"YABBER-LINER" - ALL ABOARD

Another landmark in A2K history! Barry, McTag, and Dadpad together in the same place!

Two aussies, one Brit and two Scotts?
A land that time has forgot.

What did they play
On this memorable day?

Perhaps it's a new Camelot.

Hello Crew

Firstly, I am so sorry not to have been able to attend the London meetup with POMcT, the Cabin Boy, Dad&MumPad and Baz. It had to take something pretty huge for me not to go... and unfortunately, one of life’s curve balls spun out. I was very fortunate however to talk with DadPad on the phone (big yay) and the “G’day” was fantastic to hear – it was like talking with someone I’d known for ages – and so very good to hear his Aussie accent.

So..... what’s been going on... well, lots but in slow motion. As you know, FQ and family came and stayed with me last weekend. Despite me being on nuisance poorly patrol we had a great time and FQ never looked better or happier.

This is probably one of the hardest posts I will ever make for my sis – saying it out loud makes it real now. On Friday, 13th August (what’s with that Friday the 13th crahp a? ) – FQ went for a well-woman appointment. Just a run-of-the-mill routine thing for work and all was good. On Tuesday, she got a phone call – there was a problem with her mammogram results... she had to see the doctor immediately. On Wednesday, life changed for her, and all of us who love and care for her. After many more mammograms that day, and 4 biopsies, we received confirmation that FQ has breast cancer.

FQsis – of course, y’all know her as my soul-sis – is Charlie.

Charlie has been incredibly positive and upbeat – so far she hasn’t really cried whilst the rest of us keep disappearing off to have a good bawl <pass the tissues> – of course, she is gonna beat this!!!!!! Little bit of cancer schmancer... bollocks to that!!! Bit of a shock tho to everyone, not least, Charlie, who really doesn’t do sick.

So, Charlie is going to have surgery on 3rd September - OPERATION “TIT’S UP” – she is having a specialised surgery where she will have a wire inserted at one hospital early in the morning – she’ll then be transferred to another hospital and a few hours later will undergo “the BLUE treatment” – they will inject her with isotopes and this will show whether the cancer has spread – if so, they will remove the lymph nodes and do any other procedures necessary. She will temporarily turn BLUE – Avatar Part Deux – but then, could there be a better colour to be

Charlie will be off work after surgery for a few weeks (sheesh, it takes a whopper reason to stop her working) and then be working from home, all going to the plan we have made (don’t care what the cancer plan is, we have our own plan) she will work from home for a number of weeks, or months, whatever.

The silver linings... and there are a few

They have caught this early. Charlie was not supposed to have a mammogram for another 5 years – they only did it because they had a spare slot and decided to do one - strange how things happen like that. She would never have known... ergo – this was a gift of sorts – can this be a gift... yep, if you want it to be, it can. It's kinda non-returnable - but it doesn't mean she has to like it.

The tumour is small – Grade 1, possibly 2, but not a 3. Cool. Grade 1 – easy pea’sy! Cut than nasty little bugger out and ...

If this hasn’t spread – Charlie will just (just, that seems wrong to say)... but just have a quick nip and tuck then radiotherapy, daily for about a month after the surgery has healed. There’s a possibility there will be chemo – but until she’s had the surgery we’re not even going to contemplate that one. Deal with that if needs be! Hey, she may even get a boob job out of this... dammit - she'll have a great pair!

Fate played a hand here – the silver lining is... there ‘aint no stronger person than Charlie – put a challenge her way and she will take control of it and sucker punch it back – she’s gonna kick the crahp out of cancer... and with all our help, she’ll keep strong.

Charlie has great faith in the “Big Man” upstairs – she will be online at some stage to have a bit of yabber no doubt and to talk to the crew out loud when it’s maybe hard to say the words – however, ‘til then, she’s asked me to ask all of you to do what you do and get those ommmm’s and prayers going. Missy and Babbling – please include her in your prayer chains – her belief is “The Big Man” sent this her way and what will be will be – meanwhile tho, she asks for your best wishes, prayers and love.

K-bro and the girls are dealing with the news, big and brave x 3... gonna be a bit rough for the next few months – but hey, you gotta get on with it, right!

So... course, you gotta have a song to go with a sob story...




Now for the GOOOOOOOOOOOD NEWS – and yay – this is massive – Charlie’s eldest daughter. Jellybean, got 2 x “A”s and a “B” in her A’levels. WELL DONE JELLY – SO SO SO VERY PROUD OF HER.




oh, and for the record... be prepared for some pretty “dark humour” over the next few weeks – we are really naughty when it comes to “Death Becomes Her” and that’s what we do as soul sisters! Laughter is the best medicine – so please crew... keep the laughter going. We don't do eeyore!

Slap on the lippy sis... I love you x We are so gonna be PINK LADIES!





ps – thanks to POMcT, DadPad and Baz for your support on the phone – would love to have spent time with you – this weekend just needed to be with my gal. Love the pics – can hear your voices when I see your faces. xxx

Well.


FQ is very lucky to have you, Izzie. Will be ommmmming big time here. (You will probably hear me there.) And thinking positive thoughts.

Started Ommmmmming a couple of days ago!
(((((( Charlie )))))) and (((((( family ))))))

well damn

that's gonna take a lot of lipstick




ommmm




ommmmmmmmmmmm





a lot of lipstick

and dancing

and ommmming


ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Bazza - thanks for those photos.

Great to see Penny orient herself to Mumpad right away.

To see you all together in those photos - wow!

Sunday morning here and I've just read your post Izzie, I'm in total shock. Will do any thing you ask of me for your dear sis and soul mate, ooooooooming, praying and sending heaps of love and vibes across the oceans. She and her family will be in my thoughts until this is all behind her. Thank you for telling us the news in such a positive manner Izzie, you're a true friend who will be a tower of strength to Charlie. She is very blessed to have you.
(((Izzie))) & (((Charlie))).

Ok. That was hard to on the heart, but I am so thankful you shared. FQ if you read this, I love you. You have been a friend to me with the soft touches of your big heart when I needed it, with what might have seemed so small to you but were so BIG to me. You are a friend to everyone.

I have you on several prayer chains that stretch all over the world. The same chains I put my Daddy on, who also fell victim to that mysterious Friday the 13th, as that was the day he had his heart attack. If you remember, they gave him about 6 hours to live. There is so much power in prayer. I'm not done putting you in the prayer loops. I will do some more tomorrow, locally and online.

God has already shown that He has His hand in this, but you know that.

I think we should put our sadness in a box and rally around you with laughter. Support you with our love and keep you lifted up in prayer.



Darkness gives way to light. Clouds spread apart and give way to big blue skys and suddenly everything is ok again. Just like it will be for you.










Faith ~ Hope ~Love ~ Courage ~ Wisdom. Get your fight on sista, I know you can do this.

We'll be holding your hand every step of the way. xo

Izzele, Sorry to hear this. FQ and you can get through this. Wish there was something I could do.

I you need any advice on radiation, I may be able to help. Remember, I glow in the dark.

Moving my hope into high gear. Sympathetic and empathetic.

Warm wishes for good health to your sis dear Izzie.

Treat dear Charlie to some ice cream after her procedures are done, okay?

God Bless you Brooke for your prayers and support. I know that everything happens for a reason and I hope God can show me the pathway through the tunnel. I have beautiful friends and family across the world and.I will get so much strength and healing through your prayers. Thank you Brooke. Izzie has been right here beside me, my soul sister and rock. I have my precious girls to fight for, just as your dad fought for you. I can reflect now and find my path.
Thanks to all those on the journey with me

Hi Flavour Queen. How brave of you to make an appearance on the "Yabber-Liner", a good indication of your determination to overcome this health set-back. I'm sure all the crew here will travel with you on the coming journey, holding your hand and pray for you, remember you'll have plenty of shoulders to lean on. All the very best dear Flavour Queen and take care. (((FlavourQueen)

Greetings fellow crew and mahjong aficionados, call me agrestic, but may the light of a new day envelope and celebrate your muliebrity.

I would like to quash the rumor that my research cruise to the North-western Hawaiian Islands with the National Marine Sanctuary Program conducting non-invasive survey at Kure Atoll was a walk in the park.

Well, I can tellya that surveying wreck sites in the Hawaiian archipelago reveals our seafaring history and providing a platform for the message of preservation and comprehensive ocean stewardship. The miles of pure white sand and crystal clear water are just an occupational hazard of the job - but hey, someone has to make the sacrifice!

This is what I have so far...

Preliminary archival work on the history of the British whaler Pearl indicates that the vessel was originally built as an American ship in Philadelphia (can any filly confirm this?) at least as early as 1805.

At some time after that, the ship may have been captured by the French (anyone asked Francis?) during the aftermath of the Quasi-war and renamed La Perla; subsequently taken by the British privateer Mayflower and from there put into service in the British South Seas whaling industry out of London.

As a British whaler, the Pearl (Captain Clark) struck an unknown reef on the night of April 24th, 1822.


Izzie; I wish I could hug you well. But then again, I guess having a creek so near you don't need no well. Hugs anyways.

U 2 Tulip; a tattoo you say! Can you in future preface such comments with a health warning as mulling over its location has put my mind into overdrive!!! However it is sad that your vibrancy and joie de vivre is constrained by illness; be well soonest.

Talking of lust; where is Brooke nowerdays?

Joy of joys, two sweet ladies of the North; JPB and Tai Chi appear in robust health. (And before allegations are made that I used the word 'robust' because it contained the word 'bust' let me assure the reader that it was indeed my second choice, after my first choice 'vigorous' was censored). They are indeed a beautiful pair I would cross the Mason-Dixon line for!

What a delight to see the crew getting some face time together spanning continents, giving truth to the saying, "mi casa es su casa." Nice photographs guys, last time I saw so much sky was when I fell outta a tree.

Vbay, you look radiant. I remember from New Delhi to Darjeeling I have done my share of stealing and I've never been known for my charm,
I remember that with one jab of a needle in my Punjab how it cleared up beriberi and the dreaded dysentery, but your smile all the while was the cure I required.


Alex, you rock buddy.
Accuracy, brevity and speed.
You have it all.
And some to spare.
Good luck fishing.


Dear Dutchy, I had no idea you were also having health problems, how typical of you to disguise the fact behind your never ending good humor. As my favorite Paul Hogan lookalike, may I wish you a speedy return to wellbeing.


Wandel JW - Terrific picture of you and Annie, so angelic...Remind me again; who is who?


Not that you need to be fatidical to detect griseous hair.


I have missed y'all like a fish misses a bicycle, but you know what JW always says; 'If you wanna get ahead - get a hat'.

I want to rite but do not know could not why doesn't want to understand to get rid of this Skullcap - Which can refer to two herbs: American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)....

my rap career goes back further than BP's oil spill, its ludachrist, i pack more nuts than delta airlines every babe should have a picture of my lick (on they walls)
i walk right in here and pop; like where my dinner be at? i ate that and i was like where my dinner be at? i aint talkin about breakfast when i say put yo mouth to the biscuit -
alabama, the final piece of the puzzle - say it backwards - "i'm a balla" in the streets and i hustle ridin' through the city in a tonka toy, i got old money, coulda bought me a dinosaw!

We now await the dénouement!



Prevarication

Official unsanctioned A2K Moderation Escritoire Dissertation:-

Son you garbage we got lie detectors, man we know you fake,
cuz you amount to more ass than girls at a concert for Justin Timberlake,
your whack raps, dawg your whole verse sound like a chorus,
cuz you repeat the flow, Questioning you like a long lost tourist,
you is boring to us, lets state the facts, you need a dictionary...
to post ya raps, but you seem to have forgot the use of a cemetery...
You suppose to be a diver, more like a clown, cuz you liberals iz funny.
Shoot, yo dont need no rap lyrics boy - all you'se need is some nice chicken soup!


Did I mention I was in Chattanooga a few Fridays back and needless to say it was at the Blue Plate Diner and in walked none other than Tommy Lasorda. Sure he must be 100 by now but he still has his fans; there was this young family that 'bushwhacked' him by the door asking for autographs an all, and I swear that the mom got her boob signed! Well, that's the story he told after noting that there are two 't' in Chattanooga.

Talking of spelling, they say that 'seperate' is the most misspelled word in your English language. It would appear the cause is the placing of an 'e' where the first 'a' should be.

However, I am not without sin as I am guilty of many ideogrammic compound errors when doubling the pictogram 木 mù "tree" produces 林 lín "grove", while tripling it produces 森 sēn "forest". Sometimes you just can't see the wood for the trees.

Which kinda reminds me, did you hear about the dyslexic agnostic insomniac? He laid awake nights wondering if there really is a dog?

If any of you crew find yourself down Martha's Vineyard ways, do come on over to the Blue Canoe Waterfront Grill, 52 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, and say hi.
You can usually find me out back washing dishes.


Heck!!! Just read about FQsis; I am so, so sorry about the result, may my periapt grant roborant for your full and speedy recovery.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more...

Well, that news just sucks! Ok, as it so happens I've been helping a friend wade through all the latest research on treatment options and research on breast cancer. If you get down to thinking about decisions and options I can send you links or try to explain what they're trying to tell you.

In the meantime, positive thoughts and ommmmmmmms are flowing. Glad you've got such a strong base of support around you, FQ. I can't imagine a better rock to lean on than our Mz Izz.

Hugs to you both.

Big hug to FQ (Charlie) if I can help you know where to find me. Candle magic on it's way. Izzie, good that you got there, funny how things work out. Hugging you all! X

Dear Try, I have missed you too! I do have a headache, though, from trying to read all of that popycock. Seriously, it's always a treat to see you again. <smooch!>

FQ - You are welcome. Hang tight. There is continued intercessory prayer on your behalf. You already know what God says about that. Where two or more are gathered together ...... ((((((((FQ))))))))) Know that every prayer is one more person that is standing on the front line with you, in battle. I intend to stand with you on that battle field through it all. It's not your fight to fight alone. Way too much love surrounding you. You already know all that, though.

For non-believers, it doesn't hurt to place her in the hands of those who do believe. If you do a google search for prayer warriors, you will find literally thousands upon thousands of pages that you can go to, and with a click of your mouse, you can place her in the hands of someone that will lift her up in prayer. Even if you just take 5 minutes a day...... Some of these people will even email you to let you know your request was received.

There is nothing to lose - and so much to gain by your kind gesture.

I am also praying for FQ-Sis. It is hopeful that they caught it in the first stage.

(In 2003, I had a prostate tumor. Biopsy showed carcinoma. They got rid of the tumor completely with a type of radiation treatment. I see a specialist 2 or 3 times a year. No tumors since the one in 2003. No metastasis, either.)

Looking for pink but from a guy's pov.May take a little time.Meanwhile the captain swung by the Harbourmaster's office,dressed India stylee....

Great pictures Barry, the Captain looks radiant as always, give her a bindi and black hair and she could pass as verbivore's sister.

Great to see tryagain back on the trail, sorry Brooke let you down mate but don't feel blue, your Paul Hogan look alike mate downunder can tee you up an Aussie sheila anytime.

Izzie did you make it safely home?

Vibes for FQ.