July 13, 2003 - Msg 14622: Welcome, tagsfan! Grab yourself a rocker (there's always an extra one), find yourself a TAGS name or use the one you signed with, and make yourself at home. We love company, and before you know it, you'll be one of the family. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 13, 2003 - Msg 14623: Whooooosh!! How's that for a sweepin' job? --Romeena
July 13, 2003 - Msg 14624: Hello friends,
Good news from across the big Pond. Just got an email from Trevor's wife. She said they shipped him out to a brain specialist unit on the mainland. He has been in a coma until yesterday, when he woke up asking for watermelon. (Guess that's cause they don't have cream of wheat over there.) Said that they were all afraid that he would die. He had swelling of the brain and it had gone down on it's own. Praise the Lord! No news of how soon he will be home, but we are thrilled he is okay.

Ro, good idea about not calling Barney about Bulbsie being missing. He'd probably be Glenn Fording it around town all week. He'd probably just go and make a big moulage out of it anyways. LOL

My sister's baby shower was great. Had a good time and saw friends I hadn't seen in almost a year. Plus our church friends.

We will be leaving Tuesday morning or Missouri for Grandpa's funeral. Step-dad had been very sad and spent most of the time in the house during the funeral. They were very close and it has been so hard for him.

Gonna go and find something to eat.
Penny
July 13, 2003 - Msg 14625: OOPS AKA fun girl
July 13, 2003 - Msg 14626: Glad you heard from your friends FG, wonder if my post will get swept off again? Hello tagsfan and Ro.
Ellen Brown
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14627: Ro, I liked that Fiesta mug story! I'm not sure if you were right or wrong but I know how it hurts to hear someone say something awful using the Lord's name.

I am very happy to hear that Trevor is improving. Continued prayers for him.

Asa, you are such a joy. You always make me laugh with something you say. Good humor is one of the things I value most in people, don't you?

It's been a pretty full Sunday, but a good one. My little family is well and comfortably tucked into bed and as I watch my Little Ones sleeping peacefully, I am so very thankful. I am thankful for all my porch friends, too. You make my life sweeter and richer. Goodnight...

Boo
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14628: Morning Y'all! Thought I'd leave something new for breakfast-well,it ain't exactly new,more like a blast from the past: Tang! Yep,here's a big ole' pitcher of Tang for y'all.Not sure if Tang and Poptarts go together,but I'll toss a box of 'em up on the porch anyways. I know how hungry Asa gets!
Y'all have a wonderful day!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14629: Goodmorning porch, I see possum and Boo have been here, I've got biscutes and gravy, home fries, tomatoes from my garden, eggs, bacon and coffee, tes or milk, y'all come and chow down, eat till ya get your fill. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Ellen Brown
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14630: Good Morning Porch, hi Ellen, I believe I'll take you up on breakfast. I bet you had a great time with your kids this weekend, I went by and saw your room the other day, how are you going to decorate it. with Tweety, Lucy or TAGS? LOL ~ I know how much you love all 3 of them. I still have my grandchildren, at 2 & 3 their a hand full, when is Aunt Bee coming home, have you talked with her lately? Tell her I said hi next time you do. I hear the kids I better go. Have a good day everyone.

Olive
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14631: olive green don't show up to good LOL

Olive
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14632: There thats better the dr. green . LOL
Olive
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14633: Tang? Cool, I like Tang. Haven't thought of it in years, though. Do they still make it?

Well, I am sitting here in the path of a tropical storm (possible hurricane) and it looks like it is headed straight for me. Yipee! I love a good storm. I have to go to WalMart and get a few things just in case I need them but I keep an emergency box packed all the time with batteries, water and such. I sat through Hurricane Celia when I was a kid (THAT was a doozie) but the aftermath was the worst. No electricity or water for almost two weeks! I remember seeing my dad wash himself in beer!

Well, I'm off for the chores of the day. Ya'll keep us Corpus Christian's in your prayers, but don't pray the storm away because it is better if it comes here than Mexico because those people down there really suffer in their little shack houses with no plumbing or sewage. We can handle it alot better here. My house is situated on the highest point of the street and the street slopes down towards the bay at the end of the street and I have a huge drainage ditch behind the house so I should be just fine if the winds don't kick up too much. I am only about 20 yards from the beach.

Ya'll have a fine day!

Boo
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14634: Good Luck Boo, my prayers are with you. I'm home for lunch, has Subway. Hello Olive. Got to get back to work. Later all.

Ellen Brown
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14635: Hey, friends! Sorry I missed breakfast, sure sounded good. I've been in downtown Dallas this morning, my brother and I had to go to probate court to get my dad's will probated. That's done, we are now the official co-executors, and it's just up to us to divide everything. No problems anticipated, we won't fight over anything.

Praise the Lord, and hooray! Trevor is better! That's sure good news, fun girl. You be sure and let him know how happy we all are to hear that he's going to be okay. I'm so sorry he had to go through all of this, but he's alive, and that's what matters now.

Boo, see if you can snag some of that rain and ship it up here to the Dallas area. We're dry! Dry as dust! I've got an "illegal" sprinkler running in the front yard right now. It's so dry the grass is curling up and turning brown, and I have to work tonight, so I can't water then, when it would be legal. If the water police stop here, I'll tell them I'm trying to comply with the spirit of the law, if not the letter of it. This is the first time my front yard has been watered fully in well over a week, so I'm doing my bit the best way I can. When you work at night, it poses a problem. Boo, I knew you were in Corpus, but I didn't realize you were right on the beach! What fun!

Well, guess I'll have a little lunch and then maybe a nap to see me through the long night shift tonight. Everyone have a great week, and Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14636: Could still use your prayers. Thanks -
ever yours
homemaker
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14637: Prayers for ya homemaker.
Also folks, please remember Bill, Ruth Ann, Carol, and Grandma Ruth. The funeral is tomorrow and will be so hard for them. I guess it will be hard for all of us who loved Grandpa Harvey.

Take care friends, I will contact you when I get back from Missouri.

fun girl

In my last post I said step-dad had gone off by himself for most of the funeral, I meant to say most of the baby shower. Sorry!
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14638: You know, friends, Andy was right when he said some folks just "nasty away". There was an example in The Dallas Morning News on Saturday. It seems a 79-yr old Arlington, Texas, man grows prime vegetables in his tiny residential back yard. He sets up a small table in his front yard most afternoons and sells tomatoes, squash, and sweet corn to his neighbors. He makes around $300 a year, which probably about meets his expenses. Incidentally, the man is also dealing with lung cancer.

Well, apparently one of his neighbors didn't feel that cancer was enough of a hassle for him, so they reported him to the city as being in violation of a zoning law. Naturally, officials had no choice but to shut him down. To their credit, they appear to be trying to find a way to legalize the situation, so he can resume his activity. Right now, a friendly neighbor is taking his produce to her place of business and selling it for him there. That helps, but he has still lost the neighborly contact and friendly conversation that brightened his afternoons.

This mean-spirited action has really got my dander up, and I wrote a very succinct letter to the editor of the paper - basically saying "Shame on you!" to the spoilsport who reported him.

Reminds me of when Ben Weaver went to such lengths to shut down Burt's little sidewalk store, the old coot. Thanks to Andy's intervention, it all worked out, but Andy doesn't live in Arlington, Texas. Wish he did!

Sugarplum says an indignant hey! --Romeena
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14639: Anyone here go to Mayberry in the Midwest? It was great!!
jennieboone
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14640: Evening Porch, I'm home & tired as usual. Got another full week ahead of me & a full schedule with the band this weekend. So if you don't see me for a while, don't worry. My family rebellion is this weekend as well, so I get to pull double duty on Sat. help with the rebellion & sing, our band is playing for it. They will do anything to eat good food. LOL Asa you got them cymbals shined up, reckon we're gonna need all the help we can get this time around, playing fri, sat & sun. Practice is Wed night @ my uncle's house, 7:00 sharp. if yer late, you gotta buy supper!
*Mavis
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14641: Good for you , Ro! That poor man. Hope everything turns out for him.

Ro, I do live near the beach but, unfortunately it belongs to someone else. Where I am, the beachfront is private property and there are houses on it. There is a little beach I can take the kids to a couple of blocks away, though.

We still don't know if the storm will get us or not, yet. Some folks are boarding up their houses today. The only thing that concerns me is the eccentric man next door who is a radio operater and has 10 huge antennas (sp?) on his roof (I'm afraid they might end up on mine!).

Well, hope everyone has a great evening and if I can send some rain up to Dallas I will!

Boo
July 14, 2003 - Msg 14642: Prayers for homemaker and anyone else who needs 'em. Please say some for me. I knew things had been going along too well. Today was a bummer. That was a neat poem Blessed had back in the archives. I hang onto that kind of verse. We're missin' some folks. Where's Asa? Ed Sawyer? Bulbsnatcher? Salty? De§? and Briscoe? Haven't heard Briscoe sing in awhile now. You folks all need to touch base. There are some others missing too. Hang onto your hat, Boo. Hope the hurricane don't bother you.
Charlotte Tucker
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14643: Howdy Everabuddy!

I've been a visitin' with ya'll (quiet like)
for a little spell now and would like to say
nice to meet you.

I'm mighty lucky cause I live close to
'Meyer's Lake'. Yes the one that Opie throws his
rocks inta. We go for walks there a lot, mostly
Sundays and such. It is real pretty and peaceful.

Bert (the salesman, but ONLY if'n ya REALLY and
TRUELY NEED it). Prayers for all, May God Bless

July 15, 2003 - Msg 14644: Good morning guys, how is everyone? Thanks for the prayers for my brother in law. He had surgery on Sat morning and came home Sunday night. He might not get the use of his little finger back, but they seemed pretty confident that with a lot of physical therapy he would regain most of the use of his left hand back again. Hope you all have a great day--Salty Dog
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14645: Mornin' Y'all. Be safe,Boo Even small hurricanes can be nasty.Prayers for you and all who need them.
Welcome to the porch Bert the salesman!
Y'all have a great day! How's 'bout pancakes this morning?
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock

July 15, 2003 - Msg 14646: Welcome to Bert! No, I didn't think you were too pushy. If there's anything I hate, it's a pushy salesman.
- Hazel
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14647: Morning Porch!

And Hey to Bert the Salesman! Welcome to the porch, we're glad you decided to say something. (We were wondering how long you was just gonna sit there!)

Boo, every time I watch the weather report I am trying to figure if that hurricane is heading for you. Looks as though it might go a bit north of you but I bet you are in for some wind and rain! Hang on to your hat as Charlotte said!

Ro, when is that sprinkler system going in? I am sure you are going to love it. They can put timers on them things so you never even have to turn them on! (Them timers are tricky!)

I saw Ed Sawyer yesterday, it was go-ood to see you Ed! (I am so glad the old TAGS are back on!)

Prayers for Salty Dog's brother-in-law and Charlotte, and anyone else who needs em, (me included!)

Jennie Boone, where is Mayberry in the Midwest, if it weren't too far I might like to go next year!

My little one is going to start school in a couple months, that will be the last one to go. Funny thing is, he starts right after the other two are finishing school up! My daughter is in her third year of college and my older son graduated in 2002, he is working full-time right now, and I don't know if he will ever go to college. So now it is the little guy's turn! It sure is going to feel strange seeing him walk in those doors! When my daughter started school, I almost started to cry and she gave me such a look, like "don't you dare embarass me and cry in front of everybody!" and of course she was only 5! So now I will be seeing off my last one into school! (If I have any more children they wouldn't start school until I am in my 50's, so that ain't going to happen!)

Enough of my musings! I best get SOMETHING
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14648: oops! done around here!

Mary Wiggins
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14649: Hang in there Mary Wiggins. It must really be hard to let your babies go to school (even harder than keeping them home! heehee). Some days I sit and think about what I would do with my days if my children were in school. It would be nice to have several hours a day to accomplish the chores without interruption.

Well, my hat is still on and I haven't even had to hold on to it! We are expecting some winds and rain later this afternoon and into the evening but things are calm right now, just a sprinkle or two. I think we will be just fine.

I am so glad, too, that the old episodes of TAGS are back on TVLand. I was thrilled to see the one last night when Barney says to Floyd, "Next time I need a haircut I'll just stick my head in a pencil sharpener!", and Floyd replies, "Yeah, and it'll fit, too.". I loved that part. TAGS just wasn't the same after Barney left, was it?

Gotta go fix some lunch for the kids and then send the oldest one out to play before the rain hits. Ya'll have a great day.

Boo
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14650: I agree Boo. The old black and whites are so much better. I loved that line to about sticking his head in a pencil sharpner. That fellow who played Floyd was pretty good. To bad he didn't stay longer huh?
Prayers for you Homemaker and Charlotte. Gosh I hope things look up for you guys soon.
Hope you don't get blown away Boo. Scoot some of that moisture up to us in Utah would ya? We be as dry as dust here to.

Asa
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14651: Good day, porchsters! Things seem a bit better today. Boy, it's hot and I've been doin' some mowin' and weed pullin'. I LOVE to pull weeds (I'm not kidding!). Am I weird or what? Well, got work to do on my magazine. Better get with it. Sorry it's so dry there in Utah, Asa. We were real dry but then got a good soakin' last week. Gardens look great! Have a Mayberry Day everybody! If I don't get busy, I won't get nary a thing done...nary a thing. Where did Andy get that word nary?
Charlotte Tucker
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14652: Hello to the Porch. And prayers for everyone.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14653: Hey, Charlotte Tucker! I don't know where Andy got "nary", but wherever it was, my family must have shopped in the same store, because "nary" was/is a staple with us. A lot of Andy's speech patterns and colloquial expressions still live today in my family, especially on my father's side. Simple country folk, hard-working and honest, with colorful speech and tons of good humor. They could laugh at nothing, which was a good thing, because nothing is what they had plenty of, most of the time. BTW, I like to pull weeds, too. Something very basic and satisfying about yanking the little offenders out of the ground, especially when you can get root and all.

Asa, I liked the first Floyd, too, but if he had stayed we wouldn't have had the marvelous Howard McNear. Wish the other guy could have been written into a different part and developed as a regular character. He definitely had a lot of potential.

Well, gotta get ready for work. Have a great evening, friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena

July 15, 2003 - Msg 14654: Hey, Briscoe Darling Jr. I didn't see you standing there behind me. Good to see you. Got any new tunes for us? --Romeena
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14655: Mary Wiggins, Mayberry in the Midwest is in New Castle Indiana. It was held last year in July and this year in July. We can only hope it will be held again. Just keep in touch with the TAGSRWC web site for updates for all the happenings around Mayberry. It won't be long before Mayberry Days will be here.
A big Mayberry greeting to everyone here.
jennieboone
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14656: Hello jennieboone......I went to Friday evening and Saturday evening events......enjoyed it very much.....also my 2nd year.......hope to go again!!NumberThree
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14657: Hey Porch:
Romeena, Charlotte, boy do I have weeds for you. I can't get on my knees and weed pulling is not my cup of tea. It is very hot here and keeping the flowers watered is a chore. Even to hot to sit on the porch. Some of you were talking about those younguns growin up and out. Ha, have I got news for you. THEY KEEP TRYING TO COME BACK!
When mine first graduated school, hubby and I said stay, you don't have to leave. Well they become different children once they leave school.
We got that taste of no kids in the house and decided we liked it.
Welcome Bert, I'm a newby too. Glad some of those we prayed for are doing better and will keep praying for the rest. You know I haven't been watching much T.V. even news and weather, so I'm not keeping up with the storm, hope all you Texans make it ok.
Blessed
July 15, 2003 - Msg 14658: Number Three I wish I would have known you were going to be there. We could have met up. Rats!
jennie boone
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14659: Romeena, I haven't sat on the porch for a while and I am sorry for the loss of your father. May God give you comfort.
Prayers for those who need it.
My 87 year old neighbor may have colon cancer. We will find out Thursday. Her 24/7 caregiver, Mary is devastated and I am trying to be the realist although it bothers me a lot to think Annie may suffer and Mary will have to begin again (she's had a hard life) with nothing. Pray for them please and pray for me as time goes on, and when Annie passes away I'll have to handle the funeral (Mary, age 47 only been to a funeral home 2 times in her life, doesn't handle it well and I've been going all my life, handled two funerals and I of course don't look forward to it or the funeral and all the stuff that comes afterwards (business)). Thanks for your prayers.
Goodnight, well good morning here....Miss Ellie
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14660:
Mmmm boy I do preciate the 'Mayberry Welcome'. Sharing and Loving so many of the same experiences from Mayberry and her people makes this a special community! No doubt aboyut it but the B&W shows were the best. The ones with Barney were the cream of the cream. By the way did I miss somthin' was there any 'other' barber ever in Mayberry besides Floyd Lawson (Howard McNair)?

In this fast paced world with too much changing and stressing it is SOooo NICE to have a quiet and friendly porch sit on and visit a spell with GOoood people.

Burt
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14661: Yes, Burt. On "Stranger in Town" the part of Floyd was played by another actor. Walter Baldwin.
- Hazel

Barney: "Floyd, do you have to dust me like that? I'm not a disease crop."
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14662: Hello all! Fer Romeena an' everyone: "Doug's Tune". Here we go.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14663: Morning porch. Hope all is well with all of you.
Welcome to Burt. Enjoy your stay.

Asa
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14664: I saw that Ed Sawyer episode too, Mary Wiggins. I was watching it and I thought, "you know, I think this is one of my favorite episodes!" It's just an interesting ep, with trying to find out who this guy is and how he knows everybody. And I like what Andy says to the crowd of people outside the courthouse near the end there!
Have a good day, everyone!
-Sterling Holobyte
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14665: Morning porchsters. Been at my morning weed routine again today. Romeena, I loved your comment about snatching the little offenders out by the roots. Yup, that's what I love to do! Need to do some work. My little girl is away at camp this week. I sure miss her. She's usually real quiet but her presence adds a pleasant air to the house. I thought the same thing Romeena did when someone (Asa?) mentioned that other barber. He was ok, but he was no Howard McNear! Where's our own Ed Sawyer been hiding? Out carousing with those celebrities again I reckon or gamblin' there in Las Vegas! Ya better check in, Ed, or what I just said will turn into a big rumor and pretty soon you'll be a talent scout from the Manhattan whatever-it-was show!
Charlotte Tucker
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14666: ATTENTION ALL WEED PULLING LOVERS! YOU ARE HERE-BY INVITED TO ASA'S HOUSE THIS WEEKEND TO PURSUE YOUR CHOSEN FUN. PLEASE COME EARLY AND BE PREPARED TO ENJOY SOME FRESH HOMEGROWN CORN AFTERWARDS. IT SHOULD BE READY TO PICK THIS WEEKEND.

Asa
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14667: Whoooeeee! Asa, there's just nothing that twangs my buds quite like fresh, homegrown corn. Save me a patch of weeds, I'll be there! I like corn just any old way you prepare it. At home, I usually boil it, just a couple of minutes, so it doesn't get tough. I also love it roasted in the shuck, but that's a bit harder to do, especially when you're just doing enough for one person. Either way, I don't want anything on it, not even salt. Just the corn. Not that I wouldn't enjoy the butter, but I can eat more corn if I don't use butter, and the flavor is so good it doesn't need anything. The next day, if there's any left, I cut the corn off the cob, put it in a skillet with a bit of butter, salt and pepper, and saute it. Just before serving, I stir in a dollop of sour cream. Ooooh, that's good! So, Asa, the Plum and I will be there Saturday morning. I'll bring my own gloves for weed-pulling, and Sugarplum said she'll bring her little refreshment cart and harness - the one she uses at the ball games - and will help the corn harvesters by carrying corn back to the house after they pull it. By the way, she likes corn, too. You'd almost think that little furkid was a vegetarian, until you offer her a bite of steak. She quickly disproves that idea!

Saw my cardiologist today - he says I'm in great shape. I knew it already, because I feel so good.

Well, off I go. Things to do, places to go, people to see. Everyone have a great evening, and Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14668: Hey, ever'body! A belated "hooray" and "Hallelujah" for the news about Trevor. Hope he continues to improve.

Best of luck to you and yours.

Gomer
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14669: Are you people crazy?! Weed pulling for fun?! Double yuck. I can go for the corn on the cob, though (with lots of butter and just a little bit of salt).

I survived the storm (not much to it). We had some wind and rain last night and a tree split in half in my back yard and knocked my cable TV and internet service out). The repairmen came and fixed it up today.

Nothing real exciting to report. Ya'll have a great evening.

Boo
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14670: Dear Neighbors,
Back from Missouri and I know you all were praying cause Grandma and the kids came through it just beautiful. I think the grandkids had the hardest time though. I had written a poem for my step-dad about Grandpa and he went and had my step-brother read it during the funeral. (Tears all around.) It was for the most part a joyous celebration of a life well lived. (Much like I imagine Ro's dear daddy's was!)They had a time for whoever wanted to stand up and tell how Grandpa Harvey had touched their lives. You all would have loved to hear the wonderful stories that were told about that dear sweet man. Two special songs too. They had cards you could fill out with a rememberance and the pastor read them through out the service. The last one, as the pastor said, summed everyones feelings. It was from my 8 year old nephew. It read simply...."I love you Grandpa Harvey Hix. From Konner." Wrote it by himself. His mama didn't even know he had done it. There were tales of the good he had done for neighbors and church members and then a tale of mischief. When they were building their present church building, they were up on a scaffold and Grandpa snuck into the room, while taking a break from wiring in another part of the building, and set off a fire cracker under the scaffold. They said by the time they turned around all they saw was him walking away with his shoulders shaking. And he was such a charecter that everyone in the room could picture just that very thing.

His father walked away from the family when he was very young and he always looked for his father. One day he found an obituary in the paper and contacted the family. He had two brothers and two sisters he had never met. The brothers stayed in contact over the years and the brothers Ron and Don were at the funeral. AMAZING resemblance. I knew they were there and just turned around to see if I could pick them out. They were sitting two rows behind me and there was no doubt that they were the brothers. The younger one, if he had a flat top looked just like Grandpa when my mother and Bill first met. The other brother had a flat top and was starting to go grey just like Grandpa but had facial hair, which I had only seen on Grandpa in picutes.

HEY ASA, gonna have any corn in a jar or jug?? Just remember that you are not to have your golf clubs out while others are trying to weed. You're liable to hurt a body. LOL

fun girl
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14671: Oh, no, fun girl. Don't mention Asa's golf clubs. It's taken over a year of therapetic treatment for me to get over the flashbacks of that time Asa hit me in the head with his golf ball. I still have pains sometimes. Had one the other day. Started right here in the side and shot down my leg, rared up the other side and around my back, and then went clean on up my neck.
- Hazel

Watch it, Five!
July 16, 2003 - Msg 14672: Ooops, make that quote "Watch it, Three!"
See, it's affected my memory too.
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14673: Dear friend fun girl! I'm sorry about your Grandpa, but it sounds like the memorial was a beautiful time. You will all miss him, but as the Apostle Paul said, "we sorrow not as those who have no hope." We can be sure that joy comes in the morning. What a legacy for the children who were present, to hear those wonderful things said about their grandpa. It gives them something to live up to, a standard to try to meet.

Boo, I'm glad you didn't get washed or blown away. A split tree and downed cable lines sounds pretty significant to me, but you seem to just roll on past it. Guess folks in your neck of the woods are accustomed to such things.

Well, gotta hit the ironing board. I have to get a CT scan done in the early morning. Nothing wrong, the doctor just wants follow-up scans at six month intervals for a couple of years, after all that scary stuff at the first of the year. He's certain that there's no cancer, but as he said, he'd be wrong if he didn't follow it for a while. I agree, and I have good insurance, so a-scanning I will go!

Have a great day tomorrow, everyone. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena

July 17, 2003 - Msg 14674: Hi Porch, you all have a Mayberry Day~
FRANKIE FLINT
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14675: I declare it's mighty powerful hot this month! Rockin' with a cold drink in the cool of the evening on this porch is more enjoyable (and necessary) than ever, ha, ha.

Fun, is sure one of the joys of Mayberry. Andy has the way of letting evrabuddy KNOW he is a good guy so when Andy teases you it is all in good fun and he don't mean nothing by it.

Andy loved Barney so he could enjoy teasing him and it gave me and most folks a lot of fun. I remember when Barney was thinking of his "future" and he told Andy he was going to do some "investing". Andy tried warning Barn to 'look before you leap' but Barney knew better. ANdy wanted to teach him and have some fun at the same time so he just reached into his pocket and pulled out a Nickel.

Not just any old nickel either it was a special nickel with the Buffalo facing the 'wrong' way. I loved how Andy slickered old Barney into buying that Nickel for I think as much as $50 and after when Barney was admiring his new "investment" he noticed it wasn't any different from another nickel that he had in his own pocket, but Andy could still out smart him and fool his old Deputy by a clever trick.

Mmmm good times. Prayers for God's will to be done for every body.

Bert
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14676: Ro. I can relate to the CT Scan business. I am going tomorrow for blood work up and whatever else they do before they put you out. I am having a MRI next Friday and I couldn't stand being cooped up in that blasted thing last time, so they are gonna knock me completely out this time.
The lady said I won't remember a thing. Smart idea cause last time I was in the machine less than 10 minutes and I just couldn't handle it any more. I guess they want to know how you react to medications and stuff. I don't know. Just know they expect me to be there and I too have great insurance and so I will be there. Besides, I want to know if there is something going on in my back. Just ain't been right since that durn car accident I was in.

Did anyone see TAGS tonight? Barney and that crazy cleptomenorac?? He cracks me up. Just remember my friends if you have this same problem, just learn how to weave baskets and junk like that. LOL

take care,
fun girl


July 17, 2003 - Msg 14677: Morning Porch. I agree with you Ro, that Boo just don't get to flustered. I'd be very upset if I lost a tree. Good luck on your CT. Hope everything comes back clean.
And same goes to you Fun Girl with your MRI. I could not stay still in one of them thangs either. I'd probably tear it up trying to get out.
I'm sure glad y'all love corn cause I grow the best in the west. I have a favorite variety called boudacious, and it really is the sweetest stuff you ever did consume. I must confess though, I find myself with butter dripping off my elbows when eating the stuff. Lord it's good. I usually get a pot of boiling water going first then go pick it, husk it in the garden and bring it in and through it in the pot. Talk about some kind of good. And I'll even bottle some for Fun Girl and Briscoe.
Hazel, where you been hiding honey? I'm sorry your still having pains from our little accident. Next time I yell "FORE" don't look back at me and yell five. Look the other way instead. LOL

Asa
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14678: Mornin' Y'all! Asa, I'll pick weeds for ya for some of that corn! Sounds flavorsome as can be! Just remember that I'm a possum,not a golf ball,if you get the urge to start swinging those golf clubs! I don't wanna end up like Hazel!
I'm cooking some boiled peanuts today and IF I have any left I'll bring them along to the weed pulling fest.It just ain't Summer to me (despite the heat) until I have my boiled peanuts,sweet iced tea,and a good book!
Glad you made out okay during the storm,Boo.Tis the season-just hoping we're spared again this year on the East Coast.Not that I want a hurricane to hit ANY place,but y'all know what I mean!
Guess I'll get going on those peanuts now- y'all have a great day! Love to all!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14679: Ok Asa, I'm there. Hope you got plenty of weeds for us to pull. Ro and I will be fightin' over 'em you know. We've got loads of sweet corn here right now, but my buds are always ready for more. Love corn! All this talk of CTs, I thought ya'll were talkin' about me behind my back! I'm gettin' jealous of these folks who are braggin' about their great insurance. Ha! Ours is the next best thing to catastrophic! Have a good one! I was gonna do some paintin' but now I hear thunder!
CT (Tucker, not Scan!)
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14680: Land sakes! What's a boiled peanut?! I never heard of such a thing.

Thanks for the well-wishes concerning the storm. Hubbie cut up the remains of the tree and disposed of it on our side and the neighbor's side, too (she is a single woman). Anyway, the sun is shining brightly today and it is as hot as ever!

Gotta go, I smell a very questionable diaper on a certain small child.

Boo
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14681: What is this world coming to. Asa never had grits and now Boo admits to never having had boiled peanuts!! Ya'll just dont know how to feed a body.
Boiled peanuts are YUMMY. I hadn't had them until I was a teenager and an uncle in Georgia had me try them. You can neven buy them canned in the store down there. I reckon they are powerful good homemade.

Well I am off for my blood test, so I guess I will run for now. Yak at ya later.
fun girl
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14682: Good luck on your blood test, fun girl!

Porch friends, I wrote something and I'd like to share it with you, if that's ok? I don't think I'd call it poetry, because it's not very poetic! I guess it's more like a story. But it is something that I felt at the time and I finally wrote it in my head today as I was riding bike. Tell me if you like it or even if you don't like it and if you think it is too hokey.
-Sterling Holobyte

BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES
The first thing I noticed when I stepped outside that day was how quiet it was.
Three man-made flying machines had been taken from the sky and crashed earlier that day in an unspeakable act of hate, by people who couldn't see, or perhaps wouldn't see, the natural beauty
around them.
Now the only things flying were the birds, and the last of the summer butterflies; flitting from flower to flower as they relished the remaining warm weather.
Everyone seemed to keep one eye on what they were doing on the ground, and one eye on the sky. But all they would see were the blackbirds and chickadees flying overhead between the trees and the telephone poles, and a lone eagle that flew majestically, high in the sky. With no vapor trail or jet engine noise marring the sight.
As the days wore on I began to wonder if this is what our pre-flight ancestor's saw when they looked up at the sky. Was it the lack of plane exhaust in the air or just the time of the year, but it almost seemed like the sky looked bluer, the clouds whiter, the bird's song's louder.
With the tragedy of that fateful day always on my mind, I was nevertheless now finding some solace in the quiet in the skys. I was almost 'enjoying' the silence. And in watching the birds soar it also was a reminder of the difference between man and birds. Man flies because he wants to, birds fly because they can! Man builds planes and he can fly in them, but birds FLY! Independently and free.
Maybe if there was one good thing to come out of the horror of 9/11, it could be said that, besides it bringing American's together once more in unity; but if for only one moment, as it was in the days of old, the only things that ruled the skies, were the birds and the butterflies.

July 17, 2003 - Msg 14683: Sterling,
That was wonderful, very beautifully written. That day can sure still touch a raw nerve whenever I recall it. And you captured something very lovely, in the midst of the horror. I would only point out one technical change...I believe it was four man-made flying machines that came down that day. We sure do have some gifted writers on this site. I wonder if we could put together a book of some of the things that have been written on here?! And we always have TOM to add beautiful sentiments from time to time. Where has Tom been lately? You need to check in with us!

I have another busy weekend ahead so I better get moving! I hope everyone has a wonderful Mayberry Evening and a great Mayberry Weekend!

Mary Wiggins
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14684: Oh, shoot! That's right, Mary Wiggins! The plane that hit Pentagon completely slipped my mind! I don't know how that happened! Thanks for the correction!
-Sterling Holobyte
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14685: Hello Folks:
Been busy with the youn'uns. The summer is going by in a clip. First thing ya know it will be back to you-know-what-time! We just aren't mentioning it around here right now. Been sittin' on the porch playin' some games and watching the birds fly by. Sure is peaceful here. Thanks for the prayers for hubby. He is in the recoop stage and rehab. Physical Therapy is quite painful, but bless that ole jug!!!He just holds tight with the one arm and bites down on the cork instead of gritting his teeth! Seems to work just fine. Then when the cork pops out, just practices lifting that jug with his good arm. Miracle cure! Please continue to pray though, it is quite painful and there is a lot of therapy ahead. ( 6-8 months worth and no work... NEED I SAY MORE???) Come on by and pull up a chair, we could use the company. ~New Neighbor
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14686: Sterling, that's just beautiful! I think you picked up on something that deserves to be mentioned, and you expressed it so well. Thank you!

Speaking of birds, I'm sure we're all familiar with the grackles, those big black boat-tailed birds that are so presumptuous and self-assured. Well, one of the big males is strutting around in my back yard like the king of the hill, and has no idea how ridiculous he looks. You see, his tail, which should be his most prominent feature, all V-shaped and strong, is a wreck! He has exactly two feathers in it, and one of them is bent! I don't even see how he flies without his magnificent rudder, and in fact his flight is a bit wobbly. He's just a really funny sight, prancing around out there with that comic excuse for a tail. It'll grow back, of course, but right now, he's a sight!

Well, away I go. Gotta scratch up some supper around here. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 17, 2003 - Msg 14687: That's THE Pentagon. Sorry, my mind seems to be on hold today!
I can't tell you how bad I feel about leaving out the fourth plane! I feel like I've tarnished the story by doing that, and done a dis-service to the people who died whom I had "forgotten". And I'd like to also apologize to you all for doing that.
I guess that'll teach me to try to rush to post something without really pondering and remembering all that happened! I really wish I could edit that post!
Well, have a nice evening everyone!
-Sterling Holobyte

July 18, 2003 - Msg 14688: Morning Porch, at least I think it's morning here, gotta get so much done in so little time, I don't know if I'm coming or going. Sterling I don't think you tarnished that story, I love the way you managed to find beauty in that horrible day, goes to show you God is still there, you just gotta look at what He is telling you sometimes. Don't go beating yourself up inside or nothing. Thank you for posting that. Ro thanks for that laugh, I can just see that bird now, aren't they funny? Anybody that tells me animals have no feelings or are dumb, are gonna have to reckon with me, I have worked with them for about 25 years now & they never cease to amaze me! Of course the owners never cease to amaze me either, but not in a good way! Gotta go, just about got that recipe book done, waiting on glue to dry so I can put it all together, but I did manage to get it done before the rebellion! Yeah for me!!!
*Mavis
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14689: You are right, Mavis. Animals are amazing because they were created by an amazing God, but sometimes I think that people can't bear to face the fact that animals have intelligence and feelings because it is just too painful to think of how they are treated. I know I don't like to think about it. I remember eight years ago, my mother-in-law had a cute little weinie dog named Candy who had a litter of pups. Well, one morning my mom-in-law put the dog and her pups out in the yard while she went to the mall (the pups didn't even have their eyes open yet). When she returned, the pups were dead. She left them in the sun and they died. I was in the hospital delivering my son at the time so I guess I was especially sensitive but I was so angry at my mother-in-law when I found out what happened and when we went to her house, Candy was grieving terribly and dragging around the blanket that the pups had slept on. That poor dog just cried constantly and I cried so much my husband had to take me home. Watching that dog grieve the loss of those pups is something I will never forget and it changed the way I thought about dogs. They are such sensitive and loving creatures and it hurts to come to that realization because of how they are mistreated and forgotten in shelters.
There are so many animals and children who suffer innocently in this world.

Thanks for your thoughts on 9/11, Sterling. I enjoyed them and it's nice to be reminded . I don't ever want to forget those folks who died that day.

Well, it is the middle of the night and I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. I think I will go try again. Have a great morning.

Boo

Barney: "...all God's children got a uvula!".
Andy: "Hallelujah".
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14690: Mavis, how good to see you darling! Y'all better slow down girl before you do yourself an injury.
Very nice words Sterling, don't go fretting now. You did a real nice job.
I ain't never heard of no boiled peanuts either but I'm looking forward to it. The corn is ready to pick and awaits us.
Hey Homemaker and Charlotte, hope things are doing OK for you guys. I still be praying for ya.

Asa
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14691: Thank you Mary Wiggins, Romeena, Mavis, Boo, and Asa for your kind words and compliments! You know, I wouldn't have dared post that story on any other board but here, because you all are nice folks! And I knew that even if I were to be criticized, it would be constructive criticizm and wouldn't be mean.
That's sad about that mama dog and her puppies, Boo. Dogs do seem to have very human-like emotions!

I'm another one who has never heard of boiled peanuts! The closest thing to that I've heard of were Boston Baked Beans, but that's a little different! :)
-Sterling Holobyte
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14692: Good morning, everyone! Well, I've eaten boiled peanuts, and they're gooo-ood! They're very popular in Florida, and when I'm out there, sometimes my son and I trailer his Seadoos over to some river whose name I couldn't possibly spell, and we ride the Seadoos for miles on that river. See lots of wildlife - gators, deer, even monkeys. There is a large colony of them, left over from some Tarzan movie years ago. They got away during filming and couldn't be caught. Anyway, on the way over we stop and buy boiled peanuts, and eat them on the trip. Very good they are, too.

Boo, that's so sad about the little Doxie pups. What on earth was your MIL thinking?? Did you have trouble relating to her after that? I'm afraid it would have stayed in my memory and caused me to feel differently about her, unless she was genuinely remorseful and I could believe it was just a terrible lapse in judgment.

Well, gotta run. The banker awaits. So many details, so much to do to get my dad's estate closed out. Everyone have a great day - Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14693: Oh, one more thing. Did you all see that picture and story in yesterday's paper, about that poor old man who ran his car through a marketplace in Santa Monica? I believe eight people were killed, including a three year old girl, and many were injured. It's a terrible thing, but my heart just broke for the driver, and I think he needs our prayers. His name is Russell Walker, and he's 86 years old. As I read the article, and looked at his picture, I could imagine my precious little daddy doing something like that. He did, you know, but all he hit was the back end of his garage, completely demolishing some cabinets there. He got confused, had one foot on the gas and one on the brake, and was standing on both. He had vinyl floor covering in his garage, and the rear tires of the car had spun through that and down to the concrete! He thought he was on a brake and a clutch. Hadn't driven a car with a clutch in 40 years, but that's what was in his mind at that moment. An aging brain doesn't always work right, and sometimes pulls up the wrong file when doing something that should be automatic. I'm betting that's what happened to Mr. Walker. The descriptions offered by witnesses indicate a terrified, wide-eyed man, clutching the wheel and trying as hard as he could to control the car, but not realizing he was on the accelerator. Poor people, yes, but poor Mr. Walker as well. My heart breaks for him. My father could very easily have done the same thing. --Romeena
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14694: I'm with you Ro sometimes we forget that the brain really slows down & plays tricks on us as we get older. I was like you & felt for that man when I saw that story. Asa if I slow down, I'll never get caught up again! Boo I could tell you some stories that would make you mad as a wet hen about some people & how they treat their animals, after 25 years in the business, I still ask myself "What is wrong with people??" Honestly sometimes I think the whole lot of humans just gets dumber sometimes instead of smarter! I won't tell any of them here, too depressing! Best go, got a cake in the oven I got to check (for the rebellion) called Chocolate Surprise Cake it has sauerkraut in it!!! I'll let you know how it turned out.
*Mavis
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14695: Kind greeting, thoughts and prayers to everyone who needs them.
Hey to Frankie Flint, and all the people who presently post here on the Porch.
Happy Birthday to Bobby the Beast where ever you are.
Hey to Emmett, Martha, MPO, Myra, **Barn, Orville Monroe, Elinora, Ellie, Emma, Opie, Andelina, Idelle, Gilly, Nice RealNice Mary Grace, Mr. Foley, Mr.O'Mally (Chuck), Otis, and anyone I may have forgotten that are the "old timers" that frequented the porch in the past, and pull up a chair from time to time.
Jennieboone and the black hearted buzzard Fred
ps
Can anyone name people I may have forgotten?
Can we invite them back for a town picnic?
Can you name The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Wathers Club that you are from if you have one?
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14696: Hey to Jennie and all the others on the porch...both old-timers and new-timers. And Happy Birthday to Bobby the Beast! I still pull up a chair here from time to time but not nearly often enough these days. I've had the day off and I've thoroughly enjoyed a full day of watching Andy dvd's here at home by myself. You'll have to guess what TAGSRWC chapter that me and Mavis and Mr. Schwump belong to because "I Can't Tell Ya" (right, Mavis?)
--Emma
BTW, that IS the name of our chapter - the "I Can't Tell Ya" chapter. I don't want anybody thinking I was just being obtuse.
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14697: Hey Emma, what a fun day you've had! I can't think of a better way to spend it.
I thought of someone I forgot. Hurricane Des!
jennie boone
from
"I Was A Pawn In The Hands Of A Wiley Woman" Chapter
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14698: "Who's Been Messin' Up the Bulletin Board?" --Romeena and Sugarplum
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14699: Emma, I hate it when you get obtuse.
I'm not one of the old timers, I've been here about 2 1/2 years. Sure would like to meet you all, you really should stop by the porch more often. I'm in the process of starting a local chapter. No name yet.
- Hazel

Puddingtame. Ask me again and I'll tell you the same.
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14700: Hazel- that would be a great name for a chapter! "Puddentame-ask me again, and I'll tell you the same" I wonder if it's taken?
jb
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14701: That is a good one jb isan't there a list of names online somewhere? I know I have read it, maybe it is in my Mayberry book I have. Yes Emma that is the name, she really isan't being obtuse. We got the biggest kick out of that! Hey to everyone that posts & those that just read. Still in the kitchen cooking for the big day tomorrow. I can't believe that noone even made a comment about my cake with the kraut in it! I thought for sure someone would. Guess that's what I get for thinking! teehee. Best go get the cake frosted, & the peanut butter pies finished, ya'll are welcome to come have you some food & listen to some great music, we got the best band around pickin! US! LOL Asa you got them cymbals ready?
*Mavis
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14702: Good evening, friends. I'll wipe down the old rocker and set for a spell - maybe enjoy a bottle of necterine crush and count cars with everyone. It has been too long since I've posted - good to see some familiar faces still around.
-Opie
"Watch your foot, I'm gonna rock forward."
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14703: Jennie, you've got a good start on a list of 'veteran' porchsters there. Remember Lydia, Flora, Rafe, Johnny Paul, Howie, Juanita, Leon, Momma, and few Charlenes?
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14704: Opie, good to see you on the porch again! Hazel, you're really good with quotes. You always post good ones. I noticed today watching "A Wife For Andy" that when Thelma Lou called to invite Andy to dinner, he said "Much obliged" to her. I remember hearing that expression all my life but I don't hear it much these days. Romeena, I'm in the WBMUTBB" Chapter, too! I bet there are several more here on the porch who are members as well. Does MPO still pull up a chair here from time to time?
--Emma
"Thelma...Andy Lou's here!"
July 18, 2003 - Msg 14705: Hey Opie! how are you??? So good to see some old timers here, I sure did miss you guys! Sounds like most of the ones that I know are on those 2 lists there, except for Ollie I'm off to bed, got most of the cooking done, just gotta warm it all up tomorrow now. I'll check in as soon as I can with the update to the rebellion! Night Porch
*Mavis
July 19, 2003 - Msg 14706:

Hi everybody,

Counting cars Opie, man that takes me back!! It has been too long since I have had a good Ice Tea and sat back not thinking or worring about a thing ....

I pray everyone here is fine. Sterling that was a nice piece of writing, don't fret over having the math less than perfect. I know each day that no matter how hard I try I will make mistakes I just don't know which ones.

YOu all here are a kindness and joy for me, especially now since I have lost both my job and best friend all in the same week. Funny how much a man's work gives his life meaning and lately I feel pretty useless and lonley. That's why this porch has been a Blessing to me. It reminds me of good times and important relationships I have enjoyed and have faith that I will find a way out of my mess and be happy again one day.

Thanks to all, Bert
July 19, 2003 - Msg 14707: Bert. Do not feel useless and lonely. If you love TAGS, then we all have that common bond and we are your friends. I'm so sorry you lost your job.
- Hazel

"If you don't sell it to me (icecream soda), I'll just get it somewhere else."
July 19, 2003 - Msg 14708: Hey to the porch - EMMA! jennie! Opester! Good to see y'all again. I sneak by the porch about once a week or so but seldom post anything. You all know how quiet I am and how I can never think of anything to say ...
Number Three, glad you had a good time at Mayerry in the Midwest. Just this week I was looking at our pictures from Kingport and remembering meeting you there.
We made up the little books for our high school reunion last week and on one page I put the lyrics to "There Is A Time." I kinda thought it fit ....
Milton P. Oliver
Mayberry Giants: Hit One for the Ol' Goober chapter
"The tears on my pillow bespeak the pain that is in my heart"

July 19, 2003 - Msg 14709: Bert, I'm sorry you lost your best friend and your job. I hope you get your best friend back and I hope you get a job that's even better than the one you had. Mavis, I hope your kraut cake is a big success! And peanut butter pie...sounds goood. MPO, I remember that about you - real quiet, you never have anything to say - your mother was the same way. I'm up early to head out to a Civil War reenactment today. They'll have cannons and guns and muskets and stuff. They actually do fire cannons but I don't think they have any like the one that fired the shot that was heard clear around the world.
--Emma
"Will you help us?"
July 19, 2003 - Msg 14710: Emma, I remember "will you help us?" but I can't remember the quote about, "Thelma....it's Andy Lou!". Somebody help me with that one, please because it sounds pretty darned funny.

I don't understand what a chapter is. Could someone fill me in on that one, too, please?

Hang in there, Bert, and keep coming around. You are bound to find friendship and lots of encouragement here on the porch. We understand those hard times and how important friends and prayers are.

Gotta go... trying to get ready to go to a marriage conference today. Guess I will try to re-energize my marriage!

Love to all,
Boo
July 19, 2003 - Msg 14711: MPO, you sure do have a great website. I love the captions you put with the pictures. Your education was worth every penny! (I'll hush about it now cause I know how you feel about fuss and falderal) Hey..speaking of fuss and falderal, we ought to make a big fuss on Monday because it's gonna be Don Knotts birthday!
--Emma
July 19, 2003 - Msg 14712: Good morning, just wanted you to know I'm still alive. LOL

Ellen Brown

Have a great day