Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 27 Feb 15 - 04:08 PM

You and I both know that changing that filter is easy, but MOST people don't. The number of people that don't know how to change a headlight bulb is pretty high, too, and that's a very simple procedure. So take the damned compliment, you earned it!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Feb 15 - 02:44 PM

Pete, I never was out of touch with the internet -- I had my iPad. It just made doing my primary email a little more complicated. The stressful thing was not having access to any of my writing, my archives, various address books, financial information, archived email, letters, etcet etcet -- my LIFE!

Tami, the washer filter is easy. It's a little plastic casing between the shutoff at the pipe just above the washer and hose that goes into the washer. You shut off the water (and, thanks to the plumbing work done last summer, I only had to shut the water off here instead of down cellar, too), unscrew the filter housing (well, a little more complicated -- unscrew the hose first so the housing can be unscrewed), pop in the new filter (they come in packs of two), and reconnect everything and Bob's your uncle.

Except I SHOULD have opened the filter package first. It's one of those that requires either an industrial strength machete or a small nuclear device. As a result of the delay between taking everything apart and popping the new one in, I may have put it in upside down...or not gotten the seal right, or something. Therefore, the leak. And I Just. Did. Not. have the patience to do it all over again right then. The laundry was done. I just shut off the water in the laundry room and popped the clothes in the dryer.

That was Monday. I haven't had the energy or patience to deal with it yet. Maybe tomorrow.

Called to sign up for the April grief group and, wouldn't you know it, the person I needed to talk to was out of the office today. So had to leave a message. (One more thing hanging.) I'd been looking forward to talking to her, too.

Linn

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 27 Feb 15 - 02:12 PM

*Pat, pat* There, there. Everything's going to be alright.

Linn, you're one of the most capable people I know. Most people wouldn't even attempt to replace the filter in the washing machine themselves, much less consider it simple. Things will slow down, spring will come (no idea when, might not be until July this year...), and in the meantime, you have friends you can call and kvetch to.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 27 Feb 15 - 01:08 PM

Oh dear linn, bereavement is heavy enough without being literarily snowed under, and metaphorically with problems. Hope the return of internet access improves things for you and for a lifting of your spirits.      Blessings.         Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Feb 15 - 09:29 AM

Haven't been here (or, indeed, spent much time at Mudcat) for some time. I've come to the conclusion that the second year of widowhood is...more complicated than the first. Not necessarily worse. Not really "better" (whatever that's supposed to mean). Just different. And, well, complicated.

I had trouble going into the holidays this past November and December. Part of it was that my computer was in the shop for the entire month of November (along with my LIFE -- access to, well, EVERYTHING; I didn't think I would lose anything, but even that wasn't CERTAIN). And I came out of it with the newer computer that I'd bought a year ago and my backup and secondary computer arrangement totally reconfigured. The rest of the emotional complications stemmed from the fact that 2014 seemed more like the first "Other Anniversary", Christmas, and New Year's without Tom than did the holidays right after Tom died. Back then I was on autopilot, still numb, and, of course, I had to go to Milwaukee for my mother's funeral the week before Christmas.

I think I'm still stumbling through life. The weather this January and February certainly hasn't helped. "Beleaguered" is the one word that sums up this winter. I lost (literally; I have a clue where under the snow it is) my mailbox over a month ago and have to pick up my mail at the post office. My porch light got snow in it and doesn't work and it's looking like at least another month will have to go by before I can even assess what needs to be done. I thought I'd lost my driveway alarm due to piled up snow but, surprise!, I heard it this morning. (Probably wild turkeys rather than a vehicle.) Everything is more complicated -- even when the driveway is freshly plowed and snow is removed from in front of the oil intake, the driver decides the driveway is too narrow for his truck and I have to call my plow guy to work miracles so I can keep the house warm. A simple washing machine filter change results in a leak. The toaster oven kicks the bucket for no apparent reason. It's like being nibbled to death by ducks.

I thought I had skipped the part of grieving where you get angry with your loved one for abandoning you, but when I started reading Gail Sheehy's book, "Passages For Caregivers" (which I should have read when it came out in 2010 -- but caring for Tom distracted me and I forgot about it), I started screaming at Tom for not being here so I could read it aloud to him. I was surprised, too, a couple weeks ago when I had a full blown "grief day" which I not only didn't recognize until early afternoon, but I couldn't embrace -- I had things I HAD to do. (So I did them, then sort of collapsed afterwards and was asleep, exhausted, at 7:30 p.m.)

I'm in a bit of an odd space this morning, but can't do anything about it -- too many other things that HAVE to be done, including leading the Press Room session from 4:30-9:00. One thing I CAN do, though, is (after writing another check to my plow guy) see if I can sign up for another grief group that starts in April. I did one last year and it helped me understand the grieving process. Maybe this one will help me better understand this second year which is so different from the first. I wish I could figure out how to slow down from the gallop I've been at for the past four years or more. I wish someone would pat me on the head and say "There, there. Everything's going to be all right." Even if it's total bullshit.

Linn

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 26 Feb 15 - 11:54 AM

Apologies to all Southern Hemispheric Catters for my Northern Hemispheric verses. Maybe there's an opportunity here (thinking of you, Sandra (-:) for a corresponding, SH version...three, three line verses. They could stand alone, or it might be fun to interleave NH with SH. Anyone up for the challenge?
      Chantey, I'm sure if you made your way to Peru right now, you'd be welcomed with open arms. I concede that at age 19, some things can be easier to achieve!
                            With Love,
                                           Nigel
                                           xxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 07:52 PM

I want to go to Peru and build a school. At least I might have wanted to if I were the age of Nigel's granddaughter and her friend!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 05:55 PM

A January/February poem here would refer to hot humid days & nights!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 03:20 PM

Great to hear they are doing well, Nigel.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 02:30 PM

Good on your travelling twosome doing the voluntary work. Blessings.       Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 12:46 PM

Fun stuff, Nigel.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 11:19 AM

A few rhyming lines as we approach the end of February:

January days, January greys, long to feel the warmth of the sun.
As each day goes past, a little longer than the last,
My winter blues will soon be on the run.

January cold, January bold, standing at the head of the year.
For some a fearful time, closéd windows etched with rime,
Ashen faces bear a frozen tear.

January stays, January's ways are fickle, challenge all to raise a smile.
But February's here, means that Springtime's joy is near.
And January's gone it's yearly while.

                                                       Nigel
                                                       xxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 25 Feb 15 - 03:27 AM

My Dear Wendy,
                        ChanteyLass couldn't have expressed it better...you certainly don't do things by halves! (-: (-: I'm hoping that by the time you read this, both you & your dear Mother are feeling much, much better. I also agree that your Daughter was right to 'snoop'. You've devoted an enormous amount of time & energy, caring for your Mother & BB, kept your business running & tussled with your brother. It's all too easy with so much on your plate to forget that you need caring for too, so bring on the coffee (preferably in it's cup!) & let's have some more of that personally centred aromatherapy, plus a touch of the good old NHS, courtesy of your GP.
                      A brief update on our travelling twosome. They have made it to Peru, where they will be doing some voluntary work, helping to build a school. That should keep them out of trouble for about a month. They have encountered no further problems. Just yesterday, they posted nearly 100 photos on FB. Judging by the expressions on their faces, they are having the time of their life!
                      Wishing Max & his crew, a calm sea & a prosperous voyage.
                      Sending much love to all who sail aboard 'The Rainbow',
                                                         Nigel & Ann
                                                         xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 07:28 PM

Wendy, it never rains but it pours (or snows, here). I hope your neck pain ends, your BP goes down, and future cups of java stay where you put them. I also wish your mother well. And tell your daughter I said thanks!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 01:37 PM

Ah, Wendy; I'm sure we would rather have heard that you had been a bit of a pain in the neck to someone else, rather than having that much pain in the neck. Wishing much more comfortable times for you, and better fortune to those young wandering wenches.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 01:33 PM

GUEST was me... Norton tossed my cookie and I didn't see it.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 01:29 PM

Oh Dear, Wendy! And as Sandra said, good for your sneaky daughter:>) sending Hugs!

Nigel, hope the girls have had their one and only misadventure.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 01:01 PM

Wendy... my heart goes out to you.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 12:37 PM

Sorry to hear how it has been so hard, Wendy . At least your mum is mobile again, but sorry to hear of the neck damage moving her.   Sometimes you have to go for it, and hope for the best...it's nobodies fault!.    GOd bless Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 08:56 AM

Gentle hugs from Maine, Wendy. I don't do ill well, either! However, your new perfume smells divine, lol!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 07:48 AM

poor Wendy who does not do ill - & good on that sneaky daughter.

I hope your neck is feeling better soon - can you have physio or some other therapy for it?

and that your tests have good results.

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 07:29 AM

Morning crew,
I have been AWOL for about ten days, mum has been very ill, three Dr's visits needed on different days, Hooraah for our NHS! She has bounced back to good mobility but during the days that she was bed ridden I pulled a muscle in my neck ( ok I know, my own fault trying to lift her) so I have been bed ridden myself in horrid pain, actually made me cry!BB and daughter got me an appointment yesterday with our GP and now that has opened a can of worms. Daughter snuck in behind me and told the Doctor to look at my records as I never go to the Dr, well not for some years anyhow! So he took my blood Pressure and it was high ( no surprise really given the past two weeks, mum ill, funeral down in Surrey and worrying about mum while I was away) so now he has booked me for blood tests on Friday and an ECG Tuesday next! I don't do ill, really fed up.On top of that everyone forgot about the bad neck so I am just taking the paracetamol and mixing a nice aromatherapy concoction to self treat! Rant over, Oh and I just knocked a cup of coffee all over myself, first day back in the salon and I smell like Starbucks!!

lots of love

Wendy xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Feb 15 - 05:26 AM

I have no knowledge or understanding of the 'inner workings' of computers & their servers, so from a tech. p.o.v. I'm less than useless. I'm hoping that the missing data is just that; missing, not lost & gone forever...retrievable & restorable, sitting there, waiting to be found. As a self-declared, tech klutz, I find it nothing short of miraculous that we are still able to post. Mudcat survives, bowed, but not broken, very much in need of some TLC (Technical Loving Care). Please support Max, Joe & everyone closely concerned, in whatever way you can.
                   Sending every good wish for a successful outcome to Max & His Crew,
                                                          Nigel.
                  
                   (Copied to the 'Mudcat Crash' thread)

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 22 Feb 15 - 07:10 AM

"if Max is able to retrieve the data that all of this will interleave itself, old and new.   SRS "

What happened last time is that all "replacement" threads were overwritten thus lost.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Feb 15 - 04:04 AM

thanks for the info, Jeri

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Feb 15 - 12:30 AM

I tried to bring up a cached version of this thread to capture the missing posts, but since it was in existence before the gap in data, Google doesn't show a cached version, just a link to the existing version. If you do a Google search on the thread you can see links to a few individual posts that are cached from this period. I think if Max is able to retrieve the data that all of this will interleave itself, old and new.

SRS

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Mysha
Date: 21 Feb 15 - 08:43 PM

Karibu Nigel.

But I just used kuna tata because of the more familiar expression. So, tell the two travellers that they are indeed on a safari (in Swahili), that they should continue to enjoy themselves, and ha-kuna ma-tata. (There are not - complications -> No worries!)

Bye,
                                                                  Mysha

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 21 Feb 15 - 03:37 PM

Nigel, what a sour note for your daughter and her friend. I am so sorry this happened. I hope their remaining experiences are all good ones.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 21 Feb 15 - 12:59 PM

Just occurred to me: what browser do I use most? "Safari", another Swahili word.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 21 Feb 15 - 12:54 PM

Jambo Mysha,
                     'Asante sana' for the great post. Hope my Swahili is correct. My Father taught me a few phrases when I was a kid. He'd spent several years in Kenya during WW2 & spoke Swahili fluently,
                                              With Love,
                                                             Nigel.
                                                             xxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 21 Feb 15 - 12:20 PM

Oh dear! I hope they have better luck from now on.

Good info, Mysha.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Mysha
Date: 21 Feb 15 - 07:20 AM

Oh dear. A rather expensive lesson that not all robbery hides behind the anonymity of spam.

The travellers will probably think of the obvious parts rather quickly:
- You need only one set of eyes and hands for the machine, thus the other set of eyes can be used to see what's happening around you.
- Puzzle over how the ATM-s of a country work when no-one is waiting, so you can be quick about it when you need to be.

But there's also the less obvious:
- You can't stop the professional robber, but if significant money only appears by magic from (a purse) somewhere in your clothes, then temptation isn't as strong for the weak and the wavering. In other words: don't ATM in front of someone who already expects money. Get the money beforehand, and of course don't show that there's more than is needed at that particular time.

(More than once I've carried three "wallets" on a journey, just so I would show only the amount of money appropriate for the occasion. A duo, could probably do things like that as well. It does require some foresight, though, about what kind of money will be needed.)


But, please, remember the rule of 3,2,1:
= 3 When you go, take your passport, your ticket and your (access to your) money.
= 2 When you return bring your good health and your good memories.
= 1 While travelling, enjoy yourself.

Currently, kuna tata (Swahili: there is a complication), but for the journey it's of no consequence.

Bye,
                                                                Mysha

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 21 Feb 15 - 05:55 AM

Thanks for the heads up, Maeve. Donation donated! It hardly needs saying, but without Max, we would not be sailing the seven seas of Life.

A quick update on our Travelling Twosome...they're both well, but very p****d off. They were ripped off by a cab driver in Bolivia. A £20.00 fare for a day's sightseeing turned into £150.00. The girls needed cash from an ATM...cabbie suddenly appeared once the pin number had been input, 'offering to help'. Before they had time to realise what was occurring, he was legging it back to his cab with a nice bundle of pesos. Fortunately, neither girl was physically harmed & a very important lesson learned about allowing a stranger, no matter how 'friendly' or 'helpful' they appear, anywhere near an ATM. Also fortunately, the ATM was outside their hostel, so they didn't get dumped in the middle of nowhere.
             Sending very best wishes to Max for a successful server repair.
                                  Much love to you All,
                                                                   Nigel & Ann
                                                                   xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Feb 15 - 08:54 PM

excellent idea - it must be time for my annual donation (well, last one was dated 2014!)

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 20 Feb 15 - 07:45 PM

Our much-appreciated host Max has a big challenge ahead of him. There has been a computer crash and at the moment Mudcat's records go back to Christmas. Let's do what we can to cheer him on to solve this latest challenge.

I've refreshed one of the fundraising threads in hopes many of us can donate something to cover whatever expenses Max may face with this set-back.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Manuel
Date: 24 Dec 14 - 08:33 AM

Nigel, from across the waters, I raise my glass (with its non-alcoholic contents) to that.

To quote, in parody, a poet who might have been revered: "... are people less friends because one [may never meet] them?"

Stay strong!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Dec 14 - 06:45 AM

To absent friends

and to my friend's nana who is fading fast

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 24 Dec 14 - 05:51 AM

I posted this poem some time ago. World events impel me to re-post as the New Year approaches, in the hope that changes occur for the common good & the future of Humankind:

"The People came from near & far to meet within their Place.
With noiseless feet & heads hung low, pain etched on every face.
"What ails thee, Friends?", The Wise Ones said, "We feel thy great distress".
What can be done, what needs be done to ease your wretchedness?"

Up spake a woman, young in heart, astute, clear-sighted she.
"Make us a Grail from which to drink to ease our malady.
Make us a Grail filled with our tears that we have shed full score.
Make us a Grail so fine & pure for we mayn't weep no more".

Perplexed, The Wise Ones pondered long this deeply felt request,
Concluding that a Grail so fine lay outside their behest.
"To form a Grail to hold your tears, we've neither ken nor skill.
A simple balm we can beget & thus your plea fulfil".

And so the healing balm was made & each received their share.
Returning home, they held it close, so mindful of it's care.
The World a better place became, but that was years ago,
Young Woman, 'tis your time again, The Wise Ones need to know".

I send Seasons' Greetings to each & every one of you. Without your love & friendship; your support during the dark, dark days as Jane slipped slowly from us, Ann & I would be 'in a very different place'.
                                           A toast: "To absent Friends"

                                           With Love,
                                                          Nigel & Ann.
                                                          xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 21 Dec 14 - 08:29 PM

Good work, Pete!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Dec 14 - 12:03 AM

wow! a new CD

goodonya Pete, for both creating it & selling it for a very worthy cause

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 20 Dec 14 - 07:02 PM

After a long time , on and off with portastudio, I finally have a finished collection ,and it will be a double cd, which I hope to sell locally in aid of children's hospice at home team. But not yet decided on what to do about duplicating and sleeve packaging.    I know it won't be big, but it is nice to have done it, especially as I was a complete non singer a few yr ago.       Hope those house hygiene problems are getting resolved Nigel.               Blessings all.      Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 20 Dec 14 - 02:26 PM

I'm still on the oars with the rest of the crew, pulling for Nigel, Ann, and all.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 20 Dec 14 - 02:12 PM

Love from me, too, Nigel and Ann. I'm hoping for the best outcomes to all your worries.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Manuel
Date: 20 Dec 14 - 08:16 AM

You and Ann deserve comfort and support, the giving of which I understand to be this thread's very reason for existence. You have mine. At the same time, let me say that I want to think that Ann's oncologist is essentially exercising the abundance of caution of a seasoned professional in increasing the frequency of those reviews.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 20 Dec 14 - 06:51 AM

Sending love to you Nigel and Ann xxxxx

Wendy

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 19 Dec 14 - 09:14 PM

Thinking of you, Nigel. Have just been listening to your Meditation on 'The Comfort of Singing Voices' and thinking about this wonderful web of humanity that is continuing to be woven here.

Thank you.

And shuddering about the mice - I'm generally not much freaked out by critters, but confess that I turn into that caricature of the screaming, hysterical female on top of the table when I see a mouse in the house. (Barn or field doesn't bother me, but house? eeeeeeeeeek!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Dec 14 - 08:57 PM

sending hugs & love & seasonable greetings!

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 19 Dec 14 - 07:17 PM

Yeah... rough to hear but not all bad, Nigel. Thoughts and prayers atcya buddy.

And to all.. peace and good will.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 19 Dec 14 - 03:52 PM

Better get the jos sticks out ! Hopefully they will get on top of it tomorrow.   Hopefully too, it is only caution as far as Ann's cancer reviews are concerned, but I can understand how such change can be alarming. Blessings.   Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 19 Dec 14 - 07:54 AM

Hardly what I'd call: "Worth Reading", but it's where I'm at currently...mice & rats have decided that our cosy, 1930s, mid-terrace house is where they'd like to spend the winter. The pest control man has other ideas, but there is a smell that just won't dissipate. Our drains are playing up too...the utility company did their thing yesterday; found nothing & have to return today...still waiting.
       New meds...old meds, different dosages...feeling somewhat 'out of body' as things, hopefully settle. Ann's annual cancer review has been changed to quarterly. Her oncologist was slightly concerned, but very reassuring...neither of us felt in the least reassured!
       I've taken on a little session work with a couple of friends. Nice songs...relaxed atmosphere...good to be playing guitar again (and some mandolin too).
       Will post again when I've removed the peg from off my nose,
       Much Love to You All,
                                        Nigel.
                                        xxxxx