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

Another day where I avoided a store run. $70 above the mad money curve, and nothing that I need is on the shopping list. Part of it is the temp being in the 50s, and part of it is sleeping past opening time for the store. Part of it is my lymph nodes fussing, indicating that I’m fighting off something.

Myka was my volunteer foot warmer last night and this morning. That was another reason that I wasn’t in a hurry to rise this morning.

Today I thaw rib eyes, tonight I broil. Other than that, no plans for the day.

Chance of rain today and tomorrow. Radar shows a massive blob covering central Texas. The vast majority of it green, light rain. Very little heavy rain showing.

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Seven rib eyes are in the sink to thaw. I have tonight and tomorrow night. There’s Wednesday night as well, if needed. I’m still wondering about marinade, rub, or natural, and in what quantity. The first batch will be natural, so it won’t pass a flavor along in the pan.

Only a trace of rain today, enough to dot the board periodically. In the 60s for a high, no doors opened today.

There will be the last of the diced rib eye for lunch, in tacos. Tamales will be dinner.

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Three rib eyes are in the fridge, four not quite fully thawed. I’m prepping to get started. Temp is in the upper 50s, low enough for broiler tray usage (oven constant on).

I still haven’t decided on marinade/rub/natural numbers yet. But the first start natural, so there is still time to decide. I dare say at least four will be natural. Marinade, if used, will be two of the large ones, splitting a bottle of marinade, making four servings out of fourteen. That leaves one possible rub, no doubt the last in line. (2, 2, 2, 1 > 4, 4, 4, 2)

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Store run. A new 9″ work fan (swivel, like the one beside me), a couple of cheap ice bins (a little wider and lower than the existing one, roughly the same capacity, easier to scoop from), and 3 cans each of salmon and chicken (extra gravy pate) cat food. I also got $100 cash. That puts me $40 under the mad money curve. I’ll be back even in a couple of days.

All seven rib eyes are in the fridge and ready to roll tonight, as soon as I figure out what gets seasoned with what, if anything. I need to chomp on some tamales first, get settled, wash the new ice bins. I have two nights (36 hours for four batches) to get them broiled, deboned, split, and bagged. I got a fresh reserve box of quart freezer bags a few days ago, so I have more than plenty.

I won’t be making another store run until the weekend, Thursday night or Friday morning. I’m good on everything until then.

There was one Ytube channel reporting in today. One, single, solo…

I took the liberty of snoozing a lot, a whole lot.

The only chore today was filling the ice bin, Myka’s bag, and her water with ice. I finished off the bag. Time now to go get a fresh bag.

It got up to 70°F, so I opened the kitchen door. Litta Wan was there looking for treats. The rest of the house is closed.

It is a day of sparse singularities.

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I’m looking at the first prismatic rays of the season from the sun catchers. The sun has finally touched the north side of the house as the sun sets. It’s definitively summer now.

I had tamales for brunch. Pizza will be for dinner.

I just resisted the impulse to make an unneeded store run. I was inspired by the sudden uptick in traffic at 6 am.

There isn’t much happening today. Plenty of ice in the bin, no dishes to wash, Myka has plenty available to eat. So do I. Just the usual Saturday stuff, early in the day.

The cool front has reached Dallas, is about to hit Waco, and is moving this way with dispatch. There is about 4 hours to go before its arrival. The drop in temp is about 20°F. It’s freezing in Colorado to points north. The forecast calls for 50s to low 70s, 20+ mph winds, a strong chance of rain through the night, It will warm back up midweek.

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I have been having a problem scrolling with my mouse on the laptop. I cleaned the scroll wheel of Myka’s hair, and that only helped marginally. Then I played with the cable, and that proved to be the issue, with the way it hung over the edge of the desk over time. So I swapped the mice with the older laptop (where I seldom scroll) and ordered a couple of new ones online.

The front has arrived, but we’re still in the calm zone. The wind should be picking up shortly, so I closed up the house in anticipation. Light rain bands are just now reaching the city limits, but nothing has fallen yet.

Having some hash brown sticks for a late brunch. Popeye’s spicy later.

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The front is here, leaves dancing, temp dropping. North wind, 20 mph/G 25.

Myka was just fed, the horde had treats. I brought in a couple of Popeye’s spicy wings, though I haven’t warmed them yet. I sifted the cabana and swept the kitchen floor. That was pretty much the chore list for the day. I need to refill my drink and warm the chicken. I’ll have rib eye gouda spuds for dinner. The rest of the time is hanging and staying warm.

Been on the phone over the email issues. Hopefully the provider will be able to cure the access issue.

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Myka and I shared the Popeye’s wings. She didn’t give up (more, thank you) until there was nothing but crust left. There were only two wings in the freezer, but a full complement (4 each) of breasts, thighs, and legs are there to chomp at some future time.

Later tonight, rib eye gouda spud.

In the 50s outside. I haven’t turned on the furnace yet. Still in the 70s ambient, still in short sleeves. But that won’t take too long before I turn on the heat and don the denim.

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A boomer rolled in, first rain of the day. It doesn’t look like it will last too long.

As usual, the weekend starts on Friday. Dawn of the new moon, house stayed open all night. 94% humidity, not the 100% mark this morning. I’m feeling a bit better today, not rowdy, but more capable of functioning, thanks to yesterday’s lump.

I still have brisket chili in the fridge. The popcorn shrimp and sweet potato fries filled me sufficiently yesterday to get me through the night. But it left me on the hungry side this morning. So chili cheese spud will probably be lunch today. I need to dice the rib eye for a taco dinner (plus chicken fajitas as the combo) and rib eye spud tomorrow. That should whittle the spuds down a bit (there are 10 moderately small ones remaining). Tamales will be opened tomorrow to take up any slack. I expect pizza on Sunday.

A front is expected tomorrow around noon, with rain into the night. Lows will be in the 50s for a few days. If I’m going to do any scooter riding, it will probably be today.

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A lazy day. I had the chili cheese spud for lunch and finished off the tub. I haven’t diced the rib eye yet, but I’ll get to it soon enough. Low 80s again, makes for a sedentary existence, sitting in front of the fan. Myka is as slow as I am this afternoon, staying near the floor..

No scooter riding today, and traffic is getting rowdy as rush hour starts picking up. I did manage to look into an email account to find that it isn’t verifying on Mac. It needs the provider to correct it.

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I diced the rib eye, washed dishes, filled the ice bin, folded the socks… I’m clocked out for the day. I’m currently waiting for Xcode to update. the components after updating the app. I am kicking back and taking it easy.

Nothing is calling me out, especially with the sound of weekend traffic hustling and dogs yapping. No desire to get out in the middle of it. Nothing out there that I need tonight.

There isn’t much going to happen today. I’ll feed Myka, wash a few dishes, fill the ice tray. I’ll finish off the tub of brisket chili on a couple of spuds. I’ll play with Myka using the carbon fiber wand and brush her facial fur. I’ll follow the news, check Ytube, watch a movie or two. Pretty much SOP.

I won’t start the truck. I won’t start a project. I won’t spend money. I won’t stand up unless it enhances my existence. I won’t stay awake. I won’t do anything that taxes my energy.

Today is a lumper, a day dedicated to entirely nonessential slothfulness. To rest and store energy simply for the sake of resting and storing energy. All too often it’s done out of necessity, recovering from a physical issue, a massive exertion, a traumatic event, etc. Lumping, by comparison, is a luxury, physiologically frugalness, gravitative infusion. It is the ultimate state of zen.

Back to lumpin’.

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Still lumpin’. Trash bins are back in place. Myka’s been fed. I’ll be filling the ice bin soon. Horde treated. That’s about it. Napping often. Mid 80s. Fans running. No dishes that aren’t rinsed (one fork, one spoon). Rib eye half in the sink to thaw.

Thinking about sweet potato fries and popcorn shrimp. Chili cheese spud tonight.

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I had the shrimp and fries for a late lunch, a full plate that finished the bag of shrimp. Now I can reload it from the store bag in the top loader. The rib eye is in the fridge. The ice bin is full. The rinsed flatware still needs washing, I’m still in no hurry.

I finished a movie, I haven’t started a new one. Not in a movie mood. I’m more in an LZB mood. Today is truly a lumper.

I am settled down, in no hurry. I’ve done the shopping, handled finances for the month. I’m over missing the party, satisfied that I’d have been a wreck if I had attended. Yes, I miss having seen everyone, but it was for the best that I bowed out.

I am in a slow place. And I accept it. I am well stocked. I’m ready to turn on the AC for summer and settle in when it warms up. My worries and cares are soothed.

I disassembled the cage on the fan last night and applied lithium grease to the bearings. And I have a replacement fan. It is a different model, but about the same size. It won’t point at the ceiling for winter, but I can get another tilting one when they restock the shelves.

It’s a humid morning, near 100%. The dew point is returning to the summer pattern, up and steady. It will rise into the 70s as we near solstice. The AC will be on more for humidity than temperature. Myka is parked on the floor, enough said.

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I finished off the chili cheese dogs, there’s still enough chili for another chili cheese spud. Then it will be up in the air, decisions to make. I’m thinking Popeye’s spicy and rib eye from the freezer, and there’s tamales in the fridge. Also sweet potato fries and popcorn shrimp is in there. I’ll need to get bread before I go back to sandwiches, getting low on the loaf. (Kolaches too.) But I have tortillas aplenty.

Bins got swapped on the curb and Myka got fed (after exercise), the only chores of the day, besides unloading the truck early this morning. A fork and a spoon in the sink, no hurry. Ice bin will last the night. Low 80s, not conducive to activity.

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I made a store run tonight, essentially the weekend stocking run. Minis, bread, hotdogs, kolaches, pizzas. Not big, but I don’t have to go tomorrow or Friday. I’m good through at least Monday.

So, I’m settled for the weekend on Wednesday night. A little prolonged, but not a problem.

Myka has been bugging me two or three times a day to play with the wand. She loves the rapid jiggly activity, it keeps her focused full time, no walking away until she’s pooped out.

Noon on trash day, and nothing has been done, not even opening up the house.

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Let me amend that, delivery arrived for the marinade, so I got up and opened up the house. Myka got to sniff the package. It’s now sitting in the kitchen unopened. The delivery window for the solar panel opens in half an hour.

I also had a couple of chili cheese dogs. So not quite nothing, but close enough. I also wrote the only outstanding review for Vine, so I’m done there. It wasn’t a stellar review, but it sufficed for a product that sufficed. So I’m done there.

And I’m ready to snooze.

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I snoozed, and the solar panel arrived a few minutes after I woke. Myka got to sniff the box. I opened it, inspected, determined the correct adaptor for the Jackery and applied it, then put it all away. I didn’t set it up to test output, as it’s partly cloudy and hazy (333W/m² average). I’ll wait for a better sunny day to do that. Besides, I still haven’t made any move toward trash and recycling. I have to say that part of the (ir)rationale was waiting for the solar panel shipping box to dump into the recycling bin.

So, I need to open the other box and get started on chores. I need to feed Myka, wash dishes, fill the ice bin (later) and gather trash and recycling. I have at least five and a half hours of daylight left. I didn’t dawdle for too long, at least thus far. I need to shove a little oompah down my pants and get after it.

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At 800W/m², I was able to get an 82W charge at the optimum angle. Adequate for what I spent. In peak summer on a clear day, 100W should be possible. That should give solar about the same charge time on the Jackery as a wall socket or truck socket charge, roughly 3.5 hours to 80%, 4 to 5 hours to 100%. An easy charge directly to the phone or tablet with the panel’s USB-C socket.

Okay, that piece of curiosity is solved, and now I know that it works. I now know that it was mad money well spent. Now I can get busy on chores without too much distraction. And Myka tells me that she’s hungry.

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Sun is getting low. Trash is on the curb, recycling is in the bin. Everything is done but filling the ice bin (after refilling the glass), making a late store run, and feeding myself (chili cheese dogs). Only the ice needs doing in the next hour before dark.

I paid storage rent today.

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I spent $101 tonight at two stores. I got a replacement fan, drinks, litter, lithium grease, SeaFoam, minis, Goldfish, sweet potato fries, and hash brown sticks. I left the hard stuff in the truck, I’ll bring it in the morning.

I had thought about getting more cash, but I’m only $50 above the standard mad money curve with 16 days to go. I’ll wait until I get over $100 above. It won’t take long, like this weekend. The cheap solar panel really threw off my month. Not to mention next month.

Only thing left to do tonight is to feed myself and take meds. And that is an hour away.

The party was the last planned excursion of the spring. Now I intend a run to storage in the near future, before it turns warm. But basically, I don’t plan on burning much gas in the near future. And if I feel restless, there’s the scooter. Mostly I plan on staying sedentary.

The rain is gone from radar, though there might be a chance this afternoon. And after that, clear for the week, highs in the 80s, dew point consistently in the 60s. Lots of saturation in the mornings. Late spring is a little early this year.

I am feeling slightly better, though there are still issues. Pollen is quite high, and my lungs and bronchioles are a tad tender from the adaptation. I plan on taking it easy again today.

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The solar panel was scheduled for delivery today, but UPS in Bryan dragged its feet. It’s now due tomorrow.

Dragging my feet again this morning. Part of it is this humid weather, wet from yesterday’s rains. I may as well snooze away.

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I had chili cheese dogs for supper.

I need to close up the house, not for temp but for humidity.

I decided to get a new work fan. Part of the reason iis that it slows to a stop too quickly and that the rear bearing on the motor isn’t open to lubrication. Better to have a reserve in case it freezes up. I was considering a store run tonight, but nah.

It’s a rather sluggish morning, there’s not much happening besides Ytube. I’m even late rebooting everything. It’s in the 70s, but the dew point is high and the breeze is active and gusty, so the house remains closed for the time being. No rain yet, though there are ample showers stretching well to the west.

I need to check the shrimp in the fridge to see if they’ve thawed yet. I’ll probably have some of the hash brown sticks for brunch. I’m not in a big hurry.

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I wasn’t quick to get to munching on shrimp and cocktail sauce, but I managed to get there at mid-afternoon. Myka, as usual, sat and watched closely, but touched no offerings. She has had lots of treats today, she’s not suffering. Half are in the fridge, waiting for tomorrow, SOP. There are still 2 stadium brats and brisket chili (spuds and dogs). The party menu is lasting longer than the party.

I ordered 6 pair of compression socks today, in gray. I like the pattern, subdued but elegant. They’re due Friday.

The party is winding down, by usual standards, most people having wandered home. The hard to kill are still remaining, with heavy rain approaching. It rained here (0.15″ today)more than it did there, but they’re about to catch up.

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About 6:30 pm, we had a heavy rain with lots of thunder and lightning. Myka was hanging close for assurance. The rain total thus far is 0.95″, and that will probably be it for the day. We need it.

I’m wondering what to have for dinner, brats, chili dogs, of chili spuds. Probably not the latter, as I’ve been having snacks since the shrimp. Probably the brats, since they’re open.

I have to say that I am getting a lot more rest this morning than I would have at the party. And I have to say that I needed it. And that doesn’t involve prep, loading, etc. Granted, I’m not smiling as much. I miss seeing friends, playing music, etc. But it’s not like I’ve never had all that. Right now, I’m not in party mode, so I’m better off staying here.

The solar panel is on the move, heading south from Kansas.

Sleep as much as I can, rest as much as I can, eat good food, I’ll make it.

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Well, I got chores done. Myka was fed, the cabana sifted, forks washed, ice bin filled, new bag of ice procured, in the freezer. I had stadium brats for lunch. That’s about it.

The solar panel departed Fort Worth. Delivery due on Tuesday, could be Monday.

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Chili cheese spuds for late dinner. Yummy. Shrimp cocktail for tomorrow’s lunch.

I’m home for the weekend. I’m feeling a tad better, but I’m still far from party ready.

I made a store run last night. I got cat food and treats for Myka, quart freezer bags, and popcorn shrimp. I also got cash to drain the mad money. Myka loved the Friskies Party Mix, a fresh treat for her discriminating palate.

There are no big chores for today, a few forks to wash, Myka to feed. I have one more spud dish with pork tenderloin, plus brisket chili (and cheddar with spuds and dogs) and stadium brats. That will hold me.

Since I decided to stay home this weekend, I went ahead and ordered a 100W solar panel for the Jackery. I didn’t stay with the brand, I went economy. Instead of a $300 Jackery, I got a $62 Luvknit. It’s compatible, same specs, same efficiency, 20% of the price. If it croaks, no big deal at that price.

That doesn’t dent the month’s mad money much. It may still be a cash month, getting cash on multiple store runs. I’ve got time to consider options, three weeks to payday.

So, I will thaw brisket chili today. I have ample spuds and a fresh loaf of bread for dogs. Otherwise, today will be another lumper. A few dishes, feed Myka, fill the ice bin. Get some sleep, lump a lot.

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It has been a lumper. I’m thawing brisket chili and stadium brats. I’ll thaw shrimp in a couple of days, consolation party food. I haven’t eaten much today, kolache, minis, hash brown sticks. Bare bones diet.

I will probably make another store run tonight, weekend stocking. Myka is getting low on Temptations. I also need to feed her, but she has been dozing pretty much full time. There are a couple more items, like quart freezer bags for the reserve. I opened the box when I bagged the brisket. No hurry, but I won’t forget them if I get them today. And I can get cash, for starters.

There isn’t any impulse to do anything. The bones are happy being idle.

I woke very warm, cocooned, with an active foot warmer adding to the thermal activity. It took awhile to cool down, with the temp outside in the 50s. I wasn’t eager to cool down too quickly.

I am slowing down overall. Getting moving is getting harder to do. Finding the active state is less spontaneous.

Waiting for the temp outside to reach the 70s.

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The house was opened at 11 am.

The carbon fiber cat wand arrived, and Myka was all over the toys before I could get the line on the pole. She knew they were hers at first glance. She tried to wreck my desk in the process. It took me half an hour to wear her out. The carbon fiber rod makes for a very expressive action. She was thrilled. Now she’s spread across the floor cooling down.

So no more deliveries from Vine for the month. Not certain about from elsewhere yet.

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Rush hour, and I haven’t gotten anything done. I’m beginning to wonder if Spring Fling is in the cards for me this year. I really want to go for several reasons, but I’m beginning to think that staying home this time might be better for my health.

Today has been a true lumper.

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I managed to get to the store late, 70°F outside. Minis, bread, cheddar, hash brown sticks. That wore me out. There is no way that I’d last the party in my current condition. I’ll just plan to hang out here. If I feel better this weekend, I’ll make it.

So, I guess that I’ll thaw a tub of brisket chili, for dogs and spuds. And I can start figuring what to do with the mad money. A week into April, and I’ve only spent $70. I spent more open credit than that on Vine.

There weren’t many chores for today. Wash forks. Rearrange the top loader, put brisket closer to the bottom, pork tenderloins and chicken closer to the top. Things fit nicely now, with a little room to spare (emphasis on little). Myka has been fed. I need to sift the cabana to get the trash out.

The marble wallpaper arrived, stored unwrapped. Only the cat fishing pole remains on the Vine list, due tomorrow. No reviews listed yet.

I figured out how to microwave the hash brown sticks, actually rather tasty in a bland way. I’ll probably be getting more at a later date.

The house is open, low to mid 70s, partly cloudy, mid breeze.

I have been thrifty so far this month, most of the mad money is still there to be spent. I’m holding to my intent of waiting until after the party to cut loose, see what I spend this weekend first. I’ll probably use the ATM there on the way home to pull the full $300 cash. I can always get more at checkout if needed. I don’t have any massive bills until September, and there aren’t many items on the wish list. The purpleheart guitar stand and the solar panel are the only midrange items in my sights, and neither are imperative. No rush, cash won’t hurt.

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Trash is on the curb. Drying rack is empty. I’m off the clock.

Myka has found the fuzzy throw again, she’s glued to it most of the day. The weather is warming, she doesn’t need the body heat now, so it’s become her sole focus, with breaks.

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I’m making spudacado, starting with the spuds. It won’t take long, once the spuds are peeled. Everything else is prepped.

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.

It’s still slow.

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.

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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.

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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…

I’m off for the night.

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.