Sudokuaholics Anonymous 9A

Good Morning All.
Thanks for the links and descriptions of cheese biscuits and slopy joes.
Grass Hopper posted this link for the floods up here, it is worth a look
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/01/australian_flooding.html

a flying topp to top it.

Gail, I hope your wonderful anniversary lunch was prophetic and you have a wonderful year ahead!

Heidi, it is possible this box of venison came from more than one deer. I just noticed the box it was in was marked " HOUSE". That is usually meat the processing co gets that customer does not want. Some hunters here want only the tenderloin, and leave the rest. becomes property of the processing house and they sell it when they want. Usually after THEIR personal needs for the year are met.

Owners of large dogs can also get deer bones from them. I had a neighbor kept her dogs in bones, picked up a box a week. She filled a freezer with bones for use after deer season, too. I would find bones in my yard.

Incredible photos Broni, I hope the Wallaby was rescued. I wonder if the young girl who fell in the mud knows she's been seen on her butt by people halfway around the world?

Suzy, what's op shopping? They didn't want the dust cloths. I have one Swiffer duster and they both wanted to use it. The one who asked first got it and then they switched after a little while. They are gone home now - time for some Tylenol.

Today is the bestest I've felt in the last week and a half. I still have the cough, but mostly at night. The tightness in the chest is pretty well gone. I'm still tired though a lot. Next week the grandies are back to school, so I should have a bit more time to myself during the day at least.

Tell me it is not so! This Winter storm advisiry I just found on my favorite weather site:

"The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Winter
Storm Watch... which is in effect from Sunday afternoon through
noon Monday.

Accumulating snow is possible across all of central Alabama
starting around noon Sunday and continue through Monday morning.
Accumulations will range between 2 inches or less across the
south to 4 to 7 inches along the north..with higher amounts across
higher terrain.

In addition... snow will transition into freezing rain across the
southern half portions of central Alabama. Ice accumulation could
be as high as one quarter of an inch."

We are NOT prepared for even one inch of snow in Alabama. NO snow removal equipment here. AGGGGGGG!!!

Heidi, I know chicken bones are not good for a dog as they can slpinter bur I was not sure if beef bones are? I know he is going to outgrow this. We are crate training him. We do not have a problem with him when we leave but he whines at night. Harley was alone on Wednesday but Mitchell was home on Thursday and Friday. He got into a little trouble and was suspended for two days.

Theresa, op shopping is shopping at places like the Salvation Army. We have at least 4 op shops in town. op = opportunity I think. I hope you continue to feel better...

MizT, I hope the snow doesn't get in the way of Al's treatment!!

Tami, my understanding is beef bones are fine as long as they aren't cooked.

Just spent some time at my daughter's - the oldest grandie is covered in an itchy rash. We believe it's hives. They contacted TeleHealth, a telephone medical advisory group, and they suggested she see her doctor within 24 hours. It could be her epilepsy medication needs to be adjusted. When you have kids, there's always something going on!!! I have a feeling it's going to be a long night.

MizT - I feel like I should be saying welcome to Canada in the winter!

Theresa, if you don't have calamine lotion or somthing like that, try vinegar - that's what hubby used and said it worked pretty well.

She is currently in a cool bath with baking soda. We also have a product called Lanacane which takes the itch away.

Poor kid, nothing worse - and she'll make sure all of you know it!

Theresa, hope the grandie is feeling better soon. Oatmeal is also supposed to help soothe an itch.

I, too, have heard of using vinegar for itches. Poor kid.

Tami... beef bones are fine. Particularly raw. If you give them cooked bones, the non-long bones are better (pelvis, shoulder blade, ribs, etc.) because they don't splinter. I give my dogs any bones available, except cooked poultry. The dogs eat enough of my birds raw anyways. I've lost count of the turkeys, ducks, chickens and guineas they've eaten. And none has EVER gotten ill from raw poultry bones!

Thanks Heidi, I will try to find him some bones.

I've put the newest lovebirds in the new aviary/flight cage. They're freaking out a little because they've never had so much room in their lives. Before, their concept of flying was one beat of the wings to aid in going from one perch to another. They can do loop-de-loops in this one. Their flying is getting stronger by the minute. The more natural an environment is, the healthier they'll stay.... mentally and physically.

Heidi, if baby wants to stretch his wings he hangs on to a perch and flaps his little heart out.

That does give them exercise, Suzy, and if I remember, Baby does get out of the cage, but with my collies, I can't let any birds out. These lovebirds had spent the last 2 years in a tiny, overcrowded cage in a dark shed. They're now getting fresh air, sunshine and space.

Baby does get out, though not as often as in the past due to the addition of a cat to our family. We have to put Nomnom in a harness that inhibits his movement so he doesn't have bird for dessert!

My sister has a cockatiel that talks. He is allowed to be out of his cage during the day, and when he leaves the room he says, "I'll be right back." He also peeks around corners and says, "Peek a boo". He is cute, but he's a biter.

I am going over to my daughter's in a little while to sleep with my oldest grandie. Her rash seems to be going away. They gave her some Benylin, or Benadryl, I can't remember which. The antihistamine one anyways.

You were right, Suzy, op means opportunity.

Hello to you all. We are a bit of the walking zombie around here today. Yesterday was hot and last night was most uncomfortable. I feel for hubby because he is trying as hard as he can to do nights now, but he was quite sweaty in the leather recliner last night, and I was not much better in the bed. We are very positive about it all though, he had a fairly successful night on Wednesday, and it means we get ALL our days together :)

I'm getting a little excited about Monday morning. My daughter Chloe and her boyfriend have been away for two weeks, Hong Kong and Thailand, and I go out to the airport to pick them up (VERY early, not so excited about that!)

Gail, Do you think they will have some exciting news to impart? Might you have an expensive occasion to pay for in the future?

The new TV is now installed in the bedroom. Hubby wants it mounted on the wall and we have to buy the mount but at least I can watch the TV in there (with the AC on if it is hot). Also I will not have to watch cricket, tennis, survivor etc.

I have a wall mounted TV in my bedroom, June. I love that it doesn't take up limited space on the dresser. Mine isn't hooked up to TV service. I just use it for watching DVDs and VHSs.

, Everyone! At least, I think it's still evening, though it may be night!

Hi, Broni, Suzy, Gail, June, Tami, Theresa, Brenda, Judy, Heidi and MizTricia!

Broni, I'm so glad your work week ended just in the nick of time! I hope you are now enjoying a restful weekend. Hoping the rains have slowed or stopped!

Suzy, what would we do without your endless thirst for knowledge? You help us find the answers to so many food and other questions! I was wondering what cheese biscuits were, as well. I'll need to follow your links AFTER I post!

Gail, sounds like you and Scott had a great day for your anniversary! Happy Anniversary! (I think we should ask Gath to add an Anniversary smilie and a Congratulations smilie. (Or do we already have them?)

Oh, dear, Tami, Harley is a chewer. (When do they get past that stage? You mentioned that he is 10 months old, I think. I've heard of putting a ticking analog clock with a young puppy. Would setting one near his crate help?

Update on hubby's procedure - may be skipped, if you choose. Several doctors individually diagnosed an encapsulated fatty tissue lipoma in his right forearm - 99% of the time it's benign when in an extremity. It was removed in probably 30-45 minutes (twilight anesthesia), and he was back in recovery sitting up. The incision is probably 3.5 - 4 inches. We removed the dressing today for his shower, and there had been no drainage from the wound.

Judy, after all that Daniel Radcliffe endured in the HP movies, one little old WWI movie did him in? So sorry your air con gave up. How clever of you to have a cooling unit upstairs to aid your sleep!

Broni, you're right! The food discussions are interesting and enlightening. We haven't had Hamburger Helper in years, but hubby liked it. I just don't enjoy paying for it. We also used to brown hamburger/minced beef, then add about half of a dry onion soup mix packet, uncooked rice and water. (Sorry, I don't remember amounts.) Simmer and the water/soup makes the rice. One of those easy-peasy "recipes" to throw together when you get home late from work.

MizT, I didn't realize some deer hunters take the deer to a processor and don't claim it. I'm not sure if anyone near where I live processes the meat, but there are some where I grew up. Maybe I should look into it.

Heidi, that is a HUGE aviary. The love birds will LOVE it! So, did you google/translate any of the Chinese or were there helpful photos? One of my nephews took Chinese in college - and even visited China, but I'm not sure he remembers any of it.

Suzy, I hope the early indicators were wrong for today's temperature and humidity!

Broni, great flying TOPP - and thanks for the link!

Theresa, I'm glad you're feeling somewhat better! Hope that continues! I see a second Swiffer duster in your future - if there's a good sale and a coupon! It's good that your grandies like to dust, but not good that they both want to use the same tool. Did you set a

Wow, that took a long time, but maybe because it was too long. Here's the next installment:

It's good that your grandies like to dust, but not good that they both want to use the same tool. Did you set a timer so make sure the time each got to use it was equal, or are they not that sophisticated yet? Thanks for asking for the meaning of "op shopping."

Suzy, thanks for explaining op shopping. I think it's time for me to spend some time doing that.

MizT, perhaps the weather forecast is wrong. Sometimes, they exaggerate just so people will get prepared.

Theresa, I hope your grandie is OK. Is there any anti-histamine in the house - like Calamine or Benadryl? Hopefully she'll be able to sleep in spite of the itchies. Suzy, I see your hubby also provides helpful information. I've never heard of vinegar to help with the itchies. Wow, I've just read all of the suggestions! I'm thinking with all of the clever helpful people here, maybe it should be renamed Sudoku-pedia. Well done, everyone!

Gail, so sorry the heat is making nights so difficult for you and Scott. Hoping for a cooler day and night for you! You must be excited that Chloe and her boyfriend will soon return from Hong Kong and Thailand! You'll be glad to get up early to pick them up!

June, enjoy the new TV in your bedroom!

I need to get up early as I'm planning to go to water aerobics class (the 6th day in a row). Sending positive vibes, prayers and {{{HUGS}}} to all of you. Good Night!

Tell us more about the water aerobics, Julie. Is it for general health or the knees? Or just for fun? What all do you do?

Morning all - almost 2:15 AM here. As I predicted, it has turned out to be a long night. Grandie started to scratch around 1:30 so she got some more Benadryl. The rash has started again on her little behind, so a trip will be made early in the morning (but not as early as now) to the clinic for blood tests. Her mom and dad are with her now, so I came home to play on the pooter. For some reason she wants grandma with her all the time, but she is now asleep so I took a break. I am sooooo tired, but I don't think there's any point in sleeping right now.

I guess it's a mommy instinct - the moment she started scratching I was wide awake. Hubby could never understand that when our daughter was younger and not feeling well, I would hear every noise that she made. I guess it works on grandchildren too. BUT, that's also the instinct that kicked in while I was waiting for my daughter to get home from dates!

Gail, belated wishes for your anniversary - sounds like you had a really nice day. Bet you can't wait to see your wandering child again - how nice!

Yep, I'm wide awake so I'm going to make a cup of coffee. Good thing tomorrow (I mean today) is Saturday so hopefully I can grab a nap!

Thanks for letting us know about your hubby, Julie. That's a long incision!

My Son-IL just told me a little while ago that the pub across the street had closed down a few weeks ago. We had noticed it had been very quiet lately but just put it down to the fact that winter is here and people don't want to be spending a lot of time outside. I will have to scour the local papers to see if something similar moves in - they have to apply for a liquor license and that means posting a notice in the local paper. I am going to object to such an application for another bar or similar. Just my luck a strip club would move in!

The previous pub had wanted an outdoor patio and we managed to stop it. There would only have been a parking lot between the patio and our bedroom window, so no way!!! The pubs have suffered ever since the ban on smoking in public buildings.

Julie, in our province people can apply for road-kill deer for processing. I don't know how it works, but that's what I've been told.

Suzy, you mentioned vinegar for the itchiness. My mom used to put vinegar on our mosquito bites (as long as they weren't open wounds). Vinegar is also good as a cleaner if a cat or dog has an accident.

June, you made me giggle...and made my heart stop at the same time! I thought the occasion might have happened last year when they went up to Qld last year, especially since he had arranged for a helicopter ride while they were there, but no, it didn't happen. It wouldn't really surprise me if such an announcement were to happen this time, but knowing her, I would be the first to know as soon as she does, and no news as yet! No way she could keep that secret!
Being the mother of 3 girls, and a very practical (frugal) character, I promised them all a nice amount if they were to elope!!!

Gail, have you got the ladder propped up against the bedroom window?

Afternoon all,
Feeling a bit drowsy. I've just had a wonderful lunch with friends and having my brain turned on for over 5 hours has taken it out of me!

Hugs to you all!!

Theresa, I saw a link to an article about vinegar today and saved the info..

Equal parts of vinegar and water can be used to clean:
Shower doors and soap scum
Windows
Fireplace soot
Leather shoes and upholstery
Dirty, smelly refrigerators
Outdoor grills
Urine stains from mattresses
Apply vinegar full strength to clean:
Stains on white clothing
Smelly, greasy laundry
Stainless steel appliances
Toilet bowl stains
Smelly sinks and drains
Gardening stains on hands
Greasy ovens
Gold Jewelry
Mix baking soda and vinegar to clean:
Plastic storage containers
Pots and pans (when mixed with a tablespoon of liquid detergent)
Stained coffee cups
The air (mix 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vinegar and 1 cup water in a spray bottle)
Mud and dirt stains from plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum sports equipment
You can add 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar to a bucket full of warm tap water to clean no-wax floors, counter tops, dishes, and silverware.
Spray a mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water onto old wallpaper to loosen the adhesive for easy removal.
Unclogging the shower head is pain-free when you soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the shower head, allowing the vinegar to soak into the clogged nozzles. Soak overnight, and the shower head will be like new by morning.
Polish your furniture to a shine and remove dust and build up in propane heat and wood-burning homes by mixing equal parts of olive oil and vinegar. However, spot test in an inconspicuous place prior to using on any finish though just in case.
Health and Beauty
You can also use a vinegar rinse to help fight dandruff and leave hair shiny and free from oils. It works well to disinfect and soften cosmetic brushes.
Replace your facial toner in a pinch with equal parts of vinegar and water.
Use undiluted vinegar as an aftershave.
Whiten your teeth and get fresher breath by brushing with a toothbrush dipped in undiluted vinegar at least once a week.
Add two tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of vinegar to one quart of water to help cut flowers keep their bloom longer.
In the Laundry
Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your wash to remove excess soap residue and keep lint from sticking to clothes. Adding vinegar to your washing machine helps remove:
Smoke odors
BBQ stains
Ketchup stains
Wine stains
Spaghetti stains
Mildew
Musty odors
And dingy tints on whites
Pouring 1 cup of vinegar into the empty washing machine and allowing it to run through a wash cycle will help keep your washer in top working order by removing soap scum and mineral residue.
There are thousands of ways to use vinegar in your household. What other household uses for vinegar have you found that help you save money?

I can't believe the whole thing fitted!!

Good thinking Theresa!