January 16, 2008 - Msg 59673: Well, I'll be! That little imp! I heard a couple of mysterious clunks from the direction of the living room, and investigated. There she was, happily picking red feathers out of my big Cardinal tree ornament. Yes, my tree is still up, I can't take it down right now, so I'm just enjoying it. There is a fat cardinal, about the size of a baseball, and just covered in pretty red real feathers. She is fascinated by it. I did have it perched on a lower limb, but she got it and removed several feathers. So I moved it to a higher limb, but she tugged on hanging ornaments until the cardinal fell off, and she plucked a few more feathers. I then moved it to an even higher branch, one not affected by limbs she could reach. That has worked for a couple of days, but just now she discovered she could walk across the table next to my chair and reach the cardinal. She had him down in the chair, just plucking as fast as she could. So now the poor half-naked bird is perched halfway up the tree. It will be interesting to see what she does now. She is nothing if not persistent. Worse than a two-year-old! --Romeena
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59674: Please don't tell my doctor that I swept the porch. I'm not supposed to be doing any housework at all. --Romeena
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59675: Darn it! Just had a post that went kablooey. Censor was activated. "LONG WORDS"?? That was why it said I had to go back and change it. What the heck does that mean? I didn't say supercallafragilistiexpealadocious or anything like that!

-Sterling Holobyte
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59676: Now that was a long word, but it posted.

Wonder what causes that?!

-Sterling Holobyte
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59677: Supercallafragilisticexpealadocious?

Didn't Calvin Coolidge say that?

M-T
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59678: Ok, I think I know what it was. I tried to post a long link.

Boo, what I was going to ask was if you've ever heard of a guy named John Rosemond. He writes a parenting column in a paper I read.
He is very "matter of fact" about parenting and I tend to agree with him every time I read his column. He is very against all this child "pseudo-psychiatry" that has been the subject of many parenting books over the years, where they say you basically should put your child on a pedestal, treat him/her like a little adult, and over-analyze every thing they do or say.
I do know that he has a website - Rosemond.com.(which I just visited today) I was a little disappointed that you have to be a paying member to access his archives or ask a question though.
I was going to give you the link to the archives in the paper I read(that's what got me censored), but if you are interested, I'll give you a (shorter)link, and you can do a search on his name(what I did), and it will bring up a lot of his columns.
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/

There, let's see if that works.


I don't know if I am all that enthralled with McCain, as I tend to be more of a social conservative, and I am not that certain that McCain flows that way.
I do know one thing, I would vote for him over Hillary or Obama anyday.

-Sterling Holobyte
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59679: Ha!! Funny little Starr...she is a very smart little critter. I think you might find hours of entertainment tryint to keep the naked cardinal out of reach.

Aw, shoot! I wanted to read your long post, Sterling.

Thanks for the explanation on McCain, Me-they. He sounds like someone I would like. I need to read up more. Now, for more important matters...would your name happen to be "Gary", and if it's not, could I buy a vowel?

Boo
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59680: Oh, there you are Sterling, glad you posted again. Thanks for the link. I will look at it~!

Boo
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59681: its a cold one on the bears front porch and no relief in site. ro- didn't the doctor tell you that sweeping the porch might be a bit tiring. sterling was you using some of barneys words ? me- they calvin coolidge didn't say everything. ha. don't forget to vote for your fat bear for mayor- if i win both of my delightful daughters will sing for your listening pleasure. prayers for all. what's for supper? pappa bear
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59682: andy we have to get warmer weather, the voters are freezing. pappa bear
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59683: STERLING: Check out this website, please: http://www.familymanweb.com/. They have a weekly e-mail from Todd, the guy who runs the website, that is always amusing and encouraging to us dads. I really look forward to getting them each week (and don't worry about spam coming from it; I've subscribed for over a year and have never had a problem). You can access back articles, too, and everything is free. Really, check it out. I think you'll like it.

McCain is a social conservative, but all things relative, I guess. I'd prefer to vote for a social conservative "light" who practices what he preaches than a more Hardline social conservative who doesn't seem to let that ideology intrude on his own life.

BOO: Nope, not Gary. And you can't afford one of my vowels.

Me-They
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59684: Hey there, PAPABEAR! I'll vote for the candidate who promises to shorten winter. On second thought, wouldn't that be Al Gore?

M-T
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59685: Thanks Me-They, I'll check that out. Though it will have to be a little later, as I have to go to work in a little bit. Don't you hate that?! ;)
You're a shoe-in, Pappa Bear. I know I would vote for you!

-Sterling Holobyte
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59686: MW, I wanted to correct something; when I said I knew the first names of most on the porch, I really mean most of the women. I think I only knew that Steve's name was Steve. I know Asa's name, too, but I think that's it. Now, are you ready to give up and tell us yours or shall the game continue?

Boo
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59687: Sterling, I have no patience with the philosophy that encourages treating children like little adults. They're kids, just as we are God's kids. He doesn't always explain his commandments, justify His actions, or strive to balance His blessings. He doesn't have to. My husband always said that as parents, we are older, wiser, more experienced and yes, bigger than our kids, and their job is to do what they're told until they're bigger and older and wiser and have more experience. All this is based on the assumption that we as parents have our children's best interests at heart, just as God has ours. The analogy of "God the Father" is not an accident. We don't really know exactly what or who God is, but He chose to describe Himself to us as our Father, and I think we do well to try to model our behavior as parents on His behavior toward us.

Lots of kids over the years were raised without benefit of parental psychological meanderings (Abraham Lincoln comes to mind), and they seemed to do okay. Sometimes kids just need to do as they're told, because they were told. 'Nuff said.

Be blessed! --Romeena
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59688: Ok, Me-They...it's not Gary and I still don't get the hint. How about another one since you won't sell me a vowel? At least give us the first letter....

Boo
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59689: Hey Porch!
How is everyone this fine, freezing day? My guys are happily anticipating the possibility of snow and sleet tomorrow. I just hope it's not bad enough to cancel school, yikes.
Romeena- I'm glad you're on the mend and overall (except for that sweepin') following the doctors orders. That Starr sounds like a happy little one!
Sterling- My husband really likes Rosemond too. I do not know too much of his ideas. I firmly feel that children are children. If one can't go fight in the Army then they need to be governed by parents and they should not dictate anything. When Nick moved in that was a hard lessoned learned, but he now knows. He still thinks if he doesn't get what he wants when he wants it then life is unfair. I say it's unfair that my ice cream melts before I can eat it all, but that's life.
Sorry about starting the name thing. I sometimes forget and sign my real name since I sign it on everything else. Oops!
Pappa Bear- Oh goodness, it is so good to hear from you! You take care of yourself. I'll vote for ya anytime even if one of your daughters has to be picked for the beauty queen.
Me-They- You're a hoot! Don't ya know that Al Gore invented everything from solar powering to the internet!
MW- Hope your little one feels better real soon.
Y'all have a good rest of the day!
Blessings,
~Lucy (got it right this time)

January 16, 2008 - Msg 59690: Well said, Romeena. I think that the best examples are to be seen in those in generations past who did as you described above. I could really get on my soapbox about this issue. I remember reading somewhere, that children need to come into a family and find their place within the family unit. The family shouldn't act like slaves to a demanding child just to keep the peace or protect the child's "self-esteem". The other day I was having a conversation with a couple of friends who are younger than me. I explained to them that when I was growing up, I had one birthday party when I was 7 and the kids bought me gifts from the dime store (which was customary in that day). You should have seen the looks on their faces, they made me repeat myself. "Only one party?", horrors. I went on to explain that my dad was never in debt, made a small salary but paid all his bills and that we only got gifts on birthdays and Christmas. They said, "What did you do on your birthday?!"..I told them I loved birthdays because mom would make my favorite meal and dessert and my family would give me a gift, one gift. It was a great time that I looked forward to with much excitment and the excitement of Christmas! It was Nirvana because we usually got 3 or 4 gifts (one big one like a bike). These days we rob our children by overindulgence and they don't experience the joy of that kind of anticipation. They are also usually much less thankful and think they are entitled to more. Just my thoughts on the subject...

Boo
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59691: BOO, much agreed on children. (I agree with what everyone has said about child rearing.) Especially about all this birthday party nonsense. We recently got invited to a weekend "pony party" that was 50 miles from home. No thanks. I grew up nearly the same way you did--one birthday party as a child, one for my 16th. One present. Special meal and dessert. And it was Heaven! If I could go back for just one day, I would in a New York second!

LUCY, don't worry about starting the name-game. I think it's fun...BOO, my name rhymes with ROMEENA. Is this getting on your nerves? Well, I'll tell ya after 1 more guess! HA!!

M-T, I'm guessing your name is DAVE (David). Am I right?

MW
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59692: Your name rhymes with Romeena?!! What kind of help is that?!! I have no idea.

Yep, I know what you mean. Those were certainly the good 'ol days when everything seemed so exciting. A pony party 50 miles away, that takes the (birthday) cake!

Boo
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59693: Looking back, I think I talk way yonder too much. Somebody stop me...please!

Boo
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59694: Alright, alright BOO, just to keep you from talking anymore--hey, you said it first! I'll reveal my name through a song...

Adina, Dina, Romeena, banana ramma fo feena, fee fi fo meena, Adina!

There you have it. I just felt like being goofy. I'm done. I promise. You all just carry on your political talk and I'll go ahead and skooch over to the corner of the porch while I hum my little tune (quietly) to myself.

M-T, I forgot to add that I guessed DAVE because of THE MONKEYS. "Hey, hey, we're the Monkeys, people say we're monkeying around..."

Ok, I'm really going to be quiet now...have a great day y'all. MW
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59695: MW: Wrong-O!

BOO: I know I'm always suggesting a book or website, so let me suggest both. A great book on what you are discussing is "NO: Why Kids--of All Ages--Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It." You can hear the author talk about it at: http://wamu.org/programs/dr/07/01/09.php. It really is good. I may have suggested this to you before, and in fact you may have listened to it. Boy, I'm really piling on the homework, huh?

Okay, another hint: About my other hint, you can hear it in reruns.

Me-They

January 16, 2008 - Msg 59696: MW: I was going to guess Andelina next.

M-T
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59697: Ooh,can I play the Name Game? I think I may know Me-They's! When he mentioned "reruns" that made me think of that show "What's Happening"-remember the character on there named "Rerun"? Only HE wasn't the person who said " Hey,hey,hey." It was the other guy! Just let me know if I'm right,Me-They.I won't tell anybody!

I haven't a clue as to Merri Weather's name.Rhymes with Romeena? I will have to put a bucket on my head and take a think under it to come up with a name!

Y'all stay warm.Supposed to rain/sleet,be nasty here in SC tonight & tomorrow.

*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59698:
M-T I wish I could share your enthusiasm for McCain. I did donate to his campaign early on but I don't think he's as straight talk as he'd like us to think. Did someone say "Keating Five?" I love that he's pro-life and pro-defense but his tact on business is frightening. The guys a war hero, and would be a fine President for sure, but as far as I can see his ethics are no better than Romney's, Huckabee's, Obama's, or Thompson's. From McCain-Feingold, taking away rights from the citizenry, to the Savings and Loan scandal, John looks very much like a politico.

M-T Wrong-O! hhmm?? A Carreyish turn of a word. Your name wouldn't be James, would it?

auh2o
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59699: AUH2O: I sure didn't say Keating Five. Again, I guess all things relative. He does have warts, but (to me) is purtier than the others. I've been disappointed at the trajectory of his "straight talk" in recents months. I think the McCain-Feingold law had unforseen consequences but I agree with its original intent. And his stance on business doesn't really bother me. Guess that's the socialist in me ;). Plus, I think he could take the rest of 'em in a fair fight (no whittling knives or willow branches).

Sorry, it's not James.

POSSUM: You're hollerin' fish up the right alley.

Me-They
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59700: We do a lot of "wrong-o" at my house considering the kids insist on watching "The Grinch" at least a couple dozen times a year. We had to limit their viewing from November to January. Hey, you've got to set boundaries, right?

M-T
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59701: hey to possum and auh20. possum- thanks for the card. hey to boo. lucy- thanks for your vote. me- they- no al gore is the green party candate. i'll user in spring in about 3 months, how's that? pappa bear
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59702: Gary Hart for Prez!! teehee
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59703: MDC, You scamp! Gary can't run for president, he's "entertaining" on his boat.

M-T
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59704:
Hey, let's knock off all of this "Monkey Business" about Gary Hart.

auh2o
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59705: Possum, MW already told us her name is "Adina"...I almost guessed it because I know a lady named "Audina" and thought that might be it. Pretty name.

Me-They, I am absolutely clueless and know nothing about that show Possum mentioned. Just another hint, please?

Now why did someone have to go and mention Gary Hart AND Rush in the same day?

Boo
January 16, 2008 - Msg 59706: Thanks BOO for the compliment. Not to be obtuse (don't ya just hate it when I'm obtuse?) or anything but I thought Rush was in jail! Didn't he buy drugs from his illegal housemaid or something? Maybe I'm confusing him with someone else. No offense intended. Anyway, just goes to show ya I'm not up on my talk radio. I mainly listen to our public channel in the car for the classical music--I find it calms the beasts in the back seat.

Well, I hate to trouble any of you for another prayer request but I do have a small one this evening...my best canine friend has been a little under the weather this week. She seems to be suffering from some kind of gastro upset. We're taking her to the vet tomorrow and I'm just a bit worried that it might be something serious. She's getting up there in years and this would be about the time something could happen to her health. She's strictly an indoor dog so I don't think she's ingested anything poisonous. Anyway, if you think of it, please say a little prayer for my sweet pooch, whom I love dearly. Her name is Stella. She's a Lhasa Apso/cokker mix (sensor.) Thank you very much.

Good night friends. Have peace and contentment in your hearts. MW
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59707: Morning gang...SNOW storm here last night...I got to get cautht up here at work...comp is fixed at home now...I will be back on the job!..waffle house this morning on auh20....hey brother Rev..yall get any snow?..hey TOM,boo,ro and all...let me get started here at work getting lights on...back in a bit...SPOT
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59708: Hi All.
Spot that snow stom that hit you is comming this wat and is going to be cold what it.

love TOM

January 17, 2008 - Msg 59709:
Morning Folks

I was just goofing around last night with that "Monkey Business" bit. That was the name (I think) of the boat that Gary Hart was on with a women other than his wife. He had challenged the press to find any dirt on him, and the press won. I think it was the Enquirer but these days the Enquirer is as much part of the press as NY Times.

Tom-Keep out of the cold.

M-T Speaking of the socialist in you, how can you find fault with Rush and then stomach NPR?

MW-Prayers for your pooch.

spot-Grab your snow shovel and don't worry I'll be at the Waffle House.

auh2o
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59710: Morning Porch Family:
Getting hunkered down for the snow on the way. I got the rockers anchored down and the dog has a new blanket in her house... Now where is that snow shovel... M-T- do you have it? ~ New Neighbor
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59711: Couldn't wait to get to the computer this morning to see if Me-They had left me any other clues....where are ya, Bud?

Sorry about the cold, TOM. It's pretty chilly hear today, windy and cloudy here on the South Texas coast. No snow, though, although our local weatherman is actually predicting that we will get snow this winter. I would say he is delusional if we had not gotten 6 inches of snow three years ago. Who knows?

Well, mom-in-law is coming today and I need to go put a roast in the old crock pot...ta ta

Boo
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59712: ...uh, I mean "here"...hehe
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59713: Good morning, all. It's very cold here, 28 degrees. The birdbaths are frozen over, and there are icicles hanging from the little bridge over the pond, where the wind blew water from the umbrella fountain. Pretty. I guess I'd better go put out some critter feed. I don't see anyone stirring out back, but they'll come out if there's feed on the ground and in the feeders. Oh wait, there's a squirrel, with his tail all frazzed out, and another just poked his nose out of a nest box. Poor little critters, I hate that they have to be outdoors when it's so cold, but I guess they can handle it. I just try to help them as much as I can, with feed and sheltered places.

Merri, I hope everything turns out okay for Stella. Prayers for her, and for you! I know how hard it is to have an ailing pet.

Well, guess I'll go have a bowl of oatmeal. Not something I eat often, but on a morning like this, it has a certain appeal, and since it can now be cooked in the micro and there's no slimy pot to deal with, I do have it a bit more often.

I'll be back later, just need to get moving a bit this morning. Starr says howdy! --Romeena
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59714: I would take your weather over this here BOO.
Cold is for polar bears.

LOVE TOM
BRRRRRRRRRRRR
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59715: OK, no more Mrs. Nice Lady. I'm escalating my cat-watering skirmishes into an all-out war. I just found a dead bluejay! At first I thought it had succumbed to the cold, or perhaps age, then when I picked it up I found it to be headless! No other damage, just no head. Definitely the work of my neighbor's well-fed cat, who killed not out of hunger, but just because it wanted to. I understand the predator-prey chain, and while I don't like it, I know it's the natural way of things. However, when a certain black-and-white Tom, whose pudgy belly sways side to side as he walks, starts beheading birds in my yard, that's a different matter.

He lives next door, and his owner is a lovely woman who has been my friend for years, but we may just have to come to an understanding here. At my suggestion some years ago, she had him neutered to reduce his spraying and started keeping him in the house. Recently, though, he's out more than he's in, and she explains that she "can't" keep him in, he's too fast for her and darts out when the door is opened. Well, I'm sure he does, but I don't understand why she could keep him in when he was younger, and can't now.

Well, how sad is this? The other half of the bluejay pair just showed up at the feeders, and flew away with a beak full of peanuts, doubtless to carry to his mate, whom he will not find now. Dadburn cat! Just wait until I catch him, and catch him I just might. I have a humane live trap, and I might just catch the bird-murderer and help him relocate. Since he's such a good hunter, he shouldn't have much trouble making a living. Drat! What a way to start the day. Poor little bird. This is why I don't have cats.

Well, enough of that. See y'all later. --Romeena
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59716: You're such a kind soul, Romeena. Nature is sometimes very cruel and just unfair. Cats are predators by nature and for some, birds are just too much of a temptation. Good luck in finding a solution. It is very aggravating. You know what you could try, if the neighbor was agreeable? I have a friend who tried something like this. You can buy a device that is a type of shock collar. It would shock the cat if it jumped the fence into your yard. It has worked like a charm for my friend's doggie escape-artists. Not sure about the cost, though...and your neighbor certainly might not go for it.

That's funny TOM. There are certainly no polar bears around here. Wish I could trade you weather for a few days.

Boo
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59717: Good morning everyone. It's cold and snowing here. We are expected to get somewhere between three and six inches before it ends tonight. Nothing extreme, but it is our first meaningful snowfall of winter. Of course there isn't any bread, milk or toilet paper on the store shelves for miles around.

AUH2O: Now, I'm not gonna knock Rush or any other pundit; that's how they make their living. And it's not like they try and convince you they are coming from an objective point of view. I watch/listen to some on occasion--mostly conservative but some liberal, too. Sometimes I even learn something. But I always take them with a grain of salt.

Here's an example that doesn't pick on any ideology: the other night Bill O'Reilly in his "No Spin Zone" was touting a Georeg Mason University study that concluded that Fox News had the most objective campaign coverage. Bill was happily lording it that here was proof Fox was the fairest of them all. I don't think Fox is any more biased than anybody else (in their news coverage, not necessary in their commentary shows) so I looked the study up online. Well, what Bill didn't mention was that the study only looked at ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, not CNN or MSNBC or PBS. Also, it did not use Fox's basic news show that runs up against the broadcast channels, but another show, and even then only used a half hour of the hour-long show since the broadcast news shows are only half an hour. On top of it, a subjective word count was done using questionable markers. So, while the study isn't garbage, it's not exactly the be-all and end-all. I'm sure many Fox watchers were talking up the study that "proves Fox is the fairest" to their Fox-hating friends the next day. So much for no spin, Bill. All the political pundit do this kind of thing.

About NPR, they too can be biased. Diane Rehm is obviously a Bush-hating liberal. Terry Gross of Fresh Air is obviously contemptuous of Christianity and conservatism. But occassionally they have great guests (like the links I suggested to BOO) or discuss a great book. And as far as their news programs like Morning Edition, I think they are first-rate. I don't get all my news from NPR, for sure, but I do like how something that will get a shallow 15-second blurb on newtork or cable news will get a five-minute in-depth treatment on NPR. Sometimes, I don't just want to here the basic facts of an interesting item but also the whys, where, how, and such that only NPR provides. I've learned about lots of things (good and bad) that you won't ever hear on other newscast because they aren't bloody, controversial, or "s*xy" enough.

So nyah.

BOO: Here's another clue for you: my first name has three vowels. Now that's obtuse.

Me-They
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59718: Hmmm, three vowels...thanks for nothing. Think I will check out that last link you posted for me.

Boo
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59719: Okay, I feel bad...it also has two consonants.

M-T
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59720: And the vowels are not "o" or "i."

This is fun.

M-T
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59721: afternoon porch. hope all is okay today.

Came in to work late today, snow and ice this morning made traveling tricky so I opted for safety and came in around 11. Many of my folks canceled anyway. Guess I will see a couple of folks though. Kids will probably be out of school until Monday though.

Romeeena, sorry about your bluejay, cats are bad for that. Our dog was so funny in the snow this morning. She was so funny tip toeing around trying to walk and once she figured out the snow was just cold she wanted to run and romp for a while. Too cold for me, so I stood at the window so I could keep and eye on her. Once she had eoungh and got cold she came back to the house, ran upstairs and crawled under the covers with my daugther. Smart dog!

M-T: How many letters?

guess I will go back to work. Lets have lunch at Olive Garden!!

Thanks for breakfast SPOT. I have been missing you around here lately.

Prayes and blessings to all.

Big Maude
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59722:
Me-They--how did you know that was me with the gary hart comment?? I didnt even sign off. Am I THAT predictable?? ha
Spot- The Waffle House is dangerous these days. ha
Now I see that the FDA is going to approve milk from cloned cows! Gheesss, I guess I can warm it up in my microwave in my lead-filled, made-in-china ceramic cup, so I can pop my vioxx! (:
Sorry I havent been around much, but i have just been bummed and a bit depressed about this latest death of a high school teacher I had. I was in contact with him right up until his sudden departure. He was a man who made Science fun yet interesting AND fulfilling to where, for example, we actually enjoyed learning 100 different kinds of birds!!. I know I will get over it and move on, as we all do, but it has me in a quandry for the moment.
Prayers continue for all.
Melancholy MDC
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59723: MDC: I used ROMEENA's trick at looking at your numerical signature.

Sorry to hear about your teacher/friend. He must have been very special. Take heart that he is in a much better place and you will see him again one day.

MAUDE: Add the vowels and consonants together.

Olive Garden sounds great! LOve that salad and breadsticks! That reminds me, where's SPOT?

Me-They
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59724: MDC: Also, if you put a little Nutra Sweet on your snack there, it'll be great.

M-T
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59725: I have a pile on my desk (probably from too much napping and yapping on the porch) and I'm off tomorrow, so I guess I better get out the shovel and start digging. Then I can shovel snow when I get home. Well, I guess it beats what I am usually shoveling onto the porch, huh?

Y'all have a great weekend. BOO: If you guess before Monday I'll pile my laundry somewhere else next week. No helping, POSSUM and ROMEENA!

Me-They
"You must be Upchurch."
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59726:
"Thanks, I think I'll wait for the sheriff"

Wow Me-They i didnt EVEN know that i had a numerical signature! I guess i cant just yell "SHAKEDOWN" anymore! ha
Do you remember the "Don't Blame Me..." bumper stickers?
Yes, this teacher lived in another state and we would email quite often, so you can imagine my surprise when I opened his last email, and it started out: "This is Theresa, Anthony's sister..." May he rest in peace.
Hanging in there,
MDC

January 17, 2008 - Msg 59727: Thank you very much ROMEENA. I appreciate your well-wishes for my dog. She's at the vet now with my hubby. I couldn't go because I'm still taking care of my oldest and her pneumonia. Thanks again for the prayers. It means a lot. MW

p.s. So sorry to hear about that poor bird. I hope you can figure out a way to keep that bad ole cat from hunting your yard!

p.p.s. MDC, I sure am sorry to hear about your beloved teacher. I'm thinking of you today.
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59728: Ok Me-They, here's what I have so far....it's a 5 letter name containing the vowels a,e, AND u??! I'm going out of town this weekend and how can I enjoy myself when I haven't figured out your name yet?!!...guess I know what I'll be doing in my leisure time.

So sorry MDC, I know how that can be..been pretty melancholy myself the last few months and dearly miss my Karen and my father-in-law. Bless you, my brother.

Prayers for your pup, MW. Please let us know how it goes at the vet's office.

Just had a big lunch out with mom-in-law. She is doing well, considering it has only been a few weeks. I took her to look at a senior apartment complex near us. She is going to have to move from her current home, which is good because she needs to be closer to us, I think.

Better go...

Boo
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59729: Since I happen to have many of your names, I'll keep myself out of the name-game. I can tell you all this, though. You're going to have a hard time guessing Me-They's name, and Hazel's too, for that matter. Good luck!

Boo, you sure do have a lot on your plate. It's kind of you to spend time with your mom-in-law, I know that can be a challenge. She's grieving, so are you, and her life is changing - moving to a new residence and all. It's hard to remain upbeat in such a situation.

When my dear little daddy was moving from the home he and my mom had occupied for twenty years, he went to an assisted-living residence, and could afford it, so we spent the money to get him a two-bedroom apartment there. That meant he could take a lot of his furniture and familiar things with him, but still there was an awful lot that had to be disposed of. He wanted to be there, to have a say in who took what, which was only right. I'll never forget him sitting in the middle of his empty living room, on a kitchen chair, as we systematically dismantled his life and carried his possessions away. Some went to his apartment, some went to our homes, and some went to storage, but still, we were tearing down the nest he and my mother had built and occupied for so long. It just about broke my heart, and it was almost made worse by his brave cheerfulness through it all.

Well, guess I'll go see if I can make a dent in the leftovers in my fridge, because I know another meal is coming in tomorrow evening. Good grief, how much do these folks think I can eat???

Starr says be blessed! --Romeena
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59730: BOO, glad to hear that your MIL is doing well. I'm also glad that she will be moving closer to you. That has to be a comfort to her. I won't ask this of you now, but at some point, can you recap the story of Karen? I feel like I'm missing something very important. If it's too painful, please excuse me and just tell me to go find it in the archives.

Speaking of our wonderful porch here and at the risk of coming across obtuse again, I'm not sure I get to see the same things you all do...case in point: ROMEENA mentioned being able to see how many guests are on line and I don't have that option anywhere. I've searched. And then there's the business of finding a numerical marker...huh? Don't have that either. I'm wondering if it's because I use a MAC. Any advice or explanation would be most welcomed.

About my pooch, Stella. The Vet's first explanation is a possible parasite though her "sample" did not indicate that at this point and it looks like I'll be collecting "samples" this weekend to turn in. Good times. His 2nd explanation is that her teeth are in need of cleaning and that it looks like she has a possible bacterial infection. He thought that this could be causing an ulcer. She had blood in her stool and once when she threw up. He was encouraged that she hasn't lost any weight from her last check up 10 months ago. Her coat, eyes, nose and ears are in top-order. She was wagging her tail and trying to cuddle with all the staff, even through an antibiotic shot that didn't make her flinch! They were impressed with her health for being approx. 10-12 years old. She was a rescue pooch so we don't know her exact age. I really think this issue has to do with her teeth. She had terrible teeth when we adopted her. We've had them cleaned throughout the years but I've been hesitant these past few months. I'm afraid her organs won't be able to tolerate the anesthesia but it looks like that's a risk we're going to have to take again. What I've been most worried about is the chance that her kidneys are failing. She has some of the signs but not all. The Vet really thinks that she would be dropping weight with renal failure. I've been through that before with my previous puppy and that was no fun. All in all, things are looking fairly positive. She's been resting a lot today and enjoying all the spoiling going on. Her tummy is tender, so we've been keeping her wrapped up in her blankets in front of the fireplace. She's snoozing like an old pro.

Thanks for listening. And for those "melancholy babies" out there--I'm saying prayers for you. Wish there was a salve for heartache. mw
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59731: Hey there RO, looks like we were crossing paths!
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59732: Romeena, that is so very sad, and what you shared is making me feel a bit different about things (in a good way). I am thinking of my own parents. I have been eager to get them into assisted living but not only because I felt they needed it, but to releive some of my guilt and get myself off the hook a little. I am willing now to work harder at letting them stay together in their own home as long as it is safe for them. My sister told me recently that she will move in with them if it comes to that. If she does, I will still be nearby to help with them.

Merri Weather, you are really something, you know that? God bless your soul. I was needing someone to ask about Karen but didn't realize it until your post. I need to talk about it and it is comforting somehow, but most everyone I know has already heard it. Your request feels like a warm hug, thank you. I have been dreaming about her and really missing her this week. If you don't mind listening, I will start from the beginning, although it might get a bit long. When I was in my early-mid twenties and single, I was working nights as a nurse and very active in my church with single's group. There was a small group of my peers that hung out and became good friends. One of them was from New York City and soon after she moved down, she invited a friend to join her here. That friend was Karen. At that time she was in her early 20's and a single mom with a year old daughter. She had been raised in Queens and had left home to try and make it on her own by age 16 because of the physical abuse she receiving at home from her mother and s#xual abuse from her father. She began using Cocaine and took up with a loser who fathered her first child and then left her when she was in the hospital having that child. Soon after, she attended a Baptist church in the city and prayed to receive Jesus as her savior. She came to Texas with her daughter to get a new start. She was a very changed person and the Lord even delivered her from the cocaine, which after that she never used again in all her remaining years. I met her soon after she came to Texas and we became good friends, attended church together and had one of those rare friendships that cause a sort of boding of souls. She was a sister to me as truley as my own birth sister and not one day in 29 years were we ever at odds. We shared our lives and she was the one person in my life that I felt was most devoted to me, more even than my own family. When I needed help, she was there. When she needed it, I was there. When I didn't deserve it, she loved me anyway and was always forgiving. I helped bring her second son, Zach into the world, and helped to raise all three of her children (and she helped with mine). She and her children lived with me when she needed to get out of a very bad marriage and I helped her to get on her feet and finish her education to become a nurse. I am an aunt to her children and we spent most holidays, birthdays, everything together. When my husband married me he said he knew that Karen was part of the package because she would always be a very important part of my life, and she became important to him and he loved her too. She was just one of those kind, gentle and giving souls that you just had to love. She had very high blood pressure for years and despite pleading and offers to pay for medication, etc., she neglected to take care of herself and she died with a stroke in May. She was 42 and she took part of my heart with her. I have grieved the lost of the sister of my soul and have had to deal with the grief of her children and without the Lord, I couldn't have done it. We are still getting through it but we aren't there yet. Again, thank you for asking, my friend.

Boo
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59733: Hey M-t and all....brother Rev you on the road?..hey ro,mav,boo,NN,mw,asa,mdc and all...folks a lot of things have been going on here at the dog house the reason I aint been on the porch much...things are OK! now...so say some post prayers please...Im back !..Miss Sherry says hey...breakfast will be a good old spot special:
3 eggs your way,hashbrowns with cheese,chunks of ham,onions,grits,country ham,sausage,bacon,toast,bisquits with milk gravy,grape jelly,milk,coffee and a prayer!...SPOT
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59734: Thanks for sharing that, Boo. (and thanks to MW for asking her to). I don't believe I ever knew the full story of your friendship with Karen, Boo, only that you were very close, but I never really remembered hearing the background). Those kinds of losses are so hard, it can still seem like a fresh, open sore. I am sorry, Boo, that you lost your dear friend, but I do know that you two shared that deep and lasting faith in your Savior, so I know that probably comforts you.
I have told you before how I lost my own dear sister, (also "Karen"), and I tell you, it's the pits. I probably cried for a good 2 years, if anyone even mentioned her name. I was afraid to go out, for fear of meeting someone who would offer sympathy, or worse, ask about how she was doing... not knowing she had died. I still cry sometimes. But I mention this not to bring up my own story, but to let you know, Boo, that I think it is normal for as someone that was as close as you were to Karen, to still be feeling so low about it. You're a dear person!
I'm sorry too, about your loss, MDC. Sounds like you were very close to your teacher, and it doesn't help when it is alwo an unexpected shock. Take care!
Big Maude, I'm sorry that your clients keep canceling because of the weather! I wish I lived near you, I wouldn't cancel! I could use a counselor these days. (I'd be a real study!)
- Hazel
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59735: I need to proof read. I didn't mean "alwo", I meant "also".
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59736: I know Me_They's Name!! ~New Neighbor

January 17, 2008 - Msg 59737: Oh my dear BOO. That is so very heartbreaking. I can't even imagine going through a loss like that. Karen was so young and came through so much. I'm glad that she found the Lord; so many people that come from her circumstances, don't. This is such a testimony to women who stubbornly put their health last. They give unselfishly of themselves to their family and friends but don't stop to think of themselves.

Thank you BOO for taking the time to tell me your story. My heart breaks for you. I'm so glad I know you--what a woman you are! You were a beacon of light in Karen's life. Any time you need to talk about her, please do! I always wonder about her little granddaughter Layla. That child haunts my heart. Prayers for you dear.

SPOT, glad you got through whatever you got through! We've missed you! Breakfast sounds good now! Anyway I could get a plate for a midnight snack??

Goodnight friends. Thanks for letting me be a part of your lives. mw
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59738: Golly gee willickers! I see a whole mess of us scrambling to the porch at the same time! Hey there HAZEL, NN and BIG MAUDE!

HAZEL, how's your hubby feeling this week? And are you holding up? I'm thinking of you, too. You've been through so much lately. (Are you saying to yourself "you don't know the half of it lady!") Take X-tra good care of yourself.

Until tomorrow dears--mw
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59739: Hi, all.

Merri, I don't know anything about a way to tell how many folks are present on the porch - not sure what you're talking about there. Was it something I said that gave you that idea?? As for the numerical signature, I'm not sure I can explain that since you're using a Mac and I know nothing about them. However, on my computer, when I open my browser, which is Mozilla/Netscape and it's the same on Internet Explorer, up at the top I see File - Edit - View, etc. If you click on View, it opens a little box with more options, one of which is View Page Source. Click on that, and it shows a detail of the porch page you're on at the time. Each entry has several sets of numbers, one of which consists of four separate numbers separated by periods. That particular grouping will repeat every time that person posts. It can vary somewhat now and then, especially if the person is using a dial-up connection, but these days the signature is pretty consistent. The numbers are assigned by the ISP, not the person themselves. Therefore, sometimes when a "mystery poster" appears, you can go to the page source and figure out who it is, by looking for the same set of numbers in earlier posts. I'm quite sure that Mac has something similar, especially since this is a function of the browser, not the computer itself. I hope this helps.

Friends, my son is back in the hospital, and it's not looking good. Apparently there had been more damage done to his liver than was originally thought, and they're now growing quite concerned. I'm trying to stay positive, and leave it with the Lord, but I'm very worried. Please pray for him, and for his dear wife, who is distraught. And please pray for me. I can't handle this alone.

Be blessed. --Romeena
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59740: Thanks for the information RO. Sorry to have bothered you with that non-important stuff while you are dealing with great worry right now. My goodness. Of course I'll be saying many, many prayers for your son's health and for all of you to remain strong and comforted. Try to take care of yourself RO, you're still recovering from surgery. Please keep us posted. mw
January 17, 2008 - Msg 59741: Oh, Merri, dear girl. Surely you know that one of the things that helps right now is going on with life as usual. That includes answering the question of a friend, and it's not "non-important". I can only hope my answer made some sense. I hope your beloved doggie recovers nicely. It very well may be her teeth. I understand your concern about anesthesia for her at her age - I had to make those same decisions with Sugarplum. Will your dog eat raw carrots? When I started letting Plum have them as a snack, we were able to go from twice yearly to just once on her teeth cleaning routine. When she died, she did have all her teeth. She was doing very well until the cancer hit her, bless her sweet little heart.

No, I'm not going to sit and wring my hands right now. I'm praying very hard, the praying-without-ceasing kind that just dwells in your soul even as you go about daily life. I refuse to consider anything but the very best outcome, and it's in God's hands. I play with Starr, I went to lunch with friends, I laugh at funny emails and things on TV, and all the time, a prayer is running in my heart, like a program running in the background.

I'm recovering very well, still can't drive and am surviving on sponge baths, as I can't get in the shower, but I'm doing well. My dear friend Eloise is available to take me where I need to go - Starr gets her stitches out tomorrow, for example - and there's more food here than I'll ever eat. Guess I'll freeze some of it. I'll be up to speed before long, and God willing, my son will begin an upturn in his condition, and then as my husband always said, "This too shall pass." Be blessed. --Romeena
January 18, 2008 - Msg 59742: Mornin' Y'all. I'll be having the diagnostic mammogram & ultrasound in a few hours,so please keep me in your thoughts & prayers.I was doing ok,feeling upbeat & positive,but now that it's upon me I am getting anxious & worried like I was initially. But..I know that God is watching over me and things will be ok.

Ro,prayers for your son. Also for MDC,MW,and Me-They.God Bless us all!

If I find out anything today,I'll let y'all know.

*******************
possum under a rock
January 18, 2008 - Msg 59743: Hi All.
Romeena- My prayer are your son and you today and for every.

LOVE TOM

January 18, 2008 - Msg 59744: Romeena, you can better believe I'm praying, too, and I will ask those with me at the retreat to pray, too. You do not have to bear this alone. As the Lord is with you, so are your friends and I will carry you and your son in my heart and in my prayers. Stay positive, as you are doing.

My Dear Hazel, I thank you for your understanding and encouragement, and for sharing about your beloved sister. I know it probably was hard to do and I appreciate your words. May the Lord heal us both, in his time and way.

Merri, thank you also, you are so precious. You have so much compassion in that heart of your. Please don't feel badly, I will be fine, and I hear that Layla is doing ok these days. The Lord will look after her. Thank you for your prayers and concern for her (and me)!

Possum, hope you are feeling less anxious by now. Truely you are in the hollow of God's hand and remember, "If Jesus is in your boat, you have nothing to fear". Remember whay he said to his disciples (and he loves YOU just as he loved them), "Be of good cheer, it is I. Be not afraid". He is with you every step of the way.

I have to get ready to leave for the retreat. I was up with Sean until 5am (he was throwing up!). Glad I'm not driving. I will be thinking of you all and you are in my prayers. This has been a difficult time for the porch now for sometime and we are leaning on God and each other, which is a very good thing. I don't say it enough, but you folks mean the world to me and have been such a help to me. I want to be the same to you. Love to All,

Boo