January 12, 2017 - Msg 106566: Hey SPOT, I hear you are buying at Waffle House for breakfast! ha
The "class" at the hospital the other day was very informative. They only do backs, knees, and hips there, so that helps keep infection down. They ran thru the whole process from arrival to recovery. The only thing I cringe about is the catheter. She told us there's "good news and bad news:" Good is that it goes in after we are under, the bad...it comes out when were awake! I guess I'll just bite the bullet and say all for Jesus on that one! ha I am now officially off the coumadin until after its done.
Weather here is still very nice in the high 60s, tho we may get rain this weekend.
You all take care.
MDC

January 12, 2017 - Msg 106567: Wow, I gave ROMeena a sweep break!

January 13, 2017 - Msg 106568: Good Morning gang ..a little after 5am...and yea I'm buying at the waffle house ...see ya there..I will bring a local paper...no cell phones...lets just talk ...prayers ...SPOT

January 13, 2017 - Msg 106569: Good morning all.

Alright Spot, I will be there with my phone turned off.

Prayers for you MDC as you get ready for the new hip. I know you are a bit worried about going off the thinners, but I expect you will do fine and dandy sir.

Romeena, I appreciate your comments concerning my back, and I do consider them very strongly. I guess my biggest worry right now is I am a care giver, and if I was to have surgery, and something went haywire and made my situation even worse with my mobility, I just don't know what I would do. So I have to pray about it and see where the Lord directs me. I appreciate you and Boo and everyone else who is praying for me to be guided. My other option is to retire early and that would ease my problems a bit. My job isn't always strenuous, but it can be at times, and I know that would be a help.

It looks like we are finally out of a wet pattern here for a few days any way. Thank goodness. It has been a very wet couple of weeks. Christmas Eve day I could see my grass. Today it has a good 3 feet of snow on it. It would be more, but it warmed up last week for a few days and rained and melted some of it off.

Better get to work. Prayers for all.

Asa

January 13, 2017 - Msg 106570: Good morning, porch. First of all, let me say to MDC, the anticipation of the removal of that catheter is much worse than the event itself. I've had patients say everything from "it hurt a little" to "is it out yet?" It was. The general consensus seems to be that it's no big deal. The best thing you can do is relax, and it won't be nearly as bad as you're anticipating.

Asa, you are absolutely right, and your point is well taken. My observations and comments are based solely on my personal experience and a history of good outcomes. You do indeed have other factors that must be considered, things not thought of by the rest of us. You're an intelligent man with a good heart, and you trust in the Lord. With all that, you'll make the right decision, at the right time. Prayers continue.

Joe is supposed to come today to get a big box of tulip bulbs in the ground for me. I think there are about 60 of them, plus some iris rhizomes, and some pruning to be done. Also one of the sprinkler heads is broken, resulting in a geyser when that zone runs. Our little run of beautiful weather (74° yesterday) has broken. It's 49° now, looks like rain, and the forecast is for severe thunderstorms over the weekend.

I think the hawk must be lurking around somewhere. The squirrels are out, but they're sticking close to heavy shrubbery, or within a few feet of a nest box, where they can dive in if he appears. A big colony of little sparrows, at least two dozen of them, are picking over the remaining seeds and crumbs on the feeding stones, but now and then all at once they all fly the 8 or 10 feet to the line of shrubbery beneath my window and hide there. I guarantee you, if I sit here and watch for a little while, I'll spot that hawk. Darned thing, I wish he'd go somewhere else.

Well, guess I'd better get dressed. Joe will be here in a little while. Blessings, friends. --Romeena

January 13, 2017 - Msg 106571: MDC, Forgive my recall, when do you go in for your "bionic" implant? I know it is soon but I forget the exact date. Hopefully when they are are all done you can "Run like the wind blows" like Forrest Gumpp used to say... Our prayers be with you brother for a speedy recovery... As I said I want a FULL report because I'm looking at the same thing too soon...

Almost forgot to remind you to tell them to put in a grease zerk to keep you lubed.... ( from Asa & I )

G-F

January 13, 2017 - Msg 106572: Good evening, Porch

Gomer says "Hey" to Asa, MDC, Boo, Romeena, G-F, possum, SPOT and you and yours.

Asa, I know back problems! I witnessed my dad suffer as he was bent into the letter S while working for the railroad when I was a kid. STILL effects him to this day. I am not much better with my back. Grit your teeth and do the best you can! I respectfully disagree about the Patriots. I have seen them come back from the dead WAY too many times to believe they are that good and Belicheck is that much of a master coach.

MDC, prayers and best of wishes for that hip!

Romeena, I forgot to tell you that EVERY single time my little dog went to the vet. She knew it and shook the whole way there. On her last trip, she laid by me and never shook once. That has stayed with me ever since. It was like she knew her time was ending. True story.

Well gang, just wanted to drop in. I hate i don't have more time. Maybe in the nearer future, I will drop in more often to sit and sip a cold tea. I am off now to see if Andy can explain to Opie why Barney wants to go to the duck pond.

To those under any ice storm, bear down and pray. I know we are here in mid south Missouri.

My best,
John Masters

January 14, 2017 - Msg 106573: GF--The surgery is this WED. Jan 18. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.
ROMEEna--I figured if anyone knew caths, it would be YOU! :) Thanks for the reassurance.
ASA--a while back I mentioned I had a hairline crack in a T joint of my
sprinkler system manifold, and figured I would have to tear the whole thing apart to fix it, well...I saw a commercial for "Flex-Seal," a spray
that dries like rubber. I got some, sprayed a good coating on the T joint that i had dug around and exposed. Let it really firm up for about a week, and guess what? It's holding! Of course the system is only about 110 PSI, but so far so good!
RO--did you try talking to the hawk like Andy did? haha
John Masters- that is quite a story about your pup. Yes, I think she knew. Amazing animals.
Peace of Jesus to all,
MDC


January 14, 2017 - Msg 106574: Good morning, porch. John Masters, thanks for sharing the story about your little dog. I agree, am certain that she knew. I'm quite sure that Whoozit knew we were trying to help her. She never protested or objected to anything we did that evening, and it had to be uncomfortable for her, to be picked up and moved, put in the car, examined by the vet, all the necessary things. She just bore it all with grace, and snuggled her head into my hand as the vet gave the drugs. They are one of God's sweetest gifts on this earth to humans.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some breakfast. It's cold and rainy outside, a perfect morning for some steel-cut oatmeal. I've got some dried cranberries to add to it, and a handful of coarse-chopped pecans won't hurt it, either. Some butter and brown sugar will finish it - yum! If I had some bacon, I'd make bacon and eggs, but I don't, so oatmeal it is! Blessings, porch! --Romeena

January 14, 2017 - Msg 106575: And I bet that bacon would be limp! :)

Asa

January 14, 2017 - Msg 106576: Afternoon, Porchsters

I thought you might be interested in a tiny tidbit of information. Edgar "Mr. Wheeler" Buchanan was born in and lived in a small town named Humansville, Missouri until he was about seven years old. His father was a dentist and had his office there too. I am just a few miles from Humansville. I am trying to find the location of his father's office and where they lived. I HAVE found his grandparents (mother's parents) are buried in the Humansville Cemetery. I am not beating the path to find all of this out, but I am interested and if I find more, I will let you all know.

Our trees and power lines are encased in ice, but so far, so good. No broken trees or limbs and the power lines look like they are holding strong. I am north of Springfield, Missouri and the rest of this onslaught seems to be passing right underneath us. That's good. It can keep right on a' passin!

Hope all is well wherever you are. Take care, folks!

John Masters

January 14, 2017 - Msg 106577: Right you are, Asa. I don't want my bacon cooked crackly-dry. I like it to "bend at the waist" and still have some moisture and flavor left in it!

John Masters, I know all about those trees and power lines encased in ice! Dale and I lived in Springfield, MO, for two years, about the middle of 1970 to the middle of 1972, so we spent two winters there. The second one, I think it was, showed me what winter can be. Dale, being from Michigan, was familiar with it, but I wasn't. I think it was about the first week in January when a big ice storm moved in, and literally just wrapped everything in ice. If you didn't keep moving, it would "ice" you, too. For 33 straight days, the temp didn't get above 30°. It snowed on top of that ice, then more ice moved in, then it snowed again, until we had at least three layers of snow and ice piled up. Driving was suicidal, schools were closed at least two days a week, and I was thankful for a well-stocked pantry. Dale was scheduled for several meetings out in his territory during that time, and he just canceled them. In the hilly terrain around Springfield, he didn't want to be on the highways, and didn't want to have his sales force out there either, so he chose to be safe rather than sorry. We made a snowman, popped a lot of popcorn, played board games with the kids and watched a lot of TV. All in all, not a bad time, but it sure was cold! I liked Springfield, it's a nice, clean town, or at least it was then. I hope it still is.

Well, back to my chair. Hmmm. Popcorn. Now there's an idea! --Romeena

January 14, 2017 - Msg 106578: .....Popcorn popped in Bacon grease?

January 14, 2017 - Msg 106579: Evening Porch!

I would like to stay and visit, but I am busy three eightin' and four two'un.

Have a great night!
John Masters

January 14, 2017 - Msg 106580: 10-4 John Masters

January 14, 2017 - Msg 106581: Such sweet and touching stories about Whoozit and your dog, John Masters. I think you are probably exactly right about Whoozit, Ro...things happened as they were supposed to. I really feel for Robbi, though.

MDC, Ro is exactly right about the catheter business. I have put in and removed hundreds and hundreds over the years and believe me, very few complained about pain when they were removed, and those were women following birth and there was trauma to the area. My advice is to take in a deep breath just as they are removing it. They come out very quickly and it will be over before you exhale. Hang in there. Praying that all goes very well.

Asa, I am sure the added concern of being a caregiver weighs on your mind. May the Lord show you just what you should do.

It has been in the 70s and sunny here. The humidity is high so it seems even warmer. I have worn shorts all week. Im not complaining, it is really rather nice.

Bruce has been home this weekend and concentrating on spending time with his family. I want to thank all of you for your prayers for him. He really does seem to have a change of heart concerning work and is less stressed. Last night we took the kids out to eat at our favorite restaurant when we were dating. Its an old Italian restaurant in an old house that was built in the 20's. Wonderful atmosphere and food, authentic food..family owned since Frank moved to the US from Sicily with all his mom's recipes. The menu has been the same since 1947. I like to get the chicken San Marina, which is chicken backed in a white wine sauce with mushrooms, covered in mozzarella and baked. Talk about good! We had a really nice time..they were even playing music from the 40's. Erin dropped her heart necklace that her boyfried gave her somewhere in the parking lot and didn't realize it until late last night. She came into my room crying about it. I felt so bad I got up early next morning, drove all the way into Corpus to the restaurant and there is was right there where it dropped. She was very happy to get it back.

We were going to take the kids to see Hidden Figures at the movies tonight but it was sold out. I have heard it is a really good movie. Anyone seen it?

Well, better get on in the living room and join the family.

Boo



January 14, 2017 - Msg 106582: PS-forgot to tell you MDC, that Bruce's stress test was good...thanks for asking. :)

Boo

January 14, 2017 - Msg 106583: BOO--could you bring your own bottle into that place, like at Morelli's? HA And plenty of mozz-zz-erella for Barney! :) So glad to hear that Bruce's nuclear test went well, and I am assuming you also meant the results too!
ASA--I'm sorry I forgot about your caregiving role. That is actually why I held off so long on the hip work. Just didnt want to be 'down' too long because of my mom, then my dad. My prayers are with you.
JOHN--that is pretty cool about Edgar Buchanan. He sure made the rounds of shows from the Rifleman to Petticoat Junction!
I remember making popcorn in a skillet. A little mazola oil, then the popcorn, and a whole lotta shakin goin on!! lol
GOOD SABBATH to all,
MDC

January 15, 2017 - Msg 106584: Jiffy Pop Jiffy Pop, a magical treat
As much fun to make as it is to eat! Anyone remember that?

Good Sabbath all. I hope everyone is well.
MDC, I had a catheter when they did my first ablation and the removal was a snap. Hardly felt a thing. I know, that doesn't seem possible, but it's true. Prayers that all go well for you buddy.

Boo, I am glad Bruce's test went good. And that he is more relaxed. I have not seen the movie you mentioned, but I have not gone to a movie in a theatre in ages. My Daughter rented a DVD a couple of weeks ago, and then brought it over to let us watch. It is called "Sully". It's about the jet that the pilot had to put down in the Hudson river a few years back. I enjoyed watching it.

Ro, thank you for the kind words, and for all of you for your prayers on my behalf. They are appreciated. How is Robbi doing?

John Masters, good luck with your team today. I see they moved the games starting time back because of the storm. And the winner moves on to N.E.

Well I reckon I'll go watch some tv. I have a bunch of stuff recorded on my dvr.

Prayers for all.

Asa

January 15, 2017 - Msg 106585: Good evening, porch. It has been chilly, rainy and generally dreary all day around here. After the respiratory issues I've been having, I chose to just hermitize myself and stay home today. I even called my favorite Chinese delivery place, and ordered their lunch special delivered. The portions are so huge, I'll get three meals out of the deal, and the food is excellent.

Asa, I think Robbi is doing pretty well. She and Richard finished up at the Mecum auction and went to Mt. Dora, to spend a few days with my son, the one who had to force-land his plane. I called him to see how he's doing, not realizing Robbi and Richard were already there. I could hear her talking in the background, and could hear some laughter, so I think she's okay. Her brother says she's "handling it well." I didn't ask to speak to her, didn't want to conjure up any sadness, and knew we couldn't speak without thinking of Whoozit.

Still trying to get used to that C-PAP machine at night. The mask bothers me much less than I expected. The big problem is I'm a mouth-breather at night, and keep a bottle of water to sip on when my mouth gets dry. That's hard to do with a mask on! Maybe it won't be a problem when I finally get to the store and buy some distilled water, so I can use the snap-on attachment that humidifies the air the thing pumps. We'll see.

Well, guess I'll go have a little more of that Chinese food (shredded pork with garlic sauce) and hot and sour soup. Always big chunks of veggies in it - onion, bell pepper, carrots, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. I may throw in a handful of peanuts - would rather have cashews but don't have any. Peanuts will do.

Prayers for all you porchsters in the path of that monster ice storm. Stay home, if you possibly can! --Romeena

January 16, 2017 - Msg 106586: Here you go ASA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-An6eaGItk
and thanks for the cath advice.
I saw in our newspaper's "Today in History" section that this was the day in 2009 that Sully landed that plane in the river!!
Well SPOT, I see your Falcons are still in it!
ROMEENA--your Cowboys almost pulled it out in Arlington! Hang in there with the rain RO, I think more is coming, as we had it and it's moving east. That Chinese food sounds really good!
I see that the ice storms are really bad in the east!
I hope BIG Maude and POSSUM and all are doing OK.
Please check in. STERLING, how you doing?
We havent seen POOR Horatio in a month of sundays either! Hope all is well.
Yall be careful out there.
MDC



January 16, 2017 - Msg 106587: Good video MDC... We hardly ever had Jiffy pop, with 5 kids it wouldn't last long!.. We had this old beat up and well used double boiler thing Mom used, it would make a bunch of corn in each batch, and Mom would dump it in a paper grocery bag for all of us to eat... And Yes REAL butter too!...lol

Thanks for the memory blast guys!.... G-F

January 16, 2017 - Msg 106588: How many of these toys did you guys have? I had the truck and the secret San kit.
https://youtu.be/OQ1XTf78clw

Asa

January 16, 2017 - Msg 106589: Boy, those toys sure were engendered good back in the day!... **Fun & imagination not included** WE made it happen.
As we have always said, our childhood made us who we are today... Amen?... Thanks Asa....G-F again


January 16, 2017 - Msg 106590: Good morning, porch. Wow, what a night! We spent a couple of hours last night, starting around 8:30, under a tornado warning. I knew it was raining outside, and a bit windy, but suddenly my cell hone went berserk, yelling about a tornado warning, take shelter immediately, etc. Then I could hear the city's emergency alert sirens wailing from downtown. I just stayed in my big old chair, got Toye Starr in my lap and covered her with a pillow, and there we stayed! I did have a flashlight nearby, and some candles and a lighter, because I thought the power might go out. It frequently does during a storm. Several times I heard something hit the roof, in the front part of the house, but it didn't sound too heavy, and with cottonwoods, that's not unusual. What did concern me a bit was a very short period of time when the damper in my fireplace was opening and shutting by itself. There had to be some serious "vacuum" passing overhead. Anyway, it finally all played out, and I went to bed. This morning, I can see no limbs down out back. Haven't been out front yet, but I doubt there's anything serious. Scary there for a while, though.

A very busy and industrious little mama squirrel has chosen the nest box on the sycamore just outside my window! She is making countless trips up and down that tree, carrying big mouthfuls of leaves and stuffing them into the box. Evidently she has decided to have her spring babies in that, and I'm thrilled! The box is about twelve feet up that tree, with the entry facing my window, and is about fifteen feet from where I sit! I'll have a perfect, unobstructed view of the box, and when the time comes, of the babies growing up. What fun!

Well, better run. I've got errands to run, and I think Eloise and I are going to hunt up some lunch somewhere, not sure where. They're building a Schlotzsky's sandwich shop about midway between our houses, very convenient, but they've been working on it for months and it's not open yet! I love those sandwiches, that bread is just so good!

I hope everyone is okay after the storms last night, I know some of you are still in the grip of all that ice. Prayers for all - stay warm! --Romeena

January 16, 2017 - Msg 106591: Good afternoon, Porch!

Romeena - Glad to hear you made it thru. Have been thru many a warning with sirens, funnel clouds and swirling clouds myself and, knock on wood, have yet to actually go thru a tornado! I even saw that officials didnt let anyone leave the Cowboys stadium after the game. The teams, fans and everyone had to hold tight until clear.

Asa - Well...they blew it again! The Chiefs are 0-5 in hom divisional playoff games. If they wouldve escaped the Steelers, the Patriots wouldve tore 'em apart!

We are way past the ice storms now. It's all melted with minimal damage. Just some decent sized tree branches down. Nothing really big. And we never lost power. HOW I have no clue nor idea!

Hey to Boo, G-F, SPOT, MDC. You're right, MDC, we got a few missing out there. Maybe we need to run a trouble check for 'em.

John Masters

January 16, 2017 - Msg 106592: RO--glad you made it thru the storm OK. Did you have anyone
check the roof for you?? You mentioned that you heard something hit it. Might want to double check? That's neat that you'll get to watch the new squirrel family!
I have always heard that you should stand in a doorway because of the strength of the header I think, but it sounds like you did not do that.
ASA--Those were some toys! I had a Rifleman Rifle, and a Tonka truck, all metal, made in Minnetonka Mn. back then. That thing lasted thru my three younger brothers too!
I lived in Minnetonka until age 3 when we moved to Phoenix. My dad was really pi-s-sed when they moved the factory to Japan, and now they are made in China.
We are to get more rain here on Thursday.
Prayers,
MDC

January 17, 2017 - Msg 106593: Ya taking role John Master?...if so "here" ...SPOT

January 17, 2017 - Msg 106594: Good mornin' Honeys and Dears. It is s balmy January morning here in south texas. It has been in the 70s with high humidity going on 10 days straight and feels like summer this morning. Some folks would love that...I'm not one of them.

Glad you weren't carried off to OZ, Romeena. That is scary!

Yes MDC, Bruce's test results were fine. :) Concerning the Italian restaurant and bringing your own bottle, they used to serve wine but this time there was actually a sign on the front door saying they no longer served wine but customers were welcome to bring their own bottle..no kidding...just like Morelli's.

Worked yesterday evening and going back this morning. They are so short on staff and have hired two nurses, but the one person who works in human resources cant seem to get them orientated..ridiculous.

Better get Erin up and get ready for work. Ya'll have a great day.

Boo

January 17, 2017 - Msg 106595: Funny Boo...That restaurant owner must have known TAGS....

MDC...Prayers for your big day tomorrow, may the "Great Physician" guide yours to a successful operation, so you can "Run like the Wind blows" and also be able to go and watch Spring training at Goodyear in a few weeks....

Romeena I'm glad too your storm wasn't that bad, it's hard to watch the weather news when they single out a specific area in the country knowing you have friends in the area. Since coming on the Porch I always look at at the weather this way now....Hope TOM is high and dry too, a lot of ranran thru his area too....

Asa...Watch your back....."Literally"....👍. G-F

January 17, 2017 - Msg 106596: ....rain ran thru ...(That is)

January 17, 2017 - Msg 106597: Wanted to stop by and wish MDC much success with his surgery tomorrow. Will be thinking of you,friend,and sending prayers. Please check in whenever you're able to let us know how you are doing after the surgery.

Asa,I sure hope you can find an answer to your back misery. Prayers for you too...love & peace to all!

***********
possum u.a.r.

January 17, 2017 - Msg 106598: Praying for ya, MDC. 😊

Boo

January 17, 2017 - Msg 106599: Thank you to you all for the prayers! This is it! I have to be at the hospital at 5 AM for 7 AM surgery. I've watched an animation on youtube about 5 times now; I think I could do it myself at this point.
Hey, maybe that will be the next new trend, DIY surgery! ha
I'll catch ya all on the the 'flip-flop!' :)
Love ya!
MDC


January 18, 2017 - Msg 106600: Just wanted to drop in and say a prayer for MDC and his surgery tomorrow(or rather, this morning, since it is quite late here). I pray that the Lord will keep His loving, guiding hand over the medical team tomorrow, and give His peace to MDC for any worries he or his family may have. Amen.

And when all is said and done, may you be able to say, "HIP HIP Hurray!" at the end of the day. ;-)

Really though, praying for you, MDC.

-Sterling Holobyte

January 18, 2017 - Msg 106601: Hip Hip Hurray...Good One Sterling!... Don't be a stranger, I know it's cold up there in the upper North, but the Packers are hot and the Porch has nice warm blankets for the rockers, so you're covered Buddy...

Prayers for MDC today..... G-F

January 18, 2017 - Msg 106602: Prayers indeed MDC. Will be thinking about you today buddy.

Asa

January 18, 2017 - Msg 106603: Good morning, porch! Well, I guess MDC is in surgery about now. I pray that all goes well for him, that he recovers quickly, and that pain will not be a problem.

It's cold and raining here today, and I'm headed up to the church for ESL class. I'd rather stay tucked in here, but oh well.

That C-PAP machine and I are about to get a divorce. That's the most annoying thing I've put up with in a very long while. My hair looks like it's been through an eggbeater, I've got sore spots where the mask has pressed too hard, and it took me two hours to get to sleep. Every time I moved even slightly, the thing would spring an air leak, making all sorts of racket and blowing jets of air at my eyes. If I got any uninterrupted sleep at all, I don't know when it was, and that was the whole reason for getting the thing. I hate it!

Well, gotta run. It will take me a while to get my hair under control - it looks like a combination of Buckwheat and Alfalfa right now. Blessings, friends! --Romeena

January 18, 2017 - Msg 106604: Hope things went Ok for MDC today....I'm sure he's not up to this yet but hopefully soon... G-F
https://youtu.be/1Ke8mzgex4U

January 19, 2017 - Msg 106605: Morning all.
Just popping in to see how MDC did. I pray all went well for him. Check in when you can buddy.

Romeena, Sounds like you and the CPAP machine are not getting along to good. I imagine if you give it time, you will get more used to it. I think it's important you wear it if it has been determined you need it. Sleep apnea can be serious if neglected. I have a cousin who has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure that they say has come from her refusing to use a CPAP for her apnea, and she is only 61 years old. So try not to hurl it out the window. :)

Well off to work I go. Plenty to do. Sure is fun to watch the news media all having a hissy fit over the change of power in Washington. LOL, They are still fighting it.

Asa

January 19, 2017 - Msg 106606: Good morning, porch! I was hoping we'd have some word from MDC but I would imagine he's got other things on his mind right now, like insane nurses who are expecting him to do ridiculous things when he's just had a hip replacement! Those crazy women (or men) might even expect him to get up and walk today! The idea!

That reminds me of a patient I had who had undergone a hysterectomy, late in the afternoon one day. The next morning, she flatly refused to get up and walk, was just lying in the bed like a rock. I tried to entice her, convince her, reassure her, etc., but no deal. I tried a couple of hours later, and she got very angry. Shortly thereafter, I saw the nursing supervisor enter her room, so I went down there and asked if I was needed. The patient then said to the supervisor - "That's the one. Please order her to read my chart and be aware that I had surgery yesterday, so she'll quit trying to make me get out of bed and walk." Now get this: The supervisor asked me if I was aware of the surgery. I said I was. She then said, "Then why have you not gotten this patient out of bed? She should be up and moving, not lying there growing blood clots!" And she walked out. I followed her to the desk, where we had a quiet laugh, and that was that. Next time I went to the lady's room, she was sullen, but cooperative. The conversation with the supervisor wasn't mentioned.

Yep, it's a circus, Asa. It seems to have more clowns than a circus needs, but it's fun to watch, now that the threat has passed. It's going to be very interesting to see how Hillary fares now, and how long it will be before she implodes. Whatever happens to her, failing health, total meltdown or whatever, just watch. It will all be Trump's fault! His, and yours and mine, because we kept her from getting what she felt was her right of succession to the throne.

Well, better get busy. Got a bit of picking up to do around here. How does it get so messy!! Blessings, friends. --Romeena

January 19, 2017 - Msg 106607: Hope MDC is doing well this morning. I imagine he is pretty sore.

Love that story, Romeena. I wonder if someone failed to give her pre-op teaching about such things or if she just wasn't listening. ;) After my hysterectomy (I had an 11 inch incision), I remember getting out of bed within 6 hours. I was so afraid of a blood clot that I was out of bed that same day and hopping down that hallway the next morning. I got out a day early, too. They told me I was tough, but I think it was fear-driven. :)

I'm not even watching the news today. It all is making me sick..what a show.

Well, chores to do so better get at 'em.

Oh, hey, wanted to mention something to all you trained noticers: I happened to notice yesterday that in the school reunion episode, Mrs. Ralph Haines is wearing the very same dress that Thelma Lou wore in the "A Wife For Andy" episode...the scene in which Thelma Lou invites Andy and Helen to dinner and Helen confesses that she can't make leg of lamb (Andy's favorite dish). Has anyone else ever noticed that? I guess I caught it because I thought the dress was beautiful on Thelma Lou in that ep. It doesn't do as much for Mrs. Haines.

Boo

January 19, 2017 - Msg 106608: Afternoon all.

I always enjoy reading your nurse stories Ro and Boo. I learn from them how to be a better patient I hope. But then again I have only been in the hospital a couple of times, both on an outpatient status. And both times the nurses have been top notch. I try to not be demanding and follow their orders. And I have found they usually end up coming in to see me a lot wanting to know if I need anything. Thanks for the coaching.

Prayers that

January 19, 2017 - Msg 106609: Whoops, Hit the wrong key. Prayers that MDC is recovering well.

Asa

January 19, 2017 - Msg 106610: Wow, Boo, I think your "noticer" is better trained than mine! I would never have caught that! Unlike my daughters, I'm not much of a fashion noticer. They always have the current trendy things and look so nice. As for me, dressed up means clean jeans and a shirt with no stains on the front. Oh, I can clean up fairly well when the occasion warrants it, but those occasions are rare, for which I'm grateful.

As for that patient I mentioned earlier, yes, she had been given pre-op teaching. At least it was charted as such, by the nurse who admitted her the morning of her surgery, and the patient had signed the paper stating that she had received pre-and-post op instructions. That involved a check list of the instructions related to her particular procedure, so yes, she had been informed. Whether it registered in her little brain or not, I don't know.

Well, my step-granddaughter is stopping by later, with her two adorable little girls. I think I'll go pull a few Beanie babies out of my collection and let them choose a couple of them for themselves. I need to get rid of the little dust-catchers, and the girls will be thrilled.

Later, taters. --Romeena

January 19, 2017 - Msg 106611: Asa, I know beyond any doubt that you would be a "good" patient, and that's one reason why the nurses stop by your room frequently. First of all, you would be pleasant and fun to be around. Second, a "good" patient is a little concerning for nurses, because we know you try very hard not to "bother" us and we fear that you may be needing something and don't want to call. We don't want you to be in need and not have the need fulfilled. So, the ultimate result is that a patient who doesn't call much will receive more attention from a caring nurse. I would hope that would describe all of us, or at least the majority. --Romeena

January 19, 2017 - Msg 106612: Romeena, you made me laugh...I misread your "Beanie Baby " comment, I thought it said ...."Bernie Babies"...lol
Bet there aren't many of those at the inaugural in DC celebrating tomorrow....lol....G-F

January 19, 2017 - Msg 106613: Oh, another thought Asa..are you real good-looking?...sometimes that makes the nurses check in more often. ;)

Boo

January 20, 2017 - Msg 106614: Oh yes, definitely it does! --Romeena

January 20, 2017 - Msg 106615: Good Morning Gang !..rain here in ga..big day for the Nation !..well let me read and get settled in here at work...breakfast will be I-HOP on BOO !..I will bring a news paper ...prayers SPOT

January 20, 2017 - Msg 106616: Good afternoon, porch. I've been watching the inaugural coverage, just about had all I want, I think. The big news now, not unexpected, is that a few hundred poor-loser idiots are trying to cause a riot in the streets of Washington, about four blocks from the White House. They have thrown bricks and rocks, broke windows out of a hotel, two police officers are injured. The police are using shields and making a wall to push the rioters back down the street, using pepper spray and flash-bang grenades.

A large gathering of bikers has been watching the whole thing, but not causing any trouble. They were interviewed by a reporter, and they had some very disapproving things to say about the rioters. One of them made a very astute observation, maybe the best thing I've heard all day. He said, "Their behavior here today is what got Trump elected in the first place, and it will get him elected again for a second term." He's right. It seems to me that all the violence, both before and after the election, has come from the liberal left.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't recall anything like that being done by the conservative right, when Obama was elected. I don't remember any hysterical women going on crying jags, anybody turning over cars and burning them, any stores looted, etc. All that sort of thing always seems to arise when the libs don't get their way. They just have a big old tantrum, foul their own nest, and then wait for a handout to fix things up for them. Go figure. --Romeena

January 21, 2017 - Msg 106617: Good Saturday morning all.

Yep Ro, I don't seem to recall any of this nonsense going on when the previous party won either. Pretty amazing that the folks who are always preaching tolerance to the rest of us are the least tolerant amongst us. It speaks volumes.

Mercy sakes it has been a snowy time here in the old homestead. It has just been crazy here since Christmas. And snowing again this morning. But we needed it for sure. Should have plenty of water for summer.

No Boo, I am not a handsome feller atalll! I have to hang a towel over my bathroom mirror each morning so I don't have to see me. I just can't look at that first thing in the morning. ;) I could just never understand why anyone who is depending on a nurse for care, would treat them poorly. Seems to me they could make your stay pretty unpleasant if they wanted to. But, the mentality of so many today is beyond my thought process.

Well just got home from the grocery store. I have the family coming over for brunch in a few hours. Maybe I'll go fire up the snow blower and clear off the driveway.

Asa

January 21, 2017 - Msg 106618: Asa... Sorry for all your snow, here in my end of the porch it's suppose to be in the 60's today...CRAZY for the 21st of January, but my "Snow Joe" is read for it when ever it changes back to regular weather...

Hope MDC is doing Ok, we hope he checks in soon...

G-F

January 21, 2017 - Msg 106619: Good grief. When I plan a family get-together, all I have to worry about is making the house presentable and getting the food cooked. If I had to worry about plowing the snow off my driveway too, I'm afraid our gatherings would all be in the summer. I just can't imagine.

Asa, you're so right. Why would anyone be hateful or disrespectful to someone who has the ability to do them harm, without anyone ever knowing? Think of what a restaurant server could do to you! Coughing on your food before they serve it is just the beginning. The possibilities are endless. A nurse can draw up your pain medication, and recap your needle with the cap at an angle, which lets the needle hit the inside of the cap and well, you can imagine what that does to the needle. You will definitely feel that shot! I've never done that, but don't think I haven't been tempted. Nope, mistreating someone who is taking care of you isn't smart. In Texas, we sum it up like this - "Don't squat with your spurs on."

Eddie is here again today. He worked in my yard yesterday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and he's back for another full day today. He's gotten all the leaves out of the flowerbeds, mulched them up and put part of them back on the beds. By spring, they'll be part of the soil. He's trimming hedges, mowing the yard, blowing the cobwebs off the porch, cleaning out the little courtyard in the front, and generally sprucing the place up. It looks good.

Poor guy, his old truck finally just died, and he's without transportation. He had a friend with a car bring him the last couple of times, and I let him park his mower and stuff in my garage, to give him more options. The friend wasn't available yesterday and today, so Eddie rode the DART train out here to Irving (he lives in Dallas) and I'm picking him up and taking him back to the station. He's found a truck he can buy, but he still needs a little more money. You gotta respect a guy who will ride a train to get to a job site, instead of just being glad he doesn't have to go to work, and will just sit home and wait for his government check. I'll gladly go pick him up at the station.

Well, gotta run. Blessings, friends. --Romeena

January 21, 2017 - Msg 106620: Well, it was a record breaking 92 degrees here in south texas today. Yuck. Oh well, I guess its better than shoveling snow. It's supposed to cool off a little overnight but will still be in the 70s most of the week. Its like we have skipped winter altogether down here. I don't like that. :(

So many goings on since the inauguration! I don't mind people gathering for women's rights but when those same people wont allow women who are pro-life to participate or sponsor the event, I have a problem with that. I don't like the vulgarity I have seen displayed at the event. God help us.

Asa, I neglected to mention that nurses also frequent the rooms of the kind and sweet-spirited patients, of which you definitely qualify. :) So right about why would people be mean and demanding of those who serve them..its just not smart. Ro, I have never intentionally harmed a patient (we took an oath ;) but I have certainly wanted to bean my share of family visitors...they are usually the real pain. Most of my nursing experience has dealt with the very sick in ICU or those in labor who are afraid and in pain. I have not had many difficult and demanding patients in those circumstances, but I certainly have had some difficult family members. Sometimes its understandable because they are stressed and afraid, too, but some are just pain rude and entitled. I am fortunate where I am working now because most of the kids are appreciative and civil to the nurses, even though they have come from some terrible backgrounds. Now the way I see it, if they can be mannered and cooperative, anyone can.

I have had MDC on my mind. I sure will be glad when he can check in. Prayers continue for him.

Today St. Susan was over for a visit and we watched the Opie the Birdman ep. She had never seen it before so I enjoyed watching it with her. I have been watching more TAGS the last couple of days and enjoying it. It just never gets old.

Well, speaking of that..I think I will go sit in my easy chair and watch a little TAGS.

Boo