January 14, 2007 - Msg 48576: Good evening, all. Ice storm in Dallas?? Maybe, but I sure didn't see any of it here, and I'm about 1/2 mile from the Dallas city limit, just across the Trinity river, walking distance to Texas Stadium. Can't get much more "Dallas" than that, I suppose. Temp here was mid-30s all day, down to 30 now, but no precipitation for the last several hours. Of course, in an area this size, there could be a blizzard on the other side of town and I'd never know it. I, too, am ready for spring. My poor little fish are huddled in a close group at one end of the pond. Not for warmth, I presume, since fish aren't warm-blooded, but it does look a bit funny.

Did anyone else catch the "25 Years of Nature" on Public Broadcasting tonight? It was so interesting, clips from the best of the "Nature" series over the past 25 years. Beautiful, some heart-breaking, some inspiring, all fascinating. One clip from the Katrina days showed a little scruffy white dog, paws on the door of a bus that was about to pull away from him, leaving him standing on the highway, his owner on the bus. Just broke my heart. I'm sorry, but I would not have been on that bus. Take the Plum, or leave me too. I could NOT have boarded that bus and left her standing on a highway, at the mercy of whatever was to come. Another was an old gentleman who left his cat secured in his house and evacuated, thinking he'd be back in a couple of days. When he learned his house had flooded and his neighborhood was off-limits, he sneaked in anyway, found his cat, and sneaked back out! My kind of guy.

All you folks who are in icy conditions, you be careful! Just be awfully careful. We may well have some ice by tomorrow night, and I have to go to work. Since a cab ride is $8 each way for me, and I have a $250 deductible on my car, guess what I'll do? Yep, my pet car will stay in the garage and I'll take a cab to work. I will also direct the driver on the back streets, and stay off the highway. Distance is the same, and it's a lot safer.

Now I'm off to bed. Take care, everyone. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
January 14, 2007 - Msg 48577: Well, looky there! I swept, and in all this cold weather, too. Anybody got some hot chocolate made? --Romeena
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48578: Mornin',friends. Hope lots of y'all are off today. Me, I'm working, but the kids are out of school. Here's a funny sidenote: Here in Virginia, it's Lee-Jackson-King Day. We honor Robt. E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Martin Luther King, Jr. on the same day.
Hey Charlotte Tucker, good to see you. And Colt was here several days ago, signing as pipeman. Of course, we continue to pray for our mayor.
Romeena, I agree about those heartbreaking stories about pets.....I could never leave my two labs, they're just part of the family.
I better get some things done before the kids get up. Y'all have a great morning!
Millie

January 15, 2007 - Msg 48579: MESSAGE REMOVED
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48580: Hot Chocolate nd donuts Romeena for all...tat broom will freeze in this weather...better blow the porch instead of sweep!...hey Millie,ct,possum,goober,mdc,mav and all,Lucy warm in our part of the porch aint it!...gona cool off though...well here at work let me get started....SPOT
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48581: Mornin' Porch,
Spot- Yes it is warm on our side of the porch, but only until tomorrow when we go back to the 40's as the high. Donuts sound great. The boys and I will be there!
Romeena- That's funny about your fish. Do you like living in Dallas besides the neighborhood going to pot?
Millie- That's funny about celebrating Jackson and Lee. Glad to hear your out and about. Who runs your restaurant when you're feeling down?
Charlotte- Nice to hear from you.
Big Maude- Is football season over?
Asa- 18 degrees, that's nothing. When I was a kid we had to walk 10 miles in a blizzard with no coat...
Bryan and Nick got home last night. They had a wonderful time. Since Nick was the only kid allowed many vendors gave him stuff like a laser pointer and play guns. He bought a $150 airsoft gun and 2 pistols for $60 so he's thrilled. He wants to be a police officer when he grows up. Bryson wants to be an astronaut so he has a new fancy telescope. My parents were wonderful about letting me pursue any dream, knowing that a year later I would change my mind.
Better get busy!
Blessings,
~Lucy
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48582: Those insurance salesmen are awfully pushy, aren'ty they?

hm
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48583: Morning Porchesters. It is good to see you all today. Football is over Lucy, so we have a break for a while. I enjoy the games and the atmosphere of high school football and mostly being a part of something my son is involved in. I keep reminding myself that this time goes so fast that he will be away at college and I will miss doing these sort of things. Thanks for the hot chocolate SPOT. Kinda quite at work today. Left my kids at home in bed today, they will sleep late and then I have them a few chores to do to help me out today. Both my husband and I have to work today. I expect things to be quite for me today but my husband will probably be busy as usual today. 41 degrees this am and gas is back down to $01.06. Prayers to all today. have a good day. Big Maude
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48584: MESSAGE REMOVED
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48585: Yep, they're pushy, all right. I wonder what would happen if I clicked on one of those things? I wonder, but not enough to do it!

Lucy, I like Dallas okay. I'm actually from San Antonio, and still have extended family there, but I'll never move back. I know, never say never, but I can't see it happening. Too much invested here, financially and emotionally. Dallas is okay, it's just that we're absolutely overrun with illegals, but so is much of the rest of the nation. Besides, I can't help but believe that situation is going to change. It pretty much has to. I don't know what the solution will be, but I do believe it will change eventually. People are just going to get enough. I only hope it can be resolved without a violent backlash.
On the positive side, Dallas has a lot to offer. Zoos, museums, theaters, universities, churches large and small, some of the best medical facilities in the world, a major international airport just fifteen minutes from my home, the latest and greatest in shopping malls, parks, restaurants, a generally mild climate, and lots of friendly people. All things considered, not a bad place to live. No, I won't be moving, at least not as long as I can live alone. After that, who knows?

Well, I'm off to feed the Plum. She's pulling her "starving refugee" act on me. --Romeena
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48586: Good morning everyone. It’s kind of grey and drizzly here, the same as it’s been for the last three or four days. I’m ready for some sun, snow, or whatever. Sorry to hear about all the weather troubles in Texas and Oklahoma. Here in Maryland, when they say “snow,” if you don’t have bread, toilet paper, or milk in the house you’d better forget it; all the stores will be sold out. In my 40 years here we’ve only been snowed in more than a day or two maybe three times, but you’d think they were calling for an ice age every time. Well, come whatever, our bottoms still will be treated in the way they have been accustomed.

Prayers for all that needs them. And it’s good to hear from you, CHRALOTTE.

Now, I’m not trying to start a moulage first thing on a Monday morning, but I am going to comment on two topics that sprang up over the weekend. But I will be brief (imagine that).

First, while natural cures and treatments are wonderful and often every effective, it is incorrect that just because something is natural it is necessarily better in treating a disease or illness. There are myriad things that have only been effectively cured or treated using pharmaceuticals. Now, while I completely agree that the pharmaceutical companies are almost evilly profiting from suffering, I also realize that just as God gave us the knowledge to invent better ways of getting us from one place to another, He gave some the knowledge and skills to doctor, nurse, or make medicines. And, it’s also wrong to think that just because something is natural there are no side effects. Many natural remedies have not been widely or objectively tested for safety and effectiveness. While the vast majority of them are likely great, there are some stinkers out there. In fact, there are some naturals out there that can be dangerous (Kava kava, for instance). It should also be remembered that while pharmaceutical companies are regulated for safety in the manufacturing and packaging process, naturals sometimes are not. Most natural companies are on the up-an-up, I’m sure, but again, there are some stinkers out there who may be adding in stuff the buyer is unaware of. So, I agree that naturals are a wonderful way to go, but I caution against dismissing drugs that are known to help. Get informed, talk to your doctor (or doctors), and keep your options open.

Second, I, too, think that any mother who can stay home and not work should be commended and recognized. But it’s not always just a matter of giving up your career or “down-sizing” and tightening your belt. Take it from one who knows. Trust me, my wife isn’t thrilled not to sleep in service to her “career.” And, as for downsizing, we literally could not go 60 miles in any direction and find housing as cheap as we have. Two-bedroom apartments rent for almost $1,000 a month; rent for houses starts at $1,500 (and you’d better take your can of Raid with you for that price). Unless of course you want to live in Baltimore's inner city neighborhoods. We’re not both working because we like it, or to pay for a bass boat or a Lexus; we’re both working to survive. In our situation, the Mrs. makes a lot more than I do, and that’s the reality of a liberal arts education these days. So, we’re doing the best we can by doing what we need to do. Our “doing without” may be different, but I wouldn’t mention that to the Mrs. on a Wednesday morning when she has done without sleep for two days. I’m not accusing anyone of saying anything to the contrary, and I didn’t take offense at any of the previous comments; I just wanted to speak out for another side of the issue.

Well, that’s enough for now. You all have a great day!

Me-They
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48587: I agree with your comments about both parents working, Me-They. Sometimes it just isn't possible for one parent to stay home; so much depends on where you live and the cost of living in that area. In that case, it's not the quantity of time you spend with your kids, it's the quality of how you spend the time with them.
- Hazel
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48588: Thanks, HAZEL. I want to comment that my first rant is not aimed at anyone in particular, namely MDC. I respect and take you opinions to heart. I'm sorry if I sounded harsh. Sometimes things sounds worse on paper, so to speak.

Me-They
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48589: I would love to be a stay at home mom, sometimes, I do that in the summer and I am usually behind in my housework on a daily basis. But I spend quality time with my boys (homework, play time, church time, outdoor time). I am the major breadwinner in my family. Without my salary - there wouldn't be alot of the things we need like water and electric and food. My husband's paycheck pays for the mortgage.

It is STILL RAINING HERE and we are under a flood watch - I don't know how much rain we have had but I wish I had started my ark sooner.

Take care everyone - keep up your umbrella!

homemaker

Thank you Floyd!
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48590: No problem...sorry I wasn't around yesterday. I'm trying to block them so there may be some words you won't be able to use for a while...until they get tired of messin' up our porch at any rate.

--Floyd
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48591: Thanks to everybody for reporting the salesman posting. I'm not gonna e-mail you all back as there are several but I'd much rather have lots of folks tell me about trouble than to have nobody so THANK YOU!! Sorry again I took a while.

--Floyd
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48592: Well, my interview went well today. They said I am a good candidate, so I am hopeful. Thanks for the prayers.

Romeena, you tell that cab driver to be careful.

We have some slippery roads up here as well. I am surprised they didn't call off school, but this is Wisconsin, where they hardly ever do.

Going in to my warehouse job at noon today. I could go in earlier since my interview finished earlier than I anticipated, but I don't want to.;) I just don't like that job that much. :)

Thanks Floyd for spraying the porch for those bugs!

-Sterling Holobyte
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48593: Thanks Floyd...ehy m-t,sterling dont slid to much in the W state...lunch will be subway on me..slow here at work but thats ok with me...I get off at 2...we got rain moving in tonight...well back in a bit...SPOT
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48594: Hey Spot! I love Subway. Good choice! The meatball sub and roasted chicken sub are my favorites. Lately I've been eating the meatball one.
Hope your rain doesn't turn to ice, Spot.

-Sterling Holobyte
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48595: Howdy, all. Me-They, both points you made above are valid and I would hope, well-taken. Anything can be misused, even "naturals", and moms staying at home. I know some kids who would probably be much better off if their mean-mouthed mom would get a job and quit sitting on the couch yelling at them. The family might eat better, and the kids' ears would get a rest. About "naturals", don't forget that digitalis is a naturally-occurring substance (the foxglove plant) and was used extensively by curanderos and medicine men. However, the dosage is critical, and it has the potential for much harm. So the pharmaceutical houses have purified and even synthesized it, so the dosage is predictable and useful. It just goes to prove, ALL good things are from Above, and anything, if misused, can be harmful.
I take some natural supplements myself, but am careful. My doctor insisted I try Lipitor, I did, it was disastrous so I quit. A salesperson in a natural supplement store convinced me to take red yeast rice instead to lower my cholesterol. Ha! A quick search in Google told me that red yeast rice breaks down in the body to a statin - the active ingredient in Lipitor. Always, always research anything new that you're taking, whether bought at a natural supplement store, or a prescription from your doctor.
Just exercise some common sense when reading about the side effects, and analyze the information carefully. For example, if you had never heard of aspirin, and read the warnings, you'd probably never go near a tablet. Yet used properly, it does no harm, and can do a lot of good.
An interesting thought - if alcohol and tobacco were just discovered, and submitted to the FDA for approval, they'd never pass. Neither can prove enough benefits (are there any?) to outweigh the great potential for harm that each possesses. Food for thought....

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48596: Oh, one more thing. You probably all already know this, but Floyd said we are absolutely not to click on any of those links that the interloper keeps posting. He's taking steps to block them, but if anyone clicks on a link, that will make it much more difficult for him. --Romeena
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48597: Good Afternoon,
M-T- First off, I'm not mad or wanting to get into anything. I agree with you on some of your points. The ideal situation is to go to a NMD, DO, MD with supplement knowledge, or an integrative medical practice, such as the one in which my husband works. I am on coumadin and we cannot find a way to monitor my blood without being on a "rat poison". That being said, if there is a natural cure then I would try that first. The Prescription for Natural Healings tells you what supplements give side effects as well as interactions. I was raised taking antibiotics, allergy shots, and eating poorly. I was constantly sick (of course living in the Ohio Valley didn't help). Now, I am rarely ill because I support my immune system with natural supplements. As the saying goes, there's a time and place for everything!
As far as working, if you have to in order to live that is completely different situation. If you work because you can't handle being home with your kids or want big fancy stuff (like my sister) then I don't agree with that. We live in an apartment, drive 10 year old cars, and have savings because of our scrimping. We live in an expensive area where most houses are 400k-1M. Our rent is $820. So, we do without so that I can stay home. I know that I am blessed to be able to stay home. Next year I plan on getting a part time job while the kids are in school so that we can afford a house. I appreciate the fact that many women cannot stay home for financial reasons and I admire them for taking on that role. Everyone needs to do what is best for their family!
Sterling- Your job is in my prayers.
Spot- I'll take tuna.
Floyd- Thank you!
Y'all have a good rest of the day!
Blessings,
~Lucy
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48598:
Me-they, no offense taken, those darn pharmasutical chemicals can set off those rants! haha, now i'm just ribbin' ya. And dont get me wrong, i do take things like aspirin, aleve etc once in a while.
Charlotte, I googled "natural acne cures" and quite a bit came up, but as several here have said, read each one carefully and take "with a grain of salt." Check things out first. That's what i do. But I will still say that it pains me when so called "hyper' kids are put on stuff like ritalin, when A LOT of the time, (not all) all they need to do is take them off all the junk food and the 5 Cokes a day that their drinking! well duh!
Yes, any of you in OK etc BE careful , 30 have died.
Ro, our weatherman here mentiined dallas. he must have been into the squeezins. ha
Prayers for all,
MDC

January 15, 2007 - Msg 48599:
And dont put your tongue on the flagpole no matter what Johnny paul says! ha
mdc
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48600: Hey all. Thanks for all your feedback. LUCY: I'm happy that you and your husband have found a way for you to stay home. I believe that "mother" and "father" are about the most important careers. Too bad the (financial) wages aren't that great and time-off is nonexistent. Good thing the fringe benefits are well worth it.

MDC: Say what you want about hyperactivity, but sometimes them slender, high-spirited kids need their Mr. Cookie Bar for a late afternoon pick-me-up ;). Actually, the Mrs. used to be an on-call, fill-in school nurse and she said that I should have seen the line that would form at lunchtime for the daily dose of Ritalin. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that theer are kids out there that need something and some probably derive great benefits from it. But somewhere along the line we forgot that kids will be kids and act like kids. We've got doctors, teacher, and parents who are ready to medicate to make kids into zombies. They take away recess, extend the school day, amp them up on sugar, let them watch tv and play video games for hours, and then wonder why they can't sit still.

Me-They
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48601: Good afternoon to all of you. Checking in a minute before I get busy again (avoiding work I guess you could say). I think I am having a hard time today with my listening skills. How about if we have supper at my place tonight. Fried Chicken, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, SLAW, homemade rolls, chocolate layer cake and sweet tea. I feel like some comfort food tonight. See you at 6pm. Big Maude
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48602: Hello porch,
I have been up to my neck with the kids. Since my grandson has been born I have not had a break. I went to DC to help them set up thier apartment and take the baby to the doctor for his 1 month checkup and they came back home with me. I have had my daughter in law granddaughter 2 and the new baby here with me since the 1st of december. They will be staying for at least l more week. FULLHOUSE!!! This follows the conversation earlier. She is scared to have 2 kids by herself while my son works 14 hours a day to try to keep the roof over thier head. She hates being a stay at home mom but has little choice. She has no liscense and no 2nd car to get to work.
Skippy
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48603: Well I hope everyone has a great night I am off to get ready for dinner. We are all going out The whole family....Our daughter flew in for the weekend with her husband to see the baby and so we could send her husband off. He is leaving for Iraq for 20 months what a heart break... They both spent 18 months in afganistan a year ago. Sometimes I hate being in a military family. Saying goodbye is so hard.. Then my oldest son in DC has a hard time with it as he in an Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetary and never has to go over seas and that makes him feel guilty.
Skippy
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48604: Skippy, you tell that boy of yours to quit feeling guilty. He's doing a service not only for his country, but for those who have also served so well, and he has every right to be proud of what he's doing. As I understand it, that Honor Guard position is not one that is awarded lightly.

Well, what I'm gathering out of the recent postings is that there are indeed different strokes for different folks. I was fortunate to have my mother as a SAH mom until I was nine, and saw how that worked out. Then she went to work, and I had a great example of a mom who could be a productive member of the work force and still keep things humming at home. I saw it work well both ways, and after I married, I lived it both ways. Part of the time at home, part of the time I worked. Advantages to both. I think everyone has to seek and find their own way, what works for them and their family.

Well, gotta go to work tonight. (I'd love to be a SAH mom to Sugarplum!) Still, gotta put beans on the table and kibble in her bowl, so off I go. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48605: hey me-they,I had to laugh at one of your posts,the one that says everyone stocks up on bread,toilet paper and milk!yeah,I live in Pa,and,the same thing happens here,and it's not like we have ever been so snowed in that we couldn't get out sometime during the day and get grocieries!We are getting alot of rain here,and,hoping the creek behind our house doesn't flood.i don't want to have to clean all the stuff out of the basement!Talk to you all later,-ky girl
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48606: I miss the days of simple times, when life was slow enough that you had time to think. No cell phones to bother you. Meals were cooked in an oven or on a charcoal grill. Kids were always outdoors playing sports or riding bikes. People had time to stop and visit when they met on the street or in a store. We didn't lock our doors in our homes or our vehicles. It was such a magical time. I watch Andy Griffith for that very reason. It is the only thing that keeps that memory alive.
I wish there were a way to go back there. Maybe in my next lifetime. Bless you all and have a good evening.
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48607: Funny, well, actually sad about all these stroak post's.

On sunday or saturday night my 16 year old cat had a stroke. I don't know what else to say. It's devestating. We were as close as we ever were, he was loving the new house, and he seemed so healthy, every family member who saw him complimented him on his looks. When you live with a cat like this for so long, you begin to treat as a brother. We were pals. Now it pain's me to look at him. His left leg is totally parilized it seems, he will not eat, he rarly pur's and he just isn't the same "guy" I once knew. It's to sad.

Im taking him to the vet tommaro. Im praying for the best. Please pray with me.

Take care,

Deputy Warren Ferguson
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48608: DWF, prayers for you, my friend and your beloved pet. I hope the vet can help.
Millie
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48609: To Deputy Ferguson Msg 48607, I can understand your situation. Over 30 years ago, I had a dog who was like a brother to me. When he developed terminal cancer, it was recommended he be put to sleep. I could not do it. I slept on the floor with him during the final week of his life. He also was 16. Although I will pray for you and him, because of the age, prepare yourself for the worse. Increase your display of affection through more frequent contact to make his remaining days as comfortable as possible.

from Poor Horatio
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48610: Good advice, PH. And nice to see you stop by.
Mil
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48611: To Millie Msg 48610, thank you. Good to see you here as well. I hope you are feeling better.

from Poor Horatio
January 15, 2007 - Msg 48612: Hangin' in there, Poor Horatio. I get the Abraxane on Wednesday, so I'm makin' hay while the sun shines. Also preparing for a scout meeting here tommorow evening.
Millie
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48613: Goodnight, it'll be a rough one here!

Prayer's to everyone.

Deputy Warren Ferguson
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48614: I'm sorry to here about your cat Warren. You both are in my prayers.

Asa
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48615:
Morning Porch

Cold and 17 degrees here now and they say it's gonna go below zero tonight.

I started to read in the archives from the last few days and when I came to one of my posts and it sounded awful harsh. I don't know if anyone even remembers it but I'd like to correct one thing for my own piece of mind. When I said that I didn't pray for my FIL salvation that was not quite the thought I wanted to convey. I have in the past, numerous times, prayed for my FIL salvation. When I did not pray for it was when he had already passed (I sure hope he did). Like I said he was a mean guy but I know he Believed. I don't know how you reconcile that but he did Believe. I guess he could have been wrong with us and right with the Lord.

Thanks all for your thoughts and prayers.

DWF-Prayers for ya!

It was comforting knowing, even though I couldn't participate the last few days, that Me-They was here on the porch causing trouble. You do cause a lot of trouble for a peacenik! haha

God Bless,
auh2o
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48616: Good morning everuone.

I do my part, AUH2O ;).

Sorry to hear about your cat, DWF. Prayers for you today. In fact, prayers for all you friends.

Good to hear from MILLIE and HORATIO.

To post 48606: Yeah, me, too!

BOO: I'm running low on shorts...where are you?

Talk to y'all later.

Me-They
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48617: Good morning porch. Hope you all are okay this morning. Cold here today... cloudy and rainy as well. Guess it is pretty normal for January. My work is slow this time of year hopefully things will pick up as we go along the next few weeks.
Today is my Mom's 76th birthday. Happy Birthday Mom. Sorry about your Kitty DWF. Lunch will be
homemade vegetable soup, grilled cheese and
oatmeal cookies for dessert. see you at lunch.
Prayers to all. Big Maude
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48618: DWF - hope all goes well with your cat. . .this is definitely a bunch that can relate. . .we all have special fur-buddies.

The rain has left and now it is becoming colder.

I'll take a double order of that soup Big Maude - I love vegetable soup!

homemaker
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48619: Morning gang....turning COLD here in ga...down to freezing tonight and maybe snow....busy here at EMC Maude I will take 2 samiches please...and boy that soup smells good...SPOT
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48620: Mornin' Porch,
How is everyone? I hope all are well. It's a cloudy and a little chilly morning. I'm so glad that school's in today. Last night I was losing my marbles! As soon as hubby came home I said suppers in the oven and I need to get outta here for awhile! I drove to the library to return books and listened to a book on cd to calm down. Between Bryson's whining, Nick's talking back, and both of their not listening or respecting I about lost it! Of course when hubby was home they calmed down. It's amazing how hubby's have that control over them, for now.
DWF- I'm so sorry over your cat. You are definitely in my prayers! It's hard I'm sure. When I was a child I saw my beloved cat get hit by my school bus right in front of me so after that I never wanted a pet of my own. Pray and cry.
Big Maude- Lunch sounds perfect. You're such a good host! I'll bring the tea!
Auh20- I didn't think anything of what you said. I know what you meant. You're a good person and we all know that. How's everyone doing now with the loss of your FIL? Sometimes it's the weeks afterward that are the hardest.
Boo- Where are you? Are you okay?
PH- We've missed you. How are you?
APB- BWB, Mary Wiggins
48606- I feel exactly the same way. When you feel like it give your panhandle and join the porch. We all yearn for that time. Maybe someday we'll have it again, doubtful, but you can always hope!
M-T & Kygirl- You should see it when we get even a speck of ice or snow. The entire city shuts down and most of the hardware stores are completely sold out. It's quite funny for my husband because he's from Northern Ohio and their entire winter (except this winter) is snowy.
I need to start organizing zone 1-my bedroom, closet, and office. This will take awhile. I've got some big band music to get me through. Y'all have a wonderful day!
Blessings,
~Lucy
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48621: Bless your heart, auh2o, I recall that post, and I understood perfectly what you were saying. I suspect everyone else did, too. As for not praying for him after he had passed, why should you? At that point, it's all settled, one way or the other. No do-overs there, I'm afraid.

DWF, my heart goes out to you as you pass through this time with your beloved pet. I've been there several times over the years, with dogs, and once with a cat. It's hard. My tough old grizzled Marine fighter pilot cousin had to have his cat put down a year or so ago, and he confessed to me that he cried like a baby. After the vet finished, they curled the kitty into his little catbed, and my cousin buried him under a tree on the property of the company he owns. In my book, tender feelings and the willingness to show them are the mark of a real man.

Well, just got home from work, ready to sleep most of the day and go back again tonight. Peace to you all! Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48622: Hey, Lucy, I just had an idea. You mentioned Bryson's whining and Nick's backtalk, and how it stops when your husband is there. Have you considered just quietly recording them when this is going on? You could play it back for them before your husband gets home, and see how they react. It might surprise you. Bryson might have no idea how he sounds when he's whining, and Nick might even realize how disrespectful he sounds. If they don't fall in line, then play the tape for your husband! There's no excuse for those two young men to be treating you that way, and you need to put a stop to it, for their sake as well as yours. OK, that's my piece. Now I'm going to bed for sure. --Romeena
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48623: Lucy keep your marbles we may want to shoot a game!...hey Ro..got to work tonight?.....busy here at EMC....SPOT
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48624: Romeena- What a great idea! I'll charge up the recorder now! Thank you! You're a blessing!
~Lucy
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48625: Sure is quiet on the porch today...
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48626: Sure is...
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48627: DWF..hope all goes well with your four legged friend ,I have some great friends in my critters .Prayers for everyone
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48628: Howdy Porch!

Boy is it purty around here! We got some of that ice, it did do some damage in areas, but where I am it is just purty! The sun is out today and all the trees and bushes are sparkling as though they are wearing diamonds, and there is just enough snow to wash everything else in white. It is actually too pretty to wear sunglasses! I did lose part of a tree, but other than that we didn't even lose power!

DWF, praying for you and your kitty... Hey Lucy, I am glad your husband steps up to the plate when you need a break!

Soup for me too, Big Maude!

Prayers for you Millie, and Hey to Poor Horatio and everyone else here on the porch!

Have a blessed Mayberry Winter Day,

Mary Wiggins
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48629:
Hello porch family....it's been a couple days but I've been busy touring in Florida. Sure missed you all. I need to check the archives to catch up on the news. Been praying for you all.
Sure has been warm here in Florida. It has been in the 80s for the last 4 days. My wife said it has been warn back home in SC also but suppose to get colder by weekend.

Well Spot....we will be finding out soon how the "toys" are going to stand up this year in NASCAR.

Well better go for now. Need to get some phone calls made. Hope to have internet access for the next few days so that I can check back in.
See you at supper. You all take care and know that I'm praying for you!
-REV.
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48630: Hello porchsters. Good to see everyone here and chatting. Warren, so sorry to hear about your cat. What's its name? The good news about this porch is that there are many here who have been through the same agony of dealing with sick pets and can sympathize and care.
Charlotte Tucker
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48631: Thanks, Me-They for the medication advice. I agree about some of them. Whenever I feel a sore throat (which I've been prone to) coming on, I run to the doc for those antibiotics and they help almost immediately.
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48632: It's my husband who wants to avoid any kind of medicine.
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48633: We're surviving the ice. Glad pipeman checked in. Sorry I missed him.
Charlotte Tucker
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48634: Sorry that broken up message (48630, 31, 32, 33 and this one) was from me. The censor was hassling me. I still haven't figured out why. I thought it used to make bold the offensive terms. I kept cutting stuff and it still didn't want to take my message. Charlotte Tucker
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48635: Ah ha! I think I figured it out--I think I got caught in the net laid out for the blue fellow. Gotcha, Floyd. Good work.
Charlotte Tucker
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48636: I inherited many animals over the past 10 years from a close friend who moved in with me. She has a passion for animals and wants to make a home for each of them that seem to be a stray or struggling in life. This past year we said goodbye to a very special cat and guinea pig. Both far out lived lifes expectations. Leslie spent every last minute with them and hand fed them a slept beside them up until their last minute. You could tell they passed away knowing t they were dearly loved. A loss of a pet is very painful because they are so much a part of our lives and have such an unconditional love for us. The healing process is the same and sometimes harder than losing a person close to us. DWF I pray that the great memories you have of your cat will erase the pain that you are going through. Monte
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48637:
Welcome Monte and also 48606. Yes, the days gone by are precious. I never said this here, but our kitchen, when I was growing up, was almost EXACTly like aunt bee's! So i just see "myself" in there all the times I watch.
DWF- prayers indeed for you and yours!
Auh20- it's that "nonsensical" trouble that keeps MeThey going! ha
Mary- glad you are ok up there. Looks like the BIG freeze is on all over the country. We have had 3 nights in the 20's and orange growers here are losing their crop.
Charlotte- yes, I think floyd turned off the color for awhile. Did you see my answer about the acne?
HAVE a good, warm evening. Prayers for all tonight!
Jesus is Lord!
MDC
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48638: Hey Charlotte, if you were trying to post something related to what Jack Dodson originally sold on TAGS as his first character...you were getting caught. If I remember, I'll turn that off after a while...when our interloper is gone.

--Floyd
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48639: I fixed the Archives to show a 2007 column. Sorry I forgot that earlier this month.
--Floyd
January 16, 2007 - Msg 48640: Thanks, Floyd....for everything.
Millie
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48641: Mornin', friends, hope you all have a blessed day. Chilly here in Virginia. Wednesday again already.....Abraxane today...yuck. I'll check in later when folks are stirring.
Millie
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48642: God bless you Millie! You're an inspiration!
Praying for the Lord's strength for you today and
for everyone.

DWF, thinking about you today. My Dad feels the same way about his pets. He's lost a dog and a cat in the past few years and had such a hard time. He and Mom have a Yorkie that's nearly 13 years old that they treat like one of their children. I dread something happening to him.

Blessings to all today!

Miss Peggy
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48643: Well, hey to Miss Peggy. Good to see you on this cold morning. And a Mayberry welcome to Monte. Come back anytime, we'll keep a rocker open for you.

SNOW! WE HAVE SNOW!! In Texas, yet - can you believe it? It took me about ten minutes longer to drive home from work (usually takes about 6-8 minutes, took nearly twenty this morning. Roads are really not bad, but you never know when a surprise is lurking. I took back roads and stayed off the highway. This sort of sneaked up on us, it was dry as a bone when I left for work last night, but started sleeting around 3 a.m. Truthfully, not really much snow, just a dusting and some sleet, but it's white, and in Texas, that's snow!

When I got home, all sorts of critters were slouching around the feeding station out back, looking hungry. I put out about two cups of shelled peanuts, about a quart of Texas Blend - (peanuts, corn and sunflower seeds), about a quart of cracked corn and another quart of mixed birdseed. There's also a suet cake out there, and two ears of dried corn. You should see the crowd. There are pigeons, doves, sparrows, finches, cardinals, bluejays, grackles, several squirrels and The Boss. That's one particular squirrel who spends more time trying to chase the birds away than he spends eating, the silly little thing. When they polish all of that off, I've got some old cereal that I need to get rid of. They'll eat that, too.

Now to go feed me! Some bacon and an English muffin with cream cheese should do it. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena

Millie, I'm praying that today goes well for you, and the rest of the week as well.
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48644: Good morning everyone. I guess you'll be out this morning building a snowman, ROMEENA? ;)

Losing a pet is never easy. In the last four years we've lost our little Yorkie (age 14), our Jack Russell (12), and our c*cker spaniel (15). All were well-loved. Our poor daughter is only six and has already buried three pets. Before kids, the dogs were our kids, not that they were treated any different after though they had to share our attention. We hope to get a dog this spring.

Well, busy this morning so I'll see y'all later.

APB for IDELLE, DIXIE, MAYBERRY DEPUTY and others.

Me-They
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48645: THE DOOR TO MY HEART IS OPEN

The door to my heart is open,
You're welcome to come in.
There's room enough for everyone
And you may come again.
The door is always open;
No one is turned away
For a heart that no one enters
Grows lonelier each day.
Friends fill our hearts with laughter
And dry the bitter tears
And open hearts forge friendships
That last throughout the years.
A heart that's closed to others
Grows harder than a stone
And the personwho lives there
Is doomed to live alone.
If you slam the door on others,
Like glass, it too will break,
But with friends there to repair it,
What a difference it can make!
Lonely hearts will always wonder
How things might have been...
The door to my heart is open ;
You're welcome to come in!

Where is the heat at, it cold .


TOM

January 17, 2007 - Msg 48646: Sorry about your shorts, Me-They, throw em on the pile. I have been very busy with Bruce the last couple of days. We ended up in the ER all day yesterday because his back pain had gotten so severe he could no longer bear weight on his legs and they were going numb, etc. Scared me alittle because I almost dropped him getting him in the car. We sat in the waiting room for 6 hours while he was in terrible pain and we finally saw a doc at around 6 or 7pm. They loaded him up with Morphine and Vaium, took an xray and sent him home with some steroids and a much sooner appointment to see the back doctor. He is better today and able to walk slowly using a walker. This is killing him. He's the kind of guy who spends hours on a tractor pulling up tree stumps (hence, the back injury!). I'm sure you guys understand how it feels to be a man and have to have someone dress you and do everything for you. Poor baby.

I have not read over the archives yet but I did see Warren's post about his beloved cat. I'm so sorry for him. Hope he checks in soon. Prayers for Warren today.

Have to go get the kids from school...Wed. is half-day...

Boo
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48647: Lovely poem Tom! The Lord's given you a gift with
words.

Glad you made it home safely Romeena. I know that your critters appreciate your generosity! I
checked out the website and love your back yard.
Reminds me of my Mom's. She loves her flowerbeds
and other back yard pretties.

Miss Peggy
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48648: Thnaks for the poem, TOM. It's good to hear from you.

BOO: Sorry to hear about Bruce's back problems. Hopefully, all will be well soon. Backs are a funny thing; sometimes you can work like a bear and hardly get an ache, and other times you can just pick up the remote control and end up on teh floor in pain. Bruce may be suffering the same thing that I am; being 40, I'm too old to do all I used to do with ease but too young to realize and/or admit it. And as far as knowing how it feels for someone to do everything for you, well, I guess there is a bright side to everything :).

Me-They
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48649: Sorry, MISS PEGGY, I hope I didn't rock on your toes there...

M-T
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48650: Hey Boo! We were posting at the same time. Hope
Bruce gets better soon. We've been fortunate enough to only have done the ER thing once. It's no fun!!

Miss Peggy
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48651:
Prayers for Bruce!
I will be back later.
MDC
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48652: No worries, Me-They, I've got tough feet!

Miss Peggy
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48653: I wonder what causes that?...

M-T
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48654: Falling down a lot can cause it.
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48655: Thanks, friends. The back doctor's office called and said for him to come in tomorrow. Yeah! That will be a big help. I am supposed to go to our church's annual women's retreat this weekend and I am one of the leaders who has a job to do there so I was hoping that he would be ok for me to go but I can't at this point.

It is still in the 30's here and all these native Texans are turning blue. I saw a pond down the street yesterday with a bunch of ducks on it and they were all resting under the water with just their heads sticking out to breathe. I have NEVER seen that before, didn't even know they did that to keep warm, but it makes sense. I guess we have all been swimming in the evening when it got cooler and we tried to keep as much of our bodies under the water as possible.

Better go do something...

Boo
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48656: Well,we did get a dusting of snow here,and,it is in the 30's,but,I'm not complaining,it could be much worse.Romeena,snow in texas,now,that is a suprise.At least all the critters know where to come to eat.boo,I didn't know ducks rested under the waterto keep warm,makes sense though.prayers for bruces back.You don't realize how much you move your back,until you can't.Like me-they said,sometimes the smallest movement can throw it out.I'll pray you get to go to the ladies retreat.I went to one for the first time last year,and,i really enjoyed it.talk to you all later-ky girl
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48657: Thanks KY Girl! I would really like to make the retreat but Lord's will be done. You should have seen us in the emergency room yesterday. It was the coldest day of the year, very windy and wet and it took so long to get Bruce in and out of the car, and then the wheelchair they brought to put him in didn't have footrests. When they tried to wheel him in, he couldn't lift his feet off the ground so too nurses had to bend over and lift his feet an inch off the ground while I pushed the wheelchair. His was in terrible pain but I couldn't help but want to laugh. Then after we got in the waiting room, he had to go to the bathroom and there was only a men't room that wasn't a private restroom. Well, Bruce couldn't get out of the chair and go on his own so I had to take him in. How gross that men's room was. Do they all smell that terrible?! It took forever to get him in and out of there but in the meanwhile they found a wheelchair with footrests. I finally got his clothes back up, got him in the chair and washed his hands, and then he started saying he couldn't stand having his feet on the footrests. By this time, my back was hurting from helping him. We were a sight and boy was it a long day. Today was a better day, thank the Lord.

Well, I think I will try to make it to church tonight. Ya'll stay warm.


Boo
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48658: too nurses! I really should proof read...

Boo
January 17, 2007 - Msg 48659: Howdy, all. Am feeling better after a long nap. I was a pooped pup when I got home this morning - just fed the critters and went to bed.

Boo, I must say I've never seen ducks do that. Didn't even know they could, as buoyant as they are. That's something I'd like to see. Are you certain they weren't snagged on something?

I'm so sorry for Bruce. Sounds like he's got a ruptured disc, or one that's bulging badly. My dad got in that situation once about twenty years ago. Couldn't stand or sit, couldn't walk, literally in tears with the pain, and my dad was a stoic. He ended up having a micro-discectomy and the problem was solved immediately. He got up and walked to the bathroom about two hours after surgery! Little one-inch incision on his lower back, pain vanished, no problems at all. Considering that things must surely have been perfected even further, I'd say go for it, if that's what's indicated.

Well, I have a big old bell pepper in the fridge, and some lean ground pork and some rice. Sounds like a stuffed pepper to me! I even have a few sun-dried tomatoes to mix into the meat. Yum! It's a big pepper, anybody want some?

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena