February 25, 2003 - Msg 12163: LOL bulbsnatcher! That just might work. "Yeah, but it might not."

I heard of a method that worked for some people, but being a non-smoker myself, I can't speak from personal experience. Anyway, here's what you do: Determine how many cigarettes you normally smoke in a day. Two packs? OK, on day One you take out two packs, and before the day is over, you smoke every one of them. No carrying over to the next day. On day Two, you open two packs and throw away one cigarette, then throughout the day you smoke the rest. Day Three, same thing, only you throw away two cigarettes. And so on, down the line. Remember, no carrying over. If, at the end of a day, you have cigarettes left for some reason, you have to smoke them before you go to bed. This will quickly cease to be a problem, as you get down to fewer and fewer cigarettes. Finally, the last day comes, you have only one cigarette in a pack, and it's all for the day. Smoke it whenever you wish - early, late or at noon - because it will be your last one. Now, I've had two people tell me that this worked for them. It's just a controlled method of tapering off, of course, but the key lies in opening a new pack each morning and throwing away the required number. It forces you to keep track and truly taper off. No cheating, whether intentional or not. Well anyway, that's a thought.

Everyone have a great day! Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12164: Whoooosh! Who was that masked sweeper?? I just sorta got swept along with everything else.
Anyway, I have one more thing to tell you. Last night, as I was sitting here listening to the sleet rattling in the chimney, and watching it pile up in the yard, my son (the weasel) called from Florida. He was watching our situation on some website that pilots use (he's a private pilot) and knew exactly what was happening here. He told me that in about five minutes the sleet would stop. It did. He then suggested I use the break in the storm to go set my outside faucets on "dribble". I did. The front one ran fine, the back one was already frozen, so he directed me to turn it on, and pour warm water on it until it started to run. It worked. (I'm carrying the phone around all this time.) He then said "You should start getting more sleet right about now." Before I got back in the house sleet was falling on my head. I'm telling you, it was spooky! I was checking to make sure The Count wasn't behind a tree or something.

Anyway, I called him a weasel because he also informed me that as he was watching the progress of the sleet storm here, he was sitting in his upstairs office, wearing shorts, with windows open. His wife was downstairs on the lanai, next to the pool, with all sliding doors open into the house, letting the balmy breezes blow through! It was 70 degrees out there! Now, imagine calling your mother to describe something like that, and in the same call, advising her how to keep her waterpipes from freezing! Weasel! Weasel! Weasel! (I'm only kidding, he's wonderful and I love him very much.)

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12165: Hey, Romeena...thanks so much! Well, if I fall flat on my face with what I'm doing now, I think I'll try your approach next! But so far...in 32 hours and 15 minutes, I've had 2 1/2 cigarettes. I'm so proud! You gotta understand...normally, I would have smoked about 45-55 cigarettes by now, so I'm really surprised at myself. I just hope I can keep holding on. I'm starting to climb the walls....man...this is a STONG light fixture here...where's the feather duster? While I'm hanging here, I might as well clean up and do a little fly killin'.

Love to all...

-Bulbsnatcher
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12166: This lack of nicotine IS gettin' to me...I meant to say how cool that is about your son being able to tell you all those things! It's almost like he was just standing right over the clouds and stuff...watching himself. Are you sure he's not one of them carefree gypsies? They could tell the weather too, ya know! Hehehehe
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12167: DANG!!! Not watching HIMSELF....watching the weather himself! Ugh! Sorry, everybody..for all the posts.

The Nut (Bulbsnatcher)
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12168: Afternoon Y'all! Not gonna jump in on the cigarette discussion except to say (with pride) that I have never tried one in my life! Now,I ain't making myself out to be a saint or anything,cause I sure have tried lots of other things that ain't so good for you (can you say Krispy Kremes? Ha Ha)but never had a hankerin' for a cigarette.
Romeena,I just seen ya and the Plum over on Rafe's picture page! Seen you too Rafe! I must say that Miss Plum is adorable and Romeena you look just as sweet as I pictured you to be.Now I won't go so far as to call Rafe "sweet-lookin",but he looked right dandy in his overalls! That mystery lady is so familiar to me! I'm a big Leave It To Beaver fan,but don't recall Eddie Haskell's landlady.Think I mostly know the shows from the early years in which case Eddie would've been living at home with his dad George and his mom,whose name escapes me! Anybody? But that lady sure is familiar-just don't know her name. So,looks like we have another TAGS mystery to go along with the "Who is Mr. Schwamp? " thing!Hmmmm...y'all sure she wasn't on any old Vicks commercial or something? Ha Ha
Well,it's about time for TAGS to come on one of the local stations,so I'm off to hang with Andy & Barn! Hope everyone has a great evening! Oh,can I give Plum a hug,Ro? She was so cute in those pictures! Here's one for The Plumster: (((((SUGARPLUM))))) Bet she's never been hugged by a possum before! A weasel perhaps... Ha Ha
Love to All!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12169: Hey, what am I doing wrong? I went to Rafe's page, and can't find myself or the Plum. Just Rafe, the mystery lady, and the Prez. Sugarplum wants to see her picture on the screen. --Romeena
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12170: Oh, possum, she says thanks for the kind words and the big hug. She just loves hugs, and yes, she has been hugged by a weasel. Florida son loves her, and isn't above a hug now and then. --Romeena
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12171: Romeena, you're seeing the older version of my PicPage. What you need to do is Reload or Refresh your screen (depending on whether you're using Netscape or Internet Explorer) and you should see the new version I worked on today. Hope this helps!

Glad you liked the pics, possum.

Rafe Hollister
"You sure do take a good picture, Barn. Me, I never do."

February 25, 2003 - Msg 12172: MESSAGE: Well, my heart has just melted!! Those pictures of Sugarplum are PRECIOUS!! You look great too, Ro! Hehehehe....Possum....can I get in line behind ya and give the Plum a hug? Can I? Ro...will you help us? Shoot....can I give you one too? I bet neither of ya ever been hugged by a Bulbsnatcher either! LOL Oh, Possum...that is GREAT if you've never had a cigarette...I wish I never had one either! That other stuff you tried.....it musta been Vicks, right? I bet it cleared your head right up! You know, it's really great getting to see pics of the folks and their young'uns (both skin-type and furry ones) we love to talk to and who become a part of us! Thanks SO MUCH for sharing, Ro...and to Rafe..you are the CATS!! Ro and Plum did add a festive touch to an already outstandin' site! I looked back since the porch just got swept not long ago, and I really appreciate your encouragement, Rafe. That really IS another good reason to quit, and I WOULD like to be around awhile. You are so very sweet! I'll try not to hug you QUITE so hard any more, though. I just get a little carried away. Here...how's this....(RAFE). Is that better? Hehehehe If ya don't mind me sayin' so, you're just as cute as a button in them overalls! There...I said it and I AIN'T takin' it back! -Bulbsnatcher


February 25, 2003 - Msg 12173: Evening Porch! Thought I would stop in & let ya'll know I am still kicking, not having a headache today (thank goodness! 4 days straight of them are MORE than enough!) Bulbsnatcher I didn't try the sudafed, I appreciate you offering help, but I am on BP meds now along with a beta-blocker for my heart so I watch what I take more than ever. I tell you, I thought I would have more time to get old before I had to be on meds like this, but..... (I'm only 40) anyways, at least I know I got a wonderful doc to help me thru all this. As for the Vicks, I tried rubbing it on my temples Miss Ellie but all it did was make the furkids sneeze & the African Grey say "ewwww Yuck!" the bird has just started talking & one of the first things he comes out with is that! LOL Rafe I love your pic page! I would have put Ro & The Plum on the Cutlass but you got to it first. I think you should do a whole page of pictures of all us porchsters! I would love to know what everyone looks like, Ro looks just like I pictured her! & of course, I already knew what you looked like so how bout it everbody, want to make a page with all our pics on it somewheres? Bulbsnatcher if you want me to, I can add you to the Cutlass just email me your info & I will get right to it. My email is *Mavis I sure hope I don't have to get down there with them spiders after all the linking stuff!
*Mavis
If I was a spider, that's where I'd go
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12174: Well whataya know? No spider duty for me today! Good thing, it's snowing on my porch again.
*Mavis
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12175: Happy Birthday Mary Wiggins!
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12176: Why thank you very kindly!
Mary Wiggins
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12177: Happy birthday wishes from me too, Mary! Now about that mystery lady. She really looks like that landlady. Possum, I wouldn't have remembered it either but that ep. where Eddie got mad at his folks and moved into an apartment was just on night before last. Shore looked like that gal. Romeena, I don't know what to think. You are a very wise woman for as young as you look on Rafe's page! Here all along I thought you was nigh of 80! All the great advice you give us all the time. Great picture of you and the Plumster! I, too, like the idea of a picture page. It'd be like when you see picture of disc jockeys! What a shock when you put the voice with a face!
Charlotte Tucker
February 25, 2003 - Msg 12178: HI THERE . just pop in to said hi and it is cold tonight .
i m o k for now.
TOM.
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12179: Hey, TOM!! Good to see you! You're right, it's cold for sure. In the 20's here in north Texas. You stay warm, you hear?

The Plum and I sure do appreciate all the hugs and kind words. Charlotte, you flatter me! As for me, I look a bit different now, having lost about 40 pounds since that picture was taken. Agewise, I'm 63, was 60 in that picture. I don't mind telling my age, it's just a number after all. The Plum hasn't changed a bit, she's 8 now but still acts like a puppy. Loves to play.
Rafe, you're the cats. I love your picture, makes me think of the original Rafe for sure. Mavis, if you want to do a picture page for The Cutlass, count me in. What's a yearbook without pictures? If Rafe wants to do it on his site, that would work, too. I think it would be fun.
Keep on praying, folks. I don't know when I'll be going into the hospital, but probably in the next week or so, will be there 3-4 days, and I hope will come out with some answers.

OK, off to bed. I ain't sleepin' on no ironing board, I'm too old for adventure sleepin'. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12180: I'm freezing to death! It hasn't gotten above 35 degrees here all day.....it just ain't natural to a Texan, right Romeena?

What a wonderful surprise to see Romeena and Sugarplum on Rafe's page. You are both beautiful!

Now who was it earlier who said her little boy gave her a haircut? Was it Mary Wiggins? Well, I have a story for you. A good friend of mine, whose daughter was about three at the time, was getting ready for work one evening and while she was putting on her make-up, her little girl brought her a glass of cold water from their bottled water dispenser (the little one was just learning how to use it) so my friend said thanks and drank the water. A few seconds later, the little girl offered her another glass of water and my friend (Mary) took a drink. Well this time the water was not cold so Mary asked her daughter to show her where she had gotten the water. You guessed it, she had dipped the glass into the toilet and gave toilet water to her Mommy! The things we endure when we raise children!

Bulbsnatcher, I think the Vicks on the cig. is a good idea, try it. Vicks is good for everything.

I like the idea of putting our pictures in the Cutlass but I don't have a digital camera so I don't think I could do it. I would love to see everyone else, though.

Well, dad had his cataract surgery today and it was a piece of cake, so if any of you ever have to have your cataracts removed, don't be afraid.

I have to go get in my warm bed! Love to all my friends,

Boo
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12181: Good Morning porch, may God Bless y'all today and may His Sonshine fill and warm your life. I have been so busy with work and all I haven't had a lot of free time, after driving around all day on ICE & SNOW I'm drained when I get home, we haven't been able to get out to the country much to see our patients there, the weather has had so many snowed in and us out but they have family members with them, thank God. My brother had a bad heart attack Feb. 18th, he is home now and doing well, he is my hero, my big Brother, the Best Friend a sister could have and his little wife is just a dool, they have been married over 30yrs, and still are sweet hearts, today is his 53rd birthday, he was hit by a rocket in the VietNam war altough some say it was a police action, it was a war he was just 19 never been away from home and went to fight for our freedom just to be done the way our country did them when they came home, I'm sorry I'm just so tried of war and the lose of life and those that make it home what they have to endure the rest of their life, God HELP us all.Prayers for all who need them.

Ellen Brown
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12182: Doll I mean Doll. EB
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12183: Mary Wiggins I see where yesterday was your birthday, Happy belated Birthday, my Birthday is August 23rd not Feb. 8th.Happy birthday to all having one this month and happy Anv. to those haveing one this month. Boo glad your Dad is doing well. EB
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12184: That must've been some kind of mix up, Ellen. My birthday is Feb. 8. Was it wrong on the Cutlass? Glad you are doing ok. Sorry about all the ice and snow. I'm rather tired of it myself. But then I'm just not a winter person. Good to see you TOM. Stay warm and take care. Prayers for Romeena.
Charlotte Tucker
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12185: Hello all! Happy Birthday to Mary and Charlotte. I hope tou ladies had a great one. Prayers for all.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12186: Ooops! I meant, "you ladies".

Briscoe Darling Jr.
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12187: Morning porch. Happy belated birthday to you Mary. Hope it was a good one.
Hey Ro, you are quite the doll. And the litle plumster is still cute as ever. I've seen her before. Still a praying for you sweetie.
That was good of you Rafe, to put them on your page. I might just go get my bagpipes and play a song for you, knowing how you love them and all.
Blessings on everyone here and good luck on kicking the habit bulbsnatcher. I quit cold turkey 21 years ago. It was tough but man am I ever glad I did. I'm in my 40's and I just know the quality of my life that I enjoy today wouldn't be there had I kept it up. So hang in there and don't give up giving up, if that makes any sense a tallll. LOL

Asa
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12188: Why Asa - I can't beleive you are in your 40's - you don't look a day over 18. Of course - the camera lens was a might fuzzy or maybe that was a finger blocking the angle - anyway - I wouldn't have guessed you in your forties!
Happy birthday to ya'll - hope your wishes came true!
I loved the pictures - especially Santa Plum.

homemaker
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12189: Good afternoon porch, where are y'all finding pictures tell me so I can see, Happy Birthday Charlotte and yes that is on the Cutlass. I want to see Santa Plum oh wait I see something up here in the post I'll look see ifffin the pics are there, How do y'all do the color ink on here and put in inserts?
Ellen Brown
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12190: It is a pleasure to meet you Romeena and Sugarplum. You have our best wishes.....
Elmer and Ruth.......Southern Ohio
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12191: Asa...thanks for the words of encouragement on stopping my smoking. It means a lot to me...I'm having a REAL hard time...wanting one AWFULLY bad! It's been 54 hours, and I've only had 4 cigarettes. The last one was yesterday evening some time. I know it's worth it to quit, but at the moment, it doesn't feel that way. I don't think I'm gonna be able to do this, guys. :-(
-Bulbsnatcher (soon to be cigarette snatcher!)
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12192: Asa...thanks for the words of encouragement on stopping my smoking. It means a lot to me...I'm having a REAL hard time...wanting one AWFULLY bad! It's been 54 hours, and I've only had 4 cigarettes. The last one was yesterday evening some time. I know it's worth it to quit, but at the moment, it doesn't feel that way. I don't think I'm gonna be able to do this, guys. :-(
-Bulbsnatcher (soon to be cigarette snatcher!)
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12193: DANG....what made it post twice? My trembly hands? Sorry folks! -Bulbsnatcher
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12194: Bulbsnatcher-Hang in there. Just think how lovely pink and healthy your lungs will be when you quit.
If that doesn't work, think of all your loved ones and how much longer you will have to spend with them if you quit now. Also, if you think the days are long now, when you are trying to quit, just imagine how long they will be if you get lung cancer. YOU CAN BEAT THIS THING. A long time ago I heard a Bob Newhart comedy routine. It was supposed to be a phone conversation with the person who had just invented cigarettes. He was saying you take these leaves and wrap them up in paper and set it on fire and put it in your mouth. When you look at it that way, it sounds kinda silly, doesn't it. I have smoked and quit when I met fungi. He detests smoking. I know it is a struggle. There are days, not many mind you, but there are days just the same, when a cigarette sounds so good to me. And I have been quit for 14 years. I have heard that caffine can cause cigarette cravings. But I don't reckon you are up to quiting more than one habit at a time.

The picture page sounds wonderful to me. You all must remember if I email a photo that I have lost 21 pounds since the picture was taken. And I lost them the hard way after the spinal fusion surgery.
If that was how I had to loose all my weight I think I would rather stay fat.

Romeena--you are gorgeous. You look like my mother's favorite Aunt Gin who was killed by a drunk driver in the late 50's. The idiot who was drunk was driving a missle truck if you can believe that. The first case in Indiana where the prosecuted someone for driving under the influence. Anyway, both you and the Plumster are too cute for words. Loved the Santa Plum photo.
She is so adorable it makes me want to go out and buy a jumbo economy size bag of carrots just for her.

Hey to all. Try and keep warm.
fun girl
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12195: Afternoon Y'all. Hope everybody's doing ok on their end of the Porch-it's kinda gray & gloomy on mine.Rain coming later tonight I think.Anyway,I wanted to share a funny thing that happened at school today.I was going around the class writing the names on the student's worksheets for them and when I got to one girl,Audryanna,I decided to play around with her a bit and said "Now,let's see.. what is YOUR name? Is it Sally? Is it Mary? " Before she could answer,the boy in front of her turned around and said "It's Godzilla!" I wanted to laugh SO bad! Y'all would have to see this girl and know her personality to realize how fitting the name "Godzilla" was!These Special Ed kids are something else! Never know what to expect!
Well,I have to go put some clothes in the dryer,so y'all stay safe and have a good evening!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12196: Gorgeous? Me? fun girl, I don't know whose picture you saw, but it couldn't have been me! I'm overweight, gray as a goose, in my 60's and have age-appropriate wrinkles! Now as for the Plum, yes, she's adorable. Her pictures don't do her justice.
Prayers for those needing them. bulbsnatcher, try to think of it this way. You've already endured nearly three days without smoking, and that's behind you. It will never be easier to quit than it is today. Try to picture yourself five years from now. Will you be smoking or not? My daughter-in-law's dad quit about fifteen years ago, and to this day, he still puts the money he would have spent on cigarettes into a jar each evening, even allowing for the price increases. It adds up fast, and he uses it to do something nice for the family. A trip, something for the house, whatever. Good incentive. There are all sorts of gimmicks, and any of them will work if your want-to is strong enough. If not, then nothing works. Lots of people want to want to. Yes, that makes sense - think about it. However only those who really want to will make it. You can do it, friend. Don't give up. Sugarplum says she'll share some of her carrots, and you can munch on one of them when you crave a smoke.

Well, I think a nap sounds good. Have a great day, friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12197: Afternoon guys, it's raining on my porch again.. and gonna get more tonight and tomorrow. Ro, you are a doll thats for sure. And that plum is just too darling. The Santa Plum was adorable. Rafe, I liked your pic too.. love those overhalls I wear em too!! Got my Carhartts on today lol. And thanks for all the words on the smoking thing.. I too have that habit as well. I've tried to quit and if I would just stick to it.. it would work. This is gonna sound weird.. but the thing that helps me not crave them is sun flower seeds. The ones still in the hull. Dont know what it is but sucking on those things keeps me from craving smokes. But somedays, I just have to have em. Yall take care and stay warm. Happy Birthday to Charlotte and Mary you girls have a wonderful day today!!! Love ya's all--Salty Dog
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12198: Thanks ya'll for the birthday wishes but it was way back Feb. 8. Sorry for the confusion and I still appreciate the sentiment. But I was just answering Ellen's post about her birthday NOT being Feb. 8. Mine is accidentally posted by her name on the Cutlass I believe. Please check into that, Mavis. But thanks again. And Bulbsnatcher, don't you give up! We want an update every day! If you stop posting, we'll know why! My best friend smoked for years and finally quit. She was a blow smoke in your face, smoke in your car, smoke till ya drop kinda girl. But now she is one of the most outspoken ex-smokers there is. She just can't believe she could stand the smell of it, of her house, her car, hair, or clothes. I get a kick out of listening to her knowing how she was! Hang on! It's for your own good! Once you quit, you can help Salty.
Charlotte Tucker
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12199: Is it your birthday also Charlotte? My goodness. Happy birthday dear.

Asa
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12200: No, no. Asa, we must've been postin' at the same time. I just looked at the Cutlass. My name isn't on there. So Ellen's name is but her date is wrong. And my name isn't on there at all. (Reminds me of Otis: "You ain't in and I ain't in. I ain't out and you ain't out" or however that goes!)
CT
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12201: I have to guess cause every time I try to get on the Cutlass my puter goes blewie! Wonder what causes that?

Asa
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12202: Hey guys.. sorry Charlotte, But Happy Birthday anyways lol. Im' trying with the smoking thing, it is pretty hard considering most of my friends smoke, thats when I want them the most is when someone else is smoking around me. But I'll get it one of these days. Yall have a good evening.. and Happy Birthday Mary!!! -- Salty Dog
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12203: ITHINKIVEHEARDJUSTABOUTENOUGHOFTHEBIRTHDAYTHING! All right already, I'll fix it, I'll fix it! Sheesh, a woman works hard trying to get a birthday cake list made up & what does she get??Heartaches! LOL Just kiddin', I really enjoy all the things I have done on the Cutlass & sorry that I got that wrong. Charlotte I checked too, & for the life of me, I don't know why you aren't on there, but I promise you as soon as I mash the post button for this one, I will get right over there & fix it. Asa I don't know what causes that problem with your puter & the Cutlass, can you get on other Geocities sites ok? I'm off to fix that birthday mix up before somebody takes me out behind the barn!
*Mavis
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12204: Howdy, I'm still feezin' my spurs off and lovin' every minute of it! Romeena, I saw a clip on the news today of people slipping on an icy street in Dallas. It was so funny. They would walk a little, then slide a little, then fall.

Bulbsnatcher, remember that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit so pray, pray, pray. You can kick the habit!

Something is wrong with my stupid heater. It keeps kicking off for some reason. I reset it and it works for awhile, then it trips again. Anyone know what causes that? It's a gas furnace.

Well, better go get ready for bed. Have a good night!

Boo
February 26, 2003 - Msg 12205: "Pot too black, jump in the crack.
Sky too blue, jump in canoe.
Canoe too shallow, jump in the tallow!"

"She's already been plighted!"-Dud Wash

Just a few quotes from one of my favorite episodes-

Boo
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12206: Rest In Peace, Mr. Rogers. I love you. ~ Mrs. Wiley
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12207: Morning porch. Hey Boo, you call the man on that furnave today. If it is tripping out there are many safety limits built in to a furnace that indicate something ain't right. If it is a manual reset as you are describing it most surely warrants having it looked at by a qualified technician. DON'T HESITATE!!! You may have carbon monoxide getting into your house and you don't know it. It's called the silent killer cause you can't smell it, see it, or taste it, but it's deadly. SO CALL THE MAN HON.

Asa
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12208: Ahh Mavis, now don't be poutin'. I'm sorry if I mentioned the bd (shh) problem too many times. It just took me awhile to figure out what Ellen was talkin' about. Then I realized the origin must've been on your Cutlass. But you know how much we appreciate you and all your hard work on there. I love it every time I open it up and it plays Fishin' Hole! Don't go punishin' yerself inside now. We love ya! Good advice on that thar furnace, Asa. Take care of that immediately, Boo. I agree--call the man. BYW, good quotes from Ernest T. Bass. RIP Mr. Rogers.
Charlotte Tucker
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12209: Thanks, Asa, I will do that right away. I will definitely call the man and I won't hesitate like Aunt Bee. Thanks to Charlotte, also.

I didn't know that Mr. Rogers passed away. What happened? I really liked him.

Well, better go "call the man".

Boo
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12210: Well, I'm not sure who has just had a birthday, but how's about just a HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EVERYBODY!!! Shoot, each day is a celebration of being alive, so let's just make it everybody's day on this here date! Let's all warm up and sing. Hold on....let me get a couple of squirts...(TSHH...TSHHHH).....ahem....MEEE-THEEEYYYY...MEEE-THEEEY......AHEM....Okay. Uh.....Happy Biiiirrrrrrthday toooooo us....Happy bir.... uh ....whoever's tapping their foot....could ya stop please? You're throwing me off.

Sniff...sniff......you know, I am so very touched at everybody's support and encouragement on my quest to stop smoking. I'm serious...I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes that people would take the time to write and send me a pat on the back and actual sunshine!!! You people are honestly so very special. Believe it or not, I'm sitting here crying! Sometimes it seems like such a cold, cruel world, but then I come here and sit down on the porch, and it's so warm! It is almost a place to just come and escape, There's no mean kind of poking fun at people, no feeling of "get off my porch!", or anything. I know I'm rambling, but it means the world to me. Especially when your nerves may be just shot all to pieces, have you noticed how you can come here, and it very often just helps you feel a little more calm and at peace? Well, that's the way I feel, and I'm so very grateful to all of you! BIG BIG HUGS!!

Now, Romeena -- I agree with everybody else....you are a DOLL! I just LOVE that pic of you and Precious Plum together on Rafe's site. You are such a beautiful lady both inside and out, and don't you ever forget it! Of course, all of you here on the porch are honestly the most lovely people I've ever encountered. I'm about to cry again. Maybe this withdrawal is making me more sensitive. Us Bulbsnatchers are sensitive, you know, and high strung. And we can just eat and eat and eat, and it all goes to muscle. My mother's the same way. So anyway....I don't know what you are seeing when you look in the mirror, Ro....but you might want to check on buying a new one. Sounds like something must be wrong with the one you got. We ALL know what WE see! And that face of Sugar Plum with that Christmas hat.....hehehehe....oooo-weeee....makes me want to just grab that little sweetheart right up out of that picture and go huggy huggy!

Ellen....I'm so glad your brother is home now. Bless his heart and yours too. I only have one brother, and he also is my hero. It touched me what you said so very much. My brother also went to Vietnam, and he was just a kid. He's 13 years older than me, so I was either too young or too stupid or both to even think he might not have made it home. But he did, and I thank God each time I see him, which isn't often enough. I pray your brother continues to recover and that he has no more trouble.

Salty Dog....I really can't believe what you said about the sunflower seeds, because that is EXACTLY what helped me before when I was trying to quit! Then people got me all worried because they said that those seeds would wear the enamel off my teeth! Lordy! I sure was makin' a mess with those things, but they are SOOOO good! If that will work for you, try, try, try!! We'll see if we can tremble and suffer through this thing together! I got so bad yesterday afternoon, that I finally DID go and get about 2 puffs off of 1 cigarette. I have decided that if it gets so bad that I'm just about to go nuts, it might be better for me to just get the bare minimum to help me over the "hump" because I don't want to get totally discouraged and give up. You guys here are really cheering me on, and I would not have gotten this far without you! My deepest thanks. Sniff...sniff....there I go again!

Well, Mavis--I'm gonna send you some of MY info, so you can put it on that beautiful site of yours! I wanna be in there too! I didn't even know it was there, so I'm SO glad you told me about it! Sorry about the LONG LONG post! I'll try to do better, guys...I promise.

-Bulbsnatcher

February 27, 2003 - Msg 12211: Good Morning porch,

Bulbsnatcher, I love your posts...you describe so perfectly the sense of family we all appreciate and enjoy here. I want to chime in with encouragement on your quest to stop smoking. My grandmother used to smoke years ago, and one day she said she saw a woman who looked like she was a grandmother, standing with a child she assumed was the woman's grandchild. They were waiting for a bus and for some reason my grandmother thought it looked awful for a grandmother to be standing there puffing on a cigarette, (of course this was long before she was a grandmother!), so she decided to quit right then and there! I can also tell you I lost my mother to lung cancer, my father to throat cancer, and my 39 year old sister-in-law to lung cancer, all of whom were smokers. I am not an activist against smokers, but whenever I hear of someone who is trying to quit I like to encourage them. I can also tell you that I used to smoke and that the horrible cravings do go away eventually. You won't always have that overwhelming feeling, but it does take time, and one day, you will wake up and realize it has been a while since your last cigarette and that it has been a while since you even craved one! Trust me on this! It really does happen! In the meantime, feel free to snatch a few bulbs and do whatever you have to do, even suck on sunflower seeds! Just hang in there!

I'm running a little late to set out breakfast so how about a mid-morning snack of some apple strudel and some coffee or tea!

Have a great Mayberry day all!
Mary Wiggins
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12212: Mornin' all! If it don't stop raining. I'm going to put the truck up on a couple of pantoons. So, I can float into town. Have a Mayberry day all.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12213: You can do it, bulbsnatcher! A midmorning hi to everybody!
Charlotte Tucker
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12214: Me again. I need some work-related assistance. I've decided to include an Andy trivia activity in my magazine. You are to match the character with his/her occupation/role. Just so that I get everything correct, I have some questions for all of you. What was Mayor Pike's first name? Did he have one? I'm sure someone knows this. And was Howard the city or county clerk? Did Thelma Lou ever have a job? Can I call Goober gas station owner and Gomer gas station attendant/marine? Thanks in advance for the help!
Charlotte Tucker
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12215: Hey all!
Just wanted to drop everyone a line and say hello to all and introduce myself. Hope ya'll are doing well and hope you have a fantastic, positive, wonderful, MAYBERRY KINDA DAY!
Ed Sawyer
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12216: Afternoon Y'all! Yep,Mr. Rogers was something,wasn't he? Such a kind soul in this crazy mixed up old world.
Well,I was informed by one of my darlin 3 year olds today ( Little Anthony,the one I mentioned before that was so sick) that he was a monkey and I was a witch-the WICKED witch! Think he's been watching too much Wizard of Oz! The namecalling has been outrageous this week! Yesterday "Godzilla",today monkeys and witches! I won't even mention the cussing! Not ME,the kids! I sure will miss gentle old Mr. Rogers.
Boo,get that furnance checked out like Asa says. I had a boyfriend whose brother died along with several other kids in a building because of a faulty heater.
Mary,I want to wish you a belated-OOPS! I see where we are gettin folks riled up by mentioning a certain something,so you'll just have to guess what I'm wishing you belatedly,ok? Don't wanna get folks' jaw muscles to working and twitchin,you know! Hope it was a good one!
Y'all have a good evening!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock AKA the Wicked Witch!
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12217: Thanks, Possum. I called the man today and he came out and checked the heater. He said it is some kind of switch that needs to be replaced but he won't get it until tomorrow. I hope he knows what he is talking about. I have been running the heater off and on for the last couple of days but maybe I will turn it off before I go to bed tonight. It has warmed up alot.

Blubsnatcher (I am tempted to abbreviate but maybe calling you BS isn't such a good idea!), I have never heard of sunflower seeds taking the enamel off your teeth and I eat them alot. I always have and I have never even had a cavity in my entire life, so eat those seeds if they help (losing a few teeth is better than losing precious years).

Did any of you watch Dr. Phil today? It was so good. They talked to kids who bully other kids and there was a woman on the show whose son killed himself because of the constant torment he suffered at school. Well, Phil was determined to do something to help and is sending the woman to counseling. It was a good show, I thought, but very sad. Bottom line is that schools need to take a firm hand in disciplining those who bully other kids. Most of the kids responsible for the school shootings were victims of years of bullying. Sad. Wish every town in America was like Mayberry.

Wanted to tell you all that I am going out of town tomorrow for a couple of days. I am a youth sponsor for a convention the kids are attending in San Antonio. It's called Aquire The Fire. Anyone familiar with it? It is supposed to be a real life changing experience. Ya'll please pray for our safety (I"M driving!)and that the kids are touched by the experience. Thanks, friends!

Boo
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12218: Travel mercies for Boo (and in case anyone is superstitious, here's mashed penny run over by a train and a rabbit's foot)! Sorry the younguns at your school are showin' you such disrespect, Possum. And Boo, I sure do agree about that bullying. My poor little girl is the prettiest sweetest little thing but since she has such poor social skills and can't really relate in conversations with kids her age, she gets ignored alot and maybe picked on some. I'm not sure how much she really gets picked on because she is quite a bit taller than most kids in her class and quite pretty but she shore does get ignored. Those snooty little girls in her class just pay her no mind a'tall. Makes her mama's heart break! Have a good evenin' all. And I'm waitin' for some of you to answer my TAGS trivia questions on Msg 12214.
Charlotte Tucker
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12219: Hey to Ed Sawyer. Glad you like our town so much that you'd like to make it your hometown, Ed. Pull up a chair and sit a spell.
Charlotte Tucker
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12220: Yes, welcome Ed. Tell us all about yourself!

Charlotte, I am sorry I don't have the answers to any of your questions.

boo
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12221: Charlotte, I don't believe they ever mentioned Mayor Pikes first name. I think it was "Mayor". Howard was the County Clerk. Thelma Lou worked in an office. They never said where. Gomer and Goober were both attendants at the filling station, until Goober finally bought it from Wally. Does that help?
- Hazel
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12222: Wow, Hazel. You know your TAGS!
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12223: Hey, Charlotte....on your trivia questions....you know, I don't recall ever hearing Mayor Pike's first name mentioned. I do know he had three daughters -- 2 of them named Josephine and Juanita, and he had a son named Nat.

Howard Sprague was the county clerk

Thelma Lou did indeed work in an office, but it is unknown where, and her last name was never mentioned either!

Originally, Wally had a filling station. Goober DID buy it later on. Before buying it, he did pump gas, and would check your water and air. "Water and air is free...we don't make no charge for it." He was also a marine (and a means of giving Sgt. Carter high blood pressure!). So...I guess he was all of the things you mentioned!

I don't know if any of this helps, but I sure hope so!

Smiles and best wishes--Bulbsnatcher

February 27, 2003 - Msg 12224: Hey, Hazel....Bread and Butter! Hahaha
-Bulbsnatcher
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12225: Oops! It was GOMER who said the bit about water and air is free. JEESH! Maybe I need some nicotine! Hahahahahaha. Hmmm....or maybe some Vicks. GOMER was the marine too....NOT Goober!

I'm DEFINITELY gonna go have a smoke! LORDY!

-Bulbsnatcher
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12226: Hello porch
Bulbsnatcher, just wanted to say thank you for shearing your story of your brother, Basil turned 53 yesterday and we all enjoyed a great meal with him last night, I'm glad to hear your brother made it home as well, I know they had to grow up fast in that war, God Bless them all, They are all always in my prayers, we will never know the full impact of that place on their lifes. and I wanted to shear with you that my husband stopped smoking a year ago Feb, the 11th, you can do it we're all cheering for you and Salty Dog also. Go Team , your bigger than that cig. and your desire and well power is much stronger that that fire stick. Your both in my prayers. Ro SugarPlum is a living doll and you take a good picture, you look so happy, Mavis thanks Hon for the birthday fixin up. I enjoy going to the Cutlass and refresh my memory. Hey to Boo, Tom, Brisco Jr,CT,MrsWiley,Asa,Hazel,Possum,Mary Wiggins,Ed,Rafe, and all the rest have a peaceful night.
Ellen Brown & Pollyanna
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12227: Hey guys...

I don't know if many of you like to get on eBay, but I love it! I got an e-mail a couple of days ago--something about a security check--and I had a funny feeling about it. So I sent it to their "anti-spam" folks, and they are investigating--it was NOT really from eBay! They were just after personal information, apparently!

That was a weird feeling, let me tell ya! Maybe they can track down these people and at least stop one or several "thieves". It looked very legitimate, but I knew eBay had indicated they would never ask for personal info. Everybody be careful!

-Bulbsnatcher
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12228: Evening Porch! My hissy fit is over now so ya'll can say birthday again. hehe Bulbsnatcher good luck on that smoking habit, I have that nasty habit too, & I have tried to quit, but can't seem to put them down. Seems like everytime I do, something happens, my nerves are shot & I give in. So I wish you the best. I'm off here to watch E.R. so I'll see you folks tomorrow, got the day off, (finally) & I'm gonna play on the puter tomorrow, never get the chance much anymore what with a 14 year old that loves to get on here & 'talk'.
*Mavis
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12229: I know what you mean, Mavis--my nerves just about STAY shot, but I'm really going to give this attempt all I have. I have a FANTASTIC cheering section here, and I specially like the fellahs in the cheerleading overalls...see them over there? Ain't they cute? Hehehehe. Well, I would love it if you and Salty Dog would join me and we all try to quit at once, but I don't want to appear pushy. If it's one thing I can't stand, it's a pushy bulbsnatcher. Have fun on your day off!

Hey to everybody and God bless all you Porchsters ... you're all angels from Heaven...you know that?

-Bulbsnatcher

February 27, 2003 - Msg 12230: Hey guys.. hope you all are having a good evening. Bulbsnatcher, I was at work one day suckin on sunflower seeds. I was spitting the hulls in a bottle, Guy comes in the store and thought I was dipping snuff and spitting in the bottle.. it was funny to say the least. But it seems to help, until my nerves go, then it's over . The rain finally stopped here and supposed to get some sunshine tomorrow.. I sure hope so. Yall have a good night and stay warm and dry. Night--Salty Dog
February 27, 2003 - Msg 12231: Hey guys.. hope you all are having a good evening. Bulbsnatcher, I was at work one day suckin on sunflower seeds. I was spitting the hulls in a bottle, Guy comes in the store and thought I was dipping snuff and spitting in the bottle.. it was funny to say the least. But it seems to help, until my nerves go, then it's over . The rain finally stopped here and supposed to get some sunshine tomorrow.. I sure hope so. Yall have a good night and stay warm and dry. Night--Salty Dog
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12232: I just read an article about Mr Rogers and it was very touching. He will never be forgotten and children will be blessed by his program for a very long time, I'm sure. I will miss him. He is one of the only TV personalities that I admire. He was real. The article said that he was an ordained presbyterian minister who was devoted to ministry to children. The world just feels like a scarier place without him. Goodnight, Mr. Rogers, I will never forget you.

Boo
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12233: Mornin' Dears and Honeys! Hope y'all have a wonderful Friday.
Leaving some hot coffee and donuts (KK's,of course) for everyone. Enjoy!
P.S. Wonder what I'll be called by my schoolkids today? Anticipating the best,but expecting who knows what... Ha
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12234: Good Morning porch, another sleepless night for me, get them regularly anymore. Woke up with a head ache. It snowed again last night, I only have one patient out in the country today, hope I can get to her, she is one of my favorites, They gave 2 of my others to a new girl, I sure miss them, I've seen them since they can to our company and to let them go is hard. Life goes on. Prayers for all who needs them, Happy Birthday and Anv. to those having one. Pollyanna say hey to the Plum, Have a great day in the Lord y'all.Say can someone refresh my memory on useing BOLD letters? I've forgot, it's been so long since I've been on here doing it. :(
Ellen Brown
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12235: Oh ,Boo I will miss Mr Rogers also, he was a good man. Ellen Brown
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12236: Sorry Possum didn't see you there, have a grand day. EB
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12237: ((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12238: Morning gang. Did I leave my glasses out here on the porch?

Asa
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12239: Hey, Asa....the way I feel this morning, hon...I might have accidentally smoked them.

-Bulbsnatcher
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12240: I am not doing well at ALL today on my efforts to stop smoking. I know you guys must be SICK of hearing about this, but I'm ready to CRY. It is getting worse and worse instead of easier. No wonder people give up. Lord, please get me through this. I can't believe how badly I need these awful cigarettes. I do know now that mine is not so much something to do with my hands...mine is the actual addiction to the nicotine. My entire system is screaming bloody murder right now. I think I'm about to overdose on sunflower seeds right now too. Salty Dog...I think I'm saltier than you right now! This time, the sunflower seeds aren't helping me like before. I just don't know what I'm going to do. I guess I'll just keep trying the best I can, and I may just have to settle for cutting back right now then backing off more later. With the weekend knocking at my door, it's going to be even harder--more opportunities to smoke. I'm sorry to go on and on -- I'm almost frantic here. Thanks for listening and not throwing me off the porch. I pray this excruciating feeling eases just a little today. Even more, I pray for all of you who I care about and who needs MY support. I feel so selfish right now. Thinking about all my buddies here. Rough, rough day.

-Bulbsnatcher
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12241: Hang in there Bulbsnatcher, I know you can do it. Just keep telling yourself that YOU have control over you, not some tobacky. Be strong and come here any time you feel you need the support.

Asa
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12242: Hey all,
Thank you Charlotte and Boo for the warm welcome. I'm originally from Alabama but I live in Las Vegas now (a true transplanted Southerner). I read about your hometown from ya'lls local paper that my buddy had. I decided then and there I was going to make Mayberry my home. So here I am! When I get home sick I can always count on the Andy Griffith Show to perk me up. Now that I have found ya'll on the front porch here, you can bet I'll be here to shoot the breeze from time to time. Hope everyone's doing well and I wish all of ya'll a great, happy Mayberry kinda day!

Ed Sawyer
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12243: Hello all! Welcome Ed! You will like it here. We have a great bunch of folks. So, pull up a chair a sit a spell.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12244: Nice to meet you Ed!

I think you will find it right nice here on the porch.

Hey Bulbsnatcher, if you can get yourself REAL busy for the next couple days that might help. Go for walks, go to the movies, visit some old friends, clean out closets, anything to help take your mind of it for a couple days, you are in the heart of withdrawal and if you start smoking again, you will prolong the withdrawals. Some folks have used patches and things like that, and I believe they can help, but if you can make it through these next few days by being REAL busy and I mean REAL BUSY you will advance your cause by leaps and bounds. And prayer will definitely help. Here is one for you....Heavenly Father, I ask in Jesus' name that you help our friend to make it through this withdrawal period and you give her strength to push through, help her to find many things to occupy her at this time so the minutes and hours will pass. Send people her way that will encourage her and have just the right thing to say to her at just the right moment, to keep her moving in a tobacco free direction. I know You can do anything, and I know You can help her to move this mountain right out of her life. I thank You for answering prayers and caring about us, and being involved in our lives. Please bless everyone here on the porch with Your healing powers, Your comforting arms and Your wisdom to help us face the day. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

I am about to take a little trip up north in Michigan so I will have to say good bye for a couple days. I look forward to seeing you all here on Monday!

Mary Wiggins
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12245: Mary Wiggins....if you haven't gone on your trip yet, let me tell you that your prayer honestly boosted me...I want to get through this so badly. Asa...God bless you. All of you...thanks so much. I just can't believe how horribly difficult this is! Maybe if someone could just knock me out for a few days...I don't know.

Prayers to all, and special prayers for Mary in her travels. Romeena...thinking of you as always.

Welcome, Ed. I'm sorry...I'm going through major nicotine withdrawal here. Hon...I'm not sure I remember my name at the moment, so you just slid right on by the dazed eyes of mine. These folks on here are the nicest bunch of people you could ever run into, and I can tell you that you will love each and every one of them. So grab a bottle of pop, ignore me and my trembling, and talk to sit a spell. You will find inspiration, comfort, humor, and everything else that is good right here!

-Bulbsnatcher
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12246: Talk to sit a spell? Hmmmmm....I'm in BAAAAD shape! Hahaha.

-Bulbsnatcher

February 28, 2003 - Msg 12247: Hey again all,
Thanks for all the great warm welcomes. Ya'll sure are a sight for sore eyes. I know I'm gonna like it here a whole lot relaxing on the front porch. I'm trying to enjoy my bottle of pop here but Bulbsnathcer is shaking so bad, I can't keep the bottle to my lips. Don't worry...you are going to kick that habit. You really will. Still learning my way around Mayberry. Great town ,won't take long. Just wanted to drop off a quick mid-day "Hey" to everyone. I'm heading over to the gas station to talk to George Sepley a bit. Take care guys!

Ed Sawyer
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12248: Welcome to you Ed you will love it here, one more warning tho, watch out for Asa he tends to get a little too many squeezins from Briscoe & sneak out to homemaker's house or New Neighbor's house & ride their goats around town! He denies it of course, but we seen him! bulbsnatcher if you want to stay real busy, you can come clean my house, that way I don't have to do it! Keep up the faith my friend, & call on this porch anytime you need us, that is what we are here for. Mary be careful in your travels, you got your mashed penny? I'm off to the grocery store (yuck) see ya'll later.
*Mavis
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12249: Man Mavis, you sound just like my wife. She hates going to the grocery store. And she won't let me go cause I tend to by a lot of stuff we don't need so it's all on her shoulders. LOL
Drive safe Mary. It's a jungle out there.
Howdy Ed. We are neighbors just about. I live in Utah but up in the north end. I'll be in Vegas in the end of March though. You got any goats? LOL
Hang tough Buldsnatcher and Salty Dog. You can do it.

Asa
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12250: Asa you sound like my better/worse half, he buys LOTS of stuff that we don't need or won't eat. He came home last time with some of that flavored oatmeal, Apple cinnamon spice & it still ain't been touched! Even the bird won't eat it. Anybody want some oatmeal? Bulbsnatcher you are now officially a member of the Cutlass so ya'll go email her & add her to your message thingys. I'm off to work on that site & my Holly Help animal shelter site. Ya'll have a good day & I'll see ya'll later.
*Mavis
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12251: Now Ed - are you a Bama fan or an Auburn fan (you know Auburn Usually Beaten Up Round November - Roll Tide!!) ?

Well - I know you don't want to hear about VICKS but would you believe I am still fighting this nasty stuff - it has now affected my ears. I can't hear that much stuff, I can't breathe if it weren't for my mouth staying open - shoo fly!, and of course I can't smell so that means I can't taste anything. I am miserable. I am glad that I don't smoke - I don't think I could draw enough air in and close my mouth to take a puff. Best wishes on kickin' the habit Bulb Snatcher. I would like some new tulip bulbs if you have any - preferably violet in color.

Sorry that I haven't been sitting with you all - haven't quite felt up to my sparring self. Read the back posts - glad to see new and old faces on the porch.

Have a lovely Friday evening -

homemaker
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12252: Hey Bulbsnatcher, I heard that eating a carrot everytime you crave a cig. helps....Have you tried that?
Welcome to Ed, You won't see too much of me here, I am too busy with caring for my mother. But do check in occasionally.
LD
February 28, 2003 - Msg 12253: Hey to LD, Ed, Mavis, Asa, Boo, Mary Wiggins, Briscoe, and Possum. Hey possum, thanks for the KKs. Special prayers for Romeena, homemaker's cold, and bulbsnatcher's shakes. Please Lord, help our friend bulbsnatcher kick the habit. Hopefully next year at this time we'll be listenin' to ex-smoker talk!
Good evenin' ya'll
Charlotte Tucker