July 25, 2016 - Msg 105357: A Happy Belated birthday to you, Romeena! Sounds like a good one. I have never had Babe's but maybe someday we can go together.

Asa, I find it dreadful that there are two of us here on the porch who have had friends murdered in the last few months. Times are getting rough. I feel as you do, that God is the final judge of our actions, and while I believe God is love, I also think as the scripture says, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God a person are wicked and evil. If you think about it, divine justice can be a really scary thing.

Well, it was HOT here today so it was hot at work. Bruce took off today because we got about 40 truck loads of dirt delivered. We have to cover this sand with some rich soil before we plant the grass seed. He has been spending hours spreading it with the tractor. He got it for 40.00 a load from a construction site instead of paying 400.00 a load, as some people around her are asking. Crazy. It is neat to see real dirt out there for a change, instead of sand. We should be able to get the sprinkler system in in the next two weeks, I hope.

Hope you all have a good night and a great day tomorrow.

Boo


July 25, 2016 - Msg 105358: Happy birthday Romeena !..and is the heat on here in Ga..high 90"s and storms every day hello possum on your trop !..see pics on FB hey Boo,To, asa,PH, and all ok back to read archives ...rain here now ..SPOT

July 26, 2016 - Msg 105359: We both slept until noon today! Then came theunpacking and laundry, LOTS of laundry. And to paraphrase Gomer, we were
tired as dogs, but had loved every minute of it! Up the California coast as far Santa Barbara. Just read the archives, and no, GF, we didnt see any of the fires, but the air was smoky in some areas.
And it was actually kinda warm there too. The marine layer of foggy mornings was not there, but was still much cooler than Phx. Another week of 110s ahead here. and no kitty to greet us when we got home, but were doing OK.
Hey to pappabear. Glad you have been able to visit more. Hang in there, prayers for you bro.
I still believe that the current world happenings have increased since the scotus decision last June, and given us the terrible choices fo who will 'lead' our country..
Lord help us.
Sterling, prayers for Kia in Clorado.
Well, it is good to sleep in my own bed again, and I'm a headin there directly! :)
MDC

July 26, 2016 - Msg 105360: Hey Boo... You may have to change the Funny Farm to to Green Acres...lol Hopefully it will grow green and strong.
What kind of grass do you use that holds up to the heat down there in S. Texas?

G-F
July 26, 2016 - Msg 105361: happy birthday romena spot i know what you mean about it being hot today i saw a dog chasing a cat it was so hot they was walking instead of running after each other mdc are you using rocks and doing laundry in the pond if you run across a still let me know i will tell otis have a great day pappa bear
July 27, 2016 - Msg 105362: Good morning all.

Boo, I have been thinking the same thing about us. We have both been deeply and closely affected by murders recently. The world is indeed a dark and dreary place at times. I know I have thought how easily that could have been me who was abducted. It has raised my awareness of my surroundings a lot for sure. I hope you and your family are coping with all of this ok.

GF, How's that garden doing? I picked my first two tomatoes yesterday and had them with my supper. Dee-lish-us for sure.

Glad you are back home safe and sound MDC. We hit 104 here yesterday. Plenty hot for sure.

Spot, send us some of that rain buddy. We can sure use it.

Well back to work today after a 4 day weekend. I have a staff meeting in Salt Lake this morning, and then my Manager is retiring this month and he is having a farewell gathering this afternoon, so I will be going to that. So that is going to pretty much take care of my day.

Prayers for all for a good and safe day today.

Asa
July 27, 2016 - Msg 105363: Well Asa, my container plants are doing ok, I had some green beans, lettuce and peppers already. As far as the tomatoes they are still small, I had to deal with "blossom end rot" so I added some lime to the soil, that is what they say is the problem "calcium deficiency" ... As far as my in ground garden, not so much thanks to the groundhog. I think I took care of him due to the smell coming from my storage barn.... I gave him 2 weeks of trapping him but that didn't work, so I had to use plan "B"....(Juicy Fruit gum and poison pellets)... So I can least say I tried to give him a chance to Act Like Somebody...lol

G-F
July 27, 2016 - Msg 105364: gf- some ground hogs just cant be civilised asa- you are right everyone needs to be aware at all times of there surroundings being an old soldier i know simple thing like going to bank coming out thinking what you got to do or in parking lot loading car can get us in trouble gf- have you tried some calcium pills melted in water on your plants have a great day pappa bear
July 27, 2016 - Msg 105365: Papa Bear... You are right about them groundhogs, and yes I have heard about the calcium pill remedy too.
I just keep forgetting how they get starved for calcium, especially in potted plants as they get root bound...
G-F
July 27, 2016 - Msg 105366: gf- you could give them ground hogs some of emma watsons pills i just read where barney would have been 92 on july 21 wow what a talent pappa bear
July 27, 2016 - Msg 105367: Wonder if Romeena found something else to clean out?..where are ya, Ro?

Sure is hot here, but it is the end of July so no big surprise. Hope all of you are keeping cool.

Asa, I'll bet you are more aware of your surroundings. I think I would be..I feel like as horrible as all this has been, there is something redeemable if we can learn from it.

Well, have to get ready to take Erin and her friends to church youth meeting tonight. I am so sleepy but have to do it. I am hoping I sleep well tonight. I had one of those toss and turn kind of nights last night. I finally fell asleep and Sean woke me with this Tourette's, then I fell asleep and Bruce started snoring and I had to turn him over..it was a real circus. I would have rather slept on the ironing board!

Boo
July 27, 2016 - Msg 105368: Awwww. The poor little groundhog! I guess they can be a terrible nuisance (we don't have them around here) but I just hate to think about killing a critter, especially with poison. Terrible way to die. Good on you for at least trying to trap him - I'm assuming you mean a humane live trap, to relocate him. Sorry - you know me and critters. --Romeena
July 27, 2016 - Msg 105369: Oh, hi, Boo. Guess we were posting at the same time. No, I haven't found anything else to clean out, though there are a lot of drawers and some closets in the front bedrooms that could stand some attention. The biggest hurdle has been crossed though, with my bedroom and the Christmas room and the cabinet here in the office all clean and organized. That Landry is a wonder.

Yep, it's hot here, too. Hot and humid, and squadrons of mosquitoes. I don't remember the mosquitoes being so bad years ago, before all this landscaping went in. When it was just grass and a few trees and nothing else, I guess there was no place for them to live. Now, with lots and lots of shrubbery, flowerbeds packed with assorted vegetation, and a sprinkler system to keep it all hydrated, we DO have mosquitoes. Miserable little things. Of course, all that cover brings in the birds and critters as well, and that's the trade-off. I just love all the traffic out there. Always something to see. I've got so much lighting out there now that nothing moves in that yard without me seeing it. The lights are mostly colored, and very soft, so the animals aren't afraid to come in, but it's enough that I can see anything that moves. The last few nights, around 10:30, a very large raccoon has come lumbering through the yard. He explores the whole yard, and ends up sniffing around the feeding stones. I put about a pound of wrinkly grapes out there one evening, and he found them! That was one happy raccoon. He ate about half of them, and the next day, I watched an ecstatic little squirrel munching on the leftovers. Such fun! Right now, I've got eight doves enjoying a little pile of cracked corn.

Asa, does Utah have a concealed carry law? Can you carry a small pistol in your pocket, or in a concealed holster under your shirt? If so, it might not be a bad idea, especially if you have to be working alone in an isolated area very much. It's awful that we have to think like that, but it is what it is.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some supper. I've got some spaghetti and a jar of sauce, maybe I'll just have some very plain and simple spaghetti. I do have some good grated parmesan, should dress it up a little, and I've got some fresh basil growing in the yard. Also, I think I've got the oregano to swing it. Come to think of it, I think there are some frozen Swedish meatballs in the freezer! A handful of those simmered in the sauce would be great! Wow, this is sounding better and better. Come on by, and I'll make enough to share. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
July 27, 2016 - Msg 105370: Yes Romeena, the trap was a live catch one. I did feel bad about putting he poison out, but had to do something because I couldn't trap him... G-F
July 27, 2016 - Msg 105371: Thanks, G-F. Sorry, I don't mean to be critical, but I just hate poisons. Back in my "rat in the garage" days a few months ago, I finally gave in to my family's pressure and put some poison out for the rat. He had avoided all the traps I had put out. Would enter the live traps, steal the bait and leave without ever tripping the thing, yet it had a hair trigger. I just barely touched it with a stick and it slammed shut. He had to be jumping over the trigger plate. He would also get the bait from snaptraps without tripping them. A Houdini rat. Anyway, I finally put out some little poison pellets, and accidentally left the little bag of pellets nearby. He ignored the loose pellets, and hauled off the bag. Never did find it, and it didn't kill him, either. So now I have a bag of poison pellets on the premises, don't know where it is, and don't know what else is getting into it. That's why I hate poisons. Not only is it an awful way for the targeted animal to die, but it can so easily enter the food chain and get unintended victims. Still, what are you going to do? I decided that a better snap trap was the best choice, got four really good ones from an exterminator, and finally got the rat. Only problem was, it barely caught him by the nose, the poor thing carried the trap halfway across the garage, died under my car of suffocation, because his upper airway was crushed. Probably died of extreme pain as well. Makes me sad even now to think of what that poor miserable rat went through. I have no love of rats, but I didn't want to torture him. I just wanted him to go away! In your case, you're trying to grow a garden, and I know groundhogs can be terribly destructive to a garden. At least you tried a better way first, but it wouldn't work. You did what you had to do.

Blessings, porch! --Romeena
July 27, 2016 - Msg 105372: Ro, your back yard sounds wonderful with the lights and the wildlife! I'm so glad you have it to enjoy. I forgot to tell you the other day when you mentioned Crepe Myrtle, that I have one that never did very well because it was planted close to the house and got too much shade. Bruce transplanted it in the yard a few months ago and you should see that thing! It is gorgeous..full of dark red blooms. They like a lot of heat and sunshine. Only problem is that the cutter ants ate the leaves off the top of it. Sorry ants!

Ro, wish I could have had some spaghetti with you. I was so tired when I got home that I just ate a sandwich..boring but I was thankful for it. When it is so hot and I have to be at work in that heat all day, I just cant bear to cook. I was at the store yesterday and bought a bunch of frozen stuff the kids could easily prepare so it might be tv dinners tomorrow...I don't know how to cook a leg of lamb (Andy's favorite dish).

Think I will kick back for a bit and watch a little TAGS before bed..maybe do a little knitting.

Boo
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105373: BOO--it sounds like u were sleeping at the Darlings' house with the snoring and whatnot goings on! ha
Also, sounds like the AC in the state facility is still bad. Have u thought about calling your state senator or representative (at the state level?)
I bet if they came down, there would be some quick action!! You know me with my letters, etc, to such folks!
ME-TV currently has both Matlock and TAGS on their program schedule, and they have a real clever promo spot with the famous scene where Andy comes at Don Knotts with a ruler 'knife.' Apparently Don Knotts was a guest star on Matlock, and they re-did that scene! They cut from the tags scene to the Matlock scene back and forth. Well done. Here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSpxpV6jWvo
PAPPA bear-- good to see your posts. So pretty hot there too? So hot here that since I got back from Cal, the bird bath is more like a convention site! :) Very sustained highs of 110 or higher. Please pray for rain! We need LOTS of rain.
POSSum--Stay away from New Zealand!! I read that they want to get rid of all possums by 2040 there!! Yikes!
GF and ASA, be careful out there!
Jesus help us. Prayers,
MDC

July 28, 2016 - Msg 105374: Good very late evening, porch. Boo, I thank the Lord daily for my yard and my window. There's always something to see out there, some action from the critter traffic, and the landscaping is pretty, too. It's pretty in the daytime, and a whole different kind of pretty at night. The lighting is wonderful, and I have LED to thank for that. From where I'm sitting, I can see at least 40, maybe 50 lights. They shine through shrubbery, spotlight the fence at close intervals, highlight different areas in the central flowerbeds, spotlight a big old cedar stump that's very interesting, and provide enough background light and soft glow that I can see anything that moves out there.

All that, along with the lights that surround the house from the eaves and the focal lights out front, and it runs for about 40 cents a night. If those lights were all incandescent, my electric bill would be astronomical. As it is, my last bill was $146, and that's in Texas, in summer heat, and includes cooling 2700 sq ft. I don't even think twice about adding another light when I want to. LED is just so cheap to operate! The bulbs are expensive, but they last for years. When I had a few incandescent floodlights out there, I was replacing the bulbs about twice a year, and they weren't exactly cheap, either! So far, I have not had a single LED bulb to go out. You're right, I do get a lot of joy out of the yard and the lights, and am grateful.

MDC, that clip is hilarious! The same scent, just reworked a little bit to allow for it being two older men. Don't you know they had fun doing it for "Matlock"? Thanks for sharing it.

Well, guess I'll turn in. Joe is coming to finish weeding and putting down mulch tomorrow. With any luck, the mulch will eliminate these weeding sessions! I certainly hope so, it's getting expensive. I worked with him yesterday, and about wore myself out. I just can't work like I used to out there, but I surely would like to. I do what I can, but it's about half of what I used to do, maybe less than that. Oh well. I'm still vertical, and grateful for that. Blessings, all. --Romeena
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105375: I knew I should have proofread that! Make that "the same scene", not "the same scent." Drat. --Romeena
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105376: Romeena, I bet you yard sure looks neat at night too... I hear tell that the pilots flying into Love field use your place as a reference beacon for final approach....lol

MDC, that Andy & Don skit never gets old!...

Asa, if you take Romeena's advice and start to carry your "heater" be sure to stop by the hardware and get those new screws. A little bullet maintence wouldn't hurt either, haha!

G-F
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105377: good morning porch n0t much new this end of the porch think i will sit on my porch and sip on ice tea and watch the temperture rise can you believe july is almost gone have a great day pappa bear
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105378: Hey Y'all- Back home at my rock! One tired possum,but had a wonderful time.Will get caught up here on the Porch real soon. Y'all take care!

*************
possum u.a.r.
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105379: Good morning, porch! Yep, G-F, the yard is pretty at night, and come to think of it, I have noticed a lot of air traffic over the house at night! I had been wondering what caused that.

My friend Ted just left. He's such a good guy, I don't know what I'd do without him. He's the handyman, painter, minor electrician, minor plumber, remodeler, whatever guy. He can do just about anything, and equally important, he knows what he can't or shouldn't do and will say so, and will usually provide a reference to the proper licensed individual who will also do a good job. Anyway, last night only about half of my back yard lights were working. The sprinklers had run, and some plug-in connection out there isn't water-tight, and it trips the GFI. All my outside stuff is on GFIs. Annoying at times, but safer. The GFI was in a corner where the sunroom juts out past the rest of the house. It was about two feet off the ground, and had a water shield cover that falls down over the face of it. To reset it, I had to get on my knees (usually in the mud), hold a flashlight in one hand, and with the other try to hold that cover up and poke a screwdriver in past the plugged-in things and punch that little red button. I needed three hands! Meantime, the mosquitoes would have arrived at the banquet, and I would come in the house covered with bites, because I was usually out there in my nightgown! Last night, I said - no more! I called Ted, told him the problem, and he came this morning, and fixed it. He removed the old GFI, drilled a hole through the exterior wall and then the interior wall, coming out in the cabinet here in the office, and put the GFI there! Now, when it trips, I don't even have to go outside! Safer, and no mosquito bites. Can't beat a deal like that. Also, he taped up a questionable connection out there, so it may not trip anymore. If it does, no problem.

Welcome home, Possum. Glad you made it back safely, and so happy you had a good time. Everyone needs a little R&R now and then. When you get rested, maybe you'll tell us about your trip.

Well, guess I'll go round up some lunch. That spaghetti last night was pretty good, and there's some left, so that might be the way to go. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105380: best thing abouy tommorow is you domt have to do anything today pappa bear
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105381: Woohoo! I didn't have to eat leftover spaghetti. My son called and invited me to lunch. We went to a local diner that has great food, and I had some wonderful meatloaf, taters and gravy and green beans, and a slice of peanut butter pie. That place (PJ's) makes great meatloaf, even better than my mom used to make, and that's saying a lot. I have never been able to make a really good meatloaf, but PJ's has it whipped! Good!

Interesting story about the diner. There's another place in town called Joe's Coffee Shop, that's basically a diner. They make a good breakfast, a pretty good lunch and a fair-to-middlin' dinner. It's never been one of my favorite places. Anyway, it seems that the wait staff had some sort of falling-out with the owner, quit en masse and pooled their resources and bought a failed restaurant on the end of a little strip shopping center. They remodeled it and reopened it as PJ's, and it took off like gangbusters. The food is really good, like home cooking, and the whole staff is like a big family. Joe's still does a good breakfast trade, but lunch and dinner will find a lot of empty spots on their parking lot, while you have to circle to find a spot at PJ's. Ain't America great?

I hear a little nap calling me. I think I'll stretch out in my chair, get Toye Starr in my lap, and we'll just chill for a little while. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105382: Happy very, very belated Birthday, Romeena.
That meatloaf sounds great. I love meatloaf, though like you, I have never been able to make it like some restaurants I know. Enjoy your lunch!

Boo, I asked a while back, where Kai was in Colorado. Well, she is back home now, but she WAS in Denver. She had a great time, apparently. Showed me pictures she took on her phone of their trip up to the Rocky Mountains, and just other random pics of the place(like the view from her hotel room).
In August, she starts driving school, so everybody stay off the sidewalks if you come to Wisconsin. Nah, she'll do fine, hopefully. I still wish they did driver's ed in school here. It is going to cost over $300 for her instruction. Do any states still have driver's ed in public schools, or is that a thing of the past?

Well, better get supper started. Noah has Jiu-Jitsu tonight, so I have to make it a little early. He loves going to it, though. They call him "Grand Master" there.

-Sterling Holobyte
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105383: Afternoon All.

I have tried several meat loaf recipes Ro, and I haven't had much luck. The one I tried was really horrible. Swore I wouldn't try another. But I will probably give it another shot come winter.
Yes, Utah has a Concealed Weapons Permit law. I have one, but have not taken it to work. But that just may have to change I think. For a period, our company had a no weapons on property rule, but that has quietly changed I hear. Sad to think it has come to this.

MDC, Matlock has a lot of TAGS things in it, as well as former TAGS actors. I know Floyd did a TCNW episode that mentioned some of those parallels. Fun to watch.

Glad you are home safe Possum. Back to that humidity huh?

Is your cold better Boo? I know what you mean about this heat just wearing you down. We have been triple digit all week here.

Yessir GF, New screws for the gun and some bullet polish is on order. I'll even shine the backs of my shoes by golly. :)

I just watched the episode with Mr. Wheeler. I sure wish they could have written him in to be a full time character in the show. I thought he and Aunt Bea made a nice couple.

Well done for the day so off I go.

Asa
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105384: Sorry Boo, that should have read, "YOU asked a while back,..."
Don't know why I would ask you where Kai was. Unless I wanted to find out if you were psychic.

-SH
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105385: Hey Asa, you popped in there while I wasn't looking. Sorry about your co-worker, but glad you are safe.

-Sterling Holobyte
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105386: Well today my fantastic wife turns 55!All headed this way for a short cook out my mom and pop will be coming down all kids and grand kids well I better get this Grill lit ! prayers to all in need SPOT
July 28, 2016 - Msg 105387: Good evening, porch. Spot, it sounds like you're about to have a great family time. I'm so happy for you. You have earned, and deserve, these good times. God is good.

Asa, I'm glad you're giving some thought to carrying some protection. For the life of me, I can't understand the mentality of management or lawmakers who think you can solve the problem by declaring an area a "weapon-free zone." You might as well hang out a sign that says "Easy Crime Area." Anyone who would be willing to commit a crime in the first place, whatever it might be, from robbery to kidnapping, is not likely to be deterred by a sign that proclaims the area to be gun-free. It's ludicrous. There are signs all over the place around here, in both English and Spanish, declaring that weapons are not permitted in the place, be it restaurant, convenience store, shopping center, whatever. So picture this. Two thugs decide to hold up a convenience store, and arm themselves with a Glock, and an AK-47. They drive up, leave the car running, get out and approach the door, and "Uh-oh! There's that darned sign! If we carry these guns in there we'll be breaking the law. Oh well, guess we'll just give it up and go home." Yep, that's gonna happen.

Well, I just pulled a box in off the front porch, and it says it's from Harry & David, and contains fresh cherries! I already got a box of Harry & David's assorted nuts from my granddaughter, and now these cherries. H&D stuff is always so good, and is such a welcome gift. I don't know yet which kid or grandkid sent the cherries, but I'm about to find out, and then I'm going to combine some of them with a couple of slices of a good cheese I bought, and that will be dinner. Not as good as Spot's grilled meal, but not too shabby. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
July 29, 2016 - Msg 105388: HI ALL! SPOT--happy birthday to Mrs. Martha Spot!
The ol' double nickel eh! Oh, to be that age again! ha
Possum, you all rested up from 'Possum's Big Adventure' to Jackson Hole and points beyond, and a
wedding right? Hope it was a good trip.
ASA--I haven't seen many Matlock eps, but I have heard that there were many tags actors' guest appearances on it...all due to Andy.
Still dang HOT here, but it IS summer in July in Phoenix! 'Nuff said.
Well the conventions are over and now we get 3 months of you-know-what! ha Not sure about you all's areas, but in this great big city I have yet to see a single bumper sticker for
either candidate! Very interesting! ha
I wish almost all restaurants were '50s diners.
I still say thatt was one of the neatest decades in American history! RO, you were very fortunate to have grown up in that time period.
As Fonzie once said...I wish it was 1955 forever! :)
MDC
July 29, 2016 - Msg 105389: I couldn't agree more, MDC. It was a wonderful time to be a teenager. Yes, I even had a poodle skirt! --Romeena
July 29, 2016 - Msg 105390: happy birthday mrs spot mdc i agree back in the 50s diners served real food not filled with additives frozen and a dollar went somewhere drive ins 5 and dime lunch counters from 1955 to 1963 was the best sorry just got wrapped up in memory lane have a great day pappa bear
July 29, 2016 - Msg 105391: Good Friday morning y'all.

MDC, Andy sings a lot of songs on Matlock that he sung on TAGS. Last nights episode he was singing the Mule song while playing his banjo.

Happy Birthday to Martha. I hope you have a great one.

Sterling, wow, hard to believe Kai starts driving. If you don't have any gray hairs now, that's gonna change buddy. ;)

Surprisingly here I think I have seen more Bernie bumper stickers than shrillery or Trump. I am pretty sure the country has lost its collective mind.

We have had 12 days of triple digit temps here so far, with more expected today and tomorrow. Then we are supposed to see a mild cool down by Sunday. Might even get some rain. That would be a blessing for sure.

Juke boxes, Poodle skirts, Doo whap music. Sigh, what the heck has happened to us?

Asa
July 29, 2016 - Msg 105392: Happy birthday to Mrs. Spot!

Sterling, the only suggestion I could offer, as Kai approaches driving age, comes from experience with launching four young drivers. I'm going to tell you the truth. All four, within six months of getting their license, had an accident. All four. That's the bad news. The good news is that none of them were hurt, as the accidents weren't serious. The cars still ran. Looked a bit battered and tattered, but they ran, and we didn't fix them. We just let the next young driver inherit the dents along with the car. Our insur@nce was a bit expensive for a few years, but that resolved eventually.

The key, I think, is in providing them with a big, ugly, heavy, gas-guzzling car. No zippy little sporty job. Our older two drove a big old Buick Wildcat, and the younger two drove (horrors!) a big grey Lincoln Towncar. These cars were several years old when the kids got them, the Lincoln especially. It had belonged to my parents, and we took it over for the express purpose of being a "training car" for the kids.

Now, why those two cars? I'll tell you. First of all, they were definitely NOT "cool" cars. Therefore, their friends weren't eager to ride with our young drivers. For that matter, the young drivers weren't excited either, but it was drive that car or walk. So, that limited the number of kids they would have riding with them, reduced distractions and cut down on the number of people making suggestions about where to go and what to do. Also, while we did pay the insur@nce, (just liability, no coverage for the car, not worth it) the new driver was required to buy his or her own gasoline. Daddy did not fill up the car. (He did check the oil and kept it filled.) Being gas-guzzlers, gas was a pricey situation, and definitely limited the amount of driving done. The Wildcat wasn't too terrible, but the Lincoln got about nine miles to a gallon.

The third and most important advantage to the old cars was obvious when the inevitable accident happened. The cars were like tanks, big and solid and heavy, and the opposing car definitely got the worst of the accident. As I said, none of our kids were ever injured, not even slightly. So, go to a used car lot, buy some big, ugly land yacht (cheap), and tell Kai it's that or nothing. She'll roll her eyes, pout, flounce around, try to enlist Mama's help, and generally act like a typical teenager, but if she wants to drive, she'll come around, provided you stand your ground. If she does get Mama's help, you just keep emphasizing the safety issues, and don't give in. That's what happened around here, but after the first accident with the first kid, I had to admit the wisdom of Dale's plan.

Oh, one other thing. No one else was ever injured in their accidents, either. Two of them hit stationary objects, and the other two were slow-speed accidents, no injuries. Blessings! --Romeena
July 29, 2016 - Msg 105393:
This talk about weapons reminds me of something that happened some time ago. Do you folks remember when there were a few incidents involving postal workers who went ballistic and brought weapons to their work place and used them to shoot and kill co-workers and supervisors? Shortly afterwards, the post office posted signs warning that weapons were not allowed inside. The strange thing was that they posted these signs on the doors where customers came in. They should have posted them on the doors that their employees used. The sad part is that I don't think this would have worked. If a shooter believes he won't survive, the threat of prison time would not deter him.

Romeena, according to http://tinyurl.com/myvblbf, all 50 states allow concealed carry. However, each state has their own particular rules.

pappa bear, ain't it sad how much filler, preservatives and processing goes into our food today? That is why food companies spend so much money on improving the taste to trick us to continue to purchase and eat their "garbage".

Sterling Holobyte when you reminded us about being from Wisconsin, my wife and I were in your state a few days ago. Although we came to the USA to visit some relatives near Chicago, when my wife told me she wanted to see a magic show, I could not find any glamorous stage show in the Chicagoland area except for some close up, sleight of hand magic. But when I expanded my internet search, I learned about the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater in Wisconsin Dells. Since TripAdvisor.com rates them the #1 thing to do when in Wisconsin Dells, we drove out their just to see their act (his wife is his assistant). It was very entertaining and well worth the drive. I would recommend them to anyone visiting that area. Have you ever heard of them? Check out their reviews at TripAdvisor.com.

from Poor Horatio
July 29, 2016 - Msg 105394: Lol Romeena on driving advice to Sterling... My first car, a 1963 Chevy Biscayne station wagon. It did 0-60 in a hour and a half... My Daddy was a smart man, he KNEW I couldn't get into trouble in THAT car...lol

G-F
July 29, 2016 - Msg 105395: LOL GF. 0-60 in an hour and a half, downhill with a tail wind?
My first was a 59 Chevy Biscayne, not a wagon though. I think the rear fins weighed more than an entire car does today. And sure enough, I parked it in a huge old drain ditch within a couple of months of getting my license. Just wasn't paying attention. Ro offers great advice. Big, slow, and ugly!

Asa
July 29, 2016 - Msg 105396: I've got to share this story about the old gray Lincoln. My family tends to name our cars (some of them anyway) and the Lincoln was named Abraham, of course. What else? Anyway, we kept it for a while after the youngest kid (David) finally saved up enough to buy himself a more appropriate car. Abraham generally ran well, had only a bent bumper and a small fender dent, and was a good "extra" car. We looked like a car lot at times, but who cared? Two in the garage, and the driveway is three cars wide, so we could have five cars, with nothing on the street and the driveway is 2 1/2 cars long, so it worked, with room to spare.

Anyway, Abraham developed a transmission problem. It ran well when it was warmed up, but from a cold start, the transmission just would not engage in "drive" for about two minutes. As the engine warmed up, it would shudder a little, there would be a light "clunk" and it would begin to inch forward, gaining momentum all the time. After moving about fifty yards, there would be another little "clunk" and it would fully engage, and run just fine. Dale, being a patient man, would drive that silly car and not give it a second thought. If his truck was blocked in the garage by the kids' cars, he'd just take Abraham to run an errand or whatever.

So, one night after Wednesday night prayer meeting at church, I was staying for choir practice and he was just waiting for me. A friend, Mickey, was waiting for his wife also, but had some work he had to get done at home. He and Dale were talking, and Dale offered to drive him home, leaving Mickey's car for Sue to use to get home.

Mickey agreed, and got in the car. Dale started the engine, and put it in gear, and of course, Abraham just sat there, engine idling. Dale stepped on the gas, the engine revved, but the car didn't move. Mickey looked a little puzzled, but said nothing. After about a minute, he finally asked what they were waiting for. Dale very nonchalantly replied "Oh, just waiting for Abraham to get ready to go." Mickey was trying to be polite, but was confused. Another minute, and he said, "Uh, how long does it take him to get ready?" Dale said, "Oh, probably about now." He stepped on the gas again, and (clunk, shudder) Abraham started moving, very slowly. Soon another clunk, and Abraham shook a little then took off, running fine. Dale said Mickey didn't say much for a few blocks, then said "Just wondering. What do you plan to do about this car?" Dale, poker-faced and without missing a beat, said, "Oh, I'm considering selling it to the Mafia for a getaway car." Mickey just blinked and said, "Oh." End of story.

Dale loved to tell that little tale, and I believe every word of it, knowing Dale as well as I did. Completely unflappable, and with a dry, sly sense of humor. Lord, how I do miss that man! Today is his birthday, he would be 79, but to me, he will always be 58. Strong, handsome, active and fun. Always fun. God was good when He put the two of us together. I had 38 wonderful years with a really wonderful man. --Romeena
July 29, 2016 - Msg 105397: Sweet memory Romeena. Happy Birthday to Dale.

Asa
July 29, 2016 - Msg 105398: Yes, MDC, sometimes it is like sleeping at the Darlin's around here. ;) I did manage to get a good 7 hours last night, and soon Sean will be starting new hours at work and will have to go to sleep earlier, which will help. Pretty soon everybody around here will be getting to bed much earlier for school and work. Sean signed up for next semester and is taking a pretty good load, plus working two part time jobs. I hope he can handle it.

A big welcome home to Possum! (((HUG)))

You all mentioned meatloaf and I have to tell you about a meatloaf recipe that is wonderful! Go to Google and do a search for Pioneer Woman's meatloaf. She has the best recipe! She actually wraps the meatloaf in bacon and covers it with a sweet sauce. Unbelievable...and pretty easy to make, too. Check it out, Asa and Ro.

Glad Kai had a good time in Colorado, Sterling. It is something she will never forget. I dream of living there someday..we will see.

Happy Birthday to your wife, SPOT. I turn 54 on Sunday. Possum has a BD, too. Seems like there are a lot of birthdays in July.

My Erin has a birthday in a couple of weeks so Susan and I did some shopping for her today. Erin is getting a James Avery charm bracelet from a friend so Susan and I went and bought some charms for her. They are a little pricey, but it is nice to be able to go buy a charm for birthdays, etc. You don't have to do a lot of shopping, which I love.

Asa, WOW..it is hot in Utah, too! It isn't triple digits here but they say it feels like it with the high humidity. I am ready for some cooler temps.

Ro, you and Dale were exactly right about cars and kids. That is my philosophy to a T.

It was a good day today..spending time with my sister, then supper with Bruce and Erin at a little café near here. Its back to the chores tomorrow and there is washing to be done.

Well, guess I will sign off and hopefully get some sleep.

Happy Birthday to Dale in heaven. I look so forward to meeting him someday.

Goodnight Mayberry.

Boo
July 30, 2016 - Msg 105399: RAIN, wonderful RAIN!! It rained cats and dogs here tonight. (Yes, I stepped in a poodle! harhar) We needed it so badly too. And the temp dropped from 109 at 6 PM to 78 by 7 PM!! Thank you Jesus!
ASA--I looked on youtube for the Matlock version, but only found the tags version. Bet it was neat tho on Matlock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpKhWePGNPc
I saw the Citizen's Arrest ep this morning, and I had forgotten that Barney SMOKES in that one! Did he
smoke (cigarettes) in any other ep? Just curious.
I hope POSSUM will tell us a bit about her trip.
Hello to Dale in heaven.
PH, glad to see ya spending some money in the states! ha
G'Nite for now. I appreciate it and good night. :)
MDC

July 30, 2016 - Msg 105400: I already have a good start on the gray hairs, Asa. In fact, I am probably half-way through to having all gray already.

I hadn't thought of getting her a big Lincoln, Romeena. I have always wanted one of those myself. Maybe I'll have to get one and just let her practice with it.

I loved your "0-60 in an hour and a half" comment, G-F. Haha, made me laugh.
I remember my first car, a Mercury Lynx. I remember it because it was a stick shift, and I never was too good with stick shifts. But when I test drove this one, I didn't have any problem with it, so I bought it.
I also remember it because it blew up while I was about an hour from home. Well, it didn't technically blow up, but it did blow the head gasket. I just started smoking like I had just pressed the wrong button on 007's secret agent car. I mean, tons of smoke.
It was fun getting it towed all the way home, and then finding out that getting it fixed would be more than the car was worth, so I scrapped it.

Wow, Poor Horatio, you weren't very far from me. We often go to Wisconsin Dells, mainly for the outlet mall they have there, but we do sometimes go down the main drag where all the interesting stores and attractions are. I have never seen Rick Wilcox and his magic show, but yes I am familiar with the name. We see billboards for it as we drive down there.

Sound like Sean has a lot on his plate, Boo. But sometimes that is a good thing. I am sure he can handle it. He sounds like a well-rounded guy, which is to your credit.

Glad you got your rain, MDC! Try not to drink it all tonight.

-Sterling Holobyte
July 30, 2016 - Msg 105401: That should have read "IT just started smoking..." Not "I".
Goodness! It sounds like I had a twelve pack a day smoking habit or something. And I don't smoke.

-SH
July 30, 2016 - Msg 105402: Talking about Lincoln's, here's a good one... https://youtu.be/3R7l7nDuj1o tehehaha. G-F
July 30, 2016 - Msg 105403: Ya know this talk about our "first" cars got me to remembering mine. I shared the story before but I did appreciate (maybe not at the time) my Dad's Old School thinking whe he convinced me to buy that old Chevy. As I said before I could tell at the time this was NOT going to be a Hot car when I saw it had a "Ask me about Mason shoes" bumper sticker on it!..haha But I paid $200.00 cash for it and taught myself how to do bodywork on it, got a $49.95 Earl Schieb paint job and I was good to go. There's Something to say about having to earn it and the sweat equity that I had in it made me appreciate it....

Yes I did pass that lesson on to my kids... My Sons 1st car was a Olds Delta 88 cabin cruiser!... He is such a practical kid he didn't care, to him it was just a better way of getting around than his roller blades...lol Even tho his friends called it the "PimpMobile" he didn't mind, it was his and he too paid cash for it and had no car payments.... Smart Kid!....

G-F
July 30, 2016 - Msg 105404: Hey y'all and thanks for the welcome home & the birthday wishes! Yep, another year older for your possum friend today-how'd I get to be this old?? Well,I'm blessed and not complaining.

MDC, I've posted a few pics on FB of my trip,but can tell you a bit about it: Although I mainly went to WY for my nephew's wedding (which was lovely),I also played tourist and went to Jackson Hole,saw the gorgeous Tetons, drove right past the wildfires near Dubois, was on the Wind River Indian Reservation and went to the cemetery where Sacajawea is buried,spent time in Lander,went to South Pass City,which is an authentic old western Gold Rush town still in existence, stopped at the Mormon Handcart exhibit,saw the natural landmarks along the Oregon Trail called Devil's Gate, Split Rock, and Independence Rock on my way back to the airport in Casper. I think that about covers it! Not to mention all of the airports I was in-from Denver to D.C.!

I think I already mentioned that I flew right over the Salt Lake and was so impressed by what I saw of Utah from the air that I would love to visit there some day. Maybe I will get that chance & finally meet Asa too!

Hope Mrs. Spot had a nice birthday & that Boo is all geared up for our double birthday bash out at O'Malley's. Put on your dancing shoes,girlie,it's time to boogie!!

************************************
possum another year older under a rock