The best pan-fried steak I have ever made.

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Not the best pan-fried steak I have ever eaten?  Maybe not, if... well in that category.  I didn't use the oven, still working on it.  I don't think I will use it, ever again, the oven that is.  A bit rare?  Maybe.  Mostly rare.  Warm, in the middle.  A crust on the outside.  Salted for an hour, with powdered garlic and fresh ground pepper, along with the salt.  

A bit of avocado oil, a bit of butter.  The pan allowed to heat well.  Then, in.  A few turns, in short order.  Probably no more than, say, five minutes per side, total, two minutes, flip, two minutes, then three minutes per each side after.  Beats, on the side, with butter.  A pinch of sea salt, on the plate.  Nice.  A glass of water on the side.

That is as perfect a meal as I have eaten in many moons.  I will say the steak, at the Texas Road House, was pretty good too.  Not too salty, this time.  That was a ribeye, this was a porterhouse.  To be honest, I have a much easier time cooking a ribeye than a porterhouse, so... I'm saying I did all right.  Not better, their steak was good.  But... solid.

I do like Maddox steaks best of any I have had, but can't always get over there, or afford it.  But, for a buy and make?  I haven't done that good in a long time, a porterhouse never, and a porterhouse pan fry... any steak pan fried... never this good.  This was... as perfect, given the steak, and available ingredients, as good as I could possibly have done.  Better than I thought possible.

Well... on to digesting, then working on the oven.  Have a good one.

The sun is out.

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Still cool, 58 out there.  Can hear the rustle of leaves.  Fall is fast upon us, well into really.  Still, it is a good fall.  A bit of dark weather is one of the little joys, if one is free to enjoy it.  I am, mostly.

I tried to get a meal on wheels going, but that isn't going to work.  Maybe a different program.  All good, I suppose.

Flies, many of them.  I'm killing them by the dozen.  Not sure what the deal is.  I've been keeping up on trash, and recycling.  And dishes.  So... why?  They don't have much time left, regardless.  Especially with me not turning on heat, or even needing it, into the 60s.  Maybe down into the 50s, if I can acclimate.  Well, killing them can be a hobby.  It's the buzzing attacks which annoy.  

Ahha!  I found where they hide.  Straight up, on the ceiling.  Holy carp.  There are a lot of them.  I'll... sort that out.

I think I'll grill something, if there is enough charcoal to actually do that.  If not, I'll have to finish the oven.  I have sprayed it, and worked on more of it.  It's getting there.  Hungry.  And, with the sun up and out, that somehow adds to hunger.  Or for me.  Some veggie and grilled meat should do just fine.  Later.

Yes, back up.

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So dark!  Still.  But, checking outdoors, it is better.  If only just at 63.  Going to be a cold spell.  Though, really, it isn't terrible.  I remember how, in the south, 60 degrees was considered cold.  Hahaha  Florida, though even in South Carolina, they... had weird ways.  Parkas at 48 F, couldn't drive in rain, would have been hilarious in snow.  I thought it was cute, really.  

I just came from a state, that in my junior year?  We had four or five months with a high of -20 F.  Highs.  Four months.  Yea, cattle died.  Crops failed.  But that it was even possible, in the lower 48?  Right.  I lived there.  As long as furnaces work, not so much a problem.  Especially for the young and healthy.

So, yes.  I have seen down to, I think, -40 with wind chill, here?  Colder?  Maybe, but it is rare.  Even -20 isn't very common, but it can happen.  Up in the mountains, I would guess it can drop a lot colder, in a storm, in the wind, at night.  You can easily freeze bits off higher up.  Elevation somehow makes the cold... worse?  It seems to do so.

But, 63 is NOT freezing.  For a health adult, wearing even simple clothes, it shouldn't even be a threat.  Probably not even if wet, so long as a fire can be lit, or otherwise warmed within reason.  And, as I dress more warmly for the season, I'm not needing heating.  Heck, I still use the fan, just not directly on me.  Move the air for some ease of breathing, with windows full open.  Just one fan, though.

Oh, I had stripped the bed this morning, in order to make it.  But, remembered it would be a good time to flip the mattresses, when I went back up.  So, everything was flipped and remade.  Now it's a bit of a mess, but evenly so.  I slept pretty much like a log.  I am liking my new way of things.  I had hoped to get the mattresses out, on the line, this weekend.  But, with clouds and the possibility of rain, I don't think I'll be putting it out.  Maybe this coming week.

I was told not to pour the last of the concrete, from my supply manager.  :p  Not sure why, yet.  Probably has to do with the tar, instructions, application volume, or such... as a semi-educated guess.  Wasn't planning on that, until Monday at the earliest, so all good.

Also pricing grills.  Flattops, Camp Chef and Blackstone are the two I am looking at.  I don't know.  Four burner, for certain.  The fewer burner ones, like the two and three, have... issues.  The two takes smaller propane bottles, which doesn't seem to crossover with larger propane tanks.  Or, at least I haven't found a good method.  Doesn't work.  And the three burner ones, they try to use one of the burners as two burners, and it doesn't work.  

Not terribly interested in ceramic, prefer rolled steel, and the thicker one on the Camp Chef.  Plus the Camp Chef has a grill under the griddle.  I think you can use half and half?  Or, maybe not.  If not, I don't see the point.  Mostly.  Though, I don't really like propane grilling.  I prefer cowboy charcoal.  Price is a part of the gig, just not all of it.  Ugh.  Decisions, decisions, decisions.  Well, and the price can change in a heartbeat.  Annoying.

I did get the stove sprayed, with the cleaner.  I'll hit it in about an half hour.  Waiting, too, on dairy.  Going back to that.  I did get out, to my bank, to pull money.  But they thing stole my money while I was trying to get the card back in it's stupid holder!  So, I don't have any cash this week.  And they better not think they get to keep my money.  I am so mad about that!  I tried to call, today.  They have a drive-through open, but aren't answering the phone.  Quite angry.

Anyway... Moving slowly.  Had a long nap.  But warm, just hitting fall blues, to a minor degree.  I'll try to get to, and keep at, things.  Later.

Sleepy.

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It's so dark out there.  Up so early.  Maybe that is why I don't wake early?  Though, too, I think it is cloudy out there?  Yes.  What had been a few light clouds in the path has turned into a major cloud cover.  Overcast as can be.  Not sure if the sun will find it's way out, but it is sure dark now.

Which also means it will stay cooler.  I may end up taking a bit of a nap shortly.  While daytime is my goal, and efforts are targeted, I don't mind taking a nap if needed, here or there.  Especially when it goes dark, as I attempt to work through the changes in weather and season.  But... to keep it at a nap, avoiding sleeping all day for a few days.  Then again, just because I did better, there is no guarantee I will be able to maintain control, or continue.  Especially when the weather goes dark and cold.  Will see.

Yes, on to a nap.  Crashing.  Eyes almost burning with the want of being shut.  I'll set the alarm, and rest for a bit.  Sleep probably.  Later.

Awake, and quite early.

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More of a restful day, yesterday.  I guess, well, my energy is returning at a pace I had become unfamiliar.  I am not waking at 6:30 because of want, or need.  My body suggests it is time, and my conscious mind agreed.  I am not overly tired, hurt, damaged, or otherwise needing to remain in bed.  In other words, council suggested getting up, and command had no mitigating factor against that decision.

I went to bed after midnight.  How much after, I can't remember.  I would guess half, or a little less, after.  Sleep came in a hurry.  Mind you, I was only awake in order to water the lawn, or I would have been in bed, probably an hour or two earlier.  Even then, I only got to three zones.  But was slipping, on getting them changed over.  I was... tired.  So, I called it at that point and went on to bed.

So, a late to bed, but early rise?  Yes.  But with little work yesterday, and given my recent pension for work?  There you go.

Today?  The stove is primary.  I hit it one last time.  And, it is better.  But, a bit more work should see the oven done and done.  Then I'll work on the exterior and top.  With hoses dealt with, all else I really want to work on is this front room.  Trash and recycling collected to the kitchen, then maybe out.  Empty boxes broken down, full boxes moved to where full boxes are being sorted or stored.  Possibly furniture out, if I can find a place for it, or stacked somewhere in the room.

I won't do heavier stuff today, like wood cutting or stacking.  Could, but I want my body to take it a bit easier, and slower.  I am still afraid of breaking something, or tearing things a bit too much.  On the other hand, I don't want to let the engine get too cold.  So, some work is good.  If I get to the stove, and get it done.  And I finish this room, and still have some go left, I'll begin working on the sewing areas.

I am becoming the living near-dead.  I'll use that to my advantage.  At least I know it's a not a bulletproof thing.  My right wrist is stiff, sore.  Why my whole body isn't stiff and sore, that's... the real question.  I have hammered it, given the givens, this week.  Beautiful.  I really do miss the days when I used it like a nail, every day, all day, for long hours.  It's a beautiful thing, this tool of flesh we were given, when it works as it should.  Machines really can't compete, for the money put in, in many places, on many projects.  Especially when the mind is also involved.

God gave us this gift.  We wrecked the deal, and our bodies.  He even offered a way back, to that initial state of grace.  I'm not sure though... will the sweat of the brow be the way even there, then?  Will it become a grace?  Or, will we simply be beyond sweat?  Or the concern of it.  As with death, a thing that while technically possible, in our new bodies, and with the will of God, won't be an actual concern?  I'm not even sure of that.  Though I think death, or Death, dies... or ends.  So too with sweat, but through which mechanism?

Oh, I do have some sweet tenderness.  My love handles have that twinge, when they have been worked.  But it isn't a terrible pain.  Just... that nearly ticklish twinge from having been used well and deeply.  My back is excellent, no pain there.  Legs were getting a bit rough, with light spasms.  But that has passed.  Biceps, and to a lessor degree triceps, are a bit spent, with occasional spasms and pretty constant slight cut pains.  All good things though.  Well, and little things in the middle of nowhere, anatomy-wise, which hurt, from doing things... I haven't done in years.

All very good things.  Now, to keep that up for a couple of months.

Oh, and cooler.  It was down to 63/65 upstairs, 64/68/68 down here, and 38 outdoors.  I am able to dress, longjohns and pants or heavy pj bottoms, a tshirt, housecoat as needed, socks and shoes, and that is easily enough to keep my warm and moving, going.  Though, from time to time, something warm to eat helps, or a long sleeved shirt if the housecoat is less preferred.  That I am not freezing is something.  Even that I haven't worked beyond my ability to stay physically warm, is something special.  Staying on medicine, too.  Very, very, good.

Still, it takes a while for me to get going, get started.  It might be until noon, if I'd like to start closer to nine or ten.  We'll see.  A fatted coffee, and some meat sticks, to start it off, out.  A bit of browsing the web.  I'll hold off feeding Sassy until nine or ten, though I could check her litter.  I've been keeping well up on that, again, lately.  Oh, I also have dishes soaking, and a pot from pasta the other day to clear then wash.  Perhaps a load of laundry?

Yea.  But not a heavy day.  May even skip some of that for today.  Just the stove, boxes and clearing this room, and maybe some sewing area solution sets solved for and derived?  Something like that.  Later.

Started and stopped.

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Watering and cleaning the oven.  Neither are finished, one for now, the other about to be moved to another zone.

I have hit the oven twice.  It really isn't... as bad as I had thought.  The glass was probably in the worst shape, but had nearly come clean.  The interior?  Well, some work was needed, and more work wouldn't hurt.  But, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  Getting there.  If I had started earlier, instead of trying to avoid, I may well have been done with it now.  Still, that I... didn't let my lack of interest, or will, or else, get in the way, means that it will get done.  Just probably not tonight.  

It is, what, eighty percent done?  Yes, I would say.  I still have to clean of the top, and maybe pull it out and clean it all around.  But, those are little things.  And, I think I can get her nearly to new looking inside and out, soon.  Maybe just finish it tomorrow.  I was going to work on hoses tomorrow, and got those done today.

Though, that won't be all.  Boxes, and this front room, as well as finishing the stove.  The spray cleaner is pretty nasty.  And, I'm not sure it is all that necessary?  I really don't think it helped all that much.  And it was hard on the lungs.  I'll use it up, but won't be using it again.  Nasty stuff.

Time to change zones.  It was down to 48, last I looked.  I'm hoping it doesn't drop too much more, but... yeah.  Four more zones, if I do everything.  Perhaps a skimp, down to three zones?  Don't know.  It really does need water, the whole yard.  My worry is it dropping into the freezing zone.  Probably won't, but that it was 58 at sunset makes me wonder, just a bit.  Later, or goodnight.  

No, not the oven yet.

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I did get out, and get the sprinklers arranged.  Technically, I could begin watering.  The sun is, for the most part, down.  Still, I will wait.  It is officially not allowed, last I heard, until 20:00.  So be it.  I don't need to cheat it.  I will skip zones, so that any extra from crossover is put out at a different time, giving it a better chance to be soaked in, used.  Or... that's my theory.  All set up.

I have... been stalling on the stove.  I found the stuff I will be using.  Read the instructions.  I stalled doing that, at first.  Just... because.  Then, after reading the instructions, I stalled because I didn't know where the gloves were.  Supposed to use long gloves.  I... thought... I probably knew where they were.  But that wasn't the point, damn it!  I didn't want to do it!

Still, a bit ago, I went looking and found them.  I have the oven heating, for an hour.  Then I'll turn it off and spray.  Possibly leaving it overnight.  Though, first, I'll use a scraper, see if I can't get some of the easier stuff off.  Not sure.  Though, if it cleans up really well, I may just get to it.  Oh, but I see, you can use this stuff for occasional cleaning.  No need to wait for a big mess.  I am thinking, maybe, of doing the oven once a month?  It's possible.

So, yes.  I'm getting to it.  Want to or not.  It's been a dark, cool, day.  It is to 58 now, already.  It didn't get higher than 66, that I saw.  Ian, the hurricane, is spreading cooler weather up this way already.  Remember how fast those wind speeds were.  Well, and it looks like it is back up to a hurricane, for the eastern coast, North and South Carolina look to be hit?  The Kennedy bullet trick seems to work.

I have been trying to call my mother for days now.  Since Monday?  At least Tuesday or Wednesday.  She just isn't answering her phone, or calling back.  Not sure what the problem is.  Something I wrote, did?  Or is she ill, or... worse?  I think they could call me, someone, if something happened.  But I can't be sure.  I am not positive her people are my people, or even that my family are my people.  I guess I just have to wait.

Well... I'll see what I can do for the oven, in a bit.  Later.

Gaming, then something.

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Not quite ready to hit the stove, and oven.  So, I did some gaming.  But, that... just... I wanted to do more.  And I like being outside.  A cooler day, just 65 today.  Ian is hitting here, tossing clouds and cool weather our way  Definitely.  Rain?  Who knows.  But, I will be watering the lawn tonight, unless I see a good bit of rain before I water.  This time the whole yard will get it.

Something easy to do outside?  On a list?  Ah.  hoses.  I tossed one the other day.  Today, I went through the ones remaining, not in use.  Three of them.  One was good, the other two were bad.  So, I attached the good one to the hose I am using for general purposes, so I have extra length on that now.  The other two went into the trash barrel.  Room enough, yet, for a couple bags easily.  Should only have one to go this weekend.

Of course, in a week or two, it'll be time to put the hoses and sprinklers up.  But, now it is down to a manageable number.  And I know which ones are good.  Only keepers left.  Plenty of length, both the hoses I am currently using for the sprinklers, and the general use, when put on two sprinklers, can hit every place I would want to water.  Extra sprinklers and hoses, if... when... needed, good.  Very good.

More just a bit weary today.  I did get bills paid.  Orders placed.  Milk and cream back into the queue.  I gassed up yesterday, though may get more gas soon.  Not a bad gig.  I think I'll put socks and shoes on.  Perhaps that'll help me get going?  The oven and stove are all I really want yet today.  Though, for my good deeds, I get the steak tonight.  And, some veggie or other.  Canned, as I haven't been to the store yet this month.

The driveway patch is looking good.  It will still take, probably, two more bags of cement.  Wow, that really was a bigger hole than anticipated.  Then I'll tar over that.  Not trying to be fancy, just trying to have the patch blend as much as possible.  As well, to keep the cement there, sealed a bit.

What a week.  And it isn't finished.  On to something?  And, then, soon, the oven.  Not looking forward to that, but... that's all okay.  I don't have to like it to do it.  Later.

Spending much less this month.

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But... still spending.  I have an order ready, for the first of the month.  Then, through the month, I buy other things.  Lately, I have been stocking up.  And, so, I am stocked up.  And broke.  Or, until this month.  This month I am spending far less at the start, and less through the month.

Even so, the order has been placed, and cheese and salami too is on the way.  Plus, I am going to start kefir again.  Which means milk.  I am going to try some cream, as well.  But, with the swelling completely controlled, I am just going with one quart of cream per week.  See if that is tolerable.  Why?  I... love cream.  Just a dab, in my coffee.  A bit in cheese sauces.  Even a bit in real or keto pasta dishes.  Life is good that way.

Bills, too.  Oh, utilities.  But, wait!  I am ahead by a month, on those.  So... everything needing to be manually paid is paid!  Yeah!  Though, one card has decided to be tricky.  I'll... fix that wagon.  Only paying a bit currently, will pay the rest later in the month.  They are being jerks.  Getting fees, cheating.  They all do that anymore.  And, they all get fixed.

A bit of coffee, some meat sticks, and a bit of time to wake up, now that orders and bills are mostly tended.  Shopping, groceries, soon.  I am nearly out of meat  and... everything, save stores.  But I only want to use those gently, and just at a slow replacement level.  I don't want to have to buy all new every third month.  Perhaps through a year, replace half of it?  Something like that.  It is stores, and to be used, but also to be held onto... a bit of a balance.

I can't believe how good I feel.  Oh, there is a kink, in my neck.  And my wrist is still a bit sore.  Muscles twinge, here and there.  But... this is as it was when I was in good shape.  Because, beside work, I would work out, swim, and else.  I used what I had, down to the bottom of my reserves, and kept myself tired.  And... pushed up and off from there.  I... loved being tired, spent, exhausted.  I... still do, it seems, when I can spend myself to the bottom.  Gorgeous.  Loving this.  Still expecting to die from it, but... I'd die happy.

I've called my mom.  Several times in the last few days.  She isn't answering.  Haven't heard any bad news.  Hoping she is just sleeping a bit extra.  Not worried, quite yet.  Silly bird.  But, yes, I... know how it goes, all too well.

Later.

Up?

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No, I think I'm pretty sure.  It isn't even a doubt.  A bit later than hoped.  But down a bit later than hoped.  Though, still, up and down earlier that the last few days.  Down at midnight, I think it ended up, and small change maybe.  Up at 09:30.  It was 66/68 upstairs, 68/68/68 down here, and 58 outside.  About as perfect a morning as I could request.

I went in pretty rough.  Wasn't... sure how this morning would turn out.  Or how well I'd sleep.  I really worried about tossing, turning, hurting, and such.  No need to have worried.  But... why?  I deserve pain, and a lot of it.  I have stressed every muscle group and joint to the point of exhaustion, then went and hit some other group(s), then came back when there was energy and flexibility back in what I had exhausted.  And, all week long.  Biceps, triceps, back in several flavors, legs, torso muscles, everything used, and reused, to exhaustion, over four days.

I... can't tell you what is happening.  I can only tell you this is... unusual.  Normally, I would be flat on my back, unless I could crawl to the computer for a few hours at a time, before crashing again.  I'm not even eating correctly.  Technically, I could go without eating for an extended period of times.  With the fat I have, all I really need is vitamins and water, which I take.  Though might up that without food.

But it's worse.  I had real pasta last night.  And?  Fasting blood sugar is 162?  Real spaghetti usually pushes my blood sugar from, say, the 100~150 range to the 300 to 400 range.  One meal of it.  Oh, I'll take it.  But... still.  Then again, the rest of food this week has been... righteous.  Well, except two fastfood meals.  I guess, burning enough calories?  Still, will buy right food this week, for the month.  Mostly meat, roasts, with some salad.  Veggies I have canned for now.  Though some fresh would be nice, too.  Bleh.  Oh, and a bit more cheese.  Yes.

Wow.  And I am not done.  I may not be doing hard or heavy work, but I will get the oven and stove cleaned, perhaps pulling it if possible, to get the sides.  And, boxes in this front room, plus some clearing.  A shower later, just body.  I try not to wash my hair every time, unless I have been sweating, working in dust and dirt, or otherwise have messed it up.  Actually, that has been every day this week, so far.  I have sweated for hours at a time, and actually through most of the work time, most of this week?  I honestly didn't ever realize I could still do that!  Until recently, if I could even break a sweat, I'd become exhausted to the point of illness.  Lose my balance, become dizzy, nauseous, and have to stop.  Wow.

I almost feel fully alive again.  Oh, and maybe, just to get out, clear a few hoses.  I'm not chasing exhaustion today though.  So, just slow, orderly minor efforts.  The stove first.  As I... don't like that job.  And, if I don't kick it out, it might... get left behind.  Wouldn't be the first time.

This is the second year on these medicines.  Could it just be, finally, doing what it does, and opening up?  This new set of pills?  Why would it have taken so long?  Perhaps because I didn't believe?  Or, perhaps, because it had thirty years of illness to work through?  I'll take it.  If I can get days and nights sorted?  More.

We'll see.  If I can get my house together, organized, cleaned, painted, reset?  We'll... we'll see.  If I can do that, and keep my schedule?  I know, I'm already slipping.  But this is one week.  I would expect that, after a thirty some year near coma.  A week isn't proof.  Even with this last spring as corroborating evidence.  The summer?  I need cooling.  There is that.  At least currently.  But, there is hope here.

Later. 

Two hours before I could shower.

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Work pretty much took it out of me.  It has every day this week.  Which meant that getting a shower required two hours of sitting.  I am actually lucky it only took that long.  Some nights it has taken three, even four hours.  Which means I have been going to bed later and later.  I think it was after 01:30 last night, as late as 02:30.

Now, it is later than I had hoped.  But I got a few things done tonight, extra.  The chainsaw is ready, the concrete was evened out.  And, when it dries, will be ready for another bag or two.  Then I have plans for tar on top of even that.  Perfect?  Who knows.  But it's a start.  And, after over a decade here, some things are finally being attended.

I think it started with refreshing the water softener?  I think so, this time.  But... it was more than just doing it.  It was the idea behind doing it.  Then the success of it.  That opened something up.  But, too, somehow, I was able to get to it.  

It's not 23:00.  But may well be 23:30 before I get to bed.  So tired I can't quite focus on going to bed, or even standing.  Though, maybe, I'll get going before I think I would.  I got pills in, been doing pretty good with those.  Insulin is yet to be taken.  But... I... think it'll get in.

Wow.  What a gig.  I should be so ready for sleep, when I get up there.  The shower loosened things.  The pains, aches, pulls, bruises, scratches, and else, all just took a chill pill.  A lot of things are tired.  Some things are still feeling a bit of a sting.  But, really, the shower was like a massage.  Plus, I am clean.

I smelled of gas, oil, and other mechanical and else.  Nothing wrong with that, but... not good to sleep with.  I still smell a bit of gas, which I don't quite understand.  But, fine.  I know I am clean, so I'm not going to worry.  It may just be, as I get tired, my mind can't get the scent of gasoline out of my mind, not completely.  It used to happen, on subs, with oily smells.  Couldn't get clean enough, after a major effort, wrestling with devices, or machines, or sludge somewhere.

I took painpills Monday, and I think yesterday?  I'm going to take them today, too.  I just... need a bit more.  More my heart, this time.  Something in there is very tired.

Tomorrow?  If I didn't mention it, and since the concrete was purchased and used, I only have the stove to do.  Though, maybe, a bit of work in this front room.  The last of the boxes, plus the full boxes out.  An unused desk out.  Things out.  But no hurry or push.  And a steak.  I have one left.  Will enjoy it.  Other than that, will take it slower.  No more cement, that which was put down needs to dry.  Saturday at the earliest, but I am thinking more Monday, with that.  No more heavier work, until next week.  Then back to it.  I may, if I get bored with the slow pace, go out and manage one or two garden hoses, choosing to keep or toss, then tossing or storing.  Or do that Saturday, if I need some time off tomorrow.  Just... I want to clean the stove and oven.  Goodnight.

Show and tell.

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A visitor.  Helped level the cement.  Showed me how to check and set the chain on the chainsaw.  And, witnessed my efforts for the week.  Nothing he doesn't do.  In a day, and then some.  Three stop and fills, today?  Dug out by hand?  A twelve hour day, plus helping me?  Still.  He knows.  And, I think I did impress.

Wait until I get the house in order, in a month or so, if I can keep this up.  I'll never be able to do blue collar again.  Probably not even white collar.  While I have been doing well, my days have been slipping.  That, alone, would exclude me.  There, on the dot, or gone.  Or, that is how I remember things.

So, the chainsaw is ready.  I'll need more concrete in the hole, one or two more bags?  Plus, tar for on top.  He will be checking on that.  That and bar oil.  I'll keep some of it, but send him with most of it.  I don't use it all that much.  Though, I realize now, it does take a lot.  I am amazed I went through one and a quarter fills of that just with what I have been doing.  Still, that... is a bit of wood.

I won't be using it on the smaller branches, or twigs.  If I can't snap them, I'll use the sawzall.  Still, I have another... well... more to cut with the chainsaw.  Not until Monday though.

A shower, yet tonight.  Oh, he thought he might know where my shovels were.  And he was right.  I thought I checked out there?  I guess not.  Bleh.

He is thinking of getting a pig.  Not sure where to put it.  I... figured he was asking.  To my mind, sure.  For a trial run.  But, if going that way?  Get three.  He will have to pick up the food, create the fence (if I would help with the fence), and mostly take care.  But, if I can also have a pig, I would do the feeding and care one week out of three.  And, if one of us was sick or busy, there would be the other to take over.  Not sure that will fall through, but...  Oh, but I did say, if they get out?  That's... I can't really do that.  His plan, his responsibility.  On that score, I'd just be a rent seeker.  :p  Though, possibly, I could help with escaped pigs.  Just, not as the main antagonist.  Probably.

We'll see.  Two pigs?  Or just his one?  I have thought about pigs, myself, honestly.  I just can't do the fencing, and manage them.  And... there is some worry about neighbors.  Though, if well penned, and part of them being his, maybe they wouldn't be as much of a danger?  Dunno.

Yes, well.  A shower, then on to bed.  As soon as possible.  Still cooling off, and relaxing a bit, before getting things going.  Ugh.

Signs you have done enough?

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When the chainsaw blades comes off.  I got back out there, and did about half to two thirds? of the remaining pile of bigger logs.  I did have to add blade oil to the reservoir, it was nearing empty.  Still, it was a good go.  But... I am done.  For the week, at least for heavier work.

I still have the stove, grocery shopping, food, dishes, Sassy, and perhaps lighter indoor work.  But, the heavy stuff, and hitting it hard, no.  Done for the week.

It is sundown, or the clouds are making it so slightly early?  Too tired too look.  But the front door is open, and it sure looks like dusk.  Well, just for you, up and looked.  Not quite down, but it isn't the clouds.  It is just... nearly there.  Piercing light as it hits clouds or the mountains on that side.  But... getting very close.

Yea.  What a day, week.  Amazing.

Making supper.  Nothing fancy, a 'spaghetti dinner'.  Later.  Most likely goodnight.  I am going to get a shower in, after dinner, then try to get to bed a bit earlier.  Though, with someone possibly visiting, I may stay up to 22:30 if he hasn't shown.  But no later.  If he isn't here by then, he won't be.

Ah, I will see about how to get the chain back on the saw.  I have a lot more wood to go.  The sawzall would do some, most perhaps, of it.  But it would be slow as molasses in January.  Later, or more likely goodnight.

Well, got more.

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As I was going in to get the concrete, I realized I had boxes in the suv.  So, I went and dropped those off.  Extra work.  Often there is something(s) in the way, and... to keep going, you just have to work around it.  Tired, hot.  But... done.

Then to the store.  Eight bags, 60 pounds each, two trowels, a bigger and smaller one.  One may go back.  On the way home, the gas light came on.  I could have pushed it, but I didn't.  So, gasoline.

Then, on to home.  I checked the mail.  Not much.

At home, I unloaded five bags into the garage.  Put two into the wheelbarrow to be mixed, and left one in the hatch, for later, maybe, probably.  I brought the hose closer, turned it on, got the mix, and set the hose aside.  It all went right into the hole.  Not sure how that will work.  May just take longer to dry.  But moved it before even more water went in.

I just realized, I have no idea what I am doing.  So, I texted the neighbor.  Will... find out, what I find out, when I find that out.  A bit of a sit.  I'm tired.  Heat, out in town, on the road, in the stores, was rough.  But I did okay.

After a break, unless someone shows, I'll get to sawing more wood.  Not as much as I had hoped, but probably more than I should have expected.  Especially with the trip to town.  Still, I am shot.  I would have been pretty worn, with or without the trip to town, cement, and boxes.  But it was a good little work coup.  Nice.

Yea, more sawing.  Perhaps taking care of a few hoses.  The last steak?  Or maybe a 'pasta' dinner, with the leftover turkey crumble and some tomato sauce, or canned tomato?  Yea, that might be good.  And, possibly, a shower.  A very good week.  Hopefully a little milder Friday, and weekend.  Then another heavy week next week.

Next week?  The rest of the hoses, cutting shoots  from the trees, and small saplings that are popping up where they shouldn't be, the fences, because I won't get to them this week.  Maybe mowing, and keeping back up on watering.  Oh, and if I don't finish boxes, and clearing, this front room, to that.  Plus getting my sewing centers fully operational.

Those things, staying up on food and Sassy, doing some grocery shopping, and my monthly order.  Bleh.  Paying bills, laundry as needed, dishes.  But... wow.  I have done very well this week.  I think it was just this week, that I have been back to work?  I think so.  But what a week.  Awesome.

My right wrist really hurts.  All good.  Everything is tight.  Also very good.  My neck, back, and shoulders feel pretty good, to be honest.  Nothing actually hurts, save the wrist.  And that is more an ache than a pain?  Later.

No, I... am getting back to it.

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I wasn't absolutely sure.  Not tired, not hurting too bad, just... focus.  I didn't have focus.  Or... wasn't feeling a direction, pull, cause.  But, after an hour of naval-gazing, I got off my ass before I got stuck sitting on it.  OUT!  But what should I do?  OUT!  I don't care what you do, get out!

So... out I got.  I really wasn't feeling it.  But... I knew something easy.  The last of the pile of hay and other debris.  I got the wheelbarrow over, the pitchfork... yes, I have a pitchfork... and got to it.  Up, over, in, down, repeat.  I got it down to the nubs, as much as is possible with a pitchfork, which is... actually pretty good.

Then I got the hose, pulled it over, turned on the water, and... nothing.  Well, it was just that the hose wasn't connected.  A very quick easy fix.  Done.  Then I rinsed the sidewalks and back step down.  Nice.  It'll need another hit, soon.  May or may not get it before winter.  But, if things go well, I'll be back up on things in spring.  I should have taken the wheelbarrow out and emptied it.  Almost sprayed water into it.  Would have made that much into a ton-shitload.  But, made it, avoided that, and got it out and unloaded out there.  It disappears in a year or less.

Then I got to the logs.  I pulled out the sawhorses, so I had something higher to cut on.  Then I pulled the logs out, separating the much smaller ones from the actual log sized ones.  Then I further separated the oddballs, with two or three limbs, or already very short, out, for cutting first.

Good plan, as it turns out.  I ended up using some of the thinner branches, and a few of the thicker, to make another platform, upon which to stack the cut pieces.  And, I did get through the irregulars.  Pulling all of the lumber from out of weeds.  As a final set of small things, I pulled the last tpost, picked up the shovel, and grabbed a gardeners crook, for hanging potted plants, and put them in the outbuilding.  The tpost must have really been in there, as I broke the t off, underground.  Ugh.

But, that was it.  For a while.  I had hoped to get through all the wood, but while the chainsaw is a million cartoon times faster than the sawzall, it also weighs a shit-ton.  And, I am using it one handed.  So... yea.  The other option is to use my feet to hold, both hands on the saw, but to stoop.  No... I'll take the one handed sawing, please.  Thank you.

A bit of water.  As I sit and cool.  I'd like to get cement, but today?  Even tomorrow?  What a week!  I don't care if I didn't happen to do one more thing this week, what I have done is fantastic.  I don't even hurt all that much.  The wrist is getting worse.  And, yes, my torso muscles are... tightening to the tingling point.  And, sure, my legs are a little weary, biceps and triceps are like the midsection.  But, really, it's all pretty mild.  Oh, right, and cuts, scrapes, and bruises pretty much in the expected, but also most odd places imaginable.  But well deserved.  I have earned these things, and am enjoying the price for the payments.

Definitely need a break though.  I think I even need more chain oil.  It sure goes through that, as I filled it to overflowing in my clumsy go at it.  Yea.

Looks like a storm is definitely trying to brew.  Rather cloudy, but was up to 77 last I checked.  Still, a good day to be out working.  Yes, water!  Maybe some fruit, the mixed lot this time.  Later.

Not going fast.

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The chainsaw is oiled, has a fresh battery, and is ready in all other ways.  Sassy has been fed, and her litter boxes cleared.  I am finally getting to a bite and some coffee.  But, that is over a severe bloody nose that just won't stop.

It is just hitting 73 out there.  I have had the door open this morning.  It was 70/72 upstairs, but 68 everywhere down here.  Even now, it is just to 70 near the computer.  A very partly cloudy day.  I'm guessing the hurricane flushed any weather to the south and east of us up our way.  I strongly suspect we will get our share of that weather in a day or five.  Or sooner.  We had pretty hefty gusts last night, and I suspect it was from the hurricane.  As some things, and others go, this is a very small world.

I look at the clock, and wonder.  But, then, I did get up late.  And, even though I am getting to work lately, it always takes me two to four hours to get my butt in gear.  Given when I work, noon or thirteen hundred, wouldn't be that late of a start.  Though more so with this massive bleeder.  Though, when I back off working as hard this weekend, I am hoping to go to bed earlier, and hopefully wake up earlier.  I nearly woke at 7:38 this morning, just... couldn't quite get out of bed.  But I did wake, and enough to consider getting out of bed.

Oh, I set up sprouts, too.  With salad, even as a salad replacement, sprouts are fairly good.  Tasty?  Like any other salad.  Try it sometime.  Just add a little vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and maybe grated good parmesan, or a few sprinkles of cheddar, maybe sunflower seeds (if you can find non-Chinese) or other nuts.  Nothing fancy, but very economical, good nutritional density, as tasty as any other green thing, and you can grow it yourself in a few days.  In some ways, you can't beat it.  Go fancy?  Add red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, and any right oil (avocado, olive oil, or such).  perhaps a pinch of spice, hot or savory.  Or, add it to a tuna sandwich, or other sandwich, for some crunch.  Life rarely gives you a cheap, easy, diy food item.  Take it when you can get it.  Sure, the seeds cost a bit, especially by the pound.  But that pound will last a year, and make fifty pounds of sprouts.  At least it does me.

Vegetarian?  You know better.  Certainly not vegan.  Closer to carnivore, just not an absolutist.  I don't mind cheating on meat, from time to time.  Hippy?  What a larf.  You absolutely know better.  Had to laugh when I was telling a woman about sprouts, and she asked if I was a hippy.  She is far closer, doesn't even know it.  Thinks it's by food or even appearances.  Not liberal ideas, which her head was full of... what a silly gander.

Well... on to looking around the web.  Perhaps gaming for a bit.  Then to the wood pile.  And, maybe, after that... who knows.  Later.

Awake already.

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While it is 09:00, was when I woke, I didn't get to bed until between 01:30 and 02:30.  I was sore, too.  I didn't think I'd be up all that early, but wanted to be.  Given the givens, this is... rather early.

I'm not too terribly sore today.  The wrist thing is back, but mildly.  And there are other minor aches and pains, here and there, if mostly back in the corners.  They don't stand out until I go to use the muscle or joint or whatever.  No, I'm in pretty good shape.

A bit weary.  But given the week?  I am often this weary, or worse, having done nothing.  This isn't... anything special.

The bar oil was delivered.  I'll have to figure out how to get in into the saw now.  Oh, there might be a reservoir?  I've forgotten.

Today?  Cutting up logs into shorter logs, and stacking them... after sorting out the chainsaw.  Pulling the fencing out, and I found another tpost.  I had tried to arrange something, but it didn't work out and I never pulled that post.  Getting in to buy cement mix.  Since I am using three or four, and want to have four to six on hand?  I think eight, but would prefer ten.  But... money.  

Then again, I have used five or six bags recently.  It can be handy.  On the post for the hammock.  And the posts for the clothes lines.  Which are all very solid.  It is very handy for some odd things.

If I can, boxes in this front room.  Empties torn down, those with things moved out.  Oh, garden hoses sorted and properly disposed or stored.  Lots of things to do.  Just waking, so... groggy.  The listing is just to get things percolating, in the mind.  Hmm, and unless we get some water, I'll have to water the lawn again, but tonight.  Ah, raking, too.

A lot of that is hefty work.  Not sure I can get all of it.  Even wrangling hoses is... a lot more work than it sounds.  I did find, and put up, two extra sprinklers yesterday.  Always something else around, about, or in the way.

Breakfast would be nice.  Not sure what though.  A few meat sticks, some water, and a cup of fruit?  I have a choice of grapefruit and a mixed fruit.  Either that or a hot cereal.  A fatted coffee, first, as I try to figure out my morning, then day.

Tomorrow will be a lighter day.  Especially if I get the cement today, and get that down.  If I do that, then tomorrow will just be the stove and oven, cleaning those down to the shine.  If I get the cement, but don't get it mixed and poured, that will be done tomorrow.  And if I don't pick it up, it'll all be tomorrow... or Saturday.

I am feeling it.  But I should be.  While I wouldn't call that actual work.  No one would pay for the pace of work.  It is still daily, and slightly heavy, work.  Three days in a row so far.  And plans for one more, and lighter work for a fifth day.  Maybe even into a sixth. I'll... appreciate Sunday, for the gift it is, this week.  Later. 

Really slowed down.

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But, I did get the dishes dried, and set to finish air drying.  Then, finally, got a shower in finally, just now.

I am sore, cut, bruised, and feeling it in other ways, all over the place.  Even so, I am quite pleased.  Further, I think I'll be able to work tomorrow too.  Very strange.  But I will take as much of it as I can.  What a magical thing.

Another cup of grapefruit.  I really like that... bite?  Right.  They did well, and it doesn't have high carbs.  Well, nothing the fruit doesn't natively have.  And, in a four ounce pack, it's... keto affordable, from time to time.  Especially when I am actually able to work, and doing so.  Could become addictive though.  But... I have a way to fix that.  I run out, and can't afford more!  But, I am learning to back off, take it easy on consumption.

I am getting ready for bed.  I wanted to ease in, have the shower several hours ago, then air dry gently as I headed to bed.  But I just... I... worked hard.  I had to sit for a while.  All good.  On to bed now.  Almost magic.  Or... more magic than not?  I'm going to keep working.  Goodnight.

Who is out there?

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Someone is seeking, finding, showing, and telling.  Okay.

I don't mind.  I'm just... I do a few little things, and somebody gets... curious, interested, excited, and... a bit more.  All good.  Quite a show they put on.

I need more.

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I did get the bag I had mixed, and in, leveled to a degree.  But it needs more.  Like... two, three, more bags?  On payday, I'll pick up eight or ten bags.  Eight.  But it is a start.  Though I can't find my shovels, either.  I used one just yesterday, but it is even gone.  I had a square one, a long and short handled spade, and a few others.  I did find the deep short handled spade, but... the others?

I am pretty shot.  I'll try to get the dishes finished, and get a shower in.  With dinner out, I don't have to worry about that or dishes from cooking.  Tomorrow I get the last steak.  It's a good run.

My right wrist, for some reason, is really sore.  Legs are a bit achy.  Even my midsection is a bit pained, but from using muscles, not... just because.  All very good.  And, even so, I think I can do more work tomorrow.  With the chainsaw blade oil, I can cut the last of the wood down to size, and get it stacked.  As well, I can probably get the last of the pile of hay and debris scooped and out.  Possibly gather the garden hoses, and sort those as keepers and store them, or tossers and throw them.

I doubt if I will be working fast, tomorrow.  So, that might be it.  Friday is payday, so... yea.  I hope to do the stove and oven, clean to the shine.  But, I also need to pick up cement.  I suppose, if I use a bigger cart and the big box hardware, I can get that.  Easier to do it earlier.  It would be nice to do it tomorrow, but I just don't have the money.  Could put it on a card though?  Hmm... I do have the card of the better big box hardware?  Or... one of them.  Yes, might as well.  Then just pay it off.  A two day skip.  That might work.

So, Friday would be the oven, and the rest of the concrete if I don't do it tomorrow?  Something like that.  Wow.  What a week.  I am hoping to do lighter, interior, stuff this weekend.  I'd like to get my sewing stations set up, arranged, organized, and going.  Including putting up those pegboards.  But... I'm not sure if I want them upstairs, or if I am going to use the spare bedroom for cutting and pattern work?  Hmm... though... that is for thread, and the sewing machines are for upstairs?  I think so.  If required, I'll bring them down if upstairs doesn't work.  Ugh.

Next week?  Raking.  The whole yard.  Mowing, and watering, perhaps a bit more weed whipping.  But, more indoor work.  Oh, and one more treatment on the water softener.  Finding any last branches, leaves, or else.  And cutting the trees and tree sprouts.  Right.  With the chainsaw going, that should be far easier than with the hand pruners, sheers, or even the sawzall.

Dang it, people?  Why couldn't I do this before.  This... well it isn't all I want, but it is sure a reasonable start.  I don't mind busting my butt.  I like to sweat.  I even like to hurt.  Sore muscles are a gift!  Oddly, I don't even have much soreness.  Less than I usually do just sitting around doing nothing.  I guess I'll have to work harder next week!  *grins*  *rictus grins*

Later, or goodnight.