May 20, 2007 - Msg 52507: Good evening, all - or rather good morning! I'm up very late, family just left a little while ago. I cooked up some pork chops and round steak, milk gravy, noodles, and corn on the cob for my son and his wife and her parents, and of course, the grandsons. My son and DIL gave me a webcam for Mother's Day, and he installed it and the software for Skype tonight. Now we can talk to each other over the computer, complete with real time videos. Scary! Anybody else on Skype?

Well, I'm pooped, and church will come early in the morning. Have a great Sabbath, friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena


May 20, 2007 - Msg 52508: Well, would you look at that! I swept again. That's twice in a row. I'm going to have to stop working so hard, I'm way yonder too old for this. I might have a spell or something. You reckon I should go soak something? --Romeena
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52509: What a pleasant way to start the sabbath, with a freshly swept porch. Why she even dusted my rocker, bless her heart. You keep this up Romeena and I may just have to come fix your electrical issue my own self. I'm an electrician by trade you know. I ain't just another pretty face who can sing. I've got depth to my personality as well! :)

Millie, how you doing dear? Hope all is well. Praying for you still.

Got up to 90 here yesterday. My corn is loving it but a big cool down tomorrow as a storm moves in. We need the rain so it will be a blessing.

Don't mean to start a moulage but I think Mr. Carter should stick a sock in his pie hole! I know I ain't interested in hearing HIS thoughts on the current administration. I know the man has dedicated much in Homes for Habitat and humanitarian things and good on him for that. I have much respect for his deeds. But no need to sound off on what's going on right now. It serves no purpose at all except to give fodder to the loonies! (sorry, just had to get it off my chest)

Sorry about your Suns MDC. We wanted them more than San Antonio. But we start the series with them this afternoon. Mary Wiggins Pistons are in the final four as well I see.

Possum, thanks for sharing about Laci. You're such a special Grandma. I suspect she was sent to you cause of your special ways.

Well I best go polish my bullets. You know old Barn gets on me for having green bullets, but he's only got the one to maintain. I have an entire beltful. What I lack in quality I make up for in quantity.

Asa
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52510: Good morning all, hope all is well. Goodness what an ugly day over here! So who here saw Spiderman 3 over the past few weeks? I saw it and was rather dissapointed myself, I thought it felt rather rushed and the charecters were not explained enough, but nevertheless the movie held my interest the whole way and I really enjoyed it! Shrek 3 is next, not a kind of movie I really enjoy but I'll buy into the summer movie hype. I'll be a little delayed on seeing pirates of the carribean 3 however because Im behind on the series and still need to see number 2!

Well have a nice day,

Deputy Warren Ferguson
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52511:
Hey Folks

Ro-I can remember Skype's well. Oh, the thrill of the hunt. I was always the best Skype hunter in our little group. Actually, my friends were quite poor at it. They seemed to continually get turned around and windup back at camp, leaving me to finish the hunt. (wink, wink)

Asa-Maybe, we should listen to brother Carter. We he talks of failed Presidencies, he has walked the walk.
90 degrees, YIKES!

DWF-I loved Spiderman III. I'm not much of a Johnny Deep fan or "Shrek" for that matter. So, I pass on those.

God Bless our President and our troops,
auh2o
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52512: Good afternoon, all. auh2o, so tell me, did you ever catch a Skype? What did it look like? Do they bite?

Like DWF, I haven't seen Pirates II, would prefer to see it before III. I actually enjoyed the first one, Johnny Depp was pretty convincing as the psychotic pirate. I'm ready for Shrek the Third, though, as I actually own copies of the first two. Personally, I love Shrek and his friends. There's a lot of commentary on the human condition in those movies, and the fact is, Eddie Murphy is just hilarious as Donkey. No other voice, no other delivery could have brought Donkey to life quite like his. Spiderman so far is a non-issue for me. Haven't seen any of them.

Asa, I wish you could check out the power issues in my yard, too. Ted will come tomorrow, and I'm sure he'll find it, but he doesn't usually wear his toolbelt. Perhaps if he'd wear one....

Well, guess I'll go scratch up some lunch. Leftovers today - waste not, want not, you know. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52513: Good Afternoon everyone.

I saw Spiderman 3 for the kid's sake but I don't really enjoy those kinds of movies. I am looking forward to seeing Shrek 3 soon.

I think I will try to stretch out on the couch for a bit. I am really sleepy. I didn't get home last night until 12:30am from keeping my sister's grandkids. Their parents work at a restaraunt and had to close up last night. When I got home, the puppy was crying and so was Erin. They had both woke up and were crying for attention. Finally got everyone asleep and then the pup was up again at 3:45! I sure will be glad to see my siter later.

Boo
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52514:
Just a quick check in today folks. This is Checkpoint chickie! ha
Ya all have a great sabbath.
MDC
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52515: Hey, all you caregivers for little kids. I just saw a cute recipe for Flowerpot Cupcakes. You just use your favorite cake mix - chocolate is recommended, because it looks like dirt. Take 36 of the flat-bottomed ice cream cones, place them in muffin tins, fill to within an inch of the top with your cake batter, and bake as for cupcakes, until cake springs back. You know the drill. Then frost as desired, and colorful sprinkles are suggested. Wouldn't little kids have fun helping with these, and even more fun eating them? Probably a bit less mess than regular cupcakes, too. I just thought it was a cute idea. --Romeena
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52516: Hey MDC, remember to check the bolts on that sidecar before you take off.

Well folks, I have to do my civic duty tomorrow. Yes, I have been summoned for jury duty. Joy. I was kinda hoping the trial would be cancelled, but I just called to check and it is still on.
I guess I shouldn't be so apprehensive, considering this would be the closest thing I would be getting to a paycheck since I haven't found a job yet, but I just go to thinking that there are some cases I wouldn't want to be involved in and hearing all the details. I'd rather remain blissfully ignorant on some things.

Of course, there is still the chance I won't be selected anyway. I kinda hope that is the case. Cause then I'll get paid just for coming in.;)

Anyone else ever have jury duty?

-Sterling Holobyte
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52517: That's supposed to be "...just GOT to thinking...". Not GO.

Well, either way it doesn't sound right, now that I think about it. ;)

-Sterling Holobyte
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52518:
Hello porch family....Pray you all had a great church day.

Ro...Thanks for keeping the porch nice and clean. You sure do a good job sweeping. The webcam sounds neat. You should enjoy that with your kids and grands.

Gotta go...I'll try to check back later. Prayers for all.
-REV.


May 20, 2007 - Msg 52519: Hey Ro,

I use Skype and a webcam to stay in touch with my parents. Really..they want to see my son...not me. ha ha

I love Skype! Free and it works great.
--Floyd
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52520: Good evening, all. Sterling, I've been called for jury duty many times over the years. I've served on four juries, and have found it to be very interesting, and in some ways, quite a rewarding experience. One case was a civil suit, a man suing a transmission repair company because his transmission failed again in two months. He had refused to pay for them to repair another problem which led directly to the transmission's failure, however, and had signed a waiver to that effect. Even I could see that the unrepaired problem would cause the transmission to fail. He was just astonished when we ruled against him, in spite of his "evidence", which consisted of the transmission company's ad, torn from the phone book. He was from the Middle East, and all he could do was keep repeating, "I thought Americans are supposed to be fair to all." He kept arguing, with this dramatically stricken expression on his face, apparently in the hope of making us change our minds, even after the judge basically ordered him to shut up and go home. It was too funny!

Another case was a drug dealer who had sold the drugs to an undercover cop. Black dealer, black cop, so the race card didn't get played. His defense was mistaken identity. Anybody remember the actor Lee Van Cleef? Very distinctive features, if you recall. Well, this drug dealer was a ringer for Lee Van Cleef, though black. He also had a lightning bolt scar running across his right cheek, and two big gold teeth in front. Mistaken identity? I doubt it! The whole courtroom broke out in laughter when the defense lawyer started laying that one out. Needless to say, we convicted.

The other two were pretty mundane, not very interesting. There was another one I wanted to get on very badly, but was ruled out. I learned later that the jury convicted though, so I was happy. The creep deserved it.

Well, everyone have a lovely evening. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena

May 20, 2007 - Msg 52521: My goodness. In re-reading the above post, it sounds like I'm against minorities, or non-Americans. Not so. It's just the way the cases fell. The jury I wanted on but didn't make it, was to try a guy whose name could have been John Smith, and who was quite white. It would have been my wish to see him placed beneath the jail, in a hole somewhere, for the rest of his natural, miserable, drunken life. It's probably a healthy sign for our judicial system that I didn't get on that jury, because I was definitely loaded for bear. I had made up my mind that I would listen carefully, and weigh only the facts, but honestly, we had been given enough facts in the voir dire portion that I believe all 24 people on the panel were ready to convict right then. The selection of 12, and the trial was just a formality. The defense was appointed, and he was desperately trying to form a defense, but there really was none.

Floyd, that's good to hear, about Skype. I think it's going to be fun. So far, only one of my sons, and I, have it, but we'll try to get the rest of the family on it soon.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52522: Jury Duty!..been there and done that. I forget how many times I was called and believe I did get selected four times. If called, it cost you a day and if you did serve it was normally a week. Pay?, at the time it was $6/day and I can't ever remember getting a check...but that was Williamson County, TX. But!, one time was selected for the Grand Jury...period of 90 days. I dreaded it, but that was an experience I am glad to have had. We actually met sometimes one day a week and handled about 100 cases at a time. There you are given all the evidence and it is quite interesting. It is quite awakening to what is happening right in your back yard. Most cases were drug or alcohol related,but some were interesting. You did see our justice system at work. I feel proud to have been a small part in it.
ray
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52523: Romeena and Ray, I'm actually hoping I get one of those mundane cases that Romeena was talking about(if I am selected). I don't really care to be in the same room as a killer or child molester, and hear the details of the crime and the argument of how it wasn't as bad as it seemed from the defense.
As far as the length; good grief, Ray, 90 days?
That's like a second job.
Luckily, I was told that this trial is expected to last one day. Hey, we're a small community. Hopefully it is something like a person did a U-turn where they weren't supposed to and a citizen turned them in. "Citizen's arrayest, citizen's arrayest!" ;)

I'll let you guys know what happens.

-Sterling Holobyte
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52524: I guess that pretty much sums up my feelings too, Ray. I'm fortunate in that the hospital I work for allows us three paid days a year for jury duty, which helps. I can see where it could be a hardship for someone who is self-employed, or whose employer doesn't pay. Even for someone like me, if the trial ran for a long time, it could burn up my vacation time, I suppose. It has never come to that for me - the longest trial took 2 days, and about an hour on the third day, so I've always been paid. The biggest headache for me was always getting into downtown Dallas, and where to park. I'm not about to park my pet car in one of those lots where the space is smaller than my kitchen table, and thugs are standing around waiting for you to walk away. So my husband always drove me down and picked me up. Nowadays, thank goodness, we have the light rail system, with a station here in my suburb, and one about a block from the courthouse, so it's perfect. I never take my car down there. The stations are patrolled, the trains have conductors and are clean, so it's all much safer than driving.

Well, guess I'll turn in. Much to do tomorrow. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena


May 20, 2007 - Msg 52525:
Well I'm back for a quick check in. How bout we all meet at the diner in the morning around 7:30.

Good ole jury duty.....yep I've been on it a few times. It's not really bad but it usually hits when you already have something planned.

You all have a good night and prayers for the whole porch family.
-REV.
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52526: Hey gang.....gosh just been busy at the dog house....yall been eating good!....?..hey Rev,Tom,ro,boo,m-t,and all got the jet-skis ready for the summer....breakfast on me and asa at I-Hop in the morning...SPOT
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52527: Oh, hey, Sterling, I didn't see you there. If a quick, simple trial is what you want, then I hope you get it. I know what you mean. You wonder if you could sit still and listen to some slimeball whine about his bad childhood that caused him to do something terrible to somebody else. You know, it's the court-appointed defense lawyers who get my sympathy. They have no choice. They may know in their soul that their client is as guilty as sin, but they have to do their very best to get them acquitted. They can't even just do a shoddy job and get out of it that way. It's not up to them to decide guilt or innocence, so they have to assume innocence and frame their defense with that in mind. It must be terribly difficult. The guy whose jury I wanted to be on had been blind drunk, mowed down a young cop who had stopped to help two kids whose car had stalled - killed the officer and one of the kids. Drove right on, clipped the squad car, proceeded another half mile down the highway and finally climbed a pole. Naturally, the (deleted) wasn't injured. His blood alcohol was nearly four times the limit, and he couldn't even stand up when he got out of his car. How would you like to be the attorney trying to defend that? But, without a sincere defense, our judicial system would be worthless. Just let some lawyer decide each case.

OK, that's my two cents' worth. --Romeena
May 20, 2007 - Msg 52528: Hey, Spot. Thanks for keeping the lights on. --Romeena
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52529: Diner at 7:30. Check! (that means agreed upon, not that I want the check Rev)

I've been called to a jury pool several times in County, State and Federal. On all 3 occasions I never even got as far as being questioned. I just had to call in every day for a status report to see if I was supposed to go in the next day. Never went any further than that. I kinda wanted to be on one. I think it would be very interesting as Ray mentioned. Good luck Sterling.

Well here it is Monday morning again. Cloudy and cool here with Rain expected later today. We need it so it will be a blessing.

I sure hope Millie is doing ok. Ain't seen her around here much the last few days. Check in Millie if you are able to.

Well better get down to the diner before Homemaker does.

Asa
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52530: Good morning everyone. It's beautiful here today and expected to be the same throughout this week. I hope that you all are enjoying nice weather where ever you are, too.

Hey! I'm the one who brought up burgers with bleu cheese. So what do you all do? Go on and have them when I'm not around. No fair! Well, MILLIE, Bogart's is less than three hours from me so I could make it before lunch.

Speaking of jury duty, my mom just found out the other week that she has been called for duty in June: the same week we are going on a family vacation. We all have arranged our work schedules, the place has been booked, and money has been paid. But you know what? In the eyes of the court that's not a valid excuse. So it looks like she might have to sit home by herself. I just don't think it's fair. To make matters worse, it's for federal court so she'll have to travel into the city (45 minutes plus rush hour traffic) every day, so my dad will be staying home, too. My mom's sister is flying in from Arkansas to see everyone and go on the trip. It's not like she wouldn't be willing to do it another time.

MDC: Veda will be one in July. Time does fly!

POSSUM: Glad to hear Laci is doing so well. But of course she would be with you for a grandmom. Can't wait to see the pictures. I still think it would be a kick to get all our families together for a big old-fashioned picnic one day. The kids would have a great time.

I won't comment on the Carter talk but to say that I respect the character of the man even if I do not agree with all his political opinions. It doesn't bother me one bit when people comment that something he has said or an opinion he holds is ridiculous. I could list some myself. It does bother me when other Christians deride and villify Carter. Now, this wasn't done here, but some of my Christian friends have been known to do it. And the fact is, agree or disagree with his politics, he conducts himself like a true Christian.

I don't excues his recent comments, but even some of us who voted for Bush are finding it more and more difficult to swallow what the administration is shoveling these days. It may be understandable that those who disagreed from the start are at the end of tehir patience.

BOO: Funny, I don't picture you as a "great-aunt." (Heehee)

CHARLOTTE: Vicks and mayo probably taste about the same on a sandwich.

DWF: I saw "Spiderman III" this weekend. This genre of movies isn't my favorite, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the Spiderman movies. I liked it fine, but feel that it may have tried to do too much. So far, at least (it looks like they may be doing three more Spidey movies), number two has been my favorite.

I haven't seen any of the "Shrek" or "Pirates of the Carribean." The Shrek movies don't interest me at all, and, from what I've heard, aren't apropriate for my kids at their age. I would like to see the Pirate movies, though. I've heard a lot of good reviews.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. See ya'll at lunch.

Me-They
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52531: Hi All nice day for now called for rain for tonight.
Haven't seed never ofthe movies . because go way to git there.
Rom-I will send a photo of Matth for you can add to the porch book.
Will Im going to busy all this week cleaning up the house for this weekend , me borther and wife are comming in for memorialday weekend.

LOVE TOM

May 21, 2007 - Msg 52532: Good morning, all. Me-They, has your mom called in to see if she can get her jury date postponed? It's been my experience that they'll usually do it. On two occasions, I've gotten out of it. The second time they didn't even ask me why! If you just ask to be excused, they won't, but if you start out by asking if you can postpone it, they're much more cooperative. It's certainly worth a try - it would be a shame to have such an event ruined just so she can go sit and wait to hear her name called, which might not even happen.

You're so right about the character of a person meaning more to you than their politics. I admired Jimmy Carter as a man, and still do, and actually, I know very little about his politics. That works for both positive and negative. Bill Clinton's personal ethics and behavior so far overshadow his politics, that I think I'd still find him offensive if he had cured every societal ill known to man.

Well, gotta get busy. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52533: Hey Y'all! Thanks for the prayers for Laci and the very kind words for me.I'm working on getting some pics to Ro-hopefully this week.
Me-They,I'm always daydreaming about all of us Porchsters meeting one day-wouldn't it be fun if we could somehow get together in Mayberry (Mt. Airy)? We'd have so much fun! Laci,Kai,Nora,Chad,Erin,Sean,Kelsey,homemaker's boys,Ro's grandkids,Mariah,and all the Porch kiddies would tear up the town! Somebody would have to be put in charge of Asa-wonder who could handle him on an outing? Any volunteers?
About Jimmy Carter- I think he was very reckless in making the remarks he did with all that's going on in the world now.More fuel for the terrorist's fire,so to speak.For a former president to bash the current one is just downright tacky & irresponsible. That's my 2 cent's worth.
Well,need to clean the kitchen. Y'all have a good day!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
P.S. Prayers continue for Millie.
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52534: I hope the state pays for your mom's room she booked, Me-They, if they don't let her postpone her jury duty. It seems to me they should let her postpone it. They can't be that thoughtless, can they?

Oh, by the way, I got my wish and wasn't picked today. Yippee!:)
The judge called out the names of 12 jurors and 6 alternates, who were picked electronically, and I thankfully wasn't among them. Then, after weeding out the other ones they didn't want, they excused those 6 people and the rest of us.
It was a custody case, btw, so it wouldn't have been so terrible I guess, even if I had been picked. Kind of one of those mundane trials I was looking for.
Although, even if they had needed a replacement for one of the initial jurors that they excused, I still don't think I would have been picked, because I held the same beliefs as one of the guys they got rid of, who answered when questioned about parental custody that, "Both parents should play a part in the childs life, unless there is some sort of abuse going on."
For some reason, that must not have sit well with one of the lawyers, probably for the plaintiff since she wanted to terminate the father's custody rights.

So that was my experience with the court system. Yes, it was kind of interesting, but it is more interesting when you don't have to sit through the whole thing, I imagine. ;)

-Sterling Holobyte
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52535: Geeze, I can't tell my "sit" from my "sat"(and we all know how painful that can be), which is what it should have read!


Possum, I can't think of any other kids I would want my Kai to hang around with than those of the people on the porch!

I agree with you on Carter also, Possum.

-Sterling Holobyte

May 21, 2007 - Msg 52536: My friends, I have a need for prayer. My family and I are really hurting today. My best friend Karen, who I have mentioned often here on the porch, had a stroke last night and had a massive brain bleed. She is on life support but there is no brain activity. She is the single mom with 3 children the youngest 2 are 13 and 7. They will take her off life support soon and I have her 13 yr old son with me. This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Please pray for us.

Love,
Julie (Boo)
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52537: Julie- prayre for your friend and family.
May God keep her safe.

tom
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52538: Boo, you, your family and Karen are all in my thoughts. Take care.

Deputy Warren Ferguson
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52539: Thanks guys. It's been a really tough day. Karen called me at 1:30 to come because she was having a stroke and I have been up since. I finally left the hospital and brought her son home to my house for some rest. He fell asleep outside on the trampoline with Sean by his side. Sean is keeping watch over him while he sleeps. I guess I will lay down on the couch for a bit and try to dose. I have to pick up Karen's only sibling from the airport tonight. They are trying to keep her alive on the respirator until her sister arrives. The shock of all this is really tough. The doctor said the sroke was caused from her uncontrolled high blood pressure. She had not been good about taking her medicine, no matter how we begged her to. Now her kids don't have a mother and she was only 42.
Thank you for your prayers TOM and Warren.

Boo
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52540:
Boo- prayers indeed for Karen and her family! I am so sorry about the whole situation. I hope you will also be ok. I am glad that Bruce saw the light regarding high BP. Many many prayers heading your way. God bless you all.

Asa-Yep, too bad about the Suns. San Antonio plays rough and dirty. The refs in the last game were about one sided as refs can be! Commissioner Stern canceled his Phoenix trip because he knew he would be booed out of town! Too bad basketball is going this way and turning into a contact sport!
Sterling- Did you figure out the door locks yet?
SPOT- good vittles at the ihop. Back to the regular racing circuit this week.
There was a piece in the newspaper last week where a 6 MONTH old baby girl got a jury summons from our county!! ha, how'd you like that if she showed up at a trial! ha
Well, have a good day all. God blees,
MDC
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52541: Boo,wish I could give you a big hug. I am so sorry that you are losing your friend. Please know that you have my love and I will be praying for all of you.
Love,
possum under a rock

May 21, 2007 - Msg 52542:
Boo-Prayers!

auh2o
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52543: Gosh Boo, I am so sorry to hear this. I pray she might recover and that blessings will be with her children, and with you and your family. You sure don't need more stress in your life. Keep us updated.

Asa
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52544: Oh my goodness, Boo. That's just terrible. Her poor kids! What a load for you, having her son there with you, but I can't think of anyone better qualified to look after him right now. He will benefit from your loving compassion, and your spiritual approach, and the knowledge that you loved his mom, too. Sean will be good for him as well, and it may even help Sean, as it takes his focus off of his own problems.

I'm sorry, but I didn't read about Jimmy Carter's comments about Bush. If he was offering sharp criticism of an existing president, then he was definitely out of line. You would think that a former president would have a little more insight and understanding, and have sense enough to keep his mouth shut. Maybe he's getting senile. No, seriously, I don't recall him being like that in the past, and some of us do tend to get more critical and less tactful as we get older. Well, anyway, shame on him.

Ted just left, and can't find anything wrong with anything that's connected to that circuit that keeps tripping the GFCI. He's thinking now that it's the outlet itself, that the power surge may have ruined it. So he'll be back tomorrow to replace the actual GFCI unit. I hope that works!

Well, I'm off to the shower. I've been working outside, and am covered with dirt, mosquito repellent and mosquito bites. Hmmm. Something is wrong with this picture. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52545: Many heartfelt prayers, Boo, for Karen, her family, and you and yours.
Millie
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52546: What a sad thing to have happen to everyone involved, including you, Boo. I hope everyone can get some rest tonight. It looks like it has been a very long day for you all.

-Sterling Holobyte
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52547: Boo, I just re-read your post. You said Karen called you to come because she was having a stroke?? I take it she was feeling bad, suspected what it was and called you, and the stroke progressed to completion after she called you? Good grief. That's just awful. I can't imagine how terrifying that would be. That poor girl. --Romeena
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52548: Wee Blessings.

Thank You heavenly Father
For wee blessings everywhere,
The sweet aroma of the purple lilac
And the lily white and fair.
Tiny hummingbirds and chirping sparrows,
Morning dew sparkling on a rose,
A creek trickling in the forest-
It's a wonder how it flows!
The laughter of a child at play,
A sip of warm, chamomile tea,
A smile, a friendly nod, a chuckle,
A March kite twirling wild and free.
Each descending raindrop
That splashes upon the ground-
Such a noisy, boisterous sound.
Oh, thank You glorious Creator
For butterflies that flit about,
For acorns and twinkling stars-
You exist, I haven't any doubt.
I praise You God in Heaven
For all You've done for me,
From blessings of the greatest magnitude
To realms as small as wee.


LOVE TOM

May 21, 2007 - Msg 52549: Hello everybody! Its the scarcely-posting Miller here. First off: A very good poem Tom!

Boo- That is a very very sad story. Sniff. Sniffle.


See you all. Best wishes.
~Miller

May 21, 2007 - Msg 52550:
Hello porch family

Boo....you all are in my prayers. That is so sad.

Tom...enjoy your visit with your family.

Posum...that would be great if we could all meet in "Mayberry".

Spot...you doing a super job keeping those lights on.

Hey Miller...check in more often.

My prayer request is minor compared to Karen's but if you folks would please pray that my voice would clear up. I have had a sore throat for the last two days and now I'm getting really hoarse. I've got a lot of concerts coming up this weekend.

You all be blessed and know that I'm praying for you all. Jesus loves us!
-REV.
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52551: Miller how is Millie? I think were all woried and concerned. Check in when you can get a chance Millie, I miss seeing you around here as well as TAGS forum.

Deputy Warren Ferguson
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52552:

Boo-Your post above as been on my mind all afternoon.... Continued prayers.

Romeena-Carter has been a nuisance to Presidents in both Party's. The Clinton Administration couldn't get rid of him. He interfered with their positions in Bosnia, Haiti, and North Korea.

Rev-Prayers for your good health. Ya know Rev, I just got this idea. Now hear me out. Do you remember Milli Vanilli? Well, Asa is a right fine singer on his own. If your voice doesn't quite make it back to were you'd like it, maybe, just maybe, Asa could do the singing and .... ah forget it.

MDC-I'm watching your D'backs tonight. Webb looks a little off this year but I bet he comes around.

auh2o
May 21, 2007 - Msg 52553: Great idea auh2o. We will give the Rev one of them super sensitive mikes, and I 'll have a hot mike behind the curtain, and boy when my voice, my glorious voice booms across that auditorium, why there won't be a dry eye in the house!
(serious Rev, prayers for your voice to get better so you can perform as called upon to do)

Hey to you Miller. Good to see you. Hope and pray all is well in your home.

Romeena, it sure could be a bad gfi plug thats gone bad. They will do that when hit with a surge sometimes. But them things will trip on detection of as little as .006 of an amp to ground. So even a high moisture level in the air can do it. Good luck. They can play a devil of a time sometimes finding them.

My own personal thoughts about Carter is he is simply trying to villify this administration and others to try and make his own dismal record look a little less tarnished. Won't work, at least not for me. Anyway, I'll put that one to bed.

Prayers continue for Karen and Boo and their families and for our Millie and her family.

Asa
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52554: Hey gang..been at the lake all day!...hey asa,boo,ro,possum,hazel,Tom,Rev,Millie,Miller,dwf,mdc,md,auh20,sterling,lucy and all....big maude let treat the gang to waffle house in the morning!...Asa will get the tip!..I will drive the bus...SPOT
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52555: Good evening, all. I'll bow to those who are obviously better qualified than I, to have an opinion regarding Mr. Carter and things political. I confess, I don't stay up with things like I should, and then sometimes get too vocal when an issue comes along about which I do have an opinion. As I hinted earlier, that's an affliction that comes with aging. (teehee)

Tom, that surely was a sweet poem. How DO you manage to come up with just the perfect thing, every time?

Miller, so good to hear from you, and please carry all of our loving concern to your mom. We miss her! I pray she'll feel up to visiting very soon.

Asa, that's exactly what Ted said - very sensitive, tiny bit of moisture, all of that. He checked each light that's on the circuit, all were dry. There is a string of rope light that encircles the top of the arbor - actually two sets of rope light, plugged together. One set is out, will be replaced tomorrow when Ted comes. I'm wondering if perhaps some moisture got in there, causing it to go out, and tripping the GFCI. We'll change that out before we change the outlet.
The GFCI itself is located inside the house, with an outdoor-type outlet on the back side of it, on the outside of the house, beneath an overhang. Coming off the bottom of that outdoor outlet is a conduit that goes straight into the ground, and is buried all the way out to the pond, where another four-plex outdoor outlet arises to accommodate the pond pumps, then continues to the arbor and partway up a post, terminating in another outlet. At the arbor there is a junction, where a line takes off and travels along the back flowerbed, with six landscape lights coming off at intervals. They're hardwired, not plugged into outlets. So you can see, Ted was pulling out what hair he has left, trying to find the ground.

Well, I'm off to bed. There is a mosquito in here, I haven't been able to kill him, so guess I'll just have to hope I can beat him to the bedroom and shut the door in his face. Miserable little wretch.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52556: Morning, porch. Hope everyone is well...Prayers for your voice, Rev, and again for Karen.
I'm still hanging in there, having some tough days, and a couple of good ones.
Because of all the meds I'm on, I just haven't felt like getting on the computer, but I'll try to check in when I can.
Love you all!
Millie
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52557: Don't you worry about it, Millie. You just check in when you feel like it.

Yes Ro, Karen called me at 1:30am and her voice was very slurred. She said, "I'm having a stroke". I asked her if she had called 911 and she said no, that she wanted to make sure I could be there for the kids. I told her I was leaving and would be there in minutes and told her to call 911. When I got to the house, the EMT's were wheeling her out and she was moving but unable to speak. When I got to the ER, they told me that she crashed in the ambulance on the way to the hospitol and that they had intubated her. So, the bleed progressed very quickly. I know those moments when she realized she was having a stroke but have terrified her because all she ever thought about was her children. At least now she is feeling no pain. Her 21 year old daughter just signed the consent for organ donation tonight so they say it will be about 24 hours before they harvest the organs. She won't actually be declared dead until then. Her children especially need prayer. Things are gonna be really rough for awhile. Thanks to you all.

Boo
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52558: Prayers for Karen - and for you too Boo. . .
hm
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52559:
Morning Folks

Boo-I have, once again, no idea what to say. As great as the Porch is, it is still hard for me to convey deep sympathy at times like this. I know for wordsmith's, like Romeena, it's a lot easier. But, for me I'm just left hanging. Prayers for Karen's family, and yours.

I get hang out with my little buddy (our youngest daughter). Man, I love that kid.

Asa-I'm with you enough about Jimmy, it's his bed.

Rev-Hope your in good voice today.

God Bless,
auh2o.
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52560:
you're, you're, not your. geeesh
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52561: Good morning everyone.

BOO: My Lord. Like AUH2O, I don't know what to say but to offer you my prayers. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know the Lord will give you the strength and comfort that you need, when you need it. I wish I could do more.

I do have a couple of questions: is there a father in there somewhere? And how are the kids holding up?

MILLER: good to hear from you. Stop by more often.

MILLIE: Don't let us pester you. Check in when you can and keep us updated, but don't feel like you have to post when you're not up to it. Prayers for you, always.

REV: Prayers for your golden throat. I mean, you're no Leonard Blush but I hear you're pretty good ;).

AUH2O: I often look (more like stare) at my kids when they are doing something and can't help but think about the joy they bring me that I never expected. You just can't "get" the love for a child until you've had one. It makes me so sad that there are kids out there being abused, exploited, or otherwise injured. How can people do that?

Nice poem, TOM.

Stop singing, ASA.

APB for LUCY, GOOBER, HORATIO, BWB, IDELLE, HAZEL, SKIPPY, DIXIE, and all the rest of you (you know who you are!).

Later,

Me-They
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52562: I wasn't gonna do it but I will: Carter has a mess-up, multi-failure of a presidency, but Bush ain't exactly up there in the top ten, or twenty, or forty. I think he is an honorable enough man, but he has surrounded himself with men I put only second to the cronies of the Harding administration. While good men like Powell and Ashcroft have had the good sense to jump ship or been drummed from the corps, we are left with the scandelous or questionable likes of Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld (the revolution usually consumes the revolutionaries), and Gonzales. The president's satisfaction with their performance gives me no piece of mind (remember "Brownie's doing a great job"?). Oh, well, there's always next time!

That outta get the tongues a-waggin! See, ROMEENA, it ain't just older folks!

I love you guys (and gals).

Me-They
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52563: We love you too, Millie. Get some rest and keep the faith, girl. Prayers for all porchsters. It's a great day in Illinois weatherwise today. I miss pipeman. Wonder what he's up to on this fine day.
Charlotte Tucker
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52564: Prayers for Karen & her family, Boo, Rev, Millie and all.

AFD
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52565:
Millie-Please don't feel like you need to reach to us. We know where you stand. Rest, when you feel up to it then drop on by.

M-T I know of no greater sound than hearing my girls playing and giggling in the other room. You're right about the staring, I never really thought about it that way.
As for Carter, I think he's a shallow little man, that we have Nixon to blame for and, that history will forget.

auh2o
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52566: Hey Y'all- Boo, my thoughts are with you today.Lean on those everlasting arms.I'm wondering what will happen to Karen's children. Do they have somebody to take good care of them?
Millie,we love you too. Hope today is a good one for you.
Rev.,you need a shot of the Colonel's elixir-will have you singing "Toot Toot Tootsie" in top form!
Ro,my daughter e-mailed me some pics of Laci. I'm going to forward them on to you so they can get in the Porch album.Thanks in advance for posting them!
Just got diagnosed this morning with sciatica- was given muscle relaxers (which I don't want) and a shot of cortisone. Doctor said it's most likely coming from a bulging disk.I told him that I have to lift my grandchild alot and he said that's probably what got this ball rolling. Oh well,what are you gonna do? She needs me,I'll have to deal with the consequences.Case closed. To steal a line from Gilda Radner: "It's always something!".
Well,let me e-mail these pics to Ro so everybody can see my darling person!
************
possum under a rock
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52567:
Hello porch family.

Millie...you just get your rest and know that we are praying for you.

Boo...I can only imagine the stress that is on you during this time. All I can say is that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for the prayers for my voice. It's a little better today but still not there yet.

See ya'll a little later. Have a blessed day!
-REV.
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52568: AUH2O: There you go blaming Nixon! I thought we didn't have him to kick around anymore.

REV: I agree with POSSUM; try Colonel Harvey's (hic!) elixir.

POSSUM: Prayers for healing to you. I had problems with my sciatic nerve a few years back and after about a month went to the doctor. He asked me if I recently got a new pair of shoes. I had, but thought he was nuts since they were very comfortable. Anyway, I stopped wearing those shoes and the very next day the pain had disappeared never (knock on wood) to return. Guess my doc's education was worth every penny.

BOO: I just want you to know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers throughout the day today. You are a real trooper. Throughout all your trials and burdens you seem to just set your sights, hunker down, and get 'er done. Few complaints and no excuses. May God ease your pain at this most difficult time.

Nice to see your post, AFD. CHARLOTTE, I miss BUCKEYE, too.

Me-They
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52569: Oh, and by the way...

We defy the Mafia!

M-T
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52570:

M-T Ya know, I was in the my garage getting ready to leave and then I thought again about my post so here I am. Life is too short, God bless Jimmy Carter. I know you think highly of him and that's great, different strokes and all. You have a great day buddy!

auh2o
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52571:
Hey there M-T

auh2o
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52572: Absolutely no offense taken, buddy. To each his own. And good thing, too, because you can't have mine ;). You have a good one, too.

Me-They
And I still defy the Mafia!
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52573: Aw, heck, I'll share mine...

Care for a peanut?

M-T
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52574: Good morning, all. Well, at least it was morning when I sat down at this keyboard. Guess it's afternoon now. Hmmm. I seem to have misplaced lunch somewhere.

Millie, my love, every time I breathe a little prayer for you, which is often, I feel your presence, even though I don't even know what you look like. Prayer is like that, it joins hearts and minds, even when there is physical separation. You don't need to come here for us to feel close to you. If Miller wouldn't mind updating us now and then, it would be appreciated, but we understand that it may be difficult for him at times. Just know you're loved, and drop by only when you feel up to it.

auh20, when my husband passed away, my family and I received many, many messages of condolence and encouragement. Many were beautifully worded. Our beloved former pastor wrote a lovely poem, and I cherish it. Letters, cards, phone calls, personal visits - beautiful words. However, there was one phone call, left on our recorder by a co-worker of my husband, a man I had never met. He spoke a few stumbling words, and finished in a tear-choked voice with "God, I hate this!" I think his was the most eloquent and touching message of all. It was genuine, it was heartfelt, and it let me know that he had a real regard for my husband. Pretty words don't always do that.

Rev, about your voice. Is there any way you can soak it? Maybe you need to loosen something? Seriously, prayers for you, friend. Maybe God just wants you to rest for a few days??

Possum, and everyone - the new pictures of little Laci are in the album. She's a little doll, the kind you want to just scoop up and hug. Thanks, Possum.

Boo, blessings and strength for you, friend. God has chosen you to minister to others, and certainly is giving you plenty of opportunities to exercise your gift. Prayers for you, and for Karen's family.

Well, guess I'd better get busy. I have to work tonight and tomorrow night, so I'll be useless tomorrow. Got to get a few bills paid, a bit of laundry done, and maybe sweep out the kitchen. I won't be back in the household saddle until Thursday afternoon.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52575: OK gang im back...been at the lake for the past 2 days...great weather here in ga but we sure do need the rain...gona read the archives...supper will be a nice pot roast with all the trimmings and big maud slaw!...Mil you doing ok?..Rev?...Tom?..and all....SPOT
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52576: Yeah, Spot, I'm ok. One day at a time.
Boo, I'm so sorry about what you're going through. Continued prayers for you and Karen's family.
I'm off to the dentist, again. Can't start chemo again 'til I get all my dental issues resolved.
More later if I can.
Love to everyone,
Millie
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52577: Prayers for Boo, Millie and everyone else here on the Porch. Sometimes our lives get turned upside down for a reason....I'm still trying to figure out the reason for what has happened to our family since the first of the year???
Frankie
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52578: You are soooo right Frankie. Life has plenty of twists and turns to experience.

Asa
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52579:
Another quick visit tonight!
Prayers for all you fine porchsters. God bless,
MDC
May 22, 2007 - Msg 52580: Hi All.
will it was a hot day 80 de.
Boo who is your friend doing tonight?
Prayer are going up for all of us.
Millie that right just one day at a time and the good lord will be there for you.

LOVE TOM

















May 22, 2007 - Msg 52581:
Checking back in on the porch.

Spot....I'm sure it was nice on the lake. It's dry here too. We had a huge cloud of smoke today for about an hour. It was so thick that it almost turned dark. They said it was from Ga/Fla.

I've got to check out the new pics on Ro's site.

Frankie....as you said, "sometimes our lives get turned upside down" but keep the faith and keep your eyes on the Lord.

Millie....Prayers that your dentist trip turns out good and you get the dental problems resolved. A great big Mayberry hug to you!

Ro...hope your work shift goes smooth. Try to get some rest.

Boo...continued prayers for you all. I know these are trying times but your faith will bring you through this.

You folks have a great night. I thank God for His love and I thank God for you all.
-REV.