August 05, 2010 - Msg 80141: Thanks for the encouragment and kind words, Boo. Since you have given me the open door to speak out with so much support. Let me tell you my FULL situation....

My father is 81 and creeping in on 81. Though he is in decent health, he is getting feeble and moving a little slower. he still does his own yardwork and even does lawnwork for his church. Sometimes he can get a little overzealous in the heat, but he does know when to stop. He lives alone. His house is falling down around him and is way out of his reach to do repairs himself. The cost of doing said repairs will eat him alive!

My wife, as I said, will go it alone too. She is fit and able, but deals with family issues of her own. Our yard is a bit much for her as we have tons of growth that needs pruning and weeding. I am not making her out to be soft, it is just sometimes it takes even a lot out of me to get it done. Plus two dogs, an in-home daycare for money and errands for her mom and sister. Oh yeah, and a possible but not yet surely known pregnancy. Maybe.

My father-in-law is overweight, diabetic and two blown out knees. I have been the only source of lawnwork for him. He will occasionally run the weedwhacker, but it takes him awhile to do just a little. He cannot stand the heat but for a very short time. When I leave, he is kinda up a creek.

My grandmother can get around and is far from bedridden or sickly. BUT...she is feeble and sometimes will black out with her eyes open. Like she is dead where she sits. It is because of a blockage in her neck that would be a very tricky procedure and a bit risky if taken care of. My g'ma has refused this treatment. Therefore, she can be sitting doing a crossword puzzle one minute and motionless and staring straight into space the next. My mother does ALL of the housework and anything she can outside except for the mowing and weeding. She run tons of errands and anything else need be done. She is a faithful church "goer" and finds relief in the congregation. But other times, she almost hits depression.

I, myself, am worried about all of this, AND having to start my Quantrill Research project for the Gentry Library in Gentry, Arkansas AND try to find emplyment while I am down there.

Did I mention I am an only child?

JM
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80142: Let me revise that my father is 80 creeping 81.
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80143: Folks, seriously, I have been thinking about what I wrote above concerning my situation and I just wanted to say that I am not looking for pity or to sound like poor ol' me. I kinda went on a rant and, looking back, maybe I shouldnt have went as far as I did. So, I'm sorry I kinda unloaded on the porch. I think I got on a roll and kinda vented through my fingers.

John Masters

Think I'll wander down to Wally's and get a pop now.
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80144:
All that, and you even had time to sweep the porch! Maybe it's terapitic (:
John masters, I'll be prayin for you and yours.
Dad still on the mend. Ate good last night
and he loves Boost. He drank one straight down!
Take care all.
Prayers, and thanks for yours.
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80145:
And John, it's OK, we all have had a turn or two, or three doing that here. It IS terapitic! (:
And, we'll get Mr Wheeler to help ya.
MDC
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80146: You didn't rant, JM. I know I don't mind you venting...I often do it and I think it's the reason I'm still sane!! ;-)

Boo
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80147: You should maybe vent more often Boo. :) (hee hee hee)

Asa
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80148: John Masters, so sorry to hear about your family situation. In my hometown, the city offers free grass cutting and minor repair work for senior citizens and handicapped folks. Contact your local community officials or local council representative.

MDC, glad to hear positive news regarding your father.

from Poor Horatio
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80149: Y'all are good folk, you know that..huh, huh, huh, sure you do. You're good people to let someone unwind, right..huh,huh,huh, sure ya' are.

Thanks folks. I appreciate the kindness and support!

MDC, don't forget to get Dave Brown to trim my....oh, never mind....he'll just keep waitin' til' tomorrow! As for your dad gettin' better, I'll say "Thatsa time!"

Thanks for the tip, Horatio!

Hmm...I believe...I believe I'll just set here a spell until dinner's on! Anyone know tonight's menu?

John Masters
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80150: Hey JM thats fine...and im an only child also...hey have you went to Romeena web photo page and see the pics of some of us?...we are a hoot!...1959 model along with Possum...Supper Menu: Southern fried chicken,fried okra,stewed taters,boiled cabbage,greenbeans,cornbread,both kinds of tea and maude slaw...putting it on the table right now!....SPOT
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80151: I'll saddle on up here and grab me some of this!

I had the Romeena photo page address, but cant find it now.

JM
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80152: John Masters, if you Google search using "Romeena" "Photo" "Album" as the keywords, you will be able to find it. When I do that, it appears as either the first or second link on the first page.

from Poor Horatio
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80153: Good evening, porch. Thanks, PH, for that Google hint. I had never thought about suggesting folks find it that way. They'll remember that, and the actual address just sort of escapes everyone.

John Masters, please don't apologize for filling us in on your situation. What are friends for? Probably all of us can identify with some part of your situation, and some of us can identify with most, if not all of it. Personally, I lost my husband in 1996 to a sudden, devastating and fatal stroke, he was gone in minutes. It nearly killed me too. Then I lost my mom in 1999, a newborn grandson in 2002, and my dad in 2003. My dad already had mild Alzheimer's when my mom passed, and it got steadily more severe until his death. Oh, the stories I could tell about dealing with that. Mostly funny or endearing, actually, because he never got mean or confrontational, and he kept his sense of humor. Still, in the first few years after my husband's passing, I was a mess, and I'm here to tell you that these good folks had a lot to do with the fact that I'm still on this planet today. There were times - oh yes, there were times.

Your plate is much too full. You need to find some respite help. Are your folks and in-laws church members? Even if they're not, often neighborhood churches will have a little "widows and elderly" ministry. I know mine does. They often assemble a team on a Saturday morning, and converge on someone's house to paint, fix a roof, build a wheelchair ramp, do light plumbing and carpentry, and lawn care. Sometimes, the recipient is able to buy the materials and the church supplies the labor, but they'll bring the materials too if necessary. The money comes out of the benevolence fund. It's true, your folks have you, but you're one person, and you just can't do it all and maintain your own home as well. If a team came to repair your dad's house, I'll bet you'd be right there swinging a hammer with everybody else, but you'd have help to get a big job done in a timely manner. Sometimes older Scout troops offer such services, as a means of helping the boys earn merit badges. Any young teenagers in the neighborhood, who might pull weeds for an hour or so for a few bucks? Why not visit a Senior Services office and present the situation to them, see if they have suggestions? It's worth a try.

Right now, I can still afford to pay someone to take care of my lawn and home repairs, and my son does anything I ask of him when he's in town. I have Eddie who does the routine lawn care, I have my friend Joe who does the heavier landscape work, designs and builds flowerbeds, the pond, such as that, and I have my friend Ted who does a nice job on home repair at a reasonable price. However, when and if the time comes when I can no longer afford to hire it done and my son is busy with his own wildly growing family, I will not hesitate to call my church for help now and then. It's what churches, and friends and neighbors do!

Remember, as I've often told Boo, you have to take care of yourself first, or you're no good to anybody. Blessings! --Romeena
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80154: This is a test
August 05, 2010 - Msg 80155: ASA!!...you scoundrel.

Good advice about checking with the church for help, Ro.

Boo
August 06, 2010 - Msg 80156:
Howdy porch family.....got some of my yard work caught up today. After being gone on the road for a long tour it takes a while to get everything back in order. It was hot out there today!

Spot.....good supper man....any leftovers for a midnight snack? Braves are hanging in there. A good win tonight.

JM.....prayers for your situation and always feel welcome to share with us on the porch. We are family here.

Ro...just to kinda fill you in on a few of the dates around the time when I'm in your area: Before I get to you I have concerts in La on Sunday and Tuesday then I'm at your church on Thursday, then I have a concert in Mansfield on Friday and in Texarkana on Saturday, then in Shrevport, La on Sunday. Then I head back into the La area for a few more dates.

Well I'm off to bed. You all sleep good and be sure to share the love of Jesus with someone tomorrow by word or action.

Love and prayers!
-REV.
August 06, 2010 - Msg 80157: Boo, I was glancing through the archives and I know you may have put this situation to bed, at least on here, but I'll go ahead and bring it up anyway, about the school thing and the teacher getting all "fire and brimstoney" on your friend's child.
I think I would bring that up to the pastor or whoever is the head of that school(the pastor is in charge of Kai's school-there is a principal, but the final word goes to the pastor). They may be surprised at how the teacher is interpreting God's word.
Or do all the teachers there hold the same views? In that case, homeschooling might be in order, since you don't want to send your kids back to public school. And I don't blame you there.

Went to Kai's summer school piano class for her "recital". All the kids did well. It went really fast, but that is understandable since they have only been practicing for 2 and a half weeks, so the music wasn't that complex as you can imagine.

Glad your dad is doing a little better, MDC. Hope it continues.

Don't feel bad about venting, John Masters. I do it all the time. And no one's kicked me off the porch. ...yet. ;)

-Sterling Holobyte
August 06, 2010 - Msg 80158: Morning all...yea Rev the braves are still hanging around...they are a good ball team...hey Sterling,Boo,Romeena,JM,possum and all my friends...breakfast menu: 2 eggs your way,country ham,bisquits and jelly,grits,hashbrowns,coffee,milk and the morning paper...prayers to all.....SPOT
August 06, 2010 - Msg 80159: Good Friday Morning porch dwellers.

Boo, glad you got my joke and took it as such. :)

You certainly have a complex situation John. I offer you prayers for inspiration to know how best deal with them. I have tremendous respect for folks I see taking care of their aged parents. Sometimes it can be a challange and a great burden, but great blessings and wonders can come from it as well. Just remember, you can only do what you can do. I believe the Lord will only give us what we can handle. So I'd encourage you to talk to Him about it. I'm thinking He will direct you.

Good to see you P.H. Rev and Sterling. We are into the "dog days of summer" I reckon. Although still very hot here I am able to detect ever so slightly in the mornings just a hint that there's a change in the air. I don't know what it is, but if you spend a lot of time outside like I do, you can just feel it. And I'm just starting the last few days to feel it.

Sounds like a fine breakfast Spot. Just hits the spot in fact. Yer a good porch puppy.

Hope you're feeling better Possum. No fun getting sick this time of year especially.

Well this is the weekend I've been waiting for all summer. My first plantings of corn are about ready to be picked. Mercy sakes ain't many things finer than fresh sweet corn right out of the garden. Y'all come by and try some.

Better get.

Asa


August 06, 2010 - Msg 80160: You always make me laugh, ASA, and its what I love most about you. :-) Very good advice to JM, by the way. So its hot in Utah, but with a hint of a change in the morning? Well there ain't no hint of a change here in south texas, that's for shore!! Now, when ya'll have that first cool front, don't be bragging..you know how I feel about that.."I'm sensitive. My mother was sensitive." (and she didn't like to wear a hat that had been on someone else's head!). Hey, fling some of that fresh corn our way, will you?

Thanks Sterling, I did speak with the pastor of at the school and after some prayer and talking to him, I feel confident that she will be fine at the school. I do suspect that as she gets older, she may want to be homeschooled and that is fine. Right now all she can dream about is getting back and seeing her friends and doing schoolwork (imagine..she must take after her father) ;-).

"Hey" to PH, and REV, and SPOT. :-):-)

RO, I liked the "old barn" email you sent, thanks. Great reminder.

We had the meeting with the pastor yesterday evening and Bruce got some things off his chest. It was very well-received by our pastor friend and he took it very seriously and thoughtfully. He apologized and went beyond that to action and will be meeting weekly with Bruce and the other deacon in our church to rectify some things that he has let slide that need to be taken care of. He was very humble and it was sweet to see three men who love God come together humbly, and resolve their differences. It really was a beautiful example of the unity that should be between believers. So, thank you for your prayers for Bruce. He is doing so much better and that relieved alot of his stress, just getting some things off his chest and having reconcilliation between himself, the pastor, and our other deacon.

Last night Sean called me into his room to have a talk with me. He told me that he is unhappy with so many things in his life and feels helpless to change things. He has been dealing with alot of anger and stress and I couldn't help but notice what he was saying is just what Bruce had been saying to me a few days ago in our conversation. I didn't realize Sean was following so much in his dad's footsteps. We had a talk and he said he has not been reading his bible or praying and feels like he doesn't have a relationship with Jesus. We talked about the gospel, about discipleship and we prayed together. He says he is ready to follow Jesus all the way and seek to have a relationship with him. He told me, "Mom, it sure seems like God is trying to change us. First you, then Dad, and now me"...He sure has been answering prayers in this family. I am seeing similar things in the lives of people around me, too. Hmmm...wonder what He has in store. I am staying close to Him because I don't want to miss anything! :-)

Well, better get going.

Boo

Earnest T: "I didn't heave it!"




August 06, 2010 - Msg 80161:
Morning porch family......have a Jesus filled day!
-REV.
August 06, 2010 - Msg 80162: Hello all! I believe, I believe I'll just grab this rocking chair, slide it over here where I can get some scenery and sit here and sip my iced tea!

First, let me say that your support, prayers and words are jaw droppingly overwhelming. I am humbled by the spiritual and emotional guidance and I can honestly say that I am among great people!

Well, I mowed my father-in-law's lawn last night twice. Once to get it mowed regular and then again to get er' down to baseball level. Then I did my lawn today the same way. I am sorta leaving my father-in-law and wife hanging on the lawn so I tried to get em' down as far as possible. After I did my lawn today, I trimmed, pruned, weeded and swept. And I am way yonder too tired. Then I get a call from my mother who told me that her van is down and I will be delayed a week in heading to Arkansas. I believe that this might be a sign from God to slow down, take it easy. My wife and I have been going non stop for about ten days! Our date to get married got screwed up, she had a tooth pulled two days later, I have been trying to do lawns and get packed, she is helping her sister find a place to move, yikes...it's enough to make a person scream. So, I leave it at the alter and at God's feet that maybe he is trying to give us room to breathe.

After I finished the lawnwork, I had to clean the driver side of our car because some yahoo egged it last night. We live with street parking. No garage or driveway. Our driveway is about six feet wide and was built probably in the nineteen teens. Anyhoo, someone musta threw it with a rocket arm because it stuck like glue. The impact spot was the driver's window and I found pieces of it halfway down the front hood and clear up on top of the car. I got it cleaned and now it is spotless. No harm done. God knows I hate this place. We have had beer, blood and now egg splattered on our car. For any of you freaking out about the blood, it was slight streaks down the side and on the passenger door. Me thinks it was probably some drunk from the corner bar was injured and slid against it. There were no police reports of any major crime that night, so I bet it was someone staggering from drink and had a cut or something.

Tonight, it is chicken and hot dogs on the father-in-law's grill. This was supposed to be my send off dinner, but now it is a "get together." A good time will still be had by all. I will have to miss dinner here tonight, but will be back for maybe lunch tomorrow.

I'll leave a couple of pitchers of tea here for anyone who wants some.

John Masters
August 06, 2010 - Msg 80163: Good, you get some rest now, John. Enjoy your dinner and find something laugh about! :-) Your current neighborhood sounds something like the one we moved from...bar across the street, fighting and loud music, tattoo place down the block...never dull.

Been a busy and very HOT day...think I will find a place to chill for a bit.

Boo
August 06, 2010 - Msg 80164: Hey Boo! Yeah, I listened to Dr. Breen. I am gonna "slow down, take it eeeeasy."

The father-in-law has a good sized back patio with four cushy chairs and a car port type of covering. Have nestled down there and watched many a' evenin' pass by and I'm gonna do it again tonight. He's always got tea made with Splenda sweetener and two lemon wedges floating in it for flavor. It's extree good! I'll make sure I have a tall glass of that to drink while the cicadas serenade us into darkness.

I'll make sure I drink an extree special glass for all of you tonight!

Cheers!
John Masters
August 06, 2010 - Msg 80165: For all of your prayers and support today, SONIC Sundaes on me!

John Masters
August 06, 2010 - Msg 80166: Good afternoon, porch. Don't anybody sit downwind from me, I'm not exactly fresh at the moment. Been out in the yard most of the day, and it was HOT - 104 degrees! My shirt is still wet, and I'm sitting under a ceiling fan, and does it ever feel good, the air blowing through that wet shirt. That'll cool you off! That and this huge glass of tea with about a pound of ice in it. Joe just left, the yard looks great, and I'm about to go get in the shower and cool off and clean up, then will go over to a friend's house for our monthly bunco games. Such fun!

Boo, it sounds like God is really moving in your family right now. Isn't it wonderful to have a Father who cares, and who intervenes in the right way, at the right time? All he asks of us is that we listen and obey. What a deal!

John Masters, bless you for your efforts to take care of those in your family who need you. It can be a real challenge at times, but it sounds to me as though you have risen to that challenge and are dealing with it. Prayers for you, new friend.

Oh, drat. I just noticed that the ceiling fan in the arbor is on, guess I'd better go unplug it. Ted installed that thing for me three or four years ago, and it really does help at times, just to be able to plop in the swing and have some air moving, when I've been working out there. There's a misting system around the roof as well, and with the mist and the moving air, it can really kill any desire to get back out in the yard and work! (haha)

OK, off I go. Got to pick Eloise up in 45 minutes, and I haven't even showered yet. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
August 06, 2010 - Msg 80167: Oh, it does my heart good to hear how you are going to spend your evening, JM. You think of us when you are relaxing. :-) I'll take a hot fudge sunday, no nuts (we got enough of those around here);)

Indeed, Ro! I know there will always be tough times, pains, challenges but our Father is there to give us the grace and the power of His Spirit to make us overcome and have a close relationship with Him.

Boo
August 06, 2010 - Msg 80168:
Hello porch family......storms passed through this end of the porch. Much need rain.

John....enjoy your time of relaxing. Sundaes on Friday....sounds good to me. And I just saw an ad on TV that after 8:00pm everyday they are only .99

Well back to the Braves before I hit the bed. Ya'll have a good night sleep.
Love and prayers
-REV.
August 07, 2010 - Msg 80169: I'm not ready for that "change" yet, Asa. I like the summer. As you may imagine, summers go way too fast here in Wisconsin. And winters too slow.

I was reading your post Boo, and wishing we could talk to each other like you do with your family. Well, Kai and I talk about God quite a bit, but my wife and I not so much lately. I think if we would both listen to Him more and not to the world or other people, we would be better off.

Hey Rev. Glad you got some rain. And nothing more with the storms.


-Sterling Holobyte
August 07, 2010 - Msg 80170: "Hey" to REV. :-)

Sterling, I think you are right. We would all be alot better off if we listened to Him more and the world and other people less and it seems that we are so busy these days that our priorities get out of order. Sometimes we have to make the time for what is most important, like talking to your kids about God, as you said. It's great that you are doing that! Maybe if you took an evening each week and had a little devotional time for the three of you, you would find you and your wife getting more spiritually connected, and talking more. Have you though of that or is that something your wife would be on board with? Just a thought.

Well, better finish the coffee and get to moving around. I thought I would sleep in until 8 but had a terrible dream around 6:30 that woke me to find my heart racing. I dreamt that I drove into a body of water and my parents were in the back seat. I managed to get my seatbelt off in time to get out before the car was totally submerged but I was fighting to save my parents from drowning. I wasn't strong enough to save them. It was so real and so terrifiying. Wonder what my subconsious was telling me with that one? I suspect it has something to do with the fear of losing them...not being able to hold back time, the realization that they are coming to the end of their lives and death marches on, sparing no one. How's that for a cheerful way to say "Good mornin' Porch"? Haha...all sort of fits in with the conversation we have been having here on the porch about elderly parents, doesn't it. Talk to you all later.

Boo
August 07, 2010 - Msg 80171: Mornin' Y'all! I have to read about two days worth here to catch up-hope everyone is doing fine.
I still have the headache that goes along with this crud I picked up. Gonna take it easy today.

Bad storms thru here last night! The Weather Channel reported possible tornadoes in two nearby towns- it was strange hearing the names of those dinky little towns on national tv! Only about 10 20 miles from my rock- too close for comfort!

Well, I'm off to get some Alka-Seltzer in my system and take it easy today. Y'all have a good day- love to all!
*******************
possum under a rock
August 07, 2010 - Msg 80172: Good afternoon, Porch! Time to fill my extree big mug full of ice and tea and set a spell!

Had a good time last night downing three hot dogs. Two with mustard and sweet relish and one with straight KC Masterpeice BBQ Sauce. There was homemade potato salad on the side and pop for drinkin'. Oooooo wee, that was some good stuff! I know I told ya' all I was gonna have that tea with lemons floatin' in it. But I been drinkin' a lot of tea lately and, well shucks, thought i'd break the string.

I got into a bit of a conversation last night with the father-in-law though and it kinda killed the good mood. We got to talkin' bout' how I am leaving my wife to deal with the lawn and heavy snows and stuff and he launched into me about what the Bible says about marriage. He hit me with man shall cleave to his wife and that marriage is the first priority in God's eyes to have a blessed marriage. He didnt yell or anything, but he was quite sharp in his delivery and didnt stumble. But folks, I'll tell ya' straight forward, my conscience will not let me let my mother wither away as she is tryin' to do all she is doing. I dont agree with his opinion nary a bit'. Now, it is true what he says from the Bible. But I know if my mother got worse off in her health trying to deal with my g'ma or, God forbid, she passed BEFORE my g'ma, I couldnt live with myself when I know I coulda' helped. So....I leave my wife to struggle with major decisions like how to take care of the lawn and heavy snows and deal with everything she is OR I let me mother wither away and finally fall into depression because has no help.
See since we live on a main street, the snowplows bury the car and last winter it took me and my wife eight hours between two days to shovel it out. If I am gone.....well......
There are no siblings, cousins, nothing for me to turn to.

So, I have father-in-law telling me that, in God's eyes, wife is number one above all. But I also believe that Jesus and God wouldnt want me to let my mother carry on without help.

HELP!

My mother has a sister who is worthless and my wife has a sister the exact same way. Neither have ever helped in any way.

I know I have been told that God does not give us more than we can handle, but this load is heavy and my knees are beginning to buckle.

I really could use some opinions and help here, folks. I surely would appreciate it!

Ok, I'll leave some tea here for anyone who wants it. Two pitchers, no waiting.

Enjoy your Saturday!
John Masters
August 07, 2010 - Msg 80173: My goodness, John Masters, it seems to me your pa-in-law would do well to tend to his own knittin'. Of course, I suppose that's what he thinks he's doing, but it looks to me like he's being a family interferer. Doesn't seem to me like he much appreciated the mowing and stuff you did for him. By his reasoning, you should have been home with his daughter instead of mowing his lawn for him. I think you're going to have to stand up and tell him how it is. Respectfully and gently, of course, in deference to his age and the fact that he's your wife's father, but since he apparently feels you owe it to him to help him out, then I don't see how he can fault you for helping your own mother as well. I think a simple, "Sir, I respect you and your opinions, but I also have to answer to God and my own conscience for what I do. I'm doing my best to help you, and my mother, and still take care of my own family. If I'm not doing it to your satisfaction, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you're just going to have to deal with it. If you would prefer to hire your yard work done in order to free more of my time to spend at home, that would be fine, but it would be entirely your choice. Meantime, I'll continue trying to keep all three plates spinning at once."

Incidentally, I think I'd take issue with that snowplow driver for burying the car. I don't have any experience with such as that, since we so rarely get snow, and I doubt the city even owns a plow. Is that a common occurrence in the snowbound states? I would be one unhappy camper. (And how did your FIL get on that subject, in August?)

I guess I should get on my knees and thank God (and I do) for David's wife. She never, ever begrudges the time he spends here helping me with things. Now granted, it's not a constant thing. I am able (so far) to hire help for the yard and such, but David spends a whole day putting up my Christmas lights, and nearly another whole day doing his wife's parents' lights, and then finally gets to put up whatever Brittney wants. Then after Christmas, he spends the same time again, taking it all down. I've never heard a word of complaint, in fact she often comes along to help. I cook a good meal, and we all have a nice time. Throughout the year, he stops in frequently to do little things as well. One daughter had a great compost barrel shipped to me for Christmas, and David came by and assembled it for me. He sank the pipes into the ground that I put the pond umbrella pole into to keep it upright. No small task, involved a big hammer and a bunch of sweat. He changes the bulbs in my high-up light fixtures. He sweeps my roof off after a storm. He just sort of appears at the right time, and these things are done. I have been richly blessed, my husband would be proud of his kids, and I think your FIL needs a reality check. Shame on him. He sounds like a spoiled kid, competing with your mother for your attention. I'm sure he just hasn't thought it through, so maybe a gentle talk with him, just the two of you, would be helpful. Remind him of the Fifth Commandment, "Honor thy father and THY MOTHER, etc." Since he chose to beat you down with scripture, it might help if he knew the Bible addresses both sides of that question.

Well, I picked up a roast chicken at the grocery today, I've let it get cold, and now I think I'll pull some of it off the bones, boil an ear of corn or two (wish I had some of Asa's goooood corn, but this will have to do) and have a simple supper. A good sliced 'mater would complete it, but my 'maters have done exactly zero, and you can't buy a good one either, doggone it. Oh well. Cold chicken and corn on the cob - not too shabby. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
August 07, 2010 - Msg 80174:
Hello porch family....my wife and I just got home from a day out together. Ended with dinner at Olive Garden. Nice....very nice!
Now it's me and my little grandpuppy time.

Ro....that chicken and corn sounds good to me. Can't beat those simple suppers.

Better get on the floor with Jake. He's standing here with his "rat" in his mouth waiting on me to play. He's so funny......but my little buddy.

Race fans....road course this week. Not real wild over those tracks but may watch it.

Ya'll have a good night and a blessed worship day tomorrow.
Love and prayers
-REV.
August 07, 2010 - Msg 80175: Well JM, I feel pretty sure that the Lord brought you here to the porch for a reason, don't you? You need someone to talk to and you need encouraging words and prayers. You can get that here from these fine people.

Exactillioso, Romeena! Some good responses there.

Prayers for you, JM...stay strong and lean on Jesus.

Boo
August 07, 2010 - Msg 80176: Thanks, Boo. I just calls 'em as I sees 'em.

REV, it just warms my heart to hear you speak of little Jake in such a loving way. I remember when you weren't too sure about all that, but a couple of cuddles with that little sweet thing and you were hooked! Too funny!! His "rat"? Did it start out as a real toy, or is it a knotted sock? One of my granddogs had a knotted sock that she just adored! Isn't it funny the way they select one particular toy, and continue to love it no matter how disreputable, tattered and smelly it may get? Toye Starr had a little plush pink heart with a rope handle that my older daughter gave her when she was a puppy. She has carried that thing around until it's just crunchy, and I've sewed up holes until it's more patches than anything. I finally located another one on the internet, it arrived the other day, and I traded it for the old one, because the old one was leaving tufts of filler fluff everywhere. To my surprise, she accepted the new one, and now totes it around everywhere she goes.

Kids aren't much different. I gave one of my grandsons a stuffed frog - one of the Ty baby toys, styled after the smaller beanie baby - and he just loved it. He would chew and suck on the thing's feet until they were just stiff and crackly. As if that weren't bad enough, he got so he would take each foot and sniff it, until he found the one that smelled right, I guess, and then would chew on that one! Nasty! Kids are a sorry lot.

Well, guess I'll hit the hay, so I can get up for preachin' in the morning. I bought some new dangly earrings, maybe I'll wear them tomorrow. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80177: Morning Dears!...yea Rev Carl is on the pole!...breakfast menu: 2 and a half eggs yer way,bacon,grits,hashbrowns with cheese,bisquits and gravy,coffee,milk,oj....at work for the day...sold my boat yesterday in the market for another one or a Harley...(Miss Sherry says no on the Harley)....hum....SPOT
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80178: Man, its too early in the morning to read that post about the crackly feet, Ro....I'm feeling a little nauseous.... ;-)

Mornin' SPOT.

Better get ready for preachin'. Bruce informed me at 10pm that he has to work to day and would I please take his sunday school class. So, I am bleary-eyed, trying to drink some coffee and get awake enough to study the sunday school material this morning. See you all later.

Boo
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80179: Well Boo's teaching Sunday School and Ro's wearing dangly earrings. Next Possum will show up wearing a blonde wig from China. Yep. We are definatly in Mayberry. :)

John, I think Romeena gave you some wonderful advise (she always does, she's ept). I would just encourage you to take it to the Lord (I'm sure you have done so already) and follow the promptings you recieve from Him. And then act on those promptings. If they are not in agreement with what your F.I.L. has in mind, you will just have to let him know in no uncertain terms that you are being led by the Lord in what you are doing and he needs to respect that. If he cannot, or will not, that's his problem, not yours. Anyway, that's my thoughts. I know it's easy to say being so far removed from it, but I think that's what you were looking for, right? But please remember, my advice is worth what you paid for it.:)

And to answer your question Ro, yes, stacking snow in the winter becomes a real problem in many areas. I live out in the country so it's not so big a deal here, but in cities where houses are close and streets a plenty, where to put the snow is a problem in bad years. Most cities around here ban all overnight street parking from Nov. 1 until April 1. so the snow plows can plow the streets freely. Of course when they do, driveway approaches get buried. It's illeagel for a home owner to push it back out in the street. So you have to try and stack it by your driveway approach. As you might imagine, in a year when you get lots of storms it can be a major pain.

Well I sure hope Gomer don't start snoring in the middle of Boo's lesson. I hope she teaches on sin. That's always a good subject.

Asa
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80180: Late lunch yall...Sunday Potroast,little red taters,greenbeans,cream corn,cornbread and a nice garden salad with your dressing (mine will be 1000 island)...sweet tea and peach cobbler.....SPOT
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80181: Asa says: "But please remember, my advice is worth what you paid for it."~hahahaha...that's funny. Yes, I taught in sin, in Barney's honor...well, not really.

That snow situation sounds like a royal pain. I would REALLY hate to have to clear my driveway of snow left by the snowplow every morning. What do the elderly folks do?!

Thanks for lunch, SPOT.

Boo
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80182: Oooops, that is supposed to say, "I taught ABOUT sin, not I taught IN sin". Mercy.

Boo
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80183: Boo- ya crack me up, girlfriend!

Hey Y'all! Hope everybody has been enjoying a lovely Sabbath.
Good lunch, Spot! Now.. what's for supper??
************
possum u.a.r.
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80184: Good afternoon, friends. I'm waiting (and hoping) for a call from the hospital to cancel me for tonight. I really need the time to finish some house-cleaning and get some rest. I will definitely have to work tomorrow night, so will have to sleep tomorrow afternoon at least, and actually all day if I work tonight. Then my son arrives around ten Tuesday morning. A dear friend is having back surgery at 7:45 Tuesday, at my hospital, so when I get off I'll go be with her and "pray her off" to surgery, then come home, shower and change, and head for the airport to pick him up. Then I'm clear for the rest of the week while he's here. Not too bad, but I do need tonight free!

I have a prayer request. My daughter just called me, on her way back to Fredericksburg from San Antonio. She had been down there in response to a call from her ex-husband's wife. Seems Rod dived into his pool, shifted in midair to avoid the pool sweep which had swung into his way, and hit his head on something, presumably the side of the pool. Six stitches, no concussion, but a fracture of C-7. No real paralysis, but his right hand and arm are numb. He's scheduled for surgery to immobilize it to prevent further damage and possible paralysis. I think he's going to be okay, but it's not guaranteed. He's a good guy, their divorce was amicable, both are remarried and there is no animosity or problems. The boys are freely shared and comfortable with it, and if there had to be a divorce, I have to say they have handled it the best I've ever seen. His wife seemed generally relieved that my daughter was there to lend support. I still have great regard for Rod, he's a fine man and a good father, and I really pray that this will have a good outcome.

Asa, good advice to John Masters. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Wonderful old song, and the best advice anyone can ever receive.

Well, back to my cleaning. Maria and Erica came and cleaned the rest of the house yesterday and it looks fine, but my room and bathroom had become like some sort of nest, and I didn't let them get into it. I'd be too embarrassed. So, now I'm cleaning it up. Dust and clutter. I hate both, and yet it does accumulate in my bedroom, because it's not visible to anyone but me. Shame on me. Dirty me, dirty me, I'm disgusted with myself!

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80185: Prayers for a good outcome for Rod, Ro. Keep us posted.

************
possum again
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80186: Left overs!...Cold pizza!...SPOT
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80187:
Hello porch family.....been a great day with the family.

JM...as you can see by all the support and prayers for your situation....this is why I call these folks my "porch family". Love these folks.

Ro....prayers for Rod that all is well and no major problems.
And yes you are so right....I didn't really want Jake in my house at first. Erica (my daughter) with her sneaky self brought the little rascal home and he just won me over. Now we are best buddies. As a matter of fact, Erica says I now spend more time with Jake than her....lol

Spot....didn't get to see the Braves today. It was blacked out here. But they won again.

Boo....I'm with you on not wanting to deal with digging out of the snow to get out of my driveway. I'll stick to the heat:)

Well back to the Cowboys and Bengals. Have a good night and know that I'm praying for you all!
-REV.
August 08, 2010 - Msg 80188: Good evening, all. The call did come from the hospital canceling me, but only for four hours. As I expected, the next call came at 9, telling me I have to come in to work at 11. Drat. I did so want to sleep tonight! Oh well, it is what it is.

Yep, I agree with everyone on the snow thing. I love snow, but that's easy for me to say, because it comes so seldom here, and in such small quantities. As I said, I seriously doubt Dallas even owns a plow. They do have some salt trucks, because we occasionally get sleet and ice, but a snowplow's tires would go flat, batteries would run down and squirrels would be living in the cab before it was ever used.

Well, at least I finished my cleaning. My bedroom and bathroom are sparkling, except for the Toye Starr-anointed carpet, which will be cleaned by my carpet cleaner friend early in the morning. It can dry as Starr and I sleep tomorrow, because I definitely have to work tomorrow night. I really wish I didn't have to go tonight, but at least I'll be working with a friend, a lovely person whom I've known for a lot of years, and rarely get to work with.

Enjoy little Jake, REV, and thanks to all for prayers for Rod. I feel certain that he'll be fine after they stabilize that cervical vertebra. I hate this has happened to him, he's such a good guy. Active, too - golfer, water-skier, loves to play sports with his boys. He's in good shape, that will be helpful, I'm sure.

Well, blessings all. --Romeeta
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80189:
Hey Folks

Thought I'd swing by the Porch and say hey, Hey!

Don't know if Ill be able to get the archives soon but just be assured I keep you folks in my thoughts and prayers even when I'm not stopping by.

JM-A belated welcome or are ya one of the original Porchers checking back in?

Romeena & Boo- Like Asa said, the snow can be an issue but I'll love the next three seasons coming up. I probably sound like a broken record (or worse) but this summer stuff is not for me, nope.

Boo- The snow plowing is usually handled like one would handle lawn care. Either ya just make time for it and move the snow yourself or you pay someone to take care of it. Markets work. I hope Adam Smith wasn't an atheist because he was a great man. Wait a sec... Can you be a great man and be an atheist? Hmmm, I don't know. In the old days that would be a moulage starter for sure.

Well... Asa, Rev, Boo, Romeena, Spot, JM, possum, Sterling, Poor Horatio, MDC and all Porchers here or there, Peace,
auh2o
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80190: Happy Monday everyone. And happy to see you Auh2o. I've been hollerin for you to come visit. Even called you a progressive once to bring you out of hiding, but it didn't work. Glad you finally checked in.

Your Daughter ex has my prayers for sure Ro. And what a nice thing to see where an "ex" is getting prayer requests. Just goes to show a divorce does not have to be bitter and ugly. I hope his injuries heal quick and the numbness is short lived.

MDC, I hope and Pray your Dad is still on the mend. Check in if you can.

Possum, you feeling better? I hope so. I hate a sick possum.

Boo, a fine class you ran yesterday. How is it you know so much about sin? :)

Spot, whats on the grill this morning buddy? Gotta start Monday off right.

Did you like the game Rev? I watched the first quarter but then it got pretty sloppy with all the backups in there so I watched that George Raft movie instead.

Well cloudy here this a.m. Might get some rain before the day ends. Remember that old sailors saying. "Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morn. Sailors be warned. The sky was very red before sunrise. Guess we will see.

Y'all have a splendid day.

Asa
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80191: Good morning, porch! Got home from work, left the garage door open because Brad was coming to clean the carpets and I knew I'd fall asleep before he got here. I did, but my little furry alarm woke me when Brad made it to the kitchen door. While he was here I went by my realtor's house (just a few blocks) and picked up my rent checks for this month and got them in the bank. Now I have money and clean carpets, and the rest of the day free to sleep before going back to work tonight. Can't beat a deal like that!

Welcome back, Auh2o. You have been gone too long, and we've missed you. Your rocker is probably dusty by now, but Starr will jump up there and clean it off for you.

OK, I'm off to bed. I feel like I've been beaten with a stick! Tired, and my back gets so sore when I get tired. Time for my good old bed and a long day's sleep. Work tonight, see my friend off to surgery in the morning, then go pick up my son! Yay!! Blessings -- Romeena
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80192: Mornin' Y'all! Yeah, I am back to feeling like myself, Asa- thanks! Kinda sad though- just read that Patricia Neal passed away. You should know who she was, but if not, she played Mama Walton in the "Homecoming" ( The Walton's Christmas) movie. A wonderful actress-she'll be missed.

For any of you Facebook people... what does it mean to POKE someone? Is it like when folks come after us possums jabbing with poinky sticks? Ha! I'm curious as to what it means!
Well,guess that's it for now. Y'all have a good Monday!

*******************
possum under a rock
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80193: AND she played Lonesome Rhodes' love interest in "A Face in the Crowd". So hard to believe it is actually Andy Griffith in that role! Here is a little sample:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaLQMs_VDLw

Great to see ya, AUH2O!!

Glad your feeling better Possum.

Have a great day, Romeena.

How do I know so much about sin, ASA?...probably from hanging out with you at the Gigolo Club. ;-)

Boo
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80194: Asa lets do something different...gona get the grill started for lunch...grilled burgers and dogs..all the trimmings,maude slaw,all kinds of chips and soda...SPOT
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80195: Boo & Spot- I know y'all know this- what is a "POKE" on Facebook? I'm just gonna do it to one of y'all out of curiosity if somebody doesn't hurry up & tell me what it does! Ha Ha
************
possum again
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80196:
Hi everyone,
For a while there I thought i would have to hire
Neil Bentley! (you know, the lawyer in Otis Sues the County!)ha
The hospital released my dad to the "rehab" facility where he lives. It is under the same roof as the apts where he lives, but they werent really doing anything. He was suppose to get PT
to help steady his walk after being in the hospital
for a week. So I talked to the nurse there, and the only way to get him released from the room in that area was to sign AMA forms, so i did it, then I stayed overnight in his apt with him, then all day friday. I, me , and myself did PT with him. Bought him a cane and we walked the halls. He did great. Then my sister arrived from Oregon in a pre-planned visit, and she has been with him. So far so good. He is happy to be "home' and he is sleeping better,
and today my sister took him to the doctor.
X-ray was ordered to make sure all pneumonia is gone, or he'll get a bit more leviquin. Whew!
Thanks for all the prayers.
Possum- I've been "poked" on facebook. You just get an e-mail that says so-in-so has poked you!
No pointy sticks! ha
Take care all, prayers,
MDC
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80197:
Howdy porch family......another great day to live for Jesus!

MDC....glad your dad is home and doing better. Still praying!

Possum....glad you're feeling better too.

Asa....yea...I watched some of the game but it's not like the "real" season. Turned it over and watched the Yankees but they were blowing the Sox out.

Well wife just called me for supper so I better scat.
Love and prayers!
-REV.
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80198: Thanks for explaining the mystery of the POKE to me, MDC! I'm happy to hear that your dad is coming along good.
Hey to Rev- those Yankees have a hometown boy playing for them- Brett Gardner. Whoo hoo!!

Burgers sound good,spot! Is your grill clean?! Don't want any of those "rusty" burgers of yours!

Y'all have a great evening- love to all!

*******************
possum under a rock
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80199: I don't know, Possum. I have always been afraid to poke someone on facebook because I remember what "poke" meant in the Lonesome Dove series!

Boo
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80200:
Possum, disregarding what Boo just said, I just
did a poke at ya on fb! Tsk, really now boo! ha

Also, who will fess up to being Elaine?
I know it is someone here, so ok'd the friend
status on fb, but it's So confusing! ha Maybe my handle should be
lawyer Neil Bentley ! (:
MDC

August 09, 2010 - Msg 80201:
...or ROGER!! ( i can be annoying too! (q-B)
August 09, 2010 - Msg 80202:
(and q-B is man with big eyes sticking out tongue)(: