.
.
I would like to begin working out. I simply want to have some protection for the cement. Rubber mats, at about 3/8 thick might work well enough. Looking at Amazon, the price is about $105 for a 4'x8' section. Looking around at farm supply stores, though, I am seeing 4'x7' for $60. I have heard that some such stores offer the stuff, 4' wide, at $8 a foot. I want the 8' sections, so that three with give me an 8'x12' area. That would be enough to at least start, with dry bells and bars. But before I get too far into the effort, I want to buy, or more likely build, a squat/press cage, so I can do heavy benches and squats without a spotter or that nagging fear resembling the sensation when swimming after watching a shark movie. I've seen, if just on video, guys getting squished. I've had busted up ribs myself, and that would be if one got lucky. More, I've nearly gotten stuck doing squats. Not fun, not at all. That is claustrophobic. The ones commercially available, squat/press cages, are extremely expensive. They start at $700 and go as high as you want to spend. My guess is, even without a welder, one could buy components, and with a wrench, socket, bolts, bars, and drills, create one for half of that or less. And, if done with a head to solidity, it would last much longer and be much safer than the lower end purchased devices. The cost would be components and some knuckle skin. Oh, not right away, on the cage. Perhaps a winter project, if I go ahead with the mats and lifting, and start hitting even my own weight in benching. Squats can be done without weight, or very light weight, until such a device is built. Plotting my escape from weakness, as I can.
I am just enjoying a day off. I am tired. I am sore. I want to nap but it is simply too late. I'll probably be able to sleep well before 21:00, and will do so. Setting the alarm to give me nine hours of sleep. I may need that. Then, perhaps, tomorrow, the valves in the bathroom, and some minor tinkering with the faucet. That and getting the trash out will be the full day I think, hope.
The other man who went with us also has a bad heart. Now, he can walk much better than I can, and does so. But he has trouble with my other friend's wheelchair. Putting that into a vehicle is a bit much for him. Not in the moment, he has the strength. But it gets to him. We seem to have slightly different strengths and weaknesses, but... it probably comes out similar, and my size does change the dynamics. And age. It is interesting to compare notes.
Just the bit of tinkering that I am doing is really making what muscles I have much more solid. I am loving that part. I'm not exactly Popeye, mind you. But, all told and given, it's better than what should be available. Nearly thirty years, and counting, mostly sitting, often sleeping, often starving, barely awake when awake... there shouldn't be anything left. Dreams, I think. Dark dreams, fear, a call to duty, a refusal to quit, or stop, or take the easy way. Or I just have that sort of genetics. I wonder what I would be like with full health restored... I'll probably never know, but I would like to see even the halfway point. That is possible, maybe.
Later.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
About war.
.
.
I have explored many venues of war. Personally. Tight quarter, distant engagements, armed and hand to hand, social, martial, and romantic in various ways. I have fought with others, against the environment, and against my own body, mind, and will. I have fought with and against allies, former allies, and outright enemies. And yet I know so little. No matter how easy, or impossible, it seems, war, as with life, is not ours to command. There are a few truths to conflict, as I have seen things.
You truly are your worst enemy. If you do not know this particular enemy then you can know no other enemy. Your weaknesses, your strengths, your oddities, all add up to define your best firing solution. Knowing your weaknesses does not mean you avoid them, it only means you learn to compensate, strengthen, or cover. Then you keep these close to the vest. The enemy, your allies, war, and how things work out will require you to hit your weak points. Know these, and work them, while finding workarounds for them. But do not ignore your strengths. Just as we have a left and right hand, one generally stronger, the other generally more tactile. What seems a weakness may actually merely be a different function. Spend the time to learn, know, and use what is right for what it was intended, adding some crossover where possible.
Your enemy must be known. Methods, strengths and weaknesses, motives, styles, and more. When possible, these must be exploited. Intelligence is vital. There is always easy information, which is often worth every penny paid for it. Much as advice. Only one thing beats eyes and ears you trust. Your own eyes and ears and thoughts on what you perceive. And yet, in many situations, using others who can translate, look for design and pattern outside your own ken, is quite useful. For social affairs, few are as on the ball as my mother, for example. She just knows some things. Things that do not translate into a simple language or method. That is her game and she plays very well. Choose your advisers well, and test them with things you perceive to surety. Don't mix and match. I would not ask my mother for advice in how to handle a particular opponent regarding martial concerns. I would also not ask my man friends about a social event and how it work, or a woman on how best to romance women. However, that doesn't meant they aren't useful. Create a scenario for a woman, ignore her words, watch her reactions. She will tell you, just not with logic or in words. Though, sometimes, you either just know or you don't. That is when experience is your friend, and perhaps only ally.
War is a game of attrition. Some have to win, some have to lose. Some war is more final, though all of it ends up sure, mostly. You can defeat your enemy but at the risk of losing. One of the finest methods of winning involve nothing more than the mind. Convince your enemy that they aren't an enemy, or convince them that they are their own worst enemy, leaving you in peace. If you will not win or if the price of winning is heftier than the prize. Or for moments, until you are ready or the prize and costs are more in balance. Defeating an enemy, using themselves, is one of the finest of arts. Some call it diplomacy, some call it psychological ops. If I am correct, I call it wisdom. Make sure you are right, correct, true, or at least that you believe, before trying this or you will be eaten. Even if you succeed, you will be eaten by yourself. All swords must be true, including the tongue.
There is only one sure way to win. Never to make war. Unfortunately, or not... we are a competitive group of species, even within our own designs. Even should we live in such luxury that war does not seem fruitful, those who do not live in such luxury will come for that luxury, even just a piece of it. It isn't a choice and tech can only do just so much. The rest is up to you, so be ready. You can't choose, and you won't always win, and there will always be a price. Still, that's what we have, so be ready.
.
I have explored many venues of war. Personally. Tight quarter, distant engagements, armed and hand to hand, social, martial, and romantic in various ways. I have fought with others, against the environment, and against my own body, mind, and will. I have fought with and against allies, former allies, and outright enemies. And yet I know so little. No matter how easy, or impossible, it seems, war, as with life, is not ours to command. There are a few truths to conflict, as I have seen things.
You truly are your worst enemy. If you do not know this particular enemy then you can know no other enemy. Your weaknesses, your strengths, your oddities, all add up to define your best firing solution. Knowing your weaknesses does not mean you avoid them, it only means you learn to compensate, strengthen, or cover. Then you keep these close to the vest. The enemy, your allies, war, and how things work out will require you to hit your weak points. Know these, and work them, while finding workarounds for them. But do not ignore your strengths. Just as we have a left and right hand, one generally stronger, the other generally more tactile. What seems a weakness may actually merely be a different function. Spend the time to learn, know, and use what is right for what it was intended, adding some crossover where possible.
Your enemy must be known. Methods, strengths and weaknesses, motives, styles, and more. When possible, these must be exploited. Intelligence is vital. There is always easy information, which is often worth every penny paid for it. Much as advice. Only one thing beats eyes and ears you trust. Your own eyes and ears and thoughts on what you perceive. And yet, in many situations, using others who can translate, look for design and pattern outside your own ken, is quite useful. For social affairs, few are as on the ball as my mother, for example. She just knows some things. Things that do not translate into a simple language or method. That is her game and she plays very well. Choose your advisers well, and test them with things you perceive to surety. Don't mix and match. I would not ask my mother for advice in how to handle a particular opponent regarding martial concerns. I would also not ask my man friends about a social event and how it work, or a woman on how best to romance women. However, that doesn't meant they aren't useful. Create a scenario for a woman, ignore her words, watch her reactions. She will tell you, just not with logic or in words. Though, sometimes, you either just know or you don't. That is when experience is your friend, and perhaps only ally.
War is a game of attrition. Some have to win, some have to lose. Some war is more final, though all of it ends up sure, mostly. You can defeat your enemy but at the risk of losing. One of the finest methods of winning involve nothing more than the mind. Convince your enemy that they aren't an enemy, or convince them that they are their own worst enemy, leaving you in peace. If you will not win or if the price of winning is heftier than the prize. Or for moments, until you are ready or the prize and costs are more in balance. Defeating an enemy, using themselves, is one of the finest of arts. Some call it diplomacy, some call it psychological ops. If I am correct, I call it wisdom. Make sure you are right, correct, true, or at least that you believe, before trying this or you will be eaten. Even if you succeed, you will be eaten by yourself. All swords must be true, including the tongue.
There is only one sure way to win. Never to make war. Unfortunately, or not... we are a competitive group of species, even within our own designs. Even should we live in such luxury that war does not seem fruitful, those who do not live in such luxury will come for that luxury, even just a piece of it. It isn't a choice and tech can only do just so much. The rest is up to you, so be ready. You can't choose, and you won't always win, and there will always be a price. Still, that's what we have, so be ready.
Down at 2:00, up by 8:30.
.
.
Oh, no, I didn't really want to get up. But I couldn't stay down and it wasn't all that bad. A bit of coffee, perhaps a bite to eat... nah, later on that last. Maybe some canned fruit. Cottage cheese would go great with that. I'll have to remember next time I am in town. Sugar, but... it's about all the sugar I get, so I simply don't worry about it. I save my carbs for potatoes and wild if rare sodas at fast food joints. Potatoes have been on the menu lately, but shut up. I eat fewer carbs in a week than most people eat in two days so I really don't care, and seriously. Look at almost any meal, made by mother, institution, or shop. Count the carbs. Oh, they are in there. An half cup of macaroni noodles, a slice of bread, even technically that cup of milk (if I think that is bogus, or partially bogus). I've dialed back my heavy cream use, anyway, and don't get a cup, probably more like half of that, per day. Not due to dietary concerns, mind you. A quart costs $5.
Today? I really don't know. I have the fittings to change the valves in the bathroom. At least one of those was dead. Some of the valves were dead because they are so very old. I'm not sure how fast washers break down here, but the ones I saw in the two valves I opened were literally eroding in chunks. I did see valve fix it kits, but they were plastic with washers. I'll stick with copper and brass, as much as possible. I'm not really into model kit living I guess. I am thinking, somehow, parts of those washers might have gotten up into the faucet, if I couldn't really see that. It's what happened to the old "new" faucet, and probably this one, and maybe what the problem in the bathroom is, though that might be a flow limiter that is gummed up. If I can't see an easy fix on that, I will hold off until I can get the kitchen faucet going. But if there is a .gov flow restrictor easily visible, and obtainable with a dental pick, I'll give that a whirl... but no more until the kitchen is working.
Perhaps I could tinker in the garage, do some arranging, neatening, and a little bit of bolting. Hmm... but I did want to sand the table top before bolting. I could also do that. And, I could tinker around the bench. This coming month, or next, I'd like to get rubber mats for under the bench area and maybe begin pushing something skyward... probably just bare various bars and bells, but... If I had the money, I'd buy a heavyweight punching bag, and put that out there too. Maybe next summer, only if I start using the weights though. But before that, I'll figure out a chipup bar, again, assuming I start using the weights, and can bench my own weight and some change, and can do pushups easily enough. Incentives, requirements, yes... the paperwork is required before other expenditures will be made. It's just business, on some things.
We'll see. But, for today, valves at least. A bit of shop work. Perhaps some cave cleaning. And maybe a bit of a cleaning of the vehicle. At least pulling everything not supposed to be in there and straightening what is supposed to be in there. Who knows, I might find a million dollars... or not. But, first, more coffee, medicines, and a bit of waking. Good morning, good day, good golly would you go already? I don't have all day to jabber you know. :p
.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Yea, okay, that worked.
.
.
I did make it out. I got to town, saw that my tank was in dire straights, stopped at the gas station... no wallet! I did have some free floating dollars, enough to put enough in the tank to get home and get my wallet, barely. That put me about an hour off my schedule, and I still needed to stop at the hardware store. Still, got it all done. Again, I took what I needed in to check sizes, got the same thing I got last time, returned most of what needed to be returned, then used that to buy what else I needed. But it was an in and out thing, nothing fancy, nothing difficult.
As I was picking my friend up, a friend of his asked to go along. Fine by me and my friend said it was all good, so... the three amigos headed out to massacre cans. But first a quick stop for ammunition. I needed .45 and heard they had .22 long, if subsonic which won't work with my semi-autos but works superbly with the Henry. Fact is, those are even quieter than the .22 shorts! We massacred the cans and various other targets with aplomb. Whether a .45, 9 mm, 380, or .22, rifle or pistol, the cans stood no chance. Plink, blam, pzizzzz. The new guy on the team had the shakes, sometimes does, but still shot well enough. I just suggested that if he could hit a can at 30 to 50 feet, even if he had to focus, that it means he could hit a goblin at that distance without any issues, and that is my main notion of practice. Rarely is it a speed game, regardless what almost anybody thinks. In my opinion. Then again, for my health, even despite it, I am fast. Just a natural thing for me. I still think you would have been amazed at the top of my game. Ah well.
After shooting, dinner. Same spot as usual. All good. Mushrooms as an appetizer, then mostly our usual foods. Sorry, but I am stuck on omelets. Then I delivered them back to where I found them. Oh, but I suggested a July 4th cookout here. Nothing fancy. Hotdogs, hamburgers, and maybe a brisket. I'll need to make potato salad and coleslaw, but that shouldn't be too much of a fuss... with a little planning. Yeah, we can do that. I'll try to get the cave whipped into a bit better shape. But... they are bachelors too. Still... there are limits and I have well exceeded those.
As it goes, I was just rolling back into town at 23:30 or so. I did bother to pick up my mail. The rest of my medicine is finally in. I stocked one of my medicine sets last night. And found losartin, I was incorrect about the amounts. It seems they shipped the last group in two different bottles, and one of the bottles got separated. This time all of it is in one bottle. If that happens again, I will chunk them all together and be done with the double bottle dance. I need just a bit of time to come down. But it was cool enough that it's more about stripping down and relaxing, than cooling off plus all that. Yeah, it'll be late. It'll probably be 1:00 or 2:00 before I can sleep, even if very tired.
Definitely all good though. Good night.
.
I did make it out. I got to town, saw that my tank was in dire straights, stopped at the gas station... no wallet! I did have some free floating dollars, enough to put enough in the tank to get home and get my wallet, barely. That put me about an hour off my schedule, and I still needed to stop at the hardware store. Still, got it all done. Again, I took what I needed in to check sizes, got the same thing I got last time, returned most of what needed to be returned, then used that to buy what else I needed. But it was an in and out thing, nothing fancy, nothing difficult.
As I was picking my friend up, a friend of his asked to go along. Fine by me and my friend said it was all good, so... the three amigos headed out to massacre cans. But first a quick stop for ammunition. I needed .45 and heard they had .22 long, if subsonic which won't work with my semi-autos but works superbly with the Henry. Fact is, those are even quieter than the .22 shorts! We massacred the cans and various other targets with aplomb. Whether a .45, 9 mm, 380, or .22, rifle or pistol, the cans stood no chance. Plink, blam, pzizzzz. The new guy on the team had the shakes, sometimes does, but still shot well enough. I just suggested that if he could hit a can at 30 to 50 feet, even if he had to focus, that it means he could hit a goblin at that distance without any issues, and that is my main notion of practice. Rarely is it a speed game, regardless what almost anybody thinks. In my opinion. Then again, for my health, even despite it, I am fast. Just a natural thing for me. I still think you would have been amazed at the top of my game. Ah well.
After shooting, dinner. Same spot as usual. All good. Mushrooms as an appetizer, then mostly our usual foods. Sorry, but I am stuck on omelets. Then I delivered them back to where I found them. Oh, but I suggested a July 4th cookout here. Nothing fancy. Hotdogs, hamburgers, and maybe a brisket. I'll need to make potato salad and coleslaw, but that shouldn't be too much of a fuss... with a little planning. Yeah, we can do that. I'll try to get the cave whipped into a bit better shape. But... they are bachelors too. Still... there are limits and I have well exceeded those.
As it goes, I was just rolling back into town at 23:30 or so. I did bother to pick up my mail. The rest of my medicine is finally in. I stocked one of my medicine sets last night. And found losartin, I was incorrect about the amounts. It seems they shipped the last group in two different bottles, and one of the bottles got separated. This time all of it is in one bottle. If that happens again, I will chunk them all together and be done with the double bottle dance. I need just a bit of time to come down. But it was cool enough that it's more about stripping down and relaxing, than cooling off plus all that. Yeah, it'll be late. It'll probably be 1:00 or 2:00 before I can sleep, even if very tired.
Definitely all good though. Good night.
Right...
.
.
I did finally get to install the fittings. That all went swimmingly. After fiddling back and forth, and getting things put together, I decided to drain the flexhoses, just in case anything had become lodged in there. They ran clear and well, so I decided to hook up the faucet and try that. Nope. Water is not flowing through. Is it that the replacement cartridge is defective? Is it something else in the faucet? I simply don't know. All I know is that turning the thing on and off results in no flow through the rest of the faucet. I know it is getting water, I just don't know beyond that. I will make another call Monday. Oh, but while in town, I will be returning a bunch of parts, picking up some other parts, and... I'll figure it out from there. I should come out ahead, but there is no way I could find all the receipts for the various returns, so I'll have to go with a gift card. No problem, I'll spend what I must and have the card for future, or even the rest of the, adventure in plumbing. Oh, but with the little toolbox just for plumbing, I'll remember to put receipts in there from now on. At least I have the valves and fittings down. I can move on to the bathroom over the weekend, as that should be a simple fix. No cartridges, and I can fix anything else on it, probably.
I best hop in the shower, then get dressed and call my friend. He may or may not want to go, but I'm betting on him wanting to go. Shopping at least, shooting if he is really up for something. I need to grab a couple of boxes of various ammunition, and look for .22... anything. The .45 and .22 today, I do believe, if he wants to go. Oh, best grab some cans while I am at it. Nothing like making tin dance. I will stop at the hardware store first, then get my friend, if he is interested. The nice thing is that is cool enough that we don't have to wait until mid to later afternoon to head out. A good day to get out. I just wish things were right for hiking, but... even without target practicing that would not work today.
Later.
.
I did finally get to install the fittings. That all went swimmingly. After fiddling back and forth, and getting things put together, I decided to drain the flexhoses, just in case anything had become lodged in there. They ran clear and well, so I decided to hook up the faucet and try that. Nope. Water is not flowing through. Is it that the replacement cartridge is defective? Is it something else in the faucet? I simply don't know. All I know is that turning the thing on and off results in no flow through the rest of the faucet. I know it is getting water, I just don't know beyond that. I will make another call Monday. Oh, but while in town, I will be returning a bunch of parts, picking up some other parts, and... I'll figure it out from there. I should come out ahead, but there is no way I could find all the receipts for the various returns, so I'll have to go with a gift card. No problem, I'll spend what I must and have the card for future, or even the rest of the, adventure in plumbing. Oh, but with the little toolbox just for plumbing, I'll remember to put receipts in there from now on. At least I have the valves and fittings down. I can move on to the bathroom over the weekend, as that should be a simple fix. No cartridges, and I can fix anything else on it, probably.
I best hop in the shower, then get dressed and call my friend. He may or may not want to go, but I'm betting on him wanting to go. Shopping at least, shooting if he is really up for something. I need to grab a couple of boxes of various ammunition, and look for .22... anything. The .45 and .22 today, I do believe, if he wants to go. Oh, best grab some cans while I am at it. Nothing like making tin dance. I will stop at the hardware store first, then get my friend, if he is interested. The nice thing is that is cool enough that we don't have to wait until mid to later afternoon to head out. A good day to get out. I just wish things were right for hiking, but... even without target practicing that would not work today.
Later.
When you go stupid...
.
.
go all the way. Oh, just memories floating around. Various people in my past. When I was healthy, I was a 97%'er. Most of the time I could be told what to do and be left alone to do it. I preferred it, they preferred it. It just works out better. But some of the time, regardless if the task was new to me or whether it was something I was an old pro at, I would ding the thing up like nobody's business. I didn't, that I can remember, ever end up costing or destroying. It was more like having to figure out which way to turn every bolt, not being able to see schematics right side up, forgetting everything I knew. Usually, if it was realized, I was simply pulled off and put on light (stupid) duty until whatever was wrong became right. A nap, a bit of coffee, a day off. Still, I was well considered my weight in gold when on the same page. Lead otherwise. Ask my mom about that last, but then women make horrible bosses. They don't know what they want, how to do it, and get emotional either way. Basically, you are always doing it wrong, too fast, too slow, to a woman's mind. At least a mother's mind. A woman partner can be told to go get stuffed if she interferes. And have been. Though they can be helpful if they aren't emotionally involved with the doings.
The last few days have reminded me of the 3% episodes. It's a mind thing, I think. Then again, I suppose it could be a body thing. Light haze with a chance of freezing rain? Yeah, something like that. Oh, haven't really done much to prove or disprove. And, more in the past but it is becoming possible these days I have been able to work through it. Not always. Depends on needs, tending anything that might be wrong... basically getting my head on straight. I can't do that if not enough sleep is the problem, and being malnourished or dehydrated actually take more time to fix than sleep. The thing is, with sleep, one rest period might help, or a nap, but to make it really right might take days as well. When I became ill, it was like being always in need of sleep, no matter how much sleep I got. The more I got, the more I wanted. The less I got, the better I worked, until I collapsed. But there was a balance, if it was only slightly less painful than the other two options, and was and remains, difficult to maintain. Improvements, sure. Full days, plus, and usually eight hours down. But, right now, I more wish to just sleep, and sleep and sleep and sleep. I have enough health and strength, though, that I can skip that and go for the moderate balance I once found so difficult.
In other words, I haven't gotten to the faucet, or the call, yet. But... after this cup of joe, it's on the docket. It really should be easy, and I think I can do the simple part really quickly. I've just not wanted to face the 'what if it fails' part of things. I will though. And, one way or the other, I'll take whatever step is next. Then I will call in and see if my friend wants to go shooting. Umbrellas. His wheelchair has a rigged stand for one, and I can figure that out myself, if need be. A bit of shooting, perhaps dinner, maybe some shopping. I think I can, I think I can, I... zzz. :p *sigh*
Later.
.
go all the way. Oh, just memories floating around. Various people in my past. When I was healthy, I was a 97%'er. Most of the time I could be told what to do and be left alone to do it. I preferred it, they preferred it. It just works out better. But some of the time, regardless if the task was new to me or whether it was something I was an old pro at, I would ding the thing up like nobody's business. I didn't, that I can remember, ever end up costing or destroying. It was more like having to figure out which way to turn every bolt, not being able to see schematics right side up, forgetting everything I knew. Usually, if it was realized, I was simply pulled off and put on light (stupid) duty until whatever was wrong became right. A nap, a bit of coffee, a day off. Still, I was well considered my weight in gold when on the same page. Lead otherwise. Ask my mom about that last, but then women make horrible bosses. They don't know what they want, how to do it, and get emotional either way. Basically, you are always doing it wrong, too fast, too slow, to a woman's mind. At least a mother's mind. A woman partner can be told to go get stuffed if she interferes. And have been. Though they can be helpful if they aren't emotionally involved with the doings.
The last few days have reminded me of the 3% episodes. It's a mind thing, I think. Then again, I suppose it could be a body thing. Light haze with a chance of freezing rain? Yeah, something like that. Oh, haven't really done much to prove or disprove. And, more in the past but it is becoming possible these days I have been able to work through it. Not always. Depends on needs, tending anything that might be wrong... basically getting my head on straight. I can't do that if not enough sleep is the problem, and being malnourished or dehydrated actually take more time to fix than sleep. The thing is, with sleep, one rest period might help, or a nap, but to make it really right might take days as well. When I became ill, it was like being always in need of sleep, no matter how much sleep I got. The more I got, the more I wanted. The less I got, the better I worked, until I collapsed. But there was a balance, if it was only slightly less painful than the other two options, and was and remains, difficult to maintain. Improvements, sure. Full days, plus, and usually eight hours down. But, right now, I more wish to just sleep, and sleep and sleep and sleep. I have enough health and strength, though, that I can skip that and go for the moderate balance I once found so difficult.
In other words, I haven't gotten to the faucet, or the call, yet. But... after this cup of joe, it's on the docket. It really should be easy, and I think I can do the simple part really quickly. I've just not wanted to face the 'what if it fails' part of things. I will though. And, one way or the other, I'll take whatever step is next. Then I will call in and see if my friend wants to go shooting. Umbrellas. His wheelchair has a rigged stand for one, and I can figure that out myself, if need be. A bit of shooting, perhaps dinner, maybe some shopping. I think I can, I think I can, I... zzz. :p *sigh*
Later.
They said it might rain.
.
.
It is cool, true. And that is always a good thing. I thought rain would be more intermittent. Not so much. Well, yes and no, just a lot more frequently than I thought. I am up early enough, however, that perhaps shooting this afternoon is still on. Hmm, I didn't call my friend, but it's still a bit early for that. I generally like to leave him alone until at least 10:00, but often until noon now that it is summer. Afternoons, or earlier in the day, are best for shooting. But he isn't a morning guy, at all. On the good side, his schedule is pretty static. Oh, he is awake, he just isn't quite human too early in the morning. I am the same, it's just that my morning can be any time of the day... getting more regular but it may never be perfectly regular.
Another hour for waking, then I may tinker with the faucet before making the call. After the faucet, a shower. I really have been doing better with the pistols, both of them. Still not 100%, but I am not sure that is possible. I would guess I can hit a cat food tin out to 30 yards at about 65-75% of the time. I am more accurate with the 9 mm, but not by much. I am honestly not sure how much more accurate, or precise actually?, I could get but I don't want to fall out of trim as I did recently. I figure a hundred rounds, per pistol, each month, should keep me on track.
Rain, and cool, is wonderful though. Just a few times a month really helps keep life from thinning out too much in the heat. It also smells so good. Even a quarter inch will put some water back into the dam as well. All good. Yeah... best get to the faucet. And I do need to pick up something to keep the lines straight and down when in town, so I really want to get in. At the first of the month, I may look for a few more short maturation tomato plants, maybe pepper plants. The ones I have, mostly, are 50 day, though there are some that take longer. This is, if nothing else, practice with the drip feeder... and seeing how that handles weeds, with some hope of fruit. We'll see. But... practice, practice, practice. Maybe one year soon I will hit a home run out there.
Later.
.
It is cool, true. And that is always a good thing. I thought rain would be more intermittent. Not so much. Well, yes and no, just a lot more frequently than I thought. I am up early enough, however, that perhaps shooting this afternoon is still on. Hmm, I didn't call my friend, but it's still a bit early for that. I generally like to leave him alone until at least 10:00, but often until noon now that it is summer. Afternoons, or earlier in the day, are best for shooting. But he isn't a morning guy, at all. On the good side, his schedule is pretty static. Oh, he is awake, he just isn't quite human too early in the morning. I am the same, it's just that my morning can be any time of the day... getting more regular but it may never be perfectly regular.
Another hour for waking, then I may tinker with the faucet before making the call. After the faucet, a shower. I really have been doing better with the pistols, both of them. Still not 100%, but I am not sure that is possible. I would guess I can hit a cat food tin out to 30 yards at about 65-75% of the time. I am more accurate with the 9 mm, but not by much. I am honestly not sure how much more accurate, or precise actually?, I could get but I don't want to fall out of trim as I did recently. I figure a hundred rounds, per pistol, each month, should keep me on track.
Rain, and cool, is wonderful though. Just a few times a month really helps keep life from thinning out too much in the heat. It also smells so good. Even a quarter inch will put some water back into the dam as well. All good. Yeah... best get to the faucet. And I do need to pick up something to keep the lines straight and down when in town, so I really want to get in. At the first of the month, I may look for a few more short maturation tomato plants, maybe pepper plants. The ones I have, mostly, are 50 day, though there are some that take longer. This is, if nothing else, practice with the drip feeder... and seeing how that handles weeds, with some hope of fruit. We'll see. But... practice, practice, practice. Maybe one year soon I will hit a home run out there.
Later.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Scratch.
.
.
No biggy. I have been pushing things, all told, history, health, and all else. Plus, it seems my body is telling me something... probably that I need to cool things a bit. Environmentally, not in pushing. I didn't see the need to turn the AC up today, but really should have. Even taking my medication, my body is taking on, and holding water. No, no salty foods. And actually I have been drinking less than usual... just some quirk. And still my body is swelling. I had to take off my chastity ring before I couldn't. I was barely able to get it off when I realized it was becoming a problem. Oh, by the way... wearing a ring all of the time... does cause and itch, doesn't it? I can only imagine what a collar does for a dog. All the further I will explore that, in any way, shape, or form. It's quite a commitment.
I simply could not get to much. I did, finally, water the plants. They looked to be needing it. And I am still planning to get to town tomorrow, to take my friend shooting. It's late, at 22:00 and change, but... well... So it goes. I have been researching cold soups. Most people just take a handful of refreshing vegetables, put them in a blender or processor, and... that's that. I keep seeing the notion of extra virgin olive oil. What I don't see is any brands that are actually extra virgin. The market if flooded with fakes. I've tried many kinds, most really aren't. Yeah, you can tell. For me, beets are a top contender, as is gazpacho, but pureed. Cucumber sounds good in things, as does mint, but it has to be the right combinations. And, remember, just because someone else makes and likes it? Yeah, you may easily not. Vegetarians have horrible taste profile preferences from what I have seen... or more tasted. Hmm... mushrooms, lightly sauteed in butter, and blended in would be good. A fine add to, say, a potato soup, not so much a true gazpacho though. Eventually, perhaps when it is hotter in the summer and the need and want are greater, and I have finished some of what I need to do, I'll dig into that a bit more deeply. I have a serious blender, but no longer do I have a processor. I might look around for a smaller one. The one I used to have was simply too big. I'll see how well the blender does first.
Well... good night.
.
No biggy. I have been pushing things, all told, history, health, and all else. Plus, it seems my body is telling me something... probably that I need to cool things a bit. Environmentally, not in pushing. I didn't see the need to turn the AC up today, but really should have. Even taking my medication, my body is taking on, and holding water. No, no salty foods. And actually I have been drinking less than usual... just some quirk. And still my body is swelling. I had to take off my chastity ring before I couldn't. I was barely able to get it off when I realized it was becoming a problem. Oh, by the way... wearing a ring all of the time... does cause and itch, doesn't it? I can only imagine what a collar does for a dog. All the further I will explore that, in any way, shape, or form. It's quite a commitment.
I simply could not get to much. I did, finally, water the plants. They looked to be needing it. And I am still planning to get to town tomorrow, to take my friend shooting. It's late, at 22:00 and change, but... well... So it goes. I have been researching cold soups. Most people just take a handful of refreshing vegetables, put them in a blender or processor, and... that's that. I keep seeing the notion of extra virgin olive oil. What I don't see is any brands that are actually extra virgin. The market if flooded with fakes. I've tried many kinds, most really aren't. Yeah, you can tell. For me, beets are a top contender, as is gazpacho, but pureed. Cucumber sounds good in things, as does mint, but it has to be the right combinations. And, remember, just because someone else makes and likes it? Yeah, you may easily not. Vegetarians have horrible taste profile preferences from what I have seen... or more tasted. Hmm... mushrooms, lightly sauteed in butter, and blended in would be good. A fine add to, say, a potato soup, not so much a true gazpacho though. Eventually, perhaps when it is hotter in the summer and the need and want are greater, and I have finished some of what I need to do, I'll dig into that a bit more deeply. I have a serious blender, but no longer do I have a processor. I might look around for a smaller one. The one I used to have was simply too big. I'll see how well the blender does first.
Well... good night.
Yeah, well, I did try.
.
.
I didn't hit it until about 22:00. I went in hard, heavy, and finally. I set the alarm for 5:00 before crashing. I knew that would be tight, but was hopeful. I was thinking about thinking about something and then I wasn't thinking at all. The girls made a very loud noise, which I could hear over the fan or fan and AC. Yeah, I know it was them. Just... trust me. My heart was beating like a drum. It must have been about midnight but there was no way I was going to look at the time. I needed sleep, and with the heart racing, that was going to be difficult enough. But, shortly, I was back to sleep. The next thing I knew, the alarm was sounding off. Yuck. No way. It took a bit to... sort things enough to figure things out. I reset it, eventually, to 6:00. I don't know if I slept through and past it, or shut it off then woke naturally... But I finally got up at around 7:30, give or take pennies, nickles, and dimes in some combination.
I think the sun beat it out of me. It wasn't hard work, I was simply exposed. But more, I haven't been doing much of that lately. I didn't get to the faucet later, either. It just wasn't going to happen. It isn't just physical. I have to be sound enough to deal with potential failure. Sometimes I'm not ready for much. I was physically worn though, too... it's just that that is not always the whole of it, sometimes not the majority. Just minor heat stress and emotional fragility, this time, but it was enough. Still... I am getting there. Today I am hoping to work on the faucet. Tomorrow will be cool, so I hope to get out shooting, then pick up some sort of staples to hold the lines down. And, when I return, to set the lines straight, staple them, plant what I hope will grow, and set the operation to go. It might be too much, but when victory is on the lips, and the weekend for rest is at hand, I am hoping I can push on through.
Oh, but first... more coffee and some wake time. Yeah... Definitely more coffee, and time just sitting. Later.
.
I didn't hit it until about 22:00. I went in hard, heavy, and finally. I set the alarm for 5:00 before crashing. I knew that would be tight, but was hopeful. I was thinking about thinking about something and then I wasn't thinking at all. The girls made a very loud noise, which I could hear over the fan or fan and AC. Yeah, I know it was them. Just... trust me. My heart was beating like a drum. It must have been about midnight but there was no way I was going to look at the time. I needed sleep, and with the heart racing, that was going to be difficult enough. But, shortly, I was back to sleep. The next thing I knew, the alarm was sounding off. Yuck. No way. It took a bit to... sort things enough to figure things out. I reset it, eventually, to 6:00. I don't know if I slept through and past it, or shut it off then woke naturally... But I finally got up at around 7:30, give or take pennies, nickles, and dimes in some combination.
I think the sun beat it out of me. It wasn't hard work, I was simply exposed. But more, I haven't been doing much of that lately. I didn't get to the faucet later, either. It just wasn't going to happen. It isn't just physical. I have to be sound enough to deal with potential failure. Sometimes I'm not ready for much. I was physically worn though, too... it's just that that is not always the whole of it, sometimes not the majority. Just minor heat stress and emotional fragility, this time, but it was enough. Still... I am getting there. Today I am hoping to work on the faucet. Tomorrow will be cool, so I hope to get out shooting, then pick up some sort of staples to hold the lines down. And, when I return, to set the lines straight, staple them, plant what I hope will grow, and set the operation to go. It might be too much, but when victory is on the lips, and the weekend for rest is at hand, I am hoping I can push on through.
Oh, but first... more coffee and some wake time. Yeah... Definitely more coffee, and time just sitting. Later.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
So that does cool things off.
.
.
Just a couple of fans and running the AC for a few hours brings the cave, and myself, well into trim heat wise. I am impressed. I had forgotten how well that worked. Though health might be better, and that might be a part of it. It is so very difficult to know which is what, or is when the mind isn't able to think outside of the box, pretty much literally, with me being the box. Oh, I can think, and usually have been able to, but not necessarily as it relates to the world around me, other people, and such. Not always. I forget, often, when doing well, just how isolated I can be. Some might suggest that I still am, but that is only if I am pushing things, and not always even then. Simply, just like anyone else who is hungry, thirsty, tired, sore, feeling vulnerable, or such, capacity to cope declines. That is simple reality.
I think the girls are even liking having it more moderate in here, up to a point. When it hits 90, nobody is exactly happy. Well, in this environ. Sam likes to go out and roll in the grass for a bit, where it is shaded, and perhaps look and listen for a free range meal, but only just a bit, preferring earlier or later forays.
Plumbing? Not quite yet, but it is still possible. Food first. Once I cool off, then I can tolerate a bite or two. If health and works continue, and if I can find a little more in there to do some extras, I'd like to figure out summer menus. A cool meal, once in a while, wouldn't be at all bad. Cook it in the evening or early morning, perhaps in parts over a few days, then just have it ready. Hmm... there is always cold grilled chicken. And I suppose I could figure out a salad or three. Coleslaw is fantastic, potato salad is nice to keep on hand, and regular if deep green salad would be okay. But romaine lettuce goes bad fast. You know what else would be good? Sea food ceviche... shrimp, scallops, and perhaps even some types of fish. But a cold soup? I have been... wanting to tinker that for some very long time. Back in Iowa, I thought about it, but only after my chief bottle washer and I went quits. Some sorts of borscht are good. But I am thinking more of a meat soup. Hmm... and of course, carpaccio... with a little olive oil, capers, maybe on a bed of romaine. But finding the right beef, and fresh... I've also heard of raw beef chopped instead of sliced. Yes... I do have a culinary curiosity, some knowledge, and the daring to try different things.
I best eat something, after all of that. Later.
.
Just a couple of fans and running the AC for a few hours brings the cave, and myself, well into trim heat wise. I am impressed. I had forgotten how well that worked. Though health might be better, and that might be a part of it. It is so very difficult to know which is what, or is when the mind isn't able to think outside of the box, pretty much literally, with me being the box. Oh, I can think, and usually have been able to, but not necessarily as it relates to the world around me, other people, and such. Not always. I forget, often, when doing well, just how isolated I can be. Some might suggest that I still am, but that is only if I am pushing things, and not always even then. Simply, just like anyone else who is hungry, thirsty, tired, sore, feeling vulnerable, or such, capacity to cope declines. That is simple reality.
As much fun in the sun as I can do for today.
.
.
I didn't get much more done. I ran the lines for the rows I want. The only other thing I will do outside today is water the flowers and crop plants when the heat has dissipated a bit. I did find information about how far apart dripper heads need to be, for the various soil types and flow rates. But that will have to wait another day. Well... it is started. There are a couple of items I would like to get. I need something to pin the hoses in. I suppose I could just make stakes, and do it with a nail and stake method. I'd like to find a more elegant, safe, and sure method. I wasn't impressed with the plastic stakes they produce, but longer 'horseshoe' nails (smaller ones are used to attach fencing to posts, can't recall the common name), seem like they would work better.
After a bit of cooling off, I am hoping to try the compression fittings. No promises, but... It would be nice to simply try the faucet. I haven't even been able to try it since I got the new part! Gah! That should be easy enough. If it works, the rest of it is simple. If it doesn't, that becomes very simple... for the moment. But first a break, something cool to drink, maybe a spot of food, and something relaxing to do.
I am doing what I can, with what I have. Wrong, often enough. Too little, too much, wrong size, wrong type, this, that, and the other thing, but... it's... getting there even so. Boy is it hot. AC and some fans, for now. I can't wait until payday to try the evap cooler project, sans the solar power for now. If it works as well as I hope, either another one will be constructed or I may begin figuring out a solar system just for it, for the moment. Wet meet feet, perhaps. Actually, might do both. A little cooling in the garage, without risking the rickety electrical out there, would be nice. But more cooling in here wouldn't hurt at all, first off.
Later.
.
I didn't get much more done. I ran the lines for the rows I want. The only other thing I will do outside today is water the flowers and crop plants when the heat has dissipated a bit. I did find information about how far apart dripper heads need to be, for the various soil types and flow rates. But that will have to wait another day. Well... it is started. There are a couple of items I would like to get. I need something to pin the hoses in. I suppose I could just make stakes, and do it with a nail and stake method. I'd like to find a more elegant, safe, and sure method. I wasn't impressed with the plastic stakes they produce, but longer 'horseshoe' nails (smaller ones are used to attach fencing to posts, can't recall the common name), seem like they would work better.
After a bit of cooling off, I am hoping to try the compression fittings. No promises, but... It would be nice to simply try the faucet. I haven't even been able to try it since I got the new part! Gah! That should be easy enough. If it works, the rest of it is simple. If it doesn't, that becomes very simple... for the moment. But first a break, something cool to drink, maybe a spot of food, and something relaxing to do.
I am doing what I can, with what I have. Wrong, often enough. Too little, too much, wrong size, wrong type, this, that, and the other thing, but... it's... getting there even so. Boy is it hot. AC and some fans, for now. I can't wait until payday to try the evap cooler project, sans the solar power for now. If it works as well as I hope, either another one will be constructed or I may begin figuring out a solar system just for it, for the moment. Wet meet feet, perhaps. Actually, might do both. A little cooling in the garage, without risking the rickety electrical out there, would be nice. But more cooling in here wouldn't hurt at all, first off.
Later.
Yeah, well, look...
.
.
I've researched as much as I can. There simply isn't a good, simple, guide to hooking up a drip irrigation system, not of the kind I am trying to put together. There are things I will eventually look over, such as how to drip feed the flowers. But that isn't my interest today. I've been looking, off and on, for over a week and have found nothing that works for what I am doing. Lots of reading that lead to nothing useful, tons of vids that promise the notion but end up being advertising for three-color plug and play but no notion of how to set things up. Just plug and play, by color, right? So? So I am going to make it up as I go along.
The idea, for me, is to get the line out to the garden, install an "L", to develop a line along the length of the garden, then run width lengths from that line with "T"s. Adding drip heads right into the plants and putting stoppers, or bends, at the ends of the rows. Will it work? Should. Now, for the root vegetables, I could just add drip bits every... say... six inches? Something. I may look that up. Good soil, Not much clay, as I had thought. Nice soil, really. So maybe even eight inches, or a foot between... I'll look that up when I am taking a break from the heat. I know I'll need a break before I get to that part. Probably, but will take one in any case.
Wish me luck, and... later.
.
I've researched as much as I can. There simply isn't a good, simple, guide to hooking up a drip irrigation system, not of the kind I am trying to put together. There are things I will eventually look over, such as how to drip feed the flowers. But that isn't my interest today. I've been looking, off and on, for over a week and have found nothing that works for what I am doing. Lots of reading that lead to nothing useful, tons of vids that promise the notion but end up being advertising for three-color plug and play but no notion of how to set things up. Just plug and play, by color, right? So? So I am going to make it up as I go along.
The idea, for me, is to get the line out to the garden, install an "L", to develop a line along the length of the garden, then run width lengths from that line with "T"s. Adding drip heads right into the plants and putting stoppers, or bends, at the ends of the rows. Will it work? Should. Now, for the root vegetables, I could just add drip bits every... say... six inches? Something. I may look that up. Good soil, Not much clay, as I had thought. Nice soil, really. So maybe even eight inches, or a foot between... I'll look that up when I am taking a break from the heat. I know I'll need a break before I get to that part. Probably, but will take one in any case.
Wish me luck, and... later.
On the good side...
.
.
I was able to sleep by 22:00 anyway. An hour late, but not bad. I was quite pleased to lay it in so close after overheating as I did. Yeah, look, my anatomy is just different than yours. Doctors don't understand many of it's aspects, I certainly don't, and so you won't. Just understand, when I tell you something, it is from experience, not from understanding. It seems my body was made for extremes, reacts to them as if that was sugar or something. Converting heat to raw energy. Especially if I put forth effort in it. I woke just before the alarm, which I set for 6:00. I do love the mornings... the cool.
Today? I am actually hoping to go ahead and get the lines set for the drip irrigation. Which... I need to study today. I just can't find some version of drip irrigation for dummies. The parts I didn't get yesterday can be added into the line later without much fuss. And, just in case, I can add an extra foot, just in case... if I suspect those things will actually add length, not remove it. But I have learned to plan for... problems that are contrary to seeming simple logic. Just... trust me. I need to wake a bit, then study, but I would like to get that done before the cool of the morning is completely gone. Then I would like to test out the fittings for the faucet. I am hoping this is it. Yeah... I'm not the greatest plumber. Well... and learning what fits with what has been... interesting. I don't know if it is traditional plumbing, or if things are kept as complicated as possible to simply try to keep diy'ers at bay, or both. But it's a messy world of measures, sizes, fittings, and such. We'll see. And, if all that works and I am not dead, then this evening I am hoping to plant the tomatoes and peppers, and set up the first watering of those, plus set the timer up for three times a week. A lot of if's, but it's what I have.
Friday is supposed to be cool, if there will be a risk of rain. I believe I will change the shoot day from tomorrow to Friday. That will give me a day to cool off and rest, which I will need. Especially if today sees all those things done. Of course I have no idea what I am doing. But, that's fine. My momma said I could. Later.
.
I was able to sleep by 22:00 anyway. An hour late, but not bad. I was quite pleased to lay it in so close after overheating as I did. Yeah, look, my anatomy is just different than yours. Doctors don't understand many of it's aspects, I certainly don't, and so you won't. Just understand, when I tell you something, it is from experience, not from understanding. It seems my body was made for extremes, reacts to them as if that was sugar or something. Converting heat to raw energy. Especially if I put forth effort in it. I woke just before the alarm, which I set for 6:00. I do love the mornings... the cool.
Today? I am actually hoping to go ahead and get the lines set for the drip irrigation. Which... I need to study today. I just can't find some version of drip irrigation for dummies. The parts I didn't get yesterday can be added into the line later without much fuss. And, just in case, I can add an extra foot, just in case... if I suspect those things will actually add length, not remove it. But I have learned to plan for... problems that are contrary to seeming simple logic. Just... trust me. I need to wake a bit, then study, but I would like to get that done before the cool of the morning is completely gone. Then I would like to test out the fittings for the faucet. I am hoping this is it. Yeah... I'm not the greatest plumber. Well... and learning what fits with what has been... interesting. I don't know if it is traditional plumbing, or if things are kept as complicated as possible to simply try to keep diy'ers at bay, or both. But it's a messy world of measures, sizes, fittings, and such. We'll see. And, if all that works and I am not dead, then this evening I am hoping to plant the tomatoes and peppers, and set up the first watering of those, plus set the timer up for three times a week. A lot of if's, but it's what I have.
Friday is supposed to be cool, if there will be a risk of rain. I believe I will change the shoot day from tomorrow to Friday. That will give me a day to cool off and rest, which I will need. Especially if today sees all those things done. Of course I have no idea what I am doing. But, that's fine. My momma said I could. Later.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
As an enterprising lad...
.
.
If the world is going to hell, and before you know better, there are... ways to enjoy what of it is possible before it all falls down. Timing, folks, it's all about timing.
-Not safe for work, kids, some pets, impressionable machinery, ladies, and any one else with sensitives.-
-As well, this is not an endorsement of any idea involved, don't do any of this at home. At least not as advertised.-
However... history is history, warts and all. Uhrm, don't believe everything advertised works as such. No, not a personal problem by the way.
.
If the world is going to hell, and before you know better, there are... ways to enjoy what of it is possible before it all falls down. Timing, folks, it's all about timing.
-Not safe for work, kids, some pets, impressionable machinery, ladies, and any one else with sensitives.-
-As well, this is not an endorsement of any idea involved, don't do any of this at home. At least not as advertised.-
However... history is history, warts and all. Uhrm, don't believe everything advertised works as such. No, not a personal problem by the way.
Conundrum.
.
.
Yeah, not sure I should have gone. It was far too hot. Still, I did tell him to call... with the stipulation that it be cool... but that was for shooting... so... Oh, I am glad to have gone on a number of fronts. I may, finally, have the right fittings for the faucet anyway. It was too hot, I had too many things on my lists, and it just didn't work as I had hoped. Still... It's a start, and I have some things. Plus I was able to figure out a computer problem he was having. I hate Win 8, with a passion. But, as it turned out, I didn't need to use that. Actually I am learning to work in that OS a bit, but find the addition I installed to be a much more reasonable interface. It is no longer that I can't work in Win 8, it's more that I won't. It's the principal of the thing.
I kept my shopping to a minimum. I did pick up one 'odds and ends' item, a glue gun and sticks. I've got projects in mind where that will eventually come in handy. I am also curious how well it works on cats. Wait, I didn't write that last sentence! And don't try that at home kiddies. But I was a bit too tired to do anything today, so pushing might not have been the best idea. Still, it was good to be useful. And I probably needed something to bust me up, out, and over, or back down for a bit. I suggested a shoot Thursday, and could use that to pick up some things... forgot coffee and parts for the drip line.
Hot. Damned hot. To my way of thinking. Too hot. I am going to turn the ac on for a bit, then start up a fan, play my game for a bit, and hope to cool off enough to sleep at 21:00. Maybe a shower as well. Did I mention that it, and I, am hot? Yeah. Hot, hot, hot. I didn't want to tinker with the evap cooler until I have the faucet in, some other projects completed, and then next payday arrives. Then I'll give it a shot. Just one for now. If that works well enough, and I think it is worth it, I might build another one the payday after that.
Later.
.
Yeah, not sure I should have gone. It was far too hot. Still, I did tell him to call... with the stipulation that it be cool... but that was for shooting... so... Oh, I am glad to have gone on a number of fronts. I may, finally, have the right fittings for the faucet anyway. It was too hot, I had too many things on my lists, and it just didn't work as I had hoped. Still... It's a start, and I have some things. Plus I was able to figure out a computer problem he was having. I hate Win 8, with a passion. But, as it turned out, I didn't need to use that. Actually I am learning to work in that OS a bit, but find the addition I installed to be a much more reasonable interface. It is no longer that I can't work in Win 8, it's more that I won't. It's the principal of the thing.
I kept my shopping to a minimum. I did pick up one 'odds and ends' item, a glue gun and sticks. I've got projects in mind where that will eventually come in handy. I am also curious how well it works on cats. Wait, I didn't write that last sentence! And don't try that at home kiddies. But I was a bit too tired to do anything today, so pushing might not have been the best idea. Still, it was good to be useful. And I probably needed something to bust me up, out, and over, or back down for a bit. I suggested a shoot Thursday, and could use that to pick up some things... forgot coffee and parts for the drip line.
Hot. Damned hot. To my way of thinking. Too hot. I am going to turn the ac on for a bit, then start up a fan, play my game for a bit, and hope to cool off enough to sleep at 21:00. Maybe a shower as well. Did I mention that it, and I, am hot? Yeah. Hot, hot, hot. I didn't want to tinker with the evap cooler until I have the faucet in, some other projects completed, and then next payday arrives. Then I'll give it a shot. Just one for now. If that works well enough, and I think it is worth it, I might build another one the payday after that.
Later.
Sitting, doing nothing.
.
.
And not likely to get to anything, despite what I had considered earlier. That was mostly just a hope, if there might have been elements suggesting more. A phone call. A friend wants to blow the coop. Well... I suppose that is possible. A shower, first. No shooting today. I'm not up to it, and it is hitting 90. That can be doable but not today and not at the peak temperature time of the day. But... I would like to look over some more kit at the hardware store. I do need coffee and tobacco. A stroll through various other shops wouldn't hurt my feelings. And, perhaps, a small late lunch.
Hmm... best get going before I forget what I was about. Later.
.
And not likely to get to anything, despite what I had considered earlier. That was mostly just a hope, if there might have been elements suggesting more. A phone call. A friend wants to blow the coop. Well... I suppose that is possible. A shower, first. No shooting today. I'm not up to it, and it is hitting 90. That can be doable but not today and not at the peak temperature time of the day. But... I would like to look over some more kit at the hardware store. I do need coffee and tobacco. A stroll through various other shops wouldn't hurt my feelings. And, perhaps, a small late lunch.
Hmm... best get going before I forget what I was about. Later.
Juggling.
.
.
Win some, lose some. As I try to scramble, within my givens, this summer, I keep missing something or more. When I tinker here, I might forget medicine, or brushing, or eating. One failure can lead to other failures, or more down time. I keep trying though. When something gets dropped, when I can realize it, I try to just toss it back into the act. I haven't given up, and I haven't had really serious down times for a bit. While it is frustrating, it is actually somewhat hopeful though too. Sometimes I realize I missed my medicines, but cannot, for the life of me, as I fall asleep, do a single thing about it. Just because I know doesn't mean I have anything left in me to aim at fixing it, even when there is time.
This gets very frustrating. I then look at the options. I could back things down a notch. True, I could. Speeding up won't help. I could also change things just a bit, or add convenience. I can't brush my teeth in bed, but I could place a small medicine container near my bed. That would cover most of my medicine. Often though, there isn't a lot I can do. Even with the medicine, that isn't as functional as it sounds. Fluids would still be required. The problem with backing down is that... I end up missing anyway, if I do anything. A trip to the store is enough to throw my schedule off, if for a shorter spell. But then I get nothing done. No, I have to keep pushing. Restarting whatever as I can. If I wear myself out too much it might actually take a bit for me to get back on track, just from a concentration standpoint. I'm just in that phase where I am beginning to function but having to go through the hiccups of learning balance, inclusion, and such. I am stretching further into life than I ever have. It don't come easy or cheaply. But I can't back down now.
I did make it to bed by 21:00. I forgot to set the alarm. In spite of that I woke right at 5:00. All good. Today, if I want to get anything done with the faucet, I will need another trip to town. I am going to be researching how to install the irrigation though, and might see if I can't get that started this morning. I need to get that going so as to put the plants in the ground. That is very time dependent, and even then it is a very late start. I still might get something this year. If nothing else, I'll learn how to set up the drip lines and see how that works for keeping weeds at bay, and maybe a few other things.
Later.
.
Win some, lose some. As I try to scramble, within my givens, this summer, I keep missing something or more. When I tinker here, I might forget medicine, or brushing, or eating. One failure can lead to other failures, or more down time. I keep trying though. When something gets dropped, when I can realize it, I try to just toss it back into the act. I haven't given up, and I haven't had really serious down times for a bit. While it is frustrating, it is actually somewhat hopeful though too. Sometimes I realize I missed my medicines, but cannot, for the life of me, as I fall asleep, do a single thing about it. Just because I know doesn't mean I have anything left in me to aim at fixing it, even when there is time.
This gets very frustrating. I then look at the options. I could back things down a notch. True, I could. Speeding up won't help. I could also change things just a bit, or add convenience. I can't brush my teeth in bed, but I could place a small medicine container near my bed. That would cover most of my medicine. Often though, there isn't a lot I can do. Even with the medicine, that isn't as functional as it sounds. Fluids would still be required. The problem with backing down is that... I end up missing anyway, if I do anything. A trip to the store is enough to throw my schedule off, if for a shorter spell. But then I get nothing done. No, I have to keep pushing. Restarting whatever as I can. If I wear myself out too much it might actually take a bit for me to get back on track, just from a concentration standpoint. I'm just in that phase where I am beginning to function but having to go through the hiccups of learning balance, inclusion, and such. I am stretching further into life than I ever have. It don't come easy or cheaply. But I can't back down now.
I did make it to bed by 21:00. I forgot to set the alarm. In spite of that I woke right at 5:00. All good. Today, if I want to get anything done with the faucet, I will need another trip to town. I am going to be researching how to install the irrigation though, and might see if I can't get that started this morning. I need to get that going so as to put the plants in the ground. That is very time dependent, and even then it is a very late start. I still might get something this year. If nothing else, I'll learn how to set up the drip lines and see how that works for keeping weeds at bay, and maybe a few other things.
Later.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Well... a bit.
.
.
Yeah, I didn't have a lot to put into things today in any case. Still, I did begin fiddling with the faucet, and I did go looking for, and found, the parts I will need for drip irrigation, minus some inline disconnects. Oh, I didn't find the connection from the system setup to the line. Then I did a bit of research, as much as concentration would allow, regarding how to assembly the line, feeder lines, and such. I am a bit nervous, not finding much out there. Before I go to the hardware store for the faucet needs, I want to be thinking about what else I might need or want with the irrigation system. I know I want the disconnects, but I would also like to run smaller lines to the plants. I'll have to do some reading. I am guessing that would be about forty feet, and some of them are hanging, so elevated a good five feet. And I'll have to tinker with the drip rates for the various pots. I just don't exactly know how to design the main line and feeder lines. I have a rectangular garden, perhaps 20' by 50', though, of course, I won't be using all of that. I have six tomato plants, about that many pepper plants, give or take, and I would like to put in three rows of root vegetables. Width, not length, rows.
I am not sure if I should run hose to the garden, 'L' that to follow the length of the garden, then put runners from that up the rows, or if I should run a straight line (give or take) along the width, and... no, that would work. Reading is difficult today, and what I could do wasn't fruitful. Oh, some of my tomatoes have a 50 day to fruit, if that can be believed, so I might get some tomatoes. Optimal for canning? Doubtful. The root vegetables might be just fine into some minor frost, so there is that. I think next year I would like to get cucumbers in the mix, maybe squash too. Depending on some things. I'd like to figure out how to use the full garden, at least with crops that will last the winter in a cellar, or otherwise can or can be cooked a bit and frozen. Practice, practice, fail, practice... We'll see.
Zapped. And it is about 21:00. Close enough for my calculations. I might have gone to sleep even earlier but that can't always happen. Oh... I did look up something that I am terribly curious about because of a recent meal out... tempura batter. The only odd thing it requires is soda water. Odd for most, unless they buy it. I can make that. No problems. I'd like to practice. And, if I get jalapenos this year, just open those up, fill with some cheese or other, add a tempura batter, and deep fry. Seeds and all for my tastes... probably. Sometimes those buggers get pretty hot though. If I ever start making enough of those to really count, I'd like to dry a couple of bunches... perhaps even figure out chipotle.
Good night.
.
Yeah, I didn't have a lot to put into things today in any case. Still, I did begin fiddling with the faucet, and I did go looking for, and found, the parts I will need for drip irrigation, minus some inline disconnects. Oh, I didn't find the connection from the system setup to the line. Then I did a bit of research, as much as concentration would allow, regarding how to assembly the line, feeder lines, and such. I am a bit nervous, not finding much out there. Before I go to the hardware store for the faucet needs, I want to be thinking about what else I might need or want with the irrigation system. I know I want the disconnects, but I would also like to run smaller lines to the plants. I'll have to do some reading. I am guessing that would be about forty feet, and some of them are hanging, so elevated a good five feet. And I'll have to tinker with the drip rates for the various pots. I just don't exactly know how to design the main line and feeder lines. I have a rectangular garden, perhaps 20' by 50', though, of course, I won't be using all of that. I have six tomato plants, about that many pepper plants, give or take, and I would like to put in three rows of root vegetables. Width, not length, rows.
I am not sure if I should run hose to the garden, 'L' that to follow the length of the garden, then put runners from that up the rows, or if I should run a straight line (give or take) along the width, and... no, that would work. Reading is difficult today, and what I could do wasn't fruitful. Oh, some of my tomatoes have a 50 day to fruit, if that can be believed, so I might get some tomatoes. Optimal for canning? Doubtful. The root vegetables might be just fine into some minor frost, so there is that. I think next year I would like to get cucumbers in the mix, maybe squash too. Depending on some things. I'd like to figure out how to use the full garden, at least with crops that will last the winter in a cellar, or otherwise can or can be cooked a bit and frozen. Practice, practice, fail, practice... We'll see.
Zapped. And it is about 21:00. Close enough for my calculations. I might have gone to sleep even earlier but that can't always happen. Oh... I did look up something that I am terribly curious about because of a recent meal out... tempura batter. The only odd thing it requires is soda water. Odd for most, unless they buy it. I can make that. No problems. I'd like to practice. And, if I get jalapenos this year, just open those up, fill with some cheese or other, add a tempura batter, and deep fry. Seeds and all for my tastes... probably. Sometimes those buggers get pretty hot though. If I ever start making enough of those to really count, I'd like to dry a couple of bunches... perhaps even figure out chipotle.
Good night.
Yeah no.
.
.
I was sure the parts fit, but in my hurry I didn't check well enough. It seriously just won't work. I had hoped I could put the water valve in, the failed one, after the ball valve, as a simple connecter, but it works on one side, not on the other, in the configuration, but opposite of how the ball valve does and doesn't fit. Gah! Plus, I would need to replace the washers in the knob (which might have been what blocked up the faucet, they were crumbling in there), and put one in where it connects with the water pipe (or that side of it). Just... nasty. This isn't working well. I am sure there are parts that would work, I am simply not sure where to find them. The plumbing store seems to just carry what the other stores carry. I may look online for something... The thing is, size doesn't equate from one to the other, it isn't just the threading either. The half inch galvanized nipple, for example, does not fit the 1/2" water inlet side of the old valve, which otherwise is supposed to fit on 1/2" galvanized water pipe. Huh? Yeah... None of it cross fits, as it really should.
I did get the tomatoes and peppers out from the vehicle. No worse for the wear it seems. I suppose, since I have some energy, if not enough to go to town at the moment, I could try to hook up the drip line. I'm not sure I could plant those after that, but it would be a start. The thing is that I will have to do some major rummaging, potentially, to find the parts. Then I need to research to make sure I have the various components together correctly. Then I have to figure out how to install it all. It is rather light work, mostly detail, and organization, both of which can be weak spots. More so with new concepts. Hmm... I may just tinker with that, to find what I can until I can't look further, then do research on what I have... or the whole systems. I also need to consider how to create a quick connect for mowing... say a 30 foot line that can be parted from the garden gate back to the tree line, or I am going to end up having to replace that line a few times anyway. Might have to despite that, but it would make it easier. A $3 dollar part would probably do the trick, two actually, and probably at most. Components are rather inexpensive, per. If the whole system can cost as much as you would like. I would also like to get a drip line over to my porch plants. Watering them a couple of times a week, automatically, would be very nice.
I did notice, with my flowers, some require a lot more water to stay in bloom, others require quite a bit less. The amazingly brilliant purple little doodads require watering two to three times a week, another twice a week, and the third I am unsure. Perhaps I way overwatered it. I am letting the last one dry out until it smiles or begins to wilt. Gah! Just like teh womenz! :) I am trying, just not much to put in today and it isn't working anywhile. Later.
.
I was sure the parts fit, but in my hurry I didn't check well enough. It seriously just won't work. I had hoped I could put the water valve in, the failed one, after the ball valve, as a simple connecter, but it works on one side, not on the other, in the configuration, but opposite of how the ball valve does and doesn't fit. Gah! Plus, I would need to replace the washers in the knob (which might have been what blocked up the faucet, they were crumbling in there), and put one in where it connects with the water pipe (or that side of it). Just... nasty. This isn't working well. I am sure there are parts that would work, I am simply not sure where to find them. The plumbing store seems to just carry what the other stores carry. I may look online for something... The thing is, size doesn't equate from one to the other, it isn't just the threading either. The half inch galvanized nipple, for example, does not fit the 1/2" water inlet side of the old valve, which otherwise is supposed to fit on 1/2" galvanized water pipe. Huh? Yeah... None of it cross fits, as it really should.
I did get the tomatoes and peppers out from the vehicle. No worse for the wear it seems. I suppose, since I have some energy, if not enough to go to town at the moment, I could try to hook up the drip line. I'm not sure I could plant those after that, but it would be a start. The thing is that I will have to do some major rummaging, potentially, to find the parts. Then I need to research to make sure I have the various components together correctly. Then I have to figure out how to install it all. It is rather light work, mostly detail, and organization, both of which can be weak spots. More so with new concepts. Hmm... I may just tinker with that, to find what I can until I can't look further, then do research on what I have... or the whole systems. I also need to consider how to create a quick connect for mowing... say a 30 foot line that can be parted from the garden gate back to the tree line, or I am going to end up having to replace that line a few times anyway. Might have to despite that, but it would make it easier. A $3 dollar part would probably do the trick, two actually, and probably at most. Components are rather inexpensive, per. If the whole system can cost as much as you would like. I would also like to get a drip line over to my porch plants. Watering them a couple of times a week, automatically, would be very nice.
I did notice, with my flowers, some require a lot more water to stay in bloom, others require quite a bit less. The amazingly brilliant purple little doodads require watering two to three times a week, another twice a week, and the third I am unsure. Perhaps I way overwatered it. I am letting the last one dry out until it smiles or begins to wilt. Gah! Just like teh womenz! :) I am trying, just not much to put in today and it isn't working anywhile. Later.
Not quite.
.
.
I haven't quite gotten to work, but I think it is on the way. While thinking about things this morning, I was wondering about cooling, for here in the house, perhaps even in the garage. Air conditioning is okay, but it really isn't the best here. It's simply too dry for those to work at their peak. So they are a bit wasteful. No, I have one in the bedroom. And it suffices. I simply don't have a place to put such a mechanism here in the computer room, and I wanted to go a bit cheaper. My mind flirted with the notion of evaporative, or swamp, coolers.
.
I haven't quite gotten to work, but I think it is on the way. While thinking about things this morning, I was wondering about cooling, for here in the house, perhaps even in the garage. Air conditioning is okay, but it really isn't the best here. It's simply too dry for those to work at their peak. So they are a bit wasteful. No, I have one in the bedroom. And it suffices. I simply don't have a place to put such a mechanism here in the computer room, and I wanted to go a bit cheaper. My mind flirted with the notion of evaporative, or swamp, coolers.
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