a lot of rolling and adjusting blankets to avoid cold spots.

It has warmed, sort of.  It is zero outside, at the moment.  It... feels better.  Seriously.  When zero feels good, you... know it's been cold.

Still, it's deep winter, and I am up and going.  I am sleeping between eleven and twelve hours, for this last week?  Give or take.  After going through some tumbling of two or three sleep cycles a day, when I was pushing harder to get to things.  Fair enough.  Makes sense, at least to me.

This month, other than salad, I will mostly be buying meat.  I won't quite call it a pure carnivore diet, just yet.  But I am definitely heading that way.  Well, and more cultured buttermilk.  Okay, so storebought can sometimes top raw dairy.  It... just does.  Butter is on the list as well, if I can find a good sale.  If it is just medium or standard, I'll just buy a few pounds to get through.  Waiting for an half off sale, to stock up for making ghee.  Half pint jars of it, perhaps six or eight?  I may see what they have for lard and tallow though too.  

They seem to either add preservatives, hydrogenate it, or charge so much it's unaffordable.  At amazon.  Will check the local stores.  Sometimes they really do offer things less expensively.  With amazon, shipping weight really has started to cost/matter.  It had to happen, eventually.  I may see about carbonated water too.  Anything that has some heft to it has a hidden surcharge on amazon.  Fair enough, with fuel costs.  Lets see if stores pick up that slack and ship in bulk enough to cut that.  If they just charge what amazon charges... shouldn't that be illegal?  It's called price fixing.  I'll bet, if that was looked into by bureaucrats who actually do their job, that would... change.  Just a shot over the bow, to clear up... improprieties.

Well... on to reviewing the web.  Then... gaming a bit.  Then... more, I hope.  Good morning and day.

Not much done.

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Cold, tired, sore.  The cold is seeping in.  I put a blanket in front of the door.  Will see if that helps.  down at the base.  It may just be where the air flow/wind is from.  Or just the depth of the cold.  The main of the house is warm, but this front room seems chill.  If part of it is something wrong with me.

Pushing too hard, physically, and past pain, seems to leave me more susceptible to the cold, or heat if that were the case.  I pushed, I get what comes with it.

Odd that I sleep so warm though?  I haven't been using the electric blanket, or at least I haven't been turning it on.  With it, and some others, I do have a goodly lot of blankets.  But some nights that doesn't make a difference.  This last week I have been sleeping between warm and too hot.

I did make eggs.  I have to admit, just eggs are much more appetizing than eggs with corned beef hash.  Strange.  With the hash, I am almost certain I would have become nauseated.  But, with just fried eggs?  I was good.  I didn't boil eggs.  Maybe tomorrow.  A few warm for breakfast, the rest stored.  I am looking forward to it.  These are much better than storebought.  Even the better storebought.

Sassy has been well fed.  I've had eggs and kefir.  It's as good as today will get.  I didn't get to the tub, but will tomorrow.  I think I can get that without as much fuss as anticipated.  The muck sort of dried up, like a fruit skin or something.  If I can get the tubs of dirty dishes out, without spilling, I may just be able to brush it up and dustpan it out?  Something.  May pull the tubs out tonight, before I go to bed.

Getting dark.  Getting colder?  Seems like it, though maybe that is just me.

Have a great day.  I'm going to do those few things, then go on to bed.  Goodnight, too.  I'll say prayers for us.

Still haven't made mayonnaise.

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Even so, I have some other things I'd like to make.  Now, I did make creme fraiche, successfully, and two batches through time (need to make another soon).  And I have made other things.  Can't make everything?  Or every time?  Still, working on mayonnaise, so as to get on to making homemade blue cheese and ranch dressing.

Gaming and kefir.

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.

The early part of the game is brutal, on the most difficult setting.  And, yes, it's... brutal.  Lots of restarts.  No great way to play.  It's a bit of luck, well, and the devs made it so you have to play over.  They won't let you go through without playing over.  Makes it hard to keep interested at times.

Kefir is taking some time.  But, then, I am adding a smaller portion of grains.  With that very result in mind.  Then again, with it being as cold as it is, even with the furnace up, there are serious limits.  It is colder, even inside, than what the thermostat reads.  It... just is.

Got it switched this morning though.  And, put a smaller amount in.  Something is wrong with the kefir.  I can't say it has been sabotaged, but I can't say it hasn't been.  Something is just off.  Hasn't killed me, so... for now I'll keep at it.  End of the month, eh?  Sure is a cold end to it.  I just checked.  It is still negative 20 out there, or so.  19?  Right in there.

The sun is up.  It is a bright day.  Pretty, as far as frigid days go.

I make fatted coffee, every other or third day, but can't drink all of it, even over many hours.  Not sure what is up with that?  Ah, nausea is still in the background.  Lighter than recently, but yes.  The foot is still swollen, minus fluid buildup, which hasn't been a problem for several days to a week.  But much less so, down to, say, fifteen to twenty percent larger than normal.  I was afraid that working it would increase swelling.  If it did anything, it reduced swelling?  Probably nothing, but who knows with certainty.

Oh, but the other day, the day of the funeral, I had to go up and down the steps without shoes or else.  The last time I tried that, five days before, I got half way down, had to sit, just about threw up, and had to crab walk the rest of the way, when I caught my breath.  So... improvements.  I tried again, yesterday, just to see if it was an adrenalin rush from the push to get in.  But, no, if I am careful, I can go up and down the stairs without horrors, terrors, or nauseating pain.  Still, I'll... keep that to an occasional test, trial, such.

I keep looking at where the wind blew in a bit of snow.  Both along the east side of the drive, and just a bit if a few inches deep.  And the front sidewalk.  Just... I want to clear them.  But, that cold is so ugly, and my foot is still whining a bit.  Looks, it's better.  It has improved.  But, I pushed it and it is still suffering.  I don't want to push it hard, or even lightly all that much, for a while.

Pleased having pushed, but nausea is right at the back of my throat.  And my foot is... uncomfortable.  And that cold is just mean.  I think there was a bit of a breeze, as well.  A five to seven mile an hour breeze, at -20 static, adds up quickly.  Especially if a slight gust shoots through on top of that.

Well, and I have been sitting for a few weeks.  I am even more out of shape than before.  So it's sort of doubling up.  Even so, I will try to keep up on kefir.  And, next, get the bath tub sorted, dishes hit, and maybe a shower later today or tomorrow.  It's not much.  It will still be a test.  But... I'll give that a go.  As for shoveling?  If it warms a bit, maybe.  But not at -20 F.  No.  Because It isn't absolutely necessary and I don't have to do it.  Later.

Pushing, if only one way.

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Well, maybe pulling one way, pushing the other?  I have to push to stay awake until fifteen thirty.  But, to stay in bed until nearly three this morning, three thirty yesterday, I had to pull?  I kept waking earlier, midnight thirty, one forty eight, two fifteen.  Well, and a lot of peeing, if I don't think that is involved.  Three quarts the last two nights, but without any swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet?  Very strange.

I didn't think I was drinking all that much, but I must have been?  Or, just not getting up to pee as often?  Maybe.  My foot is... pretty rough.  The swelling is down, but it hurts a good lot.  I pushed it, hard, for a few days.  I knew I was pushing.  Had things to do.  Did them, at least.  Hate it when I mess something up, which had been healing, only to fail to reach the goal on top.

Compression socks today.  One of the tighter sets.  Yesterday as well, though I wore socks with it.  Not doing that today.  Just too much.

Oh, and it is cold out there again.  Negative twenty six fahrenheit.  Gesundheit?  Whatever.  But, yeah, that is pretty cold again.  I do have the furnace up.

Today?  The idea is to get to the bathroom, clean the tub, get a shower, and maybe do the dishes.  It'll be a bit of work.  I'll find knee protection, so I can do some work on the ground, and have a chair for what that will help with.  Sweeping first, then to dishes, at least one round to get them ready for a rinse.  Then set the tubs they are in out, to get to the tub.

The mesh insert I have for the drain doesn't work with debris.  But, I have a chainmail sort of cloth, used for cast iron, which might fit in the drain, and allow water through but stop the leaves which might clog the drain.  And, be easy to remove.  Ugh.  Tricks, plans, ideas, mistakes, learning, and practicum.  Might not exactly be science, more engineering.  But... it... should do the trick, one way or the other.  I'm not sure, as things turn out, that science is half what it is supposed to be.  But, engineering?  Is simply about getting the damned job done.  You know if engineering fails, not so much science.

I can't believe it is that cold.  But, it... definitely is.  I knew it.  The weather services are reporting -1 as the temp?  I went back and looked again.  That was... their predicted(?) low for Tuesday night?  But they are showing -20 currently.  Still a few degrees warmer.  I have two thermometers out there.  Which have been tested to zero.  I am surprised they are that close.  Often, they are ten to fifteen degrees higher than reading.  I wonder which one they will use for their weather models?  I can guess.

Well... on to a bit of browsing, the maybe gaming as I wake.  Be careful out there. 

Almost up to zero.

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Last I looked, it was negative two F.  Quite a bit better.  Got out and pulled the bins back.  Yep, they took both, so all good.  Love it when it works out.

I did turn the heat up, it was starting to really get to me.  I'll turn it down as I go to sleep shortly.  Made a mess in the tub.  Had a pot, which had burned.  And been forgotten back.  When I found it, I put it out.  It froze up, and collected dirt and leaves to it's base oddly.

I tried to get it to empty into the trash, but it went from cold to brutally cold, and... that didn't work.  So, I brought it in, to thaw and scrape and else.  Yes, the tub is a mess.  Not from what was in it.  That came out and was dumped easily.  But from leaves and dirt which had clung to the bottom.  Looked like ice and snow to me.  Nope.  Or, well, yes but only over the mud and leaves.  Bleh.  I'll have to get that cleaned out.  Try to do it so the debris doesn't clog the drain.

A good day.  Tired, not waling much.  But no serious pains, other than the back a bit.  Painkillers are helping with that.  I will take more tylenol as I go to bed.  I've made it to 15:13.  Hoping to make it to 17:00.  Though, if not, that's all good.  Hmm... more kefir.  And turning kefir over.  That would be as much else as I could do, maybe.  Good afternoon, and possibly goodnight.

Bitter brutal cold out there.

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Getting the trash and recycling to the barrels, the last bits.  Then getting those to the curb?  A test.  It's been so long since I have been out in that cold of weather, just not used to it.  Glasses too a few minutes to defog, from being out less than a minute or two.  I did wear a jacket and gloves.  Didn't matter.  Well, that's on top of warmer wear already.

It did warm, though.  One degree.  :p  Had to laugh.

I feel for anyone who has to work outside in this.  But, take heed, this isn't cool, or cold.  This is frigid.  This is dangerous, almost immediately.  You can lose parts of ears, fingers, toes.  Just be careful out there.  And, if you are sending kids out, bundle them well, and make sure they aren't out very long... even bundled.  Oh, and let the vehicle run a bit, before hopping in and trying to hurry to wherever.  Wow, very cold.  And it somehow feels colder yet.

Still, I got it done!  And almost certainly, at 6:15, before they arrived.  Not sure if it's both, but both are out.

A bowl of soup, with cheese, and maybe an added veggie, might work to rehab from the chill?  A fatted coffee, after, too.  Might turn the heat up, for a few hours, hoping to get a shower?  No.  Until I hit dishes, I'll not worry about heating things up for a shower.  Ugh.  Later.