Done Since 2018-02-04 with bonus Song for S[unday]

[mdlbear]

Our garage is about 2/3 cleared out, thanks to a combination of G taking a van-load of his stuff, and a lot of boxes getting moved to the house, the over-garage apartment, and the 7x10 greenhouse tent I got last week. The missing box of the shed is presumably going to get shipped this week. We'll see. Meanwhile, N has ordered a storage pod -- the contractor put us onto a local (Freeland) storage company that recently started renting them.

The first part of the week was a bit rough -- see previous post.

The magic incantation to remap caps-lock to super is setxkbmap -option caps:super. That means that I can now run xmonad on laptops too old to have a "windows" key. It also works with hyper, which might be a good option if I want to keep super as the Logo key for mac, but mostly it makes the older Thinkpads usable. This makes my inner geek very happy.

A lot of my time this weekend has been taken up by reading. In addition to the usual suspects on my reading list, there was this post by tkingfisher (Ursula Vernon) linking to her Hugo winning The Tomato Thief, as well as Ursula Vernon's Short Stories. About halfway through that.

But most of my reading has been around the extraordinary Nathalia Crane, thanks to this post by minoanmiss. There are more links in the notes; for now I'll just leave you with "The Janitor's Boy" set to music by Natalie Merchant, and this, from Swear by the night and other poems:

APHRODITE IN COURT They arrested Aphrodite, lacking homespun, Pressed her finger-tips upon the tattling black ; Wrote the charge in good old English hieroglyphics — Jennie Doe abroad with nothing on her back. Jennie Doe, with brambles clinging to her tresses, Jennie Doe, with eyes of azure flecked by flame, Apprehended as a gipsy scorning gingham — Twenty constables to swear unto the same. When the case was called she suddenly grew sullen, In the court-room hung her head and would not speak Till a gentle little linguist born in Athens After many tries saluted her in Greek. Then she sighed and jurists paid their debts in marble, Sat the magistrate a Phidian recruit; Clerk and crier quaffed the quiet of the quarry At her second word — the ripple of the lute. Near the bar still lies a Parian mantilla, 'Tis a shawl the matron made the prisoner wear When the law arranged to interrupt a goddess And accuse her of exhibiting the bare. They arrested Aphrodite in the morning, Yet the court remains as statuesque as Greece, Each attendant in apparel of the pebble, On the bench a stony justice of the peace. By the counsel table stands the little linguist Where the instantaneous chisel also fell, And so eloquent his ashen consternation Aphrodite may in time undo the spell.

She was 12 years old when that was published. "The Janitor's Boy" is in her first book, published when she was 10.

Notes & links:

0204Su []
  * up 6ish; W=204.2;
  * Church with G for their Imbolc service -- there's apparently a fair-sized pagan
    community on the island.  UU also shares space with the Quakers.
  & major cleanup waiting for me when I got home.
  @ HOWTO: Use Linksys WRT54G as a wireless ethernet bridge - AnandTech Forums 
  @ Storyline - the easiest way to create an Amazon Alexa skill without coding f(G)
  * Brought in a case of booze from the garage, plus a box of books and the four 200ml
    beaker wineglasses that G had planned as a birthday present, who knows when.  Either
    late or early; doesn't matter.
  @ ConfliktFrog - YouTube - YouTube f(Conflikt)
  @ IFTTT helps your apps and devices work together - IFTTT Mycroft?  Probably.
  @ Whidbey Island – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
  * Heard back from Super Buy -- they're shipping the missing box of shed.
  * guitar - Wheelin', Bad Guys, Gentle Arms of Eden, Stuff that Dreams are Made Of,
    Millennium's Dawn, some random noodling

0205Mo Dad - 1999-02-05
  * Up 5:15; W=202.4; 
  * 8am make sure N is awake -> 8:30.  Grump.
  * 9:20 Cricket at SWAC - leave no later than 9. xrays and bloodwork
  * 11:57 catching an hour's worth of charge at the WiFire Coffeehouse.
  @ posted mdlbear | River: Abraham Savitzky (May 29, 1919 - Feb. 5, 1999)
  -> I really need to finish the songbook-to-web code.  Or at least get it
     usable.
  & bought a (wired) headset -- my BT seems to be dead, and I never liked it much anyway
  * leave by 1:15 bring * prescription, CPAP with wall wart and both masks
    Goldie isn't on Google street view.  I didn't think there were any of those left.
    But apparently Goss Lake hasn't been imaged yet, either, let alone Skyline
  : missed the (second) callback from medicare COB.  I suspect the phone auto-answered, so
    pressing the headset button hung up.  Will have to research.  I h8h8h8m headsets.
  * 2:45 (checkin) sleep clinic (rescheduled)  1300 NE Goldie St. Oak Harbor
    -> need an in-lab sleep study (scheduled for 0323Fr) because it's been over 10 years
       since the last one.  Should have done this last year, I guess -- got my CPAP in
       November of 2007.  I will need to wear pyjamas or something similar.  Bletch.
  * grocery shopping, cash on the way back
  * sl:  roast for steaks, chicken, small potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, Greek olives,
    capers (Costco), lemons, cheese, black olives, lettuce, radishes, English cucumber,
    juices, gin, 1.5lbs corned beef, .5lbs roast beef, sauerkraut, sliced swiss, sliced
    cheddar, thousand island dressing,
  % Drove past Goss Lake on the way home; I am apparently more wrecked than I thought, and
    shouldn't be trusted with anything sharper than a spoon.  Not physically tired,
    especially, I don't think.  But not thinking clearly.
    -> part of that may well have been not having eaten enough for lunch.
  : figured out that the flickering of the monitor is probably the backlight, which is
    fluorescent and therefore past its "good until" date.
  * music:  Stuff that Dreams are Made Of, Rainbow's Edge, For Amy.
  
0206Tu
  & awake 3:30-5ish.  new mask very uncomfortable.  It's nice that it doesn't leak, but
    it's heavy and presses down painfully on the space below my nose.
  * up 6:30; ; 
  * call Medicare COB first thing in the morning. -> should get callback btw. 8:30 - 9
    -> ... and their computer system is down, so I'll have to do it all again tomorrow
  ~ go out early to get the rest of T"'s cash -> check wallet
  * don't forget the scooter battery
  * leave about 11 to allow time for batteries plus and costco run
  * bank:  cash for builder - $2750 - take out $3K since we'll need the rest for T"
    anyway.
  * 3pm checkin C botox (procedure at 3:15)
    -> first stop was Union Bank; then the sewing machine shop.  The scooter is basically
       dead at this point.
    -> spent $599 on the new sewing machine; about 200 more than we'd (or I'd) intended,
       but it's a lot more versatile than the cheaper one; does quilting, 1-step
       buttonholes, and has a needle threader and a start-stop button that lets it be used
       without the footpedal.  Good for both C and j!
    -> borrowed a wheelchair from UNW.  False start heading for batteries +; missed a
       turn, got flustered, and decided to go back to UNW and get some food first.  I
       could go for the battery while C is waiting and getting her bladder beautified.
    -> no; batteries+ is on the way home.
  * Dr. Phillips from SWAC called.  Nothing out of the ordinary in Cricket's blood and
    urine workup, and the radiologist didn't see anything alarming either.  Both he and
    Dr. McKelvey will be in tomorrow if we have questions (I expect N will call).
  : so, ... the battery pack with the new batteries isn't charging.  With either of the
    chargers I have.  So the problem is almost certainly the wiring; maybe a broken wire
    or cold solder joint.  It's on the charging side, so there are really only three
    connections to check.
  % anxiety/WTF?? attack at bedtime.  didn't feel anxious, but the usual symptom.  Emotion
    attack?
    
0207We
  * up 6:35; W=204.2;
  @ Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster - Wikipedia
    Falcon Heavy - Wikipedia
    siliconshaman | Perfect Launch!
    SpaceX launch Falcon Heavy: watch live - YouTube (Kerosine) RP1/LOX
    SpaceX
  * call Medicare COB first thing in the morning.  Called a few minutes after 7; called
    back about half an hour later.
    -> my info was OK; C still showing as covered by my Amazon insurance.  C's
       verbal authorization only good for 14 days; to extend...
    -> letter including medicare ID# or SS#, signatures, date signed, names printed as
       shown on medicare card, statement authorizing other person by their full name to
       receive beneficiary's protected health information; time valid, TO: Data Collection
       Authorization PO Box 138898 Oklahoma City, OK 73113; fax# 405-869-3308
    -> SHIP councelor Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisor 800-562-6900 for any info
       on prescription assistance or supplemental policies.  Which probably don't exist.
  * music:  Millennium's Dawn (capo 2); Mary Ellen Carter (capo 2 and, better, 4, which
    means that I'm singing it in E, a whole step higher than Stan.  I was managing earlier
    by cheating on the low notes.
  : The garage has been impressively cleared out.  Most of it got into the greenhouse
    tent and g's room.  Artwork kept out.  I neglected to ask them to look for the missing
    items, but hopefully...
  * B2 programming:  Honu/bin/toggle; used it for xcalc
  : I wasted $150 yesterday on batteries -- turns out the problem was a blown fuse. :P
    The fuse is on the charging side, and it's 5A.  Possibly the 4A charger is maladjusted
  * programming: implemented xmonad scratchpad with toggle.  Should do it using a script
    so that it's easy to change.
  : goddamn UPS - the pop-up tent was apparently misdelivered.  That means I have to go
    around to the neighbors.  GRUMP!
    -> actually, was under the tarp with the 2/3 shed.
  * performed an experiment on Blackbird, which doesn't have a windows key, using
    setxkbmap -option caps:super
    @ Hacking Your Linux Keyboard with xkb | Linux.com
    man setxkbmap; man xkeyboard-config
  : C told me that she's not sure she wants to travel as far as San Jose for Worldcon,
    given her current health problems.  Truth to tell, I'm also worried.

0208Th
  * up 6:25; W=204.2;
  * B1 docmentation and experiments around the use of setxkbmap; upgraded doc comment in
    Honu/local/_xmonad.hs.
    -> setxkbmap -option caps:hyper looks like the best thing.  That way if super is
       wanted (e.g. for a windows key) one could move hyper back to mod5 where it belongs.
    -> keyboard - How to make Hyper and Super keys not do the same thing? 
  @ An Unreliable Guide to XKB Configuration
  * Bought fuses at Ace; that was indeed the problem with C's scooter.  Grump.
  * Sitting here listening to Janis Ian's Folk is the New Black
    I'd forgotten how much I love "The Last Train".
  * guitar:  noodling.  Ship of Stone
  
Menu:
  * Monday:  scrounge
  * Tuesday:  sandwiches (originally steak and roasted roots)
  ~ Wednesday:  tuna casserole (originally meze)
  * Thursday:  steak. roasted roots.  (potatoes and carrots; onion and brussels sprouts)
    (originally Chicken Piccata, salad) Added salad.  -> Successful, I think.

0209Fr
  & awake 3:30ish; drifted back to sleep after bathroom break
  * up 5:45; W=204.2;
  % the new mask is comfortable when I put it on, but the top strap rides up, making the
    bottom of the mask dig into my face under my nose.
  @  https://montemlife.com/how-to-make-a-survival-kit/ - from an email to N about a DW
     post of mine that links to ready.gov.  Clearly someone doing SEO or something of the
     sort, which is why I'm not making live links, but the checklist is actually useful in
     spite of the fact that the page has annoying popups.  Browse icognito or via TOR.
  * 10 am - builder.
    exactly where in the garage do we need to clear?  Are they going to be doing anything
    to the walls?  Drywall on the ceiling?  Can they work around things that move, like
    the scooter and power chair?  I assume we'll have to clear off the workbench; how
    about the space under it, and the shelves on the other side? 
    -> everything -- they need to insulate and drywall the whole place.  Consider
       re-arranging.  Rent a pod -- available in Freeland
    -> Putting the workbench on the back wall would allow lumber storage, but there would
       still be studs for wiring and shelves.  Studs along the west wall would be perfect
       for Elfa shelf standards on 32" centers.
  : at swimming - took me a while to figure out why there was so much glare on the
    screen. -> Hadn't been here on a sunny day before.
  * chat with Amazon customer support.  They're opening an A-Z Guarantee investigation
  @ reading The Tomato Thief | Apex Magazine - Ursula Vernon's Hugo-winning novelette.  I
    think I remember reading it before, but I'm still not sure.  Maybe just a teaser.
    -> no, that must have been something else, but with a similar flavor.
    Short Stories – Red Wombat Studio (via tkingfisher)
  # more discussion about Worldcon.  N really wants us to be able to go, and she's right.
    -> not at all clear what to do about hotel, though.  V would need a room.
  * Walk to Skybird and back.  About as far as I can go these days.
  : N ordered an 8x14 storage shed, arriving Tuesday.
  * Guitar:  October Country, Bad Guys, Alice's Restaurant, WItC, couple of others
  * A Pamphlet Against R (What's your review of 'A Pamphlet against R'? - Quora) (question from author)
    It's actually more _for_ scheme than _against_ R, which is based on it.
    The idea of using Q to ask for reviews is interesting - must remember that.
  * Some laser time with the kittens.  Such fun!
  : 8:30pm C and N have gone to bed.

0210Sa
  & awake 4:30ish
  % the ResMed mask continues to be painful.  Give it one more night?
  * up 5:30ish; W=204.2; shower
  * Guitar:  Pricklie Bush, October Country, random noodling.
  @ Reading Lists | Hoagies' Gifted Kids & Teens f(G)
    site "looks like 1997" -- very much like Interesting Places.
    PC Security
    Just like Places, some things are a little out of date.
  * B1S2:  shelved roughly a box of books.  Some art; some from my CS and TBR shelves
    Cleared a 1.5ft^3 box and most of a cube.
  * changed water filter in fridge.  Next time remember to either put the old one in the
    sink immediately, or put the cap (from the new one) on it.
  @ Jackalope Wives - Ursula Vernon Gods!
  @ Crane, Nathalia | Agapeta Unfortunately no more complete books, but a few gems.
     Interesting site: Agapeta | When younger girls awaken hearts and illuminate lives
  * spent about an hour looking around the garage trying to identify things that should be
    brought indoors.  Found nothing new -- if the mising items are anywhere, they would be
    in boxes that haven't been opened., and all of those are in the house, g's room, or
    the greenhouse tent.
  @ Natalie Merchant - The Janitor's Boy LIVE - YouTube (Nathalia Crane, love and poetry at nine | Agapeta)
    Life in the 1920s – Nathalia Crane Child Poet 1925
  @ Joan Baez at Mountain Stage with Tracy Grammer - YouTube
  # Realized that I also need a speaker if I'm going to run Mycroft.  Since it's unlikely
    at this point that I can find the box with the cheap speakers, that probably means
    I'll need to bring in the monitors.  Or go out and buy a set.
  % spent pretty much the whole day reading.  Mostly Ursula Vernon and Nathalia Crane.

Comments

[alatefeline]

Hey there friend. I'm glad you have good books and good music.

[mdlbear]

Thanks!

[jcfiala]

Well, when the batteries in the scooter do die out, then you'll have replacements on hand.

[mdlbear]

Unfortunately, no -- we recycled them.

[technoshaman]

Jackelope Wives: DAMN that's good!

[mdlbear]

Yes. She reminds me a lot of LeGuin. Or maybe LeGuin crossed with Edward Gorey.

[jesse_the_k]

Time-traveling and stunned by Nathalia Crane.

My goodness:
And the only thing that occurs to me
Is to dutifully shiver in bed.
is stunning from someone before menarche.

[mdlbear]

Isn't Crane amazing? I've been looking for her other books online but they don't seem to have been digitized, even the two between The Janitor's Boy and Swear by the Night.

I may have to throw money at a used book dealer.