Gerald Beranek donation thread (OLD THREAD!)

[MasterBlaster]

Should we have one? My vote is yes. I know he isn't a member here, but he's a true tree brother out there that many of us have learned from over the years.
I'm sending him something as soon as I find out how (FRANS) to do it.

Let's muster up some more TreeHouse MOJO! I know it helped me in my time of need!

Here's his website where you can order his books and cd's; http://www.atreestory.com/

Here's his mailing address;

Beranek Publications
P.O. Box 251
Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Cash, personal checks, money orders, it's all good and every little bit helps!!!

Just let Jerry know it's from a TreeHouser, 'cuz he ain't expecting squat!


The 'High Climbers & Timber Fallers' book is for sale.
If you put on the letter you send to him that you are from the TreeHouse, he will make sure you get the latest edition.The latest edition has great different color pictures (than the first edition) and is better layed out.
The cost is:$49.95 per book. The shipping is:$10.00.
the shipping is the 'flat rate' box that the U.S. postal service provides. the box will fit 3 books for the same price.

[Canuck]

Sounds like a good idea to me

[Skwerl]

Your intentions are honorable, but remember that Gerry has shunned this forum. I don't know if he's so much a 'brother' as a 'distant cousin'. He never bothered responding when informed of threads specifically offering him well wishes for his marriage, etc.
:|:

[rumination]

I'll donate whatever little bit that I can, for sure.

[MasterBlaster]

I don't think he's "shunned" this forum. He strikes me as not being the computer/forum type, plus he's even emailed me about how he was having a hard time trying to register/log on here.

Who knows, maybe this will open his eyes more to friends via online communities.

;)

[pantheraba]

plus he's even emailed me about how he was having a hard time trying to register/log on here.

;)

That can be a very frustrating problem...I have had the same trouble getting registered here before...so did some of my friends/relatives that wanted to see some of the picts I had posted related to them. He may show up yet.

[Paul B]

if someone can find a paypal style hookup or otherwsie that is direct and applicable. I say yes, certainly a thing to consider for the modern tree worker. If you dont allready own his books, at least make up an order for them! :)

[Stumper]

I'm in favor. Donations aren't compulsory so those who don't have the wherewithall or desire don't have to do anything.

[Old Monkey]

I'll go with what Frans says, he knows Gerry and should be able to give us council on this matter. I am rather tapped right now for some reason. Perhaps I can help later on in his convalescence.

[MasterBlaster]

Later is just as good! Trust me, he'll still be laid up... :^(

[Hobby Climber]

I'll help by buying his book ...maybe his CD.


Jeez, that thing look horrible! ...Oops, did I say that out loud?:P

Heal well Mr.B.

HC

[Ax-Man]

After seeing the pics Frans posted of Gerry's foot, I'm definately in, doesn't look good. I can't give much right now as things are still a little tight money wise, slow winter among other things but the near future looks promising.

I feel so sorry for Gerry right now, I look at those pictures thinking that could have been my son's foot when my former partner put that outrigger down on his foot.

So I am definately in.

[MasterBlaster]

Here's his mailing address;

Beranek Publications
P.O. Box 251
Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Cash, personal checks, money orders, it's all good and every little bit helps!!!

Just let Jerry know it's from a TreeHouser, 'cuz he ain't expecting squat!

(the address is in the opening post.)

[TC3]

I'd like some input from Frans on this :
I'm thinking of perhaps sending out a letter to the tree co.s in my area (there are a minimum of 80 within a fifty mile radius of me), briefly explaining that Gerry has just experienced the worst injury in his career and that by ordering his books (listed & named in the letter with order info) it would serve a dual purpose >>> It would help support Gerry AND be an awesome addition to anyone's tree interest.
Just an idea.

[NickfromWI]

I'd like some input from Frans on this :
I'm thinking of perhaps sending out a letter to the tree co.s in my area (there are a minimum of 80 within a fifty mile radius of me), briefly explaining that Gerry has just experienced the worst injury in his career and that by ordering his books (listed & named in the letter with order info) it would serve a dual purpose >>> It would help support Gerry AND be an awesome addition to anyone's tree interest.
Just an idea.


Very, very good idea. Maybe someone here can draft up a letter and share with everyone? If y'all remind me- I'll do it tomorra night.

love
nick

[MasterBlaster]

Any action is a good thing! :thumbup:

[squisher]

I say it's a good idea if you haven't read his book(s) you should. The Fundamental's has a permanent position on my bedside table and I read atleast a chapter a night. As is stated right in there the knowledge in that book is the basics that any treeman should know. An invaluable resource.

[MasterBlaster]

And don't forget "High Climbers and Timber Fallers!"

[squisher]

That book is a classic, I learned about them through here and now have it and the fundamentals. Absolute essential classics, best books I've ever read bar none. If I had a time machine I'd be going back and harvesting some of that gorgeous timber.

[bergsteiger]

Looks like its about time to pony up for his books. :D

[Paul B]

I have both of the books and theCD. looking for an opening for a straight up donation to the GB fund.
Frans. any word on a paypal or somathin?

[No_Bivy]

10% of a one day job is affordable. Did he have workers comp coverage?

[MasterBlaster]

I have both of the books and theCD. looking for an opening for a straight up donation to the GB fund.
Frans. any word on a paypal or somathin?

Remember paypal takes a chunk. Just send a check to the address I listed.

[Frans]

Having a hard time posting on this thread. Gerry is not the kind of guy who takes charity.
He did not even let his friend buy the whisky yesterday.
So the idea of buying his books is great. For those of you who already have a book, so buy another one.

About those books. To order a batch takes all the money from the last batch. Kind of a circle of buying and selling without much profit.

I bet Butch does not make any money on those T-shirts.

so buying books will help him in the long run. And make him feel good.



Gerry better sign on fairly soon, or he is gonna be in big trouble with me. :)

[MasterBlaster]

No, I make a profit on the tees. There's a lot I have to do to get them going.

And I'm still sending him some cash.

[pantheraba]

I figured to send a check for the book...maybe $100 with a note to "keep the change".

[MasterBlaster]

That's one way! :thumbup:

[Al Smith]

I figured to send a check for the book...maybe $100 with a note to "keep the change".

That is an excellent idea.

[Burnham]

Having a hard time posting on this thread. Gerry is not the kind of guy who takes charity.
He did not even let his friend buy the whisky yesterday.
So the idea of buying his books is great. For those of you who already have a book, so buy another one.

About those books. To order a batch takes all the money from the last batch. Kind of a circle of buying and selling without much profit.

I bet Butch does not make any money on those T-shirts.

so buying books will help him in the long run. And make him feel good.



Gerry better sign on fairly soon, or he is gonna be in big trouble with me. :)

I think that it is a mistake to look at these offers of support as charity.

This is coming from a bunch of people who have an intimate understanding of how fragile our body, and by extension our ability to do the things we do to keep hearth and home together, really is. We recognize Gerry as one of our own, one who has our deepest admiration. Wishing to help him is based not on philanthropic urges, but on a desire to give back to him just a tiny bit of the value of the wisdom and training he has shared with our community of treemen.

Gerry, if you read this, please know that allowing us to offer our support is a gift you make back to us. We hate to see this sort of thing happen to anyone of our tribe. We sometimes fear it happening to ourselves. We have a level of empathy with your situation that goes beyond mere charity. This is respect we offer.

[NickfromWI]

Maybe we should all send all our money to one location, then send 1 check to him with a well drafted letter explaining simply that we DEMAND he use it.

love
nick

[Hobby Climber]

I think that it is a mistake to look at these offers of support as charity.

This is coming from a bunch of people who have an intimate understanding of how fragile our body, and by extension our ability to do the things we do to keep hearth and home together, really is. We recognize Gerry as one of our own, one who has our deepest admiration. Wishing to help him is based not on philanthropic urges, but on a desire to give back to him just a tiny bit of the value of the wisdom and training he has shared with our community of treemen.

Gerry, if you read this, please know that allowing us to offer our support is a gift you make back to us. We hate to see this sort of thing happen to anyone of our tribe. We sometimes fear it happening to ourselves. We have a level of empathy with your situation that goes beyond mere charity. This is respect we offer.
-----------------------
-----------------------

Very well stated!

HC

[MasterBlaster]

Maybe we should all send all our money to one location, then send 1 check to him with a well drafted letter explaining simply that we DEMAND he use it.

love
nick

Let's not complicate it any more than necessary. I talked to him and he said the same thing I woulda said if I'd of known about the donations for me... I didn't need the money, but I really did.
I'm sending him some cash, he might be tempted to tear up a check.

[vharrison]

-----------------------
-----------------------

Very well stated!

HC

I agree.

[MasterBlaster]

Who voted no?

Why?

[vharrison]

Probably Frans

[MasterBlaster]

Frans was the one who brought it to our attention that Jerry's injury was hurting him financially.

[treetx]

Who voted no?

Why?

Me

If you want to show appreciation, say get well soon, etc. just do it, send flowers, cards, a bottle of hooch, etc. Money is great and all but any tree man worth his salt who has been at the game that long, has a rainy day fund.

I personally have 2 of his books, both autographed :thumbup:

When I cut my tendons back in 05, it sucked. Monetarily, I could deal with it as I took my 6 weeks of healing over what was a planned vacation so luckily time missed was only 3 days.

What I needed more than anything was support to let me know I could get back in the trees again.

I haven't been the most supportive, I have no sponsor next to my name, no Tshirt (they are coming out of my ears), but I have 2 of Beranek's books. Things are tough for everyone and all is relative. I am in a new career which of course means save, save, save because you never know when it will be tits up. Plus I am looking at starting a family and getting a house. I am happy to do what I can when I can, but when money goes out the window, love is sure to follow.

If I recall, Jer is self published - that means it may take a while to recoup his printing costs but after that, it is gravy. If you have aa publisher, you only get 20% or less. By ready his books, it is easy to see he did it for the love of the work, not the $$.

[MasterBlaster]

Different strokes for different folks.

[treetx]

Yes, live and let live.

I hope to make contributions that will be greater than a 20 spot or Benjamin by giving back to the profession that has given so much to me. I choose to do that by focusing on long term goals and where I want to be in 10-20 years. It would be nice to have enough to start a foundation, etc. - something greater than a few Jacksons in an envelope. I am working everyday to help out, it is the steady drop that wears the stone.

yeah, I've been called a dreamer.

[Herbert Finch]

Sorry people, but there is no way i am donating money to someone just because they are a treeclimber!! thats insane, That would be like donating money to someone just because they do the same job as you.
If i had an accident and was laid up, there is no way i would expect a donation from other climbers I'd never met.
I think gerald beranek is a great climber and he would respect my opinion and i reckon he would probably agree with me.

[Paul B]

I think this is the link to Gerry's book sales website. I am thinking I will order a copy of High Climbers and donate it to the local university (UBC) library. UBC has a good forestry program and this way it might do as Nate suggests and help many as well as helping one.

http://www.atreestory.com/books.html

[squisher]

I'm sure from reading his books that he's a humble man so maybe he would agree with you. He has made a great contribution to treework through his pictures and writing. Have you read the mans books? The time and knowledge imparted in those pages are worth much more than the price of admission.

No one is considering donating just because he's a treeclimber. He's a treeclimber who has done much more for the industry than just climb and cut trees like most of us. Certainly you wouldn't expect a donation from climbers that you've never met but maybe if you make some great contribution of your own then climbers who had never met you would send you a donation if you happened to be injured. And if you already have and I don't know about it, sorry :P .

[Paul B]

Have you read the mans books?
Yup, and since I am taking a rain / office day, I think Imight have to flip through high climbers for a few minutes over a cup of tea.

Thanks for the books Gerry, and damnit, get well soon! :) You gotta get back up in those trees man, otherwise Frans might try and retrain you for groundwork ! :O :D

[squisher]

As Burnham so elegantly stated in a earlier post it ain't about charity it's about respect.

[Herbert Finch]

Why are you doing this?

[Frans]

Probably Frans

:lol:
I did not vote on this as I already am doing what I can to help him out.
By the way vharrison, I sure like that screaming yellow shirt you sent me. Very comfortable and good construction.

[MasterBlaster]

They make me look uber-handsome!!!

[Herbert Finch]

Could someone please tell me who those wierd looking people are?

The one on left looks like a dorkus trying to pretend he is playing the guitar, but i play the guitar and it is obvious for all to see that he has never played a guitar in his whole life, welll not properly anyway.

[treetx]

He's a treeclimber who has done much more for the industry than just climb and cut trees like most of us.


Don't worry, I have done way more for this industry than just climb and cut ;)


Always help a friend. :thumbup:

[squisher]

Good on ya Treetx. If I get my way then hopefully I'll be able to make some kind of a contribution someday as well. Until then learn, learn, learn

[Herbert Finch]

Please don't take this the wrong way treetx, but with that helmet on, it is you who looks like they are in dire need of some help:D

Did you take the short bus?

[treetx]

Be an advocate for trees and tree care....

[vharrison]

:lol:
I did not vote on this as I already am doing what I can to help him out.
By the way vharrison, I sure like that screaming yellow shirt you sent me. Very comfortable and good construction.

Gosh Frans, that was ages ago! Glad you liked it. Thank you sending out that video to all of us. That was nice.

[squisher]

Be an advocate for trees and tree care....

I hear that, through my own small tree business I'm striving to educate people every chance I get. That being said I still have lots to learn myself (I'm very aware of that), before I'll be able to make a signifigant lasting contribution. I've come along ways from a redneck logger to where I'm at now.

[Herbert Finch]

blah blah blah

[Swe#kipp]

If I order from Jerrys site do I get Highclimber and Timberfaller ???
or "just" Fundamentals of general treework ??

[MasterBlaster]

Good question! I don't see "Highclimbers and Timberfallers."

Frans! What's up with that?

[Paul B]

Gerry isnt one to update his site regularly says Frans, I figure just fire an email at the site and let them know what you are interested in and where its going. :) Thats what I just did in fact. I will put up info if there is anything to be had.

[Swe#kipp]

I want to order the books, but need too be sure that I get both books :)
don't want to get the shipping cost two times :P

[MasterBlaster]

Yea, Jerry told me that he checks and answers his email every day.

[Hobby Climber]

Just an observation:

I see mr.B's first name spelled with a "G" and a "J"!:what:

I believe it is spelled Jerry with a "J" but am not 100% sure...can we get clearification so as not to offend the man!

HC

[Paul B]

the spine of both of my books say its "G"

[TC3]

When I ordered The Fundamentals of Tree Work last fall, I went by the pricing on his web site. When I received the book in the mail, the packing slip stated a higher price for the cost of the book. I had sent payment already with my order, so I still owe the difference. Ooops.:(
I mention this because I'm certain that an update of the web site is due, or maybe I just fubarred it completely, a distinct possibility.
Frans, can you let us know please ???

[MasterBlaster]

Just an observation:

I see mr.B's first name spelled with a "G" and a "J"!:what:

I believe it is spelled Jerry with a "J" but am not 100% sure...can we get clearification so as not to offend the man!

HC

Jerry is a nickname. Gerald is his first name.

[Hobby Climber]

Thanks Butch

[Frans]

I dont follow football, but you know when you see that guy grab the ball? Well someone brave soul always runs in front of him taking the hits from all these muscled power houses eager to pound anything in their way.

Well, I guess I am in that position of fielding questions and concerns of my friends at the TreeHouse for Gerry.

After reading the latest on this thread, I called him (this guy is asleep at 6pm, by the way), so I call him at 5:42PM. He answers in a sleepy voice, and I begin my daily drilling.
"How are you, bet you are bored outta ya gord, hang in there, lots of folks are thinking good thoughts about you, blah blah blah blah.
O.K. He told me he had hired some guy to work his web site and the guy never put the new book there.

So, here is the real deal:

The 'High Climbers & Timber Fallers' book is for sale. Yes he has a bunch of them.
If you put on the letter you send to him that you are from the TreeHouse, he will make sure you get the latest edition.

The latest edition has great different color pictures (than the first edition) and is better layed out.

The cost is:

$49.95 per book.

The shipping is:

$10.00.
the shipping is the 'flat rate' box that the U.S. postal service provides. the box will fit 3 books for the same price.

[vharrison]

Thanks Frans!

[squisher]

Frans just so people know, if they source the fundamentals book from elsewhere (mine came from wesspur) will that still benefit Mr. B or how's that working out? Just wondering as regardless of peoples views if you're into treework you definetly have to have that book. I have the highclimber and timberfallers as well and I think I can think of a couple people that it might make a nice gift for.

Paul you library offering idea is an excellent idea :thumbup:

[Frans]

I dont know, squisher. I would think that any sales of his book would benefit him.

[MasterBlaster]

But the less middleman, the better.

The more direct, the better.

I would guess...

[Frans]

I never really realized just how hard it is to be layed up. I gotta take my hat off to you Butch, and everyone else who has been through a serious injury. Yours still has a long way to go, Butch. It is not over with yet.

It is not easy. I know everyone is supposed to take it on the chin, but I personally would really feel good with folks even writing a note saying hang in there.

[RIVERRAT]

It's not fun at all dealing with an injury that keeps you from work. But I will add, with mine I was able to get up & move about. Nothing like Butches or Gerry's injury.

[sotc]

Just an observation:

I see mr.B's first name spelled with a "G" and a "J"!:what:

I believe it is spelled Jerry with a "J" but am not 100% sure...can we get clearification so as not to offend the man!

HC

his p.m.'s come from "jerry"

[pantheraba]

I just went to the website...only the first page is up...the links don't work for books, cd's, etc.

[MasterBlaster]

The info is in this thread.

Just email him, Gary.

[pantheraba]

I have the PO Box address but have yet to find an email address...I checked the whole thread...where did I miss it?

[MasterBlaster]

beranek@mcn.org

[MasterBlaster]

Jerry! I see you made it! Welcome!

Give us a way to oder your books and cd's! Your site doesn't do it!

[gf beranek]

Thank you all for the well wishes and please accept my apologies for not responding back sooner. This morning, Terri, my wonderful wife, set up a laptop so I could get on line and catch up with the forums. Particularly this one. Thanks for the jumpstart Frans

It seems I have a lot of time on my hands right now. Even before I was laid up from this accident my own family wondered if I forgot about them. Let alone keeping current with the forums. It's just the way I am. Out there and hard to reach most of the time.

Over the years many people who have bought my books contact me later and usually have a question or two that they would like an answer to. Most of those people I do get back to and later on it works out to where I eventually entertain some as guests in my home or even take out to the woods for a weekend hike or short climb. I wish I could make time for them all but so many things keep that from happening.

I'm overwhelmed by the wonderful thought of the tree house members banding together to contribute a fund to help me through my recovery. Most of you I've never met personally but like those I metion above who have bought my book you may have some feeling like you do know me. Our trade in common does make us brothers towards a common goal. None of us would have spent so much time in it already if we didn't have some pride and ambition towards making it better for the rest.

Thank you, but please hold on to any money contributions for a more deserving member who depends more on their hard work, sweat and weekly paychecks to keep their family warm and fed. My time spent over the years writing and taking pictures is paying me back right now. Through the people like yourselves who buy the books, thank you so much.

I'm trying to get my website updated but have run up against a block. But I am working on it.

Also, I read one post indicating a price difference between what was posted on my old site and the invoice recieved. Could be a couple of things there. Most of my shipping went to flat rate rather than book rate, or a hardcover got shipped rather than a soft. No matter, not anybodys fault but my own. If there is overpayment please let me know.

Thank you all at the tree house forums!!

Jerry B

[MasterBlaster]

Sooooo, you're RICH, eh? :/:



:P

Glad to have you onboard and I'm looking forward to your future posts!

[gf beranek]

A wealth of friends.

[RIVERRAT]

A wealth of friends.
That counts for something. But I dont think thats what Butch meant.

But I think you know that:)

[MasterBlaster]

I fixed you up with an avatar! Feel free to change it if you like.

[sotc]

welcome jerry!

[GASoline71]

Thanks for checkin' in with us Jerry!

Get well!:)

Gary

[High Scale]

Welcome Jerry, I have High Climbers and Timber Fallers, great book!

Nice to see you here in the Treehouse.:D

[TheTreeWiseMen]

Welcome aboard Jerry, here's wishing you a speedy recovery too!

[Frans]

Gerry made a cameo appearance!
'Bout time, but I love the guy so all is good.

[vharrison]

Frans, we know you do, thanks for keeping us updated! Gerry, great to see you on line! We thank your wife!!

[MasterBlaster]

Something tells me he's gonna have more posting time available in the nearby future...

[squisher]

Heh good to read ya here in the Treehouse.

Justin

[Hobby Climber]

Welcome sir, we are honored. HC

[Thor's Hammer]

Good to read you again Jerry.

[gf beranek]

Thanks everyone!!

Well, I'll be going to the Doc this morn to get the word on what is going to happen with those ailing toes, the black ones. Not that I'm prejudice. they're black, hard and dried out. Pitiful looking. Over roasted weenies, Terri says. Oh, well

Catch up with you when I get the results back

Jerry B

[vharrison]

Good luck!

[MasterBlaster]

Damn, I bet you come home a few ounces lighter. Oh well, like you said, 'You don't climb with your toes!'

Good luck and give us the lowdown ASAP!

[tntree]

All I can say is ouch again, and thanks for checkin in Ger

[MasterBlaster]

:(

[Hobby Climber]

I hope you get some good news from your Dr. in the AM!!! ;)

I'll cross my fingers for you! HC

[Paul B]

I hope you get some good news from your Dr. in the AM!!! ;)

I'll cross my fingers for you! HC

Me too Jerry. best wishes to you amigo!

[MasterBlaster]

I'm betting they kept him overnight.

[GASoline71]

I'm betting they kept him overnight.

Prolly...:(

Gary

[TC3]

Hope all goes well for you, Gerry. Maybe the 'down-time' from photography & outdoor stuff will see you finding new interests ? I can feature you putting together an on line newsletter or getting hooked on E-Bay.
Glad you've got Terry by your side in this. Let her spoil ya a little !

[gf beranek]

an on line news letter or ebay, I don't know about that. i do have a lot of video to edit, but can't sit very long at the machines.

doctor said the three outside toes were toast and will be coming off. a large hemotoba on the bottom of the foot has him concerned and a ultra sound will be done this morning to determine if it is compartmentalized or permeating through good tissue. the latter would not be good. personally i feel confident everything will be alright and will stick with it.

thanks for the well wishes. i'll keep you up to date

jerry b

[Paul B]

geez. that stinks.
get well Jerry! :)

[pantheraba]

That confident feeling is good...hang on to it.

Thinking good thoughts here, too.

[MasterBlaster]

Our prayers are with you, brother.

[sotc]

good luck!

[Frans]

going to visit Gerry this morning.
He went into surgery yesterday and had alot of foot cut off. Three toes and part of the bottom of his foot. Yeech.
He will be off his feet for some time.
I will pass on your well wishes.
:thumbup:
Terry his wife told me that one of the nurses gave him a shot for pain. She was supposed to stick the needle into a muscle, but put it into the I.V. instead!
Immediatly the drug hit Gerry very very hard. The doctors were scrambling around checking his blood pressure and heart beat every 5 min.
the nurse got into alot of trouble.
the good news is that he is in a hospital in his home town so knows many of the people working there. Thats good for healing. (it is a very small town so everybody knows each other)

[MasterBlaster]

Wow, what a mistake! I hope all goes as good or better than expected towards his recovery. Crap, sad to hear. He told me he wasn't so much worried about his toes, I just hope the part of the foot they removed won't mess with him too much.

Rest Jerry, and stay strong!

[Old Monkey]

Mine might be a little ugly but I love each and every one of those little buggers attached to the end of my foot. I am sorry to hear Gerry is losing some of his. I have a number of injuries, breaks, tears etc. I will never be the same as I was when I was younger. Its what you have to get used too but I have trouble with it and my damage is minor in comparison. Gerry, best of luck to you.

[tntree]

hey ger hope you are allright out there, wishing the best your way. hope that surgery whent well and your Codit is strong.

[Swe#kipp]

A friend of mine has approx 15 cm (6 inch )left of his foot and he can do pretty much everything a person with "whole" foot can do !!

Stay postitive and heal up !!!

[gf beranek]

just got home from the hospital,, minus the three toes and half the bottom of the foot. that large hemotoma turned out to be dead tissue. oh, well from here on it should be a timely recovery. once heald up i will be good to go hiking, climbing, working. really looking forward to it.

laying in bed, foot proped up and typing with one finger on laptop next to the bed. got to make some improvements on that.

jerry b

[squisher]

Good to hear you're on the road to recovery. Will be glad to hear you post that you're climbing again, be well.

[MasterBlaster]

I had to have everything I needed by my side, it took me a while to adjust to keeping my foot elevated.
Just relax as best as you can and take it one day at a time. WE will soon be back to doing backflips, tootsweet! ;)

[pantheraba]

laying in bed, foot proped up and typing with one finger on laptop next to the bed. got to make some improvements on that.

jerry b

Ha!! You'll wear that finger out! Don't forget the other 9.

Glad you're home...settle in and see if you can straighten some of us out. :D

[GASoline71]

Thanks for the updates Gerry... Best wishes!:)

Gary

[Burnham]

Wishing you all the best, Jerry. Be patient and you will be well in time!

[MasterBlaster]

I bet you're gonna have a helluva instep after all this.

[Paul B]

get well you two!

[sotc]

home is better than in the hospital! hang out as much as you can!

[MasterBlaster]

Jerry, you should rent a hospital bed and set it up in the living room.

[lumberjack]

That's what we did for dad, although we bought the bed.

[MasterBlaster]

Damn Jerry! Back in tha saddle in 6 to 8 weeks? Yesterday was 10 for me and I still can't walk. It musta just been a scratch! :P

[gf beranek]

I was talking to Frans about that the other day. Lately he's been grounding and letting the younger members on the crew work aloft. also says the ground work is gruling because he's using a whole different set of muscles.

Since being laid up the guy I work for had to cancel a few jobs I was looking forward to doing. I hope their still on the job list after I get back. I'm anxious to get in the ropes and wreck out some tall sticks. Laying in bed, lack of exercise and adrenalin is making me flabby and weak. I will most certainly have to work out before jumping back into it.

I'll keep you all updated.

Jerry B

[MasterBlaster]

When I left the hospital the nurse told me the worse was yet to come, and she wasn't lieing.

[treetx]

It doesn't compare to y'alls pain, but when I left the hospital with my poxy chainsaw cut through a few tendons, I told the doc, "I think something is wrong, it doesn't even hurt". He said, "Don't worry, it will." He wasn't lying.

You guys heal up!!!

The both of you sound in good spirits, keep it up!

[Frans]

It is much harder working the ground than sitting around tieing off a limb, cutting it, watching it get lowered.
I am having a great time running around humping brush.
It is good to cross train

[RIVERRAT]

.
I am having a great time running around humping brush.
It is good to cross train
In that context....No it's not

[Frans]

Well Rat,
When you become fat and lazy I'll be running circles around you
:)

[Bodean]

I agree, working the ground is tiring.

I feel guilty at times for Ground folks. Cause as Frans says,
I just rope it out and wait for the line again.

Gravity does half my work for me as a climber while,
as a ground folk, Gravity is what you're fighting all day.

[Old Monkey]

Some days the ground guy works harder and somedays the climber works harder. I figure in balances out.

[lumberjack]

I figure in balances out. Especially when the climber owns the company :thumbup:. Even if it's still in the climbers favor, so what? It's a perk of being the boss :)

[No_Bivy]

I agree, working the ground is tiring.

I feel guilty at times for Ground folks. Cause as Frans says,
I just rope it out and wait for the line again.

Gravity does half my work for me as a climber while,
as a ground folk, Gravity is what you're fighting all day.

Get-r-mini:D

[MasterBlaster]

Who works harder is dependant on whether it's a trim or a TD.

[tntree]

Who works harder is dependant on whether it's a trim or a TD.

Thats it in a nutshell

[tntree]

It is much harder working the ground than sitting around tieing off a limb, cutting it, watching it get lowered.
I am having a great time running around humping brush.
It is good to cross train

You cheap bastard, if you gave up drinking you could finance that Cadillac Boxer you dream about and come out ahead of you bar Tab each month.

[tntree]

OOps this is a Gerry thread,
You have Moxy and the right attitude Ger, you'll pull out of this.

[Frans]

You cheap bastard, if you gave up drinking you could finance that Cadillac Boxer you dream about and come out ahead of you bar Tab each month.

:lol: HA! You remembered.

Not to derail Ger, but I used this line on a guy at a trade show who was 'looking' at one of Dave's minis.
I told him that for the cost of his monthly bar tab he could make the payments on the mini. The looked at me and nodded seriously, and said your right!

8)
poor guy is headed for the Betty Ford Clinic. Now that will cost more than any mini.

[Frans]

I talked to Terry (Ger's wife) last night.
He is getting a 'wound vacuum' today.

Here is how it works:

It creates a negative pressure area on the outside of the wound. That encourages fluid, blood, oxygen, etc to remain close to the surface of the wound.
Terry told me that the wound vacuum speeds healing up to 50% !
:O :thumbup:

I have never even heard of this. Man those doctors are awesome.

[MasterBlaster]

Whoa, wound vacuum. (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&safe=off&resnum=0&q=wound%20vacuum&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi)

I hope all goes well. Is he staying the hospital?

[Paul B]

interesting. wheres a hyberbaric chamber when you need one?

[olyman]

They make me look uber-handsome!!!
errrrr--ok

[Al Smith]

interesting. wheres a hyberbaric chamber when you need one?An interesting note on this from the past.The US navy submarine school is in New London Conn.They of course have a pressure,vacuum chamber to test weather any body freaks out under confined conditions ,under pressure ,stress etc.They do,believe me.

There was however a woman who was at the point of death from paritinitus,if that is spelled correctly or gasious gangrene ,as understood it.At any rate the woman and two doctors where in the chamber which was pressurized with pure oxegon ,while they breathed normal air as they performed surgery on the poor lady.She lived:)

From what I was told the gangrene could not live in the pure oxegon .

[RIVERRAT]

Well Rat,
When you become fat and lazy I'll be running circles around you
:)
I have not been in but a few trees for a while. Last one was saturday out in Charly P's part of town. But I have been doing 15 miles or more a day on a bike. Fat.... nah. Lazy, sometimes:lol:

That vacum deal sounds interesting. Hope it works out for you Jerry.

[MasterBlaster]

I hope you're doing well, Jerry! Holler at us when you can.

:beer:

[Frans]

I have not been in but a few trees for a while. Last one was saturday out in Charly P's part of town. But I have been doing 15 miles or more a day on a bike. Fat.... nah. Lazy, sometimes:lol:


I only said that 'cause I know you live so far away :D

Tell Charly I said hey

[MasterBlaster]

Any news, Frans???

[Frans]

No. Except that he was gonna come to Arbor Day but could'nt make it. Lazy bum

[MasterBlaster]

So, he is home?

[MasterBlaster]

How's it going, Jerry? About as friggin expected?

[Skwerl]

Too late Butch, he's gone already. Last activity on the forum 11 minutes ago.

Anyway, I hope you're doing well Jerry. How about grossing us out with some fresh pictures of the foot?
:P

[Frans]

I'll call him this afternoon Tues. and check in.

[gf beranek]

Hi, Butch, everyone

Terri, brought the mail home this weekend and what do you think I found. Yup, letters and donations from members of the Tree House Forums.

To those that sent in donations I packaged up some books and videos for you to enjoy. The new second edition of High Climbers has over sixty additional photos in it, plus a little bit of formatting and corrected spelling, especially with names.

The videos are conglomerations of much footage catagorized and put together over the years. Old Growth, nearly two hours, is all old growth trees being harvested and features many of the people featured in High Climbers.

Second Growth is another conglomeration nearly two hours long featuring my friends at work cutting mostly second growth timber. There's ever a little bit of my self in that one. There's also a little short on burning slash during the fall. All hand fed fires. The woods was clean as a dinner plate when we finished.

GRCS is about the GRCS demo I did for Greg Good and includes the drop test video Frans orchastrated.mispell. It finishes up with a removal of a moderate size white oak in Shyster Creek Vinyards. Featuring an all star cast and of course the GRCS. It's about 70 minutes.

Helmet Cam Views is 47 minutes of Helmet Cam footage I cobbled together. Lots of action in this one plus views from the tree tops on the coast and comments about features we all find in the trees while we work. It just so happens I was working on an educational video compiled mostly of helmet cam perspectives before the accident.

Recreational Climber is nearly two hours long and features a lot of people climbing their hearts out in the tall trees. Spruce, Pine, redwood. There's someting like 6 or seven titles in that disk. Trampoline is one of my favorites. Lots of fun and some fantastic trees. The titles in this disk have music sound tracks and some are even narratted.mispell.

I have other titles coming up but haven't been able to sit at the computer long enough to do much. Blood rushs to my foot and swells like a balloon and hurts like hell and I loose my concentration. In spite of all that it is getting better a little everyday.

I can't thank you guys enough for your support and help getting through this ordeal. The contributions you've sent help a lot. I never really expected it and must admit that I have to choke up my pride to accept any charity. That's something my mother instilled in all the kids, but realize now that you just got to let it go sometimes.

Thank you so much,

Jerry B

Hey, Butch, please send me your address again so I can get a parcel your way, right away. Thanks, man!

[MasterBlaster]

Glad we could be of aid to you in your time of trouble!!! :beer:

Now keep that foot UP!!!

[sotc]

glad to see you in good spirits jerry

[Skwerl]

Good wishes for a speedy recovery Jerry.
:thumbup:

[Paul B]

heal up Jerry!! :)

[pantheraba]

Jerry,

I got my "Fundamentals..." book and 3 videos...very cool surprise...thanks for the surprise videos. Carl (Lumberjack) had just arrived here to link up to go to Andersonville and I was able to send one of the vids home with him.

Keep 'er propped up, glad you are progressing.

[Robert Townsend]

Hope hes doing well!

[Skwerl]

Thank you Jerry for the books and CD's. They were on my doorstep when I got home from work today. The books will take over the coveted 'middle of the coffee table' location and I look forward to reading both of them in the next several days. The CD's will be watched and shared with a few other local climbers who aren't online.
:thumbup: :thumbup:

This was totally unexpected but much appreciated. Best wishes and get well soon so you can go kick that crane operator in the ass!
:lol:

[gf beranek]

Really the least I could do for all that's been given. I didn't know until yesterday the money was generated from the Auction of your 038. So many of the threads and posts were going on without my realization. I just read "038 auction" and, since I had no need for one, I left it at that.

I'm still not entirely sure who was the winning bidder. Could you supply me their name and address. Some books and videos should be due them also.

Again, thank you all

Jerry B

[GASoline71]

Get well Gerry... I already have the High Climbers book... but might be orderin' some of your vids soon.

Take care,

Gary

[treesandsurf]

Just got off the phone with Royman, I've got dibs on one of the books you signed for him Jerry! I'm stoked. He was real excited and honored that you put him in there.

jp:D

[MasterBlaster]

Jerry! How ya doing? I know these are the sucky times, for sure... :(

[Frans]

I think he is just hanging in there.
Terry is really doing a great job with caring for him

[vharrison]

I am so glad he has her to care for him.

[gf beranek]

Don't know what I would do without her right now. I've been so dependent. As a matter of fact she just changed my bandages, brought my coffee and is now making breakfast.

I'm a lucky guy

[Paul B]

Hats off to her Jerry. Hope your feeling a bit better.

[JamesTX]

Don't know what I would do without her right now. I've been so dependent. As a matter of fact she just changed my bandages, brought my coffee and is now making breakfast.

I'm a lucky guy

Other than the injury thing, that doesn't sound so bad.

[sotc]

i asked my wife to make me breakfast and coffee this morning and she just laughed at me :)

[squisher]

i asked my wife to make me breakfast and coffee this morning and she just laughed at me :)

You asked :O , brave man. :lol:

Hang in there Jerry, hope you're healing well.

[sotc]

i just finished making her toast

[xtremetrees]

sotc word, gotta keep um round.

[tntree]

Don't know what I would do without her right now. I've been so dependent. As a matter of fact she just changed my bandages, brought my coffee and is now making breakfast.

I'm a lucky guy

One of the great things in marriage, good for you . . . stay cool and horizontal

(Hot in MN today >80)

[Thor's Hammer]

i asked my wife to make me breakfast and coffee this morning and she just laughed at me :)

Mine laughs, but in a nice way. And still makes me toast and tea. :love:

[Old Monkey]

and then beans you with the toaster.

[sotc]

im the designated cook here but i rarly have to clean :D

sorry for the derail jerry, milk her attentions for as long as possible :D

[Skwerl]

Time to drag this thread back out and ask for an update. What's the good news, Jerry?

[MasterBlaster]

I hope the foots doing as well as expected, with no complications! :thumbup:

[gf beranek]

The good news is......... the wound is healing up! Spirits are high! And I have a loving and caring wife waiting on me hand and foot. And as a Kicker, I have such great and supportive friends! So many of them right here at the Tree House. It doesn't get any beter than that. I'm going to try and make it to Conneticut for TCI this year. If I do there's no doubt I'll be at the Bailey's booth. I hope some of the TH members can make it there too

I can't thank you all enough.

[MasterBlaster]

That's great to hear, Jerry. Have you got a treadmill yet? Mine really comes in handy!

[vharrison]

Glad to hear you are on the mend.

[gf beranek]

Thanks all.

I still can't put pressure on the ball of the foot, where the wound is, but I can hobble around a bit on the heal. but it comes at a cost. it throughs my back out of wack. So I have to limit it. I said good-by to the to the walker and now using crutchs

[vharrison]

Jerry, that is great you are able to get around. Now, get your wife an iced tea!!!! She has earned it!! Bless the both of you.

[gf beranek]

I love her so much!!

Thank you, GIGI

p.s. Loved your vid of the St. Martine runway. Wow Thank you

[talcott]

happy to hear that you are getting along okay.

talcott

[gf beranek]

thank you, Talcott

[GASoline71]

A lot of good news Gerry... Take care:thumbup:

Gary

[Burnham]

That's real good to hear, Jerry. Keep on keepin' on.

[Frans]

That's real good to hear, Jerry. Keep on keepin' on.

He better, or I know a bunch of guys who will drag him up into a tree!

Real happy to hear your foot is on schedule with the healing Ger. Sorry I missed coming to visit the last two weekends...

[gf beranek]

Hey, thanks, Frans and everyone... frans, did you get to see OM during his Cali visit?

[Skwerl]

Gotta bump this thread again in order to give a big :thumbup: to Jerry for his DVDs. I received a full set a couple months ago but I didn't own a DVD player. They have been sitting on my coffee table staring at me every day, so today I went to Wal Mart and bought a cheapo DVD player so I could watch them. I just got done watching the first video and it was pretty cool, looking forward to watching the rest over the next few days.
:D

[gf beranek]

Brian, glad to hear you got a player. Grab a six-pack and invite some friends, there's lots of hours of viewing trees hitting the ground.

[MasterBlaster]

A six pack of Pepsi, now! ;)

[Old Monkey]

Hey, thanks, Frans and everyone... frans, did you get to see OM during his Cali visit?

I was only in town a couple of days. Frans graciously offered to host the family and I but I wanted to keep the traveling time to a minimum, to make sure my daughter enjoyed the trip. It is my plan to come out to the next California Arborist Association redwood climb without the family so I can play in the trees without being back at a certain time. The wife suggested this idea and I'm going with it.

I hope to see you guys then.

[NickfromWI]

It is my plan to come out to the next California Arborist Association redwood climb ...

If OM is going, I'm going!!!

love
nick

[Frans]

If OM is going, I'm going!!!

love
nick

:thumbup: to both of you!

[Old Monkey]

It would be cool to meet you too Nick. Your ropes arrived by the way. The arbo test thingy distracted me a bit, I'll mail you a check tomorrow. Thanks!

[Frans]

Group Hug!
:3some:

[MasterBlaster]

:D

[RReedy]

:\: :O

Every time i see that pic,all i can think is...eegads.
Anyways, Glad to hear thing are progressing well for the both of you's.
Keep up the good work.

[vharrison]

How are you healing up?

[Old Monkey]

A good one minus the guys hugging.

[Skwerl]

I was trolling through some old threads and thought I would bump this one to bring back some memories. :)

It includes Jerry's very first post on this forum. I know it was a rough time for him but this thread also stands as testament to the heart and soul of the Treehouse. And most of the posters in this thread are still here every day almost 4 years later.

[bill22]

Now i have to read all 21 pages,thanks Brian.

[MasterBlaster]

Good bump!

I just re-read it.

[Bodean]

Funny,. someone said No in the Poll.

:beerchug:

Good Folks here.

[pantheraba]

Good bump, Brian...I just read the whole thing again, too. It is kind of heart warming to realize how much Jerry has come to be such an important member of the TreeHouse family. And how very cool it was for him to be such a big part of our West Coast Get Together awhile back. I keep realizing more and more what a unique event the WCGT was..how so many good people all came together and that Jerry was an anchor in making it happen.

[bruce6670]

Just read this thread. Good bunch of folks here indeed.:thumbup:

[canadiantreeman]

No doubt, just read it for the first time. World class peeps on here.

[NickfromWI]

I got scared for a sec. I saw the title, clicked on the link and thought- NOT AGAIN!

Phew.

[MasterBlaster]

Ha! I'll change the title so that won't happen again.

I wonder what ArboristSite or TreeBuzz did for Gerry in his time of strife. Imma thinking NADA.

[sotc]

Funny,. someone said No in the Poll.

:beerchug:

Good Folks here.

Don't even remember herbert finch, glad he didn't stick around

[MasterBlaster]

That was Aussie Lopa / Jason.

[squisher]

Just re-read that too. Felt as pissed off this time as I probably did the first time with that useless troll.


Lol.

[Skwerl]

But Justin, did you notice how we dealt with him? I thought it was pretty sweet how nobody bothered giving him the time of day. Just let him thrash about in his own little space all by himself. 8)

[Dave Shepard]

I got scared for a sec. I saw the title, clicked on the link and thought- NOT AGAIN!

Phew.

This was before my joining here, so I thought that Jerry had been injured again when I saw the thread.

[MasterBlaster]

Brian - don't forget he was in Coventry, until he caught on to it.

[bill22]

I just read this thread,lots of good guys here.

[MasterBlaster]

You damn skippy.

[flushcut]

You damn skippy.

Your double damn skippy.

[Tree Reb]

There are some great people here, and this is a good thread but what have you got against Skippy?

<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DCHY6n907OE" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>


No need for the obvious answer. ;)

[MasterBlaster]

Do those critters make good pets?

[Tree Reb]

Those little grey ones are pretty friendly, but not really for a pet.

That show was made not far from here. http://www.classicaustraliantv.com/Skippy.htm

All changed now, but at least the kids can see a bit of wild life.

http://www.holidayswithkids.com.au/thingsToDo/thingsToDo/australia/new_south_wales/waratah_park_earth_sanctuary

[gf beranek]

I've been out of touch with the House lately. In fact the whole internet thing altogether. Nearly let my bills lapse. Email built up to pages and pages. Scary enough to pull the plug and say F it, I'm following Chip.

But me thinks I'm back track and on an even keel, Mate's. Caught up with the internet junk and had enough time to even check out the posts in earnest.

Thanks, Brian, and all you guys and gals of the House. Was it 4 years ago? That long, wow. You guys was pooling together to help me out when I wasn't even aware of what was going on. Til one morning Terri said, "Jer, you better take a look at this. There's a bunch of people pulling for ya. You better chime in and thank'em all" Been some great times since I have to admit.

And sure more to come.

[MasterBlaster]

Glad to have you here, Gerry! And good to hear you've got your shit together.

Four years - dayum. It's seems like just yesterday I was in excruciating agony, LOL.

[Burnham]

Glad to hear from you, Jer. Keep on keepin' on, nothing else for it.

[squisher]

Yah, good to hear from ya again. Glad you wandered back in.

[gf beranek]

I'm all for the better of it for sure.

Still a lot of posts I haven't had time to read, and probably not all of them I will, but I just found out Joey Cornell and an old friend Noah Kowlik died. Both young and able climbers. To go so young makes me wonder about the twists of fate, and life altogether. I climbed with both of those guys on separate occasions. Course they set the ropes for this old timer.

[chris_girard]

Very sorry to hear about Joey and Noah Jer. You're right, sometimes we just don't know what the fates are going to deal us. I guess we really do just have to take it one day at a time, as cliche as that sounds.

[tntree]

Damm. Took it the same way, scare't me there also, Glad you is OK Ger
Feel and enjoy all of the love to you from these tree guys
8)8)8) bunch of guys

[inbredJed]

Hey guys: Chiming in a little late here. Will someone inform me as to the nature of the injury that happened back in 07? I read something about "kicking a crane operators rear." Did some operator drop the log straight down on his foot or what. I met Jerry and his wife at the last flip-fest, and it was hard trying to play it cool while getting to talk to the only living hero I've ever had in my life.

[Skwerl]

Jerry had his foot crushed by a crane outrigger. His first post in this thread was his very first post from his first day on the forum.

[MasterBlaster]

some operator drop the log straight down on his foot or what.

That was what happened to me, (http://gypoclimber.com/showthread.php?6286-The-Crushing-of-the-Blaster.) not Gerry.

[inbredJed]

Thanks Skwerl and M.B.--

It's amazing how long the new guys skate by on beginners luck--at times doing some of the stupidest things you've ever seen--without getting hurt, while some of the worst injuries happen to those who have already done this stuff a time or two.

Thank God both of you guys healed up tolerably.

[gf beranek]

Reflecting back on it, everyone was in a rush to get done and it really wasn't my job to get involved with unloading the logs. But I felt uncomfortable just standing around and not helping out. So I stepped in to help. And it changed my life. Basically ended my career. But you know I was getting ready to retire anyway. The accident just hastened it. Since then I've gained weight and spend a lot of time perusing my interests. This year I'm drawing my Social Security.

Real glad it didn't happen when I was younger.

[MasterBlaster]

Imma hold out as long as possible on the ss thang - at least 64, longer even, if I can. Aren't you taking a big hit drawing it so early?

[gf beranek]

Not really cuz my publishing income has netted me more SS in the last couple of years than if I kept working anyway. So I'm just resting on my laurels. So to speak. I heard said you never make up for the gain of waiting anyway.

[MasterBlaster]

Really? I thought you got more the longer you held out. I need to investigate this further.

[woodworkingboy]

You do get more. I believe Jerry is saying that when you weigh all the elements, waiting may not be to your advantage.

[gf beranek]

Yeah that's it.

[MasterBlaster]

Well, if I need to draw it ASAP, then I surely will. I just hope I can hold off. Hell, that's less than 10 years and I feel fine. But, we shall see...

[gf beranek]

Making it to retirement age is something I never really thought too much about until the last couple of years. And I find it kind of neat to be taking steps towards it now.

[sotc]

Ya'll take my share as soon as you can cause I likely wont!

[MasterBlaster]

Why's that, young Master Willie? You don't think they'll have it figured out by then?

[sotc]

Nope, its a failing system with evaporating money in it

[Bounce]

I'm with you Willie - I'm not counting on SS to be there by the time I need it. It's possible Congress will stop using it as a slush fund to finance every pork barrel project they come up with, but I sorta doubt it. These days it's hard to have confidence in their ability to solve big problems like this.

I read somewhere that about 50% of the Vietnam war was paid for from the SS fund.

[tntree]

Wow on the Vietnam thing had not heard that. The latest SS fix is no changes for 55 yr olds and older, 54 and under big changes in eligibility dates $$ amounts.

Ger, it's great to hear that your camera and writing passions are paying off. Enjoy the time, sounds like a good gig, ya even have a sweet little sugar momma adding to your joy.