September 22, 2009 - Msg 75267: Morning Family:
Just checking in and praying for all the Southern folks who are dealing with water, water, water. So sad to see so many flooded out.
Possum- stay tough girl! Your sister may consider not answering the phone (if she has caller ID) when mom calls. She IS NOT available for house calls. But your sister CAN call her to say Hi and tell her she loves her. But quickly and to the point. Mom's not allowed to go on and on with the whinning etc. Lovingly we create monsters with children and parents, not realizing what we are doing. Blessings and wisdom for you!!
Have a wonderful day. ~New Neighbor
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75268: I didn't think I had time to sweep. Prayers for all. ~New Neighbor
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75269: Such a true statement, NN..."Lovingly we creat montsters with children and parents, not realizing what we are doing"...especially with parents because we don't expect them to act like spoiled children. It's a real education, isn't it?

I wish I had more advice for you, Possum. The only thing i can think of is that when my parents get to manipulating circumstances, if I will take a little time to visit and just sit and talk with them for a bit, they tend to calm down and it holds them for awhile. Just like children, they crave attention and sometimes I think that if i were in my 80's, knew I probably only had a short time left on this earth, I would feel like I wanted to spend more time with my children. The problem is that they forget what it was like to raise a family and work and have so many responsibilities. Sadly enough, they do have to come to the realization that if they manipulate, it only makes us pull back even further and see them as a burden. If we use some tough love and not let them get away with it, it is better for us and them. Good luck Possum, and thank you for your prayers for us and my mom. BTW..."As The Mama Fall"?...too funny!

Ro! Thank God for that pacemaker! You know, if it were not for modern medical technology I would have lost both of my parents long ago, I think.

Better get Erin going. It is actually raining again. We were supposed to get a little cool front but it never made it this far... :-(

Boo
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75270: Thanks Ro & NN- My sister actually has gone out of her way NOT to phone Mama,because she knows she'll "guilt trip' her trying to get her to come over.So,Mama calls her,telling her she's not eating,needs her toe bandaged,etc.
In all the chaos of her "falling" last night,my sister actually got up to see why her daughter was upset (I'd called to get BIL to help me get Mama off the floor) that she did bump her foot. I think she's ok,but I made SURE to tell Mama that she "got hurt" due to all the hoopla surrounding her falling. It ended up that a neighbor guy & myself had to lift her up,and I did the pulling. Y'all know how some guys are afraid to pick up elderly folks,afraid they'll injure them ,etc.? I had to do most of the work and my lower back is very sore from it.
I think I will make it known to her that I also got injured due to her "falling." And will keep mentioning "live in help" or a "nursing home."
Plus,my daughter wants to get her one on one,tell her that she was the inspiration that she pursued a nursing degree,and she is ashamed of her antics-that her Gran let her down,etc. That will be a big wake up call.My daughter has always had a way of giving my mom "straight talk."
It just has to stop. I can't go to sleep at night worrying over her antics,I hate to wake up wondering what I'm going to face. There's no reason for it.
I'll check in later.thanks,y'all for the support.
******************
possum under a rock
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75271: Thanks to you too,Boo. Didn't see you there-we must have been posting at the same time.
Just checked by phone on Mama & my sister. Told Mama that I would be over when I can,as I hurt my back pulling her off of the floor after she "fell." She was rather subdued when I told her that. My sister said that Mama called her last night after I told her we'd been discussing getting live in help for her & telling my sister essentially to get me to stop saying things like that to her.My sister backed me up-told her "Well,you've fallen 4 times in just a matter of days.We are going to have to do something." She said Mama told her the same thing she told me- "I'm going to stop falling.. after my leg begins to feel better."
What's that song from the 70's? "Games People Play"-I've got that running through my head!
It'll be okay. The bud nipping has begun!
************
possum again
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75272: Woohoo! Sharpen those bud-nippin' shears, possum. You're on the right track, and you're doing the right thing. I know it's hard, but for your mama's own sake, it has to happen. As for her telling your sister that she's not eating, etc., maybe sis could turn that back on her. Tell her that it might be a good thing if she didn't eat much for a while, since she keeps falling and everyone is getting hurt lifting her off the floor - a little weight loss wouldn't hurt! (meow, fffftt!) It's just possible that the best thing you could do for her right now is to make her fighting mad. And hooray for your daughter! It takes a lot to get a grandchild to talk up to a beloved grandparent, but when they do - look out!

New Neighbor, you really said a mouthful there. "Lovingly we create monsters with children and parents, not realizing what we are doing." That is so true, and I've seen so many people do it with their children. I have a relative with two sons, now grown, and they did that. Those boys were considered "sensitive" by their parents, were rarely if ever told NO, and were inflicted upon everyone at family gatherings. Seating arrangements were altered to accommodate them at the adult table (it would hurt their feelings to be made to eat with the rest of the children.) If a game such as Trivial Pursuit or dominoes or some such was going on, they had to be included (at age FOUR) and allowed to actually play, not just sit in a lap and observe. They were allowed to contradict and argue with adults, had to be included in discussions and we all had to listen to their eight-year-old opinions. It was ridiculous. They are adults now, and both are insufferable bores, and have just about zero respect for their parents, or anyone else, for that matter. The oldest one married a snotty little girl who is just as bratty as he is, and now their feelings are hurt because they don't get invited to family functions. I wonder why? No one can stand them! Their parents see it now, and understand - shoot, they don't invite them either!!! (heehee)

Well, enough of that!! The pond filter is clogged and must be cleaned, the sky looks like lead and will probably drop a wall of water on my head just about the time I go out there. Don't see any lightning activity. However, if that starts, the fish are on their own and I'm coming inside.

Be blessed, everyone! --Romeena
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75273:
"Oh the games people play now, every night and every day now, never meaning what they say now..."
My prayers are with you all having "been there, done that!" (:
Ro- bet you're happy you got that pacemaker before
the "Letterman-guest care" takes over!
I'm still in vacation mode, but am slowly getting
back in the swing of things. I was watching One Punch Opie last night, and one scene I still dont understand the writers doing is where Andy comes up in the car and Opie is standing there by the broken street lamp. Andy KNEW there was a new kid causing problems, yet he immediately believes that his son broke the light. OK, I guess I need to
get back to work! ha
Prayers for all!
MDC
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75274: Well MDC, I guess just like real Andy, TV Andy isn't perfect.;-) OK, here's a TAGS question that I don't think has ever been asked: Tell what TAGS character or which episode made you the most angry. I know immediately what i would choose...curious about the rest of you. What made me the most angry was The mayor and women's club leader that didn't want Rafe Hollister to sing at the Musicale....I wanted to punch 'em both.

I remember you telling me about those boys before, Ro. Sounds like the situation with my friend in church that is causing me so much heartburn right now (and its STILL unresolved..I will send you an email about it). Her kids have been shoved on everybody in every social situation imaginable, especially where there is food involved. Let me tell you something funny that Bruce did on Sunday. Bruce served in children's church on sunday and when people were coming to pick up their kids, the woman that I have been talking about had her little girl pick up a box of 12 donuts that Bruce had bought his sunday school class. He had taken them to an unoccupied room, turned the light off and shut the door. Well, somehow the woman had spotted them and gave them to her daughter to carry out after children's church. Bruce said, "I wasn't going to let her get away with it again, so I stopped them and told them that those were my donuts that I bought for my sunday school class and could I have them back"...Her only response was, "oh". It is just one of many examples of her "entitlement issues" when it comes to her kids. Funny.

Boo
Boo
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75275: oop...
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75276: Ah,Ro,I love it! As Mrs.Lesh said to Barney," Bless you,you talk like you knew him" or something along those lines. I can just see her face now if we dared tell her that! Zing! Ha Ha
Y'all know I'm kidding,I love my mama and never am I deliberately mean to her. But,yeah,that would be something good to throw out at her.
Oh, good news from Wyoming! My sister told me that Andy is tranferring to the College of Charleston next year. That's Charleston,as in South Carolina- he's coming home! I am so happy for him. Apparently,his folks realize he's not happy out there and are going to let him be where he wants to be. I believe they are in Wyoming for the long haul though,but whatever. At least they are giving Andy a chance to live his life as he wishes.
I give props to my sister for saying this: " I am going to have to let him go.I'm not going to be one of those parents that always want their children around them,that won't let go and let them have their own lives." Bravo!
I told Mama this morning that Andy was coming back & told her she needed to get off of the pity pot and begin to perk up if she expects him to visit her,etc. Then I told her what I just said that my sister said- " That she's not going to be like some parents.."
Wow- the look on Mama's face. It hit home-big time. Never referred to HER,but she got the message-loud and clear.
I think we're on the right track.The family is all in agreement,nobody is working against the other sibling,we realize what she's doing,things will work out.
************
possum again
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75277: Boo, I don't like how Aunt Bee treats Andy in the "Mr. Frisbee" episode. Remember when she verbally attacks him in the Courthouse?
"Maybe if you went to church more often!"
Andy went to church-she went WITH him! So why'd she have to attack him on a religious basis? She was just so self righteous and nasty to him in that episode.
And when she rocks forward in that rocking chair & stomps her foot when Andy tells the ladies they have to leave Mr. Frisbee's place.. I don't like her then! She was just too nasty in that episode. My opinion,anyway.
***************
possum once more
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75278:
Boo- i gotta run with the Citizen's Arrest Episode.
Barney and Andy are so at odds in that episode that I really can't watch it anymore!
I think the writers went too far with their arguement.
Great question, because we usually dont associate TAGS with anger.
God bless, (I want pine forests back! ha)
MDC
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75279:
"We will not sing!"

APB for ME-THEY, REV, PAPPABEAR, AFD, OPIEMOM,
LUCY, and others
MDC
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75280: Well gang just checking in...back from camping ....just rain...guess yall have saw all the flooding here in Ga on the weather channel....im headed to work...with the flooding poles down everywhere....but did have a good time camping it slacked up some to get out and about....well let me hurry...hey to all....prayers for all the flood damaged people here....lots without homes....worst flood that has ever happened here.....will check in when I can...yall eat good..check out the weather channel...Atlanta and my town kennesaw ga has been on for 3 days...cobb county is my county..and by the wah Mom and Pop and my place is fine..SPOT
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75281: Welcome home,Spot-I missed you,YOUT!! Ha! I was wondering if y'all were near the flooding.I am so grateful that you & your parents' homes are okay. Hope Miss Sherry is too-didn't she build a new home recently? Oh,and I do hope Lucy is fine as well.
Prayers that your power crews stay safe out there as they go about repairing the downed poles. Y'all take care!
*******************
possum under a rock
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75282: Good to hear from you, SPOT. I was beginning to be concerned with all the news of flooding...of course I figured you had your boat with you so all was well.;-)

Yipee! Andy is coming back to South Carolina!

Yes, Possum, Aunt Bee was "nasty" to Andy now and then and I didn't like it a bit. She could be pretty high strung on and off stage, as I hear it. Not as high strung as PMS Helen, but close. I happened to catch a color ep the other night..the one where Briscoe Darlin' and his gang are in town trying to find wives for the boys...remember they see an owl in the daytime and take it to be an omen that one of the boys will marry the first woman they see, which happens to be Helen? They show up at Helen's house and are serenading her in the yard. Andy comes over and Helen just about eats his head off. It's bad! Anybody but me notice the venom in that scene? I was almost as mad at her as i was the Mayor and the head of them women's society!

Yes MDC, I know what you mean about the citizen's arrest episode. Barney got pretty mean, and Andy didn't stand for it. It was kind of disturbing, I agree.

Possum, Lucy is ok. I saw her posting on Facebook today.

I sat out on the back porch of the house today and watched it rain. It was actually cool this evening. I am going to love living out there. They are putting the foam insulation in the exterior walls this week and are almost done. Pretty strange-looking...kind of looks like shaving cream before it dries.

Well, guess I will head to bed. Been a long day but a good one.

Boo
September 22, 2009 - Msg 75283:
Hello porch family. Just checking in real quick. I'm back home for a few days now but I am ready for some sleep.

Spot....prayers for all the folks in the Ga flood area. Stay safe brother.

Bed time.....You all have a great night. Love and prayers for all the porch family!
-REV.
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75284: Golly, just hearing Gomer yell, "Citizen's Arrest! Citizen's Arrest!" at Barney makes me like that episode, MDC! :)
I can't really think of an episode that gets my goat right now.
I guess any episode with Helen being petty about something.
So, I guess that would probably be every episode she was in. ;)

Celebrated Kai's birthday on Sunday(her actual birthday was on Monday) at the roller rink. Everyone had fun I think. And I was so impressed with Kai for hanging back with some of her friends who were just learning how to skate, and not just taking off on them with her friends who could skate. I know they can have that urge to just want to get moving and it can be hard to delay that impulse.
That was a proud moment for me.

Well, have a good night everyone!

-Sterling Holobyte


September 23, 2009 - Msg 75285: Mornin' Y'all- hanks for letting us know that Lucy is okay,Boo. Boy,spot's not kidding when he told us about the flooding in his area-I saw some Weather Channel guy this morning outside a flooded school in Spot's county. I'm glad Spot and his folks are okay! Prayers for the flood victims.
Hey Sterling- wish Miss Kai a belated Happy Birthday for me! These children are growing up faster than we can comprehend,it seems!
Well, guess I'll get breakfast. Let's go over to Cracker Barrel-see y'all there!
********************
possum under a rock

P.S. I agree.. Helen was quite " PMS-y" at times!

September 23, 2009 - Msg 75286: That's "THANKS",not hanks. Too early to spell!

possum again
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75287: Very sweet about Kai, Sterling...she's alot like her father. :-)

You're Helcome, Possum...get it?? See ya at Cracker Barrell. What do you usually get there? I am feeling like some biscuits with gravy and maybe a side of crisp bacon, and a good cup of coffee with real cream (can anyone hear my arteries screaming in fear?).

Boo
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75288: Good Morning Porch, such a beautiful day is waking up here in NE TN, sun is shining, a little fall crispness in the air and critters stirring looking for breakfast, I'm telling ya'll these woods do wonders for my BP! I'm off to work today, just have today & 2 dogs tomorrow, then that is it! RETIREMENT! I can't wait! Wish me luck that I can make it through these last 2 days without someone giving me "a bite to remember them by" Will be back to read later this afternoon. Ya'll have a lovely day!
*Mavis
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75289: Oh, almost forgot to mention something that needs some prayer. I got a call from Texas Children's yesterday and there was some sort of screw-up with Sean's appointment and they said they can't see him until November, which just will NOT work. They have a new policy that they can't change medications unless the patient comes in to the office first. That boy needs his medication changed ASAP. I have a call in to the doc to see if they can work him in some way but the woman who does the appointment didn't sound very hopeful. This is the first time in 5 years that we have ever had a problem, so I guess I'm lucky. He used to see a doctor there named Moreland who left the clinic and moved just south of Houston. I am going to try to get Sean in to see him if he is on our insur@nce now. It would be much easier to just go to him each time and he will phone med changes in over the phone since we are 3 hours away. I am torn a bit over the decision to make and would certainly appreciate your prayers. Thanks.

Boo
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75290: WOW, Mavis. I am VERY happy for you! Have a great day.

Boo
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75291:
Hey Folks

Hope all is well on the Porch.

Romeena-Out my window I'm watching a big, real big, black squirrel hop around the bird feeders. Do you have the black squirrels down in Texas?

auh2o
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75292: I have never seen a black squirrel in south Texas...don't know about Romeena..

Boo
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75293: Good morning, porch! Wow, Mavis, am I ever jealous! I would so love to retire, but just can't swing it. Would have to make too many major lifestyle changes, things I'm not ready to do just yet. It may happen someday, but not now. I'm happy for you, girl - enjoy it!

Boo, that's too bad about Sean's problems with his appointments. It can be very distressing, when you're used to one doctor and then have to change. Keep us posted.

No, auh2o, we don't have black squirrels in Texas. I've seen them though, in Battle Creek, when my parents lived there for a few years. Big, shiny, beautiful things. The story was that one of the Post family (or was it the Kelloggs) saw them in some of the forests in England, had some trapped and brought over to be released on their estate, because they were so pretty. Apparently they were happy here, and immediately multiplied and spread over the area. Now you see them all over the place. They really are pretty, and are much bigger than our little fox squirrels that are so prevalent around here.

My parents, especially my dad, enjoyed critters as much as I do, and my dad would pile popcorn, nuts, bits of fruit, cracker crumbs and such along the windowsill outside their sun room, then in the mornings they would sit and drink coffee and watch the black squirrels and the chipmunks come in to feast.

Once when we were up there, we almost witnessed a tragedy. Daddy had put out the usual critter food, and a fat chipmunk had come to enjoy it. He stuffed his little cheek pouches until his head looked like a tiny pumpkin. Then, out of the nearby woods stepped a huge tomcat. He dropped down into "sneak" posture, and was coming across the yard after the chipmunk. My dad said "Don't worry, his bolt hole is right there in the flowerbed." Sure enough, the chipmunk jumped off the ledge and ran to the hole, and made a dive. Thunk! He didn't fit in the hole! His head was too big! The cat was only about twenty feet away. The chipmunk sat up and with his paws he started emptying his cheeks. Dig, dig, dig! Dig, dig, dig! Popcorn and nuts and sunflower seeds went flying, as the cat increased his speed, about to pounce. Just as the cat leaped, the chipmunk turned and dove down the hole, where he fit just fine now, thank you! Tragedy averted, and we all breathed a big sigh. My mom yanked the door open and addressed some choice remarks to that cat at the top of her lungs, primarily describing what body parts he would be parting with if he came back, and the cat lit out for the woods. A couple of minutes later, the chipmunk popped his head out of the hole and looked around. Deciding it was safe, he came out and got part of his jettisoned cargo, hauled it down the hole, and in a minute came back for more. It took him four trips to get it all below ground. I hope he learned his lesson, the greedy little thing, because I'm not sure that cat believed my mama.

Well, I'd better go feed my little resident critter. She hates it when I stop off at the computer before going to the kitchen. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75294: Great story, Ro. Chipmunks are almost as cute a squirrels, and probably nicer (don't think a chipmunk ever threw a clod of dirt at your head and cussed you out, did it? ;-)). By the way, does "Shamu" the cat still bother the critters in your yard?

Better go...meeting Emily and her mom at the park (it's cool outside!), and then a trip to Sam's. I am shopping for some new, more interesting workbooks and software for Sean to use.

Better git..

Boo
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75295: Hey again- Boo,that breakfast works for me-yum!
Hope you're able to get the doctor thing straightened out for Sean.
Mavis,whoo-hoo! Girl,you enjoy your retirement!!
Just heard a cute little joke I'll share with y'all.I'll post it as soon as I'm sure my possum brain has it straight!
************
possum again
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75296: Here's the joke:

"You'll Get Your Quilt"

Sunday after church,a mom asked her young daughter what the lesson was about.

The daughter answered," Don't be scared,you'll get your quilt."

Needless to say,the mom was perplexed.

Later in the day,the pastor dropped by for tea,and the mom asked him what the Sunday school lesson had been.

The pastor replied," Be not afraid,thy Comforter is coming."

~ possum
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75297: Hahahaha! Possum, that's hilarious. Leave it to a little kid to take something literally.

I agree, Boo, chipmunks are adorable, and no, I've never had one throw anything at me. I have been chattered at, though, and what he was saying didn't sound like "sport" either! As for Shamu, yes, the miserable wretch still comes over here and prowls around, hoping to catch some unwary critter. He's safe right now, because the rain sensor has my sprinkler system turned off, and I can't water him. All I can do is knock on the window, and he just turns and gives me a smug look, the hateful old thing. Just wait until that sensor dries out!

Well, gotta run. I'm meeting Eloise for lunch, then back home for a nap, then work tonight. "I pray you enough." --Romeena
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75298: At least my knocking on the window alerts his prey, so that helps. --Romeena
September 23, 2009 - Msg 75299:
Good day all! "
Sterling- the "citizen's arrest" part is funny
but the whole ep goes south from there IMHO.
The only good ep with helen is the Cave Rescue, also IMHO. She is pretty civil thru the whole thing.
Prayers for Atlanta folks.
MDC


September 23, 2009 - Msg 75300: I'm with you MDC. That episode may just be my least liked for the exact reasons you pointed out. I think it's the only time we saw Andy and Barney really angry with one another.

Asa
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75301: Morning Honeys! It's a nice one here in south texas...cool for a change. Really enjoyed the cool weather yesterday because it is early in the season for us to have a front. I sat out on the porch for a couple of hours. There were some mosquitos but I lit one of those OFF coils..those green things that burn like incense and the smoke is supposed to keep the mosquitos away, and it actually worked if you were fairly close to it. Do any of you remember burning those green coils at the drive-in? They used to sell them there and I think they were called "Pics"?

Been a busy week and promises to keep on being busy. I have to catch up the laundry and chores today and then take dad to the eye doctor this afternoon. Texas Children's called yesterday and said they could see Sean tomorrow morning so I guess I will be getting up at 4am to drive him to Houston in the morning. If I don't I will have to wait too long. My sister will have to take mom to the cardiologist tomorrow and hopefully they will try the pacemaker again on Monday. I really need a day to just rest and do nothing, but don't see it in the immediate future. I have been trying to get to bed early and get enough sleep at night, which really helps.

Well, time to wake up Erin. Be back later on my break...

Boo
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75302: Sounds like a full day for you Boo. Glad your getting Sean in to a Doctor so quick.
Well I got my computer problems fixed finally. I know I have missed a lot of prayers requests so I'll just offer one up in general for all who need them. Hope your Mom is doing better Possum.

Mavis, you're too dang young to retire. Good for you. But now we expect to see you lounging more often here on the Porch.

Ro, your story about your cardiac event last week troubles me. I wish you could retire. You know your situation better than me by all means, but I hope you can get yourself in a position to be able to retire soon. We need you!

Well you can sure feel the Fall in the air here. The last few nights it has gotten into the low 40's here. Still warms up to near 80 in the day time. Just perfect weather for to be out working in. I wish it could do this all winter then have spring come. But that ain't gonna happen, at least not here.

Speaking of work I guess I better go do some.

Asa
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75303: You got that right, ASA...we need Romeena.

Yep, winter is fast approaching in your area, ASA. I know how much you LOVE that snow ;-)! hehe

Bruce just called and asked me to go by and talk to the builder about kitchen cabinets...not exactly what I had in mind but has to be done. We are having three different carpenters come out and bid the job and one is supposed to meet with us tomorrow, but I will be in Houston with Sean, so I hope the builder remembers what I tell him so he can pass it on. You wouldn't believe what it costs to have someone build cabinets for you...well, some of you would. Most of what I am getting is plain paint-grade stuff. No exotic wood or anything like that and it is still really pricey. The only piece we are going to stain (I think) is the cabinets in my bathroom. Making decisions about things like that makes me crazy and when I have to pick out light fixtures, I will really go nuts.

SPOT, you should see the inside of the house; it looks like the inside of a styrofoam ice chest. Did you put in foam insulation in your house?

Better go..

Boo
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75304: Good morning, porch. Just got home from work, headed for bed pretty quick, then up this afternoon to go to physical therapy. Boo and Asa, thanks for your concern. I hear what you're saying about retirement, but I'm not sure that would make any difference. It is what it is, with my cardiac situation. Generally it doesn't bother me and the pacer carries me very well. I think the difference was that I was in a run of atrial fib at the same time, and it wasn't a very good combination. That has never happened before, to my knowledge. I do intend to talk to my cardiologist about it, but I think he's going to tell me the same thing I just said - it is what it is. Actually, the more active I am, the better I feel, most of the time. Thanks for your concerns, though - makes me feel good!

I see a squirrel ducking in and out of one of the nest boxes in the tree. They trade off with the birds, taking turns raising little ones in those boxes. Looks like the birds have cleared out and the squirrels are moving back in. They'll hang out in the house into the winter, and in January or February will raise a litter. Then they'll move out, the birds will raise a brood in the early spring, and the squirrels will move back in and raise a brood in early summer. Birds again, raising another brood in late summer. That brings us back to now - very early fall, when the squirrels will claim the house for a winter home. Talk about multi-purpose housing!!

Well, guess I'll go feed Toye Starr and myself, and curl up for a short hibernation, then up and at 'em again. Be blessed, friends. --Romeena
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75305: Good Morning Porch! thanks for all the well wishes, today is my last day of "have to" grooming, after that it will just be my own dogs & a select few client dogs that I am keeping, mostly ones too old to go anywhere else without them being really upset, or some of my real favorites. I think I am keeping about 8 clients, but they are all willing to work on MY schedule, not theirs. Asa my brain my be young, but my body is screaming VERY old at me, so it really is time for me to do this if I am going to have any quality of life down the road. Thank the Good Lord for the awesome husband I have who is helping/making this happen! Ro what size nest box do you have up? I've thought about getting a few here (like I don't have enough trees for them to live in), I'm trying to find a few bat houses too, but having no luck around town, guess I'll have to order them online. Boo where the heck are the pictures of your new house?? I WANT to see them!! Please say a prayer for Spot & for Lucy Atlanta is going through some really bad flooding right now & they are right there in it, Spot has been working like a dog (pun intended) to keep the lights in order down there. Anyway, I'm outta here for a while, gotta do 2 dogs today.
*Mavis
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75306:

One episode in which I thought the ladies overreacted was the skeet shoot episode. I liked that cousin of Thelma Lou's, but she kinda went off the deep end at Andy, and for very little, imho.

I've always wondered if maybe Andy Griffith liked feisty ladies in real life. "Matlock" was also full of no-nonsense wimmens. (I remember Aneta Corsaut played a judge in one episode. I guess Helen and Ange were friends in real life?)

I got cursed out by a squirrel on my front porch once. They have filthy little mouths. Good thing I don't understand fluent squirrel; I can assure you I would have been offended.

Congrats on your retirement, Mavis!

Take care of yourself, Ro. My pond filter is gunked up, too. Cleaning it is not a job I enjoy.

~De§~



September 24, 2009 - Msg 75307: Thelma Lou, Helen and Barney were all in Matlock. Thelma Lou was his first secretary in the first season. My husband and I love Matlock very much. I really like when Matlock goes back in time.

I have a really bad headache. Started last night so I am sure it is probably weather related - high pressure low pressure just pressure and RAIN!

Take care and talk later!

hm
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75308: I got bad news about the pics Mavis. I was getting the car with my digital camera (which contains all the pictures) and i sat it on the console when I got in, somehow it slid off and landed in a cup of water in the cupholder and now it won't work! Don't think I am going to be able to retrieve the pics from it but I am letting dry out and will try it again. Very dissapointing.

Funny, DES! (about the squirrel cussing at you). I agree with you about the episode with Karen, Thelma Lou's cousin. I never understood why she got her feathers so ruffled up like that and it does seem like the ladies in TAGS are all a little feisty...except for both Nurse Marys...one in each episode. Of course that Sue Ann Langdon was the one that accused Andy of being gay, wasn't she?

Hope your headache gets better, HM.

Better get back at it..."BREAK OVER!"

Boo
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75309: Sorry you're ailing hm. Try soaking it real good. I love Matlock also. The episodes where he plays Charlie Matlock (his dad) are real good. Howard Sprauge (Jack Dodson) was in a Matlock episode. So was Ron Howards Mother. I'm sure there were others but my rememberer quit working.
Them critters cussing at you Des? Just don't cuss back at em or the neighbors will call the funny farm on you.
And I agree, I thought Karen Moore and Thel way over reacted. Barney was the one doing all the Andy gloating. I thought Andy was a goos sport about the whole thing. Not many of us fellers can stand to be showed up by no female like that in public. :)
Wow, did you see what just got off the Raliegh bus? A very curvy blonde, and she just went into the barber shop. I better go see whats going on.

Asa
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75310: You get them eyes right back in your head Asa - I'll tell your wife!
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75311: Hey gang...possum,Boo,NN,mavis,Ro,asa,des,MDC and all...all is well here just lots of working...fixing to go back in and see what I can do to help....promise I will catch up soon...hey Rev you back on the road yet?...well Maude lets cook:..grilled pork tender loin,cream corn,roasted red taters with garlic,maude slaw and rolls and Boo tes....SPOT
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75312: Hey y'all- just checking in. I've had a day. Started this morning at 6am with Mama calling me "so sick, burning up with fever,afraid to get out of bed & she wanted water."
Got over there-she's reaching for phone to call my sister (surgery sister)!
I get off alone & call sister. She,with her husband's help,makes it over. Before she got there Mama is lying in bed moaning,telling me she has pneumonia,needs oxygen & knows the dr. will put her in the hospital.

Well, my sister gets there,asks me to make coffee ( that was their everyday routine).This was a test to see what Mama would do.
Mama did some quick healing & got up on her own to sit with my sister in the living room & have coffee! I said "When I got here,you were so ill.Now look at you. You are playing games!" Oh,and then Mama started saying she didn't need to go to the doctor. My sister & I both told her she WAS going!
And then we did some MAJOR bud nipping! Or intervention,or whatever you want to call it.
The bud has been nipped. Trust me.
Oh,and I took her to the doctor,the doctor got the heads up on what was really going on (possums can write good notes!) and he put it to her straight as well.
I am so emotionally drained from all of this.If somebody could lift me (and Mama too, because she needs it) in prayer ,it would mean so much.
Love y'all-thanks.
*******************
possum under a rock

September 24, 2009 - Msg 75313:
Possum--draw a warm bath, sit in it for at
least 30 minutes. relax and re-energize all at once!

Anyone remember where Matlock and DVDyke did a "combo" show and at the end "Matlock" plays Old Dan Tucker"? it was great.
Prayers for all!!
MDC
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75314: Oh my goodness, Possum! That is too funny. I know it wasn't funny to you this morning, but to us, reading about it now, it's hilarious! I love the line "Mama did some quick healing". That's just priceless, and it tells the whole story. One word of caution - nipped buds tend to branch out and reappear. I promise you, she's not through with you yet. You're going to have to really stand your ground and don't cave in, not even once, because you'll undo everything you've accomplished. Also, it has to be a totally united front. If one or two of you stands pat, and somebody else gives in and lets her win, that one will become the golden child and the rest of you will be mean old ungrateful things. Just as with children, consistency is the name of the game. Oh by the way, did you ever take her temperature to see if she was actually "burning up"? She could hardly argue with a thermometer.

Squirrels have "filthy little mouths"? De§, that's too funny! You're right, it's probably a good thing we don't speak squirrel, or we'd be shocked!

Mavis, I'm guessing at this, because the boxes are about twenty feet up in the trees, but here's a link to an article that gives some plans: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_w7000_0028.pdf. The box described here looks almost identical to the ones I have. I bought the first one years ago, and the other two were built by my friend Ted. He's such a dear. He was here one day repairing something, and I mentioned that I wanted some more nest boxes but couldn't find the. A couple of days later, there was a note pushed through my mail slot that just said, "Look up in the trees." I did, and there were two more boxes, already installed. He didn't charge me, either.

Boo, I hope things go well with Sean and with your mom. Medical issues can be so trying, and can just wear you out. As for the camera, were you using the internal memory, or did you have a media stick in it? If you had a stick, it's possible that you might be able to salvage something. If not, and the inside of the camera is wet, it's not going to perform the necessary functions to let you retrieve the pictures. I'm so sorry. That's very disappointing, not only for you but for us as well. We were looking forward to seeing the pictures.

Well, guess I's better go round up something to eat. I think I have enough leftovers, that with the addition of a can of peas or something I can make a decent meal. I love leftovers! Be blessed, friends. --Romeena




September 24, 2009 - Msg 75315: Good grief! I won't even try to correct the errors and typos above. Worked last night, slept two hours this morning, and I'm pooped! Not thinking straight, I guess. --Romeena
September 24, 2009 - Msg 75316:
Remember when DVanDyke played the crooked lawyer? Wow, watching Andy and him go toe to toe really demonstrated what chilling dramatic actors they can be!

Yes, Ro, the critter gave me a very enthusiastic buck-toothed tongue lashing. I blushed and wasn't even sure why. Some sentiments just transcend the spoken word. LOL

~De§~


September 24, 2009 - Msg 75317: Hey again- thanks for the tip,MDC,but I just took a shower-do I have to take a bath too? Ha!
I'm feeling better-got a phone call from Wyoming sister & hugs from my daughter & Laci when they stopped by briefly.
Ro, I AM laughing about some of it-I have to or I'll just totally break down. I didn't put a thermometer in her mouth-no need to because I could tell by feeling her forehead that she had no fever. In all fairness,one of her "falls" caused her to scrape up her foot,& the doctor said she has a mild infection.So,I'm glad that's taken care of.
You really want to laugh Ro? This morning she was "crying pneumonia,oxygen,& hospital." Well,when the doc left,I said to Mama "Oh, he forgot to check your lungs! I can go out in the hall & get him to come back & check you out." (Hee Hee)
Oh,no,that's ok,is what I got back.
"But this morning you were saying you had pneumonia,that you needed oxygen & needed to be put in the hospital.Are you SURE? I know I can catch him & get him to check you out."

What was the reply? " Forget about this morning."
Uh,huh. Because you got what you wanted,'surgery' sister to come over.
Doctor just had her finish a round of antibiotics for bronchitis. He didn't even bring his stethoscope in the room. He knew what was going on.
Yes,we siblings have to stick together. It's been "surgery sis" who has been the Golden Child,& will probably always be,to some point. But,even Golden Children can get their fill. My sister told Mama during our "bud nipping session" that she has babied her & catered to her to the point that she realizes she "created a monster."
Mama flip flops with me-she goes from being very sweet to downright hateful.We discussed that as well. Did it stop? Nope- she snipped at me when I was helping her out of the car. I told her to STOP being nasty to me-that if we were going to be mother & daughter she is going to stop it & that I was going to call her on it every time she did so. No other child of hers gets treated like this except me.My siblings are backing me up-they don't know why she is hateful to me.
I know y'all are sick of hearing this,but I appreciate letting me vent. Y'all are family too & I am going through a hard time. On top of this,I am dealing with something else at home.
My husband lost his job in early April. No prospects-yet. He is an alcoholic & emotionally abusive to me. Now he's home 24/7. He hasn't been drinking very much,but the verbal abuse is awful. I'm getting it here at home & from my mother. And it's not fair and it's not right.
I cried so much last night & I am a strong person & I hate to cry over myself. I am planning to get out of the marriage in order to escape the abuse.Please no there is no physical abuse. But,a harsh word hurts just as much as a slap across the face,I think. I will get out.Just can't make it happen right now.
Will y'all say some prayers for me? I wonder if you can feel it when people are praying for you? The most uplifting feeling came over me not long after my earlier post and something inside told me I was being prayed for. It was a wonderful feeling. I'm sure it was one of you doing the praying. Thank you.
Love to all,
Pam (possum)
September 25, 2009 - Msg 75318: Dear little possum. No, it's not fair, and it's not right, and I wish I had some explanation for why it happens, but I don't. I would say that your mother's behavior can be explained by senility, but I know there were abuses long before that set in. Your husband's abusiveness most likely stems from his own guilt and shame over his dependence on alcohol. That's not unusual. I've seen it in my own family, in an uncle and a brother-in-law. Both were abusive to their families. In different ways, but abusive nevertheless. It's the perversity of human nature that makes people turn on and abuse the ones who deserve it the least.

You are absolutely right to call your mother out whenever she snipes at you. Don't stand for it. Stop her every time, and if necessary, remove yourself from the scene. Just leave her where she is, and tell her you will return when she has control of herself. Enough of that, and she'll stop it. She'll be happier too, in the long run.

Prayers are definitely in order for you, dear girl. First, I would like to pray that God will turn your husband around and give him the sense to realize what he's doing and what he stands to lose, and then will give him the strength to do something about it. Failing that, then I pray that He will open a window for you and show you a way out of the situation. I never willingly advocate divorce, but I also know that this is not a perfect world, and sometimes perfect solutions elude us. No one should have to live with what you're putting up with from him.

There are many reasons why people stay in such a situation, and I'm sure you have yours. However, in the event that fear of loneliness is part of it for you, let me say from experience that being alone is what you make of it. For several years, I let the loneliness control me, until one day when I realized that I could shape it into whatever I wanted it to be. On that day, I took control, and it changed my life. Besides that, when you have God in your life, you're never really alone.

Be blessed, all you honeys and dears. --Romeena
September 25, 2009 - Msg 75319:
Forgot to tell you all, but on the first day of fall it dipped to 99 degrees. First time under 100 since June 1st! We ended up with 38 days this summer of 110 or higher! Yikes!
Well, hopefully we will have a great "winter."
BTW, the four seasons are not capitalized.
Ro- ponder that one whilst you think of quotation marks! ha
Nightty night!
MDC

September 25, 2009 - Msg 75320: Good morning Family:
Possum: you are in my prayers almost hourly. I have a little 3x5 card on my desk with Porchster names on it, and as I glance up from my work, I remember one of you to the Lord by "name". I pray for your strength, understanding, endurance and peace about this trial in life.
Ro: get some sleep. You need to take care of yourself.
As for the squirrel foul mouth incident, Opie was in the woods sitting in his tree stand, and an irate squirrel started cursing and throwing nuts at him! They are nasty little creatures.
Off to work. Have a wonderful day in the Lord. ~New Neighbor
September 25, 2009 - Msg 75321: Good Friday morning you porchters.

Gosh Possum, you and your Mom are sure in my prayers. I can tell from your posts the stress this is giving you. Try to not let it. I know it's easier said then done, but you need to have a firm but loving hand in dealing with your Mom. And I know the Lord will bless you in doing that.

How's Courtney doing these days N.N.? I've been wondering about her for some reason the last few days.

Boy MDC, you really know how to have a summer there in Arizona, don't you? Hey, it's a dry heat though. :)

Maybe we should have a retirement party for Mavis. I'll bring my act from the club up in Yancey if someone wants to brang food and drink.

Asa
September 25, 2009 - Msg 75322: Thanks y'all-well,I didn't mean to have a pity party by telling my troubles,but I have been just so overwhelmed by it all & needed to get it out of my system.I knew I could talk to my Porch family. Been talking to God too . I know He will work it all out somehow. Today will be better.
I am grateful for the advice,love,and prayers,friends.
Have a beautiful day!
*******************
possum under a rock
September 25, 2009 - Msg 75323: Asa's reviving his act? GEE Mo Nettie! (Remember ol' Fred Sanford using that expression? I love it!)
possum again
September 25, 2009 - Msg 75324: That's the expression I love- not Asa's act! LOL!

possum again
September 25, 2009 - Msg 75325: Oh possum I am so sorry you are going through all this, seems like there really is no peace for the weary doesn't it? I've been where you are with the alcoholism & I KNOW it is so hard to live with. I could only handle it for 6 years couldn't imagine any longer than that. You are in my thoughts & prayers dear. Maybe when surgery sister can be up & around, you & Miss Lacey should just take off to TN & hang out here in the woods with me!
Thanks for those plans Ro that site was very informative! I have tons of trees here, quite a few old ones so they probably already have little dens, but you never know. As for the cussin squirrels, they do that here too & my little guys add stomping their little front feet at me to emphasize what they are saying LOL, mine have a little bit of a hillbilly accent too. :) Asa how sweet that you are reviving your act just for little ol me, reckon Spot will make some of that famous low country boil for us??
Well, I'm off to rid an unpacked box of dishes of a funnel spider that has taken up residence in there, I HATE spiders, so this should be fun! *shudder*
*Mavis
September 25, 2009 - Msg 75326: here's the quote to go with my spider evictin today-- Gomer get down there with them spiders and start workin!!
September 25, 2009 - Msg 75327: Good morning, porch. Mavis, you be careful! Don't black widows make a funnel-shaped web? I'm not a big fan of spiders either. Here's a funny one - my sons are big men, one is 6'3" and the other is 6'5", both well over 200 pounds. Both absolutely hate spiders, and each has been known to call his wife to come kill one! Yep, it's true. The one in Florida found one floating in his swimming pool, and it had a huge egg sac hanging on its back end. That boy practically walked on water to get out of the pool, got the skimmer net (about 10 feet long) and dipped the creature out. I held the door so he could take it outside to dispose of it. He said later that if that egg had hatched and he had found himself in the water with hundreds of baby spiders he would have "screamed like a little girl" and would probably have fainted and drowned. He reeeaaallly doesn't like them!

Right you are, MDC. The seasons are not capitalized, as in "see you next spring!" However, when paired with another noun, they are capitalized. "He will enroll for the Spring semester." "Our Fall catalog will be out soon." Don't ask me why, I don't know. Another oddity is the four directions. They are not capitalized when just indicating direction, as in "go west for about four miles", but are capitalized when denoting a geographical area - "She's from the deep South." No wonder English is such a hard language to learn.

Possum, you come here and tell us your concerns any time. Everyone has to have a safe place to unburden. I'm glad you feel that we are that place.

Well, gotta run. Eddie is here, making my yard beautiful, and I need to go pay him. He does such a nice job.

Be blessed, friends. I pray you enough. --Romeena