September 19, 2016 - Msg 105759: Very sorry for your loss, SPOT. I feel your pain. I have only one aunt and one uncle still living.

It was 100 degrees here today with high humidity. I'm done with it!!!

Boo
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105760: SPOTTY--so sorry to hear of the passing of your aunt. I only had one aunt and one uncle, so I know how you feel, especially with all she did with you all. Prayers for you and yours.
ALL--four of my kin had birthdays last week, so we had a big BBQ etc for them on Sunday, but it was such a lot of family fun! :)
Maudie--glad to hear that you are back in your church!
FOLKS--thank you for those kind words about me, and teachers in general. As in any profession, there were some who were just putting in time, and i often wondered why they even chose that career!
But there were also many good one from whom i got many good ideas. One thing I did was "Grammar Jeopardy!" I bought two of those chrome "slap" bells you see on a motel counter, and then two kids would come up front, and i'd say something like: "from, in, on, with..." to which one would slap the bell and hopefully say: "What are prepositions?" Even recorded the theme music for the final round. They also loved in-class spelling bees, etc...just tried to keep basic English interesting. Also, remember that game show called Concentration? Well, we did a simple form, no puzzle to solve, I just had papers with a single tape at the top of each. They would call that number and when I would turn it over it might say "Train, a noun." Then they'd look for the match. The team with the most won! :)
BOO--To be perfectly honest, at this point I think it would be best for that place to close! To have problem kids go to a setting like that that is hot, stinks, and short on food, is worse than their problems themselves!!
Just my take on it at this point!
50 days to the election! Bombs in new york, etc, Lord Please be with us!
Prayers,
MDC
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105761: Oops, should be "team with the most MATCHES" won.
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105762: Spot, Sorry for the loss of your Aunt, Aunts and Uncles are special folks, kinda like Grandparents on steroids!...

MDC... Remember....Barney: What Andy's trying to say, Gomer, is: During our lifetime, we travel many roads. There are big roads and little roads, rocky roads and smooth roads. Dirt highways and improved roads ... That IS how our jobs went too.... Amen?.... G-F
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105763: Good morning, porch! It's beautiful here today, sky is an amazing blue, and the sun is bright, making lovely shadow patterns in the yard. Unfortunately, it's also heating everything up like a furnace, and we'll hit 100° or more by mid-afternoon. Oh well, even with the heat, there's a hint of fall in the air, and that's nice. I'm never sure just what that "hint" is - a smell, maybe? Whatever it is, I love it when it arrives, because I know some cool weather will arrive pretty soon.

My American Beautyberry bushes are just gorgeous. The canes are loaded with bracelets of beautiful purple berries, so heavy that the canes are bent to the ground. Just Google "American Beautyberry" and you'll find a lot of links, with pictures. They make an absolutely beautiful shrub, and are cold hardy as far north as Zone 7. In the south, they often are found growing wild in wooded areas, and are lovely there, but when cultivated and cared for, with adequate water and occasional feeding, they just get really spectacular.

They have one drawback, or advantage, depending upon your point of view. Personally, I'm in both camps. They are absolutely loaded with those purple/magenta berries, so they're a real asset to the landscape. The berries, however, are edible and birds love them, especially the robins. At some point, a few scouts will appear and have lunch, and then usually the next day, a whole squadron of robins, maybe as many as 50, will descend, and in about an hour, there's not a berry left on the bush. This morning, to both my delight and dismay, there are three robins on the bigger bush, just shamelessly gorging themselves. They'll return tomorrow, and the little winged marauders will strip my beautiful bushes. Of course, much of my landscape was planned to shelter or feed the wild things, and that includes the Beautyberry bushes, but I still hate to lose their lovely berries. Oh well. Birds gotta eat!

Actually, so do I. Need to eat, that is. Guess I'll go have some lunch, and then get ready to go do my home health visit with Donna. That should be interesting! She's such a fun person, and a good friend, that I almost feel guilty taking pay for her visits, but I will! Haha! Blessings, porch! --Romeena
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105764: RO--What a blessing that you get to visit with your friend and also get to help her professionally! :)
GF--yup, that about sums it up! ha Very 'democratic' of you. :)
Lord willing, more later,
feeling a little poorly this morning, prayers appreciated, thx,
MDC
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105765: Hope ya feel better MDC... As for the roads... The Democrats only PROMISE smooth roads... So I vote for the ones who actually deliver the new roads... Been way too many pot holes with temporary patches put on them for a looong time.
Time to fix them right!...10-4?..... G-F
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105766: 10-4 GF. New roads are needed. Or as our motto says, "The right tool for the job". The tools in office right now are defective. Or at least not the right tools for the job that needs doing. Can I get an Amen Brother? lol

Prayers MDC. You got the pip or versitis? You got something we can loosen? Seriously, I hope you get feeling better.

Have fun at M.D. GF. We want a full report when you get back.

Romeena, that dish sounds real good, but lentils are on my banned list because of gout. At least that's what is on my list. I have found that the only thing I can say for sure that will put me in a gout flare is losing weight. Aint that a kick in the rear end? Everytime I lose a few pounds, especially if I lose it fast, I will have a gout flare. Go figure that one. Maybe I am just being nuts.

Well time to head for home and call this day done!

Asa
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105767: If I was a bird Romeena, I'd eat them they look good!... Much like the elderberry bushes we have around here...G-F
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105768: Hope you are feeling better, MDC. As for Shoreline, I hear you. Its hard to believe things are this bad and the place is still open. We continue to get new clients (10 last week), so as long as that happens, they will probably stay open. Most of what we are getting now is probation, so if they aren't with us, they would be in Juvenile detention, and they say it is better with us. Being there is keeping a lot of them off the street so they aren't a danger to their communities, at least. I heard this week that one of our boys named Daniel, died after leaving our facility recently. Sad..don't know what happen but it was probably an overdose. Anyway, I don't know how much longer I will be there. I have an interview with a nursing director a an inpatient hospice facility on Thursday. I am going to let her show me around and ask questions. They are looking for a full time charge RN and I don't want full time. I will tell them that right up front and see if they would consider training me to be in a as-needed position. Prayers for direction, please.

I have a question for you very saavy people...the house next door (the one left abandoned after the shooting and suicide), has an open septic that is partly on our property. Bruce had been after Steve to do something about it before he killed himself, but he never did. Bruce contacted the county about it because it is a health hazard and a danger. Bruce has kept it covered with plywood, but I went over there earlier to check on the cat, and the plywood was moved and it was completely open. Now, some of you may remember that several years ago, in my moms neighborhood, I witnessed EMS pulling a 2 year old out of septic tank, dead. It was very traumatic, of course, and I don't want a repeat of that. Bruce called the county to report the open septic and they told him there was nothing they could be done because the owner had died and nobody had filed as owner since then. That didn't set well with me. I am going to call tomorrow and let them know in no uncertain terms that if someone's child falls in that hole and dies, they will wish they had done something. I will call the county and the city. The county required that maintenance be done on all septic systems and we pay high dollar to keep our system in top shape and inspected, but Steve never did. I guess the county didn't know he had one or something. I am disgusted by the whole mess and I'm mad about it. Doesn't anyone care if it is a danger? I am going to call the SPCA again on my day off on Thursday and have them come get the poor cat. I cant bring it to my yard because of the dogs and it would just run back home again.

Been doing laundry, cleaning and other very interesting duties (sarcasm) :). Back to work tomorrow, though. Love to All!

Boo


September 20, 2016 - Msg 105769: Boo, just a suggestion, since local authorities are usually not concerned. I suggest if you call a local news reporter who targets safety issues. Sometimes it being put out there can get more quicker results. They have a few of those kinds of reporters in Cleveland and people hate to see them come around and put them on the news.
Just a thought... That way you can stay out of it and let nature take its course..... G-F But that's just me...
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105770: ...be sure to stress the danger of someone (kids) falling into it!
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105771: You need a guy like Carl Monday... He gets it done!....https://youtu.be/gfqKVC0S5k8
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105772: Good evening, porch. Just got home from our quarterly Women's Dinner at church. Always good food, very interesting speaker, good fellowship, and door prizes! Can't forget the door prizes!

Boo, I don't blame you for being concerned about that open septic tank (also known as a cesspool.) That absolutely should be investigated and remedied. Try asking your septic maintenance people about it. They may have some suggestions. I'll bet this isn't the first time this question has come up. Also, who is responsible for the property? Just because the title owner is dead doesn't mean that the property is just nobody's and there is no responsibility anywhere. If they owned it, then it should be in trust for the children, I'd think. There should be a trustee, who is responsible for selling it or renting it or making some disposition of it, with the proceeds being held in trust for the children. If the parents had no wills, then the state has made a will for them, and with them both dead, I would imagine that the children would be the direct heirs. Somebody, somewhere, is in charge now. It doesn't just pass into limbo.

Well, guess I'd better go feed Toye Starr. I didn't feed her before I left, because she wouldn't have eaten. She refuses to eat once she realizes I'm about to leave. If I leave the food out for her, she won't touch it until I return. Then, and only then, will she eat. Rotten, rotten, rotten, rot-ten! But I love her. --Romeena
September 20, 2016 - Msg 105773: That's what I thought, Ro. Bruce may not have heard something right so I am going to call myself and find out..Im not sure what is going on other than the man who had been going over there and cleaning out everything said everything was tied up in legal issues or something but mentioned that the house would go to Steve's sister. Steve was not the children's biological father, nor did he adopt any of them, so not sure about the law there. I think he was married to their mom for about 7 years.

Poor little Toye Starr. Did you ever consider getting her a little playmate? Would that help with the separation anxiety, do you think?

Well, I should get myself to bed. Six am comes early.

Boo
September 21, 2016 - Msg 105774: HI all. Thanks for the prayers. Ever since we got back from our cool vacay my sinuses have been going crazy. I went to my allergist, and I continue with my nasal sprays, but I made an appt now with an ENT to see if something else might be the problem up there.
When I get a lot of pressure on my sinuses, it is almost like I am gasping for air, as 90% of our breathing is thru the nose. And i can also have very strange dreams. Weird, huh? Plus, as we age, our 'physiology' can change, and I think mine HAS!
BOO- my prayers continue for you and 'All' the situations that you are dealing with in your life!
ASA and GF--great analogies, and i concur. Following this weekend's attacks, we need to finally realize that they are here for sure. Lord be with us.
Welcome Fall!
God's blessings,
MDC

September 21, 2016 - Msg 105775: Good morning porch all doing well here mid 80s here in ga...headed to read the archives...SPOT
September 21, 2016 - Msg 105776: Good morning, porch! Oh, no, MDC. "They" are not here, surely! At least Dear Leader and Queen Hillary say they're not. And who are "they", anyway? Why, everyone knows that these attacks are simply examples of "workplace violence", or just the result of some poor, frustrated person who has searched diligently for work and found nothing, so out of their poverty and frustration they just go bomb something. Or maybe that evil gun that lies on their bedside table just cast a spell on them one night, jumped into their hand, and led them out on a shooting spree. I'll bet the awful thing even pulled its own trigger. How deplorable!

Boo, you're right, of course. If those kids weren't Steve's (I'd forgotten that part) and he had never adopted them, then they wouldn't inherit, and I would imagine that his sister would be the heir. One more tough break for those poor kids. As for Toye Starr, she would be so jealous and her feelings would be so hurt if I brought another dog in here. She enjoys and plays well with the family or friends' dogs who come to visit, but she well understands that they're not staying. Even when the visitors (my kids) do stay over, and the dog is here for a few days, she plays with them fine, but then they leave. If I brought in another dog without an accompanying "mom or dad" she would have a conniption. She's quite content, being an "only child." She's just a little spoiled diva, and very much the drama queen.

Well, gotta go teach a little English. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
September 21, 2016 - Msg 105777: Well, ROMeena, "'round these part we usually don't just come out and say it like that." to quote Andy, but then again these days I guess we just have too dont we!
And how is your friend/patient coming along?
The serenity now" days of Kramer just don't cut it anymore.
All- my ENT appt was moved to this Friday from two weeks out due to a cancellation and i am sure glad, cuz i need to find out what is going on in my head, well...er...so to speak! ha
Have a good evening my dear friends.
MDC

September 22, 2016 - Msg 105778: Prayers for you and your sinus problems, MDC. I know how miserable that sort of thing can be. Its like being sick all the time.

Well Ro, I guess Toye is better off without a full time doggie companion, then. I thought it might be a solution, but you know her best. I just wish little dogs didn't get so upset when left alone. I had read that it is common in the Maltese breed, especially.

I don't even want to talk about how I feel about the upcoming election. With the choices we have, I feel like I am living a bad dream. How did it come to THIS?!

Well, South texas is still suffering under this high pressure thing and the heat is unbearable. It is in the high 90's with high humidity every day. They say it is supposed to end next week and drop into the high 80s. Not cool, but not unbearable.

Hope all of you have a good day and hope you are experiencing some nice fall weather where you are.

Boo
September 22, 2016 - Msg 105779: Well,I've done it again-let myself be AWOL from the Porch too long! Sorry about that, and I'll get caught up on the archives & all of the goings on soon. Hope everyone is doing well & prayers where needed.

I guess G-F is headed to Mayberry Days! I had planned to go,but I'm having a bout of sciatica and don't think I'm up to riding for hours in the car & then do all of that gallivanting around Mt. Airy. I may change my mind,and if so,I'll let you know G-F! Have a great time!!!

Happy Fall Y'all! And prayers for peace in Charlotte (and all around the world).

************
possum u.a.r.
September 22, 2016 - Msg 105780: Good morning, porch. Today is, as pilots are inclined to say, "high, hot and hummy." Translation: High clouds, hot temperature and high humidity." I'm thinking I may have to catch a nap this afternoon. I sat up until nearly 5 a.m., writing. Finally went to bed, and was sleeping peacefully when Eddie arrived around 8 a.m. and was buzzing around the house with the lawnmower! I could sleep through that, but I knew I would have to open the garage at some point to let him get the leaf blower, and to pay him, so I just got up. Oh well. I'm used to sleeping in little bits here and there.

Boo, I hear you, I absolutely do. However, I'm feeling better and better about the whole thing, at least about Trump. Hillary is a disaster waiting to happen, of course, but I've about decided Trump isn't as bad as I first thought he was. I sent an email - you should have gotten it last night - that has made me feel better. It's an hour long, but it's worth watching. It's the video of a rally held at a big church in Cleveland, and you will see a totally different man than the crude-talking wild man we first saw. Also, here's Dr. James Dobson, talking about Trump: http://drjamesdobson.org/news/dr-james-dobson-on-trumps-christian-faith.

As Dr. Dobson said, I don't know how true all of that is, because only God knows a person's heart, but it sure presents a better picture than we had at first. Dr. Dobson is taking some flak for saying that Trump is "if anything, a baby Christian who doesn't have a clue how Christians think, talk and act." Personally, I have no quarrel with that statement. If he truly is a new Christian, we can expect his behavior to change, but slowly. The habits of a lifetime - language especially - will take a while to overcome. I'm willing to wait, and will enjoy watching the transformation that will come. One thing is for sure, he's the best choice we've got. I know, there are two others in the race, but they have absolutely no chance of winning, and a vote for either of them will be wasted, leaving Hillary with one more majority vote. You might as well stay home and save yourself the trouble. So don't despair, Boo. We may be in a lot better shape than we think. Don't forget, this election is very much about the Supreme Court nominations. Trump has promised he will not let the court get a Democratic majority, because if it does, we may as well shred the Constitution, and use it to line the cat's litterbox.

Once again, I look to the Bible, and all the time that God used highly unlikely individuals to carry out His purposes. Moses was a murderer, King David was an adulterer and a murderer by proxy, and the original twelve apostles were rough, uneducated and impulsive men who talked big at times, lied when the chips were down, and yet, eventually they were the foundation of the church. I'm just going to be deplorable, vote for Mr. Trump, and sit back and see what God is doing.

Sorry for the political talk, but well, not very. These are perilous times, and the future of America, and possibly the world, is at stake. --Romeena
September 22, 2016 - Msg 105781: amen :)
September 22, 2016 - Msg 105782: HI ALL
WILL IT TIME TO STARTING
TO GIT SOME HELP BECAUSE THIS FAMILY SAID THAT WELL NOT HELP!
I JUST WANT TWO THING FROM THEM AWAY TO THE STORE AND MY DR. APPOINTMENT?

TOM



September 22, 2016 - Msg 105783: TOM, let me be sure I'm understanding you correctly. Are you saying the family has refused to help you by giving you a ride to the store and to the doctor? --Romeena
September 22, 2016 - Msg 105784: Live from Mt. Airy... Hey Possum guess where I ate tonight?
Yep, The Loaded Goat!.. Food was ok slow, slow though!
Hope you can make it. Mr. & Mrs Maude are coming Saturday.
Going to meet at noonish at the auction at the playhouse if you caught our posts earlier... Been long day, more later tomorrow.

G-F
September 23, 2016 - Msg 105785: Busy day today for me. will post more on Friday.
Prayers,
MDC
September 23, 2016 - Msg 105786: Good Friday morning all.

I hope you get feeling better MDC.

Tom, I wish I lived in your area so I could be of some help to you. I do pray for you daily.

GF, Have a good time buddy. I hope you and Big Maudie have fun. Wish I was there.

Well going home last night we got hit with a powerful storm. Never seen it rain like it was. The power was out when I got home and didn't come back on until midnight. That's when I learned that a tornado had actually hit the area. About a dozen homes destroyed in a near by city. A few injuries, but no deaths. Tornados in our area are very rare. Now it has cooled a bunch. (Sorry Boo and Ro) Snowing in the mountains. Supposed to drop to 7,000 ft. We are at almost 5,000 ft. so should just be rain for us. And that's fine by me. Not ready for snow yet. But they said it will be back in the 80's by next week. Go figure.

Well off to fix another water leak.

Asa
September 24, 2016 - Msg 105787: OK, I'll start my post today with a little jocularity:
A man worked out a "deal" with God, because the man knew that he would 'be going' soon. God was actually going to let him "take something with him" to heaven!,
even tho we all know that "ya can't take anything with you!" ha The man thought and thought about what to bring,.. finally he decided to convert all his possessions into gold bars and he filled a huge trunk with them, and he was soon was at the pearly gates! St Peter knew about the arrangement, so he asked the guy to open the trunk so he could look inside. But when St. Peter saw all the gold bricks, his reply was...,"THAT'S all you brought, street pavement?" harhar Rim shot! :) lol
Well, my visit to the ENT was pretty encouraging, she saw no infection or polyps, etc, and next week will do a scan. She thinks my strange feeling episode was a combination of the altitude adjustment, my a-fib heart, and my allergies. So for now it is just to continue the nasal sprays. Thanks for the prayers.
ROMEEna and all- what you say is so true. I have always respected Dr. Dobson, and I am also glad to see candidates not being 'afraid' of speaking in churches once again after several years of trying to be so PC about it. I too do recall reading in the OT about a not-so-perfect king that God allowed to rule, and he did quite well! :)
I have devoted daily prayer to this whole scenario and the future of the USA as we have known it.
G_F--how goes Mayberry Days??? Did the manicurist show up? Say hi to Maude for us. Judy,Judy,Judy...

Well, off to bed,
MDC

September 24, 2016 - Msg 105788: Good morning gang ! great day here in Ga mid 80s and no rain !Longhorn steak house for lunch Possum go by and pick up Romeena then me..SPOT
September 24, 2016 - Msg 105789: Good one, MDC! I guess we know how that man will be serving God... laying pavement.

I'm not ready to be "trumpeting" Trump's "Christian faith" as of yet, not even as a baby Christian. It would be nice if he would truly give his life to Jesus(It would be nice if Obama and Hillary would too), I just haven't seen any fruits of him going in that direction, at all. Only God and he knows what's in his heart.
But as I always say, we are not electing a pope, we are electing a president. And if Trump is at least not denigrating and opposing Christians and their values, that's good enough for me for a president.

On the subject of Trump, someone had put up a rather large Trump/Pence 2016 sign, along with some other signs for local politicians. Well, I just noticed yesterday that the Trump sign was gone. Nice tolerance, huh?!
Reason #999,999,999 why I will never be a democrat. In my view, people are allowed to have their own opinions. That seems to be a right that is rapidly eroding.

Saw some more Trump signs in another area, off the road in a swampy area, along with some "Hillary for prison" signs. Smart. As the vandals/thieves/Hillary supporters can't get to them. Unless they want to get very wet and acquire some leeches for their trouble.

Glad you and the people in your community were ok in those storms, Asa. We had some torrential rains last Wednesday that I got caught in as I exited the local Chinese restaurant with my carryout dinner bag. I mean, it was coming down so hard and fast it probably lowered the sidewalks by a couple inches through erosion.
I waited under the awning of the restaurant, hoping that it would let up a little, because I knew I, and the bag, would be soaked by the time I reached the car.
When I walked in, it wasn't raining, so I had left my umbrella in the car thinking I wouldn't need it.
Luckily there was a lady who had a big umbrella coming up the walk, and she graciously offered to walk me to my car, so I graciously accepted.
I am also lucky that my wipers worked. Lately they have been only working when they want to, which is kind of a hassle when I have to drive my kids to school on rainy mornings trying to see through a water-soaked windshield.

Well, enough about rain. I still hate it.

Hope you are having a wonderful time in Mayberry, G-F! Wish I could join you. But thanks for letting us know how it is going.

-Sterling Holobyte
September 24, 2016 - Msg 105790: EVERY THING IS OK IN MAYBERRY.... As Floyd said it got to 92 today!... Don't believe me? Ask Big Maude and Mr. Maude they were right there in it too!... We had a nice visit... And yes I got to hang out some with Arnold Winkler too!... He had some good stories... The let down was Clint Howard was suppose to be there but due to a movie he is working in, he canceled at the last minute. That's Ok, I met him and had s picture made last year...

One tired G-F.....
September 24, 2016 - Msg 105791: ....p.s BTW Darling Boy Rodney Dillard & his wife are doing the service in the morning at the amphitheater. Along with the Elvis impersonator, who is very good too!....
September 24, 2016 - Msg 105792: Good afternoon, porch. Sterling, I hear what you're saying regarding Trump's faith or possible lack thereof. However, as I typed in "I'm still reserving judgment for now", I realized that I'd better continue to reserve judgment, because judgment is not mine to use. You're absolutely right, just as you said - "Only God and he knows what's in his heart." I guess I'm just hopeful, but you're also correct that we're not electing a pope, but a president. My flickering hope is due to what I've noticed to be a change in his demeanor. He's a bit less bombastic, a little gentler, more soft-spoken. If he truly has, or does have, an encounter with God and has or will turn his life over to Jesus, he could do amazing things. I keep remembering what my pastor said many years ago - "First comes conviction/repentance/conversion, then comes discipleship and the replacing of old habits with new ones." This was said, referring to an old man who had come to the Lord late in life, and it took well over a year for all the swear words to leave his vocabulary. As for Trump, I was encouraged by his entire demeanor in that rally in the Cleveland Heights church. It was in an email I forwarded. Did you see it?

How kind of that lady to offer to share her umbrella with you at the Chinese restaurant. Little kindnesses like that are always a surprise, and so welcome. These days, I've noticed that many men no longer offer to open or hold a door for a woman, even one carrying packages. We have no one to blame but ourselves, of course - all the "equality" stuff that Steinem and the rest stirred up. However, there are still some who will do it, usually older men, but my son is definitely teaching my grandsons to be alert and helpful. Personally, when a man does hold a door open for me, I give him my biggest smile, and a heartfelt "thank you!" every time.

I know a young man who held a door open for a woman one day, and she stopped in the doorway and proceeded to chew him out, informing him in profanity-laced words, that she was neither helpless nor old, and she could open her own doors! He didn't miss a beat. He released the door, said "Oh, excuse me, Sir. I mistook you for a lady" and then stood there and laughed as she scrambled to keep from being mowed down by the very heavy and fast-moving door. I love it! I'd like to be able to tell her to enjoy it, because the day will come when she'll be wishing for someone to open doors or offer to carry something for her. I'm not quite there yet, but it's on the horizon. Oh, and thank you for being gracious and letting that lady help you. Women probably aren't as prompt to offer help to a man as they should be. I'm glad you accepted her offer - it made her feel good to do it, and reinforced the behavior.

Well, I just got home from a home health call with Donna. She's doing very well. We had been hearing no breath sounds at all in the left lower lobe of her lung. It was still shut down from being crowded and flattened by her stomach when it had migrated through the hernia into her chest. Today, I heard breath sounds. A little diminished, but they were there. Thank you, Lord! --Romeena
September 24, 2016 - Msg 105793: ASA--I forgot to mention that we also got a good gullywasher from a TS coming up from Mexico. Soaked us good on Thursday!
MDC
September 24, 2016 - Msg 105794: We're just coming out of one, just passing on out. It moved in about an hour and a half ago, big old growlers, lots of lightning, power blinked off just long enough for me to say, "Oh, drat!" and then it came back on. It was off long enough to booger up the clocks, though. Nuisance, but we needed the rain so badly, and we got quite a bit. At least it wasn't off for hours, and while I can still hear it rumbling in the distance, I think it's through with us for a while. More predicted for tomorrow, though.

It sounds to me like Tom needs some help, of a kind that we really can't provide, because of distance. Do any of you have any experience with social services, and have any idea who he could contact to get some transportation services? If so, speak up. Meantime, Tom, I would suggest you call your doctor's office and ask them. I'd be willing to bet this isn't the first time this question has come up, and they may have some answers for you.

Well, guess I'll go and reset the clocks. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
September 24, 2016 - Msg 105795: Glad to hear it's a fun time in Mayberry, G-F! Couldn't make it but I'll get to a Mayberry Days one of these days ,hopefully.

Ro, Big Maude is a counselor,so she may have some knowledge of social services organizations that would be able to help Tom. Maybe she'll see your post and will be able to provide some info.

Prayers for Tom & all in need.

**********
possum u.a.r.
September 24, 2016 - Msg 105796: Well it's hot here...H O T! Supposed to cool down soon and be in the 80s next week. Its gonna feel great!

Asa, so glad you are safe and sound. Thank God. Tornadoes are really scary.

I appreciate the political opinions, Ro and Sterling. I always value the opinions of my porch friends.

Wish I could be at mayberry days..maybe some year. Thanks for the updates, G-F.

Not a lot to share tonight. I think I will go watch a TAGS ep.

Boo
September 25, 2016 - Msg 105797: Getting ready to head out for the last event for M/D's the morning service... It's always the cap-off to a great weekend.

Forgot to mention yesterday I met the author of the new "Andy & Don" book, he was there doing a book signing. I'll just say we agreed to disagree on the gossip content of the book. If any of you read it you'll know what I mean!....
As Briscoe said: "A man's entitled to his opinion" and I'll leave it at that!.... G-F over and out...
September 25, 2016 - Msg 105798: Good Sabbath all.
Hey GF, Thanks for checking in. Sounds like you have had a good weekend. Glad you got to hook up with Big Maude and her hubby. That surprises me that the author of that book was there. I figured he would be shunned a bit.

Boo, So sorry about your temps. I just went out to let Barney do his business. The sky is clear and the sun is shining and it is a crisp 38 degrees. I looked to the east and our beautiful Wasatch mountains are covered in snow on the peaks. Just beautiful. I even saw my breath, I hope you cool down soon. There were a total of 24 homes that were deemed uninhabitable after the tornado here, and half of those will be torn down. There are still around 400 folks without power. Rocky Mountain Power has brought crews in from neighboring states to help out. It has been a mess to say the least.

Boo, I, like you, am struggling to get excited about the upcoming election. Not a Trump fan much at all, but I will vote for him because there is no way on earth I will vote for that evil woman. And to not vote, or vote a third party is a vote for her, as Romeena stated. So it is definitely a vote against someone instead of a vote for someone. But as I have thought about it, I really have not voted for someone since Reagan. I still shake my head in wondering how on earth we ended up with these two at the top of the heap. What on earth has happened to us?

Possum, I hope your back is feeling better. Sorry you missed out on M.D.

MDC, I hope your sinuses dry out soon buddy.

Prayers for you Tom.

Sterling, What a nice gesture by the woman.

Romeens, Glad to read Donna is improving and it is you who is nursing her back to good health. Well you and the Lord.

Well off to preaching.

Asa
September 25, 2016 - Msg 105799: Good afternoon, porch. We had a big rainstorm this morning, a real frog-strangler. It just poured like it was coming out of a bucket for about twenty minutes. Stopped just in time for me to get to church, then started again after the service began. Ended again in time for everyone to get home! God provides!

Possum, thanks for the reminder. I'll email Maude about it, just in case she misses my post.

Asa, I think we all know why we're in such deep trouble in America. This nation as a whole has turned their back on God, and as the Bible says, "God is not mocked." You can't get away with it, but people still try, and then wonder why things go wrong. I am a little bit encouraged about Trump, after watching him at that rally at the large, primarily black church in Cleveland. He seemed different somehow, as I said earlier. I'm more hopeful now, less reluctant to vote for him. It's a good thing, because there is no way on God's green earth I would vote for Hillary. I said it ten years ago, and I still say - her eyes are like ball bearings. There is no soul in them, just ambition. She scares me to death. I guess I'm just deplorable. By the way, has anyone dared to put out "Trump" signs in your yard? I no longer put out any "opinion" markers, other than my "He Is Risen" sign at Easter, and of course, Christmas things. You never know who is going to decide to punish you for it. Anyway, some of my friends have put out Trump signs, and they have been stolen. Not surprising, the liberal left doesn't tolerate much, while they're accusing the right of being "intolerant Christians", but still, that seems a pretty childish way to try to combat the opposition. The debate tomorrow night should be very, very interesting. It may be a bloodbath, or it may not, but I guess we'll see. I do know that among my black friends, more and more are admitting to being Trump supporters.

Well, guess I'll go warm up some lunch. Brittney sent some baked chicken thighs and roasted potatoes and asparagus home with me Friday night, and that just sounds delish! Blessings, friends. --Romeena
September 25, 2016 - Msg 105800: Good Sabbath to all. Just stopping by to sit a spell in my rocker.

Mr. Maude and I had a grand time at Mayberry Days. Enjoyed the parade and seeing all the guests and festivities, Especially enjoyed our visit with G-F. Mt. Airy is a lovely little town and most of the folks were very welcoming and friendly . Met Malcom Tucker .. He was in a hurry tho and did not have time to chit chat . This gentleman looked a lot like the original one and was dressed the part. Standing on the street with his coat over his arm wiping his brown with his hankie . Lol

It was great to see you again G-F. Hopefully we can make it an annual visit. Hoping to get to the Mayberry meet up next year as well.

Ro: I am not sure what's available in Tom's area but if someone can see if social services there has an adult protective services worker. In my area, adult protective services goes out and does assessments on at risk adults. They adults can be at risk for self care, abuse , medical, physical,psychosocial needs. Often the worker can set up meals, transportation, and other support systems, I don't think it's income based at all. So if some can call and express a concern for his well being then hopefully someone from APS can check on him. Also, our community has a couple of transportation services for folks . Whomever speaks with the APS folks should be able to tell them what's available, some churches here also have ministries that will provide transportation to and from doctors appointments, grocery shopping and other needed trips.
Hope this is helpful.

Again, it was lovely to see you again , G-F. Looking forward to next year.

Prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude

Sorry for being long winded
September 25, 2016 - Msg 105801: Thanks, Big Maude. That's very good information. Actually, I'm embarrassed that I didn't think of APS myself. I have called them in the past for patients I was seeing. Thanks again! I'm going to call Tom and talk it over with him.

We haven't had any more rain since I got home, but the sky looks like lead and the air is absolutely still, not so much as a leaf stirring. I think something is brewing. There's no bird or critter traffic out there either, and that's usually a sign. They sense when it's going to storm, and they all go hole up somewhere. Come to think of it, I do the same thing! Haha.

Golly, it would be fun to go to Mayberry Days, but I guess it's just not in the cards for me. The trip would be too costly, coming from Texas, would be a very long and tiring drive. Mostly, I just can't afford the expense these days. So, you folks who get to go will just have to tell us all about it. --Romeena
September 25, 2016 - Msg 105802: I'm proud of you ladies researching some help for TOM. Godspeed and may TOM receive the needed help.

Asa, I am so tempted to not vote at all because my conscience is bugging me either way. We will see what happens. Today in church we were studying from 1 Peter, chapter 2, I think. It is talking about honoring authorities, even the emperor, who just happened to be NERO at that time. NERO??! If we take all of that literally, and apply it to our own generation, I'm not sure how we should take that. Curious. Anyway, it got me thinking about how, as a Christian, I should view this world system. Peter (if it was actually peter who wrote it; some scholars doubt that), emphasizes the truth that we should be strangers in this world. Based on that, I am trying not to get too uptight and to realize that this is nothing new. Evil is out there..we may be about to go through a season of testing. At least I'm not facing the reign of NERO...yet. ;)

Well, it's still hot here, but it cant stay this way. We got a lot of rain last night and the clouds kept the temps out of the high 90's. Hoping for a better week and actually putting out some of my fall decorations. I hung the fall wreath on the door and it looks real pretty. I got it at Kirkland's last year. Do you all have Kirkland's home store?

Better go get the clothes out of the drier and see about starting dinner. I have some chicken that has to be cooked.

Boo
September 25, 2016 - Msg 105803: Thanks Maude... I too was glad to see you guys again!... It sure was busy wasn't it this year! See what perfect weather does....You will love the Meet-Up, I'll keep you informed when dates are set... And Possum can mark her calender too...

As I mentioned before... SPOT may want to consider it too! The Blue Ridge Parkway is REAL CLOSE and many folks bring their motor sickles to ride on it...

Asa, I really don't want to get into what I said to him, but I will say, I FIRMLY gave him my opinion on the matter... BTW he was passing autographed cards with the picture of the book.... But hardly no one was taking them...lol. Wonder what causes that!

I'm beat just got home... More later tomorrow.... G-F
September 25, 2016 - Msg 105804: Well, I think I could use a little advice from some of my porch friends. I am feeling low today, nothing major, just missing some people. I think as we approach fall, thanksgiving, etc, I start missing family. After trying to do some decorating around here, hoping it would brighten things up, it just made me feel depressed. I either feel numb or sad. My life is really lacking in good emotions right now. My sister tells me she has the same problem, so maybe it is just dealing with loss..a symptom of grief. Maybe I am lacking patience and just want everything to be back to normal without going through the process of grief. I just wonder if what I am experiencing is normal. I think losing my Aunt and Uncle recently stirred up some things because I have been thinking about my parents a lot and missing them. It feels so final now and I miss them. You have to understand that we have always had a very tight-knit family and large family gatherings at the holidays. I loved hosting family dinners, doing the cooking for holidays after mom had her stroke. We had big thanksgivings, especially. All the family in this area and friends, too. My friend Karen usually was with us and her children. Now she is gone and so much of the family, too. I have to readjust my thinking. I feel guilty because I know I have so much to be thankful for, but I still grieve the loss of loved ones who aren't here. I'm kind of a mess right now. I'll get better, though. I know we are all in the same boat in life. We all lose our loved ones, deal with health issues, miss what was... I think about how when my mom was my age, and losing family members, I really didn't understand what she was going through. I wish I had been more supportive and not so wrapped up in my own life. Regrets aren't worth much unless we learn from them. I am thankful that my own children are compassionate and genuinely concerned when I am struggling. They are great kids and have had to grieve through a lot, too. Do any of you ever feel like you need to just go somewhere else...get away from home for awhile? I wish I was in a position to do that. I would love to take a trip and refuel for a few weeks. Maybe by retirement. ha...maybe Mayberry Days in a few years. :)

Well, I should think about going to bed...working in the morning. Hope you all have a good day.

Boo