November 27, 2022 - Msg 118418:
Good Sabbath evening to all.
RO__I am so sorry to hear of your back misery.
Maybe the cold inclement weather causes some of the problem.
Just a thought. How about warm water on your back in the shower?
I started on my Christmas decorations today. I work a little slower these
days, but I still got quite a bit done. I have to get my medicare
blood draw this week and a yearly eye exam as well, so partly done
scenery will stay like that for a few days.
Our church is doing Las Posadas ("The Inns") this year, and I am helping with some
of that. It is a southwest tradition of Mary and Joseph stopping at
several "inns" around the church campus. Finally one inn owner says that he has
stables available, but first come in and be fed. We enter the social hall
and have a big potluck with a pinata, tamales, etc.
I am making "inn signs" like Jake's Place, no vacancy, etc. I am also making one
funny one... Motel 6 shekels! :)
I emailed RO the current address for pappabear. He sure does enjoy getting your
Christmas cards.
I saw on FB that Spotty has his crosses up again this year!
That's about it for now. You all remain in my prayers.
MDC
November 27, 2022 - Msg 118419:
I even tidied up a bit! :)
November 28, 2022 - Msg 118420:
Good morning, porch! Another clear and beautiful day here, temp in the mid 50s, but heading for upper 60s. The next few days look the same, this is probably our last hurrah before winter takes up residence.
MDC, be sure to send or post or somehow let us see your Christmas display when it's finished. It's always a treat! My tree is about half finished, still standing in the middle of the living room. Physically, I could roll it back into its corner, but it still needs more ornaments on the top section, which would require me to climb on a 2-step stool and lean into the tree, and I've got just about a quart more smarts than to do that these days. Will wait for tall and lanky Landry to finish that off for me. Then he'll move the tree for me, and position it just so. He has a good eye for such as that. Those boys are such a blessing. Hudson will do anything I ask him to do, but only when I ask. Landry just quietly observes, sees what needs to be done, and does it. Of course, Hudson's sweet little girlfriend is always within arm's length of wherever he is, so I guess you could say he's distracted. I may be old, but not so old that I've forgotten how that works. Those two have been a pair for about two years now, and it looks like it's going to last. He's at UTA now, down in Austin, but keeps the road hot coming home almost every weekend, unless he's tied up with the band or orchestra - which he frequently is, much to Vivian's disappointment. She handles it though, and cheers him on.
MDC, trust me. I know about warm water on the painful back. I'm so grateful for my tankless water heaters - I can and do stand in that shower, with hot, not just warm water, pouring over my back, for ten or fifteen minutes with every shower. No wonder my water bills are so high! And yes, it does bring some relief. Temporarily, but hey, I'll take what I can get! The lower back pain that hit a few days ago is resolving. Not sure what all that was about, but at least it doesn't seem to be permanent, started at about 8 out of 10, and is now about a 2-3. Hey, I can handle that! At least when it was an 8, it was motion related, and would stop when I got in my chair or bed. Just don't even think about bending down to pick something up, at that time. Now I can. Good grief! Seems like all I do is gripe about one pain or another.
People always told me I was a lot like my dad, but I don't think so. He never complained, about anything. He had a bad back, eventually had some surgery for it, and he never complained. You could tell when it was bad, though. It showed in his posture and you could see it in his eyes, but never a word from him. He had injured it when he was about 23. He and a friend had literally lifted a woman's car (or "flivver" as Daddy called it) out of the mud she was stuck in, lifted the rear end of the car up and set it back down on firm ground about three feet away. He said he felt something "give" when he did it, and he had pain in his back forever. Well, until a crackerjack surgeon did a triple laminectomy on the site of the injury, when Daddy was about 65! Fixed the problem! But all those years, without complaint? He was a tough old bird!
Well, better get busy. Those ornaments aren't going to jump out of those bins and get on that tree by themselves, and David and the boys could show up at any time, unannounced, to put the outside lights on the house and bushes, and help me with the finishing touches in the house, things I can't reach. What would I do without them??
Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
November 30, 2022 - Msg 118421:
Well, speeding by to say hello! You know how it is for me this time of year plus other dealings. I just finished an online grocery order to pickup later. I am trying to stay out of crowds so I can avoid the latest virus. I had a flu shot but I know they dont cover everything. Bruce got a flu shot and a shingles vaccine yesterday and his poor arm as sore as it can be.
We had a wonderful thanksgiving and enjoyed it. I wasnt overly tired, the food was good, we had a few unexpected guests...kind of like when Andy showed up for dinner at Howard's house. lol I had invited our sweet nextdoor neighbors for dessert later in the evening but there must have been a misunderstanding and they showed up to eat but that was great and I was glad they did. A friend of Matt's and his sweet family came and ate and ate and ate. Ha! They had three children who were very well behaved, quiet, and nice to have around. The kids really enjoyed the food so it made my heart happy. Of course we had the usual family crew here, too, and Matt's new girlfriend Grace, who was a delight to have. She is a good conversationalist and a smart woman. She is lovely and I thought she must be about 40. She will be 50 at her next birthday and I couldnt believe it. I have never seen anyone her age look so young. She will be with us for Christmas, too, which we are looking forward to. She will have to be here because she was included in drawing names for gifts this year. She is very good for Matt but it seems that she may be in for a heartbreak because he is not doing well. He is still drinking too much and I can tell he doesnt feel for her the way she feels for him. He treated his ex wife with respect and affection. I dont see it with the girlfriend. I firmly believe Matt will never make himself vulnerable again to the kind of hurt he suffered with Amy. He has never been the same and seems to be unwilling to give up the booze that he thinks helps him get by, I guess. Sad really, because the Matt I used to know had such a beautiful, sweet heart. She fixed that, I guess. To cheat on him the first time, with a pastor no less, but then to cheat on him with a 19 years old. He was faithful to her always. Just so unfair. He loved her very much so it wrecked him.
Well, I am still having a slight bit of trouble with the vertigo with certain movements and when typing and moving my eyes too quickly. I guess it will just be something I have to deal with.
I have all the decorating done that I will be doing. I decorated the tree and the mantle, put some of might lighted village houses in the antique glass front cabinet that I painted this year and they look pretty. I set out some of my christmas what-nots in the kitchen and that's it. I am enjoying the simplicity and the decorations seem more elegant. I am happy with it.
Time to go clean out the fridge from all the leftover stuff and finish up the laundry. Blessings to all!
Boo
November 30, 2022 - Msg 118422:
Let me clarify my above statements concerning my nephew. While he suffered greatly due to his ex wife's decisions, it has been a long time and he is the only one who can do what he needs to do to get better. He has a daughter to think about and he needs to step up and do whatever he needs to do to be there and well for her. That girl (Emily) is 15 now and growing up so fast. She needs her dad to be an integral part of her life because her mom doesnt have the time. I pray he will finally do what he needs to do.
Boo
December 01, 2022 - Msg 118423:
Goober-Fife, you are a bird in this world! From your enclosed letter,
I'm guessing that all here that you have an address for got one.
What a unique gift. Thank you so much!!! I'm sure betty Lynn is smiling down on us all!
BOO--As you may recall, one of my brothers went down that same road.
Almost the same senario too, but he was finally convinced to try AA, and has been sober
for about 15 years now. I pray that Matt will discover that as well, as it helps in
a very holistic way, as well. Also, be sure to take your zinc, and A B C D and E.
RO--Glad that hot water helps your back a bit. And so neat that you have so many
'elves' help you with your beautiful tree.
One reason I havent been around recently is of course due to the decorations,
but I also had to go for my blood draw for complete blood count, A1C, PSA and
u know what in a bottle! Also my monthly INR due to my blood thinner.
I usually get the same little gal, AKA phlebotomist, who is just a joy.
When I get this much drawn, she uses a 'butterfly' needle, and I never even
feel it go in. She's always pleasant, and knows her stuff. I've had some who
won't even give me the time of day, so to speak.
I also had my yearly eye exam with my ophthalmologist, and my left eye pressure was up
to 32! (Normal is around 12 to 22) This could lead to glaucoma, so I am using a drop,
and looking into fruits that might help too.
Well, I better get going. TO PH, JM, SPOT, POSSUM, BIG MAUDE, STERLING, AND ALL,
Please check in when you can. There's plenty of hot chocolate and s'mores to go
around! :)
MDC
December 02, 2022 - Msg 118424:
Thank you G-F! I wish I could give you a big hug!!!
Thank you for the encouragement, MDC, and for the prayers.
Boo
December 02, 2022 - Msg 118425:
Good morning, porch! Imagine my surprise when the package on my front porch did not contain the three shirts I was expecting, but rather a very unexpected and much-appreciated souvenir, that will forever have a place of honor in my home! Thanks, G-F, for a very thoughtful and kind gift! You're a treasure!
Gray, dreary and cold here today. Just 56°, but feels colder. Things will heat up in a little while, though. We're playing bunco at noon today. Somebody got the notion that we should start playing at noon instead of in the evening, and the idea won by one vote. Grrr. I don't like it, but I try not to rain on anybody else's parade. Some of the girls don't drive at night, and I know that's a problem, but there are several of us who will gladly pick them up, so it's not really a problem. Irving isn't that big, most of us are within two miles or less of the ones who need rides. Oh well. We'll have fun. Since it's lunch, the hostess usually just provides something to drink and a dessert, instead of the full meals we do in the evening. The girls all bring a burger or a sandwich from home, or whatever. I'll pick up Eloise, we'll stop at Chick-fil-A, and I'll probably get a bowl of their amazing mac and cheese! We're also doing a "white elephant" gift thing. I'm taking a nice little "candle fountain" that's still in its box, and has been sitting on top of my dryer for about five years. Have no idea where it came from, but I have no place to use it, so I hope someone else can enjoy it. Should be a fun afternoon.
Gotta run, or the girls will see me with no makeup and wild hair! Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
December 02, 2022 - Msg 118426:
Hello friends.I just wanted to stop by and visit a few minutes.Hope you all are doing well.Ro glad to read your back is feeling better.If you all wouldn't mind keeping me in your prayers I would appreciate it.I have pneumonia and when I had vivid pneumonia it scarred my lungs so it makes it a little harder to get over.Hope you all have a blessed day! Ky girl
December 02, 2022 - Msg 118427:
That was supposed to say covid pneumonia
December 03, 2022 - Msg 118428:
HI ALL. I woke up today (Sat.) to an overcast drizzly day, and I had planned
to finish my outdoor display, so that had to wait.
But it is always good to get rain here, and it was a soft steady rain all day
today, just now stopping at 9:30 PM.
KY Girl, nice to see you pop in! Yes, you bet on the prayers. So sorry to hear
of your pneumonia. I'll lift up your need at preachin'.
All else is good here. We put up our tree today as I was going to do THAT on Sunday,
so just did a bit of a switcherro!
ASA--the Utes did it again! That was a good game, saw the 2nd half.
Keep well all.
Peace,
MDC
December 04, 2022 - Msg 118429:
Asa, You’re Utes helped our Buckeyes on their quest for the last playoff spot...Hopefully the committee agrees!
It was a good game....G-F
December 04, 2022 - Msg 118430:
Hope your bunco was fun, Ro. Im with you, though, I prefer social activities in the evening, as I am just not a morning person and seem to have much more pep in the evening (except when it comes to romance..just ask poor Bruce. hehe).
Our weather here has been kind of miserable. Lots of fog and humidity and warm temps. Yuck. supposed to be in the eighties all next week, which I hate. We tried to go look at some neighborhood lights yesterday and it was so humid that we couldnt see out the windows unless we turned the defogger on and then we got too hot, so turned on the ac and the windows fogged up..vicious cycle. lol Maybe we will get some cold weather the week of Christmas, I hope.
All the decorating is done inside and out and I have been making cutout christmas cookies for Emily to decorate for her teachers. I told her I would make the cookies for her but she has to come and decorate them. Emily is now 15 and has become alot more involved with my immediate family, as I suspected she would. I just love that she is because she is a sweet girl and lots of fun. She is driving St Susan a little crazy, though. Susan never had a teenaged girl so she doesnt know how to handle the hormones, etc. To Emily Susan is like a mother than a grandmother. Emily's mom is very busy working and taking care of her childish husband and little boy so Emily prefers to live with Susan and her son, Matt. Susan is a very good influence but tends to spoil, as grandmothers do so its not easy for her now to try and correct things. She never wanted to be in this position. She only wanted to be a grandma but Emily's mom fixed that real good. I'm not bitter, just disappointed I guess. Its been years but we are still dealing with the consequences of course.
Bruce asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I found it today. I found a set of Collier's story books for children like I had all my growing up years. The books are long since gone but I have such fond memories of Susan and I reading those stories together. Its a set of ten books printed in the year of my birth (1962) and about the time I was born my dad invested in a set of Colliers encyclopedias for his four children to use and the storybooks came with the encyclopedias and I wore those books out! I cant wait to open them on Christmas morning and take a trip down memory lane. Now, comes the hard part...buying something for Bruce! He is so hard to buy for. Erin wants some cash and I bought a battery charged lightweight vacuum for Sean that he liked. We drew names with Susans family for gifts and I got Susans husband and Bruce got Susan so I bought them both gift cards from their favorite stores. Kind of boring but I know that is what they really want.
I still have to make out the christmas cards. Ro, did you email the card list with Frank's new address? Maybe I just havent seen it.
Asa, where are you? I have another Christmas quote for you. What movie is this from?> "The trolls weren't housetrained yet"?
Boo
December 04, 2022 - Msg 118431:
I havent mentione this because I am trying to protect Mavis' privacy but she has a fundraiser on facebook to try to cover her lawyer fee. She is going through so much, as you probably know but if anyone has questions, you can email me.
Boo
December 04, 2022 - Msg 118432:
Hey Gang..Just got off the phone with Papa Bear..He said to tell y’all Hey 👋🏻 & he prays for us all..NiceGuy!..G-F
December 05, 2022 - Msg 118433:
The Annual Christmas card from our Floyd..https://youtu.be/AImMay2NH-E
December 05, 2022 - Msg 118434:
Good morning, porch! Gray, cloudy, chilly at 60°, feels colder than the thermometer is reporting. My cottonwood trees and the pear tree are finally releasing their leaves, but of course the sycamore is selfishly holding on to every leaf. It will drop them all at once the day after Eddie cleans up after the cottonwoods! It happens every year. The cooperative crape myrtle trees are completely bare, but the cherry laurel is still wearing a full dress of green leaves.
I haven't sent out the Christmas card list yet. If anyone wishes to be added (or removed, I hope not) please let me know in the next couple of days, so I can get the list out.
I'm going to a luncheon at church in a little while. It's the WINGS (Widows Involved N God's Service) group. Should be nice, and fun. We'll have a White Elephant gift exchange, and just socialize, maybe start planning our next project. Trinket will be quite upset when I leave her, but she'll recover and rejoice when I return. She's such a spoiled little mama's baby!
I discovered last night that while my icicle lights on the eaves of the house are working, the red roof lights that follow all the high points of the roof are frequently not. When Landry put them up there, he plugged them into a socket on the back corner of the house. Unfortunately, that one is also the origin of the ground lights in the flowerbeds out back. Somewhere, one of the ground lights will trip the GFCI on that outlet when it gets wet from rain or the sprinklers, and we haven't been able to identify which one is doing it. That kills the ground lights, and of course, the roof lights. Landry didn't know that. Now he has to come back and move that connection. There are several outlets in the soffits on the front of the house, all he has to do is move it to one of them, but he will have to be on the roof to do it. This old gal will do a lot of things, but I no longer climb. My balance isn't that good, and I just do not take the chance. As for the shrubbery lights, the boys left those for me to do, and I can. They had to get over to Eloise's and get her lights up on the roof, and then, finally, get home and do their own. What would we do without David, Landry and Hudson?
My goodness! The sun has shifted into a position that is revealing how dirty my big window is! I can hardly see through it! That's so weird, the way the angle of the light makes it opaque, or clear as can be. Guess I need to get a brush or mop and some Windex and get that thing cleaned. Of course it won't stay clean but a few days, then will get dirty again. If the wind is blowing when the sprinklers run, and the windows get wet, and there's any dust blowing around, they get filthy again. Always something to do around here.
Well, guess I'd better rummage up that White Elephant gift. I've got enough stuff around here, should be able to find something. Trinket has already figured out that something is happening, and has taken refuge in the cuddlebed under my desk. When I start getting dressed, she'll be very still and quiet, hoping I won't notice her, but I will. When I call her out from her hidey-hole, she will come but v-e-r-y slowly, trudge, trudge, trudge. She will not follow me into the bedroom, so I'll pick her up and carry her, and put her down in front of the bathroom door. From there she will drag herself into the bathroom, looking back at me, like "Mama, how can you do this to me?" In there, she has a bowl of food, fresh water, another cuddlebed, toys, and can open the clothes hamper door and lie on my dirty clothes, which she does. I'll be gone about three hours, so she'll be fine. Spoiled little thing.
Well, off I go. Have a good day, good week, etc. Blessings, friends, and keep looking up! --Romeena
December 06, 2022 - Msg 118435:
Fra-jill-LAY (:
December 06, 2022 - Msg 118436:
Howdy folks! I guess everyone is busy scurrying around before Christmas!
The fra-gil-lay of course is from A Christmas Story.
Things are fine here as we too have decorated. I saw some of Boo's decorations on facebook. Nice, real nice, cookies too! And Boo, it looks like you have your
shopping pretty well 'in the bag!' I had to smile at your line about
waning romance in the evening because I wrote a funny poem to Cecile for Christmas about, shall we say, a part of me that doesn't work in that
department anymore. Ha! I think she'll get a good laugh. On the more serious
side, she has been eyeing a pair of silver earrings at Macy's, and I got them
today! :)
I hope everyone is doing OK these days. Last week I saw the tags about
the guest of honor, and I finally thought, why didn't the 5 men whose
wrist watches were taken figure out on the spot what happened? hmmm.
Tonite was the one with the 2nd nurse Mary, and Barney's actions make no sense,
but then I guess they wouldn't have a show if they did! ha.
I made an appt with my opthamologist for a 'field test' to hopefully see if
I have the early stages of glaucoma or not. Please keep me in your prayers.
RO, I hope your luncheon went well. Regarding Landry plugging into the wrong socket...many years ago I installed two 20 amp circuits for my outdoor lights.
Before that I kept tripping breakers! Hope your weather improves soon.
Hang in there all,
MDC
December 07, 2022 - Msg 118437:
Asa?....You Ok Buddy?...Just check in when you can...G-F
December 07, 2022 - Msg 118438:
Thanks, MDC. The cookies looked better than they tasted!😂. I made some chex party mix that was a bigger hit with the kids.
I will pray, concerning your eye appointment. Please let us know how it goes. Concerning your “poem,” very common for men your age, as you know. I know you don’t like to take medication if you don’t have to but the blue pill can really help, if you and Cecile are missing that part of life. There’s no shame in getting a little help. Just a word of advice if you choose that route, be prepared for a possible headache and/or indigestion. We don’t have to ever speak of it again. Lol
Wonder where Asa is? Might have to send him an email.
Erin had another MRI today that will probably show nothing again. Back to the cardiologist for monitoring again next.
I’ve been doing some sewing to make some gifts and I’m tired out. Hope everyone is well and blessed. ❤️
Boo
December 08, 2022 - Msg 118439:
Boo-HA! and OK, tick a lock." :)
December 08, 2022 - Msg 118440:
Good afternoon, porch! Those of you who are expecting the Christmas card list, give it a couple of days and then watch your mailbox. I got them done, and put them out on my mailbox, but unfortunately, just about an hour after our mail person went by. He'll get them tomorrow, so you should see them at least by Monday, possibly for Boo, maybe by Saturday. "Snail mail" is no longer funny, at least not in this part of the country. In many cases, the mail arrives, it's just stolen from the box before the owner can pick it up. I had a mail slot installed years ago, so mine drops into the house. That is, assuming the carrier hasn't dropped it in somebody's flowerbed. I apologize for the messy writing on the envelopes, both my hands are in the grip of arthritis and I can barely write. It's getting better, though, after the doc shot cortisone into them. He said it would take about three weeks to fully relieve the discomfort, and it's about halfway there now, I'd say. Still not comfortable, but a darned sight better than they were.
Is the rest of the country dealing with porch pirates? That's the creeps that cruise neighborhoods, spot a package on a porch, dash up to the door and grab it and run. Usually there is an accomplice cruising along the curb in a car, so the thief runs back to the car, tosses the package into the open back window, and runs to the next house. That's why you'll see the UPS and other delivery guys snap a picture of your package lying on your porch. That's so they can prove that they really did deliver it, when you call to complain. Isn't that pitiful? What is this nation becoming? I know this is tacky and spiteful, but honestly, I wish I could build a little skunk-spray bomb and put it in a nice package and leave it on my porch. At least for a while they'd have to stay at home, because their victims would smell them coming! (heehee)
Guess I'd better think about dinner. I skipped lunch, had one of those "Just Crack an Egg" things about 8:30, and still not hungry. Those things are pretty good, by the way, if I haven't mentioned it before. You can use one egg or two - I use two - and they really are pretty tasty. I think there are five flavors. The one I had this morning had chorizo, bacon and cheese in it. I prefer the one with onions, green pepper, cheese, and some other veggie. Right tasty! As for dinner, I've got some tuna salad left from last night, and some Triscuit crackers, that should do it. Then there's some leftover jello with fruit stuff that needs to go and quit taking up space in the fridge. That should hold me.
Well, have a good evening, friends! Blessings, and keep looking up! --Romeena
December 08, 2022 - Msg 118441:
Romeena I would like to be on the Christmas card list and get an email of the list if I can-ky girl
December 08, 2022 - Msg 118442:
RO, you usually just email us with the list as an attachment. But I guess it will work in a card
as well. Thanks for doing that, especialy with the
pain in your hands. Maybe Emma will give you one
of her pills. :)
BTW, THANKS FLOYD FOR THE NICE CYBER CARD!!!
More later,
MDC
December 08, 2022 - Msg 118443:
Yes, I forgot to thank Floyd for the Christmas greeting!! Thank for all you do for us. Merry Christmas!
Boo
December 09, 2022 - Msg 118444:
Looks to me like Asa hasn’t posted since November 23rd. I sent him an email but not response yet. Hope all is well.
Boo
December 09, 2022 - Msg 118445:
Good afternoon, porch! Another gray and drizzly day, but I'm happy to see it. The water bill I just paid this morning was only $187, and beats the socks off the one I paid last month for $301. I'll take some rainy days any old time!
ky girl I'll send you a list. The postman has already picked up the batch I just finished, and I think I can convince my email program to send the one you want. My computer is has been on the puny list, is very preferential about what it will and won't do. Group emails are on its naughty list right now, just won't do them, and with my painful hands, I got picky about doing them one at a time. However, hands are feeling better, thanks to the cortisone shot finally kicking in. I'll give it a try, at least for yours, and then maybe I'll just repeat for everyone, one at a time. Computers! Can't live with them, and can't live without them, apparently. Right now, my bank's website is refusing to recognize me. I go in and go through a big rigamarole to reset my username and password, I get in, and then after I do what need to do and close out, it won't let me back in without going through the whole business again. I've even gone to the bank and met with a "fixer" there, it worked fine when I used their computer to get in, and won't honor the passwords when I get home on my own system. I'm beginning to think somebody has planted a bug, so Best Buy's computer squad is next on my list.
Boo, I'm going to email Asa or call him and check on him. I hope Debbie is okay. It's not like him to be absent this long.
Please, those of you who are so inclined, please pray for my brother. He's 75, and just had his 5th hip surgery. First one was at age 16, when he was found to have a tumor in his hip bone. This one was to have been another replacement, but the surgeon was unable to complete it, once he got into the hip. He said he could go no further without breaking things even worse, and this man is the top of the line in hip surgery. So he did some "patching" and said it would work. And well it might, if my brother would cooperate, but he's regressing, refusing pain meds and then seriously complaining about the pain, which I do not doubt. He's being illogical, and generally wearing my SIL out! Today they're transporting him to a rehab facility. He tried to refuse, and his wife was having none of that. She said either he goes, or she does! She is worn out, looks like death on a soda cracker, and needs the relief. The folks in the rehab won't put up with his refusals, so that's where he needs to be. The older he gets, the more stubborn he's becoming. Men!
Well, got things to do, places to go, people to see. Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
December 10, 2022 - Msg 118446:
Hello Everyone!
Wow, just two weeks to go! I truly believe that time DOES go faster
as we age. :) Today I went to a local mall. So many have closed here, but we do
still have a few surviving. Anyway, I didnt really have anything to shop for,
I just like to people-watch, and watch Santa interact with the kids, see the decorations,
etc. When stores were downtown there were huge animated window displays,
but not anymore. Sure miss those. But it still lifts my spirits. (If i can remember where i parked!) ha
At home, i put on some Karen Carpenter, or my Goodyear albums as we write cards.
BOO, my 'field test' eye appt is set for mid-January. Thanks. Any word yet
on Erin's MRI? You mentioned your childhood books, well last year Cecile bought me
a reprint of the Dick and Jane series of books. (Like you, I wore out the
originals long ago.)
RO--did you get new computer speakers yet? Also, we have a neighborhood watch
program, with signs posted by the city. And with so many of us retired
in this 'hood, we are always out and about. :) so we're pretty good with
getting our deliveries. My prob is that Amazon has shorted my last two orders.
And you bet, prayers for your
brother. So sorry to hear of all his problems. Lord Jesus, please help him.
Besides ASA, also an APB to PH, Possum, JM, Maudie, and others!
Prayers,
MDC
December 10, 2022 - Msg 118447:
Good morning, porch! Yet another gray and possibly drizzly day! There is a thick carpet of fallen leaves in my yard, front and back. Poor Eddie, this past week he raked and blew and bagged up 11 big bags of leaves and they left here on the trash truck on Thursday morning. Now there are just as many, if not more, on the ground, and there are still a LOT on the trees. At some point, there will be a final ground cover that is not so heavy and he'll just mow through them and mulch them, letting a good amount go into the flowerbeds, to compost over winter and protect the beds from freezing, and settle in eventually to provide fertilizer. Works every year! Eddie is a gem. He's pretty knowledgeable about such things, does a nice neat job, leaves my yard looking so nice, charges very reasonably, and is my friend. At the end of a yard day, we sit on the driveway in lawn chairs, drink sodas, and solve all the world's problems. He's done my yard for 25 years now, and I dread the day when he retires.
Well, I have some news. I called ASA yesterday. He and Debbie are okay, but have been sick with some sort of respiratory ailment. He sounds just awful, can hardly talk for the coughing, and says he has just not felt like getting on the porch. Debbie is doing a bit better, thank God, but he's really miserable with whatever it is that they've had. He said they tested negative for Covid, so thank God for that, but have really felt bad. He's his usual upbeat self, and we had a nice conversation, but anything that made him laugh would set off a miserable round of coughing, so that wasn't good. He says they're doing better, so we probably should just be thankful for that and not expect much from him for a little while. I've just never heard such a terrible cough! Prayers would be appreciated, I'm quite sure.
MDC, I did get new speakers but just haven't installed them yet. Too many other things going on. Will try to get that done today. This seems to be the time for speakers to fail. I have twin stand-alone speakers attached to my TV/CD/Radio/Phonograph setup in the living room, and one has blown, sounds all growly. I haven't investigated replacing them (guess I'll have to buy two, so they match) as I'm afraid they're going to be expensive. Drat. They're in pretty wooden cabinets, about 38" tall, there's one at each end of the cabinet that holds all the components and the TV sits on the top. The speakers are about 14" square, and there are pictures/candles/whatever on top of them. One is sporting a fluffy snowman at the moment. In other words, they're part of the furniture in the room, so not going to be cheap to replace. I don't know if a "blown" speaker can be repaired or not, but guess I'll investigate that possibility.
Well, got things to do, I'd better get busy. Miss Karen is coming this afternoon to groom Trinket. I've been trying to keep her combed out, but it's a losing battle. She's full of knots and tangles, and hides from me when she sees combs and brushes in my hands. I have some spray-on ShowSheen, which helps a lot, but it's still an ordeal for her, and for me as well. I think I'm going to let Karen clip her down this time, her coat is now at least 4" long and will go to the floor if I let it. She would be so beautiful, but it's just not worth it, for either of us. She's not a show dog, so why put both of us through all that torment? She's cute as a button with short hair, so that's where we're going!
Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
December 10, 2022 - Msg 118448:
Oh that you for the report on Asa. I was concerned. I have been hearing on the news about a bad flu with tough respiratory issues so maybe that is what is going on. Lord bring healing soon!
Boo
December 10, 2022 - Msg 118449:
Prayers for Asa and his family.
MDC
December 10, 2022 - Msg 118450:
Haven't posted much lately,but have been hanging out under the porch from time to time & was getting worried about Asa,so thank you,Ro for getting in touch with him & letting us know how he is. Sounds like maybe he & Debbie had RSV-heard it is bad and doesn't only affect the young,and can really do a number on us older folks.Whatever it is,I hope they both feel better soon. Healing prayers being sent for them & thanks again,Ro.
*************
possum u.a.r.
December 10, 2022 - Msg 118451:
Thank You Romeena!...We all were worried about Asa...Prayers for a fast recovery...G-F
December 11, 2022 - Msg 118452:
Good Sunday evening Porch family. Checking in from home tonight.
Prayers for Asa , his Debbie, Boo, Romeena and everyone on the porch .
Well, I had my first Cataract surgery this past Thursday morning. I checked in at 7am and was back in Mr. Maude’s truck at 8:30 am headed home. The procedure went well. No problem so far. I went to church this morning and was able to see the screens perfectly.
I can’t remember how long it’s been since the screens were clear to me. I could also see the faces of the choir members .. Even though I know the folks in the choir ( I have been going to my church since 3rd grade ) the faces were fuzzy. Anyway, what a
Wonderful blessing to see clearly. I am scheduled for my left eye on January 5th.
We had our Adult Choir Christmas Program this morning. They did an awesome job. If any one is interested in hearing the program, it’s streamed on both Facebook and You tube. First Baptist Church Church Hill, Tennessee.
Romeena, when you have time, and it’s not too much trouble could you please e mail the Christmas Card list to me. I have a list but not sure it includes everyone.
Please pray for my brother Mike. He was hospitalized this past week end due to a bleed in his spleen. They were able to stop the bleed by going up though his groin and and patch the spleen . He spent 2 1/2 days in ICU and about 24 hours in the step down unit before he was discharged home. He works on industrial type scales and does a lot of heavy lifting and sometimes had to climb great heights . He is about 16 months younger than me. We are the only ones left in our family of origin . I spent most of last week end with my sister in law at the hospital. He is home now and is struggling with soreness and pain. Hopefully he is on the mend .
Prayers and blessings to all.
Big Maude
December 12, 2022 - Msg 118453:
Happy Monday to all!
Big Maude, good to hear from you. So cool about your successful cateract surgery.
They go so quickly now. Mine were done back in 1992, and it was still a good hour
just for the surgical part. I will check out your church's Christmas program.
Prayers for your brother. I'm glad they were able to fix up the spleen, and that he will
heal well.
I caught one tags tonite, and it was the one about DON, the hungry buzzard! ha
I often wondered if that was
a sort of 'tribute' to Don Knotts as Andy looks right at him and says "Wouldnt ya know that
his name would be Don!" :)
The things people leave in church! Today I found a set of keys, car keys with a remote,
and what are probably house keys also on the ring. I tried the remote in our parking lot,
but no doors unlocked. Just staff cars were there today anyway. Curious, curious.
So good to hear that ASA is ok, but for that flu that is going around.
Keep well my friends, and thanks for the cards. Nice, real nice.
MDC
December 13, 2022 - Msg 118454:
Got the card list Ro, thanks. Want to mention though that Maude’s zip code is wrong on the list. I tried to mail her something today and they couldn’t find the zip so I checked it against last year’s address and you reversed a couple of the numbers. It should be 37645.
Boo
December 13, 2022 - Msg 118455:
Good late morning, friends! Heavy overcast skies, can't believe it's trying to rain again after the storms we had last night. A couple of relatively small tornadoes (if there is such a thing as a small tornado) came through, but not in my immediate area. One hit the Sam's store in Grapevine, one of the many small suburbs in this area. In my area, we had some overhead disturbances, the TV was out for about ten minutes, with the little "weather conditions" sign on the screen, but soon resolved. Trinket growled and woofed a couple of times, then gave a mighty yawn and went back to sleep. We did get some hard rain just after midnight. I think I've told this before, but just in case... I thought I figured it out one time, why we rarely get hit with very terrible weather, and lo and behold, one night on the TV weather report, one of the announcers confirmed my theory! It seems that we have an unexpected protection system. There's a main highway that runs directly east/west between Dallas and Ft. Worth. Strung along that highway like beads are about five little suburbs - Irving, where I live and just sort of blends into northwest Dallas, then Hurst, Euless, Bedford, and Arlington, which is just south of the rest of them. They all have large, sprawling shopping centers, with acres of concrete parking lots. Then there is Dallas/Ft. Worth airport, a major installation with miles of concrete runways, terminals and parking lots. All of that pavement and concrete, jammed close together, creates huge thermals. When a storm approaches from the west, as it usually does, those thermals cleave that storm, shoving its north and south halves apart. We are then spared the brunt of the damage, as the two halves bypass us. I can sit at my window and watch spectacular electrical storms pass to the south of us, and we get nothing. Meantime, the other half of the storm is going by to the north, but I can't see that. Nature is fascinating!
I'm looking forward to a nice evening. Every December, the Deacons of my church have a Christmas dinner for the deacons and their wives. They very kindly include the widows of former deacons. Since my beloved Dale was a deacon, that includes me. One of the present deacons, with his wife, will pick me up and escort me to the event, and bring me home afterward. Dale and I attended many of those dinners together, and I still miss him so much, but it's nice to be invited to attend, and the escort is a lovely touch. I'm certain I would not go alone.
Well, better get busy around here. Maybe I'll get a few Christmas cards addressed and on the mailbox. I can't believe how fast this month is passing by! I'm still putting out doodads here and there. I don't dare go into the bedroom that has been designated as The Christmas Room! I will surely come out of there carrying some ornament, stuffed toy or something that I have to find a place for. I'm such a packrat!
Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
December 15, 2022 - Msg 118456:
HI Folks, ME-TV has been airing the "Miss Peggy" episodes
the past few days, and tonight's was the one with Peggy and Opie
becoming blood brothers at the end. I always enjoying seeing those.
Well, I hope everyone is ready for Christmas. We are all set, and plan
to go to our candlelight Mass on Christmas eve. We will just have a few
people for dinner on Christmas day, as we will get together with family
on the 23rd.
Our weather here lately has only reached the high 50s, but I'm lovin' it! :)
Today I visited the company from which I retired. Wow I have been retired 10 years now!
I have gone back for a visit each year at this time, and in the office of 100,
only 5 are ones that I still know! Everyone else have also moved on or retired.
Well, keep well, take your vitamins and zinc. May God bless us everyone. :)
MDC
PS: Movie quote (by the little fat mayor no less): "Ah, Youth is wasted on the wrong people!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fINlJpDyCE
December 15, 2022 - Msg 118457:
Oh RO, I hope you had a nice dinner
with the deacons.
December 15, 2022 - Msg 118458:
Sounds like you will have a nice Christmas, MDC. Our plans are to have just my immediate family, St Susan's family and Matt's girlfriend, one of Erin's friends and her little girl for Christmas. We will have tamales and enchiladas, queso, salsa, etc. and desserts on Christmas Eve. We have a little white elephant exchange in which we draw names and can steal the gifts of people who have already chosen. We have alot of fun with it. Then we exchange one gift with someone (we drew names at thanksgiving) and then just enjoy being together. Looks like it will be cold this year so we might actually be able to put a fire in the fireplace, listen to our firestone christmas albums and enjoy being together. After everyone leaves I may attend the candlelight service at the methodist church where I grew up. They usually have and 11pm service. Christmas Day we will have our usual cinnamon rolls in the morning and exchange our gifts within our immediate family and then everyone will come back over in the late afternoon for lasagna and garlic bread. I think this year I will make some pecan pie and we will have lots of cookies leftover, Im sure. In the evening we may go look at some christmas lights or just crash if we are too tired and full to do anything. That's the plans but we will see how it all works out. St Susan and I stay pretty busy making a good christmas for everyone. We are also going to do our annual Santa stop to take gifts to the shoreline kids.
Better get going. I have to take Erin to work. She is doing better in many ways but still struggling with feeling bad and with depression. She is going to try and work as needed at the Subway she left a few months ago. She needs to get herself out of the house.
Boo