March 25, 2010 - Msg 78389:
DES- wow, good to see ya!!
Boo- I was wondering if you caught that error. Ya already have Kygirl with child! Such rumors! (:
Possum- glad you got your 8 last night.
You Fifes need your full 8.
Good info PH. next thing ya know you'll be quotin' that 15 cent magazine, Learn-a-Month! ha
Did you know that a horses eyes are the same size
at birth as they are full grown? ha
REV- Good job! I'll take two. Seriously, let us know when they "go to press."

Have a good day all.
MDC
March 25, 2010 - Msg 78390: S-W-E-E-E-E-P
March 25, 2010 - Msg 78391:
Ring-a-ding-ding
March 25, 2010 - Msg 78392:
Heya, MDC! How are you doing? Hope all's well in your world. I'm reposting this so Ro can see it.


Hey, Ro. Remember 12-13 years ago when my girls were starting kindergarten, you advised me about how to get through the school years ahead? What I drew from that was essentially 'don't fret the small stuff, let the teachers do their jobs, and don't take any guff.' Sounds simple on the surface, but in practice it was anything but.

Well, you were right, and now we've come full circle. My girls are getting ready to graduate and will be starting college in the fall, and your advice held me up on more than one occasion.

Thought you'd like to know that your wisdom helped keep me sane over the years! Sorry you're walking crooked and hope you get better real soon. (Btw, I can attest to the benefits of Flexoril. Good stuff.)

Peace, all!

~De§~

P.S. Oh, and as fate would have it, one of my girls is going into nursing. :-) The other is going to be a meteorologist, something she decided on when she was 7.

March 25, 2010 - Msg 78393:
DES- Don't forget, you can click on "Archives" below and see any previuosly posted message, and believe me, we all check to see what we missed!
I am doing well, been here 5 years now! wow!
RO even has an on-line album with us in it!
come 'round more often.
Thanks,
MDC
March 25, 2010 - Msg 78394: Hey, porch! This is weird. De§, I've written this once, and I'm sure I posted it, but now it's not there. I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. Of course, there are those who think that's where I live, anyway.

I can't believe those kids are entering college! Where did the time go? Thank you for your kind words regarding my comments back then. You're very sweet to say that, but the truth is, those kids just had a darned good mama!

My doc called me at 7:30 this morning, asked me to come in, which I did. Labs drawn on Tuesday show a problem with kidney function, so she repeated them. Also had a renal sonogram. Will have the results tomorrow, I hope. Very strange. She took me completely off of Advil, which leaves me with Tylenol for back pain and nothing else. I have Flexeril, but it's a relaxer, not an analgesic, so basically I'll be gritting my teeth when I have to walk or move. I'm pretty sure this is just a fluke thing, because through all the years of diabetes, my kidney function has been A+. Guess we'll see.

Well, back to my chair. I can only sit on this office-type chair for short periods of time. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena

March 25, 2010 - Msg 78395: Ok gang im back at work for the night...let me get caught up...SPOT
March 25, 2010 - Msg 78396: What were those lab results, Ro (if you remember)? Curious, indeed. We are gonna keep praying until you get answers and are feeling better. If this is some sort of auto-immune reaction, I am wondering if you might benefit from taking a good, long leave of absence from the job. You should keep the stress at a minimum to get over this. Even one day a week in that hospital can be very stressful.

I feel like I would like to just have a little prayer for you right now, Ro and maybe we can all pray it together for you. Lord Jesus, I am concerned for Romeena and want so much for her to get to feeling better. I know that you know every hair on her head and every cell in her body. You are in control of everything because she is your child. I pray that you give her and her dr wisdom and guidance as they attempt to diagnose and treat the problems she is having. Bring relief from pain, peace of heart of mind, and joy of spirit. Bless her as she has blessed and cared for so many. Your will be done. In Jesus' name.

Well hello DES! So happy to hear about your girls and what a nice thing you posted for Romeena. Very sweet. Wish you would come by more often and chat with us. Hasn't the weather in south texas been wonderful today? A bit windy but just beautiful.

Boo
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78397:
Hello porch family.

Well I got some rest today but still will sleep good tonight:)

Ro....praying that the kidney test will turn out to be no problem and get your back back in order.

DES....good to see ya back. Those kids do grow up fast.

Spot......have a good night at work.

Just watched "The Blind Side" with my daughter. I'm not a big movie person but this was a very good movie.

Praying you all have a great night's rest. Be sure to let someone see Jesus through your life tomorrow.

Love and prayers!
-REV.

Tomorrow's Forcast: God reigns and the SON shines!
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78398:
I just heard on the radio that in a recent poll,
14% of those polled think that BO may be the antichrist. Strange times indeed, as I also heard a sound byte of him in Cincy saying,"they saidthat the sky would be falling, but I see no asteriods headed for earth, I don't feel the earth shaking. Its a beautiful day, the birds are singing." Google it,sorry, but this guy is getting drunk with his power. Also heard that a
presidential executive order can be recinded within 30 days, and he may do that with the stupac amendment. Also heard that these so-called phone messages etc may actually be HIS
supporters doing it to make it look like the tea party people are doing it. This is all very strange stuff. Lord be with us! I'm just plain dumbfounded!
Well, have a good evening and God bless.
MDC

March 26, 2010 - Msg 78399: Amen, Boo.

*******************
possum under a rock
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78400: Good morning everyone. I decided to check in today and see that ROMEENA is having some difficulty. I hope that you are feeling better today. You will be in my prayers for a speedy recovery. Remember: you can't keep a good women down!

MDC: Yes, strange indeed. Our country is getting scary these days. I'm in mind of that Steel Wheels song: "Clowns to teh left of me, jokers to the right..." I heard that same poll and it is indeed discouraging that so many people can drink the Kool Aid.

One thing that's really gotten my dander up is all death threats, racial slurs, spitting, rocks through windows that some on the losing side of the health care debate are tossing. I might believe that a little bit of it are put-up jobs, but I can tell you just from the local news that it's those on the far right who are behind and cheering for most of it. Sadly, they're more than happy to take the credit. It really gives conservatives a black eye.

You all take care!

Me-They
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78401:
Hey Folks

Boy, it is sunny here today.

PH-Thanks for the DO info.

MDC-Stay strong buddy. Nothing disinfects Socialism like sun light does. And, I think the comrades on the left are going be standing in the blinding sun in November.

Me-They I agree with you about the poor behavior that is being exhibited, by a few. Funny thing though, I don't remember the clowns in the McMedia getting their shorts in a bunch when W went through that same thing, only worse, for EIGHT years.

Peace,
auh2o
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78402:
Lord Jesus, please be with us this day. We call upon you
to help us to see thru all the hype to the truth.
Lord, please calm our fears in order to believe strongly in your love and care, and to legally and justly stand up strong by standing upon your Word. Please stop the arrogance and the hate on all sides, so that the founding principles of our country, and your principles, will always be our prevailing principles. Thank you. Amen
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78403: Amen to that prayer!

AUH2O: Bad behavior is never excusable, then or now. But you're right about one thing, some minority (can't you just hear Aunt Bee say that?) of thick heads always has to try to ruin it for the rest of us trying to have actual dialog and effect change (didn't someone say that recently?) without taking away our liberties.

Did you read Ann Coulter today? Really funny and really astute (as usual).

Later,
M-T
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78404:
Obtuse, now dont be obtuse! (:
MDC
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78405: Happy Friday Porch family, hope all is well today. Cool and a misty day on my end of the porch. supposed to be sunny and
warmer weather tomorrow. :)

Continued prayers for Romeena!

It is good to see M-T, suh20 and Des as well as everyone else. Maybe others will stop by soon.

My doctors visit went well today and he has finally released me
back to normal activities. He said I could call if problems arouse but he does not expect any more complications. Happy Day!

A rousing Amen to the above prayer.

Lunch menu will be: philly cheese steak sandwhiches, home made french fries, SLAW. chocloate chip pound cake.

Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78406: Good morning, folks. Boo, to answer your question - it was an elevated creatinine (2.5) that got my doc's attention. It should be 1.3 or less, and the higher number indicates that my kidneys are working at about half power. She did repeat the test, we'll see what the repeat shows.

As for the back pain, it's not letting go. I've got to get busy today and file for short-term disability, in order to keep my paychecks coming without using up all of my PTO hours. That's one company-provided benefit that I really appreciate - the short-term disability. Just takes some paperwork, but it's worth it.

So far, no one has explored the back problem, because we've been focused on the original rash, the stiff neck and now the kidney malfunction. However, it's the low back that's keeping me off work. I'm walking with a cane even in the house, and the pain just takes my breath away at times. No way could I work. The docs are going to want an MRI to define the problem, and I can't have an MRI, because of the pacemaker. A CT will tell them a little, but an MRI would be a lot better. Oh well. "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." Thanks friends, for your prayers and sweet concern. I'll keep you posted.

My friend Ted came yesterday and took the leaf net off the pond, removed the string-algae that was forming, and cleaned the filters. Bless him. --Romeena
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78407: Hooray for Big Maude! That's good news, Maudie. Thanks for sharing it with us. --Romeena
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78408:
M-T No, I haven't read much by Coulter lately. Don't know why. Also, wasn't excusing it. I totally agree bad is bad. I just find it funny that these incidents are all of a sudden despicable. B.O. has gotten an absolute pass from the McMedia. Remember the "Sniper Wanted" on the TV screen while W was speaking. I don't recall the outrage. Or, how about the W being hung in effigy. Nope, nary a mention. So, I don't lose much sleep over what is going on now.

auh2o
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78409:
Oh hey, Big Maude and Romeena, we almost bumped into each other.

auh2o
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78410: Afternoon porch! Ro I hate to hear you are hurting and in pain (been there done that) I pray things get better for you. As always, I have all my porch family on my prayer list, but I'll say an extra prayer for you. ((((hug))))
*Mavis
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78411: Oh nearly forgot, I don't know if any of you have seen this on the news or not, but there is a man out in CA that has a camera set up in an owl box & folks are able to tune in & watch them raise those little babies, it is so cool, nature at it's finest. www.ustream.tv/theowlbox I suggest you go full screen to watch or switch over from social stream to chat, lots of really nasty people in the social stream.
*Mavis
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78412: Now I have to ask a question ,because I just read the archives and the new posts.Have you all been into the squeezins ?Ph has me pregnant,And Boo ask if Robert Culp played Debras MOTHER on everybody loves Raymond!Woo,you all must have 120 proof squeezins LOL!Nope PH,I passed a medical ethics and law test,couldn't pass a pregnancy test and don't want to!And,unless there was some really unusual acting going on,I don't think Robert Culp played a woman on Everybody Loves Raymond did he?Now where did you all hide the squeezins,on Spots new barn?And I want to wear my martini glass skirt,I'm going to take you all to Morellis to celebrate !No more classes for me for awhile!-ky girl
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78413: Did that work?
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78414: Now?
March 26, 2010 - Msg 78415: It did! ha

March 26, 2010 - Msg 78416: Good deal!..hey possum,Rev,TOM,Romeena (you feeling better)?...My good friend Mavis!..auh20,Hazel,HM,PH,M-T and all my friends...lets good a GOOD supper on the grill:Grilled Filet Mignon (bacon wrapped),Grilled and garlic brushed Rock Lobster tails,asparagus tips.roasted red potatoes sliced in half with rosemary,whole steamed green beans,maude slaw,tea,texas toast...ready at 7 fresh off the grill....prayers...SPOT
March 27, 2010 - Msg 78417: Wow my supper must have made everyone sleepy!..SPOT
March 27, 2010 - Msg 78418: Long day and I am really tired but wanted to check in before bed. Continued prayers for you, Ro. I know the Lord is with you through good and bad....may the bad be gone soon!

I have had alot of energy today and accomplished alot. I would ask your prayers about something, please. Remember a few weeks back I asked you to pray for the headaches I was having and they went away? Well, they are trying to come back again. Thanks.

Well, one other thing; one of our puppies is very ill. Hank starting acting sick and passing blood, wouldn't eat or drink so I took him to the vet. He has Parvo, which if you are familiar with it, it often kills dogs. At his young age, he had only gotten the first of the series of three parvo vaccines and hadn't built immunity yet. I have no idea where he contacted it because he hasn't been around other dogs. Doc said that the parvo virus can live in soil for up to 10 years! Anyway, I had to leave him at the vet overnight and they are giving him IVs and antibiotics to try and pull him through (200 dollars a night!) and we are hoping the other pup doesn't get it. I am giving her Tamiflu and they gave her the second parvo vaccine.

I am about to fall asleep at the keyboard so better go...

Boo
March 27, 2010 - Msg 78419:
My prayers are with you boo.
Sleep well.
MDC
March 27, 2010 - Msg 78420: Good morning, porch. I'm still cripping around, can't go more than a few steps without grabbing onto something, so am dragging this dumb cane along. Back pain responds only minimally to Tylenol, but at least it does bring it down to a dull roar. I just took a gram of Niacin (feeds nerves) to see if that might help a bit. I'm really very much afraid this one is going to require surgery. Not a pleasant prospect, but I can't stay like this.

Boo, I'm so sorry to hear about the sick puppy. Parvo is a vicious disease. You're right, it's everywhere around us, and it practically lives forever. Even bleach won't kill it, so it can live in anybody's kennel, vet's office, shelter, anywhere dogs have been.

As I understand it, there is a "window of vulnerability" with puppies. While they're still nursing, they're getting antibodies from their mom. That is both a blessing and a curse. It can mean that when they get their first shot, their body will resist it because they have their mom's antibodies in their blood. Then they're weaned, and those antibodies die off quickly, because they were not actually made in the pup's body. They get the second shot, but it takes their body a little while to start building its own defenses. It's in that little gap of time that they can develop parvo, from the live virus in their surroundings. This is why some breeders won't release a pup until twelve weeks of age, and is why I had to wait so long to get little Starr.

My granddog, Bentley, developed parvo on his second day with David and Brittney. He had to have been getting sick when the breeder turned him over. They called the breeder, and he offered to take him back, but by then everyone was so in love with him, and they were afraid the breeder would just euthanize him and not really fight to save him. They stated their preference - keep him and the breeder pay the vet bill - and he agreed. So that's what happened, Bentley lived, and is a precious and highly valued member of our family. He's a big old happy, soft-hearted, playful goofball, and we adore him. He's a 45-lb lapdog, if you can imagine.

Mavis, feel free to correct any mis-information I may have presented regarding parvo. That's just what I gathered from reading about it when Bentley was so sick. Now, about that ustream website you mentioned - that is a very cool site. Someone in California has set up a webcam that watches a hummingbird's nest. The little bird has been named Phoebe, and they've watched her raise several broods. It's been going on for a couple of years now, I think. Anyway, it's a lot of fun. I think there's a camera in a bear's den somewhere too. Just poke around in the ustream site and you'll find them. What wonders are at our fingertips!

Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
March 27, 2010 - Msg 78421: Hi All.
Just looking out the windon it a nice day.
For the pass two week I have bin going crazy working a puzzle that my siss give my.
It have 500 pieces and all the coler runin to it is a jelly bean and it maging me nut.


TOM

March 27, 2010 - Msg 78422: Afternoon Y'all! Hey ky girl- Nah, we didn't get into the squeezins. See, what happened is we sent MDC over to the Morrison Sisters to get some elixir to celebrate the first day of Spring. Some of us just had a few more glasses than the others! How did I miss Boo's "Robert Culp" thingy? LOL That was funny!

Oh, I thought about you yesterday,ky girl. I went to an Arts & Crafts festival and passed a booth that had sequined t shirts with little martini glasses on them. If they weren't so pricey,I would've bought you one to go with your skirt!

I did buy something Mayberry related though. A little magnet with a picture of Barney & Gomer on it. It's the scene where Andy is telling the Golden Arm" story around the campfire-when their eyes are about to bulge out of their heads! LOL And no,spot,that's not what I bought for you. You'll have to wait & see!

Good news, Maudie!

Boo, hope the headaches stay away.And good luck to your little puppies-poor things.

Ro, I wish I lived nearby. I would certainly come & help however I could. So sorry you are in the fix that you're in. You remain in my thoughts & prayers.

Wow,Tom,I haven't done a jigsaw puzzle in years. One with colorful jellybeans would be a hard one for me too! Hang on to your patience and I'll bet you can figure it out though. Good luck!

Spot, I missed your supper last night. What did you do- win the GA lottery or something? Ha Ha Filet Mignon? Dang! Ya got any leftovers??

Hey to Mavis!

Y'all take care & enjoy the weekend! Love to all!


*******************
possum under a rock
March 27, 2010 - Msg 78423:
TOM, glad to hear you are keeping busy working on that puzzle. Here are some tricks I use. Since all border pieces have at least one straight edge, complete the border first.
Then make piles of pieces that have mostly the same color. Make separate piles of jelly bean pieces based on their colors. Then do the same fo background colors. Also, although most pieces will have same edge shapes, some pieces will have unusually large or small edge shapes. Keep these on a separate pile. Good luck.

ky girl, congratulations on passing the ethics and law tests. How's that for an oxymoron remark?

Maude, congratulations on your recovery from your hospital stay.

Mavis, that is an interesting site to watch those owls. I have found other sites like:
baby chicks at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/chickam2008
mother and her puppies at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-dance-litter

Boo, so sorry to hear about your puppy. Your vet thinks he got parvo from dirt?
You know, ever since I started watching Mystery Diagnosis and Monsters Inside Me, I've come to the realization just how dangerous our yards can be. It makes me think. Why are parasites so destructive? Why can they survive so long even while dormant? Why were these harmful parasites ever created?

from Poor Horatio
March 27, 2010 - Msg 78424: Thank you for the prayers and well wishes concerning Hank. I called the vet this morning and while they didn't expound, they said he was doing ok and they will continue with the IV and antibiotics throug the weekend and if I don't here from them, "no news is good news". When I left him yesterday, he was howling up a storm and was wearing the "Cone of Shame"...those of you who have seen the wonderful kid's movie "UP" will know what I am talking about. Before we were even out of the office he had a cone on his head and an IV, poor pup. He gets anxious when he is separated from his sister but the funny thing is, she didn't seem to be affected by his absence at all. She is the tough one and Hank is a big ol baby. What I find really interesting is Bruce's concern for Hank. I thought that when i told him about the vets fee he would be grousing about it but he was very concerned for Hank and said he really likes 'Ol Hank.

Speaking of...time to give some Tamiflu to Madea.

Boo
March 27, 2010 - Msg 78425: From CNN.com:

A Pennsylvania man attempted to resuscitate "a road-killed opossum," state police say.

But this was one possum who wasn't playing possum -- the ugly creature remained dead.

Troopers responding to the scene in Oliver Township on Thursday determined that Donald J. Wolfe, 55, of Brookville, was drunk, according to the police report.

Several witnesses observed Wolfe's failed resurrection of the flattened marsupial, police said. It was not immediately clear how he endeavored to restore the possum's life.

The arresting officer in the incident was unavailable for comment Friday. Attempts to reach Wolfe were also unsuccessful.

Wolfe will be charged with one charge of public drunkenness, police said.

Glad it wasn't this possum!

*****************
possum under rock

March 27, 2010 - Msg 78426:
Mavis-One of our local channels is following the baby owl story. They show live feeds from time to time.

auh2o
March 28, 2010 - Msg 78427: PH, I saw part of "Monsters..." today and talk about gross! A boy picked up some sort of worm from a dog and it went to his brain and nearly killed him. I am starting to rethink my desire to walk outside without shoes!

Pretty funny, Possum. Those "squeezins" will make people do some really stupid thing. ;-)

Off to bed!

Boo
March 28, 2010 - Msg 78428:
'night all
March 28, 2010 - Msg 78429: Mornin' dear! Mornin' honey!

*************
possum u.a.r.
March 28, 2010 - Msg 78430: Good morning, porch! I wish I was in church, but the back situation didn't permit it, so this porch is the next best place to be. That's especially true since my porch looks out over my back yard, where things are really beginning to pop. The little ten-inch stumps of rose bushes that Joe left when he pruned them are now fluffy, fresh, red-leaved and vigorous, and about eighteen inches tall. In a couple of weeks, they'll start showing buds. I thought he had murdered them! When will I learn that the man knows what he's doing?

Tom, I wish I could come and work on that puzzle with you. I love jigsaw puzzles! I have passed many a peaceful hour putting a puzzle together. Like Poor Horatio suggested, I like to get the outer edge finished first, then work from there toward the middle. Sometimes I identify a certain thing, like a flower or an animal, and build it off to the side, until I finally find where that section will fit. However, if you're working on the puzzle I think you are - a picture of a pile of jelly beans - that's a really tough one! I had one like that some years ago, and it took me a very long time to complete it. It was fun, though, with all the pretty colors.

Well, I guess I'll hobble on into the kitchen and get some Tylenol working on this thing. Last night was rough, I fully expect to need a nap this afternoon. Sure wish I could have gone to church and SS. I feel like I'm missing so much.

Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
March 28, 2010 - Msg 78431: Morning dear!...(er afternoon)...SPOT
March 28, 2010 - Msg 78432:
Hello porch family....checking in real quick. Got another concert tonight so may not get back home till late.

Love and prayers for all you folks!
-REV.
March 28, 2010 - Msg 78433: Hi All.
Just a rain day here.

TOM

March 28, 2010 - Msg 78434: Possum,I heard about that guy trying to give that possum mouth to mouth resusitation,I knew you would get a kick out of that!I know I did!lol!Thanks for thinking of me with the martini glass t-shirt!Alright Spot,it is afternoon,what have you been drinking?YOu found the spring elixir too?Dang it,I wish somebody would share some with me!lol!Prayers for all-ky girl
March 28, 2010 - Msg 78435:
RO- Another idea, how about a therapitic massage?
A good, legit massage place shouldnt be too much and if you tell them your situation, it will do some good I think.
Also, I once had a bad reaction to Cipro that was very
similar to your situation.
Anyways, prayers continue for all!
God bless,
MDC
March 28, 2010 - Msg 78436:
Hi ky Girl, I answered your email. Hope it
wasnt too shocking! ha
MDC
March 29, 2010 - Msg 78437: Behave yourself, MDC! ;-)

Well, it's MONDAY...everybody awake?? Busy weekend, but fun. Erin has a little friend named Ronny that she is crazy about and Ronny's parents have become good friends. They are very nice people and yesterday Ronny's dad brought his tractor over to help Bruce spread some dirt he had delivered. You should have seen them! Bruce on his beat-up red tractor and Ronny's dad on his state-of-the-art, big, New Holland tractor with a closed in cab, air conditioner and CD player. Poor Bruce..HAHAHA. They got the job done in a hurry and had fun doing it. After, Bruce fired up the BBQ pit and made some chicken and sausage. We enjoyed it but I tell you, it seems like since we built this house, someone is always over here on the weekends. I enjoy, though.

Guess what I got yesterday? My friend Terri, who has the horse ranch brought me a donkey that needed a home. She is an old donkey that Terri calls Naomi and she came from the home of a poor family who had 5 kids who adored the donkey(s) (there are two of them but Terri kept the male) but they ended up losing their home and having to get rid of them. Their oldest daughter was devastated because she loved them so Terri took them both and has been trying to find a home for the girl. Since our place is fenced, Bruce said I could have her. That poor old donkey is a sight! Not a pretty donkey like Homaker's but we will try to give the old girl a good home in her remaining years. Of course, I know nothing about taking care of her but Terri will teach me and I have to go to the Tractor Supply and get some feed today and she needs worming again. I am going to try and fatten her up a bit.

Well, I am hoping that Hank gets to come home today. We miss him and hope he is going to be ok. I also have to drive to San Antonio to pick up Bruce's sister and bring her back (the one who had recent back surgery). She went up to Kileen to visit friends. Lots to do but I love it. Remember how I told you all that i was anemic and had to take iron? Well, after being on the iron and eating more read meat, I feel like I am 10 years younger! Guess that's why I was so darned tired all the time. Better go...

Boo
March 29, 2010 - Msg 78438: "Boo & The Burro"- sounds like a sitcom,doesn't it? LOL

Let's all go to Cracker Barrel this morning- I think we can talk Spot into buying!
***************
possum u. a. r.
March 29, 2010 - Msg 78439:
A donkey huh? Now all you need is an elephant! ha
Sounds like a wild time on the boo homestead!
Now all you need is a water tank and a few opossums! lol
Great biscuits and gravy at the CB! Thx Spot!
Boo- also remember, that's KYGIRL in the martini glass skirt, not ME! haha
Ya all have a great day in the Lord this blessed week.
Pax,
MDC
March 29, 2010 - Msg 78440: Good morning, porch! Once again, I'm grateful for this window and the view outside, and for this porch, because I'm surely not getting to do much else. Back still hurts, though possibly a little less than yesterday.

I appreciate all the suggestions. I'm pretty sure a massage wouldn't do much to help, because this isn't muscular, it's a trapped nerve. I have no doubt about that. I can be standing up, squared away, and in no pain. Then I move my right leg just slightly and the pain hits like a hammer blow. It depends on how I move it. If I turn my foot out laterally, and sort of swing my leg, I can move with very little pain. However, a normal, forward movement of that foot is just impossible without white-hot pain. It's not the sciatic nerve that's involved, because there's no pain down the back of my leg. I've had sciatic pain before, and this isn't it.

MDC, you had incapacitating back pain from a reaction to Cipro? That's a new one - I've never heard of that before. It's not the case here, though, I haven't taken an antibiotic in ages.

Boo, how fun!! I'm so glad you got little Naomi (what a cute name!) and I'm glad she got you. I just love little donkeys. Their faces are so sweet, and if you look into their eyes, you can almost imagine that you see a memory of the times one of their kind helped Jesus and His family. They can be stubborn, I guess, but they're usually so patient and loving. Will you be getting her some sort of a companion? They don't like to be alone. You know, I really have to work at not envying your situation. All my adult life I've wanted to get back to the country, and I realize now that it's not going to happen, but I'm so glad you got to go. Enjoy it, my friend! A donkey, no less......

Well, I've had about all of this office-type chair I can stand. Got to move on. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
March 29, 2010 - Msg 78441: All right, where's my cane? Who moved it? --Romeena
March 29, 2010 - Msg 78442: Boo,you have to post pics of the donkey,I love donkeys-ky girl
March 29, 2010 - Msg 78443:
Not sure why i said "now all you need.." twice in a row. I usually have more variety, I usually have more variety. (ha)
RO- the reaction was more muscular pain, like
I had been the main punching bag at wrestlemania!
Once i got off it, all pain ceased. Strange.
Hey, I was watching "the family visit" on dvd last night, and i forgot about the cute beginning.
great lines like "Opie, dont flaunt your Bible knowledge," , Uncle Todd's secret girl in Cleveland, and all about Plain Claude Beeman! ha
Even Cain and Abel!
"Ollie, dont do that, leave the siren alone" and
"we got asphalt at the gasworks three years ago."
Good stuff.
Have agood day,
MDC
March 29, 2010 - Msg 78444:
Hello porch family. Storms came through our way but thankfully no damage.

The concert went great last night.

Boo....congrats on your new addition to the family:) That is so good you gave her a new, good home.

Ro....still praying for you! I feel so bad for you.

Spot....you working? Did ya'll get the storms yesterday?

Will check back a little later. Love and prayers!
-REV.
March 29, 2010 - Msg 78445:
I think i just heard that hamlin won at martinsville.
MDC
March 29, 2010 - Msg 78446: Good evening, porch. This afternoon, I have been blessed with the sweetest experience you can imagine. There are three squirrel nest boxes in my yard - I mentioned them earlier. Two are in trees close to my window, and the third one is by the back fence. I have spent this afternoon watching the antics of two complete squirrel families. The box nearest the house contains no fewer than five babies, because I've been able to count them all at the same time. The one by the back fence has at least three, probably more but three are all I've been able to distinguish. The babies are about half the size of their mothers now, and are getting very venturesome. The ones in the box by the house have been out all day, crawling all over the box, playing with each other and venturing a foot or so up the tree, then back down very quickly. The ones out in the back are doing the same. It's just the cutest thing you ever saw. Tiny replicas of their mothers, with short little tails, but all the typical squirrely mannerisms are there. Well, just now I really saw a sight. Mama came to the box nearest the house, gathered up one of the babies and literally rolled him into a little ball. She used her paws like little hands, tucked his tail in and paws in, then picked him up and carried him over to the other tree, where there's another nest box. At first I thought the original box was getting too crowded, and she was just dividing the brood, but I've noticed that she's watching me very closely, and apparently knows I'm watching her and the babies. I think she's moving them to protect them. I can't see the third box, even though it's close to the house, it's too high and is blocked by the eaves. Poor little mama, if only she knew she has absolutely nothing to fear from me. I'd whip a wildcat if it was threatening her or her babies. I have watered many a cat that has come in the yard seeking a squirrel snack.

She has a problem, though. The ones she has moved to the other box are now out and crawling everywhere on the tree, while she's back at the original box, trying to coax the last recalcitrant kid out so she can move him. Between keeping a wary eye on them, trying to deal with her bratty youngster and watching for me to make a false move, she's got her little paws full. What a good little mom she is! Those babies aren't weaned yet, either. I got a good look at her belly, and she's still nursing them. Oh my, this has been fun!!

This window was worth every dadburn penny it cost! I am so very glad I had it installed. It's truly my little window on the world. At least the world as it exists in my back yard.

Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
March 29, 2010 - Msg 78447: Now Ro, when you are able to get around again, you know you can here for a rest and spend some time with the donkey...and the puppies...and the cat. So far, that's it but by summer we should have some goats or something, once the cross fence is put in. This donkey is a real hoot. Follows us around like a dog and she isn't bothered at all by the pups or the cat. That cat is fascinated by her and like to sneak up close and give her a sniff and then when she bends down to smell him, he is off like a shot. The pups seem to really like her, too. We do have one problem, though...I bought her some "senior" horse feed and she doesn't care for it. She does, however, love the puppy food she found on the porch. I was so shocked when I was in the kitchen and turned around and the donkey was on the back porch looking at me through the kitchen window!~fun.

Hank is home and doing much better, playing but still on antibiotics and not quite up to par. He keeps getting in his cage to rest. I was so happy to get him home and the poor little thing is so skinny. I'll fatten him up, though..and the donkey, too.

I am so happy you are enjoying the squirrels, Ro. I imagine that God is very pleased that you take so much pleasure in His creation. On my drive to San Antonio today I saw wildflowers like I have NEVER seen in my life. The stretch on I37 between George West and San Antonio was breath taking! Countless blue bonnets and flowers I have never even seen, red, yellow, coral, purple and white. It was something to see and I just kept thinking about how amazing God is to creat such beauty. With all the bad things in our world, there is still so much good and such beauty and it is healthy to slow down and spend time enjoying those things.

Think I will go take a rest...

Boo
March 30, 2010 - Msg 78448: You will enjoy the donkey Boo - don't try to fatten her up too quick. A good hay would be the best bet with feed only once a day. Corn can founder them, a small cup of sweet feed will do the trick. Mix the senior feed with sweet feed and she will eat it. As for wormer - worm on the full moon - that is when most parasites can be killed.
Now you need goats!! LOL
Glad the puppy is better - Hank the Cowdog!

We are up to 21 baby goats on the ol home place and they are cuties. Only 4 girls - the rest are boys. At least it will keep our meat customers happy.

Ro - it hurt me that you are not feeling well. I will pray that the doctors use the great Physicians guidance and you will be well again soon.

Oh Boo - by the way - the donkey will keep away coyotes. Coyotes do not like the smell of donkeys.

hm
March 30, 2010 - Msg 78449:
Boo- you sure that aint an imaginary donkey
named "Blackie?" ha
Cute story RO. Maybe you should get reflective
film for the window. Just a thought to save
the mommy squirrel from worrying so much.
HM- the full moon talk made me think of Charlene
Darling burying her sack! ha
Happy Holy Week and Happy Passover!
God bless and prayers,
MDC
March 30, 2010 - Msg 78450:
Did everybody leave for the moon?? (:
March 30, 2010 - Msg 78451: Bumpy ride - Obama cut the Nasa program. . . hm
March 30, 2010 - Msg 78452: Hey gang ...gosh just been busy here ay yhe dog house.....burning brush and cleaning up...will read tonight after dark...hey possum,Rev,MDC,Romeena,hm and all....any left overs from supper?..SPOT
March 30, 2010 - Msg 78453:
Hello porch family!

Ro....love the squirrel story through the "special picture window". And I guess it's really special to me because I've personally looked through that "special window" and it is SPECIAL:)

Boo.....becoming a farm gal....love it!

hm....21 baby goats...wow...now that's a lot of kids. I know they are cute though.

MDC.....you guys hitting the 90s yet?

Spot....getting your yard spring cleaning done I see. Got some leftovers so come on over.

You all have a blessed night and be sure to let someone see Jesus in your life tomorrow. I promise they will be watching.
Love and prayers!
-REV.
March 30, 2010 - Msg 78454: Thanks REV. :-)

Thanks for the advice, HM. I found the donkey eating my potting soil today! She also has a great fondness for dry dog food. At night she wanders off but during the day she is almost always standing on our back porch. If anyone goes outside, she usually follows them but alot of her time is spent grazing on Burmuda grass.

Well, our other pup is sick now with parvo so she is staying over at the vet clinic. She didn't seem as sick as Hank but wasn't eating or drinking so we took her in. These dogs are getting expensive and I haven't even gotten them fixed yet or gotten all of their first year vaccines. Everyone sure is happy to have old Hank back, though.

Been under the weather today. Still having heachaches and sick at my stomach today. I have an appointment to see my doctor in the morning. Please remember me in your prayes (along with Romeena). We both need to get to feeling better.

Boo
March 31, 2010 - Msg 78455:
Morning Friends

It is yet another sunny day here and, as a bonus, we're suppose to hit the 50's. Spring!

Boo & Romeena- Prayers for the both of ya.

Ro-I thought of ya the other day when a group of deer walked down the brook just outside of this window.

The weatherman said we were under the 200 inch mark for snow this season, first time in quite awhile. I think he said we had 171 inches.

Rev-We watched the "Blind Side" last night. Wow, I thought that was a great movie.

A ray of hope:
http://scottgrannis.blogspot.com/2010/03/why-healthcare-reform-bill-will.html

Gotta run,
auh2o
March 31, 2010 - Msg 78456: Mornin' Y'all!

prayers for Boo & Ro.

Busy day today-lots of errands to run & chores to do,so can't rock long. Just wanted to check in before y'all get a posse up for me!

Please keep the folks in Cranston, RI in your thoughts & prayers. Some very dangerous flooding is taking place there. I have a sister in Cranston,but thankfully she is not in the affected area. Prayers for all the folks in the NE dealing with the flooding situation.

Well, I'd better scoot- love to all!

*******************
possum under a rock
March 31, 2010 - Msg 78457:
Close Rev, very close! 87 yesterday! Spring ball
is almost over!
MDC
March 31, 2010 - Msg 78458:
Yes indeed possum, I have been reading and seeing
about all the flooding. Lord be with them.
AUH20- thanks for the link!
All God's blessings,
MDC
March 31, 2010 - Msg 78459: Good morning, porch! It's so beautiful here today, and it's just breaking my heart that I can't get out there and revel in all the sunshine and breezes and flowers blooming. I don't want this to be a pity party, but I need to share something with you all. First, my back is a bit better, I can walk short distances without the cane, but still use it for longer distances, just for security. There is, however, another problem. Last week my doctor ordered some blood tests - just the usual stuff - to serve as reference and background while we watched the back thing. To everyone's surprise, the serum creatinine (a measure of kidney function) came up as 2.5. It should be no higher than 1.3 for a woman. She repeated it on Friday, and on Monday I got the result - 2.9. It's rising. She questioned me at length, trying to identify someting, anything, that could explain it. I've been on no antibiotics or other medications that could be toxic to the kidneys. Yes, I'm diabetic, but my blood sugar is under very good control, so there should be no damage coming from the diabetes. There's just nothing. So, we re-drew it yesterday, and I don't have the results back yet. Please pray with me that the serum creatinine will begin to fall and will return to a normal level. This is a bit scary.

I have four irises that are sporting huge, beautiful blooms. There's dear Purple Streaker, whose name describes it perfectly. Then there's a gorgeous solid blue named Joyful Skies. A big yellow with a white throat is standing atop a four-foot stalk, and is about half open. It's name is Total Recall, and it will bloom again in the fall. Then out front, by the entry walkway, the amazing, beautiful Lady Friend is sporting seven big full blooms. It's a very unusual color for an iris - it's red! Just gorgeous. I just love these things, and they're just getting started, In a couple of weeks, I won't be able to count everything that's blooming.

Boo, I'm so happy for you. I know you're going to feel better very soon, and what fun you're going to have with your new home and critter friends, especially Naomi. Watch that little darlin', though. Do you have mesquite trees on your property? If you do, be careful when the beans start to fall. Some grazing animals will eat those beans. A little is okay - in fact ranchers have saved herds from starving in times of drought by letting the cattle eat the mesquite beans, but if they eat too many, they can "founder", as homemaker said. They can also develop "bloat", which is exactly what it sounds like, and can be serious in a grazing animal. Naomi will probably like the beans, because they're slightly sweet, but she shouldn't eat very many.

REV, I look back on that visit with such joy, and look forward to next October when you will be here in concert at my church once again. I wish you could come in the spring sometime, I'd love to show you "the view" when everything is blooming.

Well, I need to put out critter feed. Instead of lugging all the bags at once, as I usually do, I'll just make more trips. I know they can forage for themselves, but providing easy feed several days a week keeps them coming in, and I just love to watch them. There is literally a pile of baby squirrels on top of the nest box at the back of the yard. They're just all cuddled and stacked up, at least three, maybe four of them. It's hard to count. The box near the house, where the little mom moved her brood, is still full of babies as well, but it's hard for me to see it. My back is too stiff to allow the contortions necessary to bring it into view. Oh well. I'll put that feed out, and they'll come down to investigate. Such fun!

Be blessed, my friends. --Romeena
March 31, 2010 - Msg 78460: Oh, MDC, I forgot to respond to your suggestion about the reflective film on the window. That's a good idea, but I think it would bring another set of problems. First of all, the window is 5' high by 8' long, and I think it would be pretty hard to get the film on smoothly over such a large area. The main problem, however, is what it would do to the birds. At certain times of the day, the way the light hits the glass, it's reflective, like a mirror. That's when I get bird strikes. It reflects the treeline at the back of the yard perfectly, and looks for all the world as though you could just fly through. The birds try it, and they crash into the window. Several have killed themselves that way, including a beautiful little dove. Just breaks my heart. I have hung all sorts of tacky-looking contraptions out there to try to dissuade them, but it doesn't work. I'm afraid that making it reflective at all times would just raise the bird mortality rate. Anyway, little mama seems happy now. She can't see me from the nest box she moved her babies to, so she feels safe. Good idea, though - if it weren't for the birds, it would work just fine. --Romeena
March 31, 2010 - Msg 78461: Good Afternoon!
Just stopping by for a quick rock. I wanted everyone to know I am thinking of everyone. Thinkin' of ya Romeena!
~Lucy
March 31, 2010 - Msg 78462:
Happy Easter Lucy!
MDC