January 04, 2012 - Msg 86938:
Morning porch family

Well well well....John Masters...it is so good to see you back. We kept your rocker all cleaned up for ya.

Ro....I agree with the twitter thing...don't know anything about it.

Well gang got a lot to get done today. Better get busy.
Love and prayers for all my porch family!
-REV.
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86939: Well, John Masters! Welcome back. Did you pick up any new sheet music while you were gone? We've missed you, and we're tired of singing good ol' 14A. It's good to have you back. I hope things are looking up for you now. Stick around, and let us help if we can. --Romeena
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86940: Good Wednesday Porch, it is just plain COLD here on my end of the porch. I think it was 11 degrees at some point last night and about 19 as I was driving into work. It is supposed to warm up a bit toward the week end though.

welcome back John Masters.

I am with you Romeena, I feel like a dinosaur as well, with my lack of knowledge with the technology. I have had to learn some things, with phones and computers just because of work and kids but I am lost on most things. My kids want me to get an I PAD but I think they are costly as well and can not justify that. They both have lap tops for school purposes. Since both take college classes they have to have one. Some of even Beths assigments are done and submitted on line. I have problems with operating my cell phone at times!

well guess I had better get back to work. lets have lunch at Olive Garden today!

Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86941: Busy day here...plenty to do but wanted to drop in and see what was going on with everyone.
Very happy to hear about how things went for you, Possum.
Enjoyed reading your post about Dale, Ro. I don't think that is anything you have ever really shared with us.
I watched a movie last night with Andy in in. It was called "A Song for the Season" and was made several years ago. It was a Christmas movie that had Naomi Judd in it as a music teacher in a highschool that was having trouble staying afloat. Andy played a great part in it as an elderly WW2 veteran and grandfather. Any of you ever seen it? It was great watching Andy in a movie and doing so well at his age. I guess he must have been about 80 when it was made.

Better get back to the chores.

Boo
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86942:
Good sweep REV for the new year!
MDC
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86943: Romeena, I just read your post about the computer you had years ago that you used to create spread sheets for your husband's business. You REALLY need to consider writing a book. I remember reading your posts years ago when you went to Mongolia, (at least I think it was Mongolia), and how much I enjoyed reading those also. You have such a way of communicating, and such a rich, wonderful life full of experiences to share that I look forward to reading about them!!

My prayers for Boo's father, and Possum's court case and any one else who needs a touch from Jesus!

Have a wonderful Mayberry Evening!
Mary Wiggins
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86944: Good afternoon, Porch

Well, about to wrap up another day! Hard at work on opening my Quantrill project in Arkansas this year and time is rapidly moving towards it. Hope you all have a great night and I'll drop back in tomorrow a.m.

John Masters
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86945: By the way....thanks for keeping my rocker cleaned up and No, Ro....I didnt get any new music, but I'll make sure I send off to New York to get some!

JM
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86946: Well, thank you, Mary Wiggins. Your words are very encouraging. As it happens, I'm working on a little book, and may use Guideposts' self-publishing engine to present it. To actually find a publisher, as a total unknown, would be very difficult. Guideposts has a system that's relatively inexpensive, and it's published in an online format. If it does well there, they may pick it up and do something else with it. It started as a journal, right after I lost my Dale, and has evolved ever since. Not sure where or how to finish it, but God will show me a way, I'm sure. I have written all my life, simply because I enjoy it. I journal experiences that are meaningful to me, and that habit has helped me to rid myself of grief, fears, even anger sometimes. Once I write it down, I can see it then as though through someone else's eyes, and often the thing I thought I feared, or the anger I held, no longer has any basis for existence. Grief is similar. Grief unexpressed is grief retained. Once expressed, the pressure lessens, and eventually, it becomes bearable. So, please pray for me as I try to pull this journal all together, and find a stopping place!

My croaky voice has deteriorated into a poor imitation of Minnie Mouse, and I'm not feeling so great. Eloise and I went to Olive Garden, and had planned to go raid Hobby Lobby afterward, but I was feeling so rotten we abandoned our plans, and I just came on home. Gonna get a big glass of juice, take some extra insulin to cover it, and get in my big chair and do as little as possible for the rest of the day, other than drinking juice and petting Toye Starr. She's very clingy today, I think she knows I don't feel well. It's really weird. My throat is only a tiny bit sore, I have a dry, annoying cough, no fever, joints hurt a little but that's normal for me, and I have zero energy. I wonder what causes that? At least my feet haven't fallen asleep! --Romeena
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86947: Hey Porchsters!
I don't know if any of you are aware of it but I've been working on a new web site for Mayberry fans. It's called iMayberry Community and the idea behind it is to create an online community (much like you already have here at the Front Porch) where fans of The Andy Griffith Show can get to know each other even better by chatting, posting comments, posting photos, discussion forums, groups, and more.

You guys have a very special space here at the Taylor's Front Porch where you have really gotten to know and care about one another. Don't worry, I'm not going to be doing ANYTHING to the Porch but I am hoping that other fans will be able to use the iMayberry Community to develop relationships like you have here and that maybe you guys will be able to grow your relationships closer by visiting there as well.

If you'd like to check it out, you are invited to head over and sign up to be a member. I have to approve every new member and you are required to upload some type of profile photo so keep that in mind.

I hope to see you folks there but I understand if you can't make it. The Front Porch is a great place and I understand wanting to just stay here and enjoy the fellowship.

We'd love to have ya'.

http://iMayberryCommunity.com/

--Floyd


January 04, 2012 - Msg 86948: Hi - have to share this. I know all parents feel like they have great kids, but right now, I just think mine are special. I just spoke with my son David. He's traveling on business, and drove about 50 miles out of his way to visit Caruthersville, MO, where Dale and I lived for sixteen months while he was in the service, right after he got home from Korea. He was stationed at Blytheville, Ark, AFB, but we lived across the state line in Missouri, because they had just reopened the Blytheville base and there was no housing to be found anywhere. Anyway, all these years we have thought we left a duffel bag in the attic of that house, containing all the letters I had written him while he was gone. Would you believe he had saved them and brought them all home with him? Those letters and some other things had gone missing, and the last time we remembered seeing them, they were in that bag, and Dale thought he had put the bag in the attic in that house. The house was tiny, storage space was limited, so he put the bag up there. We couldn't remember getting it down when we moved, and we never found the letters. Anyway, David knew that story, and that sweet son of mine drove out of his way, found the house, talked the current resident into letting him in, went to WalMart and bought a 6-foot ladder so he could get up there, found nothing, and left the ladder with the man who lives there. He was so disappointed not to find the bag, but he's taking pictures of the house and emailing them to me, so I should get them shortly. I think things have changed a lot, from his description. --Romeena
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86949: Well hello gang...got settled back in here from a great Tenn camping trip!...had Sherrys Chemo treatment yesterday...tired today....COLD here in ga....hey Boo,Rev,Possum,Floyd will check out the site...hey Asa,Lucy,ky girl,MDC,Jm...Maude lets have a joint effort on B-fast...I will take care of the meat...bacon and country ham..Boo bring a paper...we will eat here...Love and peace Porch...God bless..work for me tonight at 10!..SPOT
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86950:
Mary Wiggins, RO does have a blog site with mongolia stories etc. RO, could you post that link for her? thanks
Better rub your neck with Vicks and get to bed tho first Ro!
FLOYD! You are a treasura! I just checked out the mayberry community. It is like facebook without having to pay the 50 cent bicycle license fee to Howard! very cool! (i.e.: No membership needed)
RO- that is a neat story about a neat son!! Wow, could you imagine if he had found those!
A while back the smithosian was asking for things like that, and my dad (yes, he saved them too) sent in a few "sequential" exchanges. (Made copies of them all first.) Our soldiers today may have webcams etc, but my goodness those old creased love letters are the cats in my book!
Prayers for Possum and all! KY Girl, where are you?
MDC
"It's nice to get a 10-4 in first for a change." (:
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86951:
Howdy porch family

Ro...that is so special for your son to attempt to find that. Even though he didn't find it I'm sure it made your heart smile. It sure made mine:)

Floyd....I like the community site. Man you are something else. Will give us a chance to put pictures up like we've been talking about. I've got to join up. Just curious...is this the ning program that you're using?

Spot...Glad the camping trip went great. Hey I may stop by tonight and chat with you at work. I'll bring some snacks.

Ya'll be blessed
Love and prayers
-REV.
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86952: Well SPOT, how did we do? I think we got
everything back together...Hope we got the barn roof back on right the girls were saying it points east-west the guys said north-south so we compromised and pointed it to the south-west.
Asa & I will be back in the spring to build ya a 3 story chicken coop to replace your shed..Maybe Boo will have a whole bunch of chickens by then, I think her chicken Bernie is a stud muffin so it should be easy! We will round up as many Porchsters as we can and we'll have a good old fashion coop raising..So REV, practice up on that Gospel version of "Sweet Home Alabama" and maybe Floyd would come back too?...G-F....
p.s. If ya ask Asa real nice he may run an A/C out to it too? Ro was a good forman but she wants one of those silver Mr. McBeeve hard hats the next time or she ain't doin' it!
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86953: Boo...Maybe Ro could do the tool belt dance too? I don't think she can make smoke come out of her ears but she sure does work like she HAS a extra set of hands....G-F
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86954: 'Scuse me? Ro ain't doin' no tool belt dance, thank you very much. You can just put that in your smipe and poke it! --Romeena
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86955: MDC - No membership fee. I may end up begging for donations at some point because I'm using my Christmas money to pay for it right now and eventually, it'll run out. ha ha

Rev. - It is Ning that I'm using to do the iMayberry Community so, like I said, it's a little costly...but I hope it's worth it to grow some relationships. You can put up pictures on that site but I doubt we'll ever be able to do that here. I'm against change...remember when we make links click-able? Whew...that took a lot out of me to change things. :)
--Floyd
January 04, 2012 - Msg 86956: Uh...G-F, the toolbelt just would not have the same effect on me if done by a female..you understand. Also, she might throw out her back or her pelvis or something and she doesn't need that right now.

Ro, you have a very special son...lots like his daddy, I imagine. :)

Glad to have you back John Masters...I wondered where you took off to.

Great to see you Mary Wiggins and thank you so much for those prayers for Dad. It means so much.

Well, Floyd, I will go take a look at Mayberry Community now..

Boo
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86957: You're right, Boo, he's very much like his dad in so many ways. I see Dale in all the kids, even the girls, each in their own unique way. David resembles him physically more than the others, so much so at times that it surprises me. Both boys have their dad's gentle, giving nature though. David is a bit more extroverted, Dale, Jr. is a bit more introverted - (Dale was a mix of both), but the basic kind, peaceful nature is there in both of them, and in their sisters as well. Dale is never far away from me as long as his children are near.

Well, guess I'll turn in. This miserable whatever-it-is that I've got just won't leave, and may be getting a bit worse. The high, squeaky Minnie Mouse voice is intermittent now, mixed with a very low, deep range now and then. I sound like a young teenage boy! It's the cough that's bugging me most. It's dry, totally non-productive, the kind that makes your head hurt because you just cough and cough and it does no good. Makes your chest hurt too.

Sorry, folks. I get sick so seldom, that when I do I feel terribly sorry for myself and want everyone to know how miserable I am! I'm not talking about chronic back pain and such - that all just comes with age. I mean bug-type sick - I just don't get things like that very much. Oh, woe is me! (heehee) --Romeena
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86958: Whooeee! I stopped by Floyd's new site before going to the ironing board, and it's a winner! Good job, Floyd! I signed up, awaiting approval! I see Tom Rusk is on board. I'm so glad you've done this, and I'm also glad that our dear porch isn't in jeopardy. I'd be lost without it. I think there's definitely room for both. Thanks so much, for all that you do. --Romeena
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86959: Ok...Rev yer snacks were good...Maude and I will have b-fast here at the dog house at 8 sharp...Boo bring yer local paper....work night almost done...no troubles last night....back here at work at 2 pm....SPOT
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86960: Well, I signed up over at Floyd's new site...still pending approval like Romeena. I will be listed under the name of "Julie G" and my profile picture is a laughing donkey.

Sorry yore ailin' Romeena. Hope you feel better soon. "Woe is you"! ;) If I lived in your area, I would bring you some chicken soup and rub some Vicks on your feet (followed by warm socks, of course). Get some good rest today.

Better go get the laundry going...I can't seem to get done with it since Christmas! As soon as I think I am getting done...there's more (wonder what causes that?)! One of my neices, who is 11, stayed overnight day before yesterday and yesterday I noticed that there was a big urine spot on erin's bed, so I had to pull off everything, wash sheets, mattress pad, throw away the foam padding under the mattress pad, but luckily none of it reached the actual mattress. This 11 year old is still messing her pants and peeing in bed at night and after taking her to more than one specialist, the problem continues. I'm wondering if it will ever stop. The doctors have said that it happens with very strong-willed children...apparently when she was very young, she would refuse to go as kind of a power struggle and she began holding it until the nerve ending in that part of her intestines stopped feeling the impulse to go and now she refuses for days and days at a time. She is continually distended and looks miserable, has frequent accidents and it is just terrible. Four different specialists have told them the same thing...make her sit on the toilet for x amount of time everyday but they have never followed through on that. How could you do it if the child is in school 40 hours a week anyway. Very strange situation but apparently not all that rare according to what I read on the internet about it. Don't know why I shared that except that it is difficult to deal with for everyone and I am concerned for the girl. It's something we don't really talk about, and they just keep hoping it will eventually take care of itself, but it doesn't. Her dad is talking about taking her to another doctor next month to see if they can do anything besides prescribing hefty doses of laxatives. I think they should be seeing a counselor but that is not something they want to do for some reason. Please send up a prayer for my niece and her parents, if you would. This has gone on long enough.

Well, better get going. See ya at my coffee break.

Boo
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86961: Good morning, Folks

I hope your morning is giving you smiles and happiness and good health. Think I'm gonna get a haircut at Floyd's and go set a spell at Meyers Lake. Have a great day!

John Masters
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86962: I think you're a pretty patient and loving aunt, Boo, to be willing to take the child for a sleepover, knowing full well what's going to happen. Knowing you, you probably didn't make her sleep with plastic under the sheet, so she wouldn't be embarrassed. Sorry, but I'm not that considerate. There would have been a trash bag under her bedsheet, or more likely, she wouldn't have been there at all. Maybe if she, and her parents, start facing some negative reactions from people, they'll get serious about doing something about it. She definitely needs some counseling, because this is without a doubt still a power struggle. If she was really concerned about it, and was serious about preventing "accidents", she would voluntarily perch on the commode for as long as it takes. For a doctor to suggest that they "MAKE her sit for x amount of time" implies that she's not cooperating with the program, so it's pretty obvious that she doesn't care. She's holding onto her waste, because she can. When she's asleep, nature takes over, and she can't control that. No doubt about it, this is a control issue, and the longer it goes on, the worse it will be. I had a little experience with this, with a friend and her daughter, and believe me, this behavior is the tip of the iceberg. As she gets older, she will seek control over other, much more troubling issues in her life - such as her choice of friends, dating age, (11, for my friend's daughter!) and such as that. Counseling! Now!

Oh, one more thing. When she has these "accidents", who cleans up after her? Especially the "big" accidents? At age 11, she's old enough to strip that bed and wash the sheets, and her pajamas, and to get herself into the shower. If she's just standing by and letting Aunt Boo do it, trust me - she's loving every minute of this. When a small child has these accidents, you do try to minimize it and avoid embarrassing them, because they usually can't help it. One of mine wet the bed until age 8. He put the plastic under his sheets himself, and that little guy could be seen on those mornings, trudging to the washer with his sheets. He couldn't help it. There was no power struggle, he just had an immature bladder, and slept like a rock. When an 11 year old isn't willing to do anything about it - like I said - counseling! Now!

OK, that's my free advice, and remember - free advice is usually worth just about what you paid for it. --Romeena
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86963: twelve extra hands!!! (:
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86964:
OK, BOO, you wanted to do another episode, see if you want to run with this one... ha...
After serving her full sentence, Big Maude was released from the state pen and cooperated with the prosecution to bring further charges against her fellow escapees. Upon her release she entered the witness-protection program. She was given a make-up kit, and her name was changed to Elanore Poultice. Since she always liked music, she set up a voice lesson/piano lesson business in her new homen in the town of Mayberry. Her first customer was none other than Deputy Barney Fise, er FiFe. ...next..

MDC
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86965:
Oh, and BOO, I just Googled "bed wetting solutions" and I too have had some experience with this as we took care of neices and nephews on various weekends as they grew up. One is a bed wetting alarm! Yes!First sign of moisture on the pad and an alarm sounds. Sorry RO, I think she has gone thru all the counseling that she "wants to" if you get my drift. New, more agressive measures are needed and will do wonders IMHO.
We used the "not while you're in our house" thing.
Uncle MDC (:
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86966: Well Ro, I was kicking myself the next day because I forgot that she still wet the bed. In the past she would wear pull-up diapers when she stayed here just in case but I guess she forgot them and was too ashamed to tell me or something. I am getting so forgetful...shoulda double checked. Here's what's interesting, for years now, the girl does all her own laundry. Mom refused to a long time ago...this doesn't seem to bother the child at all. She doesn't seem to mind the terrible smell that follows her, either. I figured the kids at school would make fun of her and she would want to do whatever it took but not even that or the pain she experiences when she is forced to take laxatives seems to matter. For years, I didn't let her play for long over here because of it and any time there was a problem, I approached her, asked her to clean up and change. There are already huge power struggle issues between her and her mother but when she is over here, she is near perfect. Early on, the first time I ever kept her when she was about 4, she challenged me and I won. Since then, she always obeys me immediately and is very pleasant around me. I am very concerned about how things will be when she gets older because she is already fairly worldy minded for her age...very different from Erin as far as that goes. I have already decided that I would have a talk with her the next time she wants to come over and explain the rules and that she will be responsible to clean up after herself. In the past several years she has only slept over three or four times but I told Erin it is going to be a long time until she is able to again, I'm afraid. I am going to have to have a talk with her mother and make sure she knows about it. It won't be easy...her mom is the type who gets very defensive when it comes to her children. I love her alot and she is a sweet person, but she's like a bear when you say anything about the people she loves (I'm sure she would do the same if anyone said anything about me even). I have approached her and my nephew about getting the girl and themselves into counseling to find out how to get help with this thing, but you can only say so much. I think the mom is in some kind of denial about the size of the problem and where it might lead.

Hey, good start MDC...I will try to take off on it after a little thought (or anyone else is welcome to).

Boo
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86967: MDC, Google "encopresis".

Boo
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86968: me..they. me they...me the-e-e-ey
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86969: Well, I just got home from an errand and guess what was in my chicken pen?...A BIG hawk trying to fly off with one of my chickens right in the middle of the day! Luckily my dog alerted us to the danger by barking. Sean saw her in attack mode with the hair standing up on her back and knew something was up. I could see that it was a hawk and I took off running for that cage and screaming at that hawk. Apparently he got in there and was unable to lift a chicken out because of the trees covering the pen, but he rolled one of the chicken and tried to get a hold on her and lift her out just as I was getting there. Thankfully, he was unable to get her out and the chickens were saved. My poor little female was walking funny for a minute but she seems ok now. Thank God for the dog or I would never have even noticed until it was too late. We HAVE to get that coop finished! I guess I will cover the pen with something in the meanwhile so I can let them out to scratch around for bugs during the day. Life on the farm...

Boo
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86970: And there, dear Boo, you have the reason why I NEVER let Toye Starr out in the yard. Poor little thing doesn't really know what grass feels like under feet, but there is a hawk that hangs out around here, and he could snatch her easily. At just 4.5 pounds, a hawk could lift her. Also, with no feathers to deflect talons, even if he couldn't lift her, he could cause serious injury to her by trying. Nope, she goes outside with me carrying her, or not at all. Close proximity to me would not be a deterrent. That hawk once dropped out of the sky like a rocket and grabbed a pigeon off the ground, not eight feet from where I was standing. Scared the daylights out of me! It flew away, carrying that poor flapping pigeon with no trouble at all. Nature can be cruel.

As for covering the top of the pen - just some chicken wire stretched across the top is all you need. I don't know how big the pen is, but until you can get the wire up, you can greatly limit the hawk's predation by just laying long sticks or boards in any pattern over the top, to decrease the size of the opening he must go through, in or out. He has a long wingspan, and needs a lot of room. You mentioned the trees over the pen - that's good, should help a lot.

That's a very complicated situation with your niece, as you've described it. The fact that you established the rules in your house early on, and she follows them, should speak volumes to her mother, but apparently it doesn't. That's very sad, because trust me, that child has only begun to fight. Her mama ain't seen nothin' yet! Makes me glad my own are grown, and I can just stand around and offer advice and opinions at my leisure! (heehee)

I like Floyd's new site. I'm now an official member, I see that several of you are as well, and I think we will have a lot of fun there, as the membership expands. We'll get to know lots of other Mayberry folk, but we must be careful not to let it overshadow our dear porch. This will always be "home" for me, and the other site is a good place to visit, like running over to Mt. Pilot or something.

Well, guess I'll go scratch up some dinner. Not very hungry, this miserable cold makes me feel just awful, but I need to eat a little something, I guess. Maybe some soup....

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86971: Boo, Where was Bernie when all of this was going on? He's suppose to be the Security at the hen house isn't he? Was he sleeping again on the job?Check back with Asa & I we are working on the blueprints for a 3 story chicken coop for SPOT maybe ya can get a copy of them.
Bernie needs his own room, but at least let him have a 60watt bulb tho...& a hotplate when he needs to make some chili on those cool days...
Goober-Fife..........
p.s. I thought there was a female version of the tool belt dance?
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86972: G-f, Bernie was hiding in the cage repeatedly making a noise that sounded like, "Take her. Take her. Take her." ;)

Boo
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86973:
Howdy porch family....can't stay long but just wanted to check in. I leave out in the morning for a month long tour. I hope to be able to check in often but may not until Monday. Will be praying for all you folks.
Love and prayers
-REV.
January 05, 2012 - Msg 86974: Hope you have a great tour, REV. Check in when you can. :)

Well, it's early to bed with me tonight. I am going to be taking the kids and a couple of their friends to San Antonio to the drive-through wildlife safari. I have been there a couple of times and its quite an adventure. The last time a dang zebra bit a dent in the steering wheel! Please pray for a safe trip since it will take about 3 hours each way. Thanks!

Boo
January 06, 2012 - Msg 86975: Hey Romeena, maybe that is what Floyd should call the new community - Mt. Pilot! Haven't checked it out yet myself.

Good luck with your tour, Rev.

Hey to John Masters!

-Sterling Holobyte


January 06, 2012 - Msg 86976: Sterling!!...Get back here and tell us about the a baby!

Boo
January 06, 2012 - Msg 86977: Mornin' Y'all- Ro,that is a fine son you've got there,but you don't need me to tell you that,do you? Such a wonderful thing he tried to do for you!
Well, I'm doing pretty good-y'all keep the prayers going,please!
Breakfast at the Diner. Spot, YOU bring a paper this time. Boo is using hers to swat at chicken hawks!
Have a good tour,Rev & check in when you can!
*******************
possum under a rock
January 06, 2012 - Msg 86978: Hey! and good morning, Everyone!

Hope you all had a good night and woke up to a pleasant morning. Thanks to everyone who has welcomed me back! I'll leave a pitcher of sweet and unsweetened tea here on the porch! Cups are under my rocker.

Have a great day!

John Masters
January 06, 2012 - Msg 86979: "Chicken wire, now why didnt I think of that? That's why you're the sherrif!" (:
"And THAT's why deputin' is much different from sheriffin'." ha
MDC
January 06, 2012 - Msg 86980: "Chicken wire, now why didnt I think of that? That's why you're the sherrif!" (:
"And THAT's why deputin' is much different from sheriffin'." ha
MDC
January 06, 2012 - Msg 86981: oops, hic
January 06, 2012 - Msg 86982:
Also, all the best to REV as he hits the road for JESUS! traveling mercies.
And prayers continue for o'possum! (: and i won't even jab at ya with a pointy stick! ha
I'm thinking that i may go on the mayberry community as Fred Boone! ha
Good day!
MDC
January 06, 2012 - Msg 86983: My dear friends -- I have just received word that my friend Ray has just gone to be with the Lord. You will remember that I asked for prayer for him more than once, the most recent request being just a few days ago. I have no details, other than that he was at home, under hospice care. I'm quite sure that Nancy would been by his side. It has been a long and tedious road for them, and they have needed and benefitted from many prayers. Ray no longer needs those prayers. He went to sleep and woke up in a glorious place, and is no doubt exploring and marveling, at this very moment. Heaven is a better place because he's there. I wish you could have known him. No, he no longer needs our prayers, but Nancy does. Oh my, yes, Nancy does! She's going to need prayers just to let her sleep tonight - how well I know! Thank you all, so very much, for remembering her. --Romeena
January 06, 2012 - Msg 86984: Prayers for Nancy and may Ray rest in peace.

*******************
possum under a rock
January 06, 2012 - Msg 86985: Praying for Nancy...

Boo
January 06, 2012 - Msg 86986: I'm so sorry to hear of Ray's passing Romeena. Not for him but for Nancy. I will certainly hold her up in prayer in these coming weeks.

Hey to John Masters. Good to see you back on.

Asa
January 07, 2012 - Msg 86987: John Masters, now is time to get back to singin practice where we meetin' at? Shhhhh not to loud we don' want Barney findin out. I 've been working on my meeetheyyyy's I think I got it now, been practicing with my Mr. Microphone.
Boo, I did not realize Bernie was such a woosie, I say you put him on a 30 day secret probation!
So what ya all think about Floyds new community? I have not joined yet, change comes slow for some of us on the new technology stuff.
I see there is a lady Kathy Jo, who is from my home town, ya may give her a heads up that Goober-Fife is from there too. (Canton Oh)
Ro, Prayers for your friend Nancy too...G-F....
January 07, 2012 - Msg 86988: Good morning porch family. Hope you are enjoying a relaxing Saturday. We had a wonderful time yesterday at the wildlife safari in San Antonio. It was one of those perfect weather days and we rolled down the windows and drove trough the safari. We saw some very beautiful exotic animals and they were friendly...even eating from your hand. The kids had a blast and lots of laughs as the ostriches and zebras stuck their heads in the windows for food. Some of them get kind of aggressive about it. If you are on facebook, check out the photos I posted.

I slept in past 9am this morning and it was wonderful! Sean is still asleep and Erin took Bruce to basketball tryouts at the local junior high school. She's a natural at sports so she will do fine. She likes basketball more than baseball so we are letting her to that this year. It is more of a challenge keeping her active since she is homeschooled now and doesn't have PE each day.

Well, I think I will go enjoy the peace and quiet for a bit. Be back later.

Boo
January 07, 2012 - Msg 86989: Oh, hey there G-F..we must have been posting at the same time. Yes, at this point Bernie is a coward but I think that will change. hehe He is still a very young rooster and hasn't even started to crow yet.
I like Floyd's new community but this will always be my first home.

Boo
January 07, 2012 - Msg 86990: HAHA....I meant, "Bruce took Erin to basketball tryouts"!!

Boo
January 07, 2012 - Msg 86991: Ha! From what I know about Erin, I think it's likely you were right the first time! That's a young lady who knows what she wants, and goes about getting it, and I'm betting that ol' Dad just smiles and goes along.

I think I've got the epizoomies. I feel awful, look worse, am exceedingly sick and tired of coughing and blowing my nose. I'm grouchy, definitely feeling sorry for myself, and am not fit company for anyone. Even Toye Starr is staying out of my way.

My neighbors are the greatest. I've spoken before of John, who lives across the street and a couple of houses to the east. He owns the garden center where I buy nearly everything, and is Joe's brother. He tries to be gruff and grumpy, but he just can't carry it off. He's one of the kindest people I know. Anyway, I had called him to ask a question about planting tulips, and he could tell I was sick. He asked about it, and I told him I hadn't left the house in three days. That good guy said he was going to the grocery store in a bit, and offered to pick up anything I might need. After a moment's thought, I asked him to get me a package of chicken legs, and he said he'd be glad to. Now I won't have to eat some stale old something-or-other out of the freezer tonight, I can have some good broiled drumsticks. I've got a sweet potato, so I've got supper locked! Thank the Lord for good neighbors, and I've got a bunch of them!

I wrote a supportive (I hope) email to Nancy yesterday, because I'm in no shape to go over there. I would never take this bug to her! Anyway, would you believe, that dear girl has already responded to that email, so graciously and so eloquently. She, like her precious Ray, is one in a million. God bless her!

Well, I think I'll go lie down. I've only been up an hour or two, but am feeling so rotten I think I'll go back down for a while. I'll be glad when this thing wears itself out. Maybe I'll just get in my big old chair. I love that chair! Got an extra pillow in there, and a soft blanket - yep, maybe I'll get in the chair. TV is better in there.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
January 07, 2012 - Msg 86992: Poor Romeena....she has the epizoomies. Hope you are feeling much better soon.

Lord bless Nancy today.

Boo
January 07, 2012 - Msg 86993: Maybe "Bernie" needs some of "Barney's" bug spray for his throat, then he'd be crowing:
"CROCK-a-Doodle_Meee-They! haha..G-F...
(sorry the censor busted me on the correct word)
January 07, 2012 - Msg 86994: For the love of Mike Romeena, DO IT! Get in the big chair. Get the big pillow. Get the fluffy blanket! JUST DO IT! :)

Asa
January 07, 2012 - Msg 86995: BAHAHAHA!

Boo
January 08, 2012 - Msg 86996: Thanks to all of you that have joined up of at the iMayberry Community website.

As I said, I don't want to pull you guys away from here at all. I think the new community site will only allow you guys to become more close. You'll be able to put faces with the names and such.

I really hope that the spirit that you have grown here can be the seed at http://iMayberryCommunity.com and that since several of you are there....it'll rube off on everyone. You know, a kind of positive peer pressure.

Thanks again and enjoy both places. Oh...did I tell you I posted a 2012 Mayberry Calendar over at the new site? You should be able to get it even if you aren't a member.
http://imayberrycommunity.com/profiles/blogs/2012-mayberry-calendar

--Floyd
January 08, 2012 - Msg 86997: Thanks, Floyd! I hope the Mayberry Community becomes everything you hope it will be and then some. I plan to keep stopping by, for sure.

Good morning porch family. Hope you are all well this fine Sunday morning. I am looking forward to being in church again since everyone in the family is finally well and able. I love the holidays but I also like it when things get back to normal routine. Well, better finish the toast and coffee and get ready for preachin'!

Boo
January 08, 2012 - Msg 86998: Good morning, porch. I'm still feeling absolutely rotten with this cold, guess I won't be going to preaching. Am scheduled to work tonight though, and really don't have the option of calling in. I guess I'll go, and just wash my hands a LOT!

It's chilly at 43 degrees here, overcast and gray. The view outside my window looks about like I feel. I'm so thankful that "this too shall pass", and I'll be feeling better soon. Right now, I feel like two miles of bad road.

The little squirrels are out in force this morning, very busy! I wonder if they have heard a weather forecast that I haven't heard? They sure do appear to be preparing for something. I've got some stale crackers, some peanuts, and some sunflower seed, as well as some cracked corn. Also, have some "sweet" cherries that aren't! I should have known better than to buy cherries out of season - they're awful. I'll bet the critters will eat them, though. Guess I'll put on a warm robe and haul all that stuff out there for them. Then I'll be able to sit in here and watch the show. Bless their little hearts!

Toye Starr is really getting tired of me. Now and then she gives me a look, and it's clear she's thinking, "Will you just suck it up and get over it already? Big old baby!"

No, I haven't been to the doctor, and probably won't be going, unless I start running fever, which I have not done so far. This is viral - I know the signs - and there's nothing the doctor can do anyway. She would order an antibiotic "just in case", which would be totally ineffective against a virus, and that practice is the reason why so many antibiotics are no longer effective against a lot of things. We take them for every little sniffle, and then when they need to combat a true pneumonia or something, they don't work. So, I'll just tough this out. As I said, it will pass.

Hey, Floyd, have you considered putting a link on the iMayberry home page for the new Mayberry Community? "iMayberry.com" is my home page on my computer, and I reach the porch through the link in the sidebar. A link to the new page would be helpful. Maybe it's already there and I just haven't found it??

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
January 08, 2012 - Msg 86999: Go Falcons!..Hot Wings and Pizza at the dogs barn!...SPOT
January 08, 2012 - Msg 87000: Wow, wish I could sit and "watch the show" with you, Ro. I have a bird feeder about 10 feet from by back porch and I have windows and french doors across the back wall of the living room so I can watch the feeder. I enjoy it so much! I get all sorts of birds all through the day. I have a couple of cardinal couples, even. They are so beautiful. The crazy squirrels stay away for the most part because the dog chases them off, so my bird feed doesn't get stolen.

We had a couple who came to sing for us in church today and give testimony to God's goodness in their lives. This man must have been in his 50's and has survived cancer 4 times so far...Pancreatic 10 years ago, which is nearly always fatal, Malignant Melanoma 2 years later, then 4 years later, squamous in the lymphs and cancer in the thyroid all at the same time. He also had a cancerous tumor removed from his throat, 6 surgeries and radiation a year ago and is still singing! Wow. Where there is God, there is hope.

Think I will go take a cat nap..

Boo
January 08, 2012 - Msg 87001: Wow Boo. I get a hangnail and I'm running to the Doctor asking him if I'm gonna pull through. It amazes me to hear of people who have gone through so many health problems and are still so upbeat and full of life. Me? I'm a wuss.

Hope you get feeling better by tonight so your shift ain't so bad Romeena, bless your heart.

Sorry about the game Spot. I thought it would be a lot closer game. Hard to win on the road in the play-offs though.

Guess I'll watch the afternoon game. Not a Denver fan, but I would like to see Tebow do well.

Asa
January 08, 2012 - Msg 87002: Well Asa, according to this guy, you have to praise God in all circumstances. (tough order sometimes).

Ro, a distant relative of mine on facebook lives in Irving and she just posted something about how she wished Babe's was in Irving instead of Arlington...of course I thought of you. :)

Boo
January 08, 2012 - Msg 87003: Hey, Boo! Your distant relative has good taste in restaurants! There just ain't no better fried chicken, bar none. So good! REV can verify that. Ask your kin if she's aware that there are several locations for Babe's. The original one (and still the best, in my opinion) is in Roanoke, out Hwy. 114 from Irving. There's one in Carrolton, just up I-35 a little way from Irving. There are others, but those two come to mind. Believe me, I have wished for one here as well. Half of Irving would eat there if they opened one.

Well, gotta get going. I don't feel like going to work, but hi-ho, hi-ho, off to work I go. No choice in the matter, unfortunately. I'll just keep telling myself "I can do anything for twelve hours," until it's over. Then I'll come home and crawl back in bed. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
January 08, 2012 - Msg 87004: I'll tell my relative, Ro, thanks. Too bad you have to go in tonight. I used to go by the "I can do anything for 12 hours" philosophy but I'm not so sure now! I am dreading tomorrow because the kid's schooling starts back, my parents need my help tomorrow morning while St. Susan is at work, and my mom-in-law is having eye surgery and will be coming here after that. Way too much today with chores and such, too. I have to go to the store because I am out of the essentials. I have been going through a phase in my life in which I just don't want to be bothered by anything. I just want to crawl back in bed and not care. I know we all get like that but this is a time in my life when I really have to lose that attitude...too many people needing my help.

I guess I got kind of spoiled over the holidays by not having to stick to a schedule and now I am fighting the idea of structure! groan. I know it's kinda like bad-tasting medicine. No fun going down but good for you in the long run.

Better go give the rest of the tuna casserole to the dog (it was an epic fail). I put too many noodles in it so it was dry. I then tried to fix it and it still is no good. I think I might make chicken pot pie tomorrow. I can make a mean chicken pot pie.

Boo
January 08, 2012 - Msg 87005: I just figured out what's wrong!...not enough TAGS! Think I'm due for a marathon. :)

Boo
January 09, 2012 - Msg 87006:
RO- So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. He was in my prayers. Prayers now for Nancy. May he RIP.
Hope everyone is doing better these dasys. RO, too bad you can't call off. Is it because of the new format there these days!?
I turned 62 in Dec., and my wife and i were discussing the possiblity of my RETIRING. Man, I would love it. I could draw a lower amt of social security (which by the way is not an "entitlement", I contributed and EARNED it. It ruffles my feathers when the media call it the former!)and also draw a pension from a co I was at for ten years in the 80s. Would then go on my wife's ins. plan, and woohoo...! Hope I can do it.
Nite,
MDC
January 09, 2012 - Msg 87007: You mean to tell me you think you are entitled to to YOUR money that the govt. has extracted from you all these years MDC? Who do you think you are? :)

Asa
January 09, 2012 - Msg 87008: Hope that works out for you, MDC. That would be great. I think there are alot of people your age that will be working until they leave this earth, the way things are. Bruce tells me he will be working until he dies...sure hope not.

Well, a friend gave me a small chicken coop for Bernie and Skippy, to use until Bruce builds a bigger one. I think they will be safer there. He just has to put some different wire in the bottom so their "toes" don't get injured (do chickens have toes?).

Better finish up the coffee and get to the store for some things. It is foggy and warm here in south texas today but supposed to get a front tonight...hope it makes it this far to clear out some of this humidity.

See ya when I'm on my coffee break. Anyone wanna meet me at the diner around mid-morning for some java?

Boo
January 09, 2012 - Msg 87009: Good morning!

Smiles and good wishes for all here on the Porch! Have a great day!

John Masters
January 09, 2012 - Msg 87010:
ASA- you are a card! ha Yup, I gave 'em the money whom I then trusted to keep in a lockbox, but now that it has been raided, they are saying, oops, we don't have any left after 2017! Been working for 52 years since I first got a paper route at 10. Then worked as a box boy thru high school to help pay for my Catholic tuition, then worked mowing lwns, etc,as i went to a two year jr college and then worked at a pharmacy thru 2 years at ASU, then got a job teaching, then etc, etc, etc, and now i have this opportunity staring me in the face! Hmmmm. Ha!
Such a dilemma. I should add that I have been wanting to go full circle, and get an auto paper route for a couple hours each AM, and still be able to draw the SS, and then maybe do some volunteer tutoring in schools. We'll see.
Prayers for all.
MDC
January 09, 2012 - Msg 87011: Boo, Chicken pot pie tomorrow? Sounds Gooood! We'll have to check out the coop tomorrow and see if Bernie is still there? hahaha...G-F
p.s. MDC If ya retire do you get a turbo charged rocker out of the deal?? (still think if ya bury your $ in a Mason jar you'll come out ahead of the game, as long as you use a galvinized leaded lid!)****