December 01, 2005 - Msg 31915: BOO- yes indeed, even Jesus got "away from the crowds" once in awhile to "regroup", so to speak.
I think I wonder the same thing about my dear mother as you do with dad. Sometimes argue with the Lord, but seems like He always wins the arguement! ha
RO- I did one step better, I penciled in at the bottom of my WILL "to contact mayberry.com front porch to say that I am now rockin' on the big porch upstairs!"
Sterling- I ditto others' sentiments. You hang in there bro. Hope my humble advice has done some good.
FLOYD- God bless ya!
Spot- we'll give ya the night off and all meet at Denny's!
Ky girl- have fun with your visitors.
Pappa- you know the old joke about the guy that broke his leg, and asked the doc if he would be able to play hockey when it healed. The doc said sure, and the fella answered "Great, I never could before!" (sorry, old joke)ha! Hope your knee is fixable, spare parts ftom the auto store!
HEY TO CHARLOTTE, ME=THEY,AFD, IRSIHSTER, REV JR, DES, FUNGIRL,DIXIE, HAZEL, MARY W, MRS WILEY, GOOBER, BRISCO, MD, POSSUM, SARAH, ALYCEJB, AND ALL PORCHSTERS!
G'day mates,
MDC

December 01, 2005 - Msg 31916: Wow, I swept and the porch didnt even seem that dusty! mdc
December 01, 2005 - Msg 31917: Barn: We really packed her away didnt we?
Andy: Yeah boy
Barn, Fortunately none of mine goes to fat, all goes to muscle
Andy: It does huh?
Barn: Yeah, thatsa mark of us Fifes, all goes to muscle. See there.
Andy: I see.
December 01, 2005 - Msg 31918: Dennys it is, im buying...off to work now will catch ya then....SPOT
December 01, 2005 - Msg 31919: Hi all,hope everyone is doing ok,my son has one of his battle buddies here from Maine,she is very nice.Yes pappa,I have been cooking and cleaning,and,enjoying her visit.Romeena,sorry to hear about the little owl,like you said,those winds were harsh.Quiet sam,good to see you got to come sit a spell before you went back out to the fields,we have missed you.Did you have a busy time this thanksgiving with all the turkeys you raise?I thought about you when it was time for me to buy my turkey,do you sell to any big companies?Boo,enjoy Fredricksburg,you deserve some time away.I forgot who asked me on last nights posts if I still did dishes by throwing them against the wall,no,I haven't done that for a long time,but,if I ever feel the need to again,I'll warn you all so you can get out of the kitchen!haha!Gotta go,I'll talk to you all later-ky girl
December 01, 2005 - Msg 31920: mdc- nice sweep. if they don't have the right knee parts at the bone supply store, i'll just start switching legs like that johnny cash song, i'll get it one part at a time and in 30 years i'll have a new right leg. ha. spot- thanks for supper at denny's, you know i haven't been there for a long time. maybe for breakfast quiet sam or fred goss could buy breakfast at shony's for us. remember when shony's was called big boys? ky girl- i am married to a kentucky gal and i know your always cleaning cooking and doing forothers, i meant it as a compliment. boo- enjoy fredricksburg and don't let them talk you into doing any cooking, just take a well deserved vacation. unusual trivia inventions- igor sikorsky a russian immigrant born in 1899 invented --- he died in 1972 at age 83. his company is the oldest avation manafacture in the world. WHAT DID HE INVENT ? hint even the presidents use. pappa bear
December 01, 2005 - Msg 31921: I believe he invented the Helicopter papa.
I have seen some of the early footage of them first helicopters trying to fly. Mercy sakes, them things were harsh. Seems like the fellow who invented the seat belt should have come before the helicopter. I saw one guy who got bounced right out of his seat and smacked in the head with the blade. He somehow survived it. I wonder if he invented the crash helmet after that. They say nessecity is the mother of inventions. ha ha
Asa
December 01, 2005 - Msg 31922: HEY MDC,ASA,PAPPA,KY,....and all watching jaws here at work...a classic...shoneys sounds good for in the morning on quite sam..ha ha...hey fred..he-they,ct,..man coming to look at my el camino sun or monday...hope he buys it..comeing from south ga..well gona eat some soup..yall got any crackers?...SPOT
December 01, 2005 - Msg 31923: Shoney's! That hits a raw nerve with me. I used to love to have breakfast at Shoney's, because they had the buffet, and I could get all the bacon I wanted (I love bacon), and they even had grits and gravy! Then they went and closed our Shoney's and turned it into an IHOP, of all things. Same price for a little bird-size dab of breakfast, with two puny slices of bacon. Haven't been there but once, and won't go there again.

Boo, you have a wonderful time in Fredericksburg. Wish I could join you, and spend some time with my girls at the same time. We had fun, didn't we? What was that - two years ago, or three? Time flies! The Wal-Mart where we met on the parking lot is closed, and a Super Wal-Mart opened just next door.

Well, guess I'll putter with the Christmas tree for a bit. No hope of finishing it tonight, that rascal takes a couple of days to finish.

Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena

"I'm not going to stand in a stag line with old Mr. Perkins and a bunch of slumped-over teenage boys!" --Barney


December 01, 2005 - Msg 31924: If I'm watching Angels with Filthy Souls, what Christmas movie am I watching?

Boo, sure do hope your Daddy gets better. How sweet are you for taking care of both him and your Mom. I know that is hard to do. Have a nice and well earned time on your little vacation.

Asa
December 01, 2005 - Msg 31925: Ro our shoneys still had the breakfast bar...its goood...lots of bacon...hey asa...Boo hope daddy gets better..butter pecan ice cream for a snack..I dont like flying...at all dont do it..had to fly in a Helicopter once..[life flight] when i had my accident ...no chose there!...well back to my movie...SPOT
December 01, 2005 - Msg 31926: Thanks, ASA, and all you sweethearts who pray for me and are wishing me a nice little trip to Fredricksburg. I think I'll take your advice, Pappa and I won't cook. My mom in law will be with us and she can cook if she wants. We will probably eat out alot.

ASA, you must be watching Home Alone. Now guess what Christmas movie you are watching if you hear: "Fra-jeeee-lay. Must be French.....No, I think that says,'fragile'" or, "Only one thing could pull me away from the gleam of electric s-x glowing in the window.....(theme to Little Orphan Annie)". Ya'll gotta know this one!

Ro, I wish you could be there this weekend, too. It was only 2 years ago that we were there with you and your girls. I hope we enjoy it this time. Bruce still isn't feeling real well but is going to make the trip anyway. It sounds like you had a nice evening. Boy, watching season 4 with a friend and decorating the tree sounds pretty good to me.

I took dad to the doc today and he said he has bronchitis and gave him a shot of an antibiotic and something to take at home. He seems to be doing much better tonight. Thanks for the prayers.

I guess I better get some sleep. I will only be gone through Sunday so I will talk to you again when I return.

Love to All,
Boo
December 01, 2005 - Msg 31927: Right you are Boo. And you are talking about Christmas Story. HAHAHA, Not a bowling Alley. Hee hee.
Glad your Dad is doing better. Be careful.

Romeena, We had some Shoney's here a few years ago and they were great when they first opened, but for whatever reason the quality of the food went steadily down hill and they finally closed them up Now one of them is a Village Inn and the other is collecting dust. I often wondered how they got so bad so fast. Guess I'll just stick with Olive and the Diner. They may be a bit slow but they is gooo-ood!

Asa

"She only gives you two wings, and from a chicken thats done a lot of flying!"
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31928: asa- your right as usual, he invented the helicopter using devinci's model but by the time he came along the gasoline engine had been developed. he also made the first boat that skims the water like in the the florida everglades. boo- really glad your dad is improving, prayers continue.spot - let's go plane riding and parachute? i know our luck when they see a dog and a bear decending they will shoot us. romeena- actualy i haven't eaten at shoneys in about three years. have you noticed ever since humans stopped raising animal free range and regular food,, and since they quit plowing fields, discing, and harrowing where the soil was fine and went to the new method , plus climate changes that food doesn't have a real taste like we grew up on. point- illinois farmers have about decided to go back to old way of soil preperation because of soil errosion . i guess i have no point except food doesn't taste like it did 50 years ago,. mdc- tell cowgirl i've picked up a bug that's blocked me from that site so i'll be back when i can get it straightened out. say hi ti dec 1 new guy from grandpa. pappa bear
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31929: tonight on the hallmark channel they're having a walton christmas special, one of the last ones the whole cast appeared in. also hallmark channel has started the 25 days of christmas countdown. some old ones some new stuff. at nights. pappa bear
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31930: Mornin to the PORCH! Hope everybody is having a great start to December...only 108 days till spring. :-) Not that i'm counting...

Me and Mrs Goober decided to give each other a special Christmas gift this year...so, we're leaving tomorrow for Paradise Island, Bahamas! :-) Can't wait...it's been 80 and sunny all week...so I'll be away from the garage for a few days.

Gonna go back and catch up on the archives...but wanted to say a quick howdy to all! See you later next week!

Goober...
YO!!!
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31931: Goober, have fun and be safe. I dare say you and I share common thoughts about winter. I'm ready for spring already!:)
Papa, I heard a fellow talking about how our soils have all been depleted of there nutrients over the years. Most farmers use chemical fertilizers that have 16-16-16 in it which produces big healthy looking plants, but that are lacking other good nutrients in it. I don't know if thats true or not. I organic garden in my own spot, and get some fine tasting veggies. And I put on plenty of cow poo and turkey poo along with other organic material. Don't know if it's any more nutrient laden but I do know it tastes a lot better than anything I find even on roadside stands.

Asa
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31932: Thanks for that description Asa, now i may never eat again!! haha
We shop at a store that has mostly organic, but even that you have to watch the labels, because it will still have some junk in it. But yes pappa, our genetically altered food taste MUCH different than the foods that used to be. In WWII most had victory gardens, good healthy veges etc, then came TV dinners in late 40's, then preservatives, to now what we got today! I take several supplements daily also to make sure i keep my immune system etc up!
Did anyone hear Dianna Ross is dating Jon Voight!? As Kramer would say, "Now THAT's weird!" ha
Out of curiosity, how long have ya all been tags fans?
Me, I watched the originals in the 60s, then it has always been in reruns on one station here in the Phx area. 12 noon everyday! I even used to schedule my college classes so I could get to the student union to watch it! Still dont have cable but we now have 18 broadcast VHF or UHF stations here, and it is on about three at different times of day and night.
Anyone ever see the old "The Bishop's Wife" with Cary Grant, redone as "the Preacher's Wife" in the early 90's with Whitney houston and d Washington. Good Christmas movie.
OK what movie is this from? "You were so high and mighty. You thought you were going to go out and conquer the world!"
Have a good day. Prayers for all you folks, our troops around the world, leaders, pastors and families.
(Pappa- I told the westerners of your bug!)
MDC

December 02, 2005 - Msg 31933: Oh dear MDC. I just read my post and realized it came out all wrong. Sounds like I put poop on my veggies. I mean to say I work all this "natural fertilizer" into my soil before planting.
Godness, homemaker is gonna have fun with this!:)

Asa
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31934: Yup, some things we write come out pretty darn comical! Better stick to cleanin' bullets! ha
MDC
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31935: homemaker? Heck,I'm gonna have fun with this,Asa!
Think I'm gonna have to ask for your "Pip Plaque" back-we'll change it to read "Poop" instead of Pip!
Hee Hee Hee
C'mon,homemaker!! Hit him with YOUR best shot!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31936: goober- you and the misses have a great trip, make sure you go to the bahama's not the burmuda triagle. we'll keep you in our prayers. asa- i'm thinking about organic gardening myself. if i still lived in the country i'd raise my animals the old way. i wonder about furkids waste? mdc- thanks for letting cowgirl know. trying to cross over i picked a block for that site. like you i started watching andy griffith show when it premired. possum- you know homemaker she will offer to sell goat droppings hauled in an old brown truck. now quit picking on our friend asa - when yopu try to help out what do you get? heartaches. as barney would say very funny, you ought to join the circus. supper will be a southwestern meal at mdc's porch. thanks pappa bear
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31937: goober have a great trip!..miss sherry went there this summer ...great time..hey possum,asa,...busy at work..SPOT
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31938: Organically speaking - nothin's finer in the diner than your veggies and my poo! Goat poo, that is!

homemaker
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31939: P.S. And to think ASA made fun of MY cooking ! Ha ha The poo is on him now!

hm
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31940: Howdy, all. pappa, I don't think furkid waste would qualify. Appropriate "poo" for gardening typically comes from animals that consume no meat, only vegetation, including grains. Asa, you're not alone in this. They'll have to tease both of us. At this moment, I have two 50 lb bags of turkey poo in my garage, destined for my flower gardens. Mind you, this isn't the fresh stuff, it has been well composted, thank goodness. I've decided to go organic with my yard, even though I grow no veggies here, just ornamental stuff. My decision was based on environmental and wildlife issues - thus, no chemicals.

Friends, I have a request. I'd like your prayers for our little Plum. She has had a marble-sized lump on one hip for several years and her vet has always assured me it's nothing, just a reaction to an injection, or possibly a little benign fatty tumor, a lipoma. A few days ago I noticed another one, very small, right next to the old one. I took her to her vet today and he did a needle biopsy. We'll get the results next week. Needless to say, I'm pretty anxious. You all know how much I love that little baby girl. I will be devastated if anything happens to her. I know it will happen eventually, but she's only eleven, and her breed can live 16-17 years. I'm not ready for such a thing yet, so please keep us in your prayers. I know she's not a human, but she's my little friend and companion, and I love her dearly. Thanks, folks.

What a blessing to have friends who understand. Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho - poo! --Romeena
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31941: Southwestern meal at MDC?....good idea!..no coffe tea or poo for me!...gona put up my 15 ft. lit home made cross up sun...SPOT
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31942: Prayers for the Plum, Ro.
- Hazel

P.S. I only use organic home-made compost in my garden too.
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31943: romeena- prayers for our plum, give her plenty of carrot juice and we all love her. hazel- i agree that i'm going organic this year. spot- put on your sombero and we'll put the lighted cross on the brown truck and off to mdc hose we all go.homemaker- you can market organic goat poo? what do you all think of that new c.s. lewis movie nanic? christains are endorsing it and it has wizzardy in it to. i just heard that rick warrens popular the purpose driven life may be made into a movie by disney next year. have a great night. pappa bear
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31944: Asa,i will still come to dinner at your house,but,I will watch what kind of "toppings" are on my veggies!haha!Only kidding!I agree,I think the organically grown veggies have actual taste to them,much better than the ones that aren't organically grown.Romeena,I said a prayer for you and plum,hope everything turns out fine.Goober,enjoy your vacation.Romeena,we don't have Shoneys here anymore either.You are right,the quality of the food in the one up here went downhill fast too.Now one has been turned into a Bob Evans restaurant,and,the other is a CICI's pizza Place.Gonna head to bed,prayers for everyoneSweet Mayberry dreams everyone-ky girl
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31945: Get well Plum..wil load the cross up pappa,we have CICI"s pizza here alsogreat and cheep if ya carry kids and their friends...hm do you ship the goat poo?...[just funnin]..well at my little farm its just good ga red claw and 10-10-10...well watching the ga championship HS football game...slowed down here now ...SPOT
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31946: thats "clay"...jeezz
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31947: Fred Goss here, now your'e talkin my stuff! I get to smell it all along the run! harhar.
CRAZY! har! Later down the road,
Fred
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31948: What all different states is everyone from? Just curious.
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31949: Can you all believe that Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target and Walgreen have informed their employees that they must say Happy Holiday instead of Merry Christmas. They are not allowed to say CHRISTmas. God help us.
--Rev
December 02, 2005 - Msg 31950: That's true, Rev, but I just received an email from the AFA (American Family Association), documenting the fact that Walgreen's has "seen the error of their ways", and plans to reverse the decision next year. Too late to do anything about the printed stuff this year, but next year will be different. AFA is now targeting Sears and K-Mart, urging them to do the same. If the "silent majority" will quit being silent, we can get things done. We are still the majority, at least for now, and in a democracy, theoretically, the majority rules.

I just love Christmas lights. You really get a lot of bang for your buck with those bright-colored twinkle lights. I know, some say that all that stuff has nothing to do with Christmas, but I think it has more to do with what's in one's heart, and memories. The beauty, the color, the brilliance - it all creates a joyful, celebratory frame of mind for me, and recalls the joys of Christmasses past. I remember the little string of red and green lights around the entrance to the tiny white church building of my childhood. I thought they were so beautiful. I remember my mom, probably a very tired mom, who stayed up half the night, getting the tree "just right." And it was. I enjoy all of the festivity - it is a Birthday Party, after all.

Thanks for the kind words, prayers and good wishes for the Plum. She appears to be just fine, still runs around like a puppy, doesn't appear to be ill. I'm really hoping those lumps will turn out to be nothing at all. God bless my baby doggie, please.

Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena


December 02, 2005 - Msg 31951: Rev and Ro...its with out a doubt CHRISTman...thats crazy....nascar awards are great....SPOT
December 03, 2005 - Msg 31952: Good morning porch....cold here in ga...in the 20"s..going home for a nap then meeting at 1:30 to drive 2 hrs to south ga to see lights at callaway gardens..will be back late...rock easy!..this morning lets all meet at cracker barrel to fill up for the trip..on Asa!..I will leave the tip..well Merry Christmas all!...SPOT
December 03, 2005 - Msg 31953: HEy I just found y'all. I love this site. Am I going about it wrong? Am I suppose to take a persona from the Andy Griffith show?
December 03, 2005 - Msg 31954: And...I'm from a cold GA too. :)
December 03, 2005 - Msg 31955: Hey Msg 31953, Good to have you with us. You can choose a Mayberry persona or you can just be you. It's not actually a "persona" ...more of just a nickname rather than actually acting like the character. Just try and choose one that's not taken. Folks here can let you know if somebody is already using your chosen nickname. Enjoy yourself.
--Floyd
December 03, 2005 - Msg 31956: Welcome, #31953. Pull up a rocker and set a spell. We love to have new folks join us. We mostly have one rule here, and that is - be kind! You seem like a kindly sort, so welcome to Mayberry. Are you a guy or a gal?

Gotta run - I saw something at Sam's that my 4yr old grandson would just love, and I want to get it for him before it sells out. It's a huge bottle of Hershey's chocolate syrup with a pump dispenser on the top. It's big, really BIG! You put two pumps into a cup of hot water for cocoa, or cold milk for chocolate milk. He loves chocolate milk, and will have fun making his own. See ya!

Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena
December 03, 2005 - Msg 31957: HI ALL. (WALK THROUGH THIS WORLD WITH ME, LORD)
WALK THROUGH THIS WORLD WITH ME, LORD,
STAY CLOSE BY MY SIDE.
I NEED YOU TO GUIDE MY WAY, LORD,
WHATEVER BETIDE.
MY LIFE IS AN UNKNOWN PATH LORD,
AND THE WAY I CANNOT SEE.
SO, PLEASE TAKE MY HAND,LORD,
AND WALK THROUGH THIS WORLD WITH ME.
lovE TOM.
PRAYER EVERYONE WHO CAN USED THIM.
December 03, 2005 - Msg 31958: Thanks, TOM, that was lovely. We're so glad you are back on the porch.

Well, I think I've seen it all now. I never cease to be amazed and amused by the things the squirrels do around here, but this one takes the prize.

Remember when you were a kid, and had no one around to push you in a swing, so you'd "pump" the swing yourself and get it going? We used to swing very high, doing it all ourself.

Well, I just watched a squirrel do the same thing, perched on top of the bird feeder. The feeder hangs from about four feet of chain, and the squirrel was sitting on its roof. I watched him stick his little head and neck waaaay out, while pushing backward with his front feet. As the feeder moved backward, he would draw his head back in and push forward with his back feet. He got that feeder swinging in about a 2 foot arc, and clearly was just doing it for the fun of it. He swung for about three or four minutes, then turned and jumped to the nearby tree trunk and scampered away. I never saw anything like that before. Squirrels! Ya gotta love 'em!

Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena

December 03, 2005 - Msg 31959: Cute story about the squirrels, Ro! Those backyard critters can surprise you, can't they?

Hope everyone is having a good day.

-Sterling Holobyte
December 03, 2005 - Msg 31960: Walmart told their workers today that they can now use the word CHRISTMAS. Also I just went to our Sears store and on all their doors they have a huge hand written sign that says MERRY CHRISTMAS. I guess the big companies got the word.
You all have a blessed day.
--Rev
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31961: welcome msg,31953, e're always glad to have good folks on the porch. as brisco darling says just jump in where you can and a hang on . a one- a two- a three. busy today with our chruchs 60th anniversary celebration but wanted to say hello to everyone. spot- i have hauled vicks and everything in that brown truck but i have to draw the line on goat poo- poo unless you or fred wants to drive it and hose it out. ha. fred slick, slippery here in midwest , most of illinpois got ice and snow on top last night, so be careful. rev jr- sounds like the lord won that merry christmas round but the devil is still attacking the words of hymns, wanting a holiday tree now instead of a christmas tree. sterling holobyte- great seeing you my friend. to msg 31948 i'm from central illinois close to goober, charlotte tucker . well i'm a slippin and a sliding towards chruch, i hope this bear don't slide right thru the chruch . the weather is to frieghtful to have a 60 year celabration outdoors without a few jugs of otis stash and you know he won't share nary a drop. now you take otis's when it comes to their drinks you nor i will get nary a drop. have a great day. pappa bear
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31962: No kidding, Rev? A hand-lettered sign? Wow! That's better than an official, professionally-printed one. A hand-lettered sign sounds like a grassroots thing to me, an "in-your-face, ACLU" kind of thing. It says that somebody in that store, and we would assume management, has had enough, perhaps influenced by complaints from customers and employees alike. Folks, this is one we can win. Don't give up! I'm going to check out the Christian bookstores - maybe I can find a huge bumper sticker that says "Merry CHRISTmas."

You're right about Wal-mart, by the way. A good friend of mine was in her local Wal-Mart, in Gainesville, TX, when the manager came over the PA system and made the announcement. He said, ""This is the store manager, and I would like to take a moment to wish all our patrons a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS." This same friend says that when somebody wishes her "Happy Holidays," she responds with "and what holiday would that be?" Pretty good, don't you think?

I have Jewish friends, and they don't hesitate to wish me a "Happy Hannukah", (usually with a little teasing smile) and I return the greeting with pleasure. Christians should have no problem with Hannukah. It commemorates a time in Jewish history, a miraculous occurrence, and I'm quite sure that our Jesus, being a good Jewish man, would honor the holiday. My friends also will wish me a "Merry Christmas", to which I usually reply "Thank you, and a Happy New Year to you."

Friends, it's all about respect, and realizing that one does not have to subjugate one's own beliefs in order to be respectful of someone else's. There's room for all.

Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31963: Good afternoon, Poorchsters. I almost said Porch People (I'm new around here), but that sounds like aliens from a 50s B-science fiction movie.

Romeena--I don't know what breed your dog is, but our family had a c*cker spaniel who had a few benign cysts (about the size of a pea) for years. In her older age she began developing them in other places, and some got pretty good sized (dime sized). They never seemed to hurt her, and the vet said that some dogs are just prone to them. She ended up living until she was sixteen-- a ripe old age--and died of unrelated causes.

Good Sabbath to all.

Me-They
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31964: Oh, I forgot to mention that I watched the beginning of Saturday Night Live last night and they performed a skit that dealt with the whole turning Christmas secular thing. The skit featured a choir signing traditional Christmas carols with bland, non-Christian lyrics. It really showed the absurdity of it and was quite funny.

Me-They
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31965: Thanks for the encouragement, Me-They. My little Sugarplum is a Maltese, and has always been extremely healthy. I had an old c*cker-poo who lived to be nearly eighteen, and she had many lumps and "old-lady bumps" also. This thing on the Plum is different, and is changing in size. I especially don't like the new one popping up right beside the original. Still, I'm not going to cross the bridge until I'm there. I should hear from her doctor by Tuesday. He's a trusted friend, a member of my church, and I know he'll do right by us.

Lots of happy wildlife in the yard right now - I just put out critter feed and they appeared from nowhere. I love it! I can't find a single one of the nine fish that are in the pond, but nobody is floating, so guess they're all still there. They go under the little bridge and hide. It got so cold last night, and they're so tiny that I worry, but I'm sure they're okay.

All you Georgia folks - I can't imagine that you're so much colder than we are here in North Texas. Aren't we on about the same lati-tude line?

Well, guess I'll work on that tree a bit more. Sooner or later, I'll get it all done, get all the "sit-arounds" put out and the house straightened up. Right now it looks like an explosion at the North Pole.

Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena


December 04, 2005 - Msg 31966: RO- I too get AFA newsletters and all I can say is THANK GOD for Don Wildman and his contined effort over the last several years! Yes, it is a birthay for sure! Let's celebrate!
I hear target may even alow the bell ringers again!Praise God!
I sure do recall "pumping" the swing to get going. I could get the swing even with the top crossbar! Wow, how did I do that! Seems like rigid seats did better than the straps.
Anyone remember the aluminun Christmas trees of the 60s? They had a colorwheel to make them change 4 colors. Thanks to the person who invented the "prelit" tree! no more tangled cords!
31953- "Rule number one: Obey all rules!" ha Welcome
Ky girl, that was a neat line "Mayberry dreams" are there any better?
OK mayor, time for you to lead us in Christmas memories/stories!
Have a great Mayberry Sunday afternoon!
MDC
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31967: Oh, mercy, MDC, don't remind me of those wretched trees. I always thought they were so ugly, so cold and devoid of Christmas cheer, and now to further irritate me, the dratted things are collectible and expensive! Go figure.

Has anyone else seen the "trend" that some stores are touting, where you hang your Christmas tree upside down from the ceiling? I've seen it advertised, but don't know anyone who has actually done it. Seems pretty silly to me.

My tree is about 1/2 finished. Another four or five hours should do it. Then I get to clean up the mess and do the decoration detail in the rest of the house. Maybe I'll finish by Christmas Eve!

Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31968: HI ALL. WILL THING ARE THE SAMR HERE FOR NOW TO COLD FOR ME.
THEY THAT NAME RING ABELL TO ME , DID YOU EVERY WORK IN CLEVELAND BACK IN THE LEAT 70 OR 80?
BECAUES I WORK WHAT SOMEONE BY THAT NAME.
WE ARE STAYING HOMEFOR THE HOLIDAYS.
BESIDE AT JUST GOING TO BE THE SAME ,LIKE IT BEN FOR YEARS WILL NOT GIT A THING.
I GUSS WIN YOU GIT TO BE OLD NO ONE WANT A THING TO DO WHAT YOU SO GIT THE HOLIDAYTIME NO ONE CARED FOR YOU.
THAT THE WAY I FEEL ABOUT IT AT TIME.
( NEW STAR O'ER BETHLEHEM)
O WONDROUS STAR THAT SHINED ABOVE,
SENT TO TELL US OF GOD'S LOVE!
O'ER BETHLEHEM, IT GLOWED THAT NIGHT
IN RADIANT SPLENDOR, BEAUTY BRIGHT...
TWINKLING WHEN ANGELS CAME TO EARTH,
HERALDING OUR SAVIOR'S BIRTH.
THERE IN STARLIT SKIES OF BLUE
IT BROUGHT NEW HOPE FOR ME AND YOU.
STARTLED SHEPHERDS GAZED IN FRIGHT;
WISE MEN TRAVELLED BY ITS LIGHT.
O WOMDROUS STAR ABOVE HIS STALL,
GOD SENT FROM HEAVEN-SHINE ON ALL!
----------------------------------------------
WILL IT TIME TO FINE SOMETHING TO EAT MY STRAPDAD SAY HE HEAT AND I WISH WE CAN FINE THIM SOMETHING TO DO , ALL HE DID IS SLEEP ALL DAY . I NO THAT HE WOUNLD LIKE TO GO OUT BUT , WE HAVE NO WAY TO GO .
LOVE TOM
PRAYER TO ALL.


December 04, 2005 - Msg 31969: we're trying to get a site up for the walton's fans like we have here. hopefully a few of you will want to visit and you can use the posting name you do here. i'm pappa bear there also. thesite is http:// www. voy. com/ 199843/ any problems let me know. they've had a loosely group of fans until i suggested a little structure. they have one fan from england. tom- great hearing from you. your very important to all of us and loved by us. just remember we're family and here for you. romeena- our real tree is up and decorated. i think the upside down tree is silly unless your a prankster, then someone brings you a present just tell them to put it under the tree and watch them try and be graceful. you could even tack a couple of presents on the ceiling and a couple on the floor to add to the fun but since we don't know anyone who'd do that, i'll stick with the tree that's up this year. mdc- strangly those aluminum trees and colrwheels are worth a fortune. mamma bear has kept ours since 1963 and it hasn't been un boxed in years but she's the sentimental type. christmas memories, eh? well when i was just a young cub we only got one or two gifts like a new bike or trike, roller skates or western gun sets, lincoln logs, but we took great care with those precious gifts and they lasted for years unlike today where expensive got to have gifts hold kids attention for a day or so and end up ina closet or broken. me- they- wasn't it funny how the 50's sci-fi films were so scary at the time and watch them now and they're almost funny now. prayers for our plum. MAYORAL DECREE; front porch christmas season is in full swing. memories of past christmas's, and the present one but i always think the next one will be the best because our lord lives. have a great evening everyone. pappa bear the mayor until jan 1 2006. then we need to elect a new mayor. good night from pappa bear
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31970: Evening Porch!

pappabear, I think you asked about the Narnia movie. I plan to go see it with my 8 year old son. I read all the books when I was a much younger person, and my son and I are reading them now, we are on the third book. The books are excellent, and they were written by C. S. Lewis. He wrote many other books, including "Mere Christianity" and "The Screwtape Letters" to name a few. "The Chronicles of Narnia" are a series of books that are an allegory of Jesus. In the books, Aslan, a lion, is the Christ-figure, and I found myself crying again, when recently reading them with my son. The first book in the series is ti-tles "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". That is the movie that is coming out this week. It should be well worth seeing.

I have a question, supplied by my 8 year old son. How did the tradition of putting Christmas lights on the outside of one's house start? Any theories, or perhaps remembrances of how that all began? I can remember 40 years ago, riding to relatives homes during the holidays and admiring all the lights. I cannot say how long before that lights were used however, and why!

Prayers for Plum, the official mascot of this here porch! carrot carrot carrot

A couple carrots left for her!

Mayberry memories fill all our dreams tonight!

Mary Wiggins
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31971: You know, I truly believe that if someone had the finances to open a Mayberry theme park, with a downtown and a county fair, it would be a hit. Maybe I'm just dreaming.?.
--Rev.
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31972: I'd buy a ticket,Rev!
Hey everyone! Tom,pappa bear is right: we all care about you friend. That was another wonderful poem.Thank you.
Ro,sure hope Plum will be ok.Keep us posted.I will say a prayer.
I receive the AFA e-mails as well and thought I'd tell y'all that I went to the Super Kmart in North Charleston today and they had a huge banner (not handwritten) across the front entrance that said "Merry Christmas" in big letters and underneath in smaller letters was "Happy Holidays." So,maybe these businesses are waking up.I'm sick of "Happy Holidays" myself- think I will borrow that person's comment and start replying "Which holiday would that be?" Ha!
I've heard of the upside down Christmas trees,but don't know the meaning behind it.Strange!
Pappa,count me in as a Walton's fan! I'll be checking out that website for sure.And on that note..
"Goodnight John Boy!"
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31973: Hey gang....gosh been busy...hey possum,asa,bo,ro,hazel,mw,Rev,pappa.......lights were great last night...did not get back to the dog house till 1:30 am...2hr drive home..hey TOM and sam,gona go read the posts...in the morning its hand pattyed sausage pattys,eggs your way,bisquits milk gravy [pepper in the gravy],country ham,hashbrowns,grits,and coffee and h20...SPOT
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31974: Believe it or not, I saw something on TV about the upside down Christmas trees and they said it is being marketed for people that don't have a lot of room to put presents. Since it is upside down, you have more room under the tree. Sounds kind of crazy to me but I guess people will buy anything.
Glad to hear about the Super Kmart. It takes Christians standing up. And as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!!!
Blessings to all....--Rev.
December 04, 2005 - Msg 31975: Ease up Spot....making me hungry
--Rev.
December 05, 2005 - Msg 31976: Morning Mayberry!! Merry Christmas!!! I'm working on this years Mayberry Christmas card but it isn't ready yet. Until its good to go, I thought you might enjoy seeing cards from the Newsome family from the last several years. Merry Christmas! -- Floyd
December 05, 2005 - Msg 31977: Good Monday morning porch pals.
Hope and pray you have a good day and a good week.

Romeena, Sugarplum and you are both in my prayers. I'm sure she'll be just fine.

Rev, I'm a little confused. Are you the same Rev who has been here for a while now or are you new? I just want to make sure I have my Rev's straight. If you're new, welcome.

Yesterday was Hazel's birthday and we missed it, so HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY HAZEL DEAR! I hope it was a good one.

Favorite Christmas memories? Boy I have lots. I'll have to think on it though.

Mary Wiggins, good to see you. How cold is it up there these days?

Possum, have you got lights on your rock? Just curious.

Guess I'll wander over to Spots for some breakfast. Might as well ease into the new week.

Y'all be good.

Asa
December 05, 2005 - Msg 31978: You snuck in on me Floyd. Nice cards. I had several that just show a box with a red x in it though.

Asa
December 05, 2005 - Msg 31979: I really liked your 2004 Christmas card Floyd. . .pretty neat. . .I love the Bergermiester Meisterberger!

I want you to all know that Star is doing wonderful! She has made it through the roughest part and she is back up standing on her own and walking some. Thank you for your prayers. Now - Ro, you know that I'll be praying for Plum. . .I am sure she will be okay too. . .

Welcome to the new porchsters! Glad to see you. . watch out for Asa's golf swing!

homemaker
December 05, 2005 - Msg 31980: HI ALL. HAY FLOYD WHY NOT REPOST YOUR CAED FROM1997 WHAT THE PMEFROM IT HERE FOR EVERYONE CAN FEAD IT . FROM ALL THE OLD AND NEW FRIENDTHAT COME HERE .
LOVE TOM

December 05, 2005 - Msg 31981: mary wiggins, good morning. i would say putting outside lights for christmas probably mid to late 1940's in most areas because the rural electric light system didn't reach most places until after the depression. i believe they put out latterns when they were up. i believe the reason for lights outside probably originated in germany near the austrian border. it probably sybolized the star that lite the path of the 3 wise men to the birth of jesus. in addition today it lights the path for family, friends, and strangers in need of help. maybe someone else knows more on the answer. the average person in the country had to be careful with kerosene lamps because they bought the cheaper ones at about 2.98, so the glass was thin and subject to overheating and breaking the globe, thus creating a fire hazzard. i remember ever once in AWHILE GRANDPA'S WOULD AND HE'D CALMLY GET UP and throw it out in front yard and calmly put itout. i have read a lot of c.s. lewis over the years but not that one, mamma bear has read all of them andlikes them. stay warm- pappa bear
December 05, 2005 - Msg 31982: Wow, Floyd! Those cards are just great! Thanks for posting them for us - I can't wait to see this year's.

Asa, Rev is a newcomer, not to be confused with Rev Jr.

There is actually a thin film of ice on the birdbath this morning. Haven't seen a bird yet, guess Winken, Blinken and Nod are holed up in their nests somewhere, but the squirrels are out in force. One little fellow sure was shocked when he tried to get a drink. Not a problem, though. There's another birdbath just about three feet outside my window, and it's not frozen. Guess the proximity to the house made a difference. Also, the fountain is flowing into the pond, and they can get on that old boulder and drink. It's a never-ending show out there.

Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena