March 09, 2008 - Msg 60845: Oh, and Mavis,....want some rock candy?....or maybe some cornnuts?

Boo
March 09, 2008 - Msg 60846: Guess I've got a mean streak, too. hehe

Boo
March 09, 2008 - Msg 60847: Boo, Romeena you two are a regular Frick & Frack, you ever think about takin yer act on the road? A real, long road?? ;)
*Mavis
March 09, 2008 - Msg 60848: Boy Romeena & Boo how mean can you git.
Your new name Frick & frack


March 09, 2008 - Msg 60849: No, Mavis, we never thought about going on the road, but now that you mention it.... Hey, Boo, maybe we could find some old folks' homes and stop by and grease the steps! --Romeena
March 09, 2008 - Msg 60850: I've got one in mind, Ro....

Boo
March 09, 2008 - Msg 60851: Hey Friends,
Sounds like y'all are having fun. Hope everyone has a great Sabbath day. I've got dinner at Cracker Barrel! Spot you leave the tip. Have a good one!
Blessings,
~Lucy
March 09, 2008 - Msg 60852: Hi All will it stop raining! but it's cold.
Prayer go out to everyone who was hit by the storm and to the family of the for plople the pass away.

TOM

March 09, 2008 - Msg 60853: Well race gang Kyle is on a roll!...good race for jr,jeff and tony also...hey boo,Rev,Tom,ro,Lucy thanks for the invite to Cracker Barrell I will hold the door for you ladys and get the tip also!..its 55 degrees here im wearing shorts!..but look yall no open toe shoes....ok Asa and CHUCK!...ok back to a few outages herre at work....prayers...Church lights are on!...SPOT
March 09, 2008 - Msg 60854: ...Off a short pier, eh Mavis? ;)

Thank you, Boo, for the compliments. Yes, she is a sweetie, isn't she?!

Nice photos, Chuck. Love the "Chad" one. How did your son happen to meet him?

...was it after he called someone on his cell phone to get himself out of that bunker? ;)

Kai is down taking a nap. Busy day today. First church(another great sermon), then Saint Pat's carnival at my parent's church(my old one), and then right to a birthday pool party for my newest nephew.
Whew! Think I will take a nap, too.

-Sterling Holobyte
March 09, 2008 - Msg 60855: Good evening, all. It's a pretty day here, 71 degrees, balmy breeze, partly cloudy. Not much critter activity in the yard today, only saw one squirrel, and very few birds. I was wondering why, then I got my answer. Mr. Hawk flew in, perched on the power line coming to the house, and sat there for a while. No critter with more than two brain cells working is going to poke its nose out with that character in the yard! He flew away after a few minutes, and I couldn't tell where he went, but think he's still around, because the yard is deserted. Dern his hide, I wish he'd go haunt somebody else. I know, he has a right to live, and he has to eat, and that's the way of nature and all that, but I still wish he'd go away. You can bet Starr isn't going out there! He's not a redtail, don't know what kind of hawk he is, but he's pretty big.

I'm so glad we're back to the B&W eps. Just saw the pickle story - so funny! Kinda made me hungry for the pickles my auntie used to make - boy, were they good! Not a trace of kerosene in those rascals.

Well, be blessed, everyone! --Romeena
March 09, 2008 - Msg 60856: I saw that pickle episode, too, and then the bird story. Love 'em both.

Ro, I had a taste of what you go through the other day when I went out back to do some laundry and there was a big, black car lying under the bird feeder! I chased him off but it is probably only a matter of time until he is back. I wish I had one of those remote control sprinklers to blast him with. I don't have a clue about what to do to get rid of a hawk, though. Hope he moves on soon.

Wow, sounds like you and Kai had a full day, Sterling. Hope it was an indoor pool (I am picturing a bunch of blue, shivering kids).

I had an uneventful, relaxing Sunday. I didn't even do any housework today. I got to take a nap (a rare treat). Today was one of those cool, cloudy days that are great for sleeping.

Hope I can sleep tonight because it is going to feel an hour earlier when I have to get up in the morning.

Boo

ANDY to OPIE: "Winken will tell Blinken, Blinken will tell Nod, Nod will tell Barney, and Barney will tell you".
March 09, 2008 - Msg 60857: Uh, obviously there was not a black CAR under my bird feeder but it made you take a second look I'll bet....

Boo
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60858: Well, Boo, I kinda figured you meant "cat", though I did have visions of you chasing a car down the street. (heehee) As for that hawk, there's not much I can do, or would really wish to do. Now, my daughter's situation with a hawk was a bit different. She had chickens, and fancy show pigeons, and peafowl at one time, when she and her husband were still together. A hawk set up residence in a nearby wooded area, and came to her place every day for lunch. It was bad enough that he was killing for food, but then he began to kill birds that were too big for him to carry. He'd just dive down, grab them in his talons, bite the back of their neck, drop them and fly away. This left a live but seriously injured bird, just flopping around in the field next to the house. She lost a big beautiful peac0ck, a white peahen, a guinea and several pigeons and chickens. The final straw was when he bit and paralyzed "Old Girl", a pet Rhode Island Red hen that would come and sit on the arm of my daughter's chair in the yard. That did it. She loaded up the rifle, hid in some shrubbery, and when that hawk landed on a dead tree about 100 yards away, she sent him to his heavenly reward. One shot, clean. It would have been hard for me to do that, but with that kind of motivation, I probably would have. Predation for survival is one thing, wanton killing is quite another, and that's what the hawk was doing. Very strange - you don't see that very often in the animal world.

Oh yes, my sprinkler attacks on the local cats are legendary. Dumb things, they just keep coming back for more, though. Serves them right, if they go home with wet fur. My nextdoor neighbor knows, and thinks it's funny when Shamu comes home wet, but I wonder what the other owners think when their cats come home dripping wet!

Well, I'm off to watch Britcoms. They've been on for a while, but I'll just rewind. I love that feature on the dish network. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60859: Ha ha! I imagined the big black customized Lincoln Continental from the movie "The Car" under your birdfeeder, Boo. Now that would be a scary sight.

Oh yeah, and yes, it was an indoor pool. It's hard to do the doggie-paddle on a thick sheet of ice. And imagine trying to dive in; ouch! :) Though they do have some yahoos who do participate in that "polar plunge" thing where they chop out the ice and jump into the freezing water. You'd never catch me doing that though. The closest I want to get to ice cold water is when I am drinking it. :)

-Sterling Holobyte
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60860: I know what you mean. I'll never forget trying to swim in Lake Huron once and that was in the summer. Managed to make it all the way up to my bottom but couldn't go in any further. It was unbearable. I do like to swim in the Frio River in the summer, though. The water is cold when you first get in but not so cold that you don't get used to it and it is always so hot in Texas in the summer that it feels good.

I went to bed and tried to read until I could sleep but I just can't fall asleep yet! Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

Boo
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60861: Hello Porch!
Just had to stop by for a sec. Boo, I don't swim in COLD water, either.
Sterling....About "Chad"..my son works for Alltel, and that pick was taken about 3 weeks ago in Little Rock (Alltel's HQ's) at some sort of annual meeting. Chad was there, along the the "nerds" from Alltel's competition. Alex said the nerds were a lot of fun...going around trying to "recruit" Alltel employees to their company. Funny.

We are TEXAS bound tomorrow afternoon. Monday night will be me and Lisa's last night as youngsters. After the C-section Tue morning we'll be old timers (grandparents). Can't wait.

Spot, what's for breakfast?

Boo, Ro, Rev, Mavis, Sterling, Tom, Lucy and everyone else....Blessings and have a Mayberry week!
Ya'll say a prayer for my daughter in law and grandson Brayden.
Ro, got room for his pic on you photoalbum when we get back?

Chuck
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60862: Morning CHUCK,Sterling,Boo,Ro,TOM,brother Rev,hazel,possum,asa,m-t,auh20,mdc,md,goober,merri,opiemom,gizzmo,mavis and all!..congrats CHUCK...im sure all will go well with the birth!..prayers....well my off days start in about an hour..get off at 6am and off till thu..gona hope get started on my new barn...weather cooperating...breakfast menu:3 eggs your way,country ham,bacon,hashbrowns,bisquits-n-gravy,toast,grits and fried apple rings...coffee,oj and h20...yall fill up...will see ya at breakfast and will check in later today...Maude will you catch the lunch menu?....prayers...SPOT
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60863: Yeehaw, Chuck is Texas-bound. He's gonna love being a grandpa! Prayers for daughter-in-law and baby Brayden.

Boo
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60864: The snow has melted and the blizzard is over. It is hard to tell we had 14 inches of snow on Saturday. Now it is a muddy mess with scattered patches of white...and not even a snow delay today.

Congrats on the baby Chuck - let us know that everything is okay!

Ya'll act like someone now!!

homemaker
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60865: Good morning everyone. I see that in my absence, like Rodney Dangerfield, I got no respect. Well, put your shoes back on MAVIS, and sorry my hot air spoiled your biog snow, HM. NO respect I tell you.

We had some nasty weather this weekend, too. Saturday afternoon it hit 60 degrees, then the wind kicked up and half an hour later it was 40. We had some very heavy winds and it dipped into the 20s overnight. The wind split one of the power poles on our road clear in half! I've never seen anything like that. The only time we lost power was when they replaced the pole last night, but we haven't had cable since the storm.

Congrats early, CHUCK!

Kai is a cutie, STERLING. Saw the pics in the album this morning.

God to hear from you, LUCY. And it's good to know that MERRI is okay. Prayers for her hubby.

BOO: Prayers for Sean. How did it go yesterday?

Well, I'd love to start some sort of moulage this morning, but I just can't think of anything I'm particularly peeved about today. Anybody got any suggestions? ;)

See y'all at lunch.

Me-They
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60866: Sean did ok yesterday, thanks for asking M-T. He seemed much better yesterday.

Hey, wanted to tell you that I found a copy of the Cary Grant movie you mentioned the other day (Room For One More) and the kids and I watched it. Cute movie, thanks for suggesting it. There was sure alot of chemistry between Cary Grant and the actress that played the mom (forgot her name). I read that they were really married.

M-T, are you familiar with the singer/musician named Michael Card? He has been one of my favorites for many years and I think you would like him. If you get a chance, go to GodTube and do a search for him. He has some really beautiful performances on video from a fairly recent concert. He writes most of his own stuff and is very talented. I think you would especially like the song entitled, "The Things We Leave Behind".

Lots to do!

Boo
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60867: Oops, sorry Me-They..."The Things We Leave Behind" is on YouTube, not GodTube.

I have some moulage material but will have to come back later to drop the bomb.

Boo
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60868: Morning to you all today. Working today, trying to adjust to the switch over in time. We turned our clocks up an hour over the weekend. Wish someone would tell my body clock.

Cool here today, maybe a chance of rain this afternoon.

Watched some of the basketball tournaments over the week end. UNC (my husbands alumni) won over Duke and UT (one of my alumni) both men and women, won their SEC titles. Pretty exciting for us. Guess we will hang in there through March Madness.

Lunch will be: BBQ sandwhiches, SLAW, chips, and Little Debbie cakes. Tea or kool aid to drink.

Please continue to remember Erin Page and her family, She continues to hold her own but still very very seriously ill with all the infections that have comprised her lungs.

Blessings and prayers to EVERYONE!

Maude
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60869: Good morning, all. I slept later than usual, thanks to the time change, and the fact that I stayed u to watch my Britcoms las night, and was running an hour late with them, watching on DVR. So it was veeeery late when I finally conked out.

The hawk put in an appearance this morning. He's perched in a big cottonwood about 150 yards away, just sitting there like Dr. Death, and everybody else is in hiding. Doggone him!

Well, guess what I'm doing today?? My friend Eloise and I are going out to Roanoke, to meet Daphne at Babe's, for some fried chicken and fun! Aren't y'all envious? You know, we talk to each other all the time here on the porch, but as a veteran who has now done this twice before, let me tell you - it's reealllly fun when you finally meet another porchster in person. I highly recommend it.

I wish Chuck could join us, since he won't be that far away, but I guess he's got more important things to do, what with a grandbaby coming and all. Some people and their priorities! Humph! Just kidding, Chuck, and you'd better believe I've got room in the album for some pictures. You send 'em, I'll post 'em.

Well, off I go. Gotta feed Starr, then get in the shower. See you later, be blessed. --Romeena
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60870: Well! I guess my fingers are cold. Make that "stayed uP to watch my Britcoms lasT night". Good grief! --Romeena
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60871: Good Morning Porchsters! Beautiful day here in East TN today! I managed to hit my ownself in the mouth this morning & let me tell you something, if THAT don't jerk a body out of a sound sleep... So far tho, I seem to be healing pretty well, still hungry for real food, but then again, patience has never been one of my best qualities (except where God's critters are concerned). Me-They I gave you plenty to start a moulage with, open-toed shoes, for one. Lucy mentioned Miracle Whip AND Vick's in the same sen-tance & if you just thought a while, I'm sure you could come up with something, I have faith in your moulage-making abilities, my friend. Mine always come out runny. Romeena I'm sure you have already found it, but just in case, I found a site not long ago called www dot whatbird dot com you might be able to find that hawk on that site. It's a neat one, you can hear the calls each bird makes & search using lots of different characteristics. Maude what a beautiful girl Erin is. I haven't read the entire site, but I have it book-marked. Rev be careful, I think Boo & Romeena are talking about taking their act on the road & they might just try to ride with you in your motorhome. Tom how's the weather in your neck of the woods? Any warmer? Where is Ray has he gone missing too? Sterling what a pretty little girl you have there! Has she learned to use those big, dark eyes to get her way yet? teehee. Spot you hear all that rigga-maroll about Goodyear going on with the drivers? Can't wait to see what happens here next week. Bristol is a little hard on tires too. Well, best get off here for a while & at least act like I'm doing something.
*Mavis
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60872: Alright Ro this is getting to be a habit, you sneaking in on me when I ain't lookin! Are yer toes ok? Maybe Me-They can check them for you! ha
*Mavis
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60873: That doesn't work with me, Mavis, as I had those "big, dark eyes" when I was little, too. So I am wise to that stuff. ;)

Actually, Kai's eyes are a lighter than the pics make them look. They are actually greener than mine are. Mine have a bigger dose of brown in them.


Ro, I think that hawk knows there is a buffet in your yard, and he's just hoping to get there when it is open.

-Sterling Holobyte
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60874:
trouble check
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60875: Ha, I think you are right, Sterling. Big, backyard buffet.

Ro, tell Daphne to come backt to the church now and then. Have fun.

Boo
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60876: What did I just say? I was trying to say, "tell Daphne to come back to the porch now and then". I am mental today.

Boo
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60877: BOO LOST IT AND IT JUST MONDAY.

TOM

March 10, 2008 - Msg 60878:
Hi folks, just checking in for a Monday.
Prayers for all the porch.
God bless,
MDC
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60879: Hello to you all,

I just want you to know I had the utmost pleasure meeting Romeena today for lunch at a wonderful fried chicken place here in TX. She is such a joy!

(Glad to see I beat her in here too, to mention it) :-)

I hope you all are doing well! I know my rocker collects a lot of dust, but never remove it form the porch. I like to stop by every once in a while when I can.

Blessings to you all,
~Daphne
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60880: Monday, Sunny Monday! Hello Friends. My, how I've missed you all...I've wanted to pop in so many times to read about your lives and tell you what was going on in mine but I just couldn't. I don't want to go into gory details and fill your tired eyes with an epic tale but the long and short of it is this:

My hubby has Crohn's Disease; an autoimmune disease that can attack any organ of the body but for most folks, it attacks the digestive system. He became suddenly ill one weekend. He had a bowel obstruction that ruptured and had to have emergency surgery. A serious infection ensued. He landed in I.C.U for two weeks. After he was taken out of I.C.U, he recovered in the hospital for several days. We came home last Thursday. We live roughly 45 minutes from the hospital after you figure in fighting traffic and my parents live just under 5. So, it made sense for me to take my girls and stay with my parents. My mom took my daughter to school everyday, cared for my toddler and made sure I was able to sleep at night when I wasn't sleeping in my hubby's hospital room (after I.C.U.) My best friend took a 3-week vacation from his job in St. Louis and stayed at my home to take care of my pooch and keep up on the house. During all this, we went through severe weather --tornadoes and ice storms. We apparently lost our power on more than one occasion back at the little house on the prairie and one night of 75 m.p.h. straight line winds did some damage to our fence, which my wonderful friend took care of the very next day!

I think the lowest point of this whole ordeal was when the gastro sat me down and said that my hubby had a 50/50 chance of having Leukemia in his intestines. I was God smacked. I didn't even know such a thing was possible! When he told me that, I distinctly remember the room beginning to spin, the back ground hospital noises distorting and the smell of hospital grade cleanser converging into me. I politely excused myself and ran to the nearest bathroom. After copious amounts of cold water splashed on my face, I dried my eyes and went back out to face whatever was coming our way. I had to be strong for my husband because he was waging a war himself, fighting this terrible infection. It's a horrible feeling being helpless when you want so badly to take away someone's pain. I am HAPPY to report that the pathology came back completely clean of any cancer!!

We made it. Thank God. Thank God my husband is strong. Thank God for my family and dear friends. I also thank God for all of you who must have thought I had fallen off the face of the earth! I'm sorry I was gone so long and I hope I didn't worry you. I'm going to try and catch up on the Archives. I still have a lot of nursemaiding to do as my "patient" lost 47 lbs. He's already gained a few back. I guarantee you, he'll have me cooking up a storm! Miraculously, there is little restriction on his diet except for the obvious: seeds, popcorn, nuts, corn, oats, etc. Low fiber is the key. So that means lots of casseroles, cakes, puddings, jellos and such. I'll have to be careful---thems some dangerous dishes for a gal whose watching her figure! (Watching it do things I just don't like!)

Also, I emailed ROMEENA some pictures of my girls. They're the dickens, those kids! Well, Prayers for all of you! Hope it's a peaceful Monday evening for everyone. I am going to get some baked chicken on and whip up some potato casserole. I also need to check the slew of email I have unopened! You all take care and I'll be back soon...MC (Merri Weather)
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60881: Can you tell I'm out of practice here on the Porch?? Who the heck is "MC?" I meant MW. Whew. Better dust those cobwebs out of my poor, mushed brain! MW

P.S. Hey DAPHNE!
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60882: Oh my! Praise the Lord for the merciful recovery of your husband, Merri. Yes, dear girl, you had us worried, but how wonderful to have you back, and with such a happy ending to a terrifying story. God is good, all the time - as REV sings.

Yep, I met Daphne today for lunch, along with my friend Eloise. We had some wonderful chicken at Babe's, and by the way, Daphne, I'd have beaten you to the porch if I hadn't stopped to Google the other locations for Babe's, to find out if there was one near where Chuck will be, waiting for his grandchild. We did have a good time. Friends, our Daphne is a lovely girl, friendly and easy to get to know. We had some great conversation, and some chit-chat too, along with some of the best fried chicken in the world. You know, this business of meeting up with porchsters and getting acquainted for real is just the cats! I highly recommend it.

Well, got to go cuddle little Starr. She was all tear-soaked and upset when I got home. Don't know what to do with that pitiful little thing. She just HATES for me to leave her!

Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60883: Merri,

So glad to hear from you. I've been concerned. You are on the other forum as Duchess right? If you have time, could you pop over there and let everyone know you're ok.(If that is you that is). I can let them know with your permission.

Opiemom
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60884:
MW- so glad there is no cancer!!
Prayers continue.
MDC
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60885: MW - so glad your hubby is coming through this terrible time. Prayers for both of you and your family.

hm
March 10, 2008 - Msg 60886:
Hello porch family....I pray you all had a blessed day.

Sterling.....Kai is so precious in those pics.

Chuck....still praying for you all and that new coming grandbaby.

Mavis.....you can bet they are not happy with Goodyear. Bristol is going to be a doosy.

Great news MW for NO cancer!

Ro & Daphne.....I know ya'll had a great time.

You all have a great night and know that I'm praying for you all. Remember....Jesus is your Everything and He loves you so much!
-REV.
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60887: Morning, Dear.
Thanks for checking in, MW. Prayers for your hubby and your family.
- Hazel
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60888: Good morning everyone! Thanks for all the well wishes. Prayers for all concerns.

Hey OPIEMOM! I sent you a message from the other forum.

Well, I'm getting ready to run to my gal who does my hair. Haven't been in months--it's time for a little up-keep! Toodles! MW
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60889: Where is everyone this morning, snowed in?

Boo
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60890: Will it a nice day here.
Will me neces hubby pass away tis morning so keep her in your al prayer for me

TOM

March 11, 2008 - Msg 60891: Sorry to hear that TOM. Prayers for your niece.

Hey BOO! How are you my dear? Maybe everyone has errands to run this morning...mw
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60892: Beautiful day here! Sunny and 70.


March 11, 2008 - Msg 60893: Good morning, all. Tom, I'm sorry to hear about your niece's husband. He had to be a pretty young man - was this unexpected?

I just got home from seeing the pacer doctor. He says the pacer is working, contrary to what my cardiologist said. According to the pacer doc, with the types of arrhythmias I have, it's very difficult for someone not specifically trained in pacer interpretation to tell, and it does look like it's not working, but it is. They put a reader on it, and it showed perfect function. However, he did tweak the settings a little bit, to make it more responsive. Also, he put me on an additional heart med to help control the atrial fibrillation, which is the culprit that's making me feel so bad and making the strip look weird.

This doesn't explain the tight, "hard fist" feeling I have in my chest. He thinks, and I agree, that it's esophageal in origin, so my primary doc will be exploring that. I have a call in for her now. Oh, honeys and dears, let me tell you - getting old ain't no picnic!

Well, I think I'm ready for a nap. I was up much earlier than usual today, as I had that early appointment, and I'm pooped. Starr will welcome a cuddle, so off we go. Be blessed! --Romeena
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60894: Oh, Merri Weather's daughters are now in the album. Check 'em out - beautiful little girls! --Romeena
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60895: Hey Merri Weather. Thanks for sharing that picture of the girls, they are amazing. Just beautiful. I especially like the one of your littlest in the flowers. I just wanted to get ahold of her and kiss her chubby little cheeks!

Ro, so glad your pacer didn't poop-out! Hang in there.

Boo
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60896: Oh, and prayers for TOM's neice...very sad.

Boo
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60897: That would be 'niece'. 'I' before 'E' except in
'chicken' (Andy quote :))
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60898: ROMEENA, thank you for putting my girls' pictures in the album. Now I really feel like a part of the porch. If I can scrounge one up of me, I will send it your way. The problem is, I do all the picture taking and don't end up in any. Plus, I just hate having my picture taken. Isn't that just like a woman?

BOO, thanks for the compliments about my daughters. My little one has got the sweetest cheeks--I kiss them and pinch them every day! The dimples kill me. And my oldest is just a ham as you can see. She's 6 going on 25!

Well, I got my hair whacked off. It was shoulder length and now it's short and sassy. I feel much better, much like a bear does coming out of the den after a long winter's nap and finding himself a nice tree to scratch himself on!

I better skidaddle. I have a compulsive need to be early for the pick-up line at school. Don't ask me why cuz I couldn't tell ya. Have a beautiful afternoon! MW
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60899: Barney would call that a "com-plee-shun complex", MW.

Ya'll don't forget to pray for me as I go to the drug rehab tonight...I need those prayers. I'll let you know how it goes. I am trying to stay prayed up and ready.

Boo
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60900: Hi All.

DOES JESUS CRY FOR ME?
Jesus walked upon this earth
And shared His Father's will;
His gentle spirit came to love,
His spirit loves us still.
He cried the tears of heartache
For who wouldn't see...
I wonder if He's crying now
And are those tears for me?
I know how much I've hurt Him
In things I've said and done-
The selfish ways I've lived my life,
The songs I've left unsung.
Dear Lord, will You forgive me
And let me start anew?
Prepare my heart and let me see
What You would have me do.
My hands are Yours for molding,
My feet are Yours to send.
Let me walk beside You nowAnd be Your earthly friend.
The journey is before us-
I know what I must do.
I'll give my life to hear You say,
Well done, I'm proud of you,

TOM

March 11, 2008 - Msg 60901: Good evening porchesters.

Welcome back to Merri, it is good to see you. Your children are beautiful!

Been busy today at work, I am kinda worn out this evening.

Glad your pacer is doing well Romeena. Hopefully your PCP can take care of the other issue speedy quick

I wanted to give you all an update on Erin Page, the 14 year old you all have said prayers for the past week. In checking the latest update on the caringbridge site, the family has had to make probably one of their most difficult decisions. After a CT scan yesterday and more tests today they have decided to take her off of the machines and let her go be with Jesus. Apparently her condition continues to deteriorate and the fungus has spread to her brain. The Doctors at Vanderbilt have apparently done all they can do.
Please continue to pray for this family. This is so sad.

You guys have a good evening. I am leaving a big
plate of chocolate chip cookies on my end of the porch with a big pitcher of cold milk. Enjoy!

Big Maude
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60902: Big Maude that is sad to heard.
Me prayer go out to her family.

TOM

March 11, 2008 - Msg 60903:
Hello porch family

Tom....prayers for your niece and family.

Ro....praying that they get you all tweaked in and tuned up.

MW.....the pics are so cute. I know you are a proud mom and rightly should be.

Maude....that just breaks my heart. I can only imagine the pain. Prayers for the family.

Boo....as go to the rehab tonight, may you walk in the boldness of HIS anointing. Prayers!

Spot... you working today brother? Supose to have some pretty weather over the next day or so. You gonna be able to get any fishing in?

You all have a blessed night and be sure to look to Jesus for all your needs. Rememebr, you may be in good hands with Allstate but you are better off in the arms of Jesus.
Prayers for all the porch family!
-REV.
March 11, 2008 - Msg 60904: Prayers for sweet Erin's family and friends. Only God can comfort at a time like this, but we must never forget that He can. The bible says that he is the "God of all comfort". The Holy Spirit is called "The Comforter". Let's pray and really believe that He will be that for this precious family. Jesus can heal broken hearts and we need to ask him to do just that. Dear Lord, comfort them as only you can.

TOM, that was a wonderful poem. Thanks so much.

REV, thank you for the prayers. Things were much easier at the rehab. We had even more girls than last week and I think all that were there last week were back again but they behaved today. We had no problems, Praise the Lord. I was very sad to see that one of the girls who had been released months ago was back. She is a Meth addict and had been at the rehab for several months and was doing so well, attending bible study faithfully. She relapsed while in foster care and was sent back. Hear appearance was heartbreaking. He sad countenance, skin and bones and as white as a sheet. It really hurts to see her this way. Her name is Bridgette, if you want to offer a prayer for her. Also, one of the faithful girls named Brittany (also a Meth addict) will be leaving soon. She is 16 and has been using Meth since she was 10. Her dad ran a Meth lab in their home. I know it will only be by the power of God that she stays clean when she leaves. Please pray for her, as well. She is just precious and such a sweet girl.

Yes REV, that is just where I want to stay; in the arms of Jesus. Thanks for the encouragement.

Love,
Boo
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60905: Good evening, all. Boo, that's just heartbreaking. Using Meth at age 10, with her daddy, who should be her guardian, making the evil stuff. God will not hold him guiltless for that. Bless you for what you do with those kids. It must seem like a losing battle at times, especially when the same kids keep turning up, but you may never know which little seed took root, and what fruit will be borne.

Big Maude, I'm so sorry to hear about Erin. May God be very near to her family right now. This would have to be the most difficult path that a parent could have to walk. As REV said, I can only imagine the pain. Unthinkable.

Well, I'm a bit tired, think I'll turn in. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60906: Good evening to everyone. This is my first time joining you. It sounds like serious conversation. From a bit of what I read, it seems that prayers are needed for some people and their families. I will sure include them in mine as well. I look forward to chatting with you all on the porch more often now.
Have a good night, Bea ~
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60907: Hi Bea, welcome. We look forward to chatting with you, as well. We aren't always so serious. Lately it just seems we have had a lot to pray about.

Thanks for the encouraging word, Ro.

I am awake at 4am, unfortunately. Erin is sick with a virus. It might be a long day!

Boo
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60908: Good morning friends,
Just checking in for a minute before I start my work day. Another busy day in store for ole Maude today.

Thanks for the prayers for Erin Page and her family.

Welcome to Bea,it is good to have an addition to our porch family.

Breakfast will be Waffles, sausage links, scambled eggs, orange juice, coffee or tea.

You all have a blessed day and "act like somebody!"

Big Maude
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60909:
Morning Porch

Been stopping by nearly every morning to read, and pray here at the Porch. Not posting much, I just feel that I'm a conversation killer sometimes. The old apples and oranges dilemma, I guess.

Big Maude-Wow, that is so sad. I sat in here last night with my two beautiful girls watching American Idol, I guess what I mean is, I can't imagine what that family is going through. Thanks for bringing it to our attention so that we could pray for Erin and her family. God Bless them.

Tom-Prayers for your niece.

Merri-Prayers for your husband.

Boo-I think I told you this before but I feel small after I read your posts. What you do for those girls is awesome. Hope Erin's feeling better soon.

We've had about 3 feet of snow the last couple of weeks but we're still off our seasonal average by quite a bit.

auh2o
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60910: Good morning everyone. I was going to do a long post, but after reading the one above, I just don't feel like it now ;).

Actually, just wanted to say hi and I'll stop back in a bit (after my morning Coke).

Me-They
"Time for me to shut my mouth, time for me to shut my mouth, time for me to shut my mouth, or pick up and leave the South..."
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60911: Mornin' Y'all! Haven't been on the Porch these past few days because I was switching over from Dial-up to High Speed Internet.Boy do I love this computer now! I was finally able to view the "Cactus Cuties" on YouTube- awesome! Oh,and Sterling,I watched your "Wake Up" video-that was really cute! Speaking of cute, I saw Kai's photos in Ro's album-what a doll!

Me-They,your kids are as cute as can be too. Love your little one's smiling face! Speaking of "Smiling Faces",can you believe our favorite singer hit the big 6-0 today? Happy Birthday JT! (James Taylor)

Merri,glad to have you home on the Porch again.So sorry to hear of your ordeal.Sure hope hubby improves. Haven't seen your lil' gherkins' photos yet,but bet they are real charmers!

Ro,glad to know that the pacemaker is working.You take care,now.













Maude,Erin's family will be in my prayers.Such as sad thing to imagine going through. God Bless them during this time.

Well,I'm doing laundry so I'd better go get busy. Me-They,I can throw your shorts in if you'd like but I gotta warn ya,they might get covered with pollen flying thru the air down here! The yellow stuff is everywhere! A-choo!

Y'all have a great day!

*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60912: Boy,we could park Gilly Walker's car in that space I left up there in my first post-sorry!

possum again
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60913: Okay, I'm back. Miss me? Well, tough.

BEA: Welcome to the porch. Sit a spell whenever you get the notion.

Don't y'all just love it when new people drop by and don't give a load of grief about this being a Mayberry site so why are we having other conversation? I sure do.

MERRI: Prayers for your husband, and for you, too. It must be very difficult going through such a thing, but it sounds like you are keeping teh Lord close and your spirits up.

I caught your girls pics in the album, and they are adorable. I see you have a dancer, too. Our 7-year-old loves ballet and jazz. One of her favorite things is getting to put on all the make-up for stage performances since we don't allow her to wear any makeup normally. Poor thing, for her teh line is after chapstick. Heck, she can't normally even wear nail polish. We figured early on that we'd draw a really conservative line to give us more room to negotiate later. She's wiorking on lip gloss now ;).

MAUDE: Prayers for Erin's family. I don't know if I've every mentioned it to you, but your posts are always so even and upbeat. Just nice and pleasant. You do have a peace about you, and I like that.

BOO: As happy as it makes me that there are people in this world working in your direction, it pains me that there are probably more working in the opposite. Any father who would include his child in such a thing is either evil, mentally disurbed, or both. Like ROMEENA said, that man will pay for that. By the same token, though, you will be rewarded. Thank the Lord for you! If I didn't know that God was going to win this world, I'd give up. I makes me so sad.

AUH2O: I don't know why you feel like a conversation killer. What, are you sensistive or something? Anyway, it's shaping up to be an Obamma-McCain battle. I don't think Clinton can pull it out without creating a huge divide in the Democratic party. So long, Hilary!

By the way, did you hear about the upcoming John Adams miniseries on HBO? Paul Giamatti is playing Adams, and (I think) Laura Linney is Abigail. It's based on David McCullough's book. For once, I wish I had HBO. Sometimes these show up in the viedo store, though, so maybe I can rent it down the line. I really thought that the last film adaptation of a McCullough book was good (Gary Sinise as Truman) so maybe this one will be, too.

TOM: Thanks for the poem. You bring our class quotient up quite a bit.

Hey to rest of you. I'll stop back later. (No, that's not a threat.)

Me-They
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60914: POSSUM: Didn't see you there...INCOMING!

Happy b-day, JT.

M-T
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60915: Good morning, all. Well, I went with a large group of friends last night (14 of us), to the Majestic theater in downtown Dallas, and saw a production of "Menopause, the Musical." Oh-my-stars! I had seen it before about five years ago, in Orlando, and thought it was the funniest thing I'd ever seen then. This production was even better. All four women had big, booming, versatile voices and could flat belt out a song. Their comic acting talents are huge, I honestly don't remember when I've laughed that hard. One of them, the "Iowa housewife" did a skit involving a tiny black lace teddy that had people absolutely crying. I don't recall this bit in the Orlando production. It was silent, no song involved, she's a big girl, the teddy is almost microscopic, and she's trying to put it on, over a big white t-shirt and pants, no less. Her facial expressions, her comic timing, her physical comedy - absolutely the best I've seen. Carol Burnett couldn't have done it better. This is one funny show. Admittedly, there are a few 4-letter words here and there, but not the big bomb, and the way it's handled, it's not offensive. It's nothing worse than you'll hear in the supermarket checkout line. One of the final songs is a bit risque', but judging from the laughter from everyone present, I don't think it was new news to anyone, and the actresses handled it so adroitly that it wasn't offensive. If you haven't seen this show, and get a chance, go for it. You will laugh until your ribs hurt.

Well, I've run on too long. See you all later today. --Romeena
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60916: Hey, there, ROMEENA. Menopause is funny? I hope it's funnier than pms (I hope the Mrs. didn't catch that).

By the way, BOO, I thought you had a moulage bomb to drop the other day? It didn't get too runny, did it?

M-T
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60917: There's nothing funny about PMS and I am NOT looking forward to Menopause being any fun, either. Glad you enjoyed the show, Ro. I have never heard of it...most things never make it this far south.

AUH2O! I have missed you. Glad to have you back and I love your posts. Don't stay away so long. As far as feeling small, maybe that is a good thing. I feel small (like an ant), and insecure, and sometimes fearful of the battle and it keeps me dependant on God. I can tell that you are a good man from your posts and you are raising your girls right (what is more important than that?). Your love, guidance and protection will, most likely, keep them from the things that I see at the rehab and that is exactly what God wants you to be doing. There may be more that He is calling you to, though, so keep your spiritual ears open...

M-T, always so glad to see you on the porch. I agree with your comment about Maude. She is a good soul. Thank you also for your kind words to me. I am humbled by them. I feel like such a spiritual wimp, but the Lord still lets me try to join him in his work.

Hmm, what was that moulage I wanted to drop?...I will have to think about it.

Boo
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60918: Oh, thank you, too, Romeena for your kind words. Your opinion is important to me because you are a woman of wisdom. Have a great day!

Boo
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60919: Hi everyone. Hope your day is going well. Prayers going out for Erin's family. I can't even put into writing what a tragedy it is. My heart breaks.

Good to see you AUH20 and M-T! How are you bad boys doing? HA! I kid! You guys are GREAT!!

M-T, my 'tiny dancer' does ballet and tap. She also gets to do tumbling at the end of every lesson which is good for her because she's a big chicken! Bless her heart. She can be on the timid side when it comes to certain things. I guess that's what 2 broken arms and a broken wrist will do for ya when your barely 5!

I had to laugh about the make up comment! We're the same way; no nail polish even. However, during recital, she wears "stage" make up. Which really is disco-blue shadow, blush and lipstick. She, of course, loves it! The picture you saw in the album is about 5 minutes before she walked onto the auditorium stage. We do allow Bonnebell lip smackers at home or chapstick for school.

ROMEENA, that play sounds fabulous! How funny! That production was here in our area back in the Fall. I didn't get a chance to see it but heard it was absolutely hysterical and this came from a Catholic nun!

BOO, you just amaze me with your commitment to these lost girls. I truly admire what you're doing. You will probably never know the immense good you are doing.

Hey POSSUM! How's that sweet thing Laci? Give her a squeeze!

I have to say, after checking out all the Porch's kids, boy do we have a beautiful bunch or what? You all should be so proud!

Well, I better run. Hubby is hurting a little today so I need to get him out in this sunshine and warm breezes. It's absolutely gorgeous out!

Love to all---MW
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60920: MERRI and ROMEENA: If anybody knows funny, it's a Catholic nun (heehee).

MERRI: We have pics of Nora like that, too. (With make-up like that, it's no wonder that actresses often also were prostitutes in the very old days--they were already made up for it.) But she loves it, and it is for the stage, so we play along good naturedly. I'm not sure what a lip smacker is, but it sounds delicious!

BOO: No fair withholding a perfectly good moulage!

I think God wants AUH2O to shovel snow.

Me-They
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60921: Speaking of Catholic nuns, where's MDC been?

M-T
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60922: M-T, Oh my stars, you nearly made me CHOKE on my coffee!!! MDC and nuns...whew! Heeeeheeee...now that's funny!

M-T, you win the gut-buster of the day award!
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60923: oops, that's me: MW
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60924: Boo, check your email. I sent you a link to productions scheduled for Austin and Houston. You'll enjoy it, believe me. In fact, here's the link for productions scheduled across the country:

http://www.menopausethemusical.com/main.php?page=show

You'll have to copy and paste, but that should get you to it. Then just click on a city near you, and it will give you the schedule and information. See a production with Cynthia Jones in it if you can. You won't believe the girl's voice.

Well, back to my chair. I'm trying to work up enough energy to go plant two rosebushes which I mail-ordered (what was I thinking?) and the hard part is finding some empty dirt to put them in. My landscaper friend called to chat earlier, and I told him I had the two bushes, thinking he'd offer to come by and plant them for me. He didn't, he just laughed at me, the weasel. Told me it served me right! I need more real estate!

Have a great evening, all. I'll probably drop by later. --Romeena
March 12, 2008 - Msg 60925: Don't push yourself, ROMEENA.

MERRI: Glad to oblige.

BOO: I finally caught that Michael Card clip you suggested. I enjoyed it. I had never heard of him, but I think I'll check him out next time I'm in the record store (do they still call them that?). The musicality reminded me of JT.

G'night!

Me-They