Sudokuaholics Anonymous 10

Happy Monday here...for no reason other than life being good. The weather has cooled considerably and I put the fireplace on this morning to knock the chill from the front, later I put the heat on to knock the chill from the back of the house...now all is comfy and all heating sources are off for now. Angelique and her Mom have put the Halloween decorations up, so nothing for me to do except buy the treats when time comes closer, or else nothing would be here to give to the trick or treaters...LOL
Heidi... May your epidural be a heavy duty one that blocks your pain for a long time, but in addition to the treatment, I hope that you are able to find some help so that you don't have to do so much labor intensified work on the farm alone, so that your back will be a little better rested and perhaps not as painful.
MizT...Hope you have had a great time with your guest and also hope that you too get much needed back relief with your epidural treatment so that no surgery is needed.
Suzy, glad you and Alie were able to find a dress that makes her happy. It sounds lovely.
Theresa and Gail... may the pains just go away...Gail, it comes as no surprise that the weekend would be a success, but I'm so happy that you and hubby were pleased with how the outcome of making it a warm and wonderful time for all was so pleasantly and openly received by the family....looking forward to the pictures when you recover.
Suzy....Remember never to volunteer...LOL...It really is too bad you didn't have more time to help the class get where they needed to be so they would be more successful.
Suzanne...Glad your birthday was a good one but remember....age is just a number...and I've had a lot of fun riding rings around young folk on my scooter and have seen folks dancing up a blue streak on walkers....proving that a larger number one has could be reason enough to act younger...lol
Okay...wishing all of you a wonderful day/night/life and much peace...until the next time....♥

I will take time to quiet my mind. rest my heart and refresh my soul.♥

Hi folks.. still no reading.. will catch up eventually!

Actually here checking up on June... Need to crawl out of bed and locate a phone.
It amuses me no end that I should look in here to find out what she is up to.. I'm booking accomodation in Sydney. Have decided that if she has any free time on Friday that I will travel up on Thursday nights train which will give me a whole free day in Sydney. Might do that anyway.. would mean I was fresh on Saturday which may not be the case if I don't sleep well on the train..

Hi all,
Gail...glad that everything went well at the gathering.Hope it didn't rain but you still had a good time getting tipsy.

Suzy..you are having a busy time lately with work and the girls. Good luck getting the info for the class.

Heidi & Theresa...hoping you are pain free. Heidi, it must have been so much fun at the parade.

June...that cough just seems to hang on.Give Darling Laura a kiss from us.If only we could make her wish come true, we would.

Broni & Cyn...did the temp reach the expected 35 deg? We only got to 28 but it was very humid.

Bean...nothing like a massage and a girls day out to lighten the spirits.Thinking of you.

Mama...I just love your outlook on life. Peace to you also.

Rolanda...getting closer!!

Can't remember any more.

Sorry to dampen the day with this news but Judy's cancer is back. She is just going to holiday doing things and seeing the places she that she wanted to.
It has taken me a few days for it to sink in and Judy is taking it pretty well considering. I know you have all been wonderful wishing her well.Thanks for all your support.

On a lighter note, I have the new Jack Russell pup and he is gorgeous. Judy got such a kick out of him that she even brought her friend around while we were at work, to see him. Bugger that the house was a bit of a mess. I should have cleaned up more before going to work but could not be bothered. At the end of 5 days, I am getting tired.
3 days off now with more errands to run,washing etc so I had better get going. At least the kitchen is now clean.
Love to you all.

Nola, loving thoughts to you and Judy. Cherish and celebrate every day xoxo

Nola - sorry to hear the news about Judy. As Gail said, cherish every day! The puppy should keep her spirits up.
And that hot day on Sunday went to about 32c here, followed by a cool day yesterday, 21 most of the morning, up to 24 in the afternoon when the clouds cleared.
Hope Heidi's visit to the hospital was a good one!
Suzy - that vintage dress sounds lovely!

Nola, big hugs and thoughts and wishes that you can enjoy every minute you have with Judy

Babysitting today. Not sure what plans Dana has as she usually makes sure Tahli is with Three. He must not be coping well with her new, more demanding, personality...

Good maEn everyone!
Mamacita: LOVE the comment about the scooter!! Too funny!
Nola: Hugs to you & Judy!!! Small moments are as special as the large ones!! Treasure your time together!
Heidi/Tricia: hope you are both doing well.
Suzy: Just wanted to make sure I mentioned you!! Can't remember anything else for now. TTFN

Nola... I'm so sorry to hear the sad news about Judy. I'm glad she's decided to enjoy herself right now.

This epidural was a first for me. It's the first time I had to leave the hospital in a wheelchair because I couldn't walk. I'm getting steadier on my feet now, 5 hours after getting home.

How did you get home???

Ih drove me, and virtually carried me into the house.

Back to bed. See you all tomorrow.

Morning

(((((Nola and Judy))))) ♥

Heidi, take care ((Hugs))

(((((Thinking of Nola and Judy)))))

Well I didn't think anything else Gil did could shock me... but I am shocked. I really hope this means this one will work very well!

Gekko my friends.
Nola, hope both you and Judy enjoy the time together. SKI Club yey!
Heidi, wishing you a restful time to recuperate. Know this one will fall on deaf ears.....but try not to overdo it when you are feeling better(slap up the side of the head)
Mama, really like your changed style of thinking.
Zusy, just want to remind everyone of my dyslexic name for you.
Zuzanne, if I missed it, cannot remember if I posted anywhere but not sure it came up in the Birthday lists. (dyslexia strikes again)
Gail, know you must just be walking around your reno house purring. Bonus is your not selling so you both get to enjoy it.
Another warm one here today but they are predicting a bit of much need rain later this week. Bushfires have already started and it is only spring!
Longest post I have done in a while.
Love and Hugs to you all.

Greetings to each and every one of you!

Mama, thanks for the positive thoughts about Monday and your quote that followed! 'I will take time to quiet my mind. rest my heart and refresh my soul.' Good advice for many of us!

No time to stay and chat, as we have another long day ahead of us! One of these days, things will settle down (I think).

Sending , positive thoughts, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}} and healing vibes for all!

Just put the chooks to bed. Wish someone had been there with a camera! It was like a mother duck leading her ducklings along. They got out on their own a few weeks ago (wind blew the door open), and the dogs didn't attack them as we'd feared they would. We now let them out most days.

Julie, you rarely seem to take time to rest!

Mamacita, rereading your post made me think differently about today. I had been really looking forward to it as I have been working so much and this was going to be my first day in forever home alone. Then it turned out I was baby sitting so my plans to do the notes for the kids and start my christmas sewing etc etc etc went out the window. I was all disappointed. When I read your post it reminded me to look for the good in it and remembered that I got to spend a day with my granddaughter who will be leaving soon...

Glad i have now at least read this page.

Nola I am so sorry to hear about Judy.
She has fought and battled.. I hope everyone that she loves can be comfortable with her choice. It is so sad to see somone accepting tretment when their heart isn't in it purely to console & appease those to be left behind.. to ease their grief.

Will be interested in the aftermath of the epidural. Impressed with Gil as well..

Ah Suzy.. reflection is so powerful. There is so much to be grateful for in our day - day lives.. it is just so hard to remember sometimes.

DUH!! Spelling!!
Best not do too much important writing today!
Busy day trying to work out my most economical travel options... Sydney is almost booked out but I managed to book a room not too far from the conference venue.

Less than half an hour later June rang.. hadn't spoken to her for ages and we are going to catch up on the Friday. have nearly done my head in today trying to work out Sydneys public transport system.. Melbourne is SO EASY to get around! At least I now know how to get out to Junes and guess what.. This will probably come as no surprise to you all knowing June.. she invited me to stay and so I have now cancelled my accommodation booking.. I may be able to afford to fly up there now..

Now to get back to work..

Nola and Judy ((HUGS)) so sorry to hear Judy's news. Hope she/you manage to make some good memories.
I had never heard of 'Eastern Star' so had a look on line about it. It seems as if it is for both male and female members, but a meeting cannot take place without some males being present.
http://www.easternstar.org/
On further reading it seems not to be accepted here in the UK

My grandfather was a Mason. I've never felt inclined to follow in his footsteps, but I suspect I may be biased by the fact that I know that although he took my grandmother to a few of their functions, he took his girlfriends to more... Kind of hypocritical really when you read about them. I've always said that he was a great grandfather but a really sucky father and husband.

My first husband was a Mason, I never had a problem with anything they did or even the 'secrecy' of their initiations. Groups like the Masons, the Rotary Club etc do a lot of work for charity.

My father was a Mason, His funeral was held in their facilities and they refused to allow me to attend my own father's funeral. I don't have kind thoughts for them.

Good Maen everyone!
Brenda: you are correct, males CAN be members of Eastern Star, but women MUST have masonic affiliation to join Eastern Star.
Heidi: Did not know that about the funerals, very interesting (and sad). Looking forward to joining tho. Will keep you posted.
Bean: Glad to see you here!!
Hello also to Suzy, Julie, Rolanda, June, MizT & anyone else I missed. Have a great day all, TTFN!!

mAen to my dear friends
Today is just that...today and I will endow it with all good things I can think of so that it becomes a fun day...weather is rather gloomy so I must think of something that will dispel the gloom ....hmmmm the wood is burning as I think I've come up with some ideas..Music of course, talk to my friends...watch Angelique at play...so busy, sweet and LOUD...LOL.A good read and a wonderful dinner of lamb chops, fresh asparagus and stuffed potato......and a great read as I sip on a refreshing rum drink...AHHHH ...I have just transformed today into one that I not only look forward to, but one to relish indeed!
I have followed my own advice(quote found in my journal) I have quieted my mind, my heart is rested and my soul is refreshed
Nola....feel the love we offer...your news is disheartening, but the fact that Judy is accepting of the realities means she can live the days, months or years to come in peace secure in the gift of love and support.
To the rest of you...love, hugs and continued support and good wishes for healing...Peace.♥

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} to Nola and Judy. It is a difficult road ahead, but the journey can make many memories. I hate cancer. So many people fight so hard to overcome it, all to no avail. You will be in my heart .....

Heidi, I cannot understand what happened with your father and his funeral. I had nothing but help and support from the Masonic lodge my husband belonged to. They attended his funeral, and made sure that if I or the children needed anything we knew we only had to ask. Maybe the American lodges are different stricter than those here.

Today is day 9 without the statin drug, and it's the first day that my feet are OK so far. This is amazing since yesterday I was run off my feet and could barely walk by the end of the day!

I made 3 pies yesterday (chocolate mousse), and I gave one to my sister-in-law who could not make the dinner at the centre where my MIL is. She really, really appreciated it because it's one of her favourites. She has been really out of sorts and overwhelmed with MIL and FIL, so I just wanted to brighten her day a bit ... it worked. I also made several mousse puddings with whipped cream for the grandies because they don't really care for pie. So the meal went over big time, cold cuts, fresh buns of various types, veggies and fruit platters, snacks, cheeses and crackers. FIL and MIL thanked me several times.

MIL pulled me aside yesterday and told me she has all kinds of quilting materials and told me where to find them. She said she heard I wanted to make a quilt (I never said anything about that to her or anyone really ???), so she wanted me to have the stuff as she would not be needing it. There apparently are tons of squares, the backing and the filling. All I would need is the know-how and the thread. I told her I might give it a try after Christmas ... she is so thoughtful!

MIL's continuing care facility is closing in March of next year, so if she is not home by then we will have to find another place for her. That is also the month my D and SIL are separating. Why do I feel that March is going to be a bad month????? I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!!! Trying to think positive here.

When I was 11 years old I had an operation that my parents could not afford (back before we had health insurance in Canada). The Masons paid for me to go to the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children in Montreal, so I have a soft spot for the Masons and Shriners. Without them I still would not be able to move my left arm much (it was paralyzed). At least now I have about 50-60% use of it.

My father was a Mason and several friends are also involved with them. I too have had nothing but good things to say about them during my father's illness and death. Mother was well taken care of as far as support and any other issues needed at the time. Heidi's experience regarding not being able to attend her father's funeral is the first I've heard of a negative action by aany U.S.group of Masons.My father's participation would mean that my sister, brother or myself would have been eligle if interested in following in either the Masons (brother) or Eastern Star, but none of us took advantage of this, so I really know very little other than what we observed during my father's lifetime.

Hi all. Hope everyone is having a good day. I was on a field trip today and came back to find that my students did not behave for my sub. I will deal with them tomorrow.

I hope your students are shaking in their shoes already, Tami. You need to find some creative and amusing way of punishing them. Maybe glue a pink smily face on each of their foreheads as a reminder to be nice to subs, and make them wear it all day. If they don't, they flunk the days niceness lesson.

I'm off to the Cattlemen's meeting. I only have to sit in a comfy chair and eat, so it won't be much of a strain on my back.

{{{{{{{Nola and Judy}}}}}}}}

Heidi, that would be considered abuse. As did Mamacita's making the children stand beside their chair.... that's why kids misbehave - teachers have few options other than bluff, bluster and detention! I'd love to hear how you dealt with them Tami.

Oops, morning all!

Just been playing with Tahli. She is a real copy cat so I decided to show her how to crawl. She thought that was hilarious! Maybe it was my big butt sticking in the air, or the creaks my joints made when I stood up again...

When my father died the guy at the funeral parlour was a Mason. My grandfather in some way let him know that he was too and apparently we got a cheaper rate. I never did work out how they each knew, a hand shake or something... I've never had any problem with their secrecy. I found it more childish than threatening. Maybe I'm naive.

Mamacita, let me think how I can make my day interesting and something to look forward to... dishes.... making my kitchen look nice. Clear the kitchen table.... getting started on my xmas sewing, I love being able to give hand made gifts! Play time with Tahli.. also very noisy. I'll have to check if I told you the rooster story. I probably did. Sloshy thing... so glad we are lucky enough to have so many clothes! There you go, a start at least, not as inspiring as yours, but I'll get there if I practice....

Theresa, how wonderful that you will have the quilt making materials! They are so expensive! (Here at least) and you will have a ready made 'stash'...Very thoughtful of your MIL. Sewing is easier on the shoulders too. The lunch sounds amazing. I'm not surprised everyone enjoyed it so much!

Unfortunately there will not be much I can do. I have to prove who misbehaved. I do know of one kid skipping class another claiming he got a schedule change. I will make sure those I can prove get punished appropriately. I can always issue a detention and make them stay afterschool.

I have a tree branch in my closet and I have told the kids that I am going to knock them upside the head with it and knock some sense into them

Ok, I have started updating the photos, firstly of the finished renos, next some re Lizzy, then there will be a couple from the weekend.

I've created a monster! Yesterday I didn't get to finish my breakfast, toast with peanut butter, so I threw it out onto the grass. The dogs normally eat it, but yesterday the chickens got it and, apparently, they loved it! Today I went outside with my morning coffee and the rooster came up to see if I had more toast. He didn't leave until I went inside again. I just went outside and he was halfway up the yard. As soon as he saw me he came up to the house to see if there was going to be more toast!! After the scare Tahli had yesterday, that could be a problem...