March 15, 2012 - Msg 87771:
Ro- just leave 'em up year-round!
End of march should be the "point of noo return." ha ha
Lucy- you are right about Lucy-and i think that
is the only time that actress appeared in the show.
And, yes, barney was talking about the mushrooms, and then said how LAST YEAR she was making the welcome mats out of shredded tires! ha
Yup, GF, I agree,On the Road for Jesus would be a cool song title! now we gotta see if Rev agrees!
MDC

March 15, 2012 - Msg 87772: ...and all my Darlin' cousins make short work of the porch dust!!!
March 15, 2012 - Msg 87773: I'm back, all squeaky clean, wet hair drying by itself (thank you, Lord) and will soon be ready to go to the fish fry.

While browsing through my Picasa picture program, I came across something that looks interesting. Apparently Picasa has an online picture program, through Google. I'm going to explore that further, and maybe I can come up with something that will work for an porch album. If so, I think I will need to have permission from each of you before posting any pictures. The ones I have from the old album are pretty much outdated, and it's also possible that someone might have different feelings about them being displayed than they used to. So, if I get this thing figured out and can set up an album, I'll ask you to send me any new pics you want used, or tell me if you want your old ones used. I do NOT want to post anything without your consent.

And now - to put away a few more things, get dressed, and go pig out on some really good fried catfish, with green tomato relish! The man who cooks and serves the fish at these things really knows how to do it right - hushpuppies and all! --Romeena
March 15, 2012 - Msg 87774: Make that "a porch album", not "an". Good grief. --Romeena
March 15, 2012 - Msg 87775:
Hey Folks

Been reading and praying along with you good folks.

Peace,
auh2o
March 15, 2012 - Msg 87776:
Lucy, since you asked, I hope I don't offend anyone with a more detailed explanation about the French Connection United Kingdom sign. This fashion company's name is French Connection, as confirmed by their web site and URL. And since they prefer their store signs to display their initials, I find nothing wrong with using "FC". However, they decided to add their country of origin, which is "UK" for United Kingdom. So their huge electric sign outside of their store displays "fcuk" all in lowercase letters.
The first few times I read the sign, my mind got fooled into transposing the second and third letters, resulting in an offensive word that rhymes with "luck".
I hope you understand now. For this reason, we have never gone inside the store.

from Poor Horatio

March 15, 2012 - Msg 87777: I see why you don't like it, PH. It is just a ploy to get attention. I have to tell you I just absolutley abhor the "f" word and am distressed at the way it is becoming so accepted in our culture. Certainly wasn't something you heard often when i was young...nobody said it that didn't want to get in BIG trouble. Now its like people throw it around in their conversations like its nothing. I have been so mad about it I have been on a tv strike because I am sick and tired of all the "beeps" in which you see them saying that word even if you don't hear it. Your ear may not hear it but your mind does and to me, one is just as offensive as the other. I just cannot stand that vulgar word.

THUMP...off the soapbox now.

Well, Bruce had a much better day today and you should hear the words of faith coming from his mouth. The Lord has really answered prayer. Praise Him!

Think I'll take a Melatonin and hit the ironing board. Been a long day. I took Erin and her friend Ally to the lake and it was beautiful today. The water was pretty cold but they swam anyway. It was so peaceful...for about 30 minutes...then here came a big group with really loud kids, dogs running loose and they were lighting their b-b-q grills with these propane torches that smelled horrible! Anyway we still had a good time. Someone showed up with a toy chihuahua puppy the color of the Taco Bell dog. That was the cutest little puppy I have seen in my entire life!..and guess what his name was?..."Pedro". I Love it!

Oh, one more good report and then I really am going to bed. I wanted to thank you for your prayers for my family after dad's passing. I am very thankful to report that my mother is doing exceptionally well...better than I could ever have hoped.

Boo
March 15, 2012 - Msg 87778:
Howdy porch family....It was a summer day here today. It tied an all time high temp for today at 88. My wife and I went to the tennis court and slapped around some balls for about an hour...it was so nice.

Boo...that is such great news on Bruce. We continue to pray. And also for your mom!

Ro....is this the same man that brought the catfish when I was out there? O man they were so GOOD!
Also Ro....it's fine to post my old pics that I had on the old album. I may send a few more updated ones later.

Well gang I'm heading to bed. You all have a great day tomorrow!
Love and prayers
-REV.


March 16, 2012 - Msg 87779: Thanks, REV! These warm temps in March are making me just a bit nervous. I hope they are no indication that the summer is going to be as hot or hotter than last summer. We almost dried up and baked here in August and September. Our water levels are still way below what they should be.

Well, I slept well thanks for that wonderful melatonin and woke up hearing this verse of scripture in my mind: "In His presence is fullness of joy and at His right had are pleasures forever more."

Be back later...

Boo
March 16, 2012 - Msg 87780: Good Morning Porch!
Boo....I was so glad to read about your mom. That is great news, and great news about Bruce, too! God does answer prayer!

Romeena....never had catfish, most likely never will. (Ain't that a shame? Too stuck in my ways!)

Last night my 14 year old son was invited to a "boy-girl" party. (Don't know how ready I am for this!) The party was at the home of a girl he has had a crush on since kindergarten! I was to pick him up at 10. I arrived a couple minutes after 10 and there were still 4 other guests there, and of course, the host girl. When my son got in the car he told me, "I was worried you were going to be the last one to pick up your kid and that would have been awkward." I had to think about it for a second and then I couldn't help laughing! I think I CAN remember that teenage angst from my long ago youth!!

Have a beautiful Mayberry Day!
Mary Wiggins
March 16, 2012 - Msg 87781: Gooood morning, everyone! It's one of those days that you cant decide if you want to go to a park or a lake or fishing or picnicing.....great problems to have! Might have to grab a brown bag of sandwiches (ham sandwiches so I can use it for bait), tell Howard not to whip the water into a froth and try and catch ol' Sam!

auh20 - Greetings and Hey to ya'! Good to see you again! It's been awhile!

Boo - First off, I am so sorry for your dad's passing! Many sincere prayers and the deepest condolances. I missed that somewhere and I do apologize! Let's see..I also wanted to tell you (BEEEEEEP) and I (BEEEEEEP)ed my (BEEEEEEP) and then I (BEEEEEEP). Did you get that? LOLOL! Yeah, you hear Jerry Springer or Steve Wilkos or Maury and it you cant tell if it's a tv show or someone is testing alarms! LOL!
Much strength for Bruce and I hope is peace is solid!
Pedro....LOL! Yo quiero, lake!

REV. - Sounds like a fun day! What? No tackle football in the backyard? LOL!

Mary - Wow, Mary....hold on to your son's angst! You mean there's actually a teenager in 2012 that doesnt have s-e-x and making out drilled in him by tv and society?!?! (*Andy Taylor whistle*) Maybe it will turn out to be a real sweet story and he will marry the girl from his childhood and they will grow old together. Sounds like you got a good kid there!

Poor Horatio - Dont have a store like that around here. Although....there is a hamburger diner here called Fuddruckers. You dont think the kids (and probably a few adults) havent experimented with THAT name, do ya'?

Time to do a little research! Hey to MDC,SPOT,Maude,Asa,Lucy,Ro,G-F and all y'all! Have a great day and throw a line in the water if ya' have a notion!

John Masters

Big pitcher of tea on the table here! Sweeten to your liking! Cups are provided!
March 16, 2012 - Msg 87782: Hey there Mary Wiggins! Yes, God is answering prayer. Great to see you on the porch more often.

I am so tired today for some reason. I just put on a big pot of healthy vegetable soup for later..maybe that will help. Have to take mom to a dr's appointment later and that is getting to be more difficult. She has a type of phobia about getting out of the house and in and out of the car. She just keeps obsessing on the thought that someone is going to let her fall, which has never happened, of course. There is just no way to calm her fears about it we just have to make her do it. Once she has to face it, she braves up and does ok, but she frets for days ahead of time. My sister tells me she is having more trouble doing certain things for herself like dressing. The poor dear has terrible arthritis in both hands and her right arm is fairly useless from the stroke and that coupled with the constant dizziness makes the simplest things such a challenge. I really feel for her. Now she has some painful areas of broken skin from having to constantly wear a diaper and I am trying to figure out the best way to treat that problem so she doesn't develope pressure sores or infection. She has fought a long fight and while I don't want to lose her, I sometimes wish the Lord would go ahead and bring her home to him while she sleeps. I can't yet bring myself to pray for it, though.

Better get ready to go.

Boo
March 16, 2012 - Msg 87783: Boo - I meant to say "I hope HIS peace is solid"
March 16, 2012 - Msg 87784: Good morning, porch! I'm up and creaking around here this morning, back locked up tight! Eloise will be here shortly, and I haven't gotten a thing done that I was planning to do. Usually though, sitting here in this chair for a few minutes loosens it up for some reason, so maybe it will work this time too.

Boo, I'm so sorry for the challenges you're having with your mom, and I would like to submit one thought. You said she's doing exceptionally well after losing your dad. Based on my experience with my dad after my mom passed, I think I can say that you have her mental state to thank for it. It seems that a degree of dementia, or even the dulling of faculties after a stroke, sort of softens the blow or something. My dad was fully aware that my mom was gone, but he did not exhibit the degree of miserable grief I would have expected, considering they had been married for 63 years and were extremely close and devoted. He would fret over it now and then, would wish she had never had the heart surgery and such as that, but he mostly just drifted along with his life. Perhaps that's the case with your mom. Somehow the bitter reality seems to be softened for them. Oh, and I fully understand your feelings, and the temptation to pray for a speedy end to her discomfort. For the last several months of my dad's life, I really did pray for God to take him home, because that's what he was praying for himself. I would just ask God to hear and honor his prayer.

Mary Wiggins, you just must try some catfish, prepared right. The catfish you get today in a good restaurant, or even the frozen filets in the store, are not the muddy old fish you see in a river. They're farm raised, in clean tanks, and are usually grain fed. The meat tastes clean, is very mild (no "fishy" taste) and is delicious. Rolled in cornmeal and deep fried, then eaten with green tomato relish and some hushpuppies, there's just nothing better. He always prepares too much, and people were carrying paper plates piled with fish out to their cars. Why I didn't do that, I don't know. Just dumb, I guess. Yep, REV, it was the same guy. He knows his way around a fish fryer. That fish was just wonderful.

Well, Eloise just called, she'll be over soon, and I guess I'd better get busy. I just hope when I stand up, I'll be able to function without too much back pain. I'm really getting tired of this. I sound like a typical gripey old lady, or a hypochondriac, and I don't wish to be either one. I really do hope this new doctor, if I ever get to see him, will be able to help.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
March 16, 2012 - Msg 87785:
Mary W.- You need to show him that color ep of the dance, and andy and helen trying to dance! ha
PH- to be honest, I just "got it" too, with your more detailed explanation. I can imaginine it being up there in big lights would indeed look
pretty darn disgusting!! wow.
Boo- Regarding the depends issue, for my mom we used lots of vaseline back there. Worked great, and better than the so-called specialty creams.
REV- 88, wow! We were 82 yesterday, but a big storm is a coming in this weekend.
APB FOR TOM!
Hello to everyone else,
Prayers,
MDC
March 16, 2012 - Msg 87786: Hey folks,

Just a friendly drop in at lunch time. To all of you ailing in life with trials like Boo's, myself and the others that share this utopia we call the Porch, remember to hear the laughter, enjoy the smiles, hold onto hugs a second longer and keep a choking grip on everything that puts you in a good mood when you have no reason for it. It's that time you look into a mirror and realize...your drive is there and you're stronger than you thought.

Now...with that said...everyone for SONIC drinks of their choice and find a nice tree to sit under, a lake to watch the water or a porch to rock on! And sip it s-l-o-w!

John Masters
March 16, 2012 - Msg 87787:
Howdy porch family....another summer day here.

MDC....yea we were hotter than AZ....now that's a trip:)

J-M....nope, no tackle football...the last time we played tackle football she hurt me...lol

Mary W....Ro is right...you've got to try some good catfish. I don't eat it often but when I do I sure do pack it away:)

Well gang I will be gone all weekend doing concerts so I want be back rocking on the porch till Monday (or maybe late Sunday night). Ya'll be good this weekend:)
Love and prayers
-REV.
March 17, 2012 - Msg 87788: Ro, I think you are right about my mom, I just never thought about it before but it makes sense. We took her to a new dr today and I liked her. She is a brand new doctor...looked to be in her 20's! She was very professional, though, and listened. She ordered home health to come in and do some would care on those areas of broken skin mom has. MDC, I suggested some Vaseline awhile back but I don't think anyone really followed through with it. Maybe once things get cleared up, it would be a good way to prevent further problems.

JM, I'll take a SONIC tea...unsweet, please. :).

Lord be with you as you travel, REV.

Boo
March 17, 2012 - Msg 87789: "wound" care, that is...

Boo
March 17, 2012 - Msg 87790: Wanted to mention that KY Girl posted on facebook and asked for prayers for her mom, who was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer. They said it was advanced and she is at home now and trusting the Lord, trying to make the best of the time He gives her.

Boo
March 17, 2012 - Msg 87791: Good morning, Everyone

Happy St. Patrick's day and a bright and warm day to enjoy wherever you are!

Hope REV. has a good weekend and breaks a leg!

Boo - Was that SONIC tea good? I had a cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper myself!

The best thoughts and wishes to KYGirl and her mom! May peace be with them and their faith be strong!

Hey to Ro,Maude,MDC,SPOT,Asa,GF,Mary,PH,auh20 and the gang!

John Masters


March 17, 2012 - Msg 87792: The luck 'o the Irish to ya, John O'Masters! May the leprechaun of good fortune lead you to the pot 'o gold at the end of the rainbow of your mind. (I have no idea what that means but its all I could think of...except for "frosted lucky charms, they're magically delicious"). Now go shower with some Irish Spring. ;)

Please keep my Sean in your prayers. He is going out of town this weekend with a friend and friend's family. I am quite the mother hen and always have concerns when my children are on the road, especially during spring break.

Better go dance around the Blarney stone with Darby O'Gill or something.

Boo
March 17, 2012 - Msg 87793: Don't ya know Boo....you're suppose to kiss the Barney stone!....Or a other outside of Mayberry call it..The "Blarney" stone...Yuk I don't think I'd like to kiss a stone after so many other people did,or is it just me....It's just me!
A beautiful day in Goober-Fifes neighborhood even TOM would like it...Speaking of TOM where's he been? Now that the cold weather is gone he should be HAPPY!
Sorry Romeena, went to the fle market this morning...No Propellers! I'll keep these baby blues on the look-out! Have a Great one...
I'll se ya next time, which will be...the best time! G-F......
March 17, 2012 - Msg 87794: ("Or as others" ) correction
March 17, 2012 - Msg 87795: and add "flea" to the mispelled word list too! Man... Miss C-R-U-M-P will make me stay after school if I keep up all that mispellin...
March 17, 2012 - Msg 87796: I'm not kissing any Blarney or Barney stones, G-F!

I just talked to my nephew Ben in California. Ben is in the Air Force and has been working contract work for them and was supposed to go back into active duty for six months. Well, his wife had their first baby yesterday and he called to tell me about it. Turns out both he and his wife (who also worked for the air force) were laid off last week due to budget cuts. They also cancelled the active duty for the same reason, so now he is having to try to find a job to support his wife and baby, even though he is in the service. I guess Bruce's situation makes more sense now. I guess no job is safe anymore. What is happening in this country?

Boo
March 17, 2012 - Msg 87797: Also, Ben told me that he is qualified for other jobs within the service but those jobs don't exsist due to budget problems. He also said that these days you have to know somebody to get the jobs that are available. I told him I would pray for him, that the Lord would provide. Discouraging, though.

Boo
March 17, 2012 - Msg 87798: Good evening to the Porch family!

What a nice, breezy night to sit here, have a little West Indian Licorice Mocha Delite ice cream and a pop from Wally's! Mmmm, mmm! As Andy would say, "That's GOOOOOOoood!"

Boo - Aye, Boo...top 'o the evenin' to ya'! Tis a fine night for polishing a Notre Dame helmet and swiggin' me ale! LOL! Here's to Sean having a safe and wonderful time while he's away!
I am sorry to hear of your nephew's news. Blessed is he for his new arrival, but, in answer to your question of "what's happening to this country?", the answer is the people RUNNING this country!

G-F - Yeah, you better get that spellin' corrected! Low is those that feel the wrath of Miss Crump's anger and the big freeze from those eyes! Yeesh!

Well, I just got thruough playing a fishing video game and it was quite relaxing! Not the real thing, but, Boy....it's nice in a pinch. It has real nature sounds of the river flowing and waving, you can hear the rod reeling in and the fish splash. Yep, it did me well for now until the real thing!

Hope you all had a great day! Hey to Ro,Maude,Mary,MDC,SPOT,Asa,auh20,PH and everyone temporarily absent from the porch! Good night, folks! Rest well!

John Masters
March 17, 2012 - Msg 87799: Heeeey, hey you hate it when someone pinches ya' 'cause you're not wearin' green on St. Patrick's Day, dontcha, Huh? Huh? Huh? Sure, you hate it! Smarts, doesnt it, Huh? Huh? Yeeeah, sure it does!

John Masters
March 18, 2012 - Msg 87800: Hey there my friends!
Isn't it nice to know that we are friends? I' joined y'all the month Don Knotts passed and I'm so glad. Absolutely providential! Prayers for all.

This is a quick rock as I'm quite tired. My husband and son are in NYC for a few days so we got up early for them to catch their flight. Then my daughter and I went thrifting for spring clothes. We had such fun!

Y'all have a wonderful sabbath day!
Blessings,
Lucy
March 18, 2012 - Msg 87801: Morning Lucy. I'm very glad you found the porch, too. I miss so many folks who used to come here and the ones who used to be hear often and now we rarely see. The porch used to be so nice and full...wish they would all come back.

I am tired this morning, too. Yesterday was a busy day. Our drive in movie night went well and everyone had a good time. We ate Frito pies and lemonade (well, I didn't drink the lemonade). I am still stickin' to my no sugar diet and am feeling so much better for it. No cravings at all at this point.

I wanted to share a neat story with you. I will preface with saying that Gomer (one of our baby goats is going to give me a nervous breakdown!). Gomer is the one who almost died earlier in the week and we thought we lost him again yesterday. Yesterday afternoon I decided I would put Elvis outside the fence and let the mom and little goats out of their pen to get some exercise, thinking they were perfectly safe in our fenced back pasture. Well, they ran like crazy, climbed on the haystack, went berserk and were having a great time, although I must say that their mom is not as attentive to them as I hoped she would be. She wanders far from them and doesn't call them to her like the last mama goat we had did with her kids. But, I left them out there anyway. When Bruce came home, he went to check on them and came back in after quite awhile and told me that one of the babies was missing. He found one in the barn and he was kind of roughed up looking and wet around the neck so he searched everywhere for Gomer and could find him. I went out and began looking and Bruce got on the tractor and searched every inch of the place and even the lot next to us. That goat was nowhere to be found. Bruce figured that it had slipped out through a space in the fence and was gotten by a dog or something. Our hearts were heavy and I thought it very unlikely that we would find him because in my thinking, if he were alive and well he would be at the pen trying to get in with him mom and sibling. No Gomer to be found anywhere. After I had been searching for a bit, I thought, 'where's my faith?' and so I prayed and asked the Lord to bring the baby goat back to us somehow if he was still alive. So, I decided to go back and cover the ground I had already covered and when I reached the pen, there stood little Gomer trying to get back into the pen with his mother. I'm telling you that goat was nowhere to be found and then suddenly he appeared in the place I had already been a short time earlier. I was rejoicing, I tell ya. Poor Bruce was down the road on the tractor still searching and when he found out he just shook his head. The funny thing is, when Gomer appeared, he had these two rings of black dirt around both eyes. We don't have any black dirt on our place, only sand, so I have no idea what he had been up to. I am hoping my dog did not chase them and play too rough with them. Oh well, another day on our little farm.

Better get ready for preachin'!

Boo
March 18, 2012 - Msg 87802: Boo...Sounds like Gomer took a lead from Barney and was messing aroung with Count Istelvecky!
Watch out and see if he gets a finger printing kit in the mail...I think Goober was playing a trick on him and had him looking thru some binoculars (like Col. Potter on M*A*S*H)..you don't have to be cousins to be funny you can be brothers too!....haha..Joking aside I'm glad they are safe & sound..Now Grandma can relax!

Boo...You truely have a "Funny Farm" [:-)> ***
Just so ya Know [:-)> is a funny face with a GOATee...I crack myself up!...G-F.....
March 18, 2012 - Msg 87803: Who you calling Grandma, G-F?!! ;) Actually, I wish I was a Grandma but my kids are still too young. One of these days...for now I will settle for "goat grandma".

Been a lazy day. Went to preachin', went to mom-in-law's for lunch (a rare treat), a little drive, then home for a nap. I did spend some time on the phone with my friend, Cynthia this afternoon and I felt so down for awhile after talking with her but I am doing better. She is having such a rough time, bless her heart. The chemo is making her toenails fall off and she developed an infection in one of her toes and now has cellulitis and is trying to work. I try to be here for her and will let her talk as long as she needs to and I know this is the initial shock phase for me, and then I will get a bit more accustomed to her suffering and I will be ok. That's just how I roll. I will toughen up and be fine and be able to be there for her. I have to quiet my soul though because sometimes thoughts creep in that maybe she won't make it. She seems more positive now so I am, too. Only 2 more rounds of chemo and then they can do the surgery and begin radiation. She is at least able to see the light at the end of the treatment tunnel but has a long way to go. I talked with her today about the Lord and I am still not able to pin her down about exactly what she believes...she is still a bit vague and not ready to commit, I don't think but she is on her way, I believe. I am as sure as I can be that God has me in the position of being a support to her and He will show me the way and give me the strength. She is family to me so she is a priority.

Well, I think I will get a shower early and do some reading. I am currently reading Martin Luther's writings and they are so interesting. I finished the John Bunyon (author of Pilgrim's Progress)autobiography and it was unbelievable. Talk about a painful read at times. That guy went through so much.

So...that's the plan...get a shower...sit down with my Kindle...read Martin Luther....YAWN...yep....shower....sit down with the Kindle....read....

Boo
March 18, 2012 - Msg 87804: For the love of Mike Boo, Just do it! Go get a shower, go sit down with your Kindle, go read Martin Luther.... JUST DO IT!! :)

Asa
March 18, 2012 - Msg 87805:
Such goings on, such goings on...(:
We only reached 49 here today, big winter storm blowing thru the desert heading toward NM and TX!
Boo, prayers for Cynthia and for Sean. Hope all goes better.
God bless the porch,
and good Sabbath to all,
MDC
March 18, 2012 - Msg 87806:
Such goings on, such goings on...(:
We only reached 49 here today, big winter storm blowing thru the desert heading toward NM and TX!
Boo, prayers for Cynthia and for Sean. Hope all goes better.
God bless the porch,
and good Sabbath to all,
MDC
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87807: I knew you wouldn't let me down, ASA. :)

Thank you for those prayers, MDC. Sean made it safely home and had a wonderful time in San Antonio.

Boo
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87808: Morning porch, stopping by as I start my work day. Looks like it is going to be a hetic work day for me!

Supposed to be about 80 sunny degrees on my end of the porch today, I am looking forward to Spring! Mt Lillies and tulips are coming up and the red bud tress and dogwoods are blooming. a sure sign of spring in Northeast Tennessee.

Beth goes back to school today for the last few weeks of her senior year. she is all set to start East Tennessee State University in the fall. She will live home for the first year and go to the off campus site that is about 1 1/2 miles from our front door. She is not sure what she wants to major in and is not quite ready to move to the dorm. She has made this decision on her own so we will go with that for now.

Better get busy. Breakfast menu will: bacon or sausage biscuits. fruit. coffee, tea, juice to drink. and assorted Kisy Kremes!

Have a blessed day. Prayers for everyone
Big Maude
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87809: Big Maude...Love those Kisy Kremes! This Crazy weather..was 80 in G-F neck of the woods and 49 in MDC's.. Mother Nature is mixed up this year!
Wonder what causes that!!
Asa...#87804 "That's exactly what I was going to say" Deeply shallow minds think the same! haha
Have a great one today...G-F.....


March 19, 2012 - Msg 87810:
Morning porch family....Got in late last night from my concerts. Just wanted to check in this morning before starting some chores. I'll read the archives and catch up on the weekend's activities.
Love and prayers for all
-REV.
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87811:
Oh and by the way Maude.....I'll take one (or two) of those glazed Krispy Kremes....love'em!
-REV.
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87812: Good to hear from you, Maude. Aren't you glad Beth has decided to stay in the nest for another year?? :)

Mornin' REV. Good luck with the chores. I am tired this morning and want to crawl back in bed but plenty chores to do, not to mention homeschooling. Better get back at it. The laundry piled up over the weekend!

Boo
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87813: Good morning, porch! I was supposed to work last night, but my back was in lockdown, and I was able to wangle a cancellation, doesn't go against me as a sick call. Good night's rest, and I'm feeling better.

Gosh, I can't believe how our porch kids are growing up. My own granddaughter, Julia, started college a year ago, by my memory. Wrong! She is about to finish her junior year! Time sure does fly, just zips right on by, doesn't it?

Eloise and I are about to go out to Southlake, to the back clinic where I had all those steroid injections done. They finally just released me, said they didn't feel they were helping much, and they were right. Anyway, my hospital has opened a new spine clinic, with a doc who seems to know what he's doing, so I've got an appointment. Have to go out to the old clinic and pick up CDs of my scans and reports and things. They would send them over, but there isn't time, so Eloise and I will just run out there and get them. While we're there, we'll get some lunch somewhere (lots of good places out there) and probably go poke around in Charming Charlie's, the costume jewelry place. I've got a gift card that Eloise gave me last year and I've never spent. Betcha I'll spend it today! I love that store!

Well, off I go. Hope the back holds out for all this activity. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87814: Oh, REV, at the JOY dinner last Thursday, our guest artist was a 16-year old girl, who sings country and country gospel. I think she's someone to watch. Her name is Taylor Heard, and she has a very big, grown-up voice. She plays the guitar and accompanies herself, and that little girl clan yodel like you wouldn't believe! I haven't heard a female country singer who could yodel like that in many years. Brought tears to my eyes when she started doing it, because I immediately thought of my dad. He loved to hear singers who could yodel, and in fact could do it pretty well himself. Anyway, I know you would have enjoyed hearing her. I've got a little CD, and will play it for you next time you're here. In October, is it? --Romeena
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87815: "clan"? Make that "can". --Romeena
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87816: Howdy, Porchsters!
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possum under a rock
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87817: Good evening Porch,
It's getting hotter than blazes here in Atlanta. I realize that we are supposed to be hot, but this is really hot, really early. It makes me wonder what kind of summer we are going to have. Is the pollen bothering others yet as well?

Possum, hey Missy! I hope you are well!
Romeena, hon I'm sorry about your back. I have a pinched nerve that needs surgery-my 3rd-that I'm putting off as long as I can. I hope that you find some relief.
Big Maude, it is surreal that soon you'll have two in college! My oldest will start Kennesaw State this fall, I hope. He and his girlfriend that talked him into going there just broke up. We'll see if that changes anything.
G-F and Rev, I love Krispy Kreme's too. We have a store about a mile from my house and the warm fresh from the oven glazed are the best!
Boo, I totally understand what you mean about climbing back in bed.
MDC, I cannot believe y'all are colder than us!
Asa, are you quoting a Nike slogan to Boo? ;0)
Hey to everyone!

I'm going to lay down and close my eyes and listen to TAGS on youtube and rest. Tomorrow I have to prepare for Bryan and Bryson to come home on Wednesday. Have a wonderful day tomorrow!

APB for Tom!

Blessings,
Lucy

March 19, 2012 - Msg 87818: Well, time to say goodnight Mayberry. I am ready to finally hit the ironing board. Been kind of a long day and Bruce didn't get home until nearly 9pm, ate, showered and went to bed. That's how it is going to have to be with him for the next two weeks. He did go ahead and decide to purchase the new hearing aids he has been needing for a few years now. Its 5,000 dollars we really didn't want to spend but it has to be done. God is in control so we just trust Him and press on.

See you all tomorrow.

Boo
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87819: Good evening, porch! I'm sitting here at my window, watching a steady, soaking rain falling on the yard, the flowers and everything. There is no wind, and the rain isn't the beating-down kind, it's just steady. It's beautiful! I did suddenly realize that I was looking at standing water in all the lower areas, which shouldn't be there. I got a flashlight and went out front to where the drainage pump is connected, and sure enough, it wasn't plugged in. Why, I have no idea, but I plugged it back in and immediately a geyser a foot high shot up at the curb by the street. It won't take it long to lower the level of the standing water back there. I'm glad I noticed it, because if it keeps this up all night, there would have been yard water washing into my freshly-cleaned pond! No danger to the fish, because I don't put chemicals on the yard, but still, it would have made a mess.

The three big cottonwoods out back are festooned with their green strings of beads already. Guess I need to call Rumaldo to come with his crew of climbers and cut all that stuff out of the trees. It's just amazing that they can do that, but they do, and then I have none of that miserable cotton flying around and ruining everything. The year I didn't do that, I had cotton lying in drifts everywhere. It's just awful.

There is some thunder and lightning with the rain, and it's really doing a job on poor little Toye Starr. She hates it, barks at the thunder, and is just generally a little ball of nerves. Poor baby. I guess I'd be afraid of big booming noises too, if I was not quite eight inches tall.

Well, I think I'll put my weary old body to bed. Maybe I'll put in a TAGS CD - always a pleasant ending to a day. Blessings, folks! --Romeena
March 19, 2012 - Msg 87820: Hey, Boo. You sneaked in on me. I'm so glad to hear that Bruce is going to get those new aids. That really is a lot of money, but we're talking about a serious issue. Quality of life is just the beginning. It affects his work, his social life, his family life, and could adversely affect his safety. I'm so glad he's doing it. --Romeena
March 20, 2012 - Msg 87821:
Howdy porch family....Almost bed time but wanted to check in first.

Ro....It's always so good to hear of young folks carrying on the country tradition. I'm sure you all really enjoyed her. I look forward to hearing her cd in October.

Lucy....YES the pollen is really bad here in SC. Yellow green all over the place...yuck. This time of year is always tough on singers but thank God I haven't had any problems.

Well sports fan....Payton is a Bronco and $95 mil richer. They'll get rid of Tebow now of course but it just may come back to bite them in the rear end!

Well gang I'm heading to bed. Little Jake is looking up at me as if to say...."Pappy are you ever gonna go to bed tonight?"....lol

Love and prayers to all my porch family!
-REV.
March 20, 2012 - Msg 87822:
Speaking of unusual weather, it was strange watching the news and seeing snow in Arizona. Here in Canada, Toronto broke the high temp record on Monday at 68.54ºF. They are expected to break it again for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as well.

from Poor Horatio
March 20, 2012 - Msg 87823: Thank you for the encouragment, Ro, and you are absolutely right. :)

It has been raining here this morning and is just beautiful. We need it so much.

Just a little prayer request...I know I have mentioned the little girls that live next door to us (Emily and Maddie) who have had some challenges. I was sad to find out yesterday that their father died of cancer. Those little girls have a tough enough time already and I know their dad was involved with them and they visited him on weekends and holidays so I know it will be hard on them.

Better get going this morning.

Boo
March 20, 2012 - Msg 87824:
"WELCOME SWEET SPRINGTIME, WE GREET THEE WITH SO-NG!"
Happy Spring porch! Yup, P-H, snow in the AZ high country on this first day of spring!
Prayers for all, back later,
MDC
March 20, 2012 - Msg 87825: Good morning to the good ol' Porch! I have had some time away, but am back to climb in my rocker!

Rev. - Yeah...Mr. Manning is a Bronco! And don't think we Chiefs fans aren't waiting for him to hit Arrowhead! He's going to hear boos like he's never heard 'em before! I hope all went well with your concerts!

Boo - Glad to hear Bruce got his new hearing aids. The price was steep, but he'll be better off. I agree with G-F! You do have a "Funny Farm!" The best to Cynthia!

Ro - So sorry to hear about your back. I know, first hand, how bad the back can get! Mine puts me down sometimes and I used to see my father hurt his back so bad when worked for the railroad that he would come home bent, face down to the floor! My mother would put chairs through the house so he could swing his arms from one to another so he could get around. And yes, he hated bed rest. I could see the question coming! LOL!

Lucy - Sometimes, that's the same way I end my day! A little of TAGS on the dvd player or taped on my DVR and it helps me forget the stress and drift away.

My wife has had a pretty rough weekend. Seems she has a whopping major of a chest cold and we have been keeping a very close eye on it that it doesnt develop into pneumonia. I believe...I believe we got 'er now if she dont jump! She seems to be getting better and now hacking and coughing near the way she was. But bedtime was quite an adventure! Not much sleep and not much pure rest!

Well, better get to more research! Hey to GF,Maude,PH,Mary,MDC,SPOT,Possum,Asa and all y'all! Have a great Tuesday!

John Masters
March 20, 2012 - Msg 87826: That should read "NOT hacking" ^^

JM
March 20, 2012 - Msg 87827: That should read "NOT hacking" ^^

JM
March 20, 2012 - Msg 87828: Good ole 14-A
March 20, 2012 - Msg 87829:
JM- I do that at night too, but now i have another problem...I forget how they all end!!! haha
There's one ep that starts with andy singing and playing a song for Otis in jail, and that's all the further that I ever get...z-z-z-z, I'm sawin' logs! ha

MDC
March 20, 2012 - Msg 87830: G'night all.

Boo
March 21, 2012 - Msg 87831: 80+ degrees in G-F's end of the porch today!
It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood won't y'all be my Neighbor? Even TOM would be happy to be back Cleveland way today.....TOM, I CAN'T HEAR YOU! My best Sgt. Carter impression!.G-F

March 21, 2012 - Msg 87832: Wow, we cooler than you are way down here in south texas, G-F. It'll only be in the 70's here today. We had a front blow through yesterday morning with thunderstorms and lots of rain and things are getting lovely and green. I am going to spend some time outside today, one way or another.

For some reason I have been waking up in the middle of the night and then have a hard time going back to sleep so that combined with the time change has got me dragging around and not feeling so swift. I am trying to wean off caffiene completely so I'm sure that is part of it, too. I have never been a big consumer of caffiene but I am down to half a cup of coffee in the am and that's it, so I am having some mild headaches. I have really been attacking my health issues in a big way and am eating much better and walking so I should be feeling better soon. I am still off the sugar and am eating fruits (in moderation) and many more veggies...particularly the green kind, which I have to build up a liking for. I made something last night using fresh asparagus and I ate it but wasn't crazy about it. I sauteed' it rather than fix it in the oven, which was the problem. I would like to get off red meat eventually, but with my low iron I am just trying to select meat that is free of hormones. If any of you have and healthy recipes to share, I'm all ears.

Wonder how Asa is doing? He made a quick appearance the other day and then sped off with Gilley Walker or something. Miss you, Asa.

I miss alot of folks that used to come around. I wish we could have a porch reunion for a weekend or something...and all the absent folks would drop in and visit the porch.

Bruce got in late last night again. I had a light, healthy supper waiting for him and after he ate he could only spend a few minutes with Erin before having to get a shower and go to bed. Poor little Erin has been missing her Daddy alot. I think the fact that her little neighbor friends lost their daddy this week is on her mind and she went to bed crying night before last, wanting to spend time with her Dad. I tell you what they are putting him through on that job is so unfair. They just hung him up to dry and more or less told him that he had to do what he could to save his job. The problem is, it requires him doing what he was not trained to do and do his regular work on top of all that. His boss pretty well told him to sink or swim and then disappeared. Bruce has not heard from him in a week. It is hard for Bruce because Bruce has always put 110% into his job and has done so much for his boss and now when it counts, he is without help and doing the job that his boss should be doing. God sees all, though. Bruce is keeping the faith and trusting the Lord, while trying to do the seemingly impossible. I am praying for God to protect his health from all the stress he is under. I told him that if he wanted to just quit and we could sell the house and move into something smaller...anything is better than him dying over this thing. I know he has to try, though, to save his job over the next two weeks. If he keeps the job, I hope he will learn a lesson from this. He should always do his job well, but putting his life blood into a job, when he has a family that needs him is wrong. He needs to realize what will really matter in the end, and it's not his job performance. His family needs him. The kids are growing up so fast and they need to spend time with their dad. He is so work focused, in and out of the office, that it consumes his thinking and time. I am hoping that whatever the outcome with this job, he will learn this lesson. You know, it sounds crazy, but we were out for a drive the other day and we went through a tiny little town called Papalote (do you know where it is, Ro?). You blink and you miss it, but on the side of the road I noticed a little abandoned Baptist church. It caught my attention so I drove up to the front because there was a note on the door of the tiny, white chapel. The note was dated 2010 and said services were no longer held there. Obviously, the place needed alot of maintenance but I couldn't help think of how I wish I could fix it up and reopen it. I would love the simplicity of living in a place like that and trusting God for everything. Of course, you think of things like that when you are questioning your choices in life and looking at what the future might hold.

Well, I have talked long enough. Chores to be done, as always.

Boo
March 21, 2012 - Msg 87833:
Boo- I am so proud of you improving your eating and drinking habits. Next thing ya know you'll tell me that you have started on OREGANO! haha
So sorry about bruce. He is indeed in my prayers!
OK-trivia time- I was watching the county fair ep (Banjo deputy)with my dad last night and he, a 93 year old TAGS afficionato, caught something! When Jerry(Van Dyke) tells Andy that he took two calls about trouble at the county fair, all Andy says is, "OK, I'll check it out after while." Then he takes two rifles over to Mt. Pilot for repairs.
It does seem weird that an officer of the law would be so nonchalant about it. So Jerry goes in his "uniform" "I gotta a badge" deal, and next thing you know, Andy shows up! So why the trip to Mt Pilot first? ha OK, I know, I know (:
Prayers continue for all, Sherry, friends, etc.
MDC
March 21, 2012 - Msg 87834: Well, MDC, I did buy some dried organic oregano and plan to start using it more in my cooking. :)
Thanks for the prayers and encouragement.

As far as eating better, I had to force myself out of my comfort zone and once I did, I find the challenge interesting and since I like to cook, trying out new ways of cooking is fun. I used to be a health nut back in the 80's and ate a very nutritional diet for years so it isn't all foreign to me but when you get off the track for years, you have to lay alot of new ground again. By the way, I mentioned the benefits of coconut oil not long back (in relation to brain health), and I tried using it in my oatmeal instead of butter and it's great. I use just a tad bit of honey and some cinnamon as well and it is really good.

Another tip I have for those who are trying to improve their diets is that I like to go to the organic produce section of the market and buy enough fresh veggies and fruit to last for about a week. I take it all home and spend the afternoon washing it and storing it so that it is easily accesible. I cut up the carrots and celery into sticks and keep them in bags for the kids to grab a snack during the day. I also keep fresh grapes in bags, ready to eat, and I keep fresh fruit on a bowl in the kitchen. My kids love salads so I try to keep salad ingredients clean and prepared so it is easy to use. Last night the kids both fixed themselves a salad as a snack. Now if I can just get them to ease up on the dressing! I don't use bottled dressing but I haven't been able to get them to give it up. I make my own so I know just what is in the stuff. Lots of dressing have tons of sugar and preservatives. A great salad dressing is just to mix up some olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic.

I never noticed that in the county fair ep, MDC. Things like that do pop up from time to time. :) It kind of makes it more fun to watch...looking for bloopers.

Better get back to the chores. The clothes in the dryer are finished...

Boo
March 21, 2012 - Msg 87835: Just saw the flamingoes, MDC...YOU'RE BAD!

Boo
March 21, 2012 - Msg 87836:
For those of you who do FB, I just posted some photos on my wall.
Today is a big birthday for my wife, and I had 50 pink plastic flamingos "planted" in our front yard overnight by a place called "Flamingos by Night!" But tonight, it's the Red Lobster! (:
MDC
March 21, 2012 - Msg 87837: Happy Birthday to Mrs. MDC! Now get them birds off the lawn,MDC-good grief! LOL

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possum under a rock
March 21, 2012 - Msg 87838: Boo,Tell Bruce I'll look out for those "bombers" that come from the East, if he will warn me of the ones that come from the West, looks like we are both in the same boat! ("Keep your eyes on the skies")...Sounds like another REV song...
Ya try and ya try and what do ya get? HEARTACHS!
nothing but "HEARTACHS!..ya give em 110% then they want 120% they think your job is like a check-point chickie or something....Then others are allowed to operate under the "slow moving vehicle" sign...What's up with that!...
Sorry, I need to get down off my soap box..Was thinking of Regis today...G-F.....