Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

When a great moment knocks on the door of your life, very often it's no louder than the beating of your heart........... Boris Pasternak

Morning from a soggy place. Rain expected all day, possibility of thunderstorms.

Mama, my daughter is keeping a close eye on my oldest grandie. The boy's parents (at least his mom, I haven't met his dad) is very nice. She did ask if my grandie could come for a sleep-over and my daughter said no ... the time for sleep-overs with boys is past. She would have been sleeping with his sisters, but the answer is still no.

Tomorrow I will be going over to the Youth Centre next door with the kittens. They have asked me to come over and show them to the kids that are there and chat about them. Good time to explain about the importance of spaying and neutering. Who knows, I might even find a decent home for one of them. The kittens are three weeks old today.

I do like that TOPP, June.

Last night hubby phoned the police on one of our neighbours, the same ones who seem to have abandoned the mother cat that we have. Every day, two days, three days, they let off firecrackers and it drives me nuts. It starts my heart palpitating, which is the same thing that happens when I have a panic attack. It drives two of my cats nuts, it drives the neighbour's black lab to look for a hiding spot, and it bothers my grandie because of her problems. So the police went there last night (two vehicles) and had a talk with them. I hope there are no repercussions. This has been going on since April so I think we have been more than patient.

June.... have you seen a chiropractor? That might be a simple, non-surgical solution.

Your daughter said the absolutely right thing, Theresa. No 11 year old girl should ever be sleeping at a boy's house. Nowadays, thanks to all the chemicals and hormones in our food, kids develop sexually MUCH younger than they did when we were kids. What was going through the boy's mother's brain?

Surprisingly, the mouth feels fine this morning. At least, it feels better than before the extraction. And it's a relief to have that painful cyst gone. The back is hurting, but not as much as it has been. On the 1-10 scale (where 10 is blacking out from the pain... I've been there), it's at about a 6 right now. For the past week it's been in the 8-9 range.

Pleased to hear your pain has lessened
Heidi. In a perfect world it would be gone, but our world is not perfect.
Theresa I hope that the police visiting your thoughtless snd selfish neighbours bring some peace and quiet to your neighbourhood. Also hope you can help educate the kids about the responsibility of being a pet owner.
June we are not that good at quizzes. Luck guesses help a lot.
I have to take Callie and Pip to the groomers tomorrow. She lives about 15 miles from here. Fortunately there is a couple of nice garden centres not too far from her and a freezer shop so I can stock the freezer again (prices there are very cheap for decent quality goods) I will have to put the camping fridge into the car in case I get some icecream. That is about the only thing I would worry about defrosting before I got home.

Well today I finally was able to get to the dentist and start finding out what its going to take to get my teeth back in shape again. After all of this time since my accident, I've been w/o dental care, but have managed to keep my teeth and gums in pretty good shape. I was happy to hear this. While the loss of teeth during the accident has caused some problems and my teeth will need deep cleaning to get rid of the gunk, I'll just have to wear an appliance to reshape and strengthen my jaw muscles and then add the missing teeth.I like this dentist a lot and he's very good. My daughter is a Dental Hygienist and used to work for him, so I also get a professional discount...all in all I've had a great check up and look forward to getting things done.
Theresa I'm glad your daughter is keeping a close watch on things...and I'm also glad she firmly refused allowing sleepovers...no need to encourage too much closeness...kids are able to do too much alone time now from what I see. I do hope you enjoy the time with the kids and can find forever homes for the kittens too...have fun. Heidi, good to know that you are feeling better...perhaps Tricia was right about getting rid of pain anywhere helps us to feel better...makes sense to me.June, great topp...you have really been coming up with great ones of late..wonderbar. Off again to find some jigsaws to do..love em and do several a day if I can. Take care all until we meet again...

Broni, this recipe is for you, and anyone else who wants to try it! The amounts are not written in stone, if you do not have both types squash, then use one is fine. More or less peppers and mushrooms, it is not critical is what I am saying. If the mozzarella mix is too stiff to spread easily, add a small amount of water and mix.

pasta free veggie lasagna

1 eggplant, cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch slices
2 pounds (1 kilo?) part skim ricotta cheese
4 cloves garlic, chopped.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
3 cups part skim mozzarella cheese + 1/2 cup for top
basil, fresh, 1 bunch or may use dried, 2 TBS
1 TBS dried ITALIAN seasoning or may use oregano
2 onions, chopped
2 bwell pepper, any color, chopped
4 cups sliced mushrooms
1/2 package fresh leaf spinach, chopped
2 jars of marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce, no sugar preferred
3 zucchini, sliced 1/8 inch lengthwise slices
3 yellow squash, cut lengthwise in 1/8 inch slices
2 eggs
2 pounds Italian sweet sausage, or any minced meat of choice, optional

Preheat oven to 350*F
Spray a baking sheet with cooking oil spray. Arrange the eggplant slices on the baking sheet and bake 15 to 20 minuets, until flexible but not completely cooked.

In a mixing bowl mix the ricotta with the chopped garlic, stir in the Parmesan and the mozzarella cheese, basil, Italian seasoning salt and pepper and eggs. Mix well and set aside.

Sautee your meat if using, set asside, then the peppers and mushrooms and garlic until limp, adding the spinach, and remove from heat. Allow to cool and add to the cheese mixture.

To assemble, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in a large baking dish ( I used 2 dishes, one 9x13 inches, one 8x8), then layer in this order:
Eggplant slices
Ricotta mix
zucchini or squash slices
tomato sauce
Eggplant slices
Ricotta mix
zucchini or squash
tomato sauce
Ricotta mix.

Continue till your dish is full, then to second dish if you have ingredients left. End with tomato sauce then sprinkle with mozzarella 1/2 cup.
Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until hot, bubbly and browned on top.

this should make about 12 servings. I cut into serving slices and wrap firmly in aluminum foil and freeze half or more. It will keep in refrigerator about 5 days.

Hi, Sudoku Friends!

Great TOPP, June!

I took some time to read the comments on this page. It's something I have really been missing!

Heidi, it's good to hear that the dental appointment wasn't as difficult or painful as it might have been! Feel better

It's good to read that Mamacita, MizT, June, and others have improving pain levels!

MizT, the lasagna recipe sounds good.

I meant to comment on so much more, but I'm having a difficult time staying awake. We need to be up early to travel 30+ miles, as tomorrow our vet will be at her free and reduced fee spay/neuter clinic. Our cat (who will be 19 next month) is having some medical issues that shouldn't wait, so we'll need to take her to the least convenient location. I was supposed to join members of the Quartet Strings group for lunch to celebrate one of the violinist's 95th birthday. We won't be able to do that, but will hopefully be able to go to my cello lesson. It will be a busy day, so I will say, 'Good Night,' to all of you lovely ladies for now.

Sending lots of positive thoughts, healing vibes, prayers, {{{{{HUGS & JUGS}}}}} and for everyone!

Had a lovely dinner tonight with our son and daughter. It would be a long time since the four of us had dinner together. How I miss Sharon on times like that. As Neil is staying near the airport we dined overlooking Botany Bay. As we left a big orange 3/4 moon appeared out of the ocean and then followed us all the way home. Quite spectacular.

Hi all. Just here for a quick visit.

Heidi, glad all went well with the dentist and that the pain in your back is better. I can not imagine how you get so much done on the farm by yourself. I wish I lived closer and could send the boys over to help. They would get a lot out of the experience.

Mama, glad that your are getting your teeth taken care of. I still have your daughter's phone number and should call her to say hi. We have had several great conversations. I wish you would bring her the next time you visit Florida.

Theresa, I agree that the time for sleepovers at a boys house is passed, even sleeping in the sister's room.

Quick update from me. Got the prices on tires and the place I usually use is still the lowest. They will put the tires on Friday. Friday is the one day my hubby and I are both off. I am going to the dentist Friday to have work started on a crown. It will be finished three weeks later. Dylan is going also to have a cavity filled and Mitchell has a consult with an oral surgeon about removal of his wisdom teeth. They are all impacted and growing in sideways. I am hoping to delay Mitchell until winter break so he doesn't miss school. He will be taking two college classes through dual enrollment. The county pays for it. He gets college credit and elective credit for high school. He only needs two credits to graduate but will be finishing on time. He can take electives and dual enrollment. He is taking the second year of calculus as an elective.

Booked a room for Tampa for next week. We are going for one night to check out both campuses of University of South Florida. Hubby went to the main campus and is looking forward to the trip. Harley will be staying with my Sis-in-law who is a veterinarian. She does boarding so I know he will be well taken care of. He will be there two nights as we won't get back early enough to pick him up at night. Will have to pick him up next morning.

Have a safe trip Tami. Pleased you will have safe tyres. Sorry about all the dental work to be done.

My visit to the Youth Centre today was a huge success. Pictures were taken of the kids holding the kittens, and they will be posted on the Centre's facebook page. The kittens seemed to really enjoy all the attention too, and the mother had no problem with them being gone for close to an hour. One kitten did pee on a boy's hand, but he was okay with that. Now they want me to come back once a week!

Theresa,Wonderful for the children to interact with the kittens. Maybe you will finds some homes when the kittens are older.

Hi, Everyone! I hope those who have been dealing with pain are finding improvement. We had a very busy day, which started with an almost hour-long trip (each way) to our vet. It was her day at a more distant spay and neuter clinic, but our cat desperately needed to be seen. She has been on medication for hyperactive thyroid for almost a year and also has recurring cystitis. Yesterday there were several occurrences with blood in her urine. Today she was treated with homeopathic medicine for the cystitis, a laser treatment, and her weekly fluids. I suspect other families might have given up on her by now, but she is a sweet almost 19-year-old cat who sat with and watched over hubby 15-17 years ago when he had health issues. As long as she is comfortable and happy, she has a place in our home.

Sending lots of prayers, positive thoughts, healing vibes, {{{{{HUGS & JUGS}}}}}, and for everyone!

I do hope that everyone is OK. Just busy, sleeping, shopping etc. Another good washing day. I got the towels dry yesterday so I have the sheets out today. We have a quiz night tonight so I will have to make some nibblies for our table.

Just busy here today. A nice long chat on the phone with oldest daughter, then laundry day. I made it almost though without hurting, but right at the last started, so I did not fold the remainder, just loaded up and came home. I can fold the sheets and pillow cases tomorrow! Tok my meds and had a nice long nap. Still a bit achey, more sore than real pain now, that is good.

Not a lot happening here other wise. No gardening today, I will have to water again tomorrow.

June, I do hope you enjoy(ed) your quiz night. That sounds like fun and is not something I have heard of here in my area. Good luck on the prizes, even if they are not as rich as Brenda's for their quiz nights are. What did you make for nibblies? I am in need of something to nibble on myself and nothing except popcorn is available. I am not in a popcorn mood tonight.

Julie, thanks for the improved pain wishes you are sending, I think they are working! OH, I do understand how a cat can be a 'nurse cat' when someone has health issues! They are so dedicated. Al's cat never voluntarily left his side, and was most upset when I did have to remove her at night because of Al's Trach. She wanted to lie over his neck and try to purr away the cancer, and it was not from a lack of trying that it did not work! Al would get up to go to the bathroom, and tell her he would be right back, she would wait patiently for him, sitting on the back of his recliner.

Theresa, I am so glad the visit with the youth center with the kittens went so well! How old are the children whom you visited? I think it a good idea to take the kittens back for visits with them, they seemed to enjoy it so.

Tami, have a safe trip visiting colleges next weekend. Such an exciting time for Mitchell and the entire family. It sounds as if Harley will be in good hands while you are gone!

JUNE, I am glad you enjoyed dinner with your son and daughter. The big orange moon following you sounded delightful. The moon appears larger now, because it is at it's closest part of the oval, and that timed in with the full moon. Was too cloudy for us to see it here, bummer.

Time for meds and bed, I am sleepy in spite of my nice nap today, but am not sleeping near as much as I did before and am getting a lot more done here. Back to reading, too, without falling asleep with book in hand. I do believe it was some difference in my pain meds, I 'woke up' as soon as I started the refill, which was from a different manufacturer, back to one of two I usually get. I wonder what my pain doc will have to say about that?? Pretty sure my primary care doc would agree with me.

Have a good maeN, everyone, with hugs for each of you, and extras if wanted.

Hi, Everyone; it looks like a quiet day here on the site.

We had a long day of puppy-sitting today. Jeet is a 2, but a miniature schnauzer, so we still think of her as a puppy. She's very good and attentive - even responds to tone of voice.

We missed going to a concert last night - had it on the calendar for Friday night instead. We were so tired, but would have gone. It was probably best that we didn't go, but disappointing. Midori played the Tchaikovsky violin concerto with the Chicago Symphony. We were fortunate to have free tickets, so didn't lose any money - just prevented 2 other people from using the tickets.

Time to head to bed, so I'm sending the usual supply of , positive thoughts, prayers, healing vibes, and {{{{{HUGS}}}}}.

We came last in the quiz but had a lot of fun. For last we each got a small chocolate. I won a prize in the raffle. A meat tray.
Tricia, I made a fruit and coconut slice. Too much sugar for you (and me). I also made some salmon and cheese rounds. Only the rounds were square. A bit fiddly unless for something special. The bread is buttered and browned in the oven, a mixture of soft butter, garlic, mustard, parsley, capers, onto the bread, them a piece of smoked salmon, topped with a piece of cheese then back in the oven to melt the cheese.
Turned the electric blanket on before we went out. Only trouble Ken is watching the tour de France and I will be trying to get to sleep.
Sorry about the missed concert Julie.

Morning all. I am looking after the grandies while their mom has medical appointments.

MizT, the kids at the Youth Centre are between the ages of 12 and 16 I believe. Next year my oldest grandie can go there. It's right next door to us, so she won't have far to go.

June, I read your post and suddenly got very hungry!!!!!

Happy Friday all...A quick visit to say hello. Nothing much going on around here.... reading lots and not feeling any real pain, but reducing meds has led to not feeling super great, just more normal...whatever that is...but am able to do what needs to be done..... That's a good thing. Weather has been good so all in all, life goes on and that's great!
Seems as if we may mostly be on the way out of the pain and undue stress fields in our group for now, so we will go chase kittens/puppies, grandies or cows, water our flowers or whatever and rejoice..we're cool. Keep it going. Peace. ♥

Hi all. Back from dentist. Have the temporary crown in and go back in three weeks for permanent crown. Car has new tires. Just relaxing and waiting for the numbness in my mouth to disappear.

Theresa, sounds like you had fun at the center with the kittens. I am glad the kittens were a hit.

Glad to here about no major pain for my friends. Being in pain is not fun.

Gekko my friends.
Strange how the small things make a difference. Bella had her bath yesterday and my washing machine is finally repaired after 3 weeks.
Very cold westerly winds here but if you find a spot in the sun out of the breeze it is very warm.
Well back to my washing.
Luv and Jugs.

Broni, enjoy your repaired washer. After 3 weeks, I know your have laundry backed up, a lot to do now. Hope you were able to find that warm spot in the sun to enjoy being outside a bit. Stay warm, friend!

Today has been very cool here, a record, lowest high temp for July 18 on record. Our local weather forecaster who has been in Birmingham forecasting for over 30 years, said it is the lowest 'high for the day' on any July day since he has been here. Here we were in low 70's all day, a bit north of us, who got harder rains all day, they were in mid 60's all day. These are late fall temps, certainly not mid July. I enjoyed being outside this morning. Rain was falling as scattered sprinkles when I was out, but I watered everything that is under cover, then decided why not, water all the containers, just in case we did not get rain after all. We did get gentle rain from late morning till dusk, and it might continue with spotty on and off rain over night and tomorrow. So good for the plants in ground and all the shrubs and trees, too.

Tami, glad you got that temp crown in and will be OK for the 3 weeks you must wait for the permanent one. I too am happy to hear most of us have had some improvement in pain levels. I hope Heidi continues to improve, a 6 out of 10 is still a lot of pain. I hope her pain levels are lower now!

Mine are doing good now, I begin to have moderate pain about time for more medication, and sometimes can go beyond the 4 hours, not yet to the 6, in the directions 4-6 hours apart. I am happy with what reduction in meds I have been able to accomplish, and how quickly the meds are working when I do take them. big improvement, and I think due to the last pain block epidural.

Mama, glad that you are back to 'normal' and able to get done what needs doing. I am still working on that part, it is too easy to find myself back at the computer or with a book, instead of doing chores inside. It will come, I just need to make myself get up and do them. So glad yours are getting done. Is your weather cooler also? Having rain or sunshine, you just mentioned weather has been good, and I am curious.

Theresa, thanks for answering my question about ages of children at the youth center. somehow, I pictured them as younger, perhaps early school age, 6 to 12. I am a bit surprised the 12-16 year olds enjoyed the kittens so much. Some kids at that age think it is uncool to show they like anything! I am so happy the kittens were a hit with them. Nice that oldest grandi will soon be able to join them, and so convenient that is just next door. No need for grandma to walk her there and back. You can stand on the porch and watch her till she goes inside

June, sad that your team came in last at the quiz, but glad you enjoyed it. Winning a meat tray at the raffle was nice, hope it was something you especially enjoy. Having that should free up a bit of cash from the food budget for something you do enjoy. The salmon and cheese round

OH DEAR, I ran over and did not save before sending. Lets see, something to Julie about forgetting her concert correct date and how I have done the same, and about how I love to see a well trained dog, her children must have spent a good amount of time on training for it to last even at grandma's house.

Hugs to each of you, with extras. I am off to read, might even wash a few dishes, but don't count on it. Very few, they can wait till morning

MizT, forgot to thank you for the recipe is sounds delish, just my style add or remove what you want.

Hi, Sudoku Friends!

I don't know where the hours of the day go. Well, the quartet coaching and round trip back and forth was about 2.5 hours. We won't have another coaching until September, and my next week lesson has been moved to the following week. Then, my lessons with my regular teacher will start up again in September. That will give me some time to practice!

My bed awaits. Please share and enjoy these {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, positive thoughts, healing vibes, prayers, and !

How lucky can you get. I needed a script filled and remembered about 10 minutes before the chemist closed. Grabbed my handbag and car keys but when I got to the shop found I did not have my purse. Found $5 in the bottom of my bag. I decided to drop in the script and come home for my purse. As I got out of the car I noticed a
$2 coin on the ground near my car. Script cost $6 so I did not have to come home for my purse!

A cold winters day for Sydney. I have the heater on all day. That does not happen often and I have not done very much so far. I should be good and sort out some paperwork and find more room in the 'office'.
Hang in there Broni, pleased things are looking better today.
Mamacita, I hope n\'normal' is good for you. just keep improving. You and your wonderful philosophy and are important to us.

Good Morning...Happy Saturday here...and hopefully there no matter the day.
June, thanks for making me feel good, as others have, when you let me know I'm important...everyone needs to feel needed, wanted and important to those around them....It's one of the things I love most about this site...we all seem to be able to find the importance each of us shares with our words..Life's ups and downs and the manner in which we deal with them individually allows each to walk in the other's shoes.♥
June...love how you were able to find that $2 coin and didn't have to return home to get your purse. God's Angels were looking out for you I do believe.
Julie, seems as if you may get a slight break in having to run hither and yon so I do hope you can take a deep breath and relax a tad. Broni...glad to know the sun is shining for you again...hope its rays get stronger every day. Tricia, I'm with you hoping Heidi's pain also is responding to some rest and gives her more relief. Hard to do all that she must with such great pain. I am in awe...and can only wish her well.
You asked about my weather...Well first, let me say that good weather to me is when I'm comfortable..little rain during the day, mild temps and sunshine that doesn't burn..okay..boring as that may sound to some..its good for me. Now, this has been a fairly comfortable summer to me b/c there haven't been any real long, sustained hot, humid periods as we'd had last year. Maybe three periods so far where temps were in the 90's with unbearable humidity in a row, so it would give us a couple of days in between where we could sorta catch our breaths.Yet, I'd say overall while its been summer weather, it may have had lower temps than in past years. Rain and wind storms have been frequent, but again, we've also had our share of nice gentle rainfall...I suffer from Raynaud's Disease and my hands and feet are always cold it seems, and the heat doesn't affect me as much as some, so now you know that I'm not the best person to describe weather happenings...lol.Our weather guessers have mentioned I think that we've had a slightly cooler July, but it seems normal to me. Hope that serves to draw a picture for you to sorta compare. I know that you and Heidi occasionally will share weather a few days apart, and our forecast for next week is oppressively hot and stormy...so I'll keep my fingers crossed that you will be able to stay comfortable.
Take care all...Peace.

Hi, Everyone!

Broni, I hope all is well! Thanks for mentioning MizT's recipe. I must have missed it, so need to take some time tomorrow to go back and look for it.

June, you definitely went to the pharmacy with your angel! Enough to pay for the prescription and even take home some change! Stay warm and comfortable!

Mama, it is always a delight to read your posts, including your description of the weather! I hope it stays somewhat moderate and you can be comfortable!

Hoping for comfort for MizT, Heidi, June, Theresa, Midge, and others who would benefit from an abatement of pain.

Suzy, I hope you enjoyed your days back in the classroom.

Time to head to bed. I apologize if I have slighted anyone by not responding to a post. I hope you are all well and comfortable! Positive thoughts, healing vibes, prayers, {{{{{HUGS & JUGS}}}}}, and for all!

Gooday all.
I am so far behind with making individual comments, so I will only make a few.
Yes, the weather seems to be a bit unusual in many places, just in need of some rain here. The cold and wind, has been a little bit of a shock when it comes on suddenly, but nothing too extreme. Most days here are really lovely.
It is good to hear, that many whom have had continued pain problems, are now feeling a little better.
I have asked before, but would like to know if anyone knows how Cynthia is?
Love to you all

Hi Nola,
Tried to phone Cyn yesterday but have seen her post on TOS. Did not get a chance to call back today as have been doing my friends book work all day.
Luv and Jugs my friends.

I think Cyn is OK. They have not been able to find out what caused her problems.
Went out today and ended up at Broni Beach with fish and chips. It was not as cold as yesterday but there was a very large surf. With all the warnings there were still people out surfing and people standing on rocks. I made sure I would be warm and wore my snow shoes and socks. I bought them when we took Sharon and Laura to the snow three years ago.

Greetings, All! Goodness, the day slips away quickly. I really can't account for all the time.

Hi, Nola, Broni, and June! Seems so many of us are busy these days! I guess that's good! Sending prayers, positive thoughts, healing vibes, {{{{{HUGS and JUGS}}}}}, and to be shared by all!

Cyn posted on TOS and has forgotten her password hehe!

If Cyn sends Gath a message he will Email her back her password.
I had thoughts of trying to bowl tomorrow but this morning my hands were not working very well so I have given that thought away. I could not have even held a bowl in my hand, let alone bowl it. One more week before I see the specialist again.