Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

Don't worry about avoiding temptation.
As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill

I got the bucket back, and I've started moving the rock/gravel. It's a big job.... but it'll keep the bottom of the hay rolls dry.

My moving things around with equipment is about done,for the year. With the rain, we've had, the ground is nearly saturated. Moving firewood, the other day, with the Bobcat, I left 10'' deep ruts. There is no way to level them out. They will have to be filled in next summer after the ground drys out.

On the positive side, I won't have to mow, either...

We had a lovely couple of days away, close to the ocean. And a nice catch-up with old friends.
Yesterday we went to the opthalmologist. Finally, they are ready to insert the new lens in Col's eye. They will send us a date for the op in a week or so. It will take place in January after the Chemo is finished.
So will 2020 be the year that Col gets his vision restored 20/20?? No promises that's for sure, they made a point of telling us he could go completely blind in that eye - he can still see light, colour and movement but only for a foot or so in front of the eye. Or, nice to know (not) he could lose his eye. Only a very slight chance says the doc! Thanks!

At least getting the go-ahead for the surgery is progress, CynB. And the odds are heavily in his favor or they wouldn't do the surgery.

DOrA, thanks for the TOPP! I think Winston Churchill was right!

Wow, Heidi! I'm hoping your vet has borrowed the bucket for your tractor. I would hate to think that someone might have stolen it. I'm so glad you were able to get it back and use it to move the rockgravel! That sounds like a lot of work, but worth it to keep the hay rolls dry!

DOrA, I didn't realize you were having so much rain! Ten-inch ruts are pretty deep! I hope they won't cause problems after the ground freezes or before you can fill them in next spring or summer. I hope you're almost done moving things.

Cyn, how nice that you and Col got away and saw friends. The appointment with the ophthalmologist seems mostly positive. It's helpful that they are being upfront and honest about possibilities. Of course, that adds to the worry, but we'll all be sending positive vibes and healing energy! As Heidi said, the odds are heavily in his favor.

Tami Propper Osias and her son Dylan , 'Nal' (Nora Arias Loftis) and her husband Jim, Kathy Keefer Foster, Aileen Jue and her husband Kendall, Jane delPino Clifton Magruder and her husband Bailey were in photos posted to TOS of a meet-up in Orlando, Florida over the weekend, I think. (I hope I remembered everyone.)

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

Yes, my Vet had borrowed the bucket. We both have Mahindra tractors so our equipment is interchangable. I have a bucket, pallet lifter and front spear, tho' my front spear is in bad shape. His front spear is much better. I thought he had a bucket, too, but I was wrong. We both have rear spears and 12 foot bushhogs. He also has a rear seeder.

Wow! A 12 foot brush hog. I am partially jealous. As mine is only 6', yours would cut my mowing time about in half. On the flip side, my property is mainly woodland, with meandering trails. It would take a lot of work to make the trails wide enough for a 12. Plus a lot of grading so as to keep from having alternating long and scalped spots. I think I'm content with what I have.

Autumn is in full swing, Somewhere. While not experiencing the really vibrant colors some see, the reds, yellows and browns are pleasing to the eye. The fallen leaves, swirling behind the car in front while navigating country backroads, is a bonus.

Y'all have good day...

Got all the rock spread. It's a big hay barn.. it holds 100 large round rolls of hay, and it's now got 6 inches of firmly packed rock base instead of dirt floor. I've started loading hay inside, too. I still need to haul 53 rolls from the middle of the county to here.

I also sorted Phaeton out from the females today and put him back in with Frontman.

Heidi, I'm glad you were right about the location of your tractor's bucket! It's great that your vet has an identical tractor and some of the attachments can be shared back and forth between you!

DOrA, I didn't realize you had a large bit of land to maintain, as well. It seems you're right in thinking the 6-foot brush hog is better suited to your topography, though it would certainly be nice to cut your mowing time nearly in half.

No wonder you wanted a good firm rock base for storing the rolls of hay, Heidi! I didn't realize your barn could hold100 rolls and you'll soon be getting 53 additional rolls to store. Will that be enough for the winter and into spring?

So, now Phaeton can rest, and Frontman willl have his turn in a couple of weeks. I hope at least one of them is successful!

Heidi, I hope your ear is getting better!

I'll be off to bed soon, so here is the day's supply of , healing energy, positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and prayers. Good Night, All!

With my hay and the hay Mike the Vet is buying, we'll have plenty. We're getting ready to wean the calves and sell them in 1 month, so that'll cut my small herd in half. Duke sired a preponderance of bull calves so I only got 1 heifer calf in the whole calf crop. Mike has several heifers so mine will be raised with his and fed for an additional month or 2 until they can be put in with the herd again. The alpacas can get thru' the winter on the 2 rolls I already put out for them and the horses don't eat as much hay as cows. Plus, Buddy (my 29 year old Morgan) won't make it thru' the winter. He's lost almost all his teeth and all his body fat. And he has bad arthritis. He's still enjoying life, but I'm watching him closely. Of all my animals, Buddy is my favorite.

Wow Heidi - 29 is a great age - hope Buddy stays that way for a while longer.
Glad Col finally has a plan for his eye - it must be a relief to know that finally something can be done. Your break away sounds like it did you both good. Now for the remainder of the chemo and freedom.
Eldest son has gone from the frying pan into the fire - in Santiago among the riots and military curfews. Has sent me a very different view of the riots to what we see in the news - 15 dead and 200 injured so far - he says it is really quite peaceful but I note he has moved into a better area. Planning on Peru next and then Korea early next year.
DorA - your place looks lovely and peaceful - not like the suburbs we live in. Out the back of our place our view is of hills and farmland - but still in the suburbs. Love the Friesan cows.
Julie - what are you up to these days? Are you still involved with your woodworking?
Speedy recovery Rolanda.

Heidi, I would would have thought that the law of averages would have produced a few more heifer calves. It's good that your heifer calf can go in with Mike's so she can be raised with other heifer calves until they can join the remaining herd.

I'm sorry it seems that Buddy isn't likely to make it through the winter. You always take such good care of your animals, and I'm sure Buddy will be given whatever he needs, including lots of love. I'm sure he reciprocates and appreciates the love you give him.

Midge, your eldest son has certainly had a 'heckuva' year! How long will he stay in Chile before heading to Peru? I hope he finds peace and peace of mind and feels completely relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated when he returns home!

I had not heard anything about what is happening in Chile until today. A new member of the cello section of our string orchestra told me today she has plans for a tour to Chile and Easter Island in November. She's wondering if it will happen.

Sending lots of positive thoughts and healing energy to Rolanda, if she visits again.

I hope MizT is doing well, as we haven't heard much from her in quite a while.

Suzy, if you're visiting, I hope you'll say Hi once in a while.

Hubby has been doing more wood turning than I have recently. I even cut back (a little) on my practicing, though usually do at least an hour or more per day. I was having some shoulder pain, so have had a bit of physical therapy. Some members of our club will work with high school students in our area to teach them how to make a pen one day in mid-November. There will be a 2-day event with students from another high school in February. We still have a regular monthly meeting, as well as an almost monthly meeting of the Educational Committee and also the committee planning a 3-day seminar for next August. It tends to keep us busy.

Thinking of Everyone and sending lots of positive thoughts, healing energy, , prayers, and {{{{{HUGS}}}}} for All!

Got the lawn and the variious barn lots mowed today for the last time this season. Feels good to get it done. I still need to move the rest of my hay but the hay hauler is still out being repaired. Should be back any day. I get to sit around resting for the next half hour or so waiting for Buddy to finish eating his supper. It takes him over an hour. Everybody else has been fed.

The hay hauler is back now, but it has a low tire. We've gotta pump it up before hauling hay.

I hope Buddy enjoyed his supper, Heidi! I'm glad the hay hauler has been repaired and is back. I might have thought the tires would have been appropriately filled before it was returned after repairs. (Or maybe that's just me.)

I hope everyone is well! Sending healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, positive thoughts, prayers, and ! Good Night!

Considering that it was the 2 real wheel bearings that were being replaced, and it was a rear wheel that was too low to load lay, I would have thought so, too. But the person repairing it wasn't charging me for labor, just parts, so I can't really complain.
Unfortunately, we're about to have 2 solid days of rain, and I won't haul 5 tons of hay behind my tractor on wet, slippery roads. I'll have to wait until Sunday afternoon before I can haul any more may.

Hello, Everyone, including those who post and those who don't.

Heidi, I'm glad you always make the safe choice! Luckily, you have time to wait until better weather to haul the hay.

I'm glad you only had to pay for parts for the repair. Sometimes the labor can be more expensive than the parts. At least you were able to pump the tire yourself!

It's obviously the weekend, so quieter here today. I hope everyone has a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!

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

As expected, it's been raining all day today. Since my ear is bleeding rather heavily, making me light headed, it's a good day to lay around inside and do nothing.

Greetings to Everyone!

Heidi, I'm so sorry about the problems with your ear. I'm kind of glad for the awful weather keeping you from hauling hay. I hope you find something relaxing to do - maybe watching a movie or two? I hope your ear is better tomorrow and in the coming week!

We drove to see my Sis and BIL and get hair cuts (and lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant) today. Hubby had to deal with rain the whole way home.

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

Hair cuts & lunch at a restaurant? Must be a 'full service' place...

I just went out to feed the alpacas and found Frontman dead. No idea what happened.

So sorry Heidi - that is awful.

Oh, no, Heidi! What an awful discovery! Will you have a necropsy done? He was just a young alpaca, wasn't he? I'm so sorry! I can't imagine how you must feel.

DOrA, I guess I didn't explain myself very well. We have a favorite Mexican restaurant in the town where my sister lives. It's also a favorite of my S and BIL. We usually have a late lunch or early dinner at the restaurant after my S (a beautician) cuts our hair and before our 2+ hour drive home.

Thinking of all of our Sudoku friends and sending {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, , positive thoughts, and prayers. I hope everyone has a great week!

I knew what you meant, Julie. It's just that the opportunity presented itself and I had to take advantage...

My neighbor came over, yesterday, with his excavator and dug about 50 meters of trench for a new water line. Now all I have to do is place sand in the bottom to bed the pipe, lay the pipe, install the farm hydrants, test for leaks and back fill the trench. The over night low temperatures are to be in the low to mid 20's F. and daytime highs in the mid-50's. But at least I have a no rain weather window, in which to finish the project.

Oh Heidi - awful news about Frontman. I hope you are able to find the cause.
DorA. That's a big project! I hope you can finish it while the weather stays good.
Hi there Julie, I always appreciate your summaries. Keeps me up to date on what I've missed here.

Life goes on here. Col is having a particularly bad time with the side effects of the latest Chemo cycle. He didn't go to work today. His throat is very sore, his nose keeps bleeding, his fingers are tingling.
I feel for him, and I dread that he still has 5 more onslaughts to go.

The Art group that I belong to like to do the occasional excursions to see, photograph and sketch places of interest. Yesterday was my suggestion. We all met at a ferry terminal near the City centre, ferried down the river to Brisbane's most well known and oldest park at New Farm. When it was established it was planted with big old fig trees, and several varieties of big flowering trees. At this time of year it was the Jacaranda that was in flower. They were purple and glorious. An added bonus was large rose gardens in the centre of the park. We sat having morning coffee in a large old rotunda under the jacarandas watching the movement along the river. Nearby was the 2019 Brisbane Portrait Exhibition which was wonderful to see. After lunch sitting on a cool terrace on the riverside, we continued down river on the ferry almost to the mouth and back to where we started. All in all, a very enjoyable day.

Frontman was beaten up, like he and Phaeton had been fighting and his head was bruised up. I suspect he got a blow to a vital organ, like the brain.

Poor Col. It sounds like each chemo session is worse than the previous session.

DOrA, that sounds like quite a project! I hope the weather holds until you get it completed! Will you be doing all of the work yourself or have assistance from someone? Good luck getting it done, and with no leaks! How long do you expect the project to take?

CynB, I'm so sorry to hear that Col's latest chemo session has created so many side effects and so much discomfort! I'm certainly glad he's more than half way finished and hope the remainder of the sessions don't produce worse side effects! Sending encouragement and gentle {{HUGS}} for Col!

Cyn, your art group excursion sounds wonderful. I hope you got some great photographs and sketches that will provide many opportunities for future paintings, etc.

Heidi, I'm so sorry about Frontman! Had there been any previous indication of animosity between him and Phaeton? How awful for you!

Thinking of everyone and sending lots of positive thoughts, healing energy, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and with plenty to share !

I too appreciate Julie's comments - I seem to miss a lot and she always keeps us posted. No. 1 son is out of the frying pan and into the fire - Santiago is a mess and the riots are all around him - he said if he was younger and knew more Spanish he would join the rioters - they are very under-privileged and the society there is for the capitalists only. Most of the population earn in a month what we would in a week and the cost of living is similar. Have a friend's funeral on Thursday - she was on life support for 10 days after an asthma attack - she is a hero - a donor - she spent her adult life giving to those less fortunate and has done so again - a wonderful lady.

Only 40 rolls of hay left to haul!

Big job well done Heidi

Greetings, Everyone!

Midge, Santiago does NOT sound like the place to be right now. Either U.S. news services are ignoring what is happening there or my exposure to world news is lacking - or some of both. I would think we would hear more about the rioting there. I imagine you're glad Son #1 doesn't speak more Spanish, so that he doesn't join the rioters. I wouldn't want them to suspect his motives if he joined their demonstrations. Is he likely to cut short his stay there and move on to a quieter/calmer location?

Midge, sending condolences to you on the passing of your friend. It sounds like she was an outstanding person and friend. We tend to forget how horrific asthma can be, and how debilitating an asthma attack is. By being a donor, she gave as much or more in death as she did in life. Sending {{{HUGS}}} your way!

Heidi, hooray for you! You have moved a lot of hay and got a good start on the move with more than a fifth of it moved. I hope the dry weather holds long enough for you to get it finished safely - maybe by the end of the week.

I'm guessing DOrA was outside working on water lines today.

Thinking of Everyone. Stay safe and warm (or cool, if that's appropriate). Sending healing energy, positive thoughts, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and for All!

It's supposed to rain for the next 2 days, so I won't be able to haul hay until Friday. I can only move 7 rolls at a time and it's 1 1/2 hours round trip per load. So I have a lot of work yet. 4 trips of 7 rolls and 2 trips of 6 rolls each.

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday.
I had a quiet day indoors since it rained all day today.

Heidi, do you plan to make more than 4 or 5 trips a day? That must be very tiring! I certainly am glad you're so safety conscious. I hope other people on the road are, too!

Tomorrow is Halloween. Temperatures in the mid-30's F are predicted (around 1.5 to 2 *C). The 'feels like' temperature is around 20* and a couple of inches of snow is predicted. I'm certainly glad we don't have any little trick-or-treaters. We won't get to see our 3 1/2-year-old grandie, as it would take more than an hour drive each way. She lives in a high rise apartment building, so I'm guessing they will just meet up with friends in the building to see each other's costumes. Our other grannies are almost 14, 11, and 9. I'm not sure what weather will be near them, and don't know if any are interested in trick-or-treating any more. Families where they live have been holding 'Trunk or Treat' the last few years. It started on an extremely rainy & cold Halloween, & the kids & parents liked meeting in a school parking lot. Much easier and safer than walking in neighborhoods!

Thinking of Everyone and sending positive thoughts, healing energy, prayers, , and {{{{{HUGS}}}}}! Happy Halloween!

Almost time to turn the page, so I'll do it.