July 22, 2011 - Msg 84786: Good morning, all. Just got a minute to rock - many errands today. Asa, the 20% vinegar goes on straight, no mixing. Diluting it would just weaken it. You can also buy 10% vinegar, which I think is cheaper than the 20%, but doesn't work quite as well either. RU contains toxic chemicals that work systemically, absorbed through the leaves and following the plant's fibers into the roots, where it kills them too, supposedly. Doesn't work too well on nutgrass though, but then not much does. Vinegar is just acetic acid, in various concentrations. It is highly caustic, burns the leaves and is absorbed like the RU, but doesn't have the toxic properties of RU, so may not be quite as effective at killing the roots. However, for lightly-rooted weeds, it works great. Same for grass. I think it would work just fine for what you want it ti do - keeping grass edged away from buildings and fences, and it's not environmentally harmful.

Happy birthday, homemaker! Drop by and visit for a spell if you can. I'll make some ice cream!

Well, gotta run. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
July 22, 2011 - Msg 84787: There ya go! Just oculdn't stand the dust anymore, so I swept. MDC, please point those dust storms of yours away from the porch if you can, and stomp your feet to get the dust off before you come in. Thanks! --Romeena
July 22, 2011 - Msg 84788: It's from "The Guitar Player", Boo. Can you dig it?
Haven't been on much lately, computer problems here. I can be on-line for 5 or 10 minutes at different sites, then the durn thing locks up. Grrrr. Mr. Hazel "called the Man" yesterday, and he walked him thru some steps. Now today I can get on-line for 5 or 10 minutes, then it locks up. So basically the Man did nothing for us. Hubby said that today he was going to call The Man again, and this time he's going to try to sound a little sterner, possibly a little madder. We'll see... I hate computer problems, they make me feel quite stupid. Well, 10-4
- Hazel
July 22, 2011 - Msg 84789:
Hazel, do you have dial-up? I know that happens a lot with dial-up.
Boo, I'll dig ya only if I can wear my threads and get a little skin from ya! ha
(I think that only on the porch can i say that and get away with it! haha)
I got another letter from Pappabear. he hopes to get on-line next week, so get ready for some pappabear-isms! (:
Have a good day and weekend!
Prayers for all,
MDC
July 22, 2011 - Msg 84790: REV....And the rest of the porch...
Got in touch with Wally he said to check out these sites and we should find anything we need!!
JACKSON HOLE SODA CO. & popsoda.com I think we need much testing and research on all the sodas/pops. They don't have Huckleberry Smash but they do have "HIGH MOUNTAIN HUCKLEBERRY" tho.
I think they have Floyds favorite "Whoopie Citris Smash! Ya all check these sites out they are way cool!

I always seem to be smarter when I grow a beard! Pays to do RESERCH!
Saving the day....Goober-Fife......
July 22, 2011 - Msg 84791: Supper menu: oven baked Roast beef,taters,Fresh from the garden okra squash greenbeans amd maters....big pon of cornbread....maude slaw....Boo sweet tea....ooooweeee...ready at 6:45...SPOT
July 22, 2011 - Msg 84792: Right, Hazel...Andy said something like it to Jim Lindsey. I HATE computer problems, too!

That's cool, MDC, I'll slip you some skin if you promise not to wear your hip huggers. ;) Make love, not war.

Boo
July 22, 2011 - Msg 84793: Boo, are you running with MDC again? LOL

I don't drink much soda, G-F,but those sites sound fun-will give them a look-see!

*******************
possum under a rock
July 22, 2011 - Msg 84794: Good evening, porch. I made myself the BEST supper tonight. For some reason, some kind of lemon chicken sounded good. So, I Googled "Lemon chicken" and up popped a recipe for Chicken Piccata, and it looked simple. I had everything on hand except the capers, and I know perfectly well I've got a jar, just couldn't find them. Oh well, they weren't key to the recipe anyway. It was so easy, and so good! It made enough for about three meals, which will see me through the weekend. I imagine I'll be making it again before long. Cheap, easy and good - you can't ask much more from a recipe than that!

I've got to check out those soda sites too. I drink very little soda, since I'm diabetic and don't do the artificial sweetener thing at all, but once in a while I cheat and drink a soda. When I do, it's great if it's something different and fun. That Huckleberry Smash is intriguing. Did somebody really find it?

Well, maybe I'll turn in a little early tonight. Eloise heard about a big ol' garage sale over in the south part of town. I know she wants to go, and she can't drive yet because of her broken leg, so I told her I'd take her, of course. I love the sales too. She wants to go early, and she's right. If you don't get there before nine, the pickers have already cleaned out all the good stuff. I need to have a sale myself, not be going to one, but oh well. You just never know what little treasure you might find. Once I bought a mint-condition Fiesta mug for a nickel, came home and looked it up in my collector's book, and it was worth $30 at that time. It's probably at least $50 by now. I don't have the latest book, mine is about ten years old. What I mostly look for is baking dishes and casseroles. When somebody at church has a need, and we're all taking food, I use one of my garage sale dishes, usually bought for about a quarter. When I deliver the food, I tell the recipient I don't want the dish back, and suggest that when things get back to normal, they fill it and pass it on to someone else with a need. People seem to like the idea, and it frees me from having to chase across town to retrieve a 25-cent dish - or worse, for the recipient to have to try to return it to me. Sometimes I find a dish I really like, and I just keep that one!

Okay, off I go. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
July 23, 2011 - Msg 84795: No Possum, I'm not runnin' with MDC; I'm too afraid of Cecile.

Well, don't leave us hanging, Ro. Give us the recipe, Lady.

Boo
July 23, 2011 - Msg 84796: B-fast at waffle house!...on Boo and possum and I....corner booth....Boo pick up a paper...will be there at 8:00....SPOT
July 23, 2011 - Msg 84797: Looks like we're running with spot,Boo! Just beware of that red Camaro (Miss Sherry)!!

*******************
possum under a rock
July 23, 2011 - Msg 84798:
Morning porch family....getting ready to head up further in Northern Maine (near the Canadian line) so this will probably be my last post for a week or so. No service in that area for me:(
But God has service everywhere so you can bet I'll be praying for all you folks!
So until I get back to my rocker.....love and prayers for all my porch family.
And remember.....JESUS loves you!
-REV.
July 23, 2011 - Msg 84799: Good afternoon, porch! Eloise and I went to a couple of garage sales this morning, I bought a very nice basket for $2. I may keep it to hold magazines, or I may put it in our "Welcome Basket" ministry through my SS class. We fill them with small household items - soap, cleanser, dishcloths, etc. - and take them to new move-ins in some of the apartment complexes around town. Of course, we put a New Testament and a little flyer about our church in there, too! I also bought a really pretty little lead-crystal candy dish, about four inches square and three inches deep, and very heavy. Perfect for holding nuts or small candies at a party, and it was just $2. A profitable day!

Here's a link to that chicken recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chicken-piccata-recipe2/index.html. I hope everyone likes it as much as I did. I'm going to take part of the leftovers to work with me tonight. Oh, you can adjust the lemon juice to suit your own taste, but I like a lot of lemon. I put a bit more than it calls for. I had some boneless, skinless chicken breasts on hand. They were a bit thick, so I sliced two of them lengthwise, like cutting a fillet off a fish. The third one was almost thin enough already, so I just smacked it a couple of times with my little mallet and it was perfect. I ended up with five pieces. I'm thinking this would be a good dish to take to someone. You could cook some good rice and layer it in a buttered casserole dish, then arrange the chicken on top and put the sauce over the whole thing. Oh, it doesn't make a lot of sauce. Next time, I'll use a cup of chicken stock and more lemon juice. The key is to use the stock mixture to de-glaze the pan. Don't leave any of those good little brown bits and scrapings in that pan, that's where the flavor is! I put some chopped chives in the pan as well. Didn't hurt it a bit.

Well, got to work, so guess I'd better go get a little nap. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
July 23, 2011 - Msg 84800: Supper?...lets grill out ribeyes...mine med..mause slaw,Boo tea,baked taters with all the trimmings....lets let it cool off a bit....will start the grill at 7:00..Rev a plate is on the way...SPOT
July 24, 2011 - Msg 84801: Happy Birthday to Romeena!

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Ro!!

Spot,get out the ice cream churn-we'll have cake & ice cream later on the Porch.
Celebrating Ro's special day!

*******************
possum under a rock
July 24, 2011 - Msg 84802: Awww, you folks are so sweet! Thanks for the good wishes. I can't believe I'm 72, but I am. As my son said, "Mom, you've got to quit having birthdays. It's okay for you, but you're taking the rest of us down with you!"

A nurse friend at work last night commented, "Oh, shoot! If I'd known it was your birthday, I'd have brought you a cake and some insulin!" Nurses are a sorry lot. (heehee)

Had a perfectly wonderful night at work. We don't get that kind very often. I had only two moms and two babies, the babies were good feeders, the moms were pleasant and fun, and nobody else delivered, so no admissions. Very easy, I left at 7:15 on the dot, and while I'm sleepy, I'm not all that physically tired. So, a quick nap will refresh me, and tonight will be getting together with my son and his family and Eloise and Jerry. Gonna have some good pizza! Don't worry, though - I'll save plenty of room for the ice cream and cake here on the porch. Wouldn't miss that!!

Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
July 24, 2011 - Msg 84803: Good Sabbath you filthy animals! :)
Had to use that line Boo. We watched Angels with even filthier souls last night. Couldn't help but wondering if you weren't doing the same thing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RO!

Thanks for schooling me on the vinegar Ro. I'm going to give it a try. It looks like it will be more expensive than Round up, but safer for the eco system. I might try it at work first. I have about 10 miles of fence line I try to keep clean of weeds there. I can only get so close with the Kubota. But I have a tank mounted on an ATV with an electric pump on it that I use to spray along the fence line.

Have fun and be safe Rev. Look forward to your return.

Spot, I love Ribeye. Just enough fat in it to make it tasty! Excellent choice.

Hazel, maybe you need bigger wires on yer puter. Might work.

OK Possum, How's Laci doing? Bless her heart. Our Mariah starts school next month. Can't believe it. Her parents have enrolled her in a Charter School thats close by.

Well better get going. I think they are preachin on sin today at Church.

Asa
July 24, 2011 - Msg 84804: HI ALL.
We has some rain the last tonight wish did not help, it may it more hoter.
WILL HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ARE GOOD FRIEND ROMEENA,

TOM

July 24, 2011 - Msg 84805: Romeena, Did you have pepperelli on your pizza? Maybe you can go down to the drug store and have Opie make you a Birthday Sundae on Sunday! Watch out so he does'nt try putting a pickle on it.
ENJOY YOUR DAY.......Goober-Fife
July 24, 2011 - Msg 84806: Yes, please stop taking the rest of us down with you, Ro!! teehee...that's funny. So glad you're having a good birthday. :) Alright Possum, you bring the ice cream and cake, and I'll bring the insulin.

No, Asa, I wasn't doing the same but may watch some more filthy souls after my nap. ;) Mariah is starting school already?! Wow, did the time fly! My Erin is a 5th grader this year. Did I tell you all that they closed down the school Erin had been attending? When they got that new principle, seems alot of folks did not enroll their kids for next year.

I missed the preachin' today since I had nursery duty again. It was fun, though. Had some real cute young'uns and got to catch up with a friend who was in there with me.

Well, the kids are with friends and Bruce just took me out for lunch. It was so hot that I had to take a shower when I got home..unbelievable warm here with high humidity. Now I am ready for a nice nap in my dark, cool room. Yay!

Boo
July 24, 2011 - Msg 84807: Yea Asa I love my ribeye steaks if its gona be red meat...well as far as I know I kept the Church lights on in 5 countys!..or at least I did not get any calls!..had a few outages (squirrels)and one pole hit but no damage..No race today Racefans...Cousin Carl won the nationwide last night...well its home for me at 6 and back at 6an...leaving for NC rafting and camping Wed till Monday. Big group of campers...hey Boo,Maude,Possum,Ice Cream was great and happy B-day Queen of the porch!..Rev look for food!..have any of yall swaped over to the new yahoo mail?..It aint so bad but I hate change sometimes...hey Goober,Tom,hazel,auh20,MDC,Lucy,mavis..ya know there are of a lot missing people latley...think I will go back a few weeks and make a prayer list...ok...fried bologna sandwiches and tomato soup....SPOT
July 24, 2011 - Msg 84808: Happy Birthday Romeena! Hope you have a great day!
Big Maude
July 24, 2011 - Msg 84809: Asa, he didn't preach about sin.
Happy Birthday Ro.
- Hazel
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84810: Mornin' Dears. It is 7:30 here on a steamy south texas morning and I am having my coffee in peace and quiet (all kids asleep), waiting on the roofers to show up. I hope they finish soon because we might be getting some rain this week (we hope). We could sure use it.

It feels like a typical Monday after a busy weekend. Laundry is behind, chores to do, etc. I just wanna crawl back into bed for the day but, just like the rest of you, I cannot.

Hope we hear from Romeena soon and she tells us how things went yesterday on her birthday.

I didn't mention it yesterday, just didn't want to share anything sad but I wanted to ask your prayers for one of Sean's friends, Jace. I have talked about him here on the porch but it has been several years. Jace was Sean's best little buddy throughout his younger years and he lived across the street from us before we moved. Anyway, I found out this week that he has an agressive form of Leukemia and will be going into the hospital for chemo. His mom says he may be in the hospital for 6 to 8 months. He is 14 and an only child to two sweet, Christian parents who were unable to have children and adopted Jace soon after he was born. Please say a prayer for them at this very scary time. Thanks. :)

Boo
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84811: Where's MDC? Did he say he was going out of town again?

Boo
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84812: Good Monday morning folks. And I mean that. It's a State holiday here so I got the day off. I can use it.

Boo, gosh that is so sad about Jace. I will certainly add him to my prayer list. And his parents also.

I went out this morning to do some corn inspections. Looking good. I'd say maybe 2 weeks out for the first planting. My mouth is already watering! :)

I also noticed some new weeds out there growing so I think I'll go tackle them before it gets too durn hot.

Y'all have a blessed day.

Asa
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84813: hey gang , prayers for all in need ...just think , Christmas is only 5 months away ..God Bless
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84814: Thanks, Asa. Hope you have a great day off.

Hey to MD. Christmas?? When did Christmas become synonymous with stress in my thinking? I am going to have to do something different this year.

Boo
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84815: Christmas???oh my...lets just think about lunch for now....Crock pot beef stew and cornbread....Boo will ya bring a paper? SPOT
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84816:
HAPPY belated Birthdat to Romeena!
MDC
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84817:
Boo, I'm rite-chere, just had a busy weekend.
hey to MD and all.
Asa, what's the holiday? Nathan Tibbs day?? ha
Do they have a styrofoam statue of him in the state park? teehee.
Here in AZ it might be our state gun day! ha
Well, good day to all,
MDC
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84818: Howdy, porch! Again, thanks for all the kind birthday wishes. I had a lovely day. Had to work Saturday night, therefore wasn't able to be in church Sunday morning. I slept for a few hours, then the family gathered at a community water park for a belated birthday party for my grandson, Landry. His birthday was actually in February, but he wanted a swim party, so his mom postponed it until now. We had some good pizza, plenty of cold water and sodas, and a birthday cake. There was a breeze, and with all the water around, it was pleasant. I didn't swim, but sat at the water's edge with Eloise and watched the kids. We had a great time.

Today Eloise took me to lunch at Olive Garden, a favorite place for both of us. Love their salads! We poked around in the Tuesday Morning store for a little while, I found some more AnnaLee dolls, which I don't need but bought anyway, and then I came home to take a nap. I'm off to do that right now, because I have to work again tonight.

Prayers for Jace, certainly. That's a tough assignment for such a young man, and for his parents, but God can do wonderful things.

Blessings, porch! --Romeena
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84819: Thanks for those prayers for Jace, Ro, and I feel like you do. I had the privledge of praying for the boy's parents and getting to witness their conversion to Christ 10 years ago. They really took off in their faith and I know God will get them all through this and show them "great and mighty things".

How neat that you got to share a birthday party with your grandson, Ro. When you mentioned more AnnaLee dolls, I had this sudden vision of you being featured on "Hoarders:Buried Alive" on TLC, sitting in your house atop a huge mound of AnnaLee dolls with your children begging you to "get help!". haha ;)

Going to the rehab tonight. One of the long-term foster girls that has been there for over a year (Sarah..you all have prayed for her) is finally leaving the facility and requested that I go to see her tonight and say goodbye. She also wanted Chicken and Dumplings, which are on the stove. She is a sweet girl with many obstacles ahead of her, but she has her faith.

Boo
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84820: Prayers for Jace-please keep us updated ,Boo.
I'll catch up with y'all later-have had Laci all weekend & she's spending tonight here too. Fun, but tiresome!
********************
possum under a rock
July 25, 2011 - Msg 84821: Thanks, Possum, I will let you know when i hear anything concerning Jace.

Well, the chicken-n-dumplings was a huge hit at the drug rehab tonight, as usual. Funny how of all the things you can take out there, that is what they like the best. I guess a little comfort food goes a long way when you are in their situation. Sarah is going to be placed in a foster home with two of her other teen-aged sisters. We prayed with her tonight and she expressed that she was really afraid of getting out and relapsing, bless her heart. She is only 15 but seems much older...has already lived alot of life at her young age.

Boo
July 26, 2011 - Msg 84822: Boo....Did they say: "MEAT" "TATERS" or just:DUMPLINGS"!!! I agree there is just something about Chicken & Dumplings that get you right! I sure miss my Mom's, but Cracker Barrel's comes close Goober-Fife....
July 26, 2011 - Msg 84823: Oh, they most certainly yelled, "DUMPLINGS!" G-F. ;) My dumplings are better than cracker barrell.

Everyone staying cool today? Supposed to be 99 but feel like 109 here today when you factor in the high humidity. Be so glad when fall shows up. I feel like a hermit having to stay indoors so much.

Boo
July 26, 2011 - Msg 84824: Wow, boo, that's even hotter than HERE today!
We have had a few days respite, but our humidity is indeed UP!
GF- - Good one about yelling Dumplings! made me smile!
Possum- hope Laci has been a gramma's delight!
Prayers for all, have a good day!
MDC
July 26, 2011 - Msg 84825:
APB for JOHN MASTERS!
July 26, 2011 - Msg 84826: Boo, how about a care package of dumplings?? If yours are better than C/B they have to be right up there with Mom's. Mom was a great cook except for chili. I did not know what good chili was until I left home (long time ago)My Dad liked it real watery and very little spice (like tomato soup w/meat & beans):(
Boo it's lunch time in Ohio and now you've gone and made me HUNGRY! I'll just say "FOOD"!!!
Have a good one all.....Goober-Fife
July 26, 2011 - Msg 84827: Since you got me hungry now, how about posting a good S.Texas recipe for chili. I make mine Cincinnati style usually. G-F
July 26, 2011 - Msg 84828: Lunch?...SPOT
July 26, 2011 - Msg 84829:
GF- WKRP?? ha
July 26, 2011 - Msg 84830: WKRP....Just remember turkey's can't fly...I loved that episode...
July 26, 2011 - Msg 84831: Wow. WKRP - what a great show that was. It was one of those sleepers - didn't get big rave reviews during its run, but in reruns people began to see what they had missed. I need to check to see if it's on Netflix. I'll bet it is, and I can go back and watch all my old favorites. Yep - "I swear, as God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!" What a classic line! The characters were so well-drawn, just perfect. We've all known a Les Nessman (and wanted to just quietly drown him at times) and Johnny and Venus - oh, yes. My daughter worked in radio for many years, and I've met some of her colleagues - yes, people like Johnny and Venus do exist, and while they're kinda weird people, they're lovable at the same time. Hard to explain. Then of course we all know a "Herb" - actually I have a cousin who is very much like Herb, and is about as annoying as anyone you could ever meet. All the characters could remind us of someone - maybe a little larger than life in some cases, but still so similar. Yep, one of my favorite shows.

Well, guess I'd better go cuddle my little canine companion. She has been in here tapping me on the ankle, to remind me that I've not loved on her much today. That puppy just thrives on affection and petting. Gotta love her! --Romeena
July 26, 2011 - Msg 84832: Did ya get the care package I sent you, G-F? My husband likes his chili really gross (like his mom makes). It is watery and non-spicey and just yuck. When I make chili I usually make 2 bathches...one for him and one for the rest of the world. I don't have a good chili recipe, I just dump stuff together. I cheat and use "Wick Fowler" chili seasonings, which I add to my fried up ground beef, then some tomato sauce and water and I let it simmer for a LONG time to cook it down and blend the flavors. Sometimes I put chopped onion in it, too.

Went to help the parents out today. Dad needed a shower and it is such a chore for him to even shower these days. He wouldn't let me help him much but I at least got him some clean clothes out to put on. He has gotten so skinny and I practically had to beg him to eat the egg sandwich I made him. He is not doing so well, bless his heart. He was so sweet, though, and very thankful for anything I did for him. Tomorrow is my mother's birthday and she will be 85. She really looked good today and in fairly good spirits. My dad's grandson, Ben is coming into town this weekend from California and we are looking forward to that. Ben's wife is expecting their first child. We will have a little family dinner here on Saturday night and the theme is mexican food! Good part is, I only have to cook the frioles. I will get a birthday cake for mom, too.

Well, I have rambled on enough. Think I will go eat a very sweet and delicious navel orange before bed. See ya in the morning.

Boo
July 27, 2011 - Msg 84833: Hello friends,

Did I see Christmas mentioned up there? While Walmart may be getting the Christmas stuff out already(don't know if they are, but it wouldn't surprise me) it's still a little early yet.

Dropped Kai off at Bible camp today. It is a different one than the one she went to last year, and it is closer, just about 10 miles away. I was thinking that was a good thing but now I am reconsidering, especially after the call we received this evening from the camp, saying that Kai was a little homesick. I am wondering if because she is so close to home, she figured we could just come get her if she got upset. And while that is what I wanted to do while trying to talk to her as she is crying on the phone, I know I couldn't. Else she would be running away from everything the minute she felt a little sad. But boy, it sure makes me sad feeling like I am letting her down, in the short term. In the longer term though, maybe she will be better for it.
I don't really understand it. She went off really good, and all her friends were there as well, as well as some girls she knows from her Wed. church group. I am hoping it is just first day jitters, and she will focus on the reason she is there(as I have told her to do if she feels nervous). My prayer now is that she leans on the Lord, and that right now she is sleeping contently and peacefully.

-Sterling Holobyte
July 27, 2011 - Msg 84834: Boo, Thanks for the dumplings...just like Moms. I'll pass on the chili sounds to much like what I grew up on. Maybe your Mother-in-law and my Dad came from the same mold?

HAVE A GREAT DAY PORCHSTERS!! G-F
July 27, 2011 - Msg 84835: Morning porch, just stopping by before my work day starts. been a busy week with lots going on on my end of the porch.

My best friends biopsy report was not good. According to what she/we know at this point is that it was "positive for cancer". The nurse who gave them the report over the phone (which I think is not good caring medical practice for some nurse to give such information over the phone) but anyway that is what she told my friend. The surgeon who sent her for the biopsy is on vacation until next week. She has an appointment on Tuesday next week to find out details/recommendations. Pray Pray Pray please.

Breakfast will be at Cracker Barrell.

Better get busy, lots to do today..
thanks and prayers for everyone

Big Maude
July 27, 2011 - Msg 84836: Maude...Have a Dr. Enuf on me....I have to agree with you, I think 1 WAS Enuf for me...Had a little odd taste but always willing to try something new. G-F
July 27, 2011 - Msg 84837:
Maudie, prayers indeed for your friend!!
Boo- My brother and I share "shower duty" concerning
my dad. We both do the "Aunt Bee, Warden" routine, and in he goes! he has seen the ep many times. But he wouldnt take one without our prodding. I told my wife if i ever get like that to just turn the garden hose on me! ha
Sterling, Prayers for Kai. Could it be someone bullying her there. If they call again, it could be something like that. If they don't then she was probably just a bit nervous.
Agree, WKRP was, and is, a classic like barney miller. Did I mention that I now get ME-TV over the air? Great stuff...Bob Newhart, Rawhide, Beaver, MTM etc.
Well, good day to all,
MDC
July 27, 2011 - Msg 84838: Very sorry to hear about your friend, Maude. I will certainly pray for her.

MDC, I guess it is just so much of an effort for the old guys to shower, they don't want to. My mom, on the other hand is much more handicapped than dad and has to have her shower at least every other day, but for years she has needed help with it. She has a shower seat and will let us help her wash her hair but she does real well washing the rest of her. She stays clean and keeps clean clothes on. Sometimes I go to see dad and he is sitting in his little office, and for those of you that hunt and know what a buck smells like up close, dad smells just like one. Poor guy..it just wears him out to keep clean but he's not ready to give the task up to someone else to help him.

Sterling, last summer Erin got homesick her first time away at camp and cried for a couple of nights, asking to come home. The camp was 3 hours away and she just had to tough it out. By the second night, she was better and then by the third night she was a-okay. It was hard but it was just that when bedtime came she missed her mom. This summer she went back to the same camp with no problem. Chances are if Kai sticks it out this summer and finds out that she can do it and it's going to be ok, she will do fine the next time. Bless your heart, I know how that feels when your little one is crying to come home. :(

Boo
July 27, 2011 - Msg 84839: Good afternoon, porch! I don't know what possessed me, but I answered a call from the hospital, asking for help tonight. I agreed to go in and work from 7 to 11 p.m. It will be time and a half, and only four hours, so I guess it's okay. Also, a co-worker called and wanted me to work for her tomorrow night and she would work for me on Friday night, and I was happy to make the switch. Friday will be Dale's birthday, and I would really rather not have to go to work that night. I guess it all works out.

I saw the cardiologist today, first visit with this doc since my former cardio retired a couple of months ago. Actually, I've known this doc since he was a pup, just like I had known the other one. They both came to our hospital about the same time and opened a joint cardiology practice, right about the same time I started work there. I know them both well, know their work, and trust them. I have been in good hands, and still am. He says all is well, offered no changes in routine. Suits me.

About homesick kids at camp -- years ago I was the camp nurse at our church's camp for the high-school kids. We had about 200 kids, all very active, so my office stayed pretty busy with scrapes and bruises, headaches, rashes and such. We also had several "sprained ankles", sustained by sweet young things who thought it would be a good way to get a big old boy to carry them to the office, where they expected to hold court for their friends and look all pretty and helpless for the boys. Imagine their shock when I prescribed solitary rest in a darkened room, with the "sprained ankle" elevated, with an ice pack. No visitors! I think I discovered a new cure for sprained ankles, because they all healed, with no swelling, in just an hour or two.

The first night there, there was a knock on my door at about 10 p.m. - turned out to be a boy named John, a good friend of my David, saying his stomach hurt. I gave him some Mylanta and sent him back to his cabin, because a lot of those visits were just curiosity about the nurse's office. In a little while, John was back, still hurting. Nothing specific, no point-tender spots, no temperature. Just a vague complaint of abdominal pain. More Mylanta and a hot-water bottle. Just before midnight, he appeared again, in tears. Suspicious now, I asked him what he thought was wrong, and what he thought might help. His answer, sobbed out, was classic. "If I could just, uh, just talk to, uh, talk to my mother and uh, tell her good night, uh, I think I'd feel okay." This from a 16 year old, 6'2" football player, with shoulders about a yard wide. Well, I could sure fill that order. I got the keys to the room where the phone was, he called his mom, and in a couple of minutes he came out all smiles, stomach pain gone, and all was well. Moms - never doubt the value of that good-night kiss, no matter how big the kid may be.

Well, gotta run. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84840: Prayers for your friend, Big Maude. That seems like a long time to wait for details. I am sure for your friend it will seem even longer.
I guess, surgeons have to have vacations too. I remember that Kai's heart surgeon was on vacation just before Kai's surgery date, and I even went over that in my mind like a worrying dad. Wondering would he be not up to par when he got back; would he be well rested or worn out?! All's well that ends well, I guess. I hope your friend gets good results.

MDC, I don't think bullying would be the problem. I would hope not anyway. I do know that it wouldn't be tolerated there if it was found out, and most of the kids would know that too.

Well, no phone call from Kai today. We did talk to one of the camp directors, who also happens to go to our church and knows Kai quite well, and she said that the camp workers who saw Kai's crying episode yesterday, today gave her a "most joyful" award. And she said that Kai really improved since yesterday as well. So maybe it was just first night jitters. Well, she only has tomorrow to get through and then she comes home Friday, so I am praying for no other events. I just hope she remembers to keep her focus on what, and who, is important.

Glad your visit to your doc went well, Romeena. Sometimes, change isn't what you hope for. (I didn't mean that to sound political. But now that I look at it, I realize that statement could be uttered about our current political predicament)


Good night, all!
-Sterling Holobyte


July 28, 2011 - Msg 84841: Good morning porch. Hope you are all well.

Maude, I'm so sorry about your friends situation. Hopefully it has been caught early enough to be treatable. She will be in my prayers.

Hey to Sterling. Sounds like she was just a tad homesick maybe. Glad she had a better day.

Ro, glad your ticker is doing well and you found a Dr. you are comfortable with.

Boo, Good thing you are around to help your folks. You're a good Daughter. And a good person.

MDC, If we ever see your wife hosing you down, we will know whats going on I reckon. :)

Better move it along. Plenty to do today.
Prayers for all.

Asa
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84842: Good news about Kai. I think probably most kids that age have a little trouble being away from home that first night at camp. I can remember feeling like that a time or two. I think it's a sign of a secure, loving home life. My mom was always there when I was a kid, and she made a secure home for us. It was very Mayberry-like (minus dad's drinking and womanizing..but he was gone alot) until mom hit menopause and I hit puberty at the same time! Yikes...talk about a volatile hormone zone.

That makes me think...We used to share alot of memories here on the porch and haven't done that in quite awhile. How about we share some childhood memories of home like we used to? Perhaps summer memories. I think I've share them all but maybe its been long enough that you won't remember them! ha. How about, "Things That Remind You of Childhood Summers"? I'll go first with the smell of cantaloupe, the sound of soap opera themes like "As the World Turns" and "Young and the Restless", reruns of Gilligan's Iland, Petticoat Junction, and Green Acres, going to the drive-inn to see movies that were always out of focus and too dark (and the speakers were usually not working properly). OK, your turn...

It's going to be another really hot day here in south texas at 99 with high humidity. I will be indoors most of the day. They are still not finished with the roof but it looks like an end is in sight. We might possibly get a tropical storm come through late tomorrow into saturday morning so they need to finish up.

Better get moving. Bruce is supposed to be bringing home a friend for dinner that has been working with him on a project and I wanted to make a roast but when I went to get one yesterday, the refrigerated section was out and there was no meat to be buy. I will have to go early this morning and try to find a roast at another store but chances are everyone else is looking for meat, too. Wish me luck!

Boo
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84843: Oh hey there ASA! Thanks for those kind words. You're a good friend. :)

Boo
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84844: Oh, and please remember Sean in your prayers today. He has a terrible cold and is feeling really bad. Thanks. :)

Boo
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84845: Good idea Boo....I think most of us came from the generation when kids alowed to be kids! No video games, phones, NO COMPUTERS! We had to make up things to do AND WE DID! There are many GREAT MEMORIES!!! Where to start? I grew up close to a golf corse, my cousin & I used to hide in the bushes with our ball gloves and jump out when the guys tee'd off and we would catch the balls, and hide back in the bushes. Until one day a golfer really wanted his ball back and he chased us for about half mile. My cousin was tall and could run like a deer, but Goober-Fife was not blessed with height or speed, so I gave that up! I went back to making forts & tree houses and all the other fun things. IT WAS MUCH SAFER......
Goober-Fife.....
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84846: Funny, G-F! When my older brothers were still living at home, we lived behind a golf course and they spent many hours out there fishing the golfballs out of the pond and selling them back to the golfers. They golfed, too, in fact, my brother David has been coaching women's golf at a college in California for years. He is about to retire to Hawaii soon, though.

We built lots of tree houses/forts, too. We also wrote plays and performed musicals on the backyard picnic tables. I can remember singing songs from the musical, "Oliver". ha

Better go get more chores done. By the way, I got the roast! yay.

Boo
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84847: G-F, your post and my memory made me think about something. I guess the best plays and books were written when people did not have all the technology today and had a fruitful thought life. I think children today are really stunted in that area. I have a little saying around here; when certain TV programs come on, I say, "That's brain rot". The kids think its funny but they get the message and we turn it off. I am having to retrain myself to be comfortable with silence and solitude and need to teach my kids the same.

Boo
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84848: I wanted to share a couple of childhood memories in the form of old commercials. Check this one out: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqx9zbdfK9k&feature=related

Andy: "What's wrong with TV dinner? I like 'em!"
Barney: "No you don't."

Boo
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84849: Aww, Ro, I love the camp story about John! And Sterling,glad things appear to have settled down with Kai.

Prayers for Sean & for Maude's friend. Hey Boo, looks like that tropical storm is headed your way. His name is "Don"- wouldn't you know his name would be Don? LOL

Oh gosh, summertime memories of childhood-catching lightning bugs, staying out till dark, playing in the sprinkler & on the Slip N Slide, Climbing trees..

Good times!

Y'all stay cool & have a great day!

*******************
possum under a rock
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84850: Or this one which I think stars the actress that played "Skippy"...am I right??

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzO9IGpJ8zo&feature=related

Boo
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84851: Good one (about Don) Possum! I really want Don to come see me...I could use the rain.

Boo
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84852: Yes Boo you are right, it is Skippy! those commercials are cool. At our house a TV dinner was a once in awhile treat. I was blessed with a stay at home Mom who could cook, so that how I became a pretty good cook too! Mrs. Goober-Fife did not receive that gene from her Mother, she admitts it so I'm not being mean.
I'll tell you all, how much I have enjoyed being a part of the porchsters it has been therpetic I look forward to checking out what's going on all the time...A COMMON THREAD!! Boo, I bet you have a secret wheel chair bolt collection too, I can tell you know funny, so do ASA & MDC.
Goober-Fife....

July 28, 2011 - Msg 84853: Howdy, porch! Childhood memories, huh? Gosh - tons of them! Early childhood - all the usual stuff, like lightning bugs (we didn't call them fireflies) and watermelon and homemade ice cream (we fought over who got to sit on top of the freezer while Dad cranked it), and long summer days spent with cousins, one of whom was more like a brother. We would disappear into the meadows and light woods near his house and be gone all day. No one worried about us, we just knew to be home before dark or there would be trouble! A little older - we had moved to the country ourselves, I had my own horse, and spent long hours on his back, riding for miles, no saddle much of the time. Again, just be home before dark! I had no trouble honoring that, because my beloved Ace was spooky at night, and would shy at anything that moved, and some things that didn't, like fence posts. I loved him, though, and am grateful to him for many happy memories.

TV shows - "Gunsmoke" was big at our house, and I can picture my dad, lying on the floor in front of the TV, watching Matt chase the bad guys. In those days someone, usually the same person who would later be in charge of the remote, watched TV from the floor near the set, for easy reach to the big, clunky controls. Yes, Virginia, we really had no remotes for our TVs. Today, even if you're sitting right by the set, you hunt the remote, primarily because the on-board controls are almost inaccessible and most of us don't even know where to find them, or which button does what if we do happen to locate them. Things do change!

Well, gotta run. Eloise is waiting for me to go to lunch, and I'm still sitting here in my nightshirt! Hope she's not too hungry! Blessings, friends! --Romeena
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84854:
"MDA Carnivals" in our big backyard! MDC
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84855: afternoon porch, just stopping by for a minute between session.

I remember catching lighting bugs, having to be inside when the street lights came on, sleeping with the windows open (no AC) and having lunch outside on the picnic table. I remember all the same TV shows, cartoons and such as most everybody else. We loved to watch the Saturday night late movie on tv (11:30) and loved to Monday night tv Gunsmoke and Medical Center came on I think. I especially loved Carol Burnett. Saturday mornings we watched Bugs Bunny, The Jetsons, Flintsones and Antom Ant! Anybody remember Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Green Jeans, Bummy Rabbitt and Mr. Moose? Those were the good old days!

Lets have a cold soda and a moon pie for afternoon snack!

Prayers and blessings to all!
Big Maude

July 28, 2011 - Msg 84856: G-F, I don't have a bolt collection but I have waxed lots of steps at the nursing home. *wink* So, you can cook, huh? Your wife is a lucky woman. My husband can't boil water. He does fry an occasional egg on saturday morning but that is IT.

OK-here's the official menu for company tonight...ya'll come over and eat, too. We are having roast with gravy, mashed TATERS, green beans with garlic butter, fried okra, rolls, apple pie, and tea or coffee. I just took the pie out of the oven and it sure is purty! I haven't made an apple pie since last fall and was just in the mood to make one.

We didn't have a TV with a remote control until i was in college, Ro. Of course we only had three channels, so it wasn't so hard to select a station and stay on it. I was not a Gunsmoke fan but I can remember watching Wild, Wild West and Bonanza with dad....and some show called Bat Masterson, i think. I watched things like Walton's, Brady Bunch, Little House on the Prarie, Gilligan's Island, Love American Style, That Girl, Mayberry RFD, Night Gallery, and the made for tv movies that were so popular in the 70's.

Maude, I watched ALOT of Captain Kangaroo.

Boo
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84857: Hey gang!...just a quick trouble check in from the camp site...having a great time!..yall eat good!...boy if you could smell the ribs on the smoker!..Peanuts boiling!..Possum I will send ya the pics!...SPOT
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84858: The heck with the pics-I want the peanuts,spot! LOL
Just kidding-of course,send me pics! Glad y'all are having fun & boy,I am so jealous!

Captain Kangaroo! Loved that show! Maude, you forgot "Grandfather Clock"!

Boo, we watched the same stuff!

Got an idea-will be right back!

*******************
possum under a rock
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84859: Check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3w7w58CREY

possum again
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84860: Too funny, Possum...I almost posted the same video! There are lots of them on youtube...funnn.

Boo
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84861: Maybe TOM can share with us all about the local Cleveland TV shows in the 60's & 70's (before he became a "NEER". Goulardi,Big Chuck & Hoolihan (Tim Conway got jis start there)Capt.Penny Barnaby,Mr. Jingleling,Jim Doney's "Adventure Road" Jungle Larry & Safari Jane, and yes we had Capt. Kangaroo too!But maybe TOM want to forget about Cleveland..Alot of people do! LeBron James is still a very sore subject with alot of Clevelanders. Don't go there! Good Night...Goober-Fife signing off...
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84862: One more thing, For you Atom Ant fans, if some of you did not know, Ernest T. Bass (Howard Morris) was the voice of Atom Ant....G-F
July 28, 2011 - Msg 84863: Ah, childhood memories. Like most of you, I had wonderful memories. I was born in Phoenix, and moved to Chino Valley, Arizona when I was about 3. I don't remember much of those Phoenix years, but do remember when we all packed up to move to Chino Valley. I have vague recollections of sitting in the car with my mom while she was driving, and we had the bird in the back. (we had a bird in a cage who made the move with us). My dad was in the car ahead with my brother and sister. We didn't move to Idaho until I was about 10, but during those early years in Chino I remember standing at the screen door, watching when my brother and sister went off to school and I couldn't go. And I stood there crying, wanting to go to school. I was only 4 and too young to go to school. My mom always worked, and it was my dad that was home for us. He was a farmer, so could see us off to school or fix us breakfast or be there when we got home from school, or whatever. After I finally did start school I remember the bus letting us off and it seemed like we had to walk about 5 miles to get to our house (probably was about 1/2 mile...) and when we'd get home either Dad would be in the house waiting for us or he'd be out on the tracter, and we'd see him off in the distance in the field, and wave at him to let him know we were home. I remember laying in bed at night, praying to God to never let anything bad happen to my family, because I loved everyone so much. I remember laying under the trees in the yard, watching lizards. (I've not seen a lizard since - I don't think we have them in Idaho). When you think of all the people who have memories of abuse, or drunkedness and stuff like that, well it makes me feel so blessed.
- Hazel