February 09, 2011 - Msg 82598: Good morning everyone. Just thought I'd stop by and say howdy. It's been awhile.
AUH2O's mom and Jubi are surely in my prayers. Hope your pipes are better, POSSUM.
Shout out to PAPPABEAR!
If I could put my two-cents in about the national anthem...Coming from the home county of Frank Key, it's writer, I, for one, am sick to death of it. It actually was written as a poem, and therefore not meant to be sung. It was put to music many years later, and not to an original tune, but to, of all things, a popular English drinking song. It was marketted doggedly by Key throughout his life, though it didn't really gain much of a following. It was not made the national anethem until about 100 years after it was written. It has been slaughtered by people trying to sing it ever since. I vote we repeal it as our anthem, and I nominate "America, the Beautiful" or "God Bless America" instead. Now those are some pretty tunes!
Breakfast sounds delish, MAUDE!
Later, gators,
Me-They
February 09, 2011 - Msg 82599: Haven't been around for a coons age and still I sweep!
M-T
February 09, 2011 - Msg 82600: Ahhh!!!...Man, I just spewed my coffee on the keyboard when I saw Me-They on the porch! Did you bring the funnel cakes??

Thanks for the history lesson...I think what really matters is how people feel about the national anthem and it is loved and revered. Any song is going to get slaughtered by somebody, right? I think America the Beautiful would have been a great choice for a national anthem.

Hope we see ya more often around here.

Gotta go pay my traffic ticket (190.00!)...talk to you later.

Boo
February 09, 2011 - Msg 82601:
Traffic ticket? Boo got a traffic ticket?? Jaywalkin'?? (:
Hey to M-T, pappabear and others. Got the hot chocolate in the thermos for ya. Good sweep.
All the best to Rev, may his voice hold up, and Possum, may yours improve. BTW, I was listening to Focus on Family yesterday, and the lady talking said her young son was playing with a young girl, and he stopped and said, "I'll give you 2 dollars from my piggy bank it you'll just stop talking!"
No ill from me intended, just struck me funny! (:
Prayers for all,
MDC
February 09, 2011 - Msg 82602: Hey to M-T, so happy to see you! I agree with you and appreciate the history lesson, see we need you around here. and thanks for sweeping! please oh please come around more often.
Big Maude
February 09, 2011 - Msg 82603: History lesson? That was from Learn-A-Month, which, by the way is a QUARTER magazine.
BOO: Speed, speed, speed. Who do you think you are, Gilly Walker?
MDC: That's what I call "hush" money!
Time to go wax the steps of the old folks home...
M-T

Oh, I did forget to mention that I lost my grandfather and great uncle (from the other sie of the family) last Friday. Neither was unexpected. Ironically, both served in the same airborne division as paratroopers during WWII and both received purple hearts at the battle of the Bulge, though didn't know one another (except through my parents). Their division really took a hit last Friday.
February 09, 2011 - Msg 82604:
MT, my condolences on your losses.
My dad was there also, only overhead.
Still hanging in there these days at 92 and a half!
MDC
February 09, 2011 - Msg 82605: Hey M-T!..and MDC,Possum (check yer e-mail!)Tom Rev and all...well been doing yard work all day...they say Snow here in Ga tonight...hum...well work at noon for me tomorrow till 8pm...and nights on the weekend for me this month...ok...b-fast at waffle house on possum!...ok its to FB for me...and then bed...prayers...SPOT
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82606: So sorry about the loss in your family, M-T. So sad to see the elderly family members go. Bet they were great guys.

It is so cold here! (well, to a Texan anyways)..about 30 degrees and a bone-chilling wind blowing constantly. A little while ago I ran out to the car to get a bag of cat litter I bought and I didn't bother to put on a coat for such a short time. I was in my summer pj's and slippers and I have not felt such cold since Colorado! Wow! The critters have not stuck their noses out of the barn all day and we had to drag the dog houses and blankets into the garage for the night. Those pesky dogs are nothing but trouble. The dog catcher picked them up today after they dug under the fence and wandered out to a busy street. She recognized them and brought them back home. Hate to say this in front of you dog lovers but....STUPID MUTS!! I am going to have to go back to chaining them until Bruce puts an electric wire around the property.

Better get tucked into my warm bed.

Boo
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82607: Hey Me- They! Good to see you & thanks for the well wishes (thanks, everyone!). I am pretty sure I have strep throat-lots of it lately in my family. I hope to knock it out soon.

My condolences to you, Me-They.

Boo, you been taking driving lessons from Gilly Walker??

Well, better go take some meds for this poor ol' throat- see y'all later!
*******************
possum under a rock
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82608:
Hey Folks

I sit down with a cup of joe and bagel (with a smear of cream cheese) and who do I see? Me-They my brother! How in are you doing buddy?! Also sorry to hear about the family loss.

We are having some Texas weather here today, -5 and plain flat out COLD!

Guys and Gals-Thanks for all the prayers. Mom has opened her eyes and has come around a bit. However, the doctors don't seem real impressed, maybe I'm reading too much into that, I don't know. THANKS again!

Peace,
auh2o
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82609: Great to see you, Auh2o..been wondering about your mother. Will continue to pray.

It is pretty cold here this morning but the sun is out..supposed to freeze again tonight, though. I don't mind it, though...it will be HOT soon enough and when weather is so extreme like it has been this winter, I wonder if the heat might be equally extreme this summer.

Hope you feel better, Possum, and yes, I did take driving lessons from Gilly Walker..what of it?

Boo
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82610:
Just a quick good morning honeys and dears.
Hope you all have a good day.
Luv ya, Prayers,
MDC
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82611: Good morning, porch! So good to see Me-They after such a long absence. We miss you, buddy!

auh2o, dear brother. I'm praying for your mom, and for you and your family at this time. Having lived this experience personally with my parents, and marginally with patients and their families, I do have some understanding of what you're living through right now. It's very difficult. If you can, try to set your own feelings aside, and ask yourself what your mother would want, what her prayer would be. My father made it easy for us. He prayed often, and out loud, for God to take him home. That alone would have kept us from doing any heroics, but in addition both he and my mother had signed living wills, stating that they did not want such measures to be taken for them. The key phrase in those documents is "quality of life." If there's a reasonable hope of a return to an acceptable quality of life, then fight on! If not, step aside and let God and nature take their course. As my beloved pastor often said, "It's not all of life to live, nor all of death to die." That's a hard truth, but if your mom is saved, it will be a comforting truth. She may leave you now, but you will see her again.

Boo, it seems that the presence of wind is the key factor in the cold. It's 19 here, but absolutely no wind. I just went out in a t-shirt gown and put critter feed out. I could have stayed out there all morning - didn't feel cold at all. I was in the sun, probably would have felt colder in the shade, but with no wind, it's really quite pleasant.

Well, gotta run. My friend Joan, who had the awful double back surgery a few weeks ago, is home, and our SS class is providing round-the-clock care, as she cannot be alone. One friend has moved in and is there at night, but when she leaves for work, someone else comes in until noon, then someone else until the resident gets home from work. I'm going this afternoon. I think I'll take Toye Starr, as Joan really likes her, and I think will enjoy her visit. I'll just have to remember to put her in another room when Joan is up and walking, so she doesn't trip her. I may make some ice cream real quick and take it over there too. Everyone has been trying to find good things for her to eat, because her appetite is poor, but I'll bet she would eat homemade ice cream! Good for her, too!

Well, off I go. Blessings, all. --Romeena
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82612: Yes, It was very windy yesterday, Ro, but it has died down some today and the sun is out so it is pleasant.

Boo
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82613:
Me-They, I enjoyed reading about the Star Spangled Banner lyrics. While it is true that it was not officially adopted as the National Anthem until 1931, it was a very popular patriotic song during the Civil War and World War 1. Even as early as the 1890's, United States military bands were required to play it at official ceremonies.
What led to its offical adoption? Back in 1929, a widely syndicated column, that appeared in many American newspapers, mentioned the fact that the United States had no official anthem. This generated a huge letter campaign to Congress from 5 million citizens, 150 organizations and 25 governors. And although the Star Spangled Banner was proposed that same year (1929), it took until 1931 to satisfy some heated discussions such as:
- it was an inappropriate song since the melody was based on a British drinking song;
- the vocal range was beyond that most Americans could sing;
- it was meant to promote tourism rather than patriotism because the bill was sponsored by a politician from the area that emcompasses Fort McHenry, the site of the 1814 historical event.
In spite of the historical connection of the current version, I do agree with you about choosing another National Anthem. It is sad to learn that 2 out of 3 Americans polled during a recent survey did not know the lyrics.

from Poor Horatio
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82614:
Since we're back on the anthem for a bit, I think
the origin of it really doesnt matter. Several Christian songs have questionable origins, yet we sing them in church, several politians have question origins, yet they are in office, etc.
I can't speak for the rest of the nation, but at every ASU, Suns, and D-backs game that i have ever been to, everyone around me is singing during the anthem, tho i also admit that the words are projected up on the screen, and if a special local celeb is singing it, then most are indeed silent.
so there's my final two cents, other than, unlike "back east" we wait for the the word "brave" to be sung before the cheering starts. (: OK, now my NA box is back under the porch, and I'll even end with a quote:
BARN: An officer of the........................
ANDY: ........................................of the.....what?
BARN: An officer of the what.....that don't sound right.
ANDY: It ain't right. An officer of the ....law.
BARN: Right, right. An officer of the law..........
ANDY: Shall.
BARN: shall.....
ANDY: Enforce the law....and order without regard to
BARN: ..........................law...........order.................regard
ANDY: to personal welfare and safety.
BARN: ........personal.....welfare....and safety.
ANDY: You want to go over it again or do you think you got it?
BARN: I got it.

February 10, 2011 - Msg 82615: MDC
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82616: Well had a dusting of snow here last night...no ice..possum hopw you get to feeling better!..hey Romeena,Tom,Rev,MDC,hm,Boo,Lucy,hazel,auh"two"0!,
poor horatio and all my friends...well work till 8 tonight...Lets order Pizza and hot wings!..on possum...SPOT
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82617: Now, spot, that ain't fair! Here I am sick, no taste for food, and you're ordering pizza & wings on me?? Dang! Ha ha Go ahead- guess I had it coming,seeing as how many times I've swiped your credit card!
********************
possum under a rock
February 10, 2011 - Msg 82618: Hope you are well soon, Possum.

Boo
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82619: Good evening, porch. If I may, though a bit late, I'd like to chime in on the National Anthem bit. I concede that everyone has a right to their opinion, and I presume that includes me. Even if it didn't, I'd probably express it anyway. (heehee) Like Barney and the cannon, I would vote to keep it. As MDCsaid, the origins don't really matter. The original melody for Amazing Grace was an African song of grief and misery, sung by slaves in the galleys of the ships they were transported in, often while they were doing the rowing. Not exactly a proud heritage for a Christian hymn, but there it is, and it would probably top everyone's list of favorite hymns.

Now, about the lyrics. There are those who say they are "violent" and "celebrate war". Well, they were written during violent times, and rather than celebrating war itself, in truth they celebrate our nation's victories in that war, which was a struggle for freedom, and they plead for God's help, and urge citizens to patriotism. We had darned well better be glad that "the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there." If it hadn't still been there, we would all be swearing allegiance to Her Majesty, the Queen, today. Personally, I find the lyrics thrilling, and I stand a bit straighter and taller every time I hear them.

We hear suggestions that we trash the song because most people don't even know all the words to the first verse, let alone the rest of them. (Yes, there are four verses. Go here to read them: http://tinyurl.com/37futt ). Please do read them, they are absolutely beautiful, especially the last one. Now don't get me wrong, America the Beautiful is a lovely song too, and it's nice when it's sung at events as well, but I would bet that just as many people don't know the words to it either, not even the first verse. Please - let's don't mess with our National Anthem. When those first chords are struck by a mighty orchestra, my blood starts racing and I can't get to my feet fast enough.

About the difficulty in singing it - yes, it's hard. It covers a wide range, and some singers can't handle it. They know who they are, so they shouldn't attempt it. That seems simple enough. Roseanne Barr explained her atrocious performance by saying she "started in the wrong key". In the first place, unless you have a stellar voice, please don't try to sing a capella. Not even Barney, with his trained voice, could handle that. However, if she felt she just had to wing it, then has she never heard of a pitch pipe? Someone standing nearby with one of those would have prevented that disgraceful performance. I don't buy it. She did exactly what she set out to do, which was to make a spectacle of herself, and she succeeded.

As for those singers who fluff the lyrics, and they are many, again - have they never heard of a teleprompter? If it's good enough for Mr. Obama, I think a soloist might be forgiven for using one. Or a simple 3x5 card held in their hand? A kid with a hand-lettered posterboard, held up at the foot of the stage? Adequate rehearsal helps, too. It's scary in front of a crowd, I'm sure, but either one is a professional, or one is not. No excuses, please - not with something that important.

OK, I guess you know how I feel. I'm just tired of all the changing, conceding, appeasing, pacifying, accommodating and apologizing that America has been asked to do and is doing, and I dadburn well will not apologize for our National Anthem. I love it!

Blessings, friends - if you are still my friends after this. --Romeena
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82620: Well, drat. I just hate when that happens. There, that should do it. --Romeena
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82621: There was alot riding on "the rocket's red glare". What is really sad is the way the young people in our culture are so ignorant of patriotism and history of this country. Its a failure on the part of parents. We can't trust something so important to the schools.

Well, I went out to get something from the car this morning and there ice all over my windows and windshield. Yuck. Guess I will have to go out there early and take care of it. How do you northern-folks survive long winters??;-)

Boo
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82622: By the way, Erin wanted to watch some tags last night so I pulled out a DVD from season 5 and didn't even realize it contained the Gilly Walker ep, so we watched that last night. I had forgotten so many things about that ep...I couldn't believe how mad Andy got at Goober...so funny. Sean said, "I have never seen Andy get so angry...I loved it." haha...that Goober can be frustrating for sure. We also watched the episode when Goober starts dating Lydia Crosswait and starts bringing her along on dates with Andy and Barney, Thelma and Helen. The looks on Helen's face in that episode are priceless. I love it when Barney says something about Goober "dragging that albatross along with him"...haha. Lydia is a character we don't talk about much but man, she was memorable.

Better face the day and the cold..

Boo
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82623: Good morning. Wow, twice in the same week for me! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

BOO: Gotta love Lydia, even though she gets the herpes in the sun.

POOR HORATIO: Enjoyed your post. You are one smart cookie for half a boy!

ROMEENA: I guess the SSB just doesn't stir me in the same way. However, signing "America the Beautiful" really inspires me with that love and pride of country. In a way, I don't like the SSB for the exact reason that you do: how it makes you feel, despite its origins. Even though it's meant to instill patriotism, it leaves me cold. But to each their own, right? (The only thing in your argument I agree with is the comparison of "Amazing Grace;" I think anything spoken or sung to the glory of God is transformed in a way no secular song, patriotic though it may be, is.)

AUH20: I read an article in the paper about the local county commissioners cutting Head Start out of the budget because it was so expensive (they are turning it back over to the Feds). A parent stated, "Would you put a price on your own child's education?" To which one commissioner replied: "I do. It's called what I can afford." Thought that was great.

Well, back to the grind...

Me-They
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82624: ROMEENA: That's "CAN'T agree with"...Ooops!
M-T
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82625: Good morning, all. Me-They, that's another thing I love about this country. We can disagree on a matter, but remain friends. As has been said, "When two people agree completely on everything, one of them is unnecessary!" By the way, have you heard Sandi Patti sing the anthem?

As for the Amazing Grace comparison, I meant that simply to illustrate how usage and application can change almost anything, including a song. For instance, The Battle Hymn of the Republic was also a war song, lyrics, melody and all, but we sing it now as a Christian rallying song. Things evolve, I guess.

Well, gotta run. Eloise and Jerry are taking me out to Southlake this morning for the spinal steroid injection. Prayers, please, that this will be a successful step in the pursuit of the ending of this miserable back/rib thing.

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82626: Happy Friday porch, hope all is well today. so glad it is Friday and looking forward to 2 days off for some major R&R.

We are supposed to have a week long weather front of a warming trend. supposed to be in the 60's next week. of course I realize it will only be a reprive because more cold and snow will likley follow.

Lunch menu will be: chiken or tuna salad sandwhiches, pickles, chips, little debbie cakes.
lemonade or tea to drink.

Keep on posting M-T!! so glad to see you coming around more often.

Have a blessed day.

Big Maude

February 11, 2011 - Msg 82627:
Hey Folks

Well, like the rest of ya it was cold here this morning -8 when I woke up and it's 6 above now.

Thank ya'll for the continued prayers.

Romeena-Thank you for the kind words of concern. We have been in the process of doing exactly what you suggested and yes, I believe my mother is absolutely Saved.

Me-They You show-up, sweep, and start a moulage. Now, that is what I dig about you M-T! haha

Of course, here's my two cents on the matter. While I consider myself a complete and total Founder supporting, jingoistic, God Bless America loving Patriot I have never been much of anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, or even a forced "school prayer" kinda guy. I do wholehearted agree with Romeena with regard to all the appeasing and pacifying that has been done at our Nations expense. The U.S.A. has to do all the heavy lifting and then worry about hurting feelings? I don't think so.

Boo-I can't speak for all Northerners but the cold weather is just one of those things. We've had over 200 inches of snow this winter and school has been closed only twice. I guess it's dangerous at times but much less so than other weather events I think. And, it's is so beautiful to look at. I mean, I can just sit and look at the land scape and just be awed. Although, all that being said, I do have to get up on the roof and shovel some snow off this weekend, yeesh.

Peace,
auh2o
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82628:
Wow, a whole bunch of rocking went on while I was posting. Hey to Ro, Big Maude, and M-T.

Me-They That is so good, you're right. Just think what it would be like if we all lived within our means.

auh2o
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82629: AUH2O: I agree with you and ROMEENA, but it doesn't really bother me at all. I take this as consolation: "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." I think that applies to the USA, and why it's not appreciated. Still, IMO we have to do the right thing no matter how its viewed or appreciated (or not). Kinda like raising kids ;-)
M-T

February 11, 2011 - Msg 82630:
I dont like the guitar or chit-chat. (:
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82631:
I don't like spiders or snake.

Jim
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82632: Wow, M-T and Auh20 on the porch at the same time! That's great.

Boo
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82633: Welcome, Jim. Where do you hail from? Have you been lurking under the porch for a while or did you just find us? Whatever, we're glad you dropped by. And ditto the spiders. Don't care for 'em at all. Snakes I can get along with if they're the little garden variety. I try to leave them alone, and they always leave me alone. Big snakes, with the potential to be venomous are not welcome.

As you can see, I'm back from the spinal procedure. It really doesn't take long at all. We'll see now how well it works. I'm hoping for a wonderful result, of course.

Well, the Versed is leaving me, and I'm fairly lucid, a little wobbly in walking, and I think I'm going to go curl up in my big chair with my tiny friend, and we'll sleep a couple of hours. By that time I should be cold sober. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82634: Welcome Jim!Rest Romeena,get well possum...Rev you on the road?..hey Boo,auh20,maaude and all...ok...Supper Menu: Grilled bbq pork chops,mashed taters with gravy,turnip greens,fried okra,asparagus tips broiled in butter,greenbeans,apple pie,tea,sliced onions....ready at 7:00 est..and on the table a bottle of Sticky Fingers BBQ sauce (yall got that in yalls neck of the woods?)..my favorite...ok..prayers...SPOT
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82635:
Spot, the grub sounds great! Thanks. hey to all.
Have a good weekend and
Hang in there.
MDC
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82636: Romeena, "you're gassed!"...hehe

Boo
February 11, 2011 - Msg 82637: Boy, am I ever! I just thought I'd be "sober" this evening. Wrong! I agreed to let another friend drive (to everyone's relief, I'm sure) because I didn't trust myself. I have these tiny moments of just going into spin cycle, and standing there like a mushroom for a few seconds, then reality clicks back in. I'm aware of it, it's like my brain is just stuck and won't move, like an old phonograph needle. Sorry, you young ones don't know what I'm talking about, but you "more mature" types do. Then it clicks in and I'm with the program again. I know it's happening, but can't do anything to make it restart. It's the drug, and I've experienced it before after one of these sessions, but I always think it won't happen. But-- it always does! Now the scary news is that the symptoms this was supposed to relieve are still there, at least so far. Relief may kick in tomorrow or the next day, they have me keeping a pain diary for the next week, so we'll see. If this doesn't work, then I'm not sure where we'll go from there. They have reconsidered and ruled out doing the RFA anyway, and want to just continue with steroid injections for a little longer, and maybe shift away from the nerve root at the spine, and inject the actual area of injury, where the chest tube went in. That may be a very good idea. One thing I know, I'm getting veeerrrry tired of all this!

I played bunco this evening, and all my so-called friends had a high old time teasing me about being tipsy. Humph! Just wait, their turn will come. I silenced Eloise by threatening to grease her cane, which she's using now until her knee surgery rehab is complete. That scared her! (heehee)

Well, I think I'll make an early night of it and get a good night's sleep. Sweet dreams, porch, and may the good Lord send each of you the blessing that you need the most. --Romeena


February 12, 2011 - Msg 82638: I personally would like to hear the words from the popular English drinking song, before I give an educated opinion on the matter...
- Hazel
February 12, 2011 - Msg 82639: Oh boy, let's go wax the steps at the old folk's home, Ro.

Sorry you didn't get any immediate relief from the pain...praying results are still to come. Thanks for that benediction...sweet.

Hazel?!!...is that you or did I get too much of the mulberry squeezin's? You are so very funny! Come around more often, pretty please??

Time to hit the ironing board for some adventure sleeping.

Boo
February 12, 2011 - Msg 82640: Hazel, visit the link below for the lyrics and a performance of Anacreon In Heaven. The melody of that song was used later for the Star Spangled Banner.
http://www.contemplator.com/america/anacreon.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqyQO3xhNx0

from Poor Horatio
February 12, 2011 - Msg 82641:
Hey Folks

Snow and a blowing here but the temps are in the teens or they will be, soon, hopefully that is.

Ro-Hope you're feeling better. And, I must confess that the post above, signed by Jim, was me. Jim Stafford sung "Spiders and Snakes" back in the '70's and I thought I'd try and be a bit funny...well, I should have known better.

Me-They "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required...", agreed! However, that's not what irritates me. What irritates me is the appeasing and pacification the comes from the Left in this country. Let the other countries yip, that's what little dogs do, they yip. It's the nearly complete capitulation that drives me nuts. And believe me, that's a short drive.

auh2o

Peace,
auh2o
February 12, 2011 - Msg 82642: Good morning, porch! I'm up and at 'em this morning, didn't even walk like the Frankenstein monster when I got up. However, I don't think the injection had anything to do with that, as that problem comes from the lumbar spine, and we're treating thoracic vertebrae. I think it had to do more with which side I was lying on. The left is my preference, but I have less pain when I get up if I've slept on the right. Guess I'll have to consider that. Getting old is tough sometimes, but the alternative is tougher.

Bingo, auh2o. You hit the nail on the head. America has bent over backward the last few years, trying to please the whole dadburn world, and it just ain't gonna happen. As far as our anthem goes, yes, it's hard to sing. Like I said before, if you're marginally blessed as a singer, and can't nail it, then don't try it, at least not in front of huge crowds. When I was young, I had only a tiny talent (none now) and I could sing it, but sure wouldn't have opened any baseball games. As for the lyrics, some think they're war-mongering. I don't. I find them beautiful, inspiring, stirring and infinitely reassuring. They make me proud. I don't care if the melody was taken from song bar song of a couple of hundred years ago. Does anyone know that song now, other than the group of rowdy young men in the links PH provided? Thanks, PH, that makes the point nicely, which I believe was your intention.

Many, many songs have evolved from something questionable a long time ago, into something beloved now. Again, I cite "Amazing Grace". Please watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMF_24cQqT0

Not a very auspicious beginning for one of our most beloved hymns, is it? Yet I see no one calling for it being discarded because of its origins. In fact, it is sung and celebrated by the descendants of the very people who gave it life all those years ago, with words written by the soul-convicted and contrite man who was a part of the very thing that spawned the original chant.

I think we need to get away from the "pop" presentations of the anthem, and do it like it deserves to be done, like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiLRHkkrp48

or this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by_ayjw_hcM&NR=1

Yes, auh2o, it galls me to think that our country is actually giving any consideration to dumping our anthem. I don't care where the melody came from. And I most CERTAINLY don't care that the lyrics sound "warlike." Those lyrics were written at a time when America was being born, and it took a war to birth the baby. To change it now, because other countries may criticize it, and some home-grown folks still think we can remain strong through appeasement, would be one more step in the dismantling of our once-proud country. To replace it with the near-lullaby that is "America the Beautiful" would just finish it off, in my opinion. And that's all it is, my opinion. However, I think if folks would read the entire four stanzas, or if some courageous artist would actually sing all four of them, a lot of people would reconsider their objections and decide they want to keep it. Here's one courageous "artist" who risked embarrassment, but forged ahead and sang it like it is. Even he didn't realize this is actually the fourth verse, not the second, but that doesn't matter. It just underscores how much we really know and appreciate about our anthem. God bless this man! The first minute is a speaker, then the singer appears: http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=151986

Well, I've taken up far too much room, and I'll try to put my soapbox away, but this is a subject about which I feel very strongly, and it's hard to be quiet. Blessings, friends, and God Bless America again! --Romeena (and America -- bless God!)
February 12, 2011 - Msg 82643:
Hello porch family....a quick update: the recording is going great. Some long hours but it's coming along great.

auh2o and MT.....my prayers are with you both!

My dad pulled through the surgery fine. They removed the lower part of the lung. The biopsy report from the surrounding areas should be back around the first of the week. The Dr said things looked good but we'll know for sure when the test come back.

My wife and I are just spending the day together. Looking forward to it.

Love and prayers for all my porch family.
-REV.
February 12, 2011 - Msg 82644:
Also welcome Jim.....by the way I used to like that song, "Spiders and Snakes" by Jim Stafford:)
-REV.
February 12, 2011 - Msg 82645: Great news, REV. Let's hope for more good news with the pathology reports come back. Sounds very encouraging! I'll tell the folks in SS to keep up the good work! Enjoy your day with your dear wife. You deserve it, for sure. --Romeena
February 12, 2011 - Msg 82646: Glad to hear the news about yer Dad Rev..prayers..and "Attention Race Fans"..Bud shootout tonight in about 30 min!..Its Race Season starting Tonight!..Jr on the pole for tonight...ok...at work all night...lets order about a dozen pizzas and 100 hot wings!!...Possum get to feeling better....ok will holler when the food gets here....SPOT
February 13, 2011 - Msg 82647: Good Race last night!..Very fast track this year...hitting 205 drafting!...ok...Good Sunday Morning and prayers to all...early b-fast for the Sunday School crowd, menu: (simple) sausage and bisquits and coffee!...we will have a big spread after Church!..Pot Luck...I will bering the Fried Chicken....and a Sunday paper!...SPOT
February 13, 2011 - Msg 82648: Wow porch is quite!..Well Race fans its Jr. on the pole and Jeff outside!...ok hope all had a great Sunday..Im back at work to keep the Church lights on...get off at 6am in the morning and then off 3 days...great weather in Ga...60's..YARD work calls..gona go get 40 or so bails of pine straw tomorrow..hey Boo,Romeena Rev and all...made some chicken salad from the pot luck lunch...sandwiches if yall want....SPOT
February 13, 2011 - Msg 82649: Good evening, porch. Just got home from Eloise's, had her birthday dinner and some good conversation. Spent time with two grandsons, and my son and his wife, and a good time was had by all.

It is 70 degrees on my porch right now, at 7:41 p.m. We finally dug out from under the ice and found the sun! What a deal!

Now I'm going to get into an shabby old gown, and plant my self and my creepy-crawly, crampy ribs in my chair and try to get away from the annoyance and discomfort. I'm afraid the steroid injection did nothing to help this time. Drat.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
February 13, 2011 - Msg 82650: Make that either "an old shabby gown" or "a shabby old gown", one or the other, but not what I wrote. I hate when that happens, when I start to say something one way and change it, without changing the indefinite article. WHEN will I learn to proofread?? --Romeena
February 13, 2011 - Msg 82651:
Ro- glad you are feeling at least a little bit better. I watched the DON episode last night and saw some more great acting by Andy during the "front door" scene with andy, don and peggy. Andy's expressions are priceless when he says things like, "I dont care WHAT you do with Don, we had a date." Great stuff.
Anyway, I pray that all will really be OK in Egypt, that the treaty with Israel really does hold, and that the MB doesnt get a foothold.
Is this a Biblical event unfolding? Hard to say, but I'm gonna watch it closely.
Prayers for all on this beautiful day. 76 in Phx,
tho change is in the air again.
God bless,
MDC
February 13, 2011 - Msg 82652:
Oh Spot, I need to go see the race! Thx for the reminder.What was I thinking! haha MDC
February 13, 2011 - Msg 82653: Very sorry you are still having the discomfort, Ro. Hope things get better very soon.

Been a peaceful sunday here and weather was beautiful. I spent some time wandering around outside at twilight, watching the dogs play, giving Thelma Lou a scratch and just soaking in the cool evening air. LOVE this time of year. I have been looking around outside trying to decide what to plant in the flower beds for spring. I know I want red geraniums and probably some petunias, I have to plant some jasmine on a tree near the front porch. I want to place it strategically so that the southeast breeze we have most of the time here will send that wonderful fragrance right onto the porch. I also have some crepe myrtle trees in mind. Can't wait to get started. Everything looks so brown and dead around here from the last three freezes and the hail storm this winter.

Well, watched the Quiet Sam episode of TAGS tonight with Erin. Don't hear much about that ep but it is one of my favorites because it is just very different than most. It's not a really humorous episode but I just love the story line...sort of mysterious and with the stormy weather, it is just fun to watch. I also love the scene in which Sam calls the baby "Andy". The look on Andy's face is so sweet.

Better hit the ironing board...tomorrow's another day.

Boo <3
February 13, 2011 - Msg 82654: Evenin' Porch,
I've been busy with custody and restraining order stuff plus homeschooling. I will check in here in another day or so. Just wanted to rock for a second and let y'all know I'm still cheer!

Blessings,
~Lucy
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82655: Hey, Lucy. Your comment sounds a bit ominous. Prayers for you, dear girl. --Romeena
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82656: Happy Valatines day to all you good people!...for sure the purdy Ladys!...a Valatines day b-fast on me at Waffle House...dress assordingly!..SPOT
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82657: How do you dress for Waffle House, Spotty? LOL

Ro, sorry you're still ailing and Lucy,hang in there.

Y'all have a good Valentine's Day!

*******************
possum under a rock
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82658: Thanks SPOT! I am wondering about how to dress, too, Possum. The Waffle House is not exactly Morelli's. I guess jeans and tshirts.

Bruce is home sick with a bad cold today so Valentine's Day won't by any different than any other monday except I think my friend Diane and I will get some cookies and things together to share with the girls at the rehab tonight, if I am able to go. Been feeling sort of achy and hoping I am not coming down with a cold, too.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my porch buddies. Love you much!

Boo
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82659: Happy Valentinues Day Porch friends, hope everyone has a "love"ly day.

Prayers all around.
Big Maude
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82660: happy valentines day to all the great porch ladies and all the wives out there of the men porchsters. possum you and laci are in my prayers. mdc- what you are sending everyone two dollars from your piggy bank.wow. prayers for all in need. me- they sorry about your loss. war usually makes no sence. abig hello to all the porchsters. like barney said when he got his finger caught in his revolver;; here i am in the flesh maybe not much of me but i am here. a dear friend of mine had her first great grandaughter yesterday and i cold not resist using that lione. i hope everyone has a great day. the meals are getting skimpy few and far between so i guess i will go to the diner. hi floyd. pappa bear
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82661: Good morning everyone. Prayers all around today. I'm feeling poorly, but hope that the afternoon sun will perk me up a bit.

ROMEENA: I respect your (strong) feelings on the anthem. I don't necessarily think the SSB should be replaced, but I certainly wouldn't mind if it was. It's origins don't really bother me, either--I just don't like it. The words don't stir me and the tune is awful. Of course, that's just one guy's opinion. Not liking an anthem--or even a flag--for aesthetic reasons doesn't mean one is any less patriotic than the next person. And I completely agree that in a hymn like Amazing Grace it's origins are irrelevent. But a political anthem is not a hymn to the Lord and so (again, in my opinion) is a whole different animal. I think anything offered with love to God is transformed. A national anthem is a song meant to inspire love of country. For me, the SSB doesn't do it. I'd rather an anthem I can sing. BUT, I know plenty of people who feel the same way you do about it and I think that's great. The bottom line is we both feel blessed to live in the US of A!

Have a good one,
Me-They
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82662: Good morning, all - and a happy Valentine's Day to everyone! I got sticky hugs from my grandsons yesterday, so I'm happy.

I appreciate all the good wishes from everyone regarding my back problems, but really, when I compare my problems with those of others, I know I am just mostly blessed, and have a few inconveniences just to keep me depending on Him. A friend at church lost her 50-yr old daughter last week. The daughter had been living with a mechanical heart - yes, a mechanical heart - for nearly ten years, while on the waiting list for a transplant. She passed away last week, of a cancer that had only been discovered a few weeks ago. Life just seems to be unfair for some people, and I don't know why. One of those things I'll be asking our Lord about one of these days, I guess. I know there are answers, and He knows them, and for now, that has to be good enough for me.

Well, gotta run. Eloise has physical therapy at noon on her knee, and I'll be taking her over there. Then I have to work tonight. Then -- yippee -- I'm off until next Sunday night. I love it! Blessings, all. Boo, I hope Bruce feels better soon, and you don't come down with the cold too. --Romeena


February 14, 2011 - Msg 82663: Happy Valentines' Day to all the sweethearts on the porch. Thanks for all the love expressed here. ~New Neighbor
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82664: Grrrrrrrr! Dadburn it! I am so mad!! I went outside just now to feed my little critter friends, and went to check on the pond while I was out there. Found my biggest, most beautiful fish - the big orange one I called Big Daddy - lying on the walkway, stiff as a poker! Checking the pond, I finally found four small fish and the big speckled white/gold/orange/black one (Big Mama) and that's all. There are about eight or ten small fish missing. Just gone. They didn't die due to the cold, or they'd still be floating out there. And Big Daddy didn't die from the cold and end up ten feet from the pond. No, something caught them, and evidently Big Daddy was too big for the predator to handle. I'm thinking it's that dratted bird again. Makes me so mad!! I live less than a mile from the Trinity River. There are natural ponds and small "town lakes" all around here. There is plenty of natural territory for him to hunt in. Why is he picking on my little old pond? I had raised Big Daddy from a minnow less than two inches long, and he was nearly nine inches, and just beautiful.

I thought Big Mama was gone too, because I didn't see her at first. I was netting some leaves out and disturbed an inactive filter box that was tilted against a stone on the bottom. She was under there! So, that gives me an idea. I'm going to construct some sort of little platform that rests near the bottom, with enough room underneath for the fish to hide out. They can get under the bridge, but if the bird steps off into the shallow end of the pond, he can get to them from there. No, I'm going to put something down in the deep end, that's just about four inches off the bottom. Let's see him get his big old beak under that! Doggone it, it just broke my heart, to see that beautiful fish just lying there on the walkway, dead. Evidently the bird got him out but couldn't handle him and just dropped him there. Wish I had seen it in time, but I think he had been there since yesterday. The upper side was bleached almost white from the sun. Miserable bird!

Well, gotta put my thinking cap on, and figure out some sort of shelter. I'd like it to be decorative if possible, but I'll put a paint bucket in there if I have to! Sorry to clutter up the porch with such a rant, but I had to talk to somebody. My poor, beautiful fish, and I lost a bunch of little guys too! Miserable, wretched bird!!!

I think I need a glass of tea and a sandwich, maybe I'll calm down. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82665:
Hello porch family....checking in quickly to tell all the sweet ladies here HAPPY VALENTINES DAY.....you're all so special and loved!
-REV.
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82666:
Well, let's see, today Barney can call Juanita, 'cause he's got Thelma Lou in his hip pocket. Andy can call nurse Mary, or Peggy or Helen(!). Floyd can write to Miss Grayson, Aunt Bee can go out with Mr Goss or Roger, (well, OK, NOT Roger:), Gomer can date Mary Grace, Goober can just tag along, Opie can give a valentine to Mary Wiggins, and Ernest T can step out with ROMEENA! ha(: Happy Valentine's Day TAGS friends!
MDC
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82667:
RO- so sorry about your "old sam." At least howard put his catch back! One day the lion shall lay with the lamb, but for now it is what it is I'm afraid.
I like your idea of a little fish shelter however.
Very clever indeed!
Hey to pappabear,Rev, possum, boo , NN, MTand all!
SPOT- I was soo confused (ha) The race is next sunday! stupid, stupid me! (:
BOO- all the best and many prayers for tonight!
MDC
February 14, 2011 - Msg 82668: Thanks MDC. You forgot about Lydia..Goober can go out with Lydia.

So sorry about your fish situation, Ro! So sad...

Boo

Boo
February 15, 2011 - Msg 82669: Good morning...looks like I was the last one to bed and the first one up. Trying to finish my coffee and keep my eyes open. don't think I slept well...stuffy nose and scratchy throat.

Its going to be another spring-like day here in south texas. Hope you all in the north are starting to thaw out.

Better get Erin up for school.

Boo
February 15, 2011 - Msg 82670:
Woohoo! Pitchers and catchers have arrived in town. Spring Training is officially underway!!
The Cactus League here in the Phx area is 15 teams this year.
Have a good day. Prayers for the rehab girls and for the world.
MDC
February 15, 2011 - Msg 82671:
Hello porch family....a very nice and warm day here in SC.....loving it.

Gotta take the motorhome to get new day/night shades put in. After the fire they had to order them and they just now come in.

See ya'll later. Have a Jesus filled day and let the SON shine on you as you walk through this day!
Love and prayers!
-REV.
February 15, 2011 - Msg 82672: hello
February 15, 2011 - Msg 82673: Hello to you. Where is everybody today??

Boo
February 15, 2011 - Msg 82674: Well, Boo, I don't know about the rest, but I'm rightchere! Still mourning my poor beautiful fish. I talked to Joe today, exploring ideas for a "fish shelter" and he just cut to the chase. He suggested a length of 6" corrugated plastic pipe, maybe a couple of feet long. It could be located beneath the bridge, and would be a great place for them all to swim into to avoid that stabbing beak on that miserable bird. He has some of the pipe and is going to bring it to me in the next few days. Good friend, that Joe.

How is Bruce's cold? I hope yours never really developed, but just went away.

REV, every time I even think about that motorhome fire, and how serious, even deadly, that could have been, I just get chills. So glad you weren't hurt. Shades and things can be replaced - you can't!

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some grub. Anybody want to go to Morelli's? Blessings! --Romeena