July 16, 2012 - Msg 89358:
Howdy porch family

Maude....I am so sorry to hear the news about your friend Lisa. My prayers for all the family and friends.

Possum....thank you for the update....Continued prayers for Sherry and Spot!

Ro....I love that verse....Every time that I read it, no matter how many times I've read it before, there is such a peace that comes over me. It's like I can hear God's gentle voice speaking those Words.

Love and prayers for you all....my porch family!
-REV.
July 16, 2012 - Msg 89359: Oh, Maude, I'm so sorry. May God's peace and comfort fall upon those who love Lisa tonight, and give them rest and courage.

REV, I know what you mean. That verse does the same for me. Another deeply reassuring verse is Exodus 3:14 - "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM, and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." Mercy! What a sense of permanence there is in that phrase, "I AM." It's so simple, and it's the very simplicity that gives it such strength. I learned, when I lost my Dale, that He is. That's it, He just "is", like the very air around me. I could run, but I couldn't hide. No matter where I turned, He was there, even when I thought I was trying to get away from Him, I couldn't. He IS. And how glad I am, that HE IS.

Prayers for Spot and Miss Sherry. Thanks for the update, Possum. We must all pray for them, as our hearts lead us. --Romeena


July 16, 2012 - Msg 89360: Prayers Maude..I got to go read the archives but first a update..Miss sherry is making it pretty good...she can get out of the bed on her own and use her walker...we bought one of those booster toilet seats and she can now get off the toilet by herself!...has to have help with shower but in good spirits...doc app tomorrow...and on the other hand..snack time..cheese and ritz crackers!...SPOT
July 17, 2012 - Msg 89361:
So sorry Maude, and all from an athsma attack.
I am concerned about the 26 year old special needs son, and will pray that his care will continue well. My prayers are with you and Lisa's family too.
Prayers for Sherry also, Lord be with her and spot.
Dad doing so-so today, but PT got him up and walking a bit!
God bless this porch. I truly love you all!
MDC
"You are a bird in this world."

July 17, 2012 - Msg 89362: good morning everyone. prayers for all in need this morning. isnt it great all the andy griffith tributes on tv and the great episodes all month? i went fishing yesterday and the water levels in the rivers and lakes are so low that i took ice in an old horse trough. the fish being hot an d in search of water jumped into the trough while i took my nap. hang in there. pappa bear
July 17, 2012 - Msg 89363: Very sorry to hear about Lisa, Maude. So sad..prayers for her family.

Thank you for the update on Miss Sherry, SPOT. My mom uses one of those elevated toilet seats and it is such a help. Prayers continue for you all.

MDC, if your dad is up and walking some with help that is really good after a fall. I hear of so many elderly that fall and never get up again. My grandmother was that way. She had diabetes and took a fall down a couple of stairs. She ended up in bed and wouldn't get up and walk again, and being diabetic with poor circulation, she ended up losing both legs and not living long after that. She was ready to go, though and wanted to go on to heaven. She was probably the sweetest person I have ever known. I'm looking forward to seeing her again.

"Hey" Pappa Bear. It has been nice to see how Andy is being honored since his passing. I am enjoying seeing more of him on TVLand but SO many commercials, darn it!

Well, tired this morning but have to go to the grocery store. I have put it off as long as I can.

Boo
July 17, 2012 - Msg 89364:
Rainy day here in Maine today.....Good day to stay in the motorhome, watch some TAGS and maybe get some writing done:)
Love and prayers
-REV.
July 17, 2012 - Msg 89365: TV Land is running a tribute to Andy? I didn't know that. I thought they was running a commercial marathon and throwing in a few clips of TAGS along the way. Silly me.

Asa
July 17, 2012 - Msg 89366: Hi All.
Going to be a hot one today about 92.
Will the new from the M R I was not good new that I did not want to heard he have bad circulation in both of his leongs and the Dor say he would never sand going what sug .

TOM

July 17, 2012 - Msg 89367: hey to mdc. how is your dad doing/? boo- andy was one of a kind. not many stars left that appeared on the original show. well got to run catch you later. pappa bear
July 17, 2012 - Msg 89368: Good morning, porch! I know what y'all mean about those commercials. So annoying! I have a little trick I do, and probably you do the same, but just in case you don't, here's the idea. If you're on cable TV or one of the dish things, (I'm on Dish Network) you probably have the capability to rewind an hour's worth of whatever you're watching. So --- I start my TV when TAGS or any other program I value comes on. I go do something else and let it play for an hour. Then I get a big glass of tea and a snack, park myself in front of the TV, rewind that hour, and start watching. When a commercial starts, I just fast forward through it. Works like a charm! If I run out of fast-forward room, then I just start muting the thing during the commercials. I refuse to be screamed at by some loud-mouth standing in front of a tacky furniture store. Some of the commercials are fun, though. I love the little Geico gecko, and the latest Meow Mix ad is too cute, and I like that insur@nce company ad (can't remember the company name) - the one where the guy smashes up two cars, or dumps water in them, or whatever. The part I enjoy is the outlandish outfits he wears, especially the one where the two cars are filled with water. He comes stomping out in a wet suit, big old flippers, goggles, the whole thing. Reminds me of Barney in his motorcycle outfit. At the very end he puts on a plastic swim ring - all because of an inch or so of water on the floor! Funny stuff.

Tom, I'm sorry the news on your stepdad wasn't good. Sounds like he's just old and sick, and reaching the point where there's not much that can be done. It's sad, and it's difficult for him and for you, but it won't be this way forever. At some point. God will call him home. He'll be at peace, and while you'll be lonely, you'll also be free of the awesome responsibility you've had for so long. I admire your courage, and the way you have stuck with him. You have done your best to give him a decent life.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some lunch. Not much to eat around here, but I'll find something. Actually, there's a lot of food in the freezer, left there by my daughter, but I'm really not very hungry. Maybe I'll just eat a bowl of cereal.

Prayers for all our friends who have special needs right now. --Romeena
July 17, 2012 - Msg 89369:
Tom....continued prayers for you and your stepdad. You can feel good about the way you have been there (and still are) for him. He's blessed to have a stepson like you buddy!
-REV.
July 17, 2012 - Msg 89370: Hey MDC I was at McDonalds today just as they were switching the menu from Breakfast to Lunch and thought of you....Thought I'd go watch them change the Marque at the Theater but then I remembered, I was no longer on vacation and I still have to work! haha...G-F....
July 17, 2012 - Msg 89371:
RO- and I also know how you love Flo on the Progressive commercials! ha
TOM- prayers for your stepdad my friend.
Pappabear-will write to you soon, but it's so hot the stamp may just slide right off the envelope! ha
ASA-good one!
Hey to REV.
you takin a little "therapitic" time?
GF- Sure, but do you crow shoot? (:
Dad pretty good today, I bought him a brand new wheelchair! He loves it. Medicare will cover most. I got tired of the sorry ones at the facility.
later,
MDC
July 17, 2012 - Msg 89372: A new wheelchair, MDC?...make sure those bolts are nice and tight in case G-F has been there! ;)

Boo
July 17, 2012 - Msg 89373: Tehehaha Boo, I would not do that to MDC's Dad!Maybe just a little loose so they wobble like the grocery carts do, like there is a wind storm 6" from the ground.
No, MDC have not done much crow shooting useta be a good skeet shooter tho was wicked with my Mossburg 410 gauge could out shoots the guys with 12 gauges. That is until my big brother talked me into a trade for a 16 gauge that kicked more than Boo's Thelma Lou's Daddy!!
Think it was a trick to get me to give up the 410..Horse trading isn't all it's cracked up to be! (specially dealing with kin)...
Now a days I go target shooting some with my Son using Dads WW2 M1 Carbine..When I was a kid we killed more beer bottles with it then what it was intended to be used for... (NO G-F did not do the emptying of the bottles Dad did that job!)
You have my word as a gentleman on that subject!

Romeena, make sure that cereal is whole grain and plenty of fiber..G-F......


July 18, 2012 - Msg 89374:
G-F, so you pass muster then? ha
Don't know if you have a Bass ProShop in your neck of the woods,
but I usually do pretty darn good at their shootin' gallery, 'cept when I get the gun with the bent sites! There is a line in MASH where Frank says he that can plug an ace of hearts at 40 paces, to which Hawkeye replies. "Oh good, I'll remember that if we're attacked by a Bridge Club!" ha
And think for a moment in that ep of Gentleman Dan, Dan's "word as a gentleman" wasnt really worth squat. teehee, hic.
Blessings friends,
MDC
And I'll check the wheel bolts in the morning!
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89375: Morning gang...we start back Chemo on Thursday!..joy joy...this is the second stage of treatment..will know more then..Miss Sherry just weak and tired..more cancer activity around the brain...ok...She is in good care between me and friends and God!...breakfast at possums cracker barrell..I will get the Church Bus and pick all up!...thunder storms here all day!...I come back at work at 2 today for an 8 hr shift then Im off for a week!...prace to all and prayers to all in need....SPOT
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89376:
Morning porch family....Just got back from my morning walk....NICE

Spot....praying that this round of chemo will be easier on her. My heart and prayers are with you both buddy!

MDC....you mentioned Bass Pro Shop...we have them down our way also but up here in Maine they have a Cabela's that is really nice. It's pretty much like the Bass Pro Shop. Stopped in there the other day:)

Well gang I better get a shower and start getting some things done. Got a concert tonight.
You all have a very blessed and Jesus filled day!
Love and prayers
-REV.
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89377: Woke up to lots of thunder here, SPOT, but no rain, darn it. Hope the chemo goes better than anticipated for Sherry.

My mom's here, MDC, and driving me a little crazy but that's ok. She has gotten some worse since last she was here, mentally more than physically and her hearing is worse. She has a hearing aid but it isn't doing as well as it should.

Better go see about here...

Boo
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89378: Asa...just a minute ago it was like something out of Christmas Vacation (Aunt Bethany). I'm saying loudly.."Do you want Miralax in your coffee??" (Miralax is s fiber laxative)..."WHAT?!"...(louder)"Do you want me to put Miralax in your coffee??"...."WHAT"....(leaning closer and speaking slower and a bit louder) "Do you want Miralax in your coffee??"...."Yes, I'll just relax while I have my coffee.".....(moving in closer and speaking slowly...) "Do you want...MIR...A....LAX in your coffee??"....."Oh! Yes I do". I felt like telling her, "You couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerine plant!"...hehe, but thought better of it!

Boo
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89379: You know, you have to find humor in these times, don't you? Speaking of which, something happened yesterday that was very funny. When i went to pick up mom from St. Susan's, mom only wanted to ride in Susan's car because mine is a big Yukon and she is terrified to climb into it even with much help. Susan drives a smallish mercury. Well, Susan's husband has a ton of stuff stuffed into one side of the garage so there is only room for susan's car on the other side and there was no way to get mom in without moving the car out a bit. Believe me, it is no small job to move mom..we have to get her in the wheelchair, maneuver through the house through the garage and help her in the car, plus bring potty chair, walker, etc..Well, I put mom in the car on the passenger side of Susan's car while Susan was doing something in side the house. She was going to drive mom in her car and I would bring the potty chair, walker and wheelchair in my Yukon. Well, when Susan came out of the house I heard her say, "Julie!! You already put her in and I can't get in on my side!". She was parked so that she couldn't open her driver's side door and had slipped out the passenger side earlier. Rather than having to get mom out again, she decided to try to get in the backseat and crawl over the middle console and into the driver's seat. Now Susan is not a large person, 5'2 and probably 130 lbs but she is 55 and no spring chicken anymore. The contortions she went through to get in that seat were hilarious...head on the dashboard, one leg in the driver's seat, one still in the backseat..well, you can picture it. Hilarious! All the while, Mom was just sitting silently and staring forward like nothing in the world was going on. Oh, boy it was something...St. Susan finally got both legs under the wheel but I'll bet she's sore this morning!... :) Interesting how nothing seems funnier to me than seeing my big sister in those kinds of situations..must be something from childhood! She's the same way, though...whenever mom or dad would get onto one of us the other found it hilarious, even as adults.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings!

Boo

Boo
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89380: Boo Boo???
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89381: Hey watch it there Boo talking about those of us that are 55 we may not be "spring" chickens but we can STILL crow with the best of 'em...haha!
I have to tell you about my hearing aide story:
I had a 92yr. old neighbor who looked like Mr. Magoo, my Son when he was little he liked to go over and sit on the front stoop and talk to him.
One day it was real hot out and he still mowed his own grass, I asked if I could help he said no...I can still cut my own grass just takes me longer. He said his wife would come out and fuss him out about it and he said when she does that he just "Gives her the Finger"! I was SHOCKED at his response until he used his finger to tap on his hearing aid to shut it off, yea he said when she starts her @#$%*ing I just give give her the finger! I noticed after that when she would fuss with him about his mowing the grass, Yes he did give her "The Finger" (to the ear)...funny story!

MDC maybe the M*A*S*H episode about the cards may have been written by Jim Fritzel & Everett Greenbaum they did some writing for MASH too, it sounds like their writing....G-F
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89382: Prayers for the family & friends of your friend Lisa,Maude. So sorry.
And for Tom's stepdad & as always,for Sherry.

***********
possum u.a.r.
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89383: Good morning, porch! Funny stuff on the porch today! G-F, your neighbor sounds like a real hoot! I love crusty old guys like that, they're always so funny. My mom's father, the only grandfather I ever knew, was such a man. Oh mercy! I could tell some "Fritz and Winnie" stories that would knock your socks off. One of these days, maybe I will. For that matter, I may have shared a few things in years past.

You know, I've often noticed that some of the writing in M*A*S*H and TAGS seems similar. Just like here on the porch we can recognize a writer, even if it's unsigned, many times a screen writer, especially in comedy, just has a recognizable style. I think the individual's own personality comes through.

Boo, I would have loved to be a little mouse in the corner, watching the antics in St. Susan's garage. One question - why on earth didn't she just back the car out onto the driveway before putting your mom in it? There must have been a reason, and I'd love to know what it is. It would go a long way toward restoring my faith in your sanity!

One of these days I'll tell you about the time another driver deliberately parked close enough to my car that I couldn't get in on the driver's side. He shouldn't have done it.

Your conversation with your mom about the Miralax sounded like Andy trying to communicate with Luther during band practice, when they were trying to get a band concert going, but everything went wrong. Too funny!

Spot, I'm glad Miss Sherry is able to resume treatment. Sounds like she's gained some strength, and her blood work must look pretty good. Still praying for you, and eager for any news you can give us.

Well, Eloise is coming to pick me up and we're going to go eat at El Fenix, one of my favorite spots. They make great salsa, and have thin, crispy, warm "chips" - and their cheese enchiladas are the best in town. Tacos aren't too shabby, either. We'll probably eat there again over the weekend, because I received a coupon from them, giving me a free meal between now and my birthday. You can bet I'll take advantage of that.

Off I go - got to get out of this ratty old gown and into some clothes. Blessings! --Romeena
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89384: One more thing - this occurred to me last night as I was watching a nature program on TV.

Exactly what is wrong with profiling? It happens constantly in the natural world. Some dangerous critters, such as rattlesnakes, advertise their presence and issue a clear warning, but most do not. A coral snake, for example. In his case, if the red and yellow bands are touching, you'd better keep away. If the red and black are touching, he's not venomous, but the resemblance is strong enough that most creatures will leave them both alone. Probably humans are the only ones who really notice the difference, and this human - me - is going to leave them both alone.

We all know what a skunk looks like, and we avoid it, for good reason. Crocodiles and alligators look mean and ugly, and we stay away from them, which is generally a pretty good idea. Certain species of insects and butterflies bear markings that birds have learned to interpret as "back off, I'm poisonous, or I taste awful." Certain toads have a substance on their skin that deals a dog misery if he tries to pick the toad up. Not all toads have this, but most dogs, if they have any brains at all, when they experience it once will forevermore avoid all toads. So, it seems to me, that learning to read outward signs and avoid those creatures that might be dangerous is a form of profiling, and is closely related to self-preservation. Carry that thought as far as you wish. What do you think? --Romeena
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89385: Just to set your mind at ease, Ro...the reason Susan didn't pull all the way into the driveway is that my car was back there and rather than bother to ask me to move it she stopped short and crawled through. Mistake....heehee My dear sister is the kind to take shortcuts and then suffer the consequences later.

Forgive my ingnorance, Ro, but I don't know exactly what you mean when you ask what is wrong with profiling.

Went to buy some more plants today. Got a bee-ooo-ti-ful crepe myrtle bush with deep reddish blooms, and a boginvilla (sp?) with deep fuschia blossoms to plan it front of the air conditioning unit to kind of hide that big eyesore on the side of the house. The thing is built up on a wooden platform so you have to have something that will grow into a good sized bush. The one I found is already pretty big..sure hope I don't kill it. I also bought an Esperanze with the yellow flowers...so pretty. We are going to put in a few shrub bushes and a few more of the small landscape roses, too. Lots of work in this heat but hope will all be worth it. Don't know when I'll get it all in the ground, though. Bruce has been busy processing some deer meat a friend gave him and has turned by white kitchen into a buther shop. He took a day off from work to do it. I hate the mess. :(

Think I'll take a little rest before thinking about starting some planting later in the day.

Boo


July 18, 2012 - Msg 89386: "Esperanza" rather

July 18, 2012 - Msg 89387: I love Esperanza, have a couple of them growing out back. I planted them in the bed that is defined by some boulders, and they're sort of drooping over those brown sandstone boulders, and the yellow blossoms are such a pretty contrast.

About the "profiling" - that's one issue that illegals and many Americans of Hispanic descent are fussing about. I do see their point - I wouldn't be too happy to be pulled over and asked to show my ID to prove I belong here, but unfortunately, that's the way it is. It's just one way that illegals can be identified and dealt with.

The biggest politically-correct objection to profiling, however, is related to people of Middle Eastern descent. It was young Middle Eastern men, between the ages of 18 and 40, approximately, who knocked the towers down, who have bombed various sites for the last 20 or 30 years, and who continue to attempt terrorist attacks. Yet America is so afraid of "profiling" that checks at the airport are done by a kind of lottery - if you're the 7th person in line or whatever, you get pulled out, your luggage searched and you get groped, even if you're a feeble old man or woman. In my opinion, if it looks like a duck, and walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, there's a pretty good chance it's a duck. I think people who resemble Mohammed Atta should consider cutting us a little slack, and not scream "profiling" if they're checked out. I realize we have some home-grown terrorists who do not fit the profile, but are just as dangerous, but they are the minority. Let's check out the obvious suspects first. I don't wish to start a moulage here, I'm just answering a question.

Blessings! --Romeena
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89388: Boo, I've tried to grow bougainvillea, and have never had much luck with it. It likes full sun, but will dry out and wilt very quickly. Will have to be watered at least once a day in our Texas heat.

Another plant you might want to consider if you're needing a screen, is a spirea. Sometimes called Bridal wreath, it will get up to six feet tall, and will send out long whip-like shoots that will be covered with white blossoms in the spring. Very pretty.

Then there's oleander, which is a tough plant, and pretty, very prevalent throughout the south. The drawback with it is the toxicity of the sap. It's very irritating to the mouth and stomach if an animal eats it, but from what I've read, it tastes so foul that it's unlikely that even a goat would eat enough of it to be harmful. Does your a/c unit discharge hot air upward, or laterally? If it discharges laterally, you wouldn't want to plant anything in the line of heat. Most discharge upward, though, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Blessings! --Romeena
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89389: Thanks for the explanation, Ro. I thought that was what you were referring to but wasn't certain. It's a crazy time we are living in when "political correctness" is the standard by which everything is judged!

Bruce decided not to plant the Bougainvilla right by the air conditioner but several yards in front of it so it can also be seen from the front porch so it shouldn't be a problem. Actually Bougainvilla grows like crazy in this area. Not sure why but it does. You have to cut it back pretty often because it really thrives. We have it planted in the beds in front of our church and I know it doesn't get watered every day or even every other and it is growing and blooming like crazy...hope mine does as well. I have never cared for oleanders but they grow like crazy around here. I like the blooms but not the long, pointed leaves...or the toxic sap. I am interested in the Bridal wreath but don't recall seeing any of it around here..will look for it, though. I want to put some white into the flowerbeds and maybe some yellow besides the Esparanza.

Boo
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89390:
Goodnight porch family...Concert went great tonight:)
Love and prayers
-REV.
July 18, 2012 - Msg 89391:
RO and ALL- a little ditty that I learned in boy scouts regarding those two snakes if we ever came across one, just say...
"Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, friend of Jack."
BOO- just a warning and our two Hvac guys here will agree, I think, but shedding bounanvilla leaves will play havoc on your AC coils!! I'm just sayin. Ro is also right regarding leaving good air flow around the unit. Here we just leave thaem be, with little or nothing to interfere with them doing the job! ha
Dad did pretty good today...please continue prayers. Also prayers for TOMs stepdad and SHErry!
REV- oh yes, we have Cabella's also. Great place.
Only place for a while that had any 9mm.
Well, honey and dears, have a good night.
YOU want Laxative in your coffee?? ha
MDC
July 19, 2012 - Msg 89392: Howdy, porch. Just passin' by on the way to the ironing board.

Boo, I don't know why bougainvillea seems to suffer here, but it does. I know it grows almost wild in Mexico City, and my mom grew it in San Antonio. Maybe it just doesn't like me!

Don't put spirea into a flowerbed, it will get much too big. It would make a nice screen for the a/c, though - just don't plant it too close, as you said. Mums are nice and reliable, and come in so many pretty colors, including yellow and white. If you keep shearing them off after they bloom, you can always get two bloom flushes out of them and sometimes three, or even four. Mine bloom in early spring, mid summer (blooming now) and of course will bloom in the fall. If you've got good sun on the beds in question, zinnias and marigolds will give you pretty yellow color. The little dwarf zinnias are nice, and there's a marigold variety that's a beautiful buttery yellow. You have to watch marigolds for spider mites, but they can be controlled.

MDC, I know that little ditty as "Red and yellow, kill a fellow. Red and black, venom lack." Both tell the story accurately, but I still don't want any part of a red, black and yellow striped snake, I don't care what color touches what. I'm not a big fan of snakes, period. The little green grass snakes, and the very small steel-gray garden snakes, I can tolerate. I leave them alone, and they leave me alone. There are at least two living in my yard right now, and they're welcome. No fangs, bug-eaters, and no threat. Anything any bigger, or unfamiliar to me - not welcome. I know people keep snakes as pets, and I have just never, ever been able to understand that. To each his/her own, I guess.

Back to the a/c unit topic - Asa, you wouldn't believe how obstructed mine is right now. I planted liriope around the base of it. It was just sprigs at the time, but now the stuff has gotten at least two feet tall and is a thick, dense wall. Add to that the spirea that was planted alongside, also very tiny when planted, and is now taller than I am, very thick, and sending its long slender branches out above and all around the unit. Not smart. Next time Joe and Jorge are here, which will be soon, that problem will have to be fixed. I can't do it myself right now, or I'd be out there with shears and spade in hand. That's about all I'd need, I'm afraid, to just do my back in for good. It's healing nicely, and I don't plan to mess it up now.

Boo, Eloise and I will be in Aransas Pass August 10-12, for Robbi's wedding, which will be on the 11th. We'll be staying at the Casa Condominiums, and are hoping to be able to touch base with you, maybe even meet Barney and Thelma Lou. I would just love to see your new home. I hope you're going to be around at that time.

Well, guess I'll head on to bed. It's late, and Toye Starr is getting impatient, she's ready to go to bed. She turns into a tiny pumpkin after midnight. Blessings, all. --Romeena
July 19, 2012 - Msg 89393: Oh, one more thing. For yellow color, especially in the spring - you can't beat the dwarf snapdragons, or even the full-size ones, and the yellow ones are gorgeous. They tend to re-seed, too, especially the yellow ones. --Romeena
July 19, 2012 - Msg 89394: That's great, Ro! We will be here waiting for you...sure hope you can squeeze in some time to see us. It might be a very busy two days for you and we understand if you can't but we sure will be happy if you can. We would love to meet Eloise, too, if she can come with you (or anyone else you'd like to bring...will any of the grandkids be with you? They might like to see Thelma Lou and the chickens).

I'll look for the snapdragons and mums...love mums...have killed them before, though. :(

MDC, for that reason (the AC) we are moving the bougainvilla plenty far from the AC. There shouldn't be a problem, I wouldn't think. A screen is a good idea, though.

I am one of those rare women who actually like some snakes. I am not a fan of reptiles, in general, but snakes are different. I think it started when I was in high school and we had a pet garter snake in my biology class. We were allowed to play with it and when I discovered that the texture of snakes is not slimy or icky, I loved holding it. I wouldn't mind having a pet snake but not one I would have to feed mice to! Could NOT do that.

Boo
July 19, 2012 - Msg 89395: Good morning, porch! Boo, I'm with you! No way could I feed some helpless little creature to a snake. I know, you can buy frozen mice, but I just think the whole idea is gross. One night at work, I overheard the teenage dad and his cronies talking, and they were describing how "cool" it was to watch the boy's pet snake chase a mouse around the cage, finally catch it, and then begin to swallow it. The boy even said, "It's so cool, the way the mouse's back legs keep kicking even when half of it is already inside the snake." I thought I was going to throw up. That kid bears watching. He's got a sick, cruel streak, and will end up hurting somebody one of these days.

I'm sure we'll be able to get by there to visit, if you'll have us. I'd love to just sit on your porch and let the world take a turn. Thanks for inviting the grandkids, I would imagine that they would enjoy seeing Thelma Lou. We'll see how it goes. We arrive on Friday morning, will probably be tied up with other family as they arrive, and there's a barbecue Friday night. Saturday, during the day, there will be more family arriving, so not sure how that day will go. Then on Sunday, we don't leave until late evening. Any of those three days, I'm sure we can get loose for a little while. I'm looking forward to it.

Well, better go get dressed. Eddie is here, has worked his magic in the yard, and I need to go pay him. The yard looks good, except for the weedy flowerbeds. That's not in Eddie's list of responsibilities, and I can't do it, so it's getting bad. Gonna have to call Joe pretty soon. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
July 19, 2012 - Msg 89396: well another hot day here my honey melts before i can get it on my b iscut. it has been so dry here that i have only mowed once all year. prayers for misss shery and all in need. well i better get back to work. pappa bear
July 19, 2012 - Msg 89397: well another hot day here my honey melts before i can get it on my b iscut. it has been so dry here that i have only mowed once all year. prayers for misss shery and all in need. well i better get back to work. pappa bear
July 19, 2012 - Msg 89398: Ewww...could never, ever watch a snake eat a live mouse! Funny story...when my sister was just out of highschool, she had a good friend named Vera who was working at the local Dairy Queen...well, Vera had a "thing" going with the manager, Ron (who was a married man with children). Ron and his family took a vacation and Ron asked Vera to take care of his pet snake. Taking care of meant feeding it a live mouse or two. Well, Vera took Susan over there and there was no way they could put that cute little mouse in with the snake, so they stole the mouse/mice (can't remember how many) and let the snake starve. When Ray got back the snake was dead and Vera "couldn't imagine what might have happened". Good for Vera. I don't think the two had "a thing" for much longer. Shame on that man for dating a teenager (not to mention while he was married).

Well, Ro, anytime that will work for you, we will be here and waiting for you...just see how it goes and let me know when the time comes.

Sorry your honey melted, Ray. :) It was pretty hot here, too...around 95 and I was in town running around and the air conditoner quit on me. It finally kicked back in again after I had been riding with the windows open and my hair blowing all over my head. The crazy a/c keeps going on and off, especially if the car has to idle at a stoplight. Guess its time to put it in the shop.

Sean got hired at Subway today, had to go to training today and he said it was really difficult...they make their own bread and to him, it was very complicated. He is off his meds now and he has more trouble handling stress...everything is HUGE in his mind. Please pray that he will be successful and that the Lord would give hims some peace. Thanks. :)

Boo
July 19, 2012 - Msg 89399: O what a wicked web we weave when we choose to deceive...Served him right..U sneakie snake!
Sean is now a "Sandwich Artist" I think that is what they call themselves...I eat at Subway alot better than a TV Dinner...Be sure ya send a footlong to SPOT he is always a hungry buzzard!..
Looking out for ya Brother...G-F....
July 19, 2012 - Msg 89400: Ugh, not a snake fan either. Although my hubby is even worse, haha. But I generally let live and let live. I don't have any this year, but in the past I've had a couple snakes living in my garden. I think they were those garden snakes, I think they're called. Harmless, I guess, but pretty freaky when they suddenly appear when you are picking cucumbers. I had one for a whole summer, just swiveling about when I was out in the garden. Now if it was a rattler or something, I probably wouldn't step foot in the garden... but it didn't really bother me too much. I just ignore them. I could never watch one eat a mouse, bleck!
- Hazel

July 19, 2012 - Msg 89401: You know, Hazel, its the strangest thing that I never see a snake on our place. It is five acres, nearly surrounded on all three sides by brush and it is pretty rough...not well manicured by any means...lots of sand and oak trees and weeds but no snakes. I just don't get it. Even last year during the drought I thought surely they would come around looking for water, but in 5 years I have only see one snake near the back of the place and it was a grass snake. I guess the critters keep them scared off or something. Not that I am complaining, mind you. I don't want any rattlers around here, which is what this area is famous for.

Boo
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89402:
Evening all. Hazel I had to laugh when I read your post ".. I've had a couple snakes living in my garden. I think they were those garden snakes.." ha
BOO- car AC may just be a loose connection or relay. "Sean can now say It's time to make the bread..."
God's blessings to all,
MDC
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89403: My payers for Sean Boo, that he will do well at the new job.
And my prayers for the victims at Aurora Colorado this morning. I declare the world is going mad. :(

If snakes eat bats, I'm on board with the snakes. I know, Romeena likes bats. Well I don't. I hate them. And I've had one hanging around my house the last couple of weeks.

Asa
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89404: Yes Asa, there are alot of crazy people out there, but alot more sane ones, thankfully.

Thanks for the prayers for Sean. I am concerned about him. I was doing some reading on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (which is sean's diagnosis) and man, he is a textbook case. Since he has been on no medication things are getting worse by the day. He is out of control, as he describes it...always angry at the drop of a hat, depressed and hopeless because he can't seem to change and cope like most people. I don't think this subway job is going to work out until we find a way to get him some help. I hate to put him back on the meds because he has been losing weight already and his appetite is back to normal instead of on overdrive. Praying about what to do for him. Everything is a challenge with Sean because he has no self-esteem or confidence. Lots of issues there..some I can't go into but it is very sad because he is such a nice kid who is having a very tough time coping with life.

Yesterday my mom's blood pressure went sky high for some unknown reason and the doc put her on a new medication yesterday. I have to take her to the doc today. She is still running a little high even on the med but she seems fine, no symptoms of any kind. I am watching her closely.

Well, better get to the chores...and they are many!

Boo
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89405: Now Asa, what do you have against a little ol' bat? Have you been listening to Barney? Bats will not hurt you, they will not get in your hair, and they don't lay eggs. All they do is eat mosquitoes by the thousands. As for snakes eating bats, most of the snakes we have around here would starve if they depended on a diet of bats. They'd have to find one on the ground, and a bat on the ground is already sick, so it might be a mercy if a snake did eat it. Nope, a good colony of bats can rid an area of mosquitoes in a few nights. I like 'em! --Romeena
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89406: Romeena, You go Girl!... That's what I tell Mrs. G-F about bats, that is why I can sit out at night on my front porch and rock and not get bit up by them mosquitos. Our bat lives behind our front shutter all I have to do is sweep up some Bat poop once in awhile, easy trade-off...G-F
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89407: G-F, any questions I ever had about your sanity are gone. I can now confirm, you're nuts. And so is Romeena. Now I hate to speak so poorly of you both, but anyone loving bats has got to have bat eggs in their hair. Case closed! ;)

Asa
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89408: Good afternoon porch, Hope everyone is doing ok. We have had rain, clouds and storms on my end of porch.

The services for my friend are tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers.

Beth leaves for church camp tomorrow at 4pm. They are going to Alabama and will have Bible study and some type of mission work. I leave Sunday afternoon to fly to Odessa, Fla for a week to visit my friend Denise. I am looking forward to seeing her and some time away.

Supper menu: Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with white gravy, green beans, corn, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers,
Rolls with butter, SLAW. Chocolate layer cake for dessert.
Tea and lemonade to drink.

Prayers for SPOT, Miss Sherry, Romeena, and everyone around the porch.

Big Maude
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89409: Asa, I'll have you know I just washed my hair, and there wasn't a bat egg to be found. A few moth eggs maybe, but no bat eggs. You never did tell us what it is about bats that has you in such a tizzy. Did you see too many vampire movies when you were a kid? --Romeena
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89410: Asa, when I was in college but still lived at home, one night in the fall, when it was cool enought to leave the windows open, I was up late watching The Tonight Show and my parents were already asleep. When I got up to go to bed, I was about to walk into the kitchen when I saw it...late at night....there it was...a black bat hanging from the a/c vent in the ceiling....(or so I thought). It scared be to death! I knew it would let go and bite me if I got anywhere near it. I decided that rather than risk walking under it to get to the back of the house where my parents were sleeping, all I could do was go outside in the dark and walk through the flowerbed and try to wake my parents through their bedroom window...they were surprised, of course. "What on earth are you doing outside in the dark hollering at us through the window?!"...poor dad crawled out of bed and made his way to the kitchen. I was terrified but managed to sneak back inside to see what was going on. Turns out it was a big black moth. I felt pretty stupid...and relieved. Bats are very creepy but they do a good job with the mosquitos, you have to admit.

Took mom to the doc and pressure is good now and she is back at home with St. Susan. Now to get started on dinner. I think I will make homemade chicken pot pie...haven't had that in ages.

Boo
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89411: Oh, "hey" Maude. :)

Boo
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89412: Asa,I was just sitting out on my front porch on my rocker, and guess what! NO mosquito's not a lick or a bite I rest my case! "Bob the bat" is on duty doing his job! If only I could train him to run off the skunks and bring me the paper, Mrs. G-F would accept him as I do.
Romeena, how do ya train a bat to do that??
Guess I could Google..."How to train your bat" and see what pops up.
Or get me one of those "Skunks for Dummies" books. I was told Juicy Fruit gum works good on skunks but I don't want all my squirrels getting into it. What to do,What to do!
Hey Romeena, maybe Asa watched to many "Dark Shadow" episodes as a youngster and did not like Barnabas Collins, maybe he should have watched more Mr. Ed instead? haha...G-F
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89413: Hey, porch! Believe it or not, we got some rain this afternoon. Not much, mind you, but anything is appreciated. It cooled things down considerably, from a high of 102 around noon, to a pleasant 80 right now, at 7:20.

Funny story, Boo, about the "bat". Of course, being a grown-up now, you know if it had really been a bat, it would not have just arbitrarily dropped off and bitten you. They are bug-eaters, and would only bite in self-defense, like if you tried to pick it up.

There is a bat cave not far from Fredericksburg, in an old railroad tunnel. It's now part of the Texas parks system, and they have built a viewing platform about 30 feet back from the cave entrance, but at the time we visited, it was open country and we were able to stand right on the rim of the tunnel, just at dusk. In a few minutes, the bats began to emerge, and it was the most wonderful experience. The swirl out of the tunnel lasted over half an hour, and it's estimated that about three million bats leave each evening, and return each morning. Those bats were swirling around me in a living vortex. I could feel the wind from their wings, and as God is my witness, I was never touched, not once. Not a single bat touched me. I could hear the rush of wings, and could occasionally hear a squeak, but was never touched. We returned before dawn, and I stood there again as the bats returned. The cloud approached, and then they just began to drop out of the sky, again swirling around me, and diving into the tunnel. In a half hour or so, the last ones came in, and the skies were clear as the sun came up. A genuine thrilling experience. Asa, I'm so sorry. I don't mean to gross you out. You do things I would never dream of attempting, like working with electricity. That stuff scares me to death, I don't even like to change a lightbulb! Also, in all truth, I don't think Dale was as excited about standing in the middle of those bats as I was, but he wasn't about to let me stand there alone. He never said anything, but he was very quiet, while I was laughing like an idiot. To each his own, I guess that's true.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some dinner. I'm not very hungry, maybe just some cheese toast. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89414: G-F, how do I get a bat for my porch? I want one!

I had a similar bat experience as you, Ro, at Carlsbad caverns. They have the same kind of thing where you sit in bleachers and her come the bats swirling up out of a cave. Pretty impressive. The way you describe it beautiful. I read about the cave near Fredricksburg that you are speaking of just recently. I didn't know about it before. Think I will have to go there!

Speaking of bats...how tragic about the shooting last night at the premiere of the new Batman movie. I feel so sorry for all the victims and families. Prayers for them...

Boo
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89415:
Bad people have been around since the fall of mankind, and Cain killed Abel, and of course,
thru all centuries since. I think about the wheat and tares once again. The shootings were indeed tragic, but also "tragic" were things like
what were all these kids, even a 3 mo. old, doing at this very 'dark' movie?? Sorry, to me, that is totally unacceptable!
BOO- just a thought, but you may want to consult with the doctor about sean. I dont know how slowly he was weaned from the meds, but you may want to consider staerting them up on a slow progression. I have heard sad stories about suicidal tendencies etc, so PLEASE pray and consult.
Big Maude, have some good time off.
My dad was a little spaced out today, all part of the deal,
but I also think he is beginning a decline.
Prayers for you all,
God bless you all,
MDC
GOOBER: Helen, is there anything wrong with my eyes, you're a teacher?
ANDY: Why don't you ask Floyd? He's a barber.

July 20, 2012 - Msg 89416: (:

July 20, 2012 - Msg 89417: Good afternoon porch, Hope everyone is doing ok. We have had rain, clouds and storms on my end of porch.

The services for my friend are tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers.

Beth leaves for church camp tomorrow at 4pm. They are going to Alabama and will have Bible study and some type of mission work. I leave Sunday afternoon to fly to Odessa, Fla for a week to visit my friend Denise. I am looking forward to seeing her and some time away.

Supper menu: Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with white gravy, green beans, corn, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers,
Rolls with butter, SLAW. Chocolate layer cake for dessert.
Tea and lemonade to drink.

Prayers for SPOT, Miss Sherry, Romeena, and everyone around the porch.

Big Maude
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89418: Boo, I'll check with "Bob" and see if he has any cousins that want to relocate...Let's see...what ya got to sweeten the deal? It could have a step brother who is a rooster, some hens, a Donkey,
a Goat, to hang out with what more could a bat want but than to be a part of the Funny Farm!
We could next day Fed-Ex it and he chomping on mosquitos in time for your Sunday Dinner.
You'd be mosquito free on your own porch and a bat in the bellphre to boot. Asa would be very envious as he sits on his porch gettin eatin up by mosquitos! haha....( Who's a nut now Asa?)
I still am, but I don't have any mosquito bites on me either..tehehaha...G-F
July 20, 2012 - Msg 89419: MDC, thanks for pointing out my doubling up of words when I spoke about garden snakes. (those would be the kind that live in the garden)haha
I hate it when you get obtuse!
-Hazel
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89420: Darn it, G-F, an old friend just told me a story about how he had to take rabies vaccines because of a bite from a rabid bat...never mind, I'll take the mosquitos!

Time to hit the ironing board for some adventure sleeping...

Boo
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89421: Thank you Boo. I'm glad someone besides me has sanity here on the porch! LOL

Asa
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89422: Romeena, I guess that leaves us as birds of a feather ya think? haha...Hey Ro, at least our bats will protect us from the mosquitos that carry the West Nile vires..Take that! Boo & Asa! Hey it sounds like a new idea for a reality show,
"Mosquito Wars"!...Rommena & G-F vs Boo & Asa.. Asa, It should be a even match since we each have a Texas girl on our side LOL...
(Let it be know it's a scary world out there ya could die from a Bat,aBug,aBullet, or from most anything else)soooo pull up your boot straps and just hang on for the ride) But, NEVER sell your saddle!!

On a side note... This is the start of the Pro Football Hall of Fame week in Canton, sure brings alot of football nuts into Canton & alot of traffic, but it is a good thing for the City and the folks who like football at least no strike this year..(The Ribs Burn-off is good to)
Have a good one gang...off to the flea mkt..G-F