Batty's Saga part 2

[Bat]

This is to catch you up on what has been going on...no need for candles or even answers, this time...just FYI. It's been a sore but uneventful recovery so far; the next stage starts next week. Here's the general letter that I sent out to my adoring public:

Hi everyone, time for an update.
March 12, I went in for a 'wedge resection' of the lower left lung to remove a small tumor.
It went well, the tumor was about the size of a small marble, <1cm, and 'popped right out' according to my very fine surgeon. There was very little drainage, the tube would have come out Saturday morning, but people in ICU kept being inconsiderate and demanding my docs' attention, so it didn't come out until Saturday evening, despite my being first on the A- list that day.
When asked how much it would hurt to remove the drain, on a scale of 1-10, they said it would be about a 7, so I dosed up pretty heavily on the morphine pump, made myself gloriously nauseated around the middle of the day. So when they did come to remove it, I hadn't taken any more for fear of making myself sick again, and had a bit of trepidation...know what?? It didn't hurt a bit! I don't know why they told me that, or why it didn't hurt, but I was extremely happy it didn't hurt, that it was out, at last, and that those poor ribs could finally begin to find their rightful places in my cage again. It took about 3 days before they clicked back into place, and have felt fine ever since. Because of the nausea, they decided not to release me Sunday morning, and I was just as glad they didn't ...I'm taking my time getting my strength back this time,and that extra day in bed didn't hurt my feelings a bit.

The main incision is another story. It still hurts, burns, and is generally uncomfortable, but is getting much better every day...I just think the ribs were mightily insulted and are taking their old sweet time about healing. My surgeon was out of town all week, so I have an appt. on the 31st to get the stitches out, after which I should really come together well....maybe.

On the 26th, I went to see my oncologist, Dr. Sigmund, who set me up to get on the Rad schedule with Dr. Levi down in Radiation, I get a mold made to insure I remain in the same position for each treatment, and that will take a couple hours on Monday,3/30. Then we'll schedule the treatments.
Dr. Sigmund wants to start chemo on April 1, and it will be once weekly for 6,7 weeks, and couple weeks off, then another siege of 6 weeks or so.
Rad will be daily for that long, except for the weekends.
I don't look forward to any of it...I know my son, Tony, is in the midst of it all, and is quite uncomfortable. I have no illusions about the barbarism of the treatment, but if it doesn't kill me, it will make me stronger, right? RIGHT????

So, that is it up to today. Contrary to expectations, I have maintained a fine appetite, and when I got home, the next day, Tuesday was St. Pat's, and I maintained the tradition I started when I first discovered the joys of Corned Beef and Cabbage...I made a huge pot of the stuff, and noshed on it for a week, complete with liberal dosings of Wasabi, Japanese Horse Radish, which tastes wonderful on the meat, and has the added bonus of being bright Green! I was not concerned with any weight gains, since I fully expect not to have a great appetite after chemo starts.

My fervent hope is that all this will be eminently successful and that I will come out of it a better, healthier person in the long run.
Marcia has been a brick through this whole sordid mess, and I am very thankful for her being there for me.
More as it comes, Hugs all around,
Barb/Bat

[Beth]

Thanks for the post, Bat. You are daily in my thoughts and Marcia, too.

[Agnes]

Thanks Barb. You both are in my thoughts and prayers, and that candle stays lit :) Enjoy any good food you can think of!

Hugs to Marcia and you!

[Elliott]

And unlike Mr. Grant, I like spunk.... Sending you the best wishes they make, and look forward to seeing you soon, somewhere. You go Batwoman! Love, E

[Sara]

All things considered, dear Bat, your report sounds rather positive and upbeat. Seems like your attitude is generally a good one, and that's also important for healing. You'll be on my mind and in my prayers in the weeks and months to come. I wish you many opportunities to laugh ala Norman Cousins. Massive doses of healing Rudie vibes to you, my friend, and my best to Marcia.



Medical studies show that laughter boosts levels of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and suppresses levels of epinephrine, the stress hormone.

Read more. (http://www.dailycelebrations.com/072799.htm)

[Roady]

Thanks for the update on your treatment plan Bat. Hugs to you and Marcia.

Roady

[david uk]

Thanks for the update, Bat.

Big hugs to you and Marcia!

[Judy]

Radiation is usually a walk in the park, Bat. Just kinda like getting an x-ray every day...the days of horrific burns are long gone and generally one is left with some additional fatigue. (I took radiation & chemo at the same time, so I have no idea as to the fatigue impact of the radiation.)

Since the chemos vary from cancer type to cancer type, I don't know. I do know that they have made remarkable strides in the nausea medicines for it but it can also tend to make one lethargic.

Given that you don't have a fragile mind-set I have much confidence that you are going to do quite well, my friend.

[illinoisbill]

Thanks for keeping us posted Bat. Your great attitude and positive outlook will carry you through this.
Best wishes

Bill & Dave

[Bat]

Thanks, y'all! Sara, your inspirational pages are just that, and thanks for them! I'm sure I'll refer to them often and reflect, and I love to laugh!

The most joyous reflections come when I consider how many friends I have on this board!!! The support is Amazing.
All I can do is thank you all heartily, and keep on keeping on.

We do live in interesting times.

Judy, my son is having some pretty rough times due to rad--his esophagus is quite sore. I know that it is especially susceptible to burning from rad, and his tumor is close enough that they can't completely shield it. I also know that they have focussed the rad to a smaller and smaller area as his tumor shrinks (good news!), and will give him a break for a couple weeks to recover a bit...I just hope it's enough.
The difference is, he is in Santa Fe, NM, I am in Cincinnati. He finds breathing rather difficult because Santa Fe is actually higher than Denver, the air is more rarified. He is very anxious to get back to the lower regions, maybe Texas again. I'm sure it will help his breathing to get closer to sea level.

Fragile mind-set?, NOT! BWAHAHAHAHHAHA!! That is a great turn of phrase, m'dear, and combined with Elliott's 'spunky', I guess It gives me the equipment to get through this. The rad guy told me it would make me tired, so I guess he ought to know.

Pizza, Beth! Just as soon as I'm over this!...you too, Karen!

Ok...that should do it for now...Thanks for the candle, Agnes...that, and the thoughts of good food will keep me going, I bet! Anyone wanting to share stories is welcome...

Hugs all around!
Bat

[sister rose]

Rest, Bat. And the next time we are at a show together I will take you for a nice ride and you will forget all about everything else. ;)

[Mary6906]

Thanks for keeping us informed of your condition, Bat. You certainly have all my best wishes.... and yes, I do believe laughter is the best medicine.

Keep your chin up and your food down!!

Hugz :)

[Orphan of the Road]

I thought you might like my friend's blog on her cancer.

I admire spunk too.

http://hopeismymiddlename.blogspot.com/

[dragonlady]

I'll be thinking of you Bat...keep on keepin' on...nuff said!

-di

[hoops]

Bat, thanks for the update. all those vibes and thoughts and prayers will continue. the healing is the longest part and there is nothing to do to speed it up. look for ways to enjoy your time off, you rest time. you deserve a rest
peace
little hoopie

[DaveM]

"Batty's Saga" really sounds as if it deserves its own pirate ship. How many do we have room for?

Sure am glad you're feeling better.

[coffeegyrl]

You are in my prayers Bat. Hang in there, laugh early and laugh often!

[gisli]

"Batty's Saga" really sounds as if it deserves its own pirate ship. How many do we have we room for?


I wanna be on that ship.........By the way, who gets to say "I am the king of the world"??????????:cool:

[Bat]

I think there is probably room for about anyone who wants to be on it, Dave! What an idea!
Lots of rigging to hang around on...I don't take up much room, myself, and maybe, just maybe, Sister Rose would like a turn at the helm occasionally? And Hoops, too! We'll give the world a good turn while we're at it! Har!:cool:

[sister rose]

I think there is probably room for about anyone who wants to be on it, Dave! What an idea!
Lots of rigging to hang around on...I don't take up much room, myself, and maybe, just maybe, Sister Rose would like a turn at the helm occasionally? And Hoops, too! We'll give the world a good turn while we're at it! Har!:cool:


:D Yes! I am so there!

(hey, Hoops...how do you drive a helm) :confused:

[Bat]

You and Hoops can work it out, Rosie, I know you can!
Meanwhile, we'll set Gisli to navigating and negotiating ports of call, Dave will see about the menu during his spare time, with lots of good input from our friendly sister ship's Redjack...unless you have other ideas about what you'd like to do on board, Dave?
Sara, Mary, Coffeegyrl...you're right...laughter is the best medicine, and we'll make one belly laugh-type joke the price of admission!
I guess the name of our ship will have to be 'Fledermaus", won't it?

Golly, I haven't sailed for years, but it's like riding a bike, you might get a bit rusty, but you never forget how, and the fine points come back quickly. We'll have a winning ship in no time! I guess she'll have to be a clipper?

[aspiemom]

The humor on this board alone is enough to keep the doldrums away! Hearty healing, Bat!

[Elliott]

Are we sailing by the stars, or using GPS. Any idea what Ports of Falls we'll be in on this journey. If it's the stars we will be using, I believe it should be Janis Ian. Think she's too busy? Buddy is already packing... he wants to walk the plank. I don't think he's clear on the concept; he may have it confused with the red carpet. Does this ship have a name? Is it new construction? Do we have a Rudie Flag? Is Karen making the sails? Do we have a sponser? Do we need insurance? Dibs on Moby Dick..... :rolleyes:

[Sara]

Are we sailing by the stars, or using GPS. Any idea what Ports of Falls we'll be in on this journey. If it's the stars we will be using, I believe it should be Janis Ian. Think she's to busy? Buddy is already packing... he wants to walk the plank. I don't think he's clear on the concept; he may have it confused with the red carpet. Does this ship have a name? Is it new construction? Do we have a Rudie Flag? Is Karen making the sails? Do we have a sponser? Do we need insurance? Dibs on Moby Dick..... :rolleyes:
Good ones, Elliott!

As for me, count me in, me hearties! Sounds like the place to be.

Mary, would you design the Rudie flag? Maybe with the Rude Girl, herself (as in your photo)? You know you want to!

[hoops]

sister rose, helms are a lot like steering wheels, now worries we got it covered. I'd be honored to take the helm, Bat
peace
little hoopie

[dragonlady]

With sister rose and hoops at the wheel (rudder) we'll all lash ourselves to something handy and permanent and hang on for the ride!!!!

And away weeee gooooo!!

-di

[Mary6906]

....
Mary, would you design the Rudie flag? Maybe with the Rude Girl, herself (as in your photo)? You know you want to!

Cute idea.... I'll have to work on something when I have more time, it's late and I'm sleepy.. I'm going to bed.

[Darlene]

Wow a real pirate ship? Can I come? Huh? Huh? Huh?

How about calling the ship Batty's Revenge?

Arg,
Darlene

[DaveM]

HMS Fledermaus would be a great name--just imagine the possibilities for the figurehead!

I would like to be the ship's librarian, but I can take a turn in the rigging if need be. I am very good at tying knots than cannot be easily untied. Also have a radio license, though I don't know if pirate ships have radios. Perhaps a pirate radio station? It could be a money-maker! We will of course need a watertight compartment for all the guitars, etc.

[Eva]

Captain Batty, Captain Redjack, we'll meet at the Bermuda Triangle within three months. Drinks are on me. Dinner is on Redjack. Jokes are on Bat.

Pirate Queen

[Bat]

Cap'ns Redjack and Eva, as junior member of the fleet, I'm honored to sail in such fine company! Thanks for your welcome, and I'll be at the Triangle... shouldn't we meet there on April Fool's Day?

It seems as if I'm rapidly amassing a fine crew, and not having to resort to a single Shanghaiing!! That kind of loyalty cannot be bought, and I respect you all mightily. I know we will be a fine, tightly knit crew and officers.
In return for your loyalty, I promise you all a great mess, all the protection known to modern naval practice, and burial at sea with honors, in the unfortunate circumstance should that be necessary.

There will be no lashing or dire punishment before the mast on this good ship. In the case where such is needed, I'm sure Cap'n Eva will be happy to oblige.

Dave, I accept your offer to be historian/librarian, and general factotum in charge of rope, radio, and guitar storage.

I would like to retain the name 'Fledermaus' for our lovely vessel. (You may call it whatever you like, out of my earshot, of course.)

So far the crew consists of DaveM, Hoops, SisterRose, Mary, Sara, Darlene, and Dragonlady. All are welcome aboard, and the Christening will take place as soon as Karen says the sails are ready...You WiLL be making the sails, won't you, m'dear Seamstress?


Further bulletins issued as needed.

[Mary6906]

Well, I whipped this up pretty quick, but maybe I can come up with something better give me some time.

Perhaps I can pose Rudegirl in a different pose and snap another photo... we'll see. Either that or maybe another project (pirate RGTAF) for our dearest Oak Kitten.

[Agnes]

*scratches head* That's gonna be one heck of a cooking marathon... How much time till we get to the Triangle, Cap'n?

[DaveM]

Since I am Redjack's First Mate, I can only sail with you part-time.....will have to jump ship back and forth every so often. Discretely, of course.

I shall also attempt to serve as scrivener, so that Batty's Saga may be set down for posterity.

[Bat]

It's OK, Dave...you can have leave whenever. I forgot to list Agnes on the Roster of Crew, so we won't be short...and she cooks well, always a plus.

I guess we'll get to the Bermuda Triangle when everyone else does.

Mary, that's a pretty fine flag on such short notice!! It should look great fluttering from the yardarm. Thanks for all you do, Rudies!

[Eva]

*coughs softly but in a way that certainly draws attention* Captain Bat... Hoops, Sister_Rose and Agnes are all part of my crew. That also goes for for instance SongDragon, Margay and David. You may borrow them of course but I would appreciate it if you would contact me about that.

Agnes, you have three months untill we get to the Triangle. It takes a while to get from western Europe to the Bermuda Triangle. So I guess that will give Karen some time to fabricate those sails too. I hope Gandalf and Dave will be our resident storytellers when the three ships gather.

About the no lashing thing... I can't agree with you on that one. However, you are free to decide on those things on your own ship. Everone that needs or wants to be lashed can be brought to my ship. In that case we're all happy :)

Eva

[coffeegyrl]

I'll take care of procuring and preparing the fine coffee and tea!

[hoops]

Eva, think of it this way, if sister rose and i are steering Bat's ship, we can't be trying to steer yours
peace
little hoopie

[DaveM]

Some say I don't have both oars in the water. Others question whether I have a boat.

[Elliott]

Uh, Ahab here.... I'm on board, with your permission, oh Captain of my Soul. I'll also be happy to assist onboard with hair and skin removal, if need be. Is the pool fresh water? Buddy is a water dog and will be happy to serve as mascot and life guard. Will there be a place to stow the jet skis, or do we just drag them behind the ship? Is the dining room formal, or clothing optional? I would also like to reserve a cabin with a private deck and a small patch of grass. Will there be sign and sail cards, or shall we bring our own gold for the ship's gift shop? Are the cabins wifi? On demand movies? Turn down service? Do we need shots? How many days at sea? Something tells me the room service is gonna suck. Oh well.... I can't wait.

[Eva]

Uh, Ahab here.... I'm on board, with your permission, oh Captain of my Soul. I'll also be happy to assist onboard with hair and skin removal, if need be. Is the pool fresh water? Buddy is a water dog and will be happy to serve as mascot and life guard. Will there be a place to stow the jet skis, or do we just drag them behind the ship? Is the dining room formal, or clothing optional? I would also like to reserve a cabin with a private deck and a small patch of grass. Will there be sign and sail cards, or shall we bring our own gold for the ship's gift shop? Are the cabins wifi? On demand movies? Turn down service? Do we need shots? How many days at sea? Something tells me the room service is gonna suck. Oh well.... I can't wait.
Captain Batty, this troublemaker is yours. Unless you want him lashed. In that case I'll take him :)

Hoops, I need you and the Sister for lockpicking duties etc. Not so much for steering. My gpoodness, no! :eek: I will gladly leave that in the hands of crewmate Denise. At least we'll be alive before we do the raiding.

Well Captain Batty, I see you are having a fine crew there. May your ship safely sail the seas! :cool:

Pirate Queen

[coffeegyrl]

Elliott my dear, this is a PIRATE SHIP not a cruise line! Get with the program!

[Eva]

Hey, who says a Pirate doesn't want a good haircut? :confused:

Pirate Queen

[Bat]

It seems I do have a fine crew! ...but they're all someone else's...well, this is a pirate outfit, so I guess I could just pirate a few crewmen when I need them, right?
As far as Elliott goes, his eyes are about as blue as yours, Cap'n Eva, and he will be a fine installation in our lovely Saloon. We'll have the most beauteous crew on the seven seas! so welcome aboard, Wigmaster Elliott!

Now, we've taken the opportunity for a photo op...actually this is our sister ship, but we look just like her. (Are you sure you're up to this sail making job, Karen?!!)

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Royal+Clipper&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2


Do you still think you can steer this beauty, Hoops, Sister Rose?

We'll be boarding for maiden voyage in a few weeks' time, you have your handbooks and I hope you all have a lovely leave time at home. Enjoy!!

[gisli]

Reporting to duty Cap´n.........and I ´ave the ice.

Mighty fine vessel you have there......No doubt about it that this ship is a STEALFLOWER and will withstand all storms that may lay ahead, you can bet on that.

Concidering the crew and exspecially the ones who will be cooking.........I as an acting navigator in command..........do hearby announce that this sail will not be a one night stand......Moi sincerely will talk to Diverboy on how to misunderstand directions and will follow his instructions to the letter........the circle one of course being the most favorite.:o:D:cool:

[DaveM]

Redjack is threatening to try me for mutiny. I'm getting a bad feeling about this.

[Eva]

Do you still think you can steer this beauty, Hoops, Sister Rose?
Don't tempt them Captain Batty. They might be hazardous to your beautiful ship. It's a good thing oceans don't have sidewalks.

Pirate Queen

[Elliott]

Buddy was so upset this afternooon. It seems he read that Captain Crunch has retired, and is now living on Key Largo. He was hoping to see him at sea. He felt better after I told him that we would probably run into Captain Hook, and he could give him a high five! Dogs are so much fun, and they like it when you yank their chain.... :p

[Eva]

Stay away from Captain Iglo though. He travels to cold places.

Eva

[Mary6906]

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Mary6906/My%20stuff/USS-BAT-CLIPPER.jpg

I christen this ship "De Fledermaus".... and a fine flag she flys!

[DaveM]

Oh....it's so.....BIG.....

[Bat]

I don't fool around, Dave. When I want a ship, I go get a SHIP!
Great rendition, Mary...and the flag is a masterpiece.
Only one problem, Mary...the flag has to blow in the same direction away from the wind as the sails...in this case the wind is coming over the port quarter, driving sails (and flag with them) toward the port bow, and that is the way the flag would blow, too. Just a little physics of wind and sail that would not be evident to those who don't sail.

Gorgeous, isn't she? I love De Fledermaus! Bet she's solid as a rock in just about any seas you want to sail her in!

[Mary6906]

.... Only one problem, Mary...the flag has to blow in the same direction away from the wind as the sails...in this case the wind is coming over the port quarter, driving sails (and flag with them) toward the port bow, and that is the way the flag would blow, too. Just a little physics of wind and sail that would not be evident to those who don't sail.

Ooops, me bad .... Now you know what a "landlubber" I am.... :p I shall fix that later this evening.... I need schoolin' in the ways of the sea... hey... I was in the Air Force and not the Navy... so what do I know about sailing!! :p

[hoops]

if it moves i can make it go, and sister rose will tell me where to go (tee hee)
peace
little hoopie

[DaveM]

They dont use crosswind components in the Air Force any more?

I'll be happy to serve as auto-pilot.

[coffeegyrl]

That's a mighty big ship, I'm kinda intimidated. They don't have ships in the Mississippi River, just little boats. We went to the river a lot as kids. My grandmother would fish and I would skip rocks. :eek:

[Bat]

That's a mighty big ship, I'm kinda intimidated. They don't have ships in the Mississippi River, just little boats. We went to the river a lot as kids. My grandmother would fish and I would skip rocks. :eek:


Hahahaaha...I bet she didn't catch many fish with you skipping rocks!...but I would have been there...love to skip rocks! Something magical about it.

As far as the ship being big, it's just as easy to handle as a little one, just takes more people doing their jobs perfectly in unison. I think with a little training, our crew will be just fine. I do hope I don't have to entice Eva to come over and help with the training...no one here is afraid of heights, right?

[Eva]

I like your style Captain Batty :D

Pirate Queen

[Bat]

Then we have a mutual Admiration Society, Eva!;)

[Bat]

I just sailed into Chemo island yesterday and spent a couple hours dozing and soaking up the toxic cocktails. Today, cruised into the first of what promises to be a daily routine of lying at anchor in the port of Rad, absorbing the rays for a short time.
Came away from both ravenously hungry! Didn't feel anything else...that will undoubtedly change over time, but for now, I'm glad to be on dry land for a little while...lovely ports, nice people; hope I still feel that way in 14 weeks.
That should give Karen time enough to whip up a suit of sails for the Flying Mouse.

Marcia indulged in a glucose coctail this morning, and it really set her on her ear, knocked her for a loop...supposed to get a blood test every hour for 3 hours, she was lucky to last for 2...I'm surprised she could find her way back to the boat. That should tell them something! We're getting tired of seeking the lost treasure of her health and need some postive results quickly.
She's in safe harbor now, snuggled in her bunk and hopefully will get over the hangover soon. Sometimes I think good old fashioned Rum gives better results.

[DaveM]

And cuddling. Never forget that.

[gisli]

I just sailed into Chemo island....... didn´t feel anything else...that will undoubtedly change over time.

Hope not but smoking that green stuff actually does wonders........if it comes to that....so next time you go on land grab a plant or two for you and rum for your fellow shipmates...

....being seasick is not nice, Capt´n.

Take care, best to Marcia.

[Eva]

I just sailed into Chemo island yesterday and spent a couple hours dozing and soaking up the toxic cocktails. Today, cruised into the first of what promises to be a daily routine of lying at anchor in the port of Rad, absorbing the rays for a short time.
Came away from both ravenously hungry! Didn't feel anything else...that will undoubtedly change over time, but for now, I'm glad to be on dry land for a little while...lovely ports, nice people; hope I still feel that way in 14 weeks.
That should give Karen time enough to whip up a suit of sails for the Flying Mouse.

Marcia indulged in a glucose coctail this morning, and it really set her on her ear, knocked her for a loop...supposed to get a blood test every hour for 3 hours, she was lucky to last for 2...I'm surprised she could find her way back to the boat. That should tell them something! We're getting tired of seeking the lost treasure of her health and need some postive results quickly.
She's in safe harbor now, snuggled in her bunk and hopefully will get over the hangover soon. Sometimes I think good old fashioned Rum gives better results.
Aye! The seas you & Marcia sail are not peaceful at all Captain Batty. I wish you both strength and luck. Come home safely. Luckily you can count on your crew.

Pirate Queen

[Bat]

Aye...we have some rough seas and shoals ahead, but I'm sure we can navigate safely and I have faith in the crew...best bunch a captain was ever privileged to know and sail with! ...and that goes for the whole fleet!
I am fine so far, Marcia is asleep and will probably go the whole night, as it was a pretty rough day for her.
I went to the store, so we have provisions for the rest of the journey this week and probably next. Life is almost back to normal.

[coffeegyrl]

The more able members of the crew will have to run the ship while Cap'n Batty and Marcia are in sickbay.

[Bat]

I have no doubts that the crew is eminently able to take good care of this fine vessel. For some reason I feel a bit delicate today, but the weekend is here and I have vacation from treatment...should be a welcome respite.
Sail HO!

[sister rose]

Do you still think you can steer this beauty, Hoops, Sister Rose?

My Dear Captain Batty:

I can steer this thing with my eyes closed. ;)
not that it would make any difference with them open

signed:
You're Queen of the Helm (whatever that is)
Rosie

[stardust]

Hi Bat,
I have been unable to type due to computer issues, but have checked in on you periodically. You, Tony an Marcia are in my heart and prayers constantly.
Lots of Rudie love and healing energy.
from one of your most adoring public,
Terrie

[GodSistah]

Can one of you ships come pick me up at Fort Point next to the Golden Gate Bridge?

I can provide plenty of medicinal herbs...

...and possibly swipe one of these cannons from the Fort here.

Love,
GodSissy (aka Sticky Fingers)

;)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb274/GodSistah/fortpoint-interior.jpg

[sister rose]

You bet we can! pick me up something really cool. :D

[DaveM]

Hmmm....cannons, definitely. And a bunch of those round things stacked next to them. You can never have too many cojones.

[hoops]

we're borrowing some stuff? how cool , i can help. Bat and Marcia. may the seas ahead grow smooth and may the wind breath life into your sails so that you quickly reach the shores of good health and good life.
peace
little hoopie

[Ginny]

For you both, Bat and Marcia:

http://www.hscripts.com/freeimages/icons/clothing/raincoat/raincoat-clipart5.gif http://www.hscripts.com/freeimages/icons/clothing/raincoat/raincoat-clipart6.gif


(I almost published a 'naughty' version of a macintosh... oh well, I know this is a family messageboard!)

[Denise]

Well ... reading this post for the first time just now and I have to say that .... where else can you go from feeling so badly (my heart and best wishes go out to you Bat for a speedy recovery) to laughing like crazy by the final post, at the humor all of you can bring to fellow Rudies!
That's what is just SO wonderful about all of you!!!
And now I will make it a point to check in more often just to see how you are doing Bat .... oh ... and to make sure sister_rose and hoops are still in control of the steering of that mighty ship!

[Agnes]

Denise, you're so right.
Hoops, that's excellently said.
Bat & Marcia, continued vibes to you!