Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

Tough times never last
But tough people do!

Good one CynB. Something we all need to remember given the current world situation.......

Tis a good one CynB. We have been away for a few days to Gundagai, Eden and Lakes Entrance. The scumbags have been through quite a few of the country towns collecting for their export containers - I asked the manager of one store to stop one couple with 2 trolleys each over-flowing with supplies and he said the company policy meant at that time he could do nothing. Piffle!! The following day there were some restrictions but not enough. At least seniors have their own shopping hour which is all very good, but the one time I went there had been no deliveries made and the shelves were still bare.
No 1 son has set himself up in isolation by moving a wardrobe down the hall to block the rest of the house off and using one bathroom as a kitchen. He has his 'office' set up in his bedroom along with a refrigerator. He is climbing in and out of the window. I don't know whether to laugh or cry! No 2 son still in isolation but the campsite closed with a day's notice so he is now really 'up bush' - about 5 hours drive from here. Daughter is working overtime in the lab testing swabs. Hubby and I are back at the office as we are not open to the public. No 3 son may not be with us as he is diabetic and also high-risk. This is a crazy, scary time. On a lighter note, we drove through some devastated areas from the bushfires and happy to see new growth on some of the trees - some look like cacti now. No wildlife except for one lonely brumby and a few birds. take care

Too late to read or comment. {{{{HUGS}}}} to all, & will try to get here earlier tomorrow.

Midge, yes those grubs clearing the supermarket shelves have to be stopped. Hopefully by now they have. I know Suzy has been having trouble getting groceries in her rural town. The difference in behaviour between people during the bushfires and now is disgusting. You can register at Coles or Woolworths for grocery delivery. Priority is given to the elderly and those with health or mobility problems.
Hubby is still working which is a bit of a worry but the company has locked his office to the rest of the factory and delivery staff. They can only come to the counter instead of just walking in. The office has enough space to keep those inside (4, including my son) at the correct distance.

To get anything from my feed store, you have to call them in advance, and they'll have your order waiting for you to pick up outside. Nobody is allowed to enter the store. I bet they lose a lot of sales from people looking around and thinking...''Oh.. I need that, too!''.

True Heidi - I have never been able to go to the supermarket and walk out with the few things I went there for. But so annoying when you get home and realise you really needed other things you would have seen in the store.
DorA - hope the bbq is working out better - although I really like the Webers. Over 30 years ago I was given a demo one and I took it to my sister's bush property - it is still in use.

Well Midge, the pellet grill is going back. I just can't face the prospect of having to clean it, again. I have a gas grill for quick cooks and the Weber for when I want a really good meal. I started using a Weber in the late '70's after a meal at a friends' house. I have the 'rotisserie kit' for it, as well as rib racks and kabob skewers. It's just that it doesn't seem worth the effort to cook for just me. Sometimes, though..........

The gas grill is an old model that has a lower grate instead of the 'whiz-bang' ''flavor bars''. I have the lower grate covered with ceramic blocks. They clean themselves well.

It's late & I'm dragging, so off to bed without reading or commenting.

That sounds like the right call, DOrA. If you're not happy with the pellet grill, don't keep it.

I realized that there were 2 things that I forgot to get at the feed store, solely because I couldn't go inside. So I have to go back today.

I agree about the 'oh, I need that too' syndrome. Although when I am walking around a supermarket the amount of extra things I 'need' is amazingly high. But, I find that using Online shopping, I'm always forgetting odd things I need that don't come up often. I can check a 'bought before' option which is great and any new item that I buy then goes on that list.
I did my first 'priority' shop online yesterday for delivery tomorrow. I'll be interested to see if I get everything I asked for. I ordered a 9 pack of toilet paper, probably don't need it until next week. I hope that's not considered hoarding.

Our new rules announced last night has strict restrictions on weddings (5 people - celebrant, bride, groom, 2 witnesses) and funerals - maximum of 10 people.
My brother's Mother in law is 95 and in hospital expected to die any day. She has 11 children, has 30-something grandchildren and more than 60 great grandies. A family of over 100 people.
Not enough people allowed to cover just her children.
Sad but necessary. I feel for the family. I've known them all for 50 years.

For those not on FB, our Brenda, who used to post here often has been diagnosed with the virus, here is what she wrote:
'Well, after 10 days of self isolating I finally had to go to the hospital yesterday. I had become very short of breath and couldn't say many words without becoming breathless. First thing we have to do is go on the 111 medical advice website and take a small questionnaire. Depending on your answers they decide if you need to talk to someone. Well I am 65 and diabetic so I had to ring. It took 1hrs 40mins to do that. Had to answer more questions, was told I needed to speak to a clinician which could take up to 2 hours. It didn't take that long and was sent down to A&E at my local hospital. Richard took me down but couldn't stay with me. The staff were great, they were busy but calm. Blood pressure etc taken and bloods. Had to wait to see a dr. Worsed part was having to wear face mask as it was very hot and claustrophobic, but essential. Eventually got down for chest xray. I have been fortunate or not as the case may be. I seem to be coming out of a mild case of coronavirus. My xrays were clear and bloods ok. I was allowed home, but still have to self isolate which was to be expected. In all it took nearly 5 hours. If my case was mild I am pleased it was not severe. I feel like crap, cannot concentrate on anything and sleep more that normal.
Hoping friends around the world stay safe and well.'
I hope she gets well soon. I wasn't aware that Doctors can pick what stage of the disease a person is at.

I pray that Brenda recovers fully from the coronavirus. Very scary. There are so many new cases every day that they can't diagnose quickly or comfortably for anyone. Horrible situation.

I spoke to the hatchery today. They had originally told me that the peachicks and guinea chicks were to be shipped yesterday. So I called to double check. Their computer system had a glitch and gave me the wrong date. They won't be shipped until the first of June.

CynB, thanks for letting us know that Brenda has the coronavirus. I had not seen her post. I hope she feels better soon!

Heidi, I'm glad you thought to check with the hatchery about when the peachicks and guinea chicks would be shipped! That's quite a significant difference in shipping date! I know they'll be welcomed, no matter when they are shipped!

Get well quickly, Brenda!

I hope all of the Sudoku family is well and stays well! Sending healing energy, positive thoughts, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and for Everyone! Stay well!

Had too much excitement this evening. The replacement heifers decided to tear down a wooden fence (5 foot high) and get loose on my idiot ex's property.... in the pouring rain. I contacted Mike and let him know what happened, and got my tools together. I was out there in the downpour repairing the fence, while Mike got a bucket of grain (thank goodness I've spoiled them with daily grain feedings) and lured them back onto the property. The fence is now fixed, the heifers are back on my property (but in a 2 acre pasture next to the one that they were in, since it has less mud) and my clothes and coat are slowly drying out. There's always some excitement on a farm. I'm just grateful that the heifers didn't get in with the bull. We're not planning on breeding them for 2 more months. I don't want heifers giving birth around Christmas.

Shame they didn't get time to slush up the mud on his paddocks.

They were in a 30 acre field.

I'm waiting for my shopping order to be delivered to outside my front door so there is no physical contact. My window for delivery, there weren't many left, was 5am (yes 5am) to 10am. Set my alarm for 5am, it's now 6.30am. What's the bet that it arrives at 9.55am. Once it arrives and I've put it away, I'm heading back to bed.

Col is going to the Cancer unit at the hospital today to have his portacath flushed and his bloods checked and to see his oncologist. We're not expecting any problems. He's getting his taste back but his neuropathy is bad and could take months/years to clear, if ever. They asked that he come alone if possible to reduce contact because of the virus. I had decided not to go for the same reason.
His eye appointment has been put off. I doubt anything will happen with that now until all this is over and that may be too late.

I think you're right, CynB. All non-life threatening stuff is being delayed thanks to the risk of Covid-19. Sad, I know.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a delightful day outside.... sunny and around 72˚F / 22.2˚C. I plan on cleaning out my fish pond and getting the waterfall running again. I just bought a few Koi on eBay, and they're due to arrive the middle of next week. I know this social distancing is a major aggravation, but I'm getting a LOT done around the farm and house since I can't really go anywhere..... and nobody is interupting me. I'll need at least 2 more days without rain before I can take out my lawn mower and mow the lawn. It needs to be mowed, but the ground is WAY too soggy still.

Greetings to All, and good health, as well!

Heidi, what an evening you have had! At least you and Mike were able to capture the heifers and get them into a more secure pasture. Who could have predicted that by spoiling them with daily grain feedings you made recapturing them a bit easier. Let's hope they're done with their 'walkabout' for the foreseeable future!

Cyn, I'm glad you're able to take advantage of delivery to your home. It's nice to be able to eliminate some of the worry of shopping!

Some stores in our area have a designated 'senior' shopping hour or two before opening the store to all. Unfortunately, a clerk told me that far too many non-senior citizens are coming to the store then in the hopes of finding a supply of toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, etc. He said there were fewer people shopping in the last hour or two that the store is open. Of course, by then, supplies of some of the most-wanted items are low or non-existent.

I hope Col had a good check-up with his oncologist! You're very wise to avoid contact with others and let him go alone to his appointment. I suspect that you may be right that any 'elective' surgery, as for his eye, is unlikely to be scheduled, at least for a while. It must be very frustrating for both of you. Sending warm and positive thoughts to both of you!

Thinking of everyone and hoping all are well! Feel free to shrare the , healing energy, prayers, positive thoughts, and {{{{{HUGS}}}}} with anyone in need!

Be well!

It's a much bigger job cleaning out that pond than I thought it would be. I hadn't been up to cleaning it in the past 10 years and it's nasty. Packed full of rotten leaves. It'll take close to 2 weeks to do the job if I work carefully as to not hurt my back. At least the koi I bought are small (4-6 inches long) and will be OK in my 60 gallon aquarium with my 5 goldfish for many weeks until the job is done.

Pictures of the new Koi (and 3 of my 5 goldfish) on my page.

Great photos, Heidi! That's a lot of work to clean the Koi Pond, but will be well worth it!

It's late, so just a quick wish for everyone to stay safe and well! , {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, positive thoughts, and prayers for everyone!

The raccoons will, probably, be happy when you clean and re-stock their fishing hole...

The pond is inside my yard. Ant raccoon that comes in here is killed by the dogs. The only danger to the fish is snakes.

Well, then, I hope the snakes leave the koi alone, Heidi!

Wishing everyone a great weekend. Sending healing energy, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, positive thoughts, and

Pellet Grill was returned with no problem at all. Gotta love Home Depot.!

Good to hear, DOrA.

I am tired. Cleaning the pond is a huge job. I'm possibly a quarter to a third done mucking it out. Ten years accumulation of leaves in stagnant water can create quite a mess of muck. What I'm dreading is flushing out the filtration system and getting it functioning. The pipe between the pump, the filter and the waterfall is so deeply buried under rocks and soil that I cannot dig it up and replace it. At least I have a replacement pump if I need it.

As long as the pump and filter are accessible, it shouldn't be too bad. Most systems are installed with the knowledge that maintenance will be required, sooner or later. Yeah, I know about 'muck'. It's no fun. The pipe, though, baring something unusual, should be OK. Good Luck.

Can the Koi over winter in the pond with the cold temperatures?

Hello all, hope everyone is well and doing the usual expected thing on these times.
Brenda posted that she was only expecting to be in hospital for a few days to keep her oxygen levels up. Hope to hear that she is home soon.

Had a wonderful Sudoku virtual video gathering on Friday, when Tami started a video meeting on an app named Zoom - which is being utilised by schools everywhere in these times when schools are closed. There were 13 of us, Americans like Keith, Jamie from Texas, Debby and Aussies like Rolanda, vDv and others. We talked for 30-40 minutes and could see one another in a grid of videos.
We are planning to do it again soon.

The Koi will have no problem overwintering in the pond. It's more than deep enough for them to make it safely through the coldest winter. ... especially if I hook up a floating tank de-icer.

At the rate I'm going.... baring really bad weather... I could have this job done in 3 more days. That's why I'm so tired.

Hello, and Happy Weekend, Everyone! I hope everyone is well!


DOrA, that's great that you were able to return the pellet grill to Home Depot with no problems! That's the way business should be done!

Heidi, I don't envy you and yourr pond cleaning job! You just need to keep in mind how wonderful it will be when it is finished - and vow to make sure you don't wait another 10 years before cleaning it again.

DOrA, it sounds as if you've had some experience with filtered ponds. Do you currently have one?

CynB, thanks so much for updating us on Brenda. Wwe have LOTS going on here, ao I don't get to facebook as often as I'd like.

CynB, the virtual videoSudoku chat sounds wonderful! I could really benefit from that, as my cello lessons are now taking place via Zoom, so it would be very beneficial to get some tips on how to best do things.

And now, friends, I must say good night, as I'm falling asleep & we need to be up to do an I-V at 6 a.m.

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

Another day - another page.....