Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

IH never seems to learn. His truck is in for repairs again. He was running some errands today, hauling young sheep and goats around the state. Around 5pm, he called me. He was in the neighborhood, he said, and the brake light of his truck came on. He said, too, that the brakes weren't holding well. I told him to pull off the road and not to drive it another foot until he's called AAA and arranged for a tow truck. He promptly scoffed and said that he hadn't had an accident yet, so he was gonna keep driving!!!! I told him he was a fool. He drove another 5 miles and called me back, asking for the phone number for our mechanic. He was gonna get a profesional opinion. The mechanic told him the exact same thing that I did. So he asked me to meet him where he was pulled over, so we could switch the trailer full of critters over to my truck. When I got there 20 minutes later, a samaritan had stopped and helped him diagnose the problem. The main brake line had snapped, and all the brake fluid had leaked out. So I disconnected the trailer (he was busy on his cell phone) and hooked it up to my truck. He had to wait for the tow truck (they dropped him off at home after dropping the truck off at the mechanic's) so I took the sheep and goats back home and parked the trailer in a cool, shady spot. Once he got home, I questioned him. ''How long had that brake light been on before he decided to pull over?'' ''Oh, it came on sometime yesterday!'' He had driven a couple hundred miles, up and down steep hills, since then!!!! It's hard to believe that he's still alive, and/or hasn't been maimed with that lack of sence!

At least the lawn mower is back in operation. The mower belt had snapped. But thanks to all the fertilizer the dogs put out, the lawn grows super thick and lush at an amazing rate. One week of no mowing and it's over a foot deep, and so thick that I have to go over each bit 4 times to cut it! I got about a quarter of the lawn mowed this afternoon before my back told me to stop before I stressed it. I'll work on it more tomorrow. No sense overdoing it.

Hi, Heidi! It's a good think you have good common sense, as you need enough for 2 persons! Wow! Sounds like you have a few more days of mowing ahead of you. I'm glad you stopped when your back told you to! Hopefully you'll feel better tomorrow!

Thinking of everyone who posts and/or reads here and sending prayers, positive thoughts {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, and for everyone and those they love!

Nola, if you get here before leaving for your trip, I hope you have a wonderful time!

Gooday all.
We are almost ready to go except for packing the last minute toiletries.
Leaving home to pick up Josh at about 9am tomorrow morning, then driving to Brisbane.
The flight leaves at 11.50am the following day. (Monday)
Super excited to be visiting a place that I have only dreamed of.
Coming from a small town, to cities where everything will be so huge to us, is hard to imagine. Paul, is the most excited of the 3 of us.

Heidi..hope your back is going to give you many pain free weeks, and by reading your posts, you are doing your best to make that happen, by taking things as easy as you can. Poor IH. Thank goodness that he has you, to help him out.
Julie...we will have a great time thank you. Cannot wait to meet Mamacita in Philly on her Birthday.
June and Broni...how are your holidays going? I must check your pages to see if photos are added.
There are so many others that I want to say 'Hi' to.
Suzy,Brenda,Theresa,Midge,Tami,Cyn,Lynda,Lizzy,Judy,Viv and so many more...
Suzy, I wish you could come also..You already have many memories of
the U.S.having lived there,so you could show us around some places.
How is all the family going,work and your health?
Wishing you all health and happiness, especially those doing it tough.

Let's bring SA back to the top of the list.

On top, Again. All is right in the world. Isn't it?

Hi again, DOrA!

I only have about 1/5 0f the lawn left to mow, but it's the worst area. The grass is lush and nearly 2 feet deep there. I'll try to get it done tomorrow, and hope the rain holds off.

Well, Heidi, today, I've mowed 1/2 mile of fence line, trying, mostly successfully, to dodge the semi-hidden stumps. An average of four passes along the line. Five foot brush hog. A few cross trails, to boot. It will definitely be easier when I get the stumps ground down. And a few 'turnarounds' opened up along the way.

Heidi, you can send any rain you have back our way, we need it. Not a drop in 2 or 3 weeks. April we had too much, now everything is dry. Just wondering, when was the last time you sharpened the blades on your mower? With that thick grass, I am sure they get dull very quickly. Might make it easier to mow through if they were sharpened. Just a thought, you are usually on top of things like that.

DorA, what list? Would love to be on top but need to know where this list is

Nola, hope your trip is everything you want it to be, and that the big cities do not give you any trouble. Wishing you safe travels and lots of fun.

Julie, hello again. I agree, Heidi has to have the common sense for both of them, not sure how long Gil could survive on his own. that with the brakes was scary. Thanks for checking in, hope you have time to let us know how you and yours are all doing soon, we love to hear about YOU.

I watered everything this morning. took about 2 hours to do that, lots of containers new this year, new bigger area out by the alley.

I need to vent. I bought new plants Thursday. I did not get all of them moved to the back patio, a work table I have there till Friday afternoon. I had left them with the large container arrangement at the drive. someone helped themselves to one of my plants, a nice quart sided perennial. Why do peop0le do this? They knew it was not theirs, that they were for the garden for everyone to enjoy, why did they even think about taking it for themselves? There always seems to be one someone who can ruin it for everyone.

While venting, I heard today that someone had removed 3 of the new cushions from the patio furniture last night. One of our residents went out early with her dog, noticed they were gone, then noticed her dog taking great interest in something behind the bushes. Upon investigating, she found the three cushions back under the bushes, up against the brick wall on the property line. It seems some homeless person took the cushions to make himself a bed and slept there overnight. Our back garden is fenced, but the gates are not locked. several of our residents take their dog out early am, just after daylight. I fear for their safety if they interrupted some sleeping vagrant out there.

Hugs to each of you, with extras, till later.

Happy Mother's Day, whether your children have 2 legs or 4.

Oh, I NEED to get the blades sharpened. There's no question about that. I'm on the waiting list for the only lawn mower mechanic in the area who's any good.

DorA... I'm thinking of hooking up the 5 ft bush hog to finish the lawn with. But hooking it up might just destroy my back. Or I can hook up the 12 ft batwing bush hog, which is easier to hook up, and get the job done with a couple of passes.

MizT... the list he's talking about is on the Forum page.... the one in order of the most recent posts.

There are too many people these days who have no sense of right or wrong. If they see something unattended, it's theirs. It never occurs to them that it's for the enjoyment of others. They only think of themselves. I know about people like that. I'm married to one. Only the threat of me turning him in to the police keeps him from taking anything he wants. He's tried the ''sticky fingers'' routine, and I've made him return them. The one thing he's learned from me is that I don't bluff, unless I'm playing Poker.

Greetings, Everyone!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers, mums, moms who read this page!

Have a wonderful and safe trip,Nola. Remember, you can buy just about anything you might forget to pack.

Wow, another visit from DOrA!

Heidi, I'm glad you're making an effort to pace yourself and hopefully let the epidural last longer. I know that's hard with all the work that needs to be done to keep your farm running smoothly. I hope you can complete the mowing and rest before you need to start removing the initial area.

MizT, it must be so frustrating that someone has taken one of the plants! Do you think there is any possibility that it might be returned? You have worked so hard trying to make your surroundings beautiful! It would be nice to think that your efforts are appreciated! I would hope that a homeless person using cushions to fashion a bed would be appreciative and not harm anyone who might come across him

Time to send the nightly supply of {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, , prayers, healing energy, and positive thoughts to everyone!

Off to finish the lawn. It should be easier each time after this.

Oh yeah.... I forgot to mention that we have 4 baby cockatiels! From 2 different mothers. One mother was born here!

Hi to you all from Paris. We arrived yesterday on the train from Frankfurt. Today we visited Monet's garden and the palace and gardens of Versailles. All very spectacular. Have had trouble getting on the computer. That is why you have not heard from me.
Have a great holiday Nola.
Tomorrow we are off on a battlefield tour. We will be back in Paris later in the week.
My knee has improved but I am still using the stick as I do not want to risk it getting sore again. Off to bed as I am tired. Hugs to you all. I have taken lots of photos but wil not post any till we get home.

Correction: 5 baby cockatiels!

And the lawn is mowed! Tomorrow I'll take the mower in to get the blades sharpened.

Don't worry about getting on the internet and telling us about stuff while it's happening. Enjoy yourself, June, and tell us about it once you get back. That trip sounds wonderful!

Hi, Everyone!

I'm running on empty and need to get to sleep Sendin gpositive thoughts, healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and for everyone!

Hey! Hoo-Rah! All the 'BS' Off Topic Threads, on the Forum page, Both mine and that phone # persons, have disappeared. Sudoku site maintenance is alive and well. Thanks, Gath

Julie, don't know if that was a good wow, or a bad one, but I'll take it.

Heidi, if I tried to use a 12 ft batwing bush hog, which I don't have anyway, it would be destroyed in the first pass. Too many stumps and trees in the way. Eventually, I hope to groom the fence line to a point where I could use at least a 6' hog. The 'back thing' is something I can relate to on a personal level. I even have the ''Pet Smart'' staff trained to give me the 30# bag price on two 15# bags of dog food.

I buy all my dog food in 15# bags to save my back. It may cost more per pound, but it saves me back pain and pain killers.

I'm praying that they get the new heating and air conditioning system in SOON. We're having temperatures around 90˚F / 32.2˚C every day, and still no a/c. I'm probably loosing some weight through constand sweating.

Now in Ypes in Belgium. We are doing a. W est ern front battlefields tour. Very interesting. The US were not involved in battles in this area but Australia lost a lot of troops here in W WI. Ken is always interest ed in the logistics so wanted to come here. Free internet in our room tonight. Walking better and a bit of walking to do tomorrow. The bliste r. On my toe broke but fe else OK. I do not think I got the very special bliss ter. Band aids. I think I got these in Krakow and language was a problem. We bought prom the photo on the box. Holiday going quickly now. Go to London on Sunday. Cheers to you all.

Heidi, by my whine & snivel technique, I get the big bag price for two smaller (15 pound) bags. Hasn't failed for a couple of years, now.

Hi everyone,
I still can't believe that we are in The United States.We arrived this morning and are staying in Anaheim for the next 4 days
Off to catch some sights now. This place is HUGE!!!!

Hi, Everyone!

I just saw on TOS that MizT has tried to post here without luck, so I decided to try.

It obviously worked for me. I'll try to let her know.

Remind her to add Alabama, USA after her name.

In case anybody is interested, I'm getting a color breakdown on the baby cockatiels. The older 2, with a lutino mother and a pearl gray father are both lutinos. Of the younger 3, with a pearl mother and a gray (see avatar) father: 1 is lutino, one is gray, and, I think, 1 is either pearl or gray. That's the youngest that is just getting some down. Lutino is mostly white with yellow on head and tail and orange cheek patches. I'm not going to keep all the babies. I'll sell 1 from the older group and 1 or 2 from the younger.

I think this is the most you have ever 'said' on this page, DOrA. It's nice you feel comfortable enough to post. Perhaps Heidi can follow your lead and attempt to get 2 15-pound bags of dog food at the 30-pound price. It's certainly worth the effort. Seems you both should be able to get someone from the store to help carry them out and put them in your vehicle, as well!

Heidi, here's hoping that you AC will be installed soon and provide relief from the heat.

June, enjoy your travels. I'm so glad the walking is better, especially with a good bit to do tomorrow/today. Sorry about the broken blister, but at least there should be less pressure. Hopefully the bandage will provide the relief you need!

Hooray! Nola had arrived in the U.S.! Enjoy! Will you have time to visit Disneyland while you are in Anaheim! I hope everything you have planned will be fun and enjoyable!

It's past my bedtime, so I'll say good night. Sending prayers, positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, and for all, especially our travelers!

Quick visit. So good to see the travellers posting - I love hearing of their adventures. Great about your epidural Heidi - hope you can keep resting. We once had a beautiful grey cockatiel named Chopper - so named because he used to chop the leaves off my indoor plants because he could!!! MizT your garden sounds lovely - can you post some pictures on this site for the ones who cannot access TOS? Julie good to see you again. Ahh - Belgium and Paris - how I would love togo there again. Best wishes to everyone

Nothing done today but sleep. I think the chronic fatigue is returning.

Well, Julie, 'They' did offer to carry out the 30# bag for me. I asked if they were going to follow me home 75 miles and unload it also. They declined and gave me the ''good price''.

I've never been able to pursuede anyone to give me the 30# price for 2 15# bags. And I HAVE tried. DOrA must be cuter than I am.

testing

DorA, it does not hurt to ask for the lower price, you are proof of that. glad they give it to you.

June, sounds like you are enjoying yourself, even if you have blisters from walking so much, OUCH, I know that hurts. I hope you can find the kind of band aids you want. It is sometimes hard to keep a bandage on the area where a shoe is rubbing, it somehow rubs off the bandage too!

Heidi, does it take a 15 pound bag a day to feed the collies? I do not blame you for always getting the smaller bags since you could not count on Gil ever to help with the unloading of them.

HI JULIE, I hope you got caught up on your rest last night, and will have a few more minuets to check in tonight. thanks for dropping in to let us know you are OK.

Heidi, congrats on the baby birds, How wonderful one of the mothers was born in your sun room. Do you have any idea how many birds you have now?
are you going to sell any of your birds? Or just keep buying bigger and more aviaries for them?

Yesterday the girls came over. Tanya brought things needed to cook lunch here, and we had a very nice baked fish, wild rice, broccoli with cheese sauce and coleslaw lunch, plus a strawberry cake for desert. she left the cake here, I could not get either of the girls to take even one slice home. I am TRYING to limit how much I eat. I should call a couple friends to come down for coffee and cake that would help get rid of it.

I got roses, a nice card, a red teakettle and dishpan and laundry basket plus a folio to keep medical receipts in. I had mentioned I wanted a tea kettle, and I saw a red one at Aldis. Tanya found this one at another store, saw the dish pan also. I have a one bowl sink, so must wash in a pan so I can rinse them.

It looks like I can make very short posts, if they get long they will not go through as they have in the post, posting just as much as a page can hold. I just kept trying to post the same overly long post, although I do think I did try just TEST yesterday. Anyway, I am glad to be back, I could read while away, just not 'talk' to you.

Heidi, I have joined you in the sleep all day syndrome. I phoned the doc today, cause I at last figured out I had an earache. It had only been hurting off and on, figured it hurt when my pain meds wore off, DUH, my pain meds were masking the earache. I have antibiotic ear drops containing 2 antis, plus cortisone. I hope this clears up fore we leave on the trip. It is getting kclose now. The new outfit, beach bag, coverup and bathing suit that i ordered all have arrived. I need to start now packing all the meds and health care stuff I do not want to be without, might take more room than my clothes hehehe.

Greetings!

It has been a very long day, and we were 'double-booked' tonight. We had a meeting from 6 p.m. to (probably 10), but had to leave at the break (which was late tonight of all nights) & drive 45 minutes to my cello teacher's performance class for students. Since we all will be playing on the recital on Friday, it was my only chance to play with the accompanist. That ended after 10 p.m., then another 45 minutes to get home. I'm about to head to bed.

June, I was just reading today that duct tape is good for blisters. It's larger and holds better than many band-aids. If your blister has popped, it should be covered with a piece of gauze first, then apply the duct tape VERY SMOOTHLY over the gauze. Perhaps that will help you, assuming you can find some duct tape.

Heidi, perhaps if you use your cane while in the store to purchase the dog food, the clerk will be more accommodating. Or, try tears.

MizT, I'm glad you were able to get to this page today.

Hi, Midge!

Hi, DOrA!

Sending along a full supply of healing energy, , positive thoughts, prayers, and {{{{{HUGS}}}}}!

And now, I'm outa here.