January 01, 2007 - Msg 48157: possum,glad you are back,how was the trip?can't wait to hear about it.You mentioned your laundry ,it made me think of last year when my washer broke,and,i couldn't afford to get a new one at the time.I got my moms old ringer washer,and,used it until i got a new one.I learned some interesting lessons about the washer and my laundry.One was,I am so used to using an automatic and it going to different cycles,and,shutting off by itself,that I would forget i had put clothes in the washer.2 hours later when I remembered it,especially if i was washing anything with blue jean material,my water was completely blue.Never did that in an automatic[then again i didn't wash them for 2 hours in that either]!The other thing i learned was that if there are any small toys,jewelry.my oldest daughters expensive lingerie[that there is barely anything of]will get caught under the agitator.I truly appreciate my automatic washer now!Yes,before you say it MDC,I'm from the head of a haller!-ky girl
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48158: wow,I swept again,I'm getting good at this!-ky girl
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48159: "And the next thing I knew, it was Happy New Year!" ~Barney Fife
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48160: Happy New Year all...David Alan Hall
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48161: Happy New Year, my porch pals! ~ Mrs. Wiley
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48162: Welcome, David Alan Hall. Grab a rocker and "set a spell". You'd be most welcome.

ky girl, I only recall two episodes where Andy and Barney visited the dump. One was when they were looking for the chain letter that Andy persuaded Barney to throw away, and the other was when Opie had published his little newspaper, with some embarrassing facts about Mayberry folks.

My realtor just called, has a pretty solid prospect to rent my house that has been vacant since June. It had rented for $1800 for nearly five years, and it looks like we're going to have to take $1400 for it now, but that's better than nothing, which is what I'm getting now. Due to the changing demographics around here, I guess I'm lucky to get $1400. Oh, well, I should be grateful, and I am. Just hope it goes through.

Well, back to TAGS. It's the Wakefield-Carter feud episode. I love that one! When Andy starts telling the Romeo and Juliet story, I just crack up. Aunt Bee's reaction as she's listening is too funny.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48163: Opie....."Boy, that Romeo and Juliet sure would make a good tv show!"
Mil
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48164: Ha, I love that episode at the dump....doesn't Andy find a magazine addressed to Barney or something??

Good luck renting the house, Ro. 1400.00 is better than zip. The Lord will take care of you (I know you already know that better than I do). I was thinking about what you said about so many of the voices of your loved ones being a memory. I am glad you have loving children that you can always call or make a visit to see...and you have us here on the porch. You can't hear us, of course but you can read us. I hope the porch will always stay together here because I know I will continue to need you good folks (and especially your prayers).

My cousin's wife took Sean and Erin to her house to stay the night and hubby is a federal employee so he has the day off tomorrow (due to the death of President Ford), so I think we are going to take in a late movie tonight. I want to see the movie "We Are Marshall". Bruce went to East Texas Baptist College in Marshall back in the 80's so he was already familiar with the story of how the football team died in the crash...very sad. I am hoping it will be a good movie...you all know how hard I am to please when it comes to movies.

Millie and Ro, question for either of you (I am a nurse but don't know much about chemo). I have a chruch friend named Jenni whose husband is getting chemo now. I think it's his first round after being diagnosed with colon cancer and having surgery. The docs said they caught it early but are doing the chemo to give him every chance. Anyway, his last dose was a week ago but last night he got very weak and kept passing out. They put him in the hospital and said he was dehydrated and that his kidney function was decreased. Does that sound typical for after chemo? I know anemia and dehydration could be but I don't know about the renal function. Any idea? Thanks.

Better go, hope you are all having a terrific New Year so far.

Boo
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48165: Well, Boo, I actually know very little about chemo, especially current treatment modalities. Even though I floated to the oncology floor fairly often, I never gave chemo, as those nurses are specially certified, and I never pursued that certification. However, I'd think the dehydration would lead to decreased kidney function - they can't get water out of a dry body - and that could be due to a sore mouth making it hard to take in fluids, or nausea, or just simply no desire for food or fluids. Also, he's probably anemic, though that would be unusual after just one round of drugs. The syncope (passing out, to you non-medical folks) is no doubt due to the dehydration. My guess is the hospital will put him on IVs and re-hydrate him, and he'll be fine. That's just my opinion, don't take it to the bank. --Romeena
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48166: Hey David...good sweep ky!......snack will be captian crunch and milk....hey Romeena,Mrs Wiley and all......SPOT
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48167: hey spot!captain crunch and milk sounds good!thanks Romeena for the answer to my question.yeah boo,you are right,in the chain letter episode,thats where Andy and Barney are at the dump,and,Andy finds the magazine addressed to Barney.-ky girl
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48168: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I didn't want y'all to think I'd forgotten you. Bryan goes back to work tomorrow after being off since 12/22. It was nice to have him all to ourselves. I had help with the boys.
Do y'all have resolutions this year? I'm still working on mine. Actually, they aren't resolutions they are goals!
Boo- Have fun having some alone time with Bruce! There's never enough opportunities with youngsters at home. Thank you for your comment on our pictures. In modeling school (my parents version of finishing school) I was taught the proper way to smile.
Romeena- I really love the part where Andy starts speaking in french. Thank you for your prompt return of our pictures.
Spot- I'll take some Captain Crunch. That was by far my favorite ceral as a youngster.
David Allan Hall- Welcome to our family, and we truly are a family on this porch. We may come from all parts of the country, but we really care for and respect eachother.
Millie- I was thinking of you today. I watched Sabrina w/Humphrey Bogart. Didn't you just adore that movie?
I'm gonna read a little bit before bed. Have any of y'all read "Home to Harmony"? I'm halfway through and it reminds me of the Mitford Series. We have to leave our 1am nights tonight so I'd better go.
Y'all have a wonderful week!
Blessings to you and yours,
~Lucy
Love your neighbors as you love yourself
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48169: Hey Porch,

David Allan Hall- Glad to meet ya! And, Welcome!

Lucy-Always enjoy reading your posts. No, I haven't read "Home to Harmony" but I did get a small stack of books from my girls again this Christmas. There is something exciting about enjoying a good book.

spot-Captain Crunch and milk! Is it any wonder you're the porch cook? That sounds great buddy.

Well, we lost what little bit of snow we had today, 40's and rainy will do that I guess.

'night friends,
auh2o
January 01, 2007 - Msg 48170: Sorry I missed your post david alan Hall,welcome to the porch.i have read the home to harmony book,it is so good.I like all of his books.i saw a special on pbs last night,it was Vince gill and garrison keeler walking to different places in nashville downtown,before he did his midnight show at the ryman auditorium.It was good.well,talk to you all later-ky girl
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48171: Wow Romeena, it's strange , but you made me feel a little better about my mortgage situation, I'm sure without even your intending to.
Our mortgage is $1200/month, which right now just seems overwhelming to me. We have never rented or had a mortgage even close to that. the highest we ever had was renting a house for $700/month down in Indiana, and that was BK(before Kai) and when we both had real good paying jobs.
To think that someone pays $1400 to $1800 a month, just helps me put my situation in some perspective, and it seems a little less overwhelming to me, what we have to pay.
So while I still am anxious about finding a job, your post has helped let me possibly get some sleep tonight. And I thank you. And God. Because I realize it was probably He that led you to post that info and He that led me to read it.

Hey David Allen Hall!

-Sterling Holobyte
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48172: HaPpY NeW YeAr PoRcH!

Deputy Warren Ferguson
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48173: Happy New Year Porch! Hope everyone had a great one! Hopefully things will settle down here some & I can get back to my rocker more often, ya'll didn't put it in storage did you? Got one more day off here then back to the grind stone tomorrow. My Christmas was pretty good, but the day after, I got a call from my sister (who btw, I didn't hear anything from on Christmas Day) telling me to forget I had a sister since I won't make anymore payments on the house I signed over to her. I had already decided I didn't have a sister anyway since I only hear from here when she wants something so....I figure she'll figure it out one day, but I can't sit around being upset about it, I gotta go on. Anyway, Ya'll have a good day & Act like somebody
*Mavis
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48174: My stars, Mavis, that still just blows me away. I cannot understand how your sister figures you should make the payments on a house you signed over to her. I would assume that there is some equity in the house, which is now hers, and that without that house she'd be paying rent or mortgage payments somewhere else? So what is her problem? I'm surprised she doesn't want you to pay the utility bills and buy her groceries as well. Maybe she should go sit in the grocery store, so everyone can see she's the big cheese! --Romeena
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48175: Good morning to you all. Happy 2007. Well, I am back at work after my week and 1 day off and am having a hard time getting back into the swing of things. seems like that week off went by pretty fast. My kids go back to school on
Thursday which is a weird to return that close to the end of the week but nobody asked me. You guys have a good day and Happy Tuesday. How about homemade soup, grilled ham and cheese and sweet tea for lunch today. see you at noon. Big Maude
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48176: Good afternoon everyone and a happy New Year! Wow. 2007 already! It seems like only Sunday it was 2006. I hope that you all enjoyed yourselves this weekend. The weather here was nice, though it did rain all day on Sunday. Actually, the weather here is freakish; it has been ridiculously warm for weeks now and they are projecting the highs all this week to be in the 50s, which is much, much warmer than typical for this time of year.

Thanks for all your comments regarding my philosophical question of riches last week. Your wisdom and thoughtfulness is evident. I can’t say as I disagreed even one little bit with the comments. Still, there’s a little part of me that wonders if we don’t try to rationalize. If we are going to be judged by what we did with what we have been given, shouldn’t all we have be in play? Or is God okay with us indulging ourselves, even if it’s just a little? I just don’t know the best answer to that one.

One thing ROMEENA said reminded me of a tangential dilemma of mine; while part of me finds it absolutely logical and fair that we not give handouts to those who we know will abuse them (or don’t necessarily deserve them), we are told, when we come across someone who asks for a handout, to give them not only that but also the shirt off our backs. It doesn’t qualify that by saying “if they truly need or deserve it.” It just says give it if it’s asked for. I always figured that we’d be judged on whether we did what we are told (give), and that we should leave the judging of the recipient to Him. This is a difficult concept to wrap your mind around, especially when it seems to run contrary to American values.

We just have so much here. I was talking to a friend the other day who got a snow blower. Another friend asked him whether his neighbor’s had one. He replied that several of his closest neighbors had them and he had even consulted them about which one to buy. The second friend went on to comment that the gross materialism we take for granted in ridiculous. Why do a handful of neighbors in a subdivision each need a snow blower, or a chain saw, or any number of other expensive tools? He reasoned that (1) we are too reticent to “inconvenience” a neighbor by borrowing from each other, and (2) want one for ourselves so it’s on a shelf and ready to go when we want it. So we trade in a feeling of mutual assistance and community, and the good that could be done by the savings caused by sharing, for convenience and keeping up with the Jones. (Now, while this may sound downright lefty to you, this comes from a guy who actually traveled to contested states to help man the phones for the Bush/Cheney campaign in the last election.) Can we even be trusted to think about questions like this when we have grown up in a country where even our poverty would be considered affluence in many places?

AUH2O: I know how you feel about thinking of porchsters in various situations. I do the same. And I miss the conversation when I’m away for so long. I hope that things are going okay over your way.

Good to hear from you, MAVIS. Sorry about your sister. She sounds like a real piece of work.

BOO: So where’s that moulage you were talking about? Don’t start the New Year by slacking!

Welcome DAVID!

Well, I’ll try and stop back later, but it is kinda busy here. Lunch sounds goo, MAUDE.

Me-They
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48177: Here comes that moulage you ordered, Me-They....I wanted to remind you of some of Paul's writings to the church in the New Testament...(I know you already know this, it's just something to discuss in light of your comment above about giving when asked). In 1 Timothy, chapter 5, Paul is instructing Timothy in the business of the church in providing for widows in need. It seems that within the church, anyway, God expects us to be discerning in who we give to. 1 Timothy 5:3 (New International Version) starts, "Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should LEARN first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family...this is pleasing to God. No widow may be put on the list of widow unless she is over 60, has been faithful to her husband, is well known for good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds......If a woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need"....just something to think about. The chapter also says that young widows were not even to be put on the list, but that they would have to learn to stay devoted to God and trust him to provide for them. I also read in the 4th chapter of Acts about how at that time the church came together and shared their possessions to give to those in need. It said that those who owned lands sold them from time to time as the church members had need. That was in the very beginning and it would seem that the church had to come up with ways to determine who to help later. I thought it was interesting that the verse in Timothy says that sometimes the families had to learn to do the right thing by working it out themselves. I know these passages deal with the church. I think when dealing with those outside of the church, it might be different....any thoughts, anyone? Now, I am going to say something that sounds like a moulage...I know that all the words of Christ are true and unchanging but we have to consider all of God's word to give proper interpretation of scripture. Take the word of God as a whole and think about the themes that are taught throughout.

Sorry if that sounded like a sermon...I am just bringing up some things but not claiming to be an expert on anything (I am full of all kinds of questions!).

Boo
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48178: Howdy, all. Just returned from a funeral - Roger, the 46 yr old son of some dear friends. Some of you have prayed for him, but God called him home on Saturday. The service was beautiful. Difficult, but beautiful.

On the question of helping those in need --Me-They, you are correct in reminding us that we are to give when someone asks, and at first thought, it's a bit confusing. I heard it explained by a trusted pastor once, though, and he said that the instruction to give was based on the implication that the person who asks is truly in need. It comes under the heading of good stewardship. Don't squander your resources on someone who is just lazy, or who consistently makes bad choices. Instead, give your aid to one who will truly be helped by it.

I served on the benevolence committee at my church for three years a while back, and learned much from the associate pastor who headed that committee. I watched him flatly refuse to give $20 to a man who came in the office asking for money, even though the man had a wife and children in the car, and had said they were hungry. Instead, the pastor said he would go to the grocery store with him and buy a bag of groceries, but no cash. The man refused, and left griping about "hypocrites" in the church! Now, just what do you suppose he intended to do with the money if he had gotten it?

Paul, in II Thessalonians 3:10, plainly stated, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." This is why I deplore the welfare system so much. Help for those who NEED it, certainly. Always. No question. But we all know there are thousands of able-bodied, lazy louts on the system, and we just keep feeding them. To me, that's a sinful waste of resources.

We are on very stony, thorny ground here, and we're not likely to come to a complete, mutual agreement. I think the answer may lie somewhere within God's call to each individual, the conviction that He puts in each heart. I think if I quit tithing to my church, and stopped all charitable giving in order to buy something I want (or even need) then I think that would be wrong. However, as long as I give what I'm called to give, and help when I'm asked by someone who is in need, then I don't believe God begrudges me some comforts. Some are called to a higher level of service, some to a lesser level. The key is in answering the call, whatever it may be, in good faith and conscience.

Well, I don't know if that helps much, or even makes any sense, but that's my take on it. Sugarplum says Happy New Year! --Romeena
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48179:

Poor Horatio, thanks SO MUCH for the list of volunteer links. I've already found three opportunities in my area!

Happy New Year, all!

~De§~
.
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48180: BOO and ROMEENA: Thanks for your thoughtful comments. BOO, I completely agree that contextualization of Scripture and treating the Bible as a whole is a must for interpreting and understanding God's Word. I agree with ROMEENA that complete agreement is unlikely and that, ultimately, it is between the individual and God. God calls us all to act individually and what He asks of one may not be what He does of another.

I guess what it boils down to for me is that I sometimes see the Bible as not only non-materialistic but anti-materialistic. While I believe in tithing, and doing whatever we can to help those in need, I just sometimes wonder if "enough" is really "enough," or are we, like the Macedonian church, supposed to give "even beyond [our] ability." Or should we be like Zaccheus who gave away half of all he owned, or are we to do as Jesus told the rich prince and give away everything to follow Him?

Every time I choose to watch tv instead of reading the Bible, and every time I choose to buy myself or my kids the latest toy instead of giving it to some other need, am I being a Godly example to my kids? Or should I always--not most of the time or a majority of the time--always do the hard thing? Where does it say in the Bible, explicitly or implied, that it's okay to relax once in awhile and enjoy the fruits of our labors in a material sense? Or is that idea just us deluding ourselves because it's easier and more fun?

I'm not advocating anything, or implying anything. You people are about the kindest, most generous people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. And, even if we're not always on the exact same page, we're at least reading the same book! I just throw this out to you for your sage advice and thoughtful comments because I value them; I truly believe that God uses His believers to chasten and guide each other. And this is a struggle that I have and wanted to share. So, thanks for hearing me out and offering your wisdom.

Y'all have a great day!

Me-They
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48181: Any more moulages, BOO, and I'm calling Upchurch at the state capital!

M-T
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48182: Afternooon yall...Prayers Ro for the family...got to be quick....but will be back...supper menu:beef roast and taters and carrots,green beans,boiled cabbage,cornbread and big maude slaw...tea....SPOT
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48183: I thought everyone should start the new year off with a peacfull message, so I'll post these wonderfull lyric's from John Lennon's "Imagine".

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No h*ll below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

_______________________________________________________________

Deputy Warren Ferguson
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48184: Happy New Year! Sorry about being a day late...

Some very interesting posts on here lately. Thought-provoking to be sure. I think we all must work out our own salvation, in fear and trembling as the Bible says. It is a bit like when I have had to correct my children. Sometimes one or the other of them would continue to bicker, which would always provoke the other child. Usually one child would come to me and tell me the other child wasn't doing what they were supposed to do to end the squabbles. I would always tell them they had to take care of of their own behavior, and it wasn't up to them to judge the behavior of their sibling. It was a pretty tough concept for them, and it still is for me. Comparing my road to salvation with anybody elses usually doesn't give me too many answers! Thank God that Jesus is and always will be my Path to Heaven!

I sure am looking forward to some "normal" day to day activities! Taking kids to school, regular shopping, chores, etc. I need a rest from Christmas Vacation!!

Have a wonderful Mayberry Evening all!

Mary Wiggins
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48185: Wow,i love the interesting conversations that this porch has.My phone just rang.talk to you all later-ky girl
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48186: Yes indeedy! Sure is some lively conversation here on the porch. I sure do enjoy reading everyone's posts.
OK, my turn to start a moulage....
Over the weekend, as you may know, tvland started showing MASH.....and it really kind of shocked me. First of all, the movie was NOT appropriate for tvland, had bad language and lots of se*ual content, and was not even that good anyway.
But most of all, I remember liking MASH as a teenager and young adult. Now, as I watched the pilot especially, I wonder how I could have liked it at all. It seems so anti-American and contrary to my usual beliefs. I was thinking, even though I knew it was really about Vietnam, that war was when I was pretty young,I think I was 12 when it ended. Even though as a teenager I was president of the young republicans, head of the myf at church, and came from a very conservitive family, I didn't understand a lot of things, especially about war. I was blind to the little digs at the things I hold dear. Now, while we as a nation are again at war, and my loved ones serve their country and we all pray for our countrymen......I get it.

Just my 2 cents....

Gotta bathe a kidlet.....back in a few...

Millie
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48187: Happy New Year, Porch! Thanks for noticing that I'd been posting again, Asa - yer the cats! Yep, we finally got a computer again.
Did anybody catch the Fiesta Bowl last night? Great game!
-Hazel

Opie: "Paw, what's a soliloquy?"
Andy: "A soliloquy? Thats when you look away off and kind of talk to yourself. They did that a whole lot back then. You do that today and somebody will take you away."
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48188:
KY girl, us Darlin's out here in Arizona just slap our clothes agin a rock to git em clean! ha
Wish I had one of them fancy ringer contraptions!
here's a good one: Why is it with them unmentionables, that the less material there is, the more the dern blame things cost?? heehee
Boo- how can Bruce not like homemade chicken and dumplings, chops, meatloaf etc at the Cracker Barrel? That is just plain weird! ha again.
OK- Me They- I must live in an exceptional neighborhood, cuz I know what each neighbor has that I can borrow, and vice versa. Of couse, the homes here are 30 years old, and many of us have been here about 20 years at least.
STerling- Have you "Monstered" yet? Prayers continue for ya bro.
Spot, did you ever send pix of your crosses to Ro?
Prayers for Colt. Thanks to all who sent him a letter/card. Sure pray it works!
Have a great evening. Prayer time after TAGS.
MDC
"then Romeo comes out of the bushes and says, "I'm right cheer!"
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48189:
DWF, as a Christian, I gotta tell ya that his song kinda scares me. Read those lyrics closely -- if there is no heaven or h*ll, no God, no guiding light,wouldn't that be grounds for "anything goes?" Just something further to think about in the new year.
God bless ya,
MDC
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48190:
Hazel, that game was practically in my backyard! Wow, what a super finish!
MDC
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48191: I agree about the song "Imagine"....while I like the music, the lyrics kind of disturb me.
Millie
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48192: "and Romeo says, 'hark'...they said that a whole lot back then....says. 'hark, what light through yonder winder shines!"

Mil
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48193:
Me-They Once again you raise some excellent points but I guess I just feel that my stuff is exactly that, just stuff. I also think that it is up to the individual to decide for him of herself the value they place on their "stuff." It is true about the rich man and the eye of the needle but, having said that, simply helping your fellow man also falls short of the standard we are asked to reach. When I was I college one of my Psychology professors seemed to be the greatest guy in the world, helping with food & shelter drives, always there for the students, the most soft spoken man I ever met. Then one day he dropped a bomb in class, just in passing, he said he was an atheist, I was shocked. I don't think I had ever heard someone say such a thing especially in such a flip manner. All I thought was Wow! This guy just gave and gave of himself. How could this be?
M-T Things are still spinning a bit here but not quite as fast. Thanks for asking, buddy.

Romeena-Prayers for Roger's family.

DWF-Thanks for the effort but that song always left me empty. It reminds me of the professor I mentioned above. It would truly sadden me if I someone I loved believed there were no heaven or God. Thanks again for the intent.

Mary Wiggins-Do you have snow on your side of the Lakes?

Millie-I agree with you 110% and my memories of MASH and how I feel about it now are nearly identical to yours.

God Bless,
auh2o
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48194: Millie, right at first, I questioned the choice of MASH on TVLand, and still question the showing of the original movie. I found it to be crass, tasteless and pretty much without redeeming qualities. The cast was pitiful - can't stand Donald Sutherland - with Gary Berghoff being the only one worth keeping, obviously. He was perfect.

However, the TV series totally outshines the movie, far and away. As for the political side of it, it was confusing. MASH was set in Korea, but I think most of us, at least in the back of our minds, equated it with VietNam. We shouldn't have, because the whole scenario was entirely different. No war is popular, some less so than others. I'm old enough to remember that a lot of people hated WWII and felt we should not have been in Europe. "Let 'em fight their own battles!" Can you imagine? Of course we had no choice about the Pacific war after Pearl Harbor, but then there were those who were horrified at the use of the A-bombs. I suppose they'd have preferred that multiplied thousands of Americans die in a years-long war, instead of ending it as we did.

However, back to MASH - it's true that there's a lot of seemingly anti-war comment. One episode even has Pierce deserting - he got on a bus carrying dead bodies away, but when choppers were coming in as the bus was leaving, he got off and returned to duty. Henry, the reluctant commander, was largely ineffectual and knew it, but he had his moments. Col. Potter was wonderful, old iron-pants army, corns and all. One quote of his stands out in my mind - "If you ain't where you are, you're no place." Wow.

The staff altruistically treated enemy and homeboy alike, despite the protests of the hypocritical weakling, Frank Burns. Later, Charles, the scion of the spoiled rich, got in the trenches and waded in the blood along with everyone else. He didn't want to, but he did it. The writers developed the cast of characters so well, that just about every manifestation of the human psyche was represented. Who can forget Klinger walking sentry duty in a wedding dress? Every kind of military personality was represented at some time or other - I loved Col. Flagg, the idiotic, too-gung-ho secret agent, perhaps because he reminded me of someone I once knew when my husband was in the Air Force.
They're all there, every warty one of them. Yet, through it all, amid the grumblings and the verbal shots at the government, they were there, they did their job, and they did it well. I have a nurse friend who is a Lt. Cmdr. in the Naval Reserves, and often is called to active duty and deployed. She was in Sudan just a few months ago, and has done a tour in Saudi. She could step right into that MASH unit and never miss a beat. So, I will watch MASH and enjoy it, grateful to the men and women who lived the real thing, and to those who still do.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48195: Thanks for your thoughts, Romeena. Very interesting. Maybe I'm just getting old and codgety.....ya think?

Millie
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48196:
Me-They I sure hope you do not think I was speaking down to you. In my post above, I realize I am not telling you something you don't already know. Your standing on the scripture is well evident and most likely firmer than mine. And, oh yeah, "contextualization?" Did someone get a Word of the Calendar for Christmas? Is that 7 syllables? No wonder I don't know what your saying. haha!

auh2o
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48197: Glad yer back Hazel. Glad you got a new puter. You've been missed.
Great game last night and congrats to them Bronco's of Boise. Very exciting finish.
Millie, your comments about MASH reflect mine very much. I really enjoyed watching it for many years, but as I have gotten older (and hopefully wiser) I have found the underlying message and portrayl of characters in that series to be pretty biased. Looking back on it I wonder what I was thinking. I guess that is one of the things I enjoy about TAGS so much. It has an endearing quality and innocence to it that I will neve tire from. VIVA MAYBERRY!!!

Asa
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48198: I understand completely, Me-They. I often voice my questions and doubts here on the porch in order to get the wisdom and insight of others (especially yours). I think you and I think alot alike on some things and I think we tend to try to be too hard on ourselves sometimes. Am I right? I know I can be down right paranoid about not doing the right thing...always been that way. By the way, you might not want to call Upchurch at the state capital, he and I are friends and often fish together.

Hazel, how could we not notice you were back? You're a gas!

Millie, I have also been discouraged at times by what TVLand puts on but mostly at Nick At Night. It used to show the really old, wholesome sitcoms and now it is showing Roseanne and Three's Company (gag...no offense to those that like it). As far as MASH, I think the reason you probably liked it back then is because it really was funny, plain and simple. Growing up, we never missed it or All In The Family...both held some pretty radical ideas but ver really funny, weren't they?

Warren, thanks for taking the time to type out the lyrics to Lennon's song. It seems so ironic that he sang that song and ended up dying a violent death. I like the idea of a peaceful age when all men dwell together in peace and believe that someday they will. That is what the bible teaches, I believe, but it will only come through Jesus. He's the Prince Of Peace.

MDC, Bruce has never tried the dishes you mentioned, he just ate there once or twice and formed his opinion. Too bad.

Bible study at the drug rehab was such a blessing tonight. Those young girls are such a joy to me and sharing God's word with them is such a priviledge. Two of them will be leaving in Friday to rejoin society and I am praying they will be able to stay off the drugs and find Christians who will disciple them.

Well, better go tend to Erin. Ya'll have a terrific evening.

Boo
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48199: Wanted to ask what season 5 of TAGS is like, for those of you who have it. Can you tell me what some of the episodes in it are?? Thanks,

Boo
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48200: Forgot to say earlier, good to see POOR HORATIO stop by.....try to drop by more often, ph. We miss ya.
Millie
January 02, 2007 - Msg 48201: Boo, Season 5 includes "Goober and The Art Of Love", "Man In The Middle", "The Arrest Of The Fun Girls", "The Case Of The Punch In The Nose", "Barney Fife, Realtor", "The Darling Baby", "The Education of Ernest T Bass" & "Barney's Physical". There are more of course, but those are usual favorite's of people.

Deputy Warren Ferguson
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48202:

I, too, love "Imagine," but I also wonder how we'd fare if left alone with no hope for salvation nor consequences for our actions.

As for spiritual references in rock songs, I always loved Leon Russell's "Prince of Peace":

Try and judge me by my time and changes
And not mistaken words, for I say many
Listen closely to my song and watch my eyes
There's not much time to speak; there's hardly any

Lovely long-haired children living in the streets
Lucky not afraid to touch each other
Not afraid to be themselves or someone else
Or chose their friends with love not by color

(Chorus)
Never treat a brother like a passing stranger
Always try to keep the love light burning
Listen only to his songs and watch his eyes
For he might be the Prince of Peace returning

Love the blind and wounded as you would yourself
And the businessmen in cells collecting pennies
Judge their wealth by the coins that they give away
And not the ones they keep themselves from spending

(Chorus)
Never be impatient with the ones who love you
It might be yourself that you're burning
Listen only to their songs and watch their eyes
For you might be the Prince of Peace returning

I love that song. We never know how our acts of love will impact those we encounter, nor can we really know what's inside a stranger's heart.

~De§~
.
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48203: So true, De§. Rather like "The Christmas Guest" on Andy's latest Christmas CD, available last Christmas.

I was going back through some of my old Mongolia journals this evening, and came across the following in the next-to-last installment:

"I pull my luggage into the house, and stand in my own kitchen again for the first time in nearly two weeks. Enough food in the pantry and freezer to feed me for weeks. Hot and cold running water that's clean and drinkable. I walk through the rest of the house, on soft new carpet. I count two and a half bathrooms, and each fixture has its own water supply, it doesn't have to share a leaky, movable faucet with something else. There is a soft, comfortable bed with nice linens. There are ample towels. There is cool air blowing from a vent overhead, and touching a switch brings light. There are TVs and a computer. I cannot help but wonder, "Why me, Lord?" I think of the families living under staircases in Mongolia. No food, no water, no air conditioning, no beds, nothing. Just a place on the bare floor to lie down to sleep, crowded with several other people. And I wonder, "Why not me, Lord?" I have no answer. I can only trust that He does.

After a hot shower that lasted about three days, I finally get into my own bed, and find that I'm unable to get comfortable because my little dog, my constant companion, is not there. She's with my granddaughter, and I'll get her very soon, but for tonight, I miss her. Once again, the disparity of it all hits me. There are people in Mongolia tonight who can't sleep because they're hungry, and too warm, and crowded in with too many other people. I can't sleep because I miss my dog, who eats and lives much better than many of the people I've just left. The irony is painfully obvious.

Searching my heart, I really don't believe that God begrudges me the companionship of my little dog, and I think He expects me to take proper care of her. I do believe, however, that He expects me to remember, to never forget, the needs of the people who have so little, and to help in any way that I can. This, I intend to do."

So you can see, Me-They, that the question has been in my mind as well for a long time. I'm pretty comfortable with the conclusions I've reached, but am open to God's leading in all situations.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48204:

You're very wise, Romeena. Sometimes I think an indication that we're asking the right questions is when we wind up more confused than ever. Sounds strange, but at least maybe it means we're on the right track. I'm just ever grateful for the fact that the Lord doesn't expect us to know more than we know... you know? :-) He gives us guidelines, of course, but they're still open to interpretation, even by the most devout. I sure don't have any answers.

It's late, so believe I'm off to a good night of adventure sleepin'. (Is it just me, or are ironing boards shorter than they used to be? :-)

~De§~
.
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48205: I just got season 5 for Christmas, Boo. So I've only watched a few eps so far. Of course, the first one I put on was "The Case of the Punch in the Nose". I also got the final season, which I haven't taken out of the wrapper yet.
- Hazel
Barney: (talking about the un-solved case) "It's as open as it ever was!"
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48206: Good Mornin' Porch,
It's another sunshinny (is that a word?) day here in the Peach state. Bryson and I are meeting with our old homeschool group today for him to play. Nick is staying with a friend today.
Auh20- How many children do you have? What books did they give you? I love books.
KyGirl- Have you read the latest Christmas book in the Harmony series?
Big Maude- There are several counties here that are going back to school on Thursday. Mine go back on Monday. Only for them to get out again 1 week later!
Sterling- Have you tried a temp. agency? I worked for Randstad when I was pregnant with Bryson and my sister got a job through Kelly's temps that lasted for 10 years. Good luck to you in your search.
Mavis- I suppose it is good that your busy financially, but take it easy physically. I hope that someday your sister realizes what she has done.
Me-They- Bryson and I were listening to Pres. Carter's book on his life experiences and it was really neat. In concerns to your giving, you need to decide how far you want to take it. God wants for us to be fulfilled and happy. If it makes you happy to not have as much because of other people in the world are doing without then take that stand. Bryan has this same feeling quite often, but finally he decided that when he can then he will do mission trips. That is how he feels led to help. If we were poorer than a church mouse I would want someone to help me find a job or a way to have income. Remember to keep your family healthy and happy and do whatever that entails.
Boo- I'm glad your bible study is working well. You are a blessing to them, and us.
Mary Wiggins- How's John?
Millie- We weren't allowed to watch MASH as I was growing up, well the reruns, because of my Father's time in the Navy during Vietnam. He was a medic and he said it wasn't that glamorous. You are right to have those feelings.
Hazel- It's nice to see you back on the porch. Asa's so observant!
I need to make breakfast and pack our sack lunches. Y'all have a wonderful day!
Blessings to you and yours,
~Lucy
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Prov. 22:6
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48207: Morning porch friends, hope all is well all the way around this big ole porch today. took my kids to the dentist yesterday, usual cleaning and check up. no cavaties, YEAH. but my 16 year old needs to have his wisdom teeth removed! the dentist said he has no room for them in his mouth and is afraid the other teeth will start shifting. The dentist said kids are starting to get their wisdom teeth earlier and earlier. guess we have that to look forward too. you guys have a good day. Prayers to all. Big Maude
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48208: I don't know if ironing boards are shorter, Des, but they sure seem more narrow than when I was in my 20's, ha. Des, I know what you mean about the confusion. Almost every time I am about to receive some spiritual truth, it is preceded by some confusion and sometimes a lot of stress and mental struggle.

Man, I love this place. You people stretch me and that is a good thing, as Martha would say. RO, thanks for sharing that piece from your journal. I thought some of those thoughts last night when I went to bed in comfort. I also remembered something that happened when I was 19 and in college. I was still living at home and mom and dad were helping me through school. I was attending a wonderful little church and I had lots of friends there. At that time in my life I was very devoted to the Lord and prayed about nearly everything, big and small. Well, my church was having a Christmas banquet that year and I really wanted a new dress for the occasion. Money was tight but mom took me shopping. I had a certain dress in mind and could just imagine it. I wanted it to be white or off white with long sleeves. I prayed about it. I remember the first place we went was JC Penny and we walked in and there was a clearance rack. Well, guess what was on it? A lovely off-white dress with long sleeves and pearl buttons down the front. It was perfect and my size. It fit beautifully. Did I HAVE to have a new dress? No, not really, but I believe it was my Father's pleasure to provide one for me and I learned something from it. I think God is interested in the small things, too and wants us to pray about them. There are other similar instances that God answered prayer that way, too, as I'm sure he has with all of you. I remember thinking about the "whys" of why we are so blessed when others suffer and remembered the chapter in Hebrews that talks about those who were looking for salvation before Christ came and how they were killed and imprisoned and suffered all kinds of need. The bible said that "the world was not worthy of them"... we are receiving comfort here and now, but those who suffer now will receive it in the greater portion in the life to come. Make sense or am I in left field somewhere?

Thanks Warren and Hazel for the info on season 5.

Boo
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48209:
Hey Folks

Lucy-We have two beautiful girls. Their inner beauty equals their outer beauty. That is a totally unbiased appraisal (I hope). The books are "Gettysburg," "We Were Soldiers Once," "Flags of Our Fathers" and a newer edition of "Up From Liberalism." And by the way, Johnny Nash thinks sunshiny is a word, "it's gonna be bright, bright sunshiny day." Anyway, glad to see you're having one.

Big Maude-I'm sure all will be well for your 16 year old, prayers for that.

Romeena-I agree, I think Me-They's question is something that tugs at all of us. Have we done enough? I think it might be a good thing that we keep asking ourselves that question.

auh2o
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48210:
Ok, I just went back and reread my posts from last night (making note to self, no posting after 10:00pm). There was to be a thought in there somewhere but what I posted looked like a Word Jumble.

auh2o
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48211: After reading over the lyrics to "Imagine", I decided to research John Lennon and this song. Here is what I found.
It is a uptopian song that was first performed in 1971. Although it was believed to be John Lennon who wrote it, his widow Yoko Ono apparently influenced the lyrics significantly.
I think why many people like the song is that because we seem to get the impression from the lyrics that John Lennon was seeking a more peaceful world. In reality, we are listening to Yoko Ono relating her thoughts of growing up as a child in Japan during World War 2.
Be careful. Don't let the slow hypnotic pace of the song influence you. Don't just listen to select words and phrases and misinterpret it. In the book "Lennon In America", John Lennon commented that "Imagine" was "an anti-religious, anti-nationalistic, anti-coventional, anti-capitalistic song, but because it's sugar-coated, it's accepted."

As for "Mash" the movie, I hated it. But "Mash" the tv show was thought-provoking. They covered issues that you never saw in a military movie before. It helped viewers who had no combat experience understand what combat veterans dealt with. It also helped civilians realize that the enemy is human just like we are.

To ~De§~, I'm glad my volunteer post was of some value to you. You are better off to volunteer than waste away in Margaritaville.

from Poor Horatio
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48212: Howdy, porch, have a minute before supper, thought I'd rock awhile. Hope y'all are all well. Busy day today, lots to do. I'm making a big pot of spaghetti sauce, so y'all have some....Spaghetti w/ meat sauce, salad, garlic bread.....brownies and ice cream for dessert.
Think I'll go stir the pot.
Millie
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48213: Thanks for that info on Lennon's song, PH, very interesting.

Auh2o, I am wondering how old your girls are by now?

Where is Me-They today?

It is cool and drizzling rain here today..can't go out without getting your hair messed up.

Hey Millie...spaghetti sounds really good!

Boo

PS-It sure has been nice having you around more, DES!
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48214: Hey to the PORCH! Hope ya'll are having a great start to a great New Year!

God Bless!

Goober...
YO!!!
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48215: Hey Boo....have some more spaghetti....I made lots. Been rainy here too, but I don't have to worry about bad hair days anymore,lol!
Mil
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48216: Oh, and hey to Goober!
Mil
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48217:
OK porch....I'm set now. My wife got me all the B/W TAGS on DVD. They came in today. Weaver's sure got them out fast for me so that I could have them on my next tour. I'll be gone for three and a half weeks on this tour so these dvd's will come in handy.
I'll check back later. Remember....JESUS loves us so much!
-REV.
January 03, 2007 - Msg 48218:
Wow, very profound conversation here tonight. I'm afraid if we brought it all up on the Cracker Barrel porch, we'd get a lot of stares! ha
Well, prayers continue folks, busy day, so I'll just say God bless the Morrison sisters!
ole MDC