August 25, 2008 - Msg 65527:
Ro- when I was 13, my mom would pay me 50 cents an hour to 'babysit' my younger siblings! ha
Of course, I suppose i was lucky to get ANYTHING!
It could have been,"Watch the kids, I'm running to the store!" haha
Me-They-- Did Dr Breen guest-preach this weekend?
You left me speechless, I hope all did, or else the Knights Templar finally got to you! hmm
Seriously--exactillioso! Thanks.
Fish fry tonight at Spots! I like REV's idea!
EVERYONE welcome! Hazel will come as batman!teehee
Just don't cite the governor's car!
MDC
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65528: OK looks like its on tonight for the fish fry at the dogs farm!...who can make hushpuppys?...and by ALL means Maude Slaw!...gree onions,white beans,tea and salsa for Romeena!...Rev you and Tom get here early to help park cars...Asa keep everybody in line,hazel you string up the lights,MDC you are in charge of the entertainment??..well cracker barrell was good lunch but gona dodge this rain and get some work done around here...Im off till wed..fish fry tonight...yea thats gona be good!.hope Mavis can get me trimmed up before the party....back in a bit...SPOT
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65529: I can't make hushpuppies but I sure can eat 'em!

Yep, Me-T, you are wise not to overdo it on the birthday parties with three little ones. That could really add up. I did have one birthday party when I turned 7 and it was much like Ro described...pin the tail on the donkey, playing tag in the backyard and having cake. All gifts were within the dollar range, it seems. I did have a sleepover birthday party when I was in junior high, I think...hard to remember back that far..yikes.

I remember attending the 1st birthday party of the 1st child of a friend of mine. All the relatives were there, and many friends and they held it in the backyard. When it came time for cake and presents, the poor kid was terrified. He did not want to participate in any of it and seem overwhelmed by the attention of the crowd. I remember thinking, "Well, he certainly is enjoying his birthday party...not!". It was mostly for the family, I guess, and to get pictures for the scrapbook.

Well, I need to check the laundry and perhaps take a catnap on the couch before getting Erin from school....(yawn).

Oh, not to start a religious moulage but I was reading an interesting book this weekend called "Escape", written by a woman who escaped from Warren Jeff's community in Utah. She has some very interesting insights into the FDLS (Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints), being the 4th wife of a man named Merill Jessop. She was basically forced to marry him when she was 18 and he was 50. The life she describes was so sad. Interesting read, for anyone interested. Can't understand how the whole polygamy thing could ever get a foothold in this country.

Better go...

Boo
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65530: Hey Y'all- I see lots of talk about birthday parties and with Laci's 5th birthday just around the corner,my daughter & I are looking for games & crafts that little girls (all under age 10) would enjoy.Nothing too rowdy- party will be in the church social hall! Thanks for any suggestions.
I pulled a muscle or something in my back picking Laci up this morning.I never know whether heat or ice is best.I've done both,plus a muscle relaxer.Thankfully,my daughter got out of school early today and took Laci home. Heat? Ice? I can still pick her up,but it hurts when I bend over and shift positions.I know- "Don't bend over and shift positions!" Ha! I need to get well ASAP- tomorrow is therapy,speech and taking Laci to get her new shoes.

Boo,I've heard of that book.I might have to see if I can find it at the library. I'd like to read it.

Spot,you'd better ask Asa to wear shoes.Me-They won't show up if Asa's wearing sandals!

Guess I'll go get on the heating pad.Y'all take care and have a good evening.
*****OUCH!*****
possum under a rock
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65531: Where has the day gone? I still have so much to do for tonight; there's confetti to cut, hors d'ouvres to stuff, and Bill and Hilary want seperate green rooms. Now, Delaware delegates have to get moved to the front of the house, which of course means seats 1-5 in row A will have to be moved. Then, since Ted is expected to be in the house, all references to "bridges to" anywhere in the speeches have to be removed. Busy, busy, busy.

Anybody catch the closing OLympic ceremonies last night? Boy, one thing is for sure, those Chinese sure know how to put on a spectacle.

BOO: Wake up! Just kidding. Today was the first day of school for us. Hope all went well.

Me-They
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65532: Oh, hey there POSSUM! Hope your back feels better. Try a little blue pill.

BOO: You "Can't understand how the whole polygamy thing could ever get a foothold in this country?" Hello! I'd like to introduce you to the typical male...

M-T
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65533: Good Monday porch, hope all is well this afternoon. Busy week end on my end of the porch. Lots of spider webs accumulated and I spent much of my days off getting them down. Bad things about them, is they always come back!
Did some catching up at work today, moving papers around and such.
Thanks for lunch SPOT and for the fish fry. I made an extra big batch of cole slaw for the party.
I Sure could use a nap bout now, must be my low blood sugar count. :)
Glad to see things back to normal around here.
You guys are great.
Big Maude
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65534: Sorry about your back, Possum! I had a neurologist tell me ice for the first day, then heat the next. Some say alternate, though, but the ice for a new injury will help the inflamation. Also something like Advil, that is an anti-inflamatory along with the muscle relaxer, especially before bed, will probably have you feeling better tomorrow. Most importantly, DON'T pick up Laci, as hard as that may be. If you have to, have her get up and stand on the couch or a chair first.

Me-T, you have a definite point there...If I were to allow myself to consider the "pros" of being the only wife to several husbands, I might actually consider polygamy as a lifestyle..(kidding, of course). Just think...men to do the chores, the cooking, cleaning, raise the children. It could work. Here's the real problem I would have, though, polygamists seem to like very young spouses and I could never marry several teenaged boys! yuck. Seriously, though, it is hard to understand how, if they take the name of Jesus Christ, they can ignore His teaching on the subject.

Erin's first day was a good one and Sean finished his studies fairly painlessly and is now doing some chores. He has such a terrible time with math concepts. I just don't know what I am going to do with him. Long division is just something he can't get his mind around at age 13. It can be very discouraging, and his spelling is a problem, too.

Well, better get ready for bible study at the rehab..see ya later.

Boo
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65535: Hey there Maude, better eat your mr. cookie bar before you have a sinking spell...

Boo
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65536:
No one even noticed my nice spic and span dusting of the porch. I even washed the rocker cushions! ha
See ya all tonight at Spots! Barn dance after the fish fry! I'm takin my yearly bath, and gittin' all gussied up! I'm bringing some Mrs Frisbee pies, and for entertainment, Opie will put an egg in a bottle!
Ya all come back now hear! OK, sugar babe! Now gosh dern there Little Luke...
MDC

August 25, 2008 - Msg 65537: Boo we will get someone to cook us up some hushpuppies!...Asa possum said to wear shoes so M-T can come to the party..and NO sandals with sox!MDC yer a Hoot!..Maude make 2 tubs of slaw please you know that Asa and slaw!..Possum come on over and its the HOT tub on the deck for yer back!..Boo I saw the ceremonies last night...what a show!...sure hope Mavis can get me trimmed before tonight...Rev you gona be able to park cars and bring the tea?...well let me get the fryers fired up!...see yall in a bit...hazel get the lights strung up nice and tacky now!...peace love and prayers....SPOT
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65538: Hey Spot, I'll bring my clippers & head over to the dog house early, figure since you ain't been trimmed in a while, an hour oughta do it. Can somebody bring some banana pudding? I was gonna fix it, but if I gotta get Spot trimmed up, I just ain't gonna have the time. Me-They yer right, Dremels rock! Boo glad to hear the first day of school went well, did you miss Erin today or was it a much needed break? I know where Sean is coming from, I had the worst time with any of the math, guess that's why I'm a dog groomer & not an accountant, huh? MDC I noticed yer nice sweeping of the porch, you even got the dust bunnies! Way to go! Romeena you bringing Starr to the fish fry? Big Maude things are getting back normal here in Bristol, how about in your neck of the woods. Oh did I tell everyone, the kids were out of school here on Friday because of the race, boy when we were kids, we only got out of school for the regular holidays! Anyways, best go get all my equipment gathered up & loaded into the Blazer if I'm going to trim Spot, and Possum do go doing that with yer back there!
Later taters,
*Mavis
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65539: possum that was supposed to be DON'T go doing that with yer back, for crying out loud, body would think I hated English too, but it was one of my favorite subjects! Maybe that will teach me to proof read. Might, yeah, but it might not! ha
*Mavis
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65540: Yeah, Mavis, I'm bringing Starr. It's about time she met the porch gang. I may tie a red flag to her tail, though, so people will notice her and not step on her. She's awfully little, you know. She was a little concerned about meeting Spot, but I assured her that he's a friendly dog, just like her dear friend Bentley, so she said that's okay. See y'all later!

Be blessed. --Romeena


August 25, 2008 - Msg 65541: I kinda figured out what ya meant,Mavis! The back pain might be easing up a bit. Boo,I'm trying ice & will take the meds you suggested before bed tonight. I had to go to CVS for something this afternoon so I asked the pharmacist who said use ice because heat would make it swell worse. Although Spot's hot tub suggestion sounds good,I'd better lay off the heat! I wish Laci COULD climb up on a chair or couch,but she just can't. We have to pick her up-she can't walk independently.In order to get her in and out of a car seat,high chair,crib,we have to lift her and she's at least 40 pounds! She can stand alone,but she can't climb.Luckily,it hasn't hurt my back today to hold her or pick her up-just hurts when I bend over or move a certain way.I must have picked her up in some weird way this morning in order to have pulled a muscle.I guess the Lord knows that I've gotta do this,so I am able to. But I will take it easy-tomorrow is a long day with her.
Glad we got Asa to wear shoes.Now if we could only do something about that mullet!

See y'all at the fish fry.I'll be the possum that's walking crooked!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65542: Oh, and Possum, ditto to everything Boo said about your back. --Romeena
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65543: Ro,have you taught Starr to pull a little wagon like Plum used to? I might need a ride!
possum again
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65544: possum I think at 4.5 pounds Starr is too little to pull a wagon, we'll see if Rev won't pick you up in his motorhome, that ought to be plenty of room for a Mr & Mrs Rev & a possum Then when you get there, we'll have Spot bring his 4 wheeler over for you to ride around on. MDC I'm sorry I messed up yer fine sweep job with all that hair off Spot but boy oh boy, he was a mess! Still is a mess, but at least he's a gussied up mess now. (kiddin with ya Spot) Who's bringin the nanner puddin??
*Mavis
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65545: MDC..I am and will most likely always be a NASCAR fan, Bristol was a normal short track smash and bang race ,I love it .SPOT .. my garden is finished ,how about yours
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65546: Hello Everyone:
Thanks for the fish fry!! Asa- it that the fish that smells or your feet?
possum- you take care of that back, hear? Ya only get one back. Try hanging by your tail for a time. Seems to work for traction. Might just get it all straightened out!
Night all. ~New Neighbor
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65547: Oh friends, I just had a heartbreaking time at the rehab tonight. Two of the girls (the two who sang at church) are having such a tough time. They will be leaving soon and are so worried about where they will go. They are really close, too, and can't bear the thought of being seperated. I wish I could take them both but in this apartment, I don't think it's possible. Please pray that the Lord would open a door for them to find a safe placement here in this area. Maybe someone from our church would be willing to take them in. Keith would take them but being single and living alone, he doesn't think they would be placed with him. It's a tough situation because these girls are two that I believe could make it, given a chance. Anyway, it was just one of those nights when there were some really tough things to deal with. One of the girls who is a regular and I have mentioned before, said she wanted to talk to us after and said that she had been cutting herself. I said, "Where? I have never seen cuts on you like the other girls..". She told me that she cuts herself where it doesn't show and she pulled up her pant leg and there was a big bandage on her thigh. She pulled back the bandage to show me the fresh cuts underneath. I asked her why she was doing it and she explained that it makes her feel better. She said she is in constant emotional pain and that the cutting brings her some type of release. When she left the room, I just couldn't even speak. I couldn't help but cry. I know this particular girl well, and know her life story (which is unbelievable), so it was hard for me to hear her talk about her pain. Sometimes I feel like I am getting immune to it, from hearing it and being around it, but then something happens that brings back that flood of emotion. Please remember Christina. I apprecaite you prayers so much.

Boo
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65548: I wanted to share a poem with you that Christina wrote tonight:

Today I sin,
Today I won't win.
Today I will live the life of a sinner.
I am just a beginner...beginner at what?
Beginner in sin,
Cuts on my body,
I'm bleeding again.
The blood keeps dripping,
My life keeps slipping.

Bring me up,
Make me like You.
The love is fake.
My pain is real,
This crazy life Im' stuck in still!
Please say it's a nightmare,
and none of it's real.

By Christina, age 17, who when told that "God is Love", replied, "I believe that because I can't find love anywhere else."~
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65549: Ok Mavis!! good trim..and the fish fry was great...and ya know possum looked nice tonight[dont tell miss sherry];) hee hee...no all jokes aside all ya ladys looked great!..oh my I read and post at the same time..Mavis you are a HOOT..bet you and your and your Hubby would have a great time at the dog house with us...just sad we are so afar apart...OK HOT TUB TIME! possumn U first with that bad back..OK hold miss sherrys hand,,ok Boo yer next...watch the 2nd stept...ASA get out of the way;)...MDC come on now..MD?..Possum girl keep yer feet in the tub even those toes are PINK!...ok...now then that takes care of the back seat...."No No".. this is a HOT tub...ok..let me get some towels...:) SPOT
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65550: MAYBERRY DEPUTY..garden not so gone...pulled over 25 maters today and a cutting of okra for 2 gallon freezer bags!...and gosh still putting up hot peppers....well whose os gona clean up after this fish fry?......"stumble"""stuff everywhere!..."get up possum"??...SPOT
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65551: testTest test...I hope its gone
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65552: good....
August 25, 2008 - Msg 65553:
Hey Folks

We went to the zoo today with the kids, good fun. We drive along the American-Canadian border to get there and when I reminded the girls that was Canada, they we looking at, my youngest responded, "it looks a lot like America." Told her you can't judge a book by it's cover and then my wife gave me one of those hush up nudges. I get those a lot.

Boo-Prayers for the girls. That poem really squeezes the heart, she's just a kid.

Me-They Loved your post. Those were some of the same points I tried to make but you know my inability to convey a thought. I do believe one will (or may already have) regret the posts. The other I think came to a battle of wit without any ammo.

Asa-You're right about Biden. I'm about sick of hearing how courageous Ted Kennedy is. He could have been courageous 40 years and chose to hide and cover his backside instead of doing the right thing.

Mavis-Yeah, we have some leaves changing, a lot of cool nights and warm days.

Spot-That sure does sound like a nice garden.

MDC-I've been trying to work the math and I can't get 105 degrees to equal a nice day. Is that the dry heat I've heard so much about? (just funning buddy)

auh2o
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65554: Mdc U up late?...im cleaning up from the catfish fry party.....WHEW!...ME
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65555: ASA
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65556: ASA
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65557: Mornin' y'all-I'm up,spot! I said I wasn't gonna get in that hot tub,but spot & Miss Sherry convinced me!Spot was even singing the "Hot Tub Song" ala Eddie Murphy from Saturday Night Live-y'all remember that? Ha! Must have helped some 'cuz I'm just kinda sore in one area of my back this morning.Not hurting bad,just sore. I think I'll be able to manage with Laci today. Thanks for all the concern.

Boo, I'll be praying for Christina.Poor girl.That poem is something else.Bless you for doing what you do for her and the other girls.

Well,I need to get going.Y'all have a good day.Asa is treating us to breakfast at Cracker Barrel! Look,somebody's so hungry they're yelling for Asa to hurry and pick them up!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65558: Morning all.
My goodness, I took a day off to go golfing and y'all have a fish fry. Sorry I missed it.
Now I'm elected to buy breakfast huh? OK, nice thing about porch breakfasts is they are cheap and low calories. So eat up folks.

Possum, Ice is way better on yer back. Doesn't feel as comfortable, but it will help.

That is sad about those girls Boo. So many young folks having their lives messed up by others poor choices. Heart breaking.

I think rather than wear shoes I'll just spray paint my feet black. Me They will never know the difference.

Glad things seem normal again here.

Asa
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65559: You have a strange definition of normal, ASA (spray paint your feet black?!) heehee...

Thanks for the prayers and kind words concerning the girls. Sometimes it seems hopeless, and to tell you the truth, in the 2 years I have been going out there, I have only known a handful that I thought would possible make it when they got out, but God knows the whole picture and your prayers will change things.

Take it easy today, Possum, if you can. Take breaks often.

Better get Erin up for school.

Boo
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65560: Hee hee hee. I guess you have a good point Boo!
Maybe we are weirder than we realize. Or at least I am. :)

Asa
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65561: I think "we" would be accurate, Buddy.

Boo
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65562: Prayers for Mrs. Sterling today that she finds the strength to get through the day & prayers for Sterling that he finds the strength to help her through.
*Mavis
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65563: You know Asa, I can just picture you now: mullet, toolbelt, and spray-painted black feet. . .

Come to think about it - I'd rather NOT picture it!

hm
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65564: Good morning everyone. It’s much cooler here this morning, which is nice. It never rained yesterday, though, and we really do need it. Maybe we’ll get a thunderstorm later today. Brown grass is not attractive.

STERLING: Prayers from me, too.

BOO: That poem was something else, as are your stories of your experiences at the drug rehab. So many stories I hear confirm that evil really does run rampant on this world. Kids in Iraq being kidnapped for money, girls in Africa being raped, and kids all over being exploited and abused for the “enjoyment” of adults. And here, in the greatest, wealthiest, freest country on the planet, kids are being driven to the kind of horrible stuff you are seeing because of—for lack of a better word—parents and a society who cares enough to wring its hands but not enough to roll up its sleeves like you are doing. I appreciate your efforts to make a difference, and for the conviction you bring to bear in my own life to step up to the plate. You, and those girls, have my prayers.

POSSUM: Take care of that back. You don’t want to end up like Goober and not be able to lift your arms over your head.

ASA: Trust me, I’ll be able to tell.

AUH2O: I think your assessment of the situation is correct. Traveling lately, huh? On your way to Denver by chance?

The kids first day of school (which was a half day) went well.

HM: How is school going for you?

SPOT: How about Olive Garden for lunch? Unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks!

Well, I’ll have to continue later. I need some caffeine…Gonna have a Coke and a smile…

Me-They
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65565: MDC: By the way, the Mrs.' bees are thriving!

M-T
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65566: Thanks for the prayers and encouragment, M-T. I am only there for a couple of hours each week and I wonder just how effective that is, but God is at work and he has other people in that place who are there serving and helping much more than I am. I certainly have alot of respect for the ones who stick it out on a daily basis. I have a friend who works there named Sonia and she is a recoveing drug addict herself, who came to Christ a few years back. She is great with those girls and just loves them, no matter what. I am sure she has a big infuence on them for good. The administrator of the facility is also a Christian and makes it possible for the girls to attend church and encourages bible study. Keith, of course, is a huge help to the girls and they adore him. I am also in the process of training a new girl (Tonia) who is a recovering drug addict and single parent in our church who has a heart to help the girls because of her own life experiences. I think she will do great. So, it's a big collective effort involving other people, 2 churches, and all those like you folks who pray. You are as much a part of the work God is doing there as anyone. Thank you again.

Boo
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65567: Asa we can get 18 in this afternoon ok?...possum how is that back?..M-T olive gardwn sounds great U buying?..im broke..HM "Asa Mullet"...Oh-My..hey auh2o.Romeena,Rev,Tom,hazel...Ok lets load up and head to the Garden for that soup....SPOT
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65568: BOO: I know you aren't doing it alone; I'm just commenting on the fact that, unlike me (at least the majority of the time), you are getting off your butt, out of your comfort zone, and giving your blood, sweat, and tears. Not to mention prayer. Of course it's all by God's grace, but He needs willing instruments. That's what you inspire me to be. I'm sure others here feel the same way.

That said, I admire all of the rest of you porchsters, too. In some way, you all are doing Good Work.

SPOT: Me, buying? Do you think I have a government job or something?

M-T
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65569:
Boo- I am just stunned by what you wrote. I can only imagine the pain that that girl must be going thru. Drugs and all this other junk can be so devastating. I will both pray and fast on my end to help in finding those two a good home. God's Word does not return void. "True living God we lift up these three girls to you. Please see their sincerity and their struggle to find You.
Please open the door to them and let them rest in your comforting bosum. Thank you Jesus." Amen
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65570:
thats MDC
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65571:
Auh20- saying 105 is nice is coming off of several 115s.
It's sort of like saying "gas is DOWN to 3.59." ha
mdc
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65572: Thank you, thank you my brothers. It means so much.

Boo
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65573: See there M-T the bill was not that high at the Garden...hey MDC.....rain has quit here for now till later I think...im gona get to work outside for a bit...wet but I have old shoes!..peppers are to pick...SPOT
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65574: Hey Spot, I'm good to go for 18 more this afternoon Brother. Let's do it! You got connections to get us on at Agusta? That would be cool.

MDC, I like your temp analogy to fuel prices. Folks around here are driving like nuts again cause it's come down fron $4.50 to $3.90 a gallon. Folks sure have short memories.

Auh2o, traveling to Denver? Ha! When pigs fly!
I think he may be headed to Minnesota though.

Asa
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65575: Or Canada.

;)

M-T
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65576: Where are all the porch women today? I feel like one of the guys....

Have to go to Dad's and look at his finances. He is having trouble and confused about how to pay his bills now, so wish me luck! I really hate dealing with financial matters. 14 years ago when I married Bruce, about the first thing out of mouth was, "Good, now you can take over paying the bills!".

Boo
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65577: Asa T-time in agusta is at 4:06 for us so HEAD ON over, Miss Sherrys son Jeff and my buddy Phillip are going with us!....be there..Phillip will drive...and wear GOLF shoes and NO tank tops or tube tops...jeez..tell him Boo!..SPOT
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65578: Good afternoon folks, hope all is well. Raining today in my end of the porch. We need the rain so I am not complaining at all. Guess we are getting the effects of Fay. It is supposed to rain all week.

Not too busy at work today which is a good things because I am sleepy today. Had trouble going to sleep last night musta been sometime after 3 am when I last looked at the clock. Not sure why I kept falling awake. I get up about 6 am so I am running on empty about now.

I will cook supper since SPOT is off golfing with ASA and others today. Maybe they can join us after they finish. Menu will be: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, SLAW, corn, homemade rolls with butter. Chocolate layer cake for dessert. tea, kool aid, lemonade to drink. see you at supper.

Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65579: Thank you Mavis, for the prayers. You are very kind.
I forgot to mention, Mavis, that I admire your chutzpah in telling that/those keyboard warrior(s) how it is. :D

Not to leave you out, M-T, thank you for the prayers also.


Boo, God will bless you for the work you are doing with those girls. It is a sad affair to be sure, but you are giving them some hope where they feel none exists.
I remember back in my high school physics class, there was a girl who sat in front of me and down the next row, who I used to see sticking pins between her forearm and bicep, you know, with her elbow on the table like if she were arm wrestling, and then she would slowly close her arm.
Back then, I just thought she was weird or trying to show how tough she was, and she didn't seem to mind doing it, but after hearing what you are witness to, I wonder what was going on in her life that caused her to do that to herself.

Supper sounds real good, Big Maude.

-Sterling Holobyte
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65580: Hey Boo- here's another porch woman checking in. Couldn't get online any sooner-busy with Laci. I see Maude showed up so you wouldn't feel all alone with the guys.Thanks for supper Maude!
I managed pretty good today- my back is just sore in one spot. The ice does seem to help.
Spot,make sure Asa actually wears golf shoes.i hear he's been painting shoes on his feet lately!

Sterling,that is a terrible picture I have flashing in my head about that girl in your physics class. Oh my! And these girls that Boo tells us about- just extremely sad. Prayers for them all.Very nice prayer,MDC.
Well,I'm heading over to Maude's for supper-see y'all there!
******************
possum under a rock
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65581: Here's another porchstress:
Big Maude-thanks for the delicious supper. I'm glad Asa and Spot were out chasing around one of those little balls. Kinda wonder what they see in it...(someone told me it doesn't take much to entertain ASA)
Well, better get the youngest of the brood ready for bed. This is my last one to go to school. :(
I couldn't even buy crayons or a lunch box this year! Kinda sad.
Love & Prayers for all the porch. ~New Neighbor
August 26, 2008 - Msg 65582:
Howdy porch family. I pray this finds all of you doing great. Of course if you have Jesus in your heart....you're doing great!

Some pretty strong storms here in SC. But we sure need the rain.

Thanks for the fish Spot.....Man they were good.

Boo...keep planting those seeds into those young girl's lives. You may not be there but a couple hours a week but those seeds are being planted.

You know we're all to do just like Boo....we are all called to plant the seeds of Jesus in lives as we go our way. I encourage us all to be "gardners" for Jesus. He sure loves us! Prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.


August 27, 2008 - Msg 65583: Hello Porchsters, this is a voice from the past.

This is the original Otis,
(a.k.a.: rickyb from The TAGS KCOCC Chapter).

I just re-visited the Front Porch after all of this time, and what do you know, I feel like that stranger that comes back to town every couple of years then vanishes.
I won't vanish this time, unless Sheriff Frank kicks me off himself. (Yes I mispelled Sheriff on purpose, that was how he spelt it back then).

I see that there are lot's of new faces here. It's very good to see! I hope to get to know you all in the months to come. I'm very easy going, and only have 2 things that bother me in life:
-->Those that don't care
-->Those that care, but don't do anything about it.

For those that DO know me, have you seen hide or hair of any old Timer's here? Like: Emma, Mavis, Miss Peggy, Elinora, Plain Claude, Floyd (Allen Newsome), Leon, Emmett, and many more???
I haven't gone very far back in the Archives yet, so forgive me if I missed someone....

Oh, and I can't forget Merle Dean, and the infamous "Merle Dean Frequently asked Question Alert, (F.A.Q). HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH.
Does anyone remember that? Merle, are you still here? That WAS PRICELESS! I need to dig that up from the Archives and re-post it.

Also, a family update, that Myself, and Bonnie/Jeff/Joey are all doing wonderfully.

I will make it a point to visit this Porch more often, and to re-introduce myself to those that don't know me. I'm not trying to be an Interloper here, I promise. I would like to get to know each and every one of you again!

Lately, Life for me has come "full circle".
When I say that, I mean that from 19 hundred and 92, when I got started on the Internet when there were no "Browsers", only "USENET" Readers, where everything was text only- just like this Front Porch, except in an ASCII Bulletin Board Format, Terminal Emulation Programs.

Until now, 2 thousand and 8. It has been quite a whirlwind, and it is time that I settle down into my easy chair, visit on the porch with my friends, and take life seriously, but slower.

Life is good for me, except that I'm getting older. Since I started the TAGS KCOCC 13 years ago, at a tender young age of 35, I was blessed with vigor and fervor.
Since then, Life has caught up with me, and I don't have the endurance that I once enjoyed. I sold all of my toys, (Motocycles, well, that was the only toy really). I've given up the hard life, (Bar Hopping is for the 20 to 30 year olds). I've come back home.

I'll tell you where it's at! Family, God, and Lawn Darts!
If you have any of the above, then you are 1/3 of the way to a very happy Old Age.....

Otis




August 27, 2008 - Msg 65584: Morning Porchters.
Hope you are all well.

Welcome back Otis. You sound like quite a nice feller. I joined here in 2001. Have seen a few of the folks you mention pop in every now and again, but not often. Mavis still posts here, bless her heart. Floyd runs the place but doesn't post much at all. He's pretty busy though. Merle Dean was a regular for a while, but sadly like many others just kind of faded away. I don't know if you remember Romeena, but she's an old timer here and posts regular like. Anyway, welcome back. I look forward to reading your posts and getting to know you. You prefer cell #1 or cell #2?

Asa
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65585: Wow, great to have you home, OTIS! I believe I joined the porch in 2003, so I you may not know me. Anyway, like I said, great to have you back and please make yourself at home and stay this time. There, I dusted off your rocker for you...
After you've rested for awhile, we'll play lawn darts.

Please remember my pastor Mark, and Keith, who are flying to Oaxaca, Mexico this morning. They are meeting up with a mission church there to travel to a remote village in the mountains and show the "Jesus" film in the Zapotec language. They didn't think they would be able to but after prayer, they received the ok from the mayor of the village. What is thrilling to me, is that in our homeschool studies a few years ago, we studied places in the world that do not have the bible in their own languange, and this is one of them! They will also be building a couple of houses there and the altitude is not what the guys are used to since we live at sea level here. They will be working at 5,000 ft. It was hard for them to make the decision to leave because of the hurricane threat we have here now. Mark has a wife and 5 small children here at home, but lots of family and friends in the area.

Well, the coffee is gone and I need to wake up Erin...

Boo
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65586: Morning folks, Welcome back to Otis, good to have you. I have only been around the porch a couple years now but these are good, God loving/living people. It will be good getting to know you.
Raining again in Northeast Tennessee, supposed to rain much of the day.
Prayers for your friend BOO.
Since SPOT has not posted the breakfast menu I will rustle us up something: scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, sausage, toast with apple butter or jelly. coffee, tea, chocolate milk. Get up and eat up ya'll.
My kids are adjusting to being back in school. Beth is liking her freshman year and Patrick his Senior Year. I have some pics to send to Romeena in a few days.
You all come on to breakfast now. Prayers and blessings to all.
Big Maude
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65587: Maude thanks for breakfast...I got up late!..Asa you and driving that golft cart...whew..they DO go slow sometimes.."puck-ud-puck-ud"...!...well rain here again today..hey Romeena,brother Rev,Boo,hazel,meatloaf possum,Lucy,Otis,NN,sterling,Tom,mavis and all...back in just a bit...SPOT
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65588: Hi All.
Will we git some rain last night can ues somemore.
Hello Otis where have you ben,hitting.
I know you from the pass .
Every now and thim I will post a little pome.

LOOKING AHEAD.
With all the changes in my life,
I ask Yoiu Lord, for peace.
Keep me steady on the path
And sure upon my feet.
Let me learn from my mistakes
And grow beneath Your wings.
Prepare me for the days ahead
And all that life will bring.
For in the darkness You are the light,
In weakness, You are stong.
I am nothing without You-
I know where I belong.


LOVE
TOM

August 27, 2008 - Msg 65589: Well as I live & breathe, OTIS! Welcome home my friend! As you see, I'm still a semi-regular here, when work don't get in the way of my sitting on the porch. wonder what causes that? I got married last year, yep, Ms I'm never going to get married again, went & tied the knot! Mr. Neff is just wonderful, I thought all the good men were gone, or already hitched, but not so, I found one. I also lost my mother in Aug '04 suddenly & if it weren't for the folks on this porch lending an ear or a shoulder when I needed one, I would have been in the nut house after dealing with all the estate nonsense.
Anyway, welcome home, if you stay around, we'll catch up on more stuff. You know, I was just wondering last night how long some of us have been on the porch & here you come, getting folks to tell us. I've been here since 1997 (well, this or some version of it that is)
Sterling how did your Mrs. do yesterday? I know it's hard on her, you'll have to be strong, but we're here if you need us.
Boo I'm sorry you didn't get to go to Mexico, I know you really wanted to, but the good Lord must need you here more than over there.
Well, I've got one of my worst dogs to groom today, he is really a very sweet guy, but he is so hard to do he just makes me hurt all over by the time I am done wrestling with him, so best get down to the shop & try to get started. After I get the stew in the crock pot that is. Supper tonight is on me, Beef Stew with crackers or cornbread.
Oh by the way Otis you can see pictures of most of us on a site Romeena keeps for us www (dot) romeena (dot) myphotoalbum (dot) com course run 'em all together to get there.
Later taters
*Mavis
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65590: Good morning everyone. Just a brief minute this morning to say hello and to welcome OTIS back! I've been on the porch for several years now, but we've never had the pleasure of meeting. In case you are wondering, I'm in charge of larnyx exercises.

Talk to y'all at lunch.

Me-They
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65591: Well, if Otis can staggar back to the porch, I guess I can too!

Hey yall, been quite a spell since I've visited. Still the same here - arms are practically kaput. summer is m best time of year, so I'm trying to maximize my good days without overdoing it. Finally won my disability, but still waiting on the retro-pay. Taking care of mamma, who's getting more and more forgetful. Bless her heart.

Boo, my prayers go up for those girls. Such a heartbreaking poem Christina wrote. You keep on doin' good - the world needs more folks like you who are willing to be The Lord's hands.

New Neighbor! Great to see you, and Dear Asa and TOM and Ro with little star... Spot, possum, M-T, Rev, Big Maude, Sterling and mdc, Mavis and Auh2o, oh my everyone's here! I think of you all often and wish I could be more present.

All my best to you and yours,
~ Mrs. Wiley

A rose I give to you
This rose so fresh with fragrance rare,
It's petals bringing joy to you
The fairest of the fair.

Oh roses are like memories
They fade and pass above
But you dear porch will 'er remain
my fading flower of forgotten love.

August 27, 2008 - Msg 65592: Morning, porch. Welcome back to Otis! I've been hanging around here since 2001, so, I've never had the pleasure of meeting you either. Yeah, I had to quit bar hopping too; I just got tired of smacking my knees when I was hopping over the bars. I used to do it in my younger days, but not anymore. Now I just stick to fire hydrants.
I didn't go to work today, so maybe I'll be able to visit with everyone at lunch for a change.
Well, 10-4
- Hazel
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65593: Oh, you snuck in on me, Mrs. Wiley! We've missed you and often ask about you! Thanks for the poem...
Briscoe: "It was your heart, talkin' to mine."
- Hazel
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65594: hi Haze, my favorite chicken!

yeah, I always loved that poem. Briscoe "I never dream't that somethin' so beautiful could be said to me."

~ Mrs. Wiley

August 27, 2008 - Msg 65595: "I'm declaring for ya!"
- Hazel
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65596: "I ain't gonna be beat to death with no spoon!"

M-T
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65597: Good morning Mrs. Wi-Ley! Good to see you again -
And Otis, glad you returned for a visit. . and let me warn you about Asa, he has a mean golf swing - he has put a lot of weeds and windows out of sight! He claims it's my meatballs that he uses for golf balls but I know it's in the swing!

Hey all - I got a job interview with a the Council on Aging. . .it will be next week. I am sure that there isn't a lot of competition for the position but maybe it will be the break I need from teaching and that boss of mine.

Need to go

Toodles

hm
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65598: Oh Boo - just google Diamond B Boer Goats and you will see our website pop up. I have added some new goat pictures in the last couple of weeks. I know you asked about it some time back.

hm
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65599: Woohooo! What a wonderful thing, two old-time porchsters at the same time. Otis, I remember you well. I've been here since Sheriff Frank's porch too. It's really great to see you, and I hope you'll stay. Mrs. Wiley, it's been too long since you've been here, too. I'm so sorry that you're still having challenges with your arms, I can't imagine how frustrating that must be. Bless your dear little heart, wish I could come and do your laundry and clean your house and cook up something good to eat. Please come and sit when you can, you were always such fun.

My friend Joe and his crew are coming this morning to get some work done out back, so guess I'd better get out of this sleepshirt and into something decent, maybe even run a brush through my hair. Starr will be thrilled, she's like the Plum in that she adores men, and Joe always gives her a lot of attention. I'm still thanking God every day for Joe's amazing recovery. It was such a close call.

See you later, friends. Be blessed! --Romeena

P.S. Floyd's back.
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65600: Land sakes alive. Mrs. Wiley. How good to see your post dear. I sure do miss you and wish your wings were better so's you could be here more. Prayers for your Mom. How good you are to be tending to her. And glad you won your settlement. Hazel, glad your here too. I miss your comments... and feathers. Hope you have a good day off.

Spot, that was a fun round of golf but next time quit hanging yer head out the cart winder like a dog. Oh wait, you are a dog. Never mind.

HM, your meatballs are world renound for their ability to rebound. You have Pinnacle beat hands down.

Mavis, I'm so glad your happy. It makes my heart happy to see you so upbeat.

Hey Tom, good to see you posting friend. Nice poem,
Hey to Ro, Maude, Me They and everyone else. Maybe we can get Hazel to buy us lunch seeings how she's off work today.

Asa
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65601: Well - I guess I should be famous for something Asa! Ha Ha

hm
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65602: Thanks Maude, I appreciate it.

Wonderful poem, TOM. Thank you for posting it.

HEY Mrs. Wiley! Wonderful to see you again. Hope you will be able to come back more often.

Hazel, you are hilarious!

Good luck with that job interview, Homemaker, and thanks for reposting your site. I will check out the new pics for sure.

Prayers for you and your family, Sterling.

I know what you mean about Mavis, ASA. After seeing her going through so much these past 4 years, it is a real joy to know God is blessing her!

"Hey" to SPOT and Me-T...hope you can come back and moulage later. Anyone watching the Democratic convention??

Great to hear Joe is doing so well, Romee!

Well, I have to go to Dad's and take him to the bank. We found out yesterday that he only has 50.00 in his checking account and he has no idea where the money went. Poor guy, is really losing his ability to think. Better HEAD ON over to the bank...

Boo

August 27, 2008 - Msg 65603:
Welcome back Otis and Mrs WI-LEE!
Otis, we now have faces! Wander on over to
romeena@myphotoalbum.com.
I'll be back later.
MDC
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65604: Sure, I'll buy lunch, Asa! Does everyone like Wendy's? I hear some of the things off the dollar menu are just delish! No need to get anything to drink; we don't want to get too full. (psstt, Spot, can you loan me a little money? I can pay you back Tuesday...)
- Hazel
August 27, 2008 - Msg 65605: Nice to hear from you again, MRS. WILEY.

Good to hear from HOMEMAKER, TOM, and HAZEL, too. We miss your voices around here.

I went to lunch at Chick-fil-A today. When I paid and received my order, I said "thank you." The girl at the register did not grunt, say "you're welcome," or offer even the obligatory blank-stare "have a nice day." She said, with a smile, no less, "it's my pleasure."

Can I sing the praises of this restaurant for a minute? WE don't have too many Chick-fil-A's around here, so I don't get there often. But when I do, service always is as great as the food. Manager or parking lot attendant, senior citizen or teenager, I have never had anything less than a plesant experience dealing with one of their employees. The last time the whole family went there (actually one of the few times we all went--usually it's me going for lunch) it was an extremely crowded dinner hour. We finally found a table and were hunting up a high chair. A teenaged boy who worked there saw us looking around, asked if he could help, and proceeded to wipe off our table and locate a high chair for us. As we were getting ready to lower the baby into it, he asked us to hold on a minute and let him please wipe it all down for us. Before he left, he told us if there was anything else we needed, to let him or another employee know. THAT is service.

Great food is very important to any restaurant, but great service is equally as important. I don't know what Chick-fil-A is teaching its employees but the other fast food places shoudl certainly take notice. End of advertisement.

BOO: I have watched some of the convention. I watch it on Fox so I don't have to hear conventioneering even when the convention isn't actually being televised, if you know what I mean. But for the most part, I channel suffer.

HM: Prayers for your interview. If you get that job, though, you may want to ixnay on the "no spring chickens anymore" talk.

Me-They