January 05, 2017 - Msg 106506: Good morning, porch! Doggone it, all you folks and your talk of snow. It's cold here too, in the low 30s, but no snow. All we have is a bad case of the drearies. Oh well. At least when I let my granddog out to potty, she doesn't come in with wet feet.

Yep, my son took a beating, for sure. I think it may be worse than he's telling me, because he hasn't sent pictures. In the past, after a mishap of some sort, he's sent me a "trophy" picture of his bruises, or a couple of stitches or whatever. We have a running joke between us, as to who has the most scars. I've got lots of surgical scars, he has a couple of those, but mostly he has "owie" scars. I think this latest "owie" is going to put him far, far in the lead. So far he hasn't chosen to send me any pictures, but I just asked him for some. He probably won't do it, thinking it would just scare me, but he forgets that I've seen motorcycle crash victims, and you just cannot imagine what full-body road rash looks like.

Asa, sorry about your back. Still, it gives you some time at home, and that's not a bad thing. Just rest, move around a bit, then rest some more, and do whatever your doc tells you.

Boo, Erin has a good foundation. That won't keep her from being tempted, and you're also fighting the typical teenage need to "fit in", but that foundation will come through. All she needs is your backing, encouragement, and a sense of you trusting her, and she'll be okay.

Maude, I hope Mr. Maude's knee heals quickly, and if he does have to have knee replacements, once he gets past the recovery time, he'll probably wonder why he waited so long! My friend Eloise has had both knees replaced. She gets around like a circle saw, and says she'd have done it ten years ago if she had known how much better it would be.

MDC, I'd like to see the pics of your hippie days, too! You have my email, I think.

Well, guess I'd better go see if I can get my moping granddog to eat. She has eaten about half a cup of Beneful dog food since her folks left Monday morning. She has home-cooked food, made by my daughter and left for her, and she has dry kibble - won't touch any of it. Just looks at me with big mournful eyes, clearly asking where her people are. Poor baby. She's such a sweet thing.

Blessings, porch! --Romeena
January 05, 2017 - Msg 106507: Well, looks like I've got a permanent job as the official porch-sweeper. Wonder if my tendency to run on and on has anything to do with that? --Romeena
January 05, 2017 - Msg 106508: Hey, porch. I just had a call from our Tom, letting us know that he will be offline for a little while. Seems the power line for his computer is non-functional, and he's getting it replaced. He feels it's something he can get done himself. Anyway, he didn't want us putting out any APBs or anything. That was so thoughtful, for him to let us know, so we wouldn't be worried about him. He sounds good, and says he's fine. --Romeena
January 06, 2017 - Msg 106509: Good sweep RO!! And thanks for the Tom update. When I went to see the archives just now, I see that Floyd has added a search box now at the top
of the page...THANKS Floyd! :)
ASA--so sorry about the back misery. You are too much into
"character' if you know what I mean. ha
My chiro gave me some great back exercises to do.
I do them each AM and then hot shower water right there, and I'm pretty good. My hip surgery is on the 18th.
Looks like y'alls is gettin some 'weather.' We have had rain
showers off and on for the past week, but I guess the jet stream is also lower right now.
Its OK tho as we really needed the rain.
SPOT--hope your Falcons keep going!
Prayers for Ro's son, Maudie's mister and Boo's family.
God bless,
MDC

January 06, 2017 - Msg 106510: Everyone be careful with the storm coming, ice and snow for you folks down south too!..SPOT may have to get back to his 4 wheel in' days to get around...Snow is one thing but ice is another...As Sgt. Phil used to say on Hill Street Blues... https://youtu.be/Jmg86CRBBtw

G-F
January 06, 2017 - Msg 106511: My Michigan-born husband often said that the best way to drive on ice is - don't. --Romeena
January 06, 2017 - Msg 106512: Good morning all.

Woke up to a minus 2 on my porch this morning. Kinda glad the back has me laid up for once. Only 15 for a high today. Then a warmer flow comes in over the weekend. We have received almost 2 feet of snow since Christmas, and now they are calling for rain on Monday. Unusual for us to see rain in January, but at least I ain't gotta shovel rain.

Yep MDC, I have that Asa character down real good. I have even considered collecting tin foil. lol I do back exercises every day, and I do believe they have helped me quite a bit. I have discovered there is a particular thing I shouldn't do that tends to throw it out. I have found if I am bent over and then straighten up to fast, or am bent over and pull up with any resistance, I throw my pelvis out. That's what happened on Wednesday. I was bent over working on a snow blower and was tightening a bolt by pulling up on it. I just need to try and remember what it is I shouldn't do, and then don't do it. Sounds simple huh?

Romeena, we are going to have to award you with the "Golden Broom" award for all the porch sweeping you do. And I agree, if you don't need to be out on the icy roads, stay off them. The State and City crews do a pretty good job of plowing and salting our roads, but when it gets this cold, even the salt is not that effective. So right now our roads a very snow packed and slippery. I think the recorded over 1,000 accidents over the New Year weekend. Probably the biggest issue around here is everyone drives 4 wheel drive vehicles, and they tend to think they can go quicker than they should. I have two cars, a Jeep and a Toyota Tacoma, both 4x4, but have done enough driving to know they don't stop any faster than a regular vehicle. So even though they can cut through the snow with no problem, ya still gotta stop. So I have learned to drive slow in the snow.

GF, Just wanted to report my furnace is running like a champ since I cleaned that flame rod sensor. Glad for it with these temps for sure.

I also wanted to thank all who prayed for Barney. He is still moving slow, but is much improved from where he was earlier in the week. He is walking much better, and has that spark back in his eyes. I just need to try and keep him calmed down. The fool thing is 13 years old and still acts like a puppy. Very active little feller.

Well Stacey went grocery shopping for me this morning, bless her heart. She and Matt are celebrating their 13 year anniversary this weekend. Hard to believe they have been married that long. I had a lot of concerns about her choice for a husband but I am glad to say I was very wrong about him. He is a wonderful Husband, Father, and Son in Law. Can't beat a deal like that.

Prayers for all.

Asa
January 06, 2017 - Msg 106513: Good to hear Asa & Asa Jr. are feeling better!. A man and his dog...Don't call them Man's best friend for nothin'.G-F
January 06, 2017 - Msg 106514: NipItInTheBud! (:
January 06, 2017 - Msg 106515: thanks for the sweep and the update in Tom, Ro. Thanks also fir the advice. Bruce is having a tough time with the trust issue. He has never had a daughter and its about to whip his patootie. Yesterday when he picked erin upfrom schoo he saw her hug and kiss her friend Tyler outside the school building. He flipped but I was able to calm him down to have a discussion with her last night. I think it went pretty well. He talked to her about what 5 year old boys and their libidos are like. Parenting 15 year old girls is no picnic.

its in the 30s here and I am about to make a fire!

Boo
January 06, 2017 - Msg 106516: Good afternoon, porch. Well, only in Texas. It's 19° here right now, and has been snowing for the past two hours. It's accumulating, though it hasn't made it to the top of the grass yet. It's all down low, with blades sticking out, and my grass isn't all that long. Still on sidewalks and bare dirt, it looks at least an inch deep.

My critters are out, searching for food. I'm going to put out seed and old bread, and smear some peanut butter on a tree trunk. Also, lots of uneaten dog food is going out there. I have Robbi's golden retriever, and she's either pouting or ailing, but she has flatly refused to eat since Robbi and Richard left Monday morning. I finally called Toye Starr's vet, and he's sending a prescription out for her that's supposed to stimulate her appetite. That is, if I can get the pill down her throat, which won't be easy. However, this ain't my first rodeo, and I think I can do it. I called Robbi, and she's OK with it. The poor old gal is 13, very arthritic, and very attached to her family. I'm terrified she's going to die on my watch, and I really don't want that to happen. Not only did my kids trust me with their beloved dog, but I love the sweet old thing too!

Well, guess I'll go find something to eat, and try again to get Whoozit to eat something. Blessings, porch. --Romeena
January 06, 2017 - Msg 106517: Hey y'all- Well,it's gonna get DANG cold here in the South,as our Rev would say,but luckily,looks like all that will fall on my rock is rain. Don't want any ice or snow! The Upstate will get snow and ice,but we should be ok here in the Lowcountry. Prayers for all to weather the storm safely. Spot, Maude,and all our other Southern Porchsters,y'all hunker down & be safe!

Will have to read back a few days & get caught up on things here-hope everyone is well and is staying warm!

****************
possum under a rock
January 06, 2017 - Msg 106518: Also,my prayers go out to all affected by the tragedy at the Fort Lauderdale airport today.

possum again
January 06, 2017 - Msg 106519: Hey gang well headed back to work with sleeping bag ...may be a long few days...we aint use to this snow !..send food .. ha ha SPOT
January 06, 2017 - Msg 106520: Stay safe SPOT....Good on ya for keeping the lights & heat on for your customers...G-F
January 07, 2017 - Msg 106521: Yes possum, prayers indeed for all in Fort Lauderdale. So sad!
Well, all of you who are getting this weather, hang tight, keep safe, especially when driving! Snow in Dallas and Atlanta, rain in many places, etc. Spot, be careful.
RO and ASA, did you get my email with the pics?
I was one bad boy, huh?! haha
RO--I will say a prayer for the retriever. That sure does not sound good, for sure. How much longer will they be gone?
BOO-my thoughts and prayers your way too.
Lots of growing pains for sure.
Well, we got our new overhead micro and new free-standing range today! Really makes the kitchen look good. Finally, the remodel is "officially" done.
Jesus is Lord folks, :)
MDC
January 07, 2017 - Msg 106522: Yep Possum, I agree DANG COLD as REV used to say...3 degrees here on my end of the porch!...Y'all be careful!....

MDC just be sure you and the Mrs. don't get in "over you heads" now when you cook....lol

Boo, you hang in there too, those teenage years for raising kids are rough for everyone!.. Glad those days are behind me, but will be starting again with the Grandkidders....Oh My!...😱

Asa, Cold Weather = "WHEELERTIME" 10-4?....

G-F
January 07, 2017 - Msg 106523: Amen and 10-4 GF. Wheelertime galore buddy. Keep switching between heat and ice on my back. It's improved much, but still pretty sore.

MDC, Your restoration isn't quite complete. You still need that new hip installed.

Ro, Our little doxie Sammy would not eat when we left him with family while on vacation. He was real funny like that. Just plain flat refused to eat. And as you put it, "pouting" was his deal. He was really funny because he would remember who it was that handed him over to the culprit, and when we would pick him up he would go out of his way to ignore that person for several days. It was actually quite funny. We made it a contest to see who was going to hand him over. And everytime, whoever it was got the cold shoulder from him for several days when we got back home. He was a funny little critter. I hope your fellow is ok.

My oldest Daughter is in Charlotte these days and called me this morning. She said how freaked out the folks there are getting over an inch of snow. Stores closed, schools closed. It's like the whole city has shut down. But I reminded her that a lot of southern cities are not well equipped to handle snow. Around here we have fleets of trucks with plows, sanders, and various other things to deal with snow because it is part of our life here.

They said we were supposed to get up to 30 today, but it ain't gonna happen. It's a balmy 16 at 2:00 in the afternoon with no sun in sight. Supposed to warm up by tomorrow they say, but we will see.

Well I think I will see what I can muster up for supper. It might just be a good old can of soup on this cold winter evening.

Asa
January 07, 2017 - Msg 106524: Good evening, Porch!

A hearty hello to Asa, MDC, Boo, Ro, Big Maude, G-F, Possum, SPOT and everyone in between! I have missed dropping in for a spell and thought I would now. It's just been rush, rush, rush. Guess I didnt pay too close attention to Dr. Breen's message, huh?!

Asa, I used to live in extreme northwest Arkansas as a school boy. Inch of snow and school was CLOSED. Kinda hard to get them big buses back on those slick "boonie" back roads that were only big enough for one car to pass while the other waits.

Sorry, I couldnt stay longer. Dinner calls right about now. My best wishes to you all!

John Masters
January 07, 2017 - Msg 106525: Thanks for those prayers, MDC. They are so appreciated. Things are kind of tense here with Erin because we are trying to teach her about what we feel is acceptable, but we are meeting a lot of resistance, of course. I want to move to the mountains and homeschool, lock her away until she is 21, but not going to happen. Im joking, of course, but this is tough. How did you porch dads handle this boyfriend stuff?!!

Well, it's about 30 degrees here in south texas and there is ice on the cars now at 10:30pm. What in tarnation?! I am enjoying it, as you all know. I like being out in it.

Earlier tonight, Bruce and I drove through the gate to see the dogs standing over a very still possum. Another possum playing dead, so I put the dogs in the garage and the possum made it to the driveway and lay down behind Bruce's truck. I could tell he was alive and breathing so I covered him with a towel in case he was thinking of staying the night (to keep him warm). When I checked on him an hour or so later, he had found his way off the place. I figured he would, poor little fellow. OK, that is one thing about me that you all may not know. I am very fond of possums and hate when the dogs get ahold of one. They are nice critters, I think, and very rarely carry rabies. I wish the dogs would leave them alone. Anyway, I told you this story because I figure you might get a chuckle at the mental image of me tucking a possum in for the night.

Think I will go sit by the fire for a bit.

Maude, glad Mr. Maude is on the mend.

Boo
January 07, 2017 - Msg 106526: http://imayberry.com/podcasts/2017/01/mayberry-bible-study-podcast-the-darlings-are-coming/

A *new* episode of the Mayberry Bible Study Podcast is now online. I hope you enjoy and get something from this episode. The first ~30 minutes is audio from the episode of TAGS and that's followed by the Bible study recorded at the Mayberry Motor Inn back in July 2016.

See all the episodes at http://www.MayberryBibleStudyPodcast.com

--Floyd
January 08, 2017 - Msg 106527: Thanks Floyd, great stuff! I really appreciate all that you do for us Mayberry nuts! :)
For some reason today, the old "Encyclopedia" song by Jiminey Crickett popped into my mind.
It taught me how to spell it for sure! But I also thought about how we have
lived thru a time of "historical change," just like those who lived thru the transition from horse and buggy to the automobile! Well, we have lived thru using hard-bound encyclopedias for our information to using the internet, and not only that, but basically all knowledge is now in the palm of our hands! It's pretty incredible when you think about it! In fact, I found the whole jingle in about 30 seconds on youtube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy2jWJtO3lE
Just something to think about.
Good Sabbath to all! Y'alls is the cats! :)
MDC
January 08, 2017 - Msg 106528: MDC, I'm glad you like the Mayberry Bible study. I didn't release a single episode of the study in 2016 so I thought it was about time I got in gear and got one done.
--Floyd
January 08, 2017 - Msg 106529: Floyd......It was JUST LIKE BEING THERE!...lol...Oh I forgot...I WAS!...lol...G-F
January 08, 2017 - Msg 106530: Thanks Floyd, I cant listen yet because I have to get ready for preachin' but I will listen this evening. Thanks for all you do for us..it is so appreciated.

You're funny, G-F. :)

Got down to freezing again here last night but supposed to warm up to the 50's and then the 70's tomorrow. Im really glad it got cold enough for a few days to kill of some of the stinkin' mosquitos!

Ya'll have a good day. I'll probably be back this evening to sit on the porch for a bit.

Boo
January 08, 2017 - Msg 106531: Good morning, porch. I need your prayers. As I mentioned at the first of the week, I have my granddog, Whoozit, a 13-yr old Golden Retriever. She has bad arthritis, and on a good day it is still hard for her to get around, but that's not my problem right now. The problem is much worse than that. She flatly refuses to eat. She would drink water, but has not willingly taken a single bite of food since her mom and dad left, with the exception of some peanut butter that she licked off my fingers. Thrilled, I got a big blob on a spoon and offered it to her, but she just turned her head away.

That was on Wednesday. Since then, I have managed to shove some peanut butter between her teeth, and some other soft stuff, like minced chicken, and she would swallow it. This morning, she cannot stand up, and when I put food in her mouth, she just opens her mouth and lets it fall out. Also, she has refused water today.

Naturally, I didn't go to church, feeling that I needed to stay with her. I think she's on her way out, and I just cannot let her pass alone. I've sent a message to my son-in-law. I'd rather he would talk to my daughter right now, because she's going to become very emotional. They're at the car auction in Kissimmee, FL, and had not planned to come home until a week from next Friday. After the auction, they were going to spend a few days with my son, the one who was in the plane accident. This is going to ruin their trip, but I can't let the dog die without letting them know. I really just don't know what to do.

I left a message for David to call me when he gets out of church. At least I don't have to try to manage her alone if she does die. She weighs about 70 lbs, and there's no way I can handle her. This is more than a hunger strike, I think she may have had a stroke. I just need the Lord's help right now, to guide me in the decisions that need to be made. Thanks, friends. --Romeena
January 08, 2017 - Msg 106532: Boo..As far as the skeeters... The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away!...lol 👍
January 08, 2017 - Msg 106533: Good Sabbath all.

Romeena, I am so sorry what you are facing with Whoozit. I'll certainly pray for you to do what may have to be done. It's very difficult to see an animal suffer, and I am guessing if Whoozit was your critter, you could make the decision easier. Having it that you are puppy sitting, I know how hard a decision it is. But I suspect your Daughter and her Hubby will support doing whatever you feel is right. Prayers for you to make the right call Ro. I know you will do the right thing, no matter what it is.

I had to go out and blow another 4 inches of fresh snow off the driveway this morning, and my back let me know what it thought of it. It's still snowing lightly, but has warmed up some. A balmy 25 right now. They are still saying mid 40's tomorrow with rain showers. We are getting the same stuff that California has been receiving.

Well Boo, glad you froze some skeeters. I guess that is one blessing of the cold. Did Bruce's tests come out ok? I hope so.

Thanks for the link Floyd. I was planning on going to preaching today, but after getting my back mad at me, I figure I best stay home. So I will go to your link and watch that instead.

MDC, How do you like them new appliances? Have you been like Aunt Bee and showed them off to your friends and neighbors? lol

GF, My oldest Grandkid turns 11 in March, so fun times are about to begin I reckon. It has to be tough to be a teenager these days and I just want to be a help to my Daughter and her Hubby in helping them anyway I can.

Well better get.

Asa
January 08, 2017 - Msg 106534: so cold here i took the dog home before i went out not fit for man or pet to be out a balmy -16 here doing ok thinking of you pappa bear
January 08, 2017 - Msg 106535: ASA--This may sound strange, but I dont cotton to all the digital stuff that the new appliances have.
For example, the digital clock is also used for the cooking timer and the temperature in the oven. So, for example, if it is timer mode, you cant see the digital clock! Would it have cost that much more to have a digital clock AND a digital timer? haha
RO--my prayers continue regarding the dog's not eating. Pure homesickness i bet )(along with the age.)
Pappabear, come on down to Phx. 70 here for the next few days!
BOO--saw your post on FB of bruce's office. Very cool!
Nite all,
MDC
January 08, 2017 - Msg 106536: Good evening, porch. Well, it's over. Our sweet Whoozit has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was getting weaker by the minute, yet would not eat. She was totally unable to stand, because her back legs just weren't working. Watching her, I was seeing a replay of Sugarplum's final week, and I knew what was wrong. So I talked to Robbi, and she agreed that she needed to go to the vet, asap. I called David, and he and Landry came and we got her to the animal emergency clinic. They did a blood panel, found some abnormalities, and then did an abdominal sono and found what looked like a large tumorous lesion on her liver. Exactly what I thought - liver cancer. Precisely the same progression of events as Sugarplum had. So the extremely kind and wise vet called Robbi, and the decision to euthanize was made. I sat on the floor with Whoozit, loved on her and talked to her, and in a little while the doc came in, gave the injections, and Whoozie just put her beautiful old head down on her paws and went to sleep. Very peaceful, very sweet. Very hard, of course, but it was the kindest thing, the only thing to do. As the doc said, it's only going to get worse every day. Because you love her, end it now. And so we did, and she is at peace.

Good night, porch. --Romeena
January 09, 2017 - Msg 106537: RO--So sorry on the loss of Whoozit! My prayers continue for all your family. As you know, we let our cat go this past August, so I know how you feel. I was way off on the homesickness, but it may have played a small part. I'm sure that your furkid is missing her too. Take care and
God bless,
MDC
January 09, 2017 - Msg 106538: So Sorry Romeena.... I know how hard this is for EVERYONE prayers for all.....G-F
January 09, 2017 - Msg 106539: So very sorry Romeena.

Asa
January 09, 2017 - Msg 106540: May we find our joy and strength in the Lord this week!
Prayers for all! :)
MDC
January 10, 2017 - Msg 106541: Good morning all.

Still laid up nursing the back. It's improving, but taking its time. Sure is fun to get old. :) But beats the alternative, at least for now.

MDC, I know what you mean about those clocks. Both my oven and my built in microwave have clocks, and the microwave sits right above the range, so if the timer on the oven is on I can still see the time. One thing I do like about both of them is how simple it is to reset the time on them.

I hope you and your family are doing ok Ro. I know the void it leaves.

I didn't catch the game last night, but it sounds like it was a good one, and the underdog won. I have a brother in law from Alabama who I'm sure is deflated this morning. But he needs to be. He's been hard to live with for some time now with his "roll tide roll" mantra. lol

Well this back pain has sure derailed my new years workout plans. I usually try and do some cardio every other day at least, but pretty hard to do that when you can barely walk. Maybe I'll try holding my breath for a while. Andy said it was a good lung exercise.

Guess I'll go see what's good for breakfast.

Prayers for all.

Asa
January 10, 2017 - Msg 106542: Asa....That back misery sure can be a "Pain"... Hang in there Buddy,...But don't get your clothes dirty!..lol...G-F
January 10, 2017 - Msg 106543: Well we are thawing out here on the southern end of the porch..had some long hrs in here at the power company .. we may get above freezing here ga...hey Romeena,possum,MDC...and congrats to Clemson on a fine game ! Hey Boo..Maude,lucy and all....gona try my best to get caught up and read the archives...prayers to all ! SPOT
January 10, 2017 - Msg 106544: South Carolina Proud- Congrats to Clemson!!

*****************
possum under a rock
January 10, 2017 - Msg 106545: I bet if Asa hung hisself in the closet, like Barney trying to grow taller, maybe that'd fix his back pain.

Billy Ray the MD (Mayberry Doctor) Postman
January 10, 2017 - Msg 106546: What did Aunt Bee do for Clara when she throwed out her back trying to clean under the oven (or was it the icebox?), bless her heart?

Billy Ray the Postman
January 10, 2017 - Msg 106547: Very sorry about Whoozit, Romeena..very sorry, indeed.

Hope your backs feels better soon, Asa.

Boo
January 10, 2017 - Msg 106548: Sorry about the loss of your family's pet, Ro.

Hope you get to feeling better soon, Asa-take care of yourself!

possum again
January 10, 2017 - Msg 106549: Thank you, friends, for the kind words on the loss of our beautiful old girl, Whoozit. She was one in a million. She was a perfect example of a Golden Retriever, with an extra helping of all the sweet and loving traits that the breed possesses.

May I brag for a moment about my grandson? David's younger boy, Hudson, has really been given an honor. As I've mentioned before, the kid wanted to be in his middle school (Jr. high) band, and chose to learn the bassoon, which is generally rated as the most difficult of the woodwind instruments to master. This was at the start of school, in the last school year, so he has been learning for a year and a half now - three semesters. He has done remarkably well, has received several honors, and has mastered the instrument well enough that he can improvise on it to a fair degree. Last week, there was a UIL competition, and Hudson excelled in that. In addition, he was one of four students chosen to join the Ft. Worth Junior Philharmonic orchestra. They are scheduled to play a concert at the Bass Performance Hall in the near future. Naturally, I'm just about to bust my buttons! All that talent, and he's a very sweet and good kid too! God is good.

Blessings, porch. --Romeena
January 10, 2017 - Msg 106550: Congrats to Hudson Romeena! That is very cool. I recall you mentioning about the bassoon, not an easy insrtument to play for sure.
ASA--do you think it's time for a new step with your back...surgery maybe? Just askin. prayers continue.
SPOT--glad you are thawing out...go falcons! :)
Billy Ray, I actually raise my feet off the ground bracing myself on a walker, and it brings some releif to my back if it flares up. So there really is something to it. ha
Good for Clemson POSSUM.
MDC
January 11, 2017 - Msg 106551: Good morning all.

MDC, I am at a real quandary about what to do with my back. I know so many folks who have gone in for surgery and have regretted it. I know a few who have had surgery, and it has helped. But the ratio is much higher for the ones who would never have surgery again. Even my own Doctor years ago advised me to put off surgery as a last resort. He said those who have surgery, 25% come out improved, 25% come out worse, and the other 50% are about the same as before they went in. Of course he was speaking of fusion surgery, and this was 20 years ago. I do find that my current Doctor (who is a D.O.) is able to find my pelvis rotated and adjust it back into place. The one thing I am noticing though, as I get older, it seems to take longer after an adjustment to recover. When I first would see him about 10 years ago, he could do his magic and by the next day I was much improved. Now it is several days to a week before it is feeling better. I do know it is affecting my quality of life. I have always been an active guy, loved sports, love working in the yard or in my shop. And I just can't or at least don't dare do much anymore. I know I should at least go see a specialist, but I know they would want to do an MRI. and there is no way I can go through the tube unless they knock me out. I am just to blamed claustrophobic. I know that sounds silly to some, but unless you have it, you just can't understand the concerns I have about it. So I just don't know what to do.

That is way neat about your Hudson Romeena. Good for him.

Possum, thank you. I hope you are well.

I am back to work today, so we will see how it goes. At least it has finally warmed up. We were in the mid 40's this morning and raining. I plan on taking it easy.

Asa
January 11, 2017 - Msg 106552: Good morning, porch! Can't stop long, have ESL class today.

Asa, I understand your concerns. I also know that the time may come when you will have no choice. Better to consider it now, while you have the time to investigate possibilities. Those statistics you quote sound, well, "old" to me. I think today's odds are much, much better, depending upon what needs to be done. The surgeon who fixed my broken-down back about three years ago did a wonderful job, but when I asked him about correcting the progressive scoliosis that's still bothering me, he said he wouldn't do it. He gave 50/50 odds on it, and said unless he had a majority chance of fixing a problem, he would leave it alone. Yet he had just finished taking me, an old gal with a high pain tolerance, from standing in my bedroom crying and unable to walk, to full, pain-free mobility. As for the MRI, there is an open MRI now, that consists of a "donut" about a foot thick, compared to the full-body tube. Your head would be outside the donut. Even the worst claustrophobes seem to tolerate it quite well. Check it out.

Well, better run. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
January 11, 2017 - Msg 106553: Hey Possum Congrats on Clemson's win!... Ohio State getting beat up by them doesn't hurt so bad now being they are National Champions.... Better not try to talk to Nick anytime too soo, don't think he's too talkative these days...lol 😤

G-F
January 11, 2017 - Msg 106554: ASA--in the meantime, try one of the back braces that I have seen recently. they look really good.
http://tinyurl.com/h8qpns8
Prayers,
MDC
January 12, 2017 - Msg 106555: Good evening, Porch

Romeena, belated condolences for Whoozit. I still carry the pain of having to put my dog to sleep while I petted her and looking her directly in the eyes as the needle was administered. That was over twenty years ago and it still lumps my throat. I'm very sorry!

Well, football fans...my Chiefs host the divisional game against the Texans. I am betting we go to the AFC Championship at New England and lose. I know this may cause a slight stir, but, I wholeheartedly believe that the Pats and the NFL are in cahoots together. Seems like NO MATTER WHAT, the Pats are always with the best AFC record, home field advantage or, at least, in the AFC Championship. B-O-R-I-N-G! Mark my words, in a couple of weeks, Patriots will be Super Bowl bound again.
Big deal.

Ro, Boo, Asa, MDC, G-F, possum, SPOT, Billy Ray, TOM, and the rest of you yahoos, have a great Thursday!

John Masters
January 12, 2017 - Msg 106556: Whoops. I goofed. My Chiefs are hosting the Steelers. Well, that's the mistakes you make when trying to figure out how to kick Barney out of the choir!

John Masters
January 12, 2017 - Msg 106557: John, then there are those pesky footballs to deal with...! Ha
Just very quick hello tonite. Had a good pre-op mtg at the hospital today. More later,
MDC
January 12, 2017 - Msg 106558: I wonder if the Chiefs could sign Rifle Fife to play quarterback.

Billy Ray the Postman
January 12, 2017 - Msg 106559: No Billy Ray...The Browns need Rifle Fife...We have the 1st round draft pick due to our stellar season!..G-F
January 12, 2017 - Msg 106560: Good morning all.

Hey MDC, Thanks for the link. I will give them a call. Not a permanent fix, but at least may minimize the pain when I have the "misery".

And Romeena, your suggestion is good. I really do need to just man up and go see a spinal Doc.

Hey to John Masters. I would have to respectfully disagree with your thoughts on the Patriots and the NFL being in cahoots though. And trust me, I ain't a Pats fan. Remember, I am a Raiders fan, and we got torched by the so called "tuck rule" back in 2000 in the AFC Championship game at New England. I remember back then, when I gave a care about football, that we were had by the refs. That was the start of the Pats dynasty and I have come to the conclusion that Bill Belechick is probably the greatest football coach there is. I have never seen a coach who can get more out of his players than he does. It pains me to say it, but I have got to give the man his dues. In all honesty in fact, I think it has been just the opposite in recent years, the NFL trying to bring the Pats down. That entire deflate gate was a joke in my view. But I am rooting for the Chiefs this weekend, because I despise the squeelers, and Andy Reid played at one of our local Universities. I have met him before and really like him. But he does seem to fold a bit in the play-offs I have noticed.

Hey Billy Ray, maybe Rifle Fife could at least show them how to grip the ball correctly.

You been getting much snow GF? You getting any Wheeler time?

Well off to slay the dragon. I guess when I was off, we had a fire sprinkler line freeze and break and flooded several offices. What a mess.

Asa
January 12, 2017 - Msg 106561: Hey, you snuck in on me GF. To bad Belichick wasn't a better coach when he was at the Browns. But that was his first gig.

Asa
January 12, 2017 - Msg 106562: Good morning, porch. John Masters, thank you. Obviously, you know what we're feeling these days. She wasn't even my dog, she was my grand-dog, but I loved her very much. My daughter and SIL, of course, are devastated. Not only did they lose their precious old girl, but they were not able to be with her for the last hugs. However, I'm convinced that Whoozit hung on and didn't let anything show until they left, and then she gave in and made the choice to die. Yes, she was that loving and intelligent, and I think she didn't want to cause her family any distress. My daughter was beating herself up because she wasn't with her, but I think now she knows it was what the old girl wanted, and was best. If Robbi had been with her, she would have been very upset, and that would have been hard for Whoozit. It was better, the way it played out. She wasn't alone, she knew me and David and Landry, we were with her all the way, and she didn't have to witness her "mom" crying and upset. My tears, she could accept, but not Robbi's, I think. She was one in a million. I've had and loved a lot of dogs in my life, and have a great respect for dogs in general, but Whoozie was unique. She was to Robbi what Sugarplum was to me.

Asa, you remind me of my dad, when it comes to your back. Daddy had back trouble almost all his adult life. When he was about 25, he helped a lady get her car unstuck from a mudhole. I think it was a'31 model Ford or Chevy, as the story goes. Anyway, my dad, who had a tendency to just "do" whatever had to be done, actually lifted the car and set it over about two feet, to a dry spot where it could get some traction. His back seized up, put him in bed for a few days, and he had trouble ever since. Two or three times a year, he'd have a "spasm" and would walk bent over or crooked for a few days, until it would finally let go. My mom urged him to have surgery, and he flatly refused. I can remember him saying "No way am I going to let some guy with a knife cut on my back. There's important things in there!" Makes me think of Barney. Mama finally got him to a doctor, who recommended surgery, and Daddy refused. My mom was mad at him, but the doctor told her to leave him alone. He said "He'll come see me one of these days, when it gets bad enough." And he did. About six months later, he had a really bad spell with it, and reluctantly went back to the doctor. They operated the next day, it took less than an hour and the surgical dressing was a 2" wide bandaid. He was up and walking, painfree, as soon as the anesthetic wore off. He went home the next day, and never had another bad day with his back. He was about 65 at the time, and lived painfree until he passed at age 86. Now of course, every case is different, but it's surely worth checking it out.

Well, David just called, he's going to be in Irving in an hour or so, and wants to take me to lunch! I'm not about to turn that down! Guess I'd better get a little sprucing up done, on myself and the house. Blessings, porch. --Romeena
January 12, 2017 - Msg 106563: Great news about Hudson, Ro!! I know you must be so proud of him.

Well, took a break for a minute but will have to get back to the chores soon. Bruce has been out of town for work this week but because of Martin Luther King day, he gets a three day weekend and is driving back into town tonight. He will have to leave again on Monday, but we will be happy to have him with us this weekend. Erin has really been missing him. They really bonded the week he left. She was mad at him at first, because he told her no kissing boys or dating until she is at least 17, but she new he was doing what he felt the Lord wanted him to do and she cant argue with that. It has been so precious to see her character come out through all of this. Like most all teens, she thinks we don't know as much as she does about the situation, and she was mad, but she has continued to show us that she loves us and knows we love her. She is a very special girl who is very vocal about her faith and is inviting her friends to church. Yesterday I picked up two of them for youth group and those two kids both came to faith in the last month and are asking to go to church. God is good.

Asa, I am really sorry about your back troubles. I haven't had a lot of that but when I have had it I was just miserable. I certainly hope you find the right solution. I pray that you will. God knows if the surgery would help you or not, so I am praying he will show you what to do.

Better git, gotta put clean sheets on the bed.

Boo
January 12, 2017 - Msg 106564: Boo, Erin is indeed a special young lady. The fact that she is so vocal about her faith, and has been instrumental in some of her friends coming to faith as well is wonderful. So many kids are reluctant to do that sort of thing, afraid they'll be teased or ostracized for it. I think with Erin, those friends to whom she has witnessed will be the thing that will keep her out of trouble. She has to be aware that she's being watched, and copied by some, and yes, judged by some others. By her witness, she has set herself apart to some extent, and others are watching.

Well, David will be here shortly - better get ready. --Romeena
January 12, 2017 - Msg 106565: Quick trouble check..just got in from work 10:00 pm back at 6am ironing board for me..breakfast at waffle house on possum prayers SPOT