December 16, 2020 - Msg 115825: I'm glad y'all enjoyed this years Christmas card. I've enjoyed reading the stories y'all have been posting.

I've been doing these online Christmas cards for years. You can go back and watch them on this YouTube playlist if you're in need of a mid-December pick-me-up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPj1QHM7KlU&list=PLXciS96DNOqOTMyGDiNbUuVvy9beVwluN

--Floyd
December 16, 2020 - Msg 115826: Wow...I swept the porch! Been a LONG time since I did that.
--Floyd
December 16, 2020 - Msg 115827: Those Dang “alergic’s” are kicking up again...Sweet Stories!...

But ya know, I have found Mayberry Folks do stuff like this all the time, not just at Christmas it part of our DNA 🧬 It’s all part of the “Acting Like Somebody” gene we have...
Wonder what causes that?....

Asa I will heed your advice...Now that all The deliveries 📦 have come for the day, and it is just now starting to accumulate. I think I’ll just take care of what falls the rest of the day and wait until morning...*Against my normal Maintenance Man thinking...

G-F

December 17, 2020 - Msg 115828:

HI all! Had fun at the mall today, but so very strange to see
a 'socially distanced" Santa Claus this year!
Thank God the vaccine is starting to be shipped.
Thanks for the cards that are coming in! :)
I need to go check the archives...
MDC


December 17, 2020 - Msg 115829:

Read 'em! Wonderful stories. Pam, yours just filled me with happiness! (and I agree, a few goodwill workers that i have seen here are just plain scary! :)
ASA--I tried a few names, but so far none seem to fit the truck, so I'm still thinking on it. Maybe I need a good bucket to give it a think.
GF--regarding the styrofoam cutouts, they are also easy to work with. All ya need is a good
stick(s) pounded in the ground behind them, and then secure them with big washers and drywall screws.
Wait a minute, I think I'm mixing up emails with the porch. haha, oh well.
Just saw RO's tree and trinket on FB. What a cutie! :)
Nite,
MDC


December 17, 2020 - Msg 115830:

OOPS! See...I meant POSSUM! :)

December 17, 2020 - Msg 115831: Good morning, porch! It's 30° here, with a predicted high in the 60's today. Layer of frost on the ground and rooftops, first I've seen this winter. I figure that current freezing temp will bring the last of the leaves down. That would be nice, because then Eddie can give the yard a final cleanup and it shouldn't need much else for a while. I'm not sure when he's going to be well enough to do it, though. He's really having a hard time with the shingles lesion on his back, bless his heart.

I finally broke down and posted some things on Facebook. I've never been active on that site, and had to change my password to even get in, since I had no idea what the old one was. I do get to see what others post, when they "share" and the link comes through on my email. I suppose I could actually get to my own page through those posts, but have never tried. Oh well. Now I have my very own password, so maybe I'll visit more often. I enjoy seeing what y'all post. Now you can see Trinket! If you saw my last entry, with the pics of the Christmas tree, notice the little dog in the unframed picture just to the right of the tree. That's Toye Starr! She, who only weighed 4.5 lbs, and Trinket, who weighs 10.2 lbs, are the same breed - Maltese - but from different bloodlines. Trinket is from an older bloodline, when Maltese were still typically 10 lbs or more. It doesn't matter, she has the wonderfully sweet and loving Maltese nature, and that's what I love about them. Trinket is my third Maltese, and all have been just amazingly sweet dogs. All very different in personality, but that underlying sweetness is always there. She's a cuddler, and loves to get in my chair with me, and cuddle partly on my lap and partly on the arm of the chair. Now and then she will roll over and twist her neck around so she's looking at me upside down. She'll hold that position for a few minutes, just gazing at me with big soft eyes filled with love, and then will roll back to her original spot. Clearly she thinks I'm some sort of deity! Who can resist that?

I've got to take her to Dr. Mike this morning. She has been doing two odd things. She will open her mouth very wide, like a yawn, but it's not a yawn. No stretching, no extending her tongue and curling it up like they do when they yawn, and she closes her mouth very quickly. It's just almost a yawn, but not quite. She will do that about six times in a minute or two. I'm wondering if she has a tooth bothering her. Also, she will bend her neck down, put the top of her head on the floor and then twist her head around, scrubbing it on the floor. I'm thinking she might have a headache, or if it's a tooth, it could be radiating pain. This is going to be very hard for Dr. Mike to diagnose, unless there's a bad tooth that he can see. Anyway, after what happened to my littlest angel, I'm taking no chances. You'll remember she had started having seizures, we were treating her for that, but she only lived a month. The last seizure she had was fatal, probably actually a stroke. Broke my heart.

Well, better stop rambling and get dressed. We have to be at Dr. Mike's in an hour. Blessings, everyone! Stay well, stay warm, wear your mask! And wash your hands a lot! --Romeena



December 17, 2020 - Msg 115832: Well, I certainly am glad I took Trinket to Dr. Mike. She has tonsillitis! He said that's probably the cause of both of the odd things she was doing, and sent her home on two antibiotics. Poor little girl, she has a very sore throat! I didn't even know dogs got tonsillitis, but apparently they do. She has always been funny about eating, so I thought nothing of it when she was more picky than usual. Now that I think of it, she was eating the softer stuff and leaving the hard kibble. I gave her a spoonful of ice cream last night, and she scarfed it down in a second or two, but that was no clue. Who wouldn't eat homemade ice cream? She's actually not so much a picky eater, she will eventually eat almost anything, but she's like me. She eats well when she's hungry, or very little or nothing if she's not. Just because the clock says it's mealtime, doesn't mean I have to eat. I eat when I need or want to, and think nothing of skipping a meal if I'm not hungry. Sometimes just a handful of peanuts is enough. Anyway, I'm really happy that I noticed her behavior and got her to her doctor. She has already had her meds, she took them easily when I pushed them into her beloved peanut butter. I used to try to give pills to Toye Starr that way, as she loved peanut butter too (most dogs do) but she would find them in her mouth and spit them out. Trinket just licks the blob off of the spoon, and mows right through it, crunching the pills as she goes. Sure makes it easy!

Well, better run. Just wanted to let you know that Trinket is okay. Blessings! --Romeena
December 17, 2020 - Msg 115833: Oh my Romeena, I had no idea dogs could have that issue either. Glad you are so in tune with her. Is removal of them an option? Or just the meds? Bless her little heart. I hope Eddie will recover from those shingles. I have known two older folks who came close to cashing it in because of shingles. That's why I got my shingles shot when I hit 60.

Floyd, good of you to sweep up after us. I will check out the link you posted.
Speaking of Floyd, last night I watched the episode when Goober runs his contest. It was the last episode that Howard McNear was in. I always struggle with that one because it's obvious his health has really gone bad on him. I always thought it was so good how Andy invited him back on the show after his stroke and they all worked around his disabilities.

I also watched Howard bowl a 300. I wonder how his Mother felt about him bowling? Seems to me she wouldn't cotton to it, 300 or not. lol

Well we have a little snow/rain mix going on. I hope it doesn't get to bad. That ends up being a wet heavy slush that is hard on man and machine.

GF, I hope your storm isn't too bad buddy.

Asa


December 17, 2020 - Msg 115834: Glad to hear that Trinket is on the mend. We are watching our 15 yr. old granddog for two days while our daughter and son-in-law go skiing, he is not in the best of health so we have our fingers crossed that nothing bad happens while they are away. Asa there is a shingles shot available now, shringrix, two shots a month apart. Sarah
December 17, 2020 - Msg 115835: Asa...We dodged another one!...We got about 3” and only about half of that stuck to the drive/walkway.

G-F
December 17, 2020 - Msg 115836: Well good grief! I didn't know dogs could get tonsillitis! I didn't even know they had tonsils. Do they have a uvula? lol Glad you took her in, Ro. Poor little thing.

I went back and read the archives and I certainly loved the stories that have been shared. You all have heard all my stories more than once!

Thanks for asking about Erin. She is healing. We had an appointment yesterday at a new psychiatrist's office that I had read very good patient reviews about. They did a very thorough assessment, I must say. I really liked the woman who talked with us and prescribed meds for Erin. So, that is a good step in the right direction. Tomorrow we see the internal medicine doctor and then the neurologist on the 28th. Thanks for the prayers!

We have been busy with Christmas prep and so on. I did very minimal shopping, due to Covid. We had bought Erin a new phone after her accident and that is what she had wanted for Christmas so there you go. I have some stocking stuffers for her and a couple of gifts cards but that's it. We bought Sean something he had been wanting a long time. When he comes home at the end of a long day his feet and legs hurt and we bought him a recliner to sit in at the end of the day and put his feet up. Its a nice leather one and very comfortable. That will be it for him. I might put a chic fil a giftcard in his stocking. We exchange gifts with St. Susan and her family at Christmas but we keep it fairly inexpensive. I discovered a fantastic second-hand store near us that has so many interesting gifts that I spent nearly three hours in there this week with a mask on! Usually I get out of store quick to get that mask off but this place was so much fun to browse and I found some neat gifts and even a couple of things for myself. I found this neat vintage ornament for the tree that was only a dollar but so cute! Its one of those from the 50s or 60s that is almost like a little diorama. Its hard to describe but it is tear drop shaped and has a hole cut into the front and a little nativity scene inside. I love it!! The little scene inside is like those little plastic nativities we used to get at the dime store that was about three inches tall. do you all remember what I am talking about? I wish I still had one.

Asa, I saw that you mailed your cards on the 10th but I still haven't seen your's. I will have to make sure Bruce didn't get the mail and leave it in his truck.

Better get out of this chair and go deal with the laundry. Blessings!

Boo
December 18, 2020 - Msg 115837: Boo, you asked if dogs have a uvula.
Let me introduce you to Walter Geoff. He just graduated from Elenora Poultice's singing academy. :)

https://youtu.be/vhSeTKjadRk

Asa
December 18, 2020 - Msg 115838: Oh...WOW...That made my day Asa...That is HILARIOUS! 🤣....Walter!.....G-F
December 19, 2020 - Msg 115839: Just found out that one of my dearest friends has died from Covid. I am so sad.

Boo
December 19, 2020 - Msg 115840: Boo, So very sorry for the loss of your friend. That is so sad to read, especially that there is now (hopefully) a vaccine that will soon be available. I received your package yesterday. Gosh, you are such a sweet woman. Thank you so much. And you are very talented. BTW, Did you get my card? It should be there by now I would think.

GF, Old Walter has grown on me. lol I love the way his Mommy talks to him and the look on his face seems to indicate he understands her. She has a bunch of videos with him going off like that. Hilarious stuff.

Romeena, I hope Trinket is still doing okay with the meds. What's next. the mumps? Every time I think of the mumps I think of the episode of MASH when Col. Potter and Charles both come down with it and are forced to covalent together. Talk about the odd couple. And Klinger's rambling of "If you get them as a kid, you don't get them as an adult. But if you get them as an adult, you don't get kids Take that you little home wreckers". lol

Well I think I'll go fix some breakfast I reckon. A couple of eggs sounds good. I must make a confession. From what I have seen on cooking shows, one of the biggest sins a cook can commit is to break an egg yolk when frying it. And yet there are times (not always, but more often than not) that I prefer a fried egg that way. I will break the yolk on purpose when cooking it. Does that make me sinister? I know I see bats sometimes when others see butterfly's, but does anyone else like their yolks broken? Limp bacon and broken eggs yolks. Am I a mess or what?

Asa
December 19, 2020 - Msg 115841: Found this...Who’da Thunk it? https://youtu.be/7sV1E8g3rhw
Breaking eggs 🥚 🍳 on purpose?...That’s Asa’s story, and he’s sticking to it!...😉........G-F

*Sorry for your loss Boo
December 19, 2020 - Msg 115842: https://youtu.be/rknRCQy-DmE
December 19, 2020 - Msg 115843: I guess they had Christmas 🎄 on the Ponderosa too....Just never thought about it......G-F. #115842 was me
December 19, 2020 - Msg 115844: Good morning, porch! Cold, cloudy, and about to rain here! So grateful for a warm home. Praying for the many who have no home, some by choice, I know, but many because of circumstances. I have several big boxes filled with good clothes to be given away, but can't find anyone who will pick them up. There's too much for me to try to handle myself, it would fill up my car and the boxes are heavy. I'll keep trying, though.

Asa, you are so funny! No, you're not a mess, you're just a good guy who knows how he wants his eggs cooked! Actually, my preferences are very similar. If I'm having eggs and bacon and toast, I want the eggs basted, whites cooked through, but the yolks still fluid. Without the bacon and/or toast to dip in the yolks, I want the yolks broken and cooked through. I just sort of stir them around in the whites as they cook, so it all cooks solid. And bacon, limp of course!

Those clips of Walter having a meltdown are just hilarious! One led to another, and I just couldn't stop watching. Yes, he appears to be listening to his mom, and responding, even arguing with her! Too funny! Little French bulldogs are so cute, and apparently very inter-active!

Trinket is feeling better. I had noticed that she wasn't eating very well, now I know it was probably due to a sore throat. I would imagine that kibble would be painful on a sore throat! She's eating much better now, and I've added some soft stuff as well. Actually, she gets quite a bit of soft stuff, as I share some of my food with her, but her kibble bowl is kept full and she nibbles all day. She had slowed down on that quite a bit, but is eating it more now.

Boo, I am so sorry about your friend. Did she have any other contributory problems? Age? Heart or respiratory problems? Prayers for her family, and for you, as you face her loss.

I'm glad Erin is doing a bit better, praying that the new therapist will have some good answers. Hang in there, tomorrow is another day.

Well, I baked some chocolate chip cookies last night, using the recipe on the Nestle's bag. I've always used that recipe, and haven't ever made very good choc chip cookies - okay, but just not great. I tried it again last night, and oh my goodness, are those cookies good! I have no idea what made the difference, sure do wish I did.

Today I plan to make some fruit/nut cookies, using the Betty Crocker Butter Pecan cake mix as a base. That recipe made the rounds at the church a couple of years ago, and the cookies are wonderful. You can add any kind of fruit and/or nuts that you prefer, and they just get better. If anyone wants the recipe, I'll share.

Then I'll make my mom's recipe of "sand tarts", basically a shortbread cookie with lots of very finely chopped pecans in them. They're a roll-and-cut cookie, and I have Christmas cookie cutters. They are my absolute favorite cookie, and my mom made them every year. I've also made them every year since I first had my own home.

Another favorite is Scottish Shortbread, and is my second favorite. I bake it in a square pan, cut it into 1"x2" bars, and it just melts in your mouth. So good! All in all, I will use 4 lbs of butter with all these cookies. Hmmm. Maybe I'd better hang onto some of those too-big-now clothes! No, seriously, I know my limits, and have no intention of putting that weight back on. I'm far too comfortable, and feel so much better without it.

Well, better get in the kitchen. Those cookies aren't going to bake themselves. Blessings, friends. Stay warm, stay well, and wash your hands a lot. --Romeena


December 19, 2020 - Msg 115845: Thank you for those kind words, Asa, and you are welcome. I finally got your card yesterday. I loved it!😂. As far as eggs go, I only eat them scrambled on a taco...with ketchup, so I’m the weird one.

Thank you, Romeena. My friend Gloria had mild cardiac issues and was in her 70s. No real respiratory issues and no diabetes. I have talked about her here on the porch. She was my mentor when I started working in L&D and she was the best nurse I ever worked with. She scared me to death when I was a new nurse just starting out but beneath her hard exterior was an amazing heart. She pulled my nuts out of the fire countless times and taught me everything she knew. We remained fast friends for 35 years. When I went to work at shoreline she was working there, much to my delight. I remember when I got the call that I was hired and was told that Gloria was working there I literally jumped for joy and cried right there in my kitchen. She worked with me at shoreline for two or three years before she retired and I found myself in the position of helping her a lot because her mind was not capable of remembering and figuring out things. She depended on me and it was my joy to be able to help her as she had helped me through the years. We still talked on the phone up until she got sick. Her last words to me were, “I love you “. She was an amazing friend and influence. We shared so many wonderful memories. She will be greatly missed. I am so angry at covid.

Boo
December 19, 2020 - Msg 115846:

Boo--I dont want to sound terrible in the midst of your loss, but I am also extremely angry at CHINA! They could have stopped this virus, but did not!
I used to love canned manderin oranges, but noticed one day that they all say 'product of china' on them, probably packed by laber camp workers.
I refuse to buy any anymore. (and i try very hard not to buy anything else made there.) I even post signs on the store shelves that says "from china." They dont stay there long, and kroger's cameras will probably catch me some day, but at this point, I dont care! There I said it. I am sick and tired of china owning so many US corporations, including our meat processing plants, and
I am deeply worried that the next admin will make it all even more so!! OK, sorry for that, just had to say it.
I am so sorry about your friend. My prayers are with you and yours. With my a-fib i immediately began an immune boosting regimen back in march, and have kept it up. I have also stood on the Word of God, and have tried my best to stay positive and happy., like my visit to the mall the other day. I stayed safe, and just people-watched, and enjoyed seeing the kids talking to Santa, even tho from six feet away, etc. It was an uplifting experience.
I have enjoyed receiving all your cards as well. Thank you so much.
God bless, more later, and love to you all!
Peace,
MDC :)
December 19, 2020 - Msg 115847: Wow, I don't really know much about the China thing. I will have to look into it, MDC. Thank you for your prayers and glad you are keeping a good frame of mind. That is a very important part of having a good immune system,

Boo
December 20, 2020 - Msg 115848:
Sorry folks, I should not have gone off like that,
but I am concerned about the near future of our country.
I will try to keep things more-Mayberry-like whilst I am
posting. :) I try to mention the daily me-tv broadcasts when I see them.
RO--those cookies sure sound good! I usually make a batch of sugar cookies, but just didnt get it done this year. Oh well, that's OK.
GF--great videos. I never knew the Cartrights could sing!
Just don't tell barn! ha
ASA--I'm about the same with eggs...sometimes over easy, sometimes over hard, but always fried in bacon grease! :)

OH, Boo, our mail came late today, and there was your package amongst the other items. Very cool, thank you so much! It is hanging from our oven handle! :)
Also, I love those "Leaning Tree" cards. They are so great. Thanks!
Have sent many to pappabear in the past.
Well, it's off to dreamland for me.
Nite all,
MDC

December 20, 2020 - Msg 115849: Good Sabbath all.

It's good to hear that my egg compelshin is shared by some. lol I have stumbled across a few things like that by accident in the kitchen. Kind of fun when it works out.

GF, Did your snow storm quit finally? I hope Joe did his job. I enjoyed those Bonanza clips, especially the "Lean on me" one. Them Cartwrights sure got into a lot of pickles didn't they?

MDC, You are right to be worried about those things you expressed. It's very concerning indeed.

Last night I watched the one when Andy gets sick. If you look close you will see I have gone from Bank Guard to the town Doctor. Those correspondence classes really paid off. lol I also watched the one when Howard moves to the island. I love the very ending of that episode when you see Howard and the gang, all sitting around the filling station drinking a pop. The look of happiness and peace and contentment on Howard face says it all. Reminds me of the ending of "Man in a hurry" when you see Malcom Tucker asleep on the porch with half an apple peeled in his hand. I bet his feet were asleep too.

I hope everyone has a great Sabbath day and a great week before Christmas. Stacey and Matt and all the Grandkids came by last night and sung a few Carols for us. Mariah and Amy laid down and made some snow angels in the fresh snow in the front yard. Gosh I miss them.

Prayers for all.

Asa
December 20, 2020 - Msg 115850: Funny thing while making my breakfast I made eggs 🍳 and 🥓 bacon. One of the eggs I broke the yoke and I cooked the bacon a little too long. I thought 💭 Made Asa Happy, and Romeena wouldn’t like the bacon...It made me laugh!

G-F
December 20, 2020 - Msg 115851: *But I wondered what’s the consensus on the English Muffin?...lol
December 20, 2020 - Msg 115852: lol You're a bird in this world GF.

Asa
December 20, 2020 - Msg 115853: My breakfast this morning....one egg yoke broken on a English muffin with a slice of scrapple and cheese. I'm a crisp bacon gal when we have it. I watched White Christmas today with Bing Crosby and noticed a PBX switchboard in the Inn in Vermont and thought I bet Sarah had one like it in Mayberry, I bet I can still operate one. Sarah
December 20, 2020 - Msg 115854: Sarah...Now you went and did it...I haven’t had Scrapple for a long time. I was watching Diners, Drive In’s and Dives yesterday a guy was making it, and I thought the same thing, I haven’t had it for a long time...Sorta one of those “acquired” tastes.... Now I need to pick me up some up!

For those who don’t know...https://youtu.be/_Nnj9p1AN5o

G-F
December 20, 2020 - Msg 115855:

Good evening all. Cool video GF and Sarah.
I have never heard of scrapple, seems a bit like spam, but either way, not sure what is in either! haha
GF--saw about 5 minutes of the Browns game tonight.
I'm not really following the NFL this year, but I heard the
announcer say that the Browns are going to the playoffs! Wha-a-a-a-t ? lol
Tonight we drove around and looked at Christmas lights. It was 72 today, so tonight was a perfect evening to do it.
Tomorrow evening (21st) is when you should look to the south west just after dusk to see Jupiter and Saturn aligned and should make quite a light!
Happy first day of Winter, also known as "Not So Hot" 'round
these parts! :)
Sarah, I like White Christmas. Back in 'videotape days' I did some editing and now enjoy a shorter version of it. :) (Yes, I still have a VCR!)
Prayers,
MDC


December 21, 2020 - Msg 115856:

ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONGS...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHTCldo7uw4

MDC


December 21, 2020 - Msg 115857: G-F thanks for the video, love scrapple and eggs on special occasions. MDC I think the best part of White Christmas is the first and last part. Sarah
December 21, 2020 - Msg 115858: You’re welcome MDC. Glad you like it.

Asa, such a touching description of your family singing to you. I’m sorry you can’t spend the time with them that you want to, especially with the grief you are all enduring. Lord bless you, my friend. You’re a good man.

I’ve never heard of scrapple. I’ve been in south Texas and all we eat for breakfast down here is tacos (well mostly) ;)

Been wrapping gifts and making a Christmas cake while watching Home Alone. Unfortunately, it’s way to warm outside today so have to do what I can to feel Christmas!

I’m still waiting to hear about when Erin is scheduled for her MRI. Not sure yet if she will be spending Christmas with us or in San Antonio.

Blessings,
Boo
December 21, 2020 - Msg 115859: Asa...I got my “Major Award” card today...Fra-gile’....Must be French but I can’t speak a word of French!

G-F
December 22, 2020 - Msg 115860: Happy Birthday, Spotty!!

That's 427 in dog years,but you're still a YOUT in my book!! Love ya,my buddy!

************
possum u.a.r.
December 22, 2020 - Msg 115861: What’s a Yout?....In my best Fred Gwynn voice https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U7BMCZdXSlk

HaHa Spotty Happy Birthday.......G-F
December 22, 2020 - Msg 115862: Boo... I just got your package 📦 and already installed it!...In my best Malcolm Merriweather voice...
Arn’t Ya Kind....Arn’t Ya Kind!...Thank You SO much Mayberry Friend...

G-F
December 22, 2020 - Msg 115863:

Yes GF, I agree, she is very kind in a 'loop sladel' sort of way! haha. Love ya BOO. i am
listening to my Firestone albums. :)

A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DOG SPOT!! woohoo!

GF--I was watching the tags ep tonite about Opie and Karen.
Do you know if Ronda Jeter, the young actress, was, say the daughter of one
of the workers on the show? Just curious.
I love the epilog where barney is on the phone holding down the
'hook' when suddenly the phone rings!!

Here is something a little strange...I have noticed a lot of 'flocks' of birds around here recently. Usually, the birds in this area are sort of 'loners,' but not this winter! Strange stuff. What I still don't 'get' is which bird decides to suddenly change direction, to then be followed by all the others? ha!

Did anyone here see the Saturn and Jupiter alignment last night. My neighbor has a pretty good telescope, and let me have a look-see. It was pretty cool! God is good.

God bless and prayers,
MDC :)
December 23, 2020 - Msg 115864: MDC I do not know that, but it is a good theory. I often thought the same thing with most of the “extra” kids on the show, ( like in Opie’s class ) it would have been easy casting them since there was no dialogue.

I think Rhonda participated in a Mayberry event years ago but nothing recently. I know I’ve never seen her. She must not be interested in coming to these things or I’d think they would have had her at one of the Mayberry events. Especially the years they had Joy, Howie, Johnny Paul, Leon, and Arnold Winkler there..

G-F
December 23, 2020 - Msg 115865: I always wondered if Rhonda was any kin to Betty Lynn in that she looks a bit like Betty, at least I thought so. She even shows up in the color episodes.

Happy belated Birthday Spot. Hope it was a good one.

MDC I always lol at that scene also. He thinks he is going to make Thel jealous. Kind of backfires on him. And I love Andy asking Barney if he would get the phone, he's closer. lol

GF and Sarah, thet scapple is a new one on me too. Never heard of it before.

Speaking of MDC cooking his eggs in bacon grease, you ever fry up bread in that stuff? Holy cow, talk about good, but not a bit healthy. Might only wanna do it on very special occasions.

This food talk reminds me I need to take my game hens out of the freezer and let them thaw for tomorrow nights feast. Gosh, we have been doing that for 42 years now. Mercy me, they have gone by quick.

Prayers for all.

Asa
December 23, 2020 - Msg 115866: Asa..Those game hens look like little chickens who haven’t done much flying....Haha...G-F
December 23, 2020 - Msg 115867: GF, You got that right buddy. And then I conceal them in a heavy orange/raisin sauce. Heck, I am breaking all the rules. I might even put on clean underwear and still claim it a whim! :)

Asa
December 23, 2020 - Msg 115868: Asa, fry up bread, do you put sliced bread in the bacon grease? I wonder if scrapple is an East Coast thing, G-F do you live on the East Coast? Sarah
December 23, 2020 - Msg 115869: Sarah I live in Ohio, I’ve heard it’s more of a Midwestern thing, It has Pennsylvania Dutch and German roots.
I believe the areas where those folks settled are the areas that it is a popular dish..

G-F
December 23, 2020 - Msg 115870: Asa....I forgot to add that I made them once and Mrs. Goob didn’t like seeing the little bird bodies sitting on her plate so I haven’t made them since...I always thought it was like everyone having their own special mini turkey 🦃 but I guess some people don’t see it that way 🤷🏼‍♂️ Do you put some of the oranges and raisins inside of it too?...

G-F
P.S. Live dangerously...Go for the clean underwear Buddy since you do the laundry 🧺
December 23, 2020 - Msg 115871:

Good evening the evening before Christmas Eve! (Whew!) ha.
ASA, I have never tried that, but now i have a hankerin' to give it a go. Bread fried in grease, now why didnt I think of that? :)
BTW, I see that a pretty good storm might be headed your way!

GF-yes, Rhonda showed up in a color episode or two. I think the one of Opie dancing.

I dont know if any of you have neighborhoods where a whole block
decorates for Christmas; but we have two in fairly close proximity to us, and
went to 'walk' one tonight. Always so festive and spirit lifting.
It was a bit subdued with the masks and all, but still a fun evening.
Had some hot cocoa when we got home. My brother, whom you all know about now, is going to go to church with us tomorrow. So happy about that.

Earlier tonight I saw the ep of the darling wedding.
I love the scene of the Darlings snoring! lol or maybe it's 'sol!'
and it is also where Earnest T uses the line about not chewing
his cabbage twice. haha Also a rare scene of the Darling boys singing!

MERRY 'ALMOST' CHRISTMAS! :)
mdc
December 24, 2020 - Msg 115872: Here’s a good Mayberry Christmas story...https://seandietrich.com/christmas-in-mayberry/
G-F
December 24, 2020 - Msg 115873: Good morning, porch! It's Christmas Eve! Doesn't feel much like it right now, no one but Trinket here with me. The days of a full house on the holidays are gone, I suppose. The kids all have their own homes, have had them for years, and even the grandkids are independent, most of them anyway. Trip is the youngest, at 13. Mercy! I can't believe our little "caboose" is 13. Anyway, Trinket and I will be going out to David and Brittney's house this evening, and Eloise is hosting Christmas dinner at her house tomorrow, so not much happening here at my house. I will be cooking a turkey dinner next week, probably on New Year's Day.

Eloise doesn't ask for much, and is very generous with her time, and with sharing the kids and grandkids with me. However, when David and Brittany married, she boldly stated that she would ask for one thing - she wanted to have Christmas dinner at her house, on the day. She said it wouldn't be turkey, as they were used to having tenderloin on Christmas. Well, that was just fine with me. I was working then, of course, and often had to work on Christmas Day, so my family was used to having our Christmas dinner on just any day in the near vicinity of Christmas Day. So, I told her that she was very welcome to the day, and all I would ask was that she and her family would join us on whatever day I was able to cook a turkey dinner. She laughed, and said that was perfect! Two Christmas dinners, with both families getting what they were accustomed to. She makes a tenderloin that melts in your mouth, and I cook a mean turkey and some good dressing. And so, we now have two Christmas dinners, a few days apart, and everybody enjoys all of it.

Eloise and I very quickly became close friends, and we have enjoyed happy years together, with our married kids and their boys. Eloise loves to travel, her husband not so much, so she and I have been on five Mayberry cruises, and on many trips around the country with our church. We have both been members at our church for 46 years - in fact our kids met there when they were about four or five years old, and grew up together in church activities. My only regret is that my Dale passed just a few months before David and Brittany married, and the boys never got to know their grandpa. Also, Dale and Jerry would have gotten along very well, and the four of us could have had a lot of fun. Well, it is what it is, and we will all meet for sure one day.

G-F, thanks for that link. Sean Dietrich is such a good writer! I enjoy his commentaries, and have tried to subscribe, but for some reason, it won't "take." It just says "Error in subscribing, please try again." I have saved the link, and can go there easily, but I forget to do it. I want to subscribe, so it just appears in my inbox.

Well, there is much I would like to respond to in the entries above, but this grows so long. Know that I love you all, and wish for everyone a happy and healthy year to come. Each of you is dear to me, truly "a friend I haven't met yet", but definitely not a stranger. I pray for you, and think of you. I almost think I would recognize you on the street.

I just have to tell you this, though. When I first met our dear REV, (Rocky Morris) he knew me immediately. He was at the front of a Pentecostal church sanctuary, setting up his sound stuff. I walked in the back door, and sat in a seat near the back. There were already about 50 people in the room. He stopped what he was doing, walked back to me and offered his hand, saying, "You just have to be Romeena." I said I was, but asked how he knew. He laughed and said, "Well, you're the only woman in here with short hair!" He was right!

Blessings, friends! Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday, Jesus! --Romeena
December 24, 2020 - Msg 115874: Dear Porch family, wishing everyone a very safe and blessed
and wonderful Merry Christmas!
Big Maude

December 24, 2020 - Msg 115875: Merry Christmas Eve to all. I am tired but got to squeeze in a nap before St Susan and her family arrive. We are just having them and no other friends or family. Keeping the gathering small this year. We are just having simple finger foods, as they say. We always have sandwiches, queso dip, seven layer dip and tamales. We will have plenty of desserts, too, as well as hot chocolate, coffee, tea, etc. It will actually be cold enough to put a fire in the fireplace for the first time in years. It seems it is always warm on Christmas here most years.

I thought Erin would be spending Christmas Eve with her girlfriend's family and I took them up there yesterday, dropped them off and about 15 minutes later got a call from an upset Erin saying that the girlfriend's aunt, who is hosting the family, didn't want Erin there. They are having a tough time accepting their same s#x relationship and are being pretty mean about it. I turned around and went and got them and brought them home with me. I will have Erin here until she has her MRI on the 29th. She is going to have to get it through her head that she has to come home and leave the girlfriend in San Antonio if she wants to get anywhere. We will see what happens.

Ro, you are blessed to have those grandkids! I saw a picture of you and Landry, I think, that Brittany posted on facebook and I swear he was twice your height! I cant believe that Trip is 13. Wow.

Has Trinket gotten over the gate to the Christmas tree yet? I have been very lucky that nothing has gotten to my two trees. Erin's pup, King, has been with us and he is pretty active but smart already and listens when I tell him no. You should see my house shoes, though. The dog is a real mix, just a mutt, I think but Erin says he is supposed to be part pitbull and part Jack Russell. I just don't see it. He has big, pointed ears that stick straight up like a shepherd and a rather long pointy snout like a shepherd. He looks nothing like a pit, to me. I think he will be about 30 pounds. He is growing on me and I like his personality. He hasn't had much formal housetraining but is catching on very well. I haven't cleaned up an accident in days. He did go right beside the backdoor where I usually take him out so he was trying but hasn't yet figured out how to let me know he wants out. He's only about 10 weeks old.

Better go get some things done!

Christmas Blessings!

PS_ glad you liked your little gift, G-F and MDC.

Boo

December 24, 2020 - Msg 115876: Boo...When I put your towel on the stove Mrs. Goob asked where it came from I like it.. I told her from one of my Mayberry friends. She said I still don’t understand it all... I told her Mayberry friends are Family you choose, not born into....

But Asa has gotta be some distant kin, we are much alike..He must have been from the “Duncan Phyfe” side of the family.
The ones that made all that fancy furniture over there in the Old Country.

G-F
December 24, 2020 - Msg 115877: Aw, glad you like your gift, my brother G-F. 😊

Well, Bruce got an email today and out of the 75 employees on his job, 30 tested positive for covid yesterday! He doesn’t go back till January 4th, thankfully. Obviously they aren’t doing enough Tom prevent the spread there.

Boo
December 24, 2020 - Msg 115878: To not Tom. I don’t know him. Lol

Boo
December 24, 2020 - Msg 115879:

Merry Christmas to all!
I forgot to mention that last Sunday our pastor spoke about "THE WAY in a Manger." A little twist on Andy and Ellie's song in the courthouse, huh?. In John 14:6 Jesus calls himself "the Way," thus "The Way in a manger." Anyway, I thought that was kinda neat. :)
Well...Thanks for another great year here on the Porch. It is always a
good place to come to, and to just set and jaw for a spell. :)
All of God's blessings,
MDC


December 25, 2020 - Msg 115880: Merry Christmas, Porch Family!!

*****************
possum under a rock
December 25, 2020 - Msg 115881: Back at you Possum, and all my other porch dwelling pals.
Merry Christmas.

Asa
December 25, 2020 - Msg 115882: Merry Christmas, my dear friends! MDC, I love that sermon topic, "THE WAY" in a Manger." I'd love to hear the sermon. Was it accessible through Facebook, and would it still be there? I was out in Saginaw at David's house, and we watched his church's Christmas Eve service on Facebook. His pastor presented a fine message, as always.

David had ordered a full Mexican meal from a small restaurant near their home, and it was absolutely delicious. He did the same thing last year, from another restaurant, and while it was good, it wasn't notable. This new little place must have Mamacita back in the kitchen, because the food was really, really good. Trust me, my family knows good Mexican food, and we had it last night.

Trinket had taken a gift to Diesel, a little stuffed octopus, with squeakers in his arms, lots of them! Diesel is a squeaker addict, and will not rest until he has gotten all of them out. There must be about thirty. David put the wrapped toy on the floor, pressed one squeaker, and Diesel immediately attacked, ripped the paper off, and went to work on the toy! Trinket, intrigued, approached him and he actually growled at her! He would never hurt her, but he definitely told her to back off. She did! He is so funny about those squeakers. When he gets one out, he will walk around the house with the squeaker in his closed mouth, and without opening his mouth, he manages to make it squeak. So here's this fluffy dog, walking through the room, and you hear "wee-oo, wee-oo, wee-oo" coming from his vicinity, but can't see anything. Too funny! As long as Trinket doesn't bother his squeakers, or try to sit in his mama's lap, (he's very jealous when it comes to Brittany) they get along so well, and are so cute playing together. Trinket understands, and waits until he's not around to cozy up to Brittany. If he returns to the room, or from a potty break, she immediately vacates Brittany's lap!

Well, today we're all going to Eloise's house for grilled tenderloin. I made a big old pan of that cherry jello/pineapple/cherries/pecans "salad", and even added an extra box of jello and extra pineapple, so I could make a small one without pecans, for the three odd people in the family who don't like pecans. They will eat them, but don't want them "in" anything! Weird.

Boo, that test result at Bruce's job is scary, but I wonder what would happen if the same testing was done at any workplace? Those thirty people could have been infected anywhere. We are all at risk, anytime we step outside our own home, or anyone enters our home. It's just the way it is, and it's not going to end until the vaccines are readily available, and everyone is immunized. I grew up in the horrible polio years, and remember how it was then. The hospitals were turning people away, no beds available, and when I had a high fever (105°) for three days, the doc told my mom he was 99% sure it was polio, but there were no beds available in the hospital. Then he said he wouldn't admit me if there was one, because if I didn't have polio already, I would catch it there! Then came Dr. Jonas Salk and his vaccine, and polio was virtually wiped out in just a very short time. Some people refused the vaccine (like today) and many of them got polio, but the spread was slowed considerably because the odds of meeting someone who was infected were greatly reduced. The vaccine worked.

Yep, David is pretty tall. He's 6'5", and I'm 5'2". He can hold his arm straight out, and I can walk under it without touching his arm! Landry is 6'4 and a tad more. He will probably be at least 6'5", if not more. He's almost 20, but I remember Dale grew almost another inch after we married, when he was barely 20.

I'm enjoying my gift, and it's hanging on my oven door - just a little touch of Christmas, and I'm enjoying it very much. Thank you!

Well, guess I'd better think about getting dressed, and head on over to Eloise's in a little while. She wants to eat around 2:00, and I want to get there early and help her pull it all together. She always does that for me.

Have a wonder-filled Christmas Day, everyone! Peace, joy and health to each of you! --Romeena