December 06, 2008 - Msg 68397: Hey gang ...pizza,hot wings and football tonight...will read from work at 6...prayers...SPOT
December 06, 2008 - Msg 68398: Hey SPOT. Where is everyone?...out Christmas shopping, I guess. I have most of mine done and the last I am ordering from a catalog..except MIL..I'm buying her some Croc shoes for Christmas.

Well, I have to help out at the Youth Progressive Dinner party tonight (driving kids from house to house). Might be fun..the weather is perfect here tonight.

Ro, I went on YouTube and watched a couple of old Dippety-Do commercials...so funny.

Better go...

Boo
December 06, 2008 - Msg 68399: hi may berry .......gizzmo

December 06, 2008 - Msg 68400: Spot, hot wings sound wonderful! Yes, Romeena, now that you mention it, that shampoo was called Psst!. Ky kid says Hi. She got an early christmas present,a pay as you go phone.She is being very responsible with her minutes,so,I think I will end up getting a plan for us. I have been wanting to get a cell phone myself,after breaking down out of town a couple of times, I realized I need one.Will get out of my rocker for now, I'll try to stop by later-ky girl
December 06, 2008 - Msg 68401: Hey, friends. I went to Big Lots and bought five 200-light strings of twinkles and put them out in the yard. 800 of them are in the back yard, 200 went into a redbud tree out front. I could use another thousand! It's amazing how the landscape just swallows up those lights. I thought I'd have lights left over. Ha! I probably will get at least two more strings, I want to outline the pond, and the redbud still looks skimpy. They're very reasonably priced, and are heavy-duty, should last for several years.

I started on the tree, got the top section plugged in and found two strands of lights out. Lightkeeper PRO to the rescue - lights are now working and I didn't even break a sweat! Now to tackle the main body of the tree. As long as there are no blown fuses in any of the strings, with my little gun, I've got it made. If the gun won't fix it, then it has to be a fuse, and I know how to fix that too, haha.

I took a few pictures of the outside lights, will try to get them in the album tomorrow, along with some I've gotten from porchsters. Send me your Christmas decoration pictures, folks. Let's really fill up that Christmas sub-album.

Starr discovered my bowl of replacement bulbs and scattered them around the living room. I just hope she didn't chew any of them, or worse, swallow one. Meddlesome little brat, she's worse than any two-year-old.

Well, back to the tree. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
December 06, 2008 - Msg 68402: Hi, Gizmo and Boo, didn't see you there! I didn't know you could watch those dippity do commercials on You Tube! I'll have to check it out-ky girl
December 06, 2008 - Msg 68403: Ahy of you watch the horse trail riding show on RFD TV? It is really good, such pretty scenery!Well, I'm really going this time,just hate to leave the great company this porch always has-ky girl
December 06, 2008 - Msg 68404: Yep, ky girl, isn't it strange how invention becomes the mother of necessity? I can't imagine being without a cell phone anymore. I feel positively unsafe without one. I have OnStar in my car, just the Safe & Sound plan. I can't use it to get directions and stuff like that, but I don't need that. If I don't know where I'm going, I just don't go, or I go to MapQuest and print out directions before I leave the house. Anyway, I have my regular cell phone, which has more minutes each month than I ever use, but I also buy a package of minutes for OnStar periodically. They cost a little more, but I rarely use them. I keep them for the times when I forget my other phone, and for those dead zones on the highway when regular cell phones don't work. The OnStar phone always seems to work - more powerful or something, I don't know. Anyway, I feel safer with minutes available on it, and of course, it's totally handsfree - it all comes through the radio.

Well, this time I'm really going back to the tree. Can you tell I'm stalling?? --Romeena
December 06, 2008 - Msg 68405: Evening Y'all! For some strange reason,I actually thought of those Dawn dolls yesterday,Boo! They were itsy bitsy little things,weren't they? The Skinny Dip perfume is vaguely familiar,not sure if I had any though. I did use the Psst spray shampoo,and ky girl is right-it was basically baby powder in a can.Remember Long & Silky hair conditioner? I used that stuff by the gallon! I loved the Sweet Honesty by Avon-I remember Boo telling us once that she couldn't stand it,so nobody give her that for Christmas,ok?! Patchwork is familiar also.Remember there was a shampoo with beer in it? It came in a beer bottle type container-think it was called "Beer On Tap" or something like that. And we think they have some strange products on the market now!
As for the Dippity Doo,Asa buys that stuff by the case.That's so he can slick down his mullet,ya know!
Well,guess I will go surf around on the Net a bit and then find a movie or something decent to watch on tv.Y'all have a good evening!
*******************
possum under a rock

P.S. Glad to hear that John is gradually improving & of the support their church family is bringing to them.Will keep Him,as well as Jubi in my prayers.

possum under a rock

December 06, 2008 - Msg 68406: Hi All.
Boy is it cold out we git about two inch of the whith stuff.
Stay some warm, sat on the heater all day.

TOM

December 06, 2008 - Msg 68407: Wow what a SEC Championship game!..Florida going to the national Championship game!..but who will they play??..hum...guess we will find out..may be Texas Longhorns Romeena if Oklahoma looses tonight!..Rev did you get to see any football?..hey Boo,Possum,gizzmo long time no see!..hey Tom...ky girl pass that Hot Sauce for my wings....SPOT
December 06, 2008 - Msg 68408:
Hello porch family....can't stay here but a second. In Florida....things are going good. I'll be back in SC this Monday. Just wanted you all to know that I'm praying for all the porch family.
-REV.
December 06, 2008 - Msg 68409:
Hey Spot....didn't see ya there brother. Nope didn't get to see the game but heard some of it on the radio.
-REV.
December 06, 2008 - Msg 68410: Possum, I had Dawn dolls,and the name of the shampoo was Body on Tap! I had a girlfriend who got a bottle as soon as it came out!O.k., no sweet honesty perfume for Boo,maybe just some dippity do,I actually saw some of that in a store one day! Tom, it is really cold here too,we are supposed to get a couple of inches tonight,I will definitley stay in the house as much as possible and try to stay warm.Talk to you all later,-ky girl
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68411: Ya'll are bringing back a ton of memories for me with all this stuff. I remember my Mom using Dippity Doo to set her hair each Saturday night. That and Aqua Net hairspray. Your hair wouldn't move after that combination. I still love Sweet Honesty perfume and Loves Baby Soft I used to get it every year in my stocking. I remember my sisters using Body on Tap Shampoo. Do you all remember Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific? You can actually still order that online. My friend and I were talking just last night about the Tinkerbell stuff we used to get as kids. Perfume and lotions and stuff. Well I better hush hope ya'll have a wonderful evening.~~Salty Dog
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68412: Well good morning gang!..I leave at 6 for home but back at 2..Go Falcons!..hey Rev,ky girl,Romeena,Boo,Possum,Tom,ayh20,M-T,gizzmo,Lucy and all...Asa check in buddy...breakfast menu: 3 eggs your way,country ham,grits,toast,hashbrowns,coffee,milk,water....below freezing here in Ga...burrr...prayers and hope this Sunday brings good news for all...your dog SPOT
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68413: Love the conversation about vintage products/toys. So far I remember everything that has been mentioned. I had forgotten about the Body On Tap until now. Salty, I remember the stinky Tinkerbell bubble bath very well! :) and I noticed in my search yesterday, that they still make a version of Dippity-Do. How funny that Possum would remember that I hate Sweet Honesty perfume! You're so right, girl. I remember the "Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific" shampoo. I used alot of it and that Herbal Essence shampoo, too. I loved the smell of both. Remember the FLEX balsam and protein shampoo that Farrah Fawcett used to push in those commercials? That stuff smelled fantastic. I think they still make it.

KYGirl, you can find old commercials for just about everything on YouTube. That site is amazing. Try it! I looked up some vintage Christmas commercials yesterday and it was a blast.

Better get going..gotta get ready for preachin'

Boo
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68414: Possum, if you go to YouTube and do a search for Dawn Dolls, the first commercial that comes up is one that says, "Topper Toys 1971, Dawn Dolls Commercials" (or close), anyway, there are some really neat commercials to watch. It brought back memories, like, I had forgotten about Dawn's boyfriend, Gary! hehe. Check it out, you won't be sorry.

Boo
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68415: Mornin' Y'all! Yep,it was called "Body on Tap",not "Beer on Tap"-ha! One of my sisters used "Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific". I liked the Herbal Essence too-I know they still make some shampoo under that name,but do they still make the original-remember the dark green colored Herbal Essence? I can smell "Flex" right now- funny how your memory/senses work!
Well,the fellers know what to get all of us girls for Christmas-shampoos,perfumes,Dippity Doo,and Dawn dolls! I don't recall Gary the boyfriend doll- I'll have to visit YouTube later today.
Now,if the guys will throw some hints out about what they want for Christmas,we can finish our shopping!
Y'all have a good Sunday-love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68416: Howdy, gang. Just got home from church, and from lunch at Olive Garden with some friends. Good!

Drat! That pond fountain is slowing to a drip again, got to go clean it out. The algae is over for the winter, but now the leaves falling in cause the water to form a orangey-brown gelatinous substance in the filters. Something about the tannin in the water, or protein or something. Not really a cure for that, except to try to keep the leaves out (ha) and to do a partial water change periodically. Folks, unless you're willing to be puttering with the thing at regular intervals, don't build a pond. I enjoy mine, and am willing to put in the time and effort, but it does get annoying at times.

Got to go back to the church at 7 tonight, the choir is doing a living Christmas tree presentation - should be very nice. We have a great choir, lots of talent.

Well, gotta go. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68417: Sorry, should have been "AN orangey-brown". --Romeena
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68418: Folks, I wanted to let y'all know the 17th WBMUTBB Anniversary episode of Two Chairs No Waiting was published on Tuesday night and it's ready for folks to give it a listen.

WBMUTBB (http://www.wbmutbb.com) is the "Who's Been Messin' Up the Bulletin Board?" Chapter of TAGSRWC and it's the original online chapter of TAGSRWC on the web.

If you're not a member, head over and sign up for the daily e-mail. I hope you'll enjoy the show.

If you are a member, I think you'll enjoy the show.

I'd love to hear from you by y'all posting comments on the Shows' website.

http://www.mayberry.com/podcasts/

--Floyd
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68419: Afternoon porch! Ya'll sure are bringing back alot of memories, so many of those things I remember. I just wanted to stop by & say hey...HEY! Been watching snow this weekend, not alot, but enough to keep us from going out & putting the dog kennel up at the new house. Since no one has posted the supper menu, ya'll head on over here, I got venison stew on with cornbread. For dessert, there's Egg Nog bread, talk about goooood.
*Mavis
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68420: Hey Boo, I looked at that Dawn dolls commercial.It was far out and groovy! Ha! I didn't have all of those dancing ones,just a Dawn doll. Now I wish I'd have had Fancy Feet! What about the last commercial in which the girl's dad is dancing with the doll? What was he smoking back then? Funny!
Those of you who have no clue what I'm talking about,do like Boo suggested- go to YouTube and look up "Dawn Dolls".Just watch the first video that comes up and you'll be feeling groovy too!
Mavis,I'll come over for supper. You don't mind if I wear my bell bottoms,go go boots, and love beads,do ya? After watching that video,I'm totally back in the 70's!
Maybe I'd better not have any of that Egg Nog bread!
*****************
possum under a rock
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68421:
Hey Folks

Another quick stop.

December 7, the day of Infamy. I know ya’ll do but let’s remember those heroes from yesterday and today and keep President-elect Obama and President Bush in our prayers also.

MDC-Give your Dad a thank-you from me.

I guess I'm in one of those jingoist moods today.

Prayers for my Porch Buddies.

auh2o

December 07, 2008 - Msg 68422:
PSSSSST! ha
Hey, you got it AUH20, and that goes for all the vets of the greatest generation. Thanks!
I think I told you this before, but for YEARS we could not buy anything made in Japan. My dad would make us take it back!
Hope everyone's shopping is going ok. I actually filled my car tank for $22.00 !! whoohoo.
Boo's Suburban's fills well back under 50 I bet.
Hey to KY girl, thanks for settin a spell.
Possum...I'm a Pepper, he's a pepper, you're a pepper too.
BOO- remember Santa sliding down the snow on the heads of a Norelco tripleheader? ha
Why do i remember that? But, also thanks to Linus, I can quote most of Luke 2!! hmmm (:
I said a prayer for EVERYONE heretoday!
TOM Keep warm.
MDC

December 07, 2008 - Msg 68423: Thanks for supper my friend Mavis!..goooood..been busy here at work..hey possum YOUT,MDC,auh2o,Romeena got the pics of the crosses and barn(so far)in my camara will get them loaded and shiped to you!...Mavis I love venison stew....wow...well let me gat back to this paper work..Sundays there is a little more to do..weekley reports and stuff but it dont take long,just have to get the brain working...SPOT
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68424: I filled my Suburban for just about 60 and was dancing at the gas pump the other day, MDC. Yes, I remember the Norelco Santa, in fact, you can see that original old commercial on Youtube. I just saw it yesterday!

Glad you enjoyed the commercial Possum....I knew you would! That dad at the end was unbelievable.

How do you make Egg Nog bread, Mavis. Do you have the recipe?

Boo
December 07, 2008 - Msg 68425: Hey guys, I too remember the original Herbal Essence shampoo this new stuff just isn't the same. MDC when you mentioned Linus that reminded me of the Snoopy snow cone maker. Looked like a lot of fun, but took forever to crush the ice up. Also have ya'll seen those Honda commercials where the kids got the big wheels for Christmas? I still remember mine. I went everywhere on that thing. Mavis, supper was great!! And Egg Nog bread sounds interesting. Would love to have that recipe too. If ya'll dont mind please say a prayer for my boss, his dad is in the hospital and they are not expecting him to make it through the night, they've unhooked all means of support. This is something thats been expected for awhile now, and even though the family has agreed that this is best for him, it's never easy especially here at the holidays. he was a very Godly man, and there's no doubt in anyones mind where he will be. Just pray for the family to get thrugh this. Thanks guys love you all--Salty Dog


December 08, 2008 - Msg 68426: Prayers for your Boss and Family Salty...hey Boo..quite here at work now...got all of my busy work done....gosh not a good movie that I can find on TV...any suggestions?...SPOT
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68427: Glad ya'll enjoyed supper! And here's the recipe for the Egg Nog Bread, it's especially good warm with butter!

EggNog Mini Loaves

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup eggnog
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons rum extract
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, eggnog, butter and extracts; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
Pour into three greased 5-3/4-in. x 3-in. x 2-in. loaf pans.
Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Yield: 3 loaves.
I used rum flavoring instead of rum extract since that's all I could find, it still turned out great & I didn't sit around a piano playing & singing after I ate it either. ;)
*Mavis

December 08, 2008 - Msg 68428: Prayers for your boss & his family Salty
And don't work too hard Spot maybe you can find an old Christmas movie on TV
*Mavis
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68429: Good morning, all. Up early, getting ready to go to the class at work. Yawn. It's going to be a long day.

Thanks for the recipe, Mavis. Looks delish! I love computers. Eight keystrokes, and that recipe is in my recipe file on the computer. You know, reading over that recipe, I'm thinking that you could stir in some nuts, maybe some cherries or cranberries, or make a cinnamon/sugar/chopped nuts blend and just swirl it through in ribbons - might work!

Salty, I pray that things went well for your boss and family. It's never easy, but the home-going of a Christian is so much easier to bear than the loss of one who is not saved, because that truly is a loss, forever and always. A Christian is just a temporary separation.

Well, gotta run. I'll get this dumb class behind me, and then maybe I can focus on the things that I'm really interested in, like getting ready for Christmas. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68430: Mornin' Y'all. Salty,I'll keep your boss & family in my prayers.
I am off to the podiatrist in a few minutes.Wonder if he'll listen to my heart? Ha! If y'all remember,it was my cardiologist that checked out my foot-he asked if I was still walking,I said "no" because something was wrong with my foot. So,he looked at it and referred me to a foot doctor! I'm pretty sure(searched on Internet)- what I have is called a planter fibroma.It's a tumor,but benign.We'll see what he says.I know that surgery puts you off your feet for 3 weeks,plus,it can grow back worse. I've been doing pretty good,so we'll see. Well,let me get the possum mobile cranked up.I'll check in with y'all later on.
Have a good day-love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68431: Ro, I remember those neonatal resus. classes, yuck. Like you said, at least they are paying you to be there.

Thanks for the recipe, Mavis. I will try it.

Prayers for your Boss and his family, Salty. How sad.

Prayers for your visit to the podiatrist/cardiologist:) Possum.

Better get going...laundry and cleaning to do today (bah, humbug).

Boo
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68432:
hey gang , hope everyone s doing well .Just got in last night from a trip to Florida to visit the wifes grandmother .I hate driving and its a 10 - 11 hour drive each way ,gonna read the archives and get some erands ran ,got to be back at work tommorrow .take care and god bless
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68433: exactillioso!
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68434: Good morning everyone. It's a chilly 20 degrees here right now. We had some snow and icing this weekend causing all kinds of traffic messes.

POSSUM: Hope your medulla oboondalla is better soon.

I remember all the 70s hair stuff y'all are talking about but don't have any personal experience with the stuff. It was just wash and wear for me. But, if you think any of that may regrow hair, I'm willing to try it...

MDC: Teetotaler? Next thing you'll tell us is you don't even play Bingo ;).

MAVIS: We'll have to try that recipe. You didn't get it from the Morrison sisters did you?

AUH2O: You? Jingoist? Surely you jest. Okay, I'll stop calling you Surely. ;)

ROMEENA: Don't forget to add my pic to the album.

BOO: Continued prayers, and my shorts.

I'm feeling like a scamp today.

Me-They
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68435:
What's that ep where andy and floyd
are talking about feet problems, and floyd says:
Lotta bad feet in this country." ?
MDC

PS: It's almost time for Ellie to sing Away in a Manger, and to rib ole barney Parney Poo! ha

December 08, 2008 - Msg 68436: Did someone say that M-T has bad feet?
We are getting the house today and it is miserable weather here!

Talk to you later. . .

VICKS!

hm
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68437: Miracle Whip!
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68438:
Rafe: When I was born I had my mama;
when i die I'll have the undertaker,
no sense in clutterin' things up in between.
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68439:
Boo-Regarding an earlier discussion,
I googled "disciplining strong-willed children"
and some great sites came up.
Prayers for your rehab group tonight!
You got prayer warriors backing you up.
MDC
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68440: If you think it's butter, but it's not. . .it's Chiffon!
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68441:
"Butter, butter...PARKEY"
"Everything's better with Bluebonnet on it"
"It's not nice to fool mother nature!"

"Fill it to the rim with Brim."

"Sanka... still 97 percent cafeinne-free"
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68442:
SPOT- Have you ever gone to the Chick-Fil-A Bowl??
MDC
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68443: Thank you, MDC! It sure helps to know you are praying.

M-T, you are scampy today (referring to the Bingo comment). Feel like starting a big moulage?

Hooray for the house, Homemaker!

Got too much to do to stop for longer...later, tators.

Boo
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68444: MDC, I believe the episode you were asking about is Convicts at Large. When Barney and Floyd are talking about O'Malley and all his money. HEY CHUCK! LOL
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68445:
Yes 68444, that's it. O'Malley made his mil in
orthopedic shoes! So, there ya go POSSUM, just
see O"malley. Of course, you'll probablyhave to go to DE-troit! ha
MDC
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68446:
Folgers, Juan Valdez and Mrs Olson! ha
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68447: "Al, if these hamburgers are ruined I'm not going to be responsible."
Nate Bracey
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68448: "You're starting to get to me..."
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68449: Y'all are in rare form this afternoon! Well,I ain't going to De-troit, MDC,but I am having an SMO (ankle brace) made for my foot. I'll just send O'Malley up to De-Troit to fetch it back for me when it's ready.He's a rich man,ya know & can afford the trip!
I was right-I do have a fibroma in my left foot.Doctor says my problems come from my ankles-I'm double jointed & really flexible.Wonder if other possums have that problem?! Anyhow,they are making me a special brace with padding to protect the fibroma.It hurts if I stand or walk unless I keep my foot cushioned.So,I suppose that will fix me up.And surprise-he didn't listen to my heart! What's wrong with these doctors? Ha!
Then I went and got my hair cut. The girl that usually cuts it moved to Ohio,but another girl figured out what style I was going for. Y'all are gonna love this: it's called an "Old short shag"! Talk about a 70's YOUT! Ha Ha Now,let me just say that my hair does NOT look like the mom from "The Brady Bunch"- to me,THAT'S a shag-and it was ugly! My hairstyle is cute! And it's not that short! I have know idea why they call it that. Anyhow,I'm just an old tall possum with an old short shag! Gotta love it!
Ok,so we're doing 70's commercials now,are we? Hmm.. here's one:
( I'm really twanging with my Southern accent)
"It's Shake & Bake.And we helped!"
LOL y'all have a good evening!
*******************
possum under a rock
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68450: That's "I have NO idea"

possum again
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68451:
Ernest T- "Ya know how to get poss'm from under rock? Ya jab at it with a stick, like this, see" ha
Well, let's see if we can get ole Ben to put back the courthouse bench.
Prayers for all, especially boo tonight.
Two miracles of the Lord celebrated this month, a lamp that wouldn't go out and a virgin birth!
PTL! (:
MDC
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68452: Good evening, everyone! Got the class all done, actually was home by about 2 p.m., and even stopped at the grocery store. We were a small group, so it went quickly - all the check-offs got done in a hurry.

Possum, sorry about your foot! A plantar fibroma can be very painful, for sure. Hope the brace helps, and it probably will. And you WOULD have to mention that annoying Shake & Bake commercial. I don't know what it was about that thing that irritated me so, but every time that little girl whined out her "and I helped!" I just wanted to smack her. Shame on me! She was probably a perfectly lovely child.

I came home from the store with a rack of baby back ribs, and have them all sauced up and slow-roasting in the oven right now - sure do smell good! Don't know what I'll have with them, but I'll find something. Starr is walking around with her little nose twitching in the air, so I think they smell good to her too. And it is - a little nose, that is. I declare, I don't know how she even breathes through that little thing, it's no bigger than a pinto bean.

Finally, I got the address list compiled, and will be emailing it to everyone, probably tonight. If you sent your address, and don't get a list sent to you, let me know. I don't think I missed anyone, but I don't trust myself anymore. Also, look for your name and be sure your information is correct. I tried just copying directly to avoid mistakes, but everyone used a different format, so it didn't work too well. I ended up retyping them.

Gotta go turn those ribs. Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68453: Evenin' Friends!
Just stopping by for a quick spell. I have to say that I don't remember any of the items y'all were talking about. I'm from the Cabbage Patch doll and Baby Alive days. I do remember the pink bubble bath and the tinkerbell stuff from Avon.
BTW, I LOVE Youtube, and so do the boys. I have to monitor what they watch, which really ticks them off, but oh well, that's my job.
Romeena, I think I would be lost without my cell phone. I hate when people talk on it in stores or anything, and I'm a firm believer in having a bluetooth for talking while driving.
Possum- Ouch! That sounds painful.
Mavis- I do believe I'll try that recipe. I just bought some eggnog today. Though I may put actual rum and channel my inner Otis.
MDC- I really enjoy your quotes. Even though I have the dvd of the Christmas episode I taped it on my computer on Sunday during the tvland christmas day to watch over and over again. I'd rather have that to be my last thought of the day rather than the horrible news.
Mavis and I have talked about this, but something that really burns my buns is when I see something that says Xmas! They take the Christ out of Christmas. Not trying to start a moulage here, but how do y'all feel about Santa? I keep going back and forth on it. My gut tells me to not have anything to do with the fella, including decorations, but then I think what's the big deal its just a fun pretend thing like Barbie. What do y'all think?
Boo- I hope your group meeting tonight went well.
Tom- How's your chain going?
Oh, forgot to mention, another Christmas show I watched was the Little House one. Oh, I just sat there sobbing while folding the towels. Little Laura sold her beloved pony to buy her Mama a stove. I was thinking about how my boys only want money to buy their stuff without even thinking of buying anything for my husband who works so hard for them. It just makes me mad, but then again this certainly isn't the same generation as Little House both when it was set and when it was filmed. So, though I told the boys about it I didn't put them down for not buying the Mr. anything. It will be mentioned again, however.
Well, I need to hit the ironin' board. 6am comes early. Y'all take care now ya hear?! I will get the Christmas cards out soon. Thanks Romeena for compiling the list!
Blessings to you and yours,
~Lucy
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68454: You are so right Lucy I HATE that xmas thing! I've gone as far as to not shop in a store where I see it, left my stuff in the shopping cart, right up front, informed the manager why I was doing it & left! Your inner Otis, that's funny! Romeena thank you so much for doing the work for the card list, yer a treashuh, you know that? possum hope your foot gets better, you got an incant for it? Maybe you oughta take that buckeye outta yer shoe. HA I'm with Ro about that obnoxious little Shake & Bake girl, we (Ro & I) would have tripped over each other to go smack that child. HA
As for Santa, I like him, as long as he doesn't make a mess when he comes falling down the chimney. :)
I'm off to finish my Christmas cards now that I have my list.
*Mavis
December 08, 2008 - Msg 68455: God the list, Ro, thanks...I'll have to start on my cards tomorrow.

Lucy, I had to smile when you asked what we thought about Santa because I had a rather intereting thing happen tonight after I left the drug rehab. During our time with the girls, one girl was having a tough time and had a broken heart. I had the priveledge of praying with her before we left and it was one of those times that you are very aware of Jesus and just feel him with you. When I got out and got in my car to go home, I was just thinking about Jesus and talking to him in my heart and thinking about how wonderful he is, when I happened to look up and see a big lighted Santa on the roof of the rehab, and (no kidding) this is the thought that came into my mind, 'If I had a gun, I would blow Santa right off the roof'! The thought kind of surprised me, and I don't want you all to think that I am some kind of nut, but that is what was in my mind. At that moment, I somehow resented him for taking away the "Jesus" emphasis. Call me scrooge, and I never really thought I had anything much against Santa, although I didn't teach either of my children about him. They seem fine, anyway. I taught them the story of St. Nicholas and that he died and is heaven with the Lord. They seemed satisfied with that and a couple of years ago Erin told me that she believed what I told her about God because I didn't lie to her about Santa (or something like that). I think it is fine if folks want to teach kids about Santa, I just chose not to.

Well, I am worn out and have Baby Emily to take care of in the morning, so my bed is calling me.

Hey Possum, why don't you try some VICKS on that foot...hehe:-)

Boo
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68456: Good evening, all. Well, I have wriggled and squirmed and climbed around over and under that tree as long as I can stand it, so am headed for bed. It's about half done, though I am everlastingly thankful that my little red gun fixed the lights immediately and I didn't have to spend half the night on them.

About Santa - hmmm. I think it's all in how it's handled with a child. Children are smarter than we give them credit for, and personally, I think they're smart enough to distinguish between truth and fantasy. Tiny kids just enjoy the whole scene, and in their little minds, wonderment comes easy. A Christmas tree is never so beautiful as when it's seen reflected in the eyes of a child.

As our kids grew older and began to ask questions, we never just "swore up and down" that Santa existed. As toddlers, they swallow the whole scene like candy. As they get older, they enter a period, usually around seven or eight, where they have realized that the whole Santa thing is a physical impossibility, but still they want to believe, because it's fun and they have sweet memories. So, my DH would tell them when they asked, "As long as you believe, Santa will exist for you." Basically, that acknowledged the truth, but gave them permission to continue the game for another year or two, and didn't just yank the rug from under them. In a year or so, that child would let us know, with a conspiratorial smile, that they understood, when a younger sibling was prattling on about Santa, and they would join with us in playing the game with the younger ones.

I know some believe it confuses children with regard to God, that they may come to think He's a myth as well. I don't think so. I believe there's a God-shaped void in everyone's heart that longs to be filled, and none but God can do it. Tooth fairies and Easter bunnies and even Santa Claus are outside the realm of reality and a child comes to know that. However, the existence of everything the child observes around himself is not possible without a creator, and I think children know that, too. It's only when they get into school that adults fill their heads with notions much more far-fetched than Santa Claus, and far more harmful.

Well, you asked, Lucy. There's my take on it, for what it's worth. Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68457: Well, shucks, I've come this far, I might as well tackle Christmas trees too. I have a dear friend who was brought up to believe that Christmas trees were sinful, evil things and a sacrilege in the eyes of God. She's visibly uncomfortable in my home around Christmas. Something about them being remnants of pagan rites - Asherah poles or something. Well, maybe. However, I think we could make ourselves crazy by trying to be sure that nothing we do has any connection to some distant pagan rite or something. I don't know anything about any of those rites, so none of it means anything to me.

Instead, a Christmas tree is a thing of beauty and warmth and reminds me of many joyful times with family and friends. My dear former pastor, now retired, BO Baker, once said from the pulpit that he just loved Christmas, loved the trees, the lights and decorations, the music, the good food and all that goes with the season. As he put it, "What a way to celebrate a birthday!" He went on to say that he felt a little slighted when his wife didn't do anything but put candles on his cake, no balloons or streamers or anything!

The danger lies in letting that part of it take over, to the point that the "reason for the season" is left out. That's why I was so determined to find some sort of Nativity for my yard this year, as my old things had finally fallen apart. They're hard to find, sadly, but I finally did. It's not what I wanted, but it will do. I also found the letters JOY made like lighted wreaths, and I ordered a 5' lighted cross from the AFA. It's beautiful. I've got the pictures, and will get them in the album, maybe tomorrow.

The Statler Brothers are a favorite group of mine, and I have one of their Christmas CDs in the car right now. On it, there's a song about a little boy who asks his father, "Oh, Daddy, just whose birthday is Christmas? The Bible says that Jesus was born. Oh, Daddy, please explain - I had to ask because you hear so much about Santa Claus." In the last few measures of the song, you hear "Happy Birthday" being sung in the background, and of course, they say "Happy Birthday, dear Jesus." It's very sweet, and the point is made. Christmas is what we make of it. If it's a joyful birthday celebration for our Lord, I really don't think Ke minds if we make it a fun and happy time for the kids as well, so long as we teach them the real meaning at the same time, when they're old enough to hear it, and if we model it for them in our daily lives.

As I said, that's my take on it. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. --Romeena
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68458: Hmmm. Maybe that's the whole answer right there. Parents don't believe in Santa Claus, and children know it. They do believe in God, and the children know that too, because they see it in their parents' lives. At least they should, and Boo, of all people, I think your children see it in yours. --Romeena
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68459: Well, thank you Romeena, I hope so. The truth is, I probably see it more in them that the reverse! Lately, I can be quite a grumpy mom. (I'll look into the Promensil, MDC) You know, concerning the Christmas tree, I read a story about Martin Luther and how he cut an evergreen in the forrest and brought it home and put candles on it...to him the evergreen symbolized the eternal life Christ brings and the candles, the "Light of the World" that we celebrate at Christmas. Doesn't sound pagan to me...you're right, it's how you look at it. By the way, I think you're comment about what happens when our children go off to school was right on the mark. As far as Santa goes, he will always be a fond part of my christmas memories and you will find him throughout my house at Christmas time. Not sure why I could just never tell my kids the Santa thing. It just seemed to go against my instincts, somehow.

Can you all believe it is going to be 85 degrees here in S Texas today? We are expecting a cold front late tonight but today will be warm and humid (yuck...ho-ho-ho).

By the way, those of you with young kids, it might be fun for you to look up the history of St. Nicholas if you haven't in awhile, and read about who he actually was and did and teach your children about him. You can just tell them that it is about how Santa got his start. He is a saint worth learning about.

Boo

I can't wait to see your Christmas pics, Ro. I am going to charge up the batteries in my digital camera and get some pics to send. I am thinking of going into town and getting some pictures of downtown Corpus at night with the lights and the waterfront. I thought you all might enjoy seeing that.
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68460: Mornin' Y'all! Thanks for the addresses,Ro. I really appreciate you doing this for us Porchsters.
Lucy,I got tickled by your "inner Otis" comment too-that's a good one!
About the "Shake & Bake" commercial- wasn't there one with twin girls in it? Because I remember them saying: "And WE helped!" Really twangy accents? That's the one I was "doing" but I guess I can do the one with the aggravating little girl as well- hee hee Nah,I'll spare y'all!
Thanks for the concern over my foot.It's gonna be weird putting a brace on myself- Laci has ankle braces and then the kind(AFOs) that go up to just below her knees.Wonder what she'll think when she sees Oma with a brace on?!Oh,Laci has strep throat,so please keep her in your thoughts & prayers.Doesn't seem to be terribly ill-just running a fever.Hopefully she'll shake it right off.
Well,since I was away from the rock yesterday,I have some chores to do around here.Guess I'll scoot off for now.Y'all have a good day & love to all!
*****************
possum under a rock
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68461: Good morning everyone. It was chilly this morning, but this afternoon is suppoed to be wearmer and rainy.

LUCY: Don't get too down on the "Xmas" abbreviation. It really has gotten a bad rap in the past few years. It actually has been used in this country (even by the deeply religious) since Christmas started taking off as a holiday to celebrate in the mid-19th century (most Americans did not celebrate Christmas until then). In fact, the term "Xmas" dates back to the Emperor Constantine. After he converted (and then "converted" his empire), it was common to see the Greek letters Chi (written "X") and Rho (written "P") intertwined to symbolize Chist the Savior. So, "Xmas" has actually been around for hundreds of years and was not intended to take Christ out of Christmas, though many see it that way today. I don't usually use it, because of that, and I guess perception is everything so I don't want to give the wrong impression to people. My grandparents, who were deeply religious, used it all the time when I was young. They sure didn't take the Christ out of Christmas.

Same goes for many Christmas traditions. Yep, the story goes that Martin Luther had a fir tree lit by candles. However, the European pagans also used a similar tree in their winter solstice festival. I could go on and on. The bottom line is that Christmas is what you make it. Santa could be a lesson for good, or a way to skirt the holiday's Christian origins.

It is interesting that Christmas was not universally celebrated by Christians until the last few hundred years. As I mentioned, it was not a popular holiday in the U.S. until the mid-19th century. The celebration of the holiday owes much to Charles Dickens, Thomas Nast, and greeting card makers. Until they really popularized the holiday, it wasn't much. When you read 19th century newspapers, you get the impression that Christmas until the 1870s actually seemed like little more than an excuse to get drunk. I guess for some people things never change.

Some Christians don't even celebrate Christmas at all. The Jehovah's Witnesses don't, either, because while Christ told them to "remember" His death and resurrection (Easter), he made no such declaration about His birth. Since they don't celebrate His birth, they don't celebrate their own either (or any other holidays).

Me-They
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68462: I actually meant to finish a thought in my last paragrpah above. The Puritans did not celebrate CHristmas and actually made it a punishable offense to mention St. Nicholas by name, exchange gifts, or light a Yule log on Christmas. THos ePuritans were no fun at all!

Prayers for Laci, POSSUM.

M-T
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68463: Well, I'm "into" celebrating things, and if you know much about Jewish history, Jesus comes from a people who knew how to celebrate. Take the marriage celebration, for instance, didn't the party last three days or something..lots of dancing, too. And all the feasts throughout the years...wow, lots of celebrating going on and it was all about God. Who ordained all that feasting?...God himself, that's who! Celebration is a very good thing, it just depends on how you do it and why.

That's my 2 cents, anyway.

Prayers for Laci.

I have Emily today so I am keeping busy with that little tornado!

Gotta run...

Boo
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68464: Well, I'm "into" celebrating things, and if you know much about Jewish history, Jesus comes from a people who knew how to celebrate. Take the marriage celebration, for instance, didn't the party last three days or something..lots of dancing, too. And all the feasts throughout the years...wow, lots of celebrating going on and it was all about God. Who ordained all that feasting?...God himself, that's who! Celebration is a very good thing, it just depends on how you do it and why.

That's my 2 cents, anyway.

Prayers for Laci.

I have Emily today so I am keeping busy with that little tornado!

Gotta run...

Boo
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68465: Ooops, accidentally hit the post button twice while talking to Emily...

Boo
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68466: Morning porch, just a quick rock from work today.
Hope all is well with everyone. Been busy around my end of the porch, kids, church and other events have kept me away.

I am trying to get caught up at home but probably never will. I try and do some chores everynight after work but sometimes I am too tired to do much. I do laundry almost everynight to keep it from piling too high. I also try to walk 3 miles on the treadmill everynight, helps my stress level and my healthy eating adventure I started in July. Guess I should stop complianing and get back to work.

Lunch menu will be: roast beef sandwhiches, SLAW,
chips, chocolate brownies. tea, kool aid to drink.

Hope Laci feels better Possum.
It is good to see everyone today.

Prayers and blessing to all.

Big Maude
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68467: BOO: I see your also into chewing your cabbage twice ;).

MAUDE: Lunch sounds good. As long as its not Vienna sausages heavy on the tomato puree.

M-T
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68468: BOO: I'm into celebrating, too. There's Sir Walter Raleigh Landing Day, National Potato Week,...

M-T
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68469: "Celebrate good times, C'mon (It's a celebration). There's a party goin' on 'round here, a celebration to last throughout the year..."

M-T
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68470: Hi all, just a minute to stop by, this porch is so interesting! I'm still working on getting a new tree and getting it up, seems like everytime I decide to get it, something comes up and I have to put it off. Take care friends, maybe I can stop back later-ky girl
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68471: M-T are we playing "Don't Forget The Lyrics"? I love that game! Just kiddin-ky girl
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68472: Hi All/Going to be a nice warm day up in the 50.
Now M-T I was going to send some snowball to you but I do not have a snail address to send it there .( bad bad boy)

TOM

December 09, 2008 - Msg 68473: Hey gang..been working on the barn..no MDC aint never went ti\o a bowl game to hard to get tickets!...well qnybody got lunch?...SPOT
December 09, 2008 - Msg 68474: Good morning, all. Looks like we all pretty much agree that Christmas is what we make it. Me-They is right on the mark, I think, with his explanation of Xmas. I agree, I don't use it either, because most people see it as an insult to Christ, putting on X over his name and all, and have no idea of the origins of the X. And since, as you say, perception is reality, I don't want to be considered guilty of such a thing, so - I just don't use it! I've even heard some Christians try to explain that the X symbolizes a broken cross, and Christ's triumph over it. Well, OK. That's a reach, but whatever. To me, it's just easier not to use it, and to try not to cringe when I see it used.

I just try to make my home pretty, have good food around, make friends and family welcome whenever I can, and get every last drop of joy out of the season.

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in His wings!
Mild, He lays His glory by - BORN THAT MAN NO MORE MAY DIE!
Born to raise the sons of Earth, BORN TO GIVE THEM SECOND BIRTH!
Hark! the herald Angels sing Glory! to the newborn King!

I just love that verse of the old familiar carol, because it says so much. "Born that man no more may die!" That's it - the gospel in a nutshell. I can't think of anything more worthy of celebration than that.

I love you guys, every one of you. --Romeena