The 38th 'How'd We Ever Do It Without Jon?' TPBM Silliness Chat

Neil, I enjoyed your photos today. Glad you enjoyed your weekend.


and I'm very sorry about Norman. That is awfully sad.

cfpackerfan wrote in post #10521078
And I'm all caught up.

Kody, That was a great shot of Finlay!

Thanks

Nice catch-up btw. You're way better than I am.

neil_r wrote in post #10521801
We had a bit of bad news today that we were not expecting. Whilst I was away Norman, one of out two 14 year old cats has been playing with his mouth which has caused some soft tissue damage. T took him to the vets last week and they suggested that he may be having some trouble with his teeth, so an appointment was made for him to go in today, and have his teeth looked at and scraped under a general anesthetic, Unfortunately it is not his teeth, they were simply a symptom of a bone tumor in his skull. The vet has removed the teeth that were lose as a result of the tumor. It is on the top mandible below his eye, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed that it is not a fast growing tumor and ensure that we understand what affect it is having on him. The prognoses is not so good

Sorry to hear that news, Neil

neil_r wrote in post #10521801
We had a bit of bad news today that we were not expecting. Whilst I was away Norman, one of out two 14 year old cats has been playing with his mouth which has caused some soft tissue damage. T took him to the vets last week and they suggested that he may be having some trouble with his teeth, so an appointment was made for him to go in today, and have his teeth looked at and scraped under a general anesthetic, Unfortunately it is not his teeth, they were simply a symptom of a bone tumor in his skull. The vet has removed the teeth that were lose as a result of the tumor. It is on the top mandible below his eye, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed that it is not a fast growing tumor and ensure that we understand what affect it is having on him. The prognoses is not so good

Damn, Neil.

Neil, I hope your wee cat pulls through.

BIL in action towards the end of a triathlon - i could do with looking like that when hit 37!

...as if 37 is sooo old

So sorry to hear about Norman, Neil. Hope it is slow and unremarkable.

Permagrin wrote in post #10521649
hmmm., I missed that you were moving. Is it a temporary thing or?

It's temporary. Another job site. Hubby is dreading it. He really doesn't like the area, but I'm looking forward to seeing more of the country and meeting some Eastern POTN folks.

neil_r wrote in post #10521801
We had a bit of bad news today that we were not expecting. Whilst I was away Norman, one of out two 14 year old cats has been playing with his mouth which has caused some soft tissue damage. T took him to the vets last week and they suggested that he may be having some trouble with his teeth, so an appointment was made for him to go in today, and have his teeth looked at and scraped under a general anesthetic, Unfortunately it is not his teeth, they were simply a symptom of a bone tumor in his skull. The vet has removed the teeth that were lose as a result of the tumor. It is on the top mandible below his eye, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed that it is not a fast growing tumor and ensure that we understand what affect it is having on him. The prognoses is not so good

So sorry, Neil. I hope he will be comfortable in spite of it. It's sooo hard when a pet is sick.


AND I'm off to take my nap now.

neil_r wrote in post #10521642
I had a good day yesterday at the Nikaah/Wedding.

Great pictures and cultural enlightenment. You got some great shots of your friends in lovely clothing. The differences are really amazing between the drab beginning and colorful ending.

Permagrin wrote in post #10521752
Most men want to be like their fathers or grandfathers. I've seen some of the best men in the world strive to try to get approval (even if they have it, they don't see it sometimes) of their fathers, because they aren't like them.

(If you'll bear with me for a minute) You sort of know my Dan. He's hyper intelligent. He's funny. He's extremely creative. Everyone loves him. Truly, I've never met a more universally loved person. His grandfather was an amazing man. Dr. D's CV is one of the most impressive lists of accomplishments world wide (I'm not joking). He was famous in the scientific world. Dan's father worked at Lockheed. His work to this day, has never been declassified. Dan never knew what his dad did. Ever. But he knew he was important. Along comes Dan...he went into the military instead of collage. He went into the ministry instead of a brilliant career somewhere. And now he works retail. Dan never felt that he lived up to either of his father or grandfather's legends. I talked to his dad before he died. He said so emphatically (many times in front of D) that he was proud of D. But because D had such expectations for himself, he couldn't see it. So why did I write all that?

Sometimes we put more expectations on ourselves than others are doing. We don't live up to the grand design we've planned for ourselves and we miss the things that we really are accomplishing. It took my D a long time to see this...that truly he brings so much joy to so many people's life with his creativity that it doesn't matter that he didn't go the scientific route. I think he wishes he'd been more perceptive when his father was alive...anyway it's just a rambling I was thinking when I saw your post & Crissa's.

I'm sorry that your dad's comment hurt you, but be thankful you have your dad. Find a place to put that comment and pursue photography or whatever, for the reasons you want to pursue it. And try to just enjoy your dad because he's alive and he's your dad.

Good words Lisa

neil_r wrote in post #10521801
We had a bit of bad news today that we were not expecting. Whilst I was away Norman, one of out two 14 year old cats has been playing with his mouth which has caused some soft tissue damage. T took him to the vets last week and they suggested that he may be having some trouble with his teeth, so an appointment was made for him to go in today, and have his teeth looked at and scraped under a general anesthetic, Unfortunately it is not his teeth, they were simply a symptom of a bone tumor in his skull. The vet has removed the teeth that were lose as a result of the tumor. It is on the top mandible below his eye, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed that it is not a fast growing tumor and ensure that we understand what affect it is having on him. The prognoses is not so good

I am sorry Neil I hope he is comfortable. My best to you guys.

Sorry to hear about Norman...

Hope it all resolves for the best.

Permagrin wrote in post #10521752
(If you'll bear with me for a minute) You sort of know my Dan. He's hyper intelligent. He's funny. He's extremely creative. Everyone loves him. Truly, I've never met a more universally loved person. His grandfather was an amazing man. Dr. D's CV is one of the most impressive lists of accomplishments world wide (I'm not joking). He was famous in the scientific world. Dan's father worked at Lockheed. His work to this day, has never been declassified. Dan never knew what his dad did. Ever. But he knew he was important. Along comes Dan...he went into the military instead of collage. He went into the ministry instead of a brilliant career somewhere. And now he works retail. Dan never felt that he lived up to either of his father or grandfather's legends. I talked to his dad before he died. He said so emphatically (many times in front of D) that he was proud of D. But because D had such expectations for himself, he couldn't see it. So why did I write all that?

Sometimes we put more expectations on ourselves than others are doing. We don't live up to the grand design we've planned for ourselves and we miss the things that we really are accomplishing. It took my D a long time to see this...that truly he brings so much joy to so many people's life with his creativity that it doesn't matter that he didn't go the scientific route. I think he wishes he'd been more perceptive when his father was alive...anyway it's just a rambling I was thinking when I saw your post & Crissa's.

I'm sorry that your dad's comment hurt you, but be thankful you have your dad. Find a place to put that comment and pursue photography or whatever, for the reasons you want to pursue it. And try to just enjoy your dad because he's alive and he's your dad.

Permie, this is all true. And I'm sure for even Dan it's still somewhere in the back of his mind.

I was showing my mom some pictures and my dad just chimes in "I don't like your pictures at all" and then starts mumbling, "bad, bad, bad I don't like them". Now he could mean the processing, and if so the correct criticism would be: I like your photo's, I don't know why you screw them up with the processing, just leave them alone. Or something similar pointing out where I would be able to improve my technique.

He is a true Taurus in nature, thinks highly of himself and his abilities and puts himself before others. I'm sure I'll take this to my grave.

neil_r wrote in post #10521642
I had a good day yesterday at the Nikaah/Wedding.

These are exquisite Neil, you are very fortunate to have the experiences that you do. I love the ceremonial dress they have, both you and the wife look stunning.


Also, good thoughts to Norman.

Neil...sorry about the cat...doesn't sound real good.

I have a question that you may or may not be able to answer. I noticed in some of the photos that the females had their heads covered...and in some they didn't. At first I thought it might be due to being married or not...but doesn't appear to be a reasonable answer. Is there a rule at play here or is it just a matter of personal choice?

Skrim17 wrote in post #10520776

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This is what Sadie was saying while I was gone all weekend... and she let me know her displeasure all night last night... she was constantly seeking my attention overnight! GAH! She's a sweetie though and let me just wrap my arm around her and stroke her head while I continued to try and sleep through her constant mewing/purring... she is definitely a people cat.... LOL She missed her human!

Chet wrote in post #10521023
I guess my whole life I've been looking for his acceptance. Sure he's floored by my mechanical abilities, but I'm looking for more. You know what I'm saying?

Chet, I'm sorry I don't have more wisdom to offer you... you have been much sage advice so far.... I hope you get this sorted out for yourself. I enjoy your photography a great deal. You have a talent and it shows. Peace my friend....

cfpackerfan wrote in post #10521078
And I'm all caught up.

Lisa, I really liked that horse shot. A LOT.
Zane, I didn't get the Dots video.
Deb, sorry to hear about Paris, glad she's doing better. How's the art show?
Crissa, I enjoyed Eli's lemonade stand photos!
Jim, how's the palsy? All back to better?
WoolyDan, I've enjoyed the last few photos that you've posted. Great owl lynching!
Pea, Ruger is SO freaking cute!
Harmeet, *nods* How goes it today?
Becky, sounds like you've been busy lately. Can't wait to see the studio!
Lonnie, sorry I haven't been keeping up on your pioneer blog. I so enjoy it when I have time to read it! Anyone interesting lately?
Chief, I missed why you need to wash your bag in baking soda. What happened?
Dan, loved the rodeo toon!
Chet, don't listen to one person's opinion. Do what makes you happy.
JJ, why the 404 error? Find your humor!
Neil, I loved the photos of your girls. How was the wedding??
Terri, it seems I always miss you! *leaves dark for Drache*
John, I'll be doing the HWAC run this week. I'll PM you details.
Sid, *tips hat* Did you go to the rodeo with Chris and the permapuddles?
Kody, That was a great shot of Finlay!
Diane, any new seniors lately?
Beefy, that series with the rodeo horse was amazing!
Jay, how's it going today?
Heather, that sucks that you'll be working when we're in CA this week.
.tif, I am never here the same time you are, but always enjoy reading your posts in catch up.
Donders, you showed up then you left again. Flakey.
Jon, WE MISS YOU!
Suzy, nice to see that you drop in every now and again.
Jen!!!!
Guineh-Mike, build anything new and geeky lately?
Kathy, sorry I wasn't here last night when you visited! Glad you got your LR problems worked out. Come and visit again!
Alyssa, haven't seen you in awhile... where'd you go? I miss your scrapbook page layouts.
Eric, come out come out wherever you are! We need pics of your hikes!
Mark, come and hang out when you can. You're missed.
Jamie, you ain't nothing but a hound dog.
Deeds, I enjoy your photos when you pop in. Pop in more often!
Ninja, *waves*
Fafa, looks like your senior business is booming!
Bulldog, Lazuka, Squashed, Bagman, and Brain Mechanic: You gotta stick more than just a toe in the water to get a feel for it.

That's awesome Cat! LOL

Oh and !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! backatcha!!!

neil_r wrote in post #10521642
I had a good day yesterday at the Nikaah/Wedding. The muslim ceremony around marriage is definitely a game of two halves. In the morning was the Nikaah. This is the religious part of the ceremony at the Mosque. It is a low key event and in a lot of cases there are no women, including the bride, present. As this Nikaah took place at a large Mosque, women were there, but they were in a room upstairs with no view of the proceedings, but they were able to hear everything over loud speakers. Everyone wears everyday "go to the Mosque clothing" and the bride and groom do not see each other before, during or after the ceremony.

The evening is entirely different, the wedding on Sunday was very low key, due to the death of one of the grooms uncles the previous week. but despite this it's fair to say that everyone looked far more colourful at this evening affair.

I took my camera along for fun, the venue would have been a photographers nightmare as it was held in a city centre community centre that did not lend itself to great aesthetics, however the vibrant colours of the people, particularly the bride, more than made up for the bleak brick surroundings.

I have know the Grooms brother for many many years, and they are a really wonderful family, I am an honorary uncle to his children and it still makes me smile when they address or refer to me as "Neil Uncle" as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Taqi, the groom, is an optician and possibly the most laid back guy in the world, so much so many of us, both family and friends never expected him to muster enough effort to get married, however on Sunday he proved us wrong. I took my camera along just to have some fun with candids and to supply "Face Book" images for the kids.

The contrast between the morning at the Mosque and the evening at the Community centre is stark.

If you want to see how the day progressed you can do so HERE, as I said these are just some candid mementoes of the day, not what would be regarded as a wedding album.

For those curious but not wanting to go to the gallery here are a few samples.

The morning ......

This is the Groom in the middle, with his brother (in white) on one side and the equivalent of the best man, his cousin, on the other.


The cousins


The best dressed couple there .......


And in the evening.....

Taqi awaits the arrival of his wife


And I guess you could say it was worth the wait


They enter the hall together


The bride looked stunning


and Teresa scrubbed up quite well too


If you have the time take a look at the gallery, we had some fun outside taking pictures of the kids, If you look at them I think you will all agree that despite cultural, religious and and a host of other differences that people try and put in the way, kids are kids and it is they that hold our future.

Amazing Neil! I really enjoyed looking at the gallery! Children make life real... bringing it all back to the basics... You hit the nail on the head with your sentiment!

neil_r wrote in post #10521801
We had a bit of bad news today that we were not expecting. Whilst I was away Norman, one of out two 14 year old cats has been playing with his mouth which has caused some soft tissue damage. T took him to the vets last week and they suggested that he may be having some trouble with his teeth, so an appointment was made for him to go in today, and have his teeth looked at and scraped under a general anesthetic, Unfortunately it is not his teeth, they were simply a symptom of a bone tumor in his skull. The vet has removed the teeth that were lose as a result of the tumor. It is on the top mandible below his eye, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed that it is not a fast growing tumor and ensure that we understand what affect it is having on him. The prognoses is not so good

OH dear.... I"m so sorry Neil!!!