Daily musings of a retired digital artist/designer/musician/party goer/etc.

Today was supposed to be an early start on the coolant swap, nope. Nothing much happening. Just a familiar lump. Kidneys and lower back top the list of reasons, they’re strained, not dire, just a nag that won’t go away. And it’s not the only thing, there’s mild headaches and sore neck, upper back. So I zoned out watching a first time response to Rocky Horror by a red haired opera singer. 3 hours 15 minutes. I have to amaze at how culturally isolated she has been, on things well known to me for 50 years or more. Better than thinking about other things.

Myka got fed, the usual for me. I’m not making messes to clean up, or at least outside the minimal. A few forks to wash, ice bin. It’s a day to heal the aches. I’m not hurting for a menu for today. But I might cook for tomorrow.

I have decided that I can survive a lack of a heater core this coming weekend, temps running roughly 75°/60°F, thermal socks, alpaca poncho will handle it. After that, I can improvise by temp. I have the mad money for the coolant swap and TRD, and then some. ATM will be in play this coming weekend.

The second Minor White book is out for delivery. If I want to order something else online, I’d better do it today. Two weeks and black Friday until December.

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Two events since waking from a nap, first, the arrival of Minor White: Manifestations of the Spirit, 2014 hardcover, J Paul Getty Museum. Another simply immaculate used book. I have a definite connection when picking them. Every used book that I’ve ordered has been in remarkably good shape.

This one is similar to the original Minor White book that I owned, not quite as complete, but close, and the same quality. But this one separates the text and plates. It doesn’t have the same poetic flow between text and images. Otherwise, they are comparable. And the Aperture release fills that gap to a degree. They go well together, even though there is some redundancy on the images.

I also got my new debit card. I called in the activation, and the old one has joined the other retired cards. The security code is easier to remember. And it’s good for the next three years.

So now I need to pick out something to thaw. I am considering rib eye or brisket. Brisket would be a bread user. I could go for pork loin fried rice. I want to use the bread and I’m finishing up rice with the TLC. Brisket.

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The brisket has thawed, I’ll prep it tomorrow. It’s the next to last bag, so I need to keep my eyes pealed for something less than $4/lb untrimmed.

I discovered that I have the full list of books that I compiled. So I guess that the option is filled, like all the other mad money categories. What am I going to do now? Maybe dig for more that I know but haven’t studied?

I got minis and chips this morning, not a major run, but I had two minis left, and it’s 69°F outside. Seemed like a good idea, and so now I have ample minis and a clean shopping list.

I have to say that I am feeling better this morning, not perfect, but considerably more energetic. Time will tell if it holds.

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TAADAA!!! I got the rope lights mounted in the camper shell of the truck. I also got eaten up by skeeters. Benadryl grade eaten up. But they’re mounted, not snugged, that can take place later, when there aren’t any skeeters. It was bad enough wrestling with the mattress. They’re tested, all lights functional, all phases functional, remote (now in the cab caddie) tested. I can turn them on and off/flash while driving.

So I’m done for the day. I have a few forks to wash. I need to eat (TLC/broccoli/rice). Refill my water bottle when needed. Mostly, I need to let the Benadryl run its course. zzzzz I want to eat first, if I can last that long.

Another project for this week, wash the sheets in the truck for TRD. Also, pack spare AA batteries for the rope lights.

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I had the TLC/broccoli/rice for dinner. One more bowlful to go. So, it’s time to come up with one more entree before TRD, to cover three days.

I slept off the Benadryl, it felt like I was out for ten hours, but it was only about two hours.

I tested the lights after dark, determined line of sight for the remote. The main unit is in a corner that absorbs radio signals, but it works from within the camper shell and through the cab rear window and at the tailgate. Those are the important locations.

It was a slow Saturday. The chores got done, ice bin, Myka, etc. There wasn’t a lot to do. No projects yet. Muscles still sore, headaches, fatigue. Ibuprofen often. Sleep. Lumpin’.

I got the rope light kit assembled, for when I get ready to face the memory foam mattress.

My hopes of a store run, a radiator flush, etc, have fallen through. I just wasn’t up for it this morning, tired, sleepy, lumpy. I haven’t done anything productive. Instead, I’ve been dealing with a hungry mosquito putting welts on my hands (my arms were covered).

The house was opened before 9 am. In the 70s, destined for the 80s. I’m still having general tiredness from the vaccinations.

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My lack of ambition to make a store run for minis (the only thing on the list) was saved by the arrival of CC’s homemade chocolate chip cookies on the front porch.

I’m thawing a burger for lunch, to go with a bacon/gouda sandwich. I’m just not very ambitious, not enough to thaw and make an alternative for the TLC/broccoli/rice. I may have Popeye’s for lunch tomorrow, or another quick fix (pizza, lasagna, etc).

I keep having a slight headache, not debilitating, but enough for ibuprofen. It feels like a vax side effect. Muscle aches, headache, tiredness are common for up to five days for all three, two to three days is more common. No nausea, rash, fever, or chills, so I consider myself lucky. I would appreciate more ambition while they’re resolving, but ces la vie.

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Still basically a waste of a day. I haven’t had dinner tonight, too full from the burger. I am only 2.5 days since the vax, and I’m still feeling them. No real appetite this evening, even for CC’s cookies.

I’ve been fixated on Amy Irving’s Why Don’t You Do Right? that was used in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? for Jessica’s vamp show. It is just not the voice that is associated with her screen image, hard to visualize her singing it. And the sustain…

There isn’t much happening tonight, watching Citizen Kane.

There is still a little soreness from the shingles vax, but not nearly as bad as the first. There is still a little cranial puffiness, a tendency toward headache and lethargy, what I call heavy shoulders. So I have not been active, even in the kitchen. But I will get the TLC diced and the rice/broccoli dish made.

The house was opened at 9 am, in the 70s. At 11 am, it’s approaching 80. Myka is pleased to have the window and doors open again.

Waiting on the book Minor White: Rites and Passages (1978, Aperture). Out for Delivery…

Myka was fed, gravy to lick. One down. I need to fill the ice bin. Wash dishes. Cook. If I find the stamina, install the rope lights.

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I didn’t get around to installing the rope lights. But I filled the ice bin and washed dishes. Now I’m getting ready to cook the TLC/rice/broccoli dish. I need to think of an alternative as well, preferably sandwich oriented to use up the bread.

I brought in the recycling bin. It was three inches from where I had placed it, lid closed and aligned the same. I kept looking at it and wondering when they were going to pick it up, because 80% of the time, they just drop it in the street, and the rest, at a different angle with the lid open. I’m amazed that they nailed it once.

The Minor White book arrived (Aperture vol 80, hardcover). I can’t believe how perfect the quality is, remarkably well preserved. And for $17, counting shipping and taxes. I am totally blown away. I did not see a single image that I didn’t recognize, all etched in my brain. This isn’t saying that I remembered all of them before seeing them again, but I saw none that didn’t register. The majority is text, and it will require some time reading it. A major prize in the collection.

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The TLC is diced. Everything is prepped. Add water and fire.

The sun is below the skyline, but not yet below the horizon. Yet. I had sunlight while the Victorinox chef’s knife was out of its slot. It was quite a mound of diced TLC. Cooking and washing the pot will be the final chores of the day. An addition of quantity to the fridge that will last for days, well worth the modest effort.

.I am feeling better tonight. But one of my canary lymph nodes has been fussing, So I know I’m not out of the woods yet. And there’s been a couple of the weird sensations in organs that shouldn’t be complaining. So I’m not pressing down on the accelerator yet, as much as I’d like to start prepping for TRD..

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The TLC/broccoli/rice dish is done, resting on the stove, soaking up the last bit of water. I’ll have some in a bit. Myka is curious, the chicken aroma pestering her nose.

I have the pot to wash when the entree hits the fridge. Then I’m done for the evening.

I got the shingles followup, hepatitis A/B, and MMR. I was overlooked for 20 minutes by the pharmacist, a miscommunication. But it happened, so now I’m done with the vaxes, except for the hepatitis followups (1 mo, 6 mo). Insurance covered everything.

I grabbed a few things while I was there, I found everything from under one roof, so I didn’t have to make a split run. That suited me, as it was getting close enough to noon. Now I need to dice TLC and make a rice dish. Kolaches are in the kitchen freezer.

I’m probably due another run to get the cooling system changed. I’ll stock up on weekend needs then, there aren’t any yet, though I could easily think up some. The fridge is fairly empty. TRD is coming, so I don’t want to start stocking too early. Probably best to wait for next month to do any big cuts.

Sunny day, popcorn clouds, mid 70s before noon. The house is open. Myka is snoozing. I’ll see how the shingles side effects goes before I decide to tackle projects.. Not too bad at the moment, not the elephant gun effect of the first time.

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I went down for a nap, and when I woke, my left arm was feeling the shingles vaccination. It’s not as bad as the first time, at least yet. Moving it helps, lifting the arm above horizontal is where I feel it most.

I’m waiting until I get perked up before I start dicing TLC. I’m a little fuzzy from the jabs and nap, so I’m cautious about wielding a sharp blade.. I haven’t eaten today since the morning kolache. So I’ll probably have some quick fix first, then cook when I’m feeling up to it. Not sure what. Pizza, lasagna, etc.

I wish that I felt like doing something on the truck. But I don’t. I’m waiting for the ibuprofen to kick in.

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I didn’t get much done today. For eating, I had a couple of sandwiches this evening, peanut butter/honey and bacon/gouda. Easy to fix and they used bread from the old loaf.

I hope to get things rolling again tomorrow. I’m feeling better this evening, the side effects from the vaccines letting up.

It froze on the outskirts of town tonight. Not so in town, where it hovered around 40°F. I’ve seen 43°F in the window, but it is more protected from radiative loss. 40°F on the back porch. A cool night. South winds will see us in the low 70s this afternoon, 80s tomorrow.

Myka gave up the office and moved to her aerie in the front room, the furthest from the floor where she can sleep safely. Myka is my thermometer, warmth is inversely proportional to her elevation of rest. The further from the floor, the cooler it is.

Meanwhile, I am layered, T, denim, alpaca poncho. Knit cap, thermal socks. Fan is circulating the air vertically in the office. Furnace turned up 2°F. Survivable.

Today is trash and recycling day, and consequently thaw and prep day. Eat more chicken. Myka will nibble. Tomorrow is vax day. The rest of the week, R&R with a sore arm. I’m in no hurry to get started on anything yet.

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1 pm, the house is open, southerly breeze flowing through, 72°F. Myka is moving from door to window, taking in the outdoor sounds and scents while sending out a sharp eye. She had Popeye’s nibbles. I had one thigh, it sufficed for lunch. Trash is in the bag, except for the scraps of two quarters of TLC, which are thawed but not yet prepped. They’ll be skinned and deboned shortly. Trash and recycling will go out thereafter. Then I’ll be done.

Tomorrow morning is vax time, so I’m not doing anything that will get me dirty. I washed up, donned fresh duds, combed out my hair, I’ll be good for getting jabbed, if I don’t get dirty in the meantime.

The beard is getting a minuscule bit longer, not nearly proper length yet. Starting to create cover, but not hiding anything yet. I’m letting the scalp grow too, just to see what’s there. It isn’t much.

Approaching noon, reached the low 50s, up from the upper 30s this morning. I slept a lot, employed a foot warmer named Myka, donned the alpaca poncho, and cruised through the morning with little effort or discomfort.

However, I feel that it would be a good day to hang the IR lamp in the bathroom. And move the heater in too, a much simpler job.

I ordered a 3X100′ roll of polyethylene to skirt the house. Free shipping, no hurry, no effort, same price as local. I’ll be ready for a hard freeze when it comes.

I need to come up with a bread consuming entree. Maybe the pack of brats in the fridge, a good time to make them vanish.

Just riding this one out. Getting the rhythm down.

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More sleep, a good day for cocooning. Myka has concurred. Sometimes the same cocoon. I finished off the TLC penne alfredo. So I need to cook, which means thaw and prep. Tomorrow is trash day, so no slack. I’m thinking more TLC, since I have 10 quarters., with a rice, maybe broccoli dish. Also thinking Popeye’s for lunch tomorrow. I’m munching on a bacon and gouda sandwich (minus the burger).

Stupid movie night, keeping my mind numb. Zoolander for starters.

I got the MMR vaccine prescription approved, so I made an appointment on Wednesday at 10 am for MMR, hepatitis A/B, and shingles part 2.

The horde heard me filling the ice bin and showed up for treats. They have a Pavlov response to a wood mallet on ice.

Ytube was sparse this morning, 4 out of 12.

It’s 50°F outside and diving, near freezing is expected by morning.

Largely an idle day. Shrimp got polished off, dishes washed, penne for dinner. The rest of the time was mostly lumpin’.

I feel on the slow side this morning. Part of that is that I need more sleep.

I have run out of ready Bill Staines quotes for NightCafe. I think I’ll switch over to Richard Dobson, at least for the time being. I’m getting tired of the daily routine, and I have 7,389 credits. It’s not like I’ll use them all any time soon. And the Pro freebies aren’t doing anything for me, I’m tired of elven princesses. And I can’t think of much else to do with them. I’ve let them expire recently, rather than using them. It’s become more of a routine activity than an artistic endeavor.

Shrimp is in the fridge, waiting for lunch.

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It’s noon, and I am still idle. I’m just old drugged person tired. 77°F outside, sunny, blue sky, gentle breeze. Ideal day for working on the truck. But I don’t have any ambition. I washed a few dishes, sifted Myka’s cabana, that’s as far as I’ve gotten today. I’m about to do the shrimp, eat half, tail the other half for tomorrow.

Maybe I can gin up some energy this afternoon.

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I got energy to make a store run, knowing that it’s not getting warmer for several days. I got the cable tie mounts and extra double edge foam tape, and minis, bread, penne, alfredo sauce, and kolaches. $36, $25 of that in cash. So I’m good until the tropical air returns.

I think I got one of the dumbest AI renderings yet. NightCafe, Flux Schnell. From Richard Dobson’s The Fairest Outlaw: The devil rolled eleven, and he gave an evil grin, but the outlaw, he rolled boxcars and smiled back at him.

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What can I say? My apologies, Ricardo…

I am wondering if the coolant swap might best be done at a shop, and just rinse with water. It would be worth it to avoid having to tote all that fluid in for recycling.

There isn’t much else on the agenda at the moment. Washing and sanding the truck is always on the todo list. Sunrise is an hour away, so I’m not getting pumped yet. Dishes are washed and put away. Nothing in the house is calling my name. Lolling and lumpin’ is the game plan.

I might make a store run this morning. I might not. Nothing on the list is immediate or dire. It will keep till Monday. I’m thinking about thawing a bag of shrimp for cocktail.

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Still being a lump. I need to fill the ice bin and dig up some shrimp.

It warmed up enough for Myka to finally abandon the fuzzy throw. She’s now in the box.

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I made a pharmacy run. Yes, it’s Friday afternoon, and I hadn’t shaved. But I went anyway, before school let out. I had to call in for the last two, which were prescribed but overlooked. They were filled locally, and all eight were ready. So I headed down before it was Friday rush hour.

I also got a beard trimmer. Yes, I have decided to grow a beard, not a full length, as it curls a great deal these days. But a cover for winter, insulation, like the old days. Hence, a Norelco trimmer with multiple length guards. I’ll figure out which one when it starts curling.

I also got Myka a new flavor of kibbles, chicken, salmon, gravy. She was most appreciative. She sniffed the bags I brought in, and she perked up instantly when the bag reached her nose, and she started dancing. So there is a new flavor, and I have plenty of dispensers. She dove in instantly. If Myka doesn’t finish the old surf and turf, the horde will.

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I ordered two Minor White books, Rites and Passages, 1978, Aperture, and Manifestations of the Spirit, 2014, J Paul Getty Museum. Both are used, very good condition. Both are shown as due on the 18th, a week Tuesday.

Now I can settle down on my spending. Now I can go back to being a lump.

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Filled the ice bin after dark. Extracted a bag of shrimp for cocktail.

The last two days have seen me not only overcoming hurdles, but waxing profusely about the minutia of the days. I will try to condense the verbiage to a reasonable level.

The day’s chores and projects. First, replace the strainer in the kitchen sink. Second, flush the truck’s radiator. After that, wash dishes, feed Myka, write review for cable ties/clips arriving today. Then I will have a soak and do laundry when I’m done.

Myka is still glued to her fuzzy throw. Just one snooze was all it took.

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Slow start, a nap to make it even slower, but I feel better for it. So, I went out to get the channel locks (both virgin) from the truck and put on the new wipers while I was there.

So I’m about ready to start plumbing. I moved the pail under the strainer and very slowly emptied the soakers in the left side of the sink, now in one lump on the stovetop. Just a matter of getting to it when I feel the oompah.

I can get Myka off the fuzzy throw to eat. Not much else phases her.

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The retaining ring on the old strainer would not budge, with channellocks, chain wrench, even a hammer and chisel. But I managed to get the new retaining ring for the drain pipe to fit on the old strainer stem. I cut the new flange to proper length, and fit all four pieces, two nuts/rings and two washers/gaskets, to the existing parts, and they tested watertight. Problem solved with the barest number of new parts (3). I have a spare strainer now, without the stem ring and gasket, and you can’t get those separately. Oh well, only $12. I’ve wasted more for plenty other solutions in my life.

I washed dishes.

I haven’t added the flush to the radiator yet, and I am not getting started on it this late in the day. I’ll drain and add the flush tomorrow.

I got in a needed solid sleep after yesterday’s effort.

I need to freeze the chicken quarters, cook the chicken penne alfredo, hang the IR lamp in the bathroom, rig up a simple spool for the fishing magnet, write a couple of reviews, and the usual; fill the ice bin, feed Myka, feed me, wash dishes, soak, do laundry.

Then I can rest. Well, not really. I need to work on the truck, get it ready to paint while the weather cooperates. First thing is to flush the radiator and install the new heater core. I’ll grab some rest when my body tells me that I need to take it easy, but the rest of the time is taken.

There isn’t much happening this morning, other than squaring away my digestive tract. Maybe I’ll be hungry now.

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Sun is up, temperature rising into the mid 60s from a low of 57°F. Definitely a milder night than it has been. I woke warm under the fleece throws.

Myka just got fed the last of the salmon chunk, which she loves for the copious gravy, but she won’t eat the solid part. Next time, it’s back to pate.

I took out the little bag of trash that didn’t go out yesterday. Foil from the roasting pan, greasy paper towels, stuff I didn’t want sitting in the trash all week.

My body wants to rest, but I keep pressing at a rate that allows me some recovery without sacrificing the schedule. Some are relatively easy, like freezing the chicken. The recipe chicken was an empty bag that got filled with new chicken, so it just needs to get moved. TLC will need to be put in the bottom of the existing bag, old stuff at the zipper. The bathroom IR lamp will require more engineering. The heater core for the truck even more.

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The magnet now has its 50 ft leash and a new home in the back of the truck. It doesn’t want to let go when it’s flat on the body, it has to slide over the edge and lose its area of coverage to be pulled free. It is without doubt the strongest magnet that I’ve ever owned.

Trash bin is off the curb. They showed early this morning. I’m glad that I didn’t wait on the small bag.

Chicken quarters are in the top loader. There are 10 TLC quarters now, 7 plain (not counting the diced TLC in the fridge). I’ll be needing to use the TLC more often. The top loader is back at full capacity, all the new space consumption being chicken.

Blue sky, no clouds or haze. As blue as it gets. 72°F. House just got opened.

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I went down for a nap. Myka was snoozing on the LZB, an event I was waiting to see. I picked her up and placed her on the fuzzy throw that she had been avoiding for some reason known only to her. Now she’s glued to it, as I intended. I just had to invoke the right memories.

I did well with the nap, though it ate considerable daylight. My todo list was not for today only. An example, mounting the IR lamp. The weather is now mild, so the need for it begins next week. There is a review involved, but it can keep a day or two as well. I needed the nap. And it paid off. It settled my digestion, gave me energy and focus, and generally made me feel better.

So next is the penne. It’s 82°F outside, a little warm for cooking, but the oven is off. But it’s several degreess cooler inside, and boiling water is the worst of it, not an issue. And it would be nice to have for dinner.

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Sunset, into dusk. I got the two reviews written and submitted. I’m about to start on the penne, everything is ready to roll, just add water and fire. Kitchen door is open, the rest of the house is shut to hold ambient. The rest of the chores will wait. Ice bin is full, there are no dishes to wash. Tonight will be a lazy one.

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TLC penne alfredo is in the fridge. I haven’t eaten any yet. The right hand strainer in the kitchen sink blew the retainer ring and started leaking when I dumped the boiling water out of the penne pasta. I mopped it after I emptied the pot (with sauce and chicken) into a 2 qt tub and a 1 qt tub, using a silicone cake spatula to wipe up as much sauce as I could. It’s ready to eat any time I am.

Once everything was filled to soak (without going over), I inspected the strainer, got online, staked out a new strainer and flanged PVC drain pipe, and went and got it. I will place the pail under the leak so I can get the dishes washed and out of the way. Any heavy dumping can be in the toilet. There is no big rush to fix it. I may even wait until daylight for accuracy sake, and to go out and get the tools for the job. It’s not that bad of a leak, especially if fluid is limited in flow and volume on the left side.

For now, I’m in no hurry for anything. I have the parts and tools, I have food, I have ice. I’m in no hurry. I have ample drains that are fully functional in the meantime.

No more bird slack, it happens today. Period. The only possible distractions, temperature and deliveries. Right now, it’s the former.

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I got the TLC diced after a proper nuking for sanitation, since it’s not going to boil. The alfredo will keep for now, everything trash related being done there. The trash has been gathered. I only have the roasting left to do before trash goes to the curb, dumping the bag and scraps. Cooking is the easy part, it’s just waiting. It’s bagging and freezing where the labor lies.

Mid 70s, the house is open. The oven running is not a problem, a proper south breeze through the house and out the kitchen door. Waiting for packages, the delivery window has opened.

I want to crank up the oven, but I can feel a nap nagging me in the background, and falling asleep on a roast is a no-no. A nap first. Pickup is tomorrow. I have time to sleep and wake up.

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The oven is lit, for the first time in over 5.5 months. The pilot was out, so I got to use the lightsaber torch to heat up the thermostat sensor up to operating range. The Klein IR thermometer returns to the kitchen. And the remote meat thermometer probe will be fired up too. I’m ready.

There’s 7 recipe quarters (unseasoned) on the first run, and there will be 5 TLC quarters on the second batch. The first batch went in at 3:15 pm.

Trash should be on the curb by 4:30 pm, an hour before sunset.

Everything that was due arrived today, three delivery services, four packages, five items. Denim shirts and thermal socks need to go over to the dryer, having drained sufficiently. Everything looks good. The magnet has flux dampening foam, needs to come out of the box to become a menace. IR bulbs look good, filaments intact. Tape is well wrapped and hefty. I’m happy with everything. Trash and recycling sorted. I need to write reviews tonight, when I’m done with cooking and storing. That includes the penne alfredo, which happens after the chicken is bagged and dishes washed.

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TLC batch is in the oven. I’ll make the 4:30 estimation.

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Trash is on the curb, TLC getting close. Shirts and socks iin the dryer. I need to do dishes to clear the sink for the next and final round. It’s reaching a culmination point, I’m about to start bagging when I have counter space.

Then I’ll be free to make the penne alfredo. Then I can flop after folding laundry and closing up the house. It ended up being a fairly busy day. I’ll have a soak tomorrow and do the second batch of laundry, the one I’m in now. And I’ll take it a lot easier than I took it today.

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The oven is off, the TLC is stacked to cool. Recipe is bagged and in the fridge. Dishes are gathered and ready to wash when my back is ready. Dryer still running, lots of fabric in those shirts, more than jeans. Soon, I’ll be set to cook the penne, though perhaps not raring. I could probably do with ramen or something else that as simple, like pork loin tacos.

I need to kick back soon. It’s sunset, and Myka is staring out the open office window, ears active. I was going to shut it to preserve warmth. Low 50s forecasted tonight. Ah ha, she gave it up.

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So it was straight way through the wilderness to Fairbanks of the mine, and down the frozen Yukon in the year of ninety nine,

TLC is in the fridge. Next 24 hours: wash dishes, fold laundry, cook alfredo, wash dishes, freeze chicken, feed Myka, soak, do laundry, write reviews, make a dowel spool.for the paracord and magnet, hang the IR lamp in the bathroom, bring iin the trash bin. I’ll be glad when it’s over so I can lump a bit and then start on the truck..

It seems that my ability to count days is impaired. I was assuming that today is trash day, when it’s tomorrow, and that is intentionally set a day in advance as a margin. Perhaps it was the shift to CST, but I usually do not get my days confused. So not only do I have an extra hour, I also have an extra day. *sigh* Let’s hear it for senior moments.

So that means there is no big rush to get the chicken into the oven. Trash pickup is over two days away.

Tomorrow is also delivery day, five items are due to arrive on the porch tomorrow. Denim shirts, socks, magnet, butyl tape, and IR bulbs. The fixtures for the IR bulbs are due today. I’ll be able to remove 8 icons from the desktop (tracking is about the only files that I keep on the desktop).

I may head to the store to grab some 1100 paracord for the magnet and top off the truck with gas. Then I can stop thinking about money in general, for a few days at least.

There isn’t much happening this morning. Most of the focus is on chicken. Myka has been appreciating the pork and chicken nibbles.

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I made the store run shortly after lunch hour. I got the paracord, J hooks, ibuprofen, and topped off the truck. I also grabbed a fresh bag of ice.

I got in some needed sleep this morning. Consequently, I haven’t cooked yet. But I will shortly. I needed a break from the running around, get myself in the proper frame of mind and body. There’s a few things to properly put away. Then I’ll do the penne alfredo.

There isn’t much else going. Bookkeeping, dealing with the delivery of the work lights (one had a crimped reflector), feeding Myka, etc. Myka enjoyed the box this morning, zipping in and out.

It’s in the mid-70s, sunny, house is open, a good day to be lazy for the heck of it. I wish I could afford it.

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Still no chicken. I still need to dice the TLC and roast the bag of quarters. *sigh* I’m having a stamina/motivation issue today. I’ve been trying to get everything out of the way, and I managed, but no further. It’s not difficult. Zap the TLC in the microwave to insure it’s safe (no reason to think otherwise), dice, boil pasta, drain, add chicken and sauce. Easy. And the roast, line a pan with foil, turn on the oven, roast, stack to cool, bag, label, fridge to freezer. Repeat with a rub for TLC. Not rocket science.

I had an over easy egg and pork chop for dinner. That was the scope that I could handle, minipan. It will get done. The kitchen is just sucking my energy dry. I have a hard time sustaining anything in there.

I got the phone, iPad, and laptop upgraded to 26.1 this evening.

My digital devices fell back an hour an hour early. They went from 2 > 1 instead of 3 > 2. I was asleep for most of it, so not a big matter. My watch and wall clock are corrected. Not many issues at hand for me, sunrise/sunset, UTC midnight, open/close store runs, 4 am breakfast. The rest is not relevant in my life.

The Egee went way off tune, and the thin G string broke while tuning. I could feel it coming. Oh well, it’s time to restring anyway. TRD is coming.

I ordered a pair of 250W infrared bulbs from Vine. Perfect for the bathroom. I’ll need a clamp-on light socket rated for it ($14+). Now if they can make it here intact.

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Well, I made another order, a pair of properly rated clamp on light fixtures for the IR bulbs, three pair of thermal socks, and a fishing magnet (700lb pull). That raised the sum thus far since payday to $260. The order, denim shirts, store run. I will be coasting for a while for comfort sake.

I didn’t get the new wipers on the truck, because I didn’t go anywhere after the store run. No hurry, the nearest rain is over 900 miles east of here and moving away.

The TLC is thawed, skinned, deboned, waiting in the fridge to be diced for penne alfredo. Waste is in the trash. I have the 10 lb bag of chicken, and I intend on roasting it sometime tonight, get the waste there in the trash for tomorrow’s takeout. (36 hour margin.)

There are a few dishes to do, some stacking, a little this and that. Nothing critical like roasting, bagging, and freezing the chicken quarters. Or making alfredo.

Five deliveries due in the next two days, 2 Vine and 3 purchased. Only thing currently on the shopping list is 1100 paracord for the magnet. And I have poly rope that will stand in until I have it.

The first of the month is done, I have things to keep me busy for when I feel up to it. And creature comforts for when I don’t. Time to settle down and coast.

I got the chores done today, but not much more. I used up the cat litter. Pork loin was prepped, half sliced and half diced. Myka enjoyed the nibbles. One more serving of gumbo left. I’ll thaw two TLC quarters tomorrow for penne alfredo.

We had 0.2″ of rain today. It was moderate, not a downpour or a sprinkle. The heavy stuff did a split, north and south. So it was a day of limited activity. Stayed home and slept and lumped.

I made two Vine requests. One was butyl tape, for weather sealing a wide variety of surfaces, including camper shells. 3/4 X 30′. (Tuesday) The other was zip ties and T strip clips (same thing, except the clips are 2 piece), 100 of each, 6″ long. Automotive use, etc. (Next week.)

The house lost its ambient warmth, and the thermostat got its first bump of the season. I had to replace the batteries in the thermostat this morning, alerted by the dropping temp.

Pondering what to make as the alternative for the gumbo. As gumbo goes quickly, I’ll need to thaw something today. So I should make up my mind. I’m having a hot bacon/gouda sandwich for breakfast.

I haven’t washed the gumbo pot, waiting for the temperature to rise. It’s getting multiple soapy soaks in the meantime. I sill need to fold laundry. Neither is life threatening to ignore for now. There is still the chance to see 30s before sunrise.

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Upper 60s at noon. Forecast says low 70s for a high, about 5 hours long. The house should be opened for a while, but there isn’t any breeze to blow through the house.

I pulled a section of pork loin from the freezer for a thaw. And next will be TLC for penne alfredo, once the gumbo is gone. I have 5 quarters in the freezer. There’s no big hurry for a bag of chicken to roast.

Still on the pokey side, work, sit, work, sit…

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Friday rush hour is starting. Sun is 20° above the western horizon. Temp is starting to drop. I had the doors open for a while, now shut, furnace switched back on for the evening. I had gumbo for lunch, which induced a nap.

There’s a 40% chance of rain tomorrow when a front comes through. Monday starts a warming trend, with most of the week seeing 80s for highs. Good truck painting weather. Three weeks to TRD, so I might be able to finish it in time to show it off.

Caught a couple of tardy Ytube channels that released today, both within an hour of their release. Catching the vibe.

Pork loin section in the fridge. Good for dicing (tacos, recipes…) and pork chops. I blew off shopping. I’ll get by with what I’ve got. Nothing on the list is dire.

Halloween tonight. Shutting down the porch for the interim.

In the low 40s this morning, the first night in the true break away from summer. Myka has taken to the towers, elevating herself as high off the floor as it’s safe to nest. I’m in the house poncho, my everyday alpaca shield from the cold. And it’s clean, for now.

Prepping the chicken and shrimp for gumbo this morning is my intention. (Myka nibbles.) Laundry. Minimal dishes.

No spending today. I have a list. A bag of chicken quarters to roast. Mozzarella. Denim shirts. Thermal socks. None of it is needed today. Next cycle.

Today is mostly just staying warm. I have the fan pointed toward the ceiling to homogenize the thermal strata. Periodically the furnace kicks in and warms the ambient.

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I got the dishes washed, stuff squared away, Myka fed, and not too quickly. It’s been cool, and I’m staying warm for the most part. It’s early in the cool weather, and while I’m handling it well so far, there is still climatization. Not looking forward to freezing.

I’m about to start prepping for the gumbo, after I rest my back. And then laundry. I may have lunch first, when I figure out what Bread and cheese is a likely candidate.

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Chicken and shrimp are prepped. Myka had chickie nibbles and shrimp juice. Happy kitty. I need to wash dishes (cutting board, chef knife, pan, condiment bowl) and start laundry (fill small detergent bottle from big one). Then cook gumbo. Four and a half hours to sunset.

It’s a little difficult getting mobile today.

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Dishes washed, laundry started. Only things left are putting fire to gumbo and drying and folding laundry. I should probably eat something light, like cheese and bread.

9 hours to payday, if it doesn’t arrive early.

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Payday at 9 pm. Two denim shirts ordered.

I made a store run last night, I paid the internet bill this morning, and I’m $1.45 under mad money limits. I can sit and relax for a couple of days. And I appreciate resting. I have over 3/4 of a tank of gas, so no hurry there. Plenty of food going, I’m planning on making gumbo today. A thaw this morning, shrimp and chicken, then prep.

I leafed through the books I brought home. A couple are damaged. Some are showing their age pretty badly. Maybe half of them are good enough for the library. I’ll make a better evaluation in daylight under proper lighting. They’re at least 50 years old. I wasn’t counting on any of them being good, I just want to look at them as a baseline to evaluate future purchases. So far, no regrets on purchases.

It’s in the 50s this morning, and it doesn’t look to be getting any warmer before noon. Low 70s is the warmest for the rest of the week. Lots of 40s. A cool week, a cool Halloween. The furnace has started running. It’s a good time to snuggle up and catch up on sleep. Time to start layering.

I need to focus on the truck heater core.

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I slept hard this morning, twice. I needed it. I got the shrimp and chicken in the sink before noon. The chicken was the last quarter in the bag. So it’s on the shopping list. Alas, there is still TLC, so it’s not an emergency. The gumbo will happen when I get both prepped. It’s not too warm to cook all day, so there’s no time limitations. When it happens.

There’s not much else going on, swapped bins on the curb. I need to figure out something for lunch. Maybe a pizza. Something lazy.

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zzzzz
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I had pizza and slept hard a third time. I needed it. Shrimp and chicken are in the fridge, still awaiting prep. The new Popeye’s (4b, 5t, 5l, 2w) has joined the old Popeye’s (2b, 3t, 0l, 3w) in the top loader. There was room for it. I may eat the old wings for dinner, since it won’t be daylight for prepping much longer, and I’m tired. I’m not in a hurry. Gumbo will happen.

I pulled out my thermal socks out of the winter storage case. It’s time to switch over. I got the rest of my knit caps out as well. I will order thermal socks and denim shirts after payday. Buff up for the season.

I didn’t get deep into the books yet, and it will probably be tomorrow. Not in a big hurry. Catching up on sleep is bumping things back. I need to clear the cabinet space, so I need a spell where I’m awake. Laundry, too late to start now. I’ve pretty much accepted the slow pace. I’m sitting home for the rest of the week.

Yesterday was pretty much a slack day. Nothing much happened worth noting. I got the trash to the curb a day early, since I wouldn’t be here today, and I know I won’t want to do anything when I get back home. I had a burger and chicken fajitas. Had a soak so that I could be clean while digging around in storage. That about wraps it up.

I have an itinerary sort of mapped out. Ice on the way out. Bastrop, get a box of Popeye’s. Dig in storage. Head to the compound, visit. Bank, shop, gas. Head home. I can’t think of anything else to get in Bastrop. If it wasn’t for the chicken, I’d go by Elgin both ways.

I plan on rolling out around 8 am, waiting for morning rush hour to get over.

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Home again. Everything out of the truck except the excess ice. Tired. Quite a day.

I was unable to buy gas in Giddings because of my card being deactivated. So my next stop was my bank in Bastrop to restore the card. I then got the 16 piece Popeye’s spicy mixed. (It’s in the fridge waiting sorting and moving to the top loader.) Up FM 969 to storage, dodging gravel trucks galore, end of leg one.

I managed to find most of the books that I was seeking, but not the Minor White big edition. Nor could I find my prints, but I think I have an idea where I didn’t look for those. I’ll try again when it cools off a bit more. I stayed looking until it warmed up. I backtracked 969 to 1704 to the compound.

There was quite a crowd, albeit a working group, and it was a good visit, a little over 3 hours. No check, but I made the ATM, leaving $40 mad money. A good shift of assets. So I made tracks down 290 home, unloaded the truck, pet Myka and treats.

So everything is pretty much set for a store run tonight or tomorrow morning. Nothing on the circulars that attracts me, so $40 should be about right. I’ll have two days to correct any shortcomings.

For now, I’m resting and eating.

There’s no rain in Texas this morning, a sharp contrast to yesterday. It all went east beyond the Sabine River. It’s now in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. But the ground in Texas is no longer dusty. It’s damp. And it’s cool, mid 60s now. No AC, no fan. Furnace is on, but it hasn’t run yet (to my waking knowledge).

I have three tamales left, and I’m not particularly hungry this morning. The risotto was a big bowlful. But Myka needed her gravy. I’ll eat when I get hungry.

Ytube is largely absent today, less than half showing up. It was a good morning to sleep. I need to shave.

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I had a lasagna single for dinner, plenty of parmesan. (The last of tamales were lunch.) So now I’m on quick fix tomorrow. I may do a burger (bacon/gouda) for lunch. I have a full 12 pack in the top loader, so no need to scrimp. I was thinking of making a store run tonight, but I looked at the list and decided that I didn’t need it. They’ll keep for later.

The AC is still off. The furnace is switched on now, but it hasn’t yet kicked in while I’ve been conscious. The doors were opened during the day. In the low 60s now. Ambient inside is 74°F.

I’ve pretty much inked Tuesday for the storage run. Proper weather. I’ve sent notice ahead to expected company. I think I’ll take Bastrop on the way in, Elgin on the way out. I was thinking Elgin both ways to avoid the sand and gravel trucks, but I think I’ll get a box of Popeye’s, since they open at 9 am. I’ll get ice for the cooler on the way out of town. I may use the ATM there, but there’s also Elgin for that.

I’ll be switching to thermal socks within the week.

We had an inch of rain in 30 minutes. At one point, we were getting 4″/hr. I managed to wake up and get the doors shut in time, as the wind was blowing about 30 mph from the west as it started raining. It sure made up for the ongoing dry spell in a big hurry. What a way to start the morning. I almost forgot what it was like. Heat does not leave Texas without a fight.

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More is on the way, but nothing like what we just had. Probably. Potential rainfall in the forecast says 1.7″ possible.

I had a chicken pot pie last night, to top things off. It will make room for the chicken fajita in the kitchen freezer. And I almost have enough room for the bag of kolaches as well.

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So far, as the afternoon heads toward evening, we’ve had 1.25″ of rain. Most of it was popcorn storms or large masses of light rain. But there is another line forming up near Waco. preparing to cross I-35. It’s currently seeing clouds breaking up, letting some light in. It’s 70°F outside. Myka is back on the couch.

I just tabbed The Golden Triangle for the book. It took a little effort to tabulate it from scratch. But it’s there now.

I may be cooking cajun tomorrow. I am vacillating between étouffée and gumbo. Different thaws… I have one more serving of risotto and tamales. I brought in the bag of fajita chicken to the kitchen freezer. That’s an easy quick fix to help delay the cooking until Wednesday or Thursday, when I get back from the storage run.

I am getting along well enough. Still not 100%, but close. BP still looking good.

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It’s reached 1.75″ of rain for today. There could be more, a couple of cells to the west, but that is iffy, and the last bit of the front (dry line). 60°F, forecast low for the night. We’re forecast to have 40s starting Wednesday night, through Halloween. Tuesday is a good day for storage diving.

I finished off the risotto. It topped me off for the night.

Okay, I found something on Vine that suits me, a set of 4 inner tubes that fit the electric scooter. Now, I have some that I bought when I got the bike, but more is insurance. It has changing tools to unseat the tire, though they are meant for spoked times. It took it to my monthly limit, so no more this month (assuming I could find something useful). I change my policy to no more frivolous stuff. I’ll grab if it’s truly useful and worthwhile.

And I’m charging the scooter. Wrong time to ride it, at the launch of the weekend. But it’s getting a routine charge anyway.

Another day without AC. I almost turned it on, but dew point was low enough to sit it out in front of a fan. It’s 84°F in the office. Any warmer and it comes on. But it’s cloudy. Rain is west and south, but outside of the triangle. Myka is off the couch, to the floor.

I just played where did I put my Akai MPK mini mk3 keyboard. It was in the logical place, but it took me a while to think logically. At least I refreshed my memory of what obsolete things that certain difficult to extract containers, bags, and cases contain.

I just realized that I’d learned a Staines song that wasn’t on the list of ones I’ve learned. That makes it 18 and 2 covers.

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Dishes are done. Ice bin is full. Fresh bag of ice, the freezer is full (waffles, kolaches, fajitas, sourdough.) All done before we hit sunset. Only thing left to do is eat risotto. I’ll probably be eating cajun Monday. But I’m in no hurry to thaw anything yet. I have ample.

There is a tiny bit of rain inside the triangle, but plenty to the north and west of I-35. It’s slow getting here, seeing how we haven’t had measurable rain for seven weeks. It has a BIG dry patch to overcome. Waiting, everything battened down. Let it rain, let it pour, let it rain a whole lot more…

I woke with a funky throat again. So I’m still taking it easy. Tomorrow starts the rain, and next week is the storage dive (forecast is looking like Tuesday now), so scrubbing and pressure washing the truck likely won’t happen this month. A shame that my body is holding me back. But weather in early November looks good.

I am thinking of dropping Vine, or at least going idle. Looking at the nine items I ordered, only three are things I would have purchased in person, and they all fit on my head to keep me warm. I ordered them when they were free, because they didn’t set me back anything for taking the chance that they might not be what I want. I looked at 15 pages of stuff today, nothing caught my attention. I can understand having a review denied because I mentioned shipping time, a no-no. But to be denied the ability to edit or rewrite it for that item is a slap in the face. Yes, I have the time to do it, but it’s not what I want to do, look at page after page after page of replacement parts for things I don’t own. So I plan on coasting on it. It was a novel distraction, and it evened the score where they broke their word to me repeatedly, but it’s not my game. I’ll just buy the stuff I want.

I made it to midnight last night without the AC, and it hasn’t been turned on yet today. Odds are, it will be on for four or five hours this afternoon. I should set up the audio set and get a few tracks down. At least I can still sing.

The gravy is gone, and there is one small spud remaining, for breakfast tacos. Tamales are about to be opened for lunch. I’m in good shape as for stock. I don’t see a store run for the weekend. I’m thinking of something cajun after the risotto. Étouffée sounds good, with dad tails. I have all the ingredients. I’ll probably thaw a bag of pork tenderloin. Plenty of bread and tortillas. Lots of rice and pasta. I’ll make the weekend.

Things are calm enough. I’m accepting being stifled on my hopes for a schedule. I’m not enjoying it, but I’m not fussing it. One project that needs my focus is flushing the radiator. I need to get the new heater core in the truck and functioning.

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I managed without the AC again, though the fans have been running. A pretty slow day, all told.