Sudokuaholics Anonymous 8

Very dark and dreary this morning. Hope I don't have rain all of the way! On Sunday, we'll be bringing Bryana back and packing up Meghan's room at BC. She has to be out of her dorm by Tuesday, but she won't be coming home for a couple of weeks. She has a retreat with the newspaper, then her friends are graduating(someone else is going to cover the graduation for the paper) and then she'll be working for a week. She leaves for Turkey in June, so I think she wants to get in as much work as possible before that.

Need to eat and get ready. Hope everyone has a great day!

I didn't think we had Mother's Day at the same time of year. Silly me!
Happy Mother's Day from me too.
Thanks for the heads up Stella.

Safe driving too Stella.
Best of luck to Meghan for when she goes to Turkey.

I think it is just us in the uk that have a different date for Mother's day our's is in March.

Thanks Brenda.

Warning, Kitty Story Read or scroll on by, I will never know

How do you tell a cat she can no longer sleep on the computer tower?

I have a different tower now. The on and off button is on the top, there is a handle molded into the top, vent is on the top, exhaust fan on the side. That would act as a kitty vacuum, pulling hair off the cat and into the workings of my computer. She still managed to get up there to take her nap while I was busy online. Crisis happened when she managed to hit the on/off button twice. The puter turned off and immediately back on. Al says that is not really good for a computer.

We had a long talk, cat and I, before I removed her. she jumped right back on the desk and up to the tower. I scolded her, and removed her again. This time she decided to take the scenic route back to the tower; up on the bedside table, a short jump over to the printer stand, up on the printer and then there is a nose sticking over the tower. NO,NO and put her back on the floor. STRAIGHT back again, aagggh. This time I thump her on the nose and scold loudly, she jumps down and hides under my desk, for maybe an hour. Avoids looking at me.

It is time for dinner, so I leave kitty sulking under the desk. Soon after, here comes kitty, gets up in my lap. Time to make up with Mommy. Snuggles sweetly and goes to sleep. Not long after I fall asleep also, we have a very long nap together in the recliner.

Bedtime, I come to computer to close it down for the night. Kitty follows, up to printer and nose over the tower. Persistent thing isn't she? I think, OK, she cannot do too much damage while computer is off, but if I let her sleep up there over night, she will not get the message that sometimes the computer tower is off limits. So I tell her firmly NO, she slinks back down and circles on the printer and settles down for the night. Will she stay on the printer all night? Will she be back on the tower as soon as I fall asleep? Knowing this kitty, that is more likely.

OK, how do you make a computer tower unpleasant for a kitty, without damaging the computer? I mean, spikes or nails sticking out the top are not an option. Then I remember a trick I used when she was a kitten and I had to teach her where she was not allowed. Off to the kitchen drawers to rummage around, looking for wide box sealing tape. Any tape will do, but shipping tape is just the correct size to cover the area down the side of the vents. I put the tape on sticky side up and secured it with scotch tape. THERE! That should do it.

Now I slept all night, did not see if she tried the tower, but I know she will not get up there now. She and most kitties do not like getting paws on sticky tape. They think it might "glue" them immobile, tangle their feet, stick them to the spot and that is one thing kitties fear. If they are tangled, trapped, they are de

If they are tangled, trapped, they are defenseless against predators. It is something they avoid seriously.

So Heidi, I am thinking like a cat again hehehe, and it is what was needed to outsmart this stubborn cat and break a very bad habit. It is my fault for letting her sleep on the old tower. she does not understand the difference. I had to teach her the difference. If you get up on this tower, you will get stuck, not a good thing kitty.

What a kitty.

Good Mean Sudokuland!

Bringing my own sunshine again as it is still a bit scarce today. Forecast said mostly sunny, but solid overcast at the moment. Humidity is 100%, the dew point is 70 which is high and means plenty of moisture to help fire up thunder showers and storms again. Wish I could send Rain where it is more needed!

OK, I need to catch up on reading overnight messages. I will get back later.

It's not that long since we were worrying about friends in Victoria due to fires, now I see that there is a nasty fire raging in California. Hope any Sudoku friends there are safe as well as everyone else who lives in the area.

Good Morning gang!
Tricia - loved your kitty story and tip - I didn't know that and will use it in the future, thanks!
Brenda - I was shocked to hear about the Santa Barbara fires as it is still pretty wet in our area. Heard that it started with a house fire, but haven't kept up on it that much.

Stella - sounds like a busy transitional time for Meghan...her trip to Turkey sounds very exciting!

MzT - keeping good, safe thoughts for you, Al and the "kids" that no tornadoes develope.

Morning Brenda, yep, Southern California again has nasty fires pushed by strong winds and 100 degree heat. A few injuries, but I have read of no deaths. Houses, nice expensive houses gone, and no hope to control it until the wind is down. Scary situation. VICI, you are closer, what do you hear?

Wishing all you moms and mums out there a loverly Mother's Day...will be thinking sweet thoughts about Molly, Gail - this will most likely be a very emotional day for you.
Heidi - also thinking of Gil and keeping him in my prayers. Must be especially tough to lose your mom just before Mother's Day.
OK - guess I'm all by my lonesome here, so off I go!

HI VICI! your messages were not showing when I signed in. That is happening more often, missing posts till I post myself.

I forget who first suggested the sticky tape to me, it was not my original idea, but it does work. After a few times of kitty finding the tape, you can remove it, they do not go back again. I put tape on my kitchen counters (benches) when Scooter first learned to jump. She does not try it now. You should see them lifting and shaking a paw when they first find the tape hehehe.

and Vici did not see MY post, agggghhhhhh!

Hehehe, Tricia! This is just like when I write a note for Mike before he gets home...he always gets there just as I finish the note!
Was just boo-hooing about being by my lonesome, picking up my toys and heading off...and now here you are!
Don't know anything about the fires as I am not a news follower AT ALL. I'm more of the stick-my-head-in-the-sand-ostrich type!

Vici, sometimes that ostrich behavior is a good idea, keeps one from worrying and fretting about things we cannot control or change.

Good morning SA8ers!! Just got my first cuppa coffee! Still not sleeping well, waking up 2-3 times a night.
MizTricia: LOVE the kitty story,that is HILARIOUS!!! I read it to hubby, as he does computer repair. Don't know if that would work with my 2, they are 15 & 11...They've never tried it, not enough room at the top of the towers for them!!
Vici: Hope you are safe from the fires, I've still got friends in that area...haven't heard from a few of them, not sure if they're safe, can only hope so.

Thanks for the well-wishes Suzanne...and sorry you didn't sleep well. I am a good 6 hours away up north from the fire area. But I live in the woods in the mountains, so wildfires are always a concern here.

OK - now I really must scoot. Hope everyone has a lovely day - I know I will as I am going for a massage later this afternoon after all my yard work - ahhhhhhh!

MizT... Fantastic cat story. I pity the fool who scrolls past it. Great job of cat psychology.

Heading back to bed. The dogs kept me up until 6 am with panic attacks from thunder-boomers. Nasty storms, if I do say so myself.

everybody.

Vici: Glad you are not close to the fires. I remember several years ago there was a fire near the L.A. Zoo, we had smoke in our neighborhood for DAYS, yuck!
Heidi: I am planning on a nap later. Hubby is going to see the new "Star Trek" movie, so I'll have a couplee of hours to myself! Yippee!!
Bye for now, have a great day/nite everyone

JUST WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.

Good MORNING, Everyone! Yes, I actually made it here before noon, but only for a brief visit.

CynB, that zoo train sounds terrific! Do you know the manufacturer? (We have a grandie who will turn 1 later this month.) I'm glad high tea with your Mum went well!

V Vici, thank you so much for the Bean update. Being without a computer is awful! I hope you're sleeping well now (if my calculations are correct).

Gail, I'm glad you and hubby had a "gail" and a stroll. Sorry the cafe isn't quite "up to snuff" any more. I hope you get through the day Sunday without too much sadness and regrets. Just remember all the wonderful Mother's Days you were able to celebrate with your Mum and remember she's probably thinking it's about time to make it your day for making memories for your children.

Heidi, I hope Gil got some sleep before his long drive. Will he tape the memorial service, so you can "be" there vicariously?

Stella, Happy Mother's Day to you, too! Have a safe trip getting and returning Bryana to/from her school! Will the older 2 be home for the weekend also - or is it just too close to finals?

And now, I must be off to do some ffuts, then go to water aerobics class. TTFN

BTW, I didn't read page 171, so have probably missed a lot of new and friends I should greet. Maybe later.

Julie.... The service will be audio taped, so I can hear it later.

We're now having ANOTHER massive Thunder-boomer, and it's coming down cats and dogs. ..... The only thing keeping us from washing away is that we're on high ground.

Good morning everyone. I slept in today,making a nice change.
Heidi and MizT are experiencing some dreadful weather lately.Take care.
CynB..I know the toy you are talking about as the girls have one.It is quite big and very entertaining.Did you wrap it before the batteries went flat...hehe
I hope the fires in CA don't claim any lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed your "Kitty" story Tricia.You and Mama ought to be writers.

Morning all!
Love the kitty story MizT!

MizT and Heidi, hope the thunderstorms roll away.

Hi Julie and Trouble's Mom!

Vici, I'll trade you my lawn mowers for your massage!

Off I go to baseball (my turn to drive this weekend), then coffee with a VIP...

My sister and I had a lovely day yesterday.We first went to spotlight where I found a craft present for the boys.There are 2 cups which you paint your own designs on.
Then to the orchid display,beautiful and I even resisted buying any.Took pix and hubby will put on computer.
Then out to Renaes where we had lunch and enjoyed the girls.Their Daddy has a part time job now and the girls screamed with delight when he came home.I know,I prattle on too much and brag about them,but they are just so gorgeous.
Finished the day with homemade rissole and salad sandwiches.

Fellow Sudokuaholics! I hope you are all well!

I'm gone.Might call in again this afternoon.Bye.

Stella, I didn't realize Meghan was going to be able to go to Turkey, after all. What wonderful news! I hope these next few weeks before she leaves go smoothly, as it sounds as if she'll be very busy!

Brenda, even though the UK doesn't celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday, we'll be thinking of you! I'm sorry I missed wishing you a happy one on the correct day.

MizT, your kitty story was delightful! Thanks for sharing your wit and writing skills!

Oooh, V Vici, a massage! Of course, with all your outdoor work, you deserve it!

Hi, Suzanne! Sorry to hear that you're still not sleeping well. Experiencing the same thing here - and you just don't feel rested in the morning when you get up. I hope things start improving soon!

Heidi, I'm glad they will audio tape the memorial service for your MIL. I know you said you were close to her. And now, isn't it about time to send those thunderstorms on their way?

Nola, I'm pleased that you got to sleep in for a bit today! I'm curious, since you mentioned that your grandies have the zoo train? How do they like it? We're looking forward to seeing the photos from the orchid show. The paint-a-cup craft idea sounds like a winner!

Suzy, I hope you enjoy your baseball chauffeur duties this weekend! You must have pulled the short straw to get it on Mother's Day weekend.

Trouble's Mom, thank you for the well wishes for Sunday. We hope you also have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Whew! That post took a while. I was afraid I was going to lose it. Right after I hit submit, I wondered if I should have saved it first.

Good Morning everyone.. too many pages to catch up on.
Been far too busy, and today is no exception.
My Mum comes home tomorrow ( Mother's Day) evening ~ late 11.30pm, she has been away 7 weeks.
Catch you all sometime

Great news about your mother, Rolanda. I bet you miss her.

Hi, Rolanda! Happy Mother's Day to you and your Mum! I hope she had a camera with her and took lots of piccies! She'll probably be very tired and jet-lagged. Sure hope she had a wonderful time!