May 10, 2014 - Msg 97834: Congrats to Patrick, Big Maude! And I'm hoping that everything turns out well for Bentley,Ro.

Y'all have a good evening-love to all!

*************
possum u.a.r.
May 10, 2014 - Msg 97835: Like the pollen isn't bad enough-here I go stirring dust up sweeping the Porch!

possum again
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97836:
GF, ASA, SPOT--Jeff Gordon takes it! mdc
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97837:
Oh, and RO, you can by florescents in "daylight" color. They are bright, and not that terrible color. We have "daylights" in our bathroom.
As for the bulbs, I too have a whole closet ful.
100 watt...only 5 bucks each! ha
MDC
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97838: Hooray! Bentley is home! He's wearing the lampshade collar, of course, to keep him from botherng his sutures, but he's home! The vet said he was doing so well, there was no reason to keep him there, when he would be so much happier at home. He'll be pampered and very well cared for, naturally, so why not? I am so glad. Now, we're just waiting for the pathology report. Please, Lord, let it be benign!

I'm off to bed. My fruit salad to take to Eloise's tomorrow is all made, and in the fridge. I'm taking green beans as well, but all I have to do is open the cans. Those "Glory" brand green beans are so good, I've had people ask me for the recipe when I've taken them to church dinners!

Part of the low voltage yard lights are out. I hope the transformer isn't blown, those things are expensive. It may be, though. Guess I'll have to call Ted on Monday. Dadburn it, seems like there's always something. A home can just nickel-and-dime you to death, sometimes. The thing is, those lights aren't just for "pretty", though they are that. Their main function is security. Oh well.

I'm off to bed. Preachin' comes early in the morning. Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97839: HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all the Porch Mom's, may you enjoy YOUR day you've earned it. Just how much you ask?....http://www.salary.com/mom-paycheck/ but In most cases Mom would say: "Paid in Full" I suppose. Let is remember our Mom's in both honor & spirit. Lord knows I miss my Moms wisdom and her strong spirit...

MDC thanks for the race update, it's good to see multiple winners this year, maybe the new format is going to be ok, at least if you win 1 race you can be in the chase.

TOM, have you been getting some of this good weather? Have not heard much from you so I reckon your happy to have some warm weather too....

Well better run, I have to get started on the food for my MIL she's coming over for the meal after church. Baked chicken, mashed taters, corn, rolls (she must have rolls)! Hopefully it will be better than the food she gets at the Nursing Home.
Also, I need to get out there and feed my squirrelly dependents too. I'm sure they are out there waiting for their peanuts & corn... As long as "Duke" doesn't swoop down and kick them out... haha

Enjoy your day folks....

G-F...
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97840: That's great news, Ro! Praying all turns out well with Bentley's report.

Hey to G-F & thank you for the Mother's Day well wishes!

Yes, I also wish all the Porch Mamas a Happy Mother's Day!

Good Sabbath,all!

*******************
possum under a rock
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97841: Happy Mother's Day to all the porch moms. :)

So happy to hear about Patrick graduating, Maude! You must be so proud of all his hard work and dedication to his studies. "His education was worth every penny".

I have a few friends this year that have children graduating from college, and here I am with a 12 year old! Why did I wait so long to have children? ;) Sean is 19 but with his learning disabilities, he has a mental block about going to college. Hopefully that will change.

Glad to here that Sir Bentley is home with his family, recovering. He will be much happier there and will probably heal better with all the love and attention. Still praying for a good report.

I have had some kind of flu that Erin brought home from school and didn't go to preachin' this morning. I swear, I cant wait till Erin is out for the summer. She picks up some kind of bug every two weeks, without fail, and sometimes it goes through the whole family.

Boo
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97842: Good Sabbath porch and happy Mothers Day to all our porch moms. You are all so special. My Mom went home to the Lord some 36 years ago and I still miss her dearly. May the good Lord bless all you wonderful Moms everywhere.

Sorry you're ailing Boo. I hope you get feeling better soon and are able to enjoy the day. Maybe you have a touch of the pip. Don't know what the pip is, but you could have it.

Glad Bentley is back home and doing so well Romeena. And continued prayers for a good report.

And congrats to Maude and her Patrick for that milestone. Good job.

I took my Daughter's out to breakfast yesterday for Mothers Day. They are both young Mothers and good ones at that. And they are raising my Grandkids so by golley, they are doing important work. I love them dearly and support them anyway I can.

Well better get ready for preaching. I hope Gomers snoring doesn't keep me awake.

Prayers for all.

Asa
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97843:
Possum...I was watching the beverly hillbillies today, and they were having a Possum Festival!
You would have made a great Possum Queen! ha
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all our porch moms!!!
mdc
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97844: Thanks, Asa. Its not the pip...I don't think so anyway. All I know is I am coughing a lot and doing some wheezing...is that the pip? ;)

You're a good dad, Asa.

Thanks for the mother's day wish, MDC. I am about to head over to visit my mom.

Boo
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97845: Boo & Asa, I think Gladys Knight had a few pips... If I recall....G-F
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97846: Happy Mothers Day to all...had a great time with my mom and pop...Miss Marthas two grown kids and grandkids came over...all in all a good day...Im back here at work for the night then off the next 3 days...praying the rain will hold off till about wed so garden can get planted...anyone else planted yet?..hey Boo,possu,MDC(good race last night),Asa..and all...well let me get some reports ran...Romeena good pic on FB !..SPOT
May 11, 2014 - Msg 97847: Ha, MDC! I've seen the "Possum Festival" episode of "The Beverly Hillbillies"- boy,was that a hoot!

Well, at least I'm the Possum Queen of the Porch-LOL

Hope everyone had a nice day,especially all the Porch mamas. My day was nice.
Goodnight, Mayberry..

*******************
possum under a rock
May 12, 2014 - Msg 97848: We defy the mafia! (:
May 12, 2014 - Msg 97849:
With all this talk about possums, I would like to add my two cents worth.
http://www.hillbillycrackpot.com/how-to-catch-and-cook-a-possum/
Be sure to read the blog and the comments.

from Poor Horatio
May 12, 2014 - Msg 97850: Hahaha! PH, I just read that link, including the comments, and it's hilarious! I couldn't believe how many people were taking it seriously. You know, there are some people that you just can't kid. Satire is totally lost on them, and all they do is provide you with one more thing to laugh about. Now and then I'll get an email "forward" from someone who is all indignant and agitated about an article they've read, and they're ready to pick up torches and pitchforks and go after somebody. When it sounds too ludicrous to be true, it usually is. When I check it out, it usually turns out to be from "The Onion", which of course is a satirical publication. Masterfully done, but satire nevertheless. The sad thing is, things have gone so far with our government today, that we read articles like that and find them easy to believe.

As for the possum thing, while it is true that some people do eat them, and there are basic "recipes" for their preparation, I'm one Southerner (yes, Texas qualifies as southern) who has never eaten possum, and isn't likely to do so. Eddie, the man who mows my yard, says he grew up poor, in the country, and his mama used to cook possum whenever she could get one and didn't have anything else. He says he has eaten it, but didn't like it - only ate it if he was hungry enough. I think I'd have to be awfully hungry. For that matter, I'm not eating frog, turtle, rabbit, squirrel, and definitely not snake. Again, I hate to think how hungry I'd have to be before eating anything like that.

Bentley was at Eloise's yesterday, for Mother's Day. He's on pain pills, and you could tell. His eyes were glassy, and he seemed a little confused, but he got up and went outside twice to potty. The rest of the time he just lay on his big old pillow. Toye Starr seemed to understand, and after checking him out at first, she left him alone and let him rest. He hasn't been eating, but Eloise had roasted a beef tenderloin, (delicious!!) and when offered some bites of that, he decided that was too good to refuse. So, our dog ate tenderloin yesterday. There are people who wouldn't understand, I know, but then they've never met sweet Bentley. Anyone in that house yesterday would have given him their own portion, if necessary. So now, we're just waiting for the pathology report. I'm very hopeful, because even if the report comes back malignant, there's still the possibility that they removed all of it when they removed his spleen. The vet did explore his abdomen very carefully, and said he could not see any evidence of other tumors. So, we wait and pray. Yes, he's a dog, but he's a family member nevertheless, and he is much loved.

Blessings, folks. --Romeena
May 12, 2014 - Msg 97851: Good one PH, but thinking of a possum cookin' in a pot makes me kinda sad, it would remind me of our possum. So I'll stick with Charlene's fish muttle & hog back.

Hope you Mothers had a GREAT day yesterday, you all deserved it! Even Sterling, he's a Mr. Mom a lot of the time too, so I hope he at least got some beef jerky!

Poor Bentley, hope his reports come back clear... Yep Romeena your last sentence is sooo true!

G-F....
May 12, 2014 - Msg 97852: Happy Monday porch and a belated Happy Mothers Day to all the Mom's on our porch.

We made it home safely from Cookeville yesterday afternoon. The graduation went well and Patrick graduated with honors. He will be home for the summer and then back to Cookeville in August to begin grad school. He thinks he may be doing research in the biomedical field. something about
working with a company who makes the devices for joint replacements for knees, hands, fingers and such. Not sure I understand it completely but guess those companies need mechanical engineers too.

Beth will be a college junior in the fall. where does the time go.

a lovely sunny day today on my end of the porch.

Prayers for Boo, hope you feel better soon.
Prayers for Bentley. Hope all is well.
We boarded our dog, Belle at the vets while we were gone. She was a happy camper when Beth picked her up this morning. She is well taken care of there but does not like to be away from home and her family.

well back to work. Lunch menu will be: bologna sandwiches, chips, pickles. Little Debbie oatmeal cream pies. tea or lemonade to drink.

prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude
May 12, 2014 - Msg 97853: IthinkIhaveheardenoughtalkaboutcookingpossums!

LOL

*****************************
possum in hiding under a rock
May 12, 2014 - Msg 97854: Well, I don't blame you one bit, Possum. I think I'd hide too, with all this talk going on.

We have had some wonderful weather today. It was lightly cloudy this morning, but early in the afternoon, it really got dark, and then the rain came. Lots of it. Very little wind, occasional thunderclaps and a little lightning, but nothing violent. Just rain. Thank you, Lord! Right now, it's 5:30 and so dark that the back yard lights are on, at least some of them are. The rest went out last night, and I still don't know what's wrong. That's an exploration that will have to wait. I suspect the transformer for that line went out - it's ten years old - and those rascals are pricey.

No word yet on Bentley's pathology report. Still hoping and praying for a benign report....

I had to leave the keyboard for about a half hour, and now we're getting a bit more lightning, I think I'll shut the computer down for now. Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97855:
Yes Possum, you better hide, I saw GF with his pointy stick, and he was talking to Ernest T Bass! haha
RO--I have been meaning to tell you how neat it is that you teach that ESL "class."
I put the word in quotes because, from your talk of it, it is really not a class per se, but a fun time. And it sounds like these folks are willing to learn English, and all its idioms, etc, like Andy's line..."I'm all ears."
ALL- it is heating back up on this end again...100 by Thursday!
Maudie--congrats to Patrick!
Well, night all,
Prayers,
MDC
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97856: Good evening, porch. I'm on my way to the ironing board, since it's about 1:30 a.m. I just can't seem to get over my "night shift" sleep pattern. You do something for 17 years, it's hard to change.

Thanks, MDC. I really do enjoy it, and I think my little group does, as well. We just sort of "free range" and I let them lead me into whatever they're interested in learning. They're such kind and pleasant folks, very easy to like. I really hope they're learning something, and I think they are. At least they keep coming back.

Well, I'm getting sleepy, so maybe I should go on to bed. Toye Starr would definitely agree. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97857: Morning all. Up and at em!

Just popping in to get an update on Bentley. Still no report it looks like. Prayers continue.

Don't fret Possum. I wouldn't let no one cook you for dinner. Although if GF should invite you over for a "bite to eat", you may wanna take a rain check. Just sayin..... :)

Glad you're home safe and sound Big Maude. I always look forward to your menus.

Well I best get going. I have a major repair to do today on a sprinkler line. Lots of digging to do to get to it, all by hand. I hope my back is up to it.

Prayers for all.

Asa
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97858: Asa, Be sure you take your Aleve did you get it back yet? ha! Per Possums message #97853 I am abiding to her request ;).......

Beautiful day here on my end of the porch this morning, we had a bad storm last night, lightning, thunder, rain, tornado warnings, the full deal!! But with morning comes, peace and splendor refreshing everything... And no Giraffes were injured in the process!

So, I got my tea, birds & squirrels are fed, time to sit out on my porch on my rocker listen to some music and work on my "Be Still" lesson...
(Sorry Asa, but if it is any consolation I will think of you digging your holes)....

Have a Great day Folks..... G-F
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97859: Morning porch, a beautiful day on my end of the porch.

My work day has gone down hill this morning. I
had every hour scheduled from 9 am til 5pm and as soon as I came in folks started calling to cancel.
Most of them are sick with the spring crud and one of them has to pick up her grand daugter from school. I haven't heard from my 11 or my 4 so maybe they will show up. I don't want them here if they are sick but days like this affect my bottom line. very frustrating!

continued prayers for BOO.
Hopefully we will hear from Bentley's pathology report soon.

lunch menu will be; chicken tacos with all the trimmings. tea or leomonade to drink. chocolate
layer cake with vanilla butter creme icing for dessert.

Prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97860: Hey y'all- Could use some prayers.. I'm fine,so is Laci. I have two loved ones facing serious health challenges and I'm asking on their behalf. God knows them,so if you would,just pray and send up positive healing thoughts.

Thanks,and it is much appreciated,friends.

*******************
possum under a rock
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97861: Good morning, porch! Still no word on Bentley. Those pathology reports can take time, especially when there's a weekend involved. I thinking we'll hear today, or surely by tomorrow. Thank you all for being so concerned. For my family, and for me, his illness is a very, very big deal. Just check my Facebook page, and look at the picture of him hugging David. He's a very loving feller! In the picture of him napping with Toye Starr, he was actually awake part of the time, but since she was sleeping with her little head on his paw, he never moved a muscle until she woke up.

Asa, I'm sorry you're having to dig today. That's not going to do your back any good. I think your employer should provide you with a helper, some kid with a strong back, to do things like that. It would be economical for them in the long run, if it keeps you from having to be off work. You have the skill, experience and expertise - the know-how - and the kid would have the muscle. You could be a good, financially sound combination. It's definitely not the best use of your abilities, to have you digging holes.

Big Maude, that must be very frustrating, to have a bunch of cancellations like that. Does it happen often, or is this unusual?

This weather is weird! We had more storms in this area last night, high winds and hail in some places, and more rain. The wind blew pretty hard here, but I haven't seen any damage, at least not in the back. I haven't been out front yet. We had no hail, but the temp is now 58°, and it's getting a bit chilly in this house! However, I refuse to switch back to the furnace, in the middle of May, for cryin' out loud! It's still very cloudy, and looks like it could rain again. As far as I'm concerned - let 'er rip! We definitely need it.

Well, guess I'd better get the day started. I slept late, was up until nearly four this morning. Oh well, who cares? Certainly I don't! Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97862: You bet, Possum. God doesn't need names, He knows them already. Will be praying for your loved ones. --Romeena
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97863: You got em Possum. Prayers on the way.

I need you for my boss Romeena. I like your logic. Sadly, logic never seems to be considered. But my situation ain't to bad. I had a co-worker come give me some help. And I appreciated it. This pipe was a 2 inch, buried about 2 feet deep, with two more pipes laying on top of it. That meant digging a much larger hole to get to everything. But we got it, cemented in the repair parts and now I can turn it on tomorrow to check for leaks. I'm giving that cement every opportunity to cure right. (Do I get a big 10-4 GF) But thanks for your concern Romeena. The back doesn't feel to bad. I tried to be careful.

Prayers continue for Bentley to get a good report.

Asa
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97864: 10-4 Asa! That's right, but don't forget, cleanliness is next to godliness too. Just as long as you have clean pipe to start, you're good to go....

It reminds me waay back when I started my job, I was working with a (I'm being careful here haha!) an "old" guy who showed me the "bread trick" on a pipe we could not get to stop leaking so we could solder it. I still remember the look on the residents face when I was told to ask her for a slice of bread. She asked me if I wanted some peanut butter on it too. I said: "I'm just doing what I'm told". I thought it was a rookie hazing trick but when he showed me the trick I knew from that time on I better pay attention to what he showed me. AND I DID!! My Dad pulled those pranks on new guys at the station, sending the guys off to borrow a left handed monkey wrench or a 14" tube stretcher and such. The guys would say: You must be the new guy up at the Pure station right?
Just curious, none of the other stations ever wanted to borrow any balloons from our "balloon machine" haha....

Thanks again Asa for another memory flash-back...

All joking aside, Prayers for Possum's family and Bentley too, I know the waiting is tough.

G-F....
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97865: OK, I can't stand it. What was the slice of bread for? I have the nagging idea that I've heard this before - maybe from you - but can't remember, so I have to ask. I guess there are tricks in any trade. I've showed many new young nurses how to crush a pill to powder, mix it with a tiny bit of pudding, then stir in water, enough to make it thin enough to push with a syringe through a feeding tube. Many pills are not water-soluble, and when crushed will only float on top of any water, therefore being impossible to draw up and push through a tube. To an old gal like me, who knows every good gravy starts with a good roux, the solution was obvious, but the kids usually have never eaten gravy (lest they gain an ounce) and certainly don't know how to make it.

Still no word on Bentley. David spoke with the vet and they said it could be as late as Friday before we hear. I hate this waiting! Bentley is still moping, mostly lies on the couch or on his big old pillow-bed, but he did get up to bark this morning when someone rang their doorbell. He's got a belly full of staples, and he's sore! No wonder he keeps still as much as he can. He's still eating very poorly, but that will pick up when he finishes the antibiotic. Keflex often kills the appetite. Poor puppy!

Well, I'm wondering what to have for supper. I really need to go to the grocery store. Maybe I'll go tomorrow after the ESL class. Oh, speaking of that, for tomorrow I've made up a list of some American slang expressions to teach them. Things like "from the get-go", "wet behind the ears" and "get your act together." Can you think of any others that might be confusing to someone from another culture? I'll be teaching them how to say it in English, and the literal translation in Spanish, and of course - what it really means. They love practical things like that.

Well, guess I'll go check the pantry again, and see if anything interesting has appeared. If not, there's always soup. I keep a lot of that on hand.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97866: Thanks for the prayers,y'all. I do believe things are looking better-prayer works!

Much love!

possum again
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97867: Haha Romeena, This is a prime example as you also stated, why we should listen to our elders when we were young. Now that we are in that place those youngins' need to listen to us Amen?...

Here it goes about the "bread trick", sometimes when soldering some water stays in the pipe or the valve doesn't completely shut off. That little bit of water drips on the joint you are trying to solder cooling it off before the seal is made. You put the bread inside the pipe and it absorbs that little bit of water giving you a few seconds to make the solder joint. Then it dissolves and you blow the junk out at the closest faucet. They also make plugs that do the same thing, why pay $ when plain old white bread does the trick.... Now if that was salt risen bread I don't know if that would work, you could try a Mr. Cookie bar too, but then you would not have any lunch...haha (come to think of it, if I remember correctly, I wished she had put some peanut butter on it because I hadn't had my lunch yet)

G-F and to all a good night!
May 13, 2014 - Msg 97868: Asa, Come to think of it, I think you have to demonstrate the "bread trick" in order to get your plumbers license haha....(creative engineering 101)...

And now I'm really going to bed....
May 14, 2014 - Msg 97869:
ROMEENA--here is a visual of the trick. I also learnt it
from a plumber years ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eu_2I4uQHM

Possum--prayers, you bet!

ASA-- I hate it when i have to fix my 3/4 inch pvc sprinler pipes about 8 inches down, so I feel for ya brother!!

GF--I bet your pop sent a few on a snipe hunt too! haha

MDC
May 14, 2014 - Msg 97870: lol MDC, that would be Correct!....He tried that one on me, them darn snipe are really hard to find! Especially the red bellied lake loom type!
I shoulda had Ernest T. Bass show me how to do it..ha! (he was to busy out looking for a mocking bird)

Going to Cracker Barrel to meet my friend for lunch today, I suspect it's going to be a long lodge meeting.

Possum, glad to hear things are getting better, we put the prayer on a "fast track" is why...

G-F...

May 14, 2014 - Msg 97871: By the way, if money is not an issue or if you are out of bread try a "Shark Bite".. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcG3ifHZKjM They work too but why spend the $$..

G-F again
May 14, 2014 - Msg 97872: Morning all.

Yea buddy GF. Have used the bread method a time or three. And I love those sharkbite fittings. Was hard to believe they would work the first time I tried one, but it sure enough did. Granted they are pricey, but at times they are the only way to fly. I have a concern about one of my joints I cemented yesterday. Was still dribbling water out of it a bit after several hours, so I went and bought some "wet/dry cement" that the supply house assured me will work. So we will see. I ain't buried nothing yet until I pressure it and make sure.
Did you get bitten on going and checking the coolant level on the radiator on the volkswagon? I did. Boy, was I ever nave!

By golly Romeena, I keep getting on here and hoping to here good news on Bentley. Y'all are still in my prayers. Same for you Possum. Glad to hear things are looking better.

Well have fun at the barrel GF. I have to go to a staff meeting in Salt Lake today, and there is a C.B right on the way home. So I might just end up in one of those myself around lunch time. I'll hoist a rootbeer in cheers to you buddy.

MDC, we are supposed to be pushing 80 this weekend, so I suspect that will be putting you near or in triple digits. Better have the old a/c ready for the season.

Hope you are doing better Boo. Sure do miss you not being here so much. Please check in when you can.

Prayers for all for a blessed day.

Asa
May 14, 2014 - Msg 97873: Oop's, I mean hoping to HEAR good news on Bentley.

Asa
May 14, 2014 - Msg 97874: Good morning, all. Just got a sec - ESL class this morning. I was thinking about what I said earlier about teaching them some American "slang." It occurs to me that the things I'm about to teach them are not really slang. They're more like colloquial expressions. The difference is hard to pin down, but there is a difference. Hmm. When I have more time, I'll explore that a little. I love language stuff! I'm a total dunce in math. You get above arithmetic, up there in the stratosphere where it's called "math" and I'm lost.

Thanks, Asa. I'm still waiting too. As soon as I hear anything, I'll post it, be sure of that. The prayers and concern expressed by you good folks are much appreciated. I just wish you could know Bentley. He's a very unusual feller. To be such a big old marshmallow all his life, just a love sponge, and then to emit that scary, guttural snarling growl and go for the guy who tried to follow Brittney into the house? Wow! He took a rib-bruising kick for it, and was scrambling back to his feet when the guy slammed the door and ran. Bentley saved Brittney that day, no question about it. She calls him her "knight."

Well, gotta run. See you folks this evening. Blessings! --Romeena
May 14, 2014 - Msg 97875: Yes Asa, I KNEW you were one of my kind haha.. I did get sent to the parts store for a water pump for a 65 Volkswagen. The guy told me they were out of them and they would be in the second Tuesday of next week..ha!
By the way, when my joints act up I just put some Absorbine Jr. on them! Matter of fact both of my thumbs are pretty sore today so I may have to try some of my advise.

G-F....
May 14, 2014 - Msg 97876: Yea patrick....hey yall...well got just a little more planting to do in garden....48 pepper plants...26 mater plants....peas,cukes,squash,beans,okra...back in a bit....prayers...SPOT
May 14, 2014 - Msg 97877: Good afternoon, porch. Taught my class this morning, then had fun with all the strange expressions. Then Eloise and I went to Braum's and had a really good hamburger, then I got a little grocery shopping done. It was about time. Last night I had a can of Ranch style beans for dinner, because I was out of soup!

Wow, Spot! You make me hungry with all the talk of the wonders you're growing in your garden. I love all veggies, and grew up with the fresh, home-grown kind, thanks to my grandpa. He always had a big garden, and there were always fresh vegetables on the table. In the winter, they came from the freezer, but originally they came from his garden. However, sometimes if the weather was right, he would get two plantings of some things. I remember one Christmas Day when my grandma sent me to the garden to pick fresh tomatoes to be sliced to go with Christmas dinner! Big old beautiful things, warm from the sun - as I recall, I ate one on the way back to the house. He would plant both sweet corn and field corn, because there was usually a cow to feed, and my horse liked the corn too. So we had sweet corn for us and field corn for the stock. That silly horse! I'd throw him an ear of corn, still in the shuck and with a little stalk left. He would put his hoof on the stalk part, and pull the shucks off with his teeth and eat them. Then he would actually nibble the corn kernels from the cob, very much like a person would do. Finally, he would eat the cob! That horse was a big old pet, and a born clown. I spent many, many happy hours with him.

Well, better go put the groceries away. That's my least favorite part, unless you count hauling them in out of the car. That's no fun, either. Still it has to be done, and there are no kids around to do it for me anymore. Oh well.

Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
May 14, 2014 - Msg 97878: Uh, that's "they had fun with all the strange expressions." Come to think of it, "then" sort of applies, because I had fun watching them try to figure some of it out. Once they knew what an expression meant, they'd say it over and over in English. Trust me, "wet behind the ears" and "get your act together" sound pretty funny in a very heavy Spanish accent, spoken by someone who looks completely confused. Like I said, we had fun. --Romeena
May 15, 2014 - Msg 97879: It's 11:30, and David just called. He's out of town, but the vet called him a little while ago with Bentley's report. Sadly, the tumor was malignant. The vet said David could take him to the animal specialty clinic here in Dallas, where they do have an oncology office, but he said they very likely would not be able to help. This is just like the situation I had with Sugarplum. Tumor in the spleen, not sure where it originated, and likely has spread. Sugar's had, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Bentley's has. For now, I'm going to keep hoping that they got all of it, though the odds are strongly against that. The problem is, these tumors don't arise in the spleen. The start somewhere else and spread, and the first place they get noticed is in the spleen. Still, where there's life, there's hope, and I refuse to give up on Bentley. We're going to get him over the surgery, and then just watch and wait, and hope he overcomes it. Prayers, please. --Romeena
May 15, 2014 - Msg 97880:
HI ALL, today is my dad's 96th birthday! For those on FB, I posted some photos there of his luncheon party today. You can also see some of the beautiful house. It was a great time and he was really good today!
I have been watching Leave it to Beaver on the ME-TV recently, and i got curious about what ever happened to the actress who played Miss Landers Sue Randall), his wisdom-filled teacher, and I was shocked to have found that she was a heavy smoker and died of lung cancer at age 49!! I guess sometimes it's best not to be so inqusitive!
Hey SPOT--sounds like good stuff.
ASA, GF--we are getting a new A/C unit next week.
Present one is 20 years old, and we had several problems with it last summer. We are getting a Rheem gaspak, 16 seer. i have heard good things about Rheems
Yes ASA, it will be in the 100s the next few days here!
Prayers for BOO.
RO-- next should be hyperboles...that baseball went a hundred miles!! haha
Prayers,
MDC

May 15, 2014 - Msg 97881: Good morning porch pals.

Romeena, I am so sorry to read that report concerning Bentley. I join you in prayers that they were able to remove it all and that he will have a full recovery. And I pray for you and your family during this trial. I have no doubt you all will get through it fine. I am so sorry.

Asa
May 15, 2014 - Msg 97882: THIS DANG COMUPTER!! My whole message just vanished now I have to start all over!
As I was saying, Sorry Romeena to hear of Bentleys report we will continue prayers of peace & hope for the situation.

MDC, Wow "96" years You Dad is truly one of the tough WW2 guys, hope he has a Great day! Also I'm glad you decided to "Call the Man" and not have Gomer work on your A/C. Sometimes you have to "bite the bullet" and spend some $ to save some $ money, Amen Asa? Because you don't want a problematic unit with the temp's you guys get for sure. That makes for a looong day!

G-F.....
May 15, 2014 - Msg 97883: I thought I'd better post the first part before it vanishes again! As I was saying... I'm off to get a few supplies for my Mayberry in the Midwest trip this weekend, it's suppose to be cool and some rain so I hope the weather prognosticators are wrong because a lot of the events are outside. Saturday night "Darling Boy" Rodney Dillard and his band will be performing at the park along with his sister "Charlene" Maggie Peterson. I hope they don't do the songs that make ya cry it may be wet enough.. I'll try to represent the porch well and "Act like somebody" unless that "Party Possum" come out from under her rock and shows up. I hear she quite the party person at these events (I heard it from Floyd) ;).... Better run, my "Obama" squirrels are waiting on their corn hand-out.
Romeena, it was so funny yesterday one of them came to eat, he didn't even sit up he just layed down and buried his face in the food. I went inside to get my camera to get a picture but "Duke" the woodpicker chased him off the perch, guess he was having no part in his laziness...haha

G-F...
May 15, 2014 - Msg 97884:
RO--I think that we posted at the same time last night and i missed your message about Bentley.
So sorry. You bet, prayers for sure.
MDC
May 15, 2014 - Msg 97885: Howdy porch.

MDC I was so upset when I read about Bentley, I neglected to wish your dear Dad a happy birthday. Bless his heart. Tell him thank you for me for all he and his generation did for us.

Have fun in Indiana GF. Here's a smashed penny for safe travels.

Well I just got back from my cardiologist. I had my one year follow-up from the ablation I had last year. He said everything looks great and I don't need to go back for a year. Thank you Lord, and thank you all for your prayers.

Asa
May 15, 2014 - Msg 97886: Happy Birthday to MDC's dad, and my heartfelt gratitude for all he did. We owe our freedom to him and his generation. Please, God, don't let us waste it or let it be taken from us. --Romeena
May 15, 2014 - Msg 97887: Sounds good, Asa. Glad your checkup was normal. --Romeena
May 16, 2014 - Msg 97888:
Prayers for BOO. I worry about that girl. She
gets so many things. Boo, please get inarculated
before going back to nursing. Lord (and RO) knows
what you can catch there!! (:
MDC
May 16, 2014 - Msg 97889: Well gang garden planted...had plenty of rain...now need a little sun and away we go I hope..hey MDC,Romeena,asa,possum....well here at work...busy...back for lunch...anybody cooking?...SPOT
May 16, 2014 - Msg 97890: Happy Friday porch! Hope all is well

Taking the day off to celebrate Beth's 20 th birthday! We are going to have a Mom/daughter day.

The sun is bright today but kinda cool temps.

Lunch menu for today: steak Sandwhiches , Slaw, French fries. Birthday cake and ice cream. Tea, lemonade .

Prayers all around.

Big Maudeu
May 16, 2014 - Msg 97891: good morning, porch! It's an absolutely gorgeous day here. Temp is 63°, light breeze, beautiful clear blue sky, the kind that shows up airplane trails like skywriting. The critters are out in numbers, lots of traffic out back. I love it! It's just a never-ending show, as seen from my window.

There's another clutch of young sparrows out there. Evidently their breeding cycle isn't universally timed, as this is at least the third wave of little birds that have appeared around the big tree, over a period of about a month. This group is a little bit older, by a couple of days apparently, than the other groups, because the babies aren't begging. Maybe once in a while, but they're not insistent. Mostly they're trying to learn to fly. It's just so funny to watch them. They're so cute, with their stubby little tails, and short wings. I guess the location is ideal, because every spring, multiple families appear, with the youngsters climbing up the cottonwood tree, and fluttering to the ground, over and over. The tree is big, and has a convenient branch at about six feet that provides a platform for them, and then there's soft grass below, and usually a pile of seeds on a flat stone, as well. I'm thinking that some of the parents who brought their babies here this year may have been the babies last year, and they returned to the spot. Whatever the story, the show is wonderful.

I'm impulsive by nature, and I know it, so I usually try to stop and think something through before I commit. However, when it came to this window, the idea hit me one afternoon as I was peering through one of the two screened, small-paned sash windows that were originally there. I picked up the phone and called Ted, he said he had been wondering when I was going to think of that, and within about three days, I had my window. It's my window on beauty, nature, wildlife, weather, comedy shows put on by squirrels, and I wouldn't take a dollar and a quarter for it, believe me. I've had picture windows before, in other houses, but all I could see from them was the street! This one gives me a view into the world around me that's just priceless. I'm never bored.

I spent a lot of time by the window yesterday. It was the 18th anniversary of Dale's passing, and I was feeling a little melancholy. Concern for Bentley weighs heavy these days, too. However, instead of slumping in my chair, staring at some inane nonsense on TV, I spent a lot of time right here, watching the exuberance of the squirrels and the determined efforts of the little birds, and it was good medicine. The innocence, the joy, the evidence of life and the renewal of life - who could be sad, watching all that? God is good.

Blessings, porch! --Romeena
May 16, 2014 - Msg 97892: Good Friday Porch pals.

Gosh, that lunch sounds great Maude. Happy Birthday to Beth.

Romeena, I just love reading your posts about your backyard critters. I imagine yesterday was a bit of a bummer day. Glad you used it wisely and kept busy. Good on ya. And continued prayers.

Well I turned water on to my repair and found a fitting leaking. Rotten thing. So back in the hole to replace it. Glad I didn't bury it yet.

Asa
May 16, 2014 - Msg 97893: Thanks for the prayers and concern, everyone. I am doing better...it was some kind of flu I had, I think..took awhile to get rid of. My computer has been out for a few days after a bad thunderstorm here, so haven't been on here or facebook for awhile.

I am very sorry to hear the news about Bentley. Poor boy is sick, but he is lucky to have such a loving home and family. I'm sure they will make the months or years he has left happy ones.

Been trying to catch up on the housework around here after being sick. Mother's work is never done! Someday I might miss having a houseful to care for, though, and I try to remember that.

MDC, Sean has been getting a real education on dealing with difficult people and situations on his job. Things have been tough but he is hanging in there. Next month he will have been there a year and that is some kind of record for the position he holds. I'm proud of him and astounded that he is doing so well after all we went through just less than 2 years ago. He is grown up now and very responsible...no more issues with his health or stomach. He has grown taller and is down to 215 lbs from 245 a year and a half ago. I came across some old pics today of my dad when he was in his 20s and was so surprised to see how much Sean favored him. I never knew until now.

Well, better get back to it!

Boo
May 16, 2014 - Msg 97894: Aww, I'm sorry to hear about Bentley,Ro. Hoping & praying he will overcome this.

Happy Birthday to Maudie's Beth & Daddy MDC! Saw his pics on Facebook and he looks wonderful!

And glad you got a good ticker report,Asa!

Well,been a long day for this "Party Possum" (ha! G-F!) so better bid y'all fine folks a good evening-love to all!

*******************
possum under a rock
May 16, 2014 - Msg 97895: Hi, porch. I talked to David about an hour ago, and he said Bentley is feeling a bit better. He actually jumped up onto the bed himself today. Their bed is high, so that was quite a feat for him, with staples still in his belly and all. He gets those out, probably on Monday. He's eating a little bit better, too. As he recovers from the surgery and the blood loss he had prior to the surgery, I think he'll probably feel pretty well for a little while. Then, God willing, he'll go on as if this had never happened. If the thing has spread, then we'll lose him in a few weeks or months, but I'm just going to keep on praying that it has NOT spread!

Asa, I'm sorry the fitting was leaking. That's the sort of thing that makes you think evil thoughts! However, as you said, better to find it before it was buried, than to be looking for it later. Thanks for the kind words about my backyard descriptions. It all just makes me feel so happy, I want to share it. I've tried telling Toye Starr about it, but she's not particularly interested, the little twit.

Boo, I'm glad you're feeling better. Some of those bugs can really make you miserable. Sounds like things are going well for Sean. I was thinking about what you said earlier, how he's a little anxious about the idea of taking college courses. You're probably far ahead of me, but has he considered taking online courses? That way there's no pressure, he can work at his own pace, and he doesn't have to interact with a lot of people. Maybe at least a semester or two, to build his confidence?

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some dinner. Won't be much, I'm not very hungry. Toye Starr and I shared a bowl of popcorn about mid-afternoon, and it's surprising how that fills you up. I love popcorn, and so does Starr. I usually break a puff in two and give her half, and then there's a lot of elaborate chewing and crunching before she finally swallows it. She does the same thing with half a frito. Of course, when your lower jaw is less than an inch wide, I guess you don't have a lot of chewing power. She does love popcorn, though!

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
May 17, 2014 - Msg 97896: "five"
May 17, 2014 - Msg 97897: Trouble check.
May 17, 2014 - Msg 97898: Where is everyone? --Romeena
May 17, 2014 - Msg 97899: I dpnt know, but Im here, Ro...trying to type on seans laptop and not too good at it. I am right with you and have been trying to encourage sean to take an online course for months..no luck yet. I yhink it is a matter of time.

So Toye Starr likes popcorn?...bet that is cute to watch.
Boo
May 18, 2014 - Msg 97900:
I'm rightcheer! Just had a busy couple of days.
BOO- wow, a year of detailing. Yes, that is pretty darn good. So glad to hear that he is off those meds, losing weight, and maturing into a fine young man. Anything new in the girlfriend department?
ALL--Cecile and I don't go to many movies, but we did see Monuments Men tonight. It was pretty good. I have been more interested in WWII in recent years, and into trying to understand how delusional Hitler really was and thinking that he could basically steal all the world's artwork! Also, on PBS there has been a series called Nazi Super Weapons; and the money and slave labor that they used to try to build all of them is amazing! And, on this Armed Forces Day I again think of, and THANK all those "regular Joes" who helped to stop that crazy man's march thru Europe.
Well, God bless Friends. A good Sabbath to you all,
MDC
May 18, 2014 - Msg 97901: Hey Y'all- This is guaranteed to make ya smile,even if it is a rap song! Enjoy..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLQF01-AXVk&app=desktop

*******************
possum under a rock


May 18, 2014 - Msg 97902: Good morning, porch. I didn't make it to preaching this morning, sure do hate when that happens. No particular reason, just didn't sleep well (unusual for me) and didn't feel up to getting up when I should have. By the time I worked up the energy to get up, it was too late. Dirty me, dirty me, I'm disgusted with myself! Really.

I'm seriously considering going back to work. Not at the hospital, I just can't do that anymore. I have a friend who owns a home health agency though, and she said she could use me. I could set my own hours, take as many or as few clients as I wish, and the pay is decent. Actually, the hourly pay is the same as I was making at the hospital. I just wouldn't work as many hours. They pay for one hour per visit, which includes driving time, because the visit usually takes about 30-40 minutes. I'd stay here in Irving, wouldn't accept clients elsewhere. I can schedule the visits whenever I want them. With very little effort, I can pick up enough extra to keep my head above water. Right now, I'm treading pretty deep! Also, the nurse who runs it is a committed Christian, so the working environment would be welcoming. I worked with her on staff at the hospital a few years ago, and liked her very much. We got along quite well.

Hahaha! Remember my baby sparrows? Well, there's one more out there. He's as big as his parents, flies as well as they do, and is just simply not buying the story that he has to take care of himself now. He's following an adult bird - I presume it's his mother - all over the place. He assumes the squatting baby position, holds his wings out and vibrates his body, beak open wide. She just looks at him, doesn't feed him, but he doesn't give up. She flies, he follows, quite expertly. He's just refusing to grow up! Too funny. The things I see from this window!

Did I tell you all that there was no cottonwood this year? None. Saved me a bundle of money, not having to have the tree guy come and cut all that stuff out of the trees. One of those late freezes we had was timed perfectly. It froze the little buds that were forming on the trees, and they didn't make any more. Apparently they just have one shot at it, and if that fails, too bad. I wish I could order one of those freezes every year. Getting those trees de-cottoned is expensive, but I can't afford not to. The cotton just ruins everything, laying in ten-inch drifts in the flowerbeds, and then all those seeds sprout! Literally millions of little trees come up in the beds, and have to be pulled out. They're so thick that you can just grab a handful, when they're about two inches high, and pull out hundreds at a time. It's awful, I can't do it all myself, and end up spending as much on help to pull the sprouted trees as I would have paid to have the big trees stripped.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some lunch. Not really hungry. Maybe I'll just have some toast or something. Blessings, friends! --Romeena