December 20, 2011 - Msg 86676: Good Morning gang...Miss Sherrys back from the big apple...had a great time...will e-mail yall some pics...ok....lets eat b-fast late at Cracker Barrell...SPOT
December 20, 2011 - Msg 86677: Swish!.....and away we go!
December 20, 2011 - Msg 86678: Awww! Look at that! Spotty cleaned the porch off for us, for Christmas! That big old bushy tail of his does come in handy. Spot, can you climb a ladder? My ceiling fans need dusting! So glad Miss Sherry had a good time, and will really enjoy seeing some pictures.

Asa, I'm glad you're improving, but think you've made a good choice to stay home and rest today. If you've got the time, use it!

I've got some last-minute mailing to do, and then have to work tonight and tomorrow night. Yuck. However, after that, I'm free until Tuesday. Christmas is all mine! Our assistant manager, who does the scheduling, really treated me extra-nice, and I appreciate it.

Well, gotta run! Merry Christmas, everyone! --Romeena
December 20, 2011 - Msg 86679: MDC, your theory about having pre-cut slices of turkey on another plate sounds possible. However, if you cue up the video below to 19:50, you'll see Ellie take a pre-cut drumstick from the turkey platter and give it to Opie. She didn't get it from a side dish. And again at 21:00, when Barney asks for some turkey, Ellie takes it from the turkey platter.
So although the turkey may have been pre-cut, it was all on the turkey platter, not any side dish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEimU7BOLJk

Asa, I also enjoy finding bloopers in television shows. My wife thinks I'm crazy because I will argue with the television whenever I notice a blooper.
And your recollection about the missing plate brought back a high school memory for me. I was working as part of the stage crew for one of our annual musical plays. One scene opens up with the ring of a telephone followed by a short conversation. Well during the scene change pause prior to this scene, one of the stage crew (no it wasn't me) brought out the telephone stand but no telephone. So when the lights went up and the scene began with the telephone ringing (a sound effect off-stage), the main character answered the "invisible" phone and continued the scene without interruption.

Lucy, I hope my archives posting did not confuse you. Although Miss Ellie contacted one of our active porch members back in 2007, she has not posted here since 2004. Adopting the username of someone who is inactive but could return may result in some confusion. If you are willing to accept that, then go for it.

SPOT, I'm glad to hear Miss Sherry had a great time in New York City.

Prayers for Romeena's friend Ray, Asa's sore back, Boo's cold,
Possum's personal issues, Miss Sherry's illness, and Lucy's ankle.
December 20, 2011 - Msg 86680: oops, the preceding message was

from Poor Horatio
December 20, 2011 - Msg 86681:
Good sweep Spotty!
PH and Asa, regarding bloopers, I'm sure you two know of the calender change in the barney "5 year" episode. In the opening scene, the "daily" calendar on the wall says May 16, then in the next scene it says May 15! I like to spot them also, even freeze frame them and zoom in like I'm some sore of "blooper detective!" haha
Of course I think we all know about the styrofoam statue moving as it is unveiled, and the "brick" wall moving when Otis backs into it! ha Also in the opening of one ep, andy and barney are playing checkers, and Andy does two moves in a row! And if you really want to get detailed, whay is there a Circus sign BEHIND the courthouse?, when Ben falls down you can see it! Any others?
PH- that was very cool thinking on that HS actr's part! I did lighting and set design for my HS plays.
All the best to all, and to Ro as she works.
I posted my Christmas scene on FB for those here who are on it. We will have to look into another photo site for the porch in the new year.
MDC

December 20, 2011 - Msg 86682:
OK, my 12 Days of a TAGS Christmas...
All together now...
On...the...twelveth day of Christmas, Mayberry gave to me-e-e-e...
12 Pruitt prospects,
11 loopie ladies,
10 quarts of pickles,
9 carp a leapin',
8 Tucker spark plugs,
7 calls to Juanita,
6 singin' Darlings,
FIVE YEARS for BARNEY-Y-Y-Y,
4 merry men,
3 baby birds,
2 fun girls,
and an Andy with his dep-u-t-e-e-e.
(or an alternative of...
and a fat mayor up a big tree!) haha
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
mdc (:
December 20, 2011 - Msg 86683:
And BOO, how did the movie night go??
December 20, 2011 - Msg 86684:
MDC, not only is the Circus sign behind the courthouse, isn't it strange there is no other information about where and when (cue up to 12:45)? Also, there is a Harness Racing at the Fairgrounds Every Saturday sign behind the courthouse (also cue up to 12:45). I thought this was strange since that would imply betting.

from Poor Horatio
December 20, 2011 - Msg 86685: Or MDC...."and a sherrif wi-ith hot knees!"

For the love of Mike people, it's a blooper...it's a fake turkey at first, then a real carcass....fake turkey, then a caracass! ;) Sorry, I'm a bit cranky...still feeling crummy...snort...pass the elixer.

Lucy, what is Sudafed "behind the calendar"? I tried some Sudafed a couple of days ago and my heart took off to the races, had lots of PVCs, too. I think I will skip it, but thanks. The Muccinex Dm would be good, but I'm not up to going out and getting it. Bruce probably can when he gets home. My head feels like its in a drum and my sides are sore from the coughing. At least I didn't wrench my pelvis doing a toolbelt dance.

Well, that's all the talking I can do for now. wanted to check in, though.

I was planning on writing you all a TAGS Christmas episode this week but just not up to it.

Boo
December 20, 2011 - Msg 86686: Just noticed the question about movie night (from MDC, I presume). It went great. We had a wonderful time but being out in the cold is what got this bear of a cold started. The kids really enjoyed it, though. We watched a double feature (Christmas with the Kranks and ELF). I showed my vintage imtermission clips in between. Most folks sat in their cars with blankets but i was out in it most of the night and while it wasn't real cold (about 45 degrees), it was a bit windy and not good for the cold that was coming on. I would definitely say it was a success, though, and we will be doing more movie nights in the future. Thanks for asking. :)

Boo
December 20, 2011 - Msg 86687: Good Job MDC...where is John Masters when you need him?........
Boo..Thought of you while I was watching "The Turtle Man" on TV. Now that dude IS a nut job!
He is Kentucky's answer to the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. He was chasing a bunch of chickens around so he could put their scent on himself so he could catch a ornery fox who was killing the chickens...which he did ...along with some snapping turtles too!..Tell Bernie to watch out for those red foxes or he won't make it till Christmas....haha...G-F....

December 20, 2011 - Msg 86688:
Yes, it is a fake turkey, because aunt bee bumps it at one point and it just sort of moves over, which a 12 pounder would not do! ha
And your "for love of mike" comment made me almost lose my coffee thru my nose!! ha
Get well Boo, prayers for you and all!
Glad the movie was a success, 'cept for the code in da nose.
MDC
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86689: A fake turkey? Why how can you say that MDC? Shame on you! :) I enjoyed your 12 days of TAGS Christmas.

Boo, I'm sorry you're so sick. I hope you get feeling better soon. Have you tried soaking it? (whatever "it" is)

OK, Now I think we are going to have a blooper thread going. The things you mentioned PH I have never noticed. Now I'll be looking for them. I'm sure you are aware of the famous Coors beer truck that was seen in an episode. Coors beer of course back then was not available East of the rockies.

Well the back, although improved, is still letting me know I'm no spring chicken anymore. R and R is the only thing that helps, so why fight it.

I pray for you all to have a wonderful day.

Asa
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86690:
Speken ze deutch ASA? You nor-easters just can't appreciate a good beer! haha
PH - ya wanna pick at ole BOO a bit, and do a little more on bloopers? Ha. Regarding your question, Ben actually says "I must have MISTOOK this for shaving lotion." In other words, just like he MISTOOK the roller skates for his razor,
(man, talk about a Mr Magoo, ha)so I think it is all OK when he hands it to her because it is really perfume, and not shaving lotion! Well, if Boo was feeling better, she's probably saying "for the love of mike" again! ha, love ya Boo!
Prayers for Boo and all ailing porchsters.
Peace,
MDC
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86691: You people...(:
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86692:
Asa, what ep has the coors truck? Two bloopers there as it was supposed to be a dry county! ha
MDC
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86693: You guys better go easy on Boo, When she feels better she'll come out of the gate kickin like a prize Bronco, and kick your %$&# (In REV's part of the world that means rear end)RIGHT REV? haha & remember don't ask her to play any reindeer games with her either!!
Was wondering about that fake Aunt Bee turkey, wonder if it was like the one the Griswolds had??
Kinda leaves a bad taste in your mouth thinking Aunt Bee had a fake Turkey, that just ain't right!...G-F.....
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86694: MDC, The Coors truck is in the color episode where Andy, Goober, and Opie go to the car show in Raleigh maybe? It's near the end when they stop at a service station for gas and a pop and they see the guy who Goober went to school with, trying to pretend he was a big shot, under a car working on it in one of the service bays. As one of them is walking from the station out to the car, you can see all the traffic on the road out front, and in it is a Coors Beer truck.

Asa
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86695: Maybe Gomer deserted, stole the beer truck, put the pedal to the metal, and was soon eastbound and down, loaded up and truckin' to NC, and thus the Coors truck in the scene is 'splained. hahahaha
GF- so true, but wait til RO comes back from her two night shifts, and claims how we can't be left alone for just two days!!! harhar, yuk, yuk! (:
Pass the eggnog foe me and Sam, aka Mr Skobey!
Help, I cant stop this run-away 'ritin'...
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86696: MDC
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86697: Yup, I'm afraid that the plastic turkey was "scene prop 13-a;" not to be confused with "scene prop 13-b", real turkey carcass. (:
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86698: For you Porchsters who are "A Christmas Story" fans too.Check out the website for the Christmas Story House. It was filmed in Cleveland about an hour from G-F's pad. They restored it into a Museum where you can go and act like Ralphie and get yourself a real leg lamp and other great items. thechristmasstoryhouse.com
But watch out for those Bumpas hounds!!
They are a hungry bunch...sorta like SPOT..G-F
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86699: It's a bigger hit than the Browns these days! :(
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86700: "fra-gil-lay"
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86701: Well hello gang...had the firsst Christmas gathering today...great time ..Mom,Pop,Miss Sherry.Andy(my son),and yea he is named after him,Andrew! and he know it!..his girlfriend Liz and my daughter Kelsey!..good food and gifts...hey Boo,Romeena,Possum,Lucy,asa,MDC..rain here in ga...work for me tomorrow thru monday..good money on the holidays...could give it up but it pays for Christmas!...left overs for everyone!...Peace and Good will to all...back in just a bit!..SPOT
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86702: Hi All.
Thank REV and POSSUM for thecard git thim today.
G F THE CHRISTMAS STORY may the city what it was like in the 50.

TOM

December 21, 2011 - Msg 86703: G F I live on W48 st off of Clark Ave.
From W25 and Clark to W11 was closed ae night wind shoting it
Seop you are majing me home sick
TOM

December 21, 2011 - Msg 86704: You people are crazy, satellites are circling the earth...
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86705: Oh, for the love of Mike!!

Boo

December 21, 2011 - Msg 86706: Mike who?

Asa
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86707: The top 12 things TOM misses about Cleveland #
12.Slymans Deli (Their huge Rueben sandwich)
11.West Side Market
10. Mr. Jingeling (Keeper of the Keys)on Halley's 7th floor @(Terminal Tower square)Along with Higbee's Christmas windows (A Christmas Story scene.)
9.Goulardi
8.Dick Goddard the Weatherman
7.Dorothy Fulheim Channel 5's News Goddess?
6.Gene Carrol's amature hour
5.Cuyahoga River (river of fire)
4.Euclid Park (summer skinnie dippin)
3.Cleveland Indians (the 40's teams)
2.Cleveland Browns (the 50's-60's)
#1 ****LAKE*** EFFECT****SNOW****FALLS!!****
Trying to bring Christmas Cheer to a N.E.Ohio brother.....Goober-Fife......
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86708: Asa...Boo loves Mike? I'll have to go down to the Barber shop and tell Floyd, he will know who Mike is...suuhhhhh don't tell Gomer he's a blabbermouth....
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86709:
MDC, sharp eyed ASA is correct about the Coors truck. It appears in the Goober Goes To The Auto Show episode.
Cue the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DPPa10aoRY up about 12 minutes in and you will see the Coors truck drive from left to right in the background at 12:11.

ASA, thanks for correcting me about that shaving lotion remark. Looks like it was not a blooper after all.

from Poor Horatio
December 21, 2011 - Msg 86710: G F thank but no thank do not miss it that bad.

TOM

December 21, 2011 - Msg 86711: Feeling nearly back to normal. Still had to take Advil and was easily tired today. I'm not complaining, though. I am just really hoping the rest of the family doesn't get it.

Today was a bad day for my dad. My sister found him in the floor twice today. He had not exactly fallen but had kind of slid out of the chair while he was asleep. Lord help us...things are getting tough with him and we are coming to the point in which it will be unsafe to leave him wandering around the house. We got him to use a walker and are buying him a recliner that will lift electronically so he can get in and out easily. I think what has been happening is that he doesn't have the strength to put the footrest down and is trying to crawl out the side and ends up in the floor, bless his heart. St. Susan tells me he has been more short of breath, too, so I am going to call tomorrow to try and get him some oxygen to help. Things are getting tough, but its not unexpected. I am feeling so much stronger and more able to accept whatever happens in the future. Thank you for your prayers.

Got laundry to catch up on tomorrow and some last minute shopping. I'll tell you one thing, that cold made me slow down and get some rest, which is good. I did still make the lasagna for the christmas party at the rehab, but a friend picked it up and took it for me.

I forgot to tell you about Saturday night. It was the night of the toy distribution for my sister's charity "Christmas For Kids". It was great, as usual. This year they had a festival for the kids and they had pictures with Santa and visited different booths for candy and such. I worked at the distribution table and took application receipts and gave the pre-bagged toys to the right recipients. I was struck by the mentality of most of the parents. Not many thank you's or anything... most had the old "I'm just getting what's coming to me" attitude, which is sad. It's all for the kids, though, so it is worth it.

Well, think I will get my shower and get in bed at a decent hour. Tomorrow will be a busier day than today and there are plans to be made for Christmas dinner.

Boo

PS-Uh..I don't think I even know anyone named Mike that i could love.
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86712:
Howdy porch family....just checking in real quick. After midnight here and I'm ready to hit the sack.
Love and prayers for you all!
-REV.
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86713: Morning all. Hope and pray your up for the new day.

Boo, glad you are feeling a bit better. Sorry that your Dad is having such a hard time. I pray for you all as I know what you are going through. And I know you will be strong for it all. Your a good woman and a good Daughter.

Rev, I don't know you can keep those late hours like that buddy. What kept you up so late? More prime rib? :)

PH, That was MDC who set the record straight on the Ben Weaver quote. He's a trained noticer. I'm just an amaetur. :) And thanks for showing the clip of the Coors beer truck. I thought everyone new about that.
Back on the blooper or inconsistency topic. Anyone notice how the Church seemed to move around a lot. You see it many times in the background where you wouldn't expect to see it. And here is some trivia for you. How many different types of heating systems did the courthouse have over the years? I guess being in the line of work I'm in, I notice that a bit more than others perhaps.

Well I'm back to work today after resting the back. It's feeling quite a bit better. I just need to be careful today and tomorrow, then I'm off for 5 days. That will be nice.

Pray you all have a blessed day.

Asa


December 22, 2011 - Msg 86714: Thanks Asa...you're a good friend. :)

Boo
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86715:
Boo- prayers for your dad! So sorry to hear, and it is indeed tough decision time for you. Regarding the toy thing, i still believe in the "give a fish vs teach to fish" adage when possible as it helps build a better attitude, but that's just me. (: Prayers.
ASA- The courthouse had three systems that I can think of, there was a radiator under the bboard during the first season, then in one ep Andy mentions the boiler in the basement, and then there was a gas heater in the Gomer Saves Andy's Life ep.
And speaking of heat, I think I found another "blooper" in the Christmas ep: Ever notice that everyone in that ep is bundled up with scarfs, hats, gloves, etc, yet Ben looks thru a WIDE OPEN cell window! ha OK, I better quit with the bloopers already! ho ho ho.
There's more than one way to pluck a buzzard!!
MDC
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86716:
Oh, a couple other tings, I listened to my copy of "The Christmas Guest" narrated by Andy Griffith last night, and if you don't have it you should get it! (The Christmas Guest book and CD Single $15.00 at weavers)It will really put you in the true Christmas spirit!
ASA- regarding the backgounds, i know what you mean. It is also noticeable when they open the courthouse door to show the "outside" The buildings across the street change over the years, so there must have been a lot of "construction" going on,(ha) as in stage artists doing their thing on canvas. Sometimes you can even see a fake squad car outside the door.
Then of course there is the wall where one of the front windows should be in the first season.
God bless and Merry Christmas! i will be off until next tuesday, but will try to stop by!
MDC
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86717: Enough with the bloopers already! teehee (:
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86718: Happy Birthday to SPOT!

Have a great day, YOUT!!

Party at O'Malley's tonight!

*******************
possum under a rock
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86719: hey gang ..prayers for everyone
MERRY CHRISTMAS ....remember the reason for the season
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86720: hey gang ..prayers for everyone
MERRY CHRISTMAS ....remember the reason for the season
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86721: I know what a YOUT is....Thanks to watching "MY Cousin Vinnie" Youuttthhhhs!You were serious about that? Auh2o should know too, even tho he's from upstate New York...SPOT's a fine young Yout!
Possum...laughter is the best Rx....G-F....
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86722: Oh, yeah, I was totally serious about that "YOUT" comment, G-F. Spot & I call ourselves the youts of the Porch! Ha ha And yes,we got it from "My Cousin Vinny". We're Southern YOUTS,by the way,ain't that right,spotty?
I'm laughing a bit more ,G-F-it'll get better..thanks!
************
possum again
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86723: Hey folks! Merry Christmas from me and mine to all of you. Here's the Christmas Card from The Newsome's 2011 - I hope you enjoy it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvuPLhMYmwQ

--Floyd
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86724: Nice card,Floyd- thanks so much! Merry Christmas to you & yours!

*******************
possum under a rock
December 22, 2011 - Msg 86725:
Hello porch family

Possum....sure is good to see a smile back on your face....you know the saying, "grinning like a possum".

Happy Birthday Spot...man you have a GREAT day!

Asa....nope the prime rib didn't keep me up late last night...just had so much to do.

Floyd....I'll check out the youtube card. Thanks for all you do for this wonderful place...our porch!

Continued prayers for Miss Sherry, Boo, Possum and all my porch family!
Merry CHRISTmas
-REV.
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86726:
MDC, that is a good blooper catch regarding the open jail window even thought it's supposed to be winter outside.

I believe I found another episode with some bloopers. Check out A Black Day for Mayberry at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK8ugV9iQvI.
#1 - Barney's badge is off-center. Yet when Andy appears later, his badge is properly centered.
#2 - at 00:58, two men in business suits walk in to the Sheriff's Office. The man doing all the talking is Rance Howard (Ron and Clint Howard's biological father). The color of their business suits appears either a light shade of black or gray. At 1:18, they sit down to wait with Rance Howard to the right of the screen. They place their hats on the table in front of them. Watch quickly at 1:56 as Opie walks in. As the camera pans to the left, you can see the two men sitting. But now both are wearing their hats. As for the man on the right, not only is he now wearing a dark black suit, but he is NOT Rance Howard! Then at 2:21, as Andy walks in, the man on the right returns to being Rance Howard wearing a light black or gray suit.

Speaking of "youts", view the clip at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpNgONH2ncI

from Poor Horatio
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86727:
I've got a surprise for all of you. I just discovered a video interview with Frances Bavier (Aunt Bea) after she retired and moved to North Carolina. Watch it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyhkr9nI88k&feature=related.

from Poor Horatio
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86728: Good Friday morning all.

Getting down to the wire with Christmas. Hope everyone is done, or just about.

PH, Good sightings there on your bloopers. The one concerning the Gold Truck, I have read that one of the characters who was playing the T-men took ill and passed out in the middle of the shooting of the episode. That's why you see a difference in actors. I guess Rance Howard was there so they plugged him in. I'll have to check that youtube link to Francis when I get home tonight. Another blooper is in the episode "A Feud is a Feud. When Andy takes the guns away from Mr. Carter and Mr. Wakefield (to secretly remove the shells from them) he gives them back the wrong guns. You have to really watch it to catch it, but he messes that up. I'm sure in real life both Carter and Wakefield would have knwn right away they had been handed back the wrong gun.

MDC, You're pretty good on you Courthouse heating. Here's what I came up with. In the early years they had a boiler in there because we see a steam radiator in the Courthouse, and as you said, there was a mention of a boiler leaking and causing a mess. Then in the episode with Andy saving Gomer, again as you alluded too, there was a gas fired heater in the Courthouse. And finally in the episode with Orville Monroe, Barney had sent him down to clean the "furnace" which resulted in black sooty smoke coming out of a register up in the Courthouse. That would indicate some type of forced air system, probably coal, with the amount of soot that came out. So, that's three different type of heating systems for the Courthouse in just 8 years. No wonder poor Barney couldn't get a raise! They was spending all their money on new heating systems. Dave Lennox would have really prospered in Mayberry. LOL

Thanks for the nice card Floyd. I hope you and yours has a wonderful Christmas season.

OK Rev, if you say it wasn't prime rib that kept you up, I'll believe it. :)

Good to see you Possum, and glad your are doing ok. Hang in there.

Boo, you feeling any better? Sure hope so.

Where's Ro? Hope she didn't run off with the dish towel salesman.

Better get. Lot's to do today.

Prayers for all.

Asa
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86729: Oh, and for Boo, this quote.
"You can't see the lines, can you Rusty?" :)

Asa
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86730: Asa, What's next for the Courthouse Geo-thermal? They better send Emmitt back to school to keep that one running! Geo may be nice system down south for those chillie days but up North it's alot of work for it to keep up on those COLD days
Thanks PH for the clip, had not seen that one! Is that why you are the king of the archives?
Romeena & Boo..."I CAN'T HEAR YOU"........You can bet there not just sittin around doing nuttin.SQUIRREL!!!G-F....
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86731: Poor Horatio...that hurts (sad face)that you just found that interview. I did a podcast episode on that interview with Frances back in June 2011. http://imayberry.com/podcasts/2011/06/two-chairs-no-waiting-139-aunt-bee/

Maybe y'all don't know but I do a weekly podcast about The Andy Griffith Show. Hopefully you guys listen/watch from time to time. I think you folks would enjoy the show.

http://www.TwoChairsNoWaiting.com/

--Floyd
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86732: You folks are what Mayberry is all about....friends. I enjoy visiting here on the porch because things here are, in general, nice. Nice people enjoying one another. Good conversation and kind hearts.

Thank you all for being an example of Mayberry here on the Internet. Somewhere that new folks are welcomed and "old" timers are cherished.

I'm not sure you realize how unusual and wonderful a place that you have made The Taylor's Front Porch into over the years.

God bless you all and a very Merry Christmas to you all.

--Floyd (a.k.a. Allan)
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86733: I sure hope that Newton Monroe doesn't paint the porch again! He can't paint!
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86734: Thanks for the b-day wishes gang...here at work...and TOUT"s we are....great weather today in Ga..hey Rev I may have over looked the post but we will be camping all next week till after the first of the year in Piegon Forge you aint gona be no where singing are you?..hey Possum,Mdc,G-F,PH ya done good on yer goofs on tags...ok...work till 3 today then Chirstmas at the house this time with Sherrys family..this is Chemo Pump week so she is a little under the weather but doing ok...well will have plenty of left overs yall swing by...prayers to all...SPOT
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86735: Floyd, You're a peach of a fellow thanks for all you do for us nutjobs...Alot of US have found a home here...again a BIG THANKS!!!.....G-F
NOT TO MANY !!'S OR THE CENSOR WILL GET ME :)
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86736:
Hello porch family.....Sitting here with Christmas music playing, Jake in my lap and my sweet wife baking up a storm and making the house smell just wonderful. And of course enjoying my porch family!

Spot.....nope I won't be in the Pigeon Forge area again until May 2012. I'm home now till the first of January...then I'll be on a 30 day tour in Florida. We're gonna hook up one day though. If nothing else we'll have to meet at a Cracker Barrel when I'm passing through the Atlanta area.

G-F....you're right...don't get too excited with the "!"s or that censor will get ya...lol

Floyd...I "happened" to stumble onto the porch years ago while searching for something. I would have never guessed in a million years that I would stay on here. That's just "not me". But this place is different than anything else. It's a place with TRUE friends coming together and caring for each other.....it's FAMILY...my Porch Family. Thank you brother!

Well I think I just heard the oven open so I think I'll go and see if I can distract my wifey long enough to sneak a peice of whatever see is cooking....hehe
Love and prayers
-REV.
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86737: Ok we had Christmas with sherrys family and I am now posting from my new net book she got me....SPOT!
December 23, 2011 - Msg 86738:
Way to go Spot....man you must have been a good doggy:)
-REV.
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86739: Yes, this is a great place to be. A million thanks, Floyd. I don't even know you personally but you have blessed my life in so many ways. May you and your's have a blessed Christmas and New year.

I have been tired but almost back to normal. Today I have been doing some baking and trying to get ready for tomorrow when I will have a houseful...not complaining. I'm rejoicing in another Christmas with my family...here and on the porch.

Just finished a big batch of chocolate chip cookies and now its time for a shower and some reading before falling asleep in my nice warm bed. Thank you, Jesus for so very many blessings, the greatest of which is you. I love him so.

Goodnight Porch family. :)

Boo
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86740: Oh, and before I forget, thank you to those of you who sent a Christmas card. I'm sorry I never got to sending cards. I love each of you, though, and appreciate the greetings.

Boo
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86741:
G-F, as an FYI for you, the reason the censor does what it does, if I remember what Floyd said correctly, he was trying to stop "commercials" from appearing here; and one thing they were doing was lots of "!" etc. Also, insur@nce cos. were doing the same thing, that's why that word will trip the censor.
PH- you continue to astound me with the bloopers!! Wow, we are among greatness! Now if the folks in DC would just be as diligent! haha
ASA- duh, I should have known that a boiler is part of a radiator system, but I'm just a dumb westerner. ha Maybe I'll just go vacumn the living room at 2 AM. (:
I hope RO is OK. I know that she had to work two nights, but should be off today.
Hey, I have an idea, let's all plan to get together and meet on the streets of gold when the time comes 'round!! I understand that even guys from Cleveland are welcome there! ha Just ribbin' TOM and G-F
BOO- glad you are feeling better.
REV - please lead us in a Christmas prayer.
FLOYD- you are a treas-sa!-!-!-!-!
God bless!
MDC
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86742: Howdy, porch! No, I didn't run off with the dishtowel salesman. If I'm gonna run off with somebody, it ain't gonna be some guy selling dishtowels!

I declare, those two twelve-hour shifts in a row about did me in. If I didn't know better, I'd think I was getting old! Actually both shifts were murderous. Long, busy, hectic and I was glad when they were over. When I got off yesterday morning, at nearly 9 a.m. (supposed to be out of there at 7:15) I went to the grocery store, then to Lowe's and bought some flower pots to pot up some amaryllis bulbs, then stopped by a garage because my car's little digital display was whining about tire pressure and oil level. The tires looked fine, but I don't mess with the oil. If it says check it, I check it. It was a trifle low, just a little less than a quart. They aired up the tires, and I think they put too much in, because now it rides like a truck. Makes my teeth chatter! I'll get by the Cadillac place in a few days and get them checked again.

Anyway, I came home, put up the cold stuff from the groceries I'd bought, and fell into bed! Since then, I've been puttering, doing odds and ends, potted the bulbs and such. I never put the leaf net over the pond, so it's full of leaves, and that causes a problem. Some sort of stuff comes out of those leaves, and forms a thick, gummy pink substance in all the pumps and filters, and it's a chore to get out. Sometimes I have to actually pull it out by hand. It's nasty, like mashed up earthworms! So, I dip out the leaves, and clean the filters. With the decaying leaves using up the O2 in the water, I have to have aeration going on. The water is tea-colored now, from the tannin in the leaves. At times like this, I wonder why I ever had that pond made. Fortunately, most of the time, it's a pleasure.

Well, all the presents are bought, wrapped and under the tree. Tomorrow morning I'm going to make a couple of pans of Scottish shortbread and that will probably be the extent of my baking. I make gooood shortbread! So buttery that if you drop a crumb on your shirt, it will leave a greasy spot! Yum!

Goodnight, all - see you tomorrow, most likely. --Romeena
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86743: Oh, ditto the thanks to Floyd for providing and maintaining our own personal Mayberry. It has been my great pleasure to get to know him and his lovely wife, on the cruises. They're both just the nicest people you could hope to meet - true Mayberrians! There's another cruise planned for this fall - sure do wish some of you would sign up. We would have so much fun! --Romeena
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86744: Morning porsters on this eve of the Greatest Birthday man has ever known...As I sit by my "Official" Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, I think of the words of the wise Linus VanPelt:
"I never thought it was such a bad little tree.
It's not bad at all,Really. Maybe it just needs a little love". How true is that! I LOVE IT!
As we prepair for CHRISTmas,not Xmas,Winter Holiday,Santa Day,The Great Carnage, or what ever "Politically Correct" day people call it these days. Here on the porch we can still call it CHRISTmas! By Golly..GOD BLESS THE USA!.....
Hope ya all find Peace & Happiness in the day, but we must remember, alot of people have a very rough time around the Holidays, reignites alot of feelings both good & bad.
I myself try not to live in the past, but I find it VERY necessary to visit it though...From both a view of who we really are,(our roots), and as a barometer of what we've come thru to get to where we are today. Maybe it's just me?
Ro, good to see ya back on, was getting worried they were gonna work your fingers to the bone.
You know what you get when you work your fingers to the bone??.....

BONEY FINGERS!...tehehaha.........Goober-Fife..
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86745: Goober-Fife, you are a bird in this world! I must say, you do run deep at times. I like that side of you, and your playful side brings a nice balance. Don't change.

I slept so well last night - don't think I moved all night. Was able to get up and walk right away, without any furniture-surfing, too! My back feels pretty good today, hope it holds up.

Well, gotta get in the kitchen. I never did bake that shortbread last night, but I got the last of the gifts wrapped. So now, I'm off to bake. The shortbread recipe is simple, just takes a while. It involves beating the butter and sugar together until you can no longer feel any grittiness when you rub a little pinch of the dough between your fingers. That can take as long as fifteen minutes of beating, but that's why it's so meltingly tender when you eat it. I'm going to make at least two batches, and one batch will have very finely chopped pecans in it. That's a nod to the "sand tarts" my mom always made, and I just love. They're basically a shortbread dough, not much difference in the recipes except there is a bit more flour in the sand tarts. They contain the finely-chopped pecans, and you roll the dough out, cut the cookies out, then decorate with colored sugar. Delish, but a bit labor-intensive, and I just don't feel like doing them this year. So, I'll put some pecans in a batch of shortbread, baked flat in a pan, no cutting and the taste will be almost identical. I can even sprinkle them with colored sugar. You cut them into bars while still hot in the pan, let them cool, and remove. Yep, that's what I'm going to do!

Have a very Merry Christmas, and as Tiny Tim so sweetly said, "God bless us, every one! --Romeena
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86746: Yes, "God bless us, every one!". Merry Christmas Eve. :)

Boo
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86747: Romeena, A christmas without Sand Tarts? Seriously? hmmmm they are working you too hard! My favorite shapes were always the hearts with the pink sugar. I have always been certain that the pink (light red) sugar tasted much better than the green! I did make a huge batch of your party mix, slightly healthier than I was taught and personally enjoyed, but still good enough to munch until I was a bit too full... Love you Romeena, Mom. And Love and Merry Christmas to all of you - Romeena's dear Porch friends!!! ~Robbi (Romeena's girl)

December 24, 2011 - Msg 86748: Hey gang ...work for me at 6 tonight will read from there..will track Santa from the radar at work and keep them Christmas lights on...Merry Christmas...got to get the camper hooked up for the Post Christmas in Tenn!..SPOT
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86749: Hey to Robbie. Welcome, and Merry Christmas. We all think your Mom is a high quality woman, and have just got to believe the Acorn didn't fall far from the tree, so that makes you a quality woman also.

Spot, keep them lights a burning for Santa for sure. How's Sherry doing?

Boo, you didn't guess on my movie quote. How come?

Goober Fife, yer a mess buddy, but we love ya. :)

Well in case I don't get back on here later, I pray y'all have a wonderful Christmas, and that health, wealth, and peace be your companion for the new year.

Asa
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86750: Sand tarts....I forgot about sand tarts, darn it! MERRY CHRISTMAS, ROBBI! Great to hear from you again. :)

Merry Christmas, SPOT and ASA.

For the movie quote, Asa, I forgot and I am not positive about it. I am thinking Christmas Vacation but not sure, darn it, you stumped me my toolbelt-wearing sugarplum. ;)

Well, my other family will be here soon so time to put some things in the oven. We always have party-type food on Christmas Eve and our big dinner on Christmas Day. Unfortunately, Dad and mom aren't up to coming over and it is cold and windy, so they don't want to venture out. This will be my first Christmas Eve ever without them and I don't think I can do it. I will sneak out later tonight and give them a visit.

Well, hope you all are blessed and enjoying yourself. I will try to be back later. Love to all!

Boo
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86751: Ok im at work now...once again Merry Christmas...will do my best to keep the lights on for Santa!...yall holler I will be here all night!...SPOT
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86752: Hey there SPOT...thanks for keeping the lights on. I will check in again later.

Boo
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86753:
Merry Christmas porch family!

Spot...you're the man for keeping those lights on. I'm sure Santa will stop by your work place.

Hi Robbi....your mom is a sweetheart. Have a great CHRISTmas!

Boo...I'm sure a visit to your mom & dad will be a treat for them.

The wife and I went to Olive Garden today for lunch...soup & salad....so good. We have never done that on Christmas Eve but we really enjoyed it.

Love and prayers to all my porch family!
-REV.
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86754: Merry Christmas y'all! I don't have any idea where Santa is now ( perhaps Spot can enLIGHTen us) but I know where he was around 9:30 EST this morning- he was standing out in front of a gas station off of I-95 in SC 'cause I saw him this morning on my way to work! And no,Asa, I ain't been in the eggnog! I really did see him.

Want to wish you all the merriest of Christmases.

Hi to Robbi- your mama is the best! Thank you Ro,for the card & enclosed message.

Love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
December 24, 2011 - Msg 86755: Well, it's after 10pm and most of the relatives have gone home. We had a nice time tonight with St. Susan and her family and my mother-in-law. Lots of kids opening presents and lots of eating. We had a nice fire going in the fireplace since it is cold and rainy here tonight (just like I like it). Santa brought me a Kindle, which I am about to read up on.

I'm thinking of going to the 11pm church service in the church I grew up in. We'll see if I can keep my eyes open.

Boo
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86756: Well it is now Christmas Day. Merry Christmas!
It is past midnight. I did attend the 11pm service at my old church and it was a trip down memory lane. I will share more about it tomorrow. Time to get into my nice warm bed because there is much to do later. Love to all.

Boo
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86757: Hi All.
HAPPY HOLIDAY

TOM :( :(
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86758: Boo, is that a Kris Kindle or a Kris Kringle I get them mixed up at times..haha. Well, it's December 25th is Bernie making enough progress to keep him or does he become Christmas dinner?
Since you got him a partner let's vote you keep him ok?
TOM, I see the direction of the happy face...You can be happy you don't live in Cleveland anymore,at least that's someting you can be happy about buddy! Turn that frown upside down!
Gotta get the Turkey in the oven, I'll check back later..MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A MAYBERRY DAY...Act like sombody...G-F.....
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86759: Merry Christmas to TOM and G-F. No, we will not be eating Bernie this Christmas. :)

Hope you are all having a blessed Christmas morning. I'm a little sleepy but might just sneak in a little nap before going to my sister's later. I am sitting here looking out the window at two fat little goats and a black dog, all gangin out together on this christmas morn. Bruce let the goats and donkey out to graze on some fresh grass...guess its his little gift to them. ;) Well, had to get up and clean the kitchen and begin thinking about Christmas dinner.

I told you all I went to the 11pm service in the old methodist church I grew up in. Well, it was a blessing but I couldn't help but feel kind of sad sitting there where my family had sat so many sundays years ago. It brought back so many memories of my childhood...singing in the children's Christmas choir, being a lamb in the live nativity, experiencing the joy of the candlelight service we attended every Christmas Eve at 6pm. I was always so excited, waiting to go home and open a gift, or sometimes all of them, and spending the evening with my family. I want to go back for awhile and live it again but that's not possible. I have so much to be thankful for but couldn't help feeling kind of blue last night...guess it's because of what is going on with Dad. At least I still have him this Christmas and I am very, very thankful for that. Last night in the service, in that 100+ year old church, as they sang Silent Night and held up their glowing candles in the dark, I was full of Christmas spirit, just like years ago. I'm very glad I went.

Well, better get back in the kitchen!

Boo
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86760: Boo, You speak of St. Susan often, I take it she's an older sister? I have one too, we refere to her as "Mother Hen". Since Mom&Dad are gone she's the self appointed "Mother Figure" of the family even tho we have a older brother, we all give her the honor of the title...G-F...
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86761: Hey, porch! Thanks for the kind words to my sweet daughter, Rob. She's a treasure, and I'm grateful for her, as well as for her siblings. I was really blessed with my family.

I received an unexpected gift this morning. No, not from Santa. This one could have come only from the Lord. I awakened, stretched, and bounced out of bed like a teenager. Walking straight, needing nothing to hold onto. No back pain, not even a little bit. I haven't felt this good in months. I don't know what this means, but I'm really enjoying it. Thank you, Lord!

Boo, I know what you mean about the memories of Christmas Eve services. The little church I grew up in always had such sweet services, and I wish I could go back there, just once. But, as you said, we can't. What we CAN do is be sure that sweet memories are being formed in our own children or grandchildren. We won't always be here to guide them, but we can leave footprints for them to follow. If we're following the footprints of the Master, then we can't lead those children wrong.

There are many little birds out back this morning, enjoying the seeds and nuts and crumbled crackers I've put out for them. Some of them are strangers, I've never seen them before. One little pair of visitors I was able to identify as whitecap chickadees. There's also a very tiny wren who likes to perch on the tall sprinkler head outside the window. Its little round body is no larger than a pingpong ball, and its stiff little tail sticks almost straight up. Very sassy-looking, and just so cute! There's another little fellow out there right now that I can't identify. He looks like a sparrow, but his colors are all wrong. He's charcoal gray, with the breast being a shade or two lighter than the rest of him. Cute little thing. Of course, there's a bluejay, swooping in and bullying everyone, but I quit putting out peanuts, so he went elsewhere. I'll put some more out for him later, but I wanted to give the others a chance. The cardinals have found the sunflower seeds, and I saw what I think was a goldfinch, in winter feathers, much more green than gold. Pretty bird. The squirrels are out in force - I counted five this morning - and romance is in the air. The girls haven't consented yet, it's still too early, but they will. Oh my, yes they will! And then I'll have the fun of watching the babies grow up. I tell you, I wouldn't take a dollar and a quarter for this window!

Well, got to finish my fruit salad, and head on over to Eloise's house. I hope Jerry is feeling better today. He surely was puny last night.

Merry Christmas, everyone! --Romeena