January 09, 2021 - Msg 115973:
MDC, Tommy Lasorda served with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 71 years as a player, scout, coach, manager, team vice president, team ambassador, and special assistant to the owner. He was inducted into the American Baseball Hall of Fame as a manager. And since he also played professional baseball in Canada, he has been inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. He is a very lucky man to have found his niche in life.
I just noticed a very subtle error in the Bringing Up Opie episode. You can watch it at https://vimeo.com/422241236. Start watching the bedroom scene from 7:25 in. The error occurs during a closeup of Andy. If you need a hint, cue it up to 8:50 and pay close attention.
from Poor Horatio
January 09, 2021 - Msg 115974:
It has been a while since I swept The Front Porch. Glad I remembered how to do it.
from Poor Horatio
January 09, 2021 - Msg 115975:
Sarah...Just to let you know, I bought me some Scrapple yesterday at the store. I hadn’t had it for a LONG time and your post about it has got me in the mood for some.
Next I will get some fried cornmeal mush. Anybody out there like that too? It’s much like Jonny cakes, around here you can buy it in a block and slice it and just fry it in a pan with some oil and top it off with some powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Have a Great Day.....G-F
January 09, 2021 - Msg 115976:
Good morning, porch! A beautiful, very chilly day here. Bright sun, blue skies, and a little "breeze" that cuts to the bone! Still pretty when viewed from my window, though. I love this big old "window on the world", but it's getting dirty. I guess the first warm day we have I'd better get out there and wash it. I have to be careful what I use to wash it, as there are several lovely little shrubs just below it. I usually just use a very mild dish soap, just a squirt or two from the bottle across the wet glass, and then go over it with a wet mop, and rinse it with the garden hose. So far, it hasn't bothered the shrubs.
I had such fun last night! It would normally have been our bunco night, but six of our members have chosen (probably wisely) to remain holed up at home, have their groceries delivered, etc. The rest of us aren't quite that cautious, and miss getting together. So, the designated hostess for last night said to come on over, and five of us did. She provided a charcuterie board, simple and easy, and so good! She had slices of cheese, turkey, cheeses, some very good crackers, and some of the sweetest grapes I've eaten in a while. Then we played a new card game (not enough of us to play bunco) and it was hilarious. It's a souped-up version of Uno, and was so much fun. It's called UnoDare, and it's a game that both adults and children can play, and will enjoy. I highly recommend it for anyone who doesn't mind being a little silly, and is willing to look ridiculous at times. Things like "talk like a robot until your next turn."
Our hostess's little mini-doxie was there, of course, and he's a delight. So cute, and very friendly. He gave us some funny looks, though, when we were fulfilling some of the dares. One of my dares was to talk like my favorite cartoon character, and I did a pretty decent Porky Pig, which drew a puzzled look from the pup. All in good fun!
Regarding the Covid vaccine - we're still only giving it to Stage 1A folks around here - first responders, primarily. Stage 1B isn't expected to be included for a few more weeks. That, I assume, will include me. Age 81, diabetic, cardiac and respiratory issues - yep, I think I'd qualify. I will take the vaccine. In my lifetime, I've been vaccinated for everything under the sun, and have never had a bad reaction, so I'm going to trust this one as well. I got all the available standard vaccines as a child, including smallpox and a little later, the Salk vaccine for polio. As a nurse, we got a few more, including Hepatitis B and yearly, mandatory flu shots. Then two mission trips into China and Mongolia brought me several more. Most of those were for an unseen potential threat. This Covid thing is very real and visible, it's all around us, and there is no way I would refuse the vaccine.
Well, I guess I'll go play with Trinket. She has been in here several times, wanting to play, even bringing me some of her toys. Sweet little old thing, she just makes my heart melt.
Blessings, friends. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep looking up! --Romeena
January 09, 2021 - Msg 115977:
Oh, G-F. Try frying that cornmeal mush in bacon grease instead of plain oil. But you probably already know that! --Romeena
January 09, 2021 - Msg 115978:
G F glad to hear you enjoyed the scrapple. Never heard of corn meal mush, my brother makes fried corn bread that is really good with greens. He uses self rising corn meal, some flour, egg and milk and fries like pancakes. Recently saw the episode with Barney's motorcycle and everyone but aunt Bea kept referring to it as a sickle not cycle. Sarah
January 09, 2021 - Msg 115979:
Pipe down! This ain't no ball park!
*Mavis
January 09, 2021 - Msg 115980:
My joke of the day.
A woman tells her friend that she had made her husband a millionaire.
The friend asked what was he before you married him?
She replies a billionaire.
BA boom!!
Asa
January 09, 2021 - Msg 115981:
Everything's okay in Mayberry! - Floyd
Let's keep it that way. :)
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115982:
PH, I have followed baseball since the days of
of Sandy Kofax and Willie Mays, but I must admit that
I never knew 'aboot' the Lasorta Canadian connection! :)
Well, I watched that portion of the video a least 10 times, and
just can't spot an error. Any more hints?
ASA--I have heard that the 16th will be VERY different this year.
The huge surrounding stands will be scaled way back, and only a very
low number of spectators will be let in. I sure hope this vaccine
begins to work. BTW, did you know that you typed 'gold' instead
of 'golf.'! Do you know something about a truck coming thru? ha (rimshot) :)
On my end of the porch me-tv will have a tribute to Dawn Wells on
Sunday with 4 episodes with MaryAnn as the main person in the 'plot.'
(As if Gilligan's Island ever had plots! haha) Anyway, should be a fun watch.
Well, our tree came down today, ornaments along with it's 3 sections all stowed away. I have read recently that some new homes have a "Christmas Tree closet." You can just roll your tree out, and then roll it back in!
HELLO TO MAVIS! (oh, i mean 'hello to mavis.' ;)
Sarah, tonight I made my 'world famous' lasagna. I make it about twice a year
from a recipe of a long lost college girlfriend. That gal could sure cook,
but we just didnt hit it off in the romance department.
RO--that Uno game sounds like great fun! Glad to hear that you are doing OK.
I have a feeling you have a pretty darn good immune system after all the years of nursing
and what you have been exposed to.
I sometimes wonder if our Frankie has moved on the the skyward Mayberry.
I remember when her husband passed, it was a hard time. She is in my prayers.
Sure hope she is still around.
Well, good Sabbath to all. Our church closes out the Christmas season on Sunday
with the feast of the Epiphany. God's blessings to all!
MDC
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115983:
MDC...MeTV has the Mary Annathon in my area tonight too. Hopefully she will make one of her famous coconut 🥥 cream pies 🥧 I have a “Official” Gilligan’s Island hat so I may put it on in her honor to watch....lol Until this year it was my official “mowing” hat....Didn’t ya just love the crazy ideas they came up with?...It was mindless entertainment that took us away from the daily Vietnam war news, all we had to think about was how Gilligan was going to screw up this week....
BTW... Yes I did get to meet Gilligan’s wife at Mayberry Days. If you remember Bob Denver played the replacement “Dud Wash.” Bruce Bilson the Asst. Director said they cast him because they wanted the exposure because his show was about to come out and want the audience to recognize him.
G-F
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115984:
Ok MDC, apparently you are the only one interested. As requested, here is another hint. In Mayberry, Andy and Barney wear only one sheriff shoulder patch. And in over 99% of the scenes in TAGS, the single shoulder patch is worn on the upper right sleeve. That is my hint for you.
G-F, how could viewers not recognize Bob Denver after he appeared as Maynard G. Krebbs on the The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis program from 1959 until 1963? When I first saw him on TAGS, I recognized him immediately.
from Poor Horatio
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115985:
Ok PH you got me...First I thought Opie May have had different PJ’s on, but I give up...🤷🏼♂️
As far as the Bob Denver question I tend to agree...”Work?” HaHa!....His wife also said he ha hated how he did Dudd’s voice, he lived the latter part of his life in West Virginia and he said he totally got the accent wrong...
G-F
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115986:
Good morning, porch! Just finished "attending" my church's services this morning, via Facebook. Due to our restricted numbers in the sanctuary, and the church's suggestion that those in any sort of high-risk category refrain from gathering at the physical building, I mostly stay home. The service is live on Facebook, there is an active "comments" sidebar, where friends can greet friends, and while it's not the same as being there, still it's a much-needed substitute, and is appreciated. Trinket sat in my lap the whole time, and seemed to enjoy it, too!
PH, I think I know the irregularity in that episode, with Andy and Opie. Andy's hair is parted on the wrong side! His hair was always parted on his left, and in that clip, part of the time it's on the right, and part of the time it's on the left. Also, the lighting is different. Well-lighted when his hair is parted on the left, but dark when it's on the right. Obviously, the right-side part shots were done at a different time, and cut into the rest of the film. Apparently the film of the right-side part shots was flipped somehow and inserted backward. There must have been something wrong about the original shots, that prompted them to reshoot them and sub them in. Notice that Opie doesn't appear in them, either. I think they had Andy reshoot those brief scenes, in a makeshift set. The curtains in the background don't look right, either.
G-F, I agree, about Bob Denver. I always got a laugh out of Maynard, and definitely recognized him on TAGS.
MDC, I think you're right about my immune system. In spite of all my built-in health challenges - diabetes, scoliosis, arthritis, cardiac and respiratory things - I'm never sick! I don't "catch" things, bugs and viruses and the like. I haven't had a cold in years. The last cold I can recall having was one I caught from "Mr. Snotthroat" on the last flight back from Mongolia, in 2005. He was a scary-looking man in a long tunic and a headwrap, who coughed, sneezed, hacked and gagged constantly, while walking the aisles on the plane, and never covered his mouth. He looked like a terrorist, and in his own way, he was. One of the doctors in our group named him, and mumbled something about putting a bucket over his head. The cabin crew tried to keep him in his seat, but he refused, and just roamed throughout the plane, spreading joy. Sure enough, three days after getting back home, I had a raging cold, and so did a number of our group. My doc told me that at my age, I've probably already had all the cold viruses in existence, so I'm immune, though apparently that doesn't apply to viruses from the Middle East! Other than that, I haven't even had a headache in at least 25 years. I used to have migraines about twice a week, until I stopped using ANY artificial sweeteners. I stopped them, in two weeks the headaches disappeared, and I haven't had even a slight headache since. God is good.
Would y'all believe it's snowing here? Yep, big old fat, wet flakes drifting down - so pretty. However, the temperature is 39°, so obviously it's not sticking. Too bad, it would have been so beautiful. Still, it's pretty as it falls, and is a real treat for folks around here!
Today is a good day to just snuggle in and be lazy, and I plan to do just that. My neck and back have been so stiff and painful lately, I think I'm just going to rub in a lot of Voltaren, wrap my little heated vibrator pad around my shoulders and overdose on TV. With cuddly little Trinket in my lap and a big glass of tea on the side table, and my phone to play with if I get bored, I think it sounds like a pretty good day. I've got leftovers (I love leftovers) so won't need to cook, and all in all, it's a good day!
Blessings, friends! Stay home, stay warm, drink liquids, wash your hands a lot, especially if you leave home for any reason. --Romeena
P.S. If you haven't already tried them, look for "Poppables" by Frito-Lay, at your grocery store. They are good! Little airy puffs of potato chip-y stuff, very light and crunchy, and 30 of them have only 150 calories! Five flavors, all good. My favorite is the creamy jalapeńo flavor. Just a hint of heat, with a great flavor. The salt and vinegar is good, too. Try them, you'll like them. They're good stuff, Maynard!
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115987:
Poor Horatio Can I play? Can I play? Cause I think I found it, along with what Romeena pointed out about the part in his hair.
*Mavis
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115988:
G-F, I am surprised you did not have a guess especially since you seem to be a wealth of TAGS information.
Romeena, that is a great catch about the part in Andy's hair. But that is not the error I was looking for since that part is very hard to notice because of the dark hair. There is something more obvious but subtle. I was going to reveal it now but Mavis expressed an interest to participate. So I will allow Mavis a chance. Then if necessary, I will give another hint.
from Poor Horatio
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115989:
Poor Horatio when the scene first starts Andy's patch is on his right shoulder, but as he's talking to Opie, he kind of moves his left shoulder up like he's shrugging and you can clearly see the top of his patch on that one.
Did I get it? Did I get it?
What do I get? A door prize? I'll be nice, real nice if I do/
*Mavis
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115990:
The magazine? G-F
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115991:
Bingo Mavis, you identified the error I was looking for. In the two shot with Andy and Opie, Andy's uniform patch appears on his right sleeve which is correct. But in the single shot of Andy, you can barely see the top of his shoulder patch on his left sleeve right around 8:50 in the video which is incorrect. This indicates that those single shot's of Andy are reversed. I bet if the shot was a little wider, we would also see Andy's badge on his right chest instead of his left chest.
You have won a door prize. The door will be sent to you collect. It's a real nice door.
from Poor Horatio
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115992:
MDC, I think you will find the following link intersting: https://tinyurl.com/y3hvx8va
from Poor Horatio
January 10, 2021 - Msg 115993:
Tall, Dark.....Door 🚪 Prize! 🙌🏻....lol...G-F
January 11, 2021 - Msg 115994:
Thank you PH for that link about Tommy Lasorda being inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame.
I guess you saw my little "aboot" above. I thought of it because I
remember reading that Peter Jennings, who did ABC news for many years,
had to practice saying "a-bout" instead of "a-boot." :)
And very funny about the 'door' prize! Hope Mavis likes it!
And regarding the blooper, OK now I see it! You trained noticers are the best.
BTW, I saw on FB that yesterday was Maggie Peterson's (aka Charlene Darling)
eightieth birthday! Congratulations to her!
RO--very cool that you got some snow! Our backyard ash tree is already starting to bud! It has been in the 70s here the past few days.
Have a blessed week! :)
MDC
January 11, 2021 - Msg 115995:
😁
*Mavis
January 11, 2021 - Msg 115996:
Mavis is back! Yahoo! I guess I'll come back too. ;)
Boo
January 11, 2021 - Msg 115997:
Mavis, there used to be a person with your username who posted here on a fairly regular basis years ago, then disappeared. She ran a pet grooming business. Are you that person?
MDC, yes I understood your "aboot" comment. And mentioning Peter Jennings from ABC News brought back some pleasant memories for me. Are you aware that Peter was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada? Eh?
Way back in 1978, ABC changed their anchor format for their weekday evening network news broadcast. They went with three anchors, all broadcasting from three different locations. There was Frank Reynolds in Washington D.C., Peter Jennings in London England, and Max Robinson in Chicago. ABC assigned one of their broadcast engineers to each location to be responsible for the video and audio quality and handle any technical problems that would affect the broadcast. I was the broadcast engineer assigned to the Max Robinson portion from Chicago. My primary duty involved making Max look and sound as good as Frank and Peter. This was a challenge for me because Frank and Peter both had studio cameras worth about $250,000 each while Max only had two handheld mini cameras, a primary and a backup worth about $50,000 each. Prior to each broadcast, I had to setup both cameras (performing registration, and white balancing, and back focusing). When that was finished, I also had to maintain and repair other network electronics such as the video tape editing equipment and the field crews video recording equipment.
You can watch our very first broadcast at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHTg1Mlcnnw. Max first appears at about 16:00. For most of these newscasts between 1978 and 1983, I was sitting behind the cameraman waiting to spring into action if needed. One time I had to repair Max's earpiece audio connection under his desk. When he was on the air, I was still under his desk and finally got it fixed.
These are fond memories for me. I still miss them. But things slowly changed starting in 1983. Frank Reynolds passed away that year. Then Max left ABC a short time after Peter was chosen to permanently take over the Washington anchor desk. After working in local news for a few years, Max left broadcasting in 1985 and then passed away in 1988. Peter Jennings moved to New York City to anchor the news from there before he passed away in 2005. Rest in peace Max Robinson, Frank Reynolds and Peter Jennings.
from Poor Horatio
January 11, 2021 - Msg 115998:
VERY COOL 😎 PH....They even had the Wicked Witch pitching coffee ☕️....G-F
January 11, 2021 - Msg 115999:
Hey Boo! did you see when I throwed up my arms and woved at you?
Poor Horatio I am indeed that *Mavis, there's only one of me ya know. I'm afraid the world couldn't handle another'n I'm retired now though and my health has declined greatly, but I'm still above ground and that's all that matters
How's everybody doin this fine day? It's been snowing off and on here in NE Tennessee, but not so's you can tell it, too warm to stick.
I'll check in off and on. Today I'm watching squirrels run up and down the tree where they have a nest, chasing each other, One runs out and up the tree with the other in hot pursuit, then they they turn around and he chases him back into the nest. They crack me up. I'm also working on some renaissance faire stuffage. I'm the Executive Secretary for my local ren faire Appalachian Renaissance Faire. So you know, all in all it's a fun day.
*Mavis
January 11, 2021 - Msg 116000:
Mavis..You say you’re retired? Now you can join Romeena & I and be a Official member of the RSWA club.
*Retired Squirrel 🐿 Watchers of America* ...The dues are only (1) bag of Peanuts!🥜 & a Pound of 🌽....
Replete After Us 🙋🏻♀️🙋🏼♂️....I “Mavis”...Do Hereby Promise to Watch, Feed, and Protect ALL Squirrels 🐿 That Enter My Space,...So Help Me God! 🇺🇸....*(BTW Romeena is the President of our Club) ...We also may add...Feeding all Gods Creatures is also HIGHLY Recommend ....
G-F
January 11, 2021 - Msg 116001:
p.s. We may appoint you “Keeper of the Korn” 🌽...HaHa...
January 11, 2021 - Msg 116002:
🙋♀️ I *Mavis Do Hereby Promise to Watch, Feed, and Protect ALL Squirrels 🐿️ That Enter My Space,...So Help Me God!
G-F I would be proud to serve as “Keeper of the Korn” 🌽 and I promise to do the best job ever.
*Mavis
January 11, 2021 - Msg 116003:
Mavis Neff, Is that really you? Why you look bubbly wubbly all over girl. Good to see you again. It's been a while. Are your band days all behind you? You had a high roof to your mouth if I remember correct.
Asa
January 11, 2021 - Msg 116004:
Good evening porch folks. Checking in for a minute. Just got home from work and thought I would rock for a spell.
Mavis: it’s good to see you back on the porch. I remember you being with us as well . It’s good to have you back. I live just down the highway from you . Hope you will keep coming around.
It’s been a cold snowy, rainy, sleety (if that’s a word) on my end of the porch today.
I guess it’s time for supper: chili beans, cheese, sour cream and Mexican cornbread .
Prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude
January 11, 2021 - Msg 116005:
BigMaude we're even closer now I think, I'm in Bluff City now. Chili? Yum! I'll be right over, do I need to brang my own bowl?
Asa it's really me *big grin* band days are behind me sadly and I sure miss them. I can't sing a lick anymore dadburn it. I'm on oxygen 24/7 now after collapsing June 2019 with COPD Exacerbation that landed me in the hospital for 15 days, 4 of those in ICU on the touch and go list. I don't remember much of it, thankfully. I remember the mister getting a wheelchair and wheeling me into the ER, the intake nurse putting that pulse-ox thingy on my finger and rushing me back when she read it. Next thing I remember I was waking up in a regular room surrounded by family that had been called in for last goodbyes 😲 Anyol'who, I'm thankful to still be here even if it has to be tied to a dadburn oxygen tube, beats the alternative, ya know?
January 11, 2021 - Msg 116006:
Dang it, that was me up there, I'm still rusty and out of practice here
*Mavis
January 11, 2021 - Msg 116007:
Howdy, porch! Just jumped on for a minute, will read later. I just finished watching the broken freezer episode, and have a question that's bothered me for a long time. Simple question - why on earth didn't Andy just "call the man" himself!? --Romeena
January 12, 2021 - Msg 116008:
Hello all! Mavis, good to see ya back!
Wow, that was touch and go for sure. So glad things are
better for ya these days. Prayers.
PH...very interesting about you working with those anchors.
I remember seeing a clip of Frank Reynolds shortly after his death.
He was sitting in his anchor chair and 'off camera i think, but something was wrong,
and he said something like, "Let's get this right or I won't say it at all!"
Do you recall something like that? All three were very professional.
I had a $200 video camera, would that have helped ya? haha.
It was sure very surprising to see that man carry a blown tire into a
capital hearing room!
Maudie...thanks for the delish chili! It hit the spot!
RO--I have often wondered that myself!! :) Also, when did they build that back porch?? In Opie's horse Blackie episode, there are only steps to the back door, no porch. hmmm
Tonite I saw the episode of Andy possibly marrying Charlene. Is that the
only tags episode with a 'real' horse in it? I love the scene toward the end
when Floyd sees Barney on the horse. Cracks me up.
GF--I happened to read this morning that the Browns are in the playoffs?
Wha-a-a-t??
Hang in there gang,
MDC
January 12, 2021 - Msg 116009:
Morning all.
MDC, Not only are the Browns in the play-offs, but I hear they beat the Steelers in the wild card game over the weekend.
In regards to the horse question, don't forget the one with Dolly. She was the main character in that episode. And although it wasn't in the actual episode but they did make a commercial in conjunction with the Blakie episode that had a horse sticking his head in the kitchen window. And if you drink enough elixir, I suppose you could see Otis riding a horse. lolc
Wow Mavis, sounds like that was a close one for sure. Glad you are still on the green side of the grass and you have returned back to your rocker here on the porch.
Romeena, sorry to read that the faucet fix didn't resolve the leak in your house. It sounds like you have a good game plan in getting it fixed. Just something to think about. I watched a clip yesterday on using PEX vs copper. Something they brought up that I hadn't thought about. They mentioned they had gone to several calls of leaks on house plumbing and the culprit had been PEX pipe that
had been chewed through by rats. Although these guys are very much pro PEX, they suggested that any horizontal runs in the attic should be copper instead of PEX. I know you have had issues with rats in your garage before, so I just thought I'd throw that out there to consider with your plumber.
MDC, Your post made me chuckle when you said seeing a clip of Frank Reynolds shortly after his death, sitting in his anchor chair. Scared me for a minute. lol
Well I am into the dentist today. My entire lower jaw is swollen. I have been on antibiotics since yesterday. Dang it.
Prayers for all for a good day. I am having some of Maudies chili for lunch, after I see the dentist. :)
Asa
January 12, 2021 - Msg 116010:
Romeena, I can think of one reason why Andy did not "call the man". In our family, the person who can answer the most questions that might be asked about a problem is the one that calls service personnel. So since Aunt Bea was the most familiar with the problem, she might be able to answer any questions the repair person might ask.
Mavis, that is shocking to learn about your serious health issue. I have an interest in NDE's (Near Death Experiences). I would like to know if you had one when you almost passed. If you don't want to talk about it, I understand. I'm just glad you have chosen to return to The Front Porch.
MDC, when I was working for the ABC Network Bureau, there were a few times I worked with Frank Reynolds, Peter Jennings, and Ted Koppel (from Nighline). They would come into Chicago occasionally to give a speech or attend a conference on a weekday and could not to their studios in time for the live news broadcast. So they did it with us.
With Frank Reynolds, we set up a studio in a conference room of his hotel. Frank spent nearly all of his preparation time reading and memorizing his script. Other anchors relied on the teleprompter. This teleprompter allowed us to superimpose a reflection of the script over the camera lens so it appears that the anchor is speaking from their memory while looking directly at their audience.
When Peter Jennings was in town, he would broadcast from the anchor desk in the ABC Chicago network news room, the same one that Max sat at. Peter was a heavy smoker back then. He would puff away up until about 15 seconds before getting his on air cue. During those 15 seconds, he would frantically wave his arms around trying to disperse the cigarette smoke around him.
And yes, there were some outbursts from the anchors when something got them upset. ABC's World News Tonight would send the signals of their three anchors to the New York City control room via satellites. In the earlier years, those signals were not scrambled and sent in the clear. As a result, some got recorded by viewers who owned satellite dishes. One example is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uAKSR03KMc. This clip occurred while either Frank or Peter was reporting on a story. Since this Chicago signal was not on the air at this time, the viewers at home did not witness it.
Also, Max had an office in the news room near the anchor desk. Sometimes he would get so upset that he would go to, or remain, in his office and refuse to come out while the program with either Frank or Peter was on the air or we were airing a video tape. And sometimes it would require a telephone call from the New York control room to get him to return to the anchor desk.
Gosh, I miss those days.
from Poor Horatio
January 12, 2021 - Msg 116011:
Good morning, porch! It's cold here, was 33° last night, but warming up, should be in the 50s this afternoon. Texas weather - and my pansies are still blooming.
Mavis, I am so sorry to hear of your health issues, but so glad you seem to be holding your own. I understand about not being able to sing anymore. I was never really a "singer", but could handle a decent choir alto. Now, with my respiratory issues, I can't do even that anymore. I have a good ear (unlike Barney) and know instinctively what a given note should sound like, but when I try to hit it, something entirely different comes out. I know when it's wrong (also unlike Barney), so I've just given up, and no longer even sing in the shower. The "off" notes just give me the shivers. The doctor's explanation for it is that I no longer have the breath power to produce the notes I hear in my head. I would imagine you've been told the same thing.
Do you have an O2 concentrator, or do you use tanks? Medicare pays for a concentrator for me, and tubing is supplied as well. I only use it at night, because I have sleep apnea, and would drop into the mid-80s at times. I tried a C-PAP, and it nearly made me crazy, so I gave up on it. The doc said just to use O2 at night, so when an apneic spell occurs, I'm starting from a higher level and don't drop as low. It works. The line doesn't bother me at all, and I wake up feeling much better in the mornings. With long supply lines, and my concentrator in a central location in the house, I can have O2 wherever I need it, but I rarely use it other than at night. I gather that you use O2 all the time? Thank God for the technology that makes that possible! We are so happy to see you back on the porch, even if we aren't spring chickens anymore!
Oh, and welcome to the RSWA club! There are six of the adorable little pestilences in my backyard right now, chasing each other up and down trees, through the flowerbeds, and one who comes and perches on the brick ledge outside my window, and peers in at me. Sometimes I put popcorn or other treats along that ledge, and just enjoy the show.
I love my home, have lived in it for 47 years, but my favorite part is this window. It was originally two sash windows, but I had them removed and replaced with one big 5'x8' double pane of 1/4" tempered glass. I can see my entire back yard, except for the small areas in the two corners nearest the house. I call it my "window on the world." Lots of pleasurable hours spent here.
Well, guess I'd better go feed my little roommate. She has been staring holes through me for the past hour. I think she's hungry, though when I get to the kitchen, I'll find at least 1/2 cup of kibble in her bowl, left from last night. Mostly what she wants is attention. She hates it when I open the computer.
Blessings, everyone! Keep looking up! --Romeena
January 12, 2021 - Msg 116012:
"Gosh, I miss those days." OK, Poor Horatio, was that sarcastically said or do you really mean it? After seeing that clip of Max Robinson, I'm thinking 'sarcastic!' ha.
I would have loved to see the other man in the clip say, "So tell us how you really feel about it!" :) That was all very interesting, thanks.
Oh, ASA, what I meant to say was, 'after Frank's passing, as part of a tribute, they played a clip of him saying that!!' Ha, Good catch!
BOO--thanks for stopping by. Hi dee ho neighbor. :)
RO- Did u get what I sent yet?...just 'horsin' around. :)
Nite and Prayers,
MDC
January 13, 2021 - Msg 116013:
MDC, I need to clear up a misunderstanding regarding my last posting. When I posted "Gosh, I miss those days.", it was not sarcasm nor was it an attempt to demean anyone including Max. I miss those days because of the 98% good times we all had among studio crew and with Max. Max had a sense of humor and we had some great times kidding each other.
Max was in a unique position by being the first African-American anchor for a network newscast in the USA. He handled it the best he could, but there were non-believers among some of the staff and viewers and especially among some of his peers. When he worked so long in the Washington D.C. area, he had not only his family there, but also his familiar co-workers and public contacts. So he was at ease at that familiar location and did a great job of reporting and anchoring for a local station that won him awards and peer recognition.
But ABC decided to put Max in unfamiliar Chicago while assigning Frank Reynolds to Washington D.C. So that made Max's acclimation more difficult. Both Frank Reynolds and Peter Jennings came up through the ranks at ABC, but Max was the new outsider. So with the three network anchor concept, Max was considered to be #3 out of 3. In the early years, Frank and Peter seemed to have more air time than Max. And although the reading of news stories by all three anchors was timed to the second, there were times when a story ran longer or a new story or update had to be added. Most of the time, these changes were given to Frank or Peter to report on. To keep the program on time, another story had to be cut out and that often was a story that Max was supposed to report on. With less air time, that would get Max upset. I could understand this.
Finally, I miss working for network news, the technical crew I was a part of, and I miss Max Robinson. Rest In Peace Max. It was interesting while it lasted. Too bad it did not last longer.
from Poor Horatio
January 13, 2021 - Msg 116014:
Good afternoon all.
A quick question. I know several of you have mentioned that you have received your govt. checks through direct deposit in your bank accounts. I have never that set up on m ine. The first round of these checks I had an actual check mailed to me. This time it seems they are using a card instead, at least that is what it says. In this age of scams I am concerned if this is legit. Has anyone else gotten a card that you have to activate yet?
Asa
January 13, 2021 - Msg 116015:
Asa, my daughter got a debit card for the first stimulus. Be careful it came in an envelope that looked like junk mail and she almost didn't open it. Sarah
January 13, 2021 - Msg 116016:
Afternoon Porchsters! How are y'all on this fine day? I'm good I guess, still stuck in Dr ordered lockdown/quarantine. He's told me only go out of absolutely necessary and I'm listening to HIM, not the county or the state.
Today is Crow and Pileated watching day. The squirrels are out there too of course, but the Crows are really putting on a show. Something has them upset and I can't figure out what's up. I don't see any reason, but they swear something is going on that shouldn't be. The Pileated could care less, he's too busy looking for grub.
Poor Horatio I don't really remember a lot of what went on honestly while I was in there, but I do remember my mama sitting on the side of my bed holding my hand and tending to me and Mama passed in 2004. My granny who passed in 1982 was there too, as well as Mama's 19 year old cat perched on top of the curtains 🤔 found out later on that she crossed the rainbow bridge while I was in the ICU.
Romeena That's exactly what the problem is with my singing, I just don't have the breath anymore to sing. I've tried and ain't pretty. As for my O2, I am on it 24/7. I have a larger machine that sits in the middle of the house and I use a 50' tube most of the time. I do add 50' more tubing if I need to go downstairs for any reason. I also have a portable Inogen with extra batteries that was gifted to me last Thanksgiving by a lady I had never met! That's a good story I'll have to tell sometime. It sure makes life easier! When using the tanks I was constantly watching the regulator to make sure I didn't run out before I made it back home. I couldn't enjoy going out for worrying over and watching that dadburn contraption. I do have 2 tanks here for emergencies like power going out for extended time. I have to admit that while I'm grateful to have it, there are days I have a meltdown over having to be tied to a leash and I end up looking like Ernest T. trying to learn his 'amenanees'
I use a BiPAP at night and sometimes during the day if I'm having a rough day breathing wise. I do daily nebulizer treatments as well. Sure didn't think this is where I'd be at this stage in life, but since I am, reckon I'll make the best of it.
Welp, I'm off to try and get this skein of yarn untangled and into a ball so I can knit some washrags.
Later taters
*Mavis
January 13, 2021 - Msg 116017:
Asa I haven't gotten mine yet, but the mister got his the other day and it was a check, not a card
*Mavis
January 13, 2021 - Msg 116018:
Thanks for the responses Sarah and Mavis. I did some checking on line and I guess it is legit. I called and activated it. And you are so right Sarah. I was just thinking it was junk mail, even though it said on the envelope not an advertisement. I think that's was what had me wondering if it was legit.
Mavis, my goodness, it saddens me to hear of your situation, but on the other hand you seem to be taking it in stride and seeing the glass half full and I'll be dogged if that don't lift my spirits too. So bless you girl. Those were interesting things you saw when in ICU. I have heard that is not uncommon. My Daughter Stacey came to see my Dad in his final days. When my Dad opened his eyes and saw her he thought it was my Mom who had passed away in 1977. His face lit up and he said "Gladys, you have come for me". Mercy sakes, not any dry eyes in the room. Stacey does look so much like my Mom from her earlier years, who by the way resembles Ellie Walker quite a bit I think.
Well my dentist took an x-ray of my tooth and it don't look good. It has already had a root canal and yet it has some infection under it so he says there isn't much he can do other than remove it. He wants me on antibiotics for a week and see what happens but even he said it was probably not going to do much. At least it's a back tooth so I won't look like a hillbilly when I smile. I know he will wanna put in a bridge but man those are pricey. I'll have to see what my insur&nce will cover on it I reckon.
Well prayers for all for a good evening.
Asa
January 13, 2021 - Msg 116019:
Mavis, I am shocked when you described your current health status. I will offer some prayers on your behalf. Maybe you should visit a local body shop and get a new body. LOL.
I enjoyed learning that you had a pleasant Near Death Experience (NDE)seeing both your Mother and Grandmother as well as your Mom's cat.
After my own Mother passed away, I did a lot of research about NDE's. I was hoping for some kind of contact while I was alive. The best I got occurred a few months after my Mother had passed. I was sitting on her hospital bed in the living room of the house we shared when I cared for her. It was a quiet evening with no noise when I heard my Mother call out my name. I looked around but I was alone in the house. I was hoping for a vision, but that did not occur.
Another time I was sitting in the living room of my sister's mother-in-law house. The mother-in-law and I were the only two in the room. For some reason, the subject of NDE's came up. When I admitted to her that I had done some serious research on the subject, she revealed to me about a NDE experience she had years ago. She never told anyone in her family about it because she did not want to thought of as being crazy.
Thank you for sharing what you could remember.
from Poor Horatio
January 13, 2021 - Msg 116020:
Here ya go Mavis 🐿 ....https://youtu.be/K16fG1sDagU G-F
January 14, 2021 - Msg 116021:
Good evening all! Tonite's episode was about our dear visitor from England, Malcolm Merriweather.
Some great lines in that one, especially his 'drunk' scene, with "Loop Sladle" and "Soda crackers." ha. I also love barney's line, "I can't stand a wino on a cryin' jag."
There is also a blooper...when malcolm serves the soup, he pulls both bowls from in front of Barn and Andy, but after the silverware spill, the bowls are back in front of them! :)
ASA- So sorry to hear of your tooth issue. When it comes out will you still be able to say "Sally sells seashells by the seashore?" :)
That is very interesting how your dad was seeing his wife coming for him.
PH...
A month after my dad passed I had a dream about seeing him in heaven.
I am pretty sure that I told it here at that time, but will again. I wrote down the dream the day after I had it, and this is what I wrote:
A DREAM that I had last night (actually this morning at about 4 AM) (March 29, 2015):
The dream was very, very vivid and real, and it is still VERY clear in my mind, and normally I don't do much dreaming. (But now I think of the dreams that the Wise men had, as well as the one that Joseph had; and how vivid and clear they must have been to actually influence those folks to go to Egypt or to go home by another route!)
The dream started suddenly with me watching my dad running down this long,
very brightly lit hallway, even tho dad had been confined to a wheelchair for the last 3 years of his life; and he looked like dad of the 1980s, and I called out "Dad, you look great!"
Other people were walking up and down the hallway too, but they were along the sides near the walls. Dad was running down the middle, and he told me to “hurry up!”
I said, "Dad, slow down, I can't keep up." He then turned into a hallway to the left, and about three doors down on the right he stopped and said, (as i finally caught up to him), "Steve, I want to show you my new room." We entered, and I saw a very, large, very bright and clean, and shiny room.
It was SO REAL that I actually said to him, "Well, I guess you will want me to
bring your desk here." (He had owned a neat, wooden desk for about 40 years.) But He replied, "No, you keep it, I don't need it here."
Then I suddenly heard a loud bell clanging outside his doorway; so I turned and went
to the door, and there was the most beautiful, porcelain-skinned, young lady ringing one of those brass, hand-held, school bells very loudly, almost expecting her to say
"Hear ye, hear ye!" (But she did not)
I said "Ma'am, that's kinda loud for an old folks home.”
But she replied, "Oh no, this is not an old folks home, and I ring this to the praise of Jesus.” Then more similar looking beings joined her.
As the ringing continued, I turned and went back thru the door of dad’s room, and I said, "Dad, this is great, you look so happy and wonderful," as he had
one of his big, famous smiles on his face! Then I said, "I gotta give you a big hug."
But, as I went to hug him, and as our chests barely touched one another,
he vanished before my eyes!!
Then I woke up. I was lying on my back in bed, my arms were crossed against my chest, and I just started crying, but they were also tears of happiness!
Other then when Taps was played in the church at his funeral, it was the first real time since dad had died that I shed real strong tears. I just KNEW that I had visited him in his new dwelling place in heaven! He was happy as a lark, and really enjoyed
running thru the halls of the Heavenly Kingdom!!
Well, have a great day. Prayers for all,
MDC :)