Tuesday, March 23, 2021

A good lot of work!

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Who woulda thunk tearing down boxes could be so tiring!  Then again, that wasn't all.  Dealing with packing material wasn't difficult, actually that was more like a break compared to breaking down boxes, which was far easier than the other part.  That being, when finding case-lots of food, sorting them until there were enough, then getting them downstairs.

Twenty to thirty boxes broken down, small to large; Two bags of packing... kitchen size... packed and taken to the trash; Four or five, maybe six, trips down with three to five pallets of canned veggies, sort of took my wind.  I didn't just stop, though, I... wanted a few trim boxes pulled in and put down, a last pallet of veggies down, a new bag in the trash bin, and a few other things.  I am trying to pull a job closed, so if need be it can sit for a while without looking too unkempt.

I thought to sweep, and exchange the floor mat under my chair, but... no.  There were other things I could have done, but... no.  I considered taking the trash out, that is still in the bin from the trash barrel being too full, but that is another task for another time, no.  I had, at that point, done what I should and could do.  I did get a bottle of perrier, lemon.  And found the last can of no-sugar-added mandarin oranges, upon which to snack.  Not ready for a whole meal quite yet.

An hour?  Closer to two.  Mostly light duty.  But that I am able to work is... a gift.  I am hoping to do dishes, find a phone number and make at least one more call, and attempt to get things going elsewhere.  I don't think... yes, I do have bratwursts to grill, but no other food for today.  I should be set up for a few days, maybe a week?  Nothing extra, but... it will do.

Oh, why perrier?  Because I can't drink much actual water, or general bottled water.  But all else I drink is slightly not keto, or can vary.  This?  This works, I like it, and it helps alleviate another thirst, for beer.  I do have the lemon acvinegar thing, but that's just a bit for a dot, and the lemon juice in it is questionable.  I can, sometimes, drink tea with nothing, but not often.  It's what I can do.  My body requires gallons a day, I resist, can get down to an half gallon to gallon, but a few days later end up drinking up to four gallons a day... with or without the water pills!  Ugh.

Yes, dishes, phone calls, more boxes and perhaps getting things down.  Though, maybe, if I find more canned items, I will just set them aside.  I am not sure I will be up to more effort like that.  If I do take a load down, it will be light, and more to get a broom down there and sweep up.  Oh, and there is at least one mouse down there.  I'll have to reset the barrel roll trap, get that set up.  Since some of my weekly larder is down there, I'll be down there more often.

I am weary.  This was a good trot, but today needs to be a more restful day.  A shower would be nice, in a bit, a trim before.  But, a slower day.  I'll have to find one of my hobbies with which to entertain myself... kill time really.  Do puzzles or crafts really improve a guy?  Perhaps, in the little ways, such as increasing patience, reducing stress (potentially), increasing mental clarity... if, too... I've often suggested that it is the little things.

A plan for the day.  But, rest first.  Wow, that pretty much busted me.  Good morning and day.

I wasn't sure what was happening.

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A nap or a sleep.  It turned into a very long hard sleep.  It was around 14:00, I woke finally a bit after 03:00, 03:08 by the downstairs clock.  Oh, I woke a few times, could have gotten up at midnight, and every hour after.  But was weak.  Even now my balance is a bit off.  I needed sleep, and rest.  Got both.  Still need rest, but not the kind I can get while sleeping.

Some pain has returned.  Both sides of my ribs, but it is muscle, not organ, which hurts.  From bending, twisting while lifting, or bending and twisting or simply straight reaching down or up.  I don't mind.  And it isn't very severe.  Just twinges.  It merely tells me that I have worked those areas.  My legs are already bricks, as are my arms and to a degree my torso.  Not much muscle, but what is there is brick.  But the areas I don't use are weak.

Today?  As mentioned, it will be a slow day.  Dishes and counters are a main, in reverse order.  Then boxes, and I might just stow as I go, rather than wait until I have some huge pile.  Every run will wear me down, so I will save it as t he last thing before a break.  One reasonable sized load down and on the shelves.  Beyond that?  If boxes get too boring, I may begin in on the bathroom.  The sink, tub, and toilet are pretty good, but the floor and clutter really need fixed.  More... I think, if I can keep this level, or lose it for only shortly before regaining... and very possible if it is the food I am eating... then keeping up on things once they are in order may be possible.

Actually, I might even create checklists for various areas.  A daily and weekly list.  Of course, sometimes things have to be missed... too tired, business elsewise, etc.  But, if it is maintained generally, it becomes easy to do the bigger things when required.  Or... so one lets ones-self believe?  Then you just get through it?  I don't know, I've never quite been there.  I merely suspect.

Oh, right!  I already have breakfast.  The soufflé casserole.  I'm not quite awake enough to muss with food, but when I am, a glass of kefir and that should do quite nicely.  There is even a slice of bacon baked right in, or on top.  Yeah, if done correctly, that really is just like a fried piece of bacon.  Ah, and chicken soup for later.  I wonder if I have anything to add to that.  A can of peas isn't great, but it would add a little something something, you know?  Plus, I have brats thawed.  Those could go on the grill.

It is just at 32 F, or so, out there.  I hadn't put the ducks in, so they are now in.  I checked the waterers, they are still running so I left them out.  I was surprised it was above freezing though, this late.  Weather sure fluctuates a great deal lately.  It is nearing... or already... spring.  That... is almost a definition of spring, so... there I go.  Well, on to waking.  Later.

Monday, March 22, 2021

The call was made.

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As expected, though, they can't do a thing without my file either.  So?  I need to call the court, to see about some things.  If... I can find the number.

I am going to crash for a bit.  Not choice.  I have done what I can do.

I don't think so.

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I just can't do more.  I am hoping to place calls, more at 14:00.  But that will be it.  I will go down after.  Hopefully just one business call.  Another personal call shortly thereafter.  Though, if one business call doesn't work, another may be placed.  I have had a good day.  A bit lighter than the last few?  I think so.  I am slowing way down.  Still, not bad.

I found a stash of perrier.  It's a keto drink, offering several flavors now.  I like plain, too.  Especially in the summer.  But this pack was two cases of lemon, lime, orange.  I had another apple cider vinegar and lemon juice concoction... just a few shots worth.  It replaces bourbon or scotch, without any of the trouble or health issues.  Still, a bottle of lime perrier is a good chaser, and I was still a wee thirsty.  It's my beer replacement.  Yes, I used to add lemon and lime to my beers.  Bane gave me crap about it.  No doubt.

I didn't get one down to the basement, but I did get it half way.  Just too tired.  Still, looking around in just this room, and... I can see how much I have done.  The kitchen?  If you know what to look for, you would notice how much has been done.  Same with the basement and bathroom.  Next time I go down, I am taking a broom, dustpan, and trash can.  From the steps down, I need to sweep.  And get cobwebs.  Bleh!

I am telling you, despite something going on out there, something is happening in here as well.  Am I dying or figuring a way to live again?  I suggested He was coming, and that time wasn't what it seemed, but soon.  Yea.  I can't see it anymore, but... that seems most likely.  For an end, my end, a visit?  I don't deserve Him under my roof, but that isn't for me to say.  And He would always be graciously welcomed, gifted whatever He should ask.  Though I don't think He needs, but He might tell me what I need and how to give it away rightly?  Something like that.  Anyway... pray.  I am.

Later.

Better than anticipated, rememberd.

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Yes, the beef was rather done.  As mentioned, in a moist way.  Even so, it was tasty.  I had two helpings.  Peas and beats beside.  I didn't have butter, for their preparation, but I did have cream.  It works pleasantly enough, in a pinch.  That and a smaller dose of straight kefir.  It was a rather pleasant meal.  Sam received some of the beef, and maybe some of the cream if she wanted it.  Sassy, too, possibly.

I am waiting until about 13:30 to start making calls.  As to dishes?  I just don't know.  I may get in and at least give things a first shot.  I have the last of the beef to put up.  Oh, and the soufflé casserole should be cool enough to store as well.  So tired... worn... both?  Well worth what has been done.  I am hoping  for more, if a few slow days between now and then.

Something seems so strange out there.  It's like the world is, slowly, just... shutting down.  All the games, politics, drugs, fame and fortune, wealth... it's a... coming to some strange end.  It seems even those who wanted darkness and evil are reconsidering, backing down, even if they aren't changing they are less careless in some strange way.  It's like they are realizing, exactly, just what the cost is.  Odd.

It's just something I am sensing.  So?  So I pray.  Some can still find salvation.  Some can still let go of pride.  I still don't think this is the end.  But there is something changing.  I just can't absolutely tell what it is.  Death is preparing to ride, and strife and war.  But even that is half-hearted.  It's more just going through motions, a dress rehearsal.  But, some will lose.

Something is definitely in the air.  But for the sheep, it's like they don't care.  It is sinners and saints who... feel it, and have some... concern, wonder, maybe awe.  The sheep will just yawn and go back to sleep?  Or will they awaken?  I just can't tell.  I am praying, more often.  Even just a little prayer when I sense something, or when I see something, or... when I don't... a worse sensation than you can know, for one who sees often and long.  Blinded, but by what?

Could... just be stress.  From working, moving the day around, and such.  I just don't think so.  It's been building for a while.  I have been quiet because I just... can't see.  And it's as if all my tools of sight are closed.  From dreams to this, to that, to other things.  Closed, mostly.  Though being closed offers more of a hint of something big than seeing something big.

Well... I should get food put up, then see if dishes can be attended even if lightly.  Good day.

Finally found the phone.

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No messages or calls.  Voicemail was full though, but it wouldn't have been a call.  A final package for the month arrived, lemon juice.  In bulk.  I took one bottle out for upstairs and immediately took the rest downstairs, to be shelved.  Then I broke down the box immediately.  I think that is the only way to fly.  Assuming I am able.  I was, this time.

Still, technically, on break, but thirsty, I mixed two portions of that to one portion of apple cider vinegar, plus a goodly dose of sea salt, then about doubled that with water.  No, not for one sitting.  That should be enough for, say, two stiff double shots a day, either back to back or as wanted, for a week.  Boy did that wet the whistle.  I needed it.

I am, currently, just waiting for the timer to go do something with the beef.  It is... rather done... in a moist way.  Then I'll probably do a small pan of peas, then beats.  I sort of want them both.  Hungry.  Oh, probably just a small dose of kefir, while at it.  Then a good long break before getting to some other things.  Calls first.  Then dishes.  The dishes are going to be a lot of work.  I am running way out of steam.  We will see if a second... third... fourth is it? wind comes upon me.

Ah, the alarm.  Later.

Well... a bit more.

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So lost.  Trash was picked up rather early.  I was resting, and needed it.  When I could finally gain my legs, I... got the barrel back.  I unlocked the back door, since I was there, then went around to the front through the front door and grabbed the barrel.  But, while back there, I checked the soufflé casserole.  It was far closer to done than the other one had been at that time.  I set the alarm for fifteen minutes, sprinkled parmesan on top, and went on with other efforts.  I added the first bag, that of recycling materials.  I'll get the actual trash out soon.  Then I brought rabbit pellets in, got their food ready, grabbed waterers, and finished chores.

The beef is done, but hasn't released.  I am not sure how long that will take.  I really would rather have the beef, for dinner... lunch?  Whatever.  I am just hoping it isn't too done to be edible.  I did add a pint, two? of beef stock, plus spices.  Nothing hot, just typical roast beef spices.  The egg casserole is for the rest of the week.  Though the roast should make two to four meals.  I may try to make gravy as well.

Feeling weak and tired.  I have been doing a lot.  Eating helps, and good eats helps more, but there is a limit.  Health, too.  I... keep forgetting about that.  I'll... get things done, a few final things.  Dishes, food, calls?... where is my phone?  And counters.  Yes, I will do those things.  I may then take a few days on rather lighter duty.  Breaking down boxes, collecting packing, light clearing upstairs, and long breaks.  Though I plan to get back to it by Wednesday or Thursday, a bit heavier.

I don't think the cold is playing a part, other than initially slowing me down if I down warm up and dress more warmly to keep up.  I have been mostly.  I'll... go get my phone, then get my rest in.  Later.

Dinner and tomorrow's meal set.

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I am still a bit down.  The snack helped, if as mentioned, being out of shape and having worked for days now has gotten to me.  Food can help, but that isn't the whole of it.  Still, small efforts go a long way to getting to goals.  Small, consistent, bits of time doing this and that.  Sometimes doing extra, like getting the cans downstairs.  It adds up.

I checked the last of the old batch of eggs.  They worked well.  One was a floater, the rest not only sat on the bottom, but sat well, laying on a side.  Odd that some would go bad with some being so fresh.  Not a worry.  The gooder eggs, which I am out of, don't have that problem.  Still, I'll use the storebought up, until I can get fresh again.

Anyway, the omelet casserole was easy enough, if I was still feeling tired.  The eggs were scrambled, along with a pack of cream cheese and a cup of cream.  No fresh onion or garlic, so I used my non-hot masala, which contains those and more.  Chopped peperoni, and bacon on top.  It should do well.  Set at 350, for 45 minutes... if that will probably only, maybe, be half done at that point.  I never butter or otherwise grease  the sides of the large rectangular pyrex cake pan, but I never have a problem with it sticking.  I assume because I use enough fat in the dish to cover that.  Another reason against fat free, or nearly.  Oh, as it finishes, I'll sprinkle parmesan on top.  I meant to add  that, but this will work.

After, I had to check timing for the chuck roast.  Most meats, including beef, are 15 minutes per pound. I went a bit shy of that, as many recommendations are for mushy meat.  Why do... people do that?  I am almost betting, shaving 10~15% off the time and it will still be overdone to my tastes.  We will see.  It will technically be done in less than an half hour.  How long the natural release of pressure takes, however, is anyone's guess.  Sometimes it, if with a lot of liquid in there, can take hours.

I had hoped to move on to dishes right then, but that wasn't possible.  Again, I ran out of steam, energy.  I just went down hard.  I will take a break, have some  tea, and try to get back to that in a bit.  I need a shower, and... some other things.  Yea.  Oh, I best find my phone!  I... should be receiving and making some calls today.  Bleh.  Later.

A snack, dinner, and supper.

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I had to eat something.  Something was feeling wrong, too drained.  I had just let the ducks out, watering and making sure they had feed.  I was inside watching them just a bit, when I noticed some boxes which have been in my way for a while.  Not greatly in my way, just... bumping into my traffic path a bit.  I couldn't remember what was in them.

Food.  Crushed pineapple, with no sugar added, and diced tomatoes, some plain, some spiced.  Probably twelve per cardboard pallet and, maybe, six to seven of those?  Anyway...  I got them out, sorted, and... decided to take them right on down.  Since they were that close, I was right there, and it was on my mind.  Two trips and all was settled.

Two more empty boxes, which I didn't bother with, other than to move out of my pathway completely.  But, between the cold outdoors, that minor effort, and the larger effort of taking cans down, I was hitting something hard, and energy wall.  I needed something in me, nearly immediately.  Kefir, with a few berries and the sugar-free strawberry jam... just a teaspoon or so, as well as an ounce and an half of pecans and walnuts.  Almost feeling better.  That gave me an headache.  Stiff neck, tightening shoulders, which lead to the headache.  Perhaps overdoing things.

Even so, I have decided pressure cooked chuck for dinner, plus peas and/or beats.  For supper, brats... which are out thawing.  I haven't hit the dishes yet.  Was going to do that next, until I hit the wall and the headache... which is passing.  No anacin needed, just had to have something to eat it seems.  A bit weakened though.  Still, dishes in a bit, at least a first wash, then on to counters.

Life really is moving forward.  Things are being done.  As well, I am able to keep up on the daily stuff as well as doing more.  Or... for now.  Will just have to see.  I am pretty sure I wouldn't need this pace to still get out of 'domestic' prison.  Still, if I can keep it up, I can get out much quicker than a major single project a day.  Besides, I need a variety of work.  One thing, like just boxes, wears me a bit too much.  So doing parts of several jobs, or smaller jobs, each day, really allows for a lot more work.

Oh, it is still quite cold out there.  It has been 20 F since I woke, it hasn't changed since.  Frost on much, or at least before dawn.  Not sure if the bit of sun that is out did much to that or not.  I had to turn the heat up, or I just wasn't going to be able to work.  That cold will just seep into your bones and take all the will out.  Plus, being this chilly, I wanted to heat the rabbits' waterers.  Ah, I best get them fed and watered.  I just did the ducks before.  Oh, but I have to bring another bag of their feed in!  Ugh.  

I may put an egg casserole together as I head in to do a first hit on the dishes.  I don't think I'll be able to do a whole lot.  But those two things?  I... hope so.  Then another break.  Later.














Boxes.

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I am glad I went with boxes, to start the next leg of work.  I was able to work longer and better.  Tearing down boxes and popping packing.  I ended with a full kitchen bag of packing and a lot of boxes broken down.  There are limits, though, and I had to stop.  This, a few times a week, or just this week, should get them all broken down and sorted.

As well, I am finding some of the foods and else which will fill the downstairs shelves.  Not... fill, just... add to them.  Of course, aside from finding, I am going to have to get them down there.  Ugh... Either light loads, but many stairs, or heavier loads and fewer stairs?  Within reason, fewer stairs and heavier loads is my best bet.  I'll wait until my next run on these, when I have enough to bother with.  Probably two or three loads should be uncovered by then.

Next?  Probably a meal.  If not for a while.  Then dishes.  Hmm, I might give those which are soaking a once over, and reset.  That will make the whole show go much cleaner and faster.  After food and cleaning, including counters, I am thinking any other work today will be upstairs... sorting, storing, clearing, and powdering the floor, if I get far enough.

Then supper.  Do I want the roast for supper, or for dinner.  If for dinner, what for supper?  Later.

That is it for trash.

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I was able to get everything I wanted out of the downstairs.  There is still old food, but... stuff I want to keep until it can be replaced.  What was brought up, in two loads, besides breaking my balls, also filled the trash barrel.  Ugh.  Unfortunately, I didn't get the last trash can in the house out first.  Or fortunately?  I'll put that out when trash is taken.  It's as good as I can do.

So... no messing with boxes today?  Maybe breaking some down, and I could gather packing while doing so.  It's not like it goes bad when put in bags.  It's just that the impetus to do it immediately is gone.  Earlier, I had breakfast... a few eggs, a few thirds of bacon strips, and kefir.  While cooking the eggs, after some experience with vinegar and liver, I decided to try something.

Since I have gone completely to stainless and cast iron, I sometimes have to do extra work when cleaning.  Even bacon and eggs are usually sticky, leave a coating that has to be scrubbed off.  When cooking bacon, then liver, using vinegar brought that right off.  So... this time, after cooking bacon, and eggs in that fat, I put a bit of vinegar in.  Using the spatula, a fish flipper really but my preferred type, I scraped and scritched around the pan.  It's not perfectly clean, but, yeah, that... will make washup a breeze.  What didn't lift is just flecked rather than cooked on at this point.  Pro-tip... vinegar is your friend if stainless is your style.  With cast?  Only if you want to reseason it.  But imminently doable.

I am just not sure if I should hit dishes and counters first, or do boxes?  I am so worn.  Food won't help.  Nothing but days and months of continuing to work, or try, will help get me past this state of unfitness.  Still, I can ease up when I am down, pick up a bit when I have regained some strength, as long as I keep working... doing something every day.  So?  I think tearing down boxes first might be the way to go.  Getting dishes after whatever lunch ends up being.  It may be instapot beef chuck, with a few sides of veggies.  THEN hit those and all other dishes.  Though I might hit the dishes soaking before then, so they will be ready to go-go, when the time comes for the others.

Yeah.  But a break.  Sorting, discarding, bagging, and taking those items out was quite the task.  More so after days of work in a row.  I'm downright weary.  A break will do.  Later.

That nap took a while.

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I didn't get to bed at 13:00, it was more between 15:00 and 16:00.  I just couldn't drop, or do anything.  Stuck in a short insomniac moment.  Then I crashed like a red oak.  Down, and more.  I started waking around midnight.  Finally waking at a bit after one, but I wasn't ready.  Finally at about 02:00 I woke.  I closed the birds up first thing, then checked the temp.  It is around 20 out there.  The house is closed up, it was getting a bit nippy a day or two.  I had to turn the furnace on, as well... if just to 68?  Yes, I think so.

Tomorrow is trash day, I don't think it is recycling to, but I could be wrong.  As soon as I can get to work, I will begin going through the downstairs, removing what is too old, save just enough for just in case, until it can be replaced.  Only one, not two, boxes of dried milk, or whatever it is called.  Same with some other things.  The beans and lentils are still good, as is the maple syrup in glass.  Much of the rest has to go.  Hmm... I'll bet the mint candies are still good.  Sugar.  Sugar and salt, and a few other things, generally by themselves or in foods will preserve naturally.  Hey, it's emergency stuffs, and could be used for eats or trade.

Canned stuff?  I don't mind a year, or even two, beyond stamped.  But beyond that it can get too funky.  I tried a really old can of green beans (if... that... was green beans, which can be funky right away).  It, though, was more funky than usual, by far.  French cut green beans are the worst, not sue why, but in my experience, I never buy those.  So, go through the stuff, with a bin right there, and get out what I can for trash day.

If I have time and energy after that, I may begin going through boxes, looking for packing material to go out.  Well, and if there is room.  Too bad packing materials don't generally go into recycling or I'd have that made.  Either way, when I begin going through boxes,  I will end up with several bags of that to go.  As to breaking down boxes, they just don't fit well or easily into the recycling bin.  I suppose I could get some in, but not many.  Especially with the bits I have from the household.?  Hmm, I'll see next time around.  I should have boxes broken down and stacked... could choose the smaller ones at that.

After those things, then it is back to dishes, and cleaning the cooking and prep areas, as well as the remaining counters.  I won't clean downstairs today, I can only do just so many stair routines a day, getting the old food stores out will be about it, maybe too much even then if it takes four or five trips.  Bleh.  But, Filling the trash is first, if downstairs does it, I will skip messing with boxes and go on to cleaning dishes and counters.  I didn't set the pans and utensils up for a wash, but I did get the blender and parts in.  I absolutely feared messing with dried pate.  Rinsed it clear, then set it and it's parts to a hot sudsy.  That shouldn't be a problem, neither should the pan though... after having used vinegar to deglaze nothing is really stuck on.

It's funny.  As your cooking skills increase, your cleaning time decreases... if you do it right.  Always some cleanup, but in part, you do it on the way, and in part how you cook keeps stuck on things off, or removes much.  Hmm, eggs, bacon, and kefir again this morning.  And egg casserole from the old eggs will be prepped after trash is set to go and probably after cleanup... breakfast before.  And, after dishes are finished, a shower.  

Not sure I will be doing a whole lot more today.  But... that... is a good start on the week.  Tomorrow?  Box breakdown and packing collection, plus a detailed cleaning in the bathroom.  The toilet has being kept impeccable, but the floor and... sink is rather good, just a bit on top, hmm, but, yes, the floor.  A much better sweeping, then mopping.  And moving a few things out.  It can turn into a clean clothes repository.  

I think, if I can keep up whatever is going on, when I get the bathroom clean... and other rooms, I may be able to keep up.  Especially when I get back on medicine, and if I can get a downstairs ac in, along with the upstairs.  Pricey to run, but then I can function... not just sit there, acclimated or not.  Oh, and just two eggs and four or five bacon thirds is often enough, or is becoming enough.  If still hungry, I'll try a keto break and some of the pate... the courser sort, with mustard as well.  Later.

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Running on fumes?

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Not from a lack of food, from a lack of fitness.  I have burned past my body's ability to function.  All good.

I blended the pate, half it ended up, plain.  Half with cream.  I think I generally prefer the cream, if the plain would be better as a braunschweiger sort of food.  The portion with cream is much more refined, more like a classical pate, or at least in that area.  I added butter on top.  I ended up with two jars of the rustic, three jars of the pate.  I will be trying it with carrots, celery, and keto breads.

Quite a little gig.  But I am tired.  I have collected the dishes, but just ran out of steam.  Food won't help.  And I had the furnace up to 70 earlier, but that was too warm, so toned it down to 68... which was still a bit warm, so turning things up won't help.  Cooling things off will just lead to a crash.  If... that isn't an option at this point.  A nice nap may see me fit to get back to it this evening.  Dishes... getting any remnants of trash out.  Packing if I can get to boxes, will be tossed.

Downstairs?  I may be a bit too warn to truck up and down the steps with pails of water.  Though maybe.  I just don't know, and won't until I wake.  Holy cow!  It's not even 13:00!  Interesting.  It feels like mid to later afternoon.  All good.  A nap may be just the thing.  I'll check the laundry before I go to bed.  Probably need to restart it, usually do.  Something about low humidity, perhaps, makes the machine not be able to sense doneness.  This machine is supposed to sense when clothes are dry, but it does that very poorly, always on the wet side.  Hmm... there... might be a fix for that?

Later.

Letting the liver cool.

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It came out well.  I tried one of the smallest pieces.  Very very good.  I skipped the wine vinegar and added garlic powder.  Out of fresh, but this did well.  As well, I melted a stick of butter, some for in the pate, some for on top.  While at it, I took the clothes out to hand dry.  Bah!  Snowing!  So, into the dryer.  Eventually they will be going out to air dry.  As well, I bagged the last bin which needed it.  So... all set for the week?

Well, when I finish dishes, I really will be.  I mostly cleaned up after, but there is always the stove.  I use a splatter guard, but that just does just so much.  The area needing washed is diminished, and how greasy it gets is diminished a lot.  The blending will be very quick, so no work while I do that.  But after, I'll have a dishpan of hot water and will clean everywhere, one more time.  As well, I will clean those counters which have been neglected.  One for a shorter time, one for a very long time.  Itching to get those done.

I'll probably need a break, maybe a nap, after that.  Then, when I wake, hopefully to the basement.  Not a bad day.  Not a fast day.  In smaller bits.  But still advancing pleasingly.  I am excited to taste the pate.  Perhaps it is rich enough to be a mousse?  Maybe, but will it be airy enough to be a mousse?  That may depend on how long I blend it.  I have been thinking about adding cream, but may add that to just half, or a quarter, see how that does.  I love playing with my food.

Oh... a cooking note.  If anyone suggests adding cooking sherry?  Don't!  It is heavily salted to make it unpalatable as a drank.  Which also makes it pretty much worthless as a food additive.  If you must, buy real sherry.  I'm only going to warn you once, don't do it.  Yes, sometimes they add sherry to things like this, or other drank.  I suppose, in some countries, they end up with an excess of some things, so find a way to use it in foods.  I don't have excess sherry, nor can I afford imports, so... butter, or maybe cream.

Later.

About time to get back to it?

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I didn't like the look of the laundry.  So... back it went, into a hot wash.  I hope that works.  Then out to the line, probably when I finish this break.  Instead, I sacked the trash and recycling cans and did a few other little things.  Gotta be flexible.  And, if I was going to do a little work, to get ahead, I... will do it.  Why waste, I was out there and couldn't do what I had wanted to do.

This time, liver first, into pate.  Some probably eaten right as it finishes... to try it warm.  Most will be jarred, half frozen (or more if there is a lot), half refrigerated.  Oh... I have to see what pate goes well with?  Hmm, for keto?  Probably vegetables?  I can't really see it on a salad, or one a burger.  In a ground meat crumble, maybe?  I could try that, and try just dicing and adding liver... to see which way is best, or which I prefer.

Oh, I remembered how hospital food always had a livery taste?  Now I know why.  I had to eat purees for... many months after the draino incident.  Yes, now I know.  Thankfully, mostly, I like liver.  I was wondering if they did it to be cheap, or for health.  I'm going with cheap.  Liver is so much less expensive, and easier to puree.  At least I have some idea of what I will be tasting.  Now, I am certain they mixed meat in with the liver.  What ratio, though, I couldn't guess...  If I had to guess, I would say they used a quarter to a third liver to mostly some sort of beef.

It is a slow day.  But it is so cool out there.  Cold, really.  It isn't just the temperature, it is the damp... outright wet... part of it.  Cloudy still.  It stopped raining, but the threat of rain seems to linger.  And, maybe, it is raining nearby... close enough to keep the air wet.  Very brisk out there, if... I sort of like it.  It just slows me down a bit.

Well, I best get back to work.  After liver?  And kitchen cleanup?  Then to the cast, at least a wash and reset.  Then to the the last counters, and the basement for cleaning.  Anything after that will be sort of a lucky shot in the dark.  Still, I am hoping to do more.  Or take a nap, then do more.  













Not moving quickly.

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Chores completed.  Litter sorted.  A few other minor things.  Struggling to do more.  Not in pain, I have focus and memory, I think what I did yesterday has worn me out a bit.  All good.  I think, if I work in smaller chunks, with longer breaks, if I can't do it all, I can do a... nice batch of things.  I am all but sure I will.  May need a nap.  Which... is fine.

Next, the liver, into pate.  That shouldn't take too long.  And cleanup after.

After that?  Dishes.  Oh... laundry is done from last night.  I may take that right out and hang it after this post, before I begin my official post.  It's... just a little thing, and really and pleasure.  Having air dried clothes is a bit of a treat.  I don't have enough clothes for another run, so... that will be that.  I'll bring them back in when I put the ducks up.

It was 28 F out earlier.  There was just a broken iced top, on the pool.  It either hadn't created an ice skin, or Herc had broken it up with a morning sip or more likely bath.  He gets out and has the yard to himself in the morning.  The others leave him to his druthers.  Being Rex is good, but terrible and lonely.  He wears it well.  It is up to 32, but that is rather cool compared to lately, and rather cool for the month, if not... totally out of character.  The weather, to be honest, is and has always been out of character as often as in it.  *wink*

Then, either working on cast... probably.  Or working on counters, and then going back downstairs to give everything open a once over, begin choosing what is to go and stay, and then letting that dry before taking more stuff down and arranging things smartly.  That will be quite a chunk of a chore, especially all together.  But a chore I have been dying to get to since this last fall... late summer?  That may be it.

Though, if I can, I will break down boxes, putting packing in sacks for trash tomorrow, and working on my room upstairs.  Beginning to reorganize and sort, moving everything to the west so as to powder then vacuum and wet vac the east side before... actually, I probably won't get to the west side until the boxes of discard are removed.  I'll bet there are thirty to fifty, stacked, in the west... as well as a similar number of keepers?  I may go through things again, if possible.  Maybe.

Oh, while doing liver, I will sack the bins.  Then distribute those where they fit the best.  Two take bigger contractor bags, four take smaller kitchen bags, and then there is the recycling bin which also takes smaller bags.  Often, the contractor bags are used to hold the little bags, especially if there is a leak.  More back up than full time use.  I tried double bagging, and more.  The cats cause problems.  Hmm... I thought I had hoods for some of them?  That might keep the cats out.  So I could double bag again.  The problem with double bagging... or quad bagging really, is the cats will knock the outer bags down in, when they jump in to forage.  Oh, they aren't starving.  They get fed two to four times a day, plus hard cat food on demand 24/7, plus treats at least twice a day.  Cats, like dogs, are just... dogs!

Oh, right... laundry.  Then a bit of a break.  Later.

Liver.

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I had to get to the liver.  Still, I wanted to taste some of it.  To track how well it does in the freezer.

The first batch was breakfast... a second breakfast.  And?  It was very good.  I used less butter, and less bacon fat.  The bacon fat was just that remaining from the four or five bits of bacon for breakfast, in which the eggs were also cooked.  Quite a nice lot, that.  As well, I used red wine vinegar, with the mother, to deglaze from the bacon and onion.  Which I cooked off... not wanting much vinegar taste.  That worked quite well.  I would guess using red wine, or red wine vinegar, to the point it was cooked off, would make little difference.

Yes, that was a very good little extra part to breakfast.  A bit grainier, due to freezing, but not a major concern.  I doubt if most would notice.  I only noticed because I was being extra perceptive, as is possible, while tasting.  It wasn't all of it, not yet.  But... on the edges, in the thinner pieces?  I can't be sure on that.  It was done to a medium rare, as before.

Now I will go make the rest of it.  This time for pate.  Which will be blended then jarred.  Some of it will go in the refrigerator, some of it will go in the freezer.  Experimenting with... this and that.  More butter will be used.  I will have to fry more bacon, probably for each batch, and there will be less onion per batch.  All good.  Richer.  As well, I will melt a bit of butter to cover the contents within the jars.  A... trick... to help with preservation.

I did reset the cast cookery to a fresh soak, but have done nothing else so far.  Though I did clean up my work station after slicing onions and liver.  Bleh, I have more onions to chop, so will have to clean up more.  So be it.  Back to it, I suppose.  And, while out there, I will bag the trash cans, and sort a few other things out.  Good to have a recycling and trash can already bagged, it makes keeping up much easier.

Yeah, and chores.  I might do those right first thing.  The girls have already been fed.  As a last thing, out there, before I need a break, or after, their litter will get hit.  I refreshed it completely yesterday, so it should be... somewhat reasonable.  Always something, and more, and a bit more.  I am just glad to be able to be mucking with it all.  I like to work, even if and when it hurts.  I just have to be abled to work in order to work.  Later.

Surprising.

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I thought I would be in a bit of distress upon waking.  I really hurt when going to bed.  I did everything I planned to do, I think.  I didn't reset the trash cans, they were still wet.  But the shower, dishes, even that spoon, rinsing the tea jug and letting it air out, laundry, and... a few other things?  I pretty much got it.  Even the instapot is reset and ready to go.  But it hurt the whole time, and I was so very tired.

A handful of tylenol, I think, while allowing my hair to dry.  Sleep was fast and hard.  It was after 18:00 before I finally crashed... minutes or an hour after though?  I know hair had dried, mostly.  A fell into sleep, not to sleep.  Wonderful, quiet, dark, painfree, restful sleep.  I did start waking around midnight?  A car, or bird, perhaps the cats... something.  Then every hour or two until around 03:00.  I tried to sleep longer.  Next it was 03:30.  I still wanted more sleep.  At 03:45 I gave up, got up, but in good shape.

It was 55 upstairs... with the windows open.  It was nearly that downstairs, with the furnace off but no windows open.  So, I turned on the furnace.  A bit of an ache, more an echo, and mostly just the shoulders and neck 'roots', not the biting horror of pain which had been the whole of that area on up to the upper back part of my skull.  An easier day, but some stretching while working, will work that out.  I checked outdoors, it is 28 F.

The trash pails should be dry.  I'll bag those first.  Dishes should be dry and can be put up.  I can hit the dishes sometime soon.  As well, I'd like to do more cleaning downstairs.  A second wipe down of the areas.  I have been using both steel wool and an old cloth facecloth.  As well, I can go through things, sort.  Washing off what is still good, setting aside what is to go and beginning to dispose of it.

The other two things I'd like to at least begin, is going through boxes looking for two things... packing, to be broken down and put out... and food stuffs, to be collected and then begin taking that down.  As well, I would like to begin breaking camp... moving my bedding and picking up the bedroom, moving most of it over so as to soon begin vacuuming and steam vacuuming up there.  I will put down baking soda, and let that absorb odors as it wants for a few days, before vacuuming.  Plus, there may be cat goop to deal with.  They vomit, but hide it sometimes.  Ugh.

If I can, that will be the day.  In parts, pieces, spats, and parcels, as I can.  Oh, I would like to do the roast in the instapot.  I have soup, but... I really need veggies for that, which will have to wait until Monday.  I'll check on the kefir, see if some of it is ready for the fridge.  Oh, and have a cup of that shortly, while I'm messing with it anyway.  I don't think that is enough for hunger.  Hmm... two eggs and three or four small (thirds) of bacon would do.  Really, one or a bit more actual piece of bacon.  Cutting them in thirds keeps consumption down, but also makes them fry flatter, and makes them easier to manage in the pan while frying.  Bacon, eggs, and kefir, oh my!  Later.

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Almost bedtime.

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At just about 18:00, I am about done.  It took nearly an hour and an half to finally get to things.  A shower, then cast put to a soapy soak, and then laundry started.  I missed the trim.  Which is fine.  I didn't need it terribly, it was just the point.  I even pulled the toilet seat to clean it and under, as well as see about the new retainer bolt kit.  That doesn't work, as far as I can tell, with this style of seat connection.  Bleh.

I haven't washed that spoon, but will before bed.  Oh, and I have to stay awake for another hour, to let my hair dry.  Spoon washed, a cutting board I had missed was put in with the cast, my tea jug was rinsed out, and a cap was put in the wash... I had missed that too.  Always, always, something else, more, extra, missed or forgotten.

Quite a load of work done.  My neck hurts like hell.  Down to the trunk of my upper torso, into the neck and shoulder region, then on up to the lower part of my head, from the back of the jaw to the third quadrant nearing my skull cap.  Sore, tight.  The price of work.

Tomorrow?  A few small things.  Maybe another cleaning downstairs, this time sorting things to go as well.  If I still have energy, breaking down boxes and looking for food which needs to go down.  I am done with laundry and dishes(?).  Oh, I suppose I could also clean the last two counters.  Trash is out, as is recycling.  Though, if there is extra space, I might be able to get packaging, from shipments, out.  Meaning more boxes can be simply broken down.

Is it... Saturday?  I think it is.  Trash is all ready to go?  Way early, but very good.  I may make a roast chuck.  I don't have vegetables to add, but I can have a few cans of some veggie or other, or something else?  I've been a good boy, I might try those pseudo mashed potatoes.  Those and either beats or peas... perhaps both.  I am thinking I will need some solid food after this run.  Uhrm, if I can do the work.

You know, if you walked into my cave, right now, you... wouldn't be able to tell I had done a thing, without looking at very specific areas.  It's pretty rough in here.  And, yet, I know.  From trash and clean bins, to dishes and a clean tub.  I cleaned it while cleaning everything else, and really hit it.  On to beginning to get my stocked items in order, if just by cleaning and temporarily arranging things.

I have no idea how much of what is down there is too old, but I'd guess a lot of it.  Some can stay, or some of it can stay, until I can replace it.  The rest will go.  I have maple syrup, some in glass, some in plastic.  I don't think I will keep the plastic container of it.  But the glass?  That should be edible and maybe nutritious for a decade to a thousand years.  Like honey, it just... has an incredible life if stored well.  But, like powdered milk.  I think that should go, save a few cans until it is replaced.  I won't buy as much of anything as I did before.  But some, new.

Wow, what a day.  I am hoping for a very good sleep.  Good night.

Ugh.

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I cleared off the stove, then washed it.  I also washed a counter and the freezer top counter as well.  That still leaves two counters, but... one... or three... things at a time.  Then I refilled the bucket, went downstairs, and washed the shelves I had earlier dusted.  They may need hit again, which... is fine.  I also have yet to go through the materials, and get rid of what is too old.  Which might take investigation.  Somethings are good well past their expiry, especially if stored in a cool temperate climate.

Then to dishes.  I did everything new and old, that I could find, save the cast iron.  That may get a soak, after a shower.  If... I can get a shower in.  I think so.  Quite a deal.  Oh, I put the stock/juice back into the main container.  It had rather more kidney runoff than I had expected.  Will see if that taints or embellishes that portion.  Wee!

As mentioned, a shower, then setting the cast up, and finally putting a load of laundry to run.  I think that is all.  It is definitely all I will do.  All I can do.  Quite a gig.  Gah!  A dirty spoon I missed!  Bleh.  I may just wash it up special for gits and shiggles.  Yea, I will.  Then the rest.  Hmm... trim the whiskers before I shower?  Maybe.  Good afternoon, day, and night.  It's about 16:00.  Nice.  Everything worked out today.  I suppose that means I am going to die?  :p