April 29, 2003 - Msg 13514: Msry Wiggins, you have hit it on the head with your description of most of today's TV writing, except I think you were being too kind when you called it "low class". It always seems to involve things that a ten year old boy would find highly amusing, but not many other people would. You know, years ago when cable TV first hit the scene, my husband refused to install it, because he said the shows that you got on cable were not what he wanted our children to see, and he was right. However, there came a day when he had cable put in, because the shows on the networks were no longer anything we wanted children or even ourselves to see! There has been a definite reversal. Trash on networks, Mayberry on cable. Isn't that something?

We have a very cloudy, it-could-rain-any-minute kind of day here on the north Texas porch. One of those days when a nap seems to be in order, and since I have to work tonight, I think I'll just do that little thing! The Plum won't be thrilled, she'd rather get in her little carseat and go somewhere, but she'll snuggle in and snooze right along with me. Very accommodating, that puppy.

Have a very lovely day, friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13515: Ooops! Make that Mary Wiggins! not "Mzry". Mzry sounds like something you get in your back when you've been working too hard! Sorry. I did a nice job of sweeping the porch, though, don't you think? The Plum helped me. Now we need to shampoo her tail plume, after all that sweeping she did with it. (teehee) --Romeena
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13516: Mzry??? I get that in my back all the time. LOL
Good morning porch. Thanks for sweeping Plumster. Come do my garage will you please?
I could not agree more with what has been said about cable and network TV. All I watch anymore is sattelite because all of the junk on the major networks, including national news broadcasts. Go figure huh?
And I agree about the bukb. Get back on here would ya? We miss you.
Boy Mavis, you didn't need to get that in the mail asap, just if and when you got a chance. I can hardley wait. Prayers for your whole situation there dear.
Hope all is well with everyone else today.


Asa
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13517: Gee, Romeena, I think ten year old boys might find that insulting.:) After all, it's not the ten year olds that are coming up with what's on tv nowadays. But the people who are, and the people who find it amusing, are either perverted or have been so desensitized by the other junk that's on tv that they need more and more outrageous and explicit things just to get a laugh.
Now just remember that those ten year olds being exposed to all that crap will be the ones writing the shows in ten or so more years. Scary thought isn't it?!
Try to have a good day everyone!;)
-Sterling Holobyte
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13518: Scary? It's terrifying! Guess I'll have to forbid the Plum to watch TV at all if it gets any worse. --Romeena
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13519: Sterling and Romeena, you have brought up some very good points om TV. Times have certainly changed since our childhood. I hate to tell everyone this but most of your TV writers of todays hit shows are 20-25 year olds. Some of the biggest producers for TV are under 30. These "young" people come from an era where the "The Pledge of Allegiance" was banned in a lot of their schools for offending foreign visitors. TV is so political now, anything submitted to the networks regarding shows that have moral and value factors are labeled as boring and un-interesting. And the few shows that make an attempt to have some moral fiber are "persuaded" to add a drug, gay, racial, type theme to "spice up" the show. It's a shame but I think the days of Mayberry, Leave it to Beaver, Gunsmoke, etc. may be a thing of the past. Hope all are well and have a Mayberry kinda day.

Ed Sawyer
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13520: Sad indeed, Ed. Asa, my, haven't you been busy thinking!! I agree with Ro. I always thought Andy's desk faced south, the courthouse door and his house faced east. And being a farm girl, I AM a direction person. Loved your comments about that dumb Don guy, the hungry buzzard, jamming that sammich in his mouth! Ha! Miss Peggy was my pick for Andy too. (Miss Scott Rocks as Barney called her), but I liked Ellie too. Thumbs down for Helen, I don't know how they ever chose her over those other gals. And what about Mary?? She was a one-ep wonder, wasn't she? Glad your trip went well, Boo. Thanks for all the recipes, Ellen. Special thanks to Fun Girl! You are the sweetest--asking your pastor to pray for us. Bless you! I feel your prayers! Maybe by my anniversary in June I can report things are better on my porch. Pray for that, ok? Welcome, Shane! Bulbsnatcher! Where is ya? There seem to be lots of folks missin. Anyone seen Clara or De§ or Happy? Prayers for Pat, Jake, and you too, Mavis. Love to all!
Charlotte Tucker
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13521: Good afternoon porch.It is raining on my porch in east TN. (with the sun out). TV, a deep subject. I dont have time to watch it much but most of the things on it seem to be smut! One show I can recommend is SEVENTH HEAVEN and even it can get a little contraversial, but nothing like the other shows. Hey to all,
BLONDE FROM A BOTTLE
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13522: Hey, all. Good to hear from so many of you on the porch today!

I have thought about getting rid of the cable so many times because even though I only get basic cable with no extras like HBO or anything, every now and then they still sneak in some nudity on Fox movie channel. I did try getting rid of it once and decided that network tv was so horrible I had to get the cable back to watch TVLand. I don't watch ABC, NBC, or CBS, period.

I went to the dr with my husband (alias Snoreman) and they told us he has sleep apnea and has to start wearing one of those CPAP machines at night. Are any of you familiar with them or do any of you use them? I am interested in learning more about how they work.

Goota go....Dr Phil is coming on.....(well I guess I do watch CBS after all, don't I??)

Boo
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13523: Just saying hey howdy hey. .

homemaker
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13524: Hey howdy hey to you too Homemaker!
In answer to my question yesterday I deducede that the front of the courthouse faces north. I came to this conclusion off of the episode of the Clubmen when Andy and Barney end up not joining the Esquire Club. At the very end when they join Opie's club they are told to face the rising sun and chant something and they are all facing the cells as they stand in front of the desk which would mean that the desk faces east as you are sitting at it which would mean that the front door to the courthouse is facing north unless the sun don't rise in the east no more in which case my entire deducing effort is all for not which would make me sad because I have put much time and effort into this whole entire deduction (gasp!!!)

Asa
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13525: Asa, are you having a spell? --Romeena
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13526: I was right!! I thought the courthouse faced North. Do I win a prize? How about a nice bedjacket?

Boo
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13527: Hello Porch friends! Just dropping by to tell you that I went to my job interview yesterday at the middle school for next year and I thought it went very well. Well, they called me this afternoon and I got the job!!! I am SO happy and so thankful! I'll tell you, I was not nervous or anxious at all. God has given me such peace since I dumped all my recent problems on Him and told Him - HELP ME! I knew I was completely qualified for that job but if I didn't get it that something better was ahead and I never worried one second. That peace feels so good because I haven't felt it for a very, very long time. Now I can move in June and set up housekeeping in my new place knowing my job is completely lined up for fall. I couldn't be happier! Thank you for all your prayers!
Maudy
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13528: Don't forget that the 2nd anniversary of the Front Porch is coming up on May 2nd. We ought to have a party.
- Hazel
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13529: Thank the Lord for all the answered prayers. My brother in law wears a CPAP machine an he says it takes a little getting used to, but it seems to do the trick for him, and he was a window rattler before he started using the machine. Good luck with it.
fun girl
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13530: Hazel ain't you forgot how Asa acts when you even mention a party?? I am all for it as long as we can keep him, off Romeena's roof, out of the living room with the lampshade on his head & off homemaker>/b>'s goats. Other than that, I'll brang the chips & dip! teehee Asa that went out today, now it's in the P.O.'s hands so I ain't responsible for it no more. Thanks everyone for the prayers for Pat, it's much appreciated. Romeena you & the Plum have such green thumbs, any suggestions on planting strawberries? A girl I work with brought me a bunch of them & I want to get them done right the first time. Maudy CONGRATS!! on the new job! Off to finish my email.
*Mavis
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13531: DANG IT!! fixed?
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13532: good grief, sorry about that. Temper tantrum is now over. (hehe)
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13533: Hey homemaker, blonde, Boo, Ro, Mavis, Asa, Hazel, Fun Girl, and Maudy--Congrats on the new job. Ro! Is Asa havin' a spell? That's a good 'un! He shore did waste a good amount of time trying to figure out his directions, didn't he?? Asa, you're a mess! Just a mess! But we love ya anyhow. Now back on the TV subject... We don't watch network either. All we watch is on satellite--Andy, Beaver, Gilligan, Star Trek Next Generation, SpongeBob SquarePants, Recess, Get Smart are our favorites. We live in our little bubble here on the prairie!
Charlotte Tucker
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13534: SpongeBob rules, for sure!!

Boo
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13535: Good evening if doesn't rain.

Ellen Brown
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13536: Watch out for Asa and the golf clubs. . .he has a mighty swing. Wasn't that Hazel who went to the hospital for Asa's weed whacking. Left some mighty mean scars - worse than Evil Knieval's.
I need a good party. . .how about goat BBQ?
It could be a BAAAAAAd scene!
homemaker
April 29, 2003 - Msg 13537: I heard goat was pretty good if you cook it along time, but the only place I have seen it prepared is in Mexico, and it had flies all over it (kind of lost my appeti-e -can you believe the censor wouldn't let me put the "t" in that word?). How about a Mexican Fiesta party? BBQ goat would fit right in. I can make some enchiladas and beans. Maybe we could hire some Mariachis (did I spell that right?). They are so much fun at a party.

Adios, it's bedtime.

Boo
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13538: Kyle's teaches said he is going to bring in some goose meat for the kids to try on Friday. Kyle said he is glad to be going on the trip to the family reunion on that day cause he ain't eatin' no goose meat. You can tell he ain't one a Briscoe's boys. Shoot they'd eat most anythin': squirrel, rabbit, deer, and (forgive me) possum. But not my little Kyle. If they don't sell it in a happy meal at Micky D's then forget it. LOL
Would love to be here for the party, but I am gonna be out of town. You know at the BIG FAT REDNECK FAMILY REUNION. Oh BDJ, if you could, would ya drop off a jug of them mulberry squeezins on the porch sometime before Thrusday afternoon. I'd kinda like to partake of some and then use the jug to do some juggin when the sangin' comences. Kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. 'preciat ya.
fun girl
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13539: Mornin' Y'all! Just jumped up here on the porch for a minute to say hello.gotta get back under my rock and hide- what with y'all talking 'bout eating squirrels,rabbits,deer,and possums! Yikes!
Hope Asa's got all them directions straightened out in his head.Glad now that we never let him drive us over to the picture show all those times-who knows where we would've ended up! Ha Ha
Have a good day,Y'all! Coffee & poptarts if ya want 'em!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13540: Mornin' (yawn). I feel like crawling under a rock and sleeping for about a week. Just checking in to see who was on the porch this morning.

Well, gotta go clean up a little tinkle mess that baby girl made on the carpet just now. Word of advice to those who need it: change baby's diaper immediately upon waking up!

Boo
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13541: Hi, folks! Mavis, based on my personal experience with strawberry plants, when it comes to planting them, I'd say don't! Not unless you live in a squirrel, bird and rabbit-free area. I had a perfectly lovely bed of strawberries, about 30 plants, in a raised bed, specially-blended soil, you name it. I think I actually got to eat about a dozen berries over a two year period. Squirrels came from miles around, their little bibs around their necks, ready for breakfast. I even got cussed out in squirrelese one morning, because I dared to arrive at the strawberry bed before the first squirrel. He came prancing down the top of the fence, perched himself about six feet away from me, and proceeded to chatter and bark at me until it was just hilarious! There were five ripe berries in a cluster. I picked three and left two for him, and he didn't even say thanks. Just kept huffing about the ones I picked, the ungrateful little wretch. I finally lost interest, weeds took over, and I ended up digging the plants up and giving them away, and leveling the bed back into the lawn. So much for strawberries, at least in my back yard. Too much wildlife.

Well, I just got home from work, have to return tonight, so sleep is now in order. Have a great day, friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13542: A party??? Sounds devine! What should I bring, besides my appeti te?
I'll be waiting by my mailbox Mavis. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.

Asa
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13543: Hey, all my lovely Porch friends!

Another long post, I'm afraid.....

Ellen, I really loved those home remedies you posted...those were GREAT! I also really loved the story about the preacher on the bus.....it was beautiful!

I'm sorry I've been gone for awhile....I've been wallowing in my sorrows and all that mess.....do the rest of you ever do that? I tell ya....I then look around at how hard it is for others, and I realize things aren't so bad after all. It seems I still have to fall in my little pity pit every now and again until I just get sick of being there. I hope I'm not the only one who does this silly stuff.

Anyway, it feels GREAT to be sitting here and rockin' with all my buddies again! I just LOVE the little squeak the porch makes, ya know? I really love that squealing sound the screen door makes too....it's heartwarming! A warm morning and all my friends around me....what more is there in life? Ah....and Miss Kitty (my precious furkid girl) in my lap. It doesn't get any better.

Romeena, I think alot about Sugarplum when Miss K is snuggling close to me .. she is like my version of YOUR Sugarplum. The Plum sounds like she is a very close companion, and so is my little girl. Somehow, they always just know what to do, you know? Furkids are just little angels -- I do believe that. But she doesn't like carrots, so Sugarplum's supply is safet! Now Miss K DOES like the little rubbery or plastic fishing worms that people use for fishing....she has a BLAST with those!

Anyway, Romeena, have you considered writing a book? You have a very beautiful way of writing. You could go in so many directions with your talent -- children's books, nature, humor, or a combination! I would imagine you have been asked this question before--and you really should consider it. I loved your little story with the squirrel's nest, then where you were talking about the squirrels and the strawberries. When you were talking about your father, it was just so beautiful and moving. You have a very real and natural talent with words, girl. Seriously, think about it -- I'm sure everybody here on the porch will agree with me--and maybe we could buy stock in your book, and then we could diversify.

Boo, I don't know if anybody has told you where to find your Lassie movie yet, but I have found three spots so far, just by typing in "Lassie Come Ho Ho Home" in the Google search engine. If you ever shop on the internet, here's a few spots for ya that has your movie! Do shop around....prices vary greatly! Also, I really enjoy eBay, and they have some fantastic deals too!
http://shopping.yahoo.com/shop?d=v&id=1800207889
http://www.uln.com/cgi-bin/vlink/074644924237IE.html
http://www.cresthaven.com/books/videos.htm

Sterling Holobyte, if you DO get a motorcycle, be sure and get a sidecar with it. Those are very handy, you know..... extra equipment in case of a raid, carrying an extra deputy, going back and forth to the store, carrying Huffy bicycles, driving furkids around (hehehe), hauling strawberries and Krispy Kremes, etc.

Homemaker, I'd be giving some extry thought to whether you wanna have a goat BBQ. or....mebbey you better make sure that goat is already met his maker before he arrives at the party. Maybe Asa could arrange that for ya with his swing. Lord help if that goat is up and movin' at your party, gets ahold of some recipe or squeezins', then you could end up with a LOADED GOAT for sure!

Mavis, prayers for you, Jake, and Pat. I really respect what you are trying to do and I admire your determination and strength....it's very admirable. I know it's been hard for you with Jake, but it's heartwarming to know that you love him enough to just hang in there when you could take an easier route. You are an incredible lady! :-)

Hazel....you get back on this porch! There are certain rockers on this porch....well, if they ain't rockin', it throws me off! Yours is one of 'em, so get up here! Heheheheeh Oh, and that sounds like a great idea about having a party on May 2 for the 2nd anniversary of the Porch. I thought I'd let everybody know that I tried to get some Chinest lanterns, but I couldn't find any ANYWHERE! I know balloons are so danged "commonplace" at parties, but somebody move we use balloons!

Prayers to Fun Girl and Kyle, and everyone who needs them (don't we ALL?)...and hugs to ya'll, along with Ellen, Romeena, Asa, Sterling, Mavis, Hazel, Boo, Mrs. Wiley, Blonde From A Bottle, De§, Possum, GASP...GASP.....
Mary Wiggins, Briscoe Darling Jr., Charlotte Tucker, Salty Dog, Homemaker, Maudy, Ed Sawyer, and anybody else I left off..Lord knows I didn't mean to! LOL And Maudy, congratulations on your new job!

Bulbsnatcher

April 30, 2003 - Msg 13544: That's "CHINESE LANTERNS" above. Dang it.
Bulbsnatcher
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13545: Oh, just a funny story! Last night fungi had to go to the chiropractor cause he has been having sciatica something awful. Well, the chiropractor drives a motorcycle and I noticed that it had a for sale sign on it. I went in and asked if he had bought a new bike or was it the end of an era. He said that he had bought the bike with intentions of fixing a side car so that he could take the wife and daughter with him when he rode on trips. But, in the meantime, he found just the bike he wanted and it was already fixed and ready for the family with the sidecar and all. I couldn't resist. I piped up and said, "Did you go and buy a Barney Fife motorcycle?" Everyone in the waiting room roared. It was truly a Mayberry moment.

fun girl
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13546: Bulb, thank you, thank you thank you! I am going to order my Lassie come Ho Ho Home. I found eight episodes of TAGS on DVD today at Wal-Mart for less than six bucks (that's a bargain). I agree with you about Ro, and we have talked to her before about her writing. I hope she finds some time to publish someday. I always miss her posts so much when she is absent.

Speaking of srawberries, I am making a pie for dessert that you all might like. I bought some of those frozen sliced strawberries that you can get that already contain sugar. I whip a package of cream cheese, add a carton of cool whip and fold in the strawberries and put it in a pie shell. good stuff. Some people like to add some powdered sugar to the cream cheese but I think it is sweet enough as is...also, adding sliced bananas to the bottom of the crust makes it heavenly! It's a great summer dessert. Just make sure you chill it real good before slicing.

Gotta go..duty calls. Oh, did anyone watch American Idol last night? That Clay Aiken was incredible. What a tremendous talent. Bye..

Boo
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13547: My, oh my! There's just nothing that refreshes the spirit like a little time spent in the company of good friends. You folks are the cats! Bulbsnatcher, you're very kind, and I appreciate your comments about my ramblings. I do enjoy writing, and have toyed with the idea of writing for publication, but not sure I can stay on a subject long enough to develop something marketable. My writing tends to run to spontaneous commentary, and that's about all. As a rule, only friends are interested in such as that! :-)

Truly, it's heart-warming just to rock and listen, as friends help each other with web links, recipes, encouragement, prayers and love. What makes it even sweeter to me is the fact that so many of our porchsters are young folks! It's not just a collection of old biddies and geezers, sitting around swapping memories. You young'uns keep us in the here and now, and that's so important.

Well, gotta go to work. If you happen to be by this way, look in on the Plum. She gets lonely when I'm gone on these twelve hour shifts, but she listens to music and naps, so guess it's not too bad. You all have a lovely evening, now. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13548: Romeena....that's where short stories and such comes in. I love to read just thoughts people have (sometimes known as POEMS hahaha), or just moments in life that are special. When I read a book, it doesn't always have to stay on a particular subject (as a novel), but it can be so much fun if it just kinda floats around to various areas. Keep toying with the idea, and let me know when you're gonna publish something. I'll definitely buy several copies, and I'll gladly pay to have them autographed!!! Boo, if I helped about your Lassie movie, I'm just pickled tink! BIG SMILE!

Pat...pat...pat....hug...hug...hug......those are for the Plum! She is so adorable! I left a couple of carrots around for her too! We played with her little rubber hamburger thingy for a bit too. She's got a mean right cross, by the way! Hahahaha. Bulbsnatcher
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13549: test

April 30, 2003 - Msg 13550: test again
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13551: Jeesh....I hate it when that happens. Bulb

April 30, 2003 - Msg 13552: Thanks to everyone for all the congratulations! I'm looking forward to my new life. I'll tell ya, when it all finally fell apart in my life a couple of months ago, I was a complete wreck. The moment my kids were out of my sight I just cried my eyes out. This went on every day for weeks. But thank the Lord, I made it through and doors are being opened and a way is being made and the needs of me and my two kids are being met! I can't wait to move! One month from tomorrow it all gets underway. By 6/15 my move will be complete and my divorce will be final. On June 16 our new life begins! During that time I'm going to take my kids to the SPCA in town and let them pick out a kitty or see if anyone has a litter of kittens they're giving away.
By the way...I love hearing the stories from those of you with little ones at home and all the mischief they get into! I stayed at home with my kids for 7 years and I absolutely LOVED every single minute! They sure can be a hoot!
Take care, everyone. ---Maudy
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13553: Oh Maudy, wish you lived close to me. One of our cats had her kittens (3) and two more are pregnant. One other one was but she delivered 7 premature stillborn kitties. Anyway, we will have plenty anyway. I'm in Illinois, where is your porch located? Boo, give me some more specifics about that strawberry, spinach and poppy seed salad. Like how much poppy seeds, vinegar, oil, and sugar? Sounds great. Hey to Bulbsnatcher. I know the blues well. I'm doing better today. Chin up. Don't say negative things to or about yourself--that helps me. I've been raised to be negative and I'm trying to break a lifetime of it! Hey Sugarplum, how ya doin'? You be a good furkid now while Romeena is at work, ya hear? Evenin' ya'll.
Charlotte Tucker
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13554: Did anyone get an email about people wanting to take In God We Trust off our money and to counteract it, we should all write In God We Trust on the backs of the letters and bills we mail? Sounds like a good idea to me.
CT
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13555: Bulb, you're the cats. Hey, if Romeena does publish her writings, I want in on it too! Put me down for an 1/8 of a share. I like the idea of that diversifying. Now for the anniversary party for the porch. Do we have any fireworks left over from founders day? I move we have fireworks. Do you want me to ride out on a horse and sing "opera stuff"?
- Hazel
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13556: Hey Charlotte, my porch is in Northern VA. That's a pretty long way for a little furball to travel! I stopped by the SPCA this week just to see what they had and there were three 7-week old kittens there. They all hissed at me when walked up to the pen! There was the cutest little brown Himalaya mix there. She was an adult but I don't know how old. Playful little thing. I don't move for another month, though so I can't start the adoption process yet. I'm going to check back in a couple of weeks.
Maudy
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13557: HI ALL Just stop to said hi and i am back
TOM
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13558: Yeah!! Tom is back!! How did it go in West Va? Come on, spill, we all want to hear about it! Ro considering I live in a farming community, & I have possums & coons that come up to the sliding glass door peeking in asking for the cat food bowls to be filled, I wonder if I am making a mistake with the strawberries? I might try anyway, if I don't I'll always be wondering. Maudy where in Northern VA? When I talk about going up north to work, I go to Annandale to work & stay in Vienna with my friends! Sounds like we could maybe meet somewhere next trip up & put faces to the names! Email me if you want. *Mavis Asa let me know when that tape gets there & please don't knock the mailman out of his little jeep grabbin for the package, they are sensitive ya know. bulbsnatcher great to have you back! Stay a while this time will ya? I best hit the ironing board, got lots of work again tomorrow. Wonder what causes that?
*Mavis
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13559: since when did the pop-ups start when you posted, I have had that happen a few times now, the big city has come to Mayberry.
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13560: Pop-ups??? I think possum left us some for breakfast. Is that what you meant?
Welcome back Bulb. Glad to see you back with us.
Great news Maudy. Sounds like things are going your way for a change.
Mavis, my mailman is just like Parley. He won't hand me the mail cause I ain't no authorized mail receptacle. Course he is a she, and I ain't really seen if she would hand me the mail or not. I made it all up. Shame on me, dirty, dirty me.

Asa
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13561: Good evening. . .well - Fun Girl, you would like this. . my director is moving me to the middle school/high school position (I've been in the elementary for 15 years). She says that it needs to be beefed up, given structure and basically - I need to fix it. So there is no more money involved just the fact that I know my job toooo well. I could write IEP's in my sleep. I just did one today where the girl (7th grade) uses a tape recorder for lectures so she doesn't miss any notes. That's an accommdation. We are going to supply the blank cassettes since her mother already bought her the tape player. If Kyle does not qualify for services - he could have accomodations through a 504 plan. Through that out at the guidance counselor - they will wonder who you have been talking to.
And no - I really don't want to move to another classroom. Do you know how many things I have accumalated in 15 years? My spelling is not perfect tonite -
Welcome backTom! Hey to everyone - good to see you Hazel! and Mavis and Maudy and CT and EB and Bulbsy and Boo and Asa and Ro and Plumster and Ed and Sterling. . .

and ((((hugs)))) for everyone and *****smooches too!

homemaker
April 30, 2003 - Msg 13562: Hey guys, hope everyone is having a good week so far. Good to see Tom back posting again. And all the regulars. Just wondering if anyone else felt that earthquake yesterday. I slept through it but everyone else here sure felt it. Shook the dishes out of the cabinets at one of my friends houses, and knocked the cd's out of the entertainment center at anothers.. pretty skeery things goin on. I sleep in a waterbed so I think that may have something to do with it. Plus my Daddy always said I could sleep through anything.. so I guess that proves it! Yall have a good night I'm goin to find my ironing board love yas all--Salty Dog
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13563: Yeesh, an earthquake! Jeepers. I don't like those.

I'm tired I had to take my friend to the emergency room tonight (you know, the one who is divorced with three kids, one being a pregnant teenager). She was having severe abdominal pain and it turns out her hgb is 7 and her hct is 23 (Ro will know what that means-and some of you others, I'm sure). Seems like my friends are falling a part at the seams. I don't know how long they will keep her in the hospital but they are giving her blood tonight. Man, when it rains it pours.

Later, porch buddies.

Boo
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13564: Well Boo, If you are talkin' technical terms, I can't give you a text book version on what that means, but after I had my fusion surgery, my hgb was 6 and my hct 16, and they were trying to get me up and walking because they thought that the lab had made a mistake and they couldn't have really been that low. When they got the second set of labs back, the told me to lay back and take it easy and relax and not move a muscle until they had given be about 8 units of blood. Do they know what is wrong with your friend? They may end up giving her procrit, which, as I am sure you know, is a drug they give to chemo patients that helps to build red blood cells. That is what they gave me.

Ro, don't you know that folks pay big bucks for spontaneous commentary? I have just two words for you. ANDY ROONEY! Nuf said.

I have had the spinach and strawberry and poppy seed salad and it is deeeelish. My mom takes pecans and rolls them in cinnamon and sprinkles them on top and boy you wanna talk about twangin your buds. MMMMMM good.

Tom, how was your trip? Hope you had a good time, but most of all that you were safe. Tomorrow I may have time to post in the morning. We will be leaving for the family reunion as soon as Kyle gets home from school. Driving as far as Chattanooga and spending til Saturday morning there and then heading due east of Atlanta. Ya know how you are looking forward to something, but kinda dreading it at the same time? Well that's how I am feeling. But I am sure a great time will be had be all.

homemaker, the director of special services called today to see if I wanted to sign Kyle up again for hearing impaired services. She says that his guidance counselor says he is doing really well. He is doing well on homework because I spent at least an hour every night going over his homework and making sure he did it right and that he understands it. (taking tests is a real trial for him though) I am not worried that he won't pass to 7th grade, but I do want him to be considered in the special services program so that when and if he needs help, all I have to do is ask. So she said for me to call her next year. I think I will call her the week before school starts just to make sure that I get the jump on everyone else who is reentering the program or entering for the first time. She talked like she wouldn't even bother putting him back into the program unless something came up. I just don't understand people who take the philosophy of doing the very least possible to get by. There is no question that he will qualify for services though. She even said that. Both H.I. and Speech.
And as far as them moving you up a level and not paying you any more. That is for the birds. Guess the warm feeling of knowing you have done a job well and that you are molding minds should be enough. LOL.

Well it's late and I still have not finished packing for vacation. Take Care and I will see you on Monday, if not before. And at the party keep Asa off the roof, Mavis off the goats, and Rafe out of the squeezins. But do have enough fun for me too.
fun girl
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13565: Happy May Day,Y'all!

*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13566: Morning guys, ready to head for work. I left some coffee and some hot chocolate for those non coffee people out there. Have a great day! --Salty Dog
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13567: Hey Mavis, I'm further west than where you go, but I did live in Annandale for about 1 1/2 years back about 12 years ago! I'm now in Front Royal.
Maudy
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13568: Morning porchsters! Hope everyone has a great day. It's gloomy, foggy, and rainy here today. Sortof matches my mood, unfortunately.
Charlotte Tucker
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13569: Just a little May Day story. When I was in first grade we made May baskets. (anyone remember those) You put them full of flowers on someones door knob and knock and run. Kinda a nice treat. Well I went to my grandma's and my mom let me off at the front door, which no one ever used and I hung the basket on the door. Well I guess she went around and told grandma not to go to the door right away to give me a chance to hide after knocking. Well, she waited all right. She waited so long that I thought she hadn't heard me and so I went to knock again and that is when she chose to answer the door. My little heart was broken. But she could tell, and made over the flowers like they were roses instead of violets. She has been gone 13 years on April 18th. Passed three weeks to the day before my little Kyle was born. Oh how I wish she could have met him. She was a baby person. Loved the little ones. This weekend will be an especially teary one for me, I am sure, as my baby is about to turn thirteen and this will be the first reunion I will have attended without my dear Grandma Rosie.

Sorry to turn so sentimental. Love to you all.
fun girl

I promise a full report when I get home on Monday.
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13570: METHEY...METHEYYY.METHEYYYYY
Now in the month of may......
Morning porch. How are you this first day of May?
Sorry your gloomy Charlotte. Want me to come over and beller at ya? I beller real good. Just ask Salty.

Asa
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13571: fun girl, that story brought a tear to my eye. How sweet! Grandmas are like that. I miss mine.

Charlotte, I found the recipe for that salad and it calls for 10oz of spinach and 1pt of strawberries and for the dressing you mix 1/2 c sugar, 1tbs poppy seeds, 1 1/2t. minced onion, 1/4t. paprika, 1/2 c oil, 1/4c vinegar, and 1/4t. worcestershire sauce. Good stuff!

Gotta go..just heard from my friend in the hospial and they are doing surgery in the morning. She has a section of small intestine that is twisted and necrotic (dying), and they will remove that and do a hysterectomy. Poor thing-and with two sick kids at home and final exams next week! She is really scared and thinks something might happen. They can't even do surgery until they get her blood count up some. I have to go take her some things later. Ya'll say a little prayer for Karen today if you have time, please.

It's only 10:30 and I have already cleaned up poopie, pulled the quilt of the bed after baby girl tinkled on it (she pulled her own diaper off twice this morning) and I have pulled her out of the toilet, cleaned up her spilled Cheerios and the list goes on....she never stops, always on the go and into everything. Sure is hard to keep the house straight this way, but I thank God for healthy children who can make messes! My little angel is here smiling at me and showing me those beautiful blue eyes and suddenly it is all worth it. Wish you could see her and her blond curls.

Gotta run....

Boo


May 01, 2003 - Msg 13572: How is everyone this fine 1st of May Day? Hope the porch is doing well. I've come to a brilliant deduction...I've decided I do not like getting up early and going to work. All I want to do all day is watch Andy Griffith Show and get paid for it. Do you think it's possible? Oh, the day's of care free living with no financial responsibilities (where have they gone). Oh well, wishful thinking. It's back to work for me. Take care all and have a wonderful Mayberry kinda day.

Ed Sawyer
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13573: Wake up, Ed. heehee
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13574: But I don't want to wake up. Please be quite porch so I can keep dreaming this happy dream...night, night *SNORE*

Ed Sawyer
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13575: Ok, I'll stay quite. Sweet dreams, sweet friend.

Boo
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13576: I mean "quiet". Geesh, learn to spell, Boo.

Boo
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13577: ..........Hazel, Thanks for the kind words...I think you're the cats too! And I don't know if we still have any fireworks left over, but I'll still move that we use them....I never get to move! But I gotta tell ya, if you ride out on that horse and sing one more time, I think I'm gonna scream!

Ed, I am SO glad to hear that someone besides me has those delusional dreams. Yep.....I wanna just have money coming in the mailbox each day, and during commercials from Andy, I can go out and pick it up. I have to admit that I am a BIG Harry Potter fan too......I guess I'll just never grow up. I especially love the Weasley's house.....anybody with me? Boy, all those kids grow so fast at that age...it's amaziing seeing them from the first movie to the second one....lots of changes!

HUGS to Charlotte Tucker....your're too sweet to be sad and blue....we need your lovely smile! BDJ, play somethin' purty for Charlotte, will ya? In the meantime, I'll sing for everybody....

"Spread a little sunshine every daaaayy....
Spread a little sunshine every daaaaayy....
Help someone a-long life's waaaaaaaay....
Sprrrreaaaad a little sunshine every day!"

Ain't that purty?

Bulbsnatcher

May 01, 2003 - Msg 13578: Well this is my final trouble check before I head out for check point chicky on my way out to the Robert E Lee Natural Bridge on the way to MY BIG FAT REDNECK FAMILY REUNION. (I told ya we was country.) As Rafe says, "I was gonna shine my shoes, but whenever I do the cats go ta follerin' me." Cracks me up. As you can tell, I been watching "Rafe sings" today. Was stresed out about getting everything packed and ready to go and so I thought, "I need a Mayberry Break." I put in the DVD and watched "Rafe Sings" and that was all it took. The Good Book is right. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. I could almost feel my blood pressure dropping.

I wonder if cousin Bobby Gene (our version of Goober) is gonna take off on Cary Grant this weekend? Best of luck to you and yours!

Love and Hugs,
fun girl
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13579: Who? What! Where?, Oh, sorry I just woke up. It was a nice dream while it lasted. Bulbsnatcher, I get picked on because I love Harry Potter. I not only saw the first two movies but I'm reading the books as well. You are right. From
Sorcerer's Stone to Chamber Of Secrets they grew like weeds. Not to mention Rupert Grint (Ron). His voice was starting to mature. I did'nt think that hampered the movie though. Through out the books and movies, they are supposed to be growing up anyway. Who would have thought a mother on welfare (JK Rowling) could have written such a clever book. I read she was worth $444 million. Now with that kinda money I could watch Andy Griffith all day. Take care all.

Ed Sawyer

May 01, 2003 - Msg 13580: Heck, for that kinda money I could start the whole series again.

Ed Sawyer
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13581: Hello all! Hey Fun Girl, You have a safe and fun trip. Hey back at you, Bulbsnatcher.

Peace and Love,
Briscoe Darling Jr.
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13582: Fun Girl, you have a WONDERFUL time, don't take any wooden nickels, and come back safe to us here on the porch

Bulbsnatcher
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13583: You know, I really do wish all of us here on the porch could actually come together, even for just a day! Wouldn't that be fun? I wish at least that we all had those little cameras hooked up to our machines, and we could all spend a day just video-conferencing with each other. That would be better than nothing, you know? Well, I guess it's like staying home and watching Andy and getting paid for it.....doesn't hurt to wish for it every now and again, but don't mean it's gonna happen. :-(

The Bulb
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13584: Hey Briscoe, good to see you. I was just gonna ask after you. Well folks, my day perked up after I posted this morning. It took awhile though. Anyway, tonight I'm hoping to watch some old TAGS tapes and laugh a lot. Boo, thanks for that recipe. It sounds delicious! Thanks for the cheerin' up everybody and the songs, Asa and Bulb. Prayers for Karen. Did anyone take part in any National Day of Prayer activities? Unfortunately, I didn't, except for my own prayers here at home. Have a great family rebellion, fun girl. Hope your cousin "Goober" takes off on Cary Grant. Or maybe he'll sew up his fingers!
Charlotte Tucker
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13585: Have fun, fun girl, and remember, you might be a redneck if: you mow your lawn, and discover your car.

Sorry Harry Potter fans but I have heard so many bad things about that series that I was afraid to read it. Isn't it about witchcraft? Don't want to sound like an ignorant Texas redneck but that stuff gives me the creeps, even when it's make- believe. You see, when I was growing up, my mother was into the occult (her idea of a great toy for her kids was a Quija board). If there was a movie on about demons or witches, we watched it. My first memory of seeing a movie in the theatre was when I was five and she took me to see "Rosemary's Baby". No kidding, she even took me to see the Exorcist when I was a kid. Strange woman. When we used to visit mom's family they would hold seances to contact the dead. They were from West Virginia and believed in all that Foxfire magic. I DON'T like things like that at all. To me it isn't something to play around with.

Well, better go wake up the toddler or she'll be up all night. BYE!

Boo


May 01, 2003 - Msg 13586: Is Andy still alive and kicking?
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13587: Of course he is! Who said that?
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13588: Hey Porch, I'm a great g'ma today... it's a Boy, weighed in at 6lbs 8ozs and is 19-1/4 ins. long. How about that ...(BIG SMILE ON GREAT GRANS FACE)

Ellen Brown
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13589: Congrats Ellen. When you say your a great grandma are you saying you are a really good Grandma or does it mean one of your Grandkids just had a baby? LOL That is so cool either way.
Boo, you sure make me laugh. Your funny.
You to Bulb. Keep it up.
Glad your feeling perkier Charlotte. I, like you just did my own little prayer at noon time today. I bet He still heard us.

Asa
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13590: Congratulations Ellen!
What wonderful news, a precious new baby brought into the world, and you get to be the Great Grandma!

Happy May Day to all! Did you know they are running a May Day telethon on TV land tonight? They are alternating Mayberry with Leave it to Beaver, (that show was set in Mayfield).

Was anybody else a little nervous when the president was landing on that ship? I was listening to the radio while driving at that time and some reporter was giving a blow by blow of the event, and it really scared me to hear about the plane coming in, and then they say the tail hook is up, and then they tell you the plane landed safely! I had an anxious moment or two!

Fun Girl, now you live up to your name and have some fun on your trip, y'hear? Come back safe and sound to us too!

Hey Tom, tell us about your trip! We are dying to hear how Easter and all went for ya!

Hey Maudy, I was in Front Royal once, about 25 years ago! I remember thinking how beautiful the entire area around there was. I wondered if the people who lived there new they were living in paradise! (I really thought that!)

Hey to all the other porch friends, Asa, Boo, Charlotte Tucker, Bulbsnatcher, Briscoe, Ed Sawyer, Salty Dog, Mavis, Possum, Homemaker, Hazel, Romeena, Sterling, Des, Blonde from a Bottle, and any one else I may have missed! Have a great evening and happy anniversary to the porch tomorrow!

Mary Wiggins

May 01, 2003 - Msg 13591: Our little boy is named Isaiah Matthew 5:03pm Proud Parents are Christy & Ross he is 16-3/4 ins long I made a mistake.
Boo I totally agree with you on that HP and the rest.
Have Fun fungirl, take pics and shear with us. Now I'm wanting to go see Front Royal now how do I get there from here LOL Boo thanks for the reciepe I copied it down, thanks for the song Bulb. Hello to everyone.

Ellen Brown
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13592: oh Asa one of my oldest granddaughter had her first baby. She is so Proud. Mommy and Daddy both are.
EB
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13593: oops! Isaac Matthew
He is my first Great Grandchild can you tell. LOL

Ellen Brown
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13594: OOPS test
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13595: testtest
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13596: there fixed
May 01, 2003 - Msg 13597: What was Andy's home address? Was it 322 Maple Rd?
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13598: Hey, congratulations, Ellen Brown! Your first great-grandchild? You must be as old as I am, and I didn't think that was possible! I had you figured for about 35 or 40, from your posts.

I'll be out of place until Sunday night, folks, so don't put out an APB, or deputize Otis or anything. I'm going down to Fredericksburg (near San Antonio) to visit my daughters and some of my grandkids. Haven't been down there in a while, what with all the surgery and working and looking after my dad. I'm just going to sneak away. My daughter-in-law's mom (who is my friend) is going with me. We'll see one of my daughters in a production of "Steel Magnolias". She's Truvie, the hairdresser. Should be very good - she's an excellent actress, as well as being an English teacher and high school drama coach. She has been stagestruck since she was three years old.

Anyway, guess I'd better get to the ironing board. I worked last night, and haven't stopped chasing around all day, am getting pretty tired. Got me some nice new clothes, though, in a much smaller size than I have worn in years. Did I tell you all that I've lost 45 pounds in the past year? That picture of me and Lipstick Sugar doesn't really look like me anymore. I'm working on the last 10-15. They're tougher, but I'll do it.

Have a great Mayberry weekend, folks. Keep my rocker open - I'll be back Sunday night. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena

May 02, 2003 - Msg 13599: That Lucky Romeena! Fredricksburg is just the neatest place and so nice this time of year with the wildflowers. Wish I was with her. I would also like to know her secret for losing 45 lbs.

Nighty, night all. I have to get up with the roosters in the morning to be with my friend when she has her surgery.

Boo


May 02, 2003 - Msg 13600: Morning Porch, Boo prayers for your friend, Ro have fun. and I'm in my 50's Christy is my step Granddaughter. When I get pics developed I'll try to post them some where I do have a family web page I need to put the link up here some day. God Bless y'all ahve have a good one.

Ellen Brown
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13601: Good Morning everyone.....i jusy made this my home page...i have always been a TAGS fan....sure wish i could turn back the clock...and go back to those days...i use to live in a small town...in south texas...and the Andy Griffith Show..was very simular to my life style back then...Well...i wont bore yall...with my goings-on...haha...just wanted to say yall have a very nice site here, if only the rest of the world could be this way. God Bless America.
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13602: ohhh...Ps...I'm Bald Bulldog

May 02, 2003 - Msg 13603: Welcome Bald Bulldog - we're glad to have you! I think we all wish we could turn back the clock and live in a world like Mayberry. I can tell you that we definitely try VERY VERY hard to do that, especially here on the porch! Hope you'll stop by often, grab a rocker, and sit a spell...it's a lovely thing...the porch never runs out of room! Bulbsnatcher
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13604: Thank you Bulbsnatcher...I'll prooly just take u up on that...
Bald Bulldog
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13605: tell me something.....how do u do these messages...and ur name is in BOLD...Bald Bulldog
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13606: Hello?
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13607: Hey Howdy Hey!!
Guess who?
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13608: Welcome, Bald Bulldog. Glad to have you here on the porch.
Ok, Msg. 13607. Guess? I can't guess. Ok, I'll guess. Helen?
- Hazel
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13609: Well hello BALD BULLDOG,
I don't know how to change any fonts either.
I am glad I am not the only one.
Hope everyone has a beautiful mayberry weekend,
I am traveling to Georgia to visit my friend.
Pray for me and my children, I have never driven there before.
BLONDE FROM A BOTTLE
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13610: Where in Ga. BRAB, My son is stationed at Fort Benning Ga. It's a nice drive, where are you coming from, we start out at L'ville Il. 10hr drive for us. Hey Bald Bulldog, welcome.
Ellen Brown
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13611: I mean BFAB Oops! again
EB
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13612: Hey, all! Thanks for the prayers, my friend came through the surgery just fine.

Bald Bulldog, I am in South Texas. Where did you used to live??

Later, friends....

Boo
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13613: Oh, I forgot..I wanted to ask the advice of all you very wise people. My eight year old is having trouble with a bully in the neighborhood and it's been going on for over a year but is getting worse. The boy (Thomas) doesn't get physical often (although he has on occasion) but calls my son "pervert" and tells him he hates him and lately he has started spitting in my son's face. In the past we talked to his parents (that got us nowhere) and we tried to keep them separated, but that didn't work because there alot of kids on this street that play together and when Thomas was around (almost always) Sean (my son) has to play alone. I have prayed about this and am not sure which way to go with it. My husband told my son to stay away from Thomas altogether but that is so hard to do. Sean has already been crying this afternoon because all his little friends are playing in a neighbor's yard and Thomas is there (so my boy is left out). It doesn't seem fair but I just really don't want him the company of Thomas. I'm sure some of you have been down this road and have some stories to share that might help (Romeena, don't fail me now!). It's hard because my son had never even heard the word "pervert" and certain other words thomas has called him. Thomas seems to just hate Sean and picks on him, not the other kids. I hate to admit that at age 40, I don't know what to do!

Thanks, friends, for listening..

Boo
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13614: Under normal circumstances I don't recommend fighting back to my kids. But when my son was in kindergarten, there was a boy picking on him, too. He went to a private school and the boy just happened to be the director's grandson! I used to go to the school and park in the lot and just watch them at recess to see for myself. My son got to the point where he was crying everyday I picked him up saying that he wanted kindergarten to be over and that he wanted to go to 1st grade now. Like you, I tried everything. Finally, I just told him that the next time it happened to slug the boy right in the kisser. I even wrote a note to the teacher and told her that I was at my wit's end with this situation and my last recourse was to give my son permission to fight back if he needed to. He did. And the bullying stopped. In fact my son and the little boy became friends in 1st and 2nd grades. It's not always the best advice but sometimes the only thing a pushy person understands is a hefty push back. I'm sure others will advise you differently. You just need to make the decision that best fits your personal situation.
Good luck. --Maudy
May 02, 2003 - Msg 13615: Thanks, Maudy. I'll think about what you shared. My husband has talked to Sean about fighting back but he just doesn't seem like the type that will do it. He has never hit anyone in his life (except his baby sister when she pushed him to the limit!). We'll see.

I saw an episode of TAGS that I had never seen tonight. It was the one in which Warren chased Helen tried to kiss her when he was walking in his sleep. That Helen sure is a testy one! Where's Peggy?!

I miss Romeena already. Hope she has a great time in Fredricksburg.

Gotta go....

Boo