April 29, 2020 - Msg 114340: Hey, John. We do appear to think alike regarding animals. I just see no point whatsoever in causing or allowing an animal to suffer. No one in my family hunts - my father didn't, my husband didn't, and neither of my sons would dream of it. My youngest son, David, threw a paper route by car when he was still at home. One early morning, in a semi-rural area on his route, a little cottontail bunny ran right under his car, and he hit it. Horrified him, and he stopped to see about it. It was alive, but not moving. He was about five minutes from finishing his route, so he put the bunny in the back of his Jeep, threw about five more papers, and headed back into town to the 24-hr animal emergency clinic. The bunny was still alive, and moving a little bit. X-rays showed nothing broken, and the vet recommended taking it back to where it was hit, tucking it into a safe place off the road, and leaving it there. $100, please! David did, and when he got the bunny out and laid it down in some soft grass under a bush, it suddenly got to its feet, looked at him for a minute, and then just hopped away, as if nothing had happened! When a friend asked him later if he had learned something, he said that he had. He had learned that $100 is a small price to pay for peace of mind. I think that said it well.

When my older son, who passed in November of 2018, was building homes in Florida, he caught one of his construction crews putting out sticky paper to catch the little field mice that were still around in the development. The little mice would be trapped on the paper, the men would just pick the papers up and toss them, mice and all, into some nearby woods. There they would either starve or be killed by ants. My son was enraged, made the men retrieve the papers and mice, and he used baby oil to release their little feet from the papers. Then he informed the men that if it happened again, they would be looking for work. The problem was the mice getting into their lunch sacks, so the next day, my son bought a bunch of metal lunch boxes and took them to the workmen. I think I've shared this before, but it's okay, it serves well here.

We are all cat and dog people, and when my family is all here, we have at least five dogs, in the house. Not a problem, all are trained and very well-behaved, and quite secure in the knowledge that everyone loves them. We have big dogs and little dogs, older dogs and a puppy (Trinket) and they all get along. The cats don't visit, but I enjoy them when I'm in their homes.

Personally, I look forward to the next life, to the "peaceable kingdom", when as the Bible says, the lion shall lie down with the lamb.

OK, off I go. I think Trinket wants to cuddle a while, and there's just nothing I'd rather do! She is such a loving baby. Bigger than I wanted, rowdy and boisterous, chews up things that shouldn't be chewed up (like the electric bill), and one of my shoes, but she's exactly what I needed, and I love her very much. She's becoming a great little companion. God is good. --Romeena
April 29, 2020 - Msg 114341: Poor Horatio, the thought that the mouse drowned had occurred to me, though I don't like the thought of that. I don't think drowning would be a pleasant way to go. I still don't understand it though because of the little amount of water I had in the pail.

G-F(I'm guessing that was you on Msg 114337), I had to laugh at your groundhog story. While dealing with our mouse, I also had a movie running through my head, "Mousehunt", where an overly intelligent mouse wreaks havoc against some con-men who are trying to scam the owner of a mansion(I think that was the premise).

Romeena, you mentioned thinking of using your gun against your rats.
I tell you, if this last trap hadn't worked, I was about to buy a pellet gun and go hunting. I would just wait patiently in the kitchen for him to appear and POP!

John Masters, yep. A mouse wouldn't have much of a chance at my mom's house, or my brother's house for that matter, since they both have many cats. I even considered borrowing one of their cats, but cats as mouse catchers can be iffy. I think especially indoor cats. Sometimes they just play with them.

Romeena, I've seen those glue traps and definitely didn't want to go that route. Those are just cruel and I can't imagine anyone wanting to use them.
I ran over a skunk once. Managed to swerve just enough to avoid hitting it with the wheels and it went directly under the car. I looked in the rearview mirror and saw it tumbling, then it just regained it's footing and ambled on across the road. Lucky for the skunk, and for me and the car as well. No stinky mess to clean up.

-Sterling Holobyte
April 29, 2020 - Msg 114342: Hey folks,

Just wanted to drop by with one of our patented TAGS inconsistencies. I was just watching the color episode, "Howard's Main Event" where he was dating Millie and her ex, Clyde Plot threatened to beat up Howard.
At one point, you see Andy coming across the street towards the courthouse at an angle. You can see the "business" type of buildings behind Andy, including the bakery, extending down the street and disappearing behind the side of the courthouse. You can see one building behind the side of the courthouse and, in reality, it would be even with the window that's next to the chairs and at an angle behind Andy's desk.
Andy enters and sees Howard standing in front of that window. The scenery behind Howard OUTside that window looks like a tree filled neighborhood. Or, at least, maybe a home with a lot of trees and shade. So, in other words, the scenery from the street, even with the window, doesn't coincide with the scenery you can see through the window from inside the courthouse.

*whew*....I hope you all got what I meant. :)

John Masters
April 29, 2020 - Msg 114343: Good evening, porch. John Masters, I've often noticed some inconsistencies such as you describe, though I can't pinpoint the episode or the circumstances right now. On the same subject, however, let me submit what I believe is the worst offender in that category. That would be The Golden Girls. I watch that show a lot, and have already warned my children that Sophia is my role model, so they had better be prepared. Anyway, the inside and outside of their house just doesn't add up, no how, no way. The front entry is the worst part, but there are errors all through the house. One little one shows up very early in the series, when Blanche is getting dressed to marry "Harry" and Rose is trying to prevent the wedding. Dorothy struggles with Rose, trying to distract her, and finally gives her a shove toward a closet door, Rose stumbles inside and Dorothy shuts the door, and closes a little slide latch, locking her in. Now this little latch is on the left side of the door, but in later episodes, it can be seen clearly on the right side of the door. More importantly, why would there even be a latch on the outside of a closet door? I don't even know why there would be one on the inside, unless someone installed it to be a layer of protection against an intruder, but on the outside? Makes no sense. As for the front entry, from inside the house, you would walk out into a small enclosed space, with an implied opening to your left, leading to the driveway. From the outside, there is no opening anywhere in that little space, at least none is visible. Actually, the whole view of the house looks more like it would be a back yard, rather than a front, except for the driveway. This would be possible, as there are homes that are built on big lots, with streets along the front and back both. There's one just a few blocks from me that is built that way, and several others here in Irving as well. Just being picky, I guess, but while I enjoy the show very much, those glaring errors bug me just a bit.

Well, guess I'll go watch some TAGS. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
April 29, 2020 - Msg 114344: Rats. I forgot to close my italics. I used the code to close a "bold" instead. This should do it. --Romeena
April 30, 2020 - Msg 114345: ROMEENA--YOUR EMAIL MAY HAVE BEEN HACKED! i JUST GOT A VERY WEIRD ONE FROM YOU! YOU MAY WANT TO LOOK INTO IT.
JOHN MASTERS--wow, three years ago, really? Time does fly indeed. If I recall, it was a Sears model?
Sterling--I hope our porchster Possum doesn't read your comment! haha
To both of you and all--I saw a tags blooper tonite on the Cave Rescue ep... Helen picks up her phone receiver and asks Sarah for the courthouse. Sarah should have seen on her switchboard that it was from Helen's house, yet Gomer on the courthouse phone had no idea who called. ha
Also, MeTV here has been advertizing a Mayberry themed May with Mayberry RFD, some color eps, and even the Matlock ep with lots of tags folks in the single episode.
Regarding the virus, our gov announced today a graduated return of things starting on Monday. People need to work here. We are on the down curve. There will be precautions of course, so we shall see how it goes.
I continue to pray for a worldwide revival! We sure need one. Let's be a light to all! :)
MDC

April 30, 2020 - Msg 114346: I am happy that TVLAND is now showing color episodes, circa 1966, 67. They used to stop with the one where Opie tries to win a prize at the carnival, after Barney was gone. :-(
April 30, 2020 - Msg 114347: I am happy that TVLAND is now showing color episodes, circa 1966, 67. They used to stop with the one where Opie tries to win a prize at the carnival, after Barney was gone. :-(
April 30, 2020 - Msg 114348: good morning porch. just watched the episode floyds barbershop. trivia does anyone remember when howard Sprague put floyds barbershop up for rent what was howards phone number. have a great day. papa bear
April 30, 2020 - Msg 114349: Good morning, Porch

More road work down around the neighbors. Big machinery and trucks down there again this morning.

Romeena - I recently asked someone close to show business why they make such insignificant changes that are glaring to the viewer like the Taylor's back door in the kitchen changing places when they went to color episodes. He told me they make changes like that sometimes for camera shots. In the B&W episodes, they sort of came in from behind the cabinets to the left of the shot. In the colored ones, they had a straight shot by moving the door. Whoever came into the kitchen came straight at the camera.

MDC - Yep. Sears Craftsman.

Time to get the morning chores done. Hey to Frankie, SPOT, GF, Maude, Sterling, Sarah, PH and everyone else that attended Professor St. John's talk on South America.

Stay safe!

John Masters
April 30, 2020 - Msg 114350: ^^^ Shouldve said to the RIGHT of the shot.

JM
April 30, 2020 - Msg 114351: Good morning, porch! Beautiful day, bright sun, very slight breeze. My kind of day! I just got a bit of good news - the roofer who put my roof on two years ago came by to check for any damage from our recent hail storm. He said there are just a few tiny pockmarks on the metal gutters, nothing at all on the roof itself. No repair needed. Yay!

MDC, thanks for the warning on the email. Would you mind forwarding it to me? I haven't sent you anything I'd classify as "weird", so am interested in what someone is passing off as coming from me. You know, if there is some way to pervert something, including the internet, there's some creep out there who is willing to do it. If I were queen of the world.....

Well, Eddie just called me from the driveway, letting me know he's here. Guess I'd better get busy - I need to run to the bank (the drive-thru, I don't get out of the car) and get some cash to pay him. Bless his old heart, he's so faithful to come every week, does a good job even though I know his knees are just so painful, and he takes pride in keeping my yard looking nice. He's 70, has terrible arthritis, and is my friend.

Stay home, stay well, be safe, and wash your hands! Blessings --Romeena
April 30, 2020 - Msg 114352: romeena did you say go to the bank drive thru bank and grab some cash and go ? ha think I will wear my mask to show them I am civic minded. ha anyone remember howards phone number on floyds barbershop show. have a great day. papa bear
April 30, 2020 - Msg 114353: ROMEENA-- I just sent you the email.
I suggest you report it!
Steve
April 30, 2020 - Msg 114354: errr... MDC :)
May 01, 2020 - Msg 114355: Good morning, Porch

Boy, I guess the snowflakes are really bent about the lockdowns. I just read something where a guy said his sister (adult sister) called him and was CRYING because.....wait for it......the dog park is closed! He told her maybe she should get the book, "Diary of Anne Frank" and read about REAL isolation! LOL! :D
That's hilarious!

We have a little family or group of ducks on our pond and they are the best thing to watch. They gather in this little cove type of area and then all paddle out together. Some will come up just barely onto the grass and relax. It's pretty cute.

Well, I hope this post gave you all a laugh and a smile. Beautiful weather here. Sunny, bright and perfect temps! Hope you all have a great Friday! Be safe and stay healthy!

John Masters
May 01, 2020 - Msg 114356: Good afternoon, porch! Snowflakes are bent? JM, I'd say they're more than bent, they're just having little meltdowns all over the place. I don't know which is worse, the snowflakes who are all in a panic, having a meltdown like the one you describe over something that doesn't amount to a hill of beans when compared to the real hardships some are facing, or the "independent, you-can't-tell-me-what-to-do" idiots who insist on business as usual, regardless of the risk of exposure. Then there are those who just simply don't get it. My brother is a jeweler, who designs and makes fine jewelry, also does re-design and repairs. His work is recognized in fine jewelry circles everywhere. Of course, they had to close the shop temporarily to comply with the non-essential business closure requirements. He had a lot of jobs in the shop awaiting repair, and he was not allowed to admit customers, even to pick up their jewelry, which of course he hadn't finished, because he had to close to comply with the law. Well, they received an irate phone call from a first-time client, accusing them of "stealing" his jewelry, selling it, refusing to give it back to him, etc. Yelling, cursing, and threatening to call the police! My SIL, who is a partner in the shop, suggested he do exactly that. She also told him that while he was at it, to ask the police just what the policies are regarding that shop being open at this time. He started cursing again, and she just told him she was hanging up now, and did. Well, this week they are allowed to open on a limited basis, one customer at a time in the shop, social distancing, etc. They called that client, told him he could come get his jewelry, as my brother had finished the repair, and set up an appointment. As you would expect, the guy didn't have the nerve to show up, he sent his poor wife instead, who was just syrupy sweet to my brother and SIL. She never mentioned her husband's tirade, but I shudder to think what her life with him must be like. What a jerk.

MDC, I didn't receive that email. Could you check the address and send it again? I would love to report it, but to whom? I have no idea.

This has happened before, a few years ago. It's what can happen when people send forwards and don't use the BCC function, and don't delete any addresses still hanging around in the original message. I have a couple of sweet little innocent friends in Sunday School, who are fond of forwarding things, but just don't want to "bother with all that deleting and stuff." One says her program doesn't provide a BCC function, and my computer friend says she has to be mistaken, that such a program wouldn't survive long in the market. I think my friend just doesn't understand where it is or how to use it, and her very controlling husband told her there isn't one, so that's good enough for her. Knowing him, I think he just didn't want to bother teaching her about it.

More and more, I realize how blessed I was to be married to my Dale. He loved my independent nature, and encouraged it. We were partners, in every sense of the word. Of course, I wasn't above falling back and playing the "helpless female" when it suited my convenience, but we both knew it was a game, he played along and seemed to enjoy it. He would flex his muscles, and be my hero! Lord, how I miss that man!

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some dinner. I've got enough leftovers in there to feed me for two days, but I think I want something else tonight. I've got the makings for some soft-roll tacos, and the tortillas need to be used before they dry out. I can have that plate-ready in about fifteen minutes, so maybe that will be it. One of my favorite quick meals. Ha! When my Michigan-born Dale and I first married, he wouldn't have touched a taco with a ten foot pole, or any other Mexican dish, either. In a few years, that all changed, and he would suggest a Mexican restaurant, or ask for a home-made Mexican dish. We grow, and we learn! He wouldn't touch black-eyed peas either, called them cow feed, but after my mother told him he couldn't sit at her dining table on New Year's Day unless he would eat some Hopping John (black-eyed peas and rice) he decided to try them, declared them "pretty darn good" and they also became a favorite. As I said, we learn, eventually.

Stay home, stay safe, and wash your hands! Blessings! --Romeena
May 01, 2020 - Msg 114357: My, how I could relate to what is being said about animals! After I grew up I always kept a certain distance with pets. I think because I grieved so over my cat when I was about 18. I have mentioned before that nothing has ever hurt me that much, not even the death of my parents. I know it sounds strange but it is absolutely true. Deep, sickening grief that I never experienced like that again. Because of it, I always held a part of my heart back and never let myself feel those emotions...until my Poopsie. Here I am at age 57 and totally in love with a little dog. I don't even care. She didn't give me a choice, I was all-in from the start. I know if I outlive her it will be awful, but the love and joy she gives us now is priceless and worth anything. What a great little dog and Bruce adores her, too.

My family didn't hunt either, Romeena. My dad said he went hunting with a friend when he was in his 20's and sat in the deer blind looking at the deer. he said no way could he have killed one and that is how it was. When I met Bruce, I had to come to a realization that some people are born in families that hunt and they hunt skillfully and never unless they are going to eat the deer. It was hard to swallow but Bruce used to love to go hunting with his dad from the time he was a little boy. He stopped hunting soon after his dad died and seems to have no desire to now. He said something to me recently about how he doesn't know if he could do it now. I know he misses the deer meat, though. ;) Even his mom hunted (which doesn't surprise me, really), but I told him early on that I would never ever come to a point of killing something so beautiful unless my children were starving. The end.

Sterling, that Mousehunt movie is funny! I just die when I see the scene when the old dead guy falls out of his casket and flies down all those steps! lol

In regards to cats, Sterling, cats that are fed cant be counted on to be mousers, you are right there. My cat was out the other day and killed a mockingbird and just left it on the lawn. Makes me mad and heartsick but cats will be cats. I keep her in all the time now because we finally have birds on our place. I saw a lovely Baltimore Oriole feeding at my hummingbird feeder yesterday and no way am I going to risk it being killed by my cat!

Romeena, one of my friends lost an uncle today to the virus. He said his aunt and uncle decided to travel from Oklahoma to California to visit relatives (bad choice). They picked it up somewhere and by the time they got home they were sick and the uncle died. My friend said they wanted to come see him and his family and he told them not to come. He said they may have spread that virus over 10 states. Sad.

JM< I love that Anne Frank remark.. So true. I saw where people stormed congress in Michigan to demand things be opened and they want the governor of Michigan to be sued. Wow, people are kind of nutty right now. I feel bad because I have many family members in Michigan and one is in a nursing home and high risk, for sure.

Yesterday ERin and I went for a drive and I drove by the old two story house I lived in when I was very young. I have talked about it before..it was haunted, for sure, but I loved living there. Well, it was recently abandoned and has sat that way since hurricane Harvey. Someone bought it and is cleaning it out so I went up and looked through the windows. It looked so much the same, even the same old hardwood floors. It hit me hard seeing it again. So many memories flooded back to me...my sweet parents being there, Christmas with a tree in the front window..wonderful times and I just cried my eyes out right there. Painful, but so neat to see it again.

Well, I made a vegan blueberry/oatmeal cake today and I think I will get me a cup of coffee and have a little piece. Stay well!

Boo

PS-I have been watching some Family Affair reruns and am seeing a few TAGS characters now and then. I am enjoying them. That was a sweet show from the 60's. I watched it as a child but it was so long ago I had forgotten.
May 02, 2020 - Msg 114358: JOHN--I forgot that you have a duck pond.
Did anyone ask you to put up No Parking signs? haha
ROMEEna--I'm so sorry, but I permanently deleted the email after I forwarded it. I wanted to get rid of it in case it had malware on it.
(I saw that in "Learn-a-Month" magazine!) HA
When restaurants open again, I think they will have to drag me out of my favorite Mexican place. It is a little 'hole-in-the-wall' eatery, but they make the the most delicious Sonoran food anywhere on the planet!
All-Today in the Phx area we had a fly-over with 7 F-35s and 7 F-16s.
It was a tribute to the first responders, Really cool. I posted some pics on FB.
BOO-that must have been emotional for sure. My dad and mom owned our childhood home in Phx from 1952 until 2002. It was so hard for us to empty it out, and watch it sell. Whenever I go into Phx i drive by it, but the new owners really 'let it go down.' Needs paint, the beautiful front lawn that I mowed about a 100 times is now dirt and weeds, etc.
So many good memories there however. I hope Erin was able to deal with the emotions you expressed. :)
My prayers continue for all.
Nighty nite,
MDC


May 02, 2020 - Msg 114359: Some of you folks talking about vehicle accidents involving animals reminds me of a bad accident my friend and I witnessed about 30 years ago. We were driving in his car on a divided highway through the state of Illinois. It was dawn as the sun began to rise. Up ahead of us was an 18 wheeler. We were both doing the speed limit when I noticed two glowing eyes in the median. It was a deer standing still and looking directly at the semi. I said to myself, "now deer, stay right where you are until we both pass you." Well he did not listen to me. As the semi got closer, the deer decided to run across the highway. The front of the semi hit the deer very hard causing it to start rolling down the highway. A cloud of loose feathers formed and we drove right through it. It was a horrible scene that I still retain in my memory.

MDC, check your email SEND folder and you might find a copy of that email you forwarded to Romeena.

from Poor Horatio
May 02, 2020 - Msg 114360: Good morning, Porch

A perfect day here. Unfortunately, the ducks are off visiting relatives I guess. It's a real treat to see them first thing in the morning, but I guess they had other plans.

Boo - I once drove by my childhood home and noticed it was condemned and the window where my Dad changed the garage into a TV room had black smoke damage above it on the outside. A few months later, I drove by again and there was a woman in the doorway and a young boy inside. I told them this was my childhood home and asked if I could come in. She let me and when I walked in, it was almost gutted. The walls were skeleton and as I went thru and peered into our old TV room, it was jet black. The fire started there. They were redoing the entire inside of the house from the fire damage. It was something to see all of my relatives, from both sides of my family, appear filtering to my eyes from my memories. I looked into my old room and my parents room. The kitchen where my Mom and next door neighbor sat and talked over coffee.
A few months later, I went back and the house was finished and up for sale. I walked thru our old gate to the backyard and stood there. My Dad's shed AND the frame of my old swingset was STILL there! I almost choked up. I saw me and my dog playing, Dad mowing the lawn, me playing cars and building roads in the dirt next to a tree. I walked thru that whole backyard. I stepped up on the patio that my dad and Grandpa built ans looked down at how cracked and brittle it was. I bent down and took a piece of that patio. It's one my my most prized possessions. I am so fortunate I got those opportunities.

MDC - Nope. No signs. But I'm still explaining to people why I like to go down there even when you cant see it in the dark. ;)

PH - Years ago, I hit a dog that I never saw coming. He leaped out of a roadside culvert and right into my front right bumper. He flattened out on his tummy with all four paws stretched out and spun on his belly across a two lane road. I was horrified. He got up and stood there looking at me. I got out of my car and tried to softly call him to me. He kinda ducked his head while looking at me and went limping off into some woods. I kept whistling and calling, but he just kept going. I dont know if he might have went into the woods and finally died. Today, I still see him looking at me like "Why did you do that?" It was such a sad look like I had whipped him. As I write this, my eyes are starting to burn a little. I will never forget that look on his face. I still see it like it was yesterday.

Hey to Frankie, Asa, SPOT, Maude, Sarah, GF, Romeena and everyone else that got Floyd and Goober's chain letters.

Stay Safe!

John Masters
May 02, 2020 - Msg 114361: Howdy, porch. The last few posts have been very interesting, and have opened windows once more into the nature and attitudes of porch people. As a group (family?) we could be described as emotional, tender-hearted, kind, sentimental, and just all-around good folks. I'm so happy to have the privilege of being part of this group.

Regarding visiting old home places, I returned once to my old home in the country, and will never go there again. It was such a beautiful place, and the people who bought it "remodeled" it, turning it from a lovely home with a deep, shady, inviting front porch, to a square box with absolutely no charm at all. They enclosed the front porch, apparently making a bedroom of it, and just destroyed the charm of the house. There was a paved tennis court, and it was cracked and broken, with a healthy stand of weeds growing from the cracks, and one of the chain-link backstops had dropped from its attachment along the top, and was sagging down and waving in the wind. The beautiful cedars that had lined the driveway were mostly absent or dying, and all my mother's China Doll roses that had lined the front walk were gone. It was heartbreaking, and I never want to see it again.

I love the compassion for animals that is evident in our porch folks. Many years ago, I was driving down a semi-rural road one night, when what appeared to be some brown paper bags suddenly "blew" out of the weeds, right in front of my car, and I didn't even have a second to react. As soon as the impact came, I knew I had hit animals. It was a mama dog and about five puppies. I stopped the car, fought down the nausea, and approached them. All were injured, and badly. The mama was yelping, and snapped at me when I approached. The puppies were just scattered, badly injured. I ran to the nearest house and knocked. A woman answered the door, I told her what had happened, and asked for help. She went into another room and I could hear her telling her husband about it. Then, God help me, I could hear his answer. "Tell her to go on her way and forget about it." She returned and told me, and I said they were suffering and needed help, or to be put out of their misery, something, anything! The horrible man's reply was, "Tell her I'll do something when this ball game is over, but not now. If she's all that worried about them, tell her to back up and run through them again. I don't care, I never wanted that d**n dog anyway! Now leave me alone." I returned to my car, still fighting nausea, and trying to figure out how I could get all those dogs into my car without getting bitten, so I could take them to a vet. I needn't have worried. By the time I got there, they were all dead, thank God. The whole little family. The worst part of all this, is that there were three small children in that home, who had just stood and listened to everything their father was saying, and presumably learning how people are supposed to behave. I hope some other influence in their life was able to override what they learned that night. I moved the mama dog and the puppies off the road, onto the gravel shoulder, so other cars wouldn't just crush them, and left. I've tried to pray for that man, but just never found the strength and grace to do so. How could anyone be that cruel?

MDC, I found that email. Thunderbird had put it in my junk folder, probably because of the discrepancy in "my" address. Folks, that brings up a point. Get in the habit of checking the address of the supposed sender of emails you receive. If they look weird and you don't recognize them, don't open them. This one that MDC received, showed me as the sender, but the address was quite obviously not me, and he was wise to delete it.

This is a classic example of spoofing. Someone gets your name and email address, probably from a forward sent out by someone who didn't delete the previous "forward" addresses in the email. Aunt Sally likes the forward, sends it to her email list, and your information is not deleted, so her sleazy nephew gleans the information and sells it to somebody to get enough money to buy some pot. Or whatever. Anyway, that's how it happens. That would not happen if everyone would strip all previous addresses from anything they forward. At least it would put a big dent in it. So do these two things - delete addresses, and use BCC. It's the responsible thing to do.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
May 02, 2020 - Msg 114362: I should add - not only is it the responsible thing to do, but it's therapetic as well! --Romeena
May 02, 2020 - Msg 114363: I have no words for that dog story, Romeena. :(

John Masters
May 02, 2020 - Msg 114364: You're right, John Masters, and it was not easy for me to type it. The tears kept welling up, and all the horror of that evening came back. It was weeks before I could even tell anyone about it, except my blessed husband, of course. I needed his support and comfort, and I got it. You know, that happened about 50 years ago, and it still comes back to me now and then. I've even had nightmares about it. The idea that anyone could be that cruel and uncaring is just unthinkable. I've often wondered what kind of life his wife and kids endured, with him being like that. I do know that he overheard his wife tell me at the door that if I'd wait while she got a sweater, she'd come out and help me move the poor things off the road. He yelled at her not to "dare go out that door", and she just looked sheepish and said, "Well, I guess not." Pitiful.

I just learned that my younger daughter, Heather, down in Fredericksburg has taken in a shelter puppy, to foster. It's a black lab and possibly golden retriever mix, about three months old and cute as a bug. Well, the "foster" thing didn't last even 24 hours. He now belongs to her, forever. Beautiful puppy, and I can't wait to meet him. My daughter's family lost their beloved mix-breed adopted dog, Max (Dogimus Maximus), a couple of months ago. He just dropped over dead in the back yard, the vet said probably a heart attack or a stroke. Max was one in a million, and the whole family has grieved for him. The worst grieving has been done by Teenie, their other mix-breed shelter adoptee. He's otherwise known as Uncle Fungus, (if you could see him, you'd understand, he's just a little grizzled, wire-haired ball of love). He and Max were very close. Max raised Teenie and taught him very nice manners. Now, of course, Teenie is doing the same with Midas, the new puppy. I can hardly wait to meet him!

Well, guess I'll go make a little dinner, watch some TAGS, and snuggle Trinket. I'm trying to teach her some manners, too. She is a year old now, and it's time for her to stop chewing things up, but she's still at it. She has gnawed at the bottom of my desk, inside the knee space, thank goodness, where it doesn't show. I've scolded her, distracted her, and it hasn't helped. So, this afternoon I rubbed some Tabasco sauce into the chewed spot, and so far, she hasn't returned. She plopped down into chewing position once, sniffed the spot, gave me a reproachful look, and walked away. Gotcha, little frustrated beaver!

Stay home, stay safe, and stay well. For all who have been unable to stay home, and are providing necessary services, God bless you! --Romeena
May 02, 2020 - Msg 114365: YES EVERYONE: I've mentioned this before, but if you get a suspicious email, just 'hover' your mouse arrow over the email's name, and the address will show up. If Lanni's says KJHGFDMLX@whatever, it is not her! ha, but also I am very serious.
MDC
May 02, 2020 - Msg 114366: OOPS! Sorry, I meant Romeena's! :)
May 03, 2020 - Msg 114367: Good Sabbath, everyone!

My! We just got pounded again by a harsh t-storm that rolled thru and stayed for about 30 minutes. Looked like a typhoon with pea sized hail. Made the pond kinda seep out again. All is quiet now. Dark, but quiet. Under a t-storm watch until 4pm central.

Hope all is well with you and yours. Take care and stay safe!

John Masters


May 03, 2020 - Msg 114368: Good afternoon, porch! I just attended my church's service, on Facebook! Yep, they're streaming our service online through Facebook. It's videoed in the sanctuary, a few musicians on the platform (6 ft apart!) and the pastor preaches, using technology to insert outlines, scripture texts, etc. In a sidebar on the page, a list is maintained of each church member who is signed in, with room for a comment from each one. It's not the same as being there, but it does keep us connected to a welcome degree, and is better than no contact at all.

John Masters, you be careful that you don't wash away in those thunderstorms. I have a love/hate relationship with such storms. Actually, more love than hate, I guess. They do scare me a little, but there's a thrill in observing all that power and might in action. I'm blessed with my location, here in Irving. Storms approaching from the west have a tendency to divide as they pass over the D/FW airport. All that concrete causes thermals to rise, which seem to cleave the storm, and it passes to the south and north of my area, but rarely hits us directly. When it does, the storm is usually from a different direction, but the approach from the west is the most common, so really rough weather is not a common occurrence here. However, with my big old window on the south wall of my home, I can sit here and watch some pretty spectacular displays as they pass by, about 15-20 miles south of me. Really something, especially at night.

Well, guess I'll go clean out a drawer or something. Also, Trinket has brought three different things in here to chew on - one of my yard shoes, and two Christmas cards. I know where she got the shoe, but for the life of me, I can't locate her source for the paper stuff. You wouldn't believe what a mess she can make with a simple Christmas card, and in about two minutes. I think she's a Ninja! There are at least thirty toys scattered in the living room, but she's bored with them. I need to go put them all back in her toy basket. That will keep her busy, because she'll systematically remove each one and put it somewhere on the floor in there. She plays with them at times but mostly just wants them scattered around, and she seems to have a particular location for each one, mostly in the middle of the floor. She is one weird little dog, but I love her. Blessings! --Romeena
May 04, 2020 - Msg 114369: A storm with 'cleavage!' Hmmm, maybe that's why they used to have female names. haha
MDC :)
May 04, 2020 - Msg 114370: Morning All!

Good grief, here we go again! I just took my dogs out and thought I heard thunder way in the distance. I come in to look at the weather and there is ANOTHER line forming and heading right at us. Here's the kicker...there are, as of this post, EIGHTEEN thunderstorm boxes on the radar between Leavenworth, Kansas and Fayetteville, Arkansas. Looks like we're going to get smacked yet again a little later. We had the one yesterday and was under the t-storm watch until 4pm, but nothing else ever materialized. It was a pretty nice day.

For you football fans, it just broke that former head coach, Don Shula died this morning.

Morning chores need tending to, so I'll skee-daddle. Y'all have a great and safe day!

John Masters
May 04, 2020 - Msg 114371: Good afternoon, porch! Good grief, indeed, John Masters! I wish you'd send a little of that rain my way. We were doing fine there for a while, but haven't had much more than a sprinkle in a few weeks, and I'm having to run the system. It's got some glitches that need some repair, so have to get that done, but meantime, there's one area that's not getting what it should. Guess I can set out a whirly sprinkler in that area.

Trinket and I are a pair right now. I need a haircut so badly, I'd scare small children, and Trinket has just scrubbed up mats all over her body. That little girl is perpetual motion, and rolls around on the floor, playing with her toys, until the mats are just becoming impossible. I try to comb them out, but she fights me so badly, and she's as strong as a little ox, just wears me out. The groomer is coming on Thursday, and I wish her all the luck in the world. Trinket looks like little demons have been hiding in her hair, crocheting it into knots. That just has to be uncomfortable for her, because it pulls the hair where it's knotted. I've got to figure something out. I could keep her hair cut short, but few things look more pitiful than a Maltese that's been sheared. Trinket has thick, beautiful hair, very soft, and she's gorgeous when she's mat-free. Actually, her hair is about four inches long now, and the mats are next to her skin, so you can't actually see them, but I sure can feel them! She's really a pretty little girl, but high maintenance!

MDC, you're right about checking suspicious emails, by hovering your mouse over the address. I knew that, but keep forgetting to do it. It's very good advice!

Stay home, stay well, stay safe! Blessings -- Romeena
May 04, 2020 - Msg 114372: Quick question.
Who is having the most fun here? The kid or the dog?

https://youtu.be/8yMM84j-ei4

Asa
May 04, 2020 - Msg 114373: That was a great video, ASA...so funny!

I am smiling at your accounts of life with Trinket, Romeena. You are in that stage with her. Now that my poopsie is nearing 2 already, she has calmed down a lot. She doesn't chew shoes at all anymore and that is a relief! I was constantly looking for one shoe or another for a year.

Not much to report here at our place so wont bore use just trying to fill up space.

Take care and stay well!

Boo
May 05, 2020 - Msg 114374: So what you're telling me, Boo, is that I need to get an alley cat from off of the streets to take care of them mice.
Well, we do have enough of them around here.(stray cats)

I see MeTV is showing some Mayberry RFD episodes this month of MAYberry. I have been wanting to watch some of those again, since I don't really remember any of them. Just saw one where Mike and his friend go along with Howard, Emmett, Goober, and Sam on a camping trip. It wasn't bad.

-Sterling Holobyte

-Sterling Holobyte
May 05, 2020 - Msg 114375: I'm seeing double.
Well, that's what happens when you think of some more to say when you've already signed off.

-SH
May 05, 2020 - Msg 114376: ASA--several years ago you and I had discussed the PBS show The History Detectives. I woke up at 3 am today, had a little troble getting back to sleep, turned on PBS, and there was the show!
I'm not sure if it was just a rerun or not! ha
Hey to BOO. I sure do like your FB posts with your wonderful front yard!
JOHN--baton down those hatches! My goodness, keep well.
SH--yes, i hope to see some of the RFD eps as well!
RIP Don Shula. :( He was definitely one of the great coaches for sure.
Have any of you heard about the big hornets that are now in Wash. state? Of all things, they are killing our bees. Strange times indeed.
About 15 years ago I took a couple classes on Biblical prophesy, and, well,
we're in very 'interesting' times for sure.
Prayers,
MDC

May 05, 2020 - Msg 114377: Good morning, porch! Cloudy and windy here, hope we get some rain out of it, but so far none has fallen.

MDC, you are so right. If one reads the Biblical prophesies with an open mind, it's pretty clear that some have come true, and others are in the process or are lining up ready to do so. Brother rising against brother, wars and rumors of wars, the rise of disease and pestilence, people calling evil "good, and good "evil." False prophets, perversion of the Word, a "falling away" from the Word of God - well, I could go on, but it's all there, in the Book. If you read it, it will scare you at times, but just be sure you finish the book. If you read it and believe and trust, as God instructs, you will not be frightened, because He tells us who is going to win in the end. Satan is just getting busier these days, to try to take as many of us with him as he possibly can, when God finally sends him where he belongs.

The older I get, the clearer it all becomes, and the more I look forward to that day. I'm not afraid to die, because I know where I'm going. My heart breaks for those who do not.

OK, that's my little sermonette for the day. No offense intended to anyone, but when one has good news (salvation) it's natural to want to share it.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena


May 05, 2020 - Msg 114378: We talk about the Space program here from time to time, here’s a good one! https://youtu.be/ViNcBQ8cDA0
Even has enhanced sound to tantalize your senses 🚀 To the Moon 🌙 Alice!......G-F
May 05, 2020 - Msg 114379: Good morning, Porch

I do believe that we have some sun here! It's brisk and nippy outside, but a beautiful morning with very few clouds. The huge uprising of severe storms forecast for last night never showed. EVERYthing was in play, hail, cloud to ground lightning, tornados, heavy rain, etc.. But they fell apart and never really fired up.

I swear, this COVID thing is just getting scarier. Now, we have these new symptoms of blood clots after you recover, Trump's new death numbers and these kids in NY having enlarged arteries. These are the times when I wish God would just wave his hand and POOF!, everything all better. I do fear the immediate future. I'm really wondering if we haven't seen anything yet with this virus.

Mower man is coming today. Kinda spittin' rain yesterday, so it threw him off.

Hope y'all have a great day! Stay safe, stay healthy!

John Masters