tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post3072467197316314171..comments2024-01-01T06:40:52.523-08:00Comments on Inane Asylum: In loving memory, Sydney-Bear Chapek 2002(ish) – 4/22/15Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517087265569164625noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-52653510780445919462015-05-01T16:58:34.617-07:002015-05-01T16:58:34.617-07:00Cathy....we picked up Syd's 'cremains'...Cathy....we picked up Syd's 'cremains' today (a sad moment)...they came in a very nice wood box that is sealed and quite heavy...(lead inside with her....a gold bar?) She is on the mantle, and will remain there for some time...we also got her blanket back (we had her taken away wrapped in it)...apparently in CA they can't have ANYTHING go w/ the remains...so the nice blanket our niece got her back when she was paralyzed is still with us, and will remain with her remains. I still can't believe she's gone...up in Colo Springs this week...yesterday morning (Thurs) I was heading down for breakfast at the hotel, and noticed white hairs stuck in my short sleeve (I'd been carrying Syd around a lot the past few weeks as her walking ability declined)...made me sad all over again. She sure was a special little girl to us. I'm quit sure her stocking will come out every year also. <br /><br />I just don't get much chance to sit at the computer to try to watch a race...if it's not on TV, I won't be seeing it (thus I can't get too excited about not seeing the races, as I've missed almost all of them in pretty much FOREVER anyway). But all the bad feelings will melt away as soon as le Tour starts! (also, I'm still in good shape to catch some of the ToC). <br /><br />And Susie, I'll do my best to have some kind of pics/coverage. Certainly for the one stage that goes thru Santa Maria!Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517087265569164625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-85751861848439820032015-05-01T10:49:35.124-07:002015-05-01T10:49:35.124-07:00Clarification - I was speaking not of the people w...Clarification - I was speaking not of the people who worked for Johan but his competitors (Lefevere, etc).sbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-74847930323248239732015-05-01T10:45:49.170-07:002015-05-01T10:45:49.170-07:00As predicted, NBC-SN cast aside the 11:30 PROGRAMM...As predicted, NBC-SN cast aside the 11:30 PROGRAMMED cycling show (Fleche) last night for hockey. According to the onscreen TV guide, the 1:30 AM coverage of Liege was still to be shown but I couldn't stay awake to find out. <br /><br />Meanwhile, it seems Astana will be allowed to keep racing all season. And riders are still getting popped for doping &/or new EUROPEAN doping "rings" are being uncovered/investigated. Yep, USADA's 'Wicked Witch Hunt' did SO much for professional cycling - it's made sure that fewer Americans can actually watch the sport on TV. Oh, & has kept Bruyneel out of the sport while all his old time Euro DS/managers keep doing the SAME THING they've always done....<br /><br />Did you know that Valverde (y'know from OP & who has NEVER confessed or apologized) won the last 2 Classic races?<br /><br />Pat yourself on the freakin back, Tygart.susie bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-9458917627519203162015-04-30T14:37:41.384-07:002015-04-30T14:37:41.384-07:00This year is the WORST live coverage for me since ...This year is the WORST live coverage for me since before Lance starting winning the Tour. Comcast refuses to offer Universal Sports or BeIN & the piss-poor PATHETIC offerings on NBC-SN are usually broadcast so late at night on the East Coast, one would think it's one of their endless INFOMERCIALS.<br /><br />I do not & have never had home internet, CAN'T AFFORD IT while trying to rescue my retirement. However, how many of those gdamn HOOLIGANS in Baltimore who are ransacking malls & throwing rocks & starting fires, supposedly as a "demonstration of their deprived economic status & future" have home internet? Along with the newest smartphone & cable TV package with freakin HBO?<br /><br />Just FYI - Baltimore is one of the blackest cities in America - the minority is white. The police & political offices have long been largely black. That I hear the national media trying to make this solely a "RACE ISSUE" chaps my ass.<br /><br /><br />Sorry for the political rant, have just felt enraged the past few days watching punks/THUGS/outsiders destroy part of Baltimore/MD. I'm also tired of seeing ALL police in this country being described as power-crazed, racist evildoers instead of people who put their lives on the line every day trying to PROTECT the majority. There are bad apples & even "bushels" of apples everywhere but I think it is VERY ALARMING that over the past few months, all police are being viewed as the enemy.susie bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-58147575090557803622015-04-30T08:47:51.733-07:002015-04-30T08:47:51.733-07:00Matt, so sorry to read about your baby - we always...Matt, so sorry to read about your baby - we always miss our pets. We have all 4 of our dog's cremains on the mantle and still put their Christmas stockings out. <br /><br />While some (lots) of the cycling has been delayed on TV, it's all being shown live on the internet sites for the channels NBC SN and BeIN in particular. And I think BeIN is showing Giro live on TV everyday. This year is the best live coverage I've had in 12 years reporting, but I do wish all of it was on TV instead of internet.<br /><br />cmehlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-63592968073193589792015-04-29T16:46:00.602-07:002015-04-29T16:46:00.602-07:00Sadly, your 'Buffalo' joke went RIGHT OVER...Sadly, your 'Buffalo' joke went RIGHT OVER my head...ZOOM! <br /><br />I think NBCSports is a 'premium channel..I know to get it on my Direct TV I have to get a crazy high level batch of channels...someday I hope I could just pick the 15 channels (or so) that I actually WANT...and NOT pay for the 18,007 that I do not care for whatsoever. But that would be the death of most of those channels I gather, as so very few would pay for them...(hey...if nobody wants to pay for it, why should I have to when you slip it into my package?) It would be great to ONLY have the channels we want. Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517087265569164625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-6584508544088976322015-04-29T06:36:23.288-07:002015-04-29T06:36:23.288-07:00I'm surprised that a hotel's cable doesn&#...I'm surprised that a hotel's cable doesn't have NBC-SN as I guess I think of that channel as one of the basic sports channels (unlike much-loved & MUCH missed Universal Sports!).<br /><br />Anyhoo, NBC changed the broadcast day for those 2 cycling races to TOMORROW 4/30. I printed out their cycling TV Schedule before Paris-Roubaix & it definitely states 4/29. Of course, if the HOCKEY runs long, we won't see it anyway. The 1st show starts at 11:30 PM eastern time. Yep, for the past 2 years, that's how important cycling has been to NBC; basically infomercial &/or burn-off status...<br /><br />What I really worry about is what happens after the current TDF contract runs out - will NBC-SN even sign on again? It's bad enough to TRY to be a fan of a sport you can mostly only READ about the results & not watch taped let alone LIVE coverage on TV, but if no more daily Tour on TV, my 31 year old fandom will finally be snuffed out. :(<br /><br />Well, my fingers will be crossed that you DO get to see ToC in your home area! I'm already salivating for the pics. :)<br /><br />Did you catch my "buffalo" joke? The mascot of the Univ of Colorado IS....? :) :)susie bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-2801958113609975072015-04-28T16:19:03.793-07:002015-04-28T16:19:03.793-07:00Hey Susie....I have come kind of cable/satellite h...Hey Susie....I have come kind of cable/satellite here at the hotel...but don't have NBCS...<br /><br />I WAS supposed to be heading right up to Sunnyvale when I get back, but that's now been pushed off till the 18th (unless that changes) so I SHOULD be home when the ToC rolls thru Santa Maria (they will ride right thru on some of my MAIN roads!) I have multiple places in mind to catch them...so I hope my Sunnyvale trip date holds...last year I missed them at home, but if you recall, I DID catch them at the summit of Mt Diablo, AND at the finish line in Sacramento (where I got the awesome shot over the top of people of the finish). Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517087265569164625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-17139242925092087892015-04-28T12:47:26.366-07:002015-04-28T12:47:26.366-07:00Hey, Matt - do you have cable where you're sta...Hey, Matt - do you have cable where you're staying? If so, check to see if NBC-Sports is 1 of the channels - it will be broadcasting taped coverage of Fleche & LBL late tomorrow (4/29) night.<br /><br />And I think Tour of California starts 5/10 (to be broadcast LIVE for the week). Where will you be then?<br /><br />I've been watching LeBron & the Cavs sweep the 1st round of the playoffs against the Celtics but on Sunday, one of our main guys - Kevin Love, had his ARM ALMOST TAKEN CLEAN OFF (i.e. was dislocated) & looks to be out for the rest of the playoffs. Can't compare to the loss of a beloved pet, but I've been cranky & mopey since. Whyyy? WHHYYYY? Sigh. At least the hated Bulls lost last night in an upset. Go Bucks!<br /><br />Try to have some fun in Colorado Springs. Will you do any mt biking? Watch out for "buffalo". :) :)susie bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-22859519822292502202015-04-27T16:40:05.102-07:002015-04-27T16:40:05.102-07:00Thanks for the kind wishes/words Rae/Jackie n Susi...Thanks for the kind wishes/words Rae/Jackie n Susie....I'm on travel (work) in Colo Springs all week, flew in today (Monday). Jeannie is home w/ the babies...just talked to her...she's still in the dumps...being home without Syd is hard...everywhere you look reminds us of her...you go into the bedroom during the day, she would be sound asleep on the bed (doesn't hear you come in, so she's just lying there like an angel). Dinnertime is very sad...so quiet. Syd was SO boisterous...just full of life, even though her body was failing...time will heal us, but we'll never forget. Jeannie will pick up her ashes on Friday (I'm flying home that day) which will trigger another bout of grief for us both I'm sure...childless people seem to (IMO) form deeper attachments to our 'pets'....they are by any measurement our kids, and our love isn't 'split' nor diminished with 2 legged children. I would have gone into a burning building for them (seriously). And sadly, we have two more 'old dogs'...both at least 13. So far, so good w/ them, but as you all know, life changes in an instant. All we can do is life in the moment and relish each day/moment we have, as we don't know when that will change.<br /><br />Have a great week everybody!<br /><br /> Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517087265569164625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-51322854730999853582015-04-27T13:28:22.020-07:002015-04-27T13:28:22.020-07:00Oh, Matt, I wish that words could comfort as much ...Oh, Matt, I wish that words could comfort as much as is needed. I know that you will be sad for some time, nothing can change that. You took good care of Sydney, and remember that her life was longer (and happy) because of your care. Try to not feel guilty (easy for me to say, I know) because you did finally let her go in a way that saved her from suffering. <br />Hugs to you and Jeannie<br /><br />Rae Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-30755735280619532362015-04-26T09:17:29.740-07:002015-04-26T09:17:29.740-07:00Our hearts and prayers to you, Jeanie and the babi...Our hearts and prayers to you, Jeanie and the babies. If I was to come back to this world it would be my wish to be one of your very loved fur babies... love you loads. JC, Jim and HannahAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-52191433236573979382015-04-24T12:53:19.752-07:002015-04-24T12:53:19.752-07:00Again, so sorry & I'm crying for you. Good...Again, so sorry & I'm crying for you. Good that the vet came to your house - I didn't know they did that. SO much better for you, Jeannie & her than at the vet's. (I'm sure I would have bawled anyway). Am looking forward to the Tribute & know you will do her justice.<br /><br />How are the other doggies handling it? Was Sydney the oldest? Try to do something special with the other doggies this weekend as it might help with your grief.<br /><br />Take care of yourself.<br /><br />(Also, I think you may have missed your calling - a pet obituary writer - you had me reminiscing, smiling, sniffling, & bawling all at once!)susie bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-23630965513003206272015-04-23T12:58:45.482-07:002015-04-23T12:58:45.482-07:00Thanks Susie...it was a very hard day yesterday......Thanks Susie...it was a very hard day yesterday...trying to be 'upbeat' and not all sad around her...she deserved to be happy till the end. We had a very nice day...but still deep down (even KNOWING we did the right thing) is that voice that keeps telling me over and over that we killed her...that she didn't need to die. She'd still be at home right now, sleeping on the bed had we not done that. THAT is the part that is tearing me apart...the guilt. <br /><br />Even with her broken down body, her mind was fine...and sitting there holding her (knowing she had no idea what was happening) while the Dr. gave the 1st shot (a sedative)...we were both being strong, but I GUARANTEE you we both were on the verge of breaking down. Then as the sedative took hold over the next several minutes, her head came down into our hands, and we sat there like that holding her head, petting and talking to her as the overdose of anesthesia was applied. It took a good 5 minutes as her breathing became shallower and shallower, the Dr. was listening to her heart...she was strong and needed a second half-dose of anesthesia, and finally a few minutes after that she just stopped breathing and that was that. Our baby was gone.<br /><br />But we KNOW that she is now unencumbered by her failing body and is running around in nice tall green grass, eating steaks (and hamburgers) and just running up to-and meeting EVERYBODY in Heaven. But I'm still dying inside. Sometime soon (I hope...when my grief subsides) I'll do a "Tribute to Sydney" post, with pictures and stories about all our great times. She deserves that.<br /><br />Right now the house feels so empty...her always happy presence no longer there. Breakfast this morning was very sad, as there was no-one to ring the dinner-bell to come running...it's like the babies mosey'd in wondering why...and as I prepared the food it was stone silent (which was crushing). And then there's empty spot on the bed where she should be. I woke up many times last night expecting to have her snuggling me...and I know that won't ever happen again. <br /><br />But in time this will turn and we will be thinking of only the good times. It's just a hard fact of life that this is a process everybody goes thru multiple times in their lives, with pets and people...there's just no getting around it, nor any way to make it easier. That's what makes us human. But she had a GREAT life...we made sure of that. That eases the sadness considerably.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517087265569164625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8849348372908281816.post-29432272656289757092015-04-23T12:28:35.237-07:002015-04-23T12:28:35.237-07:00Oh, Matt, I'm so, SO sorry for your loss. When...Oh, Matt, I'm so, SO sorry for your loss. When I clicked here today & saw the heading, I told myself to just print & read later as I knew I'd tear up. Well, I printed but couldn't stop myself from reading it, so now have a face of tears.<br /><br />Your writing was so eloquent & heartfelt & was a perfect goodbye "letter" to your faithful family member who has gone up to that doggie heaven in the sky. She will miss you & Jeannie too! You both were SUCH good caretakers & I believe she knew how lucky she was. In fact, I doubt doggie heaven could be any better than the life she had with you (well, maybe steak or hamburgers EVERY day).<br /><br />I wish there was something I could say that would make the pain go away or at least be less, but there isn't. Just know that she brought ME joy because of YOUR writings about her (& her "sisters") these past 8 years (can you believe it's going on 9 years?!) & I'm thankful.<br /><br />Goodbye, Sidney Chapek, you were much loved & will be much missed.susie bnoreply@blogger.com