I want me one! 
Bill
2,027 2015-07-23 00:25:30
Re: Song for Bill and Dondra (and anyone else who has struggles) (11 replies, posted in Songwriting)
Me too! I see dino's double dildo and raise him three more!
I just played it loud enough for D to hear in her bedroom, and I don't know if it was the stress from the past week and a half leaving us both or the words sung with such feeling that caused us both to tear up a little and hug and kiss at the end.
My friend, I can tell from your words and your voice that you are an old* soul with a kind and loving heart and I am very proud to know you.
Dondra will thank all of you personally asap. Right now she's in her jammies and about to head to "Dreamland".
Thanks once again for this wonderful gift to both of us, Jim.
Bill
*"old soul", in this instance has nothing to do with age, but you knew that already, right? 
2,028 2015-07-23 00:20:56
Re: Strummer Bill (67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
keepitreal,
Thanks my friend for checking in! Yeah, we're both pretty tired and I just tucked her in for the night, but I just checked one of her meds and I need to wake her at midnight to take one of them, so I'll be staying up if I can. If not, there's always that old alarm clock by my bed.
I sure will be glad when I can talk guitars with you and my other brothers and sisters again, so please keep your fingers crossed that all those hospital trips are done for a while.
Thanks!
Bill
2,029 2015-07-23 00:15:56
Re: Strummer Bill (67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Zurf wrote:
Thanks BDD. And...uh...how do I do that?
I'm going to try to e-mail each song, and see if they aren't too large.
Hey Zurf!
Thanks VERY much from both of us for the songs you played for Dondra. She says you have a great and sexy* sounding voice and to tell you she especially liked the Jim Croce tune. She also liked the fact you spoke to her and created for her a little "concert". It all helped lift her spirits and she'll be on Chordie maybe tomorrow to thank all of you personally for your kindness.
I finally got those songs downloaded and joined Dropbox at the same time, so thank you too, Dirty Ed!
Almost forgot: "She Who Must Be Obeyed" has a special request. You know that cute little song by The Beat Farmers called "Happy Boy"?
Well, she wants you to play it for her if and when you have time. She says that guy singing sounds just like you!
Here's the YT link to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEZtII8rt_Y
Thanks so much once again, Zurf mah Brothah!
Bill
* she never says that sh*t to me!
2,030 2015-07-22 23:23:31
Re: Strummer Bill (67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
We're home. Dondra was discharged today with 7 new meds she has to take, including the one I already told you about (the dangerous one).
It was explained to us that just about all medications have side effects and the USDA (US Dept of Drug Admin) wouldn't have approved that one if the numbers had been greater (more people dying, in other words) than they were. However, I made sure that my reluctance was noted in her chart, just in case.
This caused us to leave under less than friendly circumstances, but we don't care. As medical professionals we feel we have a right to question any medication whether prescribed for us or one of our patients. Y'all too, have that right, my friends. I'm sure our friend NELA checks his meds out VERY well before taking them and with GOOGLE, it's not so difficult at all anymore to find out what medicine will interact unfavorably with one you may be already taking. It takes hardly any time at all, and you may be saving your life and/or a doctor's career in the process.
The good thing about all these new meds is that they will be stopped (or reduced) when she has her ablation. The bad thing is the ablation has now been moved from August 1st to September 1st. During that time we were advised that many people "live with" atrial fib with RVR and we shouldn't be so quick to come to the ER the next time and let it "run its course". This too was written down by me and added to Dondra's chart.
The other bad thing about all the new meds is that they're going to cost us much more than we've been paying, but we can suck it up and tough it out. Right now I'm just very happy to have "She Who Must Be Obeyed" back home in her bed, bossing me around.
I want to thank all of you once again for all the prayers, good thoughts, juju and of course the songs and music you've dedicated not only to us, but to our friends NELA and his Wife.
I couldn't find a better bunch of friends than all of you here, who I am proud to call my family.
We LOVE Y'all!
Bill and Dondra
2,031 2015-07-22 15:58:23
Re: Song for Bill and Dondra (and anyone else who has struggles) (11 replies, posted in Songwriting)
TIG (Jim): Thanks SOOO much for this. When we get a quiet moment we'll sit and let D listen to it as well. However right now I'm fighting with one of her docs who wants to give her a drug which has the following warning and I need to get my act together and make some notes in our defense...... EDITED TO ADD: The word "Defense" is too strong. We're not being FORCED to take the meds. Maybe y'all will know what I mean. Not thinking to clearly right now. In haste,
Bill
===========================================================
WARNING
MORTALITY
In the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST), a long-term, multi-center, randomized, double-blind study in patients with asymptomatic non-life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias who had a myocardial infarction more than 6 days but less than 2 years previously, an increased rate of death or reversed cardiac arrest rate (7.7%; 56/730) was seen in patients treated with encainide or flecainide (Class IC antiarrhythmics) compared with that seen in patients assigned to placebo (3.0%; 22/725). The average duration of treatment with encainide or flecainide in this study was 10 months.
The applicability of the CAST results to other populations (e.g., those without recent myocardial infarction) or other antiarrhythmic drugs is uncertain, but at present, it is prudent to consider any IC antiarrhythmic to have a significant proarrhythmic risk in patients with structural heart disease. Given the lack of any evidence that these drugs improve survival, antiarrhythmic agents should generally be avoided in patients with non-life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, even if the patients are experiencing unpleasant, but not life-threatening, symptoms or signs.
=============================================================
This is what I am dealing with at present, so excuse me if it's a while before I am in contact again. Zurf Thank you also for the tunes. I have listened to 2 of them as well while getting ready to go back to the hospital.
It's gettin' a little INtense here in Jawja, my friends.
Bye for now
Bill
2,032 2015-07-22 03:09:01
Re: Strummer Bill (67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
We're still hanging in there. My son and I swapped "watchman duties". Now he stays the night with his mother and I come home to do chores and sleep.
They changed the meds and tonight at midnight will be the first time she'll take one of them. The doc has to be careful prescribing it for home use, though. We've been getting by on just Medicare, but depending on the cost of the prescription, she may not be able to take it.
Plans are for her to come home tomorrow (Wednesday) if all goes well tonight. A lot of trouble starting a new IV today. Although she's not overweight, Dondra has veins that "roll" when they come in contact with the INT device (INT = Intermittent Needle Therapy), so they have to try, retry and try again. If you've ever gone through it (as I suspect our friend NELA has) you'll know that all that poking and jabbing hurts like hell. My girl is very stoic, however and tells the nurse not to apologize and "just do what you need to do".
It's still just the three of us in this thing, but I feel that this has brought my son and I much closer together. We had been "estranged" for a time and now that he's moved into the little apartment we fixed for him in our basement we're getting to know each other again, so something good is coming out of this, though we both wish it were happening in other ways.
About the "Laws" and "Inlaws": The so-called "family" of mine has worked out a system so that no one actually has to set foot in the hospital to see their sister and aunt. What they do is text either Dondra or Jason asking how things are and then the "appointed one" will relay the news to the others. What is so effing hilarious is the way those texts end: "Be sure to call us if she needs anything".
I want to write, "Yeah, how about a little one on one face time with your sister/aunt/cousin, you assholes?", but as you might surmise, She Who Must Be Obeyed won't let me do that.
Okay, so we're not the Waltons. Whose family is? But we are humane, or so I thought.
I know that each and every one of you would be here if it weren't for the miles separating us, but these people don't have that reason. It's to my wife's credit that she holds firmly to the epithet "two wrongs don't make a right" and is there for them with time and wheels whenever she's needed.
I'm very tired and just needed to blow off some steam.
Thanks, my family.
Bill
2,033 2015-07-21 15:59:34
Re: Strummer Bill (67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
NELA. The reason is, he's travelling to India to bring his family to the US and he'll be gone 2 weeks and he can't book the surgery suite at Emory Hospital in ATlanta until after that. We're looking into the possibility of getting it done someplace else by some other doc.
As of this writing she is still in the hospital and I am on my way there now.
Thanks for the concern, NELA and everyone. It is much appreciated by both of us.
Bill and Dondra (who really likes the version of "Desperado" from Roger, thanks!)
2,034 2015-07-19 13:51:14
Re: Strummer Bill (67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Note to Peter: Thanks for the phone number, my friend! I have it written down now, so you may want to delete it from your post if you still can. It's good to have it if I need it, but as yet, there's no need to worry about me. As long as I have y'all here with me, I'm fine.
Your Pal,
Bill
2,035 2015-07-19 13:40:24
Re: Strummer Bill (67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Thanks, Amy and Peter and everyone who's responded. Special note to 'Tails: Yours was the first note Dondra read, and she commented on how nice it was and of course she loves everyone here and appreciates the thoughts, prayers and juju. She Who Must Be Obeyed asks about 'Tails: , "He's not killing a chicken everyday and letting the blood drip onto some bones, is he?"
I think I may have corrupted this woman.
Anyway, I'm home washing panties, bras, my stuff, taking care of Bert the cat and cleaning myself up!
D went into A-Fib during the night, but converted (again) an hour later. Her blood pressure is still soaring sky-high and as long as they keep her medicated and she lies still, that part of it's okay. I feel I should mention that my wife does not drink, smoke or do illegal drugs to cause all of this. She goes to church on Sundays (unlike me) and has lived a very clean life. All the stuff she's going through is inherited.
The docs want to let her go home tomorrow (Monday), always with the idea in mind she may be coming back the same or the next day.
So that's where we stand at present.
Dondra likes country/rock such as The Eagles, etc. and the country classics. Not much of a fan of the "new" country. Also anything from the 60's.
Again, thanks for thinking of both of us and know you are loved.
Bill and [b]Dondra[b]
2,036 2015-07-18 21:03:38
Re: Strummer Bill (67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
I am writing this from D's room in ICU, so I guess I can work this thing and read your posts.--- Bill---
2,037 2015-07-18 17:21:41
Re: Strummer Bill (67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Peter,
To answer your question, yes, we do have family close by, but to be realistic, they only show up for funerals and to volunteer to do eulogies. That goes for both sides.
Yet it's my wife who is always the first to volunteer her time and knowledge to help anyone. Doesn't matter if they are "laws" or "in-laws".
So it's just me and our son Jason taking turns to take care of Dondra.
Speaking of...... the strength and perseverance of this woman is astounding. Three (through the ER)
admissions in the same week would be enough to bring most people down, but not her. Admittedly, we being medical professionals helps both of us because we know the terminology, risks, etc......but the fact that our families have taken this attitude really pisses me off. I'll be leaving in an hour to take over the "watch", so thanks again to all of you for your love and concern. I'll keep working on the "Smart-Phone" so I can communicate with y'all better, but I'm thinking it could be the hospital's WiFi system being weak.
Much love from both of us!
Bill and Dondra Craig
2,038 2015-07-18 13:36:03
Re: Strummer Bill (67 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
But now I will. Thank you, Peter and Roger, Dino and ALL of you!
Dear Friends
For the past week, Dondra was admitted three times for the same problem: Atrial Fibrillation with RVR. ("Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Response")
The following explanation is from Myheart.net......."Usually the heart is like clockwork, the top (collecting) chambers beat then the bottom (main pumping) chambers sense this and also beat, and so on, in a nice regular fashion just like a clock ticking second after second. Usually the heart beats at about 60-80 beats per minute. In Afib the top chamber basically goes crazy often firing off over 400 beats per minute! Luckily the bottom chamber doesn’t allow all those impulses through but it does let every second or third one through. This can give a heart rate of 100-180 beats per minute at rest, still too many beats, known as Afib with RVR, leading to symptoms and problems with heart function. Afib does not necessarily lead to Afib with RVR however, Afib can be rate controlled, sometimes naturally, sometimes using medications and sometimes requiring procedures ...."
My Dondra (She hates it when I call her "Madondra") has had this going on off and on for a couple of years now, but till now her heart has always "righted" itself. This is no longer the case and the only thing to do right now is to take her to the ER and get her admitted for IV fluids which do work - for 24 hours.
A procedure called an "Ablation" has been scheduled, but cannot be done by her cardiologist until the first week in August and there is no one at our hospital who can do this procedure before then. We're considering other doctors at the present time.
This is what an "Ablation" is (again from Myheart.net): "Ablation procedures are minimally invasive procedures typically done through the groin. They are typically used in patients that have tried, or cannot tolerate medicines for control of AFib. Ablation is typically not used as an emergency treatment of Afib with RVR, rather it is used for stable patients in AF, or those with intermittent AFib that wish to remain in normal rhythm. In patients that have had persistent Afib for a long time these procedures are not likely to be successful in the long term."
We also tried "cardioversion". That is, shocking the heart back into a normal rhythm. This too worked, but only for a short time. When I say "shocking" I mean just that - what you see done when someone has a heart attack - and we were both very scared that her heart might stop altogether.
Our Amy brought up the use of a pacemaker, which I also thought would be logical, but a discussion with her doc resulted in him telling us, that this is not the way to go. Neither is, according to him, a defibrillator another device inserted like a pacemaker, but which does what a shock does. Again, we were advised against it. I have forgotten the reasons why not (are you surprised? Next time I'll tape the doctor with my cell phone).
So that is where we are - with Dondra again in ICU, again converted to a normal rhythm with IV fluids, but how long will that last? I don't know if they will discharge her again or not. As home meds, she's currently taking triple the cardiac drug normally prescribed. Not to worry, I looked it up and there's no danger.
I have an android, but as of yet have not been able to figure it out, so I have to come home (which I do while our son is there and because we only live 10 minutes away from the hospital) to post updates.
I need your strong shoulders, my friends. Not to cry on but to lean on if only in a virtual way.
I will post more as I can.
We love y'all and Dondra sends smiles and love as well.
Your friend
Bill
2,039 2015-07-13 17:36:56
Topic: Back We Go To The ER (19 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
A-Fib again. I'll be MIA for a while.
2,040 2015-07-11 19:44:48
Re: Dondra's birthday! Bills wife (7 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Someone (guess who?) wants to say something:
====================================================================
Thanks to everyone for my birthday wishes!!!!! And thank you for the good thoughts while I was hospitalized. Feeling better now!!. I've excused Bill from the outside chores today, being that he is taking me to dinner. This is a big deal for us both as he has quite a bit of "stage fright" these days! Thanks again! -----Dondra
Dondra
2,041 2015-07-11 18:13:12
Re: Ain't No Honor (6 replies, posted in Songwriting)
unhhuh wrote:
That's where part of the song comes from, the other part from personal revulsion. I don't enjoy hurting others.
I totally respect that, unhhuh, and thank you for telling us a little about yourself. I look forward to listening to this song whenever you get a chance.
Is the name of your band really "Yeah And The Whatevers"? Because that's a totally cool name. Either that or you have teenagers in your house?
Bill
2,042 2015-07-11 16:34:18
Re: Ain't No Honor (6 replies, posted in Songwriting)
While serving in the USAF, I was stationed on a SAC Base in Minot, ND - since closed or changed to a Tactical Fighter Wing. That motto was "Peace Is Our Profession".
2,043 2015-07-11 15:35:24
Re: What's THIS: "Keeping Up With 'The Chordies' " Or What? LOL (28 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Of course you both need to fully recover, my friend! Please don't let my excitement about getting to meet one of the musicians here on Chordie make you think otherwise!
And..... I'l let you take care of writing that song once you feel better, okay?
Your Pal,
Bill
2,044 2015-07-11 15:26:43
Re: introductions (17 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
It's great to have you with us, punkrawker, and as I tell all folks who join us here, "Teach us something!"
I looked at your list of influences and I can pretty much assure you that one of our family (not gonna name him ) will be pleased to know you're a Commander Cody fan.
As for being "all over the map", I think that describes just about everyone at "Chordie", so you should fit right in.
I'm certain that more than just me will be here soon for more welcoming to the "friendliest site on the internet", so for now, welcome aboard and have fun with us.
Bill
EDITED TO ADD: We have some real stars here, though they tend to "play down" their talents. Don't believe them for a second! They're fantastic musicians, singers, songwriters and poets!
2,045 2015-07-11 15:19:48
Re: Ain't No Honor (6 replies, posted in Songwriting)
I really like the message, Unhuh! I'll let you "regale" us with the tune however. It's got that much-feared B and B7.
You didn't include a link, though, and I didn't find it on YT. Any chance of you favoring us - either solo or with The Yeah Whatever's?
We haven't "met" here, so I'm Strummerboy Bill. Just think of me as a "Wal-Mart Greeter" and that should describe me pretty well.
Hope I don't offend you, but when I read the words to this one, it reminds me of something Barry McGuire might sing.
Thanks for the share!
Bill
2,046 2015-07-11 15:04:46
Re: destiny ? (12 replies, posted in Songwriting)
Mo's "been reading my mail". What a well-written and performed tune, my friend!!!!
You really make those minor keys work for you, don'tcha? I find that songs in minor keys played the way you played this one really "clue" the audience that something personal is being sung about, which may or may not be the case here - just my opinion. Thanks for sharing this with us, buddy and I agree with Amy: Why are you not performing live?
A word about my opening sentence: It's not my quote and I have been remiss in not giving attribution. It belongs to Kris Kristofferson and he said it about Jerry Jeff Walker, I believe. So, apologies to Kris and kudos to Mo'!
Thanks!
Bill
2,047 2015-07-11 04:29:10
Re: Lost Connection With SQL --- System Error Code 0 -- Authorization Pack (2 replies, posted in About Chordie)
Thanks, Doug, that sounds reasonable. I'll give it some time and recheck later.
By the way, we live in Georgia, USA. I was born in Germany and have American citizenship through my Dad.
But ya know, we have many members here from all over the world, so I do consider myself as being from Germany and I consider our home here to be a true international website.
Thanks again for the assistance and advice, my friend!
Bill
2,048 2015-07-11 04:10:31
Topic: Lost Connection With SQL --- System Error Code 0 -- Authorization Pack (2 replies, posted in About Chordie)
Hello Admins
I have never encountered the above and don't know how to troubleshoot it.
It only appears in the thread "What's This......" about Dondra's hospital admission. All other threads are fine.
Thanks
Bill
2,049 2015-07-11 01:44:01
Re: What's THIS: "Keeping Up With 'The Chordies' " Or What? LOL (28 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
NELA wrote:
Bill, sorry I haven't responded to this post sooner but I, too, wish your wife all the best. Like Dondra, I also, have a-fib and all the nasty side affects that go along with it. Last year my cardio doctor stopped my heart then shocked it to bring it back into rythem. It lasted almost 3 days. I may not know all she is going through but I know she ain't having any fun. Take care of her and know that there are some good meds out there that can / will help. Also, a good cardio doctor is a good thing to have. Take care.
Nela
And here is an example of a wonderful guy caught in the act of thinking of others' welfare before his own. NELA my friend, how are you doing????
You know, every time I read and/or respond to one of your posts here, I think to myself, "Why haven't you met this guy face to face???"
So if it's okay with you and if I am not overstepping the bounds of going from internet friendship to the "real-life" kind, would this be okay?
Once you recover and feel much, much better perhaps we can have a 4-person mini-Chordfest of our own one weekend? SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) and I have not had a vacation since we remarried in May of 2009, and I mentioned to her nurses and docs, that it seems like we have to use our hospital time as our vacation!
Please continue to recover, improve and most of all, if there's anything we can do, let D and I know, and it shall be done.
Your friend
Bill
2,050 2015-07-11 01:14:36
Re: What's THIS: "Keeping Up With 'The Chordies' " Or What? LOL (28 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Hey, Dino and everyone.
I had to smile when I read the above, my friend, because for once, the wrappers were left at the hospital. I spent most of my time there and only slept a little here. I do have a mountain of dishes and clothes to wash, however, but I'll get to those in the morning.
Well, we're home. The discharge process took 4 hours, due to almost every department in the hospital having to make an appearance with papers to sign, speeches to give, etc. etc. We finally rolled out of there at about 4 pm. Then guess what happened???
Dondra just had to go get her hair done at her Nieces' shop....... then her brother wanted to take her out to eat for her birthday, which is tomorrow........ then she came home and informed me she had to work 4 hours at her job as a respiratory therapist in her hospital tomorrowl........ right after having had a-fib and being in the hospital for three days.
Well my friends, at that point I felt like I had to put my foot down and man up, as they say, so I said, "If I may be so bold, I'd like to suggest you get that sexy little butt in the bed and keep it there until I say different."
After closing her mouth several times, she did as I said, this lady I call "She Who Must Be Obeyed" and that's where she is right now as I type this.
We both want to thank our family here for all the well-wishes, the thoughts, the prayers and of course, the juju, and as soon as we recover a bit more, she wants to write a note to everyone.
To answer Amy's question: A pacemaker was discussed at one of the times I was home gathering "supplies", and she was told that because her problem seems to be chronic, that is the next step if the new cardio meds don't keep her in sinus rhythm.
We love you all and thank you for being the caring and loving folks y'all are!
Bill and "She Who Must Be Obeyed"
EDITED: On accounta I wrote sexy "ass" in the first version of this and SWMBO didn't like it. She's a true "Southern Belle" and will not abide this kind of language. Especially when referring to her ----- butt.