Sudokuaholics Anonymous 10

I've always believed that the way you spend New Years Day is how the rest of the year will go.
We got some good work done today, with the cattle, and IH and I didn't have a single fight. Maybe that's a good omen for the year.

I am tired. We've had a lot of rain here lately, and the mud is knee deep. It took me an hour to get the cow herd moved from the pasture they were in to the holding pens, and I lost count of how many times I got trapped in that mud. We finally got everybody worked, and I just moved them into a fresh, mud free (temporarily) pasture. One of the youngest calves was showing the first signs of pneumonia (acting sluggish and a temp of 103.7) so we treated him with a strong antibiotic. He should be OK.
Besides throwing a homemade apple pie (from my own apples) in the oven, and cooking up a nice steak dinner tonight, I'm done for the day.

Heidi, I think my dishwasher sprung a leak yesterday. Still need to check it out. I hope this is not the trend for the year.

To all my friends who are also on FB. There is a link on my page to vote in a local 'best of...' contest. My brother's jewelry store is on there. Please follow the link and vote for him. You can vote once a day. I don't know if he wins a prize but the local recognition will help his business.


I will put a link here for those not on FB but you will need to register.

http://vote.local10.com/place/16207-bach-jewelry-inc#

Firstly, it didn't happen on New Year's Day. So it doesn't count. And I hope it's something very minor.

I did have one minor accident while working the cattle. IH had left some uncut hay strings laying around and one of the cows got one twisted around her neck. So we ran her through the chute to remove it. I was lifting it over her ears and she flung her head up and back, smacking my hand hard between her head and a steel bar. My hand is quite swollen and bruised now. I suspect that I may have a fractured bone. I REALLY hope that isn't going to be a trend for the year.

I just realized that I can't go back to North Carolina for the abusive BF's court date on Jan. 17th. I'm having an epidural the day before, and am not allowed to drive for 24 hours afterwards, much less go for an 11 hour drive (each way) the same day. I will have to wait at home to hear the results, and drive out there a few days later if the bf is jailed. Unfortunately, that's the best I can do. I desperately need that epidural now. I can't delay it again.

Hi Heidi. How many epidurals do you have in a year?

I have one every 3 months, unless something happens to delay it, like the last one. That was delayed because I had a bone infection in my maxilla and up into the cheekbone.

everybody. Wish me luck that I get my truck back tomorrow. I don't know what I'll do if it isn't ready.

Hello/Good Evening/Good Morning from midwest United States. One of these days, I'm going to find time to read and comment. On the other hand, i am determined to get back to almost daily water aerobics/walking/bicycle/weights. That means a minimum of 2 hours away from home. Add that to a couple of hours of cello practice, ffuts around the house, and probably weekly puppy sitting, except for the 3 weeks when the puppy will be staying with us. How can I find more hours in the day?

I hope the new year is off to a good start for everyone! Thinking of all of you and sending lots of {{{{{{ H U G S }}}}}}, positive thoughts, healing vibes and prayers for anyone who can use them!

(I'm not quite ready to give up on Christmas yet; still have some cards to write and send. Happy New Year, Everyone!

We received a late christmas card today. It was made from a print of one of mum's paintings - a nativity scene, she used to joke that she would be hit by lightning painting one of those - on the back it says Remembered Always Carol McGeachie with her date of birth and death.

A beautiful tribute that leaves me feeling sad...

It's an Aussie style scene by the way. The gifts are a sheep and a pig, Joseph is wearing an aussie trench coat (can't think of the name of them right now, won't sleep tonight trying to think of it) and there are Aussie animals everywhere around.

Suzy - Drizabone!

Got rid of the New Year avatar, going with my Capricorn one.

Suzy - I'd love to see a pic of that painting.

Greetings friends, I am up early for me, it is 6:45 am. But I dosed in my chair from about 3 till 6 pm, then fell asleep , really asleep at 9 pm till MN. Of course when I got up to go to bed, could not sleep for all of, are you ready? 20 minutes. yep, back sound sleep. No wonder I am up before 7 am today hehehe.

Heidi, I hope your theory of how the new year starts is how it will go. I had a productive New Years Day, lots of little chores hanging over my head for a while, I started a long list of them over the weekend, and continued with them yesterday morning.

I took time out for the rose bowl parade, really enjoyed it with Al Roaker from the TODAY show. Back to old way of covering the parade, show the floats and the bands, keep the talking on other subjects to a minimum. Did anyone watch it??

After the parade was over, I finished up a few more chores, then off to the dollar store and grocery. It was raining steadily, but not cold. Usually I refrain from getting out in the rain. Sister thought I must have run out of something essential, like bathroom tissue or coffee. Nope, I just was tired of being indoors, had not been outside or even downstairs here, except to check mail, in 5 days. Cabin fever. It has been so cold and windy, not a great time to be outside. I was also hurting too much to want to do anything. Warmer temps of 55 and rain were a major improvement, really. Pain yesterday was improved, the meds actually got rid of it for a few hours at a time, till almost time for another dose. Like right now, nice to have such low pain levels, nice that meds are working! Lovely start of a new year.

I was shopping for flowers and hearts to turn my red and white Christmas wreath into a Valentine's wreath. The red flowers in it now are poinsettias, too Christmasy to leave up for Valentine's day. I found an orchid like flower that was white with red to pink throat, pink and white berries, red roses bloomed out, not buds, and tiny sweetheart pink rosebuds to add to the white flowers with red ribbon edged in gold. Putting away Christmas ornaments and sorting through those I did not use, I found 4 gold hearts with a tiny angle/cupid in the center, and 2 plastic heart 'boxes' with rounded soft edges. I put red and gold ribbon inside the clear plastic. these will be auditioning for a spot on the wreath, the gold ones re a sure thing, plastic ones it depends. I will leave the Christmas wreath up till the weekend, then take it down and re-do it. Hope it turns out as I see it in my head, but usually if I can 'see ' it, it works out nicely.

Think I shall post this, go make coffee, then come back to re-read and make comments. Leaving shiny new hugs for the new year, till I return.

Morning all. It is brutally cold here. I need to make a trip to the store in a bit ... brrrr. I got a crock pot for Christmas, so I want to get some stewing beef - comfort food.

When I went out to feed the feral kitties outside, there were two slate gray (Russian blue type) new cats. One is less than a year old and the other is older. Mother and child??? It is so cold out. They were coming from under our porch, so at least they have some protection from the weather. There are also cat prints going to the shed (former outhouse) behind the garage. The food dish has been empty the last few days ... it's a big dish of dry, so there must be a fair number I'm feeding. I feel so sorry for them.

Suzy, I did not make it to inlaws yesterday, but D forgot to take pictures of the blanket ... hopefully next time she is down.

Well, it seems I must sign in again each time and find my way to the forum and SA10, if I want to have an avatar. IF this works this time, that is.

testing.

I need to get to the bank for traveling cash, and can't guarantee that my truck will be ready before they close, so I'm gonna take my UTV (4 wheeler) in instead. It's only 4 miles of one rural road.
They tell me that my truck will be ready sometime today!!!

The temperature is still below freezing! And it's after noon. Thank goodness the UTV has a windshield.

Oh, yeah.... the plug in heater for IH's truck arrived this morning. IH was thrilled that it really does work, so he took off to the plant for the day. I have no idea how he'd ever survive without me.

Currently -25C with the wind chill. I still need to go to the store, but keep putting it off.

That's why I don't live in Canada, Theresa. It's gorgeous there and the people are wonderful, but it's too cold for me.

I'm OD-ing everyone on me so you won't miss me too much over the 3 1/2 days that I'm gone to NC. That is, IF my truck is ready to take me. I expect to get the call in about 2 hours.

It was a cold drive, but I bundled up like I was in Canada, and drove the UTV to the bank. Now I have enough cash for just about any emergency, and some to give to Maxine for food and clothing.

IH has complained a couple of times about my plan to bring Maxine and Holly back here 1) if the social worker/terrorists try to take the baby or 2) if the BF goes to jail. When he does say something, I remind him that he's a Christian, which means that he's supposed to follow the teachings of Jesus (who advocated helping people), she doesn't have ANYBODY else to turn to, and it's the right thing to do. He always nods his head and mumbles that I'm right. There is a decent person in there somewhere. I just have to dig past the mounds of selfishness.

Hi All.
I woke this morning and immediately thought of 'Our Judy' going home today. I hope that each day you become stronger and healthier. Rob,you must be thrilled.
MizT...nice to see your familiar avatar and read your newsy post.
Theresa...-25 is unbelievable.I feel sorry for the cats too.Lucky they at least have full belly's.
Heidi...bummer about the sore hand.Hope you get the truck back today all fixed.
Thinking of you all. I must get some things done now but will catch up soon.

Thank you Cyn! That's it! I'll have to scan it in so I can show you..

Tami, when I voted for your brother's store I got an email that said I can vote again 'tomorrow'. Remind us every now and then and I'll vote more... I hope your dishwasher leak was a fluke and all is good there.

MizT, I can't wait to see your new wreath! Though I would have liked to see the Christmas one too... you'll have to nag Joy to get you the cable you need (I think I remembered that correctly) I'm glad your pain is improving. It could just be the shortcut you are using to get here. If you update your bookmark or shortcut or whatever it is you use, I'm sure the logging in thing will be fixed. (She says with fingers crossed)

Theresa, box your D around the ears for me please! I want a photo! I need something to motivate me, I'm only up to 31 squares! Besides that, I would just love to see it... Are those normal temps for January Brrrrr. I don't think I'd get anything done, let alone go to work every day.

Heidi, has Maxine agreed to come yet? She may do something crazy like try to tough it out...

Morning Nola,
I forgot it was Thursday! Yay Judy is coming home!!

I meant to say I really really really hope Heidi is wrong about how things go on New Years Day reflecting on the whole year..... (I had to go back and add in another 'really' before I posted)

Hi all. Went to the beach today. Hubby was off so it was a family trip. The water was chilly but I sat in my chair and read a book. Boys played football and got their feet wet. Stayed about 2 hours, that is enough sand for me. It is nice to play tourist in your own backyard.

Suzy, thank you for voting. I will remind you here and also on FB. I am hoping if he does well it will help increase his business. I don't think there is a prize, but the recognition should help.

Heidi, have a safe trip. I wish the best for Maxine and the baby. I am glad that Gil has some good qualities in him.

January and February are our coldest months, but this is colder than normal for us. I went to two stores, brought the garbage and recycling out to the road, brought in some wood in case hubby wants a fire in the fireplace tonight, went out to feed the feral cats, and fill the birdfeeders. I AM NOT GOING OUT AGAIN TODAY.


I saw a woman, probably in her 70's come out of the Salvation Army today, and a teenager came over and helped her down the stairs. Warmed my heart.

Yay, Judy is coming home!

Yayy - Judy's coming home today!
Tami - I tried to vote today and had the same trouble as yesterday - now if I could only remember what I then did that enabled me to get into the site and vote yesterday! Will look for your link and try that way.
Theresa - I'll give you a few degrees of our constant heat for a few degrees of your cold temps.

I think I said this on the other site but I'll say it here for anyone interested.
I saw 'Les Miserables' yesterday - it is harrowing and emotional but so well worth it. The acting was superb from all the cast. They say Hugh will be nominated for an Oscar but they all should, even Russell Crowe! And Sacha Baron Cohen - terrific!

I have my truck here, but it isn't safe to drive it to NC as is. We detected another problem as the mechanics were leaving. We all thought the truck was ready, I got in it and started down the road. The engine light started flashing again, and she was running really rough. So I turned around and went back. They discovered that the coil on the #3 cylinder is shot and has to be replaced. They didn't have one in stock to fit my truck. The can have one there by 7 am, and if I can get there then, they'll install it quickly. If the truck still has problems, they just got a rental in. So I'll be leaving for North Carolina 5 hours later than I was planning to.

Either way Heidi, stay safe ♥

Teresa, I do not blame you, it is too cold up there to go out again. You were outside far mere than I would have been. It was 36 degrees and windy when I went out today, wind chill would have it just at or just below 0*C and that was way to cold for me! I got my shoes wet, my crocs, usually not a problem, but if I had walked outside my feet would have frozen to the shoe! Nice they supply hair dryers in the locker room, I dried out my shoes with a towel then blew them dry. Not only dry but nice and warm hehehe.

Tami, was it nice and sunny for your day at the beach? No sun again today and most of rest of week for us, bummer. I hope all the family enjoyed the day of at home tourist.

OH Suzy, I can imagine the mixed emotions you experienced seeing the card featuring your Mom's painting. that is something you might have to put away for a while, till you are ready to see it again. I think it a nice tribute to your Mom, from whomever printed up the cards.

Nola I had not thought of the feral cats in the cold until you mentioned them. then immediately came the mental picture of my wish for them, that they could all cuddle together to share body heat, in some place that was dry and out of the wind. Theresa, do they ever do that??

Out of time, later friends, with hugs to each of you.

MizT, I can't get very close to the feral cats, but there are at least two under our porch. They are both slate gray, so I like to think they're related and maybe have a snuggle to keep warm. There are also cat prints to the former outhouse (now seatless), where we have put straw in for kitties to keep warm.

Normal highs for this time of year are around -6C, so this is unusual for us. There is actually a frost bite alert for the area ... exposed skin can freeze in 10 minutes.

Heidi, stay safe in your travels.

Everybody... Please read page 3 on Easy. In particular Karen's posting of a message from Jane.

I'm off to bed now. I'm leaving the house at 7 am, going to the mechanic's, and leaving for NC from there. I'll be back on site on Sunday sometime, depending on when I end up leaving for home. I'll be taking Maxine some lamb chops (she adores lamb), and taking her grocery shopping, and I may take her out for some clothes for her and Holly (If she'll let me.).

Everyone! I was going to choose maEn, but it's past midnight. Hubby and I have some frustrating days ahead. New computer purchased, but not all programs could be moved. To top that off, we've been looking forward to being able to sync the calendars on our phones to the computer calendar - SINCE SEPTEMBER! MANY attempts later, many of the birthdays have been removed from my phone's calendar, even ones that had previously been there. Quite a few entries have been duplicated. Hubby also decided to sync with the iPad. It has the same problem as my phone. Yet, birthdays seem to be in his phone's calendar. To top that off, hubby's email has been hacked. Since he tried getting into his email on both computers, I can't get into my email either. We have DAYS of work ahead of us, It doesn't look like I'll be spending much time reading or commenting here for quite a while. Sending lots & lots of positive thoughts, healing vibes, prayers, {{{{HUGS}}}} and for everyone!

Heidi - thanks for alerting everyone to the message from Jane which I read on FB. It seems we all had the same reaction to it. I had tears streaming and still feel sad hours later even though we knew this was coming. She is a strong woman and theirs is a strong relationship, which will make this all so much harder for her to bear.
Jane and Jaime - wishing you courage, love and peace as you face this most dreaded moment together.