October 15, 2007 - Msg 56982: Sounds like you got off easy to me, Maude. ONLY 18 biscuits?! ha Good point, Maude. There are alot of good kids out there. I saw that firsthand this weekend.

Boo
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56983: Goodness gracious! Spot,you be careful under the porch and don't aim at any rocks,'cuz I might be under one! Glad you enjoyed the fair-did you bring me any cotton candy?!

Laci is so happy to be home-still a bit on the puny side,but she's gradually getting back to herself.Thank y'all again for all the thoughts and prayers.

Hazel,you summed up the Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays thing wonderfully.I think why Happy Holidays gets under my skin sometimes is because people are trying so hard to be PC and not offend.I just want them to say what they feel,what's in their hearts,and the heck with offending me! And yes,if they just want to say "Happy Holidays" then I guess I'll take it for what it's worth.Thanks for saying what you did in that post.You are a vital,special part of our Porch Family.As is Merri Weather.We like ya!

Hope all's well with Asa & the Missus.He's been MIA for awhile now.

Well,I've got to catch up on lots of housework and run errands that I put on hold while I had my grandgirl in the hospital. Y'all have a good day.

*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock

Oh,about kids and s#x these days- my 16 yr. old nephew just broke up with his first girlfriend.Why? Because SHE was too agressive and wanted to "do" things he wasn't ready for.I applaud him,broken heart and all for staying true to himself. And wouldn't you know,his name would be Andy :)
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56984: I'd better study in case Miss Crump gives me a pop test -my spelling is off today. That would be 2 "g's" in aggressive!

Good sweeping job there Boo.

possum again
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56985: Good morning everyone. Did I do that? I make moulages when I’m not even trying. Guess I’ll go eat worms. Since I seem to have missed all the action, let me take things one at a time…

RR: Welcome! I don’t remember you from Miss Crump’s; did you go by another name there? I do think you overreacted to AUH2Os comments, which were in response to a question I asked him. See, he usually is reticent to make political comments so I have to drag them out of him. Seriously, I was interested in his opinion. I always am interested in hearing others points of view and even ready to politely discuss differences of opinion. To me, at least, people don’t have to agree on every point to be friends. Heck, even the Mrs. and I don’t agree on every point and I lover her to death. Anyway, I can’t remember if you apologized but if you did I accept it as far as your behavior is concerned. Now, as far as the rather vicious things you said about AUH2O, well, you’re going to have to do better by him on that score to do better by me. I think he deserves a direct apology. In any event, please accept mine for perhaps opening the door to this mess. Really, we mean well and try to treat each other with respect and love. A quick read of our archives will show that.

And by the way, I’m a closet socialist :), Jimmy Carter is one of my heroes (though I don’t necessarily agree with everything the man says or does), I think Custer was the villain of Little Big Horn, and I’m all for the graduated income tax--and AUH2O still likes me! (You do, don't you?)

MERRI: I hope that you are not jumping off the porch because of all this. I’m afraid that I would take that quite personally. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and enjoy your posts very much. In fact, I’d like to get to know your hubby better, too.

ROMEENA and all: While I greatly respect you all, and will bow to your wishes as a group, I am dead-set against, opposed, and otherwise vote both hands "no" to a moratorium on political discussions. Yes, it can occasionally cause a wrinkle (or two). But, our feelings on topics of the day are part of who we are. If we can’t discuss them among friends, than who can we discuss them with. No, I have to say quite definitively, that I can’t not talk about things of a political nature that effect my life. I do not wish to offend anyone or make anybody feel uncomfortable, but if I have to start censoring my comments to remove any possible land mines, well, that’s more PC energy than I am willing to do on a daily basis. It seems I am in the minority here, but in my opinion friends should be able to calmly, reasonably, and politely discuss something like politics.

For heaven’s sake, think about it: we talk about the death of friends, our spiritual journeys to eternity, child abuse, marital woes, illness, family struggles, etc., and we can’t talk about politics without falling apart? Does this strike anyone else as completely absurd?

I will tick a lock on politics if asked. But I have to say the porch as a place to come a talk among friends will be a little diminished in my life.

Anyway, sorry for starting a mess. I better get to work.

Uh, BOO, I hate to complain but you missed a spot over there...

Me-They
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56986:

My my, a mini-moulage. M-W, I sure hope you're not thinking of leaving the Porch. I love your posts. Your hubby sounds like a reasonable, intelligent person and I'd like him to stick around, too.

Ro, I am behind your 'no politics' moratorium, for what it's worth. (Apologies, M-T.) I think both parties are full of it for the most part. My belief system tends to take points from both (major) parties, so I bristle at some of the statements made here, and WOO HOO!!! others. :-)

I've seen loving groups of friends taken apart by vicious political fights and I just don't think it's worth it. Bottom line is, I'm not going to change anyone's opinion and no one's going to change mine. My platform will remain behind the curtain on voting day. :-)

Hope everyone's having a great day. Well, back to painting... (Oh, and I'm using latex, lest anyone think the fumes have gotten to me. LOL)

~DeS~

"How I vote, brother, is my business!"
.
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56987:
Morning porch family...hope all is well with everyone today.

auh2o....you'll love the crock pot cube steak & mushroom. It's so good.

Merri W & Ro.....you both are just too kind. Thanks for those words.

Spot....I'll be looking for the truck. Headed to Tn today then off to Maine. Can't wait to see those pics. Get some rest today. 18 miles...wow..good for you!

Well better get going....prayers for all the porch family. Be good to the folks around you today. It could change their lives.
-REV.
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56988: Hey, DES. When I refer to political discussions, I am talking about any topic with political overtones. For instance, my original question to AUH2O was about the Armenian genocide resolution. Is that political? Can we not then discuss historical events? And my comment about him being off celebrating Gore's win was a joke? Are nominally political jokes off limits, too? See, it all gets rather subjective and confusing.

I don't think anyone here would go around campaigning or doing party pep rallies.

Me-They
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56989:
Me-They There you are you dog! Yep, I still like you.

Remshaw-Let's let bygones be bygones. No need to apologize (again). Like I said the way that post was worded rankled my feathers a bit. I should have just accepted your apology and welcomed you to the Porch. I'm working on being a better Christian and I failed there. M-T and I (or is it me) seem to play off each other pretty well. He's a hippie loving Peacenik and I'm a hate filled Conservative but it seems to work for us. I would have worded my response to M-T's question differently if someone others on the porch asked my opinion.

As for the political Moratorium I have to side with M-T.

Anyway, if it's not too late, Welcome Remshaw.

auh2o
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56990:
Wow, a bunch of posts all at once. Hey Des, Rev and Me-They

auh2o
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56991: Good morning, all. Merri, let me add my voice to those hoping you aren't leaving us. You've been a very welcome addition to the porch, and we would not want to see you leave. Like everyone else, I like you very much, and I think that's why the assumption RR made about our reaction to your ethnicity riled me so. We just don't function that way here. If you think about it, none of us knows very much about the racial, social, religious or political backgrounds of anyone else, with a few exceptions. It just simply doesn't matter. I'll forgive you for having Arabs in your ancestry, if you'll forgive me for having both Germans and Jews in mine (and Heaven knows what else.)

Me-They, my friend, I concede your right to oppose a moratorium, and I agree in principle. However, it seems that every time politics creeps into our conversation, we end up in a moulage. I value our peace and tranquillity enough to be willing to forego touchy subjects.

RR, you fell into the same unintended trap that so many others have. You are probably used to surfing chatrooms, where political barrages are common, and there is no cohesive friendship bond. You were not aware of the history between some of the porchsters, and the fact that we know and accept each other's opinions without taking them as a personal affront. You came in late on a conversation, and reacted. It has happened before. We weathered it then, and we can weather it again. If you'd like to remain, you are welcome.

Well, I'm off. The mother of some SS class members (two sisters) passed, and we're taking food over this morning. Gotta get moving - I'm taking cornbread and a veggie. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56992: Well, auh2o, of course you agree with Me-They! Take away your political discussion and you two boys wouldn't have anything to play with. You'd end up going down to the old mine, or kicking cans along a back road or something. I agree, gentle talk, such as usually prevails here, shouldn't be banned. I guess by suggesting a moratorium, I chose the wrong terminology. However, it achieved my objective, which was to buy time for everyone to cool down a bit. We've always been able to handle our differences, even enjoy the rebel that lives in some of us. I think auh2o said it very nicely, and I really believe we can just go on from here. How about it, folks? --Romeena
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56993: Good day everyone. Just wanted to check in and say hi. Not much in the mood for talking. Had a disappointing call from the director of our play. They pulled my 8 yo from his part with no warning. He was/is heartbroken. I'm a mad mama bear. Dear hubby is going to rehearsals tonight. Pray for my attitude. It is so hard to see your child hurt. He worked so hard and now 3 weeks to the performance, the understudy is going to do the role.

Opiemom
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56994: AUH2O: I am offended by your remark about me being a hippie-loving peacenik. After all, what is the footwear choice of hippies? Sandals! Yuck! And could they pu-leaze wash their hair at least every few days?

ROMEENA: I love peace and tranquillity, too. I guess my boat just isn't as easily rocked as some people. You'd have to get pretty personal to p*ss me off. Me? I can sleep just fine knowing that most Americans disagree with my political views.

Prayers for all who need them this morning.

Me-"The Scamp"-They
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56995: Soory to hear about your troube, OPIEMOM. Sounds like a drastic action to take considering the teacher didn't talk to you abouit it first. I hope everything works out.

M-T
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56996: As long we are talking ancestry - will you all forgive me if I tell you that the Dalton gang is in my lineage?

hm
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56997:

Heya, auh20. I'm one of them hippie loving peaceniks, but I have a few very conservative beliefs. I'm a mutt, I guess you'd say.

I get what you're saying, M-T. The line between issues and events and politics not only is a thin one, sometimes it's blurred beyond recognition. (Btw, I'm wearing sandals right now. Closed-toed, in your honor. :-)

Be safe on the road, REV.

Opiemom, I'm sorry that director pulled your boy from the play. That's no way to treat an 8-year-old. In a few years he would be better able to handle it, but right now he's pretty young to not internalize it to some degree.

~DeS~

"I liked you first!"
.
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56998: Thanks for the support. I'm not going tonight because mad mama bears aren't known for their Christlike attitudes. (big Grin). Opiemom
October 15, 2007 - Msg 56999:
Man. for a minute there i thought i would have to make a Citizen's Arrest and throw RR in cell number one and AUh20 in cell number two, and read em both the two rules! haha
My take on it all: this porch is my little daily 'escape', and to have a well-mannered soapbox speech once in a while is no problem in my humble opinion. There are plenty of other forums to throw aound vitriol, so I again just remind everyone what it says on the banner line at the top of this porch board. I think that says it all! Slowly sliding box under spot's repaired porch planks.
TOM- Thanks, we all needed that!
Hazel- How in the world did your relatives get the idea that you liked tags? haha
BOO- Cloudcroft is wonderful, we have been there.
I think there is a great breakfast restaurant there too if i recall!
SPOT- Racing here in Nov. I can reserve you a seat!
Prayers for ALL!
MDC
MDC
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57000: No way, Opiemom! They just pulled him and didn't even call you so you could prepare him a little? That's just plain mean, and you can tell them I said so. (That'll scare them, I'll bet!) Really, shame on them for that. It's not Broadway, for pete's sake!

Well, I've got to get myself busy around here and get this house raked out and cleaned up. It won't be long until time for holiday (term used because Thanksgiving is included) decorating, and I don't want to have to do any deep cleaning beforehand. I need to get that done now. Oh, but where to start? Closets and cabinets are crammed, and I just hate that. I'm just no good at cleaning things like that out. I think I have some packrats in my ancestry too, among other things.

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57001:
Opiemom-Oh, the poor little guy. That's a hard one I bet. At least he has a great Mom to lean on.

MDC- I plead guilty.

M-T I was gonna mention to ya before, (but got sidetracked you could say) my brother-in-law is of Armenian descent.

Well, I got to get going. We're gonna watch 3 nephews from two different schools play soccer tonight against one and other.

auh2o
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57002: Aw, so sorry for your little one, Opiemom. He must be very dissapointed, bless his little heart.

Auh2o, loved your post! haha...especially the part about the peacenik.....speaking of...Me-They, you didn't have any reason to say you were sorry. You did NOTHING wrong. We were only joking when we accused you of starting a moulage. You keep things interesting and I like it that way (you too, Auh2o). I know what you mean, it takes ALOT to make me mad, too. The last time I was angry about something here on the porch it had to do with Barnwannabe...yes, it got ugly but we got over it and I haven't been angry since then. I do, though, remember how Auh2o stood up for me at that time. I really appreciated it. He's a good man to have on your side, even if he is a "hate-filled conservative".

I forgive you, Homemaker, but it explains some things.....hmmmm. You know, my dad's family came over from England and had to change their name because they were illegally selling guns to Native Americans or something. I come from good, honest stock, too.

You make a good point about the recent moulage, Ro. Alot of us have been friends and a daily part of each other's lives for years. We like to share ideas about almost everything and I get so much good advice and direction from you all. I value this forum GREATLY and am very thankful to FLOYD for making it possible.

A great breakfast place, MDC? Can you remember what it's called or where it is?

Boo


October 15, 2007 - Msg 57003: Almost forgot...are any of you into Crock shoes? My son got me started wearing them and I love them. They are really ugly, but at least my toes are closed in, MT....they beat Birkenstocks.

Boo
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57004:
"I lived among 'em, they're devils."

ha
MDC
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57005:
Oops, the above was about the three nephews, but boo sneaked in there.
I am trying to remember boo.
I think maybe RR didnt "check us out" long enough to see that most talk here that is OFF of tags is pretty tongue in cheek.

Trivia question: who was Karen Burgess? (Hint, see quote below:)

Andy: This phone could ring at any second and we could be out there blockin' roads, stakin' out, thirty-eightin' and forty-twoin' all over the place."

MDC

October 15, 2007 - Msg 57006:
This has been very ther-a-pi-tic!
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57007: MDC: Opie's "hard to get" girl friend, the one he made jealous with Thelma Lou.

AUH2O: I'm a neo-Calvinist myself ;).

BOO: My daughter has a pair of Croc knock-offs (the price of the real things is--dare I say it?--a crock). Bet yours aren't pink like hers.

Birkenstocks: butt-ugly and open-toed--the Devil's shoe! I especially hate it when the straps start curling. And the horror is multiplied when someone actually takes them off, and sweat-stained, toe-imprinted yucky things are lying there like roadkill.

Me-They
"How about something from the light classics?"
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57008: All this talk about hippies reminds me of my OB when I was last pregnant. She wore sandals and one of my friends said, "Oh Dr. Hoover, she wears sandals, isn't she one of those hippies!" Ha! She was a very natural dr. My kind of OB, agreed with me that pregnancy is not a medical emergency and let me do what I wanted.

anyway, my kids always (and still do) called her my "Hippie" doctor

Opiemom

October 15, 2007 - Msg 57009: Birckenstocks...."the Devil's shoe!"...I might have to agree with you there, MT. As far as the crocks go, I bought some of the Knock-offs and they were not the same. They were made of plastic while the crocks have more rubber in them or something...very durable shoe. Mine are dark blue....I saw some orange crocks with the University of Texas logo at Academy (sporting goods store) and they were neat! Won't be buying them, though.

I like Hippie doctors, Opiemom.

Boo
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57010: Oh, forgot to mention that what you might like about crocks, MT, is that you can clean them well as often as you like. I just stick my in the sink and soap them up every now and then. It doesn't hurt them a bit and I like to use antibacterial soap on them. They NEVER smell bad.

Boo
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57011: ...the bathroom sink, not the kitchen sink, by the way.

Boo
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57012:

M-T! I'm rolling! "Devil's shoe," "horror," "roadkill"... You are a bird in this world!

~DeS~
.
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57013: Roadkill, Me-They? Now that's funny!! And pretty accurately descriptive, at that. Hoohaha!

Boo, it wouldn't bother me if you did clean your shoes in the sink. I used to bathe the Plum in the kitchen sink. The bathroom sink was too small, and if you think I'm going to lean over that tub to bathe a furkid, think again. I barely do it to bathe a grandkid, and believe me, it's a quick bath. As soon as they can stand up without falling over, I stand 'em in the shower and hose 'em down! Naturally, after bathing the Plum, I cleaned the sink, but if truth be told, she was probably cleaner than a lot of kids. Why wouldn't she have been? She never went outside, was brushed daily, got a quick hiney/piddler wash with a cloth every couple of days, and if she had met a flea she'd probably have tried to play with it. So, squeamish people be warned. If you eat at my house, it's possible Starr will have been bathed in my sink. Since I don't actually prepare food IN the sink, does it really matter?

As for Birkenstocks, I'm not about to pay those prices, but I do have a couple of pair of vinyl knock-offs that I wear in the yard. They protect my diabetic feet, I can rinse them with the hose, they're very lightweight and easy to slip on and kick off. The Crocs are very popular around the hospital, but they're just so pitifully ugly I haven't been able to persuade myself to buy any. The nurses who wear them just love them, though.

Oh, Me-They, I'm sitting here barefoot. Does that do anything for you? (teehee) --Romeena
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57014: Boo
where did you git thim shoes at WEAVER STORE.
TOM

October 15, 2007 - Msg 57015: Hi,all,wow, I guess alittle flying fur is a good thing. All I will say about the politics is to each his own. Me-They,I don't want to start a fight,but I love my birkies and my bare feet,but I will try to keep them under my rocker so you don't have to see them.
Opiemom,so sorry your little guy got replaced.
Boo,my mother-in law wears croc, I'll have to get some I like easy to clean footwear.
Spot sounds like your cycling is becoming a good habit.
Romeena, I know what you mean about stuffed cabinets and closets,it's hard to throw stuff away.
IT's like Grand Central Station here,today, corn pickng, theres 4 Semi and 3 huge combines and 3 huge tractors with Kinzie wagons going like crazy. I'm afraid the dogs are not going to get to walk this afternoon.
Rev,have a safe trip.
Well,I need to take my chocolate pound cake out of the pan. Take care. PEACE Hippy Dr P
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57016: Thats Hippie , although sense I turned 45 hippy does sort of apply. Dr P
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57017: since Dr P
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57018: Chocolate Pound cake????? I might have to have a slice or two of that.

Opiemom
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57019:
M-T--Yup, you are right! That girl didnt give 'im a chance.

Andy: I think Opie's too young to be learnin' HISTORY!
Aunt Bee: Maybe they have to start them younger, there's more of it these days.

Hey, I prayed for all porchsters and families yesterday, but actually I do Everyday, so why did I even type this? ha
As for the sandal debate, ya think if they were meant to be worn, then don't ya think Jesus would have worn 'em?
OK, so I'm stretchin for a laugh.
Hang in there folks.
I hope Merry Weather comes back.
MDC
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57020: Thanks for the prayers, MDC.

Hey TOM, it's good to have you back regular-like. I don't think Weaver's carry's crocks...hmmm

Boo
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57021: Er, MDC, I do believe Jesus DID wear sandals. At least he's wearing them in a lot of the pictures in my Bible. (heehee) --Romeena
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57022: Evenin' Porch family:
Just reading the archives. Kinda gald I missed yesterday's moulage. That was quite some mess!! By the looks of it all, crocs were not the thing to have on your feet-- more like hip waders! Better get off while things are calm. I get all jittery when things get all stirred up. ~New Neighbor
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57023: Isn't it funny when you think about the word moulage. We all use it, we all know what we mean, but if a stranger was passing thru and didn't watch TAGS, he'd probably think What on earth is this "moulage" they keep talking about. People running around, making big moulages. (I like mine with egg-whites; makes em light and fluffy) I vote for keeping the small talk about politics. For the most part, we keep it civil. The times it has bothered me, were usually the cause of having a bad day that day anyway, and having something just hit me the wrong way and I speak without thinking first. Basically, I really feel that everyone is entitled to my opinion. :)
I wonder what a doctor would think about your foot compelsion, MT. I expect you'd be quite a study. I'll see if I can find something on it in my Learn-a-Month books.
- Hazel

October 15, 2007 - Msg 57024: can we stop what the feet please because it may me think about me mon , it was of her feet that was going to talk off that she pass away on.

LOVE TOM

October 15, 2007 - Msg 57025: TOM, are saying that your mom had to have her feet amputated before she passed away? I will certainly not talk about feet if it makes you feel bad...I'm sure Me-They will be glad.

Ha, I forgot about the "Learn-a-Month" books Hazel! I really need to break out the TAGS DVD's and have myself a marathon....in all my spare time (like that's gonna happen).

Speaking of Jesus, I saw this special on the learning channel once about what Jesus looked like. It was really interesting. They talked about a painting that was done in the 1st century that very likely could have been painted by an eye witness or someone who had spoken to an eye witness to Jesus. They say it is the picture that most others sprang from. They showed the painting, and while it was crude and not all that detailed, it showed Jesus as looking pretty much like the pictures you see in the middle of your bible...hair to the shoulder, reddish, beard that was kind of divided at the bottom. Anyway, pretty interesting.

Boo
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57026: Merri Weather,
Thanks for remembering me - it really means the world to me right now.Things are tough and I've had no heart to post, but I do pray for all the prochsters and children (and the various gherkins!) and assorted spouses every day, and keep up with the goings on.

Romeena- I want a furkid and have considered a maltese or a yorkie-are they high maintenance? I love their little personalities and sharing your adventures really makes me want one.

Opiemom -you are a wise woman to hold back after your baby was replaced in the show-I went through the same thing when my son was little, in various productions. When he was 12 he tried out as a tenor and got a lead part, by the time eight weeks of rehearsal were over his voice had changed to -yes- a double bass and he croaked out the tenor numbers, singing out of key and to the rafters - the whole audience was embarrassed and he was replaced for the remainder of the show's run-he didn't want to go to school and face everyone the next week, poor guy, but he did and he handled it all with much better grace than I did! Now he handles rejection with aplomb.

Boo-hope Jill and Layla are ok.

Hazel-you are a sweetie.

Big Maude - would love to have a biscuit! Yum.

Hey, Spot, Me-They, AuH2O, New Neighbor, DeS (still painting?), MDC, Tom, RR, hm,Dr. P, Rev...and Asa if you are reading...did I miss anyone? Hope you are all enjoying tha fall. My best to you all.

Belle

October 15, 2007 - Msg 57027: Oh and possum! Hey!!
Belle
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57028: Just a quick time visitin'. I threw my back out and cannot sit at all. Prayers for all!
Blessings,
~Lucy
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57029: Boo- Yes she had blood not at the kneeand wind cuting the leag off the not gong to the heart .
The little toe on her feet was truing green and had to be reed move that one thing you have to look out for wind you are a diab.

TOM

October 15, 2007 - Msg 57030: Oh, dear! Lucy, I can sympathize - that's just misery. Are you able to find a comfortable sleeping position?

Belle, regarding the maintenance of a Yorkie or Maltese, I think it depends on your definition of "high maintenance". If you're willing to commit to 10-15 minutes a day, every day, they're very low maintenance. There are show-quality and pet-quality puppies, of course, and they differ in more than just price, though the price difference can be considerable. In both breeds, show-quality is likely to grow a very long, silky coat - up to 10 or 12 inches. In Yorkies, pet-quality usually doesn't grow quite so long a coat, but Maltese often do. Neither breed should have the downy undercoat, they should have silky hair, easily combed if done daily, and no fuzz. Therefore, especially in Maltese, no odor. Yorkies may be a tiny bit more trainable, Maltese can be independent and have a mind of their own, but they're sweet and loving, not a mean bone in their little bodies. Now mind you, I'm basing all of this on my limited experience with both breeds. I've owned one of each, but have known quite a few, the pets of neighbors and friends. The expert on the porch would be Mavis, and if she offers any differing opinions, I would concede to her, because she works with all of them all the time. I will just say this. Having owned one of each, and in a position to choose a new companion, it was no contest for me. Starr is a Maltese.

Sugarplum was a clown, knew instinctively when I needed a good laugh, and how to elicit one from me. She also was not a bit above sassing me, much to the delight of my kids and my friends. Let her get comfortable on the ottoman, or in my chair, and any disturbance was met with "Grr, grr, grr!" that sounded fierce and threatening to anyone who didn't know her, but was really just a protest, a grumble, backtalk. I would pick her up, still growling, and deposit her elsewhere, and she'd give an audible "Humph!" and settle back down.

Once we were in Fredbg, and my comadre was with us. We had gone to bed in my grandsons' bedroom, with my friend on one twin bed and the Plum and me on the other. The Plum staked out her territory smack in the middle, which didn't leave me much. I scooted her over (grr, grr, grr) and before I could lie down she was back. Scoot - grr, grr, grr - and I finally managed to settle down. She started pressing against me, pushing with her little feet, and growling very softly the whole time. I'd scold, she'd growl. Finally, my friend started laughing and said, "Am I going to have to come over there and separate you two?" I started laughing too, and I declare the Plum got the joke as well, because she moved over, got quiet and we all went to sleep. Those are just some of the memories that still bring tears to my eyes when I think of her. She was special, she was unique, she was my baby.

Get your puppy, Belle, and get ready for a fun ride. --Romeena

P.S. I can email you some precautions if you'd like. Buying a puppy can be treacherous.
October 15, 2007 - Msg 57031:
Hello porch family.....I made it to Tn safely. Thanks for your prayers.

Opiemom......sorry to hear about your little son. That was handled wrong.

Lucy...prayers for your back. So glad you checked in.

Spot...you ok tonight? That bike didn't whip you did it?

Belle...you hang in there. Prayers for you.

Well gonna go to bed. Prayers for all and have a great nights rest.
-REV.
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57032: Hey, Rev, glad you got to TN okay. We all worry about you when you're on the road, you know. At least, like a turtle, you're traveling with your "house" around you, so you can pull over and sleep when you must. I hope you do that. I rather suspect that my son doesn't, because he'd have to check into a motel, and he won't do that for just a couple of hours, so he keeps pushing on. It worries me, of course, but he's 37 and doesn't necessarily mind his mama anymore.

Well, guess I'll turn in. I'm really hoping I'll get myself under control tomorrow and get this house cleaned up. Got part of it done, but there's so much more. Argh.

Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57033: Shhhh, is the Porch sleeping? Maybe that's a good thing while I sneak in and say hey. (tee-hee!) Well, gee kids, where do I start? Uhhh, I woke up this morning feeling like a clod of rocky dirt had crawled down my throat and settled in for the season. I was dizzy, a bit feverish, and downright outta sorts. At first, I thought it was stress and being a bit upset about the goings on that I don't need to repeat but then upon closer examination--I knew there was trouble. To make a long story short, I have tonsillitis and a touch of bronchitis. That crud I caught from the little one just worked it's way into a tizzy. I'm sick. (I hate even writing that.) But, I have an antibiotic and I've been drinking more water than I care to, so hopefully I will be back to my old self soon. Whatever that was. However, there's talk about taking my tonsils out. Ooh. I just hate that talk. I've heard HORROR stories about adults bleeding to death or losing their power of speech (there's a million jokes just waiting!) Anyway, I should have had them out as a child, but no one said anything then. My kids sure love it though--I kinda sound like Kermit the Frog. I'll be taking dates down for birthday parties. See? I'm already thinking positively about how I can turn this illness into a capitalist adventure! ;-)

Golly, I was reading over stuff just a few minutes ago and my friends, I about flipped my noodle. If I gave the impression I wasn't coming back, well, I gave the wrongest impression ever! Now I REALLY feel like a donkey's butt. No wait. A flea on a donkey's butt. No wait...oh, skip it. I felt bad. Let me just put it this way: I'm going to be as hard to remove from this place as a barnacle on the bottom of the S.S. Minnow! (Didn't you just love that show? When I was a kid, I wanted to be Mary Ann and I was in loooove with the Professor. Always had a thing for smart guys. Geeks if you will. Oh yeah, and pigtails.) But I digress. Did I mention that I am sick and I am also on cough syrup with codeine? Please take that into account. By the way, some lovely sweet person suggested a while back that I take oregano pills for something and now I can't remember what it was for. If you know, please remind me. I'd appreciate it.

M-T, I'm here and I don't want you to take anything personally! Also, the Mr. will not be coming back. Per my request. I'd just rather have my spot on the porch to myself, if you don't mind. I'll still go fly fishing with him and he can try something else with me. I wonder if he would be up for a decoupage (NOT to be confused with moulage) class? Hmmmm.

ROMEENA, You're just a lovely, lovely woman and I think your assessment was right about chat rooms and political discussions. You're very wise. Also, how's Brittney?

BOO, it wasn't a leg of lamb per say. More like the tv remote.

As for today, it was a little like Fred and Jennie Boone...

"Good morning Dear."
"Good morning Hunnny."

It wasn't quite natural, but we were trying.

REV, glad your trip was safe.

SPOT, where are you tonight? Are you still scrounging around for a snack? I made some cinnamon popcorn for my girls tonight and there's plenty left if you'd like. Help yourself.

Well, special prayers go out to all us ailing folks and of course, to all our many sweet, sweet kiddies--both kinds--fur and furless.

Goodnight all. Farewell until we talk again!

PEACE to all.

Merri Weather

P.S. If I don't write tomorrow, it means that I've decided to rest. Or I've passed out at the keyboard. Someone may need to send the REV over if that's the case!


October 16, 2007 - Msg 57034: Woohoo! That's about the welcomest (?) post I've read in a while. (I love to make up words.) Anyway, Merri, we're just delighted you're still going to be around. As for the Mr., that's up to you. He's welcome as far as we're concerned, but I do understand your desire for a little "spot" of your own.

If you need those tonsils taken out, go for it. Tonsillitis can morph into strep too easily, and strep can lead to heart problems. Take it from one who knows, both personally and professionally. Get 'em out, honey. You'll be miserable for a couple of days, but probably no worse than you feel right now, and that will eliminate a lot of infections in the future. My daughter had hers out when she was in her mid-20s, and has never regretted it. Anyway, for now, rest and drink a lot of juice, take some ecchinacea, and take your antibiotics faithfully. Finish the course, take them all.

Well, it's after 2 a.m., and I really need to get to bed. Even though I only work two nights a week, it sure does mess with my biorhythms. My world is always upside down. Oh well. What does it really matter? --Romeena
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57035: Oh, and thanks for the kind words, but you're much too generous. I'm not so wise, just old. If a person hasn't learned a littlel bit by the time they're my age, they should have their senior discount revoked.

Brittney is doing fine. The surgeon called, he got the report back on the pathology done on the wide excision he performed, and the word is that all margins were clean. So at this point, the assumption is that she's cancer-free. Thanks for caring, and thanks to the whole porch for your prayers. It means so much. --Romeena
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57036: Aw, that must have been so hard for your mom and for you, too. I'm sorry she had to go on to heaven and leave you but I'm glad she isn't suffering anymore.

So good to hear from you again Belle. That son of yours sounds like a real good guy. Bet you're very proud of him.

So sorry about your back, Lucy! I know how painful that can be. Prayers for healing..

Great post Merri! hahaha....I think you've had a little too much of that codeine cough medicine...you have quite a way with words, very witty. You should send Ro some pictures of you and your family for her photo album. I have pics of my children on there but none of me yet. I plan on taking lots of pictures in New Mexico next month and will certainly include some of myself for enquiring minds who want to see a middle-aged housewife.

Wow, glad to hear the good report on Brittany.

Boo


October 16, 2007 - Msg 57037: That first paragraph was for TOM.

Boo
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57038: Well hey gang..Boo crocs are good...no toes!..Rev the bike trip was good brother...miss sherry and i dont your work at my house yesterday..cleaned the camper up and put it away...Asa,possum,ro,auh20,merri,dr p,Tom,belle,lucy,md,mdc,horatio and all a big hello...back in a bit....here at work...SPOT
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57039: Good morning - just passing through - again!
M-T, how dare you have a good moulage and I am not in the middle of it!? Hmmph! I don't think I could take a moulage this week. Been pretty stressed out here lately - I think my job is getting to me, I spend an awful lot of time of the road and I feel like I don't accomplish much.

Taking my better half to the orthopedic doctor tomorrow. He really needs a knee replacement but I am sure they will try other courses of treatment first - he has had two other knee surgeries as well.

We have fall break on Thursday and Friday. . .so I may get some more housework accomplished. We are too busy for our own good!

Great news for your family Ro - I bet many prayers of the Thanksgiving and praises were said.

Talk to you all soon. . .

hm
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57040: how about some starr on M-T toenail.
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57041: Hi All.
just a little chill to start the day off.
Romeena- i will think about it.
Lucy- Me gum chan is at 700ft now and the last 50 ft has the date onit for someone.
I'm looking for more wrapper to used on it to.
Spot send me some of the warm weather you have.hehe
Romeena- you can keep all the rain there too.

TOM

October 16, 2007 - Msg 57042: Good morning, all - especially you, Tom. Some stars on Me-They's toenails? Who would we get that would be willing to touch his crusty old toes to paint the stars? (heehee) And good for you, buddy.

Well, I'm off. I have bags and bags of newspapers in the garage, will take them to the local Humane Society, they shred them for critter bedding. It's a no-kill shelter, and they need all the help they can get. Did I ever tell you all about Little Pup, the dog who had lived at the shelter for two years? A rather nondescript black dog, probably a mix of labrador and shepherd and who knows what else, he just never seemed to be chosen when people would come in. He was very gentle, but didn't have much personality. He had been there so long he had developed "shelter mentality" and thought he belonged there. My friend and I would go and give him a bath now and then, and take him out for walks, but he always strained at the leash when we headed back to the shelter, and ran straight into his kennel when we got there. Well, the good news is, he finally got a forever home! A volunteer finally decided he was the dog for for them, and took him home. At last report, he was happy and content, even getting a little playful at times.

Well, this time I'm really gone. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57043: Tom will be glad to dend you some warm weather if someone would send me some RAIN!...Lunch time: Grilled ham and cheese samiches, chicken noodle soup,garden salad and grape kool-aid...hm prayers for your hubby...think I will have 2 samiches...SPOT
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57044: Lunch sounds good, Spot. I've got some rain to spare, I'll see if I can find a suitable box. --Romeena
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57045:

REV., glad you made it safely to TN.

M-W, soooooo sorry you're ailing. Like you, I loved "Gilligan's Island" and went for the Professor, too -- in a big way! To the point that when he (Russell Johnson) started doing those Texaco commercials I wrote them a letter and requested a photo of him. Got a signed one! After all these decades, I still have it. "Russ," as he's known, is still kicking and lives near Puget Sound with his wife of many years, Connie. I know way yonder too much about these trivial trivialities, don't I? :-) I think I'll try those oregano pills myself. Never heard of them before the Porch, but they are the secret ingredient in many a popular Mayberry dish. How bad could they be?

Ro, SUCH good news about Brittney! Thanks for the update. Also, what a happy story about "Little Pup." I love a happy ending.

Belle, yep, I'm still painting! Painting everything in sight, in fact. I've got a compelsion and must be stopped.

Hazel, I use "moulage" in everyday talk around the house. You have no idea how many times I've started to use it in 'non-TAGS' company and stopped myself! I'm glad I'm not the only one. :-)

hm, hope your hubby's knee gets better. Mine has knee problems, too, and it's really hard on him.

TOM, your gum chain is amazing! I had one when I was a teenager, but it was more like 17 feet -- not 700! I also loved making those soda/beer can tab chains. Can't do that anymore, now that they're all one piece. Keep up the great work!

Spot, lunch sounds excellent. I love grilled cheese sammiches and haven't had grape Kool-Aid in a month of Sundays. More like a few years of Sundays.

Prayers for all the Porch folk needing them! Blessings to you and yours.

~DeS~
.
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57046:
Hey Folks,

It looks like autumn here today.

Merri Weather-Hope you're feeling better real soon.

hm-And, I Hope the job evens out for ya. Prayers for your husband.

Just a little aside, I have not initiated political discussion in a while and from here on out I'll pass on giving my opinion on matters when asked. It usually is my lopsided stance that throws the porch out of kilter. So, ticker-lock for me.

Barney: "A moulage? Yeah, that's right, we decided not to make a moulage. Oh, we told a few people, but we decided it didn't make sense upsetting folks, running around blabbing, making a big moulage."

auh2o
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57047: Hey guys! Daphne here. So i just read this article that completely TICKED me off! I thought i'd post the link in here, to get the word out to like-minded folks, who may actually contact Governor Schwarzzenegger (sp) and express their disappointment. Oh, i sent him a doozy.

I haven't read up in here in forever, so this topic may have already been touched upon... but read this article:

http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58130

ARGHH!! What is happening to this country!!!

Seriously. I'm sorry, i just needed to vent to someone(s).

On another note--Romeena, i haven't heard back from you in a while. i sent you a reply to your email, and hopefully it didn't get lost in your SPAM folder or anything. :-/ Lemme know if you didn't get it.

Okay kiddos--blessing to you all today. I'll be back in a while to see if you have any input to share.

~Daph.
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57048: Hey Des,Romeena they make those BIG zip lock bags now days..send me some rain in those UPS.....we are in a total water ban here in Ga...glad yall liked lunch!..yall all have purple mustashs!..well back to work...SPOT
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57049: I saw a piece about the drought in the southeast on The Today Show--I'll be praying for rain for that beautiful part of the country.
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57050: Well Daph, I just read that article you posted and I need a sedative...absolutely unbelievable. You asked the question, "What is happening in this country?"...I have to say that I think what happens in California might be alot different than what happens in other states (I hope, anyway). If "The Terminator" tried to pull that obscene c*ap in Texas, he would certainly be "terminated", stuffed, and hung on the wall at the capitol building in Austin.
Of all the ridiculous politicians, Schwarzzeneger takes the cake (and the nuts, too).

Boo
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57051: Well, so much for the moratoreum on political opinions..

Boo
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57052: WE NEED RAIN!..prayers please...our water supply here in ga is about gone!...supper: grilled pork chops,rev bbq sauce,mashed taters,greenbeans,big maude slaw,tea,sliced onions....SPOT
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57053:
Ha, boo you crack me up!
H2Oau and boo,
I think the great philosopher, Hazelecles, said it best "Everyone's entitled to my opinion!" ha
Yup RO, I was just trying to elicit a laugh with Jesus and the sandals.
Similar to what kind of car would the apostles drive? A Honda, because the were in Accord! haha
MW- It was me! OREGAMAX, great for infections and what ails ya. Google it.
Lucy, prayers for you. You could always try putting your chin in a harness hanging from a closet opening! ha
Prayers for HM's stress! Pray whilst ya drive.
God Bless,
MDC
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57054:
Prayin for rain spot. mdc
October 16, 2007 - Msg 57055: Hey MDC. Is there anything oregano is NOT good for? Have you ever heard the one saying that cigaretts are mentioned in the bible? A friend of mine had a rather saucy elderly mom who smoked. Her son was always trying to get her to quit. One day she told him "someone in the bible smoked". Of course he fell for it and asked, "Who?", to which she replied, "It says in Genesis that when Rachel first saw Jacob, she 'lighted off her camel and went to him'". Too funny!

Prayers for rain, SPOT.

Boo