Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

Tricia, I have lots of gardening I would like to get down and do. I have put in some pansies near the letterbox but they are just starting to get 'settled in'. Lots of weeds to pull and autumn leaves to clear away. I do have some lovely camellias out. A formal pink and a formal white are my favourites.

Sorry, at this time of the morning I was not counting. I have a new book.
'People who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the ones that usually do.'

To answer questions.... I'm leaving in the middle of the night Thursday/Friday.I'll be stopping in Lebanon, Indiana for a nap, then meeting Don & Barb first thing in the morning. They'll climb aboard, and we'll head for Janesville,Wisconsin, where their hotel is and I continue on a couple of miles to Milton, Wisconsin, where my FIL lives. He's arranged for a parking place for the RV alongside his building. That night there will be a family fish fry. There's nothing like a Wisconsin fish fry, with piles of freshly caught walleye, lake perch, and bluegill. The next day is the big family golf tournament. I'll take that opportunity to go visit my favorite aunt and cousins, an hour away. The following day is the big birthday party. They've had to limit it to 150 people because that's the capacity of the rec. center across the street. Once the party is over, we hit the road. Don & Barb have to be at work the next day.We should pull in at home in the early morning hours on Monday. Short, but intense trip.

I'm off now to get new windshield wiper blades put on the RV. The old ones fell apart a few days ago.

Have a great trip Heidi. You need some fun and relaxation. You enjoy driving the RV. That was a great purchase.

Heidi, that does sound like an intense trip, but one that is doable for you, since driving your RV is comfortable for you. I am glad you get to visit some of your relatives while Gil and family play golf. New windshield wipers are a good thing. Nice to see where you are going. Beware of the mattresses this trip!

June, knowing you are going to have trouble sleeping, could you take something for pain at bedtime? You body can heal a lot better if you can get the needed sleep. Have you thought about a TENS unit? the electrical stimulation is thought to block the pain signal. Ice is another good pain reliever, for 15 to 20 minuets on, just before bedtime might get you a bit more sleep. all things my pain management doc suggests, and things that have been long term in my bag of tricks. I am truly glad you are sleeping a bit more now, that is a move in the right direction. Hope your pain management visit has something to offer you, and the things I mentioned might be things to discuss with them.


My trip to get a phone was a burst. they did not have the phone I had decided on, and I was told a smart phone had to have the more expensive plan, of course, even if I was not going to use any of the time allotted for data on the more reasonable plan. I have WiFi here, paying for air time once with my computer, and our building is set up for WiFi in public areas, why should I have to pay again? That clerk must have thought oh, an old fool, I can sell her anything, cause when he showed me what he had that would work with the lesser plan, was a years old flip phone with standard numeric keyboard. I said something about needing a keyboard, and he said, this is your keyboard. Nope, I want an alpha numeric keyboard, and he just looked at me. AAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGH! Anyway, Joy should be over tomorrow night to make sure the current phone is really dead, and to finish cleaning my oven in the far dark corners. did I say my rolling secretary chair I use in the kitchen almost flew out from under me when I leaned forward to stretch? Joy said good call to wait on her to do that, no falls, please. .

Last rain was 16 days ago, low humidity rules, perhaps why my fibro is letting me do more than usual, but these plants need water. A friend said the grass was 'crunchy'. she was going back to her apartment to dress for the beach, before her trip via power chair to nearest grocery.


Just got a notice my virtual memory was too low, is my computer getting old computer disease? Let me back on out of here and see if daughter has any idea why this is happening.

Hugs to each of you, again,

I am worried about mattresses. Really. If I'd only encountered one, I might not be so concerned. But I've encountered over a dozen on the interstates around Chicago over the years, and have had to do some fancy dodging. Other people have deer jump out in front of their cars (my next door neighbors have totaled 5 cars from hitting deer), but I have mattresses jump out in front of me. IH never believed me until it happened the last time we went through Chicago. It's not paranoia if it keeps happening.

Tricia.... have you tried replacing the battery in the old phone? Rechargeable batteries don't last forever.

Greetings to all!

Brenda, have a wonderful 'vacay' as some of the younger ones say.

MizT, how nice that Nasty Nancy was able to acknowledge the wonderful changes you have brought forth in the gardens! I love that you have been able to set up online purchases that can be paid ahead of time and just picked up at the garden center! Having help with the heavier items is great, but can't be expected in these times. How wonderful that your garden shopping has been streamlined!

June, I'm glad to hear that the traction doesn't seem unpleasant to you. Just hoping it is helping (and not be sending it to the other shoulder)!

Heidi, I hope all the preparations for the trip are going well!

I should be thinking about bed soon. Happy, positive thoughts, healing vibes, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and for each of you!

MizT, beware of angry rolling chairs! (I had one throw me off last month while watching a grandie practice violin.)

Heidi, beware of roaming mattresses. I must admit I ave seen one on the road on Chicago-area freeways/tollways. Sure hope you enjoy your quick trip & time away!

June, I like your TOPP!

It's been raining a bit, with rolling thunder, every day for a week now. Our hay needs to be cut LAST WEEK, but if it gets rained on, it'll be completely ruined. So, we're watching the quality go down every day. The stems get tougher, the leaves get older, and the nutrients decrease. But it's still better than throwing away 100 tons or more of rotted and mouldy hay..

I've been catching up on sleep in preparation for night driving, so I'm a little behind in packing the RV. My clothes are in it, but I need to add food and drinks. IH has loaded up with plenty of bourbon and mint juleps, but hasn't packed any clothes yet. And we're leaving in 34 hours.

I have been studying the maps, looking for alternate routes to avoid road construction and Chicago. I know some road work is inevitable, but There is one spot near Louisville that has a 1 to 2 hour delay. The interstate goes from 3 lanes to 1, then they stop that 1 lane for long periods. Hopefully, by going through there at 2:30 - 3:00 am, it won't be so bad.

Plants were in the ground by noon, I came upstairs, leaving soaker hoses to water them in, and just as I got inside, I got a phone call from Patty, Lorain's daughter who did the digging. IT WAS RAINING, would I like her to go turn off the hoses so I did not get my chair wet. Yes Please! We had rain all afternoon, that should make all the plants happy.

We found 3 tomato plants coming up, how the seeds found their way to the garden I have no idea. We left them, just to see what will happen.

Heidi, good luck on your trip, safe travels. Don't let the fumes from the Bourbon intoxicate you! Are you taking either of the dogs with you this trip?

Julie, It is good to know rolling chairs are a tricky ride for someone other than me.

Somehow today I hurt my hip, it has taken hours to get some relief. I was actually using power chair to get around in apartment, and Heidi can tell you how close quarters this apartment really is.

I need to see if I can find something to make for dinner. I have squash but do not think Joy eats it, may be some broccoli, not sure she eats that either. Guess I should phone her to see if she is coming and what she would eat for veggies.

Later friends, hugs to each of you, with extras.

Hi everyone...Just touching base..nothing going on here. Today has been rainy and grey, a lot cooler and uglier than we've seen for awhile now...I was getting spoiled until this bought me back to reality.
Julie and Tricia...gotta watch those rolling chairs if you don't want to roll like them. June, glad things are getting a bit better and don't require lots of pain pills. Heidi, hope your trip is mattress free and enjoyable, to the rest of you, take care and know you are always thought of even when I don't have any special messages for you. Okay folks, I'm off to do some more reading on the tos. Peace.

So hubby, who is as sick as I am, is at emergency with Alie who has severe pain, lower right quadrant. I've offered to trade off with him. It's over 40 hours since I've eaten. Unless you count a couple of dry crackers to test whether I can eat.

I wish I was there to help you all out, Suzy. I hope it's nothing serious with Alie. &

Alie is trying to pee in a cup and will be having an ultrasound.

Hi, Everyone! Just stopping by to send warm {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, positive thoughts, prayers, healing vibes and for everyone!

Heidi, If I don't 'see' you before you leave, have a safe, mattress-free trip and enjoy it as much as you can!

Suzy, Mr. Suzy and Alie, feel better SOON!

Gekko my friends.
Heidi, hope I wished you safe travels, thought it.
Wow, what a week at work!
Well my plans for the weekend so far is to rest, take Bella for walkies, get my hair cut, go to a movie, cook myself some decent food without preservatives and did I say rest?

Vent coming, skip if you like!

My big boss has actually decide to look at his tax books for the first time EVER and is having a dummy spit. Now wants me to do things that are not ethical, know it is not my problem as he signs off on it all but I am not comfortable with it.
The faulty sperm that produced that female from hell is now trying to get us on unfair dismissal but we haven't sacked her yet! Looks like the police will be getting a warrant to search her place of abode to get the company documents back.
Did I say I was going to rest???
Otherwise life is great.
Luv and Jugs.

Zusie, hope all the family is feeling better soon.

Tongue in cheek channelling of alien person here Broni... You could tell the big boss that you aren't comfortable doing what he has asked you to do and tell him what that unfair dismissal suit would look like. Sorry, not funny I know, but watching the steam come out of his ears was a way I like to think of people who want to do something unethical. I hope he is at least willing to put it in writing, though I guess diary entries by you would work as well? As if you needed something else to worry about!

Did you get your preservative free food?

June, I hope your pain is settling down and you sleep really well tonight.

MizT, your rain sounds good! I saw a forecast for our winter and we apparently have a 40% chance of lower than a average rainfall and a 60% chance of higher than average temps...

Heidi, have a safe, mattress free trip!

So Alie has an ovarian cyst, about 3,5cm, but she might also have something going on with her appendix, they couldn't find it to tell for sure. She was given the option to stay overnight for monitoring and pain management but chose the option of being taken back if the pain gets worse etc etc. if that doesn't happen it's another ultrasound in 6 weeks to see what's happening with if.

The pain management lady was nice (A bit of a surprise as I thought Glen was a mans name) Changed my medication to ones with less side effects. Advocates lots of exercise, including aqua therapy. Will have to find somewhere for that. I will get out my TENS machine again but it is about 16 years old so needs some new pads. I have been using it occasionally.
And less time on the computer! It is the one place I am comfortable.
Tomorrow night we are taking Laura into the city to see Vivid. That is when they play coloured laser lights over the city buildings, including the Opera house.
Safe travels Heidi.

Hope Alie is OK Suzy. Also hope you and Hubby soon feel better.
Better do as the Doctor orders and spend less time here.

It looks like I'm gonna have to put a dog to sleep this afternoon. Izzy is the oldest rescue, and has become very weak. She keeps falling down when she tries to walk, and she has lost bowel control. I don't enjoy her constant surprises all over the floor, especially when I step in it when getting up at night. Maybe I'll hold off until we get back. I hate putting old friends to sleep.

I considered taking a dog along for the trip, but we have 4 people in the RV, and it might get crowded. There'd be no place to safely set up the food and water bowls where someone (IH) wouldn't be stepping in them and knocking them over.

Broni.... What is she on? No rational person does those things or thinks like that. I hope the police get those documents back. And I hope she puts up a fight with them. 5he sounds crazy enough to.
As to the big boss, don't do anything that you're not comfortable with. Unethical behavior tends to come back and bite, but the big bosses tend to stick the repercussions onto their underlings. Even though he signs off on it, somehow it will get you in the end.

Wasn't able to find the time today. She has a reprieve until we get back. Off to sleep for a few hours, before we leave at 2 am.

Broni, what Heidi said about the big boss's instructions to do something unethical, if not downright illegal. He does not pay you enough to risk the trouble that could fall on your head over it.

I do hope the police go out to see the witchy person, and they have cause to detain her a long while. As one friend would have said 'some people's kids'. You have a good prescription for yourself, rest, and walks and peace and quite and rest some more!

Suzi, I do feel for Allie, an ovarian cyst can be rough. I was a bit older than she is when I had my first. she is brave to come home knowing pain could get worse again. Please watch her for a sudden worsening of the pain, almost unbearable and then a sudden absence of pain. could be a sign of it rupturing, and a ruptured cyst could leave 'gunk' in her abdomen that could cause problems later. Ask me how I know Good healing thoughts to the family, hope all of you are better soon.

Heidi, sorry about Izzy. who will be watching the animals while you are gone? Is she capable of handling the situation if Izzy dies while you are gone? Yes, it is hard to put to sleep a good friend, but it is often the kindest thing. I know it is not something you do lightly.

I am finding more and more damage to plants after what can only be due to inappropriate use of herbicide by the lawn care people. I asked Tim to come walk in garden for 5 minuets, but he was on way to meeting, 'drop by again later'. I never found him in his office alone after that, so I sent him a detailed e mail about all the strange happenings. not sure how much long term damage has been done.

We had a second day of rain today. I was walking the garden today, checking on everyone (the plants, not people) and was joined by another resident gardener. As we walked about chatting and looking, it started to rain again. we sat on the covered patio and enjoyed the rainstorm, for over an hour. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the rain at home. Al and I would sit on our back porch, under a tin roof, and just enjoy. Youngest daughter always enjoyed the rain, too. she would ask me to take her up to a high point in the neighborhood, to sit in the auto and watch the lightning across the valley. At home we would open the garage door, and sit in lawn chairs while it rained. I must remember that it is well worth it to get in my chair and go to patio once I notice a rain here. I cannot even hear the rain, often know it has rained only when I look at the parking lot, and the asphalt is wet!

Hope you all have a day you enjoy, be it rain or sun, cool or hot. Hugs to each of you, with extras.

Did I break the site?

Hope Heidi is all packed and now getting that lst nap before starting her trip.

I know it is weekend already down under, suppose you have a life. I am waiting till meds work fore climbing in bed. I am becoming drowsy, so time to end my day.

Hugs again

Hi, Everyone! Just a brief Hello and Good Night! We have a couple of crazier-than-usual days ahead, so I'm not sure I'll be able to drop by. Sending a weekend's worth of happy, positive thoughts, , prayers, {{{{{{HUGS & JUGS}}}}}}, and healing vibes for everyone!

Broni, what others have said!

MizT, sounds like you have a gardening mystery. Hopefully easily solved.

Good Night and pleasant dreams to all!

I'm off in 5 to 10 minutes. I just have to wake up IH and get him out to the RV.

Morning friends, cannot say it is good. I woke to bad hip pain again today, cannot walk without severe pain and the feeling hip will just give way. I had fun fun trying to get my breakfast and meds from my power chair. I have maybe 3 inches clearance in my galley kitchen, not a lot of wiggle room, and I am not good at backing this thing up.

What happened you ask? Haven't a clue. It is raining again, I did a lot in garden on Wednesday and it played up Wednesday afternoon and evening, other than that I do not know. I do know something in hip/back keeps clicking when I move, and I keep hoping one of those will be a 'good click' and put whatever back in neutral again I have a lot I need to do today.

Joy did not come over Wednesday, we rescheduled for tonight. I do hope she can come, she promised to reach those corners of oven I could not reach. Definitely cannot reach even front of oven today

I'll be back when this hip gets better, I am off to bed to see if I can get comfy there. Hugs till later.

Alie is doing a lot better. We'll take her to her gp, but I suspect it will be pain killers for now with a follow up ultrasound in 6 months.

It sounds like she is a lot better off than you are MizT! Sending soothing, gentle hugs and wishing I had a magic wand..

Safe trip Heidi!

One of our dogs is getting older and has started crying at night. We went out today and bought 2 pieces of foam, put them in a doona cover (double thickness). She lay on them and had a good sleep straight a way.

Gekko my friends.
All good here except my back was not happy with me this arvo, no idea why. Feeling better now.
MizT, hope your achies have eased also.
Zusy, good to hear Alie is feeling a bit better, how are you and Mr Zusy feeling? Hope you four legged baby has a better nights sleep tonight, nothing worse than not knowing why our fur babies hurt.
June, hope you are feeling a bit better.
Julie, glad you can drop by, take care of yourself.
Heidi, hope it was an uneventful trip and you enjoy your time away.
My fur baby is gently snoring behind me.

Broni, stress can do your back in, you don't have any of that do you? I hope you have hot packs and good pain killers handy. Gentle hugs...

Hubby and I are much better. Last night seemed to be the end of my problems. Alie is doing a lot better too.

With her new double foam with the old dog beds on top of that, the old lady is doing a lot better too. She hasn't cried once since we set it up for her. All for $45! Who woulda thunk?

Cheaper than a vet bill Suzy. Glad you and your family are feeling better.
I had a very good workout with the physio on Friday. Then took Laura to 'Vivid' (laser lights in the City) and walked town for 4 hours. All that and the pain has been less and I have stopped taking most of the pain meds. Laura wanted Pizza for dinner so I had to get up to get a drink of water. I am still very limited in arm movement but overall pain is much less.

June, so happy to hear that you are much better pain wise.

Broni, ice/heat and rest for that back of yours, and think calm soothing thoughts. Like someone said, that no stress job of yours might play a part in back. Get well soon.

Suzy, happy that Alli is better, you are hubby are better and even the fur baby is better. there are medications OTC that can be given dogs for their old bone aches. When Heidi gets back, how about asking her what might be good. It does sound like it is joint pain for the pup, and the soft bed has helped a lot. Warmth for it might also help, if that can happen.

I am much better today, hip is still clicking, but I can walk a bit without pain. Lots of the right medication, ice and heat and bed-rest and this morning no problem getting up to walk. It does seem to get tired faster, so forcing myself to do the work/rest thing. It is mid afternoon now, but I managed a lot of the things that did not get done yesterday. I watered the plants that needed it, some are under porch or overhangs of building, and rain does not reach them. I made healthy deserts for this week, sugar free pudding and sugar free jello with some Greek yogurt stirred in, sub for part of the water. I cut up that expensive roasted chicken I bought, I got enough for 9 meals for me, I do not eat large amounts of meat at a time, so not expensive per serving now plus some pan drippings for soup and bones/skin in freezer to make broth for the next soup. I started chopping veg for some ham veg soup. Having a pot of soup, some in freezer is great for days like yesterday. I would not have eaten if I had nothing already cooked. Now for a nice long nap, or in my chair with a book. Still more needs doing, but I have run out of steam. Tomorrow is another day.

Hugs to each of you, with extras.

up for intermission, my eyes droop shut when I am up but pop open when I get into bed. such is life.

I had a wonderful chat with several of our residents tonight, I went down to see if it was cool and pleasant outside. Nope, humidity was high, muggy, could not stay out long. So several of us who were outside moved inside to continue our chat in AC comfort. I stayed much longer than I intended but so nice to have so many around to talk with. Caudelle was there, and one of our 96 year old residents, my across the hall neighbor, Ed, Molly, others who drifted by for a bit.

Started on the fridge cleaning today, looking so much better already. One veg drawer to take out and clean, and again, there is a spot at back of fridge bottom shelf I cannot reach, nor the below bottom shelf in the door. I did manage to stay seated on the rolling chair today, though.

Not sure how, but last night Joy got my phone to charge, I must add minuets to get it operational again. I took it with me when I went down, meant to get some photos of garden, chatted instead.

Friend Caudelle phoned me today to come check her BP. She had fallen Friday night, twice, getting up for visit to the little room. Once she managed to land on the bed, but hit the floor other time. BP had been low at doctor's on Friday, was still low today. I was a snitch, I sent an e-mail to let our social worker know, to at least follow up Monday. I was not comfortable being only one who knew about her falls. Shannon, social worker, checked her mail, phoned Caudelle, contacted her daughter who contacted doc. They sent out new medication for her. Wanted her in hospital, but she refused to go today. If not better tomorrow she would think about it again. Yes, she guessed I told, but you know, when any of these friends phone me, I figure they are wanting someone else to make a decision they cannot make themselves. I have no problem making the call. We chatted about sitting up for a bit, then standing a bit before taking first step, and getting her walker close by, even the possibility of getting a bedside potty (no room with her current furniture). We decided that wetting the floor was a better option than falling and breaking something. Such indignities of growing older.

June, I'm glad your pain levels are better and hope it stays that way, though with more mobility.

MizT, Your chat with other residents sounded like a perfect way to cope with a hot evening. I may have to change which diet I'm on to something more like yours. Mine is high in protein which I'm finding tough. Over the years we've developed an eating style that uses less protein, mostly due to prices over $20 a kilo for many proteins. Now I'm supposed to fit 86g of protein onto a sandwich? It actually made me gag so I adapted it by putting all the things it wanted on the sandwich all chopped up into a bowl. Much better, but still more than I'm comfortable eating in one sitting.

Very loud day today, but I coped surprisingly well, much better than hubby did. He's off googling terrible twos. Tahli threw a scooter across the room, threw herself down and hit her head and threw herself back while sitting on my lap and got me a good one. When she was being good, Daniel was screaming. We only had a few moments where it wasn't insane. I hadn't realised how bad it was until hubby came home from dropping them off and suggested moving out of state....

Suzi, I feel your pain at the loud grandies. My youngest acted out like that, and a wonderful pediatrician found it was caused by food allergies, to food coloring, processed meats, caffeine, chocolate, I have forgotten the others. We found a teaspoon of peanut butter would often settle her down, natural peanut butter, only ingredient peanuts and a touch of salt. She continued these food allergies until an adult, and somewhere along the way, about age 5 or 6 she was asked what it felt like to her when she was acting out. Her reply? 'I want to run and scream and bite.'

She was 10 when her father and I divorced. He had her weekends, the every other weekend when I was working. Weekends on a hospital unit are difficult, same number of patients, but half the nurses are not working, nurse patient ratio was impossible. I came home exhausted, wanted some quite time to recoup. What did her father do? On the way to bring her home, he took her to a local restaurant and bought her a hot fudge cake and ice cream for her dinner. She came home acting out terribly. Her father denied this was happening, said I was depriving her of treats, and he was just making sure she got them like a normal child. Since I could not reason with him (I asked him to take her for her treat on Friday night when he picked her up), I had to find a solution for us. I met her at the door with peanut butter, and sent her to her room until she was back in control. She would usually go sleep it off.

all this to say, look at their diet, with help of a pediatrician if possible. We kept a food diary and also a diary of her out bursts. Her nursery school play group also contributed their observations of her behavior. It was a lot of work, but worth it for not only my peace of mind, but to keep the child from having to deal with those feelings of rage. Hope some bit of this is helpful to you. I know how exhausting it can be having ONE child acting out, I cannot imagine two.