June 08, 2010 - Msg 79393: A Mayberry Theme Park?? Woohoo -- what fun! I'd buy a season ticket! Sounds like fun to me, for sure.

Thank you all for your prayers. LaRue came through the surgery just fine, She went to ICU afterward, spent the night there, but will be going home today if all goes well, and so far, it has. She's having very little pain, and her worst problem seems to be nausea from the pain medication they insisted she take. She's refusing it now, and is feeling better. Most doctors, and some nurses, just can't imagine that anyone could have surgery and not need/want a boatload of pain meds. There are a lot of factors driving that attitude which I won't go into here, but pstients are often not aware that they can refuse, and end up taking things they don't want. I tell the staff ahead of time - DO NOT give me a pain medication unless I ask for it. And then I don't ask for it, because it will make me sick every time. Anyway, LaRue is doing great, and I thank you for your prayerful concern for her.

Those tiny squirrels are out in the yard right now. They are just the cutest little things ever. One is sitting on the bird feeder, making it swing, enjoying the ride, and watching me through the window. I guess they're just going to be really little squirrels. They're old enough to be fully grown right now, and apparently this is as big as they're going to get. Really, really cute.

Well, here it is just Tuesday, and the yard is looking pretty shaggy! Eddie mowed last Wednesday, so it's almost time. It's amazing how
it can look so pretty when he finishes, and in such a short time it's shaggy again. The grass is long, the trees are dropping some leaves because of heat stress, the sycamore is shedding big old strips of bark everywhere and weeds have dared to sprout in the beds. Miserable things. I need to call Joe and plan a weed-pulling, hedge-trimming, dianthus and snapdragon-shearing day. If I shear those flowers off, they'll bloom again in the fall.

I also need to get Jorge on the business end of the pond-pumper. It's a hand-operated piston pump that will pull water from wherever you put the intake tip, and will pump it out into the yard. With that, I can pull a lot of the algae matrix and the "mulm" (sludge) from the bottom of the pond, and reduce the algae load considerably. "I" will have to be Jorge, though. That thing wears me out! I can keep it going for a couple of minutes, then I'm seeing spots before my eyes! Jorge, on the other hand, could probably empty the pond with it. That man is a wonder. He just never seems to get tired, and he's strong as a bull. Nice guy, too.

Well, gotta run. Things to do, places to go, people to see. Or maybe I'll go pull a few weeds! Blessings! -- Romeena

June 08, 2010 - Msg 79394: Whoosh! Just a quick little sweep there. Those Swiffer duster things are great! --Romeena
June 08, 2010 - Msg 79395:
RO- good sweep of the porch! 12hour days and ya still have the energy!
AFF- There'd also have to be a "skeet shoot"! ha
Just think of all the games and rides that could gleened from the episodes! Floyd could give tours of the courthouse, etc! ha
Boo- Love the barney launcher! ha
A Phx company may have a great solution for the oil spill called smart sponge. you can google it
because the censor wouldnt let me post the site.I saw it demonstrated on the news last night.
Of course he said that red tape is preventing even leting them do a free test area! grrr!
PRAYERS continue for all needs! God bless,
MDC
June 08, 2010 - Msg 79396: I am looking for Frank Strokrich, he is living in Danville,Il i think. tom sullivan "penny pinching barney chapter"
June 08, 2010 - Msg 79397:
MDC, seems that Good Morning America (ABC News) did a story on the Smart Sponge back in 2008. Check it out at http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=4932005.

Welcome to newcomer AFF. I like your idea about a Mayberry attraction at Branson. However, I'm just not sure the timing is right because of the ecomony. You should perform some due dillegence investigating this.

from Poor Horatio
June 08, 2010 - Msg 79398: "Even-in...no coffee, tea, or punch, thank you."...

Folks sure have been scarce on the porch lately. I was kind of out of it today, had another bad headache. I did get on some blood pressure medicine, for those of you who are fighting the urge to give me a good lecture (you know who you are) ;-)! I am on Lisinopril...will see how it works. Any of you on it?

Today was a nice day, not as hot as it has been and could actually sit outside on the porch this evening for a change. Not much news to share, really. Just a lazy summer day around here.

Hope you all have a peaceful night. :-)

Boo
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79399:
Tom Sullivan, Frank is now in Indiana, and if you email me at dipper40 at hotmail dot com
I can fill you in on it. thanks,
MDC
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79400:
"How do you do Mrs. Wi-lee."
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79401:
BOO- That was my first one ten years ago, but it made me cough little dry coughs, so they switched me to metoprolol and that has worked goooood.
Prayers and nighty nite.
MDC
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79402: Good Wednesday morning porch folks, a rainy cooler day for my end of the porch-- may have some "severe" thunderstorms this afternoon according to the weather people.

Spring/summer is rolling quickly along for my end of the porch. Patrick started summer school so he will be busy most of the summer. Beth is a Bible School helper this week during the morning hours and is preparing for summer camp with the church youth group in a couple weeks.

Not sure if we will take a family vacation but may do some short week end journeys. seems like since the kids have gotten older and busier it is hard to arrange times when we all can go together. I am not sure I am ready to have vacations without them but guess I'd better get myself prepared cause I know it is fast approaching.

Looks like everyone has been busy as well. Maybe we can all take a trip to the Mayberry theme park!

Better get busy, paperwork on my desk is piling up!

Lunch menu will be: chicken salad sandwiches, pickles, chips, little debbie cakes, tea, kool aid to drink.

Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79403: Good morning, porch! Good for you, Boo, for getting on a BP med. (Yep, we know who we are!) I've never taken lisinopril, but I did take Altace (Ramipril) for a short time. They're closely related, as you can tell by the "pril" ending of both names. Both are ACE inhibitors. I had to stop taking Altace because, like MDC, I developed a cough that just nearly wore me out. Little hacking, dry cough that just never seemed to stop. Off the Altace, cough gone in a couple of days. You may very well not experience it at all, and it will probably do wonders for your BP. The Altace was working for me, but I just couldn't tolerate the constant coughing. Anyway, I'm proud of you for taking action.

I'm very concerned about the absence of so many of our porchsters. I've got a lot of their email addresses, probably not everyone, but quite a few. Anybody whose address I acquired after November of 2008, I don't have now. You'll remember that my computer crashed and burned last January, and my last backup (idiot that I am) was from November of '08. So addresses stored since then were lost. Anyhow, here's what I'm thinking. If one of you creative thinkers will come up with an idea for a fun thing we could do, I'll email it to the addresses I have and see if we can draw some of our folks back home. Any ideas?

Well, gotta go feed this little baby dog. She's sitting here looking at me with big pleading eyes. She just hates it when I stop off at the computer when we get up. I'm not much of a breakfast person, but she surely is! Maudie, those chicken salad sandwiches for lunch sound good, though. May I have mine on a whole grain, health-nut kind of bread, the kind with all the seeds and nuts in it? If you don't have any on hand, I'll get a loaf. Love the stuff.

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79404: Oh, speaking of email addresses - auh2o, I'm getting email back from you, the mailer demon says he can't find the address. If you would want me to have it, you'll need to email me with the new address. If you'd rather I not have it, that's your call and is no problem. Blessings! --Romeena
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79405:
GOOD MORNING MAYBERRY!!! (:
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79406: Good morning/noon...just getting around to getting on the computer today. Been doing the backed up laundry!...you all know how much I love doing that...

You know, I had heard that about the ACE inhibitors and the coughing. I can remember that when Karen was on it years ago she had the same problem. This is my first try but if I develope the cough, we will go to plan B. My parents take the Toprol you mentioned, MDC and it is very effective for them and my sister takes Tenormin, which has always worked well for her without side effects so I have other options. I have a feeling the Lisinopril is one of those that most docs start people out on for some reason. I know that most all of them make you feel a little tired for awhile until you get used to them and that is the part I hate the most. I feel like going back to bed but we all need clean towels and underwear around here!

I am trying to think of some ideas, Ro, concerning getting folks back on the porch but haven't come up with anything yet...will keep my thinking hat on, though.

Better get back at it.

Good to hear from you, Maude. Haven't seen alot of you around here lately. :-)

Boo
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79407: Hey yall - rain here today but we had enough clearing to go to the flea market. . .didn't bring home any fleas but do have some fresh green beans, taters, maters, watermelon, and cantelope. Got the beans and taters and smoked sausage in the pot. Can we say supper!

Jennifer (NIL) back in hospital with an infected port and allergic reaction to the antibiotic.
Please keep her in your prayers.

hm

June 09, 2010 - Msg 79408:
Ro-Boo, seems like each summer we slow down a bit.
Rev is on tour, Asa has some family situations, some have just dropped out to either go to other venues or just altogether. I think it's just normal attrition like me-they, chuck, dixie and others; maybe like the sower parable but on the mayberry level! ha
We did have that one moment of excitement for a Mayberry theme park. If someone had the money to do it, it think, despite the economy it would be more like "if you build it, they will come" type thing. (my fav baseball movie BTW).
I'll be at the DBacks/Braves tomorrow SPOT. Company is taking us to the ole ball game!
Prayers continue for all!
MDC
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79409: You know MDC, maybe we are just getting boring. I mean, just think about it. We have already told each other almost all our good stories from the past, our childhood memories, our thoughts on religion and politics, etc. Its kind of like being married...the excitement fades and you already know everything about one another! ha...I guess some of us just are the committed type who stay in for the long haul, waiting for more exciting times. ;-)

Made some chicken and dumplings and they are real good...ya'll come on over and eat.

Boo
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79410: You know, MDC, I think one thing that is really kind of missing that we used to have alot of in the past here on the porch, is humor. When I look at the archives, there are so many funny statements from Asa, and Me-They, especially. Sometimes things are still funny, but not like they used to be. I miss that.

Boo
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79411:
Boo- we came expecting Peggy and we got stuck with helen!! haha LOL FOTFL !
Ok, now, you may have a point, pappabear had some great lines and would get us on things past, because i gotta be honest, things present from even 5 years ago when you spoke of "baby girl" for erin, have really changed!
I have always tried to include at least one funny quote even if i steal it from "Qute of the Moment" but I have even run out of those lately.
That's it, for the love of Mike, we've been "married" too long!! haha
MDC
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79412: Boo and Romeena, regarding this issue about the people missing who used to post here, I've been visiting and posting at a few other Mayberry related forums and have noticed something similar. But I also suspect that we have more people who visit here and don't post than we know about.
The Front Porch is much different than the other forums. Here we talk about some controversial subjects that others forbid. But I have noticed that we have toned it down quite a bit recently. And as for having an open forum that does not require registering, surprisingly it requires very little moderating from Floyd.
The other forums require registerion before anyone can post. Also, most of their active postings are Mayberry related. But they even talk about things we post about here!
Too bad we can't get everyone connected at just one forum.

from Poor Horatio
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79413: Hmmm, maybe it's the seven year itch in our relationship?

from Poor Horatio
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79414: Itch - who has an itch? I think that Vicks would be the cure!
hm
June 09, 2010 - Msg 79415: Oh HM, bless you for bringing up VICKS! :-)

Seven year itch...hmmm...its been about 7 years for me. Some of you have been here even longer. Thanks for your insight, Poor Horatio. This porch has evolved into something somewhat different than it was years ago but it is still a very nice place to come and a blessing. I think we need some new folks to drop in and stay, share their lives with us, etc. MDC, I think I will do a Google search for ways to put the excitement back into marriage and see if I get any ideas about the porch... ;-)

Guess what I saw a little while ago? I was coming in the gate after dark and there was a very big fox running across the yard, then the driveway in front of me. He stopped and looked at me for a few seconds and ran on across the street. He was really beautiful and I am surprised he would come on the place with a couple of dogs here. Speaking of...those mutts chewed on the bottom of my new rocking chairs!! I haven't shown Bruce yet but I will have to point it out soon. Don't know what to do to prevent it. I thought about sprinkling some vinegar on them or something? What do dogs hate?

Better get to bed...this blood pressure medicine knocks me out!

Boo

PS-We may not have gotten Peggy, but things aren't as bad as Helen!
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79416: Good evening, porch. Gosh, I thought we were going to get some rain, but it just sort of spit on us for a few minutes and quit. Sure could use it!

I was on the way home from the bank this afternoon and had to pull over for a fire truck to pass, then saw more coming from the other direction, and all turned down a road that leads into my neighborhood. Then I saw a plume of smoke above the trees, and it looked much too close to my house. I confess I drove a bit faster, but when I turned onto my street, I could see the trucks going down the next cross street. It was a house fire, at the end of the block, on the corner of the next street over. I stayed out of the way and just turned into my own driveway. The last thing the firemen need is cars in their way. I'll drive down there tomorrow and see how things turned out. Sure was a lot of smoke, though. Very scary.

Speaking of scary - Boo, if you get any ideas during your Google search, that involve Sarah wrap or any such thing, count me out. We want to attract people, not run them off, and that would be scary indeed.

Seriously, I really would love to see the porch spark and get lively again. I'm afraid Floyd might get tired of running it for just a half dozen or so of us. As I said earlier, I'll be happy to email the folks on the list I have, but I need something to tell them, something interesting that will make them want to check in. Come on, folks, let's have some ideas.

Well, I'm heading for the ironing board too. It's after midnight and I was up fairly early this morning. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79417:
RO- as for "running it", I don't think it's very much to do. Now that i have been in charge of my high school alumni website for a while, which has a similar forum, it basically runs itself, unless and interloper comes along. But then, of course, it's the big freeze! haha
Well, prayers for Rev and for all the needs here.
God bless,
MDC
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79418:
PS- Is anyone else getting the "ceramic pigs on Google? weird mdc
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79419: MDC, I've been seeing various things over at Google today. I also noticed they added a link where people can add their own background image for the Google home page. If you don't see that link, move your cursor around until it appears.

from Poor Horatio
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79420:
Hey Folks

I stop by the Porch and read the posts and offer prayers nearly every morning. I haven't posted much lately. I guess, I've felt a bit out of step with the negative feelings recently. I don't believe these are the end times or that everything is out of sorts and I sure don't want to offend anyone. So, I have just kept my big yap shut.

Romeena-I'm not sure why you are receiving that about my email. I HAVE been getting yours right along. Thanks BTW.

Peace & Prayers,
auh2o
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79421: Good Morning porch people, hope all is well today. working as usual.

Things have been quite around here lately. I tend to lay low at times but I think about my porch friends and say prayers as well.

Maybe we can have a party at O'Malleys and stir things up a bit!

Let's met a Olive Garden for lunch!

Prayers and blessings to all.
Big Maude
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79422: Haha...no, no saran wrap or anything, Romeena...just things like putting the kids to bed early so you have time to talk each day, unexpected gifts of appreciation, showing kindness, etc. :-)

MDC, I don't know anything about ceramic pigs but mine has a lovely background with a lake scene and a young girl sitting on the dock.

Thank you for the prayers, Auh2o.

Boo
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79423: Oh hey there, Maude. Thank you for the prayers, as well. :-)

Boo
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79424: Good morning, porch! Auh2o, I forwarded you a copy of the "mailer demon" refusal, pretty much expecting it to be refused as well, but so far it hasn't bounced back. I guess it won't, since those refusals are usually almost instantaneous. It comes back marked "Refused - recipient unknown." And you're right, I don't get everything back. I hadn't realized that, but a little comparison checking indicates that some emails go through. Strange. You know, as much traffic as there is on the internet, I guess it's not so strange that something fails now and then, but instead it's remarkable that so much works right.

There is a squirrely circus in progress in my yard right now, and it's just hilarious. My three little pint-sized ones are here, and there are four more normal-sized squirrels out there, and you just never saw such hijinks. Those three may be little, but everything works! They're the most amazing acrobats, and what fascinates me is how they stay together. A litter of squirrels will usually disperse and go their separate ways, to stake out new territory once they are grown. Not these little guys! They've stayed together, and they've stayed in this yard. It will be interesting to see if they have babies - will they be small, normal-sized, or - (gulp) smaller? They'll probably produce in the early fall, so I guess we'll see.

Well, gotta run. I'm meeting my son for lunch, so gotta get dressed. He's coming to Irving to the dentist, and wants to take me to lunch. No argument here! You know, raising four kids was fun, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Well, almost. The teen years were a bit trying at times, (you know, those years where you know nothing and they know everything) but not too bad. Now they're all adults, they've turned into "people", and wonder of wonders, they're people I like! I can spend time with them like I would with my friends. Fun!

Well, be blessed, porch. --Romeena
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79425: Afternoon Y'all- HOT isn't the word for what it feels like around here lately! I don't know if there is a word to describe this heat. Gonna really be a scorcher come Sunday. Spot is lucky to be up in the mountains,although I'm not sure if it's any cooler there than down this way.

I have been busy with Laci these past few days. She has been a little wild child-stayed up until after midnight last night. I am one tired possum,between her & the heat.

Lost my Great Aunt yesterday at the age of 96. She was a good woman- took my grandmama in and cared for her during the last months of her life. Her obit states that she " loved her Lord and Savior and was longing to go home to be with Jesus". There's no doubt in my mind that she is right there with Him now. May she rest in peace.

I will have some reading to do here in order to catch up with everyone. Hope all is well- love y'all!
*******************
possum under a rock
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79426: Well, praise the Lord, Possum. It's really just a celebration when someone passes under those circumstances. She had lived a long life, apparently a good life, and was secure in her faith. One can't ask for more than that. I know it was the same with my dad, and when he passed, I could only thank the Lord.

Just got back from lunch with my son. He had invited Eloise as well, so there that dear boy sat, between his mother and his mother-in-law, and we all had a great time. Lots of laughter and good conversation. What a blessing!

Well, Eddie just came into the yard, weed-eating and edging. I didn't even realize he didn't get that done yesterday. I guess the little spit of rain we got stopped him. He probably didn't know it stopped as quickly as it did. He's so conscientious - really does a nice job. The edging could have waited until next week, for all I cared.

Guess I'll go take him a glass of cold water. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79427: I was wondering - did you girls (or guys) have autograph books and had your friends to sign them when you were younger. About the third or fourth grade for me - early 70's. We would write silly things like - By the sewer she lived, by the sewer she died, They said it was murder but it was Sewercide. Just wondering - found mine going through an old box of childhood memories.

hm
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79428: hm, the only autograph books I have are the yearbooks from each year of high school. We would go around and have our friends write messages along with their autographs.

Have you folks heard about the American 16 year old girl named Abby Sunderland who was trying to become the youngest person to sail around the world by herself in a sailboat? At about the half way through her journey, it is sad to report that she is now missing at sea. You can read her blog at http://soloround.blogspot.com/.
Her brother accomplished this same feat last year at the age of 17.

from Poor Horatio
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79429: PH - I did the yearbook thing too. I was just wondering if it was a regional thing (cause every girl did it) or maybe it was a thing lots of us did.

Thanks for the blog link - hoping for the best for Abby.

hm
June 10, 2010 - Msg 79430: I remember way back when we also talked about The Andy Griffith Show- the very thing that started this Porch years ago. We used to have trivia questions- quote-a-thons etc.. I see that most of those things get the Big Freeze these days. I wonder if that may be part of the reason why some of the old-timers don't pull up a chair more often. Just a suggestion. I remember a time when we didn't delve into so many controversial topics. I know life is not all "Mayberry"- we all have real problems and concerns. Many of us have become such close friends that we know each other well enough to see each other in person, write letters and emails, even vacation together and visit each other's homes. So, perhaps some of the things that may seem contoversial could be shared "vis a vis", and be left off the Porch. Some topics here seem off-putting at times. Sometimes a newcomer can't get a word in edgewise here. Even though it's been expressed that newcomers are welcome, they come for a time and are ignored. They leave again. If this touches a nerve, I appologize- but that's my Nickle-facing the-wrong-way opinion.
I do appreciate Floyd keepng this going all these years- even if it seems like not very much work. I can't imagine what my life would be like without the many friends that I have met because of this Porch.
jennie boone
"watch your feet, I'm rockin' forward"

here goes....

June 11, 2010 - Msg 79431: You're a blessed woman, Romeena. You understand that mamas have to let their children grow up and live their own lives...that's when you can become friends. Good for you!

Sorry for your loss, Possum but rejoicing in your grandma's gain...Jesus and all of heaven! WOW. Someday it will be our's, too because Jesus made a way. Such great love in spite of such unworthiness....SO God. We are blessed among all people now and forever.

Yes HM, I have an old autograph book with that same quote in it!! I also have this one: "When you get married and have twins, don't come to me for safety pins!"...

No, PH, I had not heard of Abby, bless her heart. Can't imagine a 16 yr old trying to do something like that alone but she certainly is
courageous.

Hey Jenni Boone. Thanks for your sharing your honest opinion. I always appreciate that very much and you're right, can't imagine not having my porch buddies. Wish you would come by and talk more often.

Should be in bed...tried and failed...will try again soon.

Well, lets talk some TAGS this fine summer night. You know what I was thinking about is how back in the day, they used Barney and Andy to do commercials for Sanka and Grape Nuts...I think this was a trend in the 60's because I recently bought a DVD of Christmas eps of Beverly Hillbillys and Petticoat Junction and the cast did commercials for Corn Flakes and Winston Cigarettes. Even had one with Jed Clampett smoking a Winston! ha...wonder why they don't have those cast commercials anymore?

Boo
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79432: Hey, I thought of something fun to share: Why don't we tell about our favorite childhood summer vacations or activities? Put your thinking caps on and come up with some funny vacation stories/catastrophes! Maybe you would rather share your worst vacation memories...those can be really funny. C'mon, don't shut it down...share a story....pretty please... don't "tick-a-lock", as Aunt Bee would say.

Boo
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79433:
Well, I have a feeling that people are talking about me concerning topics on the porch.
I was just trying to do as it says at the top about "shooting the breeze." Seems to me like that could include a lot of topics.
I have always tried to welcome the new folks and would keep talking to them after things faded off. I have also been one to bring in "many things mayberry." But I will lay low for awhile so that folks like Jennie Boone will perhaps return on a regular basis.
I'll be praying for ya all "behind the scenes."
God bless,
MDC
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79434: WHAT?! MDC, don't you DARE leave! You aren't the problem. Maybe there are some little things we can all improve on (me too), but you belong here as much as anyone.

Boo
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79435: Good morning everyone. I'm on vacation right now, and just decided to stop by the porch for some reason--something I haven't done in quite a while. I can't speak for anyone else but me, but I honestly can tell you that no subject ever discussed here has offended or put-me-off: attitudes have. But maybe I'm sensitive ;-). For what's it worth, I'd like to think all topics are fair game, and should be. But maybe we could all be a little more open minded. I'll give an example: if someone said "Yipee, the health care vote failed," that'd be okay. However, if I said "Darn it, health care was great and it failed to get passed," I'd be regarded as starting a moulage. It seems like one set of views are okay around here; others are not. I got a little tired of being regarded as either a troublemaker, naive, or uniformed. Friends should be able to speak up on all sides without fear. So, for me at least, there's no topic verboten as long as other views are respected as just as valid. I have no interest in a friendly forum where certain topics are off limits (within good taste) or only one way of thinking is considered "correct," "American," or "Christian." Sorry if that offends; I just thought you all would want to know. Anyway, I think of you often and pray always!
Me-They
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79436: BOO: I'm at my favorite childhood vacation spot: Chincoteague, Virginia! LOve it.
M-T
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79437: M-T, are you sure that has only 2c's in the spelling. . .sometimes you are not so ept in spelling! Just teasing. . .can you spell acupulco - you know when you sing without music??? Barney does a fine job of that!!

hm

And MDC - I better see that smiling face on here!!
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79438: Morning porchesters! Hope everyone is up and ready for Friday and the week end.

Our Bible school finishes up today, so I am leaving early to pick up Beth, take her to the eye doctor for a recheck. She recently wanted to try contacts so at her last exam she is giving them a try. It has been a week and she has actually done pretty well with them. He wanted to see her back in 1 week (which is today) to make sure things are working okay.

Okay, I am usually don't speak up too much around here and my posts are about general routine things (kinda boring I think most of the time) but I decided to put in my 2 cents for some reason. I don't think anyone should leave the porch or feel they can not speak their mind. We all have opinions and should feel safe in being able to express them somewhere. THis is a place where we can do that if we want to. We are not going to agree on everything but we are all grown ups and should be repectful of one another regardless of what side of the fence we sit or live. I miss M-T and everyone else that has gone missing. Hopefully they will return and be part of this family again. Please keep hanging around MDC, I would miss you! I guess because of my profession I have learned to listen to all sides of about most anything with an open mind so everyone keep on expressin'!

Lunch menu will be: Red Lobster today! my treat.

Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79439: Great to see you, Me-They, and thank you for sharing your honest opinion. Hope your vacation is the best ever! Get plenty of rest, and have LOTS of fun.

Thanks Maude, for sharing your opinion, too. I agree with you, I want everyone to feel safe here and able to share their true thoughts. See ya at Red Lobster. :-)

Boo
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79440:
I think M-T's post says a lot, because i admit that I say things like "whether you believe in God or not, He still loves you!" but then I usually try to stick in a smile face (:,
so i admit that i am pretty opinionated on certain topics. So i'll lay low, see if anyone returns, and if not, then I will! (:
have a good weekend. love to all.
mdc
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79441: Oh, come on, MDC. Nobody needs to leave. If anyone should, it would probably be me, but I ain't a-gonna do it. I'm opinionated and outspoken, always have been, my parents encouraged me to think for myself, and I do. However, perhaps I should be more thoughtful in the expression of those opinions. I guess I just think we're all adults here, and if we don't agree on something today, I would bet you that tomorrow we'll be standing side by side on something else. It's the way the world works.
Jennie, if I've offended you at any time, I'm sorry, and please know it was never intentional. As for newcomers who stop by and don't feel welcome, I really don't understand that. If you'll look back in the archives, I think you'll find that when a stranger does visit, two or three of us will say something to welcome them. It's a bit hard to carry on a one-sided conversation with someone about whom you know nothing, though. If they don't respond, and often they don't, then the conversation dies. Reminds me of people who will visit a church with several hundred people in the congregation, expect to be recognized as a visitor, never open their mouth to anyone, and then leave in a huff because "no one made me feel welcome." When we visited Plymouth Park about 37 years ago, I watched my Dale walk up to total strangers and say something like this: 'Hi! My family and I are visiting here this morning, and I wondered if you could tell me, what is your favorite thing about this church?" That did two things. It identified us as visitors, and it opened a conversation. We were immediately surrounded by people who were eager to tell us about the church, and three weeks later, we joined it. I've been there ever since. In other words, there is responsibility on the part of the visitor as well as the home folks. Visitors who come here, lurk for a short time and then disappear really shouldn't feel slighted, especially considering that they're not standing or sitting in plain sight on this forum. If they don't speak up, we don't know they're there. Besides, there are "chat room surfers" who hit, comment, and move on. They never even know if they were welcomed or not.

Well, having said all of that, I'll add that I think you're right, jennie, and you too, MT - the more controversial topics should be side-tracked and discussed perhaps in email. There are a lot of volatile issues right now, and it's natural that people are going to want to discuss them. It's also natural that there will be differing opinions. Since we don't seem to be able to talk about them without people taking offense, then the safest thing to do, I suppose, is talk about something else. We do that for our friends in other places, after all. I have a good friend at church who, for whatever reason, holds a polar opposite political view from everyone else in the class, and when we comment on the latest debacle, she gets all bent out of shape and takes high offense. So, out of love and consideration for her, political conversation ceases when she enters the room. I guess the tail is wagging the dog, but as I said, we love her, so we do that for her. Perhaps it should be the same way here.

Well, enough of that. I have to go get my hair cut, and then have to work tonight. Blessings! --Romeena
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79442: Thank you everyone- I appreciate that we agree that we wish to continue to make this a welcoming Porch. No one needs to leave. Andy and Barney had Malcom Tucker and never once tried to make him leave! That's the very spirit we need to strive for. Me included.
I like my moulages light and fluffy. Oh my gosh..TAGS sure had a lot of wisdom, didn't it?

M-T tell us about Chincoteague, Virginia. Where is it? What made it the best ever vacation?

I'm off to an art retreat this weekend. I'm about as talented as Newton Monroe when it comes to painting. Thank the good Lord that it's not about the art, but the process.

jennie boone
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79443: I like the way you described what happens with visitors at church and I agree that is does apply here, Ro. There was just one statement that I think, personally sounded a little bit off the mark and its this one; "Since we don't seem to be able to talk about them without people taking offense, then the safest thing to do, I suppose is talk about something else."..I would have said, "Since we don't seem to be able to talk about them without offending others or having others take offense...". Its not always others taking offense, sometimes we do say some offensive things that would cause others to be offended. Heck, I may be saying one of them now! ;-)

Boo
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79444: ...I'm offended by how many times you said the word offended...
- Hazel
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79445:
(:
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79446: prayers for arkansas
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79447: OK, Boo, I'll buy that. It's putting rather a fine point on the question, but maybe we should. So, let me amend what I said, and substitute what Boo said. I did have a shower this afternoon, so I'm trying very hard to not offend.

Would anyone be interested in giving a home to two little Shih-Tzus who have lost their mom? They belonged to an elderly woman who has passed away, and left them alone. They're about six years old, brother and sister, spayed/neutered, housebroken, and crate trained. When told to "go to bed" they run into their crates and await a treat. I have a picture of them, and they're absolutely adorable. They're here in the Dallas area, and if anyone is interested, I will cooperate with getting them to you. Perhaps we could meet halfway, or something. It will be terrible if they are split up, someone needs to take both of them, as they've been together all their lives, and have already suffered the loss of their "mom". If I didn't have Toye Starr, I'd take them in a heartbeat, but I do have her, and she would just be crushed if I brought more dogs into the house. She's very much the "only dog, mama's baby," and all that. Please give it some prayerful thought. I'll send you their picture if you're interested.

Well, gotta go to work. Gonna be a long night, and I have to miss Landry's baseball tournament because of it. Oh well. Blessings! --Romeena
June 11, 2010 - Msg 79448: Wish I could. . . but Maddie says no. We had a conversation about Shih-Tzus today/ Jess decided that was where dirty elephants live. Guess you had to be there -doesn't translate to well to the written word.

hm
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79449:
nite all! sweet dreams (:
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79450: Wow, does this mean that this is going to turn into the "pc" porch? All this talk about "offending" someone who doesn't share your views? We should be able to talk about anything; that includes your more conservative topics and your more liberal topics. Left, right, or whatever.
If you agree with something, great, agree with it and even post your extra thoughts on the matter. If you don't agree with something, great again. Do the same. If you are not confident in your views and don't want to post about them because you are afraid of someone elses opposing viewpoint, then don't. Or do. No-one is going to bite your head off. All they can do is express their opinion. And then you've come full circle: Someone expresses their opinion; someone else agrees or disagrees with said opinion; someone offers their views on the subject, and so it goes. It is when we feel we have to self-censor our beliefs is when we get into trouble.

And that's my two-cents. Though Big Maude said it better than I, and less offensive probably. :)


ps. What happened in Arkansas, Msg 79446? I haven't been keeping up too much on the news so I haven't heard.

-Sterling Holobyte

June 12, 2010 - Msg 79451: Boy Sterling! I'm OFFENDED..I think I'm going to "bite your head off"!...just kidding! hehe. Honestly, I used to believe that way about being able to say and talk about anything but to tell you the truth, after seeing how many folks don't come here anymore, I am thinking we might need to take a different approach to expressing our political views. I don't mean not to express them but sometimes emotions run kind of high and others get insulted. As long as we tolerate the different opinions of others without getting personal, things would be ok. As far as political correctness, I don't think that is what we are talking about, just common courtesy. Maybe I've said too much but I am just trying to consider what some former porch folks have shared with me about why they aren't as regular here on the porch.

Hope they find a good home for the little dogs, Ro. Prayers that they go to the right family.

Boo
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79452: Oh Sterling, what happened in Arkansas is that there was a flash flood at a campground that killed at least 16 campers last I heard but about thirty people were still missing yesterday.
The flood came during the night and the river rose very quickly. Very sad.

Boo
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79453: My comment about how many times the word offended was used was meant to be funny, hopefully didn't offend anyone.
- Haze
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79454: Good morning, porch. You know, I've been thinking. (This is where Dale would say, "Uh-oh, look out!") Anyway, I think the word "offend" has been used so much in the past few years, that it has perhaps lost its original meaning, and taken on a life of its own. It used to mean simply that someone had hurt someone else's feelings, probably unintentionally. Now it's so over-used that I'm not sure what it means anymore. We have taken "sensitivity training" at work (required) and you wouldn't believe some of the things we're cautioned not to do or say, lest someone of another culture be "offended." We are not to hand someone from the Middle East anything with our left hand, because they consider it to be unclean. (You don't want to know why they think that.) Also, the good old friendly American thumbs-up sign, meaning "Good job!" or "I agree" or whatever? Nope, don't do it. Seems in some parts of the world, primarily the Middle East, it's a gross insult. Well, you know what? I'm about to the point where frankly my dear Scarlett, I just don't give a, well, whatever. How about I promise not to do those things in their country, and they can overlook it when in ours, because we live here, it's our culture, and we don't think our left hand is unclean and the thumbs-up is not an insult. I'm a little offended in this country when some pipsqueak in his walking shorts and t-shirt is barking orders at a black-shrouded, heavily-veiled woman who is slinking along three paces behind him, carrying packages and leading two kids. In his country, I would expect it. Here, it offends me. So there.

I'm not saying all of this to promote discord among our porch family. I think kindness and courtesy and consideration are golden, and I see no harm in refraining from sounding off and risking making a friend feel bad. I guess because I had to wade through one of those computerized sensitivity things last night at work, it's just on my mind. We here in America have a culture too, just like the rest of the world. Democrats, Republicans and whatever else, we're all still Americans and we need to stand up and reclaim our country and be proud of our culture, and if that offends someone from another culture, then so be it. When I'm in their country, I'll honor their ways. I don't think it's too much to ask that they do the same when they're here. When I was going into Mongolia, I made it a point to learn as much as I could of their ways, what was considered polite, or rude, and tried to behave accordingly. After all, I was in their country. They appreciated it, and when some of them have come here, they have returned the favor. The Mongols are a gracious people. Some cultures are not, and they're the ones who go about looking to take offense.

Well, I don't know if this made any sense or not, or even if it says what I'm trying to say. I'm bone-tired, and I'm going to bed. Peace, and blessings, friends. --Romeena
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79455: Happy Birthday to Gomer Pyle.
Gilly Walker
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79456: Hey y'all! Well, I'm offended that Porchsters are leaving! Don't you DARE leave, MDC!!!
As far as my two cents?? What Maude & Sterling said.
Hazel, that was funny. You didn't offend me-I laughed!
Another thought is this... I don't think we can totally blame the "missing Porchsters" situation on the fact that folks are being offended. I personally, blame FACEBOOK. I think perhaps folks are choosing to spend their socializing there rather than rock on the old Porch anymore. Just don't forget about us over here - check in once in awhile, friends!
Happy Birthday to Mr. Jim Nabors! He's 80 years old today- SHAZAM!

Y'all take care- love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79457: Good Saturday porch people. Just stopping by for a minute. been raining this morning on my end of the porch, it was storming when I woke up so I have been doing laundry and walking on the treadmill.

Beth and I have plans to be out and about later today. My husband has gone to Knoxville to visit his brother today and Patrick is working. I think Beth and I will eat at FATZ Cafe later today if anyone wants to join us, probably around 4 eastern time.

Happy Birthday Gomer Pyle. Golly you are the best.

Hazel, glad you are rocking again!

see you at FATZ!

Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude

June 12, 2010 - Msg 79458: I got your joke, Hazel. That is one thing we need more of around here me thinks, a sense of humor. Hopefully we won't get too over-sensitive about things.

All this said, and what I said last night, I wouldn't mind more Mayberry talk around here either. Though sometimes it is hard to always talk "Mayberry", because it is not on anymore and you end up rehashing it over and over. Maybe we will just have to shoot for more "Mayberry-type" expression of views; firm-in-our-beliefs but fair, expressive but ultimately polite. I would think we were already doing this already. I don't think we ever got into a knock-down, dragged-out fight, and nobody even got punched in the nose by Floyd. ;)

Thanks for the info about the flash flood, Boo. Prayers for them and their families.

-Sterling Holobyte
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79459:
Hello porch family...the tour is going great.....got a concert tonight so gotta go get set up. Just wanted to stop by and check in real quick while I have internet.

My love and prayers go out to all my porch family!
Just don't forget....Jesus loves you!
-REV.
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79460: Hey Rev. Good luck with your concert!



Happy Birthday to everyone's favorite Gomer, Jim Nabors. I hear he turns 78 today!

-Sterling Holobyte
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79461: Hmm.. I read that he turned 80, Sterling! Just how old IS our Gome? Maybe there's something on this website- I'll go look for the "official verification"-LOL
*************
possum again
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79462: Looks like we both heard wrong, Sterling! According to what's posted on this website, Jim Nabors was born June 12, 1933. That would make him 77 year old. I found that under " Cast Birthdays", BTW.

****************
possum once more
June 12, 2010 - Msg 79463: I hope what I'm about to post will not sound rude, but I have noticed a lot of times that only a couple of porchsters will acknowledge any visitors to this site. I have posted quite a few times and only MDC ever responded. And when I saw other visitors post, they weren't encouraged very much to join in conversations. As a matter of fact, I've often felt(maybe wrongly, but it was what I perceived) that it was difficult to be included in the comraderie amongst everyone. I hope I'm not insulting anyone(as a matter of fact, I will be surprised if anyone responds),but I have felt shunned numerous times. I will probably not post here again. Thanks to MDC for rcognizing me when I was here. Don't mean to sound childish, just letting you know thta visitors would probably like to feel more included. Prayers to all...Sterling, I hope Kai does well in her educational endeavors. She is blessed to have a devoted Christian Dad.
God bless all.
C Darlin'