Alaska Mike needs good thoughts

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Barry Finn
Date: 17 Dec 06 - 02:13 AM

Hi Mike & Tawmmie, have a great cruise. Tawmmie, you deserve it, Mike's just along to see that you're gonna have a good time, after all he's just been sucking up wind for the past 2 months. TWO MONTHS, gezzzzze, Tawmmie I hope you're going on a long cruise, keep Mike active. Those muscles of his really need to be active & Mike as a former long time bedridden layabout your muscles do really need to be stretched & pulled to keep them pliable & toned & in shape. Now I'm not gonna go into further detail here on an open forum but I don't want to see you stiffening up. (Grins, lots of grins)

All the best
Barry

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 Dec 06 - 01:43 AM

Mike, I'm so glad to hear the news... and I agree with the above poster.. the 5 o'clock shadow is FAR worse than any other pain. At least in the kilt you'll have a nice cooling breeze but it does make scratching more obvious - unless you can sneak in under the sporran!

The relief of being tubeless and able to get up to pee when YOU want in a proper bit of porcelain is above and beyond any riches of the Orient.

Take care my dear, don't let anything else happen to you for awhile because we're running out of itchy crotch stories!

Tawmmie - now it's time for you to get the pampering... make sure you get every bit of room service you can on that cruise - and take a picture of him in that thong - we could all use a laugh!


LTS

Oh, and 550!!

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: vectis
Date: 16 Dec 06 - 04:03 PM

Mike in a thong......

Good way to clear a pool so we can have a private party though
(ducks and runs) :-))

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 08:08 PM

I'm shivering myself, Art. Don't worry, Tawmmie would never let me out in just a thong, unless it was under my kilt.

Mike

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: artbrooks
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 07:10 PM

Now, I've never actually met Mike in the meat...but I seen pictures. The very thought of him in a thong evokes certain sensations...

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Barb'ry
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 07:06 PM

Have a great Christmas and New Year, Mike and Tawmmie and enjoy that cruise! Just think, now you've been waxed you'll be able to wear that slinky thong in the pool..
Lots of love to you both
Barb'ry and Andy

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 02:53 PM

Great to hear of your progress Mike. Good luck for then future. Enjoy the cruise. Burl.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: gnu
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 02:05 PM

Thanks for the update, Mike. Glad to hear things are the upswing.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Ebbie
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 11:27 PM

"Not that there's anything wrong with that."

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 06:03 PM

If I got messed up like you got messed up, could I go on a Caribbean Cruise with Seamus too? I mean, I'd take my wife along -- I don't think Seamus is "that way."

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Deckman
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 05:22 PM

GOOD ON YA'! Bob (did you notice that I did NOT mention Shilshole Bay)!

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 03:36 PM

Here is an update on my condition. I am continuing to heal nicely. Both of my wound vacuums have been removed along with my catheter. So I am now free of tubes and equipment attached to my body. I've developed another infection, but its minor and I have antibiotics to beat it down. My legs are stronger and I no longer need crutches to get around and I am driving myself around instead of being chauffered(sp).

I am playing guitar and singing every day in order to increase my dexterity and breath control. I have written the beginnings of several new songs, but they are not yet ready to share. All in all, I am feeling quite good and looking forward to going on Seamuus Kennedy's Carribean cruise next month. Thanks again to all my friends at Mudcat for your continued support during this traumatic time. You have helped in making my recovery both speedy and enjoyable.

Mike

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Fortunato
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 02:28 PM

Mike,

Glad to hear your recuperating well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Chance

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 01:50 AM

Good news, Mike. After all you've been through, a bandage-ripping must have been fairly small potatoes, though nothing you'd ever ask to do for fun. Glad there was nothing under it that shouldn't be there, and that you don't have to go under the knife again. That news was worth the rip-off, yes? thanks for sharing it.

Elmer

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: frogprince
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 11:56 PM

Okay you guys; he's much better now, and probably won't die for 40 or 60 years; so stop buttering him up, and give us the lowdown; what's the blighter really like?

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 06:53 PM

Mike,
It's called a Brazilian. If you think the ripping off was bad, wait until "five o'clock" shadow sets in.
M

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: vectis
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 04:17 PM

Very pleased to see that things are starting to go your way again Mike. have a great Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Mary

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: gnu
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 11:35 AM

Some good news all round! Congrats both. And, continued thoughts and prayers both.

I, to, have received a great deal of support from this wonderful community on a several occasions. When Mike said, "So feel free to share and never doubt that we will be there to stand beside you.", it sure rang true for me.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: JennyO
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 10:03 AM

Great news about your new grandchild, Dave. Funnily enough, I have one grandchild (3 years old now) and his name is Max too. Also I thought I should mention, just in case you have sent me a PM - I have two new ones today sitting waiting for me, but for some reason, my personal page won't load, so I can't look at them.

By the way, Eric Bogle isn't the only writer of political satire to have got a lot of mileage from little johnnie. A friend of ours, John Dengate, also has quite a large part of his repertoire that relies on our prime miniscule for it to be relevant. However, he says he would gladly give that up to see the little *##!**#!** out of office.


Mike, I'm a fan of the fast ripoff with bandages too. That way you don't have time to anticipate the pain or flinch too much. Bet you're glad that bit's over!

Now if you do go to the 2008 Getaway, there's somewhat of a chance I might meet you. When I found out the date of it, I decided that I am going to try and save enough to come. I believe I'll be the first Ozcat to make it if I do. I don't have much money, so it's not going to be easy to do, but that's what I'm aiming for. It would be wonderful to meet so many of the Mudcatters I have only met online, and judging by how it has been when I have met the few 'catters that have made it here, I think it will be like meeting 'old friends'. I've been reading about it year after year, and it sounds very special - I think it would be the experience of a lifetime. I'm certainly keeping my fingers crossed that I can make it.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: DaveA
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 07:50 AM

Mike,

That is wonderful news! I have to admit to preferring the fast ripoff technique rather than the slow agonising tension some doctors use. But it is the state of the wound that counts & you've proved to be a clean healing, clean living guy!! To misquote the Goons "Dammit, have we nothing in common"!!!

One piece of completely good news to pass on. My deeply beloved daughter (currently living in England - Exeter) gave birth to my 1st grandchild on Monday morning my time. Max is feeding greedily, setting new records for soiled nappies and is very keen on being cuddled to sleep rather than being put down! They are all well. So life does go on.

Jenny, I got the giggles over your fantasies re the double bed. If you do all come I'll find a way because such a gathering would be too too good to let logistics get in the way!!! And Mike, let's hope there is a song growing through winter that blooms next spring. Over a certain age, popular wisdom says 'Never waste a hard on". Don't you waste the prickling of your creative streak!

And Mick, I don't know if your papers cover Aussie politics much but the Labour Party - the traditional voice of the working man - is in the process of tearing itself apart in search of a leader who can reverse the string of 4 losses over the last 4 elections. The incumbent is a big cheery bloke from the west who most people like but agree he doesn't have the cojones for the main job or the political savvy of John Howard. So he faces a party room vote Monday our time. We desperately need a new leader & a new team to confront & drive out a master of political expediency who sycophantically follows Bush in Iran (& the overall war on terror)and refuses to be accountable for stuffups & ripoffs by claiming he (&/or his cabinet) were never told what was going on!

Twenty odd years ago, Eric Bogle sang up a storm at the Troubadore after Malcolm Fraser & John Howard lost the election to Bob Hawke. Eric remarked that he was euphoric & shattered. We had a Labour government but he had lost over 30% of his satirical repertory!!!
We need another supreme sacrifice like that.

The very best continuing wishes to Mike and my still stunned reaction to the discovery of the friends I didn't know I had.

As the Terminator said - "I'll be back"

Dave

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 03:33 PM

Great news, Mike!

Do keep in mind that it would doubtless have been worse if the doc had taken the bandage off s-l-o-o-o-w-w-l-y....

Keep mending!

Nancy

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 02:25 PM

I just returned from the doctor's appt. He literally ripped (imagine loss of tiny hairs and skin cells) off the sealed bandage, glanced at the wound, and declared that it is healing nicely. No additional surgery needed. YAY!!!!

A rose between two thorns, eh? I'll have to ponder that statement for awhile. It always amazes me where song ideas come from.

Mike

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: JennyO
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 10:23 AM

Absolutely Mike, I have felt the warmth and support of Mudcatters many times. Have you had your doctor's appointment yet? Fingers crossed for good news!

Glad you're feeling better Dave - although I should say that when you mentioned the double bed in Melbourne I had this wicked thought - what if Big Mick, Mike and I all decided to take you up on your offer at the same time? I'd be a rose between two thorns - and I don't think the bed could stand our combined mass :-)

As it happens Dave, my SO is down in Melbourne now at a family gathering and birthday party for his daughter. You might even know him - or know of him - John Warner. On Mudcat he is jack halyard but he doesn't post very often.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 09:44 AM

Hey Dave,

I think all of us here in Mudcat feel much the same way as you. We fall in love with folk music at some point and enjoy both new and old songs and singers whenever they appear. Some of us have taken the bit and tried to write and sing songs which will, hopefully, become part of the folk genre after we are gone.

This Mudcat mob is one of the most caring and generous groups I have ever been fortunate enough to be part of. Whenever one of us (I include you) shares their joy or sadness there is always an out pouring of support from fellow members. I have seen this many times. So feel free to share and never doubt that we will be there to stand beside you.

Mike

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: DaveA
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 08:03 AM

I have just been floored by the emails from Mike, from Jenny O & from Big Mick!!! I am not a major player here to any extent but rather a guy who fell in love with folk music in the 60's and never lost the joy it gave. My daughter forbade me to sing in her presence when she was 15 but has inherited the love of the genre (& her old man as long as he doesn't sing.

So my contributions are mainly tall tales & true from the
Melbourne scene in Australia, with particular references to the new & old Troubadore which ran from 1979 thru to 1990. I was content to grab a table and either appreciate people I knew & loved or to listen to the out of town guests who are increasingly appearing.

Wonderful things happened in those days - John Denver played a warm up gig the night before he opened in a rather swish venue . It was supposed to be about 25 minutes & it filled a 90 minute & still missed the end. We all just cheered & passed up the red wine!!
John took a deep breathe & remarked that he would never drink red wine & perform again.

Goanna, one of our finest folk rock groups, booked the stage at the Troubadore for an anniversary concert. Well, it happened except that the key members of "Daddy Cool" & "Skyhooks" - the two hottest bands in town - joined them on stage for the most incredible performance. There are a few bootlegs around of this - my advice is to sell mother-in-law and all female siblings to get hold of a good copy! There is no better version of "The Times They Are A Changing!

There were other great moments, Joe Dolce's Shut up yer face debuted here & went on to win the talent quest and every thing else.

Bogle, Mike McCellan & Doug Ashdown ruled the roost for several years. Rarely did they perform covers - Bogle's Lochkeeper cover and subsequent tribute to Stan Rogers 'Free In The Harbour" is one example and of course Mike McCellans Mr Bo Jangles (courtesy of Jerry Jeff Walker) qualified.

The thing I have to say tonight is that I have felt the arms of the catters closing round me and have been strengthened by that love. I was not aware that the serious members of the Cat had noticed me, yet alone cared for me and had placed a value on my small number of posts.

I cannot add to the wealth of musical exertise or technique. However, I can comment on performancce & quality of voice & that can be my contribution for the support you gave me!

Alaska Mike, Jenny O and Big Mick all have free accommodation in Melbourne. The designated room has a double bed - "I suggest you bring partners!

And finally, thank you for lifting me from a despairing moment & bringing me back to the the manageability of the one day at a time life style

Love to you all and PMs to follow

Dave





0



y much younger daughter asked Doug Ashtown to sing a song that only existed in a bootleg I had grabbed. A class act - he said it was wonderful that 14 year old girls were calling for his obscure songs, and so Boot Hill continued to live.


'

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Severn
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 03:01 AM

Til then, we'll have to settle for his holiday 45 hit single revival of "I'm Getting Nuttin' Fer Christmas"

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Ebbie
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 02:30 AM

groan...

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: artbrooks
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 11:15 PM

I think Mike already said that he is otherwise committed for the time frame of the 2007 Getaway but that 2008 was a good possibility...that will give him more time to get used to the idea of "show-and-tell".

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: frogprince
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 10:40 PM

No kidding, Ebbie; that's absolutely nuts !

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 10:27 PM

Good god, Sins- do you know what you are asking?

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 10:16 PM

If Tawmmie and Mike make it to next year's Getaway, do you think she will let us see his scars?

Sorry Dave. Hang in there.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 12:03 PM

Dave, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you will stay strong, do your best to see this through. You are a good member of this forum. In the three plus years you have been here, I have come to look for your posts. You don't do many, but they are great ones. I remember the post about the folk festival where you managed to play a bootleg Eric Bogle tape, and realized he was behind you (LOL) and also left a Mercedes, with the windows down and with the keys in the ignition, all night long. Great stuff. You are important to have around this place, and you should know that (now that we are aware of your case)we all care about your well being very much.

Michael Campbell ....... keep a stiff upper....no, that won't do ..... don't hang your head ...... nope, that is inappropriate as well ..... Get your Royal arse healed and up and ...... shit, I did it again. Just get well, and don't forget that your old rambling buddy, and all of Mudcat, is right here with with you.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: gnu
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 10:58 AM

Gosh, yes. Got my fingers, and legs, crossed for youse.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: JennyO
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 10:39 AM

Good luck to both of you - hoping for positive outcomes!

Jenny

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 10:25 AM

Dave,
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. I understand your concerns completely. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow with the guy who has operated three times on my right testicle. If he finds any infection he may have to operate again. More anesthesia, more nurses poking and prodding, more pain and a longer recovery. I am hoping the wound is still clean. I've marked December 6th on my calendar and will be keeping you in my thoughts. Best wishes to you on a swift and complete recovery.

Mike

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: JennyO
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 09:23 AM

DaveA, I can very much relate to your story. I went through similar stuff with my wrist a few years ago. It was really smashed, and the initial reaction I got from the first doctor who saw it ("What a mess - it will never be the same again!") did nothing to inspire confidence. It took three operations, lots of angst and lots of physio before it came good - after about 2 years. I was lucky to have an excellent hand surgeon though, and it's back to 95% perfect, which is near enough - it functions so well that I just don't think about it any more.

Don't get discouraged. You may feel like it's too much to cope with at times, but you will cope, and eventually you will get to a stage where you can look back at it and realise that you did cope, and you are stronger for it. I think it's like that for anybody who has been through serious illness or injury. You are more aware of your mortality, but you grow from it.

Whereabouts in Oz are you? I'm in Sydney.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: DaveA
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 08:02 AM

Hi Mike,
I liked your earlier post about the impacts that things have on us & how we have to learn to deal with this. I have been most impressed at your final positive attitude and your earlier stoic take on the whole sordid mess. And I am cheering from the sidelines /albeit Australian ones and hoping that you will return triumphantly to the Getaway next year.

I share a little of your angst. I merely fell down a flight of stairs in my duplex by tripping over some laundry on the stairs. As a surgeon put it, better your arm than your head. I have to differ! The broken wrist has been given a plate & seems OK but the elbow has had 3 seperate operations (the last 2 totalled 7.5 hour).
So now I have 6 more days till I go back to the surgeon and find out if third time the bones have healed.

I can cope with the months of physio once I get the all clear (famous last words) but if there is more surgury to come, followed by the weeks of healing after that I'm not sure that I can cope. I don't want any more aenesthetics, I don't want that endless wait to be taken to theatre and I'm tired of reconstructing myself as the ethet wears off.

So think of me as I have of you on Wed 6th when I will find if the elbow has been fixed or wqhether the surgeon is still completing his training at the expense of my elbow.

And, in case you are wondering, I am self-employed (software testing) and no one is jumping up & down to secure a one armed man.

Enough bleeding - Mike, get very well and continue to be my example!!
Dave From Oz

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: GUEST,Sapper at work, still stuck at Bletchley!!
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 06:16 AM

Well done on the recover Mike!

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 11:39 PM

How about a nice wheezy harmonica?

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Mick Tems
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 11:19 PM

Hiya, Mike - best wishes from Llantrisant Folk Club. You did a good set!

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Big Jim from Jackson
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 07:43 PM

A trombone might be nice...........

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 06:30 PM

This could be a whole new concept in one-man bands...so to speak.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: artbrooks
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 06:30 PM

Plug in an ocarina?

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: skipy
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 05:58 PM

I concur with CN!
Skipy

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 05:54 PM

hey...Uillian pipes would be JUST the thing! little built in bellows...but what would we do for a chanter?...hmmmm

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 05:44 PM

Just so long as he knows how to play the clarinet....

LTS

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 05:41 PM

It occurs to me that if Mike's vac is steam-driven, he could also hook up a calliope to accompany himself.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: bobad
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 05:38 PM

Levi 502's?

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 05:38 PM

That's odd.. it said 500 just now... now it's 503.... : (

LTS

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike needs good thoughts
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 05:37 PM

So you got 500, but *I* get the Levi's post!!

LTS