Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
New-made friendships, like new wine,
Age will mellow and refine.
Friendships that have stood the test -
Time and change - are surely best;
Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray,
Friendship never knows decay.
For 'mid old friends, tried and true,
Once more we our youth renew.
But old friends, alas! may die,
New friends must their place supply.
Cherish friendship in your breast-
New is good, but old is best;
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
Joseph Parry

I'll give her a phone call, June.
((((( HUGS ))))) to you. I can't believe it's been 4 years, either.

Repairman was here, and it was a quick and easy fix, thank goodness. The fridge is running again!

The back is feeling a little tender yet, but MUCH better than yesterday. I'm back to bed now.

Good Afternoon to all...Special hugs for Midge, Julie, June and Heidi...you guys have been keeping the store open and I for one am thankful. I know it wasn't easy with what you guys are currently going through, so I especially am glad you have been able to do it. Midge...sending you a boatload of energy and hope it works for ya...no fun when your get up and go has gotten up and gone. Heidi, sending you a magnetic mattress that will allow you to rest your tender back at will...even as you do what must be done...(Don't we wish there really was something like that available?)and June, sending love and hugs and wishes for the fondest memories to come during this reflective period. To everyone else...hang in there!!! Our day is coming...Lol. Peace.

I called MizTricia. Everything's fine. She thought she left a post yesterday. The weather down there (and here) is just too hot and sticky to do anything.

I heard a strange noise outside a few minutes ago, kinda like a helocopter hovering right over the house, so I went outside to check. It wasn't right over the house, it had set down in the calving pasture right next to the house, about 100 ft from the fence around the lawn. That was quite a surprise. When I started walking towards it, they took off into the air. I wouldn't have. We have a nasty thunderstorm moving in fast. It was a bright red 'copter, and looked like it would hold 2 people. Maybe 3. Usually we see military helicopters from Fort Knox overhead. Or National Guard helicopters looking for marijuana patches.

Greetings friends. I had a lovely conversation with Heidi today, so sorry I have been
AWOL. I did write one post that did not go through, I have discovered, so it did not seem to me I had been absent as long as I have. Thanks June for raising the alarm that I was absent and thanks Heidi for the phone call.

It continues to be dangerously hot here. My sister Edna was out Monday, going to Lakeshore for exercise in the pool, and had an asthma attack. Her rescue inhaler brought relief, so she decided to just get in pool to relax in the warm water. Had another attack, this one enough to scare her friends and the staff there, they wanted to phone medics for her/ She used rescue inhaler again, phoned her hubby to come pick her up, and he took her to her doctor. He did breathing treatments in his office, and told her to go home and stay inside in air conditioning. I have not heard from her today, hope she is OK and that BIL found someone to go with him to bring her auto home. Their son who lives next door was home from work with a stomach bug, hopefully someone else was available.

I have only watered flowers once this past week, we have had after noon thunder showers about every other day. My pansies are now gone for the year. Tanya and I went out today, planned to see if any of the nurseries had anything for a replacement, but decided to lunch first. another T storm came while we were out. the restaurant was closing so we could not wait out the storm there, made a dash for the car. the rain felt like a warm shower, not as cool as it looked. We decided to come on home. I brought home what we could not eat of our meal, they serve so very much at this Oriental place, so have my main meal for tomorrow. I made a big pot of soup Sunday, so that will be for my supper. It is too hot to want to cook. Last ?Friday I cooked another steak on the grill outside. I made 4 meals from that, so other than the soup I have not cooked in a week.

Heidi, I am glad you had the RV you could plug in to have refrigeration for your cold foods. Is the fridge doing OK now? she had told me the computer in fridge just needed rebooting. I did not know a fridge had a computer, did you? Mine here is so old I am certain it does not.

June, it does seem that pup is very spoiled, waking you so many times at night. I too think you will be glad when it has gone home. Hope bowls was enjoyable for you today. I love the idea of Christmas in July for you DUGs, as much as I love turkey and dressing, it would not be so good as hot as it is here today!

Midge, hope you recover from the infusion and it does as it should and protects you from all bugs.

I need to post this before turning the page, or will loose another post. Hugs to each of you, with extras.

June, lovely TOPS for today, and so true.

Mama, good to see you here too. Is it as hot there as Heidi and I are? Today at 11 am, our heat index, or the feels like temp was already 105. Yes, we have days that hot occasionally, but this seems to be one of the longest continuous hot spells we have had. It does not cool much over night. Miserable. Staying inside with a book or the TV, and something cool to drink.

Julie, I hope you can drop in for a longer visit soon, and catch us up on what you have been doing. How is your weather? any cooler?

Heidi, how strange you had a helicopter visit today. I hope it continued to it's destination ahead of the storm. Wonder why it set down in your pasture. Did it scare the animals? Wonder if there is any way to find out who it was. If you do find out, please let us know, I will wonder about that for a while .

Hi and Good Night! No time to read. Thinking of everyone! Feel free to share positive thoughts, , prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and healing energy!

Just finished running the calves thru' the chute to deworm all, and fly tag the younger ones. We also sorted out the bulls for the end of the breeding season. I just did the brainwork and the paperwork.

Hello, folks....Yes, Tricia.... It's bloody hot here too...and humid as well. Not too much rain, just showers that pop up, but the storms when they come are fast and furiously full of lightening. I've been staying inside and playing on the puter or reading, but when I go out I've been in a/c all of the time with the exception of getting in and out of the car....And that has been more than enough to be bothersome. I really feel bad for those who have no a/c in their homes or cars. This type of weather is a killer for too many.
Jazz does not seem to be doing too well. He is really acting strangely in recent days and I don't know if it's the weather or if he is ready to leave me...I hope it's only the weather, but am unsure. I don't really know what I should do if I wake and find him gone or who I sure call if the vet isn't available...any suggestions out there?
Problems with some pain from the muscle pulls and shortness of breath continue for me, but do respond to medication....I'll be glad when they are gone completely because they are quite severe at times...oh well, some day.
Time to post or chance losing so I'm out of here. Take care. Peace.

Another hot day, another afternoon thunder shower, another achey body. Save this and read again tomorrow as we are forecast the same weather. July is always our hottest month, and it ends this week. I hope cooler weather follows quickly.

I had downloaded some adult coloring pages online, printed them and taken downstairs. Many of our residents have bought themselves coloring books and pencils, and Shannon has brought in other books and pencils to be shared by anyone wanting to color. I started one today, a fanciful owl, but quickly found that is another thing my hands will not tolerate. this one page might take me days and days to finish, working the 15 minuets before the right thumb starts to scream at me. But it is very relaxing to color, I loved coloring with my daughters when they were small.

Today I had an incoming call on my cell phone. I did not recognize the number and let it ring. Well, whomever was calling must have really wanted me to answer, and got angry when I did not, my phone locked up, could not do a thing with it. No buttons worked. I tried taking it apart to remove and reinstall the battery, to sort of re-boot the phone, and could not get it to come apart. Now just let me drop the silly thing it falls into 3 pieces. NO I did not try dropping it today, but I was tempted. I walked up to Shannon's office and asked her for help. she has younger hands than I have, and got it apart, we removed the battery, reinstalled it, put cover back on, problem solved! Strange.

That's all from Alabama today, Hugs to each of you, with extras, till later.

Belinda collected her dog yesterday and I had a wonderful sleep last night. I did not stir for about 10 hours! A sunny day but a cold wind. It was lovely having lunch (lamb sandwiches) in our sun room. I also did some of my ironing out there earlier. Cleaning lady today so my floors are nice and clean.
Sorry about the hot weather for all the topsiders. Also all your aches and pains.

Again - no time to read or comment! Will try tomorrow! Thinking positive thoughts for everyone and sending healing energy, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and !

Gekko my friends.
Still limited access to the internet but very peaceful.
Mama, we have 24 hour vets around, hope you can find one close before there is an emergency. Bella is loving her trip with us but after the cancer was removed before we left there are days I am not sure how long she has but then she rallies around and is a pup again. What will be will be.
Pete is struggling with pain more and the pain meds changes his personality so we have good and not so good days. Think we will continue to travel while we can.
Love the hot days and cool nights for sleeping.
Northern Western Australia I find strange that we are in the middle of winter but all the rivers are dry. Will be heading across the border to the Northern Territority soon and will get hotter and dryer.
Luv and jugs to all.

That's interesting, MizT. This must be the week for re-booting things... first my refrigerator, and now your cell phone.

My truck is ready again at the mechanic's! They finally found the problem that's been driving me crazy. They ended up replacing the #3 coil, whatever that means. We're off to pick it up in a little while.

Broni... I didn't realize that Pete is in so much pain. He may not be able to make a journey like this again, either. VERY important trip for everyone's quality of life. He'd be in as much pain if he was sitting at home, too, but this way he can have something to distract him instead of feeling sorry for himself. Enjoy each good day that all of you have and don't think about tomorrow. Bella will tell you when she's had enough. I'm glad she's having some very good days.

What I wouldn't give for temperatures in the 60's!

Heidi, I would be very happy with temps in the 70's, even low 80's if we had humidity down to 50 percent. I was visiting one of our residents in the other building, she needed to remove and possibly replace bandage on her hand, had surgery for trigger finger in 3 fingers. It is a bit difficult to change a dressing on her own hand, so she asked for my help./ Her apartment was so deliciously cool,. she said she keeps her thermostat at 70. I keep mine set at 68 and it is never really cool in here, just not hot. We do have different types of AC, hers in a central unit with vents into each room, all 4 of them. I think the living area even has 2 vents. Mine is one of those through the wall heat and AC things often seen here in motels. but I do have a walk in closet in the similar space where she had the AC unit sitting in her apartment. It would be hard to give up my walk in closet with shelves all across the back and down the side.

We had a recital today for the Seniors in motion class that is ending. Instructor is a teacher so only does this summers. Now I am sure most of you have seen a recital for the kindergarten set dance class, imagine that with replacing the 4 year olds with seniors of varying abilities. the exercises were mostly for sitting, so they tried to interpret different dance moves while sitting. they had a tap routine, Swan Lake ballet, and then ribbon dancing, like the rhythmic gymnastics at the Olympics, complete with costume changes that teacher and 2 assistants had to help some of the more feeble and Alzheimer residents with. We laughed and laughed. Teacher was up there calling out the moves for them when they got off course, but they soldiered on, too cute. They got a standing ovation, each was presented with a carnation, and out activities director had a dozen roses for the instructor, just as if this were a Broadway production. BTW, the only presence of cell phones were to use the camera for videos and snapshots, our audience is better mannered than some.

Scrabble girls ordered a pizza, had it delivered, it arrived just as we finished the first game. We were late starting cause of the 'show' downstairs ran into out usual time. Instead of a second game we ate pizza and chatted, lots of fun!

Hugs, it is past my bedtime. Night night

Hi, Everyone!

I have taken a bit of time to read some posts. Unfortunately, my fingers seem to be falling asleep, as I need to correct typing in about every other word.

It's so good to see a post from Midge! I hope you are feeling better! Take care!

Hi, Broni! I'm glad you, Pete, and Bella are having your long holiday. Also glad that each of you is having some good days! Enjoy those special times! I agree with Heidi (exactly what our vet told us last year with our 19 year old cat), she'll let you know when she's ready. In the meantime, enjoy her good days and your travels!

Wishing I could send cooler temperatures to Heidi, MizT, and Mama!

June, I wish I could send you some warmer temperatures!

Summer session of string orchestra class ended yesterday. We will have a 6 or 7 week break before starting the fall session. The quartet I'm in will have one more coaching in 2 weeks before a month-long break. I went to a week-long 'camp' in early July (which required LOTS of review, as I don't seem to keep the music 'in my fingers' unless i practice it daily. Other than that, we have been so busy this summer that I haven't had any cello lessons. I just have plenty of music to practice (quartet & orchestra, scales, exercises, etc.) I will be starting the next lesson book, and thought it best to wait until my regular teacher starts lessons, rather than start a new piece with a different teacher. Because my teacher is very busy in the International Suzuki organization, she'll miss about 3 weeks of lessons in the fall, so starts her fall lessons on Aug. 18. She'll probably assign a couple of pieces so I'll have plenty to practice while she's away!

It's time to get ready for bed, so I'll wish you all a good night and healing energy, positive thoughts, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and !

Yes Heidi, I gave up work, neither Pete, Bella or I will ever have this chance again.

Hi all. Just stopping in on a lazy Friday afternoon. Two weeks tomorrow I will be driving Mitchell to college. As I have workshops over the next two weeks, this is the last chance we have to get shopping done. Have most of what he needs. Will have to make a few quick trips to finish up. It is just like setting up a new apartment. Lucky me, I get to do this again in 4 years with Dylan.

Glad to see that all seems to be going well in Sudokuland. I hear the complaints about the heat, and have a few of my own. I can not live without my AC.

Yeah, today is much more comfortable outside. No complaints from me today! Humidity is way down, not sure what the temp is, but I went out to grocery and did not suffocate in the steam room like heat we have been having.

Broni, I would have made the choice you did also, if I were able. Traveling, seeing so much, no schedule to keep, do this while you can.

Julie, it seems you are due a bit of a break with your music obligations, you are really busy with all you had scheduled. enjoy the time off.

Tami, sending a child off to college is pricey, and takes a lot of time too. Hope you get everything done with ease.

Heidi, did you ever find out any thing about the helicopter, why it was there in your pasture?

Just finished a nice grilled steak! Well part of a huge one. Grill was lit for us to use again today, and it was so nice. I have planned overs for 3 more meals this week. I made a dash to grocery this morning to get the steak. Did not even break a sweat.

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

Yes, I found out about the helicopter. It was in the area spraying corn crops. It set down in our pasture to save fuel while waiting for the truck with the spray/ landing pad to catch up. Yes, the truck had a helicopter landing pad on top of it to transport it long distances. Gil saw it. I didn't. Our front pasture was a good choice. .. a large, flat, open area with no electric wires anywhere near it, and good visibility.

The brand new central air system isn't working!!! It's bloody hot in the house!

Just a quick hello and delivery of daily wishes for positive thoughts, healing energy, prayers, , and {{{{{HUGS}}}}}!

Heidi, sorry about your AC. We recently had our AC serviced and the main problem was that the filters needed cleaning.
Spent the day reading Cathy from Ontario's last book. A thriller that was hard to put down.
A lovely sunny day and tomorrow is forecast for 24*C. Not bad for a winters day!

What's the name of that book, June?

Hi All.... Not feeling too great. I've hurt my back some way or other and have been almost unable to walk due to the intensity of pain.....meds helping just a bit, but still not able to do a complete job. I'll get past this soon..doctor's in a few days, is scheduled so that I don't have far to drive. Daughter has been helpful..but how much can one do? Always something.
June, Please list Cathy's book titles that you've read...would love to check them out...especially the o ne you just finished.
Take care and know that I care. Peace.

That's just what you DON'T need, Mamacita! I hope the back pain lets up soon.

Mamacita, so sorry to hear about your back. I was like that a couple of months ago. I now were a brace when doing anything where I might twist it again. I hope that you get some relief soon.
Cathy's first two books 'Every Wickedness and 'Some season in madness' are only available in paper and I have not read them. The others are 'Safe as Churches' 'The Monitor' and 'Sympathy for the Devil'. All available on my Kindle and it is the last one that I have just finished. Cathy is working on her next book which she expects to be published in the 'fall'.

I'm about to fall asleep, so just dropping by to say Hello and Good Night, and send {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, , healing energy, prayers, and positive thoughts!

Intermission here, got up for the bathroom and cannot go back to sleep. Just had a snack and meds again, hope those work to send me back to dream world.

Tanya and I went shopping today, at a craft store. I dropped some coins on adult coloring supplies! Some for me, like a set of 120 colored pencils and another set of markers for me, then some pencils and markers to share with everyone who colors downstairs in Commons. also pencil sharpener for each and a gripper attachment to put on pencils to make them 'fatter' and more easily gripped by arthritic fingers. I had 'preshopped' online so I knew pretty much what they had. Markers were on clearance, so a great bargain, as was a zippered clear plastic case for pencils and pens. Would not hold all I have bought, but can easily take what colors I am working with on any project.

I also did a bit of flower shopping, to have something for the 2 large containers where Pansies once resided. this year, they last almost till august. I took them out a week ago, the few scraggly ones that were left.

Mama, so sorry to hear about your back pain. I understand the 'so bad I can hardly walk', and send you huge hugs along with sincere wishes for a speedy recovery. Take care to not re-injure the back while trying to let it heal. Glad that doc appointment is in the near future for you.

Heidi what is happening with your AC. did you not just recently have work done to keep house cool and comfy? I remember something about new insulation and roof or something, can you refresh my memory? for whatever reason, I hope your house is soon again cool and comfortable.

Hi Julie, Bye Julie

June, I do wish I could get cover off my AC unit, I am sure my filter needs cleaning, as does the squirrel cage fan. My house was actually cool on Friday, more 'not hot' than cool today, So glad yours is working with just minimal repairs.

Hugs to each of you, with extras, till later

HELLO TO ALL,
Just touching base ...nothing new..still far too much pain, but do appreciate the good wishes being sent...i too hope the pain decreases soon. June, I recall your experiences with the back, and of course we all know how you suffer Heidi. My limited experience just makes you stand out more with all that you do when you hurt ...I use to have a high pain threshold I was told, but you guys are off the charts I think. Oh well, I just want this to go away. Tricia, hope you are able to get back to sleep soon.
June, thanks for the books by Cathy...I had one, but haven't read it yet and ordered the one you just finished...will read both soon.
Okay, Going to check some other sites...peace.

Mama, yes, I did get back to sleep and had a good restful night with plenty of sleep, just not all at once thanks for your good wishes.

I was downstairs today in the parking lot, planting the flowers I had bought for those two containers, when Tanya came walking up. 'I did not know you were coming to visit me today.' She replied that she did not either, but had tried to phone me on both phones and I did not answer, so she came to check. I had forgotten to take cell phone with me, and I did not txt her when I left apartment, as I sometimes do, so she came to be sure I was OK. I took advantage of her offer of help, as I was getting too hot, and hurting my back, but I needed to clean up my mess. I could not leave tools, dirt that escaped containers as I was working with them, empty black plastic nursery containers and plastic sacks scattered about. Took way less than half the time it would have taken me to finish, and I perked up quickly once I got into cool apartment and had something to drink. My adventure of the day.

It is time for lunch, think I shall have some more of the steak I cooked Friday, and a big salad. Hugs to each of you, till later.

I just recently replaced the entire heating and cooling system in the house. This system is brand new. I am not happy dealing with this heat inside. Fortunately, it's still under full warranty.

I thought you had replaced everything Heidi, but was not sure. I imagine tomorrow you will be on the phone with the company getting someone out to give you a cool house again. Good Luck.

I'll be on the phone with them right after they open. It's stifling hot inside, and shouldn't be.

Hi, Everyone!

Mama, I hope your back is feeling better each day! Hopefully the doctor appointment will pinpoint the problem and help ease the situation!

MizT, you do so much for the other residents by brightening their lives with flowers! And now, coloring books, markers & crayons! I think it's time for me to get a coloring book. They really seem to be popular with adults now!

Heidi, I hope the AC company gets someone out quickly and sorts out the problem with your AC. Wishing you cooler indoor temperatures!

My bed is calling, so I'll be closing down. But first, here is the daily supply of , positive thoughts, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and healing energy!

The AC company is good. The repairman will be here in 15 minutes.

Simple fix. The filter, which was supposed to last a year under normal conditions, and expected to last 6 months here, only lasted 2 months, 4 days. Totally plugged with dog hair. Warranty doesn't cover that.

Glad it was fixed Heidi. Reminds me of our sweet little beagle. She somehow got under the house, chewed a hole in AC duct and made herself a lovely warm nest. We froze one whole winter before we found it. What a clever dog! Sorry to read about the aches and pains - hope everyone is getting some relief. Weather here is cold - actually snowed near us yesterday - first time in a decade. Have been knitting dog coats for local animal aid out of odd balls of wool and made one for our Truman (Labrador). It lasted a whole day before he found a way of getting it off and looked very pleased with himself when I arrived home from work last night. I love the way a dog can endear themselves to you even when they pull the clothes off the line, poop on your doorstep and make a mess of everything. Now knitting some beanies for my daughter to give out when she leaves work in the city (around 3.30am). There are a lot of people in her area that need a bit of help. She works at a bar on Fri and Sat nights to help with her uni expenses. Trying very hard to clean out junk from our house before I go into hospital at the end of the month - I seem to be making more of a mess. Hubby off to Sydney next week and wanted me to go too but I cannot until I finish clearing out so many years of collected c**p. Tami - Hope Mitchell's move goes as planned. I am so lucky my sons were able to stay at home whilst they were studying - I am not a good empty nester. Will get back to work - keep well everyone. Cheers.