July 30, 2007 - Msg 54472: Good morning all. Thanks for breakfast, Spot. If I keep eating like this, they're going to call me Porky.
Take care everyone. Good luck at the doc today, Romeena. I hope all goes well.
Nice chatting with you last night, Millie. I hope you have a good day.
- Hazel
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54473: Lift up your feet, everybody; I'm sweeping.
- Hazel
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54474: Nice sweep Porky. :)

Asa
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54475: Mornin all, Millie, I agree about that ASPCA commercial it makes me cry everytime. It is so hard to understand how anyone can harm an animal. Romeena ,hope all goes well today. Lucy drink alot of orange juice and have some chicken noodle soup With a dash of hot sauce for that cold. Everyone else please have a safe and peaceful day. Dr P
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54476: Prayers for you Ro -

hm
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54477:

Millie, that commercial tears me up, too. That song alone gets to me, but combined it with the thought of wonderful, loving animals being neglected and abused is just about emotional overload. I'm pretty tough, but I can't tolerate cruelty. Hope you're feeling well, Millie.

Ro, please post with any news. Prayers, as always.

~DeS~
.
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54478: Thank you, dear friends. You folks are just the cats. Asa, now you've got me all choked up with humbleness! I would seriously question that "sainthood" thing, but I do love animals, respect them as part of God's creation, and have zero tolerance for cruelty in any form. Some idiot wrote a letter to our paper yesterday, regarding Mike Vick. While he agreed that Vick should have to answer for what he did, he said he couldn't understand why such a fuss was being made about that, when there are people who mistreat other people and he thinks that's much worse. Apparently the blockhead isn't aware that people who abuse animals frequently go on to abuse humans, especially children. There is a proven, documented and scientifically recognized connection. Show me an animal abuser and I'll show you someone who will very likely escalate the behavior one day. As I've said before, I'll bet I can just guess how Vick treats women, and God forbid that a child should annoy him!

Yes, Millie, that ASPCA commercial reduces me to tears every time. It's Sarah McLachlan's voice quality, and the pictures of the poor little battered creatures, some with missing eyes and other injuries, and still they're letting someone hold them. They're so trusting and so innocent.

That's one thing that's so horrid about the things Vick and others like him do. Those little pitbull puppies aren't born vicious, they're made that way. I don't even want to think about what is done to them to convert them from a playful puppy to a vicious killer. There's a pitbull next door to me who has been kindly raised, and she's a sweetheart, not a mean bone in her body. The thing with pits is the potential for damage that they possess, because of their massive jaw structure. Torture them enough, make them mean, and you have a killing machine. Shame on anyone who would do that, and shame on a nation that lets them get away with it. I'm for much stricter laws and much, much stiffer penalties, for any kind of animal cruelty. Ten years in the pokey would be a good starting place. It's not so much about punishment, though that's important. It's more about getting someone who could do something like that out of the mainstream, getting them where they can't do more harm. Mark my words, if Vick isn't put away, somewhere down the line there will be a little item in the paper where he beat up a girlfriend, or worse. He's a bully and a coward, and that's how I feel about that!!

The Plum has an appointment at 1:30, and my best buddy is going with us, bless her. I'll let you know what we find out. Thanks for your prayers. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54479: Yep, that ASPCA commercial is a killer. You know, these days nobody should be ignorant of the intelligence and ability of animals to even show affection. To abuse them is a terrible, terrible things because they are so vulnerable and dependant on us.

Hey Homemaker, I wanted to ask your advice about something. I am a bit discouraged with our 4H group. I think I mentioned that it is a new group that started up and has 8 families in it. In our county, we have to do fund raising to pay for the animals that go to show. Well, the leader of our group joined up with a nearby town who does one big fundraiser each year and they were willing to help us by letting us participate with them in the fundraiser. Nice of them, but here's what doesn't seem right about it to me. The fundraiser is a big dinner/dance for 100.00 per couple, with good food and a known performer, but one of the draws is that there is an open bar and no limit on drinks, included in the price of the ticket. I told the group that my husband is a Baptist deacon and needed to talk to him first. I am NOT a legalistic christian and I don't judge others for what they do but I feel conflicted about selling tickets to a fundraiser for a children's club that might enable someone (or perhaps quite a few) folks to drink to excess and possibly even drive home that way. I'm also not sure what message supporting something like that would send to my 12 yr old. Anyway, we decided not to sell the tickets but if we stay in 4H we will collect donations for the same amount of required ticket sales. I know 4H is not supposed to be about the money but because folks in our area have to come up with their own funds, it does seem to be a real focus, and I didn't expect that. They told us that only about a third of the animals raised actually go to show and are bought so most kids don't really benefit from the sale of animals anyway, but this seems to be a huge focus around her. I am discouraged about it and thinking about just getting out of it. I was hoping maybe you could give my your advice, since your boys are involved in 4H....thanks!

Boo
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54480: Oh Hey Ro, we were posting at the same time. I agree it is horrible to think of what people do to those pitbulls. I saw it firsthand a couple of years ago when I came across a "living skeleton". The sweetest, young female pitbull that was being starved and was so emaciated that she was able to slip through the bars of the fence and escape. I have never, anywhere seem an animal that was starved to that degree. I was able to pick her up and she went willingly with me to the animal shelter. I called and even had the police fo out and investigate the place but they said they didn't find anything. I know that the owner of the property was raising the dogs to fight but have since moved the dogs out and gotten away with it. Makes me sick.

Continued prayers for Sugarplum...

Boo
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54481: Hey to the porch...hope everyone is having a good start to the week!

Ro...just a quick note...prayers for you and for the Plum...there's a whole lot of love wrapped up on those little furry kids...and it's never easy making hard decisions for their benefits. Prayers for your comfort...for your strength...and for her recovery. We'll be waiting to see how things go.

Ya'll be good...

Goober...
YO!!!
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54482: Hi, Boo. I think the dilemma you're in right now with the 4-H thing is appalling. Apparently things have changed a lot, because in my memories of 4-H, an event like that wouldn't even have been considered. A barbecue, maybe even a square dance or some such, but the open bar and all? Never! I'll be very interested in homemaker's answer, because I have high hopes that you have encountered an unusual situation, that it's not the norm with 4-H everywhere. I agree with you, it's not a good situation, your concerns are very valid, and I'd have opted out, just as you have. You can bet there will be some there who will over-indulge and the kids will be treated to the sight of some adults making total fools of themselves.

This world gets crazier every day. --Romeena
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54483: Hey, Goober. Thanks for your prayers, and thanks for your music! I have your CDs and Rev's as well in my car, and really do enjoy them. Each CD gets a couple of days, then I swap out and the next one gets played through a few times, and so on. Between the two of you, I've got a really rich gospel thing going as I drive. --Romeena
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54484: Hi Boo - well my kids do not belong to a 4-H club. We are independent 4-Hers. That way, we are not subject to fundraisers, etc. The animals that go to show here at the county level are sponsored by the families that want to show them. So, we paid pen fees for 13 goats. Friends of mine paid $8 for every cow they wanted to show. I don't think that alcoholic drinks and 4-H go together. I wouldn't be supporting that dance. My son sold his market wether (goat) on Friday nite. The money goes to him and no one else. Only those children who raise animals get the animal money. There is a lot of expense through the year so that helps to offset that. I could care less if he sold it - we would bring it home and sell it on our own.

Hope that helps. . .with you in spirit Ro.

homemaker
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54485:
Hey Folks

Romeena-I can't add anything to what has already been said. I'll be thinking of ya and praying for you both.

Boo-I don't have any involvement in 4H but I have to agree with homemaker, I don't think that alcoholic drinks and 4-H go together either.

Lucy-When it comes to New York politics there is a lot to dis (now your son has me saying it), Schumer and Hillary really aren't my cup of tea. I didn't mean to di... I mean, denigrate Rudy, I think he's a fine man, I really appreciate those law-and-order guys (hence the Fred Thompson angle). As for books, I am rereading my copy of "The Founding Brothers" I picked up it to move to another shelf and started to skim through it and then I just decided I was enjoying it so much I'd reread it. Every time I read something about Alexander Hamilton I admire him more, what an unsung hero he is to the founding of this country.

Hey Asa, Millie, homemaker, spot, Hazel, Goober, and ~Des~.

Golly Bob Howdy, didn't Gordon Brown step up to the plate. Here's a little of what he had to say about the U.S.of A.

“America has shown by the resilience and bravery of its people from September 11 that while buildings can be destroyed, values are indestructable.

“We acknowledge the debt the world owes to the US for its leadership in this fight against international terrorism.”

God Bless,
auh2o

July 30, 2007 - Msg 54486: Good afternoon everyone. I hope that everyone is well today. I only have a minute (again) so this'll be short.

ROMEENA: I e-mailed you something via a website so don't spaminate it. My handle should be in the message line. Prayers for Sugarplum and you.

LUCY: Prayers for you situation.

AUH2O: That book's a good one, all right.

Talk to y'all soon.

Me-They
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54487: BOO: Are my shorts ready? It's awfully humid here.

M-T
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54488: Oh, I'm puddling here in Georgia, Me-They. The humidity is atrocious. You'd think we lived in Nola!
Auh20- Never heard of that book. I have read the Faith of the Founding Fathers, but not that. Wasn't Alexander Hamilton in a famous duel and was killed?
Boo- That sounds terrible. You'd better send Barney over! Seriously, if these people are drinking and driving something should be done. I do not put my guys in any type of clubs like that. I was in the Girl Scouts, but that organization is not like it was when I was a kid. Bry's going to start Awana in a few weeks and that's as far as the club circuit goes.
Romeena- Keep us up to date.
Me-They- I have a National Museum pass. Could I attend the museum you work in for free? One of my fave eps of TAGS is when Andy is telling the story of the Redcoats. He gets the kids in a history club. That club I'd be okay with my kids joining!
Question: What do y'all do when you have been best friends with someone for quite awhile, but you're realizing little by little that this relationship is becoming toxic? I have had an eating disorder off and on for years and I have this friend that is constantly talking about food and how it makes her feel. She's becoming a really negative person. Plus, she calls me around 5 times per day. I don't want to hurt her feelings, but after spending an hour 2 times a day or more I don't feel very good. She's not a "practicing" Christian and changes the subject every time I mention anything. She's calling right now, ahh!
Well, better go. Y'all have a Mayberry day!
Blessings,
~Lucy
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54489: Oh boy, Lucy. I hate situations like that. They can be so uncomfortable. Wish I had some good advice for you.

Thanks for the 4H information, friends. You are all a big help. I think at this point in my life I can do without the 4H club. Maybe later we can get involved on our own.

Pretty busy today so have to run....wish I could fall asleep with an apple in my hand like Mr. Tucker, right Asa? Talk to you all later.

Me-They, your shorts are in the dryer...

Boo
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54490: That would be nice huh Boo. Maybe you can do that for your Birthday tomorrow. Early happy birthday to you.

And Happy Birthday to our Possum. I think she is 39 this year... again.:)

And I think yesterday was Mr. Romeena birthday wasn't it Ro. I never met him but I feel I know him from your descriptions and I know I'd like him a lot.

Hope the Plum is ok.

Asa
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54491: Hello everyone.

Millie, I also have seen that ASPCA commercial with Sarah McLachlan. My eyes get watery everytime.

For those of you who have not seen the Sarah McLachlan ASPCA commercial, you can view it by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu_JqNdp2As. Fair warning ... have some tissue ready, especially if you love animals.

Thank God for the ASPCA, all of their workers and volunteers, and for very animal caregivers like Romeena.

Romeena, give Sugarplum a hug and kiss from me please. And here is my hug for you ((((((ROMEENA)))))).

from Poor Horatio
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54492: Bless your heart Asa! Not only for remembering me on my birthday,but getting my age right! Ha!

Didn't receive a bed jacket-I think Boo's hubby must have beat Mr.Possum over to Miss Lukens' shop,but at least I didn't get stuck with preserve jars! It's been a nice day for me.
Thought about Romeena & The Plum all day long.Wishing & hoping for a good outcome for them-that would be even better than getting a fancy bedjacket for our birthdays,wouldn't it,Boo?
That ASPCA commercial gets me too.I can't imagine who isn't affected by it.
Well,I'd better get off the computer.Bad storms brewing. Just wanted to say "hey" and see if there's any news on Plum. Love to all!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54493: Hey porch. Nice to see everyone today. Happy to know I'm not the only one who gets sappy at that commercial. Supper at my house....spaghetti and garlic bread and salad...if the kids don't eat it all up! Coconut pie for dessert.
Millie
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54494: Good evening, all. Asa, how on earth did you know that yesterday was my beloveded's birthday? It was - he would have been 70! Good grief, that's hard to believe. To me, he would still be about 30. Mercy, but we were having fun at that age! Tomorrow is my mom's birthday, she'd be 89.

Happy Birthday to Possum, and Boo. Wish I could bake you a big old cake, and be there to light the candles. Well, happy birthday anyway.

The news from the orthopedic surgeon was a bit mixed. He agrees that the films of her hips look terrible, but as he said, some dogs with "terrible" hips do just fine. Others are crippled, in spite of films that don't look all that bad. He tested her by putting her on the floor across the room from me, and she immediately struggled to her feet and raccoon-walked over to me. He picked her up and manipulated her hips and back legs, rotating her legs in the sockets and she didn't seem to mind. Bottom line - he's puzzled. She can walk (sort of) but doesn't want to. She doesn't seem to be in pain. Her legs will scissor when she's picked up, like a neuro-injured human, but she has sensation, has bladder and bowel control, and can wag her tail. Incidentally, her tail isn't tucked like it is when she feels bad, she keeps it up and waving when she's not sitting on it. He says the hips may not be the problem, she may have a bulging disc, or even a spinal-cord stroke. Both would require a CT scan under sedation to diagnose. A disc is surgically fixable, a stroke will either resolve on its own, or it won't, no treatment available. Since she did demonstrate that she can walk to a degree when sufficiently motivated, he suggested we wait a few days and see if she improves. If not, then we'll go for the CT. He's hesitant to anesthetize her if it's not necessary, and I agree. So, we wait. Argh.

Thanks, PH, for your kind words and the hug. Much appreciated. --Romeena
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54495: One more thing - I got an object lesson on the way home from the vet. I was driving through a lovely residential area, hilly and winding road, with a series of duck ponds along the side. The road is divided by a grassy median. Suddenly I saw a large turtle, big as a dinner plate, trying to cross the road. He would have had to get up the curb on the other side, cross the median, than cross the other road. I knew he'd never make it, so at the first crossover, I went back to rescue him. To my surprise, there he was on the other road when I got there! I pulled over, picked him up and took him to the edge of the pond, and returned to my car. All the while, I'm wondering how on earth he got that far that fast! As I went up to another crossover and turned back to head toward home, I realized that I had picked up a different turtle, because there was the first one, out in the road! As I was looking for a place to stop, a landscaper's truck ahead of me pulled over, and a very illegal-looking young man got out. (Yes, we Texans can pretty well tell the difference.) He picked up the turtle, carried him across both roads and deposited him in about the same place I had put the other one. I was stopped behind their truck, and as he returned to his place, I gave him a thumbs-up and a big smile, and he returned the greeting. I'm not trying to make any kind of a point here, because I don't even know what the point is, other than the fact that kindness can be international, and it made me feel good to see that young man exhibit concern for a poor old turtle. --Romeena
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54496: I love the turtle story, Ro! Thanks for sharing that. Kindness is universal (I wonder if that illegal-looking guy saw the ASPCA commercial??)...hehe Great story.

Well, I think the report on Sugarplum could be seen as encouraging and I am glad to hear that she isn't in any pain. Let's keep praying and see what the Lord has in mind. Thank you for sharing the outcome with us, Ro. We are all anxious to hear how she is doing. Don't hesitate to talk to us about her each day and let us know.

Whew, I am bushed today and still have a load of laundry in the dryer. Now that the rain is gone, it has been unbearably hot here in South Texas. High humidity, too...I am already looking real forward to that first cool front (which should occur in 2 or 3 months, probably). I have a long time to wait for it!

Happy Birthday to you Possum, Dear! Did they have to call the fire department when you lit the cake? heehee

Boo
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54497: Ro - I am so glad that you have a good doctor for Plum. He sounded very kind and compassionate. Love the turtle story. . .

"Humility" is high here too Boo - glad that the fair was last week when the temps were cooler.

I added a couple of fair pictures to the website - Ro, feel free to cut and paste to the porch album. I love Jesse's picture where he is passed out on the fitting stand. He was a tired boy after showing all afternoon. We were happy with the outcome of this year's fair. (You can't tell we are patriotic!) We are hoping that a picture will be in the local paper - the photographer for the paper loved the boys and their shirts!
www.freewebs.com/diamondbboergoats

homemaker

July 30, 2007 - Msg 54498:
Romeena-My goodness, do have any finger nails left? Just kidding of course, I know you're a strong one. That is a mixed bag for sure but it is a bag not without hope. To me, from here anyway, it seems that there may be a silver lining. I know we're all still praying for The Plum.

Lucy-Yes, Alexander Hamilton was involved in a famous duel with Aaron Burr. Hamilton was struck by a bullet fired by Burr and he died the day after the duel. Although, what I admire most about Hamilton and John Adams was their realistic approach to the circumstances brought about by the Revolution.

Lucy-With regard to your problem, maybe you could try and start removing yourself from so much involvement with your friend. Maybe get caller ID. I not saying hide from her but I gotta believe she knows, at least at some level, how much this effects you. And, if that is true, that she knows, then you have to wonder how much of a friend she is.

Millie-I gotta tell ya, that spaghetti and garlic bread and salad sounds great.

Asa-Thanks for the reminder, Happy Birthday possum!

possum-I hope your rock has a dry basement.

auh2o
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54499: Evening Porch! Glad to hear Sugarplum is not in any pain & seems to be getting along a little better Ro I loved the turtle story too. I am in agreement with the rest of you, while I do not support the ASPCA (long story) I do tear up at that commercial. That is one of the good things about my job, most of the furkids I deal with are like our own Sugarplum, well-loved & care for. I do run across some that are pretty sad, but those are few & far between. Speaking of pets, I came across this story a while back & have been following these folks' adventures ever since, ya'll would get a big kick out of it as well.
http://www.cutesmalldogs.com/Pages/Bus/Accident.html Hope that don't make the porch fall, there's spiders down there, ya know!
Enjoy the story
*Mavis
Gomer, get down there with them spiders & start workin!
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54500: Hey Mavis, auh2o and Ro. I have a new pain, in my belly area, and I'm worried the cancer is spreading again. I know y'all pray for me regularly, and I appreciate it, in advance.
Snack time.....graham crackers and juice.
Millie
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54501: I love the picture of the boys with the goats homemaker! They look very intent on winning. The goat markings on the front one are cool!
*Mavis
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54502: Didn't see you there Millie sorry to hear about your new pain, hope it's not spreading, extra prayers going up for you.
*Mavis
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54503: >>"As I was looking for a place to stop, a landscaper's truck ahead of me pulled over, and a very illegal-looking young man got out. (Yes, we Texans can pretty well tell the difference.)"<
How DO you tell the difference?
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54504: Hahahaha! Mavis, that story of the truck-driving dogs is just hilarious. I'm sure their owners don't think it's quite so funny, but I surely do. I can just picture the Plum doing something like that. That's why I never leave her alone in the car - well, one of the reasons, anyway.

homemaker, I copied two of your website pictures into the album. They're there now. Great site, by the way, and your goats are beautiful. Shotgun is really cute, too - what I could see of him. Would like another shot or two of him, showing his sweet little face. I know it is, because all little donkeys have sweet faces.

Well, guess I'll go unhitch the Plum from her current parking place, and give her a change of scenery. Poor little thing, she hasn't walked a single step since we got home. I even put a carrot on the floor a few feet from her and left it for about ten minutes, but she never tried to get it, just gazed at it longingly. Naturally, after a while, I gave in and got it for her. --Romeena
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54505: Not being a Texan, I'm curious too...how DOES a Texan tell the difference between a "legal looking young man" and a "very illegal-looking young man"?
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54506: Oh, Millie, please don't even think such a thing. We will definitely be praying that it's not that. Did you maybe eat some green apples? (hopefully)

#54503, we usually don't respond to unsigned posts, but since you raise a valid question, I will answer. The answer is, in Opie's words, "I can't tell ya!" No, seriously, it would be hard to explain, but there are subtle signs. I'd be willing to bet that you could identify someone from, say, New York or New Jersey, even without hearing them speak. You would know a "California girl" when you saw one. You would recognize someone newly arrived here from Europe, most likely. In the case of illegals from south of the border, the fact that he was riding in the back seat of a landscaper's truck was a starting point. He wasn't the driver. He kept his eyes down, didn't look at anyone but me, and I'm surprised he did that. His clothing was typical - worn jeans and a striped t-shirt. He was short and stocky, with a broad, round face and heavy features, that goes back to the Maya influence. None of this is meant to be in any way derogatory, it just is what it is. As I said, I know a Yankee when I see one, too. In fact, many years ago I married one, and lived with him and loved him until his death 11 years ago. Does that answer your question? --Romeena
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54507: So happy Plum is not in pain. See, the prayers are working….when two or more etc…. and we have a bunch doing it. HE is listening. My Anglican heritage has always been to pray on your knees. I have been doing that all my life, every morning and night. At least my knees still work quite well and am comfortable staying on them for as long as the prayers last and getting longer since reading of the needs on this porch.

Not to try to top the turtle story, many years ago turning into our neighborhood I thought I ran over a large rock. I stopped to throw it out of the street. It turned out to be a quite large turtle I had run over. It must have been 24” in diameter and probably 30 lbs. He (?) was well into his shell by this time…..having been run over by a 4000 lb car. I put the turtle in the car and took home. Our back yard was fenced... The next day the turtle was walking around. Jo Ann had strawberries growing and it didn’t take long to find out the turtle loved them. I guess we had him back there a year. The kids (still small) loved feeding him. He loved carrots, celery or any greens. Still think he could have taken off a f*nger with that mouth, but was always so gentle. Anytime we were on the patio he would come running (for a turtle). One day he was gone. We missed him.

Millie, so wonderful you are feeling well enough to fix supper. HE is working with you.

Boo, later on Mo-Ranch, haven’t forgotten…but to late tonight.

ray

July 30, 2007 - Msg 54508:
Hello porch family....Well I'm back after being away for a week. Sure missed you folks. I wasn't here on the porch but all the porch family were in my prayers each day.

The tour went great. I just got home after a 23 hour drive. Now I'm home for a couple weeks. Few local concerts but HOME during the week.
I'll have to read the archives later but I'm heading to bed now. I am so tired.
Have a Jesus filled night and prayers for all!
-REV.


July 30, 2007 - Msg 54509: Hmmm. It would seem that my "illegal-looking" statement brought out a few lurkers. Come forth, friends, and be identified. There's room here on this porch for more, anytime. We don't all hold the same opinions, just as neighbors in any small town would have some differences, but we get along and respect each other. There's room for you. --Romeena
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54510: Awwww, Ray, so sweet of you to give the turtle a home, and I wish he was still with you. Poor old feller (?), I hope he just wandered away and didn't come to any harm.

Welcome home, Rev. I can well imagine that you're tired, after driving that long. That's something my husband I used to do a lot way back when, but I don't think I could handle it anymore. I would try to help by driving part of the way, but he wouldn't rest, sat up like a big-eyed bird and watched my every move, so he might as well have been driving. Except the time when he got sick with a terribly high fever and I drove all night, got sick myself about three hours from home and neither of us even remembered the last hour of the trip. We woke up in the driveway, in the car, the next morning, with our little boy asleep in the back. I was behind the wheel, but don't remember driving in. We both had strep throats, and fevers over 104 when we finally made it into the house that morning. Horrid! --Romeena
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54511: That should be "my husband AND I used to do..." --Romeena
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54512: I am not an animal person...am not, am not...BUT...my 18 year old Kitty, and Stray our other cat...and now up to eight 50 lb bags of deer corn a week for our outside friends. Actually spending more more for the animals than for the humans. But the love is there for them and they know it. Now have two bucks eating from my hand held scoop.

Millie, prayers especially for you tonigh. Hold tight.

ray
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54513: are too, are too. --Romeena
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54514: So good to have you back, REV. You are a very comforting presence here on the porch. Thank you for your faithful prayers for all of us. Thanks to you, too, Ray, for your prayers. I admire your prayers on your knees. I have to admit I seldom pray on my knees but think I will try to do that more often. I have decided that I am going to put a bench in my walk-in closet in the new house and make myself a serene place to pray. There just doesn't seem to be anyplace to go here in Dad's house to be alone for long. I am not kidding when I say that almost every time I go to the restroom, someone (either kids, Dad or husband) is knocking or talking to me through the door! It is very frustrating.

Millie, I will get on my knees tonight (literally) and pray for you, my friend. Try and keep a good thought....

Boo
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54515: ....and for you and Sugarplum, too, Ro. Hang in there.

Boo
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54516: Something kind of humorous....I was looking back at the archives for February, 2004 and read something funny that Asa wrote. He said he and his wife were watching an episode of TAGS and a VICKS commmercial came on, which made him laugh. His wife asked what he was laughing at and when he tried to explain about our ongoing dialogue about VICKS here on the porch, his wife told him, "You're a strange man". HAHAHA...I thought that was so funny. You would be surprised how much fun it is to look back at the archives from time to time.

Boo
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54517: Oh, one more thing, Ro....a while back I mentioned that I had read a post in the archives about Sugarplum and how she was feeling poorly for no apparent reason even back in 2004. You wanted to find out where that was in the archives and it was dated March 13th, 2004.

Boo
July 30, 2007 - Msg 54518: Loved your turtle story, Romeena, very nice.
And I hope you can do something for the Plum. Just do your best. And she will too.

Prayers for you, Millie. Hoping it is something not serious.

Boo, sorry to hear about your 4-H experience. We were actually thinking about getting Kai involved in that. We haven't seen any 4-H open bars around here. I would hope they wouldn't resort to that to raise money. May have to rethink that one and do more research.
Just a couple weeks ago we ate at the 4-H food booth at the fair, with all kids of every age doing their part. Was kinda nice to see kids doing constructive things.

I know I have no right to ask for prayers, with all the problems people are having on the porch. I won't go into too much detail, but I do(still) have a problem with... I would guess you could say, power struggles within my marriage.
The latest having to do with what Kai watches and what she wears. Just last week my wife took her to see a movie(while I was at work) that she knew I didn't think Kai should see. And she told me she was glad she did(I'm still unsure what she meant by that). And just today she bought a shirt for Kai that was , shall we say, "hippy-ish". I objected in the store(andd I told her why), so naturally that apparently made her have to buy it more.
And that's what I think this is about; power. But deeper, and more disturbing I am finding, is the difference of ideals and values that my wife and I seem to have. Now, this didn't matter as much before we had Kai; I mean, we are all entitled to our opinions; but now with Kai's mind in mind, I feel an extra responsibility to help guide her through the gauntlet of political correctness(something my wife doesn't seem to have gotten out of yet), but it is tremendously difficult when one parent is teaching something totally different than what you are trying to teach. But I also do not try to use my child to advertise those teachings, and I never would.
I mean, tolerance and diversity are fine things, but they must be kept in perspective and not allowed to overrule God and morals and Christian values. And the way things are going, I really fear for Kai's future and her soul.
Ok, that's enough from me. Thanks for letting me vent. I do not know the solution to this. Hopefully God will give me one.

-Sterling Holobyte

July 31, 2007 - Msg 54519: Good morning everyone. Hopefully, this humidity will break a little today. Thankfully, it’s not Africa hot, just hot. (That was my Calvin Coolidge moment.)

STERLING: I think many couples have this difficulty. Even among Christian (“equally yoked”) couples it’s not as cut-and-dried as it used to be. And, to my mind, that’s a great thing; husbands shouldn’t use the Bible to lord over their wives and rule their families like a king. Wives should take their “help-meet” status seriously and work with their husbands to make decisions for their families.

But escaping the indoctrinations of our culture is difficult. I’m assuming that you and your wife are in my age range. If that’s true, your wife has spent her life being bombarded with messages about her role, what she should be, and what her priorities should reflect that often are contrary to the Truth.

I offer this advise: pick your battles. You need to identify where some ground may be given and where you need to draw the line. For example, hippie-looking tie-died shorts with fringe may be okay but the spaghetti strap belly shirt not so much. And don’t compromise with reluctance or resentment; it need sot be done with a smile and acknowledgement that your wife’s input and sensibilities are important.

While some may see this as a “cave-in,” it’s not really. We all need to accept that we are fallible and sometimes incorrect. And, more difficulty, acknowledge that our partners might have a better handle on something than we do. Who knows, maybe you are being too legalistic (I’m not accusing you, hey, I have a daughter, too, and I’m right there with you, brother!).

If we lead with love, and truly listen and appreciate what our spouse brings to the table, with the Lord’s nudging they will come to appreciate that we are more concerned with the best interest of our families than with our own ego or having our own way. Don't forget that not only is Kai learning how to navigate learning how to display morality in things like dress, but she also is learning how to have a Godly relationship by watching you and your wife. Your family is in my prayers.

MILLIE: Prayers for you, too. And don’t be so obtuse!

BOO: Thanks! I like hot shorts!

Talk to y’all later today.

Me-They
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54520: And Happy Birthday BOO and POSSUM! I hope that you both have a great day!

Now, can I have a piece of your cake?

Me-They
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54521: ...Before all those candle create a layer of wax...

M-T
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54522: My goodness. Me-They, and Sterling, what a conversation! A real problem, and really good advice. Two fine Christian men, supporting and encouraging each other, and isn't that fine? Only on this porch...

Such hard questions. I wish I had answers. I remember when our kids were small, and skateboards hit the scene. We had a long, steeply-sloping driveway, and my husband declared we would not buy a skateboard for our kids to ride out into the street and get killed, and we didn't buy one. Then one afternoon we heard shrieks of laughter out front and went to check. There was our oldest son, age 8, zipping down the driveway on a homemade skateboard, knocked together out of a board and some old skates, splinters and bent nails sticking out everywhere! If a car didn't get him, the skateboard would! So, we compromised. We bought a "safe" skateboard, and the kids agreed not to ride unless there were enough kids out there (there were at least fifteen on our street) to serve as lookouts and warn of approaching cars. One had to be stationed at the hill/bend of the road, where cars were hard to see coming. They agreed, they followed through, the kids enjoyed skateboarding for several summers and no one got hurt, beyond some skinned knees and elbows. I'm not sure exactly how that applies to your question, Sterling, but I think it does, at least a little bit. Me-They said to pick your battles, and he's right. Don't enter a fight you know you won't win, because it only undermines your position still further. Try to find the win/win in everything. Not easy, but try.

Well, so much for my advice. As the old guy on the radio used to say, "Life gets tee-jus (tedious) sometimes, don't it?" Bad grammar and pronunciation, but a pretty good philosophical observation. --Romeena
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54523: How are you this morning, Millie? I pray you had a restful night, and that the pain in your belly has gone away. Ray, I think probably very few of us pray on our knees anymore, and I'm sorry about that. I do it now and then, and it's a strange thing. With my creaky knees, kneeling for most any other reason can be uncomfortable, but somehow, when I kneel to pray, there's no pain. Wonder what causes that?? --Romeena
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54524: Good morning Porch. Just checking in real quick. Got called into work at midnight last night on an emergency so I'm headed off to bed here pretty quick. (dang, I'm sounding like Ro and Spot with these hours)
Ro, things could be worse for Sugarplum so we will keep praying for the two of you. You posted a while back about your sweethearts birthday so I marked my calender. And in response to your corn question a while back, the variety I am trying this year is called Serendipity. It's fairly new so I don't know how available it may be but every review I've gotten on it has been outstanding. I will be picking this week and let you know.

Sterling, some good advice from Me They, but you probably already knew that, maybe just needed some reassurance. I have been quite blessed in that my wife and I have been on the same page for the most part on child rearing. I know it can be difficult when in opposition. Picking your battles is very good advice, not only in your disagreements with your sweetheart, but also with your children. Some things in the long haul just are not that big of a deal, while others will be. Let the Lord direct you in what's worth fighting over and you'll do well.

Happy Birthday Boo. Hope yer cake can handle the weight of all that wax. :)

Asa
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54525: Mornin' Y'all! Happy Birthday to Boo! Yep,I'd caution everyone across America to keep fire extinguishers close at hand- Boo & I might set off some fires with all of our candles!

Ro, don't quite know what to make of Plum's report. Could be better,could be worse,I guess.Sure hope she starts feeling and acting like her old self. I'll keep praying.Did you hear about the guy speeding through Dallas yesterday? Cops were in hot pursuit -it was shown on tv.All I could think of was that I hoped you weren't on the road to the vet at the same time. And the ironic thing- when the cops finally caught him,he told a tale of trying to get his sick cat to the vet,only to find out that the cat had been deceased for some time! Me thinks the guy's elevator didn't go all the way to the top! Strange,strange! Glad he didn't hurt anyone on his high speed chase.
Millie, you remain in my thoughts and prayers.Hope that stomach pain eases up.
Gotta run-hope you all have a great day!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54526: Well, speaking of praying on your knees...I tried it last night like I said I would and all seemed well...until this morning while I was walking across the den and I felt this sharp pain in my knee and it actually collapsed on me. Good thing I was by the couch so I had something to fall on!! haha....guess I will continue to pray sitting down...

Thanks for the birthday wishes!! FYI, my cake won't have candles....I bought cheese cakes to take to the drug rehab this evening and share with the girls. They said cheese cake was their favorite and I had no objections, of course...

It has been an ok day so far...hubby just called to say he is coming home early to take me out to lunch...and hopefully he will let me catch a nap this afternoon. I was up with Erin last night...she had a tummy ache after I put her to bed and that child threw up an amount that I thought was impossible for one her age (sorry Me-They, for that mental image). That was at about 12:30am. She fell asleep and woke up crying again at 3am. It was one of those nights, but I did manage to sleep in this morning and Erin is perfectly fine. I think she just ate too much. She is the kind of child who wants to kind of "graze" all day and I have to limit her but she was at Aunt Suzie's yesterday and I think she just got too much to eat.

I really feel for you Sterling. That must be very difficult. I have to say, though, that I think you are an amazing father and so concerned for the soul of your child. God sees it all and you just keep praying and loving your family. Remember that "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much". The morality that you model to Kai will stay with her forever, and maybe it will help to know that I was raised by non-christian parents. Dad was an alcoholic, and as I have mentioned before, he was a pretty immoral man (in the s*xual sense). Even though, my sister and I had different values and always stuck by them. We came to Christ fairly early in life (I was 16) and we have never turned back. God is still able to save and keep his little sheep. Don't let fear rob you of your faith concerning Kai. I know it's easy to do when we see the world around us and so many children falling into destruction but you seek the Lord and I am praying that he will give you a strong faith to believe that he will take care of your precious little girl. Remember, if God can take someone like me out of my family situation and save and keep me, he can certainly use the godly infuence you have on your daughter in a great way. Prayers for your family.

Boo
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54527: .....oh, and Sterling, as far as movies go, my mom drug me to every movie you can imagine when I was a child! My first movie memory was of Rosemary's Baby. I must have been about 4 and we saw it at the drive-in. She also took me to R rated movies (which were much milder back then but still contained nudity), all the Hitchc*ock movies, and she took me to see The Exorcist when I was about 10, I think. If there was a scary or occult movie playing, we were there! Isn't that bizzare? Can you imagine a mother doing that? To this day, I will NOT watch anything like that, no way, never. I hate scary movies. Now, my mom was a good mother to us in many ways and is a nice person but she had some kind of strange obssession with the supernatural or something. I remember her playing with a Quija board that she gave us for Christmas one year!...strange gift for a child...haha

Boo
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54528: Hello, Porch, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Boo and Possum! I just baked a green tomato cake ,I'll send you a warm piece and a glass of cold milk. Mille, hope you are feeling better,take alittle time to pamper yourself ,today. Rev ,Glad you had a good trip good to have you back. Asa ,we are just finishing our sweet corn ,we planted milk and honey varity. It's very flavorful and tender. Romeena,Great turtle story,my oldest son ,Colter ,has 2 baby painted turtles. THe UPS guy just left my 2 QVC packages from Christmas in July so I'm going to open them up,then bring in my laundry Take care all. Dr P
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54529: Wow, what did you order from Christmas In July, Dr P???? I'm really curious...

Boo
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54530: Oh, great! Now I've got to put out the Christmas lights in July, too? Maybe those people who leave them up all year have the right idea after all...

Me-They
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54531: THIS PORCH HAS GONG CRAZY NOW.

July 31, 2007 - Msg 54532: Hey,Boo, I bought the TSV it was a Music Box shaped like an ornament,lighted with a train that goes around inside,plays 25 christmas tunes.Also,got a metal blue snowflake spinner to hang on the porch . I always start shopping early. No, Me-They, I don't have my lights up yet. It took me a few years to talk my Husband into hanging lights outdoors at Christmas,there's no way he would do it now. We live in the country and he doesn't think anyone sees them,but he does it for me,anyway. Dr P
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54533: Hey Tom Alittle Crazy is a good thing Dr P
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54534:
Back from my R and R, four days in Santa Barbara.
Temps of 65 and beautiful beaches! Now back to reality! ha Lots of catching up to do.
MDC
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54535: Santa Barbara MDC? Oh I love it there. That entire stretch between Oxnard to Pismo Beach is one of my favorites.

Millie, are you doing better today? Is you pain gone? Sure hope so. Prayers continue.

Dr. P, I've been listening to some Mannheim Steamroller my own self here so nothing wrong with Christmas in July.

Possum, are you all recovered from your fall? I'm still having issues from mine. I really think I damaged my neck somehow. I get bouts of pain and stifness in one side at times that is awful. (jeepers, I sound like Emma)

I just saw the ad for the new Disney picture Underdog. Looks cute. Anyone gonna go see it?

Where's Spot? I'm hungered.

Asa
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54536: Howdy, all. I just got home from seeing my eye doctor for postop follow-up, and I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes. In the doc's words: "DANG! That's better than I had even hoped for!" Apparently, while 20/20 is possible, it doesn't always happen. I had astigmatism in both eyes, and he did a little "relaxing" surgery on both of them to correct that, and evidently it worked. It's wonderful to be able to see so well - better than I ever have in my life.

Boo, such a beautiful entry up there. You are so right - God is still in control of this world.

My poor little baby Plum is still unable to walk. She was sitting in her crate when I came in, right where I put her before I left. I don't know how much of this I can stand. I've moved her, of course, and will take her around the house with me for the rest of the evening, but it just hurts me to know that when I'm gone, she's stuck in one place. It's padded, she has water in reach and all, but she's stuck. It's pitiful.

Well, guess I'll go and cuddle her for a while. Bless her patient little heart. She says hey! --Romeena
July 31, 2007 - Msg 54537: Ooooo, Asa, I love the Steamroller! Aren't they just the greatest? --Romeena