July 21, 2012 - Msg 89423: Good morning, porch! Oh, fer cryin' out loud, Boo! Your friend had to take rabies shots because he was bitten by a rabid bat? I can see where that's scary, but let's look at this thing for a minute. If you'll check with your friend, I'll bet a cookie he saw the bat on the ground and tried to pick it up, maybe didn't see it and accidentally touched it. I stepped on a wasp in the grass once and got stung, but I still go barefoot. I will be very surprised if that bat just swooped out of nowhere and attacked him. Not saying it didn't, but it would be highly unlikely. First rule in dealing with bats or any other animal for that matter - if it's behaving in an uncharacteristic manner, leave it alone! Bats do not crawl around on the ground unless they're sick. Now, here's my second point. I had to take rabies shots too, when I was about eleven, because I was bitten by a rabid dog! You don't see me avoiding all dogs forevermore because of that, though. It was an isolated incident. People get killed in car wrecks by the hundreds every day, but I still get in that thing and drive, at the mercy of every idiot on the road. Perspective, folks, perspective!

OK, that's from me and G-F. What do you chiroptophobes have to say for yourself? (Heehee) --Romeena
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89424: I noticed some bat eggs under Asa and Boo's chairs, so thought I'd sweep, otherwise they'll never come on the porch again, and they would be sorely missed! --Romeena
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89425: Hey you all...don't get me in the middle of your bat war! haha...but I will say that what happened with my friend is that when he was a little boy, it was in the summer and the window in his bedroom was open. He wasn't quite asleep yet when the bat swooped into the window, and flew at him...attacked and bit the heck out of him. It was quite traumatic. His dad came running in after he heard him screaming, and the bat went after him, too. He grabbed a baseball bat from the corner and was able to hit and kill it before it bit him. They sent the bat to the lab, and sure enough, it was rabid. So...you lose your cookie, Ro. hehehe...

Boo
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89426: Oh, and forgot to mention that the bat was foaming at the mouth and its eyes were glowing!...do you believe my story?...hope not cause you just got punked.

Boo
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89427: You tell 'em Sister! Romeena & G-F +[2] Boo & Asa[1] And by the way I ain't scared of no Chiropractors either! tehaha (I'll have to look that one up). Romeena I thought of you today when I went to the flea market, a guy had a 1/2 of a wooden propeller for sale I thought he'd take 1/2 of the price but he wanted FULL price! What's up with that? Who would buy a 1/2 of a propeller? I guess a pilot who wanted to go only half way to his destination I guess?
Poor Horatio.....Goober-Fife....
p.s. I ain't scared of no fleas either!!
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89428: this porch has gong to the bat and sna
I think I will stay away from you all.
All can uesd some help!

TOM

July 21, 2012 - Msg 89429: Uh, Boo, just what part of your story do we believe or not believe? The second part, I'm sure, but did you intend to include the whole story? If the first part is true, I have only one question. Why was he sleeping by a window that had no screen? You'd think the mosquitoes would have eaten him up before the bat got there. Oh wait, maybe there were no mosquitoes, because there were bats in the area? Bwahahahahaha!

Seriously, assuming your friend's story is true, that is a wild aberration, and is the first time in my life I've heard of such a thing. It would never happen again, I'll bet. Bats certainly can contract rabies. They are warm-blooded mammals, and as such, are susceptible, just like dogs and cats and people. Like I said, a dog bit me, was proven to be rabid, and I took the shots. No fun, those shots - believe me! And yet, I have one small canine who shares my home, my food, even my bed.

Kidding aside - bats are an extremely important link in our ecosystem. They consume literally tons of insects every night. Some species are nectar and pollen feeders, and as such are as important as bees in pollinating crops, orchards and wild flora. The giant saguaro cactus in the Sonoran desert is almost totally dependent upon bats for survival. They're the sole pollinator, except for an occasional accidental pollination by a bird or bug, and without the bats, the cacti will eventually disappear. As for other bats, there have been cases where fearful people, or perhaps just cruel vandals, have located bat colonies in a cave and have gone in and torched the entire colony, burning thousands, perhaps millions of bats to death. Bats are totally nocturnal, and encounters with them are rare, so most people know little about them. We all tend to fear what we don't understand. Truly, though, bats have gotten a bad rap. I guess I feel about them the way I do about the little garden snakes. I leave them alone, and they leave me alone. I even put up a bat house in my back yard to help combat mosquitoes, but the squirrels got in and remodeled it, so I never got any bats. I may replace it one of these days, and try again.

OK, that's my batty story. --Romeena
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89430: None of it was true, Ro...just pulling your leg!! :)

Boo
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89431: Seriously though, I agree with you about the bats...very important critters, and as I have said before, not much to worry about there. Cats are by far the greatest reason for rabies among humans. Many people don't vaccinate cats and there are so many ferrel cats reproducing like wild fire. People need to be wary of stray cats...much more so than bats.

Boo
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89432: I thought so! You are a caution, Boo. Funny bat story here in the Dallas area - and I think I may have related this before - but here goes. Several years ago, a young Boy Scout, working on a badge, took on a community project, whereby he built and installed (with proper permits) several bat houses along a popular jogging trail near White Rock Lake. Mosquitoes were just horrible there, and joggers were complaining - also there had been an outbreak of West Nile virus. He reasoned that the bats would help control the mosquitoes, and make the area safer for the joggers. Well, he got them all installed, and suddenly, one of the Dallas city councilmen crawled out of the woodwork and declared the bat houses to be a hazard, citing a scary story about a bat in Houston, and demanded that the houses be removed. Never mind that there had been several West Nile virus deaths here. He was laughed down, and withdrew his objection. A few months later, he quietly used his influence and had the houses removed, with no notice to the Scout involved. Now, I really do understand about irrational fears. I have some of my own. I'm very suspicious and cautious about electricity. I fear fire. I've been known to get up at night and prowl the house, sniffing for smoke - a frequent activity when my children were very young. No doubt Mr. Rasansky can't control his fear of bats, I'll give him that. But to use his influence to destroy a Scout's project and thwart a scientifically sound method of curbing the spread of West Nile - well, I just don't think that was very nice. He would never get my vote.

On the subject of fears - both of my sons are big guys, well over six feet and quite masculine. Both of them, by their own description, at the sight of a spider (especially a big one carrying an egg case) would "throw their skirt over their head and scream like a little girl." When a spider is discovered in their home, they will send their wife to kill it. No kidding, and they both will freely admit this. The one in Florida told me of the night he was in his swimming pool, and suddenly spied a huge, egg-bearing spider in the water nearby and the egg apparently was hatching, because there were a large number of tiny spiderlings in the water as well. As he put it, "Mom, I thought I was going to have a heart attack, and that night I learned that you really can walk on water if sufficiently motivated." So hang in there, Asa, you're in good company. The fear is the same, it's just the source that changes.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89433: Oh, just FYI - it is 7:20 p.m. here in the Dallas area, and the temperature is 107. Now, that's dang hot! --Romeena
July 21, 2012 - Msg 89434: You have to fear the bat that eats mosquitos that have the West Nile virus then it would be a double whammie! What do we do then?? Lion,tigers,and bears "Oh my"! Now if they was a giraffe we would'nt have nothing to worry about cause they only think of #1 and are selfish. So they would not share anything! bats or bugs.
Because they are to worried about getting a sore throat!...Just a thought...(Rommena with temps like 107 ya better park the car and take a camel) Now if they was a Camel....No, that's a whole nother subject we don't want to get started on today...G-F.....
July 22, 2012 - Msg 89435: Hmmm...never had a spider phobia...lots of folks do, male and female. I found a tarantula outside the other day and the kids were yelling while I was scooping him into a little cage to get a better look at him. I would have kept him for awhile but didn't want to take care of and feed something else. He was fun to watch for a bit, though. I had never seen a tarantula in my yard before or since.

I suppose the reason I don't have fear when it comes to insects is that I have never been bitten or stung by anything.

Just finished watching "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" with the kids. They had fun trying to spot actors that had been on TAGS, and there are many in that movie.

Better get to bed...long day and preachin' in the morning...well, I have nursery duty with 2 and 3 year old.

Boo
July 22, 2012 - Msg 89436:
Yes RO, that is dang hot, and believe me, I know hot! ha
Friends, please keep my dad in your prayers,
after all that progress, he seems to be failing now and kinda giving up on life. We are all OK with it tho. He has had the sacraments of the church, and I don't blame him, as it has been tough in PT etc. BOO, you for sure know what we are
going thru. I will keep you all posted as things progress. It sure looked like he was going to do so well, but 94 IS 94 afterall!
God bless you all, love you!
MDC
July 22, 2012 - Msg 89437: Here is a question for those of you who are dog owners... our newest pup, Ollie (who is about 4 months old) had infection in both eyes. He had one before that was mild and was gone in a few days and now he has a bad one. I started putting antibiotic ointment in his eyes today but I also noticed that he appears to have puss coming from his little wee-wee. I don't know what is going on with the poor pup but I can tell he just isn't as energetic as he should be. I wonder why he seems to be having infections...hope it's not some immune problem or something. Have any of you had anything similar happen to your dogs? I will be taking him to the vet on Monday.

Boo
July 22, 2012 - Msg 89438: I agree with you, Ro, about bats. I used to be quite the "night rider", riding my bike all over the place. Of course there would be tons of bats flying and swooping all over the place, but not once did one ever run into me(or me into it). They have incredible senses to be able to come so close to you yet not touch you. And I don't think they want to anyway. They are too busy munching on the little flying critters.

Wow MDC, 94! What a survivor! My grandma lived to 93. When you think of all the things that can kill you, you realize what survivors these elderly people are, and all that they lived through and know. I will pray for your dad.

Wish I could help you with your dog, Boo, but I never had a problem like that with any of the dogs we had. Hopefully it is not serious and can be taken care of.

Have a good, Godly Sunday, folks! We have a missionary from Ireland who is going to speak tomorrow, so that should be interesting.

-Sterling Holobyte
July 22, 2012 - Msg 89439: Wow, Boo, Ollie sounds like one sick little pup. He needs to see the doc, stat. If I were to make a guess, I'd think he might have started out with the UTI, and while engaging in "personal hygiene", he spread it to his eyes. Toye Starr gets little irritations in her eyes now and then, but it has never progressed to infection. She has those huge Maltese eyes, and if I don't keep her topknot fastened up, her hair gets in her eyes, and pretty soon, the rims look a little pinkish and she gets little bits of grayish "goop" in the corners. I just wipe over them with a moistened cotton ball, and I have some drops from the vet that contain a mild antibiotic, and antifungal, and a weak steroid. Usually one application clears it right up and her eyes are clear and beautiful again. Would you believe she will sit very still and cooperate fully with me during the treatment? I think she knows it will make her eyes feel good again. Sweet little thing.

MDC, I'm sorry your dad isn't doing well. I know you were hopeful there for a while, but this is usually the way it goes when folks get into that age bracket. Quite often, there will be a little rally toward the end, that may last for hours or days, but eventually, they begin to slip again. I've seen this so many times over the years, in my nursing practice and more recently as my own parents have passed. One thing I've observed, and it may give you comfort - the passing of a Christian is usually a peaceful thing, a time of quiet acceptance, bordering on joy. For the unsaved - not so much. There is resistance and anxiety, even fear, that one just doesn't see in a Christian. I think Paul summed it up in I Thessalonians 4:13, NIV) - Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. My own dad's passing was sad for us, because we were going to miss him, but he was joyful to the end, and when he finally left us, all I could do was thank God for answering his prayer. No more pain, no more confusion and frustration, and he was with my mother, and especially, with his Lord.

Well, guess I'll rustle up some lunch. Blessings, my friends! --Romeena
July 22, 2012 - Msg 89440: Good Sabbath porch! Been to peachin' this morning and then our church celebrated 67 years Of being formally established.
We had a BBQ lunch with all the fixins. Good food and fellowship.

Getting myself ready to fly to Fla. my flight leaves at 5:30 Pm so guess I'd better get going.

I'll check in this week via my I pad.

Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude
July 22, 2012 - Msg 89441: good evening porch. prayers for your dad mdc. hello to big maude ro sterling holbyte tom spot, asa, boo and everyone. nothing new here still no rain; remember when otis was given a soberity test jumping nrope and he said slow down the rope so i can get in or i will go out and buy some gin.shave a great week. pappa bear
July 22, 2012 - Msg 89442: MDC, prayers for your Dad. I hope all goes well.
In contrast to what you say, Ro, I've known many people who were peaceful at the end of their lives, as they passed away, who were at peace with where they were going, in fact ready to go. No fear, or anxiety, as you have summed up the people who are the "unsaved".
- Hazel
July 22, 2012 - Msg 89443: MDC, I somehow missed your last post. Yes, I do know something of what you are going through, as do others on the porch, and I am so sorry. I can tell you that while it is painful, God's grace will help you one day at a time and when it is time to say goodbye, God's grace will carry you through that in an amazing way...but you know that, having been through losing your mom. My prayers for you, brother, and for your precious dad. Your porch family will be here to help. :)

You might be right, Ro. Ollie does seem to be feeling better today and his eyes look much better. I will still take him to the doc, of course...can't stand the thought of him being in pain with a UTI. He certainly seems to feel better today, though.

Prayers for a safe trip, Maude.

Hazel, I often wonder how I would be, even though I know I am a Christian...I think I still might be pretty anxious when the time comes. Maybe because I'm really not ready to go...plenty to do still, especially for the kids.

Boo
July 23, 2012 - Msg 89444: Very therapitic (:
July 23, 2012 - Msg 89445: Good evening, porch. Hazel, I'm happy for the people you mentioned, glad that their passing was not stressful. I just haven't had that same experience.

Boo, you've touched on a big truth, I think. I believe it's all a matter of degree and relativity, when it comes to being "ready" to go. For those of us who know our eternal destiny, death itself holds no fear, but I think we all may have some anxiety about the process itself. In other words, we look forward to the destination, but we may dread the journey. It seems that the older someone becomes, and the more illness or physical discomfort they face, the more "ready" they become. To the young and busy, the idea of leaving young children and all the plans and dreams they have for the future is not a pleasant prospect. To my dad, at 86, ill and confused, and missing my mother, death was what he prayed for. He knew he had a place in Heaven, and was increasingly anxious to go there, day by day. He had fulfilled most of his plans, and as he said in one of his more lucid moments, "Why am I hanging around here, with absolutely nothing to do for anyone? I'm ready to go and begin my new life." How could I dispute that?

So, Boo, I think you put it in a nutshell. Even a Christian, who has the assurance of an eternity with the Lord, may legitimately rebel against death for quite a long time. It's only when the quality of life fails, that the quantity no longer matters. Blessings! --Romeena
July 23, 2012 - Msg 89446: I certainly saw that firsthand with my dad and my father-in-law. When living becomes harder than dying, death is welcomed, i supposed. I know it was that was with my father-in-law (Chester). Its so hard to see these active men who are used to being the one who does for their families, become invalid. Most in that state would rather pass on, I imagine. I do know this, and it sounds pretty funny, I remember having food poisoning when I was about 20 and I was so sick I prayed to die! haha...imagine a 20 year old praying to die with food poisoning! My point is, getting sick goes a long way in preparing us for the "journey home". :)

Well, have to take Sean to the doc this morning. He has still been coughing and feeling bad and we need to talk to the doc about his medication options. I am trusting the Lord to lead us. Sean's doc is a good, Christian man and I pray the Lord will give him wisdom concerning Sean.

We had a nice couple over from church last night and it was very enjoyable. We have known them for many years but never invited them over. They have a daughter-in-law who has been fighting cancer for years now and has two young boys so we know they are dealing with some difficult issues and thought they may need some encouragment. I made my lasagna and there is enough left over for tonight so no cooking! yay.

MDC, wanted to tell you that I have decided to start going back to doing the bible study at the rehab, but only one Monday a month. The girl who took it over for me is getting overwhelmed with trying to do two different halls on the same night, which was difficult when I used to do it. She sent out an email asking for volunteers to do it once a month and I would like to go back as long as it isn't once a week. I miss doing it and want to help where I can.

Well, better get it in gear.

Boo

PS-forgot to say "hey" to Sterling...come on back and fill us in on what's happening in your life.
July 23, 2012 - Msg 89447: Good morning, porch! It's a beautiful day here, but gonna be a hot one. Again. Surprise, surprise. Thank goodness for a/c. I'm staying inside. When I do have to venture out to feed the fish or whatever, it's just miserable. This neck brace sits on my shoulders and extends up around my ears, and is like an oven. Five minutes out there, and all the pads are wet with sweat (not perspiration, just plain ol' sweat!) and that gets very uncomfortable. Not pleasant. I see the doc on Friday, so am hoping he'll let me leave the thing off. I had a big old fight with it last night, just couldn't get comfortable. Usually I can, but not last night. So I'm dragging a bit today.

I'm trying to find some little hair bows for Toye Starr. I've been using the ones that are on a tiny rubber band that has been crocheted over. You'd think that wouldn't break her hair, but it does, and she has a little mohawk "do" that sprigs up all around her topknot. What I'd like to find is some barrettes, with the inside of the clip lined with foam rubber or moleskin, or some such. That would put her topknot into a little "spray" and would look adorable, I think. So far, no luck.

My plumeria is blooming! The smaller one, that is. The big one, which has made a small tree, tries to bloom but the squirrels climb it and nibble off the buds. They must be tasty. The smaller one won't support the squirrels' weight, so they can't climb it, and consequently it has two big bloom clusters, So pretty. There are actually two plants in that big pot, one blooms white and the other is red. Really nice.

Boo, I really admire your dedication, in the work you do with the rehab. With all else that you have on your plate, your willingness to devote time to that is the mark of a dedicated Christian. God will repay.

In all the aftermath of the Aurora tragedy, it occurred to me this morning that I've heard very little, if anything, about the shooter's family. Naturally, everyone is focused on the victims and their families, but that young man's family has experienced a tragedy too. I can't imagine the horror, to learn that one of my children had deliberately committed such a terrible deed. The ramifications are endless. Prayers for that poor family, indeed.

Sterling, it was good to see you as you hurried by. I hope you'll return and "set a spell", very soon. We miss you.

I hope Spot and Miss Sherry are having a good day. We're thinking of you, praying for you, and look forward to a good word soon. Blessings! --Romeena
July 23, 2012 - Msg 89448: Ro, I will tell you where to look for bows and ribbons for Toye..I'm sure you have a "Build-A-Bear" store in a mall somewhere near you. They sell cute little ribbons and bows attached to the soft, covered rubber bands...hard to describe what I mean exactly but it might just work. The last time I was there I bought a shirt and some little shoes for Erin's bear and they threw a handful of them in the bag for free. They are supposed to be worn over the stuffed bears ears but I am thinking they might be just the thing for Toye. I didn't notice if they had any kind of barrettes but they might. Check it out if you are ever in the mall. Oh, and thank you for those kind and encouraging words concerning the rehab.

One of these days I am going to have a tiny poodle inside. It will have to be when Bruce owes me something big because he doesn't like poodles. I had some relatives that had a poodle when I was growing up. His name was "Pooh" and they found the poor thing abandoned in a grocery store parking lot. That was the smartest, most entertaining dog I ever knew before or since, and very clean. He didn't shed or smell like a dog. I know some don't like to have to take dogs to the groomer but if I had a dog inside I would only want one that I could take to be groomed.

MDC, I wanted to let you know that I took Sean to the doctor today and when we mentioned his anxiety and the possibility of trying a new med, he talked to Sean for awhile about anxiety and he told Sean that he struggles with it and so does everyone to a degree and that we all have to find what helps us to deal with our anxiety. he said that saying the rosary is what helps him. He told Sean that he wants him to try to find ways to cope without the meds unless he gets depressed. If he does, we will try something else. He told him, "I think you can do it because you have faith". So, I guess we will try coping stradegies first and then meds if required. Seems like Sean has good and bad days. Today has been a good day.

Thinking of SPOT and SHERRY...

Boo


July 23, 2012 - Msg 89449: Wow, Boo,I'm impressed with that doctor. Not many would take that approach. I think he's absolutely on the right track. If Sean goes back on the meds, his weight will climb again, and there goes his self-esteem. If he can find a way to control the anxiety without the meds, his weight will come down, he'll feel better about himself, etc. To some degree, the anxiety is related to low self-esteem, so it's a win-win.

Well, the family is taking me to dinner tonight for my birthday, so guess I'd better get in he shower and get presentable. I went floor-shopping with Ted today, to decide on the new flooring for my bedroom, and it was HOT in that warehouse. We did well, though. The floor I wanted was $3.49 a sq. ft. at a couple of places we looked, but we found it for $1.79 at an outlet that Ted knew about. Toye Starr has just ruined the carpet in my bedroom, and I can't stand it any longer. It is a measure of my love for the little brat, that she's not sitting in a shelter somewhere. But I love her, so instead I'm having a wood laminate floor installed. She won't go on a hard surface, but will use her potty box in that case. Maybe later I'll try to put some soft washable rugs down and see what she does. Spoiled little brat.

OK, I'm off to the shower. Blessings! --Romeena
July 23, 2012 - Msg 89450: HAPPY BIRTHDAY RO!!

Boo
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89451: HAPPY BIRTHDAY RO

TOM

July 24, 2012 - Msg 89452: Hey Ro, I didn't know it was your birthday!
Here's what we sing in church when someone has a birthday that week:
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
May the Lord bless and keep you,
another year through.

When we first started going to that church, I would sometimes mess up and sing, "...another DAY through." I guess it shouldn't matter much. I mean, we all live day to day, but my wife and Kai would still laugh at me for doing that. :)

Here's to many more YEARS for you, Romeena!

-Sterling Holobyte
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89453:
You say it's your birthday? Well, happy birthday to you our sweet ROMEENA! Congrats!
BOO- I am with RO and your dear doctor on the med thing. I was really hoping that he would not have to, but i was also worried about him being weaned,
but that is good if, as you say, he can deal with his anxiety. You can also lead him to scripture Phil. 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing, but..." and also 2Tim 1:7 "For God does not give us a spirit of fear, but..."
I have been leaning on those two a LOT lately! (:
Also, very cool about the rehab visits!! That is wonderful. Loking forward to good praise reports.
Hoope REV is doing OK on the road, and Spot and Sherry, RO's neck, and all.
God bless,
MDC
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89454: Aww, thanks, y'all! I've lived a lot of years (73) and will happily enjoy any more that the Lord wants to give me. They have been good years, most of them. There were some rough patches, most notably the loss of the love of my life, my soul mate, but with God's grace and the prayers and support of good friends, including this porch, I survived it. I finally realized that there was more of life to be lived, and I know he and I will meet again, so I'm just enjoying the life I have now, and will tell him all about it when I get there. Our children have all turned out well, our grandchildren are great, and I have few regrets.

Now I think I'll head for bed. It's after midnight, and Eloise has decided she wants to take me to lunch tomorrow. I surely don't want to sleep through that! She found a new Chinese place that came highly recommended, so we're going to try it. Blessings, all! --Romeena
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89455: Oh, and thanks, Boo, for the suggestion about the Build-a-Bear store. We do have one in the area, and I'll check them out. The little covered bands you described, with the bows attached, are what I've been using, but maybe they'll have something else that will work. What I want is a barrette with foam rubber or something else soft and clingy on the inside of the clips. I've done some net-surfing, but may try again, as well as checking out the bear store. --Romeena
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89456: Happy Birthday Romeena. You certainly have been a blessing to me over the years. And I join in the chorus of those hoping you have many more years with us and that you heal up from your recent surgeries better than ever.

Prayers for MDC's Dad and for Sherry and Spot. And for any who needs em.

Asa
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89457: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROMMENA! I decided to send ya a couple of BATS for your birthday,so if the FED-X
man comes with a box that squeeks it's from G-F.
(birds of a feather must stick together!) Enjoy your day....G-F....
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89458: Thanks, guys! Very kind words, and G-F, I'll be delighted to receive the bats. The mosquitoes are awful around here! --Romeena
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89459: HAppy Birthday Romeena.
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89460: Thank you! Doggone it, I hate when I do that. I had a whole paragraph written, then went Googling for a minute, and instead of returning here, I just closed out of my browser. Anyway, I was praising those beautiful dragonflies that appear around my pond every summer. They're ferocious mosquito-getters, and it's fun to watch their aerial acrobatics as they pursue their prey. They're so big that it's easy to follow them, and their bright orange color helps, too. Pretty things. I love this window, and thank God for it every day. It's truly my "window on the world", and you just wouldn't believe some of the things I see. It's an education in itself - I've learned so much about the critters that inhabit my little ecosystem back there.

Drat! My hummer feeder is empty, but I don't dare try to get it down. I have to step up on a boulder to reach it, and there's nothing nearby to steady myself with. I don't plan to fall off of a rock at this point in time, and ruin the fusions my surgeon has so carefully constructed. I guess the hummers will have to wait until Eddie comes to mow tomorrow. I'll get him to take the feeder down for me, and put it back after I wash and fill it.

Uh-oh. My dragonflies are really putting on a show, and judging by the pattern of their flight, and their proximity to each other, I'm guessing they have more on their minds than chasing mosquitoes! Goody! That means I'll have more next year. Even though I refer to them as being "back", I'm aware that it's not the same ones every year. The over-all lifespan of a dragonfly is about a year, and only about three months of that is spent as an adult, so the ones I see each year are new models. How the nymphs manage to survive in the pond with all my fish, I don't know, but apparently they do! Incidentally, the dragonfly nymph eats mosquito larvae, and then the adult dragonfly eats adult mosquitoes. Very accommodating critters, those dragonflies - and so very pretty.

Well, guess I'd better get moving. Eloise is taking me to lunch today, and I need to be ready when she gets here. I just hate to leave my window right now, there's so much going on back there. I could sit here all day - and sometimes, I do! Blessings! --Romeena
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89461: Hi All.

HE ANSWERS EVERY PRAYER

Give your thoughts to Jesus,
He will give you peace,
Calming every worry,
And with His grace release
The strength to overcome
All problems you must bear.
With love and understanding,
He answers every prayer.

TOM
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89462: Beautiful poem, Tom, and I would imagine it is comforting to you right now, in your situation. Just keep leaning on the Lord, and take one day at a time.

Well, my "lunch with Eloise" came with a surprise. She took me to a new Chinese place that just opened up, which was fine with me, because I love Chinese food. The surprise came when we walked in the door, and there stood about ten women from my SS class! I truly was surprised, I had no idea. I've known most of them for nearly 40 years, and love them all like sisters. There's just nothing like old friends!

Well, I'd better go put away groceries. Eloise took me by the store on the way home, to pick up a "few" things, but you know how that goes. I ended up with a cart full. Oh well, we all h ave to eat. Got some beautiful cherries - I may just have cherries and a slice of cheese for dinner!

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89463: COOL!
July 24, 2012 - Msg 89464: Neede that poem, TOM, thanks. Like all of you I face difficulties that I never share...feeling kind of hopeless about some of those problems this evening but the poem helped.

So glad you had a nice "surprise" birthday dinner with your friends, Ro!

Tired tonight...will probably turn in soon. See ya all in the morning. I'll bring a thermos of coffee for anyone who wants some. :)

Boo
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89465: Howdy, porch. Just headed for bed. There will be a lot happening here in the morning, and I need some rest. Joe and George are coming to get the yard under control, and Joe's wife is coming with him, as she does now and then. She has been in very poor health for quite a while now, but when she's feeling better, he brings her along and I enjoy keeping her entertained. Still, she gets tired, and right now I'm understanding that very well. Ted is also coming, to begin installing the new floor in my bedroom. It's going to be a very big job just to get the furniture moved out, so my David is coming to help with that.

My furniture is solid wood, very heavy. Dale and I designed it and had it built just before we moved up here in 1973, and we intended it to last for our lifetime. It's gotten a good start on that. It's a kingsize bed, and I have a Tempur-pedic mattress, which is very heavy. There's a big double dresser and two nightstands, an antique five-drawer chest, two four-foot tall jewelry chests and two tall skinny bookcases.

Also, on one wall I have two glass front barrister cases. They're attached together at the back with strips of lath and bolted to the wall to keep them from ever falling over. If you're familiar with those cases, you know that they're about six feet tall, but only fifteen inches deep, so falling is not impossible, especially when standing on carpet. I have children's books and movies stored in them, among other things, and I could just see a kid climbing one of them and pulling it over on himself, so Ted secured them for me.

All that stuff has to be moved out of the room. That means I have to move all the little stuff that's sitting on top. My house is a cluttered mess anyway right now, and I thought I'd try to tidy up a bit before everyone arrives tomorrow. Ha! After about ten minutes of trotting back and forth, putting things away, I'm out of breath and am ready to pack it in. I still just have so little stamina after those two surgeries, but I did well in the grocery store today, much better than last time. This too shall pass, and as for the immediate tidying up, tomorrow is another day.

I guess tomorrow night I'll sleep in one of the other bedrooms, or maybe on the ironing board, because I imagine my bed will be standing on its head in the hallway or somewhere until Ted finishes the floor. All of this trouble, work and expense, just because I love a silly, stubborn little airheaded 4 1/2 pound dog. I must be nuts. I'm going to bed! --Romeena
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89466: Good morning gang!..HOT in the south!..still holding our own over herre...Chemo in the morning...just seem to be getting weaker each passing day...we are praying...lets head to I-Hop for b-fast....Boo will you bring a paper?...hey to all....SPOT
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89467: Prayers for Sherry and Spot. You two are always on my mind and in my prayers buddy.
And ditto for MDC's Dad.

Asa
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89468: Ro, I am feeling really sorry for David after reading your post...have some advil on hand for him after he moves all that furniture. ;)

"Hey" to SPOT...see ya at IHOP. Praying fro Miss Sherry...bless her heart.

"Hey" to Asa, too.

Got to bed waaay to late...just one of those rare nights where I was fighting anxious thoughts but finally prayed and felt better. I can sure get myself into a state when I think too much!

I think maybe I will grab a catnap before Erin gets up.

Boo
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89469: Hahaha, Boo! Don't wsste any pity on David. He and Ted hit that room, and in half an hour, they had it empty, including the cedar chest I didn't mention last night. I can't believe all that stuff was in that room, but it was. Ted is a big boy too, and David is a hoss, and they worked together like they'd been doing it for years, and it's done. Ted already has the carpet and pad out, and David has gone on to meet his own obligations. Ted has gone after the flooring, should be back soon. Joe and George and another helper have descended on my yard like locusts, and weeds are being vanquished right and left. As for me, I'm worthless. I don't dare get out there and try to pull weeds or anything else. I overdid it a bit yesterday, and today my back is hurting more than it has in several days. About a 4-5 out of 10. It will be better tomorrow, unless I try to do too much today. David left me with strict orders, and when I went out back Joe told me to "turn around and march yourself back in that house", so I guess I'm not to be allowed to do much. His wife didn't come with him, she wasn't feeling too good this morning, he said. I'm sorry, I was looking forward to a visit. She's delightful, a very intelligent gal with a sharp wit, and fun to talk with.

I'm appalled at how dirty that bedroom is. You don't realize it when furniture is in place, but when it comes out, all the hidden dirt shows. Also, the top of those barrister cabinets, and the decorative pieces sitting up there - ugh! Everything looks like it's wearing a fur coat. I'm 5'3", the cabinets are 6' tall, and I've never seen the top of them!

Well, better run. It's lunchtime, and I need to get the guys some burgers. They need fuel, as hard as they're working. Prayers for Spot, Miss Sherry, and MDC's dad. Boo, isn't it wonderful to be able to find peace in prayer? What would we do without it? --Romeena
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89470: Ok Ro, I'll save my sympathy for some other poor boy. ;) I know just what you mean about the bedroom being dirty when you move the furniture out. I remember when we moved out of the apartment we were living in while we built the house. I thought i was a good housekeeper and then friends started moving things out. I was mortified! So much dust under things, and things that were missing appeared, etc. Not a good feeling. Even now I am wondering what it looks like under my couch....

Boo
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89471: Oh, and yes what would we do without prayer or a gracious God to run to?

Boo
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89472: Well, the storm has passed, at least until tomorrow. Ted left about an hour ago, and Joe left just a few minutes ago. My back yard has gone from looking like a tangled jungle, to looking like someone lives here and cares for it. I don't try to achieve a manicured look, I like the casual style, with various textures, colors, heights and unlikely combinations. I have irises growing here and there among the roses, and there's a cute little volunteer crape myrtle on one end of that bed. Boulders appear at every turn (I love boulders!) and bits of whimsical yard art peek out here and there. I have a metal cat with long crinkly whiskers that I just love, and a carved wooden mama duck with three little ducklings, and a pink metal flamingo. Anyway, it's tidy now but not formal. They got rid of the weeds and pruned lots of things back and now it looks like it should.

As for the house, it looks like I'm getting ready to move out. My bedroom is empty and the floor is stripped to the bare concrete. The furniture is stacked all over the office, the living area, the entryway, even in the dining room. I have little trails. Ted is hoping to get the floor down tomorrow, but I don't see how he's going to do it. He works fast and efficiently though, so maybe he can. If not, he'll finish on Friday. I can hardly wait. It's going to be so pretty, and best of all, it won't smell like the zoo anymore.

I refilled the hummer feeder and Joe put it back up for me. Little hummer has already discovered that it's full of fresh sweet water, and he's just stuffing himself. So cute!

Now I'm going to get a nice shower, and enjoy an easy dinner. I bought a roast chicken at the grocery store yesterday, will slice some of that, and I've got a couple of ears of corn, will steam them. Joe brought me some fresh tomatoes out of his garden, so chicken, corn and tomatoes - sounds like a good supper to me! Blessings, friends! --Romeena
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89473: For the love of Mike Romeena, do it! Get a nice shower! Enjoy an easy dinner! Steam some corn! Eat some fresh tomatoes! JUST DO IT!! :)

Asa
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89474: But what really matters is if the furniture is blocking the view of the TV, Ro... ;) Hope things are in order soon. I don't know if I mentioned this or not but the same kind of thing is going on in my mom's bedroom at St. Susan's. The old weinie dog that belonged to my dad had started whizzing on the carpet months ago and the smell in there was more than I could bear to even stay in there for more than a minute! Susan's husband had to pull out all the carpet and now they will put down some laminate soon. Right now she has a concrete floor with a rug and it smells heavenly! :)

I am going to have to fill my hummingbird feeder. Last year they were so much fun to watch.

Went to church tonight and really enjoyed it. Erin is watching "The End of the Spear" (the movie about Jim Elliot and the missionaries killed by the Auca indians) and she wants me to watch it with her. I am torn between 'Be a good mom and watch movie with her' and 'I just want to go to bed and read myself into a coma'....anyone want to take bets on which it will be? I'll let you know in the morning. ;)

Boo

PS-Ro, did you do it for the love of Mike??
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89475: Prayers tonight for SPOT and Sherry, Asa's Mrs. Asa, and MDC's dad...sorry if I missed anyone.

Boo
July 25, 2012 - Msg 89476: Oh, and TOM and his dad...

Boo
July 26, 2012 - Msg 89477:
HI ALL.
Ro- your comment about your pain being a 4-5 out of 10 reminded me of my dad's first day in the hospital, after having every x-ray known to man done on the poor guy, (and I stayed with him in his room that first night) the nurse comes in and asks him what he thought his pain was on a scale of 1 to 10,
and these deep 94 year old eyes look right at her as he slowly and methodically whispers...three-thou-sand! Wow, the dear man was hurting.
He had a pretty good day today tho. A little progress again. Thanks for the continued prayers! luv ya all,
MDC
July 26, 2012 - Msg 89478:
HI ALL.
Ro- your comment about your pain being a 4-5 out of 10 reminded me of my dad's first day in the hospital, after having every x-ray known to man done on the poor guy, (and I stayed with him in his room that first night) the nurse comes in and asks him what he thought his pain was on a scale of 1 to 10,
and these deep 94 year old eyes look right at her as he slowly and methodically whispers...three-thou-sand! Wow, the dear man was hurting.
He had a pretty good day today tho. A little progress again. Thanks for the continued prayers! luv ya all,
MDC
July 26, 2012 - Msg 89479: Yes, Boo and Asa, I did it, for the love of Mike. I had a nice shower, then had some lovely roast chicken, corn and tomatoes. Then I built me a nest on the couch in there and watched Perry Mason, and fell asleep. David had made sure in placing the furniture in there, that I could see the TV from my big old chair and from both of the couches. I was deliciously comfortable, and slept like a baby. I thought I'd get up with a stiff back after sleeping on the couch, but I didn't. Of course, I've always liked to sleep on a couch. Sunday afternoon naps on the couch, with a golf tournament droning on the TV in the background - wonderful!

Boo, I'm guessing that you combined both of those options you mentioned. I think you probably tried to watch the movie with Erin, and went into that coma after about half an hour.

I'm concerned for Ted. He's in that bedroom, door closed to confined the dust, and has some sort of power tool that he's using to cut the nails that were holding the carpet tack strips down, and to sand off rough spots in the concrete. The noise is deafening when he opens the door, and I can't imagine what it's doing to his hearing, especially when the door is closed and he's confined in there with it. With the bare concrete floor, it has to be just reverberating. I'm going to find out if he has any sort of ear protection and just didn't bring it. If he doesn't, I'm going to get him some. Ted is my friend, and I don't want him to destroy his hearing!

Well, better go feed La Starr. Poor little thing is not happy with all that's going on here right now. She keeps going to the bedroom door and peeking in, like she expects it to magically return to normal. Her little world is just upside down. Her water bowl, which is usually in my bathroom, is now in the kitchen. Her piddle pad box is in the sunroom, and we slept on the couch! Last night, when I settled down on that couch, at first she wouldn't get up there with me, but kept going to the bedroom door, which was shut. Several times I found her just standing there, looking at the closed door. Little doofus.

Well, blessings, everyone! --Romeena
July 26, 2012 - Msg 89480: Guess I'll feel sorry for Ted, then (and Starr). Glad you got some good rest, Ro.

Well, I ended up watching the entire movie with Erin AND having a discussion about it with her afterward...didn't go to sleep until 1am! She is still asleep at 9am. Poor kid's going to get a whiplash when we start back to school. She has been sleeping in for over a month now.

Happy to hear your dad is doing a little better, MDC, bless him. He must have really been hurting after that fall. You can imagine being his age and how the body must feel it when something like that happens. No wonder so many elderly folks are so afraid of falls after they have one. My mom is really anxious about it because she has had a few and really gotten hurt by them a time or two. She had to have a shoulder replaced one time and another she had pins in her ankles. Tomorrow is Mom's birthday and I am going to bring her over her for the day. St. Susan and her husband are going to San Antonio for the day to get away and eat Mexican food at The Alamo Cafe...I'm sure you've eaten there before, Ro. I guess I will be fixing some of mom's favorites for dinner tomorrow, which will most likely mean I will have to fry pork chops, which I don't even know how to do.

Boo
July 26, 2012 - Msg 89481: Boo, you call yourself a southerner, a Texas girl, and you don't know how to fry pork chops??? Child, your education has been sadly neglected. I'm shocked! Well, never fear, help is here. Actually, it's easy. Just choose some good meaty chops, not too thick, but not those "wafer-cut" things either. If they're at least a half-inch thick, they'll be fine. Make sure they have a little marbling, and a thin rim of fat around the edges. Do not try to use ultra-lean, or totally trimmed chops. They'll be tough and dry. Have them at room temperature, and salt them lightly, and pepper too, if you like. Dredge them in flour, and I usually sort of press them into the flour so they get a good heavy coating.

I used to fry in Crisco, then went to vegetable oil, and now I'm using peanut oil, and it's by far the best. Of course, if someone has a peanut allergy, you can't use the oil. I fry everything in peanut oil now. It will heat to a higher temperature without burning, so the frying goes faster, drains off the fried food more completely, and leaves a light, clean taste. Anyway, heat the oil until a tiny bit of flour bubbles and "fries", then ease the chops into the pan. I use a big heavy skillet. You want the oil hot enough that the chops don't just sit there and simmer in it, but not so hot that they burn. You'll know when it's right. Try to avoid turning them more than once. Just lift and check, and when the bottom side is golden brown, turn them and brown the other side. Forget the notion that you have to cook pork to a blackened state. Pork these days is safe, and you want to leave it juicy. Remember they'll continue to cook for a minute after you take them out, so remove them when they're "almost" ready. Not rare, not even pink, but still juicy.

When done frying, drain off most of the oil from the pan, leaving about three or four tablespoons. Add some flour and stir it in. Keep adding until all the oil is taken up, and keep stirring and cooking until it browns. Then add milk, a little at a time, stirring it in as it thickens - the way you make any good gravy. Add a little salt and pepper, and a small pinch of sugar, and you'll have gravy that will make you want to hurt yourself. Now, that's how I fry pork chops, and like Andy with the petunias - when it comes to pork chops, I'm a giant! They say it isn't bragging when you can prove it, and I've never had a pork chop go to waste around here. It's David's most-requested meal.

Well, I'd better get off of here. The visiting nurse just called, and is on her way. I really don't know why she's coming, I'm fine, but my ins#rance pays for it, so I'm not arguing. Blessings, friends! --Romeena