April 07, 2011 - Msg 83402: for God's Kingdom, that is.

Boo
April 07, 2011 - Msg 83403: Possum, you gonna start another episode about gomer and mary grace or are we going to take a break?

Boo
April 07, 2011 - Msg 83404: Ha! I loved how you wrapped up the story, Asa! Good job!
Oh,I don't know,Boo. Why don't we take a little break? Wanna go with me to WalMart? We can put glue on the toilet seats- LOL
I see you noticed that article I posted on FB- that poor man! Hee Hee
*******************
possum under a rock
April 07, 2011 - Msg 83405: Yep, could resist passing that one on! haha.

Boo
April 07, 2011 - Msg 83406: Oh, and taking a break from the "new episodes" is fine with me. That last one got pretty crazy. Of course if someone wants to start another one, I will participate.

Making Shepherd's Pie for supper if ya'll wanna come over. Making it with real mashed taters, not the box kind. I am trying to get up the nerve to make some homemade biscuits but not sure if I wanna go that far! This has been one of those days that I feel wiped out. I have been tired all week but continued to push myself to get everything done even though my body was sending me clues about resting. I decided to listen to it today and am doing the minimal...just basic straightening up, cleaning the kitchen and some homeschooling with Sean. I even managed a quick nap. Unfortunately, my mother-in-law called and said she wants to come for supper. Not that I don't want to see her but I had to cook...I was planning on fixing up what leftovers we had instead, but there won't be enough for everyone. I'm sure I'll be glad when its time to sit down to dinner. Shepherd's Pie is one of my favorites...maybe because I love The Shepherd. :-)

Now that the time changed, it gets dark later so I am looking forward to maybe getting in some real porch sittin' this evening. Wish you could all join me. Springtime is so lovely here.

Be back later.

Boo
April 07, 2011 - Msg 83407: One more quick thing...if you would send up a prayer for Bruce. He is a federal employee and I think I mentioned that federal employee raises were put on hold for 2 years (thank you, Mr. President) and now congress can't agree on a new budget, which will mean that non-essential employees will go on furlough without pay until a budget is agreed upon. Bruce isn't sure yet if he is considered non-essential because they have one other contract employee who does computer work. He should find out on Friday if he will go on furlough. We have our income tax return to carry us through for awhile but that is really not how we wanted to spend it. Thank God for it, though. Thanks. :)

Boo
April 07, 2011 - Msg 83408:
So glad that we really didnt knock off warren, not that... well. ha
I just heard that they had another quake in Japan. My goodness, prayers for those poor folks.
Take care friends,
MDC
April 07, 2011 - Msg 83409: I want to know why The Andy Griffith Show id hardly ever on TV Land anymore?????/ It seems to be to be on less and less
April 07, 2011 - Msg 83410:
Hello porch family.

Boo...prayers for Bruce and his job. Also, I'll be over for the Shepherd's Pie. Love it too.

MDC...yes prayers for Japan...it's so sad.

You all have a blessed day!
Love and prayers
-REV.
April 07, 2011 - Msg 83411: Passing thru thought I would say hey. So hey!
Sp00ky Benson
April 07, 2011 - Msg 83412: I don't know, #83409 - that question would be best asked of TV Land, if you can find a way to do it, and if they would care, which I'm sure they don't. Many local channels still carry it, thank goodness.

I have replaced my old TV, which a repairman told me was "going out", with a new Samsung LED, and I love it. Also got a Blu-ray player. Long story, and I won't go into it, except to say that the replacement wasn't necessary but we didn't know that until it was already done. Crazy. Anyway, Best Buy gave me two years at no interest to pay for it, so that's hard to beat. I'm not sorry, I love the new TV. All of that to say this - I also signed up with Netflix for $7.99 a month, and guess what! They have TAGS, the whole thing! Picture is great, sharp and clear, and no commercials. Also found the Dick Van Dyke show, and there are countless others. For eight bucks a month, it's a real deal - and of course - movies, movies, movies. Latest releases and all, though I think you pay a few dollars for those. I probably won't, I've never been a person who has to see every movie as soon as it hits the screens. I can wait until they're on the "free" list.

Poor Japan! I can hardly believe they're getting hit again. How much more can that little island take before it just washes away??? Prayers for those poor, battered people.

Boo, I sincerely hope Bruce doesn't get furloughed. All of this is just so disgusting. And they want us to trust them with our healthcare? Folks, we need to pray for our leaders, that they will be given wisdom and and the courage to use it. At least they did vote against their own cost-of-living raise this year, as they did last year. I'm glad they had that much sense.

Well, guess I'd better to feed tiny Starr. She's been in here tapping me on the ankle. I suppose I should feed myself as well. Blessings, friends. --Romeena



April 07, 2011 - Msg 83413: Thanks, Ro. If he is furloughed I don't think it will be for very long, I hope.

I have had an interesting/difficult situation to deal with this evening. I think I had mentioned the 2 little girls that I had been taking to church, whose home life is less than healthy. Well, at around 4 pm, the 7 yr old called to see if Erin could come over but she said that her mom and step dad were both at work. I told Erin that no, she could not go over there when there were no adults in the house and that the children should come over here, which they did. The 7 yr old said her mom told her that she should ask me if I would watch her and her younger sister (who is 5), after she had already left for work. This didn't make alot of sense...what if I had been gone? Ever try getting reliable information out of a 7 yr old?..good luck. I couldn't believe that their mom would leave them home alone at their age and go to work for several hours, so I called their stepdad, whose number I had on my phone. He said he thought the girls were supposed to go to a sitter and he apologized profusely but was no help...he was working a 24 hr shift out of town. I told him I would keep them here until their mother got off at 9 but I was going to talk to her. Interestingly, the step father is a paramedic and I told him, that surely, being a paramdic, he knows that children that age shouldn't be left home unsupervised. He seemed incapable of doing anything so I kept the girls, fed them, got their baths and also bathed their tiny kitten that they brought over because it was covered in fleas. Bruce and I waited for their mom to call us..nothing..we waited for her to show up to get her girls and finally at 9:30 she knocks at our door and says, "Are my girls here?"...I took her to the kitchen table, sat her down, and told her that by no means was it ok to leave two young children at home alone without supervision and that the state calls that "neglectful supervision". I gave her a pretty good lecture and tried to appeal to her sensibility but just couldn't believe that she defended her actions by saying, "Emily is seven. Can't a child stay home alone at 7?". I had my say and didn't give an inch. She said she wouldn't leave them home alone again but I hope she got the message that we aren't going to let her get away with leaving them unsupervised. She left and then at about 10:30 the 7 yr old called here and asked if Erin was already in bed, and she was, of course. She had left something at the house and was asking if i could drop it by tomorrow. I told her that she was welcome to come by and get it and she just said she didn't think so. I am sure the mom got mad at her and told her they couldn't come back over here again...poor kids. What on earth is wrong with people? I know she drinks but she was perfectly sober when she made the decision to leave them home alone for several hours. She claims it was the first time she has left them alone but it certainly wasn't. Just last week they were left alone and had gotten in trouble for getting in the pool while their parents were gone. I asked her about that and said, "Something could have happened to them...Maddy is only 5, she's still a baby." The mom said that they had been punished for it and wouldn't do it again. Well, I think you can guess what I had to say about that. Oh boy, I told Bruce tonight, it just seems that we have to deal with so many of these types of situations. We moved outside of town on 5 acres and still here it is. Please lift a prayer for the little girls, for their family, and the whole situation. I know the little girls love to come over here and it is a healthy, peaceful environment and I want them to have a safe place to come when things get rough at home. I am praying for the Lord to work things out for the good. I had a conversation with the stepdad the other night and I just felt that he is in a very bad place...he is a sad individual and so obviously needs God in his life. I told Bruce that I just am getting tired of people not willing to change and I can't save the world. He said, "Well, maybe we can make things a little better for two precious little girls."

Better get to bed and get some sleep.

Boo


April 08, 2011 - Msg 83414: Goog Friday morning folks. Hope you are all weel and ready for the weekend.

Gosh Boo, you sure seem to be a magnet for many who have rough and tough lives. I'm thinking the Lord sends them your way knowing they will be in good hands. You're right. You can't change the world. But maybe just your little corner of it. If everyone did that (and I know many do) this crazy old world might not be so crazy. So you just keep on doing what your doing. I know the Lord is using you for His good. And prayers for Bruce and his job situation. Our Nation is going to have to make some tough desicions in the next little while that are going to be difficult. But hopefully wise and prudent choices will be made by all that will be a benefit to our Nation.

Romeena, I'm gonna have to look into that Netflix thing. My Daughter and her husband use it and really like it. Are the episodes full length do you know? I already have all the TAGS on DVD but I'd like to see some other of the old shows from yesteryear. I own way to many DVD's. Renting them makes more sense, especially when they are delivered to your door.

Well we had a storm roll in here last night and I awoke this morning to 6 inches of snow in my yard. Dang. That's a lot for this late in the season, even for us. It'll melt off quick I know, but it sure puts a damper inb my plans for doing yard work this Saturday. Oh well, guess I'll just have to find something else to do.

Boo, How'd the pie turn out? I ain't had Shepards pie in a few years. Sounds good.

Well better get going. Gotta fire up the snowblower. I just about put it away for the season last week. Glad I pulled a Wheeler and never got to it. HA!

Asa
April 08, 2011 - Msg 83415: Thanks for the encouragement, Asa. You're such a bright spot in my day. :)

The Shepherd's Pie was a hit but then....I awoke at 3:30 this morning with the kind of abdominal pain that makes you sick at your stomach. Terrible cramps and well, let's just say I got rid of the Shepherd's Pie in a big hurry (hope I didn't spoil anyone's breakfast who might be reading). I was the only one who had the problem so maybe it was something else. I am feeling much better this morning.

Asa, i can't believe you have 6 inches of snow. I am beginning to see how you folks in the north can get mighty tired of the white stuff year after year. I know you must be very ready for spring by now! The weatherman said it is supposed to get into the 90's here this weekend...first time in months. It has been such a pleasant spring and I hate to see it get that hot again but it is inevitable...just like the snow in your neck of the woods.

Better get Erin to school.

Boo
April 08, 2011 - Msg 83416: Good morning, All

Wow...that sure was a heck of an ending to our episode. Hmmm...wonder I also wonder if his bumbling and "huhs" were a big put on to look like a boob while he was much smarter underneath! Good job, Asa!

Boo - Dont knock yourself out trying to tend to your neighbors. I think you have done a very good thing and you go way yonder above and beyond the call of duty. Just make sure you dont get too wrapped up in other's problems. It's one thing to watch for those who need help and yet another to dive in with both feet. Dont get me wrong, I am not lecturing you, but you have shown a good and caring heart and I just hope you can fine tune your emotion. I hope you took this in the spirit in which I said it.

Ro - Sounds like an awesome deal. Sounds like you got enough entertainment to keep you occupied until Doomsyday! LOL!

I dont know how well this will go over here, but I believe I have learned that we all have a respect for each other's opinions here without things falring up, so I will give my two cents about this government Or at least, what I think what needs to happen to it!
Protests, talks, demonstrations, movements and so forth, will never make a difference. We can march in protests, gather in front of the White House and have a rally, and all of the other ways to show our anger and discontent. But Washington has always shown they will do whatever they want to. Period. What needs to happen is Americans need to just show up in Washington by the millions and surround the White House. Think about this, folks...we have to deal with so many things out of our control like these maniacal dictators and leaders pulling their shenanigans and messing with our life here like our gas prices. Meanwhile, we have our own politicians messing with our lives such as this "shutdown" (if it happens). Where are we to look here on Earth? We have foreign govts. altering our lives and hitting us in the wallet, we have our own govt. playing political poker with our jobs and wallets.... What are we to do if the powers here and abroad alter our lives? Now, I am not a radical and believe of all out war and I dont want any of you to think I am calling for blood and violence. I think you know me better than that. But SOMETHING needs to be done! Talk shows, tea parties, protests, signs, dont mean anything in Washington. If the American govt. works for us, then I say it's high time we visit the "factory" and see what are "employees" are doing. Face to face.

Should be about 74* today on my side of the porch! Dear Heaven, I do not want to see any more snow. None, Nada, Zilch!

Hope y'all have a great day and are safe and well!

John Masters


April 08, 2011 - Msg 83417: That one line in my govt. opinion should say "flaring up" ^^^^

JM
April 08, 2011 - Msg 83418: My stars, Boo! Asa is right - you do seem to attract the flotsam and jetsam of this world, and I also agree that perhaps God sends them where He knows they'll find some help. Hang in there, dear.

When we first moved into this house, back in 1973, we had a similar situation. There was a family about six doors down, in one of the tiny original homes on the street, and they had a little girl about four years old. She would wander down here to play with my David, who was the same age. Early one Saturday morning, we heard the TV in the living room turn on, so I got up to see which kid was up so early. It was Yvonne, the neighbor child, sitting peacefully in my living room, watching TV! Evidently we had forgotten to lock the front door (we were more casual about that back in those days) and she had just walked in. I asked her if her mom knew where she was, and she said yes, her mother had sent her down here! She was going to be shopping all day and knew Yvonne would get tired, so she told her to come stay at David's house. She didn't even know if we were at home! Both cars were in the garage, and this house reveals nothing when seen from the street. Suppose the door had been locked, or worse, that we had been gone for the day? I went down there, but there was no one home, and she didn't get back until nearly 5 p.m. We had Yvonne all day. Well, as it happened, the woman's father was my dad's cabinet maker in all the homes he built, and I knew him fairly well. He was also a member of our church. I just called him and told him what had happened. He was appalled, and I guess he told her never to do it again, because she didn't. I know exactly how you feel - you don't mind having the child, but you want to know that the mother actually knows (and cares!) where her child is, for cryin' out loud! There's a little more to this story, but I've got to run, and this grows too long anyway.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
April 08, 2011 - Msg 83419: John, I hear you, and I think I understand what you're saying. I will make one simple observation: There is one place where we can and must show up en masse, and we will be heard. That place is the voting booth. --Romeena
April 08, 2011 - Msg 83420: Thanks for your 2 cents, JM. My friends here on the porch know I like for them to tell it like they see it and I welcome all advice. I agree with you, too. I know my limits and what I am willing to do and not do, also, Bruce is fairly protective about what might harm his family and is not afraid to do what it takes to protect it. He is a good man, but is also a tough one who never backs down when he knows what's right.

Concerning the furlough for federal employees, it is my understanding that congress can't come to a decision on the budget because they are not in agreement with funding for Planned Parenthood and abortions. We have a big rift among citizens in this country concerning abortion. If a furlough would bring about an end to federal funding of abortion, I'm for it. I despise the fact that my tax dollars fund something I find an abominable practice. Also, I hate that so much of my money goes to fund public schools that have become terrible places for our children to be, and I can't use that money to further my own child's education. I'm done.

Ro, I hope you will tell us the rest of the story when you have time. I am curious about whether the child's mother continued to send her to your house or if she got mad and kept her home.

Boo
April 08, 2011 - Msg 83421: Here is an Associated Press news report on what is happening in congress concerning the budget, if you are interested:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_spending_showdown

Boo
April 08, 2011 - Msg 83422: Uh-oh, did we run everybody off the porch with our political talk?

I'll change the subject. Guess what I found in my mom and dad's room in a drawer today? A casette of Andy Griffith singing gospel songs! They had no idea where it came from...funny!

Dad wanted to talk to me today about his cremation plans. He had a pre-paid funeral plan since 1983 with a local funeral home and it was the standard funeral but he has changed his mind and decided that he wants no part of that. He wants to be cremated, have his ashes mixed with mom's at some point and have them scattered. He wants no wake, no funeral, no memorial service. He doesn't want anyone coming from out-of-town when he dies. So, I have an appointment with the funeral home next week to change his plans. Do any of you have any idea what it costs to cremate? I think it will be more than what he pain for a simple funeral back in '83.

Boo
April 08, 2011 - Msg 83423: Where is everybody? It's been hours and hours since anyone has been on the porch. Helloooo...it's getting lonely here.

Boo
April 09, 2011 - Msg 83424:
Right here Boo.....porch is a little slow tonight.

I just wanted to check in real quick before I hit the bed. Got concerts tomorrow and Sunday so it's a busy weekend. At least it's not a whole lot of traveling......for a change.

Well you all sleep good and have a blessed weekend!
Love and prayers for each of you
-REV.
April 09, 2011 - Msg 83425: I'm here. It's late, but I'm not sleepy, so thought I'd drop by the porch. As for the rest of the "Yvonne" story - I'm thinking I may have told this before, years go, but maybe not. Doesn't matter, I guess. Anyway, for the first two or three years after we built this house and moved in, there was a family living down at the end of the street, in a little house that was eventually torn down and replaced with - of all things - a Sonic. There was a boy of about fourteen who was significantly retarded, with a functional level of about four or five. He liked to play with my David, who was four, and I allowed it as long as I could see them. I felt sorry for the poor kid, but he had a nasty temper at times, if he became frustrated. The playtime ended when he got mad one day and started yelling at David and throwing things and waving his fists around. I knew he wasn't responsible for his behavior, but he was nearly six feet tall and about 160 pounds, and David was four, for pete's sake! Too much risk, so I put a stop to the playing together. Later, I knew I had done the right thing, when my dad caught Pat and his equally challenged brother building a "campfire" out of scrap lumber - in the living room of a house that was framed and roughed in, but not lockable yet.

My dad was still building on the street, and there was a large dirt hill on a vacant lot a few doors down, toward Yvonne's house. One day I was out in the yard, and noticed Yvonne and Pat sitting on the backside of that hill, out of direct view from the street, but I had an angle on it that let me see them, just barely. They appeared to be just talking, but it worried me, so I watched for a while. Finally, Yvonne's mom called her, and Pat went home. Still, it worried me, so I spoke to the mom the next day, and asked her if she really felt comfortable with Yvonne spending time alone with a teenage boy, any teenage boy, but especially one that was mentally challenged. You take a fully-grown, physically mature fourteen or fifteen year old young man, with all the raging hormones of his age, and equip that body with the mind and judgment and self-control of a four-year-old, and you have a recipe for disaster. She didn't see it as a problem, said she thought it was "sweet" that Yvonne and Pat "liked each other". I could see that reason wasn't getting through the fluff in her head, so I let it go. I did, however, mention it to my dad, who took it up with Yvonne's grandfather, and it stopped. Pat and his family moved away not long after that. It was really a sad situation. The whole family was mentally challenged, including both parents. There were six kids, and they were all seriously delayed. Dale had talked to the dad once, offering to take the kids to Sunday School, and he said it was like talking to a first-grader. The man refused the offer. So, that's the story. They moved away, I don't know where, and I guess Yvonne survived. Her family moved away too, after a couple of years, and her granddad really didn't talk about her very much.

Well, guess I'll call it a night. Got some pond work to do in the morning. Blessings, all. --Romeena
April 09, 2011 - Msg 83426: Good morning, porchsters! A happy weekend to you and I hope you enjoy it!

Boo - I used to be a volunteer with a cemetery here and I remember cremations running around $900-1,000. Much cheaper than a full casket funeral! I understand what you are going through planning wise. Well....sort of. I mean having no one around and it being as simple as can be. My mother is all taken care of and the only thing I have to worry about is setting a time for a graveside service. She has done ALL of it! She even picked out the kind of flowers on the coffin! There will be one quick service....she will be in an open casket at her burial site, open casket for about an hour, words said by a minister for a brief time and then service over. My grandma is almost the same only she will have a wake the day before for about two hours. I kinda hate talking about this, but...so goes life.
The cremation is usually cheaper and that's a big reason people do it. No casket, no funeral, no hub-bub.

Romeena - That's a sad story. You wonder if people or families like that will self destruct from the point of making a bad decision and them not really knowing they did it. When they have a "gap" between right and wrong and common sense to undeveloped sense, it's kinda like they are a bomb waiting to go off. I know many families and mentally challenged people are quite successful and live fairly normal lives, but this family sounded like a tragedy or some type of bad event was right around the corner.

Well, in a couple of hours, I am going to get to add more books to my Quantrill collection I am building in Arkansas! A donator (who I know but doesnt want anyone else to know who it is) is going to let me drop $300 in a Civil War bookstore! THAT, folks, will up the inventory! LOL! I'm like a kid at Christmas right now!

Last night, I saw the "shutdown" come down to (pardon the pun) the midnight hour. I gained a hair or respect for Obama when he addressed the nation and referred to an email a teacher from Colorado wrote to the White House and told them her class was due to visit Washington. They were also due to set a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He said she wrote for them to settle their "petty differences" so her class wont have to cancel their trip! For a President (or any of our government for that matter) to acknowledge petty differences is rare! Good for our govt. to do the right and sensible thing for the military, workers and the nation!

Ok, better go. Gotta get ready to go in a bit. Have a bright and wonderful weekend and may you be safe!

John Masters
April 09, 2011 - Msg 83427: Hi All,
I m here and just doing a little.
GOOD OIL 14A

TOM

April 09, 2011 - Msg 83428: Good morning, porch! What a perfectly beautiful day! It's 73 degrees, bright and sunny, few little hazy clouds, and a nice breeze. The yard is an absolute riot of color. Roses are blooming in great huge clumps and clusters, and the irises are just ridiculous. Big old floppy mopheads of flowers, in beautiful colors. One is exactly the color of the flesh of a ripe mango. Not yellow, not exactly orange, not gold, but somehow it's a mix of all. In fact, the name mentions "mango" but I'm not sure what it is now. Mango Tango or something like that. Beautiful flower. Little Grapette has three pretty little blooms, about as big as my hand, and by this afternoon it will be wildly fragrant. Iris, like most flowers, aren't particularly fragrant in the morning. The scent develops through the day, after several hours in the warm sunshine. So, so nice!

JM, have fun on your shopping trip. I think it's wonderful that you have a project that holds your interest like that, and how lovely that others are supporting your pursuit of it. I do hope you'll continue to keep us posted on the progress of the project.

I think I'm going to see if I can find some amaryllis bulbs, and force them into bloom in my sun room. They won't make it by Easter, I've waited too late, but I'll enjoy them whenever they bloom. They are such spectacularly beautiful flowers, and they're so easy. Just select fat, healthy bulbs, put them in a small container and add potting soil, leaving the bulb's "shoulders" exposed. Water moderately and be sure the container has drainage. Very soon, green sprouts will appear, the long strappy foliage will stretch out, and then several thick, bulging bulbs will start to rise. They will burst open with four trumpet-shaped flowers, pointing in four directions like some glorified compass, and the flowers will often last for two weeks or more. So rewarding, for so little effort and small expense. After the blooms are finally spent, I cut the bloom stalk off and transplant the bulb into the yard. Some survive, some don't, but when they do, what a "pop" they are out there when they bloom! Sitting amid the polite little pansies or petunias, there will be a big old outrageously beautiful amaryllis, and it's such fun!

Well, gotta run. Pond filter needs cleaning (surprise!) and I'll bet I can find a weed or two that needs yanking. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
April 09, 2011 - Msg 83429: Oh, hey there, Tom! Thanks for checking in - I was beginning to wonder where you were. I hope you have a nice day. --Romeena
April 09, 2011 - Msg 83430: Laate "Lunch Time"..menu...fried bologna sandwiches,fried ham sandwiches,egg salad sandwiches chips,pork-n-beans maude slaw and Boo sweet tea!...SPOT
April 09, 2011 - Msg 83431:
Howdy porch family

Tom...good to see ya buddy.

Spot...thanks for lunch!

Well gang got to hit the road....see ya'll late tomorrow night.

Love and prayers!
-REV.
April 09, 2011 - Msg 83432: What a lovely afternoon I've had! I went and picked up my friend Joan, who is recovering from super-serious back surgery, and took her to a favorite place for lunch. She's walking now, with a cane and minimal help with doors and such. Then we came back here and sat out in the arbor for a while, where she had a good time watching some robins bathing in the pond fountain. Then I cut her a bouquet of iris and roses, and took her home, and I think she had a good time. Sure made me feel good, I know that!

On a sad note, when I first went out there, I found my other big fish, lying on the walkway, stiff as a board. That long-legged criminal, the egret, was here yesterday and I ran him off. Evidently he came back this morning, because the fish hadn't been there overnight, I'm sure. I wish I could catch that miserable bird, and yank a knot in his neck! Why he grabs these big fish, I don't know. They're too big for him, or too slippery, and he can't hold onto them, so he drops them, to just suffocate and dry up on the ground. Just makes me sick. This was "Big Mama", and she was so pretty. She was a calico - white with orange, gold and black spots. She was about nine inches long, and I had raised her from about two inches. Wretched bird. So now both of my big fish are gone, and I'm left with little Goldie, who is about six inches, and a dozen or so 3-4 inch orange ones. It's at times like this that I wish I had a big dog with three-inch teeth living back there.

Well, guess I'll go put out critter feed, then I'm going to kick back with a big glass of tea and watch a movie. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
April 09, 2011 - Msg 83433: Thought I'd check in before a posse was formed! Boo, bless you for having such a caring heart. I would have done the same with those two little girls,just as I would have done exactly what Ro did with that mentally challenged boy.You just have to weigh the pros & cons, I guess.
Hey to Tom! Singing good old 14 A,huh? You must be glad that Spring is finally here! Except at Asa's house- LOL
Y'all have a good evening!
****************
possum under a rock
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83434: I'm here too, just been busy, busy, busy.
Funny, I had a similar story about a stray kid. Way back in the day when my own kids were about 4 and 2, and I was able to stay home with them, there was a boy named Gary who was about 5 or 6. He lived around the corner on the next street. He would come over and play with my son, who was about 4 at the time, and they would play on the swing set, or sometimes he would come in the house and they would play cars or something. I had seen his mother before, always seemed like she had plastic curlers in, if I remember correctly, but anyway, she seemed nice enough. Well, after awhile it seemed like Gary would show up at the door earlier, and he'd stay later. If he was there at lunch, I'd just put out another plate and make another sandwich or whatever we were having. But all the time wondering, why doesn't his mother come to get him for lunch, or wonder where he is, or something. And like Boo said, getting information out of little kids can be a challenge, but I finally figured out (after about a week of these "drop-ins") that his mother had a new job. I can't remember what she did, but whatever she did was the night-shift. So she'd be sleeping, and Gary would just get up and come over to our house. I couldn't believe it, and still don't understand how someone can just go to sleep, and not worry about what their kids were doing during the day. He had an older brother, maybe about 10 or so and I think he watched Gary a litte when he wasn't at school, and I think she had a husband, so I don't think the kids were left alone in the house when she worked, but when the husband got up in the mornings to go to his job, and she came home from hers, she just let the kids do whatever while she slept. They didn't live in our neighborhood long, only a year or so, but I still think of that family.
Sorry about your fish, Ro. That is sad, and I don't blame you for wanting to wring his scrawny neck!
Well, 10-4, over and out.
-Hazel
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83435: Good evening - just headed for the ironing board, thought I'd check in. Possum, it's good to see you. Hope you're doing okay. You're right, each situation has to be weighed and decisions made as to how to handle it. I have been around a lot of retarded or otherwise mentally challenged children and adults, both in my personal and professional life. I had a cousin who had a mental age of about seven. He was usually very docile and sweet, but if sufficiently provoked, he could really get riled up and could be very hard to handle. You didn't always know what was going to provoke him, either. Often it was just the frustration of the dimly-felt knowledge that he was somehow different, but he didn't know what the difference was. You could see when that was starting to bother him, because he would get nervous and restless. He lived at the state school in Austin, and came home for visits several times a year, but when he got restless, his mom would ask him if he wanted to go "back to school" and he would always eagerly accept the idea. He was moved to Austin when he was about fifteen, because he was becoming physically aggressive and his mom couldn't handle him. He got mad and threw something at her more than once, and finally when he picked up a knife and threatened her with it, his doctor said it was time to place him in Austin before there was a tragedy. Poor guy, his functional level was just high enough to let him recognize that other people his age and size sat on the sofa and conversed, they didn't get down on the floor and play with little cars, but that's what he really wanted to do. If he had, no one would have stopped him or said a word, but he knew himself that it wasn't right somehow. He just didn't know why. Thus - frustration. At the school, he fit in, and he was happy. When he wasn't feeling any pressure, he could be so sweet. Very affectionate and kind, and would just glow at any word of praise for any accomplishment. It's going to be wonderful to meet him in heaven some day, and have a real conversation with him. He'll have his whole mind then, just imagine!

JM, you're so right. Sometimes the situation is really scary. One mentally challenged child, living in a normal family, has a chance. We've all seen that. With just a little help, they can become reasonably functional adults. However, that whole family had problems and were so pitiful. The day of the big barbecue down there, there must have been thirty people, and I think every single one was challenged in some way. They were outdoors most of the day, and walked up and down the street in little groups. It was very obvious that there were different levels of function in all of them, but none were normal. Some were so low-function that others were literally leading them by the hand to keep them out of the street, and others were high-function enough that they were doing the leading, but all were obviously challenged. I actually thought it might be a picnic for some mental facility or something, but when Pat came by, I asked him who the folks were, and he started pointing out Uncle this and Aunt that, and a bunch of cousins. Nope, it was his extended family. So sad. I just cannot imagine how folks like that manage in this world, but I guess they do. Pat's dad worked at a warehouse, sweeping up and flattening cartons, taking out trash, such as that. At least he worked, you have to give him credit for that. I wish I knew whatever became of them, but one day their house was empty, and that's all we ever knew.

Well, I'm off to dreamland. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83436: Drat! There, that should do it! -Romeena
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83437: Well, the little girls have not been over knocking on the door since I had my "talk" with their mother. We'll see how long she can hold out with the kids constanly pleading to come over and play with Erin. I am hoping they don't come as frequently, though, because sometimes Erin just doesn't want to play and they get upset and she gives in. She has been relieved these past couple of days.

Sad about your fish, Ro. Wish that bird would stay at the pond or wherever he is from! I guess for him its like shooting fish in a barrel...he doesn't have to work so hard in your little fish pond. I can't think of anything you could do to keep him out other than maybe popping him with a pellet or bb gun when you catch him out there. Maybe that would keep him away for awhile.

Better hit the ironing board. Preachin' tomorrow.

Boo
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83438: Slow Porch! Nobody's posted since Boo hit the ironing board!

I'm doing good, Ro-thanks! Just been busy getting used to this new laptop I just got a few days ago.Sorry about your fish. That's about the size of things with my flower bed- those danged moles destroy all my lovely plants!
Y'all have a good Sunday- love to all!

**********************
possum under a rock
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83439: Good morning, porch! Boo, it's sad about those little girls, but if you don't draw a line in the sand, as you have done, you'll be taking them to raise. There are some mothers like that, apparently. They'll have the kids, but they expect the "village" to raise them!

Possum, the only firearm I have around here is "the Judge" and it would be waaaay yonder illegal to fire it in my back yard! Besides, what would I do with a four-foot tall bird, with a six-foot wingspan, because the Judge would turn him into a pile of bloody feathers. Besides, truthfully, I could never do that. I do have a pellet rifle around here somewhere, and even have some pellets, but the thing is so old I doubt it still holds compression. No, I think I'm going to get one of those canned airhorn things, and try to scare the bejabbers out of him. Maybe then he'll go back to fishing in the Trinity River, where he belongs. It's less than a mile away, for pete's sake, and just full of fish and frogs, but he comes to my pond!

My Veteran's Honor rose has opened, and it's just beyond beautiful! Deep, deep red, perfectly formed, and very fragrant. Such a lovely thing. I wish you could all come over, and we could have us a little picnic back there, and enjoy the beauty. I never saw so many flowers, or such beautiful colors - God has blessed me and this yard and I'm so grateful.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some lunch. Maybe I'll just make a sandwich and take it out into the arbor to eat it. It's not all that warm yet - just 82. That's still pretty comfortable. Yep, I think that's my plan. A sandwich, and go sit in the arbor and enjoy the sights and sounds. Yep, that's the plan....

Blessings! --Romeena
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83440: For the love of Mike, do it, Ro! Make a sandwich ,go sit in the arbor, enjoy it! Just do it!
LOL

possum again
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83441: Ro, I never did get the rose bushes I was talking about. I have seen some beautiful Knock Out Roses in the area with so many blooms but the guy at the nursery told me the Knock outs don't have any fragrance to them so I am still trying to decide on roses. I may get a Knock Out bush to plant somewhere but whatever I put under my bedroom windows needs some fragrance. I bought two beautiful gardenia bushes Friday to plant at the end of the front porch where my porch swing will hang. I only paid 16.00 a piece for them and you should see them. I also bought a pot of purple-leaf honeysuckle just to see what I can do with it. It seems to attract asps, though so I have to be careful when I handle it. Its still in the pot and I can't decide where I want to plant it.

Well, I went to preachin' this morning and then we just had sandwiches for lunch and I was able to sneak in a nap. What is it about naps on Sunday afternoons? I don't nap during the week but come Sunday and I feel like I have to or I can't stay awake.

The old movie Raintree County with Elizabeth Taylor is on but I couldn't even stay awake to watch it.

We have some kind of dinner and song fest at church this evening so I had better go start getting ready for that.

Hope you all have a wonderful sunday evening.

Ro, I wish we could join you for a picnic in that yard of your's! I'l bet it is a sight to behold.

Boo
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83442: ASPs, Boo?? It attracts asps? Please tell me you meant "wasps"- ha ha!

possum again
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83443:
HI ALL, just checking after a very busy 3 days.
More later.
MDC
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83444: Hi All.
A friend send someone to me.

LEGEND OF THE DOGWOOD TREE

In Jesus time the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
Twasstrong and firm its branches interwoven
For the cross of Christ at timbers chosen.
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood,
Christ made a promise which still holds good;
Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so,
SLENDER AND TWISTED, IT SHALL BE
wITH BLOSSOMS LIKE THE CROSS FOR ALL TO
aS BLOOD STAINS THE PETALS MARKED IN BROWN
tHE BLOSSOM'S CENTER WEARS A THORNY CROWN.
aLL WHO SEE IT WILL REMEMBER Me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected, this tree shall be
A reminder to all of My agony.


TOM

April 10, 2011 - Msg 83445: Good evening friends. Hope all is well will everyone.
Boy it's been a crazy weather weekend here. Snowed all day Friday and yesterday. One of the local ski resorts reported 44" of fresh snow the last two days. The problem is it all has to melt and come down the rivers. Our snow pack is well above the average right now, so we are expecting some serious flooding next month. Especially if it stays cool and wet like it's been for a the next few weeks, then warms up suddenly in May. Then it will be real bad. So we are all praying for warm, but not to warm a temps the next month or so, and no more snow. The forecast calls for more storms on Tuesday and Wednesday unfortunately, so that's not good. I'm glad I built in a higher ground area, although the ground water everywhere is very high. But the basement so far is dry, Praise the Lord.

Very nice poem Tom. Thanks for sharing.

Sorry you lost a fish Ro. That reminds me, I have to buy some more fish food for ours. Our pond is just off the back door. The little pigs come swimming over every time they hear the door open, with their mouths all puckered up, wanting food. They are a sight to behold.

Well better get. I hope and pray you all have a good Sabbath evening and a good week.

Asa
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83446: We haven't had any recent snow, just mostly hail and strong, strong winds. Part of our fence blew down a couple weeks ago, and we were just able to get it back up again within the last couple days. It was just too durn windy for Mr. Hazel to be out there fixing it before, so we just left it lay on the ground. Our dog loved it though, as it fortunately wasn't the part of our fence that would let her be able to get into the neighborhood, it was the part connected to our neighbors back yard, so our dog acted like she had an "extention" back yard for a couple weeks. Sally went over there and stole all their dogs toys, and brought them over to our yard, the little stinker. And their dogs came over and played, so it was a big adventure for all concerned. But, alas, it's over now, the fence is fixed, and Sally is back to playing with her own toys...
Funny about the Dogwood tree legend, Tom. I've always wanted a Dogwood tree, have always thought they were beautiful. In Lewiston, Idaho (which is way north from where I live) they have a Dogwood festival every year. They are famous for their Dogwoods. But, their climate is quite a bit more mild than ours, and I've always been afraid to plant one. And now, with this legend, maybe I won't ever try. Interesting...
Ugh. Back to work tomorrow. I don't wanna go...
- Hazel
April 10, 2011 - Msg 83447: Good evening, porch. Beautiful story, Tom. I love dogwoods too, Hazel. I have one in the front courtyard, and I think it's going to thrive. The first year I wasn't so sure, but this year it's looking very good. A small branch was broken somehow, one day last week, and I happened to notice it. It wasn't broken all the way off, still had about a fourth of bark and a little bit of the internal wood intact. So, I put it back in place, fitted the jagged parts together just so, and taped it up. Then I made a little "sling" out of tape to support it and keep it from blowing around. So far, the leaves are still fresh and green! I hope so, because losing that one little limb would have greatly altered the eventual shape of the tree.

Folks, your prayers are urgently needed. My dear friend Eloise was in a wreck late this afternoon. She has three broken ribs and her right leg is pretty badly damaged. The ER doc at the hospital where they took her first said her knee was shattered (the knee she just had replaced two months ago!), but then he changed it and said the femur is broken. How he could mistake one for the other is beyond me, but no matter. They splinted the leg and transferred her to the hospital where I work, and where her knee surgeon is on staff, so by morning we'll have some reliable word. She was fairly comfortable when I saw her, thanks to Dilaudid, but was also nauseous and dizzy, again thanks to Dilaudid. You get to choose - pain or nausea, I guess. She's a trooper and will do fine, but I'm thanking God it wasn't any worse. It really could have been. No one else in the car got anything but seatbelt abrasions, but again, it could have been tragic. Eloise's one-year-old great-granddaughter was in her carseat right next to Eloise. I think a collision with that seat is what broke Eloise's ribs. I'm just grateful that they all survived, and broken bones will heal.

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
April 11, 2011 - Msg 83448: Greetings all! I know some of you might get this late tonight and some in the a.m., so I will just stick with Greetings! LOL!
I am sorry to say I have to make this quick as i am tired and fading, so I apologize for missing the latest news around the porch.

Ro - Prayers and the best wishes go out to your friend.

I will see you tomorrow, folks! Have a great night!

John Masters
April 11, 2011 - Msg 83449: Morning gang...I-Hop this morning on Boo and I!...long 24 hr shift is Over!....SPOT
April 11, 2011 - Msg 83450: Wow, poor Eloise! A fractured femur is a serious thing and the pain of fractured ribs is no picnic, either. I just hate to hear about people Eloise's age having to go through something like this. Prayers for her strength and recovery and thank the Lord she wasn't more seriously injured. Being in a car on the road is the most hazardous situation most of us are in each day. I am very thankful for the Lord's protection and it is surprising that there aren't even more accidents the way people drive these days....always in a hurry and usually holding a cell phone next to their head!

Hard to imagine that much snow right now, ASA. I certainly hope things dry up for the next few weeks and that you don't sustain any damage from possible floods. Don't you just love snow? *wink*

Hazel, Sally sounds like my dogs, who now and then sneak under the neighbor's fence and still their dog's toys! Sneaky devils. ;)

OK SPOT...see ya at the IHOP. I think I'll just have toast and coffee this morning, though. Stomach is a little "off" this morning.

Well, no sign of the little neighbor girls for 2 days now. That's probably a record. Hard to imagine that she would be mad at what was said to her. She remarked that she could "take criticism," but apparently not. I didn't see it as criticism but concern and a seious warning.

Well, it's Monday and that means plenty of work for me. Lately i have been having that feeling of just wanting to run away from it and get some rest. Crazy the way I never take a day off to rest. Its going to get me if i don't change that. I expected to get some rest on Saturday but Bruce wanted to take us to the air show a the base where he works and he invited some of our friends. It was a HOT day, we had to do alot of walking and it was hard to find any shade AND they ended up cancelling the Blue Angels due to a "low ceiling", which I don't know what that means but I think it has something to do with the clouds. Anyway, I think I will do the catching up today, finish the laundry and house chores, go to the store and help Sean with his lessons. I have the rehab with the girls tonight, too. Then, maybe I will let some things slide this week and not push myself too hard. "I'm no spring chicken anymore!" ;)

Boo
April 11, 2011 - Msg 83451: "steal" their dog toys...I need another cup of Joe.

Boo
April 11, 2011 - Msg 83452: Good morning, everyone! I do hope there is sun on your side of the porch!

Ro - Your yard is a picture no artist could draw! I am so sorry to hear about that accident. Continued prayers for her and I hope her recovery is fast and as pain free as possible!

Boo - Tonight after rehab, go home....take a little nap.....watch some tv. Yep, make sure that's the plan. Go home....take a little.., well, you get the idea! LOL!

Hazel - That's a hilarious story regarding the dogs. Sounds like the barriers were broken and freedom reigned! LOL!

Asa - Hope that basement stays dry! My father dealt with that until he was purple and fit to be tied sometimes! I have witnessed that as a small boy and that is not a fun task!

I did my Quantrill project shopping on Saturday and added nine new books and two small Reward posters for decor around the collection! All in all, I have acquired eleven new books in about a weeks time. That brings our inventory to over 300 publications! Onward and upwards we go! There is an Arkansas website that is due to promote our project here in the next few days and I am still working on the project's blog/website.

Ok, better get back to it! A happy day for all and I hope I can get back here for lunch! I'll leave some sweet tea here with large cups if any of you are a little parched before lunch!

John Masters