Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts

Subject: Vaughn Ward needs good thoughts
From: Hollowfox
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 11:24 AM

You folks know of georgeward here on the 'Cat, and if you don't know about his lady wife Vaughn, you have a treat in your future. She's a fine traditional singer, a folklorist whose work is clear, enjoyable, and never stuffy. When she was a high school teacher, she started a folk club that staged a fine folk festival for several years - that was run by the students. That's the sort she is. She's published several books, but you don't see her name as auhtor on most of them because she was guiding the book from someone else onto the paper (this goes 'way beyond merely being an editor). So those books from the Liars' Bench, those stories from towns that were drowned in hte Sacandaga Reservoir, all have the Source's name on the cover.
Well, she just had surgery for acute peritonitis. They caught it (just) in time, but she's a sick kitten. Even our Enlightened U.S.A. health care system agrees that she needs a few days in the hospital.
I asked her once why she didn't get on the 'Cat, and she said she knew it would be too addicting, but I know she'd get a kick out of some get-well wishes, and she'd never turn down a prayer, blessing, or the odd candle. Thanks, folks.

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 11:28 AM

Hollowfox, Hardiman and I will pray. Thanks especially for your clear description of Vaughn.

Do you want a link to this thread included in the next issuing of the e-mailed Prayer Chain?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 11:48 AM

Thanks 'Fox........Once again, for a Youngstown girl, you seem to show real good sense!!! (:<))

Peritonitis? Geez, that's a nasty one and I'm glad they caught it even if late. Vaughn, you may be a "sick kitten" (please stay off the carpet) but you're also lucky!!! Karen and I send you our best thoughts and a few on the side to George too. Take it easy, but take it! Except maybe for the hospital food and take that in moderation. Always ask what the stuff is too. I couldn't stomach that Kentucky Jelly which I spread on my toast and then someone told me that KY wasn't an abbreviation for Kentucky.

When you're up to it, come on in and try us out. We'd like to hear from you too! Don't worry about addiction. It can be a bad thing of course, but there are worse things to be addicted to!!! Hmmmmm...........Think I'll go have some toast and jelly...........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 12:27 PM

George, old friend: If you are reading this, please let Vaughn know that we are thinking all the positive thoughts we can muster for her quick and complete recovery!

Sandy (and Caroline)

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 12:37 PM

Sending good thought and positive energy to Vaughn for a quick and complete recovery and also strength and energy to George.

kat

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Hollowfox
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 12:44 PM

WYSIWYG, I think that link would be grand. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 01:08 PM

Yup.

~S~

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 01:34 PM

Dont laugh too hard your tummy will hurt. Get well soon and remember "it is too late! if you've read these posts you are already addicted to te Mudcat" HAAAAAAHAAAAA we've gotcha now ......Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 03:47 PM

Vaughan & George,

This isn't exactly the prompt I was needing to be in touch with you two again. I'm sure glad they did get that ol' parrot out o' you in time. I had a parrot once. Kept falling off it's perch. I used Polly Grip and it worked great. No problems at all after that.

My heartiest good healing wishes are flying your way as we speak. After Mr. Parrot (Ross Parrot ?) delivers 'em all on your doorstep (if not on your head)-- just heap all these hassles on his shoulders and send him on his way. (As he's flyin' away, give him the bird.)

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 04:37 PM

Well congratulations Vaughn!!! You have managed to get Art out of a rut. He's beenstuck on the same 1,396 puns for quite awhile now and these are a welcome change. As I recall it was January of '99 that he did his last bird puns and that was when we discussing the relative weight of a freight train carrying boxcars full of birds.

MY GAWD, I BELIEVE YOU'VE WORKED A MIRACLE!!!!!

That may have been December of '98...............Nah, this place ain't too addicting...............

Spaw

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Hollowfox
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 04:50 PM

Sheesh! Ten thousand comedians out of work in the world, and they all get on the 'Cat to try and get belly laughs out of somebody recovering from abdominal surgery! muttermuttermutter

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Jeri
Date: 06 Feb 01 - 05:42 PM

Maybe some of you have read what I've written about how I got interested in folk music. I was taking a very different high school course called "Folk Culture and Oral Tradition," and my teacher not only taught, but inspired me with her love of the music. She brought in performers, played records, took us kids to festivals and concerts, and helped us put on our own folk festival. It was the 72/73 school year, the first year of the Niskayuna Folk Festival, and that teacher was Vaughan Ward. If it weren't for Vaughan, I never would have found folk music.

She also helped me through a very tough time in my life right after my dad died, and taught me to question why I do things. There is no greater thing to teach a person than that.

Vaughan, I love you.

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 07 Feb 01 - 01:15 AM

When Caroline and I sang this past summer in the festival at Schroon Lake, a youngish woman talked with us of having had Vaughn for a teacher at Niskayuna High School. She told us she had named her daughter Vaughn, because she had loved both the teacher and the name, although she had never told Vaughn that she had done so. So, George, if you're reading this, convey the news of her unknown namesake to your lovely wife.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: karen k
Date: 07 Feb 01 - 12:15 PM

Vaughn, all my best for a very speedy recovery. Take what I'm sure is a much needed rest but laugh and start singing as soon as you can. I, too, enjoyed the Niskayuna festivals and sure wish that they were still happening.

Jeri, remind me to tell you about the year I had a cast up to my hip and refused to miss the festival just because of a blizzard!

Get well soon, Vaughn.

karen kobela

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Art Thieme
Date: 07 Feb 01 - 12:57 PM

Well, I see the handwriting on the wall. Was wondering when the ax'd fall. I guess I'll not post sny more puns here on this absolutely pristine all music website.

'Spaw, like Oedipus finally realized, it's all your own fault -- even after the big broaches in the eyes ploy. Be it known, as Nixon said, "You won't have ol' Art to kick around any more."

Alas,

Art (**BIG GRIN**)

P.S.---Vaughn, I do hope today is better than yesterday. I know it's too slow. Just take your time.

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Feb 01 - 06:43 PM

It seems sort of weird that many people who normally offer prayers/good thoughts/kind words aren't posting. Maybe folks are all tapped out.

Vaughn (ack - dumb Jeri spelled her name wrong up there! Three times!!!) has made a huge impact on a lot of people's lives I think, not just mine. She is full of energy and compassion. Spiritually, she's one of the strongest women I've ever met.

Vaughn, I hope that inner strength of yours gets you healing and feeling better very quickly!

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: kendall
Date: 07 Feb 01 - 08:39 PM

I would like to add my best wishes to this thread...(Large amount of positive energy attached)

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Feb 01 - 09:03 PM

Jeri, a lot of the people who usually post have just not been at Mudcat much lately, for whatever reason. This is being sent out to the Prayer Chain, though, and that has resulted in a flurry of posts in past threads of this sort.

IMO, people have simply run off to Florida or Hawaii to escape cabin fever-- or maybe have succumbed to it, and just aren't getting out of bed!!!

~S~

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 07 Feb 01 - 10:45 PM

WYSIWIG,

Did the little thing I sent get there?

Art

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Feb 01 - 11:20 PM

Yes, Art, just. I am not done crying about your kindness yet, and the memories you brought into present time. I have asked my husband, a southsider, to send you a note about what happened when we listened to it. May I write to you when I can do so, sensibly? I also have spent most of the day reworking the prayer list, and it's still not out....

~Susan

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 01:50 AM

Vaughan, best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery. And please don't laugh at some of these posts. It only encourages the posters, and you might bust your stitches. Get well soon.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: georgeward
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 03:16 AM

Dear friends,

First of all, thank you all!! I'm printing this all out, and will take it to Vaughn in the morning. She can laugh now, which is a big step forward. Theraputic. Wonder where I can find a stuffed parrot. Art, I never knew you to be such a Pollyanna.

Now should I make up bios for those of you whom I only know on the 'Cat ? I should introduce you to her after all. Or perhaps you could make up bios of each other....

Yep, she is still in hospital. There was a lot of infection, and they are being cautious (a wonderful thing in the HMO era). 'Twil be a long recovery and more surgery later. But she is still here and very much herself. "Thanks be...." (As my Dad sometimes said. Used to think it was just shorthand. Now I'm wondering if he just wanted to make sure no divine beings felt left out).

Susan (and anyone else). Prayers mean a lot to Vaughn, and to me too. Thanks.

Sandy, I don't know about Vaughn, but I'm gonna lose sleep trying to figure out who it was who named her child after Vaughn. Anyone else have any idea ? I'm guessing V. will figure it out.

Mary, bless you for posting the thread in the first place. And bless everyone for responding. There is so much power in caring.

'Spaw, if I could think of a comeback for your KY line, I'd only embarass myself. Think I'll let it slide. Hmm....KY Derby?...Run for the Roses ?...nah...nothing jells... Our love to you all, -George ::-.--O

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 03:23 AM

George, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Prayer chain, thank you for the privilege of praying for you both.

~Susan Nottagotta Cookie Tnite

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Quincy
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 05:08 AM

Loving thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery heading your way!

best wishes, Yvonne

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 06:49 AM

George - I sent a message to Vaughn via your home e-address but I'm not sure If I had the correct one. Just in case ........ Hi Vaughn, sorry to hear of your illness. Be sure to get thoroughly well agin, extremely soon. I have great memories of Niskayuna, Pinewoods Folk Week, etc. Hope to see you (both) at some of these again, someday. Elaine and I have you in our prayers. Love from Burl. AKA Roy Harris

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: KathWestra
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 01:35 PM

Dear Vaughn,
Blessings and healing to you, dear one. You've sure had a tough year. I am sending every wish for a complete and speedy recovery, lots of virtual hugs, and fond memories of the Niskayuna Festival (where I met the man I was to marry). I still think of you (and George) whenever I hear "Gallowa' Hills," which I first heard you sing at The Rafters in Albany when Joe did a concert there. During that same concert, where Peter was a babe in arms (we're talking deep history!), you guys stole the show when Joe was singing Bill Staines' "I Can Feel the Sweet Winds Blowing," and Pete chose the verse about "I can hear the children singing..." to vocalize (NOT cry, but sing!). Fond memories, and special people all of you. Get better, Vaughn! You are loved by many, of whom I am one. Love and health to you, Kathy

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 03:44 PM

George: Please send me an E-pistle. Some nasty KAKworm destroyed my address book and I had to give Burl (Roy) your address via memory, which, as all who read my Mudcat posts must realize, is somewhat less than perfect. I'm rebuilding the book, so send me a note. Love to Vaughn, again, and let her know how relieved we are to hear that she's on the recovery road. One step at a time, dear friend, but keep on climbing!

Sandy

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 06:20 PM

Sandy, I really would like to know who it was as well, and if I know her.

I've wanted an opportunity to meet and hear you Burl, but if you were at Niskayuna Folk Fest, I must have at least heard you. I think I made all of them.

George - very slick, the way you slipped those puns in.

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 06:21 PM

Hello Vaughn! We saw you last at- Albany? The Eighth Step? Yes, and we were so happy that you and George were there to cheer us. Loved the CD and of course I still read and chuckle over your books on local folklore...what a lot you both have done- and still you have a lot left to do, so up-f'm-thar, and get at it!

Our thoughts, prayers, blessings, love, Jean and George

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: GUEST,LisaNull
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 09:39 PM

Dear Vaughn -- What a bummer. I remember having peritonitis, and a big fever and lots of misery...it seems as if we have a habit of sharing symptoms -- well then, may you recover speedily and completely, as I did -- and may you find lots of time to "veg out" -- something you almost never do. Be sure to let your self get taken care of by others -- you, of all people, are entitled!

I wish we could all be there to sing with you, for you, even about you...but until such time as that happens, you have our love and thoughts...winging across the waters, up the rivers, over the mountains.

In the meantime, think of spring -- it's on its way.

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Tinker
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 10:41 PM

Just reading this thread has made me slow down, smile and remember the wonderful feeling of community this place can bring. I was lucky enough to meet the Paton's and Jeri at Getaway this year....

Vaughn you seem to have not only attracted some rather dear friends, but nutured many others along the way. Gifts like that are to be nurtured, blessed and lifted up by all of us when we've a chance to say thanks and give back a little in exchange. Perhaps you don't always take the time to be pampered ? busyier giving than recieving? (I'm only guessing here) But I'm wrapping a prayerfull of blessings and sending it out on the wings of all folks (like "little Vaughn's" mom) whose live's you touched and made better. Take time and as you start to feel better maybe take one day of pampering for each day of pain. Hope to see you here one day. There's a candle in the window.

Tinker

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: GUEST,knitpick -jennifer woods
Date: 08 Feb 01 - 11:04 PM

Vaughan -- Thinking good thoughts, and keeping you in my prayers! What a year you've had! Be patient and good, and work hard to feel better! Sending much love and many prayers -- I need to see you inthe Spring! love Jennifer (and Bob Clayton(

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Art Thieme
Date: 09 Feb 01 - 03:23 PM

Vaughn,

Hi again ! See what you are pulling off here? All these great folks from my past --- Lisa & Kathy--Jennifer & Bob---Roy & Elaine. Just great vicariously making contact here. And it's for you, kid. Was it John Lennon said, "Come together...over me?" That's what we be doing---over you.

Art

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: georgeward
Date: 10 Feb 01 - 04:00 AM

And that coming together has indeed lifted Vaughn's spirits. I took her a printout a couple days ago, and she read every word. Plus e-mails from several of you individually. Gotta take in another one with the wonderful additions that have popped up.

And your caring about her has lifted my spirits, be sure.

Yep, she is still in hospital as of 2/10. She was doing really well until she had an adverse reaction to a med. But she seemed to be sleeping comfortably when I left her tonight. So maybe the worst of that is behind her.

WYSIWYG and 'Spaw, at least one shift at the hospital is now referring to a certain product as "breakfast jelly." For good or ill, I cannot say. A butterfly flaps its wings in China....

Way too late for even this much. But I had to.

Love to you all, -George ::-.--O

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Judy Cook
Date: 10 Feb 01 - 11:58 AM

Dear George,

Please add good thoughts for a speedy and complete recovery to Vaughn from Dennis & Judy Cook.

Love, Judy

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Feb 01 - 04:46 PM

Watch out that same shift doen't try to diagnose Spaw, George!

LOL!

You so BAAAADDD!

~S~

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Feb 01 - 10:01 PM

george, you need to tell them nurses that if they keep on makin' fun of us hicks, I'll send Paw and Cletus up there to have a little talk with them. They got into a little trouble when they came to see me in ICU one time. Here's the story as Paw told it then:

Havin' had a day off down to the condum factory, me and Cletus thought maybe we'd go see catspaw uppin' that big city hospital place. We found the place, but it covers more ground than three of the damn towns we grew up in. We keppon' askin' folks about where to go and when one of 'em told us that a public shower would be a start...well Cletus is a man who ain't gotta' be told twice and he knew he didn't need no shower on account of one last week. They got initials for everthing in that place. He turned out to be in the ICU which we figgered meant "innards care unit" which was confusin' since me and Clete thought thats what all them places did anyways.....you know, take care of your innards. Well anyway, Catspaw was there and didn't seem overglad to see us, partly 'cause the security fellers and some folks from somethin' called central sterile showed up. We got real worried about them "sterile" folks. I mean I know I didn't want to be sterilized and I don't reckon Cletus did either. We sterilize the hogs and they get right testy about it as you can reckon they would. But Catspaw talked to 'em and all they done was take us out for a scrubbin! They even give us some clothes to wear called "scrubs" that they said we could keep...and they washed our stuff up too!!! Well to be absolutely truthful about it all, they burnt our drawers up in their incinerator, but its purty warm out so I guess we can get by for awhile. And I'll tell ya' somethin' else too. Me and Cletus are ready for summer now anyway since the folks who give us a scrubbin' also coated us down with some kind of orange stuff that makes us look like we got suntans. They said it was some kinda' Idine stuff and it dint smell none too good, but it shur works even better than "Man-Tan" or that stadium mustard we tried last year!...............PAW

Now Vaughn, you need to get on the mend real soon because you don't need these two around! Like as not they'd bring the Reg boys along and then you'd be really in for it!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: georgeward
Date: 11 Feb 01 - 05:20 AM

Good news is where you find it, I guess. Someone told me, 'Spaw, that Paw'd been done in by a massive internal fart. Glad to know it isn't so. -George ::-.--O (How do I get into these things?)

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Feb 01 - 03:42 PM

I dunno' George, but I'm happy(?) to say Paw is still doing well and I'd ahte to think what a massive internal one would do to the ol' guy. You may recall that one of Paw's greater achievements happened just awhile back when they were all partying out in my backyard after a reunion with Buford and the Reg boys. I told it this way after it happened...............

That reunion led to a joyous evening of the three of them and the Reg boys getting drunk on "Iron City" and 'Shine and roasting a hog out in my backyard alongside the garage. Of course, after a while, Paw started lighting up farts as is his wont, and that's what I now have come to believe is one of those things best left unexplained.

The neighbors began to complain about 11 o'clock or so after one of Paw's flamers had ignited the hedge on his property. That would have passed as the boys got it put out pretty quick, being full of Iron City and all, but when a major rip set fire to his wife's bird feeder....well, that was it. I tried to calm the guy down and assured him nothing like that would happen again. He went back into his house dragging the charred remains of the feeder and a roasted squirrel that had been looting it when Paw let fly with that fiery thundersprecht.

Anyway, I got them situated again and since my house has aluminum siding, my only request was that they point Paw towards the wall. I figured a good hosing would clean off the worst of it in the morning. I went inside and the revelry continued at a somewhat decreased decibel level with only the occasional flash lighting the window of my den. Around 2 AM the boys came in for a final pee call and of course they couldn't just go. I heard either Reg or Reg in my pantry and before I could get up there, the whole crew was playing sink the Cheerios in my downstairs bathroom. Karen came downstairs at this point and threw a fit since our kids watch everything the boys do and we were spending a fortune in Cheerios. After a severe ass-reaming from Karen, I herded them back outside and suggested they get some sleep around the smouldering pig carcass. I went back in and after cleaning and disinfecting the bathroom and taking a shower, I again settled down in front of the TV to watch a half-hour Infomercial on how I could make thousands a week by selling quinnine pills through Direct Mail Order and running tiny little ads.

They were just getting to the good part with the testimonials and all when there was this giant blast from the backyard and the night sky lit up like a Buddhist monk. There was a moment of silence and then I heard Cletus yell, "HOLY SHEET!!!" Well, there wasn't anyway I could avoid it, so I went out through the garage into the backyard and there they stood, the whole damn bunch of them, except for Buford who was throwing up Iron City and pork fat down his bib overalls over by the smoking hedge. They were staring at an image that Paw's last fart had scorched onto the siding with their mouths hanging open. I stepped back and looked and my first thought was, "Well this ain't gonna' clean off too good and Karen will be really pissed." But when I started to say something Cletus stopped me and I noticed that the look on all of their faces was almost reverent. Paw was standing with his mouth agape and the others seemed awestruck as well, so I looked again.

Cletus turned to me and said, "Doncha seez it Catspaw? Its rite thar!!! Paw done farted Jerry Falwell out his ass!!!" Well, I kinda' had to admit, it DID resemble him in the flickering light of the burning porker on the spit, but I was too much in fear of what the morning would bring from Karen to say anymore than tell them to get some sleep. Problem was, they didn't. I went back inside, the group outside quieted down, and I nodded off before I could get the 800 number for the "501 All-Time Polka Greats" by Myron Kopetz and the Nose Flute Kings.

What I didn't know was that the group had gone off and gotten Pastor Sharphorn, his wife, the Ladies Auxillary, and the Deacons, from the "Church of Evangelical Brethren and Tongue Talking Mohunkers" and they arrived for a look-see about sun-up. When I woke up to the commotion outside it was about 6 AM I guess. The sight that confronted me was reasonably bizarre. At least 150 people were assembled in the backyard and I could see more coming down the alley. A small altar had been erected out of the remains of my stockade fence which was now on the ground, the crowd overflowing into my neighbor's backyard and trampling his stupid-ass garden gnomes into powder....it was the only high spot of the day. Those kneeling at the altar would place small plastic Madonnas and Jesus statuary at the foot of the garage wall and say a little prayer and move on to the donation box that Cletus was guarding. It was then that I noticed that everyone donating more than $25.00 was getting a "Holy Relic" to commemorate their visit to this newest religious icon which had previously only sheltered my vehicles and assorted cans of dried out wax and rubbing compound.

There, perched upon a throne-like affair that I noticed had been assembled from our porch furniture, was Paw. As each person gave his donation, Buford would cut a small piece from Paw's overalls and hand it to them. For $50. they got a piece from the seat, and for $500. a snippet from the flap of his longjohns. It was a kind of poor man's "Shroud of Turin" I guess. Business must have been good since Paw was missing one entire leg of his bibs and he was about bareassed already. I was dumbfounded and I was just considering how to set this up as an infomercial and start booking tours when the County Sheriff showed up and ran everybody off. Then he proceeded to fine me for 19 different offenses and gave me a summons to appear in court for destruction of my neighbors property.

I was able to head off Cletus and the money, which covered almost all of the fines and my neighbor's friggin' gnomes, but it cost another 50 bucks to get rid of the Falwell image. Now if I could just get shed of the real one for the same price.......................Anyway, I have never been able to figure out how that happened and I suppose it is one of those things best left unexplained. I've always thought that Falwell was talking out his ass, but I never figured you could blow him out your ass as well, but Paw's a really religious ol' coot so I guess you just never know. Really, I think Cletus had it right with his first two words, "Holy Shit!!"

Vaughn, you need to get well real soon, before I totally corrupt George and this thread turns into a Paw, Cletus, Buford, and the Reg boys supposit..........uh, no, make that REpository.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From:
Date: 11 Feb 01 - 03:57 PM

George, Vaughn,

Just dropped in here at mudcat and saw the news. Glad to see by the thread that the lady is on the mend!

Vaughn, here's a deep strong lyrical song sent your way for a fine recovery and many happy years to come. George, when you get a chance send me your e-mail at [e-mail]... got a question for you.

Both of you dear old good friends, may the energy lift you all the way from the roots to the 21st century...

Love, Bob and Amba Lee

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Hollowfox
Date: 12 Feb 01 - 10:03 AM

Well, 'Spaw, I'm glad *you're* feeling better... I think.

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From:
Date: 12 Feb 01 - 01:46 PM

Dear Vaughn:

Peritonitis is of course a nasty and serious thing, but through the perverse workings of my even more perverse brain, all I can think of (and I assume I am not the first to mention it because this sort of perversion is common among folkies) is the line from Alan Sherman's song "I See Bones": "I see things in your peritoneum/That belong in the British Museum...". We require that whatever you have in there quickly makes its way to the Museum, and that you are returned to us sound, whole and healthy; this demand is not negotiable. See you in May.

Pete the Spy

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: DADGBE
Date: 12 Feb 01 - 08:30 PM

Hi Vaughn...It's been a few months since those Niskayuna festivals but fond memories linger on. Here's my prayer and fond hope for your healing and continued singing. My love to both you and George. Ray Frank

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: DancingMom
Date: 12 Feb 01 - 10:06 PM

Hi Vaughn and George. I'm new to Mudcat, and you have a point there about an addiction. I'm here just about every day. It was a high school teacher who taught me to sing harmony and planted the seeds for my passion for music. Thank you. Best wishes for your recovery, from a nurse in Virginia.

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 13 Feb 01 - 01:42 AM

By now, I hear from George, you should be at home, Vaughn, continuing your recovery. That's good news. I see you've managed to bring in a few remarkable "guests" to the old Mudcat. All are folks I hope will continue to "drop in" now and then. We all could benefit from "bcoltman"s expertise, and imagine seeing a note from no less a personality than "Pete the Spy" here on the 'Cat! What a neat way to learn that he will make it to the big gathering in May! Taking over the kitchen for one night again, Pete? Caroline will be happy to hear that!

So, Vaughn, get well soon, but please pretend to be sick, even when you're better. You bring out the most interesting folks!

Sandy

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Art Thieme
Date: 13 Feb 01 - 11:07 AM

Sandy,

Your remarks on Mr. "bcoltman" are shared by myself and probably not just a few other Mudcat folks. It's time for a CD from him (unless I've just missed it).

Mudcatters aware of the West Maryland Highballers old-time music group with Joe Bussard, the songs "Lonesome Robin" and "When They Close The Minstrel Show" and "Web Of Birdsong" along with many trad songs will be honored to have Bob come in and say hello on occasion.

So where is Howie Mitchell ?

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Feb 01 - 12:09 PM

Sandy, you referred to Vaughn being home as you'd heard......Any other word?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 13 Feb 01 - 01:26 PM

Just a note I got from George saying that she would be coming home on Monday, Spaw. I trust all went according to plan. More news, George? Vaughn?

Sandy

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Feb 01 - 08:00 PM

Aw, let's nominate them to be the Valentine MudCouple of the Year.

Blessings to-Wardward!

~S~

Subject: RE: Vaughn Ward needs your good thoughts
From: georgeward
Date: 14 Feb 01 - 04:37 AM

GROWF!

I just wrote you all a nice long note about Vaughn's situation and lost it to a computer freeze-up! Can't rewrite it all now.

I'll just say that, yes, she is indeed home safe and remarkably sound. Our older son, Pete, and I brought her home yesterday. Friends have rallied around to help. She's getting more comfortable bit by bit. She is very much herself.

There's a lot more to say. We're going to be going through procedures and recoveries for a good while. But I'll do another post soon about that.

Mudcouple, eh ? Stirs the... imagination, it does.

I will quote my closing from the lost post:

A blessing on all of your weird, wonderful, caring heads. You've sustained us both in a very scary time.

-George ::-.--O