Brain Teasers / Workouts etc

[Mrs5K]

Another new week is here and off we go again. I don’t know where this year is going to. Soon be 2026 at this rate.

Today’s puzzles were a mixed bag but all successfully achieved.

Waffle was an ok 2s. I think my average must be down a bit as I have had quite a few 2s recently. Streak continues though and that silver team is edging ever nearer. Here’s to hitting the 90s for you today.

#waffle1396 2/5

streak: 24
#waffleelite

Wordle was a solid 4 moves again. Seems to be my preferred number of moves.

Wordle 1,612 4/6

Connections I got a bit bogged down with but I did get there in the end.

Connections
Puzzle #890

I also managed Deluxe Waffle with 2*s which isn’t bad going for the Deluxe one.

#deluxewaffle182 2/5

#waffleelite

So all in all it could have been worse but I would have liked to have done better.

[ManjiB]

Hi Ann - I suspect both our averages have suffered in the last few days - either waffles are getting harder (some words I have never seen before have nearly caught me out). Connections are improving but still not slick.

Before I forget - I note you do mindful breathing, but have you tried Breathing through the nose - this gets more oxygen and nitric oxide to your brain and that is why is is more beneficial (increases NO and O2 levels to the brain)?

Puzzles

Connections
Puzzle #890






- Good start and then relied on lucky guessing
Wordle 1,612 3/6*

#waffle1396 5/5

streak: 90 - 201st game in current series and a relatively easy 5* after yesterday’s no stars.

Still in the 90s and waiting for the bubble to burst !!

[Mrs5K]

Yes, I do the breathing through the nose too. I used to play in an orchestra as a child and breathing technique was really important so think I have just carried that on through my life.

Yippee on your Waffle streak hitting the 90s. The century is within touching distance.

Today’s puzzles were ok for me again.

Waffle was a 4*s today. And I have now joined the silver team.

#waffle1397 4/5

streak: 25
#wafflesilverteam

Wordle was a good 3 moves.

Wordle 1,613 3/6

Connections went ok. I had a hiccup at the start and found them challenging but got them all. Interestingly the yellow ones, which are meant to be the easiest, ended up as the default ones.

Connections
Puzzle #891

I have been into the office today for an important meeting but been working shorter days so I can rest a bit more. I am hoping after my day off tomorrow that normal service will resume. I can’t afford to get any further behind with my work.

Hope things are OK with your mum & settled for you at the mo too.

[ManjiB]

Congratulations on reaching the silver stream
Well done on the other puzzles and a good day at the office.

I am staring at a blank wall having solved to the blue connection so I will delay the posting for that until later or if I fail then I won’t bother.
I’ve done the others and all runs are intact

Wordle 1,613 3/6*

- Seem to be getting quite a few by the third guess of late

#waffle1397 4/5

streak: 91 - A magnificent 4* so no complaints - hope it’s not another no star tomorrow, though I will take it as long as the streak continues.

OK, here’s the edit and got it just before the coach turns into a pupkin

Connections
Puzzle #891






- Strange on but when forced to think, somehow it came and you were right about the tomatoes. Strangely earlier today I watched a video about a Caprese salad in which the presenter picked various varieties from his garden !!!

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Now for the not so good bit …

Mum had a weird turn today after her breakfast meal.

I was still sleeping and got a shout from my sister Upon waking, I heard some horrible gurgling sound coming from downstairs and a rather stressed sister trying to calm Mum down.
Got down half asleep and Sister was trying to get Mum to open her mouth. I couldn’t see why but the breathing sounded awful and laboured.

Sister in panic mode and me half asleep, neither of us were thinking clearly, which I am now annoyed about as I have always said we must not panic. I guess with being half asleep I was sucked into the panic and so started following Sister’s instructions without thinking. Anyway, we ended up transferring Mum back to bed from the Riser Recliner chair and tried to settle her on her side - Sister said “Recovery” position and then it clicked. Mum was likely having a seizure which she hasn’t had for a very long time and which we thought were under control.

To cut a long story short, we decided that this is what we were dealing with and decided against calling the GP or emergency services as a) hospital has told us not to take Mum to A&E and b) GP actions have not instilled any confidence in recent times if ever when it comes to Mum’s care.

It seems we may have been right as with a bit of rest and a bit of tlc throughout the day, Mum picked up and by tea time she was pretty much back to the Mum we love.

Thoughts are she is going through changes and her finely tuned body is taking time to adjust to the changes - coming of omeprazole, a new diet and more activity etc.

As I sit writing this, she is sitting next to me having her late supper and showing no signs of stress and so hopefully the worst is over

I must say, at times I was thinking we might be losing her and perhaps this is something that may happen no matter how amazing she looks.

C’est la vie.
Ram Bharose (Her favourite phrase in times of trouble - loosely translated “In Ram (God) we trust”)

[Mrs5K]

Sorry to hear about your mum’s possible seizure. It must have been awful for you and your sister to see that and try and work out what was happening. I imagine someone who has had seizures in the past is likely to have a recurrence at some point even if they are settled particularly if they’re not on any medication for them. Good to hear that she was a lot more settled later in the day and I really hope that remain the case overnight and into today too. Sometimes it’s difficult not to panic although we all know that we shouldn’t. But well done to you and your sister on getting your Mum safely through it and back to a really settled state. At your mum’s age you never know what is likely to happen but here’s hoping that she’ll be here for a long while yet.

Given everything that was going on yesterday you did really well to get all the puzzles completed successfully and I’m pleased that your streak continues and that century is definitely just around the corner for you.

Waffle was okay for me today and my streak continues with 3*s.

#waffle1398 3/5

streak: 26
#wafflesilverteam

Connections was slow going for me but I sold them all eventually.

Connections
Puzzle #892

Wordle was one of those days where there were so many choices it could so easily have gone wrong however I finally found the right word on my fifth attempt.

Wordle 1,614 5/6

Really hope you have had a much better day today.

[ManjiB]

Hey Ann,

Today's Puzzles

Connections
Puzzle #892

Wordle 1,614 4/6*

#waffle1398 5/5

streak: 92

Todays' Day at the office

I don’t expect too many days when Mum doesn’t do something to test us.
It’s just the way it is She is self healing and she has to do what she has to do. Her body is self repairing, self cleansing, getting rid of toxins that have been pumped into her and which she has had no choice but to somehow manage.

It is absolutely awful each and every time it happens as it does seem to get more intense. Maybe it just seems that way? Both my sister and I feel helpless at times and then we turn on each other as there is no one else we can turn on. Luckily, we somehow come to our senses and accept things happen in the heat of the moment.

Mum pretty much looks after herself but obviously needs others to do things for her physically. In the example of the seizure, she sorted herself out but needed us to put her on her side. Mum’s age is not something we think about - it’s nonsense to say her age has anything to do with what is happening. Her biological age and her chronological age are significantly different. She is a spring chicken biologically and she has demonstrated the same. Her mind is sharp and she went through life being unable to read or write beyond some basics, but her intellect and problem solving skills, negotiating skills and counselling skills are above average.

I am sure I am not imagining things or thinking wishfully when I say she is still making progress and she is on the verge of speaking and walking. She is already drinking (and she would eat too, but only when she is ready - this sounds daft, but it’s not. She is in control of what is happening to her and she knows what should happen when.

As I have said before, looking after is a piece of cake - she pretty much looks after herself

Hopefully normal service resumes all round

---

---

Ok, so we’re into Thursday 20th and things are very different today
It’s smiles all around - joy, joy, joy

Thursday puzzles

Connections
Puzzle #893




- Fairly straightforward
Wordle 1,615 5/6*

- A bit of a teaser, but chances of failure were low given the way the puzzle developed.

#waffle1399 2/5

streak: 93 - a bit of a success. Not wishing to count the chickens, I am thinking of stopping at 99 if I make it. Why not?

[Mrs5K]

How’s everything with you and your mum today? Hope she has settled right down again and has no lasting effects after her possible seizure the other day.

Everything you say about your mum I get completely. She sounds like a remarkable lady who has some equally remarkable children. I would not be surprised at all if you announce that she has started to eat, talk & walk.

Today was another successful puzzle day. I did think I’d blown Wordle though. There were too many words to chose from. I made it on the last go. Phew!

Wordle 1,615 6/6

Waffle streak continues with just a 2*s today. Happy to continue the streak but need to work on getting more stars.

#waffle1399 2/5

streak: 27
#wafflesilverteam

Why not stop at 99 when you make it. It’ give me chance to catch up

Connections went ok too. I knew the first connection but guessed the 4th word wrong first time. After I corrected that all went relatively smoothly with it. Looks like we might have had the same thought at the start.

Connections
Puzzle #893

So all in all happy with the outcome.

Have a good evening/night.

[ManjiB]

@Mrs5K

How’s everything with you and your mum today? Hope she has settled right down again and has no lasting effects after her possible seizure the other day.

Everything was going swimmingly until post tea-time carer slot.
At this time, I normally give her some light physio, face wash, eye drops and change PEG dressing. Today I was doing something and so my sister came down and gave eye drops and was prepping the PEG dressing when I went to help out. From hereon in, Mum started shouting. Being used to this, we did a bit of troubleshooting and concluded it was likely trapped wind. Nothing new, we have a tried and tested procedure to address this, but on this occasion when we tried it, the result was not what we expected i.e. trapped wind was released but Mum continued shouting. We repeated the procedure (enhanced) and noted there may be a need for pad change as a result of the activities resulting in bowel movements. Again, nothing out of the ordinary and so pad was changed. Still no settling down. Now we’re really scratching our heads (2 hours in) and next thing to try is sit her on the commode. Did that - still no result. Back to bed and another pad change.

3 hours in and still Mum continues to shout and she is now hoarse from all the shouting

Worringly still no sign of becoming comfortable. Last resort - give her some docusate sodium - supposed to provide relief from constipation. She can’t be constipated per se as she has been having regular bowel movements, but being nil by mouth and not on any medication, the logic applied was “relief from constipation” may also release trapped wind which is still #1 suspect.

She has quietened down, but 3 hours + has been lost from her care schedule and she has missed a meal and is due a second and final meal of the day.

Do I give the meal or just keep her hydrated?

Tricky.

[Mrs5K]

Oh no, sorry to hear you had such a difficult evening with your mum. Trapped wind can be very painful so not surprising it causes her to cry out. She could still be constipated, even with her regular bowel movements, especially as she isn’t eating and drinking as we all would. I really hope things have settled down again now. I guess the challenge for you and your sister is working out what it is that is flaring up her trapped wind so that you can try and eliminate it. Not easy when she isn’t able to tell you herself.

The puzzling went ok today. I got 2*s again on Waffle. Seems to be my preferred number of stars. Streak continues though so am happy enough. Here’s to you getting one step closer to the century.

#waffle1400 2/5

streak: 28
#wafflesilverteam

Wordle was 5 moves today. A close call again but solved ok.

Wordle 1,616 5/6

Connections were a little puzzling today but I did manage to sort them all out. Took a lot of head scratching but all’s well that ends well as they say.

Connections
Puzzle #894

I have my fingers crossed that all is more settled for you all today.

[ManjiB]

Terrible night and had to call the GP, more out of desperation than for a solution. The visit was rather disappointing and I will write it up as an informational for other members who might not read this thread.

She is fine now - touch wood as it’s early evening and the night is yet to come !!

"Puzzles - A run ended"

Sadly my connections mini-run crashed big time as I just couldn’t get going and even with the answers, I am not sure if I could have done much better.

Connections
Puzzle #894



- Disappointed not to get the orange as I was actually close.

Wordle - OK.
Wordle 1,616 5/6*

- Quite comfortable in the end.

Waffle
#waffle1400 4/5

streak: 94 - Not bad. 99 a real possibility

#deluxewaffle182 1/5

#wafflediamondteam

[Mrs5K]

Sorry to hear you had a bad night with your mum. Hope things have settled down a lot now and that they stay settled for a while for you. Did the GP give you any indication as to what might be going on? I suppose it is difficult for them to work it out too as it is for you and your sister.

Shame you never managed to get the connections yesterday but I’m not surprised given everything that you had going on I imagine you had a lot of other things occupying your mind. Your storming towards the 99 on the Waffle though and it won’t be long before you reach your goal.

My waffle streak continues with 3*s today. Tomorrow will hopefully see me hit a streak of 30. Let’s hope I don’t mess it up jow.

#waffle1401 3/5

streak: 29
#wafflesilverteam

Waffle

Wordle was a good 3 moves.

Wordle 1,617 3/6

Not as dense as I thought

After falling for the too obvious connection again I eventually worked out the connections. It did take a lot of thinking about and I really wasn’t sure with some of them but all worked out in the end.

Connections
Puzzle #895

I have everything crossed that you had a much better night & day today.

[ManjiB]

@Mrs5K

Did the GP give you any indication as to what might be going on? I suppose it is difficult for them to work it out too as it is for you and your sister.

I don’t wish to come across as negative and I try to remain as positive as I can and try not to judge too often, but there are times when it cannot be helped. One of those times is often related to dealings with the medical profession and in particular GPs and District Nurses who are given the responsibility to help us care for Mum. They come up short more than their fair share of time.

Just a couple of examples from the most recent issues

1. GP and senior GP predetermined they would delegate to Dietician because we had gone and asked for help with Mum’s bloating. I can understand one GP making a mistake, but two - not acceptable. All they had to do was read medical notes and see Mum has recently been taken off the PPIs and a hard stop at that - it isn’t rocket science. They have been trained and this is basic trouble shooting techniques. Sorry, I cannot forgive such behaviour.

2. Rapid Response Practioner - Came and showed no regard for Mum’s vulnerability. He did not:

• wear rubber gloves when handling Mum
• wear face mask - it is the flu season and Covid is still around
• did not use hand gel (and no gloves)
• again, wasn’t too interested in thorough checks as he had already “assumed” the outcome will be the same as that from the previous week when his colleague had done the initial tests and found nothing
• did not call back (courtesy) as his colleague had done - given this is a vulnerable adult and it would take much to give a two minute call and say, tests done, nothing found i.e. don’t worry, all looks fine. Instead we are left to assume “No news is good news” - well it’s not in this case and further investigation is required. So again, sorry, unforgivable.

Puzzles - well done on your continued success
Quit connections rather than pursue.
Connections
Puzzle #895





- basically too many words I had not associated with usage as defined in this set of connections e.g. tar, swab. If I had tried to solve the purple connections I would have had a better chance and maybe solved them. But no matter.

Wordle 1,617 4/6*

- Quite right not dense

#waffle1401 3/5

streak: 95, 592/206 = 2.87 stars per game.

[Mrs5K]

I think we would probably all agree that the standard of GP care can vary greatly from Dr the doctor. It’s seems like the care that your mum gets is perhaps not at the level that it needs to be. The issue around test results has been there for many years in my experience. I know I have always had to ring the surgery and the past to get results because they only contact you if there is an issue. But sometimes you just need that reassurance that it hasn’t been missed and everything really is okay. It’s a bit easier now the NHS app is up & running because you can access results on there. I appreciate that you probably don’t have this facility as I think I recall you saying you don’t have a smartphone.

I have been a victim of a GP getting something wrong in the past which then resulted in me having to have an emergency admission to hospital followed by an operation. However my GP was extremely apologetic afterwards and every time I saw him after that he was like a different person. It perhaps should never have come to that however the fact that he apologised and treated me better after that was perhaps the best that I could hope for in the circumstances.

Well done on your continued waffle run. The century is just a few short days away. Shame about the connections but sometimes they just don’t come however much you think about them. I do think the last few have been particularly difficult.

My waffle run continues with three stars again today. 2.67 average for me.

#waffle1402 3/5

streak: 30
#wafflesilverteam

Wordle was a Solid 4 moves.
Wordle 1,618 4/6

connections we’re achieved although I did fall for the two obvious one again.

Connections
Puzzle #896

Hope your weekend is going smoothly.

[ManjiB]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the GP situation.

We must continue to do what are supposed to be doing which is to own and manage our own health issues and so we must be even more diligent, which it must be said, might be easier said than done.

Puzzles are are nice distraction.
Well done on your set.
I pretty much sailed through mine as I was destressing last night.

Connections
Puzzle #896



- Straight run
Wordle 1,618 6/6*

- A phew, but not surprising given the way guesses panned out
#waffle1402 2/5

streak: 96 - 99 beckons

[Mrs5K]

I love the way you describe everything with your mum. When I read it I can imagine her sitting doing all the things you say and I have this image of her in my head. Probably nothing like her but in my mind she is happy smiling lady and that makes me smile.

The puzzles today weren’t bad at all.

Waffle was a successful 3*s. Not a bad start to the week. I am now approaching my previous streak record which was either 32 or 33 so fingers crossed I can get there this week. Your streak is continuing well and I hope had brought success for you too.

#waffle1403 3/5

streak: 31
#wafflesilverteam

Wordle was my usual 4 moves so am happy with that.

Wordle 1,619 4/6

Connections went ok. I fell for the obvious again. Hmmmmm. Once I realised the rest came relatively smoothly although I have to admit to guessing the 3rd set which then gave me the 4th by default.

Connections
Puzzle #897

Hope your day has gone well and things are relatively quiet with your mum.

[ManjiB]

Hi Ann - You wouldn’t be far wrong with the image you may have formed in your mind’s eye about Mum. She is a happy person and is often seen with a smile on her face. There are times these days when she doesn’t have much to smile about but somehow she manages to deliver

I think the dreaded wind issue is still bothering her. Only now, she is burping a lot more than she has during her stroke recovery period and that is a good sign because she may be getting control of the muscles that perform this action. This was she get rid off gas via burp or the botty burp. I would like to think this is not just coincidence - you will recall we have managed to encourage her to take water by mouth and she done so for over two months now, so this may well be something that has helped. It does keep getting better and she does keep fighting - I am so glad it is not in vain

You’re on a roll with the puzzles.

I had a stutter on the connections, nearly gave up and jacked it in, thought bitter of it and then slept on it and as often happens when you sleep in it, the mind beavers away and before you know it, hey presto and Jim’s your uncle !!

Puzzles!

Connections
Puzzle #897






Wordle 1,619 3/6*

- A Homer Simpson moment?
#waffle1403 4/5

streak: 97

Diamonds are forever - roll on the 99!

[Mrs5K]

It definitely sounds positive your mum burping. It could well be the muscles regaining some control. Each day there seems to be a little more improvement. Giving her water to drink may well be a big help. It probably won’t be long till she can manage yoghurts or similar.

Your puzzles are definitely on a roll. 99 is just 2 away or hopefully just one after todays which I am sure you will get.

I did ok with today’s puzzles.

Connections were a bit hit and hope in places but I did get them with a life to spare.

Connections
Puzzle #898

Wordle was a good 3 move and very happy with that.
Wordle 1,620 3/6

Waffle streak continues with 4*s today.

#waffle1404 4/5

streak: 32
#wafflesilverteam

Well, I had a surprise appointment come through yesterday for the Stroke Clinic. It is almost 4 years since my stroke (well it will be the anniversary this weekend). I had seen them in July 24 and was meant to have a follow up 3 months later so I am guessing this is that follow up. It has come at a good time though as I have been struggling with some neurological symptoms for a little while so this will give me a chance to have a chat about them and make sure they aren’t anything to worry about. I don’t think so – think it is just me overdoing things but no harm in checking.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

[ManjiB]

The way we see it, Mum has never plateaued and she never will. She takes two steps forward and one back - nothing is a setback, at least not for long and she always bounces back stronger.

I am really pleased you had a nice surprise - I think a similar think happened to young Rupert, but that’s because he moved into a “posh” neighbourhood

It’s good to get to speak with the professionals and if they do some tests that might be even better. Timing is good as you say you are struggling with some neurological symptoms for a while - not sure if you might have been able to get a referral via the GP?

Puzzles

Ok with the puzzles is good. Hit and hope is also good so well done on continued success.

I managed to get a mental block with the puzzles and missed the not so difficult starts with words - so abvious when you see the answer, but hey

Connections
Puzzle #898






Wordle 1,620 3/6*

- Similar outcome to you!

#waffle1404 4/5

streak: 98 Back of the net for both of us!

A bien tot!

[Mrs5K]

I probably could have got a referral via my GP. I really needed to make an appointment to see them but I just hadn’t got round to doing it. That’s my bad. I also feared the GP might send me to A&E to be checked over and I really didn’t fancy the thought of sitting in A&E for a day whilst I was feeling rubbish anyway for them to send me home and say no new stroke you just got to on with it.

Your mum definitely does always bounce back & each time she seems to be that bit stronger. I am looking forward to the day when you can report that she’s able to stand again and also eat properly again.

I am looking forward to hearing that you have reached 99 in waffle today. I completed with 3*s.

#waffle1405 3/5

streak: 33
#wafflesilverteam

Wordle was another good 3 moves.

Wordle 1,621 3/6

Connections were achieved too once I got my head around all those 3 letter words.

Connections
Puzzle #899

We are off out for lunch with my husband’s sister and auntie today. Just going to the garden centre a mile down the road but it is lovely there and will make a nice change to get out and about. It’s very chilly out there today but the sun is shining.

Hope your day is going smoothly.

[ManjiB]

All swell that ends well

Hope you had a lovely lunch at the garden centre with hubby, his sister and auntie.

I am pleased to inform you the puzzle targets have been [comfortably] reached.

Targets reached

#waffle1405 5/5

streak: 99 - Jumlin’ Jelly Sticks. I will now play only the DeLuxe until you catch up

Connections
Puzzle #899




- Fell into the trap like a lemon and felt very foolish, but it made me think and the purple connections came to be in a flash. Then I hit another wall and had to sleep on it and hey presto!
Wordle 1,621 5/6*

- I’ll take this all day, every day

Mum had another bad night or rather early morning when her “Sundown syndrome kicked in”. Suffered for a good 3 hours until the carers came. I was unable to calm her and then my sister woke up and she too was unable to work her megic. Mum will have to find a way to beat her Sundown syndrome attacks