April 06, 2010 - Msg 78538:
Hey Folks

The sky is a watering here and we're to get more snow this weekend.

Boo-Yup, there are plenty of bears around here. Our neighbor had a couple of cubs on his back porch a few years ago. We never seem them out on our walks. However, we do see deer, turkey, and hawks nearly every time out. I don't think we have any dangerous animals in these parts. The bears and bobcats will run before ya ever get a chance to do anything stupid. BTW, we did see "Secondhand Lions." I agree it was a really good movie. I wish they made more of those, good movies that is.

Lucy-Good to see ya. The snow is just about all gone, you can still see it around the edges a little bit. What we get this weekend will be gone quick enough. I do enjoy winter though.

hm-I didn't catch it but the basketball game sounded like a good one.

As for the TAGS post about speaking "Northern," I agree, those Canadians do sure sound funny, eh. (wink-wink)

God Bless,
auh2o
April 06, 2010 - Msg 78539:
auh2o, watch who you are pickin' on ... eh?
I've got some gooey poutine here looking for a target ;)

from Poor Horatio
April 06, 2010 - Msg 78540: I think Spot and I can cancel all upcoming doctor appointments and just let all you "critter people" tend to us from now on- LOL!

So sad about all those miners. Prayers for their loved ones.

Prayers continue for Ro.

Speaking of prayers, last night Laci blew a kiss after we said her prayers- precious! She's such a sweet little girl.

Y'all have a good evening- love to all!

*******************
possum under a rock
April 06, 2010 - Msg 78541: Good evening, porch. Joe and company left about an hour ago, and I'm pooped. Didn't do much but perch on boulders and "supervise", but I'm still tired. I've been spending a lot of time in my big easy chair these past three weeks, and I didn't get any chair time today. I'm headed there now, though.

The yard looks so good. All the beds are freshly weeded and a three-inch layer of finished compost applied. When the dump truck dropped it on the driveway, it smelled so good. I love the rich, earthy smell of compost. This is fully finished, but was still warm, and after it gets watered tonight, all that richness will percolate down to the plant roots and everybody will really perk up.

There are three fat robins out back right now, one in the bird bath, and two just running about in the beds, no doubt looking for worms, which they will find. When you put warm compost down, the worms sense it and come up to revel in the richness, and a smart bird will be waiting.

My baby squirrels have left the nest boxes. They're still hanging around the yard though, and they're almost as big as their mothers. They sure do grow up fast. The moms are starting to chase them away, to go "seek their fortune" as the storybooks used to say. The nest boxes are now being explored by various birds, and it won't be long before there will be bird families living in them. Then they'll fly, and another round-bellied squirrel mom will move back in. It's hilarious, watching the changes of occupancy back there.

As I said, the yard looks great. Shaggy, but great. Eddie will come and mow on Thursday or Friday, and it will be so pretty then. The irises will all be opening by then, too. In about three weeks, the pansies will start fainting in the heat, and Joe will return, and we'll put in about six or eight flats of petunias, maybe some Blue Daze around the pond, and that will about do it for the summer. From then on, it's just keep it watered and mowed.

Oooh, bears in one's backyard! Now that would be exciting! About the fiercest thing I ever see here is a raccoon or a possum, occasionally a little skunk will amble through. Leave him alone, and he'll leave you alone. Actually, that applies to all of those critters. That big Great Egret came in again yesterday evening, but he didn't hang around. He was eyeing the pond, looking for a snack, but he saw me scrambling for my camera, and took off. I didn't even get a picture. He sure is a big old pretty thing, though.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some supper. I'm not very hungry, mostly just tired and thirsty. I've got a fresh pineapple that smells heavenly, and a few strawberries, and a little cream. Sounds like a meal to me! I'll have to take some extra insulin to handle all that natural sugar, but it's worth it. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
April 06, 2010 - Msg 78542: Good evening porch folks, just stopping by before I head toward the ole ironing board. been busy and a lot going on this past week so I haven't stopped by, or at least I don't think I have.

I have a prayer request as well as something very sad to share. One of my favorite cousins that I spent a lot of time with as a child died last Tuesday. Actually,he died by suicide ( a gun shot to his temple). He had turned 51 in early March. He has been very burdened for some time and had had a lot on his plate. About 7 years ago his 15 year old son died by suicide, a self inflicted gun shot as well. My cousin has carried the weight of that plus taking care of his wife who had pretty much fallen apart and required a lot of time and attention. Mu cousin leaves his wife and a 20 year old daughter as well as an elderly mother and 2 sisters and a host of extended family. This is very sad and even with my 28 years of mental health experience and all the therapy I have done with other folks, this is challenging for me to get my mind around. Please pray for us. As far as I know there were no indications he was suicidal but I do know he tended to keep his feelings close and spent more time taking care os his wife and daughter. I generally don't share this kind of information as I don't want to burden you guys,but just thought it would help to have others praying for his wife and daughter. thanks so much.

You guys are the cats!

Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude
April 06, 2010 - Msg 78543:
Hello porch family.....anotgher wonderful day here in SC. Got up to 92. Loving it! The only bad part this time of year is the pollen. Everything is yellow from all the pollen. You walk outside and your shoes are completely covered with yellow dust. It's terrible this year.

Maude....I am so sorry to hear of your cousin's death. That is so sad. I've had two close friends to die by suicide and it's very hard to understand. Or should I say really we don't understand. I was asked sometimes back to minister at a young man's funeral that had died from suicide and that was a very hard situation. You all are certainly in my prayers.

Ro...sure hope you get feeling better soon. I feel so bad that you're in so much pain. We keep praying!

auh2o.....since you did such a good job at sweeping the porch, you can come over here on my end of the porch and sweep this pollen off.

MDC....you mentioned Amos McCoy....I used to really love that program...."The Real McCoys". Wish they would get them back on. TVLand could run them and get rid of half the junk they have.

Well gang....better get ready for bed. You all sleep good and have a big ole Jesus filled day tomorrow.
You can rest sound tonight knowing that Jesus loves you! HE really does....I promise!

Love and prayers for all my precious porch family!
-REV.
April 06, 2010 - Msg 78544: Oh Maude, thank you for sharing your need with us. I am so very sorry for your loss and I will pray for you and your family. There aren't any words I could say that would help but we can pray and we can love you.

Possum, thanks for sharing what you did about Laci. It really blessed my heart to think of her praying and then blowing a kiss. :-) What a precious little one and how God must love her.

I think I will go to bed, say my prayers and blow a kiss to Jesus. Love you all,

Boo
April 07, 2010 - Msg 78545: Mornin' Y'all- I am so sorry for your loss,Maude. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. What a hard thing to try to process.

Rev is right about the pollen- it's everywhere! But, SC is certainly lovely with everything in bloom.

Boo, wish you could see Laci-she is a sweetheart! I'll have to get some new pictures to Ro soon.

Well, let's go to Waffle House for breakfast. We can put it on Spot's tab!

Y'all take care!
*************
possum u.a.r.
April 07, 2010 - Msg 78546: Good morning, porch! Maudie, that's such a sad story. Suicide is a terrible thing. You would think that the poor man, after experiencing the loss of his son, would have been unwilling to inflict similar pain upon his family by his own death. I think the fact that he did it anyway is a measure of the terrible pain he must have been in himself. Prayers for that family - how they must be hurting!

All this talk of pollen - what kind/s of plants are releasing so much pollen? Around here, certain trees drop a lot of pollen, but it's usually confined to an area beneath those particular trees and doesn't just get all over everything. You are right about it staining. The Stargazer lilies I grow will drop pollen on you if you brush against one (they grow about five feet tall) and it doesn't come out. I have a "yard shirt" that has yellow splotches all over the shoulders.

Possum, that little Laci has certainly been a blessing in your life, hasn't she? A "mixed blessing" at times, perhaps, but a blessing nonetheless. How sweet she must be!

Well, gotta run. I have a doc appointment at 10:15, it's 9:00 and I'm not dressed. Away I go! Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
April 07, 2010 - Msg 78547:
Big Maude, God's infinite mercy is a great thing,
so we do have that blessed hope, but I am so sorry for your loss of your cousin and friend. My prayers are indedd with all involved and alsowith all the minors families in WV. Now I hear of another earthquake, this one in Indonisia!
RO- pray that doc can find some answers to all your hurt.
REV- Yes indeed, love the Real McCoys. I found a dvd of the shows at CrackerBarrel. Also found there WKRP, Bev Hillbillies,Mister Kotter, and Barney Miller. Good, funny stuff!
I forgot to mention that I am now an "official" teapartier, as I went when the bus came thru Phx!
Hey to PH, one of them No'th'ners! (:
Hey to Possum, yet another porch Critter! ha
God bless,
MDC
Love you friends,
MDC
April 07, 2010 - Msg 78548: They had an earthquake this morning near Anchorage,Alaska,too,MDC. Seems like they are making the news now on a daily basis!
Ro,I think the pollen in this area is coming from the pine trees,dogwoods, azaleas,and wisteria. At least that's what it is bloom around here. Rev might can name a few others I overlooked. We aren't exaggerating either- it's everywhere!
Yes, Laci is a blessing,although a handful at times!

Since nobody made lunch, guess I'll head over to the Diner & have the special-y'all come join me!

***********
possum again
April 07, 2010 - Msg 78549: Of course,the pines aren't in bloom! I think you know what I meant.

possum once more
April 07, 2010 - Msg 78550: thanks to everyone for your support , kind words and prayers.
My son saw my cousins daughter at school today so she did return to her college classes this week. we were concerned she would not go back. Patrick talked to her for a while and let her know he was here for her anytime. Hopefully she will continue her college education. She spoke at the funeral and said she wanted to make her dad proud. She is a brave 20 year old young woman. Patrick is more like me than he likes to admit because he tends to offer support and encouragement as well as insight to his friends. Guess he gets his "therapy' brain from me.

thanks again everyone.

bedtime snack: peanut butter on ritz crackers or cheese on ritz crackers, hot chocolate or chocolate mayfield milk,

prayers and blessings to all

Big Maude
April 07, 2010 - Msg 78551: Hello to Maude. I'm glad Patrick is reaching out to your cousin's daughter, bless her heart.

I wanted to chat longer but it is already 10 and it's been a full day. I need to turn in and get some sleep. Love to all,

Boo
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78552:
Hello porch family

Just got through getting all the info sent out to Nashville for the new cd. So glad to get all this done.

Ro.....possum is right...most of the pollen is from the pine trees. It looks like a yellow fog everywhere. The worst it's ever been they say. It's over everything. The car is yellow, my motorhome is yellow, my house is yellow...everything. Making me sneeze talking about it:)

MDC....watched the Braves tonight come back in the 8th to win it over the Cubs.

Spot must be having a good time camping.

Prayers continue for the miner's families. So sad!

Well I better get some sleep.
Love and prayers for all the porch family!
-REV.
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78553: Well, guess I'm the first one up. Sure have been lots of folks missing from the porch lately. Me-They gave us a little moulage then dropped out of sight...where are you Me-They?? Asa rarely drops by anymore, or Hazel, or Des (among many others). I know I come by less often than I used to because life is so busy these days..guess its the same with others. If Dr. Breen were to ask me, "What's your hurry?" I could sure give him an ear full!

Had a cold front come through last night and it is pretty nippy outside. Kind of late in the season for us to get this cool but I like it..it might be the last blast of cold air we feel for 7 months, darn it. I'm going to miss it. I dread the summer heat and humidty, as always. Speaking of humidity...the dehumidifier they replaced (for the third time) is not working. So, I guess we find another company altogether. What a pain. Something else broke last week...I went outside to find Erin's new basketball goal that we bought at Christmas, fallen over. Turns out that it was faulty and a seam around the bottom part that holds the water came apart. The water that weights down the thing leaked out. It was not cheap, either. We did replace the new kitchen table that was cracking down the middle so hopefully this one will be ok.

One of my pups (the last one to have the parvo) seems to have developed a cough yesterday and that concerns me a little. I hope she didn't pick up something else while at the vet's office. I really hate to dish out any more money on vet bills. Thelma Lou (the donkey) is becoming a royal pain in the a-s-s...couldn't resist the pun. Seriously, I really like her and she has given us many a laugh but now when she sees us pulling into the gate, here she comes up the middle of the driveway, slowly...there is no way to make her move except to pull right up to her with the car and then she comes to the driver's side and presses herself against the driver's side door and walks slowly up the drive with the car. Yesterday she stood in front of the car so I couldn't get in the garage and as some of you know, donkeys only move when they want to move. Crazy thing. The other day I took Emily out to the trampoline and as I stood there watching her jump, I heard something behind me, so I turned thinking Sean had come outside. When I turned, there was that donkey right behind me and I jumped about 2 feet in the air and let out a scream. It just startled me because I didn't hear her walk up. She stayed right there with her head hanging over the trampoline as long as I was out there. She sticks closer than the dogs and her favorite thing to eat is dog food...strange. I think we have a case of mistaken identity or something.

Well, better get on with the day. Talk to you all later....how about breakfast at the diner, my treat.

Boo
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78554: Hi All.
It bin to hot here the pass week.
Boo the cold front did the rain came frist and rain behid it, because we are to git it sometime today and cold for the weekeg ( rat ).
Stepdad had injoying the nice day, for he can go fishinf now!

TOM
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78555: Good morning, porch. It's just beautiful here today, actually quite cool at 50 degrees, but it will warm up quickly. Will probably hit 80. Skies are perfectly clear, the trees are all leafed out, and there are dozens of iris buds out back, just about to open. By this weekend, that iris bed should be quite a sight. The rose bushes are loaded with buds as well, though I saw a few aphids yesterday. Will probably go to John's garden center and get some lady bugs today. If you "nip them in the bud" aphids don't have to be a problem, and ladybugs are the best aphid bud-nippers I know.

Tom, I'm glad the weather is improving for you, and happy that your stepdad can go fishing. I know that takes a load off of you, when he has fishing to keep him occupied. Do you ever go with him? Where does he go? Is there a river near your home?

Boo, you should keep a little "Thelma Lou diary", because I have a feeling you're going to have a lot of funny stories about that little critter. What I know about donkeys tells me that they have very distinct personalities, are full of mischief, and even seem to have a sense of humor. She's probably going to be a trial at times, but I think she'll be worth it. Enjoy her!

Well, Toye Starr is in a snit because I sat down here before feeding her, so guess I'd better remedy that. She has been in here woofing at me several times, and keeps pushing her cold little nose against my ankle. That's her signal for "pay attention to me." Sweet little old thing.

Prayers for our absent porchsters - may they come home soon! --Romeena
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78556: TOM, you live in West Virginia, don't you? Are you anywhere near the trapped miners?

Yes, Ro, Bruce was ready to cuss Thelma Lou this morning because she got into the garage and spilled a bag of dog food. He was scooping up puppy chow before work. She is worth it, though. I really like her and she certainly does have alot of personality. I just looked out the front window and there she was munching on a patch of Bermuda and both pups right behind her. I caught one of them nipping at her belly yesterday trying to play. Her ears went back but she never moved. Sean said yesterday he had to fire up the leaf blower to clean off the back porch and Thelma Lou was on the porch. He said that every time he would pull the cord to start it, she would throw her head up and when it finally started, she took off like a shot, flew off the porch running at full speed.

Poor Sean is sick with a stomach bug today and has just been miserable with dry heaves. He finally fell asleep. I am feeling a touch queezy, too, so am hoping and praying I'm not next. We always seem to get these awful bugs in the spring time here.

The weather is really beautiful but just a bit too windy. Sunny and cool, though.

Back to the laundry, putting some soup on, and then....ahhhh....maybe a nap before picking up Erin from school. :-)

Boo
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78557:
Racing at PIR>>>Varo-o-o-o-o-m! (:
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78558: PS-Romeena, I loved the email about the bear. Interesting that the name of the bridge was Rainbow Bridge...guess it wasn't his day to cross it!

Boo
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78559: Aha, Boo! So Thelma Lou doesn't like the leaf blower? That might be a useful training/discipline tool. Now about that dog food - I think I'd ask the vet about her eating it. It probably won't hurt her, but if she prefers it and eats it to the exclusion of things that little donkeys SHOULD eat, it could be detrimental. It might be like a child eating nothing but candy.

I'm sorry poor Sean has that bug. Poor kid, he does seem to get everything that comes along, he and Erin both. I know you're not one of those germophobe moms who keeps the kids so clean they never build any immunities. Your kids are around animals, play outside and all, so that can't be it. Some people just seem to be more illness-prone than others.

Well, my realtor just dropped off the two rent checks, so guess I'd better get them in the bank. Thank the Lord, at this moment I do have stable renters in both houses, and they're taking decent care of the properties. I do appreciate that!

Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78560:
Tom, you need to do some frog giggin' and crawdad catchin'! ha
"You get a line, I'll get a pole, honey..."
BOO- Like ro said, they do have personalities.
Buy her a straw hat and cut out earholes! teehee.
Prayers for Sean and you too.
REV-SPOT-MD--racing in PHX this wekend.
Ya all have a good day!
MDC
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78561:
hey to Ro.
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78562: I think they inherited their immune system from their dad, Ro. Bruce catches absolutely everything that comes around.

I give Thelma Lou good feed twice a day and she eats it so she is probably ok. She doesn't get dogfood every day, just when she can get into the bag or steal from the pups! She does still need some fattening up, though.

That's a great idea, MDC!! I'm lookin' for a straw hat at the thrift store!

Boo
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78563:
Shazam!
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78564: Right...Shazam! hehe

Boo
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78565: Had to go pick up Erin from school and when I raised the garage to take the car out, there came the donkey. I couldn't get her out of the garage and was going to be late so i had to leave her there and when I got back she had found a way to get into the dog food again. I guess I am going to have to get cans with lids or something to keep her out...IF I can keep her from opening them. She pushes things around and knocks things over to get what she wants and I made a discovery today. I had been wondering why the table on my back patio kept ending up in the yard. Today I saw her using it as a scratching post and of course, it got pushed off the porch. Bruce really needs to get that fence up. I hate to contain her but she is really making some messes. I had better get some goats lined up quick because she is going to bawl if she is back there by herself. The cross fence is about 50 yards from the house and she won't like the distance one bit.

Well, made some good veggie soup with beans and pasta in it...the thick kind...really good. Come on over and bring some cornbread somebody...anybody.

Sean is feeling fine now so that was a short-lived bug or a quick answer to prayer.

I had Erin pick me some wildflowers to put on the table and how lovely they are; better than any bouquet you can buy. Such variety and color.

Better check the soup..

Boo
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78566: Good evening, porch. Just heard from the doc's office, and the serum creatinine that was drawn yesterday came back as 1.9. Still too high but greatly improved over the 2.5 of the last draw. I'm still left with the question - Advil or a contaminant on the dried hibiscus? My vote goes to the hibiscus, because I've taken Advil for years with no apparent effect, but at this point I'm afraid to test it. I don't know if our hospital lab can test for such as that, but I have a couple of friends in the lab, will be asking.

Gosh, Boo, I hate to think of poor little Thelma Lou penned up away from everybody, but it's easy for me to be sympathetic with her, since I don't have to put up with her antics. I assume she'll still have access to shelter? Gosh, I wish I could have a little donkey here, but it would be impossible, and city code forbids it anyway.

Well, better go. Toye Starr is begging for some cuddling, and I've been on the go all day, haven't spent much time with her. Tomorrow will be another busy day, most of which will be spent with the back doctor, so I'd better get her some cuddle-time in now. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78567:
Hello porch family. Some storms rolling in our area. Tornado watch now till 11:00pm. Maybe the wind and rain will wash away some of this pollen.

Boo....so glad Sean is feeling all better.

MDC....you take care of those race fans out there this weekend.

Well back to the Braves game. They are down 2-0 in the forth. Come on Braves!

Ya'll have a good night and know that I'm praying for each of you!

Love and prayers
-REV.
April 08, 2010 - Msg 78568: Hi folks, just a quick drive by.
Boo, your donkey reminds me of the Seinfeld episode, where a co-worker of Elaine's always "sidled" up (I had to look up the spelling of that, because I wasn't sure if it had 2 "d's")... it means "to move in a cautious or stealthy manner" Anyhow, Elaine would be standing somewhere, and he'd suddenly be right behind her and startle her half to death. He was a real Sidler. She finally solved the problem by buying him some tic-tacs, and he put them in his pocket, and then she knew when he was approaching because he rattled.
Lucy, you asked about my container garden. Yes, I'll have one again this year. So far I've only got some early stuff - spinach, radishes, and peas. We're still waking up to 29 degrees in the mornings, so it's too early to plant other stuff. You can find a pic of my container garden on my facebook site. I sent some to Ro last August, but she never posted them.
I'm sorry about your loss, Big Maude. I just don't understand suicide. My thoughts are with you.
- Hazel
April 09, 2010 - Msg 78569: Oh my goodness, Hazel! I am so sorry! Did I acknowledge that I had received them? I just checked my picture files and don't see anything there. Were they emailed as digital photos, or did you send prints? I have absolutely no memory of this at all, but then I have trouble remembering what I had for lunch. Seriously - my memory is really getting bad, and it's a little scary at times. Please forgive me - and send them again, unless you sent me your only prints. Please, don't let that be so! Again, I'm so sorry. It was not intentional.

Well, guess I'd better hit the hay. Have to be up early in the morning, got to leave here by 9:15 to get to the back doctor appointment. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
April 09, 2010 - Msg 78570: Me again. Hazel, I went back in the archives, and the 8/18 page has a couple of posts where you mentioned your container garden, and you even mentioned sending me some pictures if you could figure it out, so I'm assuming you meant emailed pictures. You never said you sent them, but that doesn't mean you didn't.

Also, while looking for them in my picture files, it dawned upon me that they wouldn't be there, even if you did send them. Anything saved to my computer from November 2008 through January 2010 was lost when the blasted thing crashed in January. I had a backup that I made in November of 2008, but it was the last one, and everything on the computer since then was lost. That includes the pictures I took before, during and after my granddaughter's wedding in April last year. I had not realized that until just now. Makes me sick. Fortunately, however, my shutterbug DIL, who does such a beautiful job, was everywhere at once that day with her high-powered and sophisticated camera, and she got some great shots, much better than anything I got. Still, I got some that were just what I wanted, and now they're lost. Oh well. I still have my granddaughter, and she's the real treasure.

My friends, if you're not doing regular backups on your computers, I implore you to do so. I signed up with Carbonite for $54.95 a year, and they are making continuous backups now, which I can retrieve and reload into a new computer whenever I need to do so. I've also bought a 16G memory stick, and have programmed the computer to make a backup to the stick every Sunday morning. I'm going to get another one and swap them out, so I'll have one I can carry with me, away from the computer. I bought two 8G sticks for that purpose, but found them to be too small, they won't hold all the data on this thing. My picture files alone are huge. I'll find some other use for the 8G sticks, like carrying a game somewhere or something.

Well, as I said, time to hit the ironing board. Hazel, once again, I am so sorry. I can't imagine what happened. --Romeena
April 09, 2010 - Msg 78571:
Hey Folks

Just a touch of snow on the ground this morning.

Poor Horatio-I would never besmirch our Canadian neighbors. After all, if that little spat in 1812 turned a bit differently I'd be spending Loonies and eating round bacon myself. We can actually see Canada from one of the local hilltops. The look friendly enough.

Romeena-I have never seen a bear in our neighborhood. My wife doesn't even like to hear they are in these parts.

Any of the baseball fans seen Tim Linecum pitch. Wow, he is lights out.

Have a good day gang, eh.
auh2o
April 09, 2010 - Msg 78572: Busy morning...off to a hair appointment. Will be back later. :-)

Boo
April 09, 2010 - Msg 78573: Hi All
just add the last one pace to the puzzie it was a crzzy for weeks.

TOM

April 09, 2010 - Msg 78574: Evening Family:
Just stopping in to read the postings and get caught up a little bit.
We have gone from 90 degrees to now 48. Quite a difference. I wasn't ready for the hot, but now not ready for the cold!! Please let's get somewhere in the middle.
Soccer tournament all day tomorrow. Can't guess how to dress!
Better get a move on. Blessings to everyone~ New Neighbor
April 09, 2010 - Msg 78575: Gosh gang HEY...have got back from camping (great time) caught fish and eat good...just been busy here and at work...Race fans its night racing this weekend.....ok...hey Rev,Boo,Possum,Ro,Tom and all.....im gona go shut the barn down and get ready for racing....Maude yall been eating good?....SPOT
April 09, 2010 - Msg 78576:
New Neighbor-We have the same weather thing going on here but we went from the 80's to the 20's and the ground is white again.

Spot-Good to have ya back. Glad to hear you had a good time.

Tom-Those puzzle can be aggravating, wonderfully aggravating.

I'm gonna check out my fantasy baseball, later gators.
auh2o
April 09, 2010 - Msg 78577: Good evening porch friends, just stopping by on my way to bed.
Been a busy few days but hopefully I can rest this week end. I'm feeling kinda poorly.. down with the spring crud. sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, some coughing at times and my voice is "croaking". Hopefully the meds I took earlier will kick in and the warm tea and honey will help as well. Guess everybody has this stuff this time of year.

Be blessed everyone and pleasant dreams. bedtime snack will be:
oreos with cold milk.

Big Maude
April 10, 2010 - Msg 78578:
Hello porch family....a little cooler here today.

Maude....praying you get feeling from that ole cold.

Spot....good to see ya back. Glad you had a great time. Did ya bring any of those fish back?

auh2o.....80's to 20's is a big drop in temp. Hopefully it will get back warm for ya soon.

Ro....the off-site back for $54.95.....is that for each computer or can you do a desktop and laptop on same account? I'm not sure how that thing works.

Well it's after midnight so I better get some sleep.
Love and prayers!
-REV.
April 10, 2010 - Msg 78579:
Maude...that's suppose to be "feeling BETTER".

-REV.
April 10, 2010 - Msg 78580: Afternoon Y'all! Maude, sounds like the pollen has gotten to you.I hope that's all it is and that you're not coming down with something. Feel better soon!
Hey Spot- you grilling some of your famous rusty burgers tonight? Feed us! Ha Ha

Y'all take care & enjoy the rest of the weekend!

*******************
possum under a rock
April 10, 2010 - Msg 78581: Good afternoon, porch. REV, I'm not sure about that either. Are the computers networked? That might be a factor. To learn more about them than I can tell you, I would suggest you just go to carbonite.com and explore the site. Since I haven't had to use their restorative services, I can't testify as to their quality in that regard, but I figured at $54.95 for a year, I didn't have much to lose. Certainly not much compared to the grief I had in January when the old computer crashed. However, since I tend to be a bit of a skeptic at times, I'm also hedging my bets with the 16G sticks and a weekly backup. I don't fully trust either system - Carbonite or the sticks - but I figure that with both, I'm probably safe.

I'm still really upset over the loss of all the pictures for that whole year, and especially the ones around my granddaughter's wedding. I spent a lot of money and effort in the yard, and it has never been more beautiful, probably never will be again. I had a lot of pictures of the overall scene, and a lot of closeups and focused shots of particular areas, and that's all gone. Brittney got the best shots of the wedding party, much better than mine, and thank heaven, those are on her computer and are intact. They have a separate, external hard drive backup on their computer, and she has copied those pictures to a CD as well, so they're protected. Amanda has a copy of the CD, too.

The irises are really starting to pop out back. Jorge and Maria came by this afternoon and brought me three dozen homemade tamales (yum!) and when we walked out back, Maria (who speaks almost no English) exclaimed "Que amarillo!", referring to a particularly stunning golden-yellow beauty. The blooms are huge, and are the most brilliant color, it seems to glow like sunlight. It's name is "Loves the Sun." Those of you with a knowledge of Spanish will know that her "Que amarillo!" speaks volumes. Strictly translated, it just means "what yellow." Spanish, like English, says a lot with inflection and tone of voice, however. The way she said it, she meant "Wow - look at that yellow color, it's fantastic!" I did hear her say to her daughter, something about "de color oro" - the color of gold.

Well, gotta go prop my foot up. My back has quit hurting, and now my right foot - just the right one - is swollen. Weird. And for you nurses on the porch - yes, I understand the implications of just one swollen extremity, and am watching it. Will go to ER if any soreness, discoloration or heat appears. I think I'm going to quit having birthdays. I was in good shape until I hit 70, and since then it has been one thing after another. I'm about to get tired of it.

Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
April 10, 2010 - Msg 78582: Ha! Boo, before you catch me - that should have been "Its name is "Loves the Sun" up there, not "It's name..." That dratted little apostrophe just insists on droping in now and then, especially in "it's". I think it's because "it's" is really a proper word when used as a contraction, but not when used as a possessive. It looks okay, because it often is! I wonder how many times I do that and don't catch it? --Romeena
April 10, 2010 - Msg 78583: Make that "droPPing in", not "droping in" - arrgh! I think I need to quit. I can't even type! --Romeena
April 10, 2010 - Msg 78584: Back at work .let me get started...........SPOT
April 10, 2010 - Msg 78585: Hi All

Romeena No I o not go fishing with him, there is a little creek across from the house.
The plople are the one who keep a eye on him wind he is down by the water.

TOM

April 11, 2010 - Msg 78586: Well, Miss Romeena, if it makes you feel any better, for years I have had one ankle that swells but not the other one. Doesn't happen often but when I drive for long periods of time...it is always my left one. I know you will keep an eye on your's. You've been a real trooper these past few weeks. By the way, I didn't catch you on the "it's". :-)

Busy day...Erin had her first baseball game for the season and her team wiped out the other guys. Got some pretty good little players on her team this time. She did really well and we went out to eat to celebrate the big win. Had some good Mexican food from a local place. Can't remember what it was called but it was a chicken breast that had been pounded really thin and grilled with spices and onions and peppers. Wow...really good.

Well, think I will turn in so I won't be bleary-eyed in sunday school.

Goodnight!

Boo
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78587: Hey, Boo. I have had episodes of my left ankle swelling a bit from time to time too, over the years. Something to do with the venous system layout, I should be able to describe and explain it, but can't, at least not without giving it some thought. However, this is on the right, and it's not just a puffy ankle, it's my whole foot and ankle, with pitting edema almost to my knee. The back of my leg feels stiff and sore, both above and below my knee, and the knee isn't working right. It clicks and snaps when I walk, and feels like it might buckle. If I had a positive Homan's sign, I'd have gone to the ED, but I don't, so I don't think it's a clot in the leg. I think it's just called "age" and as I said, I'm really getting tired of it. However, when you consider the alternative, I guess it's not so bad. I'm having a CT of my lumbar spine on Monday, will see the back doc for the results of that on Wednesday, and will see my PCP again on Thursday. Barring any surprises from any of this, I guess I'll get back to work the following week. The back doc ruled out a fusion already, unless the CT shows something unexpected, so no need to extend this leave to allow time for that.

I guess I won't go to church tomorrow - sitting for that long with my foot in a dependent position probably wouldn't be too smart. I hate to miss, because my SS teacher and a couple of class member friends will be leaving next Saturday on a mission trip to the Ukraine, and I wanted to be part of the prayerful send-off tomorrow. Well, no worries - I can pray from here. I wish I was going, but I think my mission trip days are over. The trips have become terribly expensive due to high airfares, and really, my borderline health makes me more of a potential liability than an asset on a trip like that. (Imagine what my foot and leg would look like after about twelve hours n a plane!) Better I stay here and contribute toward financing someone else's trip, I guess. I'll always be grateful for the Mongolia trips - they were watershed experiences in my life and I thank God I was able to go.

Well, I'm off to bed. Be blessed, everyone! --Romeena
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78588:
Hi All, well, I did my annual carpet cleaning Friday! We move almost all of our furniture to the garage, then a great fellow, whom we have patronized for 15 years does a super job with his truck-mounted steam cleaner. But first he shampoos the rugs, then extracts! Did another super job, and today was spent putting the
house back together and spring cleaning everything! Whew!
I did catch the last part of the race on TV.
Good finish, loved the spin out! Wish I could have been there this year, but i have been before.
Hey to Spot, Tom, Ro and all!
Be blessed, and look for plain claude tomorrow! ha
Oh POSsum, I got a letter from PappaBear and he said that he owes you two letters!
Be blessed all! Praise the soon and coming King!
MDC
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78589: RIP Dixie Carter AKA Julia Sugarbaker from " Designing Women ".
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78590: Good morning, porch. Promptly at 7 a.m. I was awakened by a series of boom-boom-booms and then one huge roaring boom, and I could feel the vibrations of it. Startled me momentarily, then I remembered - Texas Stadium was coming down! It was less than half a mile as the crow flies from my house. My neighbors and I had been warned in a flyer to keep our homes closed up this morning, less we be hit with a dust cloud, but I don't see any evidence that there was any dust. I switched the TV to a news station and watched the films of it. Very sad, really. Lots of local folks got their high school diplomas in that stadium, including my kids. Lots of local boys had dreams of playing there some day. A few of us remember attending Cowboy games (we walked over there and left the car at home) before the tickets got so ridiculously expensive. I think we paid $10 a ticket for the first few years. Then Jones hit town, and they went to $40 and up. So, I watched the collapse briefly, then went back to sleep.

There are much more interesting things to see in my back yard. There are irises of every color just popping back there, and they are gorgeous. Also, the little juvenile squirrels so recently carried to a new nest box by their mom are now fully mobile and chasing each other all over the yard. They're still small, but big enough that she couldn't carry them now. She doesn't need to. They can scamper up and down the trees with ease now, all fear is gone. Just the cutest things you ever saw! One little male is obviously IN LOVE with one of the little girls. I just hope the object of his affections is from the other litter, and isn't his sister! I don't think he cares one way or the other.

Well, better go feed my little Starr. She keeps coming in here and throwing looks at me that clearly say "Feed me!" Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78591: Oh dear. I'm sorry to hear about Dixie Carter. I always loved her character of Julia Sugarbaker. She was a peace-loving woman, tried hard to keep her volatile sister settled down, but had a tongue like a sword when she encountered injustice. Bullies didn't escape her wrath, either. Dixie was a good actress, because she could make you believe Julia was real. --Romeena
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78592: Yes, that is sad about Dixie Carter. I always liked her.

Well, cloudy and warm here today, but not too warm. I think it's nap weather...

Ro, that is pretty sad about Texas Stadium. Sorry to see it go. Do they have a plan to put something in it's place? There has been a battle raging in Corpus over the old Coliseum on Ocean Drive near the T-Heads. It's been there since before the war and lots of memories for folks but it is no longer in use because they built a newer, big place they call The American Bank Center. They were scheduled to begin demolition but someone stopped it somehow and the city is allowing them 45 days to come up with a plan and money to save it. It is a landmark with it's uniques arched shape. Do you remember seeing it? The last time i was there was when they filled it up with Hurricane Katrina victims and I volunteered to help those with medical needs.

Think I will grab a quilt and hit the couch...nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon, eh?

Boo
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78593: There have been several bird-brained plans proposed for the stadium property, but I don't think any decisions have been made. Because of the location - at the intersection of Loop 12 and Hwy 183, and being just a couple of miles north and a couple of miles south of some other major highway intersections, it would be a choice spot for an upscale shopping center. We have a couple in the area, but nothing close by. The two that come to mind are really great places to shop - sprawling, village-type centers, with a park in the middle with fountains, quaint little restaurants, and upscale stores like Coldwater Creek, Chico's, a Central Market and such. The property would lend itself well to such a center, being somewhat rolling, with highs and lows that would allow for some really interesting construction. Irving badly needs such a place - our little mall is dying, becoming one big dollar store. The general population of Irving itself probably wouldn't support such a center, probably preferring the dollar stores, but the convenient location would draw customers from all over this end of Dallas. That, in turn, might slowly alter the trend of the population of Irving. Maybe. Anyway, the "convention center" they're discussing isn't going to help much. Irving has nothing to offer to conventioneers, certainly no decent shopping, and they can find nice hotels anywhere else, so why choose Irving? Oh well. Nobody asked me, and nobody cares what I think, so I guess I won't worry about it.

I just put out a big pile of feed for the little squirrels, and they're practically rolling in it! They never saw such riches! I filled the bird feeder too, and one little squirrel is learning how to hang by his back feet from the roof hinge on the feeder, and hang down to the tray, where he can reach the seed. He lost his grip just now, but managed to grab on with one forepaw before he fell completely off, and was able to swing himself back up. They are just so funny, the cute little things.

Well, "Man in a Hurry" is on TVLand, so guess I'll go watch it. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78594: Ro, if I remember correctly, those pics I sent to you were toward the end of August, and in response to something you mentioned about your fur-kid section. That the Plum was lonely, or something like that. So I sent some pictures of our dog Sally, along with some general backyard stuff, including the container garden. Anyway, then after I sent them, I realized that a couple of them were duplicates, so I sent another e-mail, saying "sorry, please just delete the duplicates" and you responded back and said something like "don't worry about it, the picture thing on my computer recognizes duplicates and let's you know that some are exactly the same." (Again, I don't remember your exact words in your e-mail back to me, but it did lead me to believe that you got the pictures). I just figured you never had time to post them. It doesn't matter.
Been watching TAGS this afternoon. It is so cold here today, it's making me lazy. Yeah, it's the cold's fault. I had a lot of energy last weekend and did a bunch of projects; but this weekend, I got nothin. It's funny about the "Class Reunion" Episode. This one has always been a mixed favorite for me. Meaning that parts of it I love, and others I don't like. I love the beginning of it, when Andy and Barney are moving Barney's trunk of stuff into Andy's garage. Andy and Barneys conversation about Barney's landladys mushrooms is so funny. And when they think one of them ripped their pants and each inspect each other - that's funny too. And the scenes at the reunion, when they can't remember who anybody is; again, very funny. Then when Sharon Despain arrives, well, the episode goes south for me. She doesn't seem right for Andy, and when they are sitting outside talking, the scene is just too "dark" or something. Overall, I give the episode a C+. The others I watched, "High Noon in Mayberry", "Man in a Hurry" and "The Loaded Goat" all get A+'s. (I feel like a Television Critic!)
Well, off to watch a MONK rerun.
- Hazel

Nate's wife: "Nate, they're doing the Cha-Cha-Cha!"
Nate Brassey: "You'll have to excuse me, fellows. We, (clears throat) took lessons."
(I love the unenthusiastic way that Nate says that line...)
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78595: No place is so dear to my childhood as the Taylors' Front Porch in the vale.
~~love, Leon
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78596: Mayberry Union High
Victory is yours will nigh
We'll hit the line for points every time
The Orange and Blue will try try try try
and when the victory's won
you'll be our favorite son
Proud waves your banner in the sky
Mayberry Union High

April 11, 2010 - Msg 78597: It's a Mayberry song fest- whoopee!!

♪♫ ♪You get a line and I'll get a pole,honey..
You get a line and I'll get a pole,babe..
You get a line and I'll get a pole and we'll go down to the crawdad hole,honey,baby mine.♫ ♪ ♫

Prayers please for my daughter. She has something very important going on tomorrow. Don't mean to be cryptic,but y'all know the reason I'm not posting personal family stuff here anymore.
Just pray for a postive outcome for her tomorrow-thanks so much.I'll check in and let y'all know how things turn out. I know God is in control and everything will be okay,but I never hesitate to call upon my Porch prayer warriors-thanks,friends!

*******************
possum under a rock
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78598:
Hello porch family.....well I'm supose to be on the road in St. Simons Island for a concert tonight. I leave early to arrive around 2 hours before the concert to set up and do sound checks. I get about an hour into the trip and "BOOM"......left rear inside tire on the motorhome explodes. I call roadside service. They tell me it will be about an hour and half before they can get there. I know it's going to rush me but I can make it. THREE and a half hours later they show up. Of coarse by now I know it's impossible to make it so I have to postpone the concert to a later date. They call me back and tell me a huge crowd was there for the concert. Boy boy boy, another story of "On The Road As A Musician".

Love and prayers for all my porch family.
-REV.
April 11, 2010 - Msg 78599: Good evening gang!im back at work again..hey Rev we ate fish one night camping..crappy!..good eating...hey MDC,Possum,Tom,Romeena,hazel.leon,Boo...well its garden planting time tomorrow!...plot looks good...got it cut up like sand!..hey yall ever eat that Starkist tuna in the packs?...man that stuff is pretty good...got different flavors...I got herb and garlic in a bowl with mayo and some shreaded cheese and crackers.....good snack...watching "A Few Good Men" (good movie)...ok...back to my tuna....SPOT