August 02, 2007 - Msg 54620: Good morning everyone. If we don’t get some rain soon, it’s gonna look like Pheonix around here (no offense MDC). It’s getting browner every day. And I see that the well-drillers are doing a good business.

MAVIS: So sorry to hear about your friend. Prayers.

BOO: I have to agree with ASA. I, too, would be mighty upset if my kids were exposed to that kind of language, especially at church. But I can remember being in similar circumstances back in the day. The several of those teens I still know of turned out pretty well after all. Kids and teens, no matter what else they do, will make poor choices. It’s how many of us learn. ROMEENA’s suggestions make sense to try and keep this kind of stuff to a minimum but you should recognize it likely will happen again. Maybe you could use it as a teachable moment with Sean about how we all sin but can be forgiven.

LUCY: Sorry about your situation with Nick. That’s a tough one. While it’s easy for someone like me to offer advise about a situation I know virtually nothing about, and with due respect to all those who recommend to the contrary, skirting the truth can’t come to much good. The truth may be harder to work through but I can’t help but imagine the peck of trouble that will come if the ex-wife finds out about the “conspiracy.” From your descriptions of the situation, it sounds like it could start another battle, or possible legal troubles. I understand your reluctance, and I applaud your decision to stand your ground, I just caution that a wrong can’t lead to a right. The means are just as important as the ends. That said, you are in my prayers.

I also would like to comment on something you said to STERLING, that his wife “is sinning if she is going against you and God.” Sin, in the strict sense, is an offense against God; you can’t sin against anything or anyone else. Even beside that fact, though, while the Bible tells us that wives should submit to their husbands, it also tells us that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church. Christ led by service not by fiat. He washed the feet of his disciples and did not issue fiats. He provoked thought, practiced kind virtues, and persuaded through service. All while never backing down from the Truth. If a husband’s leadership is causing hard feelings or resentment for his wife, he’s doing something wrong, plain and simple. Husbands are called to love their wives, before themselves, and the love that is commanded is not of the emotional kind; that love is a verb. The love God commands of us is not something that you say or feel, it’s something that you do (wasn’t that a Clint Black song?) Now, I’m not accusing STERLING of that, for sure! I just wanted to expound on what LUCY said. Of course, LUCY, I respect your opinion if you disagree. Sorry for the moulage!

Good to have you back, SPOT. Now where’s our other favorite cook, BIG MAUDE?

I loved Journey back in the day. "When the Lights Go Down in the City" was our prom theme.

Now, stop all that singing! WE WILL NOT SING! WE WILL NOT SING!

Me-They
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54621: All that jawing, it's a wonder I had the energy to sweep.

M-T
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54622: BOO: Here's something get that song out of your head...

You can dance if you want to, You can leave your friends behind,
'Cause your friends don't dance and if they don't dance,
They're no friends of mine...

See, it can always be worse...

Me-They

August 02, 2007 - Msg 54623: This porch can used a DR right now.
Used all have gong crazy now.
Or have all of this heat git to you.

TOM

August 02, 2007 - Msg 54624: Yes, it is entirely possible the heat has fried my brain, TOM. People do tell me that all the time ;).

Me-They
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54625: Sorry for that one.
It just I'm in a bad mond right now.
Because of something someone to me and yse i'm made

TOM

August 02, 2007 - Msg 54626: Good morning, all. Tom, I'm sorry someone has hurt you, but please don't hold onto anger. That only gives them a bigger victory. The best thing to do in such a situation is to pray for the one who was mean to you. Your poem was beautiful - thank you.

Boo, I pretty much agree with what has been said regarding the behavior of the kids at church, particularly Me-They's suggestion to use it as a teachable moment for Sean. I'd let Erin be in earshot as well, she'll absorb some of it. You might ask him how it made him feel to hear the kids talking like that, especially in church, and point out that just as he was listening to them, others listen to him, and that's why we must be so careful what we do and say.

I honestly can't remember doing such things when I was a young'un, probably because there were no "youth groups" as such way back then. Adults and kids were all together most of the time, and you can bet the adults were watching us. Now, my own kids were part of a very large and active youth group, well-supervised and monitored, always some planned activity going on. That didn't keep my son and some friends from getting on the church roof and shooting at people on the ground with big pumper water guns, then ducking behind a ledge before their victim could look up and see them. Imagine the boys' surprise when a jet of water hit them from behind, and they turned to see their "fearless leader", the youth minister, standing there, watergun in hand. We were informed, of course, but he asked that we not address it because he already had, he just wanted us to know, for future reference. Very wise young man, and he is now the pastor of a large church in San Antonio.

Well, the Plum is barking at me from the living room, guess I'd better go see what she wants. A carrot, probably. --Romeena
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54627: Ha, I thought your comment was funny, TOM. Sorry you are in a bad mood, though. Hope the day gets better for ya.

Aw Me-They, you know that some women are just testy and difficult no matter how loving their husband is. Even Proverbs talks about it: Proverbs 19 says, "a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping"! haha...and here are a few more: Prov 21:9-"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than with a brawling woman in a wide house.", and prov 21:19-"It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman"!...just something to think about...hehe

Boo
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54628: Hey there Romeena, didn't see you. Thanks for the advice. I will take it. I know you can't protect kids from everything in this life but it doesn't make me hate it any less when something like that happens. Once it happens, though, you have to give it to God and try to use it to educate the children. Also, the young girl who was involoved in the situation last night has very sweet parents who are really fairly new Christians but are very active in helping out when they are needed. They both have very big hearts and I love them. I wouldn't want to do anything hasty that might hurt them or the girl. I am praying about the situation right now...

I am remembering when about 2 years ago I sent Sean to a friend's house to play. It was a family from my church and their child snuck out a pornographic movie from thier parent's room and showed it to Sean. Thank God Sean told me about it and I was able to talk things out with him but I will never forget the feeling I had at the time. It was like being punched in the stomach. It hurt so much that his innocence of such matters was shattered (he was only 9 or 10 at the time). I guess it is just going to happen, we need to have good communication with our kids and take every opportunity to teach them.

Boo
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54629: No offense taken, TOM; I chuckled at your comment, too.

BOO: I know a fair number of men who are quick to stand up, chest out with a big old satisfied smile on their faces when their wife appears attentive and kids obedient. You can tell that they are all too happy to take credit. Few I know of are willing to do the same when their wife is the proverbial dripping faucet and their kids are whinning little terrors. When the faucet drips, you turn it off. If that doesn't work, you install new washers, maybe even a whole new shiny chrome-plated neck and handles. You take it on yourself to do what you can to help that faucet stop dripping. In fact, while it's obvious all the proverbs you mention are meant to chastise such a wife, they also imply a chastisement to the the husband who would not offer himself up to the service of his wife. And that means whether she's testy or not. There are no "ifs" when it comes to loving (verb) your wife.

Gee, did I start this moulage? ;)

Me-They
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54630: Sorry, didn't see you there again, BOO. That is so good that Sean told you about this. A similar thing happened to me as a kid and I diddn't tell my parents. Because I didn't tell them it happened several more times. I don't mind telling you, it had lingering effects on me. It's so great that Sean felt he could come to you. Yes, kids will be exposed to evil and we can't always prevent that. The best we can do is what you did: instill the Truth and offer enough love and understanding that they know we are here for them.

M-T
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54631: Well hey to all...apb for Big Maude!..im back at work now till 6 am...will be back with supper in just a bit...let me get busy here....hey M-T,Boo,Asa,Tom,Rev and all....SPOT
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54632: Me-They, your moulage is well recieved - enough to bring me out of retirement to says so! A big ol' hey to everyone! sorry my health keeps me off the machine, but y'all live on in my heart and right 'chere on the porch!

God's richest blessings,
~ Mrs. Wiley
Barney: "Blooey."

August 02, 2007 - Msg 54633: Well, Mrs. Wiley, I declare, so good to see you. Sorry your health has kept you away( I know how that is) but it's so good to hear fom you.
My goodness, isn't the porch lively these days!
I'm feeling much better(because it's 4 days til chemo again) so I'm trying to get lots done. Busy, busy busy!
Prayers for you all...
Love y'all.
Millie
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54634: Where's Spot with supper? Oh well, I've got sloppy joes and chips....y'all eat up!
Millie
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54635: Boo, kids are kids. Way back in the dark ages where I cam from remember a lot. I had a friend from a perfect family (like the Beaver tv family). Bill (still a good friend) had a younger sister who was a year or two younger than us and still remember one time her letting out some cursing around us. I was never more shocked. I think she used it as a 'shock factor on us.' I have worked around construction most of my career and am only bothered when I hear the second law of the decalogue broken. For God to place it second in the laws must mean something. In our church teachings it is customary to bow your head at mention of Christ
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54636: Lucy, like Me-They, I too am skeptical about the situation with Nick. Even if it's not lying, it is a deception, that might turn out to come back and bite you. Since my chosen profession is being a clerk for a Family Law judge, and for the last 19 years I've been sitting in divorce court, watching folks... I tend to think about things like that. At some point you all may have to explain the whole thing. Maybe not. And if the kid would be in danger going back, then you might be justified. But what a Judge would rather see is emergency paperwork filed, trying to stop the visitation and letting the court know of the danger. But, everybody has to make their own decisions and you know what's best for you and your family.
I think Floyd must have adjusted the settings on the porch, it seems to be sweeping more often than before.
- Hazel
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54637: In our church teachings it is customary to bow your head at mention of Christ or the Trinity. Back in high school remember a student one time cursing at a teacher….her response to it was, “(name), you must have a very limited vocabulary to try to expressed your thoughts as you did.”

Am very serious about the Texas end of the porch and cooking. I am about to replace my smoker with a larger one (get enough wood in it for six hours) and cook up a meal. My briskets smoke for sixteen hours or longer…and will even run to Elgin for sausage. A big pot of pinto beans and a potato salad. Pick out a weekend probably in early autumn whoever wants to and is convenient and we will do it.

Lucy, what do you mean by my age? What’s wrong with riding a bicycle? J

Prayers for all & they go out every evening.

ray
(my cut and paste somehow doesn't work to well with this site....sorry about that)
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54638: Mrs. Wiley! You snuck in on me! Nice to see you! Sorry about your health. I sure wish you would stop by more.
- Hazel
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54639: Hey Hazel, hey ray. I wish I lived in Texas so I could try your brisket. MMMMMM, good.
Millie
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54640: Millie, you are most welcome. When we do it, can Fed-Ex you some on dry ice.
ray
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54641: Now Me-They, I was only trying to lighten the conversation with my verses from Proberbs. I think women are great and deserve the best, I am one, afterall.

Good to see you Mrs. Wiley...sure wish you could stop by more often.

I have been at the hospital all day with my neice who is pregnant and nearing her due date. She had terrible high blood pressure and even seizures with her first pregnancy and her pressure started creeping up today and she had a headache and nausea. She went to the hospital to be checked out and now all is well but I ended up there all day. Hopefully a healthy baby will be here soon.

Millie, so happy to hear you are feeling better today. Prayers for your chemo in 4 days.

Ray, I think getting together would be great. There aren't very many of us here in Texas, though. Just me in Corpus, Romeena in Dallas, and DES in San Antonio, I think.

Gotta go spend some time with the kids...

boo
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54642:
Well hello porch family. The porch is likely today. The Mrs and I have been busy all day helping our daughter clean her apartment for the up coming college year. We'll be moving her back in this weekend.

Mavis....sure will be praying for your friend's family and organization.

Hey Spot...bout time you get yourself back. Yep, I'm back home for a couple weeks now. Watching the Braves. Good game. Man they are playing some good ball. They got a good trade. Oh yea...thanks for keeping me fed while on the road with the fed-x. Got to share a little funny story...We were set up in the motorhome at a church in Lewiston, Maine waiting for the concert and I looked out the window and a fed-x truck drove into the parking lot beside our motorhome. I looked at my wife and said, "well here's our supper from Spot." She just looked at me and shook her head as if to say, "ya'll are sick". hehe

So good to see you Mrs Wiley. Praying for your health. Hope you can come back more often. We miss you.

ray....that brisket sure sounds good buddy. Where in Texas is your porch located?

Well better go for now. You all have a great night and know that you are all in my prayers. Remember.....Jesus loves us so much!
-REV.
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54643: Well, drat. I had managed to get myself cancelled from work tonight so I could stay home with the Plum, and they just called me back. I have to be there at 11, "or earlier if you possibly can." Ha. When we get cancelled it's for the first four hours, then they can call us back at 9, to be there at 11. If not called by 9, we're clear for the night, but of course, they called. Oh well. The paycheck will look better, but I sure hate leaving little Plum.

I spoke to the orthopedist today, and since she has gotten up and moved a little bit (very little) that pretty much rules out paralysis. It just hurts to move, so she doesn't. He started her on Tramadol (Ultram) in addition to her Rimadyl, so we'll see what happens now. She did get up and walk a few feet just now, and while her gait was far from normal, it was a little less raccoon-y. Keep praying for her, friends. We may come out of this yet.

And now, I'm off to work. Have a blessed night with some good rest, everyone. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
August 02, 2007 - Msg 54644: Be careful Romeena and Sugarplum is still in my prayers, bless her heart. I hope the new medicine will work out good for her.

Mrs. Wiley dear, how good to see you. I hope you are well and can visit more often. I miss your wit and wisdom.

Hey, what happened to Salty Dog? I was reading the archives and saw she posted but the one time and didn't come back.

Asa
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54645: I was just wondering the same thing, Asa. I was reading the archives yesterday and wondering about her. Wish she would come back around. I was reading some of the archives back in Feb of 14, I think. My computer was on the fritz so there were some weeks that I missed. Anyway, I came across some funny stuff posted by an interloper who was posting as three different people (one named Mary and one named Tim...forgot the other one). He/she wrote some really rude but funny poetry. Anyone remember that? I had a few laughs reading it in the archives.

Tonight Bruce and I were reading from a book called Porch Talk, by Philip Gulley. He a quaker preacher and talk about funny. I laughed hard at some of his stuff. If you like clean and funny books, you might like his writing. I'm serious, I really actually got dizzy I laughed so hard a couple of times.

Prayers for little Sugarplum. Hope she feels better soon and is able to walk more easily and hope your night is not too hard, Ro.

Always a pleasure to see you on the porch, REV. You are such a blessing to us. Thanks for always being so upbeat and encouraging.

Better hit the hay...goodnight Mayberry,

Boo


August 03, 2007 - Msg 54646: That was supposed to read, Feb of '04, not 14.

Boo
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54647: Thanks for the sloppy joes mil...well Rev the braves finally lost last night in the 14 but the Tex trade for Mark was great for all...slow here at work...down loading some reports on cd"s...hey Boo,GREAT to hear from you Mrs Wiley...Rev good to have ya back home for a bit...where to next?..Miss Sherry and I are gona take a trip to Boone NC in about a week to to get away in a cabin for about 3 days...grandfather mt. is up there and looks neat on the net...hey hazel,ro,possun and all...TOM you getting the rain..we are drying out here in Kennesaw Ga...breakfast will be eggs your way,hashbrowns,grits,country ham,bisquits and gravy,milk,coffee and a tear from my roll of paoer towels!...Asa you set up front...horatio hold the door for the ladys ok?..prayers to all....SPOT!
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54648:
Morning Friends

Mrs. Wiley-Great to see you again. I hope the ailments you spoke of allow you to post a little more often.

Millie-Glad you're feeling better and keeping busy. Thanks for the spaghetti the other day.

Boo-I want to echo what Me-They had to say about Sean. Like M-T, a similar thing happened to me when I was younger and, also like M-T, I didn't mention it. I wish I had. An older cousin showed a bunch of us this magazine (really nasty stuff). And, this cousin was and still is one of the "hero" types in the family. He was one of the "darlings" when we were kids and he still pretty much holds that affection from the older members in the family. I've prayed for him but I can't stand him. I have never thrown him under the bus but he was a phony back then and he's still a phony today. So, I think it's fantastic that Sean came to you and, while it was a horrible situation, let it warm your heart that he thinks that much of you.

God Bless,
auh2o
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54649:
Oops, hope I didn't vent a little too much there.

auh2o
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54650: Morning Dears. It's Friday. Yahoo!
OK , I was reading some of the old archives and it's time for some trivia.
Who said "I used to be a thin Pentacostal and now I'm a fat Baptist, go figure."?
It made me giggle when I red it.

Asa
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54651: Morning, Honey.
- Hazel
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54652: Red it? Jeepers, how about read it. To early in the morning to type I reckon.

Morning Hazel.

Asa
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54653: SPOT-No had not git no rain.
But had ben calling for it the last three day here.
We have be in the 80-90 for high all this week.

TOM

August 03, 2007 - Msg 54654: Good morning, all. Boy, am I glad to be home. I declare the last eight hours were longer than my usual 12-hour shifts. It was one of those nights that just try your patience. A new mother, complete with tattoos - a thorn vine around one arm and a 6" death's head on the other one, and I didn't even try to decipher what she had on her legs. Add piercings that just really look painful as well as unnecessary, and you don't exactly have a picture of somebody's mom, do you? Well, she is. Imagine that sweet baby gazing at mom's tattoos as he nurses. Isn't that a picture? Maybe when he's older he'll get her some brass knuckles for Mother's Day.

Another new delivery - baby missing the little finger on one hand, mom freaking out and refusing to even touch him at first, but finally calmed down and held him just a little. The dad held him, but am not sure that was good - all sorts of satanic tattoos, studs, nose ring, whatever. The mom finally admitted that her reaction was because she thinks the missing finger is her fault, as she did drugs during the first five months. And this idiot is going to take that baby home and raise it. It scares me to death.

Now before anyone chastises me for being judgmental, let me just admit it right up front. If being judgmental can be defined as seeing a totally irresponsible and self-centered person as being unfit to raise an innocent baby, then so be it. I'm judgmental, I guess. Are these people worthless in God's eyes? Certainly not. Are they unfit to be raising a baby? You bet. If they can't clean up their act, then they shouldn't have that responsibility, but the courts will give them the kid every time. Eventually, many of the kids come into our ER all beaten up, or worse. It makes me sick.

Well, now that I've brightened everyone's day, I think I'll go to bed. I just want to go to sleep and forget it all. --Romeena
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54655: Ro - did you get my email with Shotgun's picture?
hm
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54656: I did, homemaker, and am so sorry I forgot to tell you that the pictures are in the album already. I put them in right after receiving them. Really cool pictures. Thanks for sharing them.

Now I'm for sure going to bed this time. Stopped to eat a bit of breakfast the first time. --Romeena
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54657: Whoa, you feel any better now, Romeena? Some may think you harsh but I can certainly understand where you are coming from because I have been there quite a few times myself. An unfit father once even threatened to go get his gun and shoot me (and all the other nurses) because CPS was taking the baby. He was just talking a load of nonsense, of course but in the days when there was no security system in place, we kept our eyes open extra wide for awhile, especially since we worked nights. I don't see your feelings as judgemental. Part of your job is to make assessments about things like that. Also, if you think about it and if you believe in the "the total depravity of man", you have to think that it is really only God's grace that all of us aren't completely unfit parents. I'm not one who believes that all men are basically good. I believe that whatever good we find in man is the result of God's good grace. There, I said it and I'm not taking it back (as Ro often says). I mean, that is the message of the gospel, isn't it. Man needed a saviour.

Hope you get some rest, Ro.

Hey SPOT! I forgot to tell you welcome back to the porch. You brighten our day.

Auh2o, thanks for sharing your personal experienc. I guess it has happened to alot of kids and I know curiosity is a normal part of their development but some of the vile pornography that is out there is a terrible thing for a child to be exposed to. When I was 10, I would often visit my best friend at her house and she had an older brother who had a huge collection of the stuff upstairs in his room. The parents never went upstairs but we did and we saw it all. It is one of the things I regret greatly in my life because I still can't forget some of those images and it was 35 years ago. I saw things I didn't even know existed at that young age and it stole my innocent thinking. It still makes me angry that those parents would allow something like that in their home. The mom even caught us once and did nothing! Of course, I never told my parents about it, either. Any subject pertaining to s*x was not spoken of in my house and that caused me some problems. I made sure with my children that they knew they were free to ask or talk about anything with us and they do. Some of the things Sean has told me or asked me made me cringe but I always keep my poker face on and never let him know it shakes me! ha! Anyway, what really disturbs me these days is that so many children are left unsupervised to surf the internet and porn is so easy for them to view.

I talked to one of the youth leaders about the problem we had with the bad language the other night and he told me that he just had to talk to some of the kids because they were putting some pretty bad stuff on their myspace pages...anyway, we are trying to deal with problem...

ASA, I recently read that quote and I have to admit that I am the fat Baptist! heehee

Boo
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54658: Good morning everyone. It's danged hot here. Supposed to reach 99 today with oppressive humidity. Guess I need to break down and put that air conditioner in the bedroom window.

Sorry you had to go in last night ROMEENA. I know that when the Mrs. was on call we'd dread every time the phone rang. And I'm right there with you on your last comments. I know that you can't always judge a book by its cover, but you can by their actions.

HAZEL: I worked as a civil/criminal clerk for the local district court for a few years a number of years ago. The experience made me much more sympathetic to those who are taken advantage of, abused, or otherwise opressed. It also made me very intolerant for those who abuse and take advantage of the system, abuse others, or believe that the world owes them everything. It also gave me a great respect for public defenders, and pretty much confirmed the bad stereotypes for private defense attorneys. Also, I have known family law attorneys who could pass for psychologists. Many are really trying to help families get the very best outcome (for all) in difficult circumstances.

BOO: I'm sorry; I knew that you were injecting some humor into the conversation. I guess my response did come off kind of haughty. I should have acknowledged your comments a little better then continued with my moulage ;).

How do you do MRS. WILEY? Sorry not so well lately. I'll say a prayer. Stop by when you can.

MILLIE: Glad that you are feeling better. How about reubens for lunch? My treat.

ASA: Is the SALTY DOG that posts here the same one that posted at Miss Crump's? I always enjoyed her quotes that she posted there.

See y'all at lunch.

Me-They
"No coffee, tea, or punch thank you."
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54659: Oh, hey, BOO. I know what you mean about images being burned into your brain. I may be off-base here, but because of the nature of males (the "Mars-Venus" thing), stuff like that may even be worse for us. It really can serve to jump-start natural curiosity and take it into unhealthy directions. You are a great mom.

Me-They
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54660: Good Morning Porch,
Than y'all for your thoughts and prayers. Please continue. After talking to Nick's maternal Grandmother, we have agreed that we are out. I have instructed hubby and Nick's Mother that I am out of this and to leave me alone. I'm having another stomach episode and I know its from stress. I hate all of this. So many days I think to myself, why the heck didn't I just run when I encountered Nick and Michaela's Mom. Why have I put myself in this position? I guess this was just God's plan, and hopefully someday I'll realize why. As I said though, I'm out. If Bryan feels the need to play with fire then so be it. I love him and will support him, but I will not put Bryson nor myself in the middle. We just have to make it to March and then Nick can live wih us permanently.
Hazel- My husband tried to submit temporary emergency papers when Nick first moved here, but in Georgia an attorney has to submit them. When Nick left CPS wouldn't even talk to him so the judge just ordered counseling and didn't speak to Nick. Consequently, we couldn't get emergency custody.
Boo- I, too, agree that it is great that Sean told you. I was exposed to pornography by a neighbor and I can still see the images. We need to stay in a constant vigilance of prayer for our children.
Rev- Did your daughter graduate?
Me-They- You are correct, you have begun another moulage, well, with my help. All I was saying, is that the woman is supposed to submit to her husband. Yes, the man is supposed to love his wife as Christ loves the church, but to Sterling I was just giving the wives point of view. I consider sinning anything that you are doing that goes against His Word.
At the dentist on Monday I thought of you. Every single woman there had flip flops, though the toes were perfectly manicured.
Big Maude- Are you okay? Please check in.
Mrs. Wiley- I hope you feel better soon. How was your daughters wedding?
Millie- When do you go back to the dr?
Tom- It's a sticky mess here. I am ready for a change from this hot and humid mess.
Romeena- That's scary. There are some people who really don't deserve to be parents.
Well, feeling sick again. I'll check in later.
Blessings,
~Lucy
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54661: Thanks Me-They! I can't talk long...I'm on my way to the hospital. They are going to take my neice's baby early (at 12 central time). Her name is Amy...prayers appreciated!

Love,
Boo
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54662: hm-Shotgun look just like me brothe wife is actting like all the time. hehe

TOM

August 03, 2007 - Msg 54663: Afternoon all...im back at work now...hey Tom,Rev check in ok..hey M-T...Boo,my buddy Asa,horatio,millie,hazel and all missing...let me get logged in here at work...back with supper in a bit..where is Maude?....SPOT
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54664: Ugh! A room full of nekid feet? LUCY, if the good Lord wanted us to go barefoot, He would have given us thicker soles on our feet. Since women are now allowed to hold office in Mayberry, I nominate you for Vice President in Charge of Moulage-Startin'.

Prayers for a safe delivery, BOO.

TOM: That'n was a good one! But I hope (for your brother's sake) it's not true.

My lips are smaking, SPOT...

Me-They
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54665: This just came to me thinking about BOO's afternoon...

My mom's much younger sister was only nine when I was born. Her parents were very down-to-earth but also very reserved and modest. My grandmother didn't even like to say "toilet paper" (she referred to it as "tp.") Anyway, when my mom started showing during her pregnancy with me, my aunt asked her mom why she was getting so big. My grandmother's response? She was getting fat. And that's what my aunt thought until I was brought home from the hospital. Doesn't that just kill you? Too funny. I adored my grandmother, God rest her soul.

Me-They
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54666: Now Tom - you shouldn't be so disrespectful to Shotgun! He is a real sweetheart. . .but I bet your brother's wife isn't!

Best wishes on the new baby Boo - Amy is a lovely name.

Tired of the heat and humility here - yuck, I hate to sweat!

homemaker
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54667: Homemaker-I think Shotgun is sweetheart.
I just used him because I will not used the world that my brother called her at time.
No one in the family like her because of the way she teat my mon at .
Like at one time she drive mon to the store and just because she taking her time .
ME sin at mad and lift her there and mon had to called someone to come to git her, so everyone git mad and you neve life a 68 ye old like that and have her wake half way home.

TOM

August 03, 2007 - Msg 54668: Hey Y'all- Tom,you are coming up with some good ones lately. Making me laugh! Do you have one of those joke books like Howard Sprague did? I meant to tell you that I really liked the last poem you posted for us-thank you.

Homemaker,re-read your post. Are you really tired of humility? Ha! Think you hit a wrong key! Funny!

Lucy,hope all works out for your family. Sorry you're so stressed.

Lotsa luck to you and yours,Boo. Hope all goes well for Mom & baby. Let us hear,ok?

Good to see Mrs. Wiley! Hope your health improves so you can hang out with us more often.

Hey to everybody I didn't mention by name-love to all!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock

August 03, 2007 - Msg 54669: Hey Tom! I'm not laughing about what you just posted above my post. Didn't see you there.Just been laughing at some of the funny stuff you come up with. That's not funny to treat a 68 year old person like that. No wonder you're mad. Can't blame you.
possum again
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54670: I agree, Possum, speaking as a 68 year old person! That was not a nice thing to do, and Tom, your sister-in-law should be ashamed. I thought your comparison to Shotgun was hilarious, though. I'm pretty sure everyone knew exactly what you meant!

I feel better now after a little sleep, and perhaps would choose my words a bit differently regarding the events of last night, but basically, my feelings haven't changed. Just because someone CAN have a child doesn't necessarily mean they should.

The Plum walked about twenty feet this morning, so apparently the Ultram is helping. It's still not a normal gait, still pretty raccoon-y and she collapsed and sat for a while afterward, but it's definitely an improvement.

Going to play bunco with good friends tonight and forget everything negative. We'll laugh a lot, eat something homemade and tasty, and just generally enjoy the fellowship of like-minded friends. You'd be amazed at how much twelve women can find to laugh about, especially when most of us have known each other for thirty years or more. We've supported each other through illness, surgery, kid problems, death of loved ones and all the trials of life. We've shared advice and tears, recipes and yard men. I took a recently widowed friend on Wednesday to the dealership where I buy my cars, and introduced her to my salesman friend. She got a fair deal, a good car, and that wonderful warranty that Sewell gives, so she's now a lot safer on the road, and help is just a phone call away. There's no substitute for old dogs and old friends.

Well, I'm off. Have a great evening, everyone. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54671: Homemaker, Shotgun is beautiful! Those young'uns of your's are pretty cute, too.

Well, my neice had a cute little peanut of a baby girl. All went well, thanks for the prayers. Mom's blood pressure is back to normal and the baby is just fine. She was only 3 weeks early so she is ok, but small. She weighed 5-11 and has a head about the size of a baseball! Very cute little shrimp, if I must say so myself.

Have a good time tonight, Ro...glad to hear the Plum is doing a little better.

Think I'll go take a rest. It is disgustingly hot here today.

Boo
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54672: Good evening porch. didn't mean to worry ya'll, been busy and a lot on my mind this week and kinda distracted. Please reember me in your prayers. Struggling with some personal worries, nothing medical just other stuff. My partner and I moved our office suite this week so that has been a change to adapt to in addition to other things. Please also pray for my cousin who lives in Michigan. She is only about 43 or so and had a liver transplant on Thursday. Things are pretty tentative right now so remember her please. How about a big bowl of ice cream with cookies for snack later night. take care Big Maide
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54673: Boo - did your niece have pre-eclampsia. Casey was three weeks early due to that with me. He weighed in at 4-3. Didn't stop him!

Possum - we always call it "humility" here - just a play on words.

Jeezil Petes - it's hot!

hm
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54674: Tom - Shotgun is just wonderful! I love him to pieces! hm
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54675: Hey gang...supper will be olive garden on me....lets go Asa!....SPOT
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54676: Yes she did, Homemaker. In fact with her first baby (who is 8 now), she had seizures, so we are very relieved that the baby is out and all is well. Thanks for asking.

So sorry you are having some worries, Maude. Prayers for you and for your cousin. Please let us know how she is doing when you can.

Boo
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54677:
Lucy- I went to boarding school 40 years ago and it was a religious school, not a military school, so i probably would be much help. But back then, I had a great time. My class is so close that we are instantly 'there' again every time we get together!
SPOt- hope you had a good fishing trip.
Every August I get a hankering for a fried peanutbutter and banana sammich! ha
Hmmm is it the Count or is Elvis in the building? ha
REV- here are a few more for ya: Saddle shoes, hopscotch, skates with keys, Red Rover, Kaptain Kangaroo, tree houses, Cops and robbers, Orange crate scooters, sock hops, hide and go seek, (or as we used to say it 'hind go seek'), girls dotting their "i's" with hearts, The honeymooners, Art Linkletters House Party, You bet your life, yes indeed 10 cent cokes with the city on the bottom, drive in movies, white gloves on the ladies, (like Aunt Bee does), Radio Flyers, Laying on a hill saying "that cloud looks like a...", Stilts made with string and tin cans, waitin for the TV to 'warm up', You can trust your car to the man who wears the star, and those 57 Chevy tail fins!
Have a real bucket-over-the-head weekend all!
MDC
August 03, 2007 - Msg 54678:
Hello porch family. Hot here in SC too! Calling for it to hit 100 by Tuesday.

Ro...so glad to hear that Plum showed some improvement. You bet we're still praying. As for those parents that you posted about...I fully agree with you. I was in Walmart the other day and saw pretty much the same looking type of parents. They were swearing (out loud) at this poor little kid and you can't help but wonder the anger that is building in his little mind that one day will come out. The mom & dad both had all the tattoos/piercings and the dad had a tee shirt on that I would not even post what was written on it. That's not judging....that's just plain facts. Now on the other hand, I met a former H*ll's Angel member the other week at my concert that has the tattoos and a ear ring but is now on fire for the Lord. But just like M-T said...you may not always tell the book by the cover but you sure can tell by actions. So preach on Ro!

Spot....I don't leave SC again until the first week of September. Local concerts till then. Then I head back into TN, Alabama, Texas and then Louisiana.
The Braves are lossing in the 9th tonight too. Smoltz just didn't have it.

Lucy... my daughter is in her 3rd year of college. Lucy, you take care of yourself and don't let those problem get you down in your health. I know that's easier said than done but just know that you've always got some folks here that care for you and praying for your problems.

Boo...Praise God! So glad that the new arrival is here all healthy. Children are such a gift from God.

Big Maude....so good to see you back. You bet we will be praying for your needs.

Well better get off here for now. You all have a blessed night and remember to tell someone that Jesus loves them.
-REV.


August 03, 2007 - Msg 54679: Good deal Rev..playing local that is...MDC we did have a good fishing trip caught about 40 brim one night...fun night fishing..prayers Big Maude..HM its humid here in ga too...TOM you get any rain yet?..gona be hot and dry here the next few days...I get off at 6am in the morning then off till thu at noon!...guess the lake will be calling a couple of days...possum you been doing ok?...Amy is a neat name Boo!..Romeena you been working any nights?...well let me get caught up on paper work...snack will be M&M"s and milk...back with the breakfast menu in a bit...prayers...signed: SPOT the"at work" dog of your porch!..ruff ruff
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54680: BREAKFAST MENU:Fried eggs,scrambled eggs with cheese,boiled eggs,poached eggs,country ham,thick cut fried bacon,sausage pattys,hashbrowns scattered covered chunked and topped,toast with mixed fruit jelly,grits with real butter,french toast with maple syurp,hot cakes,bisquits and gravy,streak-o-lean,fried apple rings,milk,coffee and a praayer!..whew....SPOT
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54681: That'll lay on your chest!!

*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54682: I would like a B L T PLEASE.

TOM
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54683: Thanks, friends. Actually, Amy is the mom's name. The new baby's name is Emily.

You like BLT's, too TOM? I try to only eat bacon once a year, probably, but I love a good BLT with MIRACLE WHIP (try not to gag Me-They).

Got alot to do around her today since I've been out of the house the last couple of days. I feel kind of sniffly today like I might be coming down with a cold so I am staying away from the hospital and the new baby. My nephew was so sweet yesterday! This is his first baby (my neice has two from a previous marriage) and he was treating that baby like she was made of fine china. He was terrified that he would have to take care of her at night while his wife slept and he might do something wrong. Turns out he held her all night and wouldn't send her back to the nursery for anything. He is truley smittin...I'm sure you dad's of little girls know what I'm talking about.

Everybody try to stay cool....Autumn is coming..

Boo
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54684: By the way, speaking of stereotypes...my nephew is a church-going, very sweet and loving young man who adores his family and he has tatoos. ALOT of them. He almost has full sleeves (arms completely tatooed). He has probably half of his body done. He recently got a big cross on a rock with crashing waves on his leg, I think. Not my thing and I wish he hadn't done it but he has been getting them since he was 18 and is now 28. He just loves them. They are not all tasteful but no nudes or skulls or anything (well maybe one nude from the side). The more I talk about it the worse it gets!

Better go get something done.

Boo
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54685: Boo, you do make me laugh! :)

Asa
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54686: MERLE DEAN says "Hey"

Sincerely, MERLE DEAN
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54687: "Hey" to Merle Dean.

Glad I make you laugh ASA. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine"!

Boo

Barney to Thelma Lou: "A wink's as good as a nod to a blind mule".
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54688: Good morning, all. Boo, what you said about your nephew made me realize that my comments have probably come off as pretty rigid at best, regarding tattoos and other physical alterations. I'll admit, I'm not a fan, but I do try not to let such things influence my opinion of the person. As I've told you before, my youngest son has one - Bullwinkle Moose is tattooed on his hip, and will likely remain there forever. (His antlers may droop as my son ages, but so be it!) Anyway, it's not necessarily the fact of a tattoo that bothers me - it's the mindset and motivation behind it.

When a 22-year-old woman has large, scary-looking, frightening images tattooed on her body, I think it's legitimate to draw conclusions about what goes on in her mind, and to have concerns about how she will raise a child. A death's-head spread over her upper arm at the shoulder could have been an ill-advised choice when younger. However, there are now lasers that will remove them, and even free clinics for getting it done if someone can't pay, so I have to assume she wants it there.

I'm sorry for going on and on about this - but the sight of that baby looking at that ghoulish image on his mother's body as he nursed, just really messed with me. I know, right now that baby doesn't know a death's-head from a daisy, but someday he will. It's just not exactly your basic apple pie and motherhood image. And that's all I'll say on the subject. (Maybe.) Aren't you glad??

Sugarplum (who has no tattoos or piercings) says hey! --Romeena
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54689: Hey, MERLE DEAN! Did you ever get those shocks fixed? Good to see you - don't be such a stranger!

Now remember, I said "maybe". I'd just like to say that I know some of our porchsters may have tattoos, and I don't want to offend anyone. To each his own. A beloved uncle had multiple tattoos, acquired when he was in the military. My grandson has one. My granddaughter has a couple of piercings. I wouldn't be surprised if she got a tattoo, or if my daughters did. As I said, it's not the idea of tattoos - I guess it was just that baby looking at that horrible, grinning skull, with its dripping fangs. It wouldn't have bothered me at all if it had been something benign, but that satanic-looking thing just did me in. I guess my age is showing. --Romeena
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54690: HaHa! I can understand your feelings, Romeena, especially after a hard night. This world is changing....and not for the better in many ways. You mentioned motivation. I guess that is what would make the difference. If someone appreciates it as an art form and wants to decorate the body for sentimental reasons, etc, it seems alot different than some of the satanic, S&M, evil-looking things that some with an rebellious, evil mindset of some folks. You know, I have seen some really pretty tatoos of children or people who have died and their loved one has their portrait tatooed on them. If a good tatoo artist does them, they really are beautiful. I can understand someone wanting to have a picture of their loved one on their body. Maybe they find it comforting somehow?

Well....time to put the clothes in the dryer.

Boo
August 04, 2007 - Msg 54691: I agree, Boo. I'm very concerned that my comments may have sounded pretty hard-line, and I didn't mean it that way. I've seen some pretty tattoos, and I think my son's Bullwinkle Moose is hilarious. I saw a beautiful little rose on a girl's hip, and a very tiny angel on the bosom of a woman who had lost a child to SIDS, placed just over her heart. That one brought tears to my eyes, believe me. Having lost our little grandson, I can fully identify. I could picture my DIL doing that, and I'd completely support her if she did. That woman will cherish that little tattoo all her life. I can't help but believe (hope?) that the girl with the hellish skull on her shoulder will regret it some day, maybe even have it removed. I'm pretty sure her child won't be very proud of it.

I'm well aware that appearances can be deceiving. One of my cherished friends from my first Mongolia trip is a case in point. He's a shaven-headed biker, with tattoos and a few piercings, with a wild red goatee, a big, heavily-muscled man given to wearing chains and studded wristbands. He's also a qualified EMT, a dedicated Christian, and the very proud father of a little girl, born to his wife last year. He was my co-worker every day in our clinics out in the wilderness, and was an outspoken advocate for Christ. If you met him in a dark alley, he'd scare you to death, but he's a wonderful person and I'm proud to call him my friend.

I can't see myself having my Dale's picture tattooed on my body - first of all, it would be hard to find an area that's not wrinkled or marred by a surgical scar. I do, however, wear his big nugget ring on a chain around my neck, and have for 11 years now. I also wear his wedding band, had it cut down to fit. Pretty much the same idea, I guess.

Well, I need to go switch laundry loads, too. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena