March 16, 2009 - Msg 70973: Good morning everyone. It’s chilly, gray, and dreary here.

POSSUM: Prayers for your mom and Laci’s poor little lip. When it rains, it pours, doesn’t it?

NEW NEIGHBOR: So you’re having your obdulla oblongdalla operated on? Just make sure that your surgeon can carve a turkey. Prayers for speedy healing and a relief to your pain.

BOO: Speaking of Alice Cooper, did you know that he is a born-again Christian? I heard an interview with him a year or so back. His father was a Protestant minister and he grew up a Christian. After his rebellious early adulthood, he came back to faith. Actually, hearing his witness was pretty interesting. He is a really smart guy. The Bible tells us that if we train up a child, they will not depart. If you’re interested in it, I think it’s podcasted and will try to find it.

ASA: You said a mouthful, brother. Wise words.

Nice to see DES and MAYBERRY DEPUTY rocking with us again.

The kids have been watching and rewatching the TAGS episode “Brisco Declares for Aunt Bee.” They love they part where Opie yells “meat!” Veda, especially, has been running around the house all weekend yelling, “Bread! Taters! Meat!” They did it at my mom’s house on Friday night and thought they were so funny. They’ve watched it so many times now that Chad can sing “Dan Tucker” (also in that episode) all the way through.

Well, I have work to do this morning. Imagine that. I’ll be back for lunch.

Me-They
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70974: Never too early to sweep!

M-T
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70975: I'm right'chere Asa and I wish it was too much root beer that has kept me away, but alas.....First off, I'm down in my back and trust me, having 2 60 pound Bull Terriers that are full of energy and don't understand what down in your back means, is no fun a'tall! Add to that the fact that I have grooming appts nearly all week. And if that wasn't enough, we have house remodeling problems, the smallest being the dishwasher in this house died and had to leak all over the basement and my grooming shop when it did, so had to get a new dishwasher, that same day, the floor man called and let us know while he was tearing out the old floor in the bathroom at the new house, he found that all the wood and supports in the bathroom were decayed and FULL OF MOLD! So the entire wall, the toilet and bathtub has been torn out and he's having to replace everything in there. Off to Lowe's again for materials and block sealer to try and stop some of the water from coming in until we can get a backhoe out there to dig and re-do around the house to keep the water from running down the bank and into the house. THEN, as if that wasn't enough, Jake called yesterday and we had to go get him, he wrecked his car and the wheels and tires on the passenger side are gone, at least he wasn't hurt thank the Lord, but the car is a mess, not totalled, but a mess none the less, so now I have to run him back and forth to work and such until we can get it fixed. It's at our car shop now. Just seems like one thing after another here on my porch. Sorry for not checking in and reading much, but it's been crazy here. AND the race is in town this weekend, so we get to fight all that traffic too! Anybody got any little blue pills to help with all my ailings?? On that note HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS EMMA!! hers is easy to remember, cause it's my birthday too today! And guess what?? I have to work, of course! I vote we have a big old birthday party over at Spot's new barn, and I request Chicken and Dumplins for dinner, who's bringing the cake? Ya'll can leave the candles off tho, don't wanna burn Spot's new barn down.
Now, I'm off to pick up a dog to groom, take Jake to work and go to Bojangles for a sausage biscuit, anybody want one?
*Mavis
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70976: Thanks for sweeping Me-They at least I didn't have to do that on my birthday! :)
*Mavis
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70977: Happy birthday to you, MAVIS! Guess that you're no spring chicken anymore ;). Sorry that you're having house troubles. A bigger problem would be having no house. Having an old house that has such problem routinely, all I can say is that I feel your pain. Prayers for your back. Haqve you tried hanging in a closet? Anyway, it's great tro hear from you and I hope that your birthday is oh so special.

M-T
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70978: Hi All.
Will it a gray wet day here.
Thank Mavis , I was not going to think about the 17 ,because I would be feeling blue.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to sokeone as sweet as you are.

TOM :)

March 16, 2009 - Msg 70979: aorry tthat was read to someone as sweet as you are

TOM

March 16, 2009 - Msg 70980: Good to see you all back on the porch so's I kin stop talkin' to myself.

So sorry about Laci and your mom, Possum. Prayers for all of you. Sound like things are working out with your mom and I am sure Laci will be just fine.

Hey ASA, that answers one of my questions...Barney still has a rubber hamburger. I have played the "fan" game myself!

Happy Birthday, MAVIS!! Hope things start looking up today. You know, I ran into an old friend in Dairy Queen yesterday afternoon. We went to highschool together and her two kids had attended the same school as mine. I asked how she was doing and she said that things had changed. Both of her kids were now grown and out of the house and she was saying that her mom-in-law was diagnosed with cancer and they were dealing with that. She told me before she left, "When my children were young like yours, people used to tell me, enjoy your life now because before you know it they will be gone and there is no going back. Live your life to the fullest now and enjoy it because once this part of your life is over, it's over forever". It really hit me and I can't stop thinking about it. I think it was one of those moments when God is trying to tell you something, so you need to really listen. Anyway, just thought i would share that with you.

M-T, it seems I remember that about Alice Cooper. I would be interested in listening to that interview.

Better get off this computer and get a few things done. I guess i will try to do something fun with the kids since it's spring break.

Later!

Boo
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70981: BOO: I think it's this one: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10231271. I'm listening to it now. I'll let you know for sure.

Now your friend has me thinking!

M-T
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70982: Good morning, all. I would like to second and confirm what your friend told you, Boo. My youngest is now 39, so I know whereof I speak. Enjoy them while they're little, it's over much too soon. And Possum, I would bet there's not a parent or a grandparent on this porch that doesn't have a horror story about some injury that happened to a child in their care. It happens. It's not your fault. So maybe you didn't latch the tray tightly. I'll bet you have done it right at least five thousand times. Unexpected things happen. I know of someone who left their dishwasher door open one day, with the lower rack pulled out. Her 18 month old toddler chose that day, of all days, to pull out a chair and somehow climb onto the kitchen counter, which she had never done before. The mom walked into the kitchen just in time to see the child pitch off the counter, onto the dishwasher rack below, and land on a steak knife that was blade-up in the rack so it wouldn't cut through the silverware basket. The child got a serious cut, but it wasn't life-threatening, and eventually all was well. Who would have dreamed of such a thing? You cannot blame yourself every time something goes wrong. Prayers for little Laci. She will heal. And she might have learned something about leaning over the tray, which you've probably told her a thousand times not to do. Also, those latches aren't infallible. You may very well have fastened it properly, and it just gave way.

Oh, (new subject) if you want to get your hair curled, just Google "Sharia banking law in Michigan", and follow the links that come up. Pretty scary stuff. May I submit that a very good way to help Sharia economic law get a foothold here is to wreck our existing economy. Hmmmmm?

Be blessed, all. --Romeena
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70983:
"Get out the way Old Dan Tucker..."
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70984:
Old Dan Tucker's a fine old man
Washed his face in a fryin' pan,
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel,
And died with a toothache in his heel.
Hey, get out the way, old Dan Tucker
It's too late to get your supper,
Supper's over and dinner's cookin',
an' Ol' Dan Tucker jus' standin' there lookin'.

Lets see if we can drive MT crazy!! haha
MDC
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70985: Too late, according to my wife.

M-T
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70986:
"Really, Barney said that he had me in his hip pocket?"
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70987:
Prayers for Possum, laci, mavis, tom and all.
As asa so squarely said, let's all share our
talents this week. "Talents" were also a type of coin, so if ya wanna share those with me, then
I say hear, hear! ha
MDC
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70988: Romeena is right, Possum. I think I had to call poison control three times for Erin when she was a toddler! She also tripped and pushed both her front teeth up into her gums once. They were baby teeth, thankfully, but because of the trauma, the adult teeth are coming in very crooked and braces are in her near future (cha-ching).

I woke with a headache last night and feel like I have a hangover today..."wonder what causes that?", and NO I was not hittin' the squeezin's last night.

Boo
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70989: BOO: Nora will need braces, too. I'm building a set with paper clips and some needle-nose pliers in my spare time.

MDC: I'll tell you what, I'll send you all the buffalo nickels I come across with heads pointing the wrong way, okay?

M-T
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70990: Good luck with that, M-T....

Boo
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70991:
MT- Great, Andy sold one for $75 ya know! teehee.
My wife and i were at Morelli's last night and saw Boo come in with her own bottle! ha
Ol' doc Andrews will fix erin's teeth! Ouch!
Prayers for Rehab tonight! Go in there wearing the full armor of God to resist the firey darts, but to also do some offensive work! Now there's once of those "context" words!! "Don't let your offensive work become offensive!" Whew, and
can you say rubber baby bumpers? (:
MDC
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70992: Did I miss Sir Walter Raleigh Landin' Day or something? I hate when I miss a holiday!

M-T
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70993: BOO: I second MDC's prayers. I hope that your head feels better.

Remember that old elementary school chestnut: Does your face hurt? Well, it's killing me! Sorry that your misery reminded me of that bad joke.

M-T
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70994:
And MT, you can take your mask off now, halloween is way over! ha Boy, we're a regular frick and frack, put on a rubber nose and we can join the circus!
"Sheriff, Om a declarin' fer miss Bee."

MDC
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70995: Hey Y'all. My mom is back home now-doctor upped her beta blocker & that's really all I know. Spoke to her briefly,she said she was tired,but ok.what a whirlwind since last night! Laci today has been to local dentist,back down to MUSC kid's emergency & then over to MUSC kid's dentistry.Poor thing is conked out now. Good news is, they x-rayed her mouth & the root system on tooth is good,tooth isn't fractured,no sutures needed-it will heal & time will tell if the tooth goes dead,then they'll do a root canal. Either way,it can be saved.Oh,and she popped up with a fever of 102 while down there.Checked for flu,no flu,so she has some type of virus.Yes,when it rains,it pours!
I skimmed really quick & want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to MAVIS and thanks to y'all for the prayers & words of encouragement. It might have been my fault,but my lil'Laci doesn't hold a grudge. Things happen-just tore me up to see her all banged up & bloody. Then today,every doctor/resident it seemed had to poke & prod her,like she hasn't had enough of that in her lifetime already! Thanks again y'all.The prayers meant a lot.
Washing a load of bloody (sorry to be gross) laundry,& maybe later I can rest a bit. Love to all.
**********
possum
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70996:
"Welcome sweet springtime, we greet thee in S'ong!"
2 more weeks of spring training, then it's "PLAY BALL" for real! yippie!
MDC
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70997:
"z-z-z-z" lazy porch today..
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70998: Good evening, porch! The hospital called and gave me the first four hours of the shift off, may have to go in at 11, maybe not. We'll see.

Absolutely gorgeous here today - one of those days that makes me want to write a blog about it. In the 70's, sunny, just lovely.

Possum, I'm glad Laci is okay, and please - don't beat yourself up about it. In the first place, I'd bet a cookie that you latched that tray in place. I don't know about your high chair, but the one I've had around here will hold a really little kid in, but when they get Laci's size, and lean really hard on it, it will fall off. It has an ineffective little lap belt on it, and the kids usually pitch a fit and try to get out from under it, making the fall risk even greater, so we just leave it off. Kids and falls go together like ham and eggs.

Well, I'm off to rustle up some supper. Got some leftover pot roast - there's enough to share. Come on by! --Romeena
March 16, 2009 - Msg 70999: Hey, you ain't gotta ask me twice Ro. I love left over pot roast. Heck, I love anykind of potroast. I even love saying it, POTROAST! :)

Possum, glad all is well with your Mom and with Laci. Better get some rest tonight. I bet your frazzled.

Mavis, boy howdy, your post on remodeling is a common one. It can be bubble busting, but when your done you can breathe a little easier. Hang in there. Maybe you and I should start a sore back club. Ain't it miserable feeling so miserable?

MDC, Sing good old 14-A one more time will ya? Someones off key and I'm thinking it might just be you. :)

Well I better go wash my feet if I'm off to Ro's for potroast.
Later

Asa
March 16, 2009 - Msg 71000: Happy Birthday Mavis, hope you had a good day even with all the stuff you got goin on. The rain finally stopped here after 4 days of it. Supposed to be up in the 60's tomorrow. I'm ready for spring. And speaking of, isn't it time us girls start softball practice? I'll bring some Little Debbies lol. Ya'll have a good Monday-Salty Dog
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71001: Thanks for those prayers, MDC (and any who prayed). Rehab was...uh, interesting. One of those times when I had a very hard time controlling my laughter. We had some new girls that were just very funny. If any of you have seen any of the Tyler Perry movies featuring "Madea", just imagine Madea at age 16. One of the girls was telling us her story and talking in "ghetto" (if you are familiar with that) and after she was finished, I had no idea what she had just said. It was a good time, though, and we even managed to get the gospel in there and some prayer time. Like I always say, you just never know what to expect from week to week but it is NEVER boring.

M-T, I listened to that NPR interview with Alice Cooper, then I went over to YouTube and checked out a couple of video clips from his early days. I cannot believe he was a hit...talk about ridiculous cheezy! Why did the kids like him? I liked a couple of his songs but never went to a concert or anything. I don't think he ever even came to Corpus Christi.

I wanted to tell you something, M-T, after what you told us about your kids watching TAGS....well today I was watching Erin outside trying to hit a ball. She said, "Hey Mom, look! I'm Aunt Bee!"...when I looked, she was holding her baseball bat upside down. Ha!

Well, it is LATE and I should be in bed...see ya'll tomorrow with my cup of coffee.

Boo

March 17, 2009 - Msg 71002:
Hey Folks

Sunny here this morning. Nearly all of the snow has melted and we have begun puttering around the yard. I love Spring.

Asa-I'm with you, I love all things pot roast!

Is it just me or does anyone else hear Sammy signing the "The Candy Man" when ever BO speaks?

"The Candy Man can 'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good."

auh2o


March 17, 2009 - Msg 71003: Well, who else can make a sun rise?

M-T
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71004: Good morning everyone. It's still gray, rainy, and dreaery here. I feel like I've moved to England or something, except the food's still good.

BOO: I was never an Alice Cooper fan when I was younger. As a kid, he was too scary. As a teenager, he was already a kitchy has-been. I'm still not fan of his music or show, but I enjoyed hearing him interview. Like I said, he seems like a very well-spoken, smart guy. Maybe he'll serve to bring others to faith. I love how he's a living example of the truth about raising your kids. Anyway, glad you enjoyed it, too.

Veda has taken up Chad's habit of calling Gomer "Goomer"--kind of a mix-up between Gomer and Goober. I can understand the confusion. The last few days they have been watching the "Haunted House" episode over and over.

Speaking of kids, TV Land is really p-ing me off. They play those insipid comercials at all hours of the day. We can't even let the kids watch the channel anymore to watch TAGS or Beaver because of the stuff they put on duirng breaks. It's either that or sit there with your finger on the remote.

I forgot to wear green today. Oh, well. I usually forget anyway.

See y'all at lunch.

Me-They
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71005: I read something yesterday I thought I'd share. Just when this poor man thought he could make lemonade from lemons...A man donated a home that he owned to the local fire department to have them burn it down for a training exercise. It needed a lot of work, and he figured that he could claim a nice deduction. Under normal circumstances that was good thinking. So the fire department burned it down. Unfortunately, the property ended up worth more without the house. He not only didn't end up with a deduction, but his property taxes went up.

Me-They
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71006: I can hear it now, M-T..."Goomer...Goomer....Goooom..." :) I know exactly how you feel about TVLand, and if i see Smiling Bob and his candy cane one more time...!!!

Boo
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71007: Oh, about Alice Cooper...when I was in junior high, I had his Welcome To My Nightmare album and my friend and I played the heck out of it because we thought the lyrics were funny, especially "Cold Ethel" (which is a really sick song), but to this day, I can still sing every word of it and did once at a new year's eve party a few years ago...really embarrassed myself.

Boo
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71008: "One thing...I miss...is Cold Ethel and her skeleton kiss..."
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71009:

M-T, no good deed goes unpunished, eh? Tough break.

Boo, my boyfriend-at-the-time dragged me to see Alice Cooper in '71 or '72. I liked a couple (yep, exactly two) of his songs, but the theatrics were silly. He does seem pretty intelligent, however - and funny.

It's going to be pretty warm here today. I finally have a day off after 8 days in a row. Yay, this is my 'short week' and I'm looking forward to it.

Have a Mayberry kinda day, y'all!

~De§~


March 17, 2009 - Msg 71010: Yep, I only like 2 of his songs, too...one being the ever popular "School's Out"!!

Enjoy your day, DES!

I am off to one of Zach's baseball games he asked me to come to. It is warm here now, too, and lots of fog and humidity (yuck).

Boo
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71011:
Asa- remember, that's NOT the kind ya smoke! ha
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71012:
"But pa, she CAN'T go; who's gonna teach her to play baseball and all that stuff..."
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71013: Previous 2 were me!
MDC
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71014:
The Previous 2 were me!

auh2o
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71015:

...sorry, I thought we were playing "To Tell the Truth."

auh2o
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71016: Well gang im at work now and can get caught up!..hey Mavis,Salty,Ro,Tom,Rev,Boo,possum,ky and all....let me get started here and back in a bit....SPOT
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71017: Well, I just got back from WalMart and it was a frustrating experience! I hardly ever shop there anymore but I was near there and stopped in to get some things I needed for dinner. When I got to the check-out (there were only a few open), there were 2 people ahead of me and I stood there for 20 minutes before I ever got checked out. The first woman was trying to use a coupon that the machine wouldn't scan, so the checker had to go to customer service while we stood there waiting, then the next guy had 3 items, one of which did not have a price sticker and one which did, but was the wrong price. That required two price checks and then when he checked out, he couldn't figure out how to use his debit card. Then, when I got checked out (I always pay with a debit card) and the crazy scanner wouldn't work. I finally got checked out after several attempts. Anyway, I think I will stick with the local grocery store from now on!

Well, break over..time to put away the groceries...

Boo
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71018: Hey Y'all. Hope all's well.I'll catch up on everything one of these days! Saw my mom today & she's doing pretty good. Laci's mouth looks much better & she is being good about letting me clean it. Have to use a dental swab & prescription antibacterial rinse to clean it.Whatever brought on that fever,haven't figured out what kind of virus she has. Might be stomach,I'll spare the details,but she's not bad off.
I think i'm keeping her until Thursday,.That way she'll be better,hopefully her mom will be shaking off her illnesses & she has 4 days off in a row starting Thursday,so I'm thinking Thursday might be the day.
Happy St. Paddy's Day to all! Gotta go.
***********************
possum under a SHAMrock... Make that O' possum!
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71019:
And for me, it's Mc Mdc ! teehee
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71020:
My name is AUh20
My name is AUh20
My name is AUh20

Only 1 of these men is the real AUh20...
Simple show, but I used to love it.
Prayers for ya all in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as Patty himself would pray and show the people with a shamrock the mystery of the Trinity.

McMdc
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71021: Boo I NEVER buy food at walmart...I have just go so used to the local Publix...know where EVERYTHING is and can just zip through..hey possum,ky,MDC,Auh2o...all 3 of yuns...possum take care of our Laci!...well Maude lets you and I whup us some vittles and eat in the Billard room (ups wrong show)...country fried steak and gravy,mash taters,pinto beans and rolls...Boo bring some tea...Asa bring the evening paper and an onion to slice....SPOT
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71022: Spot, add a little corned beef and cabbage and I'm THERE! (:
McMdc
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71023:
APB for Irishster! Maybe he'll visit us today!

McMdc
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71024: We don't have Publix, SPOT. We have something called HEB and they are in every town in Texas, I think. I buy almost all my groceries there. There is a small one less than a mile from me and I love it. Lines are short and quick, checkers are very friendly and they usually have what I am looking for, even though it is small.

O'Boo
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71025: Good evening, all. I know the Publix stores, from when I visit my kids in Florida. Nice stores, decent prices. I also know the HEB stores, from when I lived in San Antonio. We don't have them in north Texas, Boo, but I wish we did. We had them years ago, but they all went away. There is one in Fredbg, and my daughters shop there. Produce is always fresh, meat is good, and they have a bakery/deli that's just great.

As for shopping at Wal-Mart, it depends on which store. We have two here in Irving. One is not far from me, but is always so dirty and crowded I feel like I need a shower when I leave it. I almost never, ever go in there, and anytime I do I vow it will be the last time. The other one is much newer, larger, cleaner and less crowded. It's also several miles away, on the far north end of town, and I very rarely go there. So, Wal-Mart gets my money maybe two or three times a year.

Spot, check your work email. Oh, and I'll bring some corned beef and cabbage to add to the table. Got a pretty head of nice dark green cabbage - love the stuff!

Well, I guess I'll go take a little turn around the back yard and see who has awakened today. One by one, everybody is waking up, stretching and putting out new leaves and/or buds, and it's just such a delightful time. At this moment, a pair of very fat robins are standing out there in the grass, looking toward my window. I guess they're watching me, watching them! Ha! Anyway, they're just delightful and I love it that they are hanging around.

There will probably be babies soon, and that's always fun. Baby robins leave the nest early, and spend a lot of time - several days - running around on the ground before they learn to fly well. The parents continue to feed them, and it's always fun to walk out in the yard and hear that little buzzing call the babies make. When I hear that, I just stand still, and soon enough I'll see a parent fly in with a bug in its beak, and then I can spot the baby, usually under a shrub somewhere. That's when I'm particularly diligent about watering the cat whenever I see him. Hateful old thing.

Be blessed, all. Have a great evening. --Romeena
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71026: Yes, I had forgotten that there are no HEBs in North Texas, Ro. Where do you shop in Irving? Do you have Safeway? I have been in that HEB in Fredricksburg several times. When Bruce and I go up there for anniversaries, we usually stay somewhere out of town and we go to HEB and buy food to take out to where we are staying and we cook steaks or something. Sometimes we eat in one of the neat place on mainstreet, though. I remember once when Bruce and I had been together for a couple of years, must have been about 1990, and we stayed in Fredricksburg for the first time and went in to town one night to go to the movies. The old movie theatre was still open and in business then. I remember the feeling I had sitting in those old theatre seats and the place was probably very much like it was when it was built. They were playing some great music before the movie started and I was just sitting there with this wonderful feeling of "all is right with the world"...funny that I remember that so many years later. I guess because at that time in my life, I didn't have that feeling often. That was during the 4 years that I was suffering with depression and anxiety and it was really rough most of the time. Bruce was so good and kind during those years and I have never doubted his love for me because he stuck it out with me. I'm telling you, it was a very painful time and he could have left because we weren't married at that time. Twice in my young adulthood I suffered from severe depression. The first time for a year, the second for 4 years. That was 14 years ago and I have not been through anything like that since. The Lord has helped me to deal with my anxiety over the years and it was always anxiety that led to my depression. Funny, if you were to spend much time with me, you would never think I was ever depressed. Usually I am having a great time and enjoying life and you will seldom find someone who laughs more. The Lord has been so good to me. He never left me for a minute and brought me through it all.

Hope you get a good shot at Shamu...

Boo
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71027: Oh, and one more thing...I used to wonder why the Lord allowed me to go through such darkness because to me it felt like the bottom of a dark pit and was more painful than any physical pain, but I now realize that it was so that I would be compassionate and would understand the pain of others. When I go into that drug rehab and hear the stories of those children who don't want to live anymore, I can tell them about a God who will, in time, make their lives beautiful because He did it for me.

Prayers for all my porch family...may God, in His time, make all things beautiful for you.

LOVE,
Boo
March 17, 2009 - Msg 71028: "Something beautiful, something good.
All my confusion, He understood.
All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife
But He made something beautiful of my life."

That's a good old Gaither song, and one of my favorites. --Romeena
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71029: Great song, Ro (sure beats Alice Cooper)! :-)

Boo
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71030: Hi folks,

Don't have too much time to chat, but just wanted to let you in on my day. As you know, Kai had her heart echo check-up today. And Kai is going to have to have an operation.
Boy, I hate even writing that, much less thinking it.
There has been more progression(if you can call it progress) of the narrowing right above her aortic valve, and the doctor says the heart muscle has some slight thickening, not bad, but she would rather Kai have the procedure before it thickens anymore and Kai starts having symptoms.

She says we do have time to make plans with our schedules and such and that we can have it during the summer so that Kai wouldn't miss school. She is going to have to stay at the hospital for 5 days, and then take it easy for 6 weeks or so.

I'd almost just as soon as get it done now, now that we know it has to be done anyway. I don't really want to wait until summer. I mean, you have to worry enough during the actual procedure, but to have to wait for all that is almost worse.

Well, I had better get to bed. I am not going to be any good tomorrow at work as it is, so I had better at least get some rest. I was really hoping that this would be just another checkup, and the doctor would say , see you again in 6 months.
Actually, I kind of thought it might be something like this, especially after the last checkup, so I can't really say I am surprised. But I was just hoping.



-Sterling Holobyte




March 18, 2009 - Msg 71031:
Hello porch family....another wonderful day here in SC. But then again, every day is a good day because it's the day that the Lord has made!

Happy Birthday Maivs. Today is also my mom and her twin brother's birthday.

Continued prayers for Laci.

MDC.....I'm ready for the sound of "let's play ball" also.

Spot.....don't work too hard tonight.

Boo.....the HEB stores out there are really nice. I've been to serveral. There's a real big one in Victoria that I have used a number of times. And as Spot said, the Publix here are nice also. We shop at them often.

The studio work is going real good. Hope to be through with it in about two weeks. I'll be doing vocals this Thursday.

Well gang I'm heading to bed. You all have a great night's rest. Praying for all the porch family. See ya'll at breakfast.
Good night and hold Jesus tight!
-REV.
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71032: Thanks for all the birthday wishes Porchsters! I had a pretty good day, ended up working because I forgot to NOT schedule any dogs, but oh well, it ain't the first time I've worked on my birthday. Just wanted to tell ya'll thanks, ya'll are the cats!
Race traffic starting to get heavy here in Bristol, not as bad as in years past, guess it's the economy, but this is the first time in years that the Food City 500 (or as we call it here, the Big Race, the Busch race is the Little Race) hasn't been sold out!
anyways, I'm off to the ironing board.
Ya'll sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite
*Mavis
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71033: Didn't see you there Sterling prayers for Kai and for you and your wife as well, keep your chin up! Happy Birthday to your Mom and Uncle Rev!
Now, I'm really off to the ironing board.
*Mavis
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71034: Hey Sterling.... Prayers for Kai! Keep us posted.

Mavis....keep those race fans in order over there in Bristol.

-REV.
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71035: Sterling, thank you so much for checking in and giving us a report on Kai's dr's visit. It means alot that you think of us like family and would let us in on what is going on. Speaking for all of us, we care very much about you and your family. You can count on us to pray that all will go well for Kai and that the Lord would give you peace as you look to Him for help and comfort. It must be very tough to be looking at waiting until summer. Remember that many children have heart surgery and do just amazing. Kids have a way of bouncing back much better than we do as adults and won't it be a blessing to finally have the surgery over and not have to worry about it anymore? Having said that, remember that we are here for you when you get afraid and worried. When you feel like that, come talk to us. This is a safe place to let your feelings show. Haven't we all gotten so much encouragment and love here on the porch when we really needed it?

Hello to Mavis and REV.

REV, I have seen the HEB in Victoria several times but don't think I have ever actually been in it. In one of the schools the kids attended, we used to have to drive all the way to Victoria to buy uniforms at this clothing store down the street from the HEB. Boy, was it pricey and we had to drive an hour to get there! I like Victoria because it is small enough to have the small town feel but is large enough to offer a mall, and things to do. I love the little park there, over by the historic district, and the little zoo. Some of those large, Victorian houses that have been restored are so beautiful. Did you ever drive in that area and look at the houses?

Better get to bed. Full day tomorrow. Dentist appointments for the kids, have to do some things for the parents, laundry is piling up...you know the drill... Goodnight!

Boo
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71036: Here's a funny little poem I read today...thought I would share it to lighten things up:

A Parent's Prayer: (in honor of spring break)

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my sanity to keep.
For if some peace I do not find,
I'm pretty sure I'll lose my mind.

I pray I find a little quiet,
Far from the daily family riot.
May I lie back and not have to think,
About what they're stuffing down the sink,

Or who they're with or where they're at
And what they're doing to the cat.
I pray for time all to myself
(did someone just fall off a shelf)?

To cuddle in my nice soft bed,
(Oh no, another goldfish...dead!)
Some silent moments for goodness sake
(Did I just hear a window break?)

And that I need not cook or clean
(Well heck, I've got the right to dream!)
Yes now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my wits about me keep,
But as I look around I know,
I must have lost them long ago!

Author unknown.

Boo



March 18, 2009 - Msg 71037: Well hey Mavis,Rev,Boo.....Bristol this weekend!..rolling in to Mavis country!...Maude sand Lucy check in...breakfast menu:2 eggs your way,bacon (some crisp and some chewy for Romeena)salsa (Ro),bisquits and gravy,oj,java,milk...prayers to all and I will be back here at work at 2pm this afternoon..then off tomorrow...weather report in Ga...75 and sunny..God is good!....SPOT
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71038: Morning Porchters.
Hope you are all well this fine day.

Sterling, my prayers go to you and your family during this stressful time. If I were in your shoes, I'd be the same way. Do it now and be done with it. But that's just me. If something has to be done, albeit unpleasent, I just as soon proceed quickly and have it over with. But no matter when, I'm sure she will do fine. Prayers for you all.

Mavis, I responded to your earlier post and in it neglected to wish you a happy Birthday. Dirty old me. I hope you'll forgive me. I'm a bad ba-ad bank guard. So happy belated Birthday.

Cute poem Boo. It's good to laugh.

Thanks for breakfast Spot. Yer a good puppy.

Speaking of laughter and puppy's, I saw a small little video yesterday of a dog having a dream and dreaming he was chasing something. Oh my goodness, I have not laughed so hard at anything in ages. I think I sent it to Ro, but if anyone else want's to see it, let me know. It's only about 30 seconds long.

Well better get to it. The weather has warmed up and I gots me a ton of outdoor work to do.

Asa
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71039: Good moring everyone. A little warmer today, but pea-soup foggy. I guess I'm strange, but I like the fog.

STERLING: Kai has my continuing prayers for healing, and you and your family have them for peace. I understand your feeling about getting it over with, but it probable would be easier on Kai not to have to worry about making up all the work she'd miss. Plus, she'd probably miss seeing her friends. Hang in there, buddy.

BOO: I guess I'm fortunate. Though I've had anxiety issues, I've never suffered from depression. But I have seen one someone close go through it for about a year and know it truly can be debilitating. I think that you're right about why you had your own trials. That's a way of turning a burden into a blessing!

Are we going to Cancun for spring break? ROAD TRIP!

Me-They
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71040: Hi All.
Will two nice day , yesterdat 70 and today 71 for the high.
Stepdad start it his fishing for the season.
Prayer for all.

TOM:)

March 18, 2009 - Msg 71041: Speaking of spring break, I read yetserday that it is estimated that 10% of the coral reef damage is due to chemicals in...sunscreen. It seems tons of sunscreen wash off beach goers and those chemicals wash over the reefs near shore before washing out and being dispersed.

Can't remember whether I read that in Reader's Digest or Learn-A-Month.

M-T
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71042: Good morning, friends. Yes, Asa, you sent me that video and it had me laughing out loud. So funny!

Sterling, I'm so sorry that you and your family, and especially little Kai, are having to go through this. It's scary, I know, but no one is held more tightly in the Father's hand than a little child. Kai will do just fine. The technology in that area is superb, and children are resilient, as Boo said. Our oldest son had reconstruction on his chest when he was six, to correct a skeletal malformation. It didn't actually involve his heart, but it was a huge surgery. Of course, in those days, parents weren't allowed to stay with children in the hospital. (Can you imagine?) Well, picture our shock on the morning after surgery, when we stepped off the elevator and were greeted by our son, seated on a tricycle, waiting for us to arrive! An adult would have still been flat on their back, moaning. He escorted us back to his room, riding the tricycle. He went home in four days, and just did beautifully forever after. We will pray for the same rapid recovery for Kai.

Happy Birthday to all the porchsters who have grown a year older, or perhaps decided to repeat their previous age for another year. I lose track of such things so easily - my apologies if I miss those occasions. It comes with age!

There is a gorgeous cardinal out on the feeder this morning, and to my sorrow and his disappointment, the feeders are empty! I'll have to remedy that, as soon as I find my socks and get some clothes on. Joe and Jorge will be here shortly - we're going to powerwash the patios, walkways, arbor floor and my driveway today. The patios and walkways need it badly, to wash out the joints between stones to get rid of dirt and tiny weeds. Then we'll brush in more decomposed granite, and it will all look fresh and clean again. We'll level the walkway and eliminate any loose stones at the same time, so our little bride doesn't trip on her way to the arbor next month! I can hardly wait!

Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71043: I read that same thing, Me-They, about the sunscreen and reef damage. At least I'm never guilty of that. I do use sunscreen at the beach, but I don't go in the water. Getting stung by jellies, possibly nipped or maimed by a shark, caught in a riptide and carried out to sea - well, those things just aren't high on my list of vacation pleasures. I can sit for hours and watch the breakers, though. --Romeena
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71044: Hey there, TOM. GLad you are enjoying the weather. We're supposed to get to 70 today, too.

ROMEENA: I'll go you one better: I hate the beach. Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful to look at. But there's nothing there that I enjoy. Between the blazing sun, sand, and salt water, as soon as I get there I can't wait to leave. And I absolutely can't stand wearing anything greasy or oily on my skin, though I do (mostly because the Mrs. makes me).

We go to Chincoteague every summer and the Mrs. and I have an agreement; I will go to the beach (on Assateague) twice during the week for two or three hours each time and will smile, not complain, and at least act like I am enjoying myself. If she and the kids (an my parents) want to go other times, I can stay back and she won't have a problem with it. It works for us. The kids do love the beach, though, and while I'm really glad they enjoy it, I really, really don't. In fact, it's pretty much like torture for me. Not joking, I'd rather have my teeth drilled. Maybe even be waterboarded.

Me-They
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71045: Hey Y'all. Boy,am I tired. I skimmed the posts real quick & saw that Kai is in need of a heart operation. Sterling,the little girl I am looking at right now (Laci) has been down that road.I know how you feel-the worry,the anxiety. You just hate for your childto have to go through something like that.Laci had open heart surgery at 11 months-weighed just 13 pounds. God put His angels on watch & she came through it fine. Those same angels of the Lord will watch over Kai. She will be okay,my friend. Try not to worry too much.My love to you & your family.
Hey to all-will try to catch up soon.
**********
possum
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71046: Well, Me-They, while I don't dislike the beach quite so much as you do, I will admit it's not my first choice for a vacation spot. If it weren't for the beauty of it, I'd probably never go. We went to Destin a couple of times two or three years ago, and it was fun, though I never got in the water any deeper than my ankles, and not much of that. There were jellies everywhere! Just not fun. I don't use a lot of sunscreen either - I know what you mean about not liking that greasy feeling. Makes the sand stick to you, too. I usually manage to have a big beach umbrella and a towel I can drape over any areas that don't fit in the umrella shade. Eloise and I sat under that old umbrella and had some good conversation and enjoyed the view, while the young'uns roasted themselves and got sand in their shorts and salt in their eyes, and found out what a jelly sting feels like. With age comes a modicum of wisdom, I guess. --Romeena
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71047: Oh boy, ok...if Me-They can admit it, so can I. In my best "Lydia" voice: I hate the beach...I don't mind the river, but I HATE the beach. Actually I love the river, but that's another subject. I can remember as a child, loving to swim in the ocean and ride the waves....then the movie JAWS came out. That put a stop to that and as I grew up, I found myself feeling just miserable at the beach. The blazing sun, the feeling of "exfoliation" that accompanies rubbing sunscreen mixed with sand into your skin. Wet sand in your "drawers" on the ride home, trying to rinse the sand off your flip-flops and manage to get into the car before they are caked with sand again, the bite of sea mites, the sting of jellyfish, the stench of rotting seaweed, the tar that washes up and gets on your feet and is impossible to get off!...you get the picture. It is pretty to look at if you go in the late afternoon or in the winter of the year, but forget about summer days at the beach. Now the river, that is a great place to be. CLEAN and no sand, lots of shade and cold water in the Texas heat....a good combination.

Me-They, I am glad you have not had problems with depression because anxiety is so tough anyway. I hope you never have it. Debilitating is a good way to describe it.

Hey, a roadtrip sounds great, Me-They. Not to Cancun, though (beaches, remember?), but maybe a trip across Route 66, eat at some old diners and stay in those tee-pee motels?...or up the California coastline...beautiful!

Get some rest Miss Possum, you deserve it.

Better get moving...

Boo
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71048: Me-They, lets rent some sort of vintage convertible...maybe a Cadillac, turquoise blue and take along some CDs like Nat King Cole, Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins, and Johnny Cash......You be Thelma and I'll be Louise!...or, you could be the character played by Brad Pitt and Possum could be Louise....wait a minute, was it Thelma or Louise that had the fling with Brad Pitt?

Better get my mind on more serious matters...

Boo
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71049: Romeena, you ride shotgun and I'll do the driving.

Boo
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71050:
Racing in bristol...woohoo!
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71051:
Asa-you can email it to me.
TOM- you almost as hot as Phoenix! ha
Me-They- I think it was in Learn a Month right neat to the fact that horses eyes are the same size as birth as when full grown. ha
Sterling- prayers for Kai, MANY prayers for kai.
Have a good day all! hey. let's all go to the beach! haha
MDC
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71052:
Barn: Now look Andy, I like Leonard Blush as much as the next guy, but this is no time for Leonard Blush!
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71053: Prayers Sterling...Asa lets grill some burgers for lunch...swiss cheese,chips,cokes....im hitting the shower...work at 2....SPOT
March 18, 2009 - Msg 71054: BOO: I ain't driving off no cliff.

Let's head to California. Never been there but I hear it's beautiful.

MDC: I was watching something on Animal Planet (I believe) about the giant squids last night. They were looking at a dead one. Evidently, not many have been examined. Anyway, they found that it has the largest eye of any animal on the planet--as big as a soccer ball! The lense from the eye (which looked like a clear sphere of jell-O) was the size of a baseball.

Hope you all aready had your lunch.

"Leonard Blush, Leonard Blush! That's all you want to talk about!"

M-T