May 12, 2021 - Msg 116619:
MDC..I loved Newhart...Especially Larry Daryl, and his other Brother Daryl!...It always reminded me of the Darling boys, so with Bill being involved maybe that is where the character idea came from?..🤔🤔🤔🤔 Curious...Curious...
G-F
May 12, 2021 - Msg 116620:
And a Clean 🧹 to Boot!...
May 13, 2021 - Msg 116621:
HI Big Maude--well bless your pastor's heart...38 years, that is a lot o' sermons! Since you are on the committee, maybe you could ask for a pool table in the basement, or fix the foundation. haha
You will be in my prayers.
GF--I am talking about psychologist Bob, not innkeeper Bob, that had Ilelson's name as producer. I still think one of the funniest episodes was when Bob had to speak at a nudist camp!
Or better yet, the final episode of innkeeper Bob! :)
Well, we had our carpets cleaned today. We wanted to wait until the cabinets were put in, but at this point we dont know when they will get here. One nice thing about this area, they DRY out pretty quickly! :) But my wife and I moved a lot of
furniture out and back in.
Well, off to the ironing board,
MDC
May 13, 2021 - Msg 116622:
That is, the CARPETS dry quickly, not the cabinets! ha
May 15, 2021 - Msg 116623:
Wow, where is everyone?? Sure hope you are all doing OK.
All is well here. Just hot, as stated above.
However, we are supposed to get a bit of a break this
coming week with highs only in the 80s.
I have still been trying to get me-tv. Am going to buy
a new antenna this weekend to see if that helps.
That is the recommendation of the station here that
carries it.
BOO--how goes things with Erin? And any word on a job?
RO--you doing alright? Haven't heard from you in a while.
Well, I feel like I'm talking to myself, so I guess
I'll sign off. (haha, as barney would say.)
Prayers,
MDC :)
May 15, 2021 - Msg 116624:
MDC, before you go to purchase another antenna, have you tried moving it or at least pointing it at a different direction. Whenever I watch the digital channels, the positioning of the antenna is critical and sensitive.
And as for your comment about feeling like you are talking to yourself, I get the same feeling posting here. I guess others have either lost interest or prefer other social media.
I don't use those other forms of social media because I am well aware of their security flaws. Just one extreme example is https://tinyurl.com/2era9ty6
And for those of you who don't understand the dangers, check out https://tinyurl.com/8a7v7bc3
from Poor Horatio
May 15, 2021 - Msg 116625:
Hmmm, that second link of mine above has a problem. Instead, check out https://www.f-secure.com/en/home/articles/why-do-hackers-want-your-personal-information
from Poor Horatio
May 15, 2021 - Msg 116626:
PH...Don’t feel like you are talking to yourself...I enjoy your links of wisdom and advice.. As for me I just step back a little from time to time to connect with my other interests. I’ve been working on some projects for friends, family and for the Mayberry Days auction. I also contribute by making some door prizes for the Meet-Up in July...
I may add it is FINALLY getting warm here in Ohio so I get out and do some yard work and gardening...
MDC...I hope you get your MeTV problem solved because it’s a good network with a lot of good programming..
Hope all is well with other Porch Folk and everyone is doing as good as they can...Sometimes that is as good as it gets..”As Well As We Can!”...Lol
I’m off to help put a roof on my Sisters deck today...Goob is in-charge of cutting wood ON THE GROUND.. Not up to climbing ladders to much quite yet...
Peace Love and Little Doughnuts....G-F
May 15, 2021 - Msg 116627:
How-do, porch! Looks like I'm not the only one who has been scarce lately. We need to have a meet-up here on the porch, and encourage some of our stragglers to come back home, at least now and then. I miss those fun days when we'd have to bring in extra rockers!
As I told you earlier, the plumbers finished last week on Friday. The inspector came on Monday and approved it all, so Ted came on Tuesday and began closing up all the holes in the walls. He got all the cut-outs replaced, and the taping and bedding done, and left it to dry. He came back on Wednesday and blended the "roughing" over the plastered areas, and returned Thursday morning and painted the repaired areas. You cannot tell where the work was done. He's very skillful. He finished off that day by doing some repair and replacement on my back yard lights, installed a new shower head in the front hall bathroom, painted some scuff marks on the ironwork that defines my dining room, and did several other little "honey-do" things around here. He's a good worker, and more importantly, he's a good friend.
Now, at Ted's suggestion, I'm waiting 30 days, and then the glass people will come and replace my picture window. Ted said I should wait and allow the wet area from the water leak to dry out, on the outside chance that the window cracked due to some minor settling of the foundation. It could have been due to that, but it most likely was due to an drastic temperature change. It happened the morning after we had that freakish -3° freeze, and then the sun came out brightly and a strong beam hit that window, and I heard it crack. Still, I'm going to wait the 30 days.
Our weather is still weird. Here it is, the middle of May, and the nights are still quite cool, I've even had the furnace on a few times in the last week, and trust me, that's not the norm around here. I don't mind, because the a/c isn't running much, and my electric bill won't scare me, but it just feels weird!
Well, guess I'll go scare up some lunch. Maybe I'll just slice up an apple, and dip them in a little peanut butter. Nutritious, and delicious, and all I'll want. That and some cranberry juice, and I'll be a happy camper. Blessings, friends. Keep looking up! --Romeena
May 15, 2021 - Msg 116628:
"Due to a drastic temperature change", not "an drastic". Sorry! Grrrr! --Romeena
May 15, 2021 - Msg 116629:
RO--I dont know how far back you
have looked in the archived last post,
but I mentioned how a living trust
can save a lot of probate headaches.
.
MDC
May 15, 2021 - Msg 116630:
and grrr here too...postS! :)
May 16, 2021 - Msg 116631:
PH--believe me, I am now a 'certified' contortionist! ha
I have tried moving the antenna (a flat kind) in every place and position
possible! But I have since found out the station has moved their equipment further away, so I think I need a stronger antenna, or
a better 'electronal' gismo to pick up the signal. If a new antenna makes no
difference, I can return it. (Remember the days when every house had a big one on the roof!
On a different retro channel I get the program called 12 O'Clock High.
I find it so very interesting to see some of what my dad must have
gone thru as a bomber pilot. Yes, it is a TV version, but some of
what he had told me is very similar to the program.
The channel is called H & I, standing for Heroes and Icons, and on Saturdays it features such programs.
RO- so good to hear that the plumbing went so well.
The little red wheel is again as it should be. :)
GF--so nice of you to make those door prizes.
As things loosen up, I hope it is a good Mayberry Days.
I loved your Diamond Jim get-up from last year.
Be safe on your sister's ground!! haha
Well, Good Sabbath to all!
God's peace to you.
MDC
May 16, 2021 - Msg 116632:
Good Sabbath all.
MDC, That is surprising that they would have done things to interrupt ME TV signal. I would think that would be a very popular channel in your market. I hope you can get a signal back soon.
Romeena, I am so glad your plumbing repairs are done and done and that you have a trusted and skillful person in Ted who can help you out the way he does. I'm sure that you consider him a blessing.
GF, You are a fine feller doing all you do in regards to the auctions. My little copper statue you made me for my retirement still stands proudly on the top of my desk in "Manland".
PH, Your links supplied confirm my reasons for not being on social media. And as GF mentioned, with the warmer weather and several projects I am working on currently, I just have not had much time to sit and rock. I've been a bad, ba-ad porchter (in my best Emma Brand voice). lol
Stacey got a message fron the Junior High school telling her that Mariah has been exposed to Covid at school and they are all in quarantine again. So that is just about going to be the end of the school season for them. Thankfully non of them have gotten sick (other than Matt who was sick from another source a few weeks ago. I sure wish this cr-ap would go away. I'm sure that is a wish we all had.
Well I was watching our Sacrament meeting on Zoom this morning when all of a sudden we lost the feed part way into it. Oh well, hopefully our Sunday School feed will work here in a few minutes.
I hope and pray all have a blessed Sabbath. MDC, I hope those cabinets get here someday. I guess right now is not a good time to be building anything with lumber prices being what they are.
Asa
May 16, 2021 - Msg 116633:
Hello friends. I admit I have been scarce lately but it's nothing personal. Sometimes I just feel like I don't have anything positive to contribute and hate posting anything negative. Ive don't so much of that the past year. I know this is a great support group, though, and I should stop in more often.
It rained like crazy here today and, like Ro said, the temps have been much nicer than usual. I only remember one hot day this month, which is unusual. Now, if we could just get rid of the mosquitos we could really enjoy being outside. Bruce sprayed the grass with something that helped but it will have to be done again. Everything is so pretty and green and almost all my plants came back more beautiful than ever since the freeze last winter. I only had to replace a couple of hibiscus plants. My beautiful esperanza and sage bush are even back. yay. Its looking really pretty around here. The grass has taken a beating this year and we will have to reseed but it still looks pretty good. We are going to take out some more trees because some of the grass is missing in areas due to the shade. Anyway, we are enjoying the spring.
MDC, I have not heard back about the job I applied for but I didn't get an initial email saying that the process takes time and if I didn't qualify for the position they would email me. I guess no news is good news. Right now I am enjoying being at home and have learning how to sew some projects by watching YouTube tutorials. Im sure you all remember by best friend Karen who passed away years ago, leaving young children. Well, her son Zach, who married two years ago, is expecting his first child in July and he has a wonderfully sweet wife who is an elementary school teacher. I just love her. Anyway, I wanted to sew some things for the baby (Charlie) so looked at some tutorials and made a cute book bag with a pocket for crayons on the front, and a quilted bib and burp cloth. It kind of got me started on wanting to try some other things so I made a couple of really cute totes for myself and St. Susan (her birthday is on the 19th) and I have been making some little things she might like. I am also having her over for her favorite supper on her birthday. I am going to make her favorite childhood meal that mom always made her on her birthday. She always requested fried chicken, rice with gravy and green peas, which is what she will get. I am also going to make her a lemon birthday cake from scratch. I want to make her day special because she is so precious. When we were growing up, that is what mom would always do for us. We got to choose our favorite meal and dessert on our birthday, and we always got one gift. I always asked for mom's spaghetti with garlic bread and banana pudding for dessert. My mom made this wonderful banana pudding from scratch. She made vanilla pudding and layered it in a pink pyrex bowl with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers. She would make it a day ahead so it the wafers would get soft. Talk about good! I miss those days when mom did things to make us feel special. I think this year on my birthday I will make myself spaghetti and banana pudding the way mom made it.
MDC, Erin is in San Antonio and they are trying to save up money for a car and apply for housing down here. I don't know how long it will take but I know she has to come down for her neurology appointment on June 3rd and she is a bridesmaid in a wedding here that week, too. We still have her dog, King, but he is safe here. He is a precious, precious dog and I want him to be well cared for. He is a dog with a very good temperament and a quick learner. He is active but he doesn't destroy things like my labs did. He chews on toys and not my belongings. lol
Our Dog Ollie is not feeling well so I am going to have to get him to the vet which is a terrible thing because he is so terrified that he gets mean and has to be muzzled. I just hate the whole process but he is past due and I know he has some issues. He hasn't been eating this weekend and for him to not eat, well, something is wrong.
I guess I have you caught up for the most part. Blessings to all of my porch family.
Boo
May 17, 2021 - Msg 116634:
Well, "all is well in Me-TV land," to misquote deputy Floyd! :)
It did indeed come down to a new antenna.
The one I had was purchased in 2009, with about a 40 mile range.
The 'Walmart special' that I bought today for 29.99 has a 100
mile range which I needed to reach where the station had moved it's transmitter to. So this time when I re-did a channel scan, it picked up
83 channels, 30 of which were spanish speaking, so I deleted those, along with a few shopping channels. ME-TV is now crystal clear!
This new one is another flat antenna, but it also has a 'power booster' attached that plugs into a regular electrical socket.
BOO--thanks for that nice post. It sounds like Erin is doing better. St. Susan will certainly be pleased with her favorite meal, tho I am surprized that she liked peas as a kid! ha :)
ASA- this area has grown so much in the last 15 years. We have droves coming here from California. I am getting concerned because Lake Mead is way down,
and even tho they have known for years about an impending water shortage,
they just keep building new homes here! I hope your second meeting went OK.
We have been having "live" church for quite some time now. We wear masks and
use only every other pew. Most are now fully vacinated too. So great to be
singing and fellowshipping again.
You are all in my daily prayers,
MDC :)
May 18, 2021 - Msg 116635:
I gotta get me one of those fancy antennas. Been using a coat hanger for months, before that a shrimp fork. Can't get nothing but the collector pennies channel.
Regis.
May 18, 2021 - Msg 116636:
Thank, MDC. I owed you all a long post.
Bruce has one of those antennas like you mentioned on his TV but I just have ROKU on mine. I watch a lot of YouTube tutorials and TED talks, documentaries, etc. I don't get much TAGS but I can watch one season for free.
I finished St Susan's birthday cake today and it is in the refrigerator. I made a three layer lemon with lemon curd between the layers, along with a delicious cream cheese lemon frosting. Its going to by outstanding and she will love it.
The bad weather has been gone for the day but is supposed to return tonight. The thunder woke me off and on most of the night last night.
MDC, we have been deluged with Californians here in Texas, too, especially in the Austin area. Down here in the Corpus Christi area things have exploded due to a new Exxon plant, among other businesses. We try not to even get on the road at certain times of the day because our roads just cant handle the traffic. There is constant construction in an attempt to build roads to meet the demand. I am ready to move to a smaller town, as I have said before. Have to wait for Bruce to finally retire.
I don't know if I mentioned it before but Sean is thinking about moving to Florida, St. Petersburg, actually. He has friends there and since he is having trouble finding work here and is pretty socially isolated, he is thinking about trying it out there. Being gay, he really feels like the outcast around here and I know he would have a community in Florida, to get involved in and a church that would be accepting. I really don't think he will be able to leave his family and his dog, though. We shall see.
Time to take a rest. Its been a long and busy day.
Boo
May 19, 2021 - Msg 116637:
HI ALL, Regis, good to hear from ya. Maybe you need to add some tin foil to that coat hanger! haha. Better yet, with all the plastic hangers around these days,
ya better check to see if yours is metal! haha again. :)
BOO--that cake sounds scrumptious! I'll check FB later to see if you posted
a pic of it. So Sean may finally fly the coop, eh? And to Florida yet,
wow, that should be an adventure. But he's in his 20s now, so I bet he will
do just fine!
Well, I'm watching tags again on me-tv! woohoo. So I'll do my 'guess the ep'
thing with a one-liner from tonight: "Pa, we need to talk about the 75 cent rule."
OK, 2 lines... "I am not sensitive!" :)
Hang in there gang. As most are now inarculated here, the masks are coming off! Most store doors now say 'masks recommended.'
Prayers,
MDC
May 19, 2021 - Msg 116638:
MDC...Also “Don’t get your Clothes Dirty”...Many good lines in that episode..”Opie and the Spoiled Kid”.
And Yes,, I got to meet “Arnold Winkler” Ronnie Dapo at M/D’s.... Nice Guy!
While still on the episode, a funny one about when Opie has his fit. My 5yr. old granddaughter Olivia and I had been watching that episode one day, when I was babysitting her. When her Mother came home from work she was upset about something at work that day, she said : I’m SO mad I’m about to have a fit!...Olivia (straight faced) said....Mommy just don’t get your clothes dirty!...I about busted a gut!...Yep, a GREAT Grandpa Goober Mayberry moment!....
G-F
May 19, 2021 - Msg 116639:
Morning all.
GF, What a delightful story about you and Olivia. Training her up the right way. Good job buddy.
MDC, I got a good laugh when you told Regis to make sure hir hanger wasn't plastic. You treat him like he is a blonde. lol
I might have to invest in one of those antenna's my own self. I have about had a gut full of the price increases from DISH. I keep cutting more and more stations to keep the price down but before long the only thing that's going to be left are the selling stations.
Boo, It's so good to see you make a couple of posts. I miss reading about your family. My oldest Daughter lives near St. Petersburg and she really likes it. At least the climate. She loves the beach and the ocean. I hope it works out for him if he decides to go.
Well I have some tragic news to report. I have suspected for a while that I have some type of critter or critters living in the attic above my garage. I have heard movement under my rood eves in the front for a while now and recently saw some evidence of dropping on my driveway right under the gable peak where there is a gable vent. It's not a regular type of gable vent but rather is done with brick in a decorative pattern with gaps in it to allow for ventilation. There is supposed to be a screen on the back side of the vent, but it has either come loose or dislodged because it is now the main entrance for a Holiday Inn for bats. Yep, my worst fear. I have bats in the attic. I called in a pro and learned a lot about the critters. First off they are protected by both federal and state laws. It is unlawful for even him, with a State certificate to do anything about them from June 1st until the end of September, when they are likely having babies. So he said I had called in the nick of time. Anyway, he has sealed off the perimeter of the house with the exception of the gable end, where he has installed a one way vent appliance on it. This allows the bats to exit but they can't get back in. He said after about a week, they should all be gone by that time. Then they have a crew go up and check to make sure they are all gone, and do any clean up that will be needed and then fix the vent screen. Just what I need, bats in my attic. Needless to say, I will be happy when this little adventure is done. And it ain't cheap either. Rotten things. I know they are an important part of the ego system but they can be important somewhere else dag blamit!
Well just talking about them makes me feel dirty and makes me want to take another shower.
I have a 6 month follow-up appointment with my Dermatologist tomorrow. She had to remove a small skin cancer on my head back last November. She did a bang up job I think because everything looks and feels fine. So I am hoping it will be a good visit. And she is very easy on the eyes anyhow.
Well best be off. Doing laundry today.
Asa
P.S. A sure sign your getting old is when your knee's buckle but your belt won't. lol
Asa
May 19, 2021 - Msg 116640:
Asa...BATS?..🦇🦇🦇 😱Oh My!...If you go into the garage, be SURE you wear your hat Buddy!..
Maybe you can put some Witch Hazel on Larry the Christmas Bat 🦇 and woo it out with his scent?...I know if I was a bat that’s what I’d do....🤷🏼♂️ *It works like Midnight Madness!
Here we thought you had a Man-Cave out there...Fact is you got you a BAT-Cave instead!...G-F
May 19, 2021 - Msg 116641:
Good afternoon, porch! So good to hear from all of you, and mostly good news. Things are fine here, just waiting now to allow any wet spot that might have resulted from the water leak to dry out and any settling that might result from that to manifest itself. Another couple of weeks, and I'll be able to get the new window in place. Sure am happy to have that leak issue off my mind.
(Teehee) Asa, I'm sorry but I just can't suppress a little giggle. Bats in your attic? That's just too funny - you, with bats in your attic, of all people. I actually have a bat house mounted on a tall pole in my back yard, been there for years, and never got a single bat in it!! Talk about irony! I did everything but buy some guano to smear in the little house, to attract them. Never got that done, and all that ever lived in there was a silly squirrel who was determined to build a twig nest in there, and ended up dislodging the little pegs that the bats would have clung to. Now, nothing lives in it, it just sits there, on top of an 18' pole! Meanwhile, the mosquito population continues to explode. Miserable critters.
We have had rain every day since last Saturday, my grass is about 6-7" high, and is going to give poor Eddie and his bad knees a very hard time. It's still too wet to get in here and mow, it'll probably be a foot high when he finally can get to it. More rain is expected tomorrow, and every day to varying degrees through the end of next week! I'm trying to find a used ark somewhere, cheap. I know I can't build one myself.
Well, I think I'll get a big glass of tea, get in my chair with Trinket in my lap, get MeTV on the TV, and relax for the evening. MDC, I'm glad you finally found something that works for you, and Asa, you didn't say whether you get that channel or not, but I hope you do. That's about all I watch, that and the Hallmark channels, and the NatGeo channels. The local channels are available to me, but there's never anything on them that I'm interested in. Well, maybe KERA, when they've got some good British comedies on. Love Hyacinth! (Poor long-suffering Richard!)
Boo, hang in there. Sounds like things are gradually improving for you. I hope it holds out. I'm happy you have some furkids to fill some gaps. They're very good at that.
Blessings, everyone. Keep looking up! --Romeena
May 20, 2021 - Msg 116642:
Good Evening!
Ha to ASA, I too must comment...don't let em lay eggs in your hair, and
not because of going crazy, but because then no one could touch you from June to September! hardy har har. :)
Oh, and here ya go...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSaDPc1Cs5U
If blonde jokes are still OK here, how about the blonde who couldn't remember the Batman theme song lyrics! :) (If you don't 'get it', listen to the link above.) lol
ASA- the antenna I got was 29.99 from Walmart. It has a great range, and made by GE.
You could try it, and if you dont get the channels you want, (you must do a full channel scan to initiate it) you could always return it.
RO--'round this house, tags trumps everything from 7 to 8 PM. (now that i got it back on the air, that is.) One of my favs tonite...Mr. McBeevee! Our world is so crazy right now, that one hour sure gives me some smiles. We need to repent, and pray that God will heal our land.
I've seen on the weather reports of lots of rain in the whole southern area of the US, with flooding too. Hope you are OK there.
GF--very cool that you got to meet "Arnold!" I also love what Olivia did! How cute!
Are you making and unique wood cut outs for this year's meet up?
Pease,
MDC
May 20, 2021 - Msg 116643:
MDC...I’m doing a Mr. Cookie bar, and stained glass of Andy and Opie walking to the Fishing hole ....G-F
May 20, 2021 - Msg 116644:
G-F, pictures, please! --Romeena
May 21, 2021 - Msg 116645:
Thanks for the kind comments, everyone. Its good to be posting more.
MDC, I forgot to post a picture of the lemon cake! I didn't decorate it special, just iced it. It was really good, but the recipe called for cake flour instead of regular flour so I used cake flour. Its to make the cake lighter, but I thought the texture was a little funny. No one else seemed to notice it but me, but anyway, it was a hit. St Susan loved her birthday dinner and the fried chicken was a hit. I tried something different this time after watching a YouTube tutorial. I seasoned the chicken and soaked it overnight in buttermilk. When I was ready to fry it, I waited until my oil temperature was up to 300 and I coated the chicken in self-rising flour with a little corn starch (I know you cant use that Asa). Anyway, that was the best fried chicken I have ever made. It was very crispy. Everything turned out just right and Susan told me later that it felt like Mom was making her favorite supper for her again. That was the best compliment she could have given me. St. Susan turned 64 and wasn't very happy about it, though. lol
Holiday Inn for Bats!! hahahaha...too funny, Asa.
Good luck with that.
We have had an unbelievable amount of rain and now they are predicting a possible tropical storm in the next 48 hours. No big deal if it isn't a hurricane, we don't even blink at it around here. We are sitting on high ground.
Lots to do this week and we are planning a family and a few friend get together on Sunday afternoon. Its almost two years since we have had a real family gathering and those coming have had their vaccine series. It should be fun and I have people bringing sides and dessert so it wont be too much work...well, it will, but not as much work. ha.
I pick up Erin in San Antonio in a week to bring her down here for a week. She is a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding and she finally has her appointment with the neurologist that we have been waiting on for months. Maybe we can get some answers. She has been have some pretty bad headaches the last few weeks. I its related to the fibromyalgia abut maybe they can give her something to help.
I have been working on a sewing project today and have ripped out more seams than I have sewn! Why do I do this to myself?! I now have to go replace the broken needle in my machine and clean up the countless threads about the kitchen and living room! Toodles!
Boo
May 21, 2021 - Msg 116646:
Sorry about the typos...I got going too fast, like when you start running down a hill and your legs get to moving faster than they safely can. heehee
Boo
May 22, 2021 - Msg 116647:
BOO--That was so nice of you to do that for your sis! :)
Here is a little something just for her:
(It's not quite what you may be thinking!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfqrbql5oCA
I have been hearing about all the rain in so many places.
At least your grass will green up quickly!
Have fun with your friends and family.
Prayers continue for Erin.
I am enjoying the month of MAYberry on me-tv.
They are going to air the first episode of
Mayberry RFD soon.
Masks are pretty well done here. Most store now just say
'masks recommended.' We're now vaccinated, but remember, it is really
more like a flu shot than a true vaccine, so like any flu of the past
I hope that my proactive protocols (zinc, etc) will also be a big help.
Our weather here is down again into the 80s for a few days, and will even be 57 for a low tonight.
And as Rev would say on his sign-offs, Jesus love you! :)
MDC
May 22, 2021 - Msg 116648:
Oh, ASA, you may find this interesting, I did!
On May 18, 1969, Apollo 10 astronauts Thomas Stafford, Gene Cernan and John Young launched from (what was then) Cape Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39B. Apollo 10 was a complete “dress rehearsal” Moon landing, without actually making contact with the lunar surface. It was an important mission as Apollo 11 would not be ready to land on the Moon as planned without Apollo 10’s run-through. And, just in case the Apollo 10 astronauts got "sooner fever" and tried to land the lunar module, NASA purposely did not fuel the portion that would lift them back off the lunar surface...a pretty good incentive to keep it as only a dress rehearsal.
Also, what many may not know is the relationship between Charles Schultz’s “Peanuts” characters and NASA during this mission and throughout its history.
NASA began collaborating with Schulz in the 1960s. As a popular household character, Snoopy became the mascot for NASA’s spaceflight safety initiative. Schulz created comic strips of Snoopy on the Moon, helping to inspire excitement about America’s space program.
These beloved characters became the mascots of Apollo 10. The command module was named Charlie Brown and the lunar module was named Snoopy. Because the lunar module was set to skim over the surface of the Moon, it was named Snoopy because it was only going to “snoop” around Apollo 11’s future landing site. Therefore, it was also fitting that the command module be named Charlie Brown, Snoopy’s companion. When the lunar module rendezvoused with the command module after surveying the Moon’s surface, astronaut Thomas Stafford said, "Snoopy and Charlie Brown are hugging each other, time to go home."
MDC
May 22, 2021 - Msg 116649:
Good morning, porch! Interesting comments, good to see Boo back on board. By the way, Boo, I'm wondering....Does Erin drink diet sodas or otherwise use artificial sweeteners? I ask because (besides tasting like cough syrup) those things will give me terrible migraine headaches. I found that out years ago, in the early 90's, when Dale and I decided to lose some weight and started drinking diet Pepsi and Dr. Pepper, instead of the regular ones. We thought we would lose a little weight, but of course, we didn't. Those things don't help. Their sweet taste fools your body into thinking you have just consumed some sugar, it produces a little extra insulin, and you feel hungry, so you eat more. I remember a lady at church who must have weighed at least 300 lbs. At any group meal, she would have enough food in front of her for two field hands, but she always drank tea, sweetening it with some artificial sweetener. I asked her once how she could stand the taste of the stuff, and she replied that she really didn't like it, but used it instead of sugar "because I can't afford the calories." That was her story, and she stuck to it.
Anyway, as I was saying, we went on a weight-loss campaign, and choked down the diet sodas. I had never consumed artificial sweeteners before. Well, in about three weeks, I began having migraines. Two or three a week, bad enough to send me home from work at times, and that's a no-no when you're a hospital nurse. Somebody has to take over your slot of patients, and they aren't happy about that. A doctor gave me a prescription for some pills, that just about knocked me out, and made me feel dizzy and nauseous. Finally, Dale remarked that it all started after we started drinking diet sodas. So, we trashed them, and within a week, my migraines vanished, and have never returned. In fact, I haven't even had a plain old headache since then. So, if Erin uses the diet stuff, maybe she could drop it for a while and see if it helps???
Our weather has been weird, too. We've had rain every day now for over a week, and it's predicted all the way through next week as well. My grass is nearly 7" tall, thick as cat fur, and Eddie's lawnmower is going to run away from home when it sees what he expects it to mow. For that matter, Eddie might run away, too!
There is a blessing in the cloudy weather, though. Last night, I was watching TV in the living room, and noticed it was fairly warm in the room, but I could hear the a/c running. I checked the thermostat, and it was set on 73°, but room temp was 79°. Hmmm. I turned it off, and turned on the ceiling fan, and that helped. I called David, and he'll come as soon as he can. He had a big a/c install scheduled for today, but may be able to get to it tomorrow or Monday. He's scheduled out of town for the rest of next week. I reeaaallly hope it's something simple. Meantime, I'll be fine, as the temps are predicted for the 70s and 80s next week, I have ceiling fans in every room in the house except the dining room, and I grew up in an era (and location) in which a room temp of 85° in the summer would have been considered comfortable.
Well, guess I'd better get busy. Blessings, everyone. Keep looking up! --Romeena
May 22, 2021 - Msg 116650:
Thanks for sharing the video, MDC. Heehee Thanks for those prayers for Erin.
Ro, Erin doesn't drink soda or use known artificial sweeteners, but thanks for asking. I drink an occasional Cole Zero but sodas aren't my thing and I don't use any other kinds of artificial sweeteners. If I used much of it I would get headaches, too. As seldom as I have sodas, I might as well have a real one, which is so much better.
It didn't rain here today but the mosquitos are unbelievable! Ugh.
Well, better go get some chores done.
Boo
May 23, 2021 - Msg 116651:
Good morning, porch! Just stopped by for a moment, getting ready for church. I'll be picking up a friend who can no longer drive, so can't play hooky. It's tempting sometimes, especially when I can tune in to the service on Facebook. Still, there's nothing like being there. "Forsake not the gathering of yourselves together, as the manner of some is." (Hebrews 10:25)
David came yesterday afternoon and fixed my a/c quickly and easily. It was the cut-off device he had installed a few years ago, that shuts the a/c off if the condensation drain clogs up. It keeps the resulting overflow from running out into the house. Apparently with the unusually high humidity we've had for well over a week, the drain system was overwhelmed, and just shut the compressor down. Since it doesn't affect the air handler, it keeps running, and it takes a while to notice that it's just the fan that's working. Anyway, it's fixed now! Knowledgeable sons are a very valuable commodity.
Boo, I'm glad Erin doesn't use artificial sweeteners. I wish no one did. Those things can cause kidney problems, and they don't help to control one's weight. Like you, I just drink an occasional real soda, maybe once or twice a month, as a special treat. I drink plain tea, which I have always liked just about as much as sweet tea. I don't even miss the sugar.
Well, better get in there and feed the Trink, and figure out what to wear to church. Have to remember to make sure my umbrella is in the car, as a group of us will probably go to lunch afterward, and it looks like it could "clabber up" and rain again, like it did last Sunday. We have had rain every day for so long now, it's like living in Seattle!
Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
May 24, 2021 - Msg 116652:
Hello all! I hope everyone had a good Sabbath day.
Today at church we celebrated the feast of Pentecost.
Thank you Holy Spirit for being our constant 24/7 counselor.
RO--good to see that your ac fix was a pretty simple one.
I had been thinking, 'great, all she needs is another big bill!'
Well it was a good day for AZ. Phil Mickelson, and ASU golf team grad, won the PGA championship in South Carolina. (HI POSSUM!) And, the Phx Suns won a playoff game after 11 years
of no playoffs! Tho I do note that it was a shortened season, and I am disappointed with the NBA's china connection. But
I wont get into all that.
Our weather was in the 80s again today which is quite nice for this late in May.
Y'all hang in there now,
MDC
May 24, 2021 - Msg 116653:
Good morning all.
MDC, I had a very nice Sabbath day, thank you. It was a cool and wet day. Nice to get some much needed rain. And wonderful services at Church that I watched on-line.
Romeena, I am glad your a/c issue was a minor one and that your Son is available to help you with such things. Those condensate drains can be problematic. Thet tend to grow algee in them and plug up a lot. I know I had several that did that at work. So I bought a nifty little blast kit. It comes with small cartridges of nitrogen and you just set the nozzle into the drain opening and give it a blast. Worked really well on the applications I used it on.
Boo, How did the gathering go? Well I hope. You are correct. I can't abide corn starch. Gives me terrible headaches. Just a thought for Erin. That stuff is hidden in so many foods. It took us forever to figure that out. I have tried using potato starch as a substitute and it does pretty good I think.
MDC, Very interesting stuff there about Schultz and his cartoon characters and Apollo 10. The LEM went into a wild tumble for a short time during their descent due to pilot error. Thankfully they were able to correct it quickly.
GF, and all, The bat battle continues. It has been a week with the one way vent installed. They are supposed to be back this week to check and see if they are all gone. And then the clean up phase starts. Hopefully it all goes well.
Guees I best get rolling.
Prayers for all.
Asa
May 24, 2021 - Msg 116654:
Good afternoon, porch! Another gray, cloudy, semi-warm day. We have had rain almost every day for at least ten days now, and it's predicted for every day until a week from Wednesday, except for Thursday and next Monday, which will be cloudy, but no rain predicted. We are expecting thunderstorms tomorrow, and Eddie was planning to mow! Maybe he'll be able to get in here on Thursday. My grass is 8" high, and I just dare the city to write me a citation!
Asa, can you put up a little sign for the bats, directing them to my house? They can't get in my attic, my chimney has a wire grate over it, and my eaves are all secure, but if they'd like to come here, I'll put up a new bat house for them. The pole is secure, it just needs a new house on it, and I can do that. The mosquitoes are carnivorous around here, so would love to have some bats to gobble them up! No, I ain't a-skeered of 'em!
Looks like it's getting to rain on our heads again today. It already rained this morning, but sure looks like it's going to do it again. I declare, I think the trees are going to mildew!
I had to laugh at Trinket a little while ago. We had been watching TV in my chair, and she was lying on my lap, little rear against my hip, and her head on my knee. Suddenly she just sat straight up, and fell back against me, her head in the hollow of my shoulder. Big sigh, and off to sleep she went. That was funny, but in a little while I needed to get up, so tried to push her forward so she could hop down. The little brat stiffened up and pushed back against my shoulder as hard as she could. She was comfortable and did not see any point in getting down! I had to really wrestle with her to get her out of my lap! I think it's possible that she could be a bit spoiled. Ya think?
Well, guess I'll return to my chair, and see how long it takes before she makes a flying leap and lands in my lap again. I do love that little dog! She makes me laugh all the time, and that's a gift that has no price. God knew what He was doing when He created our dogs (and cats!) to be our companions. I don't have a cat, since I love dogs so much, but I do like cats, even the ones with cattitude.
Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
May 24, 2021 - Msg 116655:
I didn't know about the peanuts characters and NASA, MDC. Did I ever tell you all that my brother, David knew Shultz? David was a golfing coach at a college in Santa Rosa, CA, and he and Shultz used to golf together years ago. Dave said he was a nice guy, but my bro is a man of few words and didn't say much else.
No rain here today but expecting more tonight. One of my friends from out of town asked me if we are worrying about flooding down here. I told him, "No, the mosquitoes are big enough to save us". Its unbelievable. I was in Walmart today and some big mosquitoes were buzzing me in the grocery isle. There is no getting away from them completely.
Funny about Trinket, Ro! This morning I woke up and Erin's dog King was lying in my chair like he owned it. He knows he isn't supposed to be up there. He's so cute but man, he sheds like crazy.
Asa, the gathering went great. We have another one here on Sunday so have some things to do. It should be fun but will have to be inside, mostly due to the mosquitoes.
Hope you all have a great evening. Take care!
Boo
May 25, 2021 - Msg 116656:
Boo...A point to ponder.....🤔🤔🤔
https://batslive.pwnet.org/edubat/final_calculate_the_value_of_bats.pdf I think we know a person who will GLADLY send you one 🦇 on a exchange student program...One bat for two good laying 🥚 hens 🐓 🐓.....Just a Thought! 🤷🏼♂️
G-F
May 25, 2021 - Msg 116657:
*I know if I was a bat 🦇 that’s what I do!...lol
May 25, 2021 - Msg 116658:
Good morning, porch! It's raining buckets here this morning. For a few minutes, I could just barely see my back fence! It's slowed a little now, but still raining very hard. All birdbaths are overflowing, and a very wet squirrel just passed by my window, dripping, his little soggy tail dragging! Poor little guy. He could come get on my windowsill, but he probably won't. It's not high enough off the ground, just a little over two feet. It's dry, though. The squirrels visit it now and then, just peering in and watching me, but they don't stay long. Afraid of cats, I guess.
I have some bulbs that need to be planted, but it's too wet to get out there and do it. I'd sink in mud to my ankles in those flowerbeds, with their soft dirt, which is now mud. Poor things are sprouting in the bags they're in!
Boo, I'll match you mosquito for mosquito! Some are big enough to be the state bird, and they are so persistent! I had one in the house, but couldn't find him! I knew he was here, from the welts his bite would raise on me, but I couldn't find him. Finally, he drifted past between me and the TV screen, and I saw him. My trusty little spray bottle of rubbing alcohol was in reach, I grabbed it and spritzed him, and he just spiraled down to the floor. I picked him up with a tissue, rubbed him out, and flushed the whole tissue. Gotcha! Miserable wretch.
Well, guess I'll scratch up some lunch. I've got a can of tuna, to which I'll add some chopped sweet onion, some pickle relish - both dill and sweet - some chopped pecans, a little Tabasco and some Miracle Whip. There will be enough for about four sandwiches, so I've got tonight and tomorrow covered as well.
I may have asked this before, but have y'all tried Frito-Lay's Poppables? They are so good, so light and crispy, and there are five flavors. The bag I have open now is the White Cheddar flavor, but I think my favorite is the Salt and Vinegar. Actually, they're all good.
Here's a soup you might like to try, if you like mushrooms. I started with a leftover half of a pan-grilled steak. I diced it up into small pieces. In a non-stick skillet, I melted about two tablespoons of butter, and put in some chopped sweet onion and a box of sliced mushrooms. I used the bellas, but the white mushrooms would be just as good. After the onions and mushrooms were getting soft, I added the chopped steak. I let that cook a little more, then added a can of Campbell's cream of mushroom soup, and a can of buttermilk. If you think you don't like buttermilk, you could use sweet milk (if you just must) but the buttermilk added a lovely "tang" to the flavors. A couple of dashes of Worc#stershire sauce, and a few dashes of Tabasco, stirred it up, let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes, and it made a really rich and delicious soup. Try it!
Well, the rain has stopped, but it surely is dark outside. So glad I can just stay in, stay warm and dry, and relax. God is good! Blessings, friends. Keep looking up! --Romeena