Quiche.

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I kicked out three crusts before my food processor seemed to be overheating.  I let those refrigerate for the four hours.  I shredded cheese, fried bacon then diced it when it was cool, and pretty much had everything ready.  After the four hours I went ahead and rolled one of the crusts out.  Partially baking it, while mixing the custard.  When it was mostly finished, I set it to cool just a bit, then added some of the shredded cheese and bacon bits, then let it all cool a while longer.  Finally I put it all together and baked it.  It took a bit longer than the recipe I had suggested, by at least fifteen minutes.  Higher elevation, dryer climate, or some other thing.  Probably a bit of everything.  It was good.

This one was made with cheddar, bacon, goat cheese, and spinach.  I had a couple of pieces while it was still warm.  The crust was very good.  The quiche was fine.  To be honest, I don't think I care all that much for quiche.  It wasn't a terrible thing.  And it was fun to make.  It just... probably is something I would only make upon request, if I had someone to request it.  I am still going to make several more practice, then several more for giving to others.  Besides, I need the practice with the camera.  I may take a picture of the egg-goo-pie.  Really?  The quality is what I would expect in a good restaurant.  So, yes, I am pleased.

On the other side of things, I am so pleased with the crust, I will be making more of that, for other things.  Regular old pie, mostly, from time to time.  Pumpkin, cherry, apple.  But too, I think I may experiment with making my own hot pockets, and freezing them.  Chicken or beef, perhaps mushroom.  The crust was as good as I have ever done.  Now to toy with that, if more into my areas.  Eggs just aren't my favorites.  Then again, perhaps I could experiment with herbs and spices, trying to find my preferred flavor profiles.  Then again, for a while now, nothing has tasted really good.  Might just be a phase.  I'll try it when I wake.  Though I have heard that some thing cooled quiche is awful.

I have enough cheese grated for several more runs.  Bacon is cooked as well.  The ham I have is ready, it simply needs to be diced.  I made a lot of dirty dishes, bowls, spoons, and such.  And I will need to clean the kitchen.  But probably not tonight.  A task for tomorrow.  I also need to get to the store tomorrow.  I think mushrooms would be fantastic in there, but they like the bacon need to be cooked first.  All good.  Good night.

Pie crusts, finally.

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I finished my first.  It is wrapped and refrigerated.  I will probably make five more.  Dinner will be arriving shortly, so I'll stop for the moment.  I have a pretty good system down.  The crusts need to refrigerate for at least four hours.  Which will make it just about perfect for a late dinner or breakfast.  I'll at least taste my first ones.  If they seem to do well, I will be able to simple hand out some whole ones.  I'll use any questionable ingredients for my own, probably waiting until I can get out before making one for other folk.  So... Thursday, right?  Yes.  One for lunch for some folk, and a couple for a dinner.  If I make a practice one or two I really like, I can keep them around for... a while, for myself. 

Oh, right, some pictures.  I'm glad the dinner bell rang.  I had forgotten to set up the camera.  In the middle of things, it's a bit too messy.  But having to clean up for company means I can set up the camera before getting back to it.  My first will be bacon, spinach, and chevre (fresh goat cheese), perhaps with asiago or cheddar as well.  Hmm...  I ought to check for onion as well.  I like it pretty straight, but for others I can saute onion, if I have it, before adding it to the mix.  See, recipes are great.  They are like learning to ride a bike with training wheels.  I am advanced enough that I can just get on a new bike, taking it a bit easy.  There are always things to take into consideration.  For example, if I put the onions in raw, they will most like produce moisture.  So... I'll cut back on the cream just a bit.  The bacon could add fats, but I'll fry it first, then drain it on paper towels, let cool, and dice.  Never mind.  Sounds good to me.

After this, I might have to make a few real pies.  Finding fresh fruit is difficult.  Apples always work, and store bought, for those, is good enough.  A mix, grannys, and two or three other types, plus the usual spices.  I don't, as a rule, add other stuff, such as gelatin.  I like it either way, but was trained the one way and switched to the other way as a favor.  Now, just fruit.  Hmm... cherry pie would be good.  Fresh would be best, but frozen might do just fine.  Hey, it's something to do.  And I know a few people who wouldn't mind a winter treat or three.  It's something I can do.  Plus, it's pulling me in toward using my camera.  It's mixing and matching hobbies.  Later.

Late shift.

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It seems day and night are on the turntable again.  I actually made it to bed before midnight last night.  I simply could not sleep.  So... French toast!  It sounded good, and it was.  I didn't do a great job with it, but not bad either.  I was awake until 4:00 this morning... at least.  Not a problem.  I know these things will happen.  I also know, almost exclusively, there is only one way back to days... the long way.  As stable as I am, even through that little down time, it will be a while.  I have some things I want to do.  If I can't quite gear up for those, though, I'll begin pushing days and nights back around.  But if I can get back to work, I will work until I can't, then begin pushing.  I hate to waste good potential on shifting sleep.  When I am forcing the issue, it is about all I can do.

Today?  Yeah, I think I'll definitely make the crusts.  If I do that, pack them up and get them in the refrigerator, and then clean up, I will then take stock of my fixings.  Some of it will still be good, some of it not so much.  If all that goes forward, and there is still time to make it to the real store (not Walmart), I might even get in yet tonight and get fresh fixings along with a few other items.  Plus it would be good to get out.  And, should I make it out, I may call my friend.  Today or tomorrow, I am almost sure of it.

I am tired of floating through time and space.  I haven't had a wrist watch for a while now.  My last one died.  I am, actually, hoping to save up for a... very fine watch.  Not today.  It won't be a Rolex Submariner, mind you.  I had one, a gift from a wealthy heiress.  She... got what she wanted, and we enjoyed our time together.  I had to sell it when I first became ill.  I did love that watch.  Still, it is a kissing cousin to that watch, the one I have my eye on.  Not as a luxury item, more as a store of wealth and as a timepiece that will last.  For now, I've got several watches of much lesser price, in the works.  I'll be purchasing clear nail polish for the cases this time.  I was having trouble with the metal on the case, against my wrist.  Several watches, so I can change them from time to time.  They won't last probably a full year, definitely not two.  I'm a watch killer.  Though perhaps with several, I won't kill them as quickly.  I need a stopgap solution, and this is that.

Well...  On to my day.  An hour or two to wake, then on to pie crusts.  I'll see what I can do after that.  Ciao and blessings.

All in all, a bargain.

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I can't recall, exactly.  I believe it was nearly 6:00 when I went to bed, or was it after 7:00?  I was rather weary.  I didn't bother setting the alarm.  On days where I chase the clock. as a hounds chases the artificial rabbit on the track, I can't know if I will need a normal sleep, if it will run short, or if I will need twelve, fourteen, or in not so distant memory, even three days of sleep.  Usually, with the last, that was after a week awake, or more.  Still, there is no certainty, more so when I push.  A short sleep, as it turned out.  I was up at about 13:00.

Sleep was sound, good, wonderful actually.  No dreams, no sore throat from snoring that sometimes happen when I push.  Then again, yesterday wasn't a push.  It was a natural flow, it seems.  I even let the girls sleep in with me.  They may have helped me wake early.  Not so much by fussing, more by their presence as I woke, somehow.  Since they were kindly about letting me sleep in, I fed them right away.  That would, when I wake at 8:00 or so (my usual time), be their normal lunchtime... actually that would be a late lunch.

After feeding them, I went on to make myself breakfast.  Hashed browns, eggs, and mushrooms.  I thought about doing an omelet, but that would have required grating cheese, and I just wasn't quite in that mood yet.  I note that everything is cleared, cleaned, and set up for making pie crusts.  But that probably won't happen for a while.  Whatever else is going on, I don't seem to be able to begin working until later in my wake cycle.  I would love to start earlier, like right now.  I just, simply, honestly, can't.

Yeah, I've been going through something.  Paranoid, perhaps.  Or... I just pick up on the hubbub of the typical Christmas season.  Oh, I know.  It is a season of great hope.  It is also a time where people, families, friends, are all pressed together, with nothing such as work or school to distract them.  Old rubs, various grudges, unrequited passions, and all sorts of wounds and joys mix and at a time when people are in close proximity.  There is bound to be... emotional disturbances in the force, for both good and ill.  Like the Christmas meal, while delicious, it can be a bit much.  Even mostly cloistered ogres feel that emotional overflow.  More so those who are somewhat sensitive in a non-gentile way.  All good, I hope.  A time for many things, with a focus on the better things when possible.  Just enjoy the stories as just that.  It's how my mind deals with impediments, considerations, guilts, even joys and other such pleasantries.  Odd but true.

I may have to take more photos.  I forgot to add one set of items in the set.  Yeah, I know.  But I was motating on the dying embers of adrenalin.  More practice, in either case, is just fine.  I also need to go back to the store, after I make the crusts.  The cheeses will be fine, purchased in blocks and unsealed.  But the vegetables and herbs might... need to be refreshed.  I'll use the old for little bites here and there.  I just don't want to send stuff that is too old out the door.  Fresh, fresh, fresh, or I'll be hunted!

Later.

More done than anticipated.

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Once I get going, I can't seem to stop.  At least it is turning out to be productive, rather than just... time awake instead of asleep.

The dishes were finished, dried, and put away.  I went on to clean countertops, most of them, and the kitchen table after some minor clearing of space.  The stovetop was cleaned, as well as the cast iron pan griddle.  Then I set everything up for making pie crust, minus the ice and water.  Then I finally put the screen shields, doing about as well as my fumbling fingers could do for a first shot at that.  I hate doing that, by the way.  Then I set up the tripod, and the camera on it, and took a few pictures.  Oh, nothing people haven't seen before.  It is more for the practice of taking pictures, manipulating them just a bit, then importing them.

I'm on a break again, hoping I can ease down into sleep before long.  If not, I may yet get to making the crusts.  Quite a day.  While satisfying, insomnia is starting to creep in.  My body is in go mode, and part of my mind.  One part of my mind just wants sleep.  A good long healthy dose of rest.  A well deserved rest, all things considered.  I suppose my conscience is trying to make up for down time.  If it doesn't stop, it may create more down time. 

Actually, if I am still up in a bit, I may just try to process the photos.  I don't think, from the preview, that much will need to be done to them.  Maybe a touch of color correction, or framing, cropping, and alignment.  I don't have enough experience to be sure, from the screen, though.  Fluorescent lighting was used, so there may be some issues there.  Truly becoming a master with the device will take some work.  I'll not make it, but it is something to tinker with from time to time.

Hmm... sleep may be nearing.  Yes, I think this is good night.

Won't sleep soon.

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Trying to say something without saying too much.  A trick for some, impossible for others.  I do feel cornered, a bit.  I am just as comfortable in a corner as not, more so than other places.  I can see what is coming and nothing can get behind me.  Plus, I do have reach, of various sorts.  Still...  I have invoked anger, not mine, or in me.  I think there was an attempt to incite it, or see how I would react.  Difficult to discuss at the moment.  No, it really didn't bother me.  Some of my responses have stirred a hornets nest though.  Well, it wasn't meant as turnabout, but that is fair enough.  I won't be cornered, either.  Chalk won't do it, or words, or will.  Just know.  However, trying to put things just so, in words, is a bit of a trick.  More so for those who don't understand some things.

Yes, things on my mind.  But that isn't why I can't sleep.  It seems, when I hit on work, the engine started.  And the engine isn't going to quit until it runs out of energy.  I'll keep doing minor tasks until it does.  A minor task, then some music, or sudoku, or a bit of news or other reading, then another task.  I need to try to run the engine dry without somehow filling the tank.  Dishes next, then a break, then clearing the kitchen table and another break.  If I am still going, I might yet get to pie crusts, and perhaps some photography.  No, I don't do selfies.  Not directly, not indirectly.  Giants don't look good on film, of any sort.  Hmm...  I actually have two different tripods.  A tabletop, and a full standing one.  That should make the task easier.  I also purchased a remote for the camera, which I can place in my pocket, so that I can take snappies without gooing anything electronic.  Goo and electronics are a terrible mix.

Ah well.  Later.

Oh well.

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Dishes are about ready for a rinse soak, just waiting for the wash water to drain down.  It wasn't just clearing the kitchen that was needed for baking.  I also needed to wash the new roller and baking beads.  Never use something for cooking until you have washed it, well.  I did break down what of the boxes I wanted out, and took them out.  I even finally got a shower taken. 

As to making crusts, taking pictures, and any thing else I might have suggested, no chance.  I am done.  I might finish dishes before going to bed, but that will be about it.  I'm not tired, or sore.  Not that what I did was a lot, but it's the most I have done for more than a weak.  The body, sometimes, really gripes when bringing it back on line and having it do a bunch of bending, lifting, sweeping, and all.  It usually tires quickly and aches from using parts that don't otherwise get used.  Tomorrow will be the true test, though I think I will be fine.

If all goes well, I should get to making pie crusts tomorrow.  I will make all of them at once, then put them up.  I would guess, if well wrapped, then sealed in an airtight bag, they should last a week if need be.  They will need to refrigerate for a while though, four hours to overnight.  If I do that, then clean up after, I might make a quiche or two tomorrow.  Just practice, unless they turn out really well.  If not, I could fry some of the bacon, ham, and mushrooms, and store those for Tuesday.  Perhaps grate some cheese.  I didn't think the smaller bowls that came with the set would be useful, but I think they will be the perfect size for holding cheese for a single quiche.

Nice.  It's been a good day.  The waft of anger I felt isn't a bother.  I just felt that some 'splainin' might do some good.  If nothing else, I dumped it from my head.  Sorted it, and have it neatly stacked with the rest of what I sometimes receive.  That's how Doom "do".  All good.  Ah, back to filling the rinse, a bit of rest, maybe finishing those off, then to bed.  Good night.

Have I ever mentioned...

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Mojo.

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It is late.  I was still having trouble getting going.  It finally hit about an half hour ago.  I decided to do the snow removal first.  As it turns out, the sun has been shining well enough to melt half of the stuff away.  What remained was thing.  There might be a spot or two of ice, but not enough to consider salting.  An easy job.  I figured, when I started, I would do that, then probably need to rest, then hit whatever else I could.  Which is fine, for a cripple.  Which, of late, I have been.

After I finished that, however, I thought I would tend the trash.  Just what was easy to take, mostly already bagged.  And recycling, while I was at it, right?  Sure.  I did that, and with ease.  I remembered the cat litter was on the list, and a pot with... week old leftovers, and a couple of my new plastic bowls with food that is too old, and the cat litter.  While I was messing with the cat litter, I decided to sweep where the pans usually go.  Done, done, done, done, and then some.  I cleared the kitchen table a bit more while I was at it.  I sighed a little sigh.  Definitely tiring, but... not quite done.  I fetched all the dirty dishes, pots, and utensils I could find, got those to the basin which went into the tub, then I began filling it.  Another check for anything else.  In it went, to brew-soak for a few hours.

I did a few other odds and ends, here and there.  Finally, though, I ran out of steam.  A bit of a break, or maybe I am done.  I did take the trash and recycling to the curb, so, really, if that is it, it is okay.  I am actually hoping to scrub and soak the dishes again, tear down the boxes that are too small or too weak for use, stack the remainder and get them to the back porch, clear and clean in the kitchen just a bit, then, maybe, work on pie crusts.  Who knows.  I can't believe what I just did in an half hour or less.  I'll take it.  I might even pull the camera out and take a picture or three of pie crust making, and figure out how to resolved the photos then import them somehow, posting them as proof... tonight or tomorrow.  Yeah, I like it when I am on target, and a bit more.

Later.

Not much, but I can keep pushing.

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To bed late, awake late.  Not too bad, just not what I would prefer.  Oh, I set the alarm.  And I battled that alarm for two hours before realizing it wasn't going to work.  I shut it off and slept another two hours.  I let the girls in, to allow them to roust me.  And they tried.  Actually, they were why I woke when I did.  I fed them right away, this morning, in mild gratitude.

I feel great, mind you.  No flaming wings, no general burn, no organ pain, no head or body aches.  My mood is tops.  My mind seems mostly clear, if there remains a mild fog.  The fog being more artistic, as in a picture, then blinding or debilitating.  A pleasant fog, in other words.  And... I still hope to get to things, I plan them.  Not sure what is anchoring me.  I can't seem to release or pull the weight and get going though.  I'll keep trying.

A bit of snow came through.  Not much.  I am hoping to sweep it off before too long.  If needed, I may salt some areas as well.  Then a shower.  After that?  Trash and recycling need to go out.  I want to change the cat litter too, then at least set dishes to soak.  While messing with the trash, cat litter, and dishes, I might be able to clear more of the kitchen table.  Yeah... pretty daring of a plan while thinking that a walker might be useful, but there you go.  No, no, not really a walker.  Just the idea.  Hmm... maybe a coffee enema?  Laugh, damn it!

As I said, I am feeling good.  Enough to poke fun at self with glee.  Not the show.  That show... isn't glee... not in this cave.  But that's another topic I won't ever fully discuss.  I haven't even seen the show.  Just heard about it, and it might have flashed on the screen until I could get the stupid slow remote to flick the channel.  Part of why, now when I flick through channels, I usually remember to press the mute button before channel surfing.  Bleh. 

Later.

Slogging along.

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Reading and commenting, a bit.  Looking for news tidbits that have any minor real note while sussing what isn't being reported that is actually important.  News is dying.  They realize everybody knows reporters, editors, and publishers/producers are on the wrong side of just about everything.  Some of the reporters know it, most of them haven't a clue.  We aren't the bitter clingers.  We aren't the ones who are stupid.  Most have been too busy trying to lead real lives in a darkening world to consider.  That time is over.  All things are being considered.  They lost by pushing too far, digging too deeply in the wrong direction, and supporting criminals over civil and other bad actors.

Anyway, I can't get going yet.  Past 13:00 and I am just drifting through the day.  I do feel good.  There is that.  There is some hope that feeling good will get me to some work, chores, or bit of fun.  Maybe a mix of those things.  Food?  I'm honestly not hungry.  A glass of milk or two was food yesterday.  That might be it for today, too.  I could cook, I suppose.  The kitchen isn't bad, just a bit cluttered.  So I could fix something, something tasty.  I just can't get too it along with not being hungry.

Still, I might be able to clear the kitchen a bit more today.  And doing the few dishes might happen.  Hmm, and maybe something else.  Getting the trash out?  Sorting boxes?  Yeah... maybe.

I am saying prayers for the murdered police officers, their families, and their coworkers.  Martyrs.  Not something anyone wishes to become, but martyrdom brings clarity.  People are easily seeing the choices before them.  Law enforcement are also seeing some things.  You can't treat those who wish to murder you as you treat those who support you.  Well, you can't do those things and win.  Law enforcers, as a group, are also learning that, as with people, politics is a split thing.  They are learning to choose between politics and politicians who support what they do and those who don't.  Simple choices, really.  Civilians, those who are on the fence, are having to choose just which way they really want to go with that.  The choice becomes very simply when a "neutral" finds himself surrounded by the option, especially when cops, by orders or numbers, can't help them.  This is, most likely, after all is said and done, going to lead to two separate and distinct law enforcement operations.  One for those who choose civility, and one for those who don't or can't.  It will, eventually, enter the court system, the legal system, if it will start with enforcement.  I am positive that if the police don't do it, the people will.  Though I see, in turning their backs on De Blaisio, that the NYPD is getting it.  Now to refuse to enforce the unconstitutional laws regarding gun ownership for the right people while steam rolling the ban for the wrong people.  It's not really a choice.  It's more a matter of survival.  Though most cop types really do believe in what they are doing, and many would die for it, preferably as a last resort.  So, survival isn't the only reason.  I understand some semblance of that from military service.

Well... on with something or other.  A bit more time to wake.  With such a short list of things to do, I don't need to rush.  I will have to start at some point.  Just not yet.  Later.

Waking up is hard to do.

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Is there a song for that?  Yeah, yeah, there is Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, but that wasn't hard for me to do.  Never mind.  Four or five snooze buttons and an half hour to forty minutes after the alarm first sounded I was finally able to kick out.  Barely.  Still struggling.  With the same alarm set, yesterday, I didn't wake until after 10:00, so I guess there is that.  I did get better, a bit, yesterday.  There is some hope of improving today, as well.  I've got a number of things I am hoping to do.

Almost better.

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Still dragging.  I simply feel better.  The sun was out today, and rather bright, mostly.  I suppose that helped.  I get that old fiery feeling, but for moments.  No more than an hour at a time, and rather infrequently.  I only remember having it once for very long today, perhaps an hour, then once just for maybe fifteen minutes.  No, I really don't understand.  Thermometer can't tell the difference between when I seem to burn and when I don't.

I did a couple of small things today.  What my friend needed was for me to store his ammunition.  One of the boxes of it was broken.  I had to stack the ammunition in new boxes.  After some sorting.  Then figure out where to put them.  I did at least another task.  As I said, not much.  At least I am feeling better.  There for a bit I was just lost.

I didn't get to bed until late.  I also woke very late.  It is only a bit past 21:30, but I am thinking it is about bedtime already.  Odd, these last days, how things are just not making exact sense.  The long night, I suppose, is still playing games with my system.  I'll figure it out.

I am hoping, if I can get going tomorrow, that I will finish in the kitchen, and do some dishes.  If I can do that, then pie crust is next.  If I clean up after that, I might make the first quiche.  I best get on that.  Hmm... I might tinker with the camera, to try to take a few pictures, then transfer them over for publishing.  Might as well.  It'll be a bit of a stretch with all else, to my mind at the moment, but stretching is good.  Good night.

Can't say it all, sometimes.

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Some do not understand.  To the eyes of men, God's will has to seem brutal, vengeful, perhaps even wrong.  It is easy to suggest that the lion will lay with the lamb, that Christ is the King of Peace, that forgiveness is paramount.  Forgiveness is required to be offered in order to be received, but how that works is a bit... trickier than it seems.  They seem to forget what Jesus did the last time, what was done to Him.  They do not seem to understand what He will do next time.  There is much blood and death, here and forever, until the King takes His place, having to do with salvation and damnation, in life, and on the path. 

I can't always say exactly how I understand things.  At times, it feels as if I am speaking to people who either don't, perhaps can't, know.  I understand, perhaps.  Some days I am not feeling up to dealing with some truths.  No one wants to know, certainly not the hard parts.  Is there hope?  It depends on if you have hope.

Imagine how most people would question Death.  Why my cousin, or wife, or child?  Why not that criminal or evil politician?  Why?  There is, of course, an answer.  It isn't merely God's will, though that plays a part.  But when emotions are brought into it, reason is not available.  Further, much as a butcher understands why some cuts are more expensive, many people do not.  A butcher can, for example, suggest that a certain cut is in greater demand by portion available, so he charges more for that cut.  This makes no difference to a woman who arrived to buy that specific cut, but without enough money.  Why, she demands!?!  But even he may not be able to explain why that cut is in greater demand.  So it is with all creatures who have a task to do.  All men should know this, but when wrapped in emotion, even men may have difficulty understanding over their interest, or that those who do cannot always explain it to their emotional satisfaction, or even always fully understand themselves.  But all men know that a good son will do as his right father suggests, soon or late, with fewer or greater regrets.  And so it is.

Now, whether I am nephilim, perhaps even War, or not... I see through those eyes from time to time.  I write about it.  I explain some things.  I suggest some things.  But neither I, if I am just me, nor War, if he is another, know all things.  Only what is required, and a bit picked up here and there on the way.  Either way, I have to try to discuss some matters as if those things weren't true when talking to people in real life.  Most simply will not face the fact that what the bible suggests is more than just stories, if not even the actors understand.  Many angels no more consider the truth of their existence or actions than a pistol considers whether it really expels a projectile or not.  Some of the actors do consider, at least at times.  Nor can they handle the notion that one, right next to them, may have access to some of it.  Loony bin material, any such talk, to most men.  I've learned to not frighten the children, push too far.  I don't understand enough, for sure, yet, now.  Perhaps, of course, I am crazy.  Though that wouldn't preclude access.  That, access, itself, might well cause insanity, potentially.  How many prophets were considered insane?  How many others, who saw or did, became... different?  Still, it might all be false.  I have, myself, traveled that path, still do when the weight of it is too much, or on odd or even days, depending on need or want.

Unless, of course, I am what I see, and it isn't just visions.  But being the spirit of War, bound by flesh, is a difficult thing.  Christ never seems to have discussed it, save suggesting that in His form, He was limited in some ways, such as knowing when the end was to come.  If Jesus had taken the time to discuss it, I do believe He might well have described a terrible itch caused by being bound by flesh, at least in a fallen world.  Pouring an ocean into a thimble, somehow, would be an example.  Actually, it is more difficult for souls, than something like what I see.  The difference is, the soul is... pacified, before being put into flesh.  If your soul woke fully you might well explode.  My spirit is waking, or I am seeing into the wakefulness of such a being.  It itches terribly, either way.  But... madness has been placated.  At least as I see things.  Save when it gets too heavy and I escape into... denial.

Pushing.

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I wasn't sure I would be able to make it out today.  Want, even need, is superseded, at times, by health.  My health is delicate.  Toss in snow removal and I was doubtful.  A few silent prayers, and intent, saw me to all that was necessary.  

I will rest, for a while, now.  Adjusting to the weather, season, lack of sun... or more.  I never can quite tell.  So long as I succeeded today, all is good.  A few days, weeks, or months of rest may be needed. 

Good night.

A white Christmas.

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A light snow, maybe two, perhaps three, inches.  Invited to a Christmas day, I had hoped to be out about now.  And I would have, save for a bit of snow removal needed.  The shop broom seems to be doing the job, and quickly.  I did the first, and heavier, half in one shot.  But I needed a break.  After that, a shower.  It's as good as I can do.  I am actually impressed how far I went before needing a break.  I wanted one, several times, but a quick check and I found more wind, so just kept going.

Worth it.  I do enjoy when Christmas is white.  And this is just about as good, and light, of a snow to claim a truly white Christmas.  I hope you all are enjoying the celebration, more so if you remember the cause for it.  Grump if you must, I do understand.  But when you can, set that aside and enjoy.

Merry Christmas.

Chirstmas Eve.

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I certainly enjoy this time of year.  The eve of the celebration for the birth of my Lord.  A time when He was allowed first life here, the innocence of the crib, and His mother's gentle care.  A time before hard times.  A time He will know again.

Malware.

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Looking over articles, advice, forums, and whatever else I could find, I hit on something that seems to have scratched some itches.  Anti-virus works right until it doesn't.  Often, as in my case, it offers no way to do anything about whatever is going wrong.  The software merely let me know it is blocking something.  Super, I guess.  But the popups were maddening.  They offered no solution.  This has been going on for weeks.  As I said, I may have found a solution.  I downloaded the free version of an anti-malware, installed, then let it do it's thing.  It found, definitely, one type of malware.  It also found 110 other programs doing questionable things.  I simply quarantined everything.  I don't know it it will work, or for long.  Since doing that, the constant pop-ups have ended.  If I run into troubles, I will merely look over the quarantine list.

It seems there is another form of program that will sometimes work with anti-virus and anti-malware programs.  Anti-spyware.  I suppose it depends on what sort of programs, and manufacturers, as to what is compatible.  It seems firewall routers might be a reasonable addition.  I looked, just a bit, at those.  I have in the past as well.  It seems either you end up with junk, it's nearly impossible for a noob to actually set up, or it costs a fortune.  Though sometimes all three can be in play.  It's a lot of work and cost for a maybe.  Still, there is that.  It seems, to be somewhat secure on the internet, you need a degree in programming, software engineering, technical electrical hardware, and a lot of time.  Even then, it's just a maybe, until the next week spot is found in the hardware, software, manufacturing process, or your service screws the pooch or rolls over for the clumsy stupid hand of Big Brother.

Never mind.  For now I am trying to figure out how to install the freeware, for starters, on my laptop.  But not online.  You have, at best, minutes before a new machine is compromised.  I live near a college, my guess is there is less time.  While a firewall router might help, a bit, just getting that set up would be a lot of cost and hassle.  But first, a great deal of research into which one, and how to set it up correctly, would have to happen.  That is, assuming even so, that I find a way to install the anti-virus and anti-malware offline, first.  Bleh.  Well, it is a problem.  Something to tinker with.

I've been having a rough week, but might be able to get back to things shortly... I hope.  I'll just add solving that problem with figuring out my camera.  I can, for now, just touch up photos on the laptop, thumb drive them to my main machine if I wish to share them, and... that'll be that.  Of course, scanning the thumb drives before any process, each way, with what is available.  I am loving the sun.  I am almost amazed how much sun we actually have.  It was so densely cloudy that it seemed like we must only have a few hours of sun, and at a scant angle.  Heck, after a week of that, it feels like spring or something seeing the sun and blue skies all day.  That might bring me around a bit. 

Later.

The sun.

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It has been dark for, it seems, the whole last week.  Nearing the winter solstice, on top of heavy cloud cover, made it seem like there wasn't a sun.  I can only guess that, at certain times of the year, some parts of the far North experience that.  What we went through was an illusion, but a strong one.  To see the sun, and blue sky, is worth the extra chill that came with it.

While opening a curtain to let some sun in, I noticed that only a bit more snow fell.  That could be called the perfect snow.  Just enough to add white, and brighten the sun more.  Sweeping did a great job on everything, though the walk will need just a touch of salt, then maybe another sweep.  Salt is great, but eventually it simply dilutes and washes away, without removing the ice, if the slush it creates isn't also removed.

Sleep was good.  A few beers, a show or two, putting everything up, I even prepped a bit for a load of dishes, roughly, last night.  I may hit the dishes, do some cleaning in the kitchen, then work on pie crusts today.  I also need to figure out security software for the new machine.  With a thumbdrive, I might be able to put something on without having to risk hooking it up first.  There are some other programs, to clear bloatware, I might want to use as well, before connecting the laptop.  It's nasty out there.  Then again, who knows how many bugs are already on the hardware.  Any device within a computer that has memory, from printers to hard drives to... lots of things... come with viruses that probably can't be detected.  Since I don't have a version of the OS, I can't flash it all.  Though I doubt flashing memory will work either.

Still, you won't be able to keep states and big corps off your machines.  You might be able to thwart some of the lower level hackers.  Just remember a computer is completely insecure, even "offline", and go from there.  Oh, right, and tape over the camera.  I need to get that done on both the laptop and smartphone.  I'm not sure if the cameras can see through certain things though.  I'll do some research on it.  Duct tape?  Ugly, but probably stops most cameras.  I wish they made lead impregnated tape.  Hmm....  I doubt if the camera has extra capacity, but who knows what can be done with a simple camera and firmware updates, or end-user editors these days.

Well... on to waking.  I hope you get a little something today.  I, for my part, will be enjoying the sun as much as possible.  An easy trade for a dip in temps.  Later.

I'm not cooking tonight.

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Mostly.  My right shoulder blade has fire in it, from it... the wing of flame thing.  The rest is good.  This is odd.  Usually when I get lit up, I stay lit for a while.  Days, sometimes weeks.  Same with when I go cold.  This is highly unusual.

I did make it to town, purchased the rest of my list and a bit more.  A rolling pin was added.  Mine is sort of broken.  This time I purchased one without a ball bearing system.  It seems, when I lean into such a device... it breaks.  Bears and some things don't mix.  I actually spoke with a woman, at the shop, who bakes and uses rolling pins frequently.  I liked her story, of using, essentially, a massive dowel.  I've tried the French type before, with tapered ends.  That... doesn't work well for me.  If I forget I am putting a lot of pressure on the item, and lift one hand...  *thwang*  the thing can go flying.  It's almost dangerous.

Cheeses, olives, tomato juice, a cast bacon press, the thumb drives... all good.  Four stores, plus a meal, and I took care of what my friend wanted help regarding.  Actually, he had a few other things on his list.  I think we got those too.  All good.  I am not even tired, if ready for bed in a natural way. 

Ah, tomato juice and olives are so that I can have beer without salt.  Or as much salt.  Which I am enjoying.  Toss in some of my habanero sauce, and call it a late, red, beertini, lunch?  Something.  I thought I would have more, but... I am tired.  I won't even drink the last... well... maybe.  I need to finish the episode I am watching, then hit the bunk.  Sleep sounds good.

It was raining and then snowing, sort of, all day.  When I got home, after taking everything in, I pulled out the shop broom and swept the driveway.  Yeah, it's a bit odd, but it works.  It was mostly just slush.  I hit the sidewalk as well.  I did not want the wet gunk to freeze.  I suppose more may fall.  But without that base layer of partially frozen liquid slurry, I am hoping it won't freeze as nastily.  No, that wasn't even an effort.  Since I was already out.  It sort of surprised me that I was able to do it all which, especially for this last week, is a lot, and not be suffering for it.  Bedtime is calling, but at the normal, right, time.  Odd day all around.

Good night.