January 24, 2003 - Msg 11647: I just took a crash coarse in the dynamics of refrigeration and I learned some neat stuff. Like you cool something down by removing heat from it. And the warmer a substance is the quicker the removal of heat from said substance will be. Now I ain't got a clue if that means hot water will freeze quicker or not than cols water. But it just may be the case. I do know that pressure plays a huge factor in how fast something reaches it's evaparation or condensation levels. Are you impressed yet? LOL

Asa
January 24, 2003 - Msg 11648: And I happen to know if I talk on a subject I know nothing about long enough the board sweeps itself. Kinda like a self purging device that Floyd installed on it. LOL

Asa
January 24, 2003 - Msg 11649: Afternoon Y'all. Asa,I'm glad to know that it's not only the mention of germs-remember when I mentioned-(gotta be careful here so I don't cause another sweep! I just will use the initial.)S.throat? Porch got disinfected REAL quick! Ha Ha So now we know if we are contagious or talk about something we know nothing about the broom comes out...SWEEP! I must say that I was impressed by your lack of knowledge,Asa. Sounded good to me.Are you trying to get a job over in Mt. Pilot with the "Call the Man" company? Ha!
Can't drink black coffee.I had sugar & cream,plus a bowl of grits,so I think I kinda messed up any chance of getting a normal reading on my bloodwork! I can go another morning.The coldest morning so far and I'm expected to just crawl out from under my rock without warming my innards? I think not!
Well,hope everyone in the Arctic freeze stays safe and warm because it looks like we're in for another night of it. EVERYBODY have a good evening!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock

January 24, 2003 - Msg 11650: Afternoon porchsters! Still cold here too. Wish it would warm up, or at least the sun would shine. Today was mighty gloomy. As was my mood. I believe I'll watch some Andy tapes tonight to perk myself up.
CharlotteTucker

January 24, 2003 - Msg 11651: YeeHaw! I love this cold weather! It's even spittin' some sleet out there today. What a treat! I have been out in it most of the day. I went out and had my bloodwork drawn, Possum, but of course it wasn't as cold here as it was in your neck fo the woods. I even went and did the grocery shopping today.

Wish I could stay in by the fire tonight but Hubbie excepted a dinner ivitation from friends. We will be dining with two other couples and seven small children (doesn't that sound like a real blast? NOT). So much for a relaxing evening.

Did ya'll watch the TAGS episode last night on TVLand? Hilarious! I just died when Barney was drunk and said, "Jubal, Jubal, Jubal....Ju....Bal.". Didn't you just love it? That Don Knotts is a genius!

Well, gotta go clean up a big mess my toddler made!

Boo
January 24, 2003 - Msg 11652: Hmm...I see Asa talked until the porch needed sweeping. :-) Good job Asa. haha..

--Floyd
January 24, 2003 - Msg 11653: Afternoon porch.. well Boo you can have all this cold weather you want. It was 2 degrees here this morning at 5 when I had to go to work.. then when I got to work.. the furnace had went out. So I have had enough with the cold weather. I'm ready for summer. Asa, you know anything about furnaces? You know your education was worth every penny? Have a good evening. --Salty Dog
January 24, 2003 - Msg 11654: Asa, I was thinking about doing an experiment with my seven yr old, and putting warm water and cold water in the freezer and see which one freezes faster. Sounds like a good experiment for a home schooled student, doesn't it? But, I might need your help explaining it. Now don't warm molecules move fast and cold molecules move slow (thus causing freezing)? Why would the faster moving molecules freeze faster?
January 24, 2003 - Msg 11655: Msg. 11654...There is a website called "how stuff works".You may be able to find out about this theory on warm or cold water freezing there. I really didn't know what I was talking about when I started this thing about freezing warm or cold water.
LD

January 24, 2003 - Msg 11656: Salty, I share your sentiments about cold weather exactly!
Charlotte Tucker
January 24, 2003 - Msg 11657: Asa I am so sorry about not commenting on your team~so here ya go CONGRATS! ASA now if my Skins can manage something next year... As for the water freezing discussion, when I was in school, way back there a long time ago we did an experiment in class that showed cold water comes to a boil faster than hot water, that may be a good experiment for a home schooled child too. I'm off here to try & warm up, I got 8* here in my porch right now.
*Mavis
January 24, 2003 - Msg 11658: Enough about all that freezing weather! We can't have frozen possums, dogs, and Lord knows what else on this here porch. The West end of the porch is staying right around in the 50's, so you all are welcomed to move your rocking chairs over this way. And bring some of that good coffee with ya! Someone pick up some Krispy Kremes on the way over too.... mmmmm!

And why are you all wanting to freeze perfectly good hot water?!! Stop that fooling around now and bring it over here for the tea bags. Or at least let possum use it to thaw out with the steam from it! ~Clara~
January 24, 2003 - Msg 11659: Ya'll gonna have practice tomorrow or not? I think its too cold. Who's on first?.....How's that thang go?
January 24, 2003 - Msg 11660: I'm ready for practice! The cold won't bother me.

I'm gonna go freeze some water!

Boo
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11661: Hello porch, I'm back, you might have not even known I was gone LOL Will anyway it's good to be back, I'm going to try to catch up on some of the post, God bless y'all, I sure missed y'all
Ellen Brown
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11662: We missed you, Miss Ellen, we surely missed you. Asa's fingernails are a sight. Mavis took care of trimming around his ears, but those nails! Good luck reading the posts. You just won't believe some of the topics we've worn out, but it was fun. That's what I love about this old porch, there's room for everyone, opinions and all. Very democratic, this porch.

I learned a bit about refrigeration this week, too. I learned that no matter how warm the backside may be, it gets cold quick when it comes in contact with a leather seat in a car that's been in a parking garage overnight in 24 degree weather! Let me tell you, you sit a bit light until the car warms up. The seat does not get warm nearly as quickly as the backside gets cold! Next car I get will have heated seats, and one of those remote starter thingies, so I can start it before I even leave the building.

Reading that last paragraph, it occurs to me that I've become remarkably spoiled. My dears, I can remember when my daddy's car didn't have a/c, because no one had ever heard of it, not even for a house, and the heater was a sort of box-like thing that hung below the dash, and dripped hot water on your feet if you weren't careful. Once in a while, it burped out a puff of semi-warm air. The trick was to find a place where you could feel that air, but not get dripped upon. Now, my daddy, who is 85, remembers driving a truck that was equipped with windshield wipers that you operated manually from inside the truck. There was a lever you pushed back and forth and it moved the wipers! How's that for modern conveniences?
Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11663: Good morning porch, may Gods Sonshine be plentiful in your life today.
Ellen B.
Lots of luck to you and yours.
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11664: Oh yes Pollyanna says hey to the Plum
Ellen B.
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11665: Hey, Ellen! We missed you and alot of other folks who don't come visit as aften anymore. Welcome back. I kept your place warm on the porch swing. Come over here and share my blanket and we'll share some stories.

Ro, I'm only forty but I remember having cars without ac (and houses). We had a heater but seldom needed it here in Texas. I remember my dad buying a window unit that he put in his bedroom and my parents and my sister and I all slept in one room and everynight in the summer (I was about four), my dad would get out the Gulf bug sprayer (remember those?) and I can still see him in his boxer shorts, spraying the room for mosquitos until we were almost brain dead from the chemicals. I think I can blame dad for my low SAT's.

It's chilly and rainy here today (YES!). The children are sleeping and I made a pot of coffee for hubbie and me. Nice Mornin'.

Ya'll stay warm.

Boo

I really liked that TAGS episode last night with young Bill Bixby! "Just tell him the boy broke a window and wants to stand on his own two feet.".

good advice for raising children.

You know, two of my all-time favorite actors were Bill Bixby and Michael Landon and they both died early with cancer-so sad.
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11666: I forgot to tell ya'll that I read something about TAGS bloopers the other day and someone brought up this question: Why does the first jail cell in the courthouse have a window? When you look at the courthouse from the front, it is connected with the building next to it, which would make a window impossible. Now, that is gonna bug me everytime I see that window and I wanted it to bug ya'll, too! Ha Ha

Boo

Ya'll ever notice any other bloopers, besides the fact that Barney is called Barnard P. Fife and then in one episode Andy says that Barney's middle name is Oliver?
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11667: Boo, there's actually a lot of contradictions on TAGS. In the "Andy Griffith Show" book, they list about 40 contradictions. A lot of them were about the names. Like Asa has 2 last names, Bascomb and Breeny. And Emma Brand, or is it Emma Watson? And even our dear Clara was called Bertha once. I read someplace where the writers had no idea the show was going to go on for so many years, and then after that be watched and re-watched in re-runs. They would have been more consitant if they had known that! Well, everybody have a good day! It's like spring here in Idaho.
- Hazel

"The widow Saunders has been stepping out with a dish towel salesman from Raleigh who drives a wire-wheeled coupe."
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11668: Morning Porch!
I had trouble getting on here this morning. Any one else had any trouble? I read about some virus alert that slowed internet traffic this morning and I wondered if that might have been the problem, or was it just a persnickety computer!! Anyways, what time is practice, and where am I supposed to be? It may be cold out, but that just means the ball will fly farther! It's a fact! Cold hard balls fly farther, just like warm water freezes faster than cold and cold water boils faster than warm. I read it somewhere, (right up there where I just wrote it, but you don't have to pay no never mind to that!)
Pass me some of them Krispy Kremes and a nice cold Mountain Dew so's I can be all ready for practice!
Mary Wiggins
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11669: No Mary, I haven't heard about any virus alert, and no problem getting on. What did you hear?

Speaking of cars with no A/C, my Dad had cars with A/C when we were little, but he never used it! Any chance he could take to save money he took. And you know, A/C helps eat up gas and wears down the car, so we were forced to sweat. But really, it wasn't that bad. I'm kind of glad we didn't use A/C in our cars or home, I think it makes you stronger and more adaptable when you grow up without things like that. In fact I didn't even have A/C in my own place until I was in my late twenties. Just didn't need it! My wife is exactly the opposite where having those comforts are concerned, but then she was born in Hawaii where the weather is always perfect, not in Wisconsin where we have the coldest of colds in the winter and the hottest of (humid)hots in the summer. But I don't mind going through those weather extremes, and I guess I can thank my Dad for that, all for wanting to save a buck!
-Sterling Holobyte
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11670: Hello all! How about me an' th' Boys, scrub one on fer ya? Prayers for all those in need. Here is "Dooley". Aone, atwo, athree.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
Hey ta':
Asa
Mary Wiggins
Charlotte Tucker
LD
Boo
Hazel
Possum
*Mavis
Romeena
Fun Girl
homemaker
Ellen Brown
An' everyone!
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11671: What about me Briscoe? Oh, I must be everyone. :)

I love "Dooley", it's one of my favorite Darling songs!
-Sterling Holobyte
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11672: Afternoon Y'all! I say we scrap practice and head over to Clara's end of the Porch!Clara,you're a hoot! I'm still laughing 'bout your "frozen possums & dogs" comment!
I tried to get on the Porch about 8am this morning and had trouble. There's an internet virus-a worm,actually,that is attacking servers and making it hard to access them.I think I said all that right-not too "ept" with high-tech talk! Heard it on CNN,so you can probably find out more about it there.I had no trouble when I tried to get to the Porch this time,so maybe Floyd poured some eau de cologne on that worm and drowned him!
Well,maybe we should have practice after all. Might help us thaw out from the cold-get the blood pumping,and all that. I'm kinda ashamed for suggesting we cancel. Hey Briscoe,on that note,would you play "Dirty me,dirty me,I'm disgusted with myself"?
Y'all have a good evening!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11673: Hey Sterling, I didn't see you sittin' there. Sorry.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11674: Shore thang Possum. Here is: "Dirty me,dirty me,I'm disgusted with myself". That'un makes me cry. Here we go.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11675: What in the world? I never heard of that song! My favorite is, "There is a time for us to wander...". Can you sing me that 'un? We need Charlene for that 'un, don't we?

I'm ready for practice. "Batter up!..."

Boo
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11676: Sorry gang for being tardy. Went and played some golf this morning and I'm running late. We ready for practice? I sure do hope so. Alright everyone take the field for starters. Salty, put down the pepsi and put on your glove! HUSTLE HUSTLE HUSTLE!!!

Asa
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11677: My dear, dear friends! I have some news that I can hardly wait to share. You'll remember back in September, when my son and his wife lost their little baby son, just about an hour after his birth. It was expected, he had lethal abnormalities that were discovered about three weeks before his birth, but it was extremely difficult, nevertheless. You're never prepared.

Well, last night, my son and his wife invited me and the other grandparents out for dinner. All went along normally, until my daughter-in-law brought out dessert. It was a plate of cupcakes, each with a pink or blue question mark on the icing, and in the middle of the platter, one marked "girl" and one marked "boy". Yep, they're expecting again. We're all cautiously joyful, because we've been warned that the problems little Logan had could happen again. However, they also have one perfectly healthy little boy, so that can happen again, too! Please keep us all in your prayers. We'd love to have a little girl, but we'll take what we get, (we love little boys, too), so just pray that it's healthy. I'm very proud of the parents, for having the courage to give it another try.

Well, gotta work tonight (yuck), so had better head on home. The Plum will be sad and blue - Mommy is supposed to be at home on Saturday night! Have a great Mayberry sabbath friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11678: Oh, about practice -- obviously I can't be there, since I have to work, but if someone will drop by and pick up the Plum, she's ready to do her refreshment rounds. --Romeena
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11679: Congratulations, Ro, and God's richest blessings on you and your family! Thank you for the privledge of praying for your son and his family, and yes they are very courageous! I just can't wait to hear a good report about the baby.

I am sitting her with a steak on my eye thanks to Coach Asa. He hit a pop fly to center field and it landed in my eye! I look like Andy in the "win your girl, lose your eye" episode.

Ya'll doing anything special for Superbowl Sunday? We are having a friend over.

Well gotta go do some housework!

Boo
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11680: I'll swing by and pick her up, Romeena.
- Haze.
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11681: Ooops, that's Hazel. Must be all that fog we've had here lately.
Oh, and Boo, we was posting at the same time, I didn't see you. I guess I must be late to practice, if you're already home with a steak on your eye. Did it hurt much? You should have lit into him like a windmill in a tornado.
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11682: Uhhhh Boo. Next time I holler "heads up" be mindful that is only a manner of speech. Don't mean you should really look up. Youe eyeball juice went and stained our new baseball. Now I gotta see if Mr Goss can get it out. Grass stains he can remove but I don't know about no eyeball juice.
Prayers prayers and more prayers for you and your family Ro. That is so neat that they are willing to give it another go. Keep us updated sweetie.
Haze? Is that long for fog? LOL

Asa
January 25, 2003 - Msg 11683: Greetings to the porch! Just thought that I would pop in and say hey. Been busy as a one armed paper-hanger. Been doing physical therapy twice a week and faithfully doing my exercises the other days. Trying to help my body get back to normal as quick as possible. Congrats RO! Prayers for your little family. I have no plans for the super bowl. I probably will watch as it is from my hubbys home city. He was raised in San Diego from the time he was two. Wish we were there now. I am sure 80* weather would be easier on a back full of metal than the 23* we are expecting here tomorrow. I bought some smoked cheese and a beef stick and some crackers and that will be "ours devours" at this end of the porch.

Briscoe, I truly enjoyed that performance of Dooly. It was extry good.

Prayers for all who need them and love and peace to all.

fun girl.
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11684: Good Sabeth Mayberry, I've just put the finisning touch on our church News Letter and thought I'ld say howdy. Y'all have a Great day now & God Bless each and every one of you. Pollyanna says hey to SugarPlum.

Ellen Brown
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11685: oops! Sabbath, I mean Sabbath
EB
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11686: Good Sabbath Porch Pals,

Ro, many happy congrats on the pending birth! God provides for those who trust Him in "super-abundance". FG, great to see you posting too, keep up that good hard work and I'm sure You'll be on the active roster next softball season. I have a small praise report as well - but sadly can't give the details here. Although it's still Stress City in my life, one small prayer has been answered - yes - in super abundance. Thanks to all of you who have prayed for my situations (but don't stop now)! Coach Asa, you're the CATS. Briscoe, would you scrub off "keep your money in your shoe" for me?

~ Mrs. Wiley

Hey to EB, Hazel, Boo, Ro, MW, Possum and Sterling, too!

January 26, 2003 - Msg 11687: Hey Mrs. Wiley. So glad to hear something is going right for you. It's been a long time in coming. And I just know there is more to follow.
Now about practice yesterday. We are gonna have to shape up around here if we want the Mayor to send us to that tournament in Mt Pilot. He has already told the band they can't go to their gig and I hear we are next! He says we are the worst softball team in the state. So we are gonna have to buckle down and get serious. Any ideas?

Asa
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11688: Yea, here's my idea: I say we hire a really good team from somewheres else and we dress 'em in our uniforms. Then, we invite the mayor to come and watch us practice (but it will really be the team we hired). Get it? Then when he gives us the ok to go to the tournament in Mt. Pilot, we will be the ones going and he will never know the difference. What about that, Coach. By the way, I'm typin' with one eye.

Boo
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11689: Oh, I wanted to ask ya'll if you if it is taking ya'll a long time to get to the most recent posts when you log on? Seems like I have to wait a long time now but I don't know if it's my computer or not.

YeeHaw, It's cold and blustery here today and I think I will wear my shorts and thongs (shoes) to celebrate (after I come home from church, of course).

Later, Mayberry Lovers!

Boo
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11690: Hello all! How is everyone? Asa, have you made a batting order yet for the game in Mt. Pilot? I can take some of gang o my truck. Or, are we gonna use a bus? For Boo and the rest of you: ""There is a time for us to wander". Play it purty Boys. Enjoy!

Briscoe Darling Jr.
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11691: That is amazing, Boo. That is the very idea I had. About hiring a real good team to pretend they are us, so the mayor will let us go to Mt. Pilot. However, a few of us will actually have to play with the good team, so's the mayor will not catch on. I suggest myself, of course. After all, I been a member of this team ever since its inception. It wouldn't be right to just cast me aside like that.
Thanks for the purty tune, Briscoe! Nice to see you, Mrs. Wiley.
- Hazel
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11692: That's right, Hazel should play. I could be a decoy and dress in a team uniform and sit on the bench and drink coca colas and eat Little Debbie's.
fun girl
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11693: Now that's something I'd like to see - Boo typin' with one eye. Boo, most people I know type with their fingers. :-D

January 26, 2003 - Msg 11694: Who's D? Is that supposed to be LD, by any chance?? Yes, it is very difficult to type with one eye, I assure you.

Did ya'll catch Ellen Brown's episode last night? That was a good one.

I want to tell you something Romeena. Last year a friend of my went through an experience like your's. Her son and his wife have one little girl and had been trying for a long time to have another. Well, finally she became pregnant but the baby girl was born 4 months early and only lived a few days. They were understandably devastated but so many people were praying for them. My friend told me today that her son and his wife were blessed three weeks ago week with a baby daughter named Madison Elizabeth. She was born two months early and only weighed three and a half pounds but was a very healthy preemie and went home after only three weeks and is doing fine. She credits God and the many prayers of friends! Keep those positive thoughts and prayers going.

Bye!

Boo
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11695: I think :-D stands for "laughing" in cyber-talk, Boo.
- Hazel
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11696: Oh, I forgot to say, I saw the Ellen Brown ep last night. I love that one. Wasn't Emma Watson cute at the end?
- Hazel
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11697: Yes :-D means laughing with the mouth open wide...(It wasn"t me) I want to congratulate Ro too. Don't ya just love those sweet little darling babies!
Fun Girl we call "ours devours" horse duvers,lol.
Hi to all the gang, I have been busy today. Our church was 1/2 hour late finishing up. We went out to dinner and it was slow service. Then came home wore out...Why do we get so tired on Sunday? Its supposed to be a day of rest! I still would rather cook dinner on Sunday than eat out. Even doing the dishes doesn't make as tired. I had Seseme Chicken Stir-Fry today for dinner, It was the first time for me with Seseme. It was really delish.
LD

January 26, 2003 - Msg 11698: Hi all

Mayor Pike: "Why the rush to the moon?"
Andy: "Maybe they're looking for a different porch."

~ Mrs. Wiley

January 26, 2003 - Msg 11699: Evenin' Y'all! Boo,that's an excellent idea you had about us getting a real team to fool the mayor! Guess the final decision is up to Coach Asa,but you have my vote!
Romeena,that is such happy news and I will be praying that everything will turn out just fine.
Fun Girl,you keep on truckin' with that therapy. It'll really benefit you in the long run.I know it helped my mom after her spinal fusion.
Well,the porch sure is quiet tonight.I'll bet everybody's inside watching the Super Bowl. Now y'all know that football just ain't my thing,but I hope all you football fans enjoy the game and that your team wins!
Y'all have a good evening!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11700: Thanks Possum, it sure would be something if my team won since they're not playing!
-Sterling Holobyte
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11701: Mom sick here. Child sick here. New snow on the ground. No school tomorrow for any of us - whether the administration calls a snow day or not. I am getting defiant in my old age and sickness.
Ya'll take care - off with ibuprofen for my temp.

homemaker
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11702: To message 11647...
Yes Hot water does freeze before cold...My company has thawed out more hot water lines than cold in the past 2 weeks.
January 26, 2003 - Msg 11703: Howdy, everybody! Thanks to all for your prayers and words of support. We're very excited about the prospect of a baby in the family again. We're just so prayerful that this time it will be healthy and strong. They do have one healthy son, so we know it can happen for them, and perhaps this will be the time that it will happen again.

Thanks, Hazel, for giving the Plum a ride to the practice. She said she had fun, and that you had a couple of carrots for her, which she appreciated very much.

fun girl, it's good to hear from you. Recovery is going to take time, I guess. Maybe we can recover together - I have more surgery on Wednesday, will be off work for four weeks this time, at least. This one is going to be a bit more uncomfortable than the previous two, and will take more time to get past the pain, but it's going to be well worth it in the long run. My choices were between "discomfort" for the rest of my life, or pain now for a little while, then comfort from then on. Guess which one I chose! Many people have asked me why I'm having all these surgeries now, so close together. Simple - I'm looking at Medicare in a little over a year. I've got good insurance now. Medicare will argue, my insurance company doesn't. Therefore....

Well, the Plum needs some cuddling, so off I go. She's so pretty and sweet right now, after I got the ballfield burrs combed out of her feet. I need to get her some little practice shoes. Hmmm, will have to work on that. Have a Mayberry week, friends, and Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
January 27, 2003 - Msg 11704: Nyte porch, gonna hit the ironing board now. I have the day off tomorrow. Yall are invited to lunch at my house tomorrow.. and I promise no chicken ala king... but maybe some chicken salad sammiches?? Sorry bout your Raiders Asa.. yall stay warm tonyte I couldn't believe it was in the 80's in CA must be nice. Later--Salty Dog
January 27, 2003 - Msg 11705: Thanky Salty. My heads hanging pretty low today. I feel just like Barn did when the town was laughing at him. Clothes wrinkled like I slept in them, unshaven, bad attitude.

Asa
January 27, 2003 - Msg 11706: Awwww, poor Asa. That game was a surprise. I didn't expect that outcome. The folks watching at my house were Texans but they were all wanting Oakland to win.


Did ya'll see the Reebok commercial with the guy tackling people in the office? Really funny!

It's still in the 50's here and wet. Supposed to be in the 70's the rest of the week, though. I think I might like to see the sun again.

Well, ya'll have a great day!

Boo
January 27, 2003 - Msg 11707: Hello all! Here is, "Doug's Tune". Here we go.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
January 27, 2003 - Msg 11708: Romeena, my goodness. Another surgery dear? You are in my prayers and I hope everything goes ok. 4 weeks home with the plumster must sound nice though.

Asa
January 27, 2003 - Msg 11709: Yep, Asa, another one. I hope this is the last, but if anything else comes up, I'll just step up and get it done. I really don't want to be arguing with Medicare in a couple of years about things like this. While I'm working and have good insurance, seems to me that's the time to get everything fixed. Oh, I'm so sorry the game didn't go your way, but there's always next year, right?

Salty, those chicken salad sammitches sound really good. One of my favorite things, chicken salad. The Plum likes it, too, but she'll settle for a couple of baby carrots. I'll bring some along in case you're out of them.

Well, gotta get a little cleaning done around here, don't imagine I'm going to feel much like doing it when I get home from the hospital. The Plum would help, but she's too short to reach a lot of things that need dusting. She offered to sweep the tiled areas with her tail, but then I pointed out that she'd need another bath, so she abandoned that idea. Anyway, she says hey! --Romeena
January 27, 2003 - Msg 11710: Hey porchsters! Hope homemaker and her youngun are feeling better.
Charlotte Tucker
January 27, 2003 - Msg 11711: Well I am happy to report that the super bowl went just the way I wanted it to. One of my darling boys was taking bets on the game. Anyone who came in the door had to pay to get out by placing a bet with him. This is the eight year old. He had scripture reading and prayer for church and then spends the rest of the day taking bets on the super bowl. What next? While little Charlene (age 4) had cousin Sophia over for a sleep over and tells my sister, "Mom, me and Sophia are groovy girls!" She's groovy alright and cute as a bug too, only she knows it and that may be a problem in years to come.

Called the doctor today and he gave the okay to continue with the water therapy but not to drive.
Dad burn it, aint that the way it always goes. Yes to exercising and no to anything that you really want to do.

Went to the Y tonight and did a little water exercise and then for the first time since the surgery I got into the hot tub. I was so afraid because the nerves in my feet are so sensitive that they ache and burn alot. But I thought that I may as well try it. Let me tell ya folks, I wish I had known what I was missing. It was heavenly. Most comfortable and relaxed I have been in I don't know how long. Really didn't want to get out. It will be a daily routine for me now, you can count on that.

a tired, relaxed, comfortable, resting, grateful,
fun girl
January 27, 2003 - Msg 11712: God bless you, Romeena. Hope everything is as easy as possible for you!

"I'll take the Mr. Potatoe set!".

Boo
January 27, 2003 - Msg 11713: Sounds like your doing well FunGirl. Good to hear.
I have received an e-mail from our good friend New Neighbor from her work. She reports that due to freezing water pipes in her new home they have suffered major damage to the interior. Major damage to much of the sheetrock, furniture and carpeting. She asked if I would ask all of you to remember her and her family in your prayers. Sounds like a real mess and in a new home to boot. So if you could do that I know she would be thankful.
"NOW IS THE TIME FOR MEN TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR NEIGHBOR."

Asa
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11714: Good morning Mayberry, Asa we sure will put New Neighbor in our prayers. We just went through froozen water line ep also, but we did occur any damage only to the lines them self. Tell her we are praying for them. Y'all have a great day in the Lord and keep warm. LOL ..

Ellen Brown

Lots of luck to you and yours.
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11715: Morning Porch, Ro, bless your heart, you're so brave! I'm keeping you in my prayers. FG, I agree - hottubbin' RULES. And Asa, thanks for the report from newneighbor, will surely be prayin' for her. I had a similar incident about 5 yrs ago - it's devistating to have your home and your stuff ruined. But when the new stuff gets there and the INS money comes in, you'll look back on this NN and laugh.

"Opie: "and you know what else Pa? I laughed! I laughed just like you Pa, and I lit into him like a windmill in a tornado!"

~ Mrs. Wiley

January 28, 2003 - Msg 11716: Prayers for New Neighbor's house. Hope they get things up and running soon. Fun Girl, I'm glad the hot tub felt so good to you. I haven't had time to get in mine lately. Too much work to get done! Ellen, did you get the email I sent you? It blessed me. Hope it did you.
Charlotte Tucker
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11717: Morning porch, back to work today after two days off. Prayers for you Romeena and for NN as well. We have been lucky so far with the water freezing. I hope you guys have a wonderful day. See you later--Salty Dog
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11718: I have a question for any of you ladies who are mature enough to remember the fifties. I have a party to go to next week with a 50's theme and I wanted to do something funny with my hair. It's pretty straight and has some layers cut into it and is just to the shoulders. I was thinking about something puffy on top but I'm not sure what they did in the 50's. Did they tease hair back then? I found some neat cat-eye glasses with rhinestones on them! I will wear those and some jeans, I think. Any suggestions? How do I make my hair puffy? Roll it first and then tease it? Lots of hair spray?

Gotta go to the dr and weigh in today.Boooo!

Have a good mornin'...

Boo
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11719: Came to work today and froggy is in my throat so I think I will not have much a voice to sing in the choir tonite (not that I sing in the choir anyway - unless they need a new bass!) Feel some better - I was swamped with the flu. YUCK!
Little boy is better than me - he just had the bad cold and not the flu.
talk later! Thanks CT for asking about us!!

homemaker
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11720: Hello all! homemaker, you take care hon. That flu bug is hard to shake. Fun Girl, Glad to see you up and about. I have a hottub. I feel as loose as a bowl of Jello, when I get out. Have a great day all!

Briscoe Darling Jr.
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11721: Afternoon Y'all. Maybe what I need is a hot tub at my rock. I just can't get with it this week. Y'all sure make those hot tubs sound good. Or... maybe I just need some squeezins! Dang it,I just missed Briscoe-he could've hooked me up! How 'bout leaving me a jug next time you're on the porch Briscoe?
Sorry to hear about NN's house and all the sick folks. Hope things are improving for everyone.
Well,I've got plenty to do around here (a possum's work is never done, you know!) so I'll wish everyone a wonderful evening! Take care now.
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11722: Dagnabbit, we're not supposed to covet, and here you all are talking about hot tubs, and I'm just a-coveting to beat the band! Wish I was in Florida. My son out there has one, and it's delightful. It's set into one end of his pool, which is virtually in the house, so you can do the hot tub, then just lean over a little wall and fall into the pool, swim a few laps and schlepp back to the hot tub. Wonderful! But it's in Florida, and I'm in Texas. Oh, well.

new neighbor, I'm so sorry about your flooding problems. That's very distressing, I'm sure. I do hope all the damage was to replaceable things, and not family pictures and heirlooms that can't be replaced. Please keep us updated, when you can.

Boo, I was a teenager in the '50's, so I remember it well. Oh yes, poodle skirts, yards of crinoline petticoats, waist-cincher belts, the whole thing. As for hair styles, check out "I Love Lucy". Lucy's hair is pretty typical - also remember Carol Burnett when she played the daughter to Vickie Lawrence's "Mama". Both Lucy and Carol had the little cluster of curls on top, toward the front almost like bangs, and the back hair is curled as well, and pulled up in back. The curl you want for those styles is best achieved with flat bobby-pin curls, or you can use the little silver clips, they don't make a dent in the middle of the curl. It may be a bit frizzy, but that's okay, everybody's hair was frizzy back then! Good luck!

I'm glad you sick folks are feeling better. It's no fun when neighbors are ailing, and you can't get to them with something to make them feel better. I tried to send someone some soup once, and it still drips out of my fax machine every now and then!

Well, back to my house cleaning. I'm determined to leave this place spic-and-span, don't want to be coming home to a dirty or cluttered house. Have a great week, folks. Will probably drop in at least once more before I check in tomorrow. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11723: Afternoon everyone! Just checking in on my friends. Good luck with the 50s party Boo. You'll have to tell us all about it. Yes, possum, you need a hot tub under that rock. They're great! Work to do. Better go. What Andy ep did I miss when I went to my son't ball game last night?
Charlotte Tucker
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11724: Evening Porch! Been busy here at my end of the porch, had snow again Sun & my son was out of school Mon, finally got to go back today & I had the day off, so guess what I did? NOTHIN! I sat here all day & watched tv & you know what? It felt good! I'm trying not to have the guilties about it now tho. haha Asa sorry about your team Sun, better luck next time, I mean, after the Skins get it that is. Ro Good Luck & don't give the Dr's too hard a time. I'm off to find something for supper.
*Mavis
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11725: Thanks, Ro, for the hair advice. I'll try it.

Hot tubs feel great but I have been afraid of them because a few years ago a local teenaged girl drowned in one. She had not been drinking and they said she got pushed to the bottom somehow and couldn't get back up. So, I don't like the idea of kids being in hot tubs but i guess it's alright for adults if the temp isn't too high and people don't drink while in them.

Been another cool, wet day today here in South Texas. I'm lovin' it! I'm driving to San Antonio tomorrow and I think I'll wear my shorts...."Remember The Alamo!".

Hey, coach Asa, today the dr told me I have a "cyst on my wrist" (sounds like a song). I'm having trouble getting my glove on but I will suffer for the team. By the way, Sterling, are you wearing Tupperware to practice?

Boo
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11726: Oh Charlotte, you missed the episode called "Aunt Bee The Warden" (at least I think that's what it's called). Remember it is about the jail being full and Andy takes Otis home as a prisoner and Aunt Bee makes him work around the house. He calls her "Bloody Mary" and refers to the house as "The Rock". Pretty funny episode, especially at the end.

Well, the president is giving a speech so I guess I will miss Andy tonight.

Good night, Ya'll!

Boo
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11727: Where's Teresa and what ever happened to LD?
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11728: Ro - maybe you could cyber send me some soup - that sounds really wonderful on the "Horse" throat of mine. Not a good day at school (47 students absent with throw-uppies and what not - lucky that wasn't me and my baby who is 7) He is feeling lots better - vicks and the "memorizer" (vaporizer) as he calls it. He knew it was an -izer. I feel okay -
The Robitussin isn't working on my cough. And don't mention that nasty thera flu stuff or alka selzer. I'll suffer first and wait on the cyber soup.
Gotta go to bed now - 5 AM is awfully early right now.

homemaker
January 28, 2003 - Msg 11729: Get better soon homemaker. Hope I didn't work you to hard at practice.
Hey Ro, good luck tomorrow and God bless. You are in my prayers and holler at us as soon as your up to it to let us know your home.
Thanks for the condolences Mavis. That hurt me bad Sunday. But oh well.
A cyst on the wrist? My goodness, I bey Briscoe could make a song out of that.
Hey Charlotte Tucker. You still feeling poorly? Hope your doing better hon.
Guess I better go and watch the President to.

Asa
January 29, 2003 - Msg 11730: Thanks for asking, Asa. I am holding on to the saying that Time heals all wounds, but am trying to get on with it. I have tons of work to do right now and feel swamped. Keep those prayers coming, Porchsters, the best pray-ers in the world.
Charlotte Tucker
January 29, 2003 - Msg 11731: Hope everyone who's ailing gets better soon! Asa will have himself a difficult practice if everyone shows up at sneezing and coughing. Lot's of mucus for the spit-ball, that's the good thing.
No, Boo, I'll be wearing the cheap Wal-Mart brand. It's all I can afford right now.
-Sterling Holobyte
January 29, 2003 - Msg 11732: Hello all! Hey Asa, I'll give her a try.
"I got a cyst on my wrist cause
I dropped a full jug on that
thar wrist. Which, I can't
even twitch. Maybe Aunt Bee,
with a spoon, can whollop
down real soon, this
awful, cyst on the wrist."

(sung to, There's A Tear In My Beer)

Hey Possum, Here's a few jugs fer ya'. Have a Mayberry Day all!

Briscoe Darling Jr.

January 29, 2003 - Msg 11733: Briscoe, dont quit your day job. Your talents lie in other directions, like making squeezins. You know, I bet if you was to get a map and organize all the folks who would like a jug delivered now and then, you would have a regular career. (full time no less) Think on it, would ya?
fun girl
January 29, 2003 - Msg 11734: Hey Fun Girl, That sound like a good idee. I do make a mean batch of sqeezins, if I do say so, my ownself. And since you are the one that, imspired me, here are two jugs of "Junior's Joy Juice" just for you. It's better than, anything you'll get over in Mt. Pilot.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
January 29, 2003 - Msg 11735: Just wanted to take a moment to take all you good people for your prayers for my daughter.... Hallelujah, the test came out okay!

Ro, congratulations! Yes, your kids have the right kind of faith. In fact, the sermon this Sunday was about how having children is our way of cooperating with God's plan for life and that we must have the faith in Him to take care of the details no matter what our situation looks like. That does take a lot of faith in and love for Him doesn't it? I know there were plenty of people who believed that my daughter (with the two autistic boys) shouldn't have any more children, but she did anyway and now we have a beautiful granddaughter who I wouldn't trade for the world even if she does develop autism too. But, of course I pray that she doesn't... maybe you all could just add that request to your prayers tonight? And I will surely pray for your new grandchild, Ro as well as your surgery... didn't know it was gonna be today. And prayers for fungirl's recovery and everyone's health and other needs like NN's house problems, too.

So, has everyone thawed out enough? BTW, it's not 80* here in the Central Valley... still in the 50's though. That warm winter weather doesn't happen anywhere but way down south in California... everywhere else usually gets its share of cold although I admit this winter has been very mild.

Ellen, Mary, Mrs. W and all of you who have been gone awhile... glad to have you back!

Have a great week and weekend... and if you are going to have ball practice, I will bring the coffee, but I can't play.... got to leave that for the younguns... it would take me so long to run around the bases that the game would be over! I'm just no spring chicken anymore!

Love to all, ~Clara~ a.k.a. Bertha ;P
January 29, 2003 - Msg 11736: I mean "thank" all you good people...lol... I'll take ya too if you want, but I'll have to give ya back cause there ain't enough room in this house to keep ya! ~Clara~
January 29, 2003 - Msg 11737: Good one, Clara! :) I was gonna say something about that but you beat me to it.
I'm very glad to hear that your daughter's test came back ok! What a relief, huh?!

Well, we got what I've been wishing for, our first significant snowfall of the winter. Yea!!
I don't know how many inches because I didn't measure them, but it was enough to take my daughter out to ride in her little snow sleigh. She had a blast, laughing at the snowflakes as I pulled her along. Or maybe she was laughing because I had to do all the work. Whichever it was, we had a good time! Would've made a snowman(or I'm sorry, for those politically correct types, snowPERSON), but it wasn't packing snow.
Have a good day everyone!
-Sterling Holobyte

January 29, 2003 - Msg 11738: Thanks for the jugs Briscoe! You know I do appreciate a good jug of squeezins and yours are the finest I have had the pleasure of samplin'.
And when the squeezins are gone you are a world class jugger. "Got time to breathe, got time for music." Can you and the boys do "Never Hit Your Grandma With A Great Big Stick" for me? That'un makes me cry and I'm in the mood for a good cry. Not cause I am sad, but just for the sake of a good cry. Clears the tear ducts, don't ya know.
fun girl
January 30, 2003 - Msg 11739: Did ya'll catch TAGS tonight? Great episode. Barney and his bongo!

I need a little help. I just sat up and watched the last hour of a movie called "Raggedy Man". It was about a divorced woman (Cissy Spacek) and her two little boys living in a small town during WWII. The problem is, I didn't see the beginning and can't figure out the ending. I figured out that the raggedy man was her husband but I don't know how he got disfigured or anything. If any of you remember the movie and can explain it to me, pleeeeas do.

Clara, I am rejoicing with you over your daughter's good report! PTL!

good night....

Boo
January 30, 2003 - Msg 11740: I'm glad for your daugher too, Clara. Also, Clara, about the autism thing. I'm sure if you have researched it much, you've seen the correlations they have drawn between infant immunizations and autism. I really put some stock in that since many of these kids don't start showing these signs of autism until about 15-18 months. Maybe not, but I am still suspicious. I know our daughter seemed perfectly fine up until she was about 2. Somethin' to ponder. Briscoe, the way I've been feelin' lately I'm mighty tempted to dip into your squeezins, but guess I'll just try to tough it out! I agree with fungirl (who, by the way I'm glad is doing well) let's hear "Never Hit Grandma with a Great Big Stick." Makes me cry too. Take care, Ro. Where is everybody else? What's happened to Happy? Must've sold so many toys that she??he?? (she I think) retired! But if that's the case, she ought to be sittin' here on the porch with us.
Charlotte Tucker
January 30, 2003 - Msg 11741: Yep, I tend to agree with Charlotte Tucker about the immunizations. Have a friend who is convinced that is what happened to her son. And he was old enough when he became autistic for her to narrow down what could have caused it. She is in the medical field and I honestly believe she is not being a hysterical parent. It has been suggested that the reason for little Opie's deaf right ear is an immunization. And this was from a speech therapist. Of course the doctor would not even hear of such a suggestion, but his therapist said that the only thing that she has ever heard of that caused hearing loss such as he has is an immunization. So needless to say, he has not had his 6th grade shots and since he is homeschooled I am not so sure that I am going to do it. Who knows, we may well end up loosing what hearing he has left. NO THANKS! Just me on my soap box.
fun girl
January 30, 2003 - Msg 11742: For documented scientific research on vaccinations to ponder on, go to this page compiled by Dr. Jay L. Wile, who holds an earned Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in nuclear chemistry and a B.S. in chemistry. He has won several awards for excellence in teaching and has presented numerous lectures on the topics of Nuclear Chemistry, Christian Apologetics, Homeschooling, and Creation vs. Evolution. In addition, he has published 30 articles on these subjects in nationally-recognized journals. He has written several textbooks specifically for teaching the advanced sciences to homeschooled high schoolers. He wants to educate parents on the research done on vaccinations.

http://www.highschoolscience.com/vaccines.htm

There are links there to other sites to ponder on, specifically about vaccines and autism.


January 30, 2003 - Msg 11743: Hello all! Hey Fun Girl, Thanks for the kind words. Here is: "Never Hit Your Grandma With A Great Big Stick". Here's my hanky(it's clean). Here we go.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
January 30, 2003 - Msg 11744: I want to check out the web site but I am afraid to. When I first got my degree in nursing (I was 21) one of my first jobs was to do private duty work for a young family with a two year old girl. The little girl suffered severe brain damage after a DPT immunization and was unable to walk, communicate or even move her arms or legs. She died at age four. She needed around the clock care and I even had to feed her and give her fluids through a tube in her stomach. When I had my first child, I was terrified of the shots but prayed and did it anyway. They finally came out with the acellular DPT which is supposed to be safer (not so sure). I have heard and read so many opinions I decided to go with the odds and give them the immunizations. There are a couple of things I certainly think kids should be vacinated against, like tetanu- (I left off the S because the sensor wouldn't let me write the word because of the last four letters! haha), which is still a definite threat to kids. I am also afraid of pertussis (whooping cough) because it can be serious and is still around. So, I decided to get them the DPT and sweat it out. You know I have a friend whose little sister died back in the forties from Tetanu- (lock jaw) and it was a horrible death. I took a chance on that immunization. I feel like some of the shots they give now might not be needed, you just have to check the odds of side effects against the no. of kids who get the disease if unimmunized. I have heard of autism being related to the shots but I wonder how often it might happen. Anyone know?

I do agree that just because a doctor "says so" doesn't mean it is right for your child but don't just be concerned about the possible side effects of the shots, be concerned about the diseases they prevent, also, and pray they come up with immunizations that are safer for our children, especially in this age of the biological war threat.

God bless America!

ps-I think I am going to have to check out the above we site, anyway!

Boo
January 30, 2003 - Msg 11745: Oh, I have a question for those of you with livestock experience (I sure have lots of questions, don't I? Sorry). I am thinking about having a milk cow after we build the new house but I have no experience when it comes to cows. Would it be a difficult thing to do? I know that Jersey cows give more milk than we would probably need. Do cows need to be milked once or twice a day and do you have to do anything to the milk to make it safe for human consumption? I tried to look all this up on the internet but couldn't find the info I was looking for. If you can help me, thanks!

Boo
January 30, 2003 - Msg 11746: Even though I should have known what I would find on that web page, I looked anyway. Naturally the Christians and the homeschoolers are gonna incur wrath just cause we have decided to take a different path and not do what everyone else does. This vaccine page does have a lot of information. I just wonder if this doctor has taken care of a child whose parents believe has had bad side effects from vaccination. I don't care how much documentation he has, I will always honestly believe that you can not infect a human body with germs, be they dead or alive, and expect nothing to happen. It is gonna cause a reaction even if it is to boost the immune system. And who knows what else is going on in that little body (developmentally) at that time that these immunizations may interfere with. I don't know, maybe I am wrong. Just an opinion of a mother who would give the world to have refused the immunization but was intimidated by her physician. (He actually refused to see us again until the shots were given.) Perhaps little Opie would not call himself the "ONE EARED BOY" if I had stood my ground.

Unless it comes up in conversation, I do not go around spouting off anti-immunization information. By the same token, I do expect others to keep their opinion that the anti-immunization movement is some half-baked, odd ball "Christian and Homeschoolers" fairy tale to themselves unless asked and you would be surprised at the number of people who hold that attitude. And at the top of the list, may I add, is our school nurse. She rolls her eyes whenever she gets a form stating that someone has religious objections to immunization. The school requires they sign this paper no matter what the reason for their objection is. She thinks it is stupid and lets everyone know what she thinks. This information is not kept private either. She will spout off about individual children at the drop of a hat no matter who is around.

Just sign me a ticked off, tired of being thought of as a radical, loving my special, partial hearing child,
fun girl

Sorry if this message was kinda strong. I have no opinion or judgement that I pass on those who do choose immunization. I just wish for the same courtesy.
January 30, 2003 - Msg 11747: Hey Charlotte, You can wet yor whistle with my squeezins, anytime you want. I'm leaving two jugs on the Porch, fer ya'.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
January 30, 2003 - Msg 11748: Hi, Porchsters. Hope everyone is having a great Mayberry Day. Prayers for those who have illness or hardships and a speedy recovery for those recouperating.

No, fun girl I don't think your message is too strong for us... we're a hearty bunch who know how to share opinions! I agree, people have the right to state their opinions but that school nurse is not only rude, I believe she is violating your son's right to his medical privacy if she is gabbing freely about what is in his file. She ought to be reprimanded and if the school won't do what they ought, then they should all be sued! These are only types of cases I believe in lawsuits for... if it stops those who believe they are above the law with their "smarter than thou" attitudes! And thanks for the info Charlotte... yes my daughter is well versed concerning the immunization issue. She has stopped immunizing the boys for most things and our family doctor is wonderful and totally supportive! Even our school is great about it. No problems... we are so lucky. In fact, her family is going next month to a big research center so that they can all be studied since both boys have it.

By the way, speaking of children and the disapproving "know-it-all" experts who have nearly destroyed our society, I am reading an inspiring although disconcerting book called "The Little Book of Christian Character & Manners" by William & Colleen Dedrick who unabashedly use the Bible as their foundation although every parent of any faith would benefit by their wisdom. A few quotes:

"Today's families are suffering because....'modern' ideas about child rearing ..have produced anarchy in the home [which] has become simply a 'crash pad'... for food, clothes, and sleep." But the most enlightening admonition is: "...many.... [Christian] leaders and authors adhere to the same philosphy of child training as the non-Christian educators and psychologists." I really had to be open minded on that one because I homeschooled my kids precisely to avoid a humanistic perspective. But, I can see that too many of my beliefs were based not on God's will but on the agenda of the liberal secularist educators and child experts..... me, someone who devotedly taught my daughters at home, read from the Bible and prayed with them, took them to church each Sunday, and always made God the center of our home! That wasn't enough to protect them when I had been fooled into believing that what were really humanistic values about family and children were Godly (good).... values that are literally wolves in sheeps' clothing! But, how many parents today don't believe that a "loving" parent tries to "understand" one's children and holds back on punishment once in a while when the child seems to be going through a difficult "stage" or otherwise has a good "reason"? The Dedricks show where this is not loving precisely because it is not God's will (His Word). If you can, read the book and let me know what you think.... Write to me at deoglorias@yahoo.com.. I'd love to know what you all think!

Uh-oh.. looks like I may be sweeping the porch with this long post... don't worry though, if so I promise to do my duty and get my broom and dustpan! Love to you all, ~Clara~