Town Talk | Game On

So, here is a Town Talk I prepared earlier — with the assistance of four nice guys, two from the United States, Kristofer from Milestone Café and Bistro and one tolerant son.

The games we play

Okay! I know many of you enjoy the puzzles in this newspaper, so don’t pretend otherwise! I know of couples who divide them up, with one doing the crossword and the other favouring sudoku. I know of readers who spread them through the day.

Personally, I am addicted to sudoku. (No, my friends, no intervention necessary — at this point, anyway!) But I know who to blame: Daniel Andrews! I’ve blamed him for everything else that has happened in the past three years, so why take responsibility for my own behaviour?

I remember asking you — early last year — if the world’s longest lockdown affected you in any way, and not one of you owned up! And then, strangely enough, during the next three phone calls, three ladies mentioned the lockdowns. “I’m lazier than I used to be”, “I’m reluctant to get tidied up to go out” and “I play more games than I did in the past”. I remember clearly because I said “Yes! Me too” — to all of them. (I also started a large, inside project that I am yet to finish.)

Sudoku and me

It feels as if I have been playing this game for ever. As soon as it became popular, I asked one of my sons to teach me how to play. Unfortunately, he became very frustrated, very quickly: “You’ve got to have a system — you are all over the place.” He retired from the job and I taught myself, using a plan.

It’s a little strange really, because I am a ‘word’ person (You’ll have noticed that I frequently write too many of them!) and yet, though the world seems to be addicted to it, I can’t stand Wordle. Two of my best friends post their results, online, on a daily basis. It drives me crazy. I don’t need regular proof of their intelligence. I want to read about their lives. So, I no longer open the messages they send.

At one stage, a couple of ladies who worked at this newspaper asked me to teach them how to play sudoku. I had returned to the office to work on a project (surprise, surprise). It was eight or nine years ago. Anyway, we arranged a lunchtime session, which was a complete disaster. I confused them both so thoroughly that, to my knowledge, they haven’t tried since.

And right now, at least one of those ladies is laughing her head off! Aren’t you, Tessie?

At some point, one of my sons downloaded an app on my phone and I played occasionally for many years. Until, in a bad mood one day, I deleted it; frustrated as I was with the breakdowns and the ads.

The addiction

This is when I became an addict. I found Friendly Sudoku — by HappyDevs apps. However, before downloading, I read some reviews. It was free and there were no ads. All good! One guy was complaining because they were too difficult. He felt that “surely I should be able to complete an easy one — and I can’t”. And I thought “Yes mate! Or you just might be a bit dumb” — and downloaded the app.

Now, the universe has a way of responding to nasty thoughts like these — and it soon did.

There are four levels available: Easy, Normal, Hard and Insane. I selected a hard version because this is what I’d been playing on the old, annoying app. And couldn’t do it! So, I selected an Easy one and couldn’t do that either.

Okay universe, lesson learned!

But I persevered, finally realising that the system I had been using for years didn’t suit. These days I play the Insane level because, as difficult as they seem, they are all do-able and I’m really enjoying the challenge presented.

I have included one for you to play. (I prefer playing with a black background but I’ve adjusted it so you are able to complete it: light background). I planned on giving you the Insane level but, after playing all levels, decided to give you a break. So, you’ve got a Hard version. Here’s a hint! You will notice that one number is missing altogether and that two or three are in short supply. Don’t waste time looking for a number that isn’t there because it will turn up when you’ve completed a square or column. And be aware that there are usually some easy, early moves. However, later on, you will certainly earn your stripes. You could find yourself leaving it for a time, convinced that there is not one move you can safely make — and returning a little later to find, often immediately, the move you were seeking.

I’ll publish the solution next week, when I’ve done it myself.

To encourage you to keep trying, we are offering a tasty incentive for the first complete entry I receive. How would you like a brunch for two at Milestone Café and Bistro?

Why Milestone? Because, when I thought it through, I figured there are a few things we expect when we are eating out. First, great food; a bit different to what we would prepare for ourselves — something demonstrating imagination and flair. Second, we want good service; friendly people who leave us to finish our coffee in peace. And third, we want a pleasant experience and restful ambience.

Milestone offers all of this — particularly if it’s a nice day and you choose to sit outside — surrounded by Emerald Bank’s charm. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you can find it here, under the vines. The parking is plentiful and easy — and that is often difficult to find elsewhere in our city.

Milestone Café and Bistro is, of course, at Emerald Bank. It is open from 8am to 3pm. If you are not the first winning entry, you can book on 0490 934 958.

How to enter

When you have solved the puzzle, send it to me. The quickest way is to take a photo and attach it to an email. You can also text it through. If you can’t manage either of these things, give me a call on 0409 317 187. This is my personal phone. I will ask you a couple of questions about the solution and enter the date and time.

This is the only way I can make it fair for everyone — and I know some of you struggle with technology.

Want to try the app?

I’ve been in communication with Pascal and Bastion (app designers) for a few weeks now. As this is a free app — and there are no ads — they didn’t design this sudoku to make money. They are telling me they did the work for people to enjoy — to make them happy.

I got my app from Google Play, on my phone. It’s available for Android or iPhone. But, if you have any difficulties ask a child or, better still, a grandchild. (They know everything.)

Youanmite Hall turns 100

I had a text message from Pauline to tell me that there will be celebrations this next week to celebrate the historic Youanmite Hall, starting with an Old Time Ball on Friday night and concluding with a barbecue on Sunday. Community groups are involved, including the Katamatite CWA.

All welcome.

Bye for now, everyone. Good luck with the puzzle. I hope you can read it okay; it turned out to be more difficult to reproduce than I originally imagined.

May it be easy, my friends.

Marnie

Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au

Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.

Phone: Send a text on 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back, if you wish.)