March 31, 2009 - Msg 71450:
Hey there Boo.....didn't seeing you sitting there. I just praise God for the great rehab service tonight. God is so good!
-REV.
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71451:
OK OK.....thought I would sweep before I go to bed.
-REV.
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71452: Good sweep Rev, let me go back and read ..SPOT
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71453: Ok got the brush burn fire put out,...SPOT
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71454: Just heading for the ironing board myself. Hey, Spot, do you always burn all the cut brush, or do you sometimes leave some of it for critter habitat? I know when I was growing up in the country, my dad would leave a few piles of brush - not too close to the house - for the critters to hang out in. Rabbits, mostly, but a few ground squirrels, and probably some other wildlife would take up residence. We would get field mice in the feed and tack room now and then, but keeping a cat around usually discouraged them. Of course, possums and racoons were commonplace, and the occasional skunk.

Around here, I try to provide habitat for the city critters. I have three squirrel nest boxes, which they share with birds on an alternating basis. There are about eight birdhouses of varying sizes, and LOTS of shrubbery for cover as well as nest sites. There's a bat house, but no bats have ever moved in, darn it. Sometimes I like to see a bat!

Behind the arbor, there's a rock pile. All the leftover stone from the flower island walls, and the flagstones left from the patios and walkway are just piled back there, and all sorts of little creatures live in the pile. Most of the flowerbeds have a little pile of broken flowerpot pieces, tucked in a hidden spot. It gives the little lizards a place to hide from birds.

My yard is certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Backyard Habitat, and nest sites, shelter and protective cover are part of the requirements. The critters help a lot, harm nothing, and just generally make things more interesting.

Well, off I go. Toye Starr is sawing tiny toothpicks beside my chair, guess she's ready for bed. So am I. Sure am glad I didn't go to work, I'd hate to think I had another seven hours of work ahead of me right now. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71455: Mornin' Y'all! Hey to Rev,Boo,spot,Ro,and anybody I didn't see.
Ro,that's neat about your yard being certified by the Wildlife Federation.I never told y'all that there is a family of 3 rabbits living underneath my "rock".Cool,huh? We have been putting food out for them and I guess they just decided to bunk under my house.I don't know one from the other(usually just see one at a time),but I call them all "Bun-bun". They are pretty tame-you can walk right up to them and they won't run.Sometimes I'll startle one of them when I go outside,but if I talk to them,they recognize my voice and don't run.I just love seeing them in the yard.Lots of birds as well.The backyard gets pretty colorful at times!
Boo,prayers for Paula & Ashley and God Bless you for the work you do with these young girls. What's the latest on Jubi,by the way?
Well,it's time for breakfast and since I handled supper last night,and I know the response my corn flakes get (Well,Mavis likes 'em!) I am not offering to "Cook" breakfast this morning.As spot likes to ask," Who's got money?"-somebody treat us to breakfast,ok?
Y'all have a good day-love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71456: Yes REV, God is good.

Hey to Hot Spot ;) Bruce picked up the final copy of the house plans and paid the architect yesterday. He meets again with the builder tonight, so we should be starting this thing soon. I am really hoping we will be in the house by Christmas, but we will see...I keep thinking about what happened to Homemaker. Seems like it is taking forever for her to get into her house. Wish she would check in...APB for Homemaker.

Ro, we have a brush pile on the place (sticker burr ranch) and I guess I need to check it for signs of critters. When we were out there the other evening we saw deer tracks again. I had not seen any since we put up the fence but I guess they finally decided to hop it. The tracks were big ones so I guess it's a buck hopping the fence. I can see on the other side of the fence that they have been bedding down in the tall grass nearby. Bruce is talking about putting out a feeder for them, just for fun. We are actually in town so it is unusual to see deer but I think I mentioned before that we have a small refuge nearby that deer have escaped from and now roam the brush. I think there are only a few of them that have decided to hang around our place. I have never actually seen them but Bruce has. I forgot to tell you the latest in the "Battle of the Burrs"...Bruce rigged up this thing to the back of the tractor that is like a giant rolling pin with carpet wrapped around it. He pulls it around the place and picks up alot of the dead stickers that way. Now we are trying to pull up the new ones that are sprouting...what a pain! Can you imagine pulling up 5 acres full of sticker burrs?

Better get Erin going for school...

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71457: Oh hey there Possum. I appreciate those prayers for the girls. That is neat about the bunnies! Doesn't your dog try to bother them?

Jubi is getting a little weaker and is very thin now. She barely eats anything, but still is in good spirits and is more than half-way through her treatments at this point. Her immune system is doing pretty well and she able to come to church and be around people and hasn't needed a blood transfusion in weeks, which is good. It seems to me, that she is just beginning to really look like she is having a struggle, so thank you for your prayers for her and her family. I know it is a real struggle for her mom, especially, but God's grace is getting them all through it and their faith is an inspiration.

Better go..

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71458:
Morning buddies

Well, we still have our snow from yesterday but it's gonna hit the 50's today. So, it's back to Spring.

possum-I stopped by Tim Horton's this morning grabbed a large black coffee and a couple of maple dipped donuts and a box of Timbits (donut-holes). How's that for a quick breakfast? Anyone?

Romeena-We leave our Christmas trees out in the back of our yard for critter habitats. The cardinals seem to love 'em. Plus, we get to have the trees become part of our yard, if only for a while longer.

Boo-Those stories are always so touching.

Peace,
auh2o
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71459: Morning porch, hope everyone is okay today.
Trying to get my day started at work. I am kinda in slow motion today.

Boo, prayers for Jubi and for the house as you finally get started. Hopefully things will go smoothly for the builder and for you and Bruce.

Possum, come on over to my place for breakfast:
eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, maple syrup, fresh fruit, coffee, tea,orange juice.

Several folks in my neighhood are mowing already,
which is kinda early for our area. Guess the warm days sparked the grass and folks motivation to get things looking nice for Easter.

Hey to SPOT and Rev and everyone else around the porch.

Prayers and blessings to all

Big Maude
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71460: Morning guys, haven't had a chance to read back from yesterday yet, good sweep Rev, I wondered why I was sneezin! Could ya'll please say a prayer for Jacob today, he's having some problems with a girl and I'm worried about his state of mind. If you don't mind, add one in there for me, it just hurts my heart to see him suffering and hurting. When you're a mother, the worry never ends does it?
Thanks ya'll,
*Mavis
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71461: That is so hard, Mavis. Prayers for Jacob.

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71462: Good morning everyone. It started out at 32 here, but it's supposed to get to a sunny 64 or so. Perfect.

MAVIS: Prayers for Jacob and you, too. It ain't easy on the heart being a parent sometimes.

MAUDE: I'm putting off cutting for the first time until I absolutely have to.

BOO: That's great about your meeting last night. What a blessing. Continued prayers for Jubi.

I forgot to mention that we took the kids (except Veda) to the movies this weekend to see "Race to Witch Mountain." We let each one bring a friend, then went out for pizza after. We went to a matinee, were economical about our theater purchases (I snuck in candy!), and we still spent nearly $80 for the six of us! Anyway, the movie was pretty goof family entertainment. It was action packed, for sure, and a little too much for Chad. The chases and stuff seemed never to stop. If you remember the 1970s movies, this one was way more fast-paced. (The two kids from the original has cameos, which was neat.) But, it had no inappropriate language and no s*xual situations or questionable behavior. We checked it out at Pluggedin (Focus on the Family) and they gave it good marks, and I was pleased that it checked out.

I have only one complaint today: no leftover meatloaf!

Y'all take care this morning.

Me-They
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71463: Wow, 32 degrees. It's in the 70s and foggy here (yuck). Glad you had a good time with the family, Me-They. Speaking of Focus on the Family, I am going to attend one of their conferences in a couple of weeks. It's the "Love Won Out" conference that helps people to minister to homos#xuals in their churches or families, etc. Keith and I have had so many girls at rehab come to us on this issue and we have been trying to wade our way through it without much help. I am hoping we get some answers. I know to many christians, the issue of homos#xuality seems pretty cut and dried but it is a complicated issue and the church needs to deal with it and educate itself on how to help those who want to come out of that lifestyle.

I forgot to mention this the other day, but I was flipping throught the channels and checked out TVLand to see if there was any TAGS showing. High School Reunion was on and, out of curiosity (kind of like how you just have to look at a car wreck on the side of the road), I watched a little of it. I have to say I was completely stunned. I had no idea it was that bad. I can't imagine what in the world the people at TVLand are thinking by running such filth. I am not easily shocked and am no prude but what I saw was just disgusting. They get away with it by bleeping out a word here and there but they might as well just say it because you can tell exactly what they are saying. I just don't get it. I really thought TVLand was supposed to be a family channel...well, it's not! What on earth is this country coming to? Take me back to Mayberry!

Did any of you watch TAGS last night on TVLand? I got the biggest kick out of Barney trying to get information about the still from Otis while he was sleeping! So funny!

Well, chores await. I won't have Emily today because she is running a fever. I just saw her last night and she is so cute I just can't stand it! She is the first child I have come across that can really wrap me around her little finger. Maybe this is how it feels to be a grandparent...

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71464:
"Otis...Otis Campbell, this is your conscious speaking...where is the Still?"
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71465: "Where did you ge-et the liquor? Where did you GE-et the liquor?"
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71466: BOO: Amen to your TV Land assessment. And I agree with your take on the "lifestyle" issue. It is complicated. The Bible makes it clear (at least to me) that the act is a sin, but the jury is still out on whether or not people are born with that particular bent. Whether it's nature or nurture, or both, it's still hard to overcome for many. Some never do.

I think of it this way: we all have our crosses to bear. That is the cross of some. It ain't fair, but neither is bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, cancer, AIDS, and lots of other things that afflict us. I genuinely feel for those that have this particular affliction (and that's what I think it is). As Christians, we have to be careful to "do no harm." Counseling and helping people with this problem is difficult and not to be treated lightly. No one would go out and think they can offhandedly counsel a schizophreniac to just "deal with it." So I applaud your efforts go the extra mile to learn and try to understand.

M-T
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71467: "It's tear gas!"

M-T
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71468:
Boo- as i was reading about Ashley, the Lord laid on my heart a visual of Him as the Good Shepherd pulling her out of the briar patch and into His arms of love and safety. It was a very powerful image.
I will keep her and Diane in my prayers, but I truly believe that the Lord showed me that!
MDC
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71469:
On the radio talk circuit last night they were saying that B.O.'s ouster of GM ceo was basically unconstitutional, that no matter how much was loaned to them, it is still a private company, and NOT gov owned. Many, including myself, were very surprised that Wagoner just went so immediately like that. OK, soapbox sliding back under porch, for now! :(
MDC
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71470: Thanks for breakfast,Big Maude! Oh,and Me-They,there IS some leftover meatloaf,believe it or not( had to hide it from Spot-don't let him know!) so come on over & make yourself a couple of sammiches.Anybody else,you're welcome too.
Prayers for Jacob,and you too,Mavis.
Boo,no,the dog is pretty much contained to one area,the rabbits stay away from him.
Still praying for Jubi.Sorry to hear she's going through a rough patch right now. Let's look at it this way: You gotta take the rain,the stormy weather in order to get the beautiful rainbow.Prayers continue for her.
Okay,here's a TAGS question that I haven't seen answered yet: Why is it that Aunt Bee wastes so much chicken? I can name two separate episodes: "Gomer the Houseguest" & "Aunt Bee's Brief Encounter." There may be more. In "Gomer the Houseguest",when Andy is trying to convince Gomer to stay with them,he says "You oughta see the fried chicken Aunt Bee has to throw away". Then in the other episode,they invite Mr. Wheeler to have supper with them and Aunt Bee tells him she always cooks more chicken than they need,or something to that effect.What is this woman's problem with cooking too much chicken?! Ha!
There's a hunk of meatloaf in it for anyone that can answer the above question!
*******************
possum under a rock
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71471:
Sorry Boo, I was just talking to a diane here on my break! Of course I meant Paula! mdc
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71472:
Possum, how about this, with extra chicken, she has enough for the guys' lunch (plural possesive)(Ro-ha!) the next day, and also some for those brown bags! ha! Otherwise, I think the "throw away" expression is just that, an expression!
Just don't throw dishes or leg-o-lambs at me!
teehee
MDC
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71473: Thank you for sharing that image, MDC. It is very comforting to me. I got an email from my partner in that ministry (Keith) and he told me that when he left the rehab last night that he cried all the way home (it's a 30 minute drive). Imagine this big "good 'ol boy" type that kind of looks like an older Mr. Clean, crying over those girls, bless his big heart. Sometimes it really gets to you, but most of the time we just go with the flow. If we let our emotions overtake us every week, we would probably not last long. God has blessed us with a unique opportunity/blessing because this particular rehab is partly state-funded and I hear that it is the only one in the great state of Texas that freely allows volunteers to come in and hold bible studies. They let us have so much freedom there because they trust us and see the positive effect it has on the girls. They recently started a Christian mentoring program there and Christian men and women go on Thursday nights and meet one on one (supervised, of course) with a child that they are assigned to. We have heard some really positive things coming from that ministry and the girls are coming to class with some great study bibles that their mentors are giving them. They are so proud of those bibles! They are nice, leather ones with their names on them and such. I am sure it makes them feel like someone really cares and they need that so much. We are also having an easter egg hunt for them on Saturday and will holding an Easter Sunday service again this year. I hope you all realize that by your prayers, you are as much a part of the ministry that God is doing there than anyone. Thank you for that! You all just mean the world to me; I hope you know that (did I use the semicolon right?...I'm stepping out of my comfort zone)!

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71474:
Boo & Me They I agree with both of you concerning homos#xuality. It is pretty clear that it is a sin however I've many people of faith struggle with sin. I really feel bad for those caught up in this kind of lifestyle. I can't imagine someone living the homos#xual simply to anger others, which I have heard some Christians claim. What a struggle that must be for people of faith.

I see there is speculation that President B.O. may fire some Banking CEO's. I can't think of a more unqualified President in history to be making that kind of call.

MDC-That's a pretty good observation. Aunt Bee just wasting food. Who would have thunk it!?

Romeena-I mentioned it a few post back, mostly in passing, but, have you ever thought about a web cam out that window of your?

auh2o
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71475: Oh, and thank you for the encouragement, Me-They. I feel the same way that you do, especially after having been with the girls from rehab these past years. When you see the pain, suffering, and damage that so many of these girls go through (mostly at the hands of men), and their great, great need for love and acceptance, you can see the pathology that would lead to same-s#x attraction for many of them. They need love, they reach out to someone they feel safe with and often, because of their history, they confuse real love with s#xual intimacy.

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71476:
Ok, there a slice a meatloaf to anyone that can translate what I tried to convey above...yikes!

auh2o
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71477: Oh hey there, Auh2o...I agree with you.

Possum, when Aunt Bee sent those 2 chickens to Andy when they took the boys camping, she only sent 2...that would never be enough. I think she has "chicken issues" :)

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71478:
oh Hey Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71479: Hey to you. I assume that is Auh2o...by the way, in my statement above, I meant that I agree with your thoughts on homos#xuality, not that your post was hard to interpret. I understood ya.

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71480: POSSUM: I think it's a compelshun. Some people just have a chicken-cooking compelshun, I guess.

BOO: If the porch were a body, and all of us were a body part, I think you just may be the heart of this here hangout. And, in case you're wondering, I'd be the left cheek. No, not the tan one.

AUH2O: Maybe I'm just on your wavelength (what a scary thought), but I understood you, too. If you want to appear cryptic, you'fre going to have to talk more like that cave kid on "Land of the Lost" or Tonto or something.

MDC: Are you done waxing the steps at the old people's home already?

APB for HOMEMAKER, HAZEL, AFD, STERLING, NEW NEIGHBOR, and TOM. I know I forgot somebody or four.

Me-They
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71481: BOO: And, yes, you used that semicolon correctly. Gold star!

M-T
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71482:
Yes Boo, a semicolon may be used between two complete sentences of with a similar topic.
You's done good; you is da bestest!!! (teehee)
MDC
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71483:
M-T- quick grammarman! Guess he said it first. mdc
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71484: Romeena we have plenty of brush and crooks and crannys for the animals...and do we have the rabbits!..big,small,babys...when I come home from work in the early am they just scatter!..hey possum,maude,brother Rev,M-T,MDC,Tom,auh2o,boo (idol tonight boo),Mavis,asa and all...well I missed lunch but lets have crock pot beef stew tonight....will someone make some cornbread?..and Boo tea..im here at work till 10 pm..rain has started back ...SPOT
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71485: You are very kind, Me-They, and FUNNY. You made me laugh out loud with that "left cheek" comment. What does the bible say, concerning "the body", something about how we show more honor to the parts that need to be hidden? A left cheek is very important....how would we sit down without one? ;=)

Thanks MDC! I loved the grammarman thing!

Darn, I have a meeting with the builder tonight at 6:30, SPOT. I am going to have to miss at least part of American Idol. I haven't been able to watch it for 3 weeks now and I need me some Adam Lambert (and I mean that in the nicest way possible). Maybe you will watch it and give me a rundown later...? Pretty please with sugar on top..(jaw sugar, that is) :)

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71486: That's it! A Chicken cooking/wasting Compelsion! Hats off to ya,Me-They! Have a hunk of meatloaf!
possum again
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71487: You got it Boo..will will be the idol roving reporter...Supper menu:cubed steak and gravy(pounded),fried okra,speckled butter beans,boiled cabbage,mac-n-cheese,Boo tea,Maude slaw..rolls apple cobbler....ready at 6:45...Asa button yer shirt this time..my my...SPOT
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71488: Ok gang where are yall...and if yall get a chance go to Ro"s album and check out the new pics in my sub album and click on the vintage album and check the pic of me in gatlinburg ski trip 30 years ago...but what I want uyall to notice in the pic is the size of the VHS cam-corder setting on the TV!..my-my..its a monster!..I remember it well...ok..back to the depressing local news...SPOT
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71489: Good afternoon, folks. Just got home from doing a little mousing around with Eloise. We had lunch, then she got a manicure while I got a pedicure, and then we poked into a couple of stores (didn't buy anything) and went home. Starr was happy to see her mama.

auh2o, about that webcam - I think folks would get pretty bored with just watching things grow! Kinda like watching paint dry? It is pretty from here, but it just doesn't change much. Critters coming through are fun, but not sure a webcam would catch much of that. Nice thought, though - thanks!

It's pretty obvious to me that you people aren't very savvy in the ways of a Southern lady. Well, OF COURSE she would insist that she had too much chicken, gonna throw it out, always cooks too much, etc. That's what a Southern lady would do, to convince a guest and make them comfortable to stay. Then if she had to whisper a "FHB" (family hold back), she would. No, no, no - frugal Aunt Bee never threw out any chicken. She might have saved on cooking time and expense by cooking enough for two meals at one time, but she never threw anything away. If that chicken had to reappear the next day, sliced on a sandwich, it was used. Trust me!

Well, if we're going to be body parts, I guess I'm an elbow. Or maybe a sore thumb. I always seem to be in the way, bumping into something or someone. Boo, you can definitely be the heart, and I think REV is the soul. However, I think maybe this body has more than one heart. I think Possum, with her devotion to Laci, qualifies as well.

Well, gotta go clean out a pond pump. I can't believe that miserable thing is already clogging up about every three days, and it's not even hot weather yet. Argh.

Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71490: I think this body has so many hearts, it's freakish! Ro, I don't think you are a sore thumb or an elbow...I think you are a brain, or a mouth that often vocalizes wisdom.

Speaking of wisdom, I need some advice from those of you who have raised teens!! I am about to lose my mind here. I feel like I have to put dynamite under this kid's butt to make him do what he is supposed to do. I am so frustrated. I think he needs some more Zoloft or something because he just seems inmpossible to deal with (with really exasperated face)!

I can hear Sean over there doing some deep-breathing exercises while he is trying to do his schoolwork...man.

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71491:
Hello porch family....rain coming in.

Ro....you may have told me before but I didn't realize your backyard was certified by the NWF. After seeing it I can surely understand why. And by the way, I agree with Boo, you would surely be the brain/wisdom of our body!

Mavis....Jacob will/is in my prayers. Those are so some tough times.

Boo....I love that "still" episode also. I watched it last night too and just cracked up......again!

Spot.....how bout if we all go to the diner in the morning for breakfast?

Well folks please pray that my last two days in the studio (Wednesday & Thursday) will go smooth and that I can complete everything. I just always pray that God will smile down on each song that I write/record and say "well done my son." That just makes chills run over me when I think of that.

Well I better get to bed. Got an early morning. You all have a great night and know that I'm praying for all the porch family.
In the mist of all the bad news, let's be sure to share HIS GOOD NEWS.
Love and prayers for the porch!
-REV.
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71492: Alright SPOT...where are ya? How was American Idol? I didn't get to see any of it. We had to talk some things over with the builder. Nice guy from Michigan, not sure exactly where in Michigan. Anyway, he will be taking the plans to the foundation guy tomorrow and I think we should be starting in about a month. It will take at least that long to finish the bid process and get every little duck in a row. Hopefully we will be out of this apartment (across the street from the bar and down the block from the tattoo parlor) soon. We just had some precious elderly neighbors move out of the little shack nextdoor to us and already a very young couple moved in. When I came home from Erin's baseball practice this afternoon, they were sitting on their front porch with their very loud rock music blasting...oh, no. They seem like nice kids, though. The girl works at the Dairy Queen and we sort of know her because the few times that we have been in there, she always remembers Erin and calls her by name even if it has been months. Erin was excited to have her moving next door. They don't seem to have much and got their couch from behind the thrift store down the street (across from the tattoo parlor ;). Erin gave them a chair we didn't have room for and they accepted it. I am going to scout around and see if there is anything else they might be able to use that we can do without.

Well, I should get to bed at a decent hour. I think I need to find the Melatonin and start taking it again. I have been having trouble falling asleep. Once I'm out I'm fine but am having trouble drifting off. Wish me luck, and SPOT, I am hoping for a full report by morning (kidding) :-)

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71493: Hey REV, isn't it cool to think that we were many miles apart but were both watching that episode of TAGS and busting a gut at the same time?! I just love that thought.

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71494: Oh, and prayers for your last days in the studio, REV...

Boo
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71495: Shazaam!
March 31, 2009 - Msg 71496: By the way, SPOT, I didn't notice the ginormous video recorder the first time...I was too busy trying to figure out what was showing on TV. I never did figure it out, though.

NOW, I really am going to bed.

Boo
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71497: Hey gang...well its late here in Ga..I dont work till 10 pm tomorrow night so Im staying up a little late tonight to get my sleep kinda right...got Otis out and barn lit up...hey Boo that video recorder was HUGE....Romeena I think you work tonight so I hope you had or am having a good night..hey Rev...well I will be up just bit ...possum you in here?..and Rev Breakfast is on you im gona sleep IN!...SPOT
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71498: Good evening, all. Boo, and REV, thanks for the kind words. You make me feel a bit less thumb-y.

As for the NWF Backyard Habitat certification, it's really not as impressive as it sounds. No one comes out and inspects or anything like that. You can go to the NWF website and find the application form, and it's on the honor system. You just answer their questionnaire, fill in the blanks, and if you can meet the criteria, you submit the form and they send you the little metal plaque. Mine is mounted on the back fence. Basically, you just attest that there are nesting sites, places to rear young, protective cover, food, water, no predatory household pets, and that organic practices are followed. If one is truthful, it's a fairly strict standard to meet. I was able to truthfully answer all the requirements, usually well over minimum in each category, so I got my little sign. I'm careful to try to live up to it at all times. It has been fun.

I use no chemical pesticides, weedkillers or fertilizers, and I'll stack my lawn up against anything on the street. Organics work very well. Ladybugs take care of an aphid infestation nicely. It happens every spring. Then blackspot started on the roses, so I dusted them with horticultural cornmeal - the blackspot stopped in its tracks. Corn gluten meal keeps weed seeds from germinating and is a fertilizer. Dry molasses chases away fireants - they hate it - and it also is an excellent fertilizer, as well as encouraging microbial activity in the soil. Garden soil - well, all soil, really - should be a living thing. It should be teeming with microscopic life. The chemicals kill all that, and the soil is just dead.

I put down a layer of mulch each fall. We used to buy hardwood mulch by the yard, but last fall we blew all the fallen leaves into long rows, and mowed through them with the mulching mower and caught them. Then we spread them on the flowerbeds as mulch, and it worked very well. They decomposed right where they lay, and are now just a rich layer of soil. There was the added benefit of the warmth generated by the decomposition - helped keep tender bulbs and roots from being damaged by cold weather. Every couple of years we add a layer of rich compost to all the flowerbeds. With the leaves serving as mulch and then decomposing, we may do less of that. That's about all the fertilizing that's done around here. The grass is mowed with a mulching mower, and the clippings return to the soil. My rule of thumb is simple. To the extent possible, don't let any organic material leave the property. It works.

Well, goodnight, friends. Be blessed! --Romeena
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71499: Boo im sorry...the thin blond girls stunk...Adam Lambert rocked with "play that funky music white boy"...Oh-girl he was on the top shelf...allson good,krissvgreat,blind boy great,meg NO good....danny ..hum..well ok in my book....Adat...ok...gona put Otis up...prayers and love ya porch...SPOT
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71500: Good morning my family, sorry I've been MIA for awhile now, I've been battling the creeping crud for a couple of weeks now and it just does not seem to want to leave. I've tried everything, dare I even mention Vicks... but to no help yet. So I think it's time to put a call into the Dr's. I hope to get caught up on the reading soon. Love and prayers to everybody, have a great day--Salty Dog
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71501: "Lay down the boogie and play that funky music til you die"
Guess I'll have THAT song running thru my mind all day- thanks,spot!
Heading out to do some shopping-anybody need something from Weaver's store?
I'll see y'all later-have a good day!
**********
possum
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71502: Hey Salty! Hope you feel better.

possum again
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71503: Good morning everyone.

ROMEENA: I agree with BOO; you're definitely the brains of this outfit.

SALTY: Good to hear from you. Sorry about that crud.

BOO: I watched part of "American Idol" last night, which I have not done but once this season. I don't know the guy's name, but the one who sang the 70s song (he has black hair) is really annoying.

Last night the Mrs. and I had a little spat. Nothing serious or lasting. Anyway, I had an epiphony (sp?) and decided to try something. All you guys should heed the advice of my new guru: George Costanza.

Remember that episode where George decides--since he is always striking out with women--to do the opposite of whatever he is naturally inclined to do? Well, let me tell you, it works. When that someone special does something irritating, annoying, or just plain dumb, do the opposite of what you think is the correct reaction. Works like a charm!

See y'all at lunch.

Me-They
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71504: Hey Salty, good to hear from you, but sorry you've been ailin'. Thanks for mentioning VICKS...it's been way too long since someone did.

Thanks for the AI report, SPOT. They had better vote that blond girl off this week! I never liked her singing. I think the reason she is still around is because of all the adolescent boys with cell phones.

Can you believe I have to take Erin back to the dentist this morning?! She had a little swelling on the cheek where the teeth were filled and it was going away, then yesterday when i picked her up from school, it looked like she had a big marble in her cheek and she said it hurt. The dentist wants to see her this morning and check it out. I don't know why it is swelling up now after nearly a week.

Better get ready and "just do it", instead of complaining about it.

Boo
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71505: POSSUM: I could use a new pineapple skinner. Mine's done wore down.

M-T
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71506: Snuck in on me, BOO. Prayers for Erin. Hope she is jawing freely and with no pain soon.

M-T
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71507: Oh hey there, Me-They. You must be talking about Adam Lambert? I like him....his is different but I think he sings well. Interesting advice on relationships/Costanza..."it might work...but then, it might not" (long-term, anyway). I'll have to think on it and then give you a woman's point of view. I do know a few things that could work with that philosophy, like, if you ask your wife, "What's wrong?" and she says, "Nothing", don't believe it. Also, if she says, "Oh, don't go and buy me anything for our anniversary (birthday, christmas, etc.)", buy something anyway. If she tells you that you aren't helping out enough at home, don't say something like, "I do my part! What do you want from me? I bring home the bacon don't I?"...wrong answer. Say, "You are so right, Dear. You work so hard for us, I should be helping out more. What can I do for you RIGHT NOW?". Well, that's all I can think of now, but there will be more lessons later... hehe.

Boo
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71508: Oh, and if she says, "Not tonight, I have a headache", BELIEVE HER....DO NOT use the opposite theory in this case!

Boo
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71509: Hehehehehe. I almost spit my soda across my keyboard there, BOO...

M-T
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71510:
Morning Porch

Me-They The great and powerful Costanza, yes he was a wise man. I don't know if this fits what situation you are in but let me relate to you something I learned a while back. Pull up a chair young man and pay heed Me and the Mrs have been married for 23 years and I figured out something about...oh 15 years ago, or so. If Mrs auh2o feels strongly enough about a subject to "get in an argument" over it, there's a real good chance that I'm the one that's wrong. I know. I know exactly what you're thinking. But, it's true, I've been wrong before and there's good chance I'll be wrong again. Of course, I've never let her know about my epiphany. My head hurts.

Peace,
auh2o
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71511: I forgot to mention that my prayers are with you today, REV. Good singing!

One thing I have noticed watching TAGS and "Little House:" they sing the same hymns just about every time. On "Little House," it's "Bringing in the Sheeves." I can name at least a handful of episodes where they sing that song, and there ain't many episodes where they sing a hymn. On TAGS, it's "Leaning on the Everlasting Arm." I can think of probably three episodes where they sing it.

AUH2O: Sounds like you've experienced a leg of lamb sometime in your past. Thanks for the wise words, brother.

M-T
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71512: Good morning, porch. My DH had a lovely philosophy, which might have had something to do with our 38 years of wedded bliss. He told everyone "Whatever makes her happy just tickles me plumb to death!" It wasn't a cowed-down "Yes, dear" sort of thing - he really meant it. He just made it his mission in life to make me happy. Now, what do you suppose that did to me? Of course! Knowing he felt that way, how could I do any less for him? It worked for us.

Thanks for all the "brainy" comments, friends, but if I'm so dang smart, why ain't I rich??

My goodness, it's gorgeous out there today. It's 59 degrees and rising, every flower out there is standing on tiptoe, the sky is so blue, and all the trees are wearing pale green ball gowns. The squirrels are just giddy with the whole thing, running around and acting, well, squirrelly. I love a day like this!

Well, gotta get to work. The wedding is coming at me like a freight train, will be here before I know it. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71513: One more thing -- and you all probably already now this -- but the cost of a first-class stamp is going up to 44 cents on May 11. It's annoying, I know, but when I remember that I can put a little envelope into my mail carrier's hands, or drop it in a letter slot somewhere, and in a few days it will appear on the desk of someone else anywhere in the world, and all this happens for just 44 cents, it's pretty amazing.

Also, be sure to buy a supply of the "forever" stamps now. You will pay 42 cents for them, the current rate, and they'll be good for first-class postage forever. After May 11, the forever stamp will still carry your letter to its destination, without the addition of another two cents in postage. Pretty good idea, I think. --Romeena
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71514: That's "know this", not "now this". Argh. --Romeena
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71515:
Ro- Ladybugs taking care of the aphids! Don't tell that to Mr Wheeler! ha
MDC
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71516:
Boo- are you sure you don't live in Pottersville? ha!
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71517: Hey Porchsters! Sounds like your Dale and my Mr. Neff are alot alike Romeena he tells folks all the time, "If she's happy, I'm happy" and he will do anything to make me happy. Which in turn, makes me want to do more for him. Boo I'm with M-T I nearly spit coffee on the keyboard over that headache post. Prayers for Erin and that tooth. I feel for her. Now for all you porch men who were once young men, Jacob finally talked to me a bit about what was going on with that stupid girl he was with, never liked her, but that's a whole 'nother story. Anywho, this girl seems intent on doing whatever she can to upset him, then will start crying and going on about killing herself if Jake leaves. He really cares about her and doesn't want to think she might do that and feels if she does, it will be his fault. I can't get through to him cause in his words "Mom, you're a girl, you just don't understand" Seems this girl is busy trying sleeping with whomever she can, including Jake's best friend, then throwing it up in Jake's face. So now, he's hurting over her and over the fact that is best friend slept with her. He told me it feels like he lost a brother when he found out Justin slept with her. I also found out, he was so upset about it the other night, he hit the wall in the basement (cinder block behind paneling) and now has a broken hand.
It's not going to do me any good to tell him to refrain from having s*x with her, or to tell him, she is no good for him. So, any suggestions on how I can get through to him and make him understand this girl is trouble and he needs to work out his problems with Justin? They have been best friends since elementary school and this whole thing is killing both of them. Watching him hurt and seeing him cry, breaks my heart. He might be 6 foot and nearly 21 years old, but he's still my baby, I don't want him to hurt.
Thanks for any suggestions,
*Mavis
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71518: Make that busy trying TO sleep with, I need to proof-read.
*Mavis
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71519:
Well, I heard this morning that B.O. took an entourage of 500 with him to the G-20 summit,
the first prez to take such a crowd. That does
not include reporters, just HIS "people!" wow
He also took 12 teleprompters! ha

There is also a story going around, but it is just an April Fools hoax, (I think) that he ordered Dodge and Chevy out of Nascar. Anyone else hear that?
Prayers,
MDC

April 01, 2009 - Msg 71520:
Mavis, you could mention that he would also be "sleeping with every other person that she has ever slept with" if he does, and the fact that it is a sin against the Almighty might have some bearing. Just a couple of thoughts.
MDC
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71521: Thanks MDC I've already mentioned those to things to him, and, much as I hate to admit it, I even resorted to "What would your Nanny think if she were still alive?" I know, shouldn't have said that, but it did make him think, if only for a minute. I guess I need to just let him learn things on his own, I really am trying to do that, it's just not working.
*Mavis
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71522:
OK, I yield to Romeena; her advice is always
unique and timely. (:
Prayers for you both,
MDC
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71523: MAVIS: Well, I don't know what to say about getting him over the (obviously) disturbed young lady. He should drop her like a hot potato (or potatoe for all you Dan Quayle fans). She sounds like bad news on all accounts.

About the friend, though, that's another matter entire. If the friend has been a good friend for years, and asks for forgiveness, I'd be inclined to forgive and try to forget. Let the first one among us who hasn't at least once taken the "me" route over a loved one please stand up. Now, sure, under the best circumstances it will take some time to get that old traust back, but it can happen. I have a friend who did something similar way back after high school. We managed to patch it up. Over 25 years later he's still a good friend and even come to faith (which was the farthest thing from his mind back then). He's still like a brother and I think of the good times, support, and blessings I would have missed if I had not forgiven him. Like Andy said, you don't split up a good friendship just because of some third party.

MDC: Ah, but did he bring a long extension cord?

Me-They
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71524: Wow. What a disappointment. You yield to ROMEENA and got me. Like Ethel Mertz said when Lucy asked for advice to get out of a pickle: "If Albert Einstein doesn't know the answer you don't go asking Mortimer Snerd."

M-T
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71525: "Pottersville"?...I don't get it..

I feel for you, Mavis. I know he will always be your baby, but he is a grown man now and he's not stupid. I'll bet knows the girl is bad news, he just isn't ready to accept that he needs to walk away. Don't know what it will take, but you can make a difference by giving advice when it's asked for, and praying like crazy. That goes for the s#x outside of marriage, too. Pray for God to change Jacob and bring him to repentance...don't expect it to happen overnight, though. Hang in there mom and remember that your prayers have brought him safely this far and God is at work. I remember seeing my sister go through something like this with her boy when he was Jacob's age. It was really awful but through much prayer and support, God worked things out and the girl flew the coop. Soon after, he started seeing the very sweet, Christian girl he is married to now. May the Lord protect Jacob and lead him to God's will for him in a life partner. In Jesus' name. Something I used to do when I was really stressed about one of the kids, is that while I was praying, I would kind of mentally carry my child to the Lord and place him in the Lord's arms; then I would try to leave them there so that He could do His work. We don't have much luck when it comes to changing people's behavior but "with God, all things are possible". Love you, Mave.

Turns out Erin had a hematoma in her cheek from the injection of Lidocaine she received at the dentist. He said that he must have nicked a vein and she bled under the skin into the cheek. I can already start to see some bruising coming up on the cheek. She hit it at PE yesterday and must have traumatized it again. She should be better in a week and the swelling should decrease. The dentist said he only sees it happen about once a year! I guess we were just lucky ;)

Better go...

Boo
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71526:
Boo, in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" (note the apostrophe for "it is" and the small "a" as articles are not captalized in a title), when George is "dead," he runs thru town, now called "Pottersville," and sees night clubs, tattoo parlors and the like. Thus, I was comparing your neighborhood to "Pottersville."
(Get a clue man! haha, just funnin' wit' ya!)
MT- Underground cord that runs thru Spot's substation, then thru the Atlantic to London!
Ya touch it for a little stimulus! ha
MDC
April 01, 2009 - Msg 71527: Boo, think of "It's a Wonderful Life" to answer your question.

Wow, some serious problems on the porch. Mavis, you've gotten some excellent counsel already, especially in the spiritual sector, but I'll be happy to add my two cents' worth, from a practical point of view.

First, insist that both Jacob and Justin go have an AIDS test done. Likely it's not necessary, but who knows. I don't mean to add to your worry, but I seriously doubt this will be a new thought, I'm sure as a mother your mind has gone there already. However, maybe just the thought of that as a possibility will jolt the boys a little.

Then forget that Jacob is twenty. He's a male, and maturity comes late for many young men. Right now, his brain is drowning in hormones and he's not thinking clearly at all, so you have to do some of it for him. You will have to drag him to the truth and rub his nose in it.

Ask him if he's sure that this girl, who will sleep with anything and anybody, is really the girl he wants to spend his life with, to be the mother of his children. Ask him if he thinks he could ever trust her, or does he not mind getting AIDS testing every few months for the rest of his life, because he cannot be sure where she's been.

Point out to him that the old "If you leave me I'll kill myself" line is the oldest and most cruel tool a person can use to manipulate another person. She's not about to do that, she loves herself too much. Ask him how he likes dancing on the end of the strings, like a little wooden puppet, and does he want a lifetime of that? Write down the number of the local suicide hotline and give it to him, to keep in his wallet. Tell him that the next time she trots that one out, he is to get the number out and hand it to her. Then he is to tell her that this is her problem, not his, and if she wants help, she can get it at that number, but she can no longer make him responsible for her behavior.

As for Justin, perhaps you can make Jacob see that Justin is just as blinded by his hormones as he is himself, and made a big mistake. However, Justin's mistake is no worse than Jacob's. Both of them are fooling with a girl who is enjoying every minute of playing one against the other.

Then suggest that Jacob buy some really good medical insu-rance, because if he continues on the path he's on right now, he's eventually going to need it. Not just AIDS, there are lots of other diseases that a dirty partner can pass on, and they're not pretty. I see the results almost every night that I work. Some can result in sterility, for both males and females. Ask him how he'd like to tell some sweet girl that he really loves some day that he has some intractable disease, or can't father a child because of a foolish attachment to some manipulative, promiscuous girl back when he was twenty.

Beyond that, and much, much prayer, I don't know what else you can do. --Romeena