December 31, 2007 - Msg 59309: Well...I just watched Dick Clark lower the ball in New York so, for me, it is the new year even though I live in Central time....So,

Happy New Year

--Floyd
December 31, 2007 - Msg 59310: Me too Floyd Happy New Year to you & yours as well, now, since I'm on Eastern time, I'm hittin' the ironin board!
Night Porch
*Mavis
December 31, 2007 - Msg 59311: HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE

LOVE TOM

December 31, 2007 - Msg 59312: Ha Ha, me too, Floyd. Seems like it is all over after that happens, even though it is still 15 minutes until 12am here.

Hope your headache goes away, Boo.

Happy New Year(now in about 10 minutes here)!

-Sterling Holobyte
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59313: Happy New Year (officially) here in the Central Time Zone.
--Floyd
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59314:
Hello porch family..HAPPY NEW YEAR...I just got home from my concert.Everything went great. I stopped just before 12 and we prayed the New Year in.

Possum....you bet I know what you're talking about concerning the Southern New Years Day dishes. I've been eating them each New Year as long as I can remember. Of course I don't believe in all the meanings of it but I sure do enjoy eating it.

Ro...I agree with your take on dealing with the lying woman. I vote we appoint you the Mayberry Porch judge. Do I have a second?

Boo....praying that you are feeling better.

Well folks I'm kinda tired so I'm gonna hit the ironing board. I pray that 2008 with be the most blessed year ever. May we carry HIS light throughout this new year sowing the seed of the Gospel to a lost people. I pray for each of you and I truly mean that.
-REV.

January 01, 2008 - Msg 59315: Happy New year to the porch...im back at work this new year...keeping the lights on...breakfast will be on Floyd at place of his choosing!...back in a bit...SPOT
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59316: Happy New Year porch pals. May we be blessed in 2008 and may we be worthy of those blessings.

Asa
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59317:
HAPPY NEW YEAR to the porch family
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59318:
Rev- I gotta agree with you. When I first stumbled upon the Porch it was pipeman's comments that caught my eye but when I saw Romeena's posts, I thought how can I vote for this lady. So, I'll second the proposal for Romeena as judge.

auh2o
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59319: Good afternoon folks, hope everyone is enjoying the day.

Thanks for keeping the lights on SPOT.

Just having a lazy day waiting for my husband to get off work. He is working til 6 today.

Supper menu will be: taco bean chili or potato soup, salad. tea or kool aid to drink. dessert will be homemade ice cream sandwhiches. see you at supper.

Have a great day. Prayers and blessing to all.

I vote for Romeena!!

Big Maude
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59320: - - - - Happy New Year to everyone. I hope that 2008 will be better than 2007 for all of you (and especially for me because I need it badly).
I haven't posted since around Veteran's day back in November.
I also need to read up on the archives to see what I have missed since then.
Take care for now.

from Poor Horatio
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59321: Happy New Year Y'all!

*****Happy Possum Day too!*****
possum under a rock
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59322: Happy New Year !

I haven't been on much lately - missed you PH.

Blessings and Grace for 2008. . . .

hm
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59323: Poor Horatio! We have missed you! I'm glad you popped in to say hey. I too, hope that 2008 will be better for you. If you need to talk, I'll stop by Sarahs tonight around 7:30. And anyone else who wants to drop by. Let's start the New Year off right.
Happy Possum Day to you too, Possum. (I've been watching The Beverly Hillbillies... good stuff!)
- Hazel

"Don't take my Mr. Cookie bar. I'll need that for later."
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59324: Good afternoon, everyone! PH, it's good to see you, even if only briefly. You sound like you could use some cheering up - so here's a hug for you: {{{{{PH}}}}} You have been missed, friend.

Last night was a rough one at work, at least the first six hours were. It improved after that. I'm glad it's over, and I don't have to go back until Sunday night.

Hazel, I've been watching the Hillbillies too. I have always enjoyed that show. I guess I'm just a non-intellectual, but I wish TVLand was planning to bring back Gilligan, instead of pushing "Just Shoot Me" on us now. That, along with all the lame movies they keep running and re-running, ad nauseum, is just about too much. I never watched the show in its original run, and judging from the ads I've been seeing, I know why. I try to be fair, so I'll watch it once. It had better be good, or I'll never watch it again.

Judge? Me?? You've got to be kidding. I appreciate the compliment, but I have enough trouble keeping myself straight. Nope, not me, no no no! I will not run!!

Eeek! I just remembered I forgot to turn off the water to the mist lines in the arbor out back. I have to turn it off at the valve, and then disconnect the line so it can drain. It probably already froze and split last night, but maybe not. I'll go turn it off now.

OK, I'm back. BRRRR! It's cold out there, but now I don't have to worry about things freezing. I also disconnected the garden hoses from the front and back faucets. They're the frost-proof faucets, but if you leave a hose connected, I think that spoils the frost-proof feature.

So - Happy Possum Day to one and all! --Romeena
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59325: HAPPY NEW YEAR MAYBERRY FRIENDS!!

I pray that everyone's 2008 will be magnificent!

When Michaela leaves I will chat longer. Happy Birthday and Anniversary to those I missed.

Real quick, I was folding clothes when the History Club episode was on. My boys stopped what they were doing and watched it intently. It was so nice with them being preteen and teen to stop and watch TAGS. It really does bring everyone together!
Blessings to you and yours,
~Lucy
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59326: I'm with you, Romeena. (About TV Land shows) When I first started watching TV Land, it had so much good stuff. "Hazel" (remember the show about Hazel, the maid), and "Ozzie and Harriet" and "Father Knows Best". And now, they play Sandford and Son over and over and over and over. You get my drift. Also, I'm a "Gunsmoke" fan, but really. Three in a row every day for years and years is a bit much. And this movie thing they now do. If they were family movies, I guess that would be fine. But "Thelma and Louise"? Well, maybe I'd watch it once. But they show it over and over. And like Ro mentioned, they are now potting "Just Shoot Me" in their line-up? That's not a family show. Sheesh. I really am going to write them a letter.
Ok, that's my gripe. I got it out of the way for '08.
- Hazel
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59327: Ooops, make that "putting" Just Shoot Me, not "potting" Just Shoot Me.
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59328: Sorry I missed you at Sarahs, Big Maude! Darn it, my son was showing me something and I had left the room, and when I came back you had been there and gone! Sorry.
- Hazel
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59329: You are so right, Hazel (and Ro). I also remember when Nick-At-Night was that way, too. It showed The Patty Duke Show, The Donna Reed Show, Ozzie and Harriet, The Life of Riley, Leave it To Beaver, etc. All the old black and white sitcoms that I miss so much. They stopped showing them to put on stuff like Three's Company, which I think is really brainless comedy, in my opinion (no offense to anyone's tastes). Do you all remember how TVLand also used to show clips of old commercials? I miss that, too. Nickolodean and TVLand used to be sort of a haven in which you didn't have to worry about what your kids were watching but not so anymore. I think Just Shoot Me is horrible.

I am feeling much better today, thank you to all who asked me. You are very sweet. I actually had a really good day today and spent the biggest part of the day with a group of friends, eating and playing games...I won Pictionary and I also won both games of "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?"...(big deal)...haha.

I did eat one spoonful of blackeyed peas (does that count)?

2008 is going to be ok...I can just feel it.

Boo
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59330: Today was a good day here. I almost finished a real house cleaning...just my bedroom left...and my desk will take the most time. With it cold..at least for here...40's I loaded the fire place good and let it burn this evening. Got up early and made Swedish rye bread and a pot of split pea soup...still had the left overs of the Thanksgiving ham. May not be a New Years meal, but was good. Even Richard (son) gave me a compliment on the bread....we normally bash each others cooking.

My TV watching may not fit in here, History Channel, History International...or even National Geography. At one time watched a few of HGTV until they got into the house selling. Just a little to PC. There is absolutly nothing on the networks I care to watch. I am even giving up on the local news. Everything has to be spectacular....even the weather. Can get the news on the radio and weather on weather.com...much more dependable.

The split pea soup and bread must have made me shout off to much tonight.

DeS, you should have been smelling my smoke today.

ray
January 01, 2008 - Msg 59331:
ray-Your TV viewing fits in just fine here. There is a bunch of us that watch the channels you listed. And, I feel the same way about local news, what a bunch of whoowee. Those local weather tickers that run along the bottom of the screens drive me crazy (which is a short journey). The last few years now we get warnings for "POSSIBLE SNOW ACCUMULATION" That's like you folks being warned during the summer "IT COULD POSSIBLY BE HOT TODAY"

auh2o
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59332: Hi All. boy is it cold this mornng on this end of the porch.
We may not had snow for Christmas but we git it for New YEAR DAY.
So I'm going to stay in the house because it so cold out there and I do not want me arthritis to start up.

LOVE TOM

January 02, 2008 - Msg 59333: Ask Emma for one of her pills, TOM.

That's funny about the weather reports, Auh2o...I know what you mean. I don't even bother to watch the weather in the summer here...it's always the same report (unless there is a hurricane in the area).

That split pea soup sounds good, Ray. It is pretty chilly here this morning. There was some ice on the windsheilds this morning, which is unusual for us. The sun is shining and it will warm up into the 50's or 60's, though.

Well, I have to go bake a cake for my dad's birthday today. He turns 82. See you all later,

Boo
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59334: Happy New Year, y'all! Except for the calendar, though, it sure looks a lot like the old year.

I'm busy today rolling over the books and such, but I'll try and stop back later.

AUH2O: I hear there is a chance for flurries out your way ;).

Me-They
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59335: BOO: Happy b-day to your dad.

M-T
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59336:
Hey to Floyd, Tom, Poor Horatio and to everyone checking in for 2008. May it be a blessed year for all of us!
Hazel, you were right the first time, "potting" fits well, as it should be potted about 6 feet underground. Ha
Let's pray that someone would start an all "black and white" channel and bring all the aforementioned shows back!
As we begin 2008, let's remember the words of Jesus, "I am the Alpha and the Omega"!
And for you Latin scholars and USC fans out there we could say: "Palmam qui meruit ferat"
ole MDC

January 02, 2008 - Msg 59337: He one'a ours?

M-T
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59338: Happy 2008 to everyone. I'm back from the cabin and just finished unloading everything and even have some laundry going. I trust that everyone had a safe and happy ringing of the New Year? We had a good time just sitting in our pjs, having some sparkling cider and listening to the hillbillies set off bottle rockets and fire crackers...and I use the term "hillbillies" in the most loving way possible! We had homemade clam chowder for New Year's Day lunch--it's been a tradition for years but I couldn't tell you why. We fished some and we bird watched--saw some eagles, hawks, cranes and lake gulls (just like sea gulls, I guess). Also caught a glance at a bobcat looking for food on the bluff above the lake. Kind of creepy but neat at the same time. The weather was beautiful but it was FREEZING--the winds were gusting at 40-50 mph! That first night I could barely get to sleep listening to the wind shake and rattle that little cabin! My mom and my girls were up in the loft just snoozing away! My trusty pup was by my side snuggled up to me. I guess maybe the wind was making her nervous, too!

I have to admit that I agree with a lot of you--sure hope 2008 goes a bit better than 2007. I think we could all use some more sunshine in our lives and a little less stress. I guess that could go for any year!

PH, good to see you and I'm sending out well wishes to you.

BOO, sorry to hear that you weren't feeling tip-top. I struggle with migraines myself, so I know how you feel.

RO, SPOT, TOM, AUH20, RAY, LUCY, HAZEL, POSSUM and ALL, Many blessings to you and yours! MW
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59339: HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE PORCH from pappa bear! it's been a wicked one in central illinois. snow, blowing snow, ice, and today we'll be lucky to see 16. i think the bear needs to stay in his den and not lay on the front porch for awile- ha. ssorry i don't get to visit much here but i worl at the genoligical and historical society and have to sneak on the porch a few minutes to post but your all in my thoughts and prayers. thanks for the christmas card possum and mdc, appreciate it. it was so cold that even goober couldn"t jump start the brown truck. happy new years to all. pappa bear
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59340: "Spread a little sunshine every daaaaayyyyy..."

Good to hear from you PAPPABEAR.

Me-They
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59341: I found this article interesting and inspiring, and so may some of you: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/01/AR2008010102081.html. Check it out if you have a minute.

I really like "Auntie Anne's" philosophy: "Life is hard but God is good. Try not to confuse the two."

Me-They
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59342: Good afternoon porch folks, Cold and snowny on my end of the porch today, about 18 degrees.

Working today although most people decided to stay home and not keep their appointment.

My kids are supposed to go back to school tomorrow. Guess we will see if the weather improves. Many of the country roads where the buses need to travel will still have ice so I am not sure if they will go back or not.

It is good to see pappa bear. We sure do miss you around here.

Hello to M-T, MW,MDC,Auh20 and everyone else. Hope your headache feels better Boo.

Guess I had better go back to work.
see ya later. Prayes and blessings to all.

Big Maude
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59343:
Boo and MW- only thing that will help my wife's migraines is Imitrex, and lots of prayer! (:
MW- glad all went well at the cabin. What a neat wAy to bring in the new year.
Glad to see pappabear come out of hibernation to say Hey!
MT- It's a new year, so time for a new moulage! ha
More later,
MDC
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59344: "Admiror!", MDC.

Thanks for all the concern over the headache..seems much better today but still a twinge. My head feels tender today (you migraine sufferers know what I mean)...eyes are still sensitive to light and sounds bother me. I usually just take Excedrin Migraine because I am out of my prescription migraine medicine and really don't need it often.

Today is a beautiful day here. sunny and brisk, just the way I like it!

Good to see Pappa Bear on the porch!

I will check out that site when I have another minute, Me-They. Have to go run an errand now...that Aunt Anne quote sparked my interest...

Boo


January 02, 2008 - Msg 59345: M-T, I just finished Auntie Anne's article. Thank you for providing the link. Just when you think you have it bad, then you read something like this! Oh, I love her pretzels, too! She's a wonderful philanthropist. Great read! MW
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59346: Good afternoon, everyone! Good to see you, here in this fine new year.

I saw the pacer doc today. Will have a thallium stress test tomorrow, then the pacer will be put in next Thursday morning. Found out I may have to be off work as long as six weeks, to let the pacer get "set" in place, as the doc described it. I had no idea I'd be off that long, but he says it will probably at least four and maybe six weeks. OK with me, I have disability coverage at work so will get paid. However, I won't be able to drive or do very much during that time, so will probably get pretty bored. Oh well.

Here's the real news - little Starr will get her spay procedure done on Friday morning. I just can't imagine operating on that tiny tummy, but she's five months and one week old now, so it's time. It needs to be done before six months, and with the restrictions I'll be under after next week, it's now or never. She just seems so, well, so little! Bless her sweet puppy heart.

It's been beautiful here today, too, but COLD! When I backed my car out of the garage this morning, and the cold wind hit the temperature sensors, it flashed me a warning that said "Ice Possible". (No car should be without such a valuable feature, heehee.) The temp was 31. It got up to 42 this afternoon, though, for which I was grateful when I had to clear the pond filter. Dratted leaves!

Well, time to go cuddle little Starr, she's in here tapping me on the ankle with a cold little paw. It's colder on the floor where she is, and she has been in the kitchen on the tile, so her little feet are cold! I'll warm her up, and she'll be happy. See you later, friends. --Romeena
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59347: I didn't say anything ealier Ro, but when you mentioned the pacer and getting back to work, I was thinking that you should take some time off following the procedure. I'm glad your doctor is being careful. Rest will be a good thing and think of how much bonding you will be doing with little Starr. Prayers that her procedure goes without a hitch on Friday and that she heals quickly.

I have been loving the cold weather today! It is refreshing to me.

Went to Dad's for birthday cake and got to play with Baby Emily for awhile. What a cutie pie! Whenever I spend anytime with her my face starts to hurt from all the smiling.

OK, tonight I have decided it's time for that TAGS marathon that I keep promising myself....at least a couple of episodes, anyway.

Time for the nightly warm shower, some hot chocolate and TAGS...wish you could all join me (but not in the shower...that would be mighty crowded).

Boo
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59348: Oh, almost forgot to mention that I took the kids for a drive to Port Aransas and we rode the ferry across. Picture this: sunny sky, cool weather, calm water, several huge pelicans sitting on the water, a beautiful dolphine swimming near the ferry! It was wonderful and very relaxing.

Boo
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59349: what's a dolphine?? I mean dolphin, of course.

Boo
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59350: Evening Porch Family:
Just wanted to check in and say Hi. Ro--The Lord provides different ways to show us how to rest!! Now that the HINT!! teehee Sure will be praying for the Dr.s and for you. Starr will be so lucky to have mom home to recoop with her.
It's COLD on this side of the porch, thnk I'll go in and put my rocker by the wood stove. See ya all tomorrow. ~New Neighbor
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59351:
Hey Folks

Cold and quiet here tonight, 4 degrees. The birds are deep in the woods around these parts today, they're trying to keep warm too I guess. There has been no action at the bird feeders since yesterday.

Romeena-I bet little Starr has some plans for those days off.

New Neighbor-That wood stove sounds nice, I think I'm too tired to start a fire this evening.

MDC- What do you think of Huck? He concerns me. He kinda reminds me of another guy from Arkansas.

Boo-That does paint a nice picture.

Big Maude-Hey!

pappa bear-Great to see ya!

Peace!

auh2o
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59352: Hi All.
It going to be a clod night there is going down into the teenth that cold.
Romeena me pray are what you hope all go will.
Do you have someone going to stay what you wint you come home from the hosp to help out the frist two days.
Tis porch would fall apart from you saw not here to give a helping hand or world.

LOVE TOM


January 02, 2008 - Msg 59353: Evenin', all. Tom, you're so sweet, and your concerns are so appreciated. Yes, I have several friends who have offered to come and help out, though I don't think I'll need them. I think they're going to keep me overnight in the hospital, on monitors to be sure the pacer is doing what it's supposed to do. When I get home, I can't use my left arm for two days, then can't reach over my head for two weeks, and can't push, pull, or lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for six weeks! So, that pretty much keeps me off work (aw, shucks!) The worst part is, I can't drive for two weeks. So, my son and my friends will have to keep me in groceries, I guess, though I have a pretty full freezer and should just use it up. Anyway, I'm sure I won't be hungry.

Gotta get my Christmas tree down this weekend, and everything else taken down and put away, since I won't be able to do it after next Thursday. It's time anyway, so this will keep me from putting it off. Last year I think it was up until February. I enjoy the tree, and am never in a hurry to take it down, but this year, I guess I must.

Well, I think I'll go cuddle little Starr. I just love doing that, she's so cute. Be blessed, friends! --Romeena
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59354:
Hello porch family....Cold here in SC. Getting down to 18 tonight. That's cold for us.

Ro.....prayers for your upcoming pacer procedure. Just do what the Dr tell you to do.....rest!

Boo...enjoy your relaxing time tonight watching TAGS.

Tom...you stay warm. It would be hard to post those poems with cold fingers.

Good to see pappa bear.

auh2o....you mentioned bird feeders. I can't keep the food in mine fast enough. They are pretty much emptying it everyday. I just love to watch them. We have a lot of Red Cardinals.

For all you book lovers...My daughter gave me a book for Christmas called "Ask Billy Graham". It's questions that he has been asked and has answered on all different subjects throughout his life. These subjects range from faith, politics, heaven, money, race, morality, death and much more. I really enjoyed reading his take on many of these subjects.

Well, I'm gonna head off to the ironing board. You all stay warm and most of all, keep the heart warm with the love of Jesus. Prayers for all the porch family...you folks are special to me.
-REV.
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59355: Well REV, I only thought I was going to watch some TAGS. Bruce said he was going to bed early but he ended up getting interested in a football game so I am on the computer instead. I am about to go to bed and do some reading instead.

Romeena, how is Dale Jr. doing and how are Heather and the new grandbaby these days?

Boo
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59356: Romeena, You'll be in my prayers. (And little Starr on Friday morning). Take it easy.

HOw exactly is a pacemaker put in? Is it like open heart or can they do it through the side?

Opiemom
January 02, 2008 - Msg 59357: Oh, continue to pray for my 14 year old and the fainting. He was playing Capture the Flag on New Year's with the youth at church and he fainted 2x. Pray that he'll listen to me and watch it. I'm beginning to think it may be exercise induced asthma. (which is treatable). Anyway, I've got to take the 2yo to the dr. tomorrow for his 2 yo well child visit. I'm going to ask about the referral for the 14 yo. They are supposed to be setting up a visit to the pulmonologist. I want this to be finished It is esp. hard to get a 14 yo boy to take this seriously. I don't want him to have to slow down KWIM?

Opiemom
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59358: I know there's a lot of prayer requests lately, and I'm not one to talk much about my personal life on here too much; but I was wondering if you guys could please say an extra prayer for me? Without going into details, my hubby and I are going thru some trying times right now. I really appreciate it. Thank you.
- Hazel
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59359: Good Morning everyone. Just checking in for a minute. Working today.

Very cold here, around 13 degrees this morning.. brrr. supposed to be around 4 degrees tonight. at least the snow has moved on.

Special prayers for Hazel and Romeena and for Opiemom's son.

Breakfast will be: waffles, sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee, tea and chocolate milk.

better get to work now.

Have a great day.

Big Maude


January 03, 2008 - Msg 59360: Morning all. Hope the new year finds you all doing well.

Hazel, you and hubby are in my prayers my dear.
You also Ro, as you deal with your procedure. I imagine the 6 week break from work will be nice.

Opiemom, prayers for your son and his fainting issues. Hopefully that's all it is, asthma. Not to down play that, but as you said, it is treatable.

Sounds like a fine breakfast Big Maude. Mind if I go ahead and get started before anyone else shows up?

Asa
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59361:
Morning Porch

Rev-My goodness yes! We love 'em also. Some in our family think we're crazy but I just love watching them. During the summer here we always have 7 or 8 humming birds at a time. Our back porch is screened in and we put the feeders right-up next to us, it's a great place for a morning coffee. And, the cardinals are beautiful. I suspect today they'll stay in the woods again. I think we're supposed to top out today at 10 degrees.

Rev-I have read most, maybe all of, Billy Graham's books. I haven't read the one you mentioned but I'm gonna. Let us know your take on it.

Opiemom-Of course, prayers for your boy. Those kids keep us on our toes don't they?

January 3rd 2008...and so it begins.

Benjamin Franklin: "The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself."

auh2o
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59362:
Hey Hazel, Asa, and Big Maude.

Hazel- Prayers for you and your family.

auh2o
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59363: Mornin' Family:
Still cold here, but the stove is still warm!!
Hazel- our special prayers are for you and your hubby. NO DETAILS NEEDED. THE LORD KNOWS THEM ALL!!!
Opiemom- It is scarey when our youn'uns are having unexplained problems. Prayers for the Dr.s and your family.
Rev- Blessings to you.
Asa- Could you please share a sausage or 2? Big Maude didn't say "Asa, breakfast is ready for you." I really think it was meant for all the family. Boy, I sure would have liked one of the waffles.
Ro-I'm like you, I love to enjoy the tree for as long as possible. It always looks so empty without it.
Have a good day. ~New Neighbor
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59364: ROMEENA.. youll be in my prayers
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59365: Dear Lord, could you please see fit to look kindly upon Hazel and Mr. Hazel today - you know their needs better than any of us. Lay your hand upon them and just let them know that you are there.
Lord, Opiemom - Ro - Asa and whole list of us are in your need also. We know that you are there to guide us, protect us, and to love us. We are most humble in your sight - we praise you and adore you as only your servants can.

Thank you Jesus for listening to me. . .
Amen
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59366: Very nice prayer, Msg 59365. And mine goes out to all in need as well.

Hey folks, I just saw the first robin of... winter?
I don't know why, but this is the second day in a row I have seen a robin.
Maybe spring is closer than I thought. So hard to tell in these below-zero temperatures. ;)

-Sterling Holobyte
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59367: 15 here in ga this morning...back in a bit.........SPOT
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59368: Good morning, all. Thanks so much for all the prayers and concern - I'm going to be just fine. Opiemom, a pacer implantation is relatively simple, done under local and light IV sedation. A small incision (about an inch) is made and the pacer is implanted beneath the skin. The leads are introduced into a vein and passed to the heart, using fluoroscopy to determine their placement. The unit itself is about the size of a silver dollar, and barely makes a visible bump beneath the skin after the incision heals.

Hazel, am praying for you and your husband. As New Neighbor said, we don't need details. God knows more about what's going on than we know ourselves at times, and He has the answers. Just trust Him.

REV, there's a lot of critter-feeding and watching that goes on around here. You can attract certain birds by what you put out for them. Cardinals will flock to sunflower seeds, bluejays love peanuts, doves like cracked corn. Woodpeckers will be delighted to see a few mealworms (get 'em at the pet store), and they like peanut butter too, especially the chunky kind. Smear a pinecone with peanut butter, roll it in birdseed and hang it outside. It will definitely draw a crowd. I carry old cereal in ziplocs in the car, and often scatter it on parking lots when I see a bunch of hungry-looking birds hanging around. Just be sure to put it in an area that's striped off as a no-parking area, so no birds get run over.

Mayberry Deputy, good to see you, and thank you for your prayers. You just must come around more often!

Well, gotta go get dressed and head over to my cardiologist's office for that thallium stress test. Little Starr is not going to be pleased!

Be blessed, everyone! --Romeena
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59369: Good morning everyone. It’s a little too chilly here today for my liking: a breezy 19 degrees. It’s supposed to warm up to about 30 today, but they’re saying by Monday it’ll be in the 50s. That’s like a regular winter heat wave around here. I’m not counting my chicken yet, though. We’re getting into our usual snowy period.

MERRI: Glad that you enjoyed the article. I found it a great testimony that with God you can get through anything. Her pretzels are mighty good, too.

HAZEL: Prayers for you and Mr. Hazel. It's our pleasure to do what we can to help a friend.

OPIEMOM: Prayers for your son.

ROMEENA: Prayers for you, too. You're no spring chicken anymore ;).

REV: With your recommendation, I may go get that book.

AUH2O: Always digging up these onscure historical figures, ain't you? By the way, did you watch the PBS docu on Andrew Jackson last night? I didn't learn very much that I didn't already know, but it was interesting. Old Hickory was one tense fellow.

BOO: How're things?

Me-They

January 03, 2008 - Msg 59370: Good day to everyone. I see some prayer requests and I will be certain to set some time today to pray for those in need.

It's pretty darn cold here--got down to 5 degrees over night. My oldest went back to school this morning. That's when you really know the holidays are over. Kind of sad. It was so wonderful for all of us to be together. My hubby works at a hospital as their editor and tech writer and teaches college at night, so the semesters are long and tiring for both of us. We try to cram a lot of family time together on the weekends but everyone understands how that goes...lists of chores and obligations, etc. So, we always look forward to holidays and breaks. It all goes by so fast. Sometimes I feel like life is just whizzing by and before long, my babies will be on their own and I'll be standing around looking puzzled wondering "what happened?" Well, to be honest, I do that a lot! HA!

ROMEENA, I'm very glad that you will be taking 6 weeks off. I think that is the best thing for you--lots of rest and relaxation. Let everyone pitch in for you--they'll enjoy doing it and it will give you a much-deserved break!

AUH20, your home near the woods sounds idyllic. You are so fortunate!

Where's BOO this morning?

Well, I best get ready--I'm working at Red Cross this afternoon. Unfortunately, there's been a rash of house fires. I just hate that. So devastating. I won't be out in the field, just helping with paperwork to get things moving for folks.

Have a blessed day everyone. I'll be praying for those requests. MW
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59371: Oh, hey there M-T! Didn't see ya there!
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59372: Oh, I'm here, it has just taken me THIS long to finally have my morning coffee (11:30am)! Been a busy day so far. Thanks for asking about me. We were up late. Sean has a fever and a virus, Erin was throwing a fit until late because she didn't want to go to bed. I am telling you, I don't know what has gotten into that child over the last couple of months. I am at my wit's end with her. She's a real handful and getting worse with age instead of better. I literally cried myself to sleep last night, praying and asking for God's help with this. I know I'm not a failure as a parent. I do many right things but I can't seem to get this one figured out. Why these behavior problems now? I am not the kind of mom to overindulge and I don't do everything for them. I just don't know what to do with her. Bruce is supposed to talk to a family counselor friend and we are reading a book right now about giving kids proper boundaries. It is wearing me out dealing with it but I have to before she gets older and I have no control over her. Parenting isn't for cowards, is it? haha...I am remembering that quote: "Raising kids is like being pecked to death by a chicken"! One thing that has been a real stress has been the bickering that goes on between the kids all the time. Yesterday, when I took them to Port Aransas, I took them for lunch at Whataburger (did that get your attention, MDC?), the kids were bickering over something and Erin turned over my iced tea, which spilled into my lap. I rushed to the restroom and it was locked! There I stood, dripping iced tea with steam coming out of my ears. I'm sure I was a sight. Oh well, someday I will look back and long for the days when my children were young, I guess.

Good luck with the Red Cross work, MW.

Prayers for you, Hazel. I'm glad you asked. Prayers also for Opiemom's boy.

Did anyone happen to catch Huckabee interviewed on Jay Leno last night? That guy has a great sense of humor and I sure liked what he had to say.

Better go finish the chores. Usually when one of us gets sick, it goes through the whole family and I want to have the laundry caught up, etc. I think I'll clean out the frige today and throw out all the holiday leftovers, then I'll make a big pot of chili.

Later my friends and encouragers!

Boo
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59373: BOO: I hope that Sean gets better soon. As far as your situation with Erin goes, I feel a little of your pain. My wife, especially, had a very hard time dealing with Nora a few years ago, and still does now from time to time. She's very strong-willed. For awhile (when she was 4 and 5) she sometimes would absolutely refuse to take punishment--would refuse to go to timeout, go to her room, etc.--for the Mrs. Of course, she understood that that meant a worse punishment, but she'd still make the wrong choice. And, even when she would go to her room, she cry and yell. The Mrs. was at wits end more than a few times. I think what ended up working for us was being consistent and not giving up (or in). You have to go through darkness before the dawn, if you know what I mean. Another thing that was really important was staying calm and not allowing her behavior to become ours. It was very difficult at times (and we weren't always successful!) but eventually she came to understand that we weren't going to participate in a drama or allow her meltdown foul our moods. This was a lot easier for me than for the Mrs., who in fact is a lot like Nora. Trying to stretch boundaries is part of growing up, and some kids do it "louder" and more boldly than others. You are doing the rights things, and it will pay off in the long run. You have my prayers for the short run!

We also have had it up to here (my hand is gesturing over my head) with the bickering. If I have to hear "Tell her to stop looking at me!" or "You're lying!" one more time, my head may explode. The bickering starts when the school day ends and sometimes continues through dinner until bedtime. Some days they play together just like a picture (no artist could draw), but the bickering over absolutely nothing is maddening. It is really stressful to us as well. We have tried to stay out it, mediate it, ignore it, punish it, and nothing seems to work very well. If you come across a solution, please let me know!

The only consolation I have is that my brother and I fought just about all the time as kids, and virtually had nothing to say to one another as teenagers (he's two years younger than I). But, from the day he got out of the Marines we've been best friends. We've had a few spats over the last 20 years, but nothing major and certainly nothing lasting. Besides my wife, and my kids, I don't know if I feel closer to anyone. So there is hope!

Have a great (quiet) day.

Me-They
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59374: Oh, one more thing, BOO: We noticed that Nora's meltdowns got worse at age 4-5 and think it may have had something to do with her stopping naps at this time. Even though we maintained a pretty strict 8:00-8:30 bedtime (even in summer), she still needed that extra sleep. We thought it would end by first grade, but it didn't, at least at first. It may have had something to do with not being used to going to school all day because thinsg did get better the second half of the year. Sleep can do a world of wonders for a kid, so that may factor as well.

M-T
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59375:
Boo- sorry, I had to laugh, cuz after your tranquil description of the ferry ride in an earlier post, I had to say to myself,"that must have happened AFTER the ride!" ha
BTW- isnt a dophine a female dophin? teehee
Your kids will be in my prayers. Time for supernanny! ha
Hazel- Have you tried 'honey or dear'? (: Just tryin, in my tags way, to lighten your mood!
Seriously prayers for you indeed!
Rev- Our Cardinals arrived here 20 years ago from St. Louis, and we cant get them to leave! haha
Opiemom- Get that boy to a doc asap! That is just plain scary! prayers!
AUh20- Huck may be ok, but I hate to see all the negativity. Too bad they cant just advertize their merits. I am trying to find out more about him.
Me-They- I saw some of the pbs show on Jackson, but seemed a bit PC to me, especially saying he HAD to be mean to be a slaveowner! There were many belevolent owners, to where they were more like the indentured servants of old, and not slaves under a taskmaster.
RESOLUTIONS??? any one make any for 2008?
OK, I've said enuf!
God bless,
MDC
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59376: Hey, MDC. I don't want to start a whole moulage, but I think the gist of what that one commentator stated was that one had to have some "mean" in them to be a slave-owner. Basically, to be able to quite happily "own" another human being--who was used to enhance your well-being in some way, not their own, often in detriment to their own--indicated a certain negative human trait. I agree with that. We could argue that slavery was differently regarded until the cows come home, and I'd agree that it was, but there is no doubt that way before Jackson there were many, many people who were enlightened enough to understand that American chattel slavery (much, much different than that typified in the Bible) was evil and one could not participate in it directly or indirectly and be "a good Christian master." The realities of owning another human being in Jacksons day unarguably included doing wholly unchristian and inhumane acts.

There are few examples of wholly "good" or "bad" people, on a secular level. Most of us are combinations of the two. All our presidents, and ancestors, have combinations of good and bad traits. I argue, though, that helping less fortunatde always scores under the "good" column and buying, selling, or enslaving another human being as property (as was practiced in the U.S.) always under the bad.

Not all slaveowners beat or horribly abused their slaves, that is true. But James Penmnington, a famous ex-slave said--rightly, I believe--that there was no such thing as a kind, Christian slaveowner; anyone who would degrade and dehumanize another enough to merely assume to own him could not be described as Chrsitian or kind.

Me-They
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59377: By the way, my resolution for 2008 is watch more Andy Griffith Show!

M-T
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59378: Also, MDC, for the record, it burns me up when people use modern sensibilities to interpret historical events. I don't think that applies here since many in Jackson's day were against slavery on moral grounds.

M-T
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59379: That's funny, MDC, about the tranquil picture I painted....and don't think I haven't thought about supernanny lately! hehe

Me-They, thank you so much for sharing what you did with me. I know it sounds strange, but knowing that I'm not the only one helps. You have some good advice there. I think her being tired may be part of it, certainly. She has been going to bed later while school has been out and has had less structure. She seems to be one who really needs structure and boudaries and that is not something I am strong at, unfortunately. Something else I have considered is that she does alot for attention. Since Sean has problems that require his homeschooling,etc, she may feel like she has to compete to get the attention she needs. She goes about it the wrong way and it becomes a cycle. She is one of those who wants alot of my time and I can't spend every minute with her. That could explain why she really seems to resent Sean. I can put it this way, it seems like she is trying her best to BE overindulged and doesn't like the fact that I won't give in and she becomes a demanding little Veruca (from the Willie Wonka movie). I also need to cut the sugar from her diet and try that. Bruce and I are going to try to set aside time each week for Erin, that way, if she knows there will be a time when she has mom and dad to herself, maybe she won't be fighting for that attention as much. OK, talking this out with you is helping me to formulate a plan in my mind. Scheduling, strict bedtime, dietary changes, one-on-one time, consistent discipline, and just alot of stick-with-it-ness. That's a start. As far as the sibling bickering...no advice there. Maybe Romeena can help.
Oh, and thanks also for the reminder that testing boudaries is part of growing up. I needed to hear that.

I didn't see the documentary on Jackson but I think, he being an intelligent man, must have known what he was doing was inhumane.

Boo

January 03, 2008 - Msg 59380:

Thank you for your responses Me-they. I respect your answers.
One of my resolutions is to continue to do my best to NOT do shopping on Sundays. 50 years ago (and even later in many places) due to Christian influence, virtually all stores were closed on Sundays. Then, ever so slowly, due to "liberating" customs and mores of our society, stores began to open on Sundays, and now it is basically anything goes. I think we need to get back to what God asked of us, and give Sunday back to Him, and in this stressed-out world, make it a day of "Mayberry style" rest and relaxation once again. Just think, if we had more and more Mr. Tuckers "conversions" maybe many of our ulcers and other illnesses would be
cured all on there own. So there is my simple take on looking to the year ahead.
God bless,
MDC
"Yup, that's the plan, go home, take a nap, then over to Thelma lou's for TV"

January 03, 2008 - Msg 59381: That's right, MDC. I recently watched the Man In A Hurry episode and enjoyed it so much. That episode really makes me want to crawl through the TV screen and join everyone in Mayberry. I am trying to be better about relaxing (I guess you could call it a resolution). I took a bike ride with Erin today and we are going to go out to the homestead and build a fire in the firepit this evening and just "chill out"...or warm up...whatever. I think I will make the theme for 2008, "NO ANXIETY"! Anyone want to join me in that?

Boo
January 03, 2008 - Msg 59382: Howdy, all. Mercy! Just listening to these conversations makes me glad my kids are grown and raised, and I'm no longer responsible. You still worry about them, but on a different level. Because I know you're interested - my son is resting, getting stronger, labs are nearly normal, and he's feeling much better. Next step, after a little more rest, will be to get that hip fixed.

Now, back to the nerve-crunching kids. My grandsons, ages 4 and 6, are at the age to fight all the time, to the point you just want to scream. My solution is simple. Before I get to the boiling point, I separate them. Send them to separate rooms. No contact. Play alone, and be quiet. Little one decided one day to scream at me when I sent him to the other room. I dusted his britches, and that stopped. (It shocked the snot out of him, is what it did!) Anyway, that works around here. Of course, I'm not dealing with them on a daily basis.

As for Erin objecting to going to bed, I remember one night when I was about six, and informed my parents I wasn't going to bed. They said fine, I didn't have to, but they were tired, so goodnight. They turned off all the lights, went to bed, and left me sitting in the living room in the dark, feeling extremely stupid and confused. Of course, I started to cry, which they let me do for a little while, then my dad came and got me and put me to bed. A little later (it was probably only about 9 pm) I heard them in the living room, radio on softly, and I fell asleep in the comfort and warmth of my bed, content to listen to my parents' voices in the next room, just as it should be. Different strokes for different folks, but that worked for us. I don't remember ever trying that again.

I had my thallium stress test today, and flunked it badly. Had to quit at 50 seconds, for pete's sake! They let me rest and "catch up" and then I walked another 4 minutes. That's exactly what has been happening to me all the time, and I'm glad it showed up on the test. Doctor came over and observed, read the strips, allowed as how he doesn't really understand what's going on, and will be consulting further with the pacer doc. So, we'll see. I'll be hearing from them, I'm sure.

Starr goes in at 8 in the morning for her spay. She'll come home Saturday. I'll stay home and pray and sweat it out, I guess. She's just so little....

Be blessed, friends! --Romeena