Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

Honour and cherish the light and love that emanates from within. (from my soul book).
Heidi, we will keep you both in our thoughts until gets a full diagnosis. you do not need him being ill. I do not think he would make a very good patient.

Went to the visitation this evening. JT is in shock still. I don't think he was really aware of anybody being there. The funeral is at 2pm tomorrow.
Listening to Gil talking to people, I can tell that he's seriously worried about that spot/cyst/lump in his lung. He now says that it's been bothering him for a couple of years!!!! SO WHY HASN'T HE HAD IT CHECKED OUT BEFORE THIS, OR EVEN MENTIONED IT TO ME?????? Sometimes I really wonder about him.

Greetings to Everyone! I have quickly scanned the posts I m missed previously.

MizT, the broccoli soup sounds yummy! I'm so glad you have Tanya to help with the cooking! How are the remaining flowers?

Heidi, I hope you are feeling better after your allergic reaction. SO glad the epidural is just around the corner. Condolences on Margie's passing & prayers that thing can be set up to help her husband. Do they have children or other relatives nearby? I hope the spot on Gil's lung turns out to be nothing serious. What a shock to hear that he's telling people that it has been bothering him for a couple of years! A VERY small spot was found on my lung about 17 years ago. It was determined that it was connected to growing up along the Mississippi River. There has never been a follow-up X-ray or CAT scan requested.

Nola, I'm so glad you and Paul were able to meet Mama and enjoy her company! It's also good to hear that he is enjoying the experience of cold weather. (It can be very wearing when it lasts for months and returns each year, as I'm sure can be said for the heat extremes you have probably experienced at home.

Mama, I enjoyed your post and cheerful wishes! It is always a pleasure to see that you have shared your wisdom with us.

June, I hope your meals at the expensive restaurant were excellent. The good company made it all worthwhile, I'm guessing!
I enjoyed your TOPP, and the thoughts about Gil as a patient. I think that would be more than Heidi would like to deal with.

Suzy, I hope the first birthday celebration was fun! Sorry I didn't see that you had mentioned it earlier. Also sorry to hear that Dana is being plagued with 'small-town-itis.' (Having grown up in a town of about 5,000 residents, I can certainly empathize.)

Broni, your New Year's Eve on the boat, while busy, sounds as if it might have been fun. Have you decided when you will begin your travels again?

Sending good wishes to anyone I have forgotten to mention. Also sending the usual healing energy, , positive thoughts, prayers, and {{{{{HUGS}}}}} for each of you!

Greetings friends. I have the soup warming, not as big a job as I feared it would be. Tanya brought her crock pot, I warmed small portions in the microwave then into crock pot to keep warm. The other half in the soup pot is on lowest setting on the stove, and is just warm, no danger of scorching. Now to get me pulled together, and presentable. Clean and neat is the best I can hope for hehehe.

Julie, the summer flowers are still blooming, nothing has died back yet. One night the airport weather station (only a 10 minuet drive from me) reported well below freezing, but not here. There is so much asphalt, concrete and brick, a heat sink that radiated back it's heat over night and the plants were fine. The ornamental kale is so pretty, pansies blooming, some mums in bloom, and the geraniums and begonias still in bloom. There are blooms first time on the Fatsia, that grows in large containers in the deep shade garden, under the cross walk between buildings. First year for them to bloom, and unusual blooms, too. I gave all the containers a nice drink yesterday afternoon, was warm enough to be playing with water. Only sloshed a bit on my shoe, none on my clothing, I did good!

From my calendar today: 'Always take the scenic route.'

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

RANT!
I am so disappointed. We were to get Laura either tomorrow or Monday but she rang last night and said Belinda could probably pick her up at her other Aunts place sometime next Friday. That day is my 75 birthday and I wanted Laura here with me. I wanted Ken to ring Laura's father last night and ask if we could pick Laura up on the Thursday (he would take more notice of Ken) and for some reason Ken would not agree. I was so upset I even took a sleeping pill as I knew I would be awake all night otherwise.

Are you sure they aren't planning to surprise you on your birthday, June? It sounds suspicious.

The funeral was one of the most moving I've ever attended. Margie was really loved by everybody. A LOT of us are really worried about her husband JT. We think he's going to give up on life without her. They'd been married 58 years, and were still inseparable. Their daughter Alison and her husband live nearby, fortunately, but I don't think that'll be enough.

Evening to all. Heidi, it's so sad to hear how badly your friend is doing after his wife's death... I do hope he will find the needed strength and courage to pull himself together since I'm sure it was what his wife would want.I also hope Gil will bear up well until more is known about his lungs...he may well be worried unnecessarily... I hope so.We do tend to think the worst it seems. Lastly, I wish I could speed your healing, or at least, the helpful epidural so that you don't have to cope with that while all of the other stuff is gong on. Glad the time is short now.
Tricia, Your flowers blooming this time of year even in Alabama sounds wonderful and I'm sure the sight is enjoyed by all. Julie, good to read your newsy post because it means you finally had a bit of time and felt up to sharing. Thanks for letting me know my post are enjoyable to you ...we all like to know when we do or say pleasing things.
I was going to write more, but must stop for now b/c I'm in pain. I took a spill in the tub showering and am black and blue, and of course sore but since I didn't hit my head or anything, I'll be okay in a couple of days...Always something... Peace.

Every one is treating me like I'm made of glass, except in the way that really matters. I need to rest my brain!

Late Night Greetings!

I hope everyone is well! Time for me to head to bed, so will try to read & post tomorrow. Sending prayers, positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, and

Suzy.... have you TOLD people how you want to be treated?

I leave for the epidural in 51 hours.

Hi, Everyone!

What a delight, MizT, to be able to enjoy flowers and plants at this time of year! Thanks for sharing!

June, I hope Heidi is right about a surprise being planned for your birthday! Otherwise, it will be such a disappointment. We'll all be keeping you in our thoughts for your birthday. In fact, here's an early birthday wish! Have a wonderful, happy, memorable day, June!

Heidi, it's so nice that Margie's many friends came together for her funeral. Hopefully they will remember JT in the coming days and weeks and find ways to include him in activities and fill some of his lonely hours.

Heidi, I'm also so glad that you are able to count downtime time to your epidural in hours. I don't remember the time difference, since your post says 10 Jan at 3:09 AM, but assume it's now under 48 hours. Here's hoping it will be a 'humdinger.'

Suzy, I suspect Heidi is right. You may need to tell people how you would like to be treated. I hope they will soon return to a more normal (but considerate) way of treating you. We certainly don't want them to make such a huge change that they take advantage of your good heartedness. (Is that a word?)

I'm feeling a bit of accomplishment tonight, as I discarded a lot of saved emails. There's still much to be eliminated, but at least it's a start.

We have had some snow today, and hubby is out clearing it, as temperatures are predicted to drop even further. I'm about to call it a night here.

Sending the daily allotment of , prayers, positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and healing energy for everyone!

Heidi was not right about a surprise as Laura's father's side of the family would have no idea it was my birthday.
However I do have a big surprise in store as my son rang tonight and they will call in and stay the night on Thursday. It would have been nice for Laura to be here as well and then I would have had my whole family together for my birthday.
I will now have to be busy washing sheets etc. The ones on the beds are clean but have not been used for several years so need a freshener.
It is 4 years since my grandsons have stayed here.

Heidi, I am sorry about your friend. I do hope that her husband gets the help he needs to cope with his loss.
And by my calculations you leave for the epidural in about 31 hours. We will count down for you and hope that this one is a huge success.
Suzy, I am sure your whole family care about you and have your best interests at heart. Just let them know how you feel.

It is presently 1:10 pm, on Sunday. I leave for the epidural at 2:30 pm on Monday. That's just over 25 hours from now.
I REALLY need this epidural. I can only remain on my feet for a maximum of 3 minutes now.

Well, I was hoping, June. I am delighted that your son is coming, though. A 75th birthday should be a special celebration.
In case I'm laid up for it......

Greetings friends. My computer is acting up, not sure what is going on, but it will not let me stay online for very long at all. I will try to get either here or FB when I can get it to stay online, but might not be able to comment as much for fear of loosing connection before I finish.

Heidi, hope the epidural works wonders, not much you can do at 3 minuets at a time on your feet.

Suzy, I am so sorry your family is not treating you as you want. Perhaps as mentioned before, they just do not know what you need. Only you can tell them that. I do hope they listen.

June, so sorry that Laura will not be with you on your birthday. As you said, they do not know it is your birthday, perhaps they should be told? It is good that Laura has so many who love her, and want her visits, but Grandmother should have a chance on special days, I think.

Today could be the last day for the summer blooming flowers, temps are dropping all day, will be below freezing for almost 12 hours overnight. Not much I can do to protect them from that long a cold spell. I might bring in the 4 small containers, they would have to stay inside 3 nights, and not sure how many more days of good weather follow this cold spell. I do wish I had a camera, could get photos of gerenaums and begonias still in full bloom in January. I think this is the longest into winter I have ever had them still bloom.

MizT... the 3-minutes-at-a-time-on-my-feet is the reason I have a wheelchair. it allows me to get up only when absolitely necessary. But that'll improve once I've recovered from the epidural.

Hi all.
After having such an enjoyable time with Ouima and time traveling the globe, I am saddened to hear of the problems others are enduring.
Please know that I think deeply for you all and wish everyone the ability to cope with your difficult and trying times.

Paul and I are in NY, for the last 3 days before leaving for the long trip home to Oz. We have seen so much which has amazed us. Seeing sugar cane in a can,$1 frozen meals, shops that only sell candy, or signs that say 'Do not walk on ice', and there is a ladder there for a rescue. It is probably such a common occurrence here, but not for us.
Suzy...it will take some adjusting for you all to feel comfortable, between what you want to do and what family think is safe. Are you driving yet?
June...Happy 75th Birthday even if you celebrate without Laura. How disappointing!
How nice though, that you will have the Grandsons.
Heidi....unsure if the epidural is still pending,but have an awesome result with lasting results. I truly wish a good prognosis for Gil.
I just loved all your beautiful smilies for Junes Birthday.
MizT..hope you don't lose any plants during the cold snap. Except for the geraniums, begonias don't grow profusely in Qld, so I have enjoyed seeing them in London, Germany and Paris parks.
Julie...how are you going?
Paul has gone to the movies a few blocks away in Maddison Sq Gardens. Just saying that is still such a thrill, let alone, to actually be here.
Catch you later

I wish I had been up to meeting you, Nola. I really regret that.

Just a quick hello, then off to bed.

Sending positive thoughts, , prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and healing energy for everyone as we count down the hours for Heidi's epidural (just over 12 hours now, I think). I hope it's a 'doozy!'

The beds I need for the family on Thursday needed freshening. I had 3 loads of washing, sheets doonas etc on the line. It was about 35*c today so they got a good dry day. I went into the city for lunch with friends. Ken was at home. I thought I had recharged the battery on my phone so I could call to be collected from the station. The phone was dead, I just missed the bus and had to wait half hour for next bus. As I walked up our short driveway heavy spots of rain started to fall. I opened the door and yelled to Ken (who was nana napping) Did you bring in the washing?. By the time we got this very dampened washing off the line it had stopped raining! I do not think it has rained again since then. Gave a couple of things a short run in the dryer and the rest are draped around the sunroom which is very warm.
I did have a lovely lunch with some women that I started working with about 40 years ago. Most are my age and older.

It is about 6am at Heidi's place. That means 7 1/2 hours till she leaves for the epidural. I hope it gives you all the relief you need and lasts a long time Heidi.

Good Morning All: Happy to be here in time to add my voice to the rest in wishing that Heidi will have the most effective epidural yet....and to the healing of all, or at the very least, the reduction of pain and discomfort for all of us.
June, your disappointment in not having Laura with you to bring in the birthday is palpable...at our ages, it is difficult getting our entire families together in one place at the same time...and 75th birthdays are really special...so it looms as even more disappointing...sigh. I do hope something happens to change things,
Nola...safe travels to you and Paul as you wend your way back to OZ. Always good to have you visit and look forward to more time to spend together...perhaps Heidi will get to meet you two some other time. Tell Paul we are expected to have snow showers later this week, but still nothing much.
Suzy, when loved ones experience difficult times, their families become overly protective and try to keep them from more hurt...while the hurt ones seek to prove to themselves and others that they are okay....into this mix, feelings of being treated in a childlike manner are often felt, but not meant to add to the hurt. I know that you know all that has been said, and that love sometimes is all enveloping...but do as others have suggested...let the family know that you will do your best not to overdo...and then keep your promise, I think then all will be well. Come here and vent...we understand!
Life! So important, so painful, so disappointing and so very desirable...live, love and enjoy...cause one day it ends and we will leave memories...try and make them good ones for those who must learn how to deal with the many changes experienced. Peace.

I leave in just under 4 hours! I hope this one is a humdinger.


Lately, I've been wondering how Theresa is. Has anybody heard anything?

Heidi, hope this was a humdinger of an epidural and you are home recovering with much less pain.

Heidi, I would think you are having or just had the epidural. Hope it is a very successful one.
Theresa has been posting on FB. Mainly about cats.

Hoping it was a humdinger! Heidi

June. I'm sorry to hear about Laura.

I have a 40 minute socialisation limit. At 40 minutes my insides start jumping (only way I can describe it) and my brain starts cycling on 'I've got to get out of here, how do I get out of here'. Of course getting out of there is rarely simple. This is where my physical health problems get blamed and people start treating me like I'm made of glass. Believe it or not, that makes it harder to escape. Hubby took me to lunch today after taking me to the doc and only just got to finish his sandwich before I was heading out the door. Luckily he had to go back to work so I'm decompressing now.

Anecdote. Tahli wants to wash her hands all day long. If she vanishes you can almost guarantee to find her in the bathroom washing her hands. In an attempt to reduce the amount of times she washes her hands, and therefore skin damage, Dana hides the soap. Today she discovered why she keeps running out of baby wipes. Tahli is hiding in her bedroom and using them to wash her hands, face and feet!

Almost forgot. It was confirmed today that both is the things removed were BCCs.

It was a pretty good epidural.I've had better, and I've had worse. Just need to take it easy.

Just quickly stopping by after a busy day. We have a meeting tomorrow night, so had to prepare 100 membership cards & welcome or welcome back letters, address envelopes, etc.

Keeping everyone in my thoughts and sending healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, positive thoughts, prayers, and for all! I hope Heidi's epidural provides some much-needed relief!

Laura phoned tonight and asked if it would be OK if she was dropped off here on Thursday morning. I am jubilant as now I will have all my family for my birthday.
Still busy getting the bedrooms organised. The good thing about that is I was going to have to do that job soon anyway before Jane and Margaret come to stay at the end of February.

June, so glad that Laura will be with you on your birthday. Very glad that worked out for you.

Heidi, do rest and take care now, so the epidural will last as long as possible.

Suzy, huge gentle hugs to you, dear.

No more blooming summer flowers. Last two nights had about 12 hours each below freezing, no way to protect from that. I think this is the latest killing frost I ever remember.

Friend Sylvia sent me a really nice set of colored pencils, in pastel colors I did not have. I got them out last night and started a page from the Secret Garden coloring book. Wish I could color longer fore my thumb complains, but slowly but surely I will get it done.

Time to start my day, but i would really just like to curl up in bed, no ambition for today. Hugs to each of you, with extras.

YEAH, University of Alabama is National football champs. Very good game last night, the first I have watched in years.

I don't know why, June, but I had the feeling that Laura would be there.

Taking it VERY easy. The back is really tender and I don't want to do anything to compromise it.

Congats, MizT. I was cheering for Alabama over Clemson.

Winter is here, finally. I love it when the mud freezes. So much healthier for the cows.... especially this close to calving season. Muddy udders cause newborn calves to scour, causing calf losses.

I have to head out to the pharmacy to get my pain meds refill, since I'm now out. Since our monthly Cattlemen's meeting is tonight, in 1 hour, and only 1/4 mile from the pharmacy, I might as well go. If the back starts showing signs of stress. I'll leave.

Just dropping by. Our meeting ran late, so just sending wishes for everyone - positive thoughts, , healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and prayers! Good Night!

G'day to all...What a beautiful day is before us, and I look forward to opening this gift and enjoying what I've been given. Hope that all of you will like your gifts too.
My first gift is one that I know I will enjoy....not having been feeling great with the breathing problems, you've heard me say that a lot...well yesterday the doctor prescribed a medicine that will help me in what seems to be the new stage of my COPD, one expected of progressive diseases..the need to keep one comfortable, rather than a fix...and it's working. This is a low level narcotic and joy oh joy...the doctors of today seem to be listening to their patients more and helping them live until they die in comfort rather than continuing unabated pain. What a great gift to have.
June...your news is great too that you will get to celebrate with your entire family...so happy for you. Heidi, your back is one that will dictate your day, so give it the gentlest hug from me to help it stay strong enough to heal and allow you to do what must be done in comfort for a long time to come. Suzy...glad your doctor was able to get to 90% removal and new skin grafting...also glad he was honest enough to warn you that there may be more to com, so be prepared. Julie, you amaze with never failing to offer your loving wishes no matter the little rest you find...thank you. Tricia..congrats on the football championship and keeping the beauty flowing for all where you live..so nice when we are able to add to the joy. For everyone else...know that I care even tho your name wasn't mentioned. Peace.

Mama, I am so glad the docs have found something to make you more comfortable. COPD is a bugger of a disease, sometimes all we can hope for is comfort as it progresses. Glad you have a caring doctor who knows how important comfort can be.

Hope you enjoy the cattleman's meeting, and that your back holds up for it. Hugs to you, Heidi. When do you expect the first of this year's calves?

'Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful and magical person that you are.' Mandy Hall