Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Well...

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Some purchases for spring arrived.  Instead of ground spikes I went with tripod mounted sprinklers.  The spikes kept breaking and bending.  The downside was that, as they are, I had to purchase three way fittings.  Otherwise the hoses attach, but end.  It's a workaround, not sure if it even will work, or as I hope.  Three were purchased.  Earlier this winter, or last fall, I bought a wheeled hose reel.  I still haven't gotten that put together.  It should, with these, make watering the lawn a bit easier.  I did fine steel ground spikes for the hose, with through spots.  I haven't ordered those.  I may order some of those, even if these work, for certain areas.  It is insane how complex getting water here, or there, and exactly, can be.  A shrub, tree, rise, or other obstacle can really throw things.

Oh, from a dream some not so long ago, I found an alarm clock that can be set to 24 hours, doesn't have a nightlight unless the snooze is depressed, and has all the things I wanted.  It even has a radio receiver so as to set up automatically... with the Colorado (?is it?) nuclear time lab signal.  It even has automatic daylight savings time and a way to adjust the hour, over that, for travel!  The black and white versions were $25.95, the blue was $19.95(?9?).  I... think blue is wonderful!  :)  I bought two, just in case.  The first one is set up and going.  Oh, also has temperature, humidity, and a comfort zone thing.  Battery operated, so not a shtf thing.  But, for now, it will do.  Now I can get that stupid nightlight alarm out of my bedroom.  I like it dark.

I best get a few dishes done, so that I can shower and be ready for company.  Or... at least have the dishes done.  Later.

Hungry.

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That might not be strange to most of you.  At one time it was a normal thing for me as well.  For the last six months, though sometimes before that when I was more ill, hunger was a more normal event, phenomena, experience?  Something.  Though it has not been a normal part of my everyday life, pretty much ever.  Can't tell by looking?  Ha, maybe.  The sensation has become even less prevalent as I experimented with keto (high fat, low carbs - generic).

When I woke today, hunger was a part of what rousted me.  It isn't just a little hunger, it's a large demand.  It is the type of hunger that makes one feel as if their stomach will eat them whole if it isn't fed.  Actually, I am getting a stomach fluid build up which will become a problem shortly.  All good, I'll tend it with something or other.  Still, it is unusual.

I have a visitor stopping by this afternoon.  My sleep has been somewhat irregular lately.  Highly off, actually.  Five to ten hours off standard is, has become, almost the norm.  The cold, rain, and such.  Now the sun seems to be popping out from time to time.  Eating is a bit off.  Medicine has been a bit off.  One feeds the next, this day even more literally.  Still, I think I'll be able to be awake for the visit.

A bit of a dream this morning.  Not so much a near consideration, just some thoughts on something.  In the dream my mother died.  I had to decide some things.  Whether to go, and if I went, whether to attend the funeral.  I decided immediately that I would return home.  As to attending the funeral, that... was a whole other subject.  In the dream I kept my notions to myself.  No reason to cause a fuss for others that would distract from their grieving.  Well, and only bring outside, and more, hassle down on my head as I was thinking.

In the end I decided not to attend the funeral.  It has been a long time since I have felt such pain.  I didn't know how I might react.  I didn't know most who would be there, either.  I know my mother would prefer me to attend.  I know that.  I also know that she hasn't always gotten what she wanted from me.  Why change a good pattern?  We have always had to work things out in our own ways, and on our own.  Sometimes, as with social interactions, she allowed.  Other things she spared no expense of various natures attempting to change my ways.  Success, in either case, was never guaranteed.  No, at least in the dream, I went to the viewing, alone.  Then I went to her grave several times before heading home, but alone.  Still stings.  Some dreams, and eventualities, simply have to hurt.

Yeah, but first, something to eat, a bit of tea, time to wake, a shower...  All good.  It was probably morning when I started this, if I had several starts and stops.  Just... jumpy this spring, in more ways than one.  Good day in any case.

No juicer.

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After more research, I decided to not do more than put a juicer on a maybe list.  Problems?  For green juice, the expensive line really is needed.  I need to stay away from fruits, for the most part, including juice.  If I could lower my blood sugar, then fruits might make a small addition back to my diet.  Until then, not so much.  As well, fresh vegetables are required.  I don't shop often enough.  Both the vegetables and juice, have a rather limited shelf-life.  While veggies, if tended, last well enough in the store, in the fridge not so much.  Especially when raw or juice applications are intended.  IF I get to gardening, and can have greens coming in regularly, there is that.  Of course, wheatgrass is inexpensive to produce, but it also tastes like ass.  A mix of things, sure, but... not all that tight of greens all the time.  Lemons, a few others items, perhaps berries...  It's not so much food as it is medicine?  Sort of.

Still, it's on the possibilities list.  I honestly think it would help me a great deal, especially with potassium, but also with many other nutrients.  I think the least expensive machine I saw, with the real potential I am wanting, was about $256.  Not horrible, but... that's a lot of spreed, green, dough.  On the other hand, it will make nut butters, and do other things.  It's not a complete one-use tool.  There are a stainless, and other, handcrank tools.  But at an ounce a minute...  The top of the line one is about $132, though one was listed at $115... or such.  Just... not sure I want to goof with that, by hand, that often.  Good, possibly, for prep.  IF juicing actually takes off.

Oh, right.  I'll try to get a few things done tonight.  I am really having trouble with lift-off this time.  I'll have to push, pull, or... something.  Perhaps I am too stuck on watching Dexter, finishing Dante's Comedies, and such.  I can... dive hard.  And when it's dark and cool, I can simply get lost in a few things.  I'll... keep at it.  Good da... night.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Veggies?

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Well, yes.  I need to eat more.  And, I have learned to enjoy them, to a degree.  The problem is, was, and will remain, that eating veggies is difficult.  To be honest, eating, all told, isn't the easiest thing.  I love steaks, and meats in general.  Some cuts more than others.  But often I can't eat.  What I eat just sits there.  I have been looking into general solutions.  In doing so, I may have found a solution for vegetables in particular.  Using a juicer might be the ticket.

Getting rid of the pulp, at least sometimes, is one way of getting the benefits without the chewing, mass, and rest.  I can't see that working with meats, but getting that stuff in, in the volume I need it, might allow the digestion of the meats to be easier.  As well, it will simply remove some large portion of the bulk.  And, as my meat consumption lowers naturally on keto... it could all work out.

Now, the juicer itself?  There are off-the-shelf models down into the $40's-$150's, then slow-speed machines that are supposed to be better in the $300-$500 (and more) range.  Initially, I just can't see putting out the spread for the higher range.  If I find one, try it, and end up using it, sure.  Kale, and mostly green leafy, with lemon and maybe berries as a treat from time to time, is the way I would want to go.  I would be willing to shovel it in, in that form.  I'm already a heavy drinker, this might help me cut some tea and water out.  Nutritious and thicker, there might be both nutrition and bio-mechanical advantages to such juice.

Finding which one in the lower bracket is difficult.  Even when people compare them side by side, they still say they are "all the best" somehow.  I'd like to find one that can do wheatgrass, as a special add from time to time.  Oh, and this would really add to wormfood and composting in the beginning.  I keep looking.  This month, next, sometime soon.  I might now a specialty shop... nah...  Specialty shops are sellers, not experts.  No longer, if you ever could, do you go to these places and get anything but a sell push by people who don't know.  Sell, sell, sell!  Bleh.

I'll continue looking.  I have my one on a mid-level, lower-level, unit.  Smaller, easier to clean, decent volume.  The only downside is a single year warranty.  I haven't been able to find anything about wheatgrass with it.  Though I'm not really seeing that regarding many of the newer crops of either level, really.  As nasty as people say it is, I wouldn't do it all that often.  But I wouldn't mind keeping a small crop of it on hand and feeding it in every second or third green meal.

Later.

Getting back on track.

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Restarting medicine seems to have helped with the headache issue.  Though there may have been more to it than just that.  Flipping the mattress, and some pillow issues, were a part of it.  With the mattress, all that can be done is getting used to it.  New pillows and starting medicine again were active solutions, if they take time as well.  The headaches, while persistent, were mild thankfully.  I can get used to migraines, I simply prefer not to need to do so.  I am finished with headaches, I think.  Amazing, it's been nearly a year since messing with those.

I didn't place the call yesterday.  I will today.  I didn't do much else, either.  Why?  I just... couldn't.  I lost track.  It is dark and cool, that can kick my legs out from under me.  I keep reviewing information on gardening, tree herding, composting, and worm farming.  Yeah, I know.  I am thinking that, in the long term, worm wrangling is probably superior to composting.  It's a lot to take in.  Especially with my budget still being small to the point of only being able to do just so much.  Even rhubarb and asparagus starts can be a tidy dollar.  Add in wood, screws, soil or mixes for that, and... well...  Still, I am enjoying looking.

The priority that way, this spring, is a raised bed for berry bushes, if that is doable then a raised bed for both asparagus and rhubarb, and soil.  And, last, if possible, enough wood and soil mix for raised beds out front, for flowers, or attractive edibles of some sort.  This fall, perhaps a few more boxes, of the square variety, and soil.  Cover crop at that point?  As well, perhaps several fruit trees.  Oh, well, and on the inside?  Houseplants.  Yes, yes indeed.  Going green, if in my own way.

Yes, I would like to dig in, literally and figuratively.  Even if it all fails?  Okay.  Then I start again, when I can.  Or it is here for whoever might take over.  A gift.  To be remembered, even in this way, while seemingly small, is actually not a bad thing.  Why say a blessing over food if it isn't a vital, personal, and true gift?

I will, sometime, be making rounds to various nurseries and garden/farm supply stores.  Chatting them up, figuring things out, and such.  And, if things go well, and I begin planting, pruning, playing in the dirt, and all?  I may begin considering chickens.  If I can keep up.  I won't step up to that level unless all else goes well.  I have it from an e-neighbor that chickens can be a part of the compost process.  Both with their poop, but also with their clawing, pecking, digging.  I am watching the progress on that as closely as I can.

I am enjoying exploring the world of the home garden.  I have several books, from David the Good, to read.  I have a few other resources to examine.  I have time, the will, and energy is slowly returning.  If I have to eat veggies, it is nice to... have some idea about them.  If, truth be told, much as with raising a family... most of that is truly beyond us.  Still, to play our humble part in it, as with a family, is... beginning to understand God's motives, and methods, if... much more humbly.

Then again, with God?  Is He perfect?  If so, is the saying that to govern best is to govern least true?  If both of those are true, than how can He be doubted?  Not that He isn't governing.  He did that in the planning, implementation, even if we can't see that, no matter how tall, strong, smart, or wise.  Yes, while we have to throw our weight at things, and pray, it... offers us insight.  Sometimes it is in working with our hands that true contemplation may occur.  So... I wish to get to praying with my hands, in this new way.  And eating good as a reward.  Odd how those things go together.

Later.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Good morning?

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Actually, yes.  Barely.  Had to check to make sure.  First, I just woke, or... a bit ago, close enough that my mind still isn't ticking.  Add that it is cold, dark, and raining.  All of which induce the mind, or my mind, to inactivity.  As well, I was much more active yesterday that the recent norm.  Then, last night when I got out for some shopping, I replaced a few pillows.  Yeah, I... am not good with pillows.  In any case, new is good it seems.  I didn't check or compare or... I grabbed the cheapest darned pillows on the rack and ran.  You know what?  Better.  Better than the pricier ones I went with last time, much better than down pillows I have spent fortunes on in the past.  Don't trust women, they seem to lead you astray and spend money for nothing for no good reason, if you let them.  I can replace these every six months if need be, having spent less on the lot than I did on the more expensive pillows, per pillow.  As to down?  Way way overpriced.  I've not really had one last for long.  They don't.  And at $80~$100 per?  No...  Maybe it's my great big fat giant head?  :p  This world really isn't made for us.

Awake, though.  I will make a business call, and perhaps set up an appointment.  Then dishes and laundry will go forward.  As well as some cleaning in the kitchen.  I did get the trash, and uselessly the recycling, out.  It seems not to be recycling day.  Oh well.  At least that isn't full.  Trash was, good that I got it out.  So I'll bring the bins back.  The next time I am in town I will be doing square foot price comparisons for building raised beds.  I should figure out, roughly but good enough plus extra, how many square foot I am considering.  Oh, well, and I will need a bit more lumber to construct supports for the berries.  And wire, plus several tensioners.  If it is reasonable enough, I would like to create raised beds for the berries, rhubarb, flower beds up front, and maybe or maybe not the asparagus.  I just... don't want or need everything raised.  Perhaps the flower beds, berries, and a couple of four by four foot boxes out back?  Dunno, thinking.  Depends on cost.

And, one other thing... for sure.  Indoor plants.  I can't really afford to go hog crazy.  But, say, three or four indoor plants?  Certain types will spread like wildfire.  And, in time, I can gather clippings and start a whole jungle, if that is what I want... up to what I can handle.  Spider, pathos, english ivy, all seem easier and more productive, so could create an indoor jungle in short order.  And I would like to obtain aloe vera for several reasons.  It might or might not produce well enough to add extra plants as well.  I like the clean of green.  These plants help keep the home, lungs, and mind in order, and aloe vera is very good for many uses.

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Hmm? Oh, a bit of this and that.

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A neighbor has raspberries, I think.  Well, it's one sort of berry bush.  I decided to ask, as spring is nearing, if he had suckers he might want to be rid of, that I might have.  I received a positive on that.  I am hoping to hold off planting them until the middle to end of next month.  Though if they want them out sooner, there might be a way to work around that too.  Oh, I should have let him know I would gladly do the mechanical removal.  I am hoping to create a raised bed for that, along my closest fence line.  Perhaps 10~12 inches high, 2 feet wide, and perhaps fifteen to twenty feet long.  We'll see, but... it's an idea... plan.

As well?  Rhubarb, finally, and asparagus.  I will check locally and online, in the shorter term.  I don't think I'll do raised beds for either of these.  Though I might consider raised beds, and perennials, out front.  Or that's a theory.  That wouldn't be a prime notion, just... if as I build the other raised bed, if the price and fuss seems reasonable, I might just do a bit more.  Lily of the valley, on one side, perhaps something attractively edible on the other.

Always something.

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More so as I think I am coming back around to health.  Food ideas, projects, and just... notions.

I like the meatzza, hamburger pizzas, I was making.  Initially I absolutely loved them.  Easy to make, easy to eat, store, reheat.  Which is good.  However I overate the exact same recipe.  I started looked for other recipes, then ran into the potassium crash.  I haven't been working on keto as it took a bit to get back to medicine, and I haven't been extremely regular since.  Even with the minor fails, I am back, mostly, on medicine, including potassium.  Being satisfied with that, I think it is time to begin eating keto... especially with the addition of potassium and greens, and a bit more of an allowance for carbs.  This recipe looks like a good start.

The thing, I found, with keto, is... well, the problems are multi-fold.  If I try to eat really simple recipes, I burn out.  If I make them really complex, I have a greater chance of overeating.  As well, with a bad heart, and taking a water pill, along with serious type 2 diabetes, I really have thin margins for mistakes.  Will I ever have it down just right?  Is that even possible?  Even with insulin it was actually worse.  Still, I have learned a great deal.  And I am about to hit it again.  First keto, for several weeks.  Then simply, perhaps occasional, daily intermittent fasting (say ever second or third day), then, if I can keep that balanced and keep potassium on track and blood sugars down, then expanding fasting to daily plus the three day fasts once a week.  With potassium, and some other supplements, coming in, I am hoping to keep it going this time.

Even now, the keto strips I use, indicate I am in first stage ketosis.  My weight was up to 271, but much of that, and obviously, was water (missing medicine off and on).  I would call it, actually, more like 260~265.  It sure beats the 290 I had started at.  I haven't checked blood sugar or blood pressure in a while.  And I need to set up an appointment with my doc, but not until mid-May or early April, money still being... a strain.  Especially after buying a ton of meats this month.  Ugh...  I know, but it's as good as I can do.

Oh, and... berries.  Black, raspberry?  Fruit trees?  Rhubarb, asparagus?  I'm... sure thinking on these things.  Yeah, really.  But... money, time, effort, knowledge, or just plug, play, and pray?  Yea.  Maybe.

After a couple of weeks of going back to keto, full time, I'll begin checking things more regularly.  One more load of donuts?  Two?  Maybe.  It's... like smoking sugar!  :p  Later.

I'm doing my best.

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I washed two blankets and the bedspread twice.  Once with soap and vinegar, once just with vinegar.  I didn't have baking powder/soda on hand to mix with it.  It still smells a bit off, from being left in the dryer a bit damp for too long.  Gah!  I am drying the pieces now.  I see why they were damp.  I tried to dry them all together.  By weight, they should have been dried.  But by volume not so much.  Which is why I am drying them individually at this point, after trying several shots at drying them together even today.  Well, I'll learn, maybe.

After that a shower.  Oh those are wonderful if they have been being skipped a bit.  I am simply off my game.  I did set medicine up last night, but to be started today.  Which... I will do shortly.  Blasted darkness and confusion.  More because it was so warm for a while earlier already.  There is just something about winter giving in to spring only to renege.  Though it really is still spring weather, it's not... well, plants do it too, when suckered into sprouting only to hit frost again.  People, nephilim maybe, are plants?  Could BE!

Oh, and I did, after showering, get dishes in for a hot sudsy soak.  Shouldn't have needed that, if I had simply rinsed, dried, and put them up last time.  Yeah.  Still, it is what it is.  Oh, and I washed the toilet before showering.  Yeah, bits and pieces, more and more.  I am hoping to get back to things this week.  I hate housework.  And I'm not good at it.  Still, it's no one, paid help, or me.  I don't have the money at the moment.  Though I really would like to check into that.  Even just someone to keep the kitchen, or kitchen and bathroom if she is good at it.  I might even save up for a major cleaning this fall?  Early winter?  Something.  If I really do get the lawn tractor and a few adds this spring, and a snow blower this fall...  Just... thinking.  Next time I am in town I will track down the various options and see about this and that.

Headache.  It's from hit and miss on medicine.  Then again, I haven't had a headache for... ages.  I remember when I was go through those quite often.  Twice weekly, sometimes migraine level.  I don't want to get back to that, so I'll... stick to my meds a bit more surely.  Good afternoon.

Yeah, another day.

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What was the saying?  Another day, another dollar?  Where is my dollar?  Hmm, then again, while in full youth, I thought the saying was super, as I have aged, I realize... even you you got a dollar a day, someone else will get most of if, or even all of it.  That is, if you are lucky.  If you aren't "lucky", you will owe more than you get.  I heard, if I have some doubts, that people who are dying are dragging and average (in the US) of ~$63k debt into the grave with them.  That's... not bound to end up good.  Even with a rigged system, central planning, and all else they have in the works to make everything seem good.

I sort of think about it as them building strong windows and barring the doors, trying to hide the fact that people are living underwater.  Only, how strong are those windows, how watertight and well secured are the doors and other exits?  How deep can the dwelling be underwater before it becomes absolutely obvious that there is a huge problem.  It won't be reparable, it's already too late.

Who has enough supplies, and wits, to make it to the surface when it all fails?  Even those who have supplies, or wits, even both... they won't all make it.  Although it will be much harder on the solid middle and upper classes.  The poor and lower middle class are used to having to stretch what seems like nothing.  Often living in a pseudo criminal style as is.  Sure, the upper classes live a criminal style too, but a white-collar, even union-developed one, that seems legal on the surface and none really dig because they are all in on it now.  The upper classes aren't used to having to get their hands dirty, literally or figuratively.  Harsh reality, but one of their own making.

I can't say it's always been that way.  I suspect there have been better and worse times.  Once the government was seen, and made to be, a tool against justice, through size, graft, etc, and government became large, the gig was up.  It's how it always goes.  The intent, of government, bureaucrats, has always been making well off nothing, and taking bribes on top of it.  It's why it's wise to keep them small.  They'll still rob you, there just won't be as many thieves.

Oh, whatever.  Today is a new day.  I'll get a shower in, get the trash out, and wash a few blankets again.  I forgot them in the dryer, if I thought they should be dried.  Nope, a bit moldy smelling.  Not sure I can fix that, but I'll give it a shot yet today.  As well, perhaps hit the dishes.

Oh, I found several saint medals.  The writing is so small.  I will be looking for a magnifying glass.  One, I am pretty sure, is of Mother Mary.  The other one I can't be sure.  I have one of St. Michael.  I am not sure if these are to be worn alone, or what the... etiquette is.  I will, most likely, need to research the second medal.  At one time I would have been a bit squeamish about wearing a medal of Mother Mary.  That has changed.  I have, in the last five years (?or so?) come to a good relationship with her.  Not long after I... learned to love my earthly mother, or better.  Go figure?  *smile*

A few things for the day.  Good day and Blessings.  If you go to church, always feel free to include me in your concerns... hopefully just as a scruff.  If you feel I am doing you wrong, feel free to talk to me first.  If you want to pray for me to be more holy, or come to holiness at all?  Be my guest?  I'll join you if you happen to stop by.  I'll never be sharp enough.  Uhrm?  Oh, ah.  Amen!

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Oh, right, the news.

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I am beginning to believe, in spite of his public support, Trump meant to keep zerocare in operation.  Why?  For the reason I have suggested, he stated, and because there wasn't another option.  Was ryancare really a loss?  I don't think Trump was in on it.  He was just letting that thing handle itself.  Wouldn't surprise me if he soothed ruffled feathers for the nays in the background.  He really never did say he would end zerocare.  However, he knows he was elected, in part, to do that very thing.  The problem?  Dems are holding out and Republicans are split.  It's not... doable.  Not yet.  Zerocare has to burn before something can be done.  And... it will.  Ryancare simply wasn't tenable.  And it's a damned good thing enough Republicans realized it.  If too, many who voted for it, or would have, did so (mostly) because they were sure it would not pass.  Dog and pony show, much of D.C., as with Hollywood, is just that.

Now, what will congress and Trump do?  Probably not much.  Every big government program they truly cut ends up cutting off some of their revenues... personal and "social".  Billionaires and senators, perhaps less so representatives, don't have friends.  All they do it balance assets and allies so as to accrue the most.  There is some hope that Trump is nominally more allied with Americans and American business interests than has been the case.  Even Republicans are not pro-American anymore.  They really can make more from foreign alliances.  Trump?  We'll see.

The border wall seems to be moving forward.  Could it go faster?  You know, I don't think so.  It takes a while to create the criteria wanted for the wall.  What is really needed to complicate passage.  Then allowing construction companies to review, design, price, and build a sample?  That takes time too.  Especially when bureaucrats and even elected and some appointed officials are dragging their feet.  This is as fast as could be expected.

A wall won't be enough, alone.  But it will stop mass transport.  Foot traffic, through some of those areas, isn't actually possible.  People who try often die.  Still, that is a choice.  It is no different than if some of them try to swim around and drown or get attacked by sharks or other creatures.  It is a risk born of choice.  Not our monkey.  Still, I am hoping there will be heavy patrols and very easy ROE options.  A thrown rock?  A bullet back.  Escalate?  Call in state and national guard.

Of course, it looks like Republicans are not playing well with Trump or our wishes.  That has to be sorted.  Do we want to cut off our nose to spite our face?  Well, yeah, actually.  If need be.  There is some level of negotiation.  But if a, or a group of, congressmen isn't going to play ball, force them out.  I promise, while it might hurt in the short term, it is much better to have Republicans who play like they are with us than to never know what the brand means.  Clear and clean.  If we are going to lose, best to lose honestly than to have their team playing in our colors.

Busy, busy, busy, and yet not much more, of any importance or longevity beyond the next president with a pen, has been done.  Even the wall isn't much without changes in law, fixing the judiciary, and some other things.  Then again, with a president who doesn't uphold the law, there is some limit to changing any law.  With nearly half of the people willing to vote for a criminal, where does Christ have a place?  Right?  This isn't His kingdom, but it can't be completely let go?

Later.

Yes, yes, I'm awake.

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Another dark morning.  Cool.  It is raining.  It's a good day.  I keep falling off medicine.  It's the dark and cool.  I'll get back on it.

Last night I finished the last of the fresh seafood.  The oysters they shucked were larger, better for stews and soup.  The crab was cleaned, so easily just heated and then eaten.  I heated it slowly in the oven.  Aluminum foil and a higher walled sheet pan made that easy and makes cleanup simple.  Some use the broiler for that.  I just don't always like the exact timing for that.  Especially when I am doing other parts of the meal at the same time.  A few ticks too long and you can mess up delicate meats.

I am hoping things warm a bit, and lighten a bit, so I can straighten medicine out and begin tearing into the house.  I am nearly finished with dishes, and back into laundry.  I am running on fumes, though, because of the weather and medicine being problematic.  If it happens, it might happen in a hurry.  I finally have a paper shredder to tear through a lot of mail and other material.  And the weather is getting about right so that when money is good a large bin can be brought in.  As I said though, I want to have some, say half, of what is to go sacked or boxed and ready to go.  That will both make the first load or two easy, and help me gauge how much I am looking at, how long I'll need the bin, and set me up... sort of prime the process.

As well?  Hmm...  I have been thinking.  I have been looking for a lawn tractor which can pull a hauler, add a snowblower, and maybe some other things.  While I can shovel, I can't always shovel in short order.  Life seems to push really hard at times.  Now, if I have the time or am in no rush, I can still shovel.  If not, or if I wish to keep the frontage area clear, this would help.  Of course, there is mowing too.  I might even be able to make a deal on that.  At least when I fail.  Though this might make mowing much more... possible.  The thing is, I'll need to buy things in parts.  I won't buy a snowblower until fall, for example.  Though, up front, perhaps that or a less expensive mower, plus a hauler.

More?  Yeah.  I... am beginning to rethink gardening.  I can't do open spaces.  However, what about square foot, or similar?  Raised beds, drip water, and a few other things that would make weed and other problems less difficult?  I REALLY want to garden.  As to watering, I may even attempt to dig a channel for the delivery hose.  A lot of work.  If I can, perhaps find someone who can.  I can't seem to get a clear idea of the frost depth.  I have seen several seeming numbers, from 12 to 21, maybe 38 inches?  I just can't quite get it.

I know, I know.  Promises, promises.  And, yet... Maybe.  Oh, and I have been reviewing various lawn sprinklers.  I really want to keep up on some of this, or catch up on some of it... something in there.  Next time I am in town, I may look for grass seed as well.  A lot of it.  Later.

Friday, March 24, 2017

Winged principalities?

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A dream, a potent one.  Perhaps just for me.

In the dream I was a great dragon, a winged, legged, serpent.  Green of color, a titan among my kind.  Only three others, of different colors, could call me peer.  I had moved to the old West, since my West, the people of it, in the Americas, had lost much of it's, their, soul.  I, a creature of chaos, had not built them up, only bringing internecine war until a time when the peoples who could unite did so, then arrived in force.  Neither, in those days, did I care.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Oyster shucking.

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The fish and all arrived today.  One portion of fish had to be cut to bag in portions.  Two other sorts of fish were already in serving, or smaller, sizes.  All had to be separated into serving sizes and put into 'sandwich bags', then each type was put into their own bigger gallon bags.  Double bagging works better, if it's still a bit limited.

I ordered several dozen oyster.  It will end up being more than I can eat.  I would love to share it but I... living in the interior, in farm country, and rural to boot, means not many have a taste for seafood.  I'll eat what I can and the rest?  I'll see if it freezes.  If so, I may do that.  I just... have my doubts.  Lemon and oyster is good enough.

Of course, even with a good bit of cleaning before, during, and after the process, the place has a fish shack smell.  That is part of the price of admission.  Well worth it, since it will be short-lived and just once in a while.  I have never shucked oyster before.  I have eaten them, and liked them.  I did well enough.  No puncture wounds, and I got most of the sand and grit out.  I'll probably do one last batch for eating raw, on the half shell.  Before I do that, I'll put a bit of cocktail sauce together.  Mixing it up, lemon on the side first, shrimp cocktail sauce next, may make consumption a bit easier.  It's been so long since seafood was a very regular part of my diet that... it's a bit of a test.  At one time, if I could afford it, five dozen was doable.  A bit of a stretch.  Now a couple two dozen may be it.  Three dozen?  I just don't think so.  And it goes bad so fast.

I probably overdid on food.  But, for a bit, I wasn't sure, and went without much.  I may be overcompensating.  Oh well, it'll do.  Good night.

About the fish I wasn't going to order?

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Right.  About that.  I placed fish and oyster into the shopping cart.  I followed through as far as it went.  I guess I misunderstood something.  You see, I kept waiting for a credit card box to show up.  It never did.  So I kept going until the process... ended?  Yes.  I didn't have the feeling that I had ordered.  In fact I had.  I got a call a bit later and... something happened on the line.  Anyway, I got a call a bit later, again, and?  Well, this time I was asked for my card.

Now, while I... wasn't sure it was right, I went ahead with it.  Why?  A, I had ordered, even if somewhat accidentally.  B, fish sounds good.  C, it really is a good price, for fresh US (or otherwise trusted source) fish.  I'll be a little more careful next time.  Still, that is enough fish for, say, twice a week for three months?  Give or take.  I really do enjoy fish.  If Utah has one flaw it is that it is inland.  However, I think there is always a trade-off.  Basically Utah has most things.  Though, politically, it has started slipping.  It is in a slow slide to cuked-conservativism and liberalism.  I am not sure it can save itself.  It is heading the way of Iowa when I left it.  Yeah, that's... a hint.

Sole, cod, red snapper, shucked oyster and lived oyster (want to try their stuff on the half-shell), and a few other things.  How good?  Time will tell.  Oh, and I think it will be here today or tomorrow.  If this works out, and I like what I get, I'll place an order every few months.  Some things are way beyond my reach, or ethical allowance.  Good food is one thing, luxury is another.  A single king crab, for example, is 16 times more than I would consider paying per pound... or was it 28 times?  Or more?  And that isn't even per pound of meat.  That is shell weight too.  I just... won't go there.  Luxury, for me, is $10~$15 a pound.  That is steak, pistachios, and such.  While I may be going to steaks much more often, I will, in time, be eating less of it.  Rather than a pound and more per, I'll be eating half of that, as fat becomes the energy source.

Anyway...  I best check on the hog.  I should be ready for it next month, for sure.  I love pork.  It is a different meat from when I was young, but in a good way.  Mostly.  It certainly isn't as strong as it was.  Not as fatty.  Both a good and strange thing.  It used to be so dearly rich, too rich.  Though now it is mild.  Which is good most of the time.  Just, sometimes... nostalgia beckons and cannot be answered.  Still, it is a wonderful food to have on hand.  And, if you fry it in old-school lard, you can... cover some of the memory.  Yeah, yeah.  I best check on it.  Pork chops and ribeye, with hamburger on the side, will become my main foods.  Greens, as much as I can keep up and on hand, as an add.  I need the potassium, and some other things, even with the pills.

I might make a taco salad, or something.  Take a shower.  Then get to the butcher shop.  I've... been testing their patience, if not intentionally.  Working with the holy half dead can test the patience of even mothers.  I was... good at that before I became better at it.  :p  Gah, though, I just can't seem to get going!  Later.

Whought?

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So dark this morning.  Again.  I thought it was later.  Actually I slept longer to sort of pout.  Have you ever pout slept?  You should try it sometime.  The thing is it wasn't nearly as late as I had thought.  It was later into 7:00 or early 8:00 when I woke, or finally got out of bed.  That may seem late, especially if you have to be up by 6:00 or something stupid.  Just remember, I don't have a schedule because I can't keep one.  And, the last few days I have been awake later, like 9:00 and 10:00, perhaps nearly an 11:00 in there?  So 8:00 is early.
Things to do, as soon as I can wake.  Ugh.  But first, waking.  Later.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

A tree down.

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A neighbor had a problem.  I suppose wind?  In any case, a tree dropped.  It was only, say, 30 or 40 feet, not heavily branched, and probably no more than ten inches, perhaps twelve, at it's thickest.  He had no chainsaw, or other saw.  He knew I did.  I am glad to have been called to work.  I'm not good with housework.  But work work I can and like to do.

I sawed it up rather quickly, without any troubles.  I saw where it would tip, sawed branches and the main to that point, then flipped it just right.  Cutting from then on was rather simple, if I had to be careful not to dive into the dirt.  Then I got to drive a loader for the first time.  No stick, anymore.  I even got to play with the scoop angle and height.  Yeah, that was worth the price of admission.

I'll admit, it wore me out, just a bit.  I haven't been doing much, as you may well know.  So this sort of effort was a bit of a push.  All good.  I really enjoy those sort of things.  Yap.  I may not be a working man, but the notion is there.  I would if I could.  Better?  Work as an engineer part time, r&d part time, and construction part time.  Yeah... that would be the thing.  Some parts of the year more one type than the other parts of the year.  If I was healthy it would be a partial plan.

Now, to figure out something for supper.  Good evening.

Good, the phone rings through.

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Well, on one of the jacks.  I asked about extensions, to create jacks where I want them.  All good, should work with the main line being good.  It ended up that the line to the house had to be restrung.  But, then, somehow, the line higher up on the pole got damage, or was damaged and ended up needing fixed.  He couldn't reach it, needed a bucket crew.  The line is set for when the bury crew arrives.  Murder lot of work.  Oh, as well, the whole box had to be rewired.  Yeah.  Looked fun.  But it is working.

After getting the good news and ensuring the line was live, I asked if he liked ribeye.  Yeah, he said.  Got a wife, I asked.  Yeah.  Shouldn't have asked said I.  Still, I sent him with a few steaks.  I might be a grumpy cuss, but I can be grateful too.  Get out today?  I'm... not quite up to it.  I will be tomorrow.  It's as good as I can do.  I might try to do a few dishes, and have the tub clear and ready for a shower, maybe tonight, definitely tomorrow either way.  Love showers.

It's still so dark.  It's just... difficult.  Something I did earlier was look for another fish shop.  I found one that looked good.  I actually called the shop.  Mostly US, with some British Columbia sourcing.  No packaging in China, no product from China, and the prices... are a bit better.  Shipping is a bit higher, but the prices make up for it.  I'll be ordering from them.  Today?  I had thought so, but then I became a bit nervous.  Next month.  I have added them to my blog roll.  I sure hope they work out.  It will mean the difference between four fish meals a month and four fish meals every four months.  Yeah, I like fish, from time to time.

I did speak with the guy at the meat department about it.  I told him I simply can't trust even packing in China.  There is too great of a risk of them adding in their fish, or contaminating even that process.  China, simply, about some things, cannot be trusted.  I wish they would listen to their shoppers.  And care about their health.  The risk is not worth the price savings.  But, it's corporate, and they don't care about some guy who works or shops at one of their places.  I guess enough people are willing to pay less for less.  Crazy thing is, other than the shipping, the US prices are no worse, for the most part.  Perhaps they can't get it in the bulk they need.  Which makes China business even more risky, to my mind.  It means they are definitely filling in with their fish when supplies or prices are high.  Not worth the risk.  I'll do some investigating about salmon.  Not my favorite fish, though the neighbor lady has taught me that it can be quite good if done right, if it's truly Alaskan, and processed in the US (and, I suppose, Vegas IS mostly the US), I would consider that fish.  Even the higher cost wild-caught from time to time.  Buggers, but getting good food is complicated these days.

Well... I'm... getting some things going.  More soon.  Still a bit cooked for various reasons, but I'll keep at it.  Good day.

Ah, that is the problem.

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I didn't realize the phone line didn't come in with the power line.  You don't know many things until... well, until you do!  Now I do.  As well as the phone line coming in from another, different, pole system, mine was down altogether.  So... that would be an automatic problem.  The phoneman is going to hook it up, for now, but call in for the line to be buried.  It comes through a rough area, where branches fall often, and larger branches.  So they will just bury it.  It sounds smart to me.  I always worry about water and such, in this area.  Though that might not be an issue here for a long time.  All good.

I'll check the phone from time to time, as he is working.  When this is done, and my mother obtains a phone of her own, I can kick cellphone service.  If I ever need a phone, I'll buy one of those card-Walmart (or other) phones, get a card and charge it, then destroy it when I am finished with it.  Long travel, and some other things, might make that advisable.  The nice thing is, with a sledgehammer and a few minutes, it is securely disposable.  And it can be charged, and kept in a small faraday cage until needed or disposal.  I hope cell companies go bankrupt for the anti-Americanism they have helped precipitate.  And the politicians and bureaucrats who worked that need to be go away.  It is too bad they won't be fired and denied their pension.  Just doing my job is not the right answer.  Though, who knows.  It might still happen.

This means, if I can keep at things, I might be able to pick up the meat and maybe get in for a bit of shopping as well.  If, today, is a key idea.  If, if, if.  All good, there is tomorrow.

Faster than anticipated.

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A call to the phone company.  Some trouble getting through, but I am motivated.  I hoped a tech would be by in a week or three.  Nope, today.  No idea when, however, so... again... I am stuck at home.  The fee is, usually, $75~$85 (couldn't make her out, both low volume plus English as a second language as well as disinterest).  Since this is a new line, the fee is being waived.  Or... I think that is what I heard.  Fine, fine, the savings in going to landline is worth the hassle.  And they are doing good, though in covering a mistake they shouldn't have made.  The installer should have contacted me and checked.  A good correction for a bad decision only receives a limited amount of gratitude.  Still, could have been much worse.

I hope it is done earlier though. I am several days late picking up the steaks.  It would be nice to get that today.  I did show up Saturday, but was off a day and thought it was Friday.  Yeah, I know.  When you are just at flipping over and losing a day, telling which day it is becomes difficult.  It may well have been Thursday when I called in the order and Friday when I went to bed.  See what I mean?  I do well at tracking the days, these days, but there are times which are more likely to end up in failure.  Flipping days are among the most difficult, as well as getting used to medicine.  Actually, I was running both scenarios.

Still dark.  My mind is a bit klutzy.  I am waking in the morning, and sleeping fairly well and right in the mid-evening.  I won't complain.  Oh, and it is a good cool feel.  Not cold and not hot at all.  Well, and I do like the dark, sometimes, more than not.  Until I need the sun.  Actually I think I can go either way, really needing the light or desperate for the dark... more the former these last few years... as I am awake more, and enjoy being awake more.  I suppose when the heat becomes too much, and the summer draws long, that darkness is more wanted.  Or any time I simply need more sleep.

I have been enjoying Dexter.  As I might have mentioned, if our causes and exact natures are not identical, there are... similarities.  His seems to be little, personal.  If I have a major darkness, it will be global in it's reach.  The funny thing is, as I have myself I would call him... monsters to monsters.  We are the things monsters fear, should they ever think about it.  Some of them would claim things like us, most monsters consider us... blasphemous, abominations, terrible horrors.  And, yet, those who we would serve in our darkness also consider us monsters.  There is no pleasing some people.  *grins*  Heck, there is, for some of us, no pleasing anyone.  Well, I think my Lord is... satisfied, understands, knows, and is grateful in His own way.  Not sure about those like Dexter.  Though given the givens, if there were such a one, I think... there might be room.  Heck, all I can do, even for myself, is hope.  Retired or not, and for now until then, I am what I am, if I was called.

Good day.