Blind Squirrel
Well-known member
From his profile: Last Active Sep 17 2013 11:36 AM
Hope everything is okay with him.
Hope everything is okay with him.
Has anyone heard from Patriot recently?
- Thread starter Blind Squirrel
- Start date
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El Toro Joe
FYYFF
Ain't seen him around here in a while.
Intech
Mr. Camping Meet
He is fine. Very active on Facebook.
majicmaker
Well-known member
Yep, he posted up a funny post recently.
Mihalis fjr
Well-known member
Ι sent to him a message from 18 October to ask him something and the status writes:Not yet read until today..
Hope that he is fine..!
Hope that he is fine..!
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Patriot
Isabella is Lazarus
hay everyone...I'm still kickin and yes, my life's on FB
admittedly <head down in shame
> , the speed and performance of the forum software got too painful for me
now...health issues have been a big issue, family obligations also, but the bike is running great, the best ever, and I have ya'll to thank every day for that...I haven't been riding much over the summer and even lately, the family is doing great, the hounds are great, and the homestead is wonderful
health: I've been diagnosed with a brain condition which is slowly leading to dementia...I can tell my memory and concentration has diminished over the years. There's some talk about the necessary meds for my advanced bipolar being anti-seizure meds which stabilize the brain chemicals having to do with mood, but also affect other brain chemistry, like that for memory. I've been on meds, some at high doses, for 15 years, so it could be.
I also have a neurological condition, probably near the MS family. There's some depression effect from that, but mainly the prevention/impeding of my body systems from regulating body heat. I suffered all through the deep south summer, requiring to have frozen water with me at all times to cope. Nevertheless, in July, I was working a PGR funeral and had a heat (exhaustion) incident in the parking lot requiring assistance, and ultimately my wife to come pick me up in the car and leaving my bike at the funeral home. First time having to leave a PGR mission. So I was prevented from riding safely and still have only ridden twice since. I did do a mission escort with temps in the high 60's from New Orleans to Mobile and back and did fine. I hope to get back in the saddle more soon now that temps are consistently around 70 here in New Orleans.
The above issues has made the depressive part of my bipolar more prevalent, and added an anxiety disorder to it all. So I find it difficult to leave the house, or deal well with the natural (negative) circumstances of life. I have good doctors, med assistance, and the best family in the world who accept and love me unconditionally.
Ya'll will understand how deep my funk has been. There have been NO NEW farkles added to Isabella in 2013. The only thing I purchased was a replacement Airhawk Air Pad to replace the old one that sprung an unrepairable leak !!!
My oldest daughter (Emily <20> acutely bipolar) is working part time as a pre-school asst teacher and loving it. She beams cause the kids love her so much at work. Can't beat that. My youngest daughter Mary Beth <18> is a High School Senior at the Gifted Technology Academy, earned a ACT score of 31, and has been offered a free ride to any college she wishes. My wife is the AIW (angelic Italian wifey) as always.
Just 2 weeks ago, we payed off our home mortgage. We were then able to afford, for the kids, a used 2002 Honda Civic, and auto insurance for all 4 of us with USAA, leaving (same policy sold to co's over the years) AIG/Wassua/Worldwide/Travelers after 20yrs.
With my bipolar, stress (similar to PTSD), & anxiety issues, I now have a "Service Dog" , my service basset Alley Oop. It's really hard to express how helpful and improved my life is dealing with the depression & fear/anxiety. I love all 4 of my hounds, but Alley has become special to my world. As a Service Dog team, I am able to take her anywhere in public the same as a seeing eye dog would. She still is a therapy dog and was trained for that first to visit nursing homes and hospitals. It wasn't a big jump to Service Dog status. We have moved on from the Visiting Pet Program we served with for a year after we were asked to serve exclusively at the local War Veterans Home. A big advantage is I can go whenever I want on no structured schedule. I commit to 1 visit a month, but it's usually more and I have the pleasure of coordinating/organization special events with the local Veterans Support organizations who have all adopted the residents as our own.
So, I'm feeling better than I have since mid summer, my spirits are creeping up, and know your reaching out to me this way (Tyler posted this on my FB wall) really makes my day. I miss keeping in touch with "Pants" and "Redfish" who were so instrumental in getting my bike fixed as well as "Fred" making it happen here. Believe me that on my death bed, after my family, I will be thankful for 3 amazing blessings to always remember: those who supported me and my family during and after Katrina; ya'll making it happen to get my bike back on the road, & my local PGR/CMA riding family over the years.
So overall, there are bumps in the road, but my appreciation of my family, my faith, and my friends is strong. Check me out on facebook...you'll probably learn too much about me these days over there !!!
admittedly <head down in shame
> , the speed and performance of the forum software got too painful for menow...health issues have been a big issue, family obligations also, but the bike is running great, the best ever, and I have ya'll to thank every day for that...I haven't been riding much over the summer and even lately, the family is doing great, the hounds are great, and the homestead is wonderful
health: I've been diagnosed with a brain condition which is slowly leading to dementia...I can tell my memory and concentration has diminished over the years. There's some talk about the necessary meds for my advanced bipolar being anti-seizure meds which stabilize the brain chemicals having to do with mood, but also affect other brain chemistry, like that for memory. I've been on meds, some at high doses, for 15 years, so it could be.
I also have a neurological condition, probably near the MS family. There's some depression effect from that, but mainly the prevention/impeding of my body systems from regulating body heat. I suffered all through the deep south summer, requiring to have frozen water with me at all times to cope. Nevertheless, in July, I was working a PGR funeral and had a heat (exhaustion) incident in the parking lot requiring assistance, and ultimately my wife to come pick me up in the car and leaving my bike at the funeral home. First time having to leave a PGR mission. So I was prevented from riding safely and still have only ridden twice since. I did do a mission escort with temps in the high 60's from New Orleans to Mobile and back and did fine. I hope to get back in the saddle more soon now that temps are consistently around 70 here in New Orleans.
The above issues has made the depressive part of my bipolar more prevalent, and added an anxiety disorder to it all. So I find it difficult to leave the house, or deal well with the natural (negative) circumstances of life. I have good doctors, med assistance, and the best family in the world who accept and love me unconditionally.
Ya'll will understand how deep my funk has been. There have been NO NEW farkles added to Isabella in 2013. The only thing I purchased was a replacement Airhawk Air Pad to replace the old one that sprung an unrepairable leak !!!
My oldest daughter (Emily <20> acutely bipolar) is working part time as a pre-school asst teacher and loving it. She beams cause the kids love her so much at work. Can't beat that. My youngest daughter Mary Beth <18> is a High School Senior at the Gifted Technology Academy, earned a ACT score of 31, and has been offered a free ride to any college she wishes. My wife is the AIW (angelic Italian wifey) as always.
Just 2 weeks ago, we payed off our home mortgage. We were then able to afford, for the kids, a used 2002 Honda Civic, and auto insurance for all 4 of us with USAA, leaving (same policy sold to co's over the years) AIG/Wassua/Worldwide/Travelers after 20yrs.
With my bipolar, stress (similar to PTSD), & anxiety issues, I now have a "Service Dog" , my service basset Alley Oop. It's really hard to express how helpful and improved my life is dealing with the depression & fear/anxiety. I love all 4 of my hounds, but Alley has become special to my world. As a Service Dog team, I am able to take her anywhere in public the same as a seeing eye dog would. She still is a therapy dog and was trained for that first to visit nursing homes and hospitals. It wasn't a big jump to Service Dog status. We have moved on from the Visiting Pet Program we served with for a year after we were asked to serve exclusively at the local War Veterans Home. A big advantage is I can go whenever I want on no structured schedule. I commit to 1 visit a month, but it's usually more and I have the pleasure of coordinating/organization special events with the local Veterans Support organizations who have all adopted the residents as our own.
So, I'm feeling better than I have since mid summer, my spirits are creeping up, and know your reaching out to me this way (Tyler posted this on my FB wall) really makes my day. I miss keeping in touch with "Pants" and "Redfish" who were so instrumental in getting my bike fixed as well as "Fred" making it happen here. Believe me that on my death bed, after my family, I will be thankful for 3 amazing blessings to always remember: those who supported me and my family during and after Katrina; ya'll making it happen to get my bike back on the road, & my local PGR/CMA riding family over the years.
So overall, there are bumps in the road, but my appreciation of my family, my faith, and my friends is strong. Check me out on facebook...you'll probably learn too much about me these days over there !!!
dcarver
Well-known member
Thanks for posting, Patriot.
You, my friend, have courage.
Keep on doing the best you can, and I will too.
I love the service dog thing, and have been following your posts on FB
WO my doggies, I'd be a mess.
..of course, my older doggie, Harley, is now leaving a mess everywhere, if you get my drift.
You, my friend, have courage.
Keep on doing the best you can, and I will too.
I love the service dog thing, and have been following your posts on FB
WO my doggies, I'd be a mess.
..of course, my older doggie, Harley, is now leaving a mess everywhere, if you get my drift.
I'll stay on top of you (so to speak)... a forum is the quality of the folks that frequent it... you have been missed, forum performance or not... and I'm pretty sure that I can speak for those who know you, we send you much love and positive thoughts for each day... I'm hoping to get out your way next year and you are on the short list of folks I want to see as well as your lovely family. :wub:
Patriot
Isabella is Lazarus
things are much better lately...I always struggle with the holidays and have wised up to just accept my best efforts to participate and enjoy...went with the family on Thanksgiving to AIW's Mom & family celebration for a few hours, but stayed put Christmas Day which was a good decision when they refused to begin the festivities till the last family member arrived 2 hours late. My wife emphasizes that they accept me as I am, am very glad to see me visit, but have no issues when I choose not to.
I've been taking my service basset Alley out to public places when appropriate (we do Food Courts at Malls). I don't see taking her to a "real" restaurant and expect her to lay quietly under a table while a meal is served.
The good news is I've been doing some PGR Missions and decided to assist another Ride Captain friend with a very sad funeral...a 12 yr active duty soldier was car jacked & murdered in front of his home while on leave. Did 3 tours.
I wasn't comfortable leading it as I never know how I'll sleep or feel on any particular day. It went very well and very smoothly. I rode the bike to do a recon of the funeral home and it felt great. So I decided to ride the mission itself including a 75 mile escort from New Orleans to Biloxi National Cemetery. Went very well and I was relieved and happy with myself.
So I still have good days and not so good days, but it's physical health and energy that's at issue lately; not so much depression and mental health issues. The biggest issue is insomnia & random sleep patterns
thanx for listening and may 2014 be a great year for us all
"let's ride safe & be careful out there"
Mike
da Patriot
I've been taking my service basset Alley out to public places when appropriate (we do Food Courts at Malls). I don't see taking her to a "real" restaurant and expect her to lay quietly under a table while a meal is served.
The good news is I've been doing some PGR Missions and decided to assist another Ride Captain friend with a very sad funeral...a 12 yr active duty soldier was car jacked & murdered in front of his home while on leave. Did 3 tours.
I wasn't comfortable leading it as I never know how I'll sleep or feel on any particular day. It went very well and very smoothly. I rode the bike to do a recon of the funeral home and it felt great. So I decided to ride the mission itself including a 75 mile escort from New Orleans to Biloxi National Cemetery. Went very well and I was relieved and happy with myself.
So I still have good days and not so good days, but it's physical health and energy that's at issue lately; not so much depression and mental health issues. The biggest issue is insomnia & random sleep patterns
thanx for listening and may 2014 be a great year for us all
"let's ride safe & be careful out there"
Mike
da Patriot
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FJRay
Well-known member
Great to hear you're still doing your thing. Ride when you feel like it and don't sweat the rest. Love your dog, If I was closer my wife would steal her. We have two Bassets now and have had a total of eight.
FJRBluesman
Some call me... The STIG!
Good to hear from you Mike. Thanks for the updates. Prayers for you buddy.
El Toro Joe
FYYFF
Good to see ya around Mike.
Great to hear from you Mike.
It's good to see you were able to get out for a ride, even though it's not the most joyous occasion, is an important one.
Take care.
It's good to see you were able to get out for a ride, even though it's not the most joyous occasion, is an important one.
Take care.
Blind Squirrel
Well-known member
Glad to see you stop by the forums Mike! I hope you have a good 2014. I would love to ride with you again soon.
Patriot
Isabella is Lazarus
I'll try to check in periodically, since many of you are like my family
Things are well in the Oliver society, zoo, & machine toys. Isabella is running as well as ever, thanx to many of you generous souls. I smile whenever I throw a leg over her and see the "powered by fjrforum.com" decals.
My involvement in Patriot Guard is as strong as ever, even though I have to back off riding the bike on very hot days. I'm not too proud to take my mini van on days like that. My involvement in Basset Rescue is also strong. My Service Basset Alley Oop is amazing and brings me great joy & comfort.
My health is as best as it's been for many years. Both mental & physical. I'm into micro model helicopters flying around the house, and am newly into 1/8 scale electric buggy racing since there's a cool outdoor dirt track 10 minutes from my home.
My oldest Emily is living with friends in Milton/Pensacola, FL, and my youngest has orientation for beginning college this fall.
Consider being a FB Friend where you'll learn & follow way more of my life than you wish...search mholiver at cox dot net
My extended family has been very generous with all of us, and the wife is working extra to provide for Emily living on her own. She receives SS disability benefits, but recently no longer qualified for SSI, so we're looking into other programs that may benefit her as she learns to be independent.
So, can't complain, am thankful, have great friends & family...it's all good...
so many are dealing with loss, illness, & tragedy. take it from me...don't sweat the small stuff, and 99% of it is small stuff.
Be kind, be loving, be forgiving, be tolerant...and promise me you'll call someone you need to touch base, or better, reunite with...and you'll hug special those closest to you and tell them you love them...we should all be afraid of that day that will come when we can no long do that
Things are well in the Oliver society, zoo, & machine toys. Isabella is running as well as ever, thanx to many of you generous souls. I smile whenever I throw a leg over her and see the "powered by fjrforum.com" decals.
My involvement in Patriot Guard is as strong as ever, even though I have to back off riding the bike on very hot days. I'm not too proud to take my mini van on days like that. My involvement in Basset Rescue is also strong. My Service Basset Alley Oop is amazing and brings me great joy & comfort.
My health is as best as it's been for many years. Both mental & physical. I'm into micro model helicopters flying around the house, and am newly into 1/8 scale electric buggy racing since there's a cool outdoor dirt track 10 minutes from my home.
My oldest Emily is living with friends in Milton/Pensacola, FL, and my youngest has orientation for beginning college this fall.
Consider being a FB Friend where you'll learn & follow way more of my life than you wish...search mholiver at cox dot net
My extended family has been very generous with all of us, and the wife is working extra to provide for Emily living on her own. She receives SS disability benefits, but recently no longer qualified for SSI, so we're looking into other programs that may benefit her as she learns to be independent.
So, can't complain, am thankful, have great friends & family...it's all good...
so many are dealing with loss, illness, & tragedy. take it from me...don't sweat the small stuff, and 99% of it is small stuff.
Be kind, be loving, be forgiving, be tolerant...and promise me you'll call someone you need to touch base, or better, reunite with...and you'll hug special those closest to you and tell them you love them...we should all be afraid of that day that will come when we can no long do that
Probably like many here, I was just thinking about you the other day. Glad to see you're still plowing ahead with your amazing resiliency.
I may just have to check out your FB pg.
I may just have to check out your FB pg.
FJRay
Well-known member
Good to hear you're doing well. Basset hounds are my favorites, always have at least two around.
Not interested in FB so check once in awhile so we know you OK.
Not interested in FB so check once in awhile so we know you OK.
Amen, bruthah!! :wub:Be kind, be loving, be forgiving, be tolerant...and promise me you'll call someone you need to touch base, or better, reunite with...and you'll hug special those closest to you and tell them you love them...we should all be afraid of that day that will come when we can no long do that
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