April 10, 2003 - Msg 13154: I liked that too, Boo, the start of summer. Knowing that we'd have those 3 months to do anything we wanted was such a great feeling!
You know something else, and I'm a little embarrassed to say, but I watched The Young And The Restless, too. I can blame my brother for that one! You see, he would watch it when he was in college, and so when he would come home for summer break he would watch it. I was out of high school for the summer and since we only had one tv I would sometimes watch it with him and pretty soon I just got into the characters and those story lines and began watching it regularly. I started to watch Another World which came on after it for a while, but I just didn't get into that one. Thankfully! But sometimes I still tune into TYATR, just to see what's going on, mind you! And you know, you can go for years without watching those soaps and then tune in and you're almost right where you left off because they drag everything out so much.
Pretty sad, isn't it?! :) But I think that's also one of those summer memories I have, so watching it kind of brings that back to me a little bit.
Oops, gotta go! My soap's going to be on! ;)
-Sterling Holobyte

April 10, 2003 - Msg 13155: Hello Porch, I said that yesterday and not a one said hi to me, My ink must be invisiable? Sterling those glasses sound RAD, I love to ride my bike, ans I have those double baskets on the back, my sisters boyfriend try to talk me out of them, but I told him NOPE! My favorite summer memory is when I was driving an 18 wheeler and the boys and I were in Cody Wyo. Right smake dab in the ceter at the foot of four mountains around us, we stop at a little airport resturant had lunch, watched the crop dusters from the big window the boys just loved that, they had the best tasting water their, I filled up a few jugs and took with us, very refreshing, odd I can still taste the water, yep the best I ever had. Really I think all the summers the boys and I spent in that old truck were good one :). Oh yes today is my oldest Son's 33rd Birthday, Happy Birthday Tim. Love ya son. Jay is still home we're suppose to go to lunch, I just worked 2 hrs today to spend some time with him and I don't know where he is. oh will he'll be back shortly, I told him around 11. Have a Great day in the Lord y'all

Ellen Brown

April 10, 2003 - Msg 13156: HEY ELLEN GOOD TO HERE FROM YA
BLONDE FROM A BOTTLE
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13157: Hey Ellen, Happy birthday to your son. Looks like I missed a lot of conversation. Gotta go.
Charlotte Tucker

April 10, 2003 - Msg 13158: Hi Ellen. Sorry for not saying hi earlier. Sometimes them posts get lost if I ain't been on in a few hours and lots of folks post. Happy birthday to your son.
Hi Blonde from a bottle. Hope your day is well.

Asa
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13159: Invisible ink? Ellen....you got any witchery in your family? Happy birthday to your son! Bulbsnatcher
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13160: Hi Ellen,Boy,that does sound like a fun time you had in cody wyoming.How nice to get to take your boys with you in the truck.I've always wanted to drive one,but,I can't even drive a standard car,so,I doubt I'll be driving any big trucks!My first husband drove truck for awhile,me and the kids used to go with him every now and then.The company policy was we could go so many times a month.He did drive out to wyoming one time and he loved it,said it was beautiful.I never got to ride out there,but hope to get there one of these days.Better close for now.Hope your son has a happy birthday.Teresa
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13163: Hey, porch buddies! Looks like the sun is trying to come out here! Kinda late in the day, but it's still nice to see! Hope the sun is shinin' on you too! Bulbsnatcher
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13164: Big freeze, folks! Hey, Ellen! You know, I saw your "howdy" back there a ways, and was going to ask if you had whispered the rest of the message, but got sidetracked and didn't even say "how do." Sorry!

Am feeling ever so much better, friends. Thanks for all your prayers. Still sore, but much better. I actually got the rest of my flowers planted, and the beds are gorgeous. My flower-challenged neighbor came over this morning and wanted to know the names of the flowers and where I got them. He just retired, and spends a lot of time in his yard, but he has two little petunia plants blooming, and that's all! Lovely shrubbery, but no flowers. When I told him that the dianthus and dwarf snaps were returnees from last year, he was thrilled. I also told him I get all my flowers from another neighbor who has a garden center nearby. He allowed he was going to have to pay old John a visit, and I just saw him leave, so guess we'll have flowers across the street soon. They'll go nicely with all the flags on the street. I think out of about twenty houses, there are maybe three that aren't flying a flag. Really stirs my heart, everytime I turn the corner and look down the street. I leave mine out at night, but it's okay, because I have it illuminated. Looks so pretty.

Well, time to think about supper. Think I'll broil a few drumsticks. I've got plenty, so come on by, if you're hungry! Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13165: Ooops! Sorrry! --Romeena
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13166: Hey Romeena!
Part of the first post I wrote that got erased was that I look forward to seeing the pictures of Pat's artwork, framed and hanging in your home! We get some of Pat's work framed to put on display for our shows, and it is always interesting to see how different mats and frames can change the whole look of a piece!

On my street, I don't have a flag pole, but I went out and bought a bunch of little flags and put them out in front of my house. I would say about half the people around here have flags hanging, and I think it should be more! I honestly think some people are against this war because they don't like our President! That would be a shame! I can respect someone's honest opinion of things, but if they are motivated only by politics...well, I can't respect that. We have wonderful young men and women over in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I, for one, will attend any welcome home festivities for these young heroes when they return. These are mostly young people who are going to need all our encouragement and support when they return, they won't need second guessing and accusations for doing an honorable job over there! I am hoping when they come back they can influence some of their peers that are working in service industry jobs like McDonalds, etc., that this nation is a blessing and we are all very fortunate to have been born here. Some of the younger set I come across every day have such a "me, myself, and I attitude"! Maybe seeing the sacrifices some of their friends have made, and hearing about the horrible conditions some people have to live under in other countries just might open a few eyes. (Whoa, who lit that fire under me?!)

Well, I think I am just gonna rock here a while until I cool off!
Mary Wiggins
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13167: Hello all! Hey Blonde from a bottle, That's a good'un. "Tom Dooley" Play it 'purty Boys. Here we go.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13168: Did a little spot sweeping for Msgs 13161 and 13162.
Floyd
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13169: Afternoon Y'all.I'm still here Asa,just clinging on to my rock and hoping it don't float away with all this danged rain we've been having! Love strolling down memory lane with y'all! I remember that Tip-it game,Bulbsie! That was a nerve racking thing! I couldn't make those chewing gum wrapper thingys either,and I couldn't make those triangle shaped popper things out of looseleaf paper either! Y'all remember those? Guess I wasn't ept when it came to making things out of paper!Possums can't do everything you know!
Will keep Madison in my prayers.Sure hope it's nothing serious.Wonderful news for you Romeena about the new baby!
Well,one more day of school tomorrow then it's SPRING BREAK! Yippee!
Everyone have a good evening-stay dry,warm,cool,or whatever! Pick the one that applies to where you are! Love to all!
God Bless our troops and allies.
*****SMILES*****
possum under a wet rock
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13170: Floyd, you are the salt of the earth! Thanks so much! Bulbsnatcher
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13171: Hey, Sterling, I laughed out loud when you said you didn't want to admit that you watched TYATR! You are TOO funny!

I am happy to report that Madison had her MRI today and everthing looked good. Her lab work was normal today, too. They will do a follow-up in a month just to be certain but everything looks good now. Thank you for your prayers, my friends.

Love,
Boo
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13172: Praise the Lord for Little Madison's good report.

Dear friends, it is with a heavy heart I take Kyle to school tomorrow to be tested and placed back into the public school system. After the year I have had, with the back surgery and now the car accident, I am afraid that I have not done him justice as far as his homeschool education goes. I feel like such a failure. I keep trying to tell myself that at least I am doing something to remedy the situation now and that this is what is best for him and that he will be just fine. But for my porch friends who have been here for a while with me, I know you realize just how very much Kyle means to me. I have tried and now I must face up to the fact that my best was just not good enough, but oh how it hurts to think that I may have caused him to lag behind and that he will have a hard time catching up. Just please keep me in your prayers tomorrow as I take him to the school to be tested and pray for Kyle that he won't be nervous and will do his best on the tests they give him. Also that he will be become friends with children who will be a positive and uplifting influence on him and be surrounded by teachers who are kind, caring and nurturing. This is such a hard time for me. I am in tears just writing this and I can't imagine how tomorrow will be.

not such a.....
fun girl

Kyle is thrilled to go back to school, so that does make it easier. Of course he wants to go back because there are so many cute girls. LOL
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13173: Big freeze for sure, Romeena! I had already dropped a line to dear Floyd, and I tell you what...he's just a prince of a fellah! There ain't NOTHIN' that gets by that boy! Some time in the future when we are sure all is well again here, we might have to do some explainin' about that phrase, ya know?

So...no one remembers the Thingmaker or Feeley Meeley? I loved them both! I had the Feeley Meeley game when I was about 6, I guess. I tell you what....I just LOVED that game so much! It was a box that had a hole on each side of it. The holes were covered with felt. There were these cards that sat on the top of the box. Someone would turn one of the cards over, then we would put our hands in the box (each person had their side with a hole), and you would try to feel the item and pull it out! Well, it was really grand at 6 years old! Hahahahaha

Oh, Boo.....I am SO TICKLED to hear all is well with little Madison! Praise God!

Possum, I found a site that shows us how to make those chewing gum wrapper chains, and it's cool...there is a guy that has one he's been adding on to since 1965! He's now in the Guinness Book of World Records! I thought it was just grand!

I'm gonna try to put as a link, so if it doesn't work, just cut and paste if'n ya wanna see it! :-)

His site is Gum Wrapper

To see how to make the chain, go to Build Gum Wrapper Chain

Bulbsnatcher

April 10, 2003 - Msg 13174: Please be CAREFUL when adding HTML to this board. Somebody left off a " at the end of their HTML coding and it messed up the bulletin board. :-)
--Floyd
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13175: Yeah, that was me. I've already talked to dear sweet Floyd and had e-mailed him as soon as I did it. He was so very kind a gracious (just a prince of a fellow, he is). My sincerest apologies to all of you here on the porch. Even if you wouldn't have been able to tell who did it, I would have told on myself. I'm gonna go to the lockup now, and I'm gonna spend a little time at The Rock with Bloody Mary too. What a mess I've made of my life. Dear, sweet Floyd...thanks again for putting the porch back together again. NO MORE LINKS FOR ME! What a dumb trick.

Truly a sorrowful Bulbsnatcher
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13176: Hey Bulbsnatcher, I wrote a big post and couldn't get it to work, LOL so I wrote to Floyd for I thought it was me doing something wrong, you know me. tehe Thats one reason I don't do bold and color together anymore, what a mess I am. LOL
You keep them postes coming, I sure enjoy you being here. God Bless you girl.

Ellen Brown
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13177: I made a few of them when I was younger, gum wrapper chains that is, my older cousin made one as tall as her boyfriend, then burnt it and carried the ashes around for a long time, she said iffin you did that he would be yours as long as you carried the ashes, she put them in an envalope, don't know how true it was, heck I was just a kid and I didn't want to burn my chain up. Shoot I was to young to think about boys then and I thought what a dope she is. LOL. All that work just to burn it and all that chewing what a waste. LOL. But she was my favorite cousin so I never said any of that to her now she knew everything so it must be right, but I'm not burning mine, she taught me how to make one I think it was only about 3 feet long, that how tall I was when I was 9. Oh by the way I liked the link. Thanks. How cool , your post brought back a lot of memories, Brenda just died this past year she was 53 an unexpected death, I sure miss her. She was the most beautiful Red head I had ever seen. Love ya Bren.

Ellen Brown

God bless and protect our Troops and Allies, Thanks possum under a rock for continueing to remember to post your faithfulness to our Troops. God Bless you.
Hello Blonde from a bottle, so glad you are posting with us these day. Bulbsnatcher, witchery um, I don't think so tehe. Teresa, Wyo, Col. all them places are just beautiful wide open spaces and Canada there at Lethridge is beautiful flower gardens, they even have Japanese gardens and the are beautiful. As you first go in they use to have the USA Flag in flowers and the Canadian Flag in flowers, I wish I could find the pictures I took of them. Can't rmember what I did with them LOL.



April 10, 2003 - Msg 13178: OH by the way I was just thinking about those old gum wrapper chains the other day trying to remember how to make one I was going to show my 9 yr old granddaughter how to make one, show her a little craft of my childhood, Thanks again for the link.

Ellen Brown
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13179: Oh, yes, those gumwrapper chains! I remember those, too. Also, you could use notebook paper and do much the same thing, only it was much sturdier, and we wore them as belts. Can you imagine? Also, I used to be very ept at making the "cootie catcher". Is that what you were talking about, Possum? They were pretty much triangular shaped, only there were places you could put your thumb and fingers, and make them open and close like a big bird beak.

fun girl, stop beating yourself like that! No matter how Kyle's testing turns out tomorrow, you had time with him that was special and precious, and nothing can take that away. If he places back a bit scholastically, it could very well turn out to be a blessing. My youngest son was 19 when he graduated from high school, because we made the decision to hold him out of first grade and put him in a private kindergarten instead. If we hadn't done that, he would have graduated a year earlier, and his senior year, at age 19, was his best year in basketball. He was okay in the previous years, but really excelled that last year. I'm one who, for several reasons, graduated from high school at 16, and I do not recommend it.

Well, good night, folks. Have a great day tomorrow. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena


April 10, 2003 - Msg 13180: Dear fun girl, it saddened me so to read your post. I emplore you to seek the Lord about what is best for Kyle. You are not a failure. Please don't buy into the world's wisdom concerning your son. One year at home surrounded by the love of his family is worth ten years in public school. By what standard is your son "behind"? By the public school system's standard? I made my decision to homeschool before I had children and I determined that I would not judge myself according to the world's standard's but according to God's. Has your son learned about justice and love in your home each day? Has he learned about God? Is he a moral young man? These are things the public school system won't teach him, but you have. You are not a failure. My son has a slight learning dissability and he can't read much yet. I am not pushing him because I firmly believe he will learn at his own pace, not according to the standards of public school. Right now he is learning so much in his little life by spending countless hours with Mommy and Daddy. The academics will be there when the time is right. It is my personal belief through my studies that most children aren't ready to even begin formal education until eight years of age. Don't buy into the thought of your son having to "keep up". If he is homeschooled he can learn at his own rate and he can concentrate on the things that really interest him and learn them well. Isn't our purpose, after all, to teach children that learning is a lifetime process and give them a love of learning? Our children's education is so much more than what we can find in a text book. Please find a way to get rid of the guilt and make sure you are putting Kyle back in school for the right reasons. No one knows your child like you do. You are not a failure but the one God appointed to raise that precious child and He obviously knew you could do the job. Please, please go to your bookstore and find a book called "The Unschooling Handbook-How to use the whole world as your child's classroom"-by Mary Griffith. It will enlighten your mind and lighten your load of guilt, I promise! You can also do a search for unschooling and find many helpful sites. I will pray for you and your son, you can be sure. Hang in there.


Don't mean to lecture but I felt compelled to speak.

Have a peaceful night, All.

Boo
April 10, 2003 - Msg 13181: Hi All will it was a warm day here wind the sun came out.
I saw the gum chain and I start to work on my.
I start back in 1989 what it becaues i do not have thing to do to pass the time what.
No i do not no how long it's or min wrapper I used on it!
Maybe someday I will take time to from how lond it's.
i m thinking about go to w v from the hoilday.
TOM

April 11, 2003 - Msg 13182: Night Porch.. sweet dreams love yas all--Salty Dog
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13183: Tom. a trip to WV sounds like it may be just the thing for you. Nothing like a chance for a change of scenery. Just let us know and we will be praying for you and that you will have a safe trip.

Friends, I have appreciated all the encouraging messages from you concerning homeschooling Kyle. I am speaking from my heart now when I say that I am NOT a structured person and lack consistancy. Then along came the back surgery and as soon as I felt half way decent from that, which was many months, I go and wreck my car. It seems like everyday I find new bruises on my body and new aches and pains. I honestly am not doing Kyle justice in attempting to teach him myself. Not only by the world's standards, or by the public school's, but by my own. I know in my heart that I have not done a good job, and I don't want to let this go on any longer than it already has. It is not other people telling me I have failed, but a sense of failure in my own heart.

In the time that we have been homeschooling he has gone from a friendly, considerate, loving boy to one who is selfish and thinks first and only of himself. Example..his cousin was here from Michigan last week. I invited Emory to stay with us the night before he left. Well Kyle decided it was not a good night for Emory to stay because there was something he wanted to watch on t.v. and he did not want to be disturbed. I can not tell you how upset I was about the situation. (Emory DID spend the night by the way.) In this last year he has changed and not for the better. This too brings guilt. I think that after being together all the time, anything I say or opinion I express is just something he tunes out. Maybe things will be better now. I hope so. I thank you for all you thoughts and prayers. Pray for us tomorrow.

fun girl
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13184: Only you can decide what's best, just please try not to feel guilty. I'm sure you were trying to do what was best for him all along. I am lucky in that my son has a close friend across the street who is also homeschooled and they are like brothers. They are constantly having to learn to compromise and share and that gaurds against selfishness. I forgot to ask you how old Kyle is. Prayers for tomorrow.

Boo
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13185: Morning porch. My goodness. The boys are talkative lately. The porch swept and look how full it is already. I stopped by last night, but couldn't post. I guess the porch was creakin' and groanin' and then PHFFTT. Thanks Floyd. Fun Girl, I think you're making the right decision. I'll be keeping a good thought for you. Everybody have a good day.
- Hazel

Has Ed Crumpacker worked with you shoulder to shoulder for a lifetime fighting organized crime?
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13186: Ed Crumpacker called and offered me job at the Bank of South America as a head guard. And I may just take that job. I don't know a word of South Americanesse though.
Heavy subject FunGirl. It seems you have mulled this over with brutal honesty though and come to a conclusion that you think is best. So I pray for your situation and that it works out well. I agree with Ro and Boo though. Don't be so rough on yourself. You have given him much this past year that I am sure he will always remember. God bless.
Hey, we made it to FRIDAY!!! YAHOO!!!

Asa
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13187: Fun Girl, I think you and I had posted just about the same time yesterday when I made the porch fall in :-(. I went back and read your post, and it makes me so sad to know you are feeling so low. I don't have children...never had the patience for them. One thing I can tell you that I hear; however, is a mother who loves her son very very much and is hurting not for herself, but for what she thinks she might have done "wrong" regarding HIS well being. I hear a mother who is sincerely trying always to do what is best for her child. This is a mother who is HUMAN and GASP...is not perfect, nor does she have a perfect child. I mean that with all the compliments in the world, Fun Girl. As a woman who is not a parent, I guess I see things a little differently sometimes. The main thing I hear today, and I hope i don't offend anyone at all, is parents (particularly mothers, I'm afraid) talk about their children as though the kids are perfect and there is no way they could ever do anything wrong. No matter what the problem is, it is the fault of someone else or of society. Funny.....lI don't hear that from any of you here on the porch, though....it's just beautiful! And now I hear a wonderful woman and parent saying that perhaps what she attempted for their son is not the best thing based on what she is seeing in the child. I hear a PARENT looking at herself and saying that in this particular instance, the so-called "fault" could be within the family circle. I certainly am making no judgement, sweetie...I am saying that I hurt for you, and I will pray that you will see very soon just how wonderful you really are. This makes ME cry, because I finally hear a parent who actually LOVES her child and truly takes TIME to step back and look at how things are progressing. And most of all, this fine woman that I've heard is actually wanting to do something to CORRECT what she feels is wrong. I tell you what---I only hope that there are many many more mothers out there like you....I honestly do. Your situation right now makes me think what a very touching episode this could have made for The Andy Griffith Show. And you know what? I think you are handling things as wonderfully as Andy himself would. (((FUN GIRL)))) Bulbsnatcher
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13188: Well said, Bulb. --Romeena
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13189: Hello all! It looks like I need to play a tune for Fun Girl. How about "Rocky Top"? That's a toe tapper. Here we go.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13190: Here's one more post to Fun Girl:
If you didn't provide perfect medical care for Kyle would you be mad at yourself? The truth is, some people are better at some things than others! I have many friends who homeschool and many of them are doing a superior job. I also have one friend who I wished didn't homeschool. I felt very sorry for her children, but she was too PROUD to admit that she was not the best person for the job. I am sure Kyle will do very well at school, just be very involved with his school and teachers and everything will be fine. I agree with Romeena about the value of holding some children back if need be also. I have a son who is 19 right now, and I held him back from starting school, or he would have graduated at age 17. I could tell he was somewhat slow developmentally, so I saw no reason to rush him. He was supposed to graduate last year, and didn't have enough credits! He ended up taking the GED and passing that last fall and now he is working full-time. He is very intelligent, very respectful, not on drugs or alcohol, and most importantly, he knows who his Lord and Savior is. What more can any parent hope for?! He probably won't become a doctor or lawyer, but that doesn't mean he won't be successful! I have a five year old at home ready to start school and I am holding him back also. I think boys especially can use the extra year, physically if not mentally to mature. I have to add that I admire parents like Boo who can make the commitment to homeschool, their children undoubtedly benefit! Boo, keep up the good work, it sounds like you have a good grip on your son's situation, and he is fortunate to have a dedicated mom like you. Fun Girl, your son is also fortunate, we may be taking different roads, but our destinations are all the same!

ASA, please don't go! We need you here to keep our porch populated! What's South America got that we don't have right here in Mayberry?!

Tom, good to see you posting so regular-like! Let us know how that gum chain is coming along! Are you planning on visiting family in West Virginia? I hope you have fun!

Well, I best get running, here's a big hug for all you wonderful people on the porch! ((((porch))))

Mary Wiggins
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13191: Fun Girl, I can't really say anything to you that hasn't already been said, but I just want you to know that I think it takes aLOT of courage to admit when you're wrong and things aren't going how you want them to for your son. Try not to feel like a failure, some things work for some people and some don't! But your admitting that something you tried is not working takes a courage and understanding that WILL transfer over to your son in time and as he matures, and will eradicate that selfishness. Wait and see!

April 11, 2003 - Msg 13192: Sorry, I forgot something above:
-Sterling Holobyte
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13193: Just dropped by to say hello. Thank God about little madison.Bless yall on the porch. Have a great weekend. Blonde from a bottle
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13194: Just dropped by to say hello. Thank God about little madison.Bless yall on the porch. Have a great weekend. Blonde from a bottle
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13195: OOOOOPPssss
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13196: Good luck on your gum wrapper chain, TOM. Does it look like that guy's on the site? Wow. I wonder what keeps it from breaking someplace as old as it's getting? That chain is nearly as old as I am! Prayers for Fun Girl. Things will work out OK for Kyle. Don't even get me started on selfish kids. My 12-year-old son who is mostly a good kid seems terribly selfish to me. I wish he'd grow out of it! Briscoe, I enjoyed that Rocky Top just fine.
Charlotte Tucker

Andy: Why, that young lady ought to be ashamed of herself. Who would take such a magazine anyhow? BAR-NEY!
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13198: I am sensing an interloper.
CT
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13200: Hi again, my lovely Porch pals! Romeena, you have such a precious way with words, girl! Hehehehe.....I just love the sen-tence about your "flower-challenged neighbor".

Personally, Mary Wiggins, I love to hear folks that get a little "fired up" sometimes regarding our country. In my opinion, that is called PASSION and LOVE for this beautiful country we live in! I just can't begin to express how very much I love this country, the power and beauty I see in our flag, and how chocked up I get over the Pledge of Allegiance and all patriotic songs. I've been that way my whole life. "I will GLADLY stand up next to you and defend her still today, 'cause there ain't no doubt I LOVE THIS LAND....GodBless The USA"

And Miss Ellen Brown, ain't ya kind! I declare, you're just another one of them lovely people that can bring a ray of sunshine to this porch even on a cloudy day! What would we do without YOU?

And what happened to De§? And I really wonder what happened to Miss Ellie too.

As for you, Tom, it seems like you post a lot less since I started rockin' here on the porch. Now if I'm rockin' too hard or my chair is too squeaky, you just let me know...I'll do what I need to do to get you back up here more often...you ar such a dear! And bring your chewing gum chain....maybe we can all learn how to do it and help out! We'll form a Mayberry Chewing Gum Chain class.....we can meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Hey, Possum--bless your little heart! I sure hope your rock is gettin' all dry! You know, "the sun is gonna shine on your rock one day." Hehehehe. I never was good at the game "Tip-It", but I just thought it was the greatest thing in the world! I never could make those football thingies that "popped" either, Does anyone remember the "Thingmaker".....with the goop? You could make "fun flowers" or bugs, etc. Ah...and the Give-A-Show projector. Just glorious days....just glorious. I just wouldn't trade places with the kids today for anything. I really believe the time we grew up was "the end of the innocence." Yeah, there wasa war going on, etc., but compared to today, life really was much simpler, the air was cleaner, and life was sweeter. Brings a tear to my eye. I'll hush, at least for now.

Smiles and hugs for everybody!

Bulbsnatcher

April 11, 2003 - Msg 13201: Well, CT...sometimes situations call for Steak Sandwich time, and sometimes it's just a matter of THE BIG FREEZE. You know about that, don't ya? :-)

Bulbsnatcher
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13202: Sorry folks...I spot cleaned the porch again. Thanks for letting me know about that dirty spot.
--Floyd
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13203: Howdy porch, Fun Girl I held my oldest son back a year and he came out great, Ro my youngest son was in his last yr of high school at 16, he got bored he said and quit, I liked to died, he went took a GED they said he had the highest score they had ever seen and he went right on into coliege, he's in the Army now he is a very intelligent Lad. And a very out going person, and all his peers and Officer above him highly respect him. He is very wise I'm so proud of both my son's, their the best there is, spoken by a mother I know we all feel that way about our children. Bulbsnatcher it's a sheer delight to have you posting here, your tops to me. :)
Asa you just stay put here in Mayberry, don't make us hog tie you.
Tom good to see ya there bud.
Blonde from a bottle Hello to you.
Floyd thanks for all you do.
Possum, is your rock dry today? I hope so.
Mary Wiggins our little cheer leader, you go girl.
hey Boo, CT, Brisco Jr., Salty Dog, Mavis, Hazel, And everyone else, TGIF.
Ellen Brown
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13204: Okay Fun Girl - my turn. . .the only thing that I want you to do is stay on top of the situation with his hearing impairment. Make sure they get him a non-geeky trainer (and they are out there) and make sure the public school teacher understands that he has a hearing loss not a brain loss. That's my mind. For those of who are new on the porch - I am a hearing impaired teacher in a public school. I am not totally against homeschooling- there are some children who do well with homeschooling and there are some children, I believe, do as well in public school. The unfortunate thing in public school is that all children are welcome - those from good homes, those from homes whose parents care, those who are from homes where the children and well fed and disciplined and then we have the children who fear for their safety every nite, who are victims of abuse (all kinds), who never have anyone to love them. We must jell the classroom to all of the students and it makes a dandy mix. In my school - all of the teachers attend church, believe that Jesus is Lord of all - we are Christian teachers in a public school, and we educate each child to the best of our ability and their ability. Whatever that may be.
That's my soapbox. Hope I didn't offend anyone.

Another busy weekend. More goat shopping and next weekend is daddy's 80th birthday. What a party is being planned!

Good to see everyone on the porch.
Tom - you make sure you enjoy WV - it is great there!

homemaker
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13205: God Bless America and God Bless our President and our TROOPS!
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13206: Evening Y'all! Hooray,the sun actually shone on my rock a little bit today! I was about ready to stomp me a weatherman or two! Nah,I wouldn't do that-I'm not a violent possum! Well,maybe I'd make that possum hiss sound at 'em! Now,I ain't about to start a big moulage about possums hissing and how I know that they hiss and all that...Shut up already SELF! Ha Ha
Bulbsie,I remember those thing makers! They made flowers and creepy crawlies and stuff! Thanks for the gum wrapper info,but it ain't gonna do me no good to try.I'm just not ept when it comes to making paper things.I'll leave it up to Tom-sounds like he's doing good with his chain.Hey,I know that paper thing you're talking about Ro,but didn't know what it was called and couldn't make one of THOSE either!
I'm glad to hear Madison's good news,Boo and I echo Sterling's sentiments about your situation, fun girl. I know you are a good parent.Bless you.
This is for Ellen and anybody else who might want to sign a thank you card for former POW Jessica Lynch.I'm not gonna do anything here to bust the porch Floyd! Y'all will have to go to this:www.afapetations.com/jessica.asp Dang censor got me,so where I have placed the bold letter "A" please replace it with the letter "i"-dang censor!
They are trying to get 1 million signatures on it before May 16th and promise that Jessica WILL receive it.
Rambled on long enough- y'all have a good evening!
God Bless our Troops and allies.
*****SMILES*****
possum under a drier rock
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13207: Got so riled up by that censor I forgot to "unbold" myself! Is that a word? Ha

*********
possum again
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13208: trying again!
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13209: Dang censor!

April 11, 2003 - Msg 13210: I signed it Possum! Thanks for the info!
Mary Wiggins
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13211: Hey to everyone on the porch. Hope all ya'll had a great week and are looking forward to a wonderful weekend. Again, I thank all of you for your kind words of support with the passing of my "furkid". Take care all and have a fantastic Mayberry kinda evening.

Ed Sawyer
April 11, 2003 - Msg 13212: Wow, well this uns gonna be a long one, so grab ya a rocker and settle down for a good long read.
I had one of those projectors. I really thought that I was big stuff when I took the cartoon slide strips and showed movies on the wall. Boy am I dating myself or what? I think I remember the Thingymakers or whatever. My little cousin Scotty had one. I think his was a creepy crawly maker or something. How about a Skipsydoodle? I think I have that right. It looked like a plastic, curved, freestanding teeter-totter. My little sister got one for Christmas one year and it was a blast to lay on and sled down a hill on. Otherwise we just used it for a teeter-totter.

We went and enrolled Kyle in school today and he is thrilled. He saw several kids from 5th grade last year and they are even putting him in the same classes as one of his friends from last year. When we got done with the grand tour, we went back to the office and a lady who teaches science was in the office. She has known Kyle since kindergarten, as her daughter and Kyle were in school together all through elementary school. She asked the guidance counselor if she could have him in her homeroom. Before I left the room she had given me her email address and home phone number. NOW, you can't tell me that God doesn't hear prayers and know what is best for each and every one of us. I was mellow when I got there and Mike said that I looked like I was going to cry, but by the time we left, I was so happy and relieved. We headed to Wal-Mart and got the youngun some clothes and shoes to hold him over until school is out. It is amazing how fast they grow. And of course school supplies that they reccommended. I can not tell you what a burden has been lifted from my shoulders. They did a few tests to know where to place him and they think he will be able to complete 6th grade just fine. We have hired a tutor for this summer to help him with math. And they said by next year, he will be right up there with the rest of the pack.

Has anyone heard the song Concrete Angel? It's by Martina McBride. It's a real tear jerker. Most of her songs bring a tear to my eyes. This one about a little girl who is abused and no one does anything about it and she eventually dies. Please, BDJ if you know that one, don't play it. I just couldn't handle it today. But I do know Rocky Top on the fiddle, so if you'd scrub it off again, I'd be willing to jump in and hang on.

I am so thankful to have such a wonderful bunch of friends like you all to come to and cry to and ask for prayers from. You all are a gift from God yourselves, and I do hope that you know that. And Bulbsie...I can think of no higher earthly compliment than, "I think you are handling things as wonderfully as Andy himself would." That's purty high praise. When you've said that, you've said a mouthful. I stand before you humbled and will do my best to do half as good a job as Andy would.

fun girl
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13213: Goodmorning porch, I have a little paragraph for y'all hope you enjoy it:

Subject: BOOKS IN THE BIBLE


There are names of 16 books of the Bible hidden in the paragraph below. See how many you can find. A preacher found 15 books in 20 minutes, it took him three weeks to find the 16th one! Have fun!!!


" I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts and for others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalized. But the truth finally struck home to numbers of our readers. To others it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help find them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax now, for there really are sixteen names of books of the Bible in this paragraph."
possum could you email me the link for Jessica, wezee52@yahoo.com or wezee52@hotmail.com ok? Thanks for shearing it, but I can't get into it, I don't know what I'm typing wrong. LOL
Ellen Brown
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13214: I am going to have to ponder on them Ellen. My brain is stuck in neutral this morning and to be honest, it being saturday and all, I think I'll leave it there for a while. LOL
Glad things seem to be working out for you Fun Girl. God is in charge huh?
Ed Crumpacker is still wanting me in South America. Should I do it? I don't think I would loke torantilla's very much. Maybe they taste like chicken though. Desicions desicions.LOL
Hope y'all have a great saturday and weekend and all that stuff. Lots to do today including preparing my corn field for another year. That ought to excite you all. LOL

Asa
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13215: Fungirl, I'm so happy things are looking good for y'all, and yes God is good and He knows just what is needed in our lifes and just when to deliver it. as I read your post I could just see you there and your little one, it is so wonderful to have God's peace in our life. I go today to see my 2 little angles, it's been 6 months although last night she tried to cancel out on me again, I nearly died, she said a conflect of interest, they decided to have their Easter with her mother for her husbands family insist that they spend Easter week end with them, I said wait one min.
Mind you I don't try to cause trouble but I always get shoved aside and they tell the girls I canceled out, any way her mother said I was more than welcome to come join them so I'm going to go there to see them today there. please pray all goes well, her and her husband wont let the girls call me grandma but thats ok just as long as I can keep seeing them they can call me Pam I don't mind, just to be able to hold them and see their little faces and play with them and tell jokes and talk about Jesus and they always have art work for me. I wanted Asia to be able to go but we had here fron Fri. to Wed. and her daddy has gone back to Ga. and I have to wait till next week end for her. I try to keep all 3 of the girls together as much as possible so they wont forget one another. As soon as we can we'll be getting our picture taken with all 4 of our granddaughters, Lightnings son has a child out of wedlock and we've only seen her once she is 2 and just a living doll. His son don't see her much either, but that was his choosing. FG I've heard that song and saw the video, heart breaking, our little ones tend to get lost in the shuffle sometimes, how sad. God bless and protect our children in Jesus name. HM you are truely a Blessing for the children and I/m glad to hear of people like you are out there for our children. I want to say THANK YOU for careing.
Has anyone seen Mavis lately? Bulbsnatcher hows your day going, hey to Asa, Ed, Tom ,BDJ, Hazel, MW, Ro and the Plum. Asa's Sammy, BFAB, and everyone else . God bless you and may y'all have a Sonshine filled day in Jesus name.
Ellen Brown
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13216: test LOL
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13217: Well I found 8 of the sixteen books of the Bible in 6 minutes and some of them are really tricky. I will have to come back later and see if I can hunt down the rest.
Prayers for all!
fun girl
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13218: Fun girl, I can't tell you how happy I am the way things have worked out! The good Lord does take care of all things, doesn't he? :-)

Oh, everybody...I have found what I think is just one of the GREATEST websites in the world if you wanna go and get lost back in "The Good Old Days". There are TONS of places to go there with LOTS of pictures! The memories just flooded back in -- I hope you find things that will make you smile too! I will NOT attempt a link, so just copy and paste the web site (or type it in), and enjoy it! http://www.theimaginaryworld.com

And Asa, if you try to go away, we'll all come after you! I'm selfish on this one...we can't lose ya! If South America is like Florida or Texas or Alabama or somethin', then that's fine, but that's as far as you're goin' bud! Hahahaha

Bulbsnatcher
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13219: Morning, porch. Whoever said that dawn comes up like thunder sure knew what he was talking about. Everybody have a great day. I'll be doing some gardening and some housecleaning. And I gotta tell you, my heart just aint in the housecleaning.
- Hazel
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13220: Mornin', folks! fun girl, what wonderful news! Don't you know God just has to chuckle at us, with our worrying and fretting, when He has it all worked out already? Kyle is going to do just fine.

Ellen Brown, Good for you! I'm glad you stood up for yourself, and will be able to see those precious little girls for Easter. Also, that Bible book challenge is a dandy. (ahem!) I found all 16, in 17 minutes. Just thought I'd mention that. (ahem, wellll...) (teehee). I admit, I'm fond of word games and have a few favorite websites that I play in. One of them is based on finding hidden words, so I guess that helped.

Would you believe, after all the bedding plants I've put in the ground, and as sore as I am, I went right out and bought two more flats yesterday afternoon?? What was I thinking!!? Now I gotta go plant them! Well, what could I do? I had a flowerbed that was completely empty except for some hostas along the back, and a few hardy begonias that hid out under the fallen leaves and survived the winter. I'm going to supplement them with more begonias and mingle some dianthus in, and it should be very pretty. Trust me, if I was trying to contend with this native soil, I wouldn't have a single flower. The key is in the preparation of the beds, which I did several years ago. Now it's easy to plant things, and joy of joys, they live!

Bulbsie, thanks for that website. Haven't visited yet, but I will, and it sounds like the kind of place I'll bookmark and visit often.

Have a great day, friends, and a peaceful and blessed Sabbath tomorrow. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13221: Hello all! Hey Fun Girl, I am so glad, everything has worked out for you. In the last week I have found an old friend again, after seven plus years of being apart because of a fight we had. I fond her again and we both are sooo happy. If any of you are in need of fence mending with someone, you haven't talked to in a while. Do so, before It's too late. I'm glad I did. Hey CT, Glad you liked "Rocky Top". Her we go again. Prayers all!

Briscoe Darling Jr.

April 12, 2003 - Msg 13222: Afternoon Y'all! Hey guess who I saw on "The Waltons" this morning? Our very own Briscoe Darling! He was sipping the recipe with the Baldwin sisters and even stole a bunch of jars of the recipe along with John Boy's daddy's truck! Called himself "Cousin Homer",but it was Briscoe! So now we know what's in those mulberry squeezins! I think you oughta jug "Dirty me,dirty me,I'm disgusted with myself" after what I saw going on up on Walton's Mountain,Briscoe! Ha Ha
Great news,fun girl-just had to have faith that it would all work out...and you did.
Ellen,I'm gonna e-mail you the info about the Jessica Lynch card.Didn't know that we share the same first name till I saw what you wrote about your grandkids.Small world!
Well,lemme go. Hope everybody's enjoying their weekend! Love to all!
God Bless our Troops and Allies
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13223: Afternoon Porch! I thought I'd drop by on my way to the kitchen to make supper & say hey to ever'body~ Hey Ever'Body! been busy here at my house (like always), but finally got a minute to get online a bit today & enjoy a rock on the porch. I'll try to stop by this evening sometime with some ice cream. Ain't had time to read the archives yet, gotta do that too.
*Mavis
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13224: Mavis? I'm ready for my icecream now.
- Hazel
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13225: Ok, do you want Strawberry (homemade) or Pistachio (store bought) or you could have plain old vanilla with some chocolate syrup on top. What will it be? Hurry, & decide, I'm off to play Doggie Monolopy with my son. (Hope I win this time.)
*Mavis
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13226: Any old tramps down there???
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13227: Vanilla with chocolate syrup, please. No whip cream, I'm dieting.
- Hazel
April 12, 2003 - Msg 13228: Want a bottle of pop to go with that?
*Mavis
April 13, 2003 - Msg 13229: Hey, y'all! Just checkin' in. All's well down here in De§ville. Prayers for all who needs 'em, and ain't that all of us? :-þ

~De§~

"Five"


April 13, 2003 - Msg 13230: Thank GOD!!! Seven American soldiers found alive! What a beautiful Sunday! Bulbsnatcher
April 13, 2003 - Msg 13231: Amen to that Bulb

Asa
April 13, 2003 - Msg 13232: Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!
All Americans should rejoice today!


homemaker
April 13, 2003 - Msg 13233: Praise the Lord, indeed! I'm so glad those soldiers were found. One thing still haunts me a bit, though. Did you all see the coverage from Baghdad, where the families and friends of missing people were begging the soldiers to search an area where they believe Saddam once held hundreds, maybe thousands, of political prisoners? The people had pictures and documents, and were convinced that there's a hidden "dungeon" somewhere, and that their loved ones may be there. They claim to have heard voices coming from below ground, and of pushing food through pipes to feed prisoners. Now if such a place does exist, wouldn't it be wonderful if our troops could find it and liberate the captives?

Oh, and did you read the accounts of how the French are "softening" their opinion of the war, and saying that maybe the US and UK weren't "quite as wrong" as they thought we were! By the time this is all over, they'll be telling the world how they supported and encouraged and assisted us in the battle. Honestly! It's hard to maintain a Christian point of view toward them, and I mean "them" as a country. I know there are individual exceptions.

Well, who wound me up this morning? IthinkI'vesaidjustaboutenoughaboutthewartoday! Have a lovely afternoon, friends! Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 13, 2003 - Msg 13234: Afternoon Y'all! Happy,happy news about the POWs. Prayers that the missing troops are also found soon.
God Bless our Troops and Allies
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock

April 13, 2003 - Msg 13235: Hi Porch!I just love stopping by here,you are all such good people.Fun Girl,I'm glad everything worked out well,I was praying for ya.I homeschool also,I've homeschooled all 5 of my kids.I agree sometimes they get a little centered on just them,but,I found that the time you spend with them is priceless.I'm so glad everything worked out for youandKyle.Boo,I never heard of the unschooling websites,thanks so much for the info!Romeena,glad to hear you are feeling better.I agree wholeheartedly with what you said about France,makes me so mad!My nephew is in the army ,he is in the division that moved into Kosur,[I probably have the name wrong!]yestrday.We haven't heard from him in 2 days,we're getting worried.Well,better close for now.Take care everybody.Teresa
April 13, 2003 - Msg 13236: Good afternoon everyone - a beautiful day in Indiana. The children are enoying their new acquisitions (boer cross goats - wethers). Wethers for you non farmers are little boy goats who are no longer allowed to be little boy goats. My oldest son has a goat named Blackie and the youngest has Gilligan (because he is my son's little buddy!) AIn't life fun!

I'm glad Kyle will do well Fun Girl - things have a funny way of working out for the best.

Take care everyone -
God Bless President Bush, Tommy Franks and the USA soldiers!

homemaker
April 13, 2003 - Msg 13237: Hi porch. Hope y'all are having a good Sabbath day. I think someone needs to make some homemade icecream this afternoon. Any volunteer's? OK, Hazel said she would. We could use some cake to go with it. Anyone? Thanks Romeena, appreciate that. Anyone care to make some rootbeer? Why Boo, mighty nice of you to offer. We got us the makings of a real shindig here. I'll bring my ball of tin foil.

Asa
April 13, 2003 - Msg 13238: Okay Asa, just as long as you DON'T bring your golf clubs. LOL And I won't drive a car. I'll walk. That way we should all be safe.
fun girl
April 13, 2003 - Msg 13239: You're welcome, Asa. Sugarplum wants to know if it would be okay if I make it a carrot cake? It's her favorite, you know.

Have a great week, everyone! Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 13, 2003 - Msg 13240: Maybe carrot cake in the shape of a bunny - you know - to get in the spirit of things.

homemaker
April 14, 2003 - Msg 13241: Good morning porch, Teresa glad to see you posting, cute names for the goats there HM. Asa sorry I missed the shindig. Pray y'al have a great day. The visit with the Granddaughters went very well. I'll have to tell you all about it someday, Thanks for your prayers.
Ellen Brown
April 14, 2003 - Msg 13242: test LOL
April 14, 2003 - Msg 13243:
A Song for all Mayberry:


Cat Stevens - Morning has broken

1.)Morning has broken like the first morning
blackbird has spoken, like the first bird.
Praise for the singing,praise for the morning,
praise for them springing fresh from the word.

2.)Sweet the rains new fall,sunlight from heaven
like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
sprung in completeness where his feet pass.

3.)Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
born of the one light Eden saw play
Praise with elation,praise evry morning
God`s recreation of the new day.


Ellen Brown
April 14, 2003 - Msg 13244: Mornin' Y'all. Thanks for the song,Ellen-it's one of my favorites.Got to sleep in late because school is out for a week! Hooray!I'm gonna leave some Krispy Kremes out for y'all,along with some fresh coffee.
Prayers for the family of Ryan Hutchings.He was a 19 year old Marine from South Carolina who was MIA.His father received confirmation yesterday that he had been killed by friendly fire.
"Some Gave All..."
God Bless Our Troops and Allies
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
April 14, 2003 - Msg 13245: Good Morning Porch,
Prayer please, I need a miracle of sorts. I know I can count on you!

Great news on Palm Sunday about the POW's. I don't know what news could have been better yesterday. I believe they still have 4 MIA's, so we will have to keep praying for them and their families, Heavenly Father, please keep these young people safe until they can be found, and if any of them are already abiding in Your arms, I ask that you help this to be known to their families so they can at least be free from worry and know that their loved one is safe with you. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Sorry I missed Asa's shindig, sounds like it was a grand time!

Mavis! I saw you posted, now where did you go? You come sit down here a while and visit with us, y'hear?!

Ellen Brown, I would love to hear how your visit went! I bet your grandkids are growing by leaps and bounds! My in'laws have 4 grandchildren, but 3 live on the west coast, and we're here in Michigan! But, thankfully, my husband and I live just about 3 miles from them so they get to see their youngest grandchild a lot! He is one spoiled little boy! He also has two siblings who are much older than him, so he had doting parents, enjoying their "late in life" baby, doting grandparents that live nearby, and surrogate doting parents in the two older siblings! Would that every child brought into this world would be so blessed.

I think I am going to go tame my yard a little bit, it needs raking, dead leaf clean up and general straightening around, but it is going to be nice to get out in the sun, remember, I had snow just last week!!

Have a great day all,
Mary Wiggins