March 13, 2003 - Msg 12604: Hey guys, sorry it's been a while. Just been to blame busy. Thats great news Ro.. and them finding Elizabeth Smart too. Just what I needed to hear tonight. Prayers for everyone that needs them. Yall have a good night. Love yas all--Salty Dog
March 13, 2003 - Msg 12605: Whoops.. me and my big mouth.. That'll learn me next time to keep postin more.. here I had to sweep. Asa, did you have anything to do with this dear? Tee Hee--SD
March 13, 2003 - Msg 12606: Charlotte, is the rash on his face? Well, even if not, I'd take him to the doctor! My nephew had a rash on his face with a fever recently and do you know what it turned out to be? Scarlet fever!! Can you believe that?! I thought that was something that went out with churning your own butter. It's a serious condition but very treatable nowadays with antibiotics. So yes, I say take him to the doctor tomorrow! I hope everything turns out ok, Charlotte, and I don't mean to worry you, but I'd take him to the doctor. Did I already say that?
Well, keep us updated ok?
-Sterling Holobyte
March 13, 2003 - Msg 12607: Charlotte, it's always a good idea to take the kids to the dr. if you are worried about them. It sounds like he might just have a rash from a virus and sometimes a virus takes several days to run it's course. The last time my little girl had a virus, she had fever for several days, although she broke out in the rash about four days after she started having the fever. She started getting better after the rash but it still took a few days more. As you probably know, antibiotics won't help a virus so there may not be anything your dr can give him but it is always best to see a dr if a child has a fever for more than a couple of days. Try not to worry, though. I have a scrawny little boy who doesn't eat as he should, too! I try to give him a vitamin everyday. Try to get your son to drink lots of fluids, that always helps with a virus.

It's terrible how we worry about our kids when they are sick, isn't it? Our minds start to wander and can't figure out why they are stil sick, etc...., but the truth is, all kids get lots of colds and things and they have a wonderful little immune system that is doing it's job by giving them a fever to fight the invading germs. It doesn't usually happen overnight, though, and it's hard to be patient. I will pray for your son tonight, but I'll bet he will be just fine in a day or two. Keep us informed of his progress.

Well, I feel pretty sleepy. This has been a great day, hasn't it? Such wonderful news today!
Goodnight,

Boo
March 13, 2003 - Msg 12608: A late morning "Hey" out to all. Hope all is well. I'm working hard as usual(unfortunately). My trading day starts about 5:00 am and goes until 1:00pm. So is the life of a Commodities Broker. I've got to get away from the West coast and head back home where times are normal. Anyway, take care all and have a great Mayberry kinda day.

Ed Sawyer
March 13, 2003 - Msg 12609: Oh, I am SO happy to hear such wonderful news, Romeena! Well, it's supposed to be a little rainy here today, but all I see is sunshine! Gotta run! Love to all!

-Bulbsnatcher
March 13, 2003 - Msg 12610: i like the tayor's.......
March 13, 2003 - Msg 12611: i like the tayor's and my name is jonathan aaron
March 13, 2003 - Msg 12612: Well, I guess Trevor was not offended, just plum busy. Got a long email from him today. Just wanted to let ya'll know.
fun girl
March 13, 2003 - Msg 12613: Dear friends! There's just no way to describe my joy in being able to sit here on this porch and tell you how good God has been, knowing that I'm not facing the fearsome prospect of chemo or anything else. Thanks to the prayers of you all, and my family and my non-Mayberry friends, God has made it all go away, and the best part was, that He gave me that peace of mind I had prayed for, before we ever went into surgery. He is indeed, an awesome God. My sister-in-law made a lovely cross-stitch piece for me, beautifully framed, that states "I Am that I Am." That's one of my all-time favorite things that God has said. It just covers it all, in those five words. He Is, and that's enough.

Boo, Possum, fun girl, dear Asa, Ed, Mavis, homemaker, Bulbsnatcher, Charlotte, Sterling, Salty, Ellen, Mary Wiggins, Briscoe, TOM, and anyone else on the porch right now,(please forgive me if I left a name off) I can't thank you all enough for your prayers. I absolutely know that those prayers are what got me through this with my sanity intact, and it's just entirely possible that those same prayers influenced the good Lord to perform one of his mighty healing acts, and make everything all right. I'll never know, and it doesn't matter. Whatever happened, to God be the Glory! I'm one happy old lady this evening, back in my own home with my precious little Plum, and able to look forward to the future without the cloud of illness and uncomfortable treatment hanging over me. Thank you, friends. What more can I say?

Welcome, Jonathan Aaron. Welcome to the Front Porch. Choose yourself a TAGS name, and stick around. We welcome newcomers here.

Asa, a lot of prayers were answered with the return of Elizabath Smart, weren't they? When I heard about it this morning, my first thought was of you. I know how you had worked on that search effort, and how personally you were affected by it. You must be a happy man right now. Thank God.

Well, I think I'll turn in early. I'm pretty tired, and I feel like I've been mule-kicked, but that's just physical, and will go away. Spiritually, I'm great! Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena


March 13, 2003 - Msg 12614: Well, Sterling, my husband took my son to the doctor this morning just as all you good people suggested. (I would've taken him yesterday but our dr. isn't in on Wed.) Anyway, it turned out to be scarlet fever and strep throat. He got some antibiotics and some pills for itch but he is still one very sick little boy. He has just been lying on the couch sleeping. I'm still worried. Please say prayers for him, ok? What's the story with scarlet fever anyway? My aunt said, "oh, they must've said scaletina. If he had scarlet fever, they would've put him in the hospital! But my husband thinks they said "scarlet fever" and I believe him. Did your nephew have to go to the hospital, Sterling? Well, still have many things to do. Praise God for Romeena's good health and for the return of Elizabeth Smart.
Charlotte Tucker
Pick a lock!

March 13, 2003 - Msg 12615: Romeena, Congrutulations ! Thank the Lord !
It is wonderful news about Elizabeth Smart, another Praise the Lord !

Please pray. My husband's brother Ricky, his wife Marcia, her mother died yesterday at 4am.
My husband's other brother, Arnie, his wife, Teresa, her sister, age 51, died yesterday at 6am.
Please pray God gives them comfort and speaks to all their hearts.

Thanks,
Miss Ellie

PS. anyone heard from Miss Emma ? I've written her twice and emailed her and not had a response.
I'm a little concerned. Her birthday is coming up and I'm sending her a book series, a book at a time and forgot where I stopped and need to hear from her before I mail the next one.
Thanks.
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12616: Good to see you, Miss Ellie. Haven't heard from Emma here on the porch for quite some time. Take care! Not many sittin' on the porch tonight.
Charlotte Tucker
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12617: Doctor isn't in on Wednesday, ay Charlotte? Out golfing, huh?! In this weather?!
To answer your question, no my nephew didn't have to go to the hospital either. They just gave him the antibiotics and sent him home. He's fine now. Apparently scarlet fever isn't the scourge it used to be, thank God! Hope your son feels better soon!
-Sterling Holobyte
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12618: Morning Porch. Miss Ellie, I am so sorry to read about those who passed away like that. Weren they in a car accident or something? That is so sad. Prayers for you all.
Sorry your little one is ailing Charlotte. I sure will pray for his healing dear.
Romeena, I can't tell you how glad I am that you are home with the plumster and that all is well for you. That is great news. And the elation I and a lot of others feel right now about the safe return of Elizabeth is better than any drug or drink you could muster up. Thank the good Lord for watching over both of you.
Now if I could say something for just a minute. Ed Smart, (Elizabeth's father) is pleading for congress to pass legilation to enact a nation wide Amber alert. This would simply be a nation wide alert when ever a child was abducted to try and make as many people as possible aware of the situation and to be on the lookout for them. The Smart family was very fortunate in that because of how she was taken, it recieved much national attention. And indeed it was because a couple of citizens recognized the picture of the man police wanted to question and called it in that Elizabeth was found. Sadly the Smart story is not the norm. Many children are taken every day and never seen again. Please call your congressman or woman and urge them to pass this legislation on its own. Some in congress are trying to attach othe bills on to it causing it to get bogged down in the political muck. Thay is if you feel inclined to do so, I don't want to be pushy. There is nothing worse than a pushy Asa.
Thank you friends for being there and for all you do for everyone. Whoever said Mayberry doesn't exist anymore have never been here.
Prayers for all.

Asa
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12619: Please, please say many prayers for the Ferguson family. Some friends of ours. The father died. I know no details, but his obit was in the paper today. She is a woman of very strong faith and so I know God will carry her through. She has two children, around 11 and 14. I fear it will be hardest on his father as they were very close and he is not a believer. Such a sad thing. Pray without ceasing. I am!
fun girl
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12620: Mornin' Y'all. Have a much needed day off from school,so thought I'd stop by the porch for a few minutes. Prayers for all that need them.Y'all say a few for me,would ya? Have a bit of unneeded turmoil in my life of late.I'm staying strong because I know " This too shall pass..." Creates a lot of stress just the same though. Thanks.
Welcome to Jonathan! Don't be a stranger-come sit with us when you get the chance.
Asa,I'm in total agreement with you on that Amber Alert Bill. It is so needed.
Well,guess I'll go do a few things that need doing,so I'll say bye for now. Y'all have a wonderful day! Love to all!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12621: Good Morning Porch, Ya'll look fantastic. It's always nice to sit and visit with such fine people. Ya'll are the core of all the fine things Mayberry is and continues to be. Take care everyone, welcome Jonathan (stay away from those squeezins..WOW!), and have a great Mayberry kinda day.

Ed Sawyer
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12622: So good to see you on the porch, Ro. I put some pillows in the rocking chair for you and a thermos of hot chocolate next to my grandma's quilt (oh, and some carrots for Plum). Sit a spell. I am elated to hear how well you are doing and just to realize that you are home and happy. Green bananas for everyone!!

Charlotte, your boy has Scarlet fever and Strep! Poor baby! He must feel really bad. You hang in there. I know having one of your babies sick is the WORST but now that he is getting the proper treatment he will be getting better soon. I'm glad your husband took him to the doctor. I'm pretty sure that I had Scarlet Fever when I was little and I did fine. If you can, try to get out by yourself for an hour and get some fresh air. It will do you a world of good.

Prayers for your husband and his family, Miss Ellie. Sounds like a horrible tragedy.

Prayers for you, Possum. Hang in there.

Asa, I know that in states that have the Amber Alert it has been successful and I think it should be nation wide. Could you tell me how to call my congressman? Hate to sound stupid but I have never done it before. Have you heard the talk about putting microchips under babies skin to enable them to be tracked in case of abduction? They have microchips that they inject into dogs right now. At first it sounds like a good idea but then I think that perverts who want to take children would find a way to cut the chip out (sounds horrible). I don't know what the best line of defense is against those who prey on children but Amber Alert is a good thing. There is a website called Red Rover, I think that helps to educate children on what to do in case of an attack. My son and I went through it and I quiz him from time to time. It is a course based on actual cases of attempted child abductions that failed, and what the kids did to prevent the attack. Very good.

Well, I have to go take care of the little ones. Ya'll have a great day. It will be in the 70's today, but very humid.

Boo
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12623: Oh, and prayers for the Furgeson family.

Boo
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12624: Dear friends, my heart is even heavier since I know the details of T. Fergusons death. His wife had filed for divorce and I guess he decided he didn't want to live without her. He shot himself with a shot gun. I realize that suicide is the "selfish" thing to do, but just try to imagine the darkness this poor man must have felt in his soul. To feel that life is no longer worth living. I am so sad about this. Prayers for little Hailey and Damon. And even Karen. This will be especially hard for her to live with for the rest of her life.
fun girl
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12625: This was a couple who you would never imagine breaking up. I was in shock when I heard he had died, but even more shocked to find out that she had filed for divorce.
f.g.
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12626: Woooohoooo! To add to the brightness in my life since I got my clean bill of health, another bright spot came today. The UPS man rang my bell and left me a package. When I opened it, out came three absolutely beautiful pictures. I had ordered them from Mary Wiggins, some of the work of her husband Pat. That man is some kind of talented, and I now have a beautiful cardinal, a fox crossing a frozen stream, and a big gorgeous buck standing guard over a doe hidden discreetly in the woods. Can't wait to get them framed and on the wall. Let me tell you, they are absolutely lovely. Thanks, Mary and Pat.
Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12627: Romeena, you are one in a million! Pat and I are so thankful for your support of his work, it is a lot like getting applause for a job well done, and it is VERY much appreciated! I truly hope you enjoy it. I am going to have to ask Pat to do a painting of green bananas! Maybe he could include them in a still life, wouldn't that be something! And we here on the porch would know the meaning behind it! I continue to celebrate your excellent news as well as the wonderful news about Elizabeth Smart. I am certain they will have a future filled with challenges, but they seem to be a strong, loving family and I am not sure that beautiful young girl could be going home to any better family!

Asa, I am with you about the amber alert, they do have it here in Michigan, but it certainly would be wonderful to see it nation-wide. It may save some lives, and I don't believe it would be that hard to implement.

Fun Girl,
My prayers go out to your friend and family. How tragic that is. I hope they will all be willing to seek counseling, they need to understand that that was a decision that Mr. Ferguson made, and that no one else can be blamed for it. No matter WHAT the circumstances were, it is not his wife or his children's fault. There may have been medical problems at play, or other things known only to him, but I sincerely hope your friend has all the support and love she and her family will need at this time. Until 4 years ago, I never personally knew anyone who had committed suicide. My daughter who is now 21 lost her best friend to suicide when they were seniors in high school. It was awful, and I can tell you the blame was flying every where. Parents blaming friends, teachers, themselves...friends blaming the girl's parents, each other, themselves...I blamed myself to some degree because I talked to her the night before she died at some length and the thought crossed my mind that this was her swan song, but I dismissed it and did nothing. But the fact is, she made the choice herself, and there is no point in any one who was left behind in blaming anyone. I will most definitely be praying for your friend and her family, this is so dreadful, but even in this, God can and will receive glory for His great love, mercy and compassion. He can take the worst situations we could ever dream of, and miraculously turn them to our good. This, I admit seems impossible at the moment for your friend, but then, God's ways are higher than our ways, and He can do all things.

I would like to say hi to everyone else here on the porch, I look forward to getting to know some of our new-comers a little better! Pull up a chair and make yourself at home! Maybe Briscoe can jug a cheerful celebratory song for us, sending a smile into our hearts for the great news about Romeena!
((((((porch))))))

Mary Wiggins
March 14, 2003 - Msg 12628: Romeena. We were so glad to read about your good news and enjoy your messages.
Elmer and Ruth, Ohio
March 15, 2003 - Msg 12629: Beware The Ides of March!
March 15, 2003 - Msg 12630: Hi All just popping in to said that I'm fine and will.
TOM

March 15, 2003 - Msg 12631: Glad to hear ya Tom. Always nice to get a email note from ya.

It is a beautiful sunny day here in Indiana. (finally) We have had a mighty harsh winter. The last 4 or 5 have been pretty mild, but we are catching it this year. At least it is a beautiful day to put Tracy to rest. Today is the funeral.
Gonna be a hard one. I worked with his children the whole time they were in elementary school.
Prayers and more prayers for the family during this time.

Gonna be traveling during the first week of May.(Gotta get my penny that's been run over by a train. It'll bring ya luck in your travels, don't ya know.) Gonna go to Georgia for a family reunion. I was born 20 miles east of Atlanta. That is where all the relatives have pretty much stayed. I haven't been to a family reunion since I was about 16. They are a bunch of snuff dippin, toothless old coots, but I love em. To be honest that is just the oldest generation. I do have a cousin who reminds me alot of Goober, cept he don't take off on Cary Grant. Anybody live between Indianapolis and Atlanta. Maybe we could meet somewheres and have us a little bubble and squeek or maybe toad in the hole. LOL

I sent the DVDs of TAGS to Trevor. I am anxious to see what he thinks of our favorite show. I think they said at the post office it would take about 10 days to 2 weeks for them to get there. I am not exactly sure as FUNGI was the one who took them and mailed them.

Well the darling boys and little Charlene were here last week and had the flu. Now my mom has it too. I am staying clear of that house until it has all passed.

Isn't March the windy month? Well....
Let's go fly a kite,
Up to the highest hite.
Let's go fly a kite and send it soaring,
Up through the atmosphere,
Up where the air is clear.
Oh let's go fly a kite.

Jane: I knew a man with a wooden leg named Smith.
Michael: Oh, what's the name of his other leg?
Yes, let's start a conversation on the wonderful Mary Poppins. I practically know the movie by heart as that was little Opie's favorite movie when he was a wee one. He watched it several times a day. No sooner than you would have it rewound than he would want to play it again. When he was about two I woke up in the middle of the night one night and heard something coming from the living room. I got up and went in and there he was sitting in front of the t.v. watching Mary Poppins. I layed down on the couch and watched the rest of it with him, for about the hundredth time. Love that movie. I think it is my favorite kid's movie. At least of the ones that were around when I was a youngun'. (And yes, they did have "talkies" back then. LOL

Have a great day. I am headed to the funeral. My heart is filled with dread, but "in life there are many roads" and this is one I must travel.
I will just count my blessings. And they are many.

fun girl
March 15, 2003 - Msg 12632: Hello all! Many Prayers for you and your friends Fun Girl, what a tradgic loss. Hey back at you Romeena. Have a wonderful day all.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
March 15, 2003 - Msg 12633: Hi, all! fun girl this will be a difficult day, and the days to come will bring many questions and few answers, but you'll get through it. Prayers for your friend and the family. Suicide is such a terrible thing. Like you said, how can we imagine the emotional hell someone must be enduring, if it can push them to such a decision? I have a friend who was divorced, and a year later her ex-husband took his own life. A couple of years after that, her brother did the same, and about five years later, her 20yr old son also took his life. How she ever got through all that, I'll never know, because she doesn't have a strong faith to sustain her. Somehow, she survived, I guess because of her other two children.
On the lighter side, I hope you were able to send Trevor some eps with Malcolm Merriweather in them.

Personally, I'm feeling great. Sore, feel like I've been mule-kicked, and have some spectacular bruises in brilliant technicolor. A deep breath hurts a lot and a cough, which is an important, prescribed activity, fills me with dread. A sneeze is to be avoided if at all possible, and when not possible, it requires about five minutes of clenched fists afterward. I can't take narcotics because of horrific side effects, so am existing on Advil every few hours. Nevertheless, this too shall pass, and it's only physical. Spiritually and emotionally, I'm on top of the world. God has been so good!

Friends have been good, too. I just had a lovely lunch consisting of some home-cooked pinto beans, skillet cornbread, and a really good salmon croquette. I'm not generally a croquette fan, but my friend makes them gooooood! She also left me a pot roast and some veggies for tonight, and a box of very sweet strawberries. There was a little bag of carrots for the Plum, too. My mother used to say "you just can't out-give God and Faye." She was right.

Mary Wiggins, it's simple. I believe in giving credit where credit is due. And I know you're teasing, but if Pat wanted to do a painting of the Plum, with some carrots at her feet and some green bananas in the background, --- oh my, what a picture that would make! All the hidden meaning that would make it extra-special. I'd have to photograph it and post it here.

And now for another nap. Sugarplum is so bored, she's considering taking up basket-weaving, but it's hard when you don't have thumbs. I can't help it. Those naps just call me. Everyone have a great day. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena

March 15, 2003 - Msg 12634: Hi porch. Sorry, I would have been here earlier but I fell in with some evil companions. Congrats on your great doc report, Romeena!
- Hazel

Gin? Thank you, I don't mind if I do.
March 15, 2003 - Msg 12635: Hi, Hazel. Love that quote - I watched that episode this morning. I love the test scene with the little cars. "Beep, beep, outta the way, Sunday driver!" The look of disgust on Barney's face is just priceless. He just hates it when Andy gets "fasishious." Sorry, I don't know how to spell facetious the way he pronounces it, but that's pretty close. That final scene is wonderful, too, when Andy so willingly settles down to tell Otis a story, and Barney stalks out of the cell, looking like a thundercloud.

Well, gotta run. My brother is on his way over, need to make sure I'm decent. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12636: Not many on the porch this evenin'. Glad to hear you are in such good spirits, Ro.

Ro, your poor friend who lost three loved ones to suicide! Hope things are better for her now. I know it's hard for some to understand how someone can take their own life but I think most of us have been in the place of such mental suffering that we wanted to die. That's what is so sad about suicide. It is someone who can't bear the horrible mental anguish. It's a very deep, dark place and when you are there you don't think there is any hope. Hope is what keeps us alive when we would rather be dead. I was near suicide when I was eighteen and I remember asking my parents for help. They didn't know what to do so they didn't do anything. I had decided that I would run my car off the highway and into a nearby lake. I was so close that it is scary to think about it now but I remember as I was driving, it was at dusk, and just before steering my car off the road I spotted the distant lights of my sister's home up on a hill, and I knew somehow that if I could get to her house I would be okay. When I got there and she and her husband realized the shape I was in they called their pastor over to pray for me. As soon as he prayed, the cloud of fear and despair left me immediately and he began to share scriptures to encourage me and from that day on, I was fine, in fact after that I began to attend a bible church and was Baptized. It was the beginning of a wonderful spiritual journey. I don't know why I was somehow strong enough to keep living and so many aren't but I know it had nothing to do with me. I have such sympathy for those in that kind of emotional pain and only wish that they could all have the relief that I experienced.

Well, I seem to have a pretty bad headache tonight so I think I will try to get some sleep. Hope you all have a peaceful sleep. Until tomorrow.....

Boo
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12637: I'm here to honor one of the all time greats...
how I could even think....THINK mind you... of living this day without wishing EMMA A HAPPY BIRTHDAY is beyone me and mine...

--Jelsik
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12638: Happy Birthday Emma. And I believe that Mavis has a birthday today too. Happy Birthday to you both!
- Hazel
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12639: Mornin' Y'all! Can finally crawl out from under my rock after the heavy rains we had yesterday! Goodness- at one point my front yard looked like Myers Lake!
Happy Birthday wishes go out to EmmaandMavis!

Well,y'all take care now.Coffee's on if ya want some and of course there's a fresh box of Krispy Kremes too!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12640: Happy Birthday Emma & Mavis

Miss Ellen Brown
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12641: Good Sabbath porch and happy birthday to the two birthday girls. Should we all chip in and get them some bed jackets?
Thanks for them there K.K.'S possum. You are so good to us.
Hope everything went ok yesterday FunGirl. A lot of sadness there.
Boo, I sure am glad you didn't drive off in no lake back there when you was younger. And I am glad you found the Lord.
You doing ok Charlotte? I'm worried about you. Please check in when you can.
And where have you run off to Bulbsnatcher? Get back in here. And Salty Dog... you promised!!!
Seems we got a slug of folks missing here lately. Y'all better get down in your rockers and commence to jawing with us.
So happy you are home and getting stronger Ro. I bet Sugarplum is too. Now, where do you want me to plant this bannana tree?
Hey Mrs. Wiley. You doing ok?
Don't ever let Hazel get near you with a pair of tweezers if she ain't had her pills. She is dangerous I tell ya.
Well enough rambling on from me for now. Hope you all have a blessed Sabbath day and God bless you all.

Asa

P.S. Dixie Chicks, what a dumb thing to say!
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12642: Good Sabbeth Mayberry Hope y'all have a
Sonshine filled day.
Ellen Brown
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12643: My, Ellen Brown, you sure are colorful today! Really brightens up the porch.

Boo, God always manages to meet us at our point of need, and isn't that wonderful? If you had listened to your own self, directing you toward that lake that night, just imagine what all you'd have missed - like your baby girl. Instead, you listened to the voice of God, sending you to your sister's home (though you might not have known it was God at the time), and he had someone ready to help you. He's so good to us.

Happy Birthday to Emma and Mavis! Remember, none of us are spring chickens anymore, especially me! I don't mind, though. I earned every wrinkle and every gray hair, and I'm keeping them! There, I said it and I ain't takin' it back.

Asa, thank you so kindly for the banana tree. How did you ever know that would be just what I'd want? Just plant it there in the back corner of the yard, where it's semi-shady. Hmmm, wonder if squirrels eat bananas? The cute, pesky little things ate all my strawberries, I never got any, so finally just gave the plants away and leveled the bed. One even cussed me out (in squirrel talk) when I just happened to get to a five-berry cluster before he did, early one morning. He came down the fence line, saw me about to pick the berries, and you never heard such a racket. I was stealing his breakfast! So, I picked three and left two for him. Poor little guy, just trying to make a living.

Well, guess I'll rustle up something to eat around here. The Plum has finished her breakfast, and is now trying to pull me toward the refrigerator, to get her a carrot. Friends, what do you do with such a spoiled little furkid? Just keep on loving her, I guess. Have a great Sabbath, and Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena

March 16, 2003 - Msg 12644: Happy Birthday Emma and Mavis!
I hope you both stop by today so's we can hear how your birthday's went!
It is so nice here in Michigan today, the temperature got up to around 49 two days ago, and honest to goodness, I saw a man in the grocery store wearing shorts! Today it is in the high 50's here, so I expect to see a few bathing suits! Around these here parts, we take what we can get! The skies are blue, but there is still a lot of snow on the ground so I think it will be a little longer before I feel winter has lost it's grip, but it is getting mighty close!

Happy Sabbath,
Mary Wiggins
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12645: Mary Wiggins, my dear husband was from Michigan. He grew up in Portage, outside of Kazoo, and his family moved to Bangor when he was a senior in high school. He remained in Portage with his grandfather so he could finish school there, then went to Western for a while, then joined the Air Force. That's how I met him - he was stationed at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, and was recruited by a friend for a blind date. My friend (the one who endured all the suicides) had dated a guy, no chemistry, so they decided to get each other dates. I was to be the friend's date, and my future husband was to be my girlfriend's date. It didn't work out that way. We both knew when we first laid eyes on each other, that we were soulmates and that was that. We married eight months later, and literally lived happily ever after. Love at first sight? I guess so, at least as we understood love at the ages of 17 and 19, but it sure did turn out well. Maybe it was infatuation at first sight, but real love certainly grew on that framework with no difficulty at all. Last Saturday would have been our 45th anniversary, if he had lived. Still, we had 38 wonderful years together, and I have a world of memories.

Well, didn't intend to go there! I was just commenting on the fact that he was from Michigan. Do you know Portage, and the Kalamazoo area? I still have in-laws living there. One of these days I'm going to take a few days off, fly up there and enjoy some time with them. They're great folks.

This tired body is asking for some rest, so think I'll go lie down for a while. Have a great Sabbath afternoon, friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12646: By the way, friends. I should probably know the answer to this but I don't. Where is Don Knotts from? Sometimes in the shows, the way he delivers a line, I hear a definite Midwestern accent, and would almost be willing to say it's specifically a Michigan accent. Anybody know? --Romeena
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12647: Hey Ro- Think Don is from Morgantown,West Virginia. If someone can prove me right on this,do I get a prize or something? Ha Ha
Have a good evening y'all!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12648: The funeral was a sad one for his family. I won't get on my soapbox, but just want to say his wife was just as happy and chipper as she could be. Not one tear was shed by her. She has recently lost 50 pounds and she sashayed around like she was the reason everyone was there. I love what was sewn in the lid of the casket though. It said "Let the work of my hands speak for me." That is something we all should strive for.

Hugs to all!
fun girl
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12649: Just want to say hi to everyone!
fun girl, is it possible that she was just putting on a front to hide her feelings? Some people are like that at funerals because they don't want to show their true feelings and/or they don't know how to act at funerals. Well, you know more about that specific situation than I do, I just don't like thinking that someone could be happy about something like that.
Boo, so glad you kept on driving on the road, and didn't go "off-roading." We never know what good things are going to happen in the journey of life and what awaits "down the road." It's sad when people leave prematurely by their own hand and never get to experience those things.
On a happier note, is it just me, or are other people accent-deaf too? I swear, until I got married and my wife started comparing different peoples accent's with certain states, I never really thought about that stuff when I talk to people, and I still don't! I never even knew us "cheeseheads" or anyone else in America even had different accents, aside from states like Texas where their accent is pretty pronounced(I would imagine, never having been to Texas).
But every state I have been to I always understood what the people there were saying to me, so to me everyone is just speaking english! Except those cajon folks down there in the bayou, Lord knows what their saying!:)
Just a joke! No offense to our cajon-speaking friends.)
-Sterling Holobyte
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12650: Fungirl sorry to hear the bad news, my prayers for y'all and it is a sad thing when something like this happens. Good Night to all
Ellen Brown
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12651: Ha, ha, Sterling, you're a hoot! Yes, people do definitely have different accents. No matter where Don Knotts was born, I still think he spent some time growing up in the Midwest. Anyway, as you said, we Texans do have accents, though they're beginning to blur these days, with the influx of people from all over the country and the world. South Texans sound different from North Texans (really not a clear accent in North Texas) and the East Texans have the most pronounced drawl of anyone. If you watched the news coverage after the shuttle disaster, you heard some of those East Texas accents. True, you can understand, just as you understand an Englishman, but there's definitely an accent. Some are more pronounced than others, I'll admit. Folks in the Midwest sound more nasal, and they keep their upper lip stiff and tight when the speak. People from the Carolinas sound a bit like Canadians at times, the way they pronounce the "ou" sound. I'll bet Andy had a speech coach that helped him erase that telltale accent. They let him keep his country accent over all, but that distinctive "ou" sound was fixed. Most of us would pronounce "house" with an "ow", as in "cow". Carolinians and Canadians give it more of an "oh" sound, as in "hoe". Strange how we can be so different, and still be so alike, isn't it?

Well, off I go. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12652: "When theY speak". Great balls of fire! --Romeena
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12653: I would love to think that she was putting on a brave face at the funeral, but I have known her to long to believe that. I honestly think that she was ready for him to be out of her life, hence the divorce, and when he took himself out of her life, if it did bother her, it was a shallow and short lived grief. I hate to think that of another human being, but that is the way it appears. But I am not the one to judge. I just pray that her heart will be softened so she can show compassion to those children in their grief.

fun girl
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12654: Hey can somebody tell me how to get to the cutlass? Someone sent me a picture that I think would be of great interest to Mary Wiggis hubby. It would make a beautiful painting. Mary if you're out there send me your email and I will forward it to ya.
fun girl
March 16, 2003 - Msg 12655: It's the end of the day and I am enjoying all the posts! Thanks to all of you who expressed that you were glad I didn't run my car into the lake back in 1980! I am too! Ro, I never thought about it being God telling me to go to my sister's house but I am sure that is exactly true. He is very good to us and has blessed me so in my life since. And to think, there might never have been a Sean or little Erin (my babies). I am very thankful for my husband, too, and I appreciated you sharing with us about your husband, Ro. I'll bet he was very special. I, too believe in love at first sight. That is exactly how it happened to me and I was 26 when I met my husband. The first time I saw him I loved him and I have loved him every day since. It wasn't lust but a gentle love. I guess it was a God thing. We both felt the same way. My husband is very special and loves the Lord. He is a deacon in our church and serves God whole-heartedly. He is the most honest man I have ever known. Enough of all the mushy stuff!!

Sterling, we Texans definitely have an accent (some worse than others). My parents were from Louisianna and West Virginia so my accent is not as strong as some but unfortunately, most Texans sound like uneducated rednecks (especially in East Texas, as Ro explained). Now how come you have never been to Texas? Don't you think it's time you came for a visit? The weather is might nice this time of year and the Texas highways are blooming with millions of wildflowers. Picture a meadow full of bluebonnets and Longhorn cattle!

Oh, Ro, I loved the squirrel story! I have one for you. I know this old country doctor who told me that one time a friend of his had a pet squirrel who she found lying in the bottom of his cage with a big, distended abdomen. Well, she figured out the squirrel had eaten the entire biscuit that she had placed in his cage earlier. She rushed the poor little fellow to the vet who told her that he was constipated and would need an enema. Well, they rigged up a way to give the squirrel an enema but unfortunately the poor little guy died anyway. Sad but true. Somehow I have always found humor in the thought of a "squirrel enema" (I guess the doctor did, too, when he told it to me at a political gathering).

Well, off to bed Dear Mayberry Friends!

Boo
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12656: Bless you all! I missed you this weekend. It's been a busy one. Thanks for all your prayers for my dear little son. He is much better--thanks to God and to antibiotics. He even went to his basketball tournament and played a little this weekend but they lost anyway. Sorry to hear about the suicide of your friend, fun girl. I agree with Boo, though, I had an aunt who jumped from a building. She suffered manic depression and was so totally screwed up. Since I've been through depression more than once I know what a dark lonely place it is. I feel so sorry for those people who feel life is that hopeless. Depression does that to you. It seems to me that it is one of Satan's tricks to steal our joy. I don't want to overdo it and be mushy, but you people here on this porch don't know how important you are to me. Thank you for being here. Asa, you're a dear for caring and asking about me. Thanks. I am up too late as usual and need to get to bed. Good night good porch people!
Charlotte Tucker(ed)!
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12657: Mornin' Y'all and a very Happy St. Patrick's Day to all you "Irish-ters" out there!
Carolinians sound Canadian? Not this Southern possum! I have never heard anyone down here pronounce "house" with the beginning sound "Hoe"! What part of the Carolinas did you hear that kind of talk,Romeena? Now, we sure are twangy with our Southern drawls, but I've never heard that sound in our dialect! I spent a summer up on Cape Cod a few years ago and folks up there were really confused by my accent. One of my friends said I sounded just like her Pennsylvanian mother in law! Was in California once and a man asked me if I was British! Ha Ha I guess it's all in what people hear.To me,I sound like one of the Beverly Hillbillies or something!
Gotta get ready for school. We had a long weekend and I know the kiddies will be WILD today-oh joy!
Y'all have a great day! Love to all!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12658: Top of the morning to ya Mayberry, today is the day of the wearing of the
GREEN
Y'all have a Blessed day and remember my sister Olivein prayer she is having gallbladder surgery today in about 2 hours.
Miss Ellen Brown
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12659: Hey all my greens turned out to be blue, what happened?
Ellen Brown
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12660: Morning Porch.
Good to see you Charlotte. Hope your doing better.
My goodness Boo, an ennama for a squirrel. I can't even imagine how that could be done. LOL
Prayers for Olive. Hope she recovers quick like.
I ain't wearing green today in the hopes somebody will pinch me. I kinda like it, unless it's Mr. Schwump. I don't like that. LOL
Hope y'all have a great day and act like somedody.

Asa
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12661: Happy St. Paddy's day from fun girl and fungi, who by the way really is from Irish blood. (That handsome red headed devil.) Wish we could celebrate in a really exciting way, but the good doctor still says no. Wonder how he would like it if'n I was to put a damper on his wooing?
fun girl
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12662: Hope your kids aren't too wild today, possum. I didn't get much sleep last night and I am extremely weary today. We are having revival at our church the next three nights. I have really been praying for the revival but yesterday was sort of uneventful. Maybe tonight will be better. Prayers for Olive. Everybody pinch Asa and I'll try to act like somebody (somedody!) today. Prayers for our revival.
Charlotte Tucker
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12663: Mornin' fun girl, didn't see you sittin' there!
CT
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12664: Top o' the mornin' to ya and Hapy St. Patrick's Day (pinch).

Hey, fun girl, exactly what did the doctor say "no" about (heehee)? Seems like it has been a long time since your surgery....wonder if I could have surgery?

Yea, Asa, that dr didn't tell me how they gave that squirrel an enema and I didn't ask, although I have pondered that question over the years (NOT).

I'm a zombie this morning. Baby girl had me up alot. She was burning up with a fever last night! She finally is sleeping peacefully after I gave her some Advil. These kids are like virus magnets, aren't they? One of the only words she says is "ouch" and she kept saying it last night. Poor baby! She took a drink from her sippy cup and said "ouch", so I hope it's not strep. I might be making a trip to the dr today.

Well, ya'll have a good one.

Boo

ps-What's with those Dixie Chicks, anyway?
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12665: Happy St. Patrick's Day!
It's a big day around here, me being Irish and all! Me grandmother's first name was Rynagh and I hear that is a very old Gaelic name. My other grandmother was also from Ireland, though a couple generations removed. One of these days I would love to go see the Emerald Isle, but it sure isn't in the budget just yet!

Romeena,
I have been to Kalamazoo and just about every where in this great state of Michigan, it is pretty country out there where your hubby was from. I have noticed the Canadian accent around here, everybody says 'eh, after asking a question or making a statement, a lot of Michiganders do it too. I have never been able to tell where someone is from by their accent, but I have noticed the difference!

Fun Girl, I am going to try to go to the cutlass to get your email, so I can send you mine! I'd be interested in any pictures you have, thanks for thinking of us!

Prayers for Olive, and everyone else on the porch who needs em.

May the road rise up to meet you and the wind be always at your back and may you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows your dead!

Mary Wiggins
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12666: Hey Boo,
you scared me! I didn't see you sitting there!
M W

March 17, 2003 - Msg 12667: Good morning all, the porch is mighty quiet. Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I'm heading over to the diner so I'll probably see a few of ya'll over there. Take care and have a wonderful Mayberry kinda day.

Ed Sawyer
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12668: Hey, possum! I confess, I've never been to the Carolinas, but I dated a young man from there, and have worked with two people from there, and they all used that distinctive pronunciation of the "ou" vowel combination. Many Canadians do the same thing, but that's pretty much where the similarity ends. I didn't make that clear earlier. Carolinians do indeed have a Southern drawl, which of course Canadians do not. Mary Wiggins, you're right about that little "eh?" sound with which many Canadians end a sentence. It's almost like a request for confirmation or agreement with what they just said. I worked with a Canadian nurse for about a year, and that little "eh?" was used liberally. She even had some of us doing it!
For fun, of course.

My dear husband lost most of his Midwestern accent in the years of living in Texas, and his family would tease him about his "Texas drawl" when we'd go up there to visit. He really became a Texan, even had a bumper sticker that read "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could."

Boo, I have no doubt you'll be taking Baby Girl to the doc today. Being a nurse, you know the drill. "Ouch" after swallowing speaks volumes when it's said by a toddler. We don't need any strep on this porch, especially among the little ones.

Well, off to take a nap. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12669: Hello all! Happy St. Patrick's Day all! And bless all the people in harms way.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12670: Well, I've been meaning to get down to Texas, Boo! My wife wants to plan a trip down there to San Antonio, where she lived a lot of her life. So the Texas highways are blooming with millions of wildflowers?! How in the heck do you drive without squashing them all? :)
Have a good day everyone!
-Sterling Holobyte
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12671: Very funny! You should go to San Antonio, Sterling but please don't go in the summer or you will hate it and think you've stepped into hell.That is one hot place in summer! I was there a couple of weeks ago and it was really nice and cool and I went on the River Walk and listened to a live band, really nice.

Gotta go tend the little one...

Boo
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12672: You know,I was thinking about this "Carolina dialect" thing off and on today Romeena,and remembered hearing about the unusual dialect of the folks on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.I believe they are compared to Nova Scotians (dialect wise) so hey,maybe you hit on something there with the Canadian thing! It's a funny thing,the Southern accent-they say we talk "geechee" down here in the Low Country near Charleston.I recall spending summers in the Upstate with my cousins as a teenager and having all the kids call me "geechee".Don't ask me to explain what that is,cause I ain't exactly sure! Then we have Gullah,which is derived from African.You can hear some of the older black people down along the coast of SC speak it.
I extend an invitation to Ro and anybody who hasn't been to the Carolinas to COME ON DOWN! Just don't do Charleston in the summer(see Boo's message about San Antonio in the summer-DITTO!)Lots of nice places in both states and you could listen to all the accents!
Just wish there WAS a Mayberry NC,don't y'all? At least we have this good old Porch to sit and take it easy.
Hope everyone has a good evening.Boo,hope your baby gets to feeling better soon!
God bless our troops,our allies,and our President as the war draws closer to becoming a reality.
The Dixie WHO? Ha That Natalie Maines was way out of line.I'd best not get started on her!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12673: hello porch,it is a beautiful spring evening here,hope it is nice where everyone is.i am typing with one hand,i have my baby granddaughterin the other,she is not quite 2 months,and,she is wiggling like crazy!my 7 yr oldand 5 year old are are running through the house like wild indians,whew,can't wait for bedtime!Ed,I think I,ll head over to the diner myself tonight,I can't think of anything good to fix for supper,the kids had pizza,I'm just tired of pizza and fast food,and,too,busy to cook a big meal.Hope you all had a good st patricks day.Boo,hope your baby girl is feeling better,my oldest first had strep throat and scarlet fever when he was 6,he is 17 now,and got it again last year.no matter what age they are,it makes you miserable.gotta close porch,the babyneeds a bottle.take care and god bless you all.teresa
March 17, 2003 - Msg 12674: Hey Boo, watch that strep throat, member last week? My son had strep and scarlet fever too. His cheeks were red as beets and he had a fever for about 5 days before we took him to the doctor. I know, I know, that was mighty dumb on our part but our daughter had just been taken to the doctor the week before and her fever was said to just be viral and they gave us no medicine. Who can know what you're supposed to do!
Charlotte Tucker
March 18, 2003 - Msg 12675: Morning porch, Prayers for all the children, bless their hearts theres been a lot of them sick this year, Olive is home and doing fine, in a lot of pain but other wise just fine, thank you all for your prayers. As always prayers going out to our military and all in charge, I'm still praying and believing SH will step down. For you see no matter what God is in charge. It makes me sick when I think of the chance of war, the dixie cows, how dare they. how dare they. Reading about the different states kinda puts ya in the mood for a vaction. Asa did you get pinched? LOL. Where the bulbsnatcher? Hey to all and Gos Bless America today and everyday.
Ellen Brown
March 18, 2003 - Msg 12676: OOPS! Thats God Bless America LOL
March 18, 2003 - Msg 12677: God
Bless
America


March 18, 2003 - Msg 12678: GODBLESSAMERICA
March 18, 2003 - Msg 12679: GODBLESSAMERICA
March 18, 2003 - Msg 12680: Thank you Floyd for for the porch.
Say where is Mavis?
Ellen Brown
March 18, 2003 - Msg 12681: Kalamazoo - zoo -zoo -zoo! I believe that was Glenn Miller and his band!
Anyone know that song?
March 18, 2003 - Msg 12682: Howdyyyyy Porch. Hope all is well for all.
I hurt my back yesterday so I am on muscle relaxers today and I just gotta say that I see pink elephants in my room as we speak. Oh well, as long as they stay off the bed they can stay here.
Hope everyone is doing good.
God bless our troops and our nation. May this conflict be short, swift, and complete.

Asa
March 18, 2003 - Msg 12683: Sorry about your back, Asa. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Had to get an appointment for my baby girl today (still has fever and kept me up all night!). Thanks to all of you for your concern for her. I can tell she is better today but we are seeing the dr anyway.

God continue to bless America, and courage and strength to our troops and their families. Amen.

Boo
March 18, 2003 - Msg 12684: Possum, I've been to Charleston in the summer. It was blazing hot, but it was more of a dry heat, and I found it kind of a nice change from the humid heat we get up here in WI every summer! I also found it to be a nice place, people-wise, and big old house-wise too!
Another nice place I saw on the way(we drove to SC) was in Tennesee when we went through the Smokey Mountains(I think that's what they were). I never saw such pretty scenery in my life! I love places that aren't overrun by development and you can enjoy the natural setting.
-Sterling Holobyte
March 18, 2003 - Msg 12685: Howdy, friends. Boo, I'm glad you're taking baby girl to the doc. Better safe than sorry.

Asa, I'm sorry you hurt your back. Back pain can really ruin your day, or your week, or whatever! Those muscle relaxers will probably help, and so will heat. A long soak in a hot tub, or a hot shower helps, especially if you have one of those "shower massage" things. Just be sure to dry off quickly and wrap up in something warm. If you don't, you can get rebound spasms if your back cools off too quickly. Heating pads are good. So are those grain-filled thingies you heat in the microwave. Just be sure to have a folded towel between the heat source and your skin. Personally, my heat source is named Sugarplum. She's very good at positioning herself near the ache, and her little body is capable of generating a surprising amount of warmth. Good puppy, gooooood puppy!

As for the Dixie Biddies, all I can say is, they had better be glad they're Americans, regardless of how they feel about the president. If they were citizens of the country they feel we shouldn't attack, Miss Natalie would be trying to sing without a tongue right about now, unless she got treated to an acid bath first. My stars! Why do these "celebrities" think they have a license to behave so outrageously? They seem to have no idea that their "star" status carries with it a responsibility to behave with more decorum than the average person. If obscure little old me makes a disrespectful comment, it's heard by only a few, if at all. When a celebrity does the same, it's a shot heard 'round the world. The Bible says "to whom much is given, much will be required." That's out of context, but it applies nontheless. Obviously, they just don't get it.

Well, that's my soapbox oration for the day. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
March 18, 2003 - Msg 12686: Here here Romeena!
I agree with every word you just wrote!

Asa, I hope your back is feeling better soon. My husband has recurrent back pain and it is such a nagging problem. He does lots of exercises and is very careful about lifting things or turning funny, just the same, every so often, the back goes out again. Poor guy, but I should say poor me, cause shovel the snow and do any heavy lifting, (up to a point!) around here! But, I don't mind really, I need the exercise.

My heart and soul go out to our men in the armed forces today, I think most of America has felt like we have given the diplomacy route enough time and let's get on with this already, but on the other hand, when the reality sets in about what these young men are about to go through, well, I will be spending a lot of time praying, that's all I can say.

God Bless the U.S.A., Great Britain, and every one here on the porch!
Mary Wiggins