August 12, 2008 - Msg 65030: You are all so sweet! I just love being here with my porch buddies. You brighten my day every day.

Hey ASA, the BLTs sound great. Yes, we are happy to be moving forward on the house (now that we are no longer scared to death)! I really liked the cabinet maker we met tonight. He and his wife do some beautiful work with Poplar, Birch, and Oak, mostly. They just seem like real good folks and even had several dogs on the place that were strays that they couldn't turn away, or pups they rescued from the pound. We met in their big, metal barn/workshop, and every dog had to take his turn coming in to say hello to us. A big duck even came in for a visit. I figure they must be good people to have such a heart for animals. Anway, we showed them the plans, told them the basics of what we wanted and they will let us know what the job will cost so we can decide. I really hope we use them because they are local, reasonable and kind folks. I saw some work they did on kitchen cabinets using beadboard insets and they were lovely. I don't want beadboard in my kitchen but am planning on using it in a couple of the bathrooms cabinets.

Well, Sean just informed me a few minutes ago that he had his first kiss tonight (shock of ages). He had spent the evening with his little friend, Alana over at my parent's house, and it seems they did a little kissing! I have to admit I was a bit surprised because they are only 13. I guess it's time for Bruce to have a man-to-man talk with him. If it were up to me, he wouldn't kiss a girl until he was married to her! He is obviously too young to have a girlfriend at 13 and this little girl is has been kissing boys for quite awhile already! Parenting is not for cowards, is it? I often have concerns about "boy" things that I know not of and when I ask Bruce, I get a blank stare, mostly....I wonder if he remembers adolescence?!

Hey NN.

Better get ready for bed. I am trying to get Erin used to going to bed at a reasonable time.

G'Night!

Boo
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65031: Ahhh Boo. The joy's of teenagers. If you thought your life was fun before, you ain't seen nothing yet. Hang on, it's gonna be a wild ride. LOL
Our kids were pretty good kids as teenagers, but even they had their issues to deal with. The temptations and peer pressures this teens have to deal with today are huge. Never has the need been greater for parents to be there for them, setting a good example and leading the way for them. I have no doubt Boo that you and Bruce are capable and loving parents and will do anything you have to to raise them right and teach them good values. Your children are very blessed in that regard Boo. To many children are in families where the parents just don't care (as you are well aware of dealing with some of those young girls in your Church group). Just never give up on them and don't be afraid of demanding they do the right thing, no matter who tells you what. At the end of it all at least you can say, "I did my best". That's all the Lord will expect of you.

Guess I best get busy here. I ain't got much ambition today. Wonder what causes that?

Asa
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65032: I think summer causes that, Asa. ;)

I have to agree with Asa, Boo, and I don't think I could add anything to what he said except that your kids are lucky to have parents like you and Bruce.

Hey, does anyone have a suggestion on what I could wrap around a tree to keep a cat off of it? I've noticed a cat prowling around at night outside the house. While that doesn't bother me, what does give me some concern is that last night I saw this cat climb up and down one of our trees like he was a squirrel.
It concerns me because on a smaller apple tree nearby, there is a nest of robins, and I really don't want to come out one day and find dead baby robins on the ground. Luckily the cat hasn't found them yet(I checked this morning and they were still there). I don't really know how it could miss them, because it is such a small tree. I can even see the nest straight across from the kitchen window.
Anyway, I am trying to think of something I can put around the trunk of the tree to keep the cat off of it. Short of tying a dog to the tree, does anyone else have any ideas?

-Sterling Holobyte
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65033: Good morning, everyone. Sterling, a blessing upon you for your concerns for the baby robins. You do have a problem. I have a couple of suggestions, though they might not work. One is an airhorn. Anytime you seen the cat, just open the door and sound that horn. He won't like it, will be very annoyed and it might discourage him from coming in your yard. Another, very temporary, measure would be a sheet of tin or other lightweight metal wrapped around the tree trunk. It would have to come up high enough on the tree that the cat can't jump over it, and this might not be possible. I don't know how far off the ground the first branches occur, but apple trees typically branch at a fairly low point, so this might not be feasible. Even if it is, it has to be temporary, because eventually it would harm the tree, but maybe it could stay until the birds are fledged.

Robins are difficult to protect though, because even after the little ones leave the nest, they hang around the area, running around on the ground for two or three weeks. I once worked out back all afternoon, with a couple of robins moving from cover to cover as I moved about the yard, but they never flew away. They could, because they did a couple of times, but would land across the yard and start their running about again. They looked fully grown, but weren't. At one point, I saw a parent fly in and stuff something into one bird's beak. This seems to be typical with robins, because it has gone on for years around here. I guess eventually the parents get tired and stop, and the big old babies are forced to fend for themselves, so they finally start flying. Hmm. Maybe there's a lesson for us humans there somewhere??

Well, that ding-dratted pond filter is clogged again, so out I go. This is every other day now, and I'm sure tired of it. Cooler weather will solve the problem, but until then, I have a permanent job. Oh well, I enjoy the pond, so I guess it's worth it. Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65034: Mornin' Y'all! Sterling,Mr.Possum (yes,he's still home- not sick anymore,but the weather is keeping him from working today.Fun,fun for me! Ha Ha-Yeah,right.)says that there is some kind of animal repellent available at hardware stores that you can put around the base of trees,so perhaps you could check that out. I think I read somewhere that cats don't like the smell of mothballs. Or you could stand guard with a watergun like Romeena told us she used on a pesky cat. I know Asa would suggest tying some of homemaker's meatballs to the tree or something to that effect!Sorry hm,but we all know Asa!

Boo, I feel for you having to raise a teenager these days. I guess all you can do is instill good values in Sean and trust him to make good decisions. Oh,and pray! You've got mine(prayers,that is.)

Me-They,hope you're feeling better.Please don't come down with the crud that's been going around down here- it grabs ya and it don't wanna let go! Get well man!

Oh,lots of folks from this area were involved in the recent casino bus tragedy out in Mississippi.One of my friends from childhood and her husband were spared,thank God.My husband knew one of the ladies that was killed- she ran a local marina for many years. She sold it just last year & planned to travel and enjoy her retirement. Very sad. My husband was really upset over her death. Two other woman from the Charleston area were killed also.Please keep the families in your thoughts & prayers.Thanks.
*******************
possum under a rock

P.S. Boo, any updates on Jubi?



August 13, 2008 - Msg 65035: Ro,you forgot the watergun! Good suggestions,though!

possum again
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65036: Good Morning everyone:

I hope everyone is watching the Olympics with the Everything is Wonderfull and Amazing Smoke 'n Mirrors in China.

Boo: I will tell you all of us atheletes in highschool took PE mandatory in 6th period...Before each football, basketball & baseball practice, (I played all 3) we were required to play badmittion one day & volleyball the next day and every day weight training. Volleyball is a very hard sport to master. I still play. Badmittion, I still play today and there is an organized game every Wed night with my friends..Water polo is one of the hardest and most physical demanding sports. You have to tread water and not touch the bottom the whole time you are in the pool..Those atheletes have my admiration. ...Me-They: the 70's and 80's had some of the best music ever if you bought it and played it on tape or album..The radio was terrible for the most part, even though a few gems did break thru...Leo Sayer, Helen Reddy & Neil Sedaka to name a few in my opionion were numbing..Remember Sat. Night Special...they would put the hard rockers on at the end of the night and start of with the tamest acts first...Rev:...I do like the classic rock, but also Country, Blue Grass, Zydeco/Cajun, Swing (Bob Wills), Jazz and the Christian rock station in Dallas was on my dial..

About Obama briefly...If elected he will be our first Arab-African-American President...He will not be our first Black President...His birth name is Barack Hussein Obama II. Google about his birth certificate copy that his campaign provided and see how fake it looks with his father's race listed as African instead of Negroe (during the early sixties and before they used that term) ...Speculation it that he was born in Kenya not Hawaii and does not qualify to run for president....We will see...nuff about politics...

Everyone have a good day and USA, USA..The "Dud"
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65037: Thank you for the sweet words and wonderful advice. I know I have a growing teenager who will, naturally be going through many changes. I try to keep the lines of communication open and am pleased that Sean feels he can tell me things (and frankly, I am glad to see he likes girls...). He does seem to have a good sense of right and wrong but I know how tough it can be to contol those hormones at his age. Prayer, love and guidance. I wish he would talk to his dad but he won't. I try to explain to him that there are things Dad needs to talk to him about that Mom can't really tell him because she isn't a man. I am going to have to work on getting Bruce to spend more time with him, just listening to him. Bruce, like many men, tends to lecture instead of listening and that doesn't make for open communication with a teenager!

Hey Possum, thank you for your prayers. I will pray for all affected by the bus accident. So sad. So far, Jubi is doing fine. They will repeat the scan in another month to see if the spot has grown, but for now, she is doing well and her mom is doing much better now. I wish you could see this little girl (well, she is now 11 and pretty tall for her age). She has the most beautiful red hair that cascades over her shoulders in loose curls and I NEVER see her without a smile on her face. Her mom says that when she was going through chemo, she never wavered. No matter how sick she got, she stayed positive. What a kid.

You are very kind, Sterling, wanting to protect the baby robins. Such a good heart. If it were me, I would probably turn on a sprinkler under the tree for a couple of days and hope the cat loses interest in the tree. It might cost a little, but it might work. Good luck.

Good luck with that filter, Ro...it seems like a pretty constant source of irritation to you. Wish it weren't so since you enjoy it so much.

Well, the coffee is gone and there is work to be done...

Boo
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65038: Oh, hey there DUD. I have not thought of Helen Reddy in a long time. Remember that song, "You and Me Against The World?"....that'un makes me cry...hehe

Boo
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65039: I'm back, the filter is clean, fountain running smoothly and I'm glowing. You know - horses sweat, men perspire, and ladies glow. Well, this is the wettest "glow" I've ever seen. It's only 84 out there, but quite humid. Yuck.

Possum, I didn't mention the water trick, because it's not done with a watergun. I have a little hand-held remote unit that can control my sprinkler system, and from my window I can turn on any zone out there at will. So, I wait until the marauding kitty is positioned just right in a given zone, and zap! Instant shower, really mad cat. It's just hilarious, and it meets my strictest requirement - it doesn't hurt the animal. Believe me, the only thing madder than a wet hen is a wet cat. What's really funny is that a cat just can't seem to control the urge to stop and shake the water off. So, here comes old Shamu from the house to the west of me. I wait until he's on the east side of my yard, and turn on that zone. Naturally, he runs for home, but when he runs out of the spray, he invariably stops to shake. That gives me time to turn that zone off, and then just as he gets to the base of the fence on the west side, I turn that zone on. That sprays his backside throughout his climb through the eleagnus on the fence. It's a difficult climb, and takes him about ten seconds, long enough to soak him through and through. By this time, I'm rolling on the floor, laughing at him. He goes home and yowls at his back door until my neighbor hears him. Then in a minute or two, I get a call, Angie is laughing as hard as I am, and she'll say something like, "Well, I see we had another of those freak rain showers!" We've had many a hilarious conversation on those occasions, usually speculating about all the many forms of retribution Shamu is planning for me. Life can be fun, it just takes a little imagination.

Prayers for all the sick folks on the porch. Those bugs can be miserable. They don't hit me very often, but when they do, they usually level me for about two days, then move on. An exception was that bronchitis a while back. Like an uninvited guest, I thought it would never leave!

Well, gotta run. I think Eloise and I will head over to El Fenix and get their enchilada special for lunch. Daphne, I haven't forgotten about Babe's. Just trying to find the right time. That's such a big meal, I like to plan it with some empty space around it - before and after! I'll be in touch.

Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65040: Good morning (almost afternoon, actually) everyone. I lived through the sushi nightmare—thanks for your well wishes. I never did get sick, but swore I could still taste that foul seaweed in my mouth hours after dinner.

We have been watching the Olympics some, mostly after the kids are in bed. Our daughter, especially, wants to watch but we have a sort of dilemma on our hands there. On one hand, we try to instill modesty in her and won’t let her watch certain shows and commercials. On the other, we have perfectly innocent (and exciting) sports events like diving and volleyball where the men and women wear ultra-tight, skimpy suits. We haven’t been able to come up with a way to justify it in one instance but not in another so we don’t let her watch. It is a shame, though, because I wish we could share it together.

NEW NEIGHBOR: I know where Whitetail is, but have no idea what you mean by “get the picture.” We’re only a couple of hours apart.

BOO: By the sound of it, my dad was a lot like Bruce. With my brother that seems to have been fine. They could “communicate” without words, just by tinkering on an engine or something. I was different and often had a hard time connecting with my dad. To his credit, though, I could tell even then that he was trying. It’s easy to fall into that pattern, and I have to consciously keep myself from doing so all the time. But you’re right about putting the work at Bruce’s door; you really can’t expect a teenager to bridge that kind of gap. From what you’ve shared over the years I’m Bruce will step up. And no matter what, I’ll bet that Sean will learn from and appreciate the effort.

Sound like the house will be ready in time for next summer. We’d better start planning the party! I’ll bring the streamers and the tunes. Lots and lots of Leo Sayer, right?

I was thinking yesterday that MERRIWEATHER hasn’t posted in quite a while. Lots of once-frequent posters have disappeared over the years, but her’s was really sudden. I hope everything is okay. If anyone has the wherewithal, think maybe she should be checked in on?

While I’m at it: APB for HOMEMAKER, GOOBER, CHARLOTTE, POOR HORATIO, DIXIE, IDELLE, OPIEMOM, BUCKEYE, and a whole host of others.

Well, off to lunch. I’ll try and stop back later.

Me-They
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65041: Me again. Boo, the sprinkler under the tree is an inspired idea. I think it would probably work. Don't know about the mothballs, and I'm not sure what they might do to the grass or even the tree as they dissolve.

Sterling, another idea is to get big coffee cans or small buckets, drill holes near their bottoms and string them tightly together on a rope, a bungee cord or some wire, and hang them so they encircle the tree trunk, open ends down. You'll need a couple of nails in the tree or a couple of cooperative limbs, to drop a cord from to hold the can chain up. A really enterprising cat might make it past them and any old squirrel would, but most cats would give up.

Oh, Boo, the pond filter things isn't all that bad, I just grumble a lot. It only takes about ten minutes. The upside is that it gets me out there where I'll spot any developing problems, and I usually manage to spend another twenty minutes or so at least, pulling weeds and doing a little light maintenance. So, maybe it's a good thing in disguise.

Well, this time I'm really gone. --Romeena
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65042: DUD: If Obama had been born in Kenya, I'm sure the Republican National Committee would have been taking out ads in the Washington Post by now. I understand there is some concern about Obama's heritage, but I really think it has been stretched to the point of conspiracy-theory fodder. To me, it's in the same vein as the rumors in 1999 that Clinton was planning on issuing an executive order to postpone the election and stay in office beyond his term. Some well informed people I know actually believed that stuff. I think this is about the same.

Bottom line, there are plenty of good, solid, evident reasons not to vote for Obama. We don't need to dredge up unfounded theories, unproved rumors, and the like. If someone doesn't vote for Obama just based on stuff like this, in my mind it's no better than not voting for him because they don't like his hair style. Vote issues, history, and character, not personality, fashion, and innuendo.

Me-They
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65043: OK, I lied. I'm still here. Me-They, I have been worried about Merri Wether for some time, and have emailed her two or three times, with no response. I'm very concerned about her. The email doesn't come back, so the address apparently is still good. She just doesn't respond. She's the type of person who isn't easily offended, makes a conscious effort not to be, but if something finally does hit her the wrong way, she would not fight back, she'd just quietly withdraw rather than get in a situation. I hope it's nothing like that, but it could be. I also hope she's not sick, or something wrong in her family. Quite honestly, I just miss her!

There is a demented butterfly in my yard! He's medium-sized, bright orange, and is flying around back there like a kamikaze pilot! Very fast, lots of loops and dives - I've never seen a butterfly do that. They usually just sort of float around, but he's really putting on a show. What was it Barney said? "The ways of the wild things are many and varied." Something like that. --Romeena
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65044: WE WANT ELLIE! WE WANT ELLIE!

Maybe for VP?

M-T
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65045: Hey, ROMEENA. I agree with your assessment. Hopefully, if it was something like that she still lurks here and maybe will let us know she's okay. Still, I can't imagine why she wouldn't respond to your e-mails. If I recall, her husband began having some health issues, then the floods came. I When I have some time, I may go back to the archives and do a little research. In the meantime, let's all pray dilligently for her and her family.

M-T
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65046: Well said, Me-They. His lack of experience alone is enough to make me question his suitability for the office. While the fact that he resembles a skinny baby bird might keep me from voting for him as Mr. America, it wouldn't influence my vote for him as president. There are plenty of other reasons for that. --Romeena

August 13, 2008 - Msg 65047: Hey brother Rev,ro,boo,asa and all...M-T where are you taking us for lunch?...rain gone and im off today so its open windows house cleaning!...SPOT
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65048: Ro,thanks for clearing things up. For some reason,I had you standing guard with a watergun. Your system is even better,and you get to stay indoors. Poor Shamu! Ha!

Jubi sounds precious,Boo. I can picture her in my mind with all of that red hair. I'll bet she's spunky!Thanks for the update.Looks encouraging!

Boy,this rain is something else.Reminds me of the kind we get when there's a tropical depression over us. Steady hard rain. Look at the Weather Channel and y'all will see what's happening. Spot,you haven't drowned over there in GA.,have ya? Rev, you haven't floated off in your RV,have you?! Well,we can use the rain.Can't do anything about it,now can we?

See y'all later.Stay dry in the Southeast!
************
possum again
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65049: Oh,hey there Spot! Glad you didn't drown!

possum again
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65050: Hello again:... Me-They and others I just wish you would look (Google) on-line at the birth certificate that B. Hussein Obama II.s campaign chairman is releasing as proof of US citizenship..when you have looked at it and remember what the early sixties were like..type written forms and no photo shoppe and no fonts....Love Little River Band...Went to their Dallas concert last year and I had a great time...

On a good note...My 11 YR old daughter is now a big Jonas Brother's fan...Another Disney creation....I still read Rolling Stone like I did as a youngster because it is a deal with my Web provider..on their new cover is a picture of the Jonas Brothers...I investigate and they have a father who is a Christian Musician/Composer and it shows a picture of a group of people (includeing the Brothers) who are in a prayer circle before a concert in Phonenix...The three brothers where rings that promise virginity to some but to the brothers they promise they will be gentleman and treat girls the way they would want their mothers treated...It was a great article and go: Jonas Brothers...MILK DUD has made me listen to these guys on our car trips and the youngest who writes all their good songs is a diabetic and he played a song about his diabetes that put a tear to my eye and I have Type 2 and he is only 15 at type 1...makes you think...The "Dud"
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65051: You know I was talking about playing Badmittion and Vollyball, but the coaches were talking about footwork, balance, hand to eye co-ordination, jumping ability, endurance and quickness and those two sports combined them...I think I am the only graduate of the University of Monroe with $ credits in volleyball. but I did it with an ex-high school coach who was on the college staff....The "Dud"
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65052: That is 9 credits in VolleyBall...I am Proud,(Wink, Wink)...The "Dud"
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65053: POSSUM: I just can't resist: JubiJubiJubi...

DUD: I don't think that's nutty. I went to a Liberal arts college that required a fair amount of pe credits. Instead of taking things like golf and tennis like most people, I took badmitton, fencing, archery, and bowling. The bowling didn't really improve my game any, but learning about the other stuff was really fun. I probably never would have done that stuff otherwise. I loved fencing (though I wasn't much good at it).

M-T
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65054:
M-T, Dud, Obama is right there in Hawaii right now. He could easily go to the state records department, cameras rolling, and request an official state copy... Frankly, I trust him about as much as I trust Putin and the Chinese communist government. But am I bitter, nah...haha
BOO- ah the innocence of puppy love! At least he told you about the kiss! My first 'love' was in 6th grade! and I am a product of the 50s, 60s WAY before any of today's 'media pressures.' I think I mentioned this before, but in my day, bra commercials didnt EVEN show it on a lady, only by itself. (You know, those days when madge used to soak hands in palmolive liquid! ha)It is just that darn puberty thing kicking in! And, yes, those 'boy' things may come into play very quickly! Tho I have no kids, I DO have 25 nieces and nephews whom we used to care for on many a weekend. I got Dr Dobson's tapes on adolescense and with the blessings of my brothers and sisters, we would play them during some of those weekends. They are very well done, they learned a lot in a Christian setting. I think it is DEFINITELY time to talk to Sean about such things, as his interest will only continue to peak! "Taurus appropinquat"
You could even watch the tags ep The Rivals with opie's female friend.
Well have a good day all,
MDC
From that ep:
Andy: That's right, this phone could ring at any second, and we'd be out blockin' roads, stakin' out, 38in' and 42in' all over the place.
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65055: Me-They: You have an open invitation to join us for a true SPORTS BADMITTION Challenge on a Wed night at the our local Catholic Church provdier to kick your tail...Beware, we wear gloves and have expensive graphite racquettes....and by the way we play Ping Pong with our gloves and expensive raquets...The "Dud"
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65056: Good suggestions about my cat problem. Although since I usually spot the cat at night, and in this most recent case, when I got up to use the restroom at about 4am, I don't think the neighbors would appreciate the airhorn idea. ;)

I've been reading up and it seems that cats do not like the smell of citrus, so I experimented on our cat Sofie with some lemon juice, and sure enough she smelled it tentatively, winced, and would not come near it again. So I will probably be putting some of that on and around the tree tonight. I still want something to put around it like a barbed-wire fence or something. I like the idea of the coffee cans hanging around it, Ro. I would just need to find some things to put up there, since I don't drink coffee and don't have that many buckets.
But, the lemon juice and something else as a barrier should do the trick I imagine.

-Sterling Holobyte
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65057: MDC: You have a good point..If I am an a Internect attact person ,why not make a big scene and go to the county court of records and disprove me...ME-They you have to agree...Show us to be phonies and not show us these phoniesa official birth certificates....Remember..John Edward's Two Americas, one I with my wife, the other I am with my Misstress...The "Dud"
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65058: Your are vacationing in Hawaii, Mr B. Hussein Obama II. and why not stroll down to the county Clerk (See Howard) office and get the real birth certificate of your birth and disprove me and many others who think you are not qualified to be president...The "Dud".
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65059: Thanks MDC, I was recently reading an article by James Dobson about teen boys and the big "M". The other night I went in to tell Sean goodnight and I got "Don't come in Mom!"...Oh, shoot. I guess I will just ignore it. Actually, Dobson had some really good advice in that area (on his website).

Ha, good point about the airhorn, Sterling. Too bad you can't rig up the sprinkler to spray lemonaide!

Me-T, somehow I just can't see you fencing or bowling...

Boo
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65060: I parry that thought, BOO. Andf I'm not touching the other thing (poor choice of words, I guess) with a ten-foot pole. I claim complete and total ignorance of such things.

M-T
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65061:
I do fencing also. I am best at 'white picket,' but I also do pretty good at 'redwood' and even 'chain link'! haha
Boo, on one of Dr D's radio broadcasts, he said that 98 percent of teenage boys admit to it, and then he said "the other 2 percent are liars!" haha
Regarding that 6th grade 'love', I slipped a valentine on her desk going into class, she opened it and then turned to where I was sitting about three rows away, and she SMILED at me! My heart skipped a beat! (Maybe that's when my heart problems started! ha) But alas, love is fleeting, and within a week other 'courters' gained her attention and I was too chicken to continue! ha (And no, her name was not Cecile! ha)
We met at Arizona State.
My prayers are with you!!
MDC

August 13, 2008 - Msg 65062: Someoe once said: "When I die I want it to be a sad day for everybody,,,
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65063: When I was in sixth grade, love meant swaping leather wrist bands with your names on them (remember those?). Ah, love was much easier then. At least until high school hit. That was like walking into a field of land mines.

Y'all have a great evening.

Me-They
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65064: I have to add one more thing. Funny thing about the wrist band swap was that that was pretty much all there was to it. The boy and girl went about their usual business. In extreme cases of middle school amore, one might exchange phone numbers. But, to my recollection, you didn’t really even walk to class or hang out together on the playground. Heaven forbid the actual holding of hands (girls, yuck!). I think the idea of “going together” was much more exciting than the reality at that age. In fact, if I can remember back, most of my crushes at that age were on teachers, especially those college-aged student teachers!

M-T
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65065: "Va-va-va-voom!"

M-T
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65066: Good evening sterling,possum,boo,M-T,dud,mavis,Ro,Tom?..brother Rev,CHUCK?,gizzmo?Irister?..and Ms local Lucy!..rain gone here..overcast and 80...I got to go get a new battery for my mower...and wash my truck..hey yall lets have a car wash fund raiser for the porch!...lat this evening..we can all tell what we drive!..me first,2000 GMC 4 door one ton dully black...ok whose next while I get the buckets and hoses out...we will start after supper..menu:grilled burgers and dogs..[burnt for Ro and I]swiss cheese,chips,baked beans,maude slaw,kool-aid...see yall at supper...prayers...SPOT
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65067: Andy: Remember Miss Von Roader?
Barney: The beast of the fourth floor!
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65068: Haha, you guys are hilarious. The problem I have, Me-T, is that Bruce also claims total ignorance of such things! Well, I know our current youth pastor doesn't blink over anything. I guess I could ask him to have a talk with the guys about proper behavior with girls. He is the type to say, "Hey, don't do it or else!"...ha. I love that guy. He makes those boys do the right thing, every time. Sean was elected to be the "announcement maker" in the youth meetings and he is supposed to bring the church bulletin with him to give the announcements. EVERY time, he forgets to bring it and instead of letting someone give Sean their bulletin, Matt (youth pastor) makes Sean go all the way back to the main church to get a bulletin. I think it's great. Maybe one of these days he will remember. Matt also makes the kids do push-ups if they disrespect or insult someone. Boy, that is really fun to see.

You know, I had my first little puppy love in the 1st grade. His name was John and we used to meet at the monkey bars at recess. I remember giving him a kiss once, and he gave me a little plastic ring from a gumball machine and asked me to marry him. Awww...

Tonight, we are having an FBI agent come to the church to speak to the parents about internet dangers. It just so happens that one of the girls in our group (who is 14) just got caught by her mom talking on the phone with about 15 guys from all over the country that she met on the internet! Mom is strict and grounded her from the computer and the phone. She is worried and I can't blame her.

I just found out one of my best friends, Terri, is in the hospital with a bowel obtruction. I may have mentioned her before. She is my really ADHD friend who has a horse farm? Anyway, I am concerned about her. If you think of it, please lift a prayer for her. She is like family and her kids are like neice and nephew to me.

Better go finish cleaning the kitchen and folding the laundry. I just got back from the grocery store and after putting the groceries away, I am tired! It is SO hot outside! Can't wait for cooler weather, so I can open the windows again.

Boo
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65069: Oh, forgot to mention, Me-T, that I only had one "va-va-voom" teacher in the 8th grade. Coach Mills...wow. The problem was that he was such a stinker that it didn't matter how good looking he was. He only lasted one year...I think he hated kids (not that we are all that lovable). I do remember giving him a can of homemade Christmas cookies during the holidays and he was thrilled. First real smile I saw on his face...I guess it's true about the key to a man's heart being through his stomach. So, anyway, I didn't have crushes on teachers but boy did I dig the man who owned the Texaco station in town (I think I have shared that before)...he looked like Pa Ingalls...talk about your "va-va-voom"...wow!

Boo
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65070:
What? No one liked my fencing joke!? Oh well, I also love bowling. The best ones are the handpainted ones, but i have also made the kind with decals.
Glaze em up good, fire em, and those bowls look great! (:
Boo- it seems like Thelma Lou's fudge brownies with walnuts did the trick for Opie! ha
Anyone else watching Phelps in the 'lympics? I watched Mark Spitz,but this guy is amazing! I also noticed that he has no tatoos and neither do any of the gymnastic girls. That was refreshing.
MDC
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65071: BOO: I like you a lot, and unlike Sean, I did not tell my parents when young girls were attracted to me...Playing sports like I did, especially summer baseball, we had young girl groupies and I was involved with all kinds of things that I would not be normally involved in..I grew up with the Church..But it did not matter..I have a 11 yr old daughter and I am so worried about this happening, but I know It does happen..The "Dud"
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65072: Thanks, DUD. I know it's scary, especially when we remember how things were when we were young. I know kids in church who are involved in some pretty sobering things. In or out of church, there are many temptations for our young people. Keep praying and listen to what your daughter is "really" saying when she talks to you. Keep those lines of communication open because it is your job, as her dad, to make her understand how valuable she is and how much she is loved by her Dad and her God. If she finds that love and acceptance from you, she will find much less need to seek it from somewhere else, but I am sure you know that. You seem like a very caring Dad...just a little encouragement for you.

Hey there MDC, glad you like "bowling" (snicker).

Boo
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65073: Sterling, have you thought about trying oil of citronella on that tree? I know dogs dislike it very much, I would imagine cats would be pretty much the same. There's even a bark-control collar out for dogs that is sound-activated. The dog barks, and the collar emits a puff of citronella. My DIL's sister got one for a dog who was named (appropriately) Barkley, and as I understand it, he no longer deserves his name. Maybe some of that applied to the tree would keep the bird-killer away. --Romeena
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65074: RIP Sandy Allen
The World's Tallest Woman

Sandy resided in Shelbyville, Indiana (just up the interstate from me). I saw her once when I was younger.

homemaker
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65075: Boo and others: My Ex and I have had so many talks with MILK DUD about these issues...The mainstream media just pushes everything right out front...my daughter has been boy crazy since she was 5..I love the Jonas Brothers as her crush at this time..but I will tell you I was a young and crazy kid and the girls were the ones who said "I want you". My experience not others..but we are talking about 10 yrs old...look at MySpace sometimes and it will make you sick how these youngsters are acting....Please God give me guidance and I will get the MILK DUD and I thru this travel...The "Dud"
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65076: Guess the fund raising car wash did not go over to well....got all my grass mowed..back in a bit ..SPOT
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65077: Good Evening Porch Family:
Just taking a break from the Olympics to read up on the last days' postings. Quite a few to read!!
Please pray for daughter # 2 as she leaves tomorrow morning to return to college in KY- 8 hours away and driving by herself. She has done it before, and I know she is a safe driver, but there are the other NUTS on the road I'm concerned about.
M-T, no hidden meaning by "get the picture" just an expression. And by the way, if your family would like Tubing Tickets or ski/snowboard passes, let me know. "I'll fix you up".
Better get back to the games.
Good one RO- sure wish I was your neighbor! We would have a blast! I'd even clean your filter for you! ~New Neighbor
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65078: Hey homemaker- don't be a stranger. We don't have to talk about politics. ~New Neighbor
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65079:
Hey Folks

Been busy the last few days. I took my girls, a niece and a family friend to the Taylor Swift concert on Monday. That was lot of fun. She's a daughter of the South, Georgia, I think.

Hope I'm right but I don't give much credence to the Obama conspiracy stuff. I much more afraid of his emptiness, like many have said about him, "There is no there, there."

Dud-I haven't followed the Obama birth certificate thing but one of the reason's they may have listed his father as African is because he was born in Africa.

homemaker- I just read that about Sandy Allen. That's neat, you getting a chance to meet her.

Lucy-Like Asa said, there is a coolness in the air now. Our mornings have been starting off in the 40's or 50's. We won't see any snow till October maybe a few flakes in September, but ya know, the older I get the more I enjoy the white stuff. When you get a few feet of snow, and have a nice fire burning, that is sooo good.

Romeena- I forgot to mention how much I enjoy your blog. It's in my favorite bookmarks folder. Thanks for sharing with us.

Don't care much for rock, southern rock (unless Tom Petty is included in that lot), hair bands, or metal, heavy or other wise. I know nobody asked but I thought I'd butt in there.

auh2o
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65080: I remember seeing interviews with Sandy Allen, homemaker. Her nature seemed to be characteristic of most real-life "giants" I have seen or read about, a very gentle soul.

I didn't think about the citronella, Ro, but it is also a good idea.
What I did tonight was I took a bunch of thin bamboo sticks that we had laying around, drilled a little hole in one end, and then threaded some fishing line through and tied them around the tree so they are hanging around the trunk. Then I took a bottle of lemon juice and squeezed it on and around the trunk.
Hopefully it will discourage the old cuss from that tree. I only hope he will still be discouraged if/when he hears some little baby birds chirping up there.
Oh, and I also put a little bit of duct tape(sticky side out) around the branch that the nest is on so in case he does have the wherewithall to get past the other defenses he might grab hold of the tape, and it will grab hold of him, and I don't think a cat would like that feeling. heh heh.

-Sterling Holobyte
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65081: No politics have to be mentioned..The "Dud"
August 13, 2008 - Msg 65082:
Don't care much for rock, southern rock (unless Tom Petty is included in that lot), hair bands, or metal, heavy or other wise. I know nobody asked but I thought I'd butt in there.

auh2o ::; Yes MY Friend: how did you not like a few of the hair metal ballads= guys...come on...the "Dud"

August 13, 2008 - Msg 65083: Good for you, Sterling. That duct tape is a brilliant idea!

Hey NN, how is your daughter doing with the headaches? Are they gone now?

Auh2o, good to see you. You know, I was in the grocery store today and they were playing oldies from the 70's...well, that stupid T-Rex song was playing..."Get it On, Bang a Gong"...now, how stupid was that song? It was really indecent, too, especially for 1971! If you think about it, alot of the 70's music was not exactly decent. I guess we turned out ok anyway (maybe).

Tonight at church, the head of the FBI in Corpus Christi came and spoke to youth and parents about the dangers of the internet. Talk about being honest and telling it like it is. This guy really scared me. He gave us some very stern warnings, and he knows in detail and up close what is really going on out there and how the problem of child porn and internet predators has escalated since 1995. The fact is, there is no way to "put back" what was let out of Pandora's box. What we can do is supervise our children and learn how to keep them safe. Very serious stuff. You can check out ways to protect your kids on the FBI website.

Boo
August 14, 2008 - Msg 65084: Hey gang...I love southern rock...and Rev"s CD"s..so to each ther own..U.S.A. AND THE GAMES!...well bed time for me...SPOT
August 14, 2008 - Msg 65085:
Hello porch family.

Possum....the rain has cleared from my end of SC.

MDC....if no one else laughed at your fencing joke, I did. hehe

New N.....praying for your daughter. Be sure to let us know when she gets there safe.

Spot....that rain makes the grass grow like crazy. I've got to cut mine also.

Well ya'll I'm sleepy so I'm going to hit the sack.
Prayers for all our porch family.
-REV.


August 14, 2008 - Msg 65086:
Thanks Spot
-REV.
August 14, 2008 - Msg 65087: Good evening, all. New Neighbor, I wish we were neighbors too, because that would probably mean I was living in the country, which is where I'd really love to be. Not gonna happen now, I'm too old and too deeply entrenched where I am, but it's where my soul goes in my dreams.

Auh2o, I'm glad you're enjoying the blog. Have you found them both? I just posted another installment of the Mongolia journal - will try to be more consistent with getting them posted. I've just been busy. If you haven't found that one, all you have to do is click on "My Profile" and it brings up both blog titles - click on the one you want.

Sterling, thanks for your comment on the blog. I can tell you understood what I was trying to get across. Some have described Mr. O as an "empty suit". That may be true, and I think I hope it is, because I'm not sure I would like what his suit might contain. There are too many ties and alliances with questionable people around the world, and it scares me.

Last night was a bittersweet time for me. As I told you earlier, my SS class met for the purpose of filling backpacks with school supplies for needy children. Our teacher has been my good friend for many years, a woman with a real heart for missions. She was a part of the team that went to Mongolia this year, and I wanted to go so badly, but for several reasons, I didn't get to go. Well, she spoke for about twenty minutes last night, and told us about her trip. I loved hearing about it, but it really made me sad that I didn't get to go. Maybe next year. Anyway, her story of her adventure this year will probably run in the Mongolia Mission blog a little further down the line. It's interesting!

Blessings, all. --Romeena
August 14, 2008 - Msg 65088: I'm sorry you didn't get to go to Mongolia this year, Ro. God bless your heart for wanting to! Two of my best buddies (pastor Mark and Keith) are going to Mexico to work with a missionary at the end of the month and it is hard not to go with them, but I couldn't this time. It sounds selfish, but I try not to think about the things they will be doing without me! ha Our big youth fundraiser is coming up in October and instead of camp next summer, we are planning a trip to a mission church we support in Utah. If the fundraiser is a success like last year's we should be able to pay everyone's way out there and their expenses. Not sure if I will be able to go to that one, either, but I hope so. It's not Mongolia, but Utah has better food and we wouldn't have to drink fermented mare's milk, right Ro? hehe

Better hit the sack. I made the mistake of drinking coffee at the meeting tonight and have been wide awake since.

Boo
August 14, 2008 - Msg 65089: Good Morning Everyone:

Let us start with a good breakfast on the porch:
Virginia Country Ham, Center cut Bacon, Omelettes your style, Home made La. Bisquits, Wheat Toast, Pace Picante Salsa Chunky Style and country fried Grits...Yeah Grits..The "Dud".
August 14, 2008 - Msg 65090: SHHHH- The "Dud"- NOT SO LOUD. Not everyone wants up this hour of the morning. But, since you woke me, may I just have a warm biscuit/butter and jelly? A breakfast that heavy lays on my chest. (no comment-ASA)
Daughter just pulled out of the driveway. Steady there mom, it will be oK...
Boo- thanks for asking about her headaches...Ya know it's funny how stress effects a body. As the summer wore on, I found out that this quiet,loving girl had endured a roommate from "you-know-where".I just didn't know how extensive this was. The girl would sneak boys in their room, lock the door and daughter was left in the hallway not knowing what to do. The RA didn't intervene. But a few calls to the Deans Office, and daughter's laptop getting confiscated,(the roommate and friend had been using hers for nasty, vulgar emails) and presto- laptop back, and no roommate... AMEN. So see it's not just teens. This year will be VERY different. She will be an RA in one of the units and will have a room to herself! Thanks for praying.
~New Neighbor
August 14, 2008 - Msg 65091:
Morning Porch

What a beautiful day here this morning, 51 degrees and SUNNY! The humming birds are out there fighting with each other, kinda like flying Chihuahua's. The one dark cloud on the horizon, at least for me, is there are rumors that "wind energy" is coming to our little town, YEESH! Windmills...really? Maybe we could each get a government issue ox to haul our water to our homes. Think of the energy we would save, not turning on those popluting water pumps. What a step backwards, in my humble opinion.

New Neighbor-You are right, she will be OK.

Boo-I agree a lot of what went on in the 70's is a bit embarrassing.

Romeena-No, I didn't see that other link, thanks for the info.

Dud- Nope don't like hair bands. I can't change the dial fast enough. Maybe I painted with too broad a brush yesterday. I didn't mean to knock all of rock music so much. It's just that I can't stand bands that have something like eight guitar players and a drummer. Count me in for breakfast, I never had grits, Louisiana Biscuits, or salsa with my breakfast but I do enjoy trying new foods and I'll always sign-up for ham and bacon.

"I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother what a night it really was
Brother what a fight it really was
Glory be"

auh2o
August 14, 2008 - Msg 65092: auh20: I am gonna make you a La. Grits, Salsa (Tabascso Chipolte Brand), La bisquits, Center cut Bacon, Crawfish Omellette Cheddar Cheese (Green Pepper,Onion,Garlic) for the Porch..The "Dud".
August 14, 2008 - Msg 65093: Good morning everyone. Warm days, low humidity, and cool nights—I could live like this forever.

Where’s HAZEL and TOM been? Good to hear from you, HOMEMAKER. I would promise no political talk, but you probably know me well enough to know I can’t pull that off.

MDC: I thought your fence joke was funny. Maybe we could take our show on the road and be a regular Frick and Frack?

BOO: I’m glad I wasn’t with you at your talk last night. Not that my head is in the sand; to the contrary, I’m already paranoid about all I’ve read and heard. It’s one of the reasons why we have no computer at home (besides the Mrs.’ work computer). The kids really don’t seem to care—probably because that’s the way it’s always been and they’re still young—and I’m not getting one until it seems absolutely necessary.

I really believe that parents must be aware about what’s going on, especially with the internet. Children are being exploited and exposed to vile things. I’m not usually a fan of the abridgment of rights (no huge fan of the Patriot Act, for example) but I truly believe that questionable material should be censored on the internet. Rights end when they infringe on those of others, and the pervasiveness of the net means that no matter how good the gatekeepers and protective software, trash will get through. I say ban it—period. If that qualifies as censoring someone’s rights then so be it. A slippery slope it may be but I see no other viable alternative. Our society is being rotted from the inside and we won’t scrape the crud.

NEW NEIGHBOR: Okay! Thanks for the offer.

AUH2O: What kind of music do you like? 70s soft rock, pop, and country (sorry, BOO), light jazz, 40s and 50s swing, and Spanish music really twang my buds. I also like some classical and some harder rock. I listen to music most often in the car. At this moment my car CD case has Paul McCartney and Wings, a few “new flamenco” CDs, James Taylor’s Greatest Hits 2, a couple of 70s compilations, Rosemary Clooney, Fleetwood Mac, Mercyme, Michael Buble (sorry), and Buck Owens. When I listen to the radio, it’s usually NPR (sorry again) or contemporary Christian music. There are a few “harder” bands I used to listen to but don’t know since the kids.

ROMEENA: Maybe you should just turn that filter off and let the water stagnate. Then, you could throw some horse hairs in to see if they turn into snakes. Johnny Paul says they do.

Well, like usual I have more to say but no time to do it. I’ll stop back later at lunch. How about Chick-fil-A, SPOT?

Me-They