This is from AN978 pg18 using IR's bootstrapped HS drivers.
You can see from the picture they have the timer tied to ground through a 100k resistor why not just use the HS driver's 12Vdc return? Is there any reason this wouldn't work with the 555 ground tied to the same return as the IR2125.
I'm trying to do something similar keep a HS Fet on for extended periods. I'm using a FAN7361 HS driver. I have a PIC operating off the same 16VDc supply that the driver is operating off through a 5V shunt. Could I use one of the PIC's outputs to recharge the boost cap in the FAN7361 driver so it can keep the FET on until the PIC tells it to shutdown?
FAN7361 data sheet
AN978 (pg18)