March 28, 2003 - Msg 12900: HANG IN THERE BULBSNATCHER, MY SISTER WAS DELIVERED FROM SMOKING 20 YEARS AGO AND SHE HAD IT
BAD. I WILL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOU CAN MAKE IT. HI TO CAMP LEJEUNE AND ALL YOU OTHER PORCHERS. CUTE STORY ABOUT THE MICROWAVE WATCH. I GOT A BLONDE ONE. SOME YEARS AGO WHEN MY DAUGHTER JENNA WHO IS
11 NOW STAYED ALL NIGHT WITH ONE OF MY SISTERS.
JENNA HAD A STOMACH ACHE. MY SISTER TOLD JENNA
TO GO SIT ON THE COMMODE, THINKING MAYBE SHE NEEDED
TO USE THE BATHROOM. A LITTLE WHILE LATER MY SIS
HOLLERED FROM THE LIVING ROOM DO YOU FEEL ANY BETTER? JENNA ANSWERED "ITS NOT HELPING" WHEN
SIS WENT TO CHECK ON JENNA SHE WAS SITTING ON THE
COMMODE, WITH THE LID DOWN FULLY CLOTHED. I GUESS SHE THOUGTH THE THRONE WAS MAGIC.
LORI TN.
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12901: Ha! Cute story, Lori. Poor little kids, we just assume they understand everything, and sometimes they don't. Camp Lejeune, welcome aboard. Did you get to know Gomer while he was in the Marines? If you did, he probably told you all about Mayberry and all our nice people. We sure did miss him while he was gone.

bulbsnatcher! Don't you even think, think, mind you, about going back to those dratted, stinking coffin nails. I'm so proud of your three smoke-free weeks. Honey, you're over the hump. It will only get better from here on, at least physically. Mentally, it may get worse. Satan is getting worried, he knows he's losing the battle, and he's going to tempt you all the harder. If you stand firm, he'll eventually give up and go away. He loves to torment Christians and make them miserable. He knows he can't have your soul, so he'll settle for your body, anything to make you unhappy. When you feel those cravings and those thoughts coming at you, just rebuke him in the name of the Lord and tell him to go away.
Also, ask yourself if you really want to be a smoker ten years from now, or twenty. Of course, you don't. Then think about what you've been through these last three weeks. If you don't see yourself as a smoker in ten years, then obviously, you'll have to go through all of this again, if you weaken now. Don't do it!! We'll all pray for you, honey. Go on and be a beast, folks will understand. It'll pass in time.
Here's a suggestion. Do you like tea? Go shopping in a store that sells fine teas, and treat yourself to some. When you're sitting down at the computer, bring along a cup of some exotic, fragrant tea. Then instead of pausing to smoke, pause to enjoy that delicious tea. It's hard to just stop a habit cold. It's a little easier if you replace it with something else. Another thing - have your carpets cleaned. Vacuum your furniture and spray it with Febreze. Strip your closet and wash or clean as much of your clothing as you can. In other words, get the latent smoke odor out of the house. Burn lovely candles. I adore pretty, scented candles. They make such a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, and make you feel so pampered. A bubble bath in a bathroom lighted only by candles is sheer luxury. Afterward, you'll feel so relaxed and sweet-smelling, you won't want to stink things up with a cigarette!

Well, those are just some of Romeena's Ramblings, but maybe there's a little help in there, too.

Hey to Pollyanna and Mr. Bojangles. Sugarplum says she wishes they could come over and play a while.
Everybody have a great Mayberry weekend. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena

March 28, 2003 - Msg 12902: Welcome Camp L. (I can't spell) and Lori - not that I am complaining but can you turn off the all caps - it is really hard for me to read. I loved the story about your youngin' - it the same thing I tell mine when they have a tummy ache.

I like that Romeena's Ramblins! That is great.

And Bulbsnatcher - you don't need the coffin nails anymore - you stick with it and be proud of yourself.

So Camp L. - you come back. . .you will find we are all very patriotic and support our boys! (and girls) here and there! God Bless our Pres and our troops!

homemaker
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12903: Afternoon Y'all! Wow,Camp Lejuene is on the Porch! Welcome,and please drop in whenever you can.You don't have to thank us for the prayers-I think everybody here agrees with me that we are behind our troops 100% and prayers are a given.God Bless you all.
Enjoyed the episode last night with Gomer joining the Marines.I think that Jim Nabors does some of his best acting in that one.
Hang in there Bulbsie! Congrats for getting this far without smoking-you can do it!
Somebody mentioned "blonde from a bottle"-what a great name for a Porchster! Almost makes me wish I'd have thought of that before turning into a possum!Ha Ha
Vicks to the rescue again! Glad you got some relief,fun girl. I finally got a good night's sleep last night,but I was getting desperate enough to try Vicks as a sleep aid! Maybe dab a little on each eyelid or something-ha ha
Well we made it to the weekend-Hooray! Hope everyone enjoys it.Have a good evening-love to all!
God Bless our Troops overseas and at Camp Lejuene,N.C.
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12904: I'm curious who's from Camp Lejeune? Identify yourself! That's cool. How did you find the porch? Glad to have you. Hey to everybody. I'll head up the search party. Who's goin' with me? We're goin' around the lake to look for Mavis and Asa. I hope Fletch stops by with some of Aunt Bee's chicken for them to roast on a spit! You hang on, bulbsnatcher! Get on the truck!
Charlotte Tucker
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12905: Howdy Ya'll! Loved your advice to Bulb, Romeena. Very good.

I thought about all of you today when my baby girl carried in a big bamboo stick from outside. She looked at me, drew back the stick and tried to hit me. Well, you know what I said without trying to? You guessed it, "Don't hit yore mamma with a great big stick!". Honest, I really did.

Well gotta go, baby girl is systematically dissassembling the room.

Bye,
Boo

March 28, 2003 - Msg 12906: Welcome to Lori and Camp L. I agree with homemaker about the "all CAPS". I can't read 'em. It's like somebody's shouting at me. Bulbsnatcher, I am so proud of you! Hang in there. That smoking compelsion is hard to give up. Keep a good thought. I think Asa is probably woking on his hobby. You know he collects tin foil in a ball. Bless his heart.
- Hazel

Barney: I did my part to defeat the dreaded Hun. This corporal and me was responsible for over 3,000 books in the PX Library on Staten Island. But I'd rather not talk about it.
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12907: Hey again y'all.My daughter's husband just got laid off from Walmart today.She is expecting a baby in October.I don't know what in the world else can go wrong-they have the absolute worst luck.Had good insurance coverage and everything.Please pray for Tommy to find a job.Thank you all so much.Love to you all.
*********
possum under a rock
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12908: I meant to say Asa is working on his hobby. Not Woking. But maybe he does make Chinese food in a Wok. But I don't think he cooks. Not a lick.
- Hazel

Fortune cookie futures:
Goober: You are going to meet a tall, handsome stranger.
Helen: Spend the day with good friends.
Howard: Be considerate of others. It will return manyfold.
Andy: Try to avoid temptation in the coming week.
Aunt Bee: Beware of business ventures. They can prove costly.
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12909: You snuck in on me, Possum, between my posts! Sorry about the job loss.
- Hazel
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12910: From the halls of Monterzu-u-uma to the shores of Tripoli! You know with this bucket on my head - it sort of has a nice ring to it!
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12911: Hi Camp Lejeune! I have a couple of friends who went through basic training where you are! Small world, isn't it? Welcome to the porch! Oh, and Lori too!
Bulbsnatcher, I thought maybe you gave up the fight and that's why you weren't visiting on the porch. Good to hear that's not the case! Just remember that we're all still here and will be here for support if you need it. But it sounds like you are doing pretty good yourself!
Have a good night everyone!
-Sterling Holobyte
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12912: Attention! This is a public announcement!
*Mavis has not left the building (or the porch) nor has she been run over by a taxicab in Raliegh. She is right here, just not having much time to do anything online lately. Along with trying to raise a teenager, (who by the way, knows everything) without killin' him, she is working 2 jobs & worn to a frazzle, but rest as$ured she is still amoungst the living & ashamed that she hasn't been to the porch for so long that she made everyone worry. This concludes our public announcement, now all you fine folks go back to your respective homes and businesses & carry on. Thank you & have a wonderful day!
*Mavis
Go ahead Sheriff, take a shot at him, you got a right! (does that pertain to kids too??)heehee
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12913: Ok, I can see the pink ain't gonna work, so I'll just go back to yaller Ya'll have a good one & take a number & stand in line to kick my rear for staying gone so long.
*Mavis
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12914: I need to know Where Andy Took Gomer to boot camp?Also, What festival did Gomer want Andy to keep jim informed about? This was from episode 107 Gomer Pyle USMC.63-64 season. Can anybody help me
Rick
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12915: Ok, first page of the archives read & I want to welcome Camp Lejuene God Bless you all! & welcome to Lori Where in East TN are you? I am in Bristol, live on the VA side, work on the TN side. Tom how have you been friend & did you get that snow? Ro I can picture your flower garden now, I love flowers but I don't have a green thumb & most of them die on me, I'll stick to the fake plants thanks. Meant to tell you all, I adopted a little black & white Chihuahua from the animal shelter on my trip to DC, she is just wonderful! Very sweet little dog, & they were going to put her down, I got her on Mon & Tues was to be her last day. I named her Cissy, & she has turned out to be a great little girl, all 3 1/2 pounds of her, she wondered if she might come over & have the Plum show her how to play nice with other fur-kids, she is still a little scared of that kind of thing & my other fur-kids here have no patience for that kind of thing, they just go on & play without her.
Anyway, off to read the next page of archives.
*Mavis
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12916: Hey Rick Andy took Gomer to Camp Wilson, he was going to Wilmington anyway & said he would drop him off, I can't remember what festival it was tho.
*Mavis
March 28, 2003 - Msg 12917: Hey, Mavis! Good to hear from you. I'm sorry you're having to work so hard. Too bad Jake's superior knowledge doesn't extend to how you can make a dollar out of fifteen cents! (Remember that old jump-rope rhyme?) Sure would be helpful if he could do that. Unfortunately, at his age, they have all the answers, but they just don't know what the questions are! Hang in there, honey, you'll get smart again in a few years.
How wonderful that you rescued little Cissy, and of course she's welcome to come over and play anytime. The Plum would be delighted with the company. I warn you, though, she'll probably return home addicted to carrots.

Prayers for all who need 'em (who doesn't?) and especially for our men and women in uniform. God bless them all! Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena

March 28, 2003 - Msg 12918: Carrots are a good thing, and cheap too, so she can have all those she wants! She is just such a sweet girl, I'll send a pic when I get them loaded on here. EB I don't know what is going on with my homepage, I went in & updated it 2 weeks ago, but it still won't come up for me either, guess I need to Email the Man off to read page 3 of the archives, I have never been this far behind! Oh & Ro I figured, I must be pretty smart, a dumb ol' girl couldn't possibly have raised a kid that knows everything! teehee
*Mavis
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12919: Hey, great to hear from Mavis and Sterling again!

Mavis, your little Cissy sounds so cute! Wish I could play with her. I have been thinking about getting a very small dog when my baby girl gets old enough to treat it right. I like the security of having a little dog in the house at night to warn of intruders. Do you know anything about Rat Terriers? Can't decide what breed would be best but I know I would like a small, short-haired that is easy to keep clean. I have two weinie dogs but they live outside (I was never able to housebreak them). They are nice dogs, though.

Well, I think I will hit the hay. I have my son's birthday party to throw tomorrow and I worked my tail off today with all the cleaning and baking. I made a chocolate cake and some lemon cupcakes and when I iced the cupcakes I put green coconut on them and a little Robin Egg candy on top. They turned out so cute (just in case any of you are looking for a simple Easter dessert to make for the kids).

Have a great tomorrow.........Asa, wherefore art thow, Asa?

Boo
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12920: By the way, Hazel, I loved that Barney quote about the books. What episode is that from?

Boo
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12921: Page 3 read, & I want to thank all of ya'll for the Birthday wishes! I was driving home from DC on my birthday, so it wasn't much of one, just another reminder that I ain't no spring chicken no more! But thank you all just the same!
*Mavis
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12922: Boo from the Rat Terriers I have seen they are great little dogs, pretty hyper tho, so be ready to handle that if you get one. I always suggest the bigger breeds, esp. the Boxer for people with small kids, the seem to handle the kids rough-housing better & you couldn't ask for a better babysitter than a Boxer. Our Buster is rarely around little kids, (Jake is 14 & bigger than I am) but when my other half's grandson comes over, he & Buster have a great time, Jared is 5 & Buster seems to know he can't be as rough with him as he can with us when he is playing. Just a thought. Breeds to stay away from, in my experience, with kids are "Crocker" Spaniels,(censor won't let me spell it the right way) the tiny little dogs like Chihuahuas or Italian Greyhounds, Pekingese, & Lhasa Apsos, they tend to be nippy in my experience. Please if any of you have these fur-kids, don't take offense.
*Mavis
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12923: Morning porchsters. Glad you could make it, Mavis. Now where's that Asa? Probably out playing golf already, that lucky dog. Just have to tell you I was doing some spring cleaning the other day and found 2 half empty Vicks jars so I decided to move the contents of one into the other with a craft stick. Wow, what an aroma! Thought of ya'll. Just had to share that! Great quotes, Hazel.
Charlotte Tucker
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12924: Morning my dearest porch pals. I am overwhelmed with your concern about my whereabouts. You are all so dear. Thank you for your concern, each and every one of you. Between being busy with work and school, a sick puter and problems I had trying to get on the porch, Why I thought maybe my rocker would be gone. Have any of you had problems getting on the porch? I have had a bunch of times when trying to get on and I would get a "web site unavailable" message or something like that. Maybe it is just my puter though, cause it has been acting up bad lately.
Anyway thank you my porch pals for your concern. You are the greatest bunch of folks they is. It's funny how we can grow so close through this computer isn't it? I got your E-mail Salty and tried to respond but it wouldn't send it for some reason. But thanks for your kind words.
Well gang, Mrs Asa and I are off tomorrow for a week long vacation. Flying into Vegas, renting a convertible and driving into California. Gonna hit the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and enjoy some sun and sand. We will be back next Saturday though. Called the man to fix our puter while we are gone so I hope it is all better when we get back.
Y'all be good while I'm gone and keep my rocking chair warm. I love you all.

Asa
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12925: HURRAY!
We have heard from Mavis, Asa, Sterling, now anyone else who has been missing, y'all pull up yure rocker and set a spell!

Hazel, that is one of my all time favorite quotes from Barney, he was sooo funny in that one, but I'd rather not talk about it.

Bulbsnatcher, you can be cranky all you want here, it will just make the porch livelier! We are all so proud of you, 3 weeks is quite an accomplishment! Three cheers for Bulbsnatcher: hip hip---hurray hip hip---hurray hip hip---hurray!!

My prayers continue for all our troops, leaders, and families back home, our thoughts are with you all.

Have a great Mayberry day!
Mary Wiggins
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12926: Morming porch, welcome Rick, Lori and camp Lejuene, NC keep posting we're glad your here. Good to see Mavis and Bulbsnatcher back and Asa you and Mrs Asa have a ton of fun, Hey to Hazel HM, CT Sterling, Boo, possum under a rock, Ro and Pollyanna & Mr Bojangles says hey to Sugar Plum and they wish they could come over and play also.
((((HUGS)))))
Ellen Brown
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12927: Asa, I am glad to see you back but I am green with envy! It has been 15 years since I was on the pacific coast. What a beautiful place!

Just wanted to check in and say "Hey". Thanks for the dog info, Mavis. I never considered a Boxer. I have a friend with one and they love him to death. He sure slobbers alot, though! I guess I kind of have a "thing" about dog smells and dog slobber (dates back to my childhood when my mom had a big Airdale in the house who liked to stink and drink from the toilet. The dog passed gas like no other and after drinking from the toilet she would seek me out and rub her face on me. Eew!).

Well, better run......so much to do!

Boo

Vicks still rules!!
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12928: Hey Boo as for the Boxer slobbers, the more pushed in the face, the more slobber you are going to get, so remember that on your quest for a dog. They all like to use us for towels tho when they wipe their mouths, at least they are clean. haha
Hope ya'll are having a good day, it's raining here on my porch, so it's a good day for lazin around the house.
*Mavis
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12929: Pray for Jamie she she been called back to NC. she will be there for at least 4 months, she is being deployed. My heart is heavy for her, she and my son just got back together now this.
Ellen Brown
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12930: God bless and protect Jamie and bless her marriage even in these very difficult circumstances. In Jesus' name. Amen

Been a full day of birthday festivities and pinata bustin', cake and such. Young'uns runnin' around everywhere until after dark. Wasn't it great to be a kid?

well, I think I will go sit a spell and rest my weary bones. Ya'll have a great Sabbath.

Boo
March 29, 2003 - Msg 12931: Boo, let me say happy birthday to whom evers it was, yes it was nice to be a child I remember my childhood and it was a wonderful one. Thank you for Jamie's prayer, she is my son's girlfriend. he is in the service also.
Ellen Brown
March 30, 2003 - Msg 12932: Prayers for all the service people including Jamie and EB's son. You have yourself a ball, Asa! You go guy! Wish I was doing something as fun. Hope you read all the archives. We sure talked about you enough! Where's Ed Sawyer and Briscoe, Salty, and Romeena? And anyone else I forgot. I saw your ep last night, Bulbsnatcher!
Good Sabbath.
Charlotte Tucker
March 30, 2003 - Msg 12933: Good Sabbath porch! Have a Sonshine filled day. God blees and care for us all. Save our Troops Lord.

EB
March 30, 2003 - Msg 12934: Welcome to the porch, Lori, and thanks so much for the encouragement about my battle against cigarettes. Nothing seems the same any more--I've smoked for so long, I associate almost everything with it, and it's actually depressing trying to function without them. Oh, well, with all the tragic things going on in this world, I sit and whine about smoking. I should be ashamed...I really should.

All of you are just so sweet and loving--I wish the whole world was filled with porchsters --wouldn't it be a wonderful place? But thanks to all of you...on this round, thanks to Homemaker, Possum, Charlotte Tucker, Hazel, Sterling, Ellen Brown, Mavis, and Mary Wiggins. I sure hope I haven't left anyone out, because ALL of you on the porch have honestly been such a source of strength for me....it's hard for me to tell you just how much you really do mean to me.

Romeena...you are an absolute inspiration and a torch that lights the way. It is always so heartwarming to see posts that are uplifting, but the one you posted about me not going back to smoking....well, I just sat down and cried! I just wanted to reach right through my pooter screen right onto the porch and hug ya! Thank you for such an inspirational talk and for the time you took to help me. And you know what? I shampooed my living room carpet yesterday! I'm going to get some of the other rooms done too! I am going to look for some of those teas to try out, and I'm also gonna follow the other suggestions you had. (((ROMEENA))) -- thanks so much!! I got really discouraged yesterday afternoon, so I printed out what you wrote, and it helped me get through a rough moment!

Mavis...since teenagers know EVERYTHING, how come they don't know that they know nothing? Hehehehe! I think we could all use a vacation, personally. Wouldn't it be nice? I was working two jobs for quite a while and I really need to go back to it, but I'm just gonna stick it out with one for a little while and at least have part of a life. Now that I'm only working ONE job, everything starts happening where I really need the income from TWO jobs! I wonder what causes that? Oh....a happy belated birthday! I'm so sorry I missed it! If you like birthdays a lot, you can have mine this year....I've decided not to have any more. I'm just gonna "hold" right where I am! :-)

Possum....I'm glad you have the name you do....it's precious! But you know, "Blonde Right Out Of A Bottle" or "Blonde From A Bottle" would be a really good TAGS name for somebody! Also, has anybody ever taken the name "Viola Slatt?" I don't remember seeing that one either! I do pray for Tommy to find a job very quickly, Possum. He will be able to draw some unemployment to help in the meantime, won't he?

A warm and hearty welcome, and a salute to Camp Lejenue! Let's see....the right hand is held rigid by my side, the thumb flat against the forefinger. With the elbow out, the hand is brought up at a 45-degree angle with the tip of the index finger touching the visor of the cap whereupon contact, it is immediately released with a SNAP and restored to its original position. Thusly, HI-YAP-AH-HA, HI-YAP-AH-HA, HI-YAP-AH-HA!

Asa...if ANYBODY tried to remove your chair from the porch, I think I can speak for everybody on here by sayin' that it would have to be a interloper that would try such a thing, and they'd never get away with it! There'd be a feud like this world ain't NEVER seen! You and the Missus have a wonderful and safe trip, and don't take any wooden nickels! Have you got your smashed penny with ya to keep you safe in your travels?

Bulbsnatcher

God Bless The USA

March 30, 2003 - Msg 12935: My deepest apologies...I can't believe I misspelled Camp Lejeune...guess my trigger finger got a little mixed up. Bulbsnatcher
March 30, 2003 - Msg 12936: Good Sabbath morning, everyone! I still can't stay in one place or position long enough to be able to make it through Sunday School and church, so my brother and his wife are taking care of getting my dad to church and all, and I'm staying home. Sure seems strange, sitting around here on a Sunday morning.

bulbsnatcher, you're waaaay yonder too kind. I'm glad my ramblings were a little help to you, but never lose sight of the fact that this battle will be won by you, as you exercise the determination and will that God gives you. I'm sure you've all heard the story of the little boy and the rock. Weellll, just in case you haven't - here goes! A little boy wanted to build a playhouse in his yard, but there was a huge rock right where he wanted to build. He tried to move it and couldn't. His father told him to try again, and said "this time use all your strength". The little boy tried again, harder this time, but the rock wouldn't budge. Again his father told him "you haven't used all your strength yet". The little boy tried once more, straining until his muscles ached, but the rock wouldn't budge. His father told him the same thing again. The little boy protested that he had indeed used all his strength, to which his father replied, "No, you haven't. You haven't asked me to help you yet." Whooooeee! That one hits me hard, every time I recall the story.

Have a lovely, peaceful afternoon, friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
March 30, 2003 - Msg 12937: Hey all, Hope your weekend so far has been the "cats". As my Daddy used to tell me "every day above the ground is better than one day below it" The weather is great, the sun is out, and I'm going down to Mire's Lake for a dip. Hello to everyone on the porch...ya'll are GREAT! Take care and have a fantastic Mayberry kinda day!

Ed Sawyer
March 30, 2003 - Msg 12938: Brrr....kinda cool this afternoon compared to the weather here lately. Think I'll have a cup of hot chocolate. I've had a sore throat for about three weeks nows anyway (sinus problems), so it will feel REALLY GOOD! MMMmmmm....yep...that's the plan...go downstairs, get a cup of hot chocolate, and sit a spell. Yep....downstairs, hot chocolate...and sit. Bulbsnatcher(/font>
March 30, 2003 - Msg 12939:
oops

March 30, 2003 - Msg 12940:
March 30, 2003 - Msg 12941: Sorry about that...jeesh. The Bulb

March 30, 2003 - Msg 12942: Hot chocolate sounds good, Bulbsnatcher, with lots of marshmallows! Mmmmm!
Have a good day everyone!
-Sterling Holobyte
ps. Sorry, change that to have a good NIGHT everyone!
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12943: Congrats on the adoption of yer little doggie, Mavis. Great to see you back! We adopted a little doggie about a year and a half ago. He's a little cutie. He was on his 2nd day at the pound, and they only keep them 3 days. Whew! Good timing. Bless him, he's a little angel. We're up to 1 dog, 4 cats, 2 pet rats and numerous fish. haha! Now where am *I* gonna stay???
Ellen, prayers for Jamie and for all our troops. This is a sad, sad time. Praying for a peaceful resolution, although it's looking like it might be a while.
Bulbsnatcher, PLEASE keep on being strong! You are an inspiration to me. I've quit smoking so many times I've lost count. It hangs over my head every day. I want so badly to be rid of it, but I don't have the strength, apparently. My good friend stopped cold turkey last fall after 30 years of a 4-pack-a-day habit! He's doing great. I never in a million years would ever have thought he of all people would be able to quit, yet he did. Folks like you are my heroes! God willing, someday it will be me. I just hope it's not too late.
Y'all take good care. Prayers for those who need 'em, and as Ro said, who doesn't? LOL Love to all.
~De§~
"Sometimes I like to see a bat."

(font check)

March 31, 2003 - Msg 12944: Hey, De§,

Thanks for the encouragement. Gosh, I wish so much that you lived near me...we'd go through this thing together! You and all the kind folks on this here porch has gotten me through this ordeal to this point, and I'm trying my best to hold on. How ANYONE could quit cold turkey...especially a 4-pack-a-day habit, that is nothing short of an absolute miracle! I was a 2-pack-a day smoker, and I can't lie---I miss them quite often.

If I can get this far, anyone can...believe me. I hope to reach the point one day that I can give positive feedback about quitting, and if and when that time comes....I'll push you forward! Right now, I would not be an "inspiration"! Hahahaha

I wish now that maybe I'd gotten the help of the patch or gum...have you tried those?

Bulbsnatcher

"If honesty's such a good policy, how come I'm out a cap pistol?"
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12945: Mornin' porch. I'm leaving ya'll a sausage and egg casserole for breakfast. Enjoy. Good to see everybody who's here. Hang in there, Bulb.
Charlotte Tucker
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12946: Sorry about the all caps. I am on my work computer and it has to stay set at that most times and I forget about it. I cant stay long on the porch,I am busy, but I love hearing from yall.
I am in Lake City TN for the one who asked. Prayers to you all. God knows all your needs. Hang
in there Bulbsnatcher YOU CAN MAKE IT. Teenagers, I am raising one with the help of God. I am a divorced parent of two. I work two jobs, so I can relate to that.Love to all of you on the porch. OK I am gonna take the hint,BLONDE FROM A BOTTLE.LORI
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12947: Good Morning Porch, Hope ya'll had a great weekend. Take care and have a great Mayberry kinda day!

Ed Sawyer
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12948: Oh, Charlotte Tucker, that sausage and egg casserole sounds MIGHTY fine. That's another thing I have to tackle: my unfortunate affinity for rich food. (I have issues....... :-)

Bulbsnatcher, how long has it been since you quit? It may be in the archives; guess I could check, huh? Anyway, you ARE an inspiration to me because you've already gotten farther than I have lately! You keep it up. Don't do like I did and think you can have "just one." That's a little (quite convincing) fib we tell ourselves when our subconscious has made up its sneaky mind that it's going to trip us up! The only thing standing in the way of your success now is you. Like the song asked, "How bad do you want it?" You have to want it pret-ty dang bad, I tell ya. Please keep us posted. If you ever need to talk, or just want some support, feel free to email me at hurricanedes@hotmail.com.

~De§~

March 31, 2003 - Msg 12949: Good morning porch!
Des, how do you get that funny little "s" on your name? I will probably feel real dumb when you explain it, but I am stumped!

Bulbsnatcher, keep up the good work! We are all so proud of you.

Blond from a bottle, I have three kids, 21, 19, and 5! So I am fighting a war of sorts myself! The war against teens who know everything, the war against 5 year olds who want everything, and the war against a college student who spends everything!! I may have lost a few battles, but with God's help, I WILL win the war!!

I hope Asa is having a fun time on his trip. If you drop in Asa, we are keeping your rocker warm for ya!

Mavis, I was having trouble getting into the cutlass, I will try again, could be my computer, I'll let you know how I do. By the way, congrats on the newest addition to your family!

Thanks for the sausage and egg casserole, Charlotte! It sure smells delish! I wonder if Aunt Bee has any of those pickles left to go with it?!

Prayers for our troops.
God Bless the U.S.A.

Mary Wiggins
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12950: Good to hear I am not in this war alone Mary.
I am praying for scholarships for college.
Thanks for writing.

blonde from a bottle
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12951: Good Afternoon porch, home for lunch, I fixed hubby and I some taco's now it is time to go back to work, he is layed off for 2 weeks, Thanks DES FOor the prayers, Lori it is good to see ya posting with us. Ed hows ur day, Bulb hang in there, we're right here for u. MW, HM,CT ANnd all the rest howdy and y'all have a great afternoon.
Mr Bojangles and Pollyanna say hey to Sugar Plum & Ro.
Ellen Brown
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12952: Blues ok I was trying for green LOL
EB
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12953: Hehehehehe....."blonde from a bottle"....that looks really cute here on the porch. I think it's just a great name! It adds color to the porch, if you'll pardon the pun! Hey and hugs to everybody!

Bulbsnatcher
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12954: Yep....it's me again...

De§...it will be a month on Thursday since I quit. I can't say that's the official verification, but that's about as close as I can figger and it's what I'm going with.

I KNOW you can quit...I KNOW you can! I'm gonna send you an e-mail as quick as I can and see if any of my "tricks" will help you! You are definitely right--you gotta want to quit REALLY REALLY BAD or just be determined. It seems like everything is falling apart around me right now and has me so upset, but so far, I haven't resorted to a cigarette. It was always my comfort and my answer for everything, but I keep thinking that it's not going to actually do me any good.

Well, let me see if I can clean a little more of that kitchen.

God bless our troops

Bulbsnatcher
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12955: wonder if that would have been better in bold? Hmmm.....troops
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12956: Nope....sorry, guys...hehehe...The Bulb
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12957: I am so glad that Blonde stuck with us - I was hoping I didn't make you upset by my request! The heat is finally returning to IN - this weekend was bitter! I prefer 70!
Well spring break ended and now the countdown has begun to the end of the school year. SO much to get done in the last couple of months! I look forward to Easter - our family will be celebrating dad's 80th birthday. Shhh - it's a surprise. To look at him - you wouldn't know he was 80. He is still as spry as they can be. He and my mom take care of my oldest (6 yr. old) every other week - he goes to an alternating day kindergarten M-W-F, then T-th. They really enjoy him and he, them.
Well - looks like I need to get some work around the house finished.
God Bless Our Troops!

homemaker
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12958: Hey, bulb, it's a lot better on my screen in bold. You're so ept, I'm jealous. Actually, I know how to do colors, I'm just too lazy, especially the way you do it, each letter different. You're not only ept, you're industrious!

Blonde from a bottle, I agree with our colorful friend. That's a really cute name. Very original.

I went out and did a (probably) foolish thing this morning. I'm so sick and tired of this pain, it's starting to wear on my nerves. It's like the pain from shingles, and it's not getting much better. It's not intolerable, but it's constant. I can't get comfortable anywhere, and sleep is a joke. I've pretty much been moving from bed to chair to computer since I came home from the hospital on 3/13. It's wearing me out. So, as I sat here at the computer this morning, looking out into my back yard at the beautiful sunshine and scraggly flowerbeds, I "made a de-cide" as my husband would have said. I tossed the Plum into the car, and we ventured out to the neighborhood garden center. I came home with a flat each of petunias and dianthus. Tomorrow morning, I'll get out and plant at least one flat, and the other the next day. I'm hoping the fresh air and sunshine, and especially the enforced activity, will start to break up the spasms and tightness in my chest muscles and the tenderness in my skin, and let me feel human again.

I've had it with this. I've always been very active, and this situation has gotten on my last big nerve. Don't misunderstand me, now. I'm everlastingly grateful to the good Lord, that the cancer everyone thought I had turned out to be non-existent. I don't mean to be complaining, and if I have to live like I am now for the next 20 years, I'm still grateful. However, if there's any way I can get back to my old hale and hearty self, I'd appreciate that, too. I want to go to Florida and enjoy my son's home, and ride the Seadoo. I want to take my grandsons to Schlitterbahn on the Beach at South Padre Island. I've got things to do and places to go, and I'm tired of sitting around in my pajamas, popping Tylenol and Advil like candy, waiting for the pain to ease up.

Sorry, friends. I guess I just needed to unload. I have so much to be thankful for. I'm glad I'm not fighting chemo on top of everything else. I have the Plum, clown that she is, to make me laugh, and to give me a reason to get up and stir around a little. I have family, whom I love, and who love me. I have my Lord, who loves me even more, and I have my dear porch friends, who will graciously let me whine now and then, and not abandon me.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12959: Afternoon Y'all! Welcome to Blonde from a bottle-hope you come sit on the porch whenever you can.
Elllen,sorry about the lay-off.My daughter's husband was just laid off with no promise of when or if he'll get called back.He has another check coming and applied to both Lowes and Home Depot which are both hiring.Mr.possum under a rock might be able to get him on with his company,but he's out sick for a few days and can't talk to anyone.We're all just keeping the faith that he'll find something soon.Thanks to all of you who've sent a prayer or two-it means a lot.
In the meantime,I've got a sick possum here on my hands.Think I'll rub him down with VICKS!
Everyone have a good evening!
God bless our Troops,the POW's and our allies.
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12960: Hello all! Have a great night.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12961: Hey Ro, I am going to say an extra prayer for you, so's you start to feel better, right quick-like! Anyone as sweet and fine a person as you just ought not too be feeling any pain! That little Sugarplum is such a sweet little thing, cheering you up and all! She must be the sweetest four legged critter around!

Possum, I sure hope your hubby starts to feeling better soon too, I'll add him in with my prayers too!

Of course I will continue to pray for our soldiers, and their families, and lets pray that Possum and Ellen's kin, and any one else who needs new employment will get in to a great place, and real quick.

Hey Briscoe, what do you mean, just sneaking up on the porch like that, and not playing us all a song or two? I want my money back! Oh, wait, I guess I ain't a paying customer, am I!!

Y'all have a good night now, y'hear?!
Mary Wiggins
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12962: Miss Romeena - you unload anytime, we are grateful for your insight and wisdom on the porch. I bet your flowers will be just the prettiest. I plan on doing pansies this weekend. I'll cyber send you some goat manure.

I wish I was ept at colors but black and gray are the only ones I know and I can't be bold - but I do like seeing everyone else be bold and colorful! I really liked the red, white and blue.

Well - take care and good nite, one boy is asleep and the other is on hyper speed because he needs to be! And the laundry needs to be done as well!

homemaker
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12963: We had snow here this morning, and they expect possibly an inch here again tomorrow, I guess that makes ME the April fool!! No flowers here for a bit:{

Mary Wiggins
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12964: Hey fun girl, I tried to send you an email at the address you have listed on the cutlass, but I got an error message. The email was about the photo you said Pat (my husband) might like to see. If you check the cutlass, you can get my email and then send me the photo. Here is the address for the cutlass: www.geocities.com/porchsters

Mary Wiggins (again!)
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12965: Hi, everybody. Can't talk long. I have that bothersome cyst on my wrist (how poetic) and it is starting to cause pain. I don't want to have it removde cause the doc said it would probably just come back. I don't know why but it seems like I am having aches and pains for the last month that I didn't have before. Must be getting old and worn out.

Ro, I am so sorry to hear about your struggle and I certainly don't mind you venting. That's what we are here for. If it helps you to talk, I am happy to listen. Why are you still having the spasms? What exactly did they do to you in the hospital. Did you have a bronchoscopy with a biopsy or did they do more. Did you have a liver biospy? I sure hope you will be back to your normal, active self soon. By the way, I thought the Schlitterbahn was in New Braunfels. Do they have one on South Padre now? I absolutely love the one in New Braunfels.

My hasband and I have been trying to get our 20 month old to sleep through the night and go to sleep on her own in her crib. Talk about alot of hollerin'! Everyone tells me that if I keep it up she will eventually stop and learn to go to sleep on her own. Anyone have any experience with this? I could use some encouragment.

Better go. I have a sore throat and need some hot tea, I think. Good luck to all you future non-smokers!

Boo

"No more special at the diner.....it's steak sandwich time. A dollar thirty..."--Barney to Thelma Lou
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12966: Good evening, everyone! Boo, about those "bedtime blues" with a 20 month old. All I can say is there comes a time when you're going to have to let her cry it out, and you may need ear plugs! If you keep helping her get to sleep, you may find yourself going off to college with her so she can sleep at night! Sooner or later, she's just gotta do it herself. She'll scream and holler, get mad and shriek at you, and then get all pitiful and sobby. They have an amazing repertoire of crying at that age. You just have to satisfy yourself at the beginning that nothing is wrong with her, then just let her have at it. It may take a couple of days, or a couple of weeks or longer, but eventually she'll get the idea. Mine all did, and my grandkids all did, and now the 26-month old crawls up in his "big boy bed" and is asleep in minutes. It works, it just takes nerves of steel.

As for what procedures I had on the 10th, I wish it had been a bronchoscopy. Nope, it was a thoracoscopy, with three points of entry between my ribs, biopsies taken of three sites, and a chest tube left in for three days. There was also an abdominal scope exploration, with four entry sites, and several liver biopsies taken. Nothing was malignant, thank God. I just wasn't expecting to be this sore, for this long. I'm sure it will improve soon.

Yes, there's a Schlitterbahn on South Padre. I saw it on the Travel channel, and it looks wonderful. There are no lines, they use a system called "transportainment". When you arrive, you get your tube, and it stays with you all day. Instead of walking from one ride to another, you float along in a channel that winds throughout the park, and you just steer yourself off into the areas you want to visit. The channel varies in speed, with smooth water or rapids or curves, whatever. There's even a system of "locks" to lift or lower you to various levels in the park. Also, they have a surfing pool like in New B., but it's much bigger. It really looked like a fun place to take kids. Also, lifeguards all over the place.

About that poetic cyst, if it's starting to cause pain, I'd be tempted to have it removed and take my chances on it coming back. It might not, you know. (I know, it might. Yeah, but it might not.) Also, you take care of that throat. You all seem to be passing those bad throats around the past few weeks.

Sorry for the ones who have been laid off. Maybe God is using these layoffs to get you located where he wants you to be??? Just a thought.....

Well, guess I'll hit the bed. I thought about the ironing board, but it's pretty hard, and I need comfort right about now. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena

March 31, 2003 - Msg 12967: Oh, homemaker! You're very sweet, and thanks for the kind words. Also, thanks for the goat-doo. I'm sure my flowers are gonna love it. You're planting pansies??? Here in Texas, we plant them in the early fall, and they bloom right through the winter. As soon as the heat starts in, like in a few weeks, they'll keel over. Around here, we're planting petunias, dianthus and snapdragons. I love the little dwarf snaps. The petunias will die out over the summer eventually, and by fall the snaps and dianthus will be a bit scraggly. Then when it really gets cold, I give them all a crewcut, down to about an inch, and mulch them generously. They grow some during the winter, and by spring will be fresh little mounds of green with zillions of buds. Mine are just starting to open, and should be really pretty in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, I got some fresh plants to fill in where some died out. They're amazing. I have dianthus and snaps out there that are three and four years old. Sugarplum went to the garden center with me, and helped me select the new plants. Very versatile, that puppy, but I did get tired of carrying her. I think I'm going to get one of those little carriers that you wear, with the furkid strapped in. She'd love it. Well, good night. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
March 31, 2003 - Msg 12968: Boo, bless your heart: a cyst on your wrist. You're a poet and don't know it, but yer feet show it, cuz they're Longfellows. Seriously, get thee to a medical expert asap. I hope you're feeling better and soon.

Bulbsnatcher, a whole MONTH?? You're on top of it already! Don't give in!! You're doing great.

Hey to BDJ! Play us a tune next time you come by.

Mary Wiggins, to get the §, just mash yer Alt button, then hit 7-8-9 on your keypad on the right side of your keyboard. Voilá!

I ain't never been to the Schlitterbahn on South Padre, but I live about 10 minutes from the one in New Braunfels.

Love to all!

~De§~


April 01, 2003 - Msg 12969: § Hey,it works! And it's not Mary Wiggins either-just a nosey lil possum!I've always wondered how you did that!
Gonna leave some coffee & Krispy Kremes on the porch for y'all-enjoy!
Everyone have a good day! God Bless our Troops.
P.S. Happy April Fool's Day!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
April 01, 2003 - Msg 12970: Good mornin' porch pals!

Romeena, I want you to take it easy on those flowers and such until you are sure you're up to all that plantin'! In the meantime, I've got a couple of flowers here for ya to put on your table in the house--you and the Plum-meister enjoy those!

---<---@@ ---<---@@ ---<---%%%

Mmmmmm! In the meantime, sniff...sniff.....that coffee shore smells good! Ah! Krispy Kremes! Ooo-weeeee....thanks Possum! :-)

Hugs to all! Bulbsnatcher


April 01, 2003 - Msg 12971: Dang....those flowers are right on top of each other. *Sigh*...oh, well....you can separate them out! The Bulb
April 01, 2003 - Msg 12972: ---<---§§§---<---§§§
Her's some more flowers for the porch, and I want to see if I did the fancy "s" right with them!

Well, my daughter and my sister both already played April Fool's day jokes on me and I fell for both of them! I guess I am just gullible!

I hope every one has a fine day here on the porch, and thanks for the krispy cremes and coffee!

Prayers for our troops,
Mary Wiggins
April 01, 2003 - Msg 12973: It worked!!
MW
April 01, 2003 - Msg 12974: Thanks for the advice, Ro. I think I have pretty tough nerves. This was night two of making her stay in her crib. My husband took the week off so we could do it together and he was the one awake last night. I put her to bed and she would stand up at the crib rail and scream. Well, I knew that might last hours so I went in and laid her down and when she went wild on me, i crossed her arms over her chest and restrained her (carefully) until she stopped struggling (took less than a minute and I was talking very calmly and sweetly to her the whole time). When she stopped struggling, she lay very quietly and stopped crying. She didn't try to get up, she just looked around a bit and then fell asleep. I think she is getting the message that she is not the boss. I heard her screaming at 4am but it didn't last very long. Maybe this won't take as long as I thought. It was very encouraging to hear you say it worked for all your children and grandkids because somewhere in the back of my mind, when she is screaming, I am wondering if it won't work for her. I feel better now about letting cry it out. I figure, I have to get it across that she needs to fit into this family, this family does not need to bow to her every whim. Yes, all kids should have their needs met, but not their every want and a toddler will try to take over the world, won't he? lol

Sometimes I can't believe that here I am at age forty just learning how to get a toddler to sleep all night. It is hard when you are older but I am glad things are as they are because I love the thought of still having children at home for a long time to come. Seems sad when all the kids leave the nest when parents are in their forties. I love having my children at home (of course I don't have any teenagers yet!).

I have a question for all you talented gardeners: I have some Hibiscus bushes (small ones) that I planted last summer. Half of them are blooming and half aren't. Seems like the orange ones bloom but the pink shades don't. Any suggestions? Also seems like they aren't growing as fast as they should. they get lots of sunshine and we water them regularly. The soil they were planted in contains fertilizer but I don't know if I need to re-fertilize. should I prune those little bushes?

Well, better go start the chores of the day (hubbie and baby are still asleep-must have been a tough night)!

Boo
April 01, 2003 - Msg 12975: Good Morning Porchsters,
It is a beautiful day here in East TN.
I am praying for you Ro. I know the Lord can strengthen your body as he quickens your spirit.
Good Job Boo, It is best you are teaching your
baby to sleep and go to sleep alone. My children
are 11 and 14. and they still have a problem
sleeping alone at times.YOU GO GIRL.Congrats on the non-smoker bulb. I am jealous of the flowers
Roweena got ,they are so cute.Hello to all the other porchsters. I am humming in my heart so just grab a jug or a geetar and jug and sing along. YOU get a line and Ill get a pole........................
blonde from a bottle
April 01, 2003 - Msg 12976: Hello ----@
EB
April 01, 2003 - Msg 12977: OOPS I FORGOT THE LEAVES. :)
EB
April 01, 2003 - Msg 12978: Good afternoon, everybody! I got outside this morning and planted about half a flat of posies. I'll work on the rest of them tomorrow. Also planted six packages of sweet pea seeds. I had planted some a few weeks ago, and they're about four inches tall, but I wanted to try some more. It may be too late, but it didn't cost much to try. I just love the beautiful, fragrant little things. My grandmother used to plant them on the garden fence, and you could smell them from inside the house. Anyway, after the little dab of planting, I hooked up the hose-end feeder, and stood in the sunshine and watered a bunch of things. I've always loved to just stand and hand-water - there's something very soothing about watching the water soak into the dry ground. Sometimes you can actually watch the little wilted plants just perk right up.

Bulbsnatcher, you're just the cats! Thanks so much for the flowers. You're too kind. Also, I'm just so proud of you, the way you're kicking old man nicotine out of your life. De§ is right, you're over the hump. There will still be difficult days, but you have the worst behind you. Don't give up now!

Boo, I'm so proud of you, too. Looks like it won't be long until you have that angelic little tyrant going to bed peacefully. Also, you have hit on one of my husband's old tricks, which I meant to share with you, but forgot. When ours were little, and fighting sleep, he would put them in their crib, and more or less confine them with his big, strong and loving hands. When the little head would pop up, he'd push it back down and hold it there. The flailing legs got the same treatment. In other words, he overrode their activity, which kept them from working themselves into a frenzy. It usually took about 3-5 minutes of this, and they'd just suddenly relax, give a big sigh, and drift off to sleep. It worked almost every time. I was always so impressed. It didn't work as well for me. I think his sheer size and power made them feel secure, or something. They'd fight me longer than they would fight him. Anyway, good luck with the battle. I predict you're going to win!

Well, a nap sounds good right about now. Have a lovely evening, friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 01, 2003 - Msg 12979: Well Ro - here in Indiana, we plant pansies in the spring then we follow that with the petunias and the marigolds. Some plant pansies in the fall but it is just too harsh for them to last long. Mums are the big fall flower here. So I will plant my tubs with pansies then about the middle of May I will plant the petunias, etc.

Don't ask me about kids sleeping through the nite, my 5 year old hugs onto me every nite. We hope to break him this summer to his own bed. He stayed in his crib unti he learned to climb out and crawl in with us. Every once in awhile the six year old crawls in too. I am not one to debate family "togetherness" :)

Time to fix supper -

homemaker
April 01, 2003 - Msg 12980: Hello again, everyone. homemaker, I would not debate that subject, either. In truth, our kids never got in the habit of sleeping with us, but that's not to say it never happened. It just wasn't a habitual thing. No hard and fast rule, it just seldom came up. Here's a good one for you, though. You'll find it hard to believe, but it's the truth.

As you may remember, I work in the postpartum unit at our local hospital. One night, while a woman was in labor, her husband came to our desk and asked to speak to the charge nurse. I was "it" that night, so he addressed his request to me. Seems he wanted us to remove the hospital bed from the room that his wife would be going into after delivery. He wanted us to replace it with a regular bed. A king-size bed, at that. His explanation? They practice the "family bed" routine at home - the whole family in one bed, every night. There were four older siblings, the new baby would make five kids. Imagine, seven people in one bed every night, with the oldest about 8 yrs old, and the newest one a newborn. I couldn't help but wonder how on earth the last few kids managed to be conceived. Later I learned that the other kids had been born at home, and the mom was only in the hospital because there were some problems. I also learned that the father had insisted on the whole family, even the 2yr old, being present for the delivery. Only when the doctor absolutely refused, did he give in and have the kids remain in the waiting room. Can't you just picture five small children, perched on the bedrails, watching all the blood and gore, and possibly witnessing the birth of a stillborn infant? Talk about trauma! Well, anyway, it all came out okay from our standpoint, and the mom went into a hospital bed, much to the dad's disgust. We told him if he wanted to rent a king size bed and have it delivered, he could do so, but we don't stock them and couldn't accommodate his request. He acted like we were the strange ones. Oh, well, I told you it was funny! :)

Have a great evening, friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena