.
.
I did fix the dutch baby. I won't call it my favorite. It was something new, different. And, honestly, I would like to work on the recipe. I get the feeling there was too little egg. More, I would like to perfect the recipe. If he was cooking at sea level, which I somehow suspect being from Florida, I need to adjust some things. It isn't just cooking times that elevation affects. More so in semi-arid areas. It's been raining lately, so I don't know if that has been a factor. Still, everything from how acids affect other food to times on to other factors seem to make baking, frying, and other cooking just a wee different. Yeah, I will try this again before too long. More egg for certain, perhaps more moisture of some sort in general. A full cup instead of 2/3rds cup of milk? Yes. Still, it was fun.
I made it to the event tonight. The father of a local, from here in my town, is a Mormon archaeologist. He put on a presentation. Really? Pretty good. Much better than I thought, though I did think it would be reasonably good. I noticed he is running into lots of trouble with mainstream academia. Then again, everyone is. And ms academia is proving to be a failure in so many ways. Some things I have learned, against ms academia, he has found as well. He has found things, from a different perspective, that support things I have found on my own. It is amazing how many circles of non-traditional science is finding that mainstream stuff is outright hiding material, lying, and more. Some of it is political, some is anti-religion, some of it seems to be entrenched beliefs that mainstream refuses to reconsider, but there is more. I don't know if there is a single overarching reason, though it seems more that academia is refusing to consider anything that isn't to their liking. Their flaws are becoming all of what they are! Amazing. Louts. White collar union thugs. Liars, cheats, thieves, and worse. We have to break those unions and leftist only hiring practices, and tie retention to validity of their works.
Much of what I have found can be comparably, and favorably, applied to many of the notions presented. Some things, some links, I thought were a bit weak. Some I didn't see the connection. And yet, with all the flaws... and I expect some... I think he has done a very good job. Far better than mainstream academia. His faith may get ahead of his science here or there. Though that is better than those who refuse to believe in God, god, gods, or anything else and so excise any piece of information that might confirm what they deny. I will be checking some data points that were new. I want to find outside sources, both confirming and denying. Then compare notes. It's how I do.
One of the major examples was the notion that a certain group of Americans were using a written language that was either exact, or quite similar, to a form of Egyptian hieroglyphics. I heard, perhaps a half or full dozen years ago, about a German scientist who, while testing various ages of mummies out of Egypt, for trace elements, discovered that coca matter, tobacco, and a few other biological specimens had been used in mummies across a fairly wide time span. She was afraid to go public with it, believing she would be terribly derided. So she tested enough, and double and triple checked, so that she felt she had to go forward with her find, to publish. Why is that important? Those biologics are only native to the Americas. Whether those findings have been proven, or perhaps even disproven, I don't know at this point. I do know she hit a major snag in her career. And, even if she might prove correct, that may mean nothing as her career might still be crushed and her data eliminated from availability. It's just how modern academics works quite often. Not sure why, on this one. It's just the way it is.
It is about bedtime. Perhaps yesterday was just a quirk regarding my sleep patterns. I am not just tired, but sore, somehow. Oh... I know... all the dishes. When I fill, move, drain, move again, a large bin full of water, pots, pans, utensils... and do that wet or dry... I think it has beat me up a bit. All good. Good night.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Rather snappy.
.
.
Down late, so of course, up late. The cold threw my schedule off. No surprise there. One load of dishes, first thing. Washed, dried, put up, replaced. That load has been washed and set to another soak. I hope to finish that tonight. Part of the reason the dutch baby wasn't crafted was because my big cast iron pan was not in order to do so. That has been remedied. Though, too, I didn't have enough clarified butter, or at least believe add a bit more to the mix would be good. That, too, was done. All the while, pecking at the kitchen. A bit here, a little there. Not a race, just a task with an end very possibly in sight. Sure, I suggested boxes first. But, really, plans are great until they fall apart. As I have suggested, plans are just what get the recalcitrant to the job site. I simply don't have the upfront energy to pound boxes into recycling format, definitely not with all else I am attempting.
Dreams, again. Gone before I could get a face or name, and yet... quite a generous amorous resultant. I did sleep well. I suspect the Vic's helped, though can't swear to it. I do believe, while at home, and when sleeping, I will use the stuff for a while. Whether it is the Vic's or simple recovery, that snot ball that was stuck between the two exits/entrances to the navals, does seem to have softened, gotten smaller, and isn't quite so sticky. I still wouldn't want to try to race talk. Might end up in a coma. Or just gummed up a bit.
Well, tonight? Out, I believe. I think something was happening, but maybe not. Showered and ready. Either way I will go. Not, exactly, sure where to go. Could make a jab at it. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. After, or really beside that, I am hoping to finish dishes, clean the bathroom again, keep digging in the kitchen, and making the dutch baby is high on my list. Oh, while in town, if I get there alone, I will buy several ramekins. I used to have about eight of several types, each. Through time I have broken or lost all save... two to three per type. Beside baking, they come in hand for a lot of things.
Oh, yesterday while out, I picked up bones and stew meat on the bone for beef stock. Not sure when I will get to that, hopefully this weekend. That I hope to reduce down to pocket soup. I was talking to the checkout clerk at one of the stores. I suggested that, if you had food, you weren't poor. Got a tone of gold but no food or access to it? You aren't rich. I pointed to a carton of whole whipping cream. I asked if he knew if that could make whipped cream? Or even that it could make butter. That rather surprised him. He, I think initially, thought I was teasing. I tried to explain that you don't have to have this or that, if you know how to replace, exchange, and make it work. I don't know if he bothered to check, but I am pretty sure he thought I was teasing.
Oh, I won't jazz him. It's only been in the last decade that, as I started realizing the future has been gambled away, and the bets covered by government, so that there isn't anything real left. It seems like it. Everyone is playing along. It just isn't real. So I have started to store some things, arrange items, learn substitutions, and attempt to prepare for lean times. I am far from a good wife or grand mother. But I am worlds away from where I began this trip. Even if I never use it, the trip itself has been splendid, eye-opening, and wonderful. Learning not a new thing every day, learn a dozen, if you can catch it. Learning, in a way, snowballs. The synapses open, expand, begin seeking patterns on their own, and, finally, you become like an informatin vacuum. Even if you don't get it all, openly, it is surprising how much, built on other learning, comes back easily in it's due.
Oh, well... later. Jabbering indeed.
.
Down late, so of course, up late. The cold threw my schedule off. No surprise there. One load of dishes, first thing. Washed, dried, put up, replaced. That load has been washed and set to another soak. I hope to finish that tonight. Part of the reason the dutch baby wasn't crafted was because my big cast iron pan was not in order to do so. That has been remedied. Though, too, I didn't have enough clarified butter, or at least believe add a bit more to the mix would be good. That, too, was done. All the while, pecking at the kitchen. A bit here, a little there. Not a race, just a task with an end very possibly in sight. Sure, I suggested boxes first. But, really, plans are great until they fall apart. As I have suggested, plans are just what get the recalcitrant to the job site. I simply don't have the upfront energy to pound boxes into recycling format, definitely not with all else I am attempting.
Dreams, again. Gone before I could get a face or name, and yet... quite a generous amorous resultant. I did sleep well. I suspect the Vic's helped, though can't swear to it. I do believe, while at home, and when sleeping, I will use the stuff for a while. Whether it is the Vic's or simple recovery, that snot ball that was stuck between the two exits/entrances to the navals, does seem to have softened, gotten smaller, and isn't quite so sticky. I still wouldn't want to try to race talk. Might end up in a coma. Or just gummed up a bit.
Well, tonight? Out, I believe. I think something was happening, but maybe not. Showered and ready. Either way I will go. Not, exactly, sure where to go. Could make a jab at it. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. After, or really beside that, I am hoping to finish dishes, clean the bathroom again, keep digging in the kitchen, and making the dutch baby is high on my list. Oh, while in town, if I get there alone, I will buy several ramekins. I used to have about eight of several types, each. Through time I have broken or lost all save... two to three per type. Beside baking, they come in hand for a lot of things.
Oh, yesterday while out, I picked up bones and stew meat on the bone for beef stock. Not sure when I will get to that, hopefully this weekend. That I hope to reduce down to pocket soup. I was talking to the checkout clerk at one of the stores. I suggested that, if you had food, you weren't poor. Got a tone of gold but no food or access to it? You aren't rich. I pointed to a carton of whole whipping cream. I asked if he knew if that could make whipped cream? Or even that it could make butter. That rather surprised him. He, I think initially, thought I was teasing. I tried to explain that you don't have to have this or that, if you know how to replace, exchange, and make it work. I don't know if he bothered to check, but I am pretty sure he thought I was teasing.
Oh, I won't jazz him. It's only been in the last decade that, as I started realizing the future has been gambled away, and the bets covered by government, so that there isn't anything real left. It seems like it. Everyone is playing along. It just isn't real. So I have started to store some things, arrange items, learn substitutions, and attempt to prepare for lean times. I am far from a good wife or grand mother. But I am worlds away from where I began this trip. Even if I never use it, the trip itself has been splendid, eye-opening, and wonderful. Learning not a new thing every day, learn a dozen, if you can catch it. Learning, in a way, snowballs. The synapses open, expand, begin seeking patterns on their own, and, finally, you become like an informatin vacuum. Even if you don't get it all, openly, it is surprising how much, built on other learning, comes back easily in it's due.
Oh, well... later. Jabbering indeed.
Some, more, and a bit more.
.
.
I can't say I got it all. One load of dishes through, dried, put up. Another in to soak. Didn't see enough laundry to fuss with that, though I did get the cat litter tended and trash and recycling out. I made it to town for shopping and a bit to eat. That has all been put up, save for what needed washed. I had hoped to figure out dinner, it just isn't going to happen. I have been applying the Vic's to my undernose bushes. Seems to be helping, I hope a night, or day, of sleeping with it will help out.
I doubt if I will make it to town earlier today or make the dutch baby. No problems. I will put the strawberry topping away, airtight and refrigerated. Then I can do that any time in the next day or two. I should be able to make an evening event. Always this or that. I have done bits and pieces in the kitchen on top of that and this elsewhere. It is bedtime though. Good night.
.
I can't say I got it all. One load of dishes through, dried, put up. Another in to soak. Didn't see enough laundry to fuss with that, though I did get the cat litter tended and trash and recycling out. I made it to town for shopping and a bit to eat. That has all been put up, save for what needed washed. I had hoped to figure out dinner, it just isn't going to happen. I have been applying the Vic's to my undernose bushes. Seems to be helping, I hope a night, or day, of sleeping with it will help out.
I doubt if I will make it to town earlier today or make the dutch baby. No problems. I will put the strawberry topping away, airtight and refrigerated. Then I can do that any time in the next day or two. I should be able to make an evening event. Always this or that. I have done bits and pieces in the kitchen on top of that and this elsewhere. It is bedtime though. Good night.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
You know, though...
.
.
As I have mentioned, travel does not exclude the option at love. When, but when a woman is younger, or well past childbearing, is travel suitable for and to her? With one child in tow, that is still possible. It does become cumbersome and quickly as the child grows. Each child adds to the complexity and weight of the chore until, usually after one, though certainly after several, travel becomes a luxury. Depending on the woman, connecting with a man who is both willing and able to travel, right from the start, isn't all that bad. There might even be a way to keep the cave, and all the pretty home toys I have collected through time. While any stainless 36 quart pot will do, and All-Clad is definitely finer. I have both, I know.
Some of what I have I would keep, even if I headed out sans the home. Water stones to tools. Some things would be gone, including most family sized cooking ware, bedding, and furniture. However, if I could figure out even smaller travel events, while maintaining the home, I could really do well. Oh, I think a woman might well enjoy a tricksy handy man who is too old to run too far alone but still has the roar of the lion and isn't too long in the tooth to tussle, argue, and love. I'm almost certain of it. Yes, just... thinking. Hmm, sometimes she might even want me to head out. Perhaps to bring back a load of trout while not having to look at my ugly man-face for a bit? Or maybe to take a handful of youngens out of her hair while she recuperates for round three or enjoys some alone time with the one in the oven.
Oh, well, just thinking out loud. Which is my want. While you may prefer to lick snails through glass, so be it. While I insist that if I will, or must, do something, I want the whole monty. Oh, yes, chattering like a bird in a bug den twice enlarged! Yeah, I could have said it too. Maybe twice if you were paying attention. Or... not. Or me? Life is good today.
Instead of low sugar strawberry jam, I decided, upon finding a package of frozen strawberries, to produce my own strawberry addition. I thawed it, drained the freeze moisture, added some filtered water, a touch of sugar, and a smidgen of balsamic vinegar. I have some of the latter that has been aging for ages. It was perfect for the sauce and the sauce soothes the tongue. Now, I have much to do. I have set the dishes to a soak, will gather a load of clothes and put them in, then derive a grocery list from my needs and wants, and... some other things. Hmm, trash out. Not enough to put it out Monday, one bag in truth. Still, I could put it out. Didn't bother, haven't been... wait. Yeah, best get it out, and the cat litter needs to be changed whole or part. Bleh. If I get those things done, I'll then head to town with my list and when I return... and after some time, perhaps a dutch baby for my questionable but tolerable good deeds.
She knows I think of her. She knows I pout. She knows I'd kill or die for her. I wonder... is faith starting to sink in beyond the foolishness I might seem to present? *grins*
.
As I have mentioned, travel does not exclude the option at love. When, but when a woman is younger, or well past childbearing, is travel suitable for and to her? With one child in tow, that is still possible. It does become cumbersome and quickly as the child grows. Each child adds to the complexity and weight of the chore until, usually after one, though certainly after several, travel becomes a luxury. Depending on the woman, connecting with a man who is both willing and able to travel, right from the start, isn't all that bad. There might even be a way to keep the cave, and all the pretty home toys I have collected through time. While any stainless 36 quart pot will do, and All-Clad is definitely finer. I have both, I know.
Some of what I have I would keep, even if I headed out sans the home. Water stones to tools. Some things would be gone, including most family sized cooking ware, bedding, and furniture. However, if I could figure out even smaller travel events, while maintaining the home, I could really do well. Oh, I think a woman might well enjoy a tricksy handy man who is too old to run too far alone but still has the roar of the lion and isn't too long in the tooth to tussle, argue, and love. I'm almost certain of it. Yes, just... thinking. Hmm, sometimes she might even want me to head out. Perhaps to bring back a load of trout while not having to look at my ugly man-face for a bit? Or maybe to take a handful of youngens out of her hair while she recuperates for round three or enjoys some alone time with the one in the oven.
Oh, well, just thinking out loud. Which is my want. While you may prefer to lick snails through glass, so be it. While I insist that if I will, or must, do something, I want the whole monty. Oh, yes, chattering like a bird in a bug den twice enlarged! Yeah, I could have said it too. Maybe twice if you were paying attention. Or... not. Or me? Life is good today.
Instead of low sugar strawberry jam, I decided, upon finding a package of frozen strawberries, to produce my own strawberry addition. I thawed it, drained the freeze moisture, added some filtered water, a touch of sugar, and a smidgen of balsamic vinegar. I have some of the latter that has been aging for ages. It was perfect for the sauce and the sauce soothes the tongue. Now, I have much to do. I have set the dishes to a soak, will gather a load of clothes and put them in, then derive a grocery list from my needs and wants, and... some other things. Hmm, trash out. Not enough to put it out Monday, one bag in truth. Still, I could put it out. Didn't bother, haven't been... wait. Yeah, best get it out, and the cat litter needs to be changed whole or part. Bleh. If I get those things done, I'll then head to town with my list and when I return... and after some time, perhaps a dutch baby for my questionable but tolerable good deeds.
She knows I think of her. She knows I pout. She knows I'd kill or die for her. I wonder... is faith starting to sink in beyond the foolishness I might seem to present? *grins*
Tonight.
.
.
Dinner will be arriving soon. I'm showered, air dry, and will be ready. I believe the water heater has done it's job, so I can put the washed dishes in for a hot soak, hopefully to be dried and put away within a few hours. Yeah, well, when you are something between a hound dog and a turtle, you have to learn how to do things a certain way, not do them, or find another resource. Choices, tick tock.
I have decided, though, if I am a good boy... if I get to town... if I do the dishes... if I set the last of the dishes to a soak... if I do a load of laundry... if I prepare for my outing tomorrow evening and perhaps get my dry cleaning together for a trip to town tomorrow, in which I will stop at the post office and visit with a KoC officer to tend some matters... then... Then?
Then.
I will do this. Minus the powdered sugar. Not that a little bit would be that bad, merely that I would rather add low sugar strawberry jam. Lemon is fine, butter is super, but sugar, being it is already a carb... Still, it should do fine.
Sticks are good in their place, carrots in theirs. Tonight I will work with a carrot. Definitely want milk with that. Oh, and just so you know? Most of what I am cooking or baking is not fancy. This is humble food. It's just that people have gotten so into instant gratification that if it can't come out of a can and be on the table in 10 minutes, it is considered fancy or hard. Baffles me. Simple food. And I know what is in it. No gums, or chemical... or pseudo chemical formulas, not flavors that aren't even fully addressed as to their origins... artificial... really... Just real simple food products, put together into something edible. Carrots indeed.
I'm just waiting for the call. I would call my friend but not until after dinner. Haven't heard back from him, but that's fine. I'm just as bad, sometimes on purpose if usually not directional, though just as often because I just am not aware. Vics, milk, butter, a few veggies... kale would go well in the chicken soup... add a nice thickener and something with extra bite plus green, perhaps some meat to mix with hamburger... trying to make sausages that aren't too heavy or with the wrong kinds of fat that I like... say beef and lamb or veal. Yeah... I'm... starting to enjoy cooking.
I have been keeping up on the bathroom, pushing on the kitchen, and the kitchen might get a real heavy hit soon. As well as I am doing, I might be able to get more caught up and keep that, until I can move on. A commercial dumpster would be good, for a bit, just to get rid of some things. Tick, tock, tick, tock. Even if I find a way to stay I want some cleaning and clearing. And yes, the whole world is my oyster. What happens will happen at least as much due to my choices as any attacks. Attacking a feather, even if it is a dragon, is quite difficult. And yet, patience has allowed great comfort from such. Though some, because of their nature, will only know suffering thusly. Choices... yours, theirs, mine. *wink*
.
Dinner will be arriving soon. I'm showered, air dry, and will be ready. I believe the water heater has done it's job, so I can put the washed dishes in for a hot soak, hopefully to be dried and put away within a few hours. Yeah, well, when you are something between a hound dog and a turtle, you have to learn how to do things a certain way, not do them, or find another resource. Choices, tick tock.
I have decided, though, if I am a good boy... if I get to town... if I do the dishes... if I set the last of the dishes to a soak... if I do a load of laundry... if I prepare for my outing tomorrow evening and perhaps get my dry cleaning together for a trip to town tomorrow, in which I will stop at the post office and visit with a KoC officer to tend some matters... then... Then?
Then.
I will do this. Minus the powdered sugar. Not that a little bit would be that bad, merely that I would rather add low sugar strawberry jam. Lemon is fine, butter is super, but sugar, being it is already a carb... Still, it should do fine.
Sticks are good in their place, carrots in theirs. Tonight I will work with a carrot. Definitely want milk with that. Oh, and just so you know? Most of what I am cooking or baking is not fancy. This is humble food. It's just that people have gotten so into instant gratification that if it can't come out of a can and be on the table in 10 minutes, it is considered fancy or hard. Baffles me. Simple food. And I know what is in it. No gums, or chemical... or pseudo chemical formulas, not flavors that aren't even fully addressed as to their origins... artificial... really... Just real simple food products, put together into something edible. Carrots indeed.
I'm just waiting for the call. I would call my friend but not until after dinner. Haven't heard back from him, but that's fine. I'm just as bad, sometimes on purpose if usually not directional, though just as often because I just am not aware. Vics, milk, butter, a few veggies... kale would go well in the chicken soup... add a nice thickener and something with extra bite plus green, perhaps some meat to mix with hamburger... trying to make sausages that aren't too heavy or with the wrong kinds of fat that I like... say beef and lamb or veal. Yeah... I'm... starting to enjoy cooking.
I have been keeping up on the bathroom, pushing on the kitchen, and the kitchen might get a real heavy hit soon. As well as I am doing, I might be able to get more caught up and keep that, until I can move on. A commercial dumpster would be good, for a bit, just to get rid of some things. Tick, tock, tick, tock. Even if I find a way to stay I want some cleaning and clearing. And yes, the whole world is my oyster. What happens will happen at least as much due to my choices as any attacks. Attacking a feather, even if it is a dragon, is quite difficult. And yet, patience has allowed great comfort from such. Though some, because of their nature, will only know suffering thusly. Choices... yours, theirs, mine. *wink*
There is dreaming and then there was last night.
.
.
I am, though, actually feeling better in any case. The cold has mostly lifted, I have been sleeping enough, I consumed nearly a full meal, I have some options I am working on for this and that... Yeah, I am seeing and enjoying the new and potential days. A lot of problems even so. For each, a solution, short, medium, and long term... solutions I can live with.
I'll reset the dishes to a hot soak right first thing. Then, in two hours when I feed the girls, I will hit the dishes and get a shower in. I still have to rinse them, but can do that after the shower. Then on to getting clothes set up for getting out. Maybe work in the kitchen through the evening, as well. Maybe a quick trip to town. Back at it.
All good, boys and girls. I have very rarely experienced such an epoch of happiness. Viewers would have needed eye protection. Erotic? I suppose that is as close as a word could get. Though that would be like suggesting wet to someone caught in a place the surf lands for a day or two. Just doesn't quite do it justice. Why? No clue. Put my vow in disarray also. I don't know if God cheats to keep me from... petering out... or if the game is just rigged that way? Mysterious ways and among the first of the non-sequential commandments, mind you. What was it that "dead" guy, who was going to be stone dead in a moment, said? I feel happy? Never mind. I don't think it hurt things. Still, sore I can't keep my vow as an absolute. He knows I try, when I can remember to try, and when... Bleh.
Hmm... I might make a small bite to eat, if any of the bread is still good and the cold cuts smell right. Tea either way, more if that doesn't work out. Later.
.
I am, though, actually feeling better in any case. The cold has mostly lifted, I have been sleeping enough, I consumed nearly a full meal, I have some options I am working on for this and that... Yeah, I am seeing and enjoying the new and potential days. A lot of problems even so. For each, a solution, short, medium, and long term... solutions I can live with.
I'll reset the dishes to a hot soak right first thing. Then, in two hours when I feed the girls, I will hit the dishes and get a shower in. I still have to rinse them, but can do that after the shower. Then on to getting clothes set up for getting out. Maybe work in the kitchen through the evening, as well. Maybe a quick trip to town. Back at it.
All good, boys and girls. I have very rarely experienced such an epoch of happiness. Viewers would have needed eye protection. Erotic? I suppose that is as close as a word could get. Though that would be like suggesting wet to someone caught in a place the surf lands for a day or two. Just doesn't quite do it justice. Why? No clue. Put my vow in disarray also. I don't know if God cheats to keep me from... petering out... or if the game is just rigged that way? Mysterious ways and among the first of the non-sequential commandments, mind you. What was it that "dead" guy, who was going to be stone dead in a moment, said? I feel happy? Never mind. I don't think it hurt things. Still, sore I can't keep my vow as an absolute. He knows I try, when I can remember to try, and when... Bleh.
Hmm... I might make a small bite to eat, if any of the bread is still good and the cold cuts smell right. Tea either way, more if that doesn't work out. Later.
Possibilities.
.
.
Yes. Still awake. It's just the way it goes. The notion of this and that, and how to do things. Old friend provide a means of escape, if all else fails. I have been connecting with some of those. One suggests life has gotten a little dull. Well, Doom has a way of fixing that. An offer. Oh, sure, he could refuse. There is plenty of time to plan. Not all cards have been played. A simple proposal. Laid out and offered up, an advance of little with the possibility of payment, excitement, a favor owed, and an adventure. Some of it vicarious, in time, and leading up to the exploit. Some of it would be seeing if I can make it in a new land, or more, how well I make it or not. There might even be a deal in there, if more than just what I am suspecting will fall also fails. More irons in the fire than any critter should have, but that is the way I do things. I don't care if an egg or watermelon is lost in the doing. That had to happen, would have happened, whether I was involved or not. So... might as well plan big.
I was able to eat a bit. Good, good. Didn't enjoy, but I wouldn't have enjoyed anything. Not ribeye, not lobster, not chicken soup, not something I made... my appetite is simply dysfunctional, my ability to eat is warped. That I could eat it means it was probably very good. Imagine how things, if a ghost could eat, would taste to such a being. Wallpaper paste, saw dust, maybe a touch of salty or sweet... just enough to tease the life that once was without bringing it back. So it is. Even the cookies were terrible. I realize now nothing will taste good for a while. Tea is good, so long as it is mild enough... a second brewing... so as not to irritate.
All is well enough. I don't get to die. Just move on again, I suppose. Yes, her. I don't think she... I am pretty sure of it. Though, perhaps, I could be wrong. There are always options, variables, possibilities. More irons than an eight handed critter can juggle, even if he is good, mind you... I mentioned that, I do believe. Good night.
.
Yes. Still awake. It's just the way it goes. The notion of this and that, and how to do things. Old friend provide a means of escape, if all else fails. I have been connecting with some of those. One suggests life has gotten a little dull. Well, Doom has a way of fixing that. An offer. Oh, sure, he could refuse. There is plenty of time to plan. Not all cards have been played. A simple proposal. Laid out and offered up, an advance of little with the possibility of payment, excitement, a favor owed, and an adventure. Some of it vicarious, in time, and leading up to the exploit. Some of it would be seeing if I can make it in a new land, or more, how well I make it or not. There might even be a deal in there, if more than just what I am suspecting will fall also fails. More irons in the fire than any critter should have, but that is the way I do things. I don't care if an egg or watermelon is lost in the doing. That had to happen, would have happened, whether I was involved or not. So... might as well plan big.
I was able to eat a bit. Good, good. Didn't enjoy, but I wouldn't have enjoyed anything. Not ribeye, not lobster, not chicken soup, not something I made... my appetite is simply dysfunctional, my ability to eat is warped. That I could eat it means it was probably very good. Imagine how things, if a ghost could eat, would taste to such a being. Wallpaper paste, saw dust, maybe a touch of salty or sweet... just enough to tease the life that once was without bringing it back. So it is. Even the cookies were terrible. I realize now nothing will taste good for a while. Tea is good, so long as it is mild enough... a second brewing... so as not to irritate.
All is well enough. I don't get to die. Just move on again, I suppose. Yes, her. I don't think she... I am pretty sure of it. Though, perhaps, I could be wrong. There are always options, variables, possibilities. More irons than an eight handed critter can juggle, even if he is good, mind you... I mentioned that, I do believe. Good night.
Some, though again not all.
.
.
All of the big pots, inner strainer, and lids are done. They have been soaking since as soon as they were emptied. As well I hit half or more of the other dishes. My motivation was food. I promised, if I did well, I would warm up dinner and eat. I wasn't sure I even wanted to eat. Does motivation always have to be factual? And yet, I did heat up dinner. I will know shortly if I can even eat. I know I want to. I like the looks of dinner. I have been looking at it for hours. Chicken? Even when I make it, that is, well, chicken. But this looks good. It does. Wild rice is something I like, I just never learned to do it right, or this or that. But I like it, a lot... or the idea of it. Anyway, I know I need food, and I've wanted to eat. I just... well... I will find out shortly.
I was thinking today was Wednesday. Not so much. That gives me a little breathing room before I am hoping to get out. Another good nights rest, if I don't splurge sleep trying to do anything else. Should have been to bed hours ago. Oh, I'll take Tylenol before sleep. I think that is actually working fairly well on what was paining me. One or two doses a day. Usually one, but I took the other dose about when I woke, so it's wearing off. If I had been to bed at a proper time, this wouldn't be needed. Though I would wake sore, perhaps.
I called my friend. No answer. I left a message. Not sure he gets, or checks, those. Either way, if I am feeling a bit better, I may hit the stores tomorrow. Mostly a quick resupply of groceries, plus brown sugar, and some air-tight plastic containers. Leave the flour in the packaging and then you limit any potential leaching. Same with any dry goods. Oh, I probably should source some good vanilla extract too. The stuff lasts well, it just gets used up around here. Especially as cooking and baking is back on the menu. Might have to pick up extra chips, too. I would like to make some for the neighbors, though probably more like next week. Hmm... I think they like dark chocolate though. I bought some of those fresh, just a few days old, and I know I don't like them. I might buy one of each kind, leave them with the semi-sweet and keep the milk chocolate for myself. Doing all of us a favor.
The electronic annoyance, for when the microwave finishes, is chirping. I'll make a stab at eating. Oh, and an interesting video about Alaskan river camping. Good night.
.
All of the big pots, inner strainer, and lids are done. They have been soaking since as soon as they were emptied. As well I hit half or more of the other dishes. My motivation was food. I promised, if I did well, I would warm up dinner and eat. I wasn't sure I even wanted to eat. Does motivation always have to be factual? And yet, I did heat up dinner. I will know shortly if I can even eat. I know I want to. I like the looks of dinner. I have been looking at it for hours. Chicken? Even when I make it, that is, well, chicken. But this looks good. It does. Wild rice is something I like, I just never learned to do it right, or this or that. But I like it, a lot... or the idea of it. Anyway, I know I need food, and I've wanted to eat. I just... well... I will find out shortly.
I was thinking today was Wednesday. Not so much. That gives me a little breathing room before I am hoping to get out. Another good nights rest, if I don't splurge sleep trying to do anything else. Should have been to bed hours ago. Oh, I'll take Tylenol before sleep. I think that is actually working fairly well on what was paining me. One or two doses a day. Usually one, but I took the other dose about when I woke, so it's wearing off. If I had been to bed at a proper time, this wouldn't be needed. Though I would wake sore, perhaps.
I called my friend. No answer. I left a message. Not sure he gets, or checks, those. Either way, if I am feeling a bit better, I may hit the stores tomorrow. Mostly a quick resupply of groceries, plus brown sugar, and some air-tight plastic containers. Leave the flour in the packaging and then you limit any potential leaching. Same with any dry goods. Oh, I probably should source some good vanilla extract too. The stuff lasts well, it just gets used up around here. Especially as cooking and baking is back on the menu. Might have to pick up extra chips, too. I would like to make some for the neighbors, though probably more like next week. Hmm... I think they like dark chocolate though. I bought some of those fresh, just a few days old, and I know I don't like them. I might buy one of each kind, leave them with the semi-sweet and keep the milk chocolate for myself. Doing all of us a favor.
The electronic annoyance, for when the microwave finishes, is chirping. I'll make a stab at eating. Oh, and an interesting video about Alaskan river camping. Good night.
Monday, April 11, 2016
I want to sleep.
.
.
I want to eat. I would like to take a shower. Actually I really don't want to be a millionaire or billionaire... traps. I have done some of the dishes. I need to do the rest before I can shower. I was hoping to push through, so that I could shower before sleeping. Following me? Yeah, no. I'm not going to make it. I might hit some of the dishes. I don't know about getting all of them, I am almost sure no shower will be taken, and food is just off. I really am hungry, but the hunger feels like it is coming from a different place, maybe even from someone else. If I can do some of the dishes, though, I may warm up dinner and give it a go. Or not. Odd to be hungry and yet have no more interest in eating than what exists.
Tea. Lots of it lately. Sometimes warm, when it is cool. Iced more often than not, sometimes just room temp. Rarely, anymore, do I add sugar, xylatol, splenda, or such... just tea, thank you. I don't even add lemon all that often. I did make orange juice, from unsweetened, pure, concentrate. I wasn't impressed. But then orange juice just doesn't seem interesting these days. I've even tried the, if you believe the label, fresh squeezed, never frozen, full pulp, varieties. The world has changed. Nothing, it would seem, is what it seems. So be it. Tea seems to be fine, for now, if I avoid the kind that makes me choke. I am nearly allergic to some things... artificial syrups, some spices, and some teas it seems. It doesn't choke off the airway completely, just creates a cough, much as with syrups and spices. I'll figure this out before long. I love coffee, it's just too thick anymore. I've tried parsing it, but then it becomes like tea. If I am going to have tea, I'll pick a real tea. Reminds me of politics. No, all of politics is fake, and neither coffee nor tea.
It's been a nice day, give or take. I haven't work myself out, or been able to do so. I did remove the stock from the ice trays, then bag and double bag them. Two big bags of various numbers of smaller bags, tagged with the month and year. Should be good until October, if I hope to have them gone well before then. Unsalted, reduced by (after thinking it out more surely last night) a factor of five... so one ice cube should, when thawed and added with water to make a cup, work as a cup of regular strength broth. We'll see. I am hoping to make a batch of those beans I mean to use in the casserole, as I finish out the rest of the ingredients. Some sort of smoked pork... probably just thick cut, or even uncut, bacon... though I will look at options... and then just a good, thick, pork chop. I want to see if the beans will work. I could use chicken stock in that just to experiment that way. Beans definitely could use a little something. And since you can't use salt without risking making the skins hard and doing odd things to texture, unsalted chicken stock should do well. Also I have been meaning to cook lentils in chicken stock. They cook up very quickly, but are rather bland. Chicken stock might be the trick. Wouldn't hurt using in a batch of rice, either.
Life may be heading down a different path, sooner or later. And yet, while I have access to the fiddle and harp, so shall I play. Well, if I can get my taste for food back. No need to cook if you can't eat. Later, or good night.
.
I want to eat. I would like to take a shower. Actually I really don't want to be a millionaire or billionaire... traps. I have done some of the dishes. I need to do the rest before I can shower. I was hoping to push through, so that I could shower before sleeping. Following me? Yeah, no. I'm not going to make it. I might hit some of the dishes. I don't know about getting all of them, I am almost sure no shower will be taken, and food is just off. I really am hungry, but the hunger feels like it is coming from a different place, maybe even from someone else. If I can do some of the dishes, though, I may warm up dinner and give it a go. Or not. Odd to be hungry and yet have no more interest in eating than what exists.
Tea. Lots of it lately. Sometimes warm, when it is cool. Iced more often than not, sometimes just room temp. Rarely, anymore, do I add sugar, xylatol, splenda, or such... just tea, thank you. I don't even add lemon all that often. I did make orange juice, from unsweetened, pure, concentrate. I wasn't impressed. But then orange juice just doesn't seem interesting these days. I've even tried the, if you believe the label, fresh squeezed, never frozen, full pulp, varieties. The world has changed. Nothing, it would seem, is what it seems. So be it. Tea seems to be fine, for now, if I avoid the kind that makes me choke. I am nearly allergic to some things... artificial syrups, some spices, and some teas it seems. It doesn't choke off the airway completely, just creates a cough, much as with syrups and spices. I'll figure this out before long. I love coffee, it's just too thick anymore. I've tried parsing it, but then it becomes like tea. If I am going to have tea, I'll pick a real tea. Reminds me of politics. No, all of politics is fake, and neither coffee nor tea.
It's been a nice day, give or take. I haven't work myself out, or been able to do so. I did remove the stock from the ice trays, then bag and double bag them. Two big bags of various numbers of smaller bags, tagged with the month and year. Should be good until October, if I hope to have them gone well before then. Unsalted, reduced by (after thinking it out more surely last night) a factor of five... so one ice cube should, when thawed and added with water to make a cup, work as a cup of regular strength broth. We'll see. I am hoping to make a batch of those beans I mean to use in the casserole, as I finish out the rest of the ingredients. Some sort of smoked pork... probably just thick cut, or even uncut, bacon... though I will look at options... and then just a good, thick, pork chop. I want to see if the beans will work. I could use chicken stock in that just to experiment that way. Beans definitely could use a little something. And since you can't use salt without risking making the skins hard and doing odd things to texture, unsalted chicken stock should do well. Also I have been meaning to cook lentils in chicken stock. They cook up very quickly, but are rather bland. Chicken stock might be the trick. Wouldn't hurt using in a batch of rice, either.
Life may be heading down a different path, sooner or later. And yet, while I have access to the fiddle and harp, so shall I play. Well, if I can get my taste for food back. No need to cook if you can't eat. Later, or good night.
I won't be able to drive out.
.
.
I would be able to walk out. Where to go, how to get around, or where to live... each of those is a bit different. In Alaska, there are possibilities. Summer and winter would be different. There just isn't the possibility of living out of a pack in the winter full time. That just isn't practical. Going out for a hunt if game animals pass through, or some such, is one thing. Now, in the summer, living out of a pack is possible. Dangerous, even if you know what you are doing. I don't. I have survived learning curves that are lethal to most. But I am older and slower. Though, at times, that is an advantage too.
I sure thought this was interesting. Not possible, in my case, but interesting. If I could get away with it, I might have tried it. Solo would probably be cheaper. Though I might have more difficulty, being a giant old ogre rather than an unassuming young couple.
.
I would be able to walk out. Where to go, how to get around, or where to live... each of those is a bit different. In Alaska, there are possibilities. Summer and winter would be different. There just isn't the possibility of living out of a pack in the winter full time. That just isn't practical. Going out for a hunt if game animals pass through, or some such, is one thing. Now, in the summer, living out of a pack is possible. Dangerous, even if you know what you are doing. I don't. I have survived learning curves that are lethal to most. But I am older and slower. Though, at times, that is an advantage too.
I sure thought this was interesting. Not possible, in my case, but interesting. If I could get away with it, I might have tried it. Solo would probably be cheaper. Though I might have more difficulty, being a giant old ogre rather than an unassuming young couple.
Love MREs?
.
.
All one need do is compare this to that, that to those, here with there. In short order, choices make themselves. Now, salt pork doesn't sound all that bad. Unless it really was prepared for a war four years past. Or, if that is the only meat, or even the best of meat, that one would get for a long time. Add in not having access to good cooking utensils and you have another form of sacrifice. Just compared, this to that, MREs are quite fine. I never minded them, personally. But then, at the time, food was just a tool, not so much a pleasure. Even so, MREs aren't all that bad. Playing with it, mixing this and that, and some guys really could put out a decent spread. Everyone tried, some weren't all that good. I just wan't that interested. As picky as I seem, at times I really didn't care in some ways. At that time, when I had the option, I pushed for higher protein, then fat, and carbs as a lesser food. When I didn't have a choice, food was just food. Calories in for calories out, flavor, portions of this and that, freshness, all optional variable and such.
.
All one need do is compare this to that, that to those, here with there. In short order, choices make themselves. Now, salt pork doesn't sound all that bad. Unless it really was prepared for a war four years past. Or, if that is the only meat, or even the best of meat, that one would get for a long time. Add in not having access to good cooking utensils and you have another form of sacrifice. Just compared, this to that, MREs are quite fine. I never minded them, personally. But then, at the time, food was just a tool, not so much a pleasure. Even so, MREs aren't all that bad. Playing with it, mixing this and that, and some guys really could put out a decent spread. Everyone tried, some weren't all that good. I just wan't that interested. As picky as I seem, at times I really didn't care in some ways. At that time, when I had the option, I pushed for higher protein, then fat, and carbs as a lesser food. When I didn't have a choice, food was just food. Calories in for calories out, flavor, portions of this and that, freshness, all optional variable and such.
Sleep!
.
.
Lots of good, cool, gorgeous sleep! When sick, I suppose, that is not the time to push. All can understand the frustration with being homebound though. Even Sassy, a lady cat, needs to escape the confines from time to time. Still, these last few days, I have been sleeping when tired, like hitting nails that have pulled loose. It has been very good to me. I'll worry about a schedule after I stop being sick. I'll probably stop being sick quicker by not fighting, at least the way I have been. Oh, and Tylenol first thing. It just seems to work and I am tired of fussing. I might not get Vics, this time. I do hope to put it on a list and have it here for when next I fall ill. Then again I only get sick like this every five or six years. As I said, I probably have a run of symptoms over a day or three, but never truly get sick. Even that is sort of rare. Dunno. Still, would be nice to have goop.
I called the doctor. Out to lunch. I had to wonder if that is a metaphor for... too much in my life? Just... laughed. I left a message. I have a plan. Of course, beyond them approving, they have to be approved. So it's not a shoein. And the V.A. is broken, in just about every way. Just approving what is already approved seems impossible. And they won't pay, usually. Sometimes, when fighting a fat bully, you simply use their weight and momentum against them. By the way, don't try that trick on me. For one, if I am bullying you, you are doing something very wrong... so leave that girl or nerd alone, pick up your ass because you will find yourself floored, quit trying to attack which is also part of your problem, and scoot. Anyway... We will see.
I am feeling a bit better. A bit wet, again, this morning. But that might be normal. Some mornings, even when quite well and healthy, my nose will run in the morning. It live in farm country, it is spring, it is still a bit cool out there... all can motivate a body to drip a bit, to empty the nasals. My nasals are moving, a bit. It is between quicksand and cement in there, though, so... until that finally gets worked out... so, yes, Vics could still come in handy. Maybe, if I think the wet is normal, I might sneak in to town. Milk and some other things would be good. A bite to eat, ham potato soup which I put up, might work. Too much chicken soup is just... too much. I need variety. Soup is better, I need fluid. All good. If I can keep on top of things I do, if not... well... Don't take it hard or personal. I r a ogre. *blink blink* *grins*
If I go to town, I would like to buy a few more air-tight containers that will just hold a 5 lb (I think) bag of flour or sugar. That and brown sugar. Put the flour in there, and keep it in the freezer, for now. Perhaps make another batch of chocolate chip cookies, mostly as a hobby and to hand out, though I... well... the chef must check all food, innit? Yes. Just say yes. I still need to do dishes, and I really want them done. Then a shower, before I can go. Not great but not bad. Everything is on edge, a maybe. Such is life. Be well.
.
Lots of good, cool, gorgeous sleep! When sick, I suppose, that is not the time to push. All can understand the frustration with being homebound though. Even Sassy, a lady cat, needs to escape the confines from time to time. Still, these last few days, I have been sleeping when tired, like hitting nails that have pulled loose. It has been very good to me. I'll worry about a schedule after I stop being sick. I'll probably stop being sick quicker by not fighting, at least the way I have been. Oh, and Tylenol first thing. It just seems to work and I am tired of fussing. I might not get Vics, this time. I do hope to put it on a list and have it here for when next I fall ill. Then again I only get sick like this every five or six years. As I said, I probably have a run of symptoms over a day or three, but never truly get sick. Even that is sort of rare. Dunno. Still, would be nice to have goop.
I called the doctor. Out to lunch. I had to wonder if that is a metaphor for... too much in my life? Just... laughed. I left a message. I have a plan. Of course, beyond them approving, they have to be approved. So it's not a shoein. And the V.A. is broken, in just about every way. Just approving what is already approved seems impossible. And they won't pay, usually. Sometimes, when fighting a fat bully, you simply use their weight and momentum against them. By the way, don't try that trick on me. For one, if I am bullying you, you are doing something very wrong... so leave that girl or nerd alone, pick up your ass because you will find yourself floored, quit trying to attack which is also part of your problem, and scoot. Anyway... We will see.
I am feeling a bit better. A bit wet, again, this morning. But that might be normal. Some mornings, even when quite well and healthy, my nose will run in the morning. It live in farm country, it is spring, it is still a bit cool out there... all can motivate a body to drip a bit, to empty the nasals. My nasals are moving, a bit. It is between quicksand and cement in there, though, so... until that finally gets worked out... so, yes, Vics could still come in handy. Maybe, if I think the wet is normal, I might sneak in to town. Milk and some other things would be good. A bite to eat, ham potato soup which I put up, might work. Too much chicken soup is just... too much. I need variety. Soup is better, I need fluid. All good. If I can keep on top of things I do, if not... well... Don't take it hard or personal. I r a ogre. *blink blink* *grins*
If I go to town, I would like to buy a few more air-tight containers that will just hold a 5 lb (I think) bag of flour or sugar. That and brown sugar. Put the flour in there, and keep it in the freezer, for now. Perhaps make another batch of chocolate chip cookies, mostly as a hobby and to hand out, though I... well... the chef must check all food, innit? Yes. Just say yes. I still need to do dishes, and I really want them done. Then a shower, before I can go. Not great but not bad. Everything is on edge, a maybe. Such is life. Be well.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Less, more? Difficult to say.
.
.
After my falling out, then downgrade, I wasn't sure what would be done. Stock was finally put in trays, then into the freezer. In the morning, I hope, smaller bags will be used, then hopefully all of it will be bagged in a bigger ziploc. One cube for a bit of stock in something simple, a whole sandwich bag of cubes for a full on soup or stew? It's a plan, which means it will work until my feet hit the ground. Love me some plan. Plans only get you there, they don't have any other real purpose. Much as a wife to a man job. She just gets you there, then leaves you to die. *grins* Hey, don't get me wrong, that's half why I like them.
I did make the cookies. Bleh. The chips I used were from Christmas, when I was going to make fudge, maybe even the Christmas before last? Actually those weren't too bad, though I decided when I understood what I was dealing with, that I couldn't give these out. Oh, and the one for one turbinado to brown sugar? Not so much. I figured I should have added something moist, just wasn't sure what. As well, I honestly do not like semi-sweet chips. Even going halvsies with milk chocolate it was just not my thing. These were a gooder brand too, so it wasn't that. Just not right. It was fun to tinker, and do, anyway. The next time I am in town I will pick up some brown sugar and, perhaps, a container to keep it in for a bit longer life. I don't use it often, but when it is called for, it really probably is best.
I've been limping through the day. Headache seems to have met it's match in the Tylenol. But the fever is ramping up just a bit. Exhaustion remains. Everything is just a wee out of kilter. More sleep might help. Napping and sleeping and tea and food as needed, I guess. My next event isn't until mid week. I got the number, and let him know if I go wet with the cold, dripping and fussing, or just fall, I won't be going. I want to go, but this cold is a tricky enemy, not so easily lost. I was sure, last time, that I would be good by now. No real worries, this isn't the worst, just a little of a sidetrack. I put dinner up, just couldn't eat. But it might be nice, and needed, tomorrow. A bit of potato ham, a bit of chicken rice, whatever it takes.
I am out of milk, though I have tea, coffee, and cream. Nothing else... wait... I have frozen juice, orange juice! Yeah, that might be good. I'll check the instructions. If they want it thawed, I'll thaw it in the fridge tonight. I just need something else. May have to sneak in to town, for a few items, tomorrow. Vics rub, milk, maybe a few other easy, non-sugary, edibles that might help with easy digestion and nutrition. Only if I am not too wet or too woozy. Good night.
.
After my falling out, then downgrade, I wasn't sure what would be done. Stock was finally put in trays, then into the freezer. In the morning, I hope, smaller bags will be used, then hopefully all of it will be bagged in a bigger ziploc. One cube for a bit of stock in something simple, a whole sandwich bag of cubes for a full on soup or stew? It's a plan, which means it will work until my feet hit the ground. Love me some plan. Plans only get you there, they don't have any other real purpose. Much as a wife to a man job. She just gets you there, then leaves you to die. *grins* Hey, don't get me wrong, that's half why I like them.
I did make the cookies. Bleh. The chips I used were from Christmas, when I was going to make fudge, maybe even the Christmas before last? Actually those weren't too bad, though I decided when I understood what I was dealing with, that I couldn't give these out. Oh, and the one for one turbinado to brown sugar? Not so much. I figured I should have added something moist, just wasn't sure what. As well, I honestly do not like semi-sweet chips. Even going halvsies with milk chocolate it was just not my thing. These were a gooder brand too, so it wasn't that. Just not right. It was fun to tinker, and do, anyway. The next time I am in town I will pick up some brown sugar and, perhaps, a container to keep it in for a bit longer life. I don't use it often, but when it is called for, it really probably is best.
I've been limping through the day. Headache seems to have met it's match in the Tylenol. But the fever is ramping up just a bit. Exhaustion remains. Everything is just a wee out of kilter. More sleep might help. Napping and sleeping and tea and food as needed, I guess. My next event isn't until mid week. I got the number, and let him know if I go wet with the cold, dripping and fussing, or just fall, I won't be going. I want to go, but this cold is a tricky enemy, not so easily lost. I was sure, last time, that I would be good by now. No real worries, this isn't the worst, just a little of a sidetrack. I put dinner up, just couldn't eat. But it might be nice, and needed, tomorrow. A bit of potato ham, a bit of chicken rice, whatever it takes.
I am out of milk, though I have tea, coffee, and cream. Nothing else... wait... I have frozen juice, orange juice! Yeah, that might be good. I'll check the instructions. If they want it thawed, I'll thaw it in the fridge tonight. I just need something else. May have to sneak in to town, for a few items, tomorrow. Vics rub, milk, maybe a few other easy, non-sugary, edibles that might help with easy digestion and nutrition. Only if I am not too wet or too woozy. Good night.
Pretty rough.
.
.
Some things are improving. I thought I was doing good today, heading toward recovery. I still think I am. It is simply that for every two to five steps forward, one to three back might be required. My nasals have dried since a run this morning to mid morning. Most of the symptoms have gone, save a feverishness that comes and goes. However my neck, by way of bones, muscle, and tendon, has stiffened up, causing local aches and a headache. My mother suggested Tylenol. I... didn't want to. However, she could be right. I took some last night, not sure if it helped but it didn't hurt. I am taking more now, as I remember. Moms are the first doctors we see. Right? What doctor is always right. But, women seem to be weak to pains, so tend them more than men do. Men only seem like we are weaker because when a certain woman is around, we will... use pain as a lure. Nurse, nurse! I've fallen and I'm about to... never mind. You either know or you will find out.
The whole right side of my neck is sore, more like a bruise. Nasal drain poison or just stiffness I can't be sure. I am about ready to head in to bed. Tired. I have been napping, on and off, sort of. Not really naps, but not really sleep either. I am definitely hoping I get to feeling better. I have things to do this week, lots of them. I am not really thinking I will be able to do much until midweek though, in truth. It just isn't likely. I also don't want to push it. I have enough of this and that to get through. So it's really just an irritant. Odd though, that not until the illness is mostly over that it becomes debilitating, even a bit.
Good night.
.
Some things are improving. I thought I was doing good today, heading toward recovery. I still think I am. It is simply that for every two to five steps forward, one to three back might be required. My nasals have dried since a run this morning to mid morning. Most of the symptoms have gone, save a feverishness that comes and goes. However my neck, by way of bones, muscle, and tendon, has stiffened up, causing local aches and a headache. My mother suggested Tylenol. I... didn't want to. However, she could be right. I took some last night, not sure if it helped but it didn't hurt. I am taking more now, as I remember. Moms are the first doctors we see. Right? What doctor is always right. But, women seem to be weak to pains, so tend them more than men do. Men only seem like we are weaker because when a certain woman is around, we will... use pain as a lure. Nurse, nurse! I've fallen and I'm about to... never mind. You either know or you will find out.
The whole right side of my neck is sore, more like a bruise. Nasal drain poison or just stiffness I can't be sure. I am about ready to head in to bed. Tired. I have been napping, on and off, sort of. Not really naps, but not really sleep either. I am definitely hoping I get to feeling better. I have things to do this week, lots of them. I am not really thinking I will be able to do much until midweek though, in truth. It just isn't likely. I also don't want to push it. I have enough of this and that to get through. So it's really just an irritant. Odd though, that not until the illness is mostly over that it becomes debilitating, even a bit.
Good night.
Have you ever slept in protest, as a pout?
.
.
I had promised to help with a meal today. And I meant it. I am not sure if I had the cold when I promised, though usually I am finished with such thing in days. I actually think I get a cold more often than I remember. It is just that usually they are so mild, and I go through symptoms one at a time, then am well before I have even succumbed to any symptom, or even all of them. Rarely combined. This thing not only slowed me down a bit, the symptoms have piled up enough to be well noticed. I could have gone in today, and since I was dry yesterday, I thought I would go in. Nope, about midnight my nose started to tickle and nasal movement made me realize that being around people would be bad... for them.
I didn't call, not at the time right before. I was too... frustrated. And it wouldn't have helped. You have two choices, call before or call after. Or, at least, that is how I see it. Both will require braving the guilt. In the latter, however, the troupe has made it through without you, and isn't jittery due to the upcoming performance. I did sleep, out of frustration... well and the cold, pushing hours, and such, but really mostly just frustration. As I woke a bit ago, I went looking for my phone then called. Keep me on the list, I said. I will help, more if I can, especially if I can get back on medicines. That helps, a bit, if I didn't mention that part. I just wanted to explain why I missed, and that I am interested in helping.
I sure hope this thing ends soon. Yesterday I had dried up so much I couldn't clear my nasals. At least today, off and on, I can again. Vic's, my mother said. Yeah. I might have to break down and find some of that stuff, or head into town tomorrow. Just a quick, pointed, run into a pharmacy. I'm good for work, just not company.
Oh, my mother said she never used vinegar. If she used something, she used lemons. What else did she say? Oh, pulling the meat after just a few hours of cooking is good enough. She didn't say it, but I think she was pleased with my effort. She says we were actually pleased with her food making when we were young. I had thought we were... embarrassed. I think, then, we were a bit shy about it. So many other people ate out of a can that we felt abnormal? Even if we liked the food. Some abnormal is better than others. She was a good housewife and mother type, if the world had been right.
That age was out of it's mind. While it hasn't, fully, recovered, I think... as with me... after searching for the Argus Apocraphex, ending up merely playing Sisyphus... well... even an ancient dog sort can, actually, left to it's own devices, learn. Certainly the sons and daughters of man, too, may learn.
Hmm? Today? I'd really like to kick out dishes, fold laundry, hit the kitchen. Don't know if I can honestly do much. While the cold isn't beating me too harshly, I think it has some negative affect on energy. A boss, at times, like this time, would be good. Just noise containing task and direction outside of the fog of my own head helps. "Yes, fill-in-the-blank*, I'm right on that."
*mother, father, sister, brother, even a youngling should they prove out... remember... it's not who provides direction, only the quality of the direction
Oh, and I have to finish tending the stock. Not, exactly, sure how to deal with it. I really don't want to use ice trays, may just not have another practical means. I certainly don't want it to go to waste. I have it reduced by at least a fold factor of four, maybe five, just possibly reduced to a sixth. And, finally, it is cool and has been rightly skimmed. Later.
.
I had promised to help with a meal today. And I meant it. I am not sure if I had the cold when I promised, though usually I am finished with such thing in days. I actually think I get a cold more often than I remember. It is just that usually they are so mild, and I go through symptoms one at a time, then am well before I have even succumbed to any symptom, or even all of them. Rarely combined. This thing not only slowed me down a bit, the symptoms have piled up enough to be well noticed. I could have gone in today, and since I was dry yesterday, I thought I would go in. Nope, about midnight my nose started to tickle and nasal movement made me realize that being around people would be bad... for them.
I didn't call, not at the time right before. I was too... frustrated. And it wouldn't have helped. You have two choices, call before or call after. Or, at least, that is how I see it. Both will require braving the guilt. In the latter, however, the troupe has made it through without you, and isn't jittery due to the upcoming performance. I did sleep, out of frustration... well and the cold, pushing hours, and such, but really mostly just frustration. As I woke a bit ago, I went looking for my phone then called. Keep me on the list, I said. I will help, more if I can, especially if I can get back on medicines. That helps, a bit, if I didn't mention that part. I just wanted to explain why I missed, and that I am interested in helping.
I sure hope this thing ends soon. Yesterday I had dried up so much I couldn't clear my nasals. At least today, off and on, I can again. Vic's, my mother said. Yeah. I might have to break down and find some of that stuff, or head into town tomorrow. Just a quick, pointed, run into a pharmacy. I'm good for work, just not company.
Oh, my mother said she never used vinegar. If she used something, she used lemons. What else did she say? Oh, pulling the meat after just a few hours of cooking is good enough. She didn't say it, but I think she was pleased with my effort. She says we were actually pleased with her food making when we were young. I had thought we were... embarrassed. I think, then, we were a bit shy about it. So many other people ate out of a can that we felt abnormal? Even if we liked the food. Some abnormal is better than others. She was a good housewife and mother type, if the world had been right.
That age was out of it's mind. While it hasn't, fully, recovered, I think... as with me... after searching for the Argus Apocraphex, ending up merely playing Sisyphus... well... even an ancient dog sort can, actually, left to it's own devices, learn. Certainly the sons and daughters of man, too, may learn.
Hmm? Today? I'd really like to kick out dishes, fold laundry, hit the kitchen. Don't know if I can honestly do much. While the cold isn't beating me too harshly, I think it has some negative affect on energy. A boss, at times, like this time, would be good. Just noise containing task and direction outside of the fog of my own head helps. "Yes, fill-in-the-blank*, I'm right on that."
*mother, father, sister, brother, even a youngling should they prove out... remember... it's not who provides direction, only the quality of the direction
Oh, and I have to finish tending the stock. Not, exactly, sure how to deal with it. I really don't want to use ice trays, may just not have another practical means. I certainly don't want it to go to waste. I have it reduced by at least a fold factor of four, maybe five, just possibly reduced to a sixth. And, finally, it is cool and has been rightly skimmed. Later.
More work even now.
.
.
Every time I thought I was about done, there was something else. I have transferred the remaining half gallon of soup to a jar and stored that. Even then I have another pretty large bowl to eat. More, I cooled the liquid stock. I kept it in the freezer for quite some time thinking a thicker skin of fat would appear. It did not. I only ever had, perhaps, an eight of an inch of fat. Finally I gave up, skimmed that off, then set the pot to heat again. My goal isn't, this time, to work toward pocket soup. I aim to reduce by four, so that four quarts, for example, would fit in one quart. How to freeze it though? Ice cube trays, I suppose. But those are so small. Several ladies and gents out there suggested using silicone cupcake molds. I concur, if I have none of those... yet. Yeah, I put them in the basket. I am thinking those would be just about perfect. A heavy reduction would make one of those about perfect for, say, a four large-man portion of chicken soup... or as a strong additive to some sort of gravy. Each "cupcake" would produce four times it's size, plus, when hydrated... or be a very strong flavor for a smaller recipe. Yeah, it works.
Of course, after it all, are dishes. Some of those were rinsed, and put in with the regular dishes, the bigger pots and pans, other than what is being used to reduce the stock, are in a hot soak on their own. Too big to fin with the rest. I am having trouble keeping up. And yet I am doing my best. If you leave meat, stock, or other out too long, it can go bad quickly and be quite a... disappointment. All that work having to be flushed. I really don't want that.
While stuffed sole might be next on my entree menu, sometime this week, maybe not until Friday honestly, I have other things on my mind. One is chocolate chip cookies. Oh, hush, even diabetic/pre-diabetic ogres get a treat once in a while. I don't have brown sugar. I hate brown sugar. Not because of flavor, or this, or that... because it goes bad too quickly. I don't care what they say, at some point, and it isn't very long, the stuff goes stiff and that isn't fixable. However, in doing a bit of research, I found a very pleasant surprise. Turbinado is a one for one replacement. I prefer turbinado sugar anyway... slightly less processed. And, yes, I do have some of that. The other thing is beef stock and egg noodles. No, not really soon. Perhaps within the next few weeks. I found recipes for all of those things that I am satisfied, on a good day, I might be able to make.
More? I am thinking that, with things like the noodles, on a "fresh" day, when life is good, if I have my dietary needs met, that would be a great day to make, say, a triple batch of the stuff, dry it, dry it some more, dry it even a bit more, than bag tag and freeze it. Same with stocks, stews, and such. Simply make all or parts of this or that, freeze portions for in batch sizes, and... on some not so future day, pull it all out, assemble, right into smooth sailing. We'll see.
I didn't do what I had hoped to do today. Busy with the soup, still a bit down from illness, napping from time to time out of need. I didn't really have too much of a choice. I am, however, hoping to get things together and be to the breakfast tomorrow, to help out. If I can stay on into the afternoon, to help them finish up, I will. If I can only help with cooking, so be it. I like working with them, I like helping, I like being near church, I like being useful. Feeling something is one thing, being something is totally different. I am guessing, as I learn more and do more in the kitchen, I will become more helpful too them. Just a fringe benefit. I best figure out something along the way of wardrobe though. I never did get my proper slacks in, though my cords should be well set. I may go with just a standard shirt. I do need to find shoes though. Bleh.
Oh, I best finish off the dishes so as to get a shower in. Needed, though mostly from cooking. Wanted, always, though. Required for church, either way. Later, most likely.
.
Every time I thought I was about done, there was something else. I have transferred the remaining half gallon of soup to a jar and stored that. Even then I have another pretty large bowl to eat. More, I cooled the liquid stock. I kept it in the freezer for quite some time thinking a thicker skin of fat would appear. It did not. I only ever had, perhaps, an eight of an inch of fat. Finally I gave up, skimmed that off, then set the pot to heat again. My goal isn't, this time, to work toward pocket soup. I aim to reduce by four, so that four quarts, for example, would fit in one quart. How to freeze it though? Ice cube trays, I suppose. But those are so small. Several ladies and gents out there suggested using silicone cupcake molds. I concur, if I have none of those... yet. Yeah, I put them in the basket. I am thinking those would be just about perfect. A heavy reduction would make one of those about perfect for, say, a four large-man portion of chicken soup... or as a strong additive to some sort of gravy. Each "cupcake" would produce four times it's size, plus, when hydrated... or be a very strong flavor for a smaller recipe. Yeah, it works.
Of course, after it all, are dishes. Some of those were rinsed, and put in with the regular dishes, the bigger pots and pans, other than what is being used to reduce the stock, are in a hot soak on their own. Too big to fin with the rest. I am having trouble keeping up. And yet I am doing my best. If you leave meat, stock, or other out too long, it can go bad quickly and be quite a... disappointment. All that work having to be flushed. I really don't want that.
While stuffed sole might be next on my entree menu, sometime this week, maybe not until Friday honestly, I have other things on my mind. One is chocolate chip cookies. Oh, hush, even diabetic/pre-diabetic ogres get a treat once in a while. I don't have brown sugar. I hate brown sugar. Not because of flavor, or this, or that... because it goes bad too quickly. I don't care what they say, at some point, and it isn't very long, the stuff goes stiff and that isn't fixable. However, in doing a bit of research, I found a very pleasant surprise. Turbinado is a one for one replacement. I prefer turbinado sugar anyway... slightly less processed. And, yes, I do have some of that. The other thing is beef stock and egg noodles. No, not really soon. Perhaps within the next few weeks. I found recipes for all of those things that I am satisfied, on a good day, I might be able to make.
More? I am thinking that, with things like the noodles, on a "fresh" day, when life is good, if I have my dietary needs met, that would be a great day to make, say, a triple batch of the stuff, dry it, dry it some more, dry it even a bit more, than bag tag and freeze it. Same with stocks, stews, and such. Simply make all or parts of this or that, freeze portions for in batch sizes, and... on some not so future day, pull it all out, assemble, right into smooth sailing. We'll see.
I didn't do what I had hoped to do today. Busy with the soup, still a bit down from illness, napping from time to time out of need. I didn't really have too much of a choice. I am, however, hoping to get things together and be to the breakfast tomorrow, to help out. If I can stay on into the afternoon, to help them finish up, I will. If I can only help with cooking, so be it. I like working with them, I like helping, I like being near church, I like being useful. Feeling something is one thing, being something is totally different. I am guessing, as I learn more and do more in the kitchen, I will become more helpful too them. Just a fringe benefit. I best figure out something along the way of wardrobe though. I never did get my proper slacks in, though my cords should be well set. I may go with just a standard shirt. I do need to find shoes though. Bleh.
Oh, I best finish off the dishes so as to get a shower in. Needed, though mostly from cooking. Wanted, always, though. Required for church, either way. Later, most likely.
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Count me in.
.
.
I will continue with homemade stock. The soup was well worth the, and actually small, effort. I messed up my sleep pattern, at least for last night. More from an abundance of caution for a first time effort than from any true need. Though I think the meat would have been gone if I had let it cook all night. I was late to start, as well, so I had to edge into what I prefer as a sleep time no matter what. Making sure that the liquid drops to a simmer is worth spending the time to check. Though adding water through the night, I think, isn't a bad deal.
The soup ended up being quite good. The rice took a lot longer to cook. The one recipe I ran down indicated the rice should take about fifteen minutes. Being that they didn't indicate which rice was used, and knowing what I know about my favored rice, I suspected they used a white rice. No issue, just noting that brown rice takes longer. I planned on twice as long, while it actually took more like three to four times as long. No problem. I did add a bit more water to keep the stock at a level flavor and volume, and just cooked until that part was done. I then added the veggies and meat, letting that all meld and warm for ten minutes. It was very good. Chicken soup is not fancy, but it doesn't need to be. I don't want it to be. That is, to me, part of it's schtick. While it takes time to make, it is a humble, if quite variable, food. And yet, while I can't call it superior, being the cook, I will say that I would happily eat this where I can't eat anything out of cans these days, and rarely do I enjoy even restaurant chicken soup that is not out of a can. It seems many restaurants, the ones I can afford, aim for a canned chicken soup taste.
I did add salt, though I suspect I have less salt in my whole pot of soup than many have in a bowl. No, I am not one who favors, or allows, low salt. However, there are limits both up and down. I honestly don't want 1,000%, but then neither do I want 2%. I wasn't sure salt would work, as an after production add. It did, quite well. I will be eating much of this batch in the next few days. Next time I hope to have egg noodles, those thick kind, if store bought, that my mother used to make. If I can find them. I'd love to make them. I have attempted it several times. I have not been successful.
That is that for chicken stock and my first soup. Probably the crab stuffed sole next. Then, if there seems to be another cold spell coming up, I may make the been cassoulete, or whatever. I will begin experimenting with freezing portions of these things as well. I think I need to take a good long nap. Later.
.
I will continue with homemade stock. The soup was well worth the, and actually small, effort. I messed up my sleep pattern, at least for last night. More from an abundance of caution for a first time effort than from any true need. Though I think the meat would have been gone if I had let it cook all night. I was late to start, as well, so I had to edge into what I prefer as a sleep time no matter what. Making sure that the liquid drops to a simmer is worth spending the time to check. Though adding water through the night, I think, isn't a bad deal.
The soup ended up being quite good. The rice took a lot longer to cook. The one recipe I ran down indicated the rice should take about fifteen minutes. Being that they didn't indicate which rice was used, and knowing what I know about my favored rice, I suspected they used a white rice. No issue, just noting that brown rice takes longer. I planned on twice as long, while it actually took more like three to four times as long. No problem. I did add a bit more water to keep the stock at a level flavor and volume, and just cooked until that part was done. I then added the veggies and meat, letting that all meld and warm for ten minutes. It was very good. Chicken soup is not fancy, but it doesn't need to be. I don't want it to be. That is, to me, part of it's schtick. While it takes time to make, it is a humble, if quite variable, food. And yet, while I can't call it superior, being the cook, I will say that I would happily eat this where I can't eat anything out of cans these days, and rarely do I enjoy even restaurant chicken soup that is not out of a can. It seems many restaurants, the ones I can afford, aim for a canned chicken soup taste.
I did add salt, though I suspect I have less salt in my whole pot of soup than many have in a bowl. No, I am not one who favors, or allows, low salt. However, there are limits both up and down. I honestly don't want 1,000%, but then neither do I want 2%. I wasn't sure salt would work, as an after production add. It did, quite well. I will be eating much of this batch in the next few days. Next time I hope to have egg noodles, those thick kind, if store bought, that my mother used to make. If I can find them. I'd love to make them. I have attempted it several times. I have not been successful.
That is that for chicken stock and my first soup. Probably the crab stuffed sole next. Then, if there seems to be another cold spell coming up, I may make the been cassoulete, or whatever. I will begin experimenting with freezing portions of these things as well. I think I need to take a good long nap. Later.
I was waiting, for too long.
.
.
Cooking, starting with raw ingredients and simple herbs and spices, is the way to go. If you enjoy eating well, it's the only way to go. Whether you count taste, health, or any positive measure, starting from scratch is the only way to go. I knew this, and have hit it from time to time. I quit, for a long time, hoping that the want would induce me to figure out how to keep the place up. Well, you know, that will probably never happen. The best I can do for housekeeping is as that of a, and rather lame, sidekick. Think of Robin without Batman? Or any of dozens of others. Good for special tricks, rare surprises, but not for the big ticket items, not regularly.
Cutting up carrots, celery, and onion, for the soup, much more precisely and smaller than for the stock, reminded me of just how good it is. Every twentieth item, as well, must be sampled. Rabbit food, aye, but rather good. When too much was pulled off or peeled, down it went into sticks for snacks. Beyond that, it is honestly fun to play with my food.
A lot of new things this time. Starting with homemade stock, then using homemade stock, but dealing with chicken this way, learning to filter, some things yet to come. Actually, I am not sure I have diced carrots. Onions of course, perhaps even celery. Just never carrots. Why? I don't know that. I think I was always suspicious of using sharps on round somewhat squishy things? Onions are round, but big enough to fix, and seem more firm, sort of. There are other firsts, but that will do on the list.
As is, the diced veggies have been sweated, and are waiting to add, with the chicken, to the liquid and rice. As soon as, to my mind, the rice is done... in ten to fifteen minutes, meat and veggies go in. I then simply wait until I believe the meat is warmed. THEN, finally, I will have my just deserts (yes, deserts, not desserts, oddly... just so you know... look it up). I am excited.
Oh, my next major dish? I have all the ingredients save peppers of some sort. While I generally take hotter better, since I really haven't had fish spiced hotly before, I will probably go with his recommendation, as a middling trial balloon.
Later.
.
Cooking, starting with raw ingredients and simple herbs and spices, is the way to go. If you enjoy eating well, it's the only way to go. Whether you count taste, health, or any positive measure, starting from scratch is the only way to go. I knew this, and have hit it from time to time. I quit, for a long time, hoping that the want would induce me to figure out how to keep the place up. Well, you know, that will probably never happen. The best I can do for housekeeping is as that of a, and rather lame, sidekick. Think of Robin without Batman? Or any of dozens of others. Good for special tricks, rare surprises, but not for the big ticket items, not regularly.
Cutting up carrots, celery, and onion, for the soup, much more precisely and smaller than for the stock, reminded me of just how good it is. Every twentieth item, as well, must be sampled. Rabbit food, aye, but rather good. When too much was pulled off or peeled, down it went into sticks for snacks. Beyond that, it is honestly fun to play with my food.
A lot of new things this time. Starting with homemade stock, then using homemade stock, but dealing with chicken this way, learning to filter, some things yet to come. Actually, I am not sure I have diced carrots. Onions of course, perhaps even celery. Just never carrots. Why? I don't know that. I think I was always suspicious of using sharps on round somewhat squishy things? Onions are round, but big enough to fix, and seem more firm, sort of. There are other firsts, but that will do on the list.
As is, the diced veggies have been sweated, and are waiting to add, with the chicken, to the liquid and rice. As soon as, to my mind, the rice is done... in ten to fifteen minutes, meat and veggies go in. I then simply wait until I believe the meat is warmed. THEN, finally, I will have my just deserts (yes, deserts, not desserts, oddly... just so you know... look it up). I am excited.
Oh, my next major dish? I have all the ingredients save peppers of some sort. While I generally take hotter better, since I really haven't had fish spiced hotly before, I will probably go with his recommendation, as a middling trial balloon.
Later.
A late start.
.
.
I was awake quite late tending the stock. Some call it stew if it is meat based. This was a bit of both, really. Nowhere did I see where the meat was taken off the bone then the bones put back. It's a bit more work than many, now or then, want to do I suppose. However, I believe my mother would often do that. Not always, depended on what else in life was pulling on her stopwatches. Though if she couldn't pull it, just as often the meat would be no good after too much time in the pot. Or so I seem to remember. I'll ask her sooner or later.
This stock is finished. Thankfully, beside having the very large steamer basket in that 36 quart stock pot, I actually have a second large stock pot. Need? Well, until now, no. It's just, when you are a milder form of giant, even so, everything normal looks too small. Bigger isn't necessarily better, it just seems more normal. I live in a world that was made for small people. And, since it is often women who cook, smaller even yet. Then again, sometimes bigger is much better. I swear, toilets are also made for the female perspective. I have about the biggest on the market, finally, and... even it seems a bit small.
I finally have good use for those stock pots, and some other things. Especially since stock can be frozen for up to six months. I... well... perhaps I made too much this time. Time will tell if I can use it all in time. If I can get to two thirds, next time I will make a bit less, or even half, while making another batch of beef stock of the same halved size. I will freeze some, in the ice trays, though that will be reducded further. I want that to be rather strong. Just one tray for now. Salt free bullion cubes, really.
I thought I turned it off at 9:00. Not so, found it still simmering at 11:00. I may have decided to let it reduce a bit, but forget to leave myself a mental note? I did turn it off at 11:00 though. No real worries, the meat was pulled, and these things can run for up to even sixteen hours. I strained the veggies and bones with the steamer strainer, then ran it through the chinois. I didn't think that would be enough, and I think less so after finishing. So I have washed that gear for another run, at least the chinois. Better to strain it cool, I am told. And while some don't use cheesecloth, I probably will. It is sold easily doubled, though I think I will double that. I am hoping for very clear liquid. I just like the idea, and think I can get it. I thought about dropping the kettle into the freezer. Yeah, no. Not until it is room temp and has been strained, just to get the fat off.
I am hoping to figure out my own rice soup recipe from what others suggest. My main concern is to not overcook the meat or vegetables. The meant might even just go in just long enough to be warmed. But the carrots, onions, and celery will need a bit to cook. I've just not made a soup before, so don't have a handle on volumes, various cooking times, and such. Wish me luck?
Later.
.
I was awake quite late tending the stock. Some call it stew if it is meat based. This was a bit of both, really. Nowhere did I see where the meat was taken off the bone then the bones put back. It's a bit more work than many, now or then, want to do I suppose. However, I believe my mother would often do that. Not always, depended on what else in life was pulling on her stopwatches. Though if she couldn't pull it, just as often the meat would be no good after too much time in the pot. Or so I seem to remember. I'll ask her sooner or later.
This stock is finished. Thankfully, beside having the very large steamer basket in that 36 quart stock pot, I actually have a second large stock pot. Need? Well, until now, no. It's just, when you are a milder form of giant, even so, everything normal looks too small. Bigger isn't necessarily better, it just seems more normal. I live in a world that was made for small people. And, since it is often women who cook, smaller even yet. Then again, sometimes bigger is much better. I swear, toilets are also made for the female perspective. I have about the biggest on the market, finally, and... even it seems a bit small.
I finally have good use for those stock pots, and some other things. Especially since stock can be frozen for up to six months. I... well... perhaps I made too much this time. Time will tell if I can use it all in time. If I can get to two thirds, next time I will make a bit less, or even half, while making another batch of beef stock of the same halved size. I will freeze some, in the ice trays, though that will be reducded further. I want that to be rather strong. Just one tray for now. Salt free bullion cubes, really.
I thought I turned it off at 9:00. Not so, found it still simmering at 11:00. I may have decided to let it reduce a bit, but forget to leave myself a mental note? I did turn it off at 11:00 though. No real worries, the meat was pulled, and these things can run for up to even sixteen hours. I strained the veggies and bones with the steamer strainer, then ran it through the chinois. I didn't think that would be enough, and I think less so after finishing. So I have washed that gear for another run, at least the chinois. Better to strain it cool, I am told. And while some don't use cheesecloth, I probably will. It is sold easily doubled, though I think I will double that. I am hoping for very clear liquid. I just like the idea, and think I can get it. I thought about dropping the kettle into the freezer. Yeah, no. Not until it is room temp and has been strained, just to get the fat off.
I am hoping to figure out my own rice soup recipe from what others suggest. My main concern is to not overcook the meat or vegetables. The meant might even just go in just long enough to be warmed. But the carrots, onions, and celery will need a bit to cook. I've just not made a soup before, so don't have a handle on volumes, various cooking times, and such. Wish me luck?
Later.
Awake later than planned.
.
.
I simply wanted to keep checking on the stock. An hour here, and there. Then two, then three hours? Something like that. Then, I decided with the last span, to pull the chicken, let it cool, part it out, putting the skin, fat, bones, and less desirable parts back in to the simmering pot. I have three batches of chicken meat that will easily make some major production each. The pot simmers on. I will probably wake somewhere between 6:00 and 10:00, most likely much closer to 8:00. As close as I get I will then turn the burner off, add the lid, then let it cool for several hours... probably until I am awake properly. Then I portion out the stock, saving out enough for a good chicken and rice meal. Yes, the other two batches have been stored and are now in the freezer. I may put the remnants back to reduce, then get the soup going. I will need some unreduced stock in which to cook the rice. It won't be fancy, and no noodles, but it should do fine.
My neck is cramped. I have been awake too long. Perhaps a bottle of setlzer water, a few painpills, and then sack time. I am a bit amazed at what I have done, given my conditions. I am going to try to do something tomorrow I have been meaning to do for quite some time. Not sure if I will succeed. Tonight's deeds are not a guarantor. Actually, if anything, just the opposite. I may have pulled some neck muscles and drained all gumption. Still, I don't give up on hope for a particular effort until the ship has sailed long enough that a return wouldn't be possible based purely on fuel capacity versus consumption. *blink blink*
Good night.
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