November 15, 2022 - Msg 118380:

Hello all!
RO, I'm so happy that you have those "squirrlly" little creatures to bring a smile
to your face. We need such moments, and I really need one now.
Our vote count is pretty much finally done (one week later!) and I'm pretty bummed
with the 'winners.' How can Florida count 7 million ballots in 7 hours, but it takes
AZ 7 DAYS to count even fewer votes? Also, our Sec of State, who is in charge of elections,
was also a gubernatorial candidate, yet she did not recluse herself from the election
oversight role, and she was captured on film several times inside the tabulating room!
And now she has been declared the winner! Even if nothing nefarious was done in that room,
it still is a terrible thing to do. I am so concerned with the way things are going
that I feel like I've been punched in the gut. I hope the losing candidate will ask
for a recount, as she 'lost' by only several thousand votes out of millions cast.
I see decline in so many areas, and now blatant commercials too. Lord help us.
RO--your thanksgiving meal sound wonderful. In respect to God's bounty, we do have much
to be thankful for indeed. I know that our mealdecision is almost like 'cheating,' but i think
as we heat up the meal at least the aroma will fill the house! ha
Anyone else have Thanksgiving plans?
APB FOR ASA, GF, STERLING, BOO, BILLY RAY, JM, MBM, MAUDIE, SPOT, POSSUM AND ALL!

Love, MDC :)

November 16, 2022 - Msg 118381: Hey MDC, Porch

Here's an idea, MDC... see those millions of people in Brazil protesting their elections? Maybe Americans should do the same thing. But instead of gathering in one place in a crowd, maybe surround the White House and dare them to move them.

Putting soapbox away before I say something I might regret.

Y'all take care!

John Masters
November 16, 2022 - Msg 118382: Good afternoon, porch! Oh, my goodness, guys! I feel your pain. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but even I can see that we are in deep trouble here in America. If the true degree of cheating, collusion, fabricating, vote-fixing, deliberate mis-counting, and flat out lying were to be revealed, it would be unbelievable. To top it all off, we have a supreme leader who cannot construct a coherent sentence, "remembers" things that never happened or has the timeline off by a decade or two, and must be led by a friendly hand to even get off a stage safely, or back into the White House without getting lost. And please, let's not even get into the shenanigans of his son, the weasel. Lord, please get us through the next two years without a national collapse. There, I've said it, and I ain't takin' it back! Tick-a-lock!

Weather report: Gray, drizzly and cold. End of story.

MDC, that Thanksgiving meal is as good as it sounds. I come from a family of women who are all good cooks, and those who have married in, whether directly or indirectly, have only made it better. Eloise, (my son's mother-in-law) likes salt better than I do, but she tempers it a little if I'm present. As she says, "I can always add more for me, but you can't remove what's already there." She's not as adventurous as I am when it comes to following a recipe - she pretty much "goes by the book", but I've never turned down something she made yet. Sometimes what I end up with just barely resembles what the recipe intended, but my efforts aren't refused either. I cook a lot like my mother did, and figure if a little of something is good, more would be better. For example, if a recipe calls for 1/2 c. of pecans, you can bet there will be at least a cup of pecans present. However, if I share a recipe, I usually share the original version, with editing. I may add a note that something or other can be increased if you prefer. Actually, most of what I make is just in my head now, I rarely actually use a recipe, unless it's one I just run across somewhere, or someone shares with me. Definitely no recipe for the turkey, just the result of years of trial and adjustment. And oh my, is it good! Beautiful, maybe not, but so juicy and delicious. I'll take delicious over pretty anytime.

Well, Eddie is here to work on the yard, so had better go have a confab with him. He does a good job, don't know what I'd do without him.

Blessings, friends! Keep looking up, and keep praying for our country. If something doesn't change, twenty years from now it will not be recognizable. It barely is now. --Romeena


November 16, 2022 - Msg 118383: "However, if I share a recipe, I usually share the original version, with editing." Uh, make that "withOUT editing." Good grief! --Romeena
November 16, 2022 - Msg 118384: Well, I wont weigh in any further on the political front because you all wont like what I have to say. lol

You are so right about television, Ro. I have quite a time trying to find decent viewing unless I watch something older, which I do. I like to watch TCM movies and old sitcoms.

Ro, your description of Thanksgiving food sounds wonderful.

MDC, we will do the usual around here but susan will help out more. We usually gather the evening before thanksgiving and do some preparing ahead, like making the sides and just warming them the next day. We get all desserts done on WEd evening. I think this year we will start earlier in the day, though. Our menu will go like this:
Roasted Turkey
spiral ham slow baked with a brown sugar glaze and I will make ham gravy
Mom's cornbread dressing recipe
My baked candied sweet potatoes with cinnamon
green bean casserole
broccoli/rice/cheese casserole
my homemade cranberry sauce (and the canned kind for the sissies ;)
turkey gravy and giblet gravy
homemade yeast rolls
tea and coffee
Pumpkin pie
chocolate pie
pecan pie
lemon pie
pumpkin cake roll

I believe I thought of everything.

We will celebrate Thanksgiving here at our house, as usual and my sister and her family, including Matthew's girlfriend Grace, and his daughter Emily will be here. Erin and some of her friends from work may come. Not sure who else but I always extend invites to people who I think may need a place to come.

I don't know if I told you Erin moved back home but things are going much better this time and she has been more respectful. I started counseling today to help me deal with stress and hopefully control my anger when it comes to Erin. She had another EEG this week and we are trying to follow through with all her doctors. She seems to be doing better, overall. Thank you for those prayers, as always.

We had a scare last night. At around five thirty, our 12 year old dog, Ollie had a seizure and I really thought he was going to pass but he fooled us. He perked up fairly quickly and acts like he feels like million bucks today. I called his vet and they said to let them know if he does it again. He is so terrified of the vet that we try to find ways to avoid the trip. He goes for annual checkup and shots and that is quite a struggle. He is so terrified that he has to be muzzled, which scares him even more but he tries to bite. I guess if he starts having more seizures, which I am quite certain he will, we will just take him to be euthanized, poor boy. I dont want to see him suffer.

Better go get something done. So much to do this time of year and I am already behind!

Boo
November 17, 2022 - Msg 118385: Good morning all.

My goodness Boo, I think I gained 5 pounds just reading your Thanksgiving menu. It all sounds so good. But I must ask about ham gravy. I have never heard of that before. Please tell me more about it. I surely do hope Erin's return will not bring a ton of drama with it. Hopefully she will mind her manners for you all.
I hope Ollie will be okay. It's so hard to see our critters get old on us.
Your comment about cranberry sauce had me laughing. There is an episode of Fraser when Daphne is making a good old fashioned Thanksgiving day dinner for the family, including homemade cranberry sauce. Well Martin see's it and asks her what it is. She tells him, and he is just aghast. Doesn't she know the cranberry sauce is supposed to hold the shape of the can? He very frustratingly asks her, "is it that you can't learn or you won't learn"? Very funny scene.

MDC, sounds like you have a nice meal on tap also, and little clean up afterwards. That has to be the worst part of the day, the clean up.

Romeena, I would love to come spend a Thanksgiving day with you. I know your food would be delicious. Every great cook I have ever met, uses a basic recipe but then will add this that or the other to tweak it some. And those little extras are usually a big hit.

I imagine we will be going to Sacey's for the day. She loves to cook and always does a great job. Matt loves prime rib and so he always does that as well as turkey. You never go away hungry for sure. And he and I always have our big 9 ball tournament. The cues come out and the trash talking kicks in. We really have a good time with that.

I went to my dermatologist yesteray for my 6 month check up. She saw a mole on my belly that she wanted to get a biopsy on, so she did. She said it was probably nothing, but let's be safe. I should hear back from them by Friday she figured. But she said everywhere else looks good. I am grateful and surprised about that because as a kid I lived in the sun. We had a pool in the backyard and I was always out there in it. I would usually get a bad sunburn in the spring, but then I was fine after that. My tan would get darker and darker, but no burning at all. Did that throughout my childhood and even early adulthood. Never used any sunscreen. So when they came out and linked skin cancer to sun exposure, I figured I would be having a lot of issues with that when I got older. But thankfully, that has not been the case. And again, my dermatologist is sure easy on the eyes. And is a very pleasant woman. Nice personality and always wanting to make sure I have any questions answered.

Did you all see Artemis launch the other night? Spectacular show. I was stunned to see how quickly it cleared the tower. I guess the two solid rocket boosters it uses make a big difference on how fast is on launch.

So sad about the air show crash in Texas. Heartbraking loss of life, and so sad to lose a couple of those vintage birds. Not many 17's left anymore.

Well I best get my rear end in motion. Need to get some leaves picked up still, and do a little pruning on some tree's. Been to cold to worry about it all week, but supposed to see 43 this afternoon. I can manage that, as long as their is no wind.

You all take care and be careful out there. One good thing that came out of the election is we got Pee-u-losi out from her position.

Asa
November 17, 2022 - Msg 118386: Yes Asa, I saw the launch 🚀....Maybe they shoulda called the rocket 🚀 “Alice”...To the Moon 🌙 Alice!...
* In my best Ralph Krandem voice...

Yes it is sad about the Air Show crash, prayers to the families of who were lost..I saw that plane several times over the years at air shows that I attended...

Boo...That sounds like quite the spread..👩🏼‍🍳🦃 🥧 🥔 🥦🥐☕️🍽

G-F


November 17, 2022 - Msg 118387: Tr💩mp 2024!
November 17, 2022 - Msg 118388:
Good Thursday evening all!
BOO--It sounds like you will be feeding Patton's 3rd Army! ha
Wow, that is quite a spread, or as Shaq would say, great appetizers, but what's for DINNER! :)
Remember, just don't do this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP3qh6Qym40
RO and ASA, yours sounds very good too.
Good to hear the skin check went well asa. I also get one done every 6 months, as
I too grew up at our local swimming pool, sans sunscreen. I had one small
one removed on my neck a few years ago, but no other issues thus far.
GF--I heard there might be a snowstorm up your way, maybe lake effect?
Keep warm!

I have been liking tags lately. I need that escape right now. Last night was
"Andy Forecloses." It is also the first mention of the faceless Juanita.
Tonight was "Barney gets his man." I think it has two of the most serious
scenes of the whole series, because of the 'I'll get you for this deputy!' line.
One is that very serious talk Barney has with Thelma Lou; and the other
telling Andy, "Let's go."
Then there was Jim Lindsey Returns, always a good one. Sure wish I knew
what kind of car that little red sports job was. I'd buy one and drive it
to Mayberry Days! haha

Well, my prayers continue for all, and may God bless,
MDC
November 18, 2022 - Msg 118389: MDC...That prognostication would be correct!...Luckily I’m south of the major snow belt, but sometimes the secondary snow belt gets hammered too, not the case this time. But my ❄️ “Joe” is ready to Go!...👍

The Browns 🏈 were supposed to play in Buffalo this Sunday, they are expecting over a foot of ❄️ so they moved the game to Dee-troit so O’Malley can now go to the game...lol

G-F
November 18, 2022 - Msg 118390: * Correction...Buffalo has gotten 2’ of snow ❄️ 😳 So if you live there..It’s a FUN day to build a ⛄️..G-F
November 18, 2022 - Msg 118391: Good morning, porch! After a mostly sunny day yesterday, we're back to a light overcast, not enough to produce rain, but enough to mostly block the sun. I have a lot of solar-powered decorative light thingies in my back yard, and they're not doing much right now. They start out with a pitiful little glow as soon as it's dark, and in about an hour they're fading out. Oh well. This too shall pass, and one night I'll look out there and there they'll all be -shining so pretty!

Wow! That deep-fried turkey thing is scary, and is exactly why we have never deep-fried a turkey around here. David and his FIL, Jerry, talked about it once, but Eloise and I vetoed the idea, and as Jerry commented, "Guess we'd better forget it, I think the ladies would put knobs on our heads if we tried." He was right!

Boo, I'm glad to hear that things are going better with Erin, at least for right now. Maybe it will stick this time, and she'll see how much more pleasant things can be when she behaves. Your menu and plans for next week sound great! I am so sorry to hear of Ollie's woes. It is possible for a dog to have a seizure for no apparent reason, and then have no more, but the vet is right, usually once it starts, it continues. My precious "littlest angel", Toye Starr, had a brief series of seizures, even when taking phenobarbitol. Then one night she came into the kitchen, stood close to my ankle, then had a seizure and fell over onto my foot. The seizure quickly stopped, and I carried her to the living room and sat down with her, and in about a minute she stopped breathing, and that was it. I sat there and held her like a baby for the remainder of the night, then called David, and he came and drove us to the vet's office. I was afraid to drive, as I wasn't seeing too well through the constant tears. Mercy! How I do miss that baby. Trinket didn't take her place, she just made a place of her own in my heart. Dogs are great at doing that! I'm glad God made our hearts expandable.

Asa, I wish it were possible for you and your family to join us this Thanksgiving. That would be so much fun! As for cranberry sauce, I always serve both kinds. I make my own from fresh berries, add a little orange juice while it's cooking, and sometimes sneak in some Mandarin orange slices. I have about 8 cans of them in the pantry, to bolster the fruit salad. However, I also have a can of traditional sauce for David. His attitude is pretty much the same as Martin's. He will eat the homemade variety, but always has to have a few slices of the canned kind. I assume everyone knows how to get that kind out of the can intact, so you you can slice it, but just in case someone doesn't, here's how: Before you open the can, turn it upside down, and use an icepick, or a small nail and hammer, and make a tiny hole in the bottom of the can. Now open the top of the can, and hold it upside down over the serving dish, and as air can now enter the can from the bottom, the whole, intact tube of sauce will slide gently from the can onto the serving dish. Now you can cut it into lovely little slices! If you buy a good brand of sauce, there won't be a problem with excess liquid dripping everywhere from the hole in the can. Use a small pastry server to serve the slices, as some people are very picky about getting a nice round, half-inch thick slice of sauce. (There's one in every family!)

Well, guess I'd better get off this keyboard and get busy. Lots to do today, including getting my hair cut this afternoon. I need to "pretty-up" Trinket, as I may take her with me to the salon. She behaves so nicely, sits in my lap with the drape over her as well as over me, and I just make a little opening where she can stick her head out and greet people who come near. Everybody seems to enjoy her, and I go at the end of the day, when there are very few people in the shop. She's clean, quiet, and friendly, so no one objects. Little Toye Starr always went with me, and Trinket goes fairly often. I just hate leaving her alone.

Blessings, friends! Keep praying, and keep looking up! --Romeena
November 18, 2022 - Msg 118392: I remember Toye's passing and her seizures, Ro. Poor little sweet thing. So hard to lose her and I remember the pain of losing Sugarplum, too. Its scary to love something that much but you just cant help it.

Things are better with Erin, Ro, but we had a little drama this evening. I quickly shut it down and we can discuss it tomorrow when she and her dad have decompressed. I kept my cool and did the right thing. It usually doesnt take long for her to get her head back on kind of straight. She just isnt normal, thats all I will say. God help us, seriously.

Asa, I saw that episode you mentioned about the cranberry sauce but its been a long time. I might have to look for it. As far as ham gravy, my mother always made it and taught me how. Sean and my nephew, Matt absolutely love. It's a sweet brown gravy that you make from the drippings of the ham. First of all, you have to make a paste of brown sugar and mustard and cover the ham with it before you bake it. You add a couple of cups of water to the bottom of the roasting pan, cover the ham and slow bake for a few hours. Before you get ready to serve it, you take out the juices from the bottom of the pan, add to a sauce pan over medium heat and make a slurry of 2 T of cornstarch (or in your case you would use flour), in cool water, mix well and add to the drippings and bring to a boil until thickened. That's all there is too it.

Well it is quite cold here in south texas tonight and very windy and wet. You all know I love it. Of course I didnt love it much a couple of hours ago when my sweet neighbor called in tears because she couldnt find their yellow lab, Daisy. She escaped from the fence while they were gone. I trudged out into the cold with my flashlight to help find her cause that what neighbors do. Luckily she was quickly found. I think I am going to have to start bringing Daisy over here to our yard to get used to us and the dogs so they can leave her here with us when they go somewhere. The poor sweetie gets anxious when they leave her outside alone.

Going to take the kids to the grocery store with me this evening at 9pm to get the remainder of what I need for Thanksgiving. I want to stay out of the crowds so they will probably be thinned out by 9, I hope. Blessings!

Boo
November 19, 2022 - Msg 118393: Good afternoon, friends! Gray and chilly today, just 43°. Heavy cloud cover, but no rain so far, and doesn't "feel" like rain. Don't ask me to explain that, but you probably know what I mean.

Boo, I'm sorry Erin backslid a bit, but maybe these episodes will become less frequent. Hang in there! Hmmm. I wonder what would happen if she found herself the only one participating? Apparently Bruce responded to her, and she kept it going?? What if everyone just stopped what they were doing, didn't say anything, but just stood quietly and looked at her. What would she do? Interesting thought....

Well, I bought my turkey, a 16 pounder, and six (yes, 6) extra thighs. I usually get an 18 lb turkey and 4 thighs, but this time I got six, as my bird is smaller than usual. I'll start cooking on Monday, doing things that will hold easily. Tuesday will be more of the same, and I'm already getting calls from some of the gals, telling me what they'd like to bring, and I can cross something off my own list! (Yay!) Next week is going to be just great! I love the end of the year, so many fun things going on.

Well, Trinket looks like a tangled ball of white yarn, guess I'd better hogtie her and do come grooming. I've got a big bottle of ShowSheen, I'll spray her down and it will de-tangle that mess very nicely, making the grooming much more pleasant for both of us.

Have a great evening, and a blessed Sabbath tomorrow. Keep looking up! --Romeena
November 19, 2022 - Msg 118394: do "some" grooming. Dratted arthritis! --Romeena
November 19, 2022 - Msg 118395:

Funny thing RO, my mind read that as "some!"
Had u not said anything, I never would have noticed! Ha
Funny how our minds work.
Good Sabbath, and Prayers for all, :)


November 19, 2022 - Msg 118396:

Oops, that's me, MDC

November 21, 2022 - Msg 118397: Dropping in to check on my porch buddies.

St Susan was over and we did some tidying up and I baked a pumpkin pie. Tomorrow I will start on the rolls and cornbread for the dressing and she will make her pecan and lemon pie. We actually sat down and wrote out a schedule to keep things organized so we wont be anxious and overly tired. I feel like a million bucks compared to this time last year. My IBS is all but in remission, thank God and I have gained back so much strength over the past year. I am looking forward to a fairly stress free and enjoyable Thanksgiving with my family.

Bruce has been putting the lights on the house already and has put a fire in the fireplace the last couple of evenings, which has been so nice. I am really enjoying these colder temps. It is supposed to be up to seventy on Thanksgiving, though.

Romeena, Erin is doing better. I was so suprised the other day ("I couldnt have been more surprised if I woke up with my head sewn to the carpet!. what movie is that from, Asa?). I went to bed and the kitchen was still a little messy from Erin doing some cooking in there. When I woke up the next morning, it was spotless. She did a great job and I asked her to do some cleaning on the bottom kitchen cabinets yesterday and she spent hours in there with a toothpaste and bleach cleaner doing a wonderful job. I was shocked but pleased.

Well, better go see whats going on..if I dont see you for a couple of days, I will try to drop in on thanksgiving.

Boo
November 21, 2022 - Msg 118398: a toothbrush, not toothpaste, although that might be a good idea, too.

Boo
November 21, 2022 - Msg 118399: I thought you had a New special hack Boo....🤣🤣👍..G-F
November 22, 2022 - Msg 118400: Good morning all.
Cold and clear on my porch. We are in a dreaded inversion which I hate. Oh well, thats life through and through.

GF, I hope you and joe survived the storm. That lake affect stuff can be weird, dont you agree?

Boo, that quote was from Christmas Vacation. Clark talking to Eddy. lol

Here is a very hard quote for anyone who wants to try.
"Perhaps he is just a little crazy like writers, or composers, or some of them men in Washinton."
Here are a couple of clues. There is a direct connection to this movie and TAGS and also with I love Lucy. Good luck.

Boo. So nice to read about Erin being so helpful. it has to make her feel good as well so hopefully it will continue.

MDC Have you put up your outdoor Christmas things yet? You always enjoy that.

Well it's cold out there and I am feeling a little puny today, so the Wheeler may see some action. I have ordered a new Wheeler that will be delivered next week. I am excited for that.

Anyway y'all have a blessed day and act like somebody.

Asa
November 22, 2022 - Msg 118401: Asa ..Mr Shellhammer from a Miracle on 34th st. ? But I don’t know the connection with TAGS & Lucy....G-F


November 22, 2022 - Msg 118402:

Hello all. Happy Thanksgiving Eve Eve! ha
All is well here, but like Boo, this may be it for a couple of days.
I have a lot to do. Boo-your dinner sounds wonderful!
I did see one tags tonight, about Dave Browne (with an E) and his shiny bauble
with a hook in it. Such a good analogy of what the world will give us if
we aren't careful.
I talked to Pappabear the other day. He is doing better these days, and is in
a smaller place now. I have sent RO his new address, so she can send out an
updated list.
Well, it looks like our final guest list will be 10 plus the two of us,
but we will have the food to swing it. We really do have much to be thankful for.
Our weather has been absolutely wonderful lately with the last seven days or so
right around 70 degrees.
ASA--I will start with my decs this Saturday. It is all 'ground-based' this year,
nothing on the roof. :) Perhaps your new wheeler will get rid of your puny-ness!
And Yes, please tell us the TAGS connection.

I will 10-4 ya all for now, but will try to make it by tomorrow.

MDC


November 23, 2022 - Msg 118403: Very nice job GF. I figured that would stump everyone.
The TAGS connection is the guy who played Mr. MAcey was Fred Walker. The Lucy connection is that Fred MErtz played the fellow who was coaching the judge concerning how he handled the situation.

Of course I am referring to the original Miracle on 34th. Street. MDC sounds like you are going to have to slice the turkey a little thinner. Lol

Asa
November 23, 2022 - Msg 118404: Good morning, porch! Been busy, haven't had much time to sit on the porch, but here I am. Nice to hear what's going on with everyone else. Boo, it's so good to hear that Erin is being pleasant and helpful, and not causing trouble. Surely do hope that little trend continues!

It's cold and rainy here, and is expected to be the same for tomorrow and Friday. Brrrrr! Three fuzzed-up little squirrels out back, looking pretty forlorn. I hope they have snug little nests somewhere. One does, I know, because he has taken over one of the squirrel boxes on a tree, and I've seen him/her hauling mouthfuls of leaves into the box. It's just a dreary morning, haven't seen a bird yet!

I worked all day yesterday, am tired today, and have a lot more to do. I got my cranberry sauce cooked, and made a pan of Rice Krispy treats (I love those things!) and emptied out the fridge, cleaned it thoroughly (it was a mess). Threw away about eight jars of old, mysterious stuff, thereby making some room in the fridge. Did the same with the garage fridge, so there will be room for the leftovers after dinner tomorrow. I made two trips to the grocery store, spent $205 on the first trip and that wasn't counting the turkey, as I had bought it last Friday. Then I returned to the store for the second round of groceries. I always divide those trips up - I use one of the smaller baskets because I can't handle the big old boxcar baskets with my arthritic wrists, and it's too much to deal with at home in one trip. That second round rang up as $235 and I nearly fainted. So did the checker. Seems the register had "busted a gusset" as my grandma would say. She had to re-check my groceries, and it was only $65. Whew!

Today I'll prep all the veggies, make the fruit salad and a cake and two pies, and will have the bird in the oven by 10:30 tomorrow, (I cheat and use Pepperidge Farms stuffing mix, adding my own onions, celery and whatever -it's delish!) and we plan to eat around 3 or 3:30. There will be about 15-17 of us, and I hope that a good time will be had by all! No one will go hungry, that's for sure!

Well, better get moving. I need to eat something, I think I'll "Just Crack an Egg" to give me a little fuel for the day. Trinket is still a mess, haven't gotten her combed out yet. I think the family would prefer a good meal over a combed-out pup. At least she doesn't smell like a dog. She never does. That's one of the advantages of a totally indoor dog. Sweet little old thing!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day tomorrow. Eat well but wisely, and as my mother often said - remember, you don't have to eat it all at one meal! Leftovers are good, too! Blessings, and keep looking up! --Romeena
November 23, 2022 - Msg 118405: For you warm climate people...Here’s a time lapse video of the recent snowfall in Buffalo..SHAZZAM!....G-F
https://youtu.be/FD6BI5eYyKY
November 23, 2022 - Msg 118406: Well, thank you for being such good friends. I am truly thankful. <3

It is Thanksgiving Eve and I am pretty tired but feeling fine. Had a few bumps in the road during prep. I made the rolls ahead and they didnt rise like they were supposed to so that was a flop. I got ready to bake my cornbread for the dressing and I bought the wrong kind (bought all sweet cornbread mix and that wont do). Sean went in to the store and bought the right stuff for me. Then. I burned a perfectly innocent pecan pie! Sinful, I tell you!.I did manage to keep on track with everything else. I am about to need a break, though, so going to put my feet up and rest for a bit.

The weather here today was wonderful and tomorrow is supposed to be in the seventies. I still dont even know who will be coming tomorrow for sure so I guess I will just wait and see. We will certainly have enough food and leftovers, too.

Romeena, I use a bag of pepperidge farm bread dressing in my cornbread dressing. My mom always did so I do too.

Love to all. Ill try to drop in tomorrow.

Boo
November 23, 2022 - Msg 118407: Here is a moive quote for you, Asa: "Are you sure it wasnt because I was naked in the shower?"...what movie is that from? lol

Boo
November 24, 2022 - Msg 118408: Happy Thanksgiving, Porch!

May you all have a safe trip if you're traveling and a great time when you get there! And if anyone asks why you didn't compliment their turkey or stuffing or pies, you tell them that eating speaks louder than words! ;)

Toast your host and announce, "let's quaff our nut brown ale."

John Masters


November 24, 2022 - Msg 118409: Happy Thanksgiving to my Porch Family! When I count my blessings,y'all are on the top of the list. Very grateful for the love & friendship I've found here.

Hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving-love to all.

******************
possum under a rock
November 24, 2022 - Msg 118410: Pringles Potato Chips!!
November 24, 2022 - Msg 118411: Good morning, porch family! It's going to be a wet, chilly and nasty day, but we won't care, because we'll all be in the house, eating turkey and all sorts of good stuff. I was so busy yesterday that I really didn't eat, just a taste or a nibble here and there, and predictably, I woke up a little shaky this morning, checked my blood sugar and it was only 62. No wonder I was shaky. So I'm sitting here with a big glass of apple juice, which will push it over 100, where it should be. If it doesn't, well, I guess I'll just be forced to eat a Rice Krispie treat! Darn!

I got a lot done yesterday, this morning I'll get the bird and his six extra thighs in the oven by around 10:30, and we'll eat around 3:00. Just have some yams to cook up with some pineapple and brown sugar, some creamed corn to make (both easy!) and maybe will do something with some carrots. Everybody else is bringing something - hope my kitchen island is big enough to hold everything. Oh, and got to make the stuffing and get it in the bird before he visits the oven. I may skip the carrots. Oh, and make the angelfood cake for my son. He loves them! Am feeling a bit peppier than I was - the apple juice is kicking in.

I am so grateful for all my porch friends. This porch is just so great. Even at 3 in the morning, if I need a friendly word, I can come to the porch and find a welcome. Thanks, Floyd! And thank you to each of you, who bear with my often-too-long comments, and who share your lives with us all. You'll never know how many times you have lifted my spirits, just when I needed it most.

Well, better go get things started in the kitchen. Have a wonderful day, all of you, and remember to "praise God from Whom all blessings flow!" Keep looking up! --Romeena (and Trinket says hey!)
November 24, 2022 - Msg 118412: Pringles? Oh, yeah!~ --Romeena
November 25, 2022 - Msg 118413: Today is 🦃 Leftovers Day....

Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple turkey , lemon turkey, coconut turkey , pepper turkey , turkey soup, turkey stew, turkey salad, turkey and potatoes, turkey burger, turkey sandwich.....

..That- that's about it. ...G-F
November 25, 2022 - Msg 118414: Well, good morning, porch! We were blessed with a lovely day yesterday! The weather was miserable, cold and rainy all day, but it didn't matter. We ended up with about 17 people, including my nephew and his wife and adorable little 14-month-old boy. Cutest little kid you ever saw! Busy as a one-armed paperhanger, crawls almost faster than I can walk, very sweet-tempered, and I love his name - Gideon. He really brightened up the day.

Not that it needed it. We had "waaaay-yonder" too much food. Everybody brought at least one dish, Brittany brought three, and added to all the stuff I had made, we ended up with some of it on the kitchen counter, as the center island was already full. If anybody left here hungry, it was their own fault. It was a noisy, fun and funny day, with too much good food, a lot of laughter, and a busy baby to cap it all off. I love it!

We started out with just 8 of us, (David and Brittany and their boys, Hudson's girlfriend, and Eloise and Jerry) and we all fit around my kitchen table (a trestle table with benches, and captain's chairs at each end, seats 8). We gave our thanks to God, and started eating. Then others (the "we'll make it if we can" group) started filing in and we soon had a houseful. We also had more food! All very informal, the "grab a plate and find a chair" kind of gathering. My dining room table seats six, and there's a little table in the sunroom that seats four, and in a pinch the bar that divides the kitchen from the den will seat five. In a real emergency, I have card tables and chairs, but we don't usually need them. All in all, it's just a big noisy, happy gang and I love it.

At the end of the evening, after most had gone home, I still had David and Brittany, their two boys, and Vivian, the girlfriend who will probably become a DIL, (love her!) Brittany took up residence in the kitchen, and I couldn't get her out of there! When they finally left, sometime after midnight, the kitchen was clean and neat as a pin, not a dirty dish in sight. That girl is a jewel.

Meantime, David and the boys had gotten my Christmas tree out of its closet, and had it standing in the middle of the living room. I always start with it there, so I can get around it easily to decorate it. It's 8' tall, and it stands on a square of plywood, with 6" casters on the bottom, so it quickly becomes the dominant feature in the room. The boys also brought out the boxes that hold the smaller ornaments, and I decorated the top before they put it on the tree. No climbing. Later, once it's decorated, I can easily roll it back into the corner where it reigns supreme through the holidays.

The boys also brought out various wreaths, standing ceramic figures, etc. and put them in their places. They know where everything goes. They also know the stories behind many of the things (I have a lot of my mom's small figures and tree ornaments, at least half a dozen of which are older than I am), and they treat them with great respect. There is a a snowman figure that is dated on the bottom - 1935. He stands inside a wreath I made years ago, which David hangs on a hidden hook at the top of the stone face of the corner fireplace. He has placed that wreath and snowman in that spot for many years now, and it's understood that at least the snowman will be his when I'm gone. He has been his guardian for too long for it to be otherwise. Brittany is thrilled, because she loves snowmen, and has an impressive collection herself.

Grandson Landry, who is 6'4", had gone around the house and quietly reset the kitchen clock, which I can't reach, brought out several little ornaments that occupy high places here and there and had them secured. That way I won't be tempted to climb. They are adamant about that, and I obey. I do not climb, though at 5'2" I wish I could!

He also cleared the studio pictures of all the younger grandkids from the top of the credenza in the dining room, and stashed them in a place known only to him. Now I can set up my ceramic nativity, (about 30 pieces) on that surface, complete with lights under cotton, and it will be lovely. Of course, I can never find the pictures, but Landry will see to it that they magically reappear when the decorations are coming down. It's a little game he has enjoyed since he was about 12. I no longer even search for the pictures. Finding them would spoil the fun.

Through it all, Hudson would stop now and then and go to the piano and play for a little while. He plays by ear, and can play just about anything, once he has heard it. Believe it or not, this 19 year old young man is very partial to classical music! By ear, yet! He also plays the bassoon, and is now in the orchestra at UTA.

Oh, my goodness! I love this time of year! The season is so sacred, so much beauty abounds in the decorations, the music, and gatherings of friends and family, and I feel so blessed. The crass commerci@lism exists, but we can choose to ignore it most of the time, and just revel in the warmth and beauty of these days, and the promises of things to come, because He came. God is good! Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
November 25, 2022 - Msg 118415:

GF--you forgot the Ronco specialty...turkey JERKY! ha
RO--sure sounds you all had a 'Hallmark Movie' kind of day! That is so cool.
Wow, what a spread.
We ended up with 12 total, so all worked out well. ASA, I actually could slice
the bird so one couldn't see thru the slices. haha The Home Chef meal we got had
a 18 lb turkey, even tho the ad said a 12 to 14 lb one, so that worked out great.
After pie and coffee we all just visited at the table. My brother's two kids
that we watched grow up are now both young adults, and they got into our
adult conversations. We have an unwritten rule of no politics, but pretty much
any other topic is fine.
I saw one TAGS tonight on me-tv, but not the second one.
Maybe you TX ladies can tell me what a 'hen party' is?. I've only heard that term
on the Jeff Pruitt ep, as I did again tonight, but is it just ladies sitting
around gabbing? I really like Barney's reaction when Jeff wants to meet Thelma Lou! ha
I start my decorations this weekend. Will take a few days, but as long as I can do it,
I shall do my best, as they always reflect the true reason for the season.
And I echo RO's sentiments regarding the porch, thank you Floyd, and thank you all
for your friendship and love.
MDC :)
November 26, 2022 - Msg 118416: Good evening, porch! Today has been a lazy day, but nice. I'm moving pretty slowly, got a problem in my lower back, in the area where I had all the surgery about ten years ago (the sacral plate) and can't bend very well. It's pretty painful, but gets okay when I'm lying down, or sitting in my wheelerette. So I've spent a little time there today. The grandsons had gotten my Nativity set down from the high closet shelf on Thursday night, so I did manage to get it all set up on the dining room credenza today. I was hoping to get a little of the tree ornaments hung, but just didn't get that far. No problem, the back is feeling a bit better, I should be okay tomorrow. When I get home from church I should be able to make a good dent in that job.

MDC, you have it right, regarding the definition of a hen party. That's exactly what it is, and that would be understood by any native Texan. Notice the "native" designation. With all the Yankees and Californians moving here recently, Texas is changing. I was fall-down shocked at the blue votes that were cast. Have those people never heard the old saying - "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Texans will say - "Come and welcome! However, if you do move here, don't immediately start trying to remake us into the place you just left!" If they want to do that, then we'd prefer they just stay home. They will not be welcome if they start trying to change us, and then I suppose they'll start griping that Texans aren't friendly! Be warned!

Glad to hear your Home Chef meal was so nice. I've often wondered about that. However, I doubt they'd prepare six extra thighs to satisfy our family's taste for the dark meat. There were two thighs more this year, (usually make four extra and this year I did six extra) and wonder of wonders, they were not eaten, so now they're mine, all mine! And they are soooo good!

Well, my back is screaming at me, so guess I'd better get off this keyboard and go get comfortable. This little old office chair isn't very kind to an aching back. Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
November 27, 2022 - Msg 118417: Good afternoon, porch! Hooray! After several cold and drippy days, we have a beautiful clear sky, lots of sunshine, 57° and a soft breeze! Looks like we can expect more of the same for the next few days, anyway. And the five amaryllis bulbs I ordered arrived yesterday, so I'll get them potted up and on the bench in the sunroom, and in early January, I should have some beautiful, spectacular amaryllis blooms, about 8"-10" across, and gorgeous. They'll last for about three-four weeks, and brighten up what is usually a dreary month, after all the beautiful color and lighting of the Christmas season begins to disappear. Note that I said "begins", because I'm not one who just has to dismantle it all before New Year. I've been known to leave my tree up until far into February! The rest of it, throughout the house, comes down a little at a time, and I don't take the tree down until people start looking at me funny. It's beautiful, the lights are a soft glow in the room, many of the ornaments are very, very old and recall a lot of happy times, and beloved people who have gone on to glory, and it's just a huge comfort to me.

I didn't make it to church this morning. My back is still having a tantrum, but is better than it was. I'm a little concerned, because the pain is in the sacral plate area, as I mentioned earlier. I'm seriously hoping it's not breaking down again. I think that's unlikely, but if it doesn't resolve soon, I'll call the back surgeon and get his take on what's wrong. The pain is different than it was on that horrible morning when the whole plate shattered, it's more in the muscles, and on that day it was a sharp, grating, stabbing pain and my legs wouldn't work. They could, they just refused. It hurt too much. And it's getting better, which is encouraging. Another day or two, I guess. Wish I had a hot tub! Hmmm. David does, but I don't feel like making the drive out to his house, or even the ride with someone else driving. Bed or wheeler, both work pretty well.

Well, once again, I've been in this office chair long enough. Wheelerette, here I come! Trinket will be happy, as she can get in my lap there, but not in this office chair. Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena