Ray Fisher unwell (Dec 2009)-died 31 Aug 2011

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Tom & Meg Wilson
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 09:39 AM

We've just got back from Meg's mams in Wales (computer free zone!) and have just caught up with this thread. We knew Ray wasn't well, of course, but this is terrible news.
Having known Ray for half a lifetime, we've too many good thoughts to single out just one.
I was with her a couple of months ago with our Pat (sharing a fag as usual) and we were talking about that special family thing we both shared and memories of singing together generally but at Christmas in particular - we hope you managed a few verses Ray!
Our thoughts are with you as well as Colin and the family. All our love, Tom & Meg

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: SaulBro
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 11:03 PM

So sorry to hear Ray is not well.   We've known each other for a long time, though do not cross paths very often. One of my fondest memories is of Colin presiding over the Northumbrian Pipers' Society in 1975 (at the Tower FC, if memory serves), with Ray serving tea!

Warm wishes for a speedy recovery.

Saul Broudy
Philadelphia, PA
USA

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 09:45 AM

continuing to look in for updates. Hope your'e doing OK Ray. Are you getting home for New Year? xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 07:58 AM

Ray went home for Christmas Day and enjoyed herself for several hours.
I haven't seen her since but I gather from others who have that she was perked up by the whole experience. I and others think she is putting on just a little weight.

I spoke to Colin just now and she's coming home for New Year's Day as well. There was some suggestion of a 3 day home visit but Ray vetoed this herself for various medical reasons.
This time they won't have family around: I got the feeling both were a little nervous about managing at home just yet.

I'll update again as soon as I can: I've got a sniffle just now and don't want to pass it on.

Fingers crossed.

Julia / Paws

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:34 AM

Thanks Julia, I've been thinking about Ray over the Christmas break, and hoping that her day of freedom from the regimens of the NHS, was a joyful one.

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Little Robyn
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:37 AM

Happy New Year from New Zealand Ray and Colin, Julia and Barry.
We played out the old year - I played Flo'ers o' the forest for Ray, amongst other tunes and then we did the Auld Lang Syne bit - I played while everyone else sang and danced.
It's now after 2:30am and I'm off to bed.
For you it's still only 1:30pm on New year's eve.
Nite all,
Robyn

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Mary Stewart (France)
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:26 AM

Dear Ray,
I've just been on the phone to Adam McNaughtan who told me you were ill and he gave me the details of this site where I could pass on a message to you. The poor sowel was on the receiving end of some GBH "au téléphone" because I hadn't received our customary Xmas Card from him! I am to get another wan toute de suite!

Do you remember asking me once, at the Newcastleton festival, if I knew a fukan song or indeed a wurlitzer song?? When I replied in the negative, and keen to educate me, you hastily gave forth with,
"If a can help somebody as I pass along" followed by
"Wurlitzer one for the money, two for the show..." If only you knew the mileage I got out of relating that particular part of our conversation to all and sundry!

I've been living in France for quite some time now (about 20 years) and I don't get back over to the UK as often as I'd like but I have umpteen records, tapes etc; including yours, to keep my pecker up so I am still able to singalonga and enjoy the music.

I don't want to prattle on too long Ray. I just wanted to pass on a wee word to let you know I am thinking of you.

Mary Wigley (Stewart as was)

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 05:20 AM

just checking in to see if there's any more news and to say we're still thinking of you. moira and malc

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Diva
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 09:57 AM

Tiara....well I expect nothing less! I am thinking of having a dress code for the surviors session/singaround on Sunday night in the Unionist at Copshie....Ray knows of where I speak. I now have a vision of George Welsh wearing a tiara.......

What do you think Ray?

Kathy Hobkirk

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 03 Jan 10 - 03:33 PM

Please tell Ray and Colin I'm sending my love from Maine.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Andymac
Date: 04 Jan 10 - 04:45 AM

On my way across the pond today but just checking in to see how you're doing...best wishes for the New Year...

Andymac

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 02:14 PM

I went to see Ray today, and spoke to Colin as well, but it's not one of her good days. She was mostly lying asleep, but she held my hand for a bit, and I talked to her, although I don't think she really knew who I was or what she was saying. She wouldn't have been able to read your messages.

Colin told me she had a bad patch over New Year and wasn't able to go home after all (the weather was awful too, so perhaps it was for the best) but that she had brightened up on Sunday / Monday.

I remember when she was in hospital after her op. she had a day when she seemed to have given up on life. Today was like that.
She brightened up a fraction when Colin arrived, but only for a minute.

I'll hope I can pass on better news next time I see her.

Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 02:23 PM

Oh dear, what a shame she didn't get home as planned. It would have done her so much good.
Still thinking of you Ray.

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 02:43 PM

Please continue to pass on our love and good thoughts. You're always in our thoughts Ray. xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:21 AM

Colin tells me (Fri lunchtime) that Ray is now much improved - I must have seen her at a low point. Almost back to her normal combative self, and starting to talk of home visits again.

Fingers crossed for further improvements.

Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:49 AM

Yaaaaaaay, go Ray!

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Brian Peters
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 10:39 AM

Wish Ray a Happy New Year from me. Great to hear she's improving.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Pat Ryan
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 11:19 AM

Happy New year To Ray & Colin.
Lots of Love
Pat

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 08 Jan 10 - 11:42 AM

fantastic news! Keep up the good work Ray! Hope you get home soon for a visit. M & M xxx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Diva
Date: 10 Jan 10 - 02:58 PM

Sending good thoughts etc from masel and from the guid folk o' the Holm

Kathyx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,GUEST: Brian Miller, Penicuik
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 10:02 AM

All the Penicuik Millers are sending their best wishes and strong thoughts.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 10:04 AM

"...much improved"! Julia and Colin, thanks so much for this news. I needed to read something good today and am so grateful for every bright spot in Ray's spirits.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Allan Carr, now in Philadelphia PA
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 06:07 PM

Warmest wishes to you Ray, I've always appreciated your encouragement and kindness to me in the early days, and your great talent and humour are an inspiration always.

A' the Best from Allan and Jane.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 08:38 PM

Very glad to hear of the improvement: more good thoughts winging their way.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wheatman
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 05:16 PM

Keep gannin bonny lass Brian and Christine

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 05:46 PM

I saw both Ray and Colin today, Weds 20th. Ray is brighter, and I think has put on a tiny amount of weight. She was bantering with staff, which is a good sign.

The doctors are talking of allowing her home, permanently, around the end of next week. This is immensely good news for both of them (although it depends on her condition then, obviously).

I told them that I needed to place an update for you all - please keep thinking of her, they both appreciate it that friends round the world keep sending good wishes.

I'll try and update more regularly, I struck a busy patch last couple of weeks, sorry.

Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 05:50 PM

Thanks, Julia, just give her all our best wishes and love.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 20 Jan 10 - 07:35 PM

Good news, and I second the vote of thanks to Julia.

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flyingcat)
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 06:29 AM

So pleased to get the update and good to hear your picking up Ray. We think of you daily and send our love and best wishes to you all. Moira and Malc xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Folkiedave
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 08:00 AM

Thanks Julia and that is great to hear.

Dave

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 09:03 PM

Ray has been inducted to the SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC
Hall of Fame:
Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame

http://www.tradmusichall.com/RayFisher.html

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: KathWestra
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 05:32 PM

Still sending fond wishes from Maryland. Glad for the update (thanks, Julia!), and for the news that Ray may get to go home soon. Hospital stays are not very conducive to health! Kathy

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:31 PM

Julia, thanks for the update. I think of Ray often and hope she'll be able to stay at home with her family and regain some of her strength. All the best!

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wheatman
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 03:56 AM

Thank you Julia,you are a star. I check this thread most days for news. Brian

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Little Robyn
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 05:33 AM

"Around the end of next week" is just in time for the Auckland Folk Festival!
I can't believe it's 9 years since you were all over here.
About this time 9 years ago, Ray, Colin and I were just lounging around in a Rotorua hot pool while the rest of you were sight seeing.
Great memories!
Lots of love to Ray.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 07:18 AM

Hello, Ray and Colin. I'm thinking of you as I sit here in Maine. Blessings and laughter to you both...and family ...and friends the world over.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: kendall
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 07:21 AM

To stay healthy, stay away from sick people! Hospitals are full of them...get out now.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Andymac
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 08:24 AM

Great news...

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 10:10 AM

Dear Ray or whoever receives this,

Ray, Margaret and myself did a Radio 4 programme together back in 91 called 'Ballads of Britain'

I tried phoning Steph last night but she doesn't know where Ray is. I tried emailing Archie but his address kept bouncing back and I believe that he is away for the next three weeks

Please please get this to Ray asp if not sooner
and encourage her to click and listen listen to this:

http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1036
http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1033

These audio teachings are on-line and completely free

This man's teachings have brought healing to 100s of thousands of people in similar and worse positions.

I was recently received complete healing from in incurable medical condition through them. I just listened to what Andrew said, did what he said and received it. I have since, been able to help others to receive their healing.

You do not have to be a holy person or a Christian to adhere to this. This is for every one.

This might seem a bit daunting if not, too good to be true, to a novice.   But I am of the firm conviction that the living God wants everyone to be well and to prosper and there a certain things that a receipient needs to do in order to receive it.   We now have the absolute proof. I'd stake my life on it.

Andrew shows you how to receive by faith what God has already provided to everyone by grace.

Please give this a try and get Ray to get in touch with me asp.

Best wishes,

Paraig

T: 01786 824563
M: 0777 600 4401
E: [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 05:20 PM

Colin has asked me to post his and Ray's thanks for all the cards, good wishes and messages of support for them, from all over the world. He says they feel they should really reply to you all individually, but it just isn't possible.

Ray is still improving slightly in herself, but has contracted C. difficile, a hospital bug which is particularly tricky to shift. Until that's cleared (and they're working on it) the docs can't do some necessary tests and assessments. However once these are done, it may be possible for Ray to come home, which I know would make them both feel much better.

I'll post more as I have it. I hope to see Ray early next week: and, please, don't bother thanking me, it's their morale and well-being that is important here. They really do appreciate your continuing support.

Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 05:28 PM

Jeez, what a bummer. That particulat bug seems pretty rife these days.
Hope they soon get it under control.
Love to you Ray, I think of you often.

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 01:20 PM

C diff usually happens because of all the anitbiotics and stuff that upsets the bodies natural bugs. It can be a real pain to shift but I'm sure it'll clear. You need to try to keep your strength up and keep your nutrition levels up. Keep cheerful ray, lots of love, Moira and Malc, xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 05 Feb 10 - 08:15 AM

Good morning, Ray and Colin. You've been on my mind this morning so here I am writing to you again. Archie will be singing in New Hampshire and Maine within the next couple of weeks. I'll be glad to have a visit with him and listen to the concert performances.

I'm remembering Barra as well. I walked around the island in the rain the first time I stayed in a B&B there. The seals were just offshore from a beach on the western side, and I spent an hour or more singing and playing a tin whistle to them; with their calls and mine washing back and forth.

I am so grateful you have both been part of my music world. From the Cilla/Ray/Archie tour several years ago (The Folkway, Iron Horse, Chocolate Church, etc.) to the Edinburgh International Folk Festival (bagpipe conversations with Colin, and Ray belting out "W-o-m-a-n!) My life would be much poorer without Ray and Colin in it. Thank you both for the hours of music and conversation.

Joy be to you,

maeve, in Maine

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 05 Feb 10 - 12:27 PM

Thanks, Maeve.

I'll pass it on as soon as I can. The even better news is that Ray has a home day scheduled for tomorrow, to see how she gets on. If it works out, a meeting with medics is scheduled for next week, to sort out a timetable for getting her home permanently.
Although I didn't get to see Ray today (she had other visitors), I did see Colin about some bagpipe-y things, and he says she is much, much better in herself than she was a couple of weeks ago. Which in turn has raised his spirits immensely.

So fingers crossed for a good day tomorrow, and maybe she'll be home soon.

Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 05 Feb 10 - 03:16 PM

Fingers and toes crossed....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 09:01 AM

Eyes too :)

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 09:58 AM

brilliant news.xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 12:22 PM

Message forwarded by Sheila Miller from Di Henderson yesterday:

Just come back from seeing Ray.

She looks fantastic. Put 4lb on, C-diff gone, extra food to hand at last, and nursing staff finally listening to her

with regards to her Insulin levels…..Yippee

What a difference, and really looks and sounds her old self.

She tells me she is going home for the day tomorrow [Saturday ]

They are going to have a meeting with the Doctors and other staff on

Tuesday to discus the practicalities of going home for good


Kitty

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: gnu
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 12:32 PM

Great news!

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Helen PItt and Steve Dawes
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 02:30 PM

What wonderful news. So glad to hear she is improving and looking forward to getting home at last. Please pass on our warmest wishes.
Steve & Helen