Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

Heidi, I admire your restraint, and I'm with you. They apparently have no conscious or sense of responsibility.

Cyn, such wonderful news about Col. I hope the appointment with the oncologist on Friday goes well! Enjoying walks and fresh air is good for both of you! I hope you enjoy the trip with your art group!

Midge, that must have been quite an experience working for members of the Murdoch group back in better times!

I found out last night (the hard way) that I have plantar fasciitis. I was wiping up something on the floor, when suddenly there was a lot of cracking noise and pain in one foot. We weren't sure if I had broken a bone or bones in my foot and ended up in the ER. They took X-rays of my foot. Neither the ER doctor I saw or the radiologist he consulted felt my foot was broken. He pointed out my hammer toes and said the plantar fascia had calcified. As it's not bone, it would't show in an Xray, but he feels the noise was the calcifications popping and snapping. I also was told I have a heel spur, which I regret to admit. I now have an Ace bandage wrapped around my foot and ankle and a flat 'board/shoe' to keep my foot from flexing. The ER doctor highly encouraged me to get my hammer toes fixed, as they interfere with the working of the plantar fascia. The earliest appointment I can get with my podiatrist is NEXT Thursday. As hubby said, at least it happened at home and not at the music camp.

I'm about to head to bed and hopefully get some sleep. Sending healing energy, positive thoughts, prayers, , and {{{{{HUGS}}}}} for Everyone!

Oh, GREAT! Another poor choice for a TOPP. I really need to watch the numbers!

Here are 10 Positive Suggestions for Life: The Earth is our Mother care for her. Honor all your relations. Open your heart and soul to the Great Spirit. All life is sacred, treat all beings with respect. Take from the Earth what is needed and nothing more. Do what needs to be done for the good of all. Give constant thanks to the Great Spirit for each new day. Speak the truth, but only of the good in others. Follow the rhythms of the nature, rise and retire with the sun. Enjoy life’s journey but leave no tracks. ~ Chief Seattle

I've been thru' plantar fasciitis. I know a great but silly treatment that I swear by. All you need is a rolling pin. Each morning when you wake up, but before completely getting out of bed, put that rolling pin on the ground under the affected foot, put some weight on it, but not more than half, then roll the foot on that rolling pin for a few minutes. It will stretch the plantar tendon a bit and ease the pain. If you do it every morning, and whenever the foot hurts a lot, you will feel better sooner than the doctor thinks you will. It worked for me and it worked for other friends of mine.

We're finally getting rain. Just a gentle rain that's soaking into the ground nicely. It's supposed to continue for a few more days.

In the last 3 days I had to shoot 2 BIG raccoons that were terrorizing my cat and eating all his food. The poor boy was really losing weight. He is looking almost as bad as my horse Buddy, who has lost a bunch of his molars and his front teeth are ground down to the gumline. Mike the Vet has put him on a permanent diet of senior pelleted feed, pelleted hay (both of which swell up and soften in the stomach) and pelleted joint medication for his arthritis. He's also on Bute twice a day for pain. Raleigh the cat gets both dry and canned cat food.... but he's just middle aged. Buddy is old.

Oh Julie, what a nuisance about your foot. I like Heidi's method of dealing with it. It sounds like it might help. Whatever, I hope you get it sorted, hammer toes and heel spurs included, so that you can be more comfortable.
Don't you just hate getting older? My arthritis slows me down at every chance it gets. I went out yesterday to the island, had a lovely day but my arthritis decided that I'd done too much walking and almost immobilised me for the rest of the day.

Midge, I'm not surprised about the Logies. It's been a farce for so long.
My first husband, father of my children, worked behind the scenes in TV in Brisbane and Sydney right up to when he retired about 10 years ago. I used to hear some juicy gossip through him (until he dumped our children about 15 years ago, but that's another story).

It's late, but first I must thank Heidi and Cyn B for thoughts about plantar fasciitis. The ER doc even suggested freezing a can of beans and doing the same rolling motion. The cold should be an additional help.

Heidi, hooray for a nice, slow, soaking rain!

Cyn, I hope a good rest and you're feeling better today!

More comments tomorrow, I hope, but for now, I'm sending healing energy, prayers, , {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and many positive thoughts!

Just dropping by to say Hello and wish everyone a great weekend!

May relaxing days and moderate temperatures be ahead for everyone! Sending positive thoughts, , healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and prayers for all!

Removed another big raccoon from the population. He was going after the cat food, too. At this rate, there won't be many raccoons in the neighborhood for a while.

Col's gone off back to work today. Only 3 weeks since the op. The doctor said he could drive after 2 weeks and go back when he felt up to it. His job is mainly desk work with a bit of supervisory work outside while they load trucks. He has promised me he will come home if he can't cope. I think he just wants to feel normal again.

Heidi, your mention of raccoons sent me looking through Google. Because I've heard about them but never considered much more about them. I vaguely remembered what they look like because of my son's favourite little golden book when he was a toddler, he just loved the raccoon in it. I wish I still had the book now.
Anyway, from what I just discovered, they are not as small or as cute as they were in that book!

A raccoon is big enough and strong enough to kill a large dog. They have nasty tempers, and are fearless around human habitation. They also carry rabies, canine distemper AND feline distemper. While some people think they make cute pets, they always cause trouble and come to nasty ends. Unfortunately, they've become too populous because humans removed the top predators that kept them under control. They've also learned to adapt to city life.

They sound revolting, Heidi! And such a danger to other animals. Glad we don't have them or anything like them around. Worst we get is mice and that is seldom, or snakes.
We have a rather large carpet python (harmless) hibernating in our boat which hasn't been used in years. They keep the pests at bay and we don't disturb him. Col put a picture of it on FB and freaked out several people who want a bomb dropped on it.

Wow, Heidi! Another raccoon! Here's hoping that's the last of them terrorizing your poor cat! (Well, hopefully not actually terrorizing, but stealing its food.) A few years ago a raccoon was getting into our bird feeder. Luckily, it wasn't overly big, but it was certainly NOT intimidated by our presence or any loud noises we made. We haven't seen one in a while, so we think the area coyotes are keeping the raccoon population manageable.

Cyn, I can hardly believe that Col has gone back to work already! I hope he doesn't over-do and really listens to his body. A partial day of work is likely to be enough at first. I hope it goes well! and he's tired in a good way, but not exhausted, when he gets home.

Cyn, you have sent me to visit Mr. Google to find out about your carpet python. Here's what Mr. Google had to say: 'Carpet pythons are widely available in the USA and nearly all are captive bred. Almost every reptile show will have some carpet pythons for sale, and reptile classified sites on the internet have sections devoted solely for the sale of carpet pythons. Reptile specialty stores will usually have carpet pythons for sale and the larger chain pet stores sometimes have them. Range of price is as low as $75 to up to several thousand dollars for particular morphs (such as an albino zebra carpet python). Most carpet pythons are in the $200 to $300 range. Carpet pythons come out of the egg pencil sized, and once mature they range from 5 feet to 9 feet in length. I bet you didn't know what an expensive 'pet' you have.

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

Hi all! It’s quiet here now. It was loud while the kids were here, then Alie’s bf was here for the weekend. He stayed an extra night because he starts a new job this Wednesday. It’s so nice to having it back to just us. Though I miss Dana and the kids already... the new beds were loved and appreciated.

Hubby had a pet raccoon about 50 years ago. One day it just left. Several months later he woke with it standing on his chest. I’m not sure what happened next, but I know it didn’t hurt him.

And it goes on - Col has to have day surgery tomorrow to insert a Portacath. Knew that was happening at some stage. Then on Friday he has a full PET scan ordered by the Oncologist. It doesn't sound pleasant. And he must have NO sugar in his body so after lunch on Thursday he can only eat lean meat and a small variety of vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus and spinach. And only tea or coffee, black with no sugar. We went out for dinner last night as a treat. He's feeling quite down-hearted at the moment and I don't blame him. His day at work went well, but there are so many people with Influenza A that we've decided that he won't go back until after the first chemo. He has years of accumulated sick-leave, about 70 days = 14 weeks.

Suzy, I know that feeling when everyone leaves and you get some moments of peace. But I'm glad you all had a fun time when the kids were there. Must have been so good for you all!
I still love spending time with my lot, even if they are mostly adults.

Julie, here in Australia you have to have a licence to keep snakes. My son had one and he had a few carpet and children's pythons over the years. They are not dangerous, no fangs or venom. His licence has lapsed and he has sold his cages so he can't take this fellow but I'd rather it was free to roam and get rid of any rodents. He'll move when the weather warms up.

conjunctivitis.com is a site for sore eyes...

One of his snakes escaped and they couldn't find it in the house. Eventually he found it curled up around the motor of the refrigerator. He and his kids slept well, they weren't worried.

Good one DorA!!

CynB - having the portacath inserted is not too bad and it is so good to not be needled every time you have treatment. A good idea to stay away from work for a while - the flu this year is very nasty.
Love the story about the snake in the boat - we had land at Purlingbrook Falls and there were many pythons in the bush there. One of my sons was interested in snakes, built his own cages etc. but when his blue-tongue lizards had many offspring, it was a lot of work.The little lizards were fascinating - they would rear up at you and hiss - all 3' of them.
Heidi - I too thought raccoons were cute until you told us how aggressive they can be. Hope you get the rain you need.
Julie - your feet sound very painful - Heidi's idea is a good one - my grandmother used to sit and roll her feet while watching t.v. and it helped with her arthritis. She was amazing - couldn't hold a cup of tea without spilling it but could do the most intricate and beautiful needlework. I have been giving some of her work away to family members who will appreciate them. I am trying to teach my D to knit - just about ready to give up.
Suzy - how lovely to see your grandies again - you must notice a difference each time you see them. Did they like your new fur babies?
Best wishes to all.

Darn, another very late night! Will check in tomorrow and post (I hope).

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

I hurt my shoulder back in March, and have been trying to baby it, hoping it would heal. In the past few days it has goyyen worse, the pain radiating down the arm and keeping me awake at night. I've had enough, and am on my way to the hospital. O suspect that I tore something, and the whole area is now inflamed. I expect that a cortizone shot will help.

gotten, not goyyen.

Back from the ER. They took x-rays, which showed no bone injuries (as expected), and gave me a cortazone shot. I have to go see an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. Fun. But I have no use of my dominant left arm.

Hi, Everyone!

Cyn, I hope Col's surgery to install the portacath went well. I'm so glad you were able to go out for a dinner treat before he had to face the special pre-PET diet. Wise decision to stay away from work and those dealing with influenza-A, at least for the time being! Keeping Col (and you) in my thoughts in the next few days. Just think of it as the next step on the road to ultimate recovery! {{{HUGS}}}

Suzy, I'm so glad you enjoyed and survived the house full of family! I bet the young ones thought the bunk beds were terrific! I can imagine it's a lot quieter now that they're gone.

Wow, Suzy, your hubby had a pet raccoon? Even more amazing is that it returned after being gone for several months. How did it get in the house to stand on his chest? What a story!

Cyn, I think it's a good idea that Australia requires a license to keep snakes. It helps remind the owners of their responsibility. I like that the snake in your boat is likely to move on when the weather gets warmer, since it's helpful and not a threat to humans!

Very clever, DOrA! Good one! Thanks for keeping things light!

Midge, thanks for sharing the story about you son, snakes, and blue-tongue lizards!

I hope you can teach your D to knit, Midge! Are there any youtube videos that may be of help? Being able to stop and replay as often as necessary might do the trick. Also, might be able to see more easily when full-screen. I have knitted on occasion, but many years ago. I'd like to learn to crochet, if I ever find some spare time.

Heidi, I'm so sorry to hear about your shoulder! I hope you can get some relief and the cortisone shot is helpful!

Our PT has taught us something that might help - if it's muscular. It would be of no help if there's a tear. It's called Total Motion Release. There are several (well, at least one) youtube videos that explain it. I have had some shoulder issues connected to cello playing and made worse by the need to use a walker or cane, so I've been doing the TMR routine (about 50 seconds) at home.

I forgot to mention that my foot is feeling considerably better. My appointment with our podiatrist is on Thursday.

I need to run - much to do before bed tonight.Thinking of everyone and sending , healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, prayers, and positive thoughts!

Sore and achy tonight. I fell today. I fell when the kids were here, but that was on tile so only bruises. This time I fell on concrete so I lost some skin as well as the bruises. It’s not too bad, just annoying, uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Wow, it's been quiet on here for a couple of days.
Heidi, I hope the shoulder is feeling better.
Suzy, I also hope you are feeling better after the fall.
Julie, as usual you are so busy. I hope you've had time to rest up.
We have a weekend free - of anything. Phew, much needed. It seems we are doing things every day lately. This coming week, we see the opthalmologist for Col's eye. Hopefully they will be able to insert the lens in the time between chemo treatments. Fingers crossed on that. Then we have an education session on Chemo on Wednesday, followed by his first treatment on Thursday. He comes home with pump attached and back on Saturday to have it removed. (Repeat every 2 weeks until 2nd January 2020.)

Suzy, so sorry to hear that you fell! I hope you heal quickly! Falls can be very frustrating, and as you said, embarrassing. Our Did anyone see it happen? Was Alie at home? The important thing is that there were no major injuries!

Cyn, you and Col have definitely been busy, and you have some busy weeks ahead of you! Sometimes I think I would rather be busy than bored. It doesn't look like you and Col will be bored any time soon.

Thinking of everyone! Sending healing energy (especially to Heidi and Suzy), positive thoughts, , prayers, and {{{{{HUGS}}}}}! Happy Weekend to Everyone!

I, too, am concerned about your fall, Suzy. I have a suggestion. It makes no sense, and I can find no scientific reason why it should possibly work.... but it does. I used to fall regularly. Almost daily. Friends would laugh at my ability to trip over a blade of grass and hit the ground. One day, around 2000 or a year or 2 later, I was at the State Fair, and a guy at a booth offered to demonstrate a balance bracelet. I was HIGHLY sceptical. He told me to hold both arms straight out at my sides and stand on one leg. He barely touched my hand and I fell over. Then he told me to hold the bracelet (for sale for only $4) and do the same thing. He touched my hand with the same preasure. I kept my balance. He pushed harder. I still kept my balance. Then he had me put the bracelet down and he repeated the movement. I fell again. I bought the bracelet. Since then, I have had VERY few falls, and only ones where it was impossible to keep my balance (like dogs running by and knocking both legs out from under me). I have given bracelets to friends who also have problems falling, and they're amazed at the results. I even gave one to my late father-in-law after he had a fall at 88 years old. He lived for another 4 years and never fell again. They can be purchased on eBay or Amazon (brand doesn't matter.... I've worn out 3 different brands). They're called Ionic bracelets and are made of rubber with magnets in them. They can be purchesed for as little as $6. If you give me your address in a pm, I'll send you one. Or you can buy one yourself. They really are miraculous. And I don't know why the silly things work. I've stopped questioning it, tho'. They just work.

My shoulder is getting worse. The orthopedic specialists office hasn't called back with an appointment yet. If they don't call back on Monday, I'm going to call my GP and sic her on them. I really am getting tired of the pain. The antiinflamatories help a little, but not enough. On Thursday I had a cleaning at my Dentist's. Just laying back in the dental chair set off the shoulder. I was in tears from the pain. That's not good.

What day is Col's eye appointment, CynB? My fingers are crossed that they'll have nothing but good news for him. You both deserve and need it.

Col's eye appointment is on Monday, Heidi!
I have my fingers crossed too that all will be well in that department and he can have the operation and be over and done with that chapter of his life.
He needs some good news. He's not sleeping well and I know he's not looking forward to the Chemo. Fear of the unknown. But it has to be done.

Greetings, Friends!

Heidi, I had forgotten about the 'balance bracelets'. I wore out a few also and just kind of quit wearing one when I got a 'Fit Bit.' Since that bit the dust, I should really go back to the balance bracelet, especially since I'm more likely to falll as I get older. Hubby has been having some balance issues, so I should get one for him, too. Thank you for sharing the information with Suzy. It serves as a great reminder for me.

Heidi, I'm so sorry your shoulder is getting worse! Do you think it's a muscular or skeletal issue? Could it be arthritis? That can develop after an injury. I hope your GP can 'light a fire' under the orthopedic specialist so something can be done for you! - and soon!

Cyn, I'll be thinking of you and Col on Monday for his eye appointment. Hopefully all will be well and he'll be able to have the operation soon and without any complications or delays! You both are dealing with full plates, and it would be nice to get something taken care of so you can both focus on the next aspect of his recovery!

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

The general consensus about my shoulder is that I tore something in it, and it has become seriously inflamed. So it's muscular. The x-rays showed nothing skeletal.... and I did not think they would show anything. But it's a good idea to check anyways.

Yep, I swear by those silly balance bracelets. They shouldn't work, but they do!!! They only cost a few dollars, so there's really nothing to lose. I'm glad to hear that you are familiar with them, too, Julie.

Interesting about the bracelets and I couldn't help goggling them. Very varied opinions but if they work for you, why not!
Hope the shoulder is getting better Heidi - I had a similar injury and had to have the tendons split and re-positioned in my shoulder after a basketball injury. Told to have arm strapped for 6 weeks but in 10 days it was o.k. (Had 3 under 3 at that stage so what can you do.)
Hope today was a good one for Col. It has been a long road for him this past year (and for you too). Is your daughter still with you? I have my eldest moving back in 2 weeks - still cannot focus and has tinnitus from his concussion. He plans to be with us for a month or so and then overseas to get away for a while (probably 9 months). Never bothered D to clear out her bedroom and it has slowly built up with surplus furniture, books etc so she is trying to sort everything out for 2nd son to move in there and 1st son can have 2nd son's bedroom and 3rd sons will become a study and ... my god I am in the biggest mess with boxes of junk throughout the house, even under the billiard table. I have to be the silent watcher as I did my back in trying to move furniture around. Hubby cleared out and went back to Sydney this week - wish I had gone with him but I don't want them to get their hands on my 'treasures' and chuck them out too. e.g. 'you don't use this walker now do you' as it is heading out the door.

Midge, they’re fine with dumping your stuff, but have been hoarding theirs for years?

I googled the balance bracelets and, based on what I saw, I’m going to try a rehab swimming class instead and pretend most of the people there aren’t 20 years older than me

We’ve decided Jasper and Alie’s bf have the same temperament. I told him so last time he was down so I’m not just talking behind his back. They’re both like grumpy old men, though only one of them is old

Nobody saw this fall, but everyone saw the last one!

My appointment with the orthopedic specialist is at 9 AM tomorrow. It can't be soon enough. The pain is making me cry rifgt now.