Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself,
'Lillian, you should have remained a virgin.'
- Lillian Carter (mother of Jimmy Carter)

Julie, the formulary came yesterday afternoon's mail. This morning I took it down to pain clinic, was asked me to wait while Brandon took a look at it. In about 10 minuets, he came out and said he did not know I had another appointment in less than a month therefore. Was I able to fill that first prescription and was I taking it? Well, I did not have much choice, it was fill it or do without medication, so of course I filled it! He gave me back the formulary, said bring it at my appointment and they would look at it then to see what was available, as he could really not figure how it worked. Well, I could, and the only other extended release medication is also a tier 4, and tier four medications are figured on a percentage of the retail costs. So I suppose I shall call the pharmacist, ask what the retail would be, and if they can to run the medication to see what my co pay would be.

Why do I always have to do their work for them, if I want an answer. IF the medication comparison site I had looked at is correct, it might b around $75 dollars a month.

Today has been a much better day. I even went to Aldis, drove my car, walked the store. Came home, took a nap, and woke up in pain, but a muscle relaxer and some topical medication helped a lot. I did find that the extended release is most often prescribed every 6 hours, by how many the formulary sets the monthly limit, which is twice as many as I get and can take only once every 12 hours . I had already figured out meds seemed to stop working after 6 hours, but I now have the regular immediate release pills to take in between. IF I take them at 6 hours, before the pain gets bad, it seems to work pretty well. Not sure how long I can keep those, though, I think the numbers will have to be reduced even more, dang it. At least it looks promising for the next 3 weeks though.

OK< more than you wanted to know, I am sure. and it is late, I need to get to bed. I did not read many posts, will get back soon I hope. Hugs to each of you, with extras.

I'm still sleeping excessively. Sorry.

Gosh, it's quiet on here in the last few days. Not that I've got anything to tell.
You must need the sleep , Heidi! It's a healing process isn't it?

Oh I have a question for everyone.
Has anyone got or considered getting a tattoo?
My son has several of them, some I don't like, some I do. My daughter just got one, which is on her wrist and is the letter C in a fancy cursive script with 3 hearts flying behind it. They stand for her husband Chris, Me and Colin - 3 important C's in her life. Both Hayley, who is 18 and can legally get one and Maddy who has to wait until she is 18 in January, are planning to get them.
I am considering getting one at the ripe old age of 70. And why not? I'm thinking the words 'let it be' with either a heart or a bird. On a part of my arm that will hurt the least.
What do you think? I am aware of aftercare and the danger of dirty needles, so a reputable tattooist is a requirement.

MizT, I am imagining how frustrated you are. It’s horrible!

Cyn, I’m thinking of gea small one. There is a series of numbers that Don and I used as the PIN on our first joint account and used randomly over the years as passwords on bags, email accounts etc. that with the ‘not over yet’ semicolon. I’m not sure I can get it though because I take plavix.

Heidi, I wish you could send me some of your excessive sleep. Pain wakes me about every 2 hours, I am up and down all night, from bed to recliner. A nice long 5 or 6 hours sleep without waking seems to evade me now, but then I fall asleep in the daytime just watching TV or reading.

My mesquite flavored BBQ baked pork loin has been good. I made creamed spinach, using cream style corn to go with, and either slaw or sliced tomatoes. Today sliced fresh peaches for desert, yummy.

Still trying to get that deed transfered to the son of the buyer. the county sent it back for more information and a check for fees due. I hope we got everything covered this time. So thankful for out social worker here. she is not afraid to tackle anything we need.

Cyn, I have no desire for any tattoo anywhere.
but if you want one, go for it.

Bedtime, I hope I get more sleep tonight. Hugs to each of you, with extras, till next time.

Greetings to all! If I hadn't been exhausted yesterday, I would have had time to stop by, but I took a rare 2-hour nap dues to exhaustion, then had to make up for lost time and try to get things done.

Suzy, how nice of Dana to call the school and stay with the boy who took the wrong bus. Thank goodness for cell/mobile phones. Things would have been much more difficult years ago.

Midge, what a great story about the kind bus driver when you were in Kinder. I grew up in a small town, and we always walked to school until we were in high school, which was too far to walk.

Suzy, what good news for Bren's mother.

CynB, I'm glad Col is able to leave work when it becomes too uncomfortable for his eye. I suspect 2-3 days per week will continue to be the length of his 'work week.' Hoping he will hear good news at his next ophthalmologist appointment later this month!

Tomorrow afternoon I have an appointment with the Bariatric surgeon. I hope everything goes smoothly.

Interesting TOPP, DOrA! I guess Lillian Carter had a good sense of humor.

MizT, it's a good thing you now have a copy of the medication formulary and an even better thing that you can figure it out, even if Brandon can't. At least you know have crucial information at your fingertips when the doctor sees you and decides what medication to prescribe. It seems like you have a pretty good handle on the medications you're taking now and the frequency that works. It would be so nice if nothing changed next month.

Heidi, I suspect the amount of sleep you need is directly proportional to the things your body is dealing with currently. I hope the pulled muscle, your ear, and your tooth are all improving.

CynB, I have considered a tattoo in the past, but not seriously considering one currently. I have seen some that are quite nice, and even pretty and feminine. There is an artist in the Chicago area, I think, who specializes in beautiful tattoos for women who have had a mastectomy. When you make your decision, we know you will take the time to find a reputable tattoo artist, one who is exceedingly clean and careful.

MizT, many of your meals sound so tasty. I took the easy way out today and just had nachos. Some/many days I don't feel very creative, especially if I lose track of time while practicing the cello and suddenly realize it's past dinnertime.

Thinking of all our our fellow Sudokuaholics and sending healing energy, positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, prayers, and !

Good luck tomorrow at your appointment with the Bariatric surgeon, Heidi! We'll be thing of you and sending positive thoughts!

Be sure you have an alarm set!

Good luck tomorrow, Heidi!
Thanks for your thoughts on the tattoo everyone. MizT, I always thought that way but am impressed with the nice little ones that can be done these days.
Suzy, That would be a nice meaningful tattoo to get if you are able with your medications.
I'm booked to have it done on Thursday afternoon at 2pm - at the same tattooist that my family use but they have been sworn to secrecy. I want it to be a fait accompi before they find out. I think everyone will be impressed except for my sister and my grandie Emily, who loathes tattoos but has many body piercings.

I chose 'let it be' as the quote for the tattoo after seeing the Paul McCartney/James Condon carpool karaoke where Paul explains the wording of the song. I always thought that the reference to 'Mother Mary' was a religious reference but it was a recurring dream where his late mother Mary came to him and told him not to worry, to 'let it be'. That's something I would like to pass on to my family, a lot of whom suffer from anxiety. I just want them to learn to let it be.
It's a message to myself for the same reason.

My doc has changed my blood pressure medication, because of a recall of the main ingredient in it. The FDA says it is contaminated with a probable carcinogen, and it has been recalled by many countries around the world. The contaminant has caused cancer in lab animals, but has not been studied in humans, hence the 'probable' carcinogen.

The generic name of the recalled drug is valsartan. It is sold under other brand names, Diovan, Diovan HCL, Prexxartan and there could be others.

If you or anyone you know takes a blood pressure medication, check for the generic name. if it is valsartan, check with your doctor or pharmacist. but DO NOT stop taking your blood pressure medication until you have a replacement, as that could be more dangerous than the risk of the recalled drug.

Do a quick google search for valsartan recall, there is a LOT of information out there about it.

Julie, until recently, I cooked all my meals, but back pain when standing has put a stop to that. Now it is things that are quick and easy, but still try to be healthy. The pork loin is one of my favorite, just spray the ovenware with Pam , put the loin in, and cook uncovered in the oven. Set a timer and return to recliner My other go to meal for several days is 'what you got' soup. I need to do that again, no frozen soup on hand.

'Interesting' day. I was getting ready to leave for my appointment with the bariatric surgeon... just going out the door... when my cockatiels started freaking out.Pure panic. I turned around and went back to the bird room. To my surprise, there was a large black and yellow snake in there... at least 4 feet long... trying to get in the cockatiel cage! I got hold of my long handled grabbers and went after the snake. It wasn't afraid of me, in fact it was nasty tempered, but I got hold of it and took it outside, where I tried to release it. Apparently, the snake hd decided that my bird room was snake heaven and was furious with me. Instead of dashing away to safety, it attacked me. The collies ran up, surrounded the snake, and fended it off while dodging it's strikes. That gave me time to get back on the house and grab my pistol. It took several bullets in it before it died. It wasn't easy to shoot it because it it kept lunging at me and trying to bite me. The only good thing was that it wasn't poisonous. Just nasty tempered and a lethal threat to my birds. I wish I knew how it got inside.
I then left for the appointment, where I was a few minutes late. I think they enjoyed my excuse s to why I was late.

I still have a lot of tests to go through first, but it looks like I'll have the surgery in 3 or 4 months. The only thing that worried him is my weaker than normal immune system.

Great news Heidi about the surgery. I regularly have transfusions for immune system - maybe they can do this for you?
Glad the snake wasn't poisonous it could have been horrible for the collies and you. You were very lucky to have seen it before you went (or should I say the cockatiels are).
CynB - like yur idea of a tattoo. I always wanted Carpe Diem but there was an ad made with that in it and it put me off. D had one done on her foot years ago whilst on schoolies week at the Gold Coast - an acorn - the symbol of a brand of wine casks. So glad it didn't last - so is she. She has a couple now that are really quite lovely - funny - 3 sons, no tatts, 1 daughter 2 tatts.
Good idea about soup MizT - one way of getting good nourishment and bulk preparation not too taxing.

Greetings, Fellow Sudokuaholics!

CynB, I like your idea for your tattoo - very meaningful for everyone! I also really liked the car pool karaoke with Paul McCartney!

MizT, thanks so much for the 'public service announcement' about the blood pressure medicine! Fortunately, no one in our family takes that! I'm so glad your doctor was aware of the recall and let you know!

The pork loin sounds like a good and easy meal idea. I can't remember the last time we had pork. I guess maybe it's time to put it back in the 'rotation' of meals. The soup also seems a good idea!

Heidi, I'm so glad the appointment went well. I'm also glad the cockatiels alerted you before you were out the door so you could deal with the snake. It certainly seemed to be determined. What a relief that you, the birds, and the dogs were unharmed!

Midge, it's interesting that your D is the one in your family who has tatts, and your 3 sons don't. Would you ever consider a tattoo if the right idea came to you? I have a friend who has a star for each of her grandies on her shoulder, which seems like a sweet idea.

It's time for me to head to bed, so I'll send all the good wishes to each of you: healing energy, positive thoughts, , {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and prayers for all

When I was young I loved the show The Untouchables - Eliot Ness's deaf wife had a tattoo on her shoulder - butterfly - and I thought that when I was older i would get that done - glad I didn't. Tattoos done when you are young usually look pretty ordinary when your skin wrinkles haha.

MizT, I googled because one of my meds lowers blood pressure, even though that’s not why it was prescribed. The article I read said neither Australian nor American drugs were impacted as we use a different supplier.

Heidi, that is excitement you could do without! I hope your test results are good and you can get the surgery.

Julie, we have a pork roast defrosting in the fridge right now! The grandies are coming for the weekend! I’m so excited!

The mention of Pork Roast sets my mouth watering. My mom used to make the best Pork Roast. Most always with mash potatoes, gravy, peas & applesauce.

Unfortunately, now the pork we get (lean) is so dry and has so little flavor that I just don't bother...

Midge, I like the idea of a butterfly tattoo. At my age, I don't need to worry about tattoos done when you're young . . .

Suzy, how wonderful that Dana and the grandies will be visiting for the weekend. With the excitement, it probably doesn't matter very much what you'll be eating, though the pork roast sounds good.

DOrA, the meal you describe sounds yummy! Too bad the very lean pork roasts don't have much flavor. There must be some way to prepare them that would help that problem.

I hope to head to bed soon, so am sending {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, , positive thoughts, and prayers for everyone!

Our pork is far from lean! It will be yummy, if not good for us.

Morning all,
Suzy, I'm so excited for you that the grandies are coming for a visit. Have a wonderful weekend.
I'm glad your pork doesn't look too lean because I agree with DorA, I don't buy much pork these days for that very reason.
Yes, Julie, at my age I don't have to worry about my skin wrinkling, they're already there!
Wow, Heidi, wrestling and then shooting a snake - all part of your day. You are amazing.

Tattoo done, photo uploaded. Tell me what you think. No pain, but some stinging at times. They were very professional and it was done with surgical precision and hygiene. Worst for me was having to lie down.
Also posted a pic of my new kitchen which is over 2 months old now.

This posted by Daplap From PA on easy 10 years ago...

One day in the Garden of Eden, Eve calls out to God. 'Lord, I have a problem!'
'What's the problem, Eve?'
'Lord, I know you created me and provided this beautiful garden and all of these wonderful animals and that hilarious comedic snake, but I'm just not More...

happy.'
'Why is that, Eve?' came the reply from above
'Lord, I am lonely, and I'm sick to death of apples.'
'Well Eve, in that case, I have a solution. I shall create a man for you.'
'What's a man, Lord?'
'This man will be a flawed creature, with many bad traits. He'll lie, cheat and be vainglorious; all in all, he'll give you a hard time. But...he'll be bigger, faster, and will like to hunt and kill things. he will look silly when he's aroused, but since you've been complaining, I'll create him in such a way that he will satisfy your physical needs. He will be witless and will revel in childish things like fighting and kicking a ball about. He won't be too smart, so he'll also need your advice to think properly.'
'Sounds great.' says Eve, with an ironically raised eyebrow. What's the catch, Lord?'
'Well... you can have him on one condition.'
'What's that, Lord?'
'As I said, he'll be proud, arrogant, and self-admiring... So you'll have to let him believe that I made him first. Just remember, it's our little secret...You know, woman to woman.'

Hahaha! That's good, DorA, even if I don't remember it from 10 years ago. I must have read it then.
Oh, and I have now added a pic of the 'infamous range hood'.

Love the tatt!

Love the eve joke! 😁😁😁

Cyn, I've looked at the photos of your kitchen, including the range hood. What a lovely new room to enjoy! I also like your tattoo! It's great!

DOrA, thanks for sharing the Eve joke! I must have read it back when it was first shared, but it's particularly enjoyable now!

Sending a large supply of {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, prayers, positive thoughts, and for everyone!

A very noisy afternoon, but wonderful.

Perseids meteor shower will be brighter than EVER this year because it coincides with a new moon: Here's how to get the best view, and when it starts

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-6047627/Perseids-meteor-shower-brighter-yea r.html

Those unfortunate enough to have an overcast evening can still catch the beauty of the Peresids via a live stream that is being run by the Virtual Telescope Project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR1tvPNoLxk

One for you DorA. It's an oldie but a goodie!

Two Irish nuns have just
arrived in USA by boat,
and one says to the other,
'I hear that the people in
this country actually eat
dogs.'

'Odd,' her companion
replies, 'but if we shall
live in America , we
might as well do as the
Americans do.'

As they sit, they hear a
push cart vendor yelling,
'Hot Dogs, get your dogs
here,' and they both
walk towards the hot dog
cart.

'Two dogs, please!,' says
one. The vendor is very
pleased to oblige, wraps
both hot dogs in foil and
hands them over. Excited,
the nuns hurry to a bench
and begin to unwrap their
'dogs.'

The mother superior is
first to open hers.
She begins to blush,
and then, after staring
at it for a moment, leans
to the other nun and in
a soft brogue whispers:

'What part did you get?'

Suzy, I'm so glad you had a wonderful and noisy afternoon with your grandies!

DOrA, thanks for the information on the Perseid Meteor Shower. I suspect there may be too much ambient light in the Chicago metropolitan area to be able to see it here.

That's a good one, Cyn, and one I've never heard.

I hope all's well, MIzT and Heidi!

Keeping everyone in my thoughts, including those we haven't heard from in a while, and sending healing energy, , positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and prayers for everyone!

Thanks, Cyn

They’re gone 😩

I miss them already, but I don’t miss the yelling.

Suzy, I can completely understand. I think loud voices & yelling seem to go hand-in-hand with the activity level of young children. It's just that boisterous joy that can be hard to rein in. As we get older and don't experience it very often, it's almost multiplied because it is so different from the quiet and subdued lives we become used to. But that enthusiasm and happiness are also missed when they leave and go home. Besides, since they live further away, you're not exposed to it as often as you had been. Get some rest and look forward to their next visit.

MizT, I hope all's well and you'll be able to discover and work out acceptable and affordable medications.

Heidi, thinking of you and hoping your ear, back, pulled muscle, and teeth are all improving. I hope any extra sleep is contributing to improved health!

Cyn, how is your tattoo doing? I hope the skin is healing well. I forgot to ask if you told Col about your plans. Have all of your family members seen it yet?

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

Suzy, glad you had a nice weekend with the kids. The noise can be a few decibels too high, but it's worth it for the precious moments.
Julie, the tatt is a bit itchy as expected while it scabs. I just have to resist the urge to scratch it - so far so good. Yes, Col knew I was getting it. The family know but only Lachlan has seen it, he was the only one we saw over the weekend. He was underwhelmed, as you would expect from a 19 year old.
Love and big hugs to all. Have a nice day.

Greetings to Everyone!

CynB, I hope your tattoo scabs heal quickly! Are you allowed to put moisturizer or any kind of lotion on it, or just tough it out? I'm not surprised that a 19-year-old male wasn't impressed. Maybe your granddaughters will be? I would think it would raise your 'cool quotient.'

Not much happening here. Most of the summer's excitement has passed, so most days are rather normal. Most music classes, lessons, string orchestra start up again next month along with the end of school holidays. I think the next 'exciting' thing on our schedule is our nephew's wedding towards the end of September.

Sending positive thoughts, healing energy, , prayers, and {{{{{HUGS}}}}} for all of you!

A man was walking home alone late one foggy night, when behind him he hears:

BUMP!…

BUMP…

BUMP…

Walking faster, he looks back and through the fog h e makes out the image of an upright casket banging its way down the middle of the street toward him.

BUMP…

BUMP…

BUMP…

Terrified, the man begins to run toward his home, the casket bouncing quickly behind him

FASTER…

FASTER…

BUMP…

BUMP…

BUMP…

He runs up to his door, fumbles with his keys, opens the door, rushes in, slams and locks the door behind him.
However, the casket crashes through his door, with the lid of the casket clapping

clappity-BUMP…

clappity-BUMP…

clappity-BUMP…

…on his heels, the terrified man runs.

Rushing upstairs to the bathroom, the man locks himself in. His heart is pounding; his head is reeling; his breath is coming in sobbing gasps.

With a loud CRASH the casket breaks down the door.

Bumping and clapping toward him.

The man screams and reaches for something, anything, but all he can find is a bottle of cough syrup!

Desperate, he throws the cough syrup at the casket…

and,

(hopefully you’re ready for this!!!)

The coffin stops.