This is the week of Spring Fling, and it’s time to start getting ready. Plenty to get ready, even if I’m packing light.
Low 50s this morning. Nothing is moving quickly.
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Nothing moved until early afternoon, when three of the five Vine items arrived. The cotton beanie is thin, like a light weight T-shirt. Works equally well as an absorbent hat liner and a sun block. The mike cord tested as high quality. It’s velcroed and in the cord box. The bathtub spout replacement kit is complete and ready for installation when I get to it.
Myka has been fed. I haven’t, but the spudacados are ready to throw together when hunger and ambition collide.
I just opened the house to the breeze and sunshine. The forecast says it won’t get much above 70°F today, so 68°F is the base temp today. Myka isn’t complaining.
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I had chicken fajitas for dinner, finishing up the bag in the kitchen freezer. I then opened the store bag that was in the top loader and refilled the emptied bag. I also transferred the hash brown sticks over to the kitchen freezer. I’ll be microwave testing those in a bit. So now the kitchen freezer is full, and there is a bit of space in the top loader for rearranging. I still have onion rings and curly fries to move over when room becomes available.
The fajitas induced a nap that consumed the last of daylight. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the ice bin filled, so I get to do that by work light.
I am wondering if I’ll have room for spudacado this evening. Maybe a small one for starters.
For Easter, I had a dedicated foot warmer. The temp has ranged from mid 50s to mid 60s, and central heat has been running. This week could be the last time this year that it runs, but never rule it out.
At least there hasn’t been any rain today.
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I set up Myka’s fuzzy throw on the long table, and she took right to it and conked out.
We’re getting a little rain, not much, but enough to moisten everything.
I had the last of the pâté for lunch. That leaves the last brisket sandwich of the old batch for dinner. Then it will be spudacados and quick fix. I have a few forks to wash, only chore remaining for the day. It’s been a slow cocooning day.
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The brisket is gone.
Myka’s collar came off and she got brushed. So now she’s a happy kitty.
I ordered three more items from Vine, filling out the month’s quota. A 10′ XLR cord, a cotton summer beanie, and a carbon fiber wand cat toy (with toys).
Rain is coming today, but not early on.
Chores are light. Avocados is the big one, they are ready. Dicing pork tenderloin is second, so I can use the avocados. Getting a fresh bag of ice. And the usual Saturday line up, feed the hungry, clean up.
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Myka’s cabana has been sifted, and the ice has been cycled w/a new bag in the freezer, Myka’s bag and the ice bin are full. Myka also got a big chunk in her tub. I still need to prep the avocados and pork tenderloin.
The rain is approaching I-35, so call it a couple of hours or so, roughly mid afternoon. Nothing showing in between.
Time to get back to the kitchen. Myka so commands it.
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The tenderloin and avocados are prepped. The cados were a touch late, but still quite acceptable. So, I’m done for the day. I finished off the chicken salad. I still have brisket, pâté, and now spudacados on the menu.
The rain persists, The train hit I-10 and went nearly horizontal across the map, the tail snagging on San Antonio. We’ve had about 0.6″ so far today, some heavier than others, but mostly a slow pace dripping.
Forecast shows a chance of rain for Spring Fling. But that is a week away, things change.
I had a bad case of vertigo last night, and I’ve been muddling through the aftereffects this morning. I managed to make an early store run for minis, the only thing that I needed for the weekend.
Another night where the house stayed open. Dew point is trying to reach 70°F. Still waiting for the humidity to drop a bit so I can restring the Egee.
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Having a chicken salad sandwich for lunch. Feeling better, more myself, after relaxing this morning.
A sprinkle outside. Nothing heavy in the area, just scattered light rain. Nothing but dots on the rainboard.
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Another nap after the sandwich. I’m still a little fuzzy headed. But I managed to get Myka fed and the ice bin refilled. I’m almost at the bottom of the ice bag, but not quite close enough to fill Myka’s ice bag and not toss any. The temp is rising wth the season, and ice melts quicker, shorting the refill cycle, increasing the refills per day, increasing the bags per week.
I haven’t been watching movies for the last few days. My attention has been elsewhere. I got the second Vine item for April, a self adhesive wallpaper roll, in blue marble, 17 X 118″. It’s due next week. Not something I’m likely to use, but I liked the pattern.
.
There’s still light rain in the area, just not here currently.
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The seven rinsed forks in the sink are now washed, and the last bag of the previous batch of pork tenderloin is in the sink thawing. Only the new batch is left in the freezer now. The horde has been treated. I still need to harvest the avocados. Otherwise, I’m done for the day. I’ll probably have a brisket sandwich for dinner, pâté/gouda tonight. Works for me.
I need to restring the Egee. Since I have no other major chores on the list besides folding laundry, it’s my day for doing it. It’s a gusty morning, and the house stayed open all night.
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It’s raining on and off this morning. Finger bands keep moving across the area, ahead of a major rain band that is currently crossing I-35. Not a day for being outside. We need the rain. A good day for snoozing.
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The rain came and went, 1/3″ total. Nothing ran off, it all soaked in. We obviously needed it.
I had a chicken salad sandwich for lunch. Myka has been fed as well.
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The humidity is dropping, it’s about time to restring the Egee.
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I went for gas to top the truck, and the station was closed, tape around the pumps. They may have sold out, but I got a different impression. So I got gas across the road. I got a whole 2 gallons.
I also went by the clinic to hunt for bike racks. There were none, and nothing like a guardrail under shelter. Oh well, maybe I’ll get lucky and get a parking spot near the door.
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I sliced up the brisket and washed the knife and board. I folded laundry. I paid utilities. I treated Myka after collaring her. I’m pretty much wrapped up for the night, except for me eating dinner.
I need to thaw some pork tomorrow morning for spudacados. I’ll have to dig for it. I’ll probably need to mush and store the avocados in the fridge.
I made the third store run in as many days, getting the rest of the stuff on the list after payday. Spuds, avocado, chicken salad, snickerdoodles, and kolaches. So now the truck is idle. The only activity will be getting a torx socket from the tool box to remove the flange on the freezer door that gashed my arm.
I have laundry to do, and the ice bin to refill. I can’t think of anything else on the chores list.
I got a new spout for the tub on Vine. I might get a hand held shower nozzle to go with it.
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I have gotten most of the chores done today, trash bins swapped, Myka fed, tidying up the store run, and removed the flange on the freezer door that gouged my arm. I still need to start laundry and fill the ice bin.
One thing I don’t have to worry about is finding freezer space for TLT 3.0 yet. Avian flu has really hindered the availability of turkey, and the few that were on special are long gone. Oh well, there is still TLC at around 50¢/lb.
Okay, the laundry is started, the ice bin is full. I’m off the clock. I just need to fill myself. Brisket, pâté, or chicken salad. Hmmm. I should also thaw some pork, loin or tenderloin, for spudacados in the coming days. I could do a brisket spudacado in the meantime, but not for lunch.
The Jackery 100W solar panel went from $200 to $280 today. That rules out that for this month’s mad money. And Zither Music seems to have moved to the west side of Brenham. I would need to make contact first, as maps leave doubt of exactly where.
… …
I watched Artemis launch. Long main engine burn time. To the moon, Alice.
I made a second store run this morning, not to burn mad money, but to take advantage of the last day to legally avoid paying sales tax on certain items. A symbolic observance for $4.37 savings, eaten up by inflation. But it was a matter of devout sardonicism. I’ll leave it at that.
A toast to those who think they know what is best for you without ever having met you.
I have been feeling sore from the brisket project, but that is letting up. I should be able to deal with trash easily, then I get to kick back and wait for payday around midnight. It’s also waiting for Vine. I have missed it, in a perverse way. There are no deliveries due. No reviews to write. It’s not so much the stuff, as it is the process of getting free stuff.
Dawn has arrived. Looks like another day of upper 80s. Dew point in the 60s, the house stayed open all night, except the office window to kill the draft and the front door during store runs.
I’m about ready to kick back.
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Back up and in the world. Not after chores yet. 76°F. I need to gear up before it warms up.
There isn’t much of an appetite in me this morning.
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I was a little slow in getting it done, but trash and recycling are outside. I had sweet potato fries for lunch. Otherwise, not much happening.
Still waiting for payday, 8 hours to go. Digging through the news, mostly, when I’m not snoozing. In the 80s, but I’m managing without a fan so far.
I got up this morning a couple of hours later than usual, probably because I fell asleep a couple of hours later. It’s still dark outside, so it’s not that big of a thing.
Chores are done. Kitchen sink is empty. The drying rack is empty. The ice bin will need to be refilled after a refill or two. Myka will need to be fed, but not yet. I need to spend $12 to finish off the mad money, bread, butter, this and that. I have until tomorrow to do that.
I have projects to do, but I doubt if I’ll do them today. Today is a lumper. I worked enough over the weekend.
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Waiting for the rubs to arrive. Tracking finally came through late morning with info, and they got out the door late. So I sit and wait.
House is open, approaching 80°F. High is forecast at 87°F.
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The spices arrived, and they’re in the spice bin. I am feeling the weekend. It doesn’t take long on my feet to make my back talk at me.
Speaking of bins, the ice bin needs a refill. And Myka needs to be fed. She just had treats, so it’s not a rush job. Sparky was also treated.
I’t’s getting to be lunchtime. I need to figure out what. Boudin and brisket are the obvious targets. The brisket requires a cutting board.
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Myka is fed, the ice bin is filled. I need to have a late lunch, boudin I suspect. I am off the clock. Time to lump.
I think that I’ll make a store run tonight. The closing hour will be around 70°F. Cool enough for sleeves to cover the scar on my arm. Midnight tomorrow night is payday, and a return to Vine with a clean slate for April. I’m not sure about mad money. I’ll hold off until after Spring Fling. I may get the guitar stand (purpleheart). Or I may get a solar panel for the Jackery. Or maybe something else, like cash.
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Had a long nap after eating a link of boudin. Getting myself ready to make a store run. Not in a big hurry.
The brisket is still under the tent at 7 am. I slept, a foot warmer at my service, while it cooled to near ambient. It has a full crust on it, and most of the fat has rendered. So now it’s time to get busy and put the brisket to bed, after a kolache.
Mid 50s in town, 50°F at the airport. Furnace has been on all night. But we’ll be going back to 80s/60s today, the cool swept north by southerly breezes. So the brisket timing was proper.
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Out of the pan, onto the cutting board. It is tender! Flipping it takes care to the max.
Time to cut and bag, after a break.
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I cleaned up the pan and the scattering of utensils, making the cutting board the sole item on the work counter. I haven’t washed dishes yet, but that is a light duty chore by comparison. And there will only be a cutting board and knife to add to it. So I’m ready to start dividing and bagging, as soon as I’m inspired.
Myka enjoyed the nibbles from the brisket. They taste good. This is a good one.
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15 sections cut against the grain, 6 sections split down the middle, 3 end pieces not split. An inconsistent half pound each, good for roughly 2 quarter pound sandwiches. So, dating 15 quart bags, and then I can put it in the fridge and clean up. Then arrange the freezers.
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It’s bagged and in the fridge. Clean up and rearranging the freezers are what’s left to do. But there is no time restraint, other than daylight. There’s over 7 hours of daylight left. And the cutting board is a bit on the greasy side.
Myka got more nibbles from the scraps left after the bags were loaded. It wasn’t a huge amount, the Victorinox 8″ chef knife did a very clean job, but it is tender. I got one mouthful from the bottom edge of the point.
The house is open, and I’m ready for a nap.
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The dishes are washed, the brisket is in the top loader. Lasagne bowl for dinner tonight (to make room). *sigh* I’m done with over an hour of daylight left.
There’s nothing left but thawing and eating brisket sandwiches. Pat myself on the back for treating a $75 chunk of beef properly. It came out to about $10 a pound, roughly half or less than the bbq joints in town..
I ran out of salmon pate (w/extra gravy), so I had to resort with salmon pate (w/o extra gravy), and the can’s pull tab would not open, so I had to resort to the can opener. Myka got very excited, thinking it was TJ. Fortunately, she accepted the pate instead of tuna. TJ junkie…
The brisket, rubbed with Hi West Tombstone mesquite and La Fiesta brisket rubs, entered the 290°F oven at 9:45 am. Granted, it was later than originally planned, but it’s well within the window for the 18 hour process. And it is a relatively cool day, in the low 60s. Last night was not as cool as forecast, and I wanted ample sleep before starting.
By standard cooking time, it will be checked about 6 pm for internal temp deep in the point, which is conveniently facing the oven door, to see if it’s ready (165°F) for covering with foil. After that, it will cook until the point is around 200°F (195 – 205°F), like a hot knife through butter. Around 8 pm, the remote temperature probe will be inserted through the foil. It’s expected to be ready before midnight. The oven will be turned down to 160°F for a two hour rest. 2 am pull time at the latest.
The process shouldn’t take more than 16 hours, with an additional 2 hours for cooling, dividing, and bagging, a total of 18 hours max from fridge to fridge. In the meantime, the freezers will be intelligently rearranged to accommodate the brisket tomorrow, after the fridge cooldown. It is doable by my analysis. All in all, a 24 hour project, start to finish.
Then I’ll have brisket sandwiches on call this summer.
I pulled the last bag of the previous brisket from the top loader. It’s in the sink to thaw, and it’s the base of the flat, skinniest piece of the cut. It’s generally considered the driest piece of the product, being remote and thin, the most vulnerable. But I’m not worried. It will go well with the stew.
There are the usual Saturday chores, Myka’s cabana, ice bin (maybe an ice run), wash a few easy dishes. Nothing big enough to interfere.
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Coming up on an hour into the cooking. The oven has done its seal, at 290°F, now cooling down to 250°F. This is a step to seal the skin of the brisket without creating a strong bark. I consider any carbonizing a pure waste of meat, especially when it’s unnecessary to seal the surface. Let them bark away, not me.
The brisket aroma is starting to fill the kitchen.
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The brisket is in the 150° to 160° range. It looks like 6 pm will be the time to cover it. The crust (brown sugar from the rub, not bark) has a very brisket flavor. It will miss the smoke, but not that much. It will be a yummy one.
The house has been open for a few hours. It’s in the low 70s. The kitchen is comfortable enough. Sunny day, dew point mid 40s, low humidity..
I think I’ll have a brisket sandwich now, then have the rest of the stew later.
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I had a brisket sandwich, Myka had nibbles. Makes me glad that I decided to go with the brisket, so I’ll have plenty of sandwiches this summer and beyond. Approaching 6 pm, temp is 161°F. Maybe a little after 6 pm, but it’s close to the stall. The temp is creeping slowly upward. The crust is there. I’ll wait a little longer.
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Brisket coming up for air before tenting. 164°F. The brown sugar lumps will spread into a crust after being tented and the humidity rises.
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Up to 188°F at 10 pm. I have the remote probe alarm set at 200°F. I think that it will get to relaxing before midnight. Not much before, but before. Takes a bit for the oven to cool down to 160°F.
I’m about to finish off the mulligan stew.
Up to 192°F. Anything above 196° is satisfactory, 200°F is a tad better. 205°F is the upper limit. Coming this way shortly.
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At 11:30 pm, the alarm tripped at 200°F. I didn’t hear it, but Myka came and told me about it. And I immediately understood her. She earned her treats. I got the stove thermostat down to 160°, so now it will rest for two hours, then be pulled from the oven, about 1:30 am.
The house opened at 11 am. The last batch of TLT 2.0 cornbread dressing went into the freezer. Myka is snoozing in the bathroom. I’m conserving energy, thinking about what’s for lunch. I’m split between pâté and boudin. I want to finish up the Blue Bell to make space in the freezer.
I’m thawing the mulligan stew, since it was in an awkward place in the top loader, and it’s an opportune time. In the meantime, there are plenty of options in the fridge that don’t strain resources for the weekend.
Partly cloudy, 74°F, calm. In the swirl that will usher in the cooler air tonight. It will be coming on a northerly wind that’s reaching west Texas now. It should be here around 10 pm, making tonight, tomorrow, and tomorrow night suitable for brisket cooking.
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Approaching sundown. Still in the 80s, but not up around the high of 88°F. The wind is now out of the northeast as it shifts within the buffer zone, but only around 10 mph. When the northerly winds hit, it will be around 25 mph.
But I am ready to start on rubbing the brisket and prepping it for cooking at 250°F, when it cools down a bit.
The mulligan stew is thawed and half of the quart will be dinner. I had boudin for a late lunch. Myka had nibbles, despite its warmth and the rice.
The wind is showing up in locations from 5 to 10 miles away. It won’t be long. I’ll shut the house now.
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The brisket is still wrapped in the cryo-bag. I just finished the first half of the mulligan stew, interesting. There are three kinds of beans, corn, carrots, peas, potatoes, and brisket in the mix. A decent stew. Filling.
I’m ready to lie down after meds. I have at least 30 hours to get the brisket done, that’s a 12 hour slop. I’ll make it.
Making the dressing is the only thing on the list outside of the dailies (ice bin, Myka, no dishes yet). A slow day in progress.
Things are under control, no hurries. Nothing to fret but mad money, and that has been chipped down with the brisket, which starts tomorrow. Sunday morning will be the big job there, dividing and bagging.
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It’s still a slow day. I filled the ice bin and gave Myka treats. I am getting geared up to make the cornbread dressing. There isn’t much else to do today.
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The TLT 2.0 cornbread dressing is made, covered on the stovetop, resting and cooling. The broth is gone (½ cup over recipe, helps freezing). Another reason for making TLT 3.0. The dishes are washed, except for the pot and lid, still on the stove.
Debating whether to make a store run tonight or tomorrow morning. Butter and bread are the only items on the list, and I’m not out of either. I have Monday and Tuesday to burn the last of the month’s mad money, so I’m not in a hurry. I’ll get a list made.
Mid 80s, sunny, a lazy day, despite the cooking. Definitely worth the effort, down the road.
I took the scooter out for an enjoyable late morning ride, crossing four major intersections, four railroad crossings, and two dogs who couldn’t keep up. A refreshing ride.
A section of TLT 2.0 breast is in the sink to thaw. I plan on making the cornbread dressing this afternoon. I’m getting low on TLT 2.0, one section of breast (1/3) and a leg left in the freezer. Plenty of TLC though. With the brisket, I’m hard pressed for freezer space to cook a TLT 3.0 for Easter. It is on my mind as an April project though. I wouldn’t mind a beef stew, but nah. Maybe in late May when I’ve emptied the freezers a bit.
I updated the laptop, phone, and pad to 26.4 this morning.
I also plan on calling the clinic to see who is available where as a primary.
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Snooze attack. The TLT has thawed, ready to prep. I’ve got two hours left to chat with the clinic. 84°F.
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I have a new primary physician, Iqbal Singh, specializing in internal medicine. Unfortunately, it’s at the Park St clinic. Unfortunately the appointment is a week after the prescriptions refill date. It will be cutting it close.
So, that’s done, now to the TLT 2.0 cornbread dressing, second batch for freezing, insuring that none of the precious broth goes to waste. Start by dicing the breast section. Two and a hours of daylight left, ample time for a leisurely pace.
Otherwise, a lazy afternoon. The AC hasn’t been started yet, but the mid 80s will slow the pace. Won’t stop it, but process is anything but speedy. Lots of distractions giving excuse. Myka is being lazier than me, for what that’s worth.
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I got the TLT diced, but I haven’t gotten the dressing made. It may be tomorrow morning. It’s not that difficult at this point. I’m just feeling on the slow side tonight. I got Myka fed, and she had turkey nibbles, and a brushing. So she hasn’t been neglected, though a little late in her opinion.
I have been a bit on the achey side when on my feet. It doesn’t take long to make me need to sit down. Part of it is metabolism complaining as well. it just feels better sitting down in a comfortable chair.
I haven’t eaten an entree today. Snacks has been it, and not all that many.
I left the house open, in the upper 60s outside, cool but bearable inside at 73°F. I woke to Myka screeching at the stray black cat that has been hanging around the last six months. It was on the front porch, tormenting Myka, who was in full battle mode.
I think I’m about to invest in a super soaker.
The taillight lens left Bryan about 90 minutes ago. It’s most likely in town at the PO, just not scanned yet. The spices are due Friday, the band clamps on Saturday.
I finally dug up the lyrics Belleville Rendezvous, in French and English. They have been bugging me in my sleep.
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Noon, still mostly cloudy, but the sun is trying to poke through. There is blue overhead. Not thinking about lunch. A few snacks have staved off an entree.
Still waiting for the taillight lens, due within the hour. Mail averages in about 20 minutes, but it can vary with different personnel. I’m ready to jump to it.
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The lens arrived, in perfect shape. I’m going to kick back and give my brain the off switch. I’ll replace it when I wake up. No big hurry.
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The broken lens is off, the new lens is on. The truck is legal again. I can make a store run without sweating it.
I was planning on trying to find a new primary physician today, but the scab is deterring me. There is one spot on it that is sore and seeping. It doesn’t appear to be infected, though. I’m keeping an eye on it.
Morning fog/overcast has yet to burn off. It makes for a rather dull morning.
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The house is open. Partly cloudy skies, low 70s, gentle breeze. I’m about ready to tackle chores, feeding Myka and washing dishes. Nothing else calling for my attention this morning.
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Chores are done. Sun is out. I’m in a lazy mood.
I have $180 left in mad money, and under 9 days to spend it. Being Mr Frugal has paid off, now it’s time to spend again. I’m thinking of sinking $70 into a brisket. I have one bag left in the freezer, less than a pound. I’ll wait for next week’s circular to release, see if it’s worth waiting. There are a few other things to get, smoked gouda, minis, dressing mix…
I need to make another batch of TLT 2.0 cornbread dressing and freeze it, to use up the rest of the broth before it spoils.
I’m thinking of making an order with Hi West to refresh a few of the rubs I’ve used. Some of the well used brown sugar varieties are getting gummy.
The truck’s taillight lens is at USPS North Houston. With luck, I’ll have it installed tomorrow.
… …
Tracking shows that the lens left Houston, that delivery is scheduled for tomorrow.
I order three spices from Hi West, Tombstone Mesquite, Santa Fe Smoke, and Honey Blaze (HOT). Free shipping. No tracking yet.
Slow afternoon. Low 80s.
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An hour to sunset. I haven’t done anything to generate chores today. I’ve been snacking today, no dishes, no cleaning. No shopping run tonight, I’m waiting for the circular and the lens to come around. Until then, I’m sitting tight.
I have spent some time looking at the options in dealing with selecting a new primary physician. I want to be on top of things. I got a letter from the College Station clinic about a cardiologist who moved from the local clinic, though not my cardiologist, offering me a replacement. *sigh* I figure I better get assigned a new doctor. I am planning on a phone day soon, this week, to discuss possible options. I want to stop the madness.
I thought about a scooter ride this afternoon, but I wasn’t up for it. My body has been insistent about lumpin’. I haven’t even felt like fixing a meal. I fed and treated Myka, a fresh can of salmon pâté, chicken treats, and ice water, and I washed dishes. That’s all I had to give today. It’s getting to be a habit.
I fell asleep for over an hour in the office chair last night, and I needed ibuprofen for the stiff neck and headache when I woke. Needless to say, I’m worthless this morning. But I persist. As soon as the stiffness unwinds, I’ll likely go back to sleep.
I am well tended. So is Myka, treats and a large ice cube in her water. And she is bugging me for a brushing. Did I mention that I’m worthless this pre-dawn? Astronomical twilight starts now.
The scab is starting to peel in the lesser areas. It will be visible for a while. And ugly.
But life is good.
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After a nap, things are better. Just broaching 70°F, time to open up the house. That makes Myka happy. Getting to be time to make the cornbread dressing.
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The TLT 2.0 cornbread dressing has been made and is resting on the stovetop. Now I can rest. Myka had TLT 2.0 nibbles, happy kitty.
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I had a bowl of the dressing, quite filling. I’ll probably have a nap soon, that kind of filling.
It’s about 84°F inside and out. Fan weather for napping. About 2.5 hours of daylight left. It’s a pretty slow day. No ambition to break a sweat.
I was breaking up the bottom of the ice bag which went with me to Bryan for refilling my drink, doing it in the kitchen sink, filling both Myka’s bag and the ice bin. Having been refrozen after the trip made for a tricky and tedious process, and I was a little winded. I was putting the ice bin back in the freezer, and it slipped from my hand and started sliding. I managed to catch it before it free fell, but my arm was scraped by the freezer door. Ugly, but nothing that washing, a styptic stick, and new skin couldn’t handle.
I’ve gotten chores done, fed Myka, sifted the cabana, cycled the ice bag, washed dishes. I need to dice TLT and make cornbread dressing. I was going to do that right after I got the ice handled, but treating the scrape has sidelined me for a bit. There’s still two and a half hours of sunlight left. I’ll get it done. I had gouda and bread for lunch, I wasn’t all that hungry today. I will want some of the dressing for dinner.
A pretty slow Saturday. Ytube, watching Of Mice and Men (1992). A few emails written. Slept my share today. Mid 80s, not too conducive to physical effort.
Myka is still bugging me for TJ.
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I got the TLT 2.0 diced and ready to roll, and I discovered that I was out of stuffing mix. Sigh, store run with a nasty scab. Too warm to cover it up. Oh well. I can wait till later. I have alternatives in the meantime. Myka enjoyed the TLT 2.0 nibbles.
There’s not much going on. I’m trying to decide what to eat. It might be boudin, chicken fajita, pizza, chicken pot pie, Popeye’s…
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I made the store run, a quick in and out. The lens doesn’t leak much white light, and only on the side. So not as big an issue as it could be. I got what I neededd for a batch. I’ll get more later.
I’m not in the mood to make the dressing tonight. I’ll make it tomorrow. It’s more waiting for it to cool than the actual cooking. I don’t want to fall asleep and let the turkey sit out of the fridge for too long. And I’m not that hungry now. Tomorrow will do just fine.
So it’s back to the weekend, which is already in progress.
(Two and a half hours left of winter. Spring begins 9:46 am CDT.)
Not a lot going on this morning. A day of activity usually disrupts the flow, makes things less routine. But today is not that busy. I finished off the chicken fried rice last night, meaning that I will probably be making TLT cornbread dressing today. There is plenty of quick fix to support it, so I don’t need to make anything else for now.
Laundry, a few dishes, feed Myka, vacuum the office. A light day.
The next six days show a southerly breeze, sunny skies, 80s and 90s for highs, 60°F for lows. It’s definitely spring, actual as well as official. AC may see its first action of the year.
… …
It’s spring now.
Winter had to get a last one in on me. I decided to go get cat food this morning. I thought of a couple of other items to make the trip worth it, so I headed out, grabbed what I needed. I got everything loaded into the bed, then went over to the gas station. Cheapest gas in town these days makes people a little panicky to get a spot to fill up. A young guy in a big white pickup backed into the right rear corner, breaking the bottom of the taillight lens. There was a scrape about a foot long, which I can paint over. The lens I ordered online for $10 plus shipping. Mad money. The guy was quite worried, but I told him not to worry about it. Old trucks get dings. I’m painting it anyway. And it’s just less trouble for me to deal with it by myself.
So, it’s spring. The cold nights should be gone. I can put away the alpaca. I can work on the truck most days. Windows will be open. Eau d’ Repel. Birds and wildflower season. Don’t walk under the flocks of birds eating cherry laurel seeds.
So, chores don’t end for truck collisions. It’s time to start the laundry.
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The laundry is done but not yet folded, the last chore of the day. TLT 2.0 breast section and broth are thawed and ready (after dicing) for the cornbread dressing. That is a project for tomorrow morning. I think I’ll have a lasagna bowl for dinner tonight.
It’s a lazy day for the most part. Watching Ytube most of the time. Myka is still snoozing on the couch, in spite of the upper 80s temp. I’m in front of the fan. Easy day.
… …
I got laundry folded before midnight. Living proof that I can do laundry, start to finish, in a single calendar day. Today’s chores are done. Tomorrow’s lineup is Myka’s cabana, TLT 2.0 cornbread dressing, lumpin’. I’ve done enough this week.
I have about an hour and a half to get ready for a run to Bryan, with a bank stop in Navasota. I was thinking of packing the Egee, but I had a dream that it got smashed. Now I’m not the type to see anything omniscient in dreams, no omens, just a sub-conscious trying to equal the conscious mind. But I decided to leave it here. The main reason is that I have been ask for computer help, and that usually eats all my time there.
There is plenty to do, change clothes, feed Myka, feed me, gather what I’m taking with me, etc. There is nothing the truck needs. Gas prices keep rising it seems hourly. $3.20/gal is the cheapest, average is $3,60. So I’ll be out the door shortly before 11 am.
… …
I got back home before rush hour. I came back via FM 50, which I haven’t seen in a while. Highway 6 through College Station and into Bryan is under construction, pretty torn up and constrained, to be avoided if possible. I got the check cashed. I gave bookkeeping a sweep over, tidied things up to current, which had a number of changes. I need to get gas and cat food, something I could handle tonight. I am close to the standard mad money curve.
Email was the big issue, the server and client aren’t shaking hands, even with refreshed passwords. So I’ll do some digging. It could be a problem with the server migration that only the provider can fix.
So I’m settled down. I was expecting to get a bag of ice, but some of the bag was left after the trek today. And I didn’t have any quarters with me on the way in, just as well. I’ll get one when it’s needed. I may head to the store tonight. I can’t think of anything but cat food and gas. I could just sit here and get it early next week.
The wildflowers were out, not as profuse as some years, but there were still some impressive stands of bluebonnets. Paintbrushes haven’t reached Bryan yet, but they’re starting here. It’s spring.
The scooter is charged and ready for a prolonged ride his afternoon. Looking at possible routes for an extended ride.
Otherwise a slow day. Chores are done. I’ll probably cook the chicken/broccoli/rice dish, it doesn’t take long. There isn’t much else going on.
Upper 40s this morning at dawn. I’m not pressing to get started on anything. Neither is Myka, snuggling on the couch.
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Store run, a single store. I am waiting fr more items from the second box to get canned cat food. Most of the stuff today went in the snack drawer. Only one item went in the kitchen. I am too well stocked in the kitchen.
I think I decided what to make next as an entree, TLT cornbread dressing. It will use the TLT broth and make room in the freezer. But the chicken dish today.
I got about half way through the first Derian book.
… …
I confirmed the trip to Bryan tomorrow, with a bank stop half way, leaving around 11 am or slightly before. I should get there about noon.
I finished off the gumbo for lunch. I’m waiting for the lunch hour to end so I can start the scooter ride. Phone is at 100% charge for GPS. Temp is mid 70s, sunny, perfect weather for it. Waiting for traffic to die down.
… …
That was a 5 mile run, with a few bumpy streets. There was no drop in performance. I only dropped the bar one notch. And after resting the scooter a few minutes, it went back to full. By math, that would indicate a 20% to 30% drain. I would estimate at least 20 miles on a charge, probably more with rest breaks.
I saw a couple of other electric scooters, not the sit down type though. Still, I’m not the only battery powered rider in town. Nice to know that there are others.
Myka is asking to be fed, and I need to cook the chicken/rice. I’ve recovered from the ride sufficiently to get busy in the kitchen. The gumbo is gone, after all.
… …
I made chicken stir fried rice instead of the chicken/broccoli/rice. It suited my mood better. Dishes are done, except for the pot.
The thermometer hit the low point of the low day of the latest arctic vortex, 39°F in the window, 37°F on the back porch. The neighborhood stations range from 33°F to 35°F. It’s not at or below the freezing point, as a number of forecasts predicted. Still, cold enough for a loyal foot warmer to take her place. I stayed cocooned for as long as I could take it this morning. It was nice, but alpaca makes rising bearable.
And it’s the last time. The ides of March has long been the money spot for the last frost of the season. It’s time to put seed in the ground. The odds financially support it. This is my favorite time of year, farewell to winter.
Today is trash day. The recycling was done yesterday, when I sorted the shipping box for the scooter. No sense leaving that and other shipping stuff to sit around the house. Minimal dishes to wash, half of it Myka’s. Not much else, feed Myka, ice bin, prep a chicken quarter. A light duty day.
The high temp will be 64°F (NWS). Tomorrow to be in the 70s, a good day for a scooter ride. Thursday a good day for a bank run.
I decided to ignore the Pirouline order. It’s been two months since I made the order, and I see no move to restock. It was a low price, and that is probably why it hasn’t restocked. To cancel it would cost me a shipping charge, something Amazon never did before. So I’ll just leave it on back order, but I’m taking it off the financial records. I also dumped the link to tracking. If it shows, I’ll pay it. If not, it’s not there.
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The chicken quarter has been skinned and deboned, and the trash is on the curb. So, wash dishes and feed Myka remains. The easy stuff… I could cook chicken, broccoli, rice at any time, no rush for today. I have ample to eat today.
I am more than ready for a snooze now, though I don’t need any sleep at the moment. I just need to figure out what to do with my free time.
… …
Myka was fed, dishes were washed. No new chores emerged. I’m charging the new scooter, getting the charge to max for tomorrow’s jaunt. Making up my mind about dinner. I could cook the chicken, but I’m not really in the mood. I’ll probably make a sandwich, pâté or boudin are the most likely. And tater bits may also be in there somewhere.
The sun has set, civil twilight just ended. I am wondering what to do tonight. Maybe a movie. I’m not committed. Maybe browse the new books. There are many options.
Mid 40s outside, with a north wind at 20 mph/G 32.
I woke with a digestive issue, a slight sore throat, and a mild headache. Nothing is intense enough to make me writhe in a fetal ball, but it sure does slow down the morning. Not that this morning is inducive to activity to begin with. Fortunately, today is a light weight, except for the scooter shipping box.
I keep looking at the John Derian portfolios on the shelf and keep feeling a sense of shock at their size. They don’t look like books, more like monoliths. They are tomes of the truest sense. I am no stranger to the 11X14 format. But I seldom stacked them more than 20 high, much less 184 double sided, times two.
I am waiting for sunlight, and the extra hour of darkness is not welcome. If not for my med schedule staying with the clock, it probably wouldn’t be an issue. But the long dark wait for sunrise is not endearing.
I discovered that a week after I ordered the scooter, right about the day it arrived, the price dropped to $300, my target price. Oh well, mad money is truly mad. It’s getting closer to the proper daily curve. I can see why the price dropped down, with the shock of the jump in gas prices. Never mind that it’s a solution, a cheap ride.
… …
It finally reached the 50s, shortly before noon. I haven’t gotten anything done today except sleep. I thought about getting things done, but I haven’t. I had a dream about hunting for keys for old vehicles while on foot, walking many a mile, looking in many old dilapidated houses. Metoprolol is a dream monster.
I am thinking about lunch, namely gumbo. I should get the scooter tasks done today.
… …
I got the mirrors on the new scooter. Now I need to feed Myka and sort the scooter box.
Mid 50s outside, the wind is about the same as it was this morning. It’s not a day to be outside unless necessary. Not much going on inside either.
… …
Myka has been fed, the scooter shipping box has been torn down and sorted. Recycling is in the bin. Work for the day is done. Whew!
The temp is dropping as the sky goes overcast. The north wind persists, but it should start letting up in the next few hours.
There isn’t much to do tonight. I may start browsing through the Derian books.
… …
Popcorn shrimp and tater bits for dinner. There will be coconut cream pie for dessert later on.
The John Derian books arrived, and I have to say, I underestimated their size and weight. Each is hardcover, 11X14X1.5 inches, weighs 6.2 lb, with 368 pages. Massive. I need to find a place for them. They won’t fit the shelves with the rest of the library. I seriously underestimated their size and mass. The art is very impressive, paper quality top notch.
My left kidney has been complaining last night and today, though not nearly as badly this afternoon. I haven’t tried to address the scooter tasks (shipping box and mirrors) today. I’ve been sedentary and quiet, watching Ytube and snoozing most of the time. That it’s improving with sleep and ibuprofen makes me think it’s sleep toxin related, waking from a nap at the wrong time.
Sunny day, low 80s thus far. A nice day to be lazy. I’m enjoying it while it lasts. The wind is forecast to pick up and turn around from the north in about 4 hours. The temp will drop about 40°F over a 12 hour period. It will be a howler for about 24 hours. Serious layers for 48 hours.
I have a good array of items for the menu. Gumbo, boudin, tater bits, pâté, tamales, and more in the fridge, and plenty of quality quick fix in the freezer. I am thinking of a bacon gouda burger for a late lunch, now that I’m feeling better.
… …
A storm is approaching from the west as it forms the southern tip of the train that leads all the way to Canada, via Little Rock, St. Louis, and Chicago. Rain just started falling, hard. Temperature fell into the 60s as soon as the rain hit. Fortunately, I had closed the house before it arrived, interior ambient at 84°F. A quarter inch of rain fell in 10 minutes.
.
I made a bacon gouda burger and finished it just before the storm arrive. It will be a while before I have the gumbo.
I found a place on the shelf for the Derian books. I had to pull Myka’s new scratch pads and move them to under the long table. I haven’t gone through the books yet. I have ample time.
The north wind just arrived. Airport says 32 mph/G 42. It’s rather variable, at moments, quite calm, then screaming away, downdrafts making the difference. It will level out, once the storm train’s influence fully passes.
The burger is making me want to get horizontal.
… …
A burger nap consumed what sunset there was. It’s still breezy and the temp outside is at 64°F. The interior ambient is down to 79°F. I’ll need to don layers in a few hours, but not yet. Bare arms are still adequate for now.
There isn’t much that I want to do now. My digestion is a little wonky, and my throat is tiny bit sore. It’s not anything to shut me down, it just takes away the ambition.
Not too many chores today. Make gumbo, wash tubs from the fridge (eggs ackley, gravy) and the gumbo pot, sift Myka’s cabana, feed Myka, refill the ice bin and Myka’s ice bag, get a fresh bag of ice, and the big one, break down the shipping box for the scooter.
In the 50s this morning, so I won’t be getting too early a start. The high should be around 80°F, a sunny day. So plenty of time today for activity. I’m not in a big hurry this morning to get started.
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11 am and I still haven’t faced chores for the day, other than opening up the house. I am generally losing steam as I age. I am still independent, just not as swiftly so. I want to make gumbo sooner than later. Myka and ice pretty much schedule themselves. The shipping box is variable, but it needs doing.
The John Derian books have shipped from Baton Rouge over six hours ago (a four hour drive to Houston), and are due here tomorrow.
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The gumbo boiled over while simmering, losing some of the broth, but not any of the rice or shrimp. Grrr. It wouldn’t have bubbled up if I hadn’t covered it while simmering. I should have checked earlier. It’s edible, but alas, the lost flavor. Quite a clean up, once the stove cools. At least it stayed on the stove top and didn’t drip into the interior. So that is the major chore to handle now.
I got the previous dishes washed. I got the new bag of ice after filling the bin and Myka’s bag. Myka’s cabana has been sifted. And she has been fed. I still need to sort the scooter’s shipping box and move the mirrors. Those can be done tonight or tomorrow.
In the low 80s. Sleeves are off. Still two and a half hours before twilight.
The books are in Humble and will arrive at the local PO tonight.
… …
The stovetop is clean again, and the gumbo pot is soaking in the sink. The gumbo, minus a bowl, is cooling so that it can go in the fridge. This evening will be a quick fix with tater bits.
The mirrors and box may wait. The loss of the gumbo broth took some of the steam out of today’s ambition. Time will tell how long it takes for me to get over it. At least there is gumbo to eat, just not as much. It’s a little more like jambalaya than gumbo, with the rice swelling up.
So now I need to think about the next entree. I’ll probably make a bacon gouda burger to fill the void. Follow it with boudin (in the sink to thaw) to make up for the cajun taste lost… The sad part is that I would have had seconds on the gumbo. Alas. There is ample quick fix in the fridge, tamales, pâté, hotdogs, tater bits. And the coconut cream pie. And I won’t mention the overloaded freezers.
If a non-leap year February has a Friday 13th, then March has one too.
I slept hard this morning.
Spicy tater bits are in the oven. The spuds were large enough to where four filled the pan. That means that I have the largest one left for the last of the sausage gravy. Prep dishes are washed, leaving only the jelly roll pan, which is lined with non-stick aluminum foil and olive oil. An easy wash.
10:30 am, low 60s. Not as cool as I had hoped for the oven, but it will do. By the time it’s done, the doors will be opened to air out any excess heat. In the meantime, central heat is still stirring the air around. So it still works out.
Laundry has started. That’s it for chores. I can’t think of anything else that needs doing. Ice bin is full. Myka has been fed. I need to eat an eggs ackley taco, not really a chore, but the tub will need washing when the tater bit pan is washed.
I am thinking about a scooter excursion today, early afternoon, before traffic flares. I want to get out and see how it handles down into the battery draw. I’m not thinking range test yet, just see how it handles the general terrain.
This pm, after the last spud and gravy is gone, I’ll make gumbo. The shrimp in the fridge is almost thawed, and a few minutes in the sink will finish it. Or tomorrow morning will do. I won’t be eating it today, so I’m not in a big hurry.
Tater bits are bubbling the olive oil, but not browned yet. Another ten minutes, at least.
…
The tater bits are done, the largest cubes cooked through, the tiny pieces crispy. The oil is cooling. It’s about 2°F from the house being opened. Kitchen isn’t all that warm, so it worked out well.
.
Roasted spicy tater bits
When they cool, they’ll get bagged and placed in the fridge. I need to finish the eggs ackley, or I’d tear into them now. They’ll be just as good tomorrow as they are today. And for any concerned about the oily sheen, that’s olive oil.
Time to move the laundry to the dryer and open the house.
… …
Laundry is in the dryer. I dozed off before moving them over, which is actually good, because they lost water weight sitting, reducing dryer wear and tear time.
I dozed after finishing off the eggs ackley, and I woke at the time I wanted to head out on the scooter. And I made a couple of loops, once to downtown, once just shy, taking different routes each time, a total of about 2 miles. The battery indicator was still on the full marker when I got home. That told me what I wanted to know. I didn’t carry my phone for GPS, but that is fine. The only thing I missed was noting downhill speed. I managed to cross the railroad tracks without putting feet on the ground, one of the key tests.
I still haven’t transferred the mirrors over, but I used my ears, which served me just as well. I could tell when there were vehicles behind me and behaved accordingly. All in all, a nice sunny afternoon’s ride. I saw a few bluebonnets on the ride. I won’t take it out again, since it’s the weekend, the last slot of sane traffic until Monday. Myka was sniffing the tires when I parked it.
Tater bits are in the fridge. So, now the only tasks ahead of me are washing dishes (jelly roll pan, spatula, and ackley tub), folding laundry, making a spud under gravy (final of both), making gumbo, and washing dishes from the last two. The ice bin is full, it will keep until tomorrow, when I’ll get another bag of ice.
The weekend will be back up in the 80s again, then another front on Mon/Tue that could produce 30s. It will be back in the 80s by Thursday. I expect to be making a bank run next week. I might make a run to Bryan at the same time.
… …
I got the laundry folded and the tater bit dishes washed. The eggs ackley tub is soaking. I opened a fresh bag of kibbles for Myka. The horde has been treated. That leaves making spud under gravy and gumbo and washing related dishes.
I will start on the scooter’s shipping box and packing tomorrow. Some will go to trash and recycling, some will be saved. I’ll be getting a fresh bag of ice. I still need to transfer the scooter’s mirrors. But I won’t be riding the scooter for four days, weekend and weather, so no hurry there.
I watched The Illusionist today, marvelous animation. A moderately sad story, but very well presented.
