March 17, 2014 - Msg 97093: I'm sorry. I am Howie Fice
March 17, 2014 - Msg 97094: Roomeena, Who said that? I think it was Calvin McCoolidge....G-F
March 17, 2014 - Msg 97095: Naw GF. It was Mark McTwain. Calvin McCoolidge didn't say everything.

Welcome Howie Fice. Thanks for sweeping.



Asa
March 17, 2014 - Msg 97096: Hi Howie!

I have to say, the paramedics are working overtime here. We live on a road that they take to the hospital, and the ambulances have been coming through with their sirens wailing all day it seems. More often than normal anyway.
I was wondering what was going on, then I remembered it is St. Patrick's Day. Lovely. Unfortunately for some it is just another excuse to get drunk it seems. Still, hope everyone stays safe out there, drinking or not.

Well, the wife is off to Oklahoma for the week for training for her new position. Even though things aren't the greatest between us lately, this could be good for both of us, or not. Though her mom went with her, so I don't know if it will be good for her. The last time they went somewhere together, her mom drove her nuts.
So it is just me and the kids for the week. I don't know what I am going to do... who is going to cook meals?... oh, wait, I do that anyway... but who is going to clean?...oh, I do that too... but, who is going to take care of the kids, get them ready in the morning, go to the store for groceries?...yep, me again. ;)
Yeah, I could never understand Andy being so inept when Aunt Bea went out of town that time. It's just not in me. Just used to it, I guess. :)

So, is "Mc"Donalds a leprechauns favorite restaurant on St. Patrick's Day?

-Sterling Holobyte
-Sterling Holobyte
March 17, 2014 - Msg 97097: Wow, that is a lot of "for" 's in that second paragraph. Also too many Sterling Holobyte's at the end there. Wonder what causes that.

-SH
March 17, 2014 - Msg 97098: You're chewing your cabbage (and corned beef!) twice, Sterling!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!

*********************
o'possum under a rock
March 17, 2014 - Msg 97099: Sterling.. Where's June Cleaver when you need her? Maybe she and the "Beaver" could help you out for the week, or at least get Alice off the Brady's to fill in. But sounds like you got it under control buddy...(sounds like your one of ""my kind" too) ha!

G-F...
March 17, 2014 - Msg 97100: Sounds like you will do fine without the Mrs., Sterling. Enjoy your time with Noah and Kai. You might want to get another job so you can pay a housekeeper and take a vacation. ;)

Had to take my very phobic, nervous wreck of a dog to the vet today to be cleared after being quarantined for 10 days. It was interesting..she had a panic attack in the car. We got through it but I am never going to take that 63 lb, manic dog to the vet alone again..ever. I had to take the disinfecting wipes to the car and wipe down every surface due to the dog saliva that was dripping on everything. Ick. Enough said.

Busy day..errands and such. Just finished frying up a bunch of deer meat for Bruce and waiting for biscuits in the oven.

It is a magnificent day here, sunny and cool. I think I will have to spend some time on the porch swing after supper. :)

Boo
March 17, 2014 - Msg 97101:
Sterling, have a good week with the kids. Should be
fun and interesting all in one. I just dont want to hear about any "gracious livin'", however, whilst the missus is gone.
Brisket, potatoes, and green tea on the menu for tonight.
RO- thanks for the nice blessing, hard to improve on that.
McMDC

March 17, 2014 - Msg 97102: Hello Porch: Do the "Fleets" have two bands? Bobby and Freddy? That's a cool car they drive that extended taxi cab. I wonder what kind of car or "bus" that is. Another neat car was that extended station wagon in the Fosters furniture polish ep with Ronnie Schell the director. -SH, you should call Myra Kuntz over for a week to "housekeep". Haha. Howie Fice
March 17, 2014 - Msg 97103: Good evening, porch. Boo, I had to laugh a little at your description of the "manic" dog. I know what you mean, I had a Yorkie once who absolutely hated to ride in the car. The moment he was in the car, he started making a whimpering sound, and did not stop. Also, he would get on the floor and try to get under the seat! Just scratching and clawing, trying to crawl under a seat, any seat. Then he'd wet on things, or worse. You're lucky if all you had to wipe up was slobber. I finally learned to put him in a small crate for vet trips. That way, all I had to clean was the crate. On the other hand. Sugarplum loved the car, and Starr does as well. She plops her little self down on the console and gets as close to me as she can, and stays there. For longer trips, she has a little car seat, and rides in it very happily, just curls up down in the seat and goes to sleep.

Sterling, you remind me of my sons. Both of them can cook quite well, and don't mind doing it. David can and will clean house as well as any woman (he's a bit of a neat freak) and he can manage those two boys just as well as their mother can. They've got it all worked out, and it's a good thing. With both boys in select league baseball, their schedule is mind-boggling. It takes a lot of cooperation to make it all work.

I've been watching "Hoarders" on TV this evening, to get myself even more motivated to clear some of this stuff out of here. When you can't find room on a shelf to put away a bottle of glue, it's time to clean the cabinet out, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Problem is, I can't stay on my feet but about a half hour at a time, then I have to sit down. My back starts to cramp up, and I start walking funny! Oh well. At least I'm not having to try to do it around a work schedule. My time is my own these days.

Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
March 17, 2014 - Msg 97104: Well Ro, I couldn't call myself a "neat freak", but your son and I both share the same name at least. What I do is try to arrange the clutter so that it looks halfway presentable. Though now might be a good time to throw out a lot of stuff. :)



-Sterling Holobyte
March 18, 2014 - Msg 97105:
Good nite to all ye fine porchsters!
God's blessings upon ye,
McMDC
March 18, 2014 - Msg 97106: Good morning, honeys and dears. I slept very well last night, and hope you all did the same. Nothing perks you up like a good night's sleep!

Sterling, both of my sons are very neat and organized, unlike their mother. For that matter, their dad wasn't particularly tidy, either. He would leave his shoes and socks on the floor for me to trip over (size 14 shoes will definitely trip you) and his "workbench" in the garage barely had room to put a screwdriver down on it, it was so covered with junk. No problem, I loved him anyway.

So where my sons got their neatness and organization, I don't know. The youngest, David, has pegboard on his garage wall, tools hanging on hooks, and he has even drawn the outline of the tool with a Sharpie on the pegboard, so he knows exactly what goes where. Now that's organization! I don't think Dale, Jr., the oldest son has gone that far, but his garage is super neat and clean. He can actually get two cars in it. It's a good thing I have only one car, because that's all that will fit in mine. The other half is occupied with gardening carts, gas grill, a perfectly good commode that I'm keeping, to be used in a rent house if needed (and it will be, eventually), my 9' plumeria tree in a huge pot and a 5' plumeria in a somewhat smaller pot, multiple plastic bins filled with outdoor Christmas lights, and junk, junk, junk.

It's interesting to watch David's two sons. Landry, the older one, is super, super neat and well organized. His room is always neat as a pin, and clean. His brother, Hudson, not so much. His Lego collection is carefully stored, but that's about all. His room looks like a ten-year-old boy's room usually looks. Baseball gear everywhere, clothes draped over a chair, whatever. His Legos, however, are in bins, with compartments for the various kinds of pieces. I guess we all take care of what we love.

Well, speaking of neat, guess I'd better get at the piles of stuff I'm supposed to be sorting and clearing out. I think this will never end. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
March 18, 2014 - Msg 97107: Romeena Guess What!... My daffodils are starting to pop thru my mulch! Today it's suppose to get to the 50's Yeowza! At least no snow until Thursday. It's a start....G-F
March 18, 2014 - Msg 97108: Good afternoon, Porch friends! Sorry I have been away so long, but have had first one thing then another and a whooole lot of this and that. Translated...my computer was on the fritz. But, all's well that ends well and I have returned.
Have to be short, but just wanted to let you all know that I didnt vanish on ya'. Hope you all have a great day and I'll see ya later!

John Masters
March 18, 2014 - Msg 97109:
HI ALL,
ROmeena, your David and I would get along just fine! ha I
also do the pegboard thing.
JOHN--good to see you again. I figured that you were just "tuning up" the choir for Thursday's first day of spring.
BOO--I saw your beach pics on FB. It looks like you all had a good time. But where were the spring breakers? Has Padre Island lost it's charm?
Have a good day all!
Back to plain old MDC (:
March 18, 2014 - Msg 97110: Plain old MDC? Does that mean there is an MDC Sr. an MDC Jr. and an MDCette? Y'all got that MDC overbite? :)

Asa
March 18, 2014 - Msg 97111: Asa, Let me splain to you like Desi would say to Lucy.. He was McMDC yesterday so today he's just plain MDC... That backflow testing overloaded you is what I'm thinking...lol We understand, and will give you a "Mulligan" today... Hey that was a left-over Irishter term from yesterday...

G-F
March 19, 2014 - Msg 97112: Good morning, everyone

A bit windy here in Independence, Mo. Still dark out this a.m. but you can hear the wind a howling!

Did some research on two Missouri Union soldiers buried in northwest Arkansas for my Quantrill collection and found they are plum packed with some very interesting background! Doing a lot more digging today!

Y'all have a great morning and I'll drop by again later on.

MDC - I have been trying to get everyone together so we can go through good ol' 14-A, but Barney keeps finding out where we'll rehearse.

John Masters
March 19, 2014 - Msg 97113: Sterling, I am kind of a neat freak and am uncomfortable in my environment if it is cluttered or messy, but it is getting harder to keep that way. The older I get, and especially since my surgery in May, I just cant seem to do what I used to. I am learning not to stress so much about it. When I built this current home, I made sure there was lots of storage space and that helps a lot. Most of the drawers and cabinets are full around here but out of sight, out of mind and the place looks smashing! lol
I have been eyeing some of the kitchen cabinets, though, and thinking about getting rid of what I don't use...way too many dishes and cups. This week I am trying out a new system in preparation of my getting back to work soon. I assigned each family member a color and each of us has our own colored cups, bowls, and plates. They are plastic and easy to wash. Now, whenever each of us uses something, we wash it and put it away or in the drain rack and I know who left what where. If I see a lime green cup, I just tell Erin to wash it and put it way, etc. I am hoping it not only saves my time but my money. I have always bought lots of disposable cups and plates to avoid having to use the dishwasher so much. Now I should save on disposable stuff and wont have to run the dishwasher so much. I think its a win/win.

Ro, that is pretty funny...watching Hoarders to motivate you, and I have to admit, it does the same to me. Ha!

MDC, I think you asked me about the beach earlier and I forgot to answer you, I'm sorry. Spring breakers like to flood the beaches in which you can drive your car right onto the sand and near the water. There is a beach on Mustang Island that most of the spring breakers go to and you wouldn't catch me dead there. There is a beach on Padre Island that is actually a state park and you park and carry your chairs and ice chests to the beach. That's where we went there were only a few families out there. It was wonderful and the sand stays so nice and pretty without all the cars driving on it.

Better go..Erin needs to get to school. Yesterday they had a school lock-down due to some boy who had threatened to kill his family and then do something at the school I guess. At least they were on top of it.

Boo
March 19, 2014 - Msg 97114: Where is everybody today?? Out enjoying some spring weather?

Boo
March 19, 2014 - Msg 97115: Boo, I woke up to fresh snow on my almost-emerging grass. So, no. No spring weather here. :)

-Sterling Holobyte
March 19, 2014 - Msg 97116: Oh...well, it will come eventually, Sterling. :)

Boo
March 19, 2014 - Msg 97117: Hello porch: I just seen Mr. McMann of McMann and Tate on bewitched being played by Leon Ames a.k.a. Mr. Hampton from ep season 7 #9 the senior play.
March 19, 2014 - Msg 97118: Hey, ever'body! Just old Gomer checking in for the first time in ages. I hope everyone is well.

Best of luck to you and yours.
March 19, 2014 - Msg 97119: Just stopping by on my way to the ole ironing board. I have tried to post several times today but got interrupted by phone calls and other work issues. So figured I would just wait til I came home.

It's been a beautiful sunny day and about 60 degrees but very windy at times. Sterling you just keep that snow. I am ready for spring.

Hey and welcome back to Gomer.

Boo, some of our local schools have had lock downs recently.
Similar situations as Erin's school . Seems like these things are happening all over the place. Some of our local school
systems have had numerous bus accidents lately. Seems like there were 4 or 5 different accidents within a 2 week period.
Bad weather, one kid pulled the alarm in back of the bus. Causing the driver to turn around to see what happeed and ran into the back of another bus, a distracted driver ran into the back of a bus, one slid of the road and several others have wrecked due to slick roads.

Well guess that's about all I know for now,
Snack will be: chocolate milk with little Debbie cakes

Prayers and blessings
Big Maude


March 20, 2014 - Msg 97120:
Hi Gomer, good to see you again. Next time set for a while.
Big Maude, that's quite a rash of accidents. It seem like things happen in threes, but not like you're having. We sure need the hand of God over our schools and country.
Well, I too may hit the ironing board early tonight.
MDC
March 20, 2014 - Msg 97121: Citisins uhrest, citisins uhrest. Hello Gomer. Howie Fice
March 20, 2014 - Msg 97122: Good morning all.

At 10:57 this morning (MST) please join me in singing good old 14-A. And let's sing it like we mean it cause I know we are all pickled tink to see old man winter leave.
And a one and a two and a....

Asa
March 20, 2014 - Msg 97123: Asa, At my end of the porch we welcome springtime today with SNOW.... How about I just hum Old 14-A....G-F
March 20, 2014 - Msg 97124: " Welcome sweet Springtime,we greet thee in SONG!!"

(Um, John Masters,someone sounds a bit off key! Want me to walk around & try to spot 'em?)

*******************
possum under a rock
March 20, 2014 - Msg 97125: Good morning, Por....now wait, Asa. You let me start the choir. You worry about getting those screws for your gun! Now, Good morning, everyone. I hope you have your sheet music with you!

MDC - Hand of God over our schools? I think we need BOTH hands and maybe a shoulder! Yeesh, these schools today! And the school boards aren't much better!

Maude - Sorry I missed snacks. Choc. milk and Little Debbies can be extree good!

Boo - That's pretty scary. My wife and I are all for home schooling. It can be a controversial subject, but things like THAT make me support it even more!

Possum - Gooood, good. That's a fine idea.

Well, that's all for now. You'll excuse me as I need to get some air. Went to Andy's this morning to talk about 14-A and now have Aunt Bee's marmalade smell stuck in my nose. Have a great and blessed day!

Hey to Howie,Romeena,Gomer,Sterling and the rest of the choir!

John Masters
March 20, 2014 - Msg 97126: Wow! No one on the Porch today! Well...we'll just have to postpone rehearsals 'til tomorrow I guess.

70 degrees here and gonna walk the dogs to enjoy the weather! You all have a great night and I'll see you tomorrow!

John Masters
March 20, 2014 - Msg 97127: I'm here, John! Want me to do the solo?? Let me warm up... "Me-they,me they, me they.."

possum again
March 20, 2014 - Msg 97128: Lower Possum, LOWER! :)

Asa
March 20, 2014 - Msg 97129: Speaking of Me-They, I miss him. I wish he'd come back home.

I just got back from a routine visit to the cardiology office. It was time to "interrogate" my pacemaker. That's what they call it when they put a little monitor thing on your chest and it reads all the information from the pacer - how often it's being used, whether I've had any A-fib and if so, when and for how long, stuff like that. According to the doc, I'm doing great. Runs of A-fib are very infrequent and of short duration. Therefore, I still don't need a blood thinner. The aspirin I take is quite enough. Also, the pacer is not having to kick in but once every few days, so the runs of slow heartbeat (which was the reason for the pacer) are not happening often either. Translation - I'm doing fine. Always reassuring. He does want an echocardiogram done, though. Haven't had one in two years, and with two faulty valves, we need to make sure they're not failing. I don't anticipate a problem.

I made the best crockpot dish yesterday. Asa, this is one you could make easily. If y'all like veggies, you'll love this. Put some olive oil and a little salt and pepper and minced garlic in the bottom of a crockpot. Add a layer of lean stew beef, or better yet, a small pot roast, not too thick - about two inches. Let it cook on high for 2-3 hours. Slice a layer of celery (crosscut) over the beef, and add a layer of baby carrots. Put a couple of twists of salt from a grinder between each layer. Cook another hour. Chunk up a couple of good sweet onions, add a can of diced tomatoes, and cook another hour or so. You want the meat tender (stick some tongs down into the meat and see if you can pull some of it out easily. You want the veggies crisp-tender, not mushy. Last, get a huge bunch of fresh kale - should be available in your grocery store now. Rinse it off, shake off excess, and separate the stalks. Pull the fluffy green kale off the woody stems, and discard the stems. Press the kale down on top of the rest of the stuff in the pot. It will begin to wilt a little and trust me, you can get it in there. I actually got two bunches into mine. Put the lid on, continue to cook for another half hour or so, and then just enjoy. If you've never eaten kale, you must try it. It's milder than most greens, no bitter or grassy taste. This makes a lot, and is so good. To reheat leftovers, take out what you think you'll eat and heat that. Don't reheat the whole pot, or the veggies will get mushy, unless you're going to eat all the leftovers at once. I can't. It takes me three days to eat all of this, but I love it!

Well, off I go. We have a fish fry at church tonight, so I'm going to eat lots of fish! We have these things now and then, and they're always fun. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
March 20, 2014 - Msg 97130: OK, I'm back - full of fried fish and hush puppies, and green tomato relish! Good stuff! The entertainment was a country gospel group, leaned heavily to the "bluegrass" style, and they were really good. One of our own church members joined them, playing his harmonica. He's an extremely talented musician, can play anything with strings or a keyboard, and plays the harmonica as well, but doesn't read music. He plays strictly by ear, and does it very, very well. One of the group members knew about him and invited him to sit in, and he did very well.

Among the decorations on each table was a little cut glass bowl, containing a tiny goldfish! After everything was over, a supply of zippy bags was brought out, and we were encouraged to take the fish home. I didn't really want any of them, but was watching to be sure they all found homes. I wasn't going to leave any to an uncertain fate. They all were claimed, however, so I didn't have to take any. I could have put them in my pond, but the water is still very, very cold, and I'm not sure they would have withstood the shock. Also, some of my fish are pretty big, and might have eaten the little fellers! They weren't but about two inches long. However, they all found homes, and I'm glad.

Well, my little companion is at my feet, pawing at my ankle, wanting attention. Guess I'll get into my jammies and get her in my lap and spoil her a little more. It's been a good day. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
March 20, 2014 - Msg 97131: Oh Asa, you crack me up. Bahaha.

Boo
March 21, 2014 - Msg 97132:
RO- I have an echo done every year, and for the last
several years the enlarged part keeps going down, praise God. The fish fry sounded very good.
I like bluegrass, so that would be good too! ha
ALL--yes...welcome springtime!
Anyone seen SPotty lately?
You all have a good evening,
Prayers,
MDC


March 21, 2014 - Msg 97133: Romeena, Glad to hear your "tune-up" went well always good when you and the Doc hear a good sounding pucka,pucka! Wally must hava a brother who's a Doctor!
Fish fry & Bluegrass... Don't get much better than that! I'm going to a festival in Southern Ohio at the end of the month, Rhonda Vincent, and her Brother's Group Dailey & Vincent are going to be there, should be a good show.
Well hopefully here in a min. I be off to a flea market, it's cold but suppose to get to 50 today but I'll bundle up... Gotta get out of this cabin, the fever is getting to me! ha!!
TOM, TOOOM...You getting and warm down your way yet??

G-F....
March 21, 2014 - Msg 97134: was suppose to be "any" not "and" warm...
March 21, 2014 - Msg 97135: Its me..its me...its....ur...never mind...its SPOT...hey gang...lunch at I-Hop?....im buying....SPOT
March 21, 2014 - Msg 97136: Goooood morning, Porch!

Ewww...it's very dreary and gray out my window! Cloudy, cloudy.

Ro - Glad to hear your doing good! Sounds like your church had a few "frish to fy!" I do love bluegrass and gospel bluegrass gives it that extra ingredient.

No rehearsals today. I cant get anyone to cover for me at the hotel, so I'll be at the check in desk all day.

Better get into some research. Greetings to Boo,G-F,Asa,Possum,Howie,SPOT and the whole Porch family! Have a great day, folks!

John Masters


March 21, 2014 - Msg 97137: Hey John Masters, maybe Gomer can help you out in the hotel.Wally just done the strangest thing. He fard him. Howie Fice
March 21, 2014 - Msg 97138: This giraffe is NOT selfish.... GF

http://www.today.com/pets/final-goodbye-dying-zoo-worker-gets-kiss-giraffe-2D79416546
March 21, 2014 - Msg 97139: Awww..that is sweet, GF.


wanted to share something with you. Recently, Erin told me she wants to be baptized again so I had some questions for her. I was talking to her last night and was surprised by what she was telling me. Let me just say that Erin is one of those happy-go-lucky kids that rarely seems to have a deep thought, and is usually complaining about having to go to church and sit through a sermon. A few weeks ago I woke up too late to go to sunday school and when I woke her up she was very upset and even cried because she wanted to go to sunday school...(what?). Well, last night she told me that she has changed in the last few months and that every time she is in church listening to the pastor she feels like crying. She said (and these are her own words), "I feel like there is something burning in me and I have a passion!". She said that she used to be in church just waiting for it to end because the preacher talked too long, but now "It isn't long enough". Uh..I was thinking, 'Who is this kid and what did she do with Erin?'. hehe Interestingly, a couple of months ago, our pastor was talking about praying for our kids so I had begun praying more regularly for her to begin to have an interest in spiritual things and to have a relationship with Jesus. God is answering prayer. :) Thought you would enjoy rejoicing with me. It is so great to begin to see your kids growing into their own relationship with God.

Waiting for the towels to dry so I can go take a shower. Hope you are all enjoying a peaceful mayberry kind of evening.

Boo
March 21, 2014 - Msg 97140: That is just wonderful about Erin, Boo! I think I should be praying more for Kai, as she is about where Erin WAS. It would be the greatest blessing if Kai actually wanted to go to church, and be baptized.

Well Boo, it is peaceful now, but in about an hour or two my wife will be home from her trip to OK. ;) I kid, I kid.

Have a nice night everyone!

-Sterling Holobyte
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97141: Boo, that's just wonderful. Follow her lead, and let it play out as it's meant to. You never know what God has in mind. I accepted Christ and was baptized when I was seven. Did I fully understand what I was doing? Of course not. All I knew was that God loved me, Christ died for me, and I wanted to be God's child forever. The real understanding came later, as I matured. It's still coming. At age 11, in response to a message given by a missionary on furlough, I answered the altar call and told my pastor I wanted to be a medical missionary, and would go anywhere in the world that God wanted me to go.

Well, as it often does, life got in the way. I grew up, met Dale when I was 17, married at 18, was a mom at 19, and then three more kids came, and my promise was just not in the daily plan. I never really forgot it, though, and always felt some guilt that I hadn't lived up to my commitment. Not crippling guilt, just a little confused, finally accepted that it had been a childish promise and God wouldn't hold it against me.

In 1976, I began to feel a strong desire to go to nursing school. It was going to be a strain on the family, Dale wasn't fully on board, but he said he didn't want to obstruct God's will, and would support me in every way while I went to school, and he did.

I went, and in 1979 I became an RN, and got a job working exactly where I wanted to be, in our local hospital. The blessings were many, as I cared for people I knew, from our church and other people here in our relatively small town. In time, Dale resigned from his very well-paid job, rather than accept a promotion and move to Massachusetts. Neither of us wanted to leave Texas, family, friends, and our church. So for a while, I was the main breadwinner, thanks to my nursing job. Money was very tight, but we managed.

In 1996, Dale passed, and I was alone, or so it appeared. My job and the need to work kept me moving and reasonably sane. Finally, I crawled out of the dark hole I had fallen into when he died, and once again had some desire to be part of life and the future.

Another visit from a missionary to our church got my attention, as he tried to recruit people to join a team to go to Mongolia to work with the nomadic people there. Our "cover story" was that we were a medical expedition. We were, but that's just what got our visas in a strongly communist country. The real work was establishing an orphanage, feeding people, and spreading the gospel. And that's how it happened, that one sweltering afternoon I found myself in a tent on the banks of a cold, swift river in Mongolia. I was sitting near a wizened, dark-skinned woman who appeared to be about 80, but whose card stated she was 65, and listening as she told me through an interpreter of her awful headaches and kidney pain. I imagine so, with a blood pressure of 210/166.

Anyway, it was in that moment, that the reality hit me. I was a medical missionary! Maybe for just two weeks, but there I was. I hadn't even put it all together until that moment. God hadn't given up on me, and He hadn't allowed me to break my promise. Instead, He had provided a way for me to fulfill it. Maybe I didn't spend my life in darkest Africa. Maybe it was just two weeks in Mongolia (and two more the following year) but I was a medical missionary for a while, and I have memories I will cherish forever.

Let Erin and God work it all out. They will. Blessings! --Romeena
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97142:
RO, I was on the porch during both of you trips,
and I am still amazed at the wherewithal that it must have
taken to live and work among those folks in
that communist land.
God bless,
MDC
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97143: Good mornin porch: Breakfast is on me today. 3 hotcakes, 2 pieces of bacon, 1 egg any style, juice, and coffee for 35 cents. Howie Fice
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97144: Thanks Howie .. here at work trying to keep the lights on till 6pm...prayers...SPOT
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97145: Boo & Romeena... Thanks, I needed to hear your posts. Funny (not haha) how God directs and leads us down paths during life, whether it's pumping gas or doing work in someone's Apt. it's about how we treat our fellow humans and the spirit that we do it in. You never know what seed or act of kindness is planted in someone by just being kind to them. God gives all kinds of ways and the opportunities to do it. As life throw us curves sometimes we have to learn to hit from both sides of the plate. So Asa you can still be a Pastor of Air Movement and Filtration & still do Gods work.
Funny thing, as I run into former Residents since I retired, I realize some of the foot prints I have left. The same way people said things about how my Dad "Serviced" their cars. Kinda makes a guy feel he had purpose in life... Yep God knows what he's doing....

Still waiting on that "Spring" thing to show up, suppose to be cold all next week! Maybe Old 14-A is just one of those fantasy songs is what I'm thinkin'......G-F
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97146: Oh Yes, I forgot... To Mrs. Sterling Holobyte, give your boy an "A+" he did a fine job of holding down the fort in your absence.. They didn't have to call the Police or Fire Dept. even once!! .....G-F again
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97147: So true, G-F. He is leading even when we don't have a clue. ;)

Thank you for your wisdom and for sharing that beautiful testimony, Ro! It blessed my heart. You know, as I may have said before, I had absolutely no desire whatsoever to be a nurse..until I was born again at age 16. I knew it, God confirmed it and I went straight from highschool into college and nursing school, was out and working as an RN by age 21 and what a blessing it was to be able to serve and minister to people in their toughest times. God is good. I don't think I ever felt a call to missions, except the one missions trip I did in Guadalajara in the 80's. It sure was a blessing, though.

Interestingly, I am surprised by the turn of events that have taken place in our family in the last year. I didn't ever expect to put Erin in public school, but the Lord is showing me that he is taking care of her, and I really didn't expect to be considering going back to work as a nurse right now. I am looking forward to being able to serve others again in that way, though. We'll see where God leads. Right now I am trying to find someone in my area to do my clinical work (60 hrs) to get my license updated. I have someone at the college working on it but she told me that she has never done it before and doesn't have a clue, so I am trying to help her. I got my titers back and my immunity is low for Hep B and chicken pox, so I had a booster for each. Hopefully it will be enough for me to start back at the hospital for clinicals. I spoke to a nurse in occupational health at the hospital who seems to think it will be. Still have to update my CPR and get a criminal background check and that's about it. It has been a real pain in the neck trying to get that license back!

Sterling, keep praying and God will do his work. :) I saw that firsthand.

Boo
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97148: Adding a few behind the scenes features to the porch that visitors won't notice. Basically I'm logging all "censor" activity so I can fix things better if there's a problem. -Floyd
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97149: Making sure things are working following changes. -Floyd
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97150: You're a fine fellow Floyd. BTW, I enjoyed your podcast on Bert Mustin. Very excellent.

Thank you for that recipe Romeena. I'll have to give it a try. I have never had kale before. Never even noticed it at the grocery store, but then again I ain't ever tried. I'll check it out on my next trip.

Sorry you're still in the winter mode GF. Surely has been nice here. I spent a couple of days this week on the roof prepping some big old evap coolers. I have 18 I deal with so I am trying to get an early start on them. Plus all of the refrigerated units I deal with. And then all the backflow preventors I have to test. Let's just say spring is a busy time for me.

Boo, you wanna borroy my neck stretcher? Might ease your pain in the neck. I am glad to hear that about Erin. Nothing sweeter than to see your young uns love the Gospel and the Lord.

I hope you all have a great day and weekend.

Asa
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97151: Asa, I'm glad you enjoyed the Bert Mustin podcast episode of the Two Chairs No Waiting Andy Griffith Show Fan Podcast. http://youtu.be/8hcaysZ8hmA

It was fun learning more about Bert and sharing it with folks. -Floyd
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97152: Thanks Asa, I would like to borrow that neck-stretcher! :)

Floyd! Thanks for all you do for us.

Boo
March 22, 2014 - Msg 97153: Hello Boo: Your daughter Erin can then charge her friends to see you hanging. Where is Romeena!!! To me, she is one of the best writers here on the porch. Her subjects are always interesting and she knows just about everything. Howie Fice
March 23, 2014 - Msg 97154:
Good Sabbath to all. Time to sing Church in the Wildwood, and peel an apple in one piece. Enjoy your
Sunday!
MDC
March 23, 2014 - Msg 97155: Morning gang !..gona have some rain here in the south...im back at work to keep Church lights on...gona find me a few good sermonc on the tube...hey MDC,B00,SH...and thanks floyd...prayers to all...breakfast is I-Hop on me...will someone swing by bring mine to work....SPOT
March 23, 2014 - Msg 97156: Why sure Spot. If you're buying, the least I can do is run a plate over to you. I'm on my way.

I hope you all have a great Sabbath day. I see the Beamons headed to preaching so I best get myself ready also.

Asa
March 23, 2014 - Msg 97157: Asa.. I bet the Beamons like just "plain" old vanilla ice cream too.... Maybe the "Sermon for today" is about back-flow's, sorta a new version of "back-sliding" It's the same concept, you don't want the bad stuff going back into the
good stuff! Pastor Asa, it would be a good Sunday School lesson... You have the training and certificate to swing it!... G-F
March 23, 2014 - Msg 97158: OPIE: Why do they call Mr. Beaman "Plain Claude", Paw? - Floyd
March 23, 2014 - Msg 97159: Because there is Claude senior and Claude junior. And then just plain Claude. Howie Fice
March 23, 2014 - Msg 97160: Thanks Asa...and good point Howie...rain movie here....sorry Lord but we will except it with open arms but be light on us !...thank goodness we got the boat unloaded and in the slip yesterday...ok...back to "TV" preaching....SPOT
March 23, 2014 - Msg 97161: Afternoon, Porch!

Boo - What a heartwarming story about Erin! I had a miracle from God that I will never forget. It's something of a personal nature, but I had hit my knees and prayed like you couldnt imagine. I talked and prayed and left everything in his hands. And not too long after that....God answered and I had a peace and confidence that caught some people by surprise. I hate to tease like this, but it is personal. I leave it by saying that I KNEW my problem would be alright and come out BEFORE it did. And I was right.

MDC - You know I would sit and peel that apple, but I've been having problems with my FEET falling asleep! I can't figure out what causes that?!

SPOT - Sorry I missed breakfast. Will try not to next time!

Hope Ro,Asa,Howie,Maude,Possum,G-F, Sterling and the whole Porch community is having a blessed and healthy Sunday! Y'all take care!

John Masters
March 23, 2014 - Msg 97162: Hey John Masters, why is it that when you see something sticking out of a tire you have to pull it out? You should know if you do the air is going to gush right out. Howie Fice
March 23, 2014 - Msg 97163: Good Evening!
How are y'all tonight? The buds are out on the trees and we have many new birds on the trees.

Boo, that's wonderful about Erin.
Sterling, are you and the children still alive?
Romeena, I enjoy hearing of your family. I think it's wonderful that your husband had some time after retirement before he passed.
Howie, welcome to the porch.
Spot, have you got your garden plans ready?
Floyd, thank you again. I do enjoy your podcasts!
John Masters, good 'ol 14A for the win!

I hope everyone is well. We are hanging. My stepson still hasn't written us but hope someday he will contact us as we miss him (he's at boot camp). He invited my stepdaughter to come down but not us. It hurts as we are being punished for calling him out on stealing. Oh well. God is in control. That's a wonderful feeling.

Bryan and Michaela are putting in American Hustle. I have a feeling I'm not going to like it but I'll try. If not, then I'll take a bubble bath. :)

Y'all take care of yourselves now, ya hear?

Blessings,
Lucy
March 23, 2014 - Msg 97164: Good evening, porch. John Masters, you don't have to share the details for us to appreciate the experience you had. We understand. Somethings are just too personal to discuss publicly. I'm happy for you.

MDC, you were indeed on the porch during my Mongolia trips, as were several others. As for what it took to carry out our mission, I can only say that God supplied our every need. Our living conditions were, uh, "rustic" by our standards, but luxurious compared to the way the Mongolians lived. We learned exactly what is meant by poverty. "Rich" there means owning more than one horse. There are no trash cans on the streets, because nothing is considered trash. You just drop your empty water bottle on the ground. It will be picked up by a child before you have gone ten steps. Even a scrap of paper will be salvaged. I have kept the journals of those trips on my computer, and read them now and then, just to keep myself reminded of the mercies and blessings God has given me.

Even though a change in the political winds in Mongolia meant that our missionary had to leave and can only return for two weeks each year, the work goes on. He had trained his Mongol staff well, and they are continuing what he started. He stays in touch by email. My church and several others still send money to help finance the work with the kids there, and keep the greenhouses operational, growing food to be shared where there is need, which is just about everywhere! Many of those people had never seen a green vegetable, until those greenhouses started producing. The missionary is now in Panama, doing about the same thing there that he did in Mongolia, with people who are just as needy. Please add "Jerry and Susan" to your prayer list. God knows who they are!

Well, I'm off to sort through another pile of "stuff." I'm not putting carpet back in those rooms until I've whittled those piles of closet stuff down to a sane amount. Blessings, friends! --Romeena

March 23, 2014 - Msg 97165: Yes, I rejoice with you John Masters...thanks for sharing.

I am just in awe of the way the Lord is moving in my family and how he is drawing my children to him. I see it with both Sean and Erin, and I share it to encourage all of us to prayer. We should pray always and not faint, as the bible says. So, we parents and grandparents need to take up that mantle of prayer and go to God for them in prayer.

Been a good, restful Sabbath. Hope you all had a good one, too.

Boo

PS-Good to know about the work that continues in Mongolia, Ro!
March 24, 2014 - Msg 97166: Lol! Kind of a weird thing to ask, Lucy. But yes, the children and I are still alive. Even after the wife came home. :D

Thank you for sharing, Boo.

Enjoyed your story as well, Romeena. Isn't it funny and amazing how God works sometimes. Actually, pretty much ALL the time.

-Sterling Holobyte
March 24, 2014 - Msg 97167:
Hi Porch! I dont want to scare anyone, but we really need to watch this Putin thing. If he goes after more it could indeed be fulfiling prophecy
about the bear out of the north. Keep you lamps full, and extra oil with you.
I hope you all had a good Sabbath. LUCY, good to see you here, as i read your off FB for a while.
RO--as you tackle those closets, think of the Monguls foraging after scraps of paper. It may
help make the job easier knowing that you will be sharing your "stuff" with others.
Prayers for Jerry, Susan and all,
MDC
March 24, 2014 - Msg 97168: You're absolutely right, MDC. The Old Testament is filled with prophecies, especially in Ezekiel, that refer to the land now known as Russia. If Russia invades Palestine one of these days, well, turn out the lights, the party's over.

Regarding the closet stuff - you're right. That's what has motivated me. As I bag up one thing after another, I'm encouraged by the idea that someone who needs those things, specifically clothing, will be glad to get them. I'm holding onto them because I "might wear them someday." Meantime, someone may be cold tonight, and needs these things. So, out they go! My church does not operate a clothing ministry, but the ARC of Texas will pick up on April 4, and they'll get them. That's the Association of Retarded Citizens. and they do a wonderful work. They assist people with developmental disabilities, giving them employment, and providing ongoing assistance in all areas of their lives.

Well, guess I'll hit the hay. Kinda tired this evening. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
March 24, 2014 - Msg 97169: A very good morning to you all!

Time to knuckle down to some border war research, but first I had to set a spell on the ol' Porch!

Ro, Boo - Simply put..... thank you. Prayers for Jerry and Susan.

Lucy - Hey Lucy! Havent shouted at you in awhile! Good to see you again!

MDC - Putin is an arrogant and egotistical cuss, isn't he! I agree with you. He starts flexing muscle where he shouldn't and things are going to get VERY tense!

Good morning to G-F,Sterling,Possum,Maude,Howie and those Porch members that we might get Barney to put out an APB for! A blessed and healthy day to you all! Will try to sneak back and see if anyone got up breakfast!

John Masters


March 24, 2014 - Msg 97170: John Masters,.... I'm still waiting on that warmer weather you said is coming my way... Guess it's slow like the postal service? NASCAR fans better call the body shop guys, this week is Martinsville, a lot of bumpin' and scraping will go on for sure and the shops will be busy afterwards but it all back together.

TOM you doing Ok? Have not heard from you lately...

Romeena, I did buy my seeds for this year yesterday, wonder if I'll ever be able to use them maybe just by getting them Mother Nature may take the hint? Her cousin "Old Man Winter" is hangin' tough this year!

G-F....
March 24, 2014 - Msg 97171: Hi All.
HE GRANTS WHAT IS THE BEST

We build our future plans and hopes
Upon the transient life.
And then once the bubble bursts,
Our day is filled with strife;
Could we not learn to trust in him,
Seek what He knows is best;
Commit our ways unto His care,
Trust Him for daily rest.
What blessings will await us!
He grants what is the best.

TOM

March 24, 2014 - Msg 97172: Ro, we have a great shelter for the homeless in Corpus called Good Samaritan Rescue and I like to gather up clothes and take them over there. It is a nice feeling to be able to get rid of the excess and bless someone else with it. It is a good motivator to de-clutter things. :)

You're welcome John Masters.

Cool and rainy here today. I am doing laundry but might just grab a good book and read for awhile. Hope you all are having a blessed day.

Boo

PS-Thanks for the poem, TOM!
March 24, 2014 - Msg 97173: Good morning, porch! Tom, there you are! I was wondering about you, just about to request an APB, and here you are. As usual, you have a poem that meets our needs, and we thank you for that. I hope you're staying warm. It won't be long now before we're hoping you stay cool. Change is in the air. The mesquite trees haven't leafed out yet, so anything can still happen, but it's coming.

Yes, Vladimir Putin scares me. His eyes are like ice, and there is no mercy or kindness in them. He could be very dangerous. He doesn't say much, but when he does, you have the impression he means it. Our "leader" puffs and blows and vacillates, and runs around drawing "lines in the sand", like the bully Opie faced down. Putin is physically tough and strong, and engages in martial arts to relax, while our hero plays golf and recoils like a girl when watching a martial arts competition. Oh yes, we could be in big trouble. You back these things up with the prophecies concerning "the bear from the north", and it's pretty scary. There are times when I'm glad I'm old.

Well, got a lot to do today. I won't get a third of it done, but tomorrow is another day. Blessings, friends! --Romeena