April 25, 2009 - Msg 72100: For the third time did anyone besides Possum watch the Mayberry-Rascal Flatts video I suggested?.... Believe me, you should...."For the love of Mike, just do it..!!". :-)

Have fun with Laci, Possum...hope you are back to normal soon!

I am trying to get the laundry done and working up a sweat...it's too warm outside today.

Boo

April 25, 2009 - Msg 72101: Oh, and now I have to sweep!

Boo
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72102:
Hey porch! Good sweep boo. But I should have done it.
Been doing spring cleaning here yesterday and today.
Ya all have a good one!
MDC
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72103: Any "Golden Girls" fans out there? Just heard that Bea Arthur has passed away.She also played Maude on "All in the Family." RIP

possum again

April 25, 2009 - Msg 72104: Oh,shoot! I just realized that Boo had ruined my chances at making the Guiness Book of World Records for most consecutive porch sweeps.
Well,maybe YOU oughta shoot for it Boo- everybody
back off and let the girl sweep from now on!

possum once more
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72105: Good evening, porch. Boo, I saw the Rascal Flatts - Mayberry thing. It was pretty good. That's high praise from me, because I'm not really a fan of Rascal Flatts - just not my style. Too much like yelling, not enough singing. I really liked the words to the song, though, and couldn't agree more.

As for hothouse roses, you're so right. They're so beautiful, yet usually have little or no fragrance. When you get moved into your new home, you should plant some roses. Choose an area where they'll get plenty of morning sun, but are shielded from the brutal south Texas afternoon sun. A high tree that offers filtered protection during the worst of the heat is what you need. Roses hate wet feet, so till up an area for their bed, then pile several inches of compost and mulch on it, until it's about six inches above grade. I'll bet your soil is quite sandy, and that's good - it will drain well - but you'll want some rich, earthy soil on top, and the compost and mulch will make that. You'll add a layer of both every year, as they break down and settle.

For selections, if you want fragrance, I'd suggest the deep-red and gorgeous Mr. Lincoln, with its big six-inch blooms. Another cherished favorite is Angel Face, a round, soft-petaled dusty lavender/pink with a fragrance that will knock your socks off. There are many others, but those two come immediately to mind.

I think I've mentioned this before, but for the sticker burs on the property, in early spring, spread corn gluten meal pretty heavily, using a fertilizer spreader. I'd say to invest in enough to spread it over the whole property, but that might be quite a bit - isn't it two acres? If that's too much, at least spread it in the area that will become your lawn. You could skip the actual footprint of the house, if you know where it's going to be. The corn gluten meal won't get all the stickers in one whack, but it will slow them down. Then if you continue to do it every spring, and maybe again in the fall, in a couple of years you should have them under control. Short of grading off the top two or three inches of soil, I don't know any other way to control them. Of course, you'll pull up any young plants you see before the stickers can mature. Every little bit helps! Remember that the stickers are the seeds for next year.

Well, TAGS is on. Guess I'll go settle down with a big glass of tea and enjoy it. Be blessed, everyone! --Romeena
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72106: R.I.P. Bea Arthur/Maude/Dorothy. You gave us many laughs. --Romeena
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72107: I haven't forgotten the corn gluten, Ro...we have 5 acres to cover so I don't really know what it will cost. You would be surprised how much just dragging Bruce's carpet-wheel contraption around the place has helped the sticker problem. I can't wait to plant some roses now! I like the idea of the Angel Face, especially. I adore yellow and pink roses, too. Thank you so much for the tips on caring for them. I may need to ask your advice again when the time comes.

Glad you enjoyed the Rascal Flatts video. I am not a country music or Rascal Flatts fan but I just loved the words and sentiment of the song so much!

Well, gotta go get ready. Bruce is taking us to The Hot Rod Cafe to get a burger.

Boo
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72108: Very sad about Bea Arthur.

Uh...that's ok, Possum, you can sweet as often as you like.

Boo
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72109: Hey Porch.

Some sad news to pass on. Rafe Hollisters Father passed away yesterday unexpectedly. They are planning his funeral for Monday. I know Rafe (Doug is his real name) hasn't posted much here, although he has posted some the last few weeks. Anyway, I just thought I better share it with you. Ro, I think you guys may have met up once before, or were planning on it down the road.

Asa
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72110: Thank you for letting us know,Asa. My prayers and sympathies are with Doug (Rafe).
*******************
possum under a rock
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72111:

My condolences to Rafe (Doug's) family. RIP, Rafe's father. If you fathered a son like Doug, you did good.

~De§~


April 25, 2009 - Msg 72112: So very sorry, Rafe. My prayers for you and your family. May the Lord bring you comfort and peace.

Boo
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72113: Also, thank you very much for letting us know, ASA. You're a good friend to the porch.

Boo
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72114: So sorry for your loss Doug. (aka Rafe)
Fred and Jennie Boone
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72115: I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, Rafe. Email to follow, whenever you have time to read. Praying for you and your family. --Romeena
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72116: Good morning, porch! Everyone must be getting ready for church - looks like I'm the only one here. I'm about to leave for services myself. Can't believe I'm actually early - I'm usually not late, but rarely am I this early. Hope the roof doesn't fall in.

It's cloudy and windy here, 72 degrees, thunderstorms predicted. I hate that, because I have to work tonight, so Toye Starr will be alone, and she hates storms, poor baby. Maybe the storms will come and go before tonight.

Well, be blessed, everyone. Tell your friends and family how much you love them, and our Lord would enjoy hearing it, too. --Romeena
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72117: Morning Porch.
Romeena must have wanted a good seat at preachin to be going so early. Is that visiting preacher from New York preachin today? Hmm, I wonder if she is wearing earings.

Thank you Boo, for calling me a friend to the porch. What a nice thing to say. I hope I am a friend to you all.

I know I'm a friend to Spot cause he is always feeding me good stuff.

Well guess I better go get myself ready for preachin. Where did I leave that dreaded neck tie from last week?

Prayers for all who need them, and even more for those who think they don't. ;)

Asa
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72118: You bet cha Asa!,,,hey possumsweeping Boo,porch queen Romeena and all.....Race time!..Mavis hun where are you?....M=T,auh20,MDC and all race fans....its the big one in Bama....hot wings and pasta salad for the race......maude we coul use soe slaw too....SPOT
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72119: Just popping in to say "Hey". Hope y'all are having a nice Sunday. Just taking it easy here at my rock. Y'all take care-love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72120: Good evening, friends. Guess I won't be going in to work tonight. The hospital just called and offered me a cancellation, so I took it. We had four nurses scheduled, only have seven patients at the moment, so they canceled two of us. I have the right to refuse cancellation, and to go on and work anyway, but it just sounded too good. My paycheck will be smaller, but I'll enjoy the night off, especially on Sunday night. Little Starr will be happy, of course. She still just hates it when I leave her. That's one bonded-tight puppy.

Good grief! TAGS is on, and no matter how many times I hear Barney hit those sour notes, I just never get used to it. It's hard to believe that anyone could really be that tone-deaf. That had to take practice! Too funny!

Well, see you later, taters. --Romeena
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72121: Hey, Mavis! Your "Vintage Mavis" picture is in the album. If you'll email me the info, I'll identify everyone in the picture. Unless, of course, you want the picture edited in some way? I can do that, too. Email me, dear. --Romeena
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72122: Hey guys! Sorry I've been AWOL for a couple of days, it's been beautiful here and even though I'm still feeling bad, I've been out trying to enjoy some of this weather, that is what time I haven't spent in the bed. Spot I'm Right'chere! Still in Bristol. hehe Rafe prayers are with you friend, please know you have us here if you need us. Ro in that picture: in the blue is my sister Linda, my mother Jerri next to her, me next to Mom and my brother Bill standing behind Mom. I'm waiting for my aunt to see what she has in her albums, as soon as she gets a chance.
Anyway, back to my stained glass room, just wanted to check in, that way Spot's howlin won't wake the neighbors. ;) Just funnin with ya Spot
*Mavis
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72123: Yes, ASA, you are a good friend...hope we are to you, too.

Glad you got the night off, Romeena! Did you watch any of the TVLand awards? I saw a few minutes of a tribute to M*A*S*H but that's about it. We had a busy day today! First preachin', then lunch, then I had to go back to the church for an ordination ceremony for my friend Keith, who is now officially a deacon (he and Bruce are the only ones). It was a very nice ceremony and reception afterward...just a joyful time of church friends and family getting together. After that we had a sunday school fellowship and a big group of us got together at a couple's house for mexican food. The couple whose house we went to are in their late 50's and very wealthy. They just built their dream home and it was a huge, mediterranean-style home near the water. Way too posh for me but sure was pretty. They are people with millions but they are just down-home, very sweet folks that you feel very comfortable and at home with and instead of going to the big, fancy church in town, they are members of our little, close-knit church. We really have a lovable group of people..it's a very grace-filled community of believers that I am thankful to be a part of.

This afternoon when we got home from church, there was a tiny, white kitten in our front yard! We brought it in the house and fed the little thing and I suspected it belonged to the new neighbor who was not home at the time. I ran into her tonight (she was working at the grocery store) and turns out the kitten is hers and she will pick it up at 10pm when she gets off. I am going to have to question her about why a tiny kitten was left outside to fend for itself. Something else to be concerned about and now the kids are already crazy about the little thing!

Better get Erin to bed and get some rest myself...long day!

Boo
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72124: Just saw your vintage picture, MAVIS. Can you believe how much hair you had?!! Wow... :-)

Boo
April 26, 2009 - Msg 72125: Hello porch family....just got in from my trip. The concerts went great. GOD is good!

Rafe.....I'm so sorry sorry to hear the news of your dad. Be assured you are in my prayers my friend.

Thank you ASA for informing us.

Spot....brother that waa a wild finish at the races today. Didn't get to see it but listened on XM coming up the road.

Gotta check out the pics on Ro's album. Haven't been there lately.

Everyone have a good night's rest. Prayers for all the porch family.
Let Jusus tuck you in tonight and give Him a big hug. He loves you!
-REV.
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72126: Just what you need, Boo, another critter to worry about. Perhaps if you suggest to the neighbor that the kitten won't survive long with neighborhood dogs, large tomcats and other dangers?

Some neighbors are anything but neighborly. The second house to the east of mine is such a case. I wish they'd move. I just learned that they're putting out poison because the dizzy woman saw a rat in her back yard. So now every squirrel in the area is in direct danger, and the neighborhood cats, (who would catch the rat) are in danger by secondary intent. If they eat a poisoned rat, it will get them too. The dim bulbs who used to live in the house directly next door to me were doing the same thing. The rats were occupying their filthy garage and shed, and instead of cleaning up, they just put out poison. I'll never forget finding the limp, still-warm body of a female squirrel in a flowerbed, with five little lumps in her belly - she was just about ready to have babies. It broke my heart. I knew what had happened, but chose not to confront the woman directly. Instead, I used her three beloved cats, and warned her that "some nut" in the neighborhood was putting out poison, and to watch her kitties carefully, because if they ate a poisoned rat or mouse, it would kill them. She looked at me in horror, stammered some excuse, and beat a path to her back yard, no doubt to remove the poisoned baits. That won't work with the current poisoner. Her only pet is a very elderly little dog, who stays indoors.

My first encounter with this woman was a few months after Dale passed. My son was on the roof trimming back some limbs, while I stood on the driveway handing him things. She came down and walked up to me and without preamble, said, "I hope you're making plans to cut down your cottonwood trees. Glen and I were talking, and we thought now that you're widowed, it might be a little difficult for you, so if you will cut them down, we'll pay half the cost." I guess I just stood and stared at her, so she finished with, "Well, they are the neighborhood nuisance, you know. So, any chance of cutting them down?" I deliberately dropped a beat or two, then just said, "Nope, not a chance," and turned my back on her, talking to my son. She huffed her way back home in a hurry. I really don't think she's mean, I think she's just ignorant. The rat poisoning thing proves it.

Well, guess I'll go watch the Britcoms. The TVLand awards didn't get so much as a nod from me. Yawn.

Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72127: Maybe I should explain about the cottonwoods. I do know they're considered by most to be trash trees, just big overgrown weeds. However, they make lovely shade, the wind blowing through them sounds like the riverbanks of my childhood, and if I cut them down I won't live long enough to grow anything else up big enough to make shade. So, they stay.

The trees the woman was pointing to in her little speech were the two giants in the front yard, which happen to be male trees and don't even make the cotton she was objecting to!

There are, however, three female trees in the back yard which do make cotton, and the older they got, they more they made. Not being a total dunce, I had long since made a screen cage for my a/c compressor, so that wasn't a problem. However, once I landscaped my yard, the cotton became a real scourge. So, I have a tree trimmer come every spring (he was just here) and he sends his crew up into the trees with pole saws and long pruners. They literally cut out all the little strings of green beads that are the source of the cotton when they dry and burst open. They cut them out, rake them up and haul them away. Result - I still have my trees, and there's no cotton. So much for neighborhood nuisances. Now, if she would just move away.... Romeena
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72128: Gosh, I just love Cottonwood trees, Ro! They are about the only trees down here on the coast that have any height to them and they are great shade.

Sad about the poisoning. I would never allow poison. At one time, years ago, we had a big field behind out house and sometimes we would get rats in our garage or attic, never in the house, thankfully. I would have just ignored them but they were chewing on wires in the attic and I was afraid of a fire. Bruce set cage traps for them and got them that way. It took longer but we didn't have to worry about what poison might do. You know, something strange that I can't figure out is this...we don't use pesticides or anything on our 5 acres and we have many trees. I hardly ever see any kind of critter out there, though. Rarely a bird, never a snake. Seems to me that there would be birds making nests in the trees or something. Makes me wonder if someone nearby might be doing something they shouldn't as far as pest control. I just don't understand it.

Ro, the neighbor came by and got the kitten and she told me that she recently go 2 kittens from the same litter (one of which is the little white one we found) and that earlier in the day, the front door was left open and the white kitten got out. She said she couldn't find her after searching and gave up and went to work. She seemed very happy to have found the kitten and took her home to live indoors...hopefully that will continue! The girl is a little on the ditzy side and is one of those girls with different colored hair and a piercing in her nose. She seems very sweet and seems to love animals.

Well, it's past my bedtime. See you all in the morning with my coffee...if anyone wants to meet me in the morning I will make extra.

Boo
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72129: Well, here I am with the coffee....cream and sugar anyone?

Hard to drag myself out of bed this morning after the busy weekend. I think I will go slow today...the chores will get done in time, right?

It is very damp and cloudy here today and has been all weekend, but no rain. We really need rain, so if you have some, could you send it our way?

I had better get Erin up for school. I'll be back to chat later...

Boo
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72130: Morning porch family, hope all is well today. Busy week end on my end of the porch. Thought I would check in for a minute. Working today, hopefully the folks I have scheduled will show up.

We had a beautiful sunny and warm week end, and supposed to have the same for the next couple days.

Just about 4 weeks left until school is over for the kids. Graduation is May 23rd! Patrick has decided to go to local community college for a
2 year pre-engineering program and then transfer to Tenn Tech in Cookeville for the next 2 years to finish out his 4 year engineering degree. We recently learned about this program, went and met with them and were very impressed with the school and the program. They work closely with the program in Cookeville to help students get scholarships for the last 2 years as well. I am not complaining as he will be close home for a while longer.

Everyone stay healthy now and don't go getting the swine flu!

Lunch menu will be: ham and cheese sandwhiches, chips, SLAW, cookies. sweet tea, kool aid to drink. see you at lunch.
Prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72131: Good morning everyone.

RAFE: I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family have my prayers.I agree with DES.

BOO: I really enjoyed the TV LAND awards last night. Tom Selleck made an especially poignant speech about Vietnam War veterans. He's a class act. And even Alan Alda, who is a raging liberal and could have used the opportunity to trash conservatives or plug the president, instead made a really nice speech telling people that they should do something meaningful to help soldiers coming home to readjust to being back. I also enjoyed the opening thing with Neil Patrick Harris in all the tv shows. He cracked me up at Charles Nelson Reilly in Hollyood Squares. He was a pretty good host.

I also really enjoyed the tribute to the shows of Sid and Marty Kroft. I loved and watched all those shows as a kid! And, Earth, Wind, and Fire are just about one of my favorite bands of all time, so it was nice to hear them. They're pretty long in the tooth and have sounded better, but it still was nice.

Actually it was nice to see some good original programming on Tv Land other than the trash they have been playing. Of course, we had to sit through 1,000 commercials for "The Cougar."

MAUDE: MY kids are oput on May 23, too.

See y'all at lunch.

Me-They
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72132: Gomer...Gomer...Gome?

What, did everybody switch porch and not tell me? (sniff, sniff) I did put deoderant on this morning...

M-T
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72133:
RO- In true mayberry style, "A PICTURE of a rose
by any other name is still a great rose! ha

Pappabear is having his kidney operation this week,
so please keep him in yalls prayers. Thanks.

MT- Yup, we are now on the Beverly Hillbilly's front porch! My, aren't these marble stairs nice! real nice. haha
Have a good day,
God bless,
MDC
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72134:
Now back to the regularly scheduled Taylor front porch!
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72135: I'm back, M-T. Right after I finished my post this morning, I heard Erin crying and guess what? ANOTHER ear infection! I have been sitting in the dr's office all morning. She has another bad infection in her right ear and doc said it she may need to see an ENT. We are starting her on another antibiotic, and I am kicking myself for not seeing the signs a couple of days ago and giving her the oregano oil. Her temp is over 101 even after Advil and she feels terrible. When is everyone going to get well in this household? I have been eating better and getting plenty of veggies in my diet and trying to get the kids to do the same. We must all be vitamin depleted or something. I am going to go to the store and get the makings for a healthy pot of vegetable soup and get some fruit. I think I am going to have to break down and develope a taste for oregano!!

Well, Me-T, you make me wish I had seen more of the TVLand awards. I did catch Earth, Wind and Fire and yep, they are getting old. I couldn't help but notice Tom Sellick "getting down" while they were playing. Guess the old dude could relate to the music. ;) I also saw Alan Alda speak (and kiss Margaret, once again!). I didn't like the tribute to Married With Children...hate that show~!

Maude, I think that is just great about your boy staying in the area for the next 2 years. I know it will be easier for you, Mom! I fogot to mention in earlier posts that I will pray about your job situation.

Prayers for Pappabear.

Boo
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72136:
Boo- there are also oregano capsules called Oregamax.
With this swine flu scare, we need to keep our
immune systems at top performance.
prayers for Erin,
MDC
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72137: Afternoon Y'all. Sorry to hear that Erin is having ear trouble again. Has she ever had tubes? That might be what she needs.
I've spent all morning & early afternoon sitting in a doctor's office & hospital,so Boo,you have my sympathy! My mom is getting a pacemaker Wednesday and we had to go get some paperwork from her cardiologist (of course,they didn't have it written up & the doctor didn't get there until after 10am to sign the papers) and then go pre-register at the hospital and get her bloodwork done. It's been fun.
Speaking of hospitals,I received an early Mother's Day card from Pappa Bear.He went in yesterday.Here's what he said:" I leave Sunday for the hospital-I figure about a week (that's all they can stand me cutting up with them,Ha!)"
He also gave me his phone number and permission to share it with any regular Porchsters. If you want it and don't have my e-mail address,Ro does. If she wouldn't mind you e-mailing her for it,then I'll send Pappa Bear's number to any of us regular Porchsters that asks for it.
I thought the TVLand awards were really good this year- for the same reasons Me-They gave.
Oh,y'all know those name tags you wear at some functions? The "Hello- my name is______" ones? Well,I have actually touched Tom Selleck's name tag! But,he wasn't wearing it at the time *sigh*!
As the story goes,Tom Selleck used to come to this area a lot. Not sure if he was here for the fishing,golfing, or something else. Anyway,one day I was at my family doctor's and he told me to come into his office while he phoned an ear,nose, and throat specialist for me. He obviously collected lots of mementos and stuff.He had things from NASA (his son is an astronaut)etc. He left the room briefly and I started looking at all the things on his file cabinet. I saw a " Hello,My name is TOM SELLECK" sticker on it! So I touched it and thought about where it had been! Ha! Y'all ladies know you would have done the same thing! Might even have stolen it! Hee Hee
Anyway,that's my Tom Selleck story. I HAVE touched James Taylor's tan trousers and he was wearing them at the time! Whoo Hoo! Nah,it ain't what you're thinking,but I did!
I think I'd better go rest. ;)
******************
possum under a rock
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72138: POSSUM a groupie?

Thanks for teh update on PAPPABEAR. Prayers for his speedy recovery.

BOO: Prayers for Erin, too. That poor girl. I'm sure they'll repeat the heck out of the awards so I'm sure you'll gate another chance to see them..

Everbody stay away froms swine! First it was bird flu; not it's win flu. It's like revenge of the barnyard animals.

Stay safe, everyone.

M-T
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72139: BOO: Speaking of Hotlips Hoolihan, judging by the look of it she jumped the shark on the plastic surgery front.

M-T
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72140:
This is Tom Selleck. Anyone wanna buy my
keyboard on ebay?
Hey Possum, just jivin' with ya! ha
Prayers for pappa, pipeman, buckeye, colt, bear!
Sure hope all goes well for him.
We should all send him a get well card.
MDC
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72141: Howdy, porch. Boy, if you want to draw a crowd, just put out some bird seed that contains a lot of black oil sunflower seeds. I put a big pile of such a mix in my feeders, and the birds and squirrels are standing in line! Such goin's on!

I'm glad to hear someone recommend the TV Land awards. All I saw was the part about "Married with Children", which I thought was the poster show for the Vast Wasteland, so I switched channels and didn't watch the rest of the awards. Maybe now I will - as Me-They said, they'll repeat the thing ad nauseum. If it's quiet at work tonight, we'll leave the TV on in room 261, and we can watch it from the desk.

Boo, that child needs tubes! Our Heather had one ear infection after another until she was about six, and finally got tubes in her ears. No more problems after that. The tubes fell out eventually (we found them in her bed, one at a time) but her ear problems were solved.

Well, guess I'll try to sneak in a short nap before going to work. I'm glad it's only this one night. Then the rest of the week is mine. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72142: Boo,the TVLand awards are on right now- 5pm EST

A groupie? Ha! Very funny,M-T!

possum again
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72143:

That was my kids' high school (in Texas) that was closed down because of Swine Flu. Now the whole district is down. Fortunately, my kids didn't know either of the boys who came down with it, but as I'm sure everyone knows by now, it is airborne, plus it lives - for however long - on inanimate objects. The incubation period is 5-7 days, so we're hoping and praying they weren't infected.

Wash those hands, use hand sanitizer, and avoid crowds. My little town was the second locale in the country to encounter this strain and we're getting good information, yet that is about all anyone can suggest. There's a fine line between panicking the public and keeping the public informed, and it's hard to know which is which! Prayers for you and yours.

~De§~


April 27, 2009 - Msg 72144: Yep, Romeena...I am going to get her an appointment with an ENT and see what we can do. This ear infection thing is for the birds. She hardly ever had an ear infection until just over a year ago...go figure.

Revenge of the Barnyard animals, Me-They?! haha...that's funny.

You know MDC, I remember listening to a program in which the head of the CDC was talking about the bird flu and he said something unusual about it was that those with the strongest immune systems were most likely to die from it. Something about the way the virus attacks the immune system and kind of makes it turn on itself, so to speak. He said healthy people in their 20's were most at risk. Interesting, isn't it? I wonder how the swine flu effects the immune system.

DES, prayers for your kids and your community. You aren't that far from me, so I guess we can expect it to be headed this way. I bought some extra hand sanitizer today that hooks to my keyring! ha. Please pass on any new information you receive. In the meantime, I guess we will avoid crowds and sanitize our hands...oh, and take our vitamin C.

Am I imagining it or didn't we deal with swine flu back in the 80's? Is this the same flu or something different? I remember hearing once that viruses are at the top of the food chain and we still can't cure the common cold. All I know is I really don't want to get sick again!

Boo


April 27, 2009 - Msg 72145: Or as Barney would say, "R-E-V-E-N-G"!...Andy: "Re-ving"?
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72146: Rev the race was Great..Mavis im gona get you if ya stay away like that again!...hey possum,ky,Ro,Boo,Tom...Miss Sherry and I started our bike riding today...had to start off slow...rode almost 14 miles...we usually try to hit the 20 mile mark but we will get there...have hit 30 miles!...google "The Silver Comet Trail"...thats where we ride....ok work for me tomorrow and Maude lets You and I feed this bunch at Cracker Barrell in the morning OK?...peace and Loe porch....poccum you better have me a mail...gona check.....SPOT
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72147:
Hey Folks

Good to see the Porch. Been working my way through something but I had to stop by. Hope to make it on a more regular basis.

Spot-That trail looks fantastic. I'm not sure I'd call it a trail it looks too nice.

Peace,
auh2o
April 27, 2009 - Msg 72148: Been wondering what happened to you, Auh2o, and meant to send out an APB this morning. Don't forget about your porch friends...we care. God be with you as you continue work your way through whatever you are dealing with.

Well, DES, we have swine flu here in my area now, so I suspect they will be closing the schools here, too. I understand the need to try to stop the spread of this virus. I am wondering if we already had it last week when we were so sick!

Love to All, and prayers for the porch..

Boo
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72149:
Hello porch family

Prayers for pappa bear.

auh2o....so good to see you buddy. Been missing you. Prayers as you deal with your situation.

Ro....some people are such air-heads when it comes to brains.

Boo....praying that Erin is feeling better.

Spot....nice weather for bike riding.

Well see you all at breakfast. Have a good night's sleep. Prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72150: Thanks REV..now Sean is complaining of a sore throat and a headache..AHHHHHHH!!

Boo
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72151: Lord, may tomorrow be a better day than today...use the trials to draw us closer and to keep us close...to make us more like Jesus.

Just wanted to say thank you again for your many prayers for me and my family. We have had our trials, like all of you, but God is with us.

When you pray for this porch friend, please remember my son, especially. There are many things we deal with that I don't mention on the porch out of respect for Sean's privacy but things have been tough. Thanks friends. You are a huge, loving support system.

Goodnight,
Boo
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72152: Get up and lets go!...Cracker Barrell bound.....SPOT
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72153: Morning folks, Cracker Barrell is one of my favorite places, SPOT. Lets get going!

My business continues to be slow right now, I am trying not to worry about it. If things do not get busier after my vacation in June, I may check into some other options.. keep my private practice but do something else (maybe nursing home work or home health). I may be able to contract with either. Guess I wil wait and see. I don't want to start something new with all that is going on this Month and vacation the 1st week in June. Please pray for God to give me direction.

Prayers for all the folks who are sick now. TN does not have any cases of the flu... yet. Special Prayers for BOO and family, pappa bear, and others.

Prayers and blessings to all today.

Big Maude
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72154: Thank you Maude. I pray the Lord will lead you and bless you. I am wondering if He might be leading into something more. Think outside the box, just in case...

Erin seems to be much better this morning. That antibiotic really helped and no fever or pain this morning. Sean is still asleep so I don't know how he will be.

I didn't get enough sleep..Erin was up around 1am crying and then at 3am, Sean woke me wanting some medicine. I finally fell asleep on the couch for a few hours. I think I will get some Lysol spray and spray everything in this place!

Boo
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72155: Good morning everyone. It's another beautiful day here, but it could be a might cooler. Upper 80s is a little much for April.

BOO: There was a swine flu "scare" in the late 70s and many people were immunized, but it fortunately never amounted to anything. Yes, you are right about the bird flu, and this one, in the Mexican cases at least, is muchn the same. It amps up the immune system to a point where it actually starts destroying itself. So, healthy people are at as much risk as the veryyoung and elderly. This flu may also have started as a bird flu, they say. I keep my eye to the ground on stuff like this. It's part of my compelshun.

Prayers for Sean. He sounds like a gfreat kid and it can't be easy for him or you all carrying those crosses. But the trials will pass, and the Lord will make you all stronger and more joyful as a result. That's what they call a silver lining.

AUH2O: Prayers for you, too, buddy. I've been missing your voice. It's no fun starting a moulage when you're not around. Whatever you're going through, keep your hand on the Lord's and he'll lead you through.

DES: Keep the sanitizer close. Prayers for your community.

MDC: In an ironic twist, it looks like a local election in 2010 may shape up to be between a fiscally-conservative, Log Cabin, pro-choice Republican and a tax-and-spend, staunchly pro-life Democrat. Should make the election interesting if it does!

Be back later.

Me-They
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72156: Didn't see you there, MAUDE. Prayers. What is it exactly that you do (just curious)?

Prayers for Erin, too!

M-T
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72157: Yes, I have heard the same thing about this flu, Me-They. We all really need to be praying about this thing and that it might be contained quickly, protection for our friends and family, etc. Remember "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much". Thank you for your prayers for my family, M-T. Sometimes I feel like I am drowning in it all, dealing with Sean's issues, and I feel like I am carrying the weight of it all alone, but i know that's not true. It is true that this thing is bigger than me but that just means I have to depend on the Lord and I have friends and family who carry us in prayer. Thank you again.

Boo
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72158: Maude the barrell was good this morning!...hey M-T,Boo...Mavis...Rev what part ot the country are you in right now?...I got to go this afternoon and get me some new glasses...these have about had it...nose piece fell off....have not had any new ones in years...its about time...will see ya at lunch...SPOT
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72159: Hi friends.I don't have time to read the posts right now,but,I do want to send my sympathies to RAfe Hollister on the passing of his father.I will keep you in my prayers.Possum,I was sorry to hear about Bea Arthur passing away.I really enjoyed her on The Golden Girls,more so than Maude.I just didn't like her characters attitude in Maude,it wasn't that her acting was bad.Romeena,I will be sending you some pics by snail mail in about 4 days.I can't figure out how to send them email yet.Good luck with the new glasses Spot.Ya'll take care,talk to you later,prayers for all-ky girl
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72160: Good afternoon folks, SPOT, I am just back to work after my annual eye exam today as well. Nothing has changed which is good. They will send me new contacts and I will be good to go for another year. I have started needing my reading glasses more and more which is probably a sign I am getting old!

M-T: I work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in a private practice couneling office. I have a long time colleague as a business partner. I worked in the local community mental health system for 21 years and have been in my private practice for about 6 years now.

Prayers for Rafe and family with the loss of his father.

Dinner menu will be: grilled boneless BBQ ribs,
mashed red skin potatoes, grilled vegies, SLAW. rolls. Vanilla cake with carmel icing for dessert. Lemonade, tea to drink. Dinner at 6pm.

Better get to work. see you all at dinner.

Big Maude



April 28, 2009 - Msg 72161: Hey Y'all. Prayers for the Porch.Let's hope none of us have to deal with the swine flu.
If y'all would,pray for me to be able to endure some personal trials I am having. Right now( for several reasons) I can't do much about the way things are. But I am trying to get my ducks in a row,so to speak.Things will get better-I know.I just pray none of you have to deal with alcoholism,whether it is you or,as in my case,someone in your life.That's enough about that,but please lift me up in prayer, friends. Thank you.
My mama gets a pacemaker tomorrow and I believe Pappa Bear has his operation today.Please remember them as well.Thanks.
Boo,I'll continue to pray for y'all. Hope Erin & Sean feel better.
I guess I'd better go e-mail Spot. I see he's hollering for some correspondence! What are we gonna do with that YOUT?!
*******************
possum under a rock
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72162: I wish I lived in your area, Maude...I could sure use you about now! ;-)

Anyone happen to watch Oprah today? Well, if you did you are now much more afraid of Strep and MRSA than you could ever be of the swine flu (we now have 3 confirmed cases in Corpus Christi)!...there is always something out there waiting to feed on you, it's just nature. Can't live your life in fear...like Jesus said, it won't add one day to your life. Be sensible, but not panicky. "Have no anxiety about anything..."....pray about everything.

Thank you for those prayers, Dear Possum. I will be praying for you in your situation, as well. I grew up with an alcoholic father but it was my mom who dealt with it most. She dealt with it by withdrawing emotionally and it was as if my parents shared a home but not a life. Thankfully, he was never abusive. Have you ever been involved in a support group for families of alcoholics? Maybe they could help you in your process...just a thought. Prayers for your mom, also, as she gets her pacemaker.

Sean is much better. Erin is better but still lying around and now complaining that her stomach is hurting. This too shall pass...

I hear her crying...better go..

Boo
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72163:
We can't have no a-PATH-y, it aint thera-pi-tic!
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72164:
Yes boo, prayer, common sense, and cool-headed-smarts are a good ticket to get us thru this.
Take care my friends, these are amazing times!
I will also look into that immune system thing!
NDC
MDC
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72165:
oops, I thought I erased that N !

MDC
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72166: Boo, the way you described your parent's situation is like it is in mine- to a T. I so appreciate the prayers. Please share an update on Jubi whenever you can,ok? I try to always remember that as bad as I think things are in my world,there are plenty of people,like Jubi,that are facing even greater problems. My troubles pale in comparison. God Bless them all.
**********
possum again
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72167: Well I got new glasses.. over 400 dollars....gosh...but fether light and small....IDOL IS ON...back n a bit....hey possum,boo,ro,asa,Rev,Tom.SPOT
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72168: Yes, I was just saying that to a friend today, Possum....I am going through a difficult time but I wouldn't trade my trials for someone else's. Jubi's had a low-grade fever all last week but has not picked up any of these viruses that are going around, thankfully. She was not able to attend church on sunday, though. Otherwise, things are ok. I am sure her mom is worrying about her being in public with all this talk of swine flu.

Hey SPOT, I thought IDOL was better tonight than last week. I think that Danny did the best tonight....didn't care that much for Adam's performance.

Well, Erin started throwing up this afternoon and I have not been able to get her to keep anything down so I could give her the antibiotic. She feels terrible, poor thing. I ended up having to call the dr and get a script for phenergan suppositories so I can get her to keep down the antibiotic. We are having SO much fun around here! Continue those prayers, please?!

Boo
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72169:
You got em boo!
MDC
April 28, 2009 - Msg 72170: Prayers for everyone who is sick, and an extra prayer that it isn't swine flu.
I don't like all this talk about the possible pandemic, especially with Kai's surgery coming up.

Rafe(Doug), sorry to hear about your father. Prayers for you and yours.

You know, I found out what I was missing at work, and that is a calender. Oh, they have one there, but it is just one of those bank calenders, and I am tired of the ugly pictures on it. So I think I am going to head over to Weaver's store and get me one of those TAGS calenders. Yep, that's what I am going to do. Head on over to Weaver's and get me one of those calenders. :)


Oh, by the way, I'd like to warn all the parents out there to be sure you know what kind of books your child is getting from the public library. I just had an incident there today, as Kai was looking on the electronic card catalog(or whatever they call it). I took a book(fiction) off the shelf, opened it up to the middle of the book, and was shocked by what I was reading. Which was a detailed description of a boys "first encounters". So I went a few pages more, and saw more of the same filthy type of writing.
I took the book over the librarian and, after asking for the library's director(whom I have had a discussion with in the past, dealing with another "young adult" book that my wife was reading but couldn't even finish it after she came across the same kind of writing), asked her if they know what kind of books they are putting in their "young adult" section, which just happens to be right next to the children's section. In fact it is in the same room. But that isn't the point. I don't know what age they think is young adult, but this kind of trash isn't even "young" adult, it is "adult" adult, if you know what I mean. And I don't think it is ok for any teenager(of the older or younger sort) to be exposed to this written pornography, which is what it is. Just because there are no pictures doesn't mean it isn't.
The librarian at one point looked at the side of the book and said that "it is young adult, the young children don't read it". I pointed to the direction of where I found the book. At the small CHILDREN'S table where about four children were seated, right next to the "young adult" bookcases.
Well, she did her requisite "we appreciate" and "respect your concerns" spiel that they have to do to keep a situation from escalating - Not that I was going to get violent or anything - stickie-noted the offending pages I had pointed out to her(the ones I knew about anyway)and took my name and number so the library director could call me. She hasn't yet. But I imagine she will, as we know her fairly well.

I tell you. I'm getting scared to even take Kai into the children's section of the library anymore. A sad state of affairs.


Ok, NOW I am going to go over to Weavers and get that calender. Yep, that's what I am gonna do. ;)

-Sterling Holobyte
April 29, 2009 - Msg 72171: Hello porch family....2 cases of the swine flu here in our little county. (Newberry) Prayers for all that are being affected with this bug.

Boo....glad the kids are feeling better but still praying for complete healing. Also for you as you handle all this in your household.

Maude.....praying that your work situation gets better.

Still moving my daughter's "stuff" from her appartment. Man I didn't know she had so much.

Sterling.....I know what you're talking about. And you said it right....."TRASH." A sad fact!

Well gang I'm off to bed. You all have a good night and sleep tight. Prayers for all the porch family. I'm so glad we're in the family of God.
-REV.


April 29, 2009 - Msg 72172: I absolutely feel your pain, Sterling. I tried so hard to protect my children from things like that, but you know what, it is so proliferate in this culture that I am coming to the conclusion that I must face things head-on (and that includes watching out for the welfare of all children and speaking up, as you did in the library). Kai and Erin are still so young and I think they should be kept as innocent as possible, but the day will come when open communication will be very important and they will be exposed to things. I tried so hard with Sean, and then things started happening that were out of my control..things he was exposed to in the home of friends who I trusted. Among kids in the neighborhood, on a friend's computer. There was no way to stand against the onslaught unless I were to withdraw from all people and from society. So, I started putting my energy into open communication and education...being sure Sean knows what our values are as a family and what we consider right and wrong. I can't tell you how many very tough, even painful conversations I have had with my 14 year old son, who tells me when he has struggles and when he feels ashamed or guilty, he comes to me for help. I am thankful for the chances I have had to teach him and help him through things. He has a strong sense of morality already but also knows how hard temptation can be. I am trying with God's help to teach him how to deal with those temptations. I wish I could have kept him from all of the things that I feared he would encounter, but even being raised in a Christian home and in church, and being home-schooled, things did happen. Now I have had to step up to the plate and deal with it. We try to protect them and then we prepare ourselves and we listen. We answer their questions openly and we do all we can not to shame them when they tell us of their struggles so that they won't stop talking. In this world we live in, we have got to be a safe place for our children. Sometimes we have to stand between them and evil, as we teach them how to overcome. I would like to share a prayer together for our kids, if that would be ok. Dear Almighty God, Good Shepherd, thank you that you know your own and you know how to care for us. Help us to hear your voice more clearly in this age of so many distractions. We come to you for wisdom, as parents. Besides you, Lord, there is nothing more precious to us than the children you have given us and we feel such a great responsibility to raise them up and protect them from the evil and danger in this world. Help us to remember that we are yours and we commit our children to your care. Lord, use every trial, every temptation, every struggle for their benefit and for your glory. Protect them from the evil one and may they always know that they need a savior and may they find you early in their lives. Help us to be the examples of Godly men and women that they need in this society. Lord, I ask that you give us patience. Help us to discipline in love and not in anger. Let us teach our children about forgivness, not about shame. May they feel conviction when they sin, give them true repentance and a heart for you. Fill them with your love and bring about your plan for their lives. Please take care of Kai and keep her healthy. May her upcoming surgery be a great success and please bring peace to her parents. Now we just take our children and hand them over to you, Lord. They belong to you. Thank you for loving us and them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Goodnight,
Boo