.
.
While my lady friend was visiting, in our travels we noticed homes lit like electrical 4th of July displays. I will not, myself, put up Christmas lights. I suppose I could be talked into doing such silliness should I marry and the little woman get a particular bee in her bonnet. I know my limitations and depriving a little lady of her bee'd bonnet is often among my limits. In any case, I did suggest that I would like to light a candle, or set of candles, for the twelve days of Christmas. She has not heard of such a thing. I assured her that this practice is old, probably ancient, and is both quite Christian and not just Catholic. However, I was not sure how such things worked.
Today, a fellow stopped by to visit and brought a gift. It just so happens Mormons also, to whatever degree, know of the twelve day of Christmas candle lighting situation. As the gift was just that, along with verses from the book of Mormon and the New Testament. Oh, and not only did I invite him in, the guest that is, but with the living room in much better order, I invited him in to have a seat. We talked just a little bit, but it was good. I am not dressed properly, wearing sweats and a t-shirt. My hair was slightly but not properly combed as well. Still, it was better than before.
Anyway, I just think that after having just been discussing this particular candle, to have it show up is one of those things, odd things, in life. Perhaps letting me know I am going the right way and offering me an incentive to keep going. If we had discussed this in my home, perhaps one could posit through a right proper paranoia that it was "overheard". We were in my vehicle and several states over, I think, so though of course it is possible that we were overheard there, it is less likely. And should one's paranoia be hearty enough, one could believe that even my clothes are bugged. Still, I like to think this was just a work of fate. Probably. Ha!
Well, on to other things. I hope your day is going well. That you find something to chuckle at, wonder about, and maybe something worth putting your mystery or paranoid hat on. Yeah, it is fun, life that is. Later.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Ouch, almost.
.
.
I wanted to sleep yesterday, as soon as I returned home and most of the day. Instead I waited until 23:00 or so before climbing into bed. I slept well, dreamed I think, and woke a bit late. I set the alarm for 7:00, so I could sleep in a bit today. It was not until 7:43 or so until I actually woke. And I enjoyed a little extra sleep. I sort of feel a little strung out, but actually not all that badly. My lady friend was no hassle to deal with, if I enjoy even most of that now it can stretch me. I think it was simply all the driving, travel, a bit of financial concern, and such, which have stretched me. Still, I need to be stretched from time to time. So it is a good thing.
Now to figure out my finances, get my life back to normal order, and just figure it all out again. I need to sort out my refrigerator, too. I have a duck and several cornish game hens in the freezer, along with a few other meats, so I should be good for food, along with the short term food stocks. Milk, maybe more cat food, and maybe a few incidentals through to the end of the month will see me in fine shape, I think.
Sam and Sassy were quite pleased to have papa back home. I slept in a crowded bed last night and woke to furry tickles several times, as they wanted to see if I would feed them. Sometimes that annoys me, sometimes it just makes me smile, either way I usually just go back to sleep. I think they must know when I am close to waking, as in deeper sleep that does not work. Pests, but I enjoy them.
On to my day. Have a great day yourselves.
.
I wanted to sleep yesterday, as soon as I returned home and most of the day. Instead I waited until 23:00 or so before climbing into bed. I slept well, dreamed I think, and woke a bit late. I set the alarm for 7:00, so I could sleep in a bit today. It was not until 7:43 or so until I actually woke. And I enjoyed a little extra sleep. I sort of feel a little strung out, but actually not all that badly. My lady friend was no hassle to deal with, if I enjoy even most of that now it can stretch me. I think it was simply all the driving, travel, a bit of financial concern, and such, which have stretched me. Still, I need to be stretched from time to time. So it is a good thing.
Now to figure out my finances, get my life back to normal order, and just figure it all out again. I need to sort out my refrigerator, too. I have a duck and several cornish game hens in the freezer, along with a few other meats, so I should be good for food, along with the short term food stocks. Milk, maybe more cat food, and maybe a few incidentals through to the end of the month will see me in fine shape, I think.
Sam and Sassy were quite pleased to have papa back home. I slept in a crowded bed last night and woke to furry tickles several times, as they wanted to see if I would feed them. Sometimes that annoys me, sometimes it just makes me smile, either way I usually just go back to sleep. I think they must know when I am close to waking, as in deeper sleep that does not work. Pests, but I enjoy them.
On to my day. Have a great day yourselves.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Back to normal.
.
.
I took my lady friend to the airport this morning and more or less on time and in good shape. I can begin figuring out what to do now that I am running solo again. It has been a bit of a whirlwind, in spite of it not seeming like it while it was happening. Driving, shopping, cooking, planning, and even the cleaning beforehand. Even the drive home is more doings and at times I usually do not go forth.
We did end up driving the Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We stayed the night there. Then we tried to get to the south gate of Yellowstone. The road was officially closed before we got to the gates but I could see that the park rangers, I suspect, had been driving on up. Whether the path went all the way to the gates, which I suspect, I will never know. My lady friend got cold feet about the project at the road closed sign, so we turned around. I think I enjoyed her Christmas present almost as much as she did.
The driving was extensive. I drove, perhaps, five hours up. But on the way back we took a different path as I wanted her to see Bear Lake and Logan Canyon. Then we drove on to SLC for another overnight out. Her flight required her to be to the airport at 5:30, according to their recommendations, for checking in and having everything in order for her 7:10 flight... give or take. The drive from up there, then to as close to the south gate as we got, and then to the hotel in SLC, and then a bit more to find an In-n-Out ended up making for about twelve to fourteen hours on the road.
I did overspend, of course. I had planned to have a good meal or three and had provisioned for it. Little of which, as it turns out, did we eat. Still, I had planned on a more expensive meat and a Christmas present. Though I had hoped to get that next month. Ah well, it all works out in the end. Somehow? Yeah, probably. And, she was more than pleased with the trip. In spite of not having my printer working still, and having to take down direction notes, we made the trip with nary a hiccup. And we made it back and on time just swell.
But, the coming down. That will take a bit. At least I did not feel pushed or pulled, stretched or thin, hung out or strung out. She was even pleased with my home, and the cleanliness. Which surprises me. Other than vacuuming and a little straightening, this is pretty much how my home is generally kept. Now to keep it pretty much like it is, though. My next visitor, my mother, comes in the spring. I should be able to keep up appearances that long. Besides, I may have local visitors before too long as well. Now to just keep it like this from now on, I suppose.
Well, off to tinker, read, comment, and whatever. Have a great day.
.
I took my lady friend to the airport this morning and more or less on time and in good shape. I can begin figuring out what to do now that I am running solo again. It has been a bit of a whirlwind, in spite of it not seeming like it while it was happening. Driving, shopping, cooking, planning, and even the cleaning beforehand. Even the drive home is more doings and at times I usually do not go forth.
We did end up driving the Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We stayed the night there. Then we tried to get to the south gate of Yellowstone. The road was officially closed before we got to the gates but I could see that the park rangers, I suspect, had been driving on up. Whether the path went all the way to the gates, which I suspect, I will never know. My lady friend got cold feet about the project at the road closed sign, so we turned around. I think I enjoyed her Christmas present almost as much as she did.
The driving was extensive. I drove, perhaps, five hours up. But on the way back we took a different path as I wanted her to see Bear Lake and Logan Canyon. Then we drove on to SLC for another overnight out. Her flight required her to be to the airport at 5:30, according to their recommendations, for checking in and having everything in order for her 7:10 flight... give or take. The drive from up there, then to as close to the south gate as we got, and then to the hotel in SLC, and then a bit more to find an In-n-Out ended up making for about twelve to fourteen hours on the road.
I did overspend, of course. I had planned to have a good meal or three and had provisioned for it. Little of which, as it turns out, did we eat. Still, I had planned on a more expensive meat and a Christmas present. Though I had hoped to get that next month. Ah well, it all works out in the end. Somehow? Yeah, probably. And, she was more than pleased with the trip. In spite of not having my printer working still, and having to take down direction notes, we made the trip with nary a hiccup. And we made it back and on time just swell.
But, the coming down. That will take a bit. At least I did not feel pushed or pulled, stretched or thin, hung out or strung out. She was even pleased with my home, and the cleanliness. Which surprises me. Other than vacuuming and a little straightening, this is pretty much how my home is generally kept. Now to keep it pretty much like it is, though. My next visitor, my mother, comes in the spring. I should be able to keep up appearances that long. Besides, I may have local visitors before too long as well. Now to just keep it like this from now on, I suppose.
Well, off to tinker, read, comment, and whatever. Have a great day.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Another good day.
.
.
I was up late, around 7:30 or 8:00. She was already up and tinkering. She made some coffee and oatmeal. I think I fixed myself something and had a cup of joe as well. A slow but steady morning of doing this and that, based on plans for lunch out at my favorite local Mexican place, a movie, and some shopping. And, it all went off without a hitch.
My favorite place, where I may have mentioned the shrimp ceviche and generally splendid meals, served up a winner. I would have enjoyed the meal in any case, but to have my lady friend enjoy her meal and the ceviche was simply an additional bonus. Then a stop at the local organics store, where she bought nothing but looked around a bit. Then to the new Harry Potter movie. I know, it is secular at best. I know, it is for children. Still, I merely enjoyed it for what it was. She enjoys these things as if she were a child. It was good. Then a few things on here list. All the time talking about this or that. I grabbed a chuck roast and to home we went. I made the roast, as nothing else is really thawed. We could have had some other stuff, but... so be it. I added in mushrooms, onion, and turnips. I had purchased a lettuce mix for her already. So the meal, with a little cooking time, was another success. Toward the end of the evening, we were both getting a bit grumpy. Still, that is fine. We are comfortable, at this point, with each other's bad hair moments.
Rather than a big meal, or a Christmas present, she wanted to take a bit of a trip. We looked to Yellowstone, but they are all booked or closed. So we looked around for a lodging in or near the Grand Teton National Park. We found lodging nearby, for tomorrow, so we will be going up that way. I chose a place, for just a little more, with a kitchenette, a private balcony, and separate sleeping quarters, though she would have been fine sharing a room, even a bed. Yes, I am that trustworthy. Nice to know, and that it is not a difficulty is either a good thing or bad thing but is no chore even if I am attracted. Oh well, God does know.
So, instead of a big meal and a nicer gift, we travel. I am probably saving money on the deal but that is not the point. I think I will also, yet tonight, find lodging in SLC where we can sleep over so we do not have to get up so early and drive so far for her return flight. As well, we can then see Antelope State Park, I hope, and eat at the In-n-Out... something she wanted to do since we saw the sign on our "detour" south the night she arrived. It is something from her long past, something she wants. So, if things work as planned, she will eat there.
Well, she should have a fine vacation this year. As well, it has not been a burden to me, in any way. I also get to see more of the world around me and some of the places I would not have visited or want to see again. It is good to have visitors. I should try to find the muffin tin before I get to bed, then get into bed. It has been a number of long days, filled with talk and some activity, and there are a few more to go. Then I can sleep and rest and relax into my fine typical winter hibernation form? Maybe. Or just meh? Ha!
Good night.
.
I was up late, around 7:30 or 8:00. She was already up and tinkering. She made some coffee and oatmeal. I think I fixed myself something and had a cup of joe as well. A slow but steady morning of doing this and that, based on plans for lunch out at my favorite local Mexican place, a movie, and some shopping. And, it all went off without a hitch.
My favorite place, where I may have mentioned the shrimp ceviche and generally splendid meals, served up a winner. I would have enjoyed the meal in any case, but to have my lady friend enjoy her meal and the ceviche was simply an additional bonus. Then a stop at the local organics store, where she bought nothing but looked around a bit. Then to the new Harry Potter movie. I know, it is secular at best. I know, it is for children. Still, I merely enjoyed it for what it was. She enjoys these things as if she were a child. It was good. Then a few things on here list. All the time talking about this or that. I grabbed a chuck roast and to home we went. I made the roast, as nothing else is really thawed. We could have had some other stuff, but... so be it. I added in mushrooms, onion, and turnips. I had purchased a lettuce mix for her already. So the meal, with a little cooking time, was another success. Toward the end of the evening, we were both getting a bit grumpy. Still, that is fine. We are comfortable, at this point, with each other's bad hair moments.
Rather than a big meal, or a Christmas present, she wanted to take a bit of a trip. We looked to Yellowstone, but they are all booked or closed. So we looked around for a lodging in or near the Grand Teton National Park. We found lodging nearby, for tomorrow, so we will be going up that way. I chose a place, for just a little more, with a kitchenette, a private balcony, and separate sleeping quarters, though she would have been fine sharing a room, even a bed. Yes, I am that trustworthy. Nice to know, and that it is not a difficulty is either a good thing or bad thing but is no chore even if I am attracted. Oh well, God does know.
So, instead of a big meal and a nicer gift, we travel. I am probably saving money on the deal but that is not the point. I think I will also, yet tonight, find lodging in SLC where we can sleep over so we do not have to get up so early and drive so far for her return flight. As well, we can then see Antelope State Park, I hope, and eat at the In-n-Out... something she wanted to do since we saw the sign on our "detour" south the night she arrived. It is something from her long past, something she wants. So, if things work as planned, she will eat there.
Well, she should have a fine vacation this year. As well, it has not been a burden to me, in any way. I also get to see more of the world around me and some of the places I would not have visited or want to see again. It is good to have visitors. I should try to find the muffin tin before I get to bed, then get into bed. It has been a number of long days, filled with talk and some activity, and there are a few more to go. Then I can sleep and rest and relax into my fine typical winter hibernation form? Maybe. Or just meh? Ha!
Good night.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Back and alive.
.
.
We had a good day, actually. I shopped before she arrived and was at the airport in plenty of time. A bit of a wait is better than having my guest wait. She was pleased to see me at the arrival gate this time. I am learning. The ride home would have been uneventful, but in the excitement of the moment, the crush of traffic, and simply whatever other reason, I got on the wrong track and went 40 miles in the wrong direction. Still, she was rather pleasant about it. Though reminding me every 15 to 20 minutes for a couple hours is how she deals with things. I think she forgets she already reminded me. *laughs*
We stopped at one of the best restaurants in Logan and had dinner. I had hoped to stop at Maddox, which was closer to the airport since she was hungry when she arrived. It was closed, Mondays I suppose. She was not terribly pleased with her meal, but I enjoyed mine a great deal. We had thought to see a movie too, but she was all done in. Home and bed sounded really good, so the movie will wait. The rest of the drive was uneventful.
I cannot tell what she thinks of my home yet. She is tired, it is late, it is dark. At first she was going right to bed, then she thought ginger "tea" would be good. Then perhaps a game of backgammon, she thought. I won, of course. She does win sometimes, though. A little talk, some things about Iowa City, a bit about here, some things that are happening. She thinks my house is quite large, which it sort of is, if no mansion either. And she thought it was quite clean. We will see when she wakes and the sun shines in. But for now, I accept the compliment.
All in all, a good first day. We will argue later. :p
Good night.
.
We had a good day, actually. I shopped before she arrived and was at the airport in plenty of time. A bit of a wait is better than having my guest wait. She was pleased to see me at the arrival gate this time. I am learning. The ride home would have been uneventful, but in the excitement of the moment, the crush of traffic, and simply whatever other reason, I got on the wrong track and went 40 miles in the wrong direction. Still, she was rather pleasant about it. Though reminding me every 15 to 20 minutes for a couple hours is how she deals with things. I think she forgets she already reminded me. *laughs*
We stopped at one of the best restaurants in Logan and had dinner. I had hoped to stop at Maddox, which was closer to the airport since she was hungry when she arrived. It was closed, Mondays I suppose. She was not terribly pleased with her meal, but I enjoyed mine a great deal. We had thought to see a movie too, but she was all done in. Home and bed sounded really good, so the movie will wait. The rest of the drive was uneventful.
I cannot tell what she thinks of my home yet. She is tired, it is late, it is dark. At first she was going right to bed, then she thought ginger "tea" would be good. Then perhaps a game of backgammon, she thought. I won, of course. She does win sometimes, though. A little talk, some things about Iowa City, a bit about here, some things that are happening. She thinks my house is quite large, which it sort of is, if no mansion either. And she thought it was quite clean. We will see when she wakes and the sun shines in. But for now, I accept the compliment.
All in all, a good first day. We will argue later. :p
Good night.
Almost proud.
.
.
The place, if not spotless, is a different world than what it has been. No, it would not pass any close scrutiny, though as much due to the age of the kitchen area as anything else. It is not meticulously clean, it is merely clean and neat, with a few givens (my bedroom, to a degree, and the computer area). Hmm, but my bed IS made. That is almost a first here. Sassy and Sam have enough food and water for two days or more, should my return be delayed. Everything is on schedule. I have showered and trimmed my face bush back to a more pleasing whiteifer (sort of like conifer, just mostly white). I even folded one more load of laundry and have another in a near dry set up.
I am ready to head out and should be in SLC early enough to do a little shopping on my own. I may do more when she arrives and we discuss some things, or not, depending on her mood. She worked last night so she is bound to be a little grumpy and disheveled. That, in my own odd way, I can understand. So, today is up to her. She has not called, which worries me just a bit. I tried to call her but there was no answer. I will go ahead as if all is on schedule and such unless I hear otherwise. Still, it is unusual that she not call.
I best get going. Have a great day.
.
The place, if not spotless, is a different world than what it has been. No, it would not pass any close scrutiny, though as much due to the age of the kitchen area as anything else. It is not meticulously clean, it is merely clean and neat, with a few givens (my bedroom, to a degree, and the computer area). Hmm, but my bed IS made. That is almost a first here. Sassy and Sam have enough food and water for two days or more, should my return be delayed. Everything is on schedule. I have showered and trimmed my face bush back to a more pleasing whiteifer (sort of like conifer, just mostly white). I even folded one more load of laundry and have another in a near dry set up.
I am ready to head out and should be in SLC early enough to do a little shopping on my own. I may do more when she arrives and we discuss some things, or not, depending on her mood. She worked last night so she is bound to be a little grumpy and disheveled. That, in my own odd way, I can understand. So, today is up to her. She has not called, which worries me just a bit. I tried to call her but there was no answer. I will go ahead as if all is on schedule and such unless I hear otherwise. Still, it is unusual that she not call.
I best get going. Have a great day.
Not much...
.
.
I did not get much on the list done. Done last night that is. I was up late, so not sure if I would be able to rise at 6:00. Not quite but not bad, I did get out of bed at around 6:22 or 6:15 or something like that. A cup of coffee, some wake up time on the machine, and I was at it by 9:00 or so. The bathroom is ready, minus the fixtures. I have not had time to tinker with that, though I may see if bending a rod will fix the thing, at least for now. If not, I will have to drain it and measure everything, then buy replacements. Why tinker around. It might save a little money to just fix one problem, but if there is a problem, I would rather fix the whole thing than be tinkering with it endlessly as various other parts break. The dishes are done and put away, the floor is swept though the felines with their penchant for the litter box will dirty it before I can return. Several loads of laundry have been completed, with one in the wash and one in the dryer. Oh, and I finally VACUUMED! Plus it did not kill me. Still hate doing that, but it is done. Other little tasks have been seen to as well, including stocking her bathroom with towels and ensuring she has toilet paper. Further, I cleaned up this (the computer) room. It is not enclosed enough to actually be a room all by itself, it is a through room from the front door to the living room, without an interior door. My work station remains the cluttered mess that I use for organization, but that is just the tiny corner desk upon which the computer sits. People will simply have to deal with that.
I might do a few odds and ends yet though. But the main presentation of my home is as ready as it gets. A few boxes I tucked into my room may go upstairs. A few boxes in there should have gone upstairs long ago anyway. A shower and perhaps neatening my beard would be good. And maybe I can finish most of the laundry. My goal is to be out by noon, I have about an hour and a half. Wow, I can actually do some work. Sometimes I even calculate well. Then again, I have been tinkering at it. I knew, though, that getting things too ready too soon would simply not work as the place would be a mess again in no time.
It is snowing, or was a bit ago. Large flakes, huge flakes actually. I should be fine. Part of the reason I chose the Xterra was winter mobility. Ice is one thing, but this is not ice. They do a pretty good job of keeping the roads open here. Well, a bit more work, a shower, and...
Later!
.
I did not get much on the list done. Done last night that is. I was up late, so not sure if I would be able to rise at 6:00. Not quite but not bad, I did get out of bed at around 6:22 or 6:15 or something like that. A cup of coffee, some wake up time on the machine, and I was at it by 9:00 or so. The bathroom is ready, minus the fixtures. I have not had time to tinker with that, though I may see if bending a rod will fix the thing, at least for now. If not, I will have to drain it and measure everything, then buy replacements. Why tinker around. It might save a little money to just fix one problem, but if there is a problem, I would rather fix the whole thing than be tinkering with it endlessly as various other parts break. The dishes are done and put away, the floor is swept though the felines with their penchant for the litter box will dirty it before I can return. Several loads of laundry have been completed, with one in the wash and one in the dryer. Oh, and I finally VACUUMED! Plus it did not kill me. Still hate doing that, but it is done. Other little tasks have been seen to as well, including stocking her bathroom with towels and ensuring she has toilet paper. Further, I cleaned up this (the computer) room. It is not enclosed enough to actually be a room all by itself, it is a through room from the front door to the living room, without an interior door. My work station remains the cluttered mess that I use for organization, but that is just the tiny corner desk upon which the computer sits. People will simply have to deal with that.
I might do a few odds and ends yet though. But the main presentation of my home is as ready as it gets. A few boxes I tucked into my room may go upstairs. A few boxes in there should have gone upstairs long ago anyway. A shower and perhaps neatening my beard would be good. And maybe I can finish most of the laundry. My goal is to be out by noon, I have about an hour and a half. Wow, I can actually do some work. Sometimes I even calculate well. Then again, I have been tinkering at it. I knew, though, that getting things too ready too soon would simply not work as the place would be a mess again in no time.
It is snowing, or was a bit ago. Large flakes, huge flakes actually. I should be fine. Part of the reason I chose the Xterra was winter mobility. Ice is one thing, but this is not ice. They do a pretty good job of keeping the roads open here. Well, a bit more work, a shower, and...
Later!
As always, the work goes on.
.
.
Slowly, as usual. The place will not be put together perfectly for the arrival. I have done much, and will do a few more things before I am finished. Her bed is made, clean sheets, pillowcases, and blankets were used. The kitchen has been swept a final time, the kitty litter boxes have been cleaned. I still need to finish a small pile of dishes, prepare her bathroom, finish a bit of laundry, and vacuum. Yes, vacuum indeed. If something gets skipped, it will be that. But I mean to not skip anything. Of course, it will still not pass muster. It should, though, be enough.
So many other things I would have liked to have done. I simply am not working at full capacity, or close to it. In time, perhaps, as money is less of an issue and some things I want done are completed which are all sort of dependent on money and to a degree knowledge and confidence, life will be smoother when visitors come in. For one thing, I will probably just pay a service to clean in preparation. I am a poor cleaner. So, if given the choice, I would rather offer money than effort for something I do poorly at any rate.
A few more things tonight, a few in the morning, and I should be ready. I do wish it was better, but what I have to offer will have to do. Good night.
.
Slowly, as usual. The place will not be put together perfectly for the arrival. I have done much, and will do a few more things before I am finished. Her bed is made, clean sheets, pillowcases, and blankets were used. The kitchen has been swept a final time, the kitty litter boxes have been cleaned. I still need to finish a small pile of dishes, prepare her bathroom, finish a bit of laundry, and vacuum. Yes, vacuum indeed. If something gets skipped, it will be that. But I mean to not skip anything. Of course, it will still not pass muster. It should, though, be enough.
So many other things I would have liked to have done. I simply am not working at full capacity, or close to it. In time, perhaps, as money is less of an issue and some things I want done are completed which are all sort of dependent on money and to a degree knowledge and confidence, life will be smoother when visitors come in. For one thing, I will probably just pay a service to clean in preparation. I am a poor cleaner. So, if given the choice, I would rather offer money than effort for something I do poorly at any rate.
A few more things tonight, a few in the morning, and I should be ready. I do wish it was better, but what I have to offer will have to do. Good night.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Huh?
.
.
I sleep in for the last two days after staying up not even all that late. Okay, I get that, a pattern thing, maybe worse a trend. So I stay up really outrageously late (comparatively), set my coffee to go off at 8:30 instead of 5:45 and... I wake up right at 6:00 with the alarm. I feel like I get beat up then allowed to rest, in front of a speeding Mack truck. I will improve, or nap later. Well, I will get to taste hot coffee. But not for a while.
You thought I had something more on my mind? I am surprised I had that on my mind let alone that I also had a notion to blog it. You did not hire me for talent or such. Oh? You fire me? You cannot fire me, I quit! Wait, my pay! Blah. Hmm, if you double my pay... nay, triple... I will stay. Goose eggs cubed, equal exactly the same as always. Good day.
.
I sleep in for the last two days after staying up not even all that late. Okay, I get that, a pattern thing, maybe worse a trend. So I stay up really outrageously late (comparatively), set my coffee to go off at 8:30 instead of 5:45 and... I wake up right at 6:00 with the alarm. I feel like I get beat up then allowed to rest, in front of a speeding Mack truck. I will improve, or nap later. Well, I will get to taste hot coffee. But not for a while.
You thought I had something more on my mind? I am surprised I had that on my mind let alone that I also had a notion to blog it. You did not hire me for talent or such. Oh? You fire me? You cannot fire me, I quit! Wait, my pay! Blah. Hmm, if you double my pay... nay, triple... I will stay. Goose eggs cubed, equal exactly the same as always. Good day.
Working late.
.
.
I actually work better when nearing the end of my wake cycle. Which is not a good thing. It leads to staying up later and later until I ruin my schedule. There seems little I can do about it, but it is something new I realized. Perhaps I can figure something else out. Coffee does not seem to help get me started in the morning, or afternoon for that matter. It just seems easier to get to things about the time I should be going to bed.
I finished the dishes but created more. I cooked the beef tongue. I only added a bit of spice, as the pressure cooker enhances whatever you add. Until I get more practiced, I will be a bit careful. A quarter to a half a teaspoon of salt, about a teaspoon of garlic powder, and two bay leaves. I also cut 2 onions into slices for a base and used a beer for the liquid. The tongue was easy to skin, I also removed a small amount of odd tissue, but the rest of it was fine. I sliced about half of it, thinly. I had to have a sandwich using some of the meat, and tasted some by itself. It has a bit of a sweet and sour feel, oddly. It was good enough, and quite tender. It is a bit different of a meat. I plan on making gravy with the juices, storing that in a bowl near the already stored meats, and then going to bed.
I will make sandwiches, as I suggested, on my trip to SLC to pick up my lady friend. I do not know if she will be interested, but they will be there and I will eat my sandwich or two. If nothing else, I will have done something I said I was going to do. As well, we will have homemade cold cuts during her stay. I am curious how the gravy will turn out. If it has a simple beefy flavor and is not over salted, I will be quite pleased. Well, I best get too that then to bed. I am up way late.
Good night.
.
I actually work better when nearing the end of my wake cycle. Which is not a good thing. It leads to staying up later and later until I ruin my schedule. There seems little I can do about it, but it is something new I realized. Perhaps I can figure something else out. Coffee does not seem to help get me started in the morning, or afternoon for that matter. It just seems easier to get to things about the time I should be going to bed.
I finished the dishes but created more. I cooked the beef tongue. I only added a bit of spice, as the pressure cooker enhances whatever you add. Until I get more practiced, I will be a bit careful. A quarter to a half a teaspoon of salt, about a teaspoon of garlic powder, and two bay leaves. I also cut 2 onions into slices for a base and used a beer for the liquid. The tongue was easy to skin, I also removed a small amount of odd tissue, but the rest of it was fine. I sliced about half of it, thinly. I had to have a sandwich using some of the meat, and tasted some by itself. It has a bit of a sweet and sour feel, oddly. It was good enough, and quite tender. It is a bit different of a meat. I plan on making gravy with the juices, storing that in a bowl near the already stored meats, and then going to bed.
I will make sandwiches, as I suggested, on my trip to SLC to pick up my lady friend. I do not know if she will be interested, but they will be there and I will eat my sandwich or two. If nothing else, I will have done something I said I was going to do. As well, we will have homemade cold cuts during her stay. I am curious how the gravy will turn out. If it has a simple beefy flavor and is not over salted, I will be quite pleased. Well, I best get too that then to bed. I am up way late.
Good night.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A few things at a time.
.
.
I am running out of time. I cannot get things in gear. So be it. I have been working as I may, meaning little jobs, a few arranging tasks, and the dishes are about half way to being washed. I did make bacon, eggs, and toast. All I can say about that is... those eggs were FRESH. Fresh eggs have a special place in my pantheon of movers and shakers. These both moved and shaked and probably some other things. There are two doors between me and my bathroom and I am using them both. Enough about that.
I am close though, really. A few boxes to be reallocated. A few areas that could be cleaned. The bathroom fixture to be sorted out, if need be replaced tomorrow. I should open up what will be her room and air it out a bit, putting on clean sheets for a start. A little laundry so that her blankets and sheets are definitely clean. Yeah, that ought to be it. When I pick her up, I will be stopping at the bigger organic store there in SLC. There are some things that are simply not to my (old) and her current tastes sold locally. Perhaps, if she is well enough off, we will see a movie though we can do that locally. A day and a half, I think. She will be here and fussy as ever, to be sure. It is good, since I am not ready to travel, to have some of the old world come and visit during the Christmas season.
I had best get to goofing, as I am in a goof cycle, so that in an hour or so I can get to the work cycle again. I am definitely not AC/DC, definitely purely DC. On and off, off and on. Later.
.
I am running out of time. I cannot get things in gear. So be it. I have been working as I may, meaning little jobs, a few arranging tasks, and the dishes are about half way to being washed. I did make bacon, eggs, and toast. All I can say about that is... those eggs were FRESH. Fresh eggs have a special place in my pantheon of movers and shakers. These both moved and shaked and probably some other things. There are two doors between me and my bathroom and I am using them both. Enough about that.
I am close though, really. A few boxes to be reallocated. A few areas that could be cleaned. The bathroom fixture to be sorted out, if need be replaced tomorrow. I should open up what will be her room and air it out a bit, putting on clean sheets for a start. A little laundry so that her blankets and sheets are definitely clean. Yeah, that ought to be it. When I pick her up, I will be stopping at the bigger organic store there in SLC. There are some things that are simply not to my (old) and her current tastes sold locally. Perhaps, if she is well enough off, we will see a movie though we can do that locally. A day and a half, I think. She will be here and fussy as ever, to be sure. It is good, since I am not ready to travel, to have some of the old world come and visit during the Christmas season.
I had best get to goofing, as I am in a goof cycle, so that in an hour or so I can get to the work cycle again. I am definitely not AC/DC, definitely purely DC. On and off, off and on. Later.
Hmmm?
.
.
In spite of going to bed early, I still overslept. I could not rise until after 7:30 a bit. Now, the furry beasts were on a tear, which did not help. Every time I rolled and came to a bit, one of them was right-cher ('nother word I sort of made up, though more just made up a way to spell). Usually they sleep around me, one on one side, the other on the other. Not last night. They tagged-teamed my face. I did not mind, and I am pretty sure they wanted food. I did not fill their bowls last night because they still had food. I want them hungry for the morning, and try to feed them just enough during the day. Sassy gets more, of course, as she is still growing. But at night I am starting to run them hungry. Well fed cats get too lazy. I want active, curious, resourceful beasties. Yes, I do the same with myself, if too sometimes I simply forget to eat. I do not forget to feed them though.
I dreamed, again, last night and this morning. I do not remember what I was dreaming. I can tell I have been dreaming as my jaw is sore and has been for some time. It feels like I have been in a fight, but that sore jaw cures in a few days. It is the same feeling. I must assume I am back to chewing my teeth again. Took me years to stop doing it while awake, but then I was having dreams while awake back then. A little therapy for the few rare things does help, and it helped with me on this due to that. Perhaps that is why I am needing more sleep. Bah! A good cup of coffee though, is worth waking up for. It would be nice to wake early enough that I could enjoy a truly hot cup of coffee.
Well, on to waking up then cleaning up. I only have days to get this world ready, or more ready, for the Q.o.D. Her dark highness will be here soon. *giggles* Meh, I will use my jedi mind tricks to keep her focus away from the exactitudes she so uses for her darkness. *ping* "What was that?"... "Surely, I would not know... (teehehehe)" *ping* "Your home is odd." "I know, little one." And, yes I can. Up to a point. Good day.
.
In spite of going to bed early, I still overslept. I could not rise until after 7:30 a bit. Now, the furry beasts were on a tear, which did not help. Every time I rolled and came to a bit, one of them was right-cher ('nother word I sort of made up, though more just made up a way to spell). Usually they sleep around me, one on one side, the other on the other. Not last night. They tagged-teamed my face. I did not mind, and I am pretty sure they wanted food. I did not fill their bowls last night because they still had food. I want them hungry for the morning, and try to feed them just enough during the day. Sassy gets more, of course, as she is still growing. But at night I am starting to run them hungry. Well fed cats get too lazy. I want active, curious, resourceful beasties. Yes, I do the same with myself, if too sometimes I simply forget to eat. I do not forget to feed them though.
I dreamed, again, last night and this morning. I do not remember what I was dreaming. I can tell I have been dreaming as my jaw is sore and has been for some time. It feels like I have been in a fight, but that sore jaw cures in a few days. It is the same feeling. I must assume I am back to chewing my teeth again. Took me years to stop doing it while awake, but then I was having dreams while awake back then. A little therapy for the few rare things does help, and it helped with me on this due to that. Perhaps that is why I am needing more sleep. Bah! A good cup of coffee though, is worth waking up for. It would be nice to wake early enough that I could enjoy a truly hot cup of coffee.
Well, on to waking up then cleaning up. I only have days to get this world ready, or more ready, for the Q.o.D. Her dark highness will be here soon. *giggles* Meh, I will use my jedi mind tricks to keep her focus away from the exactitudes she so uses for her darkness. *ping* "What was that?"... "Surely, I would not know... (teehehehe)" *ping* "Your home is odd." "I know, little one." And, yes I can. Up to a point. Good day.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Oh well, it was a thought.
.
.
Not much got done today. Actually, nothing did. I was pretty much shot. As little as I did in the last few days it was enough to trip me. I am hoping to get the place tidied back up tomorrow, and perhaps figure out the extra bathroom. I also need to do more straightening before the dread Queen of Darkness arrives. Who knows what will truly be done, though I think I can have the place comfortable enough.
Someone, again, did my drive. This time I caught them, and glanced at who it was. I do not recognize the man. I will have to ask around. I should have gone out and offered hot cocoa or coffee or even a glass of water. I simply was not groomed for company. Yes, I stand on that. Anyway...
Sassy is seeming a bit more normal. Not completely though. Something is going on in her tiny cat brain though. She finally tolerated being up in the crook of my arm though, tonight. The first time in days. Just for a little while, but enough. Screwy cats.
Sleep well. I am clocking out early. At 21:30, it is only early compared to what it has been. I think that is a better time for 6:00 rises. I have been pushing that a bit, too, lately. I am ready for sleep tonight. Coffee in the morning might be the way to go. The heavy stuff. It does not give me much of a kick, but it seems to do the job anyway. Then again, I am rather insensitive to almost any stimuli. That does not mean it is not working, it only means I am not aware of it. The only time I notice coffee is when it is too acidic. This stuff is not, smooth as... good scotch. Oh, forgot to try the alternative sweeteners this morning. Will try to remember tomorrow. Good night, friends. You too, foes, sort of.
.
Not much got done today. Actually, nothing did. I was pretty much shot. As little as I did in the last few days it was enough to trip me. I am hoping to get the place tidied back up tomorrow, and perhaps figure out the extra bathroom. I also need to do more straightening before the dread Queen of Darkness arrives. Who knows what will truly be done, though I think I can have the place comfortable enough.
Someone, again, did my drive. This time I caught them, and glanced at who it was. I do not recognize the man. I will have to ask around. I should have gone out and offered hot cocoa or coffee or even a glass of water. I simply was not groomed for company. Yes, I stand on that. Anyway...
Sassy is seeming a bit more normal. Not completely though. Something is going on in her tiny cat brain though. She finally tolerated being up in the crook of my arm though, tonight. The first time in days. Just for a little while, but enough. Screwy cats.
Sleep well. I am clocking out early. At 21:30, it is only early compared to what it has been. I think that is a better time for 6:00 rises. I have been pushing that a bit, too, lately. I am ready for sleep tonight. Coffee in the morning might be the way to go. The heavy stuff. It does not give me much of a kick, but it seems to do the job anyway. Then again, I am rather insensitive to almost any stimuli. That does not mean it is not working, it only means I am not aware of it. The only time I notice coffee is when it is too acidic. This stuff is not, smooth as... good scotch. Oh, forgot to try the alternative sweeteners this morning. Will try to remember tomorrow. Good night, friends. You too, foes, sort of.
Whatever I said before, this is NOW the truth.
.
.
Not really. When writing about coffee, I could not remember how much coffee I used, now that I have made coffee twice in the last 10 hours, I remember. I use one scoop of raw bean per two cups of coffee. I am having a cup of the high-pro, as I like to call the good coffee with high caffeine, as we speak. I should also add that the two cups mentioned above is two measured cups. The "cup" I am drinking out of is a hondo cup ('nother made up word, based on a John Wayne character thus 'bigger than life' (I think, though some say mondo)). It holds two or three cups. On the up side, but depressing for me, it still looks dainty enough in my mitts.
Midnight is out for a bedtime, I slept until 8:30 this morning. The particular coffee machine I purchased not only grinds and is programmable, but the coffee goes into a thermos. I like it because the thermos is all stainless AND is shaped like the traditional coffee pot. A little old school meets new school... or engineering meets homemaking... or... well... something. The upside is my coffee is still good to go. I should have known I would not be able to sleep early. Company gets me riled up, doing a lot of cooking and cleaning and prepping before hand also will get me wired, and then drinking some coffee for dinner is probably out. But hey, if I can pull sleep back a few hours, I should be good. With several incentives to do so currently, I think I can.
Sam was pleasant to my company, but Sassy wanted nothing to do with him. Then again, she is going all weird even with me at this point. I think she is becoming a little young cat lady, and is not sure how to handle it. She knows, now, that I am a male and that she is a female, but is not sure what it means. Her instincts tell her I might be trouble but her training and experience tell her I am not. She will have to re-evaluate the situation. And, I am happy to let her. I, after hours of trying, finally gained hold of her. I did so by offering her milk, petting her while she was drinking, then gently picked her up, which she was fine with. Then I took her to him. He got to pet her just a bit, then she... climbed me. I had to get her by her scruff, over my back, and behind my head, somehow and in a manner that would make Houdini proud, to get the claws out of my various parts. I did so gently since I caused the deal. I then let her go. I figure, if she comes to know he is not a threat, she will be fine. And I was willing to put some skin, literally, in the game. She liked him when she was really small. Like I said, she is in cat/kitty teen years.
Well, today will be for cleaning. There is a lot to do, but not so much that it is daunting. I also need to figure out the plumbing issue in the extra bathroom, the toilet is a runner. I may be able, simply, to bend some stuff. Or it may take a gutting of the plumbing fittings and refitting. I know my lady friend will enjoy having a bath, and a bathroom, all to herself. Women are like that, and in this way to be sure, she is very much like most other women. Every woman is different the same. That is, there are huge similarities with striking rare dissimilarities. This woman, however, has more dissimilarities than not. She is a rare one. Though, too, overall, she is ruled by the same principles of any woman, she just reacts to that... strangely. I have known enough women to know.
Time to begin the wake up process. I had a cup of coffee, going onto my second, and finished the remnants of supper, the little I kept. It was good, if not great. I may just roast it next time, the old fashioned way. The problem is, roasting takes hours and I do not leave my house while cooking. So, if my friend wants dinner here, he has to be here the whole time. I will ask him if that is fine with him. Otherwise, back to the pressure cooker. Once I clean up, I may pressure cook the tongue tonight. As well, I will cook another batch of rice. I need to cook more beans too, but that will wait for tomorrow or the night after. Having a small stock of freshly cooked foods for quick meals when my lady friend arrives should help with the flow of things. If she is hungry NOW, I can make food right away. Along with some of the special meals, we should be in fine standing that way.
Good day.
.
Not really. When writing about coffee, I could not remember how much coffee I used, now that I have made coffee twice in the last 10 hours, I remember. I use one scoop of raw bean per two cups of coffee. I am having a cup of the high-pro, as I like to call the good coffee with high caffeine, as we speak. I should also add that the two cups mentioned above is two measured cups. The "cup" I am drinking out of is a hondo cup ('nother made up word, based on a John Wayne character thus 'bigger than life' (I think, though some say mondo)). It holds two or three cups. On the up side, but depressing for me, it still looks dainty enough in my mitts.
Midnight is out for a bedtime, I slept until 8:30 this morning. The particular coffee machine I purchased not only grinds and is programmable, but the coffee goes into a thermos. I like it because the thermos is all stainless AND is shaped like the traditional coffee pot. A little old school meets new school... or engineering meets homemaking... or... well... something. The upside is my coffee is still good to go. I should have known I would not be able to sleep early. Company gets me riled up, doing a lot of cooking and cleaning and prepping before hand also will get me wired, and then drinking some coffee for dinner is probably out. But hey, if I can pull sleep back a few hours, I should be good. With several incentives to do so currently, I think I can.
Sam was pleasant to my company, but Sassy wanted nothing to do with him. Then again, she is going all weird even with me at this point. I think she is becoming a little young cat lady, and is not sure how to handle it. She knows, now, that I am a male and that she is a female, but is not sure what it means. Her instincts tell her I might be trouble but her training and experience tell her I am not. She will have to re-evaluate the situation. And, I am happy to let her. I, after hours of trying, finally gained hold of her. I did so by offering her milk, petting her while she was drinking, then gently picked her up, which she was fine with. Then I took her to him. He got to pet her just a bit, then she... climbed me. I had to get her by her scruff, over my back, and behind my head, somehow and in a manner that would make Houdini proud, to get the claws out of my various parts. I did so gently since I caused the deal. I then let her go. I figure, if she comes to know he is not a threat, she will be fine. And I was willing to put some skin, literally, in the game. She liked him when she was really small. Like I said, she is in cat/kitty teen years.
Well, today will be for cleaning. There is a lot to do, but not so much that it is daunting. I also need to figure out the plumbing issue in the extra bathroom, the toilet is a runner. I may be able, simply, to bend some stuff. Or it may take a gutting of the plumbing fittings and refitting. I know my lady friend will enjoy having a bath, and a bathroom, all to herself. Women are like that, and in this way to be sure, she is very much like most other women. Every woman is different the same. That is, there are huge similarities with striking rare dissimilarities. This woman, however, has more dissimilarities than not. She is a rare one. Though, too, overall, she is ruled by the same principles of any woman, she just reacts to that... strangely. I have known enough women to know.
Time to begin the wake up process. I had a cup of coffee, going onto my second, and finished the remnants of supper, the little I kept. It was good, if not great. I may just roast it next time, the old fashioned way. The problem is, roasting takes hours and I do not leave my house while cooking. So, if my friend wants dinner here, he has to be here the whole time. I will ask him if that is fine with him. Otherwise, back to the pressure cooker. Once I clean up, I may pressure cook the tongue tonight. As well, I will cook another batch of rice. I need to cook more beans too, but that will wait for tomorrow or the night after. Having a small stock of freshly cooked foods for quick meals when my lady friend arrives should help with the flow of things. If she is hungry NOW, I can make food right away. Along with some of the special meals, we should be in fine standing that way.
Good day.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Dinner was...
.
.
Served. My first meal from the pressure cooker went off without a hitch, mostly. My one mistake was not to have the pork shoulder also be boned. That made carving a bit trickier if not a serious problem, as well it created a little too much of a gap between what was cooked well and some that was needing more time, despite the thermometer. More cooking, however, would not have been good either. The pressure cooker does indeed cook faster. It does not, however, cook as well. No, the meal was good. But the roast could have been juicier (I did sear it) and probably tastier if done the old fashioned way, in the oven. The gravy, however, came out perfect. That is the first gravy I remember making that was actually like what one might remember their grandmother or some of their mothers making. I did not salt it too much, it was not too thick or thin, it was not bland. Truly, a fine gravy. And the onions ending up being a very good part of the meal rather than just gravy makings, or moist filler for some mechanical use by the pressure cooker. The mashed potatoes, simple as that may seem, were very good as well.
I am going to try this again, soon, probably shortly after my lady friend leaves. I doubt she will have any interest in same old same old meat and potatoes of this sort. I have told my friend to invite his friend over for the next one. Who knows if the other guy will come. It is simply a shame to have such a fine meal turn into mere leftovers. Of which I sent most of it home with the friend who visited tonight. He said he has not had gravy like that in... so long he cannot remember. He likes meat, he loves mashed potatoes and gravy.
Oh, and the coffee was excellent. I made French double roasted tonight, as it has less caffeine. I also bought a high caffeine stuff for morning use. I set the coffee machine to begin brewing at 5:45, just slightly before my alarm goes off. I am hoping that coffee, during the weekdays, will give me that little extra boost. Oh, and five dosers of the good stuff for my ten cup pot should put some wood back in my... Well, you know. I have taken my friend back home and am just enjoying the last dregs of the coffee with a little milk and Splenda.
Ah, I did pick up some agave stuff today. I will be trying that soon, maybe tomorrow. I have stevia as well. Who knows, tomorrow may be a sampling day. My home is a lot closer to being ready for when my lady friend visits though now too, save for the kitchen again! That should not be a great deal of trouble. And, actually, I did what cleanup I could while working, but with two pots, silverware, dinner plates, serving plates, and such, one cannot really keep ahead on all of it. The cutting boards and knives used for all the chopping, dicing, and such are clean. Even the pan I seared the meat in is clean and put away. Tomorrow will, hopefully, see me coffinated and at it again, maybe with a bulls roar.
Good night.
.
Served. My first meal from the pressure cooker went off without a hitch, mostly. My one mistake was not to have the pork shoulder also be boned. That made carving a bit trickier if not a serious problem, as well it created a little too much of a gap between what was cooked well and some that was needing more time, despite the thermometer. More cooking, however, would not have been good either. The pressure cooker does indeed cook faster. It does not, however, cook as well. No, the meal was good. But the roast could have been juicier (I did sear it) and probably tastier if done the old fashioned way, in the oven. The gravy, however, came out perfect. That is the first gravy I remember making that was actually like what one might remember their grandmother or some of their mothers making. I did not salt it too much, it was not too thick or thin, it was not bland. Truly, a fine gravy. And the onions ending up being a very good part of the meal rather than just gravy makings, or moist filler for some mechanical use by the pressure cooker. The mashed potatoes, simple as that may seem, were very good as well.
I am going to try this again, soon, probably shortly after my lady friend leaves. I doubt she will have any interest in same old same old meat and potatoes of this sort. I have told my friend to invite his friend over for the next one. Who knows if the other guy will come. It is simply a shame to have such a fine meal turn into mere leftovers. Of which I sent most of it home with the friend who visited tonight. He said he has not had gravy like that in... so long he cannot remember. He likes meat, he loves mashed potatoes and gravy.
Oh, and the coffee was excellent. I made French double roasted tonight, as it has less caffeine. I also bought a high caffeine stuff for morning use. I set the coffee machine to begin brewing at 5:45, just slightly before my alarm goes off. I am hoping that coffee, during the weekdays, will give me that little extra boost. Oh, and five dosers of the good stuff for my ten cup pot should put some wood back in my... Well, you know. I have taken my friend back home and am just enjoying the last dregs of the coffee with a little milk and Splenda.
Ah, I did pick up some agave stuff today. I will be trying that soon, maybe tomorrow. I have stevia as well. Who knows, tomorrow may be a sampling day. My home is a lot closer to being ready for when my lady friend visits though now too, save for the kitchen again! That should not be a great deal of trouble. And, actually, I did what cleanup I could while working, but with two pots, silverware, dinner plates, serving plates, and such, one cannot really keep ahead on all of it. The cutting boards and knives used for all the chopping, dicing, and such are clean. Even the pan I seared the meat in is clean and put away. Tomorrow will, hopefully, see me coffinated and at it again, maybe with a bulls roar.
Good night.
Late to the party and moving slowly...
.
.
Yet still somehow, within my paradigm I should say, moving at a loverly pace. The alarm, as usual, went off at 6:00. And I heard it. I thought I would just take a second more in bed. I dreamed large and cool, sort of like comic book type fights, action, and love scenarios. Finally though, the ringing got to me. Wow, I slept for more than an hour and a half with that thing ringing! I am talented! No worries, I was able to wake up and get going pretty well somewhere in the neighborhood of 7:46 or something anyway.
I have sorted out the kitty litter boxes, soaking what needs to be cleaned, with the new set up for their special packages and parcels. Sassy can easily use the higher walled box now, so that should cut down on litter on the floor. That along with special mats for them to shake the stuff off. They do not like kitty litter on the floor any more than I do. The few dishes I have created since the Big Clean of '10 are soaking. I have sliced the onions, tearful as that really was. I am planning to have just a few more things done and be ready to start cooking as soon as we return. I think I will peel and size chop the potatoes for a quicker cook. Of course, I have to get a shower in, sweep the floor again, again, again (bah! difficult to keep that thing swept, this will be the... fifth time in... two or three days!).
I had a little trouble finding a pork roast to my specs. I did finally find one, but that store only offered it as a whole roast. Still they (un)happily agreed to trim and remove the rind and cut the whole roast into a half roast. While she was checking to make sure they had a roast, I decided to just order the whole roast, but have them treat it and cut it in two to my specs. If this works, or does not, I will try it again similarly or change something. A couple of weeks from now and my friend will be back for dinner again. I also need to pick up coffee, the good stuff, some soda and tea, and bay leaves... I think that is it. At least for the moment. I found white honey last night, which is said to have the least honey flavor, so I bought that. If nothing else it might begin breaking me into using, maybe even liking, honey. I do not hate honey, it just tastes... funny. Then again, so does Splenda. Or it did at first. It was merely better than most sugar replacements available to me. I have to try agava stuff too though. Oh, yes, more Splenda too. Bah! Lists, and lists, and lists of lists? Probably.
The nice thing is that after my lady friend visits and then leaves, I can get busy shutting things down and just... coasting until spring. I might get some things done but I am hoping to keep costs down and just get by, saving for more doings in the spring. Money is not absolutely tight, at least when nothing is happening. But when people are coming, especially on my nickel, it gets very tight. Still, I would not want it any other way. Oh, and my lady friend is not a hold back or a hold on. I plan to have her out to visit, if she is interested, every few years even should I find a woman. Well, some of that would be up to the particular woman, but I have a way with words. And, most women who know there is no threat... well, okay, a few in a hundred women... can handle friends from the past. No, this one needs some love, the good kind.
Well, I best get busy relaxing for an hour before the next push and shove to get the last of the things done. Later.
.
Yet still somehow, within my paradigm I should say, moving at a loverly pace. The alarm, as usual, went off at 6:00. And I heard it. I thought I would just take a second more in bed. I dreamed large and cool, sort of like comic book type fights, action, and love scenarios. Finally though, the ringing got to me. Wow, I slept for more than an hour and a half with that thing ringing! I am talented! No worries, I was able to wake up and get going pretty well somewhere in the neighborhood of 7:46 or something anyway.
I have sorted out the kitty litter boxes, soaking what needs to be cleaned, with the new set up for their special packages and parcels. Sassy can easily use the higher walled box now, so that should cut down on litter on the floor. That along with special mats for them to shake the stuff off. They do not like kitty litter on the floor any more than I do. The few dishes I have created since the Big Clean of '10 are soaking. I have sliced the onions, tearful as that really was. I am planning to have just a few more things done and be ready to start cooking as soon as we return. I think I will peel and size chop the potatoes for a quicker cook. Of course, I have to get a shower in, sweep the floor again, again, again (bah! difficult to keep that thing swept, this will be the... fifth time in... two or three days!).
I had a little trouble finding a pork roast to my specs. I did finally find one, but that store only offered it as a whole roast. Still they (un)happily agreed to trim and remove the rind and cut the whole roast into a half roast. While she was checking to make sure they had a roast, I decided to just order the whole roast, but have them treat it and cut it in two to my specs. If this works, or does not, I will try it again similarly or change something. A couple of weeks from now and my friend will be back for dinner again. I also need to pick up coffee, the good stuff, some soda and tea, and bay leaves... I think that is it. At least for the moment. I found white honey last night, which is said to have the least honey flavor, so I bought that. If nothing else it might begin breaking me into using, maybe even liking, honey. I do not hate honey, it just tastes... funny. Then again, so does Splenda. Or it did at first. It was merely better than most sugar replacements available to me. I have to try agava stuff too though. Oh, yes, more Splenda too. Bah! Lists, and lists, and lists of lists? Probably.
The nice thing is that after my lady friend visits and then leaves, I can get busy shutting things down and just... coasting until spring. I might get some things done but I am hoping to keep costs down and just get by, saving for more doings in the spring. Money is not absolutely tight, at least when nothing is happening. But when people are coming, especially on my nickel, it gets very tight. Still, I would not want it any other way. Oh, and my lady friend is not a hold back or a hold on. I plan to have her out to visit, if she is interested, every few years even should I find a woman. Well, some of that would be up to the particular woman, but I have a way with words. And, most women who know there is no threat... well, okay, a few in a hundred women... can handle friends from the past. No, this one needs some love, the good kind.
Well, I best get busy relaxing for an hour before the next push and shove to get the last of the things done. Later.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Made it and back, alive even.
.
.
It was misting, which was a little spooky to be out in. The roads were fine though, other than drivers on THEIR CELL PHONES. Sure, they drove like little old ladies, but continued to jabber as if going slow would make a difference if that mist iced. Still, I kept my cool and went to where I needed to go then got out.
I have decided, when shopping at several spots, my best bet is to go to the places where I will be getting small things, like tobacco or coffee, first, then go to the places where I will be filling a long list. If I do my big shopping first, I simply often feel overwhelmed and undone and quit before I get it all done. The coffee shops were closed, so no coffee. Tobacco is back in stock her on the homefront, should you need some. As well, I finally remembered to get another kitty litter box, and I picked up a coffee maker, with automatic grind. It is a nice feature, and makes it so if I want coffee now I do not need to hand grind a bit (I prefer to grind fresh if at all possible). I also purchased most of the items for dinner tomorrow, but could find a rind free shoulder pork roast at neither of the grocery stores I visited. Having everything else will make shopping for that easy though. I will call in and have it waiting, if I can find one.
I had thought I was leaving later than I was. As is, I was easily back online and will probably game for an hour or so to boot. Smooth. Oh, Sam braved the outside tonight, if only for a bit more than a half hour. It is rather warm out, for having nearly a foot of snow on the ground, though. Utah is a really different place. A desert with snow, in the mountains. The snow is fluffy, light, and deep yet can easily withstand mist and warmth without really disappearing. I do like it here.
Sleep well folks. My dreams have been interesting of late, perhaps we will meet up there and build something, or have a fine tea, or go boating, maybe even save the world! Depending on which one of you are in my dreams. Then again, friends and family usually are not in my dreams, oddly. Still, you are invited. :) Good night.
.
It was misting, which was a little spooky to be out in. The roads were fine though, other than drivers on THEIR CELL PHONES. Sure, they drove like little old ladies, but continued to jabber as if going slow would make a difference if that mist iced. Still, I kept my cool and went to where I needed to go then got out.
I have decided, when shopping at several spots, my best bet is to go to the places where I will be getting small things, like tobacco or coffee, first, then go to the places where I will be filling a long list. If I do my big shopping first, I simply often feel overwhelmed and undone and quit before I get it all done. The coffee shops were closed, so no coffee. Tobacco is back in stock her on the homefront, should you need some. As well, I finally remembered to get another kitty litter box, and I picked up a coffee maker, with automatic grind. It is a nice feature, and makes it so if I want coffee now I do not need to hand grind a bit (I prefer to grind fresh if at all possible). I also purchased most of the items for dinner tomorrow, but could find a rind free shoulder pork roast at neither of the grocery stores I visited. Having everything else will make shopping for that easy though. I will call in and have it waiting, if I can find one.
I had thought I was leaving later than I was. As is, I was easily back online and will probably game for an hour or so to boot. Smooth. Oh, Sam braved the outside tonight, if only for a bit more than a half hour. It is rather warm out, for having nearly a foot of snow on the ground, though. Utah is a really different place. A desert with snow, in the mountains. The snow is fluffy, light, and deep yet can easily withstand mist and warmth without really disappearing. I do like it here.
Sleep well folks. My dreams have been interesting of late, perhaps we will meet up there and build something, or have a fine tea, or go boating, maybe even save the world! Depending on which one of you are in my dreams. Then again, friends and family usually are not in my dreams, oddly. Still, you are invited. :) Good night.
I have been doing SOME things.
.
.
Not a lot, mind you, it would be a drama should I get a headache or break a sweat. :p But I am doing little bits and pieces. Boxes tended, if not yet removed to recycling. Dishes being kept up with, along with some eating. Straightening here, tidying there, and moving these and those things to someplace more appropriate (or at least out of sight). And yet I simply cannot get into it. I am pushing. I simply have little with which to push!
Still, tomorrow will be on for dinner. I am going into town tonight to see if I can get some, most, or all of my list for the meal and perhaps for a bit more. I need soda and a regular coffee pot. My lady friend would be as entertained with the vacuum coffee pot as she was with the French press... Something like, "Cute, but uhm, I want coffee". She can almost shave dry humor, no, she does. But only when she does not try. Her really good accidental humor reminds me of the twinge I would get in my jowels after sucking on those very sour jawbreakers. Oy vey! But I actually like it. Anyway.
I also want to get another kitty litter box, with another sifter. With only one sifter, I cannot quickly and easily clean it, which degrades the whole system or slows down the work a great deal. It might sound finicky, and it might be, but darn it, I hate having a stinky house. Messy? Sure, sort of. Needing a little repair here and there? S'kay, for now. But not stinky. I might also eat out again, so I do not have to do dishes. I like cooking, just not the dishes. The "chef" here is a bit of a Madonna when it comes to using pots, pans, cutlery, serving pieces, and utensils. Nothing but the best for his customers! Bah!
Well, I best get showered and get going. Yes, late. But so it goes. Have a good night. I may not log back in. I am becoming an early to sleep wienie, if that is okay too.
.
Not a lot, mind you, it would be a drama should I get a headache or break a sweat. :p But I am doing little bits and pieces. Boxes tended, if not yet removed to recycling. Dishes being kept up with, along with some eating. Straightening here, tidying there, and moving these and those things to someplace more appropriate (or at least out of sight). And yet I simply cannot get into it. I am pushing. I simply have little with which to push!
Still, tomorrow will be on for dinner. I am going into town tonight to see if I can get some, most, or all of my list for the meal and perhaps for a bit more. I need soda and a regular coffee pot. My lady friend would be as entertained with the vacuum coffee pot as she was with the French press... Something like, "Cute, but uhm, I want coffee". She can almost shave dry humor, no, she does. But only when she does not try. Her really good accidental humor reminds me of the twinge I would get in my jowels after sucking on those very sour jawbreakers. Oy vey! But I actually like it. Anyway.
I also want to get another kitty litter box, with another sifter. With only one sifter, I cannot quickly and easily clean it, which degrades the whole system or slows down the work a great deal. It might sound finicky, and it might be, but darn it, I hate having a stinky house. Messy? Sure, sort of. Needing a little repair here and there? S'kay, for now. But not stinky. I might also eat out again, so I do not have to do dishes. I like cooking, just not the dishes. The "chef" here is a bit of a Madonna when it comes to using pots, pans, cutlery, serving pieces, and utensils. Nothing but the best for his customers! Bah!
Well, I best get showered and get going. Yes, late. But so it goes. Have a good night. I may not log back in. I am becoming an early to sleep wienie, if that is okay too.
Looks to be snowing again.
.
.
My kind of weather. I may just have to set the queen and princess out though. They need to figure this stuff out, get out and play, and that is that. They have both been refusing to go out and are both getting cabin fever. Sassy is the worst, but I can never tell if she has cabin fever or kitteh feva. Up at it, at 6:00 again. I am starting to think, with the fear of visitors catching me all unprepared, I might have a reason to be up early and ready now. That... might be enough... so long as I continue to get visitors.
I really need to keep my caffeine handy. I ran out of soda and my coffee pot is a bit of work. So, I may just get a normal coffee pot for daily use, saving the other two for special company (the vacuum and the French press). Oh, and I need better coffee. I know some people can drink almost anything slightly (and I do mean slightly) more tolerable than high grade motor oil. I have gotten spoiled on pretty good stuff and cannot quite choke down brown swill. So, while shopping today, I will grab some coffee. I have a hand (non-electric) coffee grinder now, so I can get beans. That helps all by itself. I used to think the darker coffees were the richest in caffeine, not so. I will still buy some of that, but I need to get the lighter types for days when caffeine is a need more than a want. Uhrm, like today, and yesterday too. Some days, pulling on the boots, gloves, or even pants can be a chore. Jammies are good, but not really company ready.
I suspect I will get the living room spiffified, manage some boxes, take some recycling in (simply because I am not sure I have enough room for that for this coming weekend in my container), do some shopping, and just have a fine old day. Well, that is what I keep telling myself. I only seem to be able to work a few hours of my own accord, no matter how much I want to do. If I were a train, I would guess my engine is a bit weak, or my drive train is slipping, or my caboose is a bit heavy, or bits of all three sometimes separately, sometimes combined. :p
Now that I have the snow blower going, I do not care if it snows three feet a day! So long as my home is good and no branches crash into it. I need to get a roof scoop device for my back porch. I can see where, when that was not done, the snow crumpled the steel roofing. Someone learned a hard lesson, though it looks like it was a one time deal. I would rather learn from their mistake than repeat it all on my own.
Well, on with life! Good day.
.
My kind of weather. I may just have to set the queen and princess out though. They need to figure this stuff out, get out and play, and that is that. They have both been refusing to go out and are both getting cabin fever. Sassy is the worst, but I can never tell if she has cabin fever or kitteh feva. Up at it, at 6:00 again. I am starting to think, with the fear of visitors catching me all unprepared, I might have a reason to be up early and ready now. That... might be enough... so long as I continue to get visitors.
I really need to keep my caffeine handy. I ran out of soda and my coffee pot is a bit of work. So, I may just get a normal coffee pot for daily use, saving the other two for special company (the vacuum and the French press). Oh, and I need better coffee. I know some people can drink almost anything slightly (and I do mean slightly) more tolerable than high grade motor oil. I have gotten spoiled on pretty good stuff and cannot quite choke down brown swill. So, while shopping today, I will grab some coffee. I have a hand (non-electric) coffee grinder now, so I can get beans. That helps all by itself. I used to think the darker coffees were the richest in caffeine, not so. I will still buy some of that, but I need to get the lighter types for days when caffeine is a need more than a want. Uhrm, like today, and yesterday too. Some days, pulling on the boots, gloves, or even pants can be a chore. Jammies are good, but not really company ready.
I suspect I will get the living room spiffified, manage some boxes, take some recycling in (simply because I am not sure I have enough room for that for this coming weekend in my container), do some shopping, and just have a fine old day. Well, that is what I keep telling myself. I only seem to be able to work a few hours of my own accord, no matter how much I want to do. If I were a train, I would guess my engine is a bit weak, or my drive train is slipping, or my caboose is a bit heavy, or bits of all three sometimes separately, sometimes combined. :p
Now that I have the snow blower going, I do not care if it snows three feet a day! So long as my home is good and no branches crash into it. I need to get a roof scoop device for my back porch. I can see where, when that was not done, the snow crumpled the steel roofing. Someone learned a hard lesson, though it looks like it was a one time deal. I would rather learn from their mistake than repeat it all on my own.
Well, on with life! Good day.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
I am a terrible cleaner.
.
.
Little bits and pieces have been taken care of though most of the work remains. I simply am not good at getting to this kind of work, or doing it well, for long, or anything. I am hoping, with an extra day thrown in, I might have the place up to par for, say, my mother. Well, at least on the surface. Or, perhaps more along the lines of a first glance approval. That will be as good as I ever get and it will be a rare shine.
The kitty and cat are enjoying life, though I know Sam would love to go out but for the snow and cold. She has become a fussy outdoor cat, choosing only to go when it absolutely suits her which it has not been true for some time. Sassy has gone out twice with Sam but does not stay long and has not gone out in a goodly bit. She is even fussier. So be it, but they are going a little stir crazy so I wish they would go out. I try to remember when the sun is really shining, as that would be the warmest, to offer them the door. I do try.
That was that. A meager day with mild successes. I am hoping for more tomorrow but I am not sure that will work out much better. Still, even a bit closer to my goal is better than no improvement at all. It is about bed time. Those early rises, even with the occasional nap, tend to slow my boat down about now. Actually an hour ago I was looking for the bed but thought to do a few more finishing touches. Uhrm, actually, beginning steps in the cleaning. I should be honest even if this is anonymous. Good night.
.
Little bits and pieces have been taken care of though most of the work remains. I simply am not good at getting to this kind of work, or doing it well, for long, or anything. I am hoping, with an extra day thrown in, I might have the place up to par for, say, my mother. Well, at least on the surface. Or, perhaps more along the lines of a first glance approval. That will be as good as I ever get and it will be a rare shine.
The kitty and cat are enjoying life, though I know Sam would love to go out but for the snow and cold. She has become a fussy outdoor cat, choosing only to go when it absolutely suits her which it has not been true for some time. Sassy has gone out twice with Sam but does not stay long and has not gone out in a goodly bit. She is even fussier. So be it, but they are going a little stir crazy so I wish they would go out. I try to remember when the sun is really shining, as that would be the warmest, to offer them the door. I do try.
That was that. A meager day with mild successes. I am hoping for more tomorrow but I am not sure that will work out much better. Still, even a bit closer to my goal is better than no improvement at all. It is about bed time. Those early rises, even with the occasional nap, tend to slow my boat down about now. Actually an hour ago I was looking for the bed but thought to do a few more finishing touches. Uhrm, actually, beginning steps in the cleaning. I should be honest even if this is anonymous. Good night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)