Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.

Winston Churchill

Hmmmm. Which party, in the U.S. is the 'tax and spend', party?

Heidi, hope the epi is working its magic...

DorA, one party consistently lowers the deficit, and it’s not the one that just reduced taxes for the rich, again.

CynB, thanks for the update on MizT! It's never fun to be without power, so it's good to know things are returning to normal!

Cyn, also good news that the water leak could be repaired without damage to the tiled walls!

Suzy, thank goodness the fire near you was downgraded and that you and your home were never at risk. I hope any risk will continue to subside and a nice, slow, drenching rain can find your area!

What a great TOPP, Heidi! Thanks to you (and Winston Churchill) for it.

Suzy, thanks for the answer on taxes and spending.

It's late, and we're just home from a 'road trip' to my nephew's wedding. It's time to hit the hay. So, I'm sending the daily dose of healing energy, , positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and prayers for all!

I hope everyone has a good week! Seems as if it has been a busy day for most today.

Tomorrow I see the cardiologist. That doesn't worry me. I am concerned that they may send me to the pulmonologist after they found on 2 seperate tests that my lungs are still not functioning properly since the pneumonia.

It says that Heidi is also currently online. If that's accurate, Hi, Heidi!

Yep, it's accurate. I hope the visit to the cardiologist goes well tomorrow, Heidi!. I guess you'll find out tomorrow if the cardiologist wants you to see a pulmonologist. I don't know how long it takes to recover full and proper functioning after having pneumonia. If I recall correctly, you had a pretty rough bout of pneumonia. We'll be thinking positive thoughts!

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

Good news. I passed the cardiac exam with flying colors, and have been given the go-ahead for the surgery.

Wonderful news, Heidi! I'm so pleased that things are coming together and hope this is a sign that everything in your life is improving! Sending {{{HUGS}}} Please keep us posted as to the date for the surgery. Do you know the anticipated length of hospital stay?

Thinking of everyone of our Sudokuaholic Friends and hoping for positive and cheerful thoughts, healing energy, , {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and prayers!

The hospital stay will be 3 nights. But I'll be on a special liquid diet for 2 weeks before the surgery to shrink my liver, then on a clear liquid diet for 1 week, a pure liquid diet for nearly a month after that (Protein shakes and water), then a pureed diet for 4 or 5 months after that. It will be high protein and low carb. They say that I will be required to drink at least 64 oz a day, BUT they tell me that for the first few days I won't be able to drink at a rate faster than 2 oz an hour... so the 64 oz requirement won't apply then. Even pills will have to be ground up to powder, mixed with water, and swllowed that way.

Heidi, that diet sounds decidedly unpalatable. I hope it will be possible to add some different flavours without upsetting the essentials of the diet. At least there should be more scope for variety once you get to the puree diet. I hope the surgery goes well for you, and brings about considerable improvement in your health, comfort levels and life in general.

Heidi, the short term restricted diet before a colonoscopy nearly drives me mad. I can’t imagine weeks of that! You are brave, and determined!

Heidi, I'm glad you passed the cardiac exam. That restricted diet will be a test and as Saltie says unpalatable, but worth it to get the results you want. You are brave to contemplate it. I wish you all the best.

I don't see it like I have a choice. I cannot continue the way I am going. This surgery and diet will make me feel much better long term, easing up drastically on my back pain and enabling me to get exercise again, like riding. It's either this, or die.

Heidi, we are all pulling for you! Your determination will see you through! We know you can do it, and wish you the very best! I agree with previous posts from Saltie, Suzy, and Cyn that it is likely to be challenging. We're here to give you support and encouragement!

Keeping positive thoughts going to all of our Sudokuaholic friends and sending {{{{{HUGS}}}}} , positive thoughts, and prayers!

Clear liquids can include a lot of flavour, it depends on the other restrictions presurgery. Beef broth can count as a clear liquid. So can jello. Maybe not for Heidi though.

Jello is forbidden. So is anything containing sugar. I have a supply of chicken broth in stock, which is allowed, and will get some beef broth. And I have started stockpiling various clear drinks and protein shakes from companies that specialize in diets for bariatric patients. I need to be on stuff that does not stimulate stomach acids. One good thing is that they will be removing the gland that stimulates appetite.

Good Evening, Everyone!

Heidi, you mentioned that anything containing sugar is forbidden. I was wondering if sugar-free Jello is still made. It's a good idea that you have started to stock up, as I suspect you won't be wanting to shop for a while after your surgery. Obviously, a lot of science has gone into this procedure and diet. Will you be having the gastric sleeve surgery, or something else?

I hope everyone is well! I also hope MizT isn't still dealing with phone and computer problems. That can be very frustrating!

Nothing exciting happening here - just the usual daily activities. I will have a cello lesson on Saturday, as another student will be out of town and asked to trade. (This year, our teacher has asked that we trade lessons as needed on our own, rather than expecting her to work things out.)

Sending the daily supply of healing energy, positive and cheerful thoughts, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and !

I'm going with the gastric sleeve, where they remove 3/4 of the stomach, leaving it the size and shape of a banana. They say that eventually, I may be able to eat as much as 1 cup of food at a time. I'm not a big eater anyway, and don't eat more than that most of the time already. So by removing most of the stomach, less food will be converted to weight.

HI all. Wow. Can't believe I haven't been here in a few days. I know, I promised to try to do better but life gets in the way. I only have planning every other day so on some days, lunch is my only break. I will have a college student with me for a few days. She is studying to be a teacher and needs to do 15 observation hours. That is always fun.

Heidi: Fingers crossed that all continues to go well for you.

DorA: sorry about the plumbing issue. That is never fun.

Don't remember much else. See you all soon.

Fabulous news Heidi - you will be a new person - just what you need after your annus horribilis last year. Know a lady who had this done and after the first couple of months adjusting, finds it an easy lifestyle.
CynB - How is Col's eye going? When will he be able to have the corneal transplant?
Suzy - are you busy with the grandies during school holidays still?
We have a horse (Double the Magic)racing tonight at Moonee Valley so looking forward to seeing her. She is stabled a couple of hours drive away so don't get to see her often. This one I cannot pat as she is a bit skittish and it doesn't take much to-knock me around.
Still annoyed about having my walking stick stolen at the grand final last week - triple karma to the little blonde b**** who took it and ran away.
Hope everyone has a lovely weekend, cheers for now.

Greetings to Everyone!

Heidi, it sounds like you're an excellent candidate for the surgery! I hope all goes well. A friend had the same surgery (I think) a year or so ago. She looks fantastic and has no complaints (or if she has any, she keeps them to herself).

Hi, Tami! I hope you had a fantastic birthday! Will the college student only observe and take notes, or will she/he also do some interacting with your students? Wow, you only have a planning period every other day? Sounds more like an elementary teacher's schedule than a middle school teacher (at least in the districts where I taught).

Midge, I hope your horse runs a terrific race tonight. How awful that someone stole your walking stick last week! I can't imagine someone doing that. She deserves whatever karma brings her. I hope there was nothing special about it and it can be easily replaced!

Sending some super-duper healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, cheerful & positive thoughts, and prayers for everyone!

Julie, it wasn't special I just had a long way to walk to the car after the game. My special one is a wooden one that my dear Truman took a liking to and chewed the end of it. Had to laugh

Midge, no grandkids these holidays 😔. It’s Daniel’s birthday so they are staying near his dad. I’m shocked and annoyed, if you knew me IRL you’d know I actually thought a different word, that someone would steal a walking stick. It’s no different really to stealing a wheel chair, or any mobility aid.

Tami, I had to actually teach classes as well as observe, for I think it was 8 weeks. With supervision of course. Not all one block. Two sets in two different schools. And classes are timetabled differently here. I had classes from year 7 to year 12 on a two week timetable. Some days I taught every period, others I had up to three off. All teachers teach all years, though some don’t teach seniors - years 11 and 12.

Checking in without reading all the posts. I did not realize it had been so long since I was here. I was without internet for a while again, and also having a lot of pain, just hurts to move, sit in computer chair or to type. Today is a bit better, hope it continues, but not holding my breath. Different company made this months pain medication, and it is not working as well as last month's, bummer. Yes, I did ask for the same I had last month, but that is not what they sent.

Actually, I am, at times, holding my breath. Ribs hurt, it hurts to breathe, so I hold my breath to 'splint' the ribs.

lots going on today. overnight building one lost theor AC for entire building, an apartment was found with several inches of water inside. Water was leaking into adjacent apartments, down to floor below, and traveled across our walkway conecting the 2 buildings to second floor, and down again to drive way. Phones and internet, TV out in both buildings. Flu shots were this morning, so staff was hunting fans to put in Commons, so that could continue. I took my smallest fan, one I was not using, down to help out. No one much showed up for the table sale, a tag sale for residents to sale and buy. It was just too hot down there. I found a crock pot. need to water plants, but they have not wilted yet, so I am putting it off once again. It is cloudy, I can hope it rains

Hugs to each of you, till next time.

Julie, Heidi, yes, they still make sugar free Jello, I bought some just recently. Made it with sugar free fruit in it, peach flavor with peaches.

I know that they make sugar free Jello, but I'm not allowed any Jello after the surgery. They want nothing in my small stomach that can get hung up in the staples. I don't want complications.

Heidi, when the diet gets hard, which it will, come in here to vent. Say whatever, b1tch and moan. Whatever helps you get through it. I know it will be hard. You can do it! But it will be hard. We will be here for you

Morning all! I'm having a rest day today. I'm exhausted.
Had some of Col's siblings and their families here for a barbecue lunch/birthday party for their step-Dad. He was 90 on Oct 4 and he's been their step-father for 30 years. Many of the grandies only know him as their grandfather. Col's Dad died in 1986 and his Mum in 2010. Allan is all they have left. He is much loved. His brain is still good but his hearing is bad and after a recent fall his mobility isn't good. He uses a walker to get around. He had a lovely day and was ready for a sleep by the time he left!

It's a week tomorrow to Transplant day.
Tomorrow we go to see an independent Opthalmologist, and on Tuesday we trudge back up to the hospital for an echo thingy on Col's bicuspid heart valve, just to make sure for the anaestethist that it hasn't deteriorated since the last test in about 2014.

Love and hugs to all!
I have forgotten everything I read.
I have always worried about getting Alzheimers like both of my parents did. I am 70 and don't think I'm there yet but I do know my brain doesn't function as well as it did when I was younger. There is a saying about not being able to walk and chew gum at the same time. I am there! I cannot multitask. As soon as I am interrupted, I am lost to what I was doing.

Hi, Everyone! I tied to get on the page a few times yesterday, but it wouldn't load. It looks like other people didn't have similar problems/

Midge, I agree with Suzy. It's unbelievable that someone would have the audacity to steal someone's walking stick! Of course, Truman was forgiven for chewing the end of your wooden one!

Suzy, I hope Daniel has a fun birthday. Too bad you aren't able to share in it. (We rarely get to see our grandies on their birthdays any more. It's too far/takes too long to drive, and even a flight of about 2 1/2 hours takes up much of the day when you consider travel to and from the airport and time spent waiting. Our youngest is only about 50 or 60 minutes away, so we were able to help her celebrate her first couple of birthdays.

MizT, I'm sorry your prescription/s were filled by medications made by a different company. That is SO aggravating. They can claim they are identical as much as they want. I think we have all experienced the UNidentical way 'identical' medications work - or don't work.

YIKES, what a difficult day without AC, water leaks, lack of phone and internet service & TV. It's too bad the tag sale wasn't well attended, but certainly hope everyone got their flu shots! I hope your area got some rain so you won't need to worry about watering plants for a couple of days.

Sorry I brought up sugar-free jello, Heidi. I didn't realize that sugar was NOT the only problem with jello. I'll second what Suzy said; we'll be here for you as you learn to work with the various required stages of diet after your surgery

CynB, you certainly earned that exhaustion. It sounds like it was a lovely party for Col's step-dad. No wonder Allan was tired with a lot of family/guests celebrating with him.

Woo-Hoo. Just a week until Col's Transplant! I hope all goes well when he sees the Ophthalmologist on Monday & when he has the test on Tuesday!

Cyn, with all you have on your mind, it's not surprising if you occasionally have difficulty multi-tasking. I was just reading yesterday about some studies that people who read help to keep their brains supple and even build new connections/synapses.

It's quite late here, so I'm off to bed. Feel free to share the {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, prayers, , and positive thoughts!

Hi everyone. I just finished my first tough but with possibilities.
I am not that smart to do it without. 🤦‍♀️🤪

Do people send in photos anymore for the puzzles🤔

Yesterday evening, while 'walking the line' (fence line around my property), with the hound, I saw a pile of what looked like cow poop. I don't have cows though my neighbor does. With a fence between us, I thought can't be cow, wonder what it was. About 3 - 4 minutes later something BIG and black took off through the brush. It was a cow. Just guessing, for I had only a glimpse, it was about 5' tall at the back. 1000 pounds? Fortunately, it went the other way and not toward me. The hound started to chase but returned when called off. GOOD BOY! That made my heart go 'pitty-pat'!

The pasture, adjacent is, I think, 180 acres. I don't know the owner, so off to the internet...

I went to the county tax website. There I found the owners address. Then to the phone book (we still have those here) for a name search that matched the address. Success. The 'neighbor', may come over today, though he may just come through the weak spot in the fence instead of driving over. We'll see.

Though I've hiked parts of the ''Pacific Crest Trail'', I've seen more animals at my 'home place', than on the trail. Strange...

Hi, Vviv! Welcome back! I'm afraid I can't answer your question about people submitting photos to the regular Sudoku site.

DOrA, I'm glad you had 'the hound' with you as yo walked. That would have been scary when the big black cow took off through the brush. I'm so glad your dog is well trained and came back when called. It seems like life is rarely boring for you.

The music school where I take lessons (or at least most cello teachers) have a tradition of holding a holiday 'recital' & party for their students. Each student plays a holiday song, many of them with their family members. My teacher asked yesterday what I was planning to play. I have NO idea, so I'm off to the internet for ideas. I told her I have alway tried to choose something that none of the children or families is likely to choose. Last year I played 'Somewhere in My Memory' from the Home Alone movie. Most families recognized the music, but didn't know where it came from. So now, I'm hunting for something to play this year.

Greetings to Everyone, and lots of good wishes, healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, prayers, , and positive thoughts!