|
Post by rockpickerforever on Apr 30, 2023 18:56:41 GMT -5
Getting my life organized again and getting some time on the wheels. Got 2 done this weekend and started another 4. This is some Dino Doo. It is for a co worker who has to sniff every rock I bring in. Hopefully I can get him to lick it as well! Then a fossilized coral piece that I found locally. Not sure what species but man did it shine! It was pretty well rounded when I found it. Those are both very nice, but I really love the coral!
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Apr 30, 2023 1:07:25 GMT -5
Mike Rowe was trained in Opera!
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Apr 30, 2023 0:20:28 GMT -5
Wow, nice ones, Jason! It takes a good set of peepers to find those.
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Apr 29, 2023 18:42:13 GMT -5
stefan I suspect you responded to a different post than you think you did? Or maybe Proboards is just having fun with us? You just never know...
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Mar 24, 2023 19:48:21 GMT -5
"How is your brain tumor, you might ask?" I am slowly pursuing that, but still have paperwork and health records to send to the neurosurgeon group. Also a matter of paying for it (after insurance paid their share) after moving stuff in moneymarket accounts, selling some stock, etc., then paying $62K to the plumbers for digging up under my slab and in my yard, and replacing the 60 year old cast iron pipe. Then truck smogging and registration. So glad tax day has been moved to October! I'm also in the process of getting a new homeowners' insurance policy with a new company. (The last one I had is no longer doing personal insurance.) before April 6.
Sorry for keeping you all in suspense for so long, without even an update. But I had no new news!! My bad! Will try to be better about that. Although this is my first post in some time, be assured I do check the forum every now and then.
When I first found out about the toomer in my noggin, I was ready to do whatever I had to do, but now, I'm not so ready. You can say I'm scared, I won't lie to you. The doctors had assured me it would be a snap, but later told me it wasn't risk free. Well, duh!, I figured that. It is brain surgery, after all. I could either wake up dead, or wake up someone else, with all the knowledge and memories I have gathered over my 65 yrs jumbled or missing, or be a vegetable. I don't like any of those choices.
I've been reading a lot about it online. Sometimes the menangioma will go away spontaneously. But I know that it should be removed. I will when the time is right.($$)
But I am getting better everyday, rarely having headaches or other symptoms I had before. I did have these same symptoms under the same circumstances about three years ago. I never went to the hospital, or even to my doctor, and the problem went away. I never would have even known this time except for Covid sending me to the hospital for two weeks in December, where they did CT scans and MRIs, and saw what they saw.
So, Tela, I will at the very least have a consult with the team, maybe I could get another MRI, and see if it has grown - or shrank, or stayed the same. This is what my PC said to me, I don't have to run straight to the hospital, and have them start cutting on me. We can look at other options, if there are any. Until such time, I am still alive, enjoying life.
Gotta go for now. I'll be back!
Jean
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Feb 26, 2023 19:50:05 GMT -5
A couple of months ago, I was slabbing a hunk of Lavic Siding jasper when suddenly I saw this fella looking up at me! Excited about the possibilities for a cab, I immediately turned it over to see how far the pattern might have moved. It didn't! That is, it wasn't — there was absolutely no trace of the pattern on the backside. So it just sat until yesterday when it finally called out to me.
It had to be polished flat. And it had to become a cabojohn**! The pair of "eyes" weren't quite centered on the "nose" or "mouth", so I chose to place the latter in the center:
Cutting the facets by hand on my flat lap was pretty easy, but it required some minor adjustments with the higher grits. After 1500 grit I simply put it to the higher grit wheels of my Genie and Pixie.
**rockpickerforever Jean had explained to me a while back that an earlier faceted, flat-faced "cab" of mine was actually a "cabojohn", a style of cutting named for and created by a former member who is deceased. See SHAPING A CABOJOHN--101 Thanks for the tag Gary opalpyrexia. It was nice to think of John Sands today. He was a great guy, and lots of fun, even though I never actually met him in person. But I can say that about a good number of RTHlings (only knowing them virtually). Here's a link to a tutorial he did on cabojohns SHAPING A CABOJOHN--101
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Feb 18, 2023 0:36:23 GMT -5
Hi, Mark. I just showed your post to Bob. He said, "Nice!" Brings back memories from those trips we used to make out there.
I've got some stuff collected from a few trips to Brenda that looks mighty similar. You can't go out there and not find it. Did you enjoy your time out there? Are you still out there? Or have you gone back home to the frozen North?
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 29, 2023 23:48:32 GMT -5
Me, too ! Please get better 1dave . Jean!! Good to see you on here! Your absence has definitely been noticed again! Keeping you in my prayers as well as Dave!! Thanks, Jason. I have missed you, as well as many others on here. Just taking it one day at a time. Seems we have all had a terrible winter.
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 29, 2023 23:42:47 GMT -5
Me, too ! Please get better 1dave . Jean! You've been missed! I'm still praying for you, too, my friend. Thank you, Robin. I have just not found the time to keep up here. For that I apologize. I've not been following through on what I need to do, either. You know, the neurologist? (my bad). But every day gets better, and today was an exceptional day. I felt extra fine today. Bob, however, did not feel well today, stomach problems, among other things. We have the same PC doctor, and he is trying to get me all caught up on things that have fallen between the cracks for too long. I recently had a bone density scan done, and, like Bob, looks Iike I have some osteoporosis going on, too. Then I had a mammogram, next they plan on hooking me up with a new GI doctor, from whom I'll get a you-know-what. There's a first time for everything, right? I have several doctors, and groups of doctors that want to have online access to me. I know it's a good thing, but still a pain in the ass. More work for me to do now. But I suppose it beats the alternative, and gives me something to complain about, as well. The temp dropped a few more degrees, time to go inside where it is warmer. Last month, we had all that rain, the atmospheric rivers. We are getting some light rain now, but nothing like those rivers before. However, it has turned cold, the weather guessers are calling for the snow elevation level to plummet. We are still sitting out on the patio, but not for long. Bob just told me it is 52 degrees out here. Everything is still all piled on us right now, but getting better. We got our truck back from the mechanic just before Christmas, it had to be smogged by Jan 31, did that the other day, paid the registration renewal on Friday. Now I have to get it insured by mid Feb. I hate it when your insurance company drops you, not because of too many points, but because you live in CA! That sucks! We had the same insurance company for our homeowners insurance, now I have to come up with. another one by April 23, 2023. The plumber had been playing some kind of game with us about taking his payment from us. I don't know how many checks I ended up stopping payment on and writing another. At that point in time my balance was fluctuating by over $6k! But things are getting back to normal. whatever If that is. If I hadn't made friends with a gal at the bank, I would have been paying beaucoup fees, but she made everything go away. She even produced a cashier's check through her bank and did not charge me a cent. It pays to have friends in high places. Hoping that little phase of my life is done, never to be repeated. It was crazy! The unplanned major plumbing overhaul is still ongoing. But getting closer to being done. Sorry for the long rant, this has been my life since early December. You all take care. Jean
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 29, 2023 21:51:42 GMT -5
1dave , That's the spirit! I'm in much the same situation. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may! I want to read those books. Me, too ! Please get better 1dave.
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 9, 2023 13:20:18 GMT -5
Even just using one is helpful, better than not using anything at all. I've noticed my hearing has gotten worse lately. I figure one day I'm going to need hearing aids if I want to hear what my wife is saying...operative word there being "if"! LOL I read your update on everything in Robin's Spring thread. Please know you're very much still in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for that jasoninsd!
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 8, 2023 22:23:45 GMT -5
Good morning, mohs . I'm going to just mention this one time then let it go, more important things to worry about right now. On one of Bob's last visits to me in the hospital, he was wearing his mask in the room while a worker was in there. When the worker went to leave, Bob removed the ear loop to remove the mask, and it flipped one of his expensive ($5k a pair) hearing aids out of his ear, and it disappeared. Despite several of the housecleaning staff looking for it, it was never found. I think it may have been flung into the trash. I'm hoping his insurance will be paying for a new pair early next year. That is all, carry on! Well crap! That sucks!! If your medical deductible has already been met for this year...which I'm guessing it has!...maybe filing a claim for the hearing aid before the end of the year would save some money. Just a thought... jasoninsd, the hearing aid never did turn up. I fear when it got flung off the elastic ear loops on Bob's mask, it went straight into the trash somehow. Several housekeepers broke out flashlights and swiffers and started looking for it. Was not to be found. Have not looked the info up again, but I seem to recall that they will replace your hearing aids at full insurance value every three years. Used to be every other year. Since the time he lost it, he has just been wearing the one he didn't lose. Even just using one is helpful, better than not using anything at all.
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 8, 2023 22:12:09 GMT -5
In addition to all the various hummingbirds, we also have other little birdies, like English sparrows and crowned sparrows, a few red finches. The seed eaters just love to tear open the red fruits of the Peruvian apple cactus and go to town. We recently had solar panels installed just before the plumbing nightmare began. They were quick about it, did it in one morning! But, starting that day, we've been having a mob of ground squirrels climbing on our roof and new panels, doing high wire acts hanging from the power lines. Worst, is when then climb up under the hood of the truck, and crawl all over the engine depositing turds. They will also chew on the truck wires, but they've yet to do that this year. Because I am here in front of my phone right now, and have been remiss in my duties, just a quick health update. Went into ER with Covid symptoms on Dec 5, had a positive test for that, seasonal flu was negative. Bob had the sore throat, got tested at his doctor's office, they said he did not have it. Had the brain fog that came with the Covid, but at the same time found I have a benign brain mass called a meningioma at the rear base of my noggin. It is the most common type of tumor found in the head, and is more likely found in older females. After being in the hospital from Dec 5 until Dec 20 under constant monitoring (heart monitor, blood work CT scans, MRIs, etc), they have deduced the tumor is not growing rapidly, they generally don't. I have no less than three groups of neurosurgeons that will go back in for it within a month, got the authorization in the mail on Saturday. I'm in the process of signing up with all the new doctors, getting online with them on Sharp's Follow My Health. Will be a great resource once I get everything entered on there, including year's old info from when I was at Kaiser - Meds, surgeries, vaccinations, etc. I have to admit that I have kind of been ignoring it to this point. It'll happen when it happens. I t seems I get emails from several doctors everyday, asking me when I am going to get signed up? Still have not gotten caught up with all my financials/checkbook since all this started. It's a mess. At least so far, one double billing (for all of $9.50, a Rx) was credited without my intervention. The hospital has not been pushing on me for payment, so I like that. Plumbing work still going on, will be needing to throw some money their way coming up soon. They have been working hard, and making good progress. Still lots of drywall/finish work to do, like fix hole in ceiling where someone has had been in the attic to place pipes, and stepped off the one of the two by fours, placing their foot through the ceiling. At this point, it is just cosmetic, lol. Since the hospital, we've had to go to the laundromat twice now, my washer and dryer are out in the yard under a tarp right now, can't go back into the garage to be used until the holes in the floor are backfilled, and cement poured over the top. But I must say, I am very happy with the work that has been done so far, and the materials used. I love my nice new water heater, and HALO system installed to protect the new pipes. There are still things that need hooking up, toilet in my bathroom tightened back down on the flange all the way, but everything is working and flowing! I like it! They will be filling dirt back into holes, covering with concrete, and hauling off the muddy mess in the yard, that can't happen soon enough. Some one from the city was supposed to come out yesterday to check all the holes before refilling, and sign on on that. The city employee kind of seemed like a duck, like he has his own special program to do this standard job. And, of course, over time, they keep changing code on everything. That's it for now, will try not to go without an update for so long next time. I am still improving every day. Thank you all for going above and beyond for me. I am truly blessed! Jean, thanks for the update. I'm happy you're doing well and that you like the job the plumbers are doing. What a mess! You have a lot on your plate. In case you're wondering, I'm still praying for you every day to get past all this crap. The fact that you have your sense of humor still is a wonderful thing and works wonders for your overall well-being. Thank you for your prayers still, Robin. Keeping a positive outlook about the best I can do, would be stupid not to use that energy. We both feel strongly that this will go our way. How could it not?
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 8, 2023 22:04:47 GMT -5
Not yet, Dule. I just got the authorization from the health plan on Saturday to remove the mass. Looks like they are leaning towards three - four weeks from now, back into the hospital again. Since almost the beginning, I have been on steroids to reduce any swelling in my brainstem, which is important because the brain's natural washing system must not be impeded, must keep the CSF flowing. Whatever the outcome, it should be interesting. 🧠
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 8, 2023 19:37:29 GMT -5
Best wishes for a speedy recovery Jean! You got this! Thanks a bunch, Mel! Getting better everyday!
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 8, 2023 19:34:16 GMT -5
All we have now is squirrels and some little birds. Will eventually get blue jays and robins and lizards. All good. In addition to all the various hummingbirds, we also have other little birdies, like English sparrows and crowned sparrows, a few red finches. The seed eaters just love to tear open the red fruits of the Peruvian apple cactus and go to town. We recently had solar panels installed just before the plumbing nightmare began. They were quick about it, did it in one morning! But, starting that day, we've been having a mob of ground squirrels climbing on our roof and new panels, doing high wire acts hanging from the power lines. Worst, is when then climb up under the hood of the truck, and crawl all over the engine depositing turds. They will also chew on the truck wires, but they've yet to do that this year. Because I am here in front of my phone right now, and have been remiss in my duties, just a quick health update. Went into ER with Covid symptoms on Dec 5, had a positive test for that, seasonal flu was negative. Bob had the sore throat, got tested at his doctor's office, they said he did not have it. Had the brain fog that came with the Covid, but at the same time found I have a benign brain mass called a meningioma at the rear base of my noggin. It is the most common type of tumor found in the head, and is more likely found in older females. After being in the hospital from Dec 5 until Dec 20 under constant monitoring (heart monitor, blood work CT scans, MRIs, etc), they have deduced the tumor is not growing rapidly, they generally don't. I have no less than three groups of neurosurgeons that will go back in for it within a month, got the authorization in the mail on Saturday. I'm in the process of signing up with all the new doctors, getting online with them on Sharp's Follow My Health. Will be a great resource once I get everything entered on there, including year's old info from when I was at Kaiser - Meds, surgeries, vaccinations, etc. I have to admit that I have kind of been ignoring it to this point. It'll happen when it happens. I t seems I get emails from several doctors everyday, asking me when I am going to get signed up? Still have not gotten caught up with all my financials/checkbook since all this started. It's a mess. At least so far, one double billing (for all of $9.50, a Rx) was credited without my intervention. The hospital has not been pushing on me for payment, so I like that. Plumbing work still going on, will be needing to throw some money their way coming up soon. They have been working hard, and making good progress. Still lots of drywall/finish work to do, like fix hole in ceiling where someone has had been in the attic to place pipes, and stepped off the one of the two by fours, placing their foot through the ceiling. At this point, it is just cosmetic, lol. Since the hospital, we've had to go to the laundromat twice now, my washer and dryer are out in the yard under a tarp right now, can't go back into the garage to be used until the holes in the floor are backfilled, and cement poured over the top. But I must say, I am very happy with the work that has been done so far, and the materials used. I love my nice new water heater, and HALO system installed to protect the new pipes. There are still things that need hooking up, toilet in my bathroom tightened back down on the flange all the way, but everything is working and flowing! I like it! They will be filling dirt back into holes, covering with concrete, and hauling off the muddy mess in the yard, that can't happen soon enough. Some one from the city was supposed to come out yesterday to check all the holes before refilling, and sign on on that. The city employee kind of seemed like a duck, like he has his own special program to do this standard job. And, of course, over time, they keep changing code on everything. That's it for now, will try not to go without an update for so long next time. I am still improving every day. Thank you all for going above and beyond for me. I am truly blessed!
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 4, 2023 5:37:39 GMT -5
(You're not the only one Robin!! ) Chemistry was never my forte, Jason. Just ask my high school chemistry teacher! Is the science considered chemistry, molecular physics, or something else? I only know I've sucked at it since junior college. Don't feel bad, Robin. I think it takes a certain kind of person to Grok that stuff!
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 3, 2023 5:11:37 GMT -5
Tommy liveoak potterstewartJust trying to eliminate a potential pitfall before it snags someone which is why I asked earlier . . . Distinctly flat?I am acutely aware of being labelled obtuse on this point but it sure looks loosely triangular to me so I’m wondering how loose is too loose? I think my intention on "Loosely Triangular" was to leave enough room for creativity.
So all 3 sides don't have to be equal (no exact angles) but still keep to the flat back domed top cab, since this is a cab contest after all.
But as Tommy said, rounded corners or sharp square corners both work- as long as the 3 sides are straight.
Patty
Call it wiggle room, if you will.
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 1, 2023 22:41:34 GMT -5
The TV was on a LOT! it was tuned to Bonanza. Between episodes the announcer came on and actually said: REALLY? What about the Flintstones and the Jetsons? My world is crumbling all around me! Yeah, sorry about that Dave. What I learned when I was recently in the hospital is that it is a really noisy place, and they start really early, like 5 am. Seems my hearing got more sensitive during my stay, and I like things to be quiet. I had to keep getting up and closing my room door because the peeps - doctor, staff, etc, liked to hang out right in front of it in the hallway and gab. After doing this for a while, everyone understood what I was doing, and closed it for me. The Vampires (just kidding, I never called them that!) go out to collect their blood draws, waking you up most every time they do. I always made a point of telling them how nice their stick was, because it was. Probably the worst part of my stay was a young man (20-ish?) named Charlie in the room next door to me that had Covid, he came in just after me. He had it bad, like he had been eating tumbleweeds or something. The noises he made were fearsome, coughing, retching, hacking, moaning, feral noises. I'm guessing he had that terrible sore throat that 1dave got, and most likely those nasty body aches and pains thatt Dave got as well. Mine wasn't so bad, at first they were saying I was asymptomatic. I just had a low fever, and the cough I got from nasal drip after they gave me milk to drink. (Don't drink it!) While in there, I mostly watched stuff on my cell phone. Don't know if Bonanza was on or not, because I never turned the TV On! That's how much I hate TV, lol
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 1, 2023 17:50:06 GMT -5
To you and Gypsy, too, Diane!
|
|