Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.
John F. Kennedy

Great TOPP, Suzy! (I also liked the joke on page 333 BOPP - Bottom of Page Post.) I heard one that was somewhat similar YEARS ago at Girl Scout camp. I hope you're well and enjoying the relative quiet!

Keeping everyone in my thoughts and sending healing energy, positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, , and prayers!

Good quote and joke, Suzy!
Julie, yes I have a tube of tattoo balm that I have to put on 3 times per day for 1-2 weeks. And yes, my cool factor has gone up with my grandies because of the tattoo.

So glad I don’t have to drive anywhere today. Severe weather warning was actually correct this time. Our actual temperatures are spring like, wind chill has the feels like in single digits. Average winds are around 60kph, with gusts up to 95....

Just went to TOS and saw some live video of one of the two out of control fires burning on the other side of the bridge. The firies are going to find that battle hard in this wind 😩😩😩

Wow, that's windy, Suzy! We thought it was windy here on the weekend and it was just under 30kph.

6 months today since Col had his accident. Life goes on, slowly! You'd think all this time we might have taken a holiday but he's not allowed to fly, or we would have flown to WA or Cairns, bth if which we had planned to do, and he's not allowed to go up any mountains which restricts many road trips. The entire east coast of Australia is bordered to the west by the Great Dividing Range. So we can take coastal trips, but so far have decided we would just stay in the comfort of home. Meh!

Sorry I'n still being AWOL. Sleeping a lot, and when awake, spending most of my time in bed. My back is screaming. I overdid it unloading bird food and dog food (~200 lbs) from my truck into the house. While I'm resting the back and groin, I'm reading a LOT. I discovered a wonderful writer. Her name is Donna Andrews and she writes murder mysteries that contain a LOT of humor, as well as animals. That bird based series (all have birds in the titles) contains 24 books! Most are major award winners, starting with her first: ''Murder With Peacocks''. Then she also has a tech based series of books where the main character is an artificial intelligence. I haven't tasted any of those yet. I am hooked already on the bird ones.

Greetings to All!

CynB, I can hardly believe it has been 6 months, though to you and Col it probably seems much longer! I hadn't thought about travel restrictions, but it makes sense, thinking about air pressure and dryness of air, etc. Do you have a bucket list destination for as soon as the restrictions are lifted?

I guess it makes sense that there is a specific tattoo balm on the market. I suspect there are some good moisturizers in it - maybe even a good balm/moisturizer to use for general purpose. How does it feel to be a cool Gran?

Suzy, so sorry you are experiencing the predicted severe weather! Those wind speeds and gusts seem a bit threatening. I'm also glad you don't need to drive Alie anywhere! I hope the winds subside and make fire fighting less of a threatening job!

Heidi, we've missed you, but understand that your body lets you know when you need to get some major sleep. So sorry all that bird and dog food put such a stress on your back! There must be some cool invention that would make the job easier for you.

Thanks for the recommendation of Donna Andrews, Heidi. It seems she has a couple of diverse genres, but both include mysteries of sorts. I'll try to remember her name and check her out. In the meantime, young lady, please take care of yourself!

Thinking of you, MizT, and hoping all is well!

Sending much , healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, positive thoughts, and prayers for Everyone!

Just popping in with a quick hello after a busy day. I have NO idea where the hours went.

Sending healing energy, prayers, {{{{{HUG}}}}}, positive thoughts, and

Turns out there were three major fires in my region yesterday. The northernmost was very close to a hospital. But a hospital where people go to die. My neighbour went there. They threw everything at it, and had an evacuation plan being worked out, but they got it under control before that happened. Can you imagine evacuating terminal patients?

The second one on the other side of the river was controlled eventually. It damaged one house and destroyed a shed full of Harleys. That owner would have been p1ss3d!

The one south of us destroyed a couple of houses. They’re all still burning, but under control.

In my state there were 79 fires in one day, in winter! What is summer going to be like?????

Yes, it's awful, Suzy! We're seeing them on the news and I'm always saying to Col that it's near you. We've had some up here but they're all under control at the moment. Scary stuff, take care.
By the way, I loved the photos Dana put up on FB of the girl's haircuts. They are growing so fast. Tahli in particular. You must really be noticing when you see them.

Checking in without reading. Had my epidural today, waiting to see how much it has helped.
Have some other doc appointments scheduled next week, and one test I must get scheduled.

Milk headache, I have been up more than I should , but asleep or awake, bed and back not playing well together. Down for a bit, then up again, see who wins, bed or back


Back to as flat as I can be in recliner. hugs

that should be MILD headache.

I hate when I finish a book 1 hour before bedtime!

Hi, Everyone!

I hope to have time to read & respond tomorrow. I need to get to bed, as the alarm will be ringing way too soon!

Sending the usual {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, etc. for all!

Proud grandma anecdote:
When the grandkids came last weekend I gave them all a card with $5 in it. Daniel said he wanted to give it to the farmers. Dana said you can, or you can buy a toy since I’m going to give them money anyway. His next school day came and he asked for the money to take to school, and proudly told everyone about the money his grandma gave him that was now going to the farmers. Melting in a puddle of awwww right now.

MizT, I hope the epidural works and you get some relief. Hopefully by the time you read this you will have had a good sleep too! ❤️

Grateful neighbour anecdote:
I got a little wind damage during the winds the other day. A panel on the side of my carport, about 8 foot in the air pulled out. I couldn’t think who to ask for help. The only person who has consistently been there for me is over 70 so I wasn’t going to ask him, but then he volunteered. Not only did he fix it, but he fixed it right! It was nerve wracking though. He was standing on the top rung of a ladder and climbing on the roof! Did his back in too!

Sad story:
I found out today that pilot of a water bombing helicopter died in an accident at one of the local fires. So very sad.

I must emphasise that although the three fires were technically in my city, there is over 2 hours, maybe 3, of country type driving between them. My city is described as a series of coastal villages. We only became a city because the boss wanted to be called mayor, oh, and the higher rates they could charge.

The hospital and the helicopter accident were at opposite ends of the “city”.

Suzy, what a lovely boy Daniel must be. $5 is a lot of money to a child his age and to donate it to the farmers.
I'm glad your neighbour helped with fixing the carport. It is worrying when people who possibly shouldn't, go up ladders. I found out that Col went up onto our roof while I was out the other day. I was flabbergasted that he could be so damn stupid!

our modern technological age. I got an alert lightning in area, on my cell. I had to look on weather app on computer to find it was raining outside. VERY light rain, in my defense.

Headache has been a bother today, but I can be up from lying flat a bit at a time. At least now they recognize headache can be a side effect, it is on list to report if lasts more than 48 hours!

hugs to each of you and I will catch up with reading once headache subsides.

WOW, the map on this weather alert app is a bit too good for my liking. If you zoom in far enough, you get an arrow that points to my location in the building, very accurate, too. scarry wnough when it just showed the building.
App just changed, other end of building is in the Moderate rain section now, me> not.

Wow, MizT, they must use google maps. I have location turned off on all of my devices. Too spooky having “them” know where I am. Of course that could be a problem if I ever have to dial 000. (Our 911).

I hope your headache gets better soon.

The fire where the pilot died has flared up in the wind to emergency warning again. :(

Sorry; I'm falling asleep at the computer, so I won't be able to read or type comments.

Sending the usual {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, positive thoughts, prayers, and

It's always on a weekend. My ear has been oozing blood again. At least it's letting up, finally. I shall have to contact the ENT.

I’m not gonna say it, I’ve been resisting ever since I first saw your post.

Hi, Everyone! Just getting caught up on reading.

Suzy, how awful to have those fires in your area, but a bit reassuring to understand how big your area/city really is. That seems to be almost the size of the area from the city of Chicago north to the Illinois-Wisconsin border. That's quite a lot of territory. Unfortunately, what is much worse is the death of the water-bombing helicopter pilot. May he RIP. The fires in Australia and California (and New Zealanders who are helping in California) are to be commended for their selfless bravery!

MizT, I hope your epidural is doing a fantastic job of helping to reduce your pain. Also hoping your headache is improved, or better yet, GONE! I hope your upcoming doctor appointments all go well!

Suzy, not only do you have wonderful Ds, but also fantastic and thoughtful grandies! How sweet of Daniel to want to give his special money from you to the farmers!

Suzy, you have an amazing and thoughtful neighbor. I hope his back is feeling better after he made the repair to your carport. What an amazing neighbor!

CynB, I hope Col is none the worse for the wear after his trip up the ladder and onto your roof! It can be frustratingly difficult to rein in some men who probably know they shouldn't be doing some things, but don't want to admit it.

MizT, that app is quite specific and accurate in pinpointing your location. Do you know how to turn off the location finding? We want you to always be safe!

Suzy, you're right to think that sometimes location finding can be helpful. Our fire department used to be able to locate people if they used their land line/home phone. Now, so many people no longer have a land line and use mobile/cell phones exclusively. I don't think the fire department gets information that way.

Heidi, I'm so sorry to hear about your ear and hope it is no longer oozing blood! Doesn't it always seem that medical emergencies happen on weekends and holidays? Please take care of yourself! (Suzy, I said it for all of us.)

And now, it's time to send the daily supply of positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, , and prayers. Good Night and Good Weekend, Everyone!

Checking in without reading. Julie, thanks for the well wishes, I did read that much . The epidural has helped a lot, not 100% but I never expected that. Now at least the reduced pain medication can keep pain away for long periods, and I even have not used all allowed. Headache is still with me, no longer severe, but it does keep me from doing as I need to do. I go back to pain clinic tomorrow, maybe they can resolve this for me.

I did get outside early morning to water a few plants that looked droopy. Rain is forecast, but has been most of past week, and we were skipped.

I just saved $100 a month! Might make paying for that expensive med easier. Our building has a contract with the cable people, can get basic for $15. When I phoned the co to set up just phone and internet, total bill is now $100 LESS! I knew I was paying for things I never used, and we got a huge discount on cable with this whole building contract.

Heidi, hope that ear gets better soon.


Back flat again, can only be up so long at a time, still. Hugs to each of you, with extras.

Hello all!
MizT - that's a great saving on your cable bill. It is annoying to pay more than necessary. We cut ours by $75 a few years ago when we switched to a new broadband (NBN). But we still pay so much to be entertained when it's so often difficult to find anything interesting to watch even with Foxtel (our cable) and 2 streaming services - Netflix and Stan.

We have Hayley here for the week. She has finished her bridging Uni course and now is in limbo and looking for work to tide her over until Uni starts next year.
The 3 of us are off to Ikea today. H & I are happy about that. Col isn't!

Cyn, I worked at Coles while I was waiting for my HSC results, at a Chinese restaurant between first and second year, can’t remember between second and third, and a paper mill between third and fourth. Paid for my books and union fees. Back then Uni was free. I also qualified for TEAS which paid my rent and food, barely.

Cyn, Hayley could always try the Golden Circle cannery. It was always my go-to for holiday work, as pineapple crops seemed to coincide nicely with vacation times. They should have plenty of work right now, but it will drop off in a few weeks, and then have another very busy period after Christmas. There is often lots of overtime available during their busy periods, 4 hours mon to thurs, and 8 hours sat and sun. It is messy and afterwards everyone knows where you've been, but it pays well. Just be careful of the pineapple juice - it bites! Fingers can start bleeding within 10 - 15 minutes if you get a hole in your glove. Wish her good luck with finding suitable work.

I also worked in the Functions area at the Park Royal hotel during term time. They used to put up a chart each week of what shifts were available, and casual staff selected which shifts they wanted. That was good work, too, and I don't recall ever having to deal with unruly behaviour.

MizT, I'm so very glad that the epidural has helped a lot. I wish it weren't accompanied by headaches. I hope your visit to the pain clinic tomorrow brings further relief! Sure hope the rain comes in a timely manner! Fantastic news that you'll be able to save a lot on your calle/phone/internet bill!

CynB, I hope you, Col, and Hayley enjoy your time together! Hoping she'll be able to find work until Uni starts. Did you all have fun at Ikea? Were you looking for something in particular or just enjoying a day of shopping? Do you eat while you're there? I have never purchased something to eat at the Ikea near us, but I know of others who have - and enjoyed it.

Suzy, what a great memory to be able to recollect where you worked the various years while in college. It's been so long since I've even thought about it, but I might be able to remember a few . . .

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

Saltie those are some good suggestions for Hayley. I have not previously heard of anyone troubled by pineapple juice - besides me. I can't even make it through cutting up ONE pineapple before my hands are complaining. Luckily, it never progressed far enough to bleed, but then I've never cut up more than one pineapple at a time. I was pleased when I found that a few of the grocery stores in our area sell cut-up pineapple, even though it costs more than a whole fresh pineapple.

Saltie, it's good to see you. I hope all is going well for you and family!

Just a heads up that we're about 5 or 6 posts from the next TOPP.

Saltie, thanks for the suggestions. I will tell Hayley about Golden Circle, she lives on that side of town.
She finished Uni last week, is spending this week with me and then going to Centrelink next week to get on New Start. They will probably assign her an employment agency but my daughter is giving her the contact for the agency she uses which has the public service jobs. Daughter and her son both work in the state public service. Hayley has her business certificate that she got at school which should be a good opening for a clerical job. She's done the fast foods jobs, worked at both McDonalds and Hungry Jacks, and doesn't want to go into that direction again. But will have to take what she can get.
I had to laugh, she wants to get a part-time job. I said to her why not go full-time, think of the money you'll earn. She said, 'That's why! I'm worried I'll be lured by the money and give up on what I've been focused on for years. I love that girl!

CynB, sending positive thoughts for Hayley as she looks for a job, whether it's full-time or part-time. (I'm amazed that she thought about what the impact might be if she makes a good amount of money.)

Inquiring minds want to know. Were any purchases made at IKEA, or was it just a chance to spend some time together?

Heidi, I hope the ear has improved. If not, I hope you have been able to get an appointment with your EMT.

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

That’s what happened to Don, Cyn. He was working as a designer/draftsman while going to college to become an architect. He worked out he would take a 50% paycut when he graduated, so he quit college. In the end he taught himself autocad, before most people were using it, and ended up being the go to guy whenever anyone had problems. He even taught it for a couple of years.

I don't have any problems cutting up a single pineapple. I think hand movements at the cannery tended to work the juice into the cuticle, and that's where the bleeding started. The cannery has a good supply of hand cream to help combat the effects. Pawpaw juice is supposed to be pretty nasty too, but I never worked with it myself.

There are lots of jobs away from the pineapple lines too, but I had very limited experience with those, mostly only a couple of hours on each. One of them was filling 2-litre cordial bottles using what was much like a fuel pump. Very easy to get soaked in cordial if you don't hold it the right way. So sticky!!! Other tasks included washing bottles, checking labels were on properly, checking that cartons filled properly, and folding cartons.

Of course you don't wear your best clothes. And wear washable sandshoes or sneakers.

Hi, Everyone!

Saltie, it's interesting to read about the various jobs associated with the pineapple cannery. As to my random reaction to pineapple juice, I can only assume it's one of my many allergies. I can drink pineapple juice and eat either canned or fresh pineapple. But I have a reaction when I cut fresh pineapple. The same is true with tomatoes, which I think is a totally unrelated food family. Just some of the craziness, I guess.

Thinking of MizT and Heidi and hoping both are doing well or at least improving.

Sending lots of {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, , healing energy, positive thoughts and vibes, and prayers for all Sudokuaholics and any friends or lurkers!

Heads Up, this might be the last post for this page.