Sleep was fantastic.

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Work grants the finest sleep, unless I overeat of body or mind through it.  There are, that is, limits.  My limits are a bit more severe.  Still, I can get things done.  Not sure about tonight.  I would like to paint the dormers and lower windows.  Not sure that will happen.  While it is cooler, it seems as if it may have rained.  That mostly just made it humid.  As well, even with a good rest, my body is a bit worn.

Another dream... my last love, with me on a road trip.  Visiting relatives on my side.  Usually it isn't a problem, but this time they had other other company.  No room.  No worries.  We went looking for a place to stay.  A bit... excited to find a place.  Both of us feeling frisky.  The first place was full, some local event, but the deskman knew of a place.  Excited, not rushed.  A very fine time.  It was going to happen and be quite good.

I'll finish waking, do music and gaming, then see what I can get started, finished.

That was it.

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Watering was the last I could do.  A meal was made, then... drifting.  Sometimes that opens doors which opens other things.  So it was.

Troubles, as usual.

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The water timer is messed up.  Of course, tinkering while it is in play messes things up.  Getting valves to close when open, and the like, is tricky.  It should have a simple close switch, by valve, and an all close button.  Not well designed, too complicated, and I am beginning to think it doesn't work as claimed.  I'll know more shortly.  For tonight I will do it manually.

A storm passed through.  The paint needs two hours.  I think it got it.  I hope.  It wasn't much rain, enough to make everything look wet,not enough to water anything.  I am surprised we got any rain.  I don't expect it this time of year at all.  Even August doesn't get much rain.  Or, as I recall events.

One more run, after switching sprinkler locations in the front yard, and that is that.  Running all a bit longer because I think I failed to water last time.  Double time doesn't work well, but a little extra does help.  I'll see if Wednesday works as it should.  Had trouble getting things to work right.  Might tinker with it when it is day and I am not trying to make it work while it is running.  The time and day were off though.  Perhaps someone else was messing with it, or it doesn't work, as suggested.

Well...

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Showered and shaved, in that order as it turns out.  I used the single blade safety razor this and last time.  I think it actually works better and is easier on the face.  So what is the double blade razor good for?  Skill training and using machismo to get you over fear of such razors.  I can whip the single blade razor around like a pro, without a nick.

As to painting...  It was still 75ish F when I thought to go out, inside and outside.  And the wind was nasty.  Up I went.  I finished all but the dormer on th roof, first coats.  I just... I was done with the ladder and climbing for the night.  The last window should be easy.  As well, a second coat for the other windows up there while at it.  I am surprised I got through the more difficult windows.

I am hoping help arrives, for the final coat on the ladder required upper windows.  Doing half, with help with the ladder... cake.  The other windows are easy enough to solo.

Next, to get watering set up, check how or if certain arrangements work, tinker it to the best, or only viable, configuration.  After a rest.  The ladder is a transformer, extension to folding, up to 30 feet?  More?  Able to handle 350 pounds, extended, I think.  I weighed... more when I bought it.  It's a monster to move, especially when two thirds extended, in wind, with gusts.   A bit foolish but done.

A break, then back to things.  Ugh.  Later.

Up and about to shove through.

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A shower and shave first, opposite order.  Then to painting, right as fast as I can.  The goal is the window on the roof, two upper windows on the sides, and the last lower window.  I might run out of light, so I'll save the the roof window for last.  It is the only window I have access to power for the light(s).  Did I mention?  I found the bulbs for the lanterns.  Hmm, may have to buy (another, since the other longer one was stolen... expensive!) three prong extension cord, if 50 feet is about as long as they work for heavier applications... in my stretched at that price price range.  Or, last I looked.

As well, I want to set up automatic watering.  It will give me a while to see how well it works, then figure out arrangements, as to placements, so as to leave explicit instructions.  Less work, more frequent though.  If I get that, then maybe the bathroom and where else I left off.  I'd best get going.  Hot or not, I plan to push through.  Later.

No work.

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Couldn't.  Just... couldn't.  I had a good dinner.  Some of the best tomato meat sauce for spaghetti I've made in a long time.  The only thing missing was a few anchovies mashed in olive oil, them mixed into the sauce.  A very good dinner though.

It would be good, if risky, to paint.  Overcast, but sprinkling, at least a bit earlier.  Hold that cool for later!  I just can't.  Perhaps later.

Often I fear trying new songs.  Some just... don't do anything, but many annoy, in one to a hundred ways.  Still, sometimes, I take that chance.  Opening my heart to more beautiful wounds.  And, yet, the pain is all that is holding me together and upright.  It might as well be beautiful and honest.  As well, I have some tender wounds to share.

Good morning, day, and night, Bane, Desert Cat, darkfoam, and Jean.

More.

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Not much more, or yet.  I did get the last window sanded.  I am ready to paint at will.  I believe I will be hitting the unpainted windows first.  Thinking on things, I am beginning to suspect I will need an extra gallon.  Which is fine.  I ran out of light by the time I started, to do more.  Could I have started earlier?  By temp, probably.  Not by readiness. Which is part of why I am trying to beef up before I go to my mother's.  I want to be in better shape for there.  Though, with house ac, and regular food, even with humidity, it should be easier.  It doesn't hurt to get ready though.

Hmm? Oh, right.

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Such strange dreams, again.  As an analogy, imagine walking into an aviary at night, while all are asleep.  Mkay?  Then dropping your flashlight, both making noise and triggering from spot to daylight-like lantern mode.  Mkay?  The cacophony that could erupt?  That... you... I am causing, then sensing, a disturbance in the force.  At times, I infuriate women.  Other times it is men.  Sometimes it is both.  Sometimes I loose them, one sex, or even individual, upon the others.  I... don't do, with intent, I'll remind you, I just... do.  Or, at this time.  I really did this time.  I am receiving a flood of conflicting spots of dreams and thoughts.  I touched a nerve (bundle), or dozen, on every side.  War has been loosed.  You ought to see when I try.  The truth will set you free.

That's that.

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I did get everything in and put away.  I couldn't get back to it, even now.  Another problem, anyway, is that there was no bulb with the lamp I pulled out.  It says it is included. It wasn't.  I have several others. Not hopeful.  Simply to tired to do that now.  As fast as I was able to work, if I can get to it tomorrow, I will.  I might paint.  Sunday and all.  In my condition, if I can work I have to work.  My next opportunity is a great unknown.  I won't promise anything, just saying.

I finished to putting up two loads of laundry.  One more load is dry, another drying, then I'll handle those.  Then, maybe, dishes.  A shave, shower, and cleaning in the bathroom tonight yet?  Maybe.  Trash and recycling at least set to go tomorrow.  Yeah, maybe.  With a cooler day perhaps a cooler night, or cooler quicker?  One can hope.

I even called my mother for her new address.  She had that, but not her p.o. box.  A bit of phone tag, an easy short one this time.  Didn't work, but I know why.

Blood sugar was a few points over 200 earlier, even fasting today.  It is down to 144.  Fasting again tomorrow.  Out of most meats.  Don't want to replace until I get home.  Steaks are disappearing.  Might have to lock the freezer.  Drug zombies everywhere, if that might not be all.  I really don't want to, but spaghetti and meat sauce will do.  Not good for diabetes, but cheap and easy in the short run.  Well, I do have plenty of eggs.  If there is a limit on any one thing.  I am not close to it, with them, but could overdo in a hurry.

Later.

Two out of three.

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Windows, sanded, so far.  Tonight?  Maybe.  I am all set up for it.  Moving the ladder, alone, is a bear.  But holding onto the ladder with one hand, while using the grinder, stretched well out is pretty testing.  I thought about painting in place, as I finished grinding.  I didn't end up liking the idea for several reasons.

That was some nap.

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I don't think ten and an half hours count as a nap, actually.  I did set the alarm for two different times.  I knew I was going down hard, hoped I could manage.  Nope.  A beautiful sleep though.  I must have needed it... heat build up.  If I have a good idea about why else I couldn't wake.  A weak front moved in, it is overcast.

That last means it is cooler today.  It is 82, for now.  A good temp to work in, especially with the sun partly blocked.  I just hope it holds, so I have time to wake, and find my painting shirts.  I can't, always, usually, just pop out of bed and hit it.  I suppose I could more often, even today, but until wires are attached correctly I have a high probability of little and or big mistakes which lead to more work or injury.

I... am not sure.  Painting or paint removal first?  Hmm...  I think paint removal.  Why?  I can paint almost any time, to later in the night than removal anyway.  It isn't loud.  Paint removal is extremely noisesome, and needs better light.  I have three windows left to strip, all high up, each requiring two different ladder placements.  That doesn't sound too bad, until you count in all involved, two different tools up and down, and balancing while working.  I really ought to consider scaffolding... nah.  Putting those up is a lot of work.  If I was going to work on the stone walls, maybe, but they have been done recently.  Although, for painting the interior... if that is a while off.

I am thinking of saving several $k, after a new furnace and central air, and getting cleaning done, then figure out maintenance costs after that.  My mother may or may not want a part of that?  I want to be as hands off as possible.  Gotta keep a bit of an eye on things though.  Women don't think right sometimes.  We'll see.

Fasting starts today.  Just today and tomorrow this time, as I want to work.  With blood sugar good, and last week in the immediate rearview, I don't mind a short one.  I'll make my rounds, find what I need, and get to it before too long.  Later.

A nap?

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Will try.  Not getting anything done.  A meal in, at least.  Blood sugar is averaging 137 this week, 147 last.  Lower would be good.  Oh, it's time to fast.  When I wake.  I will have milk before bed, perhaps fruit and cottage cheese as well.

Just not clicking.

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I had the plans set.  It did take longer to cool off.  I had a light ready to go, didn't worry.  Then, when I got ready, I realized the light was three prong.  I have (had) a longer three-prong.  Either it is misplaced or, as with many things, has been permanently "borrowed".  I know where I put it, where it should be.  Haven't used it since my last Christmas light adventure.

Now, I stewed about it for a bit, then could have kicked myself... if there was a point to that.  I realize I could have opened a window or two, and probably had as many lights up there as I have or want.  Learning takes time.  The heat doesn't help.  Slowly I will have arrangements and preps.  I will have that done and saplings, and tree shoots cut, before I go.

I should be able to do work in the morning.  Painting.  I don't want to run powertools too early.  Though, to some degree, it will have to be one or the other, early or late.  The last time I worked when it was nearly 90 it looked like I had bobbed for apples in boiling oil, plus been bit by bees in several places, and that was in the shade... if I had failed to drink enough tea.  I... am little shy of working in that high of a heat, especially with no place to truly cool off.

Dishes and more laundry, if to be honest, doing anything while it is still 80 in here is difficult.  I would sleep if I could.  Bah.  High summer antics.  I'll survive, and get to things.  Later.

Hot.

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Awaken earlier.  Annoyed at first, but it was for a good cause.  Boys will be boys, more so on their way to becoming men.  Hopefully after.  Back to sleep even so, after arming the younger one with special items for his trials.  A bit more sleep and it was time to rise.  Dreams, if I only remember knowing.  I usually know I am dreaming.  Dreams, native ones, are fragile to my conscious mind so I tread gently there.  I think we need to dream, so crushing them with too focused of awareness, or will to alter, will dispel the needed psychic cool, or hard, waters.  These dreams were cool waters, if I have learned to cherish each.

Can I pout yet?

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Planning to sleeping, even with the best intention, can, did, mean nothing.  I couldn't sleep.  To warm.  No.  Hungry?  Yes but not that hungry.  I gave up and grilled a cornish game hen.  I think I'll get six more of those... a great light meal for a giant sort, ogre perhaps.  Add a potato and veggies and it works as a feast.  They are either 20 or 24 ounces, if after considered, if not qualified quantitative, analysis, I'd guess a third of the relevance of the bird is bone or otherwise inedible.  Still, a joyous little meal.

Some things going.

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It didn't cool of fast enough for me to work outside.  It didn't seem like it to me anyway. Even with a spotlight, I don't want to be fussing past 22:00.  It is annoying, potentially, to neighbors.  And they already endure my strange ways, words, and writings.  So...  I may sleep, hoping to get up early enough to paint while cool.

Blood sugar got back down to 128.  I have had food since, peanuts.  I am hungry for more but not up to cooking.  Bp was good if not superior.  I have caught up on medicine, but keep slipping near the edge of missing.  Sleep is wonky and heat is heavy.  Things slip.

I just don't have enough cross breeze through the cave, especially west to east.  There needs to be a breeze, fans don't do it.  Ac only works in the room it is in.  At least the place stays fifteen degrees, often, cooler than the outside high.  It's getting it to cool later that's the sticking point.

I have started research on ducks.  Not a lot of luck so far.  A major concern is water in the winter.  Though knowing how long they live, the right feed, and many other things, remain unknown.  The breed is a type of runner.  Their eggs are actually prized for baking, though great just cooked.  Bits and pieces, nothing coherent.  If I do meat, I may just buy those chicks, and raise them separately.  I have three buildings which would work.  I may just try different breeds, culling all, so I don't have two safes (landlocked group of ducks) always.  I may even try meat chickens to compare, once I get the first safe figured.  If it works.  Yes, excited... and apprehensive.

If ducks are on the water they are called a raft, bunch, paddling, team... and some others.

I'd best nap if I want to try to work in the morning.

Ducks.

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I don't think I mentioned?  My source of chicken eggs, and occasional duck eggs, has a... problem.  One of his duck hens went broody.  Sixteen little surprises have hatched.  These aren't meat ducks, however.  Eggs it seems.  He was looking to sell a few.  I... have doubts, fears.  I asked a lot of questions.

In one way I was a very hard sell.  A lot of rather direct questions.  I was already almost sold, on the other hand.  An easy sale, after more information.  I won't be taking possession until my return.  I need to clear and clean one of the outhouses, perhaps build nesting boxes, cut an opening and put in at least one window, get a kiddie pool and feed...  I am not sure if leaves work, or if hay is required for bedding.  I will, eventually, build an automatic feeding system and develop a watering system, heated for the winter.

Six to eight ducks.  A starter kit.  I would sure like meat ducks too, if I am not sure... interbreeding might become a major snafu.  Unless I replace the layer breed drake with a meat drake and added meat hens... hoping any replacement hens born of any mix could still put out good eggs, with the meat breeds putting out dinners?  Unless they breed to their own?  It'll be a learning process until it isn't.  On the good side, I have the previous owners for advice.  We may end up learning from each other.  Hmm... if I wanted defense?  Geese.  Not sure, might need fencing with them.  Might end up needing yard fencing as is?  Learning.

It is already down to 82, was an hour ago.  Hasn't changed yet.  I have started going out for short strolls, to give Sam some appreciated attention, look over my humble kingdom, and... just be alive in and enjoy the summer.  Another hour or two and it could be time to open up the cave and go to work.  It got down to 48 last night.  A duplication would be wonderful.  Though, I suppose, extra cool nights are more of a luxury... to be enjoyed as much for their rarity as simple pleasure.

There are the eggs, but also just having critters.  Perhaps they will get me out even more.  If I have to fence, I may look at meat geese, meat chickens, and a milk/meat goat/kid.  If you go country, go all in?  I wonder if a goat can bed in with ducks?  Research material, if experience will tell the real story.  Well, then, I'd almost have to get a dog.  I'd... better relax, and just see how I do with ducks, innit.  Later.

A bit of a lazy day. So far.

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With yesterday I am okay with that.  I even watered the lawn last night, manually.  It's a lot of work.  Moving, switching things, but easier than before adding quick change fittings.  And they don't leak, at least when treated right, on lighter duty, and so far.  I can't believe how well the grass is finally doing.  Now to fill a few areas.  Grass is pushing into to more barren or weedy areas, seed will just help.  I would like to pen in the areas.  As much to keep mowing out as to be able to track growth.

I didn't get to more work last night, other than that... well, and putting one of my minor work/spot lights together.  I have been sleeping as I can, in odd shifts.  I don't have a day or night.  I don't sleep a set amount.  I attempt to sleep more in the cool and dark, but take what I can when I must.  Summer is wearing on me, but I... after work yesterday... am getting into it.  As long as I work some, go outside from time to time, sit and sleep enough, and cool off when needed, it'll work out.  I may not have a square day, but it is deep summer.  Gear, plan, and live for it.

Eggs for breakfast.  Blood sugar was a bit high this morning.  I took the Boss for pizza last night.  Once, even twice, a month is fine.  And it isn't that high.  I should make mushroom and burger pizzas again.  I really love pizza type foods.  With the lower carb tomato sauces, purees, and such, it's good with diabetes.  I'll check blood sugar again in a bit.  If I don't nap soon.  I'd like to paint tonight as it cools, a nap might make that more likely.  Still hungry... popcorn!

I have a cornish game hen thawed for supper.  I don't know, something about eating a whole bird, my own bird, makes me feel like a king.  Split, flattened, then grilled.  Basted, with butter this time.  That, green beans, a potato or half, and milk will be my desert for painting.  If I can, I might paint the one raw window and the four already painted windows.  Which leaves four more windows to be scraped and painted.  Actually, I might be able to get a first coat on one of those?  Maybe.  Some haven't needed prep.  If I get half way, or more, through, I'll have dinner.  I'll save the easier ones for later.  I'll put a load going in the washer and reset dishes.  Bleh.

Later.

Fantastic nap, even better shower.

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I should have showered before going down.  Couldn't.  I was glad to finally drag my sorry but to bed.  Besides, bedding and laundry are on the very short list.  So down I went, if I had to cool off then get up to go down first.  I have learned a few tricks about showering... or come full circle back to some things.  I don't know what behaviors I lost or had to surrender to health decline.  As health is upgraded, if marginally, I am taking full advantage, and then some.

I seem to have been correct about blood sugar.  A gallon down, a nap, cooling, and a shower, blood sugar is down to 129, or less.  Food was not an issue, just heat and hydration or lack of it.

Ah, the moisturizer?  Don't use it on your face.  Probably nowhere sensitive!  I do use the soap there, when I want to clean down to the shine.  But I have... I like brisk risks.  Some of them.  Lesson learned.  I'll... have to think about the face.  Hmm, maybe I have some after shave stuff... but is that good for the whole face.  After peppermint... I'll try it.  It won't be as bad.

Perhaps driving tonight. If I am back in time, the plan is to do the three dormer windows over the roof tonight, then bedding and laundry plus dishes.  Tomorrow, if up early enough, back to sanding windows.  Early and cool, or much later.  That and back to wherever in domestics I left off.

I might be back to it.  I want to get back into some kind of shape before visiting my mother.  I going am there to work.  I want to throw myself into it as deeply and heavily as I can.  For it, I will request a few days down, food, and a favor... help seeing me somewhere at a righteous time.  For that, or either way, I will do what I can.

Nice.  More fridge cold tea.  Minted.  Fresh.  Later.

Painting.

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It was 88 or so, and, yet... with help on hand we got to it.  Up the ladder.  First the angle grinder with steel brush treatment, then to painting.  Prep is no small part of it.  Getting the ladder configured and in place, mixing paint, setting up the sander and angle grinder, plus the power cord.  Lots of little and big things, here and there.  And nearing 90 F, everything is felt.

One upper and lower window trim was stripped and painted as needed.  On the good side, there were two of us, so while one was working, the second could hand things up or whatever else needed on the ground, if mostly allowed time to cool off.  It's  a good way to work, if you can.  Most of the world... frowns on such effort however.  Me?  I like being the limit.  I push as I may, if I don't think it affects the boss, not much.

We worked two to three hours.  Probably should have driven in the heat, worked in the cool.  Next time.  Oh, the hoses were fixed, checked, and mostly put up as well.  I got several sets of fittings from different companies because China.  They don't do non-metric, or even metric, well.  I was proven correct.  Even then it isn't optimal.

I... really need to remember to drink out there.  With company, and while working outside, it is easy for me to forget.  My face was beat red, and blood sugar spiked to over 200, I think from a sort of dehydration.  Definitely need to drink, even while driving... the right drink.  Yeah, I'll see about a canteen of tea for this afternoon.

I have ordered more of the right repair kits, a few more inline shut-offs, and several quick connect kits, some to be gifted.  Good work is worth pay and outright bribery.

Now, a refrigerated nap, then a shower.  Of course, after we finish it gets partly clouds and goes down to 82.  ;p  Later.