December 05, 2010 - Msg 81877: Hi All. Boy it going to by cold going down to the teen tonight.
I think about sending all this cold back up to can!
Boo I will wait to send your out, maybe we will have a up date porch list from Qus Romeen?

tom
December 06, 2010 - Msg 81878: Good evening, all. Maudie, I'll be happy to email you the list I have, such as it is. You'll remember that I lost a lot of data when my computer died at the first of this year. I think the list I have is fairly complete, but it was retrieved from a backup I made in 2008, so there are probably some I don't have. Also, the original list was built from addresses people sent me when I asked for them for a card list, and some didn't respond. They either didn't see the request or chose not to respond, which of course is their right. So, as I said, I'll send you what I have. Incidentally, I don't have your real name. I know I had it, but don't have it now. I do, believe it or not, have your street address, but we can't send a card just to the address. I guess it could be "The XXX family", etc.

Boo, does your address begin with 2675, or is it the RR #?

Anyone who wants to be on the Christmas card list, please email me your snail address and I'll add it to the list. As I said, I have some, but some of them may be old, so maybe it would be better to just start fresh? Maude, if you can wait a few days until folks have had time to respond, I'll get you a new, updated list. How's that?

Well, I'm off to bed. My back feels like it should be in about three pieces, and I think it's time to lie down for a while. I didn't accomplish much after church this morning, but that's okay. As long as it's fun and relaxing on Sunday, I'll keep going, but when whatever I'm doing begins to feel like work, I quit and rest. I quit pretty early this afternoon, then did a bit more just a while ago. Now I'm off to bed. Toye Starr has been yawning very big and wide (for her) so I think she's ready for bed too. Sweet little old thing. God is so good, and He sure did me a favor when He sent her to me. I do love that puppy. I miss my Plum still, but I do love this little girl. I guess they're like our children - there's always room in your heart for one more.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
December 06, 2010 - Msg 81879:
RO- How about you address it "Big Maude and the Hughbacher brothers"! haha
Good to see you all. I had a very busy weekend, but loved every minute of it!
I'll check the archives now too!
Good sweep Tom, I see you aint afraid of a little work! Good job, and stay warm.
Oh, and RO, that new tree sounds marvelous. Sometimes you just gotta let the old go, especially for safety! sounds like it was a great run. Perhaps you could keep a small branch and just place it beneath the new tree. Just a thought.
MDC
December 06, 2010 - Msg 81880: We could have a real situation on our hands! Do we address Maude's card to Clarice Tyler, Maude Clarice Tyler, Annabelle Tyler, or Ralph Henderson?
- Hazel
December 06, 2010 - Msg 81881: Ro, the 2675 is my old address. I will email you the new one again.

Ralph Henderson..HAHA...too funny, Hazel.

Boo


December 06, 2010 - Msg 81882: Mornin' Y'all. I have about a week of catching up around here-being sick had me where I couldn't concentrate much on what I was trying to read! Sure hope everyone is doing ok. I do believe I am finally shaking this mess off.
Well, gonna go try to do a few things around here. Y'all take care!
**************
possum u. a. r.
December 06, 2010 - Msg 81883:
Hello porch family....got in from the road this morning around 2:00am. Concerts went great.

Tom...try and stay warm. It's cold here too.

I saw today's high in Fairbanks,Alaska will be -14 and lows -28.....now that's COLD:)

Gotta get some things done around here so better get off of here for now.
You all have a Jesus filled day!
Love and prayers
-REV.
December 06, 2010 - Msg 81884:
Hey there possum....glad you feeling better!
-REV.
December 06, 2010 - Msg 81885:
Hi porchsters! hey I gotta tell ya..I just got in the mail REV's new CD The Winning Side (which we helped him name, remember?)Well, it is SUPER!!! Thanks for the good words REV! I'm listening to it right now (11:29 AM Mountain time)as I type!
Prayers for all! Let's get on the winning side! Good stuff.
MDC
December 06, 2010 - Msg 81886: Good afternoon porch people, you guys are so funny. Made me laugh out loud at work, guess folks in the waiting room wonder about me. Guess Big Maude can't hide from anybody even when it comes to Christmas cards!

very cold and windy today on my end of the porch and snow flurries everywhere. Beth was on a 2 hour school delay this morning.

supper menu will be: beef stew, corn bread muffins. warm chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream.

better get back to work. talk to you later.
Big Maude
December 06, 2010 - Msg 81887: Late night snack Captian Crunch and Milk!...SPOT
December 06, 2010 - Msg 81888: Good evening, porch. I'm supposed to be at work, but decided this morning to just call in sick. My back is feeling miserable, and the idea of being on my feet for twelve hours and maybe having to do some lifting as well just didn't sound like a good idea. Usually on Mondays a call-in doesn't cause too much havoc, and I have plenty of PTO time, so decided to pamper myself just a little bit. I'm glad I did, because it's still pretty stiff and sore, very uncomfortable standing.

Hazel, you are a caution! Leave it to you to come up with that. Ralph Henderson! Too funny. You have such a quick wit - you're a real asset to the porch. Don't ever leave.

MDC, I have "The Winning Side" as well, and just love it! It's in my car right now, I've practically worn it out. However, it's about to be displaced by Christmas music for a few weeks. REV, I wish you would do a Christmas CD. I know, you write about 99% of what you record, but I'll bet if you asked the Lord for some inspiration in that direction, He'd give you a couple of Christmas songs. Then you could finish off with old classics, given your special touch. If you ever do it, I want the first one off the press!

Well, guess I'll go feed my small sidekick, and maybe try to get to bed early tonight - not something that happens often around here.

Oh, the new Christmas card list will go out in the next couple of days, so if you want to be on it, please email me your snail address ASAP. Those for whom I have addresses are: Possum, Mavis, Spot, REV, Mayberry Deputy, Hazel, TOM, Salty Dog, Homemaker, New Neighbor, Lucy Matthews, Boo, Big Maude and myself. To the best of my knowledge, they're current. Anybody else want to join in?

Blessings! --Romeena
December 07, 2010 - Msg 81889: Morning porch, COLD this morning on my end of the porch. below 20 degrees and a littke breeze which makes it seem colder.

Beth is out of school today, due to road/cold/snow conditions. Must be in other parts of the county because we had very little snow and I had no problem getting to work, just a little powder snow blowing around on the streets. Oh well, she can sleep late today and have a day of rest.

not much new to report from my end of the porch.

Breakfast menu will be: eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, oatmeal, grits, toast, grape, strawberry jelly, apple butter, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cold milk. someone can bring the paper.

Have a blessed day. Parayers all around.

Big Maude
December 07, 2010 - Msg 81890: Hi All.

It cold here itin the teen this morning.brrr
Big Maude school around here git a two her late start because of the roads.


TOM
December 07, 2010 - Msg 81891:
Morning Porch! Did you know that Jesus attended a Hanukkah celebration? 'Tis true! John 10:22-23. Check it out. Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish brothers and sisters.
Hope all porchsters are well today.
Tom- hang in there, before you know it you'll be complaining about the heat! haha Or at least Calvin Coolidge will.
Today is pearl harbor day. There is a ceremony at our capital here in Phx where the USS Arizona's anchor is on display. Prayers for all our troops.
Hug a vet today.
MDC, aka Angel, second class (:
December 07, 2010 - Msg 81892: Check point chickie!!!
10-4 and Roger that!

hm
December 07, 2010 - Msg 81893: Hello hm please see the answer to your question. ref. msg. 81781

IMAGINEER
December 07, 2010 - Msg 81894: Thanks for b-fast maude....that will lay on yer chest....SPOT
December 07, 2010 - Msg 81895:
"I've been called everything from Chopper to Maddog but one thing they never called me.........tattle tale!"

Quote-man (:
December 07, 2010 - Msg 81896:
Hello porch family.....COLD

Ro...praying that your back gets feeling better.....but enjoy your day off. And yes I know that I need a Christmas CD....more and more folks ask about it each year but....maybe one day.

HM...it's too cold to be out there on that motorcycle for check point chickie:)

You all have a good night and stay warm.
Love and prayers!
-REV.
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81897: Good morning porch. :-) Its a very cool day here in south texas and you all know I like it that way.

Had my nuclear stress test yesterday (a four hour adventure, so rather boring). I guess it went ok because they let me go home. If there was anything too bad there they would have sent me to the heart hospital. I really didn't experience any chest pain with the test...not like what I had experienced previously under emotional stress, so maybe that is good. There was a moment during the test when they seemed a little concerned about something and quickly adjusted the pump that was administering the meds, so who knows. I should find out something today.

Any=hoo...looking around at the kitchen this morning and seeing some cleaning to do...I take off one day and the place goes to seed. Also need to visit my parents today. Better get going and get erin off to school. I heard Bruce throwing up at about 2am and he is still in bed so I am concerned that he might have a bug, darn it. Where's the oregano?! (that's for you, MDC):-)

Boo
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81898: Mornin' Y'all- cold here at my rock this morning- 18 degrees!! Send heat- ha ha

Hope everyone is well. I am a lot better,still need to catch up on some Porch reading.

Sorry to hear that Elizabeth Edwards has passed away. If ever a woman exemplified courage,grace,and dignity, she did.

Y'all want some nice hot cinnamon rolls and coffee? C'mon over!
*******************
possum under a rock
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81899:
RO- If you havent sent out the list yet,
please wait as i want you to add PappaBear's
current address on it (he OK'd it)
Something wont let me into hotmail right now, but will send it as
soon as I can access it. thx.
RIP Elizabeth Edwards. And i completely agree with you Possum!!!
Prayers for Boo, Bruce and all. Don't think oregano would help, but i bet VICKS would! (:
MDC
"Do ya know me Bert, do ya really know me??"
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81900:
POSSUM- could you please e-mail pappabear's Cayuga
address to ROmeena. That would speed things up
since I'm having access problems.
Thx,
Steve
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81901: Good morning, porch! It's cold here at 37, but dry and the sun is out, so it's not bad. The squirrels are loving it. They're out in force, have laid out a racetrack in the trees and are chasing each other, like speedy little trapeze artists. I love it when the leaves begin to get sparse, because then I can see their hair-raising activities clearly. They're amazing!

Boo, I'm praying that you get good news from your test. Maybe the chest pain will turn out not to be cardiac at all, like mine did a few years ago. I would have these recurring bouts of deep, aching, gripping pain in my chest. My astute cardiologist sent me to a gastro-enterologist, who determined that I had esophageal spasms (I already knew that) but also had low-placed acid refl#x. I argued that I never had any signs of reflux, and he explained that it never made it up far enough for me to recognize it as such, but the lower end of my esophagus was quite irritated. He put me on a good antacid, the chest pain disappeared and has never returned.

Elizabeth Edwards was indeed, as you said, a woman of courage, grace and dignity. Her conduct through that whole sordid mess was admirable, and I hope she is now enjoying peace and rest with our Lord. I also hope that her former husband feels exactly like the spineless, self-serving weasel that he appears to be, and I hope he is feeling her loss much more deeply than he thought he would. I realize that things sometimes happen in a marriage, and I know that usually there is at least some fault on both sides. However, as Jesus said, "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:48) While that applies to us all, I believe that it is especially incumbent upon those in the public eye - sports figures, politicians, and yes, televangelists - to guard their conduct. People are watching. John Edwards not only betrayed his wife, he also caused her to experience public humiliation and embarrassment, simply because he would not control his own behavior. Shame on him. May God have mercy on his soul. I don't mean to stand in judgment on his moral behavior and how that will play out in his eternal future - that's God's business, and God will be his judge. However, as a woman and fellow traveler on this earth, I have every right to an opinion about his behavior, and in my opinion, the man is a cad, to put it mildly.

Well, gotta get busy. Amanda will be here sometime today, and I'm really looking forward to her visit. She's such a sweetheart - we're going to have fun! Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81902: Well said about John Edwards, Ro. Well said.

Will send Pappa Bear's address to you ASAP-glad I popped back in to see the message, MDC. Consider it done.

Prayers for Mavis- just read on FB that she has come down with the "crud." From other comments and my own experience, this "crud" hangs on ya for weeks. Sure hope none of y'all get it!

Ok, off to email Ro.

Thank you,Tom for the Christmas card- it's beautiful! Will send mine out soon.
************
possum again
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81903: Ro, I just sent Pappa Bear's address to you.

possum
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81904:
"Well, of course I know ya George."
"Merry Christmas Bedford Falls, Merry Christmas you wonderful old Building and Loan..."
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81905: Thanks, Possum. As a widow who was blessed with a true and faithful husband, and who is keenly aware of what a treasure he was, I always grieve a little in my soul for the wives who are not so fortunate. And yes, that can include the husbands who have straying wives - it happens.

Thanks for sending me the address. I'll amend my list, and will try to get that out to everyone concerned today or tomorrow. I plan to send it to everyone who is on the list.

Just heard from Amanda, she stuck around in Fredericksburg this morning to have coffee with her mom before she left for work, so she just got on the road. She expects to get here around three, so I have to get busy. I feel a trip to the grocery store coming on. Amanda is one member of my family who routinely eats breakfast, and she likes bacon and eggs! Eggs I've got, but no bacon. No bread either - guess I'd better go pick up some staples. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81906: Peeked in at FB again, and looks like Mavis doesn't have the "crud" that I thought. Seems she picked up a stomach bug, poor thing! Get well fast, Mav!
Thanks for putting the list together for us, Ro.
Catch y'all later!
************
possum again
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81907:
The richest man in town is buying lunch today...
bread, wine, mulled cider, and a little eggnog! (:
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81908:
Hello porch family

Boo...praying you and your family get back on the mend soon.

I agree with the post about Ms Edwards...may she rest in peace. And I also agree about her sorry, no good ex-husband.

Possum...the news is saying you guys may get a few (very few) snow furries your way tonight. They say pretty much all of it is disapearing before it hits the ground.

Ya'll have a blessed night and sleep tight.
Love and prayers!
-REV.
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81909: Poor Mavis. Seems like she gets sick often, bless her heart. Maybe overworked and too much stress.

Thanks for those prayers and yes Ro, I had good results..better than good actually. The doc says that I did very well and that my heart is stronger than the average and seems to have about 20% more pumping ability than average heart at my age. No signs of blockage at this point. Sounds like this test is better than the one than I a few years back. God answered your prayers. Doc says my chest discomfort was probably a very common reaction to stress and that I should keep a close eye on my blood pressure and blood sugar (which I routinely do). Maybe I inherited my mom's strong heart. Remember when she had an echo not long ago they said her heart is good and strong at 84?..or maybe it is an answer to prayer.

Boo
December 08, 2010 - Msg 81910: Hey Rev,Boo,Possum,Mavis,Lucy,Tom,Maude and all....COLD here in Ga..17 tonight...I will get b-fast at waffle house in the morning...Boo will you bring the local paper?...ok...watching the food channel...back before bed...prayers to all...SPOT
December 09, 2010 - Msg 81911: Mornin' SPOT. I got the paper. Pretty chilly here, too.

Boo


December 09, 2010 - Msg 81912: Mornin' Y'all! Rev, it sure looked like it could've snowed here yesterday,but no flurries that I'm aware of.
Glad you got a good report, Boo! Thank the Lord!

Spot,swing by and pick me up for Waffle House- ya got heat in that truck? Dang, it's cold!

*******************
possum under a rock
December 09, 2010 - Msg 81913:
Morning porch family.....hope everyone is staying warm.

Boo....so glad to hear your report. Great news!

Thanks for breakfast Spot

Working on some new songs so let me get back to "work".
Love and prayers!
-REV
December 09, 2010 - Msg 81914: Monring porch, just stopping by for a check point chickie. COLD here this morning. 17 degrees at about 7:45 am. looks lots of folks are having cold weather.

I am very busy at work this time of year, lots of difficult things going on with folks, please pray that God will give me the words and wisdom and emotional energy to help folks!

Better get back to work, lets have lunch at Olive Garden, my treat!

Prayers and blessings to all

Big Maude
December 09, 2010 - Msg 81915: test
December 09, 2010 - Msg 81916: Hi Imagineer - got the info and looking into things. He has some time before he gets out of high school but I want him to know what it will take to make his dream a reality.

A better day today. Hey ro - my old email is out of sync so here is the new one temporarly - abaugh62atyahoodotcom And Ro - you are a treashur - - - a right big ol diamond on this porch!

Gotta make some dip and get some ritz, mmmmmmm - everything tastes good on a ritz!

hm


December 09, 2010 - Msg 81917: Maude, you are in such an important position; helping people in pain at this time of year. Lord fill you with wisdom as you minister to the hurting, and may he fill your mouth with His words to them, and grant you the emotional stamina you need.

How are things going, HM? Any progress on the legal front? I wanted to tell you that we had to put down one of our baby goats today. Your friend Annette has been coaching me through it...what a Godsend she is (and you). Thank you for sharing her number with me. Due to my ingnorance in having Chuck castrated too early, he was having a terrible problem with stones. The poor baby was in misery yesterday evening and we had him drained and I took him to my regular vet today and I made the decision to have him euthanized because of the risk of reoccurance. The poor little thing was suffering terribly and I didn't want to see that happen ever again. I also didn't want to continue to pay vet bills. If he had not been castrated early, I would have let them cut him open and then tried to prevent the calculi by dietary means but under the circumstances, chances I just thought it best to put him out of his pain. Now we are down to 3 females and that's just about right for us. We still have one baby and believe it or not, the kids seem to be fine with it. Erin didn't even cry when I told her, so I feel a huge sense of relief that I won't have to worry about it happening again. The kids are fine. Bruce and I took it a little harder! Who woulda though? ha I guess this kind of thing is inevitable when you have animals. It just seems like we have been through alot with them in the last few months.

Better go get some things done. Ya'll have a good evening.

Boo
December 09, 2010 - Msg 81918:
Hello porch family

Boo...I'm so sorry to hear about your baby goat. That's so sad but you did what was best for him.

Thanks Maude for Olive Garden....sure was good!

Night to all the porch family.....have a good night's sleep.
Love and prayers
-REV.
December 09, 2010 - Msg 81919: Thank you, REV. :-)

Boo
December 10, 2010 - Msg 81920: Yea possum I got good heat in my truck...I will swing by this mroning and get ya ...lets head to I-Hop...they got good bacon...hey Rev,Boo will you bring a paper?...hey Romeena,Lucy,MDC,HM,Maude and all...well winter is here in Ga...below freezing this morning...yall stay warm and prayers to all....SPOT
December 10, 2010 - Msg 81921:
Hey Folks

Thought I'd stop by my favorite cyber-porch and rock a spell.

homemaker-Glad to see you are in better spirits. You and your family have been in my prayers nearly every morning since I last stopped by. It's good to see a bounce in your step again.

MDC-Thanks for the APB but I've just thought I'd give ya'll a bit of respite from my uncontrollable urge to comment on the days events.

Boo-Sorry to hear about your goat but glad to hear about the results of your stress test.

SPOT-Ya mind swinging up north a smug and pick me up after ya get possum. I just feel like riding today.

Rev-You are one good man. A beckon. It warms the heart to know there's people like you out there.

Well, we're gonna have a white Christmas on this end of the Porch so all of ya that would like to partake please stop by.

Prayers for our President and the Troops,
auh2o
December 10, 2010 - Msg 81922: Thanks Auh2o!! Hearing from you has certainly started my day off with a smile. I have you and Asa on my mind. A BIG APB FOR ASA. So you are having a white Christmas..how wonderful. I wish I could drop by and share it but you are SO far away...opposite ends of the country, aren't we? :-( We have had some nice cool weather this month but not cold enough for me and certainly no white stuff.

Ok SPOT, IHOP today but breakfast is my treat tomorrow...I'm cookin' it. You all can sit around my kitchen table. I have big windows and you can see old Thelma Lou and the goats frazing in the back pasture. I'll make eggs and bacon, waffles, whatever else you all feel like eating (within reason) ;-)

Better get Erin moving in the right direction this morning and start doing laundry. I am helping at my sister's Christmas for Kid's charity dinner tonight...should be fun. We helped with the decorating last night and it was beautiful! Wish you could all be there tonight for a nice dinner and some local entertainment and a silent auction for a very worthy cause.

Our church is having our first Christmas Festival and hope to make it annual even for our community. It is on Sunday evening and sounds like a blast. I have to dress like an old shepherd's wife for the event. One of the activities is for people/kids to make their own shepherd's staff and we use the opportunity to share the gospel with them. I am the shepherd's assistant. :-) There will be a live nativity, of which my poor little Chuckie goat was supposed to be a part of but it will just be his sister and mom now, I guess. Thelma Lou the Donkey will also be there.

Better get going...

Boo
December 10, 2010 - Msg 81923: grazing, that is...

Boo
December 10, 2010 - Msg 81924: Happy Birthday Salty Dog!

*******************
possum under a rock
December 10, 2010 - Msg 81925:
Oh, thanks Boo!

Rev-Well I'm sure you'd beckon anyone to follow you, what I meant to say was, you are a beacon!

auh2o
December 10, 2010 - Msg 81926: Good morning to all! Just wanted to stop and say "Hey." And Gomer says "Hey." Have been busy sending for more music from New York and running the hotel. Hope you all are having a wonderful ride on the way to Christmas!

John Masters
December 10, 2010 - Msg 81927:
Morning porch family...another cold morning here in SC.

auh2o....so good seeing you back in your rocker. Missed you brother. And thank you so much for those kind words.

Spot....I sure hope you didn't make possum ride in the back of your truck this morning:)

Boo....looking forward to your homecooked breakfast in the morning.

I better get going for now. Ya'll have a Jesus filled day!
Love and prayers!
-REV.
December 10, 2010 - Msg 81928: Hi All.
Just in a bad movd fighting with family.

TOM

December 10, 2010 - Msg 81929:
APB for STERLING too!
Boo...my condolences about your baby goat, but
having the others in the nativity will be neat. St Francis of Assisi was the first to do that back in the 1200s. I hope it goes well!
Good to see AUh20, HM, John, and others.
AUH20- If the term "Lame Duck" ever fit a congress... ha, OK, I'll supress my comment! (:
OK, I got Pappabear's brown truck out of storage,
gave it a lube and oil, fitted it with the skis, and gave it a test run! She's ready to go for another trip on Christmas eve!!
REV-a thought for a Christmas album... chronological songs starting with the annunciation, then her visit to Elizabeth, then trip to Bethlehem (even Oh Little Town of Bethlehem), then something like Hark the Herald Angels Sing, then perhaps one about the shepherds at the manger, then Joseph's Song (a beautiful one that Michael Card did) then perhaps We Three Kings or one you could write. Just thinking out loud.
A few albums I've heard do this to some degree, but i thought it would always be neat to hear it all "in order" with your unique country flavor.
TOM- hang in there guy. Maybe you have a poem that you can share with us.
Coming next week...the twelve days of mayberry!
Prayers,
MDC
December 10, 2010 - Msg 81930:
MDC....thanks for the thought about a Christmas album. Something to think about.

Tom....Sometimes we have to be nice to those that are not nice to us and just maybe that will change them. Remember a lot of people were very mean to Jesus but He still showed them love. I know that's hard to do but we have to be an example to those around us. Just enjoy the Christmas season and remember the reason we celebrate.

You all continue to have a blessed day!
Love and prayers
-REV.
December 11, 2010 - Msg 81931: nighty nite
December 11, 2010 - Msg 81932: Mornin'...breakfast is ready. "Come and git it". Eggs, bacon or sausage, biscuits or toast, hashbrowns or...wait, I can't make grits.

Well the fundraiser last night was really nice....some very good local talent performing and great food. Cleaning up afterward...not so much fun.

What am I doing up at 5:30 on a saturday?!

Boo
December 11, 2010 - Msg 81933: That's a very good question, Boo. Just what ARE you doing up at this hour? I thought you had resolved to rest more and not push yourself so hard. Oh, and I'm so sorry to hear about the little goat. That's a heart-breaker. There's just something so endearing and innocent about little goats - even as they're getting into desperate mischief, you just can't help loving them.

auh2o, it's good to see you. I really do wish you'd come around like you used to. I know how difficult it is not to sound off on some of the issues, but I've almost succeeded, and you can too. Maybe you should do what I did. I just set up my little blog, and when something is weighing on me, I go there, write it all out and post it to the blog, and I feel better. Nobody reads it, but I really don't care. I've gotten it off my chest, haven't invaded anyone else's space, and I feel better. Maybe that would work for you.

MDC, what a good idea for the "chronological" Christmas CD. You're so creative! I'll bet REV could really do something with that, and maybe he will. This much I know, unless God directs him, he won't do it, but if God does give him some songs and lead him into it, he will do it.

Tom, it's hard when family is being difficult or annoying. Just remember, no one can make you angry unless you allow them to do so. It takes two to make a fight, so just smile at them, say something nice, and ignore their bad behavior. It's not easy, but it can be done.

Well, gotta run. My granddaughter is leaving today, going home to Aransas Pass. We're going to have a bit of breakfast, then she'll be on the road. I'm really going to miss her. It has been a real joy having her here. I just wish she lived closer.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
December 11, 2010 - Msg 81934:
Hello porch family....been a good day out with my wife. Sure am enjoying this time home with the family. We went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse....smothered chicken, mashed potatoes with sour cream, a caeser salad and of course fresh hot yeast rolls.

Ro....I'm so glad you had the chance to spend the time with your granddaughter. Times like that are so special.

You all have a good night and a blessed worship day tomorrow.
Love and prayers!
-REV.
December 12, 2010 - Msg 81935: Well Ro, I was feeling sick that's why I was up so early. All of us have had a little bug this week that made us feel sick. No throwing up, though. I did go back to bed and get some more sleep. Ro, I thought your granddaughter lived in Port Aransas?

Well, hope you are all having a nice sunday morning and are going to preachin' this morning, if the weather allows you to. Its cold here, but dry.

Right now I am keeping an eye on our cat, Tigger because he seems to have him a case of feline cystitis and can't seem to pee...yes, another animal that can't empty its bladder! This is new to me so if any of you have been through this with a cat, I am open to suggestions. I don't think he is completely blocked up because he is still eating and doesn't act sick but it might be a matter of time and this would have to happen on a weekend. If he gets completely blocked up I will have to take him in and pay the big bucks. Seems it has just been one thing after another with these animals. Its costing me a bundle and right here at Christmastime.

Better go see about getting ready for church. Ya'll have a great day.

Boo
December 12, 2010 - Msg 81936: Good afternoon, porch. I didn't get to go to church this morning, as I worked last night, got home about 7:40, absolutely worn out and back breaking, so I just went to bed. I really hated to miss, but I wouldn't have been able to stay awake anyway. I barely made it home without falling asleep at a traffic light. I hadn't seen my bed since 7 a.m. Saturday.

I guess I'd still be asleep if my computer guru friend in Florida hadn't called. I've been having computer issues, and had emailed him with questions. He called to set up a remote session to explore what's going on. After an hour, he had identified and corrected several problems, all of them the result of allowing grandkids to use the computer. They have downloaded some games from some unreliable sites, and apparently the games came equipped with these little surprises - like turning selected words in a posting into a link for some product or other. That's why some of my postings in the last few days have words highlighted in green. Well, it's gone now. If you use your control panel "Install/Uninstall" feature to search out programs, and see something like "GameVance", uninstall it immediately. Trust me, you don't want it. As for the kids, my friend set up a "Guest User" entry point. My entry is now password-protected. That will keep them from putting anything on the computer without my knowing about it. They're just little guys, and know just enough to be dangerous, about how to navigate a computer. They're just chasing some little game, and get in deep water quickly. No more.

Boo, I probably said Amanda lives in Port Aransas. I've never been to either place, so get Port A and Aransas Pass confused in my mind, with no solid frame of reference for either one. She actually lives in Aransas Pass.

REV, I'm so glad you're home for a while, and I know you must be really enjoying the time. I would imagine your family is pretty happy too, and Jake must be ecstatic!

I've still got irises blooming! It has been down in the mid-30s here at night, and still they're blooming so beautifully. Amazing. There's a sunshine-yellow one that's just huge and ridiculously gorgeous, and an ivory one with yellow trim, and a purple and white that's spectacular. Then there's a solid purple that looks like satin. So pretty. How nice that they not only put on a spring show, but do an encore in the fall!

Well, TAGS is on TVLand, guess I'll go watch some. Got some good leftovers in the fridge, so it will be an easy evening. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
December 12, 2010 - Msg 81937:
Hello porch family....cold and windy here in SC. A good day to stay inside and watch some football.

Porch is kinda slow today.

Ro....get you some rest. And yes Jake is loving me being home....he's in my lap now:)

Everyone stay warm and have a good night.
Love and prayers!
-REV.
December 12, 2010 - Msg 81938: Romeena, I would like to meet your granddaughter sometime. We might be neighbors...who knows? You have got to come here for a visit one of these days and I will have the both of you over for dinner and you will finally get to meet Thelma Lou. Speaking of Thelma Lou, she and the goats did fine in the live nativity at church this evening but Bruce and our friend Lee had a devil of a time trying to get Thelma into the horse trailer! Nothing worked..they finally had to grab her two back legs and forced her in wheelbarrow style.

Anyway, been a fun evening and was able to share the gospel with some folks. I was involved in something called "The Shepherd Staff" and I and my friend Tom were dressed as Shepherd and Shepherd-ess. Tom pretended to be a shepherd who was present at the birth of Christ and folks heard the presentation of the gospel as he taught them as one who was there. Each person was given a Shepherd's Staff with colored beads on a leather strap (a yellow, black, red, and white, and green bead) symbolizing the birth of the truth, our sinful state, atonement, forgiveness of sins, and new life. It was really a sweet thing to be involved in and I'm thankful for the opportunity that was given to me.

It is a crisp, very cool night here and I saw a shooting star in the night sky...have not seen one in years but its a perfect night to see one.

I am waiting for Bruce to get home because I think I might have seen the dogs who killed our goat running loose down the street. Bruce will have to go to their house and see if they are secured. I hope I am wrong but I think it was the same dogs.

Better get Erin ready for bed. Talk to you all tomorrow.

Boo


December 13, 2010 - Msg 81939:
Hi gang. Busy weekend. Hope all is well.
RO- also each time I sign off the net, I go to
internet options and delete all temp files and cookies.
BOO- hang in there. The shepherd things sounded neat!
God bless,
MDC
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81940: It was, MDC. I hope we do it again next year. This was the first year of your Christmas Festival and we had a good turn out so I think we will do it again next year, Lord willing. I think Bruce and I will take on the live nativity as our project next year because this year it was not so good...kind of thrown together and didn't look very good. They just put up a fake=looking cardboard backdrop and a few hay bales. Also, next year I am thinking about doing the Shepherd Staff inside of a shepherd's tent, close to the nativity. It would seem more authentic and just be fun, I think. This year we were in one of the sunday school rooms.

It feels very wintery here in south texas this morning and I am enjoying every minute of it.

Poor Bruce can hardly get out of bed this morning after wrestling Thelma Lou in and out of the horse trailer and from lifting bales of hay. I told next year we should just leave poor Thelma at home!

BTW, the dogs I saw last night were not the ones that attacked my goats, thankfully.

Better get moving...got to drag Erin out of bed. She had a big time last night and will be draggin' her wagon this morning.

Boo
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81941: "our" Christmas Fest, that is.

Boo
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81942: Morning porch, hope everyone is well today. very cold this morning, snow everywhere and windy. My son brought me to work this morning, don't know how long I will be here but will try and stay for a while. Can't imagine people will keep their appointments, but only my 8 am called to cancel so far.

Please say a prayer for my neighbor, his Mom passed away yesterday after having a heart attack on Thursday afternoon. A good Christian lady named Minnie. Such a hard thing for him especially this time of year.

Breakfast menu will be: eggs, bacon, french toast with syrup, jelly, or apple butter. coffee, tea, chocolate milk to drink.

have a blessed day. Prayers all around.
Big Maude
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81943: Mornin' Y'all- no snow here,but we did have some rain and hail yesterday. Lots of wind and boy, is it COLD!

I would've loved to have seen Thelma Lou in the Christmas Nativity, Boo!

Maude, prayers for your neighbor.

Well,I need to do some chores around the rock- INDOOR chores,that is. Anything outside will have to wait until Spring, I think! LOL
Y'all have a good day & stay warm!
*******************
possum under a rock
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81944: Hey gang just a quick trouble check....16 degrees here at the dog house and its noon...back to work....will someone cook....its too cold for me....prayers to all....will holler from work...SPOT
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81945:
Maude- prayers for your neighbor, that is
always a tough situation.
Boo- now is the time (while in Christmas mode) to
sketch out a stable idea. That's what I do. Then i can re-visit it during the year. I find that if i don't, then it keeps getting put off until you "run out of time."
One easy way to do it would be with five 8x4 ft sheets of styrofoam, 2 in thick. Attach wooden 2x4s to the back, and then 2x4s going across the bottom as "feet." Put sandbags on those "feet"
and youre all set. Of course i forgot to say to paint the styro to look like wood planks, and you have your background. I'd be happy to sketch it out for you.
Possum- glad you liked the 1947 photo that I posted on FB. It sure looks idyllic, doesnt it.
And it was! Now, 8 kids and sixty-some years later, we are still a very close family. Mom went home in 2007, but, as you saw in the summer wedding pic, dad is still going strong at 92!! (:
Beautiful readings in church yesterday of the prophecies of Isaiah! And Jesus is the fulfillment of them all!
79 degrees here today!!
Prayers,
MDC
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81946:
Hey to SPOT, you sneaked in there!
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81947: Hi All.
It to cold for my so staying the the houes.
Had to make a new appointment for my stepdad becaues of the weather.
Rom waiting onthe list we have o the 15 to git thim out to be on time .

REST BENEATH HIS WINGS

In this restless world,
Lord, help me to be still
And walk in peace,
Surrendered to Yourwill.
In all I say and do
May You be glorified.
Lord, be my strength
From morn til eventide.
When the day is done
And darkness falls again,
Let me forget the things
That brought me pain;
And with a grateful heart
Find rest beneath Your wings,
Until the rising sun
New hope and healing brings.


TOM :)

December 13, 2010 - Msg 81948: Nice poem,Tom- thank you!

************
possum again
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81949: Beautiful, Tom! Thanks - what would we do without you and your lovely poems? Always just the right touch.

The Christmas card address list went out of here about ten minutes ago, so should be on your computers by now. If you're reading this, and are expecting to receive a list but didn't, or if you got it and see an error, please mention it here or email me, so I can correct whatever the problem may be. I think the list is pretty accurate, but you never know.

Boo, I would have loved to see your Nativity scene, and I'll bet you and Bruce will really do a great job next year. MDC's idea for building a better stable sound great! Not too hard to do, and would look fine. One hint, based on some very limited experience with styrofoam - test out any paint, glue or other substances you might be wanting to use on the foam. Some things will melt it like water melted the Wicked Witch!

Well, I have to work tonight, so guess I'd better hit the sack for a little while and try to get a nap. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81950:
Good point ROmeena. I use only water based paints. but you're right, any oil based will eat it up. The sheets they make now are also covered with a plastic film, but it pulls off easily, and then the styro will accept waterbased paint really well, and it will actually strengthen it.
have a good day,
MDC
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81951: Bold gone?
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81952: Test

December 13, 2010 - Msg 81953: Sounds like a good idea MDC, but here is my only concern; the church sits out in the middle of a big field, which is actually a cotton field and it is very windy almost all of the time. It might be hard to keep the styrofoam from cracking or breaking. It might work, though.

Well I got Christmas cards from Possum and Maude today! I still have to send mine out but it won't be long.

Prayers for your neighbor friend, Maude...bless his heart.

Well, guess who was at my front door at 8am? The woman who owned the dogs that killed my goat. There she stood with a check in her hand to pay for the vet bills. She looked very much like my departed friend, Karen. The said she was very sorry for what happened and keeps the dogs up all the time now. She seemed to feel very badly about it and even cried when I told her it was ok now and gave her a hug. I certainly didn't expect the visit but I'm glad she came.

Well, better get back to tending to what needs to be done around here. Ya'll stay warm.

Boo
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81954: Hey, porch. I got three emails back from the ones I sent out containing the Christmas card list. The ones whose addresses failed were: Mayberry Deputy, Homemaker, and Kentucky Girl. If you three will get me your correct email address, I'll send you the list.

Oh, sorry about leaving the BOLD on up there. I thought I had turned it off, guess I had a typo. That's the bad thing about computers - they always do exactly what you tell them to do, not necessarily what you wanted them to do. Picky things!

Well, gotta get my monkey suit on and head for the hospital and a twelve-hour shift. I've just got to find something I can do at home to make the extra money I have to have. Prayers, please.

Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
December 13, 2010 - Msg 81955:
Hello porch family

Maude...prayers for your neighbor. So sad.

Last night about midnight a young man that my daughter knows really good had a wreck and was killed. The car burst into flames but thank God the autopsy showed that he died before the flames reached his body. He was 19 years old. His mom is such a sweetheart. Prayers for that family please. They are a very close knit family. The young man that was killed is a twin and of course his brother is about to go off the deep end.

Ro...thanks for the list. Hope you have a good/smooth work shift.

Tom...that poem should be our prayer. Thanks

Well I better go check on my wife.....she's not feeling too good. Got a nasty ole cold so I better go pamper her.
Love and prayers! Jesus loves you!
-REV.
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81956: Boo,Maude & I are like the Fun Girls- fast! LOL
(well, we're fast with the Christmas cards, if nothing else!).

Prayers for that young man's family, Rev. So sad. And I hope your wife get better soon.

I'll leave on this note- DANG, It's cold!!
*******************
possum under a rock
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81957:
Morning porch family

Possum.....yes you're right...it's DANG cold here in SC this morning!

Ya'll come on over to the diner....I've got us a table and they have a fresh pot of coffee perking.

This is the day that the Lord has made...Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Love and prayers throughout this day!
-REV.
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81958: I'll meet you at the diner for some coffee, REV. I'll even spring for some breakfast. I am very sad to hear about your daughter's young friend. Such a sad reality of life here on earth. Lord be with his family and especially comfort his brother. I always think things like this are even harder at this time of year.

Prayers for you, Ro. I know its getting harder for you to pull those 12 hour shifts at the hospital. Hope last night was a good night for you with minimal "whiners". ;-)

I have a question for you wise people. It concerns sister in law who is living with us. She seems to be slipping back into some old bad habits and it is causing some stress around here. We hate talking to her about anything because she is very emotionally immature and gets very upset if confronted about anything. She had to drop her anatomy class to protect her GPS and has done very well in the two other classes she took, but she is going to have to switch to an online program to get her coding certification and will hopefully be done in 6 to 8 months and be on her own. She has been slacking and not really pulling her weight around here (staying up late on the computer and sleeping late in the morning) and seems to have a headache that requires a nap everyday. It is starting to get on my nerves because we have talked with her before about going to bed and getting up so she can help out around here more while I school Sean. She got up earlier for about 2 weeks and then kind of reverted back. Here is the real question, though; when Bruce offered her a place to live while she went to school to be able to support herself, one of the things he said was that we are a church=going family and that he would want her to attend church as well. She is a Christian but seems to come up with some really flimsy excuses for not going and has not been to church in months. She says she doesn't like the way the preacher preaches, doesn't like the way the choir sings, just silly excuses because it takes an effort to get up on Sunday morning and get to sunday school. I had a talk with her yesterday because she was putting down my friend Mark, the pastor, and I get tired of hearing it. She says he didn't speak to her when she was there or some such and I told her that when she is there her body language speaks loudly and says, "Leave me alone because I don't want to be here!"..haha...and it does. Anyway, I mentioned that when Bruce offered her a place to live he said he wanted her to go to church on sunday and she said, 'He didn't require it, he just said he would like it". So, should we tell her she needs to go to church if she is living here or should we drop it and let her stay home. I told her that going just to please us is not the right reason for going, but what matters is what God would want for her. She said she was sure God would want her to go but she doesn't want to go there, basically. Should I just drop it and let her do what she wants? She really seems to resent being told to change anything...its kind of like having another kid in the house sometimes. Thanks for listening and any wisdome appreciated.

Better go roll Erin out of bed.

Oh, one thing more...I am having concerns about Sean. We are supposed to be getting a referrel for a doc at Texas Childrens who is an endocrinologist because of Sean's high cholesterol and inability to take meds because they cause clotting problems for him. I have not heard back from the doctor but I keep thinking there is a hormone imbalance with Sean. The way he seemed to have breast development when he started on the meds for the Tourettes and he is 15 and while he has some developement, he has some very feminine characteristics and it concerns me. I was lying awake last night worrying about what to do about it and I have to give it to the Lord and trust him to lead us in what to do. I appreciate your prayers for Sean and I love you all.

Better scram...

Boo