November 19, 2021 - Msg 117290: Good morning, porch! Got a few minutes here, houseguests have gone to get some cat food. I could think of something to feed those cats, if I didn't love animals like I do. (OK, hush, Lanni!)

I too have noticed the two farms being on the same place.

Thank you all for your prayers, the situation should be resolved by Monday morning at the latest. I think I've made it clear, but so far, I don't see any actual action. Have spoken to our pastor, and learned that much has been done by the church over quite a few years, but it only lasts a few weeks or few months, and the problem returns. As I said, no good deed ever goes unpunished. I have learned my lesson. I asked for it, and heaven knows, I got it!!

See you later, when the dust settles. --Romeena
November 19, 2021 - Msg 117291: My best to you, Romeena. I have taken in people in difficult situations and then second guessed my decision. Your good deeds will always be your comfort. As much as you think "What do I do?!" Remember, what you did was of good intention, good heart and looking out for another.

My best,
John Masters

Hey to the Porch! I have to go now....Burl Ives is singing "Rudolph." ;D
November 19, 2021 - Msg 117292: Thank you, John Masters. If I told you what has actually taken place here for the past two weeks, you probably wouldn't believe it. Just this, no more...two cats have resided in my sunroom, out of 15 orchids out there, I have four left, hanging by a thread. The room smells horrible, and even though all connecting windows and doors are closed, the stench is creeping into the rest of the house. Thank heaven, I have a large bottle of Febreze. Digging in flowerpots results in muddy paws, and has been transferred to upholstery. Will require shampooing. Litterbox is emptied on request only.

Suffice to say, for me to actually appeal to my pastor for help with the situation, should speak volumes. Prayers are much appreciated. --Romeena
November 19, 2021 - Msg 117293:

Good sweep Ro, and just keep on sweeping those cats
right outta the house! Ha! My, what a 'situation.'

I have a theory about the second nurse Mary episode on
Me-TV tonight. Most of us think of her as yet another nurse,
but since the first nurse Mary (Julie Adams) was only an episode back,
and this nurse Mary (Sue Ann Langdon) was dressed in the same exact
uniform as the first, maybe they are really suppose to be "one in the same person,"
much like the 6 different men who played the same Doc Burrage on the Rifleman.
Once again, just me 'overthinking' things perhaps. Anyone else ever think this?

ASA, I hear ya about garage sale folks! ha But back when my wife and I were first married,
we had quite a few 'dupicate' items, and decided to take a pick-up truck load of stuff
to what used to be called 'Park-n-Swap' in the big parking lot of a local dog racing track
(which has since closed and was torn down).
Anyway, as time neared for everyone to leave, I started yelling out "Everything in this truck bed for ten bucks!"
Ten bucks and its all yours!" Almost immediately a guy rushed over, handed me the ten dollars, and
loaded up his own truck a few spaces away! ha We went home in an empty truck! :)

I'm glad your skin exam went well. I also get a look over every six months, having grown up
in this sun-baked area. My doc is also of the female persuasion. Gotta be real careful tho
of what is said nowadays even if said in a most innocent way. I hate to see things so
'touchy' now, but a bunch of yahoo guys who don't know their limits ruined it for all. OK, I'll bit my lip.

Have a good weekend all. Prayers for RO and all!
MDC


November 20, 2021 - Msg 117294: MDC, I suppose I need to remember my main goal is to just get rid of stuff. But there is something about those garage sale shoppers doing that, that just gripes me. I had a sign over my desk at work that read "It's hard to remember your main objective was to drain the swamp when you are up to your ### (behind) in alligators. I guess I should just remember the main objective. :)
Your Nurse Mary theory ain't bad. I always wondered why they changed actresses though when they were back to back episodes. Maybe the mule noses union got mad and had Julie Adams banned. lol

Speaking of Julie Adams I see her show up in a few Alfred Hitc0ck shows. Old Alfred always had some plot twists in his shows.

Prayers continue Romeena, for your headache to end by Monday.

I watched the original Miracle on 34th Street movie last night. Funny to see Fred Mertz in that as a political advisor. And the Judge he was advising was June Lockharts father. He also played the part of Bob Cratchet in A Christmas Carol. His wife in real life played Mrs. Cratchet, and one of the kids was June Lockhart herself. How about that? And you thought I was just another pretty face. :)

Asa
November 23, 2021 - Msg 117295:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEK porchsters!
Wow, the kids here get the whole week off school this year!
What ever happened to just thursday and friday for Thanks-giving break? ha

I hope and pray that everyone is doing ok, and that RO has made
it thru her Gomer guest experience! Ro, please check in when you can.

I saw The Bookie Barber tonight. It's another good episode with
Medwin, Bill Medwin, and some
great lines like 'having the magazines to swing it," and of course,
one of our favs here on the porch...having a 'compelsion!' haha
It is also one of the few episodes where Aunt Bee says she talked to Sarah
at the store rather than on the phone, which then begs the question:
Who was manning the switchboard? :)
The only part i dont like (and maybe I'm over-an@lyzing again) is that it
actually took Bee's gossip for Andy to figure out the whole bookmaking
operation. Oh well, I guess one does over-an@alize after seeing the eps so many times!

I got my blood tests results today. A1C is at 6.1. My doc wants it at 5.6 however.
But my glucose is at 94, so I am happy about that. My WBC is a little low, but some
B-12 should help.

Our Thanksgiving dinner will just be me, C, and her sister and husband.
My sibs all going various other places this year.

Hello to all! Please stop by and sit for a spell when ya can.
PEACE,
MDC
November 23, 2021 - Msg 117296:

Oh ASA, what a good saying!! :)


November 23, 2021 - Msg 117297: Under the heading...It never gets old...https://youtu.be/BGFtV6-ALoQ 🚁🦃🦃🦃 G-F
November 23, 2021 - Msg 117298: Good morning, porch! Well, the storm has passed, "guests" are gone, and I'm left in the shambles. I had provided a refuge for a long-time friend from church, and her 22 year old great-grandson. They were literally homeless, having been evicted from the motel room they were temporarily occupying. So why didn't they call the church for help? Because the church has been helping her, and now, the great-grandson as well, for years. Because that has been a years-long habit, over $25k has been given to them incrementally, and the pastor said "enough!" They have been counseled repeatedly about managing their resources, and don't do it. About once a month for a long time now, she has hit me up for $20 "so we can buy food" and I have given it to her. I'm not alone, she makes the rounds. Now she has her 22 year old great grandson with her, and he works maybe one day a week. I think he wouldn't do that, except he needs his cigarette money! (No, not in my house. Period. He would go sit in their car to smoke.) They were evicted from a motel room they had been in for about a week, because they weren't paying their bill. She asked first if she could stay with me for a few days until her SS check arrived, and I reluctantly agreed. When she arrived, after dark, she informed me that she had the young man with her, waiting on the car, and could he come in too? Again reluctantly, I agreed, and when he came in he was carrying a cat carrier with two cats in it. I wanted to kick them all to the curb, but asked myself "WWJD?" and told them to put the cats in the sunroom, as it can be closed off from the rest of the house. One mistake after another, as I quickly learned. At this writing, my sunroom is a shambles. It stinks to high heaven. Horrible. Out of 15 orchids, I have 5 left. The rest are scattered around in big piles of dirt on the tile (thank goodness) floor, their pots broken. The cats shoved them off their benches. The upholstery on a love seat, and a faux fur oversized round chair is filthy, with pawprints from paws that dug in the orchid dirt. The dumb kid told me he would "clean up" the room. He got a broom and swept the middle area of the floor, leaving 2" deep piles of dirt and broken pots around the perimeter. I have pictures. It seems he "thought you might be able to use the dirt if you get new pots." Grrrrrrrr!

My precious granddaughter, Amanda, is coming today with the intention of helping me decorate, and tomorrow we will go to her home in Kerrville for Thanksgiving. Then she'll bring me back home Friday or Saturday. I told her I could drive down and back, I just did it for my other granddaughter's wedding, but she insisted. She wanted time for us to bake some cookies together and do a little decorating. She loves to do that. So, I agreed. The drive will be some great "talk time" and will be fun. When she's here, and sees the shambles in the sunroom, she's going to want to work on that, but we won't do it. I can handle it when I get back. She wanted to come for fun, and I won't have her spending the time cleaning up that mess out there. For one thing, the stench is very unpleasant. I'm so glad I can close that room off. Otherwise the whole house would smell like a sewer. The young man would only empty the litterbox when his grandma or I would remind him.

Believe me, I have learned my lesson. Amazingly, I still like the woman. We had some pleasant evenings, watching TV, talking, playing with Trinket, etc. Her children have bled her dry, she has a daughter who truly should be committed (not sarcasm, it's the truth) and she has contributed to her mother's situation with her shenanigans. The great-grandson has some serious issues, and probably could benefit greatly from a stint in the military, where he could learn neatness, dependability, a work ethic, and how to get up before noon every day. Maybe I expected too much from him, but I don't think so. When my own children visit, they never leave here without having stripped their bed linens, washed and dried them, and remade their beds! They do not leave it for me to do, and I have never asked them to do it. They just do! I would think that wouldn't have been much to ask, but when they left, I found his bed just the way it was when he rolled out of it. Again, Grrrrrr!

Well, enough of that. At least you know why I've been scarce around here. It's over, I'll probably hire a woman to come in and help me clean this entire house for the holidays, something I was planning to do anyway. That sunroom is something else, and I'll likely do most of it myself, wouldn't ask anyone to clean up the unholy mess that's out there right now. Never again! Never, never again!!

Let me wish each porchster and family a wonderful Thanksgiving! Eat well, but wisely, and have a great day with family and friends. I ask God's blessing on each of you. You'll never know how much your friendship and support over the years has meant to me. Keep looking up! --Romeena
November 23, 2021 - Msg 117299: Hey Romeena, so good to see you back and so glad the problem has moved on. Hard to imagine how thoughtless folks can be. Anyway, I hope the clean up goes well.

Love that clip GF. Always a good laugh. Less Nessman, what a reporter. lol

Well our plans of going to Stacey's for Thanksgiving just fell through. She recieved an e-mail yesterday informing her that Cache has been exposed to the crud and will be in quarantine for 10 days. Grrr. Very frustrating to say the least. I just hope he doesn't get it and I surely hope Stacey doesn't. She is 7 months pregnant and does not need that as well. Prayers appreciated.

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving.

Asa
November 23, 2021 - Msg 117300: Oh, my goodness, Asa! Stacey most definitely does not need that! It's disappointing all around, of course, but she is wise to observe the quarantine. None of you need to be exposed, but Stacey and her hidden passenger, most of all. I have no idea what that would do to an unborn baby, but it can't be good.

The saga continues, in small ways, here at home. I just discovered incontrovertible evidence that the great-grandson let at least one of the cats into the house, probably while his grandma and I were at church last Sunday. I had made it quite plain that the cats were to remain in the sunroom. I could just picture shredded drapes, clawed up or befouled carpet or upholstery, whatever. I guess I got off lightly, though. All I've found so far is a stinky, dried up puddle under the kitchen table. I know it's not from Trinket. Cat puddles have a "diSTINKtive" stench, very different from dog puddles. Trinket always uses her potty box anyway. I know, I sound like I don't like cats, but that's not true. I do like them, a sweet and cuddly cat, purring on one's lap, is a real treat. I had actually been toying with the idea of getting a kitten, but after the past two weeks, that idea has been tossed back in the toybox. Oh well. Wonder what I'm going to discover next? I'm afraid to find out!

Blessings, friends. Keep looking up! --Romeena
November 23, 2021 - Msg 117301: Glad to hear you are able to breath again Romeena, well almost. Sarah
November 23, 2021 - Msg 117302: Oh gosh, Asa. I hope Stacy doesnt get sick. She is expecting another blessing? It's been awhile, hasnt it? Praying for her and for the family. As far as exposure to the unborn baby, by far almost all babies who are exposed seem to be ok. There are exceptions, according to my nurse friends, but there are few. Im sorry you will have to resort to plan B for thanksgiving. Will you have to do the cooking for Debbie and you? Will you resort to A charlie brown thanksgiving (toast, popcorn, pretzels, and jelly beans)?;)

Wowza, Romeena! I am glad you are out of that situation. How awful that you are left cleaning up the mess. Hire some help, for sure. I wish Sean was there to help you. He is developing his business and has several regular customers now who are referring their friends to Sean, since he does such a good job. He has a very good work ethic, is there when he is supposed to be and gives it his all.

On the subject of cats...I liked the last cat we had but I just cant deal with a litter box. No more of that, ever I hope. The smell of a catbox is just the worst. Its bad enough cleaning up the dogs pads and no matter what I do, Poopsie seems to pee on the edge of the pads and they leak to the underneath so I am daily cleaning and mopping trying to manage the smell. I hate it but I cant let her outside to go because she is way too naughty and wont come when called. If we didnt have hawks and those awful mean dogs next door, I would try again. Animals are work. They are worth the work because of the joy and love they give but make no mistake, they are work. My little dog has developed skin allergies and that is costing me money and time. I have to bathe her more and put a special powder on her, feed her certain food, and she sheds more because of the allergies, so more vacuuming. Erin's dog King spends more time indoors in the evening than he used to so I have to deal with his shedding, too. Im tired of it but King is quite a good boy and deserves to be in with us in the evening. He mostly just lays at me feet on my ottoman but sometimes he likes to play tug with a toy or play fetch. I still go out most every evening and throw tennis balls for him, which is good for me. It makes me walk and its good for my stress. That dog makes me laugh so much! Sorry to go off on a dog tangent.

Well, Thanksgiving is right around the corner now and I was doing some cooking today. I made a pecan pie that just looks like heaven on earth, I am not kidding! I went ahead and made the cornbread for my dressing, crumbled it and mixed it with some of the pepperidge farm dry stuffing mix, sauteed my celery and green onions in butter and added it to my seasoned cornbread and stuffing mix. I decided to mix it all up and seal it up in the refrigerator to let the flavors "marry," as they say on the cooking shows. lol. I already made my broth for it and froze it last week so all I have to do when I am ready to bake it on thanksgiving is add in some beaten eggs, some dripping from the turkey and the broth I made, bake it and its all good. I am trying to make things easier this year. Im not doing the usual meticulous cleaning because I am just not up to it. It will be clean enough and there will only be six or eight of us this year, which is the smallest thanksgiving I have ever hosted. Its a little sad because I miss my parents and others who are no longer in the family but its ok. I am thankful for less stress.

I will try to get back on Thursday and say happy thanksgiving to my porch family. Blessings..

Boo


November 24, 2021 - Msg 117303:

HI ALL, well, the two tags eps tonite were ones that I actually just
cannot watch all the way thru. The first was about cousin Virgil, and the second
was Otis the deputy. Tho that one is better, it has always seemed a bit 'decietful' especially to see Otis call out his brother's behavior.
Oh well, ever the critic I guess. ha

RO, I feel so bad for you. Some people just do not appreciate the goodness of others! I could tell you stories of my SIL, but will spare everyone the pain.
I sure hope you can recover OK.
BOO--sounds like you have everything all set to go. My prayers are still 'going up' for Erin that her habit is fully in the past, and that now she will take stock in herself and graduate as a good CNA.
ASA-- hope all goes well for you and yours as well. Let's hope that 2022 will
bring new hope in so many ways.
God bless and prayers for all,
MDC :)

November 24, 2021 - Msg 117304: Happy Thanksgiving, Porchsters! May you all be safe, happy and healthy!
And remember what Andy said in "Mr. McBeevee"...."march right over there and eat a whole lot."

My best,

John Masters
November 24, 2021 - Msg 117305:

Yes indeed John, 2 of my favs were on tonight, Mr. McBeevee and Andy's new Girlfriend! Such goings on! :)
Thank you Jesus for your many blessings upon us and our country,
and thank you porchsters for your friendship thru
these many years!
H A P P Y - T H A N K S G I V I N G TO ALL!

mdc


November 25, 2021 - Msg 117306: Happy Thanksgiving!! So grateful for this wonderful Porch family- blessings & love to all.

************
possum u.a.r.
November 25, 2021 - Msg 117307: Happy Thanksgiving all.
I also wish to express my gratitude for your friendship over the years. And thank you for the prayers. So far Cache has shown no symptoms of being ill, so that makes me happy. I worry most for Stacey. Thank you all.

GF, So you are all keyed up for snow are you? Same here, if we get any. We had a couple of early storms hit but it has gotten quiet again. As much as I don't want to see it, we need snow this winter, and lots of it. At least up in the mountains.

MDC, One of the scenes I love in the episode Otis the Deputy is when Barney and Otis are in the Courthouse and Barney is teaching Otis the official manner in saluting. Hi-yup-aha. And they hit hands in saluting and Barney hurts his hand. lol And then when Barney is trying to get Otis to stand at attention, barking out stomach in, chest out, and Otis is gyrating all over the place. Andy laughs and says well Barney, it's gotta go somewhere. One thing though, I always wonder how they came up with a uniform to fit Otis so fast.

Boo, you talking about your dishes "marrying" in the fridge. You might want to knock on the fridge door this morning before you open it, just in case something is going on in there. lol You always give me a good laugh Boo.

Romeena, In spite of the outcome I am proud of you taking that lady in for a while. It was good of you. It sounds like you knew her well enough to know what the outcome was likely to be, but still helped her out anyway. I am sorry the result has been so bad though.

John Masters, good to see you posting.

And hey to Possum. I hope you and yours are well.

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving and can find the time to thank He who blesses us so much.

Asa
November 25, 2021 - Msg 117308: Lol Asa...I was just telling that to my Sister! It’s best to make the stuffing the day before so all the flavors can “commune” together like Briscoe calls it...🤣

Romeena I second Asa’s comment...Like Daphne the Fun Girl said... “It goes to show, You Just can’t be nice to People.”

With the price of Turkey’s 🦃🦃🦃🦃 this Year....
I think the President pardoned a WHOLE lot more Turkey’s this year other than just the White House one!🦃🦃

G-F

November 25, 2021 - Msg 117309: Good Morning folks, just stopping in to wish everyone a
Happy Thanksgiving. I am very thankful for each of you and your genuine Mayberry friendship. Have a blessed day .
Big Maude
November 25, 2021 - Msg 117310: Pringles Potato Chips!!
November 25, 2021 - Msg 117311: Looks like Possum did a drive-by.

Happy Thanksgiving, porch family. Thank you for the many years of prayer, encouragement, laughs, and love. Y’all are the cats!

Asa, what you said to Romeena..exactly right. She is smart enough to know what she was probably in for and still showed love to her friend. That’s what it’s all about. By the way, my refrigerator was still G-rated when I opened it this morning. 😂

I am dragging today but pushing forward. Had real troubles with the IBS since yesterday and sometimes as weak as a kitten. Sean has been helping me and we got the turkey in the oven this morning. I may. It be able to eat much but the family will. I think I will grab a little nap if I can.

Wanted to tell you all that Zach brought baby Charlie over yesterday and he and his wife have started calling me Grandma Julie. Zach said I am the closest thing to a mother to him. Seems he wants me to be Charlie’s grandma in Karen’s place. Of course I could never take her place but it’s an honor. Made me very happy.

Later taters…oops, I just remembered I have to make mashed potatoes! Ugh.

Boo
November 25, 2021 - Msg 117312: Yep,that was me,Boo! I'm sorry that you're ailing today. Sending prayers and love out to you. I won't comment on the baby Charlie stuff since you told me about it yesterday,other than to say once again that I'm happy for you, Grandma Julie!

Hey to Asa, Maude,G-F, and any peeking Porchsters! Hope you've all had a nice holiday.

possum again
November 26, 2021 - Msg 117313:
Romeena, I have been feeling down lately.
I delayed until last week to order your book. I am reading it now. Can you please explain to me how you came up with the title "A Flat of Petunias"?
Also, regarding that quote in the Introduction of "Tis not the whole of life to live, nor all of death to die.", what does that mean?

from Poor Horatio
November 26, 2021 - Msg 117314:

Hi Everyone! Glad you all had a good Thanksgiving!
Nice to see Possum, Big Maude, and PH stop by for a 'back-and-forth on a porch rocker.
I was hoping Sterling might also, but he may have just had a look-see.
Maudie, how's mister's new job going?
Tonight were two good episodes. First was about old Luke and the moulage,
and then came the ep with that hungry buzzard, Don! 'Wouldn't ya know that his name
would be Don!' (I still dont get the problem with the name!) haha
Of course along with Don, the fun girls and lydia also showed up, and Miss Peggy
with her "Ann-DEE..." lol
ASA--OK, I'll admit, Barney's saluting lessons, etc are pretty funny stuff! :)
PH--I aint RO of course, but I take the quote to mean that there is a whole lot of LIFE
to live right now no matter what your current situation may be; and that the act of dying is by no
means the end of life, rather it continues on the other side. Tho I've never read James Montgomery, just the fact that Ro's pastor quoted those words after the passing of his wife
made me think of the quote in that way.
BOO-so sorry to hear of your ibs. Another friend of mine has it too, and i know it aint no fun!
BTW, you mentioned your dog's shedding due to the allergies, but a change of food may help.. Have you ever tried Dinovite? I hear their
commercials all the time. It may help. https://dinovite.com
GF--You're pretty funny for a hvac guy... such goings on...turkeys in the Whitehouse and
'marrination' taking place in the fridge!
PRAYERS FOR ALL! :)
mdc

November 27, 2021 - Msg 117315:

OK, I'm going to start some movie quotes, let's go...
"George Bailey lassos stork!" :-)

Also, just for the fun of it I just looked at 12/22/2008
in the archives. Several folks there that I forgot about,
and some great old posts for sure!
Woohoo, It is officially the Christmas Season on the porch! Ho Ho Ho

MDC


November 27, 2021 - Msg 117316: "I don't know about the cat Clark, but I'm sure enjoying them".

Asa
November 27, 2021 - Msg 117317: Morning Porchsters,

In the episode with Peggy's "hungry buzzard" named Don, don't you find it extremely funny that Andy is telling DON Knotts "Wouldn't ya know that his name
would be Don!" I like to imagine that, somewhere, there is an unseen blooper where Don says to Andy, "So?! You got a $#@&% problem with that?!" and the entire crew falls on the floor laughing.

John Masters
November 28, 2021 - Msg 117318: Good morning, porch! No, I didn't make it to church this morning, will catch it later on the Facebook connection. Amanda and I got to my house yesterday around 5 pm, after a long drive, mostly in a heavy rain. I think the skies over Texas sprung a big leak yesterday. We were in rain for at least 3-4 hours out of a 6-hour trip. It was that long because we were coming from Kerrville, where Amanda lives, not from Fredericksburg which is usually my destination when I go south. Both daughters live there, but Amanda lives in the countryside west of Kerrville. It had almost stopped when we got to my house, but was still drizzling a bit, and my birdbaths and the pond were all full to the brim! Thank you, Lord! We really needed that.

Amanda left about 9:30 this morning, and no way was I going to go off to church and leave her to depart without a proper farewell. That girl is so sweet, and just made my trip so wonderful. She had arranged with their neighbor, Max, for me to stay in that lovely home that Eloise and I stayed in a while back. It's a fully furnished and equipped house - 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, Saltillo tile floors, big working fireplace (and we used it), fully equipped kitchen, and a full, flowing creek running alongside, with a pair of black swans who live on that water. Wildlife everywhere, deer that will practically come when called, and is located on about 300 acres of beautiful, hilly wild land. It looks like a picture in a magazine, like a hunting lodge or something. No hunting on that land, though! Max is a very nice, quiet, unassuming guy, usually dressed in worn jeans and a tattered t-shirt, and he's very soft-spoken and kind. He charges nothing when people stay there, and encourages Amanda and her Dale to invite their friends and family. They bought a little under ten acres of the land from him, have a branch of the creek running through their part, and have a mobile home on their property, for the time being. They have plans for building a home on it. It's smack in the middle of the Texas Hill Country, and is just lovely. I took a big batch of those wonderful butter-pecan, fruit and nut cookies, and put a bunch of them in a Christmas tin and left them for Max, and will send him a Christmas card/thank you note in a couple of days. He doesn't live in that house, he built another one on the very top of a very steep hill, and lives there. His driveway is just scary-steep, and he uses a Jeep to get to his house. Very unusual guy, but extremely nice.

Amanda decorated the top section of my Christmas tree last night. The tree is very big, over 8' tall, and I would have to climb something to do the top section. I don't climb anymore, not even my five-step ladder with the handrails on each side. Period. Two years ago, I was standing on a 2-step stool, doing that top section, thought I was on one of the 1 step things, those little RubberMaid steps, and so stepped backward to what I thought would be the floor, and found nothing but air. Landed smack on my right side, a little shook up but not hurt, and made myself a promise right then. No more climbing. Kinda tough for me, because I was like a mountain goat when I was young, but no more. Time marches on.

I've decided to let the sunroom slide for today, take it easy, get a little done on the tree, and cuddle Trinket a lot. Oh, she had a grand old time. She and Amanda and Dale's dog, Wylie, get along fine. He's 12 and arthritic and a little grumpy, but they had fun together. Then she met Libby Lou, my Robbi's new and very adorable little very-mixed breed. Just 8 months old, and full of mischief, so cute. So Trinket had fun with her "cousins" and a good time was had by all.

Tomorrow, I have a doctor's appointment in the morning, but in the afternoon, I'll start on the sunroom. I'm not going to try to do it all at once, no way. I'll pull the furniture out from one end, vacuum and clean and de-stink it with Febreze and Lysol, and then sweep the piles of dirt up off the floor, enough to fill a bucket) and vacuum the residue, then fire up the Bissell CrossWave and scrub the floor good. I've already washed the two little rugs, in Tide, Oxyclean and Febreze. After the floors dries, I'll move the furniture back into its place, and empty the other end of the room, wash, rinse and repeat! Maybe that will remove the smell. There are no hanging curtains, just blinds that stay at half-mast, and fabric valances that are looped across the top of the eight windows. The cats were never able to reach them, so I can just vacuum out the dust that was probably already there, and spray them with Febreze. Maybe then I'll be able to at least breathe out there! Maybe.

PH, as you near the end of the book, you'll see where the title came from. MDC has already cleared up the James Montgomery quote, I think. It does take a little while to get the full impact of that one, but I think it can actually be summed up in one word - Hope! Also, you might be wondering about some of the passages that don't really seem to have any connection with where the book is going, but those personal experiences are there to help the reader understand why some things were so impossible for me to deal with, because of previous experiences that had shaped my habits and personality. And of course, the primary goal of the book was to provide some ideas and suggestions that would help someone else in their own "walk through the valley", but also, it let me pour out some of my own grief and get it out of my heart. I hope it helps you in some way - we all have sorrows, that arise from many experiences - or maybe you might know someone who would benefit from it. It came from my heart, and every word is true. Yes, the dent is still in the back of my bedroom door.

Blessings, friends! It was fun reading of your holiday experiences, and it sounds like, generally speaking, everyone is doing well. Thanks for being my friends all these years. Keep looking up! --Romeena
November 29, 2021 - Msg 117319: My goodness! I didn't realize how much I had written until I posted it and saw how much was there. Sorry - but you know me! Just wind me up and I'll run for a long time. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
November 30, 2021 - Msg 117320: Morning all.

No need to apologize Romeena. I love reading your posts. I enjoy your wisdom.

MDC, I have a question for you, or anyone else who might know. In the movie It's a wonderful life, when George Baily wishes he had never been born so Clarance makes that happen, George's hearing issue is resolved, his bloody lip goes away, his clothes are suddenly all dry. All things I get. What I don't get is why did it quit snowing? It stops snowing the moment he is "unborn" and starts up again after pleading with God to end his nightmare. Just trying to figure out how his ever being born could affect the weather. This has baffled me for years.

I sure do enjoy the vast areas and topics of discussions we have here on the Porch. Everything from food communing to wildlife watching to garage floor painting. Boy, we cover it all. :)

Romeena, so glad you see the wisdom in staying off ladders. I know how frustrating it is to not be able to do the things we did when younger without a thought to it. But yes indeed, time marches on and takes us with it. Like it or not.

Well just waiting for Debbie's nurse to call to set up her visit time. She comes every Tuesday. She is just the sweetest little gal. Always has a cheery disposition and a positive outlook on life. Sad how those simple attributes are so rare in so many anymore.

Well off to putter in the shop. Projects to do. Still organizing stuff. And I need to order some new rubber parts for my Helen. I noticed last year she was struggling throwing snow very far but I was thinking it was because the snow was wet and heavy. But then it dawned on me that Helen is no spring chicken anymore. And her rubber workings are probably getting a bit sparse. So I need to check that out and figure what I need. If Helen ain't happy, ain't no one happy. :)

Asa


November 30, 2021 - Msg 117321: Hello everyone....long time no post but I wanted to share some news. You may remember my son Casey. He had several foot surgeries while in high school. It sure was a tough time for him. Well...little Casey got married yesterday. It was on my parents anniversary.....Casey was born on their 50th more or less, and he got married on their 75th.
She is a pretty girl and they compliment each other well. Just wanted to share my good news. Love you all......

Homemaker
November 30, 2021 - Msg 117322:

Hey to Homemaker! It has indeed been an age, but thanks for stopping by
and telling us about Carey! Congratulations to him and the new missus. :) Please come by more often if ya can.
ASA--you are a bird in this world! I am lol thinking about a "newcomer" to the porch reading your post about "Helen!" haha
"Rubber parts, Helen has rubber parts!??"
Yes indeed, we have a gamut of topics here for sure.
Like your tool compelsion for example! But then again, maybe it's ther-a-ped-ic for you. :)
Regarding the movie, I honestly have never given it that much thought regarding the snow stopping. I'll just say, it was just what Capra wanted! (How's that for a 'political' answer?)
RO-- sounds like your getting a bit back to 'normal,' such as it is these days. I am keeping her and her son in my prayers however,
that they can do better in life with all it's twists and turns.
Also, so glad that little Trinket gets along so well with other furkids.
I have seen such encounters go in the opposite direction.
John Masters, that would indeed be funny for Don Knotts to say that.
Lord knows there were certainly several 'takes' for that scene! haha
In fact, after the final episode with Miss Peggy last night and she and Opie
becoming blood brothers; maybe the real Mrs. Griffith stepped in and said
"Enough with Peggy, write her out!" haha
Well, I got all my outside house decorations done yesterday, and now to the inside...
Prayers,
MDC

"Fra-jill-lay"
November 30, 2021 - Msg 117323: Did y’all see where there’s a Wild 🔥 Fire on Pilot Mountain Aka Mt.Pilot?...They said over 200 acres are burned and figure the entire 900+ acres will be burned before it is over.

The pinnacle of the mountain is very distinct like a big knob that can be seen for miles...I know Maude and Possum have seen it...So Sad!..Such a beautiful view....
https://youtu.be/dvO6V42upSQ Now they are saying 1000 acres are burned....

G-F
November 30, 2021 - Msg 117324: I’m sure Asa has seen devastation out his way too...Just sad but thankful no one was injured or buildings were destroyed so far...The State Park is awesome so many trails and things to see an do there...Many great memories going there.

But Mother Nature has a way of bouncing back...The circle of Life I guess....G-F again
December 01, 2021 - Msg 117325: Good morning, porch! I've been a little scarce the past couple of days. Busy, busy, busy! Two doctor appointments (routine), nothing wrong. One x-ray to keep tabs on an esophageal stricture. Had that rascal for years, usually doesn't bother me much, but lately has been a bit annoying. Since I'm "medical" and a former employee of the hospital, the doc let me watch the screen while the "swallow" part of the procedure was done. It was really interesting, to see the pill get hung up at the bottom of my "swaller-pipe", and just sit there. Weird, and explains the episodes where I have to wait for a bite to finish going down, before taking another one. A warm liquid helps.

I've had to postpone cleaning that nasty sunroom. I have three vacuum sweepers, but the one I need to use, a little Dirt Devil, the one with a hose and nozzle for getting windowsills, furniture and such, was out of filter bags, and my grocery store no longer carries them. I ordered some from Amazon, should arrive tomorrow. It doesn't take much to talk me out of entering that wretched room, I guess.

Interesting question, about the snow disappearing in that movie. I had noticed it, but never really questioned it. Maybe it was just meant to emphasize that everything would be different if any one of us had never been born? Weak, but maybe?

Well, better get moving. Trinket has an appointment with her vet to get her nails trimmed. I simply cannot and will not do it. I trimmed my dogs' nails for years, until one day, when I trimmed Sugarplum's. I have the recommended "guillotine" style clipper and everything! But that day, just as I closed the clipper, she pushed her foot forward and I clipped right through the quick of her nail. It bled profusely, she cried, I cried, and I will never do that again. A Styptic pencil stopped the bleeding (finally) and she was okay, though she managed to look at me with a pitiful expression every chance she got. So, either her groomer does it, or Dr. Mike does. She doesn't have another groomer appointment until early February, and her nails are becoming talons. She lives in the house, mostly on carpet, so her nails don't wear down. When she goes to Dr. Mike for anything else, he clips her nails for free, but when the appointment is for that alone he charges $10. Fair enough, and he does a great job, has never hurt her.

Homemaker, so glad you stopped by! I'm so happy for Casey and his bride, and wish them all the happiness in the world! How wonderful to be starting out on a new adventure as a married couple! I remember those days so well, and how joyful they were. Don't be a stranger now, come on back and "set on the porch" with us now and then.

Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
December 01, 2021 - Msg 117326: Good Wednesday porch family, stopping by for a visit this afternoon.

I have been busy with work so I haven't been rocking much lately.

We spent Thanksgiving at Patrick and Daysie's this year. She has a large family and extended family who gather for the day at their house. Everyone brings something to add to the meal. It was a great day, lots of food and fellowship. They are very welcoming to us. I have decided that I am passing the Thanksgiving torch and will continue to celebrate with them. It makes it easy in many ways.

GF: it is very sad to see the devastation from the fire at Pilot Mountain. I have visited it several times and even climbed to the top of the Knob. It makes me think of the Gatlinburg TN fires that happened a few years ago.

MDC: Mr. Maude is not working now. the Wal Mart position was a contracted position and it ended late summer. he has pretty much decided to retire. His knees are pretty worn out so standing on his feet all day on hard surfaces is hard for him. I am trying to encourage him to have knee replacement surgery. maybe he will in the coming year.

RO, I have glad your houseguest has moved on. sounds like your good heart and good deed was a blessing to this person but seemed had no regard for your property and space.

Our tree is up and decorated. I am working on getting my gifts together and grocery list. They are supposed to start on my Kitchen in the first week of January so I didn't put out as much decorations as usual since I have to take them right after Christmas.

Guess I have rattled on enough for now.
Supper menu will be: homemade beef stew, Mexican cornbread. brownies with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude

December 02, 2021 - Msg 117327: Good morning, porch! It's bright and sunny here, temp at 48°, heading for mid 70's. Texas weather! Leaves are showering down from the trees, at least some of them. One hasn't even given it a thought yet! A sycamore, it will wait until all the others - cottonwoods, crape myrtles, a pear tree and a redbud, have all shed completely, and Eddie has managed the fallen leaves. Then one day it will just say "whoosh" and all the leaves will drop. Annoying thing! It's a real show-off.

I'm still working on cleaning that horrible, foul room, which used to be my pride and joy. Not much to be joyful about, with a room that reeks of cat excrement, muddy tracks all over everything, demolished orchids and their pots, furniture that will require professional cleaning, wads of cat hair stuck to everything, and an unbelievably filthy floor. Today is the day. My (necessary) filters for the kind of vacuum that mess requires should be delivered today. It's just unbelievable, and the woman had the nerve to call me this week and ask to "borrow" $20! Arrggh!

Trinket had her "pawdicure" yesterday, thank goodness. Dr. Mike makes it look so easy, and her nails look great! Now maybe the scratches on my arms can heal up!

Big Maude, it's good to hear from you. Sounds like retirement is a good idea for your husband. You're right, standing all day on a hard surface isn't doing his painful knees any favors. The time comes for us all, when we just can't do quite what we're used to doing. I found that out yesterday when I tried to clean my big window! It was filthy, couldn't see out when the sun hit it a certain way, so took my little mop out there with a window cleaner liquid, got the garden hose all set up, wet the mop, and discovered that it weighed about half a ton! There are shrubs directly beneath the window, so cleaning has to be done standing a few feet from the window. Holding that mop out and up when it was wet and heavy used to be no problem. Now, it is! Boy, is it ever! The window looks a little better, but is still streaky and hazy, and I was exhausted! Grrrr. Got to find another solution. Any ideas?

Well, better quit stalling, and get out in that sunroom and get busy. Dave and Brittany and boys are coming Saturday for a belated turkey dinner, and I've got to get that room clean by then. Wish me luck!

Blessings, friends, and keep looking up! --Romeena
December 02, 2021 - Msg 117328:

RO--I have seen the following advertized on TV, but have never tried it.
It looks pretty good however for washing windows. Might be the solution.
(Pun intended! ha) https://tinyurl.com/2sn6cb7t
Too bad you cant also just hose down the sun room! so so sorry that you have
to deal with that mess.
By the way, I have that same problem with my 'swallower.' As barn would say...amazing...! When a pill gets 'stuck' in that weird, non-choking position,
a chew of banana will usually get er down.

Big Maude, good to see you. I agree with RO about those standing jobs.
In fact, even tho I had my varicose veins worked on, I wear compression
socks most days which help a lot.

We worked on decorating inside today. Not doing a whole lot this year,
but tree for sure as we listened to our Goodyear albums. :)
I also saw my dermotologist today for a skin trouble check, and all looks good.

GF--that is SO too bad about the fire on Pilot Mt. I hope they can get it out soon!

Well, hang in there folks Try to keep the Christmas Spirit alive! :)
Prayers,
MDC