October 15, 2012 - Msg 90664:
For those of you who are on FB, I just posted a short video that I took at my dad's place today.
My siter was here from Oregon, also my oldest sister, and my older brother were there. We had a great afternoon with dear old dad, hangin' juevos and all! ha And thanks again to all for your prayers. We all know that he could go at any day, but he will go out saved, and in a blaze of glory! I will see if I can link it to here.
MDC
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90665: Wow, I swept again! Didnt even think that the porch was that dirty.
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90666:
https://snt130.mail.live.com/mail/RteFrame_16.2.8043.0926.html?dl=dl#
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90667:
Above link from me but I dont think it works. MDC
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90668: Nope, didn't work for me. Wanted me to sign in to Hot Mail, which I don't use. --Romeena
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90669: Ha Romeena, your story about the fancy diner reminded me of a scene on "A Christmas Carol". The one with Alistir Simm I think. Old Ebenezer is having his dinner at some diner there in London, and requests "more bread" to the waiter. The waiter responds that it will cost so much money (I don't remember the amount). And Scrooge sits there for a moment, considering the cost with a scowl on his face, and finally blurts out "NO MORE BREAD"! The whole thing was done to illustrate how much of a tight wad Scrooge was. Probably had enough money to buy the eatery several times over, but wouldn't cough up the few cents required for some more bread. Now I'm not calling you cheap. I was just smiling at remembering that scene and how I use that line sometimes on my wife (or use to do so) when we were having dinner and wanted more bread. I'm like you when it comes to not going back to a place if the experience wasn't good. Especially if it's a pricey place. I might give them a second chance with the idea maybe they were just having an off night or something, but not if there are multiple fouls as you described. Poor service, poorly cooked food, and charging extra for something like bread. But I won't make a scene.

I hope you can get us a link MDC. Would love to view that. I don't do FB so I'm at your mercy.

Best get moving. Another Monday morning.
Prayers for all.

Asa
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90670: Hahaha, Asa. I remember that scene, and think it was indeed Alistair Simm. I love all the productions of "A Christmas Carol", and have them all on VHS or DVD. Good stuff!

You know, the funny thing is, I will pay extra for bread under certain circumstances. Isn't it Cheddar's (or is it Chili's) that serves those wonderful, buttery croissants? They're huge, and incredibly good. They serve one with certain meals, but you can buy an extra (or two) if you wish. I usually wish! I love them, and just shoot a bit of extra insulin and enjoy, and pay for them willingly. However, a buck for a miserable little brown-n-serve roll not much bigger than a golf ball, and you get no bread at all unless you buy it - nope, not gonna happen.

You mentioned your dear wife, how is she doing? Please tell her that I think of the two of you often, and always pray for you both.

Well, gotta run. Dental appointment at 8:30, then on to PT, then home to meet the pond-cleaning person. We have some things to talk over. I don't mind paying for the service right now, while I can't do it myself, but as they say, "she missed a spot!" Several spots. No problem. Possibly I've been doing more than is necessary all along, and if so, I'd like to know that. Anyway, I'm sure we can reach an understanding. Perhaps all she needs to know is what I expected. The pond isn't that big, there's really not that much more to be done to get it up to par. Blessings! --Romeena
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90671: I saw your video on facebook, MDC...loved it!

Ro, Sean and I were talking about the incident in Whataburger yesterday and he said that one thing he has learned after working in food service is that some people are mean just to be mean. I said that yes, some people are just bullies and get some strange kick out of abusing others. I think stupidity plays a part. For some reason they are just unable of reasoning to the point of realizing that you get much more of what you want in this life with kindness and respect than with meanness. Sean gets this and you should see the way that young man interacts with people. He is the kindest, most thoughtful young man to everyone. You all would love my Sean. He is real "Mayberry material"...of course, I guess he would have to be..he was raised on it. :)

Better get going...

Boo
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90672: Amen Boo, Thats right, you reap what you raise (in most cases). And as they say "You can't fix stupid"! Good for Sean...Momma brought him up right..She Mayberryized him from a young age, and what did she get?
A young man she is proud of.
G-F :)
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90673: Boo, I believe every word you said about Sean. He was just a little boy when I met him, but even then he had a sweetness about him, a kind demeanor. I have no trouble at all imagining him as a fine young man.

Sometimes it's hard to say what motivates a rude person, or a bully. Like Sean said, very often they're just mean. I think some people are that way, they don't need a reason, there's no explanation, it's just the way they're turned. Others are mean and rude to try to make themselves feel like they're in control. Bullies are like that. Then there are some for which there's just no explanation. I once knew a man who was a perfect gentleman, a loving husband, a good father (if slightly distant) and was a good friend to everyone. He was a professing Christian, was successful in business, earned a good living, was a remarkably handsome man and just apparently had no problems. That is, until he entered a restaurant. I finally reached the point where I wouldn't go out to eat with him and his family, because he was demanding, rude and borderline abusive to the wait staff. Nothing they did was right. He either had too much or too little ice in his glass. His baked potato was either too big, too small, burned, or underdone. His steaks always went back to the kitchen at least three times. Then he would leave a standard tip, not a cent more, and remark loudly that they didn't deserve even that. It was miserable. He embarrassed his wife every time, but she didn't dare say anything, because it would just cause him to loudly enumerate all the perceived faults of the servers. I never understood it. Let him step outside the restaurant, and it was like someone else stepped into his skin. Very strange.

Well, I'm home from PT, and hungry. Guess I'll rustle up some lunch. Blessings, all. --Romeena
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90674: That is strange, Ro. You know, there is an elderly man who is a member of my church and he was always the nicest man you could ever want to meet. He owned an insur@nce business in town and just such a like-able guy. Well, during the time I was on the church nominating committee, I was asked to call him and ask him if he would like to serve on the building and grounds committee. Boy, did I get an earful of rudeness and just plain meanness. I couldn't have been more surprised. I just kept it to myself because it didn't make sense to me at all. I just figured something was going on that I didn't know about. When I saw him in church after that, he was so friendly...I think he didn't even realize that it was me he was talking to. As it turns out, he had undiagnosed Alzheimer's at that time. The poor man is now in a nursing home and doesn't know who he is or who anyone else is. It makes me very glad I didn't share with anyone else about how he acted back then. It's a lesson...guess you never know.

I think if I were that guys wife that you talked about, he would be going out to eat by himself!

Boo
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90675: Where is everybody? Did the dam bust? Should I be gone too? --Romeena
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90676: Oh, there you are, Boo! It was kind of you to keep that to yourself. Alzheimer's robs the victim of their dignity, without mercy, and anything friends can do to preserve what's left is a kindness.

As for the case I mentioned, his wife did try not to eat out much, and it wasn't hard to accomplish, because she was a great cook and he preferred her meals anyway. So - it didn't happen often, but when it did, my family usually managed to make ourselves scarce. Too bad. --Romeena
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90677: I wonder if the guy criticized his wife's food?

Well, it is a warm night here...supposed to be in the 90s for the next couple of days and then dip WAY down into the 80's on Thursday (Whoop-dee-do). I'll take what I can get at this point.

Time to clean the kitchen and get a shower. I think I might actually turn in early tonight. Oh, hey, I wanted to share something I read to day that I thought was pretty profound. It was about a professor who was trying to make a point to his students. He put a big jar on his desk and then began to fill it with stones. He asked the students, "Is the jar now full?"...most said yes, then he took a bag of sand and began to pour sand into the jar and it filled the spaces between the stones..."Now is it full?" he asked. The students thought it was so he took two bottles of soda and poured them into the jar. The sand soaked up the soda. "Now, the jar is full". He said that the stones represent the things in our lives that really matter...God, family, our passions, etc., and the sand represents the small, busy things in life that don't matter as much. He said, "If you put the sand in first, there is no room for the rocks, but if the rocks are your first priority, there is still room for the sand. A student then asked about the sodas and the teacher said, "That is to remind you that no matter how hectic life becomes, there is still time to have a drink with a friend."....I thought that was a pretty neat illustration. :)

Boo
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90678: Romeena, Tell REV the Goob say's hey when you see him. I've been listening to his new CD in my work car, since that's where I spend alot of time anymore. I love the title track song.
I saw a picture of you tonight from last years cruise, Floyd was doing a advertisement for this years cruise on the Monday nite pod-cast..G-F
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90679: Here's a sweet way to end the day:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-CUBoTxdGaM&feature=related
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90680: Nice point to ponder Boo....So true! G-F
October 15, 2012 - Msg 90681: Don't despair, Boo. That's the way our cool-down started. You'll get there! Thanks for the link - very pleasant. --Romeena
October 16, 2012 - Msg 90682:
to whoever posted 90679, THANKS! Very cool.
MDC
October 16, 2012 - Msg 90683:
OK, I really didnt want to open a youtube acct, but went ahead and did so. So when you view this, think back to the way I was describing pop earlier this summer. This really shows his improvement. As I said above, we know he could go at anytime, but here is proof of the power of prayer, plain and simple! (: God bless,
MDC
(and yes, I am the crazy one turning the camera on my sorry self! :)
http://youtu.be/Rw_HyR8MhDo

October 16, 2012 - Msg 90684: Awesome MDC. Your Dad is my hero!

Asa
October 16, 2012 - Msg 90685: You're welcome MDC.

Well, looks like we might get some rain today so the clouds keep it from feeling too hot. So, I am getting a late start on the day...I still feel like I never fully recovered from that stomach bug. Much better, but not 100%..how about you, Asa?

Boo
October 16, 2012 - Msg 90686: MDC,I have to Second Asa's AWESOME! So cool when we honor our "GREATEST GENERATION" FOLK!! Did I ever send you the link from the Gray Eagle foundation on the documentary on a P-51 pilot his Grandson did about him? It is way cool too.
My sister does cake decorating, she did a cake shaped like B-26 Maurader bomber for a WW2 Vet who was a tail gunner on one. It was really cool brought tears to his eyes even in the state of demensia he was in. Your' a good son MDC....G-F
October 16, 2012 - Msg 90687:
Well hello porch family....I've been away for awhile. Just wanted to check in real quick. Been having concerts about every night...it's been crazy busy. Had a concert this morning in Monroe, La....it went great. Head Ro's way tomorrow for a concert at her church on Thursday night. Can't wait to see and give her a great big hug! Then will be heading up to Arkansas then back into Louisiana.

Asa....I agree with you brother.....MDC's dad is my hero too!

Well I better get going. You all have a very blessed day!
Love and prayers
-REV.
October 16, 2012 - Msg 90688:
And did ya all notice that i have a uvula? All God's chillin got one, ya know! haha
Here with pop today, all alone again, but it was sure great to see my two out of state sisters!
GF- please give me that link, thanks!
ASA- thanks bro. Here's a link to see the actual plane that he flew..the A-20 havoc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7J_QZlI4xg
The Brits used this USA-made plane first, and that is what this footage shows, and rare color film at that!
God bless,
MDC
October 16, 2012 - Msg 90689: MDC, Here is the P-51 link Its quite a tribute! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpsAaK0p0ig
It makes me proud and I don't even know him..
G-F...
October 16, 2012 - Msg 90690: MDC, Great video! I got to go thru a Havoc a few years ago at a airshow in Michigan, A Canadian Air Wing had restored a Havoc, a Lancaster Bomber,Spitfire, and a Hurricane. There was a "British Tribute" fly-by with all of them together it was awsome! They did one for American B-24,25,26,& 3 B-17's Bombers too. One of the B-17's there was the one that caught fire on the grown and burned up, a couple years ago. What a loss!
Google "Thunder over Michigan" I think you can go back in the archives and see alot of GREAT pictures. I took alot of good ones too. If I did Facebook I'd post them but I don't do FB...If you want to experiance someting else, they sell rides on a B-25's & B-17's the Vets get to relive their WW2 experiance. What a gift for a Dad or Grandpa...PRICELESS!!
That is why the "Honor Flights" to DC is such a great Idea. We owe that Generation Soooo much!
Truely the "Greatest Generation"...IMHO..G-F
October 16, 2012 - Msg 90691: Oh my gosh!!...when I tried to log onto the porch, a pornographic site came up. Why on earth would that happen? I have Norton and other blocks on my computer? Scares me to death...Erin gets on here sometimes. What if she had seen it? I hope Bruce knows what to do to keep it from happening again. Makes me feel sick.

Boo
October 16, 2012 - Msg 90692: Is nothing sacred Boo, That is why we come to this site to get away from the trash..Now we'll have to get Norton's Nip it version..Leave us Mayberrians alone...Will we have to call Al Gore back in to fix that too?...G-F
October 16, 2012 - Msg 90693: I know, G-F. Having something like that come at you uninvited and unexpected feels like an assault. I hope it was just a freak thing and won't happen again but wanted to see if it had happened to any of the rest of you or if it is just my computer.

On a nicer note...I went to my neice's fall festival at her middle school this evening. She wore the pilgrim costume I made for her. I was sitting down in on some chairs in some patio chairs outside, waiting for the kids to have their fun and chatting with my sister and her son. Well, a man came and sat across the table from me and I was pretty sure I recognized him as an old friend that I had not seen since high school. I knew through facebook that he had been gravely ill this past year and almost had to receive a liver transplant. His daughter had come on facebook and begged everyone to please pray for her dad who was not expected to make it. At that time he was in ICU and I believe in a coma. People started praying for Herb and he pulled through. I leaned over to him across the table and asked asked him if he remembered me from highschool. I don't think he did at first but then we started talking and it came back to him. I told him I had prayed for him while he was so sick and he said everyone's prayers worked. He was doing well. It was great to see someone who was not expected to live, sitting there looking so healthy. When it was time to go, he took my hand in both of his, kissed my hand and said softly, "It was so good to see you again. I love you". It blessed my heart so much. I am thankful that the Lord gave me that opportunity to visit with an old friend and to see how prayers were answered. God knows how much those things mean to me. It was very special.

Well, time to hit the old ironing board.

Boo
October 17, 2012 - Msg 90694:
G-F--actually, we DID give my dad a ride in both a B25 and a B17 on his 90th birthday! (He is now 94 1/2) He loved it. For one, he had trained to be a b25 pilot originally, but then switched to the A20, and his brother had been a B17 pilot, so it was a super great day for him!
Also, I just finished watching the P51 tribute, and i must say I missed most of the last half because my eyes were so watery. And it was the same story, diferent plane. My dad's 65 missions were also 6 nervous hours, and he'd be in the head before every single one of them!
God bless his
generation.
BOO- I've had some Norton issues myself this past year, so I just switched to Webroot. I've heard a lot of good things about it.
Also, you may have some kind of malware that got thru and it sent you there. Yes indeed have Bruce check it out thoroughly!
And that is very cool about your old friend!
Thanks again for everyone's kind words and prayers,
MDC

October 17, 2012 - Msg 90695: Morning gang!....lets try to act like somebody today!....b-fast at waffle house....Boo bring a paper ok.....prayers...SPOT
October 17, 2012 - Msg 90696: MDC, As stated many times before..."Your a fine Son"..WoW what a day that must have been, that is Waaaay cool.

Romeena, Tell REV to sing it pretty at your church..Get him some of that Texas BBQ, and be sure to pack him some samiches to take with him :)...G-F..
Where is the rest of the porch it's getting to be fall and cooler weather (except Boo) and ya should get back to your porch family. SH,PH,Lucy,JM,Maude,Auh2o,ect...
October 17, 2012 - Msg 90697: Morning Porch.

Good to see you Spot. Hope you are doing well.

Boo, yes, that stinking stomach bug really hangs around. Although I'm feeling much better than I was a week ago, I'm still not feeling great. Nasty stuff. In regards to your computer issue, that would be disturbing to pop up. I've never experienced that before so I don't know what to advise you on. Thankfully Sean or Erin didn't see it.

Ro, thanks for asking about my wife's condition. She is generally going downhill it seems. She has some days beter than others, but even her "better days" leave a lot to be desired. But it sure could be a lot worse, so we just take it a day at a time. I know each one of us are dealing with problems of one kind or another, but ain't it a comfort to know we can lean on the Lord and have Him share our burdens and offer us relief. I hope and pray you continue to improve with your rehab.

MDC, GF, I just have a love affair with those vintage aircraft. Not to sound like Chris Mathews, but just the sound of a P-51's engine running can send a tingle up my leg.
Awesome video of the A-20 MDC. The way they described how it could still fly after being so hwavily damaged made it sound a lot like the B-17. What a Generation our folks were.

Rev and Ro, hope y'all have a wonderful visit. I wish we could all meet up, but someday we will. Drive safe Rev.

Prayers for all to have a good and safe day.

Asa
October 17, 2012 - Msg 90698: Thanks for the advice, MDC. I know that for about the past 2 months, when I try to get on the porch, sometimes a screen pops up that says it is blocking a questionable site. It only happens when I try to get on the porch so don't know what that's about.

G-f, it does seem like so many folks are missing. I think life is just too busy these days for some to do any porch-sitting.

See at waffle house, SPOT. I'll bring the paper.

Boo
October 17, 2012 - Msg 90699: Oh, hey there Asa. Hope you are rid of the effects of that bug soon. I still feel tired off and on. Thank you for sharing concerning your dear wife. My prayers for both of you today.

Boo
October 17, 2012 - Msg 90700: Asa, Especially the P-51's that had the "Merlin" engines in them! There use to be great air shows in Akron, close to me at the Goodyear Air Dock wher they built the blimps. It's still there. I have some cool pic's with the blimp hanger in the back drop. One with the Stealth Bomber making a turn, looked like a big BAT! I'd show you it but I know you're scared of bats! Come to think of it I don't recall any mosquito's around that day either.....haha..G-F..again...
As I may have said before that is why my Grandson calls me "Grandpa Airplane" :)
October 17, 2012 - Msg 90701:
Morning porch family.....Just a minute to check in before heading out.

Boo....I use Webroot (like MDC) also.....I've heard nothing but great reviews on it.

Well you all have a wonderful day and I'll check in when I can.
Love and prayers
-REV.
October 17, 2012 - Msg 90702: Well, it's 97 degrees here this afternoon....darn.

Boo
October 17, 2012 - Msg 90703: My gosh, Boo. I'm so sorry! It got to 85° here, which is fairly warm, but that additional twelve degrees makes the difference between "warm" and miserable. Surely it will break for y'all soon.

Well, I've got to get busy. With REV coming in tomorrow, and I'm planning to make burgers for him and my family Friday night, I'd better get busy and rake this house out a little. It's tempting enough to let things go when you live by yourself, but when your energy level is low and you wear out pretty easily, things can get really out of hand. Dust is laughing at me from all flat surfaces, Starr's little toys are scattered everywhere, and I can't imagine what all I['ll pull up with the vacuum. The kitchen and bathrooms are decent - that's one place I don't give in - but the rest looks like a Goodwill store blew up. It's cluttered, and I hate clutter! It's so easy to just put something down, rather than taking it to where it belongs, so after a while, it looks like the house was stirred with a big stick. The bad part is, there's no one to blame but myself! Oh well. A little bit done tonight, and a little more tomorrow, and it'll be okay. Blessings! --Romeena
October 17, 2012 - Msg 90704:
"Why, that's very democratic of you Barn." (:
October 17, 2012 - Msg 90705:
ASA-my prayers as well continue for your dear Mrs. Asa.
Also, one more thing about the A20. (then I'll be quiet) In my dad's logbook, (why he received the Distinguished Flying Cross) after one of his missions, his wording under "Remarks" is as follows: "Upon return, counted 38 flak holes, top quarter of stablizer shot away, one engine shot up and shut down, landing gear failed, manual mech. jammed, belly landing, all OK. She brought us home."
What amazes me is his last sentence! What a plane!
Then, when we were on a family vacation in 1965, 20 years after my dad had left his two gunners behind in France, and came home, we stopped in Dillonvale Ohio to visit one of those gunners. The guy came running out the front door, bearhugged my dad, spun him around about three times, told us that my dad had saved his life, and then proceeded to tell us kids of what REALLY happened during that fateful mission, explaining how it truly was only on a wing and a prayer that they had returned that day! It still sends a tingle down my leg every time i think about it!!
OK, I'll return you all back to our regularly scheduled tags porch! ha
God bless,
MDC
October 18, 2012 - Msg 90706: Please remember Sean in your prayers. We are going through a very difficult time right now. His anxiety disorder has gotten much worse, along with other issues that he is struggling so hard with. I am trying so hard to hold tightly to my faith but I need some friends to pray me into greater faith. We need help for Sean and need to know what direction to go in to get it. He is such a sweet young man but struggles with so much pain and feelings of worthlessness. It breaks my heart to see him have to bear so much in this life but I have to believe God is in control. Tonight I just want to cry my eyes out. I need my friends right now. I'll be ok, I know, I am just feeling discouraged about what to do. Seems like things are getting worse. Thanks for listening.

Boo
October 18, 2012 - Msg 90707: Boo, it breaks my heart too, to know that Sean is having such a struggle, and to know that you're in so much pain at the same time. Neither of you deserve that. Sean's anxiety disorder is such a puzzling thing. Your first impulse in dealing with someone in that state is just to tell them to "snap out of it!" That, of course, doesn't work, and probably just makes it worse. He would "snap out of it" if he could, and when he can't, it only compounds his feeling of worthlessness.

I can only offer suggestions, and they're certainly not professional or in any way "qualified", they just come from a mother's heart. First, and obviously, remind him that God made him, He loves him, He doesn't make useless stuff, and therefore, he (Sean) is a person of great value. If God considers him valuable, how can he even dare to disbelieve that? Challenge him with that question.

Then, that boy needs some successes. Adolescence is a tough time for all kids, and I'm not at all sure that it's confined to the teen years. I've seen a lot of folks in their twenties who still showed unmistakable signs of adolescence. Poor judgment, impulsive behavior, whatever. I know Sean used to like to fix things, like machinery, specifically vacuum cleaners. Does he still enjoy doing that? Maybe he could work in a repair shop. It might pay a bit better than what he's doing, and he'd have the chance now and then to see someone smile at him and be glad he fixed something for them. From what little I know about Sean, I think he'd probably be happier in a shop, just him and the machines, than having to interact with a bunch of rude and thoughtless people all day, people like the jerk you described earlier. How does he feel about computers? If he has any interest in them, he's got a built-in teacher in his dad. If Bruce has the patience, it would be a great bonding opportunity for them.

Well, just a few musings, they're free, and probably worth just about what you paid for them. Prayers for you, dear girl, and for your whole family. Blessings! --Romeena
October 18, 2012 - Msg 90708: Good morning porch.

Boo, I'm so sorry Sean is having such a difficult time right now. I will certainly add him, you, and your family in my prayers. You are in them anyway, but I will surely add the extras you requested. I can't imagine how hard that must be for you all. But remember, the Lord will not give us more than we can handle. So keep the faith dear.

Thank you all for the prayers for my wife and I. They are greatly appreciated.

Nice story about your Dad MDC. It reminds me of a story I heard a B-29 pilot tell. He was saying that on most of their missions they flew, they were loaded to the max with fuel and bombs. The first concern every crew had was if they had enough runway to take off. He mentioned how more than once they would return to find tree branches hanging off the landing gear from brushing tree tops on take off. Then he said once they were airborne, the next concern was if they had enough fuel to get complete their mission. He said the planes and crew were pushed to the max. I'll never forget his chilling words he spoke next. "I lost a lot of good friends due to empty fuel tanks". And these guys knew it.

Ro, I hope you and the Rev have a nice visit tonight. I think that is great to be able to hook up like that. Give him a hug for me, in a nice manly sort of way. :)

Better get rolling.
Prayers for all.

Asa
October 18, 2012 - Msg 90709:
BOO-my prayers are with you and Sean. Ditto to Ro's suggestions. Reminds me of the tags color ep where emmitt's wife wants him to sell ins. but It just "isnt him," and the ep ends with emmitt tinkering with a toaster, happy as a lark! (:
MDC
October 18, 2012 - Msg 90710: MDC, Good story That is how it went with those guys, except you left out the best part of their memories of each mission. When they would finish telling all about how much the plane was shot up whey alway follow with: "Other than that it flew just great,..ha! in such of a matter of fact way of describing it!..Who needs 4 engines when it flew just fine on 2...There is a special place in Heaven for those guys!..
Also hang in there Boo, I think Romeenas advise is on the right track.
..G-F..
October 18, 2012 - Msg 90711:
APB for PH and all other missing porchsters!
You afraid of the remshaw place?? ha
mdc
October 18, 2012 - Msg 90712: Yes, thank you, Ro. I appreciate your wisdom and advice...I agree strongly with what you expressed. I have an old friend who is a counselor and I was talking with him today. He even said some of what you did, Ro. I need to work on helping sean build up his self-worth, especially. There are some other issues that I can't really bring up here because I want to respect Sean's privacy but we are dealing with some tough circumstances.

I really appreciate all of your prayers and support, my friends. You have helped pray us through years of difficulty and I know the Lord will answer your prayers now. Love to each of you.

MDC, that episode is really something to think about. I think Sean will be happiest "tinkering" and fixing things.

Ro, Bruce has been trying to help Sean understand computer and Sean gets so stressed trying to learn from Bruce...I think because he is so anxious about feeling like failure if he can't understand something. It is all part of his anxiety issues.

Well, it finally cooled off to 82 degrees and is overcast...much drier this afternoon so I like it. I found out it got into the double digits here yesterday. Crazy weather for us in late October.

Boo
October 18, 2012 - Msg 90713: Hey, MDC, I don't think I've told you how much I'm enjoying your stories about your dad. He's part of our Greatest Generation, and we need to hear all we can from him and others like him. When they're gone, I'm not sure we have much waiting in the wings to take their place. I don't mean to sound negative about America, but sometimes I wonder if that indomitable spirit still exists.

Oh, I know we have some heroes - go stand in any international airport, and you'll see some real-live heroes either leaving or arriving. I don't mean to minimize them in any way. It's just that as a whole, the country just doesn't seem to have the spirit that we had back then. We have a whole bunch of Hollywonks out there, standing on the flimsy soapbox of their last movie, telling us what we're doing wrong. I think we saw a flash of the old spirit in the days following 9/11, but it soon faded.

I hope I'm wrong, but sometimes I think it's going to take another catastrophic situation, even more than 9/11 to wake this country up and pull us together once again. God knows I don't want any more war, but sometimes it seems like that's what it takes to arouse patriotism in the hearts of a complacent population. Without that stimulus, we just lean back on our little PC pillows and let our core values fall where they may. Forgive us, Lord. --Romeena
October 18, 2012 - Msg 90714: Prayers for Sean-Bless his heart,sorry he is struggling so.

*******************
possum under a rock
October 18, 2012 - Msg 90715: Thank you, Possum.

Boo
October 18, 2012 - Msg 90716: Well, I'm happy to report that REV was in great form tonight, and the concert was just wonderful. He has written some beautiful new songs, and performed them for us, along with some old favorites. Everyone really enjoyed him, and he has a standing invitation to return next year.

Now it will be my happy privilege to spend tomorrow with him, as he isn't leaving town until Saturday morning. I'll pick him up at his motorhome on the church parking lot before noon, pick up Eloise, and we'll all go out to Babe's for some fried chicken. Then tomorrow evening, we'll make burgers here at my house, and David and his family and Eloise and Jerry will be here. I'm really looking forward to this. I know they're all going to just love him, and it will be a great evening. We were talking during dinner tonight, and saying how much fun it would have been if the whole porch could have been there. Well, some day.....

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
October 19, 2012 - Msg 90717:
(((HUGS))) Group hug to REV!!! RO, Sounds like all went very well! Quick question: do you have RV hook-ups in your church lot? ha Just curious.
Have fun Friday! Say hey to him for us all.
As to the WWII stories, what that gunner told us kids is that with one engine out, their plane fell back from formation and therefore from the fighter escorts, so they really we're sitting ducks had any German fighters come along, but none did. He said it would have been a skeet shoot otherwise. Also, when emptying out my dad's apt last month (I think I mentioned that he will live permanatly now in the snf facility) I found a box with about 40 of the many letters that he and my mom had exchanged during his 19 month deployment. I thought the letters had been lost years ago, but there they were! Anyway, you mentioned above about that lack of that indomitable spirit. Well, one of my mom's letters to dad has this statement: "Some of the other neighborhood wives and I pooled our sugar rations and we baked a most beautiful chocolate layer cake. These little treats are few and far between these days, but we all enjoyed a big piece!" See the difference? MOST young husbands were deployed, MOST wives were working and living with all the rationing going on, so yes indeed, it was a different time!
For example, I recently saw a repeat of a pbs show of the women who were hired as "computers" to compute trajectories for artilery, and they worked round the clock! Now of course, electonic computers can do such things in seconds.
POSSUM...good to hear from you dear!
Prayers for all,
MDC
October 19, 2012 - Msg 90718:
here's a little info link:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1587359/

October 19, 2012 - Msg 90719: Well good EARLY morning gang!...about 12:45 am friday...slow here at work...got some reports to run and jobd to look up....eill read back in just a bit...thy MDC,Romeena,possum,Boo,Rev,asa and all...apb out for lots of poarchster....well im here all night....back in just a bit...prayers...SPOT
October 19, 2012 - Msg 90720: Just flying by, will go pick up REV in a little while, but wanted to check in.

"Some of the other neighborhood wives and I pooled our sugar rations and we baked a most beautiful chocolate layer cake. These little treats are few and far between these days, but we all enjoyed a big piece!" Can you imagine the caterwauling that would emanate from some people today, if we had things like rationing again? Instead, those young wives and mothers pooled their rations, and made the best of it. I remember rationing - not clearly, I was just a little kid, but I remember my mom and grandmother sharing ration stamps. I remember my dad putting patches on top of patches on the innertubes of the tires of his old car, because you couldn't buy new ones. He probably couldn't have afforded them anyway. So yes, I know what "Monkey Grip" is. Daddy never had to go to war, because his job was designated as "critical to the war effort" and they wouldn't accept him when he tried to enlist. Just before it all ended, he could stand it no longer, and actually quit his job so he could enlist. They took him, and he was awaiting orders to go to basic training when the armistice came, and they just released him from his enlistment. He went back to his old job and they very enthusiastically rehired him! It was a different time, and very different attitudes in the people in general.

Hey, Spot. Glad to have you back. Did you receive a snail mail envelope from me?

Well, gotta run. I still need to vacuum the living room - or not. We'll see. That vacuum and my back don't get along real well these days. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
October 19, 2012 - Msg 90721:
I think you're all a bunch of barbarians here.

Regis
October 19, 2012 - Msg 90722: Romeena, Of corse REV is going to come back next year, ya got him spoiled! Especially feeding him the Babe's chicken. Just don't forget to pack him a bag of samiches for the road Sunday he has a long trip home..
MDC...War letters how cool just don't blush when they talk about kissin & stuff..;)..G-F
October 19, 2012 - Msg 90723:
Hey folks...my suggestion...the big freeze,
or I may contact Floyd.
GF- yes there is some pretty mushy stuff, 1944 style! ha One letter is when my dad had a 3 day pass to Paris (after we had liberated it) and he says "well, the US has saved their hides two times now,hope they appreciate it."
God bless,
MDC
October 19, 2012 - Msg 90724: Funny MDC, I remember my Dad saying the same thing! (about the French). He was in both Theaters ETO & PTO and ended in Occupied Japan.
I do have some cool pic's I have one of him behind his desk with his name plate on his desk (which I have the desk plate to prove it). He looked sooo young (which he was!) he was a Quartermaster.
And yes, I do have his 30 cal. M1 Carbine which by the STILL shoots fine! It will get passed to my son then Grandson. I did fine some letters to & from home too, funny the the things they talked about then. Aren't we lucky to have our "treasures" to remember them by?...G-F
October 20, 2012 - Msg 90725:
Yes indeed GF, but could he order food from Adam's Ribs?? ha Oh no, here we go again! lol
That is very cool that you still have that nameplate.
I read some really sweet stuff, which I probably wont share here, but in NO way is like the vulgar "s-x talk" of today, but more like I yearn for your closeness, etc. In fact, my oldest sister (first born) was born while he was away, and my how he ached to see that child!
God's blessings,
MDC
October 20, 2012 - Msg 90726:
Pleasant Dreams!
October 20, 2012 - Msg 90727: What a wonderful day! I picked REV up from his motorhome, then picked up Eloise and we went out to Babe's and enjoyed huge plates of their wonderful chicken, mashed taters, gravy, corn and biscuits! So good....

Then we drove over to the Ranger Ball Park and Cowboy Stadium (which are very close together, they even share part of a parking lot) and just circled around them, didn't go in. Beautiful buildings, something to see.

Eloise had some things to do, so we dropped her off at home, then made a run by the grocery store and got stuff for burgers for dinner. Came back here to the house and just visited for a while, until Eloise and Jerry, and David and Brittney and the boys got here. I had asked David to move my big old plumeria tree into the garage (it's in a pot, lots of dirt and is very heavy, and is about nine feet tall.) REV popped right up and went out and helped him with it, and then they worked together to hang a mirror in my bedroom that I've been wanting to get in place. After that, we grilled burgers (they were good!) and had rootbeer floats and some cookies Brittney had made. We sat around the table and talked and laughed until very late, then I took REV back up to the church to his motorhome. All in all, it truly was a "fun day." REV is so easy to and fun to be around, a true Southern gentleman, an all-around good friend, and a real Christian brother. I'm already looking forward to next year.

As for now, I'm tired, and ready to head for bed. I've been busier today than I'm accustomed to these days, and enjoyed every minute of it. Still, my old bones are weary and ready for a good night's rest. Blessings, everyone - and thanks, REV, for such an enjoyable day. I appreciate you sharing your time with us. --Romeena
October 20, 2012 - Msg 90728: Romeena, Sounds like ya had a fun time with REV, You gotta watch keeping that boy up to late he needs his sleep! Remember what happened to Aunt Bee when she tried to keep up with her Washington DC friend...ha
I'm cookin up some chicken...is that i before e except after c in chicken? I keep forgetting that rule...Anyway It's gonna be Cream Chicken'n biscuits..is that i before s and before c in biscuits? can somebody help me? (eat them)SPOT?
Cool & rainy don't have to rake leaves, I hate it when that happens!....G-F
October 20, 2012 - Msg 90729: exactillioso!
October 21, 2012 - Msg 90730: So glad you and REV had a nice time/visit, Ro!!

I am up for church but not very wide awake. You will never believe what happened here last night (at around 2am). I was awakened by sirens and the dogs were barking furiously, then Sean came busting into my room saying, "Mom! Get up! There are 5 cop cars parked in front of our place and cops with flashlights are coming up the driveway!". I sprang out of bed and woke Bruce, who jumped up so fast he looked like a jack-in-the-box. Sure enough, there were officers coming up the drive way with flashlights, searching for something. Bruce and I went out to talk to them and they told us that a guy on a motorcycle was trying to outrun a police officer and wrecked in front of our place, then took off running down our driveway. The cop saw him near Sean's van and went after him, but he ran out toward the back of our place. So, for about 45 minutes, the cops combed the place with flashlights, looking for the guy but they never found him. After the search, I went back to sleep but I'm tired this morning. I don't know what my neighborhood is coming to. It was on the news twice in the last couple of weeks. Once for a manhunt for a shooter who was hiding in the brush near us and one for a pediphile on our street who has been meeting kids at the schoolbus stop and asking them if they want to help him walk his puppy! Good grief...this is a fairly small town. One would think people would behave better. Wish I lived in Mayberry.

Well, better get ready. Nursery duty at church today (with toddlers). Groan.

Boo
October 21, 2012 - Msg 90731: Oh Boo, what a horrible thing to wake up to in the middle of the night. I'm glad he didn't break into your house or nothing. The world is getting to be a scary place anymore. So very sad to see how we have "lost our way" as it were. But Romeena in an earlier post, reflected well my thoughts on the subject. So I'll spare you all a sermon :)

Boy Boo, I got myself all ready for preachin, and was about to head out the door, when suddenly I felt grumblings coming from deep down within. I detoured and determined I better stay home for obvious reasons. This stuff sure does hang around.

Romeena, what a nice visit it sounds like you had with the Rev. Thanks for sharing with us. Now tell us, did he take off on Jimmy Stewart or Edward G. Robinson or anything like that?

How'd that chicken dish turn out G-F? Sounded good.

Asa
October 21, 2012 - Msg 90732: Good afternoon, porch! TV Land is showing TAGS today, so have been enjoying that. The ep that's on right now is the one where Aunt Bee decrees that Opie shouldn't go by the jail anymore, it being a bad influence and all. There's the scene where Andy is seated on the side of Opie's bed, trying to explain it to him. There are a couple of shots that must have been cut in later, because something is weird. The background is darker, and Andy's hair is clearly parted on the right, instead of the left. The film is reversed or something.

Yes, I really enjoyed the visit with REV. Everyone likes him, my family thought he was just great, and of course, he's well-liked at the church. As I said, he's already scheduled to be back next year.

Boo, that's awful! What a way to wake up in the middle of the night. I hope they catch the guy. As for the pedophile, a couple of visible guards around the school will probably get rid of him, but then he'll just go someplace else. I hope they catch him, too! I guess it's true - Satan is alive and well on planet Earth - but God is in control through it all.

Well, back to TAGS. It's a safe place to be, even if it's only in our minds. Blessings! --Romeena
October 21, 2012 - Msg 90733:
Just a quick hello. Weather is a gorgeous 84 in Phx. We sat outside's dad's place in the shade.
Very peaceful.
Back later.
MDC (:
October 21, 2012 - Msg 90734: Hi all.
Will it was a nice day.

TOM

October 21, 2012 - Msg 90735: Asa, Creamed Chicken over biscuits yesterday, Pot Roast today, good eatin, I got that Mrs. G-F spoiled that's what I'm thinking...
Boo,aahh where was Bernie during all that ruckus? He's suppose to be your security guard...G-F..
October 21, 2012 - Msg 90736: Well G-F, I cooked a couple of cornish game hens. And I gotta tell ya, the one I had must have been Miss Fitness Hen of the year. In other words, it had done a lot of flying cause there weren't much meat on it's bones. It was good, but I felt a bit like Jeff Pruitt eating them little sandwiches Thel had made.

Glad you had a nice day Tom. Hope you have many more.

Asa
October 21, 2012 - Msg 90737: I never heard a peep out of Bernie during the night...big chicken! (literally). :)

Thanks Asa and Ro. I'm sure the guy ran straight through our place to the back alley and got out of there. I don't ever worry much about anything at night around here. We have 2 dogs outside and the neighbors have 2 big dogs outside and they all bark when anything is not right. They were our first warning last night. I also pray every night before bed and ask the Lord to have his angels watch over us and the homestead. I leave it in the Lord's hands and sleep like a baby. I am usually one of those people who falls asleep within about 15 seconds of my head hitting the pillow. Of course I sometimes wake up before daylight, which is no fun when you don't have to.

I was in the toddler nursery today at church and there is one little boy in there named John (everyone calls him John-John because he is a junior), and he is almost 2...the cutest little toe-headed kid you ever saw. He has alot of seperation anxiety, though and usually does his share of wailing when mom leaves, but I had Erin in with me to help and John-John took to her like a duck to water and not a tear shed the whole time. That Erin has a real knack with kids..she's a natural. Me, not so much. In the nursery today she asked me if I would have another baby so she could have a little brother. Uh...at age 50? I don't think so, kid. She then asked me how old Sarah in the bible was when she had a baby. When I told her "90" she looked at me like, "Well, why can't you?". Kids.

Well, our microwave went out 2 days ago and I am amazed at much I must have used that thing because I real miss it. Having to heat everything in the oven or on the stovetop is more trouble. Last week the air conditioner needed repair (about 500 dollars worth), the garage door opener went on the fritz and the microwave went out. All of it is less than three years old. Things should be made better but I've been on this soapbox before, haven't I?

Asa, speaking of Jimmy Stewart, Asa, I watched a movie of his on Turner Classics today that I had never seen. It was called "The Man From Laramie"...a western made in 1950. I thought it was really good. Jimmy Stewart is my favorite old movie actor of all time. I read somewhere that he hated the name "Jimmy" but it seems that is what most people called him.

Boo