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Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit
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Subject: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 23 Dec 09 - 08:20 AM Dear Mudcat friends, Now that our families have all been told, my husband and I want you to know that we are safe and surrounded by caring friends. We will not be discussing details in this or any other thread. You are asked to use this thread for expressing your concerns and to join us in celebrating the blessings that are helping us deal with our recent challenge. Please use PMs if you need to ask for more information. This is important. On Friday night we were awakened by a fire in our beloved old Maine house. It was clear we had to get ourselves to safety, and that is what we did. The house and its contents burned to the ground. We lost everything in the house, but no one was injured though many firefighters from many towns came to help contain a dangerous situation. We give thanks that none of the many brave men and women who protected our property and neighbors was injured in any way. All of our immediate needs for the short term are taken care of. Your prayers, Private Messages, and friendship will go far to support us as we set our sights on taking care of business, maintaining privacy, and caring for one another. We know that many of you wish to offer help. We suggest that folks consider donating time, goods, or financial support to your local homeless shelter, food bank, fire/ambulance service, Red Cross chapter, etc. When Truelove and I know what we need we will make that known. In the meantime, there many who are in need of the kind of caring support we have- which has maintained our independence and self-respect. We have been given the multi-faceted blessing of life, and we are being treated as friends being helped by neighbors- we are not victims. With love and jubilation, Merry Christmas to all. maeve and her Truelove |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 23 Dec 09 - 08:31 AM Something to celebrate this season. Thank you, Maeve. We have been worried. Anything you need - just ask. It will be handled quietly and privately. Much love to you and Truelove, (this sounds like a Victorian novel) Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 23 Dec 09 - 08:50 AM You know we are here. If we can help, just ask. I am just so glad that you are both safe and well. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: John MacKenzie Date: 23 Dec 09 - 09:05 AM Help and support is available, as and when you need it. Just ask. John |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: ranger1 Date: 23 Dec 09 - 09:07 AM We are here for both of when whenever you need us. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: My guru always said Date: 23 Dec 09 - 09:14 AM So glad you're safe, we will be glad to give any help we can! Hil & Richard x |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 23 Dec 09 - 09:16 AM I still have no words to offer except that I am thankful you and TL and the chooks are okay. Ditto all of the above. garygnu |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: GUEST Date: 23 Dec 09 - 09:24 AM OH heck!! Hadn't logged in and mispelled my own name. It was me that Guest Dave |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Dave Earl Date: 23 Dec 09 - 09:38 AM OH heck!! Hadn't logged in and mispelled my own name. It was me that Guest Dave |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Maryrrf Date: 23 Dec 09 - 10:20 AM Glad that you and Truelove are safe and well, and surrounded by supportive friends and family. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Catherine Jayne Date: 23 Dec 09 - 10:25 AM Glad you are both safe and well. Much love Khatt and Paul xxx |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 23 Dec 09 - 10:44 AM Thank so much for posting this, maeve. We will respect your privacy and help in whatever way is possible when and if needed. Just let us know. We are so grateful you are both okay. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: VirginiaTam Date: 23 Dec 09 - 10:44 AM What a lovely way to express your recent experience. My thoughts go out to you Maeve and Truelove this season. Any other help I may provide from over the pond will be available sometime after New Years. Someone will start a PM chain, I hope? |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 23 Dec 09 - 11:25 AM Having had a smaller fire (2000) and having managed a Red Cross chapter-- I know how a little about you're probably feeling and what faces you in the days ahead. You have my prayers. In our fire, doing the insurance claim job and navigating thru other legal biz fell to me. If I can help with yours in any way, or anything else-- just let me know. Go Maeve and Truelove! ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: olddude Date: 23 Dec 09 - 11:29 AM Always here for you and Truelove - Maeve you know that, in my thoughts and prayers always Love Dan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 23 Dec 09 - 11:32 AM And here the rest of us are, carting clutter out of the house piecemeal. Fire is frightening and drastic, and it will test your memory in many ways. But it also provides a clear view of everything else that is around, safe, and of greater value than mere objects. Take care of yourselves, and please PM if there is anything I can do to help! Maggie (Stilly River Sage) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Brian Peters Date: 23 Dec 09 - 11:42 AM An awful blow, Maeve, I am sure. I hope you can maintain the strength and generosity expressed in your post. My very best wishes for Christmas and beyond. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Beer Date: 23 Dec 09 - 12:46 PM All the above thoughts and best wishes. Adrien |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Morticia Date: 23 Dec 09 - 12:52 PM ditto all of the above really, glad you are both okay! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Dan Schatz Date: 23 Dec 09 - 01:15 PM Dear Maeve and TrueLove, I am so sorry to hear this horrific news, and amazed and impressed at the spirit you're keeping through it. I hope that you, who have done so much to support others through their tribulations, will feel and accept the love and care that is being sent your way right now. Dan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: DebC Date: 23 Dec 09 - 01:26 PM Maeve and TrueLove, I am glad that you are safe. Sending good thoughts and peace to you at this time. Deb Cowan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: open mike Date: 23 Dec 09 - 01:42 PM Glad you are safe. I am still in recovery from the fire that took my house and 200 others in the neighborhood. It gives you a chance to reflect and confirms that what is important is your life and health. The "stuff" is not at the top of the list! Love to you and yours and hope that you can make it thru the holidays. wishing you outpourings of help and generosity. Winter is the worst time to have this happen, but here's hoping the holidays will bring joy never-the-less, and that people around you are in a giving mode. hugs. and keep the spirit....we here are using the slogan: we are not victims, we are survivors... always good to think positive whenever possible. (not) victim (but) ---->>>>> victor!! you CAN get through this and rise like a phoenix from the ashes!! Laurel |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 23 Dec 09 - 04:11 PM Laurel.... you spoke volumes... more than you even realize. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Dec 09 - 04:23 PM I am of course here and send you whatever good thoughts I have...because you deserve them. I am happy that no one was injured and sad for your loss and anything Ol' Spaw can do for you, just ask. You're lucky to be where you are with so many good folks sorta' close by....that's a great group up there and I'm always wishing I was closer. We love ya'.............but then, you knew that....... Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 23 Dec 09 - 04:23 PM Love to you and Truelove. Take time to heal inwardly, and know that you are loved. Allison |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Liz the Squeak Date: 23 Dec 09 - 05:45 PM (((hugs))) LTS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 23 Dec 09 - 07:27 PM more hugs & good wishes sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Bat Goddess Date: 23 Dec 09 - 07:29 PM I don't know what I can say that hasn't already been said. Let us know what you need; let us know what we can do. Truly glad you weren't hurt. Coming through this will make you even stronger than you already are. Lots of love, Linn (Tom, too) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: ClaireBear Date: 23 Dec 09 - 07:38 PM I am back here in the tenor section of the chorus of Catters who send you strength, hugs and Mudlove from afar. A blessed Christmas to you, and many more to follow. Claire |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Severn Date: 23 Dec 09 - 07:40 PM Let me know when things are needed. Best wishes until then (and beyond). |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Tinker Date: 23 Dec 09 - 11:44 PM Wise words from a wise woman. Hold each other tightly,center (and grieve) and when the time is right ask.... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: KT Date: 24 Dec 09 - 02:31 AM Maeve, I admire your courage, and your generosity of spirit. Thank you for sharing both with us here. Like so many others, I will be waiting and watching to know how I can help you. KT |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Seamus Kennedy Date: 24 Dec 09 - 02:38 AM Maeve - I'm glad you're both OK. My best wishes to you for a successful recovery from this. Please tell me the Appolonio was unscathed too. Seamus |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Allan C. Date: 24 Dec 09 - 05:58 AM I echo the many good thoughts above and add only this: As soon as is possible, reconnect with your music in whatever form that may take, it will help to pave the way through current problems and into the bright future you will see before you. Allan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Janie Date: 24 Dec 09 - 07:14 AM Blessings, maeve & Truelove. Very glad you both are uninjured and surrounded by a supportive 3-D community. When you know what you may need, let us know. My previous offer to coordinate among Mucatters still stands. Janie |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: VirginiaTam Date: 24 Dec 09 - 08:11 AM You are both still very much in our thoughts this Christmas Eve. Tam and Chris |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Liz the Squeak Date: 24 Dec 09 - 08:19 PM And through to Christmas morning... ironically, whilst I was lighting the candles for church! Take care, LTS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: bbc Date: 24 Dec 09 - 09:22 PM folks, I was so sorry to read this news when I dropped by tonight. We've had 2 farm fires in my area, in the past few days, & also the loss of an historic inn. After meeting you & seeing your place, I know the work you've put in. Please know that I can give some practical assistance, as needed. Weather permitting, Duane & I will be in Brunswick for a few days after Christmas. I can pick up PMs or emails. love to you both, Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Cats Date: 25 Dec 09 - 03:32 PM We have all been thinking of you alot over th past days. Santa knows what has happened and has a Plan B. xxx |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 25 Dec 09 - 04:37 PM I can't help but be lifted by your spirits... resurgo! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: karen k Date: 26 Dec 09 - 01:45 AM My heart goes out to you both for your loss. It's the one horror I don't know how I would deal with. I will watch this thread for news of what I can do to help. I'm in CT and get to Maine a couple of times a year. You will be in my thoughts as you go through the rebuilding process. Your strength and character have me in awe of you. karen |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: mouldy Date: 26 Dec 09 - 05:07 AM Keep well, keep strong, and be assured that I'll be keeping you both in my thoughts. Andrea |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 26 Dec 09 - 06:46 AM Maeve, We weren't victims, either, when we had our "small" housefire. But we also had ours shortly before Christmas. So it was with special thanksgivings that we counted "our" blessings (and yours) this year. We know you and Truelove will do a great job of reaching out for everything you need, and we trust with you that it will be provided in due time-- abundantly. love, ~Susan & Greg |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 26 Dec 09 - 07:45 AM Still carrying you in my heart, dear Maeve and Truelove. I hope you were with loving folks yesterday. Allison |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 26 Dec 09 - 02:59 PM How are things going, maeve? Are you online much? Drop us a line when you can, and if there is anything we can send that would be helpful, let us know. I know we can't replace the personal family items, but there are many other useful items in a household that we would like to share. Just say the word. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Art Thieme Date: 26 Dec 09 - 06:20 PM And, Maeve, because of you I now have the book my father wrote in 1946. Thanks so much for locating what I am certain was the only copy of it available world wide. Thanks so very much! Art |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 27 Dec 09 - 10:09 AM Experience tells me that the worse the trial, the stronger you become and the unexpected "best thing that could have happened" will emerge. Happy New Year, Maeve, to you and Truelove. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 27 Dec 09 - 12:00 PM Knowing how hard-working and kind they are, I'd agree SINS. Bigger and better... resurgo. (I think that's Latin. It's my city's motto.) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: kendall Date: 27 Dec 09 - 08:03 PM "Steel is tempered by fire, and mankind by adversity" (Seneca) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 27 Dec 09 - 08:37 PM Night Owl said, when and if you excavate, cast iron does not burn. Also, when she got down to the very last of the rubble, she found her dulcimer and a few LPs which survived. She had to clean them up, but they made it. It didn't seem as if anything would have so those few things really counted for a lot for her. She also said she was glad to hear you have each other and that you are supportive of each other. She thinks that would really help, as she went through it alone. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Hollowfox Date: 28 Dec 09 - 10:12 AM Prayers and good thoughts from Ohio. Remember, when you're under stress, your reaction time slows, and your short term memory dwindles. They'll come back, but please be careful driving, and write yourselves reminder notes. Momly yours, Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Janie Date: 28 Dec 09 - 11:50 AM Just peeking in to say hello, maeve and Truelove, thinking about you both. I'm so glad the outbuilding and greenhouse are ok. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 28 Dec 09 - 12:25 PM And the chickens!:-) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: ragdall Date: 29 Dec 09 - 04:02 AM Maeve & Truelove, You've worked so hard. I'm sorry that you lost so much and am very grateful that nobody was hurt. Please let me know when you have identified what you will need. Your attitude is an inspiration. May you both have much happiness in 2010. rags |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 29 Dec 09 - 09:34 AM I have a banjo for you Maeve and some CDs to help replace what was lost. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 29 Dec 09 - 01:01 PM Hello friends. This is the first chance I've had to get to the library in our new temporary town to check Mudcat and email. Thank you all for your encouragement and support. We are still hurting at the loss one week after the fire, but are resting and helping none another gather strength, focus, and direction. We've been treated kindly, and are in an apartment for now. Sudden noises startle us both, and loud voices are too much to bear for now. We find many people want to know all about the fire; their questions thereby increasing our distress. We did indeed find a couple pieces of cast iron as we dug in the ruins a few days ago; also what seems to be the only surviving piece of my artwork that we had- a colored pencil portrait of a Michangelo statue I drew years ago. We are thankful for such treasures. The birds are still visiting the feeders back home. We saw a sharp-shinned hawk chasing a blue jay in the front yard the day after our house burned. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. We are alive and thankful for it. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 29 Dec 09 - 01:05 PM As are we. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 29 Dec 09 - 01:14 PM Maeve, If you would like to join us for New Years, I promise there will be no questions or discussion of the fire. I personally will see to it. Good friends, good food, good music. If you are not ready, that's OK too. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 31 Dec 09 - 12:36 PM I was thinking of you and TL last night as I stared at the beautiful (almost) full moon. I know how much youse treasure the serene country nights. I am praying for an early spring so you can back to those nights as soon as possible. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: olddude Date: 31 Dec 09 - 12:50 PM Love you both Maeve Dan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 31 Dec 09 - 12:54 PM Maeve, Dear One, thanks for posting. May you and TL find solace and peace, as well as strength, with one another. And, I, too, give thanks for an early Spring for you and your home. We are having an extra cold winter, unusual for here, so we've been putting out extra seed for the birds. I have a lot of juncos, red-breasted finches, some other small birds I am not sure of what they are, and some beautiful mourning doves who are so funny/pompous looking when they fly down to the feeding table and walk around, tapping away at the seed. They remind me of Shultz on Hogan's Heroes.:-) Peace, Quiet, and Much Love, kat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 31 Dec 09 - 01:54 PM I'm trying to lure birds to a new feeder. I put it on the other side of the driveway because when it is nearer the kitchen window they perch in a shrub that gets kind of beaten up. This is a difficult time of year to get through even if your house hasn't burned down, so pamper yourselves when you can, and spend time with friends and loved ones (these terms aren't mutually exclusive) to build up your emotional stamina. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 31 Dec 09 - 02:46 PM {{{All Love{{{[[[MudLove]]](((maeve and Truelove)))]]]MudLove]]]}}}All Love ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 31 Dec 09 - 03:19 PM Mudlove? Sounds a bit kinky. There's a bracket missing at the end. All love is falling out! Oh no! Oh The humanity! Sorry - I have been cooking since daybreak and am a little punchy. I am waiting for the neighbors to turn their backs so I can put out a New Years gift of shelled walnuts for the squirrels. Health, Happiness, Prosperity, Love...but mostly health with a side order of peace. Love, Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 31 Dec 09 - 04:50 PM Do the neighbors disapprove? And is it any of their business, anyway? My birds are finally discovering the little feeder. I saw a couple of sparrows perched on it when I washed dishes. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 01 Jan 10 - 12:24 PM The squirrels raid their bird feeders. My neighbors are actually saints. Never a complaint about the late night rowdiness. And always there to help when I manage to get stuck in the snow. Good people. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 01 Jan 10 - 12:26 PM Sorry for the thread drift. Maeve called last night to say "Hi" to everyone and wish us all a happy new year. We passed the phone around and shared her. It was wonderful to hear her voice and know that she is healing. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 01 Jan 10 - 12:38 PM Thanks, Mary. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 01 Jan 10 - 12:56 PM YES! Thanks for the good news! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: TRUBRIT Date: 01 Jan 10 - 02:44 PM And Maeve -- I didn't even know having been absent from MC for a while. You know that if there is anything Tom (the mayor!) or I can do to help you have only to ask....... It was good to hear your voice - but next time say, Maeve and I will know (who is this XXXXX person anyway,,,,,,! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 03 Jan 10 - 12:36 PM Rebuilding feels nearly possible- many things to research and discuss and pray about for now. We refilled the birdfeeders yesterday; seeing chickadees, hairy and downy woodpeckers as well as goldfinches. A neighbor who makes art-level hooked rugs gave us a great gift yesterday, too; a beautiful hooked rug of our dear old house. It made me cry, but is a joyful thing too, for we know it still exists in our memories of years of hard work.The rug is hanging on the wall now, and would make a beautiful backdrop for a house concert here, if we can manage such a thing. I can't quite imagine singing or writing anything yet, but my hands want to fiddle with strings; no words required. It was so good to talk with a few friends in the South Portland neighborhood of Mudcat. Thanks to you all for long and short distance prayers and kind communications. Please pass the word that my Truelove and I continue to appreciate your PMs, and that we are continuing to progress toward joy and a renewed future together. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: black walnut Date: 04 Jan 10 - 10:47 AM The birds, the hooked rug, the friends, the love...all good gifts. You are in my mind and heart, ~b.w. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: John MacKenzie Date: 04 Jan 10 - 11:50 AM maeve. If or when, you want photo's of your house I took in July last year, when I visited, just let me know. John |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 07 Jan 10 - 03:23 PM Mindful of the smaller space they seem to be in now, and her limited puder access, I asked Maeve if I could send her a spare MP3 player/recorder. She said yes, so I think (I could not presume to think or speak for her) that MP3s on portable media could also be sent. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: VirginiaTam Date: 07 Jan 10 - 03:35 PM more hugz from TSO and me. That MP3 player will be loaded with her fav music yes? |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 07 Jan 10 - 04:53 PM m.... if you need any MP3 files of Mudcatters that I have, I can send them. I am sure others will do the same. Bless and keep both. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 07 Jan 10 - 05:53 PM VT, yes ma'am of course! At least, her faves as far as I KNOW. Others may know other preferences.... ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 08 Jan 10 - 08:12 AM Send to you or to maeve? Via email, I presume? Thanks so much for doing this! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:38 AM Again, I can't speak for her. I do not know, for example, if the computers she's logged in from are on connections that would handle MP3s, or if she has time on them to do much. And if I were lending puder time, it would me me nervous about viruses with downloads off email. But I do have her mailing address if there is anyone who doesn't, and I can burn MP3 CDs she should be able to install onto the player from, by folder. (If she can't I can just send her another player to swap back and forth, and load them for her.) I can load the CDs with the same amount of files the player will hold and mail them at her pace. Easy peasy! I think it might be important though to avoid bombarding her with too many things to store, so I'd suggest no one send her anything without getting her OK first. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: John MacKenzie Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:52 AM She's using either a library computer, or a borrowed laptop. Don't think sending her MP3's that way is a viable idea. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Liz the Squeak Date: 08 Jan 10 - 09:55 AM I think she's mainly on library computers, so MP3s might not be accepted... but you're sure to work round that! Maeve, TL, you're still in my thoughts here... take care and be well! LTS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: VirginiaTam Date: 08 Jan 10 - 10:44 AM hhmmm I have just purchased a new laptop, which means my old Dell is going spare (in more than one sense). It is something of a bugger but it is over 6 years old. Slow and tends to crash. If only we could get it to the states (is anyone flying to the US from UK any time soon?) and get the right electric cable for it, would happily donate it after we have erased the memory. Heck after it is purged of all the junk, maybe it will behave better. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 08 Jan 10 - 11:13 AM Generous offer, Miss Tam. I think it might be worth waiting to see if insurance will come through with a replacement for Maeve. If not, I have a source for used, working computers right here in South Portland. SINS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 08 Jan 10 - 12:05 PM That's a lovely offer VT. I do love the way that 'Catters rally round when one of their own has problems. Maeve has the use of a borrowed laptop right now and, if that one has to go back, I have one she can borrow longterm. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Jan 10 - 12:17 PM And I would bet olddude is on the puder hunt as well. Let's slow down, folks-- remember that she said she would let us know what she needs. What she has said to me is just about music, so that's all I'm up to; if anything else is contemplated it should be via PM to Maeve so she can manage her own "stuff." And that, after even a small fire, is the biggest (practical) thing a fire survivor needs-- to be in actual control (slow enough to FEEL in control) of "stuff" that has to be managed. So pls PM if you want me to help manage music flowing her way. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Pistachio Date: 08 Jan 10 - 12:26 PM I've been checking in on this thread and here I am, starting yet another year pondering what to throw and what to keep of my accumulated 'treasures'/excesses and there you are; with shocked numbed minds and the unfailing love of family and mudcatters. I wish I could help in some way... I'll keep the good thoughts going for now and await any indication of what might help at this time or in the future. Kind regards, Hazel - (in snowy East Yorkshire UK.) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 08 Jan 10 - 02:58 PM LOL Mudcatters can't help themselves. Sick? We send cards flowers CDs etc. Fire? We send clothing CDs dishes and all manner of crap. Sad? Singing dancing cavorting hideobilia is on its way. REMINDER: "All of our immediate needs for the short term are taken care of. Your prayers, Private Messages, and friendship will go far to support us as we set our sights on taking care of business, maintaining privacy, and caring for one another. We know that many of you wish to offer help. We suggest that folks consider donating time, goods, or financial support to your local homeless shelter, food bank, fire/ambulance service, Red Cross chapter, etc. " Maeve is fine. When she knows what she needs, we will hear from her. Meantime, STAND DOWN! Maintain the perimeter. Meantime, I am packing box after box of obnoxious crap generously given to me over the years by all my friends. Maeve will have an empty house so she will need some knicks-knacks, bric-a-brac, inflatable toys, etc. NO, MAEVE! DON'T thank me. It's the least I can do for a friend. heh heh SINS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 08 Jan 10 - 03:11 PM Mary, you really are some friend! :o) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: John MacKenzie Date: 08 Jan 10 - 03:15 PM fiend Jacqui, fiend. You put one letter too many in. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 08 Jan 10 - 06:14 PM LOL, Mary- don't do it!! << |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 09 Jan 10 - 02:18 PM Hi, friends. We are continuing to walk this road, and are in mostly good spirits. We have a decent borrowed laptop with access at a couple of businesses in the area. Local friends are best suited for finding us a good computer with the capability to et me back to recording songs when I can do so. I've asked that my mailing address and realtime name be kept private- anyone who'd like to communicate with me please just send me a PM and I'll be happy to "chat" with you via PMs. Remember that we are only three weeks out from the fire that destroyed our home and belongings. We have lots of time in the future in which friends may offer help if they wish. Our tasks now are to take care of each other, settling with the insurance company, and getting paperwork sorted to get duplicates of our personal papers such as passports, etc. We have a clean, sunny apartment for the moment, and have basic needs met. I do check Mudcat as often as I can. Affection and gratitude to you all, maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 09 Jan 10 - 02:52 PM Take care. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 09 Jan 10 - 02:57 PM Well I'll be...she ignored my generous offer. Maeve, One day at a time. I can not imagine how I would deal with your situation. I know I would count on close nearby friends to get me over the rough spots. Do what you are doing. And keep us posted occasionally. Love, Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: bbc Date: 09 Jan 10 - 09:28 PM I keep checking in. I'm so glad you're ok for now, but so sorry for your losses. love, Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 09 Jan 10 - 11:08 PM You were mentioned (not by name) when we did a song for which our own bbc had written a verse-- Wings of a Dove-- as you are an example of the 4th verse as we sing it. And we prayed for you and TL too. (The whole parish.) ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 11 Jan 10 - 10:29 AM Maeve, I keep thinking of the chickens and this bitter cold. Hope the neighbors are reassuring them that all is well. M |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 11 Jan 10 - 11:09 AM Checking in briefly- thanks for the continuing prayers and friendly messages. Sins- the chooks are fine. I'll be stopping by to give some of them a manicure and will make sure they're doing well then. I can't wait until we can have our own internet connection and a good computer again. I miss y'all. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Catherine Jayne Date: 11 Jan 10 - 11:20 AM Still thinking of you both. Keep well and safe Love Khatt xxx |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 11 Jan 10 - 02:57 PM We miss you, too, maeve, and we don't forget you, ever. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 11 Jan 10 - 04:09 PM No by golly we sure do NOT. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 11 Jan 10 - 05:44 PM I'm just back from a visit to Maeve and Truelove. Both are looking very well - they have a nice apartment, sufficiently furnished for their needs right now and were very pleased to have the banjo that Leadfingers sent back with me and some CDs that SINSULL and I got together, mostly duplicates from our own collections along with some of Kendall's and one from MGAS. They have a lot to work through right now but have a very positive attitude to all that has happened and to all that needs to be done. Knowing Maeve, in particular, it does not surprise me that they are dealing so well with all of this. They have a very strong partnership, which will stand them in very good stead. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 11 Jan 10 - 05:50 PM Great! So nice to hear. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 11 Jan 10 - 06:20 PM Thanks, jacqui, nice to hear from someone who actually has laid eyes on them and can assess so well. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 11 Jan 10 - 07:19 PM Their first gift of an instrument in the new apartment is a banjo? Oh, my. ;-D SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 11 Jan 10 - 07:21 PM Banjo players are sexier. Thanks, Jacqui. A welcome first hand update. M |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 11 Jan 10 - 07:27 PM My post diskappeared. OK, reposted... Jacqui, am I correct that they still prefer to pre-OK anything to be sent, or can we ALL send them a banjo? I know at least one I'd love to send.... :~) (NOT Hardi's, either.) ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 11 Jan 10 - 07:28 PM Check before sending...... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Liz the Squeak Date: 12 Jan 10 - 03:51 AM Especially banjos! Although, it would be good to have some well seasoned lumber, and those metal bits make dandy window frames.... LTS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:31 AM I think Maeve is being very wise in holding off donations. She is in a comfortable but small apartment with little room to store stuff. No matter how well meaning people are, some send things they can no longer use - mismatched china, used clothing, inflatable lobsters. Unfortunately, it is often true that the recipient has no use for them either. A friend of mine who lost everything to a fire was deluged with bags of old clothes and to put it mildly crap. She appreciated the gesture - people thought that since she had lost everything anything would be welcome - but then had to deal with her own post fire mess and other people's Goodwill donations. Maeve and Truelove are in the enviable (I am going to catch hell for that observation) position of being able to design and furnish their new home from scratch. Each room can be planned, designed and furnished exactly as they want it. And they can do it together. They have lost so much. They have gained something too. So yes - check before sending and don't be offended if the answer is "Not just yet." Keep in mind too that Maeve is surrounded by her musical friends up north. We in southern (I know, Kendall, western) Maine have had to sit on our hands too when it is our nature to jump in and make everything better. The one thing insurance money can't provide is the love, support and willingness to listen that good friends can. For now, that has to be enough. SINS, packing up one more singing dancing eyes flashing chicken for when Maeve gives the word... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:31 AM Besides, how many banjos does one person need? Now banjo players is a different story... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:06 AM SINS, packing up one more singing dancing eyes flashing chicken for when Maeve gives the word... The 'word' may not be very polite Mary......... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:23 AM Maeve is always polite. It's those steey eyes you have to watch out for. Then she means business. No kidding guys. She can be...determined. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:27 AM I think what Sins is saying is that we should not send actual banjos but rather tiny banjo players. As long as they are not dressed as nuns, they go to Jacqui to hold, but if nun-attired they go to Sinsull by tradition. In case of doubt they go to Janie who offered her services as go-between. Right? :~) ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:43 AM No!!!! I definitely said "Send Nothing!" Not to Maeve and especially not to me. You can inundate Jacqui with any amount of crap you please but leave me out of it. Janie's on her own. LOL Sorry for the thread drift, Maeve. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:57 AM There is no escape from tiny nuns. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 12 Jan 10 - 11:09 AM Well said, Sins. Night Owl had the same thing happen in her community when her house burnt down. She was still sorting through the bags of crap, as you say, several year later. Most of it was unusable, wrong size, worn out, etc. Made a lot of extra work which she did not need. G'mornin', maeve and TL! luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 12 Jan 10 - 03:52 PM Thanks for understanding, friends. Many kind folks want to give us many things. We have the basics for now, and that's all we can handle. My basics now include a lovely ultramarine blue shawl, a Leadfingers-trained banjo, and several music cds delivered by Jacqui. Thanks, lovely friends. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 12 Jan 10 - 04:12 PM Wrap yourself in the shawl and feel the love, Maeve. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 12 Jan 10 - 04:19 PM Hey.... did you ever get to watch that VCR tape I sent you of Wingfield TV shows? You got a VCR? |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 12 Jan 10 - 05:50 PM Does maeve have one of the classic Mudcat shawls? Is that what the blue one is? I can't imagine that a mudcat shawl would ever be amiss. Except for the fact that losing a house that way must feel like going through a heart/lung/liver transplant without anesthesia, the prospect of putting up the new house, even if it is on the same footprint, to meet specific needs must be quite liberating. And any time you're building something, even in the context of re-building, there is growth and creativity. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 12 Jan 10 - 06:29 PM Sins, a few posts back, maeve said TL found her a beautiful one at a thrift store. But, a gyrl can never have too many shawls, eh?:-) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 13 Jan 10 - 02:32 PM Yall's shawls always make me wanna drawl. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 13 Jan 10 - 02:33 PM Hey... it beats "freeresh". |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 13 Jan 10 - 03:00 PM DOH! I hear shawl and immediately think MMario and Jacqui. I guess she can wrap herself in Truelove's shawl and get at least as much love. LOL |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 13 Jan 10 - 04:38 PM Cape from Truelove, blue shawl from Jacqui, no vcr, no Wingfield. Tired tonight, but I have a sheet of banjo chords waiting. LOL maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: GUEST,WYS-out Date: 13 Jan 10 - 05:28 PM LOL, what more can you really need with all that! :~) ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 13 Jan 10 - 05:40 PM CRAP! I wish I had made a copy! BTW.... what I did WAS illegal, but, m doesn't get it down there and I thought she would appreciate it so much on the farm and she said she would not copy it. So, I hope the CBC doesn't... hmmm there is NO evidence... Never happened. Nevermind. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:50 PM I'm sitting in our apartment with internet service...no more having to walk into town to check Mudcat and email. We are sleepy, but took care of a little more paperwork today. Peace to you all, maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:22 PM Good news! Anything that makes life a little easier for you both is to be welcomed. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Leadfingers Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:49 PM Welcome back On Line ! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Janie Date: 14 Jan 10 - 09:58 PM Hurray! One step at a time will always get you to where you are headed - eventually. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 14 Jan 10 - 10:28 PM That's excellent! Sleep well and may you awake refreshed. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Tinker Date: 14 Jan 10 - 10:46 PM Yeah for convience and a sense of connection..... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: John MacKenzie Date: 15 Jan 10 - 05:16 AM Goodbye Skidompha |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 15 Jan 10 - 09:32 PM I stopped in a local quilting shop for needles and a spool of thread...mistake. I couldn't bear to look at the beautiful fabrics without seeing my antique, burned to rags and ashes quilts lying in the charred remains of the house; just managed to pay and return to the privacy of the car before the tears started. Better in the morning. Moving on. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Liz the Squeak Date: 15 Jan 10 - 10:37 PM Oh Maeve - I feel for you with the quilts - I've always thought that the one thing I'd dash back for would be my photographs but in reality, it would more likely be the last piece of embroidery my grandmother did before she became too ill to hold a needle. I'm sorry, but life is going to be a long line of moments like that for a while... Lots of sunlight and a spare packet of Kleenex in your bag at all times is all I can recommend... and a notebook to write down what it was you missed so that maybe one day, you can substitute it (how well I know that some things can never be replaced - substituted with something that looks a lot like the old one but will never have that '****'s grandfather touched this' sense of history and belonging to it). Have a hug, from one seamstress to another.... (((xXx))) and then think of all the lovely antiques you can create once you're up and running again! I know you said not to send you anything, but I've got a few sample squares and some fat quarters that aren't doing anything constructive here... just say the word... :D LTS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 15 Jan 10 - 11:12 PM When my mom moved near to my sister in the 1970s, my sister found quilt squares in the bottom of a trunk. Seems the ladies of the church had made them for mom when she and dad were married. As a gift, my sister made them into a quilt for mom. This was about forty years after they'd been made. This Christmas, she took one square each and put them in embroidery hoops for each of us sisters. She said the quilt was completely worn out, but she just couldn't throw it away. What she did took my breath away and made me cry..it was so beautiful even with the worn out spots; it's that connection of knowing mom's hands were on it, etc. as LtS says. If there is even a tiny scrap left maybe you could frame it, maeve. Much love, kat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 15 Jan 10 - 11:32 PM (((maeve))) Still following this thread and praying for you and TL. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 16 Jan 10 - 05:38 AM Awwwww....... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 16 Jan 10 - 05:43 AM Thanks, Susan, Kat, and Liz. Liz- JennieG and I are thinking about a fabric in a letter" mini project. Kat- I have a contractor's trash bag (frozen in the van) and a bathtub full of charred fabric remains. We' see what's possible once I have cut off the damaged sections and washed the fire stench out. I haven't had many moments of unexpected despair. I know there will be others. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 16 Jan 10 - 05:44 AM And gnu- thanks- cross posted then! m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Catherine Jayne Date: 16 Jan 10 - 05:51 AM Continuing to keep you both in our thoughts. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 16 Jan 10 - 07:20 AM I wonder are lost treasures like friends who have gone on before us? In some way is their true essence still with us, comforting and reassuring us that life goes on? Nothing can replace their tactile, physical presence, but your love for them remains, and love is a positive force no matter what. I'm just rambliing, musing on the power of these treasures now lost, and so proud of you, maeve, for going into the quilt shop in the first place. You are a testament to strength and recovery, dear. I'm holding you in my heart every day. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Liz the Squeak Date: 16 Jan 10 - 09:01 AM A bag of scraps.... Oh how I wish I could get my hands on them!!!! :D If you're going to play 'Postman's quilt', then count me in! Keep going girl, and give TL the biggest kiss from us. LTS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 16 Jan 10 - 10:51 AM You just reminded me of a quilt my sister-in-law's mother made when she was in grade school. Each child in her class dated and signed a square. She embroidered their name in the square with a picture of an item that reminded her of that child - a doll, a truck, a horse. It was a treasure. I'm not sure which of her daughters has it. Rambling here. Animaterra is right - it was incredibly brave to walk into that store. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 16 Jan 10 - 12:45 PM RE: the singed cloth, baking soda is very useful for taking out smell and the brown. My mother worked a miracle when I singed the bodice of a junior high school home ec project (apron) with the iron. You couldn't tell that I'd really imprinted that iron (probably set it down and turned away. . . this is how you learn the lesson not to do that, isn't it?) SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 17 Jan 10 - 07:53 PM Thank you. I wish I could write more; just not possible most days. Love, maeve PS Liz- The biggest kiss for TL will ALWAYS be from me. :) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: GUEST,WYS-out Date: 17 Jan 10 - 08:18 PM That's OK Maeve! You don't have to jump through any hoops, here, OK? GO MAEVE! ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: ragdall Date: 17 Jan 10 - 08:57 PM Hi maeve, I'm glad that you have Internet access at your home base now. You and TL are in my thoughts and prayers. You have always had a wonderful attitude and are deserving of all the love and material help that this community has to offer you. Please, when you are in a position to rebuild, let us know what you need. In a motel fire years ago, we lost all our camping gear and clothing, etc. that we carried for a vacation for a family of 9. The task of documenting and replacing those things took so much time and energy. I can't imagine how much work there is for you to do and how difficult it will be when you are reminded of things which are no more, as you were in the quilt store. Wishing you many happy new memories. Hugs, rags |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Janie Date: 18 Jan 10 - 06:47 AM Nothing really to say, maeve - just sending another {{{hug}}}. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 18 Jan 10 - 08:23 AM Good morning from snowy South Portland from me. SINS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 18 Jan 10 - 08:30 AM Here is your daily << |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 18 Jan 10 - 09:51 AM Thank you for your kind thoughts, folks. You are appreciated. Susan- Thanks for your concern- no one here has made me feel I have hoops through which I must jump. I simply want to regain the use of language to help me understand and grow from this experience. The weekend was spent taking care of family business. I suspect today is a time to rest and gather strength for dealing with insurance matters here. When my brain quits I'll tackle the charred fabrics. I want that smell out of the apartment. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 19 Jan 10 - 06:51 PM One month ago our house burned to the ground. It took our clothing, antiques, family heirlooms, musical instruments, pantry full of food, hand and power tools, artwork, books, textile collections, my grandmother's hand cards, drop spindle, loom, spinning wheel, pottery collections and thousands of carefully selected cds, cassettes, records, songbooks, and books. Paintings, handwork, sculptures, pottery, journals, poems, and songs went up in the flames. Baby clothes passed down in the family, childrens' clothes, cradles, and dreams of adoption...burned. My only photographs of the child who became like my own child; gone. Piano, melodeon, bagpipes, really fine chanter, three guitars including the Apollonio, an Apollonio laud belonging to a friend, two violins, bodhran, mando-uke, a harp gifted by another friend, the penny whistles including an O'Riordan, all of the source recordings from all over Scotland and Nova Scotia, New Hampshire, and Maine; gone. All of the songs and poems I made over the years waiting for final polish; gone. All of our seed supplies for the upcoming year, our 50+ grafted infant fruit trees, financial records- gone. All of my growing notes on different crops over the years, all of the unusual seeds passed on to me by my father; gone. Our written and photographic records intended to help us write of our lives on our farm, along with the 200 year old house that sheltered us for the last ten years; gone. Love letters my husband and I wrote each other during our long courtship and during 12 years of marriage, every piece of his poetry and songs; gone. The cherry corner cupboard from my parents, the Cuban mahogany turned wood pieces and hammered copper bowls made by my father's father, the child's chair my mother's father made, all that my husband had from his family; gone. We are grateful for many kindnesses both here and in Maine. God has lent us strength and graced us with such lovely friends and strangers offering practical help and laughter amidst tears. We have my grandmother's quilt that I grabbed in the dark to wrap around my Truelove on that cold night. We have one drawing found in the ashes the next day. We have a few pieces of jewelry scratched from the ruin by a firefighter. Most of all, we have one another and many family friends and friends reaching out to us. I wanted to write of our loss in a way that might enable our friends here to understand some of our pain. We will heal. No one can or should try to fix it for us. Just walk alongside for a little way. Thank you. With gratitude, maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: s&r Date: 19 Jan 10 - 07:00 PM Your last paragraph is the most moving sentiment I can remember reading. Thankk you for recognising the concern and interest of your friends Stu |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: mg Date: 19 Jan 10 - 07:09 PM Tragic losses.. But still here: You True Love Dreams of Adoption still I hope and Under All is the Land. And Over All is the Sky. mg |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 19 Jan 10 - 07:15 PM Dear m... that must have been heart wrenching to write and to post but hopefully cathartic. You said, "Just walk alongside for a little way." Well, for me... as far as I can... hopefully all the way. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 19 Jan 10 - 07:20 PM For as long as you want us here........... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 19 Jan 10 - 08:00 PM maeve, 2 songs with audio of you, not gone (in my email, dear one) We are here... luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 19 Jan 10 - 08:39 PM Not walking but trudging...a foot or two of snow. But as long as you like I am nearby. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 19 Jan 10 - 09:04 PM maeve, if instead of a fire, you and truelove had been found murdered in your home, all of the objects left intact, our grief would be different by several orders of magnitude. The objects a story, pass on traditions, and are mnemonic tools, but as you describe and replace things that were lost, you'll be remembering what they replaced. You two are still here, and healthy, and that is what counts. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: GUEST Date: 19 Jan 10 - 09:44 PM No one can or should try to fix it for us. Just walk alongside for a little way. That's the Maeve I know and love so dearly. I give thanks that you are writing. BTW the item I mailed you voice-records as well, if any of what you and Truelove need/want to document can be done via voice notes to transcribe later. (PM if you need any help using it.) Oh, and prayers-- you still have those every week without fail, as well as my own personal prayers every time I think of you. A "month." Weird, eh? ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Janie Date: 19 Jan 10 - 10:15 PM Oh maeve. The artifacts and material representations of nearly all, or possibly even all, that matters to each and both of you - not simply ruined, but gone. It must stop the heart sometimes, and often most unexpectedly. It must sometimes take away the breath. And yet, rather than resist that awful grief, and thus be completely beaten by it, it seems from your posts you are doing all that you can to let it flow through and over you, finding that the heart beats again, and sooner, and the breath breathes again, and more deeply, than if you attempted to construct a dam to hold it back. Friends, family, and each of you to one another, are as beacons and lighthouses, buoys and life-lines, and shallower eddies where you can pause and take respite. You and Truelove have suddenly plunged into an unmarked gorge on the river that is your life. No way of knowing how rough, nor how long this section of the river might be. What is clear, is that you fully anticipate that sooner or later, you will emerge into a calmer section once again, and when you get to that next, smoother section, there will be much that is familiar, and also much that is new. Hope I don't presume too much in writing this. I'm not one of the lighthouses - just a hiker on the shore with a little LED headlamp on. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 20 Jan 10 - 06:27 AM Gnu- Yes, you nailed it in one. Side-walking friends- Thank you. I'll respond to your thoughtful posts as I am able. I forgot to list the four very special mountain dulcimers that are also gone. I also left off the album of our wedding photographs...found by Truelove under a couple of boards in the ruin. All of those photos survived, as did our devotion to one another. Headlights, beacons, rivers, walking alongside; all are useful analogies. The artifacts and many of the other treasures were chosen to eventually form the heart of a folk life museum here...a Joseph Campbell school in in modest form. Thank you, friends. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 20 Jan 10 - 06:41 AM Still here, my dear. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 20 Jan 10 - 10:03 AM One of your poems, handwritten, is still on my fridge. I read it every day and think of you. One little piece survives. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 20 Jan 10 - 11:32 AM maeve... L'il Bit's feather is still attached to my old monitor and the hawk feather is still over the mantle. Ahhhh... no connection between the two, folks. >;-) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 10 - 01:15 PM LOL, gnu. Did you make it down to the Morse household this morning? Did you survive the garage? |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 22 Jan 10 - 03:01 PM Maeve has just left the premises, having stayed longer than she really planned to. We got a real treat when she sang one of her songs for us and enjoyed a good long talk about everything and nothing. It was a real pleasure to have her here for a while. This time we kept her away from the garage! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 10 - 03:16 PM Bet you were all smiling. Nice. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 22 Jan 10 - 03:54 PM She has a lovely voice. I assume she was smiling as well. How nice for all. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Liz the Squeak Date: 22 Jan 10 - 06:49 PM Still thinking of you here.... still plodding alongside... albeit a bit breathless, slow down and take a break! LTS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: ragdall Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:17 PM maeve, I wish that good wishes, good thoughts and love could restore what you lost. I can only hope that the life that you and TL build from the ashes and few treasures you saved will be so much better than you can ever imagine now. Love and hugs, rags |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:55 PM Aw, pshaw... How very nice to arrive back to my Truelove after visiting Jacqui and Kendall (Mary- next time?) and then my mum...to find such nice posts here. Thank you all. It was a delight to visit with the Morse team, and fun to be the recipient of various sewing, crochet, and knitting tools, handwork books, and luscious yarns. Thank you, Jacqui. Kendall produced one bit of wisdom after another, between stories and some noodling on the guitar. Thanks, Kendall. I'll be baaack. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:32 AM Good - see if you can tempt TL to come with you next time. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 23 Jan 10 - 02:27 PM Unfortunately I work for a living. You kept women are free to play all the time. WHIIINE! Maybe next time, Maeve. Just good to know you are singing. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 23 Jan 10 - 03:17 PM Who you callin' "kept"? Some of us run a farm, wee and scorched though it is. Mary, I sang "New Hampshire Spring", a poem from several years ago that turned into a song a week or so before the fire. Ask me sometime; I'll give it a try again. I'm trying to keep the singing going. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 23 Jan 10 - 04:02 PM We were priviledged to hear Maeve sing that song - it was lovely. Please keep with it melove - your talent should be out in the open. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 23 Jan 10 - 06:11 PM Oh, it sounds like a lovely time! How nice for all of you! Maeve, sometime I'm going to need to hear that New Hampshire song, you know. When you're ready! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 23 Jan 10 - 06:21 PM If there's singing after the Deb C. house concert, I might give it a run through, hmmm? m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: GUEST,julia l Date: 23 Jan 10 - 11:39 PM Hello Maeve- so glad to see these posts and know the healing is beginning. I have a number of source tapes which I think may be copies of those you had. Some of them came from Muff. You are welcome to look over my collection and make copies of anything I have, printed or audio. I also have way too much quilt fabric,etc. which I am happy to share. I will be away until March 1, but perhaps we could get together in the spring (it is coming you know... Brigid's Day next week!) best- Julia (castlebay@castlebay.net) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: My guru always said Date: 24 Jan 10 - 06:31 AM So good to hear that you're singing Maeve, wish I could be at Deb's house concert to hear you again. Still got the song you emailed me, but I guess others have that too. I could do with some exercise, walking alongside you across the pond. {{{{Maeve & TL}}}} |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 24 Jan 10 - 10:55 AM I too want to hear Maeve singing! ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 24 Jan 10 - 11:18 AM If Jacqui, our computer genius in residence, were going to be here Saturday, she could set up SKYPE and everyone could hear Maeve singing. She has to go to the GRAMMIES though. Another time... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 24 Jan 10 - 01:17 PM Well, if anyone else who is going has a laptop it isn't difficult to set up Skype and it is free. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: VirginiaTam Date: 24 Jan 10 - 02:04 PM I just ten minutes ago, Skyped with my daughter for the first time. So good to hear her voice and see her face. Thing is needs a good mic for sound to work well. So definitely doable. And I would love to horn in on house concerts on State side. Just to listen. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 24 Jan 10 - 02:09 PM Hmmmm... must check out this Skype thing. I thought you had to pay for it??? |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 24 Jan 10 - 10:29 PM Only for the phone connection. PC to PC is free. Kendall and I use it when I'm in the UK. It's not always totally reliable, for some reason it sometimes doesn't connect and we have had it cut out a couple of times, but it is good when it's working. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 25 Jan 10 - 08:21 AM Do you have wifi, SINS? I'll try to remember to bring my laptop. We has Skype! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: My guru always said Date: 25 Jan 10 - 08:24 AM You need a webcam for skype?? We've just set up free calls to the USA which will be starting soon (I'll need to be able to tell the time properly at that point), but it'd be lovely to see people too! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: John MacKenzie Date: 25 Jan 10 - 10:33 AM Webcam works with Skype, Hils |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 25 Jan 10 - 12:18 PM Skype can be used just to speak to another person but there is also a video facility, if you have a webcam set up. A lot of laptops nowadays have this and, if not, they are fairly cheap to buy and easy to set up. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: My guru always said Date: 25 Jan 10 - 01:18 PM Thanks! And can you skype people that don't skype? Sorry for drift Maeve, still walking along with you! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 25 Jan 10 - 01:23 PM No WiFi; no phone connection. I really had to cut back on luxuries last year. No cable TV - buit I never watched it anyway. But I do have electricity and central heating. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 25 Jan 10 - 01:24 PM Hi Maeve. How are you today? Didn't mean to usurp your thread. SINS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 25 Jan 10 - 03:09 PM Well Mary...I figured you were just drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds. We're doing ok, thanks. TL has returned to work and I'm working on the inventory and reclaiming various pieces of our lives. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 25 Jan 10 - 06:06 PM Good to hear things are moving forward, m. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 27 Jan 10 - 08:49 PM Thanks, gnu. I met Truelove down at our home site this afternoon. We spent three hours picking odds and ends out of the top layer of ruin; thawed a bit after the torrential rain over the last couple of days. He found a few singed, damp letters written to me by my mother and father and other family members! We also pulled out a few kitchen tools, bits and pieces of fabric, whole and broken special ceramic tiles, a few articles of clothing, several pieces of lace...the strangest things survived. I felt ill after all the digging through ruin, but even so, it was good working together as we are accustomed to do. Goodnight, maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 27 Jan 10 - 10:20 PM Maeve, I wish you both many more times like that. Each item you find will be a piece of your heart reclaimed, together. But also, I look forward to your sharing with us (if you wish to do so), the new memories as you make them, together, from the new start that also is happening. For life does go on, and what you do each day becomes the treasured memory you will prize. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 28 Jan 10 - 02:55 AM Several months back one of the wooden buildings in a community centre burnt to the ground. A week after the fire when (all) the rubble had been removed I found a ribbon among the little bits of broken glass & metal. I'm looking at it now - it's a bit grubby, but unburnt. sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: My guru always said Date: 28 Jan 10 - 03:45 AM So good to hear that you're finding your treasures Maeve, each item must feel so special. Positive thoughts! x |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 01 Feb 10 - 11:02 AM Friends have been sending us music in the form of cds. If you are one, thank you. I'll never be able to say what it has meant. I'm listening to music as much as I can bear to do so. Eventually the tears can come; until then I'm keeping the song-holding parts of my brain awake and available. Some well-loved, familiar voices are especially dear after so many years of listening and singing...Archie Fisher, the Fisher Family, Cindy Kallet, Lizzie Higgins, Gordon Bok...Others are of more recent acquaintance but no less welcome. TL isn't ready for music yet. His loss is a different and deep-running pain. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 01 Feb 10 - 02:50 PM m... TL must be truely and deeply saddened to have lost his collection of old vinyl. Indeed. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 01 Feb 10 - 04:26 PM Yes, gnu. He is that. I took in our Windstar van for an inspection sticker today. No joy; looks like we need a car now, too. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 01 Feb 10 - 08:56 PM You know...Some days it's easy to just quit. I'm about there. Tomorrow's another day. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Janie Date: 01 Feb 10 - 08:57 PM Now that the 'cat is out of bag, maeve, I'll be shipping more off to you soon, compliments of assorted good folks here. Stragglers keep appearing in my mailbox, luring me to wait "just one more day." |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 01 Feb 10 - 09:49 PM Thank you, Janie and assorted good folks of Mudcat. Every one is most gratefully received. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 01 Feb 10 - 10:52 PM Maeve, I KNOW you will never quit. It's OK to let down long enough to FEEL like you might, and we'll all hold the reality for ya, in our hearts, while you coast down.... and back UP again. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 02 Feb 10 - 07:52 AM <<<< HUGS >>>> and, for perhaps a little ray of sunshine, here's another <<< HUG >>> from your friend and mine, Debbie Potter! She's on my morris team and we had an "aha" moment last night. She sends her dearest love. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 02 Feb 10 - 02:51 PM Hi Dear I have a mitten knitting book to send to you in the next couple of days - Kendall forgot to take it with him on Saturday! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 03 Feb 10 - 10:04 AM My Windstar died a few months back too, Maeve. I was able to get a bit for it on trade in. Fiddle dee dee Scarlett. Think about it tomorrow. SINS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: LilyFestre Date: 03 Feb 10 - 10:59 AM (((((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))) Just because you're so sweet and I'm thinking of you this morning. Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 03 Feb 10 - 02:45 PM Blessings: We just had a lovely visit from friends (Kendall and Jacqui know them both) who brought piles of beautiful art supplies for my delight. We were given a printer and I've been printing the reclaimed photos a few at a time. We have a vacuum cleaner gift from a stranger so I'm no longer sweeping the carpet. Three friends are conspiring to get me to an Archie Fisher concert. I made my first post-fire jewelry- a necklace of periwinkle seed beads and drilled amber chips with a teardrop of sterling silver that survived the fire. Truelove and I celebrated the 13th anniversary of our engagement yesterday. The highly respected photographer who made or wedding portraits sent us copies and the negatives. More music cds arrived from Scotland. We own an English banjo, a case full of whistles that traveled to us from New Hampshire, and a playable guitar. Thank you for hugs, hellos, mitten making manual, and merriment. There may indeed be parts of our former lives and current challenges that I will quit if it is the healthy thing to do. My husband and I are choosing our course through this experience through the grace of God rather than by human guidelines. We're grateful for the many here and at home who take time to encourage, walk along, and listen. Laughter is good too. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 03 Feb 10 - 02:59 PM For my Truelove: Roses and Amber* I wished for roses from my dearie, A gift to show your love is true, An amber ring to say you love me. You only kissed me tenderly. The night is cold and I am weary I watch you dream the long night through. I lie awake and sleep escapes me And so I listen to you breathe. And as you sleep I say, "I love you" There is no star I'd place above you. When you awake I'll work beside you. You are my darling dear, goodnight. The years have bloomed for us more sweetly Than all the fragrant roses do. Your tender kiss suits me completely You hold me close to comfort me. Your callused hands grow flowers and berries, Ripe apples, pears and peaches too. You gather up the garden bounty: All that you have you give to me. And as you sleep I say, "I love you" There is no star I'd place above you. When you awake I'll work beside you. You are my darling dear, goodnight. A steadfast heart is what you give me, Upon my hand a wedding ring. The songs I have your courage brings me I need no jewels from the sea. What price the light that only joy sees; The loving trust that gives me wings? You are my true love here beside me. I hold your hand and fall asleep. And as we sleep I say, "I love you" There is no star I'd place above you. When we awake I'll work beside you. You are my darling dear. Goodnight. maeve in Maine Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved *First posted on Mudcat by Kendall hereand here in September of 2009. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 03 Feb 10 - 03:09 PM Sniff.... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 03 Feb 10 - 07:22 PM I hope nobody minds if I post another song written for my husband. It's another one that would have been lost except that I had found the courage to send it to a few trusted friends for review. I post it here as a thank you to those offering many kinds of support to us. ******************************************************** Ice Storm Tune and lyrics copyright 2009 maeve in Maine The rain was falling down in sheets of silver as the cold descended. Ice had glazed your old, blue truck, felling trees and downing lines. We filled the kettles full. We stoked up all the fires, The lights went out and there we sat; contented. In crystal-studded morning, we slid down the icy hill. The air was Hushed, except our footsteps and the chanting of the chickadees. We carried buckets to the stream still flowing in the violet shadows; Joy was in your eyes. How I loved you! chorus: Well water, sweet and clean, is out of reach today. Power lines along the road are heavy; all strung with pearls. Stack up more firewood, then set the bread to rise, In time our hearts will make us wise. I reached to take each bucket from your hands; then lifting, carried each one Back from stream to frozen hill. You filled my buckets nigh as full As yours were, knowing I am strong, yet when I paused to catch my breath You stopped, and walked along beside me. My joy is not the glory of the sky like blueberries in hot July, Nor the weeping diamond lace of apple trees that sparkle It is the sweet, unconscious grace, as bodies move together, Lifting, pouring, living water Our work together is our answer to the ice and stormy weather. Sky grows bright as we keep pace. We give a prayer of thanks. I take your hand, you pull me onward. Ravens, laughing by the garden gate, Surely know the joy of living. Some morning when your work's complete you'll let go of my hand. I know I'll go and fetch the water, stoke the fire, set the bread to rise. For I am strong, and you'll be waiting for me. Some bright day, we'll go again; we'll fetch the water. Some morning when your work's complete - you'll let go of my hand. - I'll fetch the water. ****************************** The fire nearly ended everything. We are thankful to be here. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 03 Feb 10 - 07:31 PM You are a beautiful woman, you know that? |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 03 Feb 10 - 07:33 PM I agree with Allison. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 03 Feb 10 - 07:39 PM Indeed agreed. Salt of the earth. Period. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 03 Feb 10 - 07:45 PM ...woman who makes people weep gladsome tears. I know your ice pearls. Some years, driving south to diocesan events, they perch on top of the long, brown roadside grass, and then when the rising sun catches them, they become a river of Hope Diamonds. It's safer to look when yer the passenger, but when yer alone you can't NOT look.... and look and look. THOSE make me cry too, come to think of it. I would freeze TrueLove's tears (and yours of course mingled) on the remains of the incinerated life left behind till you rebuild, and THOSE would be the REAL Hope Diamonds. I know your water-fetching too. Here it's done from a spring. I'll find the link to the writing of it, it's here somewhere... and I'll think of YOU next time I go fetch icy winterwater. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 03 Feb 10 - 07:53 PM You are so beautiful, maeve and I am gratefull you have shared AND that the fire was NOT the end. Much love to you and TL. kat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 03 Feb 10 - 07:53 PM The Spring story is buried beyond the search function's ability to Find, for now, so this is an old version-- it has since been edited quite a bit but it's on a hard drive not near to hand. === (From a letter to a friend) Pennsyltucky tried to be cold and gray today but I took my warm heart off into it, to do what my "lost" message tried to tell you about. I'll try to capture it, I was thinking so much about you while planning and doing it. It was wrote so gude, too! No-- I'm going to save it for a poem. In it there will be sweet-bitter farmer men who milk a living out of hardscrabble hills, and who haunt the spring in Cherry Flats when the water in the well runs low. There they meet their neighbors, known and unknown, and judge your worth by the practicality of the waterjugs you bring. You are counted a neighbor if you help them with their water filling, or let them help you, appropriately, according to yer ability. You may be a just-discovered cousin, if you say "Yep" for "You're Welcome" when they thank you kindly for helping them, and if you just smile a man-loving smile when they help you. And you're family, if you carry water down to your neighbor when he's too busy or sick to go himself, and you don't ask first-- you leave your help on the step and go away without knocking. (Eggs and produce appear this way also. No one likes to cause a thank you note to be owed for basic life support.) They love deeply and long, wordlessly, in actions humbly done. They anger slowly but violently. They forgive with difficulty, but with true commitment when they do. Ah, never mind the poem, what I wrote before is coming back. I am drinking the water now... The water is still ice cold, hours later. If I'd had the good jugs in the car, the big insulated ones, it'd be cold for days. *G* It was the lovely setting of the spring, a pipe jutting out of a rise in the ground alongside the hill road just up a bit from Zimmer's century farm. (Century Farms earn a special landmark sign under the front-yard tree, for farms farmed by the same family for a century. Some of the signs are, themselves, very old.) The present Zimmer is at least 6th generation, and the 5th generation Zimmer was well-loved so extravagantly that the neighbors erected the improved outflow pipe and stone housing in his name. He must have been a giant in his time, for no one here takes being honored by name in public on plaques unless they're dead, if they can help it, and they made his plaque awful big. Now the present Zimmer ekes out a hard living. He's an honorable, do-anything-for-ya plumber by day and night, and a Christmas tree farmer by season. Last season was tough; WalMart went for the shipped-in "tree bundles" devoid of all moisture. He had nowhere public to set up his beautiful fresh trees and visit with everyone till they paid and loaded up. Now if you need a plumber, when you call Zimmer, you get Zimmer, any hour. I don't recall a Missis ever answering the phone-- I hope he has one. Once again I see a flatlander still looking back from the mirror-- never occurred to me to ask after a Missis. You have lived in Tioga County long enough when you can pull away from the free-running water without kidding your car-mate, "Didja turn it off?" (And your car-mate has lived here long enough when, if you ask that, they don't at least start to turn around to look!) The outflow pipe is about hip height on me, and it has a gorgeously green and always-sparkling beard of moss growing in and out of the pipe. I don't understand how it clings to the shiny metal, but although weather prunes it, it's always there, so pretty you want to stroke and squash the fullness and rough softness of it, but I guess no one ever does, it'd wear away. Until May, the ground is still half froze. When you step on the hard-packed gravel, on the shoulder and where the perpetually repaired, crumbling old tarmac is partly washed away by the year's runoff, it gives gently before holding firm where it's still friz. Summertimes you wait for the hottest, humidest, buggiest day to go fetch your 5 or 50 or 500 gallons of water, so you can enjoy getting your feet wet in ice cold water and take your numb cool toes back to your hot fly-ridden house. In the winter, you learn quick to fetch your fill on a clear windless day, to get as much sun and as little wind on your wettened fingers as possible, and you hope there isn't so much ice you slide down and into the pooled runoff. It takes at least two brave souls in winter, one to fill and the other to stow. You run the heater full blast while taking turns filling, so it will toast you when you dive in shivering. Much of the water table is contaminated here. For some, like our family, the romance of the spring is not lost in the necessity of going. For, though go we must, we can after all take our best tunes to blast from the hilltop while we work, in our turns. There is much lusty singalong-ing up at the spring; no one is EVER too embarrassed there. During the years my stepson prayed for our death on a nightly basis, and my son languished in his room withdrawn from us all, a trip to the spring involved everyone and a good time could always be had on that special occasion. The best was when we blasted Mary Chapin Carpenter "He Thinks He'll Keep Her" with its fantastic ndow-dow-dow-dowww guitar, and we all joined in on that riff like the fools we were. No one too cool that day. Fall fetching is the best. It's in the fall you buy more containers, or clean out the milk jugs (one more time) that have been too dusty to bother with in summer. In the fall, you want as much water as possible. It's pretty to go, and winter is coming-- you want to get ahead and pack as much as you can down cellar against the days the pipes may freeze or the pump go down in an ice storm. And you THINK if you stock up, you'll have fewer trips. But the containers are on sale as camping season ends, so everyone sports new plastic in bright colors. Fall at the spring . . . . No need to describe it; unless you're an idiot, everyone can picture fall, can't they? Except you probably don't have the tiny orange-gold blossoms whose silver leaves can reputedly heal scrapes and hurts. I loved them for years not knowing their name or their healing property, until a parishioner I adore (she helped Search us here) went to pick one for a bumped grandson's forehead at a parish picnic. At last someone could tell me its name. Now I think it was Silverleaf, but don't quote me. I traded caring about the name for the memory of the kids, the picnic, and the rhythm instruments I'd brought. We are not of this place, but we are such as can love this place and its hardscrabble, gallant, abusive, inbred, sometimes courtly people-- quite thoroughly. I love them as outrageously, in my own way, as I do you, and they giggle and blush most becomingly. At night, when the stars are out (but too dim by our house because of the big bright farmyard light), sometimes, I go up to the spring. No one else in my family quite appreciates it, at night, so I have learned to go alone. I would take you. We would take empty water bottles and a loaded .357, because you never waste a trip to the spring, and you never go somewhere lonely here in the dark without making preparations for your share of the possible drunken confrontations that are common here. (I'm a safe and sure shot.) We would also take a soft mat to lay on the stone pipe housing. We would sit beside each other, with the water gurgling out between us and running away down the hill. (Making us have to pee in the woods, I completely embarrassed and laughing way too loud for such a quiet place!) We would talk some and most probably snuggle a bit in a friendly and chaste fashion, and you would find out how soft my lips are when I kiss your cheek, and you would hear how loud I really can laugh in the echoing woods. We would talk about the things we like to talk about, and have long quiet moments to really hear each other's voices before firing back answers long saved up to be shared. The stars would remind us how small and how grand we are, and the words we would use would respect that juxtaposition. The closest to open disagreement would be the occasional affectionate word of exasperation, expressed only to restore concord. Then of course word would get out, due to our loud laughter penetrating even the closed pickup truck cabs dopplering C&W all over the peace and quiet. I'd be scandalised, you'd be appointed town guru, and the fun would be over. But I'd never forget it. I'll always think about you when I go to the spring again. (C) Susan O. Hinton, 2000 and 2001 |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Janie Date: 03 Feb 10 - 09:29 PM Thank you, Maeve. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 04 Feb 10 - 08:10 AM I liked your story, Susan. Thanks. Y'all are making me blush. Thank you. Listening to Kendall Morse, Kieron Means, Deb Cowan, Seamus Kennedy, Janie, and Alaska Mike today. Lovely. Thank you. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Cuilionn Date: 04 Feb 10 - 08:53 AM Oh, Maeve-- I've just caught myself up on the entire aching story of your fire-loss. Typical of me-- rarely taking the time to scroll down to the BS even though it matters as much as the music, only allowing myself a snippet of "educational indulgence" in the songthreads before I hoist myself up and back to more grindstonish work. But laughter and tears and banter and talespinning are so sacred and necessary...I guess I need to teach myself to "go below the line" more regularly. Aye, hard times, to lose so many dear and precious things, and I do admire your graceful way of facing it all more than I can say. I know you've said you don't need too much--and I don't have much to offer--but I do have a fair stock of seeds from FEDCO and would be happy to share if and when you feel up to starting, coaxing, & planting. I'll PM with a rough list. (No inflatable lobsters, I promise!) An beannachd oirbh / Blessings, --Cuilionn |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 04 Feb 10 - 04:02 PM There's nothing better than Fedco seeds, Cuilionn. I'll watch for your PM- thanks. A few Mudcatters have been interested in sending an envelope of quilt fabric to for the post-fire-scraps-revival quilt I want to make. If you think that would be fun, a PM will suffice. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 04 Feb 10 - 06:43 PM Maeve? Do you need a cat? Maybe a nice calico with a curly tail???? Just a thought. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 04 Feb 10 - 06:47 PM A female only. Trust me. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 04 Feb 10 - 06:48 PM Don't you dare, Mary! Don't even think it! Ummm That's a "No, thank you" Mary dear. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 04 Feb 10 - 06:48 PM Hmmm... curly tail? |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 08 Feb 10 - 02:01 PM I always used to have a cat, Mary. It's been a long time since we were set up for pets; we certainly can't manage pets now. You made me laugh, anyway! I'm so tired, and tire so easily. It seems to be the human interactions more than physical labor that is a challenge for me. I hope that you who are doing so many thoughtful things for us will understand if I don't manage personal thank you's...though our goal is to thank each person the reality might not match the vision. Please know that we are deeply appreciative of the sensitive and creative ways you are finding to ease our road for us. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 08 Feb 10 - 02:06 PM You know, Maeve, it is much easier to part with bedding once Alice is done with it. I know from experience - multiple quilts, spreads, sheets, blankets, tablecloths...wonder why I keep the little darling around? Spring is not far away. You and TL have your work cut out for you. Concentrate on that. The thank yous, I suspect, are implied with the offerings. M |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 08 Feb 10 - 02:15 PM Thanks, Mary. When we have a bed of our own again, I'm going to BUY some nice sheets. Spring...We realized this weekend that we don't really believe that Spring will come this year. Intellectually we know it will, but we don't believe it. Usually we would have been hearing, feeling, and seeing the subtle little changes each time we went out for firewood, tending to the chickens, carrying out the compost. Bulbs would be sprouting down cellar ready for spring sales. There is a time for faith. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 08 Feb 10 - 02:16 PM Interacting with people takes a lot of energy; one wants to be attentive, listen, converse, please, opine, etc. When you have been through a huge trauma, the stress of such can be magnified. After heart surgery, I have had a very tough time with more than one or two people at a time, esp. folks I am just meeting. Family members were esp. a trial, at times. One of them still claims I am a recluse. Fine with me...it keeps them away. So, maeve, darlin' don't worry about it or about the thank yous. We know and part of giving is the self-gratification we get from giving freely, lovingly, and with no implications and no expectation of receiving anything. We pay it forward and know you do the same...that circle keeps going round and round, up and up. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: VirginiaTam Date: 08 Feb 10 - 02:54 PM Maeve re the tired and tiring easily. Pro'lly preachin' to the choir, but the stress you have been through and will continue to go through will wear you out. Please take as much as and when you need to. Now I am of a certain age, I believe all the pushing myself beyond endurance so many years, was not a very good idea. Take care of yourselves and each other. tam... still watching and wishing good things at you |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Feb 10 - 03:23 PM Maeve, what the last four posts said, including yours. Also, are you getting too much stuff in the mail for now? (It sounds like maybe you are?) No one here wants anything other than healing/progress for you, guided by your own, excellent self. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 08 Feb 10 - 03:39 PM Maeve, Don't be surprised if one or two of those basement bulbs pops up to say Hi amid the ashes. I have two tulips in a pile of junk behind my shed that persist. Every year I try to remember to rescue them but... M |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 08 Feb 10 - 03:45 PM BTW - your daisies are still brilliantly fresh while the water turns a weird shade of blueish greenish grey. Very nice. M |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 08 Feb 10 - 08:51 PM Susan- As I said earlier, I appreciate the "thoughtful and creative" actions...no complaints about mail flow. I'm just struggling with the realities of stress after a fire... as kat and Tam noted. Thanks for the mp3 player. I'm learning different uses for it. Mary- I like the notion of basement bulbs bursting forth. Unfortunately, the bulb stock was lost last spring when I broke my arm. All of the waiting bulbs were ruined by their overlong wait in the (wet spring) cellar. I had no income for buying bulbs this past autumn. Nice idea, anyway. I'm glad you're enjoying the crazy-colored dyed daisies. An entry level Yamaha guitar has been given to me by a local church for whom I used to sing, with permission to trade it in for something worth playing. Unfortunately I can only get $50 trade in value for it. So home it came again, for further thought. Patience hs sprung a leak. :) Some Mudcat friends are sending small pieces of favorite quilt fabric with which I plan to make a log cabin quilt. I'll embroider the names of the donors and add scraps of fabric that survived the fire- and an appliqued heart in the center of each block where the traditional red hearth square usually goes. Other clever angels have arranged for us to be able to buy fresh seeds and planting medium for our early spring planting. More cds are on their way, too. Such lovely people all around us! Thank you- you know who you are. Goodnight, friends. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Feb 10 - 11:24 PM I'm sorry I misunderstood, Maeve. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Liz the Squeak Date: 09 Feb 10 - 07:25 AM This quilt fabric - 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix preferred? I have been sorting (slowly) and have some pieces that you might like. Stiff upper lip old gal, come spring, you could have a fine crop of bright magenta fireweed (rosebay willowherb - if you get that in the US) to gladden your eyes. Enjoy what you can, whatever else, will pass. Thoughts and prayers still being had for you here. XX LTS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 09 Feb 10 - 07:53 AM Maeve, dear, you also know that those who can't/don't send physical things are wrapping you in light and love and strength - your strength is an inspiration! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 09 Feb 10 - 10:15 AM Just found a news update on the Farmer's Market in Portland. It opens Saturday, 2/20, 10AM - 1PM and runs through April 24. Thanks for the heads up, Maeve. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 09 Feb 10 - 01:51 PM Susan- No worries. Sinsull- Good. You'll enjoy finding fresh, happy food. Liz- If my upper lip gets any stiffer I'll use it for a snow shovel. I need tears but they're all "froze up." Fireweed, yes. We had some planted at what was the south end of the house. Lovely stuff. I'll find a way to use whatever small pieces of cloth that folks send. Cotton works best but there may also be silk, cotton/poly, and any odd scraps that remain after cutting away the charred areas. I'm thinking a regular envelope will hold donations; nothing so large that it costs serious postage. If the givers will put their names on a favorite scrap or enclosed paper I can add the names to the quilt. Allison- Yes- I know there are plenty unnamed friends who check on us and think of us without posting or mailing anything. Much appreciated, you can be sure. Thanks, all. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 09 Feb 10 - 02:13 PM I need tears but they're all "froze up." There's an inner wisdom that camps out, way deep, in a safe place. It holds the vision and the hope of all the beautiful things it always hoped life would be. It protects those things tenderly, until it deems it "safe enough" to stir. And stir it does, and will, when the time is right.... people usually see and describe the outer, visible part of this process and call it by that little word, "shock." But it's the invisible, protected underpart that matters so much more. You can absolutely trust it to know when it has the exact kind and degree of safety it needs. Until that dam breaks you just keep moving as gently as you can, dear, while other folks keep guard. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: open mike Date: 09 Feb 10 - 03:09 PM Oh, my heart is with you thru all this! I was amazed at the bulbs i found the year after the fire that took my house. Some (Canna Lilies) had been squelched by the building of a porch/deck which stifled their growth for nearly 10 years, and now they have spring forth despite all the obstacles. I hope you will be able to do the same! I have been cheered by the resiliance of Mother Nature.. keep your eyes open for the doors that will open .. as some doors may have closed. Here, the woods have yielded morel mushrooms like never before and the lupines were prolific after the fire. Do you have a sewing machine? the quilt project sounds great! I heard yesterday of a woman (on E-town radio show) who went to the ocean and meditated on a word and the word that came was Moszaic. she is writing a book about patching together our broken world..using the scraps and pieces to create a work of art and beauty. Terry Tempest Williams' new book is 'Finding Beauty In A Broken World.' & she envisions putting together the puzzle that our world has become (for some of us even more than others!) into a new thing of beauty! you can hear her interview at www.etown.org website air dates Feb 3 - Feb 9 Terry's web site: http://www.coyoteclan.com/ Here is another writer who helped me when I was in a difficult and stressful place en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pema_Chödrön here she discusses Buddhist Maitri www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s-rRMUl04I an antidote to suffering--her book "When Things Fall Apart" is very helpful. I was given a dog-eared copy which had been shared and passed around to many who were able to find some insight and assistance through her ideas. I would like to send a scrap or two for your quilt, so let me know where to send these. I would like to be involved in the piecing together of your life! blessings. Laurel |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 10 Feb 10 - 09:49 AM Laurel - What is with the strange paragraph? Haiku? Where are you in your rebuild/recover? A phoenix yet? Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 11 Feb 10 - 08:45 AM Did you get to see Archie Fisher last night, Maeve? The weather cooperated. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 11 Feb 10 - 08:52 AM Yes Sinsull- Thanks to Jacqui and Kendall I had a wonderful evening. Truelove and I hadn't seen Archie since our honeymoon. He is still making wonderful music. It was GOOD to visit with him again, and the music was comforting. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 11 Feb 10 - 09:40 AM Not to forget Kendall's tasty pot roast & vegetables- the first solid food I've been able to enjoy for days. Yummy! m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 14 Feb 10 - 09:19 AM Last night at a special friend's music party I sang. I was happy. I'm still happy. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 14 Feb 10 - 09:23 AM Then we're happy FOR you. ^^^MAEVESINGING^^^ ... and happy along with you. Hardi was asking me esp the other night how TL is doing. When he realized the "lost vinyl" angle it made him SO sad. He asked me to try to find out what genre/singers/etc. mos' pertickularly. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 14 Feb 10 - 10:03 AM Good for you, maeve! Sing on! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 14 Feb 10 - 02:35 PM And we were all happy to hear you sing out so beautifully! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 14 Feb 10 - 07:15 PM Thanks, friends. Susan and Hardi- Thank you. TL isn't wanting to replace that collection for now. If that changes, I'll post here. He's managing his needed grieving and recovery beautifully. Two days of happiness; such a gift! There will be other low fire-grief days, but none quite as low as those we have left behind. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 14 Feb 10 - 07:17 PM ...none quite as low as those we have left behind.... So true. Maeve, I have been thinking about fabric. May I send you a scrap from the dress our fire could not kill? ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Hollowfox Date: 15 Feb 10 - 06:21 PM Just so you know, the $#@!-reduction candle series is still going on my hearth. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: KathWestra Date: 16 Feb 10 - 06:45 PM Maeve sang so very beautifully on Saturday--two different songs of her own making. Beautiful poetry, beautiful music. Sung from her true heart. It just couldn't have been better. I was so grateful to be there to hear her! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 16 Feb 10 - 06:58 PM It finally seems so very simple: Q: What is folk music? A: Maeve. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 17 Feb 10 - 09:04 AM Hollowfax- Thank you. Kath- It was lovely to see, talk with, and hear you again, too. It had been ten years since I sang there. "W.y.s.i.w.y.g."- Hmmm Bumper sticker? T-shirt? LOL You're going to land me in the middle of yet another "What is" thread! Two friends each took me to an Archie Fisher concert. It mad all the difference for me to see my old friend again and hear the songs that have carried me through the years. Thank you. Have any of you used one of those portable washing machines (the roll around kind, not the countertop ones)? I was thinking if I had one here at the apartment I wouldn't be spending so much money, energy and time on laundry. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 17 Feb 10 - 09:09 AM I had one in a NY apartment and loved it. You can also get a stackable dryer that fits on top. Try freecycle. Small loads only but it will asve you trips to the laundermat. The dryer was not vented to the outdoors so I stuffed pantihose in the hose to catch lint. Keep it clean and it works well. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 17 Feb 10 - 09:22 AM Thanks, Sins. Freecycle/Craigslist/Uncle Henry will be perused forthwith! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 17 Feb 10 - 12:19 PM Place hose in pantyhose and secure with elastic band such that the pantyhose extends about 6". Easy to clean. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: VirginiaTam Date: 17 Feb 10 - 12:31 PM I saw the term folk idiom in one of the never ending what is folk threads and came up with an Uxbridge English Dictionary definition. folkidiom = unfathomable element much discussed by folk idiots Afraid that if I had that as a bumper sticker, some traddie would trash our car. and for another little bit of light entertainment All Night Laundromat Blues Still thinking about you Maeve and Truelove too. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 17 Feb 10 - 09:45 PM Thanks, VTam and gnu. m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 19 Feb 10 - 06:48 AM Two months ago at this time our house was atill smoking. Yesterday we found the photo of a special child ("My only photographs of the child who became like my own child; gone.")- one we thought was lost forever. We also found one album of slides- photos from my childhood and of Scotland, including beautiful Barra. I wish I could scan them all onto cds to have a file of photos and to print them I'll spend much of today looking for other photo albums in the same area. We saw many fused stacks of TL's records. Thank you for the support and thoughtful gifts, friends. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 19 Feb 10 - 07:59 AM Every find must seem like treasure. Still one day at a time. And when TL is ready, we will build a new collection of vinyl with you if you like. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 19 Feb 10 - 09:00 AM I wish I could scan them all onto cds to have a file of photos and to print them Maeve, is this something you'd accept help with? ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 19 Feb 10 - 09:48 AM Possibly, Susan. I don't want to send them away form us; I know that. Perhaps you'd send me a PM? Thanks. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 19 Feb 10 - 10:08 AM I've made a couple of attempts to get a good slide scanner--the one that was the "industry standard" went out of production a number of years ago, and alas, most of the used ones now on the market pass through shady eBay dealers. I was fortunate to get my money back via a third party warranty, but my next attempt will be to buy one currently in production and covered by a warranty. I'll let you know what I come up with. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 19 Feb 10 - 05:17 PM Thanks, Maggie. part of the difficulty is that I need a high resolution for the scans - most "over the counter" home scanners gizmos, as I understand it, can't do a pro job. I worked on the ruin most of the day. I did find another binder of slides. Mostly handled rubbish whether burnable or metal. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 19 Feb 10 - 05:28 PM I've got a scanner which does high res., not sure if it's high enough for your purposes...it's a Visioneer One Touch. You might send Art a PM and ask what kind he used for all of his slides. I know it did multiple slides where mine is tedious, doing one at a time. I wouldn't want to leave them anywhere nor send them out, either. Is there a professional nearby who could do them? Affordable? kat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 19 Feb 10 - 05:59 PM Art Thieme, Kat? Will do. m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 19 Feb 10 - 09:28 PM I think what Maeve is looking for is one like this, the Konica Minolta Dimage scan elite 5400 II. But they stopped making it several years ago. I'm on a discussion list of owners of this scanner, and there are others coming along that, while not as perfect, are pretty good. In other business, TGIF! It was a long week, culminating with my evaluation. It was easier than last years because I think we've all decided the print newsletters are rapidly becoming a thing of the past, and my taking on the design of several of the print projects we do do has been useful. It's much easier to design web documents and mount them, than it is to wait for the design and print process (we do the writing and photography, another department does a lot of the print documents on campus). So it went better, but I'll tell you, while those paper projects were dying a slow death my online work was growing, and it took a while for the realization to hit everyone. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 19 Feb 10 - 09:43 PM Yes, maeve, sorry I should have said.:-) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: olddude Date: 19 Feb 10 - 09:49 PM Maeve I have access to a pro scanner at one of my clients, do you need me to scan stuff for you? I certainly can and put them on a Cd if you like just email me hon you have my address Love Dan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 20 Feb 10 - 02:14 PM Still thinking about options for slide scanning. Thanks for the suggestions. I found a few more pages of slides in plastic protector pages. Most are charred beyond use. I'll try to pry the pages apart to save what I can. Truelove is still over at the homeplace, sorting out metal/burnables, and has a small fire going in the corner of the cellar hole out of the wind. Odd that we must use fire to cleanse the mess left by fire. My asthma started kicking up so I packed up today's load of charred fabric and pottery pieces and drove back here. Between the smoke and ashes on site and the smoke and filth I have to clean off of anything we salvage I'm having some trouble getting a deep breath. I do not like having the smell of ruin in the apartment, but there's no other way to clean and access the usable remains. Packets of fabric from various Mudcat friends arrived today; thank you. It's lovely to handle clean, bright new fabric. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: fat B****rd Date: 20 Feb 10 - 02:20 PM Still thinking of you, Maeve, you've always shown me thoughtfulness, so I hope to return the compliment. Best regards again from Charlie. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 20 Feb 10 - 05:58 PM Thank you kindly, Charlie. My throat and nose and lungs feel as they did the 2 days of fire. I'm cutting slides free of melted and charred plastic. Some will be thrown out but I can't tell which until they are dry enough to dust them off and evaluate. Days of sailing on the schooner Mary Day are in today's batch. Such days of freedom and beauty out in Penobscot Bay, Pulpit Harbor, and beyond. Never again will I have that pleasure. TL tries hard to find me treasures when we are working. He often succeeds- I had so many photos, slides, craft materials, etc. he finds bits of cloth, lace, wool strips for hooked rugs, pot shards, a shortbread mold. Nothing with monetary value, but he knows they mean something to me. Of course then comes the labor of cleaning each little thing. We are both tired and frustrated. I detest the stench of wet, burned things. Another day tomorrow. m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Janie Date: 20 Feb 10 - 06:30 PM And may it be a day in which your nose detects a promise of spring, and the smell of good earth, also. Saw crocuses starting to bloom in the remnants of the garden I left behind last week, as well as the leaves of daffodils, up about 6 inches. When I pick up my son on Monday, I won't be surprised if I see the flower buds of crested and reticulated iris, if I can bear to get out of the car to look. Here and there, in sheltered spots, little tufts of winter-cress are in bloom, and little patches of bloody cranesbill, chickweed, henbit, common speedwell, etc., are starting to starting to sprout up. I think of you and TL every time I see these signs of renewal, knowing the same signs are moving north, day-by-day. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 20 Feb 10 - 08:46 PM Janie- Welcome home. Come spring I can send you some of my crested iris; blue and white ones if you like. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 21 Feb 10 - 07:56 AM We have a mug on the kitchen windowsill; planted with a few miniature daffodils, it's just coming into bloom. How did that friend know we'd need and be comforted by her gift? I'm grateful for the slides we've dug out of the mess; yet like anything else I have to extract them from the debris and clean them, bringing soot and cinders into the apartment. This latest batch must be cut from the charred and melted plastic sleeves. I can't get to some in the middle without some of the tools we don't have anymore. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 21 Feb 10 - 08:24 AM thinking of you sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 21 Feb 10 - 04:35 PM Thank you, Sandra. My hardworking Truelove found one of our Rowantrees cookie jars, complete with lid. It was wrapped in bubblewrap in a plastic bag (I was going to sell it for needed cash)buried in a couple of feet of ash. He was so happy, presenting it to me! maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 21 Feb 10 - 04:40 PM Those found treasures can mean so much. I remember how Night Owl felt whenever she found another thing. It took her ages, she was in such shock. She didn't even get to her vinyls until a couple or more years because it was hard. Like you, she didn't like the smell or the reminder, so stuff was tucked away for awhile. When and if you have time, I do think some of what she posted is worth a read. Lovely cup o'daffs.:-) kat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: JennieG Date: 21 Feb 10 - 07:07 PM Daffodils are such lovely cheerful flowers - they bring sunshine to dull days, it's trite but true! Maeve, although it must be heartbreaking going through what is left, finding little things that survived like your cookie jar must bring a lift. Cheers JennieG |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 22 Feb 10 - 12:26 AM lovely Australian wildflowers to look at |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 22 Feb 10 - 11:54 AM Still here darlin'. Thinking about you. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 22 Feb 10 - 12:07 PM Me too. Been running around a bit but always thinking of you. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 22 Feb 10 - 12:29 PM Thanks, Kat, Jennie, Sandra, Mary, Jacqui...it's a low day here so your kindnesses are much appreciated. m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: My guru always said Date: 22 Feb 10 - 06:19 PM Still thinking of you and glad for your new-found treasures. Those daffodils must be a joy. Love & Hugs, Hil x |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Janie Date: 23 Feb 10 - 12:35 AM Making my goodnight rounds. Dream dreams of light and wholeness. Dream dreams of the love you share. Dream dreams of the the love that surrounds you, even in the midst of loss and pain. Nite. Sweet dreams. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 23 Feb 10 - 01:05 AM Sandra, your flowers are other-worldly. maeve, last year the first daffodils were the ones that came up over the grave of my cat Clementine, buried a few weeks earlier. Her daffodil leaves are up again now: they were poking through the snow a couple of weeks ago. The flowers may come any day. This spring I'll plant something special to remember Mowgli, because I didn't bring him home to bury. It wasn't going to make it any easier in losing him. I need to find a very nice flower or shrub to plant in his honor. Considering how he loved to eat grass, I should probably find an ornamental or native grass to put in one of the beds. I think there is an inland oats that is very pretty that we have in wild clumps in the back of the yard near the creek that I could transplant. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 23 Feb 10 - 07:24 AM Daffodils are the true sign of spring in the frozen north. Crocuses are so fragile and they last such a short time but daffodils wave bravely in the face of adversity. I love that they are available in cut form even when there are feet of snow on the ground. I'm still here too, my dear, as you know. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 23 Feb 10 - 08:26 AM First signs of spring in South Portland - the crows are grub hunting. But this time my neighbors are the victims. They dig with their beaks and fling huge clumps of lawn over their shoulders and dig in to newly appearing grubs. Two years ago they reduced my front lawn to desert. My neighbor actually came out and chased them periodically but they were more persistant than he. No green shoots yet. Sorry it's a "low' day Maeve. There will be some. We are all here for you. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 23 Feb 10 - 06:34 PM Saw crocuses poking their heads up around the church's back door today, and thought: "Wish my camera was onboard-- ought to show this to Maeve." ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: GUEST,"Chicken Lady" Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:19 AM Dear Maeve & Truelove, I came upon this thread because I was trying to Google the phrase about "throw it out today, & you'll need it tomorrow". The search keyed in on one of the comments about the beautiful thing that was done to turn burned remnants into quilts. I was in the process of tying up a few loose ends for a Toastmaster Speech contest tomorrow (today now!), but I had to read everything: your horrible trial and the beautiful friends you have helping to support you. I don't know a lot about threads, forums, and things like that - but "you & your people" seem to be cut from the same cloth as I am. [Although I have been unable to due so for a number of years, my hobby is re-enacting the War of 1812. For a couple of years I even brought live chickens with me that the kids could excitedly touch and pet - hence my nickname.] I love so many of the things that have been mentioned in this thread. My speech is actually one about Pack Ratting. So reading of your losses is almost heart stopping! Would it be alright if I continued to check in here, to see how you and Truelove progress? [With permission or not, I'm afraid I will not be able to keep you out of my prayers.] I would say "God bless you", but obviously He already has - with many dear friends, and most of all with each other. Love from a "stranger" (a friend you have not yet met), Christine |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 24 Feb 10 - 03:07 PM "Chicken Lady" Christine, welcome to Mudcat. Thanks for your concern and interest. Susan, Sins, Allison, Hil, Janie, Maggie- I appreciate your thoughtful posts. We are finding that this apartment may not last as long as promised. Looking into emergency housing paid for by insurance. Anyone have advice/recommendations? Please PM if you do. Stress levels going through the ceiling. m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 24 Feb 10 - 03:26 PM You may have already done this, Maeve - the Red Cross helps families in your situation with housing. In South Portland, just driving around the neighborhood turns up houses for rent - the owners don't want to go through a real estate agent. Just what you need - more stress. So sorry. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 24 Feb 10 - 03:34 PM Maeve, if there is electricity and water available on your property, any chance of putting a mobile home on site as temporary housing? Sorry if this is a foolish idea. Just thinking out loud. OpenMike resorted to a trailor. M |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 24 Feb 10 - 04:13 PM Red Cross- They helped enormously right after the fire by putting us up in a motel when we needed privacy and a safe place to stay. They've done their part. Trailer- Yes! That's exactly what we need to do. There are companies that handle this kind of emergency housing (and the insurance company will pay for it), along with arranging hook-ups of utilities....just wondering if anyone can tell us via PM what companies they recommend or not and why, along with any other advice based on whatever experience someone may have had with a similar situation. PMs are best if anyone suggestions. Thanks, Mary. You are right on target. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 24 Feb 10 - 07:40 PM good news sandra (sending more hugs) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 24 Feb 10 - 08:09 PM Thanks for the hugs, Sandra. No good news yet... just a need for housing. Soon, I hope, some kind of good news. m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 24 Feb 10 - 08:19 PM Are you talking mobile home or travel trailer? There is a big difference. I think there are a couple of approaches to consider. If you know you're going to finish this cleanup work in the forseeable future, but you need a place to stay while you're doing the work and while you're working on the agricultural end of things, I would consider borrowing or renting a travel trailer, as much of one as you can afford, and live like you're on a boat (they're built that way--very compact, very efficient). Don't plan to fill it with a lot of personal things, but use it as a base of operations. You do need ground rules so you don't trip over each other, but if you're outside a lot anyway, that's less of a concern. I would buy a couple of portable buildings that are sturdy enough to be locked and not broken into easily and put those on foundations in places where you think they'll live even after the new house is built. You might even want to plumb and wire one for appliances. Treat those buildings like a compound, and when the new house is finished, the trailer moves away. I'm afraid if there is a mobile home it is too easy to move slowly, fill it up with stuff, and end up living on the property in it. If you did bring a mobile home in, then you would have a place to store a lot of stuff, but as I said, it would be tempting to just keep the mobile home going for a while. I've lived in them a few times over the years as park housing and such, and they're okay, but they don't appreciate and there are a lot of health and safety issues with living in them. This said, I think you should be able to do some research on EPA information about the interior air in types of mobile homes. Also look into flammable insulation and materials. There might be rentals of various years to consider, but you want one up to code so you don't have another structure burn down on the site. Welcome to Mudcat, Chicken Lady. You'll find if you use the little Google search on the home page that there are tons of De-Clutter/Declutter threads going. We've gotten to where we do one a month and are our own small cheering section. If you're interested in music, that makes Mudcat all the better a site for you--it's the music that brought us here in the first place. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 24 Feb 10 - 08:51 PM Trailer meaning mobile home. No campers; no security. No purchases; no money. No foundations under sheds; taxes. I've lived in all of the more or less obvious options at one time or another. Sorry- I can't go into much detail here; negotiations are ongoing with the insurance company and current landlords- thus the request for PMs. We can't afford anything on our own except for moving into one of our sheds- and I refuse to do that while we have any other healthy option. Thanks. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 24 Feb 10 - 09:33 PM maeve, just sent you a PM. There's a free mobile home on craiglist - not sure how close it is to you. I sent you the link. Hope you are getting some rest. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 24 Feb 10 - 09:58 PM Thanks. We don't want to have to pay to move one on and off the property or hook up septic, water, and power; nor do we want to pay taxes on it. If we do this at all it is through the insurance company, it is furnished, and they haul it away within a year- when we want it gone. We've been living way below poverty level without any support services for years; this loss has taken our energy, money, hope, strength. What we have left is faith in our God and trust in our marriage; not a whole lot more than that. You are all wonderful to be so full of good ideas, but this is the best option that is open to us; there are companies that specialize in temporary emergency housing after fires and similar disasters. I have the names of three in the New England area. They would work directly with the insurance company. I hoped someone might have used such a company and could recommend or warn against it. Maybe no one here has actually used such a service. Fair enough. I'm tired and sad. Sorry to throw a wet blanket over shiny new ideas. Have a restful night, friends. Love, maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 24 Feb 10 - 10:12 PM Thanks for explaining further, maeve. I know it is not easy for you to share so much personal detail. That sounds like a good plan and much easier on you, as far as getting something there, etc. Your God, marriage and survival of that night are pretty important things to have intact. The rest will come as you are guided by your faith. We will be patient and keep sending lots of hugs, prayers, good thoughts and thanks givings. With all good wishes for Peace Profound, kat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 24 Feb 10 - 10:17 PM Along those lines, when we moved to Fort Worth we were in what they call "executive housing" for about 2 months while we waited for the house to close. They wanted him on the job so soon that we didn't have the leisure to find a house first. Furnished apartments, rented by the month by the company. Do you suppose you could find something similar in your area? Use those key words. As it happens, a friend in West Texas has been building a compound small building by small building, and they built a couple of small sheds that they used in conjunction with a travel trailer. Very well-built sheds, one for his ham radio gear, another for storage, but along the lines of 12 x 15 and they could set them up like individual rooms without a house holding them together. That's what the Reagan compound in California is like. ;-) SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 24 Feb 10 - 10:20 PM I guess I'm not explaining very well, Maggie. Thank you for your suggestions. No, these are not what we are needing right now. Have a great night. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 25 Feb 10 - 12:47 AM If the insurance industry uses these companies you might find personal experiences of their use on other forums or newspaper sites. good luck & a few more hugs sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 25 Feb 10 - 12:58 AM We're not talking about now, we're talking about sometime in the future when you have a table to put a decorative plate on in a house you've rebuilt. No need to lug something around until then. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 25 Feb 10 - 01:00 AM Oops--wrong thread for the plate. Are there no nearby rental units that would be covered until you are ready to move in? Is it a matter of getting the insurance to pay for what Red Cross has paid for so far, or are you needing to relocate also? SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 25 Feb 10 - 01:37 AM ...this is the best option that is open to us; there are companies that specialize in temporary emergency housing after fires and similar disasters. I have the names of three in the New England area. They would work directly with the insurance company. There are companies that handle this kind of emergency housing (and the insurance company will pay for it), along with arranging hook-ups of utilities....just wondering if anyone can tell us via PM what companies they recommend or not and why... I would suspect the insurance company wants a say and is not looking for free mobile homes, etc. (sorry about that, maeve:-) I think they mean to put it on their property while they muck out and grow their products for their farm stand. At any rate, I think maeve has it figured out and will get the ball rolling with their ins. co which can then takeover and get it done! May there be a swift and just resolution in this situation..this or something better for the highest good of all concerned. G'night, for real.:-) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 25 Feb 10 - 10:02 AM Home and shelter are elemental- may you find the way soon! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 25 Feb 10 - 10:25 AM For all that the Internet leaves things wide open for research, to understand a particular place and the ammenities and such, it's like peaking through a keyhole. Good luck in sorting it all out! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Janie Date: 25 Feb 10 - 10:48 AM maeve & TL, {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 25 Feb 10 - 05:09 PM Maeve, I read this thread (your posts anyway) daily even during my Lenten abstinence from the BS section. You and TL continue on the parish prayer list (anonymously) as well as my daily personal prayer list. About the housing situation-- I would just say, your own excellent thinking and God's abundant provision must be about to hook up. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 25 Feb 10 - 07:35 PM I hope things get sorted out Maeve - I've been thinking about you. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 26 Feb 10 - 11:22 AM Words have fled again. Thanks, all. m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 26 Feb 10 - 11:46 AM Sometimes I read here but also have no words- I'm just here, that's all. Love you! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 26 Feb 10 - 01:00 PM {{{{{{{{maeve}}}}}}}} |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: bbc Date: 26 Feb 10 - 09:37 PM Thinking of you with love! Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: JennieG Date: 27 Feb 10 - 02:50 AM Lots of good thoughts and hugs from me too - hope things are sorted for you soon. Cheers JennieG |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 27 Feb 10 - 07:02 AM Thanks, friends. The thing is; when your whole world falls apart and even secure shelter is up in the air, every additional stress has a greater impact. Our choices are limited at best. There is no cure for what ails us. Your many kindnesses are appreciated. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 27 Feb 10 - 09:31 AM I second what Jennie said sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 10 Mar 10 - 11:14 AM How's it going, Maeve? ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Ebbie Date: 10 Mar 10 - 01:21 PM I hope things have been sorted and that you two are bathed in light. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Liz the Squeak Date: 11 Mar 10 - 02:40 AM Maeve and TL, there is ALWAYS a cure - it just might not look like it at the moment... Take comfort, that even in your lowest moments, your darkest days and your most terrifying dreams someone, somewhere is thinking about you. And smiling. (((hugs))) LTS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 11 Mar 10 - 07:33 AM Always.... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 11 Mar 10 - 08:03 AM Friends: Thank you for your encouragement. Music and fabric, PMs and letters, seeds and seed gift certificates have all smoothed the way. Thank you. "What ails us" is that a hand built, two hundred year old house crafted from trees that started life up to three hundred years ago is gone. There truly is no cure for that loss. We will find treasures. We will have another home or homes. That much loved, unique house is gone forever. We are grieving the death of our home. We are allowed to do this, and it is healthy for us to to mourn as we feel the need. If it is uncomfortable for our Mudcat friends when we do so here, we are content to post only the stories that will provide encouragement and indicate progress to whomever happens to read the posts. We have held off posting for several days to allow the concern and helpful efforts to go to those here who are fighting the good fight against various illnesses. When we aren't so busy working at the fire clean-up we'll post with such happy reports as we can muster. The best we can offer for now is the new poem on the Birdwatching 2010 thread. maeve & Truelove |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 11 Mar 10 - 09:15 AM Maeve, My big concern for you was that you did not seem to be mourning. You appeared to be taking it all in stride with a philosophical acceptance. It is healthy and necessary to mourn the loss. When my family jewelry was stolen, nothing could replace my mother's, grandmothers' and great-grandmother's wedding rings. It took me years to get past it. Mourn privately or share your thoughts. Either way, you have friends to listen or simply stand by and care. And thanks for letting us focus on om, Kendall and Michelle. There is so much crap going on right now, it wears me out. By the way, I fell on my face on Fore Street, cut my nose and hand and bruised everything. I want some sympathy. Though laughed at the time. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 11 Mar 10 - 09:38 AM Maeve - I don't think that any of your Mudcat friends would be the least bit discomforted by your grieving here. It is natural so to do and is a relief, to me at least, that your are doing that. We are here to share both good times and bad and to give comfort, where we can, in the dark times. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 11 Mar 10 - 10:45 AM Exactly what Jacqui said, maeve. Please, post what you need to, happy, sad, and in-between. I was admonished a while back...we need not compare our own troubles with those of others and think that our need is less worthy. It is all relative and there are a lot of us to work on helping. The great big old Victorian house I grew up in and lived in with my first two children burnt down soon after my parents sold it. Having been gone more than twenty years when we came back here, I couldn't stand to drive by the old place..it would send me into a long crying spell...I am still mourning that wonderful old HOME. It stood on a small hill and was visible for a long way; pilots used it as a landmark when coming into the airport. You are right, there is no cure for that kind of loss. Much love and support for your way of living through this. kat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 11 Mar 10 - 10:58 AM If it is uncomfortable for our Mudcat friends when we do so here, we are content to post only the stories that will provide encouragement and indicate progress to whomever happens to read the posts. We have held off posting for several days to allow the concern and helpful efforts to go to those here who are fighting the good fight against various illnesses. It can be hard for folks to be sure what is grief-venting that needs no response-- and what is meant otherwise. (It took me a long time to learn to say, up front, what I intended/wanted in my posts, but doing that CAN help cut down the unwanted help/advice offers.) And I know for sure that just about everyone here trusts and expects you to: Take the best and leave the rest. Now, as far as not wanting to eclipse others' struggles-- that is NONSENSE. There is MORE than enough MudLove to go around. Behind the scenes, sometimes. Take LF for instance. I'm close to that one so I can say-- MOST of the support there has been offthread, via PMs between her best supporters. Quiet, personal, well-aimed, well-used. No one person's struggle is on the shoulders of only a few, tho maybe those "few" do sometimes FEEL like it is. But that is THEIR issue, and they can let go of that "I'm so burdened" approach at any time. Their issue of feeling overly-needed has NOTHING to do with what YOUR rational needs are. Your only "job" in this is to just... be... yourself. Woman, that who-you-really-are person is SO WORTHY of being supported. Those who know you really well know that in spades, but even those of us who only know you a little more narrowly also find it obvious. When we had our fire, there was not enough support in the world, despite a caring church family, biological families, coping skills we were told were extraordinary, and a few close Catter friends. And that was only a "teensy" fire-- compared to yours. TAKE THE SUPPORT. Why? Because your own future goals require that you be at your best, later (as you define it). This means that your own recovery now-- which you so excellently model and conduct-- is priceless. It's more priceless even than the house that of COURSE you must grieve. But the idea that you have to wait for space here-- nope. Just not so! Space with close-by folks, yes, maybe-- they do have a heavy load right now. But just a tad farther are the REST of us. Teach us what you need! Some of us are quick learners! :~) ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 11 Mar 10 - 11:14 AM "Great" minds think alike, cross-post, and then argue over the details. :~) Maeve, I'm doubling the number of CDs in the box you last OK'd. Some of them may SEEM like "not your type" of music. Hey, give them a try and then pass them along to the library of you don't find them useful. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 11 Mar 10 - 11:21 AM Kat, you remind me of a message I received several years ago from Mudcatter Deckman, who saw a story in the paper about my mother's house having sustained a damage in a fire. Of course it was no longer my mother's house, but it had been my childhood home, and it was a shock to see it even damaged. It was also a landmark in town, but because of an unusual roof design, not because it was near anything where people would always remark on it. We used to put lights up under the eaves each holiday season because that made it look all the more like a "gingerbread house." We had an even earlier house, in Seattle, where I loved to explore. There were spaces that were off limits to us because they weren't being used or because our parents didn't want to try to keep track of us in them. I'd love to be in that house as an adult, because I would use the green house, I would use the garden shed, I would use so much of the space that my parents never bothered with. Amazing, when you think about it, how much of what we become can be based upon the spaces where we grew up, and how we understand space can be used. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 11 Mar 10 - 11:39 AM I think I rattled my brain a bit more than I thought yesterday. Om is Tom. And I laughed while sitting on my butt on the ground. Need a laugh? Here's a silly old woman sitting on the ground on her butt with blood all over her face and hands. The local garage guy walks over (now he is considered the local crank but he and I chat every night as I leave work) looks down very concerned and says "At first I thought it was a circus act but I guess you're hurt." Everybody stopped and looked at him in disbelief. I just laughed as he helped me up. First time any of them have heard him speak and of course he comes out with a bizarre comment. I love you dearly, Maeve, and hate that the fire happened to you. Hang in there. It will get better. In some ways it is getting better. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 11 Mar 10 - 12:35 PM Gee... I missed that post about your fall, SINS. You good? |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 11 Mar 10 - 12:47 PM Fine, gnu. Just thought I'd amuse Maeve at my expense. Fine and very lucky. A little scabby too. SINS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 11 Mar 10 - 12:49 PM Mary, I also missed that remark about your fall. I'm glad someone was there to assist. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: GUEST,mg Date: 11 Mar 10 - 02:36 PM The particular house is gone, but you remember the floor plan etc. There are lots of old structures in rural Maine that can be moved,or torn down and reassembled etc. I bet a good plan, the proper old wood and a team of horses and a house-raising could put something beautiful together. Even before a house comes together, would you be interested in putting together a simple concrete block or stone (even better) wash house, with a washer and dryer, shower and bathroom facilities..and a separate room for kitchen type sink. if that were piped and heated, there are all sorts of other living arrangements that could happen..mg |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 11 Mar 10 - 03:45 PM Money makes the world go around, mg. The family is trying to avoid spending any. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: GUEST,mg Date: 11 Mar 10 - 03:50 PM True...but sometimes supplies and often friendly labor can be had for free or very low cost...if I were there I would be glad to help with sorting stones or whatever. mg |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 12 Mar 10 - 03:04 PM Thanks for the thoughts that were posted while we've been working on the fire clean-up. Your good wishes are appreciated. My reply is rather long; you may prefer to skip to the last paragraph! What I want from this thread is to have a safe place to describe our experience as we recover from the fire and the way our lives have changed. I'd like to ask a question and get a couple of answers to that question. I'd like to keep in mind the unseen folks who may read this- and with them in mind, keep it as productive as possible, even when that means expressing our sorrow. Sometimes I may post a poem, or list the birds we've seen at home. I come to Mudcat for music and friendship. We know where to find therapy or counseling if we need it. We were glad to let the focus of caring Mudcatters shift to those facing immediately worrying, painful medical issues. We've been given bountiful help and support, and we will continue to accept help; but it is good for us to step back occasionally, turning from our own worries in favor of others. We continue to work hard toward full and healthy recovery. If you can't see the grieving or the recovery it's because this is (gasp!) a virtual community whose real participants have lives you can't see unless we visit each other. Those who know me can visit or pick up the telephone. I love getting letters and PMs, so those are also good choices for more personal discussions rather than for this very Mudcat thread. My husband and I are able to build with wood and stone. We can plant, grow, graft, and harvest. We can repair what is broken, use hand and power tools, turn a ruin to a lovely oasis, and make a haven out of a fire dead home. We are learning when to ask for help, and how to accept or gently refuse help. We have no money except what we have been given for immediate survival. At the moment we are occupied with putting the house to rest, dealing with insurance negotiations, and organizing shelter for the next year. Will we rebuild? I have no idea. Sometimes the suggestions and help offered here aren't what we need, but that's fine. We know someone else will see and make use of your good ideas. Just as we hope we can help others through this thread, we hope to build some stronger sense of community in our small farming village. Perhaps as we work through the things we need to do we'll be able to receive and offer just the sort of practical help mg mentions; we hope so. For now, the snowdrops are in bloom at home, we are deeply in love with one another, and we celebrate the many kindnesses from strangers and friends. In gratitude, maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 12 Mar 10 - 04:15 PM Eloquent, thoughtful and thought provoking. Thanks, m. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 12 Mar 10 - 06:55 PM It is quite a process, isn't it? I like that idea of Mary's, though. I've seen so many houses that are little wooden gems get pushed over so people can build a new brick one on a slab. And those little old ones can be purchased for very reasonable prices, even with the moving costs. I'm thinking of Everett, Washington, where I've read several stories lately. And I've seen lovely little houses moved in places like the Fairmount neighborhood, and Arlington Heights, here in Fort Worth. I was just out working in the yard, and when I walked into the garage to look around for the gas can and pruning shears, I had that same little bubble of pleasure rise up--it is just a garage, but it is a building that I had built. I didn't use hammer and nails myself, but I planned it, paid for it, and have enjoyed using it exactly the way I planned. Even the most modest structure, if it works the way you want, is a reminder that we all leave marks on our environment that we hope will stick around for a while. But if they don't, we know how to do it again. Good luck with the continued planning, maeve! SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 12 Mar 10 - 08:01 PM KUDOS MAEVE! You just achieved some kinda new level there. A Priority-Mail box (the size one sz larger than the envelope sz) is on its way, mailed by Father Cootoesniffer (ask LF) with love and our prayers from an antique post office in Corning. It may arrive Monday or Tuesday they said. It includes a recycled paper shopping bag to keep items inside from rattling around too much, and in the ep are some threads to decorate a bush for birds-nest material (all cotton). Some of the music is a pass-alonmg from LF and some is music left over from fitness and socail-change projects in full swing here. Yet to send is a CD of the church service that prays for you (discreetly) each week, and our raucous music for that service. Be warned, we sound loud and somewhat loosely wrapped. :~) === Please PM for shipping instrux if you would like to ship burnt items to me to scan into JPEGs. I did not know this till last week, but I can stand the smell of fire-burnt stuff now (9 years post-fire healing), and it would help us redeem OUR experience to help in that way-- if it would be useful to you for salvaging non-stinky memories into visual permanency. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Liz the Squeak Date: 13 Mar 10 - 02:16 AM I'm lost for words... a rare occurence! Be assured that you're still thought of and prayed for, and if my lottery numbers come up, I'm coming out to help you whether you want it or not! LTS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 13 Mar 10 - 05:57 AM Liz, that's one threat I'd like to see carried out! When you find your words, send a few along in a PM, eh? maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: LilyFestre Date: 13 Mar 10 - 12:20 PM Hey Maeve, I wish I was there to see you when you hear the loud and loosely wrapped music....sometimes it's lots of fun!! Sometimes it's even more fun to see some tightly wrapped folk's reactions!!!! Susan...you HAVE TO send her Wade in the Water!!!!! It's my all time favorite...especially when Father Cootiesniffer belts it out! Be well. Michelle |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 13 Mar 10 - 02:12 PM maeve...we've had fun this morning packing a certain box. Watch your snail mail...it's going parcel post from way out west so no telling when it will get there...all in good time, eh?*bg* It's a chilly, overcast day here. We were going to clean up the yard, but instead we are inside cleaning a bit and stuff. Hope you've got some sunshine, in more ways than one.:-) luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 13 Mar 10 - 07:52 PM Tired tonight, but we had some good help from friends today. I'll read the new posts when I am properly awake. Goodnight. m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Ebbie Date: 14 Mar 10 - 12:22 AM How's your face and the nose on it, Sins? I too am bruised. Day before yesterday I was at the beach with the three dogs (I'm housesitting) throwing balls and keeping the dogs busy. It was an extra low tide, freshly out, and striding to retrieve an errant ball my left foot hit solidly on a small post (this beach was the scene of gold mining and transport a hundred years ago) and I went sprawling. It must have been spectacular. I landed on my right shoulder, my cheekbone plowing through the wet but packed sand. I remember my hindquarters rising in the air and then landing with a great thud. The only pain I felt was when my ribs compressed- that hurt on both sides. Well, I took stock and realizing that nothing was broken I sat up with my legs sticking out straight in front of me A young couple came running, their faces still registering the mirth they had been engaging in. I think they were shocked though at my evident advanced age. Sine my family grays late, from a distance people can't tell. Anyway, they were very nice and concerned. I told them that at the moment I am very comfortable just sitting there but that I am fine. After a bit I returned to playing ball with the dogs for bit- with wet rear. Today my ribs still require frequent aspirin but they are definitely on the mend. Stay upright, Maeve. :) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 14 Mar 10 - 01:19 AM virtual hug to you, Ebbie. sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Ebbie Date: 14 Mar 10 - 01:43 AM Gently, gently... :) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 14 Mar 10 - 07:21 AM it was a very gentle hug - a mere shadow of a hug! (if I knew how to do HTML stuff it would have been in tiny font to emphasise it's tinyness!) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 14 Mar 10 - 07:46 AM Group hug, a gentle one! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: jacqui.c Date: 14 Mar 10 - 08:18 AM More gentle hugs from Maine Ebbie. More robust hugs to my lovely Maeve and Truelove. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: olddude Date: 14 Mar 10 - 11:14 AM In my thoughts and in my heart Maeve, Truelove, and Ebbie and Ebbie go to the docs to make sure hon your ribs are ok Dan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 14 Mar 10 - 11:15 AM I don't know why my friends think they need to fall down to get my attention. Mary and Ebbie, STOP IT! Should I now confess that in February, one day short of my broken arm anniversary, I also fell on ice? No, I think I'll keep that quiet. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 14 Mar 10 - 11:40 AM THAT'S IT! Good things come in threes. Three of us have gone sprawling in less than graceful poses. Enough! Ebbie, make sure your ribs are not cracked. If they continue to hurt get them checked - LOL just passing on advice from the multiple PMs I am getting. Thank goodness I wasn't there. I cannot help myself when someone falls down I laugh - even me. Were the dogs at all concerned? I have visions of Seamus rummaging through my purse for treats as I lay on the ground. On the bright side - I mentioned the cranky guy who sits in a little shed in the parking lot, the one who ran over to help me. The next day I knocked on his door and thanked him for the helping hand. He was so touched. He kept thanking me for thanking him. He seems to be one of those people who spends his time arguing over everything. Now he waves happily to me everyday as I leave work. Maeve, Please be careful.No more drama. Boring is good sometimes - just follow one day after another. Stay in one piece. I feel good things coming for you this spring. Not sure what but you will be pleased. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 14 Mar 10 - 12:43 PM Why stop at three? I took a nasty slide on slippery grass last week and soaked up quite a bit of cold, wet mud till Hardi came to help me up and off the knee that bore the brunt of it. (But we took off for an evening of scootering fun anyway.) ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Herga Kitty Date: 14 Mar 10 - 06:40 PM Just hope you like the CD Jacqui passed on from us... if not,just give it back to her because I promised her a replacement! All best wishes Kitty |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Ebbie Date: 14 Mar 10 - 06:46 PM Maeve, just think: Had you told us of your own sprawl you would have healed much faster. And, Susan, the same is true for you. We already know all about Mudcat Mojo. Last night was my worst night. I woke up at 4:00 trying to figure out how to roll over to my other side in bed. Finally realized that without aspirin I wasn't going to feel any better, even if I got rolled over. All I had to do then was figure out how to get out of bed without waking my hosts (They got back from Italy last night and I'd been housesitting during these three weeks) with my groans. Finally got downstairs and into a big chair were I napped until everybody got up. I know that as pain goes, mine is small potatoes - but it still ain't nice. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 14 Mar 10 - 06:58 PM Big hugs to all of you. Sigh. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: ranger1 Date: 14 Mar 10 - 07:12 PM Yeah, well, you all should have seen me tap dancing on the ice-covered bridge before I went down. With witnesses, wouldn't you know? I told them that I was doing a visual example showing that the bridge was slippery, in order to warn others. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: gnu Date: 14 Mar 10 - 07:18 PM r1... duty first! You are a trooper! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 14 Mar 10 - 08:43 PM No ice here, but I spent a careful afternoon cutting up and boxing and bagging a very large and rather ugly prickly pear cactus. I have three varieties out front, and this one was taking over the other two, which I like better. So with various implements of destruction from both the garden and the kitchen (tongs to move these things around) I was very careful NOT to go sprawling on the job. I didn't want to have to come over here later and explain why I was a pincushion. Perhaps the tide is turning. I got through the task with only a couple of finger pricks. It'll be a hale and hearty spring from here out! I'm shaping the garden, and finding the volunteers out there in fine form. I suspect that the garden is going to tug at maeve pretty hard soon, if it hasn't already. Even after a fire, things grow. Sometimes they grow more. SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 16 Mar 10 - 04:31 PM We cleaned up along half of the front foundation line today; bagging trash, burned clothes, and paper. TL hauled away lots of bricks from the three chimneys. We'll use them to help fill in the foundation hole once we've cleaned it out. I need to call to rent a dumpster for the things we won't be burning during the clean up. Herga Kitty- I love ALL of the music we've been sent. I can only listen to a little each day; right now most music is painful for TL. Thanks to you and thanks to everyone who took part in the cd collection project. Gratitude is too small a word for the way it makes me feel to have beautiful music again. Even though I can't make much music right now myself, I need to hear it and can do so, thanks to many thoughtful music makers here. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 17 Mar 10 - 11:29 PM The dumpster arrived this afternoon. Soon we'll have the blowing trash contained, and we can say goodbye to thousands of ruined books, cassettes, cds, and every manner of record. TL found a few pieces of my lace and our two silver baby spoons today. The level of the debris is now lower than the previous head-high; we can see across the ruin to the top of the lilac garden. Sleep is always elusive. Goodnight. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 17 Mar 10 - 11:52 PM That's a lot of hard work in many ways. Impressive depth from the sounds of it. Is the lilac garden intact? What wonders to find, though...your baby spoons and some lace! Maybe you could have a private saying "goodbye" ceremony for all of the stuff to be hauled off? If it would help, that is. One thing I've finally learned about sleep...take it when I can get it which is when my body tells me it is ready - no sense in fighting it, otherwise. I hope you are getting enough to keep from being completely exhausted. I imagine it will be better when you are settled in on your own land, again, may that be soon. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 18 Mar 10 - 05:03 AM it's amazing how very fragile stuff can survive, I was reading an article yesterday about an ancient textile, either 5000BC or 5000 years old. We have 17th century lace from a shipwreck in one of our museums. sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 18 Mar 10 - 08:01 AM I have nothing to add but my virtual hugs. I'm here, always, my dear. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 18 Mar 10 - 08:21 AM Daffodils just starting to open. Any signs of spring around you, Maeve? This weekend is supposed to be in the 60s. Warm and dry and clear. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: My guru always said Date: 18 Mar 10 - 08:35 AM Have been thinking of you, glad to hear of your new finds! Love & Hugs, Hil |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 18 Mar 10 - 11:45 AM In case you missed it upthread, Maeve, I can scan anything stinky/ruined you want to save as a virtual, visual memory. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: bhb Date: 18 Mar 10 - 12:08 PM Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve - PM Date: 19 Feb 10 - 09:48 AM Possibly, Susan. I don't want to send them away from us; I know that. Perhaps you'd send me a PM? Thanks. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 18 Mar 10 - 12:40 PM Thanks, bhb. Nice to see your "name" here. Thanks for stopping by to read our fire thread. I hope you are well. Susan, I do so appreciate your willingness to handle and scan our scorched paperwork. For now we need to clean, dry, and bag it and file all such things away for another day. We need some papers in case of an insurance question, and frankly we don't want to be sending anything away at this time. It means a lot that you and Hardi would offer. Hil, Allison, Sandra, Kat, Sins, Maggie, gnu, mg, Dan, Ebbie( You ok?),Jacqui, Liz, Herga Kitty, ranger1...and anyone else- Thanks, as always. As grumpy as I may sound from time to time, I deeply appreciate your presence here. Signs of spring- Golden Bunch crocus, single and double snowdrops, and , Johnnie-Jump-Ups (in bloom all year, even under snow!) are all in bloom and feeding masses of honeybees. Plump daffodil buds are shooting forth from the earth and will open any minute. Daylilies are showing as are lupin(e) plants. Lilacs are full of fat little buds waiting for May and June. Star Magnolia's fuzzy snowparka buds are full and waiting just a while longer to open...soon. Beets, carrots, lettuce, kale, and chard from last October's sowing are growing and soon will be ready to eat. The brilliant gold and green basket willow bed is breathtaking from the north end of the foundation, and gives a flash of beauty to offset some of the dismal pit we're working on. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Ebbie Date: 18 Mar 10 - 01:10 PM :The brilliant gold and green basket willow bed is breathtaking from the north end of the foundation, and gives a flash of beauty to offset some of the dismal pit we're working on." Maeve Lovely sentence. Grumpiness may not change anything but is perfectly understandable when it occurs. Grump away. I just think the whole incident with its attendant losses is just so sad. It is hard to fathom how when it is 'over' things will be even more beautiful, but that is generally the case, or at least is so reported. (I am OK, thanks. My upper rib still hurts a bit when I breathe- but who needs to breathe? :) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 18 Mar 10 - 01:16 PM Thanks, Ebbie. You need to breathe. We need you to breathe. Back to the home place. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 18 Mar 10 - 01:30 PM Maeve, Sweetie, I'm not offering to scan paper, tho I would. I'm offering to scan burnt fabric scraps and any other stuff you'd snap a photo of-- if it didn't smell so bad that you can't do anything more than pitch it. I'm offering to receive boxes of THAT, scan, and pitch it for you. Just as I would do for a nearby-neighbor I didn't even know. You see, I remember all the stuff WE pitched that, if I'd had a nearby neighbor offer, I'd dearly love to just SEE one more time, right about now. Just the photo. For me-- I'm so visual-- that would bring all the good memories back to the surface. And that too is part of healing-- the reclaiming of what was good that PTSD makes feel retroactively bad. I have such a box of my own, now, that I've been going through and scanning. It would be EASY to do such for you, if you have any old mailers any of your MudGifts came in. I can even send a few postage bucks from church. Please just keep it in mind. It's a small enough thing I could do. I would bet other Catters might want to do that for a neighbor as well. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: Stilly River Sage Date: 18 Mar 10 - 07:46 PM It's good to hear that the flowers are coming back. They'll help a lot with the mood and further healing. How can you be grumpy with sunshine on your face and a garden full of crocus and daffodils? SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 18 Mar 10 - 09:03 PM I see, Susan. Thank you. I have a system in place for cleaning and keeping the bits I care about, but I appreciate the offer. m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 18 Mar 10 - 09:42 PM Okiebokie. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: SINSULL Date: 26 Mar 10 - 11:56 AM Maeve, I have been thinking of you and am really disappointed we won't see you Saturday. Maybe for Martyn Wyndam-Read? Yard Sale season is upon us and I remember you said that TL's tools needed replacing. We often see really good stuff and can have Kendall vet it before we purchase. If it is of interest, get us a list. If not, no problem. Question: I have bulbs and seeds that never made it into the ground last fall. Are they any good now? Some are obviously dessicated but some seem to have life. Seeds should be OK as long as they don't get wet - right? SINS, not a gardener. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: maeve Date: 26 Mar 10 - 01:59 PM Sins- Plant 'em. See what grows, then you'll know. That's what I do. Bulbs and seeds can surprise even an experienced gardener. I'm very disappointed to miss David Jones' concert, Tami's birthday celebration, and the friends who will be gathered at your welcoming home. Life is full of surprises, but right now I don't see any likelihood of me getting to hear and meet Martyn Wyndam-Read (although I've long wanted to; same for David Jones) or any other trip away from the work at hand. *** Our housing is about to get challenging. I'm likely to be away from electricity, running water, telephone, computer, etc. for an undetermined time. I'll keep folks here posted as well as possible. Thank you all for the encouragement, music, stories, PMs, quilt fabric, and various other treasures Mudcat friends have bestowed on us. We appreciate you all. I don't know when I'll be disappearing, but soon. I don't know when things will ease up. It seems this thread has perhaps run its course, judging from the time between refreshes. I don't know if there is interest in my posting to it when I can. I've opened a special email account for those who want to be in touch but don't have my private contact information; Mudcatters are welcome to use it for that purpose. Send me a PM if you'd like to have it. I'll try to post here prior to our disappearance from internet and telephone access. Love and gratitude, maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: VirginiaTam Date: 26 Mar 10 - 02:12 PM still peeking in here, gleaning for news and depositing positive thoughts. best wishes to you both in this next stage. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: wysiwyg Date: 26 Mar 10 - 08:08 PM I don't know if there is interest in my posting to it when I can. If YOU are interested in us posting the odd good wishes from time time during your "absence," so they pile up for you to see as you are able-- perhaps that would be a better use for this thread for a bit. We can trust that you are moving forward (you always are), and calling upon us as needed, even if we do not hear from you in this thread, and just add prayerful/loving thoughts here, eh? ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: katlaughing Date: 26 Mar 10 - 10:43 PM Yes, of course there is interest in your posting whenever you feel like it and are able, maevedarlin'! One thing I've learned about Mudcat threads is they don't die.*bg* May your circumstances improve, daily and bring you back home, literally, and to Mudcat. You WILL be missed and we will continue sending support, thanks-givings, etc. with no strings attached...don't worry about responding to any and/or all! luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: My guru always said Date: 27 Mar 10 - 03:12 AM Our positive thoughts will be winging their way to you Maeve, whether you're able to see them here or not, wherever you are. Wishing you joy with your hard work, no accidents please! Love & Hugs, Hil x |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 27 Mar 10 - 07:01 AM Thinking of you, on or off the 'Cat... |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: gnu Date: 27 Mar 10 - 11:09 AM Well, I hope you didn't sleep at the farm last night. -13C, -23WC here this AM. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 27 Mar 10 - 11:32 AM continuing to wish you all the best & sending hugs sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 29 Mar 10 - 09:44 AM Maeve - hope you can still see this. Jacqui and I are planning to be in Damarisotta on Friday for Martyn W. Read's concert. Save the date. We are hoping you and TL can join us. SINS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: wysiwyg Date: 29 Mar 10 - 09:58 AM Dear Maeve, Love, Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Dan Schatz Date: 29 Mar 10 - 02:58 PM Hi Maeve, I just sent an e-mail - hope you get it. We're always thinking of you. Warmly, Dan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 30 Mar 10 - 08:02 AM Caught it, Dan. Thanks. We're doing fine, and seem to be making some progress with housing. We found the remains of my fiddle; very sad. When I can, I'm thinking we'll make a blog or such-like so those who wish to can see some of the photos we're making of the fire remains and the moments of sad and happy discoveries. I've started packing- funny to already have so many things to pack! Thanks, all. Remember; Mudcatters who want email contact are welcome to PM for an address. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: wysiwyg Date: 03 Apr 10 - 11:05 AM Resurrection takes so many forms. (((Maeve))) ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 03 Apr 10 - 11:46 PM You are amazing, darlin'...thanks for the visit...smilin' still.:-) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 04 Apr 10 - 12:47 PM Happy Easter, Maeve and TrueLove. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 04 Apr 10 - 06:42 PM Thinking of you all the time, my dears. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 06 Apr 10 - 10:19 AM wishing you all the best sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 06 Apr 10 - 11:20 AM Thank you all, kind ones. Working on housing and had some success with the insurance people...can't wait to get home. I'm tired to the core today; brain doesn't work too well as a result. I owe some PM replies. Be patient and you might get a lucid answer. New treasures: We found some of my early garden & bird notes (for book writing), a beautiful crocheted afghan from TL's mum, and a mostly untouched quilt made by TL's grandmother. We hadn't realized she had signed it until examining the burned places. My hand-stitched soft sculpture Lion banner (used as a backdrop forTony Bird concerts 10-20 years ago) has shown up. It's still in the ash but mostly intact.We also found several pieces of African iron money (ours are from Liberia) my dad gave me. Look here for photos. about 1/3 down the page. I've found lots of my spinning fibers (various kinds of wool, cashmere, silk, etc.) and have washed any that weren't burned too badly. I am amazed by what can be found and successfully cleaned! A dear friend has given me her own drop spindle so I have my best sleep aid now. We also found some of my best loved books of poetry: the "Mentor Book of Irish Poetry" (1964), "Poems of the Scottish Hills" (1982), and a nice fat book of Masefield poems. I'm drying them out despite their pitiful condition because I love them. TL was happy to find several of his best beloved books as well. Here's my idea of a near-perfect house:http://www.tenchford.com/_images/HobbitHouseInside.jpg maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Stilly River Sage Date: 06 Apr 10 - 12:03 PM What an agonizing process. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 06 Apr 10 - 12:20 PM I see a lot of positive energy in that post that has been sadly missed recently. Phoenix arising from the ashes? All good news, Maeve. Now rest a while. Paperwork pushers are torture to be around. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 06 Apr 10 - 12:21 PM Some of it is hellish, Maggie, you're correct. Most times I can laugh or rejoice with my Truelove. So far, the fiddle was the worst for me personally, but even that pain was relieved by the awareness that either one of us- or both- easily could have been there instead of my poor fiddle. Thank you for your empathy. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 06 Apr 10 - 12:25 PM We cross-posted, Mary! I dread the paperwork because it's so difficult for my brain to concentrate for long. I do need a break and some fresh air, so I'll head to the laundermat to wash the quilt. Phoenix- yes. Too bad there's already a farm by that name. We've been given some beautiful phoenix fabric panels made by Open Mike, too. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 06 Apr 10 - 12:48 PM It's wonderful you've found such special treasures. Massive effort, I know, both physically and otherwise. As to your nearly perfect house, be sure to look through the pix HERE. Some are quite fanciful and the cost if really, really low. Just searched "flying concrete" on google and there's a bunch of links. You continue to inspire...luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 06 Apr 10 - 01:40 PM I love your ideal house- except for the curves it reminds me a bit of the room I'm sitting in now (we have angles- I almost typed "angels" which is also true!). Your angels are clearly flying around and amongst you these days. I'm rejoicing with you at treasures found, and mourning your losses with you, too. Love flowing your way. Alliaon |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: jacqui.c Date: 06 Apr 10 - 02:35 PM I am so glad that you are finding such treasures. Having now seen the site myself it is difficult to believe that so much might be salvaged, but I've seen the proof in your apartment! Many thanks for giving me house room last week - it did me so much good. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: ranger1 Date: 06 Apr 10 - 02:55 PM Hmm.. all these finds are kind of like seeds from your old home that will grow to make your new home. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: gnu Date: 06 Apr 10 - 03:09 PM I had mentioned "resugo" for a name previously, I think. Same thing. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 07 Apr 10 - 07:50 AM ranger1- "like seeds from your old home that will grow to make your new home." Yes, so I've been thinking, ranger1. I wish I knew that the new home would be on the farm. Gnu- Yup, you did. We'll see what we decide regarding a new home and if we rebuild, what name the new home calls for. I like the idea of resurgo/phoenix, yet I suspect we'll need the name to reflect the place and purpose rather than to be solely a response to the fire. Another interesting housing possibility:Bill Coperthwaite's Tapered Wall wooden yurts I like the look and feel of straw bale houses, too; like adobe yet more appropriate to this climate. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 07 Apr 10 - 08:33 AM Here you go, Maeve: Fenghuang, commonly referred to as the Chinese phoenix. Firebird (Russian folklore), an equivalent of phoenix in Russian mythology. Bennu, an Egyptian correspondence to the phoenix. Angha, a Huma, Simurgh, Persian phoenixes. Adarna, a Philippine version of the phoenix. Avalerion, an Indian magic bird that drowns itself once it has laid its eggs. Turul, a mythical bird of the Magyars. Garuda, mythical bird of ancient India. Heliopolis is the city where the Phoenix hid its egg - that has a nice ring to it. Although, I prefer Firebird. A kind of "in your face" slap at the fire. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: wysiwyg Date: 11 Apr 10 - 06:24 PM (((?Maeve?))) ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 13 Apr 10 - 09:24 AM Yes? maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: wysiwyg Date: 13 Apr 10 - 09:45 AM Jes' checkin' in. Thinking of you both and continuing to pray and give thanks for you. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Cuilionn Date: 13 Apr 10 - 10:49 AM Loved the Hobbity House... Down on our wee farmlet, we've been thinking about ways to add residential space at a low cost too, though under different circumstances. Yurts and straw-bale structures are attractive options, and we've had the chance to tour a couple of each in other Maine towns. It's amazing how cozy a yurt can be in the middle of winter--but we should expect no less of something designed in Mongolia! We're leaning towards cob-- another traditional building method based on a clay slip/woodchip or straw combination which can be sourced locally and built--with the exception of the frame--by hand, in wheelbarrow-mixed batches. Cob has some advantages over straw bale, particularly a much higher resistance to insect/rodent infestation. If you have the energy or interest to explore cob building methods/designs further (and it's alright if you don't) I can point you to a few. FoxMaple building school in Brownfield, Maine teaches workshops on cob and straw-bale construction and has demonstration buildings you can tour. You can also see some possibilities by doing a websearch on "cob building." There's also a fellow here in Pownal who has built a few cob houses. He's both realistic and enthusiastic about the material's properties and capabilities. In the meantime, our prayers and blessings travel to you as you tend the gardens and sift through the ashen soil for more "house seeds." --Cuilionn |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 14 Apr 10 - 10:40 AM I have first blooms on a couple of small strawberry plants Morgan and his parents gave to me for my b-day a few weeks ago. They made me think of you and all of the green-growing you have both done and are doing, again. I've always thought the yurts look so cozy...the cob houses, too. Either one looks a good fit for you. I am sure the Green Light Luck Duck will stand proudly in either, but, of course, s/he does that anywhere!**bg** luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 14 Apr 10 - 04:57 PM How about a geodesic dome? There are kits. Hope a few shoots of green and spring colors are making your old house a bit less stark. SINS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 15 Apr 10 - 10:49 AM Busy here, doing the weary-to-death-of-it fire clean up plus paperwork, telephone calls, packing, cleaning the apartment and getting a shed ready for temporary housing. No water, no electricity, minimal comfort. Trying to get the stand ready for business. My mind and body feel the extra stress, but it's one of those times when one has to push through to the other side. Thanks for your posts, friends. m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 15 Apr 10 - 11:10 AM sending a few more hugs sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 15 Apr 10 - 06:01 PM Love.............❤ |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: JennieG Date: 15 Apr 10 - 07:09 PM Sending more good thoughts and hugs Cheers JennieG |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 16 Apr 10 - 11:12 AM Here's to a new yurt/cob house/etc. on the farm! (And, not too long in the shed.) BTW, may I put an order in for some fresh veggies/plants?:-) luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 22 Apr 10 - 12:28 PM Much stress here getting calls made, chores done, etc. Soon to be out of touch for a wee while. Thanks for all forms of good wishes and kind thoughts. Kat- Thanks for the thought, but without a license to send plants out of state, no can do. We're a long way from being in business selling plants anyway. I bitterly miss music making. So glad to have cds to listen to, and recent concerts to lift me up. Definitely feeling the stress and backlash from fire related PTSD. It's just over 4 months since the nightmare fire struck. Onward and upward, maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 22 Apr 10 - 12:37 PM Maeve, You will be home again soon. Even without water and electricity, home is a good thing. You too are on my daily prayer list. Onward and upward. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: wysiwyg Date: 22 Apr 10 - 01:06 PM You're still on our personal and parish prayer lists, maeve. Did you find the cotton threads in that last package, for birds' nesting material? ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 26 Apr 10 - 09:10 AM You are correct, Mary. We'll be home before the weekend and not in a shed! We now have a nice camper/caravan in place at the farm. We'll be home by this weekend; probably without water/elec./telephone/internet. Anyone who needs to reach me by email, go ahead. I'll tap in at a library when I can get a ride. Mudcatters can use the email I save for nice Mudcatters; PM me in the next couple of days or after that, send a PM to katlaughing. I can send you photos and updates that way. Threads for birds; yes Susan. Thanks. We are fragile at present. It will be good to be home, yet we are not sleeping and must make many important decisions this week. maeve & Truelove on the move |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 26 Apr 10 - 09:38 AM That is wonderful news, Maeve. At least you will be comfortable - a little like Little House On The Prairie without all the kids. Decisions once made are a huge burden off your shoulders. Sad that we have to make them when we are most vulnerable. Hang in there guys. Much love, Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: gnu Date: 26 Apr 10 - 10:32 AM A great step forward! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Stilly River Sage Date: 26 Apr 10 - 10:54 AM The land has great healing properties. I think, sleeping in the camper on your property and listening to the nigh noises, and getting up and heading into the yard in the morning, those are the things that will make you both whole faster than anything else. Watching everything grow and move forward. Good luck with it all, and may the yard be with you! SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: wysiwyg Date: 26 Apr 10 - 11:31 AM ...yet we are not sleeping and must make many important decisions this week... In my prayers and thanksgivings, maeve. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Leadfingers Date: 26 Apr 10 - 04:32 PM We look forward to first communications from the new abode once power and Phone line are installed ! Good Luck with the move ! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 27 Apr 10 - 08:56 PM Thank you, friends. We have many things to plan and arrange for! Our nearest neighbors are so kind...chortling with joy that we're coming home! Our landlords as well...allowing us to take a bit more time and care with getting things out of the apartment so we can plan carefully without so much stress. And friends are visiting us soon. :) maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 27 Apr 10 - 10:05 PM that sounds wonderful, maeve,,,I am so happy for you! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 28 Apr 10 - 04:04 PM Mail service restored, power pole bought, making progress. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: gnu Date: 28 Apr 10 - 04:25 PM Pole in!!! Great. I am sure the power and phone companies will step up to the plate and expedite hookup under the circumstances. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: jacqui.c Date: 28 Apr 10 - 07:08 PM Let us know if there is anything we can bring on Sunday, please. Looking forward to seeing your new nest. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 28 Apr 10 - 08:59 PM I've been off line for a week (dead modem!) so it's great to see where you are - on your own land receiving visitors! onward & upwards! love to you both from sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 28 Apr 10 - 09:13 PM "We'll be home by this weekend..." so tomorrow we'll get the hole dug and the power pole in place and hope our electrician can do his thing in time for electric connection or to be restored this week or next. Thanks, friends. I feel like my brain has been steeped in molasses. Every item on my chore list that is checked off is a major step. Jacqui- Just your good selves and insect repellent will be sufficient unless you stop at a yard sale with a great deal on a chicken run! maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 29 Apr 10 - 07:41 AM Welcome home, love- |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: VirginiaTam Date: 29 Apr 10 - 07:50 AM Still here for you Maeve and Truelove. How appropriate a new beginning on May Day weekend. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 29 Apr 10 - 07:11 PM Sixteen foot 6x6 is in, four feet deep and ready for wiring. We hope it will please our electrician who will do his thing sometime early next week...then CMP will hook the wire and buzzzzzzz we go electric! A friend came out and weeded the large veggie garden with me. She was suitably impressed by the covered veggies planted in October and February. We enjoyed the conversation, the weeding, the snow, wind, and rain. I brewed the first pot of tea in the camper/caravan. I bought one stick-on picture hook for our replacement wedding portraits and another for the beautiful hooked rug portrait of our house. After we returned to the apartment we had a long telephone call from dear old friends living near Edinburgh- what a treat. Tired...content...goodnight. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 30 Apr 10 - 01:09 AM wot a buzzzzzzz no wonder you're tired sleep well sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 30 Apr 10 - 11:14 AM Sounds like things are moving along well. I find that setting up a space for minor cooking, and in particular, making a nice cup of tea, makes it feel like I've found a comfortable niche in new circumstances. Have a good visit, all! SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 30 Apr 10 - 11:45 AM Best news in a long, long time Maeve. Home. Click your heels together three times and say "There's no place like home." Enjoy. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: wysiwyg Date: 30 Apr 10 - 02:17 PM So... are ya ready for some more music? Celebratory-type hymns for instance? ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: jacqui.c Date: 02 May 10 - 04:33 PM Mary and I are just back from a sortie into the wilds to inspect Maeve & TL's new home. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and making good use of the various feeders put out for them, the daffodils were in full bloom and the blackfly were out in droves. Mary was given a walk around the estate while I stayed away from the blackfly, in the comfort of the new nest, which is surprisingly roomy for a trailer. It has a slide out, which gives a lot more room, and Maeve & TL have obviously worked hard to make it 'home'. They have done a really good job at that - it is a lovely dwelling. They will be connected to power tomorrow and are looking at getting a phone line installed. Right now both of them look so much more comfortable, being back on site and able to do whatever is needed to the land without having to travel. It really is good to see them blossom like this. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: gnu Date: 02 May 10 - 04:48 PM Warms my heart. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Leadfingers Date: 02 May 10 - 05:28 PM Thanks for the Update Jacqui |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 02 May 10 - 06:47 PM I second that sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 02 May 10 - 07:23 PM Lovely to hear, Jacqui- thanks! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 02 May 10 - 07:31 PM The trailor really is lovely and roomy. Maeve's little touches have made it a home. The amount of pure physical work done on their property is astounding. Gardens where there used to be forest, fruit trees everywhere, and birds and bees can't keep away. And work continues on the excavation of the old house. Thank you for the welcome and the tour, my friends. I enjoyed every minute. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 02 May 10 - 07:34 PM Lovely to hear about the renewal going on. Thanks, gals! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 03 May 10 - 10:12 AM Thanks for a lovely visit and lunch, Sins and Jacqui. TL and I were pleased to have such good company in our new home-for-now. We'll look forward to another visit soon. Susan- music- Thanks, but no thank you. The birds have provided all the celebratory hymns we need. All- Many thanks for your interest and concern. It is GOOD to have a place to find refuge, on our own land. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 May 10 - 06:32 PM Thanks for the reports, Jacqui and Mary! maeve, were there any pink flamingos in evidence after they left? SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 03 May 10 - 06:50 PM They left no flamingos, tiny nuns, or singing fish; only an afghan, friendship, and laughter, and lots of bottled water! Thanks for a great visit, ladies. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 03 May 10 - 07:38 PM Everyone thinks that Maeve is such a sensible, gentle soul. Her eyes turned to flint when I suggested at the last house concert that I might re-gift her new home with some "pieces". No way I was going to cross her. LOL No nuns or flamingoes or singing dancing menageries. I kept thinking of the Twilight Zone episode where the angry little boy "wished people into the corn field" and they were never seen again. Maeve had that look. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 03 May 10 - 08:12 PM I would wish the cultch into the recycling bin, Sins...never the people. m |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 05 May 10 - 10:18 AM Ranger1 helped me take of a couple of tasks I couldn't get to last year with my broken arm. We pulled out the old poultry fencing from a discontinued chicken yard and set up a basic run for the bantams (for when they come home). Next we pulled out enough of the pernicious witch grass covering the compost pile to let me fill a utility cart with good stuff which I later used to pot up most of the plant stand bound shrubs and perennials from Fedco. Thank you for a helpful and enjoyable visit, Tami. You'll have to return so I can get a picture...we worked and chatted but I forgot to snap a photo. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Stilly River Sage Date: 05 May 10 - 10:42 AM Every year I have a new source of compost for the garden, one that I built up a couple of years before and let work on it's own. And every year it always seems like such a gift to myself to have that great material to spread around my garden. It's like a note to your future gardening self. :) SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: ranger1 Date: 05 May 10 - 12:56 PM Maeve, it was my pleasure to help a friend. I like working outdoors with my hands. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 07 May 10 - 07:04 AM Going offline any day now. I'll check in when I can get a ride to a library. Keep well, maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 07 May 10 - 08:07 AM Stay safe and well in your new home. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 07 May 10 - 10:35 AM Fare thee well and prosperously, Dear Ones! And, I look forward to your checking in when possible. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 07 May 10 - 10:36 AM Fare thee well and prosperously, Dear Ones! And, I look forward to your checking in when possible. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: gnu Date: 07 May 10 - 10:58 AM Hope things go well. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 07 May 10 - 11:00 AM hiccups, kat? |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 07 May 10 - 08:10 PM bye-bye for a while sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 07 May 10 - 08:39 PM Oh! I didn't see the twice-posted, earlier, and wondered what you were talking about, Sins. AND, I *thought* I'd posted a cryptic reply, but I see it didn't take. Things have been hanging up today...not just on Mudcat. I've even seen one indicator of an ad loading which read "googleapis," I kid you not! Sorry for the thread drift, maeve.:-) |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 13 May 10 - 07:13 PM Just in case you get to the library soon...here we are...thinking of you and TL; hope you are sleeping well and your work is fruitful or should that be vegetable-full?:-) luvyakat & my Rog |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: My guru always said Date: 14 May 10 - 04:46 AM Haven't popped in recently but so glad to see such good news now!! Home again, how wonderful. Love & Hugs, Hil xx |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 20 May 10 - 03:17 PM Truelove has achieved running water and hot water in the camper. Hummingbirds have arrived, and the gardens are growing. maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: gnu Date: 20 May 10 - 03:28 PM Good news. On all counts. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 20 May 10 - 03:41 PM Progress! Congratulations. Any progress on phone service? A computer? LOL How spoiled we all are. 100 years ago, it was snail mail or drums. Maybe wireless. I miss you, Maeve. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: jacqui.c Date: 20 May 10 - 03:53 PM Good news! I miss you too - got to find a date to come and bother you again. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 20 May 10 - 04:45 PM I miss too, you! LOL...so glad to hear you have running and hot water! Those can feel so good after a long day of gardening, etc. I can *hear* hummingbirds here, but not seen them, yet. I don't have their favourite flowers out just yet. Thanks for checking in with us, darlin'. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Stilly River Sage Date: 20 May 10 - 07:33 PM Isn't it amazing how getting the basic services in one at a time feels like such a luxury, when you've gone for a while without them? SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 From: Janie Date: 20 May 10 - 10:22 PM Running water is wonderful. HOT water is heaven!!!! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: ragdall Date: 21 May 10 - 12:42 AM maeve, Thanks for checking in. I'm glad that you have some comforts as you work so hard to get things right again. Hugs, rags |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 21 May 10 - 02:33 AM hummingbirds! & hot water, beauty & practicality sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: JennieG Date: 21 May 10 - 07:37 AM Sounds as though you have the basics sorted for a while - especially that all-important cuppa! Cheers JennieG |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 21 May 10 - 08:21 AM There's something about flowing water, whether from a stream or a tap, that gives a deep sense of serenity. All this and hummingbirds too! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: wysiwyg Date: 21 May 10 - 10:45 AM Truelove has achieved running water and hot water in the camper. Hummingbirds have arrived, and the gardens are growing. maeve GO MAEVE and TRUELOVE! ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: katlaughing Date: 04 Jun 10 - 10:31 AM Heyamaeve, just in case you get to the library. Been thinking about you, hoping you both are not working too hard and are sleeping well. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: jacqui.c Date: 04 Jun 10 - 10:40 AM Same here. Hope everything is going well. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Stilly River Sage Date: 04 Jun 10 - 10:56 AM Gardens are needy, but also very giving. I hope they're up to their elbows in good productive gardening. And sleeping soundly at night! SRS |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: SINSULL Date: 04 Jun 10 - 11:21 AM Thought of you when the smoke of the Quebec fires was wafting over us. Must have been hard to deal with that memory. Here's to clear air and sunshine. Love, Mary |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 05 Jun 10 - 04:30 AM Gidday from me, too sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 05 Jun 10 - 08:42 AM Loving thoughts. I hope you are busy with the growing things. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: maeve Date: 08 Jun 10 - 11:29 AM Hello from the library. The gardens are full of weeds (perennial beds) and mature and baby veggies. We have basic telephone service. Sleep is elusive and yes, Sins, the Canadian wildfire smoke was disturbing. We haven't heard any updates, and are hoping our Canadian neighbors and friends are safe and well, and that the fires are all under control or completely out. We've been working on geting things settled in the camper, getting things cleared out of the apartment, and planting 'potting up trees, seeds, and perennials for the farm stand. Our local helpers for the fire clean-up have things of their own to which they must tend, so no progress on the clean-up. It's too dangerous for me to work alone in the ruin, and Truelove is, of course, working long hours at work. Thanks for remembering us. Warm regards to friends here, maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: wysiwyg Date: 08 Jun 10 - 01:47 PM Prayers don't stop, Maeve. Thanks for the continued glimpses of where to focus it. Much love, ~Susan & Hardi |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Leadfingers Date: 08 Jun 10 - 07:48 PM Was around on line when maeve got to the library ! GOOD to have a brief natter and know they ARE surviving ! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Leadfingers Date: 08 Jun 10 - 07:57 PM Be worth thinking about a new thread when you get back on line from home maeve |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 From: Janie Date: 08 Jun 10 - 10:41 PM Well, if the weeds are thriving, you know you have good soil:>) Thinking of you and tru-love often, maeve. Glad you checked in. Don't forget to be in the moment, and don't forget to take some time to play - even a few moments a day. |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: ragdall Date: 09 Jun 10 - 02:06 AM Hugs to you and wishes for good growing weather, bountiful crops and enough time to rest. rags |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 09 Jun 10 - 06:25 AM all of the above! hugs from sandra |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: John MacKenzie Date: 09 Jun 10 - 08:32 AM Terry would like to say 500!! |
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Subject: RE: Tribulation/ Blessings Maeve & Truelove-off 4 abit From: gnu Date: 09 Jun 10 - 02:00 PM John, you scamp. |
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