/ / Still alone, cost of living is a bit higher for single people. Keeping the wolf from the door. In a sense I'm like a machine, with the work, the housekeeping, the dogs and stuff to do and my hands are usually full of elements. Gopher this, gopher that. One thing I never do is the 'big shop'. I just get food for a day or two at most. I go into town sometimes. I can cycle there. Puppy still looks at me with those puppy dog eyes and the dappled fur, a dapper dog. Most days I don't let him through the fence, he would like to squash himself through it but I do give him a slice of deli meat through the fence. Friends say I should stockpile food for emergencies but I'm hopeless at that. I've 2 tins of tomato soup. Trying to resist buying and if something comes in, some stuff must go out. There seems to be such an abundance in the world. I sold more of my stuff, I've been to IKEA to get candles, unscented. I can see how some IKEA things can cheapen your space. I usually have a candle lit in the fireplace. The main room has fewer elements now, I eliminated the sofa and floor/table lamps and have put a 60w incandescent up overhead. I'm aiming for an austere hall with fireplace rather than a 'living' room. .. . / / / iolfree@icloud.com