Archive for October, 2021

Fridged

Posted on Saturday, October 30th, 2021 at 6:39 am
Cut into 11 pieces and bagged, 1 for fridge, 10 for freezer


The pork loin was bagged, refrigerated, frozen, then bagged and transferred to the top loader. I had loin tacos from the end piece that stayed in the fridge, a late lunch. I might make eggs ackley with the rest. Might not.


I have a fairly full menu for the weekend and beyond, pork loin, sausage gravy, green chili tamales, boudin, risotto, and pulled pork (maybe Monday), with poundcake/strawberry puree and coconut creme pie for desserts. Lots of variety to add to it.


I didn’t make it to the jam this afternoon. The Moderna reaction flared this morning in lungs, trachea, and throat, plus upper sinuses. The effect has receded, but I still have trouble singing. I would have been a liability, not to mention all the prep, packing, and toting in an event environment with limited parking. So I bowed out, not being up for it.


It was a pretty day, sunny, low humidity, 70s, mild breeze. Doors and windows were open. But it did get cool enough for the poncho last night and this morning. Back on this evening.

Pork Halloween

Posted on Friday, October 29th, 2021 at 10:02 am

For starters, I got 22 lb of pork yesterday, a 12 lb pork loin and a 10 lb Boston butt. The loin is marinating.

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2.5 gallon zipbag


The pork loin will likely be cooked tonight. The shoulder roast will go in the slow cooker some time in the near future, perhaps Sunday, to make more pulled pork. Both are destined for the top loader.


I’ll be performing at the Pioneer BBQ tomorrow with Lynn and maybe others. It’s a downtown Halloween event, Treats on Main Street. 3-6 pm, 13 shops participating, a safe trick or treat alternative for the kids and a general happening.


There were more reactions to the Moderna booster, a very sore right thumb that took extensive massaging to relieve. But there haven’t been any intense reactions in the last 24 hours, so hopefully I’m out of the woods. I don’t mind some side effects to achieve a degree of immunity, but there are limits to my patience.


The chicken/broccoli/rice is history. I got a supply of quick fix for occasional variety platters. Steak fingers, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, popcorn shrimp, curly fries, onion rings. Not an every day thing by any means, but a way to celebrate new freezer space by filling it up again. And I didn’t get the trashy kind, I got quality.


It’s still breezy outside, not as bad as when the front came through, but the leaves are still bouncing about. Today is the last day for it. Blue skies, zero cloud cover. Cool nights, moderate days. Dew point continues to be down in the 30s. Not too bad.

Rages

Posted on Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 at 2:31 pm

A storm system blew through town this morning, dropping around half an inch of rain behind door-slamming winds. The rains have departed, leaving blue skies in their wake, but the wind continues, though slightly abated. Trees are still dancing. Doors and windows are shut, furnace inactive, temp rising to about 80°F.


At the same time as the flurry, my respiratory system was screaming with a reaction to the vaccination. Prior to that, I thought I was getting off easy with only a sore arm and a very mild headache. A wild morning, to say the least. I can feel a slight residual, but it abated to bearable levels within 20 minutes. This one has turned out slightly stronger than #2. Sleep helps.


I got the freezers squared away.
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Prepared foods.
Top loader, w/ ice, butcher shop proteins.


Yes, three cartons of Blue Bell, Strawberry Cheesecake, Coconut Cream Pie, Homemade Vanilla (for the strawberry puree). The onion rings in the door is a milestone trophy, something I could never justify with a single freezer. Curly fries are next, along with breaded finger steaks, fried cheese sticks, etc. Call it “showing-off platters”, a mix of six or seven quick fix finger food items to a plate. Not a steady staple, rather a novelty meal every now and then.


The bags in the top loader are (bottom, L to R) roasted chicken quarters, steaks, ground chuck, (top) marinated pork tenderloin and ham, turkey. The sorted bags of bags makes finding stuff much easier, and nothing gets top loader lost down at the bottom. No ice trays for the winter, loading the ice bin from the bags with the scoop. Fingers stay much warmer. The wood mallet arrived yesterday, perfect timing, nice mallet.


Chores are done. I have the rest of the day off. Lunch was the chicken/broccoli rice dish, quite satisfying. Dinner TBD. Poundcake with strawberry puree and whipped cream for the afternoon snack.

Cov Potion Number Three

Posted on Monday, October 25th, 2021 at 11:38 am

I had my Moderna booster at 10 am. They were running a little late, but not too late. So it’s done and scratched off of the todo list. I took care of chores last night (except laundry, freezer transfer, and cooking, none being time sensitive). So I’m good to kick back and sleep off the injection.


I’m not sure just what kind of reaction to expect. I’m tending to look more at #2 than #1, since my body has been trained to react. I doubt if it will be as strong, considering the time factor and half dosage. Nothing overt yet, but it takes a few hours.


I turned on the AC, as the forecast shows 89°F as a high. And dew point is 73°F. Very light breeze. It’s getting to be on the muggy side. I want to be as comfortable today as possible.

Diphenhydramine

Posted on Sunday, October 24th, 2021 at 6:07 pm

Gobbling benadryl for the skeeter bites I got while cleaning out the top loading freezer on the back porch. It is currently plugged in and cooling down…


I just got a couple of 16 lb bags of crushed ice, both as ice for my drinks and as thermal ballast. I had four 2 gallon ziplocks for steak, ground chuck, chicken quarters, and pork tenderloin/ham. I got 24 more bags on the store run I just made (flautas, gouda, bacon, ice).


I scheduled the Moderna injection for 9:40 am, early in the day. The ragweed reaction has settled down, so let the antibodies rage anew. Gitt’r done. Then comes the flu shot.


The rib eye and avocado are history. Had the second round last night. Yum. Making use of the easy fix and eating bread until I get the chicken/broccoli/rice made tonight. Too warm for a big cook until later in the week.


Mid 80s outside as the sun sinks. Dew point about 70°F. Not too bad, but not dry. Managed to get by without the AC. Not complaining as long as I’m sitting still.

blink

Posted on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 at 4:00 am

I slept eight hours with one short break, to take my meds. The ice in my drink had fully melted when I woke. I can’t remember the last time that I was out for that long. Blame it on the gold potato/rib eye/bacon/gouda/avocado. I have to say that I feel better for the sleep, so I obviously needed it. Myka was glad to see me coming around. (Not sure if it was because she was happy to see me stirring or because she got to grab the LZB2 for herself.)


The ragweed pollen reaction has subsided. Upper sinuses are still a tad puffy, but the rest of my respiratory tract is much improved. Glad to be on this side of it.


Weather has been lovely, windows staying open for over three days straight. Sunny, comfortable, long soaks in the tub weather. That hasn’t helped ease the pollen, but I would have had the antibody response regardless.


I missed the jam on Thursday. It just wasn’t in the cards. There was too much to do to get ready, and I wasn’t up to it. And my throat was in no condition for singing. I stayed at home and took it easy.


Not much going on while my body has been adapting. Low key across the board.

Rag, momma, rag

Posted on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021 at 9:34 pm

I looked at the ragweed levels, and they are quite high. My throat and sinuses have been nagging me the last few days, and the pollen is probably a fair part of the lethargy I’m feeling, enough to tip the scales. I’m not allergic, but there is an adaptation period where the antibodies need to adapt.


So I’m useless during the nicest weather I’ve seen since May. I have decided not to attend the jam, as my voice is affected. No sense in pressing my luck and going through the routine of prep and making matters worse.


Almost done with the pulled pork. The rib eye has further to go. Been leaning toward alternatives, as both are capable of lasting in the fridge. Fish and shrimp, chicken fajita, thinking pizza or pot pie tonight, or a baked potato. Bread and gouda… Something without prep.


Watching Pirates of the Caribbean series.

Tuesday twiddles

Posted on Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 at 1:32 pm

Things are hanging before me, like doctor, dentist, and vet visits, truck repairs, and more, and I can’t seem to get interested in them. It’s not depression, it’s just more aches and pains, side effects, lack of stamina, my body’s desire to remain in a state of rest. Part is an uncertainty in the remainder of the year, whether there will be exile and when. Lots of unanswered questions making it difficult to plan anything long term.


The weather is nice, sunny and mild, dew point around 60°F. It’s perfect weather for swapping out the alternator. But getting the momentum up and going just isn’t happening.


There is not a lot of problems with my chemistry. Things feel balanced. I’m not worried about the blood tests. That part of my health is good. It’s joints, nerves, and sedation from the hypertensives. Within my limits, I’m capable, but exceed my limits, and I have to sit and recover for longer than I can sustain. Progress by the drop.


Other than that, things are pretty slow. I can handle the day-to-day, cooking, shopping, cleaning, bit by bit, it slowly gets done. It’s getting out on the road and making schedules that needs work to make it happen.


Moderna boosters look as if they’ll be approved this week. But there are still plenty of ifs and whens involved there.


Things could be worse. Pulled pork, rib eye, green chili tamales, and more makes up the main menu, but lots of alternatives. And the LZB2 is quite comfy (to a fault). The windows are open, a nice breeze freshening the house. I don’t want to sound like life is terrible, it’s not. It’s just challenging, and I’m not up to the challenges.

Ribi

Posted on Sunday, October 17th, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Ribi

Thaw

Posted on Saturday, October 16th, 2021 at 10:27 am

Boudin, pulled pork, and a hefty rib eye are in the kitchen sink, beginning to thaw. Jambalaya will be next, but that will be a few days away. The rest of the month looks to be mostly 80s/60s. Most likely, the AC will not be on, and moderate weather dishes will prevail. Cooler weather dishes will wait until November.


Thinking of a light store run. Used up the last of the fresh litter. A little of this and that, but nothing really dire. I’m still well stocked and need to eat certain items from the freezer before they burn.


I canceled the Apple Arcade trial early this morning. Storage has been paid, all bills cleared for the month. Internet is covered fully for another month from the refund. I have a doctor appointment and blood draw (fast) I need to arrange, covered by insurance. I will also get a Moderna booster. Myka needs her vaccinations, and those will cost. By and large, not counting LZB2, it has been a frugal month.


Falling behind on software updates and digital house keeping. I hope to get some done this weekend. None has been direly needed, but it is piling up.

Violet skies

Posted on Friday, October 15th, 2021 at 1:20 am

I landed a used Kenmore 5 cu ft top loading freezer to catch the overflow of the kitchen freezer, as well as hold a couple of 16 lb bags of ice. It can hold the recipe items like chicken quarters, pork loin/tenderloin, steaks, ground chuck, seafood, puree, etc. It would make a lot more room for the nuke and eat, ice cream, etc. I have been looking at wooden mallets for breaking up the bagged ice.


I’m back on the spronolactone, as I started showing a little edema, a sign that any accumulation had cleared my system. So I’ll see if the dizziness returns. I can feel it, but I wouldn’t call it dizziness yet.


The remnants of Pacific Hurricane Pamela dropped about 2.5 inches of rain Wednesday night/Thursday morning. But it has passed through, skies are clear, and we’re about to get another cool spell. It will drop from 90°F (Friday afternoon) to 46°F (Sunday morning). AC off, furnace on. Feline leg warmer for sleeping.


Apple Arcade trial gets canceled within the next two days, to prevent any payment being made. I wasn’t that impressed.


Chili and risotto are gone. The avocado, brisket chili, cheddar spuds were delightful. Contemplating what is next.
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The chili strata is well hidden.

Chronologically challenged

Posted on Tuesday, October 12th, 2021 at 1:04 am

Time is passing without much connection to progress. I have been intending on making avocado brisket chili cheese spuds for fourteen hours now, yet none have been brought into existence. It’s not a particularly difficult recipe, since the brisket chili is already made.


The dizziness has vanished with the skipping of spironolactone, now a third dose bypassed. Not sure what it is about diuretics that just doesn’t seem to agree with me. I’ll probably skip at least one more, give my body a chance for a full flush.


AC was off all day. The front blew out the humidity. So ambient interior has been the course of the day.


Not much going on. Chores have been next to non-existent, because I’ve been doing very little to make them happen.

Respud

Posted on Sunday, October 10th, 2021 at 7:57 pm

Made a store run this morning. Spuds, avocados (one almost ripe and one very green), bread, chips, flautas, macaroons. So now I can make avocado brisket chili cheese spuds. Two more dogs to go.


I opened the Blue Bell Coconut Cream Pie. It’s good, but I like the pie better. Goes well with the chocolate dipped macaroons on the side.


AC got turned on at 8:30 am because of humidity. Dew point is currently at 76°F. It’s likely to stay on all night.


I skipped the spironolactone last night, and the dizziness is gone. So I figure a couple of days without should clear any residual excess. I’m keeping a watch on my calves for swelling.


A slow day. No chores other than Myka.

It’s not not again.

Posted on Saturday, October 9th, 2021 at 11:13 am

Dizziness is subsiding. Still a touch of fuzz, but no balance or spinning issues. I think I narrowed it down to the spironolactone, which I can drop for a few days if it returns or persists.


Fortunately, the chore list did not expand. Part of that was my inactivity not making for anything to clean up, other than the risotto. Dishes and ice bin is it for now.


I am considering getting some french fries for the chili. And onion rings as a side. I still have all those five dollar bills stuffing my wallet. Dairy Queen is a block over. But it’s Saturday, and I have dogs in the meantime.


There is lots of sunshine today. Window in the office will most likely be closing during the noon hour.

Jammed

Posted on Friday, October 8th, 2021 at 9:56 am

I attended the jam last night. I slept right up until time, getting things together and arriving at the correct time. The usuals were there with the usual tunes. I didn’t follow, I only led, so my fingers were pressed to steel for 30 – 40 minutes in the two hours I played. I had a few toys with me from the percussion toy box, and they filled the rest of my time playing. I lasted until almost quitting time.


I brought home a tub of brisket chili. I have dogs, but no spuds. I’m debating a store run this morning before the weekend. Spuds, avocado, and… uh. I still need to make risotto. Lots of options here at home. Thinking spaghetti.


Been a little dizzy since last night. Might be a med side effect, since both of the hypertensives list it. Blood pressure looks okay. Sleeping helps, but doesn’t fully cure it. One reason that I’m debating a store run. I finished the baked potato soup, and I’m not that eager for a fresh bag of spuds. Nothing on sale that attracts me all that much.


There is a 6 -7 hour stretch today where AC is probable. I expect to be sleeping for part of that.


I want to get in another exploratory session on the Akai MPK mini. I’m down to buttons, process selection, function mapping. There’s still an avalanche of details, but it’s the one remaining basic that will unlock the details. But that is for later. I’m still in idle after the jam last night.

LZB2

Posted on Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 at 8:59 am

I was under the impression that the price I paid for the LZB2 was not the least expensive, being from a local store. Turns out, I was incorrect. I was incapable of finding any lower price online. Okay…


I added a standard bath towel under the top pillow, and it adjusted the head angle properly. When it gets broken in, I probably won’t need it. It’s comfortable enough, and it will only get better. A little different than old blue. Higher, easier to stand up, foot rest is a big plus, and the ratchet works.


Myka has taken to it, after she got to use the blanket over my legs. That made her feel at home, so she moved in.


Chore are done. I need to make risotto, a good morning for it. Nothing else on the todo list.


The flautas suffered a $1 price jump. I think they crossed the critical price line for me. They’re nice and easy, but not that nice and easy. Lots of good breakfasts for less. I opened the last packs this morning. I don’t need breakfast anyway, it’s more a ritual to eat before going to sleep.


That’s about it. Getting the chairs swapped to a quick routine pretty much dominated the day.

It followed me home.

Posted on Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 at 12:30 pm
Astor Recliner Rocker in charcoal.

Blow out

Posted on Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 at 8:41 pm

The La-Z-Boy blew out a rocker, which I can repair, but it’s time for a new one. Astor Recliner Rocker in charcoal. I expect to buy one tomorrow. For now, I have a brick under the edge of the chair, a makeshift solution.


Otherwise, it’s been an uneventful Sunday. The dew point is dropping, so the AC just got shut off and the office window and door opened. Myka appreciates that, ears akimbo.


A few chores remain, 2 forks, 2 spoons, and a ladle to wash (all rinsed). Bath, laundry, ice bin later tonight. Not a lot to do.


Been playing on the MIDI keyboard, now that my nails are trimmed. Learning to sync stuff between the controls and the DAW. Still lots of process to take in and define. I’ll get there. I need to dig up the manual.


The Egee is playing well, as long as it’s not too loud, where the harmonics get muddy.


Blue Bell didn’t rotate either Strawberry Cheesecake or Coconut Cream Pie out of the line up this month. They have really slowed things down.

Stringer, A Long

Posted on Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 at 3:13 am

In the process of adding new strings to the Egee. Four are on the keys, eight to go, then stretch and tune. Taking a break from the action, which started with removal, then polish, then string insertion at the bridge. It’s my last set of M190 (Martin). Ever. I have a MSP6400 (phosphor) and four MA190 SP.


Stringer, A Long is from Big Time Fishing, the wife of Fuller Stringer. Her maiden name was Anastasia Long, but she hated Anastasia, so she went by simply A (pronounced ah, so as not to be confused with hey). When married, she became A Long-Stringer. But Fuller wouldn’t let her get a driver license, because her name would appear as Stringer, A Long (string her along). The longest A string was the last one I keyed before the break.


It’s October, and it started off raining. Most of the rain moved east, but a small rain cloud hung around town like a lost puppy that decided you’re the one. It dropped 2.2″ after the 2.6″ we got on the 29th.


A third of the baked potato soup is gone (3 quarts total, 1 down, 2 to go). Plenty else in the fridge and freezer.


Payday came and went, nothing happening to mark its presence. The emergency perks are still there, sans the smallest one that expired.


I need to make doctor appointments for both me and Myka. I may get as many needles as she will.




The Egee is in tune again (at least temporarily). Looks pretty too.