Sudokuaholics Anonymous 9A

MizT... we had very high humidity and no breeze. Just a few minutes outside was enough to leave you drenched in sweat. Our high was 85, but it felt a LOT hotter.

Avatar changed for you Cyn.

MizT - Cobbler's pegs are those weeds with the black sticky hook that catches in your clothes. It was the inspiration for the hook in Velcro (stationery product knowledge - my boss would be pleased since we sell the stuff!).

Good luck with the epidural Heidi. I hope it really hurts! Is that right that the hurty ones work best?

It seems funny listening to you Northern Hemisphere girls talking about the heat when we are cooling down. It's wet in Sydney, cold in Melbourne and windy in Brisbane (also sunny and 22C)

Victoria, I'm wondering if cobbler's pegs are what we call beggar's ticks.

Back to read some more. Hello, Tami, Suzy, CynB, Bean, Heidi, Vicki, Theresa, and MizTricia!

Tami, I'm so glad you will be able to go to the induction ceremony!

MizTricia, your description of the "tapping" would certainly make for a pleasant surprise for those inducted!

Suzy, at least you know the cars should be good for at least another several thousand miles! Cyn, Karin's car with the new battery should also be more reliable for a while.

Bean, we're glad to see you here! Don't even attempt to catch up reading 100 pages! That would be a daunting undertaking!

Heidi, what good news that the coy-dog leader has been eliminated! Just hoping one of the others isn't strong enough leader to take over! No cooking sounds great. You should avoid it tomorrow, as well, especially after your epidural! Hoping for good results for you!

Cyn, what a great sister you are to have things ready for your sister and her hubby when they get home! What a welcome!

Sleep well, MizT and Heidi!

Thanks for the information on cobbler's pegs/beggar's ticks. Now I must do a comparison!

Nearly midnight here, and I should have been in bed an hour ago. (Another early morning.) Good Night!

Thanks for the good wishes. I'm just afraid that the Pain Management Doc will not even do the epidural tomorrow. He may not because of the kidney infection.

I know, I know. Go to bed, Heidi. I have to be up in 5 hours.

Good night Heidi and Julie ... sweet dreams ...

Afternoon all!
Cyn, you're a good sister.

Out for dinner tonight. Guess I'd better go and make myself respectamable...

Waiting for the girls to get ready. It was much easier when they were younger!

http://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/mp/7295913/mobile-phone-company-cancels-jinxed-n umber/

Somehow I don't think the problem is the number...

All I can say about this one is that people's skin in Brighton must be much fairer than people here. At 25C I would consider it barely warm enough to go to the beach!

http://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/mp/7295541/baby-taken-to-hospital-after-day-in-the -sun/

You have to remember Suzy we do not get the same temps as you do, This last weekend was unusual for us in May never mind during summer. I haven't looked at the link you posted but know the story, this was a 5 month old baby. I was on the beach on Sunday, I never burn normally but I got burnt even though I was wearing 30 factor sun screen.

Richard and I really do pick our times to go away. The weather was hot and because it isn't school holidays yet or a bank holiday the tourists were not out in their hoards. We had a lovely relaxing weekend. Now we are back home weather has cooled off which is to be expected as this weekend coming is a long weekend and the schools are on half term holiday.

Off to the epidural. I hope it's a really bad one.

Thanks Victoria - no idea of the score - not watching but hope Qld win.
Glad you had good weather for your holiday, Brenda. I loved your pics on FB especially when Rolanda, June and I would chip in that we'd been there!!
That poor sun-burned baby. I know 25C is mild by our standards but I still wouldn't take a small child onto a beach without ample protection. Are people as well-educated about sunburn and sun cancers as we are here?
Heidi - Best wishes for a successful epidural and that the doc WILL do it!
Suzy - it seems to me that the number would be more jinxed if it had 666 in it, than all the 8's (many fat ladies)!

Education on using sun blocks is getting better over here. Part of the trouble here is that we don't have the high temps on regular basis. When we do everyone rushes out to take advantage of it. That is no excuse for the baby being on the beach and getting burned.
It was nice to know that some of my 'down under friends' had been to places I was visiting (some for the first time.)

Heidi hope your Dr lets you have the epidural and that helps with your pain.

Home from the Outward Bound dinner. Ebob and the other sponsored children/young adults had to talk about their experiences. There was even a bit of a blurb from the Outward Bound people. Ebob was described as a nurturer. They said nice things about all of the participants, even if it was things like 'their interpersonal skills began to develop'. The cost to the Lions Clubs for each child was the equivalent of a good day of earnings for the catering van. That's volunteer hours by a lot of people. Wow.

I think being a nurturer is a fantastic thing to be described as, Ebob has already developed her interpersonal skills to be able to do this, well done.

Morning all. A heat alert is in effect for us today. I went outside to feed the stray and feral cats ... I don't think I'll be spending much time outside today! I wonder how many people will still let their children and pets stay in their vehicles while they shop. I would like to beat those people senseless but what's the use, they already are.

I pick up the grandies from the school bus this afternoon; sure hope the bus isn't late because it's too hot to stand out there. I know the grandies will be cranky because I won't let them play outside. The school is also keeping them in at recess and lunch. Wish me luck!

Off to the store in a little while to get an extra fan and some popsicles. Okay, okay, I'm only going to the store for their air conditioning. The news last night was actually advising people without air conditioners to go to libraries, community centres or shopping malls to keep cool.

Catch you all later. Have a great day/evening/night.

The Doc didn't let me have the epidural. He said that kidney infections in particular have a tendency to get in the blood stream, and to the site of the epidural. The risk was far too great to get a spinal infection. He rescheduled for 3 weeks from now, once I'm off the antibiotics and over the infection. Meanwhile, my back hurts and I have pains shooting down my legs.

Theresa... When I showed dogs a lot, the summer shows could get interesting. Some fool always locked their dog(s) in their car or van. The staff at the shows would patrol the parking lots, and if they found a dog locked in a car, the window would be smashed, and the dog removed. Wading pools filled with water and ice were stationed around the grounds to quickly cool off overheated dogs. In case anybody thinks this was unfair, it was stated in the premium list that this would happen, and regular announcements were made telling people NOT to leave their pets in their cars... or else SMASH! You'd think people claiming to be dog lovers wouldn't do it, but there are too many senseless maroons out there.

I agree that a nurturer is a great thing to be called! It reflects well on you, too, Suzy. You must have done something right.

Heidi, did you get your epidural? If so, I hope you are able to take it easy for a day or two (fingers crossed for you).

I have approached people who have "run" into a store and left their dog in the car with the window cracked open. I told them that surely they could go to the store and leave their dog at home ... they get really defensive and angry. Someone has to look after those who cannot speak for themselves. As my friend says: I love human kind, but it's most of the people in it I can't stand.

I did NOT get my epidural. It's been rescheduled for June 16th.

Sorry Heidi, for some reason I missed your earlier post. The heat has fried my brain, or at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Three weeks is a long time to wait when you're in pain.

Checking in without reading. My AC was making a noise and has been off this morning, the one in bedroom. It is running again, now, whew. I will be back to read and comment later. Hugs to all.

Morning all!
Heidi, bummer about the epidural! I guess a spinal infection would be far worse though.

Theresa, what sort of conditions lead to a heat alert? We also have the problem of people leaving kids and dogs in cars, but it is reducing. There are huge advertising campaigns in summer. People will call the police if they see kids in cars and nobody wants to go back to their car to find it surrounded.

Or windows smashed.

Brenda, your weekend away sounds wonderful! Sooo relaxing.

Hubby jokes that I get sunburned if someone says it's sunny out. Our sun protection campaigns also emphasise that you can get burned on overcast days as some UV rays can go through clouds. I have actually experienced this. I watched Ebob play baseball in the rain (all day) and afterwards had a very mild sunburn on my face. I was stunned!

That too Heidi! That happens...

Have I told the story about when I locked Ebob in the car on a 100F day? Probably. I'm just very glad that it is impossible to lock my current car without the keys!

Vicki, your company would like people like hubby and I. Can't walk past a stationary shop without looking in... and buying something.

I'm not allowed to go out in the sun while I'm on these antibiotics. I have an excuse to stay in the AC.

Barn update. Both sides are finished, and one end is almost completed. They still need to make the doors and hang them. The rail system is already in place to hang the doors on. That only leaves the other end, and the trim.

sounds like fine barn progress. I know you are happy to see it nearing completion. I do not need your antibiotic excuse to stay in AC, I just say it is too hot and go inside. One advantage of being old hehehe sorry you could not have your epidural, hope your pain gets better these next 3 weeks,

Suzy, you must be blessed with peaches and cream fair skin like I once had. I was never allowed out in sun from 11-4, in summer. a good time to nap and read in the shade, but I loved water skiing just after sunrise, smelling campers cooking bacon, perking coffee, while enjoying glass smooth water on the lake.

Brenda glad you had good weather and no crowds for your weekend.

Suzy, here in the US, heat allerts are issued when air temp and humidity combine to give a 'feels like' temp that is far above norm for an area. What would be a heat alert for Theresa ir Brenda would be at temps lower than a heat alert here, cause we aew moire accustomed to higher temps. I do know here, also, how hot it stays over night is taken into consideration. People can tolerate hotter temps daytime if they can cool down nights. Theresa, how does your heat alerts differ from ours?

Theresa, in the mail yesterday, we got notice of a free program for capture, neuter and release feral cats. any such program there? also do free neuter for any cat that is even part time outdoor cat. I am wondering how many of the nales who visit my girls I could take in? best not, since they are not mine except feeding time they THINK they live here.

ooops, time to fling food, later.

Hello everyone!

I have fair skin and burn at the drop of a hat. I've been burnt many times watching the boys play soccer in winter. I'm always more aware in summer and slather myself in sunscreen - especially at the beach.

Suzy, keep up the good work. I also love stationery stores and newsagents. Actually I also love shoe shops and handbag shops and clothing shops...... There's nothing nicer than a Friday to myself when I can go and trawl through as many shops as I want to. A trip to DFO is good too.

Heidi, I'm sorry you didn't get your epidural but it sounds like it wasn't worth the risk. I hope you can hold out for the next 3 weeks. Great news about the barn, though.

Theresa, I'm also interested in your heat alert. Can you give us some more details?

Brenda, a weekend away without crowds is always good especially with good weather thrown in.

I believe a heat alert goes into effect when the temperature is at 33 + for more than one day. We also had a humidex advisory in effect because the temperature felt like 40 today. The alert is expected to be lifted later tonight as it is only supposed to be 27 degrees tomorrow. We have a risk of a thunderstorm tonight ... I hope it happens (even though I'm afraid of them) so the temps will go down.

MizT, I have checked with the Humane Society and it would cost me $75 per cat (feral cat), plus I have to trap them and then release them myself, but I also have to provide food for them for a certain length of time. The food is not a problem as I am already doing that, but I can't afford to pay $75 per cat. There are probably about a dozen of them outside. There are other groups that will assist cat rescues, but I am not considered a rescue organization.

Because of the heat today, I went shopping 3 times just to go into air conditioned buildings. I picked up an extra fan.

Well, haven't had supper yet. One of the grandies was in a foul mood because I wouldn't let her play outside when they got home from school. She threw such a tantrum that I sent her to her room to calm down. MY HEAD HURTS.

Hopefully I'll be back later.

Theresa, sorry your grandie had a temper tantrum. It is not safe to play outside when it is that hot.
Heidi, I can only imagine how you feel without the epidural. You are a strong person and I know you will make the best of it.
The heat index in Florida is a joke. We only have two seasons: hot and hotter. Over the summer I take my campers outside as early as possible. By 11 it is getting too hot. Our summer average is in the mid 90's (35 celsius) Last summer we even had a day or two hit 100 (37.7) We were told not to go outside.

Theresa, I hope your headache is feeling better. If the tantrum gave you a headache I suspect you are a softie at heart.

We get several days in summer where the temps hit 100F, the problems occur when they are one after the other - or when it doesn't cool down at night (who said that?). When my kids started primary school there was no air conditioning at their school. I picked them up a couple of times because it was 104F in the classroom. The school isn't allowed to shut down when it's like that, or call parents, we just knew how hot it got and had it confirmed when we picked the kids up.

Theresa... your grandie made a serious tactical error. Rule #1... always keep grandma on your side. Throwing a tantrum was not smart.

I'm running on empty. I need to head off to bed in a few. The dogs are nearly done eating, and IH is off at his apartment.

Good Late Evening, Everyone (almost 10:30 pm.)!

Hi, Heidi, Theresa, Suzy, Brenda, CynB, MizTricia, Vicki, Tami, and anyone I've missed.

Heidi, you predicted correctly that you wouldn't be able to have the epidural today. I'm so sorry you will need to wait 3 weeks! We need to get and keep you healthy, young lady! I hope you can deal with the pain for 3 more weeks! Do you have anyone who does acupuncture in your area - or reflexology? I'm trying to think what might help you deal with pain.

Suzy, I hope you had a yummy dinner with your family! Oh, now I see that it was the Outward Bound dinner. What a compliment that they spoke of Ebob's nurturing ability! Methinks that comes from living with nurturing parents! Children learn what they live!

Brenda, I'm SO glad you and Richard pick your weekends away so well! Warm temperatures and few people compared to cooler temps coming this weekend with hordes of people because it's a holiday weekend. However, I'm sorry you got a sunburn! I heard today that one company has put out a 100 SPF sunscreen. Not so long ago, news stories said there wasn't much difference between 30 and 50 SPF, so why pay more for the 50? I also burn easily - even in 15 or 20 minutes with sunscreen on. I can look fine outside and even when I get inside. However, as soon as I take a shower, the sunburn becomes apparent.

Theresa, it's amazing that you have a heat alert already in May! Going to the store for air conditioning reminds me of one summer in Vermont. They were just NOT prepared for the heat. Apparently, few homes have AC, plus we were housed in condos at a ski resort. The adults would take car loads of kids into the town to the stores and post office to get some time in the AC. I hope your grandies weren't too disappointed that they couldn't go out to play after school! Well, now that I have read further, I see that one was extremely disappointed. So sorry you had to deal with that, as a headache combined with the heat and the tantrum was probably MOST uncomfortable! I hope you're feeling better now.

MizT, I'm glad the AC in your bedroom started working during the day! I hope it made it to this evening so you can get some sleep tonight!

Heidi, great news that the barn is progressing so well!

Suzy, I don't think I ever got a sunburn in the rain. Vicki, I know I have been sunburned during the winter. About 20 years ago I worked with a cosmetics company that sells through home "parties." Studies were already available indicating that you should put on sunscreen daily, regardless of your plans for the day. I think it was around that time that a number of companies started putting sunscreen in makeup and moisturizers. Unfortunately, it's a hard habit to get into. There are still some days when I forget to put on sunscreen.

Heidi, do you and your family use sunscreen daily? I think I would enjoy the amount of sun you get, but that heat would really get to me pretty quickly.

Just an update. I wen

Heidi, I'm sorry if I have missed you. I hope you sleep really well tonight! MizT, I hope you also get a good night's sleep. I don't think I'm going to last much longer either.