What's Happening In Your Life?

[Glennsallnighter]

You're not grossing me out Austin. But this DOES need to be sorted. Its ridiculous that in the 21st Century it cannot be done more efficiently. Surely if you DO go to A&E they will have to see you regardless.

Good luck if you decide to go.

[WalshFan88]

You're not grossing me out Austin. But this DOES need to be sorted. Its ridiculous that in the 21st Century it cannot be done more efficiently. Surely if you DO go to A&E they will have to see you regardless.

Good luck if you decide to go.

I know!!!

[Wildthyme]

I'm glad they got a ducal title because I thought it was wrong that Prince Edward only got an earldom, which had not been used for centuries (Wessex); if you are the son of a monarch or the son of the heir you should be a duke. You have to go back to a younger son of George III, Adolphus, for the last Duke of Cambridge. Also if they hadn't been given a title she would have had to be called Princess William of Wales.

I was just reading up on this today. Apparently Edward declined to be made Duke of Cambridge as was the Queen's intent at the time of his marriage and instead asked her to be titled Earl of Wessex. He will eventually become a Duke however, taking the title of Duke of Edinburgh upon the death of his father.

[Molly]

Austin, with that rash as you are describing it, a trip to the Emergency room seems appropriate. Something like that can become infected easily and then you'll have even more to deal with. The ER physician can treat the immediate problem at hand (the rash) and give you a referral to the physician that you need to see.

I would take that specialists name and phone number to the ER with me t give to the ER doctor. Not promising anything, but the ER physician's referral and the medical record from the ER may expedite you being seen by the specialist sooner.

Good luck!

[Freypower]

I was just reading up on this today. Apparently Edward declined to be made Duke of Cambridge as was the Queen's intent at the time of his marriage and instead asked her to be titled Earl of Wessex. He will eventually become a Duke however, taking the title of Duke of Edinburgh upon the death of his father.

Is that right? Thanks for the information. I think that's entirely appropriate given that York is reserved for Prince Harry (who obviously has to wait until his uncle Andrew dies).

Sorry but I'm very interested in this stuff.

[Wildthyme]

It intrigues me too Julie... I am an admitted Anglophile... I had no idea about York being reserved for Harry. I am assuming York must be traditionally given to the second son of the monarch? Andrew is a relatively young man at only 50 and with as long lived as many of the Windsors seem to be it could be many long years before Harry becomes a Duke... Very interesting.

[Freypower]

It intrigues me too Julie... I am an admitted Anglophile... I had no idea about York being reserved for Harry. I am assuming York must be traditionally given to the second son of the monarch? Andrew is a relatively young man at only 50 and with as long lived as many of the Windsors seem to be it could be many long years before Harry becomes a Duke... Very interesting.

You got it in one; the Duke of York is the monarch's second son.

[EaglesKiwi]

You got it in one; the Duke of York is the monarch's second son.

And the title isn't always in use. So Harry may be given a different duchy when he marries (e.g. Sussex), since Andrew will probably still be alive.

That would leave York available in future, e.g. if William has a couple of boys.

[Prettymaid]

WF, I hope you are getting your rash taken care of, or that it's healing on its own.

Troub, congratulations on getting a spot in a school. I'm sure they'll see what a fabulous teacher you are and hire you straight away!

[WalshFan88]

Just an update - I just got off the phone and I got an appointment in Peoria tomorrow! I'm glad. Now maybe they can figure this out once and for all...

[tequila girl]

That's good news Austin! I hope they get you fixed up ASAP :thumbsup:

[sodascouts]

Oddly, I'm having medication problems too. I called my neurologist to get a prescription filled and they said they never received a request from the pharmacy. The Pharmacy claims they sent it in not once but twice. We double checked numbers. I called the doctor back again and got a message. Guess they're closed for the day.

Oh well. I'll just do without and hope for the best.

AND we've lost power again. I'm trying this from Panera.

[WalshFan88]

Oddly, I'm having medication problems too. I called my neurologist to get a prescription filled and they said they never received a request from the pharmacy. The Pharmacy claims they sent it in not once but twice. We double checked numbers. I called the doctor back again and got a message. Guess they're closed for the day.

Oh well. I'll just do without and hope for the best.

AND we've lost power again. I'm trying this from Panera.

Oh no! I hope they get them filled soon! I've had similar issues with pharmacies and getting prescriptions.

Hopefully the power will come back on soon too.

[Freypower]

And the title isn't always in use. So Harry may be given a different duchy when he marries (e.g. Sussex), since Andrew will probably still be alive.

That would leave York available in future, e.g. if William has a couple of boys.

That is probably correct. I was wondering how they were going to get around that. I was thinking that Sussex or Cumberland would be the next to be used.

[Annabel]

Is that right? Thanks for the information. I think that's entirely appropriate given that York is reserved for Prince Harry (who obviously has to wait until his uncle Andrew dies).

Sorry but I'm very interested in this stuff.


It intrigues me too Julie... I am an admitted Anglophile... I had no idea about York being reserved for Harry. I am assuming York must be traditionally given to the second son of the monarch? Andrew is a relatively young man at only 50 and with as long lived as many of the Windsors seem to be it could be many long years before Harry becomes a Duke... Very interesting.


It doesn't necessarily follow that Harry will be the next Duke of York. This is from Wiki and indicates it very unlikely to happen.


Under current law the eighth creation (That's the Duke of York title) will become extinct on Andrew's death (unless he remarries and has a son), and then the monarch may then recreate the title; if he (or she) follows tradition, he may create his own second son Duke of York. If Charles is king, the title would thus go to his second son Prince Harry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Harry_of_Wales). However, if by this time Prince Harry has already received a Dukedom (such as Sussex (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_of_Sussex)), the title might be reserved for future use. Additionally, the large age gap between Prince Andrew (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Andrew) and Prince Charles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Charles) decreases the likelihood that the title would even be available for Charles to grant if he were to be king.

[Brooke]

Thank goodness, Austin! Let's hope they get you some relief!

[WalshFan88]

Just got back from Peoria.

The doctor HAD NO CLUE as to what this may be - he's never seen it before! :shock: He took a biopsy and it will be TWO WEEKS before I get the results. I made an appointment to go back as they want to tell me in person.

For relief he gave me a steroid shot, some prescription cream, and some pills, and some nighttime meds to knock me out so I won't stay up all night making my skin a bloody mess.

I'm feeling better after the shot.... My biopsy area is rather tender though! :(

[WalshFan88]

The biopsy area is the left lower leg.

[Brooke]

Good! At least maybe you'll have some relief.

[Koala]

Austin, good to hear you have a light relief!

[Annabel]

Here's hoping for a positive outcome Austin and that your leg isn't too bad over the next 2 weeks until you have the results. :spin:

[WalshFan88]

Thanks everyone! I'm a little concerned about the fact the doctor (who also teaches at the Peoria branch of the University Of Chicago Medical School) had no clue of what it could be. He acted puzzled and clueless. He's basically treating the symptoms until the biopsy can determine what it is.

He said he is relying on the microscope slides to determine the cellular structure and also see what's going on. He does not think it's an infection or anything like that. Once we find out the specific condition, they can treat it a little more "focused" instead of just trying to treat everything under the sun and treat it by the symptoms as they are doing in the mean time for relief.

[EaglesKiwi]

Austin, I'm glad there's at least some action! Hope they manage to pin a diagnosis on it and give you an effective treatment. Keep us up to date with whether the prescription cream is helping in the meantime too.

[TimothyBFan]

Well Austin, I hope you were able to get some sleep last night with the new meds. Sorry you have to wait 2 whole weeks to find out what it is. Keep us posted. Good luck!

[MikeA]

they can treat it a little more "focused" instead of just trying to treat everything under the sun and treat it by the symptoms as they are doing in the mean time for relief.

There's a LOT to be said for RELIEF! It is sounding to me like you need "House". I do hope they can nail whatever it is.

[Peekaboo]

Hi everybody!!! It's been quite some time since i've logged on here. I've missed you all. Wow!! I've missed out on so much here. Lots to catch up on. I realize that I've been gone for a long time but I've had lots to deal with and take care of over the past few months and most of it hasn't been all that great. Honestly I just didn't feel up to doing much other than going to work and visiting my family back home. I believe the last time I checked in I told you all that my parents had split up. Well, they are still separated and that situation hasn't gotten any better. So much stuff was revealed and I'll admit that I didn't handle everything as well as I thought I could. Without saying too much I'll just say that my relationship with my dad has been forever changed. At one point my parents did get back together but it didn't even last a week before he left again and it was heartache all over again for my mom. It was incredibly hard to see my mom so broken and upset but she is doing so much better now. I've never seen her more focused. She's become so healthy and strong in both mind and body. She's come so far over the past 3 months and I admire her strength so much. I do think that divorce is in the future for my parents but I don't know exactly when that's gonna happen. It's only been 3 months since this all this happened but it seems like it's been more than a year. I've kinda gotten used to only seeing my mom but I do have moments of missing my dad and the way we used to be. But it's my old dad that I miss not the person he is now. I sometimes want to call him just to say hi and see how he's doing but I start to think about all that has happened and I just can't bring myself to call him. It's just gonna take some time before I'm ready to talk to him.

With all this hurt and heartache, one of the good things to come from this is that my brother and I are closer than ever before. We've been able to lean on each other through this and I love and appreciate how much Will has been there for our mom especially when I have to leave to go back to work. He's been so helpful and I think that he and mom are even closer too. Will and dad never had as close a relationship as I did with dad so all of this hasn't been as hard for him as it has for me but I'm glad to have him back around us again. Will didn't really come around much when mom and dad were together so it's been great to have my big brother back in my life.

Through all of this bad that has occurred over the past few months we've had some good news happen as well. We found out that Will and my SIL, Valerie, are gonna have another girl. Valerie is due at the end of July. Just a few more months to go. We're all so excited, especially Natalie. Nat is incredibly excited to be a big sister. They've been trying to decide on baby names and they seem to be leaning towards naming her Riley Kay. I really like that name. I'll be honest, I was hoping that they would be having a boy so that he could carry on our last name but I am more than thrilled to be having another niece. This baby has already given us a lot of joy and it gives us something positive and happy to look forward to in the coming months.

I have to work the next four days but I am gonna try to get caught up on all of the new info and pics here on The Border. I'll try to respond and comment on the things I've missed. I especially look forward to checking out the photo threads. I'm assuming there's plenty of HS&G pics to look at. ;-)

[MikeA]

It'll heal in time Jess...but it sounds like there is a lot of animosity exacerbating the trying time. I sure hope that it works out that you can patch up your own relationship with your Dad. From a "male perspective" I know that it would be devastating for me to lose out on the closeness my own daughter and I have.

Today, 34 years ago, my wonderful bride and I were married. Shoot, I didn't even thing I'd be alive 34 years after we were married. I knew without a doubt that if SHE didn't get tired of having me around, a crash on some mountain road while trying to take a 20mph twisty at 105 mph with my knee dragging the pavement would have done the trick! And believe me, both scenarios came VERY close to playing out!

We are getting away for the weekend....This one is definitely Verna's weekend both for our Anniversary AND for Mother's Day.

And Happy Mother's Day to each of you who either ARE Mothers or who Want to be! It is Happiness I wish to each of you.

[EaglesKiwi]

Congratulations, Mike & Verna!! :love:

34 years together and still in love is a fantastic achievement and inspirational. Hope you have a wonderful weekend away.

[Brooke]

Congrats to you and Verna, Mike! That's wonderful and I hope you all have a great weekend! :thumbsup:

Peek, it's great to hear from you! I'm sorry about your parents, but it's great you and your brother are getting closer. Congrats to them on having a new baby girl. I'm sure that really helps all of you to focus on happy times.

And Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's! Have a great weekend!

http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/ylflower.gif

[Koala]

Congratulations Mike & Verna!!!

Peek, nice to hear from you!Congrats to the new baby girl in the family.Hope you finds a solution to manage all problems , particularly what concerns the difficult relationship with your dad.:hug:

[Glennsallnighter]

Jess, great to hear from you again. I've been thinking about you but of course understand the difficult issues you have had to face. I hope some day you can resume a good relationship with your Dad. Congrats to your brother and his wife on the impending birth. I hope everything goes well for Valerie. Looking foreward to seeing you around a little more if you can make it. I've missed you.

Mike and Verna, congrats from me too. 34 years of marriage is NO mean feat! Hopefully you will have many more years of happiness and health before you.

Austin, hoping for a speedy diagnosis and treatment for your problem as well. Hope your leg is healing.

[AzEaglesFan]

Enjoy your weekend Mike and Verna. Happy Anniversary and have a wonderful time.
Jess, I have been wondering how you were doing. Sorry to hear about all of the problems you have been having. Everything will work out in time. You must be feeling better if you are working. Glad that you aren't so sick anymore.
Now Austin, we just need to get you well. Hope the new meds will at least let you get a good nights sleep.

[Prettymaid]

Jess, it's great to hear from you and you sound a lot better than the last time you posted. I was worried about you! It's sad to hear about the changing relationship between you and your dad, but wonderful news about your mom, brother, SIL and new baby. I can tell you are a really strong person by the way you are handling all of this. Please try to keep in touch more often.

Congratulations to Mike and Verna!

My BIL Chuck is in the hospital. He was having a treatment done this past week at home called IVIG (http://www.immunedisease.com/patients-and-families/ivig-therapy/how-ivig-works.html?WT.srch=1)(Intravenous Immunoglobulin) and after the second day, Wednesday, he began having neck pain, severe headaches and vomiting. He went to the ER and had all kinds of tests done and it was determined that he has meningitis (http://www.webmd.com/brain/meningitis-in-adults). The doctor says it's just a coincidence that he was taking this treatment at the time and that as of this morning (when the doctor came while we were there) they still didn't know whether it is viral or bacterial. Chuck says he has to push the pain meds button every 1 1/2 hours for his headache, which won't go away. Dr says he'll probably be there for another 3/4 days or until his headache goes away.

It's a shame that this happened during this treatment because if it worked it was supposed to make him feel much stronger for a little longer. Now Chuck wants nothing to do with that treatment and I don't blame him. Even with what the doctor said, he sure doesn't want to take something if he's afraid that afterwards he going to feel sicker than he was.

[Molly]

Awww...Cathy, I'm so sorry to hear that Chuck is having such a hard time. I hope the meningitis/headache clears as quickly as possible so he can have some relief. It's crummy that he has to deal with one thing after another like this.

Jess, time, time, time. It's amazing what it can do. When my niece went thru a devastating divorce a few years ago, she thought she wouldn't be able to go on. She's doing so incredibly well these days. Her ex has moved on and gotten engaged and she could even find it in her heart to wish him well. There was a time I wouldn't have believed that possible. She's moving on, too. When one door closes, another one really does open. I wish the same for you and your family.

Mike and Verna - Happy Anniversary!!

I got some jaw dropping, (but once I could breathe again and close my mouth) very happy and exciting news...
I'm going to be a grandma! Tom and Audra are expecting a Christmas baby.

I had been preparing myself for an engagement announcement (that happened, too) -but I didn't even think about them having a baby yet.

I just commented to a friend that my life is so boring and with the sick mom and mother in law, kind of depressing lately. Finally, some happy news and things to look forward to!

I've still gotta process the whole "grandma" part of it, though. I can see Steve as a grandpa, but me a grandma??? :hmm: ;-)

[Prettymaid]

Molly I think it's great and I'm sure you'll grow into your grandma title nicely when the time comes!

[WalshFan88]

PM - Hope he gets better soon! Very sad.

Molly - Congrats!!!

Mike - Congrats on the Anniversary!

Jess - Take care and keep your chin up. :) I hope everything gets better soon!

______________________________________

My leg is about the same. The more I read about it and the fact I've had some stomach problems they haven't figured out, it makes me wonder if it's not an allergic reaction/intolerance to Gluten. It's called Celiac Disease and it causes a rash almost identical to mine in pictures, called Dermatitis Herpetiformis and it looks exactly like what I have. From what I've read the biopsy should show the Dermatitis and then you go for Blood tests to confirm Celiac and then go for an endoscopy and then if it's confirmed you have to go on a special diet for life. It's the closest thing to my symptoms but of course it will depend on my biopsy results. I'll be curious to find out because this could explain my abdominal pain. I match the symptoms perfectly.

[sodascouts]

Jess - so glad to hear from you again. Thank you for checking in and updating us about how you're doing. I can only imagine how hard it must be for you. I hope time can eventually heal some of the wounds with your father. I'm glad to hear your mom is doing better and about you and your brother becoming closer.

Mike - how wonderful! Congrats to you and Verna. Have a terrific weekend!

PM - how awful for your friend. I've been thinking about him. It seems he can't catch a break. :(

Molly - how exciting! A grandbaby! Circle of life. Still, I bet it would be a bit mind-blowing. Don't worry, you still look young! ;)

[Freypower]

Wow Sheryl, congratulations on your news. :hug:

[AzEaglesFan]

Arizona has been under a Red Flag Warning because the state is so dry (Tinder Box conditions) I can't even remember the last time we had any rain.
There has been a bad fire in a town of White River that is part of an Apache Indian Rez. Those poor people had a fire a few years ago that burned part of the town. Now they have another one burning and they can't get it contained.
Today a fire started a few miles outside of the town we live in. It's an area called Picket Post and the real worry is the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. A beautiful place that has plants from all over the world and a lot of wild life. The winds are gusting to 30 mph and keep changing direction so the firefighters are in a lot of danger. We have been sitting on out front porch and watching the slurry planes (2) and a chopper (1) try to get it under control. The town itself isn't in any danger as far as we can tell but the smoke it so thick that when the wind changes directions we can hardly breathe. Wish we could get some of the rain that is causing so much trouble in other states.

[Koala]

WOW, congrats, Molly!

PM - Hope your friend gets better soon!

[Peekaboo]

Mike, congrats to you and Verna. That's so wonderful. I hope the two of you had a great anniversary.

Austin, I'm just now getting caught up on what's been happening with you. I sure hope you get better soon.

Cathy, I'm sorry to learn that about Chuck. My thoughts and prayers go out to him.

YAY Molly!!! Congrats on the grandbaby!!! Look at it this way, you get to spoil the baby all you want. As a grandma, you'll get to have all the fun.

AEF, I hope they got the fires under control. We had some serious wildfires all over Oklahoma just a couple of months ago. One of the big fires was about 5 miles away from where I work.

Thanks for the support, everybody. It really means a lot. I've been stressing a little bit today because my mom told me that my dad is going be to coming to Natalie's birthday party on friday. (Nat just turned 7 today). I'm so nervous about seeing him. I know that we are all going to be there to celebrate Nat's bday but just the thought of being around him after all that has happened makes me stress out. I've only seen him once since he first left and that didn't go all that well. My mom kinda trapped me into seeing him about a month ago after I picked her up from work and she said that she had to get the house keys from him right then and there. I think she just wanted me to see him because she knew that I wouldn't do that on my own, at least not for a long time. I've had so many things built up that i've wanted to say to him (not all of it good) but when I saw him i couldn't remember one single thing that I wanted to say. I just cried and hugged him. I couldn't say anything except goodbye when we left. Dad and I still haven't talked. I honestly don't know when we'll talk about everything but i doubt that it'll happen on friday. I know that Nat will be really happy to have her Papa there at her party but I wonder how everybody's gonna act. Will it be like nothing happened? Will it be weird and awkward? I just don't know.


It'll heal in time Jess...but it sounds like there is a lot of animosity exacerbating the trying time. I sure hope that it works out that you can patch up your own relationship with your Dad. From a "male perspective" I know that it would be devastating for me to lose out on the closeness my own daughter and I have.


I know, Mike, and i understand that. It's not easy from the daughter's perspective either.

[EaglesKiwi]

My leg is about the same. The more I read about it and the fact I've had some stomach problems they haven't figured out, it makes me wonder if it's not an allergic reaction/intolerance to Gluten. It's called Celiac Disease and it causes a rash almost identical to mine in pictures, called Dermatitis Herpetiformis and it looks exactly like what I have. From what I've read the biopsy should show the Dermatitis and then you go for Blood tests to confirm Celiac and then go for an endoscopy and then if it's confirmed you have to go on a special diet for life. It's the closest thing to my symptoms but of course it will depend on my biopsy results. I'll be curious to find out because this could explain my abdominal pain. I match the symptoms perfectly.

Austin - give your normal doctor a call and ask about testing for Celiac - you may not have to wait 2 weeks for the skin biopsy. The sooner you get a diagnosis the sooner you can start getting better!

[Annabel]

Sounds like EK has a good idea to me Austin. Go get tested for coeliac and if it is that go gluten free.

BTW My eldest daughter has a boy in her school year with coeliac disease. I used to do cookery with him in his first year at school using his special flour. :stunned: What a nightmare it was, so good luck if you make pies / cakes :lol:

[Annabel]

So much to cathc up on and remember here. :o

Mike, congratulations (belated) on your and Verna's anniversary. My DH would say he'd serve less for life in prison. :lol:

Jess, Sorry you have been through the wringer but glad to hear you have some good news too. Hang in there. :hug:

Cathy, so sorry to hear about Chuck. Poor man, one thing after another. :(

Molly, :yay: Congratulations. How exciting for you.

AEF, hope that the fires are under control soon. We've had a fair few forest fires in the UK recently. One in Swinley Forest, Berkshire was started in 4 places (yep arsonists seen) on May 2nd and has just been scaled down today. :stunned:

Hope I haven't missed anyone.

[TimothyBFan]

Jess-so good to see you back. I've thought a lot about you since you first told us the news about your parents. I certainly hope you can work things out with your father. I can understand the resentment you are feeling right now but it might be best to talk it out as soon as you can instead of letting it fester and eventually doing damage that cannot be reversed.

Mike-Congrats on 34 blissful years!!! How wonderful and hope there are at least 34 more ahead!!!

Cathy--So sorry to hear about another setback for Chuck!! Just doesn't seem as if he can get a break!!! Keep us posted on his progress.

Sheryl--Congrats, Grandma!!!! How wonderful for your whole family!!!

Austin--It's funny, I had never heard of Celiac disease but a couple of weeks ago I saw a story regarding it on the news and then they mentioned it again this morning. It seems that they are trying raise awareness to it. Definitely get it checked out. Sounds as if it is something that can be dealt with with the proper diet.

Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!! I certainly did and the weather couldn't have been more gorgeous!!

Still dealing with the same stuff here. Hubby and 2 of his siblings have a meeting this morning with an Elder Lawyer to get things sat up for his mother's care. And every day there seems to be a new decision to be made regarding it all. My mother is also having some more issues with all her arthritis problems and they are trying another new drug on her trying to get her some comfort.

Dillon came home Saturday for the summer....carrying a 4.0!! He must of got his smarts from me of course! ;-) As of yesterday morning, he received a phone call from one of the local restaurants that he had called while he was still at school regarding a job. Hadn't even filled out an app or been interviewed, but they had a person call in sick and so the owner, whom my hubby worked for for several years in high school, called Dillon up and asked if he'd come in and help out. Told him when he got there that if he was still there at the end of the day, he was hired. He was and he has been. :lol: He's wanting to save as much money over the summer as he can because of the house he and some friends are renting for the next school year. Good thing is that the restaurant is just around the corner from us so doesn't have to use gas to get there. He's also talked to the place he worked at while in high school about going part time there this summer also. Gotta say, my kids aren't afaid of working. Katie is still working 2 jobs and only has 3 more weeks before she graduates high school. :hmm: Where did all that time go?

[Glennsallnighter]

Gosh, Willie! looks like you trained your kiddies to work hard. I love to see students who are not to proud to flip a few burgers or stack a few shelves. You are great to foster such a work ethic in your family! Then again, I guess you keep so busy they have a shining example. BTW, whats a 4.0? I had thought maybe a gun? But I guess not......!

Cathy! I hope Chick recovers from the meningitis soon. What a rotten piece of luck. He has been through so much already.

Austin, from what you say it COULD be ceoliac disease. Do you feel worse after eating wheat/ refined flour products? Like maybe bloated. Coeliac has its highest incidence in the world in the West of Ireland, so we are all very familar with it. Most of us would know SOMEBODY who is a coeliac. The good news is that once you exclude flour products from your diet you can live a normal life. All restaurants here would serve coeliac specific menus and all the shops would have gluten free bread and cakes. So its very easy to control. My son was gluten sensitive till he was 1. he used break out in a rash similar to chicken pox.
Good luck on getting a diagnosis.


Molly! Congrats on the impending birth. I hope everything goes well for your son's fiancee.

[Brooke]

Willie, great news from your kids! Congrats to Dylan on doing so well in college and getting those jobs! :thumbsup:

Cathy, I'm so sorry Chuck is having such a hard time. Poor guy.

Molly, a gramma! Sounds wonderful! I'm so happy for you and your family!

Soda, I hope you are safe from all the flooding going on in Memphis.

Az, I'm sorry about the fires in your area. I hope you get lots of the rain that we don't need here.

Peek, hang in there. I hope you can work it out with your Dad.

We planted some garden Saturday. Corn, tomatoes, and green beans. And zinnias and marigolds for fun! We don't plant a lot, mostly just to eat fresh. It's more fun for me that way.

Hubby and I went to church with my Mom and then took her out to dinner afterwards for Mother's Day. We met my sister and her husband at the restaurant that my Mom and Dad used to go to a lot before he passed away. She enjoyed getting to go back there. It was a nice day!

[sodascouts]

Awful to hear about those fires, AEF. Hopefully the rains will come.

Peek - wow, I can only imagine how awkward and stresful that is going to be. I guess you just gotta go with the flow and do whatever feels right at the time rather than worry about it now.

Austin - I don't know anything about these kind of conditions. All I can say is that I hope you get some relief soon.

Willie, I hope it gets easier eventually to deal with all of that stuff. I bet you're glad to have Dillon home, though! Congrats to him on his 4.0, although I'm not surprised! Sounds like Katie has really stepped it up. Good for her!

GA - a 4.0 average is straight-As in all of one's classes and the highest a student can achieve.

[Glennsallnighter]

Thank you for putting me straight on that one Nancy! We use a completely different system over here where a grade 1 (First Class Honours) is the highest grade that can be obtained.

Willie! Congratulations to Dillon. I'm sure you are soooo proud of him.

[EaglesFanatic]

Ok everyone, I need some help... This weekend, I'm going to a whole high school retreat kind of thing. It an annual thing we do at our school. It's like everyone's last time to say goodbye to the seniors before they graduate. It's tradition for all younger siblings of the graduates to speak to their brother or sister in front of everyone. Well, since my brother is graduating this year, it looks like it's my turn to make a speech. This is a really emotional weekend for everyone who goes on this trip, so I want my speech to be light, but still sentimental. Not to mention I'm a horrible public speaker, so I'm really nervous to get up in front of the whole high school!! Any tips? :lol:

[sodascouts]

Definitely open with a joke. Since guys aren't always comfortable with emotional displays, it's probably a good idea to close with one, too.

[EaglesKiwi]

Maybe open with a funny story about him, then talk about how he has changed or what he has done in high school, your hopes for him over the next few years, and end with another funny moment about him now?

[EaglesFanatic]

Thanks you two, I'll keep that in mind :)

[WalshFan88]

Thanks everyone! :) I go for the biopsy results Wednesday. They won't tell us over the phone and insist on an appointment. :-?

EF - Good luck!

[Glennsallnighter]

I guess thats standard practice. If results were bad they wouldn't be able to see the effect of that on a person using the phone, and it would seem v unfeeling. If they were good it wouldn't matter as much. So then we would be in a situation where only GOOD results were given over the phone! Meaning if you were refused over the phone you'd assume the worst. By calling you in its a more sensitive way for everyone.

Have you investigated the possibility of Coeliac any further?

EF Good luck with you speech ('wonder why the right words never come......?')

[WalshFan88]

Have you investigated the possibility of Coeliac any further?


Yes, and I think that's what it is. From what I've read if it really is Dermatitis Herpetiformis (Celiac Rash) then the biopsy they did will show that. If it is DH, then I'll have to have the blood test for Celiac and the intestinal biopsy. I read what contains gluten, and pretty much my whole diet is based on Gluten! :fear: I've got a lot of the symptoms, and it could also explain some of my stomach pain that the docs could never figure out and pretty much ignored. It would also explain why I've been so darn tired lately and have 0 energy. I've also been pretty grouchy lately too, and that can go along with it. :hilarious:

I'll know more on Wednesday. I really am dreading and looking forward to the appointment at the same time. I'll be curious to see what they say.

[Wildthyme]

As someone who restricts gluten (based on my doctor's advice -- apparently its one of those things we more mature women sometimes have trouble with as we age :eyebrow:) I can tell you its not exactly easy but because of the current awareness of celiac and gluten issues there are a lot of products out there that are gluten free or at least well labeled. You can get good gluten free baked products like cookies and crackers though I find most of the gluten free breads are horrible unless you bake your own or find a local bakery that makes them fresh. The stuff in the freezer case at the grocery store is expensive and disgusting, at least in my experience. It is a sacrifice and sometimes an annoyance but if you feel better it will be worth it :)

Good luck with this Austin -- I hope you get an answer to whatever this rash that has been plaguing you is and that you are on the path to healing soon!

[WalshFan88]

Thanks! :)

[rcknalwys]

Since I have been gone so long, I can't possibly address everything that is going on but all my thoughts going out to everyone will be positive ones.
Some terrific news from me. My daughter and her 3 babies were in Pakistan for the last year and they have finally returned safely. They had been with her in-laws and my daughter's life was threatened. She was able to make contact with the American Embassy and they helped her escape with her children. It was an ordeal for all of them but they are now living with me. Their health has improved and they are doing well. I am so thankful to the men and women that made this possible, without their help the 4 of them would have died. Life's been good!

[Glennsallnighter]

Oh RKA! I am so happy for you. There is nothing better than knowing your family and those close to you are safe. I'm sure this has been a terrible ordeal for your daughter and her children. I hope they have long happy healthy and safe lives from now on. I'm sure you are thrilled to have them home.

Austin. I know how you feel about Wednesday and I hope it goes well. I know how you feel when you eat gluten based foods. I often feel bloated with a sore tummy after eating high gluten products like white bread, and when I was little my moms pastry always made my tummy funny (Though I loved it at the time)

Well I definitely get the prize for 'Silly Billy of the day' :doh:. I was coming out of the petrol station earlier, looked over towards hubby's car where I was heading to..... and went right down on my right ankle. It was just where the drain lid and the tarmac met and the surface was a little uneven. It was so bad I couldn't even walk to the car and hubby had to get out to help me over. :blush: Anyway we went to the hospital and they x-rayed it. Luckily it is just a very bad sprain and I've to keep it up and put it on ice for 10 minutes every 5 hours. AND take a week off work :roll:. Not easy last few weeks of the term.

[sodascouts]

Becky, wow! Glad to hear it!

GA - poor thing! I'm glad nothing's broken. Take it easy now! ;)

[Prettymaid]

RA, so glad everyone's safe.

GA, OUCH!!! My ankle hurt just reading your post. Hope it heals soon.

Chuck was released from the hospital Friday. The meningitis has messed with his blood pressure, so he's on medication for that, plus he fell while he was in the hospital (trying to get to the bathroom by himself) and cracked three ribs! So he's on pain meds for that. That's the third time he's fallen that I know of. He has a walker - he'll probably have to start using it soon.

[tequila girl]

Austin, Good Luck for Wednesday! :thumbsup:

RA, How terrifying for your daughter and her children....and you of course.
I'm glad they're all home safely with you now, that must be a huge relief to you all! :)

GA, Ouch! That's the kind of thing i'd do! :doh: "Take it easy" and rest up like you've been advised!

Cathy, Poor Chuck, it seems to be one thing after another :-( Best Wishes to him

[Brooke]

RKA, my goodness, what a relief for you and your family! I'm so glad your daughter and her kids are home safe!

Ga, sorry about your ankle. Now be a good girl and take doctors orders and you'll be back on both feet soon! Bummer though!

Pm, so sorry about Chuck. That poor guy just can't get a break (no pun intended!). Sending positive thoughts and prayers his way.

[Annabel]

Austin, good luck for Wednesday. I visited one of my sisters on Saturday and she told me one of her DILs was diagnosed as a coeliac last year. She had it as a baby but grew out of it. Now she is back with it and all the 'fun' that goes with it. :rolleyes:

GA, rest that foot and never mind work. They will have to survive without you. :)

RA. Glad that your daughter and her family got out safely.

PM, poor Chuck. Sending positive vibes his way. http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/Mellie1961/karma.gif

[Glennsallnighter]

PM sorry to hear about Chuck. Some guys just seem to have it bad. I hope he's ok.

Thanks for the good vibes re the ankle. Its already beginning to feel a bit stronger when I DO manage to hobble off! I'm hoping to get into work tomorrow to do some paperwork.

Hubby went back to the petrol station to report to them what happened yesterday in an effort to prevent it from happening to anybody else. The manager was very non commital and quite standoffish. He then said that 'Yeah, we know there's a problem there. We'll be closing soon go upgrade the whole forecourt'. Hmmmmm. Now I'm thinking if there was a problem, why wasn't there some indication of the danger. I'm not a claim merchant, but I am seriously debating whether I should see if I can claim the €240 medical expenses from them. Thats no more than I spent and in view of the fact that they were negligent in not pointing out a danger, I think I'm being quite fair.

[sodascouts]

That sounds fair to me, GA.

PM, poor Chuck. It must hurt his pride to have to use a walker.

[WalshFan88]

Austin - give your normal doctor a call and ask about testing for Celiac - you may not have to wait 2 weeks for the skin biopsy. The sooner you get a diagnosis the sooner you can start getting better!

I ended up doing this but they said they want to wait until the first biopsy comes back and if it does show Celiac, they may suggest an intestinal biopsy instead. I go day after tomorrow (Wed) for the skin biopsy results. It'll be interesting.

[Koala]

PM, I'm sorry to hear about Chuck.

GA, hope your ankle gets beter soon.

Austin, Good Luck!

[WalshFan88]

GA - Hope your ankle gets better soon!

PM - Sorry to hear that.

[TimothyBFan]

Cathy---So sorry to hear about Chuck. D*mn, when is he going to get a break?!? How's his wife holding up? She must be an amazingly strong woman.

[tequila girl]

I don't often post in this thread 'cos there's never anything much "happening in my life" :laugh: but today I have good news and bad news :wink:

The Good News is.......I picked up my boat at the weekend! :-)

Here's "Wavedancer"

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/carolwayne/Wavedancer/Wavedancer.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/carolwayne/Wavedancer/saloon.jpg

:partytime: :partytime: :partytime: :partytime:

The bad news is.......

Yesterday - I Sneezed......and put my back out - i'm in agony :ack: :scowl: :depressed:
and can't get out on Wavedancer 'til i'm mobile again....i'm hobbling around like a 105 year old at the moment! :hilarious:

[Koala]

Nice boat!
Hope your back gets better very soon!

[tequila girl]

Thanks Koala! :)

[Glennsallnighter]

I love your boat TG. And I hope you manage to get onto it ASAP.

[Brooke]

tg, love your boat, but darn that sneeze! Ouch! Get well soon!

[sodascouts]

Yikes, what a brutal sneeze! Feel better soon so you can take out that lovely boat.

[WalshFan88]

TG - Get well soon! Nice boat!

--------------

Wish me luck - today I go for the biopsy results. The appointment is at 2PM (Central Time US) and I'll be sure to give an update when I get back. I have internet on my phone so I can probably send it from the doctors office! :D

[TimothyBFan]

TG--feel better and enjoy that boat very soon!!


Austin---Good luck today!

[tequila girl]

Thanks everyone! :) back is better than it was....but still a bit twingey (is that a real word?) :hilarious:

Good Luck Austin!! :thumbsup:

[Annabel]

Poor you Carole. Hope you are soon fighting fit. Oh and nice boat. :)

Good luck Austin. :thumbsup:

[Glennsallnighter]

Thanks everyone! :) back is better than it was....but still a bit twingey (is that a real word?) :hilarious:

Good Luck Austin!! :thumbsup:

Well to me it is! I'm using it about my ankle too! maybe its a 'British Isles' word Carole. Hope its better real soon.

And Austin too. I hope everything goes well and that you have a definitive diagnosis. Or at least a treatment plan that will work. How are you feeling overall?

[Brooke]

Good luck Austin! Keep us posted!

[sodascouts]

Good luck Austin!

[Wildthyme]

Fingers crossed that you get your answer today Austin. Good luck!

[WalshFan88]

I just left the Dr. They did a blood test to check for Celiac. The biopsy was abnormal but inconclusive. I'll go back in a month for results.

[Henley Honey]

Check out www.celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu (http://www.celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu)
Even though they may not have results for a month, you could follow some of their nutritional guidelines now and hopefully find some relief while you wait. Even if its not celiac, a gluten-free diet won't hurt you.

Sorry they could not be more conclusive.

[Brooke]

Good grief Austin. Another wait for you. Bummer.

[WalshFan88]

Good grief Austin. Another wait for you. Bummer.

I know!

On a positive side though the nurse that drew my blood was pretty smokin'! :hilarious:

[WalshFan88]

Check out www.celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu (http://www.celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu)
Even though they may not have results for a month, you could follow some of their nutritional guidelines now and hopefully find some relief while you wait. Even if its not celiac, a gluten-free diet won't hurt you.

Sorry they could not be more conclusive.

Thanks! I will try that.

[Wildthyme]

Another month? Wow. Austin, I definitely think you should try going gluten free and see what happens. You may find an answer before the lab does.

[WalshFan88]

Another month? Wow. Austin, I definitely think you should try going gluten free and see what happens. You may find an answer before the lab does.

I'm going to try that... :)

[EaglesKiwi]

Austin, how frustrating that you have to wait another month for the results!! :scowl:

I'm pretty sure that a blood test for celiac is always (or should be always?!) followed up with an intestinal biopsy. And to get a definitive diagnosis you need to still be consuming gluten in your diet.

So your choices are to cut out the gluten and see if you feel better, but still not know for sure that's what the problem is, or suffer for longer waiting for results. :sad::doh:

I'm sorry to be the bearer of lousy news. I'm still gobsmacked that you've been mucked around for so long.

[Glennsallnighter]

Awww Austin! Thats crazy! Why such a long wait, first 2 weeks for an inconclusive result. Then a month????

I would maybe cut out the major Gluten components in your diet. Its in pretty much everything (including beer) anyway - you only have to read the food label on most products to realise this. That might alleviate the symptoms somewhat but still leave a small amount in your body. Maybe you could call a dietician who could give you advice?

[TimothyBFan]

That just ticks me off!! I want that office's phone number so I can give them a piece of my mind!!! A month for results after you've already waited this long? Insane. In the meantime you still have to deal with the problem AND worry about what the results might show and more testing, etc....You might have to get a bit nasty with them to get anywhere before long! Where is good patient care any more? It's hard to find, that's for sure.

You poor thing! Are you at least getting some relief from the rash after the steroids and stuff? I sure hope so!! Hang in there kiddo!! Hopefully you will get this straightened around soon. If not, you can gladly sick me on them! ;)

[Koala]

WOW! You must waiting for the results still one more month? This must be very frustrating !

[WalshFan88]

Thanks everyone! The wait is getting to be a LONG one.

The Dr said the Celiac results should be in sooner than a month, but that was the soonest they could see me to give me the report (1 month). Maybe I can pry the info from them over the phone. It's starting to really tick me off. :-x

[Annabel]

Wow sorry to hear you have no clear answer still yet Austin. :-( You must feel like this. :brickwall: Can't believe that they can't see you for a month. What is it, people 'planning on being sick between now and then blocking appointments'. :rolleyes: :eyebrow: Totally daft.

[TimothyBFan]

I'm sorry, but I have to question any doctors office that actually makes a patient wait a month for test results. That's insane. What if it is something serious---are you still expected to wait your turn? I think if I had something serious, I'd have to find me another doctor.

[sodascouts]

Surely if they discover it's something that needs urgent care they'll contact Austin and move his appointment up. They're not going to tell someone with a brain tumor who has two weeks to live to come back in a month, for instance. "No news is good news" in this case, I think.

[WalshFan88]

Surely if they discover it's something that needs urgent care they'll contact Austin and move his appointment up. They're not going to tell someone with a brain tumor who has two weeks to live to come back in a month, for instance. "No news is good news" in this case, I think.

Yeah I'm just hoping they can figure out what it is.... That's the frustrating part. :(

[Glennsallnighter]

Surely if they discover it's something that needs urgent care they'll contact Austin and move his appointment up. They're not going to tell someone with a brain tumor who has two weeks to live to come back in a month, for instance. "No news is good news" in this case, I think.

Really? The one disadvantage of our free healthcare system is that things like that HAVE been known to happen here, depending on the waiting list. Or between the time the test has been recommended and when it happens the illness could have progressed a lot. Of course as everywhere if you pay health insurance ( we pay about €1700 for a family of 4 per year) you'll be seen immediately! Not relly fair.... is it?

[Wildthyme]

Insurance is absolutely ridiculous here if you don't have it through your employer. I would have had to pay $1100 a month just for me in order to keep my health care after I was laid off. Needless to say I couldn't do that...

[Annabel]

Really? The one disadvantage of our free healthcare system is that things like that HAVE been known to happen here, depending on the waiting list. Or between the time the test has been recommended and when it happens the illness could have progressed a lot. Of course as everywhere if you pay health insurance ( we pay about €1700 for a family of 4 per year) you'll be seen immediately! Not relly fair.... is it?

The NHS might be better if it wasn't 'abused' my DH says.

[Glennsallnighter]

Insurance is absolutely ridiculous here if you don't have it through your employer. I would have had to pay $1100 a month just for me in order to keep my health care after I was laid off. Needless to say I couldn't do that...

Per MONTH....... EEEEEEK!!!! Very few employers here would pay insurance, but what you pay a month would be pretty much an entire annual premium on a standard (middle of the road) health policy.

[sodascouts]

Because I have a pre-existing condition, health insurance is ludicrously expensive for me as well unless I get it through an employer. With the university health care plan I'm currently on, my epilepsy medicine costs $20 a month. Without it, the medicine alone costs $1100 a month.

[tequila girl]

Because I have a pre-existing condition, health insurance is ludicrously expensive for me as well unless I get it through an employer. With the university health care plan I'm currently on, my epilepsy medicine costs $20 a month. Without it, the medicine alone costs $1100 a month.

Wowww that's a LOT of money!!

What would happen Nancy if you were unemployed and couldn't pay the insurance? would you be left to just get on with your epilepsy without medication....or would Social Security or some other body help towards cost of meds?

[Molly]

Nancy could apply for Medicaid benefits (which are funded jointly by the US government and the state in which a person lives) and then wait to hear if her application has been approved to begin receiving the healthcare benefits.

Depending on the level of disability, Medicare benefits could be put into effect. Medicare is funded by the US government and is generally what is used to take care of the older population, but has many exceptions to that rule.

Both Medicaid and Medicare are the healthcare portion of the US Governments Social Security Act which is our government run social insurance program. It is funded thru taxation.

[tequila girl]

Ahhhhh....Thanks for that Molly - very informative for those of us (me) that don't know how it works! :thumbsup:

[Glennsallnighter]

Well I'm glad to hear that there is some mechanism in place to cover those that genuinely can't afford their healthcare. Over here if you spend any more than €100 per month per family on perscription medicines you get the balance refunded from the State. So it should cost no more than that. If you are on a GMS medical card all perscriptions are free.

[sodascouts]

Yes, the government can help, as Molly says. In fact, since she is a health care professional, she knows much more than I do about it. I haven't been in the situation to apply for aid. Personally, I'm extremely fortunate in that my father has been very successful financially, so I can count on him to pay for my medicine if need be. Most can't say the same. It's a real problem here in the States.

[Henley Honey]

Its really getting out of hand. As an employer, my health insurance premiums are becoming so cost-prohibitive, I've put off hiring additional full-time employees in order to keep up.
It's getting to the point where you can offer an employee medical benefits only if they are willing to contribute over "X" amount to at least help cover the continual increases in premiums. That "X" number can be huge.
And policies for employees with families? Yikes.
High premiums, high deductibles, procedures that are not covered, 80/20 splits, maximum lifetime benefit amounts being lowered.
I could go on for an hour. Somethings gotta give.
Thanks, I had to vent. I feel a little better now. No doctor visit required.

[Prettymaid]

Well, hopefully WF you will get your results and it will be good news. In the meantime I hope you're getting some relief from your rash.

I need to ask a favor of everybody who is on facebook.

This year I have been watching three baby eagles get the care they need to be released into the wild after their mother was struck and killed by a plane. The Wildlife Center of Virginia has done an excellent job of not only caring for these eaglets but satisfying all of their 'fans' by installing a web cam so that we can watch their progress. Chase Community Giving is offering $500,000 to the charity with the most votes. Please do me a favor and vote with me for the WCV by using these simple instructions.
1) Go to Chase Community Giving Program Facebook page. 2) Click "like" and allow access. 3) Enter WCV in the "find charities" search box. 4) Click on WCV in blue, then vote.

Voting starts on May 19 — and the “polls” are open only until May 25.

For those who are interested, here is the link to the web cam.
http://www.wvec.com/marketplace/microsite-content/eagle-cam.html

Here is a link to learn more about WCV.
http://www.wildlifecenter.org/wp/2011/05/chase-community-giving/

And to quote another eagle, here's how it all started, at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. (BTW, could you give them a vote also please. Yes, they are in the running too!)
http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/e-community/eagle-cam

Thank you guys so much. I owe you one!

[sodascouts]

Well, hopefully WF you will get your results and it will be good news. In the meantime I hope you're getting some relief from your rash.

I need to ask a favor of everybody who is on facebook.

This year I have been watching three baby eagles get the care they need to be released into the wild after their mother was struck and killed by a plane. The Wildlife Center of Virginia has done an excellent job of not only caring for these eaglets but satisfying all of their 'fans' by installing a web cam so that we can watch their progress. Chase Community Giving is offering $500,000 to the charity with the most votes. Please do me a favor and vote with me for the WCV by using these simple instructions.
1) Go to Chase Community Giving Program Facebook page. 2) Click "like" and allow access. 3) Enter WCV in the "find charities" search box. 4) Click on WCV in blue, then vote.

Voting starts on May 19 — and the “polls” are open only until May 25.

For those who are interested, here is the link to the web cam.
http://www.wvec.com/marketplace/microsite-content/eagle-cam.html

Here is a link to learn more about WCV.
http://www.wildlifecenter.org/wp/2011/05/chase-community-giving/

And to quote another eagle, here's how it all started, at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. (BTW, could you give them a vote also please. Yes, they are in the running too!)
http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/e-community/eagle-cam

Thank you guys so much. I owe you one!

Done!

[TimothyBFan]

My vote has been counted also Cathy!! Good luck!!

[Prettymaid]

Thanks Soda and TBF! And thanks to WT too!

[Annabel]

Cathy, I tried and tried last night and it wasn't able to find my search. :brickwall: Went on this morning and lo and behold I got it straight away lol. :eyebrow: So my vote has now been cast for you. Good luck.


Can I ask for a favour too please. :)

One of my loves in life is the Boxer dog breed as some of you no doubt know. There are many rescue groups out there and one of the ones I follow is Legacy Boxer Rescue in Hurst, Texas. http://www.savetheboxers.com/ They work in the DFW area and do amazing work saving, helping and rehoming abused, unwanted whatever Boxers, whether pups or seniors.

They are in the running for a $20,000 of supplies win in a competition being run by Dr Marty Becker http://www.facebook.com/DrMartyBecker
the vet from Good Morning America. However they are up against stiff competition with a rescue centre that has a TV show. :-( Currently they are just behind in 2nd place which would give them 2nd prize of $5,000 of supplies. Now that is good but the first prize is much better and will help more rescued Boxers. I know they are breed specific but oh what a breed. (Austin, I know you will agree with me here ;))

Please can I ask those of you with FB to vote for Legacy Boxer Rescue and help them to win much needed supplies.

1 Go to Dr Marty's FB page (link above for you) and like.

2 On the left hand side of his page, click on shelter/rescue group link.

3. Scroll down to Legacy Boxer Rescue and vote.

Voting runs up to June 14th. Thank you so much.:xoxo:

[WalshFan88]

PM - I cannot get WCV to show up under the search. I tried a few times and it just says "Not found". I will try again tomorrow!

Annabel - Consider it done!

[Annabel]

Austin, I had troubles with the search for WVC but found it this morning by going to the top 100 list and it was about 1/3 of the way down the first page.

Thanks for doing mine too. :D

[WalshFan88]

Austin, I had troubles with the search for WVC but found it this morning by going to the top 100 list and it was about 1/3 of the way down the first page.

Thanks for doing mine too. :D

Found it! My vote is now entered!

[TimothyBFan]

Melanie---it's done!! I will ALWAYS help with anything that has anything to do with animal shelters and rescues!!! My house (zoo) is living proof of that! :thumbsup:

[Annabel]

Thank you Willie. :yay:

[Prettymaid]

I think it would be a good idea to make a thread for when we want to ask everyone to help with charities and causes. This probably wasn't the most appropriate place for me to ask but I was desperate. I simply picked the thread that I thought lots of people would go to.

Thanks WF!

For those of you having trouble, just click on the leaderboard at the top of the chase voting page. WCV is currently in 3rd place and Norfolk Botanical Garden is in 5th. And please be sure your vote was counted. Thanks again!

[Annabel]

I'll 2nd that idea. :thumbsup: Seeing as I followed you too. :hilarious: I'm sure others of us will have similar requests over time............. maybe. :partytime:

[Brooke]

I've had an interesting morning. My son is working with his Dad and uncles remodeling and building on to a house nearby. My husband called right after I got to work and said our son had collapsed at work and they had called the ambulance. He was carrying a ladder and twisted his ankle, then leaned up against a truck to collect himself and passed out and fell to the ground. The men ran over to him and got him up and before he could get sat down, his eyes rolled back, he stiffened up and he blacked out again. They got him awake after a few seconds and he was sweating and disoriented so they called the ambulance and me. When I got there he was being checked out by the paramedics and all his vitals were normal, but they recommended he go to the hospital for further tests just to make sure. So, I took him to the ER and they went through their tests plus an EKG and decided he was fine. They said that the pain of the sprained ankle (which is not bad at all) caused his heart rate to drop low enough for him to pass out, plus he was dehydrated (from a float trip over the weekend with a few too many beers!) and he would be fine. So scary, but all is fine!

[Annabel]

Kids love to scare their parents don't they. :doh:Glad to hear he is okay though and hope he'll take it easy (;)) for a bit.

[Henley Honey]

So scary. Must have been a head rush for you, though, to get that phone call. Glad he's fine!

[Prettymaid]

Yeah Brooke, I'm sure you were panicked to get that call. Glad everything seems to be okay now.

[Glennsallnighter]

Glad your son is OK Brooke. Hope the ankle doesn't cause too many probems. Mine isn't too bad but I'd a lot of 'stop-start' driving today so its back on ice now!

[Troubadour]

I'm so glad your son is okay now, Brooke. How frightening!

I've had a fantastic couple of weeks volunteering at a local primary school. I loved every minute of it and it has reaffirmed that teaching is what I want to do. The headteacher actually said to me that, if I can find a university place, she would love to have me do the GTP (Graduate Training Programme) starting this September! This basically means that I train "on the job". Getting paid to train is obviously a big bonus, rather than effectively taking a year out of employment to study (which I would have to do for the PGCE), and the confidence gained during the GTP would be huge as you're basically doing the job for the year. I'm not holding out too much hope for the university place as it's very late in the application cycle, but we shall see! I was just so thrilled and surprised that the headteacher said she would love to have me do the GTP course with them. It's nice to feel that I made a good impression during those two weeks, and a real confidence-booster to know that they think I am "teacher material"! :)

[Prettymaid]

I'm so happy for you Troub! I'm sure you will make a great teacher. Perhaps the headteacher would put in a good word for you to a university place?

[Koala]

Brooke, glad your son is okay!

Troub, nice to hear you had a good time at the primary school! :) My fingers crossed for the the university place for you!

[Annabel]

Great news Lou. :D Fingers crossed for you.

[TimothyBFan]

Wow Brooke!! Scary! I can only imagine how tense your drive was to meet up with them. Bet your mind was going 1000 miles a minute.

Our daughter did that to us a few weeks back. Getting ready for work on a Sunday morning. I took off to go to the store 4 blocks away and hubby called me & told me to get back home as I was walking into the store. Apparently he was coming in the back door and as he walked by the bathroom, down she went. Just blacked out. Called my nephew (a EMT) and had her checked out and they couldn't find anything the matter. Think that her blood sugar just dropped for some reason. Hubby called her job and told them he wasn't letting her come in so we could watch her. Hasn't happened since. D*mn kids worrying us all the time!!

Lou---I'm so happy that it all went so well for you. I sure hope it all comes together for you. What a great oportunity!!

[Annabel]

:shock: Not good Willie. Kids seem to have the job of scaring us. :brickwall:Glad that she is okay though.:thumbsup:

My neighbour's daughter used to do that sort of thing. Usually when she was putting her hair up. Poor Charlie would just fall forwards and leave her Mum scared. They had her checked out but nothing found. Turned out her Dad used to do the same when he was a child. He or his parents had never mentioned it. :eyebrow:

[TimothyBFan]

We put it down to stress and exhaustion also. A week from today is her last day of school and she graduates. She's working 2 part time jobs, had her senior exit project presentation within a week (which she received top marks for) and a LOT going on but she doesn't know when to stop and slow down.

I've heard of people that just do that, for no apparent reason. Would be so scary not knowing when it was going to happen. I can't imagine.

[Prettymaid]

Well, let's hope it was a one time thing for her.

[Koala]

Willie,this must be scary for you all , hope that this does not happend again!

[Troubadour]

Yep - I hope it was just a one-time thing. Stress and exhaustion would certainly do that to someone.

[Brooke]

Thanks everyone. Our son seems to be fine but it is a bit scary for him to be working in construction though.

Willie, congrats to your daughter on graduation! Sounds like she's a doer but tell her to be careful. I'm sure you already have!

[WalshFan88]

Brooke - Glad to hear your son is ok!

Troubadour - Great news!

Willie - Congrats!

[Peekaboo]

GA, I hope your ankle is feeling better now. I know all too well how it feels to have a hurt ankle. I've had a few ankle injuries due to playing sports over the years and even had surgery on my right ankle in college from twisting it really bad.

Cathy, my prayers continue for Chuck. Also, I saw your post on fb and placed my vote for WCV.

Annabel, I also got my vote in for Legacy Boxer Rescue. Right now they are in first place. :thumbsup:

Austin, I sure hope everything works out for you. That's crazy of them to make you wait for so long. Here's hoping that it'll all be sorted soon.

Brooke, I'm glad your son is okay after that scare. Hopefully that doesn't happen to him again.

Willie, I'm glad your daughter is okay too. Wow!! That must've been scary. I've never passed out like that before and I'm hoping that I never know what that feels like.

Lou, I'm not at all surprised that you did well at the school. I saw for myself how good you are with kids. I know that you will make a great teacher. Best of luck to you with this. :thumbsup:

A lot has happened since I last reported. Where to begin? I'll just start with the bad so I can end it on a good note.

On Friday the 13th (of all days) I finally talked to my dad. I wish I could say that we're all good and that our talk went peachy but it didn't. I'm not sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing that I said everything that I've been wanting to say to him but I told him how I've felt about all that's happened. There were a lot of tears and a lot of hurtful things were said by both of us and in the end I realize that he's no longer gonna be apart of my life. I can handle my parents splitting up but knowing that I'll no longer have my dad in my life hurts more than words can say. It feels like I've lost a loved one. I know that he's still alive and he's still my dad but that's just how this feels. Maybe some day things will be okay between me and my dad but right now I just don't want to see him or talk to him. This really brought me down again and my friends and coworkers started asking me again if I was okay. I'm doing a little better now. I've really tried to pick myself up and put myself in positive and happy situations because it's just too exhausting to be feeling so upset. I'm doing my best to keep my head up and smile. It gets a little bit easier every day.

There was an outbreak of tornadoes across Oklahoma on tuesday and unfortunately 10 people were killed and many people lost their homes. For only the second time in my life I had to take shelter from a tornado. I usually don't work on tuesdays but this week I was scheduled for an extra day. I was in the middle of dealing when all of a sudden my boss says "Stop dealing after this hand!" They hurried to close all of the tables and they sent all employees and customers to the shelter areas. I remained calm on the outside but I was completely freaking out inside. We took shelter for about 25 minutes then resumed work like normal. Thankfully the tornado missed us by a few miles but there were many people that weren't so lucky. I found a video showing the tornado that was headed our way. They even mention the casino. I didn't realize that this tornado was that bad and destructive when we were taking shelter. If I had, I would've really been freaking out. I live just 3 miles away from the casino and about a quarter mile from I-35. Scary stuff!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I47sFEEYvk

Some of you may remember that I posted at the end of last year about my cousin with Downs Syndrome getting left behind on a school trip. Tally went through that horrible incident but thankfully she didn't suffer any setbacks from it. She returned to school in January and continued to be the wonderful person she's always been. Tally has had some very exciting experiences over the last month and a half. Since mid April she has gotten to go to prom, turned 19 years old, and graduated from high school. She was so beautiful in her prom dress and said she felt like a princess. A boy that is a student aid in her special needs class was her escort to prom. I didn't get to see her go to prom but I did get to attend her graduation last weekend. She did so good and we're all so proud of her for reaching this milestone. Tally was all smiles and kept turning around to wave at us throughout the ceremony. After receiving her diploma she held it up and waved at us. She was so happy. I know she's gonna miss it but right now she says "Yay!! No more school!!" :grin:

A good friend of mine was trying to find a home for a little dog that her hubby rescued. I saw this cute little thing with white fur and just couldn't help myself. I had to have her. Her name is Bailey and she's a Maltese. We're not sure how old she is but we're guessing that she's about 8-10 months old. I first saw her 3 weeks ago but I had to wait until yesterday to pick her up and bring her home. She's such a good little doggie and seems to be adjusting well to my apartment. I haven't had a dog since I was a young kid and even then it was my dad and brother that took care of the dogs we had so I'm pretty much learning as I go. It was a bit of an impulse decision to take her but even before I brought Bailey home I would smile at the thought getting a dog. It made me happy. Bailey seems to be pretty happy too so I think we'll both work out okay with each other.

[Peekaboo]

Here's a few pics of Tally before leaving for prom and at her graduation.

She was so pretty in her dress!! :)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c95/Pekahchu/207049_202202559813947_100000726133242_581691_2450 291_n-1.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c95/Pekahchu/208081_202202526480617_100000726133242_581688_4803 29_n.jpg

This is one of the moments when she turned to smile and wave at us.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c95/Pekahchu/Picture042.jpg

We're so proud of Tally!! She's had the time of her life over the last month. I couldn't be more happy for her. She's so wonderful. :grin:

[EaglesKiwi]

Peek, the photos of Tally are lovely :)

Hope your new puppy brings you much love and happiness.

[Annabel]

Awww Jess, sorry to hear things didn't go well with your Dad. It will take time I'm sure.
A friend of mine had a similar thing with her parents a while ago. Basics are her Mum had an affair and when the children found out made her confess, then she left her hubby for the other man and left hiubby a big debt to sort out too. The family cut off the Mum because of how she'd handled things. (can't say I blame them.) It took a long while for them to begin to repair the relationship and mainly they did it because of their children.
My friend got married last year and even though she was on better terms with her Mum, she wasn't at the wedding or reception. 2 1/2 years on they are back on speaking terms but things will never be the same. The 2 other children get married this year. Not sure how good relations are on that score though.

That video looks scary. Glad it didn't come your way. DH was talking to some of the US based staff the other day and joked that it is just like a normal windy day here in the UK. :rolleyes:

Tally, looks gorgeous in her prom dress. Love the happy smiley face in her graduation photo too. Well done on graduating Tally. :thumbsup:

A puppy :yay: Congratulations. Can't wait to see photos. Thanks for voting for my little cause too. :hug: They are still holding the number one place but it is close and a long way off until June 14th. :fear: Still the troops are rallying round. :partytime:

[TimothyBFan]

Tally has wonderful taste in dresses!! That dress is beautiful and my favorite color. She looks so happy at graduation. I bet all of you are so proud!

I'm very happy about Bailey. I remember you talking a couple years ago about getting a puppy and then deciding against it. I'm thinking Bailey has come into your life at this time for a reason. Nothing like a loving animal to bring happiness into your life when you most need it.

As for your Dad, I'm so sorry it has turned out this way. Hang in there kiddo. Things can change in a wink of an eye.

[Koala]

Tally looks wonderful!:thumbsup:
I'm so sorry zo hear that the things didn't go good with your Dad!
Congrats for the puppy! Looking forward to see photos from Bailey.

[Prettymaid]

Willie's right, Jess. What doesn't happen in a year can happen in a day. And Bailey is probably exactly what you need right now.

Thank you to Jess and everyone else who voted for the Wildlife Center of Virginia in the Chase Community Giving on facebook. They have won $200,000 for coming in at 5th place and the Norfolk Botanical Garden came in 8th and will receive $100,000. They both also won $25,000 in the first round and are so grateful to the 'eagle (bird) fans' who helped them win it. I can't wait until I can visit the Garden someday. Maybe it can coincide with an open house at WCV.

[Molly]

Willie and Brooke, glad the kids are OK. What's with these kids of ours lately? I spent last week Monday in the ER with Peter. He got a small cut on his face at the gym practicing mixed marshall arts and even tho he kept it clean and covered he got MRSA. His face ballooned up 3x it's normal size and he had tremendous pain. 2 doctors appointments and a trip to the ER later, he's fine. But I really worried since MRSA can turn really serious, really quickly.

Followed him around with Lysol wipes disinfecting everything he touched for a week. Yuck!

Jess, sorry to hear the visit with your dad turned out badly. Everyone involved is still suffering from fresh raw emotional wounds. It's all still too new. It's tough when words get spoken that wouldn't have under different circumstances. I truly believe time is the only thing that will help you and your dad's relationship. 5 years, or even 1 year from now, hopefully you will have re-established some sort of father-daughter relationship that will work for both of you.

On a happier note, congrats on the puppy and on Tally's big day! She looks absolutely beautiful and joyful!

[Annabel]

Thank you to Jess and everyone else who voted for the Wildlife Center of Virginia in the Chase Community Giving on facebook. They have won $200,000 for coming in at 5th place and the Norfolk Botanical Garden came in 8th and will receive $100,000. They both also won $25,000 in the first round and are so grateful to the 'eagle (bird) fans' who helped them win it. I can't wait until I can visit the Garden someday. Maybe it can coincide with an open house at WCV.

Yay great news Cathy. :thumbsup:

[sodascouts]

I think the charity thread is a great idea - I'll make one in a minute.

Everyone who has sick and/or collapsing kids - yikes! Hope it never happens again!

Jess, I'm so sorry that things went so badly with your dad. I just hope that, after some time has passed, you two are able to reach some kind of peace. Thanks for the photos of Tally - what a sweetie! - and that dog sounds like a good remedy for the blues. Glad that tornado didn't touch you!

[EagleLady]

Any technical geeks out there, My Laptop did a startup repair thing and could not be fixed on it's own. Whats the problem?

[WalshFan88]

Any technical geeks out there, My Laptop did a startup repair thing and could not be fixed on it's own. Whats the problem?

Without being there to see it, it's hard to say. Have you tried booting into Safe Mode?! Restart it and while it turns on repeatedly hit the F8 key and move your down key to highlight then choose Safe Mode and hit enter. If that doesn't work it's probably best you take it in somewhere.

I'm going to a good friend and client of mine this week to put a new hard drive, more memory, and Windows 7 in/on his laptop. His HD crashed and instead of getting a new one, he wants to fix his old one up to new specs.

[EagleLady]

Thanks. I got it working. It was really weird though. Hope it was a one time thing.

[WalshFan88]

Peekaboo - Congrats on the graduation and the puppy! :)

[Troubadour]

Sorry I haven't been around for a few days, guys. My land line and internet went down on Thursday and, because of the bank holiday, BT only sent a guy out to fix it yesterday. It's happened about three times in the last two months, but the guy said he's lengthened a cable in the outdoor box (or something, lol) so it shouldn't happen again. I'm looking forward to catching up with the Border happenings today!

First off, Jess - I am so glad you are okay, but my heart aches for those who lost their lives and homes because of the tornado. It's just devastating. I hope that they are able to rebuild fairly quickly, although I know the scars will take longer to heal.

I can't add any more good advice regarding your dad - all I know is that time truly does have a way of lessening the pain and introducing new perspectives. This is all very raw and new, and your anger is completely understandable. Don't beat yourself up. Ride your emotions out. Then see what happens. Just know that I'm here for you whenever you need to talk. Hopefully it won't be too much longer until I can give you a hug for real! :hug:

Those pictures of Tally are adorable. I would love to meet her next time I'm in Oklahoma. Her dress is a gorgeous colour and she looks so happy! I wish her the best in everything she does. Also, congrats on getting your pup. I know she will bring you so much happiness and that she will be very loved. Can't wait for pics!

[Troubadour]

Cathy - I'm so glad that the voting resulted in such great prizes for both charities! Wonderful!

[TimothyBFan]

What a loooooong weekend it's been for us. I took an extra day off yesterday to make it a 4 day weekend. I needed it to recover from all the nonsense over the weekend. I don't know what I did to p*ss off the electronic/appliance God's but they decided to get me good.

Saturday had a bunch of running to do and before I left, checked my email and pulled up an email from my niece. As soon as I did I regretted it and deleted it as fast as I could. It was something nonsense and figured something was wrong and she'd been hacked. Didn't have time to mess with it. By the time I got back home that evening, the computer was fried!! Everything was gone. Looks like it wiped out my hard drive. A few times when my friend & I were trying to get it going again, it was picking up a sports radio station. Not a clue. Thank goodness my son has a desktop he never uses, so he brought it downstairs and I'm now using it till I get a chance to get mine somewhere. BTW--my brother's computer did the same thing after pulling up one of her emails.

Sunday, started laundry in the morning and by the end of the first load, I knew I had a problem and hubby had to tear into it.

Then hubby's phone decided to quit ringing, and daughter's phone has decided not to charge. We are ready for an upgrade but just haven't had time to get everyone settled on what phones they want to upgrade to. Think we need to get on that asap.

Monday morning decided to run the sweeper real quick before we got started with anything. By the time I had done one room, I was throwing the sweeper out the back door. :hilarious: This house is hard on sweepers since we have 5 critters and this one lasted longer than some so I shouldn't complain but......

Good news yesterday tho, someone has put a bid in on my MIL's house and hubby signed the paper last night to accept the offer. That will be one less thing to deal with if the deal goes through. YAY!

[Molly]

Good grief, Willie. Sounds like a Stephen King novel where all the electronic devices decide to turn on the person.

Makes our gadget dilemma not seem bad at all. Hubby's brand new powerwasher decided to go totally on the fritz this weekend. Surprisingly, the multiple kicks he gave it and curse words he hurled at it didn't seem to help the situation. :hmm:

Got to see ultrasound pictures of the grandbaby today! It certainly makes it all seem more real and exciting!

[Prettymaid]

TBF, hope the deal goes through on your MIL's house.

Molly, how exciting for you! Are you able to accept the 'G' word yet?

We had a nice holiday weekend. As some of you know we went to see REO Speedwagon Friday night. I have posted a review in the Concert thread.

Saturday morning I had to work, then we took my parents to an open house for the 40th wedding anniversary of (let's see if I can get this right) my nephew's wife's parents. They live about an hour and a half away, and on the way there we got caught in a bad rain storm, so bad we had to pull over onto the shoulder of the interstate highway! Fortunately it let up after about five minutes and we continued on. We were able to visit with my brother and sil, my nephew, his wife and their three kids, one of which is 7 months old. What a cutie he is!

Sunday I was finally able to start planting flowers. We grilled out for dinner and sat on the screened porch into the evening. It was hot but at least it wasn't raining!

On Monday Hubby brought Chuck over since his wife had to work, and he sat on the back porch watching me finish the flower planting and Hubby doing various yard chores. Chuck has admitted that he should be using his walker, but I don't think he's used it outside of his home. I think he's trying to 'hold out' for a scooter and I don't really blame him. I try to put myself in his shoes and can't imagine what he goes through every day, knowing that his body is deteriorating so quickly. But he always seems to be in good spirits. Sometimes I look at Hubby and say, "Can you believe this is happening to Chuck?" Of all people, someone who was so fun and feisty. We just shake our heads in disbelief.

[Brooke]

TBF, good grief! I hope everything that is broken is fixed now and your mil's house gets sold. A worry you can forget about!

Molly, I'm so excited for you! I can't wait for grandkids!

Troub, glad you're back online! :computer:

Peek, I'm so sorry the talk with your Dad didn't go well. Give it some time, maybe things will work out. It's hard to be at odds with family members. I've had to deal with a lot with a couple of mine and it's not easy at all. Everybody says forgive and forget, but it's just not that easy. Great news about your new puppy though! Just what you needed!

El, glad you're back online, too!

Not much happening with me. I took off work Friday to have a 4 day weekend, too. I spent Friday shopping for a dress for our son's wedding which is in July. I found one, but always have a hard time deciding. We had a big family picnic on hubby's side on Monday. It was really hot, but lots of shade thankfully. This weather is ridiculous here. Friday was cold and rainy and then by Monday it was sweltering hot! I love Missouri! :-x

[WalshFan88]

TBF - Oh no! Hopefully you can get a new hard drive or get a new one soon!

Molly - Congrats! :)

[Koala]

Molly, congrats!:D

TBF, glad to hear the good news about MIL's house.

[sodascouts]

Sounds like a wild weekend, Willie! Attack of the machines! But congrats on the house offer.

Molly - I still can't believe you're going to be a grandmother. Wow.

Brooke - sounds like it won't be long before you get to be one too! lol

PM - glad you enjoyed your holiday weekend. I can't imagine what it's like to be in Chuck's shoes either.

[WalshFan88]

I figure you all could enjoy this!

I just wore out my 3rd CD of "Hotel California". That's three copies I've been through since I first heard the track and it inspired me to play guitar (most all of you know my story about my life and how it affected me). Luckily I have one copy that someone gave me a while back that had no case. Luckily I have one case left to put it in! I have one original copy of every Eagles album but I like to keep a backup original copy on hand of my favorite as it tends to get played a LOT! :hilarious:

I put my 3rd copy in tonight and played it front to back and then it all of sudden it stopped working. It was scratched pretty bad. I'm very good with my CD's but they do get some wear as I listen to this album about once a week front to back. I find it lifts my spirits and inspires me... There is something special about an album when you can listen to it all the time and never begin to get tired of hearing it. It's really special to me. Now I just need to get a Hotel California LP to frame to put in my guitar room. I have my sights set on one on eBay right now.

[Annabel]

I'm so excited. My eldest niece has had her baby this evening. Another little girl. That is her 3rd child and 2nd daughter. :partytime:

Funny enough we saw my niece etc today as her mum (my eldest sister) is 70 today and we were all meant to be out on a surprise birthday meal for her. AS her contractions began at 6 am this morning she decided not to come to the meal even though she was very irregular just in case. Looks like she was wise as just 5 hours and 50 mins later baby arrived. :hilarious:

So that makes me a Great Aunt ...... again. My 11th Great ......!!! 8 of them G Nieces and just 3 G Nephews.

Unfortunately as it is my family we won't get to see the new baby for a while. If she'd arrived just 24 hours earlier we'd have had some of the first cuddles. :brickwall: At least she arrived safely and on her Nanny's birthday. :thumbsup:

[WalshFan88]

Congrats!!! :)

[TimothyBFan]

Congrats Melanie!!! Best wishes to the whole family!

Well my daughter is officially a high school graduate. That was a tough one! A couple years ago it was touch and go for awhile. :hilarious: She still did not walk for graduation and maintains there will be no party. Whatever! Weird child! My nephew says we should have a graduation party anyways, and not invite her. :hilarious: I like the way he thinks. :thumbsup:

And good news is, my laptop is supposedly fixed. I get it back this evening. It appeared that I had lost everything (it was showing all my programs, docs, pics, etc... folders empty). But apparently the virus was a virus that did not delete but rather, hid everything. Who is the world develops a virus that just hides your stuff? What is the purpose? Whatever....will be glad to see it up and running tonight.

[sodascouts]

Congrats to both Melanie and Willie!

Willie - the reason these viruses are developed is to "punk" normal users like you and me. The fact that his virus will cause people to be upset is enough for this hacker to feel gratified at his 'handiwork.' These people are messed up.

Austin, get yourself a new copy ASAP! ;)

[Brooke]

Congrats Annabel! I don't even know how many greats I have!

And Willie, congrats to your daughter! Why did she not want to go through the ceremony?

So Austin, I would figure you had HC on an ipod. I think I've finally learned that that is the best way to keep music. (I resisted for years! :rolleyes: )I struggled with buying Stevie Nicks new album on cd or downloading from itunes. I actually looked for it at Walmart, but they didn't have it, so I downloaded it. If I were a collector of Stevie's stuff, I would have wanted to buy the cd, but since I'm not, the downloading worked for me.

[Annabel]

Thanks everyone. Hopefully will find out baby's name sometime. I know they were considering Evie but not sure if that one stuck. Maybe they were waiting to see her so they could see what she looked like. :shrug:

Brooke, trying to remember how many Greats there are in the family is a bit like trying to name the 7 dwarves. Always forget at least one :laugh:

Willie, congratulations. Kids are weird creatures I agree. :hilarious:

[WalshFan88]

So Austin, I would figure you had HC on an ipod. I think I've finally learned that that is the best way to keep music. (I resisted for years! :rolleyes: )I struggled with buying Stevie Nicks new album on cd or downloading from itunes. I actually looked for it at Walmart, but they didn't have it, so I downloaded it. If I were a collector of Stevie's stuff, I would have wanted to buy the cd, but since I'm not, the downloading worked for me.

I do - but only ripped into iTunes from actual CDs! :D I do not buy music online, all of my music comes from CD's I've bought. I'm a CD guy though, nothing beats the audio quality of the CD through my stereo system, hence why I use CD's. The iPod is nice for travels and such but if I'm at home, the stereo is on. I guess I'm old fashioned in that regard in that I'm still clinging to CD's like there is no tomorrow! :rofl:

[TimothyBFan]

And Willie, congrats to your daughter! Why did she not want to go through the ceremony?


She had told us 2 years ago when Dillon graduated, she wasn't doing it but we figured when the time came, she'd give in. We should of known better. She's just like that. She has never gone with the flow. Instead of attending, she worked inventory at work yesterday for 11 hours. Whatever! We learned a long time ago with her, we had to pick our battles.

[WalshFan88]

Congrats to your daughter TBF!

[Brooke]

I do - but only ripped into iTunes from actual CDs! :D I do not buy music online, all of my music comes from CD's I've bought. I'm a CD guy though, nothing beats the audio quality of the CD through my stereo system, hence why I use CD's. The iPod is nice for travels and such but if I'm at home, the stereo is on. I guess I'm old fashioned in that regard in that I'm still clinging to CD's like there is no tomorrow! :rofl:

Well, Austin, I'm pretty old fashioned too and only last summer did I fall for an ipod! I just couldn't get it, but once I got one, a light came on and I understood! :rolleyes:

[Annabel]

I've had my I-pod for 4 years now but only use it when I am out walking or 'working' delivering round the village. DH brought it back for me from Japan as a surprise gift.
Our stereo broke a few years back and the one we replaced it with has somehow ended up in DD2's bedroom. :eyebrow: It wasn't too fabulous though but is okay for her. We have one on the list of things to get, but other things take the lead over it all the while. :brickwall: One day. I prefer listening to my CDs on a stereo.

I have an update on baby's name too. My niece has just announced her as Eloise. Looks like Evie got binned then. :shrug:

[Glennsallnighter]

Its a while since I've been able to post here, though I have been keeping up on the BlackBerry over the last (busy) week. Let me see what I can remember.....

Willie! Congrats to your Daughter anyway, and also to Larry on managing to get the house sold. Not easy anywhere in the current climate. I'm glad too that you got your PC virus sorted and that you didn't lose anything.

Cathy! Hope you enjoyed the 40th. I'm sorry to hear that Chuck is going further downhill. He is some fighter.

jess, I understand how you are feeling about your Dad. Hopefully over time things will get a bit better. I'm delighted to hear about your new Pup. Hopefully its settling in well. And Tally looks adorable at her prom. Like Lou, I too hope she has a wonderful future ahead of her!

Grandma Molly! Congrats! I'm sure this is going to be such a wonderful time for your family. Though what the kiddie is going to think when s/he hears Grandma referred to as a 'Glenn Frey stalker........' remains to be seen!

Brooke, Hope you managed to get a lovely dress for the wedding. And i see where you are coming from with the ipod1 I wouldn't be without mine, and its so handy when we are going away. Rather than having to pack all the cd's!

Melanie, Congrats on the latest grandneice. Eloise is a lovely name for her.

Hope I haven't left anyone out! If so apologies.

We had Dads 85th Birthday yesterday. We thought we were taking advantage of some gorgeous summer weather and planned a picnic for him. Unfortunately the met office had it slightly wrong, it ended up cold and cloudy (and he ended up taking respite in my brother's car!!). But he DID have a good day!

My son has been diagnosed as dyslexic by the school psychological service, and coupled with oppositional behaviour that he is exhibiting at the moment I have decided to have him privately assessed. So that will be tomorrow (The public waiting list is about a year). We'll see what they say. They also have some reading programmes which may be of help to him.

[sodascouts]

Best wishes for your son, GA, in dealing with this problem. I hope the assessment goes well and is helpful.

My two sisters are both going through some hard times. My nephew Austin is going to have brain surgery this Wednesday. He has a gap between his brain and his skull that is filling with fluid which needs to be drained. They believe this will probably be a procedure that he will have to undergo several times in his life.

My other sister is struggling with an eating disorder. She is about 5'9'' and weighs less than 100 pounds, but she recognizes she has a problem and is getting help. I have always envied how thin she was but she obviously went too far. She could use your prayers and good thoughts as well.

[Glennsallnighter]

Thanks Nancy :hug: And I hope too that your sisters have the strength to deal with their problems too and that they work out ok for them.

[Koala]

Willie, congrats to your daughter.

Melanie, congrats, like the name from your latest grandneice.

GA, nice to hear your Dad had a good day at his birthday!
Hope you can find a good dyslexic program for your son that helps him!


My other sister is struggling with an eating disorder. She is about 5'9'' and weighs less than 100 pounds, but she recognizes she has a problem and is getting help. I have always envied how thin she was but she obviously went too far. She could use your prayers and good thoughts as well.

I know that! My sister also had big eating disorders for years, which she now has been overcome, thanks God!It was a difficult time,we want to help her but she has not seen that she has a problem!I felt so helpless!But at some point she does have seen her eating is not normal and from that point it was getting better!

Best wishes for your nephew Austin!

[Annabel]

GA, hope that the assessment goes well for your son.

Nancy, my thoughts are with you, your nephew and your sisters. Hope Austin's op goes well.

[TimothyBFan]

GA--Hope everything gets straightened out with your son soon. It must be a helpless feeling seeing your son struggle with this disability. Good luck!!

Nancy--WOW---you know my thoughts are with your whole family. So scary about your nephew. Do they know what is causing this? And I dearly hope your other sister get her eating disorder under control very, very soon.

[Brooke]

Ga, good luck getting your son the help that he needs. I don't know much about this, but I'm sure there is help somewhere.

Nancy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hopefully everything will go well with your nephew's surgery and your sister can get the help she needs. Goodness, she must be thin. I can't imagine not eating. I love good food! Luckily, I've never had to worry about my weight. I'd be in trouble.

[Molly]

GA, nice to hear from you. Good luck with your son. I have mild dyslexia.
Hopefully, you'll get your son on the right track to the right help early on. With your obvious huge support, I'm sure he will do well.

Willie, congrats on your daughter's graduation. I like the idea of throwing a party anyway. You and Larry deserve some of the credit for getting her thru her school career. Throw the party for yourselves...at least then you can choose what kind of cake you want! :thumbsup:
I missed that you guys sold the house. That's awesome and very encouraging. I hope we have that kind of success when it comes time to sell my MIL's. If that day ever comes!

Nancy, positive thoughts and prayers to your sisters as they deal with their struggles. Both sound like they have "tough rows to hoe", but with your families strong support, they have mega positive vibes and love on their side and that's huge. Keep us posted.

[sodascouts]

Thanks guys!


Nancy--WOW---you know my thoughts are with your whole family. So scary about your nephew. Do they know what is causing this?

The space between his brain and skull is a birth defect. Something went wrong with his development in the womb. Who knows why these things happen? :( Natural fluids found their way into the gap and, over time, built up (he is just about to turn 3 this month).

[WalshFan88]

Nancy - I hope everything goes well with the surgery! Sorry to hear that.

[Lisa]

Graduations--proms--and stressful, difficult life events--spring has another week and a half before summer--I'm wishing each of you a lot of hope for the best resolutions.

[sodascouts]

Got an odd text from my sister - she said the surgery hadn't received "approval" from some quarter and was being delayed. I asked her for more details but haven't heard back. I hope they can get whatever the problem is straightened out soon.

[TimothyBFan]

That is strange. They must be so stressed out right now with all of this. Keep us posted.

[Victim of Love]

Have been away on family issues but wanted to send out congratulations where appropriate for births and graduations. To those who are dealing with adversities, we're keeping everyone in our prayers.

Went out to Ohio with Mom because my grandmother took a serious turn for the worse. She had been doing well after surgery in April '10 for oral cancer and, in fact, was told by her PC on May 9 that she was in remission. She had a scheduled appointment with her oncologist on May 12 but when my aunt went to pick her up Gramma was unresponsive and paramedics were called. Of course, she was immediately hospitalized and tests done. They discovered a new tumor in her neck, pressing against the carotid artery, which is inoperable. She is also suffering from dimentia and waivers between periods of lucidity and going to wherever it is she drifts to. Once she was stabilized she was moved to Hospice.

We drove out and stayed for two weeks, spending most of our time at Hospice with her. Sometimes she knew us, other days she had no clue. It's heartbreaking to see this woman, who has been so vibrant and larger-than-life now slipping away from us. All of my aunts & uncles came from their respective homes (along with several adult counsins) and we had a celebration at the Hospice on Memorial Day, preparing all of Gramma's favorite dishes and baking a cake that said "Congratulations, Happy, Merry" to cover graduations, birthdays and the Christmas holiday. It was, by far, the best day Gramma had while we were there. She was alert and totally 'in the moment', she enjoyed the food and, most of all, the family being together.

Unfortunately she is day-to-day, on scheduled doses of morphine (with a PRN order if she needs it in-between) to manage the pain, and as of Sunday is now on 24-hour hospice care with a private nurse. I'm so grateful that I was able to spend time with her and will treasure those moments after she is gone. When the time comes, she will leave a hole in the world - OUR world -- but she will live on forever in our hearts.

[WalshFan88]

So sorry to hear this VOL. :(

[Annabel]

My thoughts are with you and your family VOL. Very hard and sad to see the one you love deteriating in front of your eyes. :|

[EaglesKiwi]

Nancy, your family are in my thoughts & prayers.

VOL - it's so hard to see those we love leaving. I'm so glad you've had this time with your Gramma.

Willie - congrats on your daughter's graduation. ABSOLUTELY you and Larry deserve some of the credit!

GA, hope you find some ongoing help for your son. Mine was diagnosed with a learning disorder a couple of years ago and his teachers were told to change the way they were teaching him - they really stepped up to the plate, but it was challenging all round. He seems to be coping better now, although the "oppositional" behaviour seems likely to stay for a few more years yet!

[Glennsallnighter]

Thanks to everyone for their support and advice on my Son. We brought him for the assessment on Tuesday. Its done by a chiropracter who specialises in what are loosely termed 'Developmental Delay Disorders' which means rather than classifying (and consequently labelling) a child as 'Dyslexic' or 'Autisitc' or 'Hyperactive' or 'slow', they look at the whole child, his posture, his reflexes and reaction times, as well as his diet, general behaviour and also his birth (I can't remember a lot.... an hour and a half start to finish with no time for pain relief.......). So thats what the guy tested him for as well as doing an eye test in the form of computer games (which Chris likes better than sweets!) and ear and throat tests.
The upshot is that there is some sort of developmental delay in the part of his brain that responds to light and sound which we weren't surprised about, and also that his eye muscles aren't as developed as they could be - nobodys fault! So he has been given some physical exercises to do daily and also a computerised programme that we've loaded onto his computer. It has exercises which will strengthen those eye muscles and bring them to where they should be. Apparently, like riding a bike, when he DOES get there he won't regress. The CD for the programme cost €200. I joked that i had NEVER spent that much on a DVD or CD in my life. To which hubby joked 'Yeah.... and it hasn't even been signed by the Eagles!
We'll see how things go!

Nancy! I think even these are minor problems compared with the trauma your sister must be going through. I hope the medics get their act together and help you nephew as quickly as possible.

VOL, I understand exactly how you are feeling, but at least when your Grandma does go you will be comforted that you had this time with her and that you did your best by her. She will have a peaceful transition surrounded by those who love her. But I know how your emotions must be. Its so hard to see people who in their prime were competant caring people who worked hard and cared for their families fallling victim to illnesses like these. Only yesterday my mother lost a good friend who had been a capable woman who both worked and ran a family. But she developed Alzheimers in her 60s and deteriorated ever since. May she RIP.

[TimothyBFan]

VOL--so sorry to hear about your Grandma. Very rough seeing a loved one slowly slip away. Thoughts are with your whole family.

GA---Glad to hear extensive that exam was. They sure look at the "big picture" and that's always good. So with this computer game, will he gradually get to where his reading skills and such will improve for him? I can't imagine the struggle that some one who's Dyslexic must endure.

[Troubadour]

VOL, Cathy and Nancy - you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry to hear of the illnesses of your loved ones.

Lisa, gotta say, Paul's comment about the disc cracked me up. He knows you too well!

[Brooke]

VOL, I'm so sorry to hear about your Gramma and will keep you and your family in thoughts and prayers.

[AzEaglesFan]

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Wildfires-Arizona/ss/events/us/060711arizwildfires

This is in another part of Arizona but this is where we would go and spend the summers. Beautiful forest where we would go and listen to the elks bugle. Deer and other animals were all over because of all the feed for them.
They were showing last night that the area burned is bigger than the entire city of Phoenix.
I feel so sorry for all of the people that have had to leave their property and don't know what they will find when they can go back.

[TimothyBFan]

AZ--I think about you each time I see this on the news. Glad to hear you're not in danger but very, very sadden for those that are and are dealing with it.

[Henley Honey]

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you going through such hard times. Here's to better days and happier times.

[Victim of Love]

To Nancy, Cathy and GA, I'll keep all of you and your loved ones in my prayers. It's during difficult times like these that family and friends are so important. I know we would feel lost in our own situation if my aunts & uncles & cousins weren't so close. Everyone has rallied not only for Gram but for each other and that support system is comforting.

Everyone's kind words and thoughts are so very much appreciated. Gram has had a good, full ife -- 88 years young! I spoke with Mom earlier today and she reports that things are accelerating. Gram is unable to eat and can barely swallow to drink anything at this point. They have discontinued all meds except the morpine, which they have now upped to every four hours with a PRN order if she needs it in between. It breaks my heart to know we're losing her but the thought of her lingering in discomfort scares me, especially when I think about the possible added complications of dehydration and/or starvation. That upsets me far more than the cancer itself. She has also developed a 'rattling' in her lungs which is an indicator of fluids and possible pneumonia. I know God doesn't give us more than we can handle but I sometimes find myself questioning how much is too much for one person to endure. Gramps has been gone since '89 and I pray to him every day that he call Gram home soon so she can be at peace.

Thanks to everyone for allowing me to 'vent' some of my feelings here. You guys are all so wonderful during trying times.

[Annabel]

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Wildfires-Arizona/ss/events/us/060711arizwildfires

This is in another part of Arizona but this is where we would go and spend the summers. Beautiful forest where we would go and listen to the elks bugle. Deer and other animals were all over because of all the feed for them.
They were showing last night that the area burned is bigger than the entire city of Phoenix.
I feel so sorry for all of the people that have had to leave their property and don't know what they will find when they can go back.

I saw some photos on FB from this fire and it looks really scary. There was a heath fire in somewhat nearby Dorset yesterday which got really close to part of the town of Poole and was the worst fire in 35 years, but it was nothing compared to what is going on in Arizona. Like you I feel for the people it affects.

[Glennsallnighter]

GA---Glad to hear extensive that exam was. They sure look at the "big picture" and that's always good. So with this computer game, will he gradually get to where his reading skills and such will improve for him? I can't imagine the struggle that some one who's Dyslexic must endure.

Yep Willie! Thats the idea in general. Its supposed to exercise eye muscles which apparently aren't co-ordinating properly. When they readjust, they should stay like that. Thats the theory anyway. He also has some physical exercises that he has to do. He's taken to the computer exercises like a duck to water, but isn't as keen on the physical ones! We'll just have to persevere.

Lou! You're right!!

OMG, I've followed the link you posted AEF and those fires look terrible. And such a wide area being destroyed too. I can't imagine how horrific it must be for the residents who have been effected by them.

[WalshFan88]

Glennsallnighter - Best wishes for your son! I hope he continues to improve.

AEF - Glad to hear you are staying safe from the fires.

[Glennsallnighter]

Thanks Austin. And how are you? Are you feeling any better? has the rash cleared up?

[WalshFan88]

Thanks Austin. And how are you? Are you feeling any better? has the rash cleared up?

The rash is finally starting to look better but I'm still having the stomach troubles. I think my appt is in a week or two to find out the blood test results from the Gluten test. They talked about if the test came back positive they may send me to a gastroenterologist for an EGD (Upper Endoscopy) and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis before I start the diet because they said if I start it now, it could affect future testing results and not to do the diet until I find out its positive and if they decide to do an endoscopy/biopsy as that will affect biopsy results.

[Glennsallnighter]

Yeah, I guess thats the way to go! Hope everything works out ok for you.

[Prettymaid]

Wow, you miss a little on here and you miss a lot.

I've read through the last pages and got myself caught up. I think of all of you as friends and hope that those of you who are dealing with rough family situations right now get some positive news and those dealing with terminal illnesses in their families find peace.

[Annabel]

Thanks Austin. And how are you? Are you feeling any better? has the rash cleared up?

GA, that last bit sounds a bit 'dodgy'. ;-) :lol:

But............. Austin, hoping you get your answers from the results and are soon being treated for whatever is causing you such discomfort.

[tequila girl]

GA, that last bit sounds a bit 'dodgy'. ;-) :lol:

But............. Austin, hoping you get your answers from the results and are soon being treated for whatever is causing you such discomfort.
I too hope you're feeling a bit more comfortable Austin :nod: but couldn't help laughing at Annabel's take on GA's remark! :hilarious: :hilarious: :hilarious:

[Annabel]

:shh: Carole, I don't think anyone else has noticed.http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/Mellie1961/rolleye0012.gif :lol:

[Glennsallnighter]

I only meant well to the guy!

[Annabel]

Sorry GA, I know you did. Just my sense of humour taking over. ;)

[WalshFan88]

Oh my! :hilarious:

[Glennsallnighter]

Sorry GA, I know you did. Just my sense of humour taking over. ;)


Oh I know too! No offence taken! :wink:

[Annabel]

GA, :thumbsup: Phew :laugh:

Austin, sorry just couldn't resist it. ;)

[WalshFan88]

Austin, sorry just couldn't resist it. ;)

:hilarious:

[Annabel]

Hey Austin. you do realise that anytime somebody mentions a rash, you will pop into my head don't you. :hilarious: :hilarious:

[WalshFan88]

Hey Austin. you do realise that anytime somebody mentions a rash, you will pop into my head don't you. :hilarious: :hilarious:

LOL Great - just what I want to be remembered by.... Very funny! :nahnah::nahnah::nahnah: My rash is almost gone now. It covered my lower legs and it finally went away. I go in this Wednesday to get my bloodwork results.

[Annabel]

That's good. At least you will have some answers hopefully and get some course of treatment set up. :partytime:

[EaglesKiwi]

LOL Great - just what I want to be remembered by.... Very funny! :nahnah::nahnah::nahnah: My rash is almost gone now. It covered my lower legs and it finally went away. I go in this Wednesday to get my bloodwork results.
Finally! Fingers crossed they can give you some answers & make you feel much, much better!!

[sodascouts]

My nephew had his surgery today - other than high blood pressure, it seems all went well. He's still being monitored - they're keeping him at the hospital for 24 hours.

[WalshFan88]

My nephew had his surgery today - other than high blood pressure, it seems all went well. He's still being monitored - they're keeping him at the hospital for 24 hours.

I hope everything goes well for him Soda!

[Koala]

Soda, I hope everything goes well for your nephew!

[Annabel]

Nancy, hope all goes well for your nephew.

Austin, good luck today getting your results too. :thumbsup:

[TimothyBFan]

Soda--hoping for a very quick recovery for him.

Asking, again, for positive thoughts and prayers to be sent Brandon's way. The trial Chemo treatment the last couple months hasn't worked so they started a new trail on Friday and it hasn't been good. He is very, very ill and unable to eat. :sad: He and Tiff are keeping the faith tho and hopefully in the long run, that shall prevail.

[Brooke]

Soda, positive thoughts for your nephew. And wishing him a fast recovery.

Willie, also for Brandon. I hope they can help him soon and he feels better.

[sodascouts]

Poor Brandon. He remains in my thoughts and prayers.

[WalshFan88]

I just got home a few hours ago but am finally just now getting to post (more on that later).

The Dr. said that he is pleased with my progress and that the rash has gone away. He also said that the Gluten/Celiac tests were all negative and that he's done some research and showed some pictures of my rash to his colleagues and he believes I have a rare condition called Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica. It typically appears in young men before the age of 30 (I'm 22). It's a chronic condition that comes and goes and basically is something I'll probably always have to deal with. The only treatment is antibiotic pills during flareups (and I've been on them for awhile as a test run and that's what worked) and also steroid injections, and I got another one of those today. He's not sure why I have this but that it's usually a chronic recurring condition that occurs. He figures I'll probably always fight this. He said to go back in a month or so for another steroid shot and a checkup. I did some research here at home and that does indeed sound like my problem.

But on the way home I stopped at a guitar store (I'm an obsessive addict that can't control himself) and bought a new pedal! :hilarious: I tried a bunch out and came home with a Fulltone OCD overdrive, used by Don Felder (I had to tie this into the Eagles somehow! :D) on Hotel California live in his band nowadays to recreate that tone, and used by many other pros. It's the best pedal I have heard yet to date. I love it through my own setup. It's great! But I'll save some more information for the Gearhead thread later! That's what took me awhile to get home because I was busy trying pedals at the store! I'm a TRUE gearhead! I have no self-control/restraint when it comes to guitars, amps, and pedals and gear like that. I need help! :rofl:

[Annabel]

Austin. Well that is good that the rash is gone and the antibiotics and steroid shot helped, not so good that it is something that will happen again most likely.

When my DD1 was 6/7 she had a rash that needed medical attention. Baffled the doctor until he found a 'herald patch' which led him to the diagnosis. Something called Pityriasis Rosea. (One from the same family as yours I'd guess?) Rash all over her body and mildly itchy. No cure for it but it would go within 6 weeks and it did. That isn't recurring though I don't think or at least she hasn't had anything since.

[WalshFan88]

Austin. Well that is good that the rash is gone and the antibiotics and steroid shot helped, not so good that it is something that will happen again most likely.

When my DD1 was 6/7 she had a rash that needed medical attention. Baffled the doctor until he found a 'herald patch' which led him to the diagnosis. Something called Pityriasis Rosea. (One from the same family as yours I'd guess?) Rash all over her body and mildly itchy. No cure for it but it would go within 6 weeks and it did. That isn't recurring though I don't think or at least she hasn't had anything since.

Yeah I really wish it was something they could "cure" but its a chronic recurring problem. The plan is to discontinue the antibiotics at the next appointment and then just do low-dose steroid shots for prevention about every few months. They want to keep close tabs on it. They say it usually goes away when you get older but that I'll probably have it for about 10 more years or so. :-( :brickwall:

[TimothyBFan]

At least you have an answer now and it sounds as if they have a game plan if/when it happens again. Sorry it's not curable tho.

[Koala]

Austin, good to hear you have a answer to your problems.

[Brooke]

I'm also glad to hear you have a diagnosis, Austin. At least it's not real serious.

[sodascouts]

Glad you found out what it is, Austin, although I'm sorry to hear it's chronic.

[WalshFan88]

Thanks everyone! I'm glad to know what it is but finding out it's a recurring problem really sucks! :(

[Molly]

Glad you have a diagnosis finally, Austin. Sorry to hear it's reocurring, but that it might be something that will be gone in time.

Now that they know what it is, the doctors can get the flareups treated quickly. I hope that means flareups will be better controlled and it won't be such a hassle for you.

Thank goodness they ruled out celiac disease! That's good news!

[WalshFan88]

Glad you have a diagnosis finally, Austin. Sorry to hear it's reocurring, but that it might be something that will be gone in time.

Now that they know what it is, the doctors can get the flareups treated quickly. I hope that means flareups will be better controlled and it won't be such a hassle for you.

Thank goodness they ruled out celiac disease! That's good news!

Yeah I'm glad it's not Celiac. Mainly because of the fact that I LOVE Pizza and that's a food you have to cut out with that disease.

[sodascouts]

My nephew (who is also named Austin, BTW) continues to recover nicely. Everything seems to have gone well. ::knock on wood::

[Glennsallnighter]

Awwww Nancy! I'm delighted he is! I hope he continues to recover well with no complications.

And Austin, I'm glad too that your problem has been diagnosed and that there is treatment available for it. You should note if any food or activity causes it to flare up again.

Willie! I'm thinking of Brandon and hoping that he will have some respite from his illness soon.

I've had a strange few days. It all started on Wednesday, when I got a letter from a soliciters office. 'Hell, I've broken some law..... or witnessed an accident' I guessed. I opened it and there was a rather substantial cheque in it as 'part settlement' of my uncles estate - My Dads brother who passed away last July. They haven't sold the house yet so apparently there's more to come. Of course I'd LOVE to go to the States on it, but realistically it'll go to help ease the secondary school fees which will be needed in 2 years time.... tho I might treat myself to an ipad anyway.... haven't decided yet.

Anyway an hour later I'm having coffee with my friend toasting my good fortune when Mum texted me to call her. Turns out HER brother had just died. Talk about hitting the floor with a bang! So obviously the last few days have been taken up with his Funeral rites. I got to meet some cousins and we have agreed that we have to STOP meeting at funerals and organise some 'happy' get togethers in the near future.

I'm on summer holidays but I start exam marking on Thursday.

[sodascouts]

Sorry to hear of the deaths, GA, but it's nice your uncle left you money.

[Glennsallnighter]

Thanks Nancy! Both my parents were last but one and my Mums family was a large one. So its been inevitable that we would start losing people over the last few years. My uncle who's funeral was today had suffered a stroke a few years ago so as his wife said 'It was a happy release for him'. But obviously its still sad when it does happen. Its a comfort to all of us though that these relations have all lived long happy and fruitful lives. Many were in their late 80s and even 90s when they passed away.

[Koala]

Soda, good to hear your nephew recover nicely!

Lisa, I'm sorry to hear this sad news.

[Annabel]

Nancy, great news about your nephew. :thumbsup:

GA, sorry to hear about your Uncle. :sad: Nice surprise from the solicitors letter from the other late Uncle though. :)

[WalshFan88]

Soda - Glad to hear your nephew is doing better! :)

GA - So sorry to hear about your uncle.

-----------------------------------------

I will probably post this in Gearhead too, but this is a "life" update so it applies here and more people will probably read it. :rofl:

I got invited to the Gibson Custom Shop Summer Jam 2011 in Nashville, TN on July 23rd! :shock: The invite went out to a select few Gibson-playing guitarists who they picked to come down! Here is what it consists of:

- Touring the Gibson Custom Shop factory and learning how they do it
- Trying out or buying as many Custom Shop model Gibson's as you want
- Going to clinics by top pros that play Gibson guitars on guitar playing/tone
- Going to hands on tech sessions on how to maintain your Gibson guitar(s)
- Eating a lunch with fellow Gibson lovers
- Potentially meeting some Gibson artists and also some technicians
- Night concert with a few bands with headline act Bachman Turner Overdrive
- Possibly winning some guitars or accessories
- A free tshirt/grab bag

And guess what? I'm GOING!!!! :partytime::partytime::D Did I mention it's FREE?!?! All except the hotel! How I got picked to go I'll never know. I feel very blessed and lucky though and appreciative. I'm not even in a big band or anything and they still picked me! :hilarious: But I am a Gibson lover though. They say once you get your first invite and you say you are coming, you automatically are invited every year and are offered the chance to come.

It will be my first time in Nashville. The event is a one all day event on a Saturday but I will be getting in late that Thursday and spending Friday in Nashville's finest guitar shops (Gruhn, Corner Store, World Music, and Rock Block are on my list) and also eating plenty of food and possibly catching some live local music. My parents will be going with me to Nashville as they also have never been there and want to tour the city. We will leave the next day (Sunday) after some sightseeing with my folks and come home. I hope to come back the next year and stay longer though. But this was unexpected and I'm just lucky to be able to go up there. It's about an 8 hour drive but SO worth it. I can't wait - I'm SO excited. I've had kind of a hard time lately and have been depressed but I'm really looking forward to this! I'm very lucky I got invited!

[sodascouts]

It sounds terrific - I'm sure you'll have a blast, Austin!

[WalshFan88]

It sounds terrific - I'm sure you'll have a blast, Austin!

Thanks! I'm very excited. It's going to be a busy week that week in July. On the 15th I'm going to the last Harry Potter movie opening at midnight with some friends, on the 18th I'm seeing KISS in concert in Springfield, and then leaving for Nashville on the 21st. :hilarious:

[Koala]

Austin! WOW, verry cool! Have Fun , I know you will!

[tequila girl]

Wow Austin, that sounds fabulous..........have a great time!! :) :thumbsup:

[WalshFan88]

Thanks - I'm really looking forward to it! I hope to get a few pics but I hear the camera is not allowed during the factory tour. They don't want to give away their secrets and I don't want my "golden ticket" to go away. :hilarious: :D