THE ABRIDGED VERSION

Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - CarolSJ   8:11:07 2/22/1999 (0)
I am a real rookie on the Board, just started early January this year (my husband found it). Di posted about Kelli with a picture and a link, she was not too sick at that point, I don't think. I went to their site and was so touched by Kelli's story. As I surfed on other BB members sites, I was struck by how EVERYONE seemed to have Jeff and Di's site as a favorite link. I continued to follow Kelli's updates on the BB and noticed how so many people were connected to her and to Di. Then of course, the devastating news. New as I was, I cried over Kelli as I know you all did. I went back, reread her story, and cried some more. I was so thrilled to receive the email about this train trip, to be included with all of you on this journey. Jeff and Di, you don't know me, but you and your furkids have touched my life.

Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Jane   7:43:42 2/22/1999 (0)
When I first got on the internet in February 1997, Acmepet was one of the bookmarks that was already loaded for me on Netscape. I was so excited to find such a good site about pets right off the bat. The BB was my first experience at internet "chat". I, too, lurked a while before posting but then stuck my toe in the water. I don't recall what my first correspondence was with Di, but I was struck by her compassion and knowledge of cat health. I also loved her nickname! I explored her site and was quite impressed. Some time after that, we exchanged a few e-mails. I'm in PA, and she's in NY, and I'm hoping we get to meet one day.
Jeff and Di, I want to wish you all the best the future has to offer, and hope you'll have much happiness to come. You surely deserve it!
Jane, Jack-n-Simba (the two boldies with the crooked haloes)

Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Humoon7:28:11 2/22/1999 (1)
I was new on the bb. I was having landlord problems due to my hearing problem. Diane got on e mail with me and said what can we do for you?? I was amazed that this person I did not know was offering help to Blush and I during this horrid time. I will never forget that. I always try to read and respond (usually by e-mail) to their posts about their kitties or themselves. They made a big impression on me as caring people who also need caring!!!
oppz...they are furrienz to me and my...msg - Humoon   7:32:50 2/22/1999 (0)
kittiez and us furrienz to them and theirs. I really care about them lots and respect them a lot. DI and JEFF can me, Blush or Belle (my new famliy member) do anything to make your lives better at this time???? Meows an purrs we wuv U both. Purrs an mews an (((HUGGS)))!!!!

This is a really fabulous survey. Thank you cat slave...msg - Tally   7:25:50 2/22/1999 (0)
I don't remember how I stumbled upon Acme. I first got onto the Internet when it was installed at my desktop at work.

I lurked a fair bit before I summoned up the nerve to post. I saw CatLadyDi's name a lot, especially answering health questions to people who really needed help. I finally ventured to send her an e-mail asking her opinion about vaccinations. And then DebD lost her baby Charlie after a particularily difficult time, and it hit all of us really hard. Much like the losses of Mr. Fluffy, Biffy and then Kelli all within such a short span of time. I e-mailed Di and suggested Flight 908. I didn't know many people on the board, and I didn't know if the idea was inappropriate. Di contacted a few people, Jeff put together the mass e-mail list and we were off.

Di has a great sense of humor and a really clever wit. She has often said that those months of August and September 1997 were really happy ones for her. A respite between all the illness they have had to deal with. In September Biffy became ill, and we haven't seen much of Di's humor since.

We have all had to deal with pain and the loss of a special friend. Jeff & Di have had more than their share of struggling to cope with long term illness, over and over and over again. They are haunted by an unexplained series of cancer illnesses which even their vets are at a loss to explain. They have fought every illness with courage and with heart, agonizing over the delicate decision between fighting one more battle or releasing a soul from pain. In spite of all this, and the personal toll it has taken on their own lives - fewer opportunities to go out, the sacrifices Jeff has made in his work to remain at home, the financial impact of all the treatments, medications and diagnostics, and the inability to travel any distance - they continue to help others who e-mail them for help or who find their names on their website. They have given a lot of themselves to others who needed them.

I hope this train puts a smile back on their faces. They have gone too long without some joy in their lives.

Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - ShirleyBo   7:09:17 2/22/1999 (0)
I met Jeff and Diane 3 years ago. I posted about Spotty who at the time was very ill with Liver disease. Our vet said he might live a month or two. ( that was Three years ago and Spotty is still going) Anyhow Dianne was so nice and helpful really made me feel welcome on the board. I wasn't on a lot then just occasionally and when Spotty made it to 6 months she posted his story on her page. In that three years there have been times for various reasons I have been away from the board for periods of time but always remember how nice Diane was to me and how helpful she was. My heart has broken with her loss. Dianne you and Jeff are wonderful and my heart is with you.
Shirley

Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - lisaviolet   7:08:02 2/22/1999 (0)
It was when Jeff posted from work and was so overwhelmed by the support he received, that he had to share this with his wife, Diane. He got her online.

I joked with them about Jeff and Diane, because I was with a guy for six years, who's name is Jeff and mine is Dianne. I said my Jeff was a real "turd blossom" (a flower that grows out of a cow or horse pie).

We've had a lot of fun. Remember David? Michael? Lydia? CyberPet? (speaking of which, I went over there last week and they have posts that are years old.) *snicker*

lisaviolet

Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - Linda   5:39:21 2/22/1999 (0)
It was when Jeff posted from work and was so overwhelmed by the support he received, that he had to share this with his wife, Diane. He got her online.

I joked with them about Jeff and Diane, because I was with a guy for six years, who's name is Jeff and mine is Dianne. I said my Jeff was a real "turd blossom" (a flower that grows out of a cow or horse pie).

We've had a lot of fun. Remember David? Michael? Lydia? CyberPet? (speaking of which, I went over there last week and they have posts that are years old.) *snicker*

lisaviolet

Re: Jeff and Diane survey for all on the BB! msg - axl   5:30:59 2/22/1999 (0)
When work put in internet access in Nov 1996,everyone had to take a class. One assignment was to find sites that interested us. I found Acme bb and started reading some very interesting posts from Diane.

She knew so much about cats and was so kind to everyone that I liked her instantly.

Then in December 96 my rainbow angel Hokus was diagonised with mast cell cancer. With Diane and Jeff's help, I was able to ask the right questions of my vet and give Hokus the best care.

When it was time for Hokus to be PTS, Jeff and Diane were wonderful in sharing my grief.

Its hard to express how much your caring means to me.

Love and (((hugs)))

Anita, Loki_Low, Holstein, Bullet and the d*g who wishes she was a cat Patches.

** TRAIN PICS & BAGGAGE UPDATE!!!!!! - The Engineer on February 23, 1999 at 7:05:41 from 207.211.65.110:
The Baggage is in Bohemia, NY and on a VAN!!!! Now, just to clarify something. The man at the FedEx drop off told us we would have delivery by Wednesday AM, however the website says there are no delivery times guaranteed and residential deliveries can be up to 7 pm that day. So I guess we'll just have to wait it out. I will definitely post at Acme when I see that they have signed for it. By then, there won't be any point to keeping it a secret. LOL! And I know some of you have had difficulty getting into the private message board.

Stay tuned.

Now, thought you might enjoy some pics of the TRAIN:

Open the First Car. The card says "This is a Big Hug." Inside it says "Whenever you need one", and its signed from all your Acme Friends:

Take the top blanket off:

Passenger close-up:

I am so sorry I missed the last few days. Tally, did msg - Mou Chat   11:27:25 2/27/1999 (0)
you re-wrap all the "passengers" that wern't dressed up purty? I am sorry I came in my work clothes, I plead stupidity. This is beautiful and you did such a wonderful job. Thank you.
For someone who...msg - astray and cb   21:01:52 2/23/1999 (0)
said they weren't going to do any special wrapping, I wouldn't want to see the results of something you really put your all into! VBG! You did a tremendous job, Tally! The Engine, Box Car, & Caboose are so festive. Thank you. PS I'm glad you have your table back, too;)
Re: ** TRAIN PICS & BAGGAGE UPDATE!!!!!! ** - DianeF   20:43:58 2/23/1999 (0)
Bless you, Tally. The perfect HUGS.
Re: ** TRAIN PICS & BAGGAGE UPDATE!!!!!! ** - Buddha   18:11:14 2/23/1999 (0)
Tally, you are the absolute, living end!! What a fabulous job you have done. Bless you!
You did a beautiful job, Tally. nm - blacatz   13:42:25 2/23/1999 (0)
You did a FANTASTIC job...You are amazing..The train got in - granny   13:41:46 2/23/1999 (0)
early and I don't think you even know yet that it is in.. I have to learn just to post as plain old granny again.. Thank you Tally for all your wonderful work and for letting me be a part of this..
Happy tears! Tally, you are one in a million. (msg) - Andrea   12:20:09 2/23/1999 (0)
I can't even imagine the joy that they will feel, not from receiving presents, but from knowing that they are so loved!!! Wha-hoo, this has been a terrific journey. With a wonderful goal. Thanks for making this all possible, Ms. Engineer!!!
It's just WONDERFUL Tally! msg - Pat Hunny and Peg   12:17:52 2/23/1999 (0)
Actually I can only get partial pics for some reason, but enough to know the paxking alone will keep the kitties amused for days! And Di and Jeff cleaning for as many! Thanks so much for all your hard work in wrapping and preparing and shipping! I hope they arrive before work (4:30 pm) but then I'm still sick ...... soooo ... hehhehhehhehheh ... I think I'll be sick just a *little* longer! ;))
What a BEAUTIFUL job! Oh Boy! Oh Boy! Oh Boy! Oh Boy! - A Very Excited Guardian_of_4_Cats   12:15:20 2/23/1999 (0)
Yoko, Data, Ocho and Samantha say: This is better than Christmas! LOL
Their cats will have a fantastic time with the wrappings!!! nm - Tigers Mom   11:47:26 2/23/1999 (1)
I hope they take pictures! 9 CATS and ALL THAT WRAPPING! nm - tucats   12:32:20 2/23/1999 (0)
Great Job Tally! This is so great! Won't ...msg - Val2   11:41:48 2/23/1999 (0)
they be surprised! Can't wait until they get it!
Wowee! Superb Job I know this will make their day brighter! - MA   10:30:09 2/23/1999 (0)
Thanks for doing this- you guys are really special...
Beautiful! I am getting so excited! nm - Margie sick and not wanting to contaminate the train   10:29:10 2/23/1999 (0)
Ooooo wez iz sew excited, de train ride has been fun..msg - Boo and Riley   10:17:25 2/23/1999 (0)
But wez can hardly wait fur de hugs to begin. Happy dance for all.
This brightens my day up... - KLynn   9:36:51 2/23/1999 (0)
It's gray and snowing and I have a cold. These pics made me smile. It all looks so cheerful. I'm sooo curious about what's in all those pretty packages!
Did you really put that confetti stuff in the boxes? LOL!.ms - Peggy   9:22:43 2/23/1999 (2)
I hope that they have a good vacuum cleaner!!! Teheheheh, I love it, they will feel loved for a very long time. THANK YOU SO MUCH TALLY. (and Mr. Tally too) Hugs to all.
Yes. And LOTS of it. BEG !!!!!! nm - The Engineer   10:04:25 2/23/1999 (0)
Heeheehee...that could be our next trip! THE VACUUM ABOARD - Cecilia   9:32:37 2/23/1999 (0)
EXPRESS! Thanks Tally and Mr. Tally! You did a wonderful job!
We're almost there! Hurray! This has been quite a trip! nm - Tammy   9:09:56 2/23/1999 (0)
Oh what a beautiful job Tally...it's wonderful!! I can't - Linda   8:53:26 2/23/1999 (0)
wait to know how they reacted! This is terrific. Thank you for all your hard work.
Hooray and *Happy Dance* Thanks so much Tally! nm - Tik Tok   8:28:14 2/23/1999 (0)
Thanks for the update. It's getting SOOOOO EXCITING!!! nm - tucats   7:14:12 2/23/1999 (0)

I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT TOMORROW!!! Anyone else? - Peggy on February 23, 1999 at 9:33:57 from 192.149.4.6:
All of my friends are showing in a horse show in Palm Springs and I was going to play hooky tomorrow and go out there to watch them, and every spare moment I have had I've been making silk flower arraingements and bouquets for my wedding. That's why I've missed the Dude Ranch and the Circus. But.....

TOMORROW, EVERYTHING GOES ON HOLD!

I hope they don't expect me to do any work, or anything like that. I'll be on the board all day, waiting with all of you!! It's gonna be so exciting!! (I'll go to the horse show on Friday, and Saturday...It goes on all weekend anyway and my friends will understand...that's why they're my friends.)

I CAN'T WAIT!!! THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!!

Peggy
I'm shedding *happy tears* thinking about... - doris   10:39:39 2/23/1999 (0)
them opening the boxes and feeling the LOVE pouring out. Tally and all youse guys, you are great!
Yes, and I hope it's earlier rather than later - Neko   10:26:31 2/23/1999 (2)
Naderu and Henderi have vet appointments tomorrow afternoon. I'll be nervous enough for those. I'd like to see the grand eents as they unfurl. Where does Di live? I got the impression she's in MD or NYC? You know, next time we do one of these, we should save the poor engineer the shipping costs and mail everything to someone in the same start and have them drive it over! Heck, they can plug their laptop into the cigarette lighter of the car and make a running commentary on the trip to the house. In the meantime I'll be up pacing on the roof of the train.
Hoping all goes well for ... msg - Pat et les filles   12:32:27 2/23/1999 (0)
Naderu and Henderi AND you're all here for arrival! I was wondering what that noise above our heads was ... tred carefully! Or better yet, come on back in and we'll hold your hand. :)
Please be careful up there! I agree, early is better..msg - Peggy   11:13:05 2/23/1999 (0)
or we'll all be basket cases with all the waiting!! I may not even sleep tonight!!!
HA! I've already told my brother, who I work with, that - Cecilia   10:19:57 2/23/1999 (0)
I'm going to be glued to the computer. Business be d*mned! One of the nice things about working for yourself...
Me too! msg - Collie Mom   10:14:00 2/23/1999 (0)
I was planning to just sneak on the board, but I think I'll go ahead and tell my boss and staff what I'm up to. That raises a challenge - how in the world am I going to explain the HeartsAboard Express in 25 words or less?

DI JUST POSTED AT THE WINDOW!! IT ***ARRIVED EARLY**! - NEKO AND HAPPY CREW on February 23, 1999 at 12:33:50
WOOHOO!

Posted at Acme Cats Window...

Oh my God....I can't believe this.... CatladyDi on February 23, 1999 at 15:32:14:
I'm in shock. I just got done with my post, and the doorbell rang. I'm in shock. I can't believe this. I have been trying so hard all week not to cry, and you guys made me... but it's happy tears.
I have to go now. I have "train" to open. I'm stunned!!!!
Di
The Train is still unloading! - a VERY shocked surprised happy Jeff on February 23, 1999 at 16:29:11:
Diane is absolutely shocked! I answered the door to find the Fed Ex guy getting this huge box out of his truck, followed by 2 more... I said to Diane, "are you expecting anything?" she says, uh, no... I looked at the label to see "from: Acme Friends", and a tremendous smile came over my face... and I pointed it out to Diane... she was totally shocked! She just kept saying, "I can't believe it!!!"... We've been opening up stuff for an hour straight, and it doesn't look like we've made a dent! I've been keeping track of everything, and I've taken pictures from the moment I realized what it was. (digital camera... you'll all see 'em as soon as Diane lets me upload 'em!)
You guys are wonderful!!! Thank you all so much for all the stuff! It's gonna take her /us a while to sort it all out! She's talking to Tally at the moment...
Ok, guys, where's the 'secret board'???
Thanks SOOOO MUCH!!!!!
I'll have Diane post in a little while... it's feeding time at the "zoo" at the moment...
Jeff

I'm trying to sob *quietly* - my boss thinks I'm looney -Andrea on February 23, 1999 at 12:43:17 from 205.188.196.29:
tunes!!
I just told him that I received very happy news. He would never understand in a million years what we have shared...
It's been an experience I won't soon forget! Thanks for - Tammy   13:22:26 2/23/1999 (1)
sharing it with me!
Tammy, thank you for being here - Neko   13:31:33 2/23/1999 (0)
Thank you for joining in with everyone. I am glad you were with us. I am so sorry that Critter's journey ended before the train reach it's destination, but I'm sure that we can place a memorial in her car, so to speak. I hope you are doing well.
Same here!! I keep re-reading her post and crying..msg - Peggy   12:47:31 2/23/1999 (0)
Does Tally know. I e-mailed her but if she isn't online she'll miss all of this and she shouldn't miss any of it. Who can call her???
oh mine already know I'm a looney. So what? I'm a happy one! nm - smiling and crying Neko   12:47:25 2/23/1999 (1)
Yes, better than all the sad tears I have to hide sometimes! - Andrea   12:59:03 2/23/1999 (0)
I'm SO excited for them!!

Hello Di! Hello Jeff! We.. - Tik Tok on February 23, 1999 at 13:34:47 from 207.193.227.61:

Love you two!

And boy, can we keep a secret!! :0)
Yipee! Yipee! Di and Jeff's gonna be heer now..we been..msg - Ben and Emily   15:40:09 2/23/1999 (0)
watin fur u gies..wez *sew* haapy u iz erly!! Purr Purr Purr tu u.
Jeff & Di, Welcome!!! - Andrea   13:46:03 2/23/1999 (0)
t will take you a month to read all the posts here, but we really had a ball. If it helps to make you two know how deeply we appreciate you, and care for you, then it will have been worth all the hours put in by Tally, TikTok, LisaViolet, and many others. I was just along for the ride! :-)
We're sooo excited, anxiously waiting for their next post! n - Pat   13:42:04 2/23/1999 (0)
of course we can keep secrets. The cats had our tongues. nm - Neko   13:38:14 2/23/1999 (1)
Ooooo....Huge groan! But you are so right! Okay Tikky..msg - Tik Tok   13:45:32 2/23/1999 (0)
let go my tongue now!

This is the LAST time I go out for lunch....- Chagrined Tally on February 23, 1999 at 13:40:51 from 209.85.99.39:
I checked the FedEx tracking site and I saw it was on a van at Bohemia. Just before I went to lunch I started checking maps on the web and I noticed Bohemia isn't that far from where Jeff & Di live. Good I think to myself. Its enroute and it will arrive at some central location this afternoon, sorted and put on a truck for delivery tomorrow. Because its so close it will probably get there in the morning. This is all turning out just perfectly. And I trot off to lunch.

How DARE FedEx be so efficient!

Hurray! The express has rolled in ahead of schedule! - AuntieJan on February 23, 1999 at 13:41:13 from 207.2.172.252:
Now I'm in tears at work... this has been so much fun.

I can't wait to see the pix from Jeff and Di!!!

Woooo-Wooooo!!!Ding! Ding! Ding!!!
Sorry I missed it. [short msg] - Guardian_of_4_Cats   19:25:21 2/23/1999 (0)
I guess this is what happens when you're a good little worker! LOL

*THE ABRIDGED VERSION*

THE ABRIDGED VERSION