March 10, 2018 - Msg 109393: G-F--first off, I am sorry about your friend's mom passing. Clearing a house can be tough, not just with the work, but also with the memories. I remember when my mom and dad had to move from our childhood home due to my mom's dementia. It was tough doing it. All 8 of us kids were there, and there were a lot of "remember whens.." going on.
When it was finally all cleared out and we all had some items, (much went to salvation army) we all
had a good cry, and up went the for sale sign.
Whenever I drive into Phx, I have to drive by it and give her a wave.
RACING here this weekend, but the track is no longer PIR, it is now something like SMI raceway. Not sure what it even means.
The concrete sanding went very well today, they did a very thorough job.
ROMEEna--so sorry to hear that Tillie is still ailin'. I sure hope this fixes it. I worked on my own vehicles from my first car in 1970 to around 1999, which is about when computers had really "taken over" much of the engine's systems. I used to enjoy tinkering,
as they say. One great improvement tho was the serpentine belt. So much easier to change and install than "stretching the alternator with a crowbar!" ha
All for today.
Prayers,
MDC
March 10, 2018 - Msg 109394: Well, since my garage is clean, thought I'd do the porch too! :)

March 10, 2018 - Msg 109395: Romenna, thanks for the web page. Looks like a real good place. Your making me hungry now. lol
MDC, your Oregano`s sound good also.
You all have a good weekend now.
Frankie
March 10, 2018 - Msg 109396: Hello Porch, don't get around so much lately, got a lot of comments on previous thoughts:

1. Maggie and Jiggs, yes, I liked that one. I was young enough I didn't quite understand why Maggie didn't like Jiggs eating it, too lowbrow I guess, like eating meat loaf instead of roast duck.

2. We have Chipotle in these parts but I'm far more inclined to go to Hotheads.

3. I have a lifetime of sleep problems and have had a number of people suggest melatonin. I am really anti-drug of any kind, so I've resisted, but things are so bad lately I may give it a try.

4. I worked at an amusement park where we had the game where you shot out the red star with bb guns. Almost the only way to win was to shoot an outline of the star, not blast through the center, as it is nearly impossible to get all the red out with 100 bbs. We almost had a fight once when the worker showed a person that there was some red fuzz on the edges, that you could only see when you held a white piece of paper behind it. Someone had called park security, but fortunately it got settled down before any temporary deputies or whatever got involved. I recall once that Herman's Hermits came to the park, and one of them did win at that game by just blasting through the star.

6. I knew a woman in my college days, native born Taiwanese, and she learned English in 6 months. I believe it was called an immersion program, and she was 100% forbidden to speak in her native tongue that whole time. It was interesting how completely unaccented her English was.

Well, I better give up this phone line to someone else. I hate to tie the whole town up.

Billy Ray the Longwinded Postman
March 10, 2018 - Msg 109397: Good morning, porch! Eddie and Tommy are in the back yard, raking and blowing the leaves out of the flowerbeds. In the fall, they only clean up what falls on the yard, and let them accumulate in the beds. The first fall of leaves is mowed with the mulching mower, and the chopped leaves are thrown into the beds. After that, whatever falls in there just remains. That forms a mulch that protects the many bulbs I have out there, and the chopped bottom layers compost and replenish the soil. In the spring (now) they come through and mostly just blow out whatever hasn't composted. It works very well. I can't honestly say my yard is 100% organic, but it's darned close. No chemical weed killers or pesticides, with the exception of a synthetic weed killer on nutgrass. That stuff is the spawn of the devil, and extremely difficult to get rid of. I've about got it, but it's taken a while.

You will remember when Ratticus lived in my garage, and the difficulty I had in getting rid of him. Well, his cousin has taken up residence. I have a large bag of mulch lying out flat, on the floor of the garage, and I noticed that there was a hole in one end, and a little pile of the mulch out on the floor. Next day, there was a similar situation on the other end. A rat has made both holes, and tunnels through the bag, for some reason, perhaps a nest with babies (ugh!) in the middle. I would kick the mulch back up over the holes each morning, and the next morning, it would be opened again. I set a trap, poked some cheese down into the little dime-sized hole on the trigger plate, packed it tight, and the next morning, the trap was still set, and the cheese was gone. He must have used tweezers!

Well, for some time now, I've observed that my neighbors' trash is torn open during the night before the trucks come next morning, but mine never is. I wondered why, until I thought about Toye Starr's little disposable piddle pads, which go into the trash. That marks those bags as her "territory" and the critters or other dogs don't challenge it. (I'm glad they can't see her, to know how tiny she is.) Anyway, a few days ago, a light went on in my head, and I put one of her little folded-up, used pads beside the bag of mulch. It has been four days now, and the bag is undisturbed! Time will tell, but I think I've found a solution to the rat problem. So far, I've never seen any sign of one in the house, but I don't want them in my garage either, and I think I've found the answer! I guess time will tell.

We have Chipotle here in Irving, two locations, but I rarely eat there. I love their food, but the one in central Irving has a serious parking problem, and it's almost impossible to park your car, and you risk getting hit or scratched, because the tiny lot behind the place is so crowded and hard to get into. The other location is out in far north Irving, about ten miles from me, and I don't get out there very often. I can definitely recommend their food - very fresh, very tasty, very good. I just wish they were more convenient.

Well, guess I'd better try to get a little bit done around here. Blessings, folks! --Romeena, the Longer-winded Storyteller.
March 10, 2018 - Msg 109398: Romeena, you may be dealing with “Pizza Rat’s” Cousin..
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UPXUG8q4jKU G-F
March 10, 2018 - Msg 109399: MDC, nice sweep!
Nice seeing ya Billy Ray and Romeena.
G-F, that is one strong pizza rat.
Frankie
March 10, 2018 - Msg 109400: Billy Ray--melatonin is not a drug, that's the nice thing about it. It is a hormone made by the body, but as with other bodily things, the old bod' makes less of it as we age. Here is some info on it:
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/melatonin-overview#1
I take only 1 to 2 mg each night, and it really helps put me into dreamland.
ALL-- tonight on our PBS station they had a special showcasing doowop music. It was very good, including some YOUNG groups who are preferring it to all the junk cuss rapping of today.
RO--why not put a piddle pad in the neighbor's trash too? :)
You all have a good Sabbath, and remember, Bible knowledge is a wonderful thing; just don't flaunt it! :)
MDC
March 11, 2018 - Msg 109401: Good Sabbath gang...been so busy here at the dog house ...lots going on...will tell soon...all good !Breakfast will be at I-HOP on possum and I...Boo bring a local paper so we can catch up order all ya want !..SPOT
March 11, 2018 - Msg 109402: "He must have used tweezers.."...LOL..funny, Ro. I think I told you all that a year or so ago, we started finding mice in our garage..not rats, just little mice and then one day I stepped out of the house to see a big rat snake under the tool bench eating his mice lunch and since that day, not a single mouse. I love rat snakes.

Well, I am at work today and on a break. Things are usually fairly slow on weekends and I am sleepy due to the stupid time change. I wish they would leave it alone!

So Tillie is still under the weather? My suburban is, too. I had to drive Bruce's truck to work today because mine is shaking in a really bad way, darn it. It will go in the shop tomorrow.

G-F, thanks for that nice compliment concerning Texans. You always have such a high opinion of Texas and we appreciate it. I was born and raised here but see myself relocating to Colorado someday, hanging out in the mountains in my tye-dye and eating brownnies (if you get my drift). I am kidding about the brownies but I really dont have a country bone in my body and have alot of hippy in me. I have never even listened to country music. I dream of the day I can get off the Texas coast and live in the mountains, but then you all have heard it all before. :)

Better get back to work.

Boo
March 11, 2018 - Msg 109403: Beautiful Race Day MDC...I bet those folks on the hill have to watch out for the snakes...G-F
March 11, 2018 - Msg 109404: Good Night Porch!
Frankie
March 12, 2018 - Msg 109405: Good morning, porch. Just got back from a visit to the surgical dermatology clinic, for a final check on the skin cancer removal site on my nose. It's healing great, will be barely visible, if at all. I don't even have to wear my band-aid anymore, thank goodness. I used Uber to get there and back, and it's great. I would have used them even if Tillie wasn't in the shop. There is so much construction on the highway between here and there, the lanes are moved daily, and big monster machines are working and spewing gravel, no way would I take Tillie into that. Uber is cool. Costs less than a cab, cars are the driver's personal vehicle, so they're always clean, the drivers are friendly and skillful, and the longest I've ever had to wait was eight minutes. Usually it's about three minutes. No parking woes, either.

MDC, that was a plural on "neighbors' trash" up above. Toye Starr doesn't produce that many piddle pads! I'd love to be a good neighbor and protect everyone's trash, but don't have enough pads.

I've got a terrific lunch, all ready for me! The little cafeteria at the dermatology clinic building serves some wonderful food. I mean, really chef-quality food. When people fill a to-go box and take it home, you know it's good, and that's what I did. It's sold by weight, so I brought home $11.50 worth, and will get lunch and most of my supper out of it. Might have to add a little something to the supper, like some fruit or something, but there's plenty for a meal and a half.

Well, guess I'll get out of my street clothes, and into something snuggly, and cuddle up with my baby doggie. I had thought I might do a bit of yardwork, but it's just a little too chilly. Tomorrow will be a bit warmer, I'll shoot for that.

Blessings, all. --Romeena
March 12, 2018 - Msg 109406: I wrote a post last nite about Harvick winning a hat trick, etc and the great racing conditions in Phx, but for some reason it did not show up. Hmmm, maybe I didnt click on "post.' We dont even mess with father time here either. ha
Later,
MDC
March 12, 2018 - Msg 109407: Romenna, glad to hear the good news on your Dr. visit. Sounds like you got a real good deal on the take home food box. It works out great when you have left over`s for another meal.
I think the Oakland A`s will be playing the San Francisco Giants today in Az. I love it when Oakland wins against San Fran. Go Oakland!
It was so nice and sunny early today and now the clouds are coming. Should have some rain by tonight. We are catching up from the dry December and Jan.
You all have a nice evening.
Frankie
March 13, 2018 - Msg 109408: BOO--one thing I had mentioned in my "post that went into cyber-oblivion" is dont forget to remind Erin of the verse 2Tim 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." Just as Jesus used scripture to out-wit
the devil, so too can we for God's Word does not return void! Amen?
Frankie, I usually try to take in a few pre-season games. This year, 2 so far. Fun to watch the
big leaguers, and for cheap too!
ASA--I know how you like the Fugitive. Well, I awoke this morning at 1 AM and decided to see what was on TV, and there was the Fugitive on ME-TV! I watched about 20 minutes, and then was sleepy enough to go back to bed.
I heard from PappaBear recently. He is still just so-so as the agent orange continues to play with his health. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks.
Now I think I'll take Dr. Breen's advice, and rest a bit. :)
MDC
March 13, 2018 - Msg 109409: Ha MDC. Beats reading one of them magazines that Andy had. Just mentioning that put old Ollie lights out. :) I'm not sure why I like that show that much. I remember as a kid watching it every week if I could. I do enjoy seeing some of those mid 60's vee-hickles in their prime, and really enjoy seeing TAGS folks in some of those episodes. In reading the link you supplied for the company doing your garage floor, they look to be very ept. And certainly I will offer prayers for Pappa Bear. Nice scripture you shared with Boo. One I always need reminded 0f. In fact we discussed this in our Men's group this past Sunday.

Frankie, We are supposed to hit the big 7-0 today for the first time. But tomorrow your rain is supposed to hit us. But it's a spring storm, rain in the valleys and snow in the mountains. :)

Romeens, So sorry Tillie is still ailing. When you mentioned that a steel bolt was cross threaded into an aluminum block though, I wonder if the threads in the block were not what got damaged instead. That is one of the concerns with aluminum blocks. You might want to ask them about that, if for no other reason than to let them know, you have been around the block a few times. Anyway, I hope they can get you back to happy motoring.

GF and Tom, Looks like you have another big storm headed you way again. Hope it ain't too bad for y'all.

Yesterday was my little Mariah's 12th Birthday. My goodness, I can't believe she is 12. She has turned into a beautiful young woman. Loves sports, loves piano. She starts Junior High next year and is signed up for violin. Where does the time go?

Speaking of time, it's time to get my bones moving I reckon.

Prayers for all for a wonderful day.

Asa


March 13, 2018 - Msg 109410: Ha, I just read my post and realized I made a pun talking about Romeena's engine block, and being around the block a few times.
What talent! :)

Asa
March 13, 2018 - Msg 109411: Asa...Your pretty funny for a HVAC Guy...Lol....G-F...p.s.GO AWAY SNOW! 10-4 TOM?...
March 13, 2018 - Msg 109412: Prayers for PappaBear
Asa, we hit 70 yesterday. Now we have much needed rain and cooler.
MDC, I bet those preseason games are fun to go out and watch. I have been trying to find the A`s preseason games on tv. See other teams on MLB channel, will keep searching.
Romenna, hope Tillie gets working ok for you.
Take care all, I think I will try to get a little bike ride in between rain storms.
Frankie
March 13, 2018 - Msg 109413: Thanks MDC, I know the scriptures can do wonders. Erin hasn't had another problem since that one day, so hope things hold out. She has been having fun hanging out with her friends since she is on spring break this week. Been off since Sunday and doing some catching up on the chores. Got my suburban out of the shop today. I had to fix the ball joints and have to get new tires tomorrow (that is going to hurt). Insur@nce covered the work that was done today but wont help with the tires. The weather here has been spectacular these past 2 days. Perfect sunny, cool and dry wonderfulness! I spent some time on the porch swing and went for a walk with the dogs. I just love it so much. I am trying to live in the moment and not think about the heat that is coming. I think I will be ok with it this year, though. This winter was the coldest I ever remember here in south texas. Our Bermuda grass turned completely brown after the snow and ice we had, but it is coming out a lovely bright green now. Bruce has been preparing the flowerbeds for planting and I am looking forward to some new plants in the beds. After that he will put a new coat of paint on the barn. Spring is wonderful here in Texas. I noticed today that bluebonnets are popping up in the neighbor's yard. Sean had a couple of days off but will go back to work tomorrow. Last week he worked 7 days straight but is doing ok because he isn't mentally stressed on this job. Normally, he will be off every Monday and Tuesday but doesnt have to be in until 11am. I am not sure if I have already talked about this, but I am trying to decide on what fruit trees to plan in the yard. I know I want an avocado tree and a satsuma orange tree (which both grow well in my area). I probably will plant a pomegranate tree, as well. Any tips from any of you fruit-growers? Not much else to say. Things are status quo around here. Blessings, Boo
March 13, 2018 - Msg 109414: my post is all one paragraph because the censor caught me on "insur@ance" and I had to copy and paste to save the post.

Boo
March 13, 2018 - Msg 109415: By the way, I watched a documentary on Netflix yesterday that super interesting. It is something I think everyone should see. It is called "The C Word," and is about cancer. They finally have been funded to begin a new treatment program at MD Anderson in Houston, that incorporates standard cancer treatment and lifestyle change. Some of what is revealed in the documentary is astounding, I think. If you are so inclined, take a look at it if you have Netflix.

Boo
March 14, 2018 - Msg 109416: Hey Porch!

Thought I would drop in, say HI and buy everyone a round of drinks from Sonic. Sip 'em if ya' got 'em! I'm still waiting for them to get West Indian Licorice Mocha Delight.
Take care, all

John Masters
March 14, 2018 - Msg 109417: Hey to John Masters. Glad you are still with us!
Thanks for the drink.
BOO--so happy to hear that your spring is like 14-A. ha It sounds very beautiful. I have no fruit trees, so no hep from me, sorry.
ASA--Thanks for the prayers. father time just keeps marching on doesnt he? I remember when we had a whole plethora of nieces and nephews enjoying egg hunts in our back yard on Easter. Now they are all grown up.
FRANKie--at my first ever spring training game about 25 years ago, the score was tied 3-3 at the end of the 9th inning. Suddenly everyone got up and started to leave. What's up? I asked. "Spring games don't play extra innings." Huh, who knew? (Now I do! haha)
Well...
Prayers for all,
MDC :)
March 14, 2018 - Msg 109418: "Hep?" I sound like Rizzo
March 14, 2018 - Msg 109419: Boo, nice to hear you are having wonderful weather. I love it during spring time.
John Masters, thank you for the drink and nice seeing ya!
MDC, I just heard that about no extra innings during spring training games a few weeks ago.
Everyone have a nice evening.
Frankie
March 14, 2018 - Msg 109420: Hey JM..Glad ya popped in for a minute hope all is well!..I was always curious who came up with that flavor.

No Springtime 14-A singing around here yet, matter of fact we had some snow last night. It started out as these balls of ice and snow What they were was little styrofoam looking "snowballs" falling from the sky. It's “graupel”. Not snow. Not sleet. Not hail. It is a stand alone precipitation type that is sometimes also called "snow pellets". but the real name is “graupel”. It’s formed when snowflakes fall thru super cooled water droplets..
That was your Meteorology lesson for the day!
....Just Incase you were wondering!...lol

G-F
March 14, 2018 - Msg 109421: Happy Wednesday to everyone. we woke up to about 2 inches of snow this morning and icy roads in places. Most of the school systems were either closed or on a 2 hour delay today. I made it into work with no problem but its very windy and cold outside. I am surely ready for springtime.

Been busy with work and helping my Mom out. She is
87 now and recently stopped driving. She still lives alone and lives fairly close to us so I will be taking her to all her appointments and shopping trips. I have a brother who lives in the area but he is NO help at all in looking after or out for her.

My daughter Beth finally got a job at a bank. She starts as a teller on March 21st. Hopefully she can begin to use her business/finance degree.We are happy for her and that she will be working full time with benefits.

better get back to work now.
Supper menu will be; roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy , green beans, SLAW and rolls. chocolate layer cake with cream cheese frosting for dessert.

Prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude
March 15, 2018 - Msg 109422: Hello Big Maude, I take care of my Mom also. We live together and she will be 93 next month and disabled. I quit my job so I could take good care of her because she needs much help. My brother and sister live in other states so they are not here to help. I feel blessed each and every day we have together and love her so much.
Good news about your daughter. And your menu sounds terrific. Your making me hungry now. lol
You all have a blessed evening.
Frankie
March 15, 2018 - Msg 109423: Frankie and Big Maude, bless your hearts for helping your
folks like that. I did also. Both are gone now,
but I am glad that I spent so much time with them, especially
after all they did for us.
ROMEENA--if the mechanic tells you that now the
petula oblongata is acting up, I'd get a little suspicious! haha Hope it
gets fixed soon.
GF and ASA ---have you ever used "flex pvc pipe"
on a repair? If so, can it be used in a supply line with
constant 120 psi pressure? I saw a neat youtube video
where a guy honed out the "stop" inside a pvc sleeve, and then proceeded to repair the pipe by sliding the sleeve (after putting lots of glue on it) all the way onto one side of the break, and then bringing it back over both pieces.
ALL--tonite's ep was the Gold Truck. I think we have discussed it before, but in the hotel scene, barneys overcoat is dry, but as he walks out it is wet. Cue it up to 9:20...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKZHzyd9EBk

Keep warm all!!
MDC
March 15, 2018 - Msg 109424: Good Morning Gang ! cold here in Ga..Breakfast menu: Scrambled egg and sausage sandwiches !...grits and coffee...prayers ! SPOT
March 15, 2018 - Msg 109425: MDC, I have used flex pipe a little bit for miss alignment of drain pipes, but that’s about it....

I baby sat my 2 yr. old GrandDaughter Miss Olivia yesterday. We were practicing our harmonicas so if there any rogue Old Goats running around, we will be ready to lead them out of town...Yep...It was a FUN day....

G-F
March 15, 2018 - Msg 109426: Howdy, porch. Ditto on the comments regarding aging parents and the care they may require - and definitely deserve. I had the privilege of being the go-to person for my parents for several years, and I'm so grateful. We shared many sweet moments. As my dad's Alzheimers's dementia progressed, what could have been a terrible time was saved by his unfailing good humor. Even in moments of total confusion, he could and would joke with us, and I'll always be grateful for that. He kept his sense of humor to the very end.

By his choice, he lived in an independent living-through-end of life care facility. The last week of his life, he was comatose and we had a hospice nurse with him, because I was still working 12hr night shifts. My brother owns a jewelry store, and his presence is required there during the day, so neither of us could just stay with Daddy all the time. He had become comatose on a Friday, and remained so for five days - no intake, no output, no response. On Wednesday, I finished work, went home and changed, and went to sit with him. I was off Wednesday and Thursday nights, so I didn't have to go home and sleep.

When I walked into his room, he was stirring around a little. The nurse gave me a brief report, and left, since I was staying. Suddenly Daddy appeared to wake up, just as David and Brittney entered the room. His mouth was so dry he couldn't speak, but after I dripped a little water in from a straw, (kinda like oiling the Tin Man) he began to speak. He greeted David and Brittney with enthusiasm, using their names (names had left him several weeks before) and started making conversation. He also announced that he was hungry, and would really like some root beer, too. David said he could surely make that happen, and got up to leave. Brittney asked Daddy if he was sure he wanted root beer, because she knew he liked Dr Pepper too. This sparked a little discussion, and she asked him again. He replied, "I want root beer for sure, and I hope you'll go on and get it before I die!" This was said with his typical little sly grin, and we all just laughed until the tears came.

Dave left, and soon returned with a six-pack of large, cold A&W root beer. Daddy proceeded to drink one of them almost without sitting it down, and then drank most of a second one. A lunch tray arrived, and he ate almost all of it. He brushed his teeth, I washed his hair (I could do it with a washcloth) and changed his pajamas. We all talked for two or three hours or more, with him joining in, not searching for words, making appropriate comments and just generally had a fine time. Around 3:00 in the afternoon, he said he was a little sleepy and would like to take a nap. We settled him in, Dave and Brittney went to pick up their boys from Eloise, and I stayed with Daddy. He went right to sleep, and a little later, when I tried to wake him to tell him I was leaving and the nurse was coming soon, he just barely opened his eyes, didn't speak. He fell back into the coma, and on Sunday morning, which happened to be Father's Day, he passed away quietly in his sleep. He had not regained consciousness since that Wednesday when we were all there. We were given a gift, and I will be forever grateful. God is good. --Romeena
March 15, 2018 - Msg 109427: Amen Romeena...Great Story!...Can’t say enough about a ice cold A&W root beer.....G-F
March 15, 2018 - Msg 109428: Indeed Romeena, A very touching story. And I add my Amens to Frankie and Maudie and anyone who takes care of their parents. I was a caregiver for my Dad in his final years, and although it was a challenge at times, I look back on them with fondness. His last moments will forever be etched on my mind. So good on you folks.

MDC, I used a small bit of the flex PVC on a very tricky sprinkler repair I had to make years ago. It wasn't on a main line but rather on a circuit line. It worked great.... for maybe a year, and then failed miserably. So I would be hard pressed to use it again, although I have been tempted with all the leaks I was having a few years back. What are you working on and maybe Gf or I can give you some thoughts. I ain't much with plumbing, but old GF is well versed and experienced in such things. I have tried numerous fittings over the years though and have my favorites and my be aware ones. lol

Asa
March 15, 2018 - Msg 109429: Romeena, wonderful memories of your family.

It has been a rainy day today. Good day to stay inside and dry and watch some good tv.
Frankie
March 16, 2018 - Msg 109430: Tonite's episode on ME-TV in three quotes:
"hot knees," "Al Becker," and "Nice, real nice." ha

ASA--i have a crack in my sprinkler system line that
goes to the manifold where the valves are, so it will be on the high
pressure side, not the circuit side. I have a feeling that the flex pipe will
now not be a good idea. I have dug up about 15 inches around the crack,
and I think I am going to try the idea that I mentioned above.
Here is the youtube clip. Cue it up to 7:45 and see what you think. Thx

RO--Beautiful! Similar to my dad's last days, but you say it so much more eloquently! :)

SPOT--thanks for the breakfast. All ok out on the farm?? How's grand dad?

GF--such precious time with your granddaughter!

We may get some rain this weekend! woohoo!

MDC
March 16, 2018 - Msg 109431: Oops! The video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7NWmdlvVIQ

March 16, 2018 - Msg 109432: Good Night Porch
Frankie
March 16, 2018 - Msg 109433: Good Friday morning all. Happy St. Paddy's day eve I reckon, so maybe "Top O' the morning to ya"! One day of the year when my green moldy bullets serve me well. :)

MDC, I have never tried the method that feller used before, but he swears by it. I would just say you better do that last process fast because that cement sets fast. I would think for sure a slow setting cement would be needed as he said in his video. I have used the telescopic pvc repair fittings before and have had pretty good luck with those. It is always a bit nerve racking when you are doing a supply line repair like you are doing. I noticed in the comments section there was a lot of back and forth as to you could buy the couplings without the stops in them or not. That I can't answer because I have never gone looking for one. But if they are available for PVC, I would use that instead of trying to grind the stop out of a regular one. The other thing to be sure of, and he mentioned it in the video, is to make sure you cut out everything that is cracked. Sometimes the cracks in PVC are hard to see and may extend beyond where you think, especially if they are on the bottom of the pipe. A good flashlight and mirror will aid you there, 10-4 GF?

Speaking of sprinkler repairs, I have numerous valves that I need to replace this year. The old valves are Rainbird brass valves and are over 30 years old. And I am not able to get parts for them anymore. I have tried several different kits that are supposed to work on them, but non of them have. These are going to be a pain, because they were all glued in place, so I will probably have to dig up the entire control box out to give me room to work. I better sharpen the old shovel and see if I can remember which side is up on it. lol

Asa


March 16, 2018 - Msg 109434: MDC..I have to agree with Asa and side with caution. I would have to think the extreme heat where you are would be a contributing factor in pipe failure. Much like the cold is in mine.
Good Luck to You and Yours...

Asa, I’m willing to bet somebody SOMEWHERE has some of those Rainbird valves sitting on a shelf collecting dust, but you may have to do your best Radar or Klinger imitation to wheel & deal to get them to give them up!..You KNOW us maintenance guys know how to hoard those hard to find things, so you MAY have to get creative Buddy!!....You MAY have to get off some of your Brass “T”s to get them...

G-F
March 16, 2018 - Msg 109435: Good morning, porch! Asa and G-F, has Rainbird just gone out of business? My friend Joe, who installed my sprinkler system in 2003 (2004?) used Rainbird components, and he mentioned something about "can't get the parts anymore." Years ago, he gave me a Rainbird remote control for my system, and I can sit here at my window and turn on any chosen zone, or turn it off, start a program, anything. I'm concerned that if we ever have to replace my control box, maybe my remote won't work anymore. That would be awful! That thing surely is handy.

I'm going with a group of women from church this afternoon, to see "I Can Only Imagine." From what I've heard, it should be good. I hope so. By the way, MovieGuide says that "A Wrinkle In Time" will be disappointing. The book had strong Christian element in it, but the screenwriter completely stripped all of that, while still paying homage to Buddhism and such. Personally, I think the movie was just Oprah Winfrey's excuse to dress up like some exotic being and spout all her New Age nonsense. I can't stand her, I think she's one of those whom the Bible calls "false teachers" so guess I won't be seeing that movie.

Well, guess I'd better get dressed. Eloise will be here in a little while. Have a great and blessed day, everyone. --Romeena
March 16, 2018 - Msg 109436: Romeena, Rainbird is still in business, but their customer support stinks IMHO. One of the properties I deal with was built in the mid 80's and all the sprinkling system was done using Rainbird valves. These were all brass valves, toip of the line, and have worked well for all these years. Up until the last few anyway. In trying to buy parts for these valves, I am told that they no longer make that type, nor components to repair them. They have sold me three different "repair kits" that they say will work, but none of them have. The bad thing is the system is huge (3" main line) and covers a large area, and they didn't put in any isolation valves anywhere. So when I have to tear into a valve. I have to turn the main off, drain it off, before I can start dismantling the valve. Then after installing the kit, go close the drain valves and slowly open up the main valve to let it pressure up slowly, or you will be blowing lines apart. Then walk a 1/4 mile over to the control station and turn that zone on, then walk over to the area that should now be on, only to see it's not on. Then repeat the whole process over again. That would be fine if that's all I had to do all day, but even during the watering season I don't have a lot of time to mess with it. Oh well, life in maintenance land, right GF? Hopefully you will not have issues with your remote and/or receiver. I have heard that movie is a good one also.

My Daughter just called me to invite us to a big "Gender Reveal" dinner tonight. She just got the word from her Doctor what she is having. With 5 girls and one boy, you can guess what they are wanting. But they will be happy with whatever the Lord blesses them with.

Well back to work for a couple of hours then I can stick a fork in this week and call it done!

Asa
March 16, 2018 - Msg 109437: Hi Town
Love the little touch of spring we had.
Thing are going good now.
just hop it stay this way because all the fighting is making me cray at time.

TOM


March 16, 2018 - Msg 109438: I have two good and positive things to report. Firt of all, the movie "I Can Only Imagine" was absolutely wonderful. I would recommend it highly. Dennis Quaid did a great job of acting, as the abusive father, and everyone else turned stellar performances as well. The story is powerful, and if you're familiar with the song "I Can Only Imagine", you're going to love it even more after you learn its history. Five stars, and a strong endorsement from me.

The other positive comment has to do with a little thing called "TV Guardian." This is an independent service that the developers have been trying to market to TV services for several years, with very little luck. I'm sure we're all aware that foul language, as well as sacrilegious language, is becoming very common and widely accepted as normal on TV. Personally, I detest both, and usually just turn off what might have been a good show if it hadn't been so befouled. Well, tonight I was reading an article in the American Family Association's journal, which I receive in the mail. They told the story of TV Guardian and their struggles, and proudly mentioned that out of all the TV providers, Dish Network is the only one that has partnered with them, and placed an icon on their menu to allow patrons to sign up for TV Guardian. I checked my remote menu, and sure enough, there it was! Who knew? I signed up on the spot. First month free, 3.99 a month thereafter, if I choose to keep it. Or, I can enroll for a year's service, and the first four months are free. Not a bad deal. It filters and mutes objectionable words and phrases, and inserts an acceptable substitute on the closed caption. That's the only requirement - the app only works if you turn on CC. Since I keep it on all the time anyway, that's no problem for me. You can even fine-tune the filter, making it more or less strict, as you prefer. Pretty good deal. I imagine we've all had those moments when some word or phrase drops like a stinkbomb into the room, with little children listening and soaking it up. I'm glad at least one TV provider is willing to make a solution available, and I'm glad I already have Dish. For sure, if I didn't, and read that article, I'd be making a change right now. I rarely have little children here these days, but quite frankly, I don't want to hear that garbage myself!

Well, blessings to all, sweet dreams! --Romeena
March 16, 2018 - Msg 109439: Oh - if you don't use Dish Network, then call your cable company or whoever you use as a TV provider and "suggest" to them that they make TV Guardian available. If enough people make enough noise, they'll get it. --Romeena
March 17, 2018 - Msg 109440: Hey folks, another round of Sonic drinks on me for lunch tomorrow. As for me, I'm gonna sit back, read the Geographic and just take it easy.

John Masters
March 17, 2018 - Msg 109441: Romeena, that is good to know. I have never heard of TV Guardian.
Well I went out in the back yard and found a bunch of mushrooms growing in the lawn. They seemed to be all in one area where I had a tree cut down a few years ago. I think they may be growing off the old and dead roots? Have any of you had a problem like this.
The house next door to us sold, this was the trouble house. I heard a guy that flips houses purchased it. Would really like to see a nice family move in after all the work is done.
You all have a nice evening.
Frankie
March 17, 2018 - Msg 109442: Well, I guess I better head to McDonald's for a green shake! ha
ASA and GF, thanks for the advice regarding the sprinkler pipe. I am thinking it all over.
TOM--good to hear that things are better these days.
FRankie, hope that house will be fixed up real nice.
RO--thanks for the movie advice. You are better than Siskel and Ebert were! :)
JOHN--stick around and say "hey," but thanks for the drinks, very good.
Tonite on Gomer Pyle, OPIE showed up at the base!!
ALL-- please pray for POSSUM's friend Karin who is in the hospital.
THANKS,
McMDC :)
March 17, 2018 - Msg 109443: Ex-parental caregiver here, too...to both parents and inlaws. My sister and I care for our parents and I helped with inlaws. I hear you, Maude. We didn't get much support while caring for mother inlaw for 10 years but she is now living near her oldest son and it has been a relief for us. Bless you for helping your mom..and as you can read in these posts, when its all said and done, you will be very glad you did. I remember what a blessing and support all of you porch friends were to me through the years. Bless you too, Frankie for caring for your mother with such a great attitude.

Well, I have been working a lot the past three days so haven't been around but after today I have a few days off so will drop in more often. I have to get going..I am going in this morning. Blessings to All...

Boo
March 17, 2018 - Msg 109444: cared for our parents, rather...they are both gone now.

Boo
March 17, 2018 - Msg 109445: Yes Frankie I have that problem in my lawn but I also get “Fairy” circles too! This occurs when the mushrooms decay and produce more nitrogen and fertilize the grass making it grow greener..Quite a odd phenomenon..Here’s a link.....
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_ring

☘️ Goober McFife...🍀
March 17, 2018 - Msg 109446: A traditional Scottish rhyme sums up the danger of such places....

He wha tills the fairies' green
Nae luck again shall hae :
And he wha spills the fairies' ring
Betide him want and wae.
For weirdless days and weary nights
Are his till his deein' day.
But he wha gaes by the fairy ring,
Nae dule nor pine shall see,
And he wha cleans the fairy ring
An easy death shall dee

Though it appropriate for today 🍀..McFife again....
March 17, 2018 - Msg 109447: Hey y'all! Happy St. Patrick's Day! I know I haven't been rockin' here much lately,but had to pop in today of all days. After all, it's the only time that I get to use my full given name- ha! Hope everyone is doing well-love to all!

********************
o'possum under a rock
March 17, 2018 - Msg 109448: Top 'O the marnin' to ya wee ones. Saint Patty would be proud. :)
March 17, 2018 - Msg 109449: Hey O'Possum, good to see you and prayers for Karin.

Good to see you also Boo. Glad you are gonna get a few days off of work. Use them wisely. :)

Frankie, not uncommon to see what you are seeing with those mushrooms. Just don't eat em with your steak. lol

Nice poem GF. You are a talent! :)

Hey to John Masters.

I will try to go see that movie on your recommendation Romeena.

MDC, I found this little clip on another method you might want to consider with your repair project. It's the very last one with the shark bite type fittings. I have never used this, but I like the thought of having some flex in it because things don't always line back up perfectly after you cut them, 10-4 GF? Anyway, I may have to give one of them a try my own self some day.
https://youtu.be/-fXzaYGn1sM

Asa