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Banjo Hangout
Players Union

Member Since 3/22/07


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Playing Since: 1961

Experience Level: Expert/Professional

ZEPP has made 154 additions to Banjo Hangout

Interests:
[Teaching] [Socializing] [Helping]

Occupation: Owner, acoustic music store

Gender: Male

Age: 64

My Instruments:
Too many to mention, though my 1964 Ode bought new from Chuck Ogsbury has been a steadfast bluegrass friend, and the 1908 Fairbanks Imperial Electric no. 0 that I acquired in 1968 remains a favorite.

Favorite Bands/Musicians:
Again, just too many to mention, though Mississippi John Hurt and Doc Watson remain all-time favorites. If you catch me passively listening to recorded music, it's probably Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Telemann, Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven, though.

Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 8/23/2003
Last Visit 11/20/2009


MyFeed

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 ZEPP replied to topic 'My attempt to play June Apple at speed?' 11/20/2009 11:44:39 AM

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 ZEPP replied to topic 'What exactly is syncopating?' 11/20/2009 11:35:53 AM

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 ZEPP replied to topic 'Question about interperetation of tablature' 11/20/2009 11:12:03 AM

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 ZEPP replied to topic 'What exactly is syncopating?' 11/19/2009 11:37:31 AM

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 ZEPP uploaded a video 'syncopation.wmv' 11/19/2009 11:34:58 AM

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 ZEPP replied to topic 'What if Earth had rings?' 11/19/2009 9:36:59 AM

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 ZEPP replied to topic 'How not to do an ebay listing' 11/19/2009 7:56:37 AM

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 ZEPP posted forum topic 'John Brown's March on Ome Southern Cross prototype' 11/17/2009 9:41:58 AM

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 ZEPP uploaded a video 'John Brown's March on the Ome Southern Cross prototype' 11/17/2009 9:36:40 AM

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 ZEPP replied to topic 'Is Spelling Important?' 11/17/2009 8:50:09 AM

If it's not one thing, it's another...

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 @6:53:03 PM

Shit.  Ok, I guess I'm not allowed to say that here, but, nonetheless, SHIT.  My wife, Carmen, (Mrs. Boss Zepp here on BHO) has been diagnosed with "invasive cervical cancer."  She had a cone biopsy to remove some nasty cells some 5 years ago, but now the cancer is back. 

The preliminary prognosis is good, but apparently she is going to have to endure a radical hysterectomy and some premature menopause.  She's only 37.  This is just not fair.  I'm 64.  She's not supposed to have health problems; I am.  When we opted to have Benjamin 2 years ago, I never considered any possibility other than my checking out first.

OK, I'm venting, but I'm worried and scared and really unhappy with the way life works.  I truly love Carmen.  I cannot imagine being without her.

And sorry, but  this has nothing to do with banjos.

 



34 comments on “If it's not one thing, it's another...”

Banjov1 Says:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 @7:22:50 PM

Sorry to hear that Zepp, I can imagine it's hard for you folks, but I'm sure many of your friends will be thinking and prayin positive thoughts for you.
ronhan Says:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 @7:25:37 PM

It may not have anything to do with banjos, but it does have to do with a banjo player. Prayers to you and your family. Ron
fretlessinfortwayne Says:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 @9:20:07 PM

You are perfectly entitled to say anything you want to say about the woman you love. Grace be with you and her.
jazzylynne Says:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 @9:38:22 PM

I'm very sorry to hear that, she is in my thoughts.
Alan Hill Says:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 @10:31:30 PM

I wish Carmen and yourself all the very best ime not a praying man but ime saying one now for you both !
Kindest regards alan
XXXris Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @5:25:53 AM

Ugh. I saw your post when surfing for banjo videos.... I believe a more appropriate response would be: f'ing shit!!! What a cruel world we have found ourselves in.... You two will get through this! Best wishes...
arnie Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @5:52:28 AM

I hope Carmen has a quick recovery from whatever procedure she goes through. Don't know why life keeps throwing these nasty curve balls - you have come through some pretty serious health issues yourself lately. Wishing you well, regards, ARNIE
KE Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @7:34:16 AM

Vent on brother, I'd be saying holy f'ing shit, too. That well and truly sucks. Unfortunately, we don't get to always choose what happens, but we do get to choose how to respond. Do whatever it takes to get her well, Donald.
ndlxs Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @8:25:44 AM

So sorry to hear that; I like what KE says. Rave on, fight like hell, don't give up.
rinemb Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @8:49:59 AM

Benjamin is truly a blessing, I am sure. She has plenty to fight for as she deals with this. Brad
dbrooks Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @10:17:54 AM

Zepp, that's awful news, but I am glad to hear the prognosis is good. Your love and commitment to each other will get you through this. It's a reminder to all of us to make the most of each day.
schlange Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @10:43:45 AM

Our prayers go out for your wife and your family, ZEPP. Cancer sucks!
fibonacci Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @10:49:21 AM

I am a reasonably accomplished smart ass but I am totally useless in the face of such adversity. Any blandishment of optimism rings hollow. I can report that a young friend of mine's wife, about the same age, has survived both a stroke and breast cancer. So survival with good quality of life is often possible, perhaps probable, but still, at 73 with a wife in her fifties, I am there with you in spirit.
Fibonacci, aka Carroll Smith.
Bill Rogers Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @11:42:17 AM

Damn, Zepp. I went through something similar within three months of my marriage. My wife had a complete hysterectomy/oophorectomy after being misdiagnosed by the first doctor she saw. The good news: she's still here. So the good outcomes will happen. My best wishes to Carmen and you in fighting this battle.
TopCat Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @12:26:37 PM

Oh no. Very sorry to hear this after the health issues you've already had to deal with. Best to both of you and hope that all will be well.
buckbybanjoboy Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @2:26:35 PM

Bad news Zepp, and I fully know what you are going through. My wife`s breast cancer returned, earlier this year after 12 years clear,this time to her spine where it is incurable.We are living for the day, as they say.Lets hope your dear wife makes a full recovery.May your god go with you..............Regards Peter V.
banjoike Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @4:38:56 PM

My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your wife.
frailin Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @6:22:52 PM

I'm sorry Donald.
kyblugrass Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @7:19:54 PM

I will keep her and your family in my prayers.
dgill Says:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 @8:07:55 PM

My thoughts and prayers will reach out for Carmen and your family. I wish you both the best. Stay strong and close to whatever your beliefs may be.
rjanecek Says:
Thursday, October 15, 2009 @11:08:28 AM

I will keep your family in my thoughts.

Best
FisherPicker Says:
Thursday, October 15, 2009 @12:23:30 PM

That's rough, and it really sucks. I know I don't know you , but I wish you and your wife the best. Best thing I can say is , be positive. My wife went through similar in 03 and it is not easy, but love and positive frame of mind are very strong allies.
alfiedog Says:
Friday, October 16, 2009 @4:44:12 PM

I lost my Mum last year, and my Mum in law has also suffered at the hands of this horrible thing (CANCER). There you go i said it. Its hard to say the word, listen keep positive, and strong, and stay positive for Carmens sake. It can be beaten.
mrphysics55 Says:
Friday, October 16, 2009 @7:41:16 PM

No, It ain't fair.

Blessings to you and your wife.

Love conquers and transcends.

Jane C Says:
Saturday, October 17, 2009 @4:51:15 AM

More people get through it than we ever hear about, love and best wishes to you both.
DCM_Dan Says:
Saturday, October 17, 2009 @7:46:57 AM

Don,
Positive vibes, thoughts and prayers are coming your way for both you and Carmen.
Jonno B Says:
Saturday, October 17, 2009 @11:47:58 AM

Sad those the news is, my God be with you as we all are at this time. God Bless.
whitehouse lawns Says:
Monday, October 19, 2009 @4:22:23 AM

my wife had the same op 14 years back , so god bless you both and never ever give up hope..
Viper Says:
Monday, October 19, 2009 @11:53:36 AM

As a young cancer survivor, my thoughts and support are with you and Carmen.
Frailblazer Says:
Monday, October 26, 2009 @9:16:02 AM

So unfair. My wife Deb and I wish your wife Carmen a complete and speedy recovery.
Joe Newberry Says:
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 @2:09:21 PM

Zepp, call me if you need me, 672-3545.
Voyageur Says:
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 @8:30:23 AM

Zepp, I just saw your blog. This is the most terrible thing, and I'm so, so sorry. My sister just lost her partner of 2 years to melanoma. He was fifty-two. It is just a horror. I will pray for you, Carmen, and little Benjamin.
Mary
tfaux Says:
Thursday, October 29, 2009 @9:54:44 AM

Best energy to you all Zepp.

Tom
French Says:
Friday, October 30, 2009 @7:44:08 PM

Thinkin' about you both, Zepp. In the meantime we'll keep on making the great music you help us learn.

Steve

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