Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

Happy New Year! Wishing you an amazing 2016!

Greetings friends and



For some reason, yesterday I felt like I had been hit by a truck. Ditched an early New Year's Eve Party at 3 pm, to play scrabble with my best buds at 3:30. First game since Mary's son passed, and knew she was not up to the larger party downstairs. Won the first game by 25 points after a three way tie late in the game, but was dead last on the second game. A reflection of increasing misery perhaps? I even trusted that Dean, the nice maintenance man had brought in the ferns as promised (well, forecast was only for 33 degrees to last only about an hour, figured they were safe enough in or out) and came home to bed. I slept a total of 12 hours, got up, had breakfast, washed dishes, got coffee to drink while watching the Rose Parade. Next I know, the parade is over, coffee is stone cold, I slept through the entire parade. One of those times I did not know just how achey I was till it got better. As I get older, pain just exhausts me.

Started taking down the tree, most decorations are off and in a basket. Body said enough, so I left it. We have about the next 5 nights forecast for freezing temps or near freezing. It is time, ferns ARE in, thank you Dean, and a poinsettia someone added to the outdoor plants. Everything else is on it's own. Begonias and Geraniums made it to January, if they go, they go.

Meds not working as they should once again, bummer. Back to recliner and heat, just cannot get warm with the sudden change in temps. Heidi, perhaps that is gil's problem, the number of degrees change, not the actual temps?

Nola, Like you, I would not go to Times Square on New Year's Eve, even if they paid me. I do hope Paul enjoyed it, an got home safely afterward.

Midge, enjoy your trip with daughter. sorry you had a nasty test to tolerate, hope no more nasties for a nice long spell. Huge gentle hugs to you.

Cannot remember what else is back one page, soI will send hugs to each of you, with extras.

OH, Thanks to Brenda and to June for the electronic card. My computer would not show them to me, but I know they were beautiful, thanks of thinking of me.

Wishing all my friends happiness and health. For those of you not on TOS this was my NYE
Well, New Year was an unexpected treat/torture! Worked my butt off on the Lady Brisbane Cruise from 4pm to 3:30am as a kitchen wench with Teresa and the wonderful crew, got to see the Fireworks from a great vantage point on the river. Thanks mate!
Also just got kicked off SA for using the B word!

Greetings of the New Year to everyone! Take care; stay healthy; find happiness in the little things.

Sending positive thoughts, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, and for all, and one last until next year rolls around!

Doing better now. Wednesday evening we went out to dinner with Don and Barb (cousins), and I ended up with a nasty allergic reaction to the food. VERY sick Thursday and Friday. Not a great way to start the new year. I've learned my lesson. No more eating out..... unless the chef can custom prepare a meal for me. And I can trust him/her not to cheat. I once had a chef promise to cook a steak for me with no pepper.... he covered it with pepper, then scraped it off hoping I wouldn't notice. I was violently ill 10 minutes later. Apparently IQ tests are not required to work in restaurants.

I had ordered Rainbow Trout.... not normally something that people cook with Mesquite, pepper, sage or nuts (my worst food allergies).

OH HEIDI, so sorry your meal out caused such a reaction. Glad you are feeling better. Had you told waiter of your allergies when ordering?

Potted geraniums and begonias seemed to have tolerated the overnight temps. But forecast continues to be worse. Now next 4 nights below freezing. No room to bring them inside, because of Christmas Decorations.

Time for breakfast and to start my day. Need to shop a bit for cleaning supplies. Old cleaning service brought their supplies, new uses clients suppies. I am running short on some things Ann needs.

Hugs to each of you, with extras, till next time.

Off to lunch to celebrate a friends 80th. I have known her all my life. My father was working for her father when I was born. Only thing it is a pay for your own meal and with the restaurant they have picked it will cost about $100 each. A lot when two of us are going.
Heidi, I think you need to take a list of your allergies and tell the restaurant you will sue them if they give you any of those foods.
Not fun when you have such a severe reaction.

Made my shopping run, spent more than I thought necessary for cleaning supplies, gee, prices sure went Up since last I bought some of these things. It is cold outside, I have not warmed back up since I came inside. Brrrr.

I found the last string of clear Christmas lights at my Walmart. One short strand I use in the window has burned out. Christmas things were 75
% clearance, not much left unless you wanted multi colored or blue lights. Bought a rotisserie chicken from the deli, that made lunch simple. Had a nice long nap, that is about my day today.

Headed back to my recliner and the book I am reading. Catch you again tomorrow. Hugs to each of you with extras.

Hi all.
Gee Heidi...sorry to hear that you had a reaction to the food which made you sick during the New Year celebrations. Hope you are feeling a lot better now.
MizT...you are busy with the garden and social life, also hope you are feeling less pain too.
June...how was your costly lunch? Nice to catch up with old friends so probably worth it anyway.
Julie...Thanks for the lovely well wishes.
Broni..what a special treat working on a cruise and getting to see the fireworks close up.

Just a quick Hello! No time to read or comment.

Sending lots of healing energy, , prayers, positive thoughts, and {{{{{HUGS}}}}} for everyone!

Paul and I will be in Philly by lunch time today.
I will let Mama know where we are staying when we get there. Catching the train.
Yesterday, we walked almost the entire length of Central Park. It was 1 deg, and a beautiful crisp morning with occasional sunshine. We loved watching the many dogs running around catching balls, socializing and having fun.
Such a busy place but probably more so in summer.
Paul is still saying 'I love this place'.
Enjoy your day/evening all.

Not A TOP but cute anyway :

START EACH DAY WITH A SMILE AND GET IT OVER WITH

W C FIELDS

Love it, MizTricia!!!

Heidi, I know you have Budgie's so you might like this story...

Budgie rescued after weeks spent outside braving Winnipeg winter.

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/budgie-rescued-weeks-spent-outdside-034415677.html

Thanks, DOrA. That's a hardy little Budgie!

A nice lunch, lots of good food and good company. As well as my friend her cousin was there as well and I also knew her and her parents from when I was young. Cost $80 each.
Light rain today so I will leave the washing I was going to do but cool enough so I should go do some ironing and other jobs.
I got a 'fitbit' for Christmas (measures steps, heart rate, calories, etc). It will be some time before I get to the 10,000 steps per day they suggest you take. I have got up to almost 6,000 a couple of times!

I did find out it takes me 7 steps from the bed to the loo!!!

Morning all!

Heidi, for me being allergic to pepper would be worse than being allergic to chocolate. It's horrible that they don't listen!

June, I got a treadmill for Xmas. Well, hubby and I did. I've flopped my way through 20 minute max so far. I say flopped rather than walked because the slight weakness in my left leg is much more obvious on the treadmill than it is walking. I won't walk on it if anyone is watching.

Nola, your holiday sounds amazing! Alie walked over 130 km in the first week of her holiday. When she got to LA family insisted on driving her everywhere.

Sometimes living in a country town is like being in high school your entire life. Dana just called me because her ex called to ask if she's pregnant because someone told him I told them she was pregnant. Rolling eyes here,

The next epidural is one week from tomorrow!!! I'm almost counting the minutes.

Wishing you all a good night, as I'm falling asleep here. Sending {{{HUGS}}}, positive thoughts, prayers, healing energy, and

Another cold night has passed, leaving blooms intact on the outdoor plants. I did bring in a few of the begonias, ones in small enough containers I could easily move. Some of the residents had taken down Christmas decorations over weekend, so there was now room in building 2 elevator lobby for 4 containers. I am sure there were many places where temp did drop below freezing, our little micro clime was not one of them

My christmas tree is down, well, it is off the table, upside down in the floor. that is how far it got fore I ran out of energy late yesterday. Tanya said she would help tidy up after she does the lunch run today.

I also cleared a trash bag of old unnecessary papers from the secretary drawers. One more drawer to go. then the chest I use for a TV stand. Might try rearranging the living area. I found the to scale drawing of the room I did before moving in. Drew out a love-seat to scale, pushed items around on paper, and it just might work. Need help moving that recliner, the love-seat is much lighter, could manage that myself. Recliner mechanism is the culprit, all that metal weighs a part of a ton hehehe.

My BIL has offered to cobble together a laptop computer for me. He is in the computer business, trying to get to retirement now, his daughter is taking over the company. Not sure I would be happy with a laptop. I have tried using others and not comfortable with the thing in my lap. I think I need a full sized keyboard and a mouse, st a desk. Well, it is in the talking stage now, so we shall see.

June, ever since I got the new 'fallen and cannot get up' button, in bracelet form, I get asked if it is a fit bit. Seven steps from bed to the loo? that just struck me as very funny. Will have to count mine, probably about the same. I know it only feels like I make a thousand trips a night hehehe.

D or A, enjoyed reading about the little bird. Thanks for sharing the article.

Breakfast is finished, time to start again on the chores.

We just had another friend pass away suddenly. I haven't heard any details yet. Margie was taken to the hospital by ambulance Sunday at 2 am, and passed away sometime last night. We're not only upset about losing her, but worried sick about her husband, who has a LOT of serious health problems. There's no way JT can live by himself.

Another long day and late night. Hoping to get here earlier tomorrow & read & post (but also have another meeting). I hate back-to-back meetings & would prefer at least a day without a meeting in between.

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

Hi All,
MizT...I was not happy about getting a laptop either, but I can keep it on the coffee table and not have to go into another room away from the A/con. Thus, it is now convenient. Getting some of your plants and flowers out of the weather, must be pleasing.
Heidi..count down to the epidural cannot come fast enough for you. Hope Margies husband remains safe after his wife's sudden passing. I suppose, it is very doubtful, that you could make it to Philly to catch up with Mama, Paul and myself. Sorry to miss you, but we hope the epidural is a wonderful success.
Suzy...I totally agree with your small town gossip getting it all wrong. Somersby on the NSW Central Coast, was the same a long time ago. Everybody knew everyone else's business. In the long run, it gives others something to talk about, but you still know the truth.
Is Alie still in the US?
Julie..always busy and you still manage to keep in touch.


It was -11 last night, Paul woke me to say he was going outside to see what it felt like. When you have never experienced temps this low, it is quite unique,after coming from the sub tropics.
Paul is having the time of his life.
June...Paul has a tracker on his phone which tells him how far we have walked. We were surprised in NY with distances we travelled both on the subway and walking. It would take us hours to go short distances because there was so many shops to investigate.
Thanks for reading.

Julie, I understand totally the need for a day between meetings. Hope the one today/tonight goes smoothly and you get home a bit early.

Heidi, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your friend and neighbor, Margie. I do hope something can be arranged for her husband's care.

the tree is down and stored for another year. I got the new string of clear lights entwined in my houseplants at the window. I just need that light this time of year. I also have my 3 battery candles with memory set to come on at dusk, when they turn off at 9:30 I know it is time for evening routine.

Last evening I sauteed 4 large chopped onions until golden brown. Yes, starting now making the triple sized batch of broccoli cheese soup. This morning I am off to Aldi's to buy the necessary cheese, carrots, broccoli, chicken stock and half and half. Was asked again to make soup for another resident's association soup lunch. This one is honoring the staff and volunteers. Tanya will spend Wednesday making corn sticks. For Christmas Joy gave her my Mom's very old cast iron corn stick pan. Joy does not cook, said Tanya should have it. I think it was offered to Joy when my sister got rid of cooking stuff from Mom that she no longer used. It only makes 7 at a time, so the oven will be going a long time to get enough made for the lunch. It is a good thing it is really cold forecast for tomorrow.

That is all that is going on here today. Hope everything is going well at your location. Hugs to each of you with extras, till later.

Most of today's laptops are Bluetooth capable so a wireless mouse and or keyboard could be an option.

I have an android tablet that is too small (7'') to be comfortable 'typing' on. The Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, I have, work great.

Greetings, All!

Good suggestion, DevilOrAngel.

Only have time for my nightly good wishes. Sending a supply of {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, prayers, positive thoughts, , and healing energy.

Busy day today. Bizzy turned one today.

I had a lazy day. It rained all day and I just felt waterlogged!
Suzy, I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating Bizzy's birthday.
Tricia, I thought you would find a laptop easier as you could move it to any table you wanted to work at. You can get a mouse for a laptop and my keyboard is much the same size but without all those extra numbers on the RHS.

another Not a TOPP:

For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.

Harry F Banks

My friend Lynn gave me a very cute calendar with lovely graphics and neat sayings. If you get tired of seeing the best ones, let me know

had a yo yo night last night, up and down all night. Never got more than 3 hours sleep at a time, but I did get a nice enough total I will survive today. How wonderful it would be to once again sleep all night.

Temps rose quickly after the sun was up today. I need to check on the blooming flowers outside, see if they made it one more night. Weather underground said it did briefly make it to 30.5 F, that would be just below 0*C. looks less than 3 hours. We shall see later. I do need to water today, hope temps continue to climb. Not fun playing in the water when there is a cold wind.

June, I only have 2 choices for a table to work from in my apartment. My desk in the bedroom and the drop leaf dining table. I prefer the desk. D or A I do have wireless keyboard and mouse, so I might make this work. I do like my large screen monitor, too. Especially when I watch the live elephant cameras from the elephant sanctuary. I need to check on the girls before getting busy today.

Housekeeper Ann comes again today. I need to finish my breakfast and get a shower.

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

Good Morning All...Happy Birthday to Bizzy from here Suzy...I didn't realize his birthday and Angelique's were so close...she turned eight on the fourth...so yes, I understand the busy day part.
Nola, her son Paul, and I spent much of yesterday together. Along with my granddaughter Reina, we were able to have a great time chatting and then going to lunch where they had a chance to eat some great cheesesteaks....a real treat. I wish I had felt more able to take them around while they are here and show off my city, but while the spirit is more than willing, the flesh is just not able. I'm glad to know however that they will find their way to doing what pleases them.
Weather is cold and much more seasonable now...but everyone is feeling so cold since we haven't really had a chance to adjust to the changes...I know we still have a lot of winter weather and maybe some bad snow storms coming, but I'm looking forward to a much milder winter than usual...hope I'm right. Lol.
Well, I'm going to play on the computer for a bit and get back to my reading...so many good books have been keeping me entertained and I want to continue to enjoy.
May all enjoy good health, good food and good companions this year and enjoy all of the blessings that come your way. Peace.

Tomorrow morning I have follow-up appointmet with the Ear specialist. Everything seems to be healed there. In the afternoon is the visitation at the funeral home for Margie. The funeral itself is Friday at 2 pm. Immediately after that, we have a retirement party for a dear friend. A busy couple of days.

MizT, I've had a lap top for years, but it sits on my desk with a full size keyboard and a mouse attached. Unless I took it to school.

Apparently I'm cr@p at the friend etiquette thing. My closest real life friends are not on any online pages and I forgot to tell them about my last hospital visit. Sigh.

Hi, Everyone! It looks like another night that is suddenly too late to read & comment. I'll try again tomorrow! Thinking of everyone, hoping all are well, and sending positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, , and prayers.

Don't worry, Suzy. Real friends understand that you weren't up to it. ... and still love you.

Gil had some tests run yesterday. They found a spot on his right lung. He's justifiably worried.

'Life is all about Plan B. Unknown'

Today is soup making day. I need to make a triple recipe of the Panera Bread Broccoli soup for our residents soup lunch tomorrow. the price of ingredients has gone up since I last made this, as have most groceries. Just happy that at the moment I can afford to donate this for our group.

I had to buy my first Rx under my new insurance plan, my pain meds. Higher than I did pay, but doable. It is some of the others that worry me, but I did manage to get a few ahead, will not have to order but one more this month.

Suzy, that is most likely what I will do, plus my big screen monitor. I am a creature of habit, this is what is comfortable for me.

I need to check the forecast, water some plants, and then start cooking soup. Takes to long to do it all in the morning, it will be hard enough to just warm it all without scorching it, If I remember from last time. this is not a soup for everyday eating, far to high in fats and calories, but for an occasional treat, it is wonderful!


Later . . .

Tanya came in before I sent this, bringing her nice soup pot. I made the double recipe of soup, thinking that the triple would not fit the pot. I thought correctly for once. Later today I will make the single recipe in a different soup pot. perhaps I can get Tanya to wash up all the dishes I used in cooking, I have run out of steam for now. Next is rearranging my fridge to store soup til the AM. Might have to take some things downstairs to the commercial fridge we were gifted this past year, for storing residents' lunches till they are picked up.

I did a taste test, soup turned out very tasty!

Hugs to each of you, till later.

Heidi, I hope they find the cause of the spot quickly, and it turns out to be something benign. Is Gil a smoker? Has he had pneumonia in the past? That is the cause of the little spot docs get all excited about on any of my chest films. Hope it is something as simple as that for Gil. Thoughts, wishes and prayers being sent your way.

They said something about it being calceous, I think. Gil has never smoked, nor has he had pneumonia. His mother did have lung cancer. They plan on doing a CAT scan next, but haven't scheduled it yet.