tommw: Recent Episodes
Nathan Lowell
It was really too late before I was able to hit the sidewalk this morning, but I went anyway. I didn’t die, made it all the way home on my own, and even had a complete audio file when I got here.
So. Win?
Glucose. No Man’s Sky. Heat. So much heat.
That’s what was curling up from my ears when I got back and realized the recording had stopped on me. Again. Unlike the previous problem where the file just disappeared leaving the podcatcher running, this one probably because I moved just right so one of the side buttons on the phone – that was in my pocket (when will I learn) – triggered it to pause just a couple of minutes into the walk.
So. Blue Day. I walked. I talked. I just don’t have the file to share.
A 3-day tomorrow, but Monday is another day.
It was warm but the breeze felt good. Talked about the usual – glucose, No Man’s Sky, Roger. Trying to move the day along cuz I got things to do.
Almost chilly. Talked about the same stuff as yesterday. Glucose, Roger, No Man’s Sky. The signoff got a little rushed because a delivery pulled up to the driveway while I was trying to end the recording. Talk about your Early Birds!
A slow start but a cool day. Mid-50s and mostly cloudy kept the walk comfortable.
I talked Wandering Inn, No Man’s Sky, and Fallout New Vegas.
I managed to get a full recording, even stopping to take a picture along the way.
Talked podcatchers, glucose, No Man’s Sky, and concern over lack of sleep.
Me. Swearing at the recording app.
It was working. I checked it at minute 19. Four minutes later it wasn’t running and whatever had been recorded was gone. I don’t know if I’m doing something, if it just doesn’t like my pocket because it triggers a side button, or what.
But you didn’t miss much. Me freaking out over my heart rate going through the roof and a lot of silence because I couldn’t think of anything to say.
Maybe tomorrow.
I really can’t afford to let this day get by, if only for my glucose reduction program. I talked about glucose, No Man’s Sky, Wandering Inn, and whatever other foolishness that escaped.
Recording malfunction. No talk today after I sweated my shirt off on the walk to do it. 3-Day tomorrow. We’ll try again on Friday.
Talked reading, writing, and No Man’s Sky. Also, when I went to sign off, I noticed the recording stopped at 18 minutes. It’s possible I did that when I pulled the phone out of my pocket. Equally likely that it cut out earlier. In any event, it’s there.
The cat got me up just before 5 which almost gave me enough time to get out there to greet the dawn. At least I only missed it by a few minutes and didn’t have much by way of bright sun to heat me up more.
Talked glucose, No Man’s Sky, and Soldier’s Life. Again.
Got a good night’s sleep, which meant I got out later than I would have liked.
Talked finger sticks, No Man’s Sky, Soldier’s Life, and (very briefly) the characters sloshing around in my brain that need to find their way to paper.
Talked too much about glucose, a little about No Man’s Sky, how good a story the Dawn of Mankind book 2 is, and a little about Soldier’s Life – along with the usual observations about conditions.
Got out before breakfast again. Glad I did because the overnight clouds have already started burning away.
Talked about glucose, Soldier’s Life, and watching TV while cooking. Spent some time not talking.
It was 72F before the sun got up. It’s much warmer than that now. I got delayed by bread baking but when the dough is ready, it doesn’t wait.
Talked a little No Man’s Sky, Dawn of Mankind #2, and the various plants along the way.
Lovely cool morning before breakfast walk, trying to beat the heat. Just that 20-30 minutes earlier made a big difference.
Talked about No Man’s Sky, In Plain Sight, and being invited into a story rather than being hustled in like a used car salesman eager for the sale.
Talked about my latest potato starter efforts and Cassio Ferriera’s Card Slinger series.
A water main break last night really underscored how thin this shell of civilization is. I talked about that among other things.
Hot. Didn’t make it out as soon as I should have but walked anyway. Whined about it for 20 minutes.
Also Henry’s Harbor 4 is pretty good. After a bit of a rocky start it’s asking some interesting questions.
They just complain.
Not much to talk about this morning. Nice cool morning thanks to an early start. Henry’s Harbor Book 4, No Man’s Sky. Saw the coach. Normal morning ramble.
I probably should have gotten up at 4:30 instead of going back to sleep. I paid for the extra snooze in sweat on the sidewalk.
Talked about Henry’s Harbor, No Man’s Sky, and gave a nod to Roger. Mostly it was just hot.
I have no idea why the podcast is not updating. I only just now realized that I do not have a link to the RSS feed obvious on the site. I just added it to the Sidebar.
In case you’re wondering it’s https://www.nathanlowell.com/tommw/feed/podcast/
Talked a bit about the heat, some about Roger and the process. Nothing about No Man’s Sky unless it was a passing reference that I forgot. Saw a nice lady on a trike and talked to the woman who manages that corner garden that I like. She’s not terribly happy with the grass.
Thirteen minutes in, the recording stopped and I didn’t catch it until I was almost home again.
3-day tomorrow. Talk to ya Friday.
Walked anyway. I’m going to need a clean (dry) shirt.
Talked about podcasting, the trees, and the development of the intermediate wheat grass on the way.
Lots of fireworks litter around. No sign of fires, so that’s a relief.
Talked about Roger, the morning, and whatever else crossed my mind.
Except I need to make this much less slacker and much more whacker, as in get a whack-ton of stuff done to catch up on the month already in progress.
Talked about that along with Andrew Karevik’s Henry’s Harbor and too much No Man’s Sky. I need to pick up some of my litter there and focus a bit. Also talked some about Roger. He and I need to have a long talk today.
And the livin’ is easy. Sorta.
Talked about baking bread at 3am, sleeping late, walking in the morning heat, and visiting Roger yesterday. The movie in my head keeps stuttering but at least it seems to be coming back. Perhaps like an old black and white silent film, but there.
First day of the new month. I’m raring to go. Walking fast this morning to make it back before the tech arrives to clean up our AC compressor.
Talked about The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Country Gardening. Oh, my, what a fun read. After the last few books, this was a bright drink of clear water on a hot afternoon. I’m into book 2 already.
Not a perfect month. Too many Blue Days, but I got the 40 miles in. Even in the heat of summer, most of them were outside.
Talked NMS too much. It’s getting more tedious than rewarding. The grind loop, while wide, is becoming something of a bore.
Lots of fires on the Western Slope funneling smoke into the region.
I talked about the heat, writing, marketing, and the heat. Did I mention the heat? Yes.
When I started the walk, it wasn’t raining. Cloudy. Threatening, sure.
At the mid-point when I turned on the recorder, I was pretty wet. Not exactly dripping but definitely rained on.
Something happened at 8 minutes in and the recorder paused. Again.
So. Blue day. I walked. I talked. But I was the only one to hear it.
I was reading. Bad move to open a good book over breakfast. I paid the price in sweat.
Talked about Robert M. Kerns’s Shepherd Security Agent series, whined about award winning books, and just generally anything else that occurred to me, as I’m wont to do.
Humidity, not quite rain although I expect some.
Talked about Roger, No Man’s Sky, and suburbia.
It was pretty and chilly when I started but I worked up a sweat before it was over. Talked about nothing much at all.
80F when I woke up. It didn’t cool off any all day. Worked the treadmill in the afternoon to safeguard the 3-day.
My eye doctor’s office is right on the corner where I start the recording. So I timed the walk to get me there in time for my annual checkup. The walk after was a little warmer than I would have liked but I enjoyed the economy of it all.
Talked about bread, McKittrick’s Homestead Crafter, and why I’m holding up on putting more words down – although I think the fallow period might be coming to an end. NMS is becoming repetitive and not in a good way.
I got out late today. Waited for the rain to move off. Talked about NMS and the Walker and Cooper book Dawn of Mankind. Among other things.
I got out early. Nice cool morning, almost chilly. Wind in my beard.
And a recording that shut down about 8 minutes into the walk. I have no idea why it does that.
So no talk today. Maybe tomorrow.
Multiple crews due later this morning. Added impetus to get out and back before the day heated up.
Talked about the work that’s planned, No Man’s Sky, and Dave Dobson’s Kenai.
Slept in. Beautiful night’s sleep for a change but up-shot is that I didn’t get going early this morning. It’s already coming up on “broiling” season.
Talked about yesterday’s bread, why NMS turning into a grind is a good thing, and how I’m done trying to do what other people say I should.
Temp was about the same as yesterday. Just with no clouds. And high, cold winds. Luckily I generated enough body heat to keep frostbite at bay.
Usual stuff. Spammers, No Man’s Sky, city ordinances. You know. Just rambling on my ramble.
I managed to get out before it got beastly but the temp went up 6 degrees in just the 40 minutes I was out. Talked about No Man’s Sky and SFWA (since I was reminded of them because it was Nebula weekend).
I said that word too many times this morning. Seems like everything is interesting.
Talked No Man’s Sky, why I like mornings, and general commentary on the day.
Mostly talked about No Man’s Sky, wanting to write a better book instead of just the next one.
Also remembered KKR’s name once I stopped trying to think of it.
Sure, the month is still young but I’m choosing to take the positive outlook. Getting off on the right foot. Not literally, because I don’t really know whether I start with the right or the left. It’s just a metaphor.
Talked too much No Man’s Sky, a little about finishing off the Library Rebooted series, the Stargazer’s War series, and looking for more good self-published space opera.
First day. I just need to keep going.
Talked too much about No Man’s Sky and my potato starter failure.
I managed to pull it off. I’m hoping that my headspace will be better for the coming month. I just need to focus on each morning as it comes. Getting out early is the key this time of year.
Talked too much about No Man’s Sky, Blues Is the Truth, and the state of the growth around the neighborhood. I’m particularly interested in the still-feral rye growing next to the sidewalk. I might engage in a little covert gardening with some of those seed heads.
Yeah. You know that’s because I screwed up yesterday. So it goes.
Talked a lot about No Man’s Sky and the Next book.
…are still miles.
I’ve gotten back on track with my walking cycle. Just done it all inside.
The treadmill is saving my month in terms of walking. Talking? Not so much.
I am still upright and taking nourishment, but I’m one day down that I’ll need to make up…
Managed to beat the worst of the heat. Talked about No Man’s Sky, Roger, and my dissatisfaction with the space opera samples I’ve been reading.
I need to make this more of a habit. There’s no time to wait around if I’m going to get some air before the morning hits the 80s. I may have to start walking before breakfast. Or find a protein snack I can scarf before I leave.
Talked a lot about how I missed walking outside for one reason or another. I’ve entered the “walk before 8 or walk on the treadmill” period off the year. Also talked about Satisfactory, Enshrouded losing my interest, and No Man’s Sky being the latest obsession.
Technical note: The recording seems to have lost 2 minutes just before the sign-off. Either I was walking really fast or something. I caught it when I went to save the file but didn’t realize it might have cut out a couple of minutes. Sorry about that.
Another blue day. I tangled up the morning and smacked into 86F weather before noon. Afternoon got claimed by family business and I had to squeeze the treadmill in before fixing dinner.
3-day tomorrow but who knows what’ll happen on Wednesday.
I managed the treadmill this afternoon. Somebody else had the priority on my time today.
Maybe I can get out early tomorrow.
Wet morning. I talked about missing the walk yesterday entirely, fun with irrigation, plans for the day, and way too much about spud water bread and the various ways I combine flour, salt, water, and yeast.
TBF it was rain and snow all day. Expected to last into tomorrow. I did my 2 miles on the treadmill after dinner. Not that much fun but it was 2 miles. See you on the 7th with any luck at all.
I caught myself not talking much. When I talked, it was about Enshrouded, bread, and potato yeast for the most part.
I baked way too much bread yesterday but finally broke through the sour dough barrier. My potato starter delivered a lovely soft and flavorful loaf. I’m looking forward to a sandwich for lunch. I probably talked too much about bread this morning.
So, the yard work isn’t completed yet, but I’ve done what I can do. I’m waiting on contractors to do the rest. Time to dig in again and get the month off on the right (or left) foot.
Talked about the landscaping, potato yeast, and bread in general.
I’ve got a heavy yard work project underway. I need to bring my rather overgrown landscaping into shape over the next week or so. It’s taxing my stamina so I’m sacrificing the walk for what amounts to “upper body day” for the next little while. This cycle (22-24) is already a bust. I suspect the next one (25-27) will be as well.
Yes, I’ve neglected it for too long and it’s catching up with me.
In a hurry this morning. Need to take the Kia in for service and wanted to get the walk in before I left.
Talked about games (Satisfactory and Enshrouded), music (Jazz After Dark), Tom Larcombe’s Sponsored System.
For those who celebrate. I got out before noon. Shoulda done it sooner. The days are getting too hot too fast. Talked too much about Satisfactory, potato yeast, Nautical Noobs by Ryan Rimmel, and the heat.
Unfortunately, my morning went by so quickly, I didn’t notice until lunch time.
I talked about sleep, Satisfactory, and what a lovely day it is.
Not quite finished up the Blues is the Truth episode. The traffic was quiet enough that I could hear most of it this morning. Talked about writing, walking, Satisfactory, and sleep robbing me of hours every day.
Rather a chilly one. I was slightly under dressed, but managed to work up a sweat anyway.
Talked Satisfactory, Wandering Inn, writing, and the lilacs. So many lilacs.
A bit sweaty but refreshing with the northerly winds. Lots of commentary on the weather and geeking out over my rye grasses.
Spent too much time talking about sprinting and getting into the writing. Lots of lilacs this morning, too.
The lilacs are in bloom all around the neighborhood. I talked a lot about them, baking bread this morning, and my troubles with posting.
I don’t know what I was doing yesterday but apparently “forgetting to publish the podcast” was on the list somewhere. I found it this afternoon.
What did I talk about? No idea.
Talked about reading, not so much about writing. Some about my eating habits which need to change. A lot about the changing season.
I may have had a few negative words but mostly positive talk about Satisfactory, writing (and my Practice), and the noisy trucks in front of my house.
Lots of blossoming trees. Talked about spending more time writing, reading By Any Other Name by Alesso, and listening to Sting’s “Brand New Day” album. I forget what else. I should probably keep notes.
I didn’t prank. With everything else going on, it seemed like more trouble that it was worth.
I talked about jury duty, Satisfactory, and the weather.
Got lost in my own head for a few minutes there.
Talked about trying to figure out what to wear to jury selection, wondering if I want to be selected or not. Also still reading Tunnel Rat, playing Satisfactory, and writing the Wizard’s Next.
No, I didn’t talk about it. I talked about having to report for jury selection on Monday, Satisfactory, Tunnel Rat, and the flowering trees along the way.
A chilly start, warm finish. A chilly, partly cloudy morning that I started too late but felt good getting it behind me.
Talked Satisfactory, Tunnel Rat 3, crab apples, and greening grasses.
(It was the Nebula Awards. Parsec Awards are for podcasting)
I got out just in the nick of time, I think. It’s supposed to get hot today. It was already too warm by half.
Talked too much about Satisfactory, Tunnel Rat, and crabapple trees.
Had to get the walk in before the day kicked my butt.
Talked too much about Satisfactory, a little about Tunnel Rat, and a bit about the leaves on the trees and the noisy city crew working outside my windows.
It seems silly to be worried about the heat in March, but the last few 90F days have me moving more into Summer Mode than Spring.
I besides the blossoms, grass, and leaves, I talked about Satisfactory, Next, and Tunnel Rat by Walrus King.
I cut off the ending when I reached in my pocket to get the phone so you missed hearing me talking about tomorrow being a 3-day but the day after isn’t. With any luck at all, I’ll talk to you then.
I also talked too much about Satisfactory, the dogwoods and crab apples. Not much else other than I really need to spend some time with Roger this afternoon.
Walking mid-day without sunblock. Not sure what I was thinking. Obviously, not very much.
Talked about Satisfactory 1.2, Warwick Eden’s Killswitch, and the odd bits and bobs of spring springing up.
Two treadmill days in a row. I didn’t get out this morning when it was a balmy 50F and now I’ve lost my window and don’t have the luxury of a stroll around the neighborhood.
A 3-day tomorrow when I’ll catch up on the other stuff I didn’t do. Maybe.
At least I’m writing again.
Thinking about “what happens next” has been a problem. I may have broken the logjam.
I talked about Satisfactory, Heretical Fishing, and writing again.
I don’t know where the fire is/was but the smoke was thick on the ground this morning. Weather service in Boulder issued an air quality alert for “out-of-state wildfires.” They weren’t kidding.
Music today: Delirium’s Karma album. Talked Satisfactory, Kindred of Kali, Heretical Fishing, and Satisfactory. Oh, and smoke.
Tech note: I realized the last few days were numbered incorrectly. I changed them to the right Day Number.
So was the weather.
Talked about Doc Coleman’s Kindred of Kali, more Satisfactory, and a lot about the wind.
It might have been afternoon here, but it’s a morning walk somewhere.
Talked about reading off the end of Towerbound, getting lost in Satisfactory, and a bunch of sidewalk stuff.
Just meandered along this morning. Listened to Squirrel Nut Zippers and finished the album. Still reading Towerbound and playing Satisfactory. Baked bread this morning before the sun was up.
I went to all the trouble to walk when it was still morning and then forgot to post until evening. Go figure.
Talked about the usual. I’m still worried about the lady who banged her head on the sidewalk. I probably should have walked her home.
Walking today doesn’t seem to have done any permanent damage. Yesterday’s voyage on the treadmill left me hurting. I almost didn’t walk but it was such a pretty day…
Talked about the usual stuff. Forgot to talk for part of it.
So good. Only the second day of the month but hey. I’ll take the win, no matter how small.
I talked about Satisfactory (again), Towerbound (again), and our voyage to the vet with Seamus.
Blathered about Towerbound, finishing with the Cat, looking forward to the next book, and – of course – some Satisfactory. Which I have not fired up today at all.
Soon, my precious.
Had to walk on a 3 day to make it happen but February only comes once a year.
Talked Satisfactory, Towerbound, and more Satisfactory.
Not that count. The monthly mile count. I’m at 38 miles right now with only 1 day left.
Talked about Satisfactory, Samson Chui’s Alchemist’s Retribution, and something else. Probably. No geese.
With 20-30mph winds, it would have been an impossible day to walk. Except the 62F temps made it possible.
Talked about Satisfactory, The Inn Side Shop, and Old Man’s Vines.
Yes, I walked on a 3-day to make up for derping out yesterday. I’ve managed to keep to my monthly goal on the treadmill but with a 60F morning, I really had no excuse not to walk outside. I’m glad I did.
Talked a little about Satisfactory, some about this new book I’m reading The Inn Side Shop, and our new resident – Seamus.
I had every intention of getting out into the sun.
Sadly, it was just another paving stone on the way to treadmill hell.
I remembered I needed to walk after the sun went down.
Maybe tomorrow.
I’ve reached that point of the day when I’m ready to take my nightly medication, slip into some flannel jammies, and crawl into bed for a little snooze.
And realize, it’s a 1-day. I should have walked.
Well, I understand the assignment…
The weather called for rain but I got out – and back – before it started. It’s still in the forecast and the sky looks threatening.
Talked about Satisfactory (of course), and the new book(s) I’m reading (Gnizak, Wizard’s Rise). I think I forgot to hit the Monk Post on the way by. I don’t remember it, but then, I frequently forget just seconds after having done it.
Got the grocery/pharmacy run in before walking (instead of after) and the day heated up a lot between the time I started out and the time I finally got back home.
Talked about Beautiful Garbage, Satisfactory (of course), and reading a book that was okay but not something I’m going to recommend.
To those who celebrate. A slow meander around the neighborhood this morning before I got sucked into another rabbit hole and lost the day. These early walks are just so much more satisfying, if only because it leaves the rest of the day for chasing rabbits — ah, for working. Yes, that’s it. Working.
I talked about the usual suspects and looking for a trading game. Finished up the Glyphwrights series (so far) and will be looking for something else.
With any luck, it won’t be bad luck that I got out at 7am.
Talked about Satisfactory, yeast, and Jeremy Fabiano’s Glyphywright Chronicles.
Had a little trouble getting going today but managed it get back on the sidewalk before noon.
Talked about Natalie McMaster’s fiddling, SD McKittrick’s Homestead Crafter, and – of course – Satisfactory and whether nuclear power is worth the trouble. It’s certainly not needed to “win” the game but maybe making extensive post game builds? I’m skeptical.
I meant to get out much earlier but ran into unforeseen delays all morning. Such is life.
I talked about Satisfactory, Homestead Crafter, and not leaving Amazon unless something serious happens.
Yes, it’s a 3-day but I lost yesterday somewhere. I think it’s in my other pants.
I talked about finishing this play through of Satisfactory, some thoughts about going forward, and what I want to accomplish next. Also talked about finishing Dahners’s Simple Magic stories and starting McKittrick’s Homestead Crafter series.
Sunny. Low 60s. Almost too warm but I was wearing an extra hoodie.
Talked about Laurence Dahner’s Mender Magic, Satisfactory (of course), and the dearth of geese. Too close to noon, probably.
I have no idea what’s going on with yesterday’s file. It might be fixed now, but I’m not holding my breath. Perhaps today’s post will be better.
I talked about the issue, Satisfactory and my search for More Powa, and Chatfield’s Resetting the Apocalypse. Might have mentioned future books.
I had to be up and out of the house around 9am so took the opportunity to walk outside. The treadmill is nice as a backup/last resort thing but walking outside is so much better for me.
Talked about Satisfactory, Resetting the Apocalypse, and the road crew patching up the potholes.
Yet Another Blue Day.
A tight schedule this morning bled into the afternoon and I lost my window to walk outside. I hit the treadmill. I managed to stay on track. Literally, in this case.
A great day for walking outside. First day of the next cycle. What’s not to love.
Talked about the last month, playing Satisfactory, and reading Kerns’s “The Shepherd.”
On this last 3-day in January, I can report that I got my 40 miles this month. I might make 42 with a walk outside tomorrow if tomorrow isn’t crappy.
The thing is that walking is the point. Getting my ass moving regularly and keeping up my balance and muscle mass so when the weather starts back toward spring instead of freezing, I’ll be ready to walk outside.
I’m honestly looking forward to “touching grass” as the kids used to say, but in the meantime, I’ve got the treadmill to keep my strength up.
I knew it wouldn’t last. Winter has truly arrived. I hope it doesn’t stay long.
I’m using the treadmill and kept the 2 out of 3 day schedule. It’s going well.
My treadmill is getting a workout this week. More single digits keeping me inside and walking on the endless band. No end in sight, I’m afraid, but the walking is happening.
I must have bumped the recorder somehow. I was out for the walk but the recording ended at 4 minutes.
Tomorrow is a 3-day but the day after isn’t.
Snow. I knew it was inevitable and even looked forward to getting to walk in it.
The reality has left me (pardon the expression) cold.
I’ll be on the treadmill again today because walking is more important than walking outside.
Not quite as bad as yesterday but bad enough that I took the Dreadmill for a spin instead of gambling on tomorrow.
30F and 30 mph with gusts to 40. I’m walking inside today. Discretion, valor, all that.
Had my bustle in a hustle, trying to make up for losing the morning. Talked about Jeremy Fabiano’s Ink and Intent, Satisfactory, Enshrouded, and a game to be named later.
The sky was, too. Talked about Satisfactory, Enshrouded, Jaxon Reed, and changing the furnace’s filter.
Riveting stuff.
Perhaps I’m back on track. Full morning already with a grocery run and walk behind me. Good thing, too. It’s almost lunch time.
Talked about the grocery run, Satisfactory, Enshrouded, and reading Jaxon Reed some more. There were geese.
Something in the air this morning. Or at least up my nose. Luckily the sneezes gave up after a bit.
Talked too much about Factorio, gave some lip service to Wandering Inn. Commented on the foliage and flowers, as one does.
It shoulda been a low key, pleasant day yesterday instead of what it was.
I made a haircut appointment for this morning. Talked about stuff but honestly I don’t remember what. Two different cats, fun with Linux secure shell, and possibly reading. I’m not sure.
After another extended dental visit, I came home to moving two honking pieces of furniture around in the basement to get the treadmill back into shape for the season to come.
Granted, not as cold as it’s going to be but I was under-dressed for “low 40s” and no sunshine.
Talked about fun with SSH, eating with no taste buds, homemade bread, and the trying day ahead with dental in a few minutes and then furniture arranging.
Luckily it’s a 2-day so not starting was never on the table. The weather changed dramatically over the course of 40 minutes. The fog and overcast dissipated by the time I made it around the loop.
I talked about Ed Nelson’s Cast in Time series again. I’m still working on transferring cassettes, although some of them aren’t in the best shape. Did not talk a lot about Factorio but I need to spend some time there today to keep on top of the factory.
Just barely crawling today but I made it around. Talked a little about Factorio, pulling audio from cassettes, and Ed Nelson’s Cast in Time series.
After yesterday’s hustle, this morning felt pretty laid back.
Talked about Noah Chinn’s series ender, Ed Nelson’s Cast in Time series. Gave a nod to the next volume of Wandering Inn and Factorio. I’m not thinking about what I might write next. No. I’m taking a break to enjoy the time when I don’t have a WIP burning my brain out.
Needed to get the walk in before my lab work.
Talked about fun with EFI, a little Factorio, and my gratitude over having the Cat on somebody else’s desk.
Probably talked too much about upgrading to Mint 22. Also mentioned book 3 in Noel Chinn’s Lost series, nodded at Factorio, and threaded my way past a whole bunch of road work.
Oh, and I reset my fast boot problem. Even with it off, the machine boots in like 2 seconds. The glowy keyboard makes me happy.
I lounged around the house this morning and got a late start.
Talked about the Cat, Factorio, Lost Souls, and more Factorio. This algebra problem should not be this difficult but I keep trying to do it in my head.
Saw the first red leaves of autumn this morning. A chilly one out there today.
Talked about the usual stuff. Factorio, what I’m reading (Lost Souls, Noah Chinn), the Cat beta feedback, and how I might teach novel writing. Weird thing to be thinking about but hey.
I didn’t think it was as rainy as it turned out to be. Bigger fool me, but it was a 2-day so…
Talked about the rain, Factorio (a little), reading (finished Fishing, started The Ghost Is Clear), and a bit about the Cat while I wait for beta reader feedback.
Paying attention to the “haiku autumn” season has made me see this first day of astronomical autumn in new light. Somewhat subdued and cloudy light this morning but the hints of autumn have been with me for some time.
I talked Factorio, Heretical Fishing, a bit about the Cat, and the effect of two out of three days.
A slow meander on top of a late start. Just as well, it was raining until just before sunrise.
Talked about Factorio too much, the Cat too little, and Haylock Jobson in passing. Spend some minutes talking about living the dream.
The dental excursion yesterday, while relatively uninspiring, still left me draggin’ my tail this morning. I got out, probably spent too much time walking-not-talking, but it’s a 1-day and I did The Thing.
Talked about Heretical Fishing, Factorio, and a little about the state of the Cat.
Temps in the 40s this morning. The season is definitely turning.
I talked about Ghost Mortem, beta readers for the Cat, and Factorio, along with the normal maundering about my wandering.
I didn’t see that coming. Obviously. Didn’t even see the lightning. Or the rain with drops so fat and heavy I felt them pelting my shoulders. Luckily there weren’t too many of them and my extra fleece protected me from betting too wet.
I talked about yeast, Ghost Mortem, and Factorio.
Yes, I walked in the rain. Put on my rain shell and did the thing because it’s a 2-day and a little water won’t hurt me.
Talked about Forgotten Fleet, The Cat, and Factorio. Mostly Factorio. An the weather. I mentioned that it was wet a couple of times.
Lots of cloud layers today. I may have been a little too enamored of them
Talked about revisiting the Cat today, Forgotten Fleet, and – of course – Factorio.
That’s what I get for waiting until the sun gets up before getting out for the walk. Sweaty.
Talked about yesterday’s dental visit, The Forgotten Fleet, and Factorio math.
Had to walk a little earlier this morning to clear the way for a dental appointment. Lots of family business to deal with today after a glorious day off yesterday.
I talked about Roger, Factorio, and The Forgotten Fleet.
I got out early this morning, in part because I’m against a 9am deadline and also because I was up and ready to go. Didn’t feel like waiting for sunrise.
Talked about the Cat, Factorio, the Japanese 4-act structure Kishōtenketsu, and a few other things.
Kind of a dreary looking morning. Not as chilly as yesterday’s 40F but the damp made it feel cooler.
I talked about A Novel That Will Not Be Named, Factorio, and how much better the Cat is than I thought while I was writing it. There’s still work to do but the bones are (mostly) there, I think. More work on that today.
Halfway through the walk I realized that it’s only 635 days worth of haiku everyday. A good number but a typo in my tickler file put the notice on the wrong year. Missed it by that much.
Also geese!
I talked about Pop_OS vs Fedora Plasma a bit. I don’t know why I’m playing with Linux distros. Also discussed the utility of Workspaces to organize my work. My Factory is growing.
Oh, I may have written the last line for The Wizard’s Cat. I talked a bit about that, too.
I was up early to bake bread and just followed that with the walk. Talked some about the Cat, not traveling (remembering some of the trips I wish I’d never taken), and hinted at the traps new writers fall into.
So I was on the fence. Take the extra day off or walk the extra 1 day in a row. I walked. Obviously.
I talked a lot about Factorio, Sam Blood’s Counterpart Academy Book 1 (A School So Gorgeous and Fatal), and about doubling the length of this first draft in a month. (I checked and yes, I did pull NaNo levels – 1728 words/day). Not quite back to my pre-cancer levels but a hell of a lot better than it has been.
A pretty day but I need to watch out for that sun.
Seems like 2 out 3 days is a winning combination.
I talked about making the milestone, finishing Sarah J. Hoodlet’s volume 2 of Way of the Wielder, and a new perspective on Factorio.
Sorry. A weird headspace this morning.
Wonderfully mystical morning with low hanging ground fog being illuminated by the rising sun. Talked about Roger, Way of the Wielder, and Factorio again.
Not quite wet enough to be sub dude, but still a damp and dreary morning. I mumbled about Way of the Wielder and Factorio along with recaps of yesterday’s fun with City Inspectors and My Visit With Roger. (Not to be confused with Roger the Draugr, whom I also – for some inexplicable reason – visited with yesterday but did not talk about this morning.)
At least it was cool. I talked about Sarah J. Hoodlet’s Way of the Wielder series, Factorio, and a little bit about Roger and the Cat. Will I have a full draft by month’s end? It’s possible.
Or was possible before I just jinxed it.
I walked but didn’t talk. Ran into some technical difficulties.
Tomorrow’s a 3-day but Monday looks good. With any luck at all…
And babbling. Usual blather. Factorio, wrapping up Soldier’s Life 4, spending quality time with Roger every morning. I seem to write his mornings more than evenings. Wonder if that would change if I wrote in the evening…
In addition to the usual Factorio, Soldier’s Life, and Roger, I talked about two Greek concepts of time – chronos and kairos – and the video I saw last night from Jessica McCabe of How to ADHD fame.
I got out early this morning. I’ve got things I want to accomplish, not the least of which is getting back to spend the morning with Roger.
I talked about Soldier’s Life #4, my minor gripe about the author’s pricing and why it bugs me. Also talked way too much about the restarted Factorio game and why this next factory will be The One. Maybe.
Literally, in this case. I baked the week’s bread before getting underway this morning. The difference in time – about half an hour – made the back half of this walk really sweaty.
I talked about Factorio mostly, with some side trips into reading (The Soldier’s Life #3) an writing (The Cat, of course).
In which I went into way too much detail about fixing my SecondLife client problems yesterday and how my Factorio game is off on the wrong chunk.
Tech note: My fumbly fingers stopped the recording inadvertantly as I was getting ready to sign off. I put in a tone to mark the occasion. It’s right near the end.
Caught myself walking-not-talking a lot this morning. What little I did say concerned writing, reading, and playing Factorio. Also, I forgot to turn on airplane mode and shut off the bluetooth and wifi. Might be some extra noise.
Apparently “Showing Up” is in the air. It’s been surrounding me for the last two weeks. I talked about it for most of the walk, after a brief summary of The Full-Sized Bed Incident that started yesterday on the wrong side of said bed.
It’s supposed to be hot again today, but I baked my bread this morning before dawn and got out early before I feel asleep again.
Talked about the first 5 minutes and “showing up” a little. Factorio. The sky. Lots of walking/not talking I think. I’m so tired I’m feeling punchy and will probably grab a nap.
I’m getting to the point in my Cycle of Doom that it has become something of a struggle to stay on target. ADHD and my normal level of cussedness keep prompting me to chuck it. But the writing is going well. The 2/3 days of walking suits and satisfies the need to keep the body moving.
I talked Soldier’s Life, Factorio, and the state of the sky this morning.
I got out right at sunrise this morning and got treated to a light show. Glad I went.
Talked about Level-One Bookshop and spent too much time talking about the grass seeds.
Something set me off this morning. I cranked on about a book that drove me crazy and nattered myself breathless. I feel sorry for the jogger though. Luckily the grass was wet.
A full morning herding words into a coherent flock yesterday. I had so much fun I did more of it in the evening. I’m rushing to get back to it this morning.
Talked about writing, marketing, Joyce Lionarons (butchering her name in the process) and Sarah J. Hoodlet‘s Way of the Wielder series (neither of which I could recall correctly in the moment).
I blame brain cloud.
Possibly spoilers for Alex Rider. Also talked about Rosalee Oaks’s The Lady Jewel Diviner.
What a nice break from broiling.
Talked about finally finishing Ferriera’s Pacifist series, trying to find a new book/series to read, and trying to upgrade my computer when I can’t trigger the boot menu.
Cool and foggy. A little breeze to keep the air moving. After what feels like weeks of 70F morning, it was a literal breath of fresh air.
Talked about nothing much. Paul Loomans’s name came up (Time Surfing) along with the kayak metaphor (again).
Well, not exactly proof but at least a post to let you know I’m still here.
The morning’s have been too warm to walk, even before sunrise. I’m getting picky about it and should walk anyway but … reality is kind of a pain.
Bluehost has made some kind of security changes to my blogs which may cause your feed readers to fail.
ETA: The situation seems to have been resolved.
Now I just need to strengthen my own resolve to get out there and walk. It’s been a while …
So far no help from their end. I hope we’ll be able to get it back.
Yesterday I helped one of my kids move. Today I’ll be recovering.
I hear good things about tomorrow.
Not much to say today. Talked more about Kingsolver’s Rosie O’Grady series, a bit about Shackleford House, and a few words about my experiments with GOG and Banished to see how far off the path I can get. At the moment, I’m rather tied to Steam for Enshrouded and the rest of my main gaming fixes, but that might change.
And I was here for it. The picture makes the morning look a lot brighter than it was. I was grateful for the coolness.
Talked more about the Kingsolver Rosie O’Grady series, some about Roger and writing. Probably some other stuff that I’ve forgotten because I got sidetracked looking up Tim Sample on the internet. There are times I really miss Maine.
I really needed the walk this morning. I woke up just after 4am and managed to get out very close to sunrise. It’ll be easier to do once we get a bit more distance from the equinox.
Talked about the Lightning War series again and the new read, B R Kinsolver’s Shadow Hunter (Rosie O’Grady’s Paranormal Bar and Grill). I think the “Bar and Grill” series title is what hooked me because this is so far off my normal reading table that I feel like I’m reading over the sink in the kitchen, but it’s fun so far and I’m liking it.
Also talked about reading Butler alongside Cat. I’ve been spending hours a day on it for the last week. It feels good and I’m excited for it again. Finally.
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It was too hot to walk before I got up and I’ve been buried in BS all morning.
Maybe tomorrow I can get back on the trail
I didn’t expect I’d have a window (or inclination) to walk this morning but once the bread came out of the oven (just after sunrise), the fresh, cool air drew me out. I talked about not writing yesterday, probably writing today, and Miles Phoenix’s Lightning War series (again).
I managed to record the whole walk and it was much more comfortable than yesterday’s broil.
Talked about leaving the Forbes series in favor of Miles Phoenix The Lightning War: Rising Storm. Enshrouded isn’t eating my brain any more and I talked about reading along in Butler while writing the Cat in the other window. Quite satisfying.
I walked but the recording died 2 minutes in and I didn’t think to check it until I got back.
We’ll see what happens tomorrow, I guess.
It was already too hot to walk when I got up but without the sun beating down, I took the chance and went anyway. I’m glad I did. The clouds are already breaking up.
I talked about Spaceship in the Stone, my writing day yesterday (which was mostly reading and correcting), and how I seem to be stuck in a gaming rut by doing the same things over and over.
A 4AM wake up has me walking almost at dawn again today. I talked about Spaceship in the Stone, the state of the landscape, and boundaries I’m having to enforce.
Talked a lot about the Forbes series, Spaceship in the Stone. Some about the Loomans I’ve Got Time. Took a side trip to Lester Dent and did my best to stay in the shade.
Got the bread baked before sunrise. Talked about Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, Los Santos’s Atomic Girl, and M.R. Forbes’s retelling of the Arthurian myth in The Starship in the Stone.
A cool morning off to a brisk start. Talked about Looman’s, Tom Watts, feeling calm, playing Enshrouded (still) and the usual blather about the flora and fawna.
Nice morning for it. Comfortable walking weather. I talked a bit about Loomans’s I’ve Got Time lessons – which I spent some quality time with yesterday between novels. Trying to work against the clock of the rising sun without feeling rushed. Trying to be in the moment. Interesting challenge. Also talked about Enshrouded and trying to play a mage.
Current read: Tom Watts: The Artificer’s Abode (Book 5 of Small Town Crafter)
For some reason, the recording paused at 11 minutes. I noticed when I got home and added the sign off. Half a talk this morning, I guess. Usual subjects but I don’t know which ones I hit first so it’s a grab bag today.
I had bread baking to do this morning. It ate into the cool part of the day. I’m claiming a leg rest day.
Didn’t have much to share. Talked about Loomans and Ferreira again. I’m still finding the Loomans perspective helpful and the Handyman series intriguing.
Mumbled about the grass and trees. The state of the rye.
I’m glad I wore the hoodie this morning. The extra early start coupled with a breezy and slightly overcast morning made for good walking.
I talked about Handyman again. A lot about the state of the grasses along the way.
But at least two in a row.
I talked about the difference between building a scaffold for my daily practice, expecting it to last, and the sand castles I’m really building that get washed away with the next tide.
Also Looman’s I’ve Got Time and Ferreira’s Handyman series.
The solstice occurred last night at 8:42 PM MDT. An auspicious time to get back into the groove. The days will be getting hotter as the season goes on (and it was 100F yesterday), but the sunrise will be getting later, slowly at first but closer to where I an walk in it.
Talked about lessons from my father, my current read (Cássio Ferreira, Handyman, book 1 of Hidden Class), and the state of summer. Met one of my familiar faces on the path and it felt good.
I forgot to fix the settings for airplane mode, etc, so there may be some artifacts. Sorry. I have to retrain myself…
I figured I better put up some signs of life this morning when I realized that I hadn’t even posted all month.
The mornings have been almost universally dreary. Those that weren’t have been days when my schedule included workmen coming to the house, too many tasks requiring too much time, and days where I lost the morning window when the temps were cool enough to be outside.
I keep hoping to turn this ship around but so far, I’m being swept along willy-nilly.
I am, however, still alive. At my age, not a mean feat.
Not exactly the month I expected but it’s the month I got.
Talked about Enshrouded, Michael Chatfield’s The Recruitment series, and odd bits of this and that.
I’ve been foggy for the last couple of weeks. The weather has been just ducky – as in wet and drizzly. I decided to go out this morning right after breakfast and before I did anything else.
Talked Enshrouded and the weather. Season changing. Met The Coach on the back side of the walk. I’m back, a bit damp, but feeling like I may be – just maybe – on the path again. We’ll see tomorrow.
It’s been a while.
I’m still alive, and it’s another rainy day.
I baked bread this morning.
Mother’s Day passed without much fanfare although the mother in question managed to find a few little treats as the day unfolded.
Talked about birds and trees, Enshrouded and how Gold Ranked Brewer by James Ghoul is growing on me.
The roof has finally been installed. I talked about the trial by hammering and the literal fallout. Also reading (Gold Rank Brewer, James Ghoul) and playing Enshrouded and how I’m not all that excited about “the darkest release yet.”
Funny thing about a tight schedule. It takes away options. If I’m going to walk, it has to be now. So I did. I expect more of that as the summer heats up.
I talked about The Story Graph, Mackey Chadler’s latest Family Law book, and picking up the next All the Skills.
Let’s see if I can get May moving after stumbling out of the gate. One of the nice things about my year so far is that I don’t have to do much differently to get some better outcomes.
In theory.
I talked about Melissa Bobe’s Nascent Witch, getting a new roof, and what a Gaping Void article about Ronnie’s pizza has to do with The Cat.
Gorgeous but chilly morning. Talked about JJ Green’s Space Colony One again and pondered some potential issues with the Cat while talking about games that seem to just get more difficult for the sake of being more difficult.
A decent night’s sleep and an early enough start had me walking in the dreary morning. Talked about J J Green’s Space Colony One series. I’m still reading it. It’s growing on me.
I remembered to put the beans on.
Got going a little later than I wanted today. A bit manic. Talked reading, writing, and what I hope is a seismic mind shift.
Reference: K T Hanna’s Library System Reset: Limiter (book 4)
Mostly quiet morning stroll around the neighborhood, admiring the changes since my last walk and talking about reading (Ugland, The Good Guys), writing, and the lilacs coming into bloom.
Referenced Bad Bunny video
Chilly morning with a lot of flowering trees, some blue sky, and the odd commentary on Ugland’s Good Guys series and the status of The Cat.
The grass is greening. Trees budding out. Flowers beginning to show.
I talked about reading Eric Ugland’s series, The Good Guys, and how it’s sucked me into reading again in only the best way. Along with the usual blather about trees and grass and stuff.
I looked right at the date and time on my phone and said “April 8.” Sometimes I wonder at my ability to do anything since often the simplest things escape me.
Usual blather today. At least it’s a full walk – with a side of bonus picture – this morning.
The recording got chopped up pretty badly after about 14 minutes. I couldn’t figure out why until I settled down and realized that I’d failed to turn on Airplane Mode. My kid was texting me every few minutes. Every time, the recording stopped – probably so I could reply.
Lesson learned.
We’ve had some snowy, wet, and freezing days. I stayed inside where I was dry and mostly warm.
I talked about what I’m reading (Forge of Destiny 2 – Yrsilla) and the budding trees. I may have gotten a little overheated.
I talked a bit about trying to get back to my roots in terms of writing practice. I realized that using words like productive and consistency are probably not the best choice.
I also talked about bread making and the state of the leafage in the neighborhood.
I also might have said it’s April 4. I thought that until I got home and went to save the file. That’s the kind of day I’m having.
March is another month that got away from me. Maybe April will turn out better. I need to work on the “daily” part of my “daily practice.”
I talked about Darynda Jones’s Betwixt and Between series, a little bit about playing too much Enshrouded, and a lot about how spring is springing as I make my round of the neighborhood.
In the mid 30s this morning. I managed to kid myself that it wasn’t that cold. It started out pretty chilly but some hot tracks and a brisk pace early soon warmed me up.
Lots of bird calls. Enshrouded talk. The usual blather.
It’s still morning. I made it back in time for lunch.
Talked a little about Continue Online and Enshrouded. Mostly just muttered to myself where you could hear it.
I keep trying to get the walking engine running but it’s proving to be stubborn. I managed to get out for a ramble today. Talked about what I’m reading (Continue, Online) and what I’m playing (Enshrouded).
We had some sub-freezing days last week and some warm afternoons. No excuses, I should have walked. It would have been morning somewhere.
The weather people are calling for snow again tonight, which spurred me to get the shoes on and head out before I got frozen out again. Didn’t talk about much. Lots of birds.
Very soon. The weather is shaping up nicely for the moment but the timing …
Workmen tomorrow, then we’ll see.
After the snowy, sub-zero weather, the sidewalks had become passable again.
Except it’s snowing again.
Spring may be coming but Winter has its hooks in deep
It’s 6F with a -6F windchill and light snow right now. Forecast includes a potential for up to 10″ over the next couple of days along with more bitter cold.
I’m glad I got as many walks in as I did because it looks like it might be a few days before I’m comfortable getting back out there.
Chilly morning that started with lots of geese. Talked about Gabriel Rathweg’s From Chef to Crafter to Conqueror, my current read.
So was the sky. I talked Fitbit and being really cold but neglected to say much about my current read – Manners and Monsters by Tilly Wallace. Sadly, no geese.
With the dental work coming this morning, I figured I better try to bleed off some of the stress before getting into the chair. I’ve got just about enough time for some ibuprofen and to get this posted before I have to leave.
Lots of geese this morning, some commentary on getting used to the FitBit and how little sleep it says I’m getting. I guess I’m not too surprised. Mother of Learning and X4 – along with the Cat – take up most of my day.
Post Hearing Aid checkup walk. Not a lot to talk about beyond getting my hearing aids vacuumed out, getting my Fitbit, and how much fun I’m having reading Mother of Learning.
Programming alert: Dental at 10AM tomorrow.
Talked about the news from Podium on Monday, yesterday getting out of control early, my shaved head (not really), and what I’m reading.
Books mentioned:
Joyce Lionarons – Parcel of Rogues
Nobody103 – Mother of Learning
Talked a bit about the late start, the very spring-like morning for early February, and more about Megan O’Russell’s Inker and Crown (which I inevitably call Crown and Inker because I can’t see what I’m saying)
Production Note: I forgot to turn on airplane mode and to turn off wifi and bluetooth. The bzzt sound is not me pressing the button.
Just sort of stumbled through the walk, highlighted what’s on my calendar this week and the limited progress I made on the Cat this morning.
Book mentioned:
Megan O’Russell – Inker and Crown
Talked about yesterday and reading. Lots of geese. A few words on pens and how much I look at the newer, higher tier pens and wonder why I lust for them so.
Books mentioned:
Megan O’Russell – Inker and Crown
C M Carney – Barrow King
I talked a lot about bread because I had dough rising in the kitchen and needed to get back to it. Sorry about that.
Book: Barrow King – C M Carney
It seems like it’s been a month but it’s only been a couple of weeks.
I talked a lot about what I’m reading and what I’ve read, a bit about what’s kept me from walking. Man, it felt good to get out this morning.
ETA: Books I talked about:
- Haylock Jobson – Heretical Fishing
- Melissa McShane – Living Oracle (and in passing Last Oracle)
- Linzi Day – Midlife in Gretna Green
- Strange Seawolf – Herald Petrel
- Lindsey Buroker – Star Nomad
Note: I’m no longer posting this image on Instagram. I’ve moved it to my Mastodon account.
How you vex me.
Just enough time for the walks to clear and then you snow on me again.
I’m still here. Just so you know.
I’m still upright and taking nourishment. Between the cold, the snow, and the cold snow I’ve had a hard time getting out. The last few days of sub-zero (before windchill) have kept me indoors chipping away at stuff.
Two of my old websites have gone away. A third is about to be restructured. I’ve accomplished a lot even if it’s mostly getting caught up on deferred maintenance.
I’m pretty sure tomorrow will be more of “are you kidding?!” temperatures but we’ll see how the week unfolds.
How you vex me.
The temps and conditions made the walk possible so I took advantage. Talked about my morning routine, probably too much, and what I’m trying to do with my Practice this year.
Ice. Snow. Today: High Winds.
Added to “Press Button: Bzzt”
About all I can say is “Still here.”
Talked about Dax Murry’s Swords and Soil again. I’m kinda on the fence on this one. Also X4, saw some geese as the walk ended. Not a terrible day out there, taken all together.
A mostly formless ramble through an icy fog this morning. And the weather was about the same.
Not the year I wanted but the year I got. Good enough.
I talked about the new word of the year along with all the usual reading and game playing stuff.
Sorry about all the “Press the button — BZZT”
Yeah, about that 40 mile month…
May your holidays be restful, not stressful, and your days be at least frosted with good cheer if they can’t be filled with it.
I’m on holiday. Back soon.
So was the sky. Talked about K T Hanna’s Library System Reset (again) and X4 (again). Saw crows and sparrows but no geese today.
Talked about K T Hanna’s Library System Reset series, a bit about X4, and a little about the morning. Did I hit the monk post? I don’t think so. I’m getting really absent minded…
I took a couple of bonus pictures for Instagram this morning.
Finally got my shoes out on the sidewalk again. Talked a lot about reading, my favorite authors of the year, and the Turkey Trials and Tribulations.
December is not going well.
Best laid plans, and all that.
Maybe tomorrow will be the start of a beautiful long streak of morning walks.
Chilly but not terrible. I talked about recent sample reads and X4. Probably too much about what failed on yesterday’s talk.
Walked but didn’t turn off the network. Some spam call bounced the connection but didn’t ring through and I missed the recorder being shut down just a few minutes into the walk.
You didn’t miss much. Tomorrow’s another day.
It’s finally better. Taking a few days off from squats and walking made a big difference. We’ll see if walking hurts.
Talked about the futility of advertising, geese, an errant bald eagle, and the beautiful morning to be out and about.
Somehow, some way, I’ve wracked my right knee. I’m going to have to stay off it as much as possible for a bit.
I talked about writing first thing again. Mostly I was winded and light headed from the first half of the walk because I’d pushed too hard.
Not really. Mostly just muttered about how cold it was, why habits break me sometimes, and why geese fly in uneven V’s.
I talked a lot about the lessons of Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and why a movie featuring old people appealed so much to this old person.
Also X4 is still a delight and I’m spending too much time finishing up Wandering Inn
Not much going on. Not much to talk about. I suppose that’s better then whining.
Very noisy morning but a pleasant walk for all that.
I’m on track for the month – 2 out of 3 days walked. Small victory is still a victory.
I talked about Jerry Boyd and Wandering Inn among other things (which I have already forgotten).
The end of the year will be here before I know it. I’m trying not to think of all the things I haven’t done. Talked about the usual suspects today. Now with added geese.
Pretty quiet, too, for the most part. Talked a little about X4 and Wandering Inn. More about looking ahead to a new Word of the Year.
Yeah. Figured this would happen sooner rather than later.
Mix of rain and snow has switched to snow, 30F. I’ll be staying in today and won’t have time to walk tomorrow. See you Friday, I hope.
Or didn’t I hit the Monk post? I was lost in my own head and floundering around. A little X4. A little Wandering Inn.
But not a bad day for a walk. Talked about the bread, X4, Wandering Inn, and the landscape. Interesting encounter with a young man on a bicycle reciting something in what sounded like Arabic to me. He wasn’t interested in talking with me. Just at me. He seemed nice. I wonder if I’ll see him again.
I got my bread baked already. Talked about X4, Wandering Inn. The people I passed on the walk.
Didn’t talk much this morning. Usual guff. Wandering Inn. X4. Park. Apparently walked very slowly. It ran a lot longer.
Wandering Inn, X4, Bread. The usual suspects this morning along with a lot of just walking in sunshine
I talked about finishing my 100th week of writing a haiku every day. Also being unable to put Wandering Inn down as I’m getting closer to book 10 and still going strong.
Started the day with panic messages that my wordpress sites had been infected. What a fun way to start the day. (No, it’s not.) Also talked about X4 and the fountain pen journey.
A bit late starting and then got pulled into taxi duty before I knew it.
Sorry, but I’ve forgotten what I talked about.
Thin sheens of ice made the footing treacherous today. I talked about Wandering Inn (some more), the new Kaweco Sport fountain pen, and boring ink.
However, I’m doing better today. Been spending time with the fam. Making plans for what we should do. Assessing the risks. My white, male privilege will probably shield us from most of the personal downsides, at least in the short term. I’m still worried about the kids and what their future will be beyond the next few years.
It was cold out there. That wind just flayed me whenever I got caught in it.
Not just the external weather. I didn’t find much light in this morning’s walk. I debated on whether or not to post it. There’s a lot of boot sounds mixed in with the fear.
Consider this a content warning. I won’t be offended if you skip this one.
ETA: I forgot to turn on airplane mode. I think that’s what that background buzzing is.
I talked about sour dough, X4, and what a beautiful morning to walk in. Chilly but a nice amount of sun to keep my nose from freezing.
Dark and dreary. Cold and windy. It even spit snow a little.
I talked meditating, bread, and starter. There might be a lot of boot sounds. I edited out a neighbor’s conversation that I inadvertently recorded without permission. You might notice the beep, if not a change in audio quality because I used Audacity to export it.
I talked about time change, baking with Red Star, and maybe re-thinking how I’m going about the day.
I have a new mission. 40 miles. Two out of three days this month. Can I do it? We’ll see.
I talked about Fountain Pen Day and Wandering Inn, along with my new goal.
With apologies to Dylan, I got up this morning thinking I didn’t have much to do.
The day soon disabused me of that naive notion.
Maybe tomorrow …
Gray and dreary morning out there. I talked almost exclusively about why I only read self-published books and made have thrown a little shade at scammers who take advantage of writers who think they’re going to hire somebody to self publish for them.
The first morning of 30F weather. It got up to 32F by the time I got around to turning on the mic but chilly morning.
I’m feeling much better, the car situation has been resolved (mostly), and I talked about Wandering Inn, poking the bear about criticizing other writers, and a gorgeous fall morning.
Talked a lot about Shepherd.com this morning. A bit about Sunken Spaceship and noted that I’ve checked into The Wandering Inn for the week.
I almost skipped this morning until somebody reminded me that Sunday is the most peaceful, quiet day of the week for morning walks. It’s a chilly, dreary morning but I feel better for having braved it. It won’t be long before I’ll be cursing the ice and snow instead of the minor inconvenience of wet and cloudy mornings.
The last couple of days have been mostly drifting along from task to task. A lot of reading. A lot of just taking things easy without anything remotely in focus. I’ve slept poorly which has made the days even more of a challenge.
It’s a cold, wet day here and I’m not going out in it if I don’t have to.
Maybe tomorrow.
Almost forgot to post. Thank heaven for my checklist!
I talked about Wandering Inn, shepherd.com, and X4.
In a reversal of recent efforts, I waited until the morning warmed up before heading out for the walk. The rest of the day has been delayed accordingly.
I talked about writing – particularly the shift from “writing about the cat” to “visiting with Roger” and reading Wandering Inn.
I’m up. I’m moving. I’ve taken nourishment and had some coffee.
I am not awake and I’m seeing 3′ drifts of Nope on the sidewalk.
I’m hoping they melt today so I can get out there tomorrow.
What a long strange trip it’s been.
Didn’t talk much today. A little about the usual suspects.
Wandered around about the batch files. (Note: the Dropbox link didn’t work this morning). Talked a lot about Wandering Inn and how it’s a very interesting story structure.
Almost 5:30 before I got up. I’ve been running a bit late all morning. There’s still time in the day.
ETA: To save y’all the trouble, learned about using wget to grab the file and mutagen to tag it. Haven’t spent the time to try it yet, because Roger needs me, but I’m on the path. Thanks.
I’m pretty scattered this morning with very little to talk about beyond the morning I spent at the KIA dealership.
No walk today. I’m off to the KIA dealer in Windsor to get some recall work cleared up. Three hour appointment and no shuttle.
Glad I have a good book.
Tomorrow …
I’ve stripped down the post production stream to the minimum steps to get the file from my phone to the server, encoded as an mp3. I didn’t add a duplicated second track to make it stereo. Didn’t do any “cleanup” of the audio. Didn’t even use Audacity to convert it, just a ffmpeg commandline call. Let’s see if that helps.
I talked about the problems from yesterday, visiting Roger, playing X4, and reading Wandering Inn. I’m almost done with book 2 and that series still astonishes me.
The recording cut out 11 seconds in. Probably about the time I stuffed the phone into my pocket. I didn’t notice until I got home.
Blue day. At least I walked.
Another day, another trial. I think this file is marginally better but listening to it, I’m really not happy with the quality. Even with the mic gain pushed almost to nothing, I’m still getting clipping. It’ll have to do until I come up with something better. I’m open to suggestions.
I got the new mic and it’s not the panacea I hoped for. At least not entirely. The mic volume is still too hot and I noticed a lot of clipping. I tried a light clip repair through Audacity but it’s not ideal. I’ve got a lead on an app that lets me lower volumes on an app by app basis and I’m going to do some testing with that today and hope for a better file tomorrow.
Off to a slower start this morning in spite of getting up early again. Talked about finding an old friend (Ashley’s Book of Knots) and struggling to clean up the audio for this podcast. (A new mic is on order). I went back to the old phone to record until the new gear arrives. It’s not good but it’s better than the new phone – which doesn’t seem right. Also Square One with the van. Again. Tedious.
Oh, and I had to go back to listen. I did actually hit the Monk Post. Just it’s so automatic now, it didn’t register.
Finally. Lovely 40F morning with only a few clouds. Talked about writing a lot. Not much else.
The recorder flaked out on me around minute 21 and I had to clip out some weird, unintelligible bits in post production. Listening to the audio quality, I’m rather distressed that the new phone isn’t nearly as clear as the old recorder. I’m going to try to fix it.
ETA (10/5) Fixed it (again) and resaved it.
Heavy trucks in the neighborhood. Lot of brain fog, too. Talked about the usual suspects. Good stuff happened with yesterday’s writing. Hoping to repeat it today.
Not much to talk about. Getting back to writing. Playing X4. Wandering Inn is becoming a fascinating work, now that I’ve given it a fair shake.
Was up very early this morning and got out with the sunrise. Not much to talk about. More about Wandering Inn. More about X4. Some pen talk. The usual.
I went back to the old phone, making sure it was fully charged before leaving the house. I have a new adapter for the mic coming today (in theory) and I can work on using one device again. A fresh machine offers, perhaps, improved opportunities.
I talked too much about being overdressed for the weather, the clouds, Wandering Inn, and X4, among other things. I might have mentioned it was too warm…
Clunky but I think it works. Lemme know how the audio quality is.
Later start than I wanted because I baked bread this morning. I talked about why I have a new phone, Wandering Inn, and X4.
I need a better recording solution. Or a more focused process. Something. The recorder was out of juice again. I could have sworn I charged it to 100% yesterday and then shut it off, but when I went to boot it up this morning – out on the road – it was dead. Again.
So, another Blue Day.
In other news, the borked Galaxy Note was covered by insurance. The new phone (sadly not a Note) should arrive today. We’ll see what develops.
The sunrise is due east this morning but it’s hidden behind the cloud deck on the horizon (and probably the trees. Ah, well. It was still a pretty morning for a walk.
I talked about X4, Honour Rae’s All the Skills, Sarah Painter’s The Island God, and having to get a new phone. Saw some silent geese flying low overhead, but already in their V.
Finally get my gear back together and we get a rain and wind day.
I’ll try for a sunrise pic (and walk) tomorrow.
New mic. Same old set up. It should be back to “normal” for some definition of the word. Windy out there this morning and some of it snuck in around the wind filter on the mic.
Talked about cars, reading Sarah Painter’s Ward Witch (Unholy Island 1), and playing X4.
The neighbor delivered the missing mic yesterday afternoon. I got back out there this morning but when I went to turn on the recorder? Dead battery.
Still, I got in a nice walk.
The recorder is plugged into the charger now. I hear good things might happen tomorrow.
Apparently, I’ve been hit again by porch pirates. First was a pen. Now it’s the mic that I need to continue the podcast.
I thought it was due so I checked the shipment status. It was allegedly delivered without fanfare to my (locked) mailbox at 7:45PM last Monday! I’m pretty sure that package wouldn’t fit in my letterbox so more likely it was left on the stoop where we’d be unlikely to find it in the evening, since who delivers after dark?
Sigh.
I’ve re-ordered it. I’ll keep a closer eye on deliveries from now on.
I can’t make a decent audio file with the equipment I have. A new mic will be here next week. I’ll talk to you then
I’ve run a noise reduction pass post-production in addition to my usual. It should be little less obnoxious. I have plans and talked about them. I also updated this Linux installation and got an updated Audacity. I hope it still works.
I’ll probably still look for a better solution but for the moment, I’ll try recording through my hearing aids. Something I never thought I’d say. It sounds a bit noisy to me, but I don’t have a good baseline to compare it to. Let me know if this is not going to work?
I talked about Shannon Eichorn’s debut novel, Rights of Use. It’s darn good. Also pens and X4
I don’t know how long it’s been going on but apparently yesterday’s file is really nasty. A listener cued me in and there’s something wrong with the set up. I’ll need to figure out a solution before I post again.
In other news, I’m dealing with VIN problems on the new used car and replacing the glass in the van on Thursday. On a week where I’m juggling more balls at once than I’ve had to deal with in a long time.
Sorry.
Meandered around about pens, X4 Frustrations, and made it home in no time flat!
ETA: A lot of noise artifacts between minutes 13:00 and 15:00. Sorry. They don’t show up on Audacity and I can’t clear them up. Probably hardware issues.
I got the bread baked before I left this morning. The lumpiest, ugliest looking loaves I’ve produced to date. Even including the sour dough way back whenever that was. A very weird outcome to a very standard recipe.
I talked about finally getting the Waterman Atria to write, and ranted about a post about writing science fiction and fantasy and why tradpub doesn’t publish “for men” any more. Fair warning: It might just be sour grapes because my membership card in the Manly Men Club has been stamped “Void.”
I’ll admit it felt good to rant. I haven’t had a decent rant in a while, have I?
Talked about my frustration with the Waterman Atria repair, X4: Foundations which might be my new favorite space trading game – assuming I can ever figure out how to trade – and the Bic pen.
To the YouTube!
I seemed to talk non-stop this morning. Maybe finding a new nib for my Waterman Reflex, cleaning the feed on my Atria/Forum. I talked about spending time in Shackleford House yesterday and how eager I am to get back there today. Haven on Prime Video. Branwen OShea’s Finding Humanity series. And, of course, a greeting to the Willow Sisters.
I was chilly when I started but warmed up. Mostly talked about pens (I love my Waterman Phileas) and my fading infatuation with Fallout 4. Very nice morning for a walk, though. I’ll have to do it more often now that the weather isn’t trying to kill me. At least until it starts trying again.
Let’s hope I’ve got new energy to dive into Autumn and make it work for me. I talked about Zola and pens. Almost exclusively, I think.
Lots of traffic. Way too many people. Talked about Bronwen OShea’s The Calling, Zola progress, and maybe spending time with Roger today.
I’ve got a ton of things to do today. A crowded schedule this morning although it eases off this afternoon. I talked about 11ty and Zola a bit.
A great day yesterday followed by a “pick up the pieces” morning that will not include walking.
Sigh.
Tomorrow …
I feel really good this morning. Talked about Zola, Sarah Hoodlet’s Way of the Wielder, and little else.
I walked. I turned on the recorder. The audio file? Nope. Fat fingered it in to the bit bucket, apparently.
Tomorrow is another day.
Late start but cool temps and overcast convinced me to take the walk anyway.
I talked about Rim Jumper and P D Ball’s Princess Cayce series. Zola versus Grav and Hugo. Fallout 4. Why The Librarians may not be working for me and why I can’t watch Outer Range or Black Mirror.
Talked about Rim Jumper, Zola, and my Esterbrook SJ.
Also forgot my water bottle this morning so I was pretty gummy by the time I got back.
I overslept and then lingered over breakfast but made myself get out there anyway. Talked about Person of Interest, Rim Jumper, Zola (static website generator), and possibly visiting with Roger today. Toward the end I got a phone call (which I clipped out) from the people installing the new awnings on our freshly painted house. The colors were a good choice.
I tried to talk about a bunch of things but kept getting derailed by my own mutterings. Rangnow, Person of Interest, computer on wheels. That’s all I remember besides the neighbor who thinks I need to get a cancer screening every 6 months and a jogger that startled the hell out of me.
And hair.
I’d remembered that buying a car was a tedious process. My experience this time has borne that out. The number of times I heard “just a couple of minutes” in the last 24 hours beggars belief.
I talked about getting the new vehicle, Tim Rangnow’s Rim Jumper series (I’m into book 4), and the process of discovering the Cat and rekindling my joy in writing. (Don’t get excited. It’s still just flickering along trying to catch on wet logs.)
ETA: I’ve been corrected regarding my Parker 45 Rollerball. While the Parker 45s originally came out in 1964, the chrome-trim Flighters started production in 1979. Whether this is an actual rollerball or a ballpoint using the rollerball refill is an interesting question. One I have no answer for. (h/t PortlyPirate)
Lots of things in motion this morning including me. I talked about noisy traffic, potentially migrating some of my wordpress blogs to a static site generator (again), and the tv show, Person of Interest. The way the characters have changed over the course of the many shows. I’m nearing the end and looking forward to it almost as little as I would the last book or two in a really good series.
Obviously, I’m struggling to get this podcast back into something like regular production. I bit the bullet this morning to walk when I probably shouldn’t have but I survived.
Talked about cars, pens, and Tim Rangnow’s Rim Jumper series.
Finally. Everything is a bit soggy and it started to rain before I got back but I managed to get a nice walk in without getting soaked.
Talked about bread, a lot. Pens a bit. Just finished KT Hanna’s Library Reset: Overdue. Really fun book. Too bad the sequel won’t be out until November. Really underscores the frustration some of you must feel waiting for Butler 2: Eclectic Boogaloo.
Rain and thundershowers in the forecast for today. Everything is soggy. It’s good for my lawn, assuming it doesn’t drown it, but not so good for rambling around the neighborhood.
Maybe tomorrow.
I haven’t heard how it might have helped dampen the fires but every little bit helps. The bigger effect came with cleaner, cooler air. It’s still pretty drizzly out there but this bodes well for tomorrow.
The Alexander Mountain fire keeps burning. The air’s a little clearer this morning but the rising sun looked like a glowing ember. I’m still laying low, going outside as little as possible.
The Alexander Mountain fire is approaching 10,000 acres about 35 miles to the west. It’s spreading fast and the smokey haze is noticeably thicker this morning. I’m going to minimize my outdoor exposure, at least for today, so no walk.
Maybe tomorrow but the fire is only 1% contained. It doesn’t bode well.
Two wildfires within 100 miles to the west. 74F before sunrise. I walked anyway and it wasn’t terrible. A cooling breeze helped cut the heat back a bit. The smoke has dispersed enough for the moment that I couldn’t smell it (although I might just be inured to it). I had plenty of shade even if the sun was higher that I would have liked.
Talked about yesterday’s car shopping, finishing off Chandler’s Reluctant Sovereign, and starting Jenny Shwartz’s next Delphic Dame novel.
I whined about the economics of car ownership where a minor fender bender can total a vehicle. Also Mackey Chandler’s Family Law series and why I find it so engaging. Also there’s a forest fire about 35-40 miles west of us. Fun times.
Managed to get up early enough and stay focused enough to get out for the walk at sunrise for a change. It’s a beautifully cool morning where I talked about Skylar Ramirez (probably damning with faint praise, but I really did enjoy the series), Mackey Chandler, and the post-it notes on my monitor. I did not talk about that-which-shall-not-be-named, although I might have alluded to why I’m not talking about it.
It’s taken a while and honestly I didn’t think I’d make it this long when I started out 13 years ago.
I talked about Ramirez, choices, privilege, and how much luck looks like success instead of a dice roll.
I feel like my reading of this Ramirez series is a bad Monty Python sketch. Every day I find something else I really don’t like but I accept – grudgingly – because I like the characters. Along the way, I seem to have become even more of a grumpy old man than I thought.
I talked (again) about why I don’t like novellas as a form and present tense in story telling even as I acknowledge the the Skylar Ramirez books are both and I’m enjoying them.
Inside and out, it seems. Talked about Skylar Ramirez Worst Ship in the Fleet, and the usual Fallout blather.
It’s one of those greens that I actually like but seldom eat. When it’s in the fridge, it tends to liquefy before I get it into a meal. I know it’s good for me. I know I like the taste. I just can’t seem to get it folded into the day somehow.
Today’s walk is spinach.
Tomorrow is another day.
Talked way too much about Fallout 4, a bit about Sarah Painter’s series, and some about the grasses and birds.
After a few days of dancing to the music others have been playing, I’m back to digging around in my own music box. Terrible metaphor, although music has been a background theme for my brain over the last few days while I sat in hospital waiting rooms and dental offices.
This morning was a recap of all the stuff.
My penance for sleeping in until after 5. It gets to be too close to 7 (or later) before I make it out for the walk.
I waited too long but figured the cloud cover would give me enough time to make the loop.
I was wrong but I made it home safely.
I’m embracing my inner goblin today.
With some luck, I’ll get him back in his cage by tomorrow.
Not much to talk about today. My legs are really tired and my hips might not lie, but they complain a lot this morning.
It’s on my mind this morning because I have bread in the pans ready to bake. The oven is heating up as I type this. Talked Fallout 4 and bread. Still reading Sarah Painter.
Lots of navel gazing about Why? this morning. Why am I doing anything?
The morning readings come from 365 Tao. Today’s reading for day 192
Waxed philosophical this morning about feeling awake vs lost in the fog and how we’re all NPC’s in somebody’s life.
Much chillier than I had expected but it felt pretty good. Talked about the last couple days – bread, pens, books. A lot about bread. More about Fallout 4 and the current play through.
It’s the middle day of the year. I talked about that a lot. Also Fallout 4. Along with the normal blather.
Talked about the weather, the game, the Cat, and the book I’m reading: Westside Oracle by T.J. Deschamps.
Almost didn’t walk today. Glad I did. Mostly cloudy and a nice breeze kept the temps manageable even though I started late.
Talked about Jerry Boyd, Fallout 4, and Roger Mulligan.
Got the bread baked by 6am. Ate breakfast while it cooked and got on the road as soon as it came out. Talked about changing up the bread recipe (forgot to mention lowering the hydration to 60% to allow for the einkorn amendments), Jake’s Magical Market, and Fallout 4.
Not much to talk about today. The hearing aid journey, Jake’s Magical Market, Fallout 4, and – predictably – rye. Oh, and turkeys! I practically walked right through the flock of chicks.
I seem to have spent a lot of time talking about writing and very little talking about Fallout 4. I’m taking that as a Sign.
If you look carefully at today’s image, you might spot the black dog racing through the tall grass
And grasses. Crested.
Darn. Caught the post in the image but it’s taken in the same minute as yesterday’s. What’re the odds?
Still getting used to the tin ears but I’m getting used to them. The world sounds very different and my brain wants to say “wrong” when it’s probably closer to “right” than I’m used to.
Well, old ears with new appliances. It’s going to take a while to get used to having treble again.
So was the weather.
Talked Honor Rae and All the Skills, a lot about my pens, and a bit about Fallout 4 – along with the usual gaffing about the grasses and trees.
But not in pain. Oh, the weather was a bit on the lowery side as well.
I talked about Jason Hill’s Artisan series and Honor Rae’s All the Skills. Also – inevitably – Fallout 4.
Right at the beginning of the walk, a hen with about a dozen chicks came out of the shadows and crossed the road right in front of me. I wasn’t close enough to get a picture but it made my morning.
Cloudy sky. Foggy brain. Bread in the making. Talking about Fallout 4, Culinary King, and the state of the flora along the way.
Mostly just enjoyed being out in the air this morning. Lovely floral smells on the breeze – up until the end. Not sure what that smell was. Talked about Fallout, Culinary King, and Intermediate Wheatgrass.
Talked about Jacob Logan’s Culinary King, too much about Fallout 4 and Cait vs Danse as companions.
My body is saying “Maybe not get too carried away, all right?”
I’m a work in progress it seems.
I talked about Rathweg’s book again, the numbers on my house, and the lovely petrichor this morning. Like the pencil shavings from the old school crank sharpeners.
Not just the external weather. I’m a bit foggy this morning, too.
Talked about trying to find self published authors, Gabriell Rathweig’s From Chef to Crafter…, and adventures in bread baking.
Storms coming in from the southwest. The overnight didn’t offer much by way of cooling. That’s pretty normal for this place.
The recorder worked this morning. I talked about Jerry Boyd, Fallout 4, and the grasses already forming up seed heads.
Both the recorders failed me this morning. The old Samsung had a dead battery. I hope it isn’t a chronic problem. It seems to be charging now that I’m back.
My backup – recording via the CF-500 Bluetooth earbuds – came out so badly garbled I can’t make it out, even knowing what it was I was saying.
So. No file today. Maybe tomorrow.
It’s that time of year where I need to walk at sunrise – or as near as I can get to it. I’ve been horrible about keeping to my values. I want to get back to them so – with luck and a tube of stick-to-it, we’ll start the year again today.
Mostly pointless rambling about Fallout 4 and the landscape around me. Workmen due today. With luck, only one day.
I don’t have time to get the walk in before the workmen show up to begin work on restoring the siding on the house this morning.
We’ll have to see if they can get it all done today or if it will bleed into tomorrow.
The painters are due on the first of the month. That’ll be another timing issue.
One day at a time and whatever happens, I try to keep good thoughts for tomorrow.
Mostly I talked about the plants along the way, pens, and playing Fallout 4.
Mindless rambling for the most part. Very quiet out there this morning.
The camera did catch the hot air balloon, just above the taller trees on the horizon left of center. It made me happy to see it out there this morning.
Not that I saw any bluebirds but it was a lovely – if somewhat chilly – walk this morning.
I talked about the bushes and grasses. The seasonal disconnect between haiku summer and astronomical summer. Fallout 4. I don’t think I gave any spoilers.
Been almost a month. Good to catch up, sorta.
Talked about getting hearing checked, house painted. The Cat a little.
I don’t know why I suddenly decided it was 9am instead of 7. I got it right at the beginning of the walk but maybe that tells you something about my mindset.
I’m not sure what its end result will be but it’s definitely a process.
I still plan to get back out there. Even do the podcast some more.
Just.
Not today.
Seems like I always have some reason to not walk and then days go by and I don’t even post.
Sorry about that.
At the moment, I’ve got a wrecked right calf muscle that makes even walking up and down stairs an interesting challenge. Sucks getting old, but I haven’t given up yet.
Thanks to Robert for nudging me.
Got my stuff together early this morning and took it on the road. Talked a lot about the landscaping.
It’s looking a lot more like spring. I talked pens and reading mostly.
There’s a wood chipper just after the Monk Post. I clipped it out and put a beep in its place. I might have gotten the Monk Post in that trim job. It was really loud.
Very warm sun on a cool morning. Felt good to be out for a stroll. I talked about Ark Survival, Scott Baron, and the Cat in between noticing the blossoms.
Today’s going to be eaten by family stuff. I’m hoping for a less restricted day tomorrow.
But at least I got out. Talked about pens a lot and met somebody on the way who knows I’m an author. I don’t remember his name but I must have run into him somewhere.
I started in the morning and, besides, it’s always morning somewhere.
I talked coffee, pens, Cities Skylines, and the usual blather about the weather.
It’s been a bunch of poor weather lately. I had to wait until late morning for the day to warm enough and it was still chilly at 50F.
I talked the Cat, Christina Garner’s Midlife Magic, pens, and using notebooks to scope out the parts of the iceberg below the surface (again).
Late season snows and potential blizzard conditions here this morning?!! Mostly for the high winds and blowing snow.
Yeah. I don’t need this kind of walk.
Maybe tomorrow …
If you look at the horizon through the trees, you’ll see where East lies.
I talked Cat, pens, and Azalea Ellis today.
A brisk breeze kept the temps chilly but I talked about pens, Cities Skylines, and what it’s like when what always used to work suddenly doesn’t.
So far we’ve only had rain here. The foothills just 30 miles to the west are getting hammered with some places already over a foot.
With any luck, I’ll be back on the road again tomorrow.
The park has started greening up nicely with sprigs of new grass showing in the old tufts. I talked about pens, the Cat, and what I’m reading (A Practical Guide to Sorcery, Book 3, by Azalea Ellis)
The sun isn’t quite as far south this morning but the sky is still blue and I got out for my walk. Pens, Cities Skylines, and Books I have/am read/reading. A modicum of grousing about authors trying to sell books without understanding marketing (or basic business).
The blue skies came back this morning and I got outside once the temps broke into the 40s. I talked about the Cat, video games, progress on the big ditch, and what I’m reading.
Writing and working around crappy weather. Maybe tomorrow will be nice enough to get back out.
I realized about 15 minutes in that I’d spent most of it talking about fountain pens. It didn’t get any better when I started talking about what I’m reading (and read last month).
It heated up pretty good between the time I left the house and the time I got back. Talked a bit about pens, about reading. Just stuff.
Not that it’ll do you any good today, but I talked about it anyway. Also momentum versus streaks and how the stuff I’m reading in 365 Tao this time sometimes hits differently than it did on the first reading last year.
Yeah. Winds overnight kept the air mixed up and the temps left me no excuses this morning. I got out early and spent a lot of time nerding out over fountain pens and Railroad Tycoon 3.
I got out for the walk before I realized it was still actively drizzling. I went anyway.
It rose.
It’s borderline freezing rain now.
Hello, Treadmill, my old friend.
I’ve come to walk on you again,
Because the outside is just too darn cold
And my bones are getting too darn old.
Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I should be able to get out tomorrow.
I surveyed the sidewalks on my way back from the grocery store this morning. With a couple of exceptions, the walks are in good shape. I’ll just have to be really careful crossing the streets because those are a mess.
The winter has been relatively mild and lacking in snow. Sure we had some cold spots but…
Woke up to something like 6″ of excess baggage this morning.
It’s going to be a bit before the walk resumes. At least outside. I may have to brave the treadmill again
Six-month checkup scan.
If it’s clear, next one is next year.
I won’t be walking today but I hear tomorrow’s another day …
I made a light grocery run and made myself keep my boots on when I got home so I could go for a walk. Mostly cloudy. A bit chilly. I ranted about YA and writers who don’t do their marketing at the end.
It’s not exactly pouring down but it’s definitely a steady rain.
I’m staying in to bake bread and hoping the rain doesn’t turn to snow before it’s over.
Imbolc (pronounced im-olk) today. Groundhog Day has really old roots. Apparently the Germans used badgers until they discovered groundhogs.
Anyway, I missed yesterday and didn’t want to miss two in a row. Talked a lot today but don’t remember what I talked about. Felt good to get moving again. Not sure about the weather tomorrow. It’s not shaping up very well.
For not walking today. The weather’s supposed to turn this afternoon and be messy later.
But my feet are too heavy and my head too light. A long sojourn to the grocery store has done me in.
I didn’t need the parka this morning and I didn’t have much to say. Talked a bit about Random Penguin House and why I think they’re missing the boat, a reality that I’m grateful for.
Not a lotta talkin’. I’m struggling to get the scaffolding re-established. Walking is the key even if the talking doesn’t keep up.
Talked about yesterday’s dentist visit. Waxed rhapsodic over Nongshim Shin ramen and burning the living heck out of my mouth but it was ooohh so good. Also The Sad Bastard Cookbook (which Amazon seems to have taken umbrage over).
I managed to get my boots on and get out there again. Cold, below freezing, but not terrible.
I rambled while I rambled. Talked about what I’ve been doing for the last month or so.
It’s always an issue. Between disease and sub-zero temps, it’s been a challenge for me to get moving again. At my age, that’s a problem I’m determined to beat.
We’ll see how things go but we make it above freezing today and I’ll get my work out clearing the walks.
The worst of the cough and fever is behind me (I think) and I’m just riding out the fatigue now. It’s getting better but small amounts of movement can still tire me out pretty quickly.
I hope this isn’t the new normal. I’m beginning to want to feel that icy winter air on my face.
Yes, it was inevitable. The whole family got hit within hours.
We’re taking a day at a time.
Crappy looking morning out there. Mostly cloudy. I took a picture with the sunrise in it, but it’s just a glowy cloud through the trees. I talked a lot today. Musta had some stuff saved up.
I’d be hard pressed to prove I’m still upright and taking nutrition, so I understand if you don’t believe it.
I will get back out there. One of these days.
I got my lunch and realized it was mostly sunny, 50F, and no significant wind. I strapped on the boots and took a spin around the neighborhood. Didn’t talk about much. Which is on brand, I guess.
I expect to get out into the dumb winter weather eventually.
Today was not that day.
Tomorrow? That’s another day …
Yeah. It’s been too long since I touched grass, apparently.
I talked about Factorio, Ark Survival Evolved, and life on the beach.
The metaphorical beach that I’ve been lounging on for the last couple of weeks. I figured I needed to get out and see if I remembered how to walk.
Yeah. That “Soon” thing?
Ten days ago? Seriously?
I’m still on the green side of the sod, sitting up, and taking nourishment.
For whatever that’s worth.
First sub-freezing morning of the season. Snow in the forecast. I probably should have put on my rain gear and walked when it was a balmy 42F.
Talked about Bob and Nikki, Factorio, and the leaves.
We don’t need no steenking schedules. I know I’m reading a good book when I spent 90 minutes on a bowl of cereal and toast.
I talked about Jerry Boyd’s Bob and Nikki (again) and spent too much time geeking out about Factorio (again). At least I walked and feel better for it.
One misstep after another today. Hope it clears up as I get more awake, although I’m not holding out a lot of hope. Still, it was a pretty morning out there.
Weird morning. Found a phone in the gutter. I got it charged up and called an emergency number so I know who it belongs to. Just need to drive across town and return it.
In other news, I talked about FreeBSD, Factorio, and what a beautiful morning it was out there.
I’ve had a lot of coffee this morning. That might be obvious. I talked a little about reading ConFusion and too much about playing Factorio.
I talked about the migration from the old to the new machines. The file sharing issues may be a thing I’m imaging. Mostly I talked about bandwidth and how much I like having more of it.
A balmy 44F this morning and I talked about the new computers a lot. Also the need to take the rest of this quarter to begin scoping out next year and preparing the path forward.
I managed to get out in the frosty morning after too long of being indoors. I also got my new computer so I’ll have fun getting that set up. I talked about it and about why I’m walking on Saturday.
Really nice morning after a string of drab ones. Talked about getting rid of the old computers, playing Factorio and Eve Online, and FOMO.
The technical fires seem to be out. I’ve cleared away at least some of the rubble and can start thinking again. Perhaps now I can act instead of re-acting. Medical people seemed pleased.
If the last few days have been technical, today is medical with checkups scheduled with two different doctors – one this morning, one this afternoon. Will I get anything else done? Maybe.
Not quite. 52F isn’t exactly freezing but dang it felt cold this morning. Not much by way of solar gain with the big cloud bank off to the east southeast.
Talked about what’s had me tied in knots the last few days. Mostly web stuff.
Trying to keep the roaches out of my stuff is taking pretty much all my time.
I’m working with a security team already so fingers crossed I can beat this.
Soon, I hope.
Oh, hi.
Had a bit of a technical snafu yesterday that kept me corralled. I started a post, but then forgot to hit Publish twice to make it live.
More technical hitches this morning along with a trip to the local Emporium of Phlebotomy in preparation for meetings with a collection of medical professionals later in the week.
Tomorrow. Maybe. We’ll see.
Talked a lot about the construction in the neighborhood including a short talk with the neighbor.
At least we hope so, as my kid would say.
I talked a lot of navel gazery this morning. Fingers crossed.
Just my normal ramble about Eve, Sophie, and the Cat with some side trips about seeds.
How does that Prickly White Poppy spread it seeds?
Some snappy tunes got me movin’ this morning. Talked about Sophie Feegle, and all the people I ran into today. Quite the crowd.
Note: I walked past a city vacuum truck that was really loud. I ducked that portion of the audio.
Clear blue skies over the high plains east of the Rocky Mountains this morning. Chilly morning. Probably time to break out some warmer shirts.
Mostly I gushed over Gwen DeMarco’s Sophie Feegle series, which I can’t seem to put down long enough to even play.
Gray, lowery morning for a sad duty. I have to pick up Canoli’s mortal remains this morning and I just wasn’t up for a long walk under gray and dismal skies as well.
Day off tomorrow.
Back on the sidewalk Sunday.
With any luck at all, I’ll talk to you then.
Lots to do today. Grocery run. Dental appointment. Have to bake bread later.
Also squeeze in some writing.
Talked about how I haven’t really played Eve Online for over 1000 hours in the last three months and why Ark Survival Evolved and Minecraft have a lot in common.
Every time I turned around this morning, there was something – other than the walk – that needed my immediate attention.
It’s one of those days.
I hope tomorrow will be better.
The cool air has me thinking about Autumn. The last few days have been pretty pleasant weather-wise. I talked about what’s been going on for the last few days. I’m reading P D Ball’s Princess Cayce series and loving it. It’s dragging me away to a fantasy land.
Given the whirlwinds swirling around Casa de Lowell today, I probably need the walk but I’m turtling up.
Tomorrow is medical morning. Saturday is my day off.
Sunday? Sunday looks doable again.
Canoli should get his collar off today and can go back to being the obstreperous little stinker he’s always been. I talked about seeds today.
Rose too early after staying up too late. Talked about the Cat and pitched a fit because the sunflowers got mowed down. Again. Harumph
Not raining, but it has been. Might rain some more. Talked about Eve Online and why I’m feeling much better about telling stories.
A lot of navel gazing about work, art, play, and why I seem to be having so much trouble dealing with The Wizard’s Cat.
I floundered around today trying to find things to talk about. Finished Mage from Nowhere. Reading MR Forbes. Playing Eve and Prosperous (Preposterous) Universe.
I really need to get out earlier.
A late start this morning. Meandered around a lot. Talked about B T Narro’s The Mage from Nowhere and playing alpha accounts on Eve Online.
Don’t know if I’m just sensitive to it today or it was the timing or what but it felt really noisy out there this morning. Met one of the neighbors – Jake – who really wanted to know about my taking the picture every day.
Hi, Jake!
Somehow I twisted my ankle yesterday. I’m going to need to use it later so I’m not going to push it by walking on in this morning.
Tomorrow’s another day.
I got out early this morning because the internet was down and I figured it was a sign. The service dropped sometime around 7pm last night and didn’t come back until just a few minutes ago. Losing the links we rely on for so much always puts me off balance. Not being able to do anything about it? Frustration.
It’s back now and I can post.
I talked way too much about Eve Online in the beginning and then too much about the Wizard’s Cat at the end.
Another cool, clear morning. I’m hoping we’ve seen the end of the hot weather here, but I’m pretty sure this is just a respite before the hammer comes back down.
I talked about Erik Schubach, Eve Online, and the Cat this morning.
I slept in a bit then fooled around on the internet too long. My penance is walking under the broiling sun.
Not really. Mostly, a lovely cool morning that wasn’t really hot unless I walked in direct sunlight.
I talked about Erik Schubach’s Elfed series and Matt Pivots Whisper of Iron.
Like “film at 11” except only audio and no fires or murders or anything. Mostly just what’s been happening over the last week and where I am on thinking about the cat, the other Cat, and Ishmael.
Yeah. No walkies today.
The cat came home last night and it was a fractured night over all. We’re all still recovering.
See you Sunday.
Rough night ahead of a long day and my thighs are complaining. I’d have thought I had them in shape by now but … Not today.
In which I mutter to myself about nonsense until I got on my hobby horse about education and schooling and why I didn’t/probably won’t write Ishmael Wang: the Academy Years
Off to a slow start, but I think I have the day right today. Talked about having the apocalypse living rent-free, as the kids say. Wondering where we’ll get water from. Nothing dark there, right? Right?
Let’s see if this week can go better than last. I talked about Canoli still at the vet, Eve Online, and about so many of the writers I liked signing with publishers.
The week of medical mayhem draws to a close. We still have issues outstanding with the Auxiliary Cat, but most of the human issues are – if not solved – at least tamped down until next week.
Figured I’d better get in a walk today. I may not get another chance before Friday. Talked about Prosperous Universe, Eve Online, and Galena by Samuel West. Picked some more rye.
I was so early this morning, the street lights were still on for most of the walk. I talked about yesterday’s doctor visit and playing various games.
I got some dehydrated starter from my sister the baker. It’s reconstituting now and I’m looking forward to giving it a whirl. She also sent a bunch of fancy sour dough bread recipes. Should keep me busy.
I must have been tired. In spite of going to bed at a decent hour last night, I overslept this morning and missed my window for walking. Tomorrow’s another day.
Not much to say today. My shins pitched a fit about halfway around but they can rest tomorrow.
Yes, Hard Knocks is out. Sorry, I didn’t mention that earlier. I talked about it a bit, about grass seeds and Eve Online. Mostly just talked.
The CT scan yesterday went easily, but I’m having a bad case of the Nopes with a side of Don’t Wanna today. Maybe tomorrow…
Not much to say today. Talked about Eve Online and the new litRPG series. May miss tomorrow because I have an early CT scan appointment.
I’m having a second think about this day off thing. Taking a step back and seeing if it’s doing what I need and what the side effects are. I also talked about Prey and Eve Online.
It’s been a long, tiring week. Talked about the Cat, Manuscript, and Eve Online. Picked some rye seed heads. We’ll see how they do. Lots of heavy engine noise this morning.
Trying to get back in the groove. Talked about the last couple of days. She’s a trooper and we’ll get through it. Talked about Eve and my perspective on accepting it as it is.
A lovely morning and I’m glad I got out early. I talked about the week ahead, poolish bread, and rye flour. ETA: I lied. Surgery and follow up tomorrow and Wednesday.
Perfect weather for a walk this morning. Mid-sixties. A bit of breeze. Early enough that I found a lot of shade. Talked about prairie grasses and Jenny Schwartz’s Delphic Dame series this morning. Among other things.
Lovely and cool. Quite wet still from yesterday’s rains and the over night fog. Talked a bunch. A bit about the Cat. A bit about Eve. I’m thinking a lot about my time on Kodiak Island these days.
It was raining and blowing early. By the time it blew through, the sun was too much. Taking the Red Day today. Maybe tomorrow…?
Not much to talk about today. Warm but not terrible. The breeze early in the walk made it much nicer than it might have been.
Apparently I had a lot to say about internal and external scans as they relate to marketing theory and practice. Who knew?
Other than that one really loud truck in Lowe’s parking lot half a mile away. Talked about the day off and playing Eve for the fun of it.
A bit cooler with a little breeze. I welcomed the small comfort of hoodie with pockets. Talked about plants, Eve, and the Cat
I went without the crutch of my hoodie pockets today. It worked out fine. Talked about reading and playing Eve.
Wicked ear worm this morning. Between Stairway to Heaven and Mad World, my brain may melt unless I find some brain bleach.
After a few days of relative coolness, looks like summer is back with a vengeance this week. I didn’t talk about much today.
Not much on my mind. Talked a lot of Eve Online. A bit about Hard Knocks. Note: I changed yesterday’s post title and slug to correct a typo.
I miss them. I didn’t talk about them today but I’ve been thinking about them a lot. I’m probably going to start taking Saturday’s off instead of trying to work 7 days a week for months on end. Also worked … Continue reading →
After a few days of rain (really? here?!) I got back out on the sidewalk this morning. Talked about Eve Online, reading Mel Todd, and just rambling.
After a long night of “very, very frightening” it’s raining this morning. Tomorrow, etc …
I hereby declare today Play Day. I’ve got some laundry to do and bread rising. Beyond that, I’m taking the day off from anything I feel like not doing today. The Cat can wait. So can the edits on Hard … Continue reading →
I got on a kick about Eve Online and burned the whole talk on it. tldr: I’m having more fun than I thought I would
We’re on to the back half of the year. I talked about what I might like to do differently going forward. I’m leery about making too many/major changes. The year has been going pretty good so far and I don’t … Continue reading →
Last day of the half. I talked about the first half and how I think it went. Spent a lot of time on the word of the year – juggle – and why I think it has worked so well.
Kind of dreary considering it’s not overcast. Just a lot of dark clouds. I talked about the Cat, HZD, and – yes – Eve online. (Cue “The Fine Print” by The Stupendium”)
Got a jump on the day by waking up too early and not going back to sleep. May need a nap later. Talked bread, HZD, and weather.
A bit of fog inside and out this morning. Not sure what’s causing the inner fog. I talked about the cat, bread, and Bronze Ranked Brewer as an exemplar of a book that started life as a web novel. I … Continue reading →
I think I’ve had a breakthrough on the last roadblock on the Wizard’s Cat. Having exhausted all the typical solutions, the simple and elegant one might be correct. I didn’t spill the beans on it, but talked all around it.
I talked about starting over with the Cat, what my phd taught me about process, and Star Trek Strange New Worlds.
I realized that it’s time to evaluate the year-in-progress. That was partly spurred by shifting to walking earlier and having a bit of dissonance introduced in the flow of my day. It wasn’t working. I talked a lot about that … Continue reading →
Not quite tracking today. Not exactly sure why. Talked about yesterday, the Cat, Not Alone by Craig Falconer, and – of course – Horizon Zero Dawn. Even a little bit about Eve Online.
Got out early enough today. Beat the sunrise by about 20 minutes. Some boot sounds. Okay, a lot of boot sounds today.
Late start to the day made later by getting bread baking tips from my sister. I talked bread, Tom Larcombe’s System Shift (Natural Laws Apocalypse book 6) and taking the rest of the day off.
Changing up the order of march for the summer again. Need to get the walk done before it gets too hot. I talked about that, about the book I’m reading (All the Skills), and – of course – HZD.
A friend passed away. I talked about it. Also bread, the book I’m reading, and – of course – Horizon Zero Dawn.
Again with the skies are all cloudy all day thing. It feels like it wants to rain out there but the forecast doesn’t have precipitation in it. I talked about bread and books and Horizon Zero Dawn.
This much rain in June? I hope that doesn’t mean we’re going to get none later. I think we’ve had about 10% of our annual precipitation in the last week.
The forecast is thunderstorms and rain until mid-afternoon, then just rain until 3 followed by thunderstorms and rain. It’s raining now. I’m staying in today.
Talked a lot about the Cat and how dissatisfied I am with the progress. Mulling over the issues without giving out spoilers is a bit of a challenge.
We’ve had a string of thundery, drizzly days this season. I’m not complaining but it’s certainly unusual for the semi-arid high plains. I talked about the Cat, how quiet Saturday seems. Not sure what else I may have muttered about. … Continue reading →
Thunder early and everything is wet, but I put on my raincoat and went anyway. Talked about The Cat, yesterday’s rabbit hole (Diggy Diggy Hole), and needing a break which I’ll take when I have this story whipped into shape.
I talked about feeling pressured by getting up late (at 6am), progress on the Cat, and why I can’t abandon thousands of readers in KU for people who want me to leave Amazon because they hate the company.
I butchered the lyrics to Science Fiction, Double Feature. Mea Culpa. I talked too much about E E “Doc” Smith’s Triplanetary and 1930s science fiction.
Talked about the probabilities of risk as a writer. It’s ground I know I’ve covered before but it was top of mind today so that’s what I talked about. Again.
I talked about the Cat, my cat, bridges, abutments, and a little bit about School Days.
But today has nothing but drizzle and rain. Red Day today. No walkies. No talkies. Tomorrow? That’s another day …
It didn’t look much like sunrise, but I was out just a couple of minutes past the official time. Mostly dark clouds and threatened rain. Very still morning and I found very little to say.
I caught a few late drips from the morning showers, but my internal weather feels bright and sunny this morning. I talked about the first day of release, the doctor visit (non-event), and the Cat a little.
Talked a bit about the School Days launch, the Wizard’s surprising comeback, and the stuff I need to do today. Production note: Lots of lawnmower noise in the last 2 minutes.
I’m trying to adjust my morning schedule to get out before the sun gets too hot. It won’t be long before 8am will be untenable. I talked a lot about the shift in schedule and Horizon Zero Dawn and gave … Continue reading →
Yeah. Late wake up. Difficult start to the day. A late breakfast and walk. I need to figure out something else to shuffle to “after the walk” because leaving after 8am is becoming untenable. I talked a bit about the … Continue reading →
Talked a lot about past teachers because I’m trying to come up with an appropriate dedication for this next Marva Collins book.
I really didn’t need the fleece lined hoodie this morning. I have to remember to change to something lighter if I’m going to walk in sunshine like that.
I was more than a bit foggy myself and talked almost non-stop about Horizon Zero Dawn.
Note: I clipped out a conversation with the neighbor that I recorded without permission. Added a beep at about 16:45.
After what felt like a week of smoke, the sky was clear again this morning. Or at least mostly. I talked about sour dough science and the Cat this morning.
I’m beginning to think that clear skies might be a thing of the past. As the temps keep climbing, forest fires will be even more common which means I’ll have a lot more smoke filled mornings.
Grim thought.
The Canadian forest fire smoke is particularly thick today. I talked about nothing in particular.
A lot of forest fire smoke in the air this morning. I talked about not walking yesterday, working on Working Class edits, and a few non-spoilery tidbits about the Cat.
The start this morning consisted of a digital hangover problem from yesterday. Luckily, I got it under control. I talked a lot about what a great tool pandoc turned out to be (thank you, Anita) and Horizon Zero Dawn failing.
Trials and tribulations filled my day yesterday. By the time I’d sorted them out, 1) it had started raining again and 2) I just wanted to curl up and kill machines in Horizon Zero Dawn. There’s good news that came from the day of frustration so I’m taking it as a writing win even though it was a Red Day for walking.
Gray and dark this morning. Started sprinkling before I got back. I’m okay. I didn’t melt or anything.
I’ve got a lot to do today. Some of it involves writing. Some involves family time. Looking forward to a good day.
I talked too much about Kickstarter and paperbacks, then ran into the winds again for the last 3 minutes.
Forecast is for heavy rain, possible thundershowers throughout the day and into tomorrow.
My lawn is loving this soaking weather. Me? I’ll be on the treadmill today.
Thunder storms and hail scoured the landscape last night. I walked in a bit of “heavy mist” this morning and returned none the worse for wear. I talked a lot about 20,000 Leagues and how my memory of the work doesn’t hold up to the current reality – at least so far.
I had a lot of commentary about Horizon Zero Dawn and what a beautiful morning it was. Nothing deep or earth shattering.
My brain is still replaying Mexican Radio in my head.
After starting out early the last few times, today’s start feels like it’s later than I think. Warm and sunny beats cold and rainy, I’ll say that much. I talked almost exclusively about Horizon: Zero Dawn.
I took two days because one just didn’t cut it. My legs are grateful, although I have one calf muscle that doesn’t like me to sleep very long. Two days with Aloy in Horizon Zero Dawn. Much fun.
No walk. No talk. A day to chase the goals in my new game and let the brain meat cool off a little.
I finished the latest pass through Hard Knocks yesterday. I still have some continuity issues to resolve but they’ll be better addressed once I’ve had a bit of a rest and put some distance between me and the story.
Tomorrow’s another day …
The morning haiku had me contemplating snapshots today and how they remind me of my past stupidity.
Speaking of stupid, I picked up the wrong phone and couldn’t find the recording on it. As a result, I neglected to add “With any luck at all I’ll talk to you then” before swearing at myself for thinking the recording had failed before realizing I was looking at the wrong device.
I clipped off the swearing.
I rambled on about sour dough, favorite game play styles, and how much fun I’m having with Horizon Zero Dawn.
I really like getting out early. I talked about that, the new ending to Hard Knocks (no spoilers), and being entranced by the new game.
Another early morning as I try to wrangle a new permutation of my daily schedule. I talked about a new ending for Hard Knocks (no spoilers) and finding a new game.
I changed up the day’s routine this morning. It felt good to be out walking the quiet of the morning, cool breeze on my face. I talked about sour dough, games, and the ever present lilacs.
Too warm. I need to start walking earlier. I talked about Lyx, LaTeX, and the joys of pdfs (Permanently Damaged Files) among other things.
The sour dough didn’t come out terrible and I spent my writing time putting School Days into a pdf for the paperback. I want to be able to push these out as soon as I can when the cover art arrives.
I ducked out between the fronts to get my walk in. A cold wind kept me moving. I talked a lot about writing, what I count as writing, and struggling with my first sour dough loaf from the new starter.
MRI had no bad news. I talked about Hard Knocks among other things. Lots of not-talking today.
Most of the over night snow has melted but the mid-30F temps made the walk a bit sniffy. I talked a lot about bread and ARK Survival.
Talked ad nauseam about yeast, starters, and bread baking before shifting to talk about The Wizard’s Cat. I’m really eager to get going on that one. It probably shows.
I clipped a bit out of the audio around the 2:15 mark. I recorded a conversation with one of my long time NPC’s without permission. One of those spontaneous “Long time, no see” exchanges and I didn’t mention the recording so … snip. The transition probably sounds funny but that’s the cause.
I talked about yesterday, my sour dough starter, and the current state of the landscape.
The Cable Company is working in the neighborhood today. They’ve warned us that we’ll likely lose link for most of the day but “expect service to be restored by end of day.”
I’d be more confident if they’d said which day.
A bit chilly but a lovely morning for a ramble. The Note 3 apparently lost its battery charge so wouldn’t boot up. I recorded on the Note S20. Glad I had the backup
A dusting of snow over night and a chilly morning this morning. I waited a bit to get out so it could get up to 40.
My medical procedure got delayed until Tuesday. So I walked in the snow. To be fair, it didn’t start snowing until I was about halfway around the loop and only spit a bit. I talked a lot about bread.
Yes! I got out early this morning. I won’t be able to walk tomorrow so I wanted to make sure I made the loop today. I talked about Being.
When I started the walk it had just topped 70F. It was 80 by the time I got back. I really didn’t need the extra hoodie today.
I talked about Working Class, Ark Survival, and then ranted about authors who are just trying to find a path by flailing around in quicksand.
In case you wondered: The View From Here
Doctor was pleased which makes me happy. There are – of course – more tests, more specialists, in my future but mostly of the CYA variety rather than “Ooh. We should look at that.” I didn’t bother to take off my shoes and just headed out to get the walk out of the way early today.
I need to get back into that habit. Perhaps walking after my Morning Routine and before Writing Time. It’s going to be too hot to walk later in the day very soon now.
I’ve got some medical stuff happening this week. I talked about what the schedule looks like, where I am on Working Class, and possibly looking into WoW.
I finally got out early enough to actually have a morning walk again and to talk during it. I talked mostly about where I am with Working Class, Ark Survival, what would be the ideal game for me to play, and why Eve Online wasn’t it.
Pretty day. Nice weather today. Didn’t freeze my phalanges off for a change. Talked about bread, maybe having the recording problem solved, and playing games that may or may not run on linux.
Holy moly. Between the leaf blowers, ditch diggers, and trash trucks, the yappy dogs hardly stood a chance.
Treadmill day.
I feel like I’m being wimpy by not braving the outdoors today but I just don’t want to take the chance that I run into trouble on the way around the loop.
A beautiful day. Talked about my new induction pads, the problem I’m trying to solve, and the books I’m reading.
Some significant progress being made here. I talked a lot about the problems I’m having with the USB plug on this phone. The test of my LG HBS800s actually worked pretty well when I got the file home and cleaned it up in Audacity. It sounds really dead because it only picked up the loudest street noises. Not ideal.
Fragmented day. Unexpected pharmacy/grocery run. Deteriorating weather.
Just not my day. I’m getting on the treadmill now.
Well, the day was bright. The jury’s out on me.
I talked about why I wasn’t walking, snow, Ark, lost bookmarks, and why my diction suffers when my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
Tai Chi Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex8xt7OQNXo
Just got off the treadmill. The day got away from me after the doctor appointment this morning.
Maybe tomorrow.
The snow has melted but the sidewalks are a bit of a minefield of icy patches. I’m going to hit the treadmill again today to give it a chance to melt and evaporate.
A Blue Day. Overnight snow is deep enough that I probably should shovel the walks. I was hoping it would melt by now but it’s still a bit below freezing here and I’m not going to risk it.
Tomorrow is another day, though.
Since I finished my work on School’s Out yesterday, at least for the moment, I’m taking a day of holiday again.
I talked about setting up the new drives to handle LyX and Sigil (just needed to install them and get used to a different interface) and recovering my LibreOffice Templates from the old drives.
When I got up this morning, I thought I might be walking on the treadmill.
I rambled about Ark, Linux, and what I’ve been up to for the last few days.
I juggled too many things today, got sidetracked, and lost my window for walking.
I’m a little disappointed that this will be the 3rd day this month I haven’t walked at all, not even on the treadmill, but it’s almost bed time and I’ve been up since 4am.
I guess this is why I picked “juggle” as my word of the year. I knew there’d be times when I dropped a ball and would need to pick it up again tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow … It’s another day.
I managed to get my ducks in a row today and got myself out on the sidewalk.
I talked about what I was doing for the last few days, a little side trip to my dinosaurs on Ark Survival Evolved, and finished with “I’m finally done with The Tale of Genji” wherein I wondered whether this reading goal – A Classic Per Month – needs to go the way of 2022.
I knew I should have walked this morning when it was only cold and looking like rain.
Dreadmill day.
You know the ones? Where you start out great. Things fall into place early. You’re looking forward to a great, productive day.
Then life rears its ugly head and tosses it all in the compost pile.
In theory I’m going to get on the treadmill later today, but it may just be my second Red day of the year.
Ah well. I hear good things about tomorrow.
A Blue day. I got home and loaded the file only to discover that the only parts I can hear are “Good morning…” and “…talk to you then.” Probably because I was looking at the phone. The rest of the file was wind and traffic sounds.
Ah well. Tomorrow’s another day.
I talked about Dave Robison’s podcast today, specifically his take on finding a circle of friends as he settles into the warm stew that is Portland, OR. Complained about self-pub authors who don’t seem to want to do the work but want the benefit as if they had.
So, typical walk.
I gassed about self-publishing, Amazon, and their algorithms.
When I wasn’t freezing my fingers off.
I felt like a wimp yesterday but given how unpleasant today was, I’m glad I gave it a miss.
I talked about being old, playing Ark, and the new linux machine.
It’s a beautiful sunny day – with a windchill in the 20s.
It feels like a treadmill day to me, but I hear good things about tomorrow.
A very nice day for a walk. I started before noon but took too long to cover the first mile.
Today I talked about Ark, Linux, and the things I’m not going to tell me I can’t do any more. Not that I’m going to do them, just that I’m not going to close the door on them arbitrarily.
I talked a lot about the new computer, Ark Survival, and messing up the post yesterday.
It frustrates me when one view looks correct but that view is not the one the public sees. I need to train myself to look at it after it’s posted to make sure it says what I think it says.
A little about the progress in my linux conversion. I think I finally have a configuration that I’m happy with. Mostly I talked about some noise in the self-pub community about how Kindle Unlimited is a trap and the sky could fall any minute now.
And why I think that’s all it is. Noise.
I spent way too much time talking about yesterday’s migration from Windows to linux (Mint, for those who want to know). It’s very exciting and the highlight of my Holiday Weekend.
Back to work tomorrow.
I’ve done too much lugging and hauling over the last 24 hrs. We had our annual haul away the junk day today and the preparation for it had me crawling around on the floor, dragging heavy stuff around and generally over doing it.
It’s killing me that it’s a gorgeous day out there but this is going to be a blue day. I got plenty of exercise, just not the kind where I stroll around the neighborhood.
I hear good things about tomorrow …
Taking the day off yesterday was the Right Thing To Do, even if it felt wrong at the time. My new disks should arrive today and I finally have a completed second draft (for real this time) of the first new Ishmael book. I’m declaring a weekend holiday so I can do the installs and finally shift to linux – and give my brain a chance to recover a bit from 67+ days in a row of writing.
A little earlier today and a little chillier. I talked a lot about Ark Survival Evolved and Tale of Genji. (So much crying.)
Sorry about the file link yesterday. I did – eventually – fix it.
Some good news and some sad news today. Nothing fatal but still sad.
I talked about the Linux experiment and my reading goals for 2023.
Not much to talk about today. The linux experiment continues. I’m pondering what it will mean if I still can’t play ARK on the upgraded machine. Anybody have a game I could play instead? A couple of people have pointed to Horizon Zero Dawn already. Anything else?
A quiet morning ramble. Talked about the Linux Project and where the story is.
This recording glitch worries me but we’ll soldier on with it.
The dongle I use to connect the mic to the phone seems to be a little shaky. If I bumped it the wrong way, the recording stopped. I don’t know if it’s the plug in the phone, the wires going into the dongle, or something happening in the background that I didn’t notice. At any rate, I made it back with a full recording today.
I talked about meeting the oncology nurse last Thursday and what I’m trying to do with linux on my desktop.
I apparently shut off the recorder when I tucked it into my pocket.
So … yeah. Pretty much back to normal, I guess
I talked a lot about my old computers and my attempts to get them running again with Linux. That counted as “play time” for me.
Freezing temps. Blowing snow. Talking isn’t happening today in spite of my best intentions.
The wind is cutting this afternoon. The sun is out and the temps aren’t bad, but I’m keeping my head down today.
Tomorrow’s another day. With any luck at all, I’ll talk to you then.
Still getting back in the swing of things, but second day went well except for some technical difficulties in posting.
I talked about short stories and writing a bit today.
Yes! I did the walk, talked the talk, and now I’m trying to remember how all this goes together.
Today went okay. I still have some fine tuning to do but I’m looking forward to meeting with you all regularly again.
First day at two miles outside. I tapped the Monk Post on the way by but was glad I didn’t record.
I’m planning to walk the loop a few times before I take the mic out with me, but – if things go as planned – I’ll be ready to March On.
I’ve made the 1 mile loop every day in the last week. I’m not quite ready to try the 2 mile walk but the 1 mile is less of a strain than it was.
I’m hoping that I’ll be back on the air in March. Fingers crossed.
The 50F temps and sun drew me outside for my walk today. I was only able to do 1 mile on the sidewalk because of the rough footing and various ups and downs.
Still, it’s outside and good progress. Won’t be long (comparatively) now.
Eating is still a challenge but I’m getting my strength back.
This week I’m still doing 1 mile at 3 mph. I was going to up the ante but my legs and hips aren’t quite there yet. It’s still hard for me to stand for more than half an hour.
I’m writing again. Sorting out the new Ishmael series and working up ideas for The Wizard’s Cat.
Tomorrow I get my next PET scan (cancer screening) so fingers crossed that nothing ugly crops up.
I’m up too 1 mile at 2 mph daily on the dreadmill.
Sunday I shift to 1 mile at 3 mph for a week then – theoretically – start training for 2 miles at 3 mph.
I’m expecting to take at least a week at that level before trying to get out on the street again. It may take two but I’m getting closer every day.
Watch this space
I wrote about my new Word of the Year over on nathanlowell.com.
My immediate goal is to have enough strength and stamina back by Feb 1 to be back on the road. I’ll be working the dreadmill until I can get outside again.
Still improving. Just not as fast as I’d hoped.
I’m not getting the exercise I need to rebuild my stamina. It’s my own damn fault and I own it.
I’m eating more. Not sure about the nutritional value but I’m getting all my calories by mouth instead of tube.
I’m writing more. The chemo brain fog keeps clearing a bit more each day.
I’m still determined to get TOMMW back on the sidewalk. I just don’t know when that will happen. Sorry.
I enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving dinner with the fam. Turkey and all the fixin’s. My final set of labs (for now) showed no additional issues. I’m ready for this feeding tube to come out, but that’s the last of the medicals until my next 90 day PET scan.
I’m writing again and liking where Ishmael is going. Next challenge is getting back into shape so I can start up the podcast again. with the winter beginning to lock things down here, that’s going to be a significant challenge.
Yes, I’m early on this but I want you all to know how thankful I am right now. 1. I’m cancer free. I’m really thankful that this wasn’t a death sentence and that we caught it early enough that – … Continue reading →
Two days in a row now, I’ve only taken sustenance from real food. I want to eat a real Thanksgiving dinner. It’s going to be a stretch 🙂
The post-treatment scan happened last week and I got the news from the oncologist a few minutes ago. While there are a couple of issues to look at (inflammation in the throat and esophagus), the scan did not show any … Continue reading →
Well, I wanted to get back on the sidewalk for my 70th birthday. One of those two things happened today. I’ll get a walk around the block today, but my legs still aren’t up to two miles. On the plus … Continue reading →
Progress continues. Each day is a little better, a little easier. I’m still napping a lot, reading a lot. I’m thinking a lot about the stories I’ve told and want to tell going forward. Putting thoughts into action will still … Continue reading →
Progress continues. Each day is a little better, a little easier. I’m still napping a lot, reading a lot. I’m thinking a lot about the stories I’ve told and want to tell going forward. Putting thoughts into action will still … Continue reading →
I’ve started walking around my block. It’s not very far but it’s going to be a while before I’m back to my 2 miles a day. That’s the bad news. The good news is that I’m able to get all … Continue reading →
I’ve started walking around my block. It’s not very far but it’s going to be a while before I’m back to my 2 miles a day. That’s the bad news. The good news is that I’m able to get all … Continue reading →
I don’t spend much time here at my desk so a lot of my connections are going unanswered. Sorry about that. I’m slowly on the mend. I’ve started a little light walking, and some weight work to try to rebuild … Continue reading →
I’m not out of the woods yet but I can see some breaks in the trees ahead. Eating is still a problem. Likewise hydration. Sleeping has become easier. I’m not drowning in my own phlegm any more. I’m beginning to … Continue reading →
Treatment is officially over. At least for now. We begin the recuperation and recovery phase of the operation. In three months, more imaging to see how we did.
Just 2 chemo and 4 radiation treatments left for this round. Radiation done on the 28th, chemo on Aug 1. I hope that one round is enough, but we’ll see what it looks like in August.
Most of the side-effects have been mild. I’ve worked around the food problem a bit. We’ll see how it goes on the next couple of days. I’ve not found the crippling fatigue, but then I’m not doing much except treatments … Continue reading →
I’m at the halfway point in the treatment. Two days (including today) and three weeks. Everybody seems to think I’m doing well and holding up under the strain. Fingers crossed it continues.
We’re slowly solving the calorie/protein problem. Feeding myself enough is proving to be a challenge but my food logs are helping sort it out. I was losing weight (a no-no) but I discovered that I was only getting about 3/4 … Continue reading →
Ten Twelve years ago today I became a full time author. Thanks to everybody who’s helped me succeed. Today is also the end of week 3 of my treatments. In other news, I’m hanging in.
After consultation with my better half, I’ve agreed to only walk on the treadmill for … well … at least awhile. She fears me collapsing on the sidewalk, unable to call for help, being ignored by the small number of … Continue reading →
At 5:30 AM. No walks will be taken today unless they’re on the treadmill in air conditioned comfort. In related news, I’m much recovered from what was a rough day yesterday.
Taking this walk might have been a mistake. I stopped recording early but I feel better having done it. Listening to it might not be pleasant.
I talked a lot about what happened yesterday as the actual treatment began. Feel free to skip this one.
I walked this morning but didn’t feel like talking. I didn’t take a picture or record anything. Felt good to be out and moving. The treatments start tomorrow morning.
So I started out this morning to take the walk. I soon realized that I wasn’t going to make it so started a quick update before taking the short-cut back to the house. It felt good to get out, but … Continue reading →
My lungs did not like the breathing tube. I’ve been draining the bilges for two days and they’re still leaking. I don’t dare aggravate them by walking yet. 🙁
I’m going to need another day to recover but the procedure went well. Maybe see ya tomorrow 🙂
I expect this to happen a lot over the next few weeks. Today, I’m at the dentist getting some teeth extracted. It’s also 38F and raining, so yeah. No out doors for me.
I felt like I was just barely crawling along this morning. A lot of construction noise early.
Between waiting for doctors, waiting on medical systems, trips to pharmacies, and grocery runs, my time has not been my own for the last few days. Maybe tomorrow will be better.
My boots came back from the cobbler yesterday. They managed to repair the soles, replace the laces, and even oiled up the leather. Felt good to be back in them. Not sure how we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day here but at … Continue reading →
I got moving early this morning. Not because I’m particularly motivated but because it was a rough night.
We’re getting to the season where I need to move earlier in the morning or risk heat stroke (not really, but it was warm out there today.)
I talked about the medical situation, the overcast day, and a bunch of bird and boot sounds, probably.
I used my new rain gear today. I’ve used it before as a windbreaker but this is the first time I’ve walked in the rain in a couple of years.
It started out when the wind pulled the foam screen off the mic and sent it blowing down the street. Maybe I should glue it on …
Not that the weekend makes much difference in my world, but I’m trying to celebrate the moment. I talked a lot about my boots.
I got out after running chores all morning. I’m late posting because I had meetings this afternoon.
Apparently I need a refresher course in podcast production. I forgot to turn on airplane mode before recording so there are some annoying artifacts. I’ll do better tomorrow. Maybe.
Leaving today. Yay. Two in a row. I’m not celebrating yet… 🙂 Yes, this is yesterday’s photo. For some reason today’s picture didn’t save on my phone. Honestly, I couldn’t tell until I looked at the metadata.
I talked a lot about the small steps. And about getting old. I also found my old wireless earbuds and they work great!
Some days I can walk. Some days I can write. Some days I can do both. Some days I can’t do either. Tomorrow, maybe.
My morning started in the emergency room, rolled into the pharmacy, and just kept snowballing. I’ve got an early medical appointment for tomorrow but if it’s not too bad, I’ll walk when I get home.
Apparently I need re-training. When I got back to the house I had 21 minutes of silence.
My best intentions haven’t resulted in walks and talking. I have been walking – behind a shovel as I clear the walks and drive. A sub-arctic cold snap has kept me indoors more than is healthy. Maybe tomorrow.
That’s the age when walking on icy sidewalks becomes untenable. I’m looking at the treadmill. Not sure I’ll actually fire it up but I’m thinking about it. 🙂
I botched the morning timing and missed my early window. Now my mouth is uncooperative and I’m wrung out from the dental work. I was afraid this would happen. We’ll see if I can recover tomorrow.
I’m celebrating that my “day off” was only the one day. Let’s see how this week goes. I talked a lot about SFWA and the new membership qualification rules that went to the membership for a vote over the weekend.
Icy underfoot today. After yesterday’s melting everything froze up again over night. Sidewalks are covered in ice in places. Streets are worse. 🙂
Well. Windy. I fumbled around for stuff to talk about today and didn’t make much sense. You know. Like most days. Production note: I forgot to turn on Airplane mode and the wind was vicious so the audio quality is … Continue reading →
Yeah. It’s been a while. Too long. It should come as no surprise that I talked about it this morning.
A bit of a cold snap. I’m bummed. I have new cold weather gear but between the icy sidewalks and the single digit temps, I’m caught in the house.
I’m safe from the fires although the smell is strongly tinged with despair. Over 500 families lost their homes yesterday – a grim reminder of our fragility. The next few days will be a testament to our resilience, for good … Continue reading →
I’m still here. Still hoping to get back on the street. Eventually. Today will be filled with cooking and family. I wish each of you a peaceful and joyous holiday season.
So much happening and I’m losing the days before I’m even awake. Walking needs to move up in my list of priorities but so far it hugging the bottom of the list.
It’s been a while. I talked mostly about Eve Online as it relates to the stories in my head.
I managed to drag my sorry carcass across the street to pick up the replacement adapter. I should have just ordered one from Amazon and had it shipped. Or walked without talking. Or something.
Blue Days are days I walk but didn’t create a file. They happen because I go out, take the picture, but when I get home, I find that the recording didn’t work. Usually I don’t add the media link but … Continue reading →
Something is wrong with the jack I use with the phone. The file is totally messed up with crackles and distortion. I hope I haven’t broken the adapter already. 🙁 ETA: It’s the little USB-C cable that has a problem. … Continue reading →
It’s only a few degrees warmer than snowing and I have words to write. But I’m writing. That counts toward my rebuilding efforts.
It was kinda grungy out there this morning. I talked a lot about Eve Online and some about MC Burnell’s Foreign Sorcerer series. Referral link for those who might want to try Eve Online as a “free to play” Alpha … Continue reading →
It’s clearly in the air here. I’ve been distracted beyond measure by the new cat, the days growing shorter, and – ahem – Eve Online. Again.
Actually, just kinda under the weather today. The headache is gone but I’m not going today. Maybe tomorrow.
I recapped my working life. Again. I’ve been doing a lot of reflection lately. I didn’t bring too much of that into the bare statements of where I worked and lived over the last 69 years.
Well, rebuilt the operating system. It’s at least a clean install now. I talked about some of the fun I had yesterday.
And hardware issues making it later. I’m going to have to rebuild this machine again. Grr.
Apparently I didn’t get the mic plugged all the way in. The audio is not useful. It was a lovely walk though.
Apparently today was the local balloon fly in. I spent an inordinate amount of time on the gasbags over my head.
I talked about a lot of different things today. 1. Reacting to Rick Beato. Video here: https://youtu.be/Sfa2lhFBbqs (h/t Evan Thomas) 2. M. C. Burnell’s Three Faces of Dissatisfaction (I said Burrell because I’m me.)
First day on the new lavalier mic with actual wind screen instead of a piece of foam held on with a rubber band.
Yeah. Darn near frosted my noogies this morning. I’ll know better tomorrow (but it’ll probably be 80)
Again. I got out after the rain stopped this morning. It’s been chilly all day and I’m here for it. Apparently I’m not here for paying attention. I made a grocery run and derailed the posting. (Thank you, Robert)
Figuratively speaking. I talked about taking the day off yesterday, reading Dungeon Crawler Carl, and adventures in Civ 6.
I really didn’t want to go today but I strapped my boots on and walked anyway. I talked about Civ 6 a lot, probably too much. Then I forgot to actually post the damn thing. Sorry about that.
I’m still on track with the writing challenge. Completely in the woods with the Wizard’s Cat but I’m liking the way it’s developing. Note: I edited the file to lower the volume on a couple of really loud pickup trucks.
Just looking at the waveform on this morning’s audio, I think I mumbled a lot this morning.
Today’s the first day of the Working Writer Challenge. My goal is 2k a day M-F. I’m working on The Wizard’s Cat.
The chill made me glad I wore my hoodie this morning. A nice day for a walk but I forgot to post until now.
I hope I’m turning a corner here. I spent most of yesterday working on one project or another. I’ve got a bunch of chores to do today but I’m looking forward to digging into the File That Never Ends again … Continue reading →
All right. Maybe not what everybody thinks of as Literature, but “one more chapter” has been my mantra. It’s so bad I completely missed one whole day. I know it happened but … yeah.
Yeah. That sleep thing. It kinda snuck up on me and I didn’t get up on time this morning. (Yesterday was a different problem.) But I hear good things about tomorrow.
I’ve got a to-do list that’s daunting today. I talked about it a little. Lots of boot sounds.
I got rained on a little this morning. I didn’t melt. Something weird happened at the end when the recording paused just after minute 17. I caught it when I got to the back gate.
I slept in a bit this morning and got out a little later than I wanted. The YouTube video reference is:https://youtu.be/5lJJz4qT1RQ
The struggle is real. I had a hard time staying on any kind of topic this morning. There are trucks – not as many as yesterday – but no wind.
Yeah. I got the blood work back and … I talked about it today. WARNING: Heavy equipment noise in the beginning and some wind artifacts at the end.
I talked a lot about inertia and momentum today as I struggle to overcome the zero vector.
We had a lot of rain last night and everything was a bit soggy this morning. Even me. I’m reading Torch Ship Trilogy by Karl Gallagher.
I got out right at sunrise today. It was pretty nice. I clipped out a couple of places – one a really loud sneeze and the other when a neighbor stopped to ask me about the fence. The wind noise … Continue reading →
I watched the movie about Thomas Wolf and Max Perkins. It bothered me in ways I can’t quite process. On the upside, I’m probably going to spend some time today putting my own words in order.
It was too hot when I got up at 5. It hadn’t warmed up significantly by 8 so I went out. It wasn’t terrible. I talked about Judith Moffitt’s A Line In The Sand. I liked it. A lot.
The patched cable has been buried but the buried cable has a fault in it. I’m not even sure my internet will stay up long enough to post this. My walking has suffered as the workmen/yardwork has taken most of … Continue reading →
A long time fan stopped by to get a book signed and take the walk with me this morning. I’m not sure how well the audio pickup worked, but here’s our conversation. Thanks, Laith.
We’ve had a string of cool, cloudy days but today was bright and sunny. Me? Not so bright but I got out before it got too hot.
I know today is the 16th. I also said today was the 17th on the audio. I’m a bit frazzled. The locator company filed to locate the internet cable and I went dark around 10:30 yesterday when the stump grinder … Continue reading →
The crew is coming to grind down the stumps this morning. I talked about Jane Lindskold’s books and a bit about Mass Effect Legendary.
When I got home I realized that I had neglected to put the mic on my hat (near my mouth) so the audio today is … well … bad. I’m posting it just for the completionists but it’s pretty bad. … Continue reading →
I walked with a thermometer today. The temperature changed a bit but my perception of it changed more than the empirical evidence suggests.
I managed to get out before it got too hot today. I talked about my lack of executive function, problems with object permanence, and Jane Lindskold’s book – Breaking the Wall (Book 1 in her Thirteen Orphans series).
Some days I forget, or sleep in or my schedule gets fritzed. Today it was already too hot to go by 7am. Maybe tomorrow I’ll go before dawn :/
I’m still getting used to it. The camera port is a lot bigger and I got a piece of the post I lean against on the right hand margin of the image. I’ll do better tomorrow (I hope). At least … Continue reading →
I’m back from vacation and hoping to get back into the groove by starting my day early and taking the afternoons off. We’ll see how it goes.
I just popped on to leave you a postcard from the fringe. I’ll be here in the cabin for a few more days listening to the wind whistling through my ears.
I’m taking the day off to celebrate writing the final line on that monster file. It came in just under 347k words and I wrote the first couple of paragraphs of The Wizard’s Cat to fill in my 2k for … Continue reading →
Whee. I managed to get out earlier today. I talked about Bob and Nikki, Mass Effect, and the end to the manuscript that never ends.
Getting started early seems to be harder than I thought. Yesterday got out of hand early and the temps got too high. Today was better, but better is relative.
I need to reset my clocks. The weather has already gotten too hot. The last few days, it was over 80F by the time I was awake enough to get out. I need to get myself moving by 6:30 at … Continue reading →
It was gray and wet. I talked a lot about the relationship between walking and writing. I also talked a lot about Vertitasium.
It’s summer today. My brain wasn’t really with it. I kept running out of things to talk about.
It was a lot cooler today. The cloud cover cut back the solar gain and we had a bit more breeze.
FILE WARNING: The sound quality today is bad. I don’t think I had the mic plugged all the way in (again). The recording all comes from the phone in my hand. I’ll post it but you’ve been warned.
I got snarled up on my departure but I learned that I need to start earlier in the morning.
The holiday I was trying to think of was May Day (Beltane). Which I didn’t miss. It just seems like months ago.
Talked a lot about machines and routines. Touched on “Remove the Question.” Again.
Rebuilding habits take almost as long as establishing them to begin with.
Much warmer than yesterday. Apparently I just walked along enjoying the weather for a full minute between 12 and 13. Sorry, not sorry. I don’t even remember it.
I talked a lot about “Dilly” today. Sadly, I was actually talking about J Dilla.
The video in question:https://youtu.be/SENzTt3ftiU
Not a comment on why I haven’t been walking – although I talked a bit about it. More like “Oh, hell. The alarm went off reminding me to walk so … why not?” Just because I’ve been ignoring it for weeks?
Sorry.
I still have the alarm set for the daily walk.
I’m still ignoring it when it goes off.
I don’t know why.
Yeah. Happy Mother’s Day to those who celebrate it. At some point here, I’ll get back out and talk to you again. Just not today.
Maybe tomorrow.
I haz one. Several actually. I talked about strategy today. Also Ken Preston’s newest Joe Coffin book
Two in a row. Maybe it’s the start of something. Maybe it’s just another false start. I won’t know until tomorrow. Today I talked about James Beamon’s Pendulum Heroes, book three of which just dropped, and Krista D. Ball’s Guilt, book two of her Tranquility series.
I talked a lot about what ConvertKit is doing with/for communities. My writers’ group there may well fragment and fall away. I’m ambivalent about it.
Note: I don’t know why yesterday’s image was fuzzy. Today’s looks fine.
I keep saying that and failing to deliver.
Not tomorrow. Tomorrow, I’m taking the day off. No writing. No work. If I can find somebody to make coffee and feed me? I’m doing that.
Day after tomorrow? We’ll see.
Yes. I’m still alive. Walking has been beyond me. I’m struggling to balance writing and head space. Even though I know walking would help that balance, I can’t seem to make it happen.
I thought it might happen today, but maybe tomorrow.
On the plus side, I’m hitting my writing goals every day … even if it takes all day for me to string 120 minutes of focus together.
The music that got me pumped this morning was Shut Up and Dance With Me. I couldn’t keep up but I got the blood moving. I talked about tropes and Deanna Chase’s series – Witched of Keating Hollow.
For I have sinned. I talked about ADHD, my problem with hyperfocus and executive function and how Bruno Mars makes me walk funny.
It’s one of the key disagnostics of ADHD. When it’s working in your favor, it’s lovely.
Most of the time it’s just something to struggle with.
Some of the time, it’s the Godzilla in the room.
Like now.
I’m still alive. Still here. Still planning to get on the sidewalk … eventually.
Yeah, it’ll probably rain but I’m about done with snow for the season and I’m all out of bubblegum. There are too many red marks on my new calendar and I need to fill it with green going forward.
Production note: Lawn mower and leaf blowers between minutes 5 and 10. I didn’t say much over the noise, so if you want to skip it, you won’t miss much.
I almost bailed again today when I realized the morning had gone. Again. Then I remembered Evan’s saying: It’s always morning somewhere.
I talked a lot about Ark Survival and my dinosaurs today. And about the stories I tell myself about my character as I’m playing.
Just a bit. My focus has been completely shot. The last two days it was mid afternoon before I realized the morning was over.
The upside is that I’m getting writing done in my hazy days.
The wind felt really raw. I should have worn my parka, but it felt good to get out again.
The sidewalks should be clear. I would have tried this morning but got sucked into the writing and now it’s time to fix dinner. :/
Maybe I’ll get it together tomorrow.
I drove around today and checked out the neighborhood. An astonishing amount of snow has some of the walks still impassible.
I don’t know if people are just expecting it all to melt (which it will, eventually) or just don’t care.
Maybe tomorrow.
I’ve survived the snowmageddon and got my second vaccine shot yesterday.
Walking outside is still not going to happen. Where the sidewalks got cleared, they’re mostly still clear. Where they didn’t, there’s still 8-10″ of snow on them.
It started snowing heavily last evening. The official tally is 11″ but I think we’ve got about 6-8″ out there on the driveway. It’s still coming down and they’re saying “through the day today.”
The only walking I’m going to be doing is behind a shovel. It’s going to be a few tomorrows before we get dug out of this. I’ll keep you posted.