January 01, 2016 - Msg 103539: Sterling, there is a resemblance, but it is definitely a different actress.
Yes, H A P P Y N E W Y E A R to all! (The ol' skip a space trick
from typing class of yesteryear!)
I think our dear REV would say to just give it all to Jesus! :)
Be safe, and since it's only 10 PM here, I can still say, "talk to ya all next year!" ha
MDC
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103540: No, Sterling, it's not just you. I've had that same impression every time I've watched that episode. They could easily be sisters.

It's a peaceful New Year's Eve here on my end of the porch as well. Nobody here but me and Toye Starr, just had a good little dinner, got to tidy up the kitchen a bit, then will settle down to watch the ball drop on TV, and marvel at the people who are out in cold weather and rivers of booze, pushing and shoving in the streets, and braving all manner of disaster. I guess my age is showing, but I'm happy to be here, safe and sound, and sober. Actually, I felt pretty much the same way when I was a child, as you can tell from this little snippet from a magazine article I wrote. The backstory is that my family had just returned home from a midnight service at our little church. Here it is: I can clearly remember lying in my bed, listening to the fireworks, and the horns from the cars still racing up and down the streets. I recall feeling so safe and secure, knowing that my parents were in the next room, sober and on loving terms with each other and the Lord.

All children should have memories like that, but sadly, so many in today's world do not. I thank God every day for my parents, and for the life they wove around me and my brother. We are the richer for it.

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103541: I guess I should have put a hyphen between the words tho.

January 01, 2016 - Msg 103542: Sterling, the actress you are speaking of is Peggy Mc Cay, she played Sharon DeSpain Andy's old flame. She is also on one of those "Soap Opera's" Days of our Lives. I got to meet her and got my picture made with her too. Yes, she is on my "Wall of Fame" in my Mayberry room too. She is a real nice lady, she even wore the cape she had on in the show. I too agree with the resemblance to Thelma Lou...

Well it's 2016... We can only hope & pray it' is a better year, but I guessing we better hang on, it's probably going to be a WILD ride!

Asa, I hope you get in some "Wheelertime" there Buddy!....

G-F..🎉
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103543: MDC, you mentioning REV reminds me of him having his "Hoppin' John" for New Years...G-F again..
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103544: SHAZAM!... My p.s. Is first sweep of the New Year!.....
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103545: Good morning, porch, and welcome to 2016! This is the year in which we have a chance to correct some of the grievous mistakes we've made recently, and with God's help, get our nation off this idiotic "politically correct" train to oblivion we've been riding for the past few years. I'm not going to get on my soapbox, on this first day of the new year, but you all know what I mean. It has gotten out of control, and we've got a chance to fix it, or at least begin fixing it. It's going to be a wild ride, indeed.

"If my people, who are called by name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land." II Chron. 7:14. Friends, there is such a wonderful promise in that scripture. The question is, do we believe it, and are we willing to do it? I hope so. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103546: Happy New Year folks! I updated the "Archives" page for the new year so I *think* I have everything ready to face 2016. May God bless you all in the year to come with happiness and joy....and a lot of Mayberry in your life.
--Floyd
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103547: Happy New Year, Porchsters! Get your Hoppin' John on!!

************
possum u.a.r.
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103548:
RIP Trapper John from M*A*S*H.
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103549: G F.
O S SWEEP N D WHAT DID UESD ON HIM.

TOM

January 01, 2016 - Msg 103550: Happy New Year, Porch family! What a blessing to see Mary Wiggins here again! Hope you are all well and blessed. I am finally getting over my cold but not completely. Went into work this evening and they sent me home. It wasn't busy and they said I still needed rest. I still sound pretty congested.

I am sitting here in front of a fire, watching some TAGS...cant beat that. It finally got cold enough this week for a fire and it is rainy now, too.

Thanks to all of you who were concerned for Ro and me here in Texas. I live on the coast and it is pretty rare to see a tornado here or have one touch down. I only know of one death from a tornado years ago at the college where my son attends. It was freak thing. We have hurricanes to be concerned about from time to time, but tornadoes don't like the coast.

New Year's Eve we just hung around here at home. Bruce took me to a Chinese place in town that we had not been to for dinner and it was no very good, unfortunately. I enjoyed getting out for the first time all week, though. After that, I just hung out by the fire in my pjs and enjoyed the evening. Ro, I loved your description of feeling safe as a child on new years. My childhood was mostly like that, too. My friends and I did usually shoot off some bottle rockets in the empty lot across the street, but my parents didn't go to parties or have them. Sometimes Dad was at the bar, but mom was always home. We got used to Dad being gone in the evening so it didn't seem to bother us. When he was home, he was awesome to us.

Im sorry I never got around to sending Christmas cards this year. Between the heart cath, being sick twice, Christmas and work, something had to give. I did enjoy getting cards from some of my church buddies, though! Thank you so much.

Boo

PS-Asa, thank you for your card and message, and please no that you have been such a good friend and could never, ever have said anything here on the porch that would offend me or keep me away; quite the opposite. :)
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103551: That was supposed to say I enjoyed getting cards from my porch buddies, not church buddies! ha

Boo
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103552: Yep TOM, Ohio State played pretty good... Maybe MDC got a seat on the 50yd line?....H-F
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103553: G-F that is...
January 01, 2016 - Msg 103554: WILL LOOK LIKE SOME ONE CAN NOT SEE TO GOOD FROM DRING LAST NIGHT THREE DAY IN LAIL G-F


TOM

January 02, 2016 - Msg 103555: Yes, heard today that Wayne Rogers and Natalie Cole left us on this first day of the year. One never knows. Keep vigilant faith in 2016!
GF and TOM, being a mackerel snapper, I was torn who to root for! But OSU was definitely the better team on the field. And GF, I had the "same seat" as you...my wheeler! ha
BOO- good to see you. Please take care of your cold and get well! Prayers for you. BTW, I heard that WhataBurger was named the burger of the year! ha And, well, we're sort of like church buddies, besides porch buddies, arent we?.
RO-- my childhood was much the same. They did let us stay up til midnite (if we could make it) and then bang on pots and pans outside the front door. And yes indeed, may 2016 bring us sound decent govt once again!
Love,
MDC

January 02, 2016 - Msg 103556: Hey to Floyd, happy new year to you too, and thanks for all you do to keep the porch well-maintained!! :)

January 03, 2016 - Msg 103557: Good Sabbath to all!
January 03, 2016 - Msg 103558: Busy here at work at 2:30 am....whew send foor lol SPOT
January 03, 2016 - Msg 103559: Hi All
Will G-F look like it snowing there
and the brown are doing bad?

TOM

January 03, 2016 - Msg 103560: Did anyone else see the Oregon/TCU game last night? We were watching it here because Brittney is a TCU grad. What a cliff-hanger! It was quite a game. I normally don't follow college ball much at all, but that game was something! --Romeena
January 03, 2016 - Msg 103561: It was made all the more interesting because TCU's quarterback pulled tht dumb stunt, swung on a police officer after a bar fight and found himself suspended from the bowl game. TCU was down 31-0 at the half, and ended up winning the game, after going into a third overtime period. Poor Oregon just didn't know what happened. --Romeena
January 03, 2016 - Msg 103562: Yep TOM, the Browns lost to the Steelers, they fired their coach and GM..... Same story just a different year!.. But I think they get the first draft pick tho. Sooo they can spend it on another QB flop.... When will I hey ever learn!.. And Yes, we are getting our first snow fall of the season, but it is only a dusting, so "Joe" will stay in the garage...

G-F 🌨
January 03, 2016 - Msg 103563: Good evening all.

I didn't see the game Ro, but I heard about it. What a come back. Reminds me of 30 years ago, BYU was playing SMU in the Holiday Bowl, and SMU was up something like 42 to 25 with about 4 minutes left in the game. All of a sudden
January 03, 2016 - Msg 103564: Whoops, hit the wrong key. All of a sudden BYU came to life and won the game on a last second hail Mary pass from Jim McMahon. Wild finish.

Good to see you Boo. Get feeling better.

Yea GF and Tom, Them Browns are cleaning house again. Seems to me they need to invest in a quality coach and then give the poor chap some time to get things working. Pretty hard to turn things around in 1 or 2 years. Lot's of surprises today. The Pats lose two in a row, lose home field, and may have lost Brady. And MDC, What happened to the Cards? That one shocked me, at least the score did. Should be an interesting play-off month. Black Monday tomorrow. A lot of coaches are going to be looking for meat cutting jobs.

Well GF, Glad you are only getting a dusting. Our last dusting was 4 inches deep. I declare, I don't know why I listen to weathermen. In fact I don't. I just watch the weather girl on our local station, and that's only because she is easy on the eyes. ;)

Well off to the ironing board. Off work until Tuesday. I can dig that!

Asa
January 03, 2016 - Msg 103565: tsk, tsk ASA, did you hear ANYthing the weather girl SAID? haha
Yup, Cards were really off their game today. Arians was not a happy camper for sure! Here come the playoffs, and there go the coaches! TOM and GF, looks like the Browns hit a new low! :(
RO--I missed that game as well but sure sounds like it was good.
Our stadium is sure getting a workout here however!
I hope you all had good New Year's Day! Ours was nice, and we also rededicated our lives to the Lord and recited the verse that RO mentioned.
Am writing my congressmen and senators this week telling them to DO something and to act like somebody!! :) I hate the excuse, Oh we have a lame duck, ...so what, congress can still pass things!!
OK, Happy 2016 here we go...
MDC
January 04, 2016 - Msg 103566: Wow what a past few days of football ! congtats for a comeback TCU !Hey MDC,TOM,Romeena,possum,asa,GF,Boo and all...well im here at work for my last night shift for a few months !..Mrs SPOT glad of that...ok let me get some reports ran...prayres to all..got cheese and crackers if anybody is still up ....SPOT
January 04, 2016 - Msg 103567: Enjoy your days off, Asa.
We were hoping for another hail Mary miracle from Aaron Rodgers, but alas, it was not to be. Though some claim that Green Bay didn't really want to win this one so that Minnesota can get taken out by Seattle and GB won't have to play them again.
...Or that could just be rationalizing talk in case the Packers lost to the Vikings today, which they did. Whatever the case, sure was an interesting game though.


Kai had some post-Christmas vacation jitters today about going back to school. She seemed to be in much better spirits though tonight after going for a walk. I am praying it holds.

Cheese and crackers sounds like it would hit the spot, Spot. :-) I always loved that stuff they call cheese that comes out of the can. Or do you use real cheese?

Hope everyone has a good week.

-Sterling Holobyte


January 04, 2016 - Msg 103568: Good Monday morning all. This is the way to start a Monday, firmly planted in my "Wheeler". But I have to run a few errands here in a bit so I better not get to comfy. I want to stay close to the phone in case one of those head coaching jobs in the NFL are for me. I am available if the price is right. :)

Now Sterling, you, of all people, coming from cheese head land, can't possibly call that stuff that come from a can cheese, can you? lol. I think the Packers got the better deal in the play-offs though. I think I'd much rather be facing the Redskins than the Seahawks. But losing the last two regular season games like that might be warping their phsykee. The Pats are in the same boat.

Well MDC, I must admit, I don't recall anything the weather girl said. :)

Well better get moving before I become glued to this chair of mine.

Asa
January 04, 2016 - Msg 103569: GOOD DAY.
G-F GO see if you can be the New Coach for the Brown
Asa Stop eyeing the weather girl or some one is going hitd you on the head with a pan.

TOM

January 04, 2016 - Msg 103570: Ouch! (:
January 04, 2016 - Msg 103571: I think the Browns need to call 1-800-URBAN-MEYER or 1-800-NICK-SABAN to get some "Real" coaches..
But then again, those guys are smart guys, they may know better!...lol...
Johnny Football just needs to be taken out back to the real woodshed, Nick & Urban know how to deal with football diva's... Sometimes Ya just to Nip them in the Bud!...

G-F 🏈

January 04, 2016 - Msg 103572: No not Nip them in the Bud
Real Cut them on the money that may help
them and the some for coaches for every games lust!

TOM
January 04, 2016 - Msg 103573: YOU GOT IT TOM!!!... In the real world if you don't do your job you don't get paid!... Maybe if the lose money for every loss, then when you win you get paid!... I think you are missing your calling TOM maybe instead of being the Sheriff or Mayor, you should be the Coach!.... Yep,....Coach TOM it has a ring to it.

Whatta ya say Gang? Coach TOM?...👍
"Will you help us?"...... G-F
January 04, 2016 - Msg 103574:
Asa, speaking of weather girls, check out our Wanda, the Weather Bunny at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhmkP3q0fhk

from Poor Horatio
January 04, 2016 - Msg 103575: NO

SHERI TOM

January 05, 2016 - Msg 103576: GF--I think Sheriff Tom has a better ring to it than Coach Tom! ha
Our Cards have a bye week to re-group, watch film, and hopefully learn from their mistakes!
PH--that was pretty funny!
By the way, for those of you who get the "Antenna TV" channel, they are now running full eps of the Johnny Carson Tonite Show. Last nite I was literally ROTFL with Don Rickles, (AKA Monroe).
Hope all are doing OK as 2016 begins its run. And don't forget when writing checks...2016! ha
We are getting lots of rain right now, which is fine as we really need it. I love it! Should all be passed thru for the NC game that is coming up soon.
Prayers for all,
MDC
January 05, 2016 - Msg 103577: I guess the Sherrif has spoken... I don't blame him who would want those headaches anyway... Sherrif TOM it is..
MDC I caught that Johnny Carson show on Antenna TV too, Don along with Michael Landon too...
GF...
January 05, 2016 - Msg 103578: Good morning all. Back to work for me. When the alarm went off this morning, I really didn't want to get up. But as I lay their in bed, I thought how blessed I am to have the health to be able to work, and blessed with a good job with good folks to work with. Asa, I said, Count your blessings by golly!

Fun clip PH. Romeena sent me an e-mail yesterday that mentioned all the things your body does in 24 hours. One of those things is you blink something like 28,000 times in 24 hours to help lubricate your eyes. Well I am glad the weather girl only gets about 5 minutes to do her report on tv, because I am pretty sure I don't blink in them 5 minutes. I hate to miss even a nano second. I guess that's why my eyes are all dried up and hurting when the weather report ends. :)

Yea GF, Sheriff Tom has a much better ring to it than Coach.

We are supposed to hit 34 for a high today. First time in almost 2 weeks we will be above freezing. Break out the sunscreen! lol

Prayers for all for a safe and enjoyable day.

Asa
January 05, 2016 - Msg 103579: This kinda says it ALL.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Ozhosn0Yk&sns=em
January 05, 2016 - Msg 103580: LOL That link had to come from GF. Gosh that woman has a beautiful voice, doesn't she?

Asa
January 05, 2016 - Msg 103581: That was cute, but did you notice the way she said "offensive"? ha
GF--on that tonite show, it looked like after a while Johhny was getting a little peeved at Don. Did you pick up on that? Funny how I notice something like that now.
BTW, ME-TV started Mama's Family. Sorry, that is one show that just grates on me like fingernails on a chalkboard! But they are doing a nice tribute to Wayne Rogers this week, so i'll cut them some slack.
ASA-- well, I guess a ringing alarm is better than YOU ringing doorbells! ha Hang in there buddy, just a few more leaky valves and busted parking lot lights to go until you can hang up the ol' toolbelt! Actually, i may go BACK to work part time soon. After 3 years there is basically no restriction on what I can make. Recently saw a job for a paid helper inside of the airport terminal. I think that would be an interesting job.
I heard that Meadowlark Lemmon died recently. He was a very good man and will be missed.
Well, hope we hear from MAUDIE and others as we begin the new year! praise the Lord,
MDC
January 06, 2016 - Msg 103582: Good evening, porch! Boy, what a day. At 8:45 a.m. a big old dump truck backed up into my driveway and dumped four yards of compost/soil. That is a lot of dirt! Joe and Jorge were here, with shovels and a wheelbarrow, and by 11:45, all the compost had been transported to the back yard and spread in the three largest flowerbeds and one small one. The main bed, which is walled and raised, about 25'x12', had sunk so much, we put at least 10" of soil in it. The guys handled the dirt, I just went around with my clippers, pruning things, potted up some amaryllis bulbs, and decided where the guys should plant about 150 other assorted bulbs - daffodils, tulips, iris, anemones, daylilies, surprise lilies and a few others. Spring should be pretty and colorful around here! We built these beds almost twelve years ago, and hadn't added soil since, so it was high time. Joe is coming back to finish a few things in the morning, we just ran out of time and he had to beat the traffic, since he lives an hour's drive from here, when the traffic is light! At rush hour, it's impossible. I love a day like this, but I'm tired!

Well, guess I'll turn in. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
January 06, 2016 - Msg 103583: Oh, I forgot to mention that we are in our second full day of rain here, but that's fine, we need it so badly! Should all be gone for the Nat. Champship game on Monday
MDC

January 06, 2016 - Msg 103584: Oh, hey to Romeena, planting her amenities! ha
January 06, 2016 - Msg 103585: Oh, Mary the county nurse ep was on tonight. My was she easy on the eyes!
January 06, 2016 - Msg 103586: I've always loved Don Rickles, especially when he would be on The Tonight Show. Johnny and Don could really seem to get into it at times, but you just know that they were good friends.

But MDC, you didn't just say something negative about Mama's Family, did you?!! One of my all-time favorite shows?! I must now unfriend you(if I was on Facebook). ;-)
Oh well, to each his own. Don't know why, but I just love that show. Could be partly because Mama kind of reminds me of my own mother. A little less cantankerous maybe... ok, a lot less cantankerous, but still.

I don't suppose any of you use that slow-cooker recipe book by Cathy Mitchell that they are always showing on tv. The "5 ingredients or less slow cooker dump meals" one.
On a lark after seeing the commercial a number of times, I decided to go and buy some of the ingredients for the smothered pork to try and make it, thinking that SOMEONE somewhere on the internet has tried it and posted the full recipe. I have searched, but to no avail.
I know I should buy the book, but I am making this stuff tomorrow morning, and I know they put the rice in with the pork chops in the slow cooker, but I don't know if you are supposed to add the regular amount of water to it for the rice or do something else. They use a can of cream of mushroom soup, but I don't think that is enough liquid to cook the rice properly.
It always looks so good on the commercial, that's why I wanted to try it. If nobody knows, I will just wing it. I think I have most of it down.

There seems to be Spring fever on the porch lately(plant-wise and pretty girl-wise), and here it isn't even the middle of January.

Have a great night everyone!

-Sterling Holobyte


January 06, 2016 - Msg 103587: Hey, Sterling. You didn't ask for advice, but I'm old, so I'll offer some anyway. On that pork/rice dish - I'd follow the recipe as given. You can always taste it toward the end of the cooking time and add a little water if the rice is still too firm. Be adventurous! --Romeena
January 06, 2016 - Msg 103588: Sorry Sterling, I have to agree with MDC, never been a fan of "Momma's Family".... Better listen to Romeena, in the world of cooking, she's a Giant!...

By the way, I like hearing Romeena's gardening stories, us here in the North don't have much to look forward to in that area. But my parsley is still going strong. I brought it inside and I am using a plant light to keep it going thru the winter. Matter of fact, I think I'll harvest some today it is getting (as the Donald says:) HUGE!...lol

G-F....
January 06, 2016 - Msg 103589: That's ok, G-F. You two both love TAGS, so you can't be all bad. ;-)

Romeena, I'd always welcome your advice.
For the rice, I just used the typical formula as far as how much water to add.

Hey, for those of you who have a Roku player, I found a channel last night called "Super Eight Memories" and it has a couple of short home movies with Andy Griffith in them. Like most Super 8 home movies of the time, they are choppy, unsteady, and without sound, but it is definitely Andy in them. They must have been taken in the 70's because they have that 70's "look" to them.
I don't know where the clips came from, and I don't recognize anyone else in them, other than Andy.
But if you have a Roku player and like watching other people's choppy home movies, check it out.

-Sterling Holobyte
January 07, 2016 - Msg 103590: Morning all.

Ro, adventure cooking. Is that like adventure sleeping? Cooking on an ironing board? :)

So how did your dish turn out Sterling? I am always interested in easy crock pot ideas.

It rained here yesterday and last night. Rain? In January? Very rare for us, but I'll take it. They say it is snowing above 6,000 ft, so our mountains are getting hammered with a wet heavy snow. Just what we need for water. Thank you Lord.

Well the second season starts this weekend (the play-offs). Should be some interesting games for sure.

Better get crackin. Lots to do today.

Asa
January 07, 2016 - Msg 103591: Good morning, porch. It's chilly here at 50°, wet and drippy outside. We had rain last night, looks like we could get more today. However, the forecast is for high 60s and sunshine by late afternoon. I guess we'll see. Then next week it looks like highs in the 50s and lows down to near-freezing, with intermittent rainy days. Texas weather! Who knows? --Romeena


January 07, 2016 - Msg 103592: I just read that Donna Douglas (Ellie May Clampett) passed away on New Years Day. I sure enjoyed her character.

Asa
January 07, 2016 - Msg 103593: Asa, That was January 1st of last year that she passed away.
She and Betty Lynn had a autograph session at the Andy Griffith Museum earlier that year.... G-F
January 07, 2016 - Msg 103594: Here is a link to those pictures... G-F

https://en-gb.facebook.com/mayberrydaysfestival/posts/10151730258453972
January 07, 2016 - Msg 103595: Oh my GF. I am behind my times. I do remember it now that you say it. I am always a day late and a dollar short though. Oh well.

Asa
January 07, 2016 - Msg 103596: Don't worry Asa, it happens to all us HVAC guys, after you changed hundreds of filters and fix tons of leaks they all look the same...If you are like me, you remember things right up to the point where you forget!... I think Yogi said that a time or two also...lol.
Naaw, you are a day early and a dollar saved in the world of preventive maintenance Buddy!...G-F
January 08, 2016 - Msg 103597: Well, we are in our third day of rain here in the Phx area, but we need it so badly!! It was one of those all day light rains yesterday. Today it was more off and on, but that's ok too because all the NC game festivities are indoors at our convention ctr, and the game itself will be in our domed stadium.
I saw an ACE Hardware ad today that had a "squirrel-proof" bird feeder in it. Funny thing is, we have no squirrels here!! Must be a natioanl promotion. One time it had snow shovels in their ad. Fine for Flagstaff, but PHX?? haha
BOO, MAUDIE, PH, LUCY and others, hope you are all doing OK.
ASA--our Cards get a bye, and also hope Seattle gets a "bye-bye!" ha
All is well on my end of the porch.
Prayers,
MDC
January 08, 2016 - Msg 103598: OH, I was thinking of getting that crock-pot dump meal book too STERLing. Let me know if your meal went well. mdc
January 08, 2016 - Msg 103599: You fellers who do a lot of cooking at home - those "dump cake and casserole" books are really helpful. The recipes are very simple, almost fail-proof, and they're good! I recommend them! --Romeena
January 08, 2016 - Msg 103600: Well we got rid of Miss SPOT"s Sebring and bit the (bullet) lol Bought her a new 2016 Toyota Camry !.. nice car..my everyday driver is a toyota tacoma I have my one ton 4 door dully to pully the camper..gas 454 in it...whew drinks the gas...but my little Toyota PU is a dandy...hope this car is a good one..well rain back here in Ga..cool weather also...Hey MDC,Boo,ph,luch,asa possum well let me get busy here at work.. I hope this is the year..RETIREMENT!...will be 36 yrs in august...may go another year...not a bad job...ok..let me figure out lunch...prayers...SPOT
January 08, 2016 - Msg 103601: Hey Spot. I have a Tacoma also. Just love it. It's become a "garage queen" though. When my wife had to retire I started driving the Liberty for my everyday driver and the Tacoma sees very little action. I bought it brand spanking new in 2001 (first time I ever have done that) and I still don't have 50,000 miles on it. It still had the original factory tires on it until last fall when it failed a State inspection. And they only failed it because they were so old. I think the law is a tire over 8 years old has to fail no matter what the tread depth is.

GF, maybe I have just been sniffing to many of them coil cleaning chemicals. Or oldtimers has caught up to me.

MDC, Yea, them Seahawks are peaking at the right time it seems. Could be very dangerous. But they are playing in some cold temps in Vikingland on Sunday. That could be an equalizer for the Vikings.

Hey Ro, thanks for the recommendation on the cook books. The Food Network just started their "Worst cooks in America series last week. I should be on it. I qualify. lol

Well I best get. I hope Spot comes up with something good for lunch. I am hungrier than an old buzzard.

Asa
January 08, 2016 - Msg 103602: Asa, MDC, and the rest(à la Gilligan's Island first season title credits), I thought the crock pot smothered pork chops turned out great! And I am not that big on pork chops, either. But these were tender and fell apart when you'd stick a fork in them, so you know that's a good sign.
Even Noah said to me, "This meat is yummy!" And you can't get any better compliment than that.
The rice was a little mushy, but still tasty. And surprisingly, it got a little firmer nearer the bottom of the crock pot. Not too firm that it made it crunchy, but just enough to retain more of its shape.
I definitely will be buying that book, because I want to try a lot more of those meals. But I am going to check to see if they sell it at our Walmart first before I buy it through the mail. They tend to have a lot of those "as seen on tv" things.

Good luck with the new Toyota, Spot! We used to have a Toyota Highlander that my wife just loved. She still pines about it.

-Sterling Holobyte
January 08, 2016 - Msg 103603: SPOT, Was that new 2016 Toyota built in 2015?...lol. Could never figure how they could call it a "new" 2016 when it was build in 2015... Sorta faulse advertising if ya ask me!...
That's kinda like pickin your peaches before they get fuzzed up good...🍑
G-Ford 🚗
January 08, 2016 - Msg 103604: Ha yea G-ford had to be built in 2015 we bought it new years eve !..good one !Asa my little Tocoma is at 191,00 miles would drive anywhere ...well about done here at work get off at 10...SPOT
January 08, 2016 - Msg 103605: Good evening, porch. On the subject of good and dependable cars - my son has a Chevy Tahoe - not sure what year it is, but think it's about ten years old. It has 455,000+ miles on it! Yep, actual miles. It has never had a major engine overhaul or transmission replacement. New brakes, fuel pump, things like that, but a lot of the work he has done himself. I'd say at least 3/4 of the mileage would be highway miles. He's looking to replace it now, and just can't make up his mind to do it. The new ones are over $60k, and he's not about to do that. Is a puzzlement.

My pet car, my red Caddy, is a 2004, so 12 years old, and has just 86,000 miles on it. Not even considering trading it. Not gonna happen. --Romeena
January 09, 2016 - Msg 103606: Hey gang, GF--yup, I'd call that a clear case of falsifin'! ha
Speaking of cars and such, my Chevy truck is ten years old, and going good. Has about 150,000 on it!
Well, it looks like we will be getting a new Christmas tree. I just had to throw out our 11 year old tree, and--of course-- the warranty was for 10!! It is made by Barcana, a very good brand, made in Canada, and was very realistic looking, but as I was taking it down, two of the plastic 'discs' that hold up the rows of branches broke! I guess it was just plain old plastic fatigue. Some of our pool and patio stores still have their trees, which they sell during the winter months, on sale at 50% off, so we will be looking.
Well, the hype is up here for the big game on Monday, big fanfest stuff in downtown Phx. The rain has stopped and things are drying out. High for Sat and Sunday should be about 55.
Prayers for all ailing porchsters. Sure hope BOO is over her cold.
MDC
January 09, 2016 - Msg 103607: Oh STERLING, thanks for the cooking update!
January 09, 2016 - Msg 103608: Good morning, porch! MDC, can you still retrieve your tree? My tree is a Barcana also, purchased at the Noel Christmas Store in Dallas. I know the discs to which you refer! When my tree was two years old, one of those discs broke right in half, and a whole tier of limbs drooped until they were resting on the tier below them. I called Noel, and they told me to bring it in. They found another disc and replaced my broken one. My tree is snow-white throughout, and they had to use a disc from a green tree, which of course meant the disc is dark green, but I accepted that. Since my tree was under warranty, they would have ordered a white one, but it would have taken a few weeks, and I was ready to put the tree up! Anyway, what I'm getting at - they may be able to get you two new discs. You'd probably have to pay for them, but that would be a lot cheaper than a new tree. Those Barcana tree are not cheap! The only reason I have one is that my son bought it for me. Anyway, just a thought.

It's cold here, 40° right now, only expected to reach 42° today, with a low tonight of 27°! Now that's cold, for Texas! I have a few roses and even some irises blooming - guess I'll go cut them and make a little bouquet this afternoon. No point letting them just sit out there and freeze. My neighbor is sick, maybe I'll take them to her. There's lots of greenery to fill it out - nandina, iris swords, rose twigs, boxwood twigs - yep, I can make up a nice little bouquet! There's a rich, bright yellow rose, and a beautiful deep purple iris - that's a good combination. For background, there are still some Cinco de Mayo roses (russet, gold and orange mix in each bloom) and I think there's a big bright pink Gerbera daisy. Yep, I can make a nice little bouquet!

Boo, check in! Are you well? How about the kids, and Bruce? Let us hear from you!

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some lunch, and watch a little TV. There's so much that needs to be done around here, but I've given myself permission to ignore all of it today, and just relax. I may do a little writing later - or not. Just a lazy day! --Romeena
January 09, 2016 - Msg 103609: P.S. - In case you're wondering why I would accept a dark green limb holder disc for a white tree -- I didn't see it as a problem. I just got some white pearlized garland and puddled it around and over that disc, some little elves sit in the fluff, and it's quite pretty. No problem. --Romeena
January 09, 2016 - Msg 103610: Good afternoon all.

Romeena, when you mentioned $60,000 for a new Tahoe, I just about swallowed my gum. And I wasn't even chewing any. My goodness, that is 3 times more than I paid for our first house back in 1978. Crazy stuff.

Well I woke up with some gout pain in my left foot this morning. Stinking stuff. So I dosed up on the colcrys. I am thankful for that stuff. It usually takes it out in a day or two.

I have spent most of the morning getting all my 2015 paper work in order. Yea buddy, It's a fun day. Now I am going to kick back and watch some football. Should be some dandy games.

Later taters.

Asa
January 09, 2016 - Msg 103611: GO STREELERS

January 09, 2016 - Msg 103612: Good evening, porch. Asa, sorry about the gout attack. Hope you can "nip it in the bud." About the Tahoe, that $60k price is for a pretty basic model, too. If you want any of the cool extras, it's a lot more. He looked at one that was $77k, but of course, was just looking. No way he would pay that much for a car. I think what they'll do is buy a pre-owned one with low mileage, and his wife, Brittney, may drive it. He would then take her Tahoe (they have two, about a year apart in age, I think) and drive it for work. Hers has about 200k on it, and the inside is in better shape.

When I said I wasn't even considering trading my car, I meant it. I don't care if it's 12 years old. It's still a good-looking car, not a scratch or a dent on it, and only 86,000 miles. With that big NorthStar engine, it's barely broken in. It uses about 1/3 qt of oil between changes, which I do faithfully just before 3,000 miles. There are no drips on the garage floor, so it's just burning a little when the engine is running. The mechanic at the dealership and my local mechanic both say that's nothing to worry about.

I think 2005 was the last of the big, roomy, comfortable Sedan deVilles. After that, they started getting much smaller, lighter, small interior, no leg room, etc. You can't buy a big car like that anymore. Eloise has a 2014 and I think she likes my car better. So do I. I plan to keep that car, keep it in good repair and take care of it, and drive it until I have to give up my keys. It gets 17 miles/gallon in town, and up to 26 on the highway. I've said before, and it's true - if I were to win some lottery, and have tons of money at my disposal, I would take that car and a blank check to the dealership, with very simple instructions - "Make it like new." My kids call it my pet car, and I guess they're right.

Well, guess I'll go hunt up some supper. Not very hungry, and I've got some fruit, so maybe fruit and some cheese and crackers will do it. Sounds like a plan! Blessings, porch. --Romeena
January 09, 2016 - Msg 103613: I hear you Ro. You get something you like, and the new stuff isn't as good, you don't want to give it up.

I was just reading that Pat Harrington (Schneider on One Day at a Time) passed away a few days ago. And this time I checked the year. 2016. I enjoyed his character in that show. I just got to thinking about it. I don't know that I have ever seen that show on any of the old tv stations. I have never seen Lou Grant or Trapper John shows either. I kind of liked those shows when they were on.

Well I think I'll take my sore foot/ankle to bed. It sure is odd how this gets more tender at night. Weird stuff.

Hey GF, You had any reason to fire up the new machine yet?

Asa
January 09, 2016 - Msg 103614: Nope, not yet Asa, the most snow we had was 1" but it is suppose to get much colder starting tomorrow into next week but "they" say lake effect snows... So we shall see 👀 ...
By the way, my 2005 Focus is still going strong too, had to replace a rear wheel bearing last week, the complete drum and bearing assembly cost less than having a new bearing pressed in the old drum....Go Figure!...

I have been working on my stained glass hobby again, haven't done it for awhile. I think making those clothes racks for the GrandKidders for Christmas sorta got me back in the creative mood again... Man does not live by Wheelers alone...lol

G-F...(so far TOM's Steelers are beating the "other" Ohio team)...15-7