Couldn't go down until midnight thirty.

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Just waking at 13:30?  Not sure what the problem is, was.  Felt okay, just couldn't sleep, or wake.  Dreamed of being to bed with some woman or other.  Can't remember much.  Didn't dream of sex, but the satisfied clumsy sleepiness that can go with it, and the satisfaction of having a woman right there, with me.  There are times when having a woman around is fantastic.  Especially when she is being quiet?  :p

Sassy woke me.  Meowling her little hungry heart out.  I needed help, to wake.  Told her.  She didn't listen, I could do much else, fell back asleep.  She, eventually, did actually make it up there.  The tactile sense of petting her, scratching behind her ears, and such, helps me wake.  It's just too cool for her?  Anyway, she is what helped me wake.  For it, she got fed straightaway.

I feel rough.  A headache, different from the normal.  I think a stress headache, from sore shoulders and a neck that feels out of place.  And innards feel like I was kicked by a mule, only muted by a week or so of repair.  Still, not in great shape.  I had planned to do something today, but between the aches, pain, late rise, and snow, I won't make it.  Wasn't sure I was truly welcome.  But that wasn't going to stop me.  I best shoot off an email.

I will wake, but try to get dishes clearer.  Probably best hit the freezertop first.  Then hit the dishes.  Hopefully get a shower in after.  That would be a reasonable start to a new week.  Maybe a load of dishes as well.  We'll see.  A kefir to start the day.  Having refreshed all the jars, and rinsed the grains, the kefir is proving to be less grainy.  It is much better, and less bitter, this way, much preferred.

On to my day.  Later.

Finally.

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Something to eat, real food.  Eggs, bacon, and corned beef hash.  I am still using the bacon I cooked some time back.  Of course, wrapped in paper towels, in a big ziploc, in the refrigerator.  I am surprised the bacon is still good.  I do fry it, a bit, to crisp and warm it, plus add a bit of bacon grease to the pan.  Then I add a bit of coconut oil.  It doesn't take much.  Works out wonderfully.

It's nearing bedtime.  I'll turn on the blanket, feed Sassy, check her litter, and possibly rest kefir.  Though, with new jars and washed kefir grains, it may simply not quite be ready.  I'd love to get the dishes, and a shower, even do a load of laundry.  But I'm just not doing well enough.

I may wash the keyboard, again, tonight.  And set it in front of the fan again.  Stupid thing.  It isn't sticking, but it is not working as it should.  I may just have to get a new one.  But... money is short, especially due to having to pay two mortgage payments this month.  It looks like both were paid.  Further, I reset the payment amount next month, a bit higher.  But not using all the cola increase.  None of it.  I'll need to use that to catch up on some things.

I have had expense after expense this month.  From the water heater repairs... parts, tools, and a pump, to the keyboard, wedding things, and a few oddities purchased before I realized two mortgage payments were going to be required.  Well, and it being Christmas.  There were a few gifts that went out.  I may have to pull some money from savings.  It's... just the way it goes.  I'll use the cola to catch up for a few months, then add a bit extra to savings, THEN put it against principal again.

Still, could be worse.  Might become worse.  But... I... have just... a bit of savings, here and there.  Always a mess, or sometimes.  Best get the blanket going, then do a few last things.  Goodnight.

Sleep, a good lot of it.

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I made it to 10:30 before caving, hard.  The bed was warm.  I set it to shut off in an hour, right as I went in.  That gets me warm, and begins cooling so I don't overheat.  Sleep was wonderful, if a little longer than hoped.  Waking at 13:30.  Was hoping for an hour less.  Still, it wasn't an six, ten, or twelve hour sleep.  Which it well could have been.

I tried the compression socks in bed.  Better than regular compression socks.  Almost hospital compression socks, but no heel hole, just above the toes.  Much better for sleeping.  I have another, that is stronger, and truly and open toe, not just a hole in the top, and higher compression.  That may well be good for sleeping and daywear.

I have some others to try.  Different sizes, higher compression, look like men's dress socks.  I suppose I could have tried them on before time ran out for returns.  But I don't mind having variety of sizes and compression strength.  I only wear them a few times a week, and up to now only during the day.  But, with these new options, I can put them on at night if the feet look a bit too swollen.  Didn't do much, last night, but... would they have been worse this morning otherwise?

As well, when I woke, I tried some boots, Keens, which are on a seven day loan.  These are keepers.  I will have to break them in.  The boot body is tight, like skates... ice or roller, or a few other types.  But the toe box is grand.  Not so big they are clown shoes, just enough that I don't have toe compression.  These are keepers.  Of the others I am trying, I probably won't keep them.  Probably.  At most one pair.  The next time I can afford it, in a few months, I will probably buy another pair of these boots, for replacements.  Maybe, in time, two pair.  Same with any other shoe that fits.  That will give me four active pair of shoes, and in time, replacements.  Why buy now?  I'm not sure they will be available next year, or at double the price.  I'm buying what I know I will need, not what I want.

Coffee should be in.  Though, if I remember, and change over to fresh coffee (which is actually cheaper, especially of cold brewed so can be consumed by the cup), These containers will be put into storage, just used by single lots, a few times a year... when money is tight.  Between the rotations, this should last... three or four years?  Maybe.  Maybe longer, if I'm drinking less coffee for that time of the year.  It happens.  Even in winter, sometimes I go more the way of tea.

I also switched out kefir this morning.  Beyond the normal routine, I added the two freshly cleaned fermenting small quart jars in, and gave the kefir grains one last r.o. water cleaning.  I keep thinking it will all wash away, but it doesn't.  Actually, it adds a lot more clarity to the grains, reducing very little volume.  Making them appear much more like what is shown on y.t. vids.  Plus, it seems to... relax the bite.  I am really waiting to try this, after a few days.  Between fresh holding jars, fresh fermenting jars, and rinsed kefir grains, I expect a smoothness I haven't had in my kefir for a while.  From now on, I am hoping to do one of those things every week or two.  I guess, like learning to jump rope, skills and advanced methods, can be added over time.  I truly love kefir.  Oh, best get some.  I have to drink about two quarts a day to keep up on this.  Which... is becoming most of my food.

Ah, checked in with my friend.  Out of town for a bit.  I can... be such a clot.  As I told him, it's good to be an ignorant guy, sometimes.  He agrees, on a part time basis.  Good attitude, if he wants to stay married!  hahaha  Yea, I'm literally chuckling.  Laughing really.

Loving these boots.  And, they will work with heavier or lighter socks, to some degree.  There is enough real flexibility, and room for tightening, to account for that.  I just can't wear the heavy socks in the summer.  Later.

Double bloody nose, and tired.

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Trying to figure out a way to stay awake a little longer.  I really didn't want to take a nap, but... not sure there is much of a choice.  It's more a matter of when, not if.  Probably.  I think the last time I was in this kind of shape, or the time before(?), I was able to work it through.  Both last time and the time before have been in the last few days, so... Still, not exactly sure which was which.

The thing is, if I need a nap?  I should take one before I crash and sleep all day.  No guarantee that is how it would work.  Just, a well timed nap is more likely to be short(er), and sweeter while at it.  Wait to long and the crash is too deep and hard to fit with a regular schedule.

I did take a few painkillers this morning.  And I may take aspirin again, tonight.  The heart is a bit stressed.  I don't think it will get me, it is just... semi-permanently, lately, uncomfortable.  Imagine wearing shoes a size or two too small.  Only, it's your heart in there.  That's... what it's like lately.  The water heater, the doubts and concerns while setting it up, got to me.  Well, the work, a bit, too.

Yeah, I'll just take a nap.  Well.  First I'll turn the electric blanket on.  Then I'll have another kefir, feed Sassy, check her litter... by then the bed should be warm.  Later.

Up.

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Wasn't down until 23:15, give or take a few.  Up at 5:00, if I didn't haul out until more like 5:30.  Why awake so early?  I just can't say.  It doesn't make sense to me.  But I am happy to be awake early, and hoping to stay awake through the day.  No nap if possible.  It might be rough for a few days, until bedtimes match more accurately with waking times and sleep times.  Eight hours is best, usually.  In the summer, six might do, sometimes.  Ten or twelve aren't completely unusual.  Meh.

Teeth brushed, dressed warmly enough to go outside, if not to town.  Longer compression socks, today.  Water is staying off, mostly.  Still, I like to wear various compression socks, from time to time.  If I get a divot in one or both leg, from just wearing socks, compression socks can iron that out, remove or reduce water being held there.

Without medicine, I had feared out-of-control water retention.  But, no.  The pills cause that problem, requiring water pills.  Pills are probably better, if the ones which were the hardest on my organs were water pills.  So, I can't call that, not absolutely.  My heart does... get sore, tired, more often.  Though the medicines artificially controlled the number of beats, so I couldn't overwork.  It's all give or take?

I spilled something on the keyboard, a few days ago.  Strangely, to me, the board was okay, at first.  But, then, became stickier and stickier, on certain keys... q and e.  So, I washed the keyboard last night, and put it near a fan to dry out last night.  The keys that were a problem are fixed.  But, now, other keys are a bit too... difficult.  I'll probably just have to break down and buy a new keyboard.  Though, tonight, when I go to bed, I may give it another wash.  It's down to the comma, now.  And the spacebar?  But they are just slightly tacky.  The q was sticking, the e just took some work to get to print.  Bleh.

Teeth brushed, coffee water heating.  I have to admit, if I could get back to whole coffee beans, and grinding them myself, I would.  I have proved I can use freeze dried.  But I also must admit that isn't preferred.  Like everything else that is freeze dried, there is a cardboard in the stomach sense to it.  I may just put the rest of the freeze dried stuff up for storage.  Not sure how long it's shelf life is, but, to keep it in rotation, I could use my mix once or twice a year, when money gets tight, or getting out becomes difficult.  Yeah, that might be how I do it.  I'll just use up what I have in stock, then try to get fresh once, or better twice, a month.  Probably go back to french press, that or flow-through.  Then again, I was just starting cold brewing.  That was... far more delicious than anything save french press, fresh.  But, far easier to keep up on?  Perhaps a mix of those, depending on my particular abilities on a given day?  Yea.

Hoping to get the freezertop cleared and cleaned, dished reset then finished, and maybe something to eat.  Something a bit more real.  Eggs, bacon, maybe corned beef hash.  That's a lot of carbs, but it's probably all I'll have for today.  Other than a few fatted coffees, a few kefirs, and water... which have very few, and betters sorts of, carbs.

Snowed, an inch?  It's 28, but sort of slushy out there?  Pretty, if... I need to get the plow on the garden tractor.  Getting wetter snow, lately.  Can't complain, too much, as any snow we get is probably a very good thing, especially if it stays around enough for spring.  We'll see.  Need it, desperately.  Or... so we are told.  Do I believe?  I believe almost nothing the news reports.  Can't say they didn't do it to themselves.  So, no.  Who knows what is really going on, other than that we will never be told the truth.  They can't make extra money, in various corrupt ways, if everyone knows.

On to... waking, gaming, and hopefully some work.  Good morning, day, or whatnot.  I forgot to pray last night, to bed to late.  I'll keep you in them this morning... fool or genius, not sure which is worse; priest, pauper, nun, laity, rich, poor... you get the drill.  Some of you by name, Mike, foamy, Jean and family, and some of you others.  Even some of you I don't like.  To your health. 

Someone rang?

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Sort of.  I have... been behind on some things.  I have started to do things, but... just.  A call, a request, an answer.  Well will see.  But, for now, the plan is in motion.  Several plans, to be honest.  I missed some this last week.  Reset what could be reset.  And, now, have another gig in the toaster.  Something like that.

A few things.

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Dinner was made.  It just wasn't tasty.  And I am not hungry.  Leftover pork roast, but just not good.  Fresh veggies, as well not very flavorful, even with butter.  I did enjoy the acorn squash.  Not my favorite, of those.  Preferring butternut and spaghetti, of the types I have tried so far, and recently.  Still, that was the best of the meal.

A few kefirs through the day.  And I reset the kefir.  Pulling two jars to be cleaned, pulling the kefir in the fridge, setting up and starting the washing process on those two jars, putting the one I cleaned yesterday in.  As well, I rinsed the kefir grains with reverse osmosis water while doing the switch.  Actually, I think I cleaned the jars fully, so should be able to switch out the last two old ones tomorrow.  Then I'll get those washed and set up.  Many of my jars have been stolen, I still have some.

I didn't get to the freezer top.  But I did lower the hardness level.  I think it was set to 100, I put it down to 60.  I could lower it more, if needed.  Will see.  I may shut the softener off a few days a week, so I can get unsalted water for Sassy.  Shut it off Thursday, run the water a bit through the day, then refill her large container on Friday, or Saturday, then turn it back on.  

Rather tired, a bit sore... achy.  The heart doesn't feel too bad.  But I might, after three or four days of threatening, get aspirin in tonight.  It really might help.  I'll get the electric blanket going.  Look around the web for a bit, then try to be down within an hour.  Hopefully before 20:00.

Thinking about shaving the beard.  Not sure.  Oh, and... I might not stop blogging, just cut the frequency of posting.  I mean, just leave many of them as drafts, unpublished.  I like writing, it helps me.  Lots of things under consideration.  Sleep namely, aspiring, posting or not, and the beard.  Well, and a sense that health is... going downhill.  Or I'm just winter tired.  Meh.  I honestly think I've got a longer time than most would wager.  So be it.

Later, or most likely goodnight.

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Oh, also checked my mortgage.  It looks like it is paid up, and this month was paid.  And, I'll have to see about finding which office at the state's ag offices I should file a complaint with.  First, I expect no extra interest or else, further, if they charged me, in spite of automatic payment being functional, for a late fee, I want that money back.  Not sure the ag's office will do anything, to be honest.  They work with these companies, and a lot of money goes back and forth.  But, I can try.

Awake, again.

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Went down around 3:30, give or take ten.  Slept well.  The hour limit as I go to sleep is good.  If just starting to bed, perhaps longer.  But going back to bed, this works.  Especially if I became too hot while sleeping and had to cool off.  Then I am susceptible to getting too hot, again.

With the drafts tended, I am able to handle 60 F, in this front room.  Took a bit to get used to.  The main areas are 68 to 70, so very easy to handle if I can handle this.  Layering helps.  Having area that is warm, if this cooler area gets to me is good.  Socks and shoes, every day.  Might seem common sense to you, but before medicine, dressing was difficult.

Perhaps the assistances has helped on a pseudo, milder, permanent manner?  Can't be sure.  Or, maybe, I allowed me to develop some habits which are remaining?  Can't be certain.  I do know I pushed beyond my limits, and am suffering it.  Usually that would mean I would be out of it for a few weeks.  Especially when it is colder, hotter, darker, or with excessive amounts of daylight, anything unusual or extreme would add to me being down.  And it has been dark since I finished the work.  Cloudy, overcast.  Though, today, it is 37.  Everything is thawing.  Not that 37 is hot, but compared to the single digits?  Yea, it's... darned near spring out there.

Up at noon.  So nearly a full night of sleep after sleeping a bit earlier.  Couldn't get back to sleep, if too was trying to do chores.  Well, no trying.  I DID do chores.  Not all that I had thought to do.  But a nice chunk of them, and a shower aside.  The goal is to get to bed by 20:00.  Earlier if possible.  Though, for at least the next few nights, I'll shut the electric blanket down to just an hour.  See if that helps.

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A dream.  People were becoming terribly violent.  Sort of like going zombie.  An infection?  Can't rightly say.  After a time, I began to notice they would become a subtle shade of yellow, before they changed.  Then a light and darkening shade of red when they had changed.  While yellow, getting emotional would increase the speed of the conversion.

Once they went red, they were gone.  No longer human, and no way back naturally.  Science had lost.  Then they became rage filled creatures.  Recognizing none.  I'm not sure if they actually ate brains, or anything else.  Only that they would kill anyone not red, or who didn't turn from yellow to red fast enough while they attacked them.

Now, those who were already yellow, had become resistant to pain, injury, which would buy them from a little more time to a lot more time.  But, oddly, they wouldn't resist.  Then again, I never saw someone who was yellow become normal again, either.  It was only a matter of time.

I traveled around.  There was about fifteen percent immunity.  I must have been one of them.  A lot of people simply weren't good at survival, or weren't willing to kill those attacking them, or simply didn't want to live without creature comforts.  The rich were much more likely to commit suicide.  But those, isolated for too long, also seemed to go. 

I did find some limits to them.  They couldn't climb, they would forget about someone out of their reach, if they remained still and quiet for a few hours.  They couldn't, or wouldn't swim.  Very poor mechanical coordination, they just, I don't think, could swing their arms in such a way as to stay above the water.  And, they weren't, strictly speaking, undead.  For if you, say, pushed them in a pool, and the water was over their head, they would drown.  What was worse, is when they died, they would return to their living normal selves.  Their permanent scowl, and gimped bone and muscles form would revert back to before they fell ill, or whatever it was.  It was heartbreaking to see.

Well, and they didn't know their limits.  Getting them up on a scaffold, or into a deep pool, would all but guarantee their deaths.  Limited intelligence.  None remembered other people, or things they used to know.  There was no talking to them.  Not sure what, or if, they even ate.  Never saw them eat their victims though.  Just... killed them and left them.

Oh, but while yellow?  Especially if you saw them start to get agitated, meaning they were about to turn?  If you gave them a small task, as if it was terribly urgent, that would delay their turning.  Delay long enough for you to escape.  I keep a bunch of chunks of chalk, chalkboard chalk, in a small bag.  I would call them over, as if they were all in on conspiracy.  And tell them to mark the areas which might be dangerous if a red got in.  Implore them to hurry.  This would buy me five to ten minutes, as they had to think, and their thinking was slowing.

If, for example, I went into a restaurant.  And they seemed normal at first.  But by being in there, the waitresses started becoming stressed and turning yellow, or getting nearly to red just by me entering, I would do that.  And then hightail it.  At least five minutes.  It might even keep them from turning red for a much longer time, with me gone and them having a task to hold onto.  I watched, from a distance, on a roof, several times.  Climbing was a very good way to escape them, and their notice.  They almost never looked up, and seeing me up somewhere neither irritated nor seemed to make sense to them.

I kept on the move, easily finding food, and fuel for a while.  After a year, vehicles just wouldn't run on the fuel I could find.  Electricity was hit or miss.  EVs were out, as the only thing that would definitely run them were generators, which would enrage every critter in a five mile area, or it sure seemed like it.  Though, if you wanted to slip out, a generator would get them to collect, until they could smash it.  But, up on a roof, it would just call them into a herd, until it ran out of gas.

That was one of the worst dreams.  While I could easily live, and could handle it, It was often worse than lonely.  Every woman I would find, and try to set up home with, would turn.  I began to wonder if, while I was immune, some of us were super spreaders, could infect even the nominally immune.  Or immunity was random?  Some permanent, some just longer than others.  Made me nervous about meeting others though.

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Today?  I am hoping to get the freezertop cleared and cleaned, then finish the dishes.  Get another shower, perhaps... and lower the hardness setting on the softener before that.  I keep forgetting to get painpills in.  Mostly just want to add aspirin to my diet, for a few days.  It will help with the pain, but hopefully will help more with the heart.  Well, and make something to eat.  Later.

I got to some of it.

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Dishes given a swipe, drained, and then a shower.  Oh, so very nice.  It's been a few days.  Didn't have hot water.  Then didn't have energy.  Nice.

Dishes have been stacked back in, set to a rinse.  I think that should be it.  I'd like to let the hair dry an half hour anyway.  Then go on up to bed.

I didn't get to the freezertop.  I'm... done.  Was glad to get done what was done.  I'll reset the electric blanket.  Then, when I go, limit it to an hour.

I'll take aspirin, too, before sleep.  Just in case.  The heart is still rather tired.  I don't... like that sensation.  Not sure aspirin will help, if that pops.  I live alone, I will die alone.

Found one jar, to change out tomorrow... a smaller, quart, jar.  Just one.  I guess I'll have to cycle them through.  As well, I could rinse the kefir grains as I cycle through a jar a day.  Not perfect, but it will do.  Oh, I could check the refrigerated kefir, see if that is ready to harvest?  Or at least turn over?  Though I may just turn it over, and use it to help switch to new, clean, jars, more quickly.

Sleep will be better, having showered.  Between simply showering every other day (usually), and flipping and changing mattresses every week, making the bed every few days, and stripping and remaking the bedding at least three times a week?  Usually... I am living much better.  I can't keep up with all of it, but I do keep up on that.

Goodnight.  Yes, I said I would be slowing, then quitting, blogging.  And, I will, in time.

Couldn't stay down.

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A bump in the night?  Too warm?  Not sure.  I listened intently, after waking.  If something woke me, it didn't occur again, or any other noise.  Sassy wasn't up there.  I was rather warm though.  Hot, really.  I do believe, when I go to bed, I'll limit the electric blanket to an hour.  Just dial it back before I crawl in.  It is wonderful, for a short bit.  But too long and, even three layers up, it gets far too warm.

The simple goal is to cool off, then get back to bed before long.  A disrupted sleep isn't the best, but I'll work with it.  I do believe it is near the end of blogging.  If something comes up, say a project I need to sort in my mind, I may write about it as it occurs.  But, really, I think I have said all I can say.

People aren't visiting, and I can't blame them.  There is no cavalry coming, enemies maybe but no one who reads here could do anything about anything.  So, as I mentioned, I am going to, through time, slow down my posts until I ease off the pedal and just begin to drift.

Heck, I am suspecting... hoping?  House thieves are using this blog to get a jumpstart if they gather I will be out for this or that.  They have a key, or keys, or even alternate ways in.  They just need to know when to break in, preferably when I am gone or very deep in sleep.  If... that only works if I forget the inside locks, which I don't usually miss lately.  I have definitely cut down on thefts, but not eliminated them altogether.  Some people cannot be negotiated with.

Since I am up, I hit the dishes.  Just gave things a quick scrub.  They were already washed, just... I wanted them to be hit once more.  Then, hopefully, a shower before long.  Then, I'll give the water heater a break, clear and clean the freezer top, then at least put the dishes back in for a rinse.  If I can rinse, dry, and set out, that would be better.

Until I can do something, I'll game for a bit.  Perhaps set an alarm for a couple of hours.  Then hit whatever I can do.  Dry off as things rinse.  Hitting the freezertop at some point, as well, if possible.  Yea.  Or... not.  We'll see.  Later.  

Made it.

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19:19, and it's almost time for bed.  I turned the electric blanket on earlier, but I think it has timed out.  I'll reset it shortly, watch a few videos until half after, then go on to bed.

Alarms, police I think.  One or two, and another one?  The first two seemed to shut of closer?  Or did they just zip through?  Hmm, nope.  The third one just turned off it's sirens really close.  Hmm. unusual.

Not much to eat today.  Three cups of kefir, two fatted coffees (or one), two ounces of cheese and two ounces of salami, eat baby carrots, and that was it.  If I can't do much work, I try to cut consumption.  Doesn't help, all that much.  But it doesn't hurt.  I may not lose weight, but I don't gain it.

Mostly just gaming.  Though, I did get kefir filtered twice.  I did switch then wash the big jars, and will be looking for small jars next, hopefully tomorrow.  I refresh water.  I think I need to refill the reservoir.  I have fed Sassy, and tended her litter box.  Will check the reservoir again, and check her litter box one last time.  And, I did make the bed this morning.  Not... perfect.  But something.  If I had a home keeper, to dole out a few orders, I might be able to do more.  As is, I sort of get lost with all the things needing to be done.  I can't keep up, solo.  This isn't my area of knowledge, or even concern.

Maybe a bit tomorrow.  Dishes, the jars, a shower.  Perhaps boxes, or some.  My heart is still a bit... tired.  I'll have another kefir, and take aspirin with it.  Then on to bed.  Should sleep well.  Goodnight.

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As I was up, doing a few last things, I was able to see what was using it's alarm, this time, time, time, time?  I think there were four vehicles using alarms.  This last one was a fire truck.  Turned off the highway, to a side street juxtaposed to my corner.  As for sirens?  They were only using those to alert traffic, then turning them off?  Strange, but okay.

Couldn't see how far they went, and their sirens were turned off, lights still flashing.  I may find out, or not.  Now, or very close, on to bed.  Bed should be warm by now.  Just want to let the water carafe fill, then refill the  reservoir.  Maybe go to the bathroom, if I think I can.  Then to bed.  

Didn't go down.

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Won't, either, for a while.  Waiting for the packages.  Doubted they would arrive.  They did.  But, not until just now, nearly fifteen hundred.  Exhausted, from pushing to remain awake.  And, yet, I don't want to sleep until later, or I'll potentially lose my day/night schedule, which is back in... some order.  Improving at that.

Wasn't being particular, about delivery.  One of the items arriving was a bit of a hope and a prayer.  I have two sets of a particular tool.  Yet, the one thing I needed from those wasn't there.  I have done a lot of shopping around, but without the size, and definite shape, I just couldn't be sure what I was ordering would have what I needed.

One of the security bits.  Too small for the medium to large set, to large for the small set.  Worse, I couldn't tell if it was hex, star, or one of the others.  That was supposed to be in today.  It was, and... it did!  It was a star security, second from the smallest of there normal sizes... so right in the fringe zone on most sets.  Finally.

I had purchased a travel iron, a Rowenta.  So I had paid a pretty penny.  But, after the failures of tools, I had gotten angry and bought another.  Still, I thought I could, possibly, fix it.  To some extent, I have.  Not sure if it works as intended.  But it works.  I am thinking of offering it to a newlywed couple.  Might not be perfect, but it is a quality item, with just a minor hitch.  Plus... it's... fun to fix things, or try.

It has a push-button handle release.  I had pulled that too hard, not realizing it had a button.  The way I pulled it got it stuck.  So, now, it... works without the button pressing it used to require.  So, honestly?  I think I fixed too problems, to be honest.  Tada!  :p  I don't think the push button has any other use.  Come to think of it, I may try that with the other iron.  Pushing that button is irritating.  Then again, If I pull too hard, it might break in other ways.  Not sure this works until it is tried sooner or later.  Bleh.  Maybe I won't test my luck with a second jamming pull.

Out of protein powder, that arrived.  And, paper plates.  I finally placed an order, for two containers, which arrived, both of them, and on time.  Not at the lower price, but that was never going to show.  But not at the higher price, either.  

Merchants, manufacturers, and bureaucrats are trying to price people out of buying things.  Then, when people stop buying things, they panic.  Trying to squeeze blood out of what is becoming stones, while paying them less and less.  This will fix itself.  I am stopping buying.  Won't stay with too much cash, but won't buy many goods.  Replacements, as necessary.  But not always then.  They have pushed too far.  Even if I have it, at this point, with low quality and high prices, I will go without some things as they break.  Or get used but are too expensive to replace.

I think they thought they could rob sunup to sundown forever.  That's... just not going to work.  Nor will I keep my wealth in fiat.  Not with zero interest at these inflation numbers, especially knowing inflation is three to five times what is printed.  I'll repair more often, myself.  Or just go without.  Tools, in this case, are your friend.  So, not only did I get a bit of practice, I have a few more tools.  At fourteen types of bits, 135 total, from high standard to as small as they make them, I have a bit more access.  I like that.

Still, have to be awake a few more hours.  Gotta make it to eighteen hundred.  Maybe nineteen or twenty hundred, if I'd rather be to be earlier.  Redid kefir.  Put them in new clean jars.  Washed the big jars I had been using.  Tomorrow, or something this week, I'll get a few quart jars cleaned and put into action.  I have learned, to a degree, how to use more or less kefir grains to speed and slow fermentation.  So, I think I can do this without losing or slowing production.  I'm trying to drink between three and four glasses a day.  

A good day.  Just so tired.  Up earlier, down a bit earlier yesterday.  Hopefully down a lot earlier tonight.  Just until I can cut sleep to eight hours again.  Even then, I'd rather be up at four, so to bed by no later than twenty hundred.  Give or take.  Later, or goodnight.

Crashing.

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Coffee helped.  Not enough to last the day.  Fighting it, losing.  I don't think I'll be able to stay awake very much longer.  If I make it to noon, I'll be doing good.  Don't think so, will try until I fail.

UPS says a few things should be in today.  I have doubts, being Saturday.  If they have hired seasonal extras, to this point, it hasn't shown.  Though, maybe they aren't bringing them in, this year, until much later?  That could be.  Regardless of what some suggest, I don't think sales have been good.  Not in stores, not online.  No one has money.

Those who are working have children living at home.  Even if they are working, they simply aren't earning much, and have few prospects for actual advancement.  Most know they are in a bind.  Money just isn't there anymore.  Well, add on credit already mostly tapped?  Yeah.

You can't overcharge for food, housing, energy, and undercut kids, plus pay equal pay for unequal work, and expect life to work out.  Those getting underpaid and overworked simply slip out the back door and leave companies to hire more and more inferior workers to cover more and more demand for actual function, with fewer and worse employees to choose from.

They say six million men have dropped out of the employment rolls.  My guess is that was so 2020, maybe 2021.  Now?  Twenty or thirty million men just aren't there.  They can get buy with bits of work, without being daily drivers, without a lot of things.  Just... dropping out.  Equal pay for unequal work is going to destroy the economy.  On top of everything else going on.  Men can live on near nothing.  Can the economy live on near nothing, as to labor?  I guess we'll find out.  Women did say they wanted to be equal.  When everyone is in mud huts, everyone will be equal.  From Gates to Musk to Biden.  And it is coming.

They really thought they could just keep draining some dry, and giving that to others.  I think that is completely at an end.  Oh, they have stores tucked away.  Will last for a while.  Then... then hitting bottom.  Not even an option at this point.  Looking forward to it?  Not it, specifically.  What may come after, perhaps.  They wanted a reset.  I don't think they planned well.  Thought they could give that, wouldn't have to endure it.  But, like an idiot who cuts the branch they are standing on, closer to the tree than they are, things aren't working out.  But they just keep doubling down.

Later.

Painpills helping?

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Hmm, no.  I don't think I do any last night.  Meant to take more aspirin, forgot.

To bed at 21:30.  Awake at 3:00, then 6:00, 6:01, 6:xx.  I finally took the hint at 6:06.  Gah!  Not sure what that was about.  I have not, to my recolection, had such a weird wakeup.  I thought I was sleeping a long time between checking the time, and rolling ack over.  But it was a minute or two per check.  Annoying.

No, I really didn't quite want to wake up.  I wanted to sleep.  Obviously I couldn't.  I was getting sore from rolling over, contorting to obtain the alarm clock, and checking it.  I really had no choice.  Awake, though, mostly.  Well, maybe not.  It's almost 7:00 and I am still really sleepy.  Coffee!  Maybe.  I'll get some.  And some kefir.

I looked out the front door, for no particular reason.  An owl, hooting, softly.  A dog barking, lightly, too.  I don't think they were involved one with the other.  Though, maybe.  I think critters talk, or just chime in, from time to time.  I was looking at the sidewalk.  It had gotten a bit of snow the other day, last night?  It is gone now, mostly.  Some snow on the driveway, but the sidewalk is mostly clear.  Was going to need to get to that, otherwise.

Dreams.  Many.  Flying, my old way, at nearly the speed of light.  Only slower so that I could get to destinations on the earth.  Too fast, and overshoot is likely.  Though, in another dream, leisure flights.  Just... up there, flying around, as an otter playing in water.  On my stomach for a bit, on my back for a while, doing barrel rolls, and else.

And dreaming of mice.  They are back.  I have some options.  Will get on those, today.  But, first, coffee and kefir.  Hopefully dishes and a shower before long.

Dreaming of women, again, too.  I like those.  It really isn't about sex, but that... can't be denied as a part of the operation.  Why be interested without the differences.  Though, that takes care of itself.  Proximity, in a home, it's... a natural event.  While not the whole thing, or a massive thing of all the things, it is a crucial element.  But, no, it is the relationship.  Both putting up with each other, and figuring things out about each other, and our differences and similarities.  It was a fine dream.  This time, mostly, regarding other things, other than sex.  Women are annoying, but I'm not sure I would always want it the other way.  Sometimes?  Sometimes I get my wish, just not... always?  *grins*

Well?  On to coffee and kefir, waking, then hopefully a bit of work.  Later.

On to bed.

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Couldn't really do much.  Kept hoping I would get enough going so as to do dishes, get a shower.  Just... didn't... couldn't... happen.  Maybe tomorrow.  I do my best, it just... sometimes there is nothing to offer.  At nearly 21:30, it's bedtime.  Then again, it isn't 2:00, or even midnight.  But I am absolutely ready for bed.

Sassy is on the verger of hangry.  But, she has hard food and plenty of water, so she can't whine too much.  Canned cat food is just getting to expensive.  Though, between treats, attention, and the hard food, she... survives.  :p  I love that little furball.  And, she is... learning to put up with me, and a little less of her favorite things.  There for a while, she was a bit... almost... hating.  But she has gotten over it.

I haven't been able to eat much myself.  I would like to eat.  Food just isn't tasting good.  A lot more kefir, as much as is possible.  But that is getting bitter.  I need to rinse out the grains (with r.o. water), wash a few quart and half gallon jars, and change those in.  Bitter is okay, but too bitter is just too bitter.

The extra items did allow me to be a bit warmer.  I enjoyed the day, even if I couldn't do much.  I did clean a few small things, put the new spatulas in to wash, turned over the kefir, and let folk know what I needed this week, and a few details.  I will have a few aspirin again, tonight.  That... really helped smooth things out.  Was it the pain relief?  Or did it help my heart?  I just can't say, with certainty.

I should sleep quite well.  I hope you do as well.  Goodnight.

A difficult day.

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Just staying awake is a bit of a trick.  Tore the bed down, to air it out, this morning.  So a nap would require a bit of work.  Then again, it is just a minute away from 16:00.  Another hour, or two, and going to bed would be fair enough.  Any hopes of work today were dashed fairly quickly.  I did get the kefir reset.  Not that that is much, but it was something.

As well, keeping up on Sassy, her hunger and litter.

The temp, indoor, is reading 69, as usual.  But it seems a lot colder.  I may add a jacket to else.  The things is, I have... get up and get the jacket.  It's possible.  I have to get the bed set back up, and made, anyway.  Perhaps make a fatted coffee.  More for something warm, than for a food item.

I received some of the new things, for the month.  A scarf type bib.  I'm not a terrible eater, but not great at it either.  I am tired of spots on my shirt.  And, a few pins to hold it in place.  The pins?  Not so much.  I'll see if I have larger bobby pins, or such.  Safety pins?  Yes, that.  I'm not sure bobby pins would help, or that I would have any... unless mom or some other woman left a few.  I think I found a few from the last occupants?  Maybe.  And I may have ordered a few, for some project that may or may not ever have gone forth... but the notion of which has been lost in time.  Perhaps just to see if they could be used to pick locks?  Not sure.  I think I have a few, or more, somewhere.  Still, not sure they would work in this application.

The other items were more fish flipper spatulas.  If these work, I will toss all of my standard spatulas.  Too thick, too dull, not good for much.  But, these?  These I like.  I have two larger ones, but two medium and t wo small ones.  Each has, I think, a better place.  The big ones are great for hash, not so good for eggs.  As well, I got a tonged fish spatula.  I am curious how well that will work... more along the medium to small size.  May have to see if I can find fish that has been caught, and processed, in American waters, by American companies.  I have doubts about finding those affordably.  Anything from China has probably had their "farmed" fish added in.  Even their own people avoid their own food.  Have to dump it somewhere.

But, these spatulas work just about anywhere, on anything, and so much better than standard spatulas.  I tried the Chinese scoop type spatulas, too.  But those just don't have the length.  And the sides of the scoop, like a grain shove, are great... for some things, terrible for other things.  Particular?  If I have to cook, I want to cook with the tools which work.  Now the Chinese dippers, and strainer dippers, are superior to most things like them.  European knives, though, all the way.  Or Japanese... some Japanese knives.

As well, I finally got a stainless juicer which satisfies my wants, in the right materials, and large enough to do more work at once, if needed.  Those are, actually, my Christmas presents.  I like to cook.  I like tools which work, to my mind, and will get them.  I'll be getting rid of a bunch of kitchen tools I have tried.  After testing these out, anyway.  But I think so.

On to getting the bed made, readied, and the electric blanket on.  Then something warm to drink and a bit more warm outerwear to put on until bedtime.  Good day and very possibly goodnight while I am at it.  

Up, awake, nicely.

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Mostly.  There are minor aches and pains.  But this is the first morning I haven't felt like I was a car wreck on waking in... three or four days now.  All good though.  If I could push to feel like that more often, I would.  Actually, when I recover a bit, I am going to try to hit it again.

We got a bit more snow last night.  An inch, two?  Some of it melted off, probably left with an inch, inch and an half... by the looks of things.

If we get a big snow, I'd finally like to get the snow shoes out, and in use.  As well, I may see about putting up the hammock, and testing the zero degree underquilt, and the rest of my kit.  I have a multistage sleeping bag that is supposed to be good down to -20 F, on it's own.  Between them, they should be able to handle serious cold.

At first, not so sure.

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The mixture didn't smell like bleach.  Very strange.  I am sure I used the right amount.  Let it sit for a while.  Shook it a few times.  Just... didn't smell like bleach.  Then, I had an application I would normally use bleach at.  I used the mix, and let it go for a while.  I checked it several times.  Initially, and after an half hour, it didn't smell like bleach.  But, after an hour, or two, it did.  Not that means it is working.

The telling will be after it has been rendered inert.  Then how clean the application areas smell.  There should be a sense of it having worked, or not.  Might have to increase the dose, just a tad.  Don't know.  Will find out shortly.

Set a roast going, pork.  Hopefully to be dinner.  Supper?  Supper.  Salt, pepper, italian seasoning, garlic powder, and fresh onion sliced on top.  Nothing fancy, though more onion than usual.  It's a big roast, and the onion is sort of timing out.  I want to get that batch used.

I keep forgetting aspirin.  That may, or may not, help with the tired heart.  Worth a shot, I think.

I am hoping the kefir will be ready to switch over later tonight.  Using the oven will help.  Would like to hit dishes before long, at least to then drain them, get a shower, and put them to a rinse.  Maybe tend the freezer top tonight as well.  I've been having trouble keeping up on kefir, with the water heater troubles.  Done... okay though, in spite of it.  Just... not quite as much as I would have liked.

I'd really like to try to get the dishes through, so I can wash a few canning jars, of various sizes.  Initially to consider switching out big kefir jars, as they are becoming crusted with kefir, which becomes more bitter over time.  Even more bitter than I prefer.  And, possibly, to begin, next week, canning ghee... making and canning.

Then, sometime next month or the month after, begin canning ground beef, and maybe other meats.  We'll see.  But I'd like to get a dozen or three cans of meat put up by March, or April at the latest.  Can't work fast, or hard.  And am in a bit of a bind from the work this week.  Had to call and change some plans...  too tired, a bit pained, sore heart.  Next week.

But, I'll... keep at things.  I have done alright, getting ready for hard times.  Just a few more things, and I think... it'll... work out, I'll be slightly more ready.  Every month, I am getting closer.  Preparing for even harder times.  It's going to get worse, and no with any power cares.  As long as their nests get feathered.  Later.

Never quite sure.

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I don't mind making my own bleach.  Using it for purifying drinking water?  That I am not so sure about.  Why?  Well, they seem to hide what the extra ingredients are.  If those extra ingredients are fungicidal, algicidal, or both, those are poison for humans too.  As to strength?  While that might be a slight issue, in an short term, in the longer term that will take care of itself.  Bleach simply breaks down over time.

So, I will make bleach, for laundry and cleaning uses, with the pool shock I have.  But I won't use that for water preservation.  Oh, and something a lot of people don't seem to realize?  Water is only good, if treated with a non algicidal or fungicidal bleach, for about a year.  After that, things will begin growing in there.

As well, putting water in old milk jugs, soda jugs, and such?  Even if sheltered in a dark space... a closet, basement, or such?  Beside the potential leaching of plastics and other chemicals, those containers only last, perhaps, a year.  They do break down.  I've tried to tell people, but... they... just don't believe.  Well, until they end up with a mess.  Of course, for some reason, they are angry at me for my warning.  I just don't get some people.

Oh, how do I identify, and what are my pronouns?  Conspiracy theorist, and I/told/you/so.  *smile*  Yea, I... finally went with the gig.  Probably not in a way that makes the little faeries happy, but... so!  I'll say it again, I/told/you/so!  Ha!

Anyway.  The variances in measurements are pretty large.  Anywhere from 2/3rds teaspoon to a heaping teaspoon per gallon to make regular bleach and (if it is legit, non algicide or fungicide) from a pint per 12.5 gallons to half a cup for five gallons, and... others.  Though, to a degree, it depends on if it is pure calcium hypochlorite or cut with inerts.

Anyway, since mine isn't pure, I'm going with the higher amounts.  Then to figure out how to store the rest of the bag.  But, yes, finally, I will be making my own chlorine.  Why?  Have you seen the price of chlorine at the store?  $12 to $15 a gallon!  I have some purposes that requires a bit more chlorine than usual.  Even one gallon a month really adds up.  And, making it myself?  I can probably cut that to around $2 to $4 dollars a year, and that one bag may well last four to five years if stored rightly.  So, yeah.  I'll do that.  Making my first gallon today.  Right after this post.

Do your own homework.  Consider what is important, what risks you want to take, and do it or don't.  I'm curious to see how it works out.  Hmm, may post a question online, see if the manufacturer will answer the question, as to whether the stuff contains algicide or fungicide.  Or, try to find a phone number for the manufacturer, and call them.  Would be very good to know if I can use this for water storage.  If so, I might put some water up.  After these last few days, I... remember that I forgot to store water.  Have to change it over yearly, but... worth it... I see, I see.

Later.

That was nice.

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Still playing the last two thirds of Witcher 3.  It is an extensive game.  More, I am replaying, on the most difficult setting.  Still, I keep thinking about what might be next.  So, I keep my eyes open.

There were two free games which caught my eye.  You get them, if you claim them... two or three per month.  This month I was amazed to see mass effect legendary.  It is a near total revision of all three of the first games.  Not sure if there was a fourth one?  But, it also included dlc (download content, add-ons to the game, and such).  Plus, for the first time, Carrying a 'toon through, the visuals are the same.  Before, you had to remake your 'toon every time.  Some of the game would carry through, but no visuals, as those improved, and new systems were used in character creation.

Now, with this game?  Because of flaws, or my poor social credit score, I was never able to finish the last two games.  They simply didn't work, game memory became corrupted, and no matter if I went back a bunch of saves, or tried to do it over from the start, I couldn't get through to the end of either of the last two games.  Huge waste of time.  I am hoping things have been fixed.  Hard to tell.  But, for free, I might try again.  I just don't have high expectations.  We'll see.

As well, I bought three games I have enjoyed, from the past.  The sum total was like $10 to $15?  Something like that.  Even if I don't care for the games, all of them, six games for that price, some of them I know I enjoy playing even if they won't finish?  And tons of play time.  The three games in one could easy eat four months in a straight playthrough.  Much more if I attempt getting all the trophies.  Six months?  Of rather steady playtime.  Though, to be honest, I would take time between games.  It is, or was, rather intense.

Why games?  Often that is the sum total of what I can do.  Sometimes not even that.  But, if I can't be physical, but can be awake?  These eat that time.  So... yeah.  Quite pleased with my finds this week.  There is another I am considering, but that costs $20 itself.  I'll... look it up before splurging.  Remember, I've paid double on mortgage this month, and am gifting my besty for his wedding as much as possible.  Some old, some new.  I just expect them to get busy.  Wanna see some rugrats, soon.  Business.  You know.  *grins*

Coffee is good, kefir has been had.  Might have more kefir.  Then on to gaming.  Not quite ready for dishes.  But... hoping that happens before too long.  I'll set an alarm for a couple hours.  See if I can get it then.  Oh, and take some aspirin, since I haven't taken other painkillers today.  Not for pain relief, hoping it will... relax the heart.  Though some extra pain relief wouldn't be horrible.  Later.