September 22, 2007 - Msg 56168: Spot, can I sit on the other side of you at dinner?
- Hazel

Andy: "But Fluffy's got kittens, and you know how you feel seeing your mother on the roof."
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56169: Oh, brother. That little post swept. Good thing I bought that new swifter thing I saw on TV.
- Hazel
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56170: Hazel:
Mighty clean sweep there. Mind comin' over and givin' me a hand? I got dust bunnies that would scare your swiffer to death. ~New Neighbor
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56171: Speaking of Swiffers, that cleaner you have to buy for it is expensive! I hate that.

MDC, I agree with you about nutrition. It only makes sense that if what we eat and drink fuels the body, then what we choose to fuel our bodies with makes all the difference in our health over time. Of course there are genetic exceptions, but most of us will be greatly affected by how we feed our bodies. I am an example of that. I used to be a very nutritious eater but then I started to eat like everyone else when I was in my late 20's. I developed Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and insulin resistance, gained a huge amount of weight in a matter of months and have been abusing my body with the wrong foods ever since. I know it's just a matter of time until something worse happens unless I make a big change. I probably eat better than alot of people, but not well enough and I need to exercise more. I feel pretty bad alot of the time. I even stopped taking the vitamins I had been taking. Guess I'll start back. Thanks for the reminder. As far as artificial sweetners, I don't use them. I also never eat lunch meat, hot dogs or pork products and try to stay away from hydrogenated fats, and I don't smoke or drink.

Boo
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56172: Boy, my life sounds boring, doesn't it? ha...I do, however, like to pop bubble wrap...

Boo
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56173: Good evening, all. I'm home, full of catfish, and feelin' fine! Hey, we're supposed to eat a lot of fish, right?

MDC, that's a great idea about putting PH's tribute in the photo album. I've spent the last twenty minutes or so trying to do just that, but can't make it work. It's an html entry, and the album works with .jpg files. If I could figure out how to convert it, it would work, but so far, I haven't been able to. I'll keep trying, and PH, if you have any ideas, please speak up. Actually, I'd like to make it the cover on the album. I can do that, if I can get it into a .jpg format.

I'd prefer to avoid any discussion of weight and/or dust bunnies, if you don't mind. Those are two of my touchy subjects, you see.

Well, I need a glass of tea. The catfish need something to swim in. See you later! --Romeena
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56174: Oh, PH, if you figure out a way we could get that into .jpg, it would also help if we could square it up a bit. It's beautiful on the page, but needs to be more square and less rectangular for the album. Thanks! --Romeena
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56175: picky, picky, picky. And maybe if you could seep the cucumbers for just 2 seconds longer, they wouldn't be so soft. But other than that, PH, it's quite pleasant and nice!
- Hazel
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56176: Them poor old catfish didn't stand a chance.:)
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56177: MDC and Romeena, my girlfriend is very good with creating images and animations with Paint Shop Pro and Animation Shop. I showed her my HTML memorial graphic and asked her to use that as a model to create a JPG graphic.
I checked the size of the photo on Romeena's Porchsters album cover and it is 200 pixels wide and 133 pixels tall. Is that the size the graphic you need to upload? My girlfriend can add animation but it must be saved as a GIF file. Can you upload GIF files as well?

from Poor Horatio
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56178: Oh, Hazel, you make me laugh! I'll try to remember your advice the next time I'm making pickles!

PH, the pictures are all 800x600 when I upload them, with a few exceptions. They show up much smaller in the thumbnails in the album, but can be expanded to full size by clicking. As for the animation and GIF, I don't think the album will accept them. Remember, this album format isn't something I've created, I'm working within the framework of myphotoalbum.com. If she can get the graphic into a .jpg file, at 800x600, and email it to me, I can put it in the album as a picture, and then designate it as the album cover.

As for the catfish, they really didn't stand a chance, for sure. There were fifteen of us, and catfish were quaking in their boots for miles around when we drove into the parking lot. A bunch of old gray-haired Baptists are enough to scare a catfish, believe me. The restaurant really does serve good catfish, terrific french fries, and best of all, they have green tomato relish in big old bowls, all you want. I love the stuff! There's fried okra, and corn on the cob, slaw, pinto beans, salad, fried chicken, onion rings, baked catfish (yuck) and to top it all off, the fattest, fluffiest fresh-baked cinnamon rolls you ever did see. Also peach cobbler and soft-serve ice cream. I just shot up some extra insulin before I even got out of the car, and did just fine!

Well, back to I Love Lucy. Then to bed, and preaching in the morning. Have a lovely Sabbath, everyone. --Romeena
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56179: Man, that sounds good Romeena. We have a place here locally called Catfish Charlie's that serves some really good food that sounds much like what you are describing. The best hushpuppies anywhere and GOOD coleslaw, and great tartar sauce.

Bruce just got in from digging post holes or something, poor thing. He still thinks he's 25 or something. He is planning on fencing the 5 acres himself to save money. The cost was going to be around 10,000 but he says he can do it for 6,000. He is also putting up the barn next month and digging a well. Do any of you know much about wells? We are right at sea level here and are told we need to dig down about 150 ft to get to the "good" water. What I'm wondering is how you tell it's "good" and fit for consumption?

Well, I think I will curl up on the couch with some hot chocolate and veg for a bit before bed.

Nighty-Night,

Boo
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56180: Romeena, that place sounds wonderful. Don't think I could eat like that everyday, but man it'd be good once every couple of months. In my hometown, we had a place called Brookton Catfish School. It was in an old school building. They had the best hushpuppies and all the fried catfish you could eat. Yum! Yum!
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56181: oops I keep forgetting to sign my name. Message 56180 was me, opiemom. I'll get the hang of it here soon hopefully ;-)
September 22, 2007 - Msg 56182: Romeena good thing catfish ain't like carp! teehee we would be reading all about it tomorrow! Opiemom welcome to the Porch! You'll love this place, I have been coming here since 1997 & it tends to be my rock at times. I so enjoyed my chat with Hazel & Poor Horatio last night. I think we should try to do that at least once a week if we can. I know Fri nights are the best night for me, during the week is just too hard for me to do much online. Boo I see you survived the sleep-over! Will you fix a cup of hot chocolate for me? Prayers for those who need them & I'll check in tomorrow.
*Mavis
Them carps are mean!
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56183: Romeena- just do iyt like you will if you had a cope of a photo of it.
maybe that will work, pine it our.

LOVE TOM

September 23, 2007 - Msg 56184: Caroline Turner Bowe
BOWE, Caroline Turner, 44, of Henrico County, passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2007. Caroline is survived by her loving husband, Stephen I. Bowe; sons, Miller and Robbie; and daughter, Mary; her parents, Myrtle Miller Turner and Hobson Turner; her brothers, Christopher and David, and by Shawn Harris, all of the Richmond area, and many other dear family and devoted friends. Caroline was born and raised in Richmond, and retained strong ties with the community of Avon, North Carolina, which saw the baptism of her three young children. Caroline's love of Hollywood movies and the restaurant business came together when she became the proprietor of Bogart's Restaurant at Forest and Ridge. Her family extends deep appreciation for the compassionate care and aid extended by friends, neighbors, and the staffs of Virginia Cancer Institute and Henrico Doctors Hospital. A celebration of her life will be held among family and friends on Saturday, September 29, at Bogart's between noon and 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. John's United Methodist Church, 40336 Mcmullen Rd., Avon, N.C. 27915.

This is Millie's obituary from the Richmond Times Dispatch.


September 23, 2007 - Msg 56185: Thank you to whoever posted that.

Asa
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56186: Hazel you can set next to me anytime !...let me go back and read..Good Morning Sunday!...SPOT
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56187: Good Morning all
Welcome to Opiemom.
Wishing you all a great day. PEACE Dr P
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56188: Thanks for posting that obituary, #56184. I went to the site, and the Richmond Times also has a guestbook you can post on too.
- Hazel
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56189: Thanks,# 56184 and Hazel. Just signed the guestbook.

Glad to have Opiemom rocking with us. Welcome!

love to all,
*********************
possum under a rock
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56190: Good Sabbath Morning Porchsters! Wanted to post the link to Millie's guestbook for you all if you wanted to sign it.

http://www.legacy.com/TimesDispatch/GB/GuestbookEntry.aspx?&PersonID=94890945

I will be back later, got lots to do today, but I wanted to list that here for everyone.
*Mavis
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56191: Thanks Mavis. I just posted a small note their.
I forgot to welcome Opiemom to the porch. So welcome. Folks here are a little down at the loss of our friend Opiemom. I'm sure you understand.

Possum, thank you for asking about my wife. She did indeed have the biopsy done yesterday. It went smooth and now we just have to wait and see what they find I guess.

I was the one who posted about them catfish never standing a chance Ro. I forgot to sign my name. Been doing that a lot lately. I sent a check to our water company and forgot to sign it. I think they thought I did it on purpose. HA! Fat chance. There is little I do on purpose anymore.

Hey New Neighbor, How's Courtney doing these days?

Coll and cloudy on my porch today. Snow level may get down to about 8,000 feet tonight. I'm at 4,500 so thats getting close. Brrrrr.

Asa
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56192: Good Sunday afternoon folks, just checking in for a few minutes. It is good to see everyone. Back from church and Sunday dinner out. My husband is working 10-6 today so Patrick, Beth and I ate at
Fatz.. It is pretty close home, decent food and prices. I put a roast in the slow cooker for my husband to have when he comes in. Ya'll can come and eat with him: London broil roast (it was on sale!) green beans, slaw, baked potatoes and brownies for dessert. Welcome to Opiemom. Good to see ya Mavis. Thanks for your Prayers Boo. I hate this worry bug that comes over me. seems l8ike it knows just where to dig in. Please continue to remember me. Ya'll have a good afternoon. Back to church for a meeting at 4 but I willbe home by 6 for supper. Hey to everyone. Big Maude
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56193: Thanks for all the nice welcomes back. Wish I hadn't waited to allow tragedy to bring me back. A lot of cross posting between and the TAGS forum. I know that Millie/Fungirl would have enjoyed her life bringing this to pass.

Watching a video series in our Sunday evenings about the church in Vietnam. Those of us in the West don't even realise how well we have it. We need to pray for the folks there.

-Irishter
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56194: Big Maude supper sounds great I will bring some green onions and hot peppers...heck I will just leave a jar at your place...Welcome opiemom!..I try to do alot of the cyber cooking here on the porch..Rev,goober,mavis,MDC,MD,TOM and all race fans the dover mile is ON!..hey possum,miller,ray,my buddy asa,big J,Dr.P,Romeena,horatio,auh20,M-T,boo and all...gona get the 4-wheelers out and go for a ride with the kids...pacl a kunch..samaches..yall meet us at the lake..and I do pop bubble wrap!...back in a bit...SPOT
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56195: Dagnabbit, I've done it again. I sit here in the a/c, at my computer and go through all the emailed ads for bulbs, rose bushes, iris, all sorts of pretty plantables. I have a credit card beside the computer. It's just so easy to order all those pretties. Then they arrive. Argh. Now it's time to plant them, and it's 90 degrees out there, the mosquitoes are vicious, and I'd much prefer to sit here where it's cool. So, I told myself, it's Sunday, it's a day of rest, and the Lord wouldn't want me to get out there and work today. I've about got myself convinced.

Asa, you and Mrs. Asa are in my prayers. Please keep us posted. Thanks, Mavis, for posting the website for Millie's guestbook, and thanks also to whoever posted the obituary. It's very helpful.

Opie's mom, welcome to the porch. We're very glad to have you join us. Irishter, don't you dare go off into the sunset again - we missed you! My son and his wife and her folks are leaving Ireland today, I think, heading back to Florida. They've had a wonderful time there, and sent back some terrific pictures. What a beautiful country!

Well, I think I feel a nap coming on. Have a good evening, everyone. --Romeena
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56196: My goodness. I just opened yesterday's mail. Folks, we already have enough to more than cover the flowers, and I know of several more that will be coming, so we should have a respectable amount to give to the church as Steve requested. I know the obituary requested donations in lieu of flowers, but since none of us will be physically present at her memorial celebration at Bogart's, it just seems fitting that there be some pretty flowers there to represent us. I hope Steve doesn't mind. We will definitely be able to send a helpful amount to the church as well. --Romeena
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56197: I think the flowers will be nice. A visual reminder of her friends at the porch. I'm sure they won't mind.
- Hazel
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56198: I agree Hazel. Thank you for heading it up.

Asa
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56199: I know exactly what you mean, Maude. Continued prayers, Maude.

Asa, that cool weather sounds good to me. It's still so hot and in the 90's here everyday. Just doesn't feel right this time of year.

Boo
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56200: Yes, thank you Romeena for taking care of the flowers and the donation for us.
- Hazel
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56201: Romeena - you should be getting mine soon also. I also agree that I don't think that the flowers will be out of place - I am sure that ours will not be the only ones there.

Asa and Mrs. Asa - I am praying for your situation daily. I have a two friends with MS (both of them are completely different). One has the manageable MS (if there is such a thing) and the other has the aggressive (which is less than manageable for that family on occasion). I can only empathize on this journey you have embarked on.

In all of the sadness on the porch, I neglected to welcome Opiemom. I have two sons and whole bunch of goats! And if you ask Asa - I make the world's best meatballs! Right Asa?! Please rock with us whenever you can.

Take care of yourselves and act like somebody!

homemaker

(p.s. - I posted the TimesDispatch this morning, you are very welcome.)
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56202: Was just looking at Ro's photo album and for anyone who is interested,there is a picture of Millie in it. It's on page 1 in the "Porchsters" album.
Ro, glad we can send a basket of flowers to Bogarts and also donate to the church.Thanks again for dealing with this for us.

Asa,bless your heart-
you have so much on your mind lately.I know you weren't trying to finagle your way out of paying your water bill! Thank you for the update on Mrs. Asa.She remains in my prayers. You too,Maude.I understand how easy it is to worry.Try to put it in the Lords's hands,ok? That's what I do,and believe me,it helps.

Y'all have a good evening.
*******************
possum under a rock
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56203: Afternoon Porch Family:
Just getting back from work (my weekend on) and catching up on my reading.
Glad to hear from ya Asa. Still praying for the Mrs.
Welcome Opiemom. Stay right there in your Rocker. We'll give ya meal ideas, recipes, and every once in a while advice ya didn't ask for!!! But all given in love!
Romeena thanks for taking the lead on Millies' behalf.
Love to all and prayers all the time.~New Neighbor
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56204: Prayers to miss Asa,asa...from Spot....Romeena you are a gem...Rev got a neat pleasure meeting you...hope some day I can..hey new neighbor!..opiemom,possum,auh20,m-t,[and the kids],hazel its you and me in the corner booth in the morning at waffle house on Big J..I will watch my smacking!...well prayers to all..hey,Rev,Tom,Irister [gosh thats tags in a long way],hey mavis,goober,mdc,md Rev and alo race fans...Carl won..back flip and all!...Big Maude its on me...I-HOP on Asa and Auh20!..[hee got yall}...I will leave the quater tip!...prayers...SPOT
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56205: Thanks for all the warm welcomes. What a warm friendly place.

Spent the day at a baby shower. How fun! The baby was already there so everyone took turns holding it.

Boo, I'm in SC and boy did it turn hot here again too. I'm ready for a little more fall like weather. Hey, I'd even take 85 :-)

Irishter, the Vietnam video sounds interesting. You are so right that we in the Western world don't realize how blessed we are. We get Voice of the Martyrs newsletter. What an eyeopener!

Well tomorrow begins another busy week. I have 3 children in a local production of THe Music Man(Nov. 9-11) with my very on "Opie" playing Winthrop. SO we have lots of rehearsals this week.
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56206: Oops that was me on Mgs 56205./ I really meant to sign it - Opiemom
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56207: Right-o, Opiemom. We don't know how good we have it here.

You have 3 children in The Music Man? Wow, you aren't so far out in the country that you don't have the theater. Good for ya! I'll bet you are proud of your kids.

I went out to our homestead today to sit for awhile and enjoy the cooler evening breeze. It was really nice and I saw a nice sunset, but it's the first time I have sat out there since Karen died and I couldn't help thinking of the cookouts and good times we had out there last fall. If only I had known it would be our last fall. It all feels pretty bitter-sweet right now. I know some day it won't be as painful but right now it still hurts and I miss her. I think losing Millie this week kind of "stirred up" some of those feelings of grief.

Well, have to babysit for a 2 yr old in the morning. She is being dropped off at around 6:45! Help! Better get some sleep...

Boo
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56208: Hey opiemom!,boo"ster,TOM,Rev,auh20,m-t,mav,new neighbor,Romeena,horatio,mdc,md and all...hazel I will keep you a seat next to me for breakfast [ok?]...will not smack...prayers to all..watching the loaded goat ept on dvd...later gang...SPOT
September 23, 2007 - Msg 56209: Those that keep calendars for the porch need to put in Millie's new birthday date to remind us in future years. She is now reborn in a new Kingdom. What could be more wonderfull! A belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILLIE.
ray
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56210: What a lovely thought, Ray. You are so right, and that's just a delightful approach. I have been guilty of meeting the anniversary of my husband's death with sadness. I think I should be viewing it as his new birthday instead. Thanks, friend.

I almost had myself talked into getting little Starr when she's 12 weeks, on Oct 21, and letting my friend stay with her during the five days I'll be in Fredericksburg. Then I checked my work schedule and realized I would be working four of the ten days between getting her and leaving her, and I changed my mind. So it will still be Nov 6 before I get her. I have scheduled a little time off after I get her, so we can build a good foundation together. Sure is hard, waiting for her. This house is sooo lonely without the Plum.

I think I'll always miss that little angel, no matter how many new companions come into my life. Actually, Starr will probably be the last. It's entirely possible, even likely, that she'll outlive me, and that's okay. I'd just as soon not go through that experience again!

Well, gotta work tomorrow night and Tuesday night, so guess I'd better get to bed and try to get a little sleep built up to help carry me through. I tell you, these night shifts take a toll on an old gal like me, but they pay so much better, and the pace is usually less hectic, so I can't see switching to days. At least it's only two nights a week.

Have a great week, everyone. --Romeena
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56211: I know, Ro. I can't believe you are still working those night shifts! It is hard on a body. I sure wish you could retire and just not mess with it anymore. You have done your time. Like you said, at least it's only 2 nights and we can be thankful for that. I think most people have no idea what a tough just nursing can be. I can sympathize, it nearly put me in the nut house. I remember nights as being less hectic sometimes but I also remember that the staffing was almost always terribly low so when business was booming (as it often was) I had to work like 2 or 3 nurses! ha. In labor and delivery, things could start out calm and turn into a flood of patients in labor. I really don't miss that sick anxiety in the pit of my stomach when I knew there wasn't enough of me to go around, so to speak....and no time to try to call someone in to help. Now and then I could get a house supervisor to come up and make phone calls, but we all know how hard it is to get someone to crawl out of bed and come to work in the middle of the night.

I wish you could get Starr sooner but I think you are making the right decision for her. It will be November 6th before you know it. Why the trip to Fredricksburg? Is it time for a family reunion or just visiting the girls and grandkids? I'll bet the weather is getting nice there now. Probably cool at night and in the morning, at least.

Better go get Erin's lunch made for school...

Boo
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56212: Romeena, My sister worked as a nurse for 30 years. I have the utmost respect for you. Nurses are some of the hardest working and underappreciated people. So here's a pat on the pat and a big thank you from Opiemom

YOu too, Boo.
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56213: morning porch, just checking in for a second. busy at work today but wanted to let you guys know I was thinking about you. I will try to check in later. Big Maude
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56214: Good morning everyone. It's a beautiful day here. I hope it is where you are, too.

HORATIO: Thank you so much for posting that tribute to MILLIE. I hope that you and ROMEENA can figure out a way to get it into the album.

Thanks also to whoever posted the obituary and the guestbook link.

ROMEENA: Thanks for handling the flower arrangements for us. I agree completely with your suggestion about sending a nice arrangement to Bogart's for the gathering this weekend, and using the remaining funds as a donation to St. John's.

I have a question: the obit stated that MILLIE has three young children. I thought she had an older son as well.

Welcome to OPIEMOM. Nice to have you with us. And it'snice to have IRISHSTER and DWF back with us, if under such sad circumstances.

ASA: I continue to pray for you and your Mrs.

BOO: I wonder if Bruce has figured in the extra medical costs into his cost saving calculation regarding putting the fence in himself? I know I put in about 30 posts a few years ago and was sore for at least a week. After all, we're no spring chickens anymore ;).

The Mrs. and I ahd a wonderful time this weekend celebrating our anniversary. The bed and breakfast where we stayed has it's own restaurant (Zagat's rating: exceptional to perfection). The six course dinner was out of this world and the service first-class. In fact, everything was first-class. It was pretty expensive (to put it into perspective, we spent more than half as much for our one night stay and dinner as we did for our week-long family vacation to the beach) but worth every penny. It's rare that I spend so much without "buyer's remorse" the next day.

HM: Your comment about your husband not understanding the porch brings up a point I'd like to discuss about my own situation.

Several years ago when I began popsting here it was kind of a lark that I never really thought to teel the Mrs. about. Besides, I did it from work. Then, I sort of made a conscious decision not to mention it. See, she was working nights in recovery at the time. Sometimes (though rarely), if they didn't have any patients, and had organized the supply area one more time, and run out of things to do (they couldn't leave the floor), they'd start playing on the net. I knew that she had come across this porch before and didn't want her checking in here just to read what I wrote. No big deal, but I felt it was "my thing," y'know? Anyway, now the situation is different, and I feel much closer to y'all. It really bothered me that I wasn't able to share my grief with her this week. The dilemma was whether to keep it like it is, meaning I can't really share things like this, or explain the porch, which means I will have to admit that I've been keeping it from her all this time. It's funny, until now, I never thought much about it; I certainly never considered that I was keeping a "secret" or anything. Oh, well, got any advice? Y'all are never short of that ;).

See you at lunch.

Me-They
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56215: Oh, one more thing, LUCY hasn't been by in three or four weeks now. Anyone heard from her?

M-T
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56216: Boy, I need to start proof-reading! My long post is like a grammatical train wreck. Sorry.

M-T
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56217: I checked in on the 19th and saw the news about Millie. Just didn't feel like posting. I will truly miss her. She was so positive through the worst of circumstances. One of my first thoughts was "Who will feed us?" tee hee She was always listing the foods she was leaving for us to eat. But the more I thought about that question, the more I thought "Yes, who will FEED us?" She uplifted me daily. Ro, I will gladly send you a check too. I'll contact you by e-mail. Mavis, thanks for the guestbook link. Prayers for Mrs. Asa and anyone else who needs them. APB for Lucy.
Charlotte Tucker
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56218: M-T, do you have clean shorts for the train wreck?

hm
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56219: Wow, Charlotte Tucker, what a thought! Millie did indeed feed our spirits, as she passed through such a trial with such grace. I think of the little song we used to sing - don't hear it much anymore - "Brighten the corner where you are". Millie certainly did do that.

Me-They, I can understand your concern. The porch has become important enough to you that you now want to share it with your wife, but fear that she won't understand why you didn't share it before. I'll bet she will understand, if you explain it just that way, just what you said. At first it was just a lark, but now has become something of value, and you want to share it with her.

Well, I absolutely MUST get those plants in the ground today. So, in spite of the heat, socks, jeans, long-sleeved shirt and insect repellent are the order of the day. One of the things I'm going to ask God about will definitely be mosquitoes. What on earth are they good for? Yes, they feed certain birds and bats, but couldn't they have eaten something else, something that doesn't try to eat US? Miserable things.

Have a great day, everyone. --Romeena
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56220:
Romeena-If it's not too late I'd like to contribute. Sorry, for the delay, things have been kinda hectic here (ill family member). I do not have your address, my email is gmark1960@excite.com

If it is too late I'll send something out on my own.

thanks,
auh2o
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56221: Hey Auh2o. Sorry about your ill family member.

Me-They. I know what you mean. AT first I didn't really tell people but as the porch became more important to me, I had to share. My husband knows you are all a big support to me and having even met Romeena in person he understands (he really liked her and Sugarplum). I tell him things that are going on from time to time. My sister knows more, as I share alot with her. She said she doesn't come on the porch because she feels like it's kind of my space and she wants me to have that. I share some of the porch's prayer needs with her. She prayed for Sugarplum and Ro and for Millie and her family, I know. It might seem a bit strange to some to be so close to people you haven't seen in person, but it makes sense to me. I know it's good for me and I hope I can be a help to others by being here. I think your wife would understand, Me-They....just start out with something like, "...Honey, I have something to confess and I hope you will understand. I have been doing something in secret on the computer...", and then when you tell her it's only the TAGS site, she will be so relieved, she won't care that you didn't share it with her. heehee

Boo
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56222: That's a good one, BOO, but by the time I finished the word "computer" I may have taken a leg of lamb or worse unside my head. Thank you and ROMEENA for your advise.

And, yes, HM, I put on a fresh pair each morning whether I need to or not :P

That sentiment was nice, real nice CHARLOTTE.

Me-They
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56223: *sigh*...That should be "upside," but come to think of it, the expected velocity of said leg of lamb may indeed put it "unside."

M-T
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56224: Whoosh - M-T, I am so glad that you are fresh each morning. That is a relief!

hm
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56225:
Hello porch family....Good to see you all in your rockers. Had a great concert last night in Downsville, La..

Welcome Opiemon...good to have you! SC? What part? I'm from the Newberry county area. About 35 miles from Columbia. Possum is from SC also.

Boo...prayers for Jill on her GED.

Ro....I will get something sent to you by tommorrow. I haven't been around a post office and as you know it's hard to get that motorhome into small places.

Hey Spot...didn't get to see much of the race. Matt seemed to have a strong car but it went out on him.

Well gotta go for now. Prayers for all and be sure to tell someone about our Jesus today.
-REV.




September 24, 2007 - Msg 56226: My address is on the way to you via email, auh2o. Thanks!

REV., I'm glad the concert went well. When you get a chance, let my friend from church know you got her email. She's eager to hear from you. I loaned her a couple of your CDs, and she really enjoyed them, and thinks you'd be very well received by our group. I agree.

Dirty me, dirty me, I'm disgusted with myself! I stayed out in the yard nearly two hours, sweating and digging in the dirt, but got the bed that encircles the lower end of the pond completely weeded, and some new bloomers planted in it. The grass had grown into it something awful. My lawn is a mix of St. Augustine and Bermuda, which I like, because it covers well, withstands traffic, gets thick and lush, and the Bermuda gives it a softness. However, both of those propagate by runners as well as seed, so I'm constantly chasing it out of the flowerbeds. Between those two and the nutgrass that just invades everything, it's a constant battle. Now all I want is a shower!!

Oh, I have a little frog around the pond now. I knew I had heard him plop into the water a few times, but today I actually saw him. Little bitty feller, about three inches long. I scared him by accident, and he went hopping off across the yard, and ducked under a big old dry leaf. I just let him think I didn't see him. Also found a little garden snake, about six inches long. He came up sitting on top of a clump of dirt I dug up, and he stayed very still, hoping I wouldn't see him. I needed to move the dirt, so I just nudged him gently with the tip of my finger, and he skittered away. It's amazing how much life there is out there. I just love it!

Well, now for that shower. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56227: You people are just the cats, you know that? My mail just came, and I found six more contributions. We are now at $200, with more still coming that I know of. It's such a privilege to be a part of a group like this.

There is one huge butterfly (angel?) in my yard right now, as big as the palm of my hand, and several smaller ones. Anytime I look out there, I can see butterflies. What a lovely blessing they are. --Romeena
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56228: Ro, I love the way you describe your yard. A picture no artist could draw! I feel the same way about our yard: full of blessings. My letter went out today.

Hey to MT, hm, Rev, Boo, Charlotte Tucker, PH, Opiemom, Asa, Big Maude... and the whole gang!

~ Mrs. Wiley

Barney: "..IT AIN'T A WHIM IF YOU PUT ON CLEAN UNDERWEAR!"

September 24, 2007 - Msg 56229: au2ho, hope your family member gets to feelin' well soon! ~ Mrs. Wiley
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56230: Afternoon Family:
Just got in from work, and thanks to all the nurses out there. Yes! It is a hard, demanding, sometimes frustrating job. but I often tell folks that I went back to school to get my RN because it's not how much money you have in the bank at the end of the day, but how many lives you have made a difference in. I LOVE MY JOB!!! Thanks for the words of encouragement...
Rev: so nice to have you back on the porch, rockin' for a short spell.
Evenin' to all and prayers for ya too!
~New Neighbor
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56231: Well, I'm off to work. New Neighbor, I'm happy for you, that you enjoy your job, and I admire your attitude and enthusiasm. As you are, I once was. Time and mileage have added a second verse to my song. Nursing is a great profession, and if I MUST work, I'm glad I can do it, but I'm tired and ready to hang up my stethoscope. These days, I'd much prefer to earn some income right here at this keyboard. Maybe some day...

Have a great evening, all. --Romeena
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56232: Congrats on loving your job, New Neighbor. That's such a blessing. And thank you for being a nurse. I could never be one. Squeamish. Just squeamish, that's me. They'd have to get the smelling salts out daily if I tried to be a nurse. That's why I spend my life readin' and writin' I guess. Hey back at ya, Me-They and Mrs. Wiley. Even-in' Boo. (That's my amenities.)
Charlotte Tucker
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56233:
Prayers for LUCY tonight. Lord, where ever she is, keep her in your love and care and bring her back to the porch soon. Amen Hope all is ok with her.
OPIEmom- did you say that you also post at the other tags site? What is that address? I'd like to visit it.
Me-they- all i can say is that this site is MY little respite from the real world. I pray for you in your dilemma.
Irishster, I will begin to pray for those Churches. I will be going back to Wed night prayer meetings again.
Auh2o- any snow up your way yet? I saw those photos at Ro's again recently.
We are finally down to the 90's this week.
Hello to maude, CT, possum and all.
I have been out of the race loop Spot. Who won?
Prayers continue for Caroline's family.
Take care,
MDC

September 24, 2007 - Msg 56234:
"Fortunately none of mine goes to fat, all goes to muscle."
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56235: Yes, prayers for Caroline's family, especially as the date of the memorial service approaches. May the children, especially be comforted by sharing memories of their mother. God bless them.

It's been a tough day. Jill didn't show up this morning and finally called this afternoon to tell me that her husband was harrassing her at 1am because he is trying to keep her from taking the test. She dropped by to get gas money to go register for the test today. She was obviously depressed but can't see a doctor now because her husband lost his job AGAIN today, so no medical insur@nce (couldn't get that word past the censor for some crazy reason). I offered to help her find a shelter that can help her get on her feet but she still isn't willing to move on, even after being choked and abused. There is nothing more I can do. I have made a decision to tell her that until she is willing to move on, there is nothing more I can do for her. It's hard to do, knowing the depressed state she is in, but I have done all I can do. It's up to her to make the right decision. It's got me down and I have enough to deal with already. I'm trying to homeschool Sean and get him the help he needs and now he is having side effects from the Paxil and I have to get in touch with the doc to see if we need to change medications (and that is quite hard, sometimes). There are many things that I never even mention here about what we deal with concerning Sean and I wish someone could just take over for awhile. It would be so nice to have someone take care of me for just a little while!...you ladies know what I mean, I'm sure. Being the mom is quite a job. Thanks for listening to me complain. It's just been a tough day and I have been missing Karen today.

Ro, I know exactly what you mean! I don't miss my old nursing job. I think I had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from that place, ha. Talk about burn out. Hope New Neighbor fares better than I did by about year 15 or 16.

Think I will go spend some time with the kids.

Boo
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56236: Hey gang!..Romeena,M-t,Tom,Rev,Lucy{?},Boo my friend,Asa my buddy,auh20,ray,miller,super-dupper Hazel!haratio,Mrs Wiley,New N.,big jerry,dr.p,..and all...Rev Matt had a great but ya know its the first time he has lost an engine this year...hey Mavis,goober,mdc,md...went fishing today and the lake was so doen , caught a few but not a good fishing day but my budd and I had a good time , we were in his new boat...we.. Big Maude you doing ok?...I will get breakfast at waffle house ok?...prayers to all...back in a bit..gona go bike riding tomorrow...bought me a new new today...'nice one'...SPOT
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56237: Me They, I didn't see that anyone answered your question about Millie. Millie had 3 children, like the obituary said. But she and her husband had pretty much raised an older child, Shawn (who is listed in the obituary). I believe he is around 18. She loved him like a son and he was a part of their family.
- Hazel
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56238: MDC- Here's a link to the other forum
http://www.andygriffithshow.net/forum/index.php

Good day. I've got quite a cold and so does my 21 month old. Fever too. Poor thing. Spent the day doing school with the rest of the children. ( I homeschool). Wnet to make dinner and found I had used one of the ingredients last week. OOPs. Fortunately Kroger is just around the coren and they have rotisserie( sp?) chicken on sale this week. So dashed out picked up a chicken added a few veggies and we had dinner.

went to Play practice 3 chidren. Hubby went to Boyscouts with other son.

Off to the dentist for cleanings tomorrow. Hopefully no cavities!

Good night to all

Opiemom
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56239: Hey y'all!
In an effort to stave off a bout of homesickness I stumbled onto your porch. Your caring and concern for one another is to envy and your talk about catfish and hush puppies and other assorted delectables has me starving! There is no place a southerner in Iowa can go for a mess of collard greens, fried chicken and sweet tea.

May all your burdens be lightened and the grief of your friend's passing be mingled with the sweetness of her memory.

Belle
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56240: Belle that will be supper tomorrow night!..fried chicken,collards,fried okra.purple peas,green onions,and big maude slaw!....Hey Super-duper Hazel!Opiemom!..boo,Rev,TOM,M-T,auh20 Mu best bud Asa and all....gona ride bikes [miss sherry and I] on the big trip 21 miles...whew I may need a big back rub after...prayers SPOT
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56241: Pleased to meet you, Belle, thanks for stopping by!
-Hazel
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56242: Hey Hazel!...SPOT
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56243: What cha up to girl!?..SPOT
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56244: Rev ya better keep in touch buddy...will send ya food regular..[vacume wraped]...UPS...Buddy you do such a great thing in this world for the Lord...thanks....we will get to hear you one day along with miss millie!....she and I will be on the front row....ok..its an TV land Andy....love to all....SPOT
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56245: Rev,

I'm near the Savannah River near Augusta, GA
September 24, 2007 - Msg 56246: Oopes

THere I go again. MSG56245 was me, Opiemom

September 25, 2007 - Msg 56247: Hey SPOT! How are things? I happen to be awake at 3am and feeling kind of down so I thought I would check in and see how things were going on the porch. I just went outside and it's nice and cool with a beautiful almost-full moon. Really nice, can't wait for the first real cool front.

Opiemom, you sound busy. I buy those rott. chickens now and then. They're pretty good and make an easy meal. I am home schooling my son now and it's great in some ways, difficult in others. I never have any time to myself, it seems.

Yesterday my sister took my dad to the grocery store to help him buy some things that would be easy for him to prepare for himself and mom. When they got back from the store he called and asked me to come over and help him put the groceries away so I got the kids ready and went over. My sister was there and everything was done. She told me that dad had insisted on calling me to come and help them even though she had told him there was no need to call me to help. Things are just getting worse and I don't know how to get through to him. I go over there nearly everyday and the days I don't, my sister is there. Most days we are both there at some point during the day and still dad feels neglected. He needs to get into an assisted living facility with mom and can't seem to make that decision yet. It's really sad. I feel pretty torn sometimes because I can't do everything for everybody.

Hello to Belle. Hope you will join us again.

Guess I will try to get some more sleep.

Boo
September 25, 2007 - Msg 56248: Boo - I am so sorry about the situation with your parents. I am so fortunate that my parents are so self sufficient. The one thing I miss is talking to my mom. Her hearing fluctuates due to Menier's Disease that having a normal conversation is just pointless. We used to such gabbers.

We are hoping for some showers here - we are in a dreadful drought condition. It is bone dust dry here.

WElcome Belle - join us anytime!

Opiemom - hope you and your youngin is feeling better.

Take care all -

hm
September 25, 2007 - Msg 56249: Good morning, all. Just got home from work, beat to the socks. I'm going to eat a little something and hit the sack.

Belle, you would be as welcome as the flowers in May. Stick around. You've already observed that we have a good thing going here, and you're right. No reason why you can't stay and be a part of it.

Boo, please try to remember that last statement - "I can't do everything for everybody." That's right, you can't. As for Jill, the best thing you can do for her is to make her stand on her own. She's scared to do anything about the abusive relationship, and as long as she has you to fall back on, she'll never leave him. It will only escalate - it always does, and she's going to end up getting hurt or worse. Quit enabling her to stay in the situation. Tell her you're not going to provide any more "bandaids", but once she really severs the ties, you will try to help her.

OK, enough pontificating from me. I'm off to bed. --Romeena
September 25, 2007 - Msg 56250: Ro - is "pontificating" a 25 cent word or a 50 cent word?

hm
September 25, 2007 - Msg 56251: BOO, I can so relate regarding parents. My father is deceased, but my mother will be 80 at Thanksgiving. She is currently in a severe depresssion. She recently had meds adjusted and has begun seeing a counselor. She has lost 30 pounds and weight abroun 90 because she doesn't eat. I wish I had my mother back. She used to be so feisty and would drive me crazy with advice. Now I wish she would tell me what to do again :-) I think it would be great if she would sell the house and move into assisted living facility. I think living with others and all the activity would be good for her. Prayers for you and your parents
September 25, 2007 - Msg 56252: Msg. 56251 OPiemom

I