March 25, 2008 - Msg 61297: Good morning Porch folks. Just stopping in for a minute. Working "again" today. Sure wish I could find a way to earn a living and not work.:)

Tonight is freshman orientation at the high school for my daughter. I can't believe she will be a freshman in high school!

Cold and frosty this morning on my end of the porch. Yesterday, as I was driving home, it was windy and snowing so hard I could hardly see to drive. The closer I got to my house (which is about 15-20 minutes from my work) the snow subsided and the sun was shining and the sky was pretty clear. Sure was weird.

I know about needing to lose weight as well. Seems like it has been a struggle for me since about age 13. I guess I am the right weight just not the right height.

At least with our virtual porch meals we can eat all we want not gain an ounce. Lunch will be:
grilled chicken, tossed salad, fresh fruit. tea to drink.

Prayers for everyone today. Hope you are feeling
better BOO. Prayers for Romeena and everyone else tody.

Big Maude
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61298: May 16th for summer vacation - I am looking at June 1st-ish. Of course - we have had a few days off this winter for snow and floods and ice.

Been experiencing some medical problems here too - I thinked I overworked myself when my hubby was down. Heading to the doctor this week. Had one set of xrays yesterday so I need to get that re-checked in 6 months. I have a really bad stiff neck and a pain that radiates down into my right arm. Sometimes it just throbs like a nerve is pulsating. It can be annoying.

A little chilly here so far but it is supposed to warm up to the high 50's. Rain again tomorrow.

Talk to you all later -

hm
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61299: Hey M-T, You have the same birthday as my daughter! Mine is May 5th.

Gosh, I even managed to sweep today. I need to sit down for a minute now.

Big Maude
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61300:
Hey Me-They, are they painting the Lord touching the finger of Adam on your ceiling?? Oh wait, that's been done before! haha
Hope all you honeys and dears are OK this am. I I am still praying for all you folks in the midwest flooding.
Anyone seen TOM lately? If anyone has his email address, maybe we should contact him.
Yesterday it was 89 in Phx area!! ugh, i cant believe thet it is this warm already! Hopefully it will cool to the 70's again for April.
It's funny how we all look at weather differently!
I get tired of the heat, you all get tired of the cold etc.
Homemaker, you can always try a sling for your neck. opie will sell tickets! haha Prayers for you.
My nephew, Jason, is heading back for a second tour. Please keep him and all our brave troops in your prayers.
God bless,
MDC

March 25, 2008 - Msg 61301: Morning or "afternoon" rather porch! I thought since this an "older" based group online, you all might be familiar with music classics like Al Jolson, Cab Calloway and/or Louis Armstrong? I just started listening to these greats awhile ago in an attempt to broaden my music tastes! I really like the sound of these older recordings. Any thoughts on these artists?

I also thought it would be interesting to discuss the titanic. I've always found it such an eerie accident and am one of those people who go's into occasional fascinations with the ship. I've collected many DVD's on the tragedy over the years. So do you all have any specific interests with the ship or stories about it?

Have a good afternoon mayberry!

Deputy Warren Ferguson
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61302:
DWF!! Good to hear from you again. Watched any good Dick van Dyke lately?
I do like Armstrong, such a multi-talented man he was. I have several cds of his music. I best like Cabaret and It's a Wonderful World.
As for the Titanic, I have seen artifacts on displayhere in Phx, and have seen documentaries of the underwater look at it. When i was a youngster, I read the book "A NIght to Remember."
One of the most interesting aspects is that it was arragantly advertised as unsinkable!! Good to see you back.
MDC
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61303: DWF: Good to hear from you...I think! "Older?" We may have a few ancients around hear (no names), but many of us are in our prime, well, at least in our 40s--EARLY 40s. I believe Al, Cab, and Louis were way before our time. Heck, for some of us, the Beatles were before our time.

Last I heard, the Titanic was still sunk. But it did make a popular movie (at least twice)

MDC: Nope, just white.

HM: (In my best Clinton) I feel your pain. Really! Prayers.

MAUDE: That makes two great people born on May 16 ;).

Me-They
"Who you callin' sensitive!?!"
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61304: Hey Warren, I wondered what happened to you. I don't know much about the music you mentioned, so I won't comment. I think what interests me most about the Titanic are some of the stories I have heard about the sacrifice of some on board and about those who encouraged others at the time. The band that continued to play hymns as long as it was possible, the preachers praying for those who were near death, etc. It is always interesting to think about how humans react at a time like that. I wonder what my own response would have been. Of course, there are alot of stories about those who were not so kind, too.

Have to get ready for bible study at the rehab. Prayers, please.

Thanks,
Boo
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61305:
You got em Boo!
Boy, we need an APB for lots of folks!
They might cut off my ten-fours, but that's ok,
just like to see em come back.
I think I have bought my last bag of bird seed for the season. The snowbirds are heading back north now, and now the pigeons are horning in on the little sparrows almost trampling them to get the food on the ground.
Well, you all have a good evening!
MDC
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61306:
Oops, forgot my quote:

Floyd (to his "tour" group): Now this big fella here is Sheriff Andy Taylor. He's better known as "dead-eye Andy."
And that wirey fella there, wearin' that big iron, is deputy Barney Fife.
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61307: Good evening, all. Eloise just brought me home from all those tests. So far, so good. I have only preliminary reports, but it appears everything is okay. He did do the dilatation of my esophagus, but said the strictures weren't all that bad. Right now, I feel like I have a belly full of concrete (they did a barium swallow and small bowel follow-through as well) but I'm so hungry for real food! Anyway, I'm home and all is well.

homemaker, sounds like you've got a pinched nerve for sure. Do you take a B-complex supplement? Or Niacin? If not, you might try that, it may help a little. If you've really got a trapped nerve, though, you're going to need some help to get it freed up.

Boo, I saw that show you mentioned, just in surfing past, but didn't watch it. Maybe I will. Sounds like he takes a common-sense approach.

DWF, it's good to see you. I remember those musicians well - they were all good, but old Satchmo Armstrong was the greatest. Do you know how he got that nickname?

Well, I've got to hunt up something to eat. See you folks later - prayers for all who need 'em!

Be blessed! --Romeena
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61308: Thanks for the feedback everyone!

MDC, it's been a long while now since I watched The Dick Van Dyke Show! I finished season five about a year ago now. However I have been watching the 1960's classic My Favorite Martian. Very simular to I dream of jeannie, but not quiitte as funny.

Well I'll try and pop in more frequently from now on.....for now though, have a good evening everyone!

Deputy Warren Ferguson
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61309: DWF, good to have you back! We were wondering where you'd run off too. As for calling us an "older" based group... I don't know about that. We may remember the Titanic, but we weren't on it! I've never heard of Jolson or Calloway, but I have heard Louis Armstrong. I like his music, really classic stuff.
I'm with you ladies, on the needing to shed some pounds. I've been on so many diets in my day, I could write my own book. Oh, wait, we're suppose to call it a life-style change. Well, I've been on a lot of life style changes thru the years, and I'm still overweight. Anyhow, good luck to all of us. Let's start by having Spot cut down on those fatty breakfasts he's been cooking. Maybe he can fix us boiled eggs and 1 slice of toast. No butter. Might work.
Homemaker, I had a pinched nerve in my neck last November. It lasted around 2 1/2 months. Very painful. I hope you get better soon.
Well, over and out.
- Hazel

I'll do a quote from the same ep as MDC.
Andy: "Floyd! You brought those folks in here for nothing!"
Floyd: "I did not! I charged them 2 bits apiece!"
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61310: My hiusband;s diagnosis was a pinched nerve also so I think I a m calling the doc for an appointment. It sure does smart something awful! Glad your tests went well Ro - nothing like Barium on an empty stomach!

I really enjoy reading about and watching documentaries about the Titanic. It seems that most grade school children have a fascination with the Titanic, dinosaurs, knights and castles. Interesting isn't it.

I am up with my neck - got the youngest one with me because he went to bed fighting with his brother. Can't have all that ruckus when my husband has to work 10 hours tomorrow.

Take care and God bless!

hm
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61311: My hiusband;s diagnosis was a pinched nerve also so I think I a m calling the doc for an appointment. It sure does smart something awful! Glad your tests went well Ro - nothing like Barium on an empty stomach!

I really enjoy reading about and watching documentaries about the Titanic. It seems that most grade school children have a fascination with the Titanic, dinosaurs, knights and castles. Interesting isn't it.

I am up with my neck - got the youngest one with me because he went to bed fighting with his brother. Can't have all that ruckus when my husband has to work 10 hours tomorrow.

Take care and God bless!

hm
March 25, 2008 - Msg 61312: oops - Asa unstick me - I;m repeating yself!
Welcome back DWF!

hm
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61313: Good early morning gang...Big Maude thanks for cooking!Chey boo,mavis,ro,possum,To,Rev,CHUCK,Asa,afs,auh20,md,mdc,hazel,horatio,gizzmo,dwf,floyd [thank]...and all..well miss sherry and I are going fishing tomorrow!...good weather here in Ga...bet we get a good mess of crappy...around the docks...well maude is-u-or I gona cook breakfast?..well never the less I will buy Cracker Barrell !~OK?..prayers to all...got to get the rod-n-reels ready....SPOT
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61314: Hi just dropped in to say hello,sure do like the sight will be back for sure.So hello

March 26, 2008 - Msg 61315: One thing I can say about you SPOT, you really know how to relax and have fun. I could learn something from you.

Welcome to #61314, hope you can come back soon.

Bible study at the rehab was "interesting" last night. We have some new girls with very tragic stories (I will not go into detail), but thank you for your prayers. They are so needed and appreciated. One very sad thing I have noticed about these girls is that they think everything is their fault. They blame themselves for the horrible actions of their parents and even the deaths of their parents. I see that alot. Last night I had a girl whose mom slit her wrists yesterday. The poor child's eyes were puffy from crying and when i asked her why she thought her mom would try to kill herself, she said because of her being in rehab. I am sure the mom is an addict, too, and what she did had nothing to do with the girl. I hear often of parent suicide or death by drug overdose and the children blame themseleves and feel like God can't forgive them. I have one girl right now who has been s#xually assaulted by family members since she was 4 years old and now feels that God can't forgive her. Of course, she has no concept of being a victim. Those children have been so damaged by life and the most common reason they give for being addicts is that they take drugs to kill the pain. How else would a child deal with the kind of horror these children have lived through? It makes sense and I probably would have done the same thing. Sometimes I feel like I am getting nowhere with them but I have to have faith that God is reaching them. He really is their only hope. Thanks again for the prayers.

I certainly have a mountain of chores to catch up on today (groan!). I would love to just crawl back into my warm bed and pretend I didn't. Bet I'm not the only one, ha. Better go wake up Erin...

Boo
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61316: Good morning all.

Glad your tests went okay Romeena. Please keep us posted.

Boo, keep up the good work with those girls in Rehab. They need a positive role model like you in their lives. God is using you as a vehicle to reach them so hang in there.

Working today, not so busy though. Most of the schools are on Spring Break this week which affects our business.

We went to freshman orientation at the high school for my daughter last night. She seemed pretty overwhelmed with the size of the school compared to the middle school. The 8th graders there seemed so "not ready" to start high school. Maybe between now and when she actually starts school "I" will feel better about it. She will have her brother there for 1 year so that should help.

Hello to HM. SPOT, Romeena, Rev, Mavis, Possum.
M-T, and everyone else. Welcome to our visitor.

Lunch will be: grilled cheese, homemade potato soup. fresh fruit for dessert. tea, cherry limeade to drink. see you all at noon.

It is good to see Deputy Warren back on the porch.

have a blessed day.
Big Maude
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61317: Hey Maude. Can you believe both your kids will be in high school?! I remember being very excited about being a 9th grader. There was always a little anxiety about being a freshman and what the upper classes might do to the "fish" but I kept a low profile, ha. Don't remember it being a problem. Things were just world's different between junior high and high school (and much better, as I recall). I was always a very independant kid and loved the freedom and autonomy of high school. I hope your daughter will, too.

Can you believe I am feeling nauseous today?! Just when I was feeling better, now my stomach is bothering me....oh well, guess the laudry will have to wait a day (big smile).

I just put beef tips in the crock pot for dinner and that's about all I can do right now. My home has never been as messy as it is right now. There is almost something freeing about it! "Jimmy crack corn and I DON'T CARE"!

Boo
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61318: Uh, think I'll take a nice little nap...

Boo
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61319:
Hey Folks

Wow, I've been pinned down here on the hill and I had to ran through sniper fire just to rock on the Porch. But, I made it. Wait a minute ... let me think. Nope, no sniper fire just really bad phone lines, I guess I misremembered.

Big Maude-When our daughter (who's very much the church mouse) started high-school this year we told her that the older kids, juniors and seniors, were the same kids that were in the middle school when she started there. That seemed to help.

Just a quick hey! Can't even stay on long enough to hit the archives.

Is Asa back? Should I get the fatted calf?

auh2o
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61320: Hey all-Went to the doctor Monday--my blood sugar is almost within normal range-which means that if I stick to my diet and exersise-I won't end up having to stick myself!!! since I started in November, I have gone from 380 to 347--not too shabby--and I have not starved or felt deprived-even my old binge foods are unappeling to me.
Ahappy(and more healthy)nut
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61321: Good afternoon everyone.

AUH2O: It's an honest mistake. Anybody could misspeak like that. Phone lines, gunfire...what's the big diff?

BOO: Nauseous? Maybe there's a bun in the oven?

Messy is freeing? I'm just the opposite. I can't relax unless things are as they should be. First thing I do after greeting everyone when I get home from work is start straightening up. Then I can relax. But you do deserve a rest, so I'm glad it's not bothering you.

The work you do with those girls is wonderful. You sure are being Christ's light on earth.

I've never really understood that Jimmy cracked corn expression. Guess my educashun was lacking.

I don't understand the expression, "You want to have your cake and eat it, too," either. I mean, if you want cake, or have cake, what should you want to do with it? Of course you want to eat it! Stupid expression.

Mmmm. Fatted calf. Now I'm hungry. GO MEAT!

Me-They
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61322: Boo --Hoot owl pie is one of the recipes in the "Aunt Bea's Mayberry cook book. I can't recite it off the top of my head by it uses Chicken cream of mushroom soup and tortillas. I modified it with low sodim soup and low fat sour cream-I also used whole grain tortillas and an orential veggie mix--I hope Brisco won't mind.
Ahappynut
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61323: Good morning, all. Welcome to our visitor - please don't be a stranger. Grab yourself a TAGS name and a rocker, and set a spell. It sounds like you might have been lurking under the porch for a while, but if not, you might want to read up on the archives a bit, to get a sense of who we are and how the porch works.

Feeling a bit better today - Boo, I wish you could shake off all those bugs you keep getting. Get some Clorox wipes and go around the house, wiping everything down, and anytime you go out of the house, use hand sanitizer every so often. Those bugs are hiding everywhere.

I hesitate to say this, because it can be easily misunderstood, but I hope y'all will accept it in the spirit in which it's intended. Here in Texas, especially where Boo is, we have a huge influx of illegal aliens from south of the border. Everyone has heard of Montezuma's revenge, and if you've ever gone down south of the Rio Grande, you have probably caught it. I did, and it's miserable. Now, we have multiplied thousands of those folks up here. They're shopping in the stores and malls, touching everything in sight - door handles, handrails, baskets, merchandise. They're immune to those bugs, but they carry them. Hands are not always washed properly or at all, and germs can be left everywhere - germs we're not accustomed to. I'm not saying they have germs and we don't - I'm saying their germs are different from ours, unfamiliar to us, and will make us sick. That's why we get sick when we go down there, and now they're bringing the same germs to us. Their water will make us sick, but it doesn't bother them because they're used to it. They have the germs in their bodies already.

The solution lies in carrying germicidal wipes and hand sanitizers, and using them. When you go in the supermarket, wipe down the handle to the grocery cart, and anything else you're going to be touching a lot. Use the sanitizer frequently, and keep your hands away from your face. When you get home - wash, wash, wash! Wash the produce that you buy. Use a straw in a restaurant, don't drink directly from a glass. Sanitize your hands after, as well as before you eat. Just imagine the paths that could be taken by a germ, and sanitize whatever you can that applies.

Well, that's just my idea. I could be wrong, but I'll bet I'm pretty close to the truth. We seem to be having a lot more intestinal diseases lately than we did a few years ago. I wonder why??

Be blessed! --Romeena
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61324: Me-They, you are a caution. I understand a bit of what you say about having things neat. I cannot sit down to a meal with dirty pots and pans in the sink. I'm a "clean-as-you-go" cook, and when I'm ready to serve a meal, as each item is served up, I quickly wash the pan. I keep a squirt bottle of dish soap at the sink, and just shoot some in the pan, run in a little hot water and swish with a cloth, and it's done. If something must be soaked, so be it, but I'd rather it be clean if possible.

As for "Jimmy crack corn", I've always imagined that referred to the making of moonshine, or corn squeezin's. I could be wrong. About "you can't have your cake and eat it too" - well, obviously if you eat your cake, you don't have it anymore! Think, man, think! (heehee) --Romeena
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61325:
Morning folks...just a quick hello today!
MDC
Hazel, to continue with that ep: Barney:Now folks, as mr lawson told you, I'm deputy barney Fife and these are our maximum security cells...
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61326: Let me explain, Me-They, before you think I'm a slob, Darlin'. I, too, get very uptight over messes so I am surprised at how my attitude has changed recently. I think I have been too uptight and making my family unhappy with my nagging at times. I guess the reason I felt free is because I realized that, even though I had to let things go when I was ill, nobody died from it or had any lasting damage. I have to admit, though, that I realized that I have relatives coming from out of town this week so I pushed myself into doing some good cleaning and the place is looking pretty spiffy...I haven't done the deep cleaning that it still needs but for now, it's good enough and Sean is at work on the kid's bathroom (being a kid with OCD, he is REALLY good at it!)...he is also going to do the floors later. I took some Pepto and my stomach is feeling better, and, no I better not have a bun in the oven. OY! Bruce had the big "V" 6 years ago. (thanks for the encouraging words concerning the drug rehab, it means more than you know).

Good to see ya Auh2o, I was wondering where you were.

That's great Happy Nut! I am not sure, though, if you were referring to your weight or your blood sugar. That's still pretty high for blood sugar. If it's your weight, that is a great loss, congratulations! You are an inspiration to me. Thanks for explaining about the Hoot owl Pie...sounds good.

Yes, Ro, I should be using more hand sanitizer, but as far as the foreign germ theory, won't we just eventually build the antibodies to fight them? I think it's a losing battle, so to speak. Was concerns me more are the antibiotic-resistant staffs and such. I think that now it's important to clean cuts and cover them before going out of the house, etc.

Boo


March 26, 2008 - Msg 61327: Boy, am I steamed!! A friend just called and told me that two pitbulls from the neighborhood (who were roaming the streets), literally tore her cat in half. She called animal control and they came and got the dogs but I am just livid about owners who would be so irresponsible. That poor cat. At least it wasn't someone's child.

Boo
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61328: Boo that sounds terrible! Boy do i hate dog bully's, especially being a cat person myself. That person should definitely have control of those dogs!

Just got back from an X-Ray at the hospital myself. Fun Stuff! It started a few days ago in my left foot. Im not sure what I did to it but it became really sensitive in that if I try'd to put pressure on it it hurt alot. Over the last few days its started going numb and has been losing color and swelling up! Hmmm hope it's not to serious...

Anyways got some cheese and onion puffs in the oven that are dyeing to be taken out! Catch ya'll later!

Deputy Warren Ferguson
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61329: Sorry about your foot, Warren. Hope it gets well soon. Yes, it's terrible about the cat and I found out more about the story that is upsetting. It seems that the cat was a kitty that was adopted from the local animal shelter by my friend's neighbor. After they adopted him (Smokey) they had him de-clawed with the idea that he would be an inside cat. They decided after having him inside for a few weeks that they no longer wanted to bother with him and tossed him out. My friend fed him and he started hanging around on her front porch. She already had 4 cats and should have taken Smokey back to the shelter but she put it off. He was completely defensless against an attack. It just makes me sick. At least the poor thing isn't suffering anymore.

Boo
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61330:
AUh20, have you been sleep-deprived? haha
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61331:
That was me, MDC. I'm a poet!!!
Anyone have word from TOM? I'm a little worried about him.
MDC
Barney: Did you know that the size of a horse's eyes are the same at birth, as when he's full-growed?

Trivia question: What magazine did barney get that from? Hint: It's the same one that siad that there are more stars in the heavens than there are grains of sand on all the world's beaches!
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61332: MDC: Learn a Month?

Aw, shucks, BOO. I was hoping for another “blessed event.” I hear you about the cleaning. The Mrs. would tell you that she sympathizes with Sean’s future wife; it’s difficult to clean to the satisfaction of a person like me. On the upside, you don’t have as much cleaning to do ;). I try to keep my mouth shut, but sometimes I’m guilty of pointing things out or (worse) going behind and redoing something. It’s odd that we all notice or can’t tolerate different things. Floors are big with me, but the dust could pile up on the furniture and it wouldn’t really trouble me (much). Most of the time I just take the initiative to do something myself, or, if my wife does it, just grin and say thanks.

About the pit bulls, at the risk of starting a brawl with MAVIS, while I understand it’s the fault of the owners and not the dogs, there is no denying that some breeds have been bred to be aggressive. They can’t help it, but they are dangerous. It’s like that old tale about the scorpion crossing the river on the back of the fox. When it stings the fox, knowing they both will drown, he claims he can’t help himself—it’s just his nature. Some dogs, like pits, are more likely, and have more capability, of turning on their owners or hurting others. If (especially urban) communities want to outlaw ownership of certain breeds, I say go for it.

DWF: Have you tried Emma’s little blue pills? They’re only ten cents a bottle and cure everything. Hope you feet get better soon. (I wonder what causes that?)

ROMEENA: I agree with you about trying to be sensible about what we expose ourselves to. However, I also think that we tend to worry about the wrong things. Instead of wiping down the shopping cart handle (a good idea), we use antibacterial dish soap (utterly ridiculous). Meanwhile, we are helping to create super-bacteria that are immune because of all our media and advertising-generated suspicion of every germ that comes down the pike. I once heard, and I believe, that kids who grow up with two or more pets are much less likely to have allergies (even non-pet related) or asthma and less sickly than kids with no pets, and allergies among kids who grow up on farms are rare. They are even less sickly. The theory is that the exposure to allergens and germs from being in less-than-sanitized environments because of the animals actually helps inoculate (or inarculate) against them. We steer clear of anything antibacterial but use the alcohol-based wipes.

Oh, another point of interest, I will look for the source, but I recently read a medical study that found that washing a cut with clean water actually was more beneficial to healing than using alcohol, iodine, antibacterial soap, or any other sanitizer. Some of the ones in use, like methiolate (sp?) actually can do harm.

Here’s another moulage starter…I’ve been thinking a lot about illegal immigration lately, what with the election and all. Anyway, while I am against it (duh), I recently was asked a question that gave me pause. Someone said, “If you were poor and lived in Mexico, where opportunity is very limited, and you had a choice to: (1) stay and try to gradually change things, all the while watching your family want for adequate necessities, (2) take years, with no guarantee of success, to emigrate and bring your family with you, (3) cross the border at night, get a job making more than you used to see in a year, all the while watching your kids grow up living the “American dream,” what would you choose. Imagining my own family suffering with inadequate food or healthcare, I can say I’d break the law and cross the border. Knowing this, then, I can’t really blame the illegals; I’d do the same danged thing. But for the grace of God that could be me. So, I guess I’m pretty mixed-up on how to approach the issue.

Me-They
“Giraffes sure are selfish.”
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61333: ROMEENA: If you don't eat the cake, why oh why would you want it anyway?

"Eatin' speaks louder than words."

M-T
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61334:
oohh!! I made it back just in time for the moulage.

Me-They I'm not sure which way I would choose. However, laws are laws, and not to have defined enforceable borders would lead to chaos. I think only the nuts out on the fringe of political thought, like Chomsky and (maybe) Krugman, think there is no need for the nation-state. That being said, I certainly feel for illegals but I do hold them accountable for their actions, as I do the people that employ them. This country surely isn't perfect, by a long shot, but no other country has done as much to help the helpless as the United States. Europe sits back on it's collective duff and whines and we do the heavy lifting.

Boo-Thanks!

MDC-I haven't been sleeping much now that you mention it.

auh2o
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61335: Me-They, Because the cake is pretty, decorated real nice, and has your name spelled out on it? Just a thought....

I hear what you're saying regarding the illegals. I know some of them personally, and like them, and believe me, it REALLY gets confusing when that's the case. It's a very sticky question. The scenario you painted is very true, and who can blame them? Yet it is obvious to anyone with a brain that this country cannot continue to support the flow. Those of you in some other parts of the country may not be as hard-hit as we are, but believe me, we're drowning here. Our schools are jammed, the quality of education has plummeted, the crime rate is soaring, the housing market is in deep trouble, you take your life in your hands when you get on the road in a car, and if I see one more dollar store open up in my town, with all the posters in Spanish yet, I think I'll just scream.

I think what's needed is some serious reform on just HOW people enter the country. Relax the legal requirements for entry in some areas, shorten the time required, but add some helpful requirements, such as required English classes and driving courses. Then screen VERY carefully for criminal records, drug use and other undesirable background. And very important, tell the Mexican government to shut up, quit trying to tell us how to run our country, and go home and fix their own. It's one of the world's most corrupt governments on all levels, from the top right down to the local police, and everyone knows it.

Boo, I suppose we will develop the required immunities in time, but in the meantime, I'd just as soon keep Montezuma at bay. My one encounter with that bad boy was enough.

Well, I'm ready to crash for a while. I need something cold to drink, and a warm puppy on my lap. I think I can arrange for both. --Romeena
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61336:
Auh20- i said that about sleep because that was HER excuse!
M-T -you are right about the magaszine. I think that is also where Bob Newhart learned his phychology! ha Remember the ep where his old teacher saiys that it is all a "crock"??
Prayers for all. Where's REV?
MDC
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61337: To those who have asked - Tom is okay. I got an email from him. His mom's birthday was March 17, and he's feeling a bit down. He misses her a lot, bless him. --Romeena
March 26, 2008 - Msg 61338:
Hello porch family

I'm here MDC....Just now able to check in. Been very busy working in the recording studio. (14 & 15 hour days) I got in this morning at 2:00am and got a little rest and left right back out for a concert tonight. Just got back home and I'm whipped.

Spot.... Did you and Miss Sherry catch a lot of fish? My dad and his friend went a couple days last week to set out trot lines and caught a pile of catfish.

Well folks I'm heading to bed. Prayers for all the porch family. Jesus loves you!
-REV.
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61339: Morning everyone!
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61340:
Morning Folks

Nice morning here, sunny and 19 degrees. They say (and why do we listen to "they" so much) we're to get about 6 inches of snow tonight. However, "they" also see Spring a coming in about a week.

Rev-That may be what they mean by burning the candle at both ends.

Msg 61339-Good morning to you!

Ahappynut-Keep up the good work!

MDC-I thought that is what you were referring to but truth be told I haven't been getting much sleep.

Romeena-Glad you heard from Tom

...and Tom, prayers for you buddy. I get that same feeling at the beginning of the year. My Dad passed in January of '78. I think I can still remember every minute of that morning. Hang in there and then get back here. We need those poems. You seem to know just the right time to post one.

auh2o
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61341: Morning all. Hope you are all well.

Asa
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61342: How true, Auh2o. TOM always seems to know just what poems to post, God bless his heart. I pray he finds some comfort. You know, you mentioned your dad passing away in 78. I remember how close I was to my dad in 78 and how it would have killed me to lose him. At about that time, they discovered that my dad had some serious heart problems and he ended up have a valve replaced and a bypass in 79. 78 was a tough year because he was obviously sick and I was worried to death. The day of his surgery I was so distraught that I stayed away from the hospital. I went to school as usual, trying not to let myself think. It was a very painful time for me and my dad made it. I can't even imagine the opposite outcome. I'm sorry you didn't get to keep you dad. Makes me think I need to be more thankful that I still have mine instead of complaining about how difficult he has become...hmmm.

Mornin' Asa Honey. I know I am feeling lots better. My clothes dryer went out this morning (loud scream) so I am going to have to rig up a clothes line outside, but other than that I am doing pretty good. Hope you and your's are doing ok.

Slow down Malcom Tucker (meant to say REV)!

Boo
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61343: One interesting note to that story Auh2o, is that my dad tells me that at that point in his life he wanted to die. He had made his peace with the thought of death and said all his goodbyes, except that I refused to come to the hospital that morning. He said that he knew he would have to pull through since he didn't get to say goodbye to me. Funny how people think and now here he is at 83 and wants to keep living as long as he can.

Boo
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61344: Hey,you all, Hope all who are ailing feel better and to everyone hope your morning's great? It's 37 degrees and thunderstorming,raining sleet here. Very sharp lightening. I'm enjoying having the house to myself,because of the winter weather and the slow down in constuction,Tristan has been off of work since January and Fritz has only been working 1 or 2 days a week. THey both had something to do today.I love them darely, but it's nice to get back to my routine.
Did you hear on CNN about the tragic shooting in Iowa city on Monday? A man killed his wife and their 4 children and then himself.If that wasn't bad enough Fred Phelps and his group are going to protest at the funerals on Saturday. The group sent a hateful letter to Iowa City saying that the murders were a punishment for Iowa's sins. They are mad because Iowa passed a law that protesters must be at least 500 feet from entrances and events. Boy that group is a bunch of kooks.
Well the sleet has turned into snow,the ground is white already. Oh well it won't last and it's good for the trees we planted on Sat. Better get busy ,take care. PEACE Dr P

March 27, 2008 - Msg 61345: Hey there Dr. P, good to hear from you. I wish your men were down here because I would put them to work. The contractor we were going to hire backed out on us yesterday. Said he was "too busy". We have to decide on another one.

That is so sad about the Iowa family. I had not heard about it. Imagine how the family of the deceased must feel when Fred's group gets into the act. So very sad.

Just finished hanging up some clothes and it's nice and breezy so they should dry soon. At least the sheets will smell nice and fresh.

Boo
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61346: Hi Boo, How you feeling? I try to hang out as much as I can , it saves on the electric bill and the clothes always smell so good. Good luck on finding a contractor. My guys are electrians,if they were there they'd be happy to work for you. Well, the sun is shinning now,crazy weather. I'm making deviled eggs and a strawberry cheescake .Is that an odd pairing?
Better get to it. Dr P
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61347: Good morning everyone. Man, you try and start a moulage and phft! Nothing! I guess it was too runny. ROMEENA, I agree that the key is revamping our immigration laws. It’s a sticky wicket all right. But AUH2O is right, too; we can’t have anarchy.

BOO: Sorry to hear about your contractor. Maybe we can all get together and do a sort-of Amish house-raising. I guess there aren’t any Amish porchsters, unless they are powering their computer by hand-crank. Or maybe using one of those monkeys like on the Flintstones.

And I’m sorry to hear about your dryer. Have you called the man? I’m pretty close to the bottom of my shorts pile…

TOM: Prayers for you. Come back when you can.

Anybody watching “American Idol?” I don’t really watch much on tv anymore, but this is a guilty pleasure. I think it’s this generation’s “Ed Sullivan” or something. A lot of the songs aren’t to my taste, but you don’t have to worry about suggestive lyrics and such, either. And I enjoy watching the contestants compete each week. The drama is in the performance, not in some back-stage soap opera. But what do I know? I used to watch “Donny and Marie,” too. (By the way, I read sometime back that ‘ole Donny is a grandfather! Doesn’t that make you feel old?)

APB for CHARLOTTE, AFD, GOOBER, IDELLE, STERLING, MAVIS, and others.

Hey to the rest of you.

Me-They
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61348: I'm feeling much better today, Dr. P., thanks for asking. Cheesecake and deviled eggs, huh?...I am not a deviled egg fan but I'll take some cheesecake, for sure!

Me-They, you really made me laugh with the Amish comment. I don't think the Amish allow monkey-labor, either.

Yes M-T, I did call the man. His name is Bruce and he works really cheap. Poor thing, when I told him about the dryer this morning he said, "Boy, I wonder what it's like to be rich and just buy a new one when something breaks". I said, at least our bodies aren't broken down (yet)...of course I was hacking and coughing as I said it.

Ok, I have to admit that I like to watch American Idol, too. I am not always home in time to see it on Tuesday but I watch what I missed the next day on YouTube. So far my favorite performer is David Cook but I have to tell you that Paula Abdul is driving me crazy this season. Everytime she starts talking her incoherent nonsense I just want to scream, "Shut UP!". She just makes to sense to me and uses alot of words to say nothing, basically. Speaking of suggestive lyrics, this morning while flipping to the news, I happen to come across the start of a video by Mariah Carrey. It was called "Touch My Body", so I thought I would watch it to see what our pre-adolescent children are watching these days. Unbelievable. Somehow, someway that deluded woman should be held liable for the pornographic cr#p she is spewing over television. I guess it's all about the money because there is certainly no other reason for it. Nothing even mildly artistic about that kind of smut. There, I said it and I'm not takin' it back.

Boo
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61349: Boy, I sound like a woman with PMS on Crack...sorry.

Boo
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61350:
Boo, you "crack" me up!
Hey all, can i ask you to please pray for my wife, Cecile. She has been having some bouts of blurred vision and is having an MRI tomorrow to check things out. Thanks porchsters! God bless you.
Glad Tom is ok. Prayers for you tom.
I havent heard from Colt for a while. I will write to him this week.
Have a good day porchsters.
MeThey- "stayin alive, stayin alive" as he twirls his leisure-suit jacket above his head.. haha
MDC
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61351: Good morning, all. Another beautiful day here in the Dallas area. Sunny and bright, 72 degrees, a bit too windy for my taste, but that's okay. There's a huge and beautiful butterfly out there, battling the wind, but he manages to grab a sip from a flower now and then. Iris buds are rising all over the yard, one big beauty is in bloom and others will burst in a few days. I love it!

Fred Phelps, huh? You know what? Someday, somebody is going to get enough of that sadistic nut, and there will be a tragedy. Some distraught family member is going to snap, and take old Fred and a lot of his followers out. The tragedy will not be that Fred is "removed", but that the person who does it will have to bear the penalty. I guess one price of our freedom is that we have to endure the likes of him in the name of "free speech". I say let the police get very busy elsewhere, and let the H#ll's Angels at old Fred and his group for a while. A few tire irons and well-aimed knuckles might just convince them to go home. I can't think of much that's more cruel and vicious than the activities of Phelps and his gang of thugs.

Well, guess I've said enough about that. Sorry, I know my attitude isn't particularly "Christian", but the whole thing just makes me so mad. How dare they!!

Have a great day, all, and may Spring come to everyone very soon. Be blessed! --Romeena

March 27, 2008 - Msg 61352: Hey Me-They, I'm right'chere. I only watch the first auditions on American Idol, because they're the most interesting. But then it gets boring to me. It's only interesting when people CAN'T sing. :)

Speaking of illegal immigrants. I was reading the op/ed column in the paper on break at work yesterday, and there was some lady(with her mug on there, because she got the featured spot, don't cha' know.) going on about how Wisconsin should take the lead(along with Utah, or somewhere) and issue driver's permits to "undocumented" immigrants. That's what she kept calling them - "undocumented", and she talked about their "rights". Another person brainwashed by PC jargon, apparently.
Lordy, I wanted to reach through the paper and shake some sense into her.
She closed by saying that if they had driver's permits, they would not be inclined to do "illegal" things(Hey, she finally used the right word).
Well, lady, firstly, they are already doing something illegal, hence the true, un-PC term, Illegal Immigrants. Whom yours and my taxes are paying for, and would be paying for their driving "rights".
Second, since they are "illegal" and chose not to go through proper immigration channels, they do not have "rights". Their rights are back in the country they came from. You don't see Americans sneaking into other countries and demanding that that country accommodate them.
Thirdly, why do all these people here think Wisconsin needs to be a follower of other states with liberal/"progressive"/socialist ideals? It's the same thing with the letters I read from people saying "well, Minnesota has a total smoking ban, Wisconsin should too." Hey, I'm not a smoker. Never have been. But if a bar or restaurant wants to allow a smoking section, it doesn't really bother me. And if it bother's them so much, don't go to that business, and find one that doesn't allow smoking. There are plenty nowadays, I am sure.
What has happened to common sense, nowadays?!

Thanks for allowing me to vent. I would have placed my comments on the paper's website, but I can't find the letter, for some reason. That and they don't allow comments on letters, only on articles.

Boo, sorry about your contractor and dryer problems. Well, at least your clothes will have that fresh outdoor scent! :)

-Sterling Holobyte

March 27, 2008 - Msg 61353: Boo, I just read an interview on Mariah Carey in our Sunday paper, and she told a nice story about her dad and how they reconciled before he died.
I had never liked Mariah Carey, but I was starting to have more respect for her when I read that. Not sure about that sentiment now.
Thanks for viewing that video, so I don't have to.
Didn't she have a nervous breakdown a while back? Does she think that this kind of immoral stuff will help that? Misguided, if she does. Or she is still out of control. Seems to be common among celebrities lately.

-Sterling Holobyte
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61354: Barney (very sincerely): "Balmy and life breathing breezes are blow-ing!"
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61355: Hey, all. I just heard from Chuck, and he just got out of the hospital, and is not feeling too well. I'll let him fill in the details if he chooses to do so. HIPPA, you know. Anyway, I'm about to post a picture of his new grandson in the album. Give me about ten minutes, and then go see the little guy. He's adorable - a real keeper! --Romeena
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61356: Hey gang...im back at work let me get started and will be back to read...SPOT
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61357: What's HIPPA?!

Ro, I just had to laugh at your post about Fred Phelps. It just sounded so funny to me to hear you talking about letting the H*ll's Angels beat up those people with tire irons and then you say,.."...and may spring come to everyone very soon..."! ha, the timing was just hilarious. You sort of sound like the PMS woman on crack, too....so do you, Sterling! hahaha Glad I'm not the only one on a rant.

Seriously, though Sterling, I thought Mariah's video was terrible but it probably was typical for today's standards...no, why soft-pedal it, it was really awful.

Prayers for Chuck.

Boo
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61358: Must be that privacy act, huh Ro?!

Hope Chuck feels better soon.

Boo, I've been called a lot of things, but never.... ;)

-Sterling Holobyte


March 27, 2008 - Msg 61359: Yep, HIPPA is Health Information Privacy and Portability Act. It means that you can't divulge any information regarding a person's health without their permission - actually applies to health care workers, not friends necessarily, but since I AM a health care worker, I do try to be careful. The "Portability" part of it means that you have the right to request your medical records, receive them and take them with you if you choose. I can remember when you weren't even allowed to see what the doctor had scribbled about you, let alone get a copy.

Good friends are nice to have. My doorbell just rang, and it was Eloise, much to my surprise. She always just calls, or opens the garage and comes in, but to ring the doorbell?? She was on her way home from the chiropractor, and had been trying to call me, but got a message that said "user busy". She didn't know what that meant, and thought she had better check on me. What it was, my cordless phone by my chair had fallen over, struck its little "on" button on something, and had my phone line messed up. She was afraid something was wrong, so came by to check on me. Makes you feel pretty good, when someone is concerned about you.

Well, I'm off to the store for a package of bacon. I've got a huge box of mixed salad greens that we didn't eat over the weekend, and I'm going to fry up a little bacon and make a nice hot wilted salad from those greens - with a little vinegary pepper sauce - yum! One of my favorites, learned it from my maternal grandmother. My grandpa used to grow lettuce, and she'd make him a wilted salad now and then when the lettuce outgrew their need, because when you wilt it, it uses up a lot in a hurry.

Be blessed, all. --Romeena
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61360: That Eloise is some friend. Good for her for checking on you!

Speaking of greens; have you ever had a spinach-strawberry salad. Very good, just raw spinach with sliced strawberries and a dressing of honey, balsamic vinegar, a little oil and poppy seeds. Good stuff, in my humble opinion.

Never, Sterling?? Nothing s*xist intended.

Boo
March 27, 2008 - Msg 61361: Oh forgot....adorable grandbaby, Chuck!!

Prayers for Cecile as she takes her MRI.

Boo