Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

Tami..... was this Mitchell's idea to go with that massive work load, or a ''suggestion'' from the High School? Yes, you must be very proud of him, but I'm concerned that this might be too much pressure at a critical stage of High School.
Marine Science sounds like a fascinating subject. Does he have any idea where he might like to major in college, or what he wants to do with his life?

I've got my ankle wrapped so I can walk easier now. I need to head into town for feed for my birds, and that means going past the RV dealership. I can check on their progress in person this way.
IF I let friends and relatives use the RV, it'll only be to people with great driving records and a history of driving big vehicles. In that case, I refuse to charge them. You don't charge friends or family that you like. I'd just want it returned in the same condition it was borrowed in..... clean, with empty sewage tanks, and full water and gas tanks.

Now to eat brekkie, then take pain meds. ''See'' you later.....

It looks like I won't be getting that 13 year old rescue after all. The owner supposedly found a good home for him.

Heidi, the classes just happen to be what he is next in line for. He was trying to drop Marine Science for an extra elective but there was nothing available in that time slot. 4 of his classes are only offered one period a day. His guidance counselor agrees it is a heavy load and told him to try but if it got to be too much, talk to her and she would try to replace a class.

I have been reading but a bit busy to comment. The pasta salad had two Kg of dry pasta and I also made the coleslaw for Monday. I bought 4 packets ready made from Aldi and added another 1 1/2 cabbage and extra grated carrot. Both times there was chicken and green salad as well. We came in third when bowling on Sunday. Second place beat us by 1/2 point so we missed out on winning any money.
Today I get my hair cut. Slowly getting everything organised. Pruned the roses yesterday and started cleaning out the fish pond. It was VERY green. The fish (2) are in a bucket at the moment. Laura is having her birthday party on Saturday and I am icing her cake. She is having some friends at Mini golf so I have bought a chocolate cake from Saralee and will turn it into a mini golf course!

I am now not sure why I decided to make sure everything was OK with health before the trip. The Echo said my heart was fine, just a bit of wear and tear on the valves, normal for someone in their seventies. However the stress test showed a small adnormality. The heart doctor suggested more tests but when I saw my Doctor on Tuesday he said I had to lose weight and walk for 45 minutes every day and I would soon be fine. My BP was 120/70 and I do not take any medication so Dr said go and enjoy the holiday! His recommended diet: So cakes or biscuits (do not eat many anyway), no icecream, sugar, pasta, potatoes, orange juice, gapes, watermelon. High protein, low carbs! Lets hope I come home in six weeks a few kilo lighter.

June, the party for Laura sounds like fun. I like the idea of the cake. Glad you are taking care of yourself. Enjoy the holiday.

Tricia, I have suffered from hives off and on since I was about 7. Thirty years ago with teenage daughters I suffered for two years almost non stop. Nerves played a big part and a few things like surface spray and some plants would work as a trigger. My sympathy for the itching and lack of sleep.
Suzy, as the students start to realise you are demanding their respect they will start to behave better. Those next six weeks will go quickly.
Tami, glad things are going well at Target. You are certainly seeing that your boys are getting a good education and should do well in life.
Heidi, take care and hope the medication has now kicked in. I worry that you push your back too far at times which will give you even more problems as you get older. I know I would be very reluctant to lend out the RV. Very few people look after things as well as you do yourself.
Hope everyone with sick cats soon has healthy cats again. Not having any animals now makes it much easier for us to travel.
Thinking of all that I have not mentioned. Enough of me for now.

I'm baaaaack!!! Our phone company crashed for over 6 hours today. Nobody had phone, computer or TV. I don't watch TV, so that didn't bother me. I ran my errands (The RV dealership thinks my RV will be ready in the next day or two. They're still having problems with the generator overheating and kicking off after 15 minutes. They've now gotten the manufacturer involved.) and came home, only to discover the dogs going berserk under my crab apple tree in the yard. When I looked up into the tree, there were 2 raccoons in it. The dogs weren't going to leave them, so they weren't going to leave alive. So they wouldn't get killed in a horrible way (or injure the dogs) I got my gun and shot 'em both. It was quick. Life never gets boring here. I would like to get bored some day, just to see what it's like. It sounds wonderfully restful.

Morning..
it's vewy vewy vewy WET outside.. Buckets full of Rain falling...
very much needed, hopefully the dams are filling up..
unfortunately I have to go out (medical appt) very soon. I do not like driving in the Wet, especially when it is Heavy Rain!!!

Hi, Everyone! It's getting late, but I wanted to say Hello and deliver the daily dose of healing vibes, positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and prayers for everyone! Enjoy your night/evening/afternoon!

When travelling I generally travel light, about 13-15 Kgs. With all the stuff I have out on the bed I think this case will be much heavier. Slowly getting things done but I can see a lot of things I wanted to do that will still be here when I get home.

Good Morning from me to you around the world.
Weather has been fairly mild and partly cloudy for several days with spotty showers.
I've been fairly well with spotty great health marked by occasional sleepiness not relieved by naps due to a little four legged animal that doesn't like to see me nap for some reason...lol.
Getting in lots of good reading and less computer time but continue to read and enjoy when here.
Heidi, I do hope the R.V will soon be working as all wish and you have a safe trip back to Florida. As you say when finding the dogs had treed the raccoons...never a dull day at your place...I really don't envy you, nor would I be able to do all that you do...thank heaven you are blessed with your gifts.
Tricia, seems many of us have felt that old itch far too often,m so we certainly emphasize with you when its happening and celebrate when its over...just like the achyness ( is that a word?) and the sleeplessness...much mean we all have more in common than we though huh? Keep feeling better each day.
June,hoping that you and Ken have a wonderfully fun and safe trip, and don't worry about what's left undone...it will have no problem waiting for your return....and even if much was done already, you know it too will need redoing...an never ending task it is...so no fretting allowed...lol.
Rolanda...glad you are getting much needed rain, but I share your dislike of driving in heavy rainy weather too...stay safe. Tami...Mitchell's load is heavy but since he has an option to drop or change it a bit if it becomes too difficult, he may choose not to complain. Then again, it may just motivate him to do well rather than to making it easier on himself...Once in awhile those we think of as lazy, will shine simply to rebel in the eyes of those who think they will give up...It becomes a challenge...I was one of those kids and loved the challenge...With you keeping tabs, I'm sure he'll be fine and continue to do well and will feel secure in what ever choice he makes. Stay proud.
Well I think I've said more than enough for now..must keep something for another day...Enjoy what comes your way today for it may change for the worse or for the better tomorrow, but change it will even when we fail to notice. Peace.

June, doc said hives could be stress. If you count high pain levels, new medication my body did not like, and a stomach virus, then I have had very high stress levels lately. Pain is better cause of the steroids, but a new round of new medications, the steroids and antihistamines. The doctor said 85% of causes of hives are always UNKNOWN. I think that will be mine

Rolanda, understand the not enjoying driving in rain. when I rode bus to wal mart other day wss most happy I was not driving home. I did not even get damp, as the driver unloaded us under the canopy here at EP. I am being spoiled here. Wish you a safe and dry trip today.

HI JULIE< bye Julie!

June, I try to travel light, but always come home with things I never used while away. Now there is an exception, if it is quilters getting together, there is not enough room for all I need to carry and I will use most of it.

my bed is calling me again, hugs friends, to each of you, with extras.

I was up for a bit this morning, but went back to bed for another 3 hours of quality sleep. Except for a headache caused by the fall, and a sore ankle, ditto, I'm feeling MUCH better now. I haven't even needed a pain pill for the back yet, today.

I hate traveling light, because I always try to be prepared for any eventuality. This is one reason I'm so enthusiastic about the RV. I can keep it packed with anything I might need. In the past, I've had people ask me, when I was visiting, if I happened to have such-and-such that they needed, and I've always been able to produce it. One time I was asked: '' you wouldn't happen to have a metal file on you, would you?'' and I pulled one out of my back pocket! I love doing that.

I just had a bizarre phone call while typing this. The phone rang, I picked it up and said ''Hello''. There was a brief pause, then the obviously recorded message on the other end said: ''Goodbye'', and hung up. Has this ever happened to anyone else?

I need to get off my overweight rear and mow the lawn. Again. It's growing at an incredible rate with all the rain we're still having.

Heidi, I have had a few of those calls. They are computer generated. They take the first call to answer and the computer tells all the rest 'goodbye'. Saved you from talking to someone you did not want to argue with.
I also take lots of 'what if' stuff. It is just that I have twice the tops, pants and shoes that I normally take. I do not think I would get on the plane with a metal file though!
I did get some Voltarin Gel as I was not sure about taking my 'Rapid Gel' horse liniment through customs in some countries and explaining that I was not a horse!
The sun is coming up to a clear sky. Have to get the fish pond ready to return the fish and get more water into the garden as the rain yesterday was not enough.

Beautiful blue skies and sunny weather but those dang westerly winds have arrived as they always do in August. Sure Cyn can explain better than me about the Ekka(biggest annual agricultural show of Queensland) and the cold westerly winds since she is a local.
On my 3 days off now, bit more accounting work to do for my friend then the rest of time is mine and Bella's. I have already taken her for a walk this morning as she was bouncing off the walls with energy. Now snoring lightly.
It is so peaceful in my neck of the woods, even though I live in the suburbs most times all I can hear is the rustling of the trees in the wind and the birds singing.
Not sure if I told you one of my 6x6 foot gates came crashing to the ground last weekend, fortunately a handyman friend of mine came to the rescue otherwise I would not have been able to get my car out.
Well this is me procrastinating about doing more book work.
Luv and Hugs to you all.

It was the Wettest August Day in 10 years

Morning everyone.
a much better day today, still overcast and wet...

June.. when do you leave for your holiday?

So much for mowing the lawn. I fell back asleep and woke up after 9 pm. I think the body is making up for lost sleep from when I was hurting so much.

Rolanda.... I think June is leaving tomorrow.

Broni.... You're a dedicated friend, doing book work for her on your day off.

Bugger, don't you hate it when you flip to the next page forgetting that means your post is gone....

JUNE, have you used the voltarin gel before? I am so glad to know it is available in Oz, for some other Aussie friends.

I swear by it. that is another thing I keep in my chair. I was once able to let a patient who was in severe fibro pain at the doc's have the little remainder in that tube. NO, I do not give medication to anyone, so I would not be liable, but I put it on the table beside her. It was her choice to use someone's medication. she had been prescribed same, but run out.

It is good for more than it has been tested for, that is for true and for real. Last night I had a rather long SOB episode. It is like trying to breathe through a straw instead of a garden hose. Of course, to get enough oxygen, you are going to work very hard . Muscles in chest and back were screaming at me. I got my tube of Voltarin, and knocked on the door of my next door neighbor. When she opened the door, I just said 'I NEED HELP'. My face must have been a mess, red, swollen, she really looked shocked to see me. Briefly mentioned hives, edema, anti-infmamatory topical drug. She was once a firefighter and although not a paramedic, had some extensive first aid training. Asked her to rub back over those sore muscles. In about 10 minutes, was getting relief from that, within half an hour the flare had subsided, they last about that long, and I was able to go to sleep. I did sleep 10 or 11 hours, boy that was good! I do hope the Voltarin will help with any minor problems you have, and no major problems pop up.

Heidi, you and I are so very alike with the be prepared. I had black electricians tape and knew just where it was when the medical equipment techs were here and neither of them had any in tool kit. I also had a small hammer that they did not, but he used the side of a wrench. I have a flashlight I keep now in my chair, formerly in my walker, and used it during both of our power outages. Even staff did not have one on their person. One male resident has a tiny 'find the keyhole' light on his key chain.

OK< I am going to post now fore it gets too long. More in a bit. So nice to have all of you to talk to in the wee hours of the morning. I could not stay in bed, harder to breathe there than sitting.

Tami, I would be a proud mommy too! I'm sure he'll find a way to make it work, but if it isn't, I hope he's brave enough to say so.

June, I'm glad you get to go to Laura's party before you go, though it is yet another thing to have on your todo list. Don't forget to take a photo of the cake!! I think that will be a lot of fun!

Mamacita, wishing you wonderful books worth your time, long peaceful sleeps and good food and friends.

MizT, a stressor you didn't mention is the people you share spaces with. Having to worry about people taking your wash out of the machine, over-watering or moving to unsuitable areas plants you have placed with love, demands on your time which, although pleasant, are still demands on your time. etc etc etc

Broni, hope you can whip through the accounting work you have to do and really enjoy your time off.

Rolanda, I hope a bunch of that rain fell over the catchment areas and your dams are filling up!

I suspect if I had a walker or wheelchair I would be similarly outfitted. You should see my 'school bag'!! It weighs a tonne - spare paper, pens, pencils, whiteboard markers, notes... you name it, it's in there. I don't think it has a hammer though - bit risky, either the kids could get a hold of it and get up to mischief or I could lose it one day and bop one of them on the head!

MizT, I'm so glad your neighbour was willing and able to help and that you were able to get enough relief to sleep more.

June would know. Can we get Voltaren gel without a prescription? I see it advertised to I think so, but you never know these days. All sorts of things are advertised.

I'm taking the night off. I want to get a bunch done this weekend to take the pressure off during the week next week, but I'll have to see how I go as the house is a bit of a disaster area since I was sick last weekend.

BRONI, you should procrastinate more often. I did enjoy your post, so much more than you have had time for lately. I know Bella enjoyed the walk and now her nap. Huumm, want to take me for a walk see if it would put me to sleep? Local time is 2 AM.

Good that you had a friend who could rescue you. Was it wind that caused the gate to crash? Or old age? Or unknown? I hope there was no dammage to your vehicles. Enjoy your long weekend, get that bookwork out of the way so you can have me time.

Rolanda, glad your day is/was better. We had the rain today, flash flood warnings for a large area around me. Lucky we did not get any flood water in building again. How are the boys? Is your house everything you wanted? No surprises, good or bad? Done anything else to the garden? or is it too cold to plant.

They think lightning scrambled the brains of our fire alarm today. It went off and we had to evacuate apartments. Everyone but HEIDI and a couple others had a chance to read about that on face book. Heidi, more of my be prepared stuff paid up today. I gathered my important things, medications first, then cash, secured papers in fire safe, got purse, keys, cell phone, and went to the stair well, which is rated fire proof and where first responders would help us down. Took me 3 minutes. Only thing I could have used that I did not need was my cane, it will be added to my emergency action plan from now on. I did walk the one flight of stairs and got to my car, turned it and AC on to help with breathing.


I am using benadryl almost as one would use a rescue inhaler. I am so glad it is fast acting. at the moment the breathing is much better, easier. Ribs are still very sore though.

Time to try the bed again. If that does not work, perhaps sit up in recliner and try to sleep. The good effects of one long night's sleep has worn off. Hugs to each of you, with extras.

SUZY, just now seeing your posts, I am not ignoring you. I will read those later.

I forgot! We're planning a holiday! We don't do that often so this is a big thing.

We were going to go on a short cruise but they're all booked into next year.

Don came to me saying that we need to think of something else that we can do sooner. I said well, we need to spread mum's ashes in Moulamein.. his face fell so I continued... so why don't we spend a day or two there then head down to Melbourne (he loves Melbourne). Within an hour he had hotels booked.

Hello and {{{{{HUGS}}}}}! Take care, Everyone!

Have a wonderful, fun and safe trip, June and Ken!

HELLO ALL.
Calling in to see how you all are! All OK here.
Have a great trip June & Ken.

MizT... thanks for trying to help me keep the post.
I need more info or someone to show me how to do it.
Truly, I am thinking of you all.
Up to painting at the house but they haven't showed up for the last 2 days. Must be busy elsewhere.

Cyn..how is Col going? And what dates did you hope to have a meeting in Bris again?
Heidi..not good to hear about your ankle, but you did manage to get some sleep. Thats at least 1 good thing.
Tami...so nice to hear of a proud Mummy post.I
hope Mitchel does very well. Congrats on the other job too.

Mama...glad your computer probs are fixed. At least you had plenty of reading to do. I once became very tense without the computer but now find, I am too busy or tired to even look at it daily. When you lose posts, it just puts me off also.
Dont worry if you don't hear from me often. I will just call in occasionally with small posts.
Got to get something to eat.
Bye for now

This week has been a busy week. Eventually the new patio was started on Monday, the weather has co-operated right up until today. The one day when we didn't want any rain. It has been showery most of the day, though sunny now. Too late in the day the joints between the paving is still wet so the grouting with a polymer filler can't be done. Unfortunately the builders are on holiday for the next week so it looks as if the finishing touches will not be done until they get back. Never mind we should be able to sort some things out and tidy the garden up a little. The remodelling of the garden will have to wait until I can save my pennies again.

I hope you're planning on posting a picture once the new patio is done, Brenda. My imagination says it's going to be gorgeous.

MizT..... I feel so sorry for you, going through all those health problems. I wish there was something I could do. It's fortunate, at least, that you are where you are and not at your old place by yourself. I hope the management there does something about the water and mold problem. I suspect that it's the trigger.

Morning all - still cool and windy here in Brissie.
Nola - Col is doing okay, he has his final test on 26th - inject dye and do a CAT scan - less intrusive than an angiogram. The following week he has to see the cardiologist and if all went well with the test, he's fine for the following year before he needs another check-up.
I've been trying to help him with ways to deal with stress at work - walk away, take a break, stay calm, and he is trying to keep to that. He does seem calmer these days.

Nola - and Broni and Vicki,
Rolanda and Peter will be arriving here on 19th October and we thought we'd try to have a get-together on Sunday 20th. Because they only have a few days and there's a lot to see and do, we thought we might meet for lunch at Southbank. (could you find your way there, Nola? Even if you didn't want to drive that close to the city, there are railway stations and bus stops nearby.) The other idea was possibly The Summit Restaurant at Mount Coot-tha.
If anybody has any ideas or suggestions they would be welcome. Broni, do you know yet whether you are going away that weekend?

I'm glad to hear that Col is doing all right, CynB. I think we've all been worried about him.