Sudokuaholics Anonymous 10

Angel's temperature has just dropped below 99℉!!! If it stays down, that means that the puppies will be born within 24 hours!

Friends! Didn't make it here last night because we did a last-minute trip to my sister for hair cuts & dinner. She had been on vacation and got back a day earlier than planned. Hubby thought it better to start the 2+ hour drive late afternoon than wait for today when rain was predicted. By the time we got home, I took a few minutes to check email, then went to bed.

Suzy, did Alie get the 16-inch bodhran? Does it weigh more than her guitar? I had thought that it was held up near/against the body, so hadn't thought how heavy it might feel.

June, I'm so happy you were able to get home before the total shutting down of Qantas! I imagine that will have a huge impact on traveling! You certainly wasted no time getting busy once you laid foot on solid ground again!

Suzy, I've never seen Sweeney Todd, but based on your comments, I think I never will. Wall-E, on the other hand, sounds like the kind of movie I might enjoy.

MizT, so sorry your back got you up during the night, but glad it could at least partially coincide with Al's machine needing a drink. I'm glad your coleus plant gave you some bonus stems to enjoy as autumn turns colder. Enjoy your Halloween/Christmas cactus! Apparently it has a mind of its own and knows when it wants to bloom.

Seems Suzy, MizT and others (myself included) have a difficult time remembering some meds. I'm not going to nag! I seem to remember my hubby's better than my own. I'm not sure it that's because he takes some at 4 different times during the day - and those at fairly set times. I have some to take with breakfast, but don't always remember breakfast - or end up having it around 11 or 11:30 and calling it brunch. I've been playing with the idea of having a checklist or graph to keep track - or getting a small (8 by 11 inch or so) write-on/wipe off dry erase board to write on each day. Would appreciate any ideas anyone else may have!

Tami, you certainly have had plenty to keep you busy! End of quarter can certainly add work and stress to your life. Seems like you have take care of it and it is all behind you now, so maybe you can relax a bit. Sorry to hear that Dylan's baseball game was rained out. I didn't realize he was going to pitch. (How many players pitch AND catch - well, obviously not in the same inning?) Does he have a goal to play all positions this season? Glad to hear that Mitchell's hurt arm is not broken! Did he get a bruise? (Mine is now red violet in the center with lavendar & purple perimeter. The color has kind of a lacy effect - rather pretty as bruises go.)

Hooray! Heidi's Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans have arrived on time. I'd be happy to send you some of our trick-or-treaters, but they may not get to your house on time. Hopefully some will find their way to your house on your own. (Do you have friends in Lions or Cattlemen's with children who might enjoy trick-or-treating at your house? If you have left-overs, you'll just need to convince IH to have

Well, I ran over, so here's the rest!

If you have left-overs, you'll just need to convince IH to have some of the treats. I didn't know you took violin lessons as a child, Heidi. My goal is to be able to read music and play well enough to play quartets with other senior beginners. (I assume a senior who has played for most of his/her life might be bored or impatient with a beginning student.)

All those who agree with MizT, Heidi and Mama who would like autumn to last at least a few more weeks, raise your hand! (Mine is raised high and waving frantically.)

Mama, I hope you are having a wonderful time while baby-sitting Angelique! While we all love our younger generations, it's nice to be able to enjoy them for a bit, then let them go home with their parents.

Suzanne, please extend our birthday greetings to Darrell! Happy Birthday, Darrell! (It's not a bundt cake, but looks like it's chocolate. (BTW, I'm not a baker, but I've heard of greasing the pan, then shaking in cocoa powder, rather than flour, when it's a chocolate cake. I've never tried it, though.)

MizT, it's too bad you didn't get a chance to get back to sleep, but I sure am glad Al was able to take a nap after his medications. It sounds like he had a great (but exhausting) visit with his long-time friend! What a great friend to make sure to come and see Al while Al could still enjoy the visit! Joy had a great idea to get the MP3 set up so Al could choose some of his favorites to put on it. I think some MP3s can play a set mix or shuffle the songs into random order. BIL had a great idea to buy Al ear buds so he can enjoy his music even if you're napping! It was nice that your local friend Eddie was also able to visit!

Heidi, that's so funny that IH came upstirs and complained to you that he was cold, but is too cheap to turn up the heat. What did he expect you to do? Could he put on another layer of clothes or make himself a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or even a can of soup? Or was he "hinting" that you should do that for him?

June, I'm so sorry that Belinda took a tumble from a horse. I'm glad the ER reported no broken bones, but probably a good idea that she came home with you. I'm so glad she will have someone else come to take care of the horses! Who needs to be pushed by an impatient horse? Certainly not you! What is HSC that she will be marking art for? I'm assuming it's "High School ___" - coursework? competition? core? classroom? Probably too many wrong guesses there! I hope she feels better soon, especially since she will apparently not be at home for a few days.

Theresa, so sorry that arthritis is to blame. Well, not sorry that you don't have something more serious. Just sorry that there is often not a good symptom reliever for it. I'm wondering if some of the same suggestions given for Viv would be of any help - alternatives like acupuncture, etc. If modern medicine can find ways for us to live longer, why can't it find ways to help relieve the pain that accompanies living longer? I hope you and older grandie had a nice dinner out and maybe some good bonding time to discuss what's on her mind!

Theresa, I hope there will be some left over from the trick-or-treaters for your grandies to have for snacks!

Heidi, you may be right about vets being better docs than MDs! Just think, their patients can't talk, so they need to do more thinking/searching/investigating to help cure them.

Heidi, I hope your headache and back pain have subsided. With luck you have been able to head to bed or at least a comfy chair and not do a lot of chores and ffuts!

Great TOPP, Heidi! I hope you're right and Angel will soon be having her puppies! Hope all goes well and you don't need to get very involved! Hopefully your back and headache will not interfere with your ability to enjoy this special time. I'm guessing you won't be getting much sleep . . .

Good morning. Belinda has gone off, still feeling a bit 'off' but able to drive etc. When she first went to hospital they said she may have had a heart attack, that was one reason we made a hurried visit. ECG etc did not show anything though.
HSC 'High School Certificate'. The final exam of school and the entrance marks for University. A lot of pressure on the students and the exam to determine your future career.

Had a nice chat with Mamacita on Skype and even got to meet Angelique. What a lovely little girl.

Heidi, thanks for the heads up on running out of space. I have no idea what else I had to say. I was just running off at the mouth, decompressing after a busy and emotional day. It is so good to be able to come here with things like that. Saves $$$ that would go to a shrink to listen

June, I am so sorry that Belinda had a fall from her horse. I do hope she gets better and soon. How glad I was to hear someother than you would tend the horses, that is a bit much. Take care, remember, put your mask on first!

Saying that, I am right now going to get my morning meds.

OOOPS, I never got bqck here, but I did get my meds.

I felt very queasy around 4:00-ish and had to turn off supper lie down. I had just come back from D's looking after the grandies while their parents went grocery shopping (both girls were little buggers). When hubby got home he drove himself to the hospital because he thinks he dislocated a rib at work today. He was supposed to carve the pumpkins with the girls tonight, but I don't think that's going to happen. It never rains but it pours.

I feel slightly better now so I have turned his supper back on.

MizT {{{HUGS}}}

Seems that there are a lot of owies in Sudokuland today. I hope that everyone feels better soon.

Julie, Dylan is just starting to learn to pitch. He has a lot of power in his throwing arm. The coaches started working with him and taught him control. With the power he has, they don't think a kid of his age will be able to hit. He is becoming an all-around infielder. He has also played first this season.

I'm starting to read backwards through the posts. Heidi - I wish you could have a live cam on Angel so we could all watch this miracle.

June, poor Belinda. Does she know how long before she can get back on a horse?

Here comes a bit of the queasiness again. Heidi, did you pass it on to me?????

Julie, I have seen the 7 day pill sorter/containers that have an alarm. Just set the time you need to take the pills and it will ding for you. Of course, you must be within ear range of it for that to work. I do keep a chart with Al's meds, a chart lets you know what you take and when you took it, but would it remind you to take it? If I asked daughter Joy, I am sure she would have an app for that, on her smart phone. Hummm, I wonder if there is a computer program that might do the same, better still a free program you could download. Boy I hate I cannot go ask Al questions like that

Julie, I am really enjoying your posts these lat few days, since there is more about Julie in them. Keep up these kinds of posts, please.

YEAH, Heidi, I'm so happy Angle is soon to have the pups. Watching puppies or kittens being born is something special. Hope all goes well with mom and babes. Now Gil complaining to you about the cold is too too funny, just about his speed.

June, OH NO, can't imagine what went through your head when you were told Belinda might have had a heart attack. I am so glad that checked out fine.

Well, it is that time of afternoon when the sun goes down, the temps drop like a rock and I get to feeling chilled. House got extra warm this afternoon, strong sunshine on the long side of this mobile home heats us up. Solar heating hehehe. Even during low temp sunny winter days, our furnace will not come on for hours if the sun is shining.

My sister came today while her hubby went crawling in holes in the ground. He and 2 friends were maping a cave, trying to find the connection between 3 seperate caves. They are certain there is a connecting passage, they can feel air moving, but no idea if it is big enough for humans.

anyhow, sis and I tackled the closet, summer/winter clothing exchange. My coset is now sorted by colors, and I have some ready to grab and go outfits hung together. Makes it easier days I have to hit the ground running. What a sweet sis to come help, and she would make me stop and rest so my back did not get hurting. We got to chat as we worked and rested, too. We removed 4 bags of clothing, toss, to small but save just in case, and summer. Being Alabama, I left 3 pair of capris, in fall, darker colors, in case we have another warm up.

OK, must fling food. Hugs to each of you, with extras.

I'm thinking Gil was hinting that Heidi should pay the power bill. Either that or turn off whatever she was watching so he could use the TV...

Mamacita, I hope you are having a wonderful time with Angelique.

Julie, it is a 16" bodhran. The difference between using it and the guitar is that, even holding it against your body you carry most of the weight. The guitar rests on her lap or is held up by the strap. And half of the beats she was doing have her kind of holding it up with the side of her arm while her hand does this funny touch/untouch thing changing the sound of the drumming.

Heidi, violin lessons? Learn something new about you almost every day. The closest I got to lessons on an instrument was when mum wrote numbers on the keys of my tiny grand piano (really tiny - about 16" high) and on the music so I could play things.

I'm craving really bad right now and I am pretty sure I took my meds last night... bugger.

Here's a side effect of quitting smoking I could do without. Show me something slightly sweet, slightly sad, or just slightly..I burst into tears!

Tami, grades!! I should have known!! My SIL was always exhausted when grades were due.

Well I have to go back a page because my memory has disappeared so I'd better post.

Something that tickled my funny bone first. A friend of a friend posted on that other page. Day 4 Cig free. Someone posted underneath, 'wow, when did this happen?'. Um... 4 days ago I'm guessing.

Suzy, I'm really weepy too. I don't generally seem to need a good reason to start crying. All this since I quit smoking too.

Hubby isn't home yet .....

Good Morning my friends.
Had a lovely time at the BBQ we ended up playing cards (Switch) until 1:30am, lots of laughter and ribbing. Teresa's daughter will fly out on Wednesday so hopefully life will settle down a bit then. Having a Melbourne Cup luncheon for Miranda tomorrow which reminds me I must find out how many are coming.
Love and Hugs to you all.

June, ouch! I hope Belinda doesn't find grading tough in pain. I'm guessing she can only take light weight pain killers if she wants to stay alert.

TMI Heidi!!! Especially with the picture!!

Theresa, I've heard the best thing you can do for Arthur is to keep moving, and the hardest thing to do is to keep moving! Tylenol wouldn't help me either, even with codeine, but I'm pretty sure Motrin would work better on Arthur anyway being an anti-inflammatory. Of course I'm not allowed to take it anymore and you probably aren't either.

Theresa, it's really embarrassing isn't it? I feel like a real fool..

Broni, have a great time tomorrow.

Hi All,
Good weekend, but tiring...I heard 'why'? so many times that I wonder why I agreed to babysit for such a long stretch....funny thing, while talking to June on Skype,( nice treat too) my SIL called saying he was just minutes away...so I happily open the garage for him... and while the visit was great fun, I was really looking forwrd to my 'me' time....Well to make a long story short, Gil locked the car accidently after loading it with everything except Angelique and himself....and ended up having to wait for a locksmith to help by opening the car...took 3 hours before they left...now I am trying to get it together so that I can go to bed..I'm beat! Strange how a sweet little 3 year old can wear one old lady out...lol.
Hope today was good in spite of all of the ongoing pains we have been suffering and tommorrow is better for all...Peace.

Mama, I remember the "why" stage with my girls. I always tried to answer them, they were learning, but honestly there is a limit. When I reached that limit, the answer was " because I said so". Much later I had a young friend who loved to come visit me, he lived next door to me from birth to age 7. he could ask why like a broken record, never seen any child ask it more. The because I said so thing did not work with him. suppose it only works for parents?? I am sure you were ready for her to go home and not ready for the 3 hour locksmith delay.

Someone, Heidi perhaps, asked how I remember everything to write one long post. I cheat!! If they are all on one page, I scroll back to read enough to remind me. Rally lucky when Julie has done one of her excellent summaries, they remind me I wanted to comment.

HEIDI, do you have puppies yet? Are you OK? last we heard, you had a blinding headache and back hurting you. I do hope they are better.

Suzy, I do not remember being teary when I stopped smoking. Perhaps that is a side effect of your med? Is Theresa taking a medication to help her? If not, blows my guesstimate out of the water.

I was wondering what the HSC meant, figured the first two, thought perhaps completion, competency, but never certificate. We do have exit exams here, but not nearly as much riding on the outcome. If you fail, you do not get a diploma, instead a certificate of attendance. You need the diploma to go to college, but can study anything you can pay for and pass the entrance exam for, or take remedial courses in college at your parents expense.

Suzy, I keep forgetting to look up a bodhran, it sounds most interesting. AND not surprisingly, spell check does not recognize bodhran as a word hehehe.

Cripes, thought I was loosing it, when I looked at my computer clock. today was day the OLD daylight savings change. Now not for 3 more weeks! three weeks for me with the wrong time on my computer, or tell it I moved!

Mama, Heidi, you might get a kick out of this. I read Heidi's top of page post, saw Angel and temperature 99, I thought it was Mama posting that Angelique's temp was down to 99 after she had been sick, AND I had missed that post telling about it. I backed up and read it again to get it right. BTW, did you know my neighbor's 4 year old's middle name is Angelique? Isabella Angelique and she likes when I call her by both names.

Al had a very quite day today, napped two long naps this morning, has not needed too much pain med today, had some nausea but no vomiting, (look Suzy, no graphics hehehe) got in all his liquid requirements, but short on his feedings. Now, if he wants to take them good, if not, we try later. I just want enough food in him to keep his meds from hurting his stomach, you know? comfort, that is the goal.

Did I tell you, I must get 2 tires either repaired or replaced, probably one of each. I had a flat spare on the car I am driving. Al's best friend

Did I tell you, I must get 2 tires either repaired or replaced, probably one of each. I had a flat spare on the car I am driving. Al's best friend was moving the spare from the van that is not running now, to use on the one that is. Found that one had dry rot on the sidewalls, said if I put weight on it, it would pop. NOPE, not what I need, even with roadside assistance you need a working spare. Hopefully this week I can get it taken care of, and BIL can babysit.

OK, time for bed here since it is an hour later than I thought. Hugs to each of you, with extras. Till tomorrow.

Good Evening, Everybody! I'm back!

June, what a relief that it was NOT a heart attack that was troubling Belinda, but certainly a scare for you! I hope she will soon be feeling better! I knew I should remember HSC, but drew a blank earlier. For art, do students actually take a written test or submit a portfolio - or both? I can't imagine grading a portfolio!

Oh, dear, Theresa! I hope your hubby was wrong about possibly dislocating his rib! Perhaps it's "just" a bruise in his rib area. You both work so hard and long hours. Wouldn't be good to deal with anything too serious. Hope he's soon feeling much better! And you, too! No queasiness/lurgy allowed, my dear! Take care of yourself! (I'm glad you lay down at least for a bit!

Tami, good for Dylan and learning to play various in-field positions. His pitching sounds promising. I think most kids' baseball organizations now closely monitor pitches thrown, so that should prevent any potential injuries, I would think. I hope Mitchell's arm is feeling better!

MizT, you have a great sister to come and help with the changing of seasonal clothing! I like the idea of hanging a few outfits together as ready-to-go, hit-the-ground-running outfits! Also not a bad idea to hang on to a few pairs of capris for those surprisingly mile winter days! Good luck to your BIL and his friends in finding the connection between caves!

Suzy, I forgot that Alie often/mostly is seated when playing the guitar, which certainly helps take the weight off her arm/shoulder. I remember watching Ivan using moving his left hand a lot when playing the bodhran in the band we watched in Ireland.

Suzy and Theresa, I'm more weepy now than I used to be, but I can't blame it on quitting smoking. I often tell people it's related to my allergies, as I seem to get tears in my eyes frequently.

Broni, I'm so glad you and Teresa have had a good visit with her other daughter. I hope she won't experience too much of a let-down when her daughter leaves! The past month or so has been very busy for her and full of family planning and events. Enjoy your Melbourne Cup luncheon!

I'm going to post right now, as the computer is making an unusual sound.

Suzy and Theresa (and all the others with arthritis) does anyone know of any studies looking at how various foods affect arthritis? Wouldn't it be great if adding some foods or subtracting some others would be of help in controlling pain? Of course, my doctor reminds me how much it would help to lose weight. (Yes, I've been trying that for more years than I care to remember.)

Mama, I hope you get a long restful night - with NO dreams of children asking, "Why?" How frustrating for you that you had an extra 3 hours with Angelique, though, of course, it was no one's fault. We won't mind at all if you sleep in tomorrow!

Heidi, I hope the blinding headache and aching back are a thing of the past and you are busy watching Angel easily giving birth to healthy puppies! Keeping fingers crossed for all of that - and more!

MizT, I'm glad Al had a quieter day today, though I'm sure yesterday provided much diversion from the normal for him! It's good, too, that he didn't need a lot of pain med.! If only he could get enough liquid AND nutrition each day! I guess you have to pick your battles some days. Oh, dear, you need TWO new tires? I hope you can find someplace that might give you a discount for more than one! No, dry rotted tires are NOT a good idea to drive on! I'm glad Al's brother is there to give you a hand with moving tires, etc. Good luck finding replacements - hopefully not a strange or unusual size! I hope you get a good night's sleep and feel rested in the morning!

Speaking of resting, I think it's about time to head to bed here! Lots of , positive thoughts and vibes, prayers and {{{{{{HUGS}}}}} for each of you and for your loved ones!

Good afternoon all - what a chatty lot on this page, many long posts to read.
June - I'm sorry about Belinda's fall from the horse but what a relief for you that she did not suffer a heart attack!
Now I've forgotten everything else I've read. I know Mama was babysitting a 3yo - that would have been tiring without the constant why's.
Theresa and Suzy - I don't get teary when I try to give up smoking, I get extremely (and I mean extremely) cranky!

I will be hiding from trick-or-treaters for the next few hours. I have put sign ups not to come in and I have turned the doorbell off. Col is on night shift (where he starts at 1.30am) so is now asleep until about midnight. He doesn't need the doorbell going off and doors opening and closing for hours. Unfortunately our bedroom is right at the front of the house.
Usually I have lots of treats for them and am happy for them to knock.

Afternoon all,
MizT, when you play a bodhran it is called drumming, and it is a kind of drum.. Imagine a tambourine without the rattly bits on the side and 16" across. You use a drum stick or a brush thing with it. One day I'll take a photo of it.

How did the little neighbour boy turn out? I've always thought curiosity was a good thing, unless you are the parent.

Julie, when I did art in high school I had an art history test - 3 hours I think, and a major work. That was one thing that was worth half of your mark. I did a 3 foot squarish painting of an empty dam - we'd had serious droughts. No pressure there! I think they still do major works as a friend's 21 year old did one, but if it's like other subjects now there would be a portfolio to go with it so your grade is not as dependent on one task. There would be an exam too. June will know, or can ask Belinda to find out.

Tami, is Dylan finding out which position he likes the most? I like the sound of his coach and team, the kids should all be having fun. I hope your grades are all in and you've had a chance to catch up with yourself.

Theresa, it has been hours since you posted so I was hoping for an update on your hubby. Then I checked the time and it's somewhere between 1.30 and 4.30am where you are (depending on where in Canada you are).. guess that explains why you haven't updated us! I hope the news is good...

No news from Heidi.. as for Theresa it's the middle of the night.. I hope you are feeling better.

Cyn, what a shame you can't welcome the trick or treaters this year. I would love to have a bunch of them come around so I could check out their costumes and scare them the way we did in the US - my favourite year was the year we had a remote control spider (car, covered in a spider I made) that scooted down the driveway at them. That mostly got the mothers, which was hilarious! I think you can actually buy them now.

The teary thing. I thought it might be starting the 'change' but a blood test tells me that isn't happening yet. Cyn, I usually get completely agro, but not this time. I'm not sure if it's the meds or if it's because I've done this 'switch off' thing to help me cope with the Dana thing. Speaking of which. Her friends let her down tonight and stranded her in town. She got lucky because hubby and I decided to eat out since we were home alone, (Alie is trick or treating with a friend) and stopped in at the shops on the way home. She caught us and got a ride. When we got home hubby said 'it must be for you because she isn't usually like that with me'... yes, she didn't stop talking from the minute she got in the car until she got out again.

MizT, my post ignored the elephant in the room, but I'm always thinking about that blasted elephant! Big hugs and huge love to you and Al..

June, how did Belinda cope today? How did you go feeding the animals? Thank goodness you don't have to do the horses. I bet you peeked in on the little new one though, if it's home now.

Mama, by the time you read this post I hope you've had a wonderful night of restful sleep and are feeling almost human again.

Suzy - I usually do enjoy the kids coming to the door, particularly the little ones who haven't got cheeky or greedy yet. They are so cute!
I was very polite and friendly in the note, it read - 'Sorry Kids, no trick or treaters tonight. Please come back next year'. I heard most of them stop and read it and go back down to the street except for one lovely child - sounded like a boy, maybe 10, who said very loudly 'Read this sh##, what the f###....' Glad he got nothing from me!! He probably egged my garage door on the way out or let down Col's tyres!

Never been trick or treating and never had a trick or treater!

BTW - a friend of mine has a Friday 13th mask to scare kids at her door with. She has to let me know what happens when a mutual friend's kids come knocking.

Broni, they're probably not allowed to come in your big gate especially if they hear Bella bark. Strangers don't know what a sook she is!

Evening..
our long weekend away was great, tho not long enough!

Mum.. much of a muchness.
P and I visited her on Sat Morn.. she is looking frail.
She has been told, they can do no more for her
looks like she will be heading home in the next couple of days.
I will be visiting with her tomorrow.

Morning all. Coffee is ready, help yourself.

I have read the posts and can not remember a thing. It is Monday morning and I have not had enough coffee to wake up yet.

The boys will go trick-or-treating tonight. Harley will put on his costume and help me pass out the candy.

Have not heard from Belinda so guess she is OK and busy.
Not sure of the ratio but they do major works and an exam. Some of the Major works are fantastic and a selection are on show at the Sydney art gallery early next year.
Suzy, the foal is not at Belinda's place. Too valuable to be there when she is away.

We missed the T&Ters tonight. There were about 8 early teenage girls at the top of our street when we came home. I have a witches hat that I greet them with and I had bought a few lolly pops. Otherwise they were getting oat and yogurt bars.
A big day at the bowling club tomorrow for Melbourne Cup day and then I will go back to Belinda's till Thursday evening. Might see if I can paint her laundry? There are lots of jobs at her place I can do.

Tami, When Ken was coaching Junior Baseball he always made sure the boys were able to play many positions. At one stage our son was the best 'all rounder' in NSW. The problem was he would get picked in state teams as utility but then not get a game unless someone else was not performing. I have also seen him pitch and catch in the same game.

MizT, you and Al are both in my thoughts. I fully know what you are going through and also how important this site her is for our sanity. Somewhere we can express ourselves and not worry if someone reads it or not but also to be able to unwind reading what everyone else is doing. Maybe even get a laugh or two.
Rolanda, I also feel for you at this time. Definitely not easy dealing with elderly, unwell and uncooperative parents. It will put so much stress on you if she goes to her own home.

June, unfortunately because she can still make her own decisions, they ( the hospital ) can not force her into a 'home'.
We have been chatting with the Social Worker.
We are concerned she will not cope at home, and will end up back in Hospital.
They said, a few times of in and out of hospital, she may make 'that' decision to go into a 'home'.