Don't Believe The Hype, Wait, Believe It, It's Going To Be Huge

     It's going to be a strange week. For many reasons really, and some I can't talk about right now, but I'll get around to it when the time is right. Baby Girl Gauge has her ear appointment on Thursday, to see how her treatment is affecting her. I can say that she is doing much better from a visual stand point, but I have no idea what is going on internally, so that is what the appointment is for. If everything is good, she can start her heartworm treatment and she will finally be on the last steps of her health issues. I'm looking forward to that.

     I'm goin to attempt to get everything for the outdoor pull-up bar tomorrow, and it is going to be an adventure. I'm going to have to strap the two very long boards to the roof of my car. I have three ratchet straps that I'll place strategically around the car and the 4x4's in the hopes that I can get them home without incident. That is going to be the tough part, everything else should be easy peasy. I'll try to remember to take photos of the whole train wreck of a process, so you can see how it all goes down.

     I'm still putting thought into the Keto based website that i'm thinking about doing. I may just suck it up and start the site this weekend. If you have any recommendations for website builders, let me know. I'm looking at Squarespace right now, but if there is something out there better, I'll jump all over it. I want it to look good an eye-catching. It will be primarily a blog that I can post videos and different elements to it. I want to inform the less informed. I have been rather successful with Keto so far, and I have seen a lot of misinformation out there. People are still getting results from this info, but it isn't the results they could be getting, and I believe that their results won't last because of things they are doing. One video I watched showed a couple making a "keto" pizza, and a when it got the part where they were putting the sauce on, the recipe called for an unsweetened tomato sauce. They forwent that and added a pizza sauce that they like which was full of sugar. Now, you can do that, and you can have success with losing weight, but when it comes to maintaining a Keto lifestyle, it won't fly. You will eventually continue using more and more sugar since you know you are getting away with it for now. They basically started eating a little healthier, and reduced their calories. That's not Keto. It's a way to lose weight, but it is irresponsible to tell people that why will have a lot of success doing that, and maintaining that success. 

     This new site will be my honest take on Keto, and how I've done it, with advice for anyone who wants to follow it. I will give warnings about results when it comes to doing some of the extreme things that I have done, and I'll continue to test out things, like doing some more long term fasting, and calorie deficit weeks. I'll be honest about the results, and I will tell you exactly how miserable I felt while doing it. I plan on doing a video a week to start with, which will be more like a lifevlog at first, and then I'll add in some workouts, and recipes as I go, and as I see it grow. 

     Speaking of all that healthy stuff. I ended my 36 hour fast today at 38.8 hours. I did this one a little different, and it basically sucked. I decided that I was only going to allow myself water, and it did a number on me. Normally I would make sure that I add salt either in my water, or just down it straight, to help out the electrolytes, and I would also take my normal minerals since they don't have any caloric effect on the body. I didn't do that this time, and from hours 12 to 26, I was feeling pretty crappy. at about hour 28 I broke down and had some Matcha, which doesn't break my fast, but since it is made from green tea leafs, it has a natural appetite suppressant in it. It got me through the night, which wasn't restful since there was a storm and Morty is terrified of storms. He kept me up half the night so I woke rather lazily.  Best laid plans and all. That's how it goes, but I made it, and I'm ready for another 24 starting Thursday afternoon. Mind you, these fast aren't meant for weightless. Yes, that is a benefit of them, but it is mostly about resetting my body chemistry and giving my internal organs a break from working over time. It's part of that whole reversing time thing. On a cellular level that is. Despite the fact that I woke up tired from lack of sleep, I felt otherwise fantastic. I was ready to go, and even though I could have eaten as soon as I woke, since 36 hours was at 5 in the morning. I managed to weight an hour or two longer, and it was only when I thought about the fact that I hand't eaten yet, that I remembered I could. 

     I think this site is going to be fun to do, and I hope that people respond well to it. It can be my way to help people achieve some of their goals, and that will make me happier than achieving my own goals. Now let's get to Favorite Song of the Week. This was a hard one this week, since I had several songs to choose from, but in the end, I'm sitting an old and forever favorite to the side(until next week) and I'm posting a current all time favorite. If you guessed that it was going to be a song by Twenty One Pilots, you would be right. The just released a new video this past week, and it is outstanding. This is one of my favorite songs from the album and this video basically tells the story of them up until this point in time. It's a fun video and takes me back to those early days when I was watching them as openers and in small venues. I give to you, Twenty One Pilots and their song The Hype. 

     When I have a web address I'll get it to you as soon as I can until then, you can ask me any question that you want, just send me to an email to that address at the top of this page. Peace in and goodnight.

Keto And Dirty Dogs

     Alright, here are the numbers after the first week of the next 28 days. I weighed in this morning at 166, which is down 2 pounds from my starting weight, and my ketone levels were at 2.5. I'm pretty sure that I've been in the 2's all week, just by the way I've felt. I've had some trouble sleeping, some of that was the dogs waking me up by coming in my bed in the middle of the night though. My energy levels have been very high, and I've been feeling really good. 

     I would be lying if I said I was happy with that weight. Don't get me wrong, 2 lbs in a week is a good deal of weight loss, and a healthy weight loss at that, but I have 16 lbs to go in the next 21 days. The second week starts tomorrow, and that means I'm throwing in a 36 hour fast into the mix. I completed two 24 hour fasts and two 20 hour fasts this past week. I will be starting the 36 at 8 pm tonight. That will take me through to Tuesday morning. I will have another 24 hour fast starting Thursday afternoon after I do a TPR. Trust me, doing these TPR's are not ideal for what I want to do. Having all those carbs totally and completely sucks, but I made a commitment to doing it, so I will suffer through a couple of slices of pizza. I have had the thought of only having 1 slice. That would only be around 300 calories and 30 carbs. Still puts me over my carb limit, but it shouldn't kick me out of ketosis. Although I bounce into ketosis really fast now.

     That reminds me, I have been putting a lot of thought into a new blog and video channel about my journey into Keto. I have a name, and it isn't taken, and no I'm not going to tell you what it is yet. Instead of doing the blog here on blogger, I'm really thinking about creating a website. I have lost the ability to comment on any comments on here, and it's bothering me to no end. I have tried everything to fix that. I think a website is the way to go. When I'm ready to launch everything I'll let you know. The video channel will be more of a talking head type of channel, where I will talk to you about what I'm doing, give out some recipes, that I've been doing, and maybe show some workouts. It's still in the early stages of trying to figure it out, but I have been thinking a lot about it the past few days.

     I do want one thing before I start it, and that is part of my next woodworking project. I'm going to build my own pull-up bar in the backyard. I just have a few problems. The Lowe's I go to, doesn't have 10 foot 4x4's, which is what I need to get it right, and I don't have anyway to get said 4x4's home. They won't fit in my car. I may have to strap them to the roof of my car once I find the right size. They have 8 foot, but I would only be able to bury 2 feet in the ground and that would leave the bar at around 5 and a half feet off the ground. Not much of a hanging bar. I want 7 feet sticking out, so that I can have the bar around 6 and a half feet. That would leave my feet dangling off the ground and great for doing good unassisted pull-ups. Oh, and don't think for a minute this will be just your standard square posts. I plan on doing some designing to them. I want them to look really cool as well as functional. I just have to find that way to get the posts home.

     I needed to share this picture with you. This is what goes on now in the backyard. Baby Girl Gauge is still a digger, but not to the extent she was when she first arrived, but Morty is no help what so ever. He usually lies down behind where she is digging, and then gets buried. He has no ability to shake himself off, so I have to try and get him to run around the yard before coming in the house, to get the majority of the dirt off of him. He is such a butthead.

     That isn't even the worst he has been covered. I missed when he was unseen from his mid back to tail. This was the second go around that day. I love them to pieces, but sometimes, they just frustrate me. I can still laugh about it though, because it is pretty funny.

     Keep a look out for news of the website and new video channel. I may even make a Facebook fan page, but I haven't gotten my mind set on that. I gots some clothes to fold, so peace in and goodnight.

I Was Freaking Fat

     I shared this little video to my Instagram story, but just in case you didn't see it, I'll share it here.

     When I give Baby Girl Gauge her pills, the best way to do it is peanut butter bread. I of course have to give some to Morty as well, which creates a lot of hilarity for myself. I love watching them try to get the bread unstuck from the roof of their mouths. I'm nearly in tears every morning from laughing so hard at that.

     I'm full in on the 28 days, and I'm feeling great. I will do my official weigh in on Sunday, which will be day 7. I will also check my ketones, as well. I'm feeling my ketones are rather high right now, because I'm having a lot of trouble sleeping at night, my body wants to go go go. That is a pretty good sign that I'm very high in the ketones, and that puts me in that risky area, but I'll get through this. Despite only getting a few hours of sleep each night, I'm feeling full of energy and ready to go in the morning, to get my cardio in and a brief workout. I save the bigger workouts for the evening. No scientific reason for that, I've just always preferred to work out at night. I'll have all those updated numbers for you on Sunday.

     I got something delivered today, that I've been waiting for, and it's going to take my calisthenics at home to a whole other level, but I had to put it on this morning to size everything up and get the straps in place. Here is a picture of it.

     Looks like a life vest right? It is in a way, but not really. It's a weighted vest for when I do my calisthenics exercises. It weighs in at 35 lbs, but the weight is adjustable. I put it on at it's full weight, and am wearing it now as I write this, just so I can get accustomed to wearing it. It was a shock to have it on. This is nearly as much weight as I lost, and it is uncomfortable to say the least. This morning I was tired after just 10 minutes. I can't believe I was carrying around this much weight plus 10 lbs. I'm truly astonished at how I was able to function with that much weight on me. I'm of course not going to start out using it with the full weight in it. I'm going it to only 5 lbs to start out and then work my way up as I get stronger in the movements. I'm pretty excited about the fitness aspects that this is going to hold, and I'll tell you all about them.

     Which reminds me, I've been thinking about starting a fitness blog and possibly YouTube channel. It would be more about my day to day journey through Keto, and what it is like living a ketogenic diet, so the question to you is, would you be interested in reading a blog where that is all I talk about, and possible watch videos of just me talking about my fitness highs and lows? What do you think?

     Oh yeah, don't forget that I have been posting the Violet Dahlia series on here as well as Medium. It goes up here every other Saturday, so the Saturday after this one is the Part 4. It goes up on Medium the following Monday. Go check it out, I'm kind of excited about this, since I've always wanted to do a noir crime type of story. It has some throwback language and that noir feel with a little bit of campy humor in it. I also have a video for you to watch from TPR. This was a weird one, to say the least. If I would have stopped after my first bite, I would have trashed this pizza for having absolutely no flavor, but as I got into, the flavor started coming out in spades. Take a look at it and see how it all went down.



     I have more I could talk about tonight, but I'm going to hold back for right now. It's not great news, so I want to make sure I have everything in the proper perspective for when I talk about it. Don't worry, no one or any animal is injured. It's more of a personal failing kind of thing. I'll get to it when the time is right, it's just not right yet. Peace in and goodnight.

I Started Another 28 Days

     I'm just going to start out with Favorite Song of the Week, because it is that amazing of a song. I actually heard this song today, and it is by the lead singer of Alabama Shakes. I featured one of their songs on here once upon a time ago. The video stars one of my favorite celebrities, Terry Crews. The dude is just incredible and a super nice guy. He is multi-talented in that he can act, draw like a mad man, and he truly is a flutist. That last one isn't a lie, and the drawing thing is Marvel or DC caliber artwork. He featured it on Brooklyn 99, and everyone thought that some prop guy drew it up. Anyway, back to Brittany Howard. She is the lead singer of Alabama Shakes and she has one of the richest soulful voices that you will ever hear. This song is simply perfection, and the video is a miracle. The editing is on point and can not be denied, so I really hope that you watch this one. Here is Brittany Howard with the first single off her first solo album, Stay High.



     Time for the 28 day update. I weighed in yesterday morning and took my Ketone readings. My weight was at 168, that means I have 18 lbs to lose to reach goal. That made things quite a bit more difficult, but so far, I'm on pace with what I want to do, and how I want to do it. My ketones going in to this whole thing were at 2.1 so I am in Ketosis already. I honestly expected to be in it, but I didn't think my number would be that high at this point. I'm going to push the limits on this one, and it could be rather risky and even dangerous, but I'm going to trust the way I feel and so far I'm feeling great.

    I put no restrictions on caloric intake, but do have a modest limit on my carb intake. Neither have been even close to an issue. Yesterday I took in 17 net carbs and 1400 calories. I expected it to be higher. Today was even less. I maxed out at 9 net carbs, and 1100 calories. I have been putting in my cardio time and calisthenics as well as lifting. I plan on vastly transforming my body in the next 28 days, with the ultimate goal of reaching 150 lbs. Not impossible, but really difficult to do without just simply starving myself, and although it seems like my calories are rather low (which they are), I feel no pangs of starvation. I actually feel very content and satisfied. It could be due to all the fasting I've been doing lately, or maybe my body has become accustom to thriving on far less. It has been all clean food, with no dairy or sugar. Plenty of gut bacteria inducing vegetables have been leading the charge.

     I did take my before photo yesterday morning, and you will be glad to know that I did wear a little bit more than just underwear, but I still kept it so that you can tell if I'm trying to fake it or not. I will try to get the exact same photo at the end, with the changes, and I'm really hoping that they are going to be huge. Like I said, I plan on vastly transforming my body in the next 28 days. Which reminds me, the 18th of August will be the final day of this round, but that doesn't mean that I'm going back to eating "normal". This is the way I eat right now, and this is the start of a much longer eating cycle. I don't plan on having any cheat meal or garbage day for a few months, and maybe not until after I do the 72 hour fast in October. Still haven't set a date for that, but if you want in on this one, start preparing now, by doing some intermittent fasting and eating a cleaner diet. It will make your fasting life a lot easier. If you don't know what intermittent fasting is, it is basically trying to get a couple of days in during the week where you are fasting for at least 24 hours. You can step it up to more hours if you like, but try to get 2 days of 24 hour fasting in per week. It's not as hard as you might think. I just did a 24 hour and a 20 in the past two days. I'm going to hit another 24 Wednesday to Thursday, and maybe even another 20 on Friday to Saturday. Next week I throw that 36 hour day in there to really get things moving around. Come along with me on this journey. I promise you won't regret it.

     I got to go and watch AGT right now, because hey, Terry Crews. Peace in and goodnight.

I Want To Live

     I got a lot to talk about tonight/today (it all depends on when you are reading this). It's going to be about changing over to the Keto lifestyle and a lot of the things I haven't talked about that are from it. I guess the first thing is that photo above. I took it because Baby Girl Gauge was sleeping on my chest and I wanted to capture that moment. I shared it on Instagram and on Facebook. It got the response I was looking for, which was "that is happiness", but I also got some other responses that I didn't expect. Those responses were talking about my appearance. I've lost a lot of weight, and I've talked pretty extensively on how I got there, but I haven't gone into great detail about the benefits and affects that it has had on me. That is what today is about.

     Let's get back to that photo. The comments that stood out, were on how young I looked. I didn't notice that, even when I posted the picture. I knew it showed my weightless, and how you can see it in my face, but that was it. I attribute that all to the diet and the intermittent and long term fasting. Fasting as I mentioned before has anti-aging benefits at the cellular level. That means that your body chemistry can get youngish, but it shouldn't effect your outward appearance. That is what the science says, but there is also the overall affect that it has on your demeanor and how you present yourself. I'm not going into a "it boosts your confidence" tale, I'm going into the "when you feel better, you appear better to others." This is when we get into a lot of the other benefits I have talked about and a lot that I haven't.

     I have already spoken about how it has affected my heart rate. That alone is a huge game changer in my mind. My heart is doing less work, which prolongs my life. We are going to get how that very last section of words is also a key component in this change. With my heart feeling better, my whole body is feeling better, and that affects my overall appearance. Healthier body, healthier skin, healthier attitude.

     The next thing is going to be about that little grouping of words above, "which prolongs my life". There was a time, and you should know it very well if you have been reading for any length of time, when I wouldn't' say anything like that. Prolonging my life, why on earth would I do that? Here is the thing, and I'm attributing it to my new lifestyle and way of eating. My depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies, are all but gone. I won't say they are completely gone, because that would be foolish. Those feelings have been a part of me my entire life, for them to just leave would be ridiculous. I can say that they are no longer front and center, and I have no desire to relive them. Even though my life is pretty hard right now, I'm the happiest I have ever been, and I attribute that to my new diet and lifestyle. I want to live.

     Ok, time to talk about the body and how it has changed. This is of course the obvious first thing that people notice. I have slimmed down, my stomach had gotten flatter. I have more definition in my body (not enough for my liking, but it's happening). I can bend over and tie my shoes and it doesn't hurt. That last thing was something I thought was an age related thing. It wasn't. It was because I was fat, and not just fat, but morbidly obese. I didn't know I was as bad as I was until the weight started stripping off of me. I didn't think I could ever get to 175, but I did. I realized that 175 wasn't enough and now I'm sitting around 165. Guess what? That isn't enough either, and we will address that in the closing of this blog (I hope you are still reading). I can physically do more things than I have been able to do in decades, not years, but decades. I thought I was pretty healthier before, just about 10 to 15 lbs overweight. Ha, I know now how laughable that is.

     Now we are going to get into some things you probably don't want to know about, but are some things that are pretty important, and if you are a guy, you are going to love one of these things. Ok, we are going to have some toilet talk now. I know, who wants to hear about that, but it's important. Once I changed my diet and went Keto, I noticed some pretty significant changes, with my bowel movements. My stool softened up quite a bit, but everything flowed much easier. This was all do to eating more easily digestible foods, and eating vegetables that promoted helpful gut bacteria and digestion. I don't get a lot of fiber anymore, but what I do get, has a ton of extra benefits in how it gets my digestive system working. It takes less to do more, is basically what I'm getting at here. That was one of the most unusual benefits of this new way of living. The other is, well, it's a very odd one as well.

     This one is for all the guys that are reading. I'm going to talk about penis. Yeah I know, it's a taboo subject but it has been affected by this whole lifestyle change. Here is the science guys, for every 10 lbs you lose, you gain a third of an inch to your penis size. It's not that it really gets any bigger, its just that it has more skin at it's dispense. If your skin isn't being pulled tight by fat, it can go towards letting you hang a little lower. Here is what I've noticed. I've lost 45 lbs, so that means a full inch should be added on. It's more than that guys. I'm not going to go into full details about myself, but It is a lot more comfortable now, and erections are much stronger. Eww gross right? He said erections. I did say that this one was going to be about some things you didn't want to really know about, but they are important.

     Well, that is it for the benefits, now lets get into some talk about the future. Could I just sit back and be satisfied with how I look now, and move into maintenance mode? I said I was going to do that before when I hit 175, but we know how long that lasted, and yes, I could do that, but I'm not. I learned a few things in the past couple of weeks. What I have done is not easy, and although I believe anyone can do it, since I did. I know now, that that isn't fully true. It takes a center mentality and drive to do this, and you have to want to, well basically, get better. In the end that is what it really is. You are getting better, physically, mentally and health wise. So no, I'm not going into maintenance mode. I'm going for a very strict 28 days of Keto starting tomorrow, and I have a pretty lofty goal. I didn't weight in today, so I'm not exactly sure what my weight is right at this moment, but when I last weighed in I was at 167. Here is the goal for the end of the next 28 days, 150 lbs. That is my goal and that is a big one. I fought very hard to lose 10 pounds the last time I did 28 days, but a few things got in my way. That isn't an excuse, but it is something that happened. My plans went awry, and that cold happen again. Regardless, I will hit goal, just like I did the last time.

     Here is the plan. I learned a lot over the last several months about what works and what doesn't. I've tried all sorts of different things out, from basic Keto, to vegan days, to intermittent fasting, to long term fasting, to caloric deficit. I will be using all of that in the coming days, to hit my goal, but in a sensible way. My first week, I'm going back to grade school, and eliminating dairy and sugar. I know, sugar is mostly out of my life now, but there are some things that I won't be eating or drinking during that first week. During that week, which starts tomorrow, I will be incorporating OMAD and intermittent fasting, with intervals of 20 to 24 hours each day. I'm not limiting my caloric intake other than, whatever I eat when I'm at the dinner table, and that is it. I could potentially eat a meal of around 1800 calories. No limits means no limits, but it will more than likely still be less than what the average person consumes in a day. The second week I will add very limited dairy back into the diet, and continue the OMAD and intermittent fasting, but I will throw a 36 hour fasting day in there as well. The third week, will be similar to the second with the exception of a 48 hour instead of the 36 hour. The final week will once again eliminate dairy and will do my best to eliminate carbs all together. That means 50/50 on proteins and fats. I will be limiting my calories to around 1200 per day for that week. It's going to be glorious.

     I'm putting out the call right now. If you want to join me in this, reach out and get in touch with me. My email address is at the top of this page. You can direct message me on Instagram, and even Facebook to a limited extent ( I don't have Facebook on my phone, so I'll only see the messages when I'm on there.). I will be here to help see you through this, and give you encouragement. That is something I have never really had. I have had people tell me that I'm doing great, but on those days when it was really hard, and I didn't know what to do to pull through it, I had to figure it out myself. There was no one for me to reach out to for that help. I'll be that person for you, and trust me, you will get through it, and feel remarkable at the end of it. The other thing is, that you won't want to end it, and I'll still be there to help you navigate the new world of eating that you are about to embark on.

     The fasting is the toughest part. I have yet to have anyone start an extended fast with me and see it to the end, so I know how hard it is, but if you are willing to start it and see it to the end, I will be there for you every step of the way. I will give you a way to contact me at any time so that you can make it, but you have to use that contact.

     That being said, I'm planning my next 72 hour fast for October, so if you want to do that one with me, start preparing now. Get your health and food game in order, so that you can make that transition from eating to not eating easier. Strategy is key in your success. I start my fasts usually in the evening, so that I have an automatic 8-10 hours that are covered with relaxing and sleep. It makes it so much easier than if you start after a big meal in the middle of the day. Your natural desires to eat at normal times hits you hard. That is why I suggest starting now, and throwing in a few OMAD days to through your whole mental chemistry into a turmoil so that you won't have those cravings at specific  feeding times. Also, change the time of day you eat from time to time. This will also throw things out of whack. If you are constantly eating day in and day out at the same time. Your body will have cravings that are stronger during that time, and it will make your time fasting miserable. I'll give you a specific date in a week or so, and we will get this done.

     For now though, here is a picture of Morty and Baby Girl Gauge. Peace in and goodnight.

Violet Dahlia (Part 3)

     My next stop was the docks. You know the place? It's where all the nefarious types like to congregate so that they can dash out in a moment and be back the next. My guess, is there is plenty of news around the docks, especially news about killers for hire. I better grab a cup of joe before I hit the dirty planks of the dock. Jimi's made the best coffee in town, and I was right around the corner.

     It was your typical greasy spoon. Polished aluminum outside with chrome accents and bright lighting. It was saying that it was the only oasis in this dark hole of a town, and they served anything you wanted.

     "Sly, what's hip?"

     "Hey Paulie. I can tell you what's not hip, and that's me being up late on a Tuesday night."

     "But, you're a night owl Sly. You up every night."

     "You got me there Paulie, can I get a cup?"

     "I'm already pour'n it."

     "Tell me something Paulie. Have you heard any news about someone looking for a hitman."

     "I can't say that I've heard something directly, but I have overheard a little something."

     "You care to spill?"

     "Now, you didn't hear this from me, but it seems our notorious gangster in town is looking to kill his wife. He wants someone reliable and expendable."

     "So, he doesn't want to leave any evidence."

     "That's what it sounded like to me. Not your typical hit, get paid, and run kind of deal."

     "That just made my job a little easier then. It clearly won't be on of those dark lads from the club."

     "I'd check the docks If I was you Sly. Lot's of expendable types around them parts."

     "I was heading that way next, I only stopped in here for a cup before I went. I need that magical elixir to keep my head on straight and my eyes focused."

     "They don't call you's the preeminent private eye for nothing."

     "They call me the preeminent private eye?"

     "You never heard that before?"

     "No."

     "I musta just made it up then. Ha ha ha ha!"

     Paulie had a strange sense of humor sometimes, but he always had his ear to the ground and was good for free information. As long as you bought a cup that was."

     "Thanks for the info Paulie."

     "See ya tomorrow Sly?"

     "I guess that depends on how things go down at the docks."

Results Of The Latest Fast

     This one is going to be full of updates. Let's start off with the fasting update. I got through the 36 hours, and it wasn't easy this time. At the 24 hour mark I was struggling, and thought for sure I was going to cave and eat something, but I had a plan. I went to sleep, and woke up ready to break fast, and it was good. I did my cup of chicken bone broth, with some turmeric, and salt. It was magnificent. If you haven't gone without food for any lengthy period of time, you truly don't know how good food really tastes.

     I had a whole two paragraphs here, and my fumbling hands slid across the track pad and erased everything, and there is no way I will be able to write it word for word, so I'll, just give you the cliff notes. I was taking about how my body is continuing to change, and look better physically. I will reach my goal of being complete shredded, and I believe it will happen within the next month. I'm going to have to put in a lot of work though to make it happen.

     I was also talking about fasting and how you should give it a try, but make sure you do your research and know and understand what it takes to do it properly. I did lose another 4.5 lbs on this last fast, and I have another 24 hour coming up on Thursday-Friday. Don't just do a water fast and think its all going to be hunky dory. You need to prepare yourself mentally and physically for it, and there are some things you need to do during the fast, like making sure you are taking in the proper minerals. Minerals don't count against a fast, so it's ok to take them in while you are fasting. In fact it is important to take them in, in order to get the results that you want. If you want some pointers I can give them to you, but it is always best for you to find your own path.

     Like I said above, I didn't feel good during this fast. I was weak and woozy, and just all around feeling bad, but I pushed through. The result though is days of feeling phenomenal. There are a lot of benefits to fasting, and that is the most noticeable one. Here is the thing. If I can do this, so you can you. Oh yeah, I also mentioned how I had to do a TPR today, and it just throughs my whole lifestyle in the dumpster. 3 slices of pizza runs everything for a few days. My carb intake is normally 20 grams or less. Those 3 slices have over 50 carbs in them. It's terrible for what I'm trying to do, but I committed to the TPR and I have to work it in, so I ate insanely clean around the pizza, and tomorrow I'm doing another all vegan day. That will be more insanely clean eating. I already have my game plan to have a keto vegan day. The first time I did it, I did what most would call traditional vegan. This time it is about keeping the carbs down, and the fats and proteins up. I know it sounds impossible, but it isn't, I just have to find the proper way to do it, and I'm going to get help from meat substitutes and a protein power made from pea protein. If you didn't know, pea protein is actually a very good source of protein, and it digests in the body differently than animal protein. It actually digests at a slower rate, which allows you to utilize more of the essential amino acids from the protein. That means you get more muscle building properties from it. So much for that whole weak vegan myth.

     I  have only told this to one person, but I'm going to let the cat out of the bag right here. My ultimate goal, is not only to be shredded, but it is to also switch over to a  full vegan keto diet. I don't know if I will ever truly be able to do it, but that is the end game for me. That is why I'm doing these all vegan days, and why I'm constantly looking for meat substitutes. I will find the proper way to do this so that I'm not overloaded in carbs while eating a plant based diet. I will take you along this journey with me, and give you every bit of information I come across in the event that you want to lean towards more of a plant based diet yourself.

     Now onto the important stuff. Baby Girl Gauge's bacterial test results came in today. She has 3 kinds of highly resistant strains of bacteria in her ears. The good news is, that they found a medication that they believe will take care of it. I have to go pick it up tomorrow morning and start her on it as soon as possible. The shelter, after conferring with the dermatologist decided to postpone her heart worm treatment until her ears were taken care of. She has her follow up appointment with the dermatologist in 3 weeks. She has already showed improvement with the mild/general treatment that she has been on. Her ears look a little better, and she has only had one manic type episode with her ears bothering her, and that was on a day that I think I applied her medication into her ears wrong. She has been much more relaxed and happy without having her ears causing her a fit.

     Time to get to bed and wake up to get BGG's medication in the morning. I'm having my first vegan meal at around 11 after polishing off a 19 hour fast. Just a tiny one tonight, and then it should be another 1300 calorie day, right before a 24 hour fast. Big plans and putting the work in to get them done. Peace in and goodnight.

Tomorrow's The Day

     I can finally share with you, the pictures of my latest wood working project. It is a dog drinking station with storage area, and I custom made it by staining a giraffe like pattern on it. I talked my way into this pattern without thinking. My friend said she liked my bookcase wand stand and how it had two different stains on it. She then mentioned a carved giraffe that she has, and I shot my mouth off saying I could do that pattern. It was a lot of work, but well worth it when I was done. I also carved her dogs faces into the front of it. I was asked to do the etching of silhouettes like I had done with eat Deathly Hallow symbols, but I wanted to try something new, and it came out pretty good. Anyway, here are the pictures of the dog watering station.

     I did put a surprise for her on the right side of the box. She recently went to Africa on a photo safari, so I wanted to commemorate that event by putting the African continent hidden into the pattern. I only told here that there was a surprise there and not what it was. I hid it well, because it took her a few minutes to find it.

     This was s difficult project, but so fun to do. I learned things as I went, and even made up a few things along the way. This was a fantastic journey and I didn't even travel anywhere. I look forward to my next woodworking project, but I have no idea what it is going to be. If anyone has any ideas, shoot them my way. I'm up for anything.

     Baby Girl Gauge goes for her first heart worm shot tomorrow morning. I have to drop her off around 8am, and she will stay there to be monitored until after 3. That is when I can go back and pick her up. So far her ear treatment is going great. Her ears are looking better, and she hasn't had any of those manic episodes where her ears are driving her crazy. That doesn't mean that it is going to be fully successful, but it does mean that it is heading in the right direction, and anything that keeps her relaxed is a good thing.

    She has been on my heels for the past several days. She wants to be wherever I am, except for nighttime, that is sleep in my mom's bed time, and I'm all for it. She likes to come up when I'm sitting in this desk chair I'm in right now, and placing her head on my knee so I'll pet her, which I do. She has me trained. I was told that when I leave, she goes into the computer room and sleeps in this chair until I come home, which is just freaking adorable and too much to handle. The changes in her behavior and demeanor have been nothing but incredible. She is fitting in just fine here, and has now figured out (with Morty's help), the proper way to beg for food.

     I just had to share that little video with you. That is Baby Girl in one of her dream states. You may need to turn the volume up just a bit to get the full effect. Once again, crazy adorable. She does this pretty much nightly now, which in my eyes, means that she is finally comfortable enough to dream. That is a deep sleep right there.

     I am currently in the middle of a 36 hour fast. As I write this, I have 20 hours to go. I'm feeling good and looking forward to when I break my fast with some bone broth. I already have my meals planned out for tomorrow, and am restricting my calorie intake to 1000 calories. With what I have planned out, I'm at 890 right now, so I have a 110 calorie gap. I have no idea what I can have that is only 110 calories, so I may go a little over. A 1/4 cup of macadamia nuts is 200, so I may hit 1090 for the day. Not sure if I will just leave it at the 890 or go for the nuts. I could have a serving of Rebel ice cream, that is only 150. I'll figure it out. Just in case anyone wants to jump on a 24 hour fast with me, I'll be doing that from Thursday morning at 8am to Friday morning at 8am. Quick simply little fast, that has all kinds of healthy age reducing benefits. Age reducing on a cellular level, not in making you look younger. Sometimes the feeling is much better than the look. Then again, when you feel better you end up looking better, so it may just be a fountain of youth kind of thing. Let me know if you are in, and I'll be here for you to help encourage you to keep going for the full 24 hours. Believe me, you won't regret it, just make sure you make some good decision when you come out of it, and not blow it by eating a giant meal at Burger King or something like that. Lean protein, and clean vegetables are the way to go.

     Ok, I'm out, cause I got some clothes to wash and all that good stuff. I'm making tacos for the mom and the dogs. This will be BBG's first time having my tacos, so she is in for a treat. Yes, I can make incredible smelling and tasting meals despite the fact that I'm fasting and won't get any of it. I just love cooking that much, and I make some really terrific meals. Peace in and goodnight.

Let's Hear It For Ears.

     This one is going to be a short one. I don't have much to say tonight. I do have a Baby Girl Gauge update. She went to the vet today to see the dermatologist about her ears. They said that she has a bacterial infection and is on some mild medication to see if that will start to clear it up, and bring the swelling down. They sent a swab out to find out just what type of bacteria it is, so that they can have a more direct approach with the antibiotics. If this treatment isn't enough, she will need surgery and it will be very invasive. They explained a little to me, and mention that she would have to have her ear canals removed. Not sure if that is a permanent thing, and she will lose her hearing, or if it is an easier way to clean them out. Like I said, they only explained a little at this point.

     She had one of her anxiety attacks on the way there in the car, and began licking the rear windshield and couldn't stop. It is pure anxiety driven, I know this now. On the way home, she made it about 2/3rds of the way before that anxiety kicked in. I think it was just her wondering if she was having to leave her comfortable new home. That isn't the case, and she will learn that over time. I do have to take her back to the shelter on the 15th. That is when she begins her heart worm treatments. I will be able to pick her up later that day, it isn't until the second treatment that they have to keep her overnight. I will be throughly bummed on that day.

    Oh yeah, the vet techs and the doctors all fell in love with her, and were amazed out how relaxed she is. Nothing phases her in the slightest. At one point, the dermatologist was  checking out her ears, and she had her ear canal probe fall out of her pocket. The doctor and the tech both jumped expecting Gauge to jump as well, but they laughed out how she just stood there real chill like. Once again. I instinctually dislike the person that owned her before, but I'm thankful for them for doing it. They gave up a great dog, just like with Morty.

     It has been great being back on the Keto train, and doing my intermittent fasting. I've gone 22 and 23 hours consecutively now, and I'm feeling great. All the bloating that I was experiencing is gone, and I'm heading back to ketosis. I predict I should be back in it by tomorrow. I'm looking forward to those further gainful losses.

     I do have a new TPR video for you. This one was put together on short notice. I had to finish it today, and Baby Girl was not helping. She kept jumping in my chair so that I couldn't work. It was funny and adorable. I had to wait for the video to upload anyway, before I could embed it in the blog. Anyway, here is the video. I hope you enjoy it.



     Just saw the numbers as I was getting the code to embed that, and it's doing really well. Better than 90% of our other videos at this point. Someone shared it to a pretty big crowd. That's what I like to see. Looks like there is also a comment I need to reply to. I'll do that right after I wrap this up.

     I'm handing over my latest wood working project tomorrow. I'll share the pictures with you on Sunday. Recipient of the work gets to see it first in all. You understand. I will tell you, that this came out better than I thought was possible. I will always see ways that I can improve, but that's just the way I am. Nothing is ever really finished in my eyes, and there is always room to make it better. I just hope she likes it. I'll find out tomorrow morning. Until next time peace in and goodnight.

Eating Normal Sucks

     Ok, the week of "normal" eating, is coming to an end. I can't take it anymore. The first day, which was Sunday, was a good old fashioned free for all. I ate nearly 4000 calories, in only two meals. Monday was kind of a clean out day, and I went pure Vegan for the day. Calorie consumption was just a little over 1300 for 3 meals. Today was supposed to be a somewhat healthy approach, but the TPR turned into grazing day, and I'm bloated as anything and ready to jump back on the Keto wagon and get my OMAD going. I can't eat like a "normal" person anymore, and I couldn't be happier about that. I have already started my intermittent fasting timer for my next meal in 22 hours. I will do a 24 or 36 hour fast early in next week, and be back to myself in no time. Eating like a "normal" person is for the birds.

     I will say this though. My Vegan day had some unusual results. I had this overwhelming sense of invincibility. Not that I was invulnerable and couldn't be killed, but an over general sense of positivity. I felt like I could do anything. I've had moments like that in the last few months, but not so complete. I talked to a Vegan friend of mine about that, and she explained something that made some sense. It is all about the spirit of what you eat. You eat something that died horribly, and you get those feelings. Plants don't die horrible deaths, so there is no sense of that. That feeling was great, and I had been doing a once a week Vegan meal during my Keto run. I'm now upping that to a full Vegan day from now on. I was close before, but the Quest bars that I eat are not Vegan, so I know have some Vegan bars to supplement in on those days.

    If you would have told me a few days ago, that I would have lost a total of 45 pounds, I would have told you that it was impossible, I don't have that much to lose. If you would have told me that I would have a full day of Vegan meals, I would have told you that you were out of your ever-loving mind. I was the guy that would say vegetables are rabbit food. Not any more though. Give them to me, just make sure they are Keto friendly.

     I worked more on my latest wood project, and right when I was packing things up so that I could get ready to go do that TPR today, a catastrophe happened. The stain I was working with exploded all over the piece when I tried covering got lid. I was heartbroken. When I finally show you the finished piece (after my friend gets it first), you will see just how much work I have put into it, and how devastating the situation was. I somehow managed to save the whole thing with a lot of extra work, and the pieces is coming out even better than I had hoped. I'm looking forward to showing you the finished piece, but that won't be until Sunday. I'm giving it to her on Friday.

     Time for a Baby Girl Gauge update. Look at that face. I took that just a couple of hours ago. I have some great news about BGG. In the last few days, she has had no desire what so ever to lick the wall in that obsessive behavioral way. She hasn't dug any holes in the past few days either. She is calm, cool, and collected. She is a happy content pup, and I'm over the moon about it. I thought that it would take months before that behavior would start to subside, but it only took a week. She is incredible. I take her for her ear appointment on Thursday, and we find out what the next step in that process is. Her first heart worm treatment is next week, and that will be a sad day. She has to stay at the shelter overnight, so she will be deeply missed on that day.

     The love my mom has for BGG, and that she has for my mom is unparalleled. I don't have a picture of it, but the caregiver showed me a picture she took of BGG sleeping on the couch and my mom sleeping on BGG. It was one of those TOO MUCH CUTENESS moments, that you hope you will see one day in real life. It was just too much, so I think my mom will be the one that is missing her the most. 

     Her and Morty get along great, and there have been no issues around feeding time at all. That brings me to a little PSA moment. Hey, if you are looking for a dog, or a pet of any kind, go check out your local SPCA or Humane Society, Remember to adopt, don't shop. Then you can answer the question of, Who really saved who? This message brought to you by your friendly neighborhood Counterfeit Squirrel.

     It's been a while since I did a Favorite Song of the Week. Not that I didn't have any for you, I just let it slip my time around the time I was writing this piece each week. I got a good one for you today, from my all time favorite artist. If you don't know who I'm going to share, then shame on you. You really haven't been paying attention to anything I write. Anyway, a little over a week ago, a new album was released by the Prince Estate. It is full of Originals, that he wrote for other people, or songs that were covered by other people. Some I'm sure you know, but most you probably don't. The thing that will shock you when I play this, is just how close the artist covering the song stayed to the original that he wrote. These are the demo tracks that he sent out for them, and in some cases, they just used the track and sang over them. This is one of those cases. This is Prince with the original version of Shelia E's The Glamorous Life. 

     I've been listening to this album and a demo album that was released by David Bowie non stop. I recommend getting both of them. They are incredible.

     I'm out of here, I got some intermittent fasting to do so I can get back on the Keto train. Peace in and goodnight.

You Wanted Results, I Give You Results

     Ok, before we get deep into the 28 day challenge and all that good stuff. I wanted to share this picture Morty. I showed the picture of him in this chair last week, and I mentioned the other way I find him each morning. This is that other way. Cracks me up every morning when I walk out to this.

     The other reason I wanted to post this first is, that I have the side by side before and after pictures of myself, and quite frankly, I didn't want those to be in the thumbnail on Facebook. Morty is much better looking than I am. Now let's get into the 28 days.

     As you may remember, I did this in hopes that I would hit 165 lbs. I did that, and I will get to the numbers soon. The other reason is, that I wanted to do that 72 hour fast in the middle of it. I hit 84 hours. Then for the final week, I decided to do something I had never heard of, and went a little crazy, but it worked.

     The final week I did something I'm now calling Calorie Deficit Fasting. I set a goal of only having 500 or fewer calories each day. That would put my total calories for the week at 3500 calories. I added at first a single 36 hour fast into it, which went 40 hours. I then added another 36 hour fast which was supposed to be 44 when all was said in done. My friend caved after 30 hours, and I was soon to follow. I only made it 33 that day. I was bummed, but not broken. I did exceed my calorie goal on two different days. One day I hit 507, the other I hit 585, but I was still in the green zone, on my calorie due to the two fasting days. I finished my week with 3,055 calories. That is what most people eat in a day, and I'm going to prove that by eating the way I used to for today and today only. I've already blown through my net carb goal of 21, and my normal calorie goal of 1700, is very much in peril, in only breakfast and a snack.

     Ok, here are the numbers. In the 28 days, I fasted for 157 hours , not including normal intermittent fasting. I lost 12 pounds. My Ketones fuctuated, but the final reading was at 4.9. That wasn't the high that I measured, that would be 5.6. I did not go into Ketoacidosis. That was my main reason for taking multiple readings for my Ketones. I wanted to monitor the very closely and keep an eye out for any symptoms. My final weigh in was this morning at 164 lbs. I hit goal and passed right through it. Just as I hoped. The final week was an 8 lbs loss, which put me over the top. I still have a lot of work to do, and you can see that from the pictures. This is the 28 day and 12 lbs difference. I was shocked. I didn't feel like there was this big of a change in my appearance, but the camera doesn't lie.

     If it's not obvious. Left is the before and right is the after. I tried to get the pictures exactly the same so there wasn't any crazy angles or anything like that, and I think I did a pretty good job. I definitely have some much needed areas to improve. Chest, stomach, and legs are the primary needy areas, but the rest will fall in line with those. I will hit my ultimate goal, and I will post pictures when I hit it. I just don't have any projected time for that yet. I'll let you know.

     This next week, I will eat like a "normal" person. Three meals a day, but I will be following some specific rules, so that things don't get out of hand. I will keep my fats and my carbs separate, so that they don't combine and fight for superiority. It's a whole science thing. I will be doing an entire vegan day, and I already have that planned out. Plenty of protein, and way too many carbs, so that will be a definite carb day. I will limit my calories somewhat, around the 2000 range, and I will be eating clean other than today.

     As I said earlier, today is going to be me eating like I used to, just to show you how much of an atrocity it was. I'm keeping track of my caloric intake, and I will have the final numbers for you on Tuesday. I expect to be in the 3000 to 3500 calorie range, but I may even exceed that. The idea of this entire blog is honesty, and I will honestly give you those numbers no matter who gross they are. This is to just show you the massive difference in a clean vs. a normal, yet dirty diet. This will also show you how easy it is to put up giant numbers in a very small amount of food. It is important to watch what you eat, and I know that now. I always knew it, I just didn't pay as much attention as I should.

     One final word before I take off for the day. The last week was tough, real tough. It was also very dangerous. I can't recommend doing it, unless you pay very close attention to what you are doing, and how you body is feeling. Last night, the final night was horror. I felt miserable and in an in between state. I pushed through only because I checked my ketones and I was at a level I decided was safe for me. Know your body before you do anything like this. I feel amazing today, so the benefits are great, but you have to push through some very tough times for them. Know thy self. Peace in and goodnight.

Violet Dahlia (Part 2)

     I kept a bottle of cheap whiskey in my top desk drawer, and I was going to need it tonight. I had to hit the bricks and find a killer, before they were a killer. It seems like an impossible task, but that's what I'm paid to do.

     I put on my fedora and trench coat and made my way into a steamy night. Why was I wearing a trench coat on a night that was better suited for light shirt and a fan made from a newspaper? I don't know, I got an image to maintain. I'm Sly Silverman Private Eye and I always look the part.

    My first stop was the seedy underbelly of the cities seedy underbelly. The dark spot where even rodent and snakes won't go. If I was going to find a killer for hire, it would be there.

    The Pussycats Meow was Marcus Dahlia club, and that was where I was going. Maybe heading a little too close to home, but danger was my middle name. Actually Steven is my middle name, but you see where I'm going with this. Red neon light painted the puddles in the street that lined the front of the pitch black building. Only the glow of the lights broke the abyss of unsavory dominion that was the underbellies most violently reputable club. I use the word reputable loosely though.

     "Sly, you here for a good time?" Did I mention they know me hear?

     "Nah, I'm here business Sweetheart."

      "You know I love it when you call me by name." Sweetheart was very large and burly man that looked like a bull mated with a gorilla.

     "What else would I call you."

     "Everyone else calls me Brutal, but I hate that, doesn't fit my personality at all."

     "I'll agree with that. you're a soft pastry in the middle of a mud pit."

     "Exactly. So what business do you have going on tonight?"

     "I'm looking for a killer."

     "Just a killer or any in particular? This place is full of those."

     "That's why I came her first. I'm actually looking for a killer that hasn't killed the victim yet."

     "I'm very confused Sly. If they haven't killed the victim yet, how are they a killer?"

     "I've been trying to figure out the answer to that since I took this case."

     "Well, when you figure it out, will you tell your old pal Sweetheart."

     "You bet your bippy I will. You'll be the second to know. I got to tell the victim first. You understand, paying client and all."

     "Sure thing Sly. Be careful in there Sly. You're one of the good ones."

     "I don't know much about that, but I'll do my best."

     Sweetheart opened the door into pure darkness. There was a long hall before you got to the curtain that opened into the club, and when you opened that curtain, it was an entirely different world. Lights, music, and dancing. Decadence didn't begin to describe what was going on. This place made Sodam and Gomorrah seem tame. Naked bodies undulated in every corner, while the stage was full of live animals in cages. There was a small balcony that was the seating area for the king of this court, Marcus Dahlia. He seemed to be out of his kingdom tonight. The balcony was dark and lifeless. That didn't mean his hired assassin wasn't here, or that someone might now something.

     I slunk my way to the bar, and put my ear out to see if I could sniff out a clue, but the chatter less appealing than a drawer full of silverware being dropped on the floor.

     "Hey barkeep, can I get a whiskeys straight up."

     "Sure thing, coming right up." He poured the glass in short order and slid it in front of me.

     "Before you go, you mind if I ask you a question?"

     "That's what I'm here for."

     "If I need someone to a job for me that wan't necessarily on the up and up, where would I look?"

     "That depends on the job. What do you have in mind?"

     "Say, I wanted the separate someone from the rest of their birthdays?"

     "You want the dark corner under the balcony, but make sure you are prepared to really ask for what you want. They don't take to kindly to indecisive people."

     "Thank you sir."

     I slid him a sawbuck and walked towards that dark corner. There was a table underneath with two men at, in rather sharp looking suits. When I say sharp, I mean they could give you a paper cut just by looking at them. They also didn't looked pleased, maybe one of those indecisive sorts stopped by a little earlier. I took note of their faces, and believe me, they were faces you couldn't forget. Brooding and full of scars. Tonight wasn't the night for a conversation with those two, but I would have to have it soon. Time was running out, and the worst part was, I didn't actually know how much time I had.

   

I Lost My New Dog

     My mom has declared that Gauge is hers. She is in absolute love with this dog, and you can see why.

     She has fit in really well in the house. She slept with my mom most of the night until she had a maniac episode dealing with her ears. That woke me up at 2:30 in the morning to help her through it. You know when you have an itch that you just can't scratch and it is so bad that it actually hurts. Well, that is what it is like for her. It took an hour or so, but I finally got her settled down and the ears feeling better. I'm worried about that when she starts her heart worm treatments. She goes to the dermatologist for her ears on the 11th and then she begins her heart worm treatments on the 15th. I"m hoping the ears are better by then, because when she has that maniac episode, she gets really uptight and anxious, and that is something that could kill her during treatments. This will all work out. It's just going to be a little scary.

     I am currently in the middle of another fast, this one is to support a friend while she is on hers. This time around, it's kicking my tail pretty good. I checked my ketones at the start, and I was at 2.4. I am already at 4.4 this morning. I only have to make it until 8 in the morning, or maybe 11, depending on what my friend decides to do. I'm with her all the way on this one, even though I feel like garbage right now. Not sick, just run down, and empty of stomach.

     Speaking of empty of stomach, it is a pretty remarkable feeling. For me it's a luxury that I can afford. It's a feeling that I know my body is changing in good ways, but for many others across the country and throughout the world, it is a feeling that means they have no idea when they are going to get their next meal. So here is what I'm getting at. Today, July 4th is a day that is usually celebrated by having big over caloric meals. Have fun and enjoy them, but next week, find a way to help out someone less fortunate, someone who maybe needs a small meal of any kind. You never know when you will be the one that changes their whole life around. I know that seems like a pretty dramatic take with one small meal, but here is the thing. It is entirely possible that your kindness is exactly what that person needs to kick them into another gear. Anything is possible if you believe it is.

     Happy 4th everyone. Peace in and goodnight(yes I know it's day time).

Everything Happens For A Reason

     I went back to the shelter. The main reason, is that I didn't want to punish a dog for the incompetence of humans. The shelter took very good care of me, in the light of what happened, and an old dog has a new home.

     I'm very pleased to introduce you to Gauge. She is in my house as a foster to adopt. I'm doing it that way, because she does have some minor health issues that the shelter will cover as long as she is considered in their care, hence the foster. She is heart worm positive, and is on a month wait to see if the oral medication did the trick. If it didn't, they have to get a little more aggressive with it. She also has very old hematoma in both ears. You know, the horrible thing that Morty had. The difference here, is that they were never taken care of, so it actually looks like her ears have been docked. They haven't, they have just shriveled up due to the hematoma. I have clean her ears every day, which she doesn't like much, and she has an appointment to see what steps are needed to go forward on the 11th. The shelter is covering that cost as well.

     The situation with Barnaby was bad, but everything happens for a reason, and I had forgotten that, but Gauge has reminded me, and this picture below, is just one of the very good reasons.

     That is my mom smiling and laughing like crazy, because Gauge crawled up into her lap and licked her all over her face. She got a good ol' face shower, and she loved it. Gauges has been an absolute dream in the house. Her and Morty have gotten along as if they were born together. Meals have been no problem, when my mom has her meal and feeds the pups as well, there is no jockeying for position. They just simply wait their turn. It has been a dream situation.

     Gauges has some issues, since she was mistreated by her previous owner. It appears that she had been left outdoors at all times, so she has some obsessive behavior where she can't figure out how to entertain herself, so she will incessantly lick walls. I'm working on curbing that habit, and the more she gets used to being an indoor dog, will help that out greatly. She wasn't trained in anyway, so Sit and lay down will be coming soon. Oh, I should say that she is 7 years +. She is slightly younger than Morty, so that old dog is going to learn some new tricks.

     I can't wait to get her ears and heart worms taken care of, so that she can finally be at rest. Those large ears have to put a ton of stress on her, as well as the heart worms. She is so laid back and relaxed when she isn't in one of those obsessive moments, and I am so happy to give a home to an older dog that more than likely would be overlooked by most other people. I mean look at that face, how could you pass that up?

     She is so sweet and loving, and deserves a good home, and now she has one. I'm sure you saw that box she is standing on. That is the new wood project I have been working on. It's a dog feeding station, and as you can see, it attracts dogs very well. I'm going to share a picture of what it looks like as of today, but there is so much more to be done with it, and if I get it right, this will be the most impressive piece I have made so far, and that includes my own bookcase, which I think is pretty outstanding.

     The lid comes up so that you can store stuff in it. I think she is just going to store stuff, but you could put food or toys or anything in it really. I got big plans that I will be working on tomorrow. The stain is a whole other matter, when it's done, I'll share another picture of it, but let me tell you, this is going to be like nothing you have ever seen before. When I did the test piece, which wasn't that good, I was blown away at how cool it looked. Somebody pay me for this stuff!. Actually she did pay me for this piece, so somebody has paid me for it.

     Not to leave Morty out of all this love of dogs stuff. I got a picture of him Monday morning, in the way that I normally find him in the morning.

     That's his sleeping chair. He is usually like that or with his head hanging off the front of it. It makes me happy every time I see it. Morty is the best, but Gauge is coming up in the ranks to tie him.

     Go get yourself a dog, and find true joy. It's a remarkable thing.

     Quick Keto update. I extended my fast to 40 hours, simply because I wasn't hungry when 36 had ended. I only took in 468 calories yesterday, and I'm sitting pretty at 495 today. The incredible thing is, that I feel amazing. I'm not tired or rundown. I have plenty of energy, and I just feel good overall. I'm hitting another fast tomorrow, so that a friend can experience the fasting benefits as well. We start at 11 tomorrow, and then she is going to 11 on Thursday night, but I won't be awake then, so I'm sliding on through to Friday morning at around 7 or 8 o'clock. What's a few more hours tacked onto a 36 hour fast. I've already done 84. It turns out, that you can go very long periods of time on little food, and get a lot of great benefits out of it. I will be doing a 36 hour fast once every week, and maybe through a second one in from time to time. I will have some "normal" eating weeks as well, just to throw my body into a tizzy, and confuse it. I'm loving this whole new lifestyle. I did weight myself today, but I'm not going to tell you where I'm at in the goal, but I will say that I'm heading in the right direction to hit goal when this is all done. Official weigh in is on Sunday, so I have until then to hit or pass 165. This really feels incredible. You really should do some research and give it a try some time. You can get a lot out of it.

     That's all I got tonight. I work on that box tomorrow, and then write the second part of the Violet Dahlia. It will be up on Saturday morning right here if you want to check out the rough draft, and then it will be on Medium Monday morning if you want to read the final edit. I will post a link for the Medium on Facebook Monday morning to make it easy for you to find. Please check it out, and don't forget to hit that clap button for me, to help me get a little more exposure. Peace in and goodnight.