August 07, 2007 - Msg 54780: Boo boil taters peals on if ya want ..cut up...drain,put in a bowl,add a little mild,shredded cheese,two globs of butter and mash!...hey Big J,ray,possum,hazel...and all...Tom how the gum wrapper roll coming?..Rev you enjoying being at home...wish I could come hear ya some time...camt wait till Sun...Miss Sherry and I are headed to Panama City Fla...gona do some deep sea fishing tue...well let me get ready for bed im on the morning shift at 6am in the morning....getting up at 4:15 ...prayers to all....SPOT
August 07, 2007 - Msg 54781: SWISH!...yall get the eye drops out...dust everwhere!...been a while since I swept!...yeeee hawww.....SPOT
August 07, 2007 - Msg 54782:
Wow, one swoop of Spot's tail and the porch is clean!
Good job spot!
MDC
August 07, 2007 - Msg 54783:
MT- I have not heard of the book. Tell me more. I'll microwave it! ha
Mavis, we ate at the CB Sat. evenign. I love that place and the stuff they sell too. Love the grits and gravy!! I bought a Welcome back kotter dvd!
Boo- looks like some tough decisions for you and your pop. My prayers are with you, oh how my prayers are with you! May God give you peace, and wisdom to know what to do.
possum, prayers for you and yours also.
Sterling, what job is it? Are you still at the meat dept?
Spot, let's have a big end of summer bash in you backyard! ha
God bless the porch,
MDC
August 07, 2007 - Msg 54784: Will do it MDC...lots of bbq and music!...we will have it mid sep ok?...breakfast will be at waffle house on M-T....im gone to bed ...4:45 gona come early..will holler from work ...God Bless all...my braves beat the mets Rev!...3 and a half out..the ironing board calls......SPOT
August 07, 2007 - Msg 54785: Good Evening,
Just popping in for a quick hey. This weekend we just lounged around and I barely got onto the computer. I have been working on our budget/debt list for our accountant. Then the boys and all of their ever pressing needs. Sorry I haven't been by. I just wanted y'all to know I was thinking of ya. Keep my rockin' chair dusted. Take care!
Blessings to you and yours,
~Lucy

August 07, 2007 - Msg 54786:
Hello porch family...Trust you all had a blessed day.

Boo...prayers for your friend and her family. That is so sad. Also prayers for the young lady at rehab.

Spot...yep, our Braves gained a game on the Mets. Man, Jeff Francour was on tonight. Hope they can keep doing it.

M-T, Boo, Ro.....good points made on the Christian subject. Folks, we need to be on our knees continuously in prayer.

MDC...the backyard bash sounds great to me!

Tom...praying that you're having a better day today.

Well better get ready for bed. It's 11:25 and I have to get up pretty early in the morning for a couple of meetings.
Everyone have a Jesus filled night and know that you all are daily in my prayers.
-REV.


August 07, 2007 - Msg 54787:
Hey there Lucy. Didn't mean to rock on your toe. Good to see ya and you bet we keep your rocker dusted off.
Be blessed!
-REV.
August 07, 2007 - Msg 54788: Thank you so much for the prayers. It is such a blessing to have friends like all of you.

You are very right, REV. Seems like I have really been shaken by some of the things that have been going on in this country. I was just watching Bill O'Reilly about the two criminals who were let out on parole and murdered a mother and her two daughters after they assaulted them. Then they tied them to the bed and set fire to them. I shudder to think of that kind of evil and to know that a parole board would parole people like that. I also saw a segment on his show about a fire fighter in Los Angeles who was made to attend a gay pride parade against his will, by his bosses. They showed clips of the parade and what I saw was nauseating. Grown men dancing obscenely in front of children, for example. How could that kind of thing possibly be considered ok? I really fear for this nation. What would our founding fathers and the Puritans think if they were to witness a gay pride parade? They would think we were total idiots in this country for letting "free speech" get this out of hand. Obscene gay men, barely dressed and gyrating in front of children! If a heteros*xual were to do that in public, he would be arrested, so why is it ok for gay people to behave in an obscene manner just because they are in a "gay pride" parade?

I guess that is why we love and cling to Mayberry...can't imagine a parade like that one in Mayberry. It's like we find comfort in thinking of a safe, decent and loving community like Mayberry...I hate to sound so glum and the good news is that there is a God in heaven and He has a plan. He is the just judge and will avenge those who have been sinned against. One day things will be different. May God have mercy on this country and give her a chance to turn from her sin and seek Him again.

Goodnight,
Boo
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54789:
Way to go Barry!

auh2o
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54790: ...who's Barry?
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54791: SPOT-The gum wrapper roll is holding at 670ft for now.
My stepdad is doing ok now.
He may come home today if thing chck out ok.
He have a hared time gitting air and it git bad this time because would not git out of the rain Saturdaynight, just because he want to fish at the time.
That a 72 yer old man for you.

TOM

August 08, 2007 - Msg 54792: Barry Bonds - the (assumedly) juiced Giant.

Howdy all - just a quick check in before I head out for a day of check ups for Evie in preparation for school.

Hope the heat isn't getting to anyone too much - it's hot here too - looking like it'll be close to 100° over the next several days. : (

Prayers for all the needs expressed - Have a great day!
AFD
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54793: Glad to hear your step dad is doing better, Tom. Your chain sounds impressive!

AFD
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54794: Tom, I hope your step dad continues to improve. Boo,I too can not imagine a parade of thay sort in Mayberry.
All we can do is remember " EVEN SO,COME LORD JESUS".
BIG JERRY
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54795: The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You annoint my head with oil and my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.

I needed to read this psalm today and wanted to share is with you all. Isn't it beautiful? I really needed to be reminded today of God's care and mercy. Had a tough night last night but today is the day the Lord has made, as the verse goes...

Need to go do a couple more loads of laundry and pack for our little trip. It should be a hectic day trying to get everyone ready and I have to take mom to an eye doctor's appointment this afternoon. If I don't get back until later, tell Me-They he may need to send his shorts to Mr. Goss this time....

Boo
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54796: Good Morning porch family, Hope everyone is okay today. Mighty hot and humid around this side of the porch this week. Temps in the upper 90's with heat index above 100. These East Tennessee Mountains sure are hot as is everywhere else. Thought I would check by for a minute. looks like everyone is busy today. I will fix lunch:
tuna or chicken salad sandwhiches, garden tomatoes, cucumbers, mixed melon salad, sweet baby gerkins, chips and sweet tea to drink with brownies for dessert. Hope you all are okay today. Prayers for everyone. Big Maude
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54797: Good morning everyone. It’s hot and sticky here. Yuck.

JERRY: Welcome to the porch!

It’s nice to hear from AFD. Of course we’ll keep your chair dusted, LUCY. A big hello to the rest of you this morning.

Where has HAZEL been lately? I hope she’s not feeling alienated. I know sometimes I can come on strong with my viewpoints.

MDC: Was that you glowing in the dark last night?

TOM: Glad that your stepfather is doing a little better.

BOO: Sorry to hear about that girl. Have a safe trip.

I have a prayer request. Tomorrow the wife, kids, and I are leaving to visit my aunt in Arkansas. She and her husband relocated from Plano a few years ago and built a house on lake in the Ozarks. Anyway, she talked us into flying because it’s such a long drive (about 20 hours from here) and even picked up some of the tab. Although I’ve flown many times, it will be my first flight since 9-11. And, we’ll have all the kids in tow. So I’m already tensing up about the whole thing. If y’all could say a little prayers for travel mercies I’d appreciate it. Thanks.

You're off shorts duty for a whole week, BOO.

I’ll stop back later.

Me-They
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54798: Thought you would all like to congratulate me - went out and bought a window ac unit. We do not have central air, just a window unit in the bedroom - if this old gal got hot and broke down for one of them fancy contraptions for the family room. Gonna get spoiled for sure with that thing! Ha Ha

homemaker
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54799: I'm happy for you Homemaker. Anything that keeps you out of the kitchen is good news! :)

Me They, don't fret none. The screening at the airports is pretty tight. Just be sure to get there early cause sometimes the lines can be long.
I'm not a calm flier myself, but have flown a half dozen times since 9-11. It sure beats a 12 hour drive when you have limited time. I would like to tour the country by car when I retire though and time is no concern. I think that would be fun.

Where is Hazel indeed?

Ro, is Sugarplum still improving?

Sounds like a good lunch Maude. Thank ya kindly.

Boo, I'm sorry your down. Just remember who's in charge now. Some things just are the way they are and getting down about it won't help you or those around you. Be joyful and know that He reigns.
(boy I hate it when I get preachy.... sorry)

Jerry, Tom, Rev, Lucy, everyone else, good to see you all.

Asa
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54800: Well, ASA, I guess security is indeed tight (unless your smuggling a monkey!). Thanks for the enouragement.

HM: We put one of our a/c units in the den downstairs, but have yet to put the other in our bedroom window. We're trying to suffer through this heat wave. I just hate to have it stuck in that window until fall (there are so many nights when an open window and fan feel mighty good). And, as lazy as I can be once it's in, it's in.

Me-They
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54801: Thanks for the encouragment, guys. I will try to keep a positive attitude. I am feeling better today but am really starting to wonder if I need to get some counseling or be on meds or something. My mental state is kind of shaky right now....I'll seek the Lord about it. It seems like I am just prone to anxiety and fear lately.

Prayer for your trip, Me-They. I can certainly understand your feelings about it. I don't like to fly, myself. The Lord will take care of you and your's.

Boo
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54802: Thanks for lunch Maude!...TOM glad your stepdad is doing better...Rev hope the braves can get another one tonight...I got tickets for the 15th..against the Giants...hey M-T,boo,ro,my buddy Asa..hazel stay cool...close to 100 here in Ga...hey Big J,MDC,MD.possum,auh20 and all...busy here at work with the heat..Im gona stay over today for a while and make sure things go as well as they can...supper will be:cubed steak and gravy,baked taters,pinto beans,big maude slaw,sweet tea,pound cake with ice cream....ready at 7:00est...prayers to all...will catch yall when I get home...SPOT
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54803: Hey Y'all- boy is it hot! Hope everyone is staying safe in this heat.

Jerry,welcome to the Porch and thank you (and everyone else) for praying for my stepdad. Asa,I wasn't really close to him growing up,but the relationship got better as I grew older. He's been a friend to my husband and loves Laci to bits. He'd do anything for us. He has Stage two Alzheimer's & cancer.I believe he'll be gone before the Alzheimer's has a chance to completely ravish his mind. Thank you all again for the prayers.

Me-They,hope your anxiety lessens and the flight goes well. I flew out of Logan ( and the same Terminal the terrorists were in) 6 days before 9-11.They were reported to be scoping things out when I was there! I haven't flown since,but only because I haven't had the chance. God will watch over y'all.

Boo,I will say prayers for Lauren & the girl from your re-hab.Wishing good things down the road for both of them.

Tom,hope your stepfather improves.God bless.

I'll answer for Spot about "creamed" taters. Same thing as mashed potatoes- just something Southerners say,I suppose!

Maude,good to see you back on the Porch.You too,Lucy.Y'all take care.
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54804: Well, I'm getting ready to head out of here for home to pack. I will keep all of you and your concerns in my prayers over the coming week. Please keep us in yours. I'll talk to y'all on the Monday after next (August 20). Take care and act like somebody.

Me-They
"Your heart was formed in a bowl."
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54805: What? What episode is that quote from?

Gonna miss you, Me-They. Have a great trip!!

Boo
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54806: We will say a prayer M-T...we leave for fla Sun!...SPOT
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54807: It's from one of the Darling episodes, BOO, where Andy invites them home for supper after they thrown out of the dinner. Brisco carries Aunt Bee off in the episode.

Take care, SPOT.

M-T
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54808: Ah....but I don't get it...do you?

Boo
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54809: Oops,I didn't notice that Spot had already explained creamed taters! Kinda hard to see with all that dust Spot kicked up when he swept the Porch!

I'm wondering about that quote myself,Boo.What's Brisco aiming at? Maybe somebody can clear that up.If not,it'll be a mystery for 2 weeks until Me-They comes back!

How about some sweet iced tea (unsweetened for Ro)? Y'all stay cool!

*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54810: Here I am. (for those that asked about me)
To understand Me-Theys quote, you have to hear the whole thing.
Briscoe: "You know something, Sheriff? That haircut of yours may be city-style, but your heart was shaped in a bowl."
I'm not exactly sure what Briscoe means, but I think he's referring to how people in those days (especially the Darlings) cut their hair. They would put a bowl on top the head, and cut off any hair that was sticking out. So I believe he meant that Andy may have a modern-day haircut, but as far as he was inside, he had the heart of a friendly, neighborly kind of folk that the Darlings would know from up in the hills.
That's my explanation anyway.
- Hazel
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54811: Boo, the issue on the homose*ualty issue is still in my 'King James' Bible as an abomination to God. Those in California are so 'politacilly correct', but was there when this issue took 80 percent of the membership out of the Episcopal Church. That was in 1977. Thanks be to Him we still believe His word and are not 'PC.'

If interested, someday look up Affirmation of St. Louis. I was there.

ray

ray

August 08, 2007 - Msg 54812:
Hello porch family......104 today here in SC.

M-T...you bet I am praying for your trip. Have a great time.

Hazel...that's a pretty good explanation on the Darling quote. How'd you get so smart?

Boo...when I see reports like that, it just rips me up. I pray for our nation and our youth that are being raised in the mist of this satanic influence. Also please know that I'm praying for you Boo.

Tom...that's great that your stepdad is doing so much better. Still praying.

Spot....Braves fell tonight. I thought they were going to pull it out in the 9th but came up short. Have you got good seats for the Giants game? Let me know where you're sitting and I'll watch for ya on the big screen...heehee

You all have a blessed night and prayers for all our porch family.
-REV.


August 08, 2007 - Msg 54813:
ray...did you try the soap and water for the mosquitoes yet?
-REV.
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54814:
I saw some of the TV Land ep last night (at my neighbor's) with Barney and Mrs Mendlebright, and that got me thinking of our "Bulbsy", "Bulbsnatcher" who used to visit the porch. APB for Bulbsnatcher!
I love the ending where she comes in and tells barney that his rent will be 5 dollars a week!
Boo- my prayers still going up for you and yours.
May you feel the arms of Jesus around you.
I have a feeling that there were such parades in Sodom, from what one reads of that account. Lot had to live among them, but our Lord brought them all to judgement. We pray for their conversion, but as Romans 1 says, sometimes they just give over totally to sin and the Evil One (I dont even want to give him a mention here!)
Hope you all have a blessed evening in the Lord. Please say an extra prayer for my mom. She had a rough day today. Thanks,
MDC
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54815: Thanks REV, I appreciate that so much. I have been feeling pretty depressed today...hard to explain, but I am just trying to rest in the Lord and see what He will do through this. I think I have just had alot to deal with lately, and finding out about my friend's daughter having Leukemia yesterday really got to me. I feel very emotionally fragile these days and prayers are just what I need most (all of my friend's kind words mean so much, too). Just please pray for my peace and I need the joy of the Lord right now for my strength...it is really waning. Love you all,

PS-I, too, believe that the bible is God's holy word, Ray. No denying it.

Boo
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54816: Hey MDC, didn't see you there. I thank you for your prayers. They are such a wonderful gift. I will certainly pray for your dear mom, bless her heart. She is blessed to have a loving son like yourself.

Boo
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54817: Rev, I am kinda dissapointed so far...only had two in the bowl, but they are supposed to fly off and drop....so time will tell.

Boo....normally prayers for all on my knees, but especially for you tonight.
ray
August 08, 2007 - Msg 54818: Thank you Ray! You are very kind. I will pray for you, also.

Boo
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54819: Good evening, all. Well, I got last night's shift behind me - it seemed a week long, but it finally ended. Tom, I'm glad your stepdad is improving. I pray that he recovers completely. Possum, about your stepdad, this may be one of those times when cancer is a welcome condition. It may be preferable to the slow, relentless decline of Alzheimer's.

Boo, I think your problem is fatigue, more than anything else. Mental, physical and emotional fatigue - plain and simple. You need some rest, and some respite from your responsibilities. Dear friend, I think you need to learn how to say "no". Yes, it's hard to do when someone asks you to take on some responsibility or other, but sometimes you just must say it, in order to be able to continue doing what you've already taken on.

May I share something my husband taught me? He said his favorite scripture was "and it came to pass". That's it, nothing more. You can make a lot out of that. It came to pass. It didn't come to stay, it came to pass. I know, that's a very loose interpretation, but it works. Just hang on, this too shall pass. When you think about it, all the things you're dealing with will pass. Aging and infirm parents will go to be with the Lord, and that's not a bad thing. Children will grow up and step out on their own. Friends with hurts will eventually heal. Even your drug-rehab girls will move on, sooner or later. Everything, in its own way, comes to pass. Just remember that you're not personally responsible for the outcome, you're just where God intends you to be. You're a supporting character, you don't have to worry about being the "lead", because God claims that role for Himself. You fulfill your role as well as anyone I know. Relax, and stop requiring so much of yourself.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54820: Urggg i miss all the good stuff don't I! Well wherever you may be going Me-They, enjoy your trip!

Romeena, no comments on that quote or your view on it quite yet. Thats a tough one to give feedback on. Sure do love stuff like this though, adds for some debate and diversity thoughout.

That about it does for tonight I guess.

Deputy Warren Ferguson
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54821: I would appreciate prayers for a lady in our church who has been battling cancer and now has a staph infection. Also, for the family as they travel back and forth to see her. Thanks,
BIG JERRY
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54822: Prayers Big J,...breakfast is at burger king on me....got to run...today is my mom"s b-day 73..gona take her to lunch...back in a bit ...SPOT
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54823: Morning porch. How is everyone this fine day?
I like what your Husband said there Romeena. Very good thinking on his part.

Boo, I just recieved this in an e-mail yesterday and thought about you.

Hands

A basketball in my hands is worth about $19
A basketball in Michael Jordans hands is worht about $33 million
It depends whose hands it's in.

A baseball in my hands is worth about $6.
A baseball in Roger Clemens hands is worth about $4.75 million.
It depends whose hands it's in.

A tennis racket is useless in my hands.
A tennis racket in Andre Agassi's hands is worht millions.

A rod in my hands will keep away an angry dog.
A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea.
It depends whose hands it's in.

A slingshot in my hands is a kids toy.
A slingshot in Davids hands is a mighty weapon.
It depends whose hands it's in.

Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in Jesus' hands will feed thousands.
It depends whose hands it's in.

Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse.
Nails in Jesus Christ's hands will produce salvation for the entire world.
It depends whose hands it's in.

As you see now, it depends whose hands it's in.
So put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, your families and your relationships in God's hands because...
It depends whose hands it's in.

Prayers for your friend Jerry.

Asa
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54824: Hey, thanks Asa, that is a great thought. I appreciate it.

Thanks to you, too, Romeena for sharing your thoughts and advice. I know you are right-on and I need to say "no" more often. Bruce and I had a good talk last night about forming a plan to help me out. He says he will help out more around the house and give me time away from here. We'll see how it goes. My dad and mom decided they didn't want to take the trip with us to Krause Springs today so we will be taking my in-laws instead. It should be more relaxing for me that way, although, I wish mom and dad were up to going.

Well, we are off for a couple of days. We'll be back by Sunday. Baye

Boo
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54825: If you all could send up a few prayers my way today - not a life crisis, just a minor bump in the road that I need a little spiritual help on. Thanks!

hm
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54826: Good morning, all. You got it, hm. God knows the needs, we don't necessarily need to know in order to pray for you.

Boo, I'm glad you and Bruce can talk things through, and I'm glad he understands your situation. As for your folks deciding to stay home, it's just barely possible that they'll welcome a chance to be on their own for a couple of days. I know, you'll worry about them, but I'll bet you've got someone who can look in on them. Speaking as "una vieja" (an old person) myself, I can tell you that at times just staying home and being quiet is preferable to a rushed and busy vacation with younger, more energetic people. Now I still go on those vacations and enjoy them, but at times I can see how someone might choose to do otherwise.

I have at times made off-hand comments about being "ready to go" - things like that - and my kids get all bent out of shape. Trust me when I say that your perspective changes with age. It truly does, and that's good. That's what makes it possible for an older person to so easily just reach up and take God's hand and leave. Not that young people can't do that too, but there's usually a lot more struggling to remain. That's natural, they still have a lot they want to do and see. We older folk have pretty much done it and seen it, and a lot of the people we love are already gone on ahead of us. You reach a point where you have as much or more on the other side as you have on this side, so it makes the transition a lot easier. As my Dale put it, "I'm not going to call a taxi to take me there, but if God sends a chariot, I'll get in." And he did. Sweetly, calmly, no argument - he just "got in the chariot" and left. What an example he set for me. I hope I can show the same grace when the time comes.

Well, I didn't mean to get into that, but there it is. Sugarplum (still hobbling) says hey! --Romeena

P.S. Hazel, your explanation of the "heart shaped in a bowl" was right on. And believe it or not, I remember the haircuts. In South Texas, we called them "chili-bowl" haircuts, because in some homes, they actually put the large, deep bowl that was used for chili on a kid's head and trimmed away the hair that showed. Poor kid's head looked like an inverted bowl, sure enough.
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54827: Wow Romeena. What beautiful sentiments. You are a delight.

When I was a young-un the worst thing you could ever sport was a haircut even resembling a bowl cut. Now it's all the rage. Go figure people out, if you dare. LOL

Asa
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54828: Afternoon gang..Asa,big J,hazel,boo,mavis,ro,m-t,possum,afd,md,horatio,To,Rev the braves took 2 out of 3 from NY...its 101 here today ...HOT and dry....lets go to olive garden tonight on Rev!...ill get the truck...prayers...SPOT
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54829: You're so right, Asa. Consider, if you can stand it, the droopy pants of today. A kid wearing his pants like that "in my day" would have surely been sent home to change clothes, and would have been lucky to get off the schoolgrounds without having his pants yanked down to his ankles. On the matter of haircuts, my grandson has (again) sneaked a pair of scissors and cut hair - his own this time. Last time, he cut his brother's, big gotched-out chunks down to the scalp - poor kid looked like he had mange. No, this time, he attacked his own - right in the front, and he looks quite dorky, to say the least. Oh well, it's just hair, and it will grow out. What on earth gets into them, to do something like that? Sometimes he acts like he's six years old or something. Oh wait - I forgot - he is! (heehee)

The Plum is about the same, still hobbling around, not walking more than a few feet at a time, refuses to attempt a step. She's much more dependent than she used to be, wants to be very close to me all the time. I had to go to the bank this morning, then was meeting my friend and our mutual grandson for lunch. So, I took the Plum with me to the bank so she could have a little outing, and get a cookie from the drive-in teller, then made a trip back by the house to drop her off. Poor little thing, she needs a little fun. Honestly, friends, I just don't know what to do. She doesn't seem to be in any pain, so I guess we'll just keep hanging in there. Poor little girl. --Romeena
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54830:
Hello everyone.

To ray msg 54817 and anyone else who plans on using lemon Joy to get rid of mosquitos, check out http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/dishsoap.asp and http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/joybugs.html.

Big Jerry msg 54821, I will add your church friend to my prayer list.

Romeena /b> msg 54829, that is a great idea to take Plum for a ride. Not only does it break the monotony, being with you gives her more comfort. She probably does not understand what is happening to her and might be afraid especially when you are not around. Pray for the best but prepare for the rest.

from Poor Horatio
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54831: oops

August 09, 2007 - Msg 54832: Romeena, I not knowing,what exactly is wrong with Plum?
BIG JERRY
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54833: Poor Horatio, your education was worth every penny!
- Hazel
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54834:
Just a quick sit down tonite folks. Just time enuf to pass the squezzins around. A little nip dont hurt no one! ha
Prayers continue for Millie, HM, boo and all in need. God bless.
MDC
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54835:
Hello porch family....HOT....broke our all time record today. 106 Can you believe that in SC!

Prayers for Millie. Miss seeing her on the porch today.

Boo.... you better listen to Ro. Get your rest. Prayers for you and Bruce during this time. Have a great trip and don't forget......REST.

Jerry...I will surely be in prayer for the lady in your church.

Happy birthday to Spot's mom!

Asa... that is so good. Thanks for sharing. I will use that in the future.

H-M....praying for your needs. Hang in there. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

Ro...that (going home) really touched my heart. You are such a jewel!

Spot....At least the Braves gained a game out of the series. See ya at Olive Garden. I'm having the chicken alfredo with wheat pasta and endless salad.

You all have a blessed night and remember Jesus loves us so much.
-REV.
August 09, 2007 - Msg 54836: Well Me-They, I guess you are probably on your way, if not at, your destination. I can certainly understand your uneasiness with air travel(remember my posts before my Hawaii trip?).
I think the good Lord will look after you. Especially with all these good people putting in a good word for you.

I myself am feeling a bit of the same thing, as I am going through a similar, but slightly more complicated, situation.
My wife wants me(I think) to accompany her on a business trip to Las Vegas. I say "I think" because I am not sure she really wants me to go. She said she does, and she brought up my going, but I still have my doubts.
Now, complicating the matter(besides whether we can afford my plane ticket or not) are many other pros and cons. But I am finding a lot of cons.
For one, I absolutely detest Las Vegas and have never had any desire whatsoever to visit there.
Sorry for any of you who live there, this is not personal. I simply hate those "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" tourism ads they play, and do not want to patronize a place that uses the prospect of infidelity as a good reason to go there. For that matter, I really do not see what all the hype is about with Las Vegas, but then, I am not a gambler.
Another thing, and even more importantly, Kai starts first grade starts Sept. 4th, and the trip is the 9th, so Kai will be starting in a new school for less than a week before her parents take off for a week. She will be staying over at my Mom's, but I don't know if I want to add to the anxiety of her starting a new school, along with us not being there for her.
Another thing is, Kai doesn't want me to go. She's told me this.
As of this point, the only pro I can think of (besides maybe seeing Jim Nabors in a show or something) would be - and it may sound terrible to think this and I am telling you because I can tell you guys just about anything I feel - being with my wife so that she doesn't take that stupid ad campaign to heart. It sounds bad, but we have gone through some rough times, some of which you know of and some you don't, and it hasn't been getting better and this just doesn't seem like a good time for this trip. She has recently been going through this "I don't care what you say, I'm doing it anyway" type of thing, as you know from my posts on the kind of clothes she was buying Kai, and the movies she was taking her to. Which is all kind of eerily similar to how her half-sister has been acting. In her case she is going to take some classes in another town, buying/or renting a little home there, and taking the kids with her. All with no consideration for her husband, whom she mocks to my wife(I have been privvy to some of this behaviour). I'm beginning to wonder if this is hereditary.
I could go on about our problems, but for your sakes, I won't. But I've said it before and I'll say it again: All of you who have spouses who genuinely care for you and how you are feeling, you don't know how good you have it. Count your blesses. This means you too, Boo. :)

So, Boo, I think I know what you are going through as well with the anxiety. I think I have been going through much of the same feelings of being overwhelmed with everything going on. I suppose I should practice what I preach and count my blessings. And I do. Kai sure is a blessing for sure. But I have to make a decision(which I am not that good at) on whether to stay with Kai this time, save money, and wonder what mommy is doing in "sin city"(and wonder why it bothers me so much, especially since I tend to like it better when she is not around lately), or leave Kai with my parents and miss her terribly while feeling terrible for not choosing her, worry about how we are going to pay the next month's mortgage, and wonder if I am just prolonging the inevitable with regards to the relationship of her mommy and me.


Sorry for the rant, and continued prayers for the Plum. Glad you took her out to see the sights, Romeena. Well, the bank anyway. But I'm sure she enjoyed it.

Ugh. What a downer post. Sorry.

-Sterling Holobyte





August 10, 2007 - Msg 54837: My goodness, Sterling. You are indeed on the horns of a dilemma. I will not presume to offer advice one way or the other regarding the go/don't go question. I can only offer a suggestion - flip a coin. Now before everyone freaks out, here's the idea. You tell yourself ahead of time that you will abide by the coin's outcome. Then you flip the thing, and watch for your immediate gut reaction. How you feel when you see the outcome will tell you how you REALLY feel. Of course, you're not bound by the outcome of the toss. It's just a gimmick to gauge your reaction. No, it doesn't work every time, but it often helps. The only other thing I'd add here is this - of course a first-grader is going to say she doesn't want you to go. She'd probably say that if you were going out to get a gallon of milk. I wouldn't let that objection be a primary factor in my decision. She'll be with folks who love her, and she'll be fine.

Big Jerry, you've evidently figured out that The Plum is my little dog, my companion of 12 1/2 years. She's a pretty little Maltese, just full of personality and attitude. Over the past few months, we've had her spleen removed because it was full of malignant tumors, said to be secondary, but no one has found a primary so far. However, she's now broken down in her back legs and can just barely walk, if you can call it that. X-rays of her hips show that both joints are deteriorating, but the breakdown came very suddenly. One moment she was walking fine, the next she was sitting on the floor looking bewildered. Medication has helped a little, but not much. She struggles to get to her feet, and hobbles a few feet, then sits down again.

She has become, I guess you could say, the mascot for the porch. Everyone knows her - Boo has actually met her - and everyone is kind enough to remember her in prayer. I appreciate this so much. I know she's a dog, but she's my friend, and she's extremely important to me. So, that's Plum's story.

Prayers for all who need them, and lately that seems to be just about all of us. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54838: Here's a bit of "doggerel" I once wrote about her. Charlotte Tucker was kind enough to print it in a magazine she edits, but I'm sure it won't hurt if I post it here as well.

SUGARPLUM

Catcher of crickets, runner of races.
Beggar of tidbits, kisser of faces.

Lover of fun, chaser of toys,
Playmate and buddy to three little boys.

Ecstatic to see me when I've been away,
Content just to cuddle, but ready to play.

She gives so much joy, yet doesn't ask much.
With tail-wags and wiggles, she repays each kind touch.

I suppose she's a dog, she has four legs and fur.
But I see something else when I look at her.

Small friend and companion, devoted and cute.
Is she really a cherub in a puppy-dog suit?

She's something quite special, a really rare find.
She's my little Sugarplum, and she's one of a kind!

--Romeena
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54839: Morning gang..yea braves did get them for a one game lead Rev.....Mom says hey...Tom you HOT?..hey sterling,Big J,ro,bo hazel,horatio and all....ahu20 how are the kids?...well its waffle house this morning on Asa!...I will hold the door for yall,...prayers ...SPOT
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54840: Romeena, thanks for letting me know about Sugarplum's condition. I heard about her not being well, and just did not know what was wrong.
I will remember Sugarplum and you too(now that I fully know) during this trying time.
BIG JERRY
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54841: Morning porch. Friday at last! Let's have a town picnic tomorrow. I'll bring the fried chicken.

Sterling, I feel for you, I really do. This isn't really advise, but all I can say is that if it were me, I wouldn't go. For all the reasons you stated. The expense. The time away from your daughter. A trip to a place you really don't want to go to. If the only reason you would go is because you don't want your wife to do something that "stays in Vegas", well, friend, if she's that close to doing it, then you might prevent something happening on this trip, but you can't go with her everywhere, everytime. Either you trust her or you don't. What a situation! I hope it all works out for you.
- Hazel
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54842:
Morning Folks

Sterling-Your post above just broke my heart. I'm praying for your family. I don't think you asked, but if it does not cause more tension between you and your wife, I'd stay with Kai. Ya know, I'm not sure if this is worth anything, it's probably not, but I'm a stay at home dad and I'll tell ya it was hard to get use to. I know our circumstances are a bit different but when I first quit my job and started watching the kids I was my own worst enemy. I maybe saw "battles" that weren't really there. A lot of it had to do with being a man and not being the bread winner, being "Aunt Bee" and not being "Andy" I'd jokingly call it. I know this is not what you have going on but somehow it feels similar when I read your posts. Please make sure that these "battles" you see are really there. I'm not saying that they are not but be sure. Like I said, I have been and I still am praying for you.

spot-Tell your Mom hey for me. The kids are doing great, just great. Thanks for asking.

Rev & spot- You guys watch any other teams beside the Braves? I don't mean for that to sound so caustic. But, I'm just wondering. I love baseball also. Have either of you seen that kids for the Giants pitch, Tim Lincecum? It is a lot fun, the kid can throw.

auh2o

R.I.P. Maria I. Ortiz
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54843:
Good Morning Hazel!

auh2o
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54844: Morning.
SPOT-Yes I'm hot ,for the pass week it hit 90-98 here.
It was so hot you can fry o egg out there and make tea in a bott.
We git some rain last night,but it may the humit go up.

TOM
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54845: Good morning folks.
Great advice Hazel and Aunt auh2o (jk buddy)
I pray for your situation Sterling. I have sensed for sometime that things were not right for you at home. My only thoughts is that you and your wife need to work out your differences somehow and become "one". I know that's easier said than done but is going to be essential for you, her and Kai if you have any hope for happiness. Have you considered some outside help? Is your wife opposed to that? Anyway Sterling, I pray for a healing in your marriage my friend.

Romeena, bless Sugarplum's little heart. I do pray she'll improve. Are you seeing any improvement at all?

Rev, what kind of humidity do you have with that 106? We have had 12 days of 100 or more here this summer but fortunatly usually have very low humidity to go with it. 10 to 15 %. That makes a big difference.

Well better go get Friday out of the way. I like the idea of a picnic Hazel. Should I make a poster to hang on the squad car?
PICNIC
TOMORROW
TOWN PARK
FRIED CHICKEN
GOOD TIMES
BE SURE TO COME
(no meatballs please)

Asa

August 10, 2007 - Msg 54846: HAY HAY IF HM WANT ,SHE CAN COME WHAT HER MEATBALLS AND ASA YOU GIT THE BATSTO.

August 10, 2007 - Msg 54847: Will my stepdad is home now,
The frist thing he want to do is go fishing.
His DOC told him to cut back on all the smoking.
That is like asking for all the rice.
I;m going to go crazy keeping him up on the medic .
He is 71 ye old and I have keep on like us would a 5 ye old.

TOM

August 10, 2007 - Msg 54848: I will be there Asa...............SPOT
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54849: Town picnic sounds goo..oood to me.
BIG JERRY
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54850: We will bring homemade Banana puddin to go with that Fried Chicken.
BIG JERRY
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54851: Bannana pudding? I love the stuff. I'll bring some vanilla wafers cause I like to dip them in that pudding.
Glad your Stepdad is home Tom.
Maybe Maude will bring her world famous coleslaw.
Spot, bring some white beans please.
Possum, how about some tater salad.
Who else wants to bring stuff? I'm getting excited now.

Asa
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54852: and all the ant will be waiting for us all.

tom

August 10, 2007 - Msg 54853: Good morning, all. Sterling, you got some very good advice up there, from some wise folks. Quite honestly, that's how my opinion runs as well, but I hesitated to be specific. However, I do believe they're right. If the relationship is broken, find it out now, and fix it if you can.

A picnic sounds good to me, too. Asa, Tom has a good idea there. You bring the bats and we can play meatball, er, baseball. As for the ants, I'll bring some, just in case there aren't any there. I've got plenty to spare, the miserable little wretches.

I gave the Plum a much-needed bath last night, and friends, it's just pitiful. Her little back legs have lost so much muscle, they don't even look like they belong to her body. When she's wet, it really shows up. Honestly, I don't know what to do. She doesn't seem to be in pain, and seems happy enough as long as she's close to me, but the simple logistics are getting difficult. Pottying is a problem, for one thing, and it causes her some distress because she can't just get up and go where she wants to go. Please keep praying for both of us. I truly am watching a loved one decline here, and it hurts. --Romeena
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54854: Romeena, sorry your little pal is failing,just know she loves. A picnic sounds fun I'll bring the watermelon . Take care Dr P
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54855: Ro Should have said she loves you Dr P
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54856: Good Friday afternoon porch. just stopping by for a minute. Lots to do this afternoon and it is too hot to be outside. Prayers for Romeena and the Plum, I am so sorry she is not doing doing well. Prayers for Millie and everyone else as well. I will bring SLAW, brownies and lemonade to the picnic. Travel mercies for SPOT and Miss Sherry. Have a wonderful time, be safe. see ya'll later. Big Maude

August 10, 2007 - Msg 54857: That's actually a very good idea, Romeena, especially for an indecisive person like myself in this tricky situation. I'm going to have to try the coin flip thing. Like you said, I won't be bound by the outcome, but it may help me see how I really feel about the choices.

Thanks Hazel, she did go on an overnight business trip to Minnesota just a couple months ago. I just seem to have more of a problem with the Vegas one. I must admit, I am having a harder time trusting her, especially since just a few months ago she brought up divorce, mainly because I wasn't acting the way she wanted me to act. Then I relented, and apologized(although I don't really know what I was apologizing for) and things tend to go back to normal.

Yeah, Asa, we have thought about outside help, and we even went as far as to make an appointment(this was back in the days before Kai), but then it was almost like we would try harder ourselves and then we'd figure we didn't need it.
Nowadays I don't know if she'd go anyway. The last time we had a really big fight and thought about therapy, she said that, no, she'd "rather fight."
Auh2o, that's the thing, it may cause more tension between us if I don't go. I know it would make me more tense, in an already tense situation.
You know, I was thinking just now after reading your post, that it could be that she is thinking that a trip with just "us" might be nice. And maybe that is why she wants me to go. We haven't had a trip without Kai since she was born. Or she could be thinking that maybe we could get a quickie divorce in Vegas. I really don't know what she is thinking.
Last night we looked online for cheaper tickets for me, and she thinks she may have found some on the same flight.

So I am still undecided about this, but I thank you all for your advice and your prayers. Yesterday while I was riding bike I was asking God for a sign in which direction I should go with this because I honestly don't know, but I don't think He has told me yet. Maybe He is waiting for me to flip that coin.

-Sterling Holobyte
August 10, 2007 - Msg 54858: Hey to the porch! Hope everyone is having a blessed day..and knowing that there are no problems too big for Him to handle.

Ro...sorry about the Plum...I know it's hard. These little fur kids hold a very special place in our hearts, and it's hard when these times come. Just focus on the incredible love she has brought to your life, and you to hers. She's a very lucky little lady to have you as her mom...just hold to that.

Would ask for prayers for all the things going on right now. The missing still at the bridge, the miners in Utah...and now today a mining accident in Indiana. Coming from a family of Harlan county miners...it's always something that gets my attention. I'm glad to say that all my folks are now out of the mines...and sad to say the way some of them left. Bless the families.

Sterling...I'll be praying for. You're in a tought spot...but remember that there's a rock between the hard place and you...He'll bring you through. If you'd like...e-mail me at rod@rodburtonmusic.com .

Blessings for all...we're having a CD release concert tomorrow night here close to home. There'll be lots of folks there that wouldn't normally come to a christian concert...so pray that the ministry will make a difference in their lives!

Ya'll be good....

Goober...
YO!!!

www.rodburtonmusic.com