June 22, 2007 - Msg 53643: Be back on later folks, just wanted to say hello, off the see The Primitive Quartet sing in Marion, Va!!
*Mavis
June 22, 2007 - Msg 53644: Boo,I sure hope you ain't vacationing at the same river we run Asa thru this morning!
Think I saw someone nailing condemned posters to the trees around there! Ha!
Mavis,how'd you have time to sweep,as busy as you are planning your nuptials? Thanks-it was getting dusty around here!
Y'all,I want to take back my opinions from yesterday- I was a bit too judgemental & harsh where the Charleston Fire Chief was concerned. After hearing him speak at the memorial service today I see things in a different light. That man looked awful(and I know what he normally looks like)-it is apparent that he is hurting terribly. Can you imagine losing 9 friends? Whether or not he sent those guys into the building or not,I do feel badly for him. I'm not going to judge him-it's not my place. There-enough said.
Well, guess I'll go play in my flower garden a bit. Y'all have a good evening!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
June 22, 2007 - Msg 53645: Oops- too many "or nots" in one of my last sentences! Don't tell Charlotte!
possum again
June 22, 2007 - Msg 53646: Hi again all!!!

Only been about a week I guess since I was here last.

I'm gonna try to get around more often, but it's hard with work, and then trying to keep the house in good shape(we've had some plumbing issues lately)!!!

Anyway, how's everybody been? Good I hope!!!

I was wondering, does anyone know if there have been any announcements made about the Squadcar Nationals? We were thinking of going, but it said that details were TBA, but they've not been "A'd" yet!!! lol

Anyway, hey to everybody, and I'll try to get back soon!!!

June 22, 2007 - Msg 53647: Sorry, I forgot to sign it. Barnwannabe.

June 22, 2007 - Msg 53648: Possum: I fell terrible for him, and especially for the families of those men, and I saw the same Memorial on T.V. today, and I agree, he did look bad.

BWB.

June 22, 2007 - Msg 53649: That should be Feel. Crazy me. BWB.
June 22, 2007 - Msg 53650:
Hey BWB, welcome back. Now if only we would also hear from Dixie, Fred Goss and others, the porch would be complete. well, I take that back, it is never really "complete" with folks a coming and a goin'!
Boo- -have a good trip. Take along some sheets to wet down! ha
Did your trip to the health store net anything?
Just curious.
REV- Yup, like Vioxx for example!!!
Millie, thanks for the lemon squares, delicioso!
Spot, MD, racing at wine country Sonoma this week. Just cant get into racing in a place like that! ha
God's rich blessings to all,
MDC
"Otis, Otis Campbell...this is your conscious speaking.."
June 22, 2007 - Msg 53651: Hey to the porch.
Sterling, I'm with Me-they. I wouldn't either. (Send the thank you note) Seems a little... overkill. Like they won't know that you read someplace that you should do that... You already sent 'em one, right? That should do it, in my book. By the way, good luck!
- Hazel

Floyd: "Lotta bad feet in this country".
June 22, 2007 - Msg 53652: And what about that Redux and Phen/Phen thing several years ago, MDC? It caused some major problems for some folks. My doctor (or ex-doctor) put me on Redux and it made me feel horrible, extremely weak. I told the doc that there was no way I was going to continue because anything that would make me feel like that is NOT good for me. He acted like I was crazy and gave me some ridiculous excuse like I was feeling bad because I wasn't eating enough. No way, that medicine was bad news. Glad I stopped it. I had to have an echocardiogram, though, because I had taken the stuff. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is (with the exception of the gospel, which is very, very good news).

Yes, I will take sheets but hope I won't have to wet them down, MDC! The trip to the health food store was productive enough. I got omega 3 capsules, CoQ10, and a great vitamin with every good thing you can think of in it (probably even oregeno...not sure). My diet has been much, much healthier, too. I feel better and have more energy. Also, those gigantic capsules help control my appetite! hehe They feel like a full meal when taken with a glass of water.

Been a super busy day today. Got the laundry caught up, cooked up some food to put in the frige for mom and dad while I'm gone, cleaned, and took care of my 2 kids and 2 extra. Then, we had our last night of VBS and the clean up. Glad to be home and showered. Hopefully will get a good night's sleep so I can get packed for our vacation. You know how camping is; lots to prepare. There is no WalMart down the street in the place we are going. Goodnight Mayberry,

Boo
June 22, 2007 - Msg 53653:
Howdy porch family. Checking back in real quick.

Boo...all the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Keep it up.

I can barely keep my eyes open so off to bed I go.
Prayers for all.
-REV.
June 22, 2007 - Msg 53654: Hey Boo, will you guys be cooking by a fire started by constriction? Everyone knows a fire started by constriction burns a lot hotter. See, I have pioneer moxie! Have fun and be safe.

Sterling, I agree with Hazel. One is good. Two sounds like pandering, to me at least. Good luck to you.

Rev, you get some shut eye friend. You sound tired.

Good to see you BWB.

FunGirl, somehow I missed your post back there. I was just reading the archives. I hope this new feller is the real deal.

Mavis, I am really happy to see you so happy. It makes my heart smile.

Possum, your a good Possum. Anyone ever tell you that? :)

Where is Charlotte, and Mary Wiggins, and whatever become of Mrs. Wiley?

Wish me luck. Playing in a golf tournament in the morning. I'm pumped!

Asa
June 23, 2007 - Msg 53655: Good luck, ASA. What the heck is a fire by "constriction"?? Is that some kind of TAGS quote that I forgot about?

Boo
June 23, 2007 - Msg 53656: Asa, I had to buy corn at the grocery store today...when will your's be ready????
June 23, 2007 - Msg 53657: Good afternoon folks, hope all is well this Saturday. My kids got back from Mississippi about noon today, they had a good week. Brought back lots and lots of dirty laundy for me. My son helped put up frame for walls in some houses, hung cabinets in a couple houses and my daugther helped with drywalling all week. Their clothes sure do prove they worked hard and dirty all week. Our youth group is going to hold the morning service at church tomorrow and my son is going to speak about his experience. Good luck in the golf tournament ASA. Have fun camping Boo. Dinner will be grilled burgers with the works, Slaw, baked beans, chips, sweet tea, kool aid,
ice cream sandwhiches for dessert. see you all at supper. Blessings and Prayers to all. Big Maude
June 23, 2007 - Msg 53658:
Hi Folks, just a quick hello. In and out with errands today. We have a huge indoor pool about a 2 mile from us and i like to do lap swimming in the evening. They set up lanes from 7 to 9 pm.
Weather outlook for the next 5 days... 110 or higher (in the shade no less), but it don't seem more than 109 to me! (haha, as if I can tell)
Maude, I'll see you at dinner. I like mine well done, slip a fried egg in there on the bottom bun and I'm in hamburger heaven!
God bless all,
MDC
"How do you do Mrs. Wiley."
June 23, 2007 - Msg 53659: Hi to everyone on the porch, even thouigh I don't post much, I like to drop by to see how everyone is doing including Plum, always favored the little ones. Here is a story for possum:Just got back from the annual Riverfest in Wilkes- Barre. We met this full grown possum who was hanging onto the lady from the Pocono wild animal rescue like she was its mommy. They had rescued her from the mom possum's pouch when it was hit by a car. This one baby lived, it was the size of a person's thumb. Being raised from so small it became totally tame. It had lost one eye in that car crash and being so dependant on humans it was not able to be returned to the wild. That might be a good thing, it was so cuddly that maybe the children who were there learned something about the treatment small animals deserve.
News about me: today is the first day of my retirement. After 35 years with the Dept. of Environmental Protection I decided to opt for an early retirement. I have really mixed feelings at this point. I wonder if I'll always feel like I'm still part of it. There are just so many other things I need to do with my time. My mom is near 80 and she's still trying to take care of her home and her granddaughter who moved in with her a few years ago. They live about 25 miles from me and the trips take up a lot of time. The wife had to retire awhile ago and is kind of bored out in the country trying to find things to keep her occupied. Seems everyone needs more help lately.
I hope I get over this bad feeling of not having a job, especially the kind of great job where I was always out solving environmental problems and meeting with new people.
Hey to Millie, Spot, Big Maude, Boo, Asa, Tom, MDC, Au2o, BWB, Dud, Lucy,Warren, REV, Mavis, Floyd and everyone else.
Marty from MtTop
June 23, 2007 - Msg 53660: Hey, congratulations on your retirement, Marty. Hope it's all you want it to be. I know how you feel when it comes to others needing your help. I get alot of that. Both of my parents are in their 80's and pretty needy. There are others who need me, too. That's just life I guess. I suppose it would be a pretty sad life if we weren't needed. Really sweet story about the possum, by the way.

Wow, that's hot MDC. Hard to function in that kind of heat. I just read the forcast for the area we will be camping in and it seems it will be raining alot. At least it won't be as hot. Sure hope we enjoy it. We just spend 300.00 at Walmart on all we needed to take, including food for the week. Man, I wish I had opted to go somewhere and stay in a nice hotel!

Better go, still more to do...

Boo
June 23, 2007 - Msg 53661:
Hello porch family.

Now MDC...That's hot! Be careful if you're out in it.

Boo...have fun camping. Hope you have some good weather.

Marty...enjoy your retirement. Good to hear from you.

Thanks for supper Maude. I'm sure your worship service will be special with the youth sharing.

Well better get to bed. Prayers for all and remember that Jesus loves us so much.
-REV.
June 23, 2007 - Msg 53662: Hi, Marty. Thanks so much for thinking of my little Plum. She's been under the weather lately - had an encounter with cancer recently, big surgery, primary not yet identified, but we're working on it. Also is lame in her hips lately, apparently arthritis, but Rimadyl helps a lot. We're working on that, too. Please come around more often, you're always a pleasure to have around. I knew I liked you, and now that I know you worked for the EPA, that explains a lot. Caring, concerned people have a tendency to stand out in a crowd.

Well, gotta run. My daughter and two grandsons are here - came up from Fredericksburg for my nephew's wedding, which was quite nice. We've been having a good visit - always fun.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53663: Good morning gang...gosh just busy yesterday!...I got to read the mail...breakfast will be at waffle house on Asa...im at work back in a bit....SPOT
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53664: Good Mornin' Dears,
Happy Sabbath! How is everyone? We're busy here in our household. I thought with the boys being home that I'd have more time to sit on the porch, but it has been the opposite. We live in an apartment. Consequently, I have to take them places to be entertained. That takes alot of time. I usually bring books and paperwork with me, but we're at the pool usually everyday. How hot is it everywhere else? It's in the mid 90s here.
Question, has anyone seen or planning to see Evan Almighty? I had planned on going this weekend after being told last weekend (at Atlantafest-christian concert @ six flags) that it needs lots of support opening weekend so that more "wholesome" movies will be produced. Then on Friday I read a review by Dr. Dobson who said that it doesn't go by what the Bible says, Oh my G-- is said numerous times, and God being played by Morgan Freeman is wrong. Bryan said that we will not see it, so we won't. What do y'all think?
Boo- Have an awesome trip. I agree with you though that I'd rather be in a hotel. My parents are rather well off, and my Mom said the most roughing it she will do is in the Holiday Inn rather than the Ritz. I will rough it, but luckily hubby would rather stay in a hotel than on the ground.
Possum- How are the boys enjoying their summer?
Mavis- Are you excited or nervous about the wedding this Saturday?
BWB- I don't know the answer to your question, sorry. It's nice that you pulled up your rocker again. Have you heard from DWF?
Hazel- Your so funny. How's your garden growing?
Asa- How did the tournament go? What's your handicap?
Big Maude- Do you feel like your kids grow in their walk with the Lord each time they do something like this? Wanna do my laundry too? Just kidding.
MDC- We have a pool in our apartment complex and I usually swim laps in the late morning before all of the kids get down. I used to go to the YMCA and swim, but we let our membership go when Nick moved in and I couldn't really go anymore. Swimming is so good for your joints.
Marty- I hope you enjoy your retirement. It will get easier when you get a routine going.
Rev- Are you out on the road?
Spot- Thanks for keeping the lights on!
Auh20, Sterling, Dud- I was think all of y'all was looking for a job. Am I right? Sorry, I haven't read the archives in a few days.
Well, I guess I'd better get the boys up and ready for church. Hubby's in Chicago at a show, so we'll just get McD's for breakfast. We really do eat out a ton more when he's gone, but it's just so easy!
Blessings to you and yours,
~Lucy
Remember the Golden Rule today!
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53665: Hey Lucy, it's been a bit cooler here this week because of the rain (between 80-90 degrees). It's usually way up in the 90's.

Funny about the Holiday Inn vs. The Ritz. I don't mind roughing it too much but it's hard to have to walk to the public outhouse every time you need it! The cabin we are staying in is pretty nice and actually has very large screened windows and bunk beds. I am taking my own foam mattresses, though. We are also taking two fans. It gets into the 60's at night up there so it should be ok for sleeping. We are really taking this trip for the kids. It would be very tempting, otherwise, to skip the whole thing and stay in an nice B+B somewhere or something.

By the way, I don't think Possum has any boys, you may be thinking of Homemaker?

Better go, still things to do to get ready...

Boo
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53666: Morning dears.
Boo, my comment on fire by constriction was a term used by Barney when him and Gomer got lost camping and Andy snuck Gomer some chicken from Aunt Bee after Barney had tried without luck to get a fire started by rubbing a stick. BTW Gomers line to Andy when Andy finds them..."so we are lost. I thought so but Barney said we weren't" always cracks me up. Anyway have fun and be safe Boo.

Lucy, I'm a 10 handicap right now. I was close to a 5 a few years ago before I hurt my back. Now I just can't play as much as I like. If I work at it though I might shoot in the 90's or even 100. :) We shot 8 under but the winner was 11 under. It was a 4 man bestball format.

Good to see you Marty. Check in more.

Maude, you cooking Sunday dinner today? You cook real good I've noticed.

MDC, I bet Maude can cook that egg on your sidewalk.

Well off to preachin. I hate being late for preachin. I don't mind being late for other things, but I hate being late for preachin. (actually I hate being late for anything but I wanted to sound like Lydia.)

Asa




June 24, 2007 - Msg 53667: Asa - did anyone get hurt when you were playing golf - I know you like to slice! Do you need any of my special meatballs - I'll make a batch just for you!

Where has Dud been? Miss his La humor!

Congrats Marty!

homemaker
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53668: Mornin' Y'all! Hey Lucy,like Boo said,I don't have any boys,but thanks for asking about them!
Marty,that's a neat story about the little possum. I hope your retirement brings you lots of joy & opportunities to do things you've been wanting to do.Oh,and like Romeena said,please come rock with us on the Porch more often.We like ya!
Asa,don't you just love that camping episode? It's got everything from Lake Loons to ghost stories- "Who Stole My Golden Arm?". Boo,you make sure to tell that one around the campfire. Have a good trip.
Girls, how about we plan a bachelorette party for Mavis? We can kick all the fellows off of the Porch for one night and have a blast! We can even ask Asa to put on his speedo and do his Gigolo Club act-maybe get him to jump out of a cake,even! Who's up for it? Homemaker can bring the meatballs!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53669: Oh Possum, we ALWAYS find a chance to tell "The Golden Arm", what's neat is that this time we will have some new little ones to tell it to. Some of our best friends will be camping next to us and they will have 5 or 6 kids with them (suddenly this isn't sounding like much of a vacation....8 kids between all of us). Anyhow, I'm sure there will be campfires and ghost stories...I just hope I don't end up sandwiched between two frightened people at bedtime like Andy did (remember Barney and Gomer laying there next to Andy with their eyes as big as saucers?!!). Looking forward to that lovely, cool, green river!

Boo
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53670: Homemaker, it seems like Dud said he had to be out of town to be with his mom...something about cataract surgery, I think?

Boo
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53671: Ro, wonder if the Tip Top cafe is on my way? Maybe we will stop there on our way through...I'll google the directions.

Boo
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53672: Hey possun,boo...lucy..marty...Asa a good day on the links for me is about 102 or maybe just a bit better...but I have fun!...Big maude,romeena...millie yall out there?..10-4...Rev keep looking for the Fed-X lunch wagon..!mdc,md,hazel,goober,mavis....road race today @ 4:30...supper will be:Chicken-n-dumplins...cornbread,big maude slaw...Big Pot full!...prayers to all...will catch a sermon on the tube tonight here at work...im here all night so I will keep the lights on for Church...SPOT
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53673:
Boo- hope you get a chance to REST too! haha
Marty- congrats- you can always look into volunteering.
Lucy- hey!
Asa- i like to go to Ro's photos and look at the one of your Snow! ha
Great sabbath, burgers were great!
MDC

June 24, 2007 - Msg 53674: Porch quite tonight!...md,mdc,mavis and all race fans...Race is on!..left-right,left-right..road racing...yall getr some left over dumplings for yall lunch at work tomorrow....Asa left some...well back to the race....trying to keep the Church lights on!...SPOT
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53675: Evening all, a warm summer evening is a good time to sit out on the front porch. Hey to homemaker didn't mean to miss you before. Thank you all for your kind words on my retirement. I 'm feeling kinda queezy about leaving my job and I feel a little better about it after hearing from you good people. I just got back from my Mom's home, she had a really great dinner for me to celebrate the big event. We had stuffed chicken breasts with gravy, boiled potatoe quarters, minus their coats, lightly fried in butter and sugar, creamy cole slaw, a raw vegetable platter, string beans and sweet taters with butter. For desert there was a white sheet cake with a thick amount of what I call birthday cake icing and a double thick blueberry pie with a flakey buttery top crust and whipped cream. My Uncle Bill, Mom's friend Sandy and her little adopted Chihuahua- Luci and cousin Allen and niece Heather and of course my wife Diane were there.
MDC- our little church could use some more volunteers. I've got to get some things done on my Mom's home: first to redo the putty on the windows and paint the wood parts, finish the inside of my garage,and the usual maintenance in both our yards. I don't think I'll suffer from not having anything to do.
Marty from MtTop
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53676: Hey Spot, Mdc, Marty(Good to see you back!) Having such a good day! Chemo tommorow, though. Trying to get a lot done today. Still putting kids down....2 down, 2 to go....back in a bit with a snack....
Millie
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53677: Good Sabbath evening Porchsters! Meant to get back before now, but had so much to do. When you only have 2 days off & you have 4 days worth of stuff to do, makes it hard. The Primitives were awesome, as always, they had some new songs that were absolutely wonderful! If you ever get the chance to go see them, GO!
Been busy getting the spare room ready for Jake to stay in while he is here next weekend (He is giving me away) & getting last minute things done for the wedding, I am getting more & more excited! Thanks for keeping the lights on Spot & Marty if you get too bored, you can mow the yard over here as well. ;)
Gotta get off here & get ready for bed, another day of puppy feet to groom tomorrow & food to be made to feed the hard working folks in Bristol.
Blessings,
*Mavis
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53678: Good evening, all. Just got home from spending the latter half of the day at my son's home. Nephew got married yesterday, my daughter and two young teen grandsons came up for the wedding. We hung out here last evening, got up this morning and had a lazy breakfast (didn't make it to church, but I believe God understands) and then we went out to my son's for some good burgers. Daughter and boys left shortly after lunch, and I stayed out there a while. Left the Plum at home, as she's still hobbling a bit, and didn't need to be out there with little rough-housing boys, and my son's dog, who is sweet but playful.

Mavis, are you familiar with soft-coated Wheaten Terriers? That's what my son's dog, Bentley, is and he's just precious. Big old galumphy dog, sweet and loving and so cute. My little grandsons, ages 3 and 6, will be sitting on the floor watching TV, minding their own business, and Bentley will come running into the room full tilt and just body-slam them and keep going. He's trying to get a wrestling match started, and it usually works. It's hilarious! He and the Plum get along fine, never a growl between them, but he is a bit big and rough for her right now, since she's feeling puny. Anyway, Mavis, are they all as sweet as he is? He's just great with the kids. I can't imagine him ever hurting anyone. He's like a big animated stuffed toy.

Well, I've got a watermelon in the fridge, and I think I heard it call my name. Sounds like supper to me - a big slice of watermelon. I love the stuff! I hope it's a good one. If anyone wants some, just come on by. I'll never eat a whole melon by myself - the birds will end up getting the last of it, I'm sure.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53679: Hey, speaking of breakfast - this morning we had Griddle Stackers. Wonderful! First time I had tried them. They consist of a scrambled egg patty, cheese, and sausage patty between two pancakes, with maple syrup spread on the inner surfaces of the pancakes. You heat them in the microwave, supposedly in their plastic package, but I take them out and put them in a little glass bowl that has a lid, and I vent the lid a little by putting a couple of toothpicks under it. Anyway, those things are absolutely yummy - I like them better than a Sausage Egg McMuffin, and I really like those! The Stackers are the Members Mark brand (Sam's brand) and will be in my freezer from now on. The grandsons ate two each! --Romeena
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53680: Oh - obviously I got the Stackers from Sam's. --Romeena
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53681: Hey Romeena,marty,hazel,possum...where is TOM?..Rev you get your suppr?...Millie where is that snack?.....still here at work till 6 am then off till thu!..lake bound for the day wed..SPOT
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53682: ok,ok, Spot snack is ready! Chocolate shakes and oreos. Eat up!
Mil
June 24, 2007 - Msg 53683:
Hello porch family.

Yep Spot...I got the supper. Thanks brother. Got to see a little of the race today between services. I'm not too fond of the road courses.

Lucy....yep I'm still on the road. I'm out in La now. Got two more days in this area. I'll be on the road till August. Long tour.

Millie...prayers that the chemo goes smoothly. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Ro...enjoy the time with your family. Watermelon sounds good...save me a slice.

Gotta get to bed.....early morning. Prayers for all. Have a Jesus filled night.
-REV.
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53684: Thats funny Millie I just had a chocolate shake...funny how a mind works!..Rev I have grown to like the road courses...its a days work for the drivers!..Breakfast menu:waffles with stawberrys,bacon,hashbrowns and oj milk,coffee...Rev look for the truck...been a long 24 hr shift this time...ready to go home and crash at 6...get to sleep in today...then yard work...off till thu at noon...prayers...SPOT
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53685: MDC,SPOT...racing over the weekend was ok ,the trucks and busch cars put on good shows at Miwalkee ,but Im not a big road course fan And having a non American driver win in NASCAR is somehow not right .... The Hendrick boys will most likely get hit hard in points ,money ,and crew chief suspensions this week for messing with NASCARs COT . everyone have a great day
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53686: Good morning everyone. After a beautiful weekend, it appears we are to get a dose of very hot, very humid weather this week.

I had to bolt out of work at lunch on Friday. I got a call from VBS that Nora had fallen and split her knee. We spent all afternoon in the emergency room. It’s pretty banged up and she needed four stitches, but it should be okay. If we can only get through the drama of it all.

The wife’s job seems to be going okay. She’s still on a steep learning curve, but I didn’t marry no dummy. She getting used to doing the 9-5 routine; she didn’t have any trouble getting used to getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Can’t understand why.

ROMEENA, REV and MDC: We use glass in the microwave, too. I know that the FDA and any doctor or scientist can (and do and will) make mistakes, but I still trust the judgment of those who have knowledge and experience over most of the unsourced stuff I hear and read on some websites or in the news. Sometimes, an education is worth every penny.

I'm not trying to be a contrarian or naive. We don’t have to agree on everything. Gee, wouldn’t that be boring? We can’t have all the facts and even if we did there’s no way to avoid all the dangers associated with the things we eat and breathe.

Funny (as in ironic) story: my parents have a small house in the mountains and woods of West Virginia were they get away and stay when they can. It is remote and truly beautiful. My dad likes to go there for the “fresh air.” Too bad the particulate count of carcinogenic heavy metals is heavier in this area of WV then anywhere else in the nation. But it sure does smell and look pretty!

BOO: We are going to visit my aunt in Arkansas (the one who I used to visit in Plano) in August. We were going to drive, but the thought of having to spend a couple of nights in a hotel gives me the heebie-jeebies. It has been about five years since I’ve stayed in one, and even then I had to take my own sheets and blankets. I honestly don’t know if I could do it now.

And sorry about the tea thing. I’m sure we’d be surprised how many bugs we inadvertently eat every day. Still, at least they’re not bioengineered!

LUCY: I haven’t heard much about “Evan Almighty,” but I did see “Bruce Almighty” and enjoyed it. When it was first released I stayed away from it assuming that it was another piece of Hollywood garbage that was making a mockery of Christianity. I had a friend who recommended the video to me, though. I ended up really enjoying it. It is not prefect, by a stretch, but I thought it imparted great Christian values in a humorous way. In the end, the value of faith and prayer were lifted up. I don’t know if this new movie follows that example (and I’m no Steve Carrell fan) but I wonder if it isn’t just that sometimes we expect too much out of secular entertainment.

Congrats on your retirement, MARTY! I hope that you can join us more often now. Your job sounds fascinating and important, too.

Well, I’m stop back later. Especially if someone’s buying lunch (hint, hint).

Me-They
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53687: Yep, me talk real good.

M-T
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53688: Good Monday porch. Hope all is well today. Congrats to Marty on retirement!! Asa, I am a fair cook, no where as good as SPOT though. My kids had a good trip and learned a lot while they were gone. My son spoke about his experience in church yesterday and 'bout made me cry. He is an amazing young man and has such great insight into things. OKay M-T I will buy your lunch today: Olive Garden at noon. see everyone there. Prayers and blessings to all and especially for Millies chemotherapy. Romeena, I am going to look for those breakfast sandwhiches at Sams, sounds like my kids would like them. Guess I had better do some work. I will try and stop by later. Prayers and blessings to call. Big Maude
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53689: Olive Garden's a fave, MAUDE! Woohoo! Thanks!

LUCY: I just read the review of "Evan" on teh plugged-in website. It gave the film a generally favorable review but was followed by Dr. Dobson's comments. After reading both, and the good points they make, I'm on the fence but would probably watch it. Since it's PG it's not for the kids, anyway. But that's me!

Me-They
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53690: For a change, someone from the Left Coast is making a whole lotta sense. Check out this article: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-williamson29mar29,0,803913.story?coll=la-opinion-center. As a parent, it really makes me think. I'd be interested to hear how some of you folks think about it.

Me-They
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53691: (Sniff-sniff)...I did put on my deodorant this morning...where is everybody today?

M-T
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53692: Switch deodorants, Me-They. Phewww.
;) Just kidding.

About that article in the LA Times; I don't know M-T, it almost seems like they are trying to downplay it for the sake of making child predators seem less threatening(not really a surprise, considering where it comes from), while shifting blame for a parents concern to the parents themselves and to child protection groups and legislations("panic-inducing" Megan's Law?). It only takes one time for someone to take your kid. That's a lot worse than a kid being overweight. I don't think kids are overweight because parents are too paranoid to let them out of the house. There are plenty of physical activities kids can do with supervision or in groups or in the backyard. The parents just have to get them motivated to do them. Kids are overweight because of all the technological gadgets they have to occupy their time with, and they don't WANT to do old-fashioned stuff that makes them sweat.
Kai and I take walks, and play frisbee, and go to the playground, all the time. I already consider those times as special between me and her, AND we get the added benefit of giving our hearts a workout. You just have to get them to do it. And she likes to do it; she asks ME to go for walks now. I think "stranger-danger" is a small part of why kids are more obese nowadays, so I'm not going to stop being vigilant about watching out for my child.

Just this past week, I read in our paper that police were looking for some guy in a rusty car who asked a little girl how to get to Madison and then asked her if she wanted to ride along. Luckily she didn't, and she had the good sense to report it, so if he knows they're looking for him, he will probably stay out of town and not try to abduct another girl. Around here anyway.
And we're a fairly small town too. It can happen anywhere, sadly.

Oh, btw for you immigration watchers, she identified the attempted abductor as hispanic. Don't know his immigration status, but just thought it was worth mentioning in this current society.

-Sterling Holobyte


June 25, 2007 - Msg 53693: Thanks for joining me on tghis lonely porch, STERLING. At least we didn't break MAUDE's wallet.

You're right STERLING, taking a child is not even in the same ballpark as being obese. I thought it was interesting on another level, that these things have always been with us and perhaps we are overreacting. When I think of the freedom I had as a child, and how little freedom my own have (mostly because of my fears for them), to explore the yard, the woods, the neighborhood, it truly makes me sad. When I read that about 100 children in the U.S. are abducted each year (by a stranger--that doesn't count "parental" abductions) out of about 125 million, it kind of makes you reevaluate whether the "cure" might be more drastic than the "illness." Don't get me wrong, even one child being adbucted is too many, and statistics are no consolation to a grieving family. But I'm starting to wonder if my concerns shouldn't be placed in areas that are more likely. It is ironic that over 90% of the (to use a less graphic term here) assaults on children happen not by a stranger, but by people they know like parents, relatives, family friends, teachers, etc.--the very people we often entrust our kids to. But often we are so busy locking them up from strangers we forget to watch out where the danger is likeliest. It does make you think.

The reason I suggested the article is because I heard its author on NPR today. She was telling that her son's middle school recently banned students from riding their bikes to school--not because of something that ever did happen but because of something that might. So to safeguard the students they no longer can ride bikes to school. I don't know, it does sound kind wierd.

I'm not going to be less vigilant about looking out for my kids, either, you can bet that!

Good night, folks!

Me-They
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53694: Excuse me. Let me get this straight. A school banned children from riding their bikes to school to lessen the danger of abduction? Was that the reason? So now a child whose parents don't have the means to drive him/her to school will just have to leave earlier and walk? Which would be easier to abduct - a child walking, or a child zipping along on a bike? Hmmm. Makes you think. Perhaps I need more information here, perhaps I'm drawing an inaccurate assumption regarding the motivation for the ruling.

You know, I think a/c plays at least a small part in the problem of obesity in our children. As a child, I never minded going out to play because it was cooler outdoors than it was in the house. In the evening, we all played outdoors and we were quite safe because our parents were either sitting on the porch hoping to catch a breeze, or were inside the house with all windows and doors wide open, so they could see and hear us at all times. My own kids had almost as much freedom, as we only ran a little window unit at night. The young kids of today are in a/c at home, at school, in the stores, at church - everywhere. When they walk outdoors, it's HOT by comparison, and they don't want to stay out there. One can hardly blame them. I have to make myself get out and work in the yard when it's so hot, so I understand.

Another big factor is those dratted handheld game things. We had the choice of playing physical games, riding bikes or horses, skating, going swimming, whatever. We either did something active, or sat and watched each other sweat, so the choice was easy. Today's kids don't exercise anything but their thumbs! No wonder they're fat!

Safety? That's what back yards are for. If there is no back yard, then parents need to get creative and make some sort of supervised activity available for their kids. Churches often sponsor summer activities - mine does Upward Basketball, which the kids really enjoy. Parks have supervised games. There's the Y. Enroll the kids in Scouts. There must be something besides just sitting on their little round bottoms.

There, I said it and I ain't takin' it back! (Mercy, I sure do sound like an opinionated old lady. Maybe I am!?!) --Romeena
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53695: Yes you are, Romeena, and don't you ever change! :)

I just wanted to clarify that even though my post was thinking about the safety of the children, I don't necessarily agree with that banning of riding bicycles to school. That's going a bit too far, and it also borders on infringement of a person's rights, for that matter.
Besides, being a fairly avid bike rider myself, I wouldn't want to see them banned anywhere. Ok, besides maybe the freeway.

And you're right Romeena, it would be a lot harder for someone to abduct a kid on a bike. You can really get moving on a bike if you want to. Myself, and hundreds of loose dogs can attest to that.

-Sterling Holobyte
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53696:
MD- I agree, I cant get into nascar road course style, and in wine country no less! ha, I need to see the good ole boys on an oval!
Sorry to slip in and out today. Prayers for all porch, troops, country,
MDC
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53697: We are watchers of pro-wrestling and one of its premier wrestlers was found dead today along with his wife and child. Chris Benoit was an excellent role model. I think his family in Canada needs our prayers. It has really upset my children. He did not die of a drug overdose or use of steroids but rather something else. If I had my guess - I would say they were poisoned. They had all been spitting up blood.

Sorry for talking about this - it is really on my mind.

homemaker
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53698: By the way Romeena - those dratted handheld games are banned from my house. No playstations, gameboys, etc. for them. Once in a while I let them play computer games but it is only with permission and only for a specified length of time. They can play outdoors or walk their goats - or do chores - there is always something to do!

hm
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53699: Good for you, homemaker. I'm sure your kids are happy and healthy, and that's wonderful. Of course, it helps that you live in the country. Your kids are relatively safe out there, and as you said, there's always something to do. That was my background as well - never a dull moment when I was growing up. However, lots of kids don't have that advantage, and have nothing more than an apartment complex courtyard for a play area, with all the risky elements that can be found there at times. For those children, parental vigilance and creativity is a must. I really admire those parents who manage to make it work. When my oldest two grandkids were small, that's where they lived, and my daughter definitely had her work cut out for her.

Well, the Plum is asking for attention, so guess I'd better go give her some cuddle time. She's feeling a bit better today, still has a hitch in her get-along, but much better than yesterday. Guess we'll be staying on Rimadyl! She says hey! --Romeena
June 25, 2007 - Msg 53700: Good Evening,
Me-They- Hubby decided after Dr. Dobson's comments that we won't see Evan Almighty. Nick doesn't want to watch it, but Bryson wants to see the "poopy animals" (9 year old boy, any explanations, needed?). I hope Nora heals quickly. The emotional bruise is sometimes worse than the physical one.
Big Maude- That is so awesome about your son. Has he considered going into Theology?
Rev- You be careful now. Is your wife with you?
Romeena- Bryson could eat bacon, egg, and cheese McGriddles all day long! I bought some Jimmy Dean ones at the market yesterday so we'll see how they compare to McD's. Hubby has banned us from McD's so hoping it will work!
Sterling- I agree with your statements. My stepdaughter, Michaela, is extremely obese. All she wants to do is lay around, eat, and watch tv. Nick and Bryson are thin because they are active. They do play outside (ages 13 & 9), but they are always together or with friends. If Bryson wants to go to his friends house then Nick rides his bike down there with him or I walk with him. One of hubby and my biggest arguments is that he believes that I should let Bryson go to the park and sit in the car and work. I will NEVER do that. Every single day in the summer I take the kids to our pool in our complex so the boys will have exercise. Bryson, especially, is a technological junkie, so I have to force him out. If that's what it takes then so be it! I will watch my kids and make them exercise.
Homemaker- In the clinic where hubby used to work the wrestler you mentioned came in for HGH treatments. I hope that didn't have any bearing on his death. I admire your stance on video games. We are leaning that way more and more. They get 2 hours a day of tv, video games, and computer combined!
I'm tired. Good night everyone!
Blessings,
~Lucy
June 26, 2007 - Msg 53701: hi folks. I got my chemo today,and I'm still feeling ok, PTL. Hope everyone is well, I just scanned todays posts....I'm tired. I'll check in tommorow. Breaksfast on me at Aunt Sarah's, 7am.
Millie
June 26, 2007 - Msg 53702: Morning porchters.
Millie, glad you are feeling well after the treatment. Hope that continues for you. And thanks for breakfast. I'm starving.

Homemaker, that is sad about the wrestler you posted about. What a sad story.

Yesterday we had an inmate from the State prizon who had been taken to the hospital for an MRI, manage to wrestle the gun away from the corrections officer who was guarding him. Sadly he shot the guard in the head killing him and then managed to steal a car. There was a wild police chase all over the Salt Lake valley before police finally spiked his tires and captured him. He's a skinhead from Idaho is what I hear. Very sad story.

Is Sugarplum feeling any better Romeena? Sure hope so.

Well off to work. Hope you all have a great day.

Asa
June 26, 2007 - Msg 53703: Good morning everyone.

MILLIE: Prayers that you feel tip-top today and even better tomorrow. I'll see you at breakfast.

ROMEENA: Old ain't the same as irrelevant, that's for sure. Now, I ain't calling you old, but you do have a few years on many of us here on the porch. Thank the Lord you're willing to share your wisdom and experience with us.

I think that the rise in obesity among children is being caused by a laundry list of things our society has concocted to inflict on them: Video games and tv (and anything else that keep you on your duff), a/c, prepackaged and fast (and plain unhealthy) food, longer school days, spoiling kids (everything they want on a silver platter and forget chores or actual work), over medicating (ridilin anyone?), etc. I think it's pretty sad that kids would need structured exercises and diets to keep them "healthy." You can boil most of the problems down to our extremely affluent society. Even the poorest in this nation would seem wealthy to many in this world. And every day we feel entitled to more.

HM: That is so sad about that wrestler. Prayers for his fan, including your kids (sons, that is, not goats).

LUCY: I'm sure your decision is the best one for your family!

Have a great day.

Me-They
June 26, 2007 - Msg 53704: Oh, my vigil has not been in vain! Paris is free!

Me-that's my tongue in my cheek-They
June 26, 2007 - Msg 53705: APB for TOM, HAZEL, HORATIO, GOOBER, CHARLOTTE, IDELLE, AFD, AUH2O, and others. I bet AUH2O is standing in line at the theater for the first crack at a ticket to see "Sicko."

M-T
June 26, 2007 - Msg 53706: Well - I now get to explain that the wrestler killed his wife and child and then himself. Another wrestler died about a year ago named Eddie Guerrero. They were best friends. I think there were many factors involved but it is very, very sad. I was hoping that it would be accidental of some sort and not this.

homemaker
June 26, 2007 - Msg 53707: Homemaker- I wasn't going to say anything, but Bryan said he was always "jacked up" when he came to their clinic. I'm sorry this has hurt you and your kids. I met him once and he seemed like a nice man, flirtatious, but nice.
Me-They- You are too funny. I was watching Entertainment Tonight last week, for the first time in a good while, and they were actually having a daily Paris jail watch. How pathetic.
Tom- Are you okay?
Millie- I hope this chemo doesn't get you down too much. Prayers!
Okay, well, I need to get to work. Bryan has emailed me a long list. When most wives hear that he gives me lists they usually say something like they wouldn't put up with that. After 10 years of arguing about my not knowing what he wants done I finally gave up on fighting the lists.
One last thing, I'm really struggling with my anger for Nick right now. He's always here and his intense personality is really irritating me. He's one of those kids that wants attention whether positive or negative and is always hovering everywhere I go. I'm sorry to ask for prayer, but can you remember me? Thank you!
Blessings,
~Lucy
June 26, 2007 - Msg 53708: Prayers for you Lucy, indeed. I know how how you're feeling.....when Sean was younger and came to us he needed a lot of attention, and I would get tired of it too. Hope things ease up soon.
Millie
June 26, 2007 - Msg 53709: And Lucy, never be sorry to ask us for prayer. We're here for you.
Millie
June 26, 2007 - Msg 53710: Right on, Millie! The right to ask friends to pray for one's needs is a privilege, one for which we should never apologize, but instead give thanks, and exercise that right freely.

On that note, please be aware that the militant atheist, whose name escapes me, is at it again. He's the one who petitioned to have "under God" removed from the pledge. He's now trying to get "In God We Trust" removed from our currency, and make it a crime to pray or even mention the name of God in public. Jay Sekulow of the ACLJ is gearing up to fight him. We are in a war, my friends, against a formidable, evil enemy. The scary thing is that in this case, the majority will not necessarily rule.

I can't help but wonder what drives him? If Christianity and all things God-related are just nonsense, the imaginings of simple minds, then what does he fear? Why can't he just smile at our silliness and go about his business? Maybe he has read the scripture that says "Only the fool has said in his heart 'there is no God'" and is secretly afraid that it might be true. Poor man. Poor, deluded, sad man.

Millie, I hope you're still feeling well. Me-They, thanks for the kind words. Lucy, I confess I'd have had trouble with running my household according to my husband's lists, but if you have the grace to accept his methods and it keeps peace in the family, then more power to you.

Well, I have to work tonight and tomorrow night, so guess I'd better get a little nap and get psyched up for it. Sugarplum is a lot better, just a little hiccup in her gait now and then. She says hey! --Romeena
June 26, 2007 - Msg 53711:
Hello porch family. Trust that everyone is having a great day in the Lord!

Lucy...prayers for situation. I'm honored to pray for your (and everyone's) needs.
And yes Lucy....My wife is with me. She will tour with me until August. It's so nice having my "sweet one" with me when I'm on long tours.

Millie...praying that your chemo is going smoothly.

Ro...we better be praying and not think this is nothing to worry about. That's the reason we are in the fix we are in today....Christians sitting back doing nothing. Pray pray pray!

Well better get going. I have a service tonight so gotta get ready. Prayers for all our porch family.
-REV.