February 10, 2014 - Msg 96552: SPOT.. Did you pack a bag of samiches' and some chicken legs? You might be a hungry buzzard while at work. Be sure to take some SALT along too haha. You could use it to barter for some "Varsity" food and pizza maybe? It reminds me of the days at work when we would plow and remove snow at our buildings and housing sites. Yes it was a ordeal, dealing with all the snow and drama that goes with it. Good Luck Buddy!
Romeena.........Dogs, Dogs, Dogs....lol Good thing they wasn't giraffes, then the zoo would feed ya to the Lions... Did you read that story? Sad that a Zoo would do that maybe in the wild but not at the Zoo.

G-F...
February 10, 2014 - Msg 96553: Not only can I shovel snow, I can sweep too. Guess it keeps me in shape too.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/zoo-kills-unwanted-giraffe-marius-feeds-carcass-lions-n25726
February 10, 2014 - Msg 96554: Sounds like your local news crew was trying to kill some time, Romeena. ;)

Goodness, Poor Horatio, you sure put a lot of thought and work into that image reverse thing. I don't think I would have had the patience to do it all. It did look cool though.

I saw that about the giraffe, G-F. Maybe they were trying to prove that giraffe's aren't all that selfish. That one surely wasn't. I don't really understand why they did it. If they were trying to save money on food for the lions, I think that with the publicity this is getting, it will have an opposite effect on their finances, with people not wanting to come to that zoo.

-Sterling Holobyte
February 10, 2014 - Msg 96555: Oldest trick in the book... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMLdq83uIIY HaHa madest thou look!.. So endith the trick!!

Have a good day ya'll... Goober the Fifeth...
February 10, 2014 - Msg 96556: Wow, P-H. That's a lot of work. I thought maybe you just said "Tuscarora!" and the letters flipped right over.

That giraffe story is nauseating. It makes my heart hurt. They can explain the whys and wherefores 'til the world looks level, and none of it "signifies" with me. To kill a magnificent animal like that, simply because someone didn't think ahead and limit the reproduction that took place in that zoo - is unconscionable. Shame on them! I realize that in nature, lions eat giraffes. They also eat deer, and tiny fluffy bunnies, but that all takes place in the natural order of things. In the first place, predators almost always single out the weak, the old, the animal that's easiest to catch. This helps keep the gene pool healthy. Hunters, on the other hand, under the guise of "culling" the deer herds, will seek out the biggest, strongest, most impressive animal. That's the head they want to hang on their wall! Now here's this zoo, that chose to kill this beautiful young male giraffe, simply because he was unwanted. Why was he unwanted? Because his genes were "already well-represented" in their population. Well, excuse me, but whose fault was that? This is a disgusting example of poor management, and should be investigated.

Well, guess I'll go get a few chores done. We have no ice, temp is 33°, and squirrels are out in force, chowing down on some feed I put out. busy little things. Fat little things, too. They should be! They get sunflower seeds, millet, peanuts, bits of dried fruit, and lots of other stuff in the critter feed, and I also keep my pantry cleaned out - old crackers, chips, stale cereal and bread, whatever. Eloise gives me her old stuff as well, so the critters around here are well fed. Even the birds look pretty chubby. Such fun! --Romeena

February 10, 2014 - Msg 96557: HELLO.
Springtime is more beautiful.

Springtime is more beautiful
Each time that she appears;
In her gown of many colors
Her loveliness endears;
She only stays for a little while,
Too soon she must depart;
Her flower-filled days are numbered
Though much beauty they impart.
Springtime spins her magic
And splendor beyond compare;
I thank God for his springtime gifts
Every time I say a prayer.

TOM :) :)
February 10, 2014 - Msg 96558: That's just lovely, Tom. Thanks! It gives us something to look forward to, during these dreary winter days. --Romeena
February 10, 2014 - Msg 96559: Now that what I'm talkin' about TOM!.....G-F
February 10, 2014 - Msg 96560: Those of you on facebook may already know that we have a new donkey in the family. My friend Terri, who also gave us Thelma Lou, brought her to me last night because she has been getting out of their fence and leading some of her horses into mischief. I have horse fencing so she should be secure here, thus this is her new home. Thelma needed a companion so it should work out. This donkey is a little miniature girl and much younger than Thelma. She is calm, though, and seems to respect Thelma as the boss. Thelma is a bit jealous though, especially is any of us are out there. I guess she is just showing the new donkey who is boss. They stay pretty close together when nobody is outside, though. I have to decide on a name for the new donkey because Terri didn't name her. I want another TAGS name but can't decide. I am leaning toward Juanita or Hilda Mae.

Well, long day...I did get a nap this morning after coming home from the hospital but had chores to do the rest of the day and I am still doing laundry at 9pm.

I posted a sweet picture of mom on facebook. She is doing so well and was up in a chair today and up on both feet already. They are going to send her from the hospital to a rehab facility near home, and she will be there for three weeks before returning home. Thank you all for your prayers!

Boo
February 10, 2014 - Msg 96561: A new donkey- a friend for Thelma Lou! I think that's great, and my name choice would be Hilda Mae.

I'm so glad your mom is doing well. It's amazing how we old folks can heal after something like that. We may not bounce back, exactly, but we do eventually get it done.

Did anybody else watch the dog show tonight? I'm so glad that ridiculous pekingese didn't win. I hope I'm not insulting anyone's favorite breed, but honestly! Pekingese are cute little dogs, when they're not overdone, but they have bred them now to have such wild and woolly coats, they just look like a waddling haystack. Or a hairy tick. There surely were some beautiful dogs in that show, though.

One thing has always amused me - the explanation offered regarding the puffs and pompoms worn by the poodles, both toy, miniature and standard. The person who writes those explanations should go to work writing spin copy for politicians. According to them, the little puffs on the hips and the wrists and ankles of the dogs, and the "shield" across their chest, is to protect them from the cold when they go into cold water after game. So wet hair is going to make them warmer? And what about the long locks on their ears, and that foot-high pouf on top of their head, that kept falling over tonight's dog's eye? Exactly what practical purpose does that serve? I think they should just tell the truth - they do it to fancy the dog up, just whimsical decoration. No dog that looks like that is going to be splashing around in a pond, chasing ducks or whatever, and no hunter is going to spend time shaving his dog and fluffing up its poufs before he goes hunting. However, that's their story, and they seem to be sticking to it.

Well, guess I'll go cuddle my scruffy little non-show-dog. She looks like a ragamuffin right now, but I love her. Blessings! --Romeena
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96562: Gang im back at work..they said to pack for 3 days....gona get bad here..said could be as bad as the one in 1973...wish us luck...SPOT
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96563: I am leaning heavily towards the name "Hilda Mae," too, Ro. It is my first choice.

Ro, have you been on facebook and seen the picture I posted of Mom? I wanted you to see it..she has the sweetest eyes. You can tell she is looking lovingly at the photographer (me). ;)
It really is amazing how well she is doing and you know, the doctors and nurses really told us to expect that. They seemed to think she would do really well. She is tough, I can tell you that.

I wish I had watched the dog show, but I had other things I was trying to get done so I could go back up to the hospital this morning. I have gotten to the point that I seldom watch TV, and almost never in the evening. I do like to watch some TAGS or Little House sometimes when I am home during the day doing chores and such, but that's about it. I find the quality of my life is much better if I limit the television viewing and I am getting so sick and tired of the rot I see in some of the commercials. I don't have DVR, so I cant fast forward past them. Some of the commercials advertising the shows on TVLand are the worst!

Well, better get Erin off to school. She has been coughing a lot so I expect a cold is coming. Seems she is sick with something every week!

Boo
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96564: Good morning all.

Boo, I am so glad your Mom is doing so well. PTL. I hope she continues to get stronger each day. And congrats on Hilda Mae, if that's the name you choose. Looking forward to hearing new adventures.

Been busier than a feller ought to be. The company I work for installed a communications repeater tower on top of a mountain about 20 miles from my work. A very remote location, and they won't have power available to it until spring. So we set it up with a diesel generator. Well now I am having to tote 30 gallons of diesel up to it every morning. The road up to it is steep and narrow, but the wildlife scenery is spectacular. Birds, deer, all kinds of critters. And the view across the Great Salt Lake is magnificant. I'm just glad the snows haven't been to bad this year. Anyway, it makes for a pleasent morning, but everything else at work is bottling up bad. And my only helper is out on vacation until next week. So man am I buried. Maybe I can entice G-F out of retirement and come help me out. How about it buddy? You'll need to bring youe pioneer moxie though, and learn how to cook with them fires started by constriction. You know them fires started that way burn a lot hotter.

Hope your storms aren't to bad Spot. I guess we will all be glad to see spring come.

Asa
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96565: Sorry SPOT, Welcome to the Winter Weather Club, as a member of the WWC you receive a 25lb bag of safety salt and a "I made it through the winter of 2014 T-shirt" and a box of "Swiss Miss" hot chocolate! Hang in there Buddy, just read TOM's poem and it will make you feel warm and fuzzy, each day we are closer to SPRINGTIME!
Boo...I vote for Juanita, she seemed to be more like Thelma Lou's nemesis for Barney's affection.
Or you could go with "Charlene", if she has a big toothy grin... Glad to hear your Mom is on the mend and doing well.
Romeena, a break in the snow has brought back the birds to my feeders, Man they are tearing into my suet block they are lovin' on this one, it has a lot of fruit & nuts in it! They are fun to watch..
Asa, haven't heard much from you, I'm sure you are busy, hang in there you'll be pumpin' Freon before ya know it....

G-F.....
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96566: Speak of Asa, and "Puuff" there he is!... Throw in one of the pheasants cooked over a campfire and I'm in....G-F again...
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96567: ....and if you would tote 60 gallons you would only have to go every other day if my calculations are correct...
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96568: Good morning, porch! G-F, that's the very same thing I was thinking! About the diesel fuel, I mean. However, knowing Asa, I'm guessing there's a reason why he doesn't do that. Anybody that looks that good in a tool belt has to be smart enough to figure that out. I wonder if maybe the generator will only hold 30 gallons at a time?

Sure have been enjoying the Olympics! I declare, my eyes just kept getting all wet last night, watching that Canadian skier, Alex Bilodeau. When he won the gold in the moguls, and went straight to his handicapped brother and swept him up in a big hug, I just about lost it. The brother, Frederic, was just about to explode, he was so excited. I loved what Alex said to reporters - he said that during the competition, it's his teammates that inspire and push him, encourage him to excel. But it's his brother that's there every day during the four years of preparation. Pretty nice.

Boo, that picture of your mom is great. I like her eyes. There's a lot of strength and determination in them - you can see it. I'm betting she'll recover quickly, and do well.

Our threatened bad weather still hasn't arrived. The temp is hovering around 32°, and there's a mist in the air that keeps the sidewalks and roads damp. If it does decide to drop way down, the roads will be slick. Very gray day, dreary, wintry. But standing in my backyard is probably the biggest, fattest robin I've ever seen! Spring is just around the corner.

OK, guess I'll go watch a little of the Olympics. Just about lunchtime, too. Not sure what I'll eat, but I'll find something. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96569:
Boo, how about the name Sarah? She was the unseen Mayberry telephone switchboard operator.

Romeena, get your tissue ready because here it comes again http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCLpoj3j4l4

RIP Shirley Temple. She was America's Sweetheart back in the 1930's. Although that was before I was born, I watched many of her movies on television during my younger years. Who here remembers her?

from Poor Horatio
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96570: Yep, If you don't at least get a lump in your throat after watching Alex Bilodeau celebrate with his brother, you better go to OZ and get a heart like the Tin Man did. I'm just sayin'....
A lot of back stories at the Olympics pretty cool one tho....

G-F....
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96571: OH MY LORD!! I was sitting and thinking about things in my life and thought about the Front Porch. I remember this place from 2007 and on a hunch, decided to Google it and low and behold it is STILL going strong. Im a wonderin if if Ol Barn and Gomer had to prop up the porch. If so, I sure hope Gomer didn't get any spiderbites! Not real sure who will remember me from way back when, But I was Burt! Since I left town Ive been ringing them doorbells and my feet have been given me fits...I think Ill sit on the porch for a while and rest mah bones a bit. This doorbells been drivin me CRAZY!

Hope I wasn't too...pushy. ~Burt~
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96572: Hey, Burt! Good to see you! You must have walked clear across the country by now. Pull up a rocker and rest yourself. Still sellin' this 'n that, and first one thing and another? I'll take an apron, if you've got one. Sure nice to see you again, hope you'll stick around.

Thanks, PH. I just get a misty every time I see that moment. Alex was thrilled and excited about winning the gold, but I really think his brother was even happier than he was. When I look at the smiling face of that boy, who can only dream of doing the things his brother does, I get a blessing. That young man, so obviously handicapped, seems untouched by it, is right there on the front row, with his disability on display, but he seems unaware. What a testimony that is to the love and acceptance and encouragement he has received from his family all his life. He's a portrait of courage, just as much as his gold-winning brother. I think it may be a while before I complain about my aching knees again.

And yes, I remember Shirley Temple very well. Remember the times she danced with Bill "Bojangles" Robinson? Wonderful memories.

Well, I've got a pot of split peas cooking, better check them. Those things will settle to the bottom and burn before you can spit. Got to be stirred often, but at least they cook quickly, and I love 'em! --Romeena
February 11, 2014 - Msg 96573: Romeena, last we talked I sold you an apron. Did something happen to it? If it tore, just bring it back and Ill exchange it for a new one for you! Hope I'm not being too...pushy ~Burt~
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96574: Thought I'd check in and say "Hey" to everybody before this major ice storm comes along & knocks out our power! I'll tell y'all what- I will not utter one single word about how hot it is if & when summer ever arrives! This has been a doozy of a winter for us Southerners. Snow,I can deal with,but ice is bad,and that's what they are predicting.

Got my bread & milk,guess I'll make milk sammiches-LOL They tell us to run out & buy these items,but never tell us what to do with them!

Got wood for my fireplace,plenty of batteries, blankets,flashlights, candles,so guess I'm pretty much prepared here at the rock.

Y'all keep GA,SC, & NC in your prayers,please over the next few days. Thanks,friends.
*******************
possum under a rock
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96575:
Yes, RIP Shirley Temple. Such a wonderful person,
and wonderful talent!! there will never be another like her! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRws_4Inqfc
PH--thanks for the explanation, but now, where do you find the button on MS Word to flip text??
TOM--thanks for the poem, I can tell that you are tired of winter!! ha
SPOT--my prayers for you and all of Atlanta!!
Hey BURT! I remember you, you bet! My razor blades are pretty dull tho after six years! ha
Yes, some great moments so far at the Olympics,
but things are more tense this time.
Come on Putin, SMILE! ha
Boo--did you see my FB response to your question?
Prayers for all,
MDC
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96576: Possum, you sneaked in there. Do be careful!
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96577: With all the ice and snow the whole nation has been having, even the southern states, I can't help wondering whatever happened to global warming? Maybe that's the problem. Maybe the cold is moving south, so the polar ice is melting. I noticed that it was warm enough in Sochi that the ice base in the half-pipe was just slush, which tripped up several of the board riders. Also, there was some melting on the luge run. Weird.

I thought Shaun White displayed remarkable class and good sportsmanship after such a dismal showing on the half-pipe event. He didn't try to blame the slushy base, and when the interviewer mentioned it, his only comment was that it was the same for all contestants. Obviously, the outcome for a lot of the guys would have been different, if the base had been frozen. Who would have dreamed it would warm up and thaw the ice like that?

Burt, my apron held up very well, but after so long, it looks a little worn. I need a new one, I really need it!

Well, I'm off to bed. Got to go teach ESL in the morning up at the church. Nice group of ladies, very polite and eager to learn. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96578: Thank goodness you're back Burt. Just in time. We have all been a talking about Romennas apron, her well worn out apron. G-F nicknamed it her religious apron, cause it's so holy. :) Good to see you back. Sell MDC some new razor blades would you? He shows up every day with little wads of toilet paper stuck all over his face from shaving with them worn out blades. He'd like to donate blood to the Red Cross but he ain't got enough to spare after he shaves. And I could use some steel wool if you have any. Gotta keep my bullets shiney. I hear The Grand is having a Glenn Ford marathon next week and that always gets Barney excited.

Hope things don't get to awful bad for you Possum and Spot and anyone else dealing with those storms. We have been getting ideal weather here. Rain in the valleys, snow in the mountains. Just perfect for what we need.

Ro and GF, The generator tank holds 68 gallons, and supposedly burns a gallon an hour (but it's using more than that). I make a daily trip up so I can keep the tank topped off and just in case something comes up at the shop that makes it where I miss a day. Just like tomorrow, I have to go to Salt Lake for some recertification class so I won't be able to get up there until Friday. So I am headed up in a few minutes to top it off again. I wish I could take Romeena up with me. She would be in hog heaven with all the wildlife you see up there. Bald eagles, deer, ducks, geese, all kinds of waterfowl.

Well with that, I better get moving.
Prayers for all.

Asa
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96579: MDC using Microsoft Word is not that simple for reversing text. You have to create Word Art in order to accomplish that. Since you did not mention what version of Word you are using, I use http://tinyurl.com/msmjwvz because I have MS Word 2003.
If you want to reverse simple text like here at The Front Porch, use a web site such as http://textmechanic.com/Reverse-Text-Generator.html where you can type your message, flip or reverse it, then copy and paste it wherever you want.

And a welcome to Burt. Where have you been?

from Poor Horatio
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96580: MDC...Razor blades I have! Ill throw in an extra razor, but only if you need the blades.

Romeena, I now that apron is worn a bit, but it looks like it has a little more time in it. Are you sure you REALLY need it? How bout I sew those holes up for you and you won't have to spend the money.

I sure hope Im not being too...pushy!

~Burt~
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96581: Poor Horatio...I been all over. First one place then another. Hope Im not being too...pushy! ~Burt~
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96582: Steve, yes I saw your facebook response. I only left a brief reply and have not gotten back to it. Thank you for your response. :)

Welcome back to Burt.

Stay warm and safe, Possum, and check back in when you can.

Boo
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96583: Asa, I just got a brand new box of steel wool. How bout I just give you one. Hate to sell you a whole box just for that one bullet. Maybe Barney will loan you one and you can throw that green one away. I just dont want you to buy something that you dont NEED!

Am I being too...pushy?

~Burt~
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96584: Hey Bert, Goober Fife here, I haven't been rocking here as long as most but I sure could use some new socks. I have a extra $5.00 so put me down for 5 pairs of those dollar under wares, as Asa stated they are getting pretty religious...TMI

Asa I know where your coming from on the generators, I had 12 that I had to deal with, some were diesel and some were natural gas. The diesel ones held 100 gals and they didn't get very good MPG (wonder why)?...Did ya ever try to drive a generator, they don't corner worth a dang!
Also, Asa good luck tomorrow on your class, is that anything like getting reinarculated? You know you have to do that from time to time like it or not...and be sure you pack a pack of matches and a jack incase you get stuck out in the wilderness...ain't you got a jack?

G-F....


February 12, 2014 - Msg 96585: G-F How bout I throw in the under ware as kind of a BOGO? Buy one pair of socks and get a pair of underwear! Now, that would be a deal, and EVERYONE can use socks and underwear!

Sleeting and snowing here in my area of the Porch. I sure hope that order of blankets come in soon...I think we are going to need them. This cold air is makin my bursitis kick in.

Hope Im not being...Pushy!

~Burt~
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96586: O K Burt who said you can open up a sandy
MR. WEAVER.

February 12, 2014 - Msg 96587: Hey Y'all -the ice is bad here in the South. We lost power at my rock for over 4 hours. So glad it is back on,but I doubt it will remain on. More freezing rain is on its way overnight & tomorrow morning. I'm doing ok, but this is just a frustrating situation to be in. Oh Summer,where art thou??? LOL

Y'all keep us Southerners in your prayers-limbs and power lines are falling all over the place.Thanks,everyone-I'll check in when I'm able.

*********************************
possum under an ice covered rock
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96588: Hey porch family! It's snowing on my end of the porch, grass and roads are turning white pretty quickly. I made the decision to reschedule my afternoon folks and come home before it started. Last time, I 'bout broke my hip when I fell walking up my driveway because I could not get my car up the hill.
Weather people are caling for 5 to 11 inches. Sure sounds like a lot. Probably will be snowbound tomorrow.

Welcome back to the porch Burt!

Everybody in the path of this snow storm stay safe!

Supper menu: beef stew, corn bread. Brownies with vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate syrup on top. Whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Prayers Nd blessings!

Big Maude





February 12, 2014 - Msg 96589: SPOT, They are showing some nasty stuff your way, hang in there Buddy & try to keep the lights on for everybody...Possum & Maude that goes for you too... hunker down! It's sunny (but cold) on my end of the porch, looks like this one is going to miss us for once.......G-F
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96590: Good afternoon, porch! Just got home from my ESL class, and some errands. That sure is fun. I've got a real mixed bag of students - some speak almost no English, some speak a little, some speak fairly well. There's no established curriculum, we just range wherever the day takes us. We do have books, but I'm free to adjust in any way I see fit. They're such fun. When I first started, they were pretty quiet, a bit wary of me, but I knew how to fix that. I started speaking to them in my pitiful Spanish, and they perked right up. I guess they figured if I wasn't afraid to look like an idiot, they weren't either! So now both English and Spanish fly back and forth in that room, and they're learning. I try to keep it to about 90% English, since that's our prime objective, but at some point there has to be some translation. You could sit and speak Greek to me for years, but if no one ever translated a word here and there, as a starting point, I'd never learn.

We're at 48° here right now, and heading upward daily. Supposed to get near 70° on Sunday. That suits me fine, unless there's another hard freeze later on. The warm weather now will send everything into bud, and it could be a problem if we get another icy time.

Burt, I definitely need that apron, and there's no way you could patch it up. You'd have to sew a hole to another hole, and that just won't work. So yes, I definitely need a new one, and no, you're not being too pushy.

Asa, I would love to go up on the mountain with you, and see all the critters. That's one thing that makes me a little sad. With my heart problems, I do just fine down here at our level in this area, but the doctor has told me not to go up in any high altitudes. I can fly in a private plane (not pressurized) up to about 9,000 feet, and I do okay because I'm sitting still. Any exertion would push me over the edge at a high altitude. So, I sorta lay low, I guess you could say. I can go as high as 5 or 6k, but not much higher than that.

Well, guess I'll go water something. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96591: My goodness, Possum, and Maude. I wish I could send you some of my sunshine. You girls be careful, and don't go falling and breaking anything now, you hear? We sunbirds don't know how nice we have it, I guess. --Romeena
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96592: Possum, wanted to let you know that Jubi had all her annual tests this week and she is still cancer FREE! Praise the Lord.

Boo
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96593:
BOO- did Sean ever get his car fixed? Was it expensive?
Possum, SPOT, TOM and Maudie, you all be careful, and dont go sliding down any hills! Such a rarity for the south. Back in 1973 I was in Atlanta for the Peach Bowl, and it started to snow! ha, they probably
havent had any more until now!
RO- I have heard that Sochi is often warm in winter, and many have wondered why Russia planned the Games there.
Well, I see that BO is making up more things as they go along. I think I need to remind him of that oath he took! I sure dont see why he gets this free pass on it all.
We were at 80 today, still waiting for snow TOM, can you overnite it? :)
PH--thanks for the info---I'll try my wordart first.
RO--neat that some are so willing to learn!
MDC
February 12, 2014 - Msg 96594:

February 12, 2014 - Msg 96595: Good Night John Boy.....
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96596: Whoo... this is some ice storm y'all! I'm ok,though been without power all afternoon & evening.Just came back on a little while ago. Hope the worst of it is over. Power outages all over the place. Prayers needed for the South-thanks ,y'all.

***********
possum u.a.r.
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96597: Yay for Jubi! That's wonderful news-thank you, God!

possum again
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96598:
Hope Spot is doing OK!
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96599:
Hope Spot is doing OK!
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96600: Prayers for possum, Spot, and anyone else dealing with the ice storms.

-Sterling Holobyte
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96601: Wow, I wrote the above last night. I hope everyone's power hasn't gone out.

-Sterling Holobyte
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96602: Where is everybody? Buried under the ice? Power out? Porch sure does look empty. --Romeena
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96603: BULB SNATCHER!!

That was pushy, huh?

~Burt~
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96604: Saddness on Walton's Mountain today.. RIP Daddy Walton & Jethro Leroy Gibbs's Dad. Ralph Waite was also in Cool Hand Luke I had forgotten that.

I agree Romeena, we need a roll call to make sure everyone is A-ok... I'll start.. G-F is Ok (jury may still be out on that one)..haha
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96605: I have just been pretty busy today...was at the nursing home/rehab facility twice today with Mom. She is doing well. They have her in a nice private room and she has a TV to watch her soap opera. They stopped the morphine and now she is on a pill for pain and it seems to be working well.

I am pretty tired but hopefully will get a good night's sleep.

Just wanted to check in...hope you all have a nice evening.

Boo
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96606: MDC, to answer your question; yes, Sean did get his car fixed and it only cost 350 because they didn't have to remove the dash to fix it. Now he has to put it in the shop to get some brake work done on it. Seems it is always something.

Boo
February 13, 2014 - Msg 96607:
I just heard on our news that every state in the union has some snow in it somewhere, including northern tip of Florida, northern AZ, and even Hawaii on some remote mountaintop! Thanks Al! :)
Yes, I too hope everyone is OK. Poor Spot has been in the thick of it. A pic of Durham NC on our
front page this AM said it all.
80 again here today. TOM, where's my snow??
Burt, any sunglasses in the this n that bag?
Prayers,
MDC
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96608: Good Friday porch pals. A 3 day weekend for me and boy am I needing it.

Boo, I am glad to read that your Mom is doing so well. I pray her recovery continues as such.

Romeena, you would do fine with the trip up the mountain. Our valley elevation is around 4,800 ,ft. I am guessing the mountain top is maybe 2,000 ft. Higher. ( remember it's called "little mountain") So that puts it about 6,800 ft. Above sea level. But it's all done in a 4wd truck. The only drawback maybe if you don't like heights. The access road ( and I use the term road loosely) has a steep drop on the passenger side. The first few times up is a bit bothersome, but you get used to it after a while. It does get a bit adventurous if it snows but so far it has only been rain. The snow level has been right around 6,000 ft. That has been a real blessing for sure. We have another repeater on another mountain that is almost 14,000 ft. But that one is inaccessible except by helicopter this time of year. I suppose you could get to it with a snowmobile or snowcat if necessary. But I have never had to do that and would never want to with all the avalanche danger we have here right now.

It has been a fantastic weather pattern here the last couple of weeks. We hit 60 for a high yesterday. Very spring like while the mountains are getting hammered with snow. Just exactly what we need for our water supply.

Prayers for Possum, Spot, Maudie, and all who are experiencing the nasty weather.

Asa
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96609: Thank you for those prayers, Asa. I am very glad you are getting a break from the really cold weather.

Gonna be a long day, I think. We have some family coming in this evening for a visit and I have housework to do..things have gotten a bit behind from all the time spent in the hospital with mom. It is cool and rainy here this morning and I would love to crawl back in bed for a few hours. Have to get Erin off to school..

Boo
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96610: HAPPY VALENTINES DAY.
hope it a good one and self to
MDC keeping it here and you keep the warm here! by exte week we will warm up,
TOM

February 14, 2014 - Msg 96611: Happy Friday Porch and a Happy Vslentines Day to all!
A sunny and to cold day on my end of the porch. Going to try and dig out of the driveway in a bit.

Hope all is we'll, safe and warm.
Prayers and blessings!
Big Maude
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96612: Good morning, porch! A beautiful, sun-golden day here, soft breeze, temp approaching 70°. Spring is crouching, ready to "spring" into bloom. I just hope we don't get another hard freeze, because there will be a lot of tender little buds getting nipped.

Hang in there, all you frozen folks. Spring will come for you eventually, and then when we're baking down here in Texas and Arizona, you'll be enjoying a mild summer.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, everyone! --Romeena
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96613: My Valentine's Gift?? The power is back on after 2 days & nights in the cold!!!
Thank you all for the prayers. Do keep them coming- lots of folks without power still. I have a downed (live) power line in my driveway. Trees and lines are down all over the place. God bless the linemen out there- I saw lots of power company trucks on the roads last night.
My daughter & Laci are holed up in a hotel,safe and warm,so I am grateful for that.
This was just terrible,but made it through- Southern Strong!

*******************
possum under a rock
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96614: And RIP actor Ralph Waite,best known as John Walton on the television show " " The Waltons".

Goodnight, John Boy's Daddy..

possum again
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96615: After giving Mrs. G-F her Valentine present, she was much more elated that I am cleaning the oven and stove today than anything else... Strange girl, I guess at our age that's as good as it gets? But then again, having power back on after 2 days is pretty good too! :)

SPOT, You hangin' in there Buddy? Hopefully you are getting more to eat than leftover MRE's from the Army....

Asa, Glad to hear you are getting a little break from work too...

G-F
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96616: MDC...Ray Bans or Oakley? I just got a new supply in...you sure you need them? I dont wanna seem...pushy!
~Burt~
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96617: Boo, Unless I missed it, you haven't told us what you decided on for the name of you new Jacqueass? Is she getting along Ok with "O'l Thel? Bet Bernie is strutting off his stuff for her too.

G-F...
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96618: G-F, I would have been super happy if Bruce had cleaned my oven and stove. Your wife is a lucky woman. ;)

I am pretty sure the new donkey is going to be "Hilda Mae" but not 100%. I like Hilda Mae but she is such a pretty little donkey that I am not sure it suits her.

Hope you all have a good evening. Bruce took me out for Chinese. Our local Chinese restaurant is owned by a friend of Bruce's..his wife runs it and she is very Chinese. She is a beautiful, very sweet woman and all her employees are Chinese and hard to understand. Our very nice young waiter had to ask me a question about 6 times before I realized what he was trying to ask me...embarrassing. All in all it was a good time, though.

Now I am going to get on my jammies, grab a book and go to bed. Its been a long day and I am tuckered!

PS-Mom is doing great today..much less pain in her hip and incision and requiring less medication. Thanks for the prayers. :)

Boo
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96619: Howdy, porch. Just got home from a Valentine party at the home of a dear friend. There were 18 of us there, all women, all widows. No married folks were invited. My friend LaRue has done this every year since her husband passed eight years ago. Pretty courageous, in my opinion. She's a treashuh!

Two of the women there also have Maltese furkids, like Toye Starr, and we had a ball discussing our "kids." Someone suggested we should start a "fluffy white dog" club. In other words, quit discussing your dogs and join the party. We may set up a play date, probably here at my house, and they'll come and bring Heidi and O'Reilly and they can plan with Toye Starr.

Well, I'm pooped. Gonna curl up in my chair and watch TV, and cuddle my puppy. Six and a half years old, and she's still my puppy. Blessings, friends, and Happy Valentine's Day to one and all. --Romeena
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96620: Uh, that's "play" with Toye Starr, not plan. I wouldn't put it past them to plan an uprising of some sort, though. --Romeena
February 14, 2014 - Msg 96621: Y'all, first an ice storm,now an EARTHQUAKE! Yep,we just had a 4.1 earthquake. Centered in Edgefield, SC. Felt at possum's rock!
I think I speak for all South Carolinians when I say our nerves are fried! Good grief-what else?
***************************
possum under a shaking rock
February 15, 2014 - Msg 96622: Oh oh, the dogs must be collaborating with those water-skiing squirrels, right Romeena?! ;)
How do you think Starr will do with the other pups? Will she be jealous? Or just if you show the other furkids some attention?

Hope your rock doesn't shake apart, possum! Stay safe!

-Sterling Holobyte
February 15, 2014 - Msg 96623:
WOW! Possum, you sure have been thru the (w)ringer!
No power for two days in the snow?? Did you run out of MREs? I bet SPOT is pretty fried too!
RO- sounds like you had a good time!
BOO- Hope the Chinese sits well with ya. Have the kung pao chicken? or the flied lice? :)
And I like Hilda Mae.
Bert--any Foster Grants? ha
G-F--you are giving us fellas a lot to live up to!
So ya just couldn't have dusted or somethin'? ha
God bless ya!
Prayers for the south!
MDC
February 15, 2014 - Msg 96624: Boo....Frah-rah-rar,rar-rar-rar-rarh..... Did you have the Chinese Turkey? ***G-F
February 15, 2014 - Msg 96625: Nope, G-F and MDC...had some sesame chicken, stir-fried green beans and broccoli..a little lo mein and an eggroll.

Wow, Possum. Hang in there..things will even out. :)

Got family from out of town coming in around lunch time. They want to see Mom and spend some time with the rest of us so everyone is coming here for lunch. We are going simple, though. I am making some easy broccoli cheese soup and we are having sandwiches. Better get going.

Boo

February 15, 2014 - Msg 96626: Good morning, porch! Absolutely gorgeous morning here. 41°, but expected to get to 67°. Blue sky, just enough puffy little clouds to add interest. No wind. Birds everywhere, and several very fat, very fluffy squirrels chasing each other out there, undoubtedly with romance on their minds. The fountain rock is flowing freely, and there's a whole flock of doves jostling for position, to get a drink. I hope nobody falls into the pond! That pond is eight years old, and has only claimed one casualty. I found a young grackle in it one day. It was a very young bird, with newly-sprouted wing feathers, and probably couldn't fly well yet. I felt terrible, but there was nothing I could do. So far, there have been no others.

I did watch a squirrel walk (or run) on water one day, though. So funny! It was a young male, being chased by a bigger male, and he was really making tracks. He ran right over the topline stones on one side at the point where the pond is about eight feet wide. He hit the water about three feet out, skipped like a flat stone, hit it again after a two or three foot leap, and from there he sailed right up to the stones on the other side and kept going. He didn't even get his tail wet! He didn't look back, either. He just got the heck out of Dodge! The older, smarter squirrel stopped at the edge of the pond, and just sat and watched the young interloper, apparently amazed. I sat here at my window, equally amazed, and had a very good laugh.

Wow, Possum! An earthquake? I saw that on the news. That's really something. Has anyone thought about the scripture that says in the last days there will be earthquakes in diverse places? Anyway, I'm glad you didn't have any damage. We've been having some around here too, in the last couple of years, and that has never happened before either.

Well, guess I'll go feed my little fluffy roommate. She's in here dropping hints in the form of nudges on my ankle. What would I do without that little happy spirit to share my life with? Blessings! --Romeena
February 15, 2014 - Msg 96627: Burts business has expanded! Now, dont you guys go thinking Ima leaving again, or given up my suitcase of this and that, but I wanted to let you all know that while I was away the last time, I became a real estate agent so my this n that includes buying and selling homes for people. So, if any of my Mayberry family on the Georgia side of the porch need help with buying or selling a home soon, Ol Burt is your man to see!

Gosh, that sounded...PUSHY!

~Burt~

OH...and MDC, I need to order some Foster Grants for ya.
February 15, 2014 - Msg 96628: Absolutely perfect day here...70 and sunny. :) Had a nice visit with my dear cousin James and his wife. James is recently retired police officer was diagnosed with cancer three years ago. He had surgery and radiation and is now ok..hoping and praying he continues to be. I really love him. He is a big bear of a guy with a tough exterior and a marshmallow interior. :) So much like his dad (my late Uncle).

Well, I am coming down with a crummy cold so just got a shower and will be taking some cold medicine in a bit. Ya'll have a nice evening.

Boo
February 15, 2014 - Msg 96629: Did you all see the Corvettes that fell inside the sink hole?
February 15, 2014 - Msg 96630: Good Sabbath to all! MDC :)
February 16, 2014 - Msg 96631: Burt, I can't think of a better man to show me a house. One who would tell me the facts about the house, let me take the time to really explore it, and wouldn't push me to sign the papers if I wasn't absolutely sure I wanted to buy it.
Now, I don't really have any plans to move to Georgia in the near future, but if I do, I know who to look up. :)

Sorry you are feeling crummy, Boo. Praying you get well fast. Take it easy.

Goodnight porch, and have a blessed Sunday!

-Sterling Holobyte
February 16, 2014 - Msg 96632: What about the Corvettes?
February 16, 2014 - Msg 96633: Thanks, Sterling. I got LOTS of rest today and am feeling better. :)

Boo
February 16, 2014 - Msg 96634: Hello...
February 16, 2014 - Msg 96635:
Slow day on the porch. I guess we all actually
took Dr. Breen's advice! ha
I hope everyone is doing OK thru the latest storms.
83 here today! :( I want some "winter!"
Sterling, Burt will actually mention the kitchen pipe problem! :)
Love to all,
MDC
February 16, 2014 - Msg 96636: They should let Goober fix them. He can take a car apart and move it into the courthouse.