.
.
After some rest and relax time, after being home, we started hitting it again. Just a little of this and a little of that. One last thing, I am told. Boxes. They are broken down but need to go into the local, in town, community bin. Sure. So I bust those down even more, to fit into the vehicle. Get them in. Then wait. She finally comes out and we head out. She wants to hold half of the bin lid open just a bit. I open up one side completely, scoot her aside nicely and open that side, then unload in two seconds rather than five minutes. She isn't happy, but that's tough. I'm not being mean, I just want to get this done... not my way, the fast right way. Then she wants me to get out and get her a paper. I give her the money and suggest if she wants it, she can get it. She does so she does. Fine. Home.
You are going to load the old water heaters, tonight, right? Huh? No. Not even. Don't even think about it. And, once again, no. I am done, and more. The drive, the various work, the bits and pieces, the heat. I am done. She didn't like it but I will not negotiate. I do what I can, no more, mostly. I have pushed today. She didn't have to drive. Next time I am going to have her drive. Should settle her down a bit. I have limits and I've been bending those all to heck. No. And I refuse to even feel bad about it.
A shower, before too long. But I would like to stay up a few more hours. As the day cools, sleep will be much easier to slip into as well. Lord knows I love my showers like never before. Tired, sore, pains where they shouldn't be, I'm done. She is really pushing and bitchy this time. I'm not sure what her deal is. Although I am suspicious of most women. They'll kill you if they can. Push push shove push. I'm not going into my grave lightly, that's for sure. Another week and a half? We'll see. If I have to, I'll pick up and go to a hotel for a night or two. I will. I'll leave my cell phone here, too!
Well... on to relaxing. Later.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
A good day, mostly.
.
.
Up and at it in plenty of time. A little morning goofing, if it didn't turn out all that well I still enjoyed it. She knew what I meant, she just isn't as twitchy as she used to be, or perhaps is a little more aware? On the good side, it brought back memories of when I was younger. It started out innocently enough, I was just a quiet child... at one time. And I had a way of just 'being there' that unnerved folk. I simply learned to enjoy 'being there' as a surprise. Travel was good, not too much grumping on my part, and pleasant conversation. Plus a bit of relaxation, viewing the mountains, going over the pass. I'm learning to put it on 'relax' while city and freeway driving which makes life easier.
The appointment was a dud. I did not know the only thing they wanted was my blood sugar readings. They did take my A1C, and will otherwise reschedule. I know I am supposed to be taking them regularly, but I've been busy. Things get shuffled to the side. Besides, I am not sure how much I trust them on their take regarding diabetes from what I have seen on my side. Sugar free raises my reading to 200-300 and nothing takes it down. If I add sugar three to five times a week, the readings drop to about 100. That goes against everything they say. And I wasn't able to take the double dose of medicine they tried to put me on. It wiped me out. Now, if they want to cut some of the heart medicine in exchange, I suppose we could try it. But that is what it would take. I'm at my medicine tolerance limits. Like it, don't like, it, fix it or lump it.
After that though, I did get to the big box. They did have the fittings I wanted, but they were all in as bad or worse of shape. I gave up on soldering directly and found fip x fip flex pipes and mip x s fittings (which I checked thoroughly!). Now I just have to get that going, either this weekend or next week, depending on how much work remains and how long the garden takes. I am secure that this will fix the problem nicely though. A bit of other shopping my mother wanted done, even something I was able to help her out regarding. Doom knew some health lore that should help the mom-o this time.
The last thing, while in town, we hit a restaurant I had looked up. I was a bit afraid it would be too expensive, or even not open until later in the day. I was wrong, on both counts. Plus the food truly was excellent. She a brisket sandwich, me a brisket platter and a peach cobbler. The price is decent enough that I could take my friend without any issues. It is no more expensive than our normal restaurant, but smoked meats? Yeah... I didn't try their baked beans, but I do know my friend likes those smoked, a lot. I like exploring for potential new places to eat.
A bit of relaxing, then maybe a nap, and probably getting the cardboard to recycling later. When it cools, I suggested. It is getting hot out there. It isn't blistering, but it is putting out notice that summer is here. It is nice, but on a still full stomach, it is a bit much. Yes, a bit of blogging, a sip of something cool, a nap, then a bit of cleanup this evening. A perfect day, really. Later.
.
Up and at it in plenty of time. A little morning goofing, if it didn't turn out all that well I still enjoyed it. She knew what I meant, she just isn't as twitchy as she used to be, or perhaps is a little more aware? On the good side, it brought back memories of when I was younger. It started out innocently enough, I was just a quiet child... at one time. And I had a way of just 'being there' that unnerved folk. I simply learned to enjoy 'being there' as a surprise. Travel was good, not too much grumping on my part, and pleasant conversation. Plus a bit of relaxation, viewing the mountains, going over the pass. I'm learning to put it on 'relax' while city and freeway driving which makes life easier.
The appointment was a dud. I did not know the only thing they wanted was my blood sugar readings. They did take my A1C, and will otherwise reschedule. I know I am supposed to be taking them regularly, but I've been busy. Things get shuffled to the side. Besides, I am not sure how much I trust them on their take regarding diabetes from what I have seen on my side. Sugar free raises my reading to 200-300 and nothing takes it down. If I add sugar three to five times a week, the readings drop to about 100. That goes against everything they say. And I wasn't able to take the double dose of medicine they tried to put me on. It wiped me out. Now, if they want to cut some of the heart medicine in exchange, I suppose we could try it. But that is what it would take. I'm at my medicine tolerance limits. Like it, don't like, it, fix it or lump it.
After that though, I did get to the big box. They did have the fittings I wanted, but they were all in as bad or worse of shape. I gave up on soldering directly and found fip x fip flex pipes and mip x s fittings (which I checked thoroughly!). Now I just have to get that going, either this weekend or next week, depending on how much work remains and how long the garden takes. I am secure that this will fix the problem nicely though. A bit of other shopping my mother wanted done, even something I was able to help her out regarding. Doom knew some health lore that should help the mom-o this time.
The last thing, while in town, we hit a restaurant I had looked up. I was a bit afraid it would be too expensive, or even not open until later in the day. I was wrong, on both counts. Plus the food truly was excellent. She a brisket sandwich, me a brisket platter and a peach cobbler. The price is decent enough that I could take my friend without any issues. It is no more expensive than our normal restaurant, but smoked meats? Yeah... I didn't try their baked beans, but I do know my friend likes those smoked, a lot. I like exploring for potential new places to eat.
A bit of relaxing, then maybe a nap, and probably getting the cardboard to recycling later. When it cools, I suggested. It is getting hot out there. It isn't blistering, but it is putting out notice that summer is here. It is nice, but on a still full stomach, it is a bit much. Yes, a bit of blogging, a sip of something cool, a nap, then a bit of cleanup this evening. A perfect day, really. Later.
War is not who I present.
.
.
[Just bumping as I am still... pondering these things.]
[Bump le seconde - Yeah... I'm... having to work some things here.]
[One more time]
While I discuss the second Horseman as if he is a warrior, I ought to reconcile the idea. War will be a warrior. The power allotted will allow that not to be the case though. A store clerk from Pittsburgh could do the task, technically. He need never have laid hands to steel, nor would the need be present in the fulfillment of the task associated with the position upon the back of the red horse. No, unnecessary to the task. The only thing he need is the ability to whisper. His task will be to loose men of their natural tastes, ingrained by good or evil, or failings which have lead to or produced their designs toward peace.
.
[Just bumping as I am still... pondering these things.]
[Bump le seconde - Yeah... I'm... having to work some things here.]
[One more time]
While I discuss the second Horseman as if he is a warrior, I ought to reconcile the idea. War will be a warrior. The power allotted will allow that not to be the case though. A store clerk from Pittsburgh could do the task, technically. He need never have laid hands to steel, nor would the need be present in the fulfillment of the task associated with the position upon the back of the red horse. No, unnecessary to the task. The only thing he need is the ability to whisper. His task will be to loose men of their natural tastes, ingrained by good or evil, or failings which have lead to or produced their designs toward peace.
Much better.
.
.
Completely back to normal, plus rested up a bit. I simply can't complain about this morning... well... there was that one thing. Well, and that other thing. I set my mother and my own alarm clocks to 7:00. However, I knew that my alarm clock goes off just a hair before hers. When I heard the alarm, I at first thought to put it on snooze, then roll for a "second" more. Then I thought, no... I will get up before SHE gets up. *sneaky grins* So, off with the alarm, down with the feet, and out the door I went... feeling mighty cocky about the whole thing, I assure you. *beaming* Damnit! She was already up, out on the patio having coffee! Just as I got in the kitchen, I heard her messing with the door, so I thought I would... I dunno... just freeze stand there? That would get her, always used to when I was a kid. *smile* Nope. "I thought I had an inkling of a sense you were up.", She said. BooYeah. Suckage morning or what? Hey, just because you can't win one doesn't mean you give up. *blink blink*
Oh, but I'm in fine spirits and she sounds almost bent back into shape. Who knew all I had to do was play with death a bit and it made it all good. Still, on the whole, I would... rather not. Isn't there a way that just looks good but without all the physical suffering? And I should be able to completely get my wind back today, if I really hadn't quite done so. Driving, compared to what else is going on, is easy smeazy. We will be back in time to do a bit of planting, too, perhaps. Or a bit of cleaning actually. I just don't want to plant as the sun is getting ready to set. I want them out all day for that, so they can acclimate with a full day of sun, first.
Blood pressure was a little high this morning, oddly. I tried it three times. Not extremely high, just a bit. And yes, perhaps unwisely or not, I did take my medicine last night, but just the normal single nightly dose. I'll take my morning dose, alone, this morning and that might help. Now, I always, here at home, check my b.p. before medicines. It might just be a bounce, a revers reaction to an extreme low? Dunno... Bastard! I hate when it does that. Hmm, might be that my mom is here. She... does have a way with my b.p., at times. Gah!
Later. Good day. Get busy, dang it! :p
.
Completely back to normal, plus rested up a bit. I simply can't complain about this morning... well... there was that one thing. Well, and that other thing. I set my mother and my own alarm clocks to 7:00. However, I knew that my alarm clock goes off just a hair before hers. When I heard the alarm, I at first thought to put it on snooze, then roll for a "second" more. Then I thought, no... I will get up before SHE gets up. *sneaky grins* So, off with the alarm, down with the feet, and out the door I went... feeling mighty cocky about the whole thing, I assure you. *beaming* Damnit! She was already up, out on the patio having coffee! Just as I got in the kitchen, I heard her messing with the door, so I thought I would... I dunno... just freeze stand there? That would get her, always used to when I was a kid. *smile* Nope. "I thought I had an inkling of a sense you were up.", She said. BooYeah. Suckage morning or what? Hey, just because you can't win one doesn't mean you give up. *blink blink*
Oh, but I'm in fine spirits and she sounds almost bent back into shape. Who knew all I had to do was play with death a bit and it made it all good. Still, on the whole, I would... rather not. Isn't there a way that just looks good but without all the physical suffering? And I should be able to completely get my wind back today, if I really hadn't quite done so. Driving, compared to what else is going on, is easy smeazy. We will be back in time to do a bit of planting, too, perhaps. Or a bit of cleaning actually. I just don't want to plant as the sun is getting ready to set. I want them out all day for that, so they can acclimate with a full day of sun, first.
Blood pressure was a little high this morning, oddly. I tried it three times. Not extremely high, just a bit. And yes, perhaps unwisely or not, I did take my medicine last night, but just the normal single nightly dose. I'll take my morning dose, alone, this morning and that might help. Now, I always, here at home, check my b.p. before medicines. It might just be a bounce, a revers reaction to an extreme low? Dunno... Bastard! I hate when it does that. Hmm, might be that my mom is here. She... does have a way with my b.p., at times. Gah!
Later. Good day. Get busy, dang it! :p
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Oh, so that's what happens when...
.
.
That's right boys and girls, even Doom can o.d. Oh, you know better than to think I did it on anything... untoward. I don't even consider smoking anything but an occasional cigarette. And then I'm not exactly... overwhelmed with joy about it. Yeah, sure, sometimes a fifth or a case has been known to slip down my gullet, but this is different. While up and early, I think I took my medicines. With an appointment with the doc tomorrow so a push to make sure, with my medicine set being off on days due to hits and misses in taking it, then with the disturbance of my mother here so that when she took her medicine it triggered me to take my medicine (again as it turns out), I doubled my dose. Worse? I took yesterday evenings dose, then duplicated that as well. I took two full days of medicine in one fell two hour period.
Wouch. I don't know that I would call myself graceful, unless you consider that I am overweight. But with the weight I do have on my thick bones, I keep a pretty soft touch to the ground. I lost that. Having three hundred pounds of stumbling bull rumbling around frightened even my mother. I think she feared more for herself and the furniture, she knows that I won't get hurt, mostly. It is what I feared. To top it off, I was nearing stall angle. My eyes kept trying to roll back into my head. I've only passed out a few times in my life legitimately. I know that feeling though. And I felt like warmed over death. It's a brotherly thing. SHE told me to go lay down. I meekly complied.
Four hours later I'm back up but still feeling rough. I may have a fever going on. I definitely have a weird headache thing. I'm almost afraid to take it, but I think some aspirin is required. I don't know if it will help the feverishness but, something has to be taken. Ugh... And, no, I wasn't trying to escape the "broom". And if I were, I wouldn't do it this way. Besides, we are almost done. Just this room remains. And tomorrow we make a run to the doctor, so I knew I had some time off coming. And more, I wanted to be done and to help. Oh, this is wretched. Don't do this at home, kiddies. Just don't.
.
That's right boys and girls, even Doom can o.d. Oh, you know better than to think I did it on anything... untoward. I don't even consider smoking anything but an occasional cigarette. And then I'm not exactly... overwhelmed with joy about it. Yeah, sure, sometimes a fifth or a case has been known to slip down my gullet, but this is different. While up and early, I think I took my medicines. With an appointment with the doc tomorrow so a push to make sure, with my medicine set being off on days due to hits and misses in taking it, then with the disturbance of my mother here so that when she took her medicine it triggered me to take my medicine (again as it turns out), I doubled my dose. Worse? I took yesterday evenings dose, then duplicated that as well. I took two full days of medicine in one fell two hour period.
Wouch. I don't know that I would call myself graceful, unless you consider that I am overweight. But with the weight I do have on my thick bones, I keep a pretty soft touch to the ground. I lost that. Having three hundred pounds of stumbling bull rumbling around frightened even my mother. I think she feared more for herself and the furniture, she knows that I won't get hurt, mostly. It is what I feared. To top it off, I was nearing stall angle. My eyes kept trying to roll back into my head. I've only passed out a few times in my life legitimately. I know that feeling though. And I felt like warmed over death. It's a brotherly thing. SHE told me to go lay down. I meekly complied.
Four hours later I'm back up but still feeling rough. I may have a fever going on. I definitely have a weird headache thing. I'm almost afraid to take it, but I think some aspirin is required. I don't know if it will help the feverishness but, something has to be taken. Ugh... And, no, I wasn't trying to escape the "broom". And if I were, I wouldn't do it this way. Besides, we are almost done. Just this room remains. And tomorrow we make a run to the doctor, so I knew I had some time off coming. And more, I wanted to be done and to help. Oh, this is wretched. Don't do this at home, kiddies. Just don't.
Questions many.
.
.
Some gifts are so difficult to understand they are confused with curses. The joy in the gift cannot be known up front, and it is not a gift for all. A question asked thrice, and answered in various ways.
.
Some gifts are so difficult to understand they are confused with curses. The joy in the gift cannot be known up front, and it is not a gift for all. A question asked thrice, and answered in various ways.
Sleep, long, hard.
.
.
I am always a bit... rough... after a long sleep. Hmm, actually it wasn't so long. It was after 21:00, perhaps pushing 22:00, and I woke at 5:00. If you can't do 9:00 to 5:00 one way do it the other? I have been pushing things for a bit though now. And I keep losing track of my medication. I still can't juggle too many things at once, if I am beginning to be able to juggle several things and bigger things. As I have suggested, I do the best that I can. If you know about electrical, with the x, y, and z axis? I can now use two of those, but not quite the third. Most people aren't aware of the z axis in personal function, that little something that isn't of work or thought, perhaps just the weight of life itself? I see it clearly, due to extreme limits at times. Another year of medication, perhaps. But in my mid-40's, that's... not ever going to improve much at this point. I'm waking just in time for somewhere on the geriatric decline. If I come out of it fully even then. Having stayed on medications, this time, so far, mostly, since my last echocardiogram, I am curious to see if there is more improvement. Viral infections of the heart, or so it has been suggested, do not improve as well or as much. This may be as good as it gets. It is an improvement though. Sometimes the medicines help with function, sometimes not so much though... or is it just that the level of health is still extremely cyclical? Maybe a bit of both.
The bathroom is clean, the kitchen is clean, we had dinner last night and I bought chicken for a spare easy meal, plus she had leftovers. I'm used to a meal a day or less, she is not. She is still in bed and I will let her sleep until she is ready to wake. I am curious if she will do as I do... know I am up so sleep a little extra long. When you aren't the first out of bed... it always feels odd getting up. Well, and you hate intruding, a bit. I would start... well, why not. I'll start the coffee. It's too weak for my tastes, two scoops or such. Bleckh... Is that tea or is that coffee. If tea, bring me coffee. If coffee, bring me tea. She can't handle my coffee, and she does receive catering.
Sassy is keeping her distance. With another person in the house, and lots of activity, she has become very shy. My mother usually wins her over fairly quickly with food. Sas-o-bot is an easy girl. Feed her often, feed her well, and love is in the air. Hey, no complaints here. It's 'xactly my score. Mostly. Or at least I share some of her sentiments. Sam has been outside as often as she can be. She is a summer and sun girl. If she could, she would probably go canoeing, hiking, work in the garden, and the works... were she a woman type. Even before Sassy invaded her home, but that is an extra incentive to be out. She doesn't go far from home, as a general rule.
As for today? More cleaning. The living room, really. Then a bit in here. But most of the cleaning is done. It looked worse than it was, mostly. She wants the house and garden done by the weekend. I don't think that is impossible. Then I can get back to the spare bathroom. I should get some meats out to thaw... Hmm, after consultation. I plan to make corned beef with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, have either pork chops or ribs, and get some bacon out. She is considering making a potato-tot casserole and perhaps something else. That should see us to plenty of food for her visit, along with a grill out with my friend, and a more general meal with him over here perhaps. I suppose we can. Oh, right, best get that coffee going.
Oh, she is thinking of using one of the extra toilets as a front yard planter. Something about flowers. I asked about perennials, being... how my interest in flowers runs. She thinks not. Bleh. But whatever. I have enough beginner potting soil, and that other big (huge) planter out there. I just don't like tending things you can't eat. Especially when you have to do extra to tend the soil. It goes bad from overuse quickly. Hmm, maybe I could get a really nice picture of her and frame it in one of the old toilet seats? Hushutup... Just... being... artsy? Would target circles be too much?
Oh, just a morning chuckle, on my side of the screen. Or *cough* another? I do remember being referred to as a potential Nice Pete. Now, there are some odd... parallels, but pretty much a systemic failure of connection. While I can discuss past violence, even if it happened to be of a most recent nature, I do not initiate. While I am probably a bit more emotional, I have long ago detached my emotions from violence. Any anger I have is dealt with personally, privately, and civilly if it involves others. My brutality remains purely professional, not for personal use I mean. Since I am no longer in that field, it is just something on the back shelf, mostly. Or it is called for by another, someone bringing it to me. Speak of the Devil, as the saying goes, if merely speaking is not enough... a blood sacrifice or the threat of one would be in order in this case... but the idea is sound. There are some other problems, but that is probably the main one. Oh, but the idea is a gas.
Later.
.
I am always a bit... rough... after a long sleep. Hmm, actually it wasn't so long. It was after 21:00, perhaps pushing 22:00, and I woke at 5:00. If you can't do 9:00 to 5:00 one way do it the other? I have been pushing things for a bit though now. And I keep losing track of my medication. I still can't juggle too many things at once, if I am beginning to be able to juggle several things and bigger things. As I have suggested, I do the best that I can. If you know about electrical, with the x, y, and z axis? I can now use two of those, but not quite the third. Most people aren't aware of the z axis in personal function, that little something that isn't of work or thought, perhaps just the weight of life itself? I see it clearly, due to extreme limits at times. Another year of medication, perhaps. But in my mid-40's, that's... not ever going to improve much at this point. I'm waking just in time for somewhere on the geriatric decline. If I come out of it fully even then. Having stayed on medications, this time, so far, mostly, since my last echocardiogram, I am curious to see if there is more improvement. Viral infections of the heart, or so it has been suggested, do not improve as well or as much. This may be as good as it gets. It is an improvement though. Sometimes the medicines help with function, sometimes not so much though... or is it just that the level of health is still extremely cyclical? Maybe a bit of both.
The bathroom is clean, the kitchen is clean, we had dinner last night and I bought chicken for a spare easy meal, plus she had leftovers. I'm used to a meal a day or less, she is not. She is still in bed and I will let her sleep until she is ready to wake. I am curious if she will do as I do... know I am up so sleep a little extra long. When you aren't the first out of bed... it always feels odd getting up. Well, and you hate intruding, a bit. I would start... well, why not. I'll start the coffee. It's too weak for my tastes, two scoops or such. Bleckh... Is that tea or is that coffee. If tea, bring me coffee. If coffee, bring me tea. She can't handle my coffee, and she does receive catering.
Sassy is keeping her distance. With another person in the house, and lots of activity, she has become very shy. My mother usually wins her over fairly quickly with food. Sas-o-bot is an easy girl. Feed her often, feed her well, and love is in the air. Hey, no complaints here. It's 'xactly my score. Mostly. Or at least I share some of her sentiments. Sam has been outside as often as she can be. She is a summer and sun girl. If she could, she would probably go canoeing, hiking, work in the garden, and the works... were she a woman type. Even before Sassy invaded her home, but that is an extra incentive to be out. She doesn't go far from home, as a general rule.
As for today? More cleaning. The living room, really. Then a bit in here. But most of the cleaning is done. It looked worse than it was, mostly. She wants the house and garden done by the weekend. I don't think that is impossible. Then I can get back to the spare bathroom. I should get some meats out to thaw... Hmm, after consultation. I plan to make corned beef with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, have either pork chops or ribs, and get some bacon out. She is considering making a potato-tot casserole and perhaps something else. That should see us to plenty of food for her visit, along with a grill out with my friend, and a more general meal with him over here perhaps. I suppose we can. Oh, right, best get that coffee going.
Oh, she is thinking of using one of the extra toilets as a front yard planter. Something about flowers. I asked about perennials, being... how my interest in flowers runs. She thinks not. Bleh. But whatever. I have enough beginner potting soil, and that other big (huge) planter out there. I just don't like tending things you can't eat. Especially when you have to do extra to tend the soil. It goes bad from overuse quickly. Hmm, maybe I could get a really nice picture of her and frame it in one of the old toilet seats? Hushutup... Just... being... artsy? Would target circles be too much?
Oh, just a morning chuckle, on my side of the screen. Or *cough* another? I do remember being referred to as a potential Nice Pete. Now, there are some odd... parallels, but pretty much a systemic failure of connection. While I can discuss past violence, even if it happened to be of a most recent nature, I do not initiate. While I am probably a bit more emotional, I have long ago detached my emotions from violence. Any anger I have is dealt with personally, privately, and civilly if it involves others. My brutality remains purely professional, not for personal use I mean. Since I am no longer in that field, it is just something on the back shelf, mostly. Or it is called for by another, someone bringing it to me. Speak of the Devil, as the saying goes, if merely speaking is not enough... a blood sacrifice or the threat of one would be in order in this case... but the idea is sound. There are some other problems, but that is probably the main one. Oh, but the idea is a gas.
Later.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Cleaning.
.
.
Bit by bit the cave is being cleaned. She doesn't seem to understand that not having hot water until recently put me at a severe disadvantage, and trying to fix things takes whatever time it takes. She has indicated that if she comes out again to this kind of mess she will stay in a motel. I have news. She won't be back. If I can afford it, from now on, I will drive to visit her. It is more expensive to drive but I don't have to mess with airport "security", and won't. I will stay a few days then head back. That will fix that. I have neither the money for a housekeeper, nor a wife. Done.
The dishes are done, I am in the process of cleaning the bathroom. She has decided to hit the kitchen. She wants things just so before cooking. Okay. The plot for the garden is too big, unless once we get out there it is too small. No problems. I didn't do it for her. I should be able to get what I want in and be just fine. The plants are looking good, most are ready to go. Some I will keep in the planters a little longer and do myself when they are ready. She wants to just dump them all. My garden, my way. Period. We will get around to butting heads on that shortly. For now it's just... waiting.
She is a bit hot. So am I. Best to just cool heels and do what I am doing. Now is not the time for... discussions. And, perhaps, some discussions won't happen. I will just leave things... unsaid. She will figure it out in time. She's a smart girl. :p Well, time to check the floor. A rinse if it looks good, then to silicone seal that toilet. But the shower and tub area will be cleaned first, I suppose. Food sometime today... who knows what, but I have a bit.
I won't restart the water heater project until probably the 7th. I think I can return the parts to a store in Ogden, and look for fittings that aren't all dented to heck. I don't even think they will fit on a pipe. I know they won't solder. I'm not even sure how copper fittings could have been bent and folded and dinged like that! I'll... get to it. But first, the cave... Later.
.
Bit by bit the cave is being cleaned. She doesn't seem to understand that not having hot water until recently put me at a severe disadvantage, and trying to fix things takes whatever time it takes. She has indicated that if she comes out again to this kind of mess she will stay in a motel. I have news. She won't be back. If I can afford it, from now on, I will drive to visit her. It is more expensive to drive but I don't have to mess with airport "security", and won't. I will stay a few days then head back. That will fix that. I have neither the money for a housekeeper, nor a wife. Done.
The dishes are done, I am in the process of cleaning the bathroom. She has decided to hit the kitchen. She wants things just so before cooking. Okay. The plot for the garden is too big, unless once we get out there it is too small. No problems. I didn't do it for her. I should be able to get what I want in and be just fine. The plants are looking good, most are ready to go. Some I will keep in the planters a little longer and do myself when they are ready. She wants to just dump them all. My garden, my way. Period. We will get around to butting heads on that shortly. For now it's just... waiting.
She is a bit hot. So am I. Best to just cool heels and do what I am doing. Now is not the time for... discussions. And, perhaps, some discussions won't happen. I will just leave things... unsaid. She will figure it out in time. She's a smart girl. :p Well, time to check the floor. A rinse if it looks good, then to silicone seal that toilet. But the shower and tub area will be cleaned first, I suppose. Food sometime today... who knows what, but I have a bit.
I won't restart the water heater project until probably the 7th. I think I can return the parts to a store in Ogden, and look for fittings that aren't all dented to heck. I don't even think they will fit on a pipe. I know they won't solder. I'm not even sure how copper fittings could have been bent and folded and dinged like that! I'll... get to it. But first, the cave... Later.
Haiku - Monday - Humor, and etc.
.
.
She is up. It looks like foam scooped me. I meant to go over and razz her, being that at 1:30 it was technically Friday and she had said she would be up by Friday. No jazzing allowed. It looks like fun. I've got a few percolating, from the time I knew the theme actually. Just... still... a bit slow. Here is where you may go for the contest.
.
She is up. It looks like foam scooped me. I meant to go over and razz her, being that at 1:30 it was technically Friday and she had said she would be up by Friday. No jazzing allowed. It looks like fun. I've got a few percolating, from the time I knew the theme actually. Just... still... a bit slow. Here is where you may go for the contest.
----------update interrupt----------
For whom the bell... yada yada...
It was time, his Doom.
It was time, his Doom.
He tried to sweep me aside.
Instead, he ate broom.
----------------
Clitter, clatter, clash,
sing. Love is in the midnight-
Did not see that coming.
----------------
Home. Time for a bit more rest.
.
.
She is not used to being up this late. While not shrinking flower or dainty morsel, my mother has limits. When they are reached havoc could ensue. In this case, however, she was in the (mean) Denver airport. That just isn't a nice place, and they aren't nice or kindly, for the most part. Or, that has been how her luck has been there. Fair enough. She is usually pretty kindly, so if she says people aren't friendly, then they aren't. Between being up far too late, having a long day, and such, she was getting nauseous and beginning to cry a bit. Oh, not much I could do but sooth... and promise that if they roll a mid-afternoon flight to late night again, we will simply change the day. That's why I buy insurance.
Now, when I told her that I had not been able to complete all, and that is why little else had been don in the way of cleaning, she suggested I bit off too much. *steams* I said nothing though. Biding time, mind you. Bit my lip. But when she was in the auto, we were on the way, she had a soda and I offered food, we started talking. She had much cheered and was feeling better. She suggested how rough it had been. I asked if she could have napped. No, she suggested. She had to pack, run to the bank, do this, do that... I just... suggested... she should have done those things Friday and Sunday. This time she *steamed*, for about two seconds, then... we chuckled a bit. Yes, we still... bicker. It's just much more understated, even mutually entertaining now. One move per, at a time, some eating of crow, then passing around of crow pie, all over various quirky little bits of time... or as opportunity presents itself. *grins* Oh, she plays this game quite well. There really aren't winners and losers, either. It's like verbal badminton between equal players over time. If too, I don't play to win.
I did stop and get cleaner, Pine-Sol. That stuff just works. For cleaning, for scent, for the sense of it, I can't beat it, to my mind. A quick in and out, and with her onboard I can park in the handicap spaces, so in a hurry I can scoot. Usually I park somewhere near the parking lot stratosphere. Tomorrow? As I suggested, I will be taking the day off from plumbing and hitting the bathroom, dishes, and the last of the laundry. As well I will be moving a few things around for her comfort and leisure. I want her to just take the day off. If she wants, and she will, cooking a meal will give her something useful to do. Laundry and dishes first, then.
She already went to bed and I doubt if she remembers falling asleep. I always have to come down a bit after driving that far. But I am ready for bed, again, sort of, myself. Good night.
.
She is not used to being up this late. While not shrinking flower or dainty morsel, my mother has limits. When they are reached havoc could ensue. In this case, however, she was in the (mean) Denver airport. That just isn't a nice place, and they aren't nice or kindly, for the most part. Or, that has been how her luck has been there. Fair enough. She is usually pretty kindly, so if she says people aren't friendly, then they aren't. Between being up far too late, having a long day, and such, she was getting nauseous and beginning to cry a bit. Oh, not much I could do but sooth... and promise that if they roll a mid-afternoon flight to late night again, we will simply change the day. That's why I buy insurance.
Now, when I told her that I had not been able to complete all, and that is why little else had been don in the way of cleaning, she suggested I bit off too much. *steams* I said nothing though. Biding time, mind you. Bit my lip. But when she was in the auto, we were on the way, she had a soda and I offered food, we started talking. She had much cheered and was feeling better. She suggested how rough it had been. I asked if she could have napped. No, she suggested. She had to pack, run to the bank, do this, do that... I just... suggested... she should have done those things Friday and Sunday. This time she *steamed*, for about two seconds, then... we chuckled a bit. Yes, we still... bicker. It's just much more understated, even mutually entertaining now. One move per, at a time, some eating of crow, then passing around of crow pie, all over various quirky little bits of time... or as opportunity presents itself. *grins* Oh, she plays this game quite well. There really aren't winners and losers, either. It's like verbal badminton between equal players over time. If too, I don't play to win.
I did stop and get cleaner, Pine-Sol. That stuff just works. For cleaning, for scent, for the sense of it, I can't beat it, to my mind. A quick in and out, and with her onboard I can park in the handicap spaces, so in a hurry I can scoot. Usually I park somewhere near the parking lot stratosphere. Tomorrow? As I suggested, I will be taking the day off from plumbing and hitting the bathroom, dishes, and the last of the laundry. As well I will be moving a few things around for her comfort and leisure. I want her to just take the day off. If she wants, and she will, cooking a meal will give her something useful to do. Laundry and dishes first, then.
She already went to bed and I doubt if she remembers falling asleep. I always have to come down a bit after driving that far. But I am ready for bed, again, sort of, myself. Good night.
Monday, June 3, 2013
I best get on the way.
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.
Supper arrived, late, perfect. I was sleeping a bit late. No supper yesterday, they had a full day. An apology. None needed, I was sacked out hard, probably, by the time they returned or even at the regular time. Luck favors hard work? A shower and a run to the airport. A long run. Tomorrow not much, I am told. All good I say. I might do a day or two of helping to get things... urhm, turned around here, first. Then hope a resupply of functional parts is in. Or maybe I can find other, more reliable, sources of parts. All good. At least she isn't in a foot/leg brace this time. Though... that means I have to watch her a little closer. She doesn't always "remember" she has had two back surgeries, two knee replacements, a half dozen foot surgeries to each foot, and maybe a hip replacement? Dang woman anyway. She really needs to wait on me to lift much, but doesn't always. Even when I am doing what she wanted me to do, but over there. *sigh* Just call, says I. Or take a break. "Okay." Liar.
Never the mind. A shower, and figuring out how to keep at least one eye on her, especially now that she can move even faster!
Later.
.
Supper arrived, late, perfect. I was sleeping a bit late. No supper yesterday, they had a full day. An apology. None needed, I was sacked out hard, probably, by the time they returned or even at the regular time. Luck favors hard work? A shower and a run to the airport. A long run. Tomorrow not much, I am told. All good I say. I might do a day or two of helping to get things... urhm, turned around here, first. Then hope a resupply of functional parts is in. Or maybe I can find other, more reliable, sources of parts. All good. At least she isn't in a foot/leg brace this time. Though... that means I have to watch her a little closer. She doesn't always "remember" she has had two back surgeries, two knee replacements, a half dozen foot surgeries to each foot, and maybe a hip replacement? Dang woman anyway. She really needs to wait on me to lift much, but doesn't always. Even when I am doing what she wanted me to do, but over there. *sigh* Just call, says I. Or take a break. "Okay." Liar.
Never the mind. A shower, and figuring out how to keep at least one eye on her, especially now that she can move even faster!
Later.
Should have napped first.
.
.
I was way too tired, but... since awake I wanted to try. First, I forgot anything to clean with! I'll see what I have that might work. I couldn't make it to town and back at this point. Actually, before that, I should have run another load of laundry through. Not now. Then, I returned those connections and grabbed brass flex hoses and some other things. The solder side of the flex hoses, I just noticed, are battered beyond use. I will simply be taking those back and seeing if they have more back somewhere or when a new shipment will arrive, and check at the other store. Work is at a standstill. And I am at a standstill... Now to back it down to try to rest a bit before showering and dressing and going for the source of Doom. Hmm, best call to make sure she... remembers, is set up. Damn kids anyway. I wish I could get up there early enough to hit the big boxes in that direction, but... the timing would be really questionable, either making me late or very early. I don't want to mess with that. Some shopping at Walmart, though, on the way home, if I have to do it solo... Cleaning fluids of my mother's choice and whatever else she might want.
I did get extra fittings, that I wanted. But I am going to check it all over. I was too tired to be shopping. I did fill the tank, get the trash and recycling out, wash the X'ter, and... I tried. Just shot, done, beat. Can't say I didn't try. And, I'm not done. I'm just done for this time, for a while, for today. Damn but I wanted to surprise her, impress her a bit. *shrug*
On the good side of an odd thing? I have been having issues with my past. Working hard has... overshadowed that. It's only when I can't work, which until medicine was most of the time, that those things can creep up and reek havoc on my mind. When I get really tired I can feel that stuff oozing out of me, now. But it hasn't been able to follow me into sleep and ruin that. Nor can it stay with me until I wake and attack me there. Whatever it is, it's in there deep, hard, mean. I hope it's gone before I crash for a while. I prefer to sleep without ghosts as bedfellows, if you don't mind. Though I don't like them much in the day or when I'm otherwise awake either.
Good night.
.
I was way too tired, but... since awake I wanted to try. First, I forgot anything to clean with! I'll see what I have that might work. I couldn't make it to town and back at this point. Actually, before that, I should have run another load of laundry through. Not now. Then, I returned those connections and grabbed brass flex hoses and some other things. The solder side of the flex hoses, I just noticed, are battered beyond use. I will simply be taking those back and seeing if they have more back somewhere or when a new shipment will arrive, and check at the other store. Work is at a standstill. And I am at a standstill... Now to back it down to try to rest a bit before showering and dressing and going for the source of Doom. Hmm, best call to make sure she... remembers, is set up. Damn kids anyway. I wish I could get up there early enough to hit the big boxes in that direction, but... the timing would be really questionable, either making me late or very early. I don't want to mess with that. Some shopping at Walmart, though, on the way home, if I have to do it solo... Cleaning fluids of my mother's choice and whatever else she might want.
I did get extra fittings, that I wanted. But I am going to check it all over. I was too tired to be shopping. I did fill the tank, get the trash and recycling out, wash the X'ter, and... I tried. Just shot, done, beat. Can't say I didn't try. And, I'm not done. I'm just done for this time, for a while, for today. Damn but I wanted to surprise her, impress her a bit. *shrug*
On the good side of an odd thing? I have been having issues with my past. Working hard has... overshadowed that. It's only when I can't work, which until medicine was most of the time, that those things can creep up and reek havoc on my mind. When I get really tired I can feel that stuff oozing out of me, now. But it hasn't been able to follow me into sleep and ruin that. Nor can it stay with me until I wake and attack me there. Whatever it is, it's in there deep, hard, mean. I hope it's gone before I crash for a while. I prefer to sleep without ghosts as bedfellows, if you don't mind. Though I don't like them much in the day or when I'm otherwise awake either.
Good night.
Where there is a will, someone probably made the wheel so only a combination of the two is required.
.
.
While coming back in from taking the recycling out and to the curb, I noticed one of the flexible copper couplings, like the ones in the basement. Now, it had fip x fip fittings, but after a bit of checking, they also make a fip x s hose. F.I.P. officially stands for something I don't know, but means it screws on, as a female fitting I think. S, however, stands for solder. Since my soldering is fine, if not pretty always, all I need to do is buy two of those, then I have some flexibility regarding placement and replacement of the water heaters. It makes it so much easier, since finding the exact size of replacement heater can mean hundreds more or some hope and prayer sweating. Of course, you know, I would have to have an extra on hand that would require soldering three rather than one more times? I consider it a basement w.h. spare, anyway.
With recycling done, trash next. Then what is in the dryer should be ready to tend. Then a nap, a trip to town, a bit more sweating, and then a trip to the big city later. Oh, I sure hope the fittings work. I am buying a few extra pieces, just in case I need to resweat a few things. I know a 1/2 to 3/4 straight and elbow would be nice, another 3/4 union would be good, and maybe... No, that should be enough. I would like to get concrete board (or some such... fireproof, good for sweating lengths on a table without worrying about a housefire. But since I am pretty much done... Nah. Unless it is really inexpensive. Hmm, 5x3x1/2 for $10? I would actually like that to finish anyway. Just setting it behind where I am working. The fireproof(ish) panel I have is about potholder size, and I am brazing in a corner, so I have been sweating in more ways than one, as carefully as possible. I know that mapp torch works a LOT better, especially for decoupling, but even for just plain sweating. Technology is truly sometimes worth the extra costs.
Oh, right, laundry, trash, crash. Later.
.
While coming back in from taking the recycling out and to the curb, I noticed one of the flexible copper couplings, like the ones in the basement. Now, it had fip x fip fittings, but after a bit of checking, they also make a fip x s hose. F.I.P. officially stands for something I don't know, but means it screws on, as a female fitting I think. S, however, stands for solder. Since my soldering is fine, if not pretty always, all I need to do is buy two of those, then I have some flexibility regarding placement and replacement of the water heaters. It makes it so much easier, since finding the exact size of replacement heater can mean hundreds more or some hope and prayer sweating. Of course, you know, I would have to have an extra on hand that would require soldering three rather than one more times? I consider it a basement w.h. spare, anyway.
With recycling done, trash next. Then what is in the dryer should be ready to tend. Then a nap, a trip to town, a bit more sweating, and then a trip to the big city later. Oh, I sure hope the fittings work. I am buying a few extra pieces, just in case I need to resweat a few things. I know a 1/2 to 3/4 straight and elbow would be nice, another 3/4 union would be good, and maybe... No, that should be enough. I would like to get concrete board (or some such... fireproof, good for sweating lengths on a table without worrying about a housefire. But since I am pretty much done... Nah. Unless it is really inexpensive. Hmm, 5x3x1/2 for $10? I would actually like that to finish anyway. Just setting it behind where I am working. The fireproof(ish) panel I have is about potholder size, and I am brazing in a corner, so I have been sweating in more ways than one, as carefully as possible. I know that mapp torch works a LOT better, especially for decoupling, but even for just plain sweating. Technology is truly sometimes worth the extra costs.
Oh, right, laundry, trash, crash. Later.
Nope, again.
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.
I am moving slow. Go figure. I have the laundry about ready to shut down. And I tried the last sharkbite, it failed as well. I did review everything I could, I did everything I was supposed to do, it didn't matter. I just can't trust these items. Perhaps some work, perhaps there is some trick I don't have, I know there is a tool that is supposed to set the depth gauge exactly which I don't have, but I know I cleaned inside and out of the pipe, I pushed it down until it "popped" and then just a bit more, there isn't much else two it. Two failures in a row is bad. I have heard that open bin ones are frequently bad. Dirt, dust, grease, and whatever else can get in there. And it wouldn't surprise me if gremlins (plumbers who don't want people diy'ing) messing them up as they pass through. Yeah, it happens. There are places to buy them bagged. But... of course... only plumbers can shop there.
Never mind. I best get the recycling collected and out, then trash after. Recycling will be coming very soon though. Then another nap. Then a trip to town for kit, ice, and cleaning solution. At least the stuff I have soldered is fine, I just need a bit more and w.h. connections. I want to call my mother today, to make sure she is in good order, packed, and planning on seeing me basically later today. But it will be a bit messy when she arrives. There is nothing I can do about that. Later.
.
I am moving slow. Go figure. I have the laundry about ready to shut down. And I tried the last sharkbite, it failed as well. I did review everything I could, I did everything I was supposed to do, it didn't matter. I just can't trust these items. Perhaps some work, perhaps there is some trick I don't have, I know there is a tool that is supposed to set the depth gauge exactly which I don't have, but I know I cleaned inside and out of the pipe, I pushed it down until it "popped" and then just a bit more, there isn't much else two it. Two failures in a row is bad. I have heard that open bin ones are frequently bad. Dirt, dust, grease, and whatever else can get in there. And it wouldn't surprise me if gremlins (plumbers who don't want people diy'ing) messing them up as they pass through. Yeah, it happens. There are places to buy them bagged. But... of course... only plumbers can shop there.
Never mind. I best get the recycling collected and out, then trash after. Recycling will be coming very soon though. Then another nap. Then a trip to town for kit, ice, and cleaning solution. At least the stuff I have soldered is fine, I just need a bit more and w.h. connections. I want to call my mother today, to make sure she is in good order, packed, and planning on seeing me basically later today. But it will be a bit messy when she arrives. There is nothing I can do about that. Later.
Good news mixed with WTF!
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.
Alright, I did a few things, then got in and soldered a cap on the cold water inlet. All good. It held. No leaks anywhere. Then the hot water out (from the water heater perspective) spouted! WTF!?! How is that even possible? I felt like I was doing a "Who's on second" Routine, by myself, alone! Well, I cut the cap off then tried once again, just to make sure I had... I don't know... to make sure during my nap someone or something hadn't screwed with my memories. This time the water did come out of the "correct" plumbing. WTH!?! Oh, but it looks like both sides, other than the shark bite, are brazed just fine. And if I want a fountain in my bath, I think I can do that. :p
Okay, so now all I have to do is sweat a few pipes over to... well, okay, I think I actually forgot one other thing... things. I need copper connecters to connect to the water heater. Check that. I didn't forget them, the shark bite was supposed to fill that need. Hmm... I still have one left that is unused. Should I just try it? Look, if it doesn't work, I will take both of them in tomorrow and exchange them for fittings. If it does, I have a flexible connector so I can move the water heater without having to undo everything. And replacement of the w.h. is so much easier. Let me review fitting shark bites first. Maybe I didn't do something correctly. I know I cleaned the heck out of the copper pipe it was to wed. I even made sure to go slow in cutting the pipe, so as not to deform it in any way. Maybe there is a trick to it though? What's odd? In the basement, when replacing a copper-type snake bite? I didn't know to clean the copper pipe first and it fit like a glove with no leaks at all! Gah! Beginner's luck or something?
Oh, right, before I forget, I best get laundry started. At least enough to stop for the night... A tumble for whatever is in the dryer, then out and the washer emptied and dried itself, and that put into the dryer for a final run. I don't have cleaning solution, so I may simply make a run to town just for that, and tonight, to get the bathroom cleaned before I go to bed. Shutting down the laundry cycle, trying the last shark fitting, collecting and removing trash and recycling, then a run to town and finishing with a cleaning of the bathroom. I don't need another shower, in my opinion.
Tomorrow? Doing what it takes to get the last water heater in place, then installing the toilet if that is successful (or at least getting those huge boxes into my room at least), then a bit more cleaning... dishes! Gah! I don't want my mom to show up to those, but... And finishing the laundry if I can. Plus, a bit of a nap early to mid afternoon for a late night rendezvous with the mother of Doom herself. *grins*
Oh, right, best scat. Oh, and some food in town. Hungry. No, no, this... HUNGRY! Later.
.
Alright, I did a few things, then got in and soldered a cap on the cold water inlet. All good. It held. No leaks anywhere. Then the hot water out (from the water heater perspective) spouted! WTF!?! How is that even possible? I felt like I was doing a "Who's on second" Routine, by myself, alone! Well, I cut the cap off then tried once again, just to make sure I had... I don't know... to make sure during my nap someone or something hadn't screwed with my memories. This time the water did come out of the "correct" plumbing. WTH!?! Oh, but it looks like both sides, other than the shark bite, are brazed just fine. And if I want a fountain in my bath, I think I can do that. :p
Okay, so now all I have to do is sweat a few pipes over to... well, okay, I think I actually forgot one other thing... things. I need copper connecters to connect to the water heater. Check that. I didn't forget them, the shark bite was supposed to fill that need. Hmm... I still have one left that is unused. Should I just try it? Look, if it doesn't work, I will take both of them in tomorrow and exchange them for fittings. If it does, I have a flexible connector so I can move the water heater without having to undo everything. And replacement of the w.h. is so much easier. Let me review fitting shark bites first. Maybe I didn't do something correctly. I know I cleaned the heck out of the copper pipe it was to wed. I even made sure to go slow in cutting the pipe, so as not to deform it in any way. Maybe there is a trick to it though? What's odd? In the basement, when replacing a copper-type snake bite? I didn't know to clean the copper pipe first and it fit like a glove with no leaks at all! Gah! Beginner's luck or something?
Oh, right, before I forget, I best get laundry started. At least enough to stop for the night... A tumble for whatever is in the dryer, then out and the washer emptied and dried itself, and that put into the dryer for a final run. I don't have cleaning solution, so I may simply make a run to town just for that, and tonight, to get the bathroom cleaned before I go to bed. Shutting down the laundry cycle, trying the last shark fitting, collecting and removing trash and recycling, then a run to town and finishing with a cleaning of the bathroom. I don't need another shower, in my opinion.
Tomorrow? Doing what it takes to get the last water heater in place, then installing the toilet if that is successful (or at least getting those huge boxes into my room at least), then a bit more cleaning... dishes! Gah! I don't want my mom to show up to those, but... And finishing the laundry if I can. Plus, a bit of a nap early to mid afternoon for a late night rendezvous with the mother of Doom herself. *grins*
Oh, right, best scat. Oh, and some food in town. Hungry. No, no, this... HUNGRY! Later.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Long gul-dang nap, if you ask me.
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.
I don't think I hit it until a little after 16:00. It was warm enough that I couldn't shift into more than a trance like state until... sometime later. Several hours, really, passed before I could see stars in the day. When it hit though, lights out on the whole rig. *Bam* I took a shower first. What with a clean bed and all that mucking about in the plumber's goo-land. But life she has returned, a bit. And hope is refreshed.
I need to figure out when I need to be where. My mother doesn't mind waiting. Two seconds does her soul good, she says. Three seconds could land someone a clout. More than that she might cry at you. Just knowing the odds and stakes makes it... No, I'll be there on time, with bells and whistles. Crazy woman type. I wish they didn't let them call on the run in. I don't like getting a call saying she is almost in, she is almost-er in, she is in but not off, she is off but waiting for a runner, then nothing for an hour while she is waiting or being brought up slowly. *sigh* Hmm... she calls like I blog! I hope I don't have to pay patent rights?
Yet tonight? For sure I have to clean the bathroom, pick up "sticks" and get them ready for the garbage man "bonfire". I need to move what boxes I can move back into the laundry area. If that all goes well and fast, then maybe an attempt at checking the rest of the system for leaks with a cap. If it is fit, then sweating the bronze valve. D.C. has offered a bit o' advice on that. If the rest of it is solid, that is. A big if, but there it is. Oh, and a quick run to town. I need to buy floor/bathroom cleaner, fill the tank and wash the X'ter, and another thing or two. Oh, ice. I have her kind of diet soda and have found that bringing some, on ice, with a small bite or three to choose from to eat, wins Doom points with momma Doom. By the bye, I'm going to have to introduce her to her new handle. I think she is going to love it! Hush you naysayers... Doom isn't just dark, he has the charm of a rattlesnake... or something cuddly like that. Hush!
.
I don't think I hit it until a little after 16:00. It was warm enough that I couldn't shift into more than a trance like state until... sometime later. Several hours, really, passed before I could see stars in the day. When it hit though, lights out on the whole rig. *Bam* I took a shower first. What with a clean bed and all that mucking about in the plumber's goo-land. But life she has returned, a bit. And hope is refreshed.
I need to figure out when I need to be where. My mother doesn't mind waiting. Two seconds does her soul good, she says. Three seconds could land someone a clout. More than that she might cry at you. Just knowing the odds and stakes makes it... No, I'll be there on time, with bells and whistles. Crazy woman type. I wish they didn't let them call on the run in. I don't like getting a call saying she is almost in, she is almost-er in, she is in but not off, she is off but waiting for a runner, then nothing for an hour while she is waiting or being brought up slowly. *sigh* Hmm... she calls like I blog! I hope I don't have to pay patent rights?
Yet tonight? For sure I have to clean the bathroom, pick up "sticks" and get them ready for the garbage man "bonfire". I need to move what boxes I can move back into the laundry area. If that all goes well and fast, then maybe an attempt at checking the rest of the system for leaks with a cap. If it is fit, then sweating the bronze valve. D.C. has offered a bit o' advice on that. If the rest of it is solid, that is. A big if, but there it is. Oh, and a quick run to town. I need to buy floor/bathroom cleaner, fill the tank and wash the X'ter, and another thing or two. Oh, ice. I have her kind of diet soda and have found that bringing some, on ice, with a small bite or three to choose from to eat, wins Doom points with momma Doom. By the bye, I'm going to have to introduce her to her new handle. I think she is going to love it! Hush you naysayers... Doom isn't just dark, he has the charm of a rattlesnake... or something cuddly like that. Hush!
Momma Doom?
Frail, aging, tired, sore.
Mom arrives to her new name.
Momma de Doom, EEK!
Just a thought.
Oh, here is a funny! I was re-reading my comment to foam recently, about something not being astrology. And that me, my cats, and my bugs were having a laugh on this side of of the screen about it. Then that the girls had pulled lame on my notion of humor, but that me and the bugs were having a ball. Sam was in my lap. So, I looked at her and started laughing hard. She knew I was, sort of, laughing at her. She got a little bent! She really did. A dirty little look and off she went. Oh, me and the bugs are at it again!
Oh, here is a funny! I was re-reading my comment to foam recently, about something not being astrology. And that me, my cats, and my bugs were having a laugh on this side of of the screen about it. Then that the girls had pulled lame on my notion of humor, but that me and the bugs were having a ball. Sam was in my lap. So, I looked at her and started laughing hard. She knew I was, sort of, laughing at her. She got a little bent! She really did. A dirty little look and off she went. Oh, me and the bugs are at it again!
She doesn't think so.
I laugh, she meowed.
I laugh, she meowed.
I grinned, she stewed. Gone.
She'll be back, claws out.
I'd best get to it. Later, or maybe good night.
------------------
Woot! If it sucks a bit too. I had originally set the flight for midday. They have bumped the flight to late tomorrow evening! The "Woot!" is because that means I have, essentially, another day to rig the system in my favor! Trash and recycling and all the little things for sure, as expected, plus maybe, just maybe... the plumbing. Before I do one more thing, then, I need to check on plumbing I have installed, to see if it is secure other than the shark. That will... save me a lot of time and a few shekels if so.Nope.
.
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Where, all, the cold water inlet line is leaking I can't tell. It took a bit, after turning the water on, to see the leak. I had the snake over a pale since I didn't want to connect it all up until I knew there was no leak. I started to see water collecting near the bottom, but I couldn't really see where the leak was. That is actually difficult I think. I am sure there is a better way than just by trying to use the naked eye. Then I looked a little higher, then a little higher. The snake bite failed. I don't know if there are other places, but it was just rushing out of the snake bite. These were bought within the last few weeks, they aren't years old. They have been sitting on the table since I brought them home, and I was careful with them. Dunno. But the water heater is off for now. Oh, not to worry. The chances that this would work today was somewhere between slim and none. Ah well. I will just get on to the other projects. Laundry is coming along well. The beds are made.
I did get a lunch kicked out between this, that, and the other things. I was, indeed, hungry. And supper will be coming tonight. I will need it. Hmm... maybe I can get to dishes then, instead... Well... after a nap. I need a little... cooldown time. I am not sure if I am outraged or more likely simply disappointed. I've been running so hot and hard that I can't make sense of things. In another sense, it's just another setback among many, only the timing is more problematic.
I may just start over with brand new, sure, parts. Buying what I need tomorrow on the way back. I think I will skip snake bites. That is a lot of money, and, as usual, I don't have the receipt. Well... one sec... I think I will cut off the snake bite, add a cap, and see if the thing is leaking anywhere else. If not... No snake bites, but... What a pain. The other thing? I hadn't added an extra valve. Oh, I have one. The problem? It is brass. Sure, you can solder it. High content silver solder and another choice... some sort of brazing rod... blue not red I have heard tell. Probably not silver... that was $45 for 10 feet back years ago in some thread. I would hate to even know the price now. If it is even available. Price really does affect choice, hard. I had planned to just cut the pipe later, and install it when I got the rod. I guess I can get on that right away.
Not bad, really. I've been working since... 9:00 or 10:00 I would guess. I've done a lot, if only some of it has panned out. Bedrooms are pretty much set, lunch was had, and what of the soldering is good is yet to be figured. Bleh... tired. But so much more to do... after a nap? Yeah. Nap. Later.
.
Where, all, the cold water inlet line is leaking I can't tell. It took a bit, after turning the water on, to see the leak. I had the snake over a pale since I didn't want to connect it all up until I knew there was no leak. I started to see water collecting near the bottom, but I couldn't really see where the leak was. That is actually difficult I think. I am sure there is a better way than just by trying to use the naked eye. Then I looked a little higher, then a little higher. The snake bite failed. I don't know if there are other places, but it was just rushing out of the snake bite. These were bought within the last few weeks, they aren't years old. They have been sitting on the table since I brought them home, and I was careful with them. Dunno. But the water heater is off for now. Oh, not to worry. The chances that this would work today was somewhere between slim and none. Ah well. I will just get on to the other projects. Laundry is coming along well. The beds are made.
I did get a lunch kicked out between this, that, and the other things. I was, indeed, hungry. And supper will be coming tonight. I will need it. Hmm... maybe I can get to dishes then, instead... Well... after a nap. I need a little... cooldown time. I am not sure if I am outraged or more likely simply disappointed. I've been running so hot and hard that I can't make sense of things. In another sense, it's just another setback among many, only the timing is more problematic.
I may just start over with brand new, sure, parts. Buying what I need tomorrow on the way back. I think I will skip snake bites. That is a lot of money, and, as usual, I don't have the receipt. Well... one sec... I think I will cut off the snake bite, add a cap, and see if the thing is leaking anywhere else. If not... No snake bites, but... What a pain. The other thing? I hadn't added an extra valve. Oh, I have one. The problem? It is brass. Sure, you can solder it. High content silver solder and another choice... some sort of brazing rod... blue not red I have heard tell. Probably not silver... that was $45 for 10 feet back years ago in some thread. I would hate to even know the price now. If it is even available. Price really does affect choice, hard. I had planned to just cut the pipe later, and install it when I got the rod. I guess I can get on that right away.
Not bad, really. I've been working since... 9:00 or 10:00 I would guess. I've done a lot, if only some of it has panned out. Bedrooms are pretty much set, lunch was had, and what of the soldering is good is yet to be figured. Bleh... tired. But so much more to do... after a nap? Yeah. Nap. Later.
*cough*
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.
Nothing like swallowing flame and soot and whatever the heck else comes off pipes. I have, with the mapp torch, been able to part the parts as I've been dismantling the old piping. *cough* I did set the fire alarm in the bedroom off. But it seems to know what's what, and just let me know to shut the en suite door. One peep of that was enough. Getting the dryfit together, for the inlet side, was a... the first four or five connections were fine. The last one was an absolute monster. I have finally busted a knuckle. I know, innit? Who would have thought a faucet, a water heater, and a toilet would all have gone in without busting a knuckle so far? All those bolts and nuts and screws and tight places already. Ah well, it had to happen. At least it waited until near the end.
One load of laundry was still in the dryer. I gave it a whirl while I put the sheets into the wash. Before long, when I needed a little break, I took those out and folded and put them away. I have since put a washed load into the dryer and am about to do another switch, putting the clean sheets right on the various beds, and right away. Hmm... best wash my hands before messing with those. I'm trying to keep going, but I do have to take breaks once in a while. At least my back isn't hurting from standing, as it did the other day. Why one day and not the other I have no clue. Perhaps I broke the rust free? Bleh.
Well... back to the races. And they are off!
That stung just a bit. I doubt if I am actually fireproof. But I do seem a bit resistant to burns. By the way, those pipes get a bit warm to the touch. Doing what I shouldn't, all in the process of doing what I should, and without exception mostly the only way to do things, I had just finished soldering a joint and laid the pipe right across my arm. Still stings, actually. But I can't find the exact area, or I'd... hmm, cold water might help. But for as much as that hurt specifically, and burns now, you would think there would be a hole, a blister, or at least a red mark. It takes a bit between joints. At least, I am finding that to be true. I guess I had this idea that you could just solder, add, braze, add, and so forth. But when the pipes get hot they don't fit together. I suppose you could flux, fit, and then go on? I am just not sure I trust the flux not to burn off? I don't know, I'm just a pup! I won't slap a wet rag right on them. I want to give them about five minutes to generally cool off a bit on their own before adding the cool of wet. I have heard shocking them can break the seal, one I'm not even sure I am producing as is. I want to eliminate as many of the unknowns as possible.
Before I got back to it last time, the laundry was ready, I got the sheets on the beds, changed a load over, put away the towels that were folded, and took the comforter in to be washed. It is too big to be spun dry, so it will go out and air dry. As it warms, my guess is I can put that up for the year, to be taken to Burning Man is my guess. I didn't think, at first, that 40 was all that bad. After a little thinking though, yeah... 40 is pretty darned cool. I don't know what I'm thinking sometimes. Now, 60, that's not too bad. But even that would slow me down until I could get some blood pumping again. Good sleeping temp though. Oh, a trick I am going to start doing with laundry? Smaller, more varied, loads. I can put a lot in, but I burn out folding so much. Two pair of jeans, six to eight shirts, half a dozen unders, you know, mix and match too. Some t's, which I fold, some hanger bound shirts. That way I don't burn out too much on any one thing, or too much in general. I'm not healthy, I need smaller loads of this sort of thing. It's not weight, it's... something else. A lack of patience with some things, I think, is the issue.
I'm going to have to look over my list. I'm trying to fit bits and pieces between bits and pieces. Luckily, today, I can work. I truly feared pulling up lame this day. It happens, it isn't a choice, and I am done. Not like this week-long job that has turned into more like three weeks hasn't seen me lame, or too tired. And, by rights, my body has every right to be quite unhappy with the pace. It hasn't run this kind of race since my mother was here last, and before that since the Navy. At least under it's own steam.
Back to the mines. Later.
.
Nothing like swallowing flame and soot and whatever the heck else comes off pipes. I have, with the mapp torch, been able to part the parts as I've been dismantling the old piping. *cough* I did set the fire alarm in the bedroom off. But it seems to know what's what, and just let me know to shut the en suite door. One peep of that was enough. Getting the dryfit together, for the inlet side, was a... the first four or five connections were fine. The last one was an absolute monster. I have finally busted a knuckle. I know, innit? Who would have thought a faucet, a water heater, and a toilet would all have gone in without busting a knuckle so far? All those bolts and nuts and screws and tight places already. Ah well, it had to happen. At least it waited until near the end.
One load of laundry was still in the dryer. I gave it a whirl while I put the sheets into the wash. Before long, when I needed a little break, I took those out and folded and put them away. I have since put a washed load into the dryer and am about to do another switch, putting the clean sheets right on the various beds, and right away. Hmm... best wash my hands before messing with those. I'm trying to keep going, but I do have to take breaks once in a while. At least my back isn't hurting from standing, as it did the other day. Why one day and not the other I have no clue. Perhaps I broke the rust free? Bleh.
Well... back to the races. And they are off!
---------------------
That stung just a bit. I doubt if I am actually fireproof. But I do seem a bit resistant to burns. By the way, those pipes get a bit warm to the touch. Doing what I shouldn't, all in the process of doing what I should, and without exception mostly the only way to do things, I had just finished soldering a joint and laid the pipe right across my arm. Still stings, actually. But I can't find the exact area, or I'd... hmm, cold water might help. But for as much as that hurt specifically, and burns now, you would think there would be a hole, a blister, or at least a red mark. It takes a bit between joints. At least, I am finding that to be true. I guess I had this idea that you could just solder, add, braze, add, and so forth. But when the pipes get hot they don't fit together. I suppose you could flux, fit, and then go on? I am just not sure I trust the flux not to burn off? I don't know, I'm just a pup! I won't slap a wet rag right on them. I want to give them about five minutes to generally cool off a bit on their own before adding the cool of wet. I have heard shocking them can break the seal, one I'm not even sure I am producing as is. I want to eliminate as many of the unknowns as possible.
Before I got back to it last time, the laundry was ready, I got the sheets on the beds, changed a load over, put away the towels that were folded, and took the comforter in to be washed. It is too big to be spun dry, so it will go out and air dry. As it warms, my guess is I can put that up for the year, to be taken to Burning Man is my guess. I didn't think, at first, that 40 was all that bad. After a little thinking though, yeah... 40 is pretty darned cool. I don't know what I'm thinking sometimes. Now, 60, that's not too bad. But even that would slow me down until I could get some blood pumping again. Good sleeping temp though. Oh, a trick I am going to start doing with laundry? Smaller, more varied, loads. I can put a lot in, but I burn out folding so much. Two pair of jeans, six to eight shirts, half a dozen unders, you know, mix and match too. Some t's, which I fold, some hanger bound shirts. That way I don't burn out too much on any one thing, or too much in general. I'm not healthy, I need smaller loads of this sort of thing. It's not weight, it's... something else. A lack of patience with some things, I think, is the issue.
I'm going to have to look over my list. I'm trying to fit bits and pieces between bits and pieces. Luckily, today, I can work. I truly feared pulling up lame this day. It happens, it isn't a choice, and I am done. Not like this week-long job that has turned into more like three weeks hasn't seen me lame, or too tired. And, by rights, my body has every right to be quite unhappy with the pace. It hasn't run this kind of race since my mother was here last, and before that since the Navy. At least under it's own steam.
Back to the mines. Later.
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There is almost a pattern to it. Braze the cold water inlet side, sweat the hot outlet side, wait or check the laundry, a cycle or two then sit for a bit. The first set of blankets has been put on the beds, a new load cycled through, the piping is slowing being built to a place where it can be useful. One new fitting was bent beyond repair. Lucky for me, I hope, that one of the fittings I de-soldered fits perfectly and seemed in good enough repair to use. What do you do with deformed bits? Finding the receipt would be a bear, I bought this particular part a very long time ago. Turn it into an impromptu baseball? As long as I'm not the catcher or receiver. This is when I wish I had a son... "Go long"... and "This is going to hurt!".
The news cycle seems to have gone with the economy. Oh, people still write stuff, they just avoid the truth, so as not to offend their principles, owners, political affiliates, or... whoever. So we get tons of coverage of things that can usually be summed up in moments. All the scandals are being convoluted into toss-worthy stuff, while they truly aren't. All the real headlines are stricken before written. It doesn't matter where you get the news. The word is out, no news is all that is allowed. And we are getting it. I'd be happier if I thought that was the calm before the storm. It isn't. It's the calm of the caving in. Oh, I understand to a degree. For people who still think it 'can be saved', the notion of just how thin it is has them all holding on with their toes, and being good little boys and girls, hoping that by clenching their feet the Titanic will not sink. There aren't enough lifeboats, fewer than the Titanic had. The extreme upper-crusty gents, since they can do so invisibly, have taken the boats. Little did they know, the lifeboats were developed by their boards, built by unions or in China (same-same), and every nickle was spared in their production, thus they are less safe than the ship itself. Hubris and greed, all around. Still, I can scan. You never know when someone will send a signal through all the smoke.
I am hungry. Like a bear. I just don't have any way to get to cooking, let alone cleaning in order to cook in the first place! I might... figure out some pasta and a cheese sauce anyway, somehow. Toss in some tuna and call her done. A little heat to top it off. Yeah. Hungry... And I still have some break time coming, enough to get it started before hitting another round of sweating. Hungry, boy, I say boy.
A few notions as I prepare to work.
.
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What is on for today? God, truly, only knows. I know what I have planned if that is good enough for you? The first thing I am going to do is pull bedding and begin washing that. I am most certain, if I have to pull my teeth, that my spare bedroom, and to the extent of my bedding, my bedroom, will be in good order by bedtime. I will get as much laundry done, on top of that, as possible. Next I will begin sweating pipe. Some cleaning of pipe, some hope that the old pipe is cleaned well enough (I hit it hard yesterday and will hit it hard again today, before trying to use it). Next in that project line will be to fill the tank and check for leaks. I dread that part because a leak means taking it all apart, drying it, and trying again. Really, the goal has to be to hit it right, first time. Then I have to figure out the electrical. There may be a way to do it without power on, though I am not holding my breath. Once switched on, there are two possible ways to check it. Then to hook that up. Then comes the toilet installation. That is much less fraught with serious set backs, and I bought an extra hose in case that is needed. Once those things are done, then I need to clean the main bathroom to five-star levels. It's a smaller area, I think I can do that. Assuming all goes well with the en suite, I will be vacating my stuff from the main/guest bathroom in the cleaning process. Then I need to collect trash and recycling and put out what I can, not just to the bins but the bins to the curb. My mother, no doubt, will have those full by Tuesday. *le sigh* The woman and her ways are incredible. No complaints, just, domestically, she wears out even my mind! And, finally, I need to put the bedrooms back together.
Can I actually do all that? I CAN write it! :p Shush... let's not go there. That IS the plan.
I actually have a few projects left for further in the week, or, next. The first will be to get the ac installed. I have all that I need for that, proof positive. It has just been, first, waiting out the rain, then higher priority projects taking their due precedence. I am not quite sure we are there yet, with dry weather, but... in it will go, hell or high water. Next? The new faucet is running slow already. I have NO IDEA what that is. I will do the stupid, and check the screen. But I am telling you right now that is not the problem. And, no, it isn't water pressure. When it was first installed, and for several days, just like the last one, it ran heavy and hard. Then, after a few days, the flow has weakened. There is no leak, the screen is not blocked, it just is not running. I doubt if it is the faucet itself. There might be bigger chunks of sediment that have somehow gotten into the far side, but are too big to make it to the screen. But why am I having problems only with the kitchen and bathroom sink faucets and nothing else? Gah! Those are my two next projects. I may have to check on an inline filter and do a bit more brazing. I can easily get to the pipes in the basement, so a quick-change/clean filter might work, if such exist. Hopefully those will keep me out of my mother's hair while... she does her stuff. It's odd, but she doesn't mind me not cleaning if I am... otherwise indisposed. Or... I'm running with that theory based on history and with a bit o' hope that it's still true! Oh, I'll still be helping her. No doubts. "Hey, when you get done carrying that tree... or better yet, could you put that down and help me now?" *grins*
Actually, I have another project or three that will delight her notion of a working man earning his keep. I have some branches that need to be cut on one of my evergreens. From low to rather high. It is, at least, a forty footer. There was a year of very heavy snow a bit before I arrived, or a freeze perhaps, that ended up killing a number of branches on one side. I need to clear those out. Do evergreens repair such damage when cleared? I suppose I will find out. This project requires my recently acquired, so still relatively new to me, chain saw and my similarly relatively newly acquired extension ladder, and some of my climbing gear and very old, unused for decades, skills at climbing. Safety first... give or take... and as men see things. I just need her close enough to check that I haven't broken my neck or cut off a leg, or at least get some help if I have. Why do women love it when men try to kill ourselves? Maybe because we like it even more? :p And, while doing that, I should ask D.C. how much clearance he needs for the RV. I could trim, if reasonable, some branches, so that he can park it in the drive, under shade. It sure beats parking longside to a busy street, and in the sun. Oh, and I am... almost sure... I could find other mostly non-cleaning projects, plus the garden.
Ducking cleaning? Who, me?
Well... on to laundry. Good day!
.
What is on for today? God, truly, only knows. I know what I have planned if that is good enough for you? The first thing I am going to do is pull bedding and begin washing that. I am most certain, if I have to pull my teeth, that my spare bedroom, and to the extent of my bedding, my bedroom, will be in good order by bedtime. I will get as much laundry done, on top of that, as possible. Next I will begin sweating pipe. Some cleaning of pipe, some hope that the old pipe is cleaned well enough (I hit it hard yesterday and will hit it hard again today, before trying to use it). Next in that project line will be to fill the tank and check for leaks. I dread that part because a leak means taking it all apart, drying it, and trying again. Really, the goal has to be to hit it right, first time. Then I have to figure out the electrical. There may be a way to do it without power on, though I am not holding my breath. Once switched on, there are two possible ways to check it. Then to hook that up. Then comes the toilet installation. That is much less fraught with serious set backs, and I bought an extra hose in case that is needed. Once those things are done, then I need to clean the main bathroom to five-star levels. It's a smaller area, I think I can do that. Assuming all goes well with the en suite, I will be vacating my stuff from the main/guest bathroom in the cleaning process. Then I need to collect trash and recycling and put out what I can, not just to the bins but the bins to the curb. My mother, no doubt, will have those full by Tuesday. *le sigh* The woman and her ways are incredible. No complaints, just, domestically, she wears out even my mind! And, finally, I need to put the bedrooms back together.
Can I actually do all that? I CAN write it! :p Shush... let's not go there. That IS the plan.
I actually have a few projects left for further in the week, or, next. The first will be to get the ac installed. I have all that I need for that, proof positive. It has just been, first, waiting out the rain, then higher priority projects taking their due precedence. I am not quite sure we are there yet, with dry weather, but... in it will go, hell or high water. Next? The new faucet is running slow already. I have NO IDEA what that is. I will do the stupid, and check the screen. But I am telling you right now that is not the problem. And, no, it isn't water pressure. When it was first installed, and for several days, just like the last one, it ran heavy and hard. Then, after a few days, the flow has weakened. There is no leak, the screen is not blocked, it just is not running. I doubt if it is the faucet itself. There might be bigger chunks of sediment that have somehow gotten into the far side, but are too big to make it to the screen. But why am I having problems only with the kitchen and bathroom sink faucets and nothing else? Gah! Those are my two next projects. I may have to check on an inline filter and do a bit more brazing. I can easily get to the pipes in the basement, so a quick-change/clean filter might work, if such exist. Hopefully those will keep me out of my mother's hair while... she does her stuff. It's odd, but she doesn't mind me not cleaning if I am... otherwise indisposed. Or... I'm running with that theory based on history and with a bit o' hope that it's still true! Oh, I'll still be helping her. No doubts. "Hey, when you get done carrying that tree... or better yet, could you put that down and help me now?" *grins*
Actually, I have another project or three that will delight her notion of a working man earning his keep. I have some branches that need to be cut on one of my evergreens. From low to rather high. It is, at least, a forty footer. There was a year of very heavy snow a bit before I arrived, or a freeze perhaps, that ended up killing a number of branches on one side. I need to clear those out. Do evergreens repair such damage when cleared? I suppose I will find out. This project requires my recently acquired, so still relatively new to me, chain saw and my similarly relatively newly acquired extension ladder, and some of my climbing gear and very old, unused for decades, skills at climbing. Safety first... give or take... and as men see things. I just need her close enough to check that I haven't broken my neck or cut off a leg, or at least get some help if I have. Why do women love it when men try to kill ourselves? Maybe because we like it even more? :p And, while doing that, I should ask D.C. how much clearance he needs for the RV. I could trim, if reasonable, some branches, so that he can park it in the drive, under shade. It sure beats parking longside to a busy street, and in the sun. Oh, and I am... almost sure... I could find other mostly non-cleaning projects, plus the garden.
Ducking cleaning? Who, me?
Well... on to laundry. Good day!
I tried, I did.
.
.
I bought a mapp brazer. I hope it takes less time than the other. Standing, at this point, for an half hour on each sweat, is killing my back. I have pushed my body beyond it's limits and kept going. Through exhaustion, through pain, and then on still. I am seeing the price, with little things ripping me up or wiping me out. Still, I have more to do. And... I'm loving it... if limits are... pushing in on me.
I got the new brazer together, and tested the flame while figuring out the controls. I truly hate manuals. I think I did a few other minor things after shopping as well. But I was falling down drunk tired when I returned. I slept the rest of the day and a good part of the night. Which is fine. I'll get done what I get done. It is all I can do. Yeah, I'm way behind schedule, but is that a huge surprise? Every step of the way there has been something new, some missing supplies, some technical problem to figure out or bypass. Little, all of them little, mostly. But true. And I haven't quit, ever, anywhere. I've trudged through, carried the load, learned the solution, and applied it. But time is what it is.
Today? Okies... Today is all about brazing and figuring out electrical, with a side of laundry and bathroom cleaning, and some trash and recycling gathering and tending. Tomorrow is the day. I want the bathroom done and her primaries clean so she doesn't have to fuss right up front, more than... she will. If it looks like too much, she should at least have a place to hide away for a little bit while I... focus on a bit more cleaning as she sleeps off jet lag and culture shock. It ain't perfect, but...
I have a doctor's appointment the 6th, so that will be a bit of a day off. But there is still the drive. Compared to what I have and will be doing, a day of driving is easy though. We can do a bit of shopping on our way back, for foods and supplies she might want. And while the cave is a mess, it's not... too bad, overall. There is less to do this time, save that there is gardening to tend as well. At least she loves to garden. She is a girl of the sun.
Oh, for all the rain we have gotten this spring, they are saying water levels are quite low? The reservoir is down to 52%? There may not be water for late summer? *sigh* The Western drought is finally hitting here too. Last summer was worse than most thought, and it hasn't yet improved. We are on odd/even watering, as is. I think I am the evens, though I will sort of watch my neighbors to... know for sure.
Morning blathering... A bit of "stuff" to wake, then on to brazing. Good day!
.
I bought a mapp brazer. I hope it takes less time than the other. Standing, at this point, for an half hour on each sweat, is killing my back. I have pushed my body beyond it's limits and kept going. Through exhaustion, through pain, and then on still. I am seeing the price, with little things ripping me up or wiping me out. Still, I have more to do. And... I'm loving it... if limits are... pushing in on me.
I got the new brazer together, and tested the flame while figuring out the controls. I truly hate manuals. I think I did a few other minor things after shopping as well. But I was falling down drunk tired when I returned. I slept the rest of the day and a good part of the night. Which is fine. I'll get done what I get done. It is all I can do. Yeah, I'm way behind schedule, but is that a huge surprise? Every step of the way there has been something new, some missing supplies, some technical problem to figure out or bypass. Little, all of them little, mostly. But true. And I haven't quit, ever, anywhere. I've trudged through, carried the load, learned the solution, and applied it. But time is what it is.
Today? Okies... Today is all about brazing and figuring out electrical, with a side of laundry and bathroom cleaning, and some trash and recycling gathering and tending. Tomorrow is the day. I want the bathroom done and her primaries clean so she doesn't have to fuss right up front, more than... she will. If it looks like too much, she should at least have a place to hide away for a little bit while I... focus on a bit more cleaning as she sleeps off jet lag and culture shock. It ain't perfect, but...
I have a doctor's appointment the 6th, so that will be a bit of a day off. But there is still the drive. Compared to what I have and will be doing, a day of driving is easy though. We can do a bit of shopping on our way back, for foods and supplies she might want. And while the cave is a mess, it's not... too bad, overall. There is less to do this time, save that there is gardening to tend as well. At least she loves to garden. She is a girl of the sun.
Oh, for all the rain we have gotten this spring, they are saying water levels are quite low? The reservoir is down to 52%? There may not be water for late summer? *sigh* The Western drought is finally hitting here too. Last summer was worse than most thought, and it hasn't yet improved. We are on odd/even watering, as is. I think I am the evens, though I will sort of watch my neighbors to... know for sure.
Morning blathering... A bit of "stuff" to wake, then on to brazing. Good day!
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Something I see now, personally, that didn't make as much sense before? As D.C. works his projects, he usually has many on tap. He might be doing the evap cooler, brakes on this or that, some electrical project or three, etc. He has many tasks he can put his hands to at once. If he hits a block, runs out of parts for what he is immediately doing, doesn't have the money for a specific part(s) or tool(s), or the time-frame is wrong for completion on a task, he can simply choose another task or spend time wrapping things up for a bit. Oh, don't think I didn't see this before now. It is just that, for me, that wasn't practical. Why? Because, until recently? Actually just finishing, just seeing one project through to completion, was often nearly impossible.
I have been getting better. If I am still gimped, more sometimes, less other times, I am finally... waking, quickening. As can be seen with the project list I have actually completed, and the projects I still have on tap, I can, sometimes, actually push things through. Several projects at a time, perhaps. So, now... in the future really... when I start a project, one that has multiples of tasks? Now I will be using the notion of having several open projects at once. Work each to some closing point, then move on. Creating a parts and tools list as I go. This will greatly, if not completely, cut down on runs to town. That really adds to delays and expense. Actually, it reminds me of project planning, employing multiple teams, that I was exposed to in engineering school. A jobs list, with deadlines; expectations; possibly parts, tools, skill lists; quality checks at various points; and other things. Only, being a single man "team", I am running, doing, checking, and pushing. A little trickier, but... a good formula.
The thing is, on many projects, there will always be... more than what one thinks. You can never completely be prepared. Sometimes you have to engineer something from scratch. As well, it is easy to overlook some little thing. I knew I would be running pipe upwards, but didn't consider needing to brace the pipe. Inexperience played a part, but too, thinking the pipe would be shorter so not considering the need for bracing was a part of overlooking the need. I might be able to get by with 'plumber's tape' though, at least in the short run. It is more an accidental positive, or more just using what is available... a new skill all it's own. I am learning.
While I would love to have everything I do and use be exactly to spec, the cost and complexity of reality doesn't always allow that. I have to... come off my idyllic cloud a bit, I think. Yeah. Something like that. Experience helps with this, too. Gah! Just... I'm... improving. Things are coming together. Actually, it is extremely pleasing. Frustrating, but very satisfying. Later.
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