h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well, after complaining for ages that his neck was stiff, but refusing to do anything about it, my elderly father (86 last week) finally got into so much pain that he couldn't sleep. Took him to the doc today and was told his neck is a mess and he must see an orthopedist. They gave him steroids and pain pills. At least he is slightly less grumpy than before the pills, but his constant demands for attention and assistance - (usually he can't tell you what he really wants you to do-just wants you to do something, and right now!)- are wearing out my mom and me!

Sorry, found this only now .
I hope your dad is better now, and less grumpy and demanding. Sometimes, I'm just glad that my dad lives so far away - I don't have to cope with his moods this way

Thanks. His neck is a bit better, though the grumps still come at odd moments. We took him out for a late birthday (86 yrs) meal today, and he was awful before we left but behaved himself after that. While they were treating the neck, they found that his blood was too thin; so they are adjusting that medicine. That could be dangerous, and I'm glad they checked. I took him in to the doctor this afternoon, and they say things are getting better. Since my mom and I share business space, and I am her only child, I guess I'm stuck with these two. Things could be worse.

I'm glad to hear your dad is better Parents: love them or leave them, eh ? Things are a bit easier for me, I have two siblings, so my parents' focus is not on me. And we don't share anything, which is good - I don't owe them anything, so that's fine

My mother's 86. She has to take 17 pills a day. She's feeling better now they've put her on anti-depressants. They seem to be working for her. Make the most of your Dad whilst he's still alive you won't be able to bring him back once he's gone.

I'm glad they found medicine to make your mom feel better, though it must be a chore for her to take 17 pills!
You are right about appreciating dad while he's here, though it's hard to see him so grouchy so much. We asked the doctor about antidepressants, and he just laughed and said he didn't believe dad could be depressed. What do you do when the doc is in denial? I take it your dad has passed on?

My father died 10 years ago, but I think of him every day, and I will always miss him. I always try to remember the laughter, but there were some pretty gruesome times as well. I always think of him when I see a

As far as the doctors are concerned...I suppose it depends which line of medicine they are in, that is, whether they agree with holistic, alternative or conventional methods.

Thanks for the good wishes for my trip. I and my carpool partners were blessed with the bad weather always being just a bit beyond us. One more Christmas Pops tomorrow and then I can rest my arms till Wednesday's Messiah rehearsal.
That's sweet to associate your dad with rainbows. I wonder what will make me think of dad when he's gone - maybe overweight animals? He feeds everything that looks at him. Birds follow him around the yard along with our cats,... and sometimes "not-our" cats!

He will come to you in all shapes forms and guises

That's quite a parade!

76 trombones waltzing at someone's funeral parade'
(sings) "Oh when the Saints......."

Somehow that verse of "76 trombones " doesn't scan with the tune I know...

Took poor dad to the doctor today because we were afraid he had shingles again, but they say not. Don't know what's causing his rash. Hope they are right about it not being shingles. I think they gave him some new pills for it.

Now about the "Saints"..., I thought you folks over in my ancesteral country were into bagpipes for funerals. Can you play "Saints" on the pipes? Would anyone want to hear it on pipes? Would they likely live to tell about it?

A few of my friends play bagpipes, but I don't unfortunately.
I was actually thinking of a New Orleans funeral but I can't remember who it was. Was it at Louis Armstrong's funeral where they were all playing trumpets as they paraded his coffin through the streets?

I knew you meant a New Orleans funeral-was just yanking your chain a bit! I think the routine you describe was typical of many-could definitely happen for a big name in Jazz. Don't think they are burying much around there at the moment though. To much muck to dig through.

There are many of us around the southern Appalachians that have Scottish ancestry (these mountains used to be part of Scotland according to most theories of continental drift), so bagpipes are more popular in middle Tennessee than you might think. I rather like them, as long as I don't have to be inside with them. Am I wrong to think they sound better outdoors?

What? Clogs or bagpipes?

Take your pick.

I picked a clog and phoned a bagpipe
Nice to see you again