<html> <body> Hey Chris, I had no idea this was going on for you. I am so sorry to hear you've had a tough time. I agree that friends and the mysterious process of healing can be a wonderful tonic in times like you've been having. And I have found that friends in the PTG (CAUT) come through in tough times, and it is a blessing. Take your time to heal and continue to be good to yourself. Your comments on CAUT are a pleasure to read! Mary At 01:30 PM 3/24/2005 -0500, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>I'd just like to take a moment and wax gratefully about PTG, particularly this (CAUT) group. Just before Christmas, as some of you are aware, I had a bad ladder fall (not that any of them are good) and broke, among other things, my right shoulder. The break was pretty bad, totally breaking the ball off of the top of the humorous bone, and cracking that ball in four places. I have healed rather quickly according to my orthopedist and physical therapist with few complications. I'd like to say it was because I have remarkable recouperative powers for a man of any age, but the truth is I had help. The prayers of my friends and aquaintances, the Presbyterian Church next door, and many of the churches I regularly service have contributed. The non praying well wishers were wonderful too. Chris and Karen Robinson's card was particularly comforting.  People really came out of the woodwork. I am overwelmed by this and feel very undeserving. The PTG/CAUT members who are in this group are many and I thank you all.  I especially would like to thank Dawn Herring, Gregory Graham, and Ed Hudak (and Judith Palmer and Paul Adams who volunteered but were not needed) who have helped me maintain my school contracts during this time period. I was out completely for seven weeks and even now can only do two or three pianos a day effectively. Well actually that may have always been true now that I think about it.  I'd really like to do one a day, all day. I'll keep selling full service until that evolves.  Some days are painful (so I reschedule alot) and there is stiffness in the joint, but I am hopeful that I will avoid future arthritis or other complications. Gotta remember to "rest it." Although I wil attend the MARC in a couple of weeks I will not be able to attend any other PTG events for a while and will be curtailing any committee activity as well while I restock my savings which were dessimated. ExecuKey sales have continued to help, and I am the newest AccuTuner dealer, so don't hesitate to call (pardon the shameless commmercial plugs) for sales and service.  Most of all I write to tell you what a  great comfort it has been reading and writing to this list. This list is the most consistently intelligent source (you too Jeff) for us pin benders and I really value it. It will come as no surprise to anyone that I am capable of going off the deep end and occasionally drifting into cynacism. Mostly this is in the passionate pursuit of fun and I hope I will be forgiven, Lord knows I can't stop.  Anyway CAUT thanks for being there, I love you folks (you too Jeff) and enjoy this exchange a great deal. Just a couple of observations: always obey the rules of ladder safety, no man is an island, get up dust yourself off and start all over again, have some disability insurance, learning to tune uprights with your left hand is a good thing for many reasons, you're never too old or experienced to learn how to set a tuning pin properly, and piano tuners ARE grand and upright (you too Jeff) people.  THANK YOU, Chris Solliday  </blockquote></body> </html>