Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 07 Aug 15 - 11:03 AM

Janie, the photo is FAR better than any history book...I'm laughing whilst typing...Ann is laughing too...neither of us can stop! So funny, SO FUNNY!
                                           XXXXX
                                                    Nigel & Ann.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 07 Aug 15 - 07:33 AM

Alas, history books fail to mention anything about the West Virginia Slaw Wars. The West Virginia Slaw Line

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 07 Aug 15 - 05:14 AM

ChanteyLass, I regret the fact that the distance between thee & NC prohibits a meeting too...very annoying. Please tell me more about a "Slaw Dog"...I can use my imagination, but the culinary details would be fascinating. In all the years Ann & I have been visiting NC, the aforementioned 'SD' seems to have passed us by. We await enlightenment!
                                          Love to All,
                                                          Nigel & Ann.
                                                          xxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 02 Aug 15 - 06:46 PM

Grr. Don't know why I bother to copy a link and then leave it out.http://www.margaretmaron.com/biblio.html

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 02 Aug 15 - 06:44 PM

NC is also too far from me, alas. Too bad, because ever since I started to read the Deborah Knott mysteries by Margaret Maron I have wanted to visit that state and eat a slaw dog.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 02 Aug 15 - 05:48 AM

Maeve, I do wish too! (Nigelwhoistoofarawayfromjustabouteveryonehewouldlovetomeet!)

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 31 Jul 15 - 06:09 PM

Oh dear. I fear my comment may have been misunderstood. I too am sorry about the ospreys Tami. I know I get attached to the inhabitants when I have the opportunity to watch nests and dens, and feel angry and disparaging when another creature preys upon them.

Nigel. See pm. Don't know if what will surely be your own tightly packed schedule and my rather inflexible schedule can mesh during your visit, but let's talk and see if it is doable.

Good thoughts to all.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 31 Jul 15 - 04:44 PM

Yeah, eagles can be shite. And, yes, they do kill out of "malice" if you consider they are killing a competitor's young (a stretch, perhaps?). I was witness to a number of fights back in the fly infested bog country of Kent County, NB between eagles and bog ravens. I say *bog* ravens because these suckers are BIG. These aren't the ones you see eating roadkill on the highway. These are ravens that rule the prime territory WAY back. I watched an eagle venture to a pond way back one day. The alarm was sounded and ravens came from far and wide and the eagle was a pile of blood and feathers in minutes. They even blocked it from getting away and simply beat the crap out of it. Picked all of the tail feathers off and spread them around for good measure. They didn't even eat it. Then, they all went back to their territories after making a racket with numerous vocalizations. I wish I had owned a camcorder back then.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 31 Jul 15 - 11:14 AM

Nigel- Oh, I do wish! Have a lovely visit.

MaeveWhoIsTooFarFrom North Carolina!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 31 Jul 15 - 10:48 AM

Ann & I will be in Charlotte NC in the not too distant future. We would love to meet any Mudcatters who might be within striking distance. As a rough guide, we will be just off highway 521, heading south, just a mile or two from the NC/SC State Line. Please pm me if you would/could meet up & we can discuss details,
                                       Much Love,
                                                       Nigel & Ann
                                                       xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 11:03 PM

Tami, I'm sorry about the ospreys. Good job on the futon!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 10:22 PM

Yah on the smart futon repair Tammy. Sorry for your heartbreak re the young Ospreys (what is the plural of Osprey, btw.)

If it helps, I remind myself that unlike we human animals, most other animals do not prey out of malice.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 10:59 AM

It's been a week of ups and downs for me. On the up side: I repaired my broken futon myself and the guys at the hardware store, when consulted, said that my plan was how they would have done it, as well.

On the down side: our one active nest (this year has been tough on our ospreys) of ospreys got attacked by a bald eagle two days in a row. One juvenile was killed and eaten, and the second only survived because Mama fought back. The juvenile was slightly injured and in shock, and out of the nest and on the ground. The decision was made to send her to Avian Haven (a bird rehab center) because that way she at least has a fighting chance of survival, which she would not if put back in the nest, as the eagle would keep coming back until it finally succeeded in killing her, too. To say I am not fond of bald eagles is putting it mildly. I have more fondness for pigeons and gulls than I do eagles.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 07:59 AM

Well enough thanks Nigel. We're working very hard here. TL just saw a warbler cleaning insects off of our very tall dill plants.

Warm regards to all on board,
Maeve

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 05:39 AM

Love & Greetings from an unseasonably chilly London. I hope all is well with our trusty Crew.
                      Nigel & Ann
                      xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 22 Jul 15 - 09:53 PM

Oh, calm is much better than becalmed! And both of those songs are nice.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 22 Jul 15 - 01:09 PM

Axtually, my comment was on that lovely Trickett-Para-Barton video of "On a Day Like Today", which was new to me. But this take on "Wild Rose of the Mountain" is great stuff too.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,gnu
Date: 22 Jul 15 - 12:04 PM

That one works VERY WELL! froggy was right.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 22 Jul 15 - 12:18 AM

Oops. Botched link. And that is to life also, eh?

Redux. Si Kahn cover by some Mudcatters.
My Wild Rose of the Mountain

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 22 Jul 15 - 12:14 AM

Calm, perhaps. But not becalmed. Lets dance a little shuffle on the deck. Not a seaman's shuffle necessarily, but one we can all 'shake a leg' to!

To life! http://www.mudcat.org/blickifier2.cfm

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 21 Jul 15 - 11:20 PM

Be we becalmed?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 12:00 PM

Janie, I...like, totally... : ) love that song; that whole thing, the lyrics, the melody, the harmonies, just melted me down into my socks.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 06:14 AM

They say that a week is a long time in politics. I think that applies equally to our thread. I last posted on 10th July, since which time, a plethora of posts that demand our attention; stimulate our love & compassion; inform & educate us (thread drift welcomed!); broaden our musical knowledge & tastes & compel us to, yet again, reassess our rôle in life. Becalmed or cresting the breakers, Jane's Rainbow remains a sturdy ship where all are welcome; where all can expect to feel safe & cared for; where all can contribute as they see fit.
          What a Crew! What a Ship! What a Voyage!
                                                                            With Love to You All,
                                                                                                          Nigel
                                                                                                          xxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 16 Jul 15 - 10:36 PM

Remember to breathe, Tami. {{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}

Thanks ya'll. We had been trying to reach them or get word of how they fared since the first news of the flash flood was reported on regional news, and are very relieved to know Lexie's house was not ruined.

Between strip-mining and over-logging so many parts of that area - all of the Appalachian plateau, actually - has become increasingly prone to flash flooding of the many creeks that have carved out those narrow hollers that make up the ancient Appalachian Plateau. The entire region has been inundated with rain for the past several weeks. Lexie's kids realized when the last round of storms was predicted that flooding was possible so went and got her to be sure she would not be trapped.

My Dad's family is from Flat Gap and other near communities that were also flooded there in Johnson Co, Ky. Our several times great grandparents moved there right after the Revolutionary War, taking land grants offered as compensation for their war service. I am probably kin to at least 50% of the the folks who live in and around those local hollers (hollows, to outlanders), though Lexie and one of her daughters are the only folks we really know and are close to.

Abusing this thread and audience to wander and reflect a little on my own roots to people and also a region, provoked by the tragedy of one small part of the world that touches me personally. My grandparents were 4th cousins on their respective paternal sides. Lexie was my grandmother's 1st cousin, on Nannie's maternal side. Lexie is 20 years younger, but their mutual grandparents helped raise Nannie, and Nannie helped raise Lexie. Lexie was also more distantly related to my grandfather through his and Lexie's mothers. The ties that bind.

Life in the Appalachian hill country has never been easy. My heart breaks for them. But they are strong and resilient and their community still has a lot of cohesiveness. This is not the first flash flood, and it won't be the last. But they are getting more frequent and more severe.

We have a different kinship here in that it is neither by bloodline or geography. Here on Mudcat we can, and occasionally have, collectively and individually come to the aid of different folks in need in instrumental, 3-d world ways, but mostly our relationships are virtual. Doesn't diminish the kinship and all the emotional and psychological ways community matters in the lives of each of us.

Grateful for ties that bind and enjoin us to sail along with one another on the ship - flotilla really, of care, concern, and unconditional positive regard.

I am often not sure why some songs come to mind, but this one does right now, for whatever reason. On A Day Like Today

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 16 Jul 15 - 07:29 PM

Relationship issues with whoever can be very unsettling, even though we tell ourselves not to let it get to us, so I hope whatever issues are soon amicably sorted, ranger 1       Blessings.    Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 16 Jul 15 - 07:11 PM

Janie, you had me worried for a few minutes! I was glad to see your second post about Lexie right after I read your first. I am glad Lexie has family who can deal with the damage.

Tami, I hope you get things at work sorted out soon.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 16 Jul 15 - 01:58 PM

(((Wendy)))
(((Tami)))

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 16 Jul 15 - 07:52 AM

Good to hear Lexie is fine, and made me chuckle a little that she's more concerned about the others not as fortunate. Reminds me of you, dear Janie. Sounds like you lot come from good, firmly-rooted stock.

Wendy, big hugs to you. That is not a job I could do. Got a taste when Mum was sick at Christmas. I have many talents, but being a caregiver is not one of them.

Personally, at the moment, I am being stressed by work. Something that doesn't normally happen. Don't want to discuss details, let's just say that I needed to speak to someone about something and I don't like confrontation. It went poorly the first time I tried to approach what was bothering me (I chose a bad time, place, and approach to use), however, a couple of days later, we made a start on working on the issues. But the stress has really gotten to me and has kicked my anxiety into gear again and I'm not sleeping well. Minor stuff compared to what so many others are dealing with, just nice to be able to talk about it with the Rainbow crew.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jul 15 - 06:01 AM

Yes indeed!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 16 Jul 15 - 05:15 AM

We're both glad Lexie is safe, Janie. What a relief! Thinking of you all,
Maeve

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 16 Jul 15 - 12:32 AM

Shortly after I posted my last post, Lexie called. Her basement was badly flooded which wiped out the AC and furnace, but the house proper was spared. Water stopped just short of the floor joists. It will be a mess but not a disaster. Her kids and grandkids were all on even higher ground and are in a position to take care of the damage when the water recedes. She is focused on what near neighbors, who were inundated, and her community needs, and counting her blessings.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 15 Jul 15 - 09:53 PM

If I may, would appreciate some good thoughts for my darling and lively 94 year old cousin. USA folks, at least on the East coast, may have been reading news of the devastating flash flooding in the Flat Gap area of eastern Kentucky.

We have every reason to think Lexie is physically safe, as the oldest age of those missing is 74. We also think it is likely her home was seriously flooded, knowing where she lived and based on news reports.    I've been through a serious flood myself. Washed me and my ex-husband out of West Virginia 29 years ago. Devastating.

Not assuming Lexie got flooded out, but very concerned. The flooding washed out power and phone lines so we have not been able to reach her or other family in Flat Gap or Red Bush. Pretty sure other family were on high enough ground to not have their homes flooded.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 15 Jul 15 - 08:04 PM

Head's up!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 12 Jul 15 - 10:22 PM

Hugs from me, too, Wendy.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 12 Jul 15 - 11:55 AM

So not entirely bad at the present, Wendy, but it sounds like you got a lot to cope with , compounded by the bad news for your cousin. I expect she found it a blessing that you travelled over to spend time with her. I suppose some of life's most precious moments are tinged with sadness, but some of the saddest times are lightened with such precious moments.    Blessings.   Pete

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 11 Jul 15 - 10:15 PM

Sounds like it was a day with some respite and pleasant distraction, Wendy.

This ship of life never lingers overly long to the leeward side of islands, eh? Kettle is on and we have a warm cup of tea for you shortly, darlin' Wendy. Haven't found the perfect song, maybe some one else can. In the meantime, may the chorus of wind and birds and all the crew here, known and unknown, Raise you up

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 11 Jul 15 - 07:08 PM

Oops,that guest was me! Thank you gnu for the hug,feel better now! Lovely day with the children at the beach,bless them .Wendy xxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 11 Jul 15 - 08:08 AM

(((Wendy)))

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jul 15 - 05:14 AM

Morning crew,

thanks Pete for asking about me and mine, it has been a rather difficult few weeks so I have sat on deck just listening!

My daughter had her MRI and the news is good, crohns is in remission, but now ,after a year, they are no closer to finding out why she has been so terribly ill, so are starting again from scratch?

I also had some devastating news about a cousin who has been diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer. She is truly inspirational and has a bucket list of "to do" . So last Sunday Billy and I made a mad dash to the Cotswolds to meet her for lunch and visit my father's bench at the church in Little Rissington.She wanted to sit on it with me and have some memory moments which we did.

My mother is becoming more difficult to look after, walks up and down constantly ( big risk of falling so I have to walk too )She is finding eating very difficult so it is a constant battle to feed her and also to get her to drink in this hot weather.

Enough of feeling sorry for myself, I have felt very down for a few weeks. The sun is out the grand daughters are on their way and Billy and I will take them to the beach hut for the day, picnic, tennis on the beach, maybe even time for a chapter or two on my kindle?

much love and thank you for listening.

Wendy xxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 07:21 AM

Agreed on both counts.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 05:58 AM

'Big Ol Life'...I've said it before, but this is the Sound of America for me. Complex in it's simplicity, melodically & lyrically.The vocal blend is captivating. Watching & listening to the performers is a real joy...they are inhabiting the song from the tips of their toes to their hair follicles! I'd give my eye teeth to spend time, playing with such gifted, committed performers. Live Music at it's very best...thank you, Janie...just what we needed.

'The Rainbow' is becalmed, her sails furled. We seem to have dropped anchor in a quiet lagoon. I imagine we will swing gently on the anchor, pushed gently to & fro by the tide. We need a break from Life's' Storms.
                                                         Wishing you all a restful shore leave,
                                                         With Love to You All,
                                                                                        Nigel
                                                                                        xxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 09 Jul 15 - 06:29 PM

Top again!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 08 Jul 15 - 05:06 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from seven stars link
Date: 05 Jul 15 - 02:50 PM

Thanks for the kind thoughts, janie and Nigel .   And I enjoyed the tunes. Not my usual musical fare, you broaden my horizons .          Blessings.         Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 05 Jul 15 - 02:18 PM

Big Ol Life

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 06:21 AM

I couldn't echo Janie's eloquent words more strongly. I too believe that the little things we do & say here can make a huge difference to someone's life. We can't cure; we can't replace; we can't influence the passage of time. Nevertheless, with our loving empathy, we can offer new ways of thinking about an old problem...we can dilute the loneliness that so often accompanies despair...we can 'reach out' in our abstract way & 'touch' someone as if we were standing by their side. Pete & Tommy, I'm sure many of our loyal & dedicated Crew are doing that, right now.
                                                                   With Love,
                                                                                  Nigel
                                                                                  xxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 30 Jun 15 - 09:46 PM

Those of you who are such direct caregivers, be it of spouses, children or parents, it is such a hard job that I can not do.    So grateful that in the world there are at least some family members who can dig deep enough to do this hard job of love and responsibility in really instrumental ways.

You are not saints. And it seems to me it is sometimes an awful burden to bear when people label you as such. But you keep on doing what love and duty calls you to do when some, like me, can not shoulder that burden. Let us be really clear. It is a burden. Also a burden rarely equally shared among family members, and for very, very many different and overdetermined reasons.

You are not saints. You have no obligation to appear noble, even when you are not feeling noble. But you are heroic and absolutely awesome, none-the-less.

Sometimes, knowing others see you as awesome, even when you are not feeling so awesome yourself, but feeling careworn, overwhelmed, storm-tossed, resentful, or just wanting to scream 'I can not do this another second - may be enough to carry you through to the next minute, next hour, or next day.

All I can offer is a virtual cup of tea, and occasionally a song of encouragement or empathy. That is all any of us can offer. But I truly hope those offerings help, and believe they do, or I would not still be posting here.

Haven't found any tune or song to post that is a proper tribute to you as caregivers. So just posting a song I like, by a group I like, that I hope you will enjoy.
Old Ties and Companions

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 30 Jun 15 - 10:06 AM

thankyou all.   hows it going with you and yours wendy ?
blessings       pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 30 Jun 15 - 05:17 AM

and prayers from me too, Pete,
Wendy xxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 29 Jun 15 - 06:45 PM

Another, BIG, ditto from here!