Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

I figured out how to shrink the posts and puzzles on my iMac by pressing ''command'' and ''-'' to shrink or ''='' to enlarge.

I ran across a fascinating article.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/27/world/neanderthal-parents-denisovan-iceland-genes-scn/index.html
I t talks about Neanderthals interbreeding with Denisovans and H0m0 Sapiens. They have discovered that Neanderthal genes actually give the person more resistance to disease. They mention that Caucasians have about 2% Neanderthal genes, compared to 0% in Africans. Denisovan genes are found primarily in Aborigines and related groups. They are finding more and more evidence of interbreeding of all 3 species back in prehistory. But I was thinking that in this coronavirus pandemic, the groups of people with Neanderthal genes are having a lower death rate than those without. African Americans (with few to no Neanderthal genes) and Native Americans (with Denisovan genes and fewer Neanderthal) are having MUCH higher death rates. It does explain a lot. It shows that hybrid vigor can be a very good thing and racial purity is NOT so good. This is the first time that I'm glad to have 2% Neanderthal genes!!!

Didn't realize that it was a

Morning all! Thanks for the nice comments about my mosaics. I always worry about showing my work to people. I don't know why because with anything one will always see better and worse examples by others. It is what it is. And I enjoy doing it. Flower pots next. They will be any easy job after the stones.

I like the clean lines of the new look page. The puzzle is bigger and easier to see but I have to scroll up and down to pick each number. I could make it smaller with Google but then everything else, FB etc, will be smaller. Like anything, I'll get used to it.

Today, we finally go to the retinal surgeon (previous appointment got canned because of the virus) for him to inject some dye into Col's eye and scan it to see exactly what's going on in there and whether it is possible to fix it and insert a new lens. Hopefully he will get an answer at long last. Also if the operation can be done, maybe it won't be long. Our hospitals have started doing elective surgery again, now that Covid numbers are decreasing rapidly. And this will now be done as a private patient not a public one.

I'm on pins and needles waiting to hear what the retinal surgeon says, CynB. Col need something to go VERY right.

For those using a computer, whose poor old eyes are giving them 'fits' you can resize the page by pressing the <ctrl> key and rolling the scroll wheel on your mouse.

Me, I have to adjust it, one size for working the puzzle. I've found that size zoomed to 80%, for me at least, retains the line format in the grid...

And Full size for the comments section.

To easily restore Zoom level to 100%, press <ctrl> and 0 (zero).

I guess that's a small price to pay for the new 'cleaner looking' page.


The Zoom tips work on P.C.s (I use Firefox) - I don't know about Mac

CynB, the stepping stones are beautiful. I'm sure your sister willl be thrilled to get them!

Heidi, I hope your knee is feeling better! I hope a quiet weekend helped!

DOrA, thanks for letting us know that Gath has made some changes to the format

Heidi, it was a very informative TOPP!

CynB, I hope the visit to the ophthalmologist brought much-hoped for information and decisions!

I think I like the new format, as it's a bit easier for me to read.

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

News isn't overly good for Col after seeing the specialist today. Basically there is a lot of damage inside the eye. They can do the operation, and will in a month or so if he decides to go ahead but it is with a few warnings. The absolute best he can expect is 50-70% sight in the eye. The side-effects may be bleeding or, much worse, infection which could spread to the other eye if unable to control. Or he can just decide to leave it as it is. He has some soul- searching to do and basically he is the one who has to decide. He's waited so long for this. He is probably at 60% for having the op and 40% not to go ahead for the moment. I'm thinking along those lines too. He'll be talking to his Workcover contact today who may be able to advise him.
He told me that he just doesn't think he can cope with anything else going wrong and that's why he is hesitating.

That is one really tough decision to make. I would be terrified at the possibility of going blind in both eyes. He still has one good eye. It would be nice if the odds were higher in his favor for a successful operation. But if there is no chance for more than 70% sight in the bad eye, and probably less, I'd really think about the gamble.

Gath is continuing to make small tweaks to the site. He is communicating about changes on the Easy page. The latest allows the puzzle grid to be changed without changing the comments.

He is doing a great job!

Wow, CynB, those are interesting odds for Col to ponder! With all he's been through, I can certainly understand his hesitation! Is there anyone who has had a similar surgery due to somewhat similar reasons that he could discuss this with? What a tough position to be in! Sending positive thoughts that he will be able to make a decision that he'll be able to live with! Wishing him (and you) all the best!

Heidi, I hope your knee is feeling better!

DOrA, thanks for the update about Gath's changes!

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

I figured out why Kentucky has fewer reported cases of the coronavirus than other surrounding states. There are only 4 drive thru' testing stations in the entire state!!! The closest one to me is over an hour's drive away.
At least the state is re-opening medical facilities again. It might make testing easier. Nothing else is reopening yet.

Further on Col's eye. He spoke to Workcover yesterday. They are paying for all of this after all. They told him to take time to make this decision and to talk to his original Opthalmologist who he has an appointment with on May 19. Workcover will support him whichever way he goes until either he decides not to go ahead, or until the operation is completed. They will them pay him compensation and close the case. So, if 2 years later something goes wrong, they are not liable. That's a worry.
And for me, like you said Heidi, the big worry is something happening to his other eye because of this surgery. Better to have sight in one eye than no sight at all. Big dilemma.

Yep.... massively huge decision that can seriously affect the rest of his life. He needs to do a LOT of research and soul searching.

Also CynB if he will have same vision all over his eye- whether it be 30 or 50%. My brother has Giant Cell Arteritis and has lost 1/3 vision from one eye and he finds it hard to focus as it is all on one side with the vision blanked out,. Would be good if he could talk to someone who has had a similar operation. I suppose if it is not successful, all he is gambling on is the improbable chance of infection.

Finally, we have some cooler weather. First of May. 14C this morning, not cold by anyone's reasoning but cool enough to put on warm clothes. There's an arctic blast heading over Australia. The southern states will get the brunt of it but our night time temps are going to get colder 9-10C for the next few days. Happy, happy!!

Not too happy here - icy wind and top of 12C in the Dandenongs. Daughter's lab had over 3000 covid tests arrive this a.m. and still coming - we may be off the leash sooner than anticipated,
Coffee machine from the Office isn't holding up to well so bought another online today - some good specials around.
Hope everyone is keeping well.

Had a horrible night. I ran out of prescription pain meds 2 days ago, and the pharmacy wouldn't fill the new prescription until today. I was hurting like crazy. Then my bladder and bowels got into the act.... every 15 minutes throughout the night. The pharmacy finally let me get more meds at noon today. I just finished mowing the lawn.... all except the area back to and in front of the horse barn. I'm saving that for tomorrow. Now a break for half an hour, then feed the heifers, cat and alpacas outside and all my birds inside.
We did have a little excitement with the cattle. We weren't planning in turning the bull in with the cows until June 1st, to avoid February calves. The bull had his own ideas and jumped the fence. He's in with the cows now. Calves will start being born ~ Feb 1, 2021.

Hi, Everyone!

Heidi, I'm sure you're right about the reasoning for lower positive Covid-19 cases in your state. If someone can't get a test, regardless of symptoms, the authorities don't need to identify a person as a positive case.

CynB, it's a relief that Workcover will cover the costs of surgery, it that's what Col opts for. I don't suppose that will make the decision any easier, though.

Midge, thank you for sharing some suggestions for CynB & Col. I hope you and all of your family are well! Sounds like your daughter will remain busy for a while!

I know the color weather is on its way for those of our group who are in Australia. For us in North America, the warmer temperatures (almost 70 F) are more than welcome!

Heidi, what an awful night you had! I nope things will be looking up, now that you have your pain medications!

Too bad the bull was so impatient. At least he wasn't injured by jumping over the fence. Too bad you'll need to deal with calves next February.

I fell asleep at the computer. Now I ned to get myself to baed. Sending healing energy, prayers, positive thoughts, , and {{{{{HUGS}}}}} for Everyone!

One good thing about the future calves.... with this global warming, our winters keep getting milder. I was looking at photos I took of my cattle standing in deep snow years ago. We haven't seen snow like that in many years. This past winter, we only got a dusting all season.... barely enough to track a cat, and it melted within 24 hours. We had some February calves born, and they were all born in warm, pleasant weather. If this trend continues, we should be OK. I just have memories of losing newborn calves in bad winter weather.

I got a new knee brace, one with hinged metal supports on the sides. It keeps my knee safe from more injury when Reeses and the others smash into it while playing. So FINALLY I can feel the knee healing. I still have to be very careful with it and keep my weight off it.

Amazing weather today. Warm and sunny, with a high of 80˚F / 26.7˚C!!! Unreal for May 2nd. I wish my knee would let me be more active today.

Thunderstorms on the way. At least I got all the mowing done before it starts. The place is starting to look really nice.
It got up to 82˚F yesterday, and 78˚F today.

Because we have flattened the curve and are having days with no new cases, they relaxed our restrictions in Queensland slightly from Saturday allowing us to travel up to 50km from home, have picnics and meet up with just one person. So, yesterday, we met up with grandson Lachlan and had a picnic by the bay. There were lots of people around doing the same but most still observing the social distancing rule. I did see one big group of 10 people sitting in a big circle on their picnic chairs.
Police were out to enforce the rules but apparently, on the whole, everyone behaved themselves. This is good news otherwise we would have all gone back into seclusion. Some shops were allowed to trade again as long as they followed the rules and didn't let too many people in at once.

This morning, my son and Emily will be over to see us again. We are allowed 2 visitors at home. So that will be nice. Last weekend it was my daughter and her partner.
Still haven't seen Hayley, Madeline or Chloe - missing them so much. Hoping everyone follows the rules and we might get even more freedom soon. Hayley turns 20 on May 21, so I'd really like to see her but there won't be a party.

Heidi, I'm glad you got that knee brace!

Here's a really scary story:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/04/health/france-coronavirus-december-death-intl/index.html
Fra nce has found a case of Covid-19 from December, in a man who had no contact with anyone from China. A child in his family was also ill. This was a month before the first officially reported case in that country. The implications are terrifying. Many other countries are starting to test samples from people who died earlier than the virus was known to be around. There's a possibility that the coronavirus had spread around Europe before all of the cases exploded in China.

Global warming our way is hard to fathom - we have had the coldest April/May with early snow. This morning we were completely fogged in - couldn't see more than 10 metres, but a lovely sunny day now with expected top of 19 C,
Glad you could see your family again CynB - I am so looking forward to seeing my daughter, sister and brother after all of this time. We will never take our freedom for granted again.
Good news about your meds but awful you had to wait Heidi. Hope Reeses is a little less enthusiastic when he sees you to give you a break.
How are you coping with this Julie? Is your family keeping well?
Best wishes to everyone

Thought of you Julie -
https://www.instagram.com/hausercello

Hi, Everyone!

Heidi, I'm so glad you finally got your pain meds - and the knee brace! That should be a big help to protect your knee when the dogs get rambunctious around you.

WOW, CynB! How nice that your restrictions are being lifted - and for the right reasons - reduced confirmed positive cases and deaths! Your picnic with Lachlan sounds wonderful! By now, I suspect you would have received the visit from your son and Emily, I hope you'll soon be able to visit with Hayley, Chloe and Maddie!

Midge, it must be frustrating that your April-May have been so cold. It will make winter seem longer and colder. I hope temperatures will moderate for the next month or so.

All of our grandies, including the 4-year-old, have distance learning via various internet programs. The older grandies have quite a bit of homework, but still find time to work on puzzles, read for pleasure, ride bikes, walk the dogs, etc. One is even painting her room. The 4-year-old is learning sign language and has ballet class via computer. Fortunately, everyone is well!

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

Heidi, that's interesting about the earlier Coronavirus case in France. I'll bet that doesn't get much publicity when Rupert Murdoch wants it to be a virus straight out of a lab in China!
Midge, hope you soon get to see your family. I'm a bit worried that they've eased our restrictions too soon. I may have been out and I may have seen family but I have still observed social distancing and hand washing/sanitizing. No hugs for the family yet.
Julie, glad to hear you and yours are well and that the grandies are well occupied. Those of mine that are at school or Uni are complaining about online learning being a bit if a pain. They are letting some kids back to school next week and the rest at the end of may. Our PM announced that kids can't spread the virus so they should all be back at school. Maybe he should do the teaching!!

Where do they get the ignorant idea that kids can't spread the virus? Has he ever successfully graduated from a science course himself? That's not how viruses work.

Agree Heidi - even some dogs and cats have tested positive for this vile virus. It is also being linked to Kawasaki virus - so who can definitively say who can't get it!

Hi, Everyone!
To add to the conversation, I read today that the coronavirus is mutating and seems to be more contagious. I guess we're lucky to live in Illinois. 'Shelter in place' and 'Stay Home' are still in effect through the end of May. All schools are closed through the end of the school year (which varies between the end of May and almost the end of June, depending on the school district, its starting dates in the fall (varies from mid-August until the day after Labor Day, which is the first Monday of September) and holiday time away from class).

Midge, Stjepan Hauser is a very talented cellist. Unfortunately, it can be uncomfortable and/or distracting to watch him play. He appears to have a very high opinion of himself.

Heidi, I think I read that they are also re-evaluating a couple of deaths in California in December, thinking that they may have been Covid-19 related.

Midge, I hope you will soon be able to see your daughter, sister, and brother quite soon!

I hadn't said anything earlier, but hubby was hospitalized twice in March (total of 12 days) for a recurring UTI and sepsis. The first time to the ER was on March 4, then we were back March 24. Of course, Covid-19 came into play heavily between the two admissions. When they decided in the ER to admit him the second time, I was whisked out of there and didn't see him again until he was wheeled to an Exit in a wheelchair after they had completed the paperwork to dismiss him. Before dismissing him, they put a port in his arm, and I had to prepare and administer a heavy-duty IV antibiotic at home three times a day for a month. It has really affected his strength, stamina, and balance, but he is improving each day since we ended the antibiotic about 10 days ago. We hope we never need to go through that again!

Thinking of Everyone and sending many {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, much healing energy, prayers, positive thoughts, and Take care and stay healthy!

HEADS UP, Everyone, I think we're almost ready to turn the page!

Oh Julie, sorry to hear about your hubby's health troubles and hospitalisation. Must have been such a worry in these Covid times, especially not being able to see him. Glad he's home now and improving.

Heidi, that's what our powers that be are saying here that kids can't spread the infection. As a result they are starting to send them back to school from next week. And Australia is doing so well. We'll just have to wait and see what happens now.