July 10, 2018 - Msg 110152: Hey MDC...Im getting my VEhicle serviced today too!..Got to have it ready to go to the Meet-Up next week 🚗💨

Maude, you got your buggy ready too?...I’m hearing talk of a Mayberry Murder Mystery for the Meet-Up, along with other games and the trivia contest again.

Romeena, my BIL is in the Big D this week, he’s going to check out Babes in Carrollton while he is there!...

G-F
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110153: ....But NOT before I sweep first!....
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110154: Good Morning!

I apologize for not being on here in awhile. I've had a lot going on. But first, did Tom pass away? I saw his niece post saying goodbye to Uncle Tommy.

Also, did you see in the news where the soldier was killed and 2 others were wounded in Afghanistan 2 days ago? That was Nick's (my son) unit. He is in a bad way, as is his whole unit. I cannot say what happened but please pray. Nick is in the hospital at the base but he will be okay. He hurt his back during the mission. There's going to be some serious PTSD in that group.

Last, did anyone get a message from Mayberry Meats on Facebook saying they made a purchase? I found it strange because I never even heard of the company.

Well, I'm at work and must get busy. I hope everyone has a great day. If you find out anything about Tom, please let me know.

Blessings to you and yours,
~Lucy Matthews
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110155: I checked facebook and, sadly, our Tom did pass away. No details posted. RIP Tom.

Boo
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110156: TOM'S last facebook post was on July 1st and read, "I wish my mom was still alive...I need to talk to her."

Boo
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110157: My goodness! Lucy, I will be praying for your son and his swift recovery. Will he be allowed to come home now? I certainly hope so. Please keep us updated on his progress.

I am so distressed to hear of Tom's passing. I have emailed our friend Don, who has helped us to fulfill a need or solve a problem for Tom in the past. I asked him if he could get any details and information for us. I think I'll also do a little searching on the internet, to see if I can find anything there. I wish we could have done more to make his life a little happier. All those sad little posts he used to make, signing "Unhappy Tom" and such, were cries for help, but I don't know what we could have done. Sometimes, life just isn't fair. One thing I know, Tom loved our Lord, and at this moment, he is with his mom and others who have gone before him, and he's in a new, strong body, not the twisted and painful little shell he lived in on this earth. Rest in Peace, my friend.
--Romeena
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110158: I cannot believe our Tom is gone. It's heartbreaking. I'm sure he is happy and no longer in pain.

~Lucy
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110159: R.I.P. Sheriff TOM...Know your Mayberry friends cared for and appreciated you! May you find Peace my Friend!?..

Lucy prayers of strength and healing for both you and your Son, I can’t imagine how hard it is having a Son overseas.
I know how hard it was when my brother was in Vietnam and the toll it took on my Mom...

Sad Day in Mayberry Today!.... :( G-F
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110160: (There was NOT supposed to be a question mark in my post)
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110161: We will Miss Our TOM for sure,Very Sad I also went back to his last post.....Romeena what ever we can do just let us know...And I also see it on his FB page ...prayers to the family SPOT
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110162: On a happier note...Here you guys go, a Commercial for the Meet-Up..https://youtu.be/TOYLC8XzoN4

G-F Still Sad
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110163: Gosh, I just popped in at the end of my work day to say hey, and see the sad news about our Tom and Lucy's son.

Romeena. I agree. Tom loved the Lord. We will miss his sweet poetic posts for sure. I am happy in knowing where he is and is at peace, but I am saddened by his leaving us.

And Lucy, I pray for your good Son and for you, that his recovery will be swift and complete. As you alluded to, there is more than the physical scars left from war. Please keep us updated on his condition if at all possible.

Love to all my Porch pals.

Asa
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110164: Oh wow...seeing TOM passed away. Can someone tell me what was wrong with him? Not asking for personal details, but maybe a thumbnail??

My best to Lucy for her son! You tell that soldier to hang in there.

My best to all!
John Masters

One last Hey! to TOM. I toast a SONIC drink to him.
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110165: What?? Tom?! Oh, I hate that for us!! We will surely miss ol' Sheriff Tom and the lovely poems he posted,but we can take comfort in knowing he is rocking on God's Heavenly Porch with Rev.

RIP Tom. You are loved and missed.

Prayers for your son, Lucy.

Love to all~ possum
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110166: www.wvnews.com/theet/obituaries/thomas-lewis-tommy-harte/article

I found Tom's obituary,but not sure if I posted the link correctly. Let's see..

possum again
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110167: Well,not exactly,but click on the obituaries on the page,then scroll down. Tom's obit is the third one.

possum once more
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110168: Tom's last post, June 19th.

Hi all,
Rom be safe from all the rain and bad storm comming.

TOM

John Masters
July 10, 2018 - Msg 110169: Thank you for posting the obituary Possum. I am reading it here at work and when I read about the gum chain and the porch, I cried. So sad to lose our friend.

Lucy, I neglected to add that I am so sorry about what your son is enduring but very thankful that he is safe. Thank God for that. Saying a prayer for him and for you and your family.

Boo
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110170: REST IN PEACE our dear Tom! You were such a wonderful 'rocker' on the porch! I just know you are with Jesus. :)
I will sure miss his sheriff antics, and how he would post a poem just when it was needed most! :(
JOHN--I dont think any of us know for sure what his handicap was, but I know he had a big heart (no pun intended) and he loved the Lord.
BOO--I too remember the bubble gum wrapper chain that he was making. brings back good memories.
I was going to do an APB for him on the 9th. Guess he would have seen it in heaven.
GF--thanks for the link..sure wish I could come.
We had another good rain today...I think Tom asked the good Lord to send us that much-need moisture!
God bless,
MDC
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110171: OH, LUCY, praying for your son!!
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110172: Sad times on the porch. I feel a safe place to be always. Life goes on as we say. It is surely good to know of such a place to come and reflect. Most recently Tom’s family. Lucy’s family. I’m only Medwin Bill Medwin. But us guys get it.
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110173: Yes Bill, this happens here at times. We mourn and remember, such as thinking of our Millie and Rev, but also of Andy, Don and so many of the cast. And as you say, the circle of life continues.
Love this site, :)
MDC

July 11, 2018 - Msg 110174: Thumbs up. MBM
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110175: Good Wednesday porch. just stopping by for a check point chickie today.

I am sad to read of out Tom passing. It was a fixture on the porch for as long as I have been coming to the porch. RIP Tom.

GF: My car is all fixed and ready to roll to the meet up. they replaced the ABS sensor which took care of the problem. it cost about $280.00, the sensor itself as $30.00 and the rest was labor costs. I am looking forward to seeing everyone next week.

better get back to work.
prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110176: Hello Porch,

I thought I might post this to those interested. Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion has a live camera pointed right at the front of it. Now thru July 27, Hallmark is filming a movie called "Christmas at Graceland." You can see what's going on as they prepare filming and as tours arrive at the front door. Right now, there is fake snow on Graceland's front lawn. Here is the link:

https://www.graceland.com/connect/gracelandcam.aspx

Have a good day, folks.

John Masters
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110177: SHAZZAM...Christmas in July!
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110178: Good morning, porch. I'm still trying to process the fact that our TOM is gone from this earth. That fact is made much easier to bear, with the knowledge that he had a personal relationship with his Savior, but it's still hard.

MDC, as you said, none of us know for sure what his handicaps were, but from pictures I've seen, it's clear that he had a severe form of scoliosis, which had twisted and stunted the growth of his body. I can imagine that he could not drive, and he probably had limited tolerance for activity, as I think he would get short of breath easily. This is all conjecture, based on what I've seen in pictures, but I think I'm pretty close to the truth. His social exposure was limited, I'm sure, and I suspect his mom might have kept him at home rather than sending him to school after the first few grades. Bullying would certainly have been a possibility, sad to say. I'm grateful for the opportunity we had to replace his TV and his computer, and to fix his furnace. The first two expanded his horizons a little and the furnace was a necessity. The porch, as always, stepped up and filled the need, and God provided the help we needed to get it done, in the form of Don Hutson, the good and Godly man who was our liaison with Tom. I've been in touch with Don, and here's his reply to me:

Lanni, just read Tom's obit in the Wed Local paper. Was my first knowledge that he had passed Brief obit, lists two brothers Michael and Martin. Death was Monday 9th at home. Obit says " Tom enjoyed his computer, especially keeping in contact with friends on Facebook and Mayberry Front Porch. Tom will be at Bradley Mayle Funeral Home, Flemington WV 7/12 from 4-8 and service there Friday 7/13 at 10AM. I will visit the Funeral Home for the viewing, but will not be able to attend the funeral.If I can do any thing for the Porch, just give me instructions. We are well and much Blessed. Have had family here for last couple of weeks. Thank God for family, especially Grand Kids. Will miss my visits to Tom, infrequent as they have been. God Bless, Don

God provides. Don made it possible for us to help Tom when he needed it. We needed someone on the scene, to take him shopping for his TV with the money the porch raised, and Don actually gave him a computer he had as an extra when he updated his own system. Don also had an HVAC guy friend who repaired Tom's furnace when it died, and only charged for the parts. Again, the porch bought the parts. All of you should be proud and grateful for the opportunity to help make Tom's life a little more bearable. Don, if you're lurking, thank you! God will remember.

Rest in blessed peace, dear TOM. --Romeena
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110179: God Bless Don and yes, Rest in Heavenly Peace, Tom.

**************
possum u.a.r.
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110180: Good evening, porch. I've been in touch with Don today, and once again, he's helping us out. I had spent nearly an hour on the phone trying to find a florist in the Flemington, WV area, so I could order flowers for Tom's funeral. It seems that's easier said than done. All the listings I could find on the internet turned out to be some huge chain thing, in spite of the ads which say "your local florist." I could tell by the accent of the person on the line that they weren't in West Virginia! When I asked one of them, the young man said, "Oh no, I'm in California." Basically, all he would do would be to tack on his broker fee, then contact a florist in WV, and place the order.

Well, while I was gone to change my SS friend's dressing, Don called. I called him back, and the upshot of all this is, he is ordering the flowers from a florist he knows and trusts, and I'm sending him a check. Because of all he's done for us over the years, I insisted (over his protests) that he sign the card "Don and friends from the Mayberry Front Porch." That includes all of us. If anyone wishes to participate, fine, but it's not necessary. I think it would be great if anyone who wishes to do so would just give a little extra to their own home church, and mark the check "In memory of Tommy Harte." No one needs to know what that's all about, except God, and He already knows. Perhaps you have some other benevolence you wish to support - just let your heart lead.

Don will be attending the visitation tomorrow evening, representing us all. What a good guy he is! Have a lovely evening, folks, and rest well tonight. --Romeena
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110181: I just read your post out loud to someone, Ro,and I was fine up to " Don and friends from the Mayberry Front Porch." Sure hit me hard that our Tom is gone. Now I'm laughing,because in saying "Tom is gone" I'm thinking of the TAGS episode with Tom Silby and Annabelle! Oh my!
Bless Don's heart- you sure found a gem of a guy when you found him,Ro! And thanks for all you've done to help us help Tom over the years.

possum again
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110182: Thanks, possum. I count it a blessing and a privilege, and hope we managed to make Tom's life just a little bit brighter and more comfortable. And yes, Don is indeed a "gem of a guy" - very kind and thoughtful. I really don't think I found him, in the strict sense of the word, but rather that I was led to him. When the first need arose, with Tom's TV, I realized we needed someone on the scene who could and would manage the money and take him shopping. I just went online and looked for churches in Nutter Fort, and found a listing for a Baptist church. Being Baptist, that would be my first choice, so I wrote a letter to the pastor, outlining our situation and asking if perhaps in their weekly visitation routine, someone could go by and just be "visiting" from the church, and sort of scope out the situation, just as a precaution, to determine if what we thought we knew about Tom was true. Unknown to me, the church was without a pastor, as theirs had just retired, and Don happened to check in at the church office to see if there were any emergencies, and found the letter. (He told me today he still has that letter, dated in March of 2005.) Anyway, he answered me and the rest is history. I think it was no accident that I chose that particular church to contact, and there was a guiding hand behind Don's decision to check in at the office that day. God just loves to get involved in the little details of our lives - just one of the things I love about Him!

This porch is definitely one of the blessings He has put in my life. What a great group of people, virtually unknown to each other except through this porch, yet we mean so much to each other. I think of the ones we've lost - Millie, REV and now Tom. Won't it be wonderful when we can all actually meet some day, and I just hope God has set aside a little porch somewhere where we can all sit and visit. I have no idea what Heaven will actually be like - no one does - but while we wait, it's fun to speculate and dream about what we hope to find there. Whatever it is, it will be far better than anything we can think up in our finite little minds. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
July 11, 2018 - Msg 110183: WOW RO, now my eyes are tearing up. Thank you for your lovely posts, and for your thought of sending flowers. I read what you said, but would YOU like any reimbursement? One thing I liked about Tom was his dry humor...from throwing us in the clink or wahtever. He had fun, and so did we! :)
BIG Maude--good to see you checking in. Glad you got the car fixed and ready to go!
JOHN--that is very interesting about Graceland. Thx for the link.
Possum--good memories for sure. BTW, how is your mom doing?
Prayers and
Blessings of Jesus,
MDC
July 12, 2018 - Msg 110184: Hey Gang, here’s our TOM’s Obituary.....
FLEMINGTON — Thomas Lewis “Tommy” Harte, 66, of Nutter Fort, W.Va., passed away on Monday, July 9, 2018 at home.

He was born in Lakewood, OH, on May 25, 1952, a son of the late Richard Earl Harte Jr. and Betty Deloris (Smith) Harte.

Tommy is survived by two brothers: Michael Harte and wife Dianna of Cleveland, OH, and Martin Harte of Dry Creek, WV. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas E. Harte III, and one sister, Sara M. Henderson.

After graduating high school, Tommy worked various jobs, mainly in retail. He greatly enjoyed model cars, working puzzles, and working on his famous “bubble gum wrapper chain.” Tommy also enjoyed his computer time, mainly keeping in contact with friends and family on Facebook and Mayberry Front Porch.

Family and friends will be received at the Bradley J. Mayle Funeral Home in Flemington, WV, on Thursday, July 12, 2018 from 4 until 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday, July 13, 2018 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Flemington I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

I think it would be fitting if Asa and & spent a day in the Lock-Up in honor of our lost Sheriff :( Still Sad..

G-F
July 12, 2018 - Msg 110185: Good Morning!

Popping in to see how things are going after our resident poet passed. Thank you to all that have posted about his obituary. It's sweet that we were all included. I still cannot believe he is gone, but as everyone has said, what a blessing to know he is in heaven and we will see him again someday. If you are here and don't think you will be in heaven, please let us know.

Thank you all for your prayers. They are keeping Nicholas on base for a couple of weeks to see if his back heals up, has anymore seizures, and if get counseling. After that they will determine whether to put him back out in the field or send him back to the base here. He really isn't doing well emotionally. He's always had some anxiety (some of you older members of the porch remember how he came to live with us and the anger and anxiety) so this has exacerbated it to full blown panic attacks.

Romeena - I would like to help. Do I send you a check or do you have PayPal?

John Masters - Thank you for posting that link to Graceland. My father is obsessed with everything Elvis so I have been there a few times. Very cool! Plus, I'm a Hallmark-a-holic. Like I may need a support group. Ha!

I have to get back to work. Let me add that I have been coming on here (sparsely lately, but still) since Don Knotts died. Even though we are internet friends, y'all have always meant so much to me. When I put Blessings to you and yours as my signature, I truly mean it. I hope God blesses each of you.

~Lucy
July 12, 2018 - Msg 110186: Good morning all.

GF, Thanks for posting Toms obit. He will be sorely missed for sure. It always hurts when we lose a member of our Porch family.

Romeena, I also would like to send you a check to help out with the flowers. I know I have your snail mail A.D. somewhere, but if you could just e-mail it to me I will get you a check.

Lucy, my prayers for your Son and for you. I am sure he will be fine in due time. We really appreciate his sacrifice.

GF, Big Maude, anyone else going to the meet up. Have fun, be careful, and tell them Asa says Hey!

Asa
July 12, 2018 - Msg 110187:
Wow, that is some shocking news to learn that our Tom has passed away. Based on his final Facebook post, I guess now he can have that talk with his deceased mother. The Front Porch will not be the same without his inspirational poetry. Rest in peace TOM.

Lucy Matthews, so sorry to learn about the insider attack in Afghanistan that injured your son. Our troops not only have to avoid the obvious enemy, but also be suspicious of troops who work alongside us while pretending to be our allies. I am surprised there were not more casualties.
Seventeen years of fighting since NATO troops got involved in Afghanistan and there is no end in sight. And supposedly there is no chance for peace negotiations until the us foreigners leave Afghanistan.

from Poor Horatio
July 12, 2018 - Msg 110188: Good mornin',everybody- I remembered most of the backstory as to how Don became involved with assisting us with Tom's needs,Ro,and in hearing it again I do agree that God orchestrated this entire thing. Since you have such a way with words (and you're a published author!) would you consider one day putting together a story about this? I feel like it would be a great read for a publication such as Guideposts. Just a thought.

MDC, I appreciate you asking about my mother- she just got moved to another room because she has been yelling and disturbing the lady she was with. Mama realizes her situation and is having a lot of anxiety and also wavering with her faith a bit. We had a pastor friend visit her yesterday & she opened up some and I just hope and pray that she will eventually find the answers she needs,along with calmness and peace. Please pray for that,friends. Thanks.

Speaking of prayers, Lucy, my prayers continue for Nick.

Well,guess that's it for now. I think I'm gonna go make some peanut butter and jelly sammiches and try to sneak them into the cell for Asa & G-F, in Sheriff's Tom honor!

*******************
possum under a rock
July 12, 2018 - Msg 110189: Good morning, porch! My goodness, what a wonderful, loving and kind group of friends you all are. While I greatly appreciate your offers to contribute to the flowers for Tom, I have thought about it and prayed about it, and have arrived at a conviction. I know you want to participate, and I respect that, but for me personally, it's not necessary. The check is gone and done, and Don has already ordered the flowers, and will receive the check as reimbursement. We had agreed upon an amount. What would make me very happy, and I think would please God, is for everyone who wishes to participate to take that money, whatever the amount, and invest it in the life of someone who needs it. It can be given to a church, to a charity, to a homeless person, or just to someone you know who is struggling financially. Sometimes just $5 or $10 can make a big difference to someone. God has blessed me in so many ways, and I am convinced that this is what He would want us to do. Personally, my choice would be to give it to an individual who is in need, but you just let God lead you. He knows where the needs are, and what better way to honor Tom? Flowers will fade, but the price of a meal could be crucial to someone right now.

I recall a time many years ago when Dale and I had stopped to fill the car's gas tank. We noticed a man digging through the seats of a nearby car. He finally approached Dale, and told him he had just put $20 worth of gas in his car, and couldn't find his wallet. He said he had probably left it at home, since it wasn't in his pocket or his car. He asked if Dale could give him $20 and his mailing address, and promised he would send it. Dale gave him the $20, and got in the car with me. I (the cynic) said that was $20 he'd never see. I'll never forget his answer. "Of course not. I didn't give him my address, I told him to remember it and pass it on to someone else who needed it. What he does now, is strictly up to him and his conscience. Both of us will answer to God some day."

Possum, thanks for the kind words about my attempts at writing. Your idea of writing up this little mini-drama for publication is intriguing. Most of my writing just sort of "happens" and I have little to do with it. I just sit at the keyboard and it either flows from my fingers, or it doesn't. An idea crosses my path (like when Charlotte Tucker emails me with a request for a story about the Fourth of July or some such, and the wheels begin to turn. Other times, an idea just sprouts in my mind, incubates for a little while, and suddenly, there's a story. I feel like I'm just the processor it passes through. You have given me an idea, and we'll see what happens. This will not be an easy story to write. Stories are supposed to have a beginning, a middle, and an end. We have a beginning, and we have a middle, but the end is a bit hazy. A lot hazy. Don is going to attend the visitation, so maybe I'll get some hint of closure from him. We'll see.

Well, guess I'd better go feed my little roomie. I've been at this keyboard for two hours now, have spent at least half an hour watching my little lizard friend as he is exploring the cottonwood tree near my window. That little critter can sit perfectly still, and become invisible on that tree! Amazing.

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
July 12, 2018 - Msg 110190: With the passing of Tom, I forgot that I was going to mention the cave rescue of the boys in Thailand.
Of course, i immediately thought of the TAGS cave rescue episode,
where just like in Thailand, everyone "came to the aid of their neighbor."
Crews from many countries came, including the US team that helped save
the Chilean miners a few years ago.
In this crazy, mixed up world, it was good to see people come together
like they did.
Prayers continue for all!
Love ya,
MDC
July 12, 2018 - Msg 110191: MDC, regarding the successful cave rescue in Thailand, let us not forget Saman Guana. He was a former Petty Officer First Class with the Thai Navy SEALS. He gave his life volunteering to help with the cave rescue. He will receive a hero's funeral sponsored by the Thailand government.

Romeena, I love your idea for us to make a charitable donation in Tom's memory. And although Don may consider his efforts were minor, we all thank him for getting involved to represent us. Next time you speak with him, please let him know that.

from Poor Horatio
July 12, 2018 - Msg 110192: Hi Folks,

Just a heads up to those of you that liked the Graceland cam link I put up, I believe Hallmark has censored some of it's viewing so we can't see the filming as it's happening. Today, they sprayed snow all over the front bushes and sprinkled the keyhole walk. There was a lot of activity, so they must be starting tonight.

Take care!
John Masters
July 13, 2018 - Msg 110193: Good Morning Porch,

Thank you all for your kind words about Nicholas. He's currently getting both physical therapy and counseling. We'll see how that goes then they'll determine in a few weeks whether to bring him back to the States or if he's ready to go back to the field. They put him on medicines so that means he may not be able to re-enlist. Lots of things up in the air. He's physically safe for now, and for that I am grateful.

PH - The Army is now reassessing on training Afghani soldiers much longer because the Taliban has infiltrated them. There has now been 2 deaths from inside attacks this week alone.

MDC - Thank you for the reminder of the TAGS cave episode!

Romeena - Though I would have sent a check for the flowers, I fully understand your reasoning and will pay it forward to someone else. I agree with Possum on the writing submissions.

Boo - Hope your office has air conditioning this summer.

I hope everyone has a very blessed day! As Andy (and Mavis used to say) "Act like somebody".

~Lucy M.


July 13, 2018 - Msg 110194: Wearing one of my TAGS t shirts in Tom's honor today- it is a plain gray shirt with " Mayberry" in big letters across the back. I think we all have him on our minds today as he's being laid to rest.

I'll "pay it forward" in Tom's memory as well.

Continued prayers for Nick's progress, Lucy. Yes,thank God he is physically safe.

Y'all take care.

************
possum u.a.r.
July 13, 2018 - Msg 110195: TOM

John Masters
July 13, 2018 - Msg 110196: Me Too Possum...I have on the “Hear at the Rock” We have Rules one today...https://youtu.be/YtsvsLFYYSg
RIP Sheriff TOM...🔗🗝

G-F
July 13, 2018 - Msg 110197: Ha! Tom would've gotten a kick outta that shirt, G-F! He might have thrown you in the clink for wearing it,though!

I was on Facebook earlier and messaged a fellow Porchster about Tom's passing. We were both saying how we know Tom & Rev would be "cutting up" together in Heaven! Well, right after that, an ad popped up on my FB page from some company called " REV"- I kid you not! I have never seen that particular ad before- then I left Facebook & went over to listen to some music videos on YouTube and wouldn't you know? There was that ad from "REV" again! Coincidence? What do you think?? :)

possum again
July 13, 2018 - Msg 110198:
Possum, I think it was a Godwink in my opinion...Just Sayin’....G-F
(God wink (plural God winks) An event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention, especially when perceived as the answer to a prayer.)
July 13, 2018 - Msg 110199: I agree, G-F- a God wink it was!

possum once more
July 13, 2018 - Msg 110200: hi all, i am typing with one hand today as my right wrist is bandaged. when i arrived at the hoispital for my procedure this morning, i found out that i would br getting a right heart cath AND a left one.
one thru the neck and one thru a wrist artery.
so my right wrist is tightly bandgaged as that was thru an artery and not a vein. i sure hope they saw what they needed to. one more mri on the 24th of my abdoman. quite a month
REST IN PEACE DEAR SHERIFF TOM.

MDC
July 13, 2018 - Msg 110201: Good evening all.

Gosh MDC, With Toms passing I plum forgot you were getting procedrised today. I hope it went well. Yer neck and yer wrist huh? I figured they'd be going further South that that to gain entry. Thanks for checking in and prayers you recover fast.

Yes GF, I think its only fitting you and I keep ourselves in the lock up to pay honor tp Tom. He put us in there a lot. (I think he liked your singing and my snoring)

Just finished off a couple of ears of fresh corn. Not mine. I bought it at a roadside stand just down the street from me. They pick it fresh each morning. Very good indeed. Now I need to go floss though. LOL

Prayers for all for a safe and sound weekend.

Asa
July 13, 2018 - Msg 110202: Romeena....I guess my BIL liked Babes...He ate there THREE times this week. It was real close to where he was working. I will see him tomorrow, so I’ll get a FULL report!...He sent me pictures and told me to thank you for the recommendation, it was definitely as good as you said it was....

Asa, I dont think I’ll look at a peanut butter sammich the same way again, it makes me feel happy tho knowing TOM enjoyed his title and I think it gave him pleasure bantering with us all in his own special way..

To me that is what the “Spirit of Mayberry” is all about...Just Acting Like Somebody And treating others the way we would hope to be treated no matter what is going on in our lives.

The Front Porch is indeed a SPECIAL place...Amen?...

G-F
July 13, 2018 - Msg 110203: Amen, G-F.
July 14, 2018 - Msg 110204: I don't know how to make my computer write "AMEN" in letters big enough to fit my agreement with that statement, G-F. A special place? Oh, yes!!! TOM was a very special person, a good friend to us all, and he brought his own unique brand of love to the porch, with his sweet poems and his funny little comments. He will be missed, greatly.

Three times?? Wow! G-F, I always hesitate to recommend a restaurant, because people's tastes and preferences differ so much, but I never hesitate to recommend Babe's. Anybody that doesn't like Babe's would just have to be a little bit weird, or allergic to chicken or something. It's that good. It's not just the chicken, either, though it is the best I've ever eaten. They serve the sides family style, and at the original location, they bring a very simple salad, just lettuce with a vinegar/sugar dressing on it. That's accompanied by big old "cat head" biscuits that practically float off the plate, and butter and honey. When the chicken arrives, they bring more biscuits, and bowls of mashed potatoes, chicken gravy (made with milk) and creamed corn. That's it, but they keep bringing the sides. You empty a bowl, and another one appears to replace it immediately. The chicken comes on a huge platter, piled up high, and there are four pieces allotted for each person - a drumstick, wing, thigh, and bre@st. They don't refill the chicken platter, but it's okay, because we've never emptied a platter anyway. They just bring bags so you can take home any leftover pieces.

You can pretty well ask anybody on the street around here if they know where Babe's Chicken is, and they'll tell you. The original location just serves what I outlined here, (and recently, you can get chicken fried steak) but the other locations also serve other options, like pot roast, meat loaf, and a few different veggies. Personally, I'm quite happy with the menu at the original location.

Well, it's late, and I've got the family coming over for dinner tomorrow night. My great-nephew has just moved here from Michigan, and will be joining the Dallas Police force. He starts the Police Academy next week. I'll fry him some pork chops, and have buttered noodles and pan gravy, and biscuits and some sort of veggie for him and the rest of the family tomorrow night. He's a very nice young man. His granddad is my Dale's brother. David and Brittney have sort of taken him under their wing, until he gets his feet on the ground. They'll take care of him, and I'll feed him now and then, until he gets his own trails laid. Well, nitey-nite. --Romeena
July 14, 2018 - Msg 110205: GF, I'll AMEN you X3 buddy. A very special place indeed.

My goodness Romeena, You should be a Babes Chicken spokeswoman. You got my taste buds all riled up for a big chicken dinner and it ain't even 8:00 in the blessed A.M. yet! As Briscoe would say... DOG-GONE YOU!! :) And then you end your post speaking about pork chops. Two of my favorite dishes are those two items, Fried chicken and pork chops, with all the fixins. And chicken fried steak is right up there.


I sure have been enjoying watching all of my "The Fugitive" shows. Tons of TAGS folks in there. I saw old Fletch as a Preacher, and the Rev. Breen as a Doctor. I saw Peggy, but she wasn't no sweet nurse. Last night I saw Bill Medwin. But he wasn't a bookie barber. He owned a small Diner somewhere. I have also seen a lot of MASH folks on these shows. Much younger, so much so that it takes me a while to remember where I saw them.


Well I just got back from grocery shopping. It just so happens I bought me some chicken when I was there, and then came home and read GF and Ro's posts. So I am cooking chicken tonight. Anyone got any easy to follow recipes for me? I was gonna try my hand at a chicken and rice casserole, but I got a package of shake and bake just in case I changed my mind. All I got was thighs though, so keep that in mind.

Off to tackle the lawn before it gets to hot. We have some cloud coverage this morning so that is nice, but the humidity is up, so that ain't so nice. I wish it would rain a bit.

Prayers for all.

Asa


July 14, 2018 - Msg 110206: Here Ya go Asa...https://youtu.be/bB7j3sUWohE
July 14, 2018 - Msg 110207: Good morning, porch. Asa, just in case you want to try some real fried chicken, (teehee) instead of that shake/bake stuff, it's easy, especially when you're doing a smaller number of pieces. When I fry for the family, I usually have to fry 20-25 pieces, so 4 or 5 would be a breeze. Just let your chicken come to room temperature before you start frying. I rinse each piece under warm water, and lay it out on waxed paper for a half hour or so. Then when you start frying, it cooks through to the bone a lot easier, without getting the outside too brown. (Think "degree of rise.") Sprinkle it with salt and pepper, dredge it in some flour, dip it into a shallow bowl of milk, and again into the flour. If you want a heavier, richer crust, use buttermilk. I fry in peanut oil, as it can go to a higher temp without scorching. Be sure the oil comes up at least halfway onto the sides of each piece. Use medium/high heat, not high. Let it brown nicely, then turn and brown the other side. I use tongs to turn it, not a fork, so that the juices don't run out. When it's nicely browned, transfer to paper towels on a plate or platter, and put the plate into a small enclosed space, like your microwave, and close the door. This will let residual heat finish cooking any "rare" spots. Nobody likes rare chicken! Well, that's not true. To our surprise, Dale and I learned that folks from Mexico City like their chicken, whether fried, grilled or whatever, to be a bit on the pink side, maybe more than a bit. Yuck. Beef, yes. Chicken, no.

Now, what to do with all those drippings in the frying pan, and that bowl of milk? Make gravy!!! If you want a little tutorial on that, just let me know, and I'll email it.

It's a beautiful day today. The family is coming for dinner, and I'm going to impose a bit. Yesterday, I bought a 9-ft wide beach-type umbrella to be used to shade the fishpond. It's a bit heavy and unwieldy, and while I have all that masculine strength around here this evening, I'll take advantage and get them to install it for me. There are already three pieces of PVC driven into the ground at strategic points, left over from a previous umbrella, which died several years ago. I know a base, however heavy, wouldn't work out there, but those 18" pieces of pipe work beautifully. Just drop the end of the umbrella shaft into one, and it's going nowhere. I have caps on them to keep water and debris out of them when not in use. This time, I got a bright red umbrella! Should be very pretty out there.

Well, better go tidy up the kitchen and scrub out the sink before I think about cooking. I can't work in a messy kitchen, and I'm a bit OCD about a clean sink. I used to be a spotless housekeeper, but relaxed that attitude a little in 1979, when I had my first cancer, and really didn't expect to live much longer. I found spending time flying kites with my kids to be more important than mopping the kitchen. Now, 39 years later, I don't remember the occasional spot on the kitchen floor, but I do remember good times with my family. Blessings sometimes arrive in strange disguises.

Have a wonderful day, everyone! --Romeena
July 14, 2018 - Msg 110208: "It's Shake n Bake, and I HELPED!" :)
One of those commercials that will always be
in the cobwebs of my mind! ha
feeling better today!
mdc
July 14, 2018 - Msg 110209: Hi again, folks

Just wanted to update you Elvis fans. The Hollywood snow has been removed from Graceland and I guess they're done filming outside. In case you missed it, here is the Graceland Cam link again:

https://www.graceland.com/connect/gracelandcam.aspx

My best to all! Take care, folks!
John Masters
July 14, 2018 - Msg 110210: Been very busy with work and such so haven't been here as much as I would like. Hope you are all doing ok. Ro, I think your idea about honoring TOM is wonderful and I will do just that...a good deed in honor of Tom. Thank you.

I love the story about your Dale and the 20 dollars. He was a very special man, wasn't he?..or I should really say "isn't he?". He is more alive with Jesus than he has ever been. Thank God!

I have been a little depressed these past few days..wont go into detail but it is the usual struggles in my own mind. I am finding it hard to just put my trust in God, as I should. Sometimes I have so many doubts and confusion in my own mind, God help me.

We had the new air conditioning and heating put in over the last couple of days and this is a stronger unit for the downstairs than we had before so it is really cooling well, plus we put in the upstairs unit, too, and keeping the upstairs cool is making it easier to cool the downstairs. I hope we are set for at least the next 10 years.

Not a lot of other news around here.

Boo