February 10, 2021 - Msg 116156: Great to see you on the porch Charlotte Tucker!!

Boo

February 10, 2021 - Msg 116157: Hi Boo! Did you sweep just especially for me? Long time no see!! I was curious about some others who used to post. Is tom still around? Others?
Charlotte Tucker

February 10, 2021 - Msg 116158:

Good evening Porchsters!
RO--I hope you can solve your hair issue as well as Trinket's!
My SIL is a hairdresser, but that would take more than a mobile unit to get there! ha.
Regarding Leo Gordon, I have heard that he actually DID serve some time, and like the character, Luke, he did turn his life around. GF may know more.
Anything further on your water issue with the city? Did you get it resolved?
Right now I have a little thing going with my city. A year ago,
after waiting 30 years, the city resurfaced our alley, and they did a great job. They leveled it and put down something called 'rap'
a semi-asphalt layer that hardened when they wetted it down.
Well, two weeks ago Cox cable came thru and laid down new fiber optics chewing up all of that nice 'dust-damping' layer with their machinery and
outriggers digging into the surface. Then they left it that way.
So now I am trying to explain it to city hall, but am being pushed around from one
bureaucrat to another! grrr
I hope everything is OK with your eyes.
ASA and GF...our spring training is beginning a little later this year, but it looks like they will have about the same number of ST games with 25 % capacity at each one.
FLOYD, good to see you, thanks for keeping the porch planks nailed down for us.
Charlotte, I'm afraid that our Tom has gone on to be with the Lord, about 2 years ago i think. :( But Heaven is now filled with his poetry! :)
Hey to BOO, and ALL!
Prayers,
MDC





February 10, 2021 - Msg 116159:

Oh, and taking my zinc, c, and d.

February 10, 2021 - Msg 116160: Yes, I swept just for you, Charlotte Tucker!

Hey to MDC.

Short post tonight. Having sciatic trouble and cant sit at this keyboard for long.

Boo

February 11, 2021 - Msg 116161: Good morning, my weather so far this morning, snow, rain, snow, freezing rain and more snow. One of the perks of being retired is I don't have to go out in this mess. Still waiting on the covid vaccine, registered on three or four sights but none available right now. Spring is around the corner because our ducks have started coming by for corn. Two usually come everyday and they will come up on our front porch and peck on the storm door, which is all glass, if we don't have the corn out for them. Sarah

February 11, 2021 - Msg 116162: Good morning, porch! It's cold, cold, cold! It's 26° right now, with a little bit of ice (sleet?) sifted down into the grass. I noticed it when I went out to put some birdseed down for some fluffed-up birds. It looked like coarse salt down in the grass. The forecast for the next five or six days is for more of the same. In fact, we have a low of 9° predicted for Sunday night, and 5° on Monday! That's just not normal for our area.

My little fish pond is mostly frozen over, but the fish will be okay. The main pump is still working, so the little umbrella waterfall is keeping the water aerated, and there's open water around it. The fish go into a state of torpor, just hover near the bottom, and perk up again when the water warms up. I don't feed them during these times, as their digestion is dormant and wouldn't process it if they ate it. They probably wouldn't eat it anyway, and the food would just be a contaminant in the water.

Eloise and I had an appointment for much-needed pedicures this morning, at a place in an adjacent suburb, but we canceled. We would have to drive over about six miles of highway, and all the newscasts are advising people to stay home and stay off the roads. There are reports of a multi-car pile-up north of Ft. Worth. https://tinyurl.com/y2bjpo3g We decided our toes can wait. Prayers for those involved in this accident.

I have yet to get my Covid vaccine. I've received two notices from our local hospital, the one where I worked for 35 years. They offer a website where I can go to register, and promise appointments at my choice of two locations "near" me. Well, one is at Big Baylor, in downtown Dallas, and I am not about to drive into that mess. It's about a 20-mile drive, and it was a nightmare in 1978, when I did a semester's training there. Since then, it has expanded over two more city blocks, and I can only imagine it now. Besides, driving in downtown Dallas is like entering He//. The other choice is in Frisco, which is a suburb in very far north Dallas, about 30 miles from my location, over highways and tollways, and subject to massive traffic jams at certain times of the day. This is "near" me? In spite of my age and being diabetic, etc., I have a very strong immune system, I take my supplements, eat a healthy diet, and avoid crowds. So, I will wait. Actually, I may contact UT Southwest. I should be on their list, as I have been a patient there, when I had a skin cancer removed. They're less than half the distance of the other two, near enough that an Uber car would be affordable. It's an easy drive, and I could do it, but the parking is horrendous, and I don't care to subject Tillie to the threats on the parking lot, or myself to the long walk to the building. Uber is door-to-door, and so convenient.

Ha! My little pile of birdseed out there has drawn a crowd! I wish I had some peanuts for the bluejay. He investigated the birdseed, but didn't find what he wanted, I guess. The smaller birds are enjoying it, though. There are three piles - a millet mix, sunflower seeds, and thistleseed. Something for everyone, except the bluejay. I've got a few peanuts left in a jar, but they're roasted and lightly salted, probably not what he would want or need. I'll make a note on my grocery list - buy raw peanuts! Actually, I like them too!

Well, guess I'd better go play with little Trinket. She's in her little cuddlebed under my desk, and I've stuck my feet in there with her! She's so warm! Sweet little old thing, she and I both are so badly in need of haircuts, but looks like it will be a while. Her groomer's van is still on the critical list, and my hairdresser friend is too, I'm afraid. She's not answering her cell phone, and I don't know anyone else who would know her condition. Please pray for Cheryl. The last time I talked with her, she told me they were thinking it's lung cancer, not definite yet, but looking like it. I'm so worried about her. She's been my friend for over 40 years.

Blessings, friends! Stay home, stay warm, and keep looking up! --Romeena

February 11, 2021 - Msg 116163: Ro, I saw the report of that accident this morning and was horrified. I was hoping you would stay off the roads today. There was one in Irving, too. Texans just don't seem to know how to reduce their speeds on icy roads, unfortunately. Everyone is in such a hurry! As far as the vaccine, maybe your son or Brittney could drive you into Dallas? I understand not wanting to get into the mess. That's how I feel about Houston!

Its pretty chilly here in south texas. We are sitting in the 3os right now but supposed to get quite a bit colder. I have my two big outside dogs in the garage with a heater. They are getting old and arthritic so I want them to be warm. The little dog and the cat are inside, as usual. They are actually predicting snow for Monday. We will see.

I put some beef tips in the pressure cooker for Bruce and Sean and it smells so good in here. Don't you just love the smell of good food cooking on a cold winter's day?

Hope all of you are staying warm and well. Any of you watching the impeachment trial?

Blessings,
Boo

February 11, 2021 - Msg 116164: Boo,

In a respectful, lighthearted TAGS way, no, I'm not watching the waste of taxpayers money for this sham! We obviously disagree, and I totally respect your opinion. Trump is not the most tactful person, but he is about what's best for America and not lining pockets, like the modern Democrats. I think that is why they hate him. He did what's best for the good ol' USA, greedy pockets be damned! Greed is what's wrong with this world! I don't trust what the media is shoving down the throats of the naive. Sorry to rant, and I agree to disagree and respect your opinion. BTW, prayers for everything you deal with daily. Hope you don't get too offended, but you did ask!

February 11, 2021 - Msg 116165:

Just a short hello tonight folks. Had a busy day cutting out new yard display figures for next Christmas.
HA, sorta like Ro not wanting to put her things away!
Actually, I have to use these 'cool' days to do that,
because the heat lingers in the fall, and then it's too late for me to work outside!
It has been in the low 70s, so it is just perfect do
such things. :)
RO- my dad went ice fishing every winter while he
was growing up in Minn. Your comment reminded me of that. :) Well, I'm heading for the ironing board.
Not sure who wrote 116164, but hello.
Prayers for all,
more later,
MDC :)

February 12, 2021 - Msg 116166: #116164 --🚽 Trump was all about himself and his family. He sold you a bill of goods about "being for America". He took what you were willing to give him.
TV hearing is not a waste. Your message was.
Lenora


February 12, 2021 - Msg 116167: Hey MDC....I have many fond memories of ice fishing 🎣 too!...Yep sitting out on the ice freezing my tail off with my Dad and Brother...I probably needed a “Green Hornet” pole tho...
“aka Grumpy Old Men”... Here’s a link to keeping that memory alive!... https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZouCAOh3yAQ

My Brother was the ice fishermen 🎣 he had build ice “shanties” that he’d haul out on the ice to stay out of the weather.

R.I.P. Big Brother..Today would have been his 73rd Birthday, MDC...Thanks for the Memory Blast Buddy!....

G-F

p.s. Today it’s as cold out as Burgess Meredith stated in the movie 🎥 if you’ve seen it...lol

February 12, 2021 - Msg 116168: I hate politics. I love chit chat, but I hate politics. By the way, I also like the guitar, and being outdoors doesn’t give me the herpes.
Charlotte Tucker

February 12, 2021 - Msg 116169: MDC—Thank you for the update on Tom. 🥲

February 12, 2021 - Msg 116170: To Lenora, whoever you may be, I'd love to respond to your comment, and the folks here know I could do it, but out of respect for what this porch tries to uphold, I'll simply say - "Tick-a-lock". I will pray for you. --Romeena

February 12, 2021 - Msg 116171: Mayberry isn’t Just a Place...It’s a State of Mind, it is EVERYWHERE!...It’s Anywhere That Folks Treat One Another with the Dignity Given to Them by their Creator...

*A line from the Mayberry Man Movie 🎥.....

It kinda says WHO we are and what We Stand For...Amen?..

Like the times when we discussed Mayonnaise we don’t agree on the favorite brands, but in the end we all have our own kind of potato salad.... 🤷🏼‍♂️ Just Sayin’

G-F....


February 12, 2021 - Msg 116172: Romeena #116170
Feel free to respond.
I don't think you can with any sense of logic or credibility.
Thank you for the prayers, but no.
Lenora



February 12, 2021 - Msg 116173: Blessings to you Boo and the rest of you porchters! To answer your question, I actually watched a small part of the Dems accusations. Today I watched a small part of the attorneys defense. The defense showed complete videos vs what the left portrayed. My opinion is, competent folks who believe in the leftist rhetoric only sees what the leftist media wants you to see. If you were fully informed, your opinion just might change.

February 12, 2021 - Msg 116174: I saw you watching free TV through the window at Monroe's. You were chewing your gum so loud that you didn't learn a thing. - REGIS, Mayberry municipal dump

February 12, 2021 - Msg 116175: Eve'nin my fellow Porchsters, how's the weather on your end of the porch? Rainy, gray and damp here on my end and let me tell you, I have found this kind of weather sure does a number on my breathing. I am in a COPD group on FB and most of them tell me it's the same for them as well. Wonder what causes that?

Charlotte Tucker Welcome back to the porch! Seems no matter how long some of us have been away, we always seem to wander back. Wonder what causes that too?

Boo I watched most of the trial until today when it started making my BP go up, so I switched over to my trusty Roku and started watching that mini series that Samuel Jackson is doing, Enslaved. VERY interesting. They are searching the routes that the slave ships took, but instead of focusing on the ships that made it to their destination, they are searching for the ones that sank. They set up deep sea dives when they think they have found one and it's both fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time when you see the things they find. It's on the Epix channel for those that are interested.

Romeena Those Blue Jays do seem to love the peanuts. One thing I've noticed here though is I have very few Jays, mostly Cardinals and of course my Crows who never fail to let me know when the peanuts are all gone. LOL I have a bunch of little House Wrens and Chickadees here too.

G-F Happy Birthday to your brother! Today is also my sweet Granny's birthday, she would have been 104! Oh and Abraham Lincoln was born on this day as well. 🎂

MDC Are you adding to your yard decorations or replacing those that have become too weathered? I miss being able to decorate my place, but when you sit smack dab in the middle of the woods on top of a little ridge with very little area to decorate you tend to just enjoy other folks' decorations 😊

Lenora Welcome to the porch and for what it's worth ie: #116166 I wholeheartedly agree with you! ✌️👏

And with that, I'm going to sign off and go back to watching Enslaved. Y'all act like somebody now!

*Mavis


February 12, 2021 - Msg 116176: Oh hey there Regis you snuck in on me while I was posting.
I can't chew gum anymore dadburn it, it sticks to my dentures.

*Mavis

February 12, 2021 - Msg 116177:

I think the big freeze is in order, as our Floyd who provides this
forum has politely asked that we try to keep
political talk more at bay here. There are hundreds of other boards for getting engaged in such. Thanks
I mentioned that ME-TV is starting over with
season one of tags. Tonight's was about the Wakefields and carters. Good episode.
GF--do you know if either of the young couple were ever at a Mayberry
Days?
And thanks for the ice fishing talk. I guess I just don't
"get" it, sitting in a shanty, cold as can be! haha.
Mavis, I am mostly replacing pieces that are deteriorating.
I started out with plywood years ago, but even in our mild winters
here, it gets worn pretty fast, so I switched to styrofoam, as it
takes paint well, and once covered in paint, it really takes the weather
very well.
I am also in the middle of cleaning out my backyard shed that holds it all.
Hey to all! God's peace and blessings,
Later y'all,
MDC :)


February 13, 2021 - Msg 116178:
I enjoy reading the various political opinions expressed here on The Front Porch. After all, TAGS (The Andy Griffith Show) did a whole episode in Ellie for Council where they dealt with a political campaign and also the issue of equality for females.

As for the former President Donald Trump, I have read some surprising information about him on Quora.com from former employees, contractors and business associates who have dealt with him and his companies.

Speaking of Christmas decorations, we have a home nearby that still has their extensive outdoor Christmas decorations in place and as of last night, they still light it all up each evening. Are they late for this past Christmas or early for the upcoming Christmas?

Charlotte Tucker, in answer to your question about our Tom:
Thomas Lewis “Tommy” Harte, 66, of Nutter Fort, W.Va., passed away on Monday, July 9, 2018 at home.
He was born in Lakewood, OH, on May 25, 1952, a son of the late Richard Earl Harte Jr. and Betty Deloris (Smith) Harte.
Tommy is survived by two brothers: Michael Harte and wife Dianna of Cleveland, OH, and Martin Harte of Dry Creek, WV. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas E. Harte III, and one sister, Sara M. Henderson.
After graduating high school, Tommy worked various jobs, mainly in retail. He greatly enjoyed model cars, working puzzles, and working on his famous “bubble gum wrapper chain.” Tommy also enjoyed his computer time, mainly keeping in contact with friends and family on Facebook and Mayberry Front Porch.

Rest in peace Tom. We all miss you and your poetry.

from Poor Horatio




February 13, 2021 - Msg 116179: Hey Porch friends! I am finally sitting down in front of the keyboard. Can you believe this weather?! I have been enjoying this real winter weather but ya'll know how I am. I hate the heat and enjoy the cold. Its fun for us when we don't experience it often. I have a big pile of firewood out back (it looks like Gomer has been here) and I have been keeping a nice fire in the fireplace. I have also worn my "puffy" coat outside, which I only actually wear about once a year. lol

Message#116164 (I wish you would leave us name so I don't have to type all that out. lol). Thank you so much for your prayers, that always means the world to me. Im not offended. I know most of us are frustrated at the way things are going in one way or another and sometimes that comes out, even here on the porch. I had no idea my one question would start up a moulage but that's ok. In reality, I have kept most of my political opinions to myself because in the years of working, raising kids with some real needs, helping elderly parents until their passing, etc., I didn't keep up with what was going on in the world, politically. I only became interested in the last two years as I was seeing things on social media and from friends that I found very disturbing. I decided to try and educate myself more. I did take a college government course many years ago but forgot most of that, of course, so I decided to do some education on my own, so to speak. I even did some studying of the constitution. You would think a woman my age would have already done that but, as I said, I have been pretty overwhelmed with the needs of others. Also, I have always felt humbled by the way so many others seem to be experts on what is going on in the world of politics, and I was just way behind so didn't ever say much. I always knew I didn't like abortion on demand and that was why I always just voted republican. In the last few years, having gay children who are "out" caused me to see some things I had not seen before, to consider discrimination and attitudes in our nation that I had not really examined before. It all led me to consider the opinions of others that I had not agreed with in the past just because my friends or pastor or whoever said it was so. I have had to completely deconstruct my belief system over the years, against my will, initially and it has been a very painful process. It has been a good thing, though. Most people will never have to do that and no one chooses it. Most folks go to their grave believing basically what they have always believed but I have had a unique life experience of being forced to go where I didn't want to go, and having to open my heart and mind to different ideas and experiences. I have grown and become more compassionate, more loving, and much less dogmatic in my opinions. If I have been wrong before, I can certainly be wrong again. I get frustrated like everyone else and I have my opinions but I refuse to let my political opinions ruin relationships with people I care about, if its up to me. That being said, I will try to never tell anyone else here that they aren't entitled to speak their mind, they all know I have shared so much here over the years and some of it my friends haven't agreed with but they have been gracious. I may not agree with you, but I wont bash you. I may sit here behind this keyboard and roll my eyes or think your opinion is wrong, but I will still be polite and choose love. lol I really try to find balance in my opinions. I would consider myself somewhere in the middle, neither far left or right so I can usually find some agreement with most people. These days though, it seems people aren't looking for that. They are looking for people to agree with them and not to challenge their thinking. Its too bad, really, because we are all infallible and frankly, whatever news site you watch or read, you never really know if you are getting the facts in context. Humility is a good thing. It is a cherished character quality. Remember the fruit of the spirit, too. :)

Thank you, PH, for sharing the obituary again. It is so sweet that they mentioned the porch, isn't it? We have all been trough a lot together.

Again, great to have you back, Mavis!

My back is doing better but I better get up from here before it starts acting up again.

Boo



February 13, 2021 - Msg 116180:

Boo and Ro, I heard on the news that the approaching weather system to your areas could be compared to a
cat 4 hurricane, not with wind, but in intensity,
so please prepare for a big one!
You and your families are in my prayers.
more later,
MDC



February 13, 2021 - Msg 116181: Acquitted!

February 13, 2021 - Msg 116182: Thanks MDC, I am a little concerned about blackouts in the next few days but we have a fireplace and candles, plenty of food so should be ok. The last time it got really cold here and snowed, our heat was out and we just kept the fire going. I have plenty of toilet paper so good to go! lol

Boo

February 14, 2021 - Msg 116183: Good Sabbath Porchsters, I'd like to humbly ask for prayers, healing energies, Reiki, whatever your forte for one of my oldest and dearest friends Layla. She is in the hospital in Northern Virginia after suffering what they are calling a mini-stroke. She has always been one that is there for others and now she is scared and alone and I can't be there with her. Thank you in advance, more later

*Mavis

February 14, 2021 - Msg 116184: Good morning, porch! SNOW! WE HAVE SNOW! Yep, white, beautiful snow! It's 18° out there! Trinket and I slept late this morning, watched our church service on Facebook, as the church encouraged most of us to stay home and attend online, because the weather is so cold and snow showers were predicted. Well, they came! My back yard looks so pretty! Granted, the snow isn't covering in the grass, not enough of it yet, but the stone walkway, the flowerbeds where the mulch isn't too deep, and the feeding stones, the tops of boulders, anything that's relatively bare, is solid white!

Go ahead and laugh, all you folks who live where snow is old news. We here in Texas understand. We know what you Yankees deal with, and while we envy your beautiful snow scenes, we'll just stay here and wish we could see snow, until the rare times when we get a little of it. I will always remember what my husband said. He had just finished his military hitch, and we were ready to go home. Question was, where was home? He was from Michigan, I was from Texas. I told him I would follow him wherever he wanted to go. He looked at me like I had just sprouted horns and said, very clearly and emphatically, "I have shoveled all the snow I want to shovel, and shivered my last shiver. We are going to Texas!" And we did. His mother had passed when he was 14, his dad was living, he had a stepmother who was a lovely lady, but he had had enough of cold weather and snow. Of course, he practically rolled in it when it would arrive here on rare occasions, but he no longer wanted to live with it for months on end. Of course, being the man he was, I think he was also thinking of me, and knew I wanted to be close to my parents. I was barely 20, with a new baby. He always put me first.

Boo, well said. Very well said. You have opened your heart and expressed your inner feelings very eloquently. I think many, if not most of us these days have had some taste of some of the things you've experienced, though certainly not to the same degree. Personally, I have a beloved grandson who is gay, and I love him very much. I've met his partner and like him a lot. It has been hard to accept that we won't see little copies of my grandson running around one day, but so be it. He appears to be happy, he is not militant or defensive, he just lives his life and lets others live theirs. What else can, or should, any of us do? The same can be said of the two gay women in my church. The worst I can say of them is that when there is work to be done at the church, they're there. They're delightful, and both are my friends. To those who wish to point fingers and declare someone, anyone, a sinner, I would remind them that God rejects ALL forms of sin, and the Bible also says that "ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God." That's why Christ came and died, to pay the price of our sin. In other words, we're all in the same boat. When I can convince myself and God that I'm sinless, then perhaps I can point a finger at someone else's behavior. That day hasn't come yet, and quite likely it never will. God is my judge, my only judge, and the same applies to everyone else.

Well, guess I'd better start putting my Christmas stuff away. I've put some of it away, but you couldn't tell by looking at what's left. Of course the tree is still up, and it will be until David and the boys can come and help. My family just smiles, and chalks it up to my love of Christmas. When I get tired of it, it will all come down. It's not hurting anyone, I enjoy it, so I just wait for the spirit to move me to.

Blessings, friends. Stay warm, stay well, and keep looking up! --Romeena

February 14, 2021 - Msg 116185: Good afternoon all. And good Sabbath.

Mavis, will offer prayers for Layla for sure. Hopefully she will recover quickly and fully.

Boo, I was deeply touched by your post dear. Not the one where you declared you had plenty of toilet paper. lol But the one prior. I appreciate so much your thoughts and your feelings. As Romeena just said so very well, we all fall short and all need His forgiveness and compassion. I know you have endured much these last few years. Things that have challenged your long held views and beliefs. I think that is just part of lifes journey for all of us. We learn and grow as we go along. Sometimes the waters get choppy, but hopefully we hang on and stay on that straight and narrow path.

We had a fabulous Mens Meeting in church today vis Zoom. The topic was on maybe one of the more challenging subjects (at least for me), loving your enemies. We read that Gods ways and the worlds ways are not the same, and boy is that ever true with this topic. Love your enemies, do good to those who despitefully use you. Turn the other cheek. All the things God would ask us to do. The worlds ways, don't get mad, get even. Or, revenge is a dish best served cold. Or if you can't say something nice about someone, come sit a little closer and tell me about it. lol Anyway it really got me to pondering my own self. I know we all have hot button things. Things that folks do that will just set you off. For me, it is arrogant and pretentious personalities. I have zero (and I mean zero) tolerance for that. If I detect that, even just a hint of it in someone I have just met, we are done right then and there. I really need to work on that part of me. I know that sometimes I may mistake shyness for arrogance in someone. And shame on me for that. So I seek out any advice from you folks on ways I can better deal with that issue. Any thoughts?

Romeena, glad you got some snow. We had some yesterday. Enough to make the lawn white, but it was warm enough that nothing stuck to the driveway so no shoveling needed. That, my friend, is how a snowstorm should act. 10-4 GF?

Well I got some steaks to cook up for my valentine. She likes a New York sirloin, while I snagged me a good old ribeye. Throw a couple of russets in the oven and some corn in chef Mike, and we are good to go.

Prayers for all.

Asa

February 14, 2021 - Msg 116186:

"For God so LOVES the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life!" (John 3:16) :)
HAPPY ST. VALENTINE'S DAY, FELLOW PORCHSTERS!
love,
mdc :)

February 14, 2021 - Msg 116187: Good afternoon, porch. I've been just curled up in my wheelerette, in my warm jammies, watching Hallmark movies, with an even warmer Trinket on my lap. I declare, that puppy is like a furry furnace! We are at an unheard-of 14° right now, light snow still falling. The grass is almost covered now, just sprigs sticking up through the snow. I'm loving it, and very grateful that I don't have to get out and head for the hospital tonight. This is the kind of night that would bring in women in labor, car wreck victims, and lots of homeless who would report to the ER, just to get out of the cold. Those were the patients who broke my heart in weather like this. I also worry about the homeless animals on nights like this. So cold, not enough to eat, if anything at all, and no shelter. I'm thinking of putting a couple of cardboard boxes on their side against the south wall of my house, under the shrubbery out there. It would be meager shelter, but at least it's snow-free and shielded from the wind. I don't know if any warmth from the house would seep through the walls, but maybe a little? I thought about lifting the garage door a few inches, to let cats and small dogs and other small critters get in, but it faces north, and I think all that would accomplish would be to drop the garage down to 14° just like outside.

Asa, well stated. MDC, truth is truth, and that's truth in a nutshell. The centerpoint of the scripture. Thanks to both of you.

I think I'll go make a pan of lemon chicken for dinner tonight. I've got some chicken tenders that need to be used, and some lovely Meyer lemons for the sauce, and some rice to pair with them.

Wow, the snow is getting deeper, still not all covered, but getting close. I miss my Dale so much on evenings like this. He would have a huge fire in the fireplace, using real logs, which I no longer do after I nearly broke my hip bringing in wood. The gas-log fire is nice, though. We would have something good to eat (he liked lemon chicken, too) and maybe I'd make a quick chocolate pudding. Or tapioca! He loved tapioca, and I have some maraschino cherries to top it. You know, at first the grief is all you can see or feel. Later, now much later, it's the little things that get to you, like tapioca with maraschino cherries. I don't think I could do that tonight. I'll just do the lemon chicken. That's enough. Blessings, everyone. Stay warm, stay well, and keep looking up! --Romeena

February 14, 2021 - Msg 116188: I am so glad I popped by to say Happy Valentine's Day to my porch family! The topics of conversation are very appropriate! Thank you Asa and Romeena for your kind words. Asa, I loved what you were saying about loving our enemies. That is something I have been contemplating more these days, too. It seems to me that sometimes we kind of lose site of the Jesus of the gospels as we live in this world and society. It really isn't the world's way to be humble and serving, and particularly not loving to those who don't love us. Its a challenge but one of those things that when you manage it, gives a great sense of peace and satisfaction. It is a lifetime challenge, though.

Ro, you have snow!! Lucky! None here but it is certainly cold enough for it. Bruce and I actually went for a drive in the country today before the rain started. By the time we got home, there was ice on the hood of the car. It was a nice afternoon. I loved what you shared about Dale; memories so bittersweet. When I read it, I had just finished frying flounder, making cole slaw and fried potatoes for Bruce for his Valentine's Day dinner. I made brownies for him earlier. These are the days of being thankful and cherishing every day with my sweetheart. Thank you for that reminder. Bruce usually goes out and gets me flowers for Valentine's Day but I told him not to bother with flowers because it was so cold out. Instead he wrote me a very sweet note and though I know it is personal, I would like to share it with you. It was so perfect;

Dear Julie,
You know as we talked the other day by the water and reflected on how things went for us meeting and how my life unfolded, it brought into clear focus the true meaning of love. Real love..mature love..love you can grow old with. It gives back..puts you first..goes out of the way to do something for you..works on your behalf..encourages..sticks to you..shows love in a variety of ways..makes the bed with clean sheets..brings you a plate for supper..stands up for you and on your behalf..united in thinking on things that really matter..looks forward to the future..cries together sometimes..hurts together..shake their heads at circumstances sometimes..marvels as goodness prevails..suffers through hard times together and never considers leaving or another path..works hard to accomplish dreams you both share.
I am still in love and glad I married the girl with the moonbeam shining down on her in church. I am so thankful for you and would be lost without you my dear.
You are my sweetheart and all throughout the year I address you so when I send text messages to you..my sweetheart.
Love, Bruce

May you each feel loved and blessed this day, whether you have your sweetheart with you or if you are waiting for that day. My love to each of you!

Boo

PS-I hope you friend is doing better, Mavis. Saying a prayer for her!

February 15, 2021 - Msg 116189: Good morning, porch! I'm sitting here looking at a pure white world, the snow is about 4-5" deep, and my yard is transformed. All the bare patches, the fallen twigs, the unswept leaves, a forgotten soda can, all those things are no longer visible, and all I can see is pure white snow. It makes me think of how the sacrificial blood of Jesus covered all my sins and made them invisible to God, our ultimate judge. All He asks of me is my belief, my trust, my love. He has it.

Boo, what a beautiful gift Bruce gave you! The man is a poet! It makes me feel so warm, just reading that note, and knowing that you have a love so warm and genuine between you. You are blessed. Thank you for sharing that bit of personal joy.

The temperature outside is - are you ready for this? - just 4°. Four degrees! The low was 2°, and the predicted high is just 17°. That is unheard of around here. The sky is partly cloudy, quite a bit of blue showing in the west, none at all in the east. Partly sunny but very cold for the next two days, then more snow on Wednesday, then warming up at the end of the week.

My yard is full of birds at the moment, all hungry, I'm sure. Their usual diet of grass seed and such is not available to them right now. I think I'll put a pile of seed in a pizza pan and sit it out on the little back patio. I'm not walking out there and risk slipping on the ice and snow, but I can sit it out the back door and they'll find it. I've got some not-very-fresh bread as well, and the squirrels will find that. I can only hope that everyone brought their dogs and cats and any other pets inside for this frozen time, but experience tells me that many did not. I will never understand that.

I've got a pot of steel-cut oats simmering on the stove! That's my go-to breakfast (brunch?) on very, very cold mornings. When it's ready, I'll put a big blob of real butter (I don't buy anything else) in it, some brown sugar, and a big handful of blueberries. With a glass of apple juice alongside, I'll be just fine. TVLand is running a MASH marathon until 4pm, so Trinket and I will just cuddle up, nibble on tasty things, and watch MASH episodes for the thousandth time, and still enjoy them. Speaking of Trinket, I'd love to let (take) her out in the snow and see how she reacts, but she wouldn't like it, and would be a soggy mess for me to dry off and clean up. She's very much a little house-dog. She does go out in David's back yard with Diesel, though. He encourages her, and she finally does it, though she isn't fond of walking on grass. Rotten little thing. Spoiled rotten, rotten, rot-ten! But I love her.

Blessings, friends. Stay warm, stay well, keep looking up! --Romeena

February 15, 2021 - Msg 116190: A good one for the day https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mNWZo0UjLNQ Barney the Weatherman...

February 15, 2021 - Msg 116191: Good evening, porch. Just watching TAGS on METV, and it's the Christmas story. Reminded me of a discrepancy I have noticed before, but don't think I've mentioned it. Ben Weaver brings Sam Muggins in and demands that Andy put him in jail for making moonshine. Andy tries to reason with him, but Ben argues that Andy would understand if he had a store that sold spirits. 'Scuse me, but I believe Mayberry was dry? So why was Ben allowed to sell "spirits"? Hmmmm? --Romeena

February 15, 2021 - Msg 116192: Poor old lonely Ben. It always hurts my heart when he's looking in through that window. I'm always glad when Andy understands and gets him involved. --Romeena

February 15, 2021 - Msg 116193: Big Maude-Possum...* July 16-18: 9th Annual Mayberry Meet-Up sponsored by TAGSRWC’s “Two Chairs, No Waiting” podcast gathers in Mount Airy, N.C. More details TBA soon (with roughly the same format and casual schedule as last year), so for now just mark your calendar.

Hey SPOT...You too...Give it a Think...G-F
.

February 15, 2021 - Msg 116194:

Mavis--I have been praying for Layla.
Hopefully they were able to administer some blood thinners to help her stroke situation.
Please let us know how she is doing.
RO and BOO, I hope you are both doing OK. I saw on FB that Boo had to
go to her sister's due to outages. Please stay safe, and don't venture out in the storm. Yes RO, thank God you no longer
have to head for work. Please keep warm. That is so nice of you tho to think of the critters, but no slipping on the ice, OK?! :)
(Oh, BTW, Maybe Weaver had some kind of 'deal' with the county concerning his spirits for sale! ha)
You both had wonderful posts. I've mentioned from time to time my interest in Biblical prophecy, and I see us in a time similar to Daniel's time concerning all that is happening right now. If you get a chance, give Dan. Chap 10 a read, as it is where we see Michael the archangel arrive on the scene! :) For the past year our church has ended each service asking for Michael's help in our current spiritual battle. Also, as Paul said, we battle "not flesh and blood, but principalities and powers."
BOO--what a neat note from Bruce! :) I tried a little poetry when we first married, but it always seemed to sound a little 'goofy' to me. I guess I'm just not a romantic. ha :)
ASA and GF and others, I hope you are doing OK also with this
storm. News reports show it going from south TX all the way up to maine!
Glad you had a good meeting ASA,... love your enemies, that is indeed a big pill to swallow!
Anyone watch any of the Daytona 500? I saw some of it. Good, but lots of cautions.
It was a real tags time on GRIT TV Sunday. I saw Uncle Ollie, the real Gabby Hayes, the original Floyd, and several other tags people in a movie I was watching. Fun to see.
MAUDIE, SPOT, POSSUM, CHARLOTTE AND ALL PLEASE CHECK IN when you can.
God bless,
MDC





February 16, 2021 - Msg 116195: I finally got an appointment for my first covid vaccine on Thursday and we are suppose to have freezing rain, hopefully it won't get rescheduled. Glad to hear that Boo went to her sisters and hope Romeena is safe. My sister lives in IL near the Wisconsin border and she said this is the worse winter with snow and freezing temps. that she remembers. Stay safe everyone. Sarah

February 16, 2021 - Msg 116196: Afternoon Porchsters!

How's er'body doing this cold day? I woke up to a dusting of snow and the thermometer telling me it was 26° on my end of the porch, thankfully no ice. Bluff City sits right in a little pocket that usually doesn't get the bad weather the surrounding areas get. My beautiful Appalachian mountains keep us safe here in our little valley at their foot and for that I am grateful.

I wanted to check in on y'all and also give you and update on my dear friend Layla. She is home!! Her tests all came out good and they turned her loose! They did confirm it was a stroke, but it was a small one. I'm so glad she's home! She tells me her cats and her 2 little Pomeranians haven't left her side since she got there. Said she can't even go to the potty without them crowding in there with her. 🥰 She goes back for a recheck in a month. Thank you all for your prayers and healing energies!

I've discovered a new obsession ... Audible! I love to read but I also love knitting but I find that I can't do both at the same time. Another girlfriend of mine has been telling me how great Audible was and I just never could get past the whole 'but I don't want to hear it, I want to read it' nonsense I had in my own head. Plus, I have no income right now and I know the mister will never agree to a monthly fee for books of all things 🙄 (he's not a reader, tells me it's a waste of time) Well she offered to let me listen to her books through her Amazon account and I'm hooked! Right now I'm listening to A Promised Land by Barack Obama, he narrates it himself. Some of the stories he's telling about his little girls are so cute. 🥰 I will be listening to My Love Story by Tina Turner next 🎧 Have any of y'all tried it? I must say,

Also wanted to update y'all on my Jacob. He went to court last week for his charges in TN and the judge released him with time served. He's now back in jail on the VA side awaiting court on the felony drug possession and other charges he has there. Court date for that is the 24th. I just hope he will finally get straight and stop this nonsense and be there for his babies! They need their daddy! Little Michael (the 5 y/o) videoed with me on Valentine's day to yell Happy Balintine Mamaw Angie! and ended up begging me to 'go tell that police man to let daddy come home' 😭 it breaks my heart in two hearing him cry like that. He doesn't understand. Thankfully I was able to get his mind in another direction talking about Paw Patrol and PJ Masks, his favorites.

G-F I have those Mayberry Meet Up dates down in my calendar. Mount Airy is only 2 hours from me! Hopefully Covid will be more under control by then and my Dr will turn me loose to finally go do things again. 🤞

Welp, my pill reminder app just hollered at me saying it's time for another breathing treatment so I best get that done. Hey to MDC, Romeena, Boo, Asa, Spot, Sarah, Charlotte Tucker the lurker who doesn't sign their posts and anyone else I may have missed 😘

Wishing I had the fixins for salmon patties here, been craving them.

*Mavis
~Andy Taylor: Well, as Mark Twain said, everybody complains about the weather but nobody does anything about it.