Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

We just trimmed feet. No shoes. Pandora will be going to visit the trainer in a few hours and get some serious work under saddle. She needs it. Anita will probably shoe her there in a week or 3. I'll put a photo on my page that Anita shared with me from yesterday. Anita's daughter was cleaning out Whimsey's foot in the shot. I look hourible since I was wearing a big, baggy sweater.

Heidi & all

Here is an Alpaca story...

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-derbyshire-51013623/alpacas-dine-out-on-donated-c hristmas-tree-feast

What a day.

I dropped Pandora off at the trainer's this morning, and was planning on stopping at my pharmacy to pick up my pain meds. (The pharmacy had just changed ownership last month, but assured all their customers that there would be no change in service.) I had already dropped off the prescription and it should have been ready. I called them just to make sure it was ready. They had a record of me dropping the prescription off, but they had lost the prescription! This is for a VERY controlled substance, so a doctor can't just call in another one. And I can't call them and say ''The pharmacy lost my prescription, so can I have another one?'' I had to have the pharmacy call Pain Management and explain their screw-up, and then I had to take a 2 hour drive to pick up the new prescription, then drop it off at the pharmacy. THEN I had a 2 hour wait for them to fill it. This never happened with the old ownership, and I'd been using that pharmacy for 28 years. Once I finally got home, I had to feed all the critters late. I'm tired. And I didn't get today's errands and chores done except feeding.

I know others here have much worse problems, but I needed to grouse anyways.

Hi, Everyone!

I hope all's well everywhere. I've heard that there has been some rain falling in areas that can use it. I hope it's a slow, drenching rain that can seep into the soil and moisten and cool the air!

Sending everyone positive thoughts, healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, prayers, and . Take care and stay safe.

Sorry for not watching the numbers and warning of the impending page turn. The post by Heidi works well for a TOPP, though!

DOrA, what a great alpaca story! (For those who want to use the link, remove the space between c and h in the word Christmas near the end of the link.)

Heidi, after a day like you had today, you are certainly entitled to grouse a bit! I imagine whoever lost the prescription has a very red face and got an epic chewing out! Here's hoping that NEVER happens again! How awful for you to need to do all of that extra driving and being kept from the errands and chores you had planned for the day!

I usually watch the numbers, but forgot to this time. I'll make up for it next TOPP.

I'm taking it easy today to recuperate from yesterday's stress. I set up a small (2.5 gallons) aquarium in my kitchen and have 4 pairs of guppies arriving tomorrow in the mail. I'll start feeding the critters in about an hour.

Just read in our local paper that a slimeball in my county has just been indicted on numerous charges of raping several minors. I have the feeling that I'm going to have to report in for that jury. That's a jury I'd like to get on. If he's innocent, I'd like to see him acquitted. If he's guilty, I want to see the book thrown at him.... and then some.

Heidi, I think you're smart to take some time today to destress after the crazy day you had yesterday! An aquarium with guppies may just be a great destressor. Watching them swim and eat is likely to be quite relaxing. Will the guppies you bought be fancy like your new avatars?

Heidi, I'm sorry to hear about the low-life living in your county and the charges against him. If chosen for the jury, I know you'll be a fair and unbiased jury member. I have no doubt that you would vote for an appropriate decision for the case!

At my cello lesson today, we took some time to evaluate the semester and discuss future direction for my lessons and how to work toward some of the improvements I hope to see in my playing. I didn't get a chance to do a lot of playing, but we had some excellent conversation!

Thinking of everyone and ending , healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, positive thoughts, and prayers for everyone, especially for the people and animals of Australia!

The guppies arrived today. There are three males like the red tailed one in my smilie, and one blue cobra male. The females are assorted flashy colors. They sent me two free young females besides the four I ordered.

After spending all day fighting to reinstall software after a format and installing Windows 10, I think I'll have a 'double triple' of the strongest I have.

It's definitely not the best day to be a 'pestering hound' at DorA's place............

You have my sympathy, DOrA.

I had a busy day doing all sorts of little jobs around the farm. Things that needed to be done. Bit by bit, the farm is looking and functioning better. The temperature outside is unseasonably warm, a good 40˚ F above average for this time of year. But more rain is due tomorrow, just as the mud was starting to dry up.

First of al, I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. As you all know, Aust, is having a terrible time with the bushfires - partially due to our incompetent state govt.(Victoria) banning scrub clearance 7 years ago. Hoping for good news from Suzy. It must be awful for her. Been off air for a while - had skin cancer removed day before Christmas and talked Dr into letting me go home late on Christmas day (5 days early but only if I followed strict instructions) Waiting to hear if I am to have further treatment. Skin graft not taking very well so still not very mobile. Wish we could have some of your weather Heidi.

I wish I could send you a lot of our rain, Midge. In 2019, we got more than 9 inches of rain over the normal rainfall, and we're on track to equal that so far this year, tho' we're only 10 days into the year. Our long distance forecast shows more rainy days than non-rainy days.

Suzy posted on FB that she is back home and all is well. Still fires about but she feels safe there.
Phew! Feel pleased for her. It must be a horrible thing to have to leave your home, your possessions and your memories and not know if they'll still be there when you return.

I love the fish avatar Heidi!

I have been so worried about Suzy. I'm so glad that she's safe, and her home is safe.

CynB !!!

It's late, and no time to read. Just sending healing energy, prayers, , {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and positive thoughts!

We had a bad wind storm last night. Part of the roof over the horse & alpaca barn was ripped off. And we're having a bad thunderstorm right now so the barn is very wet inside. Fortunately, I have enough sheets of metal stored to replace the ripped off pieces. I'll call George tomorrow, and hopefully we can repair the roof on Monday, once the rain is over.

I posted a picture of Pandora under saddle.

Hi, Everyone!

Heidi, I like your guppy avatar and enjoyed the smilies of guppies. I'm so glad they arrived safely. It's nice that they sent two free young females. I hope they all get along well and enjoy their new home! Will they need to be separated when there are babies, or can they be kept together?

DOrA, I'm sorry to hear that the computer install/reinstall didn't go well. I'm suspect you were able to give 'the hound' some extra attention today.

Heidi, the warmer temperatures you've been having sound wonderful, but not so much for the rain. (We have been having freezing rain and snow since last night.)

Welcome back, Midge! You must have been very convincing for your doctor to let you go home 5 days early after your surgery! I hope the graft is doing better! It's hard to remain mostly immobile. Sending gentle {{HUGS}} and positive thoughts for a quick recovery and return to normal activities!

Heidi, I'm so sorry the wind tore part of the roof from the horse & alpaca barn! Hopefully, it will dry out quickly after the rain ends and you're able to replace the missing pieces!

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

Heidi, Pandora looks great! Somehow I expected her to be bigger (or maybe Bell is a tall girl?) How many hands is Pandora?

Pandora is about 15 hands. Her sister Whimset is 14.2. And Bell is a big girl. Gypsy Vanners are smaller horses, despite the draft horse bulk.

Whimsey. Sorry.

Took 2 more steers down to the graded sale barn. I was pleased enough at the price I got last week that I figured I could risk 2 more. I only have 1 steer left, and he was the smallest. I'd rather have him on feed for another month before selling him. Mike has 2 steers left, too. I'm going to offer to take his to the sale when I take my last one. He has 3 calves that are still on the cows as well.
Calving starts in 2 months.

Hi, Everyone & happy new week!

Thanks for clearing up Pandaora's siz, Heidi. She just seemed relatively short, but it's no doubt because Bell is tall.

Heidi, I hope the steers sell at least as well as the previous 2!

Heading to bed, as I need to be up early tomorrow. Good Night, Everyone! Sending healing energy, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, positive thoughts, prayers, and for all!

Pandora IS shorter than , say, most thoroughbreds. I haven't actually measured her, but she's an good sized Gypsy Vanner mare. The classic Vanner is not a tall horse. There ARE taller ones, but they're refered to as Grand Vanners. Her sister is at most 14.2, but could be less. I think I'll have the Vet measure her next time he or she checks out the horses. Mike does share horse work with an equine specialist south of here.

I'm heading back to the sale barn in a few minutes. I'm dying to see how these 2 steers sell.
I prefer to drop cattle off there the day before the sale. That way they get fed and watered there, and relax a bit instead of being completely fresh from the farm and spooked. Calmer animals get a few dollars more than flighty ones, because calmer animals gain weight faster, and are more economical to feed out. I want the buyers to see the natural dispositions of my calves.

Back home. These 2 steers brought a better price than the 2 last week. Several people approached me and told me that these were some of the finest calves they'd ever seen. Too bad I don't have a lot more of them.

Glad the sale went well, Heidi.

Not much news from here. Colin is 2 weeks past his last Chemo. It was a bad one but he's just starting to better in some ways. He is back at work since Monday and probably all the better for it. We go back on the 30th, after having a scan and blood tests. He has to see his surgeon and his oncologist. He will eventually need the surgeon to remove his portacath but that won't be done for 6-12 months once they are sure it won't he needed. Meanwhile it needs flushing every 6 weeks.
No news on the lens surgery. His Workcover consultant is trying to organise for it to be done asap as a private patient with Workcover paying. Fingers crossed. He needs this to be over.
They we will fly to Perth and spend some time with Rolanda and Peter. Yayy!

Didn't get anything done today except my regular feeding chores. My back was really hurting. Only 3 weeks until my epidural. I hope I can hold out that long. I am pleased that I've gone so long without needing one, tho'. The weight loss is a huge help, but it can't completely fix my back.

Hmm - I thought I posted yesterday, but don't see it here. Maybe I typed, but went to help hubby with a project before I pressed 'Submit.'

Heidi, thanks for the information about Pandora and Whimsey and the usual height of Gypsy Vanner horses. It's nice to learn new things as frequently as possible!

I'm glad to see that the 2 steers this week sold well! Your plan to take them the day before the sale seems very wise. It's so good to know that several people took the time to let you know that they value your calves. Were these people who weren't previously acquainted with you or the quality of the calves you raise? You're right; it's too bad you don't have more!

CynB, WOO HOO for Col being 2 weeks past his last chemo appointment! It's good to know that he is feeling better and is even back at work! I hope you both receive good news on the 30th! I hope he will receive news soon about the scheduling of his lens surgery. I'm glad his Workcover consultant is working on his behalf! You have a great goal for post-surgery!!

Heidi, I'm sorry your back was bothering you today! I hope you can get through 3 weeks without too much discomfort! I assume the appointment is already made for the next epidural.

Hello to all of our fellow Sudokuaholics, both those who post and those who pop in occasionally. Sending healing energy, prayers, , {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and positive thoughts for Everyone!

Hi, Everyone! Thursday had ended here, but many Sudokuaholics have already enjoyed much of Friday. Happy Weekend, Everyone!

It's late, so I'll be heading to bed soon. Sending everyone warm and positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, , healing energy, and prayers! Tale care and stay safe!

I don't want to lose this one, so I'll not wait for the next ''top''...

The new year lies before you, like a spotless tract of snow.
Be careful how you tread on it, for every mark will show.

The warm weather is over Just 48 hours ago it was 68˚F / 20˚C. and now it's just above freezing. And by tomorrow evening it's going to be down to 14˚F / -10C for the next 4 or 5 days at least. The good side is that the mud is freezing.

That's true DorA! I think we all need to tread carefully on this planet.

It's not necessarily an end to the bushfires but there is good rain falling especially over Qld and NSW. But, we need much more steady rain to break this drought.

Hi, Everyone!

What a great not-quite-TOPP, DOrA! Thank you!I hope everyone will start treading carefully! Hopefully, it's not too late!

Heidi, our temperatures were not nearly as high as yours, but mostly right around freezing. They started dropping last night, and snow started. It has snowed off and on today, and not temperatures are predicted to drop even further to the teens tomorrow and low single digits on Sunday with 'feels like' temperatures below zero. Luckily you will stay a bit above that.

CynB, it's wonderful news that there has been some rain! I hope a slow drenching rain continues for several days! Keeping good thoughts coming your way!

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

Just a 'heads up' that we are nearing the next TOPP. Take care, Everyone!

We had a party here last night for my son's 49th (how did that happen?) birthday. I gave Col a Smoker BBQ for Christmas and he wanted to give it a try - smoked-all-day brisket was yummy! It was a good night, 15 people, mostly our family plus a few friends of his.
However I must remember that I'm an old lady of 72 who doesn't drink much any more and not to drink shots with my grandchildren at midnight. They stayed the night and are still sleeping.
I am awake with a very fuzzy head and an upset tummy.

Poor CynB. I hope the head feels better soon.

Winter is here. It's not supposed to get above 25˚F / -3.9˚C tomorrow with a wind chill of 9˚F / -12.8. Brrrrrrr

At last the mud is frozen right now. I have to go break ice for the critters to drink, tho, when I feed in a few minutes.