October 01, 2007 - Msg 56552: Asa, we were posting at the same time. I am so sorry to hear about the trials you and your dear wife are enduring. Bless both your hearts. I wish I was nearby enough to bring you a pot of soup and offer you a prayer in person. Since that's not possible, I will pray here and be with you in spirit. Hope we can somehow help you to bear the burden and if there is ever anything else we can do, please don't hesitate. You know your friends here on the porch would go the extra mile for you. We love you.

Boo
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56553: Good morning everyone. It's a beautiful day here. I hope that it is where you are, too.

VICKIE: Thanks for filling us in on MILLIE's memorial celebration. And much thanks to ROMEENA for organizing all of it for us.

Prayers for the ASA family, BIG MAUDE, BOO (yes, you, too), and all the rest of you fine folks. It was good to hear from you, LUCY. Don't be such a stranger.

And, for all you new folks, I just wanted to let you know...

Here at the porch we have a few basic rules. Memorize them so that you can say them in your sleep. Rule #1: Obey all rules. Rule #2: Do not mention Vicks, mayonaise, or HOMEMAKER's meatballs as it takes a lot of work to get these folks to stop talking about these things.

See y'all at lunch.

Me-They
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56554: Would that be mayonnaise Meatball's for lunch M-T?

Couldn't resist! Ha Ha Ha

hm

October 01, 2007 - Msg 56555: Hey, aren't you the one who keeps bringing up "feet", Me-They? You should add that to the list, too. Thanks for the prayers. I appreciate them!

Boo
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56556: meatball sandwhich and all the mayonaise on. ha ha ha.
Rule are for someone who like to be a big shot.

October 01, 2007 - Msg 56557: Hey, that sounds good! A MEATBALL sandwich, with lots of MAYONNAISE. I hope you all don't mind if I come to the table barefoot. Also, I might smell a lot like VICKS, as I rubbed some on my FEET last night to ward off a cough. Oh, sorry, Me-They, didn't see you there! (heehee)

Vickie, thanks so much for the report on the celebration of Millie's life on Saturday. I'm so glad you were able to go, it was almost as though we were all there, through you. Thanks for going, and for reporting to us. I hope you got a chance to love on those kids a little. Miller became so special to us, as he joined us from time to time. I hope he'll continue to do that. Indeed, all the kids would be so welcome.

Well, gotta run. I've been off work since last Wednesday, and haven't gotten a bloomin' thing done around this house. My office still looks like a rummage sale, the vacuum is in the middle of the floor, it's just a mess. Dirty me, dirty me, I'm disgusted with myself! Just lazy, that's all, I guess. --Romeena
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56558: You know I hate when you people are obtuse...

Me-They
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56559: Would that be purposely obtuse or just regular obtuse - you know there is a difference.

hm
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56560:
Hello porch family....just wanted to let you all know I made it back home safe. I am so tired. Drove all night so I'm heading off to get some rest. Home for a few days now. I'll check back in later. Prayers for all! Jesus is so GOOD to us!
-REV.
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56561: Hey, Rev! Glad you're home safely. I'll bet those two lovely ladies in your life were glad to see you. Get some rest! --Romeena
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56562: Morning Porch friends one and all! Prayers going up for Mrs. Asa and the Asa family. Vickie, thanks for the report - sounds like Millie really was there! Good job on the flowers Ro!! Prayers for Boo, Big Maude and all who need them. Welcome home Rev!! hm, you're a bird in this world. You too, MT.

~ Mrs. Wiley
Barney: "Don't be obtuse!"

October 01, 2007 - Msg 56563: Glad you are back home Rev.
Thanks for the compliment Mrs. Wi - - ley.

Could you all pray for my headaches - it seems that I am having more and more of them. Last year they were due to mastoiditis. I haven't been back to the doctor but I am pretty sure it is flared up again. Thanks bunches. . .

And I didn't mention . . .or .... or ....... but I am going to mention BAREFEET! just for M-T.

hm
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56564: (With fingers in ears) lalalalalala...

M-T
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56565: Hey, Me-They, I'm sitting here with bare feet, too. Not only that, but I need a pedicure badly. Gonna take care of that tomorrow morning, but for now, my toes look like some old parakeet's toes, if a parakeet painted his nails and had flowers painted on them, with little rhinestone centers. Yep, them's my toes! Ain't they purty?? --Romeena
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56566: And take your fingers out of your ears, or I'll toe-pinch you! I can do it, too - just ask my son, who hates feet about as much as you do. --Romeena
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56567: My feet look like Fred Flinstone's. It's a family curse. And I am always barefoot. I mean, after all, I do live in the Ozarks! Hey Billy Bob, hand me that Pe-TROLL-eum Jelly, my feets needs some moisturizin'! ;-) By the way, when I was a kid I practiced all sorts of stuff with my feet in case I were to ever lose my arms and I can brush my teeth with my feet.

Merri W.
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56568: My goodness, Merri W., I'm impressed! I'd have to nail my toothbrush to a post and just move my head back and forth, because I can't get my feet up that high anymore. There was a time, when I was much, much younger, I could hook my foot behind my head, but if I tried that now, something would break and fall off for sure.

Did you see that clip that was making the email rounds, of the young mother who was born without arms, is married and has a baby? She bathes, feeds, and diapers that baby, using her feet. She drives a car, picks up fast food, writes beautifully, goes to the drive-thru at the bank, does anything we would normally do with our hands. Amazing! Really inspiring. You really gotta admire someone like that.

Have a good evening, friends. I'm gonna sit here and watch the squirrels in the yard. I can clean closets tomorrow. --Romeena
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56569: hey porchsters ,been busy this week .Many of you know I work for a major supermarket chain in my area ,well the upper management of the company decided to close our location ,I have been working 11 and 12 hour days to help pack and transfer all the stock to other stores in the chain .All employees have been placed in other local stores ,luckily Im going to a store where the produce manager uis retiring in 6 weeks and I will be working with him and taking over that rack when he leaves . REV..POSSUM and Spot you may know the company I work for ,the have stores in S.C. ,N.C. ,GA. TN.,VA.,MARYLAND,and D.C. its HARRIS TEETER SUPPERMARKETS ,Ive been with them for almost 30 years .
PRAYERS for all the porch sitters
MAYBERRY DEPUTY
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56570: Wow Mayberry Deputy, sorry for the upheaval in your life. 30 years. Now that's what I call a dedicated person!
Glad there is a job waiting for you. Good luck!


Prayers to you, Big Maude. I don't know what you are going through, but don't feel it is insignificant.
I mean, I've been complaining off and on just about everything in my life, and I haven't been kicked off the porch, ...yet.;)
Like I could be complaining about my anxiety(like my seque?) over my wife researching divorce on the internet(yet again) and leaving it in history for me to find(I had a hunch), this time because I don't like that the school board voted to change the team name and logo to something more politically correct and she(my wife) is drawing a logo to enter into the contest to find a new logo.
I suppose she could have taken my dislike for changing things for a P.C. reason as not supporting her, even though I did say her drawing was good. She didn't even like my quip that they should name them The Spineless Jellyfish - in honor of the school board.
But my wife tends take things I say, or do, or think, as a personal affront to her perceived authority.
This is just getting depressing because I don't really see any good way to see this. If she is looking up these divorce things because she REALLY wants a divorce because she doesn't like when I speak my mind(I am seeing a trend), that is not good right there; or if she is using her "research" as an intimidation tool, knowing I will see it, is not good either.
Sometimes I really think I should call her bluff, get this over with, and serve HER papers.
Then I think about Kai, and what this would do to her, and me, and me and her, and then I bend.

Sorry for the depressing post.
But it does feel better getting that out, especially around people who care. So, don't worry about it, Big Maude. You can say anything here. You are among friends.

-Sterling Holobyte
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56571: Oh dear, Sterling, that don't sound too good. At the risk of sounding sarcastic, would it be possible to just ask her? Tell her you've noticed she's researching divorce stuff on the computer, and ask her what's up. Maybe it would open up the lines of communication. I'm sorry for your situation.
Well, I'm still home convalescening this week from my surgery. I can't do anything and I'm bored silly. So far I've watched countless eps of TAGS from my DVD's, 2 Agatha Christie movies (Miss Marple), The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, and today I watched a Lassie movie I'd never seen before.
Thank you Vickie for letting us know how Millie's memorial went. It really does sound exactly like what she wanted. I sure miss her.
-Hazel

"Racing down the highway. Just me, the wind and the wheel."

October 01, 2007 - Msg 56572: Hey ya'll -
I had been just rockin' and not talking today because, as has been expressed on the Porch, seems like my problems don't compare. But you are all such kind people and it is true, nothing that weighs on a body's heart is insignificant. STERLING, I've been through your situation, and spent some time last year helping others through it, and it is a hard road to travel. Whatever happens I wish you good friends to support you and family to love you. (And a good lawyer with a heart if you should need one.)

And BIG MAUDE and BOO have both touched my heart, so no matter what it is that's weighin' you down you have my prayers in there with everybody else's, lifting you up.

HAZEL - poor thing, I've watched countless TAGS episodes myself. Hope your convalescence goes well and you are up and into mischief soon.

Gee, MAYBERRY DEPUTY, wish I could find someone I wanted to work for, for 30 years - so glad you can relocate your job and continue.

I have forgotten how to have fun, which is why I enjoy y’all so much. ROMEENA, ME-THEY, SPOT, HM, MERRI W. and ASA, thank you for the giggles you gave me today. That’s really a gift I appreciate.

Son is coming home this week-end to rest (he can’t shake a virus he caught, but living in a dorm and staying up all night will do that…) and as a tribute to MILLIE I am going to make the peanut butter pie recipe that VICKIE shared last week.

Prayers going up for everyone on the Porch.
Belle
"I don't know how I'm going to face the future knowing there's eight quarts of these pickles in it."
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56573: "I hope you weren't riding that thing down the highway with your mouth open like that." --Romeena
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56574: Speaking of those kerosene cucumbers, (we got interrupted in the middle of our how-comin' a while back), how come somebody who was as fine a cook as Aunt Bee couldn't make pickles, and apparently couldn't make orange marmalade either? I always thought that was odd. --Romeena
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56575: Canning and cooking are two different art forms.
Belle
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56576: How come Barney had a car, a nice looking car, in the first season but he bought his "first" car from Mrs.Lesh later on? Belle
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56577:
Sterling- Is she going down that road again?
Like Opie and the bully, maybe you should just tell her, ok, when do we go sign the papers? I bet she will back off quicker than a cat that just got sprayed with water. Then tell her no more stuff on the computer unless she is ready to do it NOW. Just a suggestion my friend.
RO- That is quite an amount you collected from a bunch of people who do not really know you! Great reason, but man are we trusting! (:
Vickie- Thank you so much for the details. Our best to Steve and the family.
Good to see LUCY!!
Prayers for Boo, Poor Horatio and all that need em this evening.
Jesus Loves YOU!
MDC
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56578:
Well I'm back. Got some rest today and feel much better.

Sterling...prayers for your situation buddy.

Asa...know that I'm praying for you and your wife.

Hello Lucy....so good to see ya back.

Ro...yep....my "girls" were glad to see me home. And of course I was glad to see them.

Vickie...thanks for keeping us posted.

Hazel...praying you're recovering quickly.

Spot... I came through your neck of the woods this morning at about 2am. Hey brother...since I'm back let's eat at IHOP in the morning on me.

MDC...Yes...I'm so glad that Jesus loves us! It's always good to be reminded.

Prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56579: Yes, you are, MDC,very trusting, and that's a very humbling thing to me. There is really no accounting on this thing, though I do have a list of who and how much, simply so I can double-check myself and can confirm to anyone who asks that I got theirs. I would, if anyone asked, send a copy. One thing that has concerned me a little, is that because of the way it's being done, no one can claim the amount going to the church as a charitable deduction. Since part of it was used for flowers, what part, or more precisely whose part, is being sent to the church? Be assured, I will not be deducting any part of this next year, including my own. This is one transaction that will be marked "Do not deduct" when my books go to the CPA.

And doesn't that open a big can of worms! There are those who argue that one shouldn't deduct the amount given to a church, because we shouldn't "profit" from our tithe. My pastor years ago had a great answer for that. He said if that bothers you, then just figure out what part of your tax refund was due to that deduction, and give that amount back to the church, rather than not deducting it and letting the government keep it all! Ha! Pretty good idea. Of course, that thing could run away from you if you gave it its head. You could get down to pennies after a while.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand - once all of this is completed, those involved will receive an email verifying the floral bill and the amount sent to the church. If anyone wishes any more detailed information, I can do that, too.

My DIL's mom took her to her own dermatologist today, and got a somewhat more optimistic opinion. It's definitely melanoma, but this doctor feels like there's a chance the final staging may come back as a little earlier than the other doctor predicted. The earlier, the better of course, so please keep praying. Brittney and my son are keeping a very positive attitude, just business as usual. Bless their little hearts.

Thanks, everyone, for your prayers. --Romeena
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56580: Hello everyone. It's been about a week since I last posted. Earlier part of the week was a downer for me. But as I got busy near the end of the week, that helped. I've read through most of what I missed. I'm glad to learn that Vickie was able to attend Millie's memorial in person. I had thought about going also but ....
I'll post more next time.

from Poor Horatio
October 01, 2007 - Msg 56581: Rev on "U"...im there...rode bikes for 14 miles today...tired...SPOT
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56582: Why all the bike riding lately, SPOT? For fun or fitness, or both? My son has been asking about bike riding and I am going to have to pull out my old bike and see if it's "fixable".

Ro, glad to hear that Brittany and your family are keeping a positive attitude. That's a large part of the battle.

Good to see you PH, hope you are feeling better.

Looks like you folks ran Me-They off the porch yesterday with all the foot talk...please stop!hehe

Sterling, sorry for what you are enduring. Prayers coming your way. I don't have any advice, its a tough situation. We're here for you anytime you need to talk.

It's still been hot here in South Texas and I don't see a cool front in the forcast, bummer. I am, as always this time of year, READY for that first cool front and breath of fall weather!

Wanted to report that Sean had an appointment yesterday with a new psychologist that specializes in kids with problems and he really seemed to know what he was doing and was able to point out problem areas very easily and provide some solutions and support. It felt good to have someone involved who really seems to know how to help. Thanks for your prayers.

Better go get Erin out of bed for school.

Just one more thank you for all the prayers you pray for me. You are such loving friends. Yesterday was a much better day and I think today will be even better. I have bible study at the rehab tonight so please pray for the girls if you get the chance.

Boo
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56583: Morning folks, hope all we well todat. chilly this morning but supposed to warm up to the lower 80's this afternoon. still very dry. guess the leaves won't be very pretty in color this fall. some are alrady falling off the trees and they are still green! thanks for your prayers and concerns.. please continue to send them up for me. Prayers and blessings to all today. Romeena, did I remember to put a picture of our family dog in the card I sent? I meant to so you could post it on the porch pet album but my mind has not been too good lately so I could not remember. Breakfast will be: pancakes with maple syrup, sausage, bacon, eggs your way. coffee, tea, orange juice to drink. Prayers and blessings
to all today. Big Maude
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56584: Good morning everyone. Leaves are going from green straight to brown here, too, MAUDE. It's not going to be a very colorful fall this year, I'm afraid. Too little rain. But the temp has been pretty nice (80 during the day and 55 at night). Great sleeping weather.

MAUDE: That'll lay on yer chest.

BOO: It takes more than feet to run me off. Now stinking, ugly feet, that's a different matter entire.

ROMEENA: You mean my accountants haven't been there yet? You should be getting a knock on the door any time. Seriously, I, for one, am not worried about the deductibility of this one donation. And we know we can trust you. But just in case, I do have a friend named Guido...

STERLING: I'm sorry to hear you've been having such problems. I know a little how you feel--been there, done that. But having a precious little girl does change the situation quite a bit. You need to sit down and calmly, lovingly talk to your wife. It simply has to start there. Once you get a better idea where her head is at, you'll figure out your options. It sounds like some Christian counseling might be a great idea. If she won't go with you, I'd encourage you to do it yourself. That was my situation, and it really did help me deal with what came my way. Anyway, you have my prayers.

Prayers for MAUDE, BOO's class, HORATIO, ROMEENA's DIL, BELLE's house hunting, and everyone else who needs them.

Anybody want to hear my election rant of the day?

Me-They
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56585: Oh, after re-reading my post loking for my mistakes, I realized what I wrote to STERLING didn't make my wife sound very good. I was referring to my first, very brief marriage (not even two years) which I consider a trial run for the real thing I now enjoy with a wonderful woman.

M-T
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56586: I remembered that you had been married before and assumed that's what you were talking about Me-They, but it's good that you clarrified.

Going to be another busy day. Just got back from the grocery with food for the week. Cost around 120.00~!! Ugh, prices are terrible. I remember when I could fill 2 baskets for that price instead of a half of ONE. Seems like everything is high, especially healthy food. If one wants to live on mac and cheese, then all he has to worry about is the cost of the milk, but meat prices!!

Well, got to tackle the dishwasher and the laundry to "ta-ta".

Boo
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56587: so, ta-ta, I mean....I guess you all were scratching your heads on that one...

Boo
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56588: Duck! Here comes my shorts...

M-T
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56589: Ya threw straight South,Me-They- I ended up with your shorts! Since I AM doing laundry,I'll toss 'em in the wash,but remember to aim for Texas next time!

Sterling,I feel badly for you.Whether she is just playing mind games or really means it,neither is a good thing,is it? I think M-T gave you some good advice. I'll hold you in my prayers,friend.Oh,and Asa,I'm sending you an e-mail about a new MS treatment I heard of. Prayers continue for you & Mrs. Asa.

I noticed CNN.com has the story about Betty Lynn's move to Andy's hometown. It's under Popular News- "Griffith's Thelma Lou moves to Mayberry." This is probably the same article that was in my Sunday paper.If so,y'all will be interested in it. Check it out.

So glad Lucy & PH checked in.Was starting to worry a bit about them.

Well,I'm off to check on the laundry & Me-They's shorts.I'll toss 'em back at ya in about an hour,so keep your window open M-T!

*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56590: Ya threw straight South,Me-They- I ended up with your shorts! Since I AM doing laundry,I'll toss 'em in the wash,but remember to aim for Texas next time!

Sterling,I feel badly for you.Whether she is just playing mind games or really means it,neither is a good thing,is it? I think M-T gave you some good advice. I'll hold you in my prayers,friend.Oh,and Asa,I'm sending you an e-mail about a new MS treatment I heard of. Prayers continue for you & Mrs. Asa.

I noticed CNN.com has the story about Betty Lynn's move to Andy's hometown. It's under Popular News- "Griffith's Thelma Lou moves to Mayberry." This is probably the same article that was in my Sunday paper.If so,y'all will be interested in it. Check it out.

So glad Lucy & PH checked in.Was starting to worry a bit about them.

Well,I'm off to check on the laundry & Me-They's shorts.I'll toss 'em back at ya in about an hour,so keep your window open M-T!

*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56591: HAPPY OCTOBER EVERYONE! My wish is for everyone to have a better October than September.

My prayers and peaceful wishes are for everyone today especially for Sterling. I'm a no-nonsense kind of gal and stuff like that (manipulation, etc.) just gets me riled up. I hope that you can find some good support for you. And remember, children want their parents to be happy. A happy parent = happy child. Many prayers.

The sky here is clouding up and it's starting to look ominous (now there's a word that Barney would put his twist on!) We're supposed to get some severe weather tonight, possibility of tornadoes, so please say a quick prayer that everyone stays safe from the storm. What an analogy for life, huh? I'll save that for another day...

ASA, my young mother had MS and fybermyalgia along with a severe degenerative neck-disc disease. It's a long, hard road. But I know what you're going through. I'm thinking of you today and hoping that the MRS. finds a way to deal with this devastating disease.

Well, I got a beef roast in the crock pot and it's starting to smell good. It's about time I add my potatoes, carrots, onions and my gravy mix. I agree with Boo, groceries are outrageous! I always buy the meat that has a day left for them to sell and it's usually 1 to 2 dollars cheaper a pound. I just make sure I use it immediately or freeze it. "They" keep saying we're not in any kind of inflation but a body does wonder when their grocery bill goes up 60%! Maybe it's just those terrible gas prices...hmmm.

Well my porch friends, much love and warm thoughts I send your way. Many blessings!!

Merri Weather
(Hope it's "Merri Weather" tonight! HA! Gosh, how does one become so clever? ;-)
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56592: Good afternoon all. Thanks POSSUM for catching my shorts. Just remember to cool them down before sending them back my way. Don't care for hot shorts.

Thanks for the well-wishes, MERRI. I certainly don't want to start a moulage (that would be so unlike me, y'know), but I have to qualify one comment you made. Yes, a happy parent often makes for a happy kid, but way yonder too many people throw in the towel on a marriage "for the good of the kids." In some cases--like abuse, whether physical, mental, or emotional--that is true. But many times parents seeking a divorce are doing so because of behaviors they can control, and because they feel they are "owed" happiness. Au contraire. A marriage is what you make it, and just because one partner is not holding up their end of the deal, that does not get the other off the hook for holding up theirs. Of course, there are some extreme exceptions (adultery, etc.). We will be judged on what we do, not on what they did. And excuses won't be taken. The trick is to find a greater happiness than another human being can provide. Anyway, that's how I see it.

M-T
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56593: By the way, I didn't mean to spout off at you, MERRI, or argue with what you said. What you said is true, I just wanted to expound on that one bit. Hope I didn't offend.

Me-They
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56594: Does anyone know which episode mentioned something about a type of hair-cut, "rabbit ridge?" Thanks!
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56595: That's ok MT--no offense taken, however, I think you might of misunderstood part of my comment. I meant that comment in relation to the counseling advice. Seeking support and getting support can do marvels with a person's feelings of depression, hopelessness and lack of faith. I don't advocate divorce at all. But nor do I advocate staying in an unhealthy, abusive marriage (not saying that Sterling's is) after all resources have been exhausted and it's a one-sided journey. With that said, of course I hope our friend Sterling can find a way to reach his wife and start down the road to rebuilding their marriage and their commitment to the family they've created. I think we're in agreement MT, we just put things differently! Heck, if I threatened divorce from Mr. Weather every time he spoke up, we'd never have gotten married in the first place! Marriage can be the hardest thing in the world to deal with at times but the rewards of commitment and finding solutions are immense!

That scraping sound you all hear in the middle of the porch is just me putting my soap box away!

Have a great afternoon everybody! --Merri
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56596: Rabbit ridge was mentioned in the first season in the episode 7, "Irrisistable Andy".
Belle
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56597: Thanks, and you're right again, MERRI. Two sides of the same coin. That soapbox hasn't gotten too much use lately. Hey there, BELLE.

M-T


October 02, 2007 - Msg 56598: Hey M-T:what is a rabbit ridge anyway? Belle
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56599: Gracious, serious topics today. Blessings for those of you who are contending with relationships that are less than happy. That has to be so hard. No one wants a marriage to break up, and for a Christian it's doubly hard, because we believe that God mandated marriage and the continuity thereof. I will not debate the theology of this statement, but related to "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder", I once heard a minister say that he didn't think God should be blamed for some of the marriages he had seen! Now there's a thought. You can take that one and run a long way with it. It implies careful choice, seeking His will both before and after the marriage, just take it wherever you wish. I'll not say where I stand on the question, I'm not sure I know the answer myself. It's just something to think about.

Sterling, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this. Please forgive me for saying this, but how long has your wife been out of high school? These little reindeer games sound terribly immature to me. Perhaps she does need a wake up call, as has been suggested, and certainly as Me-They said, the two of you need an open, heart-to-heart, lay it all on the table kind of discussion. No challenges, no recriminations, no threats or digging up old hurts - just a simple talk to find out where your lives are going.

Well, coming from an old widder lady, that may not be worth much, but that's what I think. --Romeena

P.S. Me-They, does your friend Guido have hands like hams and no neck, and wear dark glasses? Somebody like that was sitting in a little black car across the street from my house this afternoon.... Maybe I'd better go lock the doors.
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56600: Belle, I may be wrong, but I think a "rabbit ridge" is that little upswept ridge of hair on the side of a guy's head. You know, they comb it over to the side, then along the side and up toward the top of their head, they comb the hair backward, so it makes that little ridge from front to back. --Romeena
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56601: Hey, I wanted to share one of my favorite Autumn recipe's with you all. It's easy, old-fashioned and most importantly, DE-licious! I just made a batch and I'm passing out hot, steaming samples. Help yourselves. It's ok, it won't spoil your dinner! ME-THEY, I'm going to let you go first, cuz I love ya and I appreciate a person who can have a good conversation with me without hard feelings. Poor a tall glass of cold milk with this one folks!

INDIAN PUDDING

Recipe courtesy of Food Network

1 (3.4-ounce) box instant butterscotch pudding
1 (8.5-ounce) box instant corn muffin mix
6 cups milk, divided
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup dark or robust molasses
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix, corn muffin mix, and 3 cups of milk until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes; set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients. Stir into pudding mixture until well combined. Transfer to slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Turn slow cooker to low and stir. Cover and continue cooking for 1 more hour. Stir, cover and cook for 1 hour more.
Serve warm.

Enjoy! -Merri
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56602: I am assuming Donald Trump's do is NOT a rabbit ridge!
Belle




October 02, 2007 - Msg 56603: No, Belle, I think his is more like a gator slide. --Romeena
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56604: And such a lovely shade of Kool-Aid orange!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock

Sorry about chewing my cabbage twice in my earlier post!

October 02, 2007 - Msg 56605: Well then, my dad always had a rabbit's ridge.

I really feel for Sterling. I hope he gets things worked out and finds some help for his family. We're behind you Sterling.

Hey to Possum.

I'm with you, Merri Weather...hope October is better that September. Maybe fall and the upcoming holidays will help cheer things up for us. My dear husband turns 50 this month. I can't believe I'm sleeping with a 50 year old man!! ha...just something I never imagined.

Does anyone have any special plans or trips for the holidays yet? I love to plan ahead and have something to look forward to. Thanksgiving might be a little tough. Karen's birthday was on Thanksgiving last year and I know I'll miss her this year. I feel myself getting to the place that I can remember the good times and not feel so much pain. I even get some comfort from them.

Well, I'm off to the rehab. Ya'll have a wonderful evening,

Boo
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56606: Hahaha...a gator slide!! I was thinking it was more of a bull t*rd.

Boo
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56607: Well, I thought of a gator slide, because it looks like anything that landed on it would slide right off. I'll bet if you tapped it with a hammer, it would crack. I hope he owns a hair spray company, and he probably does. He owns everything else.

Big Maude, Belle is adorable, and her picture is now in the album. I'm so sorry, I intended to do that right away when it came in, then put the envelope in the bundle with the others, and forgot. Thanks for reminding me! She looks like a very savvy little dog, the kind that would fight a bear for you, but smart enough to only do it if it was really necessary. --Romeena
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56608: As for holiday plans, Boo, you know how it is for a nurse. Since I don't know when I'll be working, I can't really make any plans. I'll just have to let others do most of the planning, and fit in wherever I can. One more reason to retire - sure do wish I could afford it. --Romeena
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56609: Evenin' Porch family:
Just getting caught up on all the goin' on. My, my what a moulage!
M-T, where did you get those shorts with "Property of Mayberry Jail" printed all over them? I think there was even a number on the bottom! Possum- careful, they're stolen. (does that mean they're HOT?)
Prayers for all the family.
Vickie, thanks for the update on Millies' life celebration. I was hoping to get there, but was mandated in to work. Bummer. Would have loved to see Millies' friends and family.
Thanks Ro for all your thoughtfulness for us. See, 2 brains are better than 1! (maybe that's 1 + 1/2 ) Well, off to get supper started. Off tomorrow so it's laundry, cleaning and maybe windows. FALL is really here. ~New Neighbor
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56610:
APB for TOM. Tom? To... (:

Spot, Rev, MD..one word: TALLADEGA!
BOO- Forgot to mention when i saw you mention dishwasher a few messages ago,that the new KitchenAid that we got in march has been GREAT! and very quiet running.
Prayers my dear friends, what a great concept!
God bless!
MDC
Andy to Mayor Pike: (after they helped paint the old man's house) Well mayor, youv'e always been known to spread it on pretty thick.
Just a thought for the new house.


October 02, 2007 - Msg 56611:
Boo- that was in regards to appliance choosing for the new house. mdc
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56612: I saw where you were going, MDC, thanks. Bruce already bought a dishwasher at a local Sears store that was going out of business. He got it half-price, I think. I believe it's a Maytag. Would rather have a KitchenAid, though. We also bought a frige and a microwave. Bruce is making progress on the fence but now has come down with a sore throat and I have a cold starting. My nose is stuffy and I'm sneezing, throat scratchy. Darn it! I don't have time for a cold.

Boo
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56613: Gang im still here for sure!..rode 11 miles yesterday and 10 today with mis sherry...kinda like this bike riding business...hope yall have been eating wekk and UPS"s Rev his plate..hey ro,boo,m-t,possum,vickie,Tom,mdc,NW,horatio,hm,hazel,merri and all...Asa MY BUDDY YOU THERE?...yall got any left overs?..Maude you got anything to eat?...I will read the archives in just a bit....got to put Otis up and feed him ...back in a bit ..prayers...SPOT
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56614: ..uh, pass me that VICKS, would ya Homemaker?...and maybe a warm cloth to cover my chest....and some warm socks....uh, and some chicken soup with hot tea, lemon and honey, please....sniff....

Boo
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56615: ...oh, and whatever you do, don't let Emmett come in here and put up a lamp....and don't let Aunt Bee tuck me in....

October 02, 2007 - Msg 56616: I know what you mean, Romeena. I think I worked nearly every Thanksgiving for almost 15 years straight when I worked at the hospital...ok, here's something fun we can do...with Fall here, let's share some of our Fall/Thanksgiving memories. What was it like when we were growing up, etc. How did you spend Thanksgiving as a child?...you get the idea. I'll start with some memories of fall. In South Texas, those first cold fronts are really a time to celebrate and I remember what it was like to be hot one minute and cold the next. I loved it when the sky would start to get dark and then the wind would start to blow, then...ahhh, that brisk cold wind! Very exciting for a kid (or an adult, actually). Mom would start cooking things like chili and homemade soup with cornbread. That's when the baking started too. The worst part of cooler weather is that my mom used to make me wear shoes and a scarf to cover my ears when I went to school. I hated that scarf business! I'm not talking about a knitted scarf, but those ugly, nylon dime store scarves in various bright colors. Very un-cool for a kid to wear. Another memory I have is leaving my winter school shoes outside in the rain one night so that in the morning mom had to go get them out of the yard. While I was getting dressed, I started smelling this terrible smell of burning rubber. It turns out mom had put my shoes in the oven to dry out and forgot about them. I remember they had both dried up and curled up into "u" shapes!

Boo
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56617:
Hello porch family....Pray you all had a great day today.

Ro..."gator slide"......now that's funny.

Boo....my plans for Thanksgiving is to be home with my family and eat...eat....and eat more!
Praying you and Bruce are feeling better.

MDC...Talladega....the super speedway. Should be a good one. I'll miss it because I'll be in concert in Fort Payne, AL.

Spot...are you riding on a bike trail or just through the country side? Sounds like you are enjoying it and it's good for you.

You folks have a great night and remember that Jesus loves us and that I'm praying for you!
-REV.
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56618: Boo, nothing like a Texas Blue Norther. Today, you switch the the thermostat from AC to heat. Two days later you switch it back. It is 'kinda' exciting. I am looking forward to a cold winter...someting in me is a pyro....I love a fire in the fire place. First winter here was so warm seldom had an excuse for a fire. Last year during the ice storm (real one) and couldn't get out....I did burn up a bunch or wood. Bet we don't get one this year.

Ro, will call my good friend Sal up in Jersey and tell him to lay off you and have his garlic smelling guys to get out of there. Many thanks for what you did in taking care of the group wishes for Millie.

Prayers for all and God Bless!
ray

October 02, 2007 - Msg 56619: Hahaha! Boo, your mom really baked your shoes?? That's hilarious, and I would imagine they really did smell awful! Hot rubber and leather? Yuck!

Yep, I remember those early fall days - actually it's not much of a stretch, because it still happens. You can be outside, hot and sweaty, temp in the 90's, and suddenly the sky darkens a bit in the north, a breeze kicks up, more clouds come in, the air starts to "smell cold" before the temperature even begins to change, and then the strong north wind hits, and the temp can drop to 40 degrees in about ten minutes. I can remember mid-90's days, and a freeze at night. We Texans call those winds "northers", as in "a norther just blew in", or if it really drops low and fast, it's "a blue norther". You can actually hear the first gusts when they hit the house. A norther is not to be confused with a north wind. A north wind is when the wind is just blowing from the north, and this can and will happen all winter, even sometimes in the summer. A norther is when it has been hot and the wind blows in cold and changes the temperature almost instantly. Every Texan knows the difference.

Holiday food? Turkey and cornbread stuffing, of course, with the stuffing cooked in and around the bird, in the same pan. When I was growing up, we would have lots of veggies on the table, usually out of my grandpa's garden. I remember fresh sliced tomatoes on the table for Thanksgiving almost every year, and once or twice, we had them for Christmas dinner as well. When the weather would get cool, but we wouldn't get a freeze, the tired old tomatoes from the summer would get a second growth spurt, and we'd get another small crop, usually very, very good tomatoes. I don't know what my grandpa did to them, but I'm sure he had some secret formula for reviving them, no doubt involving contributions from the livestock and the chickens.

Well, someone else want a turn? --Romeena
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56620: Hahahaha!! See there, I told you so! Ray knows what a Texas blue norther is! You can always tell a Texan (but you can't tell us much.) Hahaha! That was perfect timing, Ray. --Romeena
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56621: Thanks, Ray. I was thinking of offering those guys a cup of coffee, but decided against it. --Romeena
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56622: Today in the mail got a jury summons. Greetings: You are hereby notified to appear before the Honorable Peter Sakai, Judge 225th District Court, Central Jury Room, San Antonio, Texas at 8:00AM.....etc.

Wow did I luck out, You may be excused from jury service if: you are over 70 years of age. I have that made by two months.

Not that I shrug my civic duty, served on at least two jurys and was called many more times in Williamson County. But the best was being on the Grand Jury for a month. We met two days every week and probably went thru a hundred cases each day. If ever called for that don't decline. It will be an eye opening you will never expect. There you will hear all the facts and you make the decision to charge....what a responsibility.
ray
October 02, 2007 - Msg 56623: We started off late Wednesday afternoon, the day before Thanksgiving 1978. Our Ford Tarino was tightly packed and there was a nip in the air. There was talk of a Thanksgiving snow! My kid sister and I had ran straight home from school because we were excited about traveling for Thanksgiving. We drove through the Illinois Mississippi Bluffs and crossed over to Missouri on our way to St. Louis. St. Louis might as well have been New York City to me as a kid! With all it's strange big city smells, traffic, people and that gigantic arch. We were on our way to pick up my Aunt Fi Fi. She was my favorite aunt--young and beautiful with her high cheek bones, porcelain skin and shiny coal-black hair. She fit her French name very well. As we were getting closer and closer to the city, it began to snow. At first, a real happy joyful snow. Frolicking snowflakes in no big hurry on their way down. But by the time we reached my Aunt's apartment in an old Brownstone, the flakes were flying at us, swirling and zig-zagging. I noticed a tinge of worry in our parents' voices. The snow was coming down hard and it was starting to add up. We still had nearly a two hour drive. We were heading to my Grandparent's cabin in Southeast Missouri. It was literally in the middle of nowhere but it would be packed with relatives of all kinds. My mother is the fifth child of twelve. I had 45 cousins at the time. And we were all gathering for a Thanksgiving celebration! My Grandparents actually bought a trailer for their property and had asked a neighbor about a mile down the road if they could use their cabin since they were going to be out of town. Everyone was doing their part by bringing a meat and a side dish. My mom had a 15 lb. turkey smoked and I remember her baking for three days straight before we left. There would more pies than at a bake sale. Every pie you could ever want! As a kid, that's real important.

My Aunt Fi climbed into the car smelling of leather (her jacket), Heaven Scent and the cold. She nestled in between my kid sister and I. We talked and laughed and sang songs as my dad drove us out of the city. The snow kept falling. And falling. Then the ice came. Before I knew it, we were out on a country highway where the road twisted and turned; up and down. Oh, I remember trying to choke back my feelings of car sickness. The fun quickly turned into fear--as we turned onto another highway, there were 18-wheelers, cars and trucks sliding of the road. The roads were steep with drop-offs that went for miles it seemed. That's when my sister and I started crying in unison. Now, my dad being the big-brute masculine man that he is tried his best at convincing us that we were going to stay on the road. It didn't work. I saw the fear in my mother's eyes and heard her whisper to my father to turn around and head back to the city. We couldn't. There had been several wrecks blocking the highway behind us. We had no choice but to move on. The hysteria from the back seat started to hit a fevered pitch. My Aunt Fi rose to the occasion and talked to us about things to get our minds off the very dangerous situation we were in. She asked us what we wanted for Christmas, what we were doing in school, what movies we liked. Just anything to allow my parent's to concentrate. I don't know how he did it, but my dad was able to maneuver that Tarino around cars that were either stuck or slipping into each other as they slid off the road. But he knew we couldn't go the rest of the trip. He turned the car to the right onto an old gravel road driving at a snail's pace. Nobody knew where we were headed. After a while, we came upon a clearing with a small trailer. The lights were on and it looked warm and inviting. We came to a stop as my dad climbed out of the car, he instructed us to wait there. After a minute or two, he came for us. The snow was now a foot deep, he had to carry my kid sister on his back. My dad had taken us to his Grandmother's house in the woods. He hadn't seen or talked to her in years but that didn't matter. She opened the door to us and immediately went about getting blankets, pillows and quilts out of her tiny closet. She scurried into the kitchen to heat coffee for the adults and hot cocoa for my sister and I. She laid out butter and ham sandwiches, shortbread cookies and a bowl of hard candies. She lit her kerosene lamps all over the house along with a kerosene heater. My sister and I were on the floor of the living room letting our coats and socks dry while were were wrapped up in quilts sipping our hot cocoa. The adults were on the couch with my dad's grandmother chattering about the dangerous roads and all the cars we saw sliding off the narrow highway. And we stayed like that well into the night. I loved my great-grandmother instantly, though it was the first time I had met her. She was elfin like, tiny, but was spunky and joyful. She had an accent. Later, I was told she was an immigrant from Scotland. Hours passed and the snow kept falling. I laid on my pallet in the floor next to my kid sister, listening to my great grandmother Florence tell stories of times long past. I fell asleep with images of the old days when she and my great grandfather met. He was an immigrant too. There were many hard times but she talked of the good times as well. I especially liked the stories of my dad when he was little and stayed on their farm. I slept with a full belly, a warm body and a sweet happiness that I can't explain. The last thing I remember is seeing great grandmother Florence quietly lower the flame in the kerosene lamp.

The next morning was bright and sunny but the snow, oh my the snow! My dad dug out the car as we said our thanks and goodbyes. I remember tightly hugging my tiny great grandmother and then us kids waving goodbye as we navigated down her gravel road. We made it to the highway which had been cleared and salted. We reached our destination and though I had a great time at my grandparent's cabin that Thanksgiving, it still somehow didn't compare to the small trailer off the gravel road and the spry little old lady with the funny accent. As long as I live, I will never forget that night.

And that my friends, is my favorite Thanksgiving memory.

I know this was long, but I so enjoyed reliving the memory of my now long gone great grandmother Florence. I hope you enjoyed it too! Thank you Boo for suggesting such a great idea.

Much love--Merri Weather