Sudokuaholics Anonymous 10

Well, Rolanda is on her way. According to Qantas flight status the flight was delayed and is now expect to arrive at 2.19pm (also Sudoku time), half an hour later than scheduled. Will be leaving to collect her in about 45 minutes. Long drive through heavy traffic on main arterial to get to the airport.

Oops, sorry didn't expect to go over the page and can't think quick enough for a good quote. It should be something about spending time with friends, shouldn't it?

Good Evening, Everybody! Another late night here, so I'll try to be brief.

I re-consulted Mr. Google about Alie's 'fiance'. Turns out he war born in 1991, so less of an age difference than I thought. (My apologies to Alie!)

CynB, it's great to see you here. I certainly understand preparations for guests. I'm sure everything looks great and organized! (I need to get going here for D and SIL arriving around the 20th and other D and 3 grandies arriving just a few days later.) Have a wonderful time with many of the 'Sudoku fold!' Sure wish I could find a way to get those of us on the North American continent (found a way to be sure to include Theresa and some of our less frequent visitors) to a Sudoku gathering in Oz! Second best would be posts and photos, if possible, please! {{{HUGS}}} to those who will be meeting up with you and Rolanda!

MizT, thanks for your explanation of your Medicare Advantage program! Hubby turned 65 a few months ago, and we are only just figuring out what gets paid and what doesn't. For now, we kept the insurance we've had since retiring (but Illinois is talking about changes) with Medicare as secondary. Hopefully things will get straightened out before I turn 65! I'm glad Medicare Advantage is working well for you! I understand that you might not always be in a lot of pain, but also understand that talking about it here can be therapeutic. After all, we're here for each other. It's like so many other things we talk about here, we tend to focus on the less-than-perfect and talk less about things that are going well. There is an exception made for sharing the wondrous things in our lives, what other might consider bragging, but is really just sharing.

Tami, I hope the students' last day for the school year went well! Enjoy YOUR last day tomorrow! We can tell you (and the Beasties) will be busy this summer. There will be lots to do to help your parents with their move! Were they the original owners of their house? (I'm just trying to guess how many years of accumulation they might have, knowing that plays a part in the packing.)

Bean, you found us again today! I hope all is well! (Dare I ask if the passport has been found?) I'm sure it will be soon, if it hasn't surfaced yet.

June, you'll have a large group next Saturday! How wonderful that so many will be able to get together! {{{HUGS}}} for everyone who will attend! It's good to know that your leg is feeling better and you are able to deal with it with less pain medication than anticipated by the doctor!

Heidi, great news that your ear is doing well! It must be very frustrating! Hooray for IH offering to take you out to lunch! I'm also wondering the motive.

MizT, we enjoy your posts. All are informative and help us imagine you keeping busy and going about your life. You are doing an excellent job of keeping things as 'normal' as possible while still dealing with fibro and chronic fatigue. I think you accomplish far more than some people who have no he

Here's the next installment:

MizT, we enjoy your posts. All are informative and help us imagine you keeping busy and going about your life. You are doing an excellent job of keeping things as 'normal' as possible while still dealing with fibro and chronic fatigue. I think you accomplish far more than some people who have no health issues! I hope you were able to get your errands done today!

Tami, thanks for the link to the floor plan of your parents condo! It looks like a great lay-out, and having more windows because of the corner will certainly make it brighter and seem larger. And a bonus that your Dad's cousin lives so close.

MizT, your dinner sounds yummy - and having half the shrimp from your lunch for another meal is a terrific idea!

Theresa, so sorry it's an achy arthritis kind of day. The good news is that sleeping or a nap is helpful and makes it more bearable!

Heidi, your tour for tomorrow sounds really interesting! I hope you enjoy it and can relax at the same time!

Cyn, I think your post about Rolanda's travel was a perfect TOPP!

Cyn, how is this for a quote about friendship? I don't know its source. A friend in Serbia posted it on facebook a while back.

‎'People who love you, people who you love back, people that will always be there for you, through the good times and the bad, they make you happy when you are sad; they are angels that have yet to earn their wings; they are your dearest friends.'

And now, friends, please feel free to share from the abundance of {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}, , positive thoughts, healing vibes and prayers I am sending your way! Good Night!

Good morning all, though I'm not sure what is good about it. We are in the second week of June (summer) and it is cold wet and windy.
I've been MIA for a little while, just been busy but have kept up to date with reading. Last couple of days I have been busy scoring at a dog agility show with my D who takes part in them. it has been wet but we managed to get through everything which was scheduled.

Evening
Cyn has very kindly allowed me to use her laptop while she is slaving in the Kitchen over a hot stove.
The flight over was good.

I cannot remember everything I wanted to comment on, my brain is water logged, but did remember that MizT was asking about health care around the world.
Here in the UK we are very lucky our health care is free, we can pay for private care but that is a personal choice (we don't). Sometime there may be waiting lists to have some no urgent things done, but normally anything which needs to be done will be done asap.
Squishy tests start when you are 50 and carry on every 3 yrs, the other lady thing is every 4 yrs unless there is a need to do it more frequently.
I can ring upon a morning and if needed I would get to see my GP the same morning, even if I had to wait until after normal surgery appointments have finished. Other non urgent appointments can be made normally on an afternoon.
Hospital stays are free as are all tests and medications. Dental care is free for 16 and under , but it is subsidised for everyone else for basic care. Bridge work and dentures etc can be expensive. Opticians again are free for 16 and under or those kids who are still in full time education (18/19 yr olds) We pay for a test, roughly £20 ( but you can find deals) and for any spectacles you need. Those suffering from glaucoma, or with a family history, and diabetes also get free eyecare as do pensioners.
All in all our health care is not perfect but it is either cheap or free.

Glad you had a good flight Rolanda, hope you enjoy yourself.
Now I really should start to get our packing done as we go away tomorrow morning. Cross fingers that the weather improves.

Hi Rolanda, see you soon :)

Morning. Our health care system is much the same as Brenda's, but our wait times are longer. We have a shortage of doctors in this country and a lot of people don't have a family doctor. My wait time for my finger is partly due to the fact that this plastic surgeon only comes to the hospital here once a week. If I had an appointment in Ottawa it would more than likely be sooner. Mammos for people over 50 are every two years. What used to be annual check-ups are now every two years as well. We have free hospital care as well. Unlike Brenda, getting to see the GP can be difficult. I have been told in the past that I can't be seen by my doctor right away and that I should go to a clinic or ER if it's urgent. We too can choose to pay to speed up the process, but we don't because it is very pricey. Hubby has extra insurance for us that he has kept up since retiring from his museum job. It pays for private rooms in the hospital if needed. It also pays for 80% of prescriptions and 50% I believe for eye care and dental care. Once we turn 65 some kind of co-pay system takes effect, but I'm not there yet so I haven't checked.

Off to have a coffee outside. Everything is wet because it rained last night, so I will take my 'sit-upon' with me. I went to Girl Guides many, many years ago!!!!

Have fun Heidi.

Hi all. Up early and allowed myself a little pooter time. I baked up a batch of sticky buns last night, and am pigging out this morning. Sticky buns are a major weakness of mine, so I don't make them very often. But since I won't be in charge of the days itinerary, I decided to make sure I had enough in my tummy to buffer pain meds, in case.

I'm delighted that you arrived safe and sound, Rolanda. I know a lot of us wish we could join you. Have a great visit!

Morning all. Coffee is ready, help yourself.

Julie, parents are the original owners of house, having moved in June 1981. We lived in an apartment before that. They are going from a 3 bed with a garage to a 2 bed, no garage. My dad is a pack rat and never liked to throw things away. A car will not fit into their garage, well a toy car might

Rolanda, glad you made it safe and sound. Cyn sounds like a wonderful host. Enjoy the visit and take lots of pictures.

Enjoying the discussion on health care in different places. It is interesting to see what different people have to go through for care.

Heidi, enjoy the tour. It sounds like something you will really enjoy. Tell us all about it tonight.

Nola, we are all so proud of you, but we knew you could do it. Is your permanent position in a facility that you like? How is your sister? My thoughts are with you.

My low back/tailbone is still sore this morning. We have had a fair bit of rain lately, mostly during the night the last few nights. But my shoulders seem to be okay today. I hope to get out and do some much needed weeding today.

MizT, this is THE place to come and talk. We are listening and care very much!

Brenda, are you going to any of the Olympic events?

another busy week bites the dust...
Its late but at least I've managed to get here.

Have even managed now to finish reading..todays that is...
Great floor plan Tami. Good luck sorting through your dad's collection..

I am trying SO HARD to reduce my collection in case I suddenly decide to shift camp. On the cards. Without Lachies board I doubt that I will be able to balance the outgoings against the ingoing $'s... will have some major decisions to make when he moves out. Part of the reason I would like to have a holiday while I still can. Asset rich [on paper] cash poor..that is me.. Have got a few ideas though..
I predict that 2013 will be a year of BIG change for me!

Good to see that CynB's visitor arrived safely.
Look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks Rola.
Can hardly remember what I wanted to comment on I am so tired. Need to have an early night. Made the mistake of deciding at 4pm to drive down to Eumemmerring .. normally 30mins..well... wet roads and everyone trying to get away for the long weekend made it nearer to 2hrs. UNBELIEVABLE! Don't think i want to leave the house for the rest of the weekend!

I'll return when i am less tired. Ciao

Hi everyone.
Welcome to Queensland Rolanda! Hope you all have a great get together...well, it couldn't be anything else.
Happy holidays for you and the kids Tami.Helping pack for your parents will make a dent in your free time though.
MizT..I enjoyed reading about your Health system.Also the UK & Canadas.
I have my squishy thing this Wed arvo.Many of us seem to be doing the same thing.Hope they can find the cause of your mouth problem.You still seem to keep very busy even through your pain.Were there enough blackberrys to make the picking worthwhile?
Heidi..the coach tour would be really interesting for a horse lover.Enjoy. Good luck with having a long pain free ear after the tube is removed. How many birds do you have inside now?
Bean...good on you for wanting to get away while you can.Hope you can manage a holiday soon.
June..I take my hat off to those hosting get togethers.It would panic me having so many to entertain & feed.Also, people would see my dust bunnies and they have been very busy here.
Hope you are all well. I think of everybody here daily.

for your kind wishes about my full time job. The Personal Care work is just too hard on my aging body and it needs the younger fit ones with plenty of energy and good health.
I will get my computer back today!! It was pulled apart,put back together and then worked. Those dust bunnies AGAIN.
Catch you later.

I'm with you, Nola - I get panicky if we have a large group (or sometimes even a small one) at our house. I never seem to be able to clean to my own satisfaction. Now with all the rescued cats in the house, we no longer entertain much, except immediate family who understand.

SERIOUSLY???

You'd expect lengthy lineups to score hard-to-get tickets for a Kanye West show . . . but what about for his shoes? Nike's Air Yeezy II limited-edition sneakers go on sale Saturday, with so-called 'sneakerheads' camping outside NRML on Ottawa's Rideau Street to be among the first.

'This is one of the biggest releases of the year, of the decade,' said NRML employee Naj Peterson. The second edition of West's shoes will be sold for $300 in Ottawa, but for many times that in the resale market.

Typical prices range from $3,000-$5,000 online, with reports a pair sold for $90,300 on eBay.

People have been camping in New York City for a week and a half, with only 50 pairs available in the city of Beijing. 'There are less than 3,000 pairs worldwide so with any collector, the more exclusive something is, the more valuable it's going to be,' Peterson said.

Think of the shoes like a flashy watch or rare, antique car – a status symbol that's prominently displayed but rarely used for its actual purpose.

'You being a female with a fancy purse, you walk around and all the ladies say ‘Wow, look at her, she's got it,'' said Chris Cabello, a member of a crew that drove up from New Jersey. 'It's the same here, it's a nice feeling. 'If I do wear them, I'm not going to wear them a lot,' said Winston Ho-Sang. 'I'm going to be somewhere standing and there's going to be a lot of space, not a lot of people are going to be walking around me.'

NRML employees aren't saying how many pairs they have, but the manager said there will be some disappointed people in line on Saturday morning.

Theresa, there is no way I would stand on line for sneakers. I have stood on line for concert tickets, but NOT for sneakers. I think those people are a bunch of idiots.

Plus I am thinking of all the homeless people that would feed! A mission in Ottawa feeds one person for around two bucks! It would also be able to feed quite a few homeless kitties. I saw a new one today, a very dark brown one, just gorgeous!

I was up very early this morning and have done a few jobs. So much to do, that I hardly know where to start.
I have a to-do list like Gail, on the fridge (the fridge makes a great whiteboard), and maybe I can get some done today. When brother spread some top soil,it left some stones and sticks from trees he got rid of. This makes mowing a pain.
Judy is home and feeling much better than the last chemo episode. One of her friends has vowed to get her out of the house more often to keep her spirits up. They went out for dinner & had a good time. Forgive me if I have already told you this, as I email rellies about her condition and forget who knows what.

Theresa.
Here, feral animals like stray cats,introduced rabbits,foxs and cane toads aren't very popular. Qld had a rabbit proof fence to restict their movement. Rabbits are illegal to keep domestically here in Qld.
I am feeding some feral cats at the moment. I have caught 1 kitten and had it put down.The mother is very wary and we cannot catch. She keeps breeding which damages our native frogs etc.
I cannot stand to have the animals die of starvation so I feed to gain trust and finally catch to be euthanased.
My neighbour thinks I should let them starve.
One of the kittens is so pretty. It has a cream coat with brown ears and a black tail. Greg is not a cat lover but did mention how cute it looked.

Nola, thanks for the update on Judy. I don't get your emails so this is the only way to keep up. Please let her know that I am keeping her in my thoughts and prayers.

Morning all,
I've woken up at the time my alarm has been waking me all week!!! Aaaahhh!

I have to go back quite a way to find where I last commented on something other than me.

June, I hope your hip is feeling a bit better.

MizT, I'm glad you got so much done in your sewing room but wish it hadn't left you in so much pain!

Heidi, I'm so jealous of Gil getting to see Venus like that! The amateur astronomers locally probably got in their cars to try to escape the clouds.

Rolanda, the bricklayers were so fast! How much longer now? Glad you are safe and being looked after. Have a great time at your sudoku meet! 7 days until mine...

Heidi, I loved your torture idea! I know a few people I'd like to volunteer for that. Including the one who told Alie she was going to have to wear a different colour dress to the other girls because she is so much larger than them and there isn't enough fabric.

NOLA, CONGRATULATIONS!! What fantastic news! All of that hard work... Wishing you good work mates and a happy work environment <3. I hope Judy is feeling okay. I've just seen your update. What a great friend getting her out of the house!

Tami, did I congratulate Dylan yet? What a wonderful achievement by both of your boys! I'll be happy if mine get their HSC. I'm so glad everything moved quickly for your parents, though it doesn't leave much time to get used to the idea or pack things up.

Heidi, I think he's done something and is feeling guilty. I'd call your banks and see what is going on!!

Brenda, here a lot of it is free, but I have to come up with $53 to go to the doctor, I get about $33 of that back when I claim. Blood tests etc I pay through the nose for. Ditto things like ultrasounds. And I have private insurance as well as national health!! Hospital visits are free in the public hospitals, there is a copay at private. I've heard that a lot of doctors are bulk billing now (you don't have to pay up front) but I can't find one in this town.

I worked all week! Friday the teacher I was subbing for told me that the last class would be awful and the best I could do would probably be to stop them from eating each other. They were lovely! All of her classes were tiny - she teaches the offshoot sciences, marine, earth and environmental, that kind of thing.

I am back. I had an enjoyable time. I stood in the same stall that 'Seattle Slew' was born in. How cool is that? Speaking of Triple Crown Winners, we aren't going to have one this year. I was at the world's best equine hospital (Hagyard) when they announced that ' I'll Have Another' has been scratched from the Belmont, and probably retired due to a serious tendon injury. We heard the news within minutes of the announcement.

I'm sorry that I broke the site!

Sitting resting my back after finally getting all the old clothes packed into their containers and put away in the cupboard. Also packed away the telescope. I did see the transit 8 years ago and like Gil I saw it through several telescopes with the correct filters. I was also able to do a pinhole with my own telescope back then. The few time the sun came out this time there was too much moisture in the sky so I could not get an image sharp enough to see Venus. I did watch it on the computer though.
Theresa,my home is anything but tidy and I have a lot to do before next Saturday. What is not done is too bad. I hope everyone is coming to meet Rolanda and enjoy the friendship of other Sudoku members and not to oversea my home. Friendships are important to me. I will have the doors to the computer room and laundry shut tight!

Woo Hoo, I made it here before midnight tonight!

Brenda, so glad you found the time to drop by! I had a feeling you've been busy. Did you enjoy scoring the dog agility show? Which of your D's dogs participated? Too bad the weather is not cooperating!

MizT, I'm glad you brought up the subject of health care. It was interesting to read what yours is like. And now others are sharing what their systems are like, including Theresa, Brenda, and Suzy.

Rolanda, I'm so glad you arrived safely and are installed at the Bates Motel. Have a wonderful visit!

Heidi, I hope the tour is fun, educational and enjoyable! It sounds like it should be.

Theresa, I haven't though about a 'sit-upon' in years. I had one in Brownies & Girl Scouts.

Tami, I have a feeling you and the Beasties will have a busy summer. I don't envy you dealing with 30+ years of accumulation. When my Dad moved to assisted living from the 3 bedroom house he and my Mom had shared for nearly 50 years, we faced quite a chore. Three of the six siblings did the majority of the work, with 2 of us living 2.5 hours drive away. We could only work on the weekends and rarely were able to stay overnight and work 2 days. It took most of the summer.

Bean, you have been busy and still managed to get here to read and make a few comments. I hope you're getting done some of what was on your agenda! Are you anticipating that Lachie will be relocating? I'm thinking that would be hard on you - and hard on the pups. Your prediction of a big change in 2013 is intriguing! I hope it will all be good!

Nola, I hope your new job is all that you hope it can be and that the facility and the other employes contribute to making it an enjoyable experience! Sending positive thoughts and healing vibes for your sister! Welcome home to your computer!

Nola and Theresa, I would also be a nervous wreck with guests. Though I am looking forward to 2 Ds, 1 SIL and 3 grandies being here, I'm also dreading it in a way. All I can do is get done as much as I can and try to enjoy their being here.

Oh my, Theresa, I'm intrigued by the athletic shoes. I wonder what makes them so special. The price seems completely out of line - even if people are 'collectors'. And I don't have any fancy and expensive purses or shoes and don't appreciated being compared to those trying to get the shoes. I can't imagine paying $3,000 to $5,000 and certainly not $90,300. Theresa, you're right! That amount of money would feed a lot of homeless people or feral cats and could be used in much better ways!

Tami, I agree - would NOT stand in line for a pair of shoes.

Nola, how nice that Judy is feeling much better after this chemo session! I appreciate your posting updates here for us! Good for her friend who is determined to get her out of the house more often!

Suzy, I'm glad you got a lot of work this week, just wish they could all be as well behaved as a few, like the last class on Friday. What a cow to tell Alie she would need t

Well, I thought my comments would fit tonight, but ran over again.

Suzy, I'm glad you got a lot of work this week, just wish they could all be as well behaved as a few, like the last class on Friday. What a cow to tell Alie she would need to wear a different dress than the other girls. If there isn't enough material, maybe a different material should have been chosen!

Heidi, it sounds like an enjoyable tour! What fun to stand in the same stall that Seattle Slew was born in! Such a shame that 'I'll Have Another' has a career-ending injury!

June, sorting through and putting away all of the old clothes sounds time-consuming and back-breaking! No wonder you need to take a break and rest your back. What a shame that you weren't able to get a good view of the Transit of Venus this time. At least you had the telescope ready in case the weather cooprated! I'm glad you were able to see it well 8 years ago! I'm sure everyone coming to your get-together will be thrilled to see you, Rolanda, and the others. Being wonderful Sudoku people, they won't notice if anything is out of place!

The time has slipped away, and so must I. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, positive thoughts, healing vibes, prayers and for all!

Heidi, you guessed right on the photographer who took the photo on Easy. (She mentioned it was her photo on facebook.)

Good afternoon everyone... it is so good to get here and find that I am almost on top of the reading.. but haven't made a comment on anything other than 'myself' for a bit... now I cannot remember what had inspired me.

Julie to answer your questions.. I'm getting a lot done but not as much as I had hoped for. I am 'looking after myself' a lot better.. getting in some forward planning for meals so that there is something 'healthy' to eat when I am feeling hypo.. (which is often because I forget to eat). My blood sugar this morning was really good for me. From the way my hair is falling out I think a lot of my problems are related to my thyroid problem. I'm almost due to go back to the doc.. just need to get the squishy thing out of the way. I've been sleeping with a small electric lap blanket [~12' x 18'] draped over my hips and I'm not as stiff when I get up in the morning and the pain doesn't seem so bad when I can move. My freedom of movement with my ankle was short lived :(

Regarding the dogs.. I don't think they could be seperated now.. without causing a lot of distress to all concerned so I suspect I now have 2 dogs.. Lachie is talking about university and all sorts of things to follow his aviation career..maybe militiary and dogs will not be allowed on base. He would get wonderful training but the prospect of where he might end up horrifies me. Civil aviation is the other option. I would miss him terribly but I have also reached a stage that I would like to find out just HOW terrible I am to live with. Whether I could live alone. Companionship in old age...not ready for either really.

Another factor that has crossed my mind.. his father hadn't left home before we married. I recognise now what a problem that caused for us. Didn't care when I was young and in love but he is only now learning what is REALLY involved in running a home..it isn't only about earning a wage to pay the bills. Someone has to organise the 'rest' of the stuff. He never did and left it all to me.. drove me crackers. I want his offspring to learn it.. the hard way if need be.

Gekko my friends, back from a lovely day with Lady Rolanda and the hostess with the mostess Cyn, got a few pics will see if any are good.

OK have uploaded a loverly pic of Cyn and Rola.

Did not break it, promise!

Hi Broni,
I'm back to unbreak (or rebreak) it for you...

Sooo sleepy! I didn't get as much ffuts done today as I wanted, but I did get a few loads in the swishy thing and I changed the dogs beds - replaced the hessian thingies with new hessian thingies and tpews up the dog hair etc.. Tahli helped me naelc the K room. The rest of the day was spent trying to settle Tahli.

Good morning. Sorry I am late with the coffee but as I did not have to get up for any reason, I took advantage. I plan on enjoying my first official day of summer vacation. Tomorrow I will bring some boxes to my parents house and get an idea of what we need to do. I am not looking forward to all the junk.