December 10, 2013 - Msg 95747: Mrsawyer is leaving the porch.

December 10, 2013 - Msg 95748: Just finished my final test for my nursing course and got an A! Yay!..big load off my mind.

Boo

December 10, 2013 - Msg 95749: Way to go Boo! Hip-Hip-Horray! And glad to hear Ollie is doing ok.

Mr. Sawyer, you're leaving the porch? How come?

Colder than a Michelle obama stare here. Brr!

Asa

December 10, 2013 - Msg 95750:
Mr Sawyer, you just did a great sweep! Thanks.
PH- I think Mrs Awyer is the gal who ran off with the dish towel salesman! ha
ASA- I hear ya! GF- I still wear shorts most of the time, but today I also put on a windbreaker. :)
RO- have fun at the dinner, so nice of them to include you.
Watched "White Christmas" last night. As we look around,
may we all count our blessings, and give thanks to the Lord.
MDC

December 10, 2013 - Msg 95751:
Boo-That is great!

Asa-That's a good one.

I've been thinking of Rev and his family quite a bit lately and boy I wish I had made my way back here just a bit sooner to chat with him.
This Porch is good for the Soul, thank you Floyd.

Peace & Prayers,
auh2o




December 10, 2013 - Msg 95752: Amen, Auh2o. Thank you, Floyd.

Thanks for the congratulations on the test, Asa and Auh2o. I am feeling so much better to have that behind me. I was really scared. It was a 25 question test that took nearly 2 hours to complete. About half of it was dosage calculations for meds and math is my weakest subject. I got them all right..thank you, God. Prayer in action. :)

Been washing clothes, still, and bed linens, etc. Also wrapping some presents for under the tree, doing some clean-up from all the decorating and finally feeling like I am tying up some loose ends. Mom comes on Tuesday to spend the week with me and I can't wait! I am going to put her electric lift recliner next to my chair in the living room and we are going to watch our favorite old christmas movies together and just enjoy the season. I will be making her favorite foods, too. It will seem like old times, only I will be doing the cooking instead of her. :( At least she taught me how to do it the way she did it.

Got a powerful headache today but its not getting me down. I am happy anyway.

Today is about 40 degrees but dry...very nice!

Boo

December 10, 2013 - Msg 95753: MDC...I got confused for a second, I thought your comment about shorts was from Asa.. Dahh! Now it makes more sense coming from you! Asa would be freezing his baguette's off if HE wore shorts. I better pay closer attention as I read the posts.

G-F....

December 10, 2013 - Msg 95754: Sorry Boo, I hit the post button before I gave ya my congrat's, As Gomer would say:Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations! Do you get a "Major Award" now?

G-F again....

December 10, 2013 - Msg 95755: Evening porch. On my way to the ironing board. It's been a long day for me. Lots going on and lots of folks on my schedule. Feeling kinda puny, not really sick, just puny. Maybe I need some Colonel Harvey's elixir

Congratulations on your A Boo. I know how hard going to school, being a full time Mom and home schol teacher, wife, and caregiver to many has to be.

Setting out a bedtime snack for everyone.. Milk and Oreos.

Prayers and blessings
Big Maude

December 10, 2013 - Msg 95756:
Thanks Maudie, good!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLOYD!!
G-F, they used to have "capping day" but don't wear caps anymore. ha Congrats BOO.
AUH20--we all miss REV. His last post was about Oct 11 while he was on the road. I pray for his family for sure.
hAVE A GOOD EVENING,
mdc



December 11, 2013 - Msg 95757:
MDC-Amen, there is much to be thankful for.

auh2o

December 11, 2013 - Msg 95758: Big Maude....Your setting out Milk & Oreos as a bedtime snack...Is that a trial run for Christmas Eve? Don't forget to set out some Oats for the Reindeer, they get hungry too!....
Too-too-tootsie Good Bye!....(Just incase you found some of the Colonels elixir)

G-F....

December 11, 2013 - Msg 95759: Also Maude, You forgot to list "Chicken Farmer" & "Donkey Rustler" "Goat Herder" to Boo's list of accomplishments...

December 11, 2013 - Msg 95760: Good afternoon, porch! Boo, that's great news about your test. Doesn't surprise me a bit, but congratulations anyway! I know you're glad that's over. I hated pharmacology!

Mrsawyer, I hope you're not serious. We have enjoyed having you on the porch, and you will be missed. Please don't leave us - after all, you chose Mayberry to be your home town. Just picked it right out! Stick around.

I know, we all miss REV. We all loved him, and I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with him just before he passed. It was a rare privilege, and I thank God for it. He was a good and dear friend, and we will all miss him. I pray every day for Nancy and Erica. I know how hard the first Christmas is. You just don't think you'll get through it, but somehow, you do.

Glory be! My income tax refund check arrived today, is already in the bank, and is that ever a good feeling! When I got home and found it in the mail, I tossed Toye Starr in the car and we went right straight to the bank and deposited that check.

Well, I'd better go see if Robert needs anything. That's my friend from church who is dealing with the broken limbs. It's going to be a two-day job, I think, because he's not half done and it's already getting dark. When I look at all the heavy limbs that came down, and see the very small damage that was done, I have to thank the Lord. Robert said one of those limbs had gone into the ground about fifteen inches, like a spear. It was big, heavy, and stuck in the ground. He thought he was going to have to rope it to his truck to pull it out of the ground, but finally managed it by hand. If that thing had hit the house, it would have come through the roof for sure. As I look at all the limbs and debris around, it's hard to believe it all came down and the only damage done was a couple of flattened rosebushes, which will come back out, and a smashed gutter, which was leaking and needed repair anyway. It won't cost much to replace that short run of the gutter, just about twenty feet. God was watching over me, for sure.

Well, back to the tree. I'm hoping to get all the lights working on it tonight, and maybe even get a little decorating done on it. We'll see. Blessings, friends! --Romeena

December 11, 2013 - Msg 95761: Thanks, everyone!..yes, it is a relief to have it behind me, Ro.

Ro, when I read the paragraph about Robert, I first thought, 'Oh no, she has a friend who broke both legs!'..haha

Boo

December 11, 2013 - Msg 95762:
Mrsawyer-I hope you reconsider. It is nice having a full porch.

Romeena-That's is good news about the check.

GF-Are you folks dealing with all this snow still. I can remember seeing Cleveland in the advisory or warning, I never can keep those straight for long. Warning is worse than an advisory, right?

auh2o

December 12, 2013 - Msg 95763: Mr Sawyer, are you really leaving or were you just signing off?

Boo

December 12, 2013 - Msg 95764: Hello Boo: I was just signing off. Just checkin out the Christmas decorations over in Greendale, Mt. PIlot, and Siler City. They are real nice. Weavers window display is by far the best. Mr. Sawyer.

December 12, 2013 - Msg 95765: Auh2o, No we did not get much of the snow but it's very cold...(Sorta like that Michelle Obama stare Asa was elating too on a earlier post). I think the Prez got a "time out" for that stunt! Or maybe the "interpreter" just lost it in the translation?.. What's up with that one?

Mr.Sawyer, Sorta like Elvis has left the building kind of statement Right?

G-F...



December 12, 2013 - Msg 95766:
Boo, that is quite an achievement to have passed your nursing exams with the busy schedule you maintain. Congratulations. Was this a refresher course that you need to renew your expired state license?

Mr Sawyer, you look so much different ... and better since the change. Now there is no question that you are a U. S. Male.

Big Maude, those oreos and milk sure bring back memories of my childhood.

I don't know if you folks have heard the latest news about the Canadian post office, but they announced yesterday that they will stop all home deliveries next year while increasing the cost of stamps by about 30%. They will install community mail boxes in all the neighborhoods where everyone will have to go to pick up their mail.

Finally, I'm getting more concerned about our TOM. Although I suspect a recent unidentified post was from him, it has been over one month since he actually signed in here. Maybe we should organize a posse.

from Poor Horatio

December 12, 2013 - Msg 95767: Hello Front Porchers: Yes G-F. Haha. Yes, just like Elvis has left the building. Paw, what does he mean by Haha? I am just waiting in the parking lot at the Wild meat and game store for itto open. They sell frozen duck blood to make Czarnina for Christmas dinner. Mr. Sawyer

December 12, 2013 - Msg 95768:
GF-That icy glare looked frigid. I wonder what the "wind chill" temperature is on something like that? I think the interpretation for that is to actually turn and run off the stage.

PH-Wow...good luck with that mail situation.

Mrsawyer-Glad to hear that was just a misinterpretation of your post.

auh2o



December 12, 2013 - Msg 95769: Good Morning porch friends. a very cold sunny day here in Northeast Tennessee. I think it was about 19 degrees when I left home around 7:30 am. Its about 32 degrees now which will be probably the high for today.

Hope to finish my Christmas shopping this week end and then to make my list for the grocery store. I host my family for Christmas Eve and my husbands family for Christmas day. so lots to get ready.

Good to see everyone and glad to see Mr. Sawyer decided NOT to leave town. was beginning to think he was just going to up and leave.

well lets have a grilled cheese with tomato soup for lunch. tea to drink. chocolate chip cookies for dessert!

well back to work.
Prayers and blessings to all

Big Maude


Patrick should be home sometime tonight. he will be home for about a month before his last semester starts. looking forward to the holidays with my kids.



December 12, 2013 - Msg 95770: "George Bailey lassos stork!" (:

December 12, 2013 - Msg 95771:
PH--TOM has done recent posts on FB, so I know he is OK. Not sure why he is not rocking here, but he is definitely OK; which, of course, I am concluding from his FB posts.
MDC

December 12, 2013 - Msg 95772: Dear Jim and Mary:

Thank you so much for the 2013 Christmas card! Christmas wouldn't be the same around our house if we didn't receive one from you. And, What a great card! It is definitely one of the best you've ever come up with. The green pickles jars were a great idea. They just "pop" so to speak with rest being black and white. And, the name tags on each jar is an extra treat. we did see the one with our names on it. But, I just don't know if my heart's in it. Yeah, I know, it's not so much my heart that you need, it's my stomach.

Merry Christmas,
Bill Nudo

December 12, 2013 - Msg 95773: Grrrr. I don't know what I hit, but a big post just went Pffft! I hate when that happens.

Anyway - first of all, Tom is okay. He emailed me two or three days ago, but I failed to put it on here. I'm sorry, Tom. He said the doctor is doing some tests, related to a problem he's had before, and I'm not sure if he was in the hospital or not, but I think he may have been. Tom, if you're nearby, we hope all is well by now.

G-F, you are a bird in this world. Thanks for the card, it's beautiful, and fun at the same time. I hope that little squirrel doesn't blow his horn and annoy my neighbors, though. Some of them don't feel as kindly toward the little guys as I do.

PH, the U.S. is considering the same silly idea. It will be disastrous. First of all, for the elderly and disabled, it will be a terrible inconvenience. I'm glad I didn't have to get out and walk on the ice for whatever the distance would be, to get my mail. What about books, or large volumes of mail that would fill up the box? And if you're on vacation? Ha! Have you ever tried to get your mail held for you while you're gone? The last time I tried it, when I was gone for two weeks, I came home to find my porch mailbox stuffed full, with mail falling out onto the porch floor. That was when I decided to have a mail slot installed, so the mail drops directly into the house, safe and secure, and it doesn't matter how big the pile gets. And last but certainly not least - those group mailbox locations will become one-stop-shopping for mail thieves. Stupid idea, absolutely insane.

Colder than Michelle Obama's stare? Hahahaha! I love it. Boy, that woman can flat lay the stink-eye, can't she? I'll bet Skippy fears that look more than anything else in this world. She scares me!

Well, gotta go run an errand or two. Later, taters. --Romeena

December 12, 2013 - Msg 95774: Reading her expressions wrong? I THINK NOT!! come on you guys on the porch...Is Barry in TROUBLE or what? If he thinks dealing with Syria, Iran, and Israel were tough, just wait until he gets home!..

I'm just sayin'.....G-F

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/11/obama-selfie-photographer-michelle-obama_n_4425001.html



December 12, 2013 - Msg 95775:
No matter what the "atmosphere" was (according to the article), it was still minor league. OK , that's it, I don't want to get started.
We are back to our "normal" Dec. temps here 60s-low 70s.
Who are Jim and Mary?? And Bill, for that matter.
Maudie, have fun with the "kids!"
BOO- just to annoy you..."Every kiss begins with Kaye." haaha
merry daze and prayers,
MDC
"no man is a failure who has friends."


December 12, 2013 - Msg 95776:
Here is 2 minutes of Christmas joy, and "colorized" too! (:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfBAm-TnPks


December 13, 2013 - Msg 95777: MDC...how did you know "Every kiss begins with Kaye" would annoy me? Have I mentioned that before? Curious..

Frozen duck blood, Mr. Sawyer? I think I'll pass. ;) Do you make some kind of sausage from it?

Maude, glad to hear you will be spending the holidays with both kids. How great that will be! I am happy for you. sounds like you will have a busy Christmas hosting both families on both days. I don't think I would be brave enough for that. :)

Well, Erin had her first day of public school today and she loved it. I figured she would since she is bored at home. She made a couple of new friends and it seems like the kids welcomed her. It is a small school, not alot of 6th graders so that makes it easier. She has one elective and it is drama class and that is something she will enjoy. Anyway, I am relieved to be able to let someone else help me with her education. I will stay involved and keep my eye on the work she is doing, etc.

Well, off to bed.

Boo



December 13, 2013 - Msg 95778: Boo: I make soup from the duck blood. It is a Polish recipe. Mr. Sawyer

December 13, 2013 - Msg 95779: I've heard of blood sausage but never heard of it in a soup..I will have to Google it. :)

Looks like its going to be a good day here in south texas..warming a little but not too much. Last night I was able to put a fire in the fireplace for one more night before it gets too warm. I made chili and St. Susan came over and we ate and watched some old home movies of Christmas' past. Sad to see how we have all aged, but at least we are still here (except for Dad, of course).

Took Erin to school for day 2. She immediately joined up with a friend or 2 as soon as she got out of the car. I pray things continue to go as well. I think 6th grade will be ok, but junior high seems to get a little rougher. Yesterday erin told me that a girl welcomed her and seemed nice but then she heard the same girl telling a friend that she was going to beat someone up after band. Erin kind of quietly walked away, realizing the girl might not be as nice as she seemed. I'm sure there are some bullies around, but hope none will make Erin a target. She has never been bullied and I dont know how she would handle it.

Well, what to do now? Chores? Turn on the tree lights and have another cup of coffee? I have to go to the store at some point because I will be helping cook a BIG meal for the girls at the drug rehab. We are having a Christmas party for them and they want a home-cooked meal (all 30 of them). Yikes! I wont be doing it all, though. There are other women from the church helping out but it seems I will do the bulk of it. It is something I enjoy doing for them each year, though. You just wouldn't believe how excited teenagers can be at the prospect of some good food after being in an institution for months.

Better get going..

Boo

December 13, 2013 - Msg 95780: Mr. Sawyer, I thought Dracula was from Transylvania which is now Romania so why is that soup a Polish recipe?...I suppose so they are close to each other. You think Mr.Sawyer likes bats Boo, Asa, & Romeena?.... (there has been great discussion on the subject of bats here on the Porch). As for the soup..as Brisco would say:
"More power to ya"!...or "SOUP"!! ha

Well pull up your boot straps ANOTHER winter storm on it's way tomorrow, talking a lot of snow this time, below us is suppose to get the Ice again, so watch out Maude, TOM, SPOT, Possum, as far as Auh2o you know the drill, get the shovels out. Mr. Sawyer not sure what direction you are I suppose PH will get snow too, he is more north.
Funny how all these storms have tracked the same this year. Starts with Ice in Texas and works it's way East.
I'm suppose to go to Cleveland tomorrow to see the Grandkidders "Holiday" school program, (Grandson is a 4th generation trumpet player) hope I don't get snowed in....

G-F....

December 13, 2013 - Msg 95781:
Hey Folks

Well, my daughter got her first snow day of the season. She's happy.

GF-The Glare. I think the First Lady draws the "red lines" in that family. As for the weather, it does seem to be settling in earlier this year, like it owns the place.

Big Maude-You have a busy couple of days at Christmas, not to mention all the preparation. Keep warm in Tennessee.

Boo-It is good to read more good news for ya. Glad Erin is enjoying school.

Mrsawyer-My wife is third generation Polish-American and my MIL mentions duck blood soup a lot. It ah..ah, sounds crazy to me but she loves. She makes a "Polish" borsht that is AMAZING, every Easter season we have that.

Peace & Prayers,
auh2o

December 13, 2013 - Msg 95782: Yes Boo: Try Googleing CZARNINA. It is a Polish duck blood soup. I make it once a year on Christmas day. The blood sausage is called KISHKA. Yes G-F: It won't be the first time I was called Bats. You see Butterflys I see Bats. Oh Oh. It looks like Clyde Plaunt is about to pound lumps on Howard Sprague. Mr. Sawyer

December 13, 2013 - Msg 95783: Here is one for Mr. Sawyer... I'm more of a Kielbasa man myself it goes best with HOMEMADE sauerkraut....G-F...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAmLXrMv4-c

December 13, 2013 - Msg 95784:
My mother loved czarnina. And although it is made from duck's blood, it is a very dark brown in color. When my brother-in-law was a child, his mother wanted him to try czarnina for the first time. When she told him it was "chocolate" soup, he believed her and ate it. Now that he knows there is no chocolate in it, he refuses to eat it.
Na zdrowie (to your health in Polish)!

from Poor Horatio

December 13, 2013 - Msg 95785: G-F: Shazaam, how you all do that magic where you put in a you tube video. Thats a good one. Kielbasa (polish sausage) and sauerkraut is a favorite here too. P-H: That's how we raise the young uns in our family too. By telling them it is chocolate soup. Some still eat it and some don't. Those of us who eat Czarnina probably grew up eating it. Some people eat squirrels. But I never would. Mr. Sawyer

December 13, 2013 - Msg 95786: We all know Romeena don't eat squirrels she feeds THEM...haha They come up and knock on her door and say: "Pardon me, but your birdfeeder is empty"!
I saw that picture but it was not in a good resolution so I could not send it to her...
Our heritage has a lot to do with what we eat, both good and what seems gross to others it makes us who we are! pass the pickled pigs feet...
Just don't put ketchup on my hot dog!....

G-F again....

December 13, 2013 - Msg 95787: I googled Csarnina, M Sawyer..probably not something I would try, however I did see a recipe for it that had duck in it without the blood. :)

Well Erin said she had a great day today. I am just a little concerned about the quality of education she is getting, though. She tells me it is easy and when I questioned her more, she told me that in Science they had a substitute and they did nothing but watch youtube blooper videos during the class. She also told me that in History, they studied the capitols of Mexico. Huh? Oh, well. It sounds like there are some discipline issues in the school, too, and some teachers that do alot of yelling as the kids talk and wander around the room. She told me that she does as much work in only 3 classes as she did in one day of math here at home. I am trying to just relax and see how things go but I really think I am going to apply to have her transferred to the town we go to church in next year. It is a better school and only 10 minutes down the road.

Been a productive day, and a good one. Bruce was working evenings this week so for the first time in a long time we were both at home alone together during the day...very peaceful.

Boo

December 13, 2013 - Msg 95788: Good evening, porch. Just got home from a fantastic Christmas musical presentation at the First Baptist Church of Dallas. I went with Jerry and Eloise, and it was absolutely wonderful. The choir, the visual effects, the orchestra, just everything. Much to my delight, Hal Linden (Barney Miller) was a guest artist. He sings very well, and plays the clarinet. Who knew? Not only that, he still looks great! I always thought he was so handsome!

Today the city's brush truck picked up the debris that my friend had stacked at the street. It was a pile about fifty feet long, about six feet high, and at least eight feet wide. Like I said, it was at least a third of a very large tree. That truck was empty when it arrived, and full when it left, including an auxiliary trailer it was pulling. My poor tree!

I don't think I'll be eating any soup made out of duck blood. I have a very eclectic taste, and will eat, or at least try, most anything, but I don't think I could get past the smell or the thought of the blood. Now I eat my beef very rare, but I do not want to see any pink in my poultry, let alone deliberately eat the blood. I know, it's cooked, but it's just the idea. You're right, G-F, it's all in what we grew up with. And no, I don't eat squirrels! I don't eat doves or quail either. I'm sure they're tasty, but I just can't see killing that beautiful little bird for about a half a mouthful of something that tastes like chicken. Just eat chicken!

Well, guess I'll go get out of my "bling", get into a comfortable old gown, and cuddle my little Starr for a while. She was a little pouty when I first walked in, because I left her, but she just came and put her little paws on my knee, asking for some attention, so I guess I'm forgiven. Blessings, friends. --Romeena

December 14, 2013 - Msg 95789: Ro, I had quail once in my life...or maybe it was pheasant? The meat was dark like duck meat and it was really good. Definetly better than chicken but since I'm not a hunter, I do without.
Glad you had a good time at the musical presentation. I got a little baking done tonight..put together a few things for gifts. I bought these really cute glass canisters and made some chocolate-mint cocoa mix to go in them for gifts. I also made some really good peanut butter fudge but it is loaded with sugar so I have to stay away from it. I will put it in the frige and put it out for company at Christmas.

Erin went to spend the night with susan while Bruce plays Santa and is working on the used go-cart he bought her. It needs a little sprucing up.

Better get to bed. I'm worn out!

Boo

December 14, 2013 - Msg 95790:
BOO- yes, a few years ago you mentioned that the Kaye jingle got to you. No sure why I remembered that.
BOO- why not "volunteer" (ie; playground duty)at the school a few days and check things out more thoroughly.
MR SAWYER- to post something from YouTube, go to the video you want, then highlite and "copy" the address line, then "paste it in the comment box here, and voila!
Prayers for all. Hope Possum, tom, spot, sterling and all are well.
MDC

GF and all who get snow...have fun! (But you can raz me in July! ha


December 14, 2013 - Msg 95791:
ie: Christmas party at dad's place:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u67TLVY9D14


December 14, 2013 - Msg 95792: I know I already posted that, it's just a sample for Mr Sawyer.
MDC

December 14, 2013 - Msg 95793:
Morning Porch

We've had about three feet of snow since Wednesday, Lake Effect, sometimes 3 or 4 inches an hour. But, it's part of the deal.

PH & Mrsawyer- I have heard Na zdrowie often. My wife's family is very Polish. Polish is spoken often at get gatherings and some of it has slipped into our everyday vernacular. And the food...Wow! Around these parts there are many Polish and German Restaurant's. Good eating right there.

Boo-Complaints about boredom at school are heard here also, often. Teachers playing around on youtube also is mentioned.

Romeena-You had me at Christmas Musical (I'm a sucker for those) but Barney Miller to top it off, sounds like a great night.

GF-Pigs feet...yeesh, another of my MIL favorites. I would need a mountain of ketchup.

Well, I have to shovel out the satellite dish on the roof. So, wish me luck.

auh2o

December 14, 2013 - Msg 95794: Well I believe I'll let the blood soup slide on by, no offense intended. My son in law who owns a meat packing plant had me wire in a machine that spins and seperates blood. It seems there is quite a market for that in the hispanic community. He isn't hispanic but a good portion of his customers are and they have given him samples of what they produce. He said the only thing he has had that he couldn't manage was a kidney taco someone gave him. One bite of that and he started gagging. He felt bad doing that in front of them but couldn't help it. LOL

Thank you all for the Christmas cards. Ro was kind enough to send the list that my device could read so mine are going in the mail today.

We get that dreaded lake affect snow here also Auh 20. It's weird. One area will get dumped on and just a few miles away they get just a few inches. All depends on the wind stream they say. Our storm last weekend brought a foot in my yard and yet in Salt Lake City, just 30 miles south of us, they only recieved a few inches.

Well our Church is doing a Christmas breakfast this morning. I went over earlier and helped set up tables and chairs. Now I'm going over to cash in. Good food and good company. As Ro would say, you can't beat a deal like that.

Prayers for all for a safe and enjoyable day.

Asa

December 14, 2013 - Msg 95795: Oh, and I wanted to comment on Boo's mentioning that she and Bruce was home..... alone....... during the day....... all week. She called it a productive week I believe. Hmmmm, makes a feller think,don't it? :)

Asa

December 14, 2013 - Msg 95796: TOOL BELT TIME!


December 14, 2013 - Msg 95797: Asa, all I'm gonna say about that is that it was productive, not reproductive. ;)

Boo

Tool belt?! Where?!

December 14, 2013 - Msg 95798: Hello Front Porchers: I just came from Emma Brands house. I brought her some Czarnina, (Polish duck blood soup) and she liked it very much. That new druggist would not give her her pills. That is why she is feeling poorly. Mr. Sawyer

December 14, 2013 - Msg 95799: To the guy in Toronto: Singing both anthems now. Blackhawks vs. Mapleleafs. Two of the original six. Pretty cool history. Mr. Sawyer

December 14, 2013 - Msg 95800: Good evening, porch. Just got home from the Christmas music presentation at my church. It definitely wasn't on the scale of the spectacular presentation we saw last night, but it was beautiful and very precious to me. Something about the home church - I know almost everyone in the choir and orchestra, many of them I've known for many years. Familiar voices, so beautiful. Then the benediction given by our own pastor, who is my good friend. Friendly, down-home, and kind. You just can't beat it, not with all the technology in the world.

We have one woman in the choir, who is also in my Sunday School class, who can sing like you wouldn't believe. She happens to be black, and possesses that rich, throaty, powerful contralto voice that seems to be given only to black women. I've never heard a white woman who could sing like that. She sang "Something's Up (Down in Bethlehem)" and with the choir backing her up, she had the audience on the edge of their seats. Believe me, it was ringing in the rafters! What a gift she has, and what a blessing to us when she joined our congregation.

Well, guess I'll go hang a few more ornaments. Little by little, I'm getting that tree done. At least all the lights are working now. This is absolutely the very latest I've ever been, getting my tree up. It's usually up by the last week in November. Oh well. It's not a value of life, the world wouldn't end if it never got done, but I'll finish it, eventually.

Blessings, porch! --Romeena

December 15, 2013 - Msg 95801:
Evening porch. I did some shopping today, and that song sure came to mind about shoppers rushing home with their treasures! ha
Local concerts are always fun! (just don't try to mend uniforms or gazebos beforehand! lol
We went to a high school performance of White Christmas. Excellent!
Later,
MDC
"Merry Christmas you wonderful old Building and Loan..."

December 15, 2013 - Msg 95802: Must be going around, Ro. I finished my decorating later than I ever have and Bruce never did finish the outside lights. Half the porch is done and I think he is thinking of taking them down and just forgetting about it.

Boo

December 15, 2013 - Msg 95803: Whe ...morning gang...I got to catch up on reading!..back here at work to keep Church lights on...Rain here in the south...whew...ok...gona catch a sermon and catch up on archives....got all day...breakfast?..whose cooking?...SPOT

December 15, 2013 - Msg 95804: Romeena, That woman in the choir must have taken many lessons from Elenora Poultice is what I'm thinking...
I too went to a Christmas program for two of my GrandKidders yesterday, one is in the band and one in the choir. Even tho they had to make it "Politically Correct" it was a nice program. My Grandson is in his 1st year of band, it made me think of the Mayberry Band.. Maybe Freddie Fleet coulda stopped over and helped them out? They have only been playing a short time they did do a good job, brought back memories of my Son in the band, I too played, so we now have four generations of trumpet players in the family, my Dad started it off. (I still have his horn).

G-F.....


December 15, 2013 - Msg 95805: Good Sabbath porch family. I pray the day brings you peace and happiness.

Again I appreciate your Christmas cards. Possum, I received yours yesterday. You're "special Possum". :)

GF, your band story reminds me of when our youngest was in Junior high school. She had taken up the violin, and would practice it up in her bedroom. What was so funny was I would be downstairs in the family room with the tv on,blaring away, when all of a sudden our little mini doxy "Sammy" would stand up and start howling. I couldn't imagine why he was doing that. Finally I muted the tv, and it was then I could hear Stacey, up in her bedroom, scratching away on her violin. How he was able to hear that over the tv, I'll never know, but hear it he did.
We all had a good laugh over that,and still do today. Great memories.

Well I best get moving. I am teaching our men's group in Church today. I'm not much of a teacher but I know I am on the Lord's errand and He will loose my tongue and see me through it.

Prayers for you all.

Asa

December 15, 2013 - Msg 95806: Aww... Asa's got me blushing! Thanks,Asa-glad you like your card. And you will do great in your church group today,so no worries!

Congrats on the test,Boo!! Proud of you,girl!


Yeah,just who ARE Jim & Mary & Bill Nudo ,for that matter? Strange...

Yes,prayers for Rev's family-I sure missed getting his Christmas card/letter this year. I miss him-period.

Good Sabbath y'all-take care!

*******************
possum under a rock



December 15, 2013 - Msg 95807: Good afternoon porch. Back from church, finished lunch and catching up on a few chores. It is windy, chilly and cloudy on my end of the porch. Saw some snow flurries blowing around as well. Staying inside!

Thanks to everyone for the Christmas cards. I look forward to coming home from work and seeing them in my box!

Lots of colds, flu and stomach bugs going around my end of the porch. Hopefully none of them will land on me.

Well, I put a roast in the crock pot and am going to mash some potatoes and cook some mixed veggies. Super will be at 6 pm.
Beth made a banana pudding for dessert. Ya'll come eat with us.

Everyone have a great afternoon, Prayers and blessings all
around.
Big Maude

December 15, 2013 - Msg 95808: Good afternoon, porch! Just got home. After church, I went to the home of my group leader in SS for lunch. Our class has about 35-40 members, so we are broken up in groups of eight or so, each with a leader. That facilitates group communication, establishes teams for group projects, whatever. Anyway, Patsy had made a pot roast for lunch, and I have to say, it was one of the best I've ever eaten. When she told us how she made it, I could hardly believe it. She used a chuck roast, browned it in a little oil in a skillet, then drained the oil off. She put the meat back in the skillet, poured a 16 oz bottle of Catalina dressing over it, covered it and let it simmer on medium/low heat until the meat was tender. I would bet you could do it in a crock pot, too. Anyway, you don't taste the salad dressing, but the roast has the nicest brown gravy you ever saw. I think she shook up a little flour and water and added it toward the last to thicken the gravy. It was delish! And yummy, too.

Well, back to the Christmas tree. I'm hoping to finish that monster tonight. I'm getting very close to a bah humbug!

Blessings, friends! --Romeena

December 15, 2013 - Msg 95809: Well, didnt get to go to church this morning. Erin is feeling terrible..fever, aches, sleeping most of the time. Hope she feels better tomorrow. I am using alot of hand santizer and Lysol. ;)

Think its time for a nap. I was up with Erin at 3.

Boo

December 15, 2013 - Msg 95810: VICKS!!!

December 16, 2013 - Msg 95811:
For G-F, enjoy...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYFVEB4j6zI
ASA--I think Barney's Blue had the same hearing! ha
"He don't like that whistle, Barn."
MAUDE-RO, roasts seem to be the hit of the day! :)
Sounds like a tags line "I have a roast going..."
ALL- I think I told you all this before, but the reason I don't do the card list is because my wife doesn't "understand" the porch as it is, so if I started getting cards from a Pam, Lanni, Julie, etc, wel, lshe might be wonderin' just exactly what I'm doing in retirement! ha
SPOT, Many close games today! Cards win in OT.
Prayers for all,
MDC


December 16, 2013 - Msg 95812:
Anyone get a card from the Hubacker brothers?

December 16, 2013 - Msg 95813: It's nice of you to be considerate of your wife's feelings, MDC, so we will just say "Merry Christmas to You and Your's!". :) Cecile doesn't get as worked up as Helen, I hope. ;)

Yes, I got a card from the Hubacker brothers, they are out of the state prison and farming in the Raleigh area. They send their best.

Boo

December 16, 2013 - Msg 95814: Good morning porch.
I'm off work today. Not sick or anything. I am maxed out on vacation and need to use or lose. And after last week, I surely did need a day off. Those bitter cold temps take its toll on equipment. Can I get an amen GF? Had a broken water main at one property. A boiler go down at another. Two boiler pumps on another building. All in all it's been a fun week. NOT!
MDC, Maybe the gals can use fellers names on your cards. But then again maybe your wife would get suspicious if you got a slug of cards signed by Ralph Henderson. Best play it safe. We want you to have a long and peaceful retirement. Lol

Boo, I hope Erin is doing better today. One of the joys of school. Germs galore.

I hope Ro got her tree done before going Ebenezer on us. That just wouldn't be right.

Well I think I'm gonna go find me something to eat, put another log on the fire and watch me a little Matlock. Yep, that's the plan. Eat, fire, and Matlock. Yessir,that's what I'm gonna do. Breakfast, log, Matlock....

Asa


December 16, 2013 - Msg 95815: Would that be better than getting the cards signed with "Jake from State Farm", Asa?

I know where you are coming from, MDC.

Been racking my brain trying to figure out if I left the car door wide open in the garage. Came out to start it up this morning and noticed it. Nothing taken and no tracks in the snow except mine, but since I can't remember the last time I drove it(Friday at the latest, I think), falling snow could have covered earlier tracks this weekend. I am usually pretty tight security-wise, so I don't usually forget to lock it even in the garage when I leave it. But even if nobody was able to get in it, just trying to remember the last time I used that car and why I might have unwittingly left the door open is driving me nuts.


For the love of Mike, just do it, Asa! :)

-Sterling Holobyte

December 16, 2013 - Msg 95816: Good one Sterling..."Jake from State Farm".. ha
Asa, Amen! I do feel for ya buddy..Sorry for the problems, It's all in a days work in the life of a HAVC man.

MDC, Mrs. G-F doesn't understand my Porch & Mayberry compelsion either...I guess it is her loss, if I have to explain, she wouldn't understand...I AM BLESSED WITH MAYBERRY FRIENDS!!
WE all understand the spirit of Mayberry....

G-F...

December 16, 2013 - Msg 95817: MDC....Thanks for the video I like that song, a blast from the past!...G-F again...

December 16, 2013 - Msg 95818: Good morning, porch! To you fellers whose wives don't "get it" regarding the porch - I'm sorry. Maybe if I included a picture of myself in a card, it would put their minds at ease. Trust me, I don't think any wife would worry about me after that!

Boo, I'm sorry poor little Erin is sick again. That child must have a sign on her somewhere that says "germs welcome." Maybe it just means that she's friendly and outgoing, and interacts with a lot of other kids, so she meets more germs than less-friendly kids do.

No, I didn't finish the tree last night. I got the back and a little of the sides finished, and got it settled back in its corner. The front only has the "stick-ins" - you know, the colorful clusters of berries, holly, flowers, whatever, that you just put in close to the trunk. There are almost no hanging ornaments on the front yet. That's because David has to come by tomorrow to put the top on, and I didn't want him to have to be trying not to break things. It's hard enough as it is. There are two strings of lights that have to be plugged into the line provided for that purpose, and then the top has to be anchored in. I have done this little chore myself in years past, but no longer. I'm not about to be teetering at the top of a 6' ladder, with a heavy treetop in my hands, trying to guide it into a tiny hole, and plug in those wires. I no longer have the balance, or the strength. David can just stand on a stepstool and do it. He's 6'5". I'm 5'3", and at 74, I have finally come to recognize and accept my limitations. So, I'm going to use today to finish the other decorations, like the fireplace, and clean the house a bit, then Dave will come tomorrow and finish the tree. I've finished fretting about everything being so late, too. It is what it is, and I can't turn the calendar back, so I'll just enjoy it anyway, and maybe I'll just leave things up a bit longer. No, wait! That would take me into March! Can't do that. Oh well. One thing for sure, though. Next year, I'm going to put the tree up when I want to, rather than waiting for Thanksgiving to pass. Too bad. I wish while our fearless leader is merrily signing all sorts of onerous laws, he'd sign one making Thanksgiving on the third Thursday of November, rather than the fourth.

Well, I'm off to feed Toye Starr. She has been in here huffing at me, and I can take a hint. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena

December 16, 2013 - Msg 95819: Hey MDC-Wonder what your wife would think if I just signed my card, "possum"?!

Ha ha! Not wanting to cause you to be on the receiving end of a Michelle Obama-type glare,I'll just wish you a Merry Christmas right here & now & let it go at that!

Sorry to hear that Erin is sick,Boo. Laci has the flu & has been sick for several days. Hopefully,both of our girls will feel much better by Christmas!

Y'all take care, and stay warm & well!

*******************
possum under a rock

December 16, 2013 - Msg 95820: Here is one for Auh2o, Since you have all that snow....G-F..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50IgzksUqpQ


December 16, 2013 - Msg 95821: "Going Ebenezer," Asa! HAHA...that's a good one. I think I may be halfway to Ebenezer. Erin is doing better, thank you for asking. I took her to the doc today and they did the flu test, told me she had flu (H1N1), which is the one everyone gets scared about. She started her on Tamiflu. Her fever was 104 in the office and I could tell it was down from yesterday. Doc said there were 70-plus kids in the ER on the weekend with the same thing. I sure hope it passes me on by since I got flu shot a month ago. Sure hope I had time to build some immunity. I hate having sick children, especially near Christmas. This is such a special time of year and just a terrible time to be sick.

Ro, yes, Erin is too friendly (remember she just got over head lice from the kids next door!). ;) I expect she will pick up even more colds now that she is in school. Oh well.

I guess it may just be me, but this year Christmas came so quickly that I felt like I had just taken down the decorations from last year. I just plain didn't want to do it again and this is the first year it has taken us this long to finish everything. I wonder what last year will be like? We will probably throw some lights at the house, see where they land, and be done with it.

Thanks, Possum..I hope Laci is well soon. A big THANKS for the card you sent. I loved it. :)

Boo

December 16, 2013 - Msg 95822: I meant "next" year, of course. I really need some sleep!

Boo

December 17, 2013 - Msg 95823:
Ha, love all your comments about my dear Cecile!
Certainly not the Helen type, but she would probably just roll her eyes and say "whatever!" ha
Regarding the State Farm deal, are you guys referring to that middle-of-the-night commercial?
That is a good one!
Well, tho later than usual, all my decs are now done, cards mailed, and shopping AND wrapping done!
Jesus is in there too, in fact in all 4 of the above!
RO-let me tell you about ladders...ha!
G-F, cute video.
Sterling, did you have a "senior" moment, or perhaps had to run in to use the restroom or something? In the "old days" the dome light would put some wear on the battery, but now I think they go out after a certain time.
Advent prayers,
MDC


December 17, 2013 - Msg 95824:
Oh BOO, you sneaked in there. Besides thanksgiving being "late" this year, I truly think
it also has a lot to do with the "sate of the union" right now; lots coming up soon..obcare, debt ceiling again, etc. I am concerned, but I also
keep reminding myself that God is ultimately in control. God's peace in our lives is the key.
And prayers for Erin.
MDC

December 17, 2013 - Msg 95825: Yikes, Boo! Erin's fever was 104 and that was DOWN from the day before? You have to wonder what it was up to. Or did you know? I know we always use about two different thermometers because they both say different things, so we have to think it is somewhere in-between. :)
Anyway, glad Erin is feeling better. She should be gaining some immunity for Christmas. Hope you don't have to gain some as well the hard way, Boo.

I honestly don't remember, MDC. The wife seems to think the safety belt probably got stuck in the door and caused it to bounce back open. She said that happened to her once when driving that car. I suppose that could have been it. Bought another security light to put on the front of the garage where we can't see even when the other security light goes on though. Just a little battery powered cheapy thing, but it seems to work.
As for the dome light, my van has a little switch where you can turn off the inside lights, and I have had it off for as long as I can remember. So, no dead battery for me, luckily.

-Sterling Holobyte