December 25, 2011 - Msg 86762: Merry Christmas to all my porch family.
Big Maude
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86763: Hope you are all having a blessed Christmas day!

-Sterling Holobyte
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86764: Merry Christmas, y'all!

*******************
possum under a rock
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86765: Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86766: ooops, that was from Hazel...
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86767: Merry Christmas Maude, Sterling, Possum and Hazel!

You are so right, Ro. My best childhood friend called me today and talked about how we wish we could go back to those days of childhood once again but can't. I told her, "Now it's our turn to make those memories for our children".

G-F, yes, St. Susan is my older sister. We went to her house tonight and had dinner...very casual, help yourself and put it on paper plates, find a place to sit in a chair or on the floor. The food was good and the company even better. I got to spend some time talking with dad and just holding his hand. He seems somewhat better tonight but it wasn't long until he was ready to get into his recliner with his weinie dog at his side and a blanket over them both. Didn't get to spend as much time with mom as I would like but i am going to try to talk her into coming over one evening this week and just spending some time visiting.

Well, think I will put on some jammies and watch some TV...been a long day. Love to All!

Boo
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86768:
Hello porch family......What a great Christmas Day this has been with my family. Thank You Lord!

Ro....that is so wonderful that you're feeling so good today. Yes...God is good!

Well it's time to rest up...You all have a good night and chat with ya tomorrow.
Love and prayers
-REV.
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86769: Good evening, porch. Just got home from Eloise's house, had a great meal, lots of fun, the kids opened their presents that were under her tree, and I received a oouple too! Some absolutely beautiful, framed 8x10 pictures of Dave and Brittney's boys. Such handsome kids, if I do say so myself. I guess grandmas can brag, can't they?

Eloise's son is there, brought a friend, and they brought two dogs with them, big golden retrievers. Very well-behaved dogs, just big old love sponges. One in particular will stand and let you rub her ears for as long as you care to rub! Both of those girls are about 75 pounds, Bentley was there, and he's about 45 pounds, and then there was Toye Starr, at 4.5 pounds. She was not in the least intimidated by the big dogs, just continued on her little sassy-wiggle way, and they all stepped aside for her. She has no idea how small she is.

It was a great day, I came home around nine, and am now settled in for some good TV, a piece of shortbread and some iced tea. It has been a great Christmas, peaceful and sweet, with family and friends, and a lovely service honoring our Lord this morning. Can't ask for more.

Merry Christmas, y'all! --Romeena
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86770: I am going to attempt to give you a link to my facebook page where I posted some Christmas pictures...hope it works:

www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2930297739761&set=a.2930286699485.150335.1330520463&type=1&theater
December 25, 2011 - Msg 86771: Yay, it worked...
Oh, that was me above.

Boo
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86772: Merry Christmas porch here at work...all lights seem to be on....I will cook b-fast for all...SPOT
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86773:
Well, the porch "clock" may say Dec. 26, but it is 11:45 here in AZ, so I can still say MERRY CHRISTMAS! (:
BOO- last night we attended the 6 PM Christmas eve Mass at the church I grew up in! Cecile and I, my brother's family and my dad had the greatest time. To our surprize, as we were walking in the bishop was in the back, and was to be the speaker that night. I introduced my dad to him as a charter member of the church back in 1952, and the bishop mentioned it at the beginning of his talk, had my dad stand etc. It was very cool. And I too was remembering all the services there, the nativity plays, etc. So many great memories!
Love your FB pics! Made a comment on Erin and her reindeer. Also love your very mayberry porch! Cool! As some of you may know, the 26th is my birtday, yikes!
God blees you, God bless our troops, God bless America!
MDC
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86774: Thanks so much for those kind comments, MDC. I am so glad you had such a neat experience in the church you grew up in! It's December 26th here so I am wishing you a very Happy Birthday. :)

Goodnight, I am going to fall into bed and be asleep in about 2 seconds!

Boo
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86775: Happy Birthday MDC!!

Party tonight- O'Malley's or the Gigolo Club? What do y'all think?

*******************
possum under a rock
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86776: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (I am a little late, but it is still the Christmas Season!) We had a good Christmas over here on our end of the porch, although we had no snow this year. What surprised me the most was that my son, who is 14 years old and a little over 6' tall was so excited for Christmas! He looks so much like a young man now, you kind of forget that he is still a child at heart. He asked for lots of sports stuff, but he also asked for Lego type toys and to see his tall frame laying across the floor playing just cracks me up! Most of his friends are all about video games or music, but I thank God he still plays with toys!!! LOL!

Here is wishing much love, joy, peace, prosperity, and a closer walk with God for all of us this year! (And lots of Mayberry type moments!)

Mary Wiggins
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86777: I tried your link, Boo, but it wouldn't let me see your page. It said either the link expired or I don't have permission to see your page. Just thought I would let you know!
M.W.
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86778: I don't post too often here, and now here's 3 in a row!!! LOL!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MDC!!

Mary Wiggins again!
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86779: MDC, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Birthdays are good for you, statistics show people who have the most...Live the longest!

Remember...Growing old is inevitable..Growing up is optional..tehehaa...G-F
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86780: Hi All.
HAPPY BORTHDAY MDC HAVE A SALF AND NICE ONE.
G F I do not miss a thing from Cleveday!

:( TOM

December 26, 2011 - Msg 86781: For he's a jolly good feller
For he's a jolly good feller
For he's a jolly good feller
That nobody can deny

That nobody can deny
That nobody can deny

MDC's a jolly good feller
That nobody can deny.
Happy Birthday MDC. Hope it's a good one.

Good to see you Mary Wiggins.

It sounds like we all had a pretty good Christmas. Mine was great. Had the whole clan over yesterday. Lots of food, good conversation, laughter. Even the weather was nice.

Boo, you got the quote right. From Christmas vacation when Clark is at the store and the sales lady is showing him her, shall we say, "lack of panty line". "Can't see the lines, can you Russ?" hee hee hee.

Possum, where ever you wanna party is fine with me. I'll let you decide.

Hope everyone has a great day and don't get trampled at the stores if you're returning gifts.

Asa
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86782:
Morning porch family....Cleaning up after Christmas can be a job:)

Happy Birthday MDC.....have a great day!

Boo...I'll have to check out the photos on facebook.

You all have a very blessed day!
Love and prayers
-REV.
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86783:
Nice pictures Boo...thanks for sharing!
-REV.
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86784: Hey there Mary Wiggins...sorry you couldn't see the pics. Maybe you have to be a facbook user to view them..not sure. Glad you had a good Christmas and happy to hear your son is still young at heart. :)

I can't believe I missed that qoute, Asa. I usually turn the channel during that scene to keep the kids from seeing it...it's a bit too much for kids...especially the "I don't have a log" part. haha Glad you had a nice Christmas with the family.

Thanks, REV! :)

Hey Possum, where did we go last night, the Gigolo Club or O'malley's...I can't seem to remember anything we did..musta been the mulberry squeezin's Asa gave me.

OK, ya'll wake and clear your heads...another Christmas has come and gone.

Boo
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86785: Soooooo, It was you two who were th "Fun Girls" at that party last night. You told us you were from Mt.Pilot. (now we find out you were from somewhere's else.)
Asa, MDC and I were having a good time telling you guys our best jokes and impressions! Then REV came in and ya'll ran off and say'in something bout being late for church service..
See how you women are! You wern't talkin to Jerks
ya know....tehehaha....Goober-Fife
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86786: Good afternoon, porch! It's the day after Christmas, things are very quiet around here, and kinda peaceful. Since neither gathering was at my house this year, there's no mess to clean up. I deliberately left a few gifts under my tree - things to me from folks who weren't going to be at the gatherings - my Florida kids and my mother-in-law. I've been slowly opening them today, savoring each moment. When I opened the one from my MIL, the tears came. That dear woman, 94 years old, had gathered up just about every picture and snapshot we had ever sent her, or that she had taken, and put them into an album, and sent it to me! I found pictures of my Dale and me, so painfully young, with no babies yet, or with just one. A picture of Dale in his AF uniform, one I had never seen. Pictures of my grandkids, sent to her by their parents. Some I had copies of, some I do not. Memories! Such memories! Putting that album together was no small task, but she did it. She's a treasure! And so is this album. I think I may try to scan and store the pictures on the computer. That way, I can create a digital album, and share it with my kids and grown grandkids. Maybe I'll get Brittney to help me (or do it!) She's great with that kind of thing. One thing is for sure, it will be preserved and protected.

I hope everyone's Christmas was as sweet as mine was. Somehow, the pace seemed less hectic, the plans more simple and relaxed, the music prettier, just a lovely time, for the whole month of December. Yesterday at Eloise's was great - we had a delicious meal, just enough kids around to make it fun. Our two grandsons, ages 10 and 8, and Eloise's great-granddaughter, age 2 and busy as a little bee. Four dogs for comfort and comic relief, and it was just a great day.

Boo, I couldn't open the link either, and I'm not on Facebook, so you're probably right - that's the problem.

Mary Wiggins, it's so good to see you. I never step into that front bedroom and see those three beautiful prints of Pat's work, that I don't think of you. Seriously, I think I'd like to have another one - would love to see what he's been doing. How can I do that?

The doves have found the cracked corn I put out, and there are at least two dozen of them out there. The red-wing blackbirds seem to like it as well. The suet cake has attracted the woodpecker, and the cardinals are all over the sunflower seeds. Such fun!

Well, guess I'd better put on some clothes and run over to Eloise's. I left my glucometer over there last night, and that's not something I can be without. Blessings, friends - continue to have a merry Christmas - it doesn't have to end just yet. --Romeena
December 26, 2011 - Msg 86787:
Ro....that was such a special gift from your MIL. So thoughtful and a lot of work.

My wife came home today with a case of Christmas lights....A WHOLE CASE....you folks in Texas will be able to see my house in SC if she keeps it up..lol

G-F....you're just too funny:)

The porch has been slow today....Must have found Boo and Possum's mullberry squeezins and can't get their fingers working.

You all have a good night and will check in tomorrow.
Love and prayers
-REV.
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86788: Ro, what an amazing gift your MIL gave you! Wow...bless her for it.

Hey REV, no mulberry squeezins for me today. Been a spectacular day, though. I decided to make the day after Christmas a family holiday...I think I will call it "Do Nothing Except What you Want To Do Day". We slept in this morning and woke up to the most perfect weather in the world (low 60's, sunny and crisp). I lounged around in my pj's until almost noon and did NO housework. I finally decided to get a shower but put on some very comfortable clothes and went for a drive in the country, listening to the oldies station. There I was, driving along listening to ABBA sing about the dancing queen when this vision came to my mind of a man dancing in a toolbelt... Anyhoo, I had dropped Sean off at a friend's and Erin was spending the night at a friend's house, so I went home, put on jammies, put a fire in the fireplace and lit some candles...complete silence except for the occasional donkey grunt and goat dialogue floating through the window. I just sat for awhile enjoying the coziness of the room. Bruce came in from working outside when it got dark and after a shower, he and I spent some time holding hands on the couch in front of the fire. We had some things to talk over, which we did, and then spent some time snuggling. Oh, and MDC, later we went to Whataburger because it was the only place open besides McDonald's (can't stand that place). When we got home, and I got out of the car, I was amazed at the display of stars in the heavens! It is such a clear, cold night and the stars are amazing. Like I said, it's been an great day. Unfortunately, the task of tackling the laundry starts in the morning!

Boo
Boo
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86789: Boo Boo??
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86790: Boo Boo, you sure you ain't been nippin at the squeezins? :) And if "Dancing Queen" conjures up thoughts of a feller dancing in a toolbelt.... I need to work on my act. But maybe it twernt me you was visioning. :) Your evening sounded wonderful and relaxing though. Kind of like sitting back and resting a bit as the big day is now over. At least the hustle and bustle of it. I like Romeenas comment though, "it doesn't have to end just yet." Hopefully the "spirit" of Christmas can linger with us throughout the new year.

What are you gonna do with all them lights Clark.... I mean Rev? Just remember to turn on the switch next year.

Ro, what a special gift from your MIL. My wife put together a genealogy book for her Mom for Christmas with pictures and everything. Her Mom loved it.

Well I best get. Off work till Thursday but I have lots to do around the hacienda.

Prayers for all.

Asa

December 27, 2011 - Msg 86791: Hi All.
At raining this morning and it going to all day.
Hay BooBoo where is Yogi at.(hehe)
My Chirst,as was ok stay at home because dad was at feeling to good.
TOM:(
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86792: Well good morning gang..on my new netbook Sherry got me for Christmas her at the Cancer center...We are getting aChemo treatment and have the camper hooked up and as soon as we live here its a bite of lunch home to get in the truck and off to Pigeon Forge for a week...camping on the river with 5 other campers..gona be a blast...will spend New Yrs up there...Dixie stampeed sat night...Big Bear theater one night...trout fishing (got a new fly rod)...ok gang will have this new netbook and wifi at the camp site...will keep in touch..hey MDC,Ro,possum,Asa,Boo,Mary,Rev and all...prayers for us a safe trip...SPOT
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86793: Have a safe trip and hope you & Sherry have a great time up in the mountains, Spotty!
(Don't read any further,ol dawg-LOL)

Hey y'all- you know what this means,don't ya?
New Year's Eve party at Spot's doghouse! Whoo Hoo!

*******************
possum under a rock
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86794: I got me a new jug for Christmas....made me cry


Briscoe Darling
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86795:
Great birthday yesterday! Thanks for all the well-wishes. Even ASA's sing was good, 'cept isnt that the song andy sang to barney when his cut finger knocked him off by the gossipin' ladies?I can now draw Social Security if it want to!! Wow and Yikes! POSSUM- good party, but BIG Maude will be upset with the mess! ha But those dangling earings and the martini glass dress were a big hit!
Boo- My wife and I also "held hands" yesterday! (hehe)
Glad everyone's Christmas went good. I, like RO, really sat back and "savored the moments" this year too, especially with my dad!
Well, hang in there folks and by your 100 watt bulbs! (:
MDC
(concerning thet peroxide) "I only use it for garglin'"
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86796: Yes Asa...work on that act...incorporate "Dancing Queen"...

Hey there, TOM. I don't know where yogi is..putting out a fire somewhere, I guess. ;)

Sounds like SPOT and Sherry are going to have a great time on the river...think of us, SPOT. I would love to be camping, especially in that camper of your's...not exactly roughing it, is it? :)

New Year's Eve party at the doghouse, Possum? I think we already finished all the squeezins this week...maybe you can pick up some elixir...

Glad you had a great birthday yesterday, MDC! I say if you can draw Social Security and still "hold hands" you're doin' good, buddy. ;)

Well, I feel a bad headache coming on so I am going to go lay down for a bit.

Boo
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86797: FUNNY comment, Briscoe!

Boo
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86798:
Howdy porch family

Spot...you all have a great time in PF.

Hey that's a good idea...New Year's at the doghouse. He's in Pigeon Forge....PARTY:)

MDC...so glad you had a great birthday.

Ya'll have a blessed day!
Love and prayers
-REV.


December 27, 2011 - Msg 86799: Cashew Fudge Too?............
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86800:
hey TOM, good one about booboo and yogi!
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86801:
Woohoo...new year's barn dance at spot's!
mdc
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86802: Hi All.
Yogi is the bear from jellystone park pic a nic basket stealing,
Smoke tbe bear is the one who said you can stop fourfirt. boo.

TOM

December 27, 2011 - Msg 86803: I got the joke, Tom, about Yogi, I mean. Boo called herself Boo Boo, so you asked her about Yogi. Funny! I always loved that cartoon.
Count me in for the party at Spots. Shall I bring my chicken-ala-king again? I know how you all enjoy it.
- Hazel
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86804: Oh no, how embarrassing, TOM...I totally confused my cartoon bears. Thanks for setting things straight! ;)

Beautiful day here in south texas..wish you were all here to enjoy it with me. We could sit on the porch and watch the goats graze.

Hazel, uh...don't bring that wallpaper paste...pretty please???

I know what I'm NOT bringing. I made these things for Christmas Eve called cheeseburger cups...you smoosh canned biscuits into muffin cups, put in this sloppy joe stuff then top with cheese and bake. The dog wouldn't even eat them...boy, they made fun of me. Well, my kids liked them anyway.

Boo Boo
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86805: Bet our talking dog Spot would eat 'em,Boo! And Hazel's wallpaper paste,er,chicken ala king! Too bad he ain't gonna be home for the party at his dog house- heh heh

Hey Rev, I'll bet my relatives in Saluda won't have to turn a single light on in their houses next Christmas time- the glow from your place down the road will brighten everything up! LOL

Y'all,I received the nicest letter today from Papa Bear. He even enclosed several pics he took at Mayberry Days. He met Ronnie 'Duke' Schell!

Have a good evening everybody!

************
possum again



December 27, 2011 - Msg 86806: Mister ranger Sir. (:
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86807:
Hey possum, i got the same pics, and here he went and told me that they were made exclusively for me! haha
I wish he would visit here again, and homemaker, john masters and kygirl, etc!
MDC
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86808: Hi MDC!So,I see my martini glass skirt was worn by you at a party,no wonder I couldn't find it !haha!And a happy belated birthday to you.Spot,hope you and Miss Sherry have a good time in PF.Romeena,I now have a 9 yr old teacup chihuahua I got from the grandaughter of a lady who passed away,she is the most timid,but,sweet little thing.one of my sons got an English bulldog for Christmas,and he is cute as can be.he came to Christmas at my moms and he and my dog got along great!The grand kids had a lot of fun playing with them.Asa,your Christmas lights reminds me of the song Every light in the house is on!lol!It is so good to be on the Porch and read the posts.Thank you to all of you who sent me a Christmas card.If you haven't received yours from me yet,i mailed some late,but,it is on its way.Take Care everyone,I will stop back soon and hope to become a regular on the Porch again in 2012.-ky girl

December 27, 2011 - Msg 86809: I meant regular visitor on the porch in 2012-ky girl
December 27, 2011 - Msg 86810:
Night porch family...See ya'll tomorrow. Breakfast at the diner:)
Love and prayers
-REV.
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86811: Well gang we made it to Piegon Forge!..camping on the river till after first of the year!..4 campers here with more coming...Miss Sherry doing good had Chemo treatment Today and we lit out!..she is just a little tired but having a ball..well Rev I better get to bed to be able to meet at the diner in the morning...can hear the river as I type!...ok....Bed time...Pine Mt Rv park...yall google it...very nice one..prayers to all and to all a good night...SPOT
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86812: Get up sleepy heads...26 here in the Great Smokey Mts...see ya at the diner! SPOT
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86813: He doesn't suspect a thing,does he? (He,being SPOT)-ha ha
The New Year's Eve party at Spot's dog house is a GO!
Asa,you're in charge of fireworks!

***********
possum u.a.r.
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86814: 10-4 Possum.I'll put on a fireworks show that'll just clutch ya!

Hey KY-Girl. Good to see you. I hope you can be regular here again. We miss you. And speaking of missing, where did Mavis run off too? She was here for a day or two and now she's gone. :( And nice to see you Hazel. The ala-king thing will be fine, just no meat balls. Speaking of meatballs, I sure wish Homemaker would drop in and say hey.

Boo? Cheeseburger cups? Yikes! How about chicken with crust on it. My favorite dish. Or a nice chicken fried steak would be good. Anyway, I'm sure whatever you bring will be fine, just fine.

Asa
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86815: Hi All.
Asa -you do know he have spy campreverywhere for he can seewhat go on at the dog house (hehe)
cold and snow make for a bad day.

TOM

December 28, 2011 - Msg 86816: We'll just have to cover Spot's spyware, Tom-hey,we'll throw ky girl's skirt over it! ha ha

possum again
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86817: hi all in mayberry i miss you all and happy new year........gizzmo
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86818: Then what will we throw over ky girl? --Romeena
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86819:
"But if we use all the fireworks now, we won't have any for the 4th of July."
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86820: FIREWORKS,YOU WANT FIREWORKS?...G-F's Dad was a fireworks junkie, he was the neighborhood Master pyrotechnic. I think I know where some of his stashes still are...G-F's got ya covered! All I need are some good old "Ohio bluetip matches" and it's GAME ON!....Goober-Fife.....
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86821: you know Spot lnow verything that go on at his house at all time .
did you all forgit about his mom and dad are home, and dad keep a eye out for him too?

TOM

December 28, 2011 - Msg 86822: "Hear, Hear" GF. (That's what they say at meetin's ya know!
Hey to KY Girl! I see that someone's run off with your martini glass skirt! ha
Hey to GIZMO!!
Hazel, your in charge of the mozz-z-zerella pizza for the party!
Prayers,
MDC
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86823: As soon as Jim lindsey arrives, we'll give 'im a big police escort into town with sireeens a goin and horns a honkin..."
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86824: LOL @ Ro!

Well,Tom,we'll have to make you our lookout.You hide in the bushes during the party and if you see Spot's mom or dad coming, go " Hooty Hoo"!

*******************
possum under a rock
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86825: TOM..Just don't eat any peanut butter sandwiches!
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86826: And Tom, make sure you wear that plain brown suit.

Asa
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86827:
Howdy porch family

gizzmo....good to see ya back on the porch. Be sure to come to the New Year's Eve party at Spot's pad.

Spot....you staying warm up there in those mtns? At least it won't be real crowded this time of year.

Tom....if you wear that plain brown suit, you might want to put some longjohns on under it....might get chilly standing out there:)

I'll bring the sound system but ya'll might want to bring your cds to play. And no I don't have a LP turn table or 8-track player.

Well you all have a good night.
Love and prayers
-REV.


December 28, 2011 - Msg 86828: Boo, My sister made somewhat the same thing for us except she made them more like a taco pie cup,and they were good! Those who made fun of you for making them should be careful, the cook may just go on strike.
It has worked for G-F in the past...it's called a cook appreciation work stoppage haha!
"Hear,Hear",MDC..Is that you on the new History channel show about the moonshiners? Thought being kin of Brisco he'd shown ya how to make shine?
Maybe it was'nt mulberry sqeezins from Asa that Boo & Possum were partak'in the other day...

Goober-Fife..........
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86829: And Asa...make sure you wear your toolbelt. ;)
Sounds like things are lining up for a fine party.

Thanks, G-F, and guess what? My sister made the dressing this time and it was GOOD, so now she can't use the excuse that I have to make it on every holiday!

I had a spectacular day today. We had another perfect weather day here in south texas and Bruce and I took a little day-trip together. The kids were with friends and Bruce and I left around noon to drive to a little town called "Cuero" about an hour and a half from here because they have a really neat light display open until new years that I wanted to see. We left early in the day to take the long route through some old historic towns out in the country that I had never been to. BOY, was it a great little trip. You all know how I love to search out old historic graveyard and such and Texas has many historic little graveyards and ghost towns that were started by German immigrants in the 1800's. Out in the middle of nowhere I came across a neat little cemetary called "Mistletoe Cemetary"...(who knows why? I am going to try to find something about it on the internet). It had some very old graves of mostly very young people...sad, as usual. I also was driving along and saw an historical marker along the road, talking about an old lutheran church that was established by a german inmmigrant who started a little town there. You couldn't even see the church but the sign was visible and a little winding road that led into the trees. We followed the little road until a lovely, white church stood in view amongst the huge oaks. It was amazing! Just behind it was an old cemetary with many old graves from the 1800's, some with German inscription and even some with photos of the deceased on the tombstones. It was a surreal experience...out there totally alone, the cool breeze blowing and the serenity. We pulled up in front of the old church and I took the chance that it might be open, and much to my delight, it was! Just as I stepped in the door and into the sanctuary I heard a phone ringing so I followed the sound to the back choir room, just off the altar, and there was an OLD black rotary phone ringing but it stopped just before I got to it. The inside of that old church was almost just as it must have been in the 1800's and was the most beautiful little church I have ever seen. It seemed like a dream. I wandered around a bit looking for a restroom but couldn't find one until I went outside and in the back of the church was a small fellowship hall with classrooms and it was open, too. I found a very clean restroom that must have looked exactly as it did when it was built, i am guessing in the 1950's. I could have stayed out there on those old church grounds all day, enjoying the beauty and peacefulness, but we had to get moving. I told Bruce that one day..I am going to attend a service in that church, no matter what!

We went on to Cuero and did some driving around looking at some old historic homes that had been restored. Ro, don't know if you have ever been to Cuero, but it reminds me alot of Fredricksburb, only on a smaller scale...less people...more like Mayberry. I loved it and hated to come home. Maybe someday it would be a good area to consider retiring in. Anyway, the light display in the local park was very impressive. All in all, the day was a great success. Poor Bruce is finally coming down with the terrible cold I had, though...he is in for it! Think i will go check on him...

Boo
December 28, 2011 - Msg 86830: For goodness' sake, Boo! Here I thought my Dale and I were the only people in the world who liked to poke around in old cemeteries. We used to do that a lot! It can be fascinating to read the inscriptions on the stones, and speculate as to what might have happened. Once we found a whole group of stones, and by the names and dates, it appeared to be a father and mother, and about six children, from a baby to a young teenager. The dates of death were all within a week of each other, so we figured it was either an Indian attack, or more likely, some sort of epidemic, like cholera or something. There were several others in the area, with death dates in the same time frame, so that figures with the disease theory too. Some people think it's morbid, I guess, to wander in an old cemetery, but I never found it to be so. I guess the fact that usually nearly a century has passed sort of mellows it a bit. I have sometimes picked a little bouquet of wildflowers and put them on a grave that particularly interested me. Just a way of connecting with the past, I guess.

As for Cuero, I've been there, or rather passed through there, but have never spent any length of time. The little church you found sounds so charming. I'd like to visit there some day, too. You're right, Texas is just full of little towns like that. Have you ever been to Poteet? That's where some of my dad's family were from.

I never cease to be amazed at the way God times things. When I got home today, the sewer-line replacement crew had made their way to my area on the street, and had trenched right up to my driveway, about to block it. No problem, I parked in my neighbor's driveway, since she's out of town anyway. Then I walked into a cold house, and had no hot water. A gas line had been cut yesterday as they dug, and the gas company had turned off and capped my meter, since I was at work and not here to let them in to relight things. The foreman was dealing with getting them back out, but there was a problem - I had to leave right away to take my brother to the doctor. Then, from the house next door, came my friend Ted! He was there doing some work on that house, so no problem! He could let them in and now all is well. I have a warm house and hot water. Ted has had the codes to get into my house for years, and I would trust him with anything I own, but what are the odds that he would be right next door when I needed him? I was home by lunchtime, so we had a nice lunch together out in the sunroom, and he told me about the trials and tribulations he's having with his mom and her progressive Alzheimer's condition. Bless his heart!

Well, guess I'll hit the ironing board. I'm off tonight, but work again tomorrow night, so should get some rest, I guess. Have a good night's sleep, everyone. Blessings! --Romeena
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86831:
Boo, your posting about your recent day trip brought back some memories for me. Back when my sister's family lived in Texas, we rented two RV's and spent a week driving around Texas. A good portion of our trip included the back country roads where we also would run across a solitary church and cemetery. But our biggest surprise occurred between San Antonio and the Gulf of Mexico, where we met some foreign speaking cowboys who spoke the language of our heritage.

from Poor Horatio
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86832: Morning all.
Gosh it's a warm one on my porch this morning. 40 degrees. And a slight rain. Just not heard of around here this time of year, to be this warm. And any moisture we get is in the form of snow. I can dig this though. :)

Boo, sounds like you and Bruce had a great time yesterday. That little church you described sounds delightful. Sure hope Bruce doesn't gat as sick as you did. I'll bring my toolbelt to the party. I've been working on a new dance that I hope to showcase at the party. It's dangerous, but exciting. HA!

Rev, you don't have an L.P. or an 8 track? When we gonna get electronal around here???

Well back to work for me today and tomorrow. Then I'm off for three days. Yipee!

Prayers for all.

Asa
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86833: Morning porch, just coming by for a check point chickie this morning. Looks like the porch has been a busy place the past few days.

Its a very cold morining on mu end of the porch. I am off today and tomorrow and then back to work on MOnday. My kids took the Christmas decorations down for me yesterday and I am trying to get the house back in a somewhat normal state. With all that goes on around here and our schedules for next week, I felt the need to have some order back to the house before the new year starts.

Mr. Maude and I will celebrate our 23rd year anniversary on Saturday! He has to work 9 am to 9pm so I guess we will celebrate at a later date.

I think we should go ahead with a News Years clebration at O'Malleys though. I will bring the music and Al, Floyd abd Birney can get their dancing shoes polished. Lets all bring a dish and we can ccok up some burgers too. Mr. Maude might drive up to the cabin when he gets off work.

Hope everyone had a joyful Christmas and Santa was good to you.

Breakfast menu will be: eggs, english muffins, bacon, sausage, hash brown potatoes. jelly, apple butter, butter. coffee, orange juice, milk, tea to drink.

Prayers and blessings all around. Glad Miss Sherry is doing okay and having a blast camping.

Big Maude
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86834: "Er, a , this is a touble check, you know, a trouble check. Everything OK there at the diner?..." (:
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86835:
Morning porch family....chilly on this end of the porch this morning.

Asa...I know..way behind times.lol

Maude...Even tho your hubby is working Saturday, I'm sure ya'll can celebrate later. Congrats on 23 years!

Well I've got to start repacking the motorhome for my up coming tour. I don't leave for another week but got to get some things done before the last minute.
You all have a blessed day....Jesus loves you!
Love and prayers
-REV.
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86836: Hey gang, I'm working on my take off of Chester & Edward G. Robinson...Hey you guys, hurry up you guys, beat it you guys,....It still needs some work..i'll be ready in time for the party so don't worry...I got the sewing up the fingers trick down to a "T"....G-F......

p.s. REV,don't be like "Cousin Eddie", make sure the toilet gets empty'd out ok? haha....
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86837: Boo, I did a Civil War Cemetary tour with my buddy once in WVA, it was a interesting history lesson he's a nut on that stuff..No, as he say's he's passionate about it. G-F...
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86838: Judy,Judy,Judy
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86839: Well here camping on the river in Pigeon Forge Tenn...23 degrees this morning!...good food,good friends and for sure plenty of firewood!...SPOT
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86840:
Hi all. CONGRATS to Big Maude! It looks like you never really "escaped" after all!! haha
Hey, guess what? I got 1960 prices on Peroxide!
If you recall in "gossping men" ep Mr Walker tells
Emma that it will be 29 cents for the peroxide; well, Walgreens had hyd. preoxide for 3 for a dollar! Lot a typin' for that little bit o information! ha I even told the clerk that i only use it for garglin', and well, his look was quite amusing!!
G-F--Maybe Boo can go into the doorstop makin business. As for moonshine, I let the Morrison's make mine as Brisco's jug is just fer playin'. (:
Yup, Juanita and the diner are just fine.
RO-seems like i heard the name Poteet in a movie one time. Or maybe that's Po-kip-si! haha
God bless our bearded rev as he packs.
MDC
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86841:
BOO- I forgot to mention how neat that little chuch in the vale sounded. Did you by any chance get a photo??
MDC
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86842: A civil war cememtary, G-F? Wow...sounds amazing.

Ro, I think there alot of folks out there like us that have an interest in old cemeteries. I have found some good websites that give history and maps to some. It's one of my favorite past times and I don't find it morbid...it's just a feeling of connecting with the past (and it's people). You would really think I was nut, though, because I find myself talking to some of them..you know, accidentally saying "excuse me" when I step on a grave. hehe

Well, Sean and I got the tree undecorated and out the door. The poor thing was as dead as they get...lots of needles everywhere. I think next year we will go articifcial.

MDC, that was a neat church! Unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera and was dissapointed that I had. I will get back there and take some pictures soon, though.

Boo
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86843: "articifcial?"...what kind of tree is that? haha

Boo
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86844: Hey,Asa,that new dance you're working on don't involve fireworks,does it? I'd hate for you to slip up & singe your mullet or something!

*******************
possum under a rock

P.S. What a great story,Boo. I almost could "see" that little church.
December 29, 2011 - Msg 86845:
Howdy porch family.

Glad Spot and Miss Sherry are having a great time. Nothing like being with good friends and good food...in the Smokey Mtns:)

MDC...lol, I'm sure you did get a strange look from the clerk with your "garglin" story.

G-f....How do you do that?....Judy,Judy,Judddd....awe, I can't do it.

Boo...would love to see pics of that little church also. If only those little ole churches could talk I'm sure they could tell of some mighty moves of God.

You all have a good night....See ya'll tomorrow.
Love and prayers
-REV.
December 30, 2011 - Msg 86846: Nighty Nite
December 30, 2011 - Msg 86847:
Rev, if ya need a haircut before ya go, Just
"arch yer back and purr" and ole Floyd will fix ya up! Pecular, pecular... Ha
???
December 30, 2011 - Msg 86848: Wow, I never thought of it that way, REV...yep, sure do wish those old churches could talk. :)

Tired today..woke up in the middle of the night with that churning feeling in my stomach and heart racing...the way you feel when you get a stomach virus. I was up until about 5am but am feeling better now. I now have to go over and talk dad into getting a shower. He was incontinent yesterday and didn't seem to notice it. My sister's husband caught him unrinating off the back porch yesterday, too. He is getting so out of it. I made him a dr's appointment for Tuesday. I think he needs some oxygen. So, wish me luck..I am going to have to make him get cleaned up today.

Better get going.

Boo
December 30, 2011 - Msg 86849: What??...I don't understand Msg 86847?

Boo
December 30, 2011 - Msg 86850: I don't know who posted it, Boo, but I believe it's a line from "Mayberry Goes Hollywood".
- Hazel

"Flow Gently Sweet Afton..."
December 30, 2011 - Msg 86851:
Hazel, you are spot on! That was me being funny,
or at least trying to be! When mr Harman meets floyd, andy tells him that since floyd used to practice on cats!!
Since i had the Christmas ep disc in, I've been watching the others on that disc!
"Old Rock kinda does it for ya, huh Aunt Bee."
or from gossipin men...
"Barney went and shot himself in the chest!!" (:
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
MDC
"Sure, I know Gabby Hayes"
December 30, 2011 - Msg 86852: Boo, The same buddy I spoke about going with on Civil War cemetary tours grew up in WVA. The practice of "going" off the porch is a common practice down there,maybe your Dad's just trying to connect with his inner Hillbilly? (hope no one takes offence) sometimes G-F goes a little bit to far to be funny so I apoligize. Acording to him that's one of the MANY uses for a front porch.
OH NO!...I just had a frightning thought.."FRONT PORCH"?? "Taylors Front Porch"??? is there a connection here? Soooo that's why we're so nutty here on the porch? Sounds like a good book title:
"My life as a Porch"..A NY Times best seller!
Are ya all in? Let's bring the porch back to the FRONT of the house and let go of the deck at the BACK of the house...G-F's thought of the day....


December 30, 2011 - Msg 86853:
>>>and a good thought at that G-F! ha
There are also lots of soapboxes and spiders UNDER the back porch! ha
My "kin' will attest to that! (:
mdc
"You aint plannin' to poke fun at us are ya Mr. Harmon?"
(And my version of his response: "Well duh, why else do you think I picked this hick town and this hick jail!!) hardy har har
Thank God 2012 is almost here! (:
MDC
December 30, 2011 - Msg 86854: Thanks for the explanation, Hazel. :)

Well, G-F, my dad never had an inner hillbilly but my mom sure did (an outter one, too). ;) I certainly was not offended at your comment. Sean mentioned that he thinks maybe Dad has been going off the back porch because he is so shaky and his aim is bad, so to avoid making a mess, it is easier to just step outside. I think he may be right. I spent a big part of the day with Dad today. Poor thing was such a mess. He kept telling me that he had a hole in his head and his brain fluid was leaking out (what the..?). He just isn't thinking right. To make him feel better i searched every inch of his head and gave him a haircut to boot. I cut and shaved off his beard because he had some red, irritated skin under there that needed some care. He didn't argue about a shower and he let me help him more. He is just so weak. I left him clean, shaven and smelling like cologne...and with a good meal in his stomach. After I left and got home, I had a good cry. It is just so hard to see him this way. I know many of you have been where I am and know how I am feeling. I'll make it just like you all did, it's just a rough right now.

I must say, though, that there are alot of very good things going on, too and I am very blessed. Hope you all have a great evening...BIG NEW YEAR's PARTY tomorrow night at the doghouse!

Boo
December 30, 2011 - Msg 86855: Oh, Boo, my friend! My heart breaks for you, because I do know just exactly what you're dealing with right now. I remember the last Sunday that I took my dad to church. I had the good sense to sit on the back row, and sure enough, we had to leave early, because he had an accident, and I wanted to get him out of there before it became evident to anyone else. He was, by then, wearing a Depends, but still...

Strange that your dad would tell you that his brain fluid was leaking out. My dad once insisted that fluid was running from his ear. It wasn't, but his poor nose leaked all the time. I suggested that he was referring to his runny nose, and he gave me to understand that he knew the difference between his nose and his ear, and that fluid was running from his ear, couldn't I see it? Nope, I couldn't, but he never conceded the point, and I just suggested that he keep a tissue handy. He did, and dabbed at his ear every few minutes, when there was absolutely nothing there. Meantime, his nose would drip on his shirt! Without meaning to be flippant - I wonder what causes that??

I think Sean is probably right about why your dad is going from the back porch. Makes perfect sense, and just serves to illustrate the amazing, and amusing, contradictions between the logical and the bizarre thinking patterns in someone with any form of dementia. My dad called me once to inform me that someone had come in when he wasn't in his apartment, and had "burned" his shoes. His reason for thinking that was that they were much too tight, and since anyone knows that leather, when exposed to heat, will shrink, that had to be the explanation. It never occurred to him that the shoes were tight because his poor feet were so swollen. Instead, his brain, with his lifelong remarkable powers of deductive reasoning, came up with burned shoes. Oh honey, it's a trip, a wild ride, and the best thing to do is keep your balance and your sense of humor, give in where you can, and just enjoy it. Trust me, you'll look back, as I do, and smile a lot one of these days.

Has anyone else enjoyed the Santa Clause movies, with Tim Allen? To my surprise, I found them to be sweet, funny, and oddly meaningful at times. Just pure fantasy, but so cute, with all the elves, the very endearing animatronic reindeer, and just the sheer fun of it. I loved that they used children for the elves, rather than little people. Cute, cute kids!

Well, it has been a long day. I never went to bed after I got home from work, and as you might imagine, I'm starting to hit the wall. I think I'm going to turn in. Blessings, all! --Romeena