March 17, 2008 - Msg 61080: Oh, Romeena, I feel your pain truly about your spirea. I hate it when shrubs that are supposed to have those beautiful long tendrils (like spirea and forsythia) are "trimmed". I"m also opposed to "Crepe Muder" that's what I call it when folks trim down the tops of Crepe Myrtles.

Ok, now that I"ve probably offended those who practice Crepe Murder I'll leave (Spoken tongue in cheek)

OPiemom

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61081: maybe you can asked your friend not to send that new man to your house.

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61082: I agree with that, Me-They(well, aside from the "puppets are creepy" part;)). We shouldn't censor ourselves(aside from the obvious, like swearing, obscene comments, etc). I think we are all sufficiently mature enough to know where that line is crossed.
We don't need to turn the porch into another bastion of political correctness where people are afraid to speak out of fear of being labelled "intolerant" or some other buzzword of the day. I think most of us have had enough of that cr@p. Besides, we'll get our fill of that thought police spiel if the current crop of Demo's get in the White House(there, I said it and I ain't taking it back; don't say I didn't warn you).

I don't remember Groovy Ghoulies, Me-They, but I think I will check out YouTube and see if the show is on there. It is really good for finding classic shows. I just watched an episode of a show I haven't seen since my high school days, "Whiz Kids". It wasn't the greatest show, but it was about three young kids(one of them was the kid who played Albert on Little House -Matthew something - I'm not even going to try to spell his last name) who solve crimes and what-not with the help of highly technological(in those days) home computer equipment. It's kind of funny looking at it now; everything is in DOS and there aren't any icons on the computer screens or anything, but back then it was interesting because that was when home computers were just coming out.

Ro, so sorry about all your landscaping troubles. You're such a forgiving person. Guy breaks your window and you just forget about it?! Anyone else would have been screaming at the guy with one hand out for payment to have the window replaced. Not that you don't have a right(for payment anyway).
Btw, whatever the "divil" is, I don't think I want to meet him, dead or alive. ;)

-Sterling Holobyte

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61083: STERLING: Thanks for the back-up. I don't really think puppets are creepy. (Unless they have feet.) Was the name of the show "Kids from KAPER?"

Check this out fopr old 1960s-1970s cartoons: http://www.tvparty.com/sat.html.

Under "Find it Fast," pick a year and it will give you the entire Saturday morning cartoon line-up! You can check out all the wonderfully rotten shows you've forgotton about. It's a blast!

Me-They

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61084: Hey, Sterling. I'm with you on the "political correctness" thing - I'm sick of it too, but I think we need to be very careful not to confuse it with kindness, tact and consideration. What may be meant as a statement of our opinions or beliefs may sound like an attack to someone else. I'm not against the expressing of one's opinions, I guess I just want to make sure that my opinion is important enough to risk losing a friend over it. This is very close to the bone for me, as I'm often the most guilty, and I truly do want to be more careful. "Do unto others...."

Be blessed, all. --Romeena

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61085: OPIEMOM, I put in a Crepe Myrtle last year and it did wonderful. What do I do now that it's close to Spring?? I don't want to murderize it!

STERLING, speaking of free thought; being told how to live (or any other liberties), now you can guess how I've felt for the past almost 8 years! I know that you may not agree with me, but I know you don't hold it against me for having an opposing opinion. I appreciate that. From everyone. Hope I'm not breaking any rules.

RO, goodness gracious! This new kid is as bumbling as Barney's cousin Virgil! Bless his heart. And Bless your property and landscaping. I agree with STERLING, you are very forgiving.

HM, Pioneer and Cowboy Beans must be brothers. And they're both probably as equally delicious!

Where's BOO?

Thanks REV for checking in. I can just imagine the fear you had knowing what your wife was going through.

I wanted to get some suggestions from you seasoned parents out there. My toddler is partially toilet-trained, meaning she will pee in the potty and stay dry without accidents but REFUSES to do her other business in the potty. She will run and get me a disposable training pants to "go" in and
go back to her underwear. I'm trying not to force the issue because I don't want to cause constipation but we've been stuck on this hump for a couple months. Before I allow the training pants, I insist on time on the potty first. We've got books to read, stickers and candy for reward and lots of verbal encouragement. She's not budging. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Yesterday we had a contractor check our roof for any storm damage. We really weren't expecting anything significant. I guess that was naive. After 2 major ice storms, countless severe thunderstorms, 2 tornadoes, and straight line winds exceeding 60 m.p.h., we had some shingle damage mainly due to hail as well as hail damage to our eaves and central air unit. Those are just cosmetic but we need to address the shingle damage. Sigh. I'd rather not deal with that right now but I better not procrastinate.

Well friends, I'm off to get some work done. I also have a writing job! An acquaintance of mine has asked me to write a piece for her blog. I'm kind of excited about it. It kind of breaks up the monotony of laundry, dishes, cooking, chauffeuring, bill-paying, and general mess-cleaning. Not that I'm complaining!

Have a great day everyone! Many blessings--MW

"You're not talking to a jerk, you know!"

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61086:
HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY to all you fine porchsters!
Top o' the mornin'!
McMDC

Andy: Fine thing when the only way that a father can talk to his son is to buy a spot announcement on the radio.

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61087:
Hey Folks

Romeena-I think Grrrr! describes in best. That is a shame.

M-T & Sterling-First off, M-T I knew you were trouble. ha! But ya know, as much as I agree with you guys and as much as I like to think of this as my Porch also, truth be told, it's not. It's Floyd's Porch and it is a great little place that we all stumbled across one way or another. And, it was a great place before any "chats" concerning politics. I think we, and of course when I say we I mean Me-They, ok, ok, I mean the collective we, need to try and remember why it was we all decided to stay and sit and rock. To tell ya'll the truth, I'm having a hard time find a niche here, outside of hurting peoples feelings. I have been going to take my leave a few times but I didn't quite do it. I don't want to just up and leave but at the same time, it does feel a bit different to me here. Just my thoughts.

Romeena-I think you're correct but I just find it hard to believe stating one's opinion is going to hurt someone else's feelings. Being informed, the love of reading, and learning history are all pursuits that really identify me, secularly. And political banter with someone from opposite beliefs, well, I love that stuff. However, like I just stated, you're right.

oh yeah, a return of all the St. Paddy's wishes to you good folks.

auh2o

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61088:
For Sterling, Me-They and AUh20:
'WE DEFY THE MAFIA!'

McMDC

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61089:
To Message 61063--I think the only place to find that song barney sings (and Andy finishes) is on the DVD of season two, ep 41. Hope that answers your question.
McMDC

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61090: Happy St.Patricks Day to all of my porch friends today. Working today so will just stay for a minute.

looks like the porch has been busy this morning.

Lunch will be: chicken salad sandwhiches, sweet pickles, chips, brownines and tea or kool aid to drink.

Have a blessed day.

Big Maude

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61091: AUH2O: Imagine that, wrong again! I have to disagree, if slightly with your assessment of what brought me here. I first came by over three years ago because I though this was a place where I could open up and have sometimes fun, sometimes meaningful, always friendly conversation. I lurcked off and on for a year or so before that.

About this being FLOYD's porch, you're right, it is. But truth be told FLOYD has set no "official" rules for this here porch beyond civility and appropriateness (dad-burn it!). He essentially leaves it to us to decide the acceptability of discourse. Unlike, say, Miss Crump's, which is almost strictly a TAGS forum, this was meant be a forum to, "Have a sit-down an' shoot the breeze...." As much as I love talking TAGS and quoting lines, the porch is supposed to be Mayberry-inspired in its tone, not its content.

Sometimes, the fault is in the reception, not the sending. Yes, we should be careful about how we say things; that's a whole lot different than censoring what we say. At least that's my opinion.

AUH2O, no matter what you believe, you do have a place here, and your thoughts and ideas are important. I look forward to your posts and always enjoy your insights and good humor. I'm sure others do, too. If you touch a nerve sometimes, I say so what? I know it's not intentional. Maybe I'm the odd-man-out. But I believe that it's mighty hard NOT to step on a nerve or two when they're left laying all over the place.

Hey to you ROMEENA and MERRI (congrats on the job!) and a top'o'the mornin' to ye, McMDC.

Me-They
"How I vote is my business, brother!"

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61092: FYI...For all those who belive that all this political talk is a new phenomenon, I took a very quick and random sample of the archives. The first one I hit on was cached on 3/3/2003. During that week, I quickly counted about a dozen "political" posts ranging from out-and-out liberal bashing, to Dixie Chick bashing, to milder stuff, all courtesy of then-regulars. Now, I'm not accusing any of them of talking trash, but sometimes we remember things a little sweeter than they were when those we love are involved.

M-T

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61093: Also, in case you're wondering, I deliberately didn't pick a date from late 2001 or 2002 since I'm postive it was difficult NOT to find a cache with some sort of political overtone considering.

M-T

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61094:
Generally, if I want to respond to a certain topic, I do. If I don't want to say anything on a certain topic, I don't. Not a whole lot to interpret there! ha
Prayers continue for all.
I close with those immortal words of the singing, rubber, big-mouth bass: "DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY..." (:
McMDC

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61095: What are you trying to say, MDC? ;)

M-T

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61096: Y'know, rereading MDCs post above where he addresses his comments to AUH2O, STERLING, and me...maybe some of the issue is not as "topical" as it is "gender?" It seems it's mostly us of the male persuasion who are generally more vocal on matters controversial (I said generally, ROMEENA!).

M-T

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61097: "Oh, My Darin' Barney Fife"
(Sung to the melody of "Oh, My Darlin' Clementine")
In a jailhouse, down in Dixie, fightin' crime and riskin' life,
Dwelled a sheriff and his buddy, pistol-packing Barney Fife.
Oh, my darin', oh, my darnin' oh, my darin' Barney Fife.
He's a deadly crime-stopper, what a copper Barney Fife.

Then one day there come a-ridin' two bad men to rob a bank.
But Fife was tricky, a dead-eye dickey. Now they're locked up in the tank.

(Andy added the following)
Oh, my Barney, oh, my Barney, had a jail and couldn't lock it.
Had one bullet for his pistol, had to keep it in his pocket.

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61098: Merriweather, I don't know how your liberties have been compromised for the past 8 years, but then I don't know your situation. I just know mine haven't, yet(well, there is one parental rights aspect of what the schools are teaching my child that I have been fighting against, but that is more on the local level, and not the current administration's fault).
I DO know that I have been made aware of certain dangerous things in the world. And knowing these things can make a person's life uncomfortable and scary, but I believe we have to remain vigilant and keep our eyes trained on what is coming, despite the fear. Unfortunately we can't go back to the days when we could be blissfully ignorant of the world, and chaos of such, around us. Believe me, sometimes I'd like to.
But that realm is the property of our children and their innocent dreams. Or should be if it is not. We should bear the responsibility and the burden of what goes on in this world, not them.

Now if you've had enough of that cryptic message ;), on to other, more important matters.
MW, Kai had trouble going "number two" in the potty as well. The toilet is a scary thing for a youngster apparently, and Kai would have rather made doo-doo in her diaper until she was five.
Fortunately it didn't come to that. At first she would really start crying when we would put her on the potty when she had to do that. So we didn't force it with her. Whether we should have, I don't know. But we were consistent of putting her on the potty, and before we knew it, PLOP!;)
After that it was nothing to her. So, it sounds to me like you are doing all the right things. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't force her. It will come in it's own time, and afterward you won't even remember that it was a problem or how much time you spent trying to get her to do that.
Ok, that's my "Mr. Mom" moment for the day.

Yeah, you are right, auh2o, it is Floyd's porch, and he can yank the floor-boards out from under us if he should choose to, and he has every right to. But I think he is well aware that this IS a place where people who may have some opposing viewpoints choose to gather, and sometimes our dander might get raised up a notch when we believe in something strongly, but he understands that. Now he will step in if someone gets too out of line, but I think he generally has this porch as a place where people can get together and jaw about whatever is on his or her mind(not trying to speak for you, Floyd), and where all "jaws" are welcome, even if one of us doesn't agree(and says so). That includes you, you know, auh2o! A lot of the times I feel like I don't have anything to contribute to the conversation, so I don't say anything, but I would never just up and leave forever, and I hope you wouldn't either. Even if it is just to pop in at times and say hi. I mean, sooner or later someone is going to say something that will interest you and make you want to post a response, right?!

-Sterling Holobyte

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61099: First, "PLOP?!?" Talk about offensive talk.

Second, I resent the implication that my posts aren't ALWAYS interesting and provocative.

;)

Me-They

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61100: M-T - I will be the first to say you are provocative. . .you let Boo do your shorts! If that's not provocative, then what is!?

Has anyone read the dreadful Lemony Snickets books - and I say dreadful in the most positive way that I can. We have become Lemony Snickets fans this weekend with The Reptile Room. Some funny stuff!

hm

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61101: Well, since BOO is away, I suppose I have the choice of wearing dirty drawers or going commando. Neither is very appealing, I tell you.

With my morning rant in full swing I forgot to inform you all of something that should concern all of us with kids. Two weeks ago, the California appellate court ruled that homeschooling is not a constitutional right in the state and is not legal. While the public school system is claiming it won't enforce homeschoolers to enroll and pro-homeschoolers are vowing to appeal the ruling, it effectively makes homeschooling your kid a prosecutable offense in California. Parenst are worried that they will be targeted for truancy violations by homeschooling, and, even if some sort of law is put on the books, that the school system will end up with much more control of content of homeschooling.

Wierd as it may sound, California has always been considered a very pro-homeschooling state. If it can happen there, it can anywhere. Make no mistake, educators and unions nationwide are eying parts of this case they can use in their own situations.

Google the news stories and find out about this situation.

Me-They

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61102: My 9 yo loves those Lemony Snickets books. HE has been gobbling them up at the library on our weekly visits.

OPiemom

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61103:
Me-they: This sure aint the days of miss crump is it? However, I did notice in one episode that she had all the kids get up and dance. Hmmm, what would she had done if A KID WAS BAPTIST?? HA!!
(Interesting how everyone in town went to the same non-denominatioal church.)
BTW, to all so persuaded, have a good Holy Week!
Murphy Donegal Casey (Think about that one)

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61104: Afternoon, all. Merri, you have been given some good advice regarding the potty training. Two questions come to my mind. One, have you used time-out in a little chair as a punishment? If so, the little gherkin might view potty time in the same light. Two - to what extent have you involved her in the changing of dirty diapers/pull-ups? Does she lie peacefully on her back, looking at a pretty mobile over her head while you do the dirty work? If so, try making her remove the pants (stand her in the bathtub if necessary) and hand her a wad of tissue and some instructions. Let her find out it ain't all roses, baby! Yes, she'll make a bad situation even worse, but she may find out that the potty is a whole lot easier and less "yucky". It's worth a try.

Be blessed, all. --Romeena

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61105: Good topic of conversation. Now,I'll admit,when certain topics are being discussed here on the Porch that I don't care to be involved in(not saying they offend me,just that I'm not up for that topic at the time) I'll skim over it.Lots of times when one of y'all is off on a tangent,heck,I don't even read the post.Does that mean it's not worthy of being posted? No.It just means it's not my cup of tea.Does that mean I don't love and care about each & every one of you? Certainly not. That's just me. It's so easy for one of us to take something the wrong way,get bent out of shape or get our feeling hurt,because,like someone brought up,we're not sitting around face-to face where we can see things clearly.
Example- I posted on Saturday that my stepfather had passed away.There has not been one comment about it.I could easily get hurt,crawl off under my rock,etc. But,I KNOW that if each one of you were able to actually sit on a porch with me,I'd be receiving flowers,cards,food,hugs,and prayers from you good people. I understand how this thing works,and I am in no way hurt.And I hope y'all don't go falling all over yourselves trying to acknowledge something that was overlooked. We had a lot going on-we've been worried about illnesses,storms,you name it. It's ok.
And Me-They,I vote that you show us the real you. I don't want a watered down version of anybody!
That's just my take on things,for what it's worth.

Love you all.
*******************
possum under a rock

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61106: O'Possum I had to go back & find the post about your step-father, I don't know how I missed it, but you're right, I did. I am sorry to hear about it & I hope things are going ok for you & yours.
It sounds like we all (well everyone that has posted) agree about our posting, I'm not sure about auh2o tho, he's a little hard to figger! teehee, just joshin with you auh2o I for one don't want to see you go anywhere, I love your posts & I have almost busted a gut a few times "watching" you & Me-They discuss things. I do hope you choose to stay here on this porch & that you AND Me-They won't sugar-coat anything about your posts. I'm like Possum I want to see the real person, not the half version or the "pc" version. Merri don't know what to tell you about your little one, I didn't have any problems like that with my son, he wanted to use the potty so it was fairly easy. I do remember reading about some books that you can read to them about just that subject tho, kind of like a fairy tale about using the "big potty".
Well best get out of this rocker for a while & work on supper, I've got beef stew in the crockpot, but gotta figure out if we want bisquits or cornbread with it. I'm so glad me gums are healing, I hope I can eat the stew without much trouble, if not, guess I'll have to "gum it to death" teehee (how's that visual Me-They?)
*Mavis

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61107: glad me gums are healing, that's my Irish for the day! ;)

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61108:
Mavis, dont "stew" over it! ha Better yet, throw in a corned beef briskett!
Possum, so sorry about you FIL. My prayers for you and all the family.
Prayers for all in the Atlanta area also.
Murphy Donegal Casey

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61109: MDC I'm not that Irish, don't care for corned beef at all. EEEWWWW But, I'll be glad to throw one in for you if you want. ;)
*Mavis

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61110: Murphy Donegal Casey? Good grief. --Romeena

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61111: Happy St. Patricks Day to all my fellow porchsters! Hope everyone wore something with some green in it.
Gotta run.
Blessings to one and all!

Chuck

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61112: Is it a St. Patty's Day abomination to have lasagna for dinner? Somehow I felt sheepish eating Italian on a very Irish day. Baaaaaa.

First off, POSSUM, dagnabit! I must have missed your post too. So, please accept my condolences. Prayers will be given.

MAVIS, there's always the blender to grind your meat. Ewww, that is yucky. I must apologize immediately!

THANK YOU to ALL who left potty training advice for me. I'm trying not to get too wound up about it. That won't help any of us. We have both the little potty that sits on the floor and then the potty seat for the big guy. She will use both. Part of my frustration is my experience with my oldest was so hassle free. She practically trained herself at 22 months. But they are two very different critters.

STERLING, I had to laugh at your "plop." That was very descriptive, if not downright vivid! My gag-reflex kicked in!

MDC--you kill me!

M-T, your gender theory intrigues me! Interesting! Also, I heard about California's new homeschooling law. That very well could cause a revolution of sorts.

HEY CHUCK! How's the new grandbaby? I did wear something green today by accident. It was a piece of spinach in my teeth from lunch today.

I KID! Ok, yes, that was disgusting too. I apologize immediately. Maybe I have some Impish Irish in me after all.

Have a great evening everyone! LOVE TO ALL. MW

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61113: How about a bowl of cheesy potato soup and warm Irish soda bread, wacky cake for dessert?
POssum ,hope you are doing okay.
MW, I've heard girls are harder to potty train. I had boys? As for your politics I vote your way . so don't feel so alone.
Romeena, I love reading about your garden, it will be a good 6 weeks before I can plant,but we did have our first pair of bluebirds today.
Mavis,we can puree the soup so you don't hurt those gums.
auh2o and Me-They everyone is intitled to their opinion,even if they're not right,JUST KIDDING.
It's the differance between us all that makes the porch interesting.
Asa If you are out there,hope you and the Family are well. Everyone else please know you are in my thoughts,I love you guys.
Well,I'm going to go and DO the dishes and then more ancestry research,I'm having alot of fun with my history. Take care I'll try to rock alittle more often PEACE Dr P

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61114: Possum - I am so sorry that I didn't mention anything about your loss. I have been trying to keep it light as things are pretty heavy here. Please know that I will pray for your family tonite.

I miss Asa terribly and his mullet and his toolbelt.

I haven't seen Ray in a while either - hope he and his deer are all alright.

Take care - act like somebody -

homemaker

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61115:
Mavis,Sterling, M-T Thanks. Ya know, I hated posting that I might not stick around. I wasn't looking for anyone to say please don't go, although I'm sure M-T would have been devastated. Kinda like when Opie thought Aunt Bee was leaving. I just didn't want to up and disappear. That doesn't seem right.

Dr P - Believe me, I am familiar with being wrong. How long have you been doing ancestry research? I just love genealogy. I' ve been researching my family tree since my college days. The Internet sure does make it a lot easier. And, I also love reading Ro's post about her yard and garden.

Ro-You are a wordsmith.

possum-You're all right. I love how you and Mavis just put it on the line.

Merri-I couldn't follow your post above, it was directed to Sterling (but I peeked) what did you mean about being told how to live and losing liberties? If it's something private I apologize for butting in.

hm-Lemony Snicket fan here. My girls loved his books and the movie. Lots O fun!
Put me down for missing Asa, also.

Murphy Donegal Casey-Mister Darlings Cuz?

"Pipe full of fun kit number seven?"

auh2o

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61116: Hey to the porch.

Again, random thoughs from Hazel. Regarding the way the porch used to be, and the clever lines and such. That was wonderful; and I'm sure a lot of fun for the folks that posted then. But this is now. The majority of those people don't post on the current porch. This is what it has evolved into, good or bad. It's hard to say if the deeper and more personal posts started first, and that caused most the old regulars to leave. Or, if most the original porch posters left, and the folks that were left started having more deeper and personal discussions. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? (I just made that up). My opinion is that it ought to be whatever the current regulars (and some not-so-regulars) who post want it to be. And that seems to be posts with some TAGS, lots of humor, bits of our personal life, and occasionally, our political or religious views. Which is actually fine with me; I learned a long time ago that you can't change folks opinions about religion, and I just tent to ignore most of the religious posts. I'm with MW on the political posts; I usually enjoy reading them, but some of them get my dander up a bit. (And I remember the one about the election coming down to morality vs immorality. Does that mean that any of us who might be planning on voting for a Democrat candidate are immoral?) But I say this not to stop the political talk... I enjoy it! I really do learn a lot from some of your comments; there's always room to hear another persons opinion! I mean that. But, as Romeena pointed out, sometimes things said can be hurtful. A lot of us are like Possum, too thick skinned for that. But, others perhaps aren't. And maybe political comments can be taken as an insult to someone with a differing point of view. So I personally think that political talk and bantering is fine, as long as we remember that there might be those among us who might have the opposing view from us, and we should always try to be polite and respectful. Now, the religious discussions. I do think that sometimes they can be a bit much. But I also understand that if you believe a certain way, you believe that is the right way, and of course you want to stick up for your beliefs. I understand that. But I think folks need to understand that we have lots of different beliefs on this porch. Catholics, Mormons, Baptists, non-Christians. And we need to be careful of our discussions there too. I know it's a fine line; people want to stand up for what they believe. But sometimes, if they do that, then someone who doesn't believe the same way responds back, then the original poster needs to respond to that, and the next thing you know we might have a real situaltion on our hands! And the point is, this isn't a religious discussion forum; it's a Mayberry forum. I just think, like Romeena said, that we need to be careful of others feelings who do not believe exactly like we do. Anyhow, to sum it up, I think the porch is just fine as it is, it's just that a few posts may have crossed the line recently (possibly the Mormon discussion), but I know folks don't intend to turn others away. It's like Ro said, that sometimes we might say more on this type forum than we would on our own front porches with a bunch of neighbors.
I don't want anybody to leave. We all are a part of the porch.
- Hazel

"It certainly looks like she took the adult dose."

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61117: Hey Hazel my friend!...gosh just wanted to jump in ...at home tonignt...gona read the mail..SPOT

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61118: Wow I did read back for a little ways...well ya know as a kinda long time and near everyday posting person on the porch I hope and pray all is well on the porch and I have met alot of good people and friends and hope to keep the faith in this porch..and meet alot more...everbody has there opinion and and when expressed it in a correct manner the porch loves it!..well guess the dog has said enough ...have been doing yardwork ALL day..40+ bags of chips and a bunch of fertilizer...well back with the breakfast menu in a bit..hey where is Asa?..hey Rev,boo,ro,possum,auh20,Opiemom,md,mdc,gizzmo,Tom and all...SPOT the talking dog of your porch

March 17, 2008 - Msg 61119: should heve been "their"opinion..sorry

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61120: Hazel you know yer education was worth every penny? You always say things in just the right way. Thank you! auh2o You're welcome, but there was no need to thank me, I do enjoy your posts, I learn alot from them. And Merri you know, you got a mean streak in you too? ;) First off, I can't have my meat all smooshed up in a blender, I'm not supposed to be using a straw! (teehee) Now Dr. P's soup we could put in a cup & I could drink it.
Off to watch "Without a Trace" Hey to Spot, hope things are starting to settle down a little for you my friend.
*Mavis

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61121: They have Mavis..im at home now..heve been long hrs at but worth it getting lights on!..can the porch all hold hands and bond?.hum ...guess a funny question?....lets think about it...K?..SPOT

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61122: Ok ya'll, I just gotta tell this & see what ya'll think....
I had a call from a lady today that has called me twice this past week & her husband has called once, seems they saw my ad in the paper for grooming & that I offer grooming in 2 hours or less. Anyway, they have a Poodle that hasn't been groomed in "about 6 months" and wanted to know what the price would be. I gave them my standard "without seeing the dog, I can't give an exact price, but the grooming starts at $40.00, the price could be more if the dog's coat is matted" I have told them that each time they have called & today she tells me "that's more than I wanted to pay, my last groomer only charged $30.00" well, I tell her maybe she better go to the other groomer, because those are my prices" Well, she proceeds to tell me "she keeps him all day in a cage & he never looks real good when she does him, your ad says you groom them in 2 hours, but I really don't want to pay that much" I politely explained to her again, those are my prices. She then pulls out the "we're retired & can't afford to pay that, what with our medicines etc, etc etc." card, I finally, not so politely told her "Ma'am, that is my price & all I can say is You get what you pay for"
I swear, I am sick to death of people trying to make ME feel guilty because they can't (or don't want to) afford the dog they have, if they can't afford to have it groomed, then get a short haired dog for crying out loud, don't call me & fuss about what I charge! People! They never cease to amaze me sometimes!
*Mavis
thanks for letting me vent!

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61123: HEY YALL!breakfast menu will be as follows:{only 2 eggs]of your choosing [chickins are tired]grits,thin sliced pork chops,hashbrowns with cheese and sour cream,thick sliced bacon,sausage links[those short ones]toast,apple butter and coffee and oj,milk,h20..ready at 7:30 est...CHEER UP YALL!...see ya at breakfast...Mavis you park cars ok,hazel you get us a table,ouh20 U and merri get the door and make sure the women are seeted first...OK "now for the back seat"..SPOT

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61124: Hey Mav!...SPOT

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61125: Howdy, just passin' by on my way to bed. Well said, Hazel, well said. And everyone else, too. Looks like we're all pretty much on the same page here. I think we can sum it up with a little Bible verse I learned when I was about four years old - "Be ye kind, one to another."

Mavis, you're not alone in your complaint, and I think you did exactly the right thing. And you're right, it's not your fault that she chose to get a poodle. My yard man was telling me a few weeks ago about a client in another part of town who wanted him to do her yard for his regular rate, which is less than most people charge anyway, but only wanted it done every two weeks. Well, in two weeks the grass would be halfway to his knees, so it couldn't be mulched, it would be too heavy. He would have to catch and bag the grass, or throw it and rake it. If he raked it, he'd have to mow over it again or it would look ragged. He said she just couldn't understand why he wanted to charge her almost twice what he charges everyone else, where he does the yard weekly. She pulled out the pitiful card too, and even accused him of trying to "cheat an old lady". He finally just told her to get someone else. I guess you find people like that everywhere.

Sterling, you said earlier that I'm very forgiving. Well, I hope that's true, but in the yard man situation, it's easy. Eddie has done my yard for about eight years, he does a great job, and is very reasonable. He does a lot of things that I never ask for, little extra things. I truly believe no one noticed the broken door, and my handyman friend agrees. I would never expect Eddie to pay for it, it's one of those things that just happens, it's no one's fault. As for the shrubs, I guess I will mention that to Eddie, not to scold anyone, but the helper needs to learn. I certainly learned something! Don't leave when the shrubs are being trimmed!

Well, I'm off to bed. Carpet cleaning man is coming about 9:30, and I still have my bedroom to vacuum. I just ran out of strength and had to quit. Tomorrow is another day. Be blessed! --Romeena

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61126: Good morning - my, doesn't the porch seem nice and full this morning with all the posts. Spot, I am starved so I'll take Asa's helping of breakfast too. He won't mind - you know us farm girls must keep up our strength.

We have so much rain that I am going to need to grow gills and I hope the goats will grow fins to swim in this mess. It is just pathetic! Last year - no rain all summer and now we are deluged with rain!

Hazel - your education was worth every penny and how you vote is your business. I particularly think that all the candidates running need to drop out and we need to start over again. Do you think George Washington could come back and help us out. I bet he was a fascinating man. I have been watching some of HBO's John Addams - it is done pretty well. But with all things on TV - it is as accurate as television will let it be.

I do find the political discussions fascinating and sometimes I just read them and do not post. Same thing with religious discussions. I come from a family that is diverse in religion - you know, you can pick your friends but you can't pick your relatives. For example, I was raised that women do not instruct me - no women preachers for me. Now some of you all may enjoy women preachers. I just cannot do it. It doesn't make what I think wrong nor are you wrong as well. It goes back to Biblical interpretation. And I have a cousin who is a retired woman preacher. Talk about theological differences! So, I hope I don't offend anyone with my religious preferences and I hope I don't talk down to anyone who doesn't quite agree with me. I am always ready for a hearty discussion but I want the person on the other side to be on the same page of the discussion as I am.

We watched part of a fascinating show on Discovery last nite about the birth of Jesus. It was great! My hubby was even getting into
it.

I guess - I should stop ramblin! Be good to each other and keep the tea pot on for me!

homemaker

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61127: That should have been "women do not instruct men." Lot of women have instructed me. Ha Ha hm

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61128: Good morning all. Just wanted to pop in to say hello. We're being inundated with rain here as well. As a matter of fact, the road connecting our neighborhood to the highway has water over it. There was an officer who was directing traffic to an alternate route this morning. We've also been losing our power off and on for several hours. There's talk of 4 or 5 more inches of rain coming. I'm considering building an ark.

Yes MAVIS, I guess I could see how people would think it's "mean" to stick up for yourself from time to time. And I was definitely raised to speak your mind. I just always thought that I did with civility and a pinch of tongue-in-cheek.

AUH20, I'm not ignoring you brother. But I think for now, I'm going to shelve that topic. Hope you understand.

DR. P, good to see you around. Hope the genealogy research goes well.

Ah, well the lights are flickering. I better get off here. I'm grateful that we're not under any tornado warnings! That is a blessing. Hope the weather on your end of the porch is a bit sunnier!

Have a great day everyone!! PEACE---MW

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61129: --that is to "speak" MY mind, not YOURS! HA!!

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61130: Good morning everyone.

Thanks for your post, HAZEL. Sound reasoning. The only thing I add is that no matter how polite and kind we intend to be, sometimes we will hurt one another. The important thing is how we react to a perceived hurt, and how we react when we unintentionjally hurt another. The proof is in that pudding.

Regarding the Mormom discussion, the only one I can recall is when I made a unilateral statement a few months ago about me voting for Romney. When someone pointed out this is was hurtful, I immediately and unconditionally apologized, not to tread near the subject since. So, I hope that I am judged not by my mistake but by my attempts to make good.

POSSUM: I, too, had to go back and find the post about your stepfather--I missed it. I'm so sorry. I guess I was caught up in the other conversation. Or, it could be you're spending too much time hiding under that rock ;).

About the homeschooling thing I meantioned, I failed to mention the exception: you can homeschool if you are state certified as a teacher. Yeah, that's realistic.

HM: I heard that the John Adams miniseries is great. The curator here, who is steeped in early American history, really enjoyed it, especially the little details (like the men's head being shaved and Washington not opeing his mouth too wide, etc.). She's a pretty good judge of historical costuming, too, and found little fault in that aspect. Of course, factually they have had to compress and "make up" dialog, but it appears to stick to the basic known facts. I can't wait until it comes to DVD.

Well, I'll try and stop back later.

Me-They

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61131: Also, one of the facilities we run is a research library, so we get a lot of genealogists. One thing I've found is, they're all nuts! (Just kidding--well, sorta!)

Me-They

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61132: Okay - I need to just vent. I have a student who has a huge Government class research paper due today. Would you believe that her mother decided that at 9 last nite, they all (a 7 year old brother and a 2 year old sister, my student is 18) needed to go to Walmart so they could be there at midnight when Enchanted and I am Legend were released for sale! The girl's research paper is due next period and it is crappy. I can only help her so much - there must be some responsibility from the student and the parent to accomplish things. She had a senior memory book last week to finish and it barely was completed and the teacher gave them an extra week due to snow days. I am really fed up with this family and I am really glad she is graduating. It is another one of those that if my child doesn't get what they need at school, I am not going to help them at home. The mother had her in private schools up until 6th grade and the private school passed her through with D's and F's. I am just very frustrated and before you think that this is the only time in the mom's schedule she could get to Walmart - she only works weekends and is home everyday. Sorry for ranting. . . .

hm

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61133:
Morning Porch

Just a quick stop for now.

spot-I'm with you. Let me just grab the sanitizer.

hm-To me it looks like that puts you in a hard spot. Ya gotta feel for the kid but at the same time, at 18 years old, you would have to figure she's old enough to be a bit more responsible, even if her mother is not. Oh, and by the way, you're killing me with the "John Adams" bit. I had just decided last weekend not to order HBO for the month ... now I'm not so sure. J.A. is one of my heroes.

Hazel-Very nice post last night. You seem so genuine.

Merri-Hope I didn't overstep.

Mavis-So, what the lady is saying is, she is living that vicariously that she can't afford "medicines" if her budget is $10 in the red? And, she owns a dog that I assume needs food from time to time. You didn't start screaming did you?

"Ace novelty company?"

auh2o

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61134: Good morning, all. Carpet cleaning man is here, Starr is in her crate, and she is not a happy puppy. I keep hearing little whines and yips, and I don't dare look over and make eye contact, or she'll probably burst into tears! Poor baby.

You guys are terrific. You all just make so much sense. There is room at the table, thank you, Jesus.

homemaker, I hear you. We have the problem at work, with whole families trailing in behind a woman in labor. I am serious, there may be as many as 15 or 20 people, sometimes more, schlepping down the hallway, and like as not, fully expecting to be admitted to her labor room! About half are adults, and the rest are kids of all ages, including infants. They get indignant when told to return to the waiting room, and trust me, they do not stay there. We are asked for milk and diapers if the wait is very long. So at 3 a.m. we have herds of people, crying babies, screaming toddlers, giggling teenage girls and baggy-drawered, smart-mouthed teenage boys clogging our hallways. Yes, part of the problem lies with our administration, which refuses to lock the unit, but that's another story. So what are these children supposed to do the next morning at school, when they've been dragged all over the hospital all night? I'll bet they're really ready to sit up and study. Unbelieveble.

And Wal-Mart? Go to any Wal-Mart late at night, and you'll still fight crowds. At least that's so here in this area. Part of it is culture. We have such divergent cultures here, and many of them just, well, travel in packs. I don't know any other way to put it. The whole family goes, or nobody goes. Like the family Barney was staying with, the Parkers, but at least they're not all robbing supermarkets.

Well, guess I'd better see how the carpet cleaning is coming along. He certainly sounds busy! Be blessed, all. --Romeena

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61135: I guess Romeena - that is why I feel the NO Child Left Behind policy lacks in making parents be parents. Do you know how hard it is to teach a child who gets no sleep, doesn't have clothes, parents are fighting to all hours of the nite, they live in homes with crack and other drugs and this is normal. . .I guess what makes me mad is that her grade reflects how I work with her. Well - when they talk about holding teachers accountable - I wish they would hold parents a tad more responsible. Sorry to rant again. . .

hm

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61136:
Well, I see I couldnt pull the Irish wool over anyones eyes, you are all so sharp. I guess ole Murphy Donegal Casey will slip back into his cave for another year.
I havent heard from Colt lately. I will have to write him and see if the snow level has dropped in Lincoln, IL.
How about Cracker barrel tonight? Buscuits and gravy sound good to me right now.
Have a Blessed week.
MDC

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61137: HM: Whether rich or poor, educated or not, parents have the primary responsibility for the education of their children. Period. Teachers should not be held responsible for the success rate of their pupils; instead, they need to be judged by their own efforts and ability. A teacher can�t teach a kid who won�t learn and whose parents don�t care.

And even get me started about No Child Left Behind. It is perhaps the worst thing to hit education in our memory. While schools and teachers are forced to teach to test that mean almost nothing in real terms, social studies (including civics and history) are relegated to a token existence and things like art, music, and physical education are deemed expendable. Recess is eliminated in favor of more time to push test answers on kids. And how much more educated is the current crop of kids then the ones from eight years ago? Ask any employer or college professor. No Child Left Behind may have been well-intentioned, but it is a dangerously insane piece of (*censored*). At least that�s my opinion.

ROMEENA: Two of my parental pet peevs are seeing little kids out with their parents late at night, and seeing parents smoking in their cars with the windows all rolled up and their kids in the back seat. Sometimes I wonder if we shouldn't be given some sort of test before we're allowed to breed.

MDC: Are you from County Cork?

Hope you all have a great day!

Me-They

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61138: We can call the test: "No Parents Should Act Like Behinds."

M-T

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61139: Biscuits and gravy sound great, MDC. If you get there first, order me some, okay?

homemaker, again I hear you. How can you be expected to teach a tired, poorly-fed and possibly drugged child anything? Where is the parents' accountability? It's like the girls who drag into our hospital, barefoot and dirty, smelling of alcohol, positive for drugs, zero prenatal care, and yet they expect us to deliver and hand them a beautiful, perfect baby. It doesn't always happen, and then they're ready to sue! One girl was trying to blame the doctor because her baby had an extra finger on each hand, and the doctor had never seen her before. According to her, the doctor had "messed up" her baby's hands when he delivered him. As I said, unbelievable. Never mind her drug and alcohol history and her STDs (which probably had nothing to do with the extra fingers, that just happens sometimes), but the point is, her baby wasn't "perfect" and it certainly wasn't going to be her fault, so it had to be the doctor's fault. It just boggles the mind.

Well, the carpet cleaning man has gone, he cleaned four rooms and spot-cleaned three others, the carpet is beautiful, like new, and he charged me only $170. That includes a scotch-guard finish. I was impressed. I will be calling him again, to be sure.

It's raining buckets here right now, and doesn't look like it's planning to stop anytime soon. The sky looks like lead, not a smidgin of blue anywhere. Good sleeping weather, and I think that's just what I'm going to do, since I need to stay off the carpets anyway. Be blessed, all. --Romeena

March 18, 2008 - Msg 61140: Now M-T, that's the best piece of writing I have read in awhile.
I complain alot about my son's school and teachers. These kids - starting in first grade are limited to 1 (one) 25 minute recess a day. The rest of the time is instruction. They have physical education 1 (one) time per week. And let's not talk about how yucky their school lunches are. No, I can't change districts because this school is really no different than any other school in the area. Sad - isn't it? It is a good thing my oldest has a teacher for a mom because his teacher doesn't explain things well.
On the other hand, my youngest son's teacher is wonderful and they absolutely click. She offers outside projects for extra credit, she sends notes home just because he has done well, and they do exercises every morning to get their blood pumping - REAL exercises like jumping jacks, running in place, etc.

MDC - you didn't kiss the Blarney stone yesterday - did you?

homemaker