May 23, 2009 - Msg 72845: Hi friends.
Just a quick note to ask for prayers for Kai as she has her heart surgery on Tuesday.
We had a long day up there today getting the tour of Mayo and talking to the surgeon and nurses. The staff did a real good job of making you seem like everything was going to be ok. Though the Doctor kind of freaked me out with the "we're going to stop her heart for a minute or two, and then start it back up".
I didn't think to ask then why they would do that, but I sure thought about it on the way home. Stop her heart. That's a scary thought. What if it doesn't start back up again?!
I'm sure they have done it hundreds of times - and I even asked him if he had done a lot of this type of surgery, which I hoped later wasn't a offensive question to him. Last thing I want to do is p*ss off the guy who will have my baby's life in his hands.
A funny part is that when he came in the room, I thought, "this is the surgeon we were supposed to talk to?", because he looked so young and I felt just a tad unsure at that one quick moment. Then I remembered Andy's misgivings about their new doctor when it was time to have Opie's tonsils taken out, and that made me feel a little better about it.

Kai seems to have no qualms about it. None that she is showing us anyway. She knows she is going to have a lot of people praying for her and I think that helps her. She was very attentive and interested while she was talking over the procedure with the "Child Life" person they have there, who goes over things about the operation with her in a kid-friendly way.

Thanks in advance for the prayers and well-wishes. Pretty much my wife's entire family will be around for Memorial Day weekend and Kai's operation, so I may not be checking in too much( yeah, like I have been recently anyway ;)), but I will try to pop in and give updates where I can.


Oh, MDC, you were talking about seeing your life after you go to Heaven, or something like that. I actually have wondered if God would let us go back and revisit a time or place. Like, I thought how I would like to go back to my town in the 80's, which was a good decade for me pretty much, and just walk around the town, to see if it felt the way I remember it.
I mean, if anyone could let you do that, God could.
Like you, or someone, said, you probably wouldn't care about that kind of stuff when you are in Heaven, but who knows? If we maintain our same sense of identity in Heaven, we may just think about our past and want to visit.

-Sterling Holobyte
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72846: Oh no, I swept!

And now after all that sweeping I still have laundry to put away as well.

I tell you, A husband's work is never done. ;)

-SH
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72847: Prayers for Kai, and for your entire family Sterling. I'm sure it must be draining on you all, but the Lord will be in charge, be assured.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend. Let's remember what it's for. Good words from MDC. I'm for sure going to gather my two oldest Grandkids and let them know why we have a Memorial Day. I am hoping we can all go together to our local cemetery and pay respect also.

18 miles Spot? That's very good. Now is that 18 miles in dog miles, or people miles? :)

I just realized this is kind of an anniversary for me of sorts. I began posting here on the porch right around this time of the year in 2001 I believe. Wow, time has moved right along, and much has taken place during those years. It's been a fun ride.

Speaking of rides, I've got one waiting for me. It has 4 wheels and dual cutting blades on it. Time to go mow.

Asa
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72848: Good morning Porch! Happy Anniversary Asa I remember when you first started sittin on the porch, my has it been that long ago? I started my porch sittin sometime back in 1997, can't remember the exact day tho. Sterling you and your family are in my prayers, I know it's hard on you, I could just imagine. We're here for you, and please be sure to keep us updated if only to post and say Kai is doing good. Ro, you and Eloise have fun and act like somebody now. Spot ya'll have a good time too. Now I'm off here to catch up on somethings that need doing around here, like house cleaning. Y.U.C.K. where is Sean when I need him?? Meantime check out this video I took yesterday of my excuse for not cleaning as much as I should, I've told ya'll the dogs won't let me clean didn't I? HA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh-xRcJk-tk

*Mavis
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72849: Great to see you Sterling. Thank you for checking in and letting us know about Kai and her upcoming surgery on Tuesday. The thought of someone stopping her heart even for a minute is very scary. Try to remember, though, that there are thousands of such surgeries done on children all the time with wonderful results, and remember that a young, healthy heart is very hard to stop. I know this from experience as a nurse. Old, damaged hearts are risky during surgery, but healthy hearts want to beat and have no trouble starting up again. Isn't it just amazing that God has given man the technology to fix little hearts like Kai's? She will grow up healthy and live a full life and that is something to really rejoice over! We have been praying for Kai for years now, that God would take care of her and now the time has come to trust Him. Prayers continue now through Tuesday. Please update us, as possible.

Sterling, I just love what you posted about heaven. I have wondered the same thing..like, I am hoping that I can go back to the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and experience that. I would also love to relive some childhood days. Wouldn't that be fun?! I love your statement, "I mean, if anyone could let you do that, God could"....that's great.

Morning Asa...how's the weather out in Utah? I think we are planning a little barbeque on Monday and it is tradition that Bruce always takes my dad to breakfast on Memorial day to thank him for his service in WW2. To Dad, nothing says "thank you" like a good breakfast of eggs and grits!

Happy Porch Anniversary to you Asa!! What an amazing blessing you have been to me over the years...so many kind and wise words, prayers, and especially LAUGHS!!! You are a blessing, Bro. Maybe we should celebrate...how about we go to Mt. Pilot to the picture show like we used to in the early days. Remember when you used to ride an occasional goat after a few swallows of the squeezin's? Bring some along, I'm driving.

Boo
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72850: Oh hey there, Mavis! Well, I wish I could send Sean your way. He would certainly be happy to help you and he would do a great job, too. Let me tell you something cute...On Thurday, Bruce took Sean out for the day, just to spend some dad/son time (Bruce and Sean have a pretty rocky relationship, as I may have mentioned before). I told Bruce the night before that he should do things with Sean that Sean wants to do, not try to force him into liking the things YOU want him to do. So, Bruce took Sean to a local vacuum shop. Well, they were there for almost an hour and Sean was quite impressed with the owner, who told Sean that he, himself, has had a vacuum fascination since childhood and determined to own his own shop someday. Boy, did they have alot to talk about and the man let Sean try out alot of the vacuums. Sean told me later, "It was the best day of my life!"...funny. I am glad he had a good time with his dad.

Better go..

Boo
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72851: Sterling,you have my prayers. Everything will be okay. Take it from somebody who has walked down the same road you're on now.I know the apprehension you are feeling in regards to Kai's heart being stopped.They did the same to Laci-put her on the heart/lung machine for about 45 minutes,I think.A tiny,frail little 13 pound baby! She came through fine-Kai will too. I like to think that during that time Laci's heart was stopped,that she was glimpsing Heaven & looking into God's face.
Ok,Spot,I'll quit teasing you-18 miles is great! Yes,the cancer run is a good cause-bless you for participating.
Happy Porch anniversary to Asa! Somebody run over to the Morrison sisters and get some elixir for celebrating!
Boo,I'm having your dog problems today. My neighbor's beagle is over here driving our dog crazy. Plus,he's trying to come in the house whenever I go in & out of the door.He ran in once and I had to spray air freshener-he has that "stinky dog" smell-Phew! I know the owners aren't home,or else I'd call them to come get the dog. He was headed down the sidewalk not too long ago & will get hit by a car or picked up by somebody-just watch.And earlier,my cousin's little chocolate lab was running around over here.At least they came looking for him and took him home. What is with people who have dogs and don't know what to do with them? Or maybe they DO know,but just don't care!
Y'all have a good day-I think I'm gonna take a nap with Miss Laci.
*******************
possum under a rock
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72852: Hmm.. I had paragraphs up there.Not sure what made everything all bunched up.
possum again
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72853: Yes, Possum, I think it is more about them knowing what to do but not doing it. Crazy. Sometimes I don't think people bother to consider how risky it is to let a dog run around free...to the dog and to others.

Well, guess what?? It is actually really raining here!!...I can even hear thunder. Better go finish the chores. What a joy just to see it rain again.

Boo
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72854: Oh, almost forgot...I stopped at a yard sale today and bought a huge bag full of yarn in assorted colors for 3 dollars. This was a great find because I am always looking for yarn to take to the drug rehab for the girls. They make blankets and are always in need of yarn, so I was very happy! While I was there, I also found 8 of the cutest vintage tea glasses. I was thrilled. I have been wanting a set of glasses and just couldn't find exactly what I wanted until today...they were in an old box and pretty dirty so the woman only charged me 10 cents a piece for them...I gave her a little more, though. I washed them up and they are adorable! They have yellow flowers on them with green leaves...exactly what I was looking for. I just love it when that happens. I just drank a glass of milk out of one and it just tasted better, for some reason. Hope you don't think I'm a lunatic for getting excited over glasses but I really like them...guess I am easy to please.

Well, I'll be back later.

Boo
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72855: We are back gang...kids done good on the ride..about 11 miles...but they wanted to stop and play in the creeks and stuff to much!...prayers Sterling...hey Boo,Ro,Rev,Mavis...and guess what possum ..while ago at K-mart in the $5.00 bargan DVD bin I bought My Cousin Vinnie!now I can 'YOUT" any time I want...started to get you one and mail it to you...welllet me get this bike stuff put away...and go to the barn to piddle...slow rain here now....Asa lets take this bunch to Longhorn for steaks tonight....SPOT
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72856: SPOT found a bargain today, too!!

Boo
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72857: Spot,I gotta have one! Go back and get it for me-pretty please,with sugar on top?! Then we can have YOUT movie nights-we'll watch it on our Big 5-0 birthdays-how's that?
Boo,that beagle has been here all day. Mr.Possum is not trying too hard to get it back to its owners either! He loves beagles.Anyhow,it followed my car when I went to my mom's-went right out in the road,and so I pulled in to the owner's yard,opened the gate & he went in. Nobody was home.He got out again and is still here. If he & our dog woof it up out there all night I am not gonna be happy! I left a message on their machine telling them about the dog.
If I didn't have my hands full with Laci,I could get the dog back where it belonged. The owners are distant cousins of mine and I would think nothing of putting him in their garage or outside washroom and leaving a note on the door. I would prefer that to him running down the busy road and getting hit or picked up.Matter of fact,the little lab that was here earlier belongs to relatives as well.I guess that makes it ok for their dogs to run all over the place-they think we won't complain.
Boo,the glasses sound really pretty.I like coming across unexpected treasures like that too! Enjoy your tea!
********************
possum under a rock
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72858: Possum I will get you one tomorrow "YOUT"..unless they are sold out....PROMISE I will make the trip to check...Boo what bargian did you find?...and yea the Cancer Ride will be so neat next Sat...gona be a ton of riders...I will take pics....ok...prayers and I am gona go piddle in the barn...man I spilt gas on my hands a while ago from the weed eater and cant wash it off...shew......SPOT
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72859: Ok just cause my hands smell like Ga aint no reason to avoid me ;)-.....Nationwide race on race is under rain delay gals and guys....SPOT
May 23, 2009 - Msg 72860: oh my possum...im watching my new DVD right now...Vinny is tooling into town in that caddy.....oh my........SPOT
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72861: Good late evening, porch. Report from Joe is that he's doing very well, has been up walking and everything. God is good. He said to thank everyone for their prayers - he's really appreciative.

Sterling, Kai will be fine. Stopping and restarting the heart isn't something you want to do just for grins, but it's not the fearsome thing it sounds like either, at least not to the doctors who do it every day. Prayers for Kai and her docs, and for the family, my friend. Don't forget, God loves Kai, too - maybe even more than you do, if that's possible.

Boo, I think Sean's fascination with vacuums is remarkable, and I would be tempted to channel him in that direction for a vocation. There are a lot of things he could do, from a repair shop, to research and development for a manufacturer.

We had a wonderful afternoon, and I just can't describe how much we enjoyed the play. Topol was magnificent! His voice, that rich bass voice, just flows. He can go from a threatening, fearsome rumble to a high squeak of surprise in one note. Amazing. We had excellent seats, on the front row of the second section on the floor, so there was no one seated in front of us. I had the presence of mind to take some small birding binocs. We really didn't need them as we weren't but about 1/3 of the way back, but I loved using them. With the binocs, I could see Topol's face as though he were standing in front of me, and could catch every shade of expression in his eyes, every lift of an eyebrow. He's a master of the "take", and threw in some ad-libs that were hilarious, but still in character. His face could be a thundercloud one second, looking at some unsuitable young man who was eyeing his daughter, and melt with compassion the next second, as he looked at the girl who was so obviously in love. A wonderful play, rich characters, masterfully portrayed, especially by the old master himself, Chaim Topol. This is supposed to be his farewell tour, so we felt especially fortunate.

Good grief, Mavis! I believe I'd have to put that little barking machine out in the garage on vacuuming day, or something. Mercy!

Well, guess I'd better go give my little furkid some cuddle time. She's a little chapped because she was left alone all day. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72862: Prayers for Joe Romeena....possum..you still up?...if not yall its waffle house on "Romeena"...yes girl you aint bought in awhile....SPOT
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72863: Yes, Ro, Sean is already shopping thrift stores and garage sales to find vacuums to repair and give away. He found a fairly new Bissel cannister vac today for 5 dollars and all it needed was a new belt, which he got at WalMart, put on the vacuum, gave it and it's filters a good cleaning and it works great. Bruce has promised him that when we get the barn built, he will make him a little workshop out there for his vacuum repairs. He could make extra money that way, but he hates to sell them. He is always looking for someone who needs a vacuum so he can give them one. He has supplied many of our family members and friends with good vacuums. He's quite a kid. BTW, glad you enjoyed your afternoon out!

Possum, I certainly hope you are able to hush the beagle and get some sleep. "Hush the beagle"...that sounds like some kind of board game for kids or something...

To answer your question, SPOT, I found some vitage tea glasses that I love at a garage sale for ten cents a piece. Hey, just FYI...you said you were going to "piddle" in the barn. Well, here in Texas, piddle means pee...but I know that's not what you meant. ;-)...couldn't resist. I am mean sometimes, right?

Night-night! See you in the morning with my coffee, if I have time before getting ready for preachin'.

Boo
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72864: Oh, almost forgot something I wanted to share. Well, I was out for a drive this afternoon when the rain started and i was so excited about it. It was just one of those good days when everything is going right and I said, "Jesus, could you give me a rainbow today? That would just make everything perfect!"...well, I kept scanning the horizon for my rainbow, but I never saw it. I went home and forgot about it...until Bruce and I went out for supper several hours later...just before sunset. As we were sitting in the cafe, the waitress walked by and said, "There is a rainbow outside", so I jumped up and she motioned for me to follow her. She opened the front door and there before our eyes was a huge, double rainbow. As we stood there, I told her, "Wow, I asked God for a rainbow today and I thought he hadn't answered my prayer". The waitress, never taking her eyes of the rainbow, said, "Oh, He always answers. He answers in his own time, though". That really spoke to me and I realize that she is very right about that. It's a good lesson to learn.

Goodnight, Mayberry!

Boo
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72865: Oh my goodness Boo "piddle".."pee"...well now Boo I will have to admit with the 14 acres over here....piddle does happen...ha ha ;)-....sorry for so much info....well a cook out at a co-workers tomorrow...yall come...will have breakfast in the morning gang.....SPOT
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72866: Good Sabbath fellow porchters. I hope and pray your day is good.
Thank you all for the happy anniversary wishes. That's very kind of you. Boo, thank you for your kind words. They really touched me. And I'm glad if I have been able to bring you a smile or two over the years. You have done that for me, just this morning in fact, with your talk about Spot peeing in the barn. :)

I'm glad Joe is doing so well. Wonderful news indeed.

Well it's still early here. I'm waiting for the sun to rise over the mighty Wasatch. My Sunday morning ritual is to go sit on my porch and watch a new day come to life. Watching the birds out in the yard. looking for insects and gathering bits and pieces for nests. The fresh dew on the grass. The clean and crisp air. I just love mornings, and Sabbath mornings in particular.

Prayers for you all to have a peaceful and meaningful Sabbath friends.

Asa
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72867: Certainly no offense taken, SPOT...we have done our share of the same, in fact, we have an outside toilet on our place and it is literally OUTSIDE. We got it for Erin, mainly because everytime we get out there, she has to go to the bathroom. We just stuck it behind one of the woodpiles so people couldn't see her from the road. I have not used it, yet...I'll just hold it, thank you. Bruce was out on the place for hours yesterday morning, in the heat, digging up the water pipe to find a leak, and then it happened....it started raining like crazy. Needles to say, he didn't find the leak in the rain and he was rather frustrated. It's always something.

You're welcome, ASA! Glad I gave you a smile this morning. Your morning sounds heavenly. Wish we lived closer, I would come over and sit with you on the porch. I would even share my coffee and blanket. :-)

Well, Erin is up and will be needing her breakfast. I am so excited because yesterday, for the first time, she came to me and asked me, "Mom, can we play make-up?"...I thought I was hearing things. "You bet we can! I have been waiting for this for years". She wanted me to pain her nails and put make-up on her (just for fun). She asked me if she could wear make-up to church on Sunday and I explained that she could play with make-up but was too young to actually wear it, "Besides, I said, if your dad saw you made up like this at church, he would have a stroke, Honey". ;-) It was fun for me because she has always been such a tomboy and all of a sudden she wants to be a girl...someone here on the porch once told me that would happen..forgot who it was. Romeena, maybe.

Adios!

Boo
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72868: ...uh, that's PAINT her nails, of course...

Boo
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72869: Good morning, porch! It's a lovely, quiet Sunday morning, cloudy and cool, with that feeling of expectation that happens now and then, when you're not quite sure what the weather is going to do. Doesn't matter - rain or shine, I'll be happy.

Spot, do you mean to tell me that when you're clear across those fourteen acres and nature calls, you don't hike back to the house to answer? Well, I dee-clare! Imagine that! Ha! If I could find a big enough tree, bush or rock, or a deep enough ravine, I imagine I wouldn't either.

Boo, it seems to me I remember that conversation, so I might have told you that about Erin. I certainly agree with the notion. Tomboys quite often turn out to be very feminine girls, though we're rarely foolish about it. We like to look nice, we just don't get silly with too many frills and unnecessary "fixin's". Also, you might want to check behind the woodwork. Usually, when a tomboy starts wanting to try out the "girlie" stuff, there's a cute little boy hiding somewhere nearby. Don't you just love it?

Asa, I think you have probably blessed the hearts of most of us here on this porch. You certainly have done so for me. We pick on you and all, but you're a good and valued friend, and you have shared Godly wisdom with us.

Well, gotta get dressed for preachin'. I think I'll just wear what I wore yesterday. It's still clean, and it will save me about ten minutes of standing in my closet, gazing at the contents like a duck looking at thunder. The choices worked yesterday, should be fine today as well. I've got to work tonight and tomorrow night, so guess I'll come home and get a nap, instead of going to lunch with friends. Yep, can of soup, nap, then to work, that's the plan. Be blessed, my friends. --Romeena
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72870: Well, Romeena.."For the love of Mike, do it", girl.

As far as Erin is concerned, there is always a cute little boy hiding nearby. Boys just love her because she cute AND can play sports with them. She likes the boys, too, which is ok now...might get scary later!

Boo
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72871: I told you I had a valid excuse for not cleaning alot didn't I Ro? She does the same thing with a mop or a broom and with a dust rag, always chasing it trying to snatch it away from me. AND if you think that little display was something, you should see her when I spray the Pledge or better yet, the canned air for the computer! That's why she's crated for the whole process. Boo I think the idea about a little workshop for Sean is great, he could call it "Emmett's Repairs" decorate it with TAGS stuff and even fix toasters! Seriously, if you could get him to charge to fix them, he'd have it made. What a great kid to want to fix things and give them to the less fortunate, makes me proud to say I knew that boy when he was just knee-high to a grasshopper! :) Well, best get out of this rocker and start working on doing something constructive (as opposed to DEstructive) Be back later taters
*Mavis
when she's in that position, she'll run on ya (something to that effect when Gomer was working on Andy's vacuum)
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72872: Ha ha! I want to say something SO badly about Spot and his "piddling" but I won't tease him until he buys me that " My Cousin Vinny" DVD!!
Boo,the beagle was at my front door this morning at 2AM-woke me up with its barking. So, I put him in mr.possum's shed til morning. He stayed quiet and we got him back over in his yard early this morning. Hope he stays there-somehow the gate keeps getting opened.Nobody's home,so either neighborhood kids are opening it,or the dog is opening it himself! Of course,I stayed awake for over an hour just waiting for him to start barking out in the shed,but he was quiet. Usually Laci keeps me up at night when she's here.Last night she was knocked out though-snoring! Instead I had that beagle waking me up-it's always something!
Raining here today. Perhaps we'll get a rainbow.I would like Laci to see one-don't think she ever has.
Y'all have a good Sunday-love to all!
**********
possum

May 24, 2009 - Msg 72873: Oh,and glad to hear that Joe is doing well and that you enjoyed the show,Ro!

possum again
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72874: It's softly raining here today, too. (I was right there in it!)
Asa, did you ever think that maybe Boo was late in getting federal aid? (to continue the "Family Visit" saga.)
- Hazel

May 24, 2009 - Msg 72875: Good Sabbath everyone.

HAZEL: It's really, really good to hear from you.

STERLING: Prayers for Kai.

BOO: That's cute.

ASA: Happy anniversary!

Well, back to work for me! Have a nice Memorial Day.

Me-They
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72876: MAVIS: I put a picture of Mazy on my Facebook.

M-T
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72877: Hey, Hazel! Good to see you - you've been gone too long. We miss you when you're not here. You're always so quick with funny comments, and TAGS stuff.

Boo, it really is great that Sean likes to fix up those vacuums and give them away. Maybe he can figure out a way to fix some for people who can afford to pay, and let that finance the ones he gives away. Good training for him, at the same time. He's a good kid. I guess I wouldn't even recognize him now.

Well, gotta get to bed. Have to go to work this evening, so I need that nap. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72878: Hey all...headed to the cook out and work tomorrow at 2...prayers....SPOT
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72879:
Hi from the library.
Boo-did Sean ever see the ep where barney sells the vacumns door-to-door? I bet he'd enjoy it.
Asa , sterling, I saw the StarTrek movie last night, and well, it DOES stray from the TV series
in some ways, (ie:outcome of Capt. Pike)so as a treker, I was disappointed.
(I own a "tricoder" after all!)Also it , IMHO, was way too
violent for PG-13. Nero was just plain weird. It was fairly hard to follow with a lot of time traveling going on, etc,but then I'm a "purist" when it comes to S T. (Oh, if you see it, bring your earplugs too.)
hey to HAZEL. You were in Raleigh WAY too long.
good to see you
Have a great weekend all!
And prayers for Kai!
MDC

May 24, 2009 - Msg 72880: Raleigh? I thought Hazel went to Dee-Troit!

Yes,it's good to see you on the Porch,Hazel!
******
possum
May 24, 2009 - Msg 72881: Hazel...come back..your visits are too short!

You're so nice, MAVIS. I know if we lived near you, you and Sean would get along great...you could groom the dogs, and he could clean up the hair. ;-)

My goodness, Possum. Laci finally sleeps for you and then the beagle keeps you up. No fair, is it? Hope you get some sleep tonight.

Gosh, MDC, I think you ruined the Star Trek movie for me (kidding). I don't remember Nero being in Star Trek? I think I will go see it anyway, but leave the kids at home. Or, maybe i will spend the money on something else.

Took the kids for a picnic at the beach this afternoon. It was a really nice evening and I saw ANOTHER rainbow, Possum, right over the water. (big smile).

Boo
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72882: Hi porch,I'm having trouble sleeping,so I thought I would come quietly sit in my rocker for awhile.Boo,so awesome about the rainbow.God is so good.Spot,glad you and Miss Sherry had a nice ride.Possum,that barking beagle is smart,he knows you will treat him right,so he comes back over.Romeena,so good to hear that Joe is doing well.Sterling,prayers for Kai,and for you and your wife.Well,gonna try to sleep againg.Prayers for all-ky girl
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72883: Morning Porch friends. Happy Memorial Day. I hope and pray you have a safe and good day.

Hazel, I have to agree with the folks here. We miss your posts, your Mayberry wit, and your meatballs even. You and homemaker have some competi tion with meatball amking. So please don't be such a stranger.

Happy Birthday to Tom. I think it's his Birthday today. Hope you have a good one buddy.

Thank you for the nice compliments Romeena. You are so very kind and full of wisdom and common sense. I just realized that on the 15th of this month marked another year without your wonderful Dale by your side. But I submit, and I'm sure you know this, he is indeed with you, at least in spirit, and walks with you during those tender and quiet moments of enjoying memories and contemplating life. May Gods blessing be with you.

Well we are going to go visit some graves today, and honor and remember those who have departed us. I used to really dislike going there, but now find it somehow comforting and helpful. Living in a small town, there are so many names on headstones of people I knew, and their families also, I don't know, it just somehow does not depress me anymore.

Anyway, I hope you all have a good day.

Asa
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72884: Happy Memorial day Porch friends, Prayers for Kai and the entire family as they face this surgery. Been a busy few days on my end of the porch. My husband had his cardio procedure last Thursday morning, things went well and he was back to work on Friday. We attended my nieces graduation Friday night which went well. Patrick graduated high school Saturday morning! Things went well, only about 50 minutes for the ceremony to take place. There were about 245 seniors. He finshed 9th in his class so were are pretty proud of him. He will start a 2 year pre engineering program at a local community technical college in the fall and then he will be off to complete the 4 year degree at Tenn Tech in Cookeville, TN. On chapter closes and another begins for him and for us as well.

Took flowers to the cemetary for my Dad who died when I was 11 and my sister who died when I was 15, my grandparents and my uncle Saturday afternoon. Yesterday went to church and then home to do some chores. WHEW!

I am working for a few hours this morning and then guess I will go home for a cook out with the family. My daugther is at a sleep over so I will have to pick her up at some point and Patrick has to work from 12-5:30. Guess we will eat later this evening.

Better get ready for work. Prayers and blessings to all today and again especially for Kai.

Big Maude
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72885: Happy Memorial day Porch friends, Prayers for Kai and the entire family as they face this surgery. Been a busy few days on my end of the porch. My husband had his cardio procedure last Thursday morning, things went well and he was back to work on Friday. We attended my nieces graduation Friday night which went well. Patrick graduated high school Saturday morning! Things went well, only about 50 minutes for the ceremony to take place. There were about 245 seniors. He finshed 9th in his class so were are pretty proud of him. He will start a 2 year pre engineering program at a local community technical college in the fall and then he will be off to complete the 4 year degree at Tenn Tech in Cookeville, TN. On chapter closes and another begins for him and for us as well.

Took flowers to the cemetary for my Dad who died when I was 11 and my sister who died when I was 15, my grandparents and my uncle Saturday afternoon. Yesterday went to church and then home to do some chores. WHEW!

I am working for a few hours this morning and then guess I will go home for a cook out with the family. My daugther is at a sleep over so I will have to pick her up at some point and Patrick has to work from 12-5:30. Guess we will eat later this evening.

Better get ready for work. Prayers and blessings to all today and again especially for Kai.

Big Maude
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72886: Good morning and Happy Memorial Day to you.

Asa, I loved your kind words to Romeena. In the words of Andy, "You are really somthing, you know that?". The 19th of this months was when I lost my friend Karen two years ago. I will never forget how all of you helped get me through that horrible time. I will always love you for it.

I hope there will be a time when i will be able to go to the cemetery and not feel depressed about all the names..I'm not there yet, but you give me some hope about it, Asa. I don't really mind being there and it is very peaceful, but I don't always like being confronted by my own mortality.

I think you all have inspired me to visit the grave of some of my family members. It might be a good trip for me to take with the kids. Could be a good "teachable moment".

Congratulations to Patrick!...and to you Maude. You're such a great mom.

Boo

May 25, 2009 - Msg 72887: Hi All.

Thank Asa for the brthday wish.

IN THE WAIT WITH PATIENCE.
If yourhip has run amuck
Or sunk to ocean's floor;
If your heart has given up
And you can take no more;
Carry all your woes to Him.
Place them in His care.
Know that He will help you through
Your days of dark depair,
Throughout all time and seasons.
Ride with thim, you must.
Take your problems to the Lord.
In Him put all your trust.
It may take hours, days or weeks,
Or maybe ever more;
But if you have deep faith inHim,
He'll bring your ship to shore.

TOM

May 25, 2009 - Msg 72888: Mornin' Y'all and Happy Memorial Day. Thanks to all the veterans on our Porch for serving our country.You are greatly appreciated.
Happy Birthday to Tom!!
Asa,you thought you were gonna slip another birthday past us,huh? What's the matter,you don't want to celebrate turning 30?! Yesterday was Asa's birthday,y'all- Happy Birthday,Asa!

Ha! I hear "Sister Golden Hair playing on the radio- I know how much some of you like that song!
Me,I love it-really. Takes me back to the 70s each time I hear it.

The latest on the beagle: He stayed in his fenced in yard,but I could hear him barking non-stop last night. Finally,around 11pm,I called & left a message telling them about the constant barking.I think someone must have been at home,(although it has looked deserted over there for days) because not 5 minutes after my call,the barking got very muffled,as if the dog had been put in the garage or taken indoors.He finally stopped the barking right after that. So,now they are aware of the fact that we are being disturbed over here 3 houses away! I don't know how the folks right next door can stand it. If you are familiar with a beagle's barking,you know what I mean! The dog is so sweet-I hate when people don't do right by their animals. Oh,and the little lab puppy was over here again & out in the main road- I saw cars trying to avoid hitting it! Mr. Possum took him back home,but he said there was no sign of life over there either.People just go off on a whim and leave their animals! Poor dog just running loose like that!
Boo, I'm getting jealous of you & those rainbows!
Ok, let me get down from the soapbox. Have a good day-love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72889: Hey Tom! That's a nice poem-thanks for sharing it. Enjoy your birthday.

possum again
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72890: Hey Possum..."ask and ye shall receive"... Boy, can I relate to the dog problems!~ I just don't understand how a dog can bark that loudly, non-stop and the onwners just seem to ignore it. What a pain!

Happy Birthday to Tom. Thank you for the poem! Happy belated birthday to Asa.

Boo
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72891: Well im at work now..hey TOM,possum,Boo,Big Maude,Asa,Rev,Sterling(prayers),M-T,Romeena,hazel and all....Race is fixing to start back.....hey Mavis.....got subs for all for a late lunch....SPOT
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72892: Happy Memorial Day everyone, Happy Birthday TOM, and Happy Anniversary Asa. I hope you all are having a wonderful day and a safe one too. We had grilled catfish, corn on the cob and all the fixings earlier now I'm ready for a nap! But I best clean the kitchen back up. See ya'll later--Salty Dog
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72893: Hey Spot, didn't see ya there. You think they'll get to finish this race? I had to laugh at Tony just now, seems like he's always getting into something with somebody--SD
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72894: Well gang slow here at work....race called for rain SD...just dont like that but cant help it..well yall ate yet?..got some burgers on the grill and dogs...maude slaw and Boo tea...Romeena you working?..Rev you hit the road yet?..Asa what did you do today?...Mavis how did the dog show go?...possum whats going on under that rock?...SPOT
May 25, 2009 - Msg 72895:
Hello porch family.....on the road now so I may not be checking in everyday. Praying for you all. You folks are so special.
Spot....I'll be looking for the UPS truck while touring this summer.

Love and prayers to all the porch family.
-REV.
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72896: Just checking in, friends. Kai goes in tomorrow at 6:15 am.
Thank you all for the continued prayers.
I took a long walk Saturday night, and I know Kai is going to be ok.
I will tell you how I know that later, but now I should probably get to bed. Tomorrow morning will come all too soon, and it will be a long day.

Have a blessed and safe Memorial Day everyone.

-Sterling Holobyte


May 26, 2009 - Msg 72897: I'm going to go pray for Kai right now and will continue tomorrow morning. Sounds like the Lord is giving you peace in all of this, as we have asked him to do. He is so good. We will be thinking about you...(just imagine that we are all there with you tomorrow, because we will be with you in spirit).

Love,
Boo
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72898: Prayers for Kai right now. God is good, and He loves her. She will be just fine. --Romeena
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72899: Morning porch bunch...prayers Kai...Romeena you work last night?...well possum,Mavis,Asa yall get up and get ready for breakfast...menu:fried eggs sandwichs,sausage pattyhs,grits,bacon,bisquit and gravy,oj,coffee...bottled water,milk.....Asa for goodness sakes tie that robe up!..;)-...SPOT
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72900: Prayers for Kai! I went to bed thinking about that little one last night and woke up thinking about her and Sterling and family. I know she will be fine with the Good Lord looking out for her.
Spot I woke up hearin you holler and thought what the heck is he hollerin about? Then I realized it was Asa up to his shenanigans again! Goodness gracious we can't take him anywhere! Well, best get off here and get these dogs taken care of, got a long day ahead of me.
*Mavis
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72901: Good morning. It's 7:30 here, so I think that might be 6:30 Sterling's time. Prayers going up for Kai.

Boo
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72902: Mornin' Y'all.Kai has been in my thoughts and prayers,Sterling. Like Mavis,I woke up with her on my mind. I know God's angels are watching over her- during the heart surgery and always. Stay in faith,Sterling and let us hear from you when you are able to get to a computer.
All was quiet yesterday & last night with the beagle.that little lab puppy was running around again though. Just a matter of time with it running out into the road.Shame on those owners!
We have to have a rule from now on- Asa must be fully dressed at breakfast-no sleeping attire allowed!! An open robe- GEESH!! Ha!
*******************
possum under a rock
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72903: Guess what, Possum?...the girl next door moved out yesterday and took the barking dog with her! Hooray! It was so quiet and peaceful last night. I thought of you yesterday while i was driving about a block from here. I saw a beagle that looked about 100 in dog years, no collar, just roaming in the middle of the street. I see that kind of thing alot around here.

Boo
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72904: Good morning everyone. Prayers for Kai, especially, today.

I was going to have a snack, but lost my appetite. Thanks, POSSUM!

Me-They
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72905: Morning Porch, Just stopping by to join the pray chain for Kai.
Have a blessed day.
Big Maude
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72906: did not have a nice day yesterday.
my birthday was not nice , but that way everytime.

Unhappy TOM

May 26, 2009 - Msg 72907: Good morning, all. Praying for Kai, hoping Sterling will update us as soon as he can.

Tom, I'm sorry your birthday wasn't very nice. Sometimes it's just that way. Maybe the Jehovah's Witnesses are onto something, with their prohibition against celebrating any particular day for any reason. At least if you're not expecting anything, you don't get disappointed. Anyway, Tom, your porch friends wish you a happy birthday, and are glad you're one of us.

Boo, and Possum, doesn't it just make you want to get in somebody's face and tell them off? Pets left to wander around, I mean. It makes me angry. Not only is the pet in danger, which is bad enough, but it puts you and me and everyone else at risk for hitting a defenseless animal, and feeling terrible about it. I brake for butterflies, for cryin' out loud, not to mention birds and squirrels. However, those encounters are unavoidable - wild things wander. Pets should not wander. If I hit someone's kitty or their dog, not only am I going to be very heartbroken about that, but I'm going to be furious with the careless owner. People who cannot or will not care for their pets properly should not have them. I'll never understand why someone will go to the trouble and in many cases, the expense, of getting a dog, then leave the poor thing chained up in the back yard, lonely and bored, maybe seeing someone once or twice a day when (we hope) they're given food and water. Most of the time, it's loneliness, or worse, that's causing the annoying barking you hear. The poor thing is just asking for attention, and maybe is even in need of help. And - the problem goes deeper than that. I believe that in many cases, if you scratch a pet abuser, you'll find a child abuser underneath.

Well, I'm off. Got to pick up Eloise, and head for the Water Gardens store. Serious algae problems with the pond, I think my UV light may have lost its strength, so need to replace the bulb. Seems like it's always something with that dratted pond. If it wasn't so pretty, and such a pleasure when it's balanced, I'd fill the bloomin' thing in.

Be blessed, friends! --Romeena
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72908:
Back at work and checking in. Prayers continue for Kai today!
MDC
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72909: Afternoon possum,Asa,Romena,Mavis,MaudeBoo,M-T,Tom and all...yea possum breakfast cant be a P-J eats no more for asa....well its grilled cheese and mater soup for lunch...get 2...shower and work at 2 for me ...prayers Kai....SPOT
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72910: Very true, Romeena. I know that the dog that was living next door was in need of attention and that is why he barked. The poor thing would get to the end of his chain and stand facing our front door and bark. He was asking us to come out. I am very glad that the ditzy girl owner moved back in with her parents and is joining the military because she told me that the dog is happy at her parent's home. He isn't chained and there are other animals there for him to be with. I am relieved. I don't have a problem with big dogs living outside if they have room to run and other dogs as companions, but it is cruel to leave them out alone or chain them. They are miserable that way because they are pack animals by nature and to them, companionship is like water or air; they suffer without it.

Sorry you had a bad day, TOM. Hope today is better. :-)

Prayers continue to Kai.

Boo
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72911: Sorry to hear that your birthday wasn't good, TOM. Like ROMEENA said, we here wish you a happy birthday and are very glad to have you here.

It's still raining here, but we can use it.

Me-They
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72912: Hi All.
Me-They- it ben raining off and on all day here, that good it keep the heat down.

Prayer for Kai.

TOM

May 26, 2009 - Msg 72913:
WOO HOO -HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM!! (to the accompaniment
of fireworks bursting in air!)
God bless you my friend...and many more.
How is Gizmo these days?
Anyone heard from Sterling?
Prayers,
MDC
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72914:
Hello porch family.
Sterling....Please know that we're still praying for little Kai.

Tom.....just keep your head up buddy and be positive and remember that Jesus loves you. And so does all your porch family.

Got to go for now. I'll check back later tonight.
Love and prayers for all!
-REV.
May 26, 2009 - Msg 72915:
Don't know if any of you saw this story on msn,
but here's a little bit of it.
As MT's John Davidson would say, "That's Incredible!":
"DARNESTOWN, Md. - Cal Ripken, Iron Man of the Baltimore Orioles, played in 2,632 consecutive baseball games.
Stefanie Zaner, Iron Kid of Darnestown, is closing in on her 2,340th straight day of public school.
The 18-year-old is unlikely to get the standing ovation afforded Ripken for his streak when she arrives at Northwest High School on Friday for the last day of senior classes in Montgomery County.
But her's is a rare accomplishment. Not once in 13 years was Stefanie marked absent: not for a cold, a family vacation, a college visit or a senior skip day. She once went on a freshman trip to Shanghai with the school marching band and boarded the plane with her clarinet only after securing written assurance from the principal that the trip would not count as an absence. She has never broken a bone, thrown up or caught the flu or even a bad cough, she said.
"There were days in high school when I thought she was too tired to get up," said Debbie Zaner, Stefanie's mother. "But by high school, it was up to her. It wasn't up to me."
Perfect attendance for even one year is an elusive goal. Schools are germ factories. Kids play hooky. Families travel. Religious holidays sometimes require attendance elsewhere. Even conscientious students take the occasional personal day to prepare for a test or catch up on homework.
Stefanie didn't enter kindergarten intent on never missing school. The goal crept up on her. Her principal at Darnestown Elementary School, Larry Chep, gave out annual awards for perfect attendance. She won a couple, then found she "really liked being recognized for something." By the end of fifth grade, when Chep recognized her for six consecutive years without absence, Stefanie stood alone.
Chep remembers her as "one of those kids you want in your school." Stefanie returns to Darnestown Elementary each spring to help her fourth-grade teacher..."
MDC

May 26, 2009 - Msg 72916: Hey Y'all- I was looking to see if Sterling had popped in. Then I looked at some of Kai's pics in Ro's album.One in particular that caught my eye was the one of Sterling at Kai's bedside after a heart procedure years ago. Go take a look at that picture and you'll know why Sterling hasn't checked in with us yet-the man doesn't want to leave her side! He sure loves that child- what a wonderful Daddy. The look on his face is precious.
Well,I will try to check back later. Y'all have a good evening- love to all!
************
possum again