Sudokuaholics Anonymous 10

That was a lovely testament to Liz, Gail. It has given those of us who didn't know her, an insight to a special person. So sad she left when so young and so loved by you all.

Liz.. one of my 'Sudoku Dutch Cousins'.
We would speak Dutch (with the help of Google Translate) on here to each other.
I was fortunately able to meet with Liz in June when I was in Melbourne.
I will miss you Liz

welterusten, slaap lekker

Cyn, that high tea looks omnomnomnom...

I still have friends who roll their eyes when I mention my 'online' friends...

In fact I have one friend who gets downright angry if I even mention the fact that I use the internet!

From page 515:

Gail, I think you are correctin saying that Liz's health begin to decline after her fall and injuries. Before that, she and I talked often, but not so much after. I think she began to do less, casual friends she just did not have as much time for, as her health declined.

Does anyone remember the whole story about the frog? I know she had a frog tattoo on her ankle, she told me about it, I have forgotten. I think it has some connection with Lenny, not sure. Would love to hear it again if anyone else remembers that story.

I had a busy day here today. There were two different meetings, one the renters association, the other about a new wireless emergency call system. Something to replace the pull cords in bathroom and bedroom, because not all falls and sudden illnesses happen within the reach of said cord. These will be similar to the ' I have fallen and can't get up' or ' all senior citizens need life alert' pendants, but a newer improved technology. the others work only in one's own home, or apartment and one must have a phone line, phone line must NOT be in use when you push the buttom. This one is wireless, ONE phone, centrally located that talks wireless to the pendants within our building. We are covered in the halls, public rooms, elevators, probably most of the parking lot, they will not know how far it reaches till installed, cause it is like cordless phones, has a greater outside range from some types of buildings than others. Now, they will not know exactly where you are in building when you push the button, GPS does not work vertically, but they do phone you first to see what emergency you have, will phone your land line then your cell if you have both. If they cannot find you, they send someone out to f do a physical look.

My family was concerned because I chose to put my bed on the opposite wall of bedroom from the pull cord in my apartment. I have to be different, but hs to do with which side of bed I sleep on. Now, no worry, my call button will be with me. I do hope I never need it, but nice to know it is here. And the best part?? No cost to residents!! The pull cord technology is so old, they no longer can replace malfunctioning parts, so EP had to do something and decided to go with the best. Many of the older, more frail residents had pendants, privately leased. They will now be able to discontinue that service and have a few extra $$$ a month :).

today when I went down for the talks, I was very happy to hear my name called, with invitations to 'Come sit with us', or 'Come meet these people', or (directed to others) ' Have you met Tricia? People are very friendly! I know by name and by sight 4 of the people living closest to me already. I did not know that many right around me in Montevallo.

Time for bed, I will do more reading tomorrow possibly, Sister has to come to town, her hubby is in GA again, still building daughter's house, so she will come for a long visit and we can get some other things done.

Hugs enough to share, till later.

MizT, the new alarm system sounds great, and my biggest wish is that you never have to use it...

I hope the residents are all friendly! It sounds perfect...

Suzy - I know what you mean about friends rolling their eyes - or another is that their eyes glaze over as if online friends are somehow lesser beings. They should find out for themselves. I was skeptical, as many of us were, when I saw comments below the puzzles. Not sure if I wanted to join in, but reading through every day I got to the point where I really felt I wanted to join this group of people. Then it came to the axe-murderers meetings - again not sure but once you go to one, you really want to go to them all - even those in distant cities and countries.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - I am thankful for all my friends on here, many of who make up my friend list on FB.

And my Lizzy story - when we flew to Sydney to meet Vici it was arranged that we meet at the airport before we went to June's. There was a woman with her and Vici said to me, 'Do you know who this is?'. I knew the face, knew it was a Melbourne Sudokuist but at that moment couldn't place her. Vici said, 'It's Liz!' I felt extremely embarrassed but Liz thought it was extremely funny. I sat with Liz at the table that day and she told me about Lenny. Up until then I had not known, for although we had had conversations they were never that deep. I came away thinking what a lovely person she was. I hoped to see her again in March when we were in Melbourne but, alas, that was not to be, she was unwell. Poor girl, after that fall her health took a dive.
In the conversations I did have with her over the years I discovered her love of animals, an admirable thing - and that her job was with elderly people. From all that she said, and from my experience with having my parents in homes at the end of their lives, I knew she was one of the good ones, the ones that give a little extra of their time and their heart to these people. Such a comfort for the family of someone in care to have loving, caring people like Liz involved in the daily routine of that person.
And finally, Lizzy just loved Maxine jokes, something she and I had in common. I always enjoyed finding a good one and posting on FB it for Lizzy!! I'll always smile for Lizzy when I see a Maxine Joke now. RIP Lizzy

I was looking for an outlet from JD's death and very quickly found Sudoku and the comments, then the chatroom. Barbie was one of the most helpful then and helped me set up my page. Memory is not as good now but quickly became friends with Dag and progressed to Messenger. You have to realise although I was computer literate I had never used the internet personally. Being able to socialise and being judged for me and not the grief I was going thru was a great release. Messenger was where Lizzy would hound you with those annoying little apps that you could not stop and she loved pi$$ing you off with them.
Think I joined around Nov 1997, March 2008 had my first axe-murderers meet in Brissy(feather boas and tiaras were required), next was April 2008 down the Gold Coast and by May 2008 was flying down to Melbourne for a party (thank you Dag) on my behalf with people I had never met before and finally met Puppy Dag. We were already instant friends but just confirmed it.
Only phoned her a couple of weeks ago giving her a rev up that she was not looking after number 1!
Wishing you peace my friend.

Ah Broni, I remember that first meeting at Southbank. I had my boa and tiara in my bag, but there you were all dressed up in yours. I recognised you from your photos on here, walked up and said 'you must be Broni'. A little later you and Teresa went off to smokers corner, and I raced off after you, relieved to have found a fellow smoker amongst my new friends.

Smiling again Cyn

MizT, I wish I could remember the frog story properly, but from the scraps I can think of here goes...
Liz loved frogs, a lot, and Lenny hated them, a lot! When she was nursing him, I think she threatened to throw one into his casket at the funeral! If I remember correctly she did put a toy one in with him! Evil, wicked, cheeky Liz :,)

I hope you've remembered the story correctly Gail! I like it the way you've remembered it!!

I have bawled by eyes out listening to your memories of Lizzy tonight. I didn't know her except that I honed into her Aged Care interest. I never met her,but was interested in her active support in an area that I knew, was part of a team effort in providing quality care to the Elderly.
Lizzy...you did just that. Memories from those you looked after,will remember you, and thank you.

Tricia, so pleased everything is slowly getting into place for you. I am sure you will soon have lots of friends as you get to know the other residents. I know you will also remember to keep in touch with all your Cyber friends. It will be interesting how you explain about us to some of the residents there.
Heidi, hope you do not have too much pain before the next Epidural. Pleased you could bring the date forward.

We were lucky enough to be in Melbourne when Gail put on the 'meet' for Broni. That is where I met Liz, Broni, Gail, Bean and so many others. A couple of years later there was another 'meet' at Gail's and I remember Liz brought a big dish of Nasi Goreng and I know I had several helpings. It was rather tasty!
The next time was when Vici was here and so many people came from Melbourne and Brisbane, including Liz.
Unfortunately I had to transfer the venue from my home as I had Sharon in hospital for another operation (She came to the 'meet' with a drain from the operation hanging down from under her arm) and Ken was in Paris and arrived at the venue after getting off the plane after a 20 odd hour flight. Most people came back here afterwards so I do have memories of Liz in my home. I did exchange lots of fun Emails with Liz. Unfortunately I had a clean up a few months ago so there are not many of the Emails left. The last couple came a couple of weeks ago.
I did look at the photo of all those who came to Sydney and it was hard to realise two of the 'younger' ones are no longer with us.
I have thought a lot about you the last couple of days Liz. All the pain and illness have gone. May you rest in Peace.

Cyn...Happy Birthday to your baby girl Karen,turning 40. Goodness. Are you that old girl!
LOL. I would never have believed it.

MizT..it must have been an unexpected welcome for you to be called over the intercom and be announced personally by name. What a lovely gesture. With time,many of the others may become lunch time buddies or social friends with a similar interest with families that you can enjoy the interaction with also. Love hearing how the settling in is going.

Suzy...I think it must be a common scenario for others to be very wary about chat sights. I have had 'Do You'. Usually,they are on FB anyway.
Probably not much difference. If they want to find you,they will, by collecting info over time. I have named my kids and probably are giving more info than I should,but I felt I wanted to share more of my personal life than Hubby,daughter,son etc to those I felt as 'Friends'.
So far,everyone here, is a close knit group that are full of support for each other. I hope it remains like that and we continue to enjoy the luxury of being personal.

It is raining! I hope we get enough to water the garden as it is very dry.
Ken's recliner has worn out so I decide we needed new ones and I would get ones with an electric lift. May not need it now but I hope these last till we are in our 80's and we might need it then. We got a two seater one instead of two recliners. I told Ken I missed being able to 'snuggle' up when we watch TV together. It will also take up a lot less room. It will come before Christmas so that is our Christmas/ birthday shopping done!

I've baked a couple of those apple pies... they look and smell fabulous... marinaded the lamb and made lamb kabobs.... got all the salad fixings (lettuce, shredded carrot, radishes, 4 colors of peppers, cucumber, black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, and 4 different dressings) .... got paper tablecloths, napkins, plates and bowls, heavy plastic flatware and cups, and plenty of assorted drinks. And I got a big bag of charcoal. I still need to cook up the saffron rice. I've told IH that he and Don are responsible for cleaning the grill and utensils. I seem to be doing more work for their ''Golf Invitational'' than they are. They've got nearly 2 dozen relatives coming, including IH's father. I might as well start the rice, then hop in the shower while it's cooking. I need to go to an auction at 4 pm, then join the party after the auction ends. The auction is at the neighbor's farm that just sold, and is for various farm necessities and horse equipment. I'm even going to try to buy their small tractor.

I love today's fishy header!!!!

Oops... I forgot to add the grape tomatoes to the list of salad ingredients.

Heidi...you are making me hungry...everything sounds so very good. Good luck at the auction.
Miz T...So glad you are getting to know your neighbors...and that they are getting to know you...that's got to make things cozy.Your timing was great in regard to the security and help improvements too. Enjoy! I like that table set-up where one can share things too...win-win situation.

It's cold and windy here today, hope it's lovely and sunny next weekend...only 1 week to go! aaargh, I need more days!
Today I have offered to help a friend who is standing for local council, handing out fliers at a stupormarket in the next town. I will only be able to do an hour or so, there is still so much to do. I need to get back here by 12ish to put an order in with my local butcher. I need bbq meat for a dozen for one meal, and rolled roasts for 16 for next Sunday lunch. Pork, lamb and chicken yummy.
On top of all that I have a sister from interstate coming to stay a couple of nights, her bed's not ready, it's still piled high with things we moved out when the floor was laid!
Who stole a week? I would really like it back now :(
Of course this week is jam-packed, so much for having a rest beforehand. Still finishing painting, my heart hasn't been in it for the last couple of days. Wednesday is Lizzy's Day so mot much will get done then I think <3
Love and hugs and remember, keep smiling :-D

:-D

Good morning everyone, hope you're all well.
Not a happy topic, but if anyone needs a lift on Wednesday just let me know - happy to drive folks (and to have some company).
Love to you all. :)

Hi folks..
I've been conspicuous in my absence... have poked my nose out from this shroud of shock & grief and posted a couple of photo's on Lizzy's FB page over the last 48 hrs and reality is slowly sinking in..

Judy.. THANK YOU.. was thinking along the same line.. thinking about 'dressing up' for Lizzy..haven't decided yet...

I am finally home, and very tired. The auction was fun, and I got almost everything I wanted. It ran 3 1/3 hours, and I saw a lot of old friends and acquaintances. I even ran into the person I bought my favorite horse Buddy from 17 years ago. She was quite surprised that I still had him. Most people buy and sell horses and rarely keep a horse for more than 7 years. I, and several other people there, told her Buddy stories.
After the auction, I drove 45 minutes north to that family get together of IH's family. They had this meal at the hotel where most of them are staying tonight before tomorrow morning's early tee time at the golf course. I did all the food prep and cooking, with the exception of grilling the lamb kabobs. IH did that part. By the time I got there, they had eaten most of the food and were working on the apple pies. There was just enough left for me. I got a lot of compliment's and raves on everything. Then I had to hook up the trailer with my grill on it, and collect my assorted bowls and utensils to bring home tonight. IH decided to stay at the motel with his relatives so he can visit more tonight. After the golfing tomorrow, most of them are coming here. I don't have to cook for them, though. We're eating at a new restaurant down the road.

I have done a lot of thinking about Lizzy over the last 48 hours.. was pondering a couple of weeks ago about the 'wrongness' & how unfair it was that it was was her fate to be plagued by being dizzy .. we hadn't discussed it. Now I am being swamped by emotions as memories of happier times come rolling in.

I suspect the first time I met Liz was when Broni came to town. Cannot be completely sure about that. I had chatted with her on here and enjoyed her sense of humour evidenced in her posts on here. Knew we would get along. We 'got' each others cheeky & wicked nature.. there are a few of us on here that have been tarred with the same brush.. Not mentioning any names mind.. you know who you are.. :)

We both understood & 'got' each other on another level.. despite all the love & laughter in our lives how much we both missed having a significant other in our lives. We have had some VERY deep & meaningful conversations over the years. How hard it is when you have so much love to share at times and she truly understood WHY Zoe became such a necessary part of my life. As Gizmo was for her. Now my vision is blurry again and I may have to pull the plug on reminiscences for a bit..

Enough reminiscences for now.. the sun is shining so will get out and enjoy the day.. I'm sure she will be with me as I potter with Zoe at my side..

Bean, you were the first one to post on my wall and I thought you were a bloke trying to hit on me! hehe. Never told you that one.
How innocent we were, just good, honest people who found something in common..the 'pond' had no boundaries.

JUNE, your mention of e-mails from Liz reminds me, on my computer (the hard drive is still good, remember it only had a loose connection is why I now have Al's). I have saved links to all the old SA pages, 1 through 10. Liz posted on many of those back when. Would love to be able, sometime in near future, to go back and read some of them.

I read a few posts. It seems I am doing another Julie, it is MN after a busy day here. I hope you will excuse me from commenting and let me give a quick summary of my day, since I got so much good news today.

At lease signing, Linda changed what she said about subsidized housekeeping service. She had never mentioned there was a waiting list for this service, I was devastated. Today I talked with Shannon, nice long chat, we hit it off quickly. She is the service coordinator, or social worker, and can help residents with a lot of programs and services available that might not otherwise be known.

I asked to be put on list for when a new slot became open. They are just adding new slots in October. I will have cleaning service once a month for ridiculously low price, starting next week, YEAH.

I mentioned I might join my sister going to Lakeshore for water aerobics, only pool around that is warm enough for persons with fibro. mentioned 'when budget allows' in the conversation and guess what? I have a 'scholarship' now!. Lakeshore is a philanthropic foundation and makes their memberships available on a sliding scale for low income, elderly or disabled persons.I should get full pay for this, yeah!

I knew they had a podiatrist come here to residents, and thought how wonderful, I will not have to get out and drive. My co pay is not much,I can manage to see him more often now, but guess what? NO co pay here, the EP foundation takes care of that for residents. He comes every 63 days, cause that is how often medicare pays for podiatry. Enough to keep my nails in good condition, the callous trimmed and really dry skin treated.

She can help me find doctors here, would even arrange to get all my prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy that delivers.

I do not have my list here, but she is most resourceful person. If she does not know, she will find out! Will have information for me about food bank next week.She maintains a 'pantry' that any resident who has run our of groceries before end of month or any need, invited me to shop. I took a look, and picked up a packet of saltines, cause I was out and unable to get to grocery. There are even personal care items, testing supplies for diabetics, skin care. I will donate some that I have, and have a place to put some of the 16 cans of corn I have hehehe.

Best get to bed, but nothing planned early in the morning. I need to make a couple of phone calls. Hugs to each of you, with extras. Till later.

Hello, Everyone! I was computer-less yesterday, so missed many posts, which I'm trying to read now.

Thank you, Suzy and Gail for sharing your stories. I just know if all of the SA friends had met in person that we would all have stories to contribute. Liz seemed to be such a genuine person who loved others and loved animals and treated all with respect. She will surely be missed by many!

Suzy, I hope you are able to avoid what the rest of the family has! Here's hoping the recovery is quick for all!

Cyn, I'm sure you all enjoyed high tea. Happy Birthday to Karin!

Tricia, it's wonderful that you have already started making friends! What a busy day with 2 meetings. It's great that EP is considering wireless call buttons! I hope you will never need to use one! Your story of putting together the book case is so much like my hubby would do. He'll get a bee in his bonnet and need to do something no matter what else is planned or being done - and often start late in the evening and want to keep going until he's done. I hope it won't be a lot of work to take apart and reposition parts correctly!

Heidi, I'm glad your meal was such a hit. Too bad there wasn't much left for you. But the good news is that you got most of what you wanted at the auction!

Gail, I'm so glad you have been able to get done most of what you planned! Of course, once the family members are there, probably few will notice, but everyone will have a good time!

I am enjoying reading all of the stories about LIzzy! It seems that she was much like my 'gut feeling' about her - warm and caring and selfless. Thank you all so much for sharing stories which were undoubtedly difficult to type! Rest in peace, dear Lizzy!

For those who will be able to attend the service for Lizzy, please extend sincere condolences from all of us here in SA and give lots of {{{HUGS}}} to Lizzy's family. Thank you for being our representatives!

Sending lots of warm {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}},
, positive thoughts, healing vibes and prayers for all fellow Sudokuaholics (and axe-murderers)!

Good Night, Tricia! Sleep well!

MizT - thank goodness for Shannon!! So wonderful that those things are covered for you! Good news!
Beanie
Broni - snorting about you thinking Beanie was a guy! I was on here for more than a year before I realised that Dino was a woman - then even longer before I realised that she was a Buddhist Nun! Yes, Broni - we were innocents.
{{{group hugs}}}

Where's Vicki/Victoria? Is she on holidays? I don't think she's been here for a while. Or am I imagining things?