April 01, 2008 - Msg 61516:
Yes, 61514 was ME!
MDC
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61517:
Doggone it, my sweep ruined my joke, so i guess it's on me!
MDC
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61518: "Who you callin' fool, fool?" (Mr. T)

M-T
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61519: Hi all, its been awhile, as usual..just wanted to drop by and say hello!
Hope all is well with everyone..

Alyce
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61520: So what is the topic of discussion?
Larry
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61521: Well, Alyce, where have you been, Girl! Good to hear from you. I was afraid the tornados blew you away or something. Fill us in on what is happening in your world.

Ok, here's what I need an opinion on: You all remember that my husband's stepdad passed away on Christmas Eve last year? Well, my husband has 2 sisters that just never liked Don (stepdad) and are now stirring up some trouble. I thought they just didn't want anyone replacing their dad (even though they are grown women). It turns out that Don had a grown daughter in another state who refused to see him for the past 20 years and apparently there were some issues of s#xual abuse by him when she was a teen...of course that was 40 years ago and we really don't know what happened but a letter was found after his death that was written by the daughter and it referred to this abuse that took place (vaguely, I think). Don and the girl's mother divorced around that time (maybe that's why, I don't know) and he has not had any contact with the girl for all these years (her decision). I know that he tried and they were beginning to communicate just before his death. I talked alot to Don about his past and he told me that before he became a Christian (20 years ago), that he was not a good man or father. He never claimed to be or made any excuses, but the man I knew was a very good and honest, loving person who really loved God. His son told us that after Don became a Christian that he changed and that he wasn't a good man before that. I know that he was good to my kids and they loved him dearly. I don't think he ever did anything to Erin and she always went to him when she was hurt. Just the other night she was crying when I put her to bed because she said she misses Grandpa Don and that he, in her own words, "was always there when I needed him". Sometimes Grandma would get onto her about things and be tough on her and she would go to Grandpa to "rescue" her from grandma. She was never afraid of him and I have questioned her at length about things. The problem we are having is that now Bruce's sisters have said some things about Don (being and indecent person) in front of my mother-in-law and it has caused a major rift in the family. I think it is wrong because he is dead and if anything happened it was many years ago and I do believe a man can change. I certainly don't want my kids to hear anything about it because they love Don, but I am afraid something will get said at a family gathering and the cat will be out of the bag. I know this is a heavy topic, but any advice would be welcomed. I'm not sure how I should resond to my sister's-in-law in the future. I understand they have some personal past issues they are dealing with that could cause them to be bitter and I don't want to make things worse, but i think what they are doing is ont good for anyone now that Don has passed away. Thanks for listening...

Boo


April 01, 2008 - Msg 61522: Wow. That is heavy, BOO. The bottom line is, your father-in-law is gone and the actions of all adults involved should focus on what's best for those still with us, namely your mother-in-law and the grandkids. Tearing your FIL done no one any good--it doesn't heal any wounds your sisters-in-law have suffered, it doesn't heal his biological daughter, it doesn't ease your MIL pain at the loss of a spouse, and it tears down your own kids' pleasant memory of a man they loved, and it certainly doesn't change the past. And if they are trying to get at your FIL, well, it certainly doesn't do that, either.

I believe that you (or your hubby, if that's more appropriate) sit down with your in-laws and explain that whatever the problem they had with him, it's only their problem now. And since the truth is ambiguous at best, and (more importantly) it can only hurt your (innocent) kids who miss him, they should grow up and shut their yaps. Well, you might want to phrase it differently.

It's great that you feel sensitivity to your in-laws issues. That's kind, and good. But they need to be adults and put the needs of innocent kids before their own. If your FIL was still here, things might be different. But he's not. It's kind of ironic that they now feel the need to voice these concerns after the "danger" has passed. Sounds very self-serving to me.

On a side note, such allegations are very serious, and should never be dismissed. People can, and do, change with the help of Christ. When that change occurs, however, one must take responsibility for the pain their sins have caused others. Christ wipes away our sins for eternity, but we are still liable for them here on earth.

That a big enough topic for you, LARRY? Hey to you, ALYCE. Nice of the both of you to drop by.

Have a great evening.

Me-They
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61523: Oops, the second sentence should read: "Tearing your FIL down does no one any..." Sorry!

M-T
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61524:
THE SKY IS FALLING!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!

Albert GORdon
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61525:
Boo-As much as it pains me to say M-T made some very good points, "they need to be adults and put the needs of innocent kids before their own" and why do... "they now feel the need to voice these concerns after the "danger" has passed." It does seem to be a bit self-serving. However, if their story is true that type of pain may manifest itself in strange ways. Maybe, they only feel free to discuss it now. But, they should, like M-T said, put the needs of the kids before their own.

auh2o
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61526:

Oh yeah. No need to run off and buy any "sky is falling offsets." That was just me. April Fools!

MDC-You almost got me with yours, good one!

auh2o
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61527: I agree with your wisdom, completely, Me-They and Auh2o. I think Bruce and I are going to make a plea to the others to just lay this thing to rest before any damage is done to mom or the kids. Too much has been done already and, as you pointed out, there is no good reason for it, nothing to be gained. I do know, and I think I have mentioned this years ago, that one of the sisters was taken advantage of by a deacon in the church when she was a teen. It resulted in a pregnancy, which she went through and gave the child up for adoption. I know she has many hurts that she has never been healed from so that complicates this matter. I don't want to make things worse for her and I hope that someday she will find the peace she needs. She is also dealing with a divorce that was extremely painful because her husband of many years left her for someone else. Needless to say, she has some trust issues.

Thanks for the words and encouragment.

Love,
Boo
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61528: Welcome larry and Albert. We discuss a lot of topics here and try to keep it pretty light and decent with some Andy griffith quotes thrown in, as the red print up above states. Hope you can find a niche here.
This being April 1st, I tried a little joke, but I think it was on me! ha
Boo, your family will be in my prayers as well as all the girls in rehab tonite. Did you see my post about the Maytag washer??
Alyce, good to see you again, you are aka Idelle, right?
God bless,
MDC


April 01, 2008 - Msg 61529:
Barney: Yup, no longer Barney Fife the man; it's Barney Fife the bulkhead...Mayberry gateway to crime.
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61530: Thanks MDC, yes I did see your post about the Maytag! Thank you. Let me know how you like it.

Boo
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61531:
23 towels in one load!! (and you can even throw in ALL of MT's shorts!!
mdc
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61532: Good afternoon, everyone. Wow, that is some heavy stuff indeed, Boo. I agree with the advice you've already been given, wholeheartedly. While I sincerely sympathize with the wronged parties, all of them, there is absolutely nothing to be gained by laying part of the load on the shoulders of innocent children, most specifically Erin.

I think I would be inclined to get them all together, with the kids and MIL elsewhere, and give them all a chance to vent their hurts. Let them rant and rave, if they wish. Then tell them kindly that they may say anything to you or to Bruce that they feel they must, if it will help them, but that you must insist that they absolutely do not air any of it in the presence of your MIL or the kids. Not a word, not a sign. If there is any hint of a refusal to agree with that, then make it plain that if it begins, the offender will be asked to leave, and will no longer be welcome. It's not a matter of what the man did or did not do, not at this point in time. It's now a matter of damage control, and prevention of more damage by extension. To have such as that voiced in Erin's presence could do that child a great deal of harm. I'm sorry for the sister who has been hurt more than once, sorry that she has trust issues, but that doesn't give her the right to inflict trust issues by proxy on Erin. You will have to be the one to make that absolutely clear to all concerned, and Bruce will have to back you up. In fact, it might need to just start with him. Well, that's my opinion, for whatever it's worth.

My back yard is full of men, or rather the trees are. They're pruning all the cottonwood blooms off the three trees, so I'll have the benefit of the trees with none of the annoying cotton this year. It's not cheap, but the flying cotton is just devastating to everything in the yard, so it's worth it.

Welcome back, Alyce. Larry, pull up a rocker and stay a while.

See you later. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61533: This porch can uesd a Doc right now.
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61534: BOO, I can't add anything more than all the wise advice already given. It's just so sad, isn't it? You'll never know what really happened and at this point, it doesn't matter. I wish you and Bruce the best in handling this situation and I hope that Erin and Sean will be left with their innocent affection in tact for their Pop.

MDC, just the mere mention of putting men's shorts in with bath towels jump-started my gag reflex a bit! I am a funny duck when it comes to laundry...I don't want to "cross the streams" so to speak. (Can anyone identify what movie that quote is from?) Underwear and towels that you rub on your body need to keep their distance! ;-)

Talk to you all later. MW
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61535:
Merri-Holy cow, that, "...jump-started my gag reflex a bit!" Was fuunny! good one.

Larry-Welcome! Why don't ya pick a topic. Let's table the discussion regarding M-T's shorts, I don't think Merri can take it.

Hey Alyce.

auh2o
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61536: Jeez, MW, thanks for giving me somthing else to obsess over! I never really thought about it before but I'm sure I will the next time I dry my face on a towel...

Thanks for the advice, Ro. I think it is very good advice and I am going to sit down and talk it over with Bruce.

Yes, MW, it is sad and I am going to do what I can to keep the kids from ever finding out about it.

Well Auh2o, we could talk about Mayo, Vicks or feet.

Boo
April 01, 2008 - Msg 61537:
Hello porch family. Another wonderful day that the Lord has made. And I'm going to rejoice in it!

Boo...bless your heart, I hurt for you and as always will be praying for you and Bruce. I can only say "AMEN" to all the advise given.

Prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61538: Honestly, you folks and your obsessions/aversions/compelshuns/phobias, etc. I separate my laundry by colors - light vs dark - and type of fabric - delicate vs non-delicate - and that's about all. Two exceptions - my uniforms from work are strictly washed separately, and my dishtowels are saved up until I have a decent load, then are washed in very hot water with bleach added. I have this thing about dingy dishtowels. No, it's not an obsession, it's just a, well, a "thing". (heehee) I have a lot of dishtowels ($10 a dozen in a bundle at Sam's, called "barmops"). I had to start buying them there, because I haven't seen that dishtowel salesman since he ran off with Charlotte Tucker. I get a fresh towel out at least every morning. I do dry my hands on them when cooking - paper towels are too expensive for that because I wash my hands a zillion times in the course of meal preparation. The towels are almost never actually used to dry dishes (dishwasher does that), and if one is used for that purpose, I get a clean one. So, they're more hand towels than dishtowels, I guess.

Well, guess I'll hit the hay. The tree-trimmers didn't finish, and will be back tomorrow. The trees were really loaded with cottonwood beads this year. I hate to see the bill, but it had to be done. I will not tolerate that horrible cotton stuff choking my flowerbeds, piling up in drifts in my garage, and following me into the house every time I open the door.

Well, be blessed, all. Come on, Starr, we're going to bed! --Romeena
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61539: Good Sweep MDC..hey alyce,larry,Ro,Tom,Rev,bo,possum,hazel,possum,mw,goober,md,auh20,m-t and all...GET UP!..its a gteat morning here in ga..57 degrees..sun today rain tomorrow..gona get started here at work..I had a second cousin pass last night but she is where she has dreamed of all her life...she would have been 97 next month...funeral tomorrow..family fine with the blessed passing...well on a lighter note BREAKFAST!:3 eggs your way,country ham,grits,hashbrowns with cheese,bisquits and gravy,bacon,flapjacks with blueberrys and maple syurp...oj,coffee,h20..ready in 45 miniutes..Big Maude no slaw for breakfast ok?..SPOT
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61540: You know SPOT, I think that if I should live to be 97, I would REALLY be ready to go on home to see Jesus. I smile thinking of your cousin finally making it home. Prayers that the funeral is a time of rejoicing in her life and in the Lord!

Wow MDC, I could do all of M-T's shorts at one time with that washer, eh? I'll remember that when it comes time to buy one.

Ro, you are so right about all our "compleshuns"! haha. We are a strange bunch in many ways....at least we never lack for conversation.

On that note, I had better get out of this chair and get Erin out of bed. The coffee sure tastes good this morning. Wish I could share it with ya.

Boo
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61541: Good morning everyone.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: my shorts are no laughing matter.

I will ignore the suggestion to discuss the unholy triumvirate of Vicks, mayo, and feet.

Me-They
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61542: And I resent the suggestion that I have compelshuns.

They are uncontrollable urges.

M-T
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61543: shorts shorts and meatballs meatball go handy andy down the road of are live everytime.
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61544: Ok, msg 61543.

Thanks for the advice on the school thing, Me-They. I think the student already has a group behind him, not that he couldn't use more, but they had the story on Fox News again this morning(still didn't mention the town or teacher - I wish they would so that that teacher would get even more pressure on her.), and someone from the Alliance Defense Fund was talking with the anchor about it. I found out it was a teacher I actually had when I was in school too(they had an article about it in the paper yesterday). I don't know what gives her the right to circumvent the rules about free expression that are in the school's handbook.

I can't add anymore than what has already been said about that situation with your FIL, Boo. But why would they wait until now to stir up trouble? After the guy can't defend himself. If the allegations were true, and I am not saying they weren't, but you'd think that there would have already had been some commotion about this at one time or another.
Maybe auh2o is right and they only feel free to discuss it now, but without the other side, it is just a one-sided argument.

-Sterling Holobyte
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61545: So Me-They, I imagine you didn't get anyone a PedEgg for Easter?! ;)

-Sterling Holobyte


April 02, 2008 - Msg 61546: STERLING: Last night on "American Idol," they covered Dolly Parton songs. One of the contestants, who does country, did a pretty good job singing her song. But she sang barefooted. I'd vote her off just for that.

M-T
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61547: M-T that was Kristy Lee Cook...she never wears shoes...thank goodness for long dresses!..Boo im with you on the long life of my cousin...its a blessed event..and you do shorts do you do windows?..Lunch will be battered cube steak sandwiches whole red taters and Big Maude slaw tea....busy here at work...back in a bit..SPOT
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61548:
Spot, my condolences and prayers for you my friend. I'll visit her mansion someday!
MerriWeather..Sorry about the image. I was just trying to tell BOO about the capacity. We all know that MeThey on has three pair of shorts anyway! haha
MT- I happened to see that song during some channel changing. I thought she was barefoot because of the song she picked, Coat of many Colors. But i also noticed that she left out the verse about the mama telling the child the Bible story, so that censorship was it for me! Why do they do that?
I see you all made it thru April 1st in one piece!
APB for Charlotte, New neighbor, Quiet SamRay and others.
God bless,
MDC


April 02, 2008 - Msg 61549: In her defense, MDC, they appreviate nearly every song. They are only given (I think) a minute and a half or two minutes to sing. Most pop/country songs are in the neighborhood of 3-4 minutes. I think it was probably just that she only had time to do the verse that actually furthered "the story" of the song along, and probably wasn't censorship. Regardless, no shoes, no service--she's outta here!

There was a mention of "trusting the Lord" in one of the other songs, though.

Me-They
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61550: Oh Sterling, that's perfect!!....a PedEgg.. HAHAHA!

Thanks for the advice about the relatives. I think the reason that this is all coming out now is that now that he has passed on, the letter from his daughter surfaced and my MIL made the mistake of talking to her daughters about it. Bruce told her, "I know I have told you this before mom, but I will tell you again. Think long and hard about what you tell your daughters". It's been a problem in the past and we have told her to find a trusted friend to share with when you need to talk, but she keeps making the same mistake.

Sterling, doesn't it just get you right to the bottom of your sould to think that a child would not be allowed to express his love for God through his artwork? The government school system has gone stark-raving crazy. Sorry if that offends any of you but I'm not taking it back. I shudder to think about how spending 40 plus hours a week under the influence of a godless system for 12 or more years could affect many kids. I think it doesn't make much sense to think that one hour spent at church will counteract that kind of influence. I pray that Christians with children in public schools take much time to instruct their children in the things of God outside of school.

"Regardless, no shoes, no service--she's outta here!"--you are so funny, Me-They! ha I didn't notice the girl's feet....what does that say about me? I must be a real hillbilly.

Boo
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61551: MDC, I'm sitting here dreaming about that Maytag of which you speak. If only I could put all this wash into one single load....ah, the joy of it. Now, if they could only come up with a drier that folded and put the clothes away....THAT would be Nirvana.

Boo
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61552: Is that teen spirit I smell?

Oh, no, just dirty laundry.

M-T
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61553: About your rant, BOO, well, I would like to throw in my two-cents but in the spirit of a moulage-free day, I'll just TICK-A-LOCK!

M-T
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61554: Is there a local meeting in Columbus

April 02, 2008 - Msg 61555: Probably wise, M-T, but you know what they say, "A moulage a day, keeps the doctor away". Speaking of schools, in our little town, the middle school has a club (forgot the name of it) that meets for prayer everyday and it is run by a Christian teacher who goes to church with me. She does a great job with the kids and they can come to her with problems to ask for advice and prayer. I think alot of kids join. Thank God for good teachers who love the kids and set good examples for them.

Boo
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61556: ....oh, and school administrators who understand that we all have certain freedoms under the law.

Boo
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61557: Well the doc says that my arm problem is a pulled muscle. It still smarts and the pain drugs haven't kicked in yet. Hope there is relief soon.

Typing is a little touchy right now -

hm
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61558: Good afternoon, all. Me-They, I'm sitting here with no shoes on. Have even been outdoors in the same condition. Just thought I'd let you know. (heehee)

Boo, I don't know anything about that marvelous new Maytag that's been under discussion, but I know a lot about one that's about fourteen years old and has had only one service call, when a hose connection came loose - an easy fix. It's sitting in my utility room right now, and I just love it. I would imagine that the newer ones are even better.

Here's something for a moulage - how is it that in this land of the muzzling of Christians in the name of separation of church and state, and when an art teacher can censor a child's artwork because of a religious reference - how is it that the "call to prayer" for Muslims is being broadcast over the square at Harvard? I read about it in One News Now, so I suspect it's true, though I can't verify it at TruthorFiction.com. If it's true, then we Christians need to rise up and demand equal treatment, or request that the "muezzins" be muzzled as well. I'm sick of having to tiptoe around them, lest they be "offended", while they ride roughshod over us. Don't you know they're laughing into their robes at our stupidity and spinelessness?

Well, gotta run. I need to rest for an hour or so, if I'm to make it through a 12-hr shift tonight. Poor little Starr, she has no idea she's going to be left for the whole night. She'll have her big bunny, though, we'll see if that helps.

Be blessed, all. --Romeena
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61559: Oh, the cutest thing just happened. I knew I had a nest of baby squirrels in one of the boxes, but mama just led her little brood down the tree trunk for the first time. Big mama, and three little half-grown clones - a bushy-tailed parade. They are just the cutest things you can imagine. She led them in a little exploration of the tree and a couple of branches, then took them back to the house. All I see now is little noses. I love it!

homemaker, I'm sorry you're having trouble with that arm. A pulled muscle can be very painful, and can take a while to heal, but it will, eventually. Hang in there, and "soak it, soak it a lot!" --Romeena
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61560: Not really moulage material, but just some trivia: The Vatican has announced that based on the last UN census, Moslems now outnumber Catholics for teh first time in history (though Christians in total outumber Moslems).

Now put your shoes on.

M-T
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61561: Great! Now I can finally beat HOMEMAKER at arm wrastlin'! (Hope it feels better!)

M-T
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61562:
MeThey- I admit that i did not know abou the time constraints. Isnt it a two hour show? I was watching the Phx Suns on another channel.
Prayers,
MDC
Thelma Lou: Bar-neee, stop. Andy's gonna talk to the hawk.
Barney: That's his problem.
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61563: Hey Y'all! Well,since we've been "hawking" products lately (Ro with Glory Foods) and sterling (PedEgg-ha!) I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon.I purchased the 1st season of Gomer Pyle USMC recently and am really enjoying the shows.Why,you ask? Because there are a LOT of character actors from TAGS in the Gomer Pyle shows. The last episode I watched had 4 "Mayberry people" in it. Not wanting to spoil it,but you'll see Asa,Otis's brother and one of the Fun Girls just to name a few.Plus,the 1st season is in black & white like the early TAGS,and you get Gomer too!So,I'd recommend it to any and all TAGS fans.
Bye the way,I have tried the Glory Foods and they are mighty tasty! I also have one of those PedEggs and it works pretty good.Remember,Me-They's birthday is coming up in May-perhaps a PedEgg would be a nice gift.We could all chip in and I'd bet we'd even have enough money left over to buy him a jar of Mayo and one of Vicks!

Homemaker,hope your arm feels better soon.Take care of yourself. Oh,and welcome back to Alyce/Idelle!

MW,sorry for your friend's loss.My sympathies go out to her.

Well,I might go watch some more Gomer.Fun to see all the Mayberry actors popping up in nearly every episode!

Y'all have a good evening!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61564: "Smells like team spirit" M-T, you kill me! What a funny, funny man you are.

HM, I hope your arm gets to feeling better soon. There's nothing like a nagging pain to make you go nutty!

MDC, if I was a petty gal, I'd be jealous of your Maytag! But since I'm not, I'll congratulate you on your wonderful new machine that can wash 24 towels at once. Ahhhh, how wonderful would that be! Did you get the fancy stand too?

HEY to AUH20, STERLING, SPOT, HAZEL, ROMEENA, BOO, ALYCE, LARRY, REV, DR. P, TOM, AFD, and ALL.

I need to get ready for my friend's mother's visitation. It's at 5:30 so I better skedaddle. I hate to admit this but I'm not looking forward to it. Actually, I started to get a migraine today because I was stressing out about it. It's just so sad. I want to be strong for my friend and not be a weeping pile of goo. Wish me luck.

Have a great night everyone. Prayers for all the porch. MW

PS The crossing of the streams quote is from GHOSTBUSTERS!
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61565: HEY POSSUM! I must have rocked on your toes. Hope I didn't scare you back under your rock! Tell GOMER Hey! mw
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61566: Hi again yall.. I just can't catch up on all the posts! Hopefully I can read a bit more tomorrow. Nothing new really has happened in my world. Kids are growing and I am busy. Still active in my church, hubby and I are trying to raise good godly kids and boy is that hard!
Boo, I did read a bit about your family sitation. I hope that works out for you..sounds like the sisters in law need to deal with it on their own..maybe counseling would help.
Take care,
Alyce
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61567: Hello,

Does anyone know where Andy Griffith is these days? I know he's getting up there and probably isn't doing a whole lot of work, but is his health ok? Where's he staying at now days?

Thanks,

Brian
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61568:
MW- actually the Maytag is a top-loader, but with only a little bump for an agitator, it's caverous!
Andy and Helen could actually get lost in it! ha
My prayers for you thst all will go well tonight.
Posssum- i will have to get the USMC first season. I think Weavers has it. The U-ni-ted States Marine Corpse!
APB for HAZEL--Now is the time to come to the aid of your neighbor.
Boo- how was rehab this week?
MDC
Miss Peggy: Well, I gotta do something for you two helpless bachelors.
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61569:
Brian- he did do a spot in that movie "Waitress" last year. Other than that, your right, he hasnt been working too much.
MDC
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61570: Howdy, all -- just a quick stop as I head for the closet to get into that uniform for the first time in nearly three months. I have proven that I could handle retirement very well, because I haven't missed being at work even the tiniest bit.

I think a PedEgg for Me-They's birthday is a good idea. He could moonlight doing pedicures for us! Seriously, on that commercial when the girl opens that thing and dumps all that shaved-off skin into the trash can, I just want to gag. That's an image I could do without.

The tree men still didn't quite finish, and I've decided to let them work on a tree that's resting on my fence. The boss man says if he takes some of the weight off the lower limbs on the other side of the fence, it will help to keep it from pushing my fence down. I really don't want to remove the whole tree, as it's an important part of the sun/shade pattern for some of the plantings back there. Besides, it's a favorite playground for the squirrels. So, we'll see.

Have a great evening, all. I'm off to work. Hope I can hold up for twelve hours. Starr says howdy! --Romeena
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61571: I'll have to check that out, thanks MDC.
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61572: Brian

April 02, 2008 - Msg 61573: M-T, I don't get the "teen spirit" thing...explain, por favor?

Gosh MW, I can certainly sympathize with what you are going through. I'm glad you are there for your friend.

MDC, rehab was great, thanks for asking. It was just a very enjoyable time, and a productive one, I think. I certainly appreciate your prayers. The girl named Brigette that I mentioned last week (Meth addict who came back skin and bones and very depressed) was there for awhile and prayed with us. She asked God to help her not to lose her faith. It was such a sad prayer. I just want to grab her and run with her; just to take her away from all the pain to a safe place, but there is no such place for her. She will have to face and deal with life. I pray that she will lean on God and He will get her through.

Ro, I saw that PedEgg commercial today and thought the very same thing. Yuck!!...sorry you have to go to work. I will pray for you tonight, that you don't get too tired (and that you can retire soon!). Love ya.

Boo
April 02, 2008 - Msg 61574:
Hello porch family....Rain coming our way tonight. Hot today....85!

Spot.....I know that heaven is rejoicing over your cousin. Prayers for all the family.

Boo...now that's the kind of teachers that we need in all schools.

Ro....I better not get started on the muslim topic. It makes my blood boil. I agree with you 100%!

Possum...I got the first and second season of Gomer Pyle USMC in my motorhome along with all the TAGS seasons. They all keep me company at night when I'm on the road by myself.

Hello Alyce...good to see you back today.

Brian....come on back and sit a while with us.

Have a blessed night and a Jesus filled day tomorrow. Prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61575: Feeling just good enough to jump on the rocker for a sec.

Spot, sorry about your cousin.

Boo, prayers for your family. I'll have to join Rev. with the amen.

MDC, was that you getting the new number 1 CR rated freezer? Congrats! You only go thru life once, you know.

Blessings!

Chuck
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61576: Hey there, Chuck, glad you are feeling like jumping on the porch for a second. Wanna share my coffee and blanket? We can just sit a spell and think about the Lord's blessings...

Boo
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61577: Morning all.
Hope you are all doing good.
Sorry for your loss Spot, but y'all seem to have the right perspective on things.
How went the first night back at the salt mines Ro? Hope you survived it.

Well yesterday was a milestone for me and the Mrs. 30 years as husband and wife. The years have flown by. We went and had a nice dinner at a fancy restaraunt (I ordered the snails and brains, she just had a steak, baked tater, and peas). Then we pigged out on our favorite dessert, creame brulee. (sp) Mercy that was good.
Then we took a drive around and went to every place we have lived in those 30 years. Went and drove by the first little basement apartment it all started in, and then our first house, and then on to the next ones. We have moved a few times in our years, having built 3 new homes in an 8 year span, plus buy several others and fixing them up and selling them a few years later. But each home has some history for us and has a part of us in it. It was kinda fun and a trip down memory lane to say the least. We had a pretty good time, and made sure I didn't wear clean underwear so everything was done as a whim. :)

Best get to work and ger started on the next 30.

Later friends.

Asa
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61578: Good morning everyone.

ASA: Congrats! But why didn't you take her to Morelli's? They pound the steak right there at your table.

SPOT: So sorry for your loss. Prayers.

BOO: You have ended your post yesterday with "Nirvana," so my "smells like teen spirit" was a play on that. (It was the rock group Nirvana's biggest hit--youd' recognize it if you heard it.)

MDC: You'd have approved of Idol last night. Doly [performed "Jesus and Gravity," which has a very inspiring "praise Jesus" ending, and a uest group performed a rock/country version of "This Little Light of Mine."

See y'all soon.

Me-They
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61579: Good morning, all. I made it through the shift, but it wasn't easy. Seems like everywhere I turned, I hit a roadblock. When you're gone for a certain length of time, all the password-related functions (which is just about everything) times out and locks you out. So I couldn't get into the medication cabinet, or the computer programs for entering orders, or the one for charting - nothing. I spent more time on the phone with the help desk (information services) than I did doing anything else, or so it seemed. Anyway, all is resolved now, except for one thing, which I have to handle from home since that office is only open in day shift hours. Argh.

I'm beat to the socks, and headed for bed. Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61580: Maybe I was just too old to get it (about the teen spirit), M-T. Thanks for the explaination. Let me tell you what happened yesterday when I read that post. It's kind of humorous. I have to start out with a little background. A couple of weeks ago I was at the checkout at the grocery store and they had a little basket full of deodorant on sale for a buck. I needed some so I sifted through the basket and all they had was this kind called "Teen Spirit". I thought, 'Oh well, what's the difference? My armpits aren't any different than some teenager's, right?', so I bought it. I always feel sort of funny about it and keep it put away in the cabinet (strange, I know). Well, yesterday afternoon I showered and washed my hair, dried and applied the old Teen Spirit. I then went to sit at the computer and dry my hair (I have a custom of drying my hair while sitting at the computer...now ya'll know way too much about me, don't you?). Anyway, there I was drying my hair with both my arms up when I read, "Is that teen spirit that I smell?"! I am not kidding when I say that I actually put my arms down real quick. How weird is that? For a second I actually thought I had been "found out", then I realized the absurdity of that thought. ha!

I missed American Idol last night due to church. Who got voted off?

Asa, Happy Anniversary! Sounds like you had a very nice time but I think everyone should wear clean underwear on their anniversary....hehe

Boo
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61581: Hey there Ro. Sorry you had a rough night. Rest well.

Boo
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61582: That's funny, BOO. I guess I've got the ESP.

Sweet dreams, ROMEENA.

M-T
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61583: Ha ha. Me-They, do you have a camera, or an electronic nose, implanted in Boo's computer? ;)

Happy Anniversary, Asa! And many more!

I forgot to thank you, MW, for your compliments about Kai. That's exactly what a lot of people used to say all the time; that she looked just like a doll.
Your girls aren't exactly Cabbage Patch kids either(ugliest dolls I've ever seen - never understood that craze about them. Well, I don't know which is uglier, Cabbage Patch or Bratz.);). But your kids are just as cute as can be.

Sorry about your rough night at work, Ro. Next one has to be better.


-Sterling Holobyte


April 03, 2008 - Msg 61584: Ramiel was voted off of Idol last nite.

Homemaker says hey, "Hey!"

hm
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61585: Ramiel was voted off of Idol last nite.

Homemaker says hey, "Hey!"

hm
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61586: Oops - I chewed my cud twice.

Andy has two new independent movies coming out this year and one cartoon voice over coming out as well. So he has been keeping busy!

hm
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61587: hi all.

TOM

April 03, 2008 - Msg 61588:
Hey to Tom- how are ya?
ME-They-I actually caught about the last 20 minutes of it last night and saw Dolly's performance. Great! Simon looked puzzled at all the "Jesus" talk!
I had seen earlier on a show , Extra or one of those, that Dolly told American Idol, that if they wanted her on it, "there would have to be some Jesus included." or something like that. So i wanted to see what would transpire. She still "has it." What a personality that lady has!!
ASA- CRONGRATULATIONS!! 30 big ones, good for you two! Two years ago, Cecile and I celebrated 30, and we kinda did the same thing, but i got her the 69 cent special at the diner! haha And actually we lived two years in an apt, then the last 30 in the same house, it wasnt much of a "tour." ha Just Jesus and gravity.
Boo- that is really something! A few time I have been typing while listening to the radio and they will say the same word that i am typing at that moment!! But yours is pretty amazing!
Prayers for all.
Mr Darlin's Cuz
Barney: I just love moz-z-z erella!
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61589:
Aunt Bee: ...and Andy, I set your shorts out on the ironing board. They're all clean.
Oh Peg, can you look after these two helpless creatures?
Peggy: Be happy to Aunt Bee.
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61590: Howdy, TOM! Good to hear from you.

Without sounding too much of a Dolly groupie, I think that you're right, MDC. She still does have it. I read a biographical piece on her in the Reader's Digest a few years back and her story really impressed me. She raised a number of her younger siblings (she had eleven in all, I think) and supported then once she "made it." Her mother died when she was realtively young, and some of her siblings children regard Dolly and her husband as grandparents. She employees scores of her relatives at Dollywood, too. She's been married to the same guy all these years with never a whiff of marital scandal. One thing that really amused me was that she and her husband have a RV that they sometimes head off in and stay the weekend at some campground somewhere. They just putter around the trailer and stuff. Dolly just seems so genuine and sincere, and, even if she doesn't wear faith on her sleeve, certainly give the Lord a (sincere) nod for the blessings she has. And her voice--if not always her song chart--is amazing. One thing I noticed watching her last night, though, is that she has "jumped the shark" with the cosmetic surgery. Shame. But I still love her. Like brfother, of course.

Me-They
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61591: Yep, she still has it, it's just full of Botox (snicker..).

Boo
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61592: By the way, how do you love someone like a"brfother"?...I've got a mean streak, don't I?

Boo
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61593: I'm guess I'm an idget, because I thought M-T was mixing "brother" and "father" together. Thought it was odd, but shrugged my shoulders and thought to myself, hmm, interesting.

I love Dolly. When I was little, I believed that Dolly Parton was my nanny for awhile. I also thought that Aunt Jemima was, too. What can I say? I had a very active imagination.

Well, I just got back from the funeral. It rained the entire time. Somehow, nobody seemed to mind. It almost seemed fitting.

I'll talk to you all later. I'm really pooped. This has been a trying week.

Sending out good thoughts---MW
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61594:
Here at the Rock, we have two rules...
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61595: I know what you mean, MW. It rained at my best friend's funeral in May and it seemed to fit. Why shouldn't the sky cry right along with us?

Hope next week is better for you and that you can get some rest.

Boo
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61596: Hey, MW and Boo. That's an interesting observation, about the rain during a funeral. The day my husband was buried was a beautiful, bright May day in Texas, and it seemed almost grotesque. It was raining in my soul, and the sunshine and soft breeze seemed so out of place. I remember the procession passing through the little town of Fredericksburg, with all the tourists crowding the sidewalks, and piling up in little knots as they waited for us to pass. They all looked so happy, laughing and chatting with each other, and I couldn't believe it. I wanted the driver to stop the car so I could scream at them, something like "How can you just go on with your day? Don't you know the world just ended?" Of course, I didn't, but the impulse was so strong. I just couldn't understand how the world could keep on turning, without him in it.

I was convinced that God had made a terrible mistake, and it took me several years to get past that, and to return to my lifelong belief that God doesn't make mistakes. I still have questions, always will, but the tone of those questions has changed. It has gone from "what were You thinking?!!" to "I don't understand why You took him when You did, but I know You had a reason, and I look forward to learning what it was someday."

To question, with the right attitude, can be healthy, and actually affirms the sovereignty of God, because it pre-supposes that He had a reason, and acknowledges that we just don't understand, but He does. That's where I am today, and believe me, it's a much more comfortable place than where I started out. --Romeena
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61597: Thank you for sharing that with us, Ro. You have obviously come to the place of acceptance even though you miss him so much.

Boo
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61598: Yes,thank you Ro for sharing.I'll tell you,I just cannot wrap my mind around the fact that my friend Hal died recently.I am having a harder time with his passing,than with my stepdad or my other friend.I think that's because I can rationalize those: my stepdad was elderly and in poor health,my sister's best friend suffered bad health all her life,even though she was only 42 when she died.Those I can sort of understand.I'm not mad at God,by any means,but I sure don't understand why He took Hal before he could reach his dream of being a widely acclaimed musician.He WOULD have too-all signs pointed to it,according to the music world.He was only 52 and I feel he got cheated.Though I guess it's not for me to understand,like Ro said.I can be grateful that I had the pleasure of knowing him and believing in his beautiful music.Still hard,though.

MW,bless your heart.I know how emotionally drained you must be.Take care,friend.

Asa,congratulations to you & Mrs.Asa! That "trip down memory lane" was certainly a sweet way to celebrate those 30 years.Wish you many more!

Spot,I neglected to send you my condolences about your cousin.God Bless,friend.

Well,I have a few things to do around the rock,so I'd better skeedaddle.Y'all have a good evening-love to all!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61599: Hello Folks,
Just stopped by to say Hi and would you pray for my father-in-law? He has slipped into a coma and is waiting for the Lord to call him home. He is truly ready!!!We have discontinued his dialysis, feeding tubes, and he is now on comfort measures. We all loved him very much, but the grandchildren will miss him the most as he IS a godly man, who has run the race... Thanks ~New Neighbor
April 03, 2008 - Msg 61600: Prayers for your father-in-law and for your family, NN. Thank you for allowing us to pray for him at this time. It is both sad and exciting to think that at anytime he could slip out of his body and into heaven. I pray that he will remain at peace and comfortable until the Lord comes to take him. I rejoice with you that he is ready, and "has run the race". All that's left is to run into the arms of Jesus.

You know, Possum, I am reading a book written by Brian "Head" Welch, who if you aren't familiar with him, used to be one of the founders and head guitarist of the punk/alternative rock band Korn. They are a very popular group and have had several platinum CD's and won some grammys. Anyway, this guy that they call Head, was a meth addict and just made a terrible mess of his life. He had all the worldly success and everything he dreamed of and was a millionaire many times over but he was miserable. His family was falling apart. His wife was addicted to Meth and unfaithful, he had a little girl who was being exposed to all kinds of things. Head was addicted not only to Meth but alcohol and presciption meds and had tried over and over to be free from it. He wanted to die, but after meeting some Christian friends who invited him to church, he went and prayed to receive Christ. He was saved and really changed. He quit the drugs, quit the band, and now serves the Lord fulltime. He has used his money to fund orphanages in India and is just pouring himself out for God. I have heard him interviewed and he talks about how he achieved success and all he dreamed of but he never knew happiness until he met Jesus. He still has many trial, like everyone but he is happy for the first time in his life. He said the success and money means absolutely nothing compared to knowing the Lord. It sounds like from what you said, that your friend was a Christian and I am sure that he is experiencing such bliss right now that absolutely nothing else matters. I am sure, though, as his friend, you feel sad about not getting to see him achieve the success that he deserved and that is hard. I know how I have had to struggle through the dreams I had of growing old with my friend, Karen, watching our children grow up, graduate, get married, have grandchildren. I even hoped that someday, if Bruce went to heaven before me, that she and I could travel and just enjoy life. I always wanted to take her to Colorado because she had never been to the mountains. I did feel cheated but that was all about me. I know she is much better off. It still hurts, though, and I understand.

Better go get Erin to bed. I am leaving early to go to Fort Worth and should be back by Sunday, if you don't hear from me by then. Please pray for our safety because we have alot of ground to cover in a short time!

Boo