April 21, 2009 - Msg 72022: Spot,MDC lives in Arizona- I think maybe Pappa Bear was trying to talk him into hosting the cookout tonight.Y'all will notice he didn't take the bait though! Poor MDC would run himself crazy trying to get all those steaks cooked just right! Rare,medium,and shoe leather! Ha!
Oh,thanks for mentioning the bone & the marrow,Me-They.I am getting flashbacks of my stepdad sucking the marrow out of the bone,then trying to make one of us wear it as a ring- GROSS!! (Did I make ya sick? Hee Hee)
Changing the subject- for those of you who have followed the saga of the man running the ad looking for a UFO,here's the latest.Again,I'll type it as he had it put in the paper:
U.F.O.Man seeks..sought..
found...Miss E.T.
I'll visit your planet next!

To quote Andy Taylor: "Boy,you're already there"!!

See y'all at Boo's Texas cookout.I'll take A-1 on my shoe leather steak! Spot,maybe we'll get to ride some
horses when we get there,ok? YOUTS on horses-Yee Haw!!!
*******************
possum under a rock

P.S. Prayers,Maude.Hang in there,friend.Hope things pick up soon.
April 21, 2009 - Msg 72023: In case y'all were wondering,I'm trying for the world record-most consecutive Porch sweeps! That's 2 in a row for me.
Y'all are welcome.

possum again
April 21, 2009 - Msg 72024:
Good sweep possum! Did ya sweep it all under your rock? ha
Here is my recipe for a good steak: I fire up my grill to medium flame. Let it burn for about ten minutes to get the actual metal grill part
nice and hot. Meantime, I take fresh, never frozen, 3/4 inch T-Bone steak, trim a LITTLE fat off it, then (lightly) sprinkle Adolf's Tenderizer on it, poke it with a fork all over, turn it over and do the other side. (no pounding)
Then place on the grill for exactly 5 minutes, turn ONCE, and grill the other side for 5 minutes. Enjoy! It comes off the grill with just the least little bit of red down the middle, and it absolutely melts in your mouth. Try it. If I'm wrong, let me know and I'll also send ya twenty bucks!
SPOT- you were kidding about "who do we know in AZ" right? Hmmm, now who do we know near Atlanta? ha
Have a good day all! Prayers,
MDC
April 21, 2009 - Msg 72025:
Don't we have some folks in Dallas and Corpus Christi too? ha
April 21, 2009 - Msg 72026: They only pound steaks at Morelli's.
April 21, 2009 - Msg 72027: MDC I like the Ribeye cut but now done get me wrong T-bones are great...a little everglade seasoning...{yall got that stuff}..Idol is on Boo!!..got my grass cut (not trimmed)...bt Idol is ON...back in a bit...SPOT
April 21, 2009 - Msg 72028: SPOt wind you ae do cuyying your grass and can cut mt grass too.
mak my steaks ment.

TOM


April 21, 2009 - Msg 72029:

Fat? blechh... My mom used to like a bit o'fat on her steaks. Makes me gag to think about it. One tiny bite of gristle or fat can completely ruin a meal for me.

Watched Idol, but some of the junk on TV these days? Feh! "Bad Girls Club," "Pretty Wicked" and that ilk... I guess I'm getting old, but even my teenager daughters can't stomach it, so all is not lost.

Boo, et alia, please get well soon. I'm a staunch believer in pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and tripolidine hydrochloride - the original "recipe" Actifed, which can still be bought OTC under the name "Wal-Act" at Walgreen's - and ibuprofen. This combination has brought me through many a nasty cold/flu. (To be used in conjunction with the oregano. :-p)

Possum, glad to hear about Laci's tooth. I know that's a relief.

Prayers for all!

~De§~



April 21, 2009 - Msg 72030:
Hello porch family.....man I've been missing seeing you all but been really busy. I'll have to read the archives and catch up.

My daughter has to be moved out of her apartment by next Thursday so that's been keeping me on the go. Tuesday is her last day at college so we have to be out by Thursday if we don't want to pay another month. And after 4 years of it, I don't want to pay any more!
She's going to do her internship at a local hospital here so she's just going to stay here at home during that time. (Which suits me)

Spot....brother what in the world is going on with our Braves? Man they started off hot but they are playing in the freezer lately.

Well since I've been gone so much, breakfast is on me in the morning. Let's all go to Cracker Barrel.

You all have a great night and give Jesus a BIG hug before you go to sleep. He sure loves you!

Prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.
April 21, 2009 - Msg 72031:
Ro....meant to tell you that October 16th (Friday night) I will be in Mansfield, TX at Life Family Church. Not really sure if that's anywhere near you.
-REV.
April 21, 2009 - Msg 72032: Thanks for the tip, DES. How are things in the great city of San Antonio? I'll bet it's nice in the evening, cool-like, right?

I am still coughing and tired but a little better. Poor Erin is worse today than yesterday so I may be taking her to the doctor tomorrow.

Me-They, we are so much alike we could be twins. Your comment about the steak being too much like meat is so funny, but I understand it. So your wife has trouble with bad smells, too...that's gotta be tough. I was lucky when I worked labor and delivery because I didn't have to deal with much of that, only the constant smell of blood/blood-water combination. When I worked on a general floor and an ICU, boy, that was hard. The worst thing I remember as far as smells was patients with decubitus ulcers. It is basically the smell of rotting flesh and there is nothing worse, IMO.

Great news about your daughter, REV...I know you will enjoy her and the grandpuppy.

Where's Romeena? I wonder if she is out getting into mischief with Eloise....maybe eating a big, fatty rare steak somewhere...?

Boo
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72033: Good Morning Gang..brother Rev I have NO idea what is going on with the Braves but they will settle down (I hope)..hey Tom I will be by to cut your grass when I get off at 2pm today...hey MDC like possum said cooking all those steaks would be a job...Boo you done your part at the cook out last night...I like the cooking apron..Romeena did you have a good night at work?...hey Des,ky girl...where is hazel?...homemaker?..Thomas?..Local Lucy check in girl...well let me get settled in here at work and get all this stuff powered up...Maude I will get breakfast.."Waffle House"..scattered,smothered,covered,chunked and topped...and a double order of bacon for me....SPOT
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72034: Mornin' Y'all. Spot,count me out for breakfast this morning-I just ain't up to it. I am now officially one of the Porch "Sickies". Headache,stomach ache & killer heartburn.Must be a virus. Hope I can shake it off soon. Just doing some laundry & then going to take it easy the rest of the day. Hope everyone else is getting over all the sickness.
Welcome home to Mayberry,Rev. We've missed you!
Spot,after you cut Tom's grass,please come over and mow the lot next door to me-it's a sight! Somebody just moved in a month or so ago,and I guess they could care less about how the yard looks.The clover is taking over! Might send Mr.Possum over there w/the weed eater.
Ok,let me get this laundry done and go rest.Y'all take care.
*******************
possum under a rock
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72035: Good morning everyone. The sun broke through this morning, but they say we are in for some more rain later today. Can I have my poncho back, PAPPABEAR?

REV: I hear you about paying more than you have to. I'm hoping all four of mine get scholarships or something (yeah, right!). Or at least good jobs. Truth is, we'll do what we can but unless something changes they are going to be primarily responsible for making a way through college. I did it, so I know it can be done.

BOO: The Mrs. didn't like working a med-surg floor, because of the like of stuff you mentioned. She liked recovery fine. She likes the NICU, too; the smells are more familiar and pleasant, for the most part.

DES: Nice to hear from you.

TOM: If SPOT cuts your grass, will you cut mine?

SPOT: You on a diet lor something ;-).

Me-They
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72036: POSSUM: YOu snuck in on me. I always suspected you were a sicko...I mean a sickie. Seriously, hope you feel better. Just stay on your end of the porch, please.

M-T
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72037: Oh, BOO, I watched "The Women" starring Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, and Joan Fontaine on TCM last night. I'd never seen it before. It was good.

M-T
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72038: NOT Joan Fontaine...Rosalind Russell!

M-T
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72039: Joan Fontaine was is in it, too, Me-They. She played the child-like woman who was pregnant. I watched most of it again last night, too. It is really corny but fun to watch. Joan Crawford is just the woman you love to hate, isn't she?

I am still feeling puny but sounds like I am doing better than Possum. I swear I never had a sickness drag on like this one!

Boo
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72040: Hi All.
Just a cold day today but it is going to start to wamon thurday.
M-T I said SPOT to cut my is I can not do it .
I cut about two roll and I have to stop for the day.

TOM

April 22, 2009 - Msg 72041:
REV- Likewise my Dbacks have been in self destruct mode lately!
Looks like Earnhardt and Mears got a hand slap.
Tom- we need rain! Send us some and I'll mow your lawn!
hey to DES and all
Happy days! prayers,
It's me, it's me, it's MDC

April 22, 2009 - Msg 72042:
100 here yesterday! Darn that Al Gore.
Hey to MT, boo and all.
Prayers for Possum and all ailing.
Dear Jesus, please put your healing hand upon possum, boo, and all porchsters who need that
extra care right now! Thank you Lord.
Amen
mdc

April 22, 2009 - Msg 72043: ...And, please Lord, while your're healing them, please keep 'em away from me!

TOM: Well, then, I'd be happy to cut your grass if SPOT can't.

M-T
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72044: Just one of those busy days here at work..everybody wanting something at the same time!..lets just have a grass cutting merry go round!...did I miss lunch?...I get off at 2 and off for 2 days..hope to get some things done..yall wana come over to the house for bbq ribs on the smoker?..I will take care of the ribs if yall will bring the rest of the goods...hey M-T,MDC,possum,ky,Romeena and all...Asa will you park cars?.....well see yall tonight...dont park in the garden spot ok....SPOT
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72045: I have a question for you all. I just read a story about a New York woman who was arrested for abandoning her children. Seems her two daughters, ages 10 and 12, were bickering as the three were driving home. Not being able to take their arguing anymore, the mom pulls the car over and tells the two kids to get out and walk home. They were dropped off three miles from their 2 million dollar Scarsdale home in a high end business/shop area. Police have taken the kids and barred the mother from having contact. By accounts of freinds and family, the woman is a good parent.

Now, it it me, or is this ridiculous? Since when can't a 10 and 12 year old walk three miles? And since when is it some kind of child abuse to leave them alone? In most states, you only have to be 8 to stay at home alone, and 12 to babysit! Has our cuklture become that paranoid and silly?

Whatever happens, I bet those kids will quiet down next time mom says, "Stop bickering or I'll pull thsi car over!"

Guess that's my moulage this week.

M-T
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72046: It's not you Me-They, it IS ridiculous. Boy, if the same rules applied when we were kids we would all have been raised by the state! I'm thinking that just maybe in the million-dollar neighborhood they live in, much less qualifies as abuse (such as refusing a child a cell phone or refusing to buy them designer clothes...what do you think?). ;-)

Boo
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72047:
MT-The really sad thing is that now they WON'T
quiet down next time because they know that
it's their mom who will get in trouble! That is
sad. Ya think one of the kids called 911 from their cell, wadda ya bet?
The other wierd thing is miss California basically
losing to a bias "judge" because she answered the
question as she believed. That is just plain wrong.
Barn: Well, no, we didnt want to make a moulage
out of the whole thing.
MDC
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72048: Evening Porch, sorry to hear yer ailin now too possum whatever this junk is, it latches on like a duck on a junebug and just won't turn loose. I still feel bad, but better than I did. Just wanted to check in, and let ya'll know I didn't croak or anything.
*Mavis
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72049: Well, MDC, Miss California came across as a real airhead with her mixed-up answer, but heck, could they have come up with a more controversial question?! She probably just about had a heart attack when she heard it. Talk about being put on the spot! I think if it had been me, I would have refused to even discuss it, saying my feelings were personal. This Perez Hilton nobody really set her up and then caused her to lose the title, basically. Really unfair to persecute because they gave a true opinion when asked a difficult question. You know, as a woman, the whole pageant thing really rubs me the wrong way and when I hear some of these women sounding like they are grade school drop-outs it is really embarrassing. It just seems that they are the most inarticulate people in America. I think they need to spend less time trying to look good in a swimsuit and more time on how they present themselves in the way they express ideas! Yeesh!

Boo
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72050: Hey Mavis, I know what you mean! I am still hacking and coughing even after an antibiotic. It seems like all I want to do is sleep. It's very depressing.

Boo
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72051: SPOT, forgot to mention that I was completely UNDERwhelmed at the American Idol contestants last night. I miss the days of Fantasia Barrino and Kelly Clarkson. Nobody in this current group does anything for me. Now and then I like Adam Lambert but I thought his performance last night was bizzare. Who do like from this current group? I was really dissapointed to see guy who was saved from elimination last week...forgot his name...I thought the "Stayin' Alive" song choice was the worst possible choice. What was he thinking? Wish he had stuck to a lovely ballad of some kind.

Boo
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72052: Good evening, porch. Just stopping by after working two twelves. I slept an hour or so this morning, then Eloise and I went out to El Fenix and had a great lunch. I can hardly wait until next month, because the El Fenix chain is opening a restaurant here in Irving. As it is now, we have to drive to Grapevine - not all that far, but it will be nice to have them right here in town. Good food!

You know what? I've never watched "American Idol". Never, as in not ever. No particular reason, I can't even say I don't like it, because how would I know? I've never seen it!

I'll admit, Miss California did stammer about a little, but I'd probably be a little shook up myself in such a spot. I think it was absolutely cruel and completely out of line for that Hilton person to ask her such a question. An emotional, explosive issue such as that gets handled with kid gloves by the most experienced issue-dodging politicians, so why would he ask it of a young girl in a beauty contest? Shame on him, the swine. Well, one thing he did that he might not have intended, he gave her a chance to speak up for her beliefs. If you vote in the AFA poll, you'll see that 99.7% of responders believe she did the right thing by answering honestly and being true to her conscience and her beliefs.

Well, "Stepping Out" has finally bloomed, I finally have one of my very own. Here's the story - when Dale and I lived in Springfield, in 1971-72, he took me one Sunday afternoon out to a commercial iris garden somewhere in central Missouri. They developed and grew new hybrid irises, and certain ones were for sale, after they had propagated enough of them. Dale told me I could choose one, and I did - "Stepping out". It was very expensive, at $7 for one rhizome. That's cheap now, but it wasn't in 1972! Anyway, he bought it for me and I took it home. I never planted it, though, because we learned we were being transferred back to San Antonio. It remained in its little paper bag, the movers packed it, and by the time it was finally discovered, about a year later in San Antonio, it had dried up and died. I was very disappointed.

So, imagine my joy a few months ago, when I discovered that Schreinersgardens.com, my favorite source for irises, had "Stepping Out" in their lineup! I ordered two, and they are planted in the newly-expanded iris bed behind the big island, and this morning, one of them bloomed! It's as beautiful as I always remembered it, and I know Dale is pleased that I finally have one. One? Ha! By next summer, I'll have them to divide and share! If you want to see what it looks like, just Google "Iris Stepping Out."

Well, I'm off to stroll the back yard for a little while. The sun is very low and the light is right for getting a good picture or two, I think. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
April 22, 2009 - Msg 72053: How wonderful about the irises, Ro...finally! Makes me smile... :=)

Boo
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72054:
Hello porch family.

Boo.....sure pray that you and Erin gets feeling better soon.

Possum....you get feeling better too. Prayers for you.

Me-They....I really hope all your kids do get some good scholarships. But man I can get on my soapbox on that subject. I just pray they can get some when they get to that point. And believe me buddy it will be here before you can turn around good.

Amen MDC....I stand in agreement with your prayer for the healing of our porch family. And I know HE hears our heart's cry.

Well Spot the Braves pulled one out tonight.

You all sleep good tonight and know that HE loves you......and so do I.
Prayers for all the porch family.
-REV.


April 23, 2009 - Msg 72055:
Boo.....supose to be "get feeling better soon".

Blessings!
-REV.
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72056: Thanks REV. I feel better this morning than I have in a very long time. Guess I am finally getting over it.

Have annual check-up and "waffle iron" this morning (frown). Seems like a year goes by so fast. Better get moving...

Boo
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72057: Good morning everyone. It's sunny and nice here today.

I'm glad that you're feeling a little better today, BOO. I hope POSSUM, MAVIS, and the rest of the walking wounded are feeling better, too. Sory you have to get flattened.

I'll stop back later.

Me-They


April 23, 2009 - Msg 72058: Mornin' y'all. Thanks for the get well wishes.I am feeling somewhat better,but I am starting to cough & hurt a bit in my chest.I am wondering if I have the "CRUD".Oh,man,I hope not! I can't believe how long some of y'all have been sick with it. Feel better Mavis,and Boo-enough is enough!
Well,I'd better go do something-like stretch out on the sofa-ha!Y'all have a good day & if you're well,STAY THAT WAY! Love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72059: Good morning everyone! The sun is shining and warm weather is a coming!
No one is really sick here- the usual spring coughs and wheezes.
We have one estimate on fixing the footers and perimeter drain. You are right Romeena - someone else is going to fix it! We are waiting on two more before we head to the lawyers office.
Take care - go hug somebody -

homemaker
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72060: It also sounds like ya'll ain't been using enough VICKS!~!

hm
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72061: Good morning, porch! I slept so well last night, and feel so good this morning. Just called Eloise, she's coming over, and we were planning to go to lunch and mouse around after visiting here for a while. When we hung up, my phone rang, and it was my son David. He and Brittney are coming to Irving this morning to run some errands, and they want to take their two moms (me and Eloise) to lunch! Now how nice is that? And to think that boy was an "oh, why not?" baby! He's nearly four years younger than his nearest sibling. One day, Dale just asked me out of the blue - "Hey, what would you think about having another baby? Our kids turn out pretty cute, you know." I thought a minute, said, "Oh, why not?" and nine months later, David was born. I only gained five pounds, delivered him in 55 minutes, start to finish, and he has been a joy ever since. Once in a while, people make good decisions, or God blesses their decision, or both.

Well, better get moving. My kitchen is a shambles, and Eloise will be here shortly. Not that she hasn't seen my kitchen in a mess before, and will probably just help me clean it up, but I'd rather have it clean when she gets here, so we can sit down with some tea and just relax. Blessings, my friends! I hope everyone's day is as nice as mine is shaping up to be. --Romeena
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72062: Good point, Homemaker...that's one thing we can't get enough of...VICKS.

So sweet about David, Ro! Hope you and Eloise have a wonderful time.

Thanks, Me-They. Today is better and I am very happy to have the check-up over. I was very pleasantly surprised that my dr's office has a brand new "waffle iron" machine that is much less "flattening" and much more comfortable...quicker, too. So, I am already home, have my comfortable clothes on and am ready for a little break before I pick up Erin from school. Things are finally starting to look up. Now, if I can just get you to wash a few things for me...just a load or two...pretty please??

Boo
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72063: I just remembered something I wanted to ask...we have talked alot about musical memories and groups we loved in the 70's-80's but I don't think we ever mentioned "Bad Finger"...one of my all-time favorites. Terrible name, great band. Any other Bad Finger fans out there...I just love "Day After Day" and "No Matter What". Just a memory...

Boo
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72064: Why not. I generally do the laundry at home, and I was planning to do a few loads this evening. What's a few more?

Have a nice lunch, ROMEENA. I had Panera. It was gooooood.

M-T
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72065: HOMEMAKER: I almost forgot to say howdy! It's nice, real nice nice to have to stop by.

M-T
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72066: Sorry, not a Badfinger fan, but I did like Thin Lizzy and Foreigner. That count?

M-T
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72067: Actually, BOO, this is what I rushed in from playing to watch and hear every Friday evening in teh late 70s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AfXznngjGw.

Enjoy (hehehe).

Me-They (again!)
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72068:
MT- I bet you used to also watch the "Midnight Special" in the 70s (no apostrophe!) ha
RO- You need to get a pair of O'Malley's (2 apostrophes) Jensen's Orthopetic Loafers for those
double 12 hour shifts! ha I gotta tell ya tho, I
never understood the sense ofmaking healthcare workers work
such long hours! If a mechanic told me he had been
on the job 23 hours straight, I wouldn't let him
near my car, yet we do just that with our bodies!
Don't misunderstand, I'm not saying it can't be done, but the sharpness of responses have got to be diminished toward the end of that time.
Ok, that's my soapbox for today.
APB for HAZEL, Mrs WILEY, DR. P, OPIEMOM and others. Anyone know where some of our missing folks are at?
Boo- glad all went well. Will pray that results are good also.
Prayers continue for possum. Try some oregano! ha
God bless,
MDC
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72069: Lot a bad feet in this country
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72070: Oh Me-They! You didn't!....that was pure pain. (thanks for doing some laundry, though).

MDC, I doubt that Me-They watched Midnight Special, but I did (I'm a little older than him). It used to be the only thing on at that time of night on weekends.

Boo
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72071: Yep, I did watch "Midnight Special." And in teh early 80s, we all HAD to stay up and watch "Friday Night Videos." Remember that one? If your area didn't have cable (our town didn't until about 1985), it was just about the only way to see the latest videos. I don't know how many Michael Jackson and Culture Club videos I had to endure (I'm having a flashback! Oh, the inhumanity!) waiting to see 38 Special, Talking Heads, Yes, or something.

But, yes, I was a loyal "Donny and Marie" watcher in my younger days. I was 12. What else was I supposed to do at 8:00 p.m. on a Friday night? My homework?

M-T
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72072:
I am off tomorrow and will have a pretty busy
3 day weekend getting stuff caught up around
the house, so I probably won't be back til Monday.
Ya all have a good weekend, and a Good Sabbath.
Prayers. Pax et bonum to all you latin scholars.
MDC

April 23, 2009 - Msg 72073: I thought the Miss America runner-up did quite well expressing her beliefs, considering the hot-button question, Boo.
I saw her later being interviewed on Fox News, where she spoke about it more in depth. And I saw a very conscientious, intelligent woman.
The fact that she is a knock-out didn't hurt either.
Don't know if you saw that Hilton guy's rant he did afterward, on a blog or youtube(I saw it on the news). But like many of his ilk before him, he couldn't contain his true colors of rage and hate that seethes below the surface; angrily calling her names, like that of a female dog, for example. And he calls HER intolerant?!

I think you hit the nail on the head though, Boo, about those kids who had to walk home. The "state" thinks they can parent our kids better than we can. And they are going to try to do it.

On a lighter note, I received my 90-day job review, and received mainly 5's and a couple 4's. 5's are exceeds expectations. Unfortunately those numbers didn't calculate into a raise, as I was informed they don't give raises for the 90 day review. Figures.
Now I have to try and keep it up until my next review comes around. Ugh. ;)

-Sterling Holobyte
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72074: "Pax tecum!", to you MDC. Have a blessed weekend.

M-T, I didn't know about the Friday night videos..maybe we didn't have them. I do remember that in the early 80's I was struggling through nursing school and it seems my life consisted only of church and school...it's all I remember, anyways. I don't remember watching much Donny and Marie....I thought they were "uncool" even back then. Of course, if you were only 12, what else was there for you...like you said, and I guess it beat Lawrence Welk.

Keep up the good work, Sterling. That is very encouraging! Yep, I saw that Hilton guy ranting and thought exactly the same thing that you thought. Who is he anyway and why would anyone care what he thinks?...he seems to think he is someone special, though.

You know Sterling, I don't know how things are in your state, but here in Texas nobody holds more power than Child Protective Services. I have known of some horrible things that have happened to parents here with seemingly no recourse. It's a scary day to live in, when it comes to parenting. Seems like the ones who actually need help from the state fall through the cracks and we hear about their fate on the evening news (more and more often), while the state harrasses others unfairly. Another thing that is very disturbing to me is that so many times, when a child is taken out of a home, they are placed in an abusive foster family. I hear of that so often at the drug rehab. We have girls that are in rehab for running away from abusive foster care. There is a real shortage of good foster homes because of the severe problems within the system. It is a sinking ship, let me tell you. It will be very interesting/frightening to see what things are like in 20 years.

Break time.

Boo




April 23, 2009 - Msg 72075: You're so right, Boo. CPS does carry a big stick, and unfortunately, it's not always applied fairly. Sometimes, the local police will just handle a situation themselves and leave CPS out of it, and the outcome is usually pretty good. I have some friends whose daughter left her husband and moved back in with them, bringing three little girls with her, the oldest about ten. That child had the smartest mouth and was about as willful and disobedient as any kid I've ever seen. One day she back-sassed her grandma just a little too much, just as her grandma was leaving the house. She called her a bad name and threw something down and broke it when she was told to clean up a mess she had made. Her grandpa snagged her, turned her over his knee and paddled her backside. In a rage, she called 911 and reported she had been "beaten" by her grandfather. The cops came and in her grandfather's presence, she described how he had "beaten" her, for no reason at all. Remember, grandma had left - went to the grocery store, I think. Anyway, the officers split up (one was a woman, and had examined the "beaten" backside, finding absolutely nothing), and each in turn questioned grandpa, and got the same story both times. They also questioned the brat, whose story grew with each retelling. Now, here's the outcome, and I love it:

The senior officer took kid and grandpa into a room together, and in grandpa's presence, he told her she had done the right thing to call if she truly felt she had been "beaten". He suggested that if she was ever truly in fear for her safety, she should call again, and an officer would come get her, and take her to Juvenile Detention, where she would live, perhaps until she was 18. She would attend school, abide by the rules, wear the uniform and eat "wholesome" food, and would not have to see her family anymore. Well, this caused some big wide eyes, a lot of stammering, and finally some tears. Needless to say, things settled down a bit after that, though the girl was a real pain most of the time, but today is a pretty decent young adult.

MDC, I think I may have misled you about my work schedule. I do work two twelve hour shifts, but when I say they're back-to-back, I mean like Monday night and Tuesday night. I do have twelve hours off in between, and believe me, I sleep. I never work more than twelve hours at one stretch. Spot does, though. He works a lot of double eights, making a 16-hour shift. That's awfully long!

Hey, Mavis! How about identifying the folks in that picture? I'm about to put it in the album. --Romeena
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72076: Me again. This came in an email - probably most of you have seen it, but it's just so true, I thought I'd post it here.

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation.

You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
~~ The late Dr. Adrian Rogers

I do hope our president, and his far-left, Socialist cronies get a chance to see or hear this little quote somewhere. Maybe it will make a tiny dent. Or maybe not.

Be blessed. --Romeena
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72077: Probably not, but I sure like it, Ro.

Thanks for the story about the 10 yr old. That was a cop with some good sense there. I think these days alot of kids "cry wolf" as a way to manipulate parents.

Boo
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72078:
Hello porch family.....Can't stay but wanted to check in real quick.
I'll be in Florida tomorrow through Sunday so I won't be around on the the porch. Please pray that lives are "touched" by His power through the concerts.

Will be praying for all the porch family. You all have a great weekend. Jesus loves you!
-REV.
April 23, 2009 - Msg 72079:

Heya, Boo/M-T. That's my sentiment exactly: Too much like meat! LOL

As for American Idol, I really like Adam Lambert (whom I believe will win) and that little red-haired girl, whatever her name is.

It was HOT today. Blah. Fiesta has the whole town preoccupied, but we've had some traffic lately. I've had 7 leases since last week, which is considered dang good, especially for right now. The closing ratio is what they look at though, and mine's hovering at just about 30%. Please say a prayer that any luck I'm experiencing continues. I love (and need) those commissions. LOL

M-T, about that mom who made her girls walk ... well, I don't see the big legal hoopla, but I will say that I can't even stand for my almost-18-year-old girls to be out of my sight - never mind kids that young. Putting them out of a car at that age would have been unthinkable. Granted, this woman was probably at the end of her rope. However, to think of the things that could happen to two little girls in the blink of an eye... terrifying.

Hey back atcha, SPOT. What's for lunch tomorrow?

Hey to MDC. We got some rain here last week, but this week - nada. We're in Stage 1 water rationing which means a halt to powerwashing the stairwells and carports. Too bad, too, because they were looking mighty pretty. Ro', you wouldn't believe Canyon Lake. It's down lower than I've ever seen it.

Just watched the Spurs get roundly whupped by those infernal Mavericks. Oh me, oh my... that was bad.

Sterling, raise or not, congrats on your great review! Sounds like you're doing wonderfully. Everything's so competitive these days, and with all the people looking for work, you have a lot to be proud of. Sometimes I get frustrated and just plain ol' bone weary with my job, but at the end of the day, I realize: I HAVE A JOB! For that I am thankful.

Hoping everyone's feeling good today. Love to all.

~De§~


April 24, 2009 - Msg 72080: Well, hey there, De§! Congrats on your lease rate and I hope the trend continues. Speaking of lakes, how's Medina Lake doing? That was our stomping ground. My dad owned a cabin and some lakefront property there for several years, finally sold it. For several more years, we had a big raft/barge thing on the lake, tied up to a friend's property when not in use. It was 14' wide and 34' long, had a little cabin on it, a motor that was controlled with a wheel, and was totally under roof. My dad and my husband built it, floated it on oil drums, and it was quite lake-worthy. It even had a tiny bathroom, and a kitchen area with cabinets and everything. Foldaway cots, Coleman stove and lanterns, and a barbecue grill - hey, we were really uptown! That was in the years when Medina stayed mostly full, and that was a seriously pretty lake. A mess when the water gets low, but beautiful when full.

Sterling, that eval is certainly something to be proud of. I'm sure the next one will be just as good, and will have some $$ attached.

As for the mom making her daughters walk home, I had the impression that the area where she put them out of the car was not a dangerous area - more of a high-end, commercial area, and they lived in a very exclusive residential community. I can't say for sure that I would have done the same thing, but I don't have all the details, so can't say for sure that I wouldn't, either. I know this - I stopped the car on the side of the highway once, yanked a kid out of the back seat and wore his britches out and put him back in the car. He was a model citizen for the rest of the trip, and for many trips to come. All I had to say was, "Would you like me to stop this car?" "No, mommy, no!" Sometimes nothing does it like fulfilling a threat, just once!

Well, TCM has "The Long, Long Trailer" on right now. Haven't seen it in many years, I think I'll give it a shot. Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72081: Romeena,does that movie have Lucille Ball in it?The name sounds familiar.-ky girl
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72082: Ro, Sean and I saw that The Long, Long Trailor was on last night, and like idiots we stayed up and watched it (it's one of our favorites). I am paying for it this morning but we we enjoyed it. We laugh alot at that one. I'm not even a Lucy fan but that movie is funny! When Lucy flies out that trailor door and into the mud and falls out of the bed when the trailor is on a slant! I just love it...and it is so "retro" and fun to watch...love the trailor park scenes.

KYGirl, you need to rent it if you have not seen it. You will enjoy it.

Good to hear from you DES. You are so right about having a job. Good attitude.

I am finally feeling almost normal this morning. Hopefully today will be a better day. Hope mavis and Possum and better.

Boo
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72083: ARE better~

Boo
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72084: Mornin' Y'all. Feeling better this morning-maybe I'll get out from under my rock today!
Ky girl,I'll answer for Ro: Yep,"The Long,long Trailer" stars Lucille Ball.Desi Arnaz is in it as well.It's a pretty cute movie. I watched it one night when it was on late and I couldn't sleep.
When my daughter was about the age as the girl in Ro's story,she threatened to report me to DSS (same thing as CPS) because she got mad at me for punishing her about something by making her go to bed early. I pretty much laid it out there,just like that cop did,about all the things that would/could happen if she got taken away & placed in a foster home,etc.Well,she ended up crying and apologizing to me and she NEVER threatened to call ANYONE on me again!
I used to love "The Midnight Special"! And yes,I too watched Donny and Marie. I also watched Lawrence Welk with my grandmother-so shoot me! Ha!
But,on the other hand,she watched "Solid Gold" with me! Anybody remember that show?
Prayers for the Myrtle Beach,SC area.Wildfires are taking a toll there.
Spot must be out working in his garden.I see he hasn't fixed breakfast this morning. Let's head over to Waffle House.We'll put it on his credit card!
*******************
possum under a rock
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72085: If you want to start your day with a smile, go to www.youtube.com and search "Mayberry-Rascal Flatts". You'll be glad you did!

Boo
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72086: I remember them Solid Gold dancers Possum. That's where I learned my moves. :)

Asa
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72087: Oh my...what a thought...

Boo
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72088: Yhanks for b-fast possum and you are right...been getting the garden planted....back in a bit....SPOT
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72089: I second that,Boo- what a thought! Ha!
You're welcome Spot,although we should be thanking YOU for breakfast-we charged it to your credit card!
***********
possum again
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72090: Good afternoon everyone. I'm in a foul mood right now.

Last week a local county man, who evidently had severe depression issues and was upset over his family's massive debt, killed himself after he killed his wife and three children, daughter age 2 and sons ages 4 and 5, as they slept. While this has been a horrible tragedy already, it seems that evil hasn't yet doen enough.

The Westboro Baptist Church--yep, them again--wrote a vile letter to the community and plan to protest at the funeral. Last year a Maryland court decided against the church and awarded 11 million to a family of serviceman that they had protested. Now the church is saying that this recent tragedy is retribution from God because Maryland is "protecting Sodomites."

I know this group are in no way shape or form Christian. How can you claim to be a Christian and call evil is love? But plenty of Americans read about them and then assume that all conservative Christians must be like this. Westboro calls Obama the Antichrist. I believe that Satan is more cunning than that; I believe that so-called Christians who blindly follow and justify their means by some hoped-for end are the ones we need to be worried about. The wolf will come in sheep's clothing, and many believers will be decieved. The end does not justify the means. Preservation of ideology, safety, and anything else is no reason to reject God's commandments. This group is evil, and any other religious person who resorts to evil deeds is evil at heart. Our acts are a window to our heart.

Me-They
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72091: I feel a littloe better now. Thanks for that release.

BOO: I love "The Long, Long Trailer," too. My favorite part is when Desi is trying to back the trailer into the driveway at Lucy's family's house. I back a trailer about as well as Desi.

POSSUM: I watched "Solid Gold," too. Didn't Marilyn McCoo host? They had everybody on that show, from country to funk. I remember watching Ronnie Milsap (whose songs I really enjoy to this day) and wondering why he wore his sunglasses while he performed. I was pretty naive back then.

SPOT: I'm waiting for my spinach and lettuce to pop up. Planting warm weather stuff starts in earnest here in a week or so.

M-T
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72092: APB for AFD, AUH2O, NEW NEIGHBOR, MAUDE, and others!

M-T
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72093: M T the hot weather has hit here asof today and will be here to WEDNESDAY up in the 80.

TOM

April 24, 2009 - Msg 72094: We're supposed to get to the mid-80s on Saturday, TOM! Darn that Al Gore!

You all have a great weekend. Take care.

Me-They
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72095: Home grown spinach, M-T?! Yum...wish I lived nearby so I could sneak into your garden some night and swipe some ;)!

Your post made me think about Jesus' words when he said he is the door for the sheep and that others would try to come in by another way but they are theives and robbers. Interesting time in which we live and how important it is to know that the Jesus of the bible is the Way. God is love. The older I get, the more I am grieved by legalism and bondage.

Yes Me-They, one of my favorite parts of Long, Long Trailor is the part when Desi and Lucy are trying to pull that trailor up that 8,000 ft mountain and they are so obviously terrified. They start trying to make small talk about some book that Lucy was reading that was made into a movie. Desi keeps asking her questions about the actress and actor in the movie. In one part Lucy says, "You know...what's her name?"..and Desi says, "Is it that, uh...Brunette who likes squirrels?...you know..", then when he is asking about the actor he says, "Is he that guy who wears the shoes on his knees?"....haha, I love it. Pretty darned funny for 1963.

Did any of you watch the Mayberry-Rascal Flatts video on You tube?

Boo
April 24, 2009 - Msg 72096: Good afternoon, porch. Oh my, Me-They. I had hoped that old devil Phelps from the so-called Westboro Baptist Church had just nastied himself away somewhere, but apparently not. By the way, as a life-long member of the Baptist denomination, may I say this church DOES NOT represent our beliefs, and their behavior would not be tolerated for five seconds if they tried to incite such things in any church that I know anything about. They're a gang of Satan-deluded, cruel, mean-spirited and vicious emotional thugs trying to hide behind a mask of sanctimony, and it's not working. They're fooling no one, least of all God. When that scrofulous old demon and his cohorts are standing before the Lord, I don't want to be within five miles. I hope someone gets the word out to the Freedom Riders. They'll build their Harley Hog Hedge around the site of that funeral, and Phelps will turn tail. He's all mouth, no action.

I think there are two rose bushes out back that have no roses at this time. Everyone else is blooming beautifully, and there are about 35 or 40 of them. So pretty! Tomorrow, I must take my clippers and do some serious dead-heading, or they'll quit. If they're dead-headed consistently, the bloom time is extended considerably. My beautiful little pink Angel Face (Sugarplum's rose) is finished for now, but will bloom again. It's such a pretty thing, and the fragrance is just unbelievable. It's even more fragrant than Mr. Lincoln, and I didn't think that was possible. Mr. Lincoln is the benchmark for fragrance among roses.

Well, guess I'll mosey. See you later! --Romeena
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72097: Hey Possum,Boo,Tom,M-T,auh20,asa,Rev and all...ok back at work now and busy...got a break right now..Lets Eat at Pizza Hut for lunch on "Possum"s" credit card!...ok got a broke pole the crews are changing out and a few more things...got the garden all planted except for the 30 or so late mater we will plant in about 2 weeks...prayers and Race fans its Talladega racing tomorrow!...gona be great...Mavas where are you?.....back in just a bit....SPOT
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72098: Quiet on the porch today. Hope you are all having a great day and enjoying the spring weather.

You know, Romeena, I have not smelled a rose on the vine in many years. I have received cut roses as a gift, of course, but they just don't have much fragrance. When I went to the doctor's office the other day, they had the parking lot landscaped with big patches of jasmine that was in bloom...oh, did that smell wonderful! Took me back to my childhood when we had jasmine growing on vines outside our bedroom windows. When the windows were open in the spring, the fragrance filled the entire house...heavenly!

Better finish my coffee and start working on this place. It's a disaster this morning. I did manage to wash the sheets and change linens yesterday but the rest of the laundry is waiting!

Boo
April 25, 2009 - Msg 72099: Hey Y'all. Ok,I'll pay for Pizza Hut,but everyone had better get the lunch special! Poor old credit card!
It's a pretty day-temperature is close to 90 though! Too hot for April.90 degrees in April? Guess it'll be 100 zillion degrees in August!
Better head over to my mom's.My daughter & Laci are coming to visit.My daughter said Laci grabbed her suitcase on wheels when she told her where they were going! Sweet girl wants to spend the night,but I'm afraid it ain't gonna happen.I am still shaking off whatever weird bug I had. Feeling better,but still suffering with a headache.I'm just not up to Miss Laci or much of anything else for that matter.
Y'all enjoy the weekend and I'll catch ya later.
*******************
possum under a rock
P.S. Oh Boo,since nobody has answered you,I will: I've seen the Rascal Flatts Mayberry video before.Nice,real nice!