Sudokuaholics Anonymous 11

There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.

- Aristotle

Heidi, looks like the cloud and mower smilies lined up 'just right', at least on my screen.

Dropped off 9 dozen eggs to the food pantry between rains. Debbie had an afternoon eye doctor follow-up scheduled, but isn't feeling well and cancelled it. So I can stay home. Rain and thinderstorns are supposed to continue through early tomorrow morning. It is already at total saturation outside! Except for basic feeding, I'm going to relax and read.

I don't seem to have been here in days. I don't know why. Probably because I have no news really.
Someone (Julie, I think) asked about Col's eye injection. It was a quick process. They numbed the area and he had to wait 20 minutes or so, then the actual needle took only a few minutes and Col said he didn't feel or see it. 2 more to go - 1 per month. So far there has been no improvement in the eye. We can always hope, well at least for the next couple of months.

It may take all 3 injections before he sees an improvement, CynB. Otherwise, they would have prescribed only one injection.

I got the trash out during a lull in the thunderboomers. It's coming down in buckets right now. I know the rain is needed to keep creeks and ground water levels up, but it's hard to keep the grass under control. The lawn is about 10 inches tall already!!! Thanks to the rain, it's been 13 days since I last mowed! I usually have to mow once a week.

I'm tuckered out. Since the ground is as wet as an over-saturated sponge, I couldn't mow. So I took out my chain saw (I have a battery powered one, since after having both elbows reconstructed, I can't pull start a regular chain saw) and cut down, and cut up, 3 large trees. These trees were a species called ''Tree Of Heaven'', a fast growing invasive species that are discouraged around here. They were volunteers in my yard, and they've been bugging me for some years. All 3 were well over 30 feet tall, each, and their trunks had 6+ inch diameters. They're now cut up in manageable pieces and on the burn pile. I drilled holes in the stumps and poured in concentrated herbicide to kill the roots. I'm pleased with the results. Sometimes destroying something is fun. I normally don't like to kill trees, but this species takes over quickly and smells bad.

Ailanthus altissima /eɪˈlænθəs ælˈtɪsɪmə/, commonly known as tree of heaven, ailanthus, varnish tree, or in Chinese as chouchun (Chinese: 臭椿; pinyin: chòuchūn), is a deciduous tree in the family Simaroubaceae. It is native to northeast and central China, and Taiwan. Unlike other members of the genus Ailanthus, it is found in temperate climates rather than the tropics.

The tree grows rapidly and is capable of reaching heights of 15 m (50 feet) in 25 years. While the species rarely lives more than 50 years, some specimens exceed 100 years of age. Its suckering ability makes it possible for this tree to clone itself indefinitely. It is considered a noxious weed and vigorous invasive species, and one of the worst invasive plant species in Europe and North America.
The tree was first brought from China to Europe in the 1740s and to the United States in 1784. It was one of the first trees brought west during a time when chinoiserie was dominating European arts, and was initially hailed as a beautiful garden specimen. However, enthusiasm soon waned after gardeners became familiar with its suckering habits and its foul smelling odor. Despite this, it was used extensively as a street tree during much of the 19th century. Outside Europe and the United States, the plant has been spread to many other areas beyond its native range, and is considered internationally as a noxious weed. In many countries, it is an invasive species due to its ability both to colonize disturbed areas quickly and to suppress competition with allelopathic chemicals. The tree also resprouts vigorously when cut, making its eradication difficult and time-consuming. This has led to the tree being called 'tree of hell' among gardeners and conservationists.
In China, the tree of heaven has a long and rich history. It was mentioned in the oldest extant Chinese dictionary and listed in many Chinese medical texts for its purported curative ability. The roots, leaves and bark are used in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily as an astringent. The tree has been grown extensively both in

Hi, Everyone!

Heidi, I think your grass grows well because of being fertilized by the dogs AND because you get enough (more than enough?) rain.

Another good TOPP from Heidi and Aristotle! Thanks for that!

I'm so glad you're able to donate eggs to the food pantry, Heidi! That should make a lot of people happy!

CynB, thanks for the update on Col's eye injection. I hope he will be able to see some improvement! I also hope Heidi is right about possibly needing to receive all 3 injections for it to work.

Heidi, your Tree of Heaven post got got off before the end. Maybe to keep it from proliferating here? I have heard of it before, but I don't know if I've ever seen it. Two trees that I have heard and seen warnings about their habits are in neighboring yards. Our neighbor on the north had a Bradford pear almost on the lot line between us. The neighbor around the corner whose yard borders our yard on the east has MULTIPLE locust trees that have multiplied a LOT since they moved in about 14 years ago. They have never done anything to stop all of the new upshots coming from its roots, and the many new/younger trees are encroaching on our yard. Another problematic tree (?) in this area is buckthorn. It's such a shame that invasive species can't be controlled better! I think your approach is the most sensible!

This afternoon I had my first cello lesson since about the middle of January. The teacher and I decided to start with a 30-minute lesson (instead of an hour) because I need to build up stamina in my right shoulder, arm, & hand. (It's the hand that holds the bow, and both shoulders get a workout from using the walker and/or wheelchair.) I told her I want to go slowly, almost as if I'm a new player just starting, because I don't want to reinforce any bad habits that I may have had before or might pick up after that long a break from practicing or lessons (over 3 months). Because her family is moving, I will need a new teacher starting with summer lessons. The teacher I studied with before my current teacher has returned to the area, so I may be able to return to her.

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

Got the lawn mowed! It was barely dry enough. The next wave of rain is due here in about an hour and a half.

The rain is light, but it started about 20 minutes before they predicted. I'm SO glad I got all my outdoor chores done before it started.
Right now I'm baking rasperry scones. I really shouldn't have them, but I'm physically exhausted after the lumberjack work yesterday, and decided I deserve a treat. (I know these arem't scones, but they are baked goods).

Hi, Fellow Sudokuaholics!

Heidi, you must be so relieved that you were able to get the lawn mowed - and with very little time to spare! I think you really deserved to treat yourself with the raspberry scones! Between all of the wood cutting and lawn mowing, it's no wonder you were feeling exhausted. It was definitely time for something special for you! I hope you won't need to do any large outside chores for at least a day or two!

Here's hoping all of our Sudoku friends have an enjoyable weekend! It's Mother's Day on Sunday here. I think it's also Mother's Day in Australia, so Happy Mother's Day! I'm thinking of Everyone and sending healing energy, positive thoughts, prayers, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and for each of you! Take care!

I spent yesterday mowing the barn lot and around the driveway, them pruning a bunch of trees that needed the lower branches removed so they didn't interfere with vehicls and the mower. Then I dragged the trimmings back to the burn pile. (I'll burn tomorrow if there's no wind. It's gotten big again). By late afternoon, my back was killing me. I didn't get much sleep last night from the pain shooting down the legs. And today I have to go to the feed store, and unloading the feed will hurt my back even more. But animals have to eat.
One of these days I may even get some housework done.

Feed bought... feed unloaded. Not a big purchase today... only 360 lbs.: 150 lbs of dog food, 100 lbs of horse feed, 80 lbs of chicken feed and 30 lbs of finch food. And a few odds and ends like dog chews and poison ivy killer.

Well THAT was a mistake. There was no wind this afternoon, so I decided to start the burn pile. As soon as I got the fire going, it started to rain. The rain wasn't due for another 5 or 6 hours. I don't think ot's going to burn well.

Windy and rainy today. The burn pile never got going, either. Good day to rest my aching back.... and maybe do a little housework.

Darn! What happened to my post from yesterday?

I need to hit the hay. Need to be up by 6 and get to the hospital for a COVID test at 7:30. My foot surgery will be on Wednesday, barring any unforeseen changes.

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

Good luck with the COVID test and the foot surgery, Julie. I can't believe how long you've been dealing with that broken foot! I wish they had fixed it sooner, but I understand that they needed to get your body healthier, first.

My Farrier was here this morning. Everything went smoothly.

We've had a big temperature drop again. It was 43˚F / 6.1˚C this morning when I went out to bring the horses into their stalls. Brrrrrrrrr.

Julie - good luck with your surgery and hopefully it won't take long for you to come back here.
The weather is going haywire - Heidi has a big drop in temperature and we get a fierce thunderstorm in the middle of a May night. Bizarre! We usually get them after a hot day or a string of hot days, not in mild autumn weather.

Heidi, quite a cold day for the horses and farrier! Lucky horses getting a trim and new shoes!

CynB, that's some wild and crazy weather!

Thinking of Everyone! Will try to stop by tomorrow, if time permits. Lots to do before Wednesday morning.

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

New calf! This is my first bull calf of the year! He will be turned ubto a steer next month.

Oh Boy! 'Oysters' on the menu...

My pain meds refill was supposed to be ready to be picked up a couple of days ago. When I checked with the pharmacy, they said that the prescription was never called in. So I've been trying to get hold of my new Pain Management doctor. I found out today that the office has been closed all week, and nobody will be in until Monday. I don't have enough pain meds to last until then, unless I take less than I need. It's going to be an unpleasant 4 or 5 days.

I, sometimes, think that the people responsible for calling in prescriptions don't realize the impact their failure to insure prompt and accurate delivery of prescriptions for doctor prescribed meds has on people.

Good racing today. The main race was the Black Eyed Susan Stakes. It was won by Army Wife by a large margin. Bob Baffert's filly, the favorite Beautiful Gift, cane in a distant 7th in a field of 10. Tomorrow is the Preakness. The 2 favorites are the KY Derby winner Medina Spirit and Concert Tour. Both are trained by Bob Baffert. With the drug scandal ongoing, Baffert is hiding from the press in California, and has sent assistants to Maryland with his horses.

Just a quick Hello. No time to read. Sending healing energy, prayers, positive thoughts, {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, and

I'm hurting so much. Pain shooting down the legs. I can't get hold of the Pain Management doc before tomorrow. I hate this.

I'm sorry you're dealing with so much pain, Heidi. I hope you get your much needed meds asap tomorrow.
I just saw on FB that Julie and her husband are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. I hope you see this here, Julie - Congratulations and best wishes to you both!!

Heidi, how awful that you are without pain meds when you certainly need them. I hope you can get a prescription filled and picked up exceptionally quickly! I'm not having any luck staying ahead of the post-surgery pain in my foot. I could have had Norco, but I really don't like it, so I only have Tramadol or a choice of over-the-counter Tylenol or Aleve. I can't imagine how you deal with your pain. Take care, my friend!

Thank you so much for the anniversary wishes, CynB! If we had to deal with early in our marriage all of the medical issues we've had in the past few years, we never would have made it this far.

Thinking of everyone and sending , prayers, positive thoughts, healing energy, and {{{{{HUGS}}}}}! for All! I hope the coming days bring excellent weather and wonderful opportunities.

Hooray for your new calf, Heidi!

I finally got my pain meds last evening. I immediately took the maximum I'm allowed to take. Last night was the first full night's sleep I've had in a week. I'm starting to feel human again.

The pain will get better in a couple of days, Julie. That's the difference between surgical pain and my back pain. Surgical pain eases up more every day as it heals, and my back pain gets worse every day without meds. My new doctor will get an earful when I see her in 3 weeks.

So pleased to hear that you have got your meds Heidi and that you are starting to feel some relief.
Julie, I know what you mean about marriages and dealing with illnesses. Our last 3.5 years since Col's eye accident and 2 years since his cancer diagnosis and chemo have taken a toll on us. The stress and anxiety have been awful and I'm pleased that I eventually spoke to the Doctor about it and he put me on very low dose antidepressants. I am a new woman and able to cope much better. Now to get Col to deal with his issues and PTSD. 'Real men deal with it themselves' is his thinking. I disagree.

Real men have the balls and wisdom to ask for help when they need it. Otherwise they're living in a fantasy world of denial. And I think they enjoy being martyrs.

CynB, I was thinking of you and Col and what you've been through the last few years. I'm glad you have been able to get a prescription for a low-dose antidepressant. If only Col would consider that as an option! I'm sure it would be much the same in our house if I were given a low-dose antidepressant; hubby would be certain that he didn't need it and it wouldn't help him.

Heidi, I'm inclined to agree with you. But then, it would probably take some convincing for me to consider taking the meds if they were offered. It's highly unlikely that I would ask the doctor for them.

Thinking of everyone and hoping everyone is well and safe. Sending {{{{{HUGS}}}}}, healing energy, positive thoughts, prayers, and ! Take care, Everyone!

I agree with the comments about 'real men'. However it will take someone other than me to convince Col to get help.
Julie, I always thought the same about taking tablets - for anything! In fact the only other medications I take are for my arthritis and if I didn't I wouldn't be abke to do anything at all. I only agreed to see a doctor and take the antidepressants after a conversation with one of my closest friends who, when I told her how anxious and panic stricken I always felt she confided that she had been put on them by her doctor and how much better she felt. When my Doctor offered them to me, I decided to give it a try. It's imperceptibe, except for not feeling sick to the stomach every day, I just feel normal and when anything that would trigger anxiety happens I cope but I don't notice it. Others do. My family is amazed at my new attitude.

My strawberry plants started off producing in overdrive. The first berry ripened 2 days ago. I've gorged myself on strawberries since then, and I just gave Mike the Vet a half gallon of strawberries. Strawberries fresh from the garden are amazing things. I have a raised garden for them to make harvesting and weeding easy. It's 3 foot tall (just under a meter), 4 feet wide and 12 feet long. My plants will continue to producr berries from now until late October when we get the first frost. I fertilize with alpaca droppings. They're mild enough to put on the strawberry bed fresh and they don't burn the plants. I remember when I worked at the zoo, we had huge numbers of requests for llama droppings for people's strawberry beds. I'd shovel the stuff into empty feed bags for people to collect. We never had to worry about disposal of llama manure.

Remember:
When you bury a body, cover
it with endangered plants so
it's illegal to dig it up...

Excellent advice, DOrA!!!

Heidi, your strawberries sound wonderful! There's nothing quite like a freshly picked warmed-by-the-sun strawberry!

We had strawberries today. I've been ordering groceries through Instacart since my visit to the hospital. I had ordered 18 ounces of organic strawberries. She texted me and asked to substitute an 18 ounce box of 'Big Berries' for one dollar less, which I approved without checking the store's page. We received a box of nine berries, definitely big berries. {With only a quick glance, hubby thought I was offering him tomatoes.} We figure they must each weigh 2 ounces; he ate 3 and I ate one. They were VERY good!

CynB, I'm glad your friend talked to you about the antidepressants, as it certainly seems they help. If my doctor suggested them to me, I might be interested in trying them.

Great one, DOrA! I hope all's well in your neighborhood!

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

Just got back from the Vet Clinic. Zorro developed conjunctivitis in both eyes... one ulcerated. He got drops, ointment and injection. He seems to be feeling better. His eyes already look better. They were blood red this morning. We don't know if it was caused by allergy or injury.

When I was a kid, the area I now live in was all farmland and known as the Salad bowl of Queensland. They would grow seasonal crops and when the strawberries were in season, our weekend outing was to drive down into the Redlands (named for the colour of it's soil) to buy paper bags full of big ripe freshly picked strawberries. Sunday night was slways strawberries and cream or ice cream. Such a happy memory and I can remember the wonderful rich taste. We even had a strawberry festival each year with parades, Strawberry queen, strawberry eating competitions etc.
The farms have gone now, So much urban sprawl in the nearly 40 years since I lived here.
My grandparents had a dairy farm down here until WW2 when my Dad had to go to war and it was too much for them. They then had a strawberry farm until Granddad passed away. Col was born and bred here. He even won a strawberry eating contest when he was a teen.

My granddaughter Hayley turns 21 today. She was a sweet and funny little girl and I was and still am one of her favourite people. We have had a great relationship and I am so proud of her. She is halfway through her third year of studies. She will be a fully qualified teacher at the end of next year. That's been her dream from when she was young.
Party tomorrow night!
I have another 2 grandies turning 21 in 2022 - Maddy in January '22 and Emily in November '22. Time flies.