John Roberts surgery

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: LadyJean
Date: 21 Jul 05 - 11:08 PM

As I read this, I fear, I began picturing John Roberts looking at a tray of hospital food and singing "Shine Your Buttons With Brasso". I deeply regret this. But having faced the stuff myself, I'm convinced it ought to be illegal to feed it to sick people.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 21 Jul 05 - 10:12 PM

That's good news!!!

Srephen Lee

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Nancy King
Date: 21 Jul 05 - 09:45 PM

Sounds great, John! Keep it up!

Nancy

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Abby Sale
Date: 21 Jul 05 - 09:23 PM

I am pleased. And relieved. And happy to learn this.

Way to go!

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Anglo
Date: 21 Jul 05 - 09:07 PM

Though I was determined to make a statement only to the appropriate committee, this seems to be the place for this report:

I had my follow-up with the surgeon this morning, and everything looks good. I will of course be seeing a cardiologist regularly, and have already put that ball in motion. I already feel much better, and the improvement continues. Thank you all for the messages, the well-wishes, and al the good feelings coming my way, I hope to be out amongst you all very soon.

John

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jul 05 - 11:38 AM

big test..can he get Scalia & Thomas to sing along!

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: EBarnacle
Date: 20 Jul 05 - 11:00 AM

The real question is: Can he make it past the conservative bloc?

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jul 05 - 10:03 AM

I just heard that John Roberts has been nominated for the Supreme Court Justice opening. If he was having heart problems before, this will really do him in. Just say no!

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Linda Mattson
Date: 10 Jul 05 - 06:19 PM

Great news that you are up and about, John. Hoping you can get out here to Northern California soon to a festival or a tour.

In the meantime, a solo recording, and how about that R and B song book that many of us have requested? (bg)

Best wishes,
Linda Mattson

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 11:32 PM

John is working his magic here as he has always done. This thread feels like when I was doing gigs and on the road for a month of touring and sleeping in old frinds spare bedrooms up and down the right coast of the U.S.A. So many old friends and favorite singers of mine are here. I miss you all!!

Thanks for pulling us together here, Mr. Roberts. (And I'm glad you tossed the captain's damn palm tree in the ocean! Way to go!!)

Be well

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: LadyJean
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 10:53 PM

I've been a fan of John Roberts since "Spencer the Rover is Alive and Well and Living in Ithaca New York" first brought a blush to my eighteen year old cheeks. The fact that the record fumigated my alcoholic roommate didn't hurt any either.
I recently bought Twiddleum Twaddleum, and have been enjoying it immensely. So, I send him my very very best wishes, and hopes for a quick and uncomplicated recovery.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 04:43 PM

The Golden Hind Music web site (John's commercial online presence) has contact information, so that's pretty public. I'll let you look that up (by clicking above), rather than posting it again here. You could enquire directly, too.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST,Barbara Ruth
Date: 09 Jul 05 - 04:14 PM

John, (- or anyone who can speak to this)
I'll be on the air tomorrow, and I'm sure that lots of listeners will want to send cards. I am guessing that you would not wish to have your home address broadcast indiscriminately. Is there a preferable address to give out?

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST,EBarnacle
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:40 PM

They'll cure your constipation, and your heart condition, too;
Just swallow a box for the chicken pox, the measles or the flu...
Eat Bertha's Mussels, John, and hang in there.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 11:15 AM

Glad to hear that all went well.
Best wishes for speedy recovery.

--Charlie Baum (and Lisa Null)

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 11:00 AM

glad to hear of your good progress John. I emailed you but I'm not at all sure that I had a current address. So if it didn't arrive please accept this as my official message. I am called Burl here, but you know me as that rough and ready singer from Cardiff via Nottingham. Al the best. Take your time, get well. Be like Jolson and Sing Again!.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 09:15 AM

John-

"Homeward Bound" is not such a bad concept.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST,MIKE O'Leary-Johns
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:45 AM

Great News John ; Joy Bennett and others have been keeping me in formed.Our wishes for a Full and speedy recovery...Mike and Tony.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 08:46 PM

Wonderful to hear from you, John. Lots of people care about you, which you may have figured out if you didn't already know it. Keep doing all the right things, and keep healing!

Allison

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 07:54 PM

Good news, John, and thank you for taking the time to write here.

All the best for a good, steady recovery.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Nancy King
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 07:30 PM

Sounds great, John! Glad to hear you're doing so well! Just keep mending (and "working" on that solo recording), and we'll hope to see you soon!

Nancy

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 06:10 PM

*big grin*....great news!. Your 'adventure' has been discussed far & wide, John. I know that there is a huge sigh of relief going around to hear directly from you. Take care.....let us hear from you when it seems comfortable.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: georgeward
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 06:02 PM

Hot dog! I'm out of a job!   - G

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Anglo
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 05:10 PM

Well, you all, seemed like mudcat was down when I tried to check it, so I wrote a standard mailing to send around, as I went through all my unread email from the last couple of weeks.

For the record, here's what I've been sending out. It's a bit redundant as not evenyone who'd emailed me had access to the regular updates from George Ward, to whom I am very grateful. Thanks for the support throughout, it's been very nice to read through the printouts George has been bringing to my hospital bed. But they kicked me out, so time to move on.

July 6, 2005.

Dear friends,

Pardon the boilerplate message - I had anticipated that George Ward's updates on Mudat Cafe, from the horse's mouth so to speak, would be keeping interested parties up to date - but I get home, fire up my computer, and Mudcat is down. So I'm afraid here's my longer version, which I fear I am only up to writing once.

I was hospitalized after chest pains at the Old Songs Festival, spent ten days in Ellis Hospital in Schenectady (two blocks from home which made it relatively easy for Lisa), and came away with a quadruple by-pass. Fortunately I had got insurance earlier this year, so things could be a lot worse - I discovered that our simplified bookkeeping practice of making me owner of the John & Tony record company which puts out our recordings makes me, as a small business owner, eligible for the HealthyNY state insurance mandate. But, I digress; what's new?

I was discharged yesterday, and will now be working on developing more of an exercise program than I had before, and a healthier diet. I feel good. I dodged a little bullet, and need to learn from it.

It seems an awful lot of people know the regimen, and I have a number of friends who've gone through this who have taken the the time to explain things to me on a more personal note than you get from surgeons. For a start, I can't drive for a while. Or lift things.

I'm afraid you won't be seeing me at the folk festivals and dance camps I was scheduled for this summer, but I do hope to get back out there soon. Hey, I can do some serious planning of the solo recording I have been working on (I use the term loosely) since 1977.

Thanks for all your messages of support, cards emails and phone messages. They help. We have a good support group here helping me out and I appreciate all their efforts too.

Best regards to all,
John Roberts

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: JudyB
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 10:00 AM

Great news indeed! Thanks for the update - and Welcome Home, John!

   JudyB

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 11:55 PM

Great news all around !!!

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 08:51 PM

Hold the mayo!

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: georgeward
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 08:14 PM

As Dick says, John was discharged from the hospital this morning. He's at home, and very glad to be so. Chances are he'll rest much better. His hospital roommate was a very eldery, disoriented fellow who made noise all night.

He has been through the dealing-with-stairs-while-healing session with the physical therapist and had no trouble with his own front steps. The house is well arranged for downstairs living, except for the upstairs shower. But he can do the stairs for that when he needs to (incredible to me). A friend, who is also a nurse, is helping them get settled.

When last seen, he was sitting in his own living room, reciting bits of a Gerard Hoffnung monologue between bites of a turkey sandwich. The TV remote - and hence his beloved football matches - was within easy reach.

- G

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 07:29 PM

Well, he's out of the hospital and settled in at home, and things are going even better than expected. It's great to be a bearer of good news.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST,Riggy Rackin
Date: 04 Jul 05 - 11:24 PM

Get well soon, John, and come back to California !

Riggy

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Ferrara
Date: 04 Jul 05 - 01:44 AM

George, thank you so very much for the updates on John's condition. I heard he was taken ill during Old Songs and am glad to know what is going on -- and that he's doing well.

I've only met John once (at Mystic 2 years ago) but when I had a question about the song "The Steamery" John was so patient and generous, sent several e-mails with help and references. And of course it's always a very special treat to hear John's singing. He has so much life and feeling for the music. A very special person.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Bob Hitchcock
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 10:17 PM

Just got back from a week in Montana, log on for my monthly look at Mudcat and find out that my old mate John has joined the By-Pass club. Hope your feeling better me old China, I only needed Angioplasty which is a piece of cake compared to what your having.

Get well, good luck and hope to see you soon.


Bob.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST,Danny Spooner
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 08:34 PM

Well done mate, exactly what we all wanted. good on yer Danny S

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 08:33 PM

Animaterra! My nurses tried to "inspire" me to use the "Inspirometer" so much!! It does work, though, and it is good for the lungs. I didn't realise, duh, that one's lungs totally deflate during open heart and, thus, one needs to be sure to get all of the little "sacs" filled with air, gradually, during recovery. I still am working with mine.

John, maybe we should all meet in a PalTalk room sometime and share our "inspirations!":-) As Kendall says, and many people kept telling me, it DOES get better!

With good thoughts and thanks-givings,

kat

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST,Suzanne Mrozak
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 08:23 PM

I echo Carly's sentiments. John, I hope your recovery is speedy. You have many friends sending positive thoughts your way! And many thanks to George for the updates, which are much appreciated.

Suzanne Mrozak

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Carly
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 07:27 PM

I'll add my voice to the choir, John, in sending best wishes. I'm so glad that your surgery went smoothly; take good care and heal quickly.
Thank you, George, for keeping us informed.

Carly Gewirz

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 07:19 PM

Great news, George, thanks!

John, keep on strolling those halls. You'll need to breathe through that "breathalizer" (when it's safe to laugh I'll tell you my favorite breathalizer joke...)- so why not pump up the lungs and sing for the folks on the floor? Ok, ok, when you're ready and not a minute sooner. We're all thinking of you!

Allison

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Susan A-R
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 06:05 PM

Glad to hear all's well. I know that the convivial songs workshop was rousing, but . . .

Best wishes for a speedy, relatively comfortable recovery.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Kaleea
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 04:52 PM

John, you are hereby informed that you will be up and jumping in no time at all. We 'Catters only allow our friends to heal up better than ever!
   Open heart, shmopen heart, it's just a bit of a "procedure" these days, and the Dr's can do them in their sleep with one scalpel tied behind their backs. Sing all the pub songs you know as loud as you can & you'll be in the pink before you know it.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: kendall
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 02:48 PM

Hang in there Mate, it does get better.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From:
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 01:31 PM

Just sending good thoughts and best wishes to a great guy! We've been prayin' for ya -- even if you don't believe!

Much love jennifer w. & Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: georgeward
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 11:46 AM

Oops! John's room number is 519 (not 501). Mea culpa. - G

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST,Larry K
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 01:02 AM

John is a great guy.   Several years ago John played a festival and did a workshop called 1000 years of British History.   My mom is a British history buff and attended the Sunday afternoon concert.    I introduced the two of them together and they discussed British history for over an hour.   It was the best Mothers Day gift I could have given her.   Afterwards, John came over to me and said "your mom really knows her British history"

Here's to a speedy recovery.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 12:54 AM

John---We're glad to hear the good news. Keep on getting better and better.

Here's an idea to help with the boredom Emily tells me you were experiencing:

Take that round plastic bag that is probably tethered to you---the one that fills slowly with yellow fluid, and ask your nurse if you can borrow a black permanent magic marker. Then put one of the stupid smiley faces on the outside of the plastic bag! You will get some intersting looks/reactions/comments from all you encounter as you traverse the halls --- as it fills---!! At least I got some fascinating reactions when I did that up at Mayo Clinic a few years ago!

All the best to you from all of us here in Peru (Illinois) !!!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: georgeward
Date: 03 Jul 05 - 12:18 AM

I was on the road all day and evening, but talked to Lisa just as she got home tonight (sat).

John has indeed been sent packing from the ICU and is back on the cardiac floor as of this afternoon. His attitude is good. He's tolerating the discomfort well. He's done four laps of the wing he's on - two singles and a double - and wanted to do more. The staff person walking with him said "enough!" He does, of course, tire easily, but all the signs seem to be really good.

What I know of his address is that he is now in room A-501 (bed A). Lisa says it is a double room, and that there's a ninety-three-year-old guy in the other bed who seemed to be making a fair amount of noise. Hope that doesn't go on at night.

More tomorrow, - George

PS: Jeri, John+bum-cover-with-fake-tail ? What kind of tail ?

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Big Jim from Jackson
Date: 02 Jul 05 - 10:38 AM

Way to go, John!    I would have added to this thread earlier, but it took me this long to get my fingers and toes uncrossed so I could type.    :-D      (hooooooray!)

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: GUEST,Joe_F
Date: 02 Jul 05 - 09:38 AM

I saw to it, at Wednesday's midweek sing of the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston, that we sang "Eat Bertha's Mussels" with him in mind. I presume that daily shipments are being flown in from Baltimore.

--- Joe Fineman    [e-mail]

||: Our memories may go back to the time we were fools, but not to the fact. :||

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Jul 05 - 09:23 AM

Oh, they're gonna MAKE him cough!
I may go into the bum-cover-with-fake-tail business for those who must wander down the halls with the wind upon their cheeks.

My best wishes to Lisa, and my thanks to George.

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: karen k
Date: 02 Jul 05 - 08:03 AM

Thanks for the update George. John, I wish you a speedy recovery. They say you shouldn't cough or sneeze for as long as you can put it off. I look forward to seeing you up and about again real soon.

karen kobela

Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 02 Jul 05 - 06:31 AM

You're right, Dave- John and Tony started it all for a lot of us (or in my case, added to what the Patons had started...)

George, it's wonderful that you're able to keep us posted like this.

John, just keep healing. We care for you.

Allison