Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

Busy busy afternoon here. I went to grocery, got home and put away cold stuff just in time to go play scrabble. After 2 games, we decided we wanted to slice the watermelon I had in my fridge, so spent an hour eating watermelon and chatting, then cleaning up. I bring home all the stuff from serving watermelon, you know, knives and forks and salt, paper towels, then remember I have not checked mail. I went down for mail and find residents gathering for a blue grass band that was here to entertain us. So I did not stop from 1 pm till 7:30 pm. Too tired to go to sleep now. I enjoyed the day, well all but the going to grocery. I still have sacks of stuff to put away tomorrow, rather later today, yuck.

that's all folks, more tomorrow. Hugs to each of you, with extras.

I think we still have 2 more days with the plumber here before everything is flowing like it should be. We're replacing faucets and broken hoses tomorrow and Tuesday. At least the washing machine is working for the first time in 2 years! No more taking clothes to the laundromat!

My goodness, Heidi, I did not know your plumbing problems had been going on for that long. I know you will be so happy once all is working again.

Another hot and hotter day here today. Heat index is 100+ Degrees F. I will again today wait till the cool of the evening to water containers. With this heat and the breeze we have, plants dry out so quickly. BTW, 'cool of the evening' is a relative term, But when our garden drops into the shade, it is much more tolerable outside.

Nuttin else going on for today, so sending hugs to each of you, with extras, till later.

Hi all.

Heidi, two years without a washing machine? I would go nuts after two weeks!!!! My neighbor and I borrow each others when their is a problem.

Tricia, sounds like you had a really busy day. I hope it did not tire you out too much but glad that you had fun.

I am busy running to and from baseball. I will be sending Dylan the bill when he signs his major league contract in 8 years

I kinda wish we would have a break in the rain for a day or 2. This has gotten to be a bit much. It's been raining cats and dogs all day, again. I'm so glad I recently purchased several big new umbrellas. They've become indispensible. I gave one 60' diameter one to Gil, and he adores it. Two people can stand comfortably under it and stay dry.

Heidi, you can send some of the rain down my way. We are 14 or so inches below normal. Considered extreme drought conditions.

We've been having rain come down at the rate of 2' in 1 hour! It's insane.

It was a lovely sunny day and I got all the washing dry. I also got a bit of gardening done. I have to do a bit at a time.
Cool change coming through and supposed to be very cold (for us) tomorrow.
Expecting snow at Katoomba which is 72k/45m from here.

Like Heidi, we are having water problems. A week ago a leak developed in the road in front of our house. Water board came out on Tuesday and said the leak was between the mains and out meter. A digger came but they took it away again without doing anything. The leak has now become a small bubbling fountain in the middle of the road. I rang the water board again yesterday and they said it would be fixed in 4 - 6 weeks! Either we will stop getting any flow before then or the road will collapse.

Greetings friends, good to see Tami and Heidi and June drop in for a chat.

June, how terrible that the water board will not get to your water leak for so long. I think you are right, the road could easily collapse as the water washes away dirt from underneath it. I hope that does not happen. I do not understand government, wait until it is a bigger, more expensive problem to repair. Sending wishes and hopes it gets repaired soon.

Tami, do you stay for practice or make a trip to take him and another to pick him up? How long is his practice? I know it takes a hunk out of your day. Are there others from your neighborhood on his team, perhaps to carpool with so you do not have to make so many trips? Thanks for asking, no, the busy day did not do much damage. I did have a slower day yesterday to recover, though.

Heidi, your rain came down our way night. Well, not really, our t storm was one of the pop up thunderstorms that happen when the dew point is so terribly high, as it has been recently. the rain was not part of a bug system that stretched from Kentucky down to us.
I did not have to water flowers last evening. About 3 pm, we started with this drizzle, took an hour to wet the pavement, but had cooled down temps considerably. then about 5 pm, thunderstorms, with wind, lots of lightning, blowing rain against my windows, and that is unusual. Not the way the storms come in and blow. By 6 pm we had flash flood warnings. I stood at my windows and saw the flowers and trees being tossed about fiercely. I should check today to see if anything broke in the winds. Rain just does the plants so much more good than a water from the garden hose.

I am very sad today. I found out yesterday one of my friends here had a stroke and is in hospital. It was a major one, one entire side of her body. they think she had the stroke sometimes Wednesday, but she was not found till Thursday afternoon. She was not wearing her 'fallen and cannot get up' button. I know of at least one person who now is wearing hers full time since she found out what happened to Nonie.

We were playing scrabble Thursday afternoon, heard the first responders pull up, then within minuets the ambulance, and wondered who it was, sent out hopes and prayers that whomever it was they would be back home soon. It is not to be, this will take a long long recovery if she is ever able to live alone again. I do hope she makes good progress. by the rules here, a resident can be in hospital or nursing home for only 3 months before they lose their apartment here. I hope 3 months is enough for Nonie.

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

Hi all,
Hmmm, It seems as if water is now a problem for many of us...either too much or not enough... My problem remains with my utility closet that has yet to be repaired. A leak, I think from upstairs neighbors hot water heater has messed up the ceiling and carpet in mine. Now the idiot and absent manager who was to look into the matter for clarification and to determine where, why and how to the causes, is just throwing up his hands and telling me he's putting in a work order for next week. Having served on the Board of my Condo, This is not supposed to be how it works...He's just covering his stupid, lazy behind...and so annoying me. I have been playing telephone tag with this jerk since the end of May. I will wait for the fix-it guy to come out and see what he thinks. I know him well and he's a good dude. He has already looked at it for me so I'm sure he'll be of some help.
Heidi...I don't envy you all that you have had to put up with plumbing problems and lack of access to your washing machine for so long. Glad you are almost back to normal access. Now if only you could turn off the water works that are falling from the sky, I know you'd be able to enjoy a little sun and drying for awhile. Hopefully those who need some more rain will soon get their share. Thus far we've had a pretty good balance for the most part and everything is lush and green.
Having read of the joys and challenges I was meant to comment, but only a few things remain in my addled brain...one is Tami submitting a bill to Dylan for taxi service once he signs his future baseball contract and two...the loss of far too many friends closely together that June has been experiencing...That is something I can relate to more so than looking to have anyone connected with playing sports in my life right now. June...I know you feel the losses deeply, but also know that that those of us who remain are the ones who still face many challenges and that while our friends have made their transition and are in a far better place, we must carry the love, respect and consideration they provided for us to help sustain our continued journey in this hard, often ugly world and receive our joys with the knowledge that we are blessed to have been surrounded by love for as long as we have memory...May peace be with you. Tami...here's hoping Dylan signs for big money...and I know you will get your share...Lol. Tricia...keep enjoying your days as comfortably as possible in your heat...To everyone else...May your joys be greater than your challenges and you are strengthened to handle whatever comes your way with Grace. Peace.

Tricia, when I posted my comment I found your post and am sending out prayers for your friend and neighbor that she will make good progress and not lose her apartment if she isn't ready to come home. It is so sad that she had to wait so long to be found due to the help pendant not being used...it's a fear that I have since I often don't use mine either... my neighbor also lay in his house unable to summon help after a fall...he died, as a result, now this reminder. At least I do have someone checking in several times a week while the girls are away, in addition to my kids...so I do hope all will work out.
June, I had forgotten your big water problem and add my voice of concern that the ground doesn't collapse. Governments waste so much money, time and effort by not having the ability to have regular maintenance on many of the roads and highways today that we all are endangered more often than we realize....hope they are able to repair it sooner than later or that it holds up until they are able to get to it.

Mama, we were given the help buttons soon after I moved in here. I have mine on, day and night, in the shower, in the pool, all the time. I think it has been off only twice, while I was in Florida on vacation, and when I was in hospital. I just have this feeling if ever I did not wear it, that would be the day I would need it.

Very wise, MizT.

It HASN'T rained today!!!!! What a shock! But the ground is at total saturation, and feels like swampland to walk on. Mowing the lawn is impossible.

We're going out to supper in a few minutes. I love the idea of getting a night off from cooking occasionally.

This evening I heard from Nonie, from another friend who had visited her today. She has been moved from a regular room in the stroke section to Intensive Care Unit (ICU), because of a heart problem. She has chronic heart problem of some kind, I do not know if that presented with new symptoms, or if doctor wanted her where he could monitor her heart along with her stroke care. It does not sound good for her either way. I am getting even more worried.

today our heat index was up to 111*F (44C). that is unheard of for us, could be a record heat index. Tomorrow's temperature is forecast to be even higher than our 94 of today, and if the dew point does not change, our feels like will be even higher. This is dangerous kind of weather for us, being so far out of our norm. The dew point today was 78, even higher than yesterday was. You feel as if you walked into a steam room when you go outside. so glad I am not having to care for garden in this heat. The soaking rain we had yesterday should hold them a few more days.

It is late, or rather early tomorrow already, at 12:30 here. I need to get to bed and hope I can sleep. Just to upset and a bit achey on top of that to get to sleep. On nights like this I could use a sleeping pill, but if I do not fall asleep soon I will try sleepy time tea, sometime that works.

Hugs to each of you my friends, with extras.

Just popping in to say hello and let you know I have computer access again. I hope all are well! Off to bed for me . . .

Sending positive thoughts, healing energy, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and !

We went to Belinda's place today. She had a nice log fire burning while we assembled the other set of drawers we bought for her birthday. Actually the day did not feel as cold here as predicted. There was some snow at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains but that is much higher than Belinda who lives in the foot hills.

By the way none of the 5 friends who departed in the last few weeks were really close friends. Some were previous neighbours, baseball acquaintances, bridge player and the last the son of one of our bowlers and also he was the scout leader where Laura goes to cubs.

Good Morning All
June, I was happy to learn that your recent loss were not really close friends, however, the loss of so many known folks often leaves a mark. We are reminded of our own mortality and feel inpending loss that we know too well is inedival.Not the3 best feelings. Good also that you were able to spend time at Belinda's celebrating her as you finished a project together...these are the good times.
Tricia...I'll keep your friend in prayer, but do agree that it doesn't sound very promising regarding her condition. I was happy to hear that you keep your help alert necklas on just about all of the time...yes, if you didn't that would be when you'd find your need...life!!! Heidi, hope diner was fun..always good not to have to cook.
Have a great day/night all....I'm off to do jigsaws and then some more reading...perhaps even take a nap if I'm lucky...Peace.

It's so dark outside that it looks like night. Violent storm going by. We're on the very edge of it, fortunately, 'cause those in it are under tornado watch. I'm SO tired of rain, yet it's better than drought.

Glad you are on the edge of the storm Heidi. Nice sunny day here and washing on the line. I was going to wash some jumpers but I have run out of wool wash. The cold weather is predicted to come back tomorrow for a few more days!
We had the AC's serviced today. I did not realise there were filters that could be cleaned! We should now be set for the rest of winter and also the hot days of summer.

Yesterday I bought a new suitcase on four wheels. This one wheels along rather than being pulled. Works better with the walking stick. Anyone need a red and white polka dot suitcase that pulls on two wheels? I also bought a blow up foot cushion so that I can get my feet up higher. Five weeks to get organised!

Hi, Everyone! I'm running on empty today, so heading to bed.

Sending healing energy, prayers, , {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and positive thoughts!

Good Night!

June, I love the sound of your polka dot case, I imagine you can spot that one in baggage claim really fast hehehe. When I pulled down my case for trip to Florida, I found it still has a strip of brightly colored quilting fabric tied to the handle. since mine is the standard black soft sided case that is so popular, that addition has helped me to find mine, once as another person pulled it from the carousel. NOPE, not yours!

Heidi, we have had only the one big storm recently, could stand a bit more rain. I heard someone say our reserves of drinking water were lower than they would like for this time of year. I think it is more excess usage in this heat instead of drought, but either way, I hope it does not lead to water restrictions. Not that people here pay much attention to those. Too many with the 'I'll get mine, someone else can do without' attitude. I hope your rain moderates some soon.

Reports are that Nonie is still not doing well, so I continue to worry about her. Cannot visit now, ICU visitors restricted to family only, and I am not sure she has family, other than a son who has been markedly absent from her life for some time.

Yesterday was far to busy for my liking. A friend needed to go to ER, and her hospital, doctor are a far distance from us here. I drove her out, had to leave her to get back and ready for my doctor appointment. We had made arrangements for another resident to go pick her up if they sent her home. they did not, she will be in hospital til at least Thursday, seeing a specialist and having tests. Too much hospital for friends, hope they both get back here soon.

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

June, I am not sure I understand 'wheels along instead of being pulled', but if it is easier for you to manage, I am all for it!

Mama, that 'help' necklace is on all the time, unless I will be out of range long term for it to work, like vacation or hospital stay. I still wear it when I am off campus for shopping or doctors, cause I would forget to put it back on as soon as I got home hehehe. I hope now more residents will wear theirs. I need to talk to Shannon, our services coordinator, about an idea I had, an incentive for more to wear theirs. she gives door prizes when we attend meetings, I thought perhaps she could offer one just for people who had their necklace on.

The water project is now done!!!!! I'm off to hop into the shower.

Pretty late coming on tonight, but I had to calm down for awhile. Jazz and I were attacked by a big lab being walked by a young girl who couldn't hold him when he spotted Jazz and I talking to my neighbor. We didn't see them and he pulled her across the street to get to Jazz. Poor Jazz was terrified and I got knocked to the ground hitting my head on the concrete. My neighbors helped me and got the dog away from us w/o any real hurt done...I am banged up a bit from the fall and am sore...but thankfully Jazz seems okay...still a bit scared. He had a seizure last night so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he's okay. Tomorrow will let me know more. Bad night so if you pray, please add my name...I've never experienced anything like this so am shaken and will be glad to see the sun come up tomorrow. Hope all is well with everyone else.

Hi, Everyone! No time to read, except Mama's post above.

Mama, of course, you have our positive thoughts and prayers that you will feel much better tomorrow and have not repercussions! And, the same for Jazz. I hope such a frightening event doesn't trigger more seizures! Hopefully, you can both take it easy tomorrow! {{{{HUGS}}}}!

Had a busy day today, and another tomorrow with an early alarm. Hubby is in bed & asleep, and I need to do the same. Sending positive thoughts, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, and for each of you!

What a scary experience, Mama! I hope there aren't any repercussions for you or Jazz.

Dental appointment tomorrow. We're working on 3 teeth that have serious decay under the crowns. At least 2 of them have had root canals already.

Gekko my friends from the happy wanderers, just been slack and mia. Will have no internet for 3 days staying at a place called Miaree Pool, WA.
Just in town to get supplies so don't have time to read how you all are so hope all is good in your lives.
Luv and Jugs.
Broni and Bella

My mouth is very sore. I had major work done on 3 teeth. One needed work below the bone. Ow..ow...ow.

Just got back from picking up 9 peafowl chicks...1 month old each... at the main post office hub, and getting them settled in here. By picking them up at the hub in Elizabethtown, I saved them 6-8 hours of travel time. My single adult peacock (Cotton Eyed Joe) will be thrilled once he notices them.

Now to bed. It's 2:12 am.

Greetings to Everyone!

So glad you could pop in, Broni!

Heidi, I hope tomorrow will be a better day in regards to your teeth and pain from work done on them! What a relief that the plumbing work seems to be done!

MizT, good for you for wearing the special necklace! It can be a life-saver!

Hoping the rain stays only in the places that need it - at least for a few days.

June, I'm glad you were able to finally celebrate Belinda's birthday. I think I understand what you mean about the new suitcase. Does it remain vertical on all four wheels (not tipped on 2) and the wheels swivel so that you can easily guide it by the handle? So sorry you have had to deal with a number of deaths! Even if they aren't close friends or family, it has an impact. Hopefully, the water leak problem in the street can be repaired soon!

Mama, I hope the leak problem can be taken care of and soon! How are you and Jazz feeling?

Heidi, I hope all of your 'chauffeur' duties for Dylan don't cut into your day too badly. Of course, he'll remember your efforts on his behalf when he becomes a professional ball player!

We have another long day tomorrow, so I'm off to bed. Sending prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, , and positive thoughts for everyone!

The water leak in the road was repaired yesterday. They could not understand how we were still getting water. We now have to wait for he local council to repair the hole in the road.
Today we went into the city to get our visas for Brazil. It was a cold miserable day and was raining in the city. One of our coldest days for some years and I think tomorrow will not be much better.
Heidi, I do hope that your mouth soon feel better. Do some of your medications effect your teeth?
nice to see you Julie. I expect that you are still very busy. You are right about the new suitcase. So much easier and lighter to manage. Also I will not twist like I do when pulling the old case along.
Funny story with the polka dot case. It is bright red and the white dots are about 2 inches across. A couple of years ago when the luggage was coming down the chute at Sydney airport, down come the polka case and a woman picks it up and starts to go through customs with me chasing after her. Not my case. Could you imagine two cases that look like that on the same plane?

That IS funny, June! The odds are very slim indeed.

The mouth still hurts. A lot of the problem with my teeth is caused by stress. My addiction to sugar adds insult to injury with them. Since I refuse to quit drinking fruit drinks, I know my dental problems will continue.

Great to hear from you Broni - my brother and his partner are up your way doing the nomads trip. Sounds really lovely - and warm. Our weather is horrible at the moment (very cold) but probably what you would expect in Melb. Mama hope all is well with you and Jazz after your nasty experience with a the lab. Heidi I feel sorry for you - the dentist is my least favourite person. Have you tried cranberry, orange and mineral water mixed together? Makes a sweetish sort of drink with not too much sugar. we have this all of the time - get the best of 3 drinks in one. Hubby and I went to the casino on Wed and stayed in the city for the night for our anniversary. Back at work today is quite a shock. Am booked in for op end of August so I have a lot to try and get done before then. Couldn't stand coming home to a messy house again. Brazil will be wonderful June - make sure you take lots of photos for us to see. Cheers to everybody

Hi, Everyone! I'm just dropping by. We went to a concert tonight and got completely soaked walking through the parking lot to our car. The clouds just opened up. The wet clothes made the 45-minute ride home uncomfortable. I have now changed into my 'jammies' and will soon be in bed trying to warm up.

June, I'm glad the water leak has been repaired and hope the hole in the road will soon be fixed. I'm glad you have a trip to Brazil to look forward to! What will the temperatures be when you are there?

Heidi, I hope your teeth begin to feel better! The beverage Midge suggested sounds like it might be worth a try.

Midge, sounds like you and hubby had a nice anniversary celebration! So sorry it's hard to go back to work afterwards. Keep us posted about your op at the end of August so we can send some special prayers your way.

Thinking of everyone I haven't mentioned and hope all is well! Sending , positive thoughts, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and healing energy for everyone!

Greetings friends, it is the wee hours of the morning and once again I am not sleeping. Having a small shot of peach schnaps and hope that will lull me into la-la land.

Today was scrabble, we had a really good time. the July birthday party was just before our regular time for scrabble, so I spent about 3 and 1/2 hours in my chair. boy was I ever stiff once I got home. Picked up my mail and my package. I had ordered some things from one of my favorite shopping sites, everything fit, and I am happy with them. Two are for fall, but they were last years merchandise and why they were on clearance, I saved over 50% on them. I do not have to have the newest fashion, in fact I usually do not like the new fads, just more classic dressing. One item was a floor length flannel 'lounger' or gown, nice enough to wear when at home for lounge wear. I had one flannel robe and really enjoy it, so when this one was on sale, I snatched it up. another item was to add to my black and white collection, a cotton knit print b&w tunic, elbow length sleeves, with 'fishtail' hem, I really like it, will wear that next time I need to look presentable for anything. The third is a cotton blend carnigan 'jumper' khaki, to go with my khaki pants for fall. Light weight and so soft.

tomorrow is hair cut day, I hope I do not forget to go down, appointment is at 11.

We had one heck of a storm 2 nights ago, and I did not even know it had rained till I went outside next morning and saw the small limbs and leaves the wind stripped from trees that were littering our parking lot. The storm came from north to south, as did the high wind. My apartment faces south, so no wind blowing rain onto my windows. some of my friends in this building who live on the north side, said it was quite frightening, wind so strong their windows and blinds were quivering. They could see the rain patches coming at them, it would slack some then see more heavy rains approaching. this at 7:30, while I sat and watched TV, my blinds were open and I knew nothing about it.

My sister and her hubby are home, they did two day marathon drive, just wanted to be home where they had air conditioning. they had started driving early mornings, really in the wee hours, and driving until it got hot. They stopped at 3 or 4 different Chevy dealers trying to get truck AC repaired, no one had the part! Could not get the part needed. It seems as built, the part was defective, and vibration caused this part to crack and no longer function. The roads in Canada and Alaska caused LOTS of vibration, BIL had to do a check of the travel trailer every night to put back the screws that had vibrated out of items both inside and outside the trailer. The new replacement part is in short supply, and of course no one would repair it with the old part, even as a temporary fix, under the truck warranty. They got tired of trying to sleep days and drive nights and just did 1 14 and one 16 hour day on the freeway to get home. Usually th

Usually they travel the slower less traveled roads, making stops at whatever interests them, but last 2 days were just 'get us home' days. They missed a lot of the northwest USA sights they had planned to see (they went up through Michigan and then across Canada. Return was down into Oregon and then east across the northern tier of states). They drove almost 12.000 on this trip!

I found out you can have just one dreg (which spell check does not recognize), never knew dregs had a singular. I have no idea how to use it in a sentence, and found that foo is a name for temporary computer files, both words I played in scrabble. I had 4 Os, just wanted to play them to exchange them for something better hehehe.

I read and thought of you, but getting sleepy so no comments now. Sending hugs to each of you, with extras.

Started reading Tricia post, but had to go to a trivia night (came third last but only by about 9 points)and just home and finished reading. A lot of the roads in Canada and Alaska are bad because they freeze in winter and that does a lot of damage. pleased your sister is home and OK.
Midge, I hope all goes well with your next Op. I do admire you with all your health problems.
it does seem milder tonight but O boy was it cold this morning. I got up and put the heater on before we got up so the house would be warm.