April 29, 2008 - Msg 62405: Hazel, #62394 and 62399 were both Jim Rockford. I think he's probably used to instant chat, where your ID is displayed for you. It takes a while to get used to our format, I suppose. Anyhow, that's who it is. Jim, we get to know each other's style after a while (I'm the verbose one) but it does help if you remember to sign. Thanks!

Starr just knocked over a glass of tea on the table beside my chair. I'm glad she carried a piece of the ice in here to crunch beside my feet, or I wouldn't have known before the table got ruined. The little brat, she knows to stay off that table, but she minds about like a toddler. What am I to do with that bad little puppy?? --Romeena
April 29, 2008 - Msg 62406: Oh yes, I decided to sweep while I was up cleaning up the tea. No problem. --Romeena
April 29, 2008 - Msg 62407: Thanks Ro - we have been keeping this place so clean that I am going to have to hire ya'll to come to my place. . .

hm
April 29, 2008 - Msg 62408: Here's what you do with a bad little puppy, Ro...give her a hug and a kiss from Aunt Boo! She'll grow up soon enough.

I am not kidding when I say that my stomach is upset after reading Ro and MW's stories...they made me so mad! How can adults be so cruel to little children? Ro, you remind me of my mom. She was always quick to defend me and stick up for me when I was wronged. If anyone would have done to me what Mr. Smith did to MW, she would have beat the guy up! It just breaks my heart to think of little Dale being treated that way, and to think of a little girl so young being hit so hard by a grown man that it left a handprint on her back...grrrr...pass me a sedative somebody.

Speaking of kids going through tough times, thanks for your prayers for the girls at rehab. It was a good evening. One girl, who is a regular, is a beautiful, petite hispanic girl with very delicate features and eyes that are full of pain, stayed after and tried to talk to us as I could see tears welling up in her eyes. I just held her for awhile and let her cry on my shoulder. Her name is Erica and I think she is being bullied by one of the girls in the facility. If you remember, please say a prayer for Erica.

The kids and I ate out this evening and I am feeling a little bit queesy...better go get Erin to bed. She wants to play "hangman" before bed.

Boo
April 29, 2008 - Msg 62409: Well, that's pretty much what I did with her, Boo. It was my fault for leaving the glass in her reach, especially since I know she loves ice. Once when I had accidentally let Sugarplum's water bottle run dry (it was leaking and I didn't know it), she very carefully lifted a big chunk of stuck-together ice out of my tea glass, didn't spill the tea, and proceeded to eat the ice on my chair, which luckily was protected with a towel because I eat most of my meals there. Starr, not being quite as adept as the Plum, just dumped the glass and got the ice. Poor little Plum, she didn't even like ice, but was thirsty! Starr does like ice, and apparently has now learned where to get it. Woe is me! --Romeena
April 29, 2008 - Msg 62410:
Hello porch family.....You do such a nice job sweeping Ro.

Well Ro...once again you spoke just the way I feel about the Jacksons and the Wrights. And don't forget Sharpton. And don't forget to address them all as "Rev". If either of those are Rev then I'm a Pope.

Red.....praying you get feeling better soon.

Possum....prayers for your situation.

Spot.....I'll have my steak medium well. And yep I'm a '77 HS grad also.

Boo....hehe....I know what you mean about those lunchroom hamburgers. They were pretty good but never really knew what they were made of.

You all take care and have a blessed night. Prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.
April 29, 2008 - Msg 62411: Oh, yes, we mustn't forget Sharpton. He's as big a waste of space as Jackson and Wright. Self-seeking, pot-stirring agitators. We have another guy here in Dallas, John Wiley Price. He's a political player, always beating his drum about something. Literally! Once he actually got a big bass drum and marched around downtown Dallas, banging on that drum, to "drum up" support for whatever cause he was barking about at the moment. He has been a wart on the nose of Dallas for many years, and sadly, some people still take him seriously. Once in a while, he hits on a just cause - a minority neighborhood that needs an overhaul, or some such - but mostly he's just stirring the pot. He wears one of those little hats that looks like a colorful butter tub, and tries to be very African-American all the time.

Which calls to mind something I've wondered about. If a baby born here to illegal aliens is automatically an American and nothing but an American, with full rights, etc. - how come people whose families have been here since the 1700's and 1800's are walking around in long robes, with flowerpot hats, and calling themselves Kunta and such? I don't understand it. Are they Americans, or not? That question was first posed to me by a good friend, a lab tech at work, who happens to be black. Some guy walked past us in that tribal garb, and Charles was chuckling about it - said he knew the man, "and he's as American as I am, for cryin' out loud!"

I have a Nigerian nurse friend, who is now an American citizen after being here nearly twenty years. She still occasionally dresses in the long dress and elaborate headgear of her country, usually for an occasion at her church, and I think that's charming. She looks beautiful. However, for someone who has never set foot out of Texas, let alone been to Africa, and whose family has lived here for about ten generations - come on, who are they kidding? Themselves, mostly, I guess.

Well, I don't know how I got on that rant, but I did. And now I guess I'll go to bed. --Romeena
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62412: Romeena, they broke the mould when they made you! haha...seriously, though, I guess some folks feel the need to get in touch with their roots (no pun intended) or something. It's just a cultural thing...kind of like how Hispanics who are Americans still hold to so many of their traditions and customs. All the differences are what make up America. I am wondering what I would have to wear to get in touch with my roots?...I could wear the flowerpot hat with a kilt and some native american mocasins, I guess.

I used to work with a woman from Africa, too, and in the tribe where she used to live, the women went topless, so I'm glad she decided to wear what the rest of us were wearing! hehe

Boo
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62413: Oh, here's another "stupid" quote for ya:
"Your food stamps will be stopped effective March, 1992, because we received a notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances."~Department of Social Services, Greenville, South Carolina

Boo
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62414: Well Rev hope ya liked yer steak..19grad...wonder how many of us are on the porch? 1977 HS grads that is..Im watching The Fugitive..Harrison Ford...looks pertty good..Tommy Lee Jones in it to...slow here at work..sllep good Ro,feel better Red,prayers possum,apb TOM,..hey where has mavis and opiemom been?..hey MW,auh20,asa,m-t, HM we will have a "Spit" shine cleaning at your place
ok?..ha ha...well let me get us a bag of popcorn and a glass of h20...SPOT
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62415: Morning gang!..GET UP!Rise and Shine!..hope everyone has a blessed and safe day..im gona go home and nap and think I will get up and go fishing for just a bit..breakfast will be as follows:ham and cheese omletts,hashbrowns,sausage links,capt.crunch and milk,pop-tarts coffee,and h20...these are gona be big 3 egg omletts!..well im about to get off work and off till next tue..got the ga linemans rodeo in perry ga this weekend..wish Cobb Emc luck!..will see yall at breakfast...SPOTthe"think I will go fishing" dog of your porch!
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62416: Good luck at the lineman's rodeo SPOT! Maybe you can take some pictures for the photo album.

Had trouble falling asleep last nighy, I guess I should have stayed up and chatted with SPOT for awhile. Wish I could crawl back into bed now and sleep a bit longer, but have to get Erin ready to go...then laundry...have to straighten up a little, too. I think I am going to have a visitor today (sister in law). Apparently my MIL is not speaking to her and she's in some sort of crisis or something and wants to talk to me.

Talk to you all later,

Boo
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62417: Morning all. Hope your day is a sweet one.
My goodness, themare some heart wrenching stories about some of them teachers. Your story MW made me wanna cry.
Romeena, my little Barney loves ice too. We have a dispenser on the fridge door and everytime I fill my mug with ice, he comes running over and sits there looking up at me. So I always let a cube fall down on the floor where he scoops it off and finds a comfy place to chew on it. Them furkids are something.
Well cold and cloudy here this am. Snow down to 5,000 ft and we are ate 4,300 so I suspect we might get a dusting. Oh well, that's spring for you in the Rocky Mountains. Never a dull moment.
Y'all be good and act like somebody. Better yet, BE somebody. :)

Asa
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62418:
Hey Folks

We had a little snow this morning but it's sunny now.

Spot-Thanks for the wake-up call.

Romeena- Amen and Amen!

Me-They I think Rev Wright is simply an opportunist. He is in the business of hate and nothing would be worse for his particular brand of hate than an Obama Presidency. Just think how ridiculous his assessment on race relations in the United States actually is. Our country could be on the verge of electing a black man named Barack HUSSEIN Obama. The present administration has had a black man and a black woman as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor. What a bunch of racists we are huh? These are truly bad times for racists like Wright, Sharpton, and Duke.

Asa-You getting plants in the ground out there yet?

Rev-So we can't address you as "Your Holiness"?

auh2o
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62419: Good morning everyone. Wow! Now we know why lunch ladies get a bad rap! There are plenty of goo ones, though.

Remind me never to get on your bad side, ROMEENA .

BOO: Prayers for her, and for you.

While I’m talking prayers, the Mrs., who does the Community Bible Study, has a woman in her group that is a friend of the Castillo family. You may have heard about them on the news; the father is one who drowned his three kids in a Baltimore hotel room several weeks ago. Evidently, the wife is strong woman of faith but really needs prayers. She will be on “Larry King Live” tomorrow (Thursday) evening and is said to have a wonderful Christian testimony to share even through this horrible tragedy.

ROCKFISH (Get it? Remember Gandy, his ex-cellmate?): We watched an episode last night: “The Mayor of Deer Lick Falls.” After “American Idol,” of course. I can’t believe that dreadlock kid is STILL hanging on!

AUH2O: You know what commercial almost flipped me out? Have you seen the one with Sharpton and Pat Robertson? Talk about strange! Now they have one with Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich.

MERRI: I’m right on board about restricting the smoking thing. While I feel it’s every adult’s right to smoke if they want to, they don’t have the right to inflict the foul smell on me or my kids. I think there should be some liberty regarding outdoor venues, etc., but not in doorways where people certainly will have to cut through the cloud. To my mind, it’s a simple matter of courtesy. It’s a sad state when you have to legislate courtesy. The way some people carry on, though, making them smoke outside and away from others is akin to taking away their religious liberty or something. In fact, a smoker who is acting like somebody would take their habit out of range of others as a matter of courtesy. And this is coming from an ex-smoker who still sometimes fantasizes about taking a puff (but I won’t!).

ASA: Glad I didn't get my seeds in last weekend. We had frost last night.

MDC: The Mrs. checked the hive yesterday and the bees are pulling comb. All is well!

APB for MAVIS, TOM, IDELLE, CHARLOTTE, GOOBER, and others!

Well, I got work to do, and ain’t nobody gonna do it for me, so…

Me-They
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62420: That box was suppoed to be a smiley face. NOt sure what happened!

M-T
"Count Istvan Telecky...lives!"
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62421: Good morning, all. Me-They, my bad side is not easy to find, but you're right, it's not a good place to be. Sometimes arrogance and disregard for the feelings of other people will do it, and I guess that's why I feel so bad when I inadvertently commit the same error. A friend once told me I was "hard to insult" and I hope that's true. I try to let personal things roll off, but mistreat my kid, or anyone else who is not in a position to defend themselves, including an animal, and my temper rises.

As for the smokers who try to insist that they have a right to do something that is harmful or even just annoying in proximity to others, they're wrong, they know they're wrong, and they're just being obtuse. Back when smoking was still allowed in restaurants, I often wished I could carry a can of stinkbait or something equally foul, and just open it and sit it on the table, where the odor could waft over to the smoker. I wonder how long it would take before I was asked to put the lid on it? (Sorry, that's just the way my mind works.)

A new iris has opened out there, one I can't identify just yet, and it's gorgeous. Gotta go get a picture, I guess. This 24 hr Holter monitor comes off at 11:00, guess I'll stay inside until it's finished. Then I'm off to clean the pond filter and take flower pictures. Gotta work tonight - yuck - so will need to get a nap this afternoon.

Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62422:
MeThey- I sent romeena some pics of my "bee days".
Sounds like your missus is off to a good start.
Does she use a smoker before working with them?
Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer. Please take a moment, stop and say a serious prayer for our country, especially in this year of such a critical election. Thanks.
MDC
Ellie: I still want to know why you're in the drugstore before opening time.
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62423: Could everyone be in prayer as I consider resigning my job for one corporation and hopefully take a job at a new corporation? This has come about unexpectedly and it looks like a bright opportunity for me to relieve some of the stress in my life. Thanks

hm
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62424: HM: Sure thing--you got it! Less stress in a new job, huh? Now, if only you could get a new meatball recipe...

MDC: I'll check out the pics. Right now, the hive is still small (it is only one frame--I think that's what you call it) and she hasn't had to use a smoker yet.

M-T
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62425: Hey, Me-They. I have some friends who used to keep bees, and they also had a small garden. One thing they grew was jalapeno peppers. Would you believe the honey had a hint of jalapeno flavor in it? Now how that could be, I don't know, because the bees fed from the flowers, not the peppers, but you could definitely taste the jalapenos in the honey. Wasn't bad, actually.

homemaker, you have my prayers, but I'm wondering what the hesitation is about? Sounds to me like a wonderful opportunity. Of course, I'm sure there's a lot we don't know about the situation, so will definitely pray for guidance for you.

Well, gotta go get a little nap before going to work tonight. I'm really not wanting to go, but have no choice. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62426: Hey everyone and happy Wednesday! ASA, sorry my story made you sad. Sure didn't mean to do that. Honestly, the rest of my elementary days were wonderful! There's always a fly in the ointment sooner or later.

RO, I love your style! The way you handled that teacher probably made her pause before she treated another student unfairly. Hope you have a decent night at work.

BOO, prayers for Erica. She sounds like a sweet, beautiful girl. MDC, thanks for the reminder about tomorrow.

M-T, boy did you hit the nail on the head about legislating courtesy. It's a shame. Is it just me being sensitive or does seem like general courtesy is long-gone?

Saw "Otis the Deputy" today...oh my! That Barney sure does tickle me funny bone! When he was trying to teach Otis how to do a proper salute--

"HI-YEP PA-HA! HI-YEP PA-HA! HI-YEP PA-HA!"

That got me to snortin! Have a great evening everyone! Got to get dinner going--Ankle Biter #1 has her first T-Ball practice tonight. MW




April 30, 2008 - Msg 62427: ...tickle ME funny bone??? Good grief. That reminds me of a song I did in choir back in 5th grade...

IN 1841 I PUT ME CORDUROY BRITCHES ON
I PUT ME CORDUROY BRITCHES ON
TO WORK UPON THE RAILWAY
FIDDLE-ME-OO-RI-OO-RI-EY
FIDDLE-ME-OO-RI-OO-RI-EY
FIDDLE-ME-OO-RI-OO-RI-EY
TO WORK UPON THE RAILWAY
TRA-LA TRA-LA TRA-LA TRA-LA...

Yep, I'm leaving now. mw


April 30, 2008 - Msg 62428:
Well, shiver me timbers, March 17 is long gone and we're all gettin' our Irish up! haha
MW-of course the best part is where barney stubs his hand while doing that! ha
Prayers for Homemaker.
Boo, how did the rehab film go?
Thank God no lives were lost in those tornadoes.
Ro- the Bees could have landed on the peppers and gotten some on their "fish hook" feet, and then it could have come off inside the hive.
Spot is treating everyone at Cracker barrel tonight!
MDC
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62429:
Since we have been talking about bees, if you want to see a neat animation of how a beehive works, copy and paste this in your "Address" line
www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/alienempire/multimedia/hive.html
It is pretty cool!
MDC
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62430: MDC, the film went well enough, but there were a few trouble makers in the group. Thanks for asking.

OK, I am going to put in my 2 cents about what bothers me about smoking (I, too, think everyone has his right to smoke). The thing that bothers me most about it is the way parents smoke in the home and car and make their little ones breathe it. That scares me. The two boys we take to church with us are 13 and 15 and they live with 2 smokers who probably smoke a couple packs each a day, in the house and in the car. I am very concerned about the boys being exposed to the second hand smoke since they were born. It's just not fair. It should be against the law, as far as I am concerned. One day I am expecting to hear about an adult who is suing his parents for the lung cancer he developed from years of breathing their smoke. I believe it is a terrible form of negligence. The boys are always embarrassed by the smell of stale smoke that clings to them wherever they go. They always drench themselves in cologne to try to hide the smell. I get so frustrated with their parents sometimes. The other night, their mom called after 11pm on a school night to ask me a question about something and she was on her way out to "party" with her 21 yr old friend (she is 37). I know her son sits at home and worries about her and her reckless behavior. It is a sad situation but I am hoping the parents will eventually come to their senses. I thought the witness of their kids might bring them around into changing the lifestyle and taking the kids to church, but I guess it's not a priority for them.

Speaking of church...better go get ready. Ya'll have a great evening.

Boo
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62431: That's just so sad, Boo, when kids have to be embarrassed by the behavior of their parents. God will not hold those parents blameless. And I agree, smoking around children could be interpreted as child abuse. Maybe some day it will be. Who would have thought we'd ever see the day that it would be prohibited in restaurants?

I'm amazed at the sheer expense of smoking, the direct cost, aside from the consequences. Around here a pack is $4.50. A two pack a day habit - that's $9 a day, which is $270 a month, and some people smoke a lot more than that. Some are on welfare, food stamps, every kind of aid that's available, and they can buy cigarettes? Sorry, but that dog won't hunt. I do not mind my tax dollars going to help someone who needs it, but my feeling is, if they've got money to burn, they've got more money than I do. Quit smoking first, then apply for aid, if it's still needed. In the household Boo described, that family is spending well over $500 a month, just to burn it up. Makes no sense. I don't understand that.

Well, I'm off to work. I don't smoke, but I still need to go make some money. --Romeena
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62432: Thanks for your input, Ro. Hope you don't have to work hard, or that you don't have any difficult patients (or families!).

Today on Turner Classics, they showed Andy in "A Face In The Crowd"..(I think that was the name of it). I was able to watch nearly an hour of it, but then my company came and I had to turn it off. The movie fascinated me. Andy is a very good actor. I only wish I could have seen it all...I don't even know how it ended. The last I saw, his ex-wife showed up to blackmail him. Did he ever marry Patricia Neal?...I don't mind hearing the end if any of you know it.

Better go get ERin to bed...we are reading The Happy Hollisters and we are loving it. I remember my mom reading them to me when I had my tonisils out at age 7. I had to stay home from school for 2 whole weeks and mom would let me sleep in, then I would watch "The Dialing For Dollars Movie", which was usually something like Jason and The Argonauts or Godzilla. She always made me lunch, then we would lay down for a nap, but not before reading a chapter of The Happy Hollisters. Great memories with Mom.

Goodnight and sweet dreams, Mayberry...

Boo
April 30, 2008 - Msg 62433:
Boo...ok...you didn't have to post that "stupid quote" since it was from South Carolina.....hehe

Spot....good luck at the lineman rodeo. You guys do good every year. Did you get to fish any today?

auh2o....I don't think "Your Holiness" fits me too good. You are a trip...hehe

Me-They....I saw that commercial with Sharpton and Robertson the other night for the first time. I couldn't believe it.

hm....prayers for your job decision.

Well better get off of this computer and get some things done before bed time. Prayers for all the porch family. And for our nation.
-REV.
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62434: Popping in to say goodnight to all. Heard from my sister this evening and after talking to her OB/GYN today, looks like she may be headed for a hysterectomy. Fortunately, she has 3 healthy, beautiful children so losing her fertility will not be an issue. I made dinner for her Monday night and I can't get over the physical change in her. She looks drastically different than even a month ago. I've been sending her funny notes throughout the day to cheer her up and she wrote me back telling me I should go work on a cruise ship. I immediately thought of Barney! BOO, my sister and I used to watch Jason and the Argonauts, Godzilla and Abbott & Costello Meets Frankenstein, Wolfman, Dracula, etc., on "Monster Madness Saturday Matinée." My mom would buy a bag of cheese curls from Aldi's during our Saturday morning shopping excursion and she would make a pitcher of Kool-Aid (the only time we really got to eat or drink junk!) On very special Saturdays, she would take us to our local movie house for Godzilla matinées. I remember Godzilla Meets Mothra. Whew. That scared the tar out of me. Does anyone remember the miniature Japanese twin girls that would sit in a bird cage and talk at the same time? What was that all about?? Anyway, I digress. BOO, talking about your mom reading to you and doing special things with you made me think of those Saturday afternoons. Ever wonder what our children will think of us when they become adults? What are we doing now that will be ingrained into their memories as something special? I think of that often. Welp, I'm going to go get comfy and watch some Beverly Hillbillies I taped yesterday. Wishing you PEACE. MW
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62435: Well Ro - the new job is not for certain but hopeful. It is with a neighboring corporation and there are a few other applicants. I have many years experience and it is hard to switch jobs in teaching and still receive decent pay because you are over qualified. My current job is making me sick - literally. I do not like my director of special education - she is very manipulative and very mean spirited. All of the administrators are afraid of her and that fear helps her keep her job. I am just sick and tired of being bullied by this boss. She has bullied me one too many times. It is time I find something that I can actually enjoy and help students at the same time.

Thanks for all of the well wishes.

hm
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62436: Mornin' Y'all- Happy May Day! MW,I'm glad they now seem to know what to do for your sister.Hope all goes well and she regains her health soon.

Homemaker,I worked in Special Ed for 20+ years.The last (and current) Supervisor here is a real beast also.Must be a requirement in some contracts! She took the job because she had a handicapped son entering school-he got his own computer,teacher's aide to shadow him and teachers were bullied into putting him on the Honor Roll so he could get a certificate every semester on Awards Day.The teacher's aide did all of his work! The other kids knew what was going on and resented the heck out of that boy.He's out of school now,his mom is still there,still a beast and Laci will be homeschooled by me-at least for a few years.I know too many bad things about those classrooms,teachers,aides,etc.I hope things work out in your favor.Good luck to you!

Speaking of Laci,poor lil' thing has strep throat.I'll be caring for her today & tomorrow while her mom takes final exams.Please keep a good thought and say a little prayer for them both.Thanks!

Well,I need to get rolling around here,since Laci is coming soon.Y'all have a good day!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62437: Prayers for little Lacy, bless her heart. That strep throat is so painful.

Neat memories, MW. I remember all those Godzilla movies, but I don't recall the twins in the cage. I was thinking the very same thing about my kids and what memories they would have. I guess they will remember me being around alot and laughing with them. Yesterday Sean and I got into a conversation and I thought he would choke, he was laughing so hard. My MIL (who is nearly deaf) was visiting the other day and when she went to the bathroom, lets just say it sounded like someone was firing a cannon in there. It led to Sean asking me why Dad never passed gas and I said, "Well, my theory is that when people are very hard of hearing, like you dad, they don't take any chances because they can't tell how loud they are. They could be f@rting the faces off Mt. Rushmore and never know it, so they just hold it when there are people around". Well, that made him hysterical and he said he will still be thinking about it at my funeral! Ah, memories...watch what you say to your kids because they might remember it forever. haha

Boo
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62438: Morning all. Let's have a good day today.

MW, Prayers for your sisters health. Sounds like you have some wonderful memories from your childhood.

Possum, I sure will include Laci in my prayers, the poor little dear. She's in good hands though with you tending to her.

HM, Prayers for you and your job situation. Isn't it sad how a boss can make a good job so miserable? I had a job I worked at for 16 years and just loved it. Never had a problem with anyone, recieved many commendations and respect from fellow employee's. It was a great time. Then I got a new boss, someone I had worked with and was friends with. I was happy for him and although I knew our relationship would have to change somewhat just because of the dynamics, I was stunned how this person changed. He came after me with a vengence. I could do nothing right and he felt the need to rule with an iron fist. This dream job for 16 years was now suddenly the job from he**. I was miserable. I started looking for a new job and came close to accepting to different offers, but they just didn't feel right to me. Finally one day it was announced by boss had been moved to a different crew and I had a new boss as-signed to me. He has been much better and life is back to normal again. So I know of what you speak and my prayers are for you to have the right thing happen for you. I know it will. Be patient.

Boo, you are a "blast". You always make me smile.

Asa
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62439: Thanks ASA, glad you're smiling this morning. Terrible story about the bad boss. I know how that feels...you don't know how bad a boss can be until you meet an evil witch who is a nurse "gone bad"! Bet Ro could tell you about some of those, too. I remember one, in particular, when I was a new nurse who almost broke me but I was determined not to let her run me off (or give her the satisfaction). She was gone in a year or so but I stayed nearly 14 years in that unit. She was the kind who was like a little sargeant walking around barking orders and she loved to humiliate people. I was about 23 at the time and one night she found me crying in the bathroom because of something she did to me (I was hiding out). I guess she felt really terrible about it because she appologized, hugged me and then treated me like gold from then on. We actually became friends and she was lots of laughs, surprisingly....not sure what her problem was, but when you had a mean doctor after you, she would go after them like a dog to defend you. Guess every problem has its perks!

Homemaker, hope things go well with you. I wanted to ask you a goat question. I mentioned the new babies I saw the other day and yesterday I went by and the youngest baby, while he is energetic, he looks very thin and the mom's udder looks very red and huge. I don't know if this is normal, but it didn't look normal. Could she be infected, and would it keep the baby from taking her milk? I'm concerned about them both but I don't know enough about goats to fill a thimble.

Boo
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62440: BOO, your Mt. Rushmore story caused me to snort hot coffee up my nose! What's a little pain between friends, right?!

ASA & HM, I'll never understand why people get power=drunk and do such mean and despicable things. ASA, that had to hurt double since your boss was a friend. I've seen sweet, caring people get into a position of management and then it's all of a sudden Atilla the Hun.

POSSUM, prayers for sweet LACI. Strep is not fun and you just hate to see the little ones suffer. My little one has a terrible cold right now. It seems like one illness after another. Just when I thought it was safe...school will be out in a few weeks so the girls won't be exposed to any more viral junk. I hope, anyway.

Friends, if you think of it today, say just the tiniest of prayers that my little family stays safe tonight. We have been warned of very powerful storms (tornadoes) in my area after midnight. It already looks weird out and my head is throbbing. Never a good sign.

Hope you all have a great day---MW


May 01, 2008 - Msg 62441: Power = Drunk?? My keyboard has a mind of it's own lately. mw
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62442: Yes Boo - sometimes goats develop mastitis and this will keep the baby from nursing because the milk is no good. Hopefully, the person who owns the goats are aware of the situation. The udder becomes red, swollen and hot to the touch.

This boss won't be moving Asa and I just have terrible burnout with all of the c^^p she puts all of us through. All of us are looking for jobs if we can find one. I have decided enough is enough and I am going to find something that will lead me in a new direction.

hm
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62443: Good morning, all. Finished my twelve hours, went to the grocery store and got the stuff to make the food to be served to my bunco group tomorrow night, took my 24 hr heart monitor back to the doctor's office, came home and made a huge bowl of jello. I used ice instead of water for part of it, to make it set up quickly. I have to mix some chopped dried fruit into it before it sets solid. the fruit has to be in the jello for about 24 hours so it takes up moisture and plumps up, and then, boy is it good! I'll be glad when the stuff gets ready, because I need to go to bed!! I have to work again tonight.

Oh yes, I've seen my share of unbelievably sorry managers. I can only conclude that someone lies along the way and gives them a good reference. My 240 bed hospital hired a new Director of Nursing about twenty years ago, supposedly highly recommended and very capable. She was a lying, two-faced, back-stabbing monster who loved to make up tales and blame them on somebody else. I got stung twice, and I was one of the lucky ones. At the end of a year, we had lost so many good staffers, that the Board finally got involved and fired her. Now get this - all the unit managers got together and had t-shirts made up to celebrate, and everyone wore theirs on the appointed day - the day after she actually cleaned out her desk and left. There were two shirts, actually, you could choose. One said across the front "Ding-Dong" and across the back "The wicked witch is dead!" The other just flatly stated across the back "I survived Jane Doe." (Only the shirt had her real name.) These professionals, these department heads and unit managers, actually wore those shirts to work, and no one stopped them, so that tells you how awful it was. Not even the CEO could deny them the pleasure.

Well, guess I'll check my jello, and with any luck, I'll be able to go on to bed. Be blessed, everyone, and a special prayer for little Laci! --Romeena
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62444: "Dud Wash"....
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62445: I have been censored for some reason..."Dud Wash".
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62446: Prayers for your family and their safety, MS....sorry about your nose...

HM, that concerns me about the baby goat because I get the feeling that their owners aren't so great. From what I can tell, the goats don't really have any shelter, although, they have a small pen like a dog run with the new mom and baby in it and it has one of those dog-loo houses for them to get in but there is only sand in the pen. I guess I will check on them again. I wouldn't know how to get in contact with the people because they don't live there. Maybe I could talk to a neighbor because animal control is a joke around here.

Boo
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62447: I meant, MW, not MS...

Boo
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62448: Hello Front Porchers:

Do you guys and gals remember me?

I am the cooking fool. I just cooked some Grillades for lunch. Everyone have a great day.

The "Dud Wash".
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62449: Hello:

Everyone. I have had a terrible last year. I have been to the hospital 4 times for a total of 45 days. Diabetes.... I am glad to be upright.. Thank GOD for Andy and Barne.... They have pulled me up and had given me much pleasure.

The "Dud".
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62450: Good afternoon everyone. It’s been a busy morning.

Sorry to hear that you’ve had such a bad year, DUD. I hope things start going in the other direction soon. You’re right about Andy and Barn—they sure do cheer you up when you’re down. Glad that you stopped back by.

POSSUM: Prayers for little Laci.

MERRI: Prayers for you and your family. Stay safe!

BOO: I share your concerns about kids of smokers. Every time I see a poor kid strapped into a car seat while his/her parents create a fog inside a car it makes me want to scream at them. Especially when it’s cold out and the parents (and I use that term in the biological sense only) can’t even be inconvenienced to crack the window to let the smoke out. Some people just can’t seem to pull their head out of their…oh, well, you know what I mean.

I took a couple of snapshots of the yard last night. Not much is blooming (tulips and stuff are fading and the warm weather stuff is still growing or budding) but I thought it looked purty. ROMEENA: I will forward them to you today to include in the album if you don’t mind.

MDC: I also included one of the Mrs. working with the bees. Instead of those heavy suits they used to wear, now they use lightweight Tyvek suits (the same ones that painter’s wear). You can get them at Home Depot for $7. The beauty of them is that they are light, breathe, and are cheap enough that you can discard them when they get cruddy. I was cracking up the first time she put one on, though; she looked like a giant marshmallow (it’s one size fits all).

Man, they still haven't voted that dreadlock guy of "Idol" yet! Geesh!

Well, I’ll try and stop back in a bit. Take care!

Me-They
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62451: Hey there Dud!..and all the porch...its me SPOT..just been busy with the boat getting it un-winterized and ready for the lake..got my slip rented yesterday and headed to Miss Sherrys for lunch then off to perry for the weekend for the linemans rodeo so yall eat good ok?..Maude and MW yall feed this bunch good..hey ro,Tom,Rev,possum,opiemom,m-t,auh20 hazel,{Rev caught a few crappy but had fun just fishing],and yea we hope to bring home the gold for the ga rodeo...we are the world champs in the international one in Kansas..hey there Boo my friend..anyone heard from Mavis?..well Miss Sherry has a meatloaf and greenbeens and red taters...im GONE...SPOT
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62452: ME-THEY, ROMEENA and all the gang. THank you for your good wishes, I need them.

The "Dud".
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62453: Hello SPOT:

I catch them crapie on a fly rod with crickets and a slim quill so I will catch those crumb snatchers.....The "Dud"..../.
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62454: Hey Dud, good to see you. Sorry you have had such a rough go. Hope things get better for you.

Hang in there HM. God will lead you in what to do if you ask in faith.

Boo, I heard mentioned on the tail end of Focus on the Family brodcast that tomorrow's show was dealing with childhood obesity. Wasn't sure if you knew about it or not but I thought I'd pass that info along if it interests you.

Well it's snowing here like it was the middle of winter. Yet is was sunny and clear an hour ago. Wild weather. You ever work on your sprinkling system in the middle of a snow storm? Yikes!

Ro, is your pacemaker still acting up? How come the monitor?

Where on earth has Charlotte Tucker run off to?

Asa
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62455: Hello:

I am the man, who likes to cook.
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62456: ASA: Thank You for your comments:

The "DUD WASH:.
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62457: Dud - I was wondering what happened to you. So glad you are visiting back - I'll dust off your rocker and next time - you check in more often. Some of us get worried on the porch. . .

hm
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62458: Hey DUD, good to have you back and hope you stay out of the hospital and feel better.

Me-They, you feel very strongly about the smoking parent issue, too. Hard to understand. ...Yes, American Idol...I don't know why the dread lock guy is still hanging in there, either. To me, he and the blond should have been gone a long time ago. Michael Johns should certainly still be there (if they are choosing by voice alone). I am also not thrilled about Sayesha. She has a good voice but it's not any different from so many others I have heard. Nothing at all unique about her.

It's snowing, ASA??! Hard to believe when it's so warm here today. Feels almost like summer, except the make-up is not yet melting off my face. By the way, thanks for telling me about the Focus On The Family broadcast tomorrow. I am certainly interested in it.

"Hey" back at ya, SPOT my good buddy.

Better go work on dinner. We are having spaghetti tonight and then I think I will take the kids into the city for a free band concert, to surpise them. They have never actually heard a concert band in person....maybe we will sit in the balconey and throw things down on people...(that might be a good memory for the kids, MW!).

Boo
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62459: Hello man who likes to cook. Is that you again, Dud? I like to cook sometimes as well. And then the other times I just have to cook anyway.

Wow, Ro, that Director of Nursing must have been really bad for them to do that. But their reaction to her leaving is kind of funny!
I've been pretty lucky when it comes to managers. Most managers I have had have been pretty nice and down-to-earth.

Well, I went ahead and volunteered for "diversity day" at Kai's school tomorrow. Now, I've volunteered at Kai's school functions before(not at this school though), but... I don't know, this one just leaves a bad taste in my mouth when I think about it, and I've gone over a hundred times whether I want to even be associated with it. I guess because what they are calling this event just has a negative connotation with me, based on things that happened here when they first started doing it years ago.
I think they should at least change the name to something like, "challenge day" or something, since it seems like, from what Kai's teacher showed me and told me about it, they are mainly trying to show what it would be like to live like a person with disabilities, i.e. blindness, quadraplegic, etc.

Though my other hesitation stems from not knowing what stations/booths will be set up from the other grades, because if I understand the email from Kai's teacher after I wrote her to volunteer, all the different grades will be visiting the same stations, which will be set up around the gym. I know what the 1st grade stations are, but not the other grades. That's must have been what Kai's teacher meant when she asked me when I spoke to her about this before, if I wanted to see the other grade's curriculum(actually she just mentioned 2nd grade but I just thought she was offering advanced info for Kai's next year, so I declined).
I would think/hope that the other grade's stations would not be too radical. I mean, the school only goes up to 5th grade, you'd think it wouldn't.

I would just hate to get there only to find out that some activist group HAD gotten their hooks into the event, or some kid's mind, and thus used it to promote their ideas. Ideas that shouldn't even have to be in little heads anyway.
I would call the teacher to ask her what the other grades are doing, but she is not there today, and besides, I don't really care to bring up the topic again. She told me what she wouldn't teach to 1st graders, and I have to rely on that.
Though if I find out tomorrow that another teacher is not quite as discerning and there is an "alternative lifestyle" booth, I'm going to have to make a scene by walking out. And taking Kai with me, of course. I'm not going to like doing that, but I'm going to have to.
I just hope it doesn't come to that, because I am trying to maybe change that negative connotation I have whenever the word "diversity" is melded with a school function. It's not a dirty word, but it has been made so by the doings of some groups.

Anyway, speaking of school, I have to go pick up Kai from there now.

Prayers for all.

-Sterling Holobyte
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62460: BOO: Don't forget the secret spice. Would you like me to make up some posters for your band concert?

STERLING: I hope and pray that your concerns prove unfounded. I always try to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. But don't overthink it; you may find yourself playing out scenarios in your head and getting all anxious and find yourself not enjoying the time together, all for nothing. Take care!

Me-They
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62461:
Well, our AZ gal Brooke White got voted off, tho I didnt watch it. Still watching carrier.
Please pray for our country, it's leaders etc today. Lord forgive us our sins, and help us in these times.
MDC
Aunt Bee: That was a very nice thing you did Clara.
Clara: Oh, but when I saw that picture, there was no doubt that yours was the superior flower.
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62462: Hey Y'all.. Prayers for you & yours,Merri Weather.Stay safe!

Love the t-shirt story,Ro! She must have been a real piece of work.

Thanks for your concern & prayers for Laci. She had a really good day-hardly acted sick at all. I guess once that antibiotic takes effect,things are good to go. I had strep a few years ago and it was one of the worse times of my life! I just cried,it was so bad.Only way I can tell Laci is sick is her glands in neck are swollen,and she had a bit of fever. Strep throat is probably a piece of cake to that child after all she's been through!

Well,I'm tired so I'm heading back under my rock.Y'all have a good evening,and a BIG WELCOME BACK to Dud!

************
possum u.a.r.
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62463: POSSUM, I came down with Strep 5 days before Thanksgiving this past year and I really think I saw a glimpse of the promised land. I'm not kidding. I remember waking up hallucinating and having an irregular heartbeat in the middle of the night. I saw people flying around the room. Some real freaky stuff. I ended up in the Urgent Care the next morning and had a 105 degree temp, so I understand the tears. I think when you get stuff like Strep as an adult, it really hits you with gusto. Kids are so much more resilient. Well, golly--I'm so glad to hear that LACI is doing better!

BOO, sounds like a fun evening you've got planned. Do me a favor though--don't get upset if the band uniforms are in bad repair. It doesn't matter if the music is good!

By the way everyone, Sunday night on TCM, "Sabrina" is on. Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn. Ahhh, now those were some classy actors. I absolutely adore Audrey Hepburn. "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is one of my all-time favorite movies. I have a collection of Truman Capote works. He was such a good Southern writer.

Today I watched "Andy and Opie" with the beautiful Joanna Moore. I always get a tear in my eye when she sings that beautiful song "Down in the Valley." (I think that's the title.) It just hits ya right in the heart.

STERLING, hope things go well for you and Kai. MAVIS, where are you? DUD, good to see you at the Porch! Stop by more often.

I've made some BBQ pulled porch, corn salad, kidney bean salad and a fresh fruit salad (it's hot here today so I was in the mood for salad, can you tell?) Please pull up a plate and help yourself! SPOT, I've got a special plate already made up for ya! Have a great night everyone and enjoy your families! MW


May 01, 2008 - Msg 62464: Oh my stinkin' word! Pulled PORCH?? Pulled pork. Pulled PORK!! mw
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62465:
MW- I've tried that pulled porch, tough stuff! ha
I have often thought that that song was the perfect way to intoduce Andy and Peggy as a couple," you know I love you dear...etc" , but Nooo they didnt do it! Instead we got PMS helen! ha
Was Audry Hepburn the lady in "Charade"? I like that movie.
M-T-- Have you tried the marshmallow suit? Sounds neat. BTW, if you do get stung, mix some Adolphs meat tenderizer and white vinegar, the sting will really diminish.
RO- did you get my pics yet?
Have a good evening all.
MDC
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62466: Yes, you can make the signs for the band concert, Me-They!

Good luck tomorrow, Sterling. I heard a story about something that happened this week in the junior high here in town. Turns out, a couple of 13 yr olds who were "boyfriend and girlfriend" turned up missing for class and were found naked and making "whoopie" in the school gymnasium. Parents were called and the girl's mom (who was a small oriental woman) got there and proceeded to spank the girl all the way from the gym and through the parking lot to the car. I couldn't help but smile about it. It's good to hear about a mom who isn't making excuses for her 13 yr old.

Well, better get ready for the concert...

Boo
May 01, 2008 - Msg 62467: Hey, all. Just passin' by on my way to work. Now if you all eat any of Merri's pulled porch, you be careful and don't get any splinters in your tongue, hear? That would smart considerable, I would think.

Yep, the sickest I ever recall being was with an attack of strep, back in 1971. High fever, hallucinations, and many unaccounted-for hours, during which time my two pre-schoolers just hung out and ate dry cereal from the box in front of the TV until the two older kids got home. I imagine David's diaper was a horror by then. I never knew it. When Dale came home from out of town, he was terrified, bundled me off to the doctor and got me some help, but all I have is vague memories of lying on the cold bathroom tile floor because it felt so good.

Me-They, I got the pictures, but they're in a huge format and I don't have time to resize them now, as I'm about to leave for work. I'll be flying around here tomorrow like a crazy owl, so will probably get them done on Saturday. From what I can see, though, it looks like you have a really beautiful place there. Thanks for sending them.

Well, gotta run. Poor little Starr, she already smells a rat and is hiding from me. Poor baby. Asa, I wish Barney could come over and play with her while I'm gone. She just hates being left. Be blessed, all. --Romeena