A quietly productive day

For a quiet day, I got quite a bit done. Got the phone changed over from $99 a month on AT&T to $45 a month on Straight Talk, even kept my phone number. It went smoothly, almost too easy. It was working within a half hour and being an iphone with the latest OS, I didn't even have to setup the data. I went from 300 roll over minutes (that I have never used up) and 5 gig of data and no texting to unlimited minutes, texting and data. For half the cost. Other than the name on the screen in the upper left corner, I see no difference in service. Same towers, same service.

I did waste a little time trying to log in to AT&T to close out my account, but apparently it is closed automatically when the number is ported. It doesn't say that anywhere. It would have been nice to know. 

Beautiful day, in the 80's, not a lot of humidity. I got my walk in early, before it got too hot. The lake was beautiful this morning.

After I got back from my walk, I put a new battery in Ody's CO detector. Then went back to the hardware store and bought a roll of screen to cover the jury rigged front door of the building. Now that is is warm, I want to be able to leave that door open without all the bugs getting in at night. I just stapled the screen on, it will be fine temporarily.  I refuse to spend any more money than absolutely necessary. The screen cost $8.

I have a temporary solution to the house battery inaccessibility. Ordered two 12v outlets that can be hard wired to the battery with quick disconnects so I can hook them up when needed. One even has a 25ft extension so it can be used further away from the rig. Will work fine until I can get the solar and converter installed and the whole rig running off solar. I told Mike that he could help me with that. When I finally get the stuff ordered, I will have it sent to him in Wisconsin so it will be there when I get there. 

I also checked the hot water, it is no longer hot. Apparently, it is dual powered and it must have been getting some juice from somewhere. Still not sure which switch it is, but I think I have them all off now. My guess is that the switch was on and it heated the water while the generator was running. 

This afternoon I went back to Mings and bought the rest of the little US magnets they had. I figure someone else might like my idea. They only had three left and she gave them to me for $1.50 each.

So, I don't know if it is the heat, all the changes, or the metformin working out of my system, but yesterday and today I have been really tired. Lethargic, no energy, no ambition.  I seem to be happiest in front of the fan in my chair. I hope it isn't the lack of meds. My numbers have increased slightly, but not a lot. I still check every morning. My A1C will be the tell tho. It's only been a couple of weeks, so we will give it a few more and see what happens.

Maiden voyage

 Well, I'm back. I am very happy to be back online and not have to worry about how much power I am using or how much data. All in all, it was a success. I learned a lot, wasn't far from home, and I got help when I needed it.

I figured out how to put the window screens in and out. 

This was the view from my door. The grass has gotten tall already. It was actually a pain in the ass setting up in the tall grass. But it got done.

I used the window discs instead of the front cover because I wanted to leave the screens uncovered.

I took off around 7 AM yesterday. Gassed up the rig, and then stopped at Mings and had the propane tank filled. From there I went and parked in the field. I couldn't get it very level, but then again, I didn't drive all over the place looking for a level spot. I wanted to be near the trees, and in reality, that is probably the most level spot anyway. We were a little tilted towards the passenger side, but I worked with it. 

Got the screen house set up. Lots and lots of bugs. Black flies, deer flies, mosquitos, you name it. they were there. And mayflies. Lots and lots of mayflies. I had my zapper, so I got the worst of them out of the screen house.  I set up my new Coleman tables and my LL Bean chairs for the first time.I'm very happy with both. 

I ran the generator off and on several times thru the day. The laptop, phone and ipad were chewing up batteries and I couldn't keep them charged. I eventually hooked them into the front via the 12v adapters. Unfortunately, that killed the coach battery. I didn't discover that until fairly late, and I begged on FB for someone to come give her a jump, but ended up calling Bruce who showed up about 10:15. After he left, I ran her for a while and hoped she would start this morning.

I crashed about 11. Thought I was going to have problems sleeping, but I didn't. I'm surprised. The bed isn't that comfy, strange place, no fan, etc. Plus, I missed Kali Cat.

I fired up the generator at lunch time and had some nachos. I had my cold pork chop and a salad for dinner. Watched a couple of episodes of Vexed on my ipad, but was concerned about the amount of data I was using, plus, it was hooked up to the 12v coach battery. 

I was ready to pack it up and head out at 5 AM this morning, but everything was dew covered so I had to wait until it dried out some. Packed it up and headed out. Arrived back here just about 9 AM.

Kali Cat was very happy to see me. I missed her and she missed her evening canned food last night. I have most everything unloaded and put away, but still need to deal with the bathroom bucket.

For the most part, I was bored. Without my electronics, I didn't have much to do. There was no beach, no other people to visit with, no place to walk to. I did go around the block, but walking up the hill in the field about did me in. The next time I go out, I will not travel without my jump starter. I could self jump with the generator, and could keep my ipad and iphone charged up, and recharge the jumper with the generator. I need a solar setup too. The generator works fine, but it is stinky and noisy. It is quiet as far as generators go, but when it is running, you know it. 

The only other complaint I have is the screen house zipper doors. Unzip, zip, unzip, zip, unzip, zip...over and over, always with my hands full. Just too many bugs due to the tall grass. 

It definitely wasn't a negative experience, but it wasn't 100% positive either. Gonna try again, somewhere else this time. Not sure when or where, but will let you know.

Maiden voyage, first camp

Got Ody back after 6 PM last night. Too late to load up and take off. I did load up the stuff I had set aside and decided to get an early start today. Gassed her up, got the propane filled at Mings, and I should be good for a while.

I'm wishing I hadn't sold my weed whacker, the grass here is quite tall. But I will manage. I am setup. The screen house is perfect and still whole. Won't be using the awning here. Not sure if I am staying one night or two.

I have been for my walk, the last of it about killed me, it was all uphill..I don't have to do it again until tomorrow. I'm good for the day. Time for some lunch. Today it will be nachos.

It was another beautiful day. In the upper 70's. Got my walk in somewhat early.

Spent some time promoting the stuff I already have for sale, and trying to figure out what else I can sell so that I can pay the bills for another month or two. It is getting pretty slim. I have already sold so much. I guess if no one bites on the pile of stuff next door soon, I will have to start piecing it out on eBay. I really didn't want to do that, but I need to make some money to replace what I am spending on Ody this week. She is taking about half of what I have left and I don't know how long before the closing. It is getting very, very tight.

They came and put in the additional ground water test wells yesterday. One on this side, and a couple on the other. I'm hoping that means we are getting closer and closer. I really hate that my life's path is being determined by some corporation, and the never ending waiting.

Since Ody is finally going to be legal and the weather is looking pretty good for Saturday and Sunday, I am thinking about taking her out for the weekend. I'm gathering stuff, making a list...even tho I have loaded a lot of stuff, there isn't much for day to day necessities. The list is getting quite long and I have started a pile of stuff. She is supposed to be done some time tomorrow.

I'm going to spend some time today updating my Toshiba laptop and make her ready for travel. I haven't used it since last fall, and everything needs to be updated and I need to transfer my favorites and passwords and stuff. That will take up a good part of the day. I need to get my walk in before the rain starts too.

I made a decision

I decided that Ody was no good if I couldn't use her. I didn't dare take her anywhere with the ancient tires, without having the brakes checked and without a valid inspection sticker. Took her down to Brett's on Meadow Street after stopping in to see if he could do the work. Thinking more and more about selling the car again. Can come up with some other way to carry the extra stuff. It is a calculated risk spending that money now. Lets hope the closing is soon....very soon.

I did feel a bit of separation anxiety. A little concerned about her being out there on the back road at night all by herself. I made sure she was locked up and mentioned my concern to Brett. He said he would keep her locked. Brett says he can do everything I need done, and I should have her back by Friday. Then Kali Cat and I can take her out for an over night or two.

Since I was walking back, I took my water bottle and my camera. There wasn't really much to see, but I did get a few pics.

These are all on Meadow Street. Once I hit the main road there was nothing to shoot.

I wasn't sure how I was going to handle the walk. To me it seemed like a long way. But I started up Map My Walk and measured it. It is just about the same distance as my regular walks, just in one direction instead of a round trip. It was hot. 90 degrees, slightly uphill, and sun all the way. But I managed, made good time and I had the foresight to bring a water bottle. Although unscrewing the stopper on the aluminum bottle every time I wanted a drink was a pain in the butt. Especially while managing the bulky, hard to carry camera. I need to start carrying my pocket camera again.

It was a beautiful day. I spent most of the afternoon in front of the fan reading. Too warm to be in the sun for any length of time. I do feel like I am spending way too much time indoors tho. After the miserable winter and spring, I hate to be inside when it is nice out. But it was just a little too nice. 

We didn't get the severe thunderstorms that were predicted. Although today is going to be cloudy and a chance of showers. Pretty much what we have had all spring. Saturday and Sunday look good, that might be a good time to take Ody out for the first time. 

I thought we were making progress

I thought we were making progress and getting closer to a closing date, but yesterday I saw the site engineer marking spots to sink more ground water test wells next door  :(  To me, that is a step backwards. I'm beginning to think I am never going to get out of here, never get Ody road ready, and that nothing is ever going to change. It makes me want to cry. I am so sick of waiting and not being able to do anything about it. 

I need money to make Ody safe and road worthy. She needs all new tires, seven of them, her brakes need to be fixed, and she needs an oil change, hoses checked, and an inspection before I can take her anywhere. So here I sit, waiting, with a 25k rig that I can't even use. So I am now thinking it is time to break out a credit card and have the work done, and try to sell enough stuff to cover the costs or at least the monthly payments. I don't have much cash left, just what I made in my yard sales, so I can't use that, need it to pay bills since I have no income of any kind.

Yesterday was a beautiful day, in the 80's and sunny all day. I went for my walk around 11, the water was like glass. Lots of things to see and I didn't have my camera. I really should know better than to step outside the door without the camera, but it is so big and bulky and not easy to carry, so I leave it at home most of the time. I ended up grabbing my camera after I got back and going back out. Of course, by then, we had picked up a breeze and the water was no longer glassy and I had to go all the way to the end of the path making it a second walk. Still got some decent shots tho.

The loon caught itself a fish. You can just about see it in his bill. A couple of swallows and it was gone.

Thousands upon thousands of minnows along the shoreline, the whole distance.

And the geese have babies! Four little goslings. They were much closer on my first walk, but still half way decent pics. 

I try to keep myself and my mind busy. Quiet times lead to thinking and thinking leads to frustration and eventually depression. I try not to think how much I still miss Jake every day, I try not to think about the four plus years I have been waiting to get out of here, I try not to think about how alone I am. I just try not to think. 

Patience