Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

May the New Year bring joy, peace and happiness to you and your entire family

Thanks for the New Year greeting/TOPP, CynB! Wishing all the best in the coming year (I guess it has already arrived there) to you and all of your family!

Heidi, fortunately your message was sent to my email, as I had forgotten about our ability to get messages here. The numbers are in my phone. Thank you!

Sending healing energy to you for a full recovery from the nasties that are making you ill! We are very glad that you have such good friends living near you. Thanks to them for their assistance! Please take care of yourself. We care!

Suzy, I'm glad someone was so kind to call you as the New Year arrived for you. Hoping it will be a great improvement over 2017! Sending {{{HUG}}} and .

Poor Gizmo having to deal with a thoughtless neighbor's noisy fireworks. We know a few people who have a 'Thunder Shirt' for their dogs that are greatly bothered by loud noises. Essentially, I think it just provides a tight-fitting jacket/hug for reassurance. I suppose it's similar to some children with Asperger's Syndrome who benefit from being held/hugged somewhat tightly when they are upset.

How nice to see posts from Saltie and Broni!

Wishing ALL Sudoku Friends a wonderful, healthy, and Happy New Year! The best is yet to come!

Also sending healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, , flowers , prayers, and powerful positive thoughts!

Happy Beginning of 2018, Everyone! I hope everyone is well or improving!

Greetings friends, so glad to see that Heidi has checked in. I hope she is improving day by day. She was in ER, but was she admitted to hospital?

this is a rambling bunch of nothing to follow, you are excused if youu do not read it

I have not caught up with all the posts I missed. I did not realize it had been so long since I had dropped in here, but I had been posting a few times on TOS. Could get to TOS from my phone, but not to this site, bummer.

My dressing for Christmas Day pot luck was a hit, they scrapped the edges of the pan, not a crumb left. I have some mixed and ready to bake in the freezer. Hoped to have it when D#3, Joy, came for our little gift exchange and meal. that has not happened and I am not sure if it will. Last I heard from her, she had not shopped for me, wish she had told me sooner she did not have time to do Christmas with me, before I bought for both her and her partner.

I have spent a lot of time online looking for things that have broken or been lost. My telescoping pole plant hanger has fallen three times, the last time yesterday upsetting a newly planted basket of Kalanchoe. Cleaning that mess, rearranging plants and replanting the Kalanchoe was my day long project yesterday.

IF you get on FB, might have seen the photo I put up yesterday after I put it back together. no way to post photos here.

Anyhow, I spent 2 or 3 days looking for a replacement. Amazon did not have it, nor did QVC, where I bought it a few years ago. none of the big box stores either. I found them on E-bay, from a seller who handles discontinued items. Should get here in a week or 10 days. I can use the 'arms' from the old to add an extra hanging space to each pole, too.

Also lost and ordered were digital timers. My 2 hour one buttons would not function so I tossed it, the 99 minuet one fell from refrigerator and disappeared, perhaps forever. I spent Sunday and Monday running downstairs repeatedly checking for that timer package. It seems they did not leave it outside locked door to building, and it MIGHT be delivered today, bummer. A week with no timer showed how much I depend on those.

I also ordered books, 5 of them by same author. found those cheaper at Thrift books than on Amazon, yeah.

Knee acted up again, walking in apartment was not fun. Better now.

Outside temps for today forecast to be 'much warmer' than yesterday. Not accustomed to seeing 34*F (aprox 1 C) called warmer hehehe. We are still in deep freeze here, it has been decades since we had such an extended period of sub freezing weather. It should kill all the insects that have been surviving our mild winters.

My apartment is either too hot when heat is on, or a cold wind coming around it when I turn it off, which quickly makes it too cold. I thought a thermostat was to keep the apartment at a steady temp, not happening, and of course weekend when no one here to check it.

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

On my way to the hospital for more chest x-rays. Still having breathing problems, but am getting stronger slowly.

Thanks for checking in, Heidi. Glad to hear that you are getting stronger, even though it is only slowly. I imagine that this cold weather is not helping.
It's hard to imagine how cold it is for many of you in the US and Canada when we are suffering high temps and humidity, not to mention severe storms.
MizT, I hope the things that you ordered online show up soon. I can see the benefits of online shopping but I so often hear of parcels going astray if left unattended.

Ah well, the holiday season is over for now. Col went back to work this morning. Back to normal. Maddy is coming over on Friday to help me take the decorations and the tree down. I'm always so keen to get them up and so impatient to get them down. But I need help and it's become a family tradition - my daughter used to help my Mum, and now her daughter helps me. I love traditions like that!!

Tomorrow morning I go in for more blood tests. These are the fasting kind. It will be nice to find out what all is wrong with me so we can get me straightened out. My doc told me that at the ER, every single blood test they did was WAY off, nearly off the chart. The blood sugar was sky high (first time ever for me) and the potasium had bottomed out. All the other test were like that. So my problem isn't just double pneumonia.
Now that my brain is starting to work gain, I'll tell you all the story of Dec 18th. I had been feeling REALLY sick for a while, first the ear infection, then what I thought was the 'flu. I started getting sicker and sicker, feverish and vomiting, with bloody diarrhea. My thinking was getting worse and worse, and I was unable to dream when I dozed off. I finally relized on the 18th that I was seriously ill, and needed help. But since I wasn't thinking straight, I didn't want to incovenience any friends by having them take me to the hospital and wait for me for hours. And I didn't want to spend $1000 on an ambulance trip. So I foolishly got behind the wheel and drove myself to the hospital.... very slowly, and barely able to stay on the road. By the time I got to the ER, I was barely conscious. I stumbled through the door and told the person behind the desk that I needed help. Within seconds, they had me in a wheelchair, and got me in back. Within a few more seconds, I had needles and IV tubes coming out of me and an ECG hooked up to me. Within 2 minutes I was getting a chest x-ray. As soon as they started getting me re-hydrated, THEN they asked me for my name, and insurance info I was swarmed by people doing everything they could to help me. I felt safe, even though I was in BAD shape. I vaguely remember the doctor telling me that I was completely dehydrated, that I had pneumonia, and they-didn't-know-what-all-else, since every blood test was almost off the chart. They gave me a few bags of IV liquids and several large syringes of IV antibiotics. I guess I laid there for a number of hours while they stabilized me. Then they released me, with an antibiotic prescription and strict orders to stay in bed for at least another week, and to get in touch with my GP for a follow-up in a few days. ((My GP Doc thinks they didn't realize that I had driven myself to the hospital in my condition, because she believes if they knew I was alone, I would have been admitted to the hospital for a few days.)) I then VERY slowly drove myself home, with help from my GPS which verbally told me when I was getting to turns I couldn't see. I don't remember getting into the house. Debbie stopped by a few hours later to check on me, and has been taking care of me ever since. And she really reprimanded me for driving myself to and from the hospital instead of calling her.

Hi, Everyone!

MizT, you have been so busy with activities where you live and also family Christmas! Seems like you may become well-known for your dressing, both at EP and for family gatherings It's too bad the gift exchange and dinner with Joy and her partner didn't happen.

It definitely sounds like you need a new pole plant hanger! Thank goodness for internet shopping. It beats going from store to store - only to find out that they don't carry what you need! I certainly hope you don't have another mess before the replacement pole plant hanger arrives!

MizT, I'm wondering what you are most anxious to have delivered - the timers or the new books. Even though you mentioned that you realize how much you depend on the timers, I know you really enjoy reading!

We would certainly look at 34 degrees F as warmer weather! We have been having temperatures in the teens below zero. I think our high temperature today was 6 degrees (-14.4 degrees C). If we have 4 more days with temperatures remaining below 20 degrees it will tie the record at 14 days without reaching 20 degrees. I had to buy groceries and pick up a couple of prescriptions and 8 hours later, I'm still cold

Heidi, I hope results of today's chest X-rays were an improvement over the previous ones! I also hope the blood tests tomorrow show improvement! Of course, being extremely dehydrated affected those first results. We are glad to hear that you are beginning to feel stronger, even if the improvement seems slow.

Heidi, your description of driving yourself to the hospital is scary! I'm sure the ER doctor would not have guessed that you drove yourself there! I'm glad Debbie has reminded you that she would have been more than happy to take you to the hospital. Of course, as sick as you were, we understand that you weren't thinking your best. Thank goodness you trip to and from the hospital was safe!

Thinking positive thoughts for everyone and sending {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, . and prayers for each of our Sudoku Friends!

Heidi, I hope those tests can identify and then successfully treat whatever your problem is. And the story of December 18 is just scary. I know ER departments are very busy places but someone must have seen you stumble in, someone must have wondered why there was no-one asking after you. That should have been a basic part of getting your name and details. Obviously no-one was too busy to get your insurance details.
I remember arriving by ambulance at the hospital a few years ago and while they were gurneying me down a corridor, they were asking for my health insurance cards and brought out a portable EFTPOS machine so that I could pay the excess on my medical insurance.

We all know Heidi is a 'strong-willed' woman, but perhaps too much so for her own good.

Damn it, Heidi, ask for help!!!!!!

Heidi, Heidi, Heidi. You know my first thought.. you would have spent $1000 on someone else without blinking. My second was, holy crap, $1000? How far from the hospital are you?

Just dropping by to say Hello and send good wishes, positive vibes, healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and for everyone!

I repeat.... I was not thinking even vaguely straight. Yes, I would have spent that $1000 on someone else at the drop of a hat. But I was too sick to realize how sick I was. It wasn't until I scared myself driving to the hospital (normally 35 minutes, that time over an hour) and then parked and walked to the ER entrance, that I realized that I was sicker than I had ever been in my life. I still have no strength. I went in this morning for the fasting blood tests, then straight back home, and was so exhausted that I slept for 12 hours (after eating and drinking).

Good Morning everyone, sounds like you are all well except for Heidi.
Looks like we will be having extreme temperatures over the weekend, the weather bureau is asking people to check on there elderly neighbours.

Heidi, I don't doubt that you didn't realize how sick you were. I'm glad that you realized you needed to get medical help. I'm also glad you got to the hospital and back home safely in December. Here's hoping you never need to experience that again. I'm glad you were able to sleep after eating and drinking when you returned from today's tests. We care about you and hope that you will soon be on the mend!

Hi, Broni. I didn't realize that such extreme temperatures were forecast for your area. Please take care of yourself!

I'm continuing to keep all of you in my thoughts, sending positive vibes, prayers, healing energy, , and {{{{{HUGS}}}}} for everyone! Take care of yourselves and those you love.

Oh Heidi what a dreadful time. I hope your meds can fix up your illness and thank goodness for your wonderful friends who are able to help you.
Haven't read all the posts - not enough time today - at work for a while, and then to dr's to get stitches out. 2 Saturdays in a row I gashed one leg after another. B***er being on steroids!!
I was awake all night nearly NY thinking of my donor and his family - my transplant was on NYDay 3 years ago and I am so grateful for their generosity. Freedom from dialysis has been wonderful for me, but so sad for my donor's family. I would love to meet them one day but in Aust. this is not possible through medical information.
I wish everyone a better new year than the last and all you hope for. And may all be healthy.

Julie, I took that pole hanger down, it is going to trash later, once I take the 'arms' off it. I brought up a couple of small metal plant stands from outdoors, rearranged the plants so everyone is happy and no one can come crashing down!

Cindi, our packages are delivered to an area inside building, but not a secure area. Only had one package arrive with out merchandise, ordered on Amazon, who quickly refunded $$$. Also, there are closed caption TV cameras, we can find the culprit if someone takes a package, prove it was taken if necessary. Places I order from send an alert to my phone when package is delivered, so I can get down there quickly to retrieve my packages.

Heidi, I am happy to hear you are slowly improving. I had said earlier if you could not drive yourself to hospital you were REALLY sick, I know how determined you can be. If I had to guess, I would say your blood sugar was so high because your body needed that energy to fight your infections. I do wish you had presence of mind enough to tell ER staff you live alone and had driven yourself, but so glad you made it home OK. Where are the cops who are looking for reckless drivers when ya need one to stop ya for your own good???

Broni, weather people telling us same thing, check on your elderly neighbors, and bring in pets, but because we continue with sub freezing temps. This cold spell covers from Canada on down to Florida, even central Florida was forecast snow, unheard of. I hope you can stay cool and well hydrated.

Maintaince man did not unplug and drain our fountain. I am sure the pump has frozen and ruptured. there is a covering of ice down the entire statue that has not had a chance to melt yet. I think the Fatsia are dead or dying, we have had those plants for 3 or 4 years. Too heavy to move inside, and covering probably would not do any good. Might have kept a bit of the wind off them, maybe not.

I no longer have any helpers with care of plants. Loraine now has neuropathy in hands and cannot hold the hose sprayer to water outside. or a watering can for large inside plants. Not sure I can keep up with everything, and unless I get help, I will cut WAY back on what I plant for spring. So far the only people offering help are just not mentally able to follow directions, could do more harm than good and I have to politely and kindly tell them no thanks. I hate that.

I must ask if we can get the in ground sprinklers in the memorial garden (in area under the cat walk connecting buildings) repaired. I know they have a grounds budget, and I have not asked for reimbursement this year, maybe they can spend what is needed to water that.

I won one Scrabble game today, was 2nd on our second game, a good day for me.

Did I say my heat malfunctioned twice yesterday? Once in the afternoon with a visible spark, a pop and a tiny puff of smoke, that did NOT trip the breaker. First thing I did was shut off that breaker, then phone downstairs. that was worrisome.

L

Later, after all staff gone for day, it just quit,sometimes early evening, with no power to heater, or fan or any lights, nothing. Temp got to a chilly for me 65*F (17C) before morning, with cold air coming around the unit, the floor was MUCH colder than that. thermometer on floor read a chilly 45*F (7C) I had warm covers and as soon as the sun came up, I opened blinds, solar heat was warming my apartment before Maintenance got here. IF there is another problem tonight, I am going to director, to get a HVAC certified technician in here to see what is causing wire nuts to melt. Dean just keeps replacing them, doing same thing, expecting a different outcome.

More than enough for one post, this shall be over I do believe. Hugs to each of you, with extras, till later.

Midge, I’m struggling to find words. I think I would have had trouble sleeping too.

MizT, in most parts of Australia being without heat would not be a life and death concern. I’m not sure even our coldest places get as cold as some places in the US and Canada seem to get routinely. Uncomfortable, but not deadly for most. I’ll have to research that. Hot temps on the other hand we get a lot of. Sydney is forecast to be well into the hundreds for the next couple of days. I’m not sure what temps they’ll be getting, but South Australia have a catastrophic fire danger rating. That doesn’t mean there are fires, but if fires do start, they will be catastrophic. Now I have to research that too, see if there are any fires there yet. Well, there are always fires, I mean if there are big ones.

I just uploaded a screenshot of fires near me. That’s what it looks like on a typical, non threatening day. It may change as the day goes on...

My fb feed looks weird right now. It’s alternating stories of the bomb cyclone and people dying with the forecast of 46C/115 F in Sydney today. .

Yep, I agree Suzy, we don't get much cold weather and here where I live, nothing lower than 0c deg, and that is unusual. We have a fireplace in our house that seldom gets used.
Hot weather - we get 6 months of it at least. Air conditioners (house and car), electric fans, ceiling fans, swimming pools -these are our essentials. We don't own a swimming pool but I have a sister nearby who owns one and the bonus is that it's not overlooked by neighbours. My big worry is always that the aircon will break down.
We don't get many bush fires like they do west and south of us, but do we get fierce and destructive storms.

Yes, i'm noticing the same on FB Suzy!

How rude of me, hello everyone!
I hope Heidi is feeling a bit better.
Love and hugs to everyone.

SA has a big fire! I don’t know the state very well so I don’t know how big the towns are near it, but people have been evacuated and it looks nasty.

Greetings and Salutations to All!

Midge, it's understandable that you had a sleepless night, Sometimes good fortune for someone can come from someone else's bad fortune. The donor's family should be commended! Wishing you and your family and all of our Sudoku friends and families a Happy New Year!

MizT, I hope either maintenance or an actual HVAC repair person can get your heating working correctly! That is MUCH too cold for comfort! Congratulations on your Scrabble win and second place!

Suzy and Cyn, I can't imagine having to deal with 6 months of heat and the threat of fires. Both of our countries must deal with extreme temperatures. I don't know if homelessness is as big a problem in Australia. In Chicago, someone apparently authorized the removal of homeless persons' belongings from an area. It has caused many complaints, as that can be a death sentence for them with the extreme cold. I know D would be extremely upset if someone took the blanket she bought for a man who sits on a corner near her apartment. She said she doesn't give him money, but willingly gives him things like the blanket or buys food for him.

I hope people near the big fire in SA will be safe, and hope all people dealing with temperature extremes will remain safe.

It's time for me to say Good Night. Please share the positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, , and prayers!

I'm breathing a bit better now, but I've lost my voice. It's a rusty little squeek that nobody recognizes as mine. I go back to the doctor on Tuesday morning for test results. Hopefully, I'll be able to talk by then.

Please, everybody near the fires... BE CAREFUL!!! Nothing scares me as much as out of control fires.

Heidi, Wednesday our time I hope to hear that rehydrating and medicating you has brought all your levels back in line!

Julie, I don’t get as much heat as Cyn, she’s way north of me, thank goodness!

I saw a map of the SA fire on fb, lots of dotted lines, dirt roads? Maybe farm country... there’s a big one near Melbourne too. Victoria’s weather hasn’t been much better than SA.

Aaahhh! I’m reading a book and I’m waiting to see whether one of the main characters died, he was shot multiple times in Afghanistan, and Alie is educating me on the Asian squat! Sigh

OMG! Now I’m listening to a series of songs she wants to learn....

Actually Suzy, we seldom get temps over 35c - the southern states and inland are often over 40c - but we get the constant high humidity that can last all day and all night so that even in 24c temps we are sweaty (glistening, for women) and uncomfortable.

A new sunny avatar to reflect our hot summer and to melt the northern snow!

Cyn, we were 36 by 9 this morning! Forecast 35 😱. I’m not miserable yet as inside hasn’t reached those temps...