July 03, 2005 - Msg 29409: Just heard some disturbing news to me in church this morning - the congress is contemplating a bill that would make speaking out against homosexuality a hate crime and publications speaking against homosexualtiy also a hate crime, i.e. the Bible could be force out. The bill is called The Law Enforcement Enhancement Act. Ted Kennedy is the one who is tacking on the homosexualtiy issue. Check it out to be more informed and if you are against this - contact your local representatives in Congress.

homemaker
July 03, 2005 - Msg 29410: Looks like I swept - didn't mean to sweep with this.
July 03, 2005 - Msg 29411: Good afternoon homemaker!...and the rest of the porch!

homemaker, I will check out that site, I hope people don't get too carried away in their efforts to stamp out hate. I am not sure how having a religious belief that teaches against ANY se xual behavior outside of marriage, including homose xuality is a hate crime, but evidently there are those who think it is.

Romeena, I wondered if you have a video camera. Those things are great at picking up light in low light situations, and if you try looking at the owls through one of those you might be surprised at how much you see! Let me know if you get a chance to try one.

Well, I have to go move a sprinkler and then get some work done, so I will be wishing you all a wonderful 4th of July a day early!

*********

Hopefully, you will recognize those as fireworks!

Have a wonderful Mayberry 4th!

Mary Wiggins
July 03, 2005 - Msg 29412:
Homemaker- you could email floyd at the bottom of the page for a re-sweep, but then again, this is a pressing issue of our day, and very important for discussion.
PLATO, yup, the Greek Philosopher, said:
"The punishment of the wise, who refuse to take part in government, is to live under a government of worse men."
Those are very profound words when we think of what we have allowed to happen in our own government. We are allowing such "worse men" to call the shots. We are a govenment of the PEOPLE, and it is to be from the PEOPLE to our reps, not the other way around! So yes, we better get off our rears and call and email and let them know the views of their constiuants!
It is the slow relentless erosion of our moral values thruout the land, from our "entertainment"
to our Courts, to our vision of the future that are all under attack. We must ACT, or live by Plato's prophetic words! Pretty heavy for the porch, but I think most of us are here because of what's happening on our screens, and elsewhere today. Andy would have acted, that is for sure! As he said, "We take a dim view of bribery here in Mayberry."
Did you know that many of the homes of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were burned to the ground by the British! Those signers put life and limb on the line when they put their names in ink at the bottom of that document, and several were killed in the ensuing months!
Have a grest 4th, and lets do it up big, yes, but then get to work too, and "sign your name" too!
Sorry for the phisophical thoughts! love ya all
no matter what your opinions may be.
MDC
July 03, 2005 - Msg 29413: No, Mary Wiggins, I don't have a video camera. Just never got around to buying one. I know what you mean, though, some of them really do work well in low light, and might let me see the owls better. My binoculars work fairly well, though, and as I'm getting more adept at using this night scope, I'm finding I can focus it in a bit more sharply. I sure do wish owls weren't such, well uh, night owls.

My refrigerator in the garage quit sometime in the last couple of days, and the fully-loaded freezer side of it thawed completely. Not just thawed, but warm - very warm. The fan had quit, I think the compressor had failed as well, and the motor was still running. The outside of the box was very hot to the touch. So, all was lost. Trashed, every bit of it, including the fridge. It's over thirty years old, would cost a minimum of $200 to fix, probably much more, so out it goes. I'm moving the one out of the kitchen to the garage, and just buying a new one for the house. I'm thankful for Home Depot and their 12-month, no interest plan. Bless them.

Well, off I go. Have a happy Fourth, everyone. Remember to fly Old Glory! Sugarplum says God Bless America! --Romeena
July 03, 2005 - Msg 29414: Lest you all think I'm a terrible money-manager, perhaps I should add that there was no meat in the freezer. It was all Schwan's stuff, frozen veggies, ice cream, popsicles, frozen dinners, that sort of thing. If there had been any expensive meat in it, I'd have called Mr. Foley and thrown myself on his mercy. --Romeena
July 03, 2005 - Msg 29415: Romeena, Just call the man!!

Asa
July 04, 2005 - Msg 29416: GOOD MORNING porch...gosh been up at the lake , got to catch up on the reading, Happy 4th!..back in just a bit...here at work now...SPOT
July 04, 2005 - Msg 29417:
Happy Fourth of July y'all!!

*****GodBlessAmerica*****
possum under a rock
July 04, 2005 - Msg 29418: I did, Asa. I called the Home Depot man, and he's getting a new one delivered to me on Wednesday morning. Ice delivery through the door, filter with an easily-changed cartridge, big and roomy, and on sale for $700. Hard to beat that. Energy-efficient, too. So, I remembered Andy's solution when the freezer quit, and decided it wasn't worth fixing up an old machine, and just got a new one.

Flags are flying on almost every house along my street. What a beautiful sight!

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 04, 2005 - Msg 29419: HAPPY 4TH EVERYONE- PRAYERS FOR ALL IN NEED. WE NEED A TOTAL RECALL OF ALL OUR ELECTEDS OFFICALS EXCEPT FIRST TERM AND HAVE A TWO TERM LIMIT. THAT'S MY 2 CENTS WORTH. ASA- SO GOOD TO SEE YOU, I'VE BEEN ASKING ABOUT YOPU ESPECIALY WITH THE FIRES YOUR WAY. WED I GO TO VA HOSPITAL . I WILL TELL THEM TO TIE ME UP WITH BAILING WIRE SINCE I'M AN OLDER MODEL.HA. SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE FREEZER ROMEENA. SPOT, GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK. I'LL PROBABLY BE OUT FOR A WEEK OR SO. HEY TO POSSUM. WHEN WILL OUR GOVERNMENT REALISE YOU CAN'T REGULATE EVERYTHING. ENJOY THE 4TH AND I SEND MY PRAYERS TO THE ONES WHO HAVE BEEN GONE FOR AWHILE. CHARLOTTE TUCKER, MRS WILEY, MR MCBEEVEE, EMMA, AND THE REST. START THE MAYBERRY FIREWORKS, BARNEY WILL USE HIS STARTER PISTOL. PAPPA BEAR
July 04, 2005 - Msg 29420: God Bless America!
July 04, 2005 - Msg 29421: Pappa bear, you might just have something there, with your recall and two-term limit. If nothing else, that would rid us of that bloated toad, Ted Kennedy, and a few other self-important, above-the-law individuals that sorely need to disappear from the national scene.

Let's all make it a project to write a letter to a service man or woman, and let them know we appreciate them. The website "anysoldier.com" is a good one, and also, many churches have a project like that in progress. I know mine does. We're all writing letters and turning them in on Sunday, to be forwarded to the front. Whether one agrees with the war or not, those young folks need to know that their country loves them.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 04, 2005 - Msg 29422: Hooah - Romeena - what a great call to write our young service men and women. I already write a nice young girl over there and plan on writing her tonite.

Do you remember the song by the Carpenter's "bless the beasts and the children"?
I just thought of that when I read that the body of the young boy was found in Montana. It is really terrible to have to explain to my own children why children their age are dying at the hands of cruel adults. It makes me love and protect mine more.

Happy 4th ya'll!

homemaker
July 04, 2005 - Msg 29423: Hey, ever'body, Gomer here, checking in for the first time in ages. Happy Independence Day to all and Happy Birthday America! Best of luck to you and yours ...
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29424: Gomer! Welcome back, good friend, we've missed you. Cars just sitting around everywhere, in need of repair. I even had to buy a new refrigerator because I couldn't find you to fix the old one. Don't stay away so long - we miss our porchsters when they wander off.

homemaker, I know you've been promoting "anysoldier.com" for a while now, and you're so right. It's a great site, and doing a wonderful service for our men and women who are doing so much for us. Politics need not enter into it. These are our children, yesterday's high school kids, and they're far from home and scared and lonely. The least we can do is let them know they're loved and appreciated. Our church sends a group to the airport when a plane carrying troops is expected, just to greet them with smiles and applause when they arrive. I'm really not sure who gets the bigger thrill, the troops or the greeters.

Well, I worked last night, and have to work again tonight, so guess I'd better try to get some sleep. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29425:
Had a good 4th! Lots of fireworks in the area, and our fires up north are finally under control!
HM-I will be calling and emailing my representatives today!Did a google on them and got all needed info.
At preaching Sunday we sang all 4 verses of America the Beautiful and the third says of our forefathers and many since..."who more than self, their country loved; and mercy more than life!"
Wow, such poignant words of truth.

Hope you all have a good week, prayers for pappabear and others and families.
Good to see Asa and others.
Mr D's Cuz

July 05, 2005 - Msg 29426: Afternoon Porchsters- just stopping by to say hey. Vacation at "Mayberry by the Sea" (Oak Island, NC) last week was incredible. So I'm tan, rested and ready to serve! Not really...didn't want to come home. But, here it is Tuesday and I'm back in the rat race. Good to see everyone. Got a lot of catching up to do. Hope all is well.
Rev.Jr.
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29427: Hey to the porch, Pappa...MDC, RO..Rev, HM, Asa, possum...and a special HEY to cousin Gomer...it has been a while.

Had a great 4th...was to fly out to Philly this morning...but United managed to keep me waiting a danging long enough to completely ruin the meetings I had set...so, I just cut the whole trip! Can't say that I'm sorry to be home...but it's little wonder that United is in such trouble. They couldn't get me from Chicager to Philly before 7:30 tonight...not a good thing.

Hope everybody is doin all right. Ya'll be good...


Goober...
YO!!!
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29428: Well I ain't dead yet,but this humidity is about to put the monkey on top of me! Been busy watering corn till this weekend and got a few small showers to help out! Got the wheat in the bin and got the beans planted too! Spraying peanuts and puttin on the calcium now! then set back and wait for the corn to dry down for harvest in August! Hope everyone has been well and glad to see pappa bear back too! Ya'll rock easy and I'll be back later. Quiet Sam!
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29429:
Homemaker, I found a very good site regarding the Act you mentioned above. It's
www.theorator.com/senate.html
It has the full text of the pending bill and lists all the senators info for all 50 states.
Hope we can all let them know our individual views. With two in the military, I get a little protective of these things.
Aunt Bee for senator!
Have a good day!
MDC
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29430: Quiet Sam, Gomer and Goober, ya snuck in there on me! Good to see you
mdc
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29431: Thanks MDC - I will pass that info along to my other contacts as well. You are a real trez-shuh.

Okay - onto another subject. . .does anyone know anything about turtles, not ninja but real live ones with shells and little feet that go in when they get nervous. I have turtle that I am trying to indentify. If you know about turtles - let me know!

homemaker
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29432: homemaker, about the only thing I know about turtles is that I think they're the cutest things since ladybugs. Some get big and ugly (by some standards), but when you think about the whole concept, it's a great idea, and they're just, well, cute!

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29433: I had a turtle when I was a youngin'. But it ran away. Or, shall I say, it walked away. I haven't seen it since.
- Hazel
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29434: Hey Ya'll again to the porch! Anyone in the NE part of Illinois able to care for a cute kittie? He's 4...declawed (in the front) and a bit nervous. Reminds me a lot of Barn...he's a good cat, but we have 2 others and a dog (combined families, don't you know), plus 2 teens...and it's just a little much for him. I don't want to take him to the place...but really need to find a nice home for his sake.

Any takers? Let me know!

Goober...
YO!!!
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29435: And no...he'd don't like turtles either.

:-)

Goober...
YO!!!
July 05, 2005 - Msg 29436: I am trying to find a copy of Lewis Grizzard's article regarding the TAGSRWC. I checked his website and it was not there. Does anyone know where i might find it?

todd
July 06, 2005 - Msg 29437: Homemaker,do you live near water,swamps, rivers, farm ponds,etc.? If you do the turtle could be a snapper. Is the shell mostly flat and fans out on the edges? If so leave it alone! You'll know quiet easily if it is a snapper by it's actions. If you're not near any wqter much it is probably a box tyrtle,named by the box shape of it's shell. They are harmless but may snap a little if scared. Generally you can pick them up by the shell! Good luck, they kinda like dark and damp surroundings. Flower beds and such! Quiet Sam.
July 06, 2005 - Msg 29438: HM -I used to watch a cartoon called "Tudor Turtle" and I had a desert tortoise as a kid, but that's about it, sorry.
Maybe our mayor knows about them, after all, he's a little SLOW these days! haha, Seriously, prayers for him as he goes in for his adjustments.
Spot, my wife is making her great meatloaf tonight.
all are welcome!
Have a good one all, and keep involved in this great experiment of government of the PEOPLE!
MDC
July 06, 2005 - Msg 29439: Hi, all. The Man arrived, and my new fridge is here, house fridge has now become garage fridge, and the old garage fridge went away on the installer's truck. It was a little hard to see it go - it had belonged to my dad, and in his last years, with Alzheimer's disease, he had become convinced that nothing could spoil if it was kept in that refrigerator, so the family had named it "the magic refrigerator." It was indeed a good and sturdy appliance, but it had served its time. Things change.

The Plum is walking wide circles around the new fridge, not at all sure she approves. For one thing, it contains no carrots (or anything else just yet) and she strongly disapproves of that! In her opinion, if it isn't keeping carrots, it's a waste of space.

The power-pole people are supposed to come this week to replace that pole before it falls over. Spot, apparently the pole belongs to Verizon, the phone people, and is leased to our power company. Therefore, Verizon is supposed to replace it. They fought over it for a few days, but Verizon finally agreed to do it. So, we'll see. I've already warned them that I plan to be on site and supervising while they're here! They were thrilled, of course. (teehee)

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


July 06, 2005 - Msg 29440: Sp00ky Benson says hey!
July 06, 2005 - Msg 29441: hi everyone,it is good to get to stop by the porch for a few minutes.I haven't hadinternet or phone service since last thursday,and I thought there was something wrong with my line,come to find out when the repairman got here today,either the kittens or the granddaughter had pulled a cord out inside the house,all i had to do was plug it back in and I had service.I felt so silly!Hope you all had a great 4th.We had a cookout and watched fireworks.Romeena ,that little squirrel sounds so funny,he was sure worked up about something.I was reading the posts and I agree wholeheartedly with what everyone is saying about the government and the representatives.I second that motion about Ted Kennedy,and like you said he's not the only one ,there are some others who need to get out of it.Quiet Sam,glad to see you got to stop in,it's been too long since you stopped by last.I have to go finish cooking dinner,we are having bbq ribs,mashed potatoes,green beans,cold pepsi and tea,you all are welcome to come to dinner.We have cooked so much over the weekend,I'm making a small dinner tonight,so you all are welcome to bring more side dishes if you want.Take care-ky girl
July 06, 2005 - Msg 29442: Evenin' Y'all! Hey Spot,we could've used you over here on the other side of the Savannah river last night-lights went out and stayed out for over 2 hours. Word is that a cable tv line blew and fell on the power lines and burned them.Strange! I heard a few loud booms,lights went out and right away I thought "I need ol' Spot,the electrical dog over here.He'll git r done!" Ha Ha Thankfully it wasn't extremely hot and we managed ok. We've had heat indexes of 100-105 degrees these past few days-terrible!
Glad you're back on the porch Rev. Jr. I was surprised to hear that you got a tan.It rained a lot up and down the SC coast while you were gone and I thought perhaps you were getting wet up there in NC.Obviously not,since you got tan! Or did you go and toast yourself in one of those tanning beds? Hee Hee
Ro,glad the Man delivered your fridge.Now,hope you get that pole taken care of!
Well,guess I'll call it a day-been a long hot one! Have a good evening everyone!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
July 06, 2005 - Msg 29443:
Evening Dears!
My goodness where is spot, Mr Mcbeevee and the MAN when ya need em? Sounds like the porch lites went out! ha Good thing Tom Bodet wasnt around! hee
I hope things went well for Pappa Bear today.
"Were not spring chickens any more!" Maybe all they had to do was to 'loosen' something! haha
Sure do miss ALYCE, MAVIS,AFD, AUH2O, BOO, ED SAWYER DIXIE AND OTHERS. I have only two more episodes to watch on my season 2 dvds. Season 3 will be out soon, I wonder what extras they will put on that set.
I bought a 3 episode dvd of Maverick on the weekend. Forgot how good that show was. Its from 1959 season. Great writing and acting, even Jack Kelly showed up as Bart! "Who is the tall dark stranger there....luck is his companion, gambilin is his game."
Ro, our cat does the same thing as the plum.
WHen we bought new bedroom furniture, she checkd it out and was not happy for a week! They are sure creatures of habit!
have a great evening rocking the night away.
MDC
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29444: Gosh im here yall!...just been storming here in ga and been busy at work...still busy...gona read the poarch now.....SPOT
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29445: Todd, sorry no one answered your question above--the home address for this site is www.tagsrwc.com or you might try www.mayberry.com

Just checking in. I always thought summer was relaxing, but now I'm thinking I have much more time to come sit on the porch in winter. Looks like everyone here is just fine. Glad to see that Boo has checked in a couple of times and that pappa bear was back. Have a Mayberry Day. Gotta get to work.
Charlotte Tucker
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29446: Morning Porchsters- please pray for our friends in London as they cope with the latest terrorist attack. Caught Tony Blair on tv before I left for work. It was pretty impressive seeing all the world leaders standing behind him in support.
Rev.Jr.
P.S. Possum- it only rained for 2 days out of the 7 we were there. So, yeah, we got a lot of beach time. And no, I didn't get a fake bake! LOL
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29447: Hey Y'all. Glad you ain't fake baked,Rev! You lucked out with the rain.
God Bless the citizens of London. What a terrible thing to happen.May the criminals behind this be caught and dealt with to the full extent of the law.
*****PEACE*****
possum under a rock
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29448: Todd and Spooky! Sorry we didnt acknowledge ya!
Where DID our manners go?? Well, welcome and a big
"we appreciate ya"!
Morning everyone! Thanks Charlotte for getting us some "eptness" and some "smarts."
MDC
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29449:
Oh yes, here's my 2 cents on this whole thing,
why are groups like Amnesty Intl so worried about these terrorists at Gitmo, and that they may not get a "cultural" meal etc, when these guys have NO culture , no guts, no respect for ANYTHING!
I pray for them and hope they find the REAL Jesus, but I also have no problem with them missing a meal once in a while. They are living better that our criminals here under Sheriff Joe Aarpio. There are two rules...
MDC
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29450: Afternoon all!

Terrible news about the blasts in London. I was so happy for them yesterday when they announced the 2012 Olympics would be held there. I share possum's sentiments about the perpetrators being caught and dealt with. May God keep the rest of the world safe from terrorists, and may the terrorists realize what a horrific waste they create in trying to get their "message" to others.

MDC, my husband would like me to get the Gitmo recipe book, but I think I will stick with the Mayberry one! ;)

We have a big art show this weekend, and wouldn't you know it, my van has been in the shop since Tuesday, (not with my regular mechanic), and I am not sure when and if it will be fixed! What to do, what to do. Next time my van breaks down far from home, I am going to pay the towing bill to have it brought back to MY mechanic! Prayers please, this has really stressed me out, and I know I should leave it in the capable hands of God, but I keep pulling the problem back into my lap!

Romeena, I know how you felt about seeing your refrigerator being taken away. My father built picnic tables for a few years, and I was fortunate enough to have one of them. I had to replace some nails here and there, some rotting wood over time, and of course repaint it periodically. After a while it was pretty much just nails and screws and splinters of wood, but my dad had made it all those years ago and I didn't want to give it up. My husband's better sense finally prevailed and I have a pretty set out in my yard, but I sure loved that old redwood hand-made set!

It's been mighty pleasant visiting with y'all!

Have a great Mayberry day!

Mary Wiggins
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29451: Yep, homemaker, that's next on the activist's agenda in their bid to force everyone to accept homosexuality - make it illegal to say anything negative about it. It is already frowned upon to be not accepting of it and if you are you will get a "bigot" or "intolerant" label tagged to you. Boy, and everyone thought that the thought police would be conservative republicans! Little do they know.Anyway, Hi all again. I am back at my Mom's place as I am dropping Kai off as I drive up to get my license plate renewed(it's kind of late, hopefully I won't get pulled over on the way there:)).Things aren't going real good personally-wise here. Apparently we moved up here so I could baby-sit my brat of a nephew (who likes to boss around Kai) all day, and I get rung over the coals simply for expressing my wish to not do it. I initially agreed to watch him for three weeks as he was in summer-school. I didn't mind that. But I also said to my wife that I didn't want it to become a regular thing. Well, it's turned into a regular thing and I only found out about it on Tuesday night that my wife had volunteered me to watch him on a daily basis, without even asking me first. I don't wish to sound like an ingrate. I mean, her sister and husband have helped us out with our new house, and that was on reason my wife gave for watching him for those first three weeks, and I accepted that. But I also love mine and Kai's time alone together, to say nothing about taking her on bike rides, which I can't do now(he doesn't like to ride bikes). I either have to "nip it in the bud" right away; figure out some kind of compromise; or do nothing and be a doormat and whipping boy for the rest of my life. Sorry for unloading my troubles(again) here, but I had a rough night last night. I was being punished. My wife said she would talk to her sister yesterday, but never did. And then went into her repetoire(sp?) of insults of how lazy I am and other niceties. So wait; she hadn't talked to her sister so my nephew was going to be coming over again, yet she was mad at me? What was she mad for? I don't really have to ask that question because I know she was mad at me simply for voicing my opinion. This goes much deeper for me than simply watching a kid I don't like and liking my privacy. This is about realizing that what I want and what I feel doesn't matter(and has pretty much never mattered) to some people, and not knowing what to do about that. I asked God for help last night, and I don't know if I received an answer yet. Or maybe that's why He sent me here to the porch. Well, anyway, Sorry again for the dramatics and the kvetching. Hopefully I will have something good to write about someday.Prayers for the people in England and for the people on the porch.Have a nice day, everyone. -Sterling Holobyte(no, I'm still not used to this Mac computer;) )
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29452: That's supposed to be "one reason". Geesh. :)-Sterling Holobyte
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29453: Has it occurred to anyone else that when it's made illegal for me to speak a negative word regarding homosexual marriage, Muslims, or anything else, that is a serious infringement upon my right of free speech?? I'd like to see all the ACLU-ers and bleeding-heart liberals answer that one. Gets sticky, doesn't it? --Romeena
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29454: Sterling,I will keep you in my prayers,you are in a tough spot.Sounds to me like it was understood by everyone that you would babysit,except you,the one who is actually doing the babysitting.I t would have been nice if they had spoken to you about it,instaesd of assuming.Thats called taking advantage,and.that isn't fair at all.And,it isn't fair to Kai.How does your nephew respond when he is corrected or doesn't get his way?Like,since Kai likes to ride her bike and he doesn't ,does he argue or pout or tantrum if she is riding her bike?I'm asking because,you just may be the only person to change his atttude,or at least his behaviour.I'm not saying I'm an expert,I have 5 children and 1 grandchild,and,I can tell you they are all different in the way thier reactions are to rules,compromise,tempers,etc.God will help you through this.Take Care and let me know how things go if you don't mind.Spot,I'm keeping you in my prayers,I know you are having major rain from this hurricane.I heard today that kentucky is getting some heavy storms and possible tornadoes from this .I have to close for now,you all take care.oh,MDC and Romeena,since my computer was unplugged i didn't receive your e-mails,would you mind sending them again?My address is:isabelle644446@msn.com.-ky girl
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29455: Regarding the suggestion that we write to our troops, I'm going to include here a copy of a letter I wrote that will be mailed along with many others from our church membership. It's long, and I apologize for that, but some things are difficult to say in just a few words. Here goes:

To any soldier in the Middle East:

On this day, while we celebrate our freedom and independence here in America, I wanted you to know that you are thought of, remembered, and appreciated.

We are sitting here in comfort and safety, and certainly you are not. It’s because of you and people like you over the years that the rest of us are free. There is no way we can ever thank you enough, and many of us pray daily that you will soon be able to return home and resume your life with your family and friends.

Please don’t be discouraged by the negative and gloomy reports generated by our news media. I think everyone knows by now that the media are biased, unfailingly negative and seemingly determined to put their own grim spin on everything. I just hope that you realize that the media does not speak for grassroots America.

We know you’re in danger, we know there are casualties, and we know that some missions do not meet with success. We also know you are brave, we know you expect some casualties, and we know that for every unsuccessful mission, there are many, many more that succeed.

Certain high-profile people (such as movie stars who think their fame qualifies them as experts on everything) question why we are in Iraq, and anywhere else in the Middle East. They don’t realize that you are there resisting a force that is a threat to the entire free world. If Islam isn’t contained at its roots, it will spread like poison ivy. We have only to look at the living conditions of the Iraqi people to know what Islam rule will do.

Here in America, Islam is tolerated, mosques are built and go unmolested, and Muslims enjoy the same freedom as everyone else. Yet, in the Muslim world, Christians are persecuted, tortured and killed for their faith, churches burned and desecrated. How on earth can anyone think we can let such a culture proliferate? So, you are there in that miserable place, protecting the freedom of religion and lifestyle that we all take for granted. God bless you.

We thank God daily that you were willing to go there, to combat the regime and to thereby say to the rest of Islam that their brutal, oppressive excesses will not be tolerated by the free world.

Please, be aware that on Anystreet in America, the word is out. Support the troops!! Magnetic strips bloom on almost every car – “Support our troops!” Flags fly on houses. People wear T-shirts that proclaim their support. I have one, and I’m a 66-year-old woman! Churches organize groups that meet planes at the airport when troops are aboard, just to welcome them home. Strangers, yes, but they’re still our troops!

Emails circulate constantly, recounting stories of heroism and valor. Old retired soldiers who are in contact with others who are still active receive descriptive letters, and those are circulated as well. We read stories, and see pictures of the grateful Iraqi people who have been released from their brutal oppressors. We see the medic tending to a little injured child. We see the picture of the Iraqi man who was trying to kiss the hand of an American soldier, out of grat-itude.

This long letter is intended to let you know that you are loved, appreciated, and prayed for. I’m sure it must seem like it sometimes, but you are not forgotten, and you are not alone. God is with you, and the prayers of millions of Americans support you every day.

God Bless You!

An American grandmother

July 07, 2005 - Msg 29456: sorry about the typos in my above post,but,i got the censor screen on a couple of words,that were not inappropriate,but,i had to misspell them in order to post.-ky girl
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29457: american grandmother,you posted when i did,and,I just read your post of your letter and i'm sitting here with tears in my eyes.How beautiful,encouraging,loving,and supportive your letter is.Romeena,i said it before and i'll say it again,you always hit it right on the point of the matter,and,if you ever run for president you have my vote!-ky girl
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29458: Did you ever get carrots in the new refrigerator for plum?-ky girl
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29459: Ky girl, you are too kind. And yes, there are now carrots in the new refrigerator, and the Plum has decided it can stay in the kitchen. We've been having a bit of a storm here this morning (yay, we got some rain!) and she has been plastered to my ankle since before the first thunderclap. I can always tell when we're going to have a storm, because she becomes Velcro Doggie, and won't leave my side. She hates storms!

I have a cousin who is a retired Marine fighter pilot, and who is in touch with a number of men who are still on active duty. He forwards many of their letters and emails to me. Some of it is a bit salty, but he knows I'll overlook that and read it for the kernels of truth and revelation that are always there. Fascinating! Believe me, we can be proud of our troops.

Sugarplum says hey1 --Romeena


July 07, 2005 - Msg 29460: just got home from 2 days at va hospital- guess they got tired of me. special prayers for the people of london,england. i've ridden that subway several times in late 70's. do my eyes decieve me- so many wonderful long gone porchsters checking in? we've sure missedyou all and had you in our prayers. mary wiggins, quiet sam, slim, sterling holobyte, charlotte tucker, rev jr, spooky benson, todd, american grandmother and all the rest of the porch a big hug. mdc- along with plato, rome got fat and lazy, full of the easy living, and we all know what happened there. many of our veterans are being called back and sent to iraq at age s 60- 65 years old and not a memberof the guard. yet they refuse to start the draft. i'm not a proponet of having to but generations of americans have done it. spot- when we going to have a wing ding at your place again? pappa bear
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29461: Thanks Ky Girl. He usually just shrugs his shoulders when he is corrected and gets quiet(maybe I should correct him more often);) . Although then he must forget about whatever he was corrected about because it doesn't take long for him to go back to the same behaviour. About the bike riding, Kai doesn't ride her bike too often. She usually rides on her little bike seat with me. I can't really do that now, and I am an avid bicyclist and I like biking with Kai, and she enjoys it too. It's more of that special time that we share together. Anyway, thanks for listening, and I will sure let you know what happens. I guess I better get headed back. Hope you are doing well pappa bear. And everyone else too. -Sterling Holobyte
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29462: I just realized I didn't sign #29455 above, which could be confusing, especially since the signature on the letter looks like it belongs to the whole post. I signed the letter "An American grandmother", because I doubt if our troops would have any idea who "Romeena" is! (Ha!)

Sterling, I'm sorry you're having to deal with the bratty kid. Try to look at like this - perhaps he needs a good, positive male role model and that's why God has paired the two of you up for a while. If nothing else, maybe that will make it easier to endure.

Pappa bear, it's good to see you back. You didn't tell us how things went at the VA, and of course you don't have to, but we're concerned about you. Is everything OK?

Have a great evening, friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29463: Sterling- shoot me an email if ya like and we can talk.
ROMEEna- thaT IS A perfect line about freedom of speech! They are turning themselves into pretzels trying to "protect" everything said against anybody! Then, like you say, what will they say when WE go to them for protecting our speech!
YOU ARE A BIRD IN THIS WORLD!
PappaBear, glad you are ok, our porch prayers were with ya.
Pray for the world, things are close at hand.
Thank God we can still put on TAGS!
MDC

July 07, 2005 - Msg 29464: Hello everyone!!
Its been so long!! Thanks MDC for calling out for me..

Just been so busy...finally moved in and trying to get settled. Even though we are in we are still busy though and I have ALOT more to CLEAN!! So that takes up a lot of my time as well as the kids to. Husband is working a lot so I'm single parenting some..cant wait for vacation.
Just had a Southern Living at Home party last week...for the ladies out there. It was great. I havent turned it all in yet, but I am close to $1000 in sales. Any of you ladies use their products.

Sad about the world news.. I am sick of war.

I've been so busy, that I havent even bought Season Two!! I cant even remember the last time I sat down and watched a TAGS episode!! Bad girl, I know.

Well take care..didnt have time to read the posts..Someone please fill me in on things..Whats up with Pappa Bear..and why was he in VA? What part?

Alyce
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29465: well i did read back a few...I see that Pappa went to the VA hospital..sorry, thought it meant Virginia..
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29466: Welcome back Sp00ky and to Todd. . .glad to see you both.
Miss Ro - you are the cat's meow.
Really tired this evening - it will probably be next week before I see you all again - it has been a busy week.

Sterling - you are in my prayers. . .


homemaker
July 07, 2005 - Msg 29467: Hey SpOOky, alyce asa,possum ro,plumb,hm,mdc,ky,sh,sawyer,and all the porch...whew storms here in ga have kept me hopping at the power company...hope yall have eat well!..gona read the archives..in the morning lets meet at waffle house on me...ro glad the pole thing is fixed..alyce glad you are moved in!prayers to all in London and on the porch,to you sh,pappa...well back to the power outages..signed:SPOT the"yall dont forget about me know, just been busy and miiss sherry says hey" dog of your porch...
July 08, 2005 - Msg 29468: A need to know trivia answer: Did Otis have his own key to a cell or did he use the one on the wall?
Charlotte Tucker
July 08, 2005 - Msg 29469: on the wall
July 08, 2005 - Msg 29470:
Charlote,
In one episode, he does have his own key to the front door of the courthouse!
Busy today, more later, Staying vigilant,
MDC
July 08, 2005 - Msg 29471: good late afternoon dears;;; sorry asa that i missed you earlier post been praying you were ok. alyce and boo great to see you around. charlotte tucker- once again the rain was all around us but lincoln got nary a drop. romeena- the doctors said i'll live at least two months , i told them if i didn't i'd sue. JUST KIDDING-- he said i was declining some or was it inclining i always get those mixed up. i'm ok;;; goober can you modify the cars to run on water at these gas prises. spot- when can we have an old fashion wing dingt like last year at your place. sterling, sadly relatives will holdthings over you when you owe them a favor, not all but some. you'll have to take a stand onbe day against the treatment, remember we're here for you. hey to antone i missed. pappa whew bear
July 08, 2005 - Msg 29472: pappa bear again- i have an editorial from my pipes and tobaco magazine i thought you'd enjoy----- RATIONALIZING;;; I BUY USED AND THE CHEAPEST ITEMS and save a bundle but when it comes to pipes i have to admit that i like the good stuff translated expensive stuff. i have 100's of them but still like a new one even though my bank account disagrees. sure i think this pipe may cost hundreds of dollars but why send my daughter to cornell university when it's perfectly practical to enroll her in blanche's route 4chool of beauty, typing and tractor repair? once you've sold your own family's furniture to buy pipes, additional financial justifications are easy i have to admit that first smoke in a thousand dollar pipe is pretty expensive; it's a thousand dollars oh add 35 cents for the tobaco. since a pipe like a car depreciates after the first puff that means my second bowl will cost 500.35 to smoke, saving 500 dollars. after 30 times of smoking it onlt costa couple of bucks saving me almost 1,ooo dollars, talk about being thrifty. of course i'd be dead meat if my wife found out i can only afford it because i cancelled my life and health insurence, diverted money that was suppose to go foor repairing her car brakes/ she doesn't use brakes often anyway.and have refilled her allergy prescription with tic tacs. i shudder to thinkwhat would happen if she even suspected. -- oh hi honey, i didn;t know you were looking overmy shoulder-- this? ha- ha! no none of this is true, honest, it's just a fictional piece for the magazine. i don't even like expensive pipes! in fact there is no such thing as an expensive pipe.ten bucks tops--- now sweetie, put down the gun, please don't kill me!looks like i'll be sleeping on the couch in the garage for quite sometime to come. poor, poor chuck- how does he get himself these fixes . some days it doesn't pay 5to get out of bed er, offthe couch.... hope you had a chuckle or two . pappa bear
July 08, 2005 - Msg 29473: Pappa bear, you are a bird in this world! --Romeena
July 08, 2005 - Msg 29474:
Thanks, PBear, I think we all needed a good chuckle! The author even got Emma's pills in there ha. Glad you'll be with us a while longer.
Like the boy who asked the doctor if he could play the piano when he got the cast off his arm.
The doc says, "sure, no problem." So the boy says, "Great, I never could play it before!" (ok, old joke from Double Bubble or Bazooka)teehee.
Prayers continue for all the porch and the world.
The tares and the wheat shall grow together, then at harvest time, the tares will be bound and burned, but the wheat shall be gathered into the biggest, bestest Barn you EVER did see! Alleluia! Ok, I'll save the preachin for Sunday!
A great porch evening to ya. been so hot and dry here that the birdbath plum walked from the garden to under the back porch so the birdies could bathe for a second before all the water boiled out! haha
Fresh lemonade all around.
MDC
July 08, 2005 - Msg 29475: Hi
They have the best new shirts at weavers. Check them out. The "Barney's Sidecar Company T-Shirt" looks really cool!
http://www.mayberry.com/tagsrwc/weavers/weaversnew3.htm
July 08, 2005 - Msg 29476: "Aunt Bea, just call the man!"
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29477: Good morning yall..whew, had break from the storms yesterday and went to the boat and went fishing,caught a few but had a good time in the sun..hey ct,ro,mdc,pappa,asa,possum,hm,ky,sh,slim..and all, prayers to the London people, this morning its country ham and egg bisquits,grits,hashbrowns [get two]..coffee milk....SPOT
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29478: MY matoes are really coming along if I stay out of them HA I had some fried green ones last night for a midnight snack. Good stuff! I haven't posted in a few days...been busy as a bee putting down tile and laying carpet. Home Depot had a good sale last week-end. This soreness and stiffness I owe to them. I also have Fibro Mialgia in my neck and shoulders. Please pray for me. Slim
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29479: Hey guys. I'm so sorry I haven't been by in a while. I miss the chatter! Hopefully I will be back more often once all this madness calms down.

Please pray for us in the Panhandle in the path of Dennis. It could be a mean one and I'm pretty near where I don't want to be. Most likely will be on the east side of the storm.... the worst side.

But everything will be okay. Whatever happens God will make something good out of it.

Pray for our VBS at church. It was supposed to start tomorrow night but we have to postpone it a week b/c of the weather. We aren't even having services in the morning cause we expect to be hit pretty hard right now.

Well. if I don't lose power I'll try to update you guys tomorrow on the storm.

:):)
Dixie
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29480: Hey slim, hope your soreness gets better!..hey Dixie...my garden is doing great, got a few ripe maters, lots of green ones, have put up 5 or 6 jars of green ones and about a dozen jars of hot peppers...tonight its grilled out hamburgers,pork-n-beans,chips and banana peppers....SPOT
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29481: a wonderfuly hot dry day in the shake and bake midwest. prayers for the ones in dennis the menace's path. and our troops. and dixie's vbs. was that vbs or vhs? always get them mixed up.ha. just checking in. pappa going to the couch bear
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29482: Hi, all... Good to see Dixie and Slim, I hope your soreness improves. My "garden" consisted of some lettuce I planted around my rose bed. Made a pretty border for a while, but now has gotten tall, leggy and not so pretty. Guess I'll pull it up. Peanuts are thriving (squirrels planted them), but they sure do make the rose island look shaggy. Debating whether to let them mature, or pull them up. The squirrels will harvest them, but not until mid-fall, and they'll really be looking tacky by then.

My yardman friend is here, back yard is looking beautiful. He declares he enjoys doing my yard because it looks so good when he finishes. I always tell him that's because he does such a nice job, and it's true, he really does.

I wish I had the grit to do my own yard, but I just don't. It's a quarter-acre lot, there is a lot of edging to do, and it's over 100 degrees out there. Besides, Eddie makes it look much better than I would, and he's quick. So, I just call the man, and let him do it.

Guess I'll go open the garage, so Eddie can get a cold soda out of the fridge. I never drink them, but I keep them for the folks who work around here. You'd be surprised how fast they disappear! Makes me happy, that's what they're there for.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29483: Ro , is the pole fixed yet?
Prayers for dix and all in Dennis path etc.
God bless,
More later, so busy today, feels like I got a bucket over my face, ha.
MDC
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29484: Romeena can I grab one of those pop"s?..leaving work at 6 to weed eat so that pop would be good after ..papa rest good..well let me wrap up here and get the grill lit when I get home for the cook out...sognedSPOT the"yall like won-ton soup?" dog of this here porch
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29485: Please keep my son Jesse in your prayers - he has developed a staph infection on his ankle - luckily, it has not gone into his joints. Thanks

homemaker
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29486: Spot, you just help your self, honey. Garage door is open. Got about six flavors out there, but no nectarine crush. It's gettin' hard to find! Wonder where Wally gets his?

No, MDC that dratted pole isn't fixed yet! Finally got the right man out here this week, though, and he assures me it will be fixed by the end of next week. By "fixed" he means that a new pole will be set, and the old tottery one will be pulled upright and tied to it and the lines pulled up taut, waiting for the power company to get the lines moved to the new pole. That, he said, could take up to nine months. I told him that in my younger days I could produce a whole human being in nine months, so am not sure why moving some power lines should take that long. Truthfully, though, as long as the old pole is secured to the new one and in no danger of falling, and the lines aren't sagging anymore, I don't care if they never move the lines to the new pole.

homemaker, how did Jesse acquire a staph infection? Did he have an injury to his ankle? We all carry staph on our skin all the time, but it's rarely a problem unless there's an injury to offer a point of entry.

Well, gotta go feed critters. Pigeons and doves are milling around the feeding station, looking perplexed, and a squirrel is trying to climb into the feeder to get to the few seeds left in the bottom. Hummer feeders are dry, too, so off I go. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29487: Prayers for Slim and homemaker's son. Dixie,you hold tight down there.As a survivor of Hurricane Hugo,I'm here to tell you that you can and will make it through okay.Hugo was right at a Cat 4 and came full force at us! We South Carolinians made it through and you Floridians will too. Prayers will be with you and for all residents along the Gulf Coast.Check in when you can,ok? God Bless!
Romeena,a cold soda sounds good right about now. How 'bout you toss one in an easterly direction?Maybe I'll catch it if I stand tiptoe on top of my rock-that is,if Spot doesn't make a grab at it as it flies over Georgia! Better toss two sodas,just in case! Ha Ha
Y'all have a good evening! Stay safe!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
July 09, 2005 - Msg 29488: You got it, Possum! Here goes....

I'm throwing Dr. Pepper, the kind made here in Dublin, Texas, with real Imperial pure cane sugar, instead of corn syrup. Yes, my dears, there's a difference! They aren't available just anywhere, but most Texans know where to find some.

I sure hope those hurricanes aren't as bad this year as last year. My Florida kids came through with minimal damage, but some of their friends weren't so fortunate. No injuries, but lots of property damage.

Well, guess I'll go watch a couple of shows from the Second Season. Sure am enjoying them! Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena


July 09, 2005 - Msg 29489: HM prayers to jesse!..RO..glad to hear about yer pole [no nectarine crush?..for floyd and I?..may grab that pop possum..ha ha ..Ro..Dr pepper"s yum yum,twinkies too!..glad kids are ok, heve saw your back yord on your picture web site , very neat and well kept, just wish I could build a site so I could post pic of my place and kids...well its off to bed ..miss sherry just called and say to say hey, got to get up at 4:30 to go to work and keep the lights on...someone call breakfast in the morning I will be there...spot
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29490: I'm enjoying the second season too, Romeena!
I appreciate it, and Good night!
- Hazel
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29491: good morning folks--- another scorcher here. prayers for homemakers son, soldiers, england, and those in the path of dennis, sounds like spot and miss sherry will have thier hands full. slim- mamma bear has fiber also and it's no picnic. hello to all i've missed. got to get a couple of things done before gets hotter... pappa ( come to I HOP breakfast on me) bear... i hear there funnel cakes are fantastic.
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29492: on tv land 's bonanza this morning emma watson was cooking for the cartwrights and a slick dude was trying to sweet talk her. other than not having her pills she was fine. LET'S ALL GIVE FLOYD A BIG HAND AND REMIND HIM HOW MUCH HE IS APPRECIATED
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29493: MSG 29492 WAS FROM YOUR MAYOR.. PAPPA BEAR
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29494: Clap, clap, clap, clap, etc., for Floyd, our hero! What would we do without him? --Romeena
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29495: Hey to the porch from Ireland.

Thanks to the praying folk who upheld our VBS. We had 59 kids attend.

Will try to pop in now and then - but busy for two more weeks.

-Irishter
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29496: Spot, I didn't build that website where my pictures are. It's available to anyone! Just go to "myphotoalbum.com" and it will tell you what to do. Once you sign up, your website address becomes whatever you want it to be, such as "spot.myphotoalbum.com" or whatever. It's really easy - once you get the address, you can just start copying pictures from your computer albums onto the website. I hope you'll do it - in fact, I wish everyone would. Then we can all see what everyone looks like. (oh, mercy.) Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29497: Thanks Romeena I will check it out....busy here at work...SPOT
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29498: Romeena - Jesse, we think had a mosquito bite for the point of entry that he scratched and opened, then he had poison ivy on his hands (this kid can see poison ivy 10 feet away and it is on him - red hair, fair skin) which then transferred to the mosquito bite thus it became infected. On Thursday evening it was red and I cleaned it out with peroxide by Friday evening he had a fever of 102.3 and a huge swollen ankle. We went to sick call on Saturday with a fever of 99.3 and a bigger ankle with swelling into his foot. The doctor put him on antibiotics, cultured it, told me to put on neosporin, and keep it as clean as possible. If it gets too much worse, then he will be hospitalized. Right now - the antibiotics have kicked in and the fever broke last nite. Do you know how hard it is to keep a 7 year old down? Ahhh - but he also doesn't want to go to the hospital and neither do we.

Thanks for all the prayers - this porch is the greatest!!

homemaker
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29499: Almost RACE TIME...hey irishter..we are fixing to get the edge of the storm..guess I will be here at the power company all night..prayers to all in storm path...will someone bring me something to eat?..im gona be busy...SPOT
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29500: Irishter, some friends from church just returned from three weeks visiting Ireland, Scotland and England. The general concensus from them was that next time, while they do want to visit the other countries again, they want to spend the greatest amount of time in Ireland. They were just charmed. They couldn't say enough about the beauty of the countryside, and the kindness and friendliness of the Irish people. Pretty much the same story I get from my son and his wife when they visit over there. They just love it! I hope I get to go someday. --Romeena
July 10, 2005 - Msg 29501:
HM- I say it again, and I also swear by it, Oregamax at HiHealth or other HFstores.
It is great stuff that stops infections like a brickwall, it can be taken with other antibiotics because it is just wild oregano in geletan capsules! My mother kept getting UTI's at the nursing home, so I started mixing a capsule into a small cup of Motts applesauce each time i go (5 days a week), and she hasnt (to the surprise of all)had another one sinse!
(and is very 'regular' too, haha)
Posssum, hope you kept your head down when Hugo
blew thru.
Hazel and Ro- ...so try Post Toasties, theyre goooood !! (:
Mayor, time for an APB on some of these folks.
Wheres mayberry girl and fun girl, ed sawyer, auh20 etc. Renal care is important, but so is conversation! ha
Still hotter than you-know-what here! The birds are walkin' instead of flyin' !
Here's a REAL one: It happens every summer here after so many 111-112 days, the cold water tap actually runs WARM water! Kewp prayin for rain, wish we could get just a bit of Dennis.
Pastor today said he may be retiring! Great man, he is pondering it.
Spot- how goes the race? Good day all. love ya,
MDC

July 10, 2005 - Msg 29502: Hey Guys! We came through just fine. Dennis went far enough west that all we got was some strong wind and a LOT of rain. I have a few 9he he) limbs to pick up.... it should only take a few hours. But hey, I have seen much worse. I'm just so happy we didn't get the tornados that we usually do.

Thank you guys for all your thoughts and prayers. They sure helped. I do feel so bad for people in Pensacola. Sheesh.... that's rough getting it again like that.

Well I'll go now. You take care!

:):)
Dixie