November 30, 2006 - Msg 47495: Good Mornin' Porch,
I have missed y'all. I would say that there ain't enough hours in the day, but that's not true. My body will only go for 15/24! The boys are finally doing well. We have Nick on a supplement by BioGenetics called StressX and it is helping tremendously. He has a girl that he really likes, he only has 2 F's instead of 4, and he's not trying to pick fights as often (knocking on wood right now). The Lord has really calmed this boy. It's still a struggle, but between the diet and the supplement he's easier to tolerate. His Mom wants him to come for a Christmas visit and last night he told her no. That didn't go over so well.
Congratulations Goober on your Miranda Rose. I love that name. Was she named after a relative? Send pictures to Romeena soon!
Miss Peggy- Welcome to the porch. We're glad that you've decided to pull up a rocker and join us. Make sure that you bring your bible and sweet tea (hot cocoa now).
Boo- Your bible study sounds like a blessing to both the girls and yourself. The Lord knows all!
Me-They- Is it absolutely necessary for the Mrs. to work? What worries me is that she will be too tired and accidently "mess up" at work and do something damaging to herself or a patient. It's like when someone comes to work with a cold and then ends up passing it around to everyone. I will be praying. Oh, and I admire your nutritional decisions for your kids. Believe it or not, when Bryson was a little one we didn't know all we do now and would have done things differently. One of the biggest parenting mistakes I've made was to introduce Bryson to McD's. Since hubby's a N.D. it's out of the question now and Bryson hates it. Right now he's striking against our new diet, but I will wait it out. He'll get hungry enough soon!
Millie- How are you feeling?
Auh20- I love cold weather just during the Christmas season and then it can go away. The boys were laughing at me when I saw that it's going to get colder and I was so happy. My reasoning is we live in the South and my parents live in Ky. Which means that if its cold here and there then if it snows on Christmas it will stick. Can you ever remember a Christmas when it didn't snow up there?
Tom- Your family is in my prayers.
Possum/Homemaker- I am sorry, but I cannot remember which one was talking to me about reading. I had an IEP mtg yesterday with Bryson's teachers and therapists. They told me that he is 2 years behind in reading and if he doesn't get better then he will fail our standardized testing. If he fails the testing he will not go on to the 4th grade next fall. They are concerned because he is grade level or above in everything else and it would crush his spirit not to move on with his class. Have you heard of the Bell school or something like that? We have to do some intense work on his reading. I feel so bad because I put him into school so that they can teach him to read, and he still can't. His OT wants to get him an alphasmart so hopefully that will help. Any ideas?
Well, I have laundry and cleaning to do. Oh, pray for hubby. He heads to Austin, TX today for the weekend. Pray for me too since I'll be alone with the boys and that's when they tend to get into trouble!
Blessings,
~Lucy
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47496: Morning Dears. Hope all is well today. A rainy dreary day on my end of the porch. Chicken noodle soup or homemade vegetable soup and a grilled cheese for lunch today!! we will eat at noon and maybe have time for a nap!! see you later. Big Maude
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47497: Lucy - it was me. . .check out Lindamood Bell. They have a learning center in Atlanta and the program does work but it costs and it is intense but you will see results. You can check it out by googling lindamood-bell. Let them guide you -trust me, all schools should be doing the lindamood bell therapy starting in kindergarten.

homemaker
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47498: That wasn't very good grammar up there - sorry!
hm
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47499: Good morning, everyone. Lucy, it's great to hear that things are improving in the "Battle of the Boys". I'll be praying that the trend continues.

It's cold here! COLD! It's 32 degrees! Honeys and dears, in Texas, that's cold! And it's supposed to get colder - can you imagine? What happened to that forecast that said it would hit 27 last night and go up into the 70's today? Not gonna happen, I don't think it'll get above 35.

Wow! A slushy sleet is falling right now, and I'm supposed to be taking my car into Dallas for an oil and filter change. I'm very conscientious about that, and it's time, but I'm thinking that another day or two won't matter! Think I'll just stay tucked in here with a warm Plum, and do the car thing another day.

Have a blessed afternoon, friends. Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47500: Hello porch.
Hey Maude, that lunch sounds real good on a cold day like today. I'll take the chicken noodle please. And do you have any of those little yellow cookies?

Boo, you mean to tell me that you and Sue Grigsby share the same hair doers? (I don't know how to spell beautician so I call them hair doers) This just might make the newspaper!

Spot, thanks for the lobster last night. It was good eatin.

Hope y'all have a sweet day.

Asa
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47501: Didn't see you there Romeena. Hey, it was 2 here this morning. Our high yesterday was 24. Supposed to be 27 today. A regular heatwave.
Homemaker, yer lucky I don't hit women!

Asa
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47502: Good afternoon everyone. Well, its unseasonably warm here; it's 65 right now.

LUCY: Unfortunately, yes, the Mrs. does have to work. We really don't have a lot of debt, just the mortage, a car payment, and the kid's school besides the normal utilities and insurance bills. And our mortgage is very reasonable for this area. I just don't make a whole lot (that danged liberal arts education!). We can't go teh "downsizing" house route; our house already is about as small as you can find, plus right now the average cost of a home is over $320,000 in our region. We paid a whole lot less than that. Heck, our mortage is even cheaper than rent. Rent on a two-bedroom apartment in our area starts at $850. We don't want to move out of the area anyway because both our parents are here. I grew up close to both sets of grandparents, and the Mrs. never knew hers, so it's very important to us that our kids have their's while they can. In our family, the Mrs. makes nearly double what I do. Sad, but true. I wish it were different, let me tell you, and not because I care who makes more but I'd love for her to have an easier time of it. She enjoys work, but enjoys being with her kids much more.

Talk to y'all later.

Me-They
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47503: Good morning... getting close to noon actually.
Thanks for the greeting Lucy. Yipeeee, the cold front made it here (south Texas) around 10 a.m. What part of the country are you from, Asa, that you are so lucky to get all the icy weather?! I have a good hot chocolate mix recipe if anyone is interested. My hubby said it's about time to mix some up.

Blessings to you all today,
Miss Peggy
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47504: Me-They, you sound like a very mature individual, a man who is quite comfortable in his masculinity and doesn't have anything to prove. You have evaluated the situation, determined what works best for the over-all good for your whole family, and have made your plans accordingly. A lesser man might insist on being the "big" breadwinner, at the expense of his children's education and the security of a home. I applaud you. --Romeena
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47505: MDC- Just read your post from yesterday. Sometimes I am a 'happy nut' :), but no, I'm still Miss Peggy.

Romeena- Do you enjoy being a nurse? I always wanted to be a nurse, but had a high school teacher talk me into being an elem. school teacher. I love kids! Right now, I've been homeschooling my girls for the past 7 years. Still have something in the medical field in the back of my mind for later, if the Lord leads. I love those medical shows on t.v.

Miss Peggy
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47506:
hi
Quick one on lunch hour. BTW, to new folks my handle MDC stands for Mr Darlin's Cuz and AFD is for Andy's Favorite Dish. DWF is for Deputy Warren furgeson.
There's a few more abbrev, but cnt recall them no.
Back to work,
MDC
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47507: Asa stands for.... Asa! :)

Asa
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47508: Hi, Miss Peggy. Generally speaking, yes, I enjoy being a nurse. Perhaps not as much now, at age 67 and with 27 years of it behind me, but yes, I guess I do. I was 37 when I entered nursing school, 40 when I got my license, and in the years since then, there have been good times and not-so-good times, but overall, I would do it again. I've worked at the same hospital from day one, and wouldn't change that, either. I don't know your age, but it doesn't matter. If you still feel you want to get involved, then go for it. My children ranged from 9 to 20 when I started school, and I had another job as well. It can be done.

Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47509: Wow, Romeena, I commend you for your hard work!
Shouldn't you be retired and sitting on the porch full time now? You deserve the rest! I will be 47 in February. I'm committed to homeschooling until my youngest graduates. That will put me at 54. Will just have to see how things unfold. Thanks for the encouragement.

Miss Peggy
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47510: Thanks, ROMEENA. That means a lot.

Now, I'm not sure, but I think they sighted Ted Kennedy over at the Circle K in Richardson. If you go over any underpasses in the vicinity, look up.

Talk to you good people tomorrow. Have a good one.

Me-They
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47511: Hey gang...its just plane HOT here in ga!...hit 70 or better today...hey,m-t,skippy,To,Rev,ro,boo,fg,asa, miss peggy,possum,lucy,mil,hm and all else...tonight its chicken and dumplings,corn bread and big maude slaw....well im off to meet miss sherry to shop...whew...SPOT
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47512: Good grief! It's snowing here in Texas! I'm sitting at my big window, and watching the snow falling on my deer, my UNlighted deer, as the GFI tripped again last night, and the deer are now unplugged. I'd be out there trying to fix them, but it's just too cold! I'm staying in, and working on my Christmas tree instead. Deer, schmeer, until it gets warmer, or at least isn't wet out there. --Romeena
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47513: Romeena,if it can snow in Charleston S.C.,then it makes perfect sense that it would be snowing over there in Texas! At least you're getting your snow after Thanksgiving!
Think I'll go over to the Morrison Sisters and get some elixir- today marks the end of hurricane season! Now,if that ain't a National holiday,it should be-especially after last year.
Too tired to rock-gonna hit the ironing board soon.Y'all have a good evening!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47514:
Ro- yes, I heard on the news about your storm. I guess Oklahoma City got socked as well.
Did they close your DFW airport? I think i heard that.
It was 28 for the low here in Phoenix last night. That's cold for us, but at least i can still see my weber grill! ha
ASA- I could come up with a good handle for your ASA letters, but this is a family porch! haha
Is your weber covered like the pic shows on the photo album site from last year?
LUCy-sound like things are MUCH improved. Glad you got him on the natural calmer-downer. Prayers continue for you and yours.
APB for Charlotte, Idelle, Jennie Boone, Mrs Wiley, BWB, Hazel, MARY wiggins,DIXIE!, STERLING, colt, Irishster, KY girl, and others. Please come home for Christmas. We gotta get the brown truck off the blocks and outfit it with the skis.
SPOT- can you set up a slotcar track for us so MD and me wont go thru the shakes! ha Still love your grub! I gar-un-tee!
ME They- what state are you again?
No one said anything about it, but after hearing several eyewitnesses, i am convinced that the imam thing on the plane was comepletly planned!
Prayers for our brave TROOPS, all porchsters and families,God bless ya all! I'll pass out the comforters. ya all snuggle up in your rockers.
MDC
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47515:
Hi Postum under a rock, didnt see ya there for all the snow!
MDC
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47516:
"I'll tell ya how to get postum from under a rock, ya could jab at it with a stick..."
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47517: Hi All.
Romeen, Possum- keep all that snow are there.
I do not want it here, because it will to cold .
Will my siss lost her mom in law tonight may she be in peacs.

love tom

November 30, 2006 - Msg 47518: At least Ted Kennedy isn't in Texas!

Hey Peggy, that front came through here at about 10am and I am in South Texas. Where are you?? I am just outside of Corpus.

I am jealous of Romeena's snow! When I went in to have my hair done it was 80 degrees, when I came out it felt like 30!

Me-They, you are not in the ideal situation but you are both doing a great job. One day things will get easier.

Better go get the kids in bed.

Boo
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47519: Good evening, all. Lest anybody be confused about our weather conditions here, what we got could just barely, by a real stretch of imagination, be called snow. It was more like white frozen dust. Very fine, dry as powder, and didn't cover anything except tabletops, and bare patches of dirt in flowerbeds. Mostly, it's just cold!

MDC, I'm absolutely convinced that the whole thing with those Muslim "clerics" on the plane was carefully planned. Their aim is to force our gutless PC government to ease the security restrictions on air travel, thus their threat of a "boycott". I say, let them boycott. Personally, I'll feel a lot safer flying these days if those people are earthbound. I don't trust them, not a single one of them, and when I see a Middle Eastern-looking person on a flight when I board, I'm very nervous about it. If ever there was a reason for racial profiling, I'd say they have given us plenty, and should not be surprised if we do it. And, while I'm on the soapbox, I'll say it again - we need to disband the ACLU before they destroy this country completely. In my opinion, that organization is on the devil's payroll.

Well, I'm off to bed. I'm ready for a good night's sleep. The Plum is already there, smack in the middle of my pillow, snoring her fluffy little head off, otherwise she'd say ho, ho, ho! --Romeena
November 30, 2006 - Msg 47520: Evening!

Just making myself a cup of hot cocoa! Nothing better then that on a cold night like this!

Romeena, ya gotta love having the pet on the bed though! I love it when my cat jumps on my bed, although somtimes it's hard to get to sleep with him on!

MDC, I agree, I hope everyone come's back for christmas! Wouldn't it be nice to have the whole porch family rocking on their chairs, on the porch at chrstmas?

Well, keep warm, sleep tight and don't let Ernest T bite!

Night.

Deputy Warren Ferguson


December 01, 2006 - Msg 47521: Yes, Warren, that would be a great Christmas gift. I was thinking about when Don Knotts passed away, how people we hadn't seen on the porch in years came back. I guess porch family is alot like real family; we come together for love and support during a crisis but kind of take each other for granted at other times.

Ro, I don't know enough about the situation you spoke of to comment. Unfortunately I have not been keeping up with the news lately. What is the ACLU up to?

It is 30 degrees here this morning and it feels great to me.

I want to ask your prayers about something. My dad has a case of bronchitis, not a bad one but he is starting on antibiotics. He has not pneumonia or fluid in his lung bases. Anyway, he really wants to take the trip to Colorado in a week. The doc said he felt like he shouldn't go into higher elevations for 2 or 3 months but I don't think dad will listen to him. Also, I'm not so sure the doc is right on this one. Dad has been to Colorado before with such problems. He has chronic problems with his lungs and he just lives to take these trips. He is 80 years old and while I certainly don't want anything to happen to him, I don't want him to spend the rest of his days (and they are probably not many) sitting in the house dreaming of going somewhere. I am really torn about what to do and I don't want to have to make the decision because if I do and something happens to him, I don't think I could handle the guilt. I am thinking about maybe taking him anyway and just staying in the lower elevations instead of going up to the higher ones. Please pray that the Lord will make it clear what we should do for him. Thanks!

Better go get the kids up...

Boo
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47522: Good morning ya'll - I'll take that hot cocoa recipe. I usually make some here and my boys enjoy it but I always like a new recipe!

It was 50 here when I awoke but heading south fast. No snow - just RAIN! RAIN! RAIN! and wind. A tornado watch until 10 and wind advisory until later tonite. Lots of tree limbs all over the place. A skiff of snow is predicted but nothing major -

Did anyone else hear about the young Republicans in TX having an ACLU nativity scene: Gary and Joseph, no baby Jesus because that is religious, Taliban shepherds, and the wise men are three communists (Lenin, Marx, ? can't remember the third). Unfortunately - it is pretty true. I noticed today that the small town where my husband works is usually full of Nativity scenes in front of the major office buildings - didn't see too many today! How very sad and what a commentary to our children.

I don't know about your poppa Boo - not sure what I would do. My parents are in good health and getting ready to build a new house. My dad is 83 and my mom is 82. They are in negotiations about selling their 40 acres of prime ground. It is in an extremely good location and they are getting a bundle. I am happy for them - I hope that I am as secure as they are at 83.

Well - I need to get something done. . .

Peace of Christmas to you all!!

homemaker
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47523: Mornin' Porch,
Is everyone cold enough? It is warm now-60's, but the temperature should be dropping throughout the day here in Atlanta. Does everyone have their Christmas decorations up? My goal is to get the house good and clean and then put up my collectibles this weekend. I'll probably wait for Bryan to put up the tree. I can do it, but its such a pain! I wish we could have a live tree, but he doesn't want to in our apartment. I think I may buy a live wreath and put it in the living room to have the wonderful evergreen smell.
Me-They- My sister and BIL are in your same situation. She makes much more money than he does so she needs to work. I believe they could live on his income, but since they are having problems she feels she needs to work just in case. I,too, admire your attitude. You have the right perspective. I will continue to pray for your wife.
MDC- I thought of you this morning when I heard that Phoenix airport is going to have the first body scan machines in the US.
Romeena- Hubby is in Austin and he said it was very cold there. He only took his windbreaker and he was wearing short sleeves! I'm glad you didn't drive in that ice. It's dangerous stuff.
Miss Peggy- I homeschooled my 8 year old from K-1/2 of 2nd. We loved homeschooling.
Homemaker- I'm going to call Linda Mood Bell this morning to see if they offer any kind of scholarships. Thank you for your information.
Boo- Even though I'm married to one, doctor's don't know everything. At 80 years of age, and if he has his wits about him, he should be able to make the decision of what he wants to do. Did you like your haircut?
Spot- Are you shopping at Town Center? Your brave! I did most of mine online this year.
In town they are having a Old Towne market today so I'm going to go there and then to lunch with a friend. Everyone have a wonderful day!
Blessings to you and yours,
~Lucy
It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47524: Hi All.
Will it 70- here this morin, but will fall off to in the 20 tonight that to cold for me.
My siss lost your mother in law last night so it not to happy of the day your hub.

love tom
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47525: Morning porch.busy here at work with the wind!....back in a bit...SPOT
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47526: Good morning on this absolutely gorgeous day! Here's the hot chocolate recipe... simple, but good. Four ingredients: 8 quart box powdered milk, 6 ounce jar coffee mate, 1 pound box powdered sugar, and 1 pound box Nestle Quik. Mix altogether and store in air tight container. I always put a couple drops of vanilla extract in my mug. Gives it a little extra zing!

Boo, I live about 60 miles south of Houston in a small town called Clute, home of the "Great Mosquito Festival"! I just know you've heard of it. LOL Will be praying about your Dad. We're at an age where having to help with health decisions with our folks and it's not easy. I keep thinking that they should still be my age! My parents live just 10 minutes from me and they are such a blessing. Can't imagine life without them.
SPOT, what's for lunch? I'll fix the tea.

Miss Peggy
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47527: Good morning everyone. Everyone talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it. Didn't Calvin Coolidge say that? I feel for you cold people out there. Right now it's 75 degrees here, which is about 25 degrees above normal for a high. It's downright muggy, because it rained last night. Gosh I hate humidity. We are expecting thunderstorms and heavy wind gusts (up to 60 mph) later today. Tomorrow the high is supposed to be a more seasonable 40.

Where has AUH2O been? Seem to recall he popped in last week and left a cryptic note about having a problem. HORATIO, AFD, STERLING, MAVIS, IDELLE and some others also have gone missing. Haven't heard DIXIE in ages. Is there a party somewhere that I'm missing?

MDC: I'm in mid-western Maryland, about 30 miles east of Baltimore and 40 miles northwest of DC.

BOO: I agree with LUCY, if you're father is of reasonable mind he should be able to make his own decisions, unless of course they are downright dangerous. This one sounds borderline. But if he knows and understands the risks, he's a big boy.

HM: I hate always feel bad when I hear about farmland becoming a development, though I certainly understand why it happens.

Around here, agricultural land is disappearing at an alarming rate. Thankfully, the good ‘ole boy local governments are finally giving way to people who are willing to explore the damage unmanaged growth has on the community. Our schools are all overcrowded and traffic on highways is getting ridiculous. Also, I just hate to see the disappearance of the family farms. It just means more large agri-business and commercial farms. But, like I said, I understand why it happens; for many farmers their land is their retirement, and for others no one wants to continue the farming tradition (and who can blame them considering the difficulties?). I’m glad that your parents will be able to enjoy their “golden” years.

ROMEENA: No one gets more frustrated and angry at the ACLU than I do. However, I don’t think it’s necessarily the mission of the ACLU that is the problem; it’s generally how they apply it. Unfortunately they often seem bent on being anti-religious and do a lot of damage to our nation, in my opinion. But, sometimes they do champion the right side. Some of their civil rights litigation actually is in defense of our ability to exercise our faith. Historically, they have been on the “right” side in a number of important decisions since the First World War. Even today, they sometimes actually partner the ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice, a major Christian legal defense organization led by Jay Seculo, whom you may have heard of).

I'd be nervous about those flights, too.

That sort of brings up something that I have brought up from time to time with friends. As Christians, we must be very, very careful about the power we instill in our leaders to curb civil liberties. Today, with the danger of terrorism from extremists lurking and a Christian president, it may seem like a good idea. But remember, the authority and liberties we hand over to this president will also be received by his successors. And they may not be as much to our liking. They may even be hostile to Christianity. With the trajectory our culture is on, it’s not paranoid to imagine that one day conservative Christians may be seen not only by liberals as dangerous extremists, but by our government as well. Now many of us feel under attack from the judiciary (no nativity scenes at city hall!) but how much worse would it be when those who speak out against sin are labeled as subversive or dangerous? No, we’d better watch what we support; “there but by the grace of God go I.”

That's enough soapbox for today. For all you ACLU members out there...MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Me-They
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47528: So sorry for your family's loss, TOM. You have my prayers.

M-T
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47529: Howdy friends......lunch is on me. Ham & cheese sammiches and chips, applesauce cake and coffee. Eat up!
Millie
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47530: Miss Peggy lunch will be tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.....hey mil,prayers TOM...busy busy here at work....thanks for the tea Peg...SPOT
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47531: opps.....2 lunches...Asa will be happy....SPOT
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47532: Hay Romeen- do you have don home address for I can send him a card.
I'm working on my list of who I will send one to .

LOVE TOM

December 01, 2006 - Msg 47533: M-T. . .I too do not like to see farmland disappear. The man buying the land is going to use it to develop mulch. From what I understand, you have to spread the mulch and treat it then you gather it back up and have mulch. So, at least it will not be another factory. Honda bought several hundred acres to build their new North American plant here so land is selling around at an alarming rate. New homes and businesses are popping up everywhere.

We still continue our goat farming and we have about 24 acres to run goats. We are hoping that once we build - we can raise some beef for our freezer and the in-laws freezer as well.

It is now 30 degrees and WINDY here. Power is sporadically down around here due to the wind.

Well - everyone have a great weekend. We may get our tree up this weekend.

homemaker
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47534: HM, make sure your freezer works good before you try to store that beef, or youmight have to CALL THE MAN!
Millie
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47535: That'n was a good one, MILLIE.

M-T
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47536: Well, I'm outta here. Y'all have a great weekend. Stay warm or cool, whichever suits. Prayers for all.

Me-They
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47537: Just popping in, on my way to a SS party, but wanted to respond to your question about your dad, Boo. Your point about his age, not many days left to enjoy, etc. - is well taken. One question - what is his hemoglobin level? If he has chronic respiratory problems, he may very well have compensated by building a higher Hgb level than average, which would make it a bit less risky for him. Also, I'd be tempted to get a tank of O2 and a nasal line, and have it available if he needs it, and go ahead and take him. Start out at the lower elevations, and if he is doing okay and wants to do it, then go higher. Your doctor is absolutely correct medically in what he's saying, which you know as well as I do. However, there comes a time when quality means more than quantity, and I know you know that by now as well. We made some decisions when my dad was in his last months that might not have been perfectly correct from a medical standpoint, but they made him happy, and that's what mattered to him and the family. We just wanted him to enjoy whatever time he had left, and he did, I think. --Romeena
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47538:
MeThey- 2 words that scare me more than any nuclear bomb...Ruth Ginsberg!
Are you sure those 2 organizations work with each other? All of Jay's letters talk about the evil of the aclu!
Hmmmm.
BOO- I will be praying for you and your father's situation, and for his healing.
Anyone have any good Christmas Stories?
"Hey look everybody, I'm handin' out wings"
SPOT- keep that power on. Are the crosses up yet?
Ya all take care,
MDC
"
Look, it's incribed on the back"

"Five"
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47539: Well said, Ro. I can tell we are on the same page. Thanks,

Boo
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47540: Hey, MDC. Thanks for the prayers (you too Peggy).

Peggy, I go to Houston frequently to take my son to the doctor there and I go through Victoria and Edna, etc. I don't remember ever seeing a town named Clute. Is it very small?

Been making a gingerbread house with the kids and now the mess has to be cleaned up....Santa bring me a dishwasher for Christmas!

Boo
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47541: Goodnight folks! Blessings to all!
~Lucy
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47542: Boo, I don't know the population of Clute, but I've heard that both city limits signs are on the same stick. Does that give you an idea?

You asked what the ACLU is up to now? Here's an excerpt from the most recent letter from Jay Sekulow, of the ACLJ, which Me-They referenced in #47527:

In Case #3-06-0924, Doe v. Wilson County School System, the ACLU has sued the Wilson County School District, Lakeview Elementary School, the school principal, and two teachers for what they have deemed ''illegal acts.''

The ACLU claims that the plaintiffs ''have been harmed ... injured ... and suffered irreparable damage'' through the ''Christmas program with Christian themes and songs.'' The ACLU is asking that those actions be declared ''unconstitutional and illegal.''

It gets even worse. The ACLU alleges that several KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS role-played a nativity scene of the birth of Jesus - AND HAD THE AUDACITY TO SING ''AWAY IN THE MANGER'' AND ''JOY TO THE WORLD.''

Somebody's kids have suffered irreparable harm because some other kids acted out a Nativity scene and sang carols? Puh-leeeze! It's sickening.

While it may be true that the ACLU started out with the intent of helping disadvantaged folks, and may even have acted on the side of right on a few occasions, the fact remains that they're at the forefront of some of the most bitter battles for religious freedom in this country today. If they had their way, the names of God and Jesus would never be invoked again, and religion would be practiced in secret and discussed in hushed whispers, lest someone else "suffer irreparable harm." I believe that the few cases where they seem to be on the side of right are offered as a sop to those of us who see them for what they really are. The day that I see them take up a case against radical Muslims, tell the vocal minority to shut up and let the majority rule as our constitution mandates, on that day I'll consider changing my opinion of them. Until then, I consider the entire organization to be on a par with the Muslims, who shout "death to the infidels!" (That's us Christians, you know.) The ACLU wants us just as dead as the Muslims do, or at least, if not dead, then silent and invisible.

And that, Boo, is what they're doing now. --Romeena
December 01, 2006 - Msg 47543: Tom, I don't have Don's permission to give his mailing address to anyone, but I'll email him about it. He might be a while in responding, as I think he and his wife travel quite a bit. I'll try, though. I think it's very nice of you to want to send him a Christmas card. --romeena
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47544: Hey Folks

Me-They Thanks for your concern. I didn't mean to be cryptic the other day I thought I'd be able to stop back but we've had a bit of a "family" situation the last couple of weeks. I don't want to bore everyone with all the details but a family member went into the hospital and "power of attorney" and "healthcare proxies" had to be drawn up, the hospital couldn't or wouldn't (a little of both I think) release any info to family. On top of all of that a close family friend passed.

homemaker I'm sorry I missed out on the Thanksgiving project but I still plan on sending my package out.

Lucy I can remember a "Green Christmas" when I was a kid, sometime back in the 70's, but that's it just the one. Last year was close to another green one but we got about 2 feet of snow on the 22nd, I think it was the 22nd. I agree with ya, after the holidays I have very little use for snow. I love baseball and Spring Training starts in mid February so I just keep my eyes on that.

Well, it's 26 degrees and snowing now so it looks like a lot of us are having the same weather.

Romeena (and others) It is comforting to know that there is a kindred heart in the never ending battle against the Kennedy's.

Miss Peggy I don't believe we've been introduced, howdy!

Has there been any word on colt? To be honest I still think of him as pipeman.

God Bless,
auh2o
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47545: Hey auh2o. Good to see you back. I hope all is well with your situation. I'm with you concerning snow after Christmas. I'm ready for spring by Jan.2nd. Ha! Fat chance around here. Jan. is usually the coldest month for us. Oh well, it makes March very welcome when it does roll around.

O.K. Boo, or anyone. Here's another quote or two. Match them with the Christmas movie.

1. Look what you did you little jerk!
2. You used all the glue on purpose. NOT A FINGER!
3. Ohh, did I break wind again?
4. We are now the Sticky Bandits!

Asa
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47546: HI Auh2o. So sorry about the death of your friend and your recent family "situation". Prayers for you and them.

By the way, all my Christmases have been green except for 2 of them...one when I was in Michigan at age 14 and then 2 Chritsmases ago when it actually snowed on Christmas eve here in South Texas. I would love for that to happen again, except that when it happened here, everything came to a standstill. Very few people knew how to drive in it and there are no snow plows around here, if you know what I mean. It was kind of like the old days when people didn't travel so much on the holidays. What was really neat was that in our neighborhood, we had a hill behind the house and everyone on the street was out there late on Christmas eve and all day Christmas day, sledding on surfboards, inner tubes, you name it! You should have seen the joy that snow brought to everyone. To see all those adults playing like children for hours, it was really heart-warming. It was a great Christmas gift.

Wow, Ro. Thanks for the information. I need to stay better informed about things. It sounds like with the ACLU, the pedulum has swung way too far in the wrong direction.

Boo
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47547: Oh hey, ASA, didn't see you there. OK, here goes...

1} Home Alone
2}A Christmas Story
3} Christmas Vacation (I'm thinking Aunt Bethany but I'm not sure)?
4} ..I don't have a clue....

Boo
4}
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47548: Very good Boo. #4 is Home Alone 2.

Asa
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47549: Not alot going on here..trying to get into the spirit if the holidays. I need to clean my apartment, and get motivated to think about gifts for family, but having a hard time. I am so grateful for all the Lord has done for me this year. As the Gaithers sing, "If it keeps getting better and better O Lord, I dont know what I'm gonna do!"
Prayers for all
fun girl
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47550: Mdc got the crosses up!..they look grand, will get a pic to ro...lets all get those pics to her...hey boo,fg ya can come clean the dog house after your apt!...hey Asa,horatio,Tom,Rev,hm,mil,lucy,maude,skippy,peggy and all!...cool here in ga...here at work till 6 pm..all lights are on...the Good Old Ga Tech jackets play for the sec championship today!...well lunch will be at subway on asa....SPOT
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47551: Nice to meet you too, Auh2o! Romeena, you crack me up with your comment about Clute! Boo, Clute is close to Freeport... on the coast. Almost through with my Christmas shopping. Just a couple more things. Then I can sit back and relax until I have to get ready for company, which will be here on Christmas day staying through New Year's Day! Anybody that wants to get your mop out can come and help me clean. Well, I need to get to the mall. Check you all later.

Miss Peggy
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47552: Howdy, everybody! Miss Peggy, I'll come help you clean, if you'll come back home with me and help me finish up my Christmas tree and then help me clean up the mess. I've got the back part of it decorated (lightly) and it's now back into its corner, but the sides and front are nearly bare. Oh, well, that part goes pretty fast. I should be able to finish this evening.

For those of you who have the Game Show Network on your TV provider, I'd like to invite you to be watching at 8p.m. EST tomorrow night, Sunday night. The WorldWide Web Games tournament will be televised, and my son's wife was a contestant. She is an amazing player of one of the games - Zuma. I play it, score around 750,000. She consistently scores over 3 million. She was the top Zuma player, scoring better than any other contestant, and they came from all over the world. However, they were also required to play two other games - Solitaire and Bejeweled - and she had never played either one very much. She didn't know that part until about a week before the tournament, so no time to practice. Therefore, she didn't win the One Million Dollar (!) prize, even though she beat everyone else at Zuma. She was not invited to attend until about three weeks before the tournament, because she had only just started playing in the web-based tournaments, and therefore had just come to the attention of the tournament officials. She had downloaded the game about a year ago and just played at home, which is what I do. Anyway, she and my son had a paid weekend in Los Angeles, and she had fun competing. I don't know how much exposure she'll have in the televised portion of the tournament, but she says the cameras were everywhere, so she should appear at least now and then. She's a pretty girl with a beautiful smile and long, very curly dark hair. Her name is Brittney. My son, if he appears, is 6'5", about 260, and will likely be seen watching her with an indulgent expression on his face. They're quite a pair.

Well, back to the Christmas tree. Just wanted to let you folks know that my kids will be on TV. Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47553: Miss Peggy, I looked at a Texas map and see where you are now, can't say I have ever been there, though. Do you ever come to Corpus?

Ro, I don't get the Game Show Network, unfortunately. Maybe you can put a picture of her in your site sometime. You have quite a few pictures of children and animals but not many pictures of people in your family. Good luck on your tree. Wish I was there to help you get it done and cleaned up. I just finished putting the lighted garland on the mantle and it looks so pretty. I used to use white lights on it, which looked great but I started puting colored twinkle lights on it last year and I like it even better, I think.

I'm waiting for me sister to get here and help me make some costumes. She is director of an organization here similar to Toys For Tots and they do a float in the local Chrismas parade. This year they are doing a nativity theme with children and Erin is playing the part of Mary. I have to make her costume, Josephs's and the angel's. They already have the wings and halo so it should be simple to do. Problem is, it is supposed to be cold and rainy that night so it might get cancelled or the kids may have to wear coats over their robes! I'll get some pictures to send to Ro's site if all goes well.

Better go. Had to take some migraine medicine today. I had not had a headache in months until this week...might be the stress of the holidays (can I get an "Amen"?!).

Boo

Here's a Christmas movie quote for you, ASA:

"Ow!! Son of a Nutcracker!!"
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47554: TOM.. my prayers go out to you and your family
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47555: Hey ever'body! Hope everyone is busy doing happy things today! I've been at the restaurant getting my dishwasher fixed all morning, I think I need a nap! Oh, wee, it's parent's night out at the church from 5 to 8, so we hope to get some Xmas shopping done. I haven't done any yet.
Well, I'm just about bald now. By tommorow it will be all gone. I ordered some new hair, but it won't be here til tues or wed.....gonna be kinda weird til then. People give such looks....like it pains THEM to see me. I hate thet pitying look. Nobody should pity me...I've got it all! Way more blessings in my life than I ever expected. I guess seeing me makes people think about theeir own mortality. They must not have the reassurance of everasting life. I am so blessed.
Going out to get more twinklers(what my kids call lights) for outside decorating. See all y'all later.
Spot, want me to do dinner?
Millie
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47556: Oh my Millie, what a blessing you are for us. What a sweet spirit you exude. You are dealing with something we will all face in one way or another. Most are not comfortable with doing so, but you are a breath of fresh air. May Gods blessings be poured out on you and yours greatly.

Asa
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47557: Thanks for the post, Millie, it was a blessing. It's so true that having the Lord makes all the difference. We all face tough trials in this life and knowing that this life is not all there is gives so much joy. Hope your hair arrives soon! Good luck with those lights, Clark...hope you are good with "exterior illumination"...heehee

Asa, Millie is a shining example of how God's grace is enough, and then some...seeing it in action is wonderful, isn't it?

Well, off to mother-in-law's house for a visit. She lives in the little town of George West. Ever heard of it, Peggy....I wonder if it is bigger than Clute. Probably not...

Boo
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47558: Hey, Boo, I know where George West is. Roughly, anyway. You and Miss Peggy keep naming towns I haven't heard of since I moved to north Texas. How about Freer - know where that is? Oh, about that Christmas parade, better not publicize it too much or the ACLU will be there to make you take the scary nativity scene out. Might do somebody "irreparable harm". Argh.

Millie, you are a wonder in this world. Your spirit and joy are an inspiration to us all. I only hope that when my challenges come, and they will, I'll be able to face them with the same unflagging courage and strength and faith that you demonstrate every day. As for the looks people give you during these "no hair" days, I say let 'em look. As Mr. T is saying on TV lately - "I pity the fool."

Have made a lot of progress on the tree, got about four hours to go, by a loose estimate. That tree is a project, believe me. No help, but I wouldn't accept it if someone offered. My tree is my pet project, and I like to do it myself. Sugarplum tries to help by relocating things for me, but it's not a lot of help, I'm afraid. She says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47559: gREETO
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47560: Hey, all. Tom, I heard from Don, and he is happy for me to give you his mailing address, so I'll send it to you. I won't publish it here, but will snail mail it to you instead. He is so gracious and kind.

Well, back to my tree. Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47561: CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO THE PORCH, I HAVE "LURKED" AND FOLLOWED THE PORCH OFF AND ON FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS NOW, HAVE BEEN REAL QUIET AND MADE A POST ONLY ONE TIME I THINK...MAYBE CALLED MYSELF THE MAN WITH NO NAME..BUT I THINK ITS ABOUT TIME I SAT ON THE PORCH FOR A TIME. I WILL IDENTIFY MYSELF AS THE FRIEND OF TOM IN WV...CALL ME DON. I HAVE EXCHANGED GREETINGS WITH YOUR FELLOW PORCHSTER, ROMEENA SEVERAL TIMES WHEN THERE WAS A NEED. SHE IS A GOOD GAL TO HAVE FOR A FRIEND..I CONSIDER HER TO BE THAT. YOU ALL HAVE SOMETHING GREAT GOINT,,,KEEP IT UP..I WANT TO WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR..GOD BLESS....DON
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47562: Hey Don, great to have ya.

Deputy Warren Ferguson
December 02, 2006 - Msg 47563: Evenin' Porch,
We had a wonderful day! Almost Mayberry-ish. Thankfully we dropped Nick off for paintball for 5 hrs. Bryson played with a neighbor at his house so I wrapped presents for 2+ hrs. With little hiding places it's easiest to wrap as it arrives. We went to the town lighting tonight, with free Starbuck's gingerbread coffee (the boys loved it while I gagged). Then, they had secret santa. I gave the boys $20 each and they are done. Nick wants to give his girlfriend something, but I'm not sure if at age 12 it's appropriate. What do y'all think? I folded laundry tonight while watching the Hallmark movie and britcoms. I love this time of year. Everyone seems happier than usual.
Don- Nice to meet you. Please join us often. Any friend of Tom and Romeena's is a friend of mine.
Millie- Thank you for putting things in perspective. Sometimes we take things for granted that we normally wouldn't. God has put you on this Earth for a reason-to show that if you have faith you can overcome all obstacles!
Fungirl- You can do it! You can make it through this Christmas season. Give it to God.
Boo- Make sure you send pics of Erin as Mary to Romeena. I'm sure she'll be adorable. Does she hold a real baby or a baby doll for Jesus?
Auh20- Most of my Christmases have been white except for a few. I'm praying it snows this year. I think it will help Nick deal with not having his sister for Christmas for the first time in 11 years. I love snow. Baseball season is great. We're Braves fans. What team do you follow?
Spot- Did Tech win tonight?
APB- Mavis, Idelle,Mary Wiggins, KyGirl, Charlotte Tucker, Rev
Tom- Can you check on Mavis again?
MDC- Did you ever get in touch with Colt's wife? I pray that he's okay.
Romeena- I don't get the game show network either, but my Mom does and she loves it. I'll tell her about the show. Thank you.
It's about that time. I'll check in tomorrow. Sorry for my long posts all of the time!
Hey to Goober, Big Maude, MD, DWF, and everybody on the Porch.
Blessings to you and yours,
Lucy M.

December 02, 2006 - Msg 47564: I like your long posts, Lucy. To answer your question, I think Erin will be sitting beside a manger with a doll in it.

Hey Don, hope you come back to visit often!

Romeena, sure I know where Freer is...how about Three Rivers or Swinney Switch? Do you remember those? Concerning the nativity float, let 'em complain! ha

Here is another Christmas movie quote. I think it's an easy one: "My old man could change a fuse quicker than a jack rabbit on a date!"~~

Boo
December 03, 2006 - Msg 47565: Wow, hey Don! So good to have you on the porch, and we really hope you'll become a regular. This old porch is expandable, can accommodate as many rockers as we have people to sit on 'em! Thank you for the kind words, and may I say that when it comes to good friends, you'd win every time.

Lucy, it sounds like things are relatively peaceful in your household right now, and I truly pray it stays that way. There will probably be little hiccups, but it will be wonderful if there are no major explosions over the holidays.

Now let's see, Boo. I know Three Rivers, but can't say I've ever heard of Swinney Switch. Sounds like one of those little spot-in-the-road towns that came up years ago to support a railroad switchyard. Am I right?

Well, my tree is almost finished. All decorated, just need to do the bottom stuff - got the white drape down beneath the tree, but am too tired to build Snowman Town, so I'm off to bed. Tomorrow is another day. Will go to church, then either to my comadre's house for lunch, or out somewhere with some other friends. Then home to finish the tree, clean up the living room, put out all the little finishing touches, and watch my DIL on the Game Show at 7 p.m. Right now, I'm pooped, time to go scoot the Plum over and settle in my spot, watch a little TV and drift off to sleep. Why DOES that furkid insist on falling asleep right where I always sleep? At least she makes a warm spot for me. A tiny one, but warm nevertheless. Bless her heart!

Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena