January 21, 2009 - Msg 69608: Good word, Romeena. Very wise. I enjoyed reading your stories. Funny, I have been kind of waiting around all day for you to show up and let us in on what you might be thinking. I always value your opinion on things.

Every situation is different; what works for one couple, may be different than what works for another. I have a good friend who totally dominates her soft-spoken husband and they seem to get along ok. I have known him since high school and he was always just a very gentle, sweet, go-with-the-flow kind of guy. He doesn't seem to be able to make decisions on his own and she is more than happy to make them for him. The problem they have, though, is that he can't seem to discipline the children and that makes things hard on everybody. The children lack respect for their dad because they see the way their mom treats him...more like a slave than a husband. I want to tell him to put her in her place and "be the man" sometimes, but that is not my place and they are living the way they choose to live...it's not my business, but I often wonder what kind of relationship they could have if things were different and she respected him. Who knows?...maybe they couldn't make it work that way. One thing is sure, none of us has a perfect marriage and we all have our issues to deal with. I don't want Sterling to feel like The Lone Ranger here on the porch.

Well, Bruce is sick with a virus and I am going to go take a mega-dose of Vitamin C. He was feeling poorly yesterday and had cold symptoms but he has a fever tonight...where's the Vicks?:)

Boo
January 21, 2009 - Msg 69609: I wish I were The Lone Ranger, Boo, then I would just have to deal with outlaws. And I would get to ride a neat horse too.:)

What you wrote about your friend up there is also something that I always wonder about and have been conscious of around Kai. When she sees mommy getting ornery to her dad, I don't want her to think that is the way you treat your husband.

I don't feel judged by you porchsters. On the contrary. I feel the love of gentle and sometimes candid - but always well intentioned - guidance. And I appreciate you all.

The wife finally sent a text message after not calling all evening, wondering where her "Kai goodnight call" was. So after she talked to Kai
and telling me to call her later, I joked that maybe I'll wait a few hours without calling, like she did. I couldn't fathom why she wouldn't have called after she was done with her work, at least to talk to Kai, but I tried to remain unfestered about it.
It then hit me - after she stated, "ok fine, cause at least I would have texted you to see why you weren't calling!" - that she was probably not calling me to try and make me squirm and wonder about what she was doing.
At least that's the vibe I got from that statement.

I have enjoyed your stories, Ro and Boo. They are quite appropriate to my situation. She has even backed down on occasion when I am particularly feisty and seem to know what I am talking about in an argument. Those times are few though, because usually I am not very good at the verbal parry and thrust, and I think she knows it. I usually have to think about what to say before bringing things up, and even then I am better at writing my thoughts out than verbally expressing them, I feel.

Well, have to go call the wife. Told her I would call her around 10, at her insistence, and if I am nothing else, I am a man of my word. :)

-Sterling Holobyte

January 21, 2009 - Msg 69610: Hope Bruce feels better, Boo, and that you don't catch anything. You do so much good for people with your church group and the like, it wouldn't be good to have you down and out with an illness. Take care of yourself.

-SH
January 21, 2009 - Msg 69611: Lol. Shouldn't that be "Thrust and parry", instead of the other way around. Seems I am not to good with writing my thoughts either. ;)

-SH
January 21, 2009 - Msg 69612: "too" good.

Oops. Sorry, I am tired. Didn't get too much sleep last night.

-SH
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69613: I don't agree, Sterling..for instance, I have never even heard of "Thrust and parry" and you obviously have...hehe. I think you are very intellingent and express yourself well. Hope you get a good night's sleep. I am heading to bed myself and hope I can sleep. I started a new med recently that seems to be effecting my sleep. It should wear off in time, though. I will keep taking the vitamin C and stay away from Bruce. We have a king-sized bed and I will stay far over on my side. God bless you, my friend.

Boo
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69614: Well, I heard it somewhere, whichever one it is. Maybe from Daffy Duck on that cartoon where he was Robin Hood. :)

Goodnight and God bless.
(I think that was also an episode title from M*A*S*H)

-Sterling Holobyte
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69615: Or maybe it was the "Tom and Jerry" cartoon where little Jerry is a Musketeer, with a big plumed hat, and a toothpick for a sword. He and Tom get in a swordfight, and he jabs Tom, and says in his high little mouse voice, "Touche', Mssr. Poosycat!" I love Tom and Jerry!!

I gave Toye Starr a bath this evening, and she sure does look pretty. Bathing her is a snap, much easier than bathing the Plum, and that was pretty easy. She's so tiny, it just takes about five or ten minutes, start to finish. Then I wrap her in a big fluffy towel and cuddle her for a while. Tonight I didn't even have to get out the hair dryer. I used a dog shampoo that says it "dries faster" and it does, even after I used a conditioning rinse on her. About half an hour in the towel, and a quick comb-through, and she was dry. She is just ice-white, and looks so pretty. Sweet little old thing.

Well, guess I'll turn in. Jorge and Maria will be going to the rental again tomorrow, didn't finish today, so I have to meet them over there in the morning. Then Joe (landscaper) is coming around noon to start making plans for the yard for my granddaughter's wedding, and then I have to work tomorrow night. I think I'm going to need some sleep tonight, ya think?

Be blessed, all. --Romeena
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69616: That's exciting, Ro...when is the wedding again?

Well, I had no trouble sleeping last night. Hope everyone else rested well.

You know Sterling, reading Ro's stories has reminded me of how things have been in my own marriage. When I met Bruce, I was 27 and was very independant, worked, owned my own home and did things my OWN way and had for several years. Bruce, though very loving, was the kind of guy who would stand up for himself and wouldn't let me get away with trying to manipulate me (and I am ashamed to admit that I tried in the beginning). I had trouble sharing my independance, and I am still an independant spirit and Bruce respects that, but I wouldn't try to pull anything over on him to get my way now. His strength has caused me to mature over the years and become less self-centered. His strength and courage make me feel secure and, to tell you the truth, I find it really attractive/s#xy. It wasn't always that way, but things change for the better and it's a good thing because as much as I hate to admit it, I would have probably run right over him and not treated him with respect if he were any other way...I was kind of spoiled in those days. Stay hopeful and let's see what the Lord can do.

Well, it's supposed to be in the 70's here today with a southeast wind, which means humid! I just took Gizzy out and everything was dripping with moisture outside.

Guess I will be taking care of a sick hubby today and taking my vitamin C....see ya later.

Boo
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69617: I mean "manipulate HIM"...I proof read and still mess up.
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69618: Oh, I forgot to mention that MIL will be moving out in a week! :):) (double smiles). They are supposed to have her apartment ready by the 29th. Me-They, I know you will relate to this, I cannot wait for her to remove her widescreen TV, her recliner and various other items from my living room so I can breath again! The clutter is smothering me.

SPOT, how was American Idol on Tuesday? I forgot all about it being on.

Boo
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69619: Good morning everyone. It’s not quite as cold here today, which is nice. Might even get to 40.

ROMEENA: Well said! That reminder yesterday was wonderful. Thanks for saying it.

APB for TOM, AFD, NEW NEIGHBOR, CHARLOTTE, GOOBER, and others. Maybe we ought to plan an Old Home Week.

I have mentioned before that I receive a weekly “encouragement” e-mail from Familyman.org, a Christian men’s website. Anyway, I thought I’d share this week’s with all you porch men. (Understand that the website rarely strays into the political and instead deals with a personal daily walk, so you won’t find any political ideology being bandied there.) You may not feel the same way for the same reasons, but I think we can all relate. I have eliminated paragraph breaks for the sake of space:

Hey Dad,
As I type this, President Obama is beginning his first full work day as the President of the United States. I don't know about you, but my heart swelled with pride and gratefulness as we watched the inauguration on TV. God HAS blessed America, and He HAS blessed my family for allowing us to live in this great land. But underneath all that gratefulness, I felt something I didn't like and couldn't identify until later when my wife and I were able to go on a date and spend some alone time together. "I feel small," I said turning to my wife in the seat beside me, "maybe because President Obama is not much older than me, because he has a young family, or because the whole world is applauding the achievements of this young dad." My wife smiled understandingly. We ate our dinner, laughed, and sat together watching more inauguration coverage on the TV at Applebee's, but I continued to feel...small. A while later, we picked up the kids, went home, and everyone got ready for bed. It was while I was doing my nightly routine of locking up doors and turning out lights that God reached down and gave me a holy wedgie!!! "Ouch!! That hurts," I said to myself. Then in the quiet of my heart, God reminded me that the most important thing President Obama would do on inauguration day was tuck his girls into bed and tell his wife how much he loved her AND that what I do every day as a dad impacts my family's life way more than anything that will take place in Washington on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It is TRUE, Dad. I impact the world by tucking my children into bed every night. I impact the world by writing a little love note to my daughter who is going through "the Change." I don't need an important platform to impact the world...I HAVE an important platform because I'm a DAD. And so are you. Don't forget that...EVER or God might reach down and give you a holy wedgie as a reminder. So Dad, go impact the world today. Tell your daughter that you're proud of her, wrestle on the floor with your sons, and tell your wife that you're the luckiest man in the world to be living in your house...not the White House.
You 'da dad,
Todd

Have a great day!

Me-They
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69620: Good Morning Porch!

I just finished reading the post and I remembered now one of the reasons I loved this place and it is the wonderful stories and pieces and advice from Romeena and Boo.
Sterling there is nothing that can be added to what Romeena and Boo has said; we can't make other people change however our actions and reactions often times makes the other person look at themselves and us in a different light which will bring about change in them. We will continut to pray for you, your wife and Kai.
Boo hope hubby feels better soon and take care of yourself

Sure is good to be back home!
Wishing all the Porchesters a wonderful day!
SMH
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69621: Thank you Me-They...a very timely word that this Dad needed!

SMH
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69622:
Morning Porch

It's warmed up into the mid 20's here, feels nice.

Me-They I loved your post. It kinda reminded me of the movie "Saving Private Ryan." Many men died trying to "save" the private and as Capt. Miller lays dying he tells Ryan to "earn this." So, cut to the end of the movie and some 60 years later Ryan is at Millers grave and says, " My family is with me today. They wanted to come with me. To be honest with you, I wasn't sure how I'd feel coming back here. Every day I think about what you said to me that day on the bridge. I tried to live my life the best that I could. I hope that was enough. I hope that, at least in your eyes, I've earned what all of you have done for me."
Private Ryan lived a normal life as a simple family man and that was good enough. I don't know if I made the connection but that's what popped into mind when I read your post.

auh2o
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69623: Good Morning porch family. I have enjoyed reading the posts of the past 24 hours, all of you are very wise and insightful.

Just checking in before I travel fo Johnson City for my afternoon of continuing education. This training is on insomnia and being able to help patients who struggle with the effects that has on their life. Hopefull, the speaker will not be boring and I can stay awake! :). I have to have 15 hours per calendar year and if I don't start early in the year then I end up scrambling at the end trying to make sure I have them.

I will meet you all at Olive Garden for lunch today since that will be on my way.
Have a blessed day.

Big Maude
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69624: Glad you are home, SMH!! Thanks for those kind and humbling words....I was starting to feel like a real big-mouth-buttinsky (watch it, guys..).

Great devotional, Me-They. Just yesterday I was looking at the obituaries in the paper and thinking about how one, seemingly insignificant life can make such a huge difference in this world, as they devote themselves to their families.

Coffee break over...gotta put in some laundry and put dishes in the dishwasher. Need shorts, Me-They? I bought a new fabric softener put out by Downy and man, it smells fantastic.

Boo
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69625: Well, I do appreciate clean-smellin shorts, BOO, so, duck TOM...INCOMING!

MAUDE: Mmmmm, OLive Garden. Unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks for under $7 bucks. Better than meatloaf, heavy on the tomato puree. I'll leave the quarter.

AUH2O: I think the two are in the same vein.

M-T
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69626: I am with you Me-They you can't beat Olive Garden's salad and breadsticks unless it is the Chinese restaurant in Mt. Pilot where they put the little umbrella in your drink...maybe we can all go there Friday night.

I love it when those fresh sheets are put on the bed with that good smell from Downy...almost as good as adventure sleeping on a ironing board between 2 chairs!

smh

January 22, 2009 - Msg 69627: good morning porchsters!!! my thoughts and prayers are with you. I thought i would check in a moment as I make my rounds. MDC- I got tyhe surprise yesterday and I will snail mail you soon again. thanks. I"m at the library passing through. hey to sterling, boo, smh,auh20, me- they,big maude, and all who have not checked in today yet. see you all at the diner! pappa bear (the mayor)
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69628: forgot to ask, has anyone got a dozen semis they will load with vicks and send it to the middle of the porch? we sure need it. thanks only the blue jars type now. pappa bear
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69629:
What amazes me about this porch is that only
a very few of us have ever actually met each other, yet we have this special "relationship" with each
other that is only possible in this modern computer age.
Somehow it just wouldn't be the same with just
US Mail letters. However, with that said, the bond that I felt from the very beginning of my stay
here with pappabear has been unique, and we have enjoyed a
letterwritng campaign since he "lost" his computer a couple of years ago. We are similar
in age and interests, and we consider ourselves
good friends, yet have never met. Isn't that
interesting?
Different topic:On this infamous anniversary and with B.O. goin' crazy
signing orders allowing even more of such, all I can say
is that my passions continue to build and my resolve is even stronger following his unscrupulous actions today. Perhaps some of you have
seen the TV commericials by www.virtuemedia.org
that we have been running.
If not, they are worth a look-see
APB for HOMEMAKER!! How is your new home?
APB for HAZEL!! Are you still holding those rockers for us?
BOO, are you sure there wasnt any Indian Elixer
at that Baptist camp? ha I dint want to say
anything, but ya did seem a bit "tiddly!" ha
Have a good day. Prayers for all,
especially for REV whereever he is on tour today.
MDC

January 22, 2009 - Msg 69630:
Time to reminicse a little:
Shelling a bushel of peas or butter beans to freeze
Penny candy
Wishing upon a star
Counting sheep at night to get to sleep
Merry go rounds
Hobby horses
Red wagons
GUN SMOKE
RAWHIDE
ANDY GRIFFITH
Tea parties
Monopoly
Canista
Rummy
Juke boxes
Rolled up T shirt sleeves
Davy Crockett coon skin hats
Silly putty
Pill box hats
Go go boots
Peace signs
Happy faces
Betsy McCall Paper Dolls
Poodle skirts
Pac-man
Hall monitors
Hall passes
School letting out for the summer
Learning to dance
Learning to whistle
Beach music
Fresh sliced tomatoes
Lemonade stands
BLT’s
Lime sherbet
Sliced Watermelon
Homemade churned ice cream
Graduation
The Prom
Sloppy Joes
Making kool-aid popcycles
Candy cigarettes
American Bandstand
45 rpm records
Training wheels
Walking the RR tracks
Sunday dinners
Learner's permit
Curfews
Sharing a drink with two straws
Alpaca sweaters
Vacation Bible school
Paper airplanes
Paper dolls
Letter sweaters
Black and white oxfords
Mom ordering clothes from Sears catalog
Seersucker pants
Madras pants
Fish sticks
Pick up sticks
Nutty Buddys
Blowing bubbles
Bubble Baths
Barbeques
Outhouses
Coal pile stacked in the backyard
Penny candy
Western Auto
"Monkey" Ward
Kreskies
Electric Trains
Saturday Matinees
Circus on vacant lot
Scout Jamborees
Swimming hole
Flying june bugs on a string
Drawing on the pavement with rocks
Hopscotch on the pavement
"Parking" on a date
"Camping out" in the backyard
Sunday mornings
Visiting family on Sunday afternoons
Buying a new dress for Easter
Metal ice cube trays with the lever
Leave It to Beaver
Roller skate keys
Penny loafers
Green stamps
Bobby socks
Bobby pins
Black and white ANALOG TVs (ha)
?


January 22, 2009 - Msg 69631: Beautiful Day here on this end of the porch today; I just took a walk outside and the birds were singing and the sky was so Blue and I just marveled at the handiwork of our Creator and Lord.
Sometimes you just need to stop for a moment take a look around at the beauty around us and remember the One who created all this cares so mcuh about each one of us that He knows the number of hairs on our head! Just think what Heaven is gonna be like since this earth with all it's beauty and wonder can't even compare to what Heaven will be!

I just thought of the TAGS episode that I believed was titled "Man in a Hurry" probably not the right title. Anyway it is the closing scene and I believe Andy and Barney are singing The Little Brown Church in the vale or wildwood; the hurried business man is asleep in a rocker with a half peeled apple in his hand.
I miss those days when things were just a little bit slower and people sat out on the porch at night before bed time.
Well better get off here before I am lost in dreamland and I get fired for not getting work done.

Prayers for everyone on the Porch!
Hey Spot what is for supper?

SMH
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69632: MDC: It always comes back to food, doesn't it?

Have a great evening!

M-T
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69633:
Food, Fun, Friends, Father
I appreciate it, and good night.
MDC
PS: Why does the sound of opening those metalice cube tray levers send a chill down my spine? ha
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69634: metal ice
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69635: Gang I will read in just a bit...barn working..will someone cook?...SPOT
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69636: Thanks for that wonderful post, SMH..very uplifting!

Who posted that list of memories? That was fun...I think I will add a few of my own:

K-Knockers (sometimes known as Klick-Klacks...heavy glass balls on the end of 2 strings that could put out an eye or cause brain damage when used as a weapon).
Standing in the middle of the front seat (who ever heard of seat belts?)
Going barefoot all over town and stepping on lit cigarette butts.
Talking to strangers (it never mattered back then).
Riding bikes (down culverts, on busy streets, down high hills, and through deep holes) WITHOUT a helmet.
Balancing on the rails of the railroad tracks (mom didn't know about this one).
Eating candy cigarettes (which eventually led to smoking real ones under my friend's front porch).
Reading, "The Sensuous Woman" upstairs in my cousin's room (my mother would have DIED)!
Shooting off LOTS of dangerous fireworks in your own front yard (especially pointing bottle rockets at people and launching them).
Tonka trucks and doll houses made of metal with sharp, metal edges (brilliant...ever fall on one?).
Building a tree house 20 ft in the air with cheap peices of salvaged plywood and bent nails.
Migratory skating rinks/tents that would come into town in the summer, with their warped rink floors and old skates.
And we worry about our kids these days...did our parents worry about us when we were getting skinned up knees, broken bones, burnt feet, and head injuries? Nope, our parents were tough and we survived! haha :-)

Goodnight Mayberry!

Boo
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69637:
Hey Folks

Here's a few more memories,

Snow days (no school).
Mom's homemade stuffing on Thanksgiving (boy, I loved that).
Waiting for Dad to come home from work and have a game of catch (I miss him).
Trying to stay up all night and maybe making to 2 am.
Watching the Disney movie on Sunday nights.
Watching the adults watch "The Lawrence Welk Show" and wondering, why? (Now I watch the repeats on PBS just to reminisce).
The smell of chicken cooking on Sunday.

spot-We had piazza and wings tonight, you're more than welcome to help yourself.

auh2o
January 22, 2009 - Msg 69638: Chunk me a wing and a slice auh2o...thanks!..got to put otis up...prayers...hey Boo...SPOT
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69639: Hi Smoky Mountain Hillbilly,Glad to see you around here again! Well, it warmed up a little here today, I think it made it to the high 20's.Take care porch-ky girl
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69640: Good memories, Auh2o! I had forgotten about the Disney movies on Sundays...remember "Mutal of Omaha's Wild Kingdom"?! My Dad watched The Lawrence Welk show and talk about boring, it was torture for us kids. My Dad still watches the reruns on PBS. We never had snow days, of course, but we had hurricane days!;) I just remembered something else...do any of you remember "Astro Pops"? They were cone-shaped suckers, striped with red, yellow and green, about 4" long and they came to a sharp point on one end. Well, as you ate the darned thing, that point would become very sharp and I can just picture a kid running around with one in his hand and falling on it. Who would have made something like that for kids? It reminds me of the old Saturday Night Live skit with Jane Curtain and Dan Akroyd. It was about a talk show and Jane was a talk show host interviewing a shady toy manufacturer who made dangerous toys for kids, like "Bag-O-Glass" (a plastic bag filled with shards of glass), Johnny Switchblade action figure, an all-black Halloween costume called "Invisible Pedestrian"!...

Boo
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69641: Possum, I got an update on Jubi this morning that I wanted to pass on to you. She just got home from the hospital after another round of chemo so she is restricted to home for now and she will get more next week, if counts are high enough. Her mom said that she feels the prayers and that Jubi has not had nausea or fatigue and had been able to eat anything she wants too, so that is a big blessing. When she had the cancer last time, the chemo made her sick and she couldn't eat much, so this is an improvement. I got to see her new puppy the other day and it is so cute. Thank you for your prayers.

Boo
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69642: Mornin' Y'all. Been kind of sick these past two days-stomach & headache,so I haven't had a chance to see what's going on around here.I'll catch up soon-just wanted to check in before y'all sent the posse out!
Boo,I did read your post right above about Jubi- I had her in my thoughts last night and sent some prayers up for her.Thank you for filling me in-that does sound like an improvement for her.
Well,head is aching,I'd better go. Hope all is well with the Porch.I'll be back in touch soon.
Love to all.
************
possum
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69643: Good Morning Porch!

Thank you guys for the wonderful memories you have brought to mind and I want to add a couple more...

Catching Fireflys and putting them in a jar on Summer Nights
Using a wooden clothes pin to hold a Baseball card on your bike so the spokes of your wheel would hit the card to make "engine" noises
Big bag of Green Army men
Parents allowing you to walk to the store by yourself to buy ice cream sandwiches for a nickel or a dime
Jar of Marbles
What a special time and meal Sunday Dinner was after Church

I hope everyone has a Mayberry kind of Day!

SMH
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69644: Wow the porch has been slow.hope ya feel better possum...ky girl got yer card....thanks...lunch at olive gardwn ok...Rev where are you?...Tom?..hey boo,ro,lucy,hazel and all...well outside to piddle for me...prayers...SPOT
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69645:
Jacks
Jump Rope
Hula Hoops
Steelies
Freeze Tag
Mother May I?
Red Rover
Capture the Flag
Red Light Green Light
Coming home when the street lights go on
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69646:
So why are kids "bored" these days? ha
MDC
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69647: Hello everyone.

Wife comes home today. Can't say that makes me feel any better.

Nice memories all. I can relate to a bunch of them. Can't think of any right now that haven't already been posted.

-Sterling Holobyte
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69648: Good morning everyone. Great memories! I can relate to many of them.

BOO: You can still find Astro Pops in stores that sell "retro candy." You'd be suprised at some of the stuff they still make like B-B-Bats, etc.

Well, it's a busy day at work but I wanted to say howdy. Hope you all have a good one today.

STERLING: Continued prayers, brother.

MDC: When my kids get bored, I hand them a duster, broom, or something else to ease their boredom ;). Usually works wonders.

Me-They
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69649:
It's Friday...Woohoo!
Prayers continue for all.
Glad you liked my rememberances
and thanks for the additions!
I just needed to "get away" for a little while
back to those days.
God bless you friends,
Mr Darlin's Cuz (MDC)

January 23, 2009 - Msg 69650: Thanks M-T, I did a Google search for Astro Pops and found out that they were recently discontinued and that the company had been sued by a family whose little boy was speared in the throat with one. After that, they inverted the sucker to that the pointy end was near the base. Hmmm...I guess I had a "point" about them being dangerous (pun intended)! :)

Boo
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69651: Hey guys, beent rying to get caught up on the recent posts I'd missed. I'm so enjoying all the memories of childhood thats been posted. I can relate to nearly all of them. It's a thousand wonders we didn't get our killings with some of the stuff we did as kids. Sterling, please know that I am praying for you my friend, I really dont know what else I can ad advice wise that hasn't already been said. But I hope you know we're all behind you here no matter what you decide. Well I'm off today, so I'll take care of supper tonight. Meat loaf, mac and cheese, mashed taters, green beans and biscuits. Sweet tea to drink, and some peach cobbler and ice cream for dessert. Ya'll come on over. Hope you all have a blessed day. Love and prayers to all--Salty Dog
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69652: How about some of them little yellow cookies too Salty? :)

Asa
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69653:
Very busy weekend coming up, so
I'll catch ya all on the backside of Sundee.
Good Sabbath to all, and dont be tradin' those horsehairs
for no flattened out pennies. ha And for pete's sake,
throw more than 3 cents in the collection plate! ha
Jesus loves me, this I KNOW!! (:
Later,
MDC
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69654: Afternoon Y'all. Feeling better & just got caught up on the archives.I want to take a minute to let Sterling know that he has my prayers & support. Friend,you're not the Lone Ranger,believe me. Think of how many times I've mentioned my problems here!Right now I am in a marriage that I am trying like heck to get out of.Just a little thing called finances holding me back! But..I will.I have made that promise to myself. And Sterling,you do what you think is right and best for you & Kai. I trust you to do so. You say what you need to,anytime you need to-that's what your friends here are for.You are a sweetheart,and I mean that in the most complimentary way.
Well,hope Maude managed to stay awake at her insomnia workshop (funny,Maude!)& Happy Birthday to Mister Big Maude today!
Y'all take care-love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock

A few more memories for the list:
Drinking right out of the water hose on a hot summer day &
Art Linkletter's "House Party"

January 23, 2009 - Msg 69655: Very sweet post, Possum. I am sorry you are in the situation that you are in but I am very proud that you are determined to make things better for yourself. You have my prayers, Dear Friend. One of these days when that ol' house of mine gets built, I wish you could come down for a visit. We could have a time!

My prayers continue for you, Sterling. I am praying for a miracle for you!

Boo
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69656: Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement.
It is especially meaningful that you take the time to bother with my problems with what you are going through, Possum. I think you are stronger than I am.

I find myself second-guessing my decision all the time on the job issue. But I feel more comforted than before, and that is because of your prayers. Thank you all.

-Sterling Holobyte
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69657: Good evening, porch. Worked last night, a very long and busy shift, and came home wanting nothing more than a bite to eat, and my bed! Got both. Slept from 9 a.m. until l:30, and feel much better. Am off tonight, so will get a good night's sleep.

Sterling, stop beating yourself up. Choosing the path that allows you quality time with Kai just cannot be wrong. Too many kids grow up barely knowing what their dad looks like, let alone experiencing his care and loving attention daily. You're laying the groundwork right now for her future, and for choices she'll make. You've given her the example of a dad who loves her, and makes sacrifices for her. She may not be aware of the details now, but in time she'll know, and it will impress her. Because she knows what a loving father means to a child, she'll likely be more selective when it comes to choosing her own mate. Stop second-guessing yourself, and just drive in your headlights.

Be blessed. --Romeena
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69658: Boo, my apologies. You asked a couple of days ago when Amanda's wedding is scheduled, and I never answered. It's April 11. Please, everyone pray for NO RAIN on that day! There will be about 60-70 people, and they'll all fit in the yard quite comfortably, but if we have to move into the house, it's going to be a bit tight, to say the least. We'll have to learn to like each other real well, real quick! --Romeena
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69659: Me again. I just want to ask one silly question. Did Mayberry have some sort of ordinance against carrying picnic supplies inside the passenger space of a car? That's the only explanation I can think of. In the ep where Warren tries to prevent him and Helen from going on that picnic, Andy goes to great lengths to get everything in the trunk, instead of putting some of it in the car with them. He struggled to make it all fit in the trunk, even to the point of beating some of the food to a pulp! Just wondering--- Romeena
January 23, 2009 - Msg 69660: Ha, interesting observation, Ro...I guess it fit the story line.

Prayers for NO RAIN on April 11th!

Ro, what you said to Sterling is so true. What a gift it is for Kai to have a loving and devoted father like Sterling. Sterling can't even know how blessed Kai will be because of it. It's a beautiful thing in this day of absent dads. God bless you, Sterling, I'm glad you are feeling some comfort.

Boo
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69661:
One blanket, one cot, one crack mirror. Period!

Thomas A. Moody
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69662: Spot, Glad to hear you got your card.Possum, my kids and I have whatever the bug is that's going around too, and it sure takes the wind out of your sails!Sterling, I agree with all the porch has said,Kai will remember your love and time with her, and that matters most. Well, gonna try to sleep again,talk to you all later-ky girl
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69663: Oh,wait, I wanted to add, Boo, thanks for the memories of the klackers!Yes, those were so dangerous!Who in the world just comes up with an idea to give kids two glass balls to smack together and doesn't think, hmm, what type of weapon will this be used for? Obviously, someone who didn't have a child who ever got bored!Ha!I can't help but think of That 70's Show, I laugh at those kids, it brings back so many memories of growing up in the 70's.Anyone seen the one where Red goes to an auction and buys a canoe, and he ends up giving it to Kelso,who tries to ride it down the side of a mountain,has one of his buddies pull him around in it behind his truck,never does he actually try to put it in the water, that would just be too boring!-ky girl
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69664: Morning all. Been busy as a cows tail in fly season here. Hope you are all well.

I found this story in my e-mail the other day and wanted to share it here.

Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the checkout girl.

In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loudspeaker asking for a carryout at register 4.
Kurtis was almost finished and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the checkout stand a distant smile caught his eye. The new checkout girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.
Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the time clock to find out her name. She came into the break room and smiled softly at him, took her card and punched out and left. He looked at her card. Brenda. He walked out only to see her walking up the road.
The next day, he waited outside as she left work, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted.
When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again outside of work.
She simply said it wasn't possible.
He pressed and she explained she had two children and couldn't afford a babysitter. He offered to pay for the sitter.
She reluctantly accepted his offer for a date the following Saturday night.
The following Saturday as he arrived at her door, she greeted him, only to inform him she was unable to go out with him. The sitter had cancelled at the last minute.
Kurtis simply said lets take the kids with us.
She tried to explain that was not really an option, but Kurtis would not take no for an answer and pressed her to go.
Finally Brenda invited him in to meet her children. She had an older daughter that was as cute as a bug. Then Brenda brought out her son in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with down syndrome.
Kurtis asked Brenda, I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us.
Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had severe dis-abilities, like her husband, and Father of her children had done.
Kurtis was not ordinary. He had a different mindset.
That evening, Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kid, went to dinner and a movie. When her son needed anything, Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up and carried him in, and brought him back.
The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to Marry and spend the rest of her life with.
A year later, they were married, and Kurtis adopted both children. Then they have added two more children.
So what happened to Kurtis the stockboy, and Brenda the checkout girl?
Well... Mr and Mrs Kurt Warner now live in Arizona where he is currently employed as the Quarterback of the NFL Arizona Cardinals and has his Cardinals in the Superbowl to be played next weekend.
Is this a surprise ending, or could you guess that he was not an ordinary person?
It should be noted that he also Quarterbacked the Rams in Superbowl XXXVI. He has also been the NFL's MVP twice and the Superbowls MVP.

I thought that was a delightful story, and gives me even more reason to root for MDC's Cards.

Asa

January 24, 2009 - Msg 69665: You sold me, ASA...GO CARDINALS!!! I'm really glad you told that story because now I will want to watch the superbowl.

About 15 years ago, Bruce surprised me by signing us up as volunteers at Special Olympics. It was an awesome experience and I loved every minute of it. I just kept asking myself, "Where have all these wonderful people been?" I never seemed to see them in public, and that is a huge shame. Most, I guess, are kept at the state school with an occasional group outing. What a gift they are, and it's too bad that our society is such that they are kept in institutions and not accepted with open arms. Different?...yes. Challenging...yes? Beautiful?...yes! I understand that some have such special needs that they have to be cared for by medical personnel and such, but I saw so many with Down's or mild retardation that would have been such a blessing to society. Maybe they outgrew their parents or there were other circumstances that made it impossible for them to live out in society, but I think for most of them, they should have been home with family. So sad!

I just hate weekends on the porch...they are so lonely!

Boo
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69666: Good Saturday morning my porch family!! KY Girl, I got your card too, thanks so much. Not much going on my porch today, it's cloudy but warm or at least warm for us. Anybody up for lunch at the Cracker Barrel? We'll give Spot a break from cooking. Lets meet about 12:30. Ya'll have a good day--Salty Dog
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69667: Oh yes, forgot to say that I got your Christmas card, KyGirl, thanks!

I'll meet you for lunch, Salty.

Boo
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69668: Hi, porch! ky girl, I got my card, and thank you! It was just delightful.

Asa, I am not much of a football fan, and probably wouldn't have watched the superbowl, but now I think I will. Thanks for sharing that story.

Boo, you're so right about having those special folks mainstreamed wherever possible. They bring a wonderful added dimension to life, and often can be so endearingly funny. My hospital hires the handicapped when they can, and for years a fellow with Down syndrome worked in environmental services. He was 19 when I first met him, and he retired last year, at age 48. Here's a funny "Eric" story:

One morning a patient suffered a sudden heart attack while seated in a chair near the door of her room. When she fell, she ended up on the floor, with her head and shoulders in the doorway. The code team responded, and an anesthesiologist was kneeling in the hallway, trying to get the woman intubated. Here came Eric with his huge floor polisher (hum, hum, hum) and he pushed the thing right up to the doctor's knee and just stood there (hum, hum, hum). Dr. Bailey looked up at him, and before he could say anything, Eric frowned at him and said, "Could you please move? I have to polish this floor!" Everyone about choked, trying to keep from laughing out loud. Dr. Bailey just said, "No, I can't move right now. Go polish somewhere else and come back later." Eric said okay, and left. End of story. Priceless.

Well, gotta run. Grandsons are going to be over at Eloise's, Starr and I will go over and help out. One grandkid - a snap, a breeze. Both grandkids - a real challenge at times, as each tries to top the other. Kids! Boys, especially!

Be blessed, all. --Romeena
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69669: Afternoon Y'all! Asa,thanks for that beautiful story.I am no football fan-my mom is,and she has mentioned Kurt Warner to me and the fact that he has a disabled son,but I never knew the "rest of the story",as Paul Harvey would say.
Oh,the stories I could tell relating to disabled folks! I spent so many many years working with them.Not only schoolchildren, but I worked a while as an Activities Director for a house of disabled/retarded young men.Oh what a time that was! There's a special place in my heart that is filled with all the things that disabled people have given to me.I am blessed by having known them all. And of course,there's my Laci.
Well,I sure hope the Cardinals win- Go Kurt!

Boo-thanks.Maybe one day I'll take you up on that offer.
Gotta go.Love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69670:
Wow Asa, now it's gonna be very hard pulling for the Steelers!

Thomas A. Moody
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69671: GO STELERS GO

January 24, 2009 - Msg 69672: Well hello my friends!...gosh im still here,when I stay away from the porch ...well it just makes me feel empty!...been barn working with miss Sherry and my Dad...hope yall have been eating well...Rev I will have to read back to see if you have checked in...and all the lost porchsters..hey My friends Romeena,Boo,Mavis,Thomas,POSSUM!,asa,hazel,auh20 and all...promise I will get caught up reading tomorrow...I have to work at 6am...prayers and love and peace porch...and any leftovers I will be thankful for for my lunch at work tonorrow!...SPOT
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69673: Well gang yall must all be down at the duck pond?..SPOT
January 24, 2009 - Msg 69674: Oh my possum..its on again "YOUTS"...im watching it!...SPOT
January 25, 2009 - Msg 69675: Get up yall...I will keep the Church lights on..lets grab a bisquit at McDonalds...SPOT
January 25, 2009 - Msg 69676: Yes SPOT, I was at the duck pond..sorry.

It was pretty slow around here on the porch yesterday. Things always pick up on Monday when folks get back to work....let's go get that biscuit, SPOT. Want some coffee with Hazlenut creamer? (or do real men use hazlenut creamer??..).

I woke up at 5:30 again on sunday!! I set my alarm for 7:30 but am wide awake. Better finish up my sunday school lesson.

Boo
January 25, 2009 - Msg 69677: Yea Boo I will take the coffee but no hazelnut...just reg. milk in mine please...nothing on tv...waiting of some preaching to start...slow so far here at work...well let me surf...SPOT
January 25, 2009 - Msg 69678: Who do you like to hear preach on TV? Do you ever listen to Charles Stanley?...there's your coffee...milk, no hazlenut.

Boo
January 25, 2009 - Msg 69679: Who you guys calling a nut?
- Hazel
January 25, 2009 - Msg 69680: Good Sabbath morning. Thanks for the coffee Boo, I think I'll let the Hazelnut slide on by, I'm more partial to Vanilla. Better get ready for preachin see ya'll there. Oh and somebody please tell Asa no more trading on Sunday he's bad for that ya know ;) Ya'll have a blessed day--Salty Dog
January 25, 2009 - Msg 69681: There's Hazel....where's she go?! (Hazel-"nut"..I get it).

Good mornin' Salty. Don't forget your earrings!!

Boo
January 25, 2009 - Msg 69682: Boo Charles is good also Joel Osteen..hey Salty..I got a baked Chicken in the oven for pot luck lunch after Church...Maude can you catch the slaw order?..SPOT
January 25, 2009 - Msg 69683: I happen to like hazelnut,so there! Ha! Hey Spot,Boo,Salty,& Hazel-lots of empty rockers during the weekend,huh?
Spot,I haven't noticed Rev on here in a while now.Don't go back over the past few days(archives) looking for him-he ain't there!Guess he doesn't have an internet connection wherever he is.I hope that's it and nothing's wrong.
Yeah Spot,I noticed our movie was on last night-didn't ya hear me yelling "YOUT!" ? Ha Ha Didn't get to watch it though.What was I doing? I watched something else-news,I think.But,I'm still a "YOUT!".I love that movie!!
I like Joel Osteen- been following him since he took over the ministry after his daddy passed away.Charles Stanley is good too,but something about his mannerisms/way of speaking grates on my nerves sometimes-sorry,but it's the truth! I think it's how he's prone to always say "Listen!"LOL
Well,gonna check e-mail & probably find a good book to read on this lazy Sunday afternoon.Spot,you cooking supper? Why don't we all go out to Morelli's tonight?Rev will foot the bill!
*******************
possum under a rock
P.S. Spot,"What's a GRIT?" Hee Hee
January 25, 2009 - Msg 69684: Took the family and the boys we take to church out to eat for lunch and I saw them messing with the salt and pepper shakers, so I told them the story that someone shared here (was it Homemaker?) about how they loosed the lids on the shakers and watched for some unsuspecting vicitim to come along and dump salt on his food, and an elderly man sat down, tightened them up and loosened them again before he left! Who's story was that?? Either Homemaker of Possum, I think...

I'm heading off for a nap after a very big lunch!

Preachin' sure was good...we are starting a sermon series on Romans (love it!).

Boo