What does Pain look like?  Can you see it in others?  Are there any words to describe this invisible force?   The American Pain Foundation, in collaboration with The HealthCentral Network, is calling for submissions in a variety of art forms (film, sculpture, words, painting, quilt blocks, etc.) from people who have pain or from people who are affected by pain.     All works must be submitted by September 20^th, 2007.   A select group of artists and their work will be chosen as finalists, and will be prominently featured online and in print publications by The HealthCentral Network and the American Pain Foundation.

“Nothing exists until or unless it is observed.  An artist is making something exist by observing it.  And his hope for other people is that they will also make it exist by observing it.  I call it "creative observation." Creative viewing.”

This quote was written by William S. Burroughs, American novelist, essayist, social critic, painter and spoken word performer.  This profound insight helps us understand the vital importance of art in this world.  So much of life is unseen such as our thoughts, energy, God, emotions, the soul, love and pain.  Could we really understand love without reading the great poets of words?  Could we understand our religions without the paintings of the great masters?  Could we understand our emotions without hearing a moving piece of brilliant music?  Could we understand suffering without art? 

Art is timeless like pain.  It transcends time.  Pain, is not tangible so an artist must make it so.   We, who truly suffer great chronic pain, know that it seems impossible to describe, since it’s power is infinite.  But as artists we see its reflection and that is what we must express.  Each Knight of Pain is an artist.  No matter what your brush please try to share your portrait of pain.  The great masters are great because their art touches a higher part of us.  Art is a portal to a better place for all of us. 

ChronicPainConnection.com is running the contest and is part of Healthcentral.com. 

To Submit a Work or Share a post about your Pain Experience click here.

To Submit a Quilt Block visit here.

To Check out the ongoing Exhibit/ Entries for the contest click here.  Very moving.

Deadline is September 20^th, 2007.

Health Central is a great health resource site and recently awarded Knights of the Pain Table their first award.  Click here to read more.

For latest update click here.

ACTIVE RANGE OF MOTION EXERCISES

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What are active range of motion exercises? Range of motion exercises are also called "ROM" exercises. ROM exercises help keep your muscles and joints as healthy as possible. ROM exercises may be active or passive. Active ROM exercises are done by a person who can do the exercises all by himself. Active-assisted ROM exercises are done by the person and a helper. Passive ROM exercises are done for a person by a helper. The helper does the ROM exercises because a person cannot do them by himself. Do not do active ROM exercises without first talking to your caregiver. Together you can decide what exercise plan is best for you.

Why is it important to do active ROM exercises?

• ROM exercises are very important if you have been ill, injured, or must stay in bed or in a wheelchair. Active ROM exercises help build up or keep your muscles as strong as possible. They help keep your joints flexible (bending and moving in the right way). Doing ROM exercises will help keep good blood flow going to the joint area that is being exercised. They may help prevent blood clots.
• Exercising is natural and needed for the body to stay well. Your heart pumps stronger and easier when you exercise regularly. You also breathe quicker and more often while exercising. This helps prevent infections that happen if you do not breathe or cough deeply enough. With your heart and lungs working stronger, more blood gets to the muscles, bones, and skin. Increasing blood flow brings more oxygen and other good things to your body tissues and organs. Walking and other exercises help make your BMs and urine more regular. Exercising can also make you feel better, more relaxed, and happier.

How do I get started?

• Learn active ROM exercises from your caregiver. Practice the exercises with the caregiver first. The caregiver can make sure you are doing the exercises right. Caregivers can also show you the easiest way to do the exercises so you do not get hurt.
• Do all ROM exercises smoothly and gently. Never force, jerk, or over-stretch a muscle. This can hurt the muscle or joint instead of helping.
• Move your joints slowly. This is especially important if you have muscle spasms (tightening). Move the joint only to the point of resistance. This is the point where you cannot bend the joint any further. Put slow, steady pressure on the joint until the muscle relaxes.
• Stop ROM exercises if you feel pain. The exercises should never cause pain or go beyond the normal movement of that joint. Call your caregiver if the pain does not go away after you finish your exercises.
  
• Set aside time to exercise every day. Do ROM exercises at the same times every day. Include the exercises in your normal activities, such as while watching TV or bathing. This will make the time go faster and help you relax more. You may want to break your exercise program into 2 or 3 sessions. You can then do the sessions at different times of the day instead of doing them all at once.
• Lock your bed or wheelchair wheels before you start doing your exercises.
• Ask for help if you think you cannot do an exercise by yourself. If you feel weak, or think you may become tired or dizzy, ask someone to help you. This will help keep you from falling or getting hurt while doing your ROM exercises. Working with someone during your exercises may also help you do them in the right way.
• Follow your caregiver's orders. Your caregiver will tell you how many times per day you should do ROM exercises. Your caregiver will tell you how many repetitions (number of times) you should do exercises on each joint.
• Rest after an exercise that is very tiring. Also drink enough water or other clear liquids. Ask your caregiver how much you should drink each day.

How are active ROM exercises done? Do the exercises in the same order to keep it simple and easy to remember. Start exercises at your neck and work down toward your toes. Use good posture while doing ROM exercises. Standing or sitting as straight as possible will help your breathing while doing the exercises. It will also make your back, neck, and stomach muscles stronger. Keep your stomach muscles tight and pull your hips into a straight line under your shoulders. Always return to your starting position after finishing each exercise.

Head and Neck exercises: Do each exercise ____ times. Hold each position for ____ seconds.

Starting position: You may sit or stand. Face forward. Your shoulders should be straight and relaxed.

• Chin-to-chest. Gently bow your head and try to touch your chin to your chest. Raise your chin back to the starting position.
• Head turns. Turn your head toward the right to look over your right shoulder. Tilt your chin down and try to touch your right shoulder. Do not raise your shoulder to your chin. Face forward again. Next, turn your head to look over your left shoulder. Tilt your chin down and try to touch your left shoulder.
• Head tilts. Tilt your head to the side, bringing your right ear toward your right shoulder. Then slowly tilt your head to bring your left ear toward your left shoulder. Bend your head backward as far as possible so you are looking up toward the ceiling.

Shoulder and Elbow exercises: Do each exercise ____ times. Hold each position for ____ seconds.

Starting position: Stand or sit. Hold your arm straight down at your side. Face palms in toward your body. It is best to use a chair without arms if you are in a sitting position.

• Shoulder movement, up and down. Raise your right arm forward and upward over your head. Try to raise it so that your inner arm touches your ear. Bring your arm back down to your side. Bring it back as far as possible behind your body. Return your arm to the starting position.
• Shoulder movement, side to side. Raise your right arm sideways and upward over your head as far as possible. Return your arm to your side. Bring your arm across the front of your body toward your left shoulder. Return your arm to the starting position.
• Shoulder rotation (ro-TAY-shun). Raise your shoulders up toward your ears, as if you were trying to shrug. Drop them down again and relax your shoulders. Pull your shoulders back, then relax them again. Rotate (move) your shoulders forward, down, back, and then up in one smooth circle. Next, move your shoulders in reverse, moving them up, back, down, forward, and up again in a circle.
• Elbow bends. With your palm facing forward, bend your right elbow. Bring your fingertips forward and try to touch your right shoulder. Return your arm to the starting position.

Repeat the above exercises with your left arm.Forearm exercises: Do each exercise ____ times. Hold each position for ____ seconds.

Starting position: Your forearm is the part of your arm between your elbow and wrist. Sit down to do this exercise. Bend your elbow and keep it tucked against your side. Rest your right forearm on your right thigh (your lap) or on a flat surface like a table.

• Palm up, palm down. Face your palm down. Rotate (turn) your palm so that it faces up toward the ceiling. Rotate your palm again so it faces down.

Repeat the above exercises with your left arm.Wrist exercises: Do each exercise ____ times. Hold each position for ____ seconds.

Starting position: Sit down. Bend your right elbow and rest your forearm on a flat surface, like a table. Make sure your wrist hangs loosely over the side of the table.

• Wrist bends. Bend your hand back toward your wrist so that your fingers point toward the ceiling. Bend your hand down so that your fingers point toward the floor.
• Wrist rotation. Rock your hand back and forth sideways. Gently rotate (turn) your hand in circles.

Repeat the above exercises with your left arm.Hand and Finger exercises: Do each exercise ____ times. Hold each position for ____ seconds.

Starting position: Sit or stand. Place your hand out in front of you.

• Finger bends. Make a tight fist. Then open and relax your hand.
• Finger spreads. Open your hand and stretch the fingers as far apart as possible. Bring your fingers together again.
• Finger-to-thumb touches. One at a time, touch each fingertip to pad of the thumb.
• Thumb-to-palm. Move your thumb and rest it across your palm. Move it out to the side again.

Repeat the above exercises with your left hand and fingers.Hip and Knee exercises: Do each exercise ____ times. Hold each position for ____ seconds.

Starting position: Lie flat on the bed with your legs flat and straight. Only do hip exercises with instructions from your caregiver if you have had a hip injury or surgery.

• Hip and knee bends. Point your toes. Slowly bend your right knee up as close to your chest as possible. Straighten your leg and return it to a flat position on the bed.
• Leg lifts. Raise your right leg upward so that your foot is 6 to 12 inches (15 to 31 centimeters) off the bed. Hold it in the air. Return your leg back to the bed.
• Leg movement, side to side. Flex your foot so your toes point up toward the ceiling. Move your right leg out to the right as far as possible. Bring your leg back to the middle.
• Leg rotation, in and out. With your right leg flat on the bed, roll your leg toward the middle so the big toe touches the bed. Roll your leg outward. Try to make your smallest toe touch the bed.
• Knee rotation, in and out. Bend your knee so the bottom of your right foot is flat on the bed. Roll your leg inward as far as possible. Try to touch the bed with your big toe. Return to the starting position.

Repeat the above exercises with your left leg.Ankle and Foot exercises: Do each exercise ____ times. Hold each position for ____ seconds.

Starting position: Sit in a chair with both feet flat on the floor.

• Ankle bends. Keep your toes on the floor and raise your heel as high as you can. Lower your heel and relax. Keep your heel on the floor and try to raise your toes as high as you can.
• Ankle rotation. Raise your foot slightly off the floor. Rotate (turn) it in circles.
• Toe bends. Curl your toes down toward the sole (bottom) of your foot. Straighten them. Curl them up toward the ceiling, then straighten them again.
• Toe spreads. Spread your toes apart. Bring them together again.

Repeat the above exercises with your left foot.CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment

http://www.healthtouch.com is source.

A missive by Terry Fator, the Prince of Voices, was sent to our humble Kingdom of Camelot.  King Arthur almost fell off his throne when he received this beautiful personal message from the winner of “America’s Got Talent”.

Mere days from conquering the world, Sir Terry wrote these words of eloquence to The Knights of the Pain Table.

“Hi everybody. My name is Terry Fator and I am the ventriloquist who won America’s Got Talent this year. I want you all to know that while I can’t even begin to imagine what it is like to endure your pain I do know the emotional toll it takes out of loved ones to watch a family member suffer agonizing pain since my sister has had RA since she was 16 years old. Inside Edition is doing a piece on my sister Debi Monday August 27. I think this web site is a fabulous idea and I have sent a link to her. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to know that my performances are helping to make the pain a little more bearable for you, even if it is only for a short while. (I think one of the reasons I became such a good comedian is that as I have always had to make my sister laugh when she hurts the most. It was the only thing I could do for her!) You are my heroes. As you suffer through your pain yet smile when you see a loved one, you make us all stronger, and you are the ones who keep us all grateful for your strength. Thanks to each and every one of you who suffers as my sister does. I only hope that my small contribution of laughter can continue to bless you and give you joy. Thanks!”

Terry Fator on August 25th, 2007 at 1:02 pm

What a compassionate gesture to write such a loving note to our little Kingdom.  We know the world is probably overwhelming Sir Terry right now so his missive is lined in a heart of golde.  We send special tidings to Terry’s fair Sister Lady Debi,  and present to her a key to the gate of Camelot.

We love our Prince of Voices because he has created his own Camelot where imagination is the portal to a Kingdom of kind adorable creatures, and great singers, that we never want to let go of because they are part of us.   Merlin, thinketh you learneth well as you truly understand the power of healing and magic.   Sir Terry we bid you well on thy journey.  Go forth and conquer the world.

Lady Sharon, 

Your Scribe from Camelot

By Arthur’s great name we honour you,

Who all hail as Victor, in both gifts and song

Spread thy full wings for adventure high

And ride with gilten spur and candle-light.

Prince of Voices on your white horse

Arthur bade us, Knights of the Pain Table

To be by your side as you ride toward

The Winter Moon on your mission of valour.

Click here to see Terry Fator’s message to his fans. 

Click here to see his final performance on America’s Got Talent. 

Click here to go to Terry’s website.

Click here to see and read more about Terry Fator

I forgot to write a blog post yesterday. My bad. I was very busy all day putting things up on ebay so I can make some money and not end up living under a bridge somewhere. It's a lot more work than you'd think!

I'm in a lot of pain today so I decided to stay home. Yes, true, I could have gone to work, but why bother when I can stay home and feel sorry (very sorry) for myself?

I did get the refill of Vicodin, but I think my doctor is cutting back -- I only got 60 this time with no refills! DAMN! The party's just about over. I imagine if the pain keeps up, he's going to refer me to a 'pain specialist' and wash his hands of me. BOO!

Voice lesson last night went okay. I'm glad I'm not in a show right now because I would have ZERO confidence. Every note out of my mouth is wrong and all the visualization metaphors that Teech uses are already starting to drive me crazy. "Imagine your sound is a ball, arcing up, and swooshing down through a basket!" "Okay, now pretend you're on the 3-point line"—I don't understand sports metaphors, so this was totally lost on me. Turns out, she just wanted me to project more and be (essentially) louder. "Now pretend you're a leprechaun and there's a rainbow stretching out in front of you that you're shooting gold coins over."

Nope, not kidding. I'm a basketball player or a gay leprechaun. Or one of the Boston Celtics. Nice.

After an hour of this shit (at $50/hour), I was absolutely fried—went home and went to bed.

Today, I'm tired. No energy. Feel wasted and like I'm wasting my life. This isn't how it was meant to be!!!!

LISTEN NOW!
[audio http://imgoingtokillyou.podomatic.com/enclosure/2007-08-28T17_43_11-07_00.mp3]

Things have gotten more dramatic, more violent and less sane in the land of I'm Going to Kill You. Edward, begins to experience more traumatic PTSD episodes, as a result of his recent assault; which lead him to taking an indefinite leave from work and seeking medical attention. You know things have gotten strange when George has become a beacon of sanity.

Listen as they discuss:

• Edward’s screaming match on the subway
• Edward’s panic attacks; sexy?
• George’s epic Zoloft fuled 1999 pre-graduation walk of shame.
• Edward’s adventures in Xanax
• Insanity as pick-up tool.
• Apache Beat
• other extremely important topics

Find out all this and more and remember everything is fine until someone gets entertained on… I’m Going to Kill YOU!

Yes we really are on the internet radio; we are on the Awesomeville!!! (http://www.awesomeville.us) Check us out every Thursday 11pmEST(8pm PST)

BEFRIEND US: http://www.myspace.com/imgoingtokillyoupodcast APPREHEND US: imgoingtokillyou@podomatic.com VISIT US: http://imgoingtokillyou.podomatic.com TUNE IN TO US: http://awesomeville.us BE GAY WITH US: http://www.rainbowpodsquad.com

By Jacqueline L. Jones

I've spent the better part of the last past 15 years in a rage. The cause: trying to get help for a chronic illness in a medical system that is geared toward acute illness and trauma. My struggles have taught me to believe that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Love for my mother and other friends who also were suffering from chronic illnesses drove me to find answers. Through personal research, I have overcome many limitations and developed the basics of a skill that is in great demand: epidemiological research. Epidemiology is the branch of science that deals with finding the cause, distribution, control, and prevention of disease.

I have regained enough physical strength to study through distance education programs. My first stop most likely will be University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, where I have been accepted to the Biomedical Writing Program. Scientists must be able to communicate clearly and concisely. I hope to complete a Certificate in Marketing Writing, which will refine my skills in writing for publications.

The next stop on my plan is a masters in nutrition science from American Health Science University. This cutting-edge program includes courses that some major universities don't cover until the doctorate level.

My last stop, if all goes well, will be a doctorate in public health with a concentration in epidemiology from Walden University.

This is my chance to stop complaining about the medical system in this country and do something about it. Now, I must find the money. Because God has worked out such a complicated situation as mine, I'm sure that will be no problem. "All things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23) There's something about having goals that diffuses rage, and I am angry no more.

The Path

“Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as

you think necessary. Then ask yourself, and yourself alone, one question. This

question is one that only a very old man asks.

My benefactor told me about it once when I was young, and my blood was

too vigorous for me to understand it. Now I do understand it. I will tell you

what it is: Does this path have a heart?

If it does, the path is good; if it does not, it is of no use.  One makes you strong; the other weakens you.”

The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge (1968)

By Carlos Castaneda

Each day that falls upon us, we have decisions engraved on a sign before us with arrows in each direction.  We stand before this sign and must choose which path our feet will follow.  For those of us with chronic pain or those who are suffering greatly, these decisions become larger than life and overwhelm our souls.

Worn from daily battle, our perceptions may be reshaped and our minds may be weary with fatigue.  But of most importance is the impact that our decisions will have on us.  Since we may have so little left, if we make the wrong decision it may wipe out everything.  Chronic pain and suffering is a road paved with loss.  We loose family, friends, meaningful work, hobbies, physical activity, finances, security, social life, acceptance, respect, schooling, skills, joy, companionship, belief in ourselves and most of all hope and faith. 

So if we make a decision that results in more loss, it may tilt us over the razor’s edge.  So we contemplate before the sign, sometimes frozen in making a decision, as the weight is too much to bear.

When up against this overwhelming task, perhaps Don Juan’s words have some wisdom.  Examine each path and choose the one that has a deeper meaning for your heart.    As a Knight of the Pain Table, a Knight might use the Knight’s Code of Honour to help find their way. I believe that when you choose that, which you know is right in your heart, then that is always the right decision. 

Alas, I pray thee well as thou halts before the fork in the road.  And be gentle with thee, for thou is a Warrior of Pain.

Your Scribe,

Lady Sharon 

Don Juan Matus is a major character in the series of books by Carlos Castaneda.  Carlos Castaneda (December 25, 1931 – April 27, 1998) was a Brazilian-born American author. He wrote a series of books that describe his training in traditional Mesoamerican shamanism.   In Castaneda's books, Don Juan Matus was a Yaqui Indian whom he met during anthropological field work around the U.S.-Mexico border beginning in the early 1960s. On subsequent visits, Don Juan revealed himself to Castaneda as a brujo, which is a sort of healer. 

I'm not altogether sure why I'm still writing on Sobrietyland except for the blissful freedom I feel to just say what I want. Hell Damn Fart! However, I must admit that I miss having regular readers and the social companionship and camaraderie that had developed over the years (such that it was). To that end, I'll start using tags more frequently, but don't expect me to start censoring myself. This is a warts-and-all blog. You'll hate me. You'll disagree with me. You'll... well... you'll probably choose to continue to ignore me. And that's fine too.

I just called in a refill for my Vicodin — I always believe that it won't get refilled, but this doctor seems to be pretty free with the meds, so I'm not terribly worried. If I do get cut off, I have enough backup supply to taper down over the next week. Then it's back to Sobrietyland, constant pain, and all-too-clear headed thinking. It's inevitable.

I'm counting down the hour until I can leave for the weekend. Not that I have any plans—I never have any plans anymore since I got fat again—but the sheer freedom that I can just sit on my bottom and watch telly in my knickers feels so damn good!

I plan to stop by Wallyworld on my way home to pick up Season 3 of House. Hugh Laurie is the greatest actor ever, and House is the greatest character ever written. Hyperbole? Perhaps. But don't kill my Vicodin buzz—I love this guy. In fact, I love this show so much, I'm terrified that the fourth season is going to be awful. That always seems to happen to me. Just as soon as I really get into something, the powers-that-be come along and wreck it. The ending of Season 3 left half the cast on the chopping block; the rumors of their eventual return sound insipid. Bad mojo for a series I've grown to love (perhaps too much).

Sounds a lot like most of my relationships. The minute I get attached and start relying on them is the minute they let me down. M for instance. My warm fuzzy feelings from yesterday were rekindled this morning when he called, seemingly out of the blue, just to give me an update. It makes me miss him more, which is bad news for my mood, already shaky from hormone fluctuations, being on the brink of financial Armageddon, and vicodin tapering.

Thank God I still have coffee. That hasn't been taken away from me... yet.

While I normally have very few readers and even fewer comments on this blog (zero so far), Wordpress was so kind as to intercept one comment that it considered "spam". The suspected spam was from someone offering me help for my addiction problem.

Was it spam, or was it a genuine offer of help?

As spam, I say, fuck off. I don't need your help, Mr. Spam Writer. I have all the "help" I need, thank you very much. I have all the doctors at my disposal that are either alternatively terrified to prescribe anything at all for fear that I will sue should I become addicted, or doctors who are so dissociated from the problem, they don't care what they prescribe as long as it gets me out of their office quickly. I have an insurance company that doesn't give a rat's ass, who would rather pay for me to go to Promises rehab facility like Lindsay Lohan, than pay for me to have a simple MRI test that would isolate the problem that's causing me pain. I have friends who either ignore me or call only when they need something. I have a job that pays well but is creatively bankrupt. I have customers who complain about things that are not my fault. I have colleagues who try to take advantage of me, then get mad when I don't let them. I have parents who are dead; siblings who might as well be. I am drowning in bills moreso than I have been in years. I have a show that is going up in eight weeks and no way to pay for it. I have taxes due in a month and no way to pay for them. I have gained so much weight that I can't fit in any of my clothes anymore. My best friend and I recently broke up and got back together, but I can't allow myself to get close to him or trust him, else risk getting hurt again. I have no children nor husband, and the closer I get to 40, the less chance I have of that ever happening.

And let's see, oh yeah, I take vic's so I can control my constant pain. Only, these white wonders seem to be causing an unexpected pall of depression, so I've had to cut way back on those too, just so I don't kill myself and leave a mess for other people to clean up.

But if it was a genuine offer of help, I appreciate it, but no thanks. It'll take a lot more than a link to a website to cure what ails me.

MyRACentral.com, part of HealthCentral.com Network, has chosen the Knights of the Pain Table site, as one of their top sites for 2007. King Arthur has proclaimed that this award is the first such great honour to grace our humble Kingdom and we are overjoyed.   Battling the Dark Knight of Pain can be daunting.  To have our battles honoured in this manner, is very generous and kind and everyone in Camelot thanks HealthCentral with gratitude. 

Our Beloved King Arthur has declared, "Hark to the mingled din.  Let the Celebration commence for one week.   Hurrah!  Come one - Come All to Camelot!"

HealthCentral.com is a consumer-driven online health destination comprised of 26 condition targeted Web sites, such as MyRACentral.com, focused on such conditions as depression, diabetes, and breast cancer.  In addition to providing the latest clinical information and news, HealthCentral.com focuses on the "whole" person who wants not only scientific answers, but ways to take action as an individual, parent, or friend. Through expert columns, videos and social networking forums, HealthCentral.com's sites strive to create a community of patients, caregivers, and family members, who can inform, share, and support each other.

MyRACentral, which is dedicated to rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions, selected the top 5 of the Web’s very best sites.  By awarding these selected sites they are recognizing the individuals and organizations, who share their vision in providing comprehensive, interactive and vital information on living with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain.

King Arthur would like to especially than Sir Dan at MyRACentral who presented this award.   His grace and kind wishes maketh the whole Kingdom happy.   In the following days King Arthur will bringeth more news on HealthCentral.com.  Thank you.

King Arthur welcomes all the visitors from the Kingdom of HealthCentral.com and MyRACentral.com to Camelot.

If you wish to ride to visit these Kingdoms that are very special, click MyRACentral.com and HealthCentral.com.

If you are suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis and chronic pain, you might like to visit the other four websites that were chosen as the top sites from MyRACentral.com.   Visit here for a complete list.  Congratulations to these winners.

RAandYOU.com

Honest Medicine

The Funnel

Juvenile Arthritis . . . Questions & Answers

Your Scribe, Lady Sharon

P.S.  The Knights were so excited about the award that some of them stayed out dancing in the rain too long, and wound up a little rusted.