The Raven's Roost

Fox got us on a waiting list for the Covid vaccine. I don't really have any idea of when either of our numbers will be called up but at least we've managed to get a spot in line. They didn't really make it obvious how to do it, either, Fox had to dig around and find the website. I also don't know which one they'll be using, but I'll be happy to get whatever I can. Since I don't have any of the conditions that might qualify me to get one straight off, I assumed I'd be among the last people to be vaccinated - otherwise healthy and young compared to some.

Anyway, still working on art, though lately I haven't had as much time to do so. With spring weather here, we're trying to get as much outdoor work done as we can before it gets too hot and rainy. Yesterday we finished sinking the ground anchors for a new set of tower guy wires. Since the height is changing, the guy wires are going to attach at different points. Most of this isn't my problem - Jeremy's going to be over here with a crane and a bucket truck, so I'll probably just sit around in the shade with a cup of coffee and watch them work.

Recently I picked up Blasphemous when it was on sale on Steam. I didn't expect to get so sucked into it, but I really have. I'm at the point where I'm mopping up collectibles on one playthrough before going up against the final bosses, and considering starting another to get some quest lines I missed before. The game doesn't exactly tell you that some of the quests are time sensitive so it's easy to screw them up. I still have one cherub to free, if I can figure out where it is, and I already located all the bones and received "Master of the Ossuary." So basically I'm going to find a few more trinkets, then go pick a fight with the Pope.

My only real complaint about the game is that some of the controls are never explained, and are pretty hard to master no matter whether you're using Xbox, PS4, or keyboard. There's a move you have to do later on in the game where you jump and hit some hanging lamps with your sword for extra air time, but it's not yet become clear to me when you strike out ... or down? Do I jump again, then, or just hold a directional key? I thought it might be like "nail pogo" in Hollow Knight, but it isn't. They do have a menu that explains some of the moves, but it would be great if this was one they walked you through. Otherwise, even as glitchy as some parts can be, I'm really enjoying this one. Incredibly bloody and violent, deeply surreal, beautiful pixel graphics, and it will smack you down hard if you make a wrong move.

The only other interesting thing to report is that I have officially changed my mind on low carb diets. (Someone once said that changing your mind is proof you have one, LOL) I've been on one for about two weeks officially, with a one-week transition period, and I feel pretty damn good so far. I've dropped most of my quarantine weight, my skin's freaking out a little but that's normal, and I've actually lost most of my bothersome sugar cravings. I was considering taking one of those herbal concoctions that block your ability to taste sweets because I couldn't seem to stop eating sugary things, but now it seems to be "fixed." I find that I genuinely don't want a lot of carbs anymore, when previously that was almost the only thing I ate - high carb with as little fat as possible. I also would never have thought I could continue to run like I do without tons of carbs but I'm doing all right there, too. Most of my runs are shorter now since I'm just maintaining fitness and not training for a race, but I'm not only finishing them without bonking, but I need to rest and walk less, so my average paces are going up.

I might make a quickie trip into town today or tomorrow, since most of our shopping this weekend is Home Depot related and we'll have the big trailer in tow.