December 14, 2010 - Msg 81959: GPA, not GPS..haha

Boo
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81960: Finally someone swept...its been over a week! :-)

Boo
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81961: Morning porch, COLD on my end of the porch this morning. 14 degrees and a little wind blowing so I am sure the wind chill is below 0. I made it to work this morning with no problem, hopefully folks will be able to keep their appointments today.

prayers for your daugther and her friends family. such a sad tragedy.

better see what I need to take care of this morning.

Lunch menu will be: beef stew, grilled cheese sandwhiches. oatmeal cookies for dessert. tea, lemonade to drink. Have a very blessed day.

Prayers all around.

Big Maude
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81962: Good morning, porch. Work went pretty well, though it's still a disorganized mess, with the transition to mother/baby care for us. No one likes it, not even the patients, but our mucho honcho in administration is determined we're going to do it, so I guess we will.

REV, what a terrible tragedy. I know it's small consolation, but oh, thank God the young man didn't die in the fire. If he had to die, I'm glad it wasn't that way. I'll be praying for Erica and for the family involved. So sad. Oh, and I'm sure this won't come as news, but they had better keep an eye on his twin for a while. Twins often have such a mysterious bond, and it's possible that the twin could get the notion that he's supposed to go with his brother.

Boo, you pose a difficult question. I'm not sure that requiring your SIL to attend church is the thing to do, but I can certainly understand why Bruce took that approach. He wants her in church for what it would mean to her, and he is probably thinking of the example she would be setting for the kids by not going. Incidentally, it annoys me to no end when someone uses the excuse that they "don't like the way the preacher preaches, don't like the music, etc." Church services are for worship, not entertainment. It's not a Broadway show. If the preacher is not preaching the truth, then that's another matter, and I for one certainly appreciate good music, but that's not what it's all about. My guess is that church attendance (or not) is a red herring she's throwing at you so you'll let her alone about everything else. She knows what pushes your buttons, and she's doing it. It's worth debating with you about church, if it keeps your attention diverted from her laziness and refusal to help out. Shame on her.

You asked for opinions, and you know better than to put that in front of me, unless you're prepared for me to answer, so here goes. I would tell her to get her lazy fanny out of bed and help out, and not just when she's asked - use her eyes and brain and see what needs to be done and do it. I would say that you hate to treat her this way, but since she insists on behaving like a lazy, irresponsible teenager, you have no choice but to treat her like one. Remind her that she is over 21, considered to be an adult, and if she wants to be treated that way, she's going to have to earn and deserve it. As for church, tell her that if she can stay home while everyone else goes, and feel comfortable with the example she's setting for Sean and Erin, and if she truly feels that God doesn't care whether she acknowledges Him or not, then that choice is up to her. However, if she's going to stay home, there will be a list of things that need to be done, and you will expect them to be completed when you get home. Now, if this is too much for her and she doesn't want to cooperate, then suggest she find another answer, one that doesn't require you to feed, clothe and shelter her. And stick to it. It's called tough love. On the off chance that she's truly just not capable of handling reality and responsibility, then maybe she needs to look into a group home where she can be cared for, or at least supervised. You and Bruce have more than enough on your plates, with Sean's issues and everything else. Enough is enough.

Wow. I sound like a mean old lady, don't I? If there are extenuating circumstances of which I'm not aware, then please forgive, and ignore all of the above. If not, then I stand on it.

Blessings! --Romeena
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81963: Did you hear that, Ro???...it was the sound of me standing up and cheering! I especially like the part about leaving her a list of things to do if she decides to stay home. I just have to get tougher and not let her moping get to me when she doesn't like something. Bruce and I are going to have a talk later this evening. You know I have told her more than once, don't wait to be told what to do, when you see something that needs to be done, do it. That hasn't worked out so well so I guess I will have to make out a list of what is expected each day. I was especially frustrated the week that I had my nuclear stress test and was out all day only to come home and find nothing done because she had a bad headache. So did after the stuff they gave me for the test but I couldn't just give up and hibernate...too much needed to be done. Also, when I was going through all the stress of dealing with the sick baby goat, I hoped she would step in and help but she spent most of the day in bed. It made me feel like she really doesn't care enough and I can't help but think about if things were reversed. If I were homeless and my brother took me in I would be up early every morning and the house would be spotless, no matter what else I thought I had to do. She knows all I deal with and she helps out in ways that she wants to help out sometimes but not nearly enough. Sometimes I think she just doesn't see things the way I do. I have a "thing" about my kitchen, especially the counters. I like them clean and if there is a spill I wipe it up. I probably go over my counters 2 or three times a day but they are white and I notice spills on them. She seems to continuously spill tea and sugar on the counters and just leaves it there. I have told her that I don't like it but she just seems not to see it most of the time. I think what bothers me the most is the "but I did this" attitude. Its like kids when you give them responsibilities...they do the part they want to do or do the job half-way and then when you tell them its not good enough they get sullen and try to give you the "but I did this.." line. I don't want to be mean or sound mean but its getting frustrating because I feel like I have another child in the house sometimes. She is the eternal martyr and you know how tough it is to get through to someone who is using that defense. I am really starting to not care, though.

Better get going...homeschooling to do and chores and I have to squeeze in a visit with my parents today because I called them last night and they were really missing me. My dad said to me before I hung up, "I love you more than you could ever know". And mom said, "I love you more than anything in this world". I can't wait to see them and give them a hug.

Boo
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81964:
Good sweep Boo!!
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81965:
Boo-just as Ro is opinionated, you know that I am too!! haha So, besides puttingmy big stamp of approval on what she said, I'll also mention how i taught junior high and lived to tell about it! ha Actually, I'll start with God, he gave us the 10 Commandments, not the 10 Suggestions; and we KNOW THE PARAMETERS of his commands. So it has to be with you to her, just as it was from me to my students, or God to us. By setting the tone from the outset, the limits are known, and if those limits are tested, then one suffers the consequences! Period. (i.e. : No computer after 10 PM. She is still on it at 10:30, so then computer-saavy bruce puts on a program that automatically shuts it off at 10 PM, or you just put a simple timer on the outlet to do it. In other words, you must stick to what you say, or else she will see that she can stretch the parameters to suit herself, and you and bruce lose control of the situation. I know that's easier said than done, especially when you have to backtrack, but this is even supernanny's main tactic used on each show I've seen. And of course my prayers will be with you!! (:
God bless,
MDC
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81966:
Boo....seems to me you have been given the best possible advice available. I 100% agree with what has been posted concerning your SIL. I know it's hard to be stern sometimes but as the Christian mom of your household you have to take a stand in Godly love. And if that leads to giving her the choice of getting her act together or leaving....well she can make the choice. Bruce needs to also let her know that he stands firm with that decision.
My prayers are with you in this Boo!
Love and prayers!
-REV.
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81967: Chilly here in Virginia, 27 degrees and wind is a blowing. Just stopped by to say hello, little cold for peeling apples and making ice cream. :)
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81968:
81967--you are you if i may ask? Welcome.
I was looking at the 12-2008 archives and there was a "Trixie" posting. So many have come and gone. Hope everyone is having a blessed Christmas season.
MDC
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81969: You're so right, MDC. I wish all our straying porchsters would come home. I miss them! Everyone is an important part of the porch. Some of us are more verbal than others (ahem!) but even those who just offer a friendly greeting now and then are important. It's like the folks at church whom you really don't know well, but it's pleasant to see them and share a smile on Sunday mornings.

Well, gotta run. One more shift, then I'm off until next week. One daughter and her family are coming on Friday, so I'm looking forward to that. We'll have a regular Christmas weekend, gifts opened, turkey on Saturday, etc. So it's a week early. Doesn't matter. It's being together that counts.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81970: Good sweep Boo!..hey Rev Brett Farve"s days of football may be over ....great career and hall of fame for sure!..thanks for lunch maude..hey Romeena...MDC it was 12 here this in Ga...coldest on this date in 90 years...not nuch warmer till Friday..Got the cards porchsters...Thanks..such good to have friends like the porch..got to thinking of how long I have been on here and will have to go look at the archives...I had my wreck in Oct of 2004 and had been on here a few years before that I think...Lucy hope yer coping with the cold down there..ok...let me get some things done here at work...got left over crock pot veggie soup and cornbread!...hey possum make a meat loaf for lunch for tomorrow ok....I need a meatloaf sandwich for lunch!...prayers!...SPOT
December 14, 2010 - Msg 81971:
Hello porch family

Spot...yep it maybe over for Brett but like you said he's going to the "hall".

Ro...enjoy your family. You're so right....it's being together that counts.

13 degrees here tonight...that's cold for SC.

Have a great night and stay warm.
Love and prayers!
-REV.


December 14, 2010 - Msg 81972:
By the way MDC....my wife fixed tacos tonight for dinner and used your hot sauce.....GOOD STUFF

-REV.
December 15, 2010 - Msg 81973:
SPOT, I believe you began posting on October 17, 2003 with Msg 16111 through Msg 16114.

from Poor Horatio
December 15, 2010 - Msg 81974: Wow good Job Poor Horatio!..I new it had been a long time...ok cold here 24 degrees ...headed home and back at 2 to finish my week...prayers to all and Im gona stop by waffle house and get one of those big curved corner tables...yall meet me there ...Boo bring yer local paper and I will get one here....Love ya porch...be cool now ya here ..I said "cool" not Cold!...SPOT
December 15, 2010 - Msg 81975: Just looking back at the archives and realized that I have been here on the porch for going on 9 years. Hard to believe. The tone of the porch has certainly changed and it is much less lively than it used to be. So many folks were dropping in and out and so many missing now. Sad, really. I am very thankful for the ones who have stayed, though. :-)

See ya at the waffle house, SPOT...I'll bring the local paper.

Boy, Christmas will be here before you know it. This month is flying by.

Boo
December 15, 2010 - Msg 81976:
Hey Folks

It's cold here too. However, we're gonna make into the 20's today.

PH-I just noticed you posted about the the Bills playing games in TO. I think it just comes down to economics. TO is about 10 times larger than Buffalo. I couldn't tell ya much more. I next to never watch or follow pro-football.

I've started filming the wildlife we have around our home. So far, I have a large red fox and a fawn on tape, right next to the house. Actually, the fawn is eating the ivy off the side of the house.

Rev-You were colder, by a couple of degrees, in SC than we were here in NY the other day.

MDC-To say they are lame ducks would be an insult to water fowl and the lame.

Romeena-Years ago I had a blog. A few of us would post our thoughts and comment on each others blogs. Then W was elected and everyone seemed to have lost their mind. So much misdirected hate and anger.

Peace and Prayers,
auh2o
December 15, 2010 - Msg 81977: Hi All
Auh2o cold here this monre 10 degrees.
Romeena Don stop by today to see how I was doing and he to till you MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Hop everyone is staying warm from this storm that came by?

TOM

December 15, 2010 - Msg 81978:
REV- the Tapitio or the other or both? Dang hot! ha
Auh20-- you are a caution! good one!
Boo- I hope we werent too hard on you.
Spot, we've been in the 70s.
Wow was your accident really 6 years ago??
PH - good to see ya
TOM- did you get my card?
God bless us every one!!
MDC
December 15, 2010 - Msg 81979:
Howdy porch family.....had a lunch meeting with a friend at Texas Roadhouse. Good time, good fellowship and good food.

MDC....I used both of them....they are both good sauce.

auh2o....that's crazy about us being colder than NY.

Boo....you're so right...time sure flies. This year is pretty much pasted us by. But I'm praying for even a more Jesus filled year for 2011.

You all have a great night.
Love and prayers!
-REV.
December 15, 2010 - Msg 81980: Good evening, porch. To all you frozen northerners, be aware that it's a balmy 72 degrees here in the Dallas area, at 10 p.m. It is expected to get cooler starting tomorrow, but for now, I have daffodils eight inches high in the beds out front. They'll get nipped back before they bloom, I hope, and will go back to sleep until spring.

I'm off to bed - very early for me, but I never went to bed when I got home this morning, so I'm pretty beat. Tomorrow will be a big day. Eloise and I will take off in the morning, go by the hospital where a friend is having a huge back surgery, then shopping, lunch, and a pedicure. Then tomorrow night is a Christmas dinner at church. Friday, my daughter and her family will arrive, so I've got a lot to get done.

Blessings, all! --Romeena
December 16, 2010 - Msg 81981:
Night friends! You'll be in my prayers.
MDC
December 16, 2010 - Msg 81982:
Morning Porch

Cold, snowy, and beautiful here this morning.

Tom-Hope you're staying warm. I know we're as snug as a bug in a rug.

Rev-We have a few of those Texas Roadhouse's around here. I love that burger they have with the FF onion rings on it with BBQ sauce and sharp cheddar.

Romeena-Aside from missing the flowers, and I do, I just love this time of year around here. Nothing beats Spring but this is real good. Or, when you mentioned Northerners were you speaking of Rev at 14 degrees in SC? hehe

Mr. Parker: It's a Major Award!
Swede: Shucks, I wouldn't know that. It looks like a lamp.

auh2o
December 16, 2010 - Msg 81983: Morning porch, were are having a heat wave here in Northeast Tennessee this mornng. 32 degrees! We had more snow last night and very ICY this morning, my husband brought me to work. Not sure if folks will show up though. Unfortunately they do not always call and cancel their appointments until the morning of so I never know about my schedule.

please continue to pray for me that I will continue to have what's needed to help folks. For some reason I seem to be struggling with my emotional energy. Hopefully I can regroup and regenerate having a few days off the end of next week. thanks.

Thanks to everyone for the Christmas cards. They surely brigthen my day.

Lets go to Olive Garden for lunch! soup,salad and breadsticks sound good to me.

Everyone have a blessed day. Prayers all around.
Big Maude

December 16, 2010 - Msg 81984: Hahaha! Good one, auh2o! I imagine REV would question being referred to as a "northerner", for sure. Weather patterns sure are strange, aren't they? We got a big chill during the night, and it's now 41 out there. Irises are still blooming proudly, but 30 is predicted for tonight, so that may finally take them out. I hope not, because it's such fun to have them blooming so beautifully right now.

I guess I just enjoy all the seasons. Spring, of course, defies description. Summer is so hot and lazy, especially during the "dog days" when you just sit and dream of a cool north wind. Fall, or what passes for it around here, is a special time, as I think I described earlier. Winter in this part of the world is usually just cold and wet, but once in a while, as happened last year, we get a bit of snow and it's just so incredibly beautiful. People in these parts see it as a major occasion. You'll see little six-inch snow men riding around on the top of cars, or some people will completely denude their yards of snow, leaving just muddy grass, in order to build a little two-footer in the yard. Last year, though, we had some very impressive snowmen, and it didn't take all the snow in the yard to build them, either. My neighbors all had them, and it was such fun. I left my yard pristine, and just enjoyed the snowmen others had built. Can you tell I like snowmen? Actually, that's what I have under my Christmas tree - a collection of snowman figures in various activities - skiers, shoppers, carolers, families playing with snow children, even a snowman policeman, and best of all, a snow figure Nativity. I love it! Then of course, there's "Snowman Row" on the mantle. I have garland around the outer edge, and plush snowmen are crammed into a smiling throng on the shelf itself. Little ones and big ones, just a big happy mix. Really cute!

Well, gotta run. I got a good night's sleep, feel good, and am about to go pick up Eloise for a day of shopping and mousing around. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
December 16, 2010 - Msg 81985:
Morning porch family....kinda messy today with light drizzly rain.

auh2o......"northerner"....well I guess I am north of Florida:) lol

Ro....you and Eloise have a good time today. Tell her hi for me.

Maude....prayers that God give you renewed strength and rest.

Better get busy getting things done around here. See ya'll at the Olive Garden for lunch.

Remember Jesus loves you!
Love and prayers!
-REV.


December 16, 2010 - Msg 81986: Hi All.
Will someone stop it from snow and rain?
Ican not keep warm becaues of all the cold wind.
Romeena have fun whay your family this weekend!
MDC no I did not git yje card.

prayer for all are porch family for a self and happy hoildays.

TOM

December 16, 2010 - Msg 81987:
Hello porch! Good to sit and rock for a bit.
We are overcast today, low dark clouds. One of those ten days each year! haha
Prayers for all needs today, especially Big Maude.
Something's in the "air' this year Maudie. hard for me to get "up" even tho I did a new Christmas scene. I think it is still the bleak economy, and the outlook, the related problems around Europe, etc, all just very unsettling. But i keep my eye on the prize and keep on keeping on, and
keep that psalm 91 etc in mind at all times.
God bless!
MDC
"George Bailey lassos stork??"

December 16, 2010 - Msg 81988: Hey Y'all- Put me down for another one who hasn't gotten into the Christmas spirit this year. While I'm far from the "Bah Humbug" stage, I just don't seem to be too enthused this year. Perhaps I'll get with it the closer it gets to Christmas. Prayers for Maude, MDC and all struggling with the Christmas blues.
Hey Rev, we had sleet last night! I imagine things must be really icy up in your part of the state. Drive safe out on those roads!
See y'all at Olive Garden!
*******************
possum under a rock
December 16, 2010 - Msg 81989: Hey guys, long time no rocking I know. Thanks for the Christmas cards so far, I enjoy it so much. Got mine mailed out today. Kind of weird I got three in the mail the other day, and all three had been opened whoever did it was nice enough to leave my power bill alone, they could of had that LOL. Just another sign of the times we are living in I guess, people looking for money, gift cards and such. I'm another one who's being scrooge this year honestly I'll be glad when it's over with. On the plus side though, we're at a balmy 44 degrees today, a far cry from the 2 we were at yesterday. Still got a yard full of snow hoping this rain takes care of that. I hope you all are warm and safe today lots of bad weather around. Gonna go rustle up something for lunch love and prayers to you all--Salty Dog.
December 16, 2010 - Msg 81990:
Hey Salty Dog, good to see you, thanks for the update. Merry christmas to you.
MDC
December 16, 2010 - Msg 81991: This is the day that the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. --Romeena
December 17, 2010 - Msg 81992: Gi All.
Will the snow stop for now and it warm up into the upr 20 deg.

TOM

December 17, 2010 - Msg 81993:
Morning porch!!
It is very overcast and FOGGY here this morning,
looks like London in Phx! Hope you are all doing OK, lots of snow etc around the country.
Have we told all our Christmas stories over the years? Did i ever tell you about our Christmas angel? When my wife's folks were living, we we used to drive to Yuma (about a 4 hour drive)to see them for Christmas every other year. We were driving there christmas eve 1991 when we had a flat tire in basically in the middle of nowhere. Well, I couldnt budge the lugnuts. Apparently the last time the tires were worked on the nuts got super tightened. About 5 minutes into this pre-cellphone situation, a guy stopped his car.
It was dark, cold, and on a long stretch of desert highway. This big bruiser jumped out, and we werent sure what would happen, so I quickly told cecile to move behind the car. There i stood like barney facing Fred Plumber! I did have the little, black lugnut wrench in my hand which he quickly proceeded to take from me before i even had a chance to do anything. He said, "let me help" and then loosened all the nuts. Then he told us that he was in a big hurry, and could we do the rest. I said "sure," and off he went into the night! An angel? I'm not sure to this day, but he was definitely an angel that Christmas eve back in 1991!! (:
Love youse guys!
MDC
December 17, 2010 - Msg 81994: Wow! What a great story, MDC. Who is to say who the man was? I think it's important to note that he seemed to know there was a problem, in spite of the fact that there was a man on the scene (you), and he stopped. He did just enough to get you over the problem, then left the rest for you to finish. He was a "big bruiser", just what you needed to loosen those impossible lugnuts. God does always seem to meet us at our point of need, doesn't He? So - angel or Spirit-motivated mortal, it really doesn't matter. God provided.

I think I may have mentioned this before, but I'll run it by again, because the phenomenon is on-going. Years ago, in a family Christmas gathering, a really cute stuffed toy was one of the gifts. We always did the routine where you can choose a gift, or "steal" one that's already been opened. Through some conniving on her part, and the grace of her children and grandchildren who let her get away with it, my mom ended up with the toy. It's an adorable penguin, about two feet tall, dressed in a red and green suit and wearing a little hat. If you squeeze his hand, he plays Christmas carols. When my mom passed, of course the penguin remained with my dad, and he enjoyed him a lot. Toward the end of his life, Daddy was fascinated with that sort of toy, and had quite a collection of them, but the penguin was the star. After Daddy passed, the penguin came to live with me.

Now, here's where the story gets interesting. The first Christmas after Daddy's passing in 2003, the penguin was brought out with the rest of my Christmas stuff, and I placed him in a small rocking chair that had been my mom's. I wanted him to have a place of honor, and knew the whole family would appreciate his presence. The first night after I finished decorating, just as I pressed the remote to turn on the TV, the little penguin began playing "Silent Night." I thought it was very odd, but decided he had just "slipped a cog" and went about my business. Soon I realized this was happening every time I used the remote. He plays through one whole song, a different one each time. I think this is very odd, since his "on" switch is in his hand, and requires pressure. How does the signal from the TV remote activate him? I'm sure there's an explanation, and actually I think a couple were offered the last time I talked about this, but I'm not sure I want to know. I'd rather just say "Hi, Mom!" when he begins to play a carol. Mom's penguin, sitting in her rocker - what do you think?

Well, I've got to go clean pond pumps. At least it's not freezing out there, it's about 45. The freeze predicted for last night didn't happen, and I still have iris blooms on four-foot stalks, waving proudly in the breeze. So pretty!

Merry Christmas, porch! --Romeena
December 17, 2010 - Msg 81995: Whew! So busy the last two day have not even been on the porch. Had to stop in and say Hi. Can't stay this time because I am hosting the Deacon's party tonight here at the house and last minute things to do. It is going to be fun! I will stop by later to fill you all in. I am LOVING the christmas stories. Keep 'em coming!!


Love,
Boo
December 17, 2010 - Msg 81996:
Hello porch family.

Possum....no we didn't get any sleet/snow in the Midlands. Just rain here. I think they got some in the upstate.

MDC & Ro....Love those Christmas stories.

Well wife is calling me for dinner. We hardly ever eat fried food but tonight she decided to fry some fish.....better go...it's smelling good!

Love and prayers for you all!
-REV.
December 17, 2010 - Msg 81997:
Boo....partying with the demons...oopps I meant Deacons. lol
Ya'll have a great time!
-REV.
December 18, 2010 - Msg 81998:
Nighty nite all!
December 18, 2010 - Msg 81999: Hey y'all- went Christmas shopping yesterday and since I'm just getting over being sick, I am pretty wiped out today. Just wanted to check in and see what's happening on the Porch.
Love the Christmas stories!
Well, gonna go wrap some presents- y'all have a good afternoon.
*******************
possum under a rock
December 18, 2010 - Msg 82000:
I'm enjoying recording and watching the old black and white What's My Line and I've Got A Secret programs that air in the middle of the night on the GSN network.
Last night was a special night for these two programs. On What's My Line, the mystery guest was our old friend Andy Griffith. And on I've Got A Secret, they had the men who were the voices of The Lone Ranger, The Shadow, The Green Hornet, and Boston Blackie on the radio back in the 1940's. You can still hear some of these programs on certain radio stations and on the internet. I love to listen to these old radio programs late at night, especially the comedy programs.

Hello and welcome back to Salty Dog. Don't be such a stranger.

from Poor Horatio
December 19, 2010 - Msg 82001:
Hey PH, who's on first? ha
One what's my line I saw in it's original(Imagine that!) was Ronald Reagan when he was
governor of California!!
I guess everyone is out shopping today!
Pleasant dreams,
MDC
December 19, 2010 - Msg 82002: Good early morning Gang..Good Sunday to all...got a chance to work last night (sat)..gona go home and sleep a bit then down to my aunts for my Moms Side of the family Christmas!..good eats and people...hey Possum,MDC,Ro,Boo,horatio and all...ok im tired...b-fast will be at Boo"s house..I will bring the paper.....SPOT
December 19, 2010 - Msg 82003: Breakfast is ready, SPOT...pull up a chair, eat and then I have to get ready for preachin' so you can do the dishes...hehe.

Hope ya'll have a wonderful sunday.

REV, I had a great time at the DEACON's party. :-)

Boo
December 19, 2010 - Msg 82004:
MDC, yes, Who is on first, What is on second, I Don't Know is on third, Why is in left field, Because is in center field, Tomorrow is pitching, Today is catching, and I Don't Give A Darn is the shortstop. And although he is never mentioned, I suspect Wrong is in right field.
Also, I did some checking and learned that during the original run of What's My Line (between 1951 and 1967), Ronald Reagan appeared on the following dates:
- July 19, 1953 as a mystery guest
- May 20, 1956 as a member of the panel.
But this was long before he was governor of California. Are you sure what you saw him on was What's My Line?

With the recent talk about how things have been slowing down here at the Front Porch, I did some checking about how active we have been in the last 5 years.
In 2006, there are 151 pages of archives.
In 2007, there are 134 pages of archives.
In 2008, there are 128 pages of archives.
In 2009, there are 101 pages of archives.
In 2010, there are 67 pages of archives so far, with no more than 68 expected by the end of the year.
This is a 55% drop over the last 5 years and a 33% drop in just the past year. Interesting, isn't it?

from Poor Horatio
December 19, 2010 - Msg 82005: Happy Sunday porch family. Hope all is well today. A beautiful Sunny but chilly day on my end of the porch. holding to about 30 degrees. been to sunday school and preaching and then to Hardees for a quick lunch. Came home and just relaxing a bit. Lots I need to or could do but just not in the mind to do it. I made a crock pot of home made vegetable soup yesterday so that will be supper. Think I will add a grilled cheddar cheese sandwhich and call it a meal. Ya'll are welcome to join us.

Have a great afternoon and I will check in from work tomorrow.

Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude
December 19, 2010 - Msg 82006: Hi All.
It had ben a bad day for me?
The heat dead on me and now I have no money to git it fix
I going to called pleand was us can git some help for thing.
THANK YOUall for the cards,

TOM

December 19, 2010 - Msg 82007: Gosh Tom, I hate to hear that you don't have any heat! Praying you can get it fixed somehow.Maybe you could get some assistance through the Salvation Army or some organization like that?? God bless, friend.
*******************
possum under a rock
December 19, 2010 - Msg 82008: Possum I working on that Monday
I hope so.

tom

December 19, 2010 - Msg 82009:
Hello porch family....a day of church, food and family. Great day!

PH....that's interesting......wonder if folks are busier now or if it just gets "old school" to them and they just move on to other adventures?

Tom...praying you can get your heater problem solved.

Boo....glad your party turned out great.

I'll take care of breakfast in the morning at the diner. I'll get there early and put two tables together.

Spot....you working in the morning? If you are I'll bring you a plate over for breakfast after I leave the diner.

Ya'll have a good night and know that I'm praying for you.
Love and prayers!
-REV.
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82010: HI PORCH.
Tom, did you call the man? Will be praying.
Glad the cards are coming in.
Pappabear says thatnk you as well.
PH- It may have been To Tell The Truth or was
there a second run of What's My Line after the
original? because I can clearly picture the panel
removing there blindfolds, and seeing Reagan sitting there! ha
As far as the porch "ratios" go, I attribute it to blogs, other social networking, etc.
But i will keep coming back to the porch! (:
Night friends.
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82011:
oops--MDC
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82012: Morning folks, checking in from work this morning. It was about 22 cloudy degrees this morning in Northeast Tennessee. Working today, hopefully I will be busy and the day will pass quickly.

My Patrick will turn 20 tomorrow! I can't believe how fast that happened. One more semester at the local community college and then he will be off to Tenn Tech in Cookeville, Tn to finish his last 2 years of college.

I appreciate the Christmas cards from everyone. Thanks to Pappa Bear for the kind note he wrote in his. He is right, folks don't "write" to one another anymore. You guys are all the best.

I sent a recent picture of the kids to Romeena for the album so you all can see them.

Tom, hope you get your heat working. Possum's idea of contacting the Salvation Army or a local church is a great idea.

Thanks for breakfast from the diner Rev!

Lunch menu will be: roast beef sandwhiches, SLAW, chips. oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for dessert. tea, kool aid to drink. see you at lunch time.

Prayers and blessings to all.
Better get back to work.
Big Maude
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82013: Thanks for b-fast Boo...Maude lunch will be great on this cold ga day..hey Romeena,possum,,ok im starved bring on them sandwiches....SPOT
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82014: I just stopped by to wish everyone a merry Christmas. May you all receive many blessings in the coming year.

PH: I know I used to eat up quite a bit of band width with my daily ramblings. I'm on Facebook but rarely post there.

Again, Merry Christmas!

Me-They
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82015: Merry Christmas to you and yours, Me- They!

************
possum again
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82016: Good morning, porch! It's absolutely beautiful here today, 52 degrees, bright and sunny with a breeze that should (please, Lord) take the remaining leaves from the trees. Poor Eddie was here Friday morning, had the yard looking beautiful, and now it's a carpet of leaves again. Of course, I think that's beautiful too, so it really doesn't matter. It's fun, though, when the grass can be seen, because it's emerald green, while most everyone else's lawn is mostly brown. That's the fescue seed we put out in early fall. Such an easy thing to do, and gives such big reward. A pretty green lawn all winter, then as the fescue dies in the summer, it composts and becomes natural fertilizer.

I'm enjoying all the Christmas cards - hope to get mine out today! (Yes, I know I'm late - I'm sorry!) Boo, your card was beautiful, and your sweet note was much appreciated. Your note really hit the mark, and your wish for me has already been fulfilled. Heather and her family arrived Friday night, I had a light supper ready for them, we ate and all got in bed at a decent hour. Up Saturday morning and what a wonderful day we had. I had done some of the dinner prep on Friday, so it didn't take long to get turkey and dressing and trimmings on the table. The teenage boys (Tyler and Travis) cleaned out my pond, got all the leaves out, and then put the leaf net over it, which I had been unable to accomplish alone. Now no more leaves to deposit tannin in the water! Little Trip, age 3 (barely) is a busy little motorscooter who keeps everyone on their toes. He has perfected the fine art of diplomacy, and after meddling where he shouldn't, will turn to you and smile sweetly and say "Can I have a kiss?" He's blond and blue-eyed, with a slender build, and wore some stretchy striped pajamas, which made him look exactly like an elf! His little hiney isn't six inches wide, and the PJs have a slight droop in the seat, where his diaper used to stretch the fabric a bit. No diapers now, he's a big boy! What a gift that child was! A total shock to his mom (age 42 at his birth) but a gift nonetheless. Julia, my new (step)granddaughter is a jewel. Beautiful, unassuming, helpful and sweet, I'm so glad we have her in the family. She's funny, great sense of humor.

We got up yesterday morning and Heather cooked us all a wonderful breakfast. I came stumbling out of my bedroom to be handed a plate of sausage and eggs! Imagine! Sure was good. They had planned to get back on the road around noon, but David called and asked us to come out to his house in Saginaw. Heather and Edwin had a quick consultation, and off we went! David's house is decorated like the Griswold's, and we didn't want to miss it. They decided they wanted to stay until after dark so they could see it lighted, so we just had a big old potluck supper - leftover pizza, baloney sandwiches (delish!), and helped them clean out their fridge! (Ha!) Incidentally, that's one of my favorite meals - just whatever is in the fridge, whether it "goes together" or not.

After they left, David took me and Landry (9 year old grandson) to a neighborhood a few miles from his house, where a man has set up an amazing display of computer-controlled Christmas lights, set to music, and broadcast on a local radio band. It's over thirty minutes long, and is really spectacular. The man who built it was careful to emphasize the "Reason for the Season", and one song was a patriotic one, with a beautiful flag displayed. Very, very nice.

Well, I've rambled long enough. I've just had such a wonderful Christmas already, I wanted to tell you about it. And just think - Christmas is still to come! God is good.

I wish for each of you a wonderful holiday, filled with joy. Merry Christmas! --Romeena
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82017: hi how are all of you on mayberry i am doing good and merry christmas and happy new year to all of mayberry porch your friend .....gizzmo
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82018: Good to see you Me-They, sure wish you would come back to the porch more often, I miss you!

So glad you had a wonderful Christmas with your family, Romeena. That is what it all about.

getting back to work.
Big Maude
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82019: ok hey romeena can you send me the christmas card list so i can send christmas card out to all of you on mayberry and as so as i get a computer i will be back on mayberry ok your friend ........gizzmo

December 20, 2010 - Msg 82020:
TOM- I got your card today. Thanks, very nice.
MDC
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82021:
Merry Christmas to Me-they and to gizmo.
Good to see ya both!
MDC
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82022: Hi All.
Yes MDC I called the man.
I asked if I can make pay on the repair he yse and I called to have him to come out and asked the somthing and he no that I will have to pay wind the job is done.
I tell him that I called last nkght and the guy say it was all right well he that nut the way it go.
so I have called to see if I can git some help togit it fix everyone say no, becaues of no money or the house is not in me name, and the famliy can not help becaues no money, so we go what no heart to I come up what the money and if I do ,I will every to wait because of the holidays 9 ray 0 brr.

TOM
no I'm not cry for help.

December 20, 2010 - Msg 82023: Good Monday evening porch family. Tom, thats awful you have no heat during this time. I hope you can find some kind of help. Sounds like everyone is getting ready for Christmas, I have my first of three dinners tomorrow night. Thankfully they are spaced out somewhat. Love hearing all these stories. I best get at it, gotta clean up the kitchen so I can mess it up again tomorrow cooking lol. I hope you all have a good evening love and prayers to you all-Salty Dog
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82024:
Goodnight porch family....you all sleep good!
Love and prayers!
-REV.
December 20, 2010 - Msg 82025: Too bad about the low-porch postings, P.H. Although not surprising; I think we’ve all noticed a decline in membership around here. Hard to tell about the reasons. I think in the past we’ve all commented (I know I have) about how it’s due to the political comments, but I really don’t think that’s the case anymore. Everyone has made such an effort to be sensitive to others viewpoints and opinions, that I can’t imagine that that’s the reason for the low postings. And I don’t think we can blame Face book either. I’m on there, but like Me-They, I don’t post there very often. In my own case, I just think it’s just not enough time. Seems like after work I just don’t have that much time to be on-line, and when I am, I’m usually researching something (like what causes my feet to tingle and stuff like that) (only to discover:: my foot’s asleep!). Seriously, I think posting will pick up after the first of the year, but, maybe it never will - who knows. In any case, this is one of the last “simple” sites, kind of refreshing, really, and Thank God (and Floyd) that we still have it. It’s still a place we can go where we know that everyone that does post here is “Mayberry-folks”.

I love Christmas. I’ve been humming and whistling Christmas songs since about the end of October. And playing them on my CD player at work since the first Monday after Thanksgiving. I tried to play them before Thanksgiving, but my co-workers gave that idea the thumbs-down. Party poopers. But the first Monday after Thanksgiving it was fair game, and we’ve had the Christmas tunes on since then. I know I’ve already shared this memory before, but it’s the only one I can think of at the moment. The year when I was about 6 or 7 years old, in Chino Valley, Arizona, at my school Christmas party. My Grandma and Grandpa always came to visit from Phoenix for a couple weeks around Christmas; and for some reason unknown to me (they probably couldn’t find anyone else), my Grandpa got volunteered to be “Santa” at our party. I still believed in Santa, and was so excited when he came to the party. And after he came down the aisle and passed out brown paper bags full of oranges and nuts to everyone, he went into the back room. I followed him for some reason, and had the shock of seeing him take off his fake beard and red stocking hat and discovered that it was my Grandpa. I was so shocked, and saddened, because I thought it was really Santa. It was a rude awakening for a little kid.

I have a good Samaritan story too. My dad died many years ago. It was the day after Thanksgiving, in 1985. Anyhow, it was such a terrible day, and very unexpected. We had just had a wonderful day the day before, with family and friends at Thanksgiving, and then he died the next day. On that particular Friday, it snowed and snowed. It was snowing when we got up, and it snowed all day long. We found Dad about 9:30 that morning, and throughout the morning there were paramedics, and family and finally the coroner. I remember staring out mom and dads back window, looking at their totally snow covered patio, and the beautiful snow-filled trees… and I had the biggest lump in my throat. Man, I hated that day. Anyway, with all the coming and going, at some point we looked out the front window and saw someone shoveling snow, so the ambulance could get out, and so that cars could come and go. I couldn’t tell who it was, since he was all bundled up in a coat and scarf, but I think I thought it was my brother-in-law. Until I saw him in the house later and realized it wasn’t him. Whoever the “masked snow-shoveler” was, he kept it up all thru out the morning, while the family was all in the house, in a daze. When we later stopped to try to figure out who it was, no one knew. We asked the neighbors, and no one knew who it was. To this day, we don’t have a clue. Just a random act of kindness, I guess. Someone who was passing by and saw all the emergency-activity, and decided to help, without ever getting any thanks. Bless his heart.

- Hazel

December 21, 2010 - Msg 82026: What a beautiful story, Hazel. A sad occasion, made just a bit less stressful by the kind action of some unknown person. As you said, a random act of kindness. May I add my own "blessing" toward that person, who is still unknown to you, but is known to God.

I guess everyone knows we're supposed to have a total lunar eclipse tonight, and the moon is going to appear to be a russet red color. Supposed to start about 12:30 around here, so guess I'll mosey out in a bit and see what I can see. Actually, I think it's too cloudy, but I'll check it out. Would be neat to see.

Merry Christmas, all. --Romeena
December 21, 2010 - Msg 82027: Hello all,
Blessings to each and everyone of you.
I am stopping by to say that I have missed this place, and thanks to Allen for keeping a dream alive.

Peace and Blessings to all that are here, and to those that once visited this wonderful Front Porch.

OTIS, aka (Rick from K.C.)
December 21, 2010 - Msg 82028: By the way, in case there are other Otis's, I'm the Otis from Kansas City, not to confuse anyone here.
Thanks again all,

where is the F.A.Q.?
December 21, 2010 - Msg 82029: Am I too old, or does anyone here remember the
FAQ Debacle?

Those were the great times on this BBS (Bulletin Board System).
December 21, 2010 - Msg 82030: Oh my God,
I just just..... got done reading some great posts.
I see so many familiar names.

I wish I had a quote for how I fell right now, but I am out of words..... So good to see Romeena, MDC. Hazel, Rev, Tom, Boo, Big Maude, wow, and that is only on this page.
You people are so gosh darn wonderful.
I've missed each and everyone of you.

Rick
December 21, 2010 - Msg 82031: in the old days, I would type, and then hit refresh...
but this was back when we were all on dial-up.
Do you all meet here at a designated time or is
is more of a "come how you are" situation"?

Before I go, say Hello to Allen Newsome, and
many thanks for keeping this BBS Alive!
December 21, 2010 - Msg 82032: just a newbie testing the refresh,
sorry if i am taking up server space


December 21, 2010 - Msg 82033: Trivia question:
what was the name of the original URL?
was it mayberry.org? Correct!!!
Who was the original owner of that URL?
I know, and most here know, but do you?
Rick

December 21, 2010 - Msg 82034: Before I go, is there any way to get text message updates from this forum?

I would love to return full time, no buts!