May 11, 2008 - Msg 62683: I'll be there,Boo! Boy,that sounds delicious! Happy Mother's Day to you and to all the Porch mamas- Y'all have a wonderful day!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
May 11, 2008 - Msg 62684: Somehow it just ain't fair that a Mama (and Grandma) Possum had to sweep on Mother's Day!!
But,I did a nice job,if I do say so myself!

possum again
May 11, 2008 - Msg 62685: Nice job Mama Possum. Sorry you had to toil so early on your day of honor.
I hope all you sweet Mums have a wonderful Mothers day.

Asa
May 11, 2008 - Msg 62686: Well Boo, I usually don't like my main dish concealed in a heavy sauce, but that smothered steak sounds kinda good. Save me some, 10-4?

Asa
May 11, 2008 - Msg 62687: Good morning, all. It's a beautiful day here. Just got home from church, and will spend the afternoon at my DIL's sister's home. My son and DIL will be there, and Eloise, my DIL's mom and my dear friend. It will be a pleasant day.

I hope all the other mothers out there have a great day, too. --Romeena
May 11, 2008 - Msg 62688: Happy Mother's Day!! to all you Porch Mom's today. I'll be back later to chat some, right now, I have 4-legged kids to play with & love on. My 2-legged kid is working today so....
Boo how old is Erin? I am asking because you were looking for a little dog for her & Chihuahuas do better with kids that are a little older. How about a Boston Terrier? They don't shed much at all & they LOVE kids. Chihuahuas shed terribly, I know, I have 2 of the little ankle biters myself. ;)
Later taters,
*Mavis
May 11, 2008 - Msg 62689: Happy Mother's Day to all you moms. I'm so very fortunate and blessed to still have my Mom on this earth. She has certainly taught me by word and deed the love of Christ! Red
May 11, 2008 - Msg 62690: Happy Mother's Day Ladies!
Blessings,
~Lucy
May 11, 2008 - Msg 62691: Just checking in,as tornadoes have hit along the Charleston coast. I'm fine- actually live a short distance from Charleston. Didn't want y'all to worry.

I know MerriWeather said she'd have a busy week,but sure wish she'd check in. AFD too. Doesn't she live out there? Heard Missouri got hit bad with storms.

Everybody stay safe!
*************
possum u.a.r.
May 11, 2008 - Msg 62692: Happy Mother's Day to my pal Maudy. I miss you.

May 11, 2008 - Msg 62693: Good evening, everyone. I hope your day was as nice as mine, and with as little effort. I was "allowed" to bring the bread for dinner. Wow, big effort. My DIL and her sister did everything else. We had a tenderloin roast, grilled veggies, oven-roasted potatoes, green bean casserole, creamed corn, and salad. Everything was perfectly prepared, and soooo good! Then we had three desserts, and I sampled each one. My blood sugar is probably off the charts. I took some insulin, didn't even bother to check the glucose level. I know it would be high. My two beautiful, precious grandsons were there, of course, and we all had a lovely day.

Came home to a clogged pond filter - more or less a daily occurrence right now. Got that cleaned and the water flowing nicely now, little fish are happy. The algae problem in the pond is awful lately. The water stays clear thanks to the UV filter I have running. It does its job, kills any free-floating algae, but there must be a bunch, because the filter gets blocked with the thick green sludge in just a couple of days. Without the UV filter, the algae would proliferate until the water would look like pea soup.

Well, guess I'll go cuddle little Toye Starr. She is feeling a bit stepped-on, what with me leaving her not once, but twice in one day! It just breaks her little baby heart, poor thing.

Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena
May 11, 2008 - Msg 62694: Hi All.
Will it bin raining off and on all day.
HAPPY MOTHER DAY TO YOU MOM.
Romeena you can keep the photo that I send you.
No I have not falling off the porch or bin sitck, I cause have not bin feeling like posting at time.

LOVING GOD AND ALMIGHTY
FATHER, THANK YOU FOR THOSE
WISE PEOPLE IN MY LIFE WHO
HAVE SHARED YOUR WISDOM AND
THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH ME.
PLEASE HELP THEM KNOW HOW
MUCH I APPRECIATE THEIR
INVESTMENT OF LOVE ND
GUIDANCE IN ME AND PLEASE USE
ME TO DO THE SAME FOR THOSE
WHO COME AFTER ME.


TOM.

May 11, 2008 - Msg 62695: Thanks for the tip, Mavis...I sure don't want a shedder. I have always thought Boston Terriers were really cute. I had a talk with Bruce about it and he didn't say "no". I told him I would allow him time to think it over and I wouldn't pressure. I am trying to respect his feelings about dogs in the house. I grew up in a home where my parents did not agree on that subject and it caused some problems betweent them. Hard to believe now that Dad insists on having his dogs inside. My mom always had a big dog and kept it in the house. The problem was that she didn't keep them clean so the smell was not pleasant, to put it mildly. I didn't like it a bit and don't want to deal with something like that but I think if we get a small dog and keep it bathed regularly, and flea-free we will be ok. I have always thought I would feel safer with a dog inside the house since Bruce is deaf without his hearing aids. When he takes them out at night, he can't even hear me yelling in his ear. If we had a little dog, the dog would bark if there was ever an intruder at night.

Well, Asa, I saved you some smothered steak and the sauce wasn't heavy. Mom-in-law made it and it was a bit bland, to tell the truth. Her squash was good, though. It was a very nice day and I even got to play with Baby Emily...what a doll! The weather was nice, too. Overcast but dry and on the cool side, which is very unusual for the Texas coast at this time of year. We sat outside at the homestead and enjoyed it so much.

Thanks for checking in, Possum, it was very thoughtful of you.

Glad you have a nice day, Romeena. My blood sugar is probably as high as yours...my sister brought 2 cheesecakes over (cherry and chocolate chip)!

Thank you for that wonderful poem, TOM. It is good to hear from you.

Better go kick back with a book...

Boo
May 11, 2008 - Msg 62696:
Hello porch family

Possum....glad you checked in and everything is fine with you. I knew your area was suppose to get those storms. We didn't get anything from it. Just a little rain.

Boo....I'll be honest with you about my thoughts of dogs in the house. I've always had dogs and have always loved dogs but they were outside dogs. Then this past Christmas when my daughter got "Jake", I was a little concerned (mad is a better word) because I DID NOT want a dog in my house. Well now I love the little rascal so much that when they are gone during the week at college, I miss him so much. I'll even make a trip to her apartment to play with him some weeks. My daughter just laughs at me now because of the way I was and the way I am now. Jake is a She-Poo and is such a loving dog.

Did you all hear about Dottie Rambo getting killed this morning in a bus crash? So sad. She has written so many songs through the years.

Gonna hit the bed.....Prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.


May 12, 2008 - Msg 62697: Howdy, all. REV, I know what you mean about the turnaround on dogs in the house. My parents always allowed me to have a dog, but they remained outside. Growing up, I had a precious little spaniel, just the sweetest little thing in the world, and my parents loved her very much, but she lived outdoors. Well-protected and cared for, but outdoors. In my heart of hearts, though, I wanted her inside. Later, when I married and got another spaniel, I tried to bring her in the house, but with no experience in house-breaking and such, and a baby crawling around, the dog soon ended up back outdoors. Much to my mom's relief, I might add, as well as my husband's. Over the years, several dogs, all outdoors, husband didn't want them in the house. Then someone gave me a yorkie, and obviously he had to be indoors. He was a joy, and my husband never really objected. At the time, I had two spaniels, and a spaniel/poodle mix, all outdoors, while the yorkie was in the house.

The spaniels eventually died, and the sad little mix would sit in the back yard and howl out of loneliness. One day my husband said, "You have this little bit of fluff in the house (meaning Buckwheat, the yorkie), and poor Flop sits out there and cries. Either bring her in and train her, or give her away, but I can't stand that any longer." So I brought her in, at age 7, and she lived in the house, eventually passing on at age 17. She was the best thing, so sweet and loving, dumb as a box of rocks, but sweet. Eventually, she passed, and my yorkie wasn't far behind her. At that time, Sugarplum came on the scene, and totally changed everyone's outlook on dogs in the house. My parents even kept her for me when we were away, IN THE HOUSE, and my mother would allow her to sit in a chair next to her at the table and would feed her tidbits from her plate. So, that's what the right dog, at the right time, can accomplish. Such has been the case, obviously, with you and Jake. I'm happy for you. He will add a dimension to your life that you haven't knowm up until now. I can no longer even imagine keeping a dog outdoors. In a country setting, perhaps, where a watchdog or working dog is needed, but other than that, what's the point? Just a yard ornament?

Thanks for checking in, Possum. We worry about you. And thanks for the prayer, Tom. As for the pictures, after I get them scanned into the computer, I don't mind sending them back. You may need them for something.

Speaking of computers, this thing surely is breathing easier now, with the additional memory chips I put in it. It's got all kinds of room now, which is good. My picture files are enormous, I have hundreds. I save in .jpg format, which takes MUCH less space than .bmp, but still takes a lot. Some of my pictures are scans of very old slides, old family pictures, and they need a lot of work. I needed extra "elbow room" to get that done.

Well, Starr is in here nudging my ankles. I think she wants to go to bed, and I should, too. So - tomorrow is another day. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62698: Well folks, here I am. Don't know how bad the weather was at Merri's place but we did get some pretty stout winds and rain. The main storm that caused all the damage was around the OK/MO/KS border which is probably about an hour and a half west of me. Such tragedy and devastation.

I also heard about Dottie Rambo, Rev. The wreck happened about 45 minutes west of here. That is sure sad news, but her music will continue to bless many people.

Hope all the rest of the porch mama's, grannies, and auntie's had a great Mother's Day. My 7 yo helped Daddy make me breakfast in bed, and a chocolate cake to go with our steak/tater/corn on the cob lunch, and it was all delish.

Good to "see" you, Tom and Mavis.

Good sweep, possum. Guess we'll have to let one of the fellers sweep on Father's Day. Glad to hear you came out okay in the weather department as well.

Well, not much else going on here, so I'll head to bed. 13 days of school and counting... Prayers for all the needs among us and around us.
AFD
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62699: Well, I guess we know where Dottie is singing now. Prayers for her family.

Good "dog thoughts". My Dad was like you, REV, and then I found this little-bitty black puppy that someone had abandoned, and since I was single and worked all the time, I gave the dog to mom. Well, dad fell totally in love with a dog for the first time in his life and has been a fool for dogs ever since. His dogs live inside and eat the best food, sit on anything they want and live like royalty. I think I told you all I let him keep my black lab because he feels secure with her in the house at night since we left. That huge dog is on the couch eveytime I go over there.

Glas you checked in, AFD and that you and your's are safe.

Better go get Erin up for school. I am so tired this morning. My mother-in-law wakes me up early every morning, turning on lights and making noise in the kitchen! She is fun to have around but that drives me crazy. She woke me at 5-something banging around making coffee and now she is snoring in the recliner..

Boo
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62700: Morning porch family, good to see you ALL today.

Hope everyone had a Happy Mothers Day. My husband had to work yesterday, but took my Mom out to lunch after church and then spent the afternoon being lazy.

My son had his Prom saturday night and things went well. He look pretty handsome. I will try and send some pictures to Romeena for the album.
He is taking that AP Biology test this morning, hope he is doing okay.

A very cool 43 degrees this morning, cloudy and windy. Lots of wind yesterday and last night. Power outages around this region. We sure needed you to get the lights back on SPOT.

Lunch menu today will be: grilled ham and cheese sandwhiches, chips, pickle spears, chocolate chip cookies, tea, lemonade to drink.

Guess, I had better get to work.
Prayers and blessings to all this day.

Big Maude
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62701: Good morning everyone. It's been raining here mostly for about three or four days now. I'm getting downright moldy.

BOO: Prayers for your "adopted" brother.

Prayers for all in harms way, or who have lived through it thsi weekend.

AUH2O: Sometimes people just want to do the easy thing, though. I tend to agree that market forces should be left to their own accord, but the number one job of the government is to protect its citizens (not fly killing). And if one day we just plumb run out of the greasy black stuff without adequately planning for it, brother we're gonna need protecting then. It seems like not too many people, or companies, want to face what looks like a real possibility. Heck, it's easier not to. I think our government is doing its job by forcing us to. Sure, it can go too far, but I certainly don't think we're at that stage now. I don't hear too many oil company executives throwing in the towel because the money is drying up.

Lunch sounds delicous, MAUDE. We better eat early in case ASA shows up.

Me-They
"At any momemnt this phone could ring and we'd be three-eightin' and four-twoin' all over the place."
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62702: Thank you Boo, for the special prayers for me and my family, and for putting me in your prayer journal. I'm touched(I know, I know, you all already knew that, right?! ;)).
Prayers for your friend, btw. I hope he gets the help he needs.


Yeah, Romeena, those birds of prey can seem cruel, can't they?! But they are so fascinating to watch, too. Last week, Kai, my wife, and I were driving past the lake when a bald eagle swooped not 15 feet away from us, grabbed a fish, and flapped slowly back up into the air. That was an amazing sight!
And my wife didn't believe me when I said I would see a bald eagle in my rides by the lake. Well, she does now.

I have a funny dog story that happened to me just a few weeks ago. I was walking home from the late church service on Sunday, and talking to my wife on the cell-phone, telling her that I was on my way home(yeah, I know, but I knew she would call me anyway when I was a few steps from the front door, wondering where I was), when this cute little dog started following me. It was one of those dogs that look like they are miniature versions of bigger dogs. Well, first he would go smell some trees and whatnot as I walked on, but then he would soon dart along and catch up to where I was. I told my wife we may have a dog soon if he follows me all the way home(not really though because I saw he had a collar and tags).
Well, this went on for a little while, with the little dog hanging back to smell the "roses", and then rushing back to me.
I was just about to hang up and go look at the dog's tags when he suddenly stopped quick, looked back in the direction that he came, and blasted off that way faster than a cat at a dog convention. He either thought he was getting too far away from home, or he heard someone calling him. Anyway, I never saw him again after that.

Well, have a good day everyone!

-Sterling Holobyte


May 12, 2008 - Msg 62703: STERLING: Well, I don't know how cruel birds of prey are but I can tell you, them giraffes are selfish! Good morning, buddy.

M-T
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62704: Boo - I vote for the Boston Terriers. Miss Maddie is just a real sweetheart and can be a real cuddler. She is a small Boston and weighs about 10-12 pounds.

Take care everyone!

hm
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62705: Good morning, all. Sterling, there are some eagles who hang out around the lake behind my son's home in Florida, and we often see them snag a fish and keep on flying. What fascinates me is the way they do it. They usually catch the fish cross-wise, using both feet. I suppose it's easier that way, as the fish presents a bigger target broadside. However, as the eagle rises into the air, the cross-wise fish causes a lot of drag, so the bird will weathervane the fish, turning it so that it's pointing straight ahead. I think that's just pretty smart.

I haven't seen old Daddy Long Legs around the pond anymore, just that one time. Sure am glad I keep a camera handy, so I have a record of that visit.

I've always believed there are no real "no-dog people", there are just people who haven't lived with the right dog yet. If there really is someone who just plain doesn't like them, even after knowing the right one, then all I can say is, bless their hearts. They have my sympathy.

I have been watching the strangest sight this morning. There is a large, fat, pretty pigeon in my yard, enjoying the bounty around the feeding station and doing his little pigeon stuff. However, he has no tail. Fully feathered elsewhere, rump end is covered with short "body" feathers, but there are no tail feathers. None, not even stubs. When he turns his back, I can see straight through between his wingtips, to the ground. I can see his feet from that angle! It looks very odd. At first I thought perhaps a cat had grabbed him by the tail and pulled the feathers out, but that wouldn't have removed every single one. There would be a few, at least. He looks very strange, and he doesn't fly terribly well. He can fly, but doesn't seem to get the lift or have the precision manueverability most pigeons have. Also, he's alone, which is rare. You almost always see pigeons in pairs or more, but this one is very much alone, poor guy. I'm glad he found the feeding station, at least he won't have to compete for food.

Well, guess I'd better spend a little time with this piled-high desk. I'm such a packrat. Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62706: Well hello TOM..good sweep miss possum..hey Ro,boo,Rev,asa,hazel and all..sterling.hm,mdc..off work today so its to the lumber yard and work on the barn...my garden just looks fantastic...thank you God!..we made it through the storms yesterday...gona be nice the next few days...I will go back and read the mail in just a bit...got to get busy..ham sandwiches and chips and chocklet chip cookies for lunch..grape kool-aid...and why not...Big Maude slaw too!...ok..prayers ...SPOT
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62707: Hey yall know what ...I did not read that Maude had posted the lunch menu till I posted...look [above] how much alike they are...hum...porch minds think alike!...SPOT!
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62708: SPOT, How funny! Great minds do think alike.

Big Maude
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62709: Well, I like Boston Terriers but I want a dog from the shelter and there there never seems to be any Boston's to be found! There is a little white chihuahua mix that is ready for adoption and is 8 months old and already house trained by his foster mom. I saw his picture on the website for the local shelter and he looks like a Meerkat....(I hope he is just not very photogenic...). They had a Boston mix but it looks like a a pitbull mix to me and would probably be too big. I could purchase a Boston but I really don't want to pay so much for a dog when there are so many needing homes. Anyway, the fostor mom for the chihuahua is supposed to be bringing him over for a visit so we can see what he's like. His name is Gizmo The Meerkat...(I added the Meerkat part...hehe).

I'll let ya know how it goes. I am going to meet him, them talk to Bruce about it tonight if I think Gizmo is the dog for us. Pray for us!

Boo
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62710: Hi All.
Rev- where in WV are you going to be ?

TOM

May 12, 2008 - Msg 62711: Hey BOO, HM, TOM, SPOT, ROMEENA...

MAVIS: Glad that you checked in; it's been awhile. The Mrs. and I caught a show on Animal Planet modeled on "Top Chef" called "Groomer Has It." Groomers compete in "Quick Sniff" challenges and then do a real grooming test. In the episode we saw they had a team challenge doing different sized poodles, then had to do Pesrian cats in the later challenge. It certainly separated the men from the boys, as they say. Anyway, I couldn't help thinking that you should be on that there show.

BOO: The Mrs. always wanted a chihuahua--until she actually met a few. A friend had one who was pretty stereotypical (barked a lot, shed a lot, and could be mean to strangers). But dogs, like people, come in a temperments. Hope yours works out.

Me-They
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62712: Boo, little Gizmo may for sure be the dog for you. Seems like it was all sort of pre-arranged, doesn't it? I've known some Chihuahua mixes that were lovely little dogs. My grandfather had a pure Chihuahua who was a little snot, but that may have just been him, not the breed. He was devoted to my grandpa, always sat beneath his chair when Grandpa would sit at the kitchen table and play "sol", and Coco would growl if anyone came near. Come too near, and you got your ankles nipped! My grandmother got enough of it one day (yes, he nipped her, too) and she got the broom and swept him out the back door, calling him a "dadburn little snipe!"

Tom, and MDC, your pictures are now in the album. Tom, you reached ten, so you now have a sub-album of your own. I identified Martha and Matthew as your niece and nephew - hope I was right. Boo, the pictures of MDC are of him as a child, handling beehive inserts. I think he was hoping this would give Sean a different perspective on being around bees.

I'm watching a juvenile squirrel right now, one of the most recent litter born out back. He's eyeing the dried corn that hangs from a bungee cord, and trying to work up the nerve to jump up and grab on. He's too timid, but Mom just came in, and is showing him how it's done. So cute, and so funny! She jumps up and grabs on, then goes boing-boing-boing, hanging on for dear life. Once the bouncing stops, she'll hold on and eat kernels off the cob until her claws get tired, then she'll drop off. Baby doesn't appear to be too impressed, he still won't try it.

Well, guess I'll go grab some lunch. Any of those grilled sandwiches left? Later, friends. --Romeena

P.S. Just FYI, in the album the sub-albums are the first things shown on the first page of the main album. Click on the cover of the sub-album of your choice, and it will open. Anyone who reaches ten pictures in the main album will get a sub-album of their own.
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62713: ROMEENA: Not meaning to bug you, but did my pics work out okay?

M-T
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62714:
Me-They There are all ready many forms of energy that could replace fossil Fuels. The reason they haven't replaced fossil fuel is they are not efficient or cost effective. I don't believe too many people think we're going to run out of oil anytime soon but if one of these chicken littles turn out to be correct then we would have to switch to one of the alternative forms of energy. However, the sky is falling crowd hasn't been right yet, so I'm not worrying about it. Remember the laughable "China Syndrome?" I don't think the tree huggers have it in their DNA to be right. Besides, fossil fuel has had a much more of a positive effect on mankind than a negative one. Instead of trying to eliminate the oil companies the Government should be encouraging other businesses to emulating them. Of course, what do I know? Maybe, we did knock the buildings down on 9-11.

auh2o
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62715: Ha, that's funny, Ro. That would be a pretty good name for a snotty little chihuahua, wouldn't it? (Snipe, I mean).

I guess I could deal with a little shedding since Sean vacumes all time anyway... I don't know yet. We will meet the little varmit and then, even if he is everything we think he should be, Bruce has to agree. He is on his way over with his foster mom right now so I should know a little more soon. She did tell me that he is as big as he will be and he weighed in today at 7 lbs.

Boo
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62716: AUH2O: Well, it did make a good movie...No, I don't think most geologists believe that we will run out of fossil fuels in the near future, but it is a finite resource and we certainly could be experiencing the downside of the hill. As the supply shrinks we will have to make due. The trouble will not only be increasing prices, which will help the market turn to alternatives, but with potential violence over the remaining supply. Poor countries will resent rich ones for being able to afford it, and some countries will be ready to do what it takes to get it. So, I stand by my belief that a little push is a good thing.

I also wonder about the benefit of fossil fuels. Being a historian, I understand the trap of regarding the past too much as the "good old days." In terms of material living, and even some related things, like community health, have been vastly improved by fossil fuels. No argument there. However, in terms of spiritual life, I'm not so sure. Today, families are segmented and dispersed, and values have been shaped by our use of fossil fuels, not the other way around. We regard it as we regard food or shelter, a necessity to live. Sadly, it has become one. But that is our own doing, it didn't start out that way.

I'm no tree-hugger (though I love trees, except those scrub maples that are constantly sprouting up in my flower beds) but sometimes they're right. Or, more accurately, not completely wrong. I'm not quite as inspired by oil companies as you are, however; I believe you can throw perfectly great individuals into a business and have that business turn out absolutely ammoral. In our capitalistic system, where there's money to be made, people will justify all ways until Sunday no matter how bad for society it is (the p*rn industry, the internet's largest business, for example). It wasn't magnanimity that drove children from coal mines and factories, or that instituted the concept of a business being rersponsible for workers hurt on the job.


And (for many of them at least) the tree-huggers reason for doing what they are doing--to make a better life for their families--comes from the same place as those who work for oil companies to try and give their own families a better life. It's a shame that people have to be so entrenched over issues like this though that they can't sit down together, talk about it, and come out with some sort of plan that, while not all things to all people, is someting positive we can all live with.

Sorry, I don't usually buy into conspiracy theories, but I swear I saw Elvis at teh 7-11 this morning. He was buying powered doughnuts.

Me-They
"You're not talking to a jerk, y'know!"
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62717: Hey, BOO! Our Yorkie was 7 lbs. Good luck!

And one more thing, AUH2O, don't EVEN get me started on ethanol!

M-T
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62718: You know what, auh2o? In one sense, perhaps we really did knock the towers down. In our blind, misguided attempts to be oh-so-politically-correct, we not only allowed those murderers access to this country, and allowed them to board the planes, but in some cases, we actually trained them to fly! How dumb can we be?

My mind works in strange ways sometimes, and I'm not always proud of some of my thoughts. For example, as heartbreaking as the Myanmar situation is, and now the quake in China, and then there was the tsunami a while back - in the back of my mind lurks a nagging little thought. Is this "nature's way"? If you took out all the cataclysmic disasters that have befallen mankind over the centuries, and put all those people back into the population, and extrapolate and add in their offspring - we might just be pushing each other off into the oceans by now.

Along the same line, when there are famines and huge populations dying for lack of food, I wonder. Usually the famines are the result of overpopulation and overuse of a land that isn't very productive to begin with. So we feed the people, they reproduce in great numbers, and the situation just grows worse. And yet, I send money along with everyone else. Who can refuse to feed a hungry child? But what are we saving them for - more hunger, probably.

As for oil resources, I have to wonder to what degree our dependence on Middle Eastern oil helps to hold the balance in world politics. If we were to suddenly tap into an enormous domestic supply, didn't need the Middle East anymore, what would happen? With a drastically reduced market for their oil, their economies would certainly suffer, perhaps collapse altogether. Would that create pressures that would erupt into unbridled terrorism and war?

I have no answers here, no established opinions, just questions. I am truly wondering. Take it down a notch, from the Middle East vs the rest of the world. Make it Mexico vs America. Their economy and political structure is a shambles, so their people are invading us in great numbers. Take it down one more notch. A family from Mexico or wherever in South America makes it to the states, dad gets a job and there is food on the table, more than they've seen in a while. What's the first thing they do? Have another baby. When the father brings three or four little stairstep kids to the hospital and tries to leave them with the newly-delivered mom while he goes to work, you begin to see the problem. He brings them there because he has NO ONE to keep the kids he already has, yet he has just fathered another one.

It seems to me that population control is, someday, going to be a key player in world politics and economy, and in eliminating world hunger. How it will be accomplished, or even if it should be, I don't really know. Still, it seems to me that nature (don't want to blame it on God) does its best to achieve the control, one way or another.

Well, that should start a good moulage. Now I'm off to take my spoiled little puppy to the vet to see about getting some baby teeth pulled. People are suffering in this world, and I'm having my dog's teeth fixed. Is there something wrong with this picture? --Romeena
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62719: Didn't know you were a moulage 'em and leave 'em kinda gal, ROMEENA ;).

I certainly would like to wade into this one, but unfortunately my boss thinks I should actually get some work done today. Seems my last moulage cut into my worker productivity. If I kept going that way, I'd start dragging our natioanl productivity level down. Then we'd have another France or something.

But I'll be sure and comment tomorrow!

M-T
"You beat everything, you know that?!"
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62720: Well, little Gizmo wasn't the pup for us. He was very timid and wouldn't even let us get anywhere near him, so I know it wouldn't work out with Erin. Also, he did his share of shedding in the short time he was here. The shelter volunteer that brought him was very helpful, though and said she would work with us to find the right dog for our family. She told us they get small dogs in everyday and she usually fosters the small ones, so she will call us when she finds a dog that meets with what we are looking for. I like that idea because I want to be very careful. I had a good friend who adopted a pet from the shelter, recently, and she ended up taking the dog back because no matter what she did, the dog wouldn't have anything to do with her. I would hate to have to break Erin's heart by returning a dog that didn't work out....and so, the search continues...

Boo
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62721:
Hi All, had a super-busy weekend as my dad celebrated 90 years on Saturday! Big party, all of us 8 kids and families were there. He was sure happy.
BOO and MT- check out the pictures of me with the bees.
More violent storms here and now a 7.9 earthquake in China. My goodness, what is happening?
Keep that extra flask of oil with ya.
Prayers for all.
MDC
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62722: Well, Boo, I'm sorry that little Gizmo didn't work out for you, but you're wise to be choosing carefully. Acquiring a pet is a commitment and it's best not to commit unless you think it's best for all concerned, including the pet. A good personality "fit" is the most important thing. With dogs, and cats too, for that matter, shedding is a fact of life, something you'll just have to be prepared to deal with. Like you say, Sean loves to vacuum anyway, so that shouldn't be too much of a concern. Some breeds shed more than others, it's true, but all dogs shed to some degree. No animal grows a coat of hair and keeps it intact for the rest of its life. Even people shed! So, personality is the primary concern. Will the new family member fit in and be happy? If not, keep looking. You'll find "the one" in time. --Romeena
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62723: MDC: I did...you are the bee's knees! I sent some pics of teh yard to ROMEENA and I think I sent one of the Mrs. in her "bee suit" as well.

BOO: Sorry to hear that, but you're right, better choosey now than sorry later. I know when we had to return the c*cker we first adopted last summer it was really hard on the kids. Even though we have settled in with Mazy now, they still talk about him. We had him for about six weeks. He was a friendly creature. Wish he could worked out. I'm sure that once you find the right one, you'll all know.

See y'all tomorrow.

Me-They
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62724: does anyone know what Aunt Bea's china set looked like that she served dinner on each night
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62725: is this a trick question?
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62726: HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS FATHER,
PLEASE STRENGTHEN ALL YOUR
BELOVED CHILDER WHO FIND
THEMSELVES UNDER ATTACK. MAKE
YOUR DELIVERANCE FOR THEM
KNOWN AND SHOWN IN THE
DISPLAY OF YOUR MIGHTY POWER.
YOU ARE OUR REDEEMER AND SAVIOR
IN THE NAME OF YOUR SON, JESUS. AMEN.

TOM

May 12, 2008 - Msg 62727: Msg 62724: If you're asking what pattern her china was,I think it was "Blue Willow." Not sure,but that's my guess.

possum under a rock
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62728: You're probably right, Possum. Everyone who was anyone in that era had Blue Willow. I know my grandma did. Rarely had two nickels to rub together, but she had Blue Willow. --Romeena
May 12, 2008 - Msg 62729:
Hello porch family. Sunny and windy here today on my end of the porch.

Boo....glad you're taking your time to get the right doggy. When you meet the right one, you'll know it.

Tom....Thanks for the that prayer.....By the way, I'll be in Princeton,WV.

MDC....so glad the party went great with your dad.

You all sleep good tonight and remember......I'm praying for all the porch family.
-REV.


May 12, 2008 - Msg 62730:
Me-They I'm not inspired by oil companies, I'm frightened by the lemming of the public by a vocal minority. There has been class envy, greed, and corruption long before the discover of oil. And, I'd be willing to bet you'd find more Christians in the board rooms of "Big Business" then you would in the secular humanist environment of a group such as Green Peace. Child labor laws and the need for us to drill for domestic oil have nothing to do with each other, that's comparing apples with swimming pools.

Romeena-That is some deep thinking you're asking of us. I have to ponder that also.

auh2o
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62731: Mornng gang..waffle house on Maude!...at work let me get started...SPOT
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62732: Mornin' Honeys. Just sipping my coffee and contemplating my day.

Had bible study at the drug rehab last night and it went well, overall. We had a room full and I brought along a friend who was with me last week and she shared with the girls about resisting temptation. Interesting thing was that one of the girls (the one who causes trouble every week) passed my friend a note before she left and it turned out to be a "dirty" note. I will not go into details, but even I was shocked by it and sickened. I told her i was really sorry that it happened but she seemed to take it well and not be too disturbed by it. I know how tough those girls can be but I really didn't expect something that bold and disrespectful, especially to a guest. If I had known about it before we left, I would have spoken to the girl but now I'll have to find a way to deal with it next week. Most of the girls are respectful and appreciate us being there, so I try to think about that and not get to mad about it.

Well, Erin only has 4 days of school left and then she is out for the summer and I will be sleeping a little later in the morning...that will be good, but what am I going to do with that child all day?!

Boo
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62733: Good morning everyone. It's finally stopped raining, and it's supposed to be sunny and 70 today. Now I know how Noah must have felt on the 41st day. Hopefully I can get most of the garden in tonight.

BOO: So sorry that happened to you and your friend. I was just thinking that this troublemaker probably is doing these things to get your attention. Maybe it's a cry for help. The escalation in the girl's actions by writing a note like that, which she knew would bring some sort of response, may be her way of yelling louder. After all, she is coming to the studies and the "fun" of disrupting must be wearing off by now. I'm sure most of those girls don't have very good interpersonal skills. Anyway, you call your sister the saint, but I see it runs in your family. Prayers for you and your ministry.

Wow, only four days of school? Well, I guess y'all don't have to build in too many snow days, huh? Nora gets out on May 23 and that's early for around here. Schools only used a few snow days this year, and public schools aren't out until around June 13 or so.

AUH2O: You're right, child labor and drilling have no relationship to one another; except to say that companies would do both if it was legal and could flip a buck. I wasn't trying to draw comparisons to the activities, only motivations to make money whatever the consequences. I'm sure there are many Christians in boardrooms. I'll leave it at thatr today ;).

I hope that you ahve taken our conversation in the same way I have; two friends jawing. I have the utmost respect for your opinion, and you always make me think. And that hurts my brain so stop it ;). I love a good, juicy discussion among friends! Thanks.

ROMEENA: I'm still ruminatin'...

TOM: THanks for that wonderful poem/prayer. Just beautiful.

Me-They
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62734: Such a sweet thing to say, Me-They. You bless me so many times with your encouragement.

Yesterday I was so busy that I kind of skimmed over Ro's quote about the world's problems so I went back and read it today. Wow, thought provoking, for sure...

Better go do....THE LAUNDRY (distant scream in background)!

Oh, almost forgot, I was talking to my mom-in-law about Gizmo and she wants him. She has been lonely since her husband died in December and has been wanting to adopt a dog. I think she would be perfect for Gizmo because she lives alone and has the time to work with him and get him. So, Gizmo may be in the family afterall.

Boo
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62735: that's supposed to say "and get him used to a new home"...
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62736: Good morning, all. It's lonely around here this morning. Little Starr is at Dr. Mike's, I took her over about 7:30. She'll be there all morning, and maybe into the afternoon, as he has to at least sedate her, and maybe even fully anesthetize her to get those teeth out. I was only aware of two retained baby teeth, but she actually had at least four, and maybe five. One is her upper left "fang" (some fang!). The baby tooth is still sitting solidly in its place, and the permanent tooth is nearly in the roof of her mouth. I only hope it will come down when the baby tooth is removed.

Me-They, don't get a brain cramp from too much ruminatin'. Please understand, I'm not taking any position or holding any opinion, I'm sincerely just wondering. In nursing, the current trend is toward "evidence-based" practice. In other words, if it works, do more of it. If it doesn't work, quit it. With that in mind, if you look at the efforts over the years to feed populations in food-poor areas, the evidence would suggest that it was a mistake. The populations have just grown larger, making available food all the more scarce, and the dependency on world-wide aid has increased. Should we back off, and let natural forces prevail? But how do you not feed hungry children? Is a puzzlement.....

Boo, I do hope little Gizmo gets a home. Your MIL would have a companion, Gizmo would have a mom, and all would benefit. Take it from another old widow gal - that pup would rapidly become a necessity.

Well, I need to go put critter feed out. The whole litter of juvenile squirrels is hanging out in the yard today - all four of 'em! They're so cute. Slender little bodies, tails just fluffing out, timid at times and too bold at times - they have a lot to learn. It's such fun to watch the process. One was on the pond bridge just now, stretching his little self out and trying to reach the bubble of water flowing from the "umbrella" fountain. Suddenly the wind shifted and blew the curtain of water on him. It scared him, and he nearly fell in the pond, but managed to snag the bridge with one foot and scrambled back up. I don't know if squirrels can swim, but I'd have been out there with my net to rescue him if he needed it. Too funny!

Be blessed, all. --Romeena
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62737:
Romeena-I'm rested, relaxed, and ready to take a swing at that question. I'm gonna try and do this without sounding even more like the guy that's always waiting for the "revenuer" to knock at his door. I think we (the society) tend to think we can perfect this world and as a Christian I know that is not true. I guess then after saying we can't perfect this world and that there doesn't look like a benevolent king to watch over us, the question is, what then? Well, I'm a firm believer in the marketplace and the idea of "a equal tide raises all boats." How do we get there? I think that starts with the individual and his/her "pursuit happiness." If we all play by the same rules/laws, we'll discover we need each other to prosper. We do need the government to protect us, our interests and our freedom, and from each other when necessary. As for reaching out to the rest of the world, that's tougher. The idea of sovereignty makes helping others very hard, Burma and Dafur, for example. We can reach out, we should reach out and I hope we always do. I was a supporter (my support and a 50 cents will get a ya a half a cup of coffee) NAFTA, which would have helped Mexico and other central and South American countries. However, NAFTA turned into a green banana when congress didn't give it any teeth. I am not a supporter of handing over aid to those same sovereign places, like Dafur and Burma, that couldn't have a hoot about their own people. I guess I'm saying doing things to make us look good and feel good but do no good, should be nonstarters. Here comes the crazy guy in the woods part (Me-They avert your eyes) markets and capitalism, I believe, have a much better track record than other forms of government or economy, to help people and increase their quality of life.

Me-They How could I be mad at you? Don't be silly.

auh2o
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62738: I thought I smelled something...

M-T
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62739: Just funnin'. Actually I wholeheartedly agree with 95% of what you said right there. The only area where I may depart, and I'm just not sure how I feel about this, is that I don't know if we should allow sovereignity stop us from helping the helpless like in Darfur. I agree we can't keep shoveling money and aid to governments that will misuse them. However, we also can't stop trying to help those people, and not just for the long term (through markets) but TODAY. This day, there are children, especially, who are hungry, abused, and terrorized. Some areas may be gray and need approaching with caution, but the way I figure it if we know a corrupt government is allowing the wholesale rape and murder of children then its rights of sovereignity mean diddly squat to me. I say send in the marines.

If we can't help everybody, then we have to help all we can. The argument that is sometimes used that we can't afford it is absurd. When many of are driving our shiny cars to our four-bedroom homes to watch our flat screen tvs (better be TAGS, too), that dog don't hunt. When we have to start giving up some of the "necessities" because of our charity, then we can talk. Christ said when someone asks for your coat, give him your shirt, too. Not many of us are walking around neekid.

Y'all have a great one!

Me-They
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62740:
OK, now you're getting me mad!

M-T I would agree with that also. However, Iraq was committing all of those crimes you mentioned and we had legal justification to go into Iraq, and look how hard that is. Not to mention the number of resources it is using up. So, now we're in Iraq, stretched thin, should we go in to Burma? Dafur? Or, even China? We can do only so much I'm afraid. And, no one, by a long shot, has done as much as us and just look how much more there is to do and that's only mentioning four countries, and China's a monster.

auh2o
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62741:
M-T I was just joking about that, mad bit.

auh2o
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62742: Busy here at work..lunch will be McDonalds on auh20....back in a bit...order me a double quarter meal...SPOT
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62743: And just look what our "aid" has gotten us in the eyes of the world. Hatred. No good deed goes unpunished. The more we try to help, the more we're resented. However, just pull that aid, don't try to help, and we'll be resented for that too. There is no way to win.

I agree with what both of you have said, but you've taken it into a different arena than where I started out. I'm simply asking - is it wise to send food into a nation that can't feed its people? If that food comes with a population control plan, then fine. Do it. If not, maybe it's best to leave them alone and let natural population control take place. It happens in nature all the time. Not enough food, and the litter size in many species will decrease, or breeding ceases. Humans, unfortunately, have a different drive, and will continue to replace themselves over and over, even when they can't feed the infants and the mothers are starving too. So, the inevitable result of unrelieved food shortage will be a form of population control.

The scope of the problem is staggering, probably much bigger than any of us realize. I believe the answer is at least two-fold. Feed the people, but tie population control to the aid, somehow. If you want a bag of food, you must get "fixed". Something like that. (Can't you just hear the screams of "genocide" rising?) Then comes education - teaching farming methods, conservation, animal husbandry, whatever it takes to increase the food supply. Both of these contain many rabbits that can be chased, but those are the bare bones. Population control and increased food production. Without that, we'll be feeding an ever-increasing population forever. It's a treadmill to failure.

Well, Dr. Mike just called, Starr is waking up and I can go get her around noon. Good, because it sure is quiet around here. I hate it! I'll be glad to get her home.

Be blessed, all. --Romeena
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62744:
Boo- I think you have given that one girl more than enough leeway. In my opinion, I would tell her that she can attend only when she can behave.
That was EXTREMELY rude and she needs to hear it.
Holy anger is OK. "Be angry, but sin not in your anger." Tell her point blank that such will not be tolerated in your meetings.
Prayers continue for all in China. We need now more than ever to be ever vigilant and strong for the Lord.
God be with us.
MDC
May 13, 2008 - Msg 62745: Romeena, that is one reason why I think Gospel for Asia is a good organization to give to. They are not only spreading the gospel through local missionaries, but improving the quality of life through the donation of farm animals, etc.

I just love this porch and love the opinions expressed by good-hearted people. Huge problems...only one long-time solution..."...even so, come Lord Jesus".

Boo

Boo