Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but but how we react to what happens.
Not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.\
Thanks CynB for the reminder.

Starting to pick up again but still sleeping a lot of the time. I actually did a bit of work in the garden late yesterday. (after I had slept most of the afternoon). I am also starting to eat more again.

Good news, June!!! But please don't overdo it.

I still have Duke, my now 3 year old bull, and nearly 30 cows. That'll keep me busy enough.

Expecting our first hard freeze tonight. I was out before 3 pm, doing what I could for the plants. the Boston ferns came inside, to a temp spot until we can arrange a permanent winter location. I also brought in a couple of nice looking begonias and one of wandering jew. Covered some others, might help but I doubt it. Gave away 2 geraniums to a resident who said she had room for them. Better than seeing them die a frozen death tonight.

One of our older residents was all upset that the flowers were going to die tonight. She kept asking if there was not anything I could to keep them alive. I gave her cuttings of coleus and begonias, she loves to root cuttings. she grew up on a farm, and if they wanted a flower, they got a cutting or seed from someone who had them, no time or money to go buy at a nursery. She is really good at getting cuttings to root, and it makes her so happy if I give her any piece that has broken off a plant. If only everyone was as easy to please as Edith.

I did cover some of the plants with blankets, but if it gets as cold as forecast, probably will not help. I can protect plants from a light frost, but not usually from a hard freeze. You could feel the temp dropping by 3 pm, I got chilled and have not got warm yet.

June, I am glad you are eating some now, keep up the good work. I hope you enjoyed being in your garden.

I am off to have dinner, more spaghetti, yum. Huge hugs to each of you, with extras, till later.

June, I’m happy to hear that you are doing better, even if it’s not as well as you’d like for now... ❤️

A man in my town has been arrested for threatening people at emergency with a knife. A 20cm butter knife. He could do damage with that, but will probably walk away from it. Mental health? Drugs?

Grrrrr...
Daniel is short, as in only 4cm taller than Isobel. The doctor has suggested it’s diet related. Three is shattered because he is very sensitive to the fact he can’t cook as well as Dana. If it was diet related they’d have 3 short children. Tahli is often mistaken for older than she is because she is tall. Isobel is normal height. He needs to find a new doctor.

As an aside, I joke with Dana that she was tall too. She stopped growing around 12 though. Stuck at 5’3.5”. Still taller than me.

Doesn't that doctor know that children are not manufactured with cookie cutters? Each child is an individual and develops at their own rate. And THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT!

The previous place I tried to order finches from messed up seriously. They eventually claimed that their birds were in no condition to ship. If that was the case, I wouldn't want them anyways. Since then, I found some very professional bird breeders in Vancouver, Washington. They have the birds I want, and are a pleasure to deal with. I expect to hear from them tomorrow as to when the birds will be shipped. I bought 14 birds from them.

, Everyone!

What a great TOPP, June! How nice that you are getting a lot of rest, but had enough energy to get into your garden and do some weeding. I have a hunch that might be therapeutic for you, as long as you don't keep at it for too long. It's wonderful to see that you are also able to eat more, which should help! Continued gentle {{HUGS}} and and healing energy being sent your way!

Suzy, I'm thinking you're probably correct that the man with the knife either has mental health issues or drug issues - or both. Thankfully no one found out first-hand if he could do damage with that knife.

Suzy, I hope either Dana nor Three is too concerned about Daniel's height Obviously, the same food is being offered to all 3 chiildren, though none of them is being force-fed. As others have pointed out, children are individuals and grow at their own rates. It reinforces why some families have a five-year or more separation between children; it makes it far less likely that the children and their growth rates will be so easily compared.

Heidi, I apologize for my memory lapse. Not only had I forgotten that you still have Duke, I didn't realize that you still have almost 30 cows. They will certainly keep you busy during calving season! (Just for my peace of mind, how many cows did you have before selling some last time? I was thinking you sold quite a few.)

MizT, I know you are ready for the growing season to come to an end, but perhaps the frost won't be as heavy as predicted. How wonderful that Edith feels as she does and enjoys taking cuttings and rooting them. I hope they will bring her joy during the winter months! In the meantime, I hope you have warmed up!

Thinking of everyone and sending the usual good and positive thoughts, healing energy, , prayers, and warm {{{{{HUGS}}}}}!

Time for a new avatar. I should be changing them more often.

I think Three took it too seriously because even the kids comment on his cooking. What do you like best about dad? Lunch! What do you like best about Mum? Dinner! He is trying though. Dana gives him lessons. I never would have believed that he would turn into a good father. Or, at least, a father who tries very hard.

I just told her about the guy I went to school with who was about 5’6” at school, and over 6 feet 8 years later. Tahli’s extended family on her sperm donors side are over 6 feet tall. She may end up tall, but she might stop like all of us did.

Lovely TOPP June! And a good one to apply to yourself. You are to be so admired by your attitude and reactions to the adversities you have had to face!
I hope you are feeling better.

Heidi, I'm pleased to know that you are still buying birds. Every time I go to my pet store i stop and admire their gouldian finches and think of you.
Julie, is that a Christmas avatar already?
MizT, I hope your plants survive the cold weather. We have the opposite problem here, worrying about how to keep delicate plants thriving in our merciless hot summers.

Suzy, I wouldn't worry too much about Daniels height, they all develop at different times - and even if he doesn't grow very tall it shouldn't effect his life unless he's made to feel different because of it. It may be more genetics than his diet anyway!
My grandies vary in height from 6ft5in (lachlan) down to 5ft 0in (emily) - Chloe at 11 is just passing Emily in height now. Em will never get any taller.

I'm having my favourite kind of day today.
I'm meeting up with my 2 eldest granddaughters, Hayley and Maddy for a morning of shopping and coffee!

Suzy - it is definitely time for Dana to get another doctor. Doesn't he know boys have growth spurts as they go through puberty? Girls tend to grow more evenly. My 3 boys were different heights when little - no 2&3 were often mistaken for twins, but when they all hit puberty, I couldn't keep up with letting their school trousers hems down. The bottom line is - who cares how tall a person is? Height doesn't matter.
Heidi, June and MizT - sending you all wishes - hoping you all are feeling better. Lucky you CynB - I am still waiting for a sign of grandchildren - sigh!! Wishes to everyone, will stop by later and try to catch up. Dr has put me on new meds and it now turns out I am allergic to them - achilles, muscles and joints affected - having fun - back on the sticks to get around!! Cheers to all.

plants outside survived the cold, it must not have been as cold as forecast. We did have a frost, so covering the plants was a help. I gave them all a good drink of water today, a bit chill for getting splashed my an uncooperative hose, but they are all happy now. It took me a while to get warm after that, though.

Residents were given a 'holiday box' today, with enough to make a nice meal for a family. A small canned ham, boxed mac and cheese, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, and canned corn, green beans, carrots, applesauce and cranberry sauce. very nice.

Heidi, I hope your new birds arrive safely and are as advertised, or even better. How many birds to you have now?

My brother went into high school, year 9, looking like a 10 year old, he was so short and scrawny. He was bullied unmercifully by the seniors. He was hung upside down out a third floor window by his ankles, picked up and put on top of the lockers, and other pranks. But in one year, he grew so quickly that he might wear a new pair of trousers 3 or 4 times before they were too short, plus too tight in the waist. AND he ate constantly during that growth spurt. Mom was glad when school was out and he could wear cut offs. His school mates that he had not seen over summer did not recognize him when school started back, and noone dared bully him again. Everyone grows at their own rate.

CynB, Julies avatar looks like a fall wreath to me, with fall colored leaves and fruits. I do not think I have a fall avatar, and as many as I made for myself and others in the past, I do not remember how to do it now. Oh wel, I do have some Christmas ones I can use after this week.

I could not get but one of my battery operated flameless candles to work, so I bought new ones. Ordered from Amazon. I had look at them but did not see a price I liked, and a day later, get an advert for them at a very good price, yeah, Amazon. They should be here tomorrow. Love Amazon Prime.

I fell asleep in my recliner after lunch, and was very late on my pain medication. It is so much easier to keep pain away by taking meds by the clock than waiting until pain is so severe, it will take a while to catch up again. Bummer.

Hugs to each of you, as I am off for a cup of coffee and a good book. there are extras for anyone who wants them.

Hello, Everyone! I hope you are all having a good day/afternoon/evening/night! I can no longer remember the time differences between all of our locations. I guess it doesn't matter too much in the grand scheme of things.

Suzy, it's too bad Three is sensitive about Daniel's height. Nutrition only plays a small part in ultimate height at adulthood. I'm one of 6 kids - all birth dates within about 14 years, so nutrition would have been fairly similar for all of us. The boys are nearly 6 feet tall, although the one who had a severely broken leg during high school is the shortest male. The doctor said most of his growing for a year went into repairing the breaks in his leg. We girls range from about 62 inches to 66 or 67 inches.

On a somewhat related note, i was worked with a student who was very short in first grade. His mother told him he was related to a leprechaun. (I think she said it was his grandfather.) The family moved away a year later, so I don't know how he developed.

CynB, I hope the wreath avatar is appropriate for autumn. I based the choice on the colors. I need new glasses so couldn't really see specifics. I hope you, Hayley, and Maddy enjoyed your shopping and coffee! Have you started your Christmas shopping, or were you all just shopping for fun?

Midge, how awful that you're allergic to the newest meds and having issues with muscles and joints because of that! I hope that can be straightened out quickly! Here's hoping that grandchildren will be in your not-too-distant future. There's really nothing you can do or say to encourage or speed up the process, as I'm quite sure you're well aware.

MIzT, I'm glad the plants weathered the frost. I'm sure they appreciated the drink you gave them. Here's hoping you finally warmed up after the splashing you received! The unexpected nap was probably because of getting so chilled while taking care of the plants.

Hooray for Amazon and putting the flameless battery-operated candles you wanted on sale at such a convenient time, MizT!

MizT, I hope the pain medication is now working! I have not been able to convince hubby that he needs to take his according to the clock instead of waiting for the pain to take control. So far, it's a losing battle. Take care!

Wow, MizT, your brother really had to put up with some awful bullying his first year of high school. That must have been very scary for him - and for your family.

June, I hope you are feeling better and still able to get something to eat!

Heidi, I hope you're having some improvement with your ear! Looking forward to hearing/seeing more about your birds when they arrive! They must give you so much pleasure!

Thinking of everyone and sending warm and gentle {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, , prayers, and positive thoughts!

There aren't too many read or green leaves left on the trees, and only a relatively small number of yellow and brown. Winter is getting here too quickly.

Can you believe - I actually saw, and bought 'Tim Tams' at the local grocery, today.

¥es. DOrA. Walmart here carries them now.

Julie, of course it's an autumn wreath. It probably didn't register with me because it's spring here! Sorry.

You know, I do not think my family knew about the bullying of my brother until much later. He did not tell us. I think his twin sister, in same classes as he was, heard about it after the fact. But I do remember hearing about him being dangled out a window by his ankles, and being made to walk atop the lockers.

Today EP is having a Thanksgiving lunch for residents. We are asked to bring a desert to share. At our bake sale Saturday, there were 2 cakes that did not sale, I bought both of them, and will take one as my desert to share. The other will go to family dinner on Thursday. I must make my huge dish of sweet potato casserole tomorrow. Have it all ready to put in the oven Thursday morning. So I will bake the potatoes, mash them, and separately put together the nut topping. Mom made this dish using canned sweet potatoes, but ever since I once made it for her, when she was sick, and used fresh home baked potatoes, I have been asked to bring it. Our hostess, my niece Jody, loves them, and I always leave a huge portion for her. Her family not so much so she will not make this just for herself. Hummm, I think I would

Because my auto had the 'check engine' light come on when I drove it last, I have asked youngest daughter to come by to give me a ride to the family dinner. Until I am able to have auto checked out, I do not need to drive it.

Was cold again last night, but not to freezing. My sister and her son who lives next door had a hard freeze, and plants all looked cooked. sis is planting Pansies in her containers now. I have bought Pansies, but not got them into containers yet, maybe later this week.

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

I felt quite 'Off' yesterday morning At chemo in the afternoon I had a deep sleep (they had to wake me up and I felt better after that. Bit shaky this morning and that will pass. Going to a friends place for lunch.
DoA. Welcome to the Tim Tams. Not my favourite biscuits and I no not buy them. I like mint creams. Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner. That is real Thanksgiving.
Pleased your plants survived Tricia. The plant I was trying to untangle the roots is going in the bin. Too mush work for me. (It is a white miniature crepe myrtle). Bought some Hebes to put in the pot.

Hi all. Just a quick stop in.

Suzy, don't worry so much about height. Daniel will grow as tall as he is planned to, he just may hit his growth spurt later. I see a lot of 'little' boys in 6th grade who tower me a few years later.

I can find Tim Tams by me also. Publix sells them. Yum!!!

Tricia, hope the plants survive the freeze.

Dylan was my runt at birth. He was always a little smaller than Mitchell was at the same age. He caught up. At 7 years old, he was 5 inches taller than Mitchell was. He is now 6' 1' and can still add to that. He is the tallest in the house.

Good morning all!
MizT - I hope the problem with your car is easily fixed.
June - I'm glad your deep sleep made you feel better. Enjoy your lunch. Great pic of your grandson with the horse on Medium today! And I'm not a huge fan of TimTams either. I bought a pack when Anne was coming here, forgot to offer any to her when we had a cuppa. Must open them the next time the family is here or they'll just go stale.

Art class today. I now have to go and draw a ballerina. This session is to teach us how to use glad-wrap (plastic wrap) on water colours to get a nice effect on the tutu. Not hopeful for my efforts, lol!!

It seems like only yesterday or almost forever, I had my first Tim Tam courtesy of a Sudokuist who sent them to me. One of the local import stores, had 'Arnotts Biscuits', which were probably renamed, thus, for export. Regardless, they were also good...

The hound had his staples / sutures removed today. He almost drug the vet's assistant back to the treatment area. So much for 'separation anxiety'.

The brother & wife are back from China. After the flight, ya better believe, they went to bed early...

I'm very particular about my Tim Tams - they must be original! Arnott's has added 6 or so different flavours to the range, and I still prefer the originals. I find them very useful as 'energy fillers' when I know I need extra kilojoules but can't face the volume of normal food needed.

Love Tim tams, so I don’t buy them. Hubby used to pick them up occasionally. Like saltie, I prefer the originals.

June, I hope you are feeling better. Hugs!

Hi, Everyone!

DOrA, thanks for letting us know you found Tim Tams. I wonder if any of the grocery stores in my area carry them. I usually ry to avoid the cookies/biscuits aisle, but will try to remember to look. Heidi, thanks for the tip that your Walmart carries them. I would suppose that ours does, too.

June, I'm glad you had a deep sleep at chemo. That's a great way to pass the time! I hope you enjoyed lunch with your friend today! It's too bad you weren't able to untangle the miniature white crepe myrtle's roots, June. Sometimes it pays to know what things are worth struggling for and what things really aren't that important.

CynB, I hope all went well in your art class and you were able to achieve the special effect using the glad wrap on water colors. I imagine it would be quite pretty!

MizT, I hope raw Thanksgiving lunch was enjoyable. Have fun at your family Thanksgiving! The sweet potato casserole sounds yummy! I hope the cake will be, too! Travel safely!

DOrA, it's great that your pup went willingly to have his sutures/staples removed. I hope his recovery continues to go well! I hope the travelers recover from jet lag quickly!

Saltie, I have never had Tim Tams, but based on your opinion, and Suzy's, if I find them, I will get the originals.

I am headed to bed, but first, here are today's good wishes, positive thoughts, healing energy, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and

Morning all! Agreed on the TimTams. If I'm going to have one I prefer the originals. Some of the flavours are too sickly sweet like salted caramel and Black Forest flavours which I've tried when we have afternoon tea at Art. Ewww!
One of our group, who is of Greek descent like me, but a more adventurous cook, brought in home-made Baklava yesterday. Bliss!

Julie, my efforts at ballerinas and glad wrap tutus had mixed results. My first, where I had drawn the ballerina perfectly just waiting for the tutu. I messed up the tutu. So I did another tutu which was perfect, then tried to draw the ballerina around it, didn't quite get the drawing right. Ah well, I'll have another go soon.

Love and hugs to all, especially to those that need them.

I’ll take the hug today Cyn, my dog died. For a long while now I’ve been thinking it would be kinder to put her out of her misery. I’d tell myself that I’d do something when she stopped eating or asking for pats. I wish I’d been stronger. Poor baby was a mess when we found her, thanks to Gizmo, this morning. We put up things to block the sun and dribbled water in her mouth. After about a half an hour she settled some, but it was another hour until the vet arrived. She’s at peace now and out of pain.

CynB, one of our residents made baklava for the bake sale last Friday. I bought 4 pieces, still have 2 of them. Now those were just too sweet for me. Can only eat them if I have a full cup of coffee to go with, it cuts some of the overly sweet taste for me. For my taste, I think they did not have enough nuts, more would have also cut the sweet some. I have had others that are delicious, obviously not same exact recipe. Too bad you cannot combine the perfect tutu with the perfect ballerina. You will get it though, don't give up.

DORA, one of the sudokuist also sent me some tim tams. I loved them. Would not do to buy them and have on hand, I would eat to many of them! I might look for them next time I make an online Wal Mart order, and take them to Scrabble. It is much safer for me to keep chocolate in the closet there, than in my apartment. I have to REALLY want chocolate to go get them from the closet, usually save them for our game day.

One of our residents was found dead in his bed Monday morning. Cause of death unknown, and staff could not tell us if they knew. We have lost several residents this year, but for some reason John's passing has bothered me more than usual. He was a very unhappy man, found fault with everything, and I have wondered if he got so unhappy with life he decided to opt out. I later heard he had stopped one of this diabetic medications, now wonder if that was cause of death. The only way we know when someone was found dead is because the police have to investigate. Usually it is just routine paperwork, one time visit, but when we see both medics and police respond, we know what happened. RIP, John.

I have my sweet potato casserole ready to put in oven first thing in morning. the sweet potatoes tasted so good when I was peeling them. Many years ago, when I lived in rural Chilton county, I had a farmer tell me how to buy the best sweet potatoes. He said there were two different varieties grown, one were more round on the ends, like a baking Irish potato, the other kind were very pointed ends. The round ends were sweeter, more flavor. Now those are the only kind I buy. Often both kinds are in the bins of potatoes, I just hunt through for the ones I like. the flesh of the rounded ones are a darker more orange/yellow color. The pointed ends are more yellow. More than you wanted to know about sweet potatoes I am sure .

Almost time for evening meds so I am off to my recliner to try to get into sleepy mode. Not sleeping well, and still in the grips of the longest fibro flare ever, 3 weeks now. bummer.

Hugs to each of you, with extras till later.

The Tim Tams, I found were in a 'Kroger', affiliated, store...