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BS: Praise's Good News on Health
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Subject: Praise's Good News on Health From: wysiwyg Date: 28 Sep 00 - 12:19 PM Awhile back I posted a thread asking for help doing some medical research. So many people responded that if I don't post an update here, I'll be on e-mail or PM's for weeks. And maybe a few rumors can be dispelled or--failing that--enhanced or started! *G* First, my thanks to all who helped or offered to, and all the prayers and support. And to Max for making and keeping this amazing place, and to all of you in it. I have thanked that Big Kahuna upstairs too, who is the real Healer, and I could say a lot more about that, but I won't right now. No, I think I'll just say that He must have been with my family, because poor Hardiman has hardly had a wife for awhile and our kids, well, they had to do an awful lot that I should have been doing, and pray for me too, all of them. (No wonder they left the nest!) The things I learned about the human endocrine system are vast and marvelous. Yup. I had a system crash. Part of the reason was a lifetime, since before birth, of unavoidable and profound stress. Much of it physical. I guess you could call it a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In my case, my system eventually got stuck in a loop of what I would have to call energy swings. Like mood swings, only not. And thus stress seemed so normal, that it took me a long time to see what level and sort of stress are normal, and to start living accordingly. (And it didn't help that doctors were SO DUMB about all this.) The most involved system appears to have been the adrenal glands and I have learned TONS about how these little guys make everything else work. PLEASE-- if you have any chronic illness, pain, or debilitation, and you have not done research on the adrenals, DO IT, or let me know if you want links posted that I found useful. (I don't wanna be your doctor, but...) When the adrenals can't do their job, you go into shock and maybe even die, like a rabbit who ups and dies of fright if too overwhelmed. I look back now and I see that I have been living very, very close to death, and it has taught me things you may notice in my writing. Recovery from adrenal exhaustion is long and slow, and bumpy. And it affects all other body systems. And brain chemistry. And metabolism. I am on an aggressive, well-researched vitamin supplement program that has taken a lot of fine tuning. And every level of recovery requires more tuning, for the whole system, because it all works together and each part affects the others. I described it, on one of the worst days, as trying to ride standing straddled on the backs of six white horses plunging wildly in opposite directions, without reins. Recovery also has entailed, and will continue to entail, sessions on old baggage. I guess that's the area where I would most ask for prayer. I am an old hand at working on stuff-- but I just thought I was closer to done than I am! No room for baggage on the horses! Nowhere to tie it down either, it flies off! HearMe, while I had the home computer, was a lifeline on the worst nights. Do those who were there have any idea what you did for me??? And a Tavernful of laps (you know who you are), and galpals (bes/bud and the Schmeninator) and praying Mudcatters (too numerous, but take a bow....) And Mudcat PM's full of such care and friendship, and phone calls and... how could I have ever felt alone in the midst of all that? You all spoiled that pattern but good, probably forever. You know who is excellent at being a friend, BTW? Mbo. He remembers EVERYTHING, and only wants to know how he can help, and if you tell him, that's exactly the help you get, and no advice. So simple, so strong, and so faithful and faith-filled. And my friend Little Red Motorhead. She de-goofs me. And knows when I need it, and when I don't. And all the rest of the Mudcatters who lifted me up. Another big piece of getting better was vacation and meeting Mudcatters in person. You sang with me and lifted me up and left your songs in my heart. MMario and Irish Sergeant got found at a Civil war re-enactment (and MMario came later for an overnighter and sang at church). Dharmabum came over for lunch and tunes, and hugs, and became an instant brother. Biskit hooked up with us at a gas station and made me dance! Joe Offer drove 200 miles round trip to meet me and sing-- at an airport?? And Mudcateers Amos and Barky, and Daly (who really oughtta be a Mudcatter), in particular, were wonderful friends in hosting me when I went to San Diego, in such a way that I felt better than I had ever felt and could do things that I had not been able to do. (Yup. I had thought I knew everything.) And now I do them myself. Thanks! And you especially, BG! Where I am at today is that I have some really good days now, that make it seem like the whole problem is over and I can go back to..... everything! But then I find out, midway through a day like that, or the day after, that I need a long nap and to slow down. And right now, I make no promises about the next day. Because it is still one day at a time, learning all kinds of annoying and inconvenient habits that I SHOULD have learned long ago. And there is still a serious shortage of laps and naps in my life. So... no, I didn't have a nervous break-down, or bipolar disorder, or depression, or PMS, or menopause, or demonic possession, or bulimia or anorexia, or diabetes, or chronic fatigue syndrome, or whatever-- although the symptoms of what WAS wrong with me mirrored all these at one time or another, and more. But I was very smart and declined all of these conditions' treatment plans and stuck with what my body was telling me. And I bless those of you who encouraged that more than I can say, because the answers were really pretty simple once I nailed the problem. Another system heavily affected or involved was female hormones, and it was kinda the opposite of menopause, if you can imagine, and I got the BEST news yesterday which was that the problem had finally cleared up and the hormonal treatment to keep it from recurring has been figured out, has worked for me, and makes my life better on a daily basis than it had been for a long, long time. (Bible scholars: you know, the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment?) And that means NO SURGERY, and since I am a lousy candidate for it, that is a huge relief. And it means I can leave my present job on time in a month and go for the next thing without surgery in between. A remaining challenge is inflammation. Tendons, using up cortisol, made by the adrenals, need that cortisol more for other things..... oh yeah. Autoharp? Not much. And weight. Yeah. No metabolism, you can eat nothing and gain weight, and exercise and not burn anything off. (You'll see. Photos are being posted of the SD trip.) And you can exercise and only have it make you sicker. Pretty wacky, this adrenal thing. Makes most of what you thought you knew, wrong. At least for awhile. So should I post the links? And say, should we have a thread for Mudcat chronically ill musicians to talk about how they and their music are affected by (and how music affects) chronic illness? Because.... I sing now, symbolically, on behalf of a Catter with MS who can't, and now I need a picker to play for me, for real.... Wesley S, thanks for the encouragement to post this thread. It is far too long and feels quite weird, but Amen. Sigh. ~Susan~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 28 Sep 00 - 12:26 PM Praise, thank you for the details and the upbeat sense that healing is happening. Still holding you in the Light... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Sean Belt Date: 28 Sep 00 - 12:28 PM I'll play for you anytime. - Sean |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: SINSULL Date: 28 Sep 00 - 12:46 PM Only one question, Praise? Did it give you adolescent acne? That would have been the final blow for me! I am glad you have it pinned down. Another tricky little part is the thyroid. I went to a psychiatrist and several specialists before finding out mine was overactive. I thought I had Alzheimers. I actually met friends on the street, people I had known for years and could not remember their names. Or walked around with things in my hand while I tore the house apart looking for them. And weight?? The first symptom is supposed to be sudden, massive weight loss. Could I have had at least ONE benefit from the trauma? Of course not! By the way, my first clue to what was wrong came from an EYE EXAM. The opthamologist noticed atrophied eye muscles and said it was due to an over active thyroid. The specialist disagreed (the weight issue) but agreed to do the tests to humor me. Praise, take one day at a time. You're finally in control. And thank you for reminding us of how special Mbo is. I think we sometimes take him for granted. Mary |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: flattop Date: 28 Sep 00 - 12:50 PM Good to hear that you are feeling better Praise. Your message helped me understand. Thanks. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Mary in Kentucky Date: 28 Sep 00 - 01:01 PM Keep on singing! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Wesley S Date: 28 Sep 00 - 01:02 PM Praise RULES !!! Oh - Sorry for a second there I think I channeled Mbo. Good to hear the report Praise. That Hugquake is coming at ya - just make sure you are standing directly in the path of the miracle. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Ebbie Date: 28 Sep 00 - 01:07 PM You're climbing that mountain, Praise. And it sounds like you're enjoying the view! We're fragile and tough beings at the same time, aren't we. Blessings on ya. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: GUEST, mrs_zezam Date: 28 Sep 00 - 01:19 PM Praise, you inspire me & I'm praying with you for your continued healing. Please would you post a link to your previous thread? Mary |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Tinker Date: 28 Sep 00 - 02:11 PM Thanks for posting, sometimes it's hard to figure out exactly what's happening here abouts. So those prayers I've been lifting in Thanks for your spirit, will add continued healing and faith. Blessings Tinker |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Bagpuss Date: 28 Sep 00 - 03:12 PM Praise, although I didn't see the original thread, I am glad you are getting it all under control now. My mam has a condition called Addison's disease - which is a disease of the adrenal glands. Basically it means that her adrenal medulla cannot produce corticosteroids anymore. It's very rare and took them ages to diagnose. She now has to take cortisol in tablet form and is back to full health. But it was very scary when she was so ill she couldn't walk or eat properly. Anyways, my thoughts are with you, Bagpuss |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: catspaw49 Date: 28 Sep 00 - 03:26 PM Truly glad to hear this news Susan......Continue to take care and use this joint to bolster yourself and not to wear upon you. Best wishes from both Karen and I for continued progress......and good thoughts to Hardi too !!! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Biskit Date: 28 Sep 00 - 03:36 PM Dearest Praise, I don't know how to send a GREAT BIG HUG over the web,so you'll have to settle for a lot of little ones,00000000000000000000000000000000!& 1 BIG Kiss for yer forehead,-X- there now, I agree with you about Mbo, I've always found him to be one of the sweetest,and kindest men I've ever known.As always I'll keep you in my prayers. Love,Donnie p.s. I'll play guitar for ya anytime too! I'll see ya at the cat concert tonight, Eh!-Biskit- |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: jeffp Date: 28 Sep 00 - 03:39 PM So glad to hear you're feeling better! Hang in there! Must be Mudcat love. jeffp |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Dharmabum Date: 28 Sep 00 - 03:39 PM Hey Sis' |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Naemanson Date: 28 Sep 00 - 03:46 PM Susan, I am so glad for you. As you know I don't pray but you are in my thoughts and I will continue to send you good wishes. I agree about Mbo but don't say it so loud. We don't want that boy to get a swelled head or anything! And as Grand-Mary in Kentucky says, Keep On Singin'. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: wysiwyg Date: 28 Sep 00 - 05:17 PM Aw gee. I can take almost anything but Spaw being nice? OK. I can take that too. Various comments-- Animaterra, thanks, and check out Agnes Sanford: http://www.spiritsite.com/writing/agnsan/index.htm Sean, set a date, MMario's room is yours Sinsull, no, not yet, but there is always hope, never give up on hope Flattop, yeah, I thought it might, thank you Mary, How can I keep from singing? Wesley, I think you better paste in our PM exchange on the HugQuake, people may need more info to get aligned properly Ebbie, yes, because besides climbing, I am learning to Roll Down To It (see Mudcat songbook) Mrs. Z, won't you join as a member please? I'll link when I can unless someone beats me to it. Tinker, aw gee, that must be the recent lift I've felt Bagpuss, yes, it functions a lot like Addison's, thanks for knowing what I am talking about. If you don't "have" Addison's, they think you're fine! Hah! Spaw, Spaw, Spaw. Right there on target. Biskit, come on a Saturday night! Jeffp, Mudlove! Ron, Mudbrother Brett, where's Mike? ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: MMario Date: 28 Sep 00 - 05:30 PM {{{{{{hugs}}}}}} |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Date: 28 Sep 00 - 05:58 PM Great news, Susan! It's good to hear you're on the road to recovery. Keep up the good work, my friend. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: mousethief Date: 28 Sep 00 - 06:01 PM Happy to hear your good news! Hugs & prayers.
Alex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: GUEST,Greyeyes Date: 28 Sep 00 - 06:14 PM Praise, Don't know you but have a chronic illness, currently treated very sucessfully. Post Traumatic stress - been there. Worst symptom - bursting into tears in public for absolutely no reason. For an emotionally repressed British male this is not acceptable. I'd rather hide under a rock for the rest of my life than be seen blubbing in public. Fortunately I seem to be over that now. When things get really bad music, laughter and the love of friends are my holy trinity. All the best |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: mousethief Date: 28 Sep 00 - 06:23 PM "To be held in the heart of a friend is to be a king." --Bruce Cockburn
Alex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: wysiwyg Date: 28 Sep 00 - 07:40 PM MMario, that must be the symbol for the HugQuake, here it is bouncing off me back to you-- }}}}}}}}hugs{{{{{{{{{ Grey Eyes, aw c'mon, won't you join Mudcat so we can exchange PMs? MouseAlexThief, I love that quote! It should hang in the Tavern for all time! ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: wysiwyg Date: 28 Sep 00 - 07:50 PM Links on adrenals:
To see how your adrenals may be (or may be getting) too exhausted to help you get well, click These links were working quite recently and should be current. I'll test them-- ~S~ Links Fixed. Glad things are looking up, Susan. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 28 Sep 00 - 07:51 PM Ok Praise good news indeed. My lap and rocker are always there if you need em again. Yours, Aye. Dave |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: wysiwyg Date: 28 Sep 00 - 07:58 PM George, I deleted my language lesson messages accidentally! Please write me again! ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Quincy Date: 28 Sep 00 - 08:50 PM From the hymn you shared with us....just perfect. Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, Chords that were broken will vibrate once more! Still praying and giving thanks!! lotsa love Yvonne xox
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Susan from California Date: 29 Sep 00 - 01:18 AM "Through all the tumolt and the strife My thoughts to [Praise] are winging When friends by shame are undefiled How can I keep from singing?" Keith and I will keep the prayers going! Sue |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: katlaughing Date: 29 Sep 00 - 01:54 AM Really, really glad to hear how much better you are doing, Susan, that's what comes of taking charge and *owning* your body and situation; educating yourself and the docs at the same time. Continuing to hold you in the light and love of our hearts, luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Catrin Date: 29 Sep 00 - 08:32 AM Praise, I haven't known you for very long and I missed the previous thread you mentioned. In the short time that I have known you, you have done nothing but give out to others, in the form of poems, kind words and fond thoughts. I am so pleased to hear your news and i wish you all the very best. You truly deserve it. Cheers, Catrin |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: catspaw49 Date: 29 Sep 00 - 09:13 AM Joe you are really getting to be a dirty old man. First you use "petered out" and now you're "looking up Susan." Ya' need to break out your beads and quit reading my posts. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Catrin Date: 29 Sep 00 - 09:23 AM Catspaw, Wha'yer like?! (To use a UK Mancunian expression (sorry about the accent))
- Translated into English it says What are you like? Usually used in an affectionate sense, a kind of term of endearment, to describe one who crosses the boundaries of normal social behaviour but without ever really offending. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Patrish(inactive) Date: 29 Sep 00 - 11:32 AM Susan, good to hear you are in control. I wish you continued control and good health. as an aside I have typed this in three times because I keep hitting the caps lock and I am such a terrible typist that I have to look at the keyboard. So I really mean it Patrish it is friday as well...................... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Hollowfox Date: 30 Sep 00 - 02:52 PM After all the good things you've done on the 'Cat, Praise, I'm glad the 'Cat can help you back. May all your good chickens come home to roost - and bring their peeps with them. You're in my prayers, Mary |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: GUEST,the Schmeninator Date: 30 Sep 00 - 08:18 PM Aw, Sooz! Such great news! The cup(s) runneth over! Glad to hear that the source of the pain and aggravation was finally pinned down (and it wasn't Cletus or a Reg!) Lookin' forward to the Gal's Night Out darlin'. Till then you just let that SugarDawg HOWL!! Sending a bucketful of heat-seeking hugs and smooches your way, ~Elle "Jenny Schmenny" |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: GospelPicker (inactive) Date: 30 Sep 00 - 10:05 PM Susan, I never knew... Be assured that the Mrs. GP and I WILL be there on a Saturday soon... VERY SOON. email me ReverendHarp@cs.com and we'll set a date/directions/times and all that. While I've got you reading this... cause you ARE reading it... please offer prayer for me... we are struggling a bit financially and we both are trying to trust God for all our needs... lift us up in prayer so we do not stumble and fail to trust Him... We love you. God's healing power will be your supply always. REMEMBER THAT. GospelPicker @:()>[+] |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: wysiwyg Date: 01 Oct 00 - 01:01 PM Stopped into my office to do a little light writing and here you all are loving up a storm. I'll answer all of you tomorrow when I am here trying to do some actual work, as a break, but hey! Somebuddy give Spaw a prize, he had me actually cackling! Ya know there was a possum hand puppet, about the size of a football, I saw it in Ithaca NY at the toy store in the Commons, I didn't think I knew Spaw well enough then to start sending presents, and now it's 2 hours away from here... but the idea was, the puppeteer sticks his or her hand right up the possum's butt to operate it... like a glove, see.... and it was SO CUTE. Looking up someone, indeed. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Mbo Date: 02 Oct 00 - 05:57 PM Susan though it would be neat if we posted this dialog we had in PM's. Here it is:
Mbo: Well, I was so happy to read your thread! I'm so glad you are feeling better! I was getting worried, for a while there it was scaring me. Thanks for putting in the kind words about me in the thread...you know you didn't have to! But I'm glad that I could help in some way, and that you are feeling better. --Matt
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: wysiwyg Date: 02 Oct 00 - 08:02 PM Thanks Mbo! I am LOL!!! You did a great job pasting that together! I have a GREAT idea! You know, I like bar art, I really do, all the inflatable plastic stuff, the neon... I think, yeah! I am going to redecorate our house to look JUST LIKE the Mudcat tavern, jello pit and all, I know JUST where to put it! Then, you can ALL come over!!!! Then we invite the parishioners to come over too! Yeah! And then the bishop! Two bishops and their wives! They're all in town this week! And the ECW! Especially the ECW! And then the Red Cross board! (Three more weeks and I am outta here!!!!) And... United Way! And... people who think I owe them money! Yeah!! THEM! Oh yeah, and the person I expect to give me my next job, she'll love it, whoo-hoo! Last time I worked for her she taught me the Bible deal on taming the tongue! Oh yeah! This is great! I'm rolling now! (Save me Jesus!) And... people who want Hardi to come work at THEIR church! The search committees! And yes, their ECW's too! Oops, ECW is Episcopal Church Women. And the HAGs! (Holy Altar Guild)! Yeah!!! Um, my mom wouldn't care... but my sister! Yeah! Her! The people in high school who picked on me! Yeah! And no recliners for them, nuh uh! You're all coming over, right? Promise? Oh Wesley, Spaw, YOU WERE RIGHT!!!!! ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: Mbo Date: 02 Oct 00 - 08:07 PM And me & you-know-who jamming on the front porch swing! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Praise's Good News on Health From: wysiwyg Date: 09 Oct 00 - 10:14 AM Guess who has a computer at home again? Good thing too since my job (and work computer) is ending October 25. We leave in about an hour for a clergy-spouse conference, just had to brag! Will HearMe run OK on a 486? ~S~ |