February 10, 2012 - Msg 87355: Just how does one "cray"??..Do you have a definition for that, PH?..hehe...

Boo
February 10, 2012 - Msg 87356: Oh, Pooh! I can't believe I swept with that!

Boo
February 10, 2012 - Msg 87357:
Boo, since I dont have your address, let me just express one more time my deepest condolences. Glad you are doing better with it. As I mentioned, as i read the obituary, I never recalled you mentioning him being a mayor. Then i thought about mayor pike and mayor stoner, then i thought of the "relieving" incident off the back porch, and that whole picture, so i just had to chuckle to myself!! (: Prayers continue for you and yours!
RO- you also have to remember that the doctors today are under pressure from the pharmasutical companies to push such drugs. As you know, I go au naturel whenever I can. And thanks for all the prayers regarding my hip arthritis. Things are indeed better.
LUCY- did you get my reply on FB? Pappabear will be thrilled.
Hey to TOM, asa, spot, GF,auh20, maudie,rev and all. Spring Training is here! Daytona soon too.
With boo's dad passing i didnt bring up anything
about the current admin and the cath church deal, but man we all gotta stick together on this one friends or the bill of rights begins to crumble.
God bless,
MDC

February 10, 2012 - Msg 87358: I agree, MDC, but I believe they're under even more pressure from partially-informed moms, who think a c-section will be easier than a birth (it's not) and who are excited about the idea of planning the date of the baby's arrival. It's all about convenience these days, as in everything else. In all h onesty, though, the doctors are culpable here as well. They push for induction for the same reasons (convenience, planning the date, etc.) and then when it doesn't work, the girl gets a c-section. It's just not smart to try to pick green fruit.

Well, gotta go to work. Wonder how many c-sections we'll have tonight??? After tonight, I'm off until next Wednesday! Yay! --Romeena
February 10, 2012 - Msg 87359: Hey gang...just a quick check in...last day of radiation for this chapter....meet with the Doc mon at 10 to see where we go from here...spirits high!..and went out to eat tonight...she just stays tired...but no pain!...will keep ypu informed...and Sherry and I sure do thank all for the prayers.....SPOT
February 10, 2012 - Msg 87360:
Howdy porch family.....kinda chilly on this end of the porch.

MDC...yep I'm ready for baseball....love it.

Spot.....will be continuing to pray for Monday's visit.

Will be spending a day with my family tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
You all have a good night and a Jesus filled weekend!
Love and prayers
-REV.
February 11, 2012 - Msg 87361: Hi All.
Cold morm here.
G-F I see yjat Cleveland lske is running cray now!
Will keepit here to?
I do not like snow?

:( TOM

February 11, 2012 - Msg 87362: SOORY that was to say I see that Ceveland lake is running cray now?
sorry for all miss spell

TOM
February 11, 2012 - Msg 87363: Yep! TOM it's snowing alot right now Lady Lake Erie has not frozen over this year so BIG snow machine as you well know from your years there!
Auh2o knows it too from his great lake..They are not to great in the winter time Amen..Auh2o?
REV ya singin it pretty on your new CD?
SPOT, Them Braves at spring training yet? Ya can almost hear those NASCAR's revin up too....
Take Miss Sherry to the Varsity and put it on my tab....
Boo, I got paid today, think I'll take out $12 and get me 12 pairs of dollar underwear! A guy can't have enough case he runs out....hehehaha
also ya swept the Poo? or you swept with Poo? I'm confused......Goober-Fife....
p.s. Possum did ya see your shadow? I forgot to ask....
February 11, 2012 - Msg 87364: that one thing I do not miss is the LAKE ERIE SNOW!

TOM

February 11, 2012 - Msg 87365: Ha ha- I ain't no danged groundhog, MDC! (I guess that was MDC up there asking if I'd seen my shadow.)
I am hoping for an early Spring though- it is cold here at my Carolina rock! Gonna get down to 23 tonight- brrr!
Hope all is well with our Porchsters- I am doing good. Can honestly say I am HAPPY!
Y'all stay warm & take care. Love to all.

*******************
possum under a rock

February 11, 2012 - Msg 87366: Wish it was warm too but it going to cold here and in the teen 25.
Possum it was G-F who asje

TOM

February 11, 2012 - Msg 87367: Possum, It was me G-F who asked about seeing your shadow...Ground Hog?..Possum?...Thought it would work for either one?..haha
MDC, did not mean to get ya in trouble with the Possum!....Good to hear your a happy possum now..I'ts wise not to mess with a unhappy one, know what I mean???...G-F....
February 11, 2012 - Msg 87368: Good afternoon, porch! Wow. I'm pooped! I worked last night, came home and slept for an hour, then up and out to watch my grandson play basketball. His team won, 27-5. Like I told Eloise when the score was 23-5 - any scoring they do now is just pure sarcasm. They did it anyway, scoring four more points. It's so fun to watch those little guys play. They're eight years old, and some of them can really hustle! Hudson is a good player, though he's probably not the best on the team. The lighter-weight kids can move faster, and Hudson is built like a little tank, so he's not real fast. His shooting is good though, and when he's guarding, he's like a wall. It's sort of the same in baseball. He's not the fastest base runner on the team, but then he doesn't have to be. When he connects with that ball, which is often, it's not going to make it back into play anytime soon. He's almost got time to stop and tie his shoes before he crosses the plate.

Spot, I'm glad to hear that you and Miss Sherry are getting out and doing a few things, and in good spirits. Hang in there, my friend. Prayers continue!

Tom, we're not getting any snow, but it was 31 here last night. Finally we're getting some cold weather. Maybe that will slow my tulips down so they don't come up too soon and get frozen back. Some have already poked their noses above the ground (the leaves, no blooms yet), so I may just put a layer of mulch over them and see if they'll stall for a while.

Possum, your words are music to my ears. I'm so glad you finally did what had to be done, and now in time you can rebuild your life into something that brings you joy. Sometimes, it just is what it is. As my cousin said after a very painful separation and divorce many years ago - "You can't unscramble eggs." I think he was right.

Well, I think I'll go get into some tattered old gown, soft and comfy, get a big glass of tea, pop in a TAGS DVD and get in my chair with Toye Starr in my lap, and most likely, promptly fall asleep. Sound like a wonderful way to spend an evening! Blessings, all! --Romeena
February 12, 2012 - Msg 87369: Morning porch family. Up far too early but woke up at 4 and couldn't sleep. I have some dear relatives to see off early this morning and sure hate to see them go. I have had a wonderful time with my family..brother, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephew, good friends...what a blessing. Dad's memorial service went very well and I was able to give the eulogy without crying. The slide show bruce put together was beautiful set to music like "The Very Thought of You," by Nat King Cole, and "Down There By the Train," by johnny Cash. My nephew, Matt, arranged all the music. My church members prepared a luncheon for all of us and we even had food to bring home to feed folks later today. How blessed we were with such an outpouring of love. Everyone came over to my house after and visited until evening. The hardest part of the day was saying goodbye to my brother David who had to leave late last night to fly back to California. He will be retiring soon and moving to Hawaii and I think it will be a very long time until I see him again. It was a good weekend and we had some excitement, too. My cousin Debbie who is staying here this weekend, has a daughter who went into labor on Friday. She has had 3 home births before but this fourth one ended up a c-section because baby just wouldn't come down. She finally was delivered late Friday night..a chubby baby girl but she is still in the neonatal ICU with an infection.

Very glad to hear that Miss Sherry is in good spirits and isn't in pain. Wonderful news!

Better git but will be back later.

Boo
February 12, 2012 - Msg 87370: Hey Boo....
I was reading about how excited you were to see all your extended family. You mentioned how it is too bad that everyone gets together because of your dad passing. That made me think of an episode of Little House on the Prairie. In that episode an elderly widow asked Charles Ingalls to help her fake her own death and plan her funeral and wake so that her three children and their families that she hadn't seen in years would come and she could see them all before she did pass. Of course, they were mad at first but then it turned into a big party and family reunion. There's some wisdom in there somewhere.....
I am glad you got to spend time with all your family and that the memorial service went well. My prayers continue for you and your family. I hope you get to find a way to see your brother in Hawaii! (Maybe there would be room for me in your luggage, I have never been to Hawaii!)

Prayers continue for Miss Sherry and Spot...

I have to say, I always did prefer "Happy Possums"! Good for you Possum!!

Gonna put a pot roast in the crock pot in just a few minutes and then spend the day relaxing! C'mon by and I'll hook you up with some mashed potatoes and gravy, those Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, mixed veggies and some little valentine cupcakes!

Have a GREAT Mayberry Sunday!!!
Mary Wiggins
February 12, 2012 - Msg 87371: Good Sabbath morning all. I pray you are all well.

Boo, I'm glad the Memorial went well and you have enjoyed your visits with your family members. How is your Mom holding up? I imagine that is going to be hard on her for a while.

Mary Wiggins, I'll be over this afternoon for some of that food. Sounds delicious to me. Thanks.

Spot, Sherry and you are still in my prayers buddy. I pray the news is good. I'm glad she has no pain and that her spirit is good. You are taking good care of her no doubt. Good on you.

G-F, Dollar underwear? I don't know if I could trust that.

Possum, I'm so glad to hear you are doing ok. Things will continue to get better for you, I'm certain. My prayers continue for you.

Been reading about Whitney Houston. So very sad. What a talent she had. I don't really follow the lifestyles of the rich and famous, so I was not aware she had such a drug problem. Not sure if that's what she died from, but still such a waste to die so young.

I guess I better get moving.

Prayers for all.

Asa
February 12, 2012 - Msg 87372: I think it cold out and to much snow.

TOM

February 12, 2012 - Msg 87373:
Howdy porch family.....my concert went great today.....great crowd. Back in the studio this week then in Jacksonville,FL next weekend.

Tom...it's cold here also but no snow.

Prayers for all of you folks....my porch family!
Love ya'll
-REV.
February 12, 2012 - Msg 87374: Good evening, porch. What a lovely Sabbath I've enjoyed. My pastor was really "on" this morning - of course he always is, he's never as dry as dust - but this morning's sermon was especially good. We are blessed to have him. Then a wonderful SS hour, with my beloved teacher who always makes things so interesting. Afterward, about half the class joined up and went to El Fenix for lunch (my favorite Mexican place). Home for a little nap, then this evening out to Saltgrass for Eloise's birthday. Had a really good steak, brought half of it home, would imagine it will make a killer sandwich tomorrow. All in all, it was a great day.

Oh, we drove home in snow! Fairly heavy snowfall, but nothing sticking, it's not cold enough. The low is supposed to be about 33, so I don't anticipate waking up to a white world in the morning. I started to go out and cut the irises that are blooming and bring them in, but if it doesn't go below 30, they'll be okay. I hate to cut them now, because only the first bud is open. There are about five more on the stem, and left uncut, they'll all open and the thing will be magnificent!

Boo, it sounds like you had a lovely, though bittersweet, time with your family. I've been there, and I know what you mean. When my mom passed, and a few years later, my dad followed, and it was that way for us each time. Saw cousins I hadn't seen in a long time, and old friends - you just wish everyone would gather "just because" now and then, but we just don't. Too bad. Still, it's wonderful to see everyone, and it gives us a glimpse of what it might be like in heaven. I think of the hymn "When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!"

Well, my little furkid is in here, tapping me on the ankle and then trotting toward my chair. Not hard to figure out what she wants. She wants me to go make a lap for her! Guess I'll do that little thing. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
February 13, 2012 - Msg 87375: Good morning gang..well its off work at 6am then home to nap till 9:30 then off the the Doc for a meeting to see what the game plan is for Sherry..figure we will get her back on a new Chemo plan...I really dont know...Sherry said she is gona ask blunt questions this meeting...whew...ok...hey Romeena,Rev,Boo,possum,asa,MW,Lucy,auh20 and all...lets meet at waffle house on the way to the Cancer Center...Boo will you bring a paper?...thanks for prayers...peace out! SPOT
February 13, 2012 - Msg 87376: Well it is Monday morning porch and I made it to work. Its about 19 degrees on Northeast Tennessee. We had a cold blustry cold Saturday on my end of the porch, cold, snowy and very windy. Yesterday was not so bad, sunny but cold. Guess this is winter though.

Prayers for Miss Sherry and SPOT this morning. Know that God is with you as you go to the doctor's visit. Courage, strength and peace.

Thanks for breakfast SPOT. Those waffles sure are good.

Gotta get to work.
Prayers and blessings all around
Big Maude
February 13, 2012 - Msg 87377: Good morning, porch! Cold, gray and wet here this morning, but it's only 36. I'm glad I didn't cut those irises. It didn't get cold enough to hurt them, and they're still standing tall out there. The yellow one looks like a piece of sunshine fell down into the yard. So pretty.

Spot, extra prayers go with you and Miss Sherry this morning, as you make your doctor visit. I know that her determination to ask blunt questions is scary, but she has every right to do it, and in fact, she needs to do it. I have a pretty good idea what those questions are, and she needs the answers. I think you're wonderful for supporting her through this, because I know how hard it is. I watched my husband suffer through it with me, and I know how hard it was for him. Sometimes I think he was in more emotional pain than I was. You guys always fix everything for us, and this is one time when you can only hold our hand, and it's very hard to do. So, dear old doggie, just continue to be there, and brace yourself for her questions and the answers. She needs to do this. God be with you!

Well, cold or not, I have errands to run. Guess I'd better get moving. I finally found a recycling place that will accept all the styrofoam packing stuff I've got built up in my garage. Amazing how that stuff accumulates. I just can't make myself put it in the trash, and the city recycle trucks won't take it, so I finally found someone who does. It's going to fill the car up, might even take two trips, but I need to get it out of here, it's in the way.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
February 13, 2012 - Msg 87378: Hi All.
Where is Spring at?
Big Maude it was 9 degrees on at 5;00 wind I walk up.
IT start giting cold Friday night and stop Sunday.
Ro- snow there and you may git some more to!
Boo- did you git some too?
G-F- injoye all that snow that Cleveland have now!(hehe) :(

TOM

February 13, 2012 - Msg 87379:
Morning porch family....another cold night here.

Spot....prayers brother as you both go see the doctor today. Great advice from Ro....as always. Just remember that you guys will not be alone in that room.....you've got a porch family that will be there in spirit, but more importantly, God's Spirit will be with you!

Love and prayers for all our porch family as we travel through another day that God has given us.
-REV.
February 13, 2012 - Msg 87380: No Tom, it's in the 60's here...so I guess this is where spring is. :)

Have been wanting to read archives and just been so tired from the activities of the weekend (and the last 10 days, actually). There are still things to do and have to meet with the attorney on Wed. Today I just want to crawl under the covers and hibernate, which is mostly what I have been doing. I'm not complaining, just feeling like I need some rest and I am taking it.

Be back when I am rested. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Boo
February 13, 2012 - Msg 87381:
RO- we did exactly that for my dad's 90th BD. EVERYONE came. It was grand, and the whole idea was to have all there for a FUN occasion. When folks left they thanked us all, knowing that their next visit would probably be for his passing. He's still going good at 93 however! Amazing.
Maudie, one thing that I want to do is to visit kentucky and Tenn. Would just love to see that countryside. Anyone here been to the billy Graham library?
Spot, the I'm here for ya Sherry, dog of this ol' porch, all my best prayers for you and yours bro!
We are suppose tom get RAIN tomorrow! Yippie, these 350 days of sun a year aint all it's cracked up to be! ha
Tomorrow is also Arizona's Centennial day!! Woohoo!
Mary Wiggins, your first grade education was worth every penny! good stuff. (:
REV- do we get to vote on an album name again?
Prayers,
MDC
February 13, 2012 - Msg 87382:
Oh, and Boo, glad all went well for your dad's memorial. May he rest in the arms of Jesus. MDC
February 13, 2012 - Msg 87383: Thank you, MDC. :)

Boo
February 13, 2012 - Msg 87384:
MDC....I think this year there is one song on the cd that I just feel needs to be the title. When I wrote the song I knew right then that this would be the title of the cd.
But I tell you what I'm gonna do....I'll list the songs here and see if ya'll can guess which one will be the title:)

Here we go:

*Burn Within
*The Name Of Jesus
*Let's All Stand Up
*Little Chapel Road
*Lord You Have
*Only One Road
*Rain Down
*So It Goes
*Still The King Of Kings
*Straight And Narrow

Love and prayers!
-REV.
February 13, 2012 - Msg 87385: I guess ONLY ONE ROAD

TOM

February 14, 2012 - Msg 87386: Wow, REV, that's a tough one! Tom made a good guess, I like that one. I also like "Still the King of Kings." Well, actually I like them all. Any one would do. In these times we're living in right now, "Let's All Stand Up" would be pretty meaningful too, if the lyrics are what I'm imagining they might be. It will be interesting to see what you decided on, and I can't wait to hear it!

It's only 45 here right now, at 11 pm, with predictions for a warm-up this week, then cold again. My poor flowers are going to be so confused! It's pretty hectic for my pond fish, too. They can handle extremes of temperature, but this switching back and forth may not be too good for them. They did fine last winter when the pond froze over solid, except for one little hole about a foot wide, where the spitting fish's stream hit the surface. In all of that, I didn't lose a single one. They survive the bathtub-warm water in summer as well, but this yo-yo pattern may not be their favorite thing. I guess we'll see, because there's certainly nothing I can do about it.

I have an interesting phenomenon that occurs every winter. In the far back corner of the yard, there's a power pole, and years ago my neighbor requested that a street light be installed on that pole, so her yard wouldn't be in total darkness. Her husband had recently left her, and she was afraid, living alone with two small children. I have a big cottonwood near that pole, and one limb extends over pretty close to the light. Well, every year it's the same thing - that limb keeps its leaves throughout the winter! It looks so strange - all the trees are bare, and most of that one is, but that one limb is full of green leaves. They finally fall off when the new ones come on in the spring. I haven't figured out whether it's the bright light so close by, or the warmth from the light, but those leaves are still there. Weird!

Well, guess I'll hit the hay. Prayers for Spot and Miss Sherry, and for you, Boo, as you recuperate from the past few days. Sleep as much as you can, there's nothing that won't wait a day or two. If you were to get sick from lack of rest, things would wait then. So - just rest now and cut out that unpleasant middle step! Blessings --Romeena
February 14, 2012 - Msg 87387:
REV- Tom's guess stood out to me also, so I'm guessing Only One Road, but I do a good chester if that aint right! teehee.
MDC
February 14, 2012 - Msg 87388:
And RO, wow do i see an analogy there!! When we stay close to the warmth and to LIGHT of the World, we remain ALIVE and fruitful!!! Someone please give me an Amen. MDC
February 14, 2012 - Msg 87389: REV...That's just what I was thinking!....I'm with TOM and the others for "Only One Road"...G-F
February 14, 2012 - Msg 87390: Wow, MDC, I'm ashamed of myself that I didn't think of that! You are so right! It's a perfect analogy.

Wonder how Spot and Miss Sherry are doing? I hope he'll give us an update as soon as he can. They're just on my heart and mind all the time.

Well, I have to go make some Scottish shortbread. I'm going to a Valentine's Day party at a good friend's house tonight, and she asked me to bring a "sweet nibble". That shortbread is so good, it should be a hit. She does this party every year, and only invites the widows and widowers from our SS department. If you still have your spouse, you can't come! We play games, and eat too much, and it's fun. No, we don't play "Spin the Bottle."

Have a happy Valentine's Day, everyone. If you still have your sweetie, make it a nice, romantic day and evening. If not, take time to remember the good days, thank God for them, and then find some friends and have a pleasant evening. Don't forget, God loves you!--Romeena


February 14, 2012 - Msg 87391:
Another day sprung from a good christian man's habit of giving gifts, but who knows the story of st valentine today! ha
God bless you all today and always.
It's a nice windy, blustery, off and on rainy day here today. The 48th state of this here United States is 100!!!
MDC
February 14, 2012 - Msg 87392:
Happy Valentine's Day to all my porch family!
Love and prayers
-REV.
February 14, 2012 - Msg 87393: Just a quick stop to say Happy Valentine's Day!

Toddy is our anniversary and we are going to dinner.

MDC, yes I received your reply. Thank you!
Boo, I hope you're still doing well.
Spot, y'all are still in my prayers.

Hey to everyone else. I have to make a quick dinner for kids and then get dressed.

Blessings,
Lucy
February 14, 2012 - Msg 87394: Happy Valentine's Day, porch family.

I'm doing fine, thanks Lucy. :) Been an ok day here...about to go out and eat but will be taking the kids, too. Bruce and I will celebrate our Valentine's Day on Friday with a romantic "date night"...maybe spend some time in the chicken coop (not). ;) Maybe the duck pond, instead.

I am happy to report that we are doing well and mom is doing surprisingly well. I know it's the Lord's grace. Thank you so much for your prayers. We see the attorney tomorrow to tie up any loose ends and then after I send out alot of thank you cards, and death certificates to wherever they need to go, I can breathe deeply and relax...try to get back to normal.

When I have time, I will post Dad's eulogy if any of you would like to read it.

Today Erin got a haircut and she said, "Hey, I look like nurse Peggy!"...(her hair kind of flips up on the ends but isn't as short as Peggy's).

Better git!

Boo
February 14, 2012 - Msg 87395: Up date!..Miss Sherry will now take a 2 wk off period to let bones heal after radiation then starting a New un-named Chemo drug...had to sigh a release to use it...it is being used nation wide for different types of Cancer...they are hoping it will slow hers down...but to put things in a nut shell...good news!..radiation good,she just stays tired...went to Church Sun..walmart today!...it will be 3 days a week then off for one then 3 more...we are looking foward to camping starting next tue for a week!...thanks for prayers....Love ya porch!...SPOT
February 14, 2012 - Msg 87396: Boo, Better take Bernie along for a chaporone to keep you guys in line...;) What do you do at the duck pond? can't see the ducks at night...
Going to Morellies or the Special at the Diner..
The pounded steak is good! Then dancing at the Kit Kat Club....G-F....
February 14, 2012 - Msg 87397:
Howdy porch family

Spot...so glad things look encouraging for Miss Sherry. We just continue to pray that the new chemo will do what they expect it to do. It will be great to get away on the camping trip.

Boo...sounds like you and Bruce will have a special date night.....aren't ducks amazing;) Have a great time.

Lucy....congrats on your anniversary...enjoy your night out also.

Been putting ice packs on my back today. When I was moving some speakers this past Sunday my lower back got a "catch" in it. I've got too much going on to let it get me down though.

Well gang....I better get ready for bed soon. Got a busy day tomorrow.
Love and prayers
-REV.
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87398: Glad to hear the good news about Sherry, Spot!

Rev, don't you have "roadies" for that? ;)

I'm tired on this Valentine's Day. Noah woke up at 3 am last night and was up until after 4. Wasn't ornery or anything; just talking baby talk. Then I had to be up at 7 to take Kai to school. Noah would usually take a morning nap at about 9 or so, so I thought he would nap for quite a while so I could nap with him. But no, he napped for about 1/2 hr and then was up until about the time I had to go pick Kai up, so little sleep for me. I did manage to get a couple hours of sleep once the wife came home, but I still feel out of it.
Speaking of Valentine's day, I got my wife some nice flowers for her desk at work, and some other stuff at home, and a nice little cake with a flower on it. She liked it all, but one thing that bothers me, which I don't really know if I should be bothered by it, is that she didn't get me anything. Not even a card.
Wives, is it normal for wives to not get their husbands anything? Not that I really needed anything, but the thought would have been nice. So, feeling kind of bummed about that, and my "run down" feeling isn't helping.

Oh well, tomorrow is another day. And it is a day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it. No matter what.

-Sterling Holobyte
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87399: Mornin' Y'all- Hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day. Mine was really sweet-surprising the different types of love that can be shown to you & the ways it can be expressed. I am blessed by the love of so many different people,including my porch family.

Good news,Spotty! You know I'm always praying.
Rev, my pick is the same as Tom's- "Only One Road."

Well,better get my day started. Hey, I've got biscuits & apple butter from Cracker Barrel-y'all come on over & I'll share!
*******************
possum under a rock
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87400: Arn't ya kind.......
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87401:
Morning porch family....A quick check in.

Sterling......I will certainly have "roadies" this weekend....but normally I pretty much do it all.

Well you guys pretty much went with "Only One Road" and believe me that was right up there at the top. But since that's a song I probably won't be doing live in my concerts I didn't choose that song. The title of the CD is going to be "Little Chapel Road".
Thank ya'll for having fun with it.

Love and prayers!
-REV.
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87402: Well, bless your heart Sterling. Here you were up with Noah during the night and nothing for Valentine's Day. I can't say what other wives do but I usually get a card for Bruce, not usually a gift, but I try to bake a special dessert for him. This year I bought the dessert, though. I found a card two weeks ago that I thought really expressed what I wanted to say and then I included a note in it saying some sweet things. I did buy him a little something but am waiting to give it to him on our date night Friday..nothing expensive, just a little gift. I'm very sorry your wife didn't make some sort of gesture because it sounds like you deserve something special. :)

Rev, hope your back is better. Nothing like back trouble to slow you down. I loved the "aren't ducks amazing?" comment. haha...yes, they are. Maybe those can be our porch "code words" for romance. ;)

Possum, so glad you had a blessed Valentine's Day!

Great news about Miss Sherry! Hope the camping trip is the best one yet.

Better get on with the day. Have to see the attorney today.

Boo
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87403: Good morning, porch! It's cloudy, light drizzle, gray and dreary out there today, but only 55, so that's a blessing. No wind either, for which I'm grateful. My yard looks like Grand Central Station, with squirrels running everywhere. Apparently they still think it's Valentine's Day, there's so much "love" in the air. They are so very cute! The little girls are checking out the nest boxes, and the little boys are checking out the little girls! Ah, romance!

Sterling, it's good to see you. Sorry your sleep was disturbed last night. It's hard when you have a routine and it gets broken. For me, I sleep when and if I can. Shift work will do that for you. I can wake up, answer the phone, even get up and find whatever I need to answer a friend's question, go back to bed and be asleep in thirty seconds. It's all in what you get used to, I guess.

To answer your question, I think traditionally more men present a gift to their "Valentine", than do women, though when a woman does it, it's nice. I used to get Dale a card sometimes, sometimes not. I learned early in my marriage not to expect all the little romantic niceties from him. That's just not who he was. He was a wonderful husband and I loved him more than life, but I could count on my two hands the times he brought me flowers, in the whole 38 years. Pretty much, I had to be in the hospital to get them! In the early years, before my values had settled into a mature reality, I was a little disappointed by that. My discerning mother, however, set me straight one day when I complained a little to her. She listened to me, then said, "Your daddy never brings me flowers either, but he gave me his heart, with no reservations. Dale has done the same. Which would you rather have?" She was right, of course, He was not a publicly demonstrative man, but I never had to put gas in my car, or touch a lawn mower, and a few weeks after he died, when I realized that I'd better clean the house, I discovered that I didn't know where he kept the vacuum cleaner! No, he almost never brought me flowers or candy, but if I had asked for the moon, he'd have started building a ladder.

Speaking of vacuum sweepers - Boo, I wish I had Sean up here right now! My big old Bissell monster - power drive, lift-off canister, really good vacuum - just quit the other day. I was sweeping along, and it just stopped. I thought it had come unplugged, but no, it just won't run. Guess I'll have to load it up and take it to a shop. No telling what they'll charge me, the robbers! I don't think it's a belt, because there was no clatter or whine, just a sudden stop. Maybe I'll get my son to look at it before I take it to a shop.

Uh-oh! We're gon-na have some ba-by squir-rels! The things I see from this window! Mercy, does he have to look so smug??

Well, better get moving. The pond needs attention, and I guess I'd better do it. It has developed an infestation of string algae, or "green hair" as I call it. I hadn't been out there in several days, and that stuff really grows when it gets started. I had seen a few little clumps of it, but yesterday I checked, and there's a huge mat, about three feet across, and growing fast. I've got to get my hands in there and pull it out. It's too firmly attached to get it with the net, it just slides off. Miserable stuff. The water level has dropped about three inches, too, which is a bit scary. I hope the rubber liner isn't leaking. I need to top the water off, and watch to see if it drops again. A pond can be a lot of work, but it's so pretty.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87404: rev got him a hitch in his get-along. (:
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87405:
RO-What a great description of Dale. Guess you could say he "lassoed the moon" for ya!
Sterling- let's also face the reality facts, from what you have mentioned in the past, unless your wife has made a big turnaround in such areas, it doesnt surprise me. My suggestion is to just keep up your good gestures. I know there's something in the Bible about that but the chapter and verse eludes me at the moment.
When I retire, I'll be Rev's roadie, then you'll get to see two guys with bad backs try to lift a speaker system! haha
SPOt- that is good news. Did she get her direct questiones answered? Prayers continue for herand all!
Lot's of good refreshing rain here yestersday!
Later alligator,
MDC

February 15, 2012 - Msg 87406: absilisa, samoa
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87407: What an enjoyable post, Romeena! Your mom was a very wise woman. My Bruce is alot like your Dale. I actually have to watch what I ask for or say because he will nearly kill himself to get it done for me. I am not a particularly romantic person and Bruce was in the beginning. I guess I am probably reponsible for changing him, good or bad, but as you said, he gave me his heart years ago and I still cherish it. What a guy. :) He finished my chicken coop yesterday and it is like a Brinks truck! Nothin' is getting in there to harm my chickens. Now, there is a perfect example of what I am talking about...he worked for several weekends making that coop safe because he loves me and he knows I love my chickens. I don't brag much on him, but he is such a hard worker and does it all for his family.

So you actually are witnessing squirrels mating, Ro? I must say that is something I have never seen before (aren't ducks amazing...and squirrels, too). ;)

Boo
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87408: Romeena, We need to get ya out more often!..haha
There is alot of AMAZING things going on in the world these days, men have gone to the moon, you can buy sausage gravey in a can, instant coffee, and a entire meal you can pop in the oven..They call them TV dinners..I like 'em..G-F...

Boo, I bet ya Bruce had his tool belt on as he was building it right??? AMAZING!!haha
(Just for future references.. YOU, started the amazing quote)haha G-F....
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87409:
Oh RO, the vacumn could have an internal heat switch that may have kicked it off. Try it again before you take it in. Asa and GF may know the proper name for it. MDC
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87410: "Men are circling the globe, international television has been developed, and you people are..." (:
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87411: "Sometimes they take ya shopping with 'em, and you go over to the store and set around while she tries on dresses and you tell her if you like the brown one with the green stripe, or the red one with the white dot, and after you get done with that, you go over to the hat department and you set around there for an hour or two while she tries on hats, and you say I like that one. And then after that..., you get to carry the dress boxes and hat boxes over to her house, and then you get to set around there for awhile while she gets all dressed up and fixed up, and then you go with her over to visit her MOTHER.....you set around there 'til 'bout dark, then it's about time to go home......and it's a FUN day....no question about, it's a FUN day all the way around." (:
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87412:
What episode is 87411 from? Love it!
MDC
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87413: It's from the episode where Opie has a crush on Thelma Lou. --Romeena
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87414: Oh, and thanks for the suggestion about the heat switch. I'll try it tomorrow. It's put away right now, and I don't want to get it out and get involved with it, because I've got to go to work tonight, and need to go get a little nap beforehand. The night sure is easier when I'm not fighting sleep. --Romeena
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87415: MDC & Rommena, "Automatic thermal overload switch" is built into alot of motors to keep the motor from burning out if it stops, it's on alot of things like hair dryers vacuum cleaners ect. after about 5 mins. it cools and comes back on.
Did I explain it right Asa? Sorry, I think I just acted like Wilson on Home Improvement peeking my head over the fence with advice....G-F


February 15, 2012 - Msg 87416: Guys, Help me out here..A reference to Boo's comment about guys being "Amazing"..I think we can be "amazing" if once in awhile we are told we are "amazing"...or is it just me? haha
"That's AMAZING! that's just what I was thinking!
"Mayberry Men"......
February 15, 2012 - Msg 87417: You are all amazing! :)

G-F, you made me laugh out loud with the toolbelt comment. Bruce doesn't have one but I think I'll buy one tomorrow. You wanna come to Lowe's with me tomorrow, Possum? We can sit on some toilets like we used to.

Everything went ok with the lawyer today, I guess, but it is going to cost 1500 dollars to probate the will. :(

Made tacos tonight and have some leftovers...ya'll come on over if you like.

Boo
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87418: You got it 'splained good G-F. Most are auto reset, but some may have a reset button. Ro, take a look around and see if you can see a reset button on the motor somewhere. Most are auto reset, but some are manual. It also could be a motor brush. A lot of vacuum motors use brush type motors.

Asa
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87419: Whoops, I didn't see your post there Boo. Glad your lawyer appt. went ok and things are settling down for you. Hardly a day goes by that I'm not in a Lowe's or a Home Depot and pass by their toilet displays and not think of you and possum. That's an image that will forever be burned into my memory bank I reckon. :)

My prayers continue for Sherry and Spot.

Asa
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87420: Romeena, If you can't fit it, take it to Emmit I think he does sweepers too...Might take him a couple of weeks I think he's out shopping for mink coats again?? I saw him in Mt. Pilot with a good looking blonde...G-F....
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87421: Gee, thanks for thinkin' of us, Asa!

Mornin' porch. It is a warm, humid morning here in south texas. I am wishing for some cold weather before spring. I want to light my fireplace again.

Went to bed too late and up too early. :( My clock is "off" since Dad died. Guess things will be back to normal eventually.

Better stop dragging around and start the laundry...groan.

Boo
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87422:
AMAZING, that's the same idea that I had! (:
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87423:
GF- last I heard Emmitt was selling insur@nce! Ha
God's blessings,
MDC
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87424: Good one MDC, on the laundry idea, Boo might regret she brought up the AMAZING analogy..She's off looking for a tool belt for Bruce today.;)

He will come home and say: "That's AMAZING" That's just what I was thinking that I need to wear while working on the chicken coop!..G-F
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87425: hehehe...thanks for the laughs....I'm off in pursuit of a toolbelt. This is going to be AMAZING!

Boo
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87426: ...now if I can just get him to do a private "floor show" with it on...that would be AMAZING!....HAHAHA...not really!!! Now you all are going to have to go wash out your mind's eye to get rid of that disturbing mental image.

Boo

Boo
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87427: Oops...made a Boo-Boo
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87428: Somebody get a hose. Boo's getting herself in a lather! :)

Asa
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87429:
Ya all are too much! ha
Will be off work friday and Monday, but will try to check in sometime this weekend..
Prayers!
MDC
February 16, 2012 - Msg 87430:
This is one crazy porch......but it's great..lol

Boo...don't let Bruce hurt himself doing his dance...hehe

Got a very busy weekend starting tomorrow so I won't be back on the porch until Monday so you all try to behave.

Love and prayers!
-REV.


February 16, 2012 - Msg 87431: No need for the hose...I'm cool, I'm cool.

REV, I have reconsidered the dance...don't want anyone throwing his back out or anything.

Boo
February 17, 2012 - Msg 87432: Why am I up at 4am?!! Wish I could get my internal clock reset. This has been happening since Dad died. Guess it will eventually work itself out.

Guess I will read or pray. I am missing Dad tonight because its been 2 weeks now since I've seen him. I know its just all part of grief but I have never lost a parent before and don't know exactly what is around every corner.

Talk to ya later. :)

Boo
February 17, 2012 - Msg 87433: Morning gang!..we are all hanging in here..Miss Sherry off Chemo and radiation for 2 weeks..let her body rest..then a new Chemo...will keep ya informed...lets eat at I-Hop...Boo bring a paper ok!...well let me get busy here at work...prayers...SPOT
February 17, 2012 - Msg 87434: Hey Spot. I pray Sherry and you have a couple of good weeks as she is off her treatments for a while buddy. I'll bring a paper.

Boo, hang in there sweetie. I have found that first week after losing a loved one that I'm kind of in a trance. The second week it kind of hits me. That may be your situation. But I know your faith will carry you through it. My Dad passed away 7 years ago on the 17th of this month. Hard to believe it's been 7 years already.

One more day to get through, then I'm off for a 4 day weekend. Sounds good too.

Prayers for all.

Asa
February 17, 2012 - Msg 87435: Thank you Asa. :) I remember when your Dad passed and it does seem like it was just a short time ago. Seven years already.

A 4 day weekend? How wonderful. I hope you do something fun and relaxing.

Thank you for the update on Miss Sherry, SPOT. You are so kind to do that because you know she (and you) are on our minds. Think of us when you are camping on the lake and catch a big one for us. See at IHOP.

It's a pleasant day here in south texas...a bit humid and overcast but pleasantly cool. I think I will finsih up some housework and then read a good book or something. Be back later.

Boo
February 17, 2012 - Msg 87436: Hey Boo, Did not realize the USS Lexinton was in your back yard..How cool, you guys been on it? I love the old stuff ships & planes we have a WW 2 Submarine & Freighter up on Lake Erie but that's about it.
Hang in there there will be a lot of days when the "crummies" hit ya but it does get less & less with time. It's part of the healing,& only you will know how long it will take! Just take a dose or two of "Mayberry", from time to time to help with the pain....G-F.........
February 17, 2012 - Msg 87437: Yes, G-F. The Lexington is practically in my backyard. In fact, my Dad was instrumental in bringing the Lexington here to our area when he served as mayor. I have some great pictures of Dad standing on the landing deck and in the "crow's nest" (I think they call it). When they first brought it here, he even got to take a ride on an aircraft that landed on the deck. They were great memories for him. You know, we have a great museum in Fredricksburg, Texas, which is a few hours north of here. It's called the Nimitz Museum (named after Admiral Nimitz, whose hometown was Fredricksburg). I have been to it and Dad loved to go there. It really is a great place if you like WW2 history. You can probably see more about it on the website. I'm sure Romeena has been there, haven't you, Ro?

Thanks for the encouragment and advice, G-F. :)

Boo
February 17, 2012 - Msg 87438: Yep, I have, Boo. It's really a very interesting place to visit. As for the grieving process, G-F is right - everyone is different. There are some similar patterns, but the duration and depth of each stage varies with individuals. The initial shock usually sends you into a sort of "auto-pilot" which mercifully gets you through the first few days, all the arrangements and things, and then there's a lull after that storm passes. Soon after, there will be another wave of shock, when the reality of it sets in. The phone that doesn't ring, the errands that are no longer necessary, in my case the garage door that didn't open. It's what I called the "deafening silence." It's rough, but you get through it. You have no choice. Well, you do, but it's not an acceptable choice. Prayers for you, my friend. You'll be okay in time. You will sleep again, and your normal routine will return.

Well, gotta get busy. I have to work tonight, and need to get a few things done around here, then try to catch a nap before I go to work. We have lost more staff, are making-do with float nurses, for whom we're grateful but they aren't quite as effective as regular staff. I guess this wild idea will eventually settle in and work, but so far, it has been a real trip. But hey, what do I know? I'm just one of the troops. You know how it is with the powers - nothing is impossible if I don't have to do it!

Blessings, friends! --Romeena