January 06, 2020 - Msg 113569: Wow!....mighty quiet on the porch today! Just droppin' back in to say Good night.
Good night, Boo. Good night, Romeena. Good night, Asa. Good ni....whoops...guess I kinda had a "Waltons" moment there. ;)

Good night, everyone!

John Masters
January 06, 2020 - Msg 113570: Hey! And the sweep to boot!

JM
January 07, 2020 - Msg 113571: JM...”You Got a Lota Sweeping to Do!”...( In my best Desi Arnaz voice )...Lol ...G-F
January 07, 2020 - Msg 113572: But G-FFFFFF ...(In my best Lucy voice) ;)
January 07, 2020 - Msg 113573: ^ John Masters
January 07, 2020 - Msg 113574: I have large pretzel jars full of penny that have been accumulating over the years and I'm now faced with do I wrap them or take them to the super market and use the coin machine? I'll have to make multiple trips and they will be heavy either way I choose. Sarah
January 07, 2020 - Msg 113575: GF--You will be happy to know that the first set of messages have been archived under 2020! :) I recall you didnt cotton to the delay last year! ha
"The quality of mercy is not strained. It falleth as gentle rain from heaven." Yup, "Dogs, Dogs, Dogs" was on ME-TV tonight, and they even left in the
part about giraffes being selfish! ha
Hope ya all are having a good week. Yesterday, the 6th, completed the 12 days of Christmas, and sure enough ME-TV had on about the 12 prospects for Andy! I love the name and the girl "Lavinia" over Helen anyday! :)
ASA--you mentioned a few posts back about the $500 tool budget that you had.
It sounds like a lot to the lay person, but I bet it didnt go too far in a commercial setting!
I will pray for your neighbor, Rob. He certainly had a rough year, and now this. Please help him Lord.
JOHN Masters, yup, the good old Walton's. And you even swept the porch. Good job.
SARAH...unless you have a LOT of time on your hands, I'd suggest using the coin machine. I think it'd be worth the cost.
Prayers for the new year,
MDC
January 07, 2020 - Msg 113576: Sarah, do you also have a hermetically sealed mayonnaise jar on Funk and Wagnall's porch? haha (:
January 08, 2020 - Msg 113577: Evening Porch!
MDC - That only applies if it's been there since noon today. 😃
Well, I was late to the porch tonight. Went and saw a double feature. First one was "The Monster From Out Of Town", then the late movie was "Bread, Love and Beans." The first one was terrible, but the second was plenty risque!

Good night, folks!

John Masters
January 08, 2020 - Msg 113578: MDC...That was not me who was concerned about the postings on the archives... But I did get a chuckle about the mayonnaise jar..JM is right about the timing tho....lol

Did y’all see the commercial with Matthew McConaughey ice fishing? https://youtu.be/SY77PRsbu9c Nice touch!

One thing cool with being a Mayberry “connoisseur” is when one makes a comment on a line in the show, we know EXACTLY what they are talking about..We kinda speak our own language the “Trekkies” can’t hold a candle to us!...Speaking of Sacred Candles...”But I can’t tell Ya!”...🤫lol

G-F
January 08, 2020 - Msg 113579: G-F I have seen the Lincoln commercial with Matthew McConaughey ice fishing 🐟, love it and the Lincoln. Made my second trip to the coin machine this morning, my total is $26.12 so far. I'm taking them in a jar a little larger than a mayonnaise jar.
January 08, 2020 - Msg 113580: Hey G-F ..... RAWR!!! RAWR!!!

John Masters
January 08, 2020 - Msg 113581: Well as I live and breathe!! STERLING dropped by the porch. That just makes my day. How are you, Buddy? How's the family? I sure hope you will stop by more often and update us on how you are. We miss you!

I totally get what you are saying MDC and Asa, concerning Erin, and I agree. I am trying to be cautiously optimistic. :)

Not much to report, either working at work or doing things here at home. I am kind of a homebody these days. When I have days off, I generally only go to the store or now and then to my sister's house, otherwise I am doing chores at home or relaxing with the family and family pets. The dog and cat tend to congregate near me when I am sitting down. Anyone else experience that? ha

Bruce and I watched a documentary series last night about the Donald. It was interesting but disturbing all at the same time. lol God be with America..please.

I have a good friend who is the director of our local food pantry/service center for the needy and he asked me to come and volunteer yesterday. I ended up in the office helping the folks who came for services to fill out a form, since it was the first of the year. I interviewed about 30 people myself and had to ask for their yearly income. Mercy, so sad. Almost all the folks I talked to were older or disabled. Very few young families with children. I was surprised and horrified at what the disabled were trying to live on. I spoke with an older man who was an amputee and on SSdisability. If a person is on disability, they are allowed to come for food every month, if not, every two months, and believe me we are not talking about a lot of food. One boxful and a loaf of bread and some produce. The man told me his income is 550 a month and that barely covers his housing. The stories I heard were just shocking. These weren't lazy young people looking for a handout, but people in real need who survived on what they received there. So sad. What on earth are we going to do? I hear a lot of opinions but sometimes it seems that we are too far gone at this point. Sad.

Better get on outta here. Ive spread enough cheer (sarcastically). Hope you all have a great evening/day.

Boo
January 08, 2020 - Msg 113582: Good evening, Folks

I certainly hope Gomer is still sworn in from the flood 'cause we're gonna need that experience here in the Ozarks! Get this...as of this moment, 90% rain tomorrow night (up to half and inch), THEN 100% chance Friday and 100% chance Friday night with upwards of 1-2 inches of rain on Friday night itself! Up to 3/4 an inch on FriDAY. Then Saturday, we're lookin' at 80% of Snow mixed with sleet and a wintery mix! Yeesh! If any of you need some rain, get Gomer's truck and a lot of buckets and c'mon!

Boo - Sad to read your comments. It makes a person wind up with split thoughts. You think "How can these ballplayers get these $300 million dollar contracts for playing ball?!?!" Then you might turn and think to yourself.."Boy, what I could do and take care of with $300 million!" Money doesn't buy happiness, but it sure helps pay the bills!

You know, MDC referring to Carnac reminds me of his greatest Carnac joke of all time. The answer was "Sis Boom Bah." The question was "Describe the sound made when a sheep explodes." LOLOL!!!

Hope that got a chuckle or laugh out of ya'!
On that note I will say Good night to Asa, Medwin, GF, Romeena, Billy Ray, Sarah, Frankie, Sterling, SPOT, Sarah and the rest of you packing the church to hear Dr. Breen!

John Masters
January 09, 2020 - Msg 113583: PAPPABEAR, are you out there? Havent heard from you in a while. Hope all is ok. POOR Horatio...you too! Please check in.
BOO-without getting too politico here regarding the documentary... I don't know which one you are talking about, but these days I consider things like who produced it, etc. as that will affect the content enormously.
JOHN M, baton down the hatches my friend, sounds like you're in for a good-un! I love it when it rains here in the desert, always refreshing.
Sweet dreams to all,
MDC

January 09, 2020 - Msg 113584: 65 DEGREES in Ohio Saturday? 😳But I ain’t complaining. But my Joe is getting cobwebs 🕷 on him!
G-Flabbergasted
January 09, 2020 - Msg 113585: Morning, Folks!

See that entry a couple of lines up where I said 1-2 inches of rain on Friday night itself?! Well, overnight that forecast jumped to 2-3 INCHES on just Friday night. With 35 mph gusts. I dont think we're headed for armegeddon, but this weather front coming in is just like Ernest T. Bass. It's a strange one! Rain, possible tstorms, heavy heavy rains, high gusts and then Boom!...Snow,sleet and a mix transitions from the Friday night deluge! I'm not sittin' here worried, but it's got my attention!

Sure could use one of SPOT's breakfasts 'bout now. Half asleep and I don't think all my pistons are firing yet.

I have that Amazon Prime Video and I watched an episode of "Mister Rogers Neighborhood" last night. Big Bird, from Sesame Street, made a special appearance. I enjoyed that. Sometimes, I think you have to tap into that little kid from long ago.

Hope you all have a good and safe day! Take care, folks!

John Masters
January 09, 2020 - Msg 113586: Asa...I saw on the news where Australia animal rescue workers are asking people to make “Rescue Wraps” for all the animals in peril...They even asked people to make them for bats 🦇 too!....

In my BEST Barney voice....”WILL YOU HELP US?”...
January 09, 2020 - Msg 113587: *Gasp* Just scandalous! I read where a certain two members of the Porch, who BOTH have three letter monikers, his starting with A and hers starting with B, were seen at the Half-Moon Roadhouse, sharing the same side of the booth and eating a New York cut. Saw that in the Mayberry Gazette, I did!

Just shocking! ;)

Y'all have a great night. Gonna get mighty wet 'round here!

John Masters
January 09, 2020 - Msg 113588: JM, your "Just shocking" sounds a bit like Malcolm Merriweather, it does. :) You may have to add up your shillings, farthings, quid, bob,and pence to continue here! haha
MDC

January 10, 2020 - Msg 113589: Good morning, Porchsters!

Mmmm,boy...that weather is gathering and changing. Now we are looking at 1-2 inches of snow and ice on Saturday to go along with the same 2-3 inches of rain tonight. Good news is the temps are 41* on Sunday and 52* on Monday. So it seems it will disappear as quick as it gets here! I have a wet weather brook and pond in the backyard. It is dry as dust right now (yes, I meant to say that ;)), but I 'spect it's gonna be a runnin' and fillin' tonight.

So, where is everyone?! Me and MDC is mighty lonely rockin' by ourselves! Y'all come back soon as ya' can now. Ya' here!

Hope everyone has a great day!

John Masters
January 11, 2020 - Msg 113590: Hey there John Masters. The porch is very quiet, isn't it? I worked this evening but stopped by to say hey.

Not a lot to say, though... hope you all are well and blessed.

Boo
January 11, 2020 - Msg 113591: "Neat AND reverent, that's a combination hard to come by." Yes indeed, Brisco declared for Aunt Bee on ME-TV tonight. A fun episode with many great lines, such as "TATERS!", pearly onions, and my favorite..."Twang my buds." HI all, hope all is well.
BOO-good to see you, anything yet on Erin moving back? Just curious.
JOHN, you must be in the middle of your weather right now. I hope you were well prepared and that it isnt too bad. My prayers continue for Puerto Rico and for Australia.Both situations are very bad, as well as others throughout the world.
Keep well fellow porchsters! :)
MDC

January 11, 2020 - Msg 113592: Morning, Porch

The rains are gone, my pond is full and there is tornado damage just a few miles up the road where me and the wife take to go to town. Two barns were leveled and homes were damaged, but I dont think there was any mass damage or loss. I was sitting on my computer ALL day and into suppertime with the radio on right close to me. Was pretty intense around here, but no problems in my immediate area. Now the wet spots are frozen and we anticipate the sleet and snow to come.

Yeah, MDC, Australia looks like h&ll on earth, doesnt it?! Looking at the map, it almost appears like 1/3 of it is on fire.

Well, think I'll get about my morning here and try to have a lazy Saturday afterwards. A safe and good morning to all of you. And remember why the Porch is here. If you just want to talk, it's thereapetic.

John Masters
January 11, 2020 - Msg 113593: Hi MDC, Erin hasn't moved back in yet but will have to by the 23rd. She is out of money and should just move home but doesn't want to be away from her girlfriend until she has to. Eventually she will have to move back and move forward. She has been applying for jobs but nothing yet. Thanks for asking.

Boo
January 12, 2020 - Msg 113594: This Sunday we are going to celebrate the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. From a babe to a 30 year old just like that! :) RO and BOO, I have been to several evangelical churches, but have never been to a Baptist church. Do they do full immersion baptisms? I know from the gospel that Jesus obviously was fully immersed.
BOO-my prayers do continue for Erin. I even added her to our prayer
request booklet at church. She may get a 'baptism of fire' once she returns home. :)
JOHN, Glad you made it thru OK. I sure hope those folks hit hard can rebuild. Hang in there my friend.
I hope other porchsters have just been busy. Please check in when you can, especially Big MAUDE and FRANKIE. :)
MDC

January 12, 2020 - Msg 113595: Thank you so much, MDC. I really appreciate it. Erin will be coming home soon.

Yes, Baptists do full immersion.

Boo
January 12, 2020 - Msg 113596: Hello Porch!
You all have a good weekend.
Frankie
January 12, 2020 - Msg 113597: Good Sabbath all.

John, sure glad you survived the weekend storms buddy. Sounds like it was wet and wild for sure.

Boo, I also pray that Erin will not be a problem moving back home. She is in a tough age, and you and Bruce are in what I call the toughest age of parenting. At least that is my experience.

MDC, Another new year is upon us. I think the PGA tour will be in your neck of the woods soon. I kind of get a kick out of the rowdy crowd at 16. Just a different feel. lol

GF, Poor old Joe. Maybe you can fire him up and use him for a fan. 65 degrees. My goodness. I thought we were having a mild winter, but we haven't seen those temps in a couple of months. We hit the low 40's last week and I thought it was wonderful. And sorry, but them Aussie bats are on their own. lol

Great to see you Frankie and Sarah.

I tried watching some play-off football yesterday, but it was a struggle. To many commercials. I see the Titans upset the Ravens at home. I think the Ravens were the #1 seed.

I hope everyone has a great day.

Asa
January 12, 2020 - Msg 113598: Ravens come from seeds?...Curious....Courious
January 12, 2020 - Msg 113599: Thanks Asa, I expect it wont be easy but am trying to be optimistic. If she gets too difficult she will have to find a place to live somewhere else. We are at that point in life where we are dealing with Bruce's mom's decline and have the nursing home calling us every night so poor bruce already has a lot on his plate with work and his mom. He doesn't need to deal with bad behavior from Erin. Bruce's mom has been acting out terribly and the nurses are more than frustrated with her. She doesn't want to sleep at night and is getting up wandering around and has repeated falls. She is trying to make herself throw up and being very rude to the nurses. They called last night because she got out of bed, walked out into the hallway with her tray and fell. Someone was near her and caught her before she hurt herself and they had to sit her in a wheelchair in the hallway to try and keep an eye on her. The problem is that she wants to leave and we aren't sure if she is acting up so that they will kick her out and she will have to go home with one of us...that seems to be her thinking. If I could afford a fulltime caregiver and we didn't work so much it would be possible but she needs fulltime supervision now with the dementia getting worse. I don't know what we are going to do because the staff is losing its patience with her. Bruce is going to have another visit with the nursing director tomorrow to see what we need to do. The nursing home has a dementia wing but I don't know if it is full and hate to have to put her there. Sad situation but as Romeena told me years ago, whatever character traits a person has, they tend to be magnified in the elderly with dementia. She is a master manipulator her whole life so now we get this. Its rough. We have to go up there today and remove her lift chair from the room because she isn't using it anymore and they said they need more room in case they need to get in her room if she codes. She is yet to agree to a DNR and is afraid to die so there is that to deal with. Poor old thing. I think part of the reason she doesn't sleep at night is that she is afraid to die in her sleep. Bruce wants to get her on hospice care, possibly, but until she is ready to face the possibility of a DNR, that wont work. I feel for Bruce and for her.

Well, best go get something done.

Boo
January 12, 2020 - Msg 113600: Good evening, porch. Boo, you do indeed have your hands full. I realize I'm many miles away, and don't have to deal with any of it personally, but I do have an opinion. (Surprise!) For what it's worth, here it is. First of all, sit Erin down and make her aware that IF she comes home, it will be with the understanding that she's rejoining the family, and at this time in your family's life, she will be expected to be a help, not a hindrance. Tell her you realize she has issues, but she's not the only one, and right now, it's just not her turn. She's not a baby anymore, and you just can't treat her like one, you don't have the strength, patience and resources. You have to deal with Bruce's mom first. Once that issue is resolved, you can help Erin again, if she still needs help. However, it would be nice if she started fixing some of her own problems. Her jaw will hit the floor, but let her pick it up, and leave the ball in her court.

As for Mom, I don't understand. Has she not been declared incompetent? Why not? It sounds to me as though there is plenty of evidence to have that done. If she is eligible for the dementia wing at the nursing home, if they would accept her if they had a room, then they must see her as incompetent. Talk to a lawyer! If she is not legally able to sign herself out of that facility, call a cab and leave, then she is not considered competent. You need a DNR, for her protection as much as yours. If she should code now, and be resuscitated, she could end up for weeks, months, or years on life support, knowing nothing at all. That's no way to live. I was fortunate, in that my parents had both signed living wills, specifying that they didn't want to be held on life support if there was no quality of life. That came in handy at the end of my mom's life. She had two strokes, and the second one left her with very little brain function. I saw the EEG, it was almost flatline. My brother was still hanging onto hope and wanted her on feeding tubes, external pacers, etc. I finally showed him that document, and he saw reason and gave up, so my mom was spared all that indignity. I guess what I'm saying is, she's not the only one who can sign a DNR for her. If she is legally declared incompetent, it can be done on her behalf.

These are difficult times. I'm feeling the pinch myself, because at my age, those times are coming. One of my best friends is in the hospital right now, unable to make a rational decision, and it has all come on so suddenly. Her children are at a loss as to what to do. She's got a clogged carotid artery, which is blocking blood flow to her brain, and there is a surgery to unblock it, but there is a high risk of a piece of the clot breaking away and making it into her brain. I've known this woman for 46 years, we raised our children together in the church, made trips to the river together with our kids, our husbands were good buddies, and I love her. Please pray for LaRue.

Boo, please take all my advice with a grain of salt. No one knows the situation like you do, and you will figure it out. Just keep the Lord involved in your decisions. His advice is best. --Romeena
January 12, 2020 - Msg 113601: Boo I feel for you because I have been where you and Bruce are and you are in my prayers. Romenna gave you excellent advice about the DNR. Asa it was 67 degrees in my neck of the woods today, East Coast. Sarah
January 12, 2020 - Msg 113602: BOO---Regarding your MIL, ALL that RO said...plus...with my mom they used a bed alarm. It is a pad that goes under the sheet, and if it senses no weight, it goes off! Also with my mom, they gave her 3 mg of sublingual melatonin before bed, and she'd go out like a light. Just some ideas.
ALSO, regarding Erin, ALL that RO said...plus... I suggest that she can see her girlfriend outside house, maybe inside, but definitely not overnight. Just a thought. That way you are NOT saying that her friend is not welcomed, but that there will be some parameters. (I feel like Barney getting too involved with Opie's upbringing! Ha)
Good to see ASA, Frankie and Sarah too.
ASA--I tried some playoff watching also, but just the last 10 minutes or so.
My birthplace team, the Vikings, are now out of it.
JOHN-i saw in the paper about some parts of the south hit pretty badly. :(
Prayers,
MDC

January 12, 2020 - Msg 113603: OH, I forgot to mention a simple dinner you all may like. At our Kroger-owned Fry's markets, I buy Hormel Fully cooked,Slow-Roasted AuJus Beef at the far end of the meat case. It can be microwaved or stove top heated. I then boil some egg noodles, strain, and pour the heated meat and au jus over them Add a side of corn or other veggie, and it's good eating. :)
January 12, 2020 - Msg 113604: You can also add some Heinz beef gravy.
January 13, 2020 - Msg 113605: Really good advice, Romeena and MDC. Ro, Bruce and I spent a lot of time with his mom (Ann) today and I think what we are seeing is Sundowning. Im sure you are familiar with that term, when dementia patients start to get anxious, or even combative starting in the afternoon and into the night. The nurse today told us that she was trying to hit them and trying to throw herself onto the floor last night but when we saw her today she was mostly in her right mind until later in the afternoon. Her dementia has certainly gotten much worse but tonight we took Erin up to visit with her and she was able to talk to her and was fairly cogent when talking with Erin. So, tomorrow Bruce meets with the nurse and social worker and they will talk about what to do next. I let Bruce read what you shared, Romeena and he is going to take it to heart and try to get all of that done. She is certainly not competent at this point. We had a lawyer a few years ago that took care of some of that. Bruce is her power of attorney/medical power of attorney and makes the decisions for her. Im fairly sure she already has advanced directives but no DNR at this point. He is also going to make sure all the arrangements are made for her cremation and burial of her ashes with his dad. The cremation is paid for but he has to make the arrangements to have her ashes buried and check on the cost of graveside service and so on. So, he is on the ball getting things arranged. He is taking the day off of work tomorrow to work on it.

Erin called me today crying saying she missed us so we picked her alone up and took her to eat with us. I had a very good conversation with her but before she comes back, we going to sit her down and have that talk with her. She seems to be very concerned about Grandma and that helps. I think she understands that Grandma needs us now.

Thanks MDC, I had thought about the bed alarm and I am fairly sure that is something they do on the Alzhiemer's wing. Very good advice about the Melatonin because I read that it is good to help prevent the problems associated with dementia.

Been a long day so going to get myself to bed. Love you all,

Boo
January 14, 2020 - Msg 113606: I saw parts of two old shows today, and there was Thelma Lou on Little House, and Howard Sprague was on Emergency, and quite 'gassed' I might add!
BOO--hang in there, right now there is sure a lot happening in your life, but as RO also said, keep the faith. Always good to talk to our Lord. He will get you thru this.
Also, for all here, I strongly suggest setting up a Trust. My wife and I did one last year, after realizing that we aren't spring chickens anymore! :)
Besides our wills, it also contains our living wills, POA for HC and for finances, DNR sheets, etc.
Hope everyone is doing OK. Nite all,
Prayers,
MDC

January 14, 2020 - Msg 113607: Oh, Boo, yes my mom had some sundowners. One thing we found out helped was to close the curtains on any windows in her room by early afternoon, and to not let her "see" the sun setting so to speak. Instead, we used room light for the better part of the afternoon into evening.
January 14, 2020 - Msg 113608: Good morning porch family! hope everyone is doing ok.

my end of the porch is wet and soggy. lots of rain around here. we had some bad storms over the week end, lost power for about 3 1/2 hours on Saturday night. at least its been warmer and we have not had much snow so far this winter but you never know here in my part of the south whats mother nature is going to bring.

work has been busy for me. Mr. Maude still has not found a job. I am getting kinda discouraged for him. kinda sad that at at almost 61 no one wants to hire folks.

my kids are doing ok, busy working.

better get busy here at work.
Lunch menu: roast beef and swiss sandwiches, chips, pickles. mr. cookie bars for dessert.
lemonade or tea to drink.

prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude
January 14, 2020 - Msg 113609: Good morning all.

Good to see you posting Big Maude. Sure sorry your hubby is having a hard time finding a job. You just know it is age related. And that is just a shame. Most older employee's are more dependable and devoted to doing a good job. But then again, I am biased. I hope something comes open for him soon. The lunch menu sounds real good.

MDC, I did a trust just last year so hopefully I am in good shape in that regard. It's hard for me to imagine Howard gassed.

Boo, my goodness, I had no idea your MIL was in such a way. I am so sorry to read that. My prayers for her and your family. Maybe the connection between her and Erin is a godsend. Might be just the thing they both need.

GF, You will be proud of me. I woke up this morning to a colder than normal house. So I went in the basement and saw my furnace had locked out on an ignition lockout code. So I reset it and watched it go through a start sequence, and alas, the hot surface ignitor was not getting hot. So I checked it with my volt meter and was getting power to it when I should, so I knew the ignitor was shot. I drove over to Johnstone Supply, not sure if they would sell to me or not. (they only sell wholesale) but the manager knows me and was just fine selling to me. So 22 bucks and 2 minutes to install and whamo, back in business, all before 8 o'clock. Makes a feller feel good to have a repair go like that. And saved a bucket load of money not having to call someone in.

Well I am watching Fred Goss make himself a gravy sandwich as I type this out. What on earth a gray sandwich is, I don't know.

Prayers for all for a safe day.

Asa
January 14, 2020 - Msg 113610: Good morning, porch. Boo, I'm glad to hear that Erin actually wanted to spend some time with you and Bruce. Asa may be right - maybe she needs to feel needed, and helping with Grandma may be the entry point. You got some good pointers up there from MDC and others. Sundowning is a very real thing, and may be a component in your MIL's behavior. Melatonin could help, and isn't a risky drug. Settle that DNR question - does she actually have one, if not, don't ask her now if she wants one, because she will refuse. She is not capable of clear, rational thought at this point. I know you know all of this, but some of our folks may not, and everyone should understand what's at stake here. A DNR does not in any way hasten a patient's death, not does it sanction the withholding of any medication that is helping to extend life. It simply means that in the event of a major event - resulting in cardiac arrest - resuscitation will not be applied. The person will not be placed on artificial life support, where they could exist for long periods of time, exhausting the finances and the physical and emotional strength of their family, and eventually die anyway. A fine Christian doctor friend of mine said it best one day, as we stood at a bedside where a patient had just passed. There had been much discussion, even argument, in the family, with one lone holdout wanting "everything done for mama", though he hadn't come down from New York to visit her in three years. (Guilt, maybe?) Anyway, my doctor friend just softly said, "There comes a time, when Gabriel is blowing his horn, and the best thing for us to do is get out of the way." I'll never forget that.

Please continue to pray for my friend LaRue. The procedure to stabilize the vertebral fracture on her back was successful, apparently, but we'll know more as she is allowed to get up and walk around. So far, she's comfortable. Now, the next issue is the clogged carotid artery. We have watched her mentation, her cognition, slipping badly the last few weeks, and her daughters are very concerned. I think they're going to have to risk the endarterectomy to clear that artery, or she's not going to have much quality of life. Scary. She's my age, within a few weeks, and we've been friends since 1974.

Well, better get busy around here. Robbi and Richard will be rolling in around 5:30. His sister is having another procedure on her brain tomorrow, and I'm the official dog-sitter. Should be fun, Bexar is a sweet thing, and will no doubt challenge Trinket for my lap. Maybe I can make room for both of them. --Romeena
January 14, 2020 - Msg 113611: Thanks for all the great advice and I am passing it on to Bruce and his siblings via email. I really appreciate it.

Poor LaRue. Saying a prayer.

Gotta get myself to work and not looking forward to it today. I think I ate something last night that didn't agree with me or maybe got into some MSG because I had a bad headache and sick stomach and my stomach is still funny today. I had some weak coffee and some toast but that is all I could do. Im hoping its an easy night.

Thanks All,
Boo
January 14, 2020 - Msg 113612: Romeena, I did not see your earlier prayer request for LaRue, but I will certainly hold her up in prayer. And also for Richards sister.
And thanks for mentioning all you have concerning DNR and what not. My Wife made her wishes very clear when she went on Pallitive care and when I signed everything to be her POA. She has made it very clear she wants no effort to resuscitate. We have a POST sheet hanging on the fridge door for any medical personnel to see explaining it in case I am not at home. I told Debbie I would respect her wishes but she needed to make it very clear to her extended family what those wishes are. She has some drama queens on her side that just seen to want to crank it up during times of stress and I will not have that. So she has told them all. I still expect drama though.

Asa
January 14, 2020 - Msg 113613: Continued prayers for porchsters, families, and friends. A lot going on for sure!... Boo Keep Strong 💪🏻...

Asa, you KNOW I have to ask..Did you buy a spare igniter while you were at it?..You never know when this one will go out!

G-F
January 14, 2020 - Msg 113614: ASA--No need to call the man when you ARE the man!!! ha
January 14, 2020 - Msg 113615: oops, MDC

January 15, 2020 - Msg 113616: RO--my prayers going up for LaRue. One question: aren't there two carotid arteries? Just wondering if they both have blockage? Do you think a stint would help? BOO-I sure hope it is an easy night for you tonight.
Big Maude, good to hear from you. I think our John Masters lives in the same general area as you.
Sounds like some real weather for sure! Has your husband considered signing up with a temp agency? They like to send older workers to jobs for the exact reason ASA stated. More reliable. Just a thought.
Love you folks,
MDC : )

January 15, 2020 - Msg 113617: Asa, I totally understand the family drama thing. Bruce's younger sister who is the drug addict is like that and I dread what it might be like dealing with her when the time comes.

Boo
January 15, 2020 - Msg 113618: Good morning all.

Boo, I guess every family has at least one person who thrives on creating drama. I have never understood it, but I have very little patience with it. They will always make an already bad situation worse, and seem to enjoy doing it. Sad.

MDC, LOL I was thinking about the freezer episode and Andy's line about the only thing they ever kept in that old freezer was a mouse, and he got in to keep warm. I was thinking I could have put my ice trays in my furnace yesterday morning. :)

GF, I am a mess. Several years ago when my flame rod needed cleaning, I figured it would be a good idea to have a spare flame rod and ignitor on hand just in case. So I went and purchased them both, put them in a secure area because the ignitor is so frage-leee, and forgot all about them. When you asked me yesterday if I bought a spare ignitor, it caused me to think. I finally remembered I had bought a spare. It took me a while to remember where I had put them. On a shelf right next to the furnace. lol I'm a mess. Oh well. I hide my own Easter eggs now days. lol

I was just reading an article about some actor (Vince Vaughn whoever that is) was seen talking for just a minute or two to President Trump and the first lady at the big College football game the other night. Now the lovely tolerant left are going crazy on twitter, telling everyone to boycott his movies, and dispose of any movies they have with him in it, and so on. I declare, I think some of these folks are deranged. Yet they preach to us about tolerance. What a crazy world we live in.

Well I hope everyone has a great day and stays warm and dry. Or in the case of GF and Sarah, cool and wet. :)

Asa
January 15, 2020 - Msg 113619: Good morning, porch! Robbi and Richard are here, we had some delicious burgers last night, and there is a pot roast sitting in my biggest crock pot, should be ready for dinner tonight. They left a little mourning, grieving dog in my lap, but Trinket eventually coaxed her down and now they're playing like puppies. Well, one is a puppy, and Bexar is acting like one. They're almost exactly the same size, and they do have fun together.

I don't know why there's always a drama queen (or king, but it really is usually a woman) in most families, but there is. And, there is usually a fix for it, if the family has the courage to apply it. I may have told this story before, but it would have been years ago, so I'll tell it again. My father-in-law was one of eight children, their father had long since passed, and their mother had a fairly serious case of dementia. My FIL and MIL had a greenhouse and floral shop, and lived on the premises, so they were always at home, so to speak. Therefore the other seven siblings got together, and decided that Mom should live with my FIL and my MIL could look after her! There were six brothers and two sisters, and each one had a reason why they could not keep her. Some of the wives worked away from home, the sisters worked, etc, yadayadayada. So my FIL and MIL tried it for a while, sweethearts that they were, and it was a disaster. They might have been "home" all the time, but they weren't in the house. They were working in the greenhouse, or in the flowershop. So, Mama set fire to the kitchen, (she was making lunch), flushed her pills down the toilet, (she didn't want to take them anymore), and generally caused havoc. So, my FIL found a nice little care home, very reasonable, and with a good reputation, and close to most of the siblings. He called a family meeting and presented the idea. Well, you'd think he had suggested a public hanging. Ralph declared no mother of his was going to an old folks' home! The others chimed in with similar objections. So, FIL pulled out his ace. He said "I thought you might object to that, so I've worked out this little schedule. There are eight of us, and each of us will have Mama for two months at a time. Since that doesn't fit a 12-month calendar it means that the same ones won't have her on the holidays every time. Everyone will get a chance to have Mama for Christmas! Viola and I will take our turn like everyone else, but since we've already had her for nearly a year, we'll be last on the rotation list."

Well, you just wouldn't believe how quickly that little care home gained popularity, and Mama was soon resting well in her own room in that little place, swapping outlandish stories with other women like her, and happy as a little pig in the sunshine. Her kids and grandkids visited often, and all was well.

There is a moral to that lengthy story, and it's simple. When someone objects to the plan of care that has been carefully made, just give them a major job to do in the care they want to see happen, and their objections will usually fade like snow in August. They will become indignant, try to tell you what "your" job is, and make excuses for why they can't help, but if you arrange for the encounter to be witnessed by other family members, the objector will melt away like the aforementioned snow. They might not love you anymore, but do you really care?

Well, better see what the puppies are doing. They're awfully quiet. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
January 15, 2020 - Msg 113620: Mayberry Man movie Kickstarter has begun this here day and I NEED your help to get to be in the movie!

I will be in the movie, if it gets made. That's right, me...you're friendly Floyd tribute artist. In the Mayberry Man movie I will be playing a character named "Allan", a Floyd the Barber tribute artist, so I think I can pull off the role but we need YOUR help to get the movie funded/made so you can see how great my acting skills are....or how bad. :)

It's time to donate to the cause, if you plan to, because getting off to a fast start will help a LOT by triggering Kickstarter's algorithm to help spread the word. It doesn't matter the donation amount ($1, $5, $20, etc). They're trying to get a large number of folks to donate right off the bat so your contribution will help no matter how small.

If you're interested, please click below and help make the movie happen. You can also get rewards for yourself based on your donation level so I hope you'll help out.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1607422854/feature-film-mayberry-man?ref=b8brle



I know this sounds like a advertisement but I'm just hoping they can raise enough to make the movie because we can NEVER have too much Mayberry in this world.

Thanks for listening...err...reading.

--Allan Newsome

MayberryBarber.com
January 16, 2020 - Msg 113621: HI Floyd! Sounds like an interesting undertaking.
I'll read more about it, want to make sure that it is really
from you, etc.
All- I was watching Wagon Train today, and I realized how 'Biblical' many of those episodes really were. I looked into it a bit, and apparently Ward Bond (Major Adams) is the one who insisted on Christian themes as much as possible. In fact, today's episode basically ended with the quote 'give it all to Jesus' as the last line of the show. Wow!

Also, regarding TAGS, i discovered a 'continuity' issue whilst watching tonight's ep, Citizen's Arrest. At the very beginning Andy mentions to barney about him being Andy's Deputy for 10 years. That aired in 1963, but in 1964 is when the ep aired when they gave barney the watch with the "5" engraved on it. Very curious indeed.
RO--great story. I dont recall you telling it here before.
ASA--don't get me started, i hear ya bro! ha
Have a good evening all!
MDC

January 16, 2020 - Msg 113622: Morning Porch,

My house is extremely heavy and full of tears. My wife and I lost our little four year old cat, Sadie, on Tuesday. My wife is an absolute mess and I am not much better. She was going thru some health problems we hoped and prayed could be turned around. She went to an emergency vet, a regular vet and an intern specialist of Univ. of Missouri-Columbia in the span of three days. We had to put her to sleep at Columbia. Our devastation and heartbreak knows no limits right now. As I write you this, my eyes are welling up. Time heals all wounds and we have been thru this before, but not of this magnitude. My wife and Sadie had an incredible bond of love, happiness, cuddling and even holding a conversation. Sadie was special. She was unique. And her absence is roaring.

John Masters
January 16, 2020 - Msg 113623: Oh, John Masters. I hear you, and I understand. I'm not over losing my precious Toye Starr yet. Even having Trinket has not done much to soften that blow. I love Trinket, and she's making her place, but Toye Starr's place can never be filled. I know very well how painful the loss of a little fur friend can be. It hurts, and it hurts for a good long while.

I want you and your dear wife to promise me two things. First of all, promise me you WILL get another kitty. When you love animals, especially a particular kind of animal, your life is not complete without them. So get another kitty. The second promise is - don't get that kitty too soon. Give yourself time to grieve, thoroughly and completely, or as completely as you ever will. I think I made a mistake and rushed into getting Trinket, and our bond is forging, but it's forging slowly. Part of that is the difference in the puppies - they are absolutely nothing alike at all.

Unless you have a specific breed of cat in mind, I would suggest (in time) that you visit the shelters and maybe the PetSmart near you on their adoption days, and just let the kitties speak to you. Sooner or later, "the one" will make itself known, and you will come home with a lapful of love.

Know that your baby is now waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge, or wherever it is that passed pets wait for the loved ones to catch up. I do believe our pets will be in Heaven, and we will see them again. The scripture speaks of "all creation" rejoicing. It doesn't say "all humankind." There are other scriptures that indicate the same thing, and we know there will be at least one animal in heaven, because Revelation 19:11 says that Jesus will return "riding on a great white horse." That's good enough for me.

So comfort each other, recall favorite funny stories about your kitty, and just let your hearts and minds dwell on her for a while. Then, when the empty house gets to be just too much, venture out and see if she has left you a new baby somewhere. I'll be praying for you. --Romeena