Sudokuaholics Anonymous 10

We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same. — Anne Frank

Nice one, Theresa!
Now I've forgotten most of what I read.
Yes, I've heard several different accounts of what happened, I guess it will all be sorted eventually, meanwhile all those families suffering, a small town in shock!
He shot himself in the end, why didn't he do that first?

It's the families that lost small children that concern and upset me. There is no answer for them. The children were totally innocent. I cannot begin to feel the pain they're going through, and will suffer for the rest of their lives.

That's a fact that won't change.

Hi all. Coffee is ready, help yourself.

I still can not comprehend what has happened in Connecticut. It is devastating.

Got my van back. Just what I needed, another $450 repair bill. The labor on my van is outrageous. They have to take the front end off just to get to most of the engine. Picking my mom up soon to do some shopping. Family is coming over tomorrow to celebrate Chanukah.

Poor Tami. You're having such constant vehicle problems.

You'd think they'd design vehicles so they could be easily repaired.

We used to have a Fiat in our younger days and the engine was sideways.

Update from Nola,
Only a slight change with Judy. Taking small sips of water but not eating. Sleeping soundly at all times and hard to rouse. Still recognising the family. Nola has a cold, not sleeping well and is very tired. Greg is being a good support.

Morning all,
My brain still isn't functioning but I'm a little better than last night. I'll give you Nola's update, have a cup of coffee and then say what I want to say about what everyone else has said (hehe).

It sounds like Judy is pretty much the same - sleeping mostly, taking a few sips of water. Her pain is managed well and she is very calm, smiling when people do something nice for her. Overall Nola is happy with the way things are. Working in the same place is helping a lot as she can pop in 4 or 5 times a day. Hubby is being brilliant, cooking, feeding the animals and generally looking after Nola! He sounds like a keeper!!

I don't know if I told you that Nola's neighbour and best friend has been diagnosed with C too. It happened around the time Judy was moved to the care home. They don't have all the test results yet, but it isn't looking good. Nola is very sad about losing her sister and possibly her best friend too. Though she seems much better overall now Judy is at the care home and she doesn't have to worry about her.

Snap June! We must have read it at the same time!

I am frustrated with my new computer as I no longer have the photo plus that I have been using for 15 years and cannot find the instalation disc (and probably would not work now anyway). I also am having trouble getting my Family Tree from the USB that I used for back up before they took the old computer away. I have reloaded that program. Just need the 600-700 names and details.(Still have the box from the old computer). I desperately need Sharon to sort it all out for me!
I used to be able to spell check my posts here but casnnot find a link any more!

You gave better detail than I did Suzy.
Not looking forward to a hot day. Might go and do a bit of ironing. Trying to do a lot of clearing away before the family come in a week. (I am too much of a hoarder )

Late this summer, I picked some wild blackberries and froze them. Just now, I made 2 blackberry pies with them... ... one is in the oven right now, and one is in the freezer for later. I can't wait to try them. I've never made a blackberry pie before.

Hawkmoon, a mix of good news and bad news. Slow growing is good news, home for Xmas day is good news, radiotherapy not so good. Sending hugs and thoughts.

MizT, I'm glad to hear your spot is shrinking. I hope that means you don't have to go back on the antibiotics, though maybe they'd give you a different one next time...

You may regret buying your spice thingy when you see what Joy has for you for Christmas!

Your new PT lady sounds fantastic! I hope you get her every time.

Cyn, I'm glad your Xmas spirit has arrived. Want to send some down this way? Maybe if I annoy hubby and put on some carols...

Those hours aren't good for Col. I hope they reduce in the new year.

Gail, Alie has no clue! She had trouble with a boy and couldn't work out why!! He was over getting a singing lesson and I actually sent her a text (so he wouldn't hear) telling her to watch out. She thought I was looney!

Tami, what a bummer about your big repair bill in the middle of the holidays! I hope your Chanukah dinner is yummy and fun to make up for it..

Theresa, I'm going to have to google the song. Your story put a smile on my face!

How ridiculous to send your MIL home when she is not able to look after herself! I hope the meeting sorts that out!

Still not talking about that horrible thing...

I finally got my Family Tree files onto this computer. What a relief!

Poor Maxine. She and her boyfriend have just been served with papers accusing the of being unfit parents, and declaring the intent of the social workers to confiscate her daughter. Of course, those louses presented her with the papers on a weekend so she couldn't contact their lawyer. She and her boyfriend have to appear in court on January 4th. The papers themselves have so many mistakes on them that they appear to be the work of incompetents. They have the wrong dates, even wrong years, wrong names, etc. Fortunately, I know that the baby's medical checkups have shown that the baby is healthy and well cared for, since I was at a checkup, so they have that evidence in their favor. Yes, the boyfriend is bad news, but Maxine would never let any harm come to her daughter. I have promised her that I will be with her on the 4th for that court date. If necessary, I will help her flee the state with her daughter, and bring them here.

Daily anecdote: I had a nap.

Wow Suzy, your life is a whirlwind!

Good Evening, Fellow Sudokuaholics!

Suzy, I give Alie a lot of credit for sticking with the Carols. Then to have the organizer weasel her way out of telling the truth and making it look like Alie was trying to monopolize the program. And now to have the awkward moment with friends who didn't know she's is in Carols. It's evident who is the 'professional,' don't you think? Do you think she'll be involved again next year? By the way, congrats for getting the tree up and decorated! Did Tahli enjoy seeing it while you babysat?

Theresa, I love your deer story! He must have been surprised to see someone out and about so early in the morning. (Heavy footsteps behind you could have been so much worse.) Good for you for getting so much Christmas shopping done, your cards written and sent, and food for hubby to take to FIL! I hope you were able to get the grocery shopping done before he left!

Theresa, hooray for the ombudsman! It's amazing how much can be done when the right person is 'encouraging' it along. Of course, it's not as if your hubby and FIL haven't been waiting an incredibly long time.

I'm so sorry that the continuing care facility has decided that your MIL must go home. It certainly doesn't sound like any preparations have been made or help given to make such a major transition. No wonder your SisIL was in tears. Hopefully something can be worked out!

Great TOPP, Theresa! Thanks!

I found out today that one of the children was the daughter of a friend's friend and colleague. I can't imagine how the families can begin to cope.

Tami, I'm so sorry you got such a large repair bill, and much of it was for labor. Does your mechanic work for a shop, or is he an independent? Perhaps you can work out some sort of trade for part of the bill.

Heidi, it would be great if cars, vans and trucks were built so they could be easily repaired. Unfortunately, the newer vehicles have so much 'extra' added on that it takes up most of the space in the engine compartment, necessitating removal of some parts to get to other parts. Still, there are some that are relatively easier than others. Perhaps when it comes time to find a replacement, the mechanic can suggest something that has an engine that is easier to work on, Tami.

June, thank you for the update from Nola. It's probably not surprising that she had developed a cold. I'm so glad Greg is supportive.

Suzy, thank you for your update as well!

Nola, we're here for you if we can be of help. Gentle {{{{HUGS}}}} and prayers for Judy, for you, and for the family! We care!

June, I hope your computer woes can be straightened out! It's so frustrating when the new one can't do what the old one did. That frightens me, as we are desperately in need of a replacement and don't want to lose what is on the current one. Of course, 'they' say that everything can be moved over, but if you can't access it or use it, what good is that?

Oh, Heidi, I'm envious. Blackberry pie is probably my favori

Here's the rest:

Oh, Heidi, I'm envious. Blackberry pie is probably my favorite, as my mom used to make it. I rarely see it now, and the blackberries in the stores just AREN'T the same in flavor! I hope it is yummy!

How scary for Maxine to be served with papers on the weekend and have nowhere to turn. Why do you suppose she is being targeted? Do you suppose it's retaliation for the way her boyfriend treated the social workers when they came before? From the way you describe the paperwork, it seems likely that Maxine is up against some poorly educated 'professionals' who have an agenda. I'm glad you know the baby had a good checkup and glad that you will be there to support her on the 4th.

Suzy, a nap sounds like a great idea! Was that after Tahli went home?

It's time for me to get some sleep, so I'll leave all of you with lots of {{{{{ H U G S }}}}}, positive thoughts, prayers and healing vibes. Please take care of yourselves and those you love! I'm thinking of all those who could use a bit of extra prayers and positive thoughts - Judy and Nola, Judy and Hawkmoon, Bean, Heidi, and anyone I may have missed. Good Night, All!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g4d-rnhuSg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFzXaFbxDcM

Both of these have been very comforting for me today..

Julie, I can't imagine how much worse this would be if I personally knew someone impacted, or even knew someone who knew them...

Well, we're supposed to have left to go to Carols and Alie hasn't even started her makeup! Oops!

Thanks for sharing those youtube clips Suzy, they are beautiful and sum up life for me at the moment too

Morning all. Coffee is ready, help yourself.

Julie, my mechanic owns the business. He is a member of the same temple as me, and that is how I found him. I completely trust him. He tries to save me money when he can. He has also done a few minor things at no cost.

Greetings friends, from a cloudy, misty, rainy, but almost warm Alabama. We have rain forecast till 10 am tomorrow, a full 24 hours of showers, thunderstorms, some possibly severe. I have lights on in every room, hehehe a total of 3 lights plus the tree, but that is every room, except the bath. Trying to send the gloom on it's way. biscuits in the oven, house is smelling good.

I went downstairs yesterday, it was announced that we would have a choir come to sing Christmas Music, but found they had canceled. I stayed and tried, unsuccessfully, to work on a jigsaw puzzle, in an hour I placed 3 pieces. I would give up my seat if anyone new came down, I just am no good at those tiny pieces in a 1000 piece jigsaw. Ate pistachio nuts one of the men brought down. Biscuits are ready, more later, hugs.

Your weather sounds like ours, MizT. I need to head out to run errands in a little while, in preparation for being laid up for most of the week. I need to stock up on dog and cat food, and get a bunch of supplies for the farm that IH is too cheap and lazy to get.

Good Afternoon from here to all of you.
Have read, but I'm not retaining much. Bummed over the news continuing to talk about the horror...I'd like to see some action taken to reduce this type of crime from happening, not keep looking at things we can't begin to change....This is going to be a very difficult time for those who have been placed in an untenable position....My prayer of peace and comfort for the affected families will come, but not as soon as I'd like. We now have many more angels watching over all...may they find joy in their new home.Peace.♥

On a lighter note, a friend of my son took me to see some live jazz last night. It was the first time this year I've been out and able to hear some good, live performances. This was such a treat. It was tiring but so worth it. It did take my mind off of all of the sadness for a while.
Hope things here are continuing to improve and that you Suzy continue to be able to recharge your batteries by napping....Hugs to our Judy's...may all that is good befall them.
Take care and know that I care. P4ece.

Nasty weather day today for me. We are under a freezing rain warning. Right now it is a mixture of snow and freezing rain, and with the wind chill it feels like -9C. I think I want summer back ... or at least autumn.

Back from shopping. Hard to believe I spent $400 for dog and people food.

On a lighter note, the wild blackberry pie turned out extraordinarily good. The ingredients are simple enough: blackberries, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice and tapioca. The tapioca thickens it beautifully. It was the best blackberry anything I've ever tasted.

Well, the christmas tree is up and decorated. IH likes it so much that he's laying on the couch looking at it. That is the full extent of his helping me.

Morning everyone.
Peter installed the Office Cupboards yesterday with help from #1child. (He is still to do the drawers, doors and shelves.. AT least the infrastructure is done. #1 also fixed the printer ( not working vewy well )
#2child arrives Wed Eve around 6.00pm. Am soo looking forward to seeing the boy again and having him home (even it is only for a week).

Still to put up the tree here

Hi all. Family left after having Chanukah dinner at my house. Was real simple, typical Jewish food: bagels, lox, cream cheese and all the fixings. I don't know if I love my older brother, or hate him. He does not have children so Mitchell and Dylan are his only blood nephews. He bought them a combined Chanukah/birthday present. Both of my boys now have Samsung Galaxy tablets. I don't even have a tablet. I do have to say he is making good on his promise. On my wedding video he said 'make me an uncle and I promise, I will buy the kid lots of cool toys.'

Had a delish supper tonight... lamb chops, fresh green beans, sliced red pear at the perfect ripeness and some blackberry pie for dessert. IH said ''Happy tummy'' before I could.

Off to bed early, for me. Tomorrow is my last free day before I'm laid up, so I need to level a water tank, replace hoses, and feed hay to the cows.

Happy Chanukah Tami ♥

Greetings, Everyone!

Thanks for sharing the videos, Suzy! I watched a couple more of the Symphony of Science - had never seen any in that series before.

Tami, your mechanic sounds totally trustworthy - and a friend as well. There's just no way to avoid paying labor charges. Hopefully when you replace the van, you can find a vehicle whose repairs might be a little less labor-intensive. (I remember we had a Dodge Aspen station wagon back in the late 70's that my hubby really liked because there was so much room in the engine compartment that the mechanic could easily reach parts without having to remove something first.)

MizT, I'm sorry the carols were cancelled. They might have helped raise many residents' spirits. Biscuits sound yummy. Are you continuing with reduced pain? I hope the therapy continues to be helpful!

Mama, the concert sounds wonderful! How nice to be able to get out and enjoy hearing some good jazz!

Theresa, I hope some improved weather is on the way! Hopefully your hubby didn't need to drive when it was nasty outside.

Heidi, I'm glad you were able to stock up on dog, cat and people food. Your blackberry pie sounds yummy! Is there any left? Hooray for you Christmas tree being up and decorated - and how thoughtful and helpful of IH to lie on the couch and look at it.

Rolanda, you must be loving your new house and all of the wonderful built-ins Peter has made and installed! 'A place for everything and everything in its place.' How nice to have S#1 there and S#2 on his way! Enjoy your Christmas! I'm sure you will be able to find some helpers for your tree!

Tami, Happy Chanukah to you and your family! How nice that your whole family could gather for dinner! Your brother sounds very generous!

Heidi, I know you want to get a lot done tomorrow before your upcoming procedures, but please don't do too much! Hopefully you can find some time to rest between errands!

Time to head to bed. Sending a large supply of {{{{{{ H U G S }}}}}}, prayers, positive thoughts and healing vibes for everyone!