April 20, 2007 - Msg 51572: Hi porch friends,blackberry pie sounds great,I want mine with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream please!Romeena,I am so glad Plum is doing better,thank God.Tom,since i read you have your roses in the ground already,I will plant mine this week.My secret pal from church got me a rose bush for easter,and,it is still sitting in my foryer,but,it is starting to grow leaves on the stems,so,I guess i better plant them.Tom only lives about 60 miles from me,so,i guess my weather is about the same as his.Gotta close-ky girl
April 20, 2007 - Msg 51573: wow,I've been gone for awhile,so,at least i got to sweep!In case you all didn't see the advertisement on tv land,there is a tags marathon starting on Sunday night on tv land.prayers for all-ky girl
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51574: Hey, ky girl, it's good to see you. What a great gift idea, a rose bush for a secret pal. Maybe I'll get one for my best buddy - no secret, but she has a birthday coming up and she enjoys flowers as much as I do.

Yes, the Plum is just doing great. I had to get my hair cut this afternoon, and took her with me. The last several times she's gone with me in the car it has been an unpleasant destination for her, so I wanted to break that pattern. She's gone with me before, and the shop folks don't mind because she behaves well. She was the star of the show, believe me. I put her in my lap, and the plastic drape covers her as well as me. I just let her little head poke out and my hair stylist friend clips it at her neck with a little clamp. From there, she holds court as people walk by. Everyone who saw her had to pet her, which of course she lapped up like cream. Rotten kid. You can imagine, a shop full of mostly older women, all cooing over her and talking babytalk to her, it's hilarious. I was glad for the drape, because she looks a bit pitiful. Big old square on her rump that's shaved clean where her epidural was, one bare foreleg where her IV was, and a bare belly from her armpits almost to her tail. She's shedding like crazy, too, I guess from the anesthesia. People tend to lose a lot of hair afterward, I suppose dogs do the same thing. So her coat is thinning a lot, and her tail plume is a bit ratty, but it will all come back and she'll be beautiful again. She's always been such a pretty little thing. My girls call her The Meringue, because when she's combed out, which she usually is, she does look like a pile of meringue, all shiny white swirls.

Well, guess I'll turn in. I can sleep late tomorrow, but will probably get up and go plant something instead, before it gets too warm. Also have some pond maintenance to do. String algae is forming fast, so I treated it today and tomorrow will need to net the stuff out. Nasty, messy stuff, string algae. My UV filter gets the green-water algae, but does nothing to combat string algae, because it doesn't pass through the filter. Don't ever let anyone tell you that a fishpond can be maintenance free. 'Tain't so!

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51575: Well, I planned to sleep in but I guess my body is used to getting up early that I woke up. I enjoy getting up before the rest of the household and enjoying my coffee in peace. I like to check my emails, check in on my porch friends, and then read Charles Stanley's online devotional, then Max Lucado's.

Ro, reading your story about the older ladies in the beauty shop reminded me of Mrs. Pumphrey and Tricki. I was just reading about them last night. The vet just took Tricki away from Mrs. Pumphrey to let him live with him for awhile in order to let him be a regular dog and lose weight. The vet said when he saw Tricki, he looked like a big sausage with legs on four corners. Great visual. To any of you who have not read any of James Herriot's books, I think you would really enjoy them. There is an occasional curse word and sometimes the descriptions of the procedures performed on animals gets a bit graphic, but overall, its really good reading, and pretty darned humorous at times. Herriot is great with description. You feel like you are there and can actually see everything he is writing about.

We had something really sad happen here locally, in the our old neighborhood yesterday. A 75 yr old man shot his wife who had Alzheimer's, then he called 911 and shot himself. It really upset me, I just felt so sad for them. How horrible life must have been for him to do such a drastic thing. It's hard to think that there are people near us, all around us who are in pain and need help and we just don't know about it. I have seen firsthand how hard it can be for the elderly. Before we moved in here with my parents, my dad was very depressed and not functioning well at all. He would talk about how he wanted to put mom in the car and drive them both off the bridge. I got him to two different doctors and even got him on medication but the side effects made him stop the meds. He has gotten much better over the last two years but he still struggles. At least he isn't talking about suicide anymore.

Well, the in-laws are coming for a visit today so I have some things to do before they arrive. Talk to you all later,

Boo
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51576: Boo, I love the Mrs. Pumphrey parts in the James Herriot books! I agree, he really has such a skill in his writing, you can just visualize everything he writes about. The part when Mrs. Pumphrey has the whole household gather up Tricki's belongings to go stay with Uncle Herriot. His warm coats and cool coats and all his toys and his little pillow and I can't remember what all else. And I think the maid was even crying, if I remember. Great stuff.
Sorry about what happened to your old neighbors. I can't imagine ever being in a mental place like that where doing that would seem the best way out. But we never know what will happen in our lives. Sad.
- Hazel
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51577: Morning Porch, wanted to stop in for a minute & say hey. MDC I feel your pain, I hate dealing with the traffic when the race is here in Bristol. Glad it only happens twice a year. Ro don't fret too much about the Plum's hair, you are so right about the anesthetic causing that. Furkids are more like people than some folks want to admit. Robert just filled all my feeders & I am enjoying about 30 Goldfinches all feeding & fussing. I just love those feeders & this man of mine is so good to keep them filled for me. Even set up a place for me to just sit & watch. And no Asa he's not a dish towel salesman, he is in the food service & also owns a Auto Repair shop here in town. No dish towels on the catering truck.
I will be back this evening, right now we are suiting up in the leather & heading out on the bike, it is such a beautiful day & it's the first full weekend we have had off together in over 2 months, we plan to enjoy each other as much as we can. Back later, save me a piece of that Blackberry pie please.
*Mavis
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51578: Afternoon gang!...doing yard work today...lunch will be ham samwiches and potato salad and pork-n-beans...ok?...well got to go to work at 6pm...will holler then...hey Rev,Tom,bo,ro,hazel,mdc,md,mavis,possum,lucy,mil,miller,bwb,gizzmo,ky girl,CHUCK,county nurse and all...prayers for the VT familys.....SPOT
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51579: And hey to U 2 my buddy Asa....SPOT
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51580: Thanks for the reassurance, Mavis, I was pretty sure that was the problem, but it's nice to have it confirmed. And thanks for the sweet card - the Plum was thrilled! You're a peach! And I'm delighted that you now have Robert in your life. You deserve someone like that, to share things with you, and to help make your road a bit smoother.

OK, this talk of the Herriot books has whetted my appetite for them again. I hope I can find them around here. I'm sure they're tucked into one of the many bookshelves, or maybe in a nightstand. One of my nightstands contains nothing but books, and that's probably where they are. If not, then I'll just go to Half-price Books and get copies. Those books should be in everyone's library. What a talented writer. That man took ordinary, mundane, everyday occurrences and made them into adventures, with vibrant characters so real you feel you know them.

Well, I've got to get out in that yard and get more plants in the ground. Why on earth did I buy six flats of flowers?? I need a Robert in my life! Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51581: Oh, Boo, I'm so sorry to hear about your former neighbors. That is too sad. It brought back memories for me. Just over twenty years ago, I was working on the general med/surg floor of our hospital, and one of our patients was an elderly woman with Alzheimers', who had also just been diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. One morning just as I entered the unit, we all suddenly heard a gunshot, followed quickly by another one. Following the sound, a couple of us ran toward the sound. Not too smart, in retrospect - it could have been some idiot who would have shot us all - but such was not the case. A nurse friend and I entered the room and were greeted by a scene of carnage. Here's what happened:

Mr. P, upon learning of his wife's terminal illness, decided she shouldn't have to endure that. So, he went home, took their elderly dog to the vet and had him put to sleep, wrote a note explaining what he was doing and left it on the kitchen table. He then locked up the house, walked the mile to the hospital, leaving the car in the garage. He entered her room at 7:05, put the muzzle of a large-caliber pistol to her ear and pulled the trigger. Then he did the same to himself. When Pam and I entered, the man was dead on the floor, and the wife died in the next minute or two. I never knew the human body contained so much blood.

For four hours, we weren't allowed to touch or move them, until the police finished their investigation. After the coroner's team removed the bodies, it fell to Pam and me to clean up the room. I hope I never have to do that again.

I have to understand what the man did. I can't condone it, but I just have to understand it. It was a final act of love on his part, for his wife of over sixty years. According to his note, he didn't want her to suffer anymore, and he didn't want to live without her. So he did what he felt he had to do. So sad.

I'm not sure that any amount of knowledge and understanding of his situation could have changed anything. He simply did what he felt he had to do, and no counselor could have given him any answers. His wife was suffering, and he couldn't bear that.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51582: Thank you for sharing that very sad memory, Ro. I think that is probably just what happened in the case of Mr and Mrs T. (our neighbors). He probably couldn't watch her suffer any longer and couldn't stand to face living without her. I have great sympathy for them both.

Hazel, the part of the book you mentioned was just the part I was reading last night. As the vet was driving away in the car with Tricki, Mrs. Pumphrey was throwing his little coats in the back seat! So funny!

You sound so happy, Mavis. Hope we hear some wedding bells soon...(you know I have to meddle...).

Boo
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51583: Afternoon folks.
Oh boy, Possum is pregnant (again) and Mavis is marrying a dish towel salesman. I tell ya, life here on the porch is another Peeton Place.:)

Boo, Ro, Hazel, I am enjoying very much your comments about the Herriot books. Great reads. They are like an old friend to me. I particularly enjoy the chapters when James talks about the complexities of Sigfried's personalities. His discription of saying one thing and acting totaly opposite remind me so much of my Dad. Hey wait... everyone says I am just like my Dad...Hmmm, now I must self evaluate.:) Anyway, great books. I think Mavis has said she has read them also, when not hanging around dish towel salesman.

Hey to you Spot ol buddy.

Asa
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51584: Yes, Asa, I love to read about Sigfried. He reminds me of one of the doctors I used to work with years ago. I can't quite figure out his mistreatment of Tristan, though. My dad is like a Mrs. Pumphrey, though and it's a constant battle to keep the dog from becoming obese. I took Leah to the vet last week (the heartworms are gone, thankfully) and she had gained 7 lbs in 3 weeks! Dad took over the feeding of the animals when we moved in here because he thought we were cruel for only giving them dry food. He started giving them dry, canned, and people food combined and now the weinie dog does look like a weinie (with legs on the corners...) and our Lab is getting way too large. I had a talk with dad again and he agreed to cut her back to dry with just a little canned food. I am happy to say that she is back to her normal, active self since the heartworm treatment....just a little larger!

Speaking of animals, I met a very fine donkey yesterday in a field near here. I pulled the car over and called to him and he came to the fence for the kids to pet him. He is a real beauty. Dark coat and fine, long ears. I took a picture. I'll try to send some pics to Ro soon.

In case I neglected to say it earlier. I am tickled pink with the Plum's progress! I wanted to tell you all about a dog that was on Montel Williams show, named Faith. The dog was born without front legs but was adopted by a woman who was determined to save him. She said they prayed alot and she taught him to walk on his hind legs. She is the only "bi-ped" dog in the world, they say. You can see her walk by going to Youtubedotcom and do a search for "Amazing Dog". You won't believe it!

Gotta go,

Boo
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51585: Our local boy reed won the busch race!..im here at work till 6 am...will try to keep the porch lights on...tonight its grilled pork chops with Rev bbq sauce,baked beans with bacon,big maude slaw,tater salad and sweet tea and green onions....prayers to all...SPOT
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51586: Yes, Boo, I saw that piece on "Faith", the bi-pedal dog. Someone emailed the link to me, and I've saved it. Absolutely amazing!

I'd love to meet your little donkey friend. I've always loved donkeys, their placid, gentle nature and peaceful acceptance of their lot in life. Of course, when they do feel strongly about something, they have a determination that's formidable, something to be reckoned with. I love them!

Well, gotta run. Meeting a friend for dinner, then on to a performance of the Vocal Majority, a national award-winning men's choral group. A couple of the men are friends of ours from church, and it's always a great evening when they perform. Tickets can be hard to come by, but we had friends in high places! (teehee) --Romeena
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51587: Speaking of the Herriot books, I think my favorite character is Tristan. I love the part (I'm pretty sure it's in the first book) where Tristan and James are playing tricks on each other. Like Tristan disguising his voice and pretending to be an irate farmer and demanding Jim come at once to his farm. And Jim about having a coronary over it. (I can't remember the exact details). But Jim got even when he called Tristan on the phone and did the same thing. "Calf bed out" I believe was the gag. Anyway, love the books! Like Asa, I've read the whole series probably about 5 or 6 times each. Or more. I even have the childrens books that he wrote, in the event I ever have grandchildren, I want to be ready. Well, must get back to the TAGs marathon.
- Hazel
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51588: CHILDREN'S BOOKS?! I didn't know he wrote children's books....must....find....some.....

I recently read what you were commenting on between Tristan and James. It is in the first book. Really funny!

I hope we aren't boring others with our talk of the Herriot books....sorry if we are.

Boo
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51589: Hazel, do you know if there were ever any movies made from the books?

Boo
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51590:
Hello porch family

Boo...that is such a sad story. The same thing happened in a town up in Maine (Monson) last year. I was having a concert there and it had just happened. Sad sad!

Spot, MDC and all race fans....good race in AZ. Boy, Jeff sure got a break. He was almost a sitting duck in the pits.

Well I just got in from a concert and I'm wiped so I'm headed to the sack. Everyone have a wonderful nights rest and a great day of worship. Prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51591: Boo, I don't know if there were any actual full-length movies made, but the Brits made a TV series of it - our local PBS channel showed them for quite a while. We must research that - probably available somewhere. Christopher Timothy played James, and did an admirable job. --Romeena
April 21, 2007 - Msg 51592: I just ran a Google on "James Herriott's books" and came up with a treasury of information. The TV series is indeed available on DVD, a bit pricey at about $62/season, but at least we know they're there. Just repeat that Google and you'll find everything I found. Hooray! --Romeena
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51593: Rev Jeff did get a BIG break but he did have a great car...thought he and tony was gona get together in the hard racing end laps...Tony would not talk on camara after the race...well my nights about over....breakfast will be: scrambled egg and ham sandwiches,grits and bisquits-n-gravy,oj and coffee....SPOT
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51594: Morning y'all, Good Sabbath.
Hey Spot, that breakfast sounds mighty fine. Yer a good pup.

Romeena is right. The BBC ran a series based on the books. PBS uased to air them all the time. And my dear wife bought me the set a few years back for a Christmas present. They are wonderful to watch. Proboably more meaningful if you have already read the books because they are easier to follow. And they will combine several chapters into one show often. As Romeena stated, Christopher Timothy does a great job along with the rest of the cast. They are very pricey, but well worth it as far as I'm concerned.

Speaking of BBC and PBS, did anyone here ever watch a show called Rumpole of the Bailey? It was about a British barrister and his life. Very fun show to watch.

Rev, If you feel up to it when you get up later, how's about playing some tunes for us?

Millie, you doing ok? I pray you're feeling well.

Well best go let Barney out to take care of his business. He's bouncing around the room as we speak.

Asa
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51595: Yes, Asa, I used to watch old Rumpole. Wasn't he great? I'm a bit of an Anglophile, actually, and enjoy a lot of their TV productions. All the Britcoms, of course, and I like Poirot, and of course the various incarnations of Sherlock Holmes, and Miss Marple - if it's done by the British, I usually like it. In the Herriott series, the accents take a bit of getting used to, but that just adds to the fun.

Well, got to go find my earrings, and get ready for preaching. Everyone have a great Sabbath. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51596: I too like the Poirot and Miss Marple movies. Great stuff. That's another author I've read over and over, Agatha Christie. It's funny; I'd rather read books that I like over and over, rather than start a new one that I'm not sure if I'd like. I must have some sort of a compelsion.
I was wondering about Millie too. I looked for her last night at Sarah's but she never showed up.
Well, that TAGS marathon was ok, but it ended too soon.
I planted a row of spinach yesterday and thought about you all.
- Hazel
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51597: Good Sabbath morning Porch! Another beautful day here in East TN & we are going to head out on the bike again & enjoy it while we can. Ro I'd send you Robert to help with those plants, but you have to send him back when he is done. He is such a wonderful man, I didn't think there were any more like him left out there, thank goodness I found him! Now, Asa you know how it is with dish towel salesmen, they are so "swave" I couldn't help myself. ;)
I'll be back later when we get done riding the motorcyle.
*Mavis
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51598: Dadburn it! Fixed?
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51599:
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51600: fixed now?
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51601: finally
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51602: Hahaha! Mavis, don't you just hate when that happens?? Thinking you're canceling a bold, you just enter another one, then it takes two cancels to clear it. Happens to me quite often. As for Robert, I don't think I'd have to send him back. He'd go, all by himself. I'm so happy you found him. You'll be safe sending him to me, but still, better be careful with him. As the song goes, a good man nowadays is hard to find.

Just got home from church. We had Branam's Best Burgers in the fellowship hall after worship - a pretty good burger, with chips and a cookie, for $5 - to help sponsor our young folks Summer Mission Tour. Good burger, good friends, good fellowship, good cause. Can't beat a deal like that!

Now I feel a nap coming on. I should get out there and plant, plant, plant, but think I'll have a nap first. Then I'll plant, if it doesn't rain. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51603: who care go take a nap and ridd motorcyle all day.
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51604: Ha, I'll bet you're not a gambler, are you Hazel?

I will check out those DVDs!

Asa, sounds like Barney has gone a bit "crackerdog," eh?

Boo
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51605: If I could get you all to say a prayer for me tonite - I would appreciate it. It is not a major crisis but one that I could use some extra prayer on. Thank you!

homemaker
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51606: You got it homemaker. Hope all is well.

Yes Boo, Barney goes cracker dog on us often. He's full of life.

Hazel, did you wander off after you planted yer spinach? Stay away from them mines.

Well all this talk has put me in the mood to go plug in a Herriot DVD.

Asa
April 22, 2007 - Msg 51607:
Hello porch family....I hope you all had a wonderful church day.

Asa....I'll sing some if you'll do some back-up for me.

Spot...Braves back on top. Seems to be changing every other day. And yep... Jeff had a strong car.

HM...I am praying for whatever need you may have. God knows!

Just watched the TVLand Awards. I thought it was ok but not the best in the world.

Prayers for all the porch.
-REV.
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51608: Uh, Rev, you want Asa to sing backup for you? You might want to give him a try-out first.
- Hazel
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51609: ....exactly what I was thinking, Hazel...

Boo
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51610: Morning folks. Happy Monday.

Now Hazel and Boo, that Rev knows talent when he see's it. I'm sure he's been in contact with my old voice coach. So lets not be sweeping around here this morning. I don't want my larnyx getting dusty. Thanks Rev, for inviting me to accompany you. Ahhhhh---AHHHH---AHHHH---ahhhhh. A little voice calasthentics to loosen things up.

Asa
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51611: Morning porch family, hope all is well today. Back at work for a short time this morning and then taking my daughter to the doctor. I think she may have strep throat, fever all day yesterday with white patches on her tonsils.. stomach ache, not able to swallow or eat so off to the doctor we go. She is out of school today and has not missed any since kindergarten (7th grade now. Big Maude
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51612: Hi All.
Ben some nice hot day here for the weekend ,we git up to 80 for the high.
Where is Millie at. hope she is o k.

loveTom.
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51613: Boo - just be careful when petting donkeys and other creatures that you aren't familiar with - they like to nip sometimes and that can be painful. My boy Shotgun nipped a little boy when he put his hand into pet him. Shotgun is not mean by any stretch of the word, but he was being a tad naughty. So just be careful. You can kind of see him on my 2007 kids page with Dorothy our little polka dot goat.
Thanks for the prayers although my issue isn't fully resolved . . .yet. God is good and faithful. And I will trust. . .although it is hard.
Take care everyone - the rain is moving through. Watch out Tom. . .it will be there soon.

hm
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51614: hello porch! prayers for all in need. well i quess ill have to work on my porch rocker since winter has legt it and myself in need of repair. FOR THE TRIVIA BUFFS; in one episode aunt bea claimed to have gone to what illinois grade school? pekin, lincoln, peoria. springfield? homemaker- reminds me of the loaded goat episode. tom; it got 80 degrees in lincoln also so i knowq what yopu mean.big maude- prayers for your daughter. asa- you and rev should put out a cd.. hazel and boo- are you saying asa may need a silent powerful backup mike? rev- what are your summer plans? spot- are you keeping the power on? what cookouts and camping trips do you have planned for us? romeena- how many dinners did the plum eat at chruch? ky girl-- that blueberry pie with the works sounds great, i'll take 3 fully loaded. good morning mdc. pappa bear
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51615: Hm if it rain here I will send it back to you,.
Hi pappa bear how are you doing.

LOVE TOM

April 23, 2007 - Msg 51616: Good morning, all. Pappa bear, it's good to see you. homemaker, prayers for whatever it is you're needing, and you're right, God is good and faithful. He knows our needs before we do, and is already at work on them.

If you get a chance, go to the photo album, and click on my "yard and wildlife" album, and go to the end. As I mentioned earlier, there are some shots of some pretty irises there now, but this morning I added some pictures of a visitor to the yard. A bit unusual to have such a critter come through in the daytime, and especially in the middle of town, but he has come by several times now. Interesting.

Gotta go plant some petunias - Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51617: Well, howdy do to you and you. It's me, it's me , it's AFD. (Don't you all faint from the shock). Good to be back and see how everyone is doing.

I'm doing fine - girls are too. Reagan is doing great - cruising around on the furniture, so I'd think walking isn't too far away. She just had a 9 month checkup last week and is 26.5" tall and 15 lbs even. (30th percentile height/5th percentile weight) She eats like a pig so I don't know what's up with her weight - guess she'll just be petite.

M-T: Hope Miss Veda is doing well, along with Chad, Nora and your Mrs.

I would ask that you all pray for my sister Kim and her husband and son. She just lost a baby yesterday at 23 weeks after some complications.

Ya'll forgive me for being gone so long and popping in when I need some prayer. Prayers for you all as well.

God bless you all.
AFD
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51618: Hey, AFD. What better reason to visit friends, than to ask for prayer? Isn't that what friends are for, among other things?? You got 'em, friend. I'm so sorry for your sister's loss. That's very hard.

Glad to hear that little Reagan is doing so well. As long as she's healthy and has a good appetite, I wouldn't worry about her weight, unless she's bony, and you don't indicate that. Some folks are just geared to be small, and there's nothing wrong with that. Tiny girls are sweet!

Well, I got one flat of flowers in the ground, two more to go, and I just had to quit. It's so humid out there, I was soaked and so weary I couldn't go any further. I'll get the rest of them later. Got my shower, now for some lunch and a short nap, then off to work this evening. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51619: Hi everybody--been a while since I have been to the porch. I just need to sit and listen to some good stuff. I like James Harriot too. I used to dream of becoming a vet,but things seldom work out like you plan.
My ankle is healing now--just alittle stiffness.
Spring has arrived here --finally--80 today.
the air is soft and warm.
Spring just makes me feel better about everything.
Hearing about everyone planting flowers and such is nice.
Anyone got any veggies in yet?
I am going to try this year. Is it too late to get tomato plants started?
Ahappynut
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51620: Many thanks for the prayers, Ro.

Little Reagan ain't bony, she's got a cute little double chin, and her legs are nice and filled out. She's got strong pinchin' fingers, too! ; ) She's got 2 little pearly teeth on her bottom gum, and she's got quite a bite, let me tell you!

Glad the Plum is doing better these days. I'll slip some carrots in the mail slot for her to munch.

AFD
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51621: Didn't mean to crowd you, Ahappynut! Good to see ya!

AFD
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51622: I really need your prayers. So many things and I don't want to get too personal
I hate to complain. There are lots of family things weighing me down lately.
Please pray.
Ahappynut
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51623: Good afternoon everyone. I hope that you all are having a great one.

AFD: It’s so great to hear from you! I’m happy that Reagan is doing so well. I wouldn’t worry about her size; she just sounds petite, like you suggested. And, kids have a way of “catching up.” Chad was small like that through year one. I remember at his six month checkup he was off the chart he was so small. Now, he’s in the 95th percentile for height and 75th for weight. Veda is doing wonderful, thanks for asking. She gets cuter every day, and I’m being completely objective (heehee). No teeth yet, and I think she's going to go right to walking (when is a good question, though). Stop by more regular, and prayers for your friend.

HM and AHAPPYNUT: Prayers for you, too.

ROMEENA: It’s always nice looking at pictures of your beautiful yard. I have a weird question. I noticed that you have a flagstone walk. We do, too, but ours is set in the dirt. Yours looks like it has pea gravel or something between the stones. Is it, and does that work well?

Mind if I share something that has been troubling me today? This morning I was listening to “Morning Edition” on NPR as I usually do (where ever he is, AUH2O’s just got a twitch in his eye) when they played a story that really disturbed me. It was about a Chinese couple, which the report described as Christians, who recently were forced to undergo an abortion; officials actually showed up at their house and forced them into a car, took them to a hospital, and forcibly aborted the baby (it would have been their second) against their wishes. The woman reported that during her three days in the “hospital,” she witnessed nearly 100 other women in the same boat. It is true that it is against the law in China to have more than one child. However, it is also true that this “crime” is typically punished with a fine. But that doesn’t negate the government’s “right” to deal things differently.

I’m not trying to start a moulage (really!). I think anyone—Democrat, Republican, pro-life, or pro-choice—would agree that what happened to that women is disgusting. So there’s no argument there. The question I ask myself is this: how can I support a government that would not only allow this to happen but actually do it? Every day I support it. Most of my clothes are made in China. Just about all the kid’s toys are, too (try to buy a toy made in the U.S.—good luck to you!). And all you here from our government is to “open trade.” Can we justify supporting death and trauma like this because it’s good for business and easier on our wallets? It makes me wonder: is it them who are guilty of the greater evil, or is it us? I don’t know. It just really made me sad today.

Well, now that I’ve cheered you all up, I’ll sign off. Prayers for all. Have a good one.

Me-They
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51624: AFD's second post just reminded me of a funny story (balance is everything). Back with our first, when she was about four months old, my wife asked me to hold the baby for a minute while she got ready. However, I had just gotten out of the shower and had no shirt on. Not even thinking, I cradled her against me. Big mistake. Evidently, she (momentarily, at least) confused me with mommy. Long story short, that leaves a mark, let me tell you.

Me-They
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51625: HAZEL: I forgot to mention that "Poirot" is one of my all-time faves. David Suchet does a marvelous job. I love the books, too, but find the movies/shows more entertaining.

M-T (again)
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51626: Hahahaha! Me-They, I'll bet you gained more than a mark from that experience. I'm guessing you gained a brand-new respect for your wife, right? That is just too funny! I'll bet the baby was surprised, too.

As for the situation in China, what is there to say? Certainly it's terrible, but which is worse - a government that mandates such things, or one that tolerates and even legalizes the same thing, with one small exception - the wishes of the woman. The end result is the same - a life is lost. No one seeks permission there. Now, how's that for starting a moulage?

About the flagstone walk, and I have two small patios with the same construction - what you see between the stones is decomposed granite. It's really just crushed, or almost pulverized granite, and it comes in different colors, of course, like all granite. It's smaller than pea gravel, and the little pieces are rough and irregular, rather jagged actually. It holds up and stays in place better than pea gravel, because the roughness causes it to "lock" in place, rather than sliding against itself. The only problem I've noticed with it, it tends to disappear over a couple of years, and I finally figured out why! There are a lot of pigeons who visit my yard, and they will eat bits of it to serve as grit in their gizzards, to grind up the seed they eat. So, every couple of years, my landscaper friend brings a little pile of it over and we shovel it loosely where it's needed, "walk" it in, then sweep up the excess. No mortar or anything, just wet it down after you get it in place, and brush a bit more over, sweep again and wet it again. It will settle in place and your stones won't move. The thicker the stones, the more effective the granite is, because the thickness of the stones determines the depth of the granite joints. Too shallow, and the stones will ride up over it. You can dig little holes in it and plant "steppable" plants, like tiny herbs and things, and they'll usually grow pretty well. I have some thyme out there, and a patch of Scottish moss. Fun stuff.

Well, off I go, I still want to get that nap before going to work. Just can't get away from the computer. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51627:
Hello porch family

AFD...So good to see ya. Prayers for your sister Kim and family.

Ahappynut...prayers for your needs also. The Lord knows each one.

Pappa Bear...Hey buddy....yep we have a busy summer. I'll be in TN, W.V., LA, and Maine during the summer months.

ASA... Hazel and Boo talk like they have heard you sing before.

I'll check back later. Everyone have a Jesus filled day! Prayers for all.
-REV.
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51628:
Wow, very busy porch!
Boo, yes it sure can be hard. I know exactly what you are going thru. Yesterday I got a call from the nursing home and a cna didnt check before transporting and my mom;s hand got caught in the wheelchair whhel, between the wheel and the brake. Middle finger is fractured. Not a pretty sight and not easy on an 89 year old lady.
I cry out to the Lord and try to stay stong!
Well, ya all hang in there and God bless you all.
MDC
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51629: Oh, MDC, that's just awful. Your poor mom. Situations like that are always so hard. The CNA probably feels terrible, too, but that doesn't help your mother now. I'm so sorry.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51630:

Hey, all. Just hobbled to the computer (more on that in a sec..) to check in and thank everyone for their prayers for my daddy. He was discharged yesterday. They never did find out what was causing the internal bleeding, but he took a half dozen units of plasma and two or three of whole blood. I'm just thankful he's home safe and sound and am so grateful for everybody who took the time to offer up a prayer for him.

As for me, a few nights ago I was helping move a desk. After we laid it on the floor I reached in a very awkward position to help lift the heavy part, and then... R-R-I-P-P-P!! I felt (and heard!) the strangest sensation on the inside of my hip bone - it sounded like someone ripping latex underwater, if that makes any sense. I walked on it a little to see how it would act, and it was just a little weak, but no pain, strangely enough. Well! Within an hour I couldn't walk at all - not a lick! I sat down for a while, and when I finally got up, I had to just stand there like a doofus, planning how I was going to to take a step! It was excruciating for a couple days, but today I'm hobbling around.

What a crazy week.

Prayers for you, homemaker, and for everyone. Can't catch up just now, but I will do that soon.

Love to everybody...

~De§~
.
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51631:

Oh MDC... just saw the news about your mom. I'm so sorry. Praying for a speedy recovery.

~De§~
.
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51632: Evening porch, prayers for everyone, Millie, MDC's Mom, DES,Rev, Pappa Bear, Romeena (thanks for sending the pictures back to me), Plum, SPOT, M-T, Mavis, AFD (welcome Back), a happy nut,Tom, Hazel and everyone else. Sorry I missed lunch and supper today. Took my 13 year old to the doctor she has a nasty case of strep throat. Doctor gave her a shot and a prescription for amoxilcillin. Told her she could not go back to school until Wednesday. She is beginning to feel better because she is beginning to argue again :). Beautiful day here but we may get some rain showers later this evening. talk to you all after while. Big Maude
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51633: Evenin' friends....Suppers on! Fried chicken, mashed taters and gravy, string beans and biscuits. Y'all eat up!
Sorry i've been so scarce lately, having a tough time. Lots of pain, etc. Had a ct on my liver today, maybe that'll show what's wrong. 'Til then, I'm staying in bed. Thank you all for the prayers.
Gotta go kiss some youngun's goodnight, I'll be back with dessert.
Millie
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51634: Hello all. How do I get to the photo album? Thanks. Elmer and Ruth in Oh.
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51635: Its: romeenadotmyphotoalbumdotcom, Elmer and Ruth.
Millie
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51636: romeena.myphotoalbum.com , that is.
Mil
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51637: Thanks for the prayers - they really helped.

Now one more - we took our farm dog to the vet this afternoon. Banjo is a red merle border collie and the vet thinks he may have a brain tumor. His eyes do not focus, he can barely stand, he isn't eating, he has a high temp. and he is lethargic. They are keeping him at the vet motel tonite but the vet was not very promising about the possible diagnois. If it is a brain tumor - we will put him to sleep so he will not suffer.

homemaker
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51638: Prayers for you all and Banjo, hm.
Dessert! Homemade peach ice cream!
Mil
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51639: Thanks for the homemade peach ice cream Millie. Extra Special prayers for your cat scan, and prayers for Banjo. Big Maude
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51640: Thanks, Big Maude. Hope Beth feels better soon.
Millie
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51641: Ahhhh Homemaker. I'm so sorry to read about Banjo. I pray it's not what they think and he'll get better. I just love Border Collie's. Very smart pups.

Good to see you Millie. Sorry your hurting though. Hope you get feeling better soon.

MDC, thats very sad about your poor Mom. My goodness, I hope she heals quick.

Des, you got a hitch in your get a long now? Hope it's nothing to serious. And glad your Dad is home and doing well.

Rev, That Boo and Hazel have heard me sing. I think they are the sentimental type cause whenever I sing they tear up and leave the room. Some women are just like that I reckon.

Asa
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51642:
Hello porch family

Big Maude...prayers for your daughter.

Hello Elmer and Ruth. Good to see ya.

MDC...we will surely be in prayer for your mom.

HM....And we will be praying for Banjo.

Millie...I'm praying that your scan comes back with good news. You are so special to our porch family and always in my prayers.

ASA...you must have some kind of voice to affect them ladies like that.

Spot must be having a busy day. His rocker has dust on it today.

Well you all have a good nights sleep. Know that Jesus loves you so much! Prayers for all.
-REV.
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51643: Oh my, so many prayer needs tonight! Hope you feel better soon, Millie.

So sorry about Banjo, HM. Prayers that he will be ok.

MDC, it makes me very sad to think of your mom going through that at her age. Bless her heart. She doesn't know me, but when you see her again could you give her an extra little kiss for me, please?

Prayers for Maude's daughter and a quick recovery.

Prayers for AFD's sister and family. May God give them comfort.

Prayers for your hip, DES. Be careful with that. If I were you I think I would get that checked out with the doctor even though it is feeling better.

Prayers for HappyNut, sure hope you find the joy you deserve soon. God be with you.

Me-They, that just hurts so much to think of what those women in China are dealing with. What a nightmare to be forced to kill your own child. God help them. Seems like such a sad irony that women who desperately want their offspring are being forced to lose them when so many thousands of women here in the US, who have the freedom to have as many children as they desire, choose to dispose of their own babies. I just feel sorry for everyone in the world tonight. As the Apostle Paul said, If we only have hope in this life, we are of all men most to be pitied.

Boo
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51644: Evenin' rev, Boo. Sorry I forgot to mention everyone's prayer requests....I have prayed for y'all, and will continue to.
Anybody want some more peach ice cream?
Millie
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51645: Millie stay in the bed forthe next day or two and to you feel up to git out of it.
We all will help what thing for you.
Rev where in w v are you going to be at?
Prayer for everyone who can used thim now.

LOVE TOM

April 23, 2007 - Msg 51646: Thanks, Tom. I'll take all the help I can get!
Millie
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51647: Look sorry gang..My Uncle passed away[my moms"s sisters husband}...been helping mom and miss jean out ...we gave him back to the Lord today at 11:00 am..he is at peace...85 yrs old...will be back on here tomorrow....maude and mil yall cook OK?....SPOT
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51648: Sorry about your uncle, Spot. Glad he is at peace.
Millie
April 23, 2007 - Msg 51649: SOORY TO HEARD THAT SPOT PRAY FOR YOUR MOM AND HER SISSTER

TOM

April 24, 2007 - Msg 51650: Thanks for all the prayers everyone.

Prayers going out for hm & Banjo, De§, Millie, Spots family, Ahappynut, MDC's mom, and anyone else I may have missed. God is a very present help in time of trouble, friends. I'm so glad we have Him to lean on.

Funny story, M-T! My hubby's almost been a victim a time or two. He must have faster reflexes than you. ; )

God bless ya'll!
AFD
April 24, 2007 - Msg 51651: Morning porch. How is everyone this morning?

Big Maude and Happynut, I forgot our prayer requests last night. Please forgive. Anyway I hope your daughter isn't too sick Maude. And Happynut, you sound really desperate. Don't know what you have going on but He does, so place your burdens on Him. Remember, His yoke is light and He is always there for you.

Spot, sorry about your loss my friend. Please accept my condolences.

Yea Rev, my voice is kinda special. I guess that's why they always come up with one of them super sensitive mike's for me.

Well hope your day is good and safe gang.

Asa
April 24, 2007 - Msg 51652: Whoops, didn't see you there AFD. Nice to see you back and I am so sorry about your sisters loss. I sure will pray for her and her family. How sad.

Asa
April 24, 2007 - Msg 51653: Jut stopping by for a minute, back to work this morning. My daughter is feeling better and will return to school tomorrow. thanks for your prayers. My sympathies for your families loss SPOT. Prayers for all today. Breakfast will be: breakfast casserole, blueberry or apple cinnamom muffins, coffee, mayfield milk and orange or apple juice. see you all there. Big Maude
April 24, 2007 - Msg 51654: So many prayer concerns. . .I don't know anymore about Banjo. . .thanks for your concerns.

Des - be careful with that hip. We don't need you down too.

And Big Maude - I am sorry about the Strep. That stuff can be nasty.

MDC - I am so sorry about your mom. I understand about the trauma of older parents. And Spot - prayers for your whole family. I am sorry for the death of your uncle.

I am glad that mine are able to live independently. BTW, their new house is going up fast. Would you believe that my mom and dad are going to finish their indoor doors themselves!? And my mom mowed her front and back yard yesterday with the push mower. She can't stand how my dad's riding lawnmower cuts the yard in front.

Well - I'll check in later.

hm
April 24, 2007 - Msg 51655: Wow, sounds like your parents are doing really well, HM, what a blessing.

Prayers for your family, SPOT. May the Lord comfort you all.

Boo