December 25, 2006 - Msg 47990: That's true, for a lot of people, it's not "fun". However, if we put aside all the man-made trappings of Christmas - too much food, buying gifts we can't afford, rushing and shopping and trying too hard to have fun, and just listen to the voice of God in our heart, it can be so much more than "fun". If you sit very still, and listen with the ears of your heart, you can almost hear those angels singing on that blessed night, and Christmas can creep in and bring you joy that goes far beyond fun, and lasts forevermore - not just in this life, but in the life to come. Because He was born, and lived, and died, we can live forever. --Romeena
December 25, 2006 - Msg 47991:
Christmas trouble check. All A-OK. Over and under, er 10-20, roger and out.
MDC
December 25, 2006 - Msg 47992: Merry Christmas one and all.
jennieboone

December 25, 2006 - Msg 47993: Merry Christmas...to all my porch friends. And best wishes for a wonderful 07
December 25, 2006 - Msg 47994: oops, that was me....fun girl




December 25, 2006 - Msg 47995: Hey jennie fg...I hope all the porch had a great Christmas...im here at work with plenty of left overs and keeping the Church lights on ...prayers for a great 07 to all....SPOT
December 25, 2006 - Msg 47996: Merry Christmas eve to everyone - hope your hearts are warm and your bellies are full. . .

homemaker
December 26, 2006 - Msg 47997: Good morning everyone. I suppose I'm the first to post on the day after Christmas--otherwise known as Boxing day to our British and Canadian friends. I hope that you all had a blessed day yesterday.

On Saturday, we traveled to Dover, Delaware to visit the Mrs.' family and had a nice time there. Everyone was on their best behavior. Since they have ten kids (well, three are or almost adults), my wife's brother has two and we have three, things were noisy and chaotic. But, everyone had fun and nothing got broken so all was well.

On Christmas Eve we attended a joint service in the a.m. at the larger church in our parish. It was nice (lots of music) but the Mrs. was a liturgist so I had to wrangle the kids solo. Of course Nora is a gem in church, but Chad gets antsy after awhile and the service was little later than we are used to and it went over Veda's naptime so I had to ammuse her. It was very nice to get to hear the choir again. (We used to attend the larger church but they hold Sunday school during the service and we started attending the much smaller church, which is about four miles away, when Nora was small so the kids could attend both church and Sunday school. Both churches are technically separate but share ministers and do some joint services during holidays.) Then, we had a turkey dinner for my parents, grandmother, and mother-in-law. It also was nice. In the evening, we went to the candlelight service at our regukar church. Like teh church you grew up in, BOO, it is teh typical turn-of-the-20th century country Methodist church. It, too, has the beautiful stanined glass windows and the center Christ window over the pulpit. Ther than that, though, it's simple wood and plaster. It looks the same as it probably did 100 years ago; it really makes you feel connected to something. Anyway, it was beautiful.

Christmas morning came (too darned!) early. The kids loved their gifts and we had a nice morning. We visited my mom's house to see my brother's family for a late brunch, tehn in teh late afternoon went over to my grandmother's for her "open house." By 6:00 p.m., we were ready to drop. We had the kids in bed by 7:15 (which they were less than thrilled with). They had a long day, too, and you could tell needed some sleep. Even more, we did!

It truly has been a wonderful Christmas. Thanks for sharing your memory with us, ROMEENA. I tried hard to really drink things in as they were happening this year instead of rushing through. I want to have memories like that.

Welcome home, BOO. It wasn't the same without you.

MDC: Thanks for checking in on COLT for us.

Well, I've yakked enough for now (who am I to talk, BOO?). Y'all have a good one.

Me-They
December 26, 2006 - Msg 47998: Leftover turkey sandwiches for lunch, on me. Sorry, but unless you want it "dry" you'll have to bring the slimey white spread of your choice.

(See, I can create a moulage even at this joyous time of year.)

Me-They
December 26, 2006 - Msg 47999: Thanks for the welcome back, Me-They! Glad your Christmas was a blessed one. I really enjoyed reading about it, thanks for sharing it with us. I wish all the porch folks would do the same.

We went to my in-laws for dinner yesterday (they are the ones who live in a small town, kind of out in the country). The food was good and we were able to spend some time talking about our memories of Christmas past. My sis-in-law who has been having such a tough time after her divorce was there and in better spirits, as well as her 3 grown children, so my mom-in-law was very blessed and even in tears to have them all together (she has been very concerned over her daughter). We bought Sean a Karaoke machine for Chrismtas so the kids did a little of that last night and then we soon left for the hour drive home. It was nice. My best friend Karen and her 2 kids spent the day with us, too.

Well, believe it or not, I still have one more Christmas event tonight (deacon's Christmas dinner) so I have to go out and buy a few little gifts. Better scoot...

Good to be back, Me-They!

Boo


December 26, 2006 - Msg 48000: Get this, the Mrs. just called me to let me know that Nora was already saying that she was bored and wanted to do something. At 10:00 a.m. the day after Christmas! She said she feels trapped in the house (it's raining here and the Mrs. has no plans to go anywhere today). I wish I had such problems.

Me-They
December 26, 2006 - Msg 48001: Merry Christmas & Happy Boxing Day,
I have been in Kentucky with my parents this weekend. We are leaving tomorrow. We had Christmas with my sister and her 2 children on Saturday. Then relaxed (weird concept) on Sunday. Yesterday the boys opened presents in the morning. Unfortunately Bryson had either the 24 hr flu or a bad hot dog and couldn't go with Nick and I to my grandparents houses. We had fun, but the whole time I was worried about Bry and feeling bad that hubby had to stay home. Today hubby and I are going out on a date to Cracker Barrel and then we'll see my sister again tonight. We leave for GA tomorrow. I will read the archives when I get home to see how everyone's Chrismtas was.
Boo-I'm glad you made it home safely.
Me-They- If it wasn't for my kids gameboys they would be bored too. That's normal. Sensory overload.
Y'all have a wonderful Day!
Blessings,
~Lucy
December 26, 2006 - Msg 48002: Happy Day after Christmas folks. I hope everyone had a wonderful day. My family came on Christmas
Even and my husbands family came on Christmas morning and spent the day with us. The live about 1 1/2 hours away. A good time was had by all.
I will be off work until January 2nd and am looking forward to having a few days off. Hope Santa was good to everyone. Cold and dreary onmy end of the porch today. see you guys later. Big Maude
December 26, 2006 - Msg 48003: Big Maude, may I have some of your slaw? It's been awhile!

Happy boxing day.

Deputy Warren Ferguson
December 26, 2006 - Msg 48004: re: message 47990 from Romeena.

Girl, that was one of the most beautiful posts I have seen all year. I agree with you to the utmost. Thank you for reminding us about the reason for the season. Pokie
December 26, 2006 - Msg 48005: re: message 47990 from Romeena.

Girl, that was one of the most beautiful posts I have seen all year. I agree with you to the utmost. Thank you for reminding us about the reason for the season. Pokie
December 26, 2006 - Msg 48006: Hey Romeena,dwf,hm,boo,Rev,lucy Pokie,m-t,MDC,jenni,Big maude,horatio,TOM and all my friends...well back at work again now till morning,got all lights on...and got plenty of ham and turkey and dressing and green beans left over...yall welcome to a plate..work tomorrow and then off for 5 days to clean and burn trash!..well let me get a plate....SPOT
December 26, 2006 - Msg 48007:
Spot, I found my old 8 track unit yesterday and a few tapes. Popped in Harry Simeone Corale's "little drummer boy" album. Good to see it was still working! I hear that vinyl is making a comeback too. Look at BOO and her Goodyear albums!
Glad all had a good Christmas.
Well ... Good king Wenseslaus went down on the feast of Stephen...
MDC (steve)
December 26, 2006 - Msg 48008: MDC i still have my 8 track stereo and it all works good...its a 1978 model with 75 model speakers and have probably 100 8 tracks...by the way its a 8 track recorder also...has 2 mics...but cant find blank 8 tracks anymore..has the meters and all that work on it ...its a conversation piece for sure....SPOT
December 26, 2006 - Msg 48009: Thanks, Pokie, and welcome to the porch. It's nice to have you - just grab a rocker and hang on.

Our local newspaper carried a letter to the editor (no, I didn't write it) the other day, and it made an excellent point. We read and hear so much about how Nativity scenes and Christ-based displays are forbidden in so many places, and we as Christians get all bent out of shape about it. Well, the letter went on to say that if every Christian family would obtain and display a Nativity, large or small, in their own yard, no one would even notice that there are none displayed in public places. So true, and as I've mentioned before, I've become very convicted about the fact that my own yard, while brightly decorated, has only secular items on display. That's a problem I intend to remedy this year, and next Christmas will see a very different theme out there. I had some lighted angels, a cherub, and a shepherd, but age and weather have rendered them unusable, and I'm not sure they're worth repairing. I think I'll just start from scratch.

Me-They, it sounds like you had a busy, tiring and thoroughly enjoyable holiday. I'd love to hear from everyone about what you did. Who wants to start? From wild and hectic to peaceful and quiet, let's hear it!

Sugarplum says ho, ho, ho! --Romeena
December 26, 2006 - Msg 48010: happy Holiday everyone!I'm sorry I didn't get to stop by christmas eve,went to the service at church,then came home and had to get the kids ready for bed.they were up at 2 am opening presents,so,i'm still trying to catch up on sleep!Hope you all had a wonderful christmas.Spot,think I will stop by later and see if you still have leftovers,I cooked ham,so,I'm ready for some turkey!Romeena,so glad to hear about your friend susan,God truly does still work miracles.MDC,thats a great idea about sending colt some letters.How is Mrs.Colt holding up?Floyd,that christmas card was beautiful,it brought tears to my eyes.tom,since we are only a couple of hours away from each other,i assume we are having the same kind of weather.is it still raining there?We are getting alot here.I'm glad it is not snow,I can deal with the rain.Well friends,I have to go,prayers for all of you-ky girl
December 26, 2006 - Msg 48011: Good to hear from you KY Girl!

ROMEENA, that editorial made a great point, didn't it? I may have told you all this before but after my house gets built and I get some critters out back (donkey, goat, horse, etc.) I am going to have Bruce build a big manger and have a live nativity in front of the house, close to the road so people can drive by and see it. I was thinking it would be a nice thing to do the weekend before Christmas and maybe put it in the paper or put up some flyers. That is still a couple of years away but it is something I really want to do. I was thinking that since the kid's school is right next door, maybe we could make it something the school kids could participate in as kind of a gift to the community...I mean as long as I can still have a nativity scene in my own yard in this country, I would love to do it.

We had the deacon's dinner tonight at this place call Blackbeard's and it was sure good. I had a perfectly cooked rib-eye and a baked potato with all the trimmings. We had lots of laughs during dinner and then went to someone's house for dessert and a small gift exchange. It was really enjoyable. SO....that is the last of the Christmas activities! I have to start the big Christmas clean-up tomorrow. I still have laundry from vacation and there are toys in the living room still in the box. I have to clean out the kid's rooms to make room for it somehow, whew! Now the real work begins.

Better get Erin to bed. It is 11pm and she is still awake!

Boo
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48012: I know I am late, but Merry Christmas to all my Mayberry friends! I had a great one, got to spend the day in the bed, just like I planned after 16 straight days of working! Hope you all had a wonderful one as well.
*Mavis
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48013: Mavis dear, so good to see you. I hope you can slow down soon and take it easy.

Asa
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48014: Hi All Christmas was not to good for me.
Kygirl you can have all me rain .
I think I will send it to h p.


tom

December 27, 2006 - Msg 48015: Good afternoon everyone.

I'm sorry your Christmas day wasn't very good, TOM. I hope that your rain goes, goes away to come back another day.

MAVIS: So nice to hear from you. You have been awol alot lately, and I can understand why working those hours. Take care of yourself.

BOO: That nativity sounds nice. Just make sure the shepards don't walk in the animals' "presents" ;).

So sad about President Ford. I think he was one of those presidents who was so quietly effective that he's almost overlooked. We tend to remember the flamboyant and scandalous ones the most. From the things I've been reading today, he had a tremendous positive impact. And to think, he was never elected to the Executive branch and only became president from a series of political accidents. Anyway, RIP Mr. Ford.

Well, back to work. We still have leftover if anyone's interested. We are featuring whipped sweet potatoes (with a little brown sugar, butter and cinnamon) topped with marshmellows. Yum!

Me-They
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48016: Oh, welcome POKIE. Ain't you that friend of Gumby's?

Me-They
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48017: SPOT and MDC: The last time I had access to an 8-track tape player it was to play my Foghat tape. Either that, or "Frampton Comes Alive."

M-T
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48018: Hi all
glad to see that you all had good Christmases.
I had a quiet one. My daughter called on Christmas Eve. It was almost as good as having her home.
After going to the shelter to help out, I made my self a little bit of a snack--crackers and cheese, fruit-I watched "The Bishop's Wife" and "It's a wonderful Life"
Listened to Old time radio on the local station.
My brother had to go toady to the in-laws, but I have learned to manage well on holidays-the first Christmas without my girl was the hardest, but after that I learned to manage.
I was alone--but not lonely.
There is a differnce.
Ahappynut
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48019: Got both of those tapes M-T..hey Pokie what part of the country are ya from?..im from good Old Georgia....southern end of the porch...hey ahappynut!...and all the gang...well back at work till morning then off for 5 days...supper will be on....grilled salmond and lobster tails baked taters,green beans and big maude slaw....SPOT
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48020: Hey, SPOT, maybe you have mine; my mom sold them at a yard sale back in the early 80s. Dinner sounds delicious.

If you've gotta be a nut, you might as well be AHAPPYNUT!

Me-They
"He's a nut!"
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48021: Afternoon Y'all and welcome to Pokie! You can sit in my rocker till New Year's because Mr. Possum & I are taking a trip to the N.C. mountains! Going to Cherokee Indian Reservation for the rest of this month. Will be back rocking with y'all again in 2007!
Everyone take care and I'll be back rockin' soon.
P.S. RIP,Pres. Ford. We also lost the "Godfather of Soul" this week-South Carolina's own James Brown.Remembering him also.
See y'all next year!!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48022: Good Afternoon, been a busy one. You are all invited to dinner for pinto beans with ham, corn casserole, cornbread, sweet tea and chocolate-chip cookies. How does that sound? I was ready for some down-home food after all that fancy Christmas fare.

Been trying to get all the toys out of the box and out of the living room...still more to do.

Glad you had a restful Christmas, Mavis. Happy Nut, I would have loved to sneak away from the commotion and joined you in watching The Bishop's Wife and It's A Wonderful Life. Glad you weren't lonely, though. "Peaceful" can be a very good thing!

Better go check the cornbread...

Boo
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48023: Hey, I missed you there, Possum. Hope you have a wondeful trip, Girl. You deserve it.

TOM, sorry you didn't have such a good Christmas. Maybe next year will be a happier one for you.

Me-They...I'll take some of those sweet potatoes, please...

Boo
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48024: ooh,Boo,you read my mind,I want some down home food too.I made fried potatoes with onions today and cooked some beans.I was going to make some cornbread,but,I had some of the kids friends come over to visit and I had to give up on cooking antyhing else.i am craving some good sweet tea.I can't make it worth a flip,but,i tried some that lipton makes,it was pretty good.Tom,I'm sorry to hear you didn't have a good christmas.I'll be praying you have a nice new Years.possum,enjoy your trip,i've never been to an Indian reservation,I always wanted to go,let me know how it was when you get back.Spot,i just noticed your dinner menu,can you fix me a plate to go?I might eat it for a midnight snack.i'll talk to you all later,-ky girl
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48025: Hi All.
It would have ben a good one if everyone in me nutt family would have b h all day long.
I every true off me phoe because of it.
That why I had a bad one.
Just one day I wuold love to hear something like from thim all.

love tom

December 27, 2006 - Msg 48026: Good afternoon, everyone. Just stopping by on my way home, gotta hit the shower and get ready to go to work. Been working out in the yard for a while - shirtsleeve weather here today.

Happy Nut, I know what you mean about being alone but not lonely. I wrestled with those two for several years after my husband passed, and finally discovered that there really is a difference, and somehow, the choice is up to the individual. It's a state of mind. Loneliness can become solitude, if you make up your mind to it. I have learned to embrace my solitude, and occasionally find myself feeling annoyed if something interrupts it! It's all about attitude.

Well, gotta go to work. Have to work on my attitude there, too. Right now, it's not a very good one - I don't want to go, but know I should be grateful that I have a good job that pays pretty well, and have just enough health to carry it off. I'll get this shift behind me, then am free until next Thursday night. I guess that's not too bad.

Sugarplum says Happy New Year! --Romeena
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48027: Evening porch friends, hope all is well this evening. enjoying my week off, not doing much but the time is going by fast. My son passed his driving test today so he is now "licensed". He probably won't have a car of his own for a while though. maybe by the time school starts next August. weather is cold on my end of the porch.
all this food is wonderful, especially since I am tired of my own cooking. well, gotta go pick my kids up from church, they have been on an outing this afternoon with their church group. You folks have a good evening. Prayers to all. Big Maude
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48028: Lucy, - or maybe someone else can help me out - can you tell me your step-daughter's name? I've totally drawn a blank, and even going back in the archives hunting it, I struck out. Guess I didn't hit the right archives. I know the stepson is Nick, or Nicholas, but can't get the girl's name to come to my foggy old brain. Sorry. Help, anyone? --Romeena
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48029: hay tom i tried to talk to on xmas but you did not talk back


mike
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48030: Will get you a plate made fg..hey there mike!..congrats on your son driving maude..mine just got his learners...he drove me aroung over the holidays...hey Lucy,mil,Rev,TOM,possum,colt,asa and all...slow here at work..winter finally here in ga..down to freezing at night...got to get that wood split..will do it on my off days..rain moving in fri..may be snow!..well prayers ..watching the miracle salve ept!...SPOT
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48031:
Hello porch

Cold here today in SC.

Prayers for the family of President Ford.

M-T....I had both those 8 tracks.... Foghat and Frampton... good stuff!

Great supper SPOT....THANKS

Praying for you all. Have a great night and remember that Jesus loves us so much.
-REV.
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48032:
Hi Mike, sorry no one answered you. I dont think your message got posted! But welcome and jump in
any time.
KY girl- I'm hoping that our letter will jar his memory. So far, I've got 5 of us writing!
God bless,
MDC
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48033: Evening Porch,
It feels so good to be home. Today was the first time that hubby sat in the passenger seat while I drove. He got a new black berry & he wanted to fiddle. I guess 8 hrs of fiddlin and he should have it down!
Romeena- My stepdaughter's name is Michaela. It's Nicholas, Michaela, and Bryson. Hubby's name is Bryan or Mr. Lucy if you prefer!Supposedly she had a good Christmas. She got $500 in gift cards!
MDC/Spot- I've never seen an 8 track player. My grandmother is an antiques dealer so I've seen the tapes before.
Happy Nut- I like your perspective on being by yourself on Christmas. Good for you.
Possum- Have fun and be safe.
Pokie- It's nice to meet you. Your job is to bring the hot cocoa! Big Maude brings the slaw.
Big Maude- Enjoy your time off. Hubby's off until the 2nd also.
KyGirl- Nice to hear from you.
M-T- I agree with you about Pres. Ford. His mistake, at least to the voters back then, was that he pardoned Pres. Nixon. It truly is amazing that he became president without being voted in office. I was surprised by seeing the pictures of Ford with Rumsfeld and Cheney.
Well, I need to hit the hay. I'll check in with ya later! 'Nite
Blessings to you and yours,
~Lucy
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48034: Lucy, you sure made me feel ancient when you said you had never seen an 8 track! I remember when that is all anyone had in their cars. By the way, what is a blackberry?

My best friend and I in junior high used to be so in love with Peter Frampton...I don't understand it when I see him now..he really seemed kind of fruity.

Well, I should go to bed. I'm going to need my strength tomorrow. I will be keeping my little 6 yr old neice who is like a hand-grenade with an att*tude problem.

Boo
December 27, 2006 - Msg 48035: Got home from church a couple of hours ago,real good service.Still having great weather,no rain today,thats really a nice break.But,i just realized,it's almost january and we haven't had any snow,i sure hope january and feb don't make up for all this good weather in Nov and Dec.Sweet dreams you all,talk to ya later-ky girl
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48036: Good morning everyone. I hope you all are feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning, as opposed to bright tailed and bushy eyed ;).

"Do you do, feeeeel like I do?" (My homage to Mr. Frampton.) It goes to show a bad movie can be career suicide. Remember "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" movie with Frampton and the Bee Gees. As much as I liked his music, he should have been put behind bars for that movie.

Keep the Mrs. and myself in your prayers. Things are looking bleaker regarding her job. (Long story short, the new hospital administration is running the OR docs off which is having a downturn effect on OR/recovery. Since the Mrs. is an RN on the night shift, the slowest shift, those jobs may be eliminated if things get worse.) She's job shopping now. Change is never easy, but especially difficult right now.

In more positive news, I got a great job review and a modest raise yetserday so I'm pleased. The extra money is great but it makes a person feel even better to know that their efforts are noticed and appreciated.

Hey, SPOT, maybe you should send your 8-track to that Smith Brothers Institute?

BOO: A blackberry is a lot like a raspberry, only darker and (usually) larger and sweeter. Living in the country, I'm surprised you didn't know that ;).

Me-They
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48037: Hi All
Mike is one of my borther who I'm fighting what about the house in clevelad and he is looking for me.
His wife is why my phone is off.

love tom

December 28, 2006 - Msg 48038: you are in a tough situation tom,I will keep you in my prayers.Me-They,I will also pray for your wifes job situation,I hope she doesn,t have to change jobs.Well,I have to close for now,i,ll try to stop by later-ky girl
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48039:
Hey, all! I missed my Porch friends and thought I'd drop in. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was great. Romeena, that post at the top of the page was just perfect. Isn't it all true... just sit.. wait... and listen for the spirit. It's so truly there.

This year we went all out and decorated the house, the trees, the lawn.. lol! The kids are teenagers now and I want to do up Christmas, with family and decorations and traditions, as much as possible. It's hard to think of them moving out someday, so I won't. LOL

We sponsored a child through Save the Children. Does anyone know anything about this charity? I've read reports that it's one of the top-rated charities, then I read where they had a bit of bad press in the '80s. Then there are the folks who don't like the idea of child sponsorship at all. I can see the point, although I know that the money goes into a pool to keep the schools up and running. Oh, and then there are those who complain that the schools are instilling Christian values in the children in these schools. Why those ------s! How dare they foist the concept of peace and brotherhood upon the impressionable minds of children? (Tongue firmly planted in cheek.) Seriously, I would care to hear anyone's first-hand knowledge of these charities, good or bad.

Prayers for all those needing them. RIP, President Ford. I've always liked him. Especially endearing was the time he visited San Antonio and attempted to eat a tamale with the shuck on. Sounds like a Chevy Chase skit, doesn't it? Bless him.. I think he was an upstanding guy who did what he had to do at the time. (The pardon was part of the resignation deal.)

Anyway, I just came to say hi and to touch base with everyone. Back to rockin'...

~De§~

"BREADDD!"
.


December 28, 2006 - Msg 48040: OK then, Me-They (Mr. Smarty Pants), if that's what a blackberry is, then why was Mr. Lucy "fiddling" with one for hours in the car while Lucy drove...hmmm??...Congratulations on the good job review and raise. Sorry about your wife's job situation. Prayers for a better job for her...Go get your laundry and throw it on the pile.

I agree about the Sargeant Pepper movie, I can just picture Frampton singing "Strawberry Fields" (like I said, pretty fruity...no pun intended).

Hey DES, I don't know much about Save The Children but we give to World Vision, which sounds like it might be kind of the same thing. Which reminds me, I think I told everyone about how my sunday school kids wanted to do a bake sale to raise money for missions in Asia. They made about 300.00 and (this is for Homemaker) we ended up using the money to buy two pair of goats for an impoverished family. It should give them away to meet their financial needs because they will reproduce, etc. and eventually have a herd. Neat, huh?

Sorry to hear about your troubles, TOM. Hang in there.

Hey to KY Girl!

Boo
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48041: I was "walking" by and noticed you all on the porch. I'm a ky girl transplanted to Wisconsin (and yes we enjoy Mayberry as often as it's on). Sending you sincere wishes for a merry Christmas and hopes that 2007 brings us all better things. Virginia
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48042: Well, Howdy-do, De§, it's good to see you. The kids are teenagers? Please, say it isn't so! Wasn't it just a couple of months ago that you and I were corresponding about the best way to deal with head-strong kindergartners? Good grief! I think I'm getting old. Nahhh, couldn't be.

Sounds like you had a lovely Christmas. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. You're building memories and establishing traditions (around my family, one occurrence can start a tradition) that your kids will remember. It's fun to watch them as newly-weds, as they try to blend their cherished notions with those of a spouse. If they've chosen that spouse wisely and well, the blending will be accomplished without too much bloodshed.
I've always used a lot of outdoor lights - just love the effect. Now my son, the one who lives in this area, makes sure my lights go up around Thanksgiving or just before. He says the house doesn't look right until the lights are up, and he takes great care with them, often adding new ideas as he goes along. As for his own home, his wife likes figures and scenes, so they've blended both ideas. They have a lot of very well-lighted figures and scenes! Their yard looks like Macy's window!

Underneath the glitz, though, the deeper traditions hold fast. Church on Christmas Eve, the telling of the Christmas story to their children over and over, a beautiful Nativity prominently displayed in their home. That part came easy for them, because they grew up together in the same church since they were four years old. Her family and ours hold the same values, so very little adjustment was needed in that area of their lives. God is good.

You asked about Save the Children - I'm sorry, but I know very little about them. My support goes to the Mongolian mission, of which I was a small part on two occasions. I've been there, I've seen it in operation firsthand, and I know what they're doing. I've seen how the missionaries live, in their tiny apartment, as they direct every available penny into the construction of the homes for the children, the greenhouses for growing food, the feeding stations in the little town for the children who would go hungry otherwise. I've watched as their paid Mongolian employees worked without pay for several months when times were the leanest. Those people would not do that if they weren't convinced of the value of the mission.

Well, enough of that, I do run on too long. Sorry. Sugarplum says Happy New Year! --Romeena
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48043: Hey, Boo, maybe Mr. Lucy has a blackberry compelshun, did you ever think of that? Lots of people have compelshuns, maybe he just likes to fiddle with blackberries.

Howdy, Virginia, don't pass on by, stop and set a spell. Our porch is expandable, and we can always find another rocker.

Boo, did your goat-giving project go through Heifer International? It sounds like their philosophy. I've given to them for years - the whole concept just fascinates me. Makes a whole lot of sense.

Well, I'm ready to settle in for a long evening. It's blustery and gray outside, but not cold. Looks like it could get cold, though. Keeps blowing one of my deer over, but it won't anymore. I put big rocks on his base this time! Let's see Mr. Wind blow that down!

Sugarplum says Happy New Year! --Romeena
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48044: Hey Romeena, no, we gave our goats through Gospel For Asia (GFA). I have never heard of Heifer Int.
It has been warm here today (in the 70's and humid).

I finally got the living room cleaned and the toys out. I am going to have to go in Erin's room tomorrow and clean out clothes and toys she doesn't use to make room for the new things. We are so cramped here at my folk's house. Bruce and I have a very small bedroom with a king-sized bed in it an you have to walk sideways around the perimeter of the bed. We have a small closed and a bookshelf so not much room for things and the kids share a small room. They have a bunk bed and some shelves and an entertainment center and no room for much else. It will be so great to have a house with closets and storage for things. I can't wait! One thing it has taught me is how to get rid of things often.

I better go. I still have a few loads of laundry to do and lots to put away. I had not done any laundry since before Christmas.

Ro, wish I could settle in with you for a nice, peaceful evening of TAGS. Wouldn't that be fun?

Boo
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48045: hi Virginia,what part of ky are you from?i'm from hazard,in perry county.Stop by and visit often,this porch and all the people on it are some of the best you'll ever meet.i used to give to save the children,and,my experience was good.I received letters from the child i sponsered often.That was about 11 years ago.i haven't been able to sponser another one since then,but,i had heard of the program where you buy livestock so a family can be more self sufficient.it is supposed to be a wonderful program also.I just have to mention something our pastor saw while he was on a visit to new york recently.He was handed a leaflet from a program called'adopt a cow project".And,it is being endorsed by a very famous celebrity.According to this leaflet,this is to keep cows from being used for meat[apparently this person is also a vegetarian].I can't believe what some people will come up with.i in no way believe in cruelty to animals,but,you can take things a little too far.ok,soapbox back under the sink.Boo,I can relate to cramped living quarters.when my oldest kids were little,we used to travel alot with my husbands work,so,we lived in an airstream travel trailor.I don't reccomend that to anyone with little kids,its just too stressful!hope you get your house built soon.Ok,enough out of me for awhile,sorry to run on so much,-ky girl
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48046: Romeena,have you ever had a preacher at your church,by the name of robbie morrison?-ky girl
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48047:

Thanks, all, for the input about the various charities. I'd never heard about giving goats -- sounds like a great idea. "Give a man a fish..." etc.

As for the kids... Romeena, I just don't know where the time went! Way back when, you (and others) told me that would happen, but I couldn't really process it at the time. I remember us talking about kindergarten like it was yesterday, and it was 10 years ago! Unbelievable. We may be getting old, but like Miss Celie said, "We're here!" LOL

~De§~>/B>
.
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48048:

December 28, 2006 - Msg 48049: My dad's girlfriend donated a llama in his name...he thought it was a neat gift idea..specially as he buys whatever he wants.

fun girl

December 28, 2006 - Msg 48050:
Spot, I remember you talking of your 8 track recorder some time back. I checked on ebay and there were some blank tapes for sale. There may still be some out there. That's why i digged mine out (just a player), as per those conversations. Funny, I have CDs galore, and I'm playing my 8 tracks! ha
LUCY- I've never seen a Victrola (except in Wonderful Life.) haha
Sweet Home Alabama is on tonight.
If anyone else wants Colt's address, email me at
dipper40 at hotmail dot com
May God bless,
MDC
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48051:
Lucy, that was just a little rib to your never seeing an 8 track! MDC
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48052: Hey there porch friends. Glad to see things so lively around here. I knew y'all would cheer me up. Yesterday's chemo is kicking my b*tt! Sorry to use such peppery language, but I'm pretty sick of being sick. Unfortunately, I've let it get me down the last couple of days. I must try to focus on the good. Like you all being here when I need a pick me up. Plus, 2 whole weeks out of school for winter break seems awfully long. When school starts, things will get back to normal.
How about a snack? Macaroons and milk? Hep yerself!
Millie
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48053: Heifer International is a charity that serves the needy in many nations around the world. The concept, as De§ implied, is found in the old saying "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." The idea is that the money you send is used to buy animals for needy rural people. Chickens, goats, cows, pigs, rabbits, llamas - depending upon the country and what is customary with regard to livestock. A female animal is given to each of as many families as possible in the area, and a male is usually given to one family. The recipients of the females agree to give one offspring to the recipient of the male, in return for breeding services. They also agree not to kill and eat the gift animal, but rather to use it to build a herd or flock or whatever. They are also to share one offspring with someone else in the community. They may use the milk, wool, whatever their animal produces. This even applies to the manure, which provides fertilizer for their gardens. Those with chickens can sell or eat the eggs, raise more chickens, etc. You can imagine all the possibilities. It has been going on for years, and the results are impressive. Just Google "Heifer International" and you'll find endless sites. There are other similar organizations, such as the one Boo mentioned, which are equally deserving, I'm sure.

No, ky girl, the name doesn't sound familiar. Is this someone you know?

Well, back to watching TAGS. Four episodes on TVLand tonight. Sugarplum says Happy New Year! --Romeena
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48054: Hey, Millie, I thought you were looking a little puny, girl. Chemo will do that to you, won't it? Do you have a lot of nausea? What do you take for it? We use a lot of Anzemet at work, for post-anesthesia nausea, and of course Zofran. Phenergan works pretty well too, but the IV route has been getting a lot of bad press lately, so we're restricted to 12.5 mg, which isn't a lot.

I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Makes me want to go back and re-read "When Bad Things Happen to Good People." You are in my prayers, honey. --Romeena
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48055: Hey Millie, so sorry the chemo is kicking your butt, friend. Prayers for strength and relief. Not much else to say except, we love you.

Gotta go play a game of Candy Land with Erin...

Boo
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48056: Lucy Matthews, your family pictures are in the album. I thought I had put them in there several days ago, without a caption on the one with Michaela, but the other two were captioned. I went into the album tonight to add that caption, and couldn't find any of them! I was pretty tired the night I thought I entered them, guess I didn't hit the final keystroke. Anyway, they're there now. Good looking family, girl. --Romeena
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48057: Hi friends,
I was going to tell you all about my bout with the norovirus I had today(don't worry though, feeling better. The good thing about that is that it goes away pretty quick), but then saw Millie's post and made me feel kind of bad for even mentioning it. Prayers for you Millie. Hang in there!

Looks like most of you had a pretty good Christmas. That's good. Mine was not that bad, actually. And I don't think I have ever seen so many Nativity scenes around here as I did this year. Seems like almost every other home had one. That's a good thing!

-Sterling Holobyte
December 28, 2006 - Msg 48058: Hello everyone. Hope everyone had a nice Christmas. 2007 is upon us. We all should be glad we have our health. Let's all go to the filling station for a bottle of pop.
December 29, 2006 - Msg 48059: prayers for you millie,you are an inspiration.i'm gonna go check out the photo album of the porch-ky girl
December 29, 2006 - Msg 48060: Millie, you are in my prayers dear.

Poor Horatio, where be you?

Asa
December 29, 2006 - Msg 48061: Hi All.
MDC - maybe you can send Colt the last poem that I post here. That most help him to know who we are .

TOM

December 29, 2006 - Msg 48062: hi i am going to use a new name ok it is not going to to be gizzmo no more ok DAVE is my new name ok DAVE......................
December 29, 2006 - Msg 48063: Mornin' Porch,
I have a busy day of returning to do so this will be short, well for me.
Boo- A blackberry is a PDA, computer, and cellphone in one handheld device. I truly understand why people call it a crackberry b/c they're so addicting. BTW, I think it's neat that you play board games w/Erin.
Me-They- Congratulations on your review and raise. I'm sure you deserve it!
MDC- What's a Victrola? Just kidding, I know what they are.
KyGirl & DES- Bruce Wilkinson once preached at my church and he said to either give livestock or go to teach people in 3rd world countries how to farm.
Millie- I'm sorry you're feeling bad.
Romeena- Thank you for putting up the pictures. I will look at them later.
Sterling- Hope you feel better.
Have a wonderful day!
Blessings,
~Lucy
Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Glory to a Newborn King!
December 29, 2006 - Msg 48064: Good morning everyone. It's pleasant and mild here today. I hope the rest of you are enjoying some nice weather.

LUCY: You have a fine looking family.

MILLIE: You are in my prayers. Try a Mr. Cookie Bar. They have that pick-me-up effect :).

Howdy and welcome VIRGINIA. And by the way, yes, there is a Santa Claus.

Yeah, where is POOR HORATIO? Seems to me half a boy can't get too far. And where's IDELLE, GOOBER, MD, DIXIE, BWB, and a bunch of others?

BOO: A Blackberry (besides being a delicious fruit) is a hand-held communication device about the siz of a cell-phone. It has the capabilities of a cell phone, pager, day planner, and can be used for e-mail. They are a true electronal marvel with bigger wires. Here's my laundry (I am short on shorts, hehe). Who won that game of Candyland?

Hey, I have an idea...maybe they could collect all those cows "adopted" by those animal rights crazi...I mean, people...and use them in programs like Heifer International. Now that would be something I could go for. Our Sunday school collects each year to buy animals (sometimes cows, sometimes goats) to support the type of programs you all are discussing. There are many worthwhile ones. I think it's a great idea. Sometimes it's so difficult to decide what kind of charity to support. There are so many good causes.

That leads me into a philosophical dilemma I often think about. I live a pretty good life. My house is very modest (by the standards of my area) and my income is very modest (again, realtively speaking), but I live well. As Christians, how do we justify indulging ourselves and our children as much as we do? How do I justify buying myself DVDs when their are kids starving? Yes, I know that you can only do so much, and you often hear that we "deserve" to treat ourselves. But Christ told us to "leave everything and follow him." He told us not to store riches here and commanded us to give the shirt off our backs to the poor. He also told us not to worry at all about the things of this earth but to focus on God and the hereafter. Finally, he told us it will be easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than a rich man to make it into heaven. At what point are we just fooling ourselves to enjoy the fruits of our labors and this world? So, my friends, what should I think?

That's the head-scratcher for today.

Me-They
December 29, 2006 - Msg 48065: Oh, sorry, LUCY, I didn't see you there. Watch your toes!

M-T
December 29, 2006 - Msg 48066:

Thank you, Romeena and Lucy. I will look into donating livestock. What a great idea!

Me-They, you've presented a dilemma that I think a lot of folks struggle with. The term "balance" is very subjective, but I'd say that's where the answer lies. Treat yourself, don't go overboard, and give as much as you can while still saving enough so you can retire in comfort. I realize that's a pretty broad response, but you have to figure out what that means to you. My kids get some good stuff from time to time, but they don't have computers or expensive video games (some of that's luck; they aren't gamers, so I wiggled out of that one), but they're teenagers and do have cell phones for safety and convenience. They're far from indulged, though, and consequently are able to know a spoiled kid when they see one. What's important is that you have a conscience and the moral integrity to even be asking these questions, and whether you feel it or not, that is serving you well. Continue to ask the Lord to guide you.

Millie, my prayers are with you and the chemo. Been there, done that -- and it ain't fun. One day it'll be a distant memory. God bless.

~De§~
.
December 29, 2006 - Msg 48067: Hi porch gang. Getting ready for a great -and quiet New Year's EVE. The sister-in-law is working and I just don't feel like watching the brother and friends sitting around and getting drunk(I am a non-drinker-Non smoker)
I will have my Hickory Farms, fruit , crackers and "BEN HUR"
Got a good deal on this one! My favorite entertainment store(FYE) had a special on boxed sets-I bought the Andy griffith 5th season and got "Ben Hur ' for free!!
This is a premo too. It even has the silent film on it.
I got "The Ten Commandments" with the silent film too. Plus I found "I Love Lucy" first season
at a discount.
Happy New Year to MEEEEEE!
I am a Happy camper
AHappynut
December 29, 2006 - Msg 48068: by the way I am just getting to know you guys--so I am praying for all the requests I can.
AHappynut
December 29, 2006 - Msg 48069: By the way-I am from upstate New York-but have lived in NYC, Chicago and LA
A happynut
December 29, 2006 - Msg 48070: That is all so true Des.the basics for us in this country,wouldn't always be the same as what would be necessary somewhere else.our pastor taught a lesson not too long ago about this subject,it actually was a lesson on stewardship of our money.i think in a way it all comes down to that,how we handle what we have and what we use it for.The rich man would have a hard time getting into heaven,not because of his wealth,but,the value he puts on it,and,the material things he buys with it,and,what he uses it for.in other words,if that it where his heart is,and,not on the things of god,then his values are in the wrong place.the lord giveth,but,he can taketh way too.ok,enough from me on that subject!Des is right m-t,your concience is serving you well.I've struggled with the same questions,especially at christmas.Didn't i say that was enough from me?sorry folks.talk to you all later-kygirl