January 01, 2020 - Msg 113525: Happy new year to all! It seems like we just went thru Y2K and here we are at "Y-20-K!!" Wow, time sure flies, but still no "flying cars"! ha (I guess they still have to perfect the flux-capacitor! lol)
RO--I'm glad you are home safe and sound. We used to go to an annual party at a nearby friend's house, but they moved away several years ago, so we started going to a new year's concert by the Phx Symphony, but now downtown Phx (where symphony hall is)is pretty crazy these days, so we just stay at home and watch it all unfold on TV! :)
Regarding the church shooting, thank God that parishioner was armed, or it would have been a much different scenario!
HEY TO SPOT, and ALL PORCHSTERS! May 2020 be Christ-filled and good to us all!
Sincerely,
MDC


January 01, 2020 - Msg 113526: Happy New Year!
--Floyd
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113527: Just making sure all is working following the new year change. I hope all of you have a wonderful 2020! The 60th Anniversary year for The Andy Griffith Show!
--Allan
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113528: Happy New Year, Porch Family! May 2020 be good to us all.

Hey to Floyd/Allan and a Huge "Thank You" for checking for spiders and keeping the Porch from falling in on us- Happy New Year!

***********
possum u.a.r.
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113529: HAPPY NEW YEAR, PORCHSTERS!
MDC - LOL! Yeah, I remember Y2K! The fear that computers worldwide couldnt handle the turn into 2000 and things would fail. Planes would fall outof the sky, electricity would shut off, water facilities would quit working, etc. LOL! The world was coming to an end. Building an underground shelter and stock it full of food and water because of the desperate people becoming violent to get food. What a joke that was!
I echo your sentiment. May God help us all (we need it) and 2020 goes a lot better than 2019!

John Masters
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113530: Good morning all and Happy New Year!
Thank you Floyd, for keeping this good old Porch up and running. Wow, 20 years or more now isn't it?

MDC, No flying cars, although I did watch Smokey and the Bandit the other night and saw a few cars flying in that show. Gosh, I have not seen that movie in years. I forgot how much I enjoyed the Jackie Gleason acting as Buford T. Justice job. The scene where he is in the Diner, chomping down a sandwich, while unknowingly talking to the actual Bandit is just side splitting to me. As a rule I usually get disgusted when folks talk with a mouthful of food (Don, the hungry buzzard), but that scene with Gleason is spot on.

I did watch The Sting last night on DVD. Has become my tradition. I really like that movie. Pretty amazing the lengths they went to, to take you back to the late 30's.

Romeena, Glad you got home safe and sound. It sounds like little Trinket and you are right chummy. Makes me happy to read that.

Boo, we love you and your family. It's not easy being a parent in any age I reckon, but more difficult as time goes on it seems. I agree, there needs to be a change of heart in the Nation. I can only think that some type of major event that really shakes things up would do that. And I don't think any of us want that. I reckon all we can do is what ever we can in our little corner of the world to try and make things right and good. I know that sounds naïve and silly, but collectively could be a huge difference.

Prayers for all for a blessed 2020.

Asa
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113531: We had a feller at work who was convinced by Art Bell that Y2K would be a disaster. Bought all kinds of survival kits and such. He still gets mocked for it.
Happy New Year all.
Billy Ray the Postman
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113532: Hey Asa, this version of the Front Porch here at tagsrwc.com began in May 2001 so almost 19 years have gone by since the start. BUT if you go back to the original Porch...we're well over 20 years of time spent visiting here in Mayberry on the Taylor's front porch.

Happy New Year to everyone. I pray that all of you have a wonderful and blessed 2020.

-Allan (a.k.a. Floyd)
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113533: John Masters, and remember the mayan calendar of 2012 and all that hype? So ridiculous.

Hope everyone had a good and safe new years eve. We had a nice, quiet time here at home with some old friends that we often spend new years eve with. We usually eat and play games but this year we ate and just visited and it was great. My dogs did better this year with the fireworks, too. I made sure they were inside so it wouldn't be so loud and they slept through most of the evening. It seems to me that there were far less fireworks this year than last and they were ended by 1:30am when I walked up to the front gate to make sure it was secured. Anyway, heres hoping 2020 is a better year for us all. I am working tonight but will probably be quiet since its a holiday and only skeleton crew will be on the premises. Of course, that means that I will be in charge by proxy. Last week, I was working my usual evening shift and there were only two staff workers on the girl's unit and I was passing the evening medication. All of a sudden one of the girls ran out of her room and screamed (teen girls are dramatic, if you don't know). It was about 8pm and someone was outside banging on the windows. The two staff members immediately went to the doors leading outside to open them and investigate. Very bad idea...abandon the frightened girls sitting in the hallways, open the door and possibly let someone in...you just never know these days if there is a shooter lurking somehwhere. I had to get stern with the two of them and tell them and that is not what I like to do. I do not like being in charge of people but had to tell them to please, please come away from the doors and tend to the girls. They finally listened to me. I called the boys unit to send over a male staff member right away and I called the police to come and investigate. I was rather floored that the staff members didn't know better than to try to leave the building, in the dark, leaving the girls unattended, basically, and investigate themselves. One of the really ditzy staff told me, "I used to work at the police station so I am used to this sort of thing," to which I sweetly replied, "Please sweetheart, just stay inside because I am afraid for you. The police are on their way and they can handle things". She relented. I had to beg the other one too. Crazy. The officers did show up after the banging continued for awhile. I just stayed on the unit and kept an eye on things. I just couldn't believe I was in that position, as the nurse. It is happening more and more often because the staff are badly trained and they are asking me what to do many times. There are many things I just don't know about the way things are run there because I am trained in what to do as a nurse, not a behavioral specialist or a counselor. I have talked to the people in charge of the training process and they tell me that they have multiple trainings but the staff just aren't too bright. That really instills confidence when I am there alone with them and the kids. Hopefully, things will change as we move forward with the new owners. Really hoping 2020 is a better year for shoreline.

Speaking of...I have to get ready for work. Thank you so much for your encouragement and loving words, Asa. You're the cats, for sure.

Happy new Year!
Boo
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113534: Happy New Year, everyone! I've got a handle on the rest of the day. Turkey is almost done and smells wonderful. Dressing is steaming hot around and in the turkey, and I've dipped the standing juices up and basted them over the bird, after making little slits along the keelbone, so the juice can get to the white meat. Four extra thighs will make for plenty of dark meat, as most of my family prefers that, as do I. I let the giblets boil dry and scorched them a little, so just tossed them. Nobody eats the giblet gravy but me anyway, and it won't hurt my feelings if there isn't any. I've made my cranberry sauce, with a little mandarin orange juice in it this time, made the fruit salad, a pot of wonderful creamed corn, mashed sweet potatoes with crushed pineapple in it, and the (canned) green beans are ready to heat. Eloise is bringing a potato/cheese casserole, I've made two pumpkin pies and a cheesecake, and I have some wonderful pickled beets, bought on our last bus trip from the church, from an Amish place where we always stop in Oklahoma. I do believe we'll have plenty to eat. Now I just need to get out of my nightgown and into some real clothes before anybody arrives!

Thank you, Floyd, for all that you do to keep this forum operating. Obviously, you know how much it means to each of us. It has seen me through some rough times, and I'm definitely the only one. This is a ministry, brother, and we appreciate it. --Romeena
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113535: Oh, my stars! Make that "definitely NOT the only one." For pete's sake!~ --Romeena
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113536: 🦃 👃🏼 📺 😋 ....Smellevision Activated Romeena 🙌🏻👍
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113537: Happy New Year Porch Friends! I don't pass by this way very often any more, but I was looking for Romeena and figured I'd find her here. I was right! I hope ya'll had a wonderful Christmas holiday and are looking forward to a healthy and prosperous new year with yer kin! I'm happy to see Asa, Boo, possum, MDC, Bily Ray the Postman and John Masters all here today and am also thankful Floyd is still checking for spiders! Love to you all!
Charlotte Tucker

I emailed you, Romeena. Where you been hiding?
January 01, 2020 - Msg 113538: Happy New Year!....Prayers to all...let me do some reading...fresh collards from the garden...yall come and get some...ham on the smoker !...peas in the boiler ...SPOT

January 01, 2020 - Msg 113539: Happy New Year porch family! Prayers and blessings to everyone
Big Maude
January 02, 2020 - Msg 113540: HI Porchsters. I spent most of the day taking down my front yard display. All went well. I store it all in a shed on the side of my house.
Cecile worked on the inside, but we keep the nativity up
until this Sunday, the feast of the Epiphany.
Also, I need to purchase Windows 10 soon. I know they are stopping
support for Windows 7 just to make money, but I guess that is free enterprise!
God blessings in this new year,
MDC
January 02, 2020 - Msg 113541: SHAZZAM...It’s A whole New Year!..It will be easy to remember if you use the Barney Fife method..G-F
January 02, 2020 - Msg 113542: Asa, you would be proud of me, I was a “Tool Warrior” yesterday. My cordless drill just won’t hold a charge anymore, so I went to Lowe’s hoping to get a after Christmas deal on one. They had a Hitachi one that was regularly $129.00 marked down to $49.95. Unfortunately they were out of it and since it was a “Special Christmas Deal” they weren’t going to reorder them. So I used my Ninja negotiating skills and got the display one for $35.00 it came with (2) batteries, charger and a case to boot!... A battery alone costs more than that!

The guy said that brand rates high and has steel gears where a lot of the other have plastic ones. So I’m a happy camper at the deal I made....

G-F
January 02, 2020 - Msg 113543: * I forgot to say about remembering 2020...Well you remembered 2019. Since you already knew it was the 19th year of the decade you ask yourself what is 19+1=20 and you already know it’s the 2000’s so you just add a 2 to the third number of the alphabet and you get 2020...See how easy it is?.....G-F
January 02, 2020 - Msg 113544: Land sakes alive. Charlotte Tucker, so good to see you posting. We have missed you on the porch. I hope you will stick around.

Sounds like you got a great deal on that drill GF. Let me know how you like it. I have never used the Hitachi brand. That is the one thing I miss being retired. At the first of the year I would get a tool allowance that came to $500.00. Free money like that and can only be used to buy tools. Talk about pure gala!
Your formula for figuring 2020 is amazing. I was just thinking the same thing. :) Great minds.

MDC, You sound like a well organized fellow. A place for everything, and everything in it's place. Good on you.

Hey to Big Maude. Has your Hubby had any luck in the job dept. yet?

Spot, sounds like a pretty good spread you are cooking buddy.

Well I'm off to get some cleaning done.

Asa
January 02, 2020 - Msg 113545: Good morning, porch! Here we are, already in the second day of the new year. My, how time flies! The day went beautifully yesterday. As I expected, I had waaay too much food. Sent some home with my brother for my SIL, who wasn't feeling well and stayed home. Also sent some home with David and Brittney, who helped me so much, as always. Brittney took me by the hand and led me to my chair after dinner, and dared me to get up, while she cleared the tables and loaded the dishwasher. We left the food on the kitchen island, for the benefit of any after-dinner grazers. Everybody likes to return to the spread for "just another bite or two" of whatever they liked best. Everything was good. The turkey (easy-peasy) was tender and delicious, and there's even a generous amount of dark meat stashed in my fridge, thanks to the four extra thighs I cooked with it. David is like me, he likes the dark meat with the meal, and the white meat the next day, in sliders made with Hawaiian rolls. We made a deal. He took mostly the white meat, because he had some Hawaiian rolls at home, and I don't, so he left me the lion's share of the dark meat! I can do without the sliders. My brother took all of the bones and a big chunk of white meat, and my SIL will make turkey soup, which they both like. As for the pumpkin pies and the cheesecake I made, they were delicious! I hadn't made either of those things in years, don't know what possessed me to do it this week, but I'm really glad I did. I got the cheesecake recipe on the internet, and the pumpkin pie recipe off the Libby's pumpkin cans! Winners, both of them. A can of cherry pie filling to spoon over the cheesecake didn't hurt anything, either. Whipped cream for the pies, too.

Charlotte Tucker, I've gone back through my emails and can't find anything. I don't know how or where your message got lost, but apparently it did. I've had a couple of others who have been lost. Would you mind re-sending, and tell me here on the porch when you do, so I can be watching?

MDC, I now have Windows 10, it came on the new computer my DIL bought for me. It's okay, but I don't like it as well as Windows 7. Seven was the best one yet. There are a few glitches in 10, I've received several "updates" and it has improved a little, but it's just going to take time for them to work the bugs out. Why they can't do that before they release it, I don't know. One of the glitches seems to be that my email program doesn't work as well as it used to, it's a bit slow and trips over its own feet now and then, but of course the program is a newer version of the one I had, so I don't know who's at fault, 10 or the program.

Boo, what on earth were those silly girls thinking? Good thing you were there to yank them back to earth, and kept them indoors. The noise-makers outside were probably just some friends (or enemies?) of some of the kids inside, but could have been a lot worse. Hang in there, obviously you're needed where you are.

Well, off I go. I've got a very full dishwasher to unload! Blessings, friends. --Romeena
January 02, 2020 - Msg 113546: I heard on good authority that Windows 10 has bigger wires than Windows 7.

Billy Ray the Technological Master
January 02, 2020 - Msg 113547: Well, Billy Ray, that may be, but sometimes those bigger wires just get crossed, and you can end up with a bigger mess! I'm not saying that 10 is bad, just that I think 7 was a little better. Maybe I was just used to the way it handled things. With 7 or now 10, it's still pretty amazing when you think of the things we can do now, compared with just a few years ago.

This is my seventh computer, I think. I got my first one in the early '80s. It was an Epson Equity, dual floppy drives, (does anyone else remember floppy drives?) and had a whopping 256K of memory. People have wrist-worn devices now that have more memory than that. My present computer has 918GB. In addition, I have a Passport connected to it for routine backup, which has 465GB. I have this computer because my previous one, which was about eight years old, was almost full, and occasionally not performing well because it had so little wiggle room. When I think of the literally thousands of pictures I have on here, not to mention the data (stories, a whole book, etc.,) it's amazing.

You know what? I think I was born at the best time anyone could be born. I was born in 1939, and so was a small child in the '40s. I remember the WWII years, and learned some solid values in the hardships of those years. I know what it is to sit in a lawn chair in the back yard and listen as my parents converse with neighbors, over glasses of iced sweet tea. Then I got to be a teenager in the most wonderful decade of all - the Fifties! I had crinoline petticoats, a poodle skirt, bobbysox, and heard Elvis when his first record was released. Those years were the Korean war years, too. A beloved cousin, about 11 years my senior, was in the Air Force and flew Globemaster transports and cargo planes during that war. He's 91 today, sharp as a tack, and a really good guy.

Then the next few decades, with all their idiocy, flower power, hippies, protests, free love, and other life-destroying idealogies, just flowed past me, because I had been brought up by hard-working, honest, straight-thinking parents, and was able to reject the nonsense that was and still is being pumped into our brains, if we allow it. In our home, God was revered, honored and trusted, not pushed aside. That mindset has never failed me yet. I think God has the biggest wires of all! --Romeena
January 03, 2020 - Msg 113548: Good morning all.

Preach on Romeena. You were blessed to have been born of good parents, as was I. And what a blessing that is. That generation was special for sure. And things certainly changed in the 60's. But there was at least one exception to that decade. That was those involved in the space race. What was accomplished during that time period was and is remarkable. When President Kennedy made the challenge to congress on May 25th, 1961, to land a man on the moon and bring him safely home again by the end of the decade, the U.S. had exactly 15 minutes of actual manned space flight. Just 3 weeks earlier, Alan Sheppard had gone up in the first manned Mercury rocket. They used a Redstone booster because it was much more dependable than the Atlas, that had a bad habit of exploding during launch. The Redstone, although reliable, did not provide enough power to give them the altitude or the speed to go into orbit. So he went high enough to enter into space and then back down for splashdown. That was early May, 1961. December of 1968, Apollo 8 was the first flight to leave earths orbit and fly to the moon. They dropped into a lunar orbit, and made 10 orbits around the moon, (got to within 60 nautical miles) and then got home safely. Then in July of 1969, Apollo 11 made history by safely landing on the moon. "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed". Amazing accomplishment to say the least. The Soviet Union, our biggest threat during that period, to this day has yet to put a manned flight beyond earths orbit. By admission, the folks involved in the program back then were so immersed in what they were doing, they hadn't realized how the Country had changed so much. And so much of the things we enjoy today are a direct result of the space race of the 60's. lol, you might say I am a big fan.

Well I had a couple of inches of snow to deal with yesterday. Helen fired right up and did herself proud. It was a fairly powdery snow, and that's the type she likes best, so all was well.

Boo, Your job sure has its challenges. Glad you are there to keep things sane and safe. How is Sean doing these days? Good I hope.

Well I hope everyone has a great and safe day.

Asa


January 03, 2020 - Msg 113549: Morning, Porch!

Romeena - Ya' know...my wife and I just started The Waltons and we are half way through the first season. I look forward to each episode. I am 51 and was a kid when they were on. I didnt like it then because it was one of those "adult dramatic show." But now, I know the appeal and value of a show like that. And I'll tell you...it'd be really nice to sit there on the Waltons front porch with John, Olivia, Grandpa and Grandma. Or...maybe sit and have a bottle of pop on the Taylors porch. Or...sit with Charles Ingalls and Isaiah Edwards at Hansen's Mill and shoot the breeze. *Sigh*

Boo - Prayers to you and yours. I sincerely hope things will get better. Sometimes, when you vent your troubles, I can hear Rafe singing those lines "Weary totin', such a load..."

Asa - Send some of that white stuff to the Ozarks! This going out in a tshirt during January tain't right! If I wanted this, I wouldve moved to a warmer climate. This stinks!

Happy weekend, folks! Hey to SPOT, possum, Maude, Billy Ray, Charlotte, Medwin, GF and everyone else waiting for the Mendlebright sisters to get off the phone!

John Masters
January 03, 2020 - Msg 113550: Yep Asa those times were AWESOME!...All the Space 🚀 stuff was so cool and it gave the country something to be proud of and rally around during those crazy 60’s times...It gave us hope that we would get through them....

G-F
January 03, 2020 - Msg 113551: Happy new year everyone. Sarah
January 03, 2020 - Msg 113552: Cool, lots of porch sitters lately! Even our dog SPOT has stopped by.
RO--you spoke of your pumpkin pie...it sure sounds good, but 3 cuts would be my high water mark! ha
Any gooseberry pie? Aunt Bee makes a good one. :)
Yes, those '50s were a great time in this here US of A!! I was just a kid, but had a stay-at-home mom (which most were back then) a great neighborhood, and super family. In fact, we siblings never really had any real problems with each other, even to this day!
ASA, GF--I actually drove to our Lowes today, but they don't even carry Hitachi power tools. :(
It must be a Cleveland thing. Oh well, my Makita is still working pretty well, BTW GF--when I was watching the Rose Parade on TV, I noticed a few trumpet players "Andy Gumpin'" their chins. haha
ASA--glad that helen is cooperating, but speaking of such gals, I was watching Wagon Train today during my workout and there was our Susan Oliver playing another naughty girl! Seems like she really cottoned to those sort of bad girl roles. Yup, the '60s space race was cool to watch. I loved all those blastoffs!
HEY to SARAH and ALL!
JOHN MASTERS--you are a bird in this world for mentioning all those wonderful porch scenes!:)
ME-TV just started showing the Waltons here.
BOO--God blesss you for keeping your wits about you and for using 911. Good thinking!
All is well in Mayberry, and there are 5 less terrorists in the world today!
Prayers for 2020,
MDC


January 04, 2020 - Msg 113553: Aw, thanks for the kind words, John Master, and I can relate to the weary thing. I appreciate those prayers so much.

I received a text message from Erin today that was long (very unusual) and certainly sounded like repentance for her attitude and ungratefulness towards her father and I. It was very sweet and seemed heart-felt as she expressed how she now realizes what good parents we are and how blessed she has always been. I had hoped her moving out for a period of time would help her see things more clearly and seems like it has. I know there are many prayers going up for her and us. Thanks to all of you again.

Asa, Sean is doing pretty well these days, thank you for asking. His Tourette's is out of remission, lately, and it is a bit of a struggle, but not really bad. He is going to have to try to go back on the med for it and it makes him tired, but hopefully will put the Tourettes back into remission. You just never know. He is doing very well at his job and is showing a very good work ethic. He is always there when he is supposed to be, and gives it his all. The owner of the hotel is a bit of a jerk, but he has a fantastic boss who is always pulling for the employees. He likes the job, so hope it goes well. I only wish it paid a better wage. Sean goes to church when he is off on sunday and still helps with the singing at his small church. He is trying to do right, but that is Sean. He always tries to do right and that is why this whole thing with his s3xual orientation causes him such distress at times. I feel so sorry for him. It just doesn't seem fair, but life isn't fair, is it? It does bring us many more blessings than pain, though, if we are mindful of it. I hope you and your family are doing well and had a good holiday season.

Romeena, are you doing ok after all the good eats?! lol sounds like a wonderful time with the family. How is Brittany doing with her back?

A BIG hello and a hug for Charlotte Tucker! Wonderful to see you, Dear. Don't be a stranger.

Well, I was off today but did a lot of tasks that needed doing. Bruce and I tackled the attic space and I went through Christmas boxes and donated and threw out things no longer wanted. I put away any Christmas decorations I had in the house except for the tree. I am going to keep it up for awhile since I put it up so late and enjoy it so!

I made the mistake of watching some videos of the president speaking the year he was elected and now and I am concerned about what I saw. I really think all the stress he is under is taking a huge toll on him. I just honestly don't think he can withstand another four years if he is re-elected. It is very concerning to me and I don't really know what to think about what happened in Iran. Are we about to get into WW3?

Gotta go get the clothes out of the dryer. Blessing to all,

Boo
January 04, 2020 - Msg 113554: I have clothes in the dryer also Boo thanks for the mention. My laundry is always heavier in the winter months because of jeans, sweatshirts and sweaters. Summers are so much better with T-shirts and shorts. I went thru my closet and ended up with two large trash bags of clothes and shoes to donate. I donated a huge selection of gig saw puzzles that had been accumulating to the senior center. While cleaning out my closet I found my knitting bag that I had forgotten about, it has been a couple of years since I've knitted anything. Better go and empty the dryer. Sarah
January 04, 2020 - Msg 113555: Sarah, I was going through old Christmas stuff to get rid of yesterday and found a Christmas card from REV. Bittersweet

Boo
January 05, 2020 - Msg 113556: Good evening, porch. Boo, that's hopeful news about Erin, I hope and pray that she's about to come around and once again be the person God wants her to be. I'm sorry Sean has to deal with the Tourette's, and I pray that God will put people in his path and in his life that will see past the Tourette's, and recognize Sean for who he really is.

Cleaning out closets - boy, do I need to do that! After losing 40 lbs, most of my clothes don't fit anymore, but I'm still wearing many of them, and I look like a bag of laundry walking down the street. They're all good clothes, many are almost new, only worn a few times, and I just hate to give them up. I really hate to have to replace them! $$$! Also, I'm shooting for another 20 lbs loss, at least, and I don't want to buy clothes that fit now, but will be too big when I lose that additional weight. So, I guess I'll just look like I dressed from the ragbag for a while.

I played bunco last night, and came home to a nice surprise. When I turned onto my street, I expected to see my house all lit up with Christmas lights, but there were no lights except my old year-round landscape lights. Two big Christmas elves (David and Landry) had come while I was gone and took the Christmas lights down and put them neatly away. Can't beat a deal like that, and I don't know what I'd do without those guys. The Ring cameras had caught them, of course, as they worked in the front yard, and I had fun watching them on my phone. David looks so much like his dad at times that it's just spooky, and Landry, at 18, is 6'5", just like David. Slender and lanky, but just as tall.

Well, Trinket passed another milestone this evening. She wanted in my lap, but I was watching a good movie on TV and didn't necessarily want her walking around on me and blocking my view with her fluffy little head, so hadn't picked her up. I was just thinking about doing that, when suddenly PLOP - she was in my lap! She just gave a big jump and landed square in my lap, and then sat there looking bewildered, like she didn't know what had happened. I laughed, of course, and hugged her and made a big deal out of it, so she'll probably do it again. She had made it once before a little while back, but it was more of a scramble, while this time was just a big jump and a clean landing. She is so funny, and the most loving little thing you can imagine.

Boo, I hear what you're saying about Trump and the situation in the world today. It worries me too, but I really think Trump can handle it. I said it when he was elected, and I still believe it - he's a junk yard dog, and that's exactly what we needed. If Iran or anyone else (N. Korea?) considers jumping on the U.S. today, they're going to be in for a surprise. The Muslim sympathizer is no longer in the White House, and the man who is there now is no pantywaist. Aggression will be met with severe reprisals, and I think the world knows it. The local snowflakes will cry and beat their chests, and have little meltdowns, but America will stand. Trump didn't get where he is in the financial world by practicing appeasement, and history has shown time and again that appeasement doesn't work in the political world either, whether local politics, or worldwide.

Well, enough of that. Guess I'd better hit the ironing board, so I can get up and get to church in the morning. I missed last week, don't want to do that again. The week just goes better when I don't miss. Blessings! --Romeena
January 05, 2020 - Msg 113557: FRANKIE? Are you doing OK, please check in
when you get a chance. Thanks.
Ro, so LB has gotten the "L" out, and stuck the landing!? Great! ha
Here's a little Bible trivia for y'all...if anyone can show me the verse where Joseph, the spouse of Mary, speaks; or if you can show me the verse where
it specifically mentions THREE kings (or Magi), I'll mail you a hundred bucks, and not the kind
made in the back room of an office in Mayberry! ha! Good Luck! :)
MDC
January 05, 2020 - Msg 113558: This is Frankie checking into the Porch.
Hope everyone had a good News Years. It was just another day for me.
You all take care and I will try to check in soon.
January 05, 2020 - Msg 113559: Good evening, porch. MDC, that's an interesting challenge. To the best of my knowledge, neither the actual number nor the names of the wise men are given in the scripture. Traditionally, they are considered to be three, probably originally based on the specific mention of three gifts - gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The traditionally accepted names are Caspar (or Gaspar), Balthazar and Melchior. Their countries of origin are not given, (all we know is they were from "the East"), nor is their racial background specifically given. Traditionally, in most renderings of the Nativity, three men are shown, one with very dark skin, one with moderately dark skin, and one with light skin. No one knows for sure. Also, their arrival at the location of the young Messiah did not take place at the stable where he was born, nor immediately after his birth. Rather, it is generally accepted that they arrived as much as two years later, and the phrase "on coming to the house where the young child was" indicates that the little family had found a more permanent home and was no longer in the cattle stall. Also, Herod's order to kill all male Hebrew babies age two and under, indicates that at least two years had elapsed since it all began. The second chapter of Matthew gives a very clear account, and the other Gospels fill in some gaps. So, our sweet and beloved "manger scenes", depicting Mary and Joseph kneeling beside a manger, and the shepherds and the wise men kneeling outside, looking in, among the peaceful animals - is not chronologically accurate, but does give us a precious picture of the happening, condensed though it may be. Wasn't it practical of God to lead the wise men there when He did, bringing valuable gifts? I'm quite sure that those gifts were used to finance the flight into Egypt to avoid Herod's murderous intentions. Once there, there was probably enough to secure a little home for them, and Joseph then surely could have made a living, as we know he was a carpenter. What a beautiful story it is, and how I love to hear it, to read it, to think about it. God always has a plan. He is never caught unaware.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up something to eat. I made some tetrazzini with most of the leftover turkey, and it's delish. A little more of that will go down just fine. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
January 05, 2020 - Msg 113560: Thank you, everyone, for the big happy new year welcome even though I've not been by the porch for years. It's always so great when you stop by here that the same folks are still around and remember me! It's great to see you, Asa, Boo, MDC, and John Masters! I'll try to come by more often in 2020.

Romeena. The email I sent to you on Jan. 1 came back to me on Jan. 4 . : ( I tried to resend it just now. I did get the email you sent to me on Jan. 2.

Take care all. All the best to you and yours!
Charlotte Tucker
January 05, 2020 - Msg 113561: MDC, I don't remember ever seeing anything about 3 wise men in the bible, but I haven't read the apocryphal writings in the catholic bible (not all of them, anyway). Is it in there?

Wanted to thank you all again for your prayers for Erin and my family and wanted to share with you that there is indeed progress. Erin was over yesterday and she and I sat in the porch swing and talked and I can tell that she is growing up and realizing some very important things. I wanted to share with you a text message she sent me day before yesterday: "Hey Momma, I wanted to let you know I love and I appreciate everything you and dad do for me. I am seeing now more than ever that I have so much to be grateful for and I see all the times I wrongfully took advantage of what I was given. For that I want to apologize to you and dad, but also I would like to thank you for being the perfect parents that you are. I know we fight and argue but all I wish for you both to know is how thankful I am that you love me and I love you.". Now, that was a surprise because she has never said anything like that to me, or rarely ever took the time to express something to that degree. I know God is at work. Thank you for praying, aunties and uncles. :)

I have most all the Christmas decorations put away now. Bruce just has to take apart the big tree and carry it upstairs. It is rather sad but I know Christmas will be here again before we know it. I really wasn't able to enjoy it the way I usually do this year due to sheer mental and physical exhaustion but that's ok. It seems the holidays have morphed into 2 whole months of celebration and preparation, not to mention expense. Things are overdone in many ways. I cut back on the activities this year and to tell you the truth, I just don't know how I could have done more than I did, working and all. I usually take most of December off at work but couldn't this year.

I am ready to start 2020 and get back on my healthy diet. I have let some dairy and white bread, and sugar sneak back into my diet over the holidays and my pants are tighter. Oh well, St. Susan and I start walking this week and I start cooking up the usual healthy foods I have been accustomed to the past 2 years. Bruce is getting a big as a bus. He has been eating way too much but assures me the exercise starts as soon as he goes back to work on Monday, as well as a good diet. He talks about retiring in 5 years and doing some things he wants to do and I tell him he had better adopt some healthy habits if he wants to be able to do anything once he retires. That's my goal..to be feeling good enough to enjoy retirement.

Guess what I was watching earlier? The Shakiest Gun in the West. So silly but its fun to look for TAGS actors in it. Better git!

Boo
January 05, 2020 - Msg 113562: That’s Great News Boo...We pray it gets better for you guys in 20/20...Also I was putting something in my box where I keep my “Special Things” and ran across the guitar picks that REV sent me with his CD. I play his CD’s often in my car when I need a Co-Pilot....G-F
January 05, 2020 - Msg 113563: Evenin' Porch

Boo - What a sweet text. Sounds like the clouds are starting to part. "The perfect parents that you are"...can't get much better of a compliment from your child than that! I sincerely hope the changes you all have needed are starting to show themselves!

Quick drop by, Folks. Hey to Charlotte, Asa, GF, Romeena, SPOT, MDC, Sarah, Maude, possum and everyone else that attended the pickle contest judging!

Night all!
John Masters
January 05, 2020 - Msg 113564: BOO and ROMEEna--you are correct, neither the number "3" nor the word 'three' are mentioned anywhere in the Bible, and Ro is correct about the three gifts mentioned; but actually three countries or 'regions' ARE mentioned in Isaiah 60...Midian, Ephah, and Sheba. BUT, the men probably were not even 'Kings" as we think of kings, but rather counselors (pagans at that) to kings. Isaiah 60 also mentions 'Caravans' so apparently they drove Dodge mini-vans! (Haha, ok, a little jocularity there!) I really enjoy www.bibleinfo.com, and here is a link to the wise men information:
https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/what-were-names-three-wise-men
And, yes, it seems to be 'tradition' regarding their names, but what RO said is also true, that it may have been a year or two before those gift bearers showed up, which then begs the question, how did they survive for those first two years?
Most Catholic churches, such as ours, always wait to place the magi in the nativity scene until today, Epiphany.
Now regarding Joseph, he had several dreams, but the Bible never actually depicts him speaking. OK, I guess better not flaunt my Bible knowledge too much! :)

BOO--that IS great news about Erin. But I still want to issue a caution. I mentioned a few messages ago about 3 of my nieces and nephews who had such issues; well...one of the nephews used a very similar conversation to try to get 'his way' better once he got back into the house. But my brother was wise to him, and it didnt work. So i guess what I'm saying is...be wise! I pray she is sincere, but keep all options in the forefront of your mind, and still lay down those rules. Just sayin. Praying hard for your whole family.
FRANKIE, thanks for checking in...my prayers are with you also.
And hey to Charlotte, more power to ya.

Well, as Barbara Walters used to say on her show...this is 20-20! :)
MDC


January 06, 2020 - Msg 113565: Boo, you sound like you have a good head on your shoulders regarding your job. Maybe you should train the staff, whom the ones in charge of training call, "not too bright". Maybe it is just that they have not been properly trained.

John Masters, I know what you mean. I am in my early 50's as well(hard for me to believe), and I didn't like The Waltons, Little House, or even... *gasp* TAGS back then, but I sure do love them now. I remember my parents always watching TAGS and I thought it was just too "talky", when I much preferred shows with a lot of space ships and aliens.

Interesting stuff about the 3 wise men, MDC. But, much like the true birth date of our Savior, I don't think it matters much the exact time that they showed up. The important thing to dwell on is that they did.

-Sterling Holobyte


January 06, 2020 - Msg 113566: Good Monday morning all.
I hope the new day, week, month and year find you all happy healthy and wise. And if not, consider this. To be fully appreciated, health, wealth, and sleep must be interrupted. Now ya'll chew on that for a spell. lol

Boo, Your post about Erin surely made me smile. I am sure she is sincere in her praise for you and Bruce. Hopefully she can hang on to those beliefs when the waters get choppy as they surely will. MDC offers wise thoughts. Cautious optimism. But you guys have brought her up well and have established a solid foundation for her.

MDC, Thanks for the Bible lesson buddy. Very interesting info. And no worries about flaunting buddy. There is a big difference in sharing your thoughts with others in a kind and thoughtful way as opposed to the "this is what the bible says on the subject, case closed" mentality. I worked with a feller for a number of years who had his interpretation of scripture, and that was that. if you didn't see it his way, your eternal welfare was in serious jeopardy. HA, needless to say, we didn't talk religion much.

Romeena, sounds like Trinket has finally gotten you trained. lol I am happy she is doing so well with the piddle pads.

Sarah and Frankie, good to see you posting.

And good to see Charlotte, Sterling, and John Masters posting again. We have missed you.

I was going to mention to you guys about my neighbor Rob. If you remember his oldest Daughter took her life last spring. Then in the fall his Wife Trudy passed away after having a bad asthma attack. I was talking to him on Friday. I told him I had been worried about him because I had not seen him around for a few days. He said his Father had passed away and he had been in Arkansas dealing with that. My goodness, I just don't know how much more he can deal with. I really worry about him. He tries to come across as being ok, but I know inside he is a mess. He only had one Daughter left, and she has been a challenge for them. She lives close by, but that could be good or bad based on how she behaves I reckon.

GF, You ever dream you are back at work? I sure do. Sometimes those are happy dreams, sometimes they are nightmares. lol Just like in real life. Some jobs went so smooth, they were a joy to do. Others, not so much. lol

Guess I better get moving. Laundry to do.

Prayers for all.

Asa
January 06, 2020 - Msg 113567: A Good Morning to you, folks

Asa - My gosh....I hope your neighbor has friends and some kind of companionship. That poor soul has really went through it. Better keep an eye on him!

Gotta git movin' myself! Mornin' to Boo, Romeena, SPOT, Sarah, Frankie, GF, Sterling, MDC, Billy Ray, Medwin, Charlotte, possum, Maude and everyone else that went to the Apricot Blossom Festival. Don't you all wish they had the Chinese lanterns?!

Take care!
John Masters
January 06, 2020 - Msg 113568: Asa, I have those dreams all the time, both kinds as you say. I guess when you have that many years in the books it becomes a part of you I guess.. Many stories and situations we have lived thru haven’t we?...

G-F