The Andy Griffith Show - The Taylors Front Porch

The Taylors' Front Porch

Pull up a chair! Have a sit-down an' shoot the breeze with us. Later on, maybe we'll go down to the drugstore to get a bottle of pop . . . maybe see what's showin' at the Grand . . . . What you gonna do tonight, Barn?

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

Let me know if the porch needs a sweep Archives
This version of The Taylor's Front Porch has been created to pay our respect to the original porch found on Mayberry.org. Thanks to Frank for all the work he did for Mayberry on the web. We've tried to make this just like Frank's Porch. This is also a tribute to Ollie's "Trivialities" site which was another homage to Frank's porch but is no longer with us.