September 02, 2008 - Msg 65774: Mornin' y'all! Gonna be a long day with Laci & therapy. Just popped in for a minute before heading out. Rev,it looks like Hanna will come thru right where I am. Hope she's not "Hard Hearted" (wasn't that a song? Hard Hearted Hanna?)! Hoping & praying for the best.Can't do anything about the weather,ya know!
Ok,spot,I'm gonna hold you to it if the lights go out-ha!

Tom,I am very sorry to hear of your uncle's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you.

Y'all have a good Tuesday-love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65775: Now,my day is gonna be hard enough without having to sweep the Porch! Just pile on the work- Super Possum can do it all!

possum again
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65776: Possum you sweep hard....dust everywhere!!..Hope your day goes as well as it can!..prayers for you..and will keep a watch on Hanna for you...now just exactly on the coast are you..?.. gona be on the edge or in line of her?...we will get some spin off here in ga but nothing bad...well got a crew on the broke pole and getting coffee made...will be here all day!...SPOT
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65777: Morning Family:
Thanks possum for that wonderful sweep. I was gonna do it, but was just too tuckered out to get the broom. Besides, it's a righthanded broom and I'm lefthanded!
Prayers for all in the path of Gustav and Hanna. Possum, this would be a good time to get those "under rock" jobs done since you don't want to be out in it. Just be careful with your backside. Rest it a while OK?
Thanks for Waffle House. I think today I'll order the PECAN waffle. Don't ya just love em?
Gotta get my shoes on. Se ya in a little while. ~New Neighbor
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65778: Good morning to all my porch friends.

So sorry to hear of your loss, TOM. That is a very hard thing to lose and uncle. My prayers for you and your family today. May God comfort you as only He can. We love you, TOM.

SPOT my friend, I was just too pooped to check in last night. I was still tired from the weekend I guess.

Possum, be careful and safe. My prayers for you and yours (hope Hanna is not hard hearted)!

I had bible study at the rehab last night and I took a new friend from church with me for the first time. Her name is Tanya and she is 27 and has been in drug rehab herself when she was 19. She is now a single mom with two darling little boys and is just digging into God's word and faithful to church! She has really had some tough times but is doing well for herself and her boys, whose dad is a heroin addict and isn't involved with the kids. Anyway, it was great having her along and she is a wonderful person. The girls were a little stand-offish at first because she was new, but they will come around.

Thank you for your prayers for Keith and Mark. I got an update yesterday and they should be finished completing their second house today in the village of Santa Inez. They are building it for a 76 yr old widow who had nothing. They were able to show the Jesus movie in the Zapotec language and had a good turn out. There are 2 Christian families in the village at present, but that is about to change, praise the Lord. They are very tired from the hard work but are blessed.

Well, I have to get Erin up for school. I will have Baby Emily today and Sean has an appointment with his psychologist. Lots to do today...

Boo
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65779: Good morning, everyone. Spot, last night was so easy that it was flat-out boring. I'm glad it's over. I'm off tonight, but work again tomorrow night.

Tom, I'm sorry to hear about your uncle. Was he your mother's brother? Prayers for you, friend. You know we love you.

Rev, I think you're right. The critters around here are spoiled, will sometimes come up to the window and scratch on the glass if the food has run out. They do beat all!

Well, the pond filter is clogged again, so must go clean it out. I'll be happy to see some cooler weather so that algae growth will slow down. In the winter, the thing can go ten days or more before needing cleaning, but in the summer, it's every other day. 48 hours is about the limit. Very annoying, but I do enjoy the pond, and the fish are getting so pretty.

Have a great day, all, and for those in the path of the storms, be careful, be safe, be GONE if need be! Get outta Dodge! Oh, from what I have been able to gather from the film coverage on Gustav, the powers that be are allowing people to take their pets with them this time. I should think so! I'll never forget that film during Katrina, that pitiful older man who was forced to put his little dog down on the side of the highway before they'd let him get on the bus. The water was already several inches deep, and he had to leave his little dog standing in that water, knowing full well the little thing would probably drown. I just think that's criminal, and there is no way I would have left Sugarplum just standing there watching me ride away to safety. Nope, we'd have just waded or swum or drowned or whatever, but we'd have done it together.

Well, off I go to play in the water for a few minutes. Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65780: Hey my friend Boo...good deal for your friend...Hey NN the pecan waffles and sausage are great...im gona go ahead and throw the lunch menu: Pizza from Pizza Hut!..Meat lovers for me salad...yall get what ever yall want NN is buying!..Asa dress for lunch ok...I mean for you that means a tank top shorts a and flip flops!..and those mirror shades have got to go!...back in a bit,Rev look for the UPS truck..possum we will bring a pillow for you to set on!...M-T you need to check in buddy..hazel set next to Asa and keep him in line....SPOT
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65781: Hey Ro, posted at the same time...SPOT
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65782: Good morning everyone. It’s a beautiful day here and has been for several: warm days and cool nights. It’s been about five days since I last posted. Bet you all thought you shook me off, didn’tcha? Well, like gum on your sneakers, I’m still around so ha! I hope that you all are doing well.

Thanks for the shout-out, SPOT!

Hope all you comrades had a great Labor Day. We did.

TOM: So sorry to hear about your uncle. You and your family are in my prayers.

It’s so nice to see you hanging around, FLOYD. I know that we all love to have you on the porch regular, even if everyone does end up with crooked sideburns. Thanks for keeping the place friendly. How were Mayberry Days?

BOO: When you posted that bit about Bruce’s driving, you could have been channeling my wife. I will freely admit that she probably is a better driver than I, but I’m not a bad driver by any stretch. I never seem to have any problem with “close calls” and stuff like that when I’m alone. However, my Mrs. is convinced that I’m not a good driver anymore because when she is with me I’ve had more than my fair share. I have a theory though. I spend most of my time driving alone in the car commuting to and from work or running errands—no real distractions (I use a cell phone about once every other blue moon). But when she and the kids are with me—which maybe happens once or twice a week—it creates distractions I’m just not used to. She and I talking, three kids asking questions (or arguing or crying or signing, etc.), I think it’s just very distracting. And I don’t think she really recognizes it because she is so used to activity and noise. You’d be surprised how distracting it is to have a conversation, constantly looking over to the other person. Could that perhaps be Bruce’s problem, too?

Continued prayers for your family and ministry. Hope all goes well at the doc’s today.

Speaking of Mr. Rogers, I just heard on the radio this morning that the show was being dropped by PBS in a number of markets because of low ratings. That’s sad. Mr. Rogers is one of my heroes. When he passed away five years ago, it was though a close family member had died. He truly was a great role model. In addition to being a wonderful teacher and “neighbor,” did you know he also was an ordained Presbyterian minister? Even thinking about him is making me feel very melancholy this morning.

STERLING: The kids are only allowed to watch Disney until 12:00 noon. We don’t let them watch stuff like “Hannah Montana.” They don’t seem to care and have never watched it, so we figure why even introduce it? Some kids in our daughter’s school watch the shows, though, and they seem like good kids. In the range of shows kids could be watching on tv, I suppose the Disney ones aren’t very objectionable. All kids are different. Each parent should make an informed decision based on their own kids. You know Kai best.

OTIS: I can’t remember if I welcomed you back, so if I didn’t, welcome back! Nice to have you with us. Do you still do mosaics? ;)

ROMEENA: Yep, those Chinese sure put on one spectacular opening show!

AUH2O: Palin! All I can say is great choice! I think all this contrived “controversy” over her daughter’s pregnancy will blow over. Unfortunately, these things happen in all kinds of families. I’m just glad to hear that she is making an “informed decision.” The rumors that flew around yesterday about Palin’s own son “Possibly” being her daughter’s were horrible. It just goes to show that slimy, subhuman tactics aren’t just limited to one party as some would have us believe. I will say that Obama’s comments about the rumors, and the pregnancy, were crystal clear and appropriate. He handled it like a gentlemen.

Thank the Lord New Orleans was spared. Those people have suffered enough.

Well, after five days I have plenty more to add but it’ll have to wait!

Me-They
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65783: Morning all. hope this finds everyone doing okay today. Back to work after being off 3 days, seems like Monday to me.
Thanks for breakfast and lunch SPOT.
I will take care of dinner for you: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, SLAW, rolls. chocolate layer cake for dessert. tea, kool aid to drink.
My kids are doing good with school. Football has started, 1st game did not go so well. My sons team lost which is hard for them after working hard. This years team only has 3 returning starters (19 starters graduated last spring) and many of their players are not experienced. Patrick plays center to a quarter back who is a new starter and the receivers are also new starters. Hopefully they will improve as the season moves forward. Pleae pray for safety of these young men. I worry more about that than anything else.
I am glad the hurricane passed without the damage expected. My community has a 2 or 3 groups of the New Orleans residents who fled the storm. They are staying at the local civic center as well as 2 churches who have opened their facilities to them. I think they will be here to around Thursday and then start back home.
Guess I gotta got back to work now. take care and have a blessed day.
Big Maude

September 02, 2008 - Msg 65784:
Good morning all. I had a very busy honey do weekend, so am now 'resting!' haha
Thanks one more time to Floyd for the shakedown!
Thank God that New Orleans didnt get the brunt and thet the levies held, but two more storms are brewing.
Primary day here in AZ for congressional seats and for state offices. Hope you all are doing well.
MDC
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65785: Now Maude you know the possum and I can handle some meatloaf!...thanks...hey MDC hope all is well..well back to work....SPOT
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65786: Yeah, but Spot you think ya'll can save some meatloaf for the rest of us this time?? Maude I worry about the kids in high school football too, we do all need to keep them in our prayers for sure. Rev I wouldn't count on that truck bringing you meatloaf if Spot & possum get there first, I know they like to blame it on Asa, but we know better. Me-They we wouldn't even TRY to shake you off, we need you here. Just don't wait so long to post. Sterling how are you doing? Things settling down any? Romeena that's funny about the critters scratching at the windows, I used to have a possum (no not our possum, one of her cousins) that would come sit & look into the sliding glass doors waiting for me to put out the food for the cats. Went out there one time & there he sat, in between both cats peering in the door. They do get used to having their meals put out for them don't they? Did Daddy Long Legs ever come back to your pond?
Anyways, gotta get something accomplished around this pig sty I live in today, it's a wreck.
later taters
*Mavis
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65787: Almost forgot, welcome home Boo & Lucy! MDC glad you got your "honey do" weekend out of the way.
*Mavis
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65788: Ro:
Was out in the barn looking for the lastest litter of kittens (that's a sneaky job, ya know)
and I finally saw where the mother came from. I decided to take a census and look them over. Plus it's fun to start taming them EARLY. I reached in and the first one was mostly black with white paws..aawww.
#2- grey with a few spots of white.
#3- tiger striped
#4- hairless! HAIRLESS- I had it's back side to me, and when I turned it around, it hissed at me and I looked closer to see it was a baby possum!!! The same size as the kittens, but with major size teeth. Poor mother cat! Needless to say I put that sucker back in a hurry. The vet happened to be in the barn checking a cow and he said that he had heard of it before but never seen it. I didn't try to tame it...
Going to get the 3 loads of clothes off the line. ~New Neighbor
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65789: Thnaks, MAVIS.

MDC: I worked on my honey-do list this weekend, too. Got a few things ticked off, but, funny thing is, the list seems even bigger than before. Wonder what causes that?

MAUDE: Prayers for your son's continued safety. If it's any consolation, I was reading last week that the two most dangerous school sports--by far--are cheerleading and gymnastics. If your son were a cheerleader instead of a football player, he'd be 700% more likely to suffer a serious injury. So, you can take solace that he's got padding and not pom-poms!

Mmmm, meatloaf. Pass the ketchup, please...

Me-They
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65790: NN: Thanks for the e-mail!

Me-They
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65791:
MeThey- I usually put "11 hatfuls" into my "to do" list, but that durn 'radiator' is still steamin! ha
Politics is sure a mean thing these days. It seems like anything is game and that just aint right! Of course, I have read that there were some pretty bitter races in the 1800s, so i guess it has always been there. I do know that I have read some candiates used to buy beer for the voters as they came out of the polls! Oh my!
A beer for your vote!
Have a good day in the Lord.
MDC
Charlene: Ah pa, can't I at least look at the purdy man.

September 02, 2008 - Msg 65792: Spot,I'm actually between Columbia & Charleston. Do you know where Lake Marion (good bass fishing) is? I'm 12 miles from there and 45 miles inland from Charleston. We got TORE UP by Hugo,so I'm hoping Hanna will be a minimal hurricane. Not expected till end of week so,we'll know more then.Computer models I've seen have Hanna coming right over my 'rock.' We're in wait & see mode right now. I did go get some cash from the bank.When Hugo hit,banks were closed,power was out for almost two weeks. Cash & ice were the hard to get and much needed items. I don't even want to think about Hugo or having another big storm come through here.If you've never been in a major hurricane,well,I just cannot begin to describe the sound and the fury of it.And the aftermath! Just pray that no one gets hit hard by Hanna.Or Ike. Or Josephine.

Lots of talk about possums- it ain't Possum Day again,is it?! Thought that was back in July!

P.S. Guess who is napping? Yippee!
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65793: Oh,it was SPOT who gobbled up all the meatloaf last time- us Southern possums are dainty and delicate eaters! Ha!
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65794: Hey there, POSSUM. Glad to see you out from under that rock sunning yourself.

MDC: I think elections have always been vicious in the U.S. There have been some very interesting books written about the horrible things that were flung around by campaigns in the early 1800s. The things the Adams and Jefferson campaigns said about each other in the press would make grown men blush! As far as buying beer in the 1800s, that was the least of it! In those days, ballots were color coded, so everyone could see who you intended to vote for. In cities, especially, gangs would patrol and beat or intimidate people into voting certain ways. Politics in teh 19th century were far and away much different than today. We tend to view such things as idyllic, but today's elections--even with hanging chads and questionable lobby groups--are far and away much more fair and less dirty.

M-T
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65795: MDC: FYI, the 1828 campaign between John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson is usually referred to as the dirtiest national election. During the campaigning, Adams was accused of pimping young girls in Russia and Jackson of committing adultery (it was claimed his wife actually was a bigomist) and, believe it or not, murder!

M-T
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65796:
Boo- I just read the archives...good thing Bruce didn't ask "a penny for your thoughts." He sure would have gotten an earful!! haha
I re-read that ominous message several times and it could be PH. My prayers are also for that post-er.
MeThey- Tip a canoe and Tyler too! ha
Spot-Possum- Pecan waffles sound great!
MDC
John Majors: Mr Darling, rooms are 2 dollars with a bath, 1.75 without.
Brisco: I'll take a dollar seventy-five's worth.
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65797:
We defy the mafia!
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65798: Boy, not much going on around the porch today, huh? Maybe y'all should slow down. Maybe enjoy a band concert tonight under the stars. I'll make a sign!

Me-They
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65799:
M-T--The band uniforms are shot, the gazebo is shot, the boys instruments is shot, and we don't need no sign, so I guess the concert's off! ha
MDC
(PS: Man, I GOTTA do something else besides watch tags!! haha, hoho, heehee)
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65800: I don't get it, NN...how did the cat find ONE lone possum to take care of? I thought baby possums hung out in their mom's pouch. That would have freaked me out if I had grabbed ahold of that possum, expecting a cute little kitten!

Been a busy day with Baby Emily. He mom picked her up at 1:30 and my living room was a wreck! That child is only one but is like an octupus on crack. She is so much fun, though, and so cute.

Yep, MDC, Bruce knows better than to ask me what I'm thinking, ha.

Hey there Me-T. Good to see you back on the porch. Missed ya! You could have a point about Bruce and I think distraction IS the problem, but not from me or the kids being in the car, but from his all-consuming thoughts and stress. He kind of "zones out" in his thoughts. He needs to learn to relax. He was hoping to do that this past weekend but ya'll know I wasn't in a good mood and was kind of snippy. His hearing loss is getting worse and he needs new hearing aids, badly, and it gets hard trying to raise my voice and make him hear me. I know I have to make the effort because he's not to blame. It just gets hard to communicate sometimes. If the kids are in the house, he can't hear me if it's noisy, and if we go somewhere, if there is any noise he can't hear. Without his hearing aides he is deaf (98% loss) and now the hearing aides aren't even working. I hope he will consider the cochlear implants soon. His mom had them and she hears much better.

A band concert sounds good if it's somewhere else! It was 100 degrees yesterday and has to be the same today. We are having a terrible heat wave this week. Just running errands and getting groceries drained me.

Well, I have a batch of chocolate chip cookies in the oven and they sure smell good! Wish I could share them with you.

Better go...

Boo
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65801: Good afternoon, everyone. Well, I tried to make it through the day without a nap, but failed miserably. I went to the bedroom to put something away, and my bed reached out anmd grabbed me, and down I went! Slept for nearly four hours. Sure do feel better now, though.

Boo, I can see where Bruce's hearing loss can put a real strain on your relationship. When you have to raise your voice to communicate, you just don't sound as friendly. It's hard to yell in a soft tone! As for him "zoning out", of course he does. He can hear himself think without any strain, so that's his stress-free zone. When somebody tries to talk to him, it represents an intrusion into his peaceful place, he has to work to understand them, and he gets impatient. Can't say that I blame him.

I'm glad you can't share those cookies. I'd eat about 'leventy-seven of them and then my blood sugar would be off the charts. Not a good thing.

There is a little winged blessing outside my window right now. A tiny hummingbird has graced my feeder. Such a precious little creature, one of God's best efforts, in my opinion.

Well, little Starr is in here messing with me, I think she wants her supper. Guess I'd better accommodate her. Not that she has to be hungry, she has dry kibble out all the time, but she's wanting her Beneful. I guess REV is right, I do spoil the critters around here. Oh well, why not?

Blessings, all. --Romeena
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65802: Oh, New Neighbor! Where on earth did that mama cat get the baby possum? Do you suppose something happened to its mother and the cat found it, all alone? Then, being more in "mama mode" than "predator mode" at the moment, she brought it home? I can't figure out any other way that she would have acquired it, but that surely is interesting. Hmmm. A baby possum, raised with kittens, by a cat. That's sure to be one confused critter, but it will be interesting to see what develops as it grows. Please keep us informed. --Romeena
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65803: Boo - I hope Bruce will consider the cochlear implants as well. They will wipe out all of the hearing in the ear that they do the cochlear in and if the battery dies, he is really deaf then. Hearing aids have come so far in recent years. Of the students that I have with cochlears - they do very well in school. One of my son's friends has double cochlear and there is another little girl in a neighboring school with double cochlear implants (she has Usher's syndrome so the double cochlears were a necessity as she loses her vision).

Well - would love a choco chip cookie. . .

hm
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65804:
HM- Ya gotta be thinking of building up the ole wood pile for another winter. How did the job search go? Are you at a different school this year? Hang in there.
Sterling, not sure how to respond to your wife's spending in Hawaii. Unless it is funeral related, $480 is a lot in one week, or so it seems. I will keep the whole situation in my prayers.
MDC
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65805: Everythings okay...in Mayberry! --Floyd
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65806:
Hey Folks

Been down and out for a few days. I had to check my email and thought I'd say, Hey!

M-T Hey buddy I gotta agree. The difference between Obama and Palin is stark. Obama said, that if my daughters were ever to get in trouble I would not want to punish them with a baby." Palin said, "We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby... Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family." Who's the leader there?

God Bless Michael Monsoor,

auh2o
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65807: Thanks Floyd!hey HM,Romeena,hazel,M-T,meatloaf possum:)..auh20,maude,Mdc...and all Rev look for the truck!..I have been cleaning up around the half finished barn..gona start back next week...Romeena I was gona tell you I have a pic of Miss Sherry at the camp site with a squirrel right under her feet..I mean tail brushing distance eating boiled peanuts...he would just keep coming back!..he would not get one and run he would just set there and eat...was there all weekend camping...small young one..I finished weed eating...got to get up at 4:30 for work!..prayers to all...breakfast on Romeena at cracker barrell...asa you and possum set seperated..time out for yall!...peace love and the porch!...Tom check in...SPOT
September 02, 2008 - Msg 65808: Hey, Possum, if Hanna hits and you need to evacuate, you can come stay with me in AIken. We're on the evacuation route. a t e c a 7 at atl an ti cbb dot ne t.

Opiemom
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65809:
Hello porch family. Continued prayers for those in the path of the storms.

Mavis....you know you are probably right about possum and Spot. I just may not get that meatloaf.

Welcome back Me-They. Good to see ya buddy.

Spot....you fell asleep on a good game. Man these folks up here in TN where I'm at were going crazy.

Opiemom....that is so kind of you to offer a place for Possum if needed. That's true "WWJD"!

You all have a great night's rest. Prayers for all my porch family.
-REV.
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65810: Yea I know Rev...wow what about the Braves Fla game last night...braves 16 fal 14 ...well maoning gang...hey Opiemom...possum you doing ok this morning...im watching hanna for ya...Romeena get up and get ready for cracker barrell...and bring that change purse...Asa get up...M-T,auh20 and all yall...well im getting started here at work....back in just a bit....SPOT
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65811: Mornin' Y'all! Thanks,Opiemom- that is so nice of you to extend that offer to me. I don't think Hanna is going to get above Cat 1 (but still don't think the forecasters know 100% yet)so I will most likely stay in this area-not in my home though because there are 2 trees I'm worried about crashing down in heavy winds.Sounds like Hanna will move thru quickly-get her outta here so Laci can celebrate her birthday on Sunday! I hope we don't get lots of damage.I'd go to my sister's or mom's if it looks bad. Mr. Possum says he's outta here- Hugo scared him,and that man ain't scared of much! He says he's going to the mountains. He can go-I'm keeping an eye on my rock!
Spot,remain on standby!
Again,opiemom- thank you. And I might need to take you up on that offer sometimes-there's still Ike & Josephine brewing out in the Atlantic.
Y'all take care!
*******************
possum under a rock
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65812: Ooh,that sounds like I want spot on standby for when Mr.Possum leaves!! Ha Ha
The lights! The lights! Spot's gonna come fix 'em if we lose power! There ain't nothing going on between spot & me,'cept we love us some meatloaf! Right spot? Don't get no moulage started!!

LOL
possum again
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65813: Just meat loaf lovin friends!...although I will say possum has that rock fixed up real nice...reeal nice....ha ha...Possum yer a hoot ,you Boo,asa and all this bunch!it just brightens my day up when work gets busy and stressfull I just take a break and visit the porch and all is well!..and yea i will stay on standby for the storm possum....but we are planning to send crews up that way if it gets bad...well got my laugh in ..back in a bit..SPOT
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65814: Ro, you describe Bruce very well. It is hard for him and he deals with it beautifully 99% of the time...even in a job that requires he be in communication with people. Here is a funny story he shared with me yesterday that is rather crude but worth telling (and so unlike my dignified husband...). I have mentioned that he has been incredibly stressed with the demands of his job and alot of that is due to folks being careless and demanding his help with things they should know how to do themselves. He is constantly getting calls and emails asking him to fix their computer problems while he is working on important projects, and being the only one, he can only do so much. Well, yesterday he was being deluged with complaints and calls and he decided he was going to take 10 minutes to go to the restroom and sit and read the newspaper. He thought, 'They can't bother me here'. He quickly found out differently when he heard a voice from the stall next to him say loudly, "Bruce, I am having a problem with my computer at home and thought we could talk about it" (he must have recognized Bruce's shoes under the stall). Bruce couldn't believe it. He just mustered up the biggest amount of flatulence possible, and let her rip! Then he said, "Nope, we won't be talking about it now", and the "interloper" next to him said, "I hear what you are saying", and that was the end of that conversation. I thought that was so funny and out of character for Bruce, but I guess he had reached his limit!

Yes, HM, the implants have changed his mom's life. She said she got them to show her children (who can be resistent to change) that it can improve their lives. When I came into the family her hearing loss was so profound that it was almost impossible to have a conversation with her and I could never figure out why the family had not learned sign language. After the implants, she was able to communicate normally and it was amazing. Truley a great blessing and I think it is just a matter of time until Bruce has to do the same. His communication with the kids is suffering, too. He did get some good news from work, though. His boss told him that if he wants to get new, better hearing aides, they would at least pay for one of them, which is a big help. Those things are outrageous in price. HM, do you happen to know if the cochlear implants last or do they often have to be done again?

Auh2o, that comment by Obama makes me mad. A baby is never a punishment. That is just sickening. I know there are many babies who should be placed for adoption by loving families who want them, but to kill a baby because it is viewed as a punishment? That is despicable, in my opinion.

Your my electrical hero, SPOT...we can call you "Illumination Man"! Stay safe, Possum.

Boo
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65815: Well thanks friend Boo!...yall keep in mind next wed I leave for 4 days for Kansas city for the international linemans Rodeo!..great time...long drive pulling the materal trailer..22 of us going..get to see over 400+ lineman and judges from all over the world...well slow here at work now...slow show up here on the porch this morning...back in a bit!..SPOT
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65816: Good morning everyone. Y’all make a guy feel real welcome.

SPOT: "I am a lineman for the county..." Now that'll be stuck in your head all day.

AUH2O: Did you catch any of the convention last night? I watched all of the primetime stuff, which is unusual. Fred Thompson’s speech was good. In fact, if he had delivered a few speeches as good as that when he was running, he may have hung in there quite a bit longer. I enjoyed Lieberman’s speech, too. He’s one politician I have a lot of respect for, even if I don’t always agree with him. He stands by his principles. When he says country before party I believe he really means it. You could tell the crowd didn’t really know how to react having a Democrat there. I’m looking forward to Palin’s speech tonight.

BOO: I imagine that must be frustrating for you—and Bruce, too. I’ll keep the situation in my prayers.

By the way, my shorts are piling up…

NEW NEIGHBOR: A possum? I’ve heard stories like that but actually seeing it like that would probably freak me out.

OPIEMOM: Good to hear from you.

POSSUM: How’s your back and neck? If they still hurt, I have this contraption that you can strap yourself in the closet with. And you’ll grow a few inches, too.

APB for AFD.

MDC: I can’t think of anything more relaxing than watching an Andy Griffith Show episode. It’s funny, the kids are so used to it now that they kind of instinctively know when to pop on in the DVD player. They have their favorite episodes of each season. Right now, Chad’s really into the camping episode (favorite part: “WHOSTOLEMYGOLDENARM?!”). Nora’s favorites right now are the color episodes. They also tend to want to watch my least favorite episodes, mostly because they don’t get to see them very much because they are my least favorite episodes.

Well, I have to get some things done before I leave for the doctor. The Mrs. and I are taking number one daughter to the geneticist to rule out stuff having to do with her joints, especially knees. I think I explained her problem before. Be back later.

Me-They
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65817: Hi All.
Spot i,m right here.
Will can not go to cleveland for the funeral but did send some flowre there.

UNHAPPY
TOM

September 03, 2008 - Msg 65818: Prayers for Nora. My kids like the golden arm episode and the Remshaw house, but Erin's favorite is STILL "Bloody Mary"..this weekend she asked to see "Bloody Mary" again. Ahe loves the part at the end when the convicts are being taken to Andy's house for reform and when they see Aunt Bee they scream, "Bloody Mary!" and try to run.

Prayers for you, too TOM.

Boo
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65819: Job interview tomorrow with the Agency on Aging. Fingers and eyes are both crossed.

Boo - CI's usually get updated through the computer. I have never heard of one being replaced. I know Rush Limbaugh goes in periodically for review and re-mapping of sounds. Both HA and CI's are way too expensive - I feel for the kids and parents who shell out tons of money for those things.

Tom - I am so sorry for your loss, I am sure that your family will miss you not being there. You are not unloved - you are very much loved. . .


hm
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65820: Hey Tom our prayers are with you buddy...Miss Boo man in a hurry is a good one also...the Big Maude ept!...M-T have a good day buddy..Rev check in...in fact EVERYBODY check in !..Lunch will be cube steak sandwiches,chips,maude slaw,nanner puddin,grape kool-aid!...possum,hazel,Romeena,auh20...yall come on now and eat before Asa gets his elbows up in here!...back in a bit...put my truck in the shop for a routine tune up and its gona be ready today $400.00 bucks...gosh during the old days "70"s" you could rebuild the whole motor for that and have enough left over to fill the tank!...well back in a bit!...SPOT
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65821: Good morning, everyone! It's cloudy, windy and only 74 degrees here this morning! It would be a fine day to plant that miserable flat of begonias I bought way last week, and shouldn't have. I just don't feel like getting out there and fighting the mosquitoes, but maybe with all the wind they won't be so bad. Hmmm, maybe I'll just get that done after all.

Awww, Tom, I'm sorry you can't go to the funeral for your uncle. Sometimes, though, it's better not to go, so you can remember the person the way they were. Try to think of it that way. It was kind of you to send the flowers.

Drat, I knew I was going to do it. I like oatmeal, but prefer the steel cut kind. I love the nutty texture and flavor, as opposed to the mushier rolled oats. However, steel cut oats don't come in a quick-cook form, they have to simmer for about 25 minutes. I put a pot on to cook, then came in here to the computer, knowing perfectly dadburn well I was going to burn the oats, and I did. Not too bad, I was able to salvage a good bowlful off the top, but that pan is going to be fun to clean up! What's that we were saying about older folks being forgetful and letting things burn on the stove?? I should have gone with y'all to Cracker Barrel, instead of just sending the money with Spot, since it was my turn to pay.

Boo, I thought they were supposed to be getting Bruce some help. Did that fall through? He really just has too much on his plate right now. I hope he'll get the cochlear implants, and soon!

New Neighbor, I keep thinking about your barn cat and the baby possum. You don't suppose Mama Cat is raising her own "fatted calf", do you? Nah, just kidding. I'm sure her maternal instincts kicked in, but I'm still wondering where she got the little possum. They're usually born in litters, so where are the others? Do you have coyotes where you are? Other predators? Maybe something got the mom and siblings, and your cat found a survivor. Whatever happened, it's quite a story. You should get some pictures, if you haven't already.

Well, guess I'd better get busy. I have to work tonight, and have several things that have to be done around here, then would like to squeeze in a little nap before I go to work. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65822:
Yup, Mayberry is crime-free today thanks to Floyd! I appreciate it and goodnight! ha
I also have a hankerin' for Post Toasties, Sanka Coffee and Jello puddin'. ha (For those who don't understand, some of the DVDs have old commericals on them.)
OPIEMOM- Ar'nt ya kind!!
TOM- my condolences and prayers are with you my friend.
SPOT- and others down your way, keep an eye on Hanna Hurricana! (:
Rev- when do you hit the road again, and where will you be heading? Just curious.
God bless you all,
MDC
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65823: Hey M-T, I'm right here. I've just been skimming the posts over the last several days, and not replying as I've kind of been glued to the tube, watching the conventions, hurricanes, surprise VP announcements, etc. I agree with your comments to auh2o above, especially those concerning Joe Lieberman. I am also looking forward to Palin's speech tonight. Prayers for Nora's situation as well.

Tom, I'm sorry to hear of your uncle's passing and your inability to attend the funeral. My prayers go up for you and yours. My prayers go up for you and yours as well, Sterling.

Boo, your story about Bruce getting some "private" time at work 'bout knocked me off my chair. : P The "Bloody Mary" episode is also one of my favorites.

Possum, stay safe - and hope your patootie is doing better. ; ) Laci sounds like quite the go-getter!

HM, prayers for a great interview, and I'm crossing my toes for good measure. : )

Welcome back to Mayberry, Otis.

We're getting a nice gentle rain today, although the it's kind of gloomy. It's 72° though which isn't too bad. A big "hey" to everyone and prayers for all.
AFD
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65824:
Hello porch family....Kinda taking it easy today. Enjoying the Smoky Mtns.

Boo....that's too bad about Bruce being overloaded but I'll have to say that was a funny story.

Tom...I'm sure your family understands that you couldn't make the funeral. But I'm sure the flowers meant so much.

Spot....brother you go and bring back that trophy again this year. We'll be praying for a safe trip.

MDC....I'm on the road now in Pigeon Forge, TN and will be heading into KY this weekend through next week.

Ro....I pray you have a easy night at work. Get you some rest.

Well you all have a great day. I'll check back later. Prayers for all the porch family. Share Jesus with someone today.
-REV.
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65825: Hey there, MDC - didn't mean to step on your toes.

AFD
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65826: I guess I meant "rock" on your toes, MDC. And I didn't mean to rock on yours either, Rev. Safe travels, my friend.

AFD
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65827: Rev the world Champion team retired from competion last year on top,they had 3 world Championships under ther rein...we are going with a new team this year and with 19 young lineman to compete in singles competion...MDC we are keeping an eye on the storms......SPOT
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65828: Me-They! You want me strung up in the closet with a hurricane on the way?! What kind of friend are you?! Ha!

Thanks for being concerned about me. I'm feeling pretty good,putootie wise! Just on edge a bit because of this danged hurricane that nobody can say where it's coming in. They keep changing the computer models. Most bring it in along the coast,but there's still one showing Hanna coming straight over me. I just have to be ready for whatever and pray it doesn't get strong. After Laci goes home today,I'll be outside taking down my wind chimes and things like that.I'll make Mr. possum secure the bigger things and I'll make sure we've got all neccessities.Then,it's just wait for Hanna.
Spot,it's good to know that if the power does go out,you & your crew won't have any trouble finding my place since you have visited my rock before- yeah,right! Miss Sherry's gonna get ya! Ha Ha
I'll be posting for another day or so before I need to get outta here.
Laci's napping again! Hooray! She's so sweet,but she wears me out!
***********
possum again

P.S. Tom,sorry you weren't able to get to the funeral.I know the flowers you sent will mean a lot to your family.
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65829: Boo, Bruce should just be glad that the guy didn't tap on his foot. ;)
Seriously though, I hope Bruce's stress load can be lightened a bit.

Well Mavis, we'll see, as my wife is coming home tomorrow. Thanks for your concern.
And for yours as well MDC, AFD, and anyone else I may have forgotten.

I thought both Thompson and Lieberman did terrific last night. Though they both had some kind of nervous throat thing going on. I knew that Thompson did alot of "huhh huhh's" because I have heard him speak before, but I didn't know that Lieberman was an "uhmm uhmm" man. ;)
Still, it didn't detract from both of their excellent messages, and their rousing deliveries.

Hope Palin performs a slam-dunk tonight.
Did you all see the cover of US Weekly with Palin on the cover, and what it says? Despicable.

-Sterling Holobyte
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65830: Peace and comfort to you Possum. I hope Hanna diminishes before it reaches your area.

-SH
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65831: AFD - cross your toes inside of your shoes - you know how M-T hates to see bare feet! (That is unless you paint them black like Asa!)

Wish we could have a little rain here - dry as a bone I tell you, dry as a bone.

hm
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65832: Our secret possum...ha ha....Sterling prayers buddy...supper will be whole baked chickens,little green peas,mashed taters,maude slaw,tes,rolls..."and a glob of butter"..(remember the ept?)....getting barn fat...SPOT
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65833:
Sterling, you are too funny with the 'foot-tap' thing! How many dishes did your wife have to wash to raise enuf for airfare? ha Hope all goes well. You are in my prayers.
AFD- good to see you check in.
I am keeping Sarah Palin in my prayers all day today, and i would also ask all here so inclined to also do so. Thanks
MDC
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65834:
Barn: If there's one thing I'm not, it's sensitive!"
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65835: Do I smell feet? I'm not sure what's worse, smelling them or looking at them.

Y'all have a great evening. Let's do coffee and scones on the porch in the morning. Something that doesn't lay on your chest.

Me-They
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65836: A song for Spot(y'all remember singing a similiar version to Ellie):
"Time for Spot to shut his mouth...
Time for Spot to shut his mouth...
Time for Spot to shut his mouth,or just give up and leave the South!"

Now you quit talking about "our secret"!! Ha Ha

Sterling,thank you for those sweet,kind words.We'll be okay.

Homemaker,best of luck with the job interview.
See y'all later.
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock


September 03, 2008 - Msg 65837: That's "y'all remember ANDY singing a similiar version to Ellie." Sorry- my mind is on hurricanes!

possum again
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65838:
"Yes Miss Vickers, we're still holding on to Richmond."
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65839: Evening Family:
Just checking in to make sure everyone is securing their belongings. If ya do all the work Hanna will go out to sea. Wonder what causes that?
Had a trying day at work...but then who doesn't?
As for the mother cat and the baby possum, we THINK that there were possums visiting the barn, and mother just forgot one. Elsie decided it was better to feed the lost (you know what the Bible says about feeding and caring for the orphans) than to hear it crying. She still is feeding it, but it just doesn't cotton to being held.
Better get this corn on the stove for supper. ya'll come over for a corn roast. Got plenty of ears. ~New Neighbor
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65840: Awwww, New Neighbor. How kind of Elsie to take in the little lost one. I like your version of what happened better than mine, as it presumes that the mother possum and her other babies are alive and well somewhere. We'll just go with that!

Save me some of that corn, please. Nothing much that I like better than good fresh corn. Yum!

And now, I'm off to work. Gotta set the DVR so I can see Sarah Palin give her speech when I get home in the morning. Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65841: The porch sure has been nice and friendly this week! It feels like a warm hug, doesn't it?

Yep, Sterling, I thought about that foot-tapping thing, too...haha! He is less stressed this week because the help they hired is FINALLY on board and Bruce likes him. He is 50, and has some experience and Bruce has been taking him around and showing him how things are done and it has already reduced his stress considerably. It sounds like God answered my prayers for a good worker to help Bruce on the job.

I missed Palin's speech tonight but had to fill in for Pastor Mark tonight at church (no, I don't preach, I just led a bible study that is more like a time of fellowship). It was interesting that I took mom to the doctor today and her doctor is quite a likable character and he started talking some politics with me. Speaking of Palin and her family, he said, "Well, they are doing a good thing by giving the baby life and taking care of it, so why should they be persecuted for it?". I appreciated his thoughts on the matter. He is a very compassionate and kind doctor and one of the most jovial and personable people I have ever met. He feels like an old friend and I just met him. He specializes in care of the elderly so I suppose he is perfect for that. He even gave mom a hug when she left and I noticed that he had his hand resting on dad's shoulder all the time he was talking to him. It did my heart good because he spent alot of time with us, explaining things, answering questions with unwavering patience and seemed like he loved every minute of it. It was a good experience. He told me that mom's last MRI back in 2006, showed a small benign tumor in part of her brain, which was never mentioned to us at the time. He said it is unlikely to cause any problem but he wanted to look at it again to be sure.

How sweet Elsie is. Give her a treat for me, will you NN?

Stay safe Possum! Please don't stay if things look bad.

Me-They, scones and coffee sound great. My favorite are orange scones.

It is still really hot here! Sure hope it cools off soon. It was around 100 degrees again today.

Better go get Erin to bed. She woke up at 2:30 in the morning last night and said she was afraid. I had to put her back in her bed and stay there with her until she went to sleep. I am bushed tonight!

Boo
September 03, 2008 - Msg 65842: Watched Sarah Palin's speech tonight and all I can say is..., do you think we could elect HER President and have McCain Vice-President? ...Naww, they'd never go for it. ;)

Boo, I am glad Bruce is getting some relief.

Still thinking about you, Possum. Hope things are ok.

-Sterling Holobyte