February 15, 2013 - Msg 92477: That must have been pretty funny to see, Ro...! haha Bruce is going to be on the road for his cousin's memorial service today...going up north of Austin. I know the traffic will be terrible so I will be praying for a safe trip for him.

The folic acid I spoke of is called "Delpin" and supposedly it is in a form which allows it to go to the brain and effect the seratonin levels or something. It is a fairly new treatment, which makes me a little nervous but from what I have read of it, it has been very effective.

Boo
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92478: That must have been pretty funny to see, Ro...! haha Bruce is going to be on the road for his cousin's memorial service today...going up north of Austin. I know the traffic will be terrible so I will be praying for a safe trip for him.

The folic acid I spoke of is called "Delpin" and supposedly it is in a form which allows it to go to the brain and effect the seratonin levels or something. It is a fairly new treatment, which makes me a little nervous but from what I have read of it, it has been very effective.

Boo
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92479: whoa...what happened?

Boo
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92480: I think your cabbage is well-chewed, Boo! --Romeena
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92481: Thanks. ;)

Boo
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92482:
MESSAGE: BARNEY: I remember I went overboard with Thelma Lou on her last birthday. ANDY: Did you get her something nice? BARN: Nicest present I ever gave her. Know what I did? Took her to Morrelli's. ANDY: Oh, Morrelli's! BARN: Now ther's a place to take a girl. Out on the highway like that; nice and secluded. Red checkered tablecloths. ANDY: Fancy, fancy. BARN: You know, they'll let you take a bottle in there. ANDY: You didn't drink, though. BARN: Noooo! (laughs) ANDY: What did you have to eat? BARN: The Deluxe Special. You know you can hold it down to $1.85 out there, if you don't have the shrimp ccktail. ANDY: Did you have the shrimp c@cktail?


February 15, 2013 - Msg 92483:
HA! I tried to copy /paste the "quote of the day"
but the censor stopped me because of c@cktail!
That is why it looks so weird up above.
Good sweep BOO, but you're already doing to much! (:
Prayers for sean.
MDC
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92484: Morelli's must be outside of dry Mayberry county.
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92485: Or they changed the law, cuz Ben was selling "spirits" in his store.! ha
MDC
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92486: Boo, you swept twice up there. Is that yer idea of spring cleaning? :) I sure hope and pray that the new stuff will work for Sean.

And prayers for your Dad MDC as you transition him into his new accomodations.

Anyone seen those videos of the meteorite thst hit Russia? Wow, they are something else.

Got up to near 40 today and yesterday. Fantastic. Finally starting to see some snoe melt away. Still got over a foot on my lawn, but at least it's going down.

Glad them folks on the Cruise got back on dry land safe and sound. Must have been awful by the descriptions I heard.

Well Friday afternoon before a 3 day weekend. I'm looking forward to it for sure.

And Sunday the Food Network starts another season of "Worst cooks in America". I sure enjoyed that last year. I can relate to them I guess. lol

Asa
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92487: Well back at work till morning...hey Boo,Romeena,Asa,possum....prayers and will read in just a bit....its Friday night...hum...let all meet to eat....where??...SPOT
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92488: Has anyone here gotten their shingles shot? I got mine yesterday...my arm is sore with a lump. My prescription plan wouldn't cover all the cost, I had to pay $183.00. I better not get the shingles after paying that amount for the shot. My Dr. doesn't give the shots, he gives a prescription and you have to take it to a pharmacy.
Frankie
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92489:
Howdy porch family......supose to be getting back winter here tomorrow....In the 70's today and calling for maybe even a few white flakes tomorrow.....crazy:) I'm sure nothing will stick since the ground is so warm from today.

Boo...prayers for this new treatment for Sean.

Frankie....haven't taken the shingles shot.....really don't know much about it. Hope your arm gets feeling better soon.

Spot....how bout we all go to Morelli's

You all have a goodnight and a great weekend!
Love and prayers
-REV.
February 15, 2013 - Msg 92490: REV, Good to see ya pop in for a visit! Just be careful in the studio, ya don't want to overwork that layrnx...Be sure to take a shot of throat spray from time to time...Meeee Thaaay!!

Frankie, Be careful shooting those crows on your roof, you may miss and shoot your shingles..Then you don't have to say...I done got my shingles shot...It may cost more than $183.00 to get 'em fixed...Now if those crows had gotten their flu shots when they were suppose to, they would be done flu away by now. Then your roof would not have to get it's shingles shot...
I think I'll go to bed now, this post hurt my head thinkin about it!...G-Night...

G-F
February 16, 2013 - Msg 92491:
Frankie and GF-- my asphalt shingles are just fine! haha
REV--IOU, IOU, IOU-U-U! (:
ASA- thanks for the prayers. Moving day is Sunday, and we have been getting him primed for it, and took him to visit the new place two times.
Here's a link to the meteor. Strange stuff folks! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90Omh7_I8vI
God bless, MDC


February 16, 2013 - Msg 92492: Thanks for those prayers for Sean! It means so much.

Spent the night at St. Susan's last night because she and her hubby took a much needed night in San Antonio. Mom didn't feel up to coming to my house so we went over there for the night. I will be glad to sleep in my own bed tonight....those of you over 50 will understand. ;)

It is an absolutely beatiful day here today! Sunny and very cool and dry...I have the windows open and am enjoying every moment of all this fresh air that we so seldom get right here on the coast.

Hope you are all having a nice weekend.

Boo
February 16, 2013 - Msg 92493:
Hello Porch! Anybody rockin?
MDC
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92494: I am MDC. I see that Goober Fife isn't though. Does that mean he is "off his rocker"? Just curious.
Glad you had a cooler day yesterday Boo. We had another near 40 day here, and it is delightful to see some of this snow melting off. As March nears my spirits rise.

Boo and Ro, your cooking helps are not being wasted. I am slowly learning things. One thing I have figured out is if a little spice or ingrediant in a dish is good, a lot of it doesn't make it better. Moderation I'm learning is the key. And dding certain things in moderation really helps. For example, last week I was making some ground beef in gravy, and I added just a touch of worstershire sauce to it. Wow, it turned out pretty darn fine if I do say so. So thanks for the tips, and keep them coming.

Frankie, I didn't even know you could get shingles shots. Is this something new? Is it a one time deal, or you gotta get it regular like? I know some folks who have had shingles and I understand it's quite painful. So if I could avoid it, I'd be happy with that.

I'm thinking of some shake and bake chicken for today. Never made it before, but I'm craving it for some reason. We will see.

Good Sabbath to everyone.

Asa
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92495: Good for you, ASA...keep trying. I made shake and bake chicken once years ago but can't remember how it turned out. Good luck with your's.

Would sit and rock awhile but have to get ready for preachin'. Looks like another beautiful day here in south texas. :)

Boo
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92496: Ha Boo. If you only made it once, that speaks volumes. LOL

Asa
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92497: Yes Asa I am off my rocker...had to shovel some snow this morning. Will be back on in a little bit after I do some laundry. "Shake n Bake and I helllpt!" I think that is how the commercial went. Asa, before you shake your chicken try covering it with Mayo or Mirical Whip first. I don't remember which side of the fence you stood during the great Mayo vs. Miricale whip debate), but It gives the breading something to stick to and it keeps it moist as you bake it. Good luck!

Later...G-F
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92498: Asa, the last time I made shake n bake chicken it was very good. I love fried chicken...I know it's not good for you, but ever now and then won't hurt. The shingle shot better be a one time thing, my arm is still sore and the lump is still there. Many of the Dr's where I live are recommending them. They are expensive, my prescription plan paid $125.00 and I had to pay the rest. Two of my co-workers have had the shingles in the past month and they have been miserable.
Frankie
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92499: Thanks G-F for the suggestion about the Mayo. I guess I'm a mayo kind of guy, but I'm not sure if I have ever had Miracle Whip. I always thought it was the same stuff, just a brand name. You know, kinda like everyone calls an adjustable wrench a crescent wrench. The package I got suggests Ranch dressing. You ever tried that?

I'll have to look into those shots Frankie. Is it for us older folks? I'm not saying we are old, but lets face it, we ain't no spring chickens anymore. For that kinda money I'm glad you at least got a lump outta it. :)

Asa
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92500: Good Sabbath afternoon, porch! It's absolutely beautiful here in north-central Texas, temp is 65°, skies clear as crystal, light breeze moving the bare branches of the trees just a little bit. As I look a bit more closely, I see that the scrubby old elm that keeps trying to lean on my back fence has a fine mist of green around it. A peek through the binocs shows that it has started to wrap itself in soft green leaves, very tiny, just peeping out. It's the only thing budding so far, except for some of the shrubs. The spirea (bridal wreath, to most southerners) has miniscule leaves on it as well, and so does the beautyberry. That's what I can see from my window - I don't know who's doing what out front. Oh, and the roses are covered with tender red leaves, and will soon be sending out new canes. Joe pruned them down to about a foot high, so we'll have all new growth this year.

I absolutely love this time of year! The squirrels are really full of energy, racing around the yard like little mad things. As agile and acrobatic as they are, I can't imagine why my neighbors portly cat thinks he's going to catch one, but he keeps coming over here, and I keep watering him. Such fun!!

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some lunch. I didn't go to lunch with the SS girls today, so have to fend for myself. I've got some decent leftovers, shouldn't be hard.

Asa, hooray for you! Adding that Worcestershire sauce to your beef and gravy was a very good intuitive move, and for what it's worth, I would have done the same thing. You're beginning to have ideas of your own, and more important, to trust those ideas and act on them. You never know until you try, and after a while, it just becomes instinctive. You'll just "know" what would work. If the thought makes your taste buds tingle, then try it! Oh, and the mayo/MW on the chicken is a good idea, but you don't need a lot. Don't smear it on, or you'll have too much. I'd rinse my chicken pieces, pat them dry with a paper towel, and put them in a big bowl. Then add a blob of the mayo/MW, and just mix the pieces around with my hands, until they all have a film of mayo/MW on them. Then roll them in the Shake and Bake, put them on a lightly greased baking sheet or pan, and bake as directed. For easy clean-up, you can use a sheet of aluminum foil to line the pan. Just remember to oil or butter it. When finished, you just crumple the foil and throw it away and put your pan back in the cabinet! I have some oval-shaped pans, with the tree-shaped grooves in the bottom, meant for broiling individual steaks. I use them a lot. They'll hold one large steak, or two small ones, or about five chicken legs. Very convenient. I do line them with foil though, and never have to scrub them. In fact, unless the foil gets a tiny hole in it, I don't even have to wash them. Very handy.

Well, this time I'm gone. Getting hungry! Happy cooking, Asa, - I'm proud of you! Blessings, all. --Romeena
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92501: Asa, My co-workers and others that I know that have had shingles recently are in their 30's and 40's.
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92502: One other thing, Asa. In addition to Worcestershire sauce, a good addition to meaty mixtures is steak sauce, like A-1. I don't buy A-1 myself, because I've found that Kroger's house brand of steak sauce is just as good, and is much cheaper, but use whatever you like. A tablespoon or two of that in a gravy such as you described, or when cooking a pot roast, adds great flavor. Also, if you like the taste of Tabasco (I love it!) it's great added to creamy or cheesy things. If you don't like the heat but like the flavor, be aware that if you put it in something that contains milk or sour cream (anything dairy) the heat will be neutralized but you'll still have the flavor. You all do know that whenever you burn your mouth with a hot pepper, drinking water or whatever will only spread it. Take a drink of milk, or a bite of sour cream, or even a little butter - if it's real butter. Trust me, it works. --Romeena
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92503: Ro, your description would about how to coat the chicken with mayo would have killed Me-They if he were still on the porch! ha! By the way, love the way you described the neighbor's cat as "portly"...I think from now on I will describe myself as portly, rather than fat. ;)

I love A-1 on beef...great thing to have on hand (or the store brand that is equivalent). I always keep Tabasco around, too...the stuff is wonderful.

I think one of the easiest and best way to prepare meals is stir-fry, and you can get real creative on using up the leftover meat and veggies that way. Always keep olive oil, real butter, onions and fresh garlic on hand...oh, and good to keep a bottle of soy sauce in the frige. Kikoman is the best brand.

Boo

PS-Always remember, Asa, "Eatin' speaks louder than words!"...
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92504:
Howdy porch family.....trust you all had a very blessed Sabbath day. I was able to spend with my family and it sure felt good. Back in the studio this week. Will be doing overdubs...sure appreciate the prayers. Just wanting it to turn out good so that God gets the glory from the cd!

Love you folks!
Prayers for all
-REV.
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92505: Asa, I have not tried the Ranch bath method, I'll have to try that one. Between all of us here on the Porch we will have ya cooking like the head cook at the Raleigh YMCA before ya know it!...

Spot are you getting ready for the NASCAR Season?
Think I'll stay with my man Martin, even tho I don't think he's running a full schedule again this year.

Romeena, The hot pepper remedy (Milk or sour cream) does that work for Rev. Tucker when he has one of his fire and brimstone sermons? Just wondering....

G-F....
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92506: Good evening, porch. Asa, somehow I missed your comment about mayo vs MW, and the ranch dressing. No, mayo and MW are not the same thing. Get yourself a small jar of MW and give it a try. It's wonderful on a baloney sandwich (bologna, for you proper folks). I prefer it to mayo, but will eat either one. As for the Ranch prep, that sounds pretty good. Maybe I'll try it.

Boo, why would Me-They have objected to my chicken preparation? I mix it with my hands, not my feet!! And I wash my hands first, very, very well. As for my description of my neighbor's cat, I was being kind. Actually, if cats could have a beer belly, he has one. It's all he can do to heft it over the fence when he's fleeing from my sprinkler. One of these days, he's going to get stuck, and I'm just going to sit and laugh as he gets wetter and wetter. Dumb cat.

Well, I think I'll go have some chicken and dumplings for dinner. No, I didn't make the dish - I'm too lazy. I'll open a can of Sioux Bee brand, add a bit of sour cream and some Tabasco, and stir it up. That thickens the liquid and gives it a bit more flavor. It's a poor imitation of the homemade kind, but the hardest part is turning the can opener. The chicken is little crumbly lumps, and the dumplings are the rolled kind, which I do like, but not as well as my fluffy "dropped" kind, but it will do. Ready in minutes, and the only clean-up is putting the bowl in the dishwasher. Hard to beat. I wouldn't serve it to my family, or to guests, but I'll eat it.

Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92507: Oh, sorry. No, G-G, I don't think dairy products would cool down one of Rev. Tucker's sermons, but it does work on hot pepper stuff. --Romeena
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92508: Oh, good grief. Who is G-G? I meant G-F, of course. I need a nap. --Romeena
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92509: Woooooo haaaaaa. It's shake and bake and y'all helppt! :) Wow, it turned out great, and thanks to you all for the tips. One of my fears when cooking chicken is not poisioning myself, so I tend to really cook that sucker. Well I kept close tabs on this one and pulled it at 160 and let it "rest" (boy them cooking shows has got me ejukated) and it climbed up to the upper 160's. Boy oh boy. it was juicy and delicious. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the help friends. I quatered up some of them little red skinned taters and boiled them up and made some parsley taters with a side of grean peas. Sorry, but I'm mighty proud of myself tonight. A little success has gone right to my head, or my belly in this case. :)

I was wondering about that A1 sauce Ro. I'll give that a try next time too. Gosh, it feels good to feel excited about cooking after a meal instead of my head hanging low and lonely.

And I have tomorrow off for the holiday, so life is pretty fine tonight. :)

Asa
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92510: Congrats, Asa! I've got some of those little red taters in the fridge, planning to make parsley taters my own self! Do you put the parsley in some melted butter and pour over them? I do, and I put a little fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest in the melted butter, too. Yum!

You are so right about the chicken. Overcooked chicken is worse than overcooked beef, and it's very tricky to get it done but not too done. Dried out chicken, especially the white meat, is just awful. When that happens, the best thing is to put it in the fridge, make something else for dinner, and use the chicken the next day in something that involves liquid, like chicken and dumplings, or soup or some such.

Oh, what I came back by for - that isn't "Sioux Bee" brand on the chicken and dumplings. I think that brand makes honey. I meant Sweet Sue, of course. I knew it was Sue something. As I said, I think I need a nap. However, it's late, so I'll probably just go to bed pretty soon and forget the nap part. --Romeena
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92511:
Well race fans....how bout the little lady? She made history today.
-REV.
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92512: Wow! I'm proud of you, too, ASA!!! :)

Ro, the only thing Me-They hates worse than feet is mayo.

Prayers for your work in the studio...may the Lord be glorified.

Boo
February 17, 2013 - Msg 92513: Wow! I'm proud of you, too, ASA!!! :)

Ro, the only thing Me-They hates worse than feet is mayo.

Prayers for your work in the studio...may the Lord be glorified.

Boo
February 18, 2013 - Msg 92514:
and I helped!! (:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POI5aMgxYFk

February 18, 2013 - Msg 92515:
ASA-your education was worth every penny!
Such big words too! haha
Well, dad's move went well today. He seems to like the place. 8 gals and only 2 guys may have something to do with it! ha But please keep up the prayers.
Spring training is in full swing here.
Well see what the Atlanta/Arizona switcher-oo
will do!
Daytona soon approaching!
Prayers,
MDC
February 18, 2013 - Msg 92516: Was George Washington a Democrat or Republican? A Presidents' Day question.
Frankie
February 18, 2013 - Msg 92517: Another Presidents' Day question....who is your favorite president? Mine is Ronald Reagan.
Frankie
February 18, 2013 - Msg 92518:
Morning porch family.....in the 20's here this morning.....cold for us:)

MDC....so glad the move was smooth....continued prayers.
Yep looking forward to seeing how the teams fare with the Braves/DB trades.

Let's all head to the diner this morning....I feel like I could handle a three egg ham and cheese omlet with hot sauce on it. I'll eat a little friut afterward to make me feel healthy...lol

You all have a wonderful day and be sure to reflect Jesus you all you do!
Love and prayers
-REV.
February 18, 2013 - Msg 92519: Mine is Abraham Lincoln, Frankie. Of course I never saw him in person. ;) The only president I have actually seen in person was Ronald Reagan when he was on the campaign trail for his second term. He came to Corpus Christi for a short time and my sister and I went to hear him. He gave a little talk while standing on the platform outside the door of Airforce 1. The thing I remember most?...that he used alot of black hair dye.

Glad your dad made the move ok, MDC. Hope he is happy in his new home.

Its going to be a warm day here in south texas (up to 80). Hope you all have a good day today on President's Day.

See ya at the diner REV, but no omelet for me...that'll lay on your chest. I think I'll have the oatmeal with some fruit this morning. I'm paying but you can live the tip for Olive.

Boo


February 18, 2013 - Msg 92520: "leave"...I don't know how you could "live" a tip..
February 18, 2013 - Msg 92521: I've never seen a president in person Boo. I toured the White House when George Bush was president....it would have been so great to have seen him. Laura Bush was my favorite First Lady.
Frankie
February 18, 2013 - Msg 92522:
Frankie, as I recall, when George Washington was elected President in 1789, there were no organized political parties. The Federalist Party was organized in 1791 and the Democratic/Republican party was organized in 1792. Although some do claim Washington eventually became a Federalist, I believe he never officially joined any political party because he opposed them.

I know you folks south of the border are celebrating President's Day today. However, up here in Canada, we are celebrating Family Day today. And yes it is an official federal holiday where most people are off from work.

My family was able to tour the White House around Easter time in 1963. Unfortunately, the Kennedy's were at their family retreat in Massachusetts so we didn't get to meet them. This was only seven months before the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
And when Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) was running for re-election, my dad pulled me out of school so we could watch him speak when he visited my home town.

from Poor Horatio
February 18, 2013 - Msg 92523: So that would make Washington an Independent. Isn't touring the White a house awesome, it's a beautiful home. Family Day...what a great idea!
Frankie
February 18, 2013 - Msg 92524: How neat that you got to see LBJ speak, PH...Not long ago, I toured his childhood home in Johnson City...about 3 hours north of here.

I'm with you, Frankie...Family Day is a great idea!

I have been watching Roots The Next Generation on BET today. Andy Griffith had a small part in one of the episodes...played an officer in the Coast Gaurd and a really nice guy. He looked so handsome in his uniform. It was great to see him and his acting was wonderful.

Well, time to think about hitting the ironing board. I took a nap today because I was just feeling tired to the bone and I am already sleepy again so I figure this old body needs the rest.

Boo
February 18, 2013 - Msg 92525:
Don't know how many of you realize that in 1950 the white house was completely gutted to install the now-famous sub-basement bunker, as well as other "modern" improvements. So when one sleeps in the "Lincoln bedroom" all it's walls and decor are really from the early 1950s, not the 1850s! See link below. And I saw it all in
my 25 cent magazine, "Learn-a-Month!" haha
http://bitsandpieces.us/2012/03/29/white-house-completely-gutted-in-1950/
God's blessings,
MDC
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92526: Where is everybody today??? Ro, you hiding outside planting bulbs or something?

Boo
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92527: Don't know how much time I can spend here, but thought I would just drop by and say Hey! Last night Allan was mentioning this site, I don't think I had ever been here before. Yall have a great day

Mr McBeevee
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92528: Well howdy Mr. McBeevee. You're a sight for sore eyes. You can make smoke come out your ears. And you jingle when you walk. And you wear a shiny silver hat, don't you.

It is quiet today Boo. I'm busy at work. Don't know where everyone else ran off to. You don't reckon Barney's got em all locked up in jail again, do you?

Asa
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92529: That's possible, Asa....maybe they are just out and about enjoying some milder temps...hopefully.

Welcome to the porch, Mr. McBeevee! Come on back as often as you can.

Boo
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92530: One more thing...for those of you who might be reading this from now until this evening, I am asking for your prayers. I have a dear friend who is a single mom coming over tonight to speak to Bruce and I. She is in a relationship that is heading towards marraige and it seems she might be having some second thoughts, perhaps. She says she needs to talk with us and thinks we might have some counsel for her. This scares me because I know I have no wisdom of my own, but I pray the Lord will help me. I don't want to say anything that would be against His will. Maybe she just needs a listening ear and a prayer, but I need the Lord's guidance. This is new territory for me...I don't ever remember counseling someone in her situation. I have never been divorced, either. Please lift a prayer for us and for my friend, Teresa. Thanks. :)

Boo
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92531: Good afternoon, porch! Boo, what you mentioned can be a real challenge. I know what you mean, it can be scary. As you said, you don't want to give someone the wrong advice, so this is what has worked for me on a few occasions. Don't give advice! You nailed it when you said she might just need a listening ear. You're probably right. Let her talk, ask open-ended questions, and listen. Example: She says "Sometimes he does...." and you don't offer an opinion, you just say "and when he does that, how do you feel about it?" The odds are, she already knows what she should do, she's just looking for validation. If you just let her talk, and ask leading questions, she'll hear herself giving herself the answers. Sometimes that's all it takes.

No, I haven't been planting bulbs, I've been "planting" more lights. I just put another little flower lamp in the courtyard out front, and a wall-washer flood near the corner bedroom window. Pretty soon I'll have enough light around here at night that no intruder with two brain cells would come near the place. People who know I have a gun, and an alarm system, and all these lights sometimes ask me if I'm really that afraid. No, I'm not afraid at all. I'm also not stupid. I take reasonable precautions, and I sleep easy. I have a friend who has teased me about my alarm system and all. Guess what. Her home was broken into and robbed. They got all her jewelry, much of which had belonged to her mother, her late husband's wedding ring and watch - all together about $15k in dollar value, not to mention the sentimental value. She still won't get an alarm system. Sorry, but that doesn't seem very bright to me. Thank God she wasn't at home when they broke in. I feel terrible that she was robbed, but it might have been prevented.

I went to the ear doc today, had a hearing test, and am definitely a candidate for hearing aids. Apparently I'm at about 60% compared to normal hearing. I didn't realize it was that bad. So, guess I'll be pursuing that. As the doc said, "you will be absolutely amazed at the sounds you're missing right now." I've known this man for 34 years, he's not only a fine doctor, but a fine man and a friend, and I trust him. I know my hearing is bad, because when my kids walk in when I'm watching TV, the first thing they say is "for cryin' out loud, Mom, do you think that thing is loud enough???" Hahaha!

Well, off I go. Oh - welcome, Mr. McBeevee. Put your mark on a rocker, and we'll keep it dusted off for you. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92532: Good wisdom, Ro, thanks. My pastor friend, Mark also told me, "Speak where the bible speaks, be silent where the bible is silent". Pretty good advice, too. :)

I think you are really smart to do all you can to prevent break-ins, Ro. As Briscoe Darlin' would say, "More power to ya".

Sorry to hear about your hearing loss and I hope you find hearing aids that you are comfortable with. Sometimes it is a process and takes many adjustments but as much as you have to pay for those suckers, get what works for you.

Better go finish dinner. I made a chicken casserole that is super easy. Guess I'll share that recipe, in case Asa wants to try it. All you do is spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and put in your raw chicken. I use chicken breast filets but guess you could use whatever but make it boneless. Then you mix a can of cream of mushroom soup with about a half cup of milk and if you want a dash or 2 of wors. sauce. Spread that over the chicken. Now you will need to prepare of box of stovetop chicken stuffing, according the the package directions. When that is done, put it on top of the chicken and spread it out evenly. I like to add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top, but not needed really...it just makes it more attractive to my kids. Bake it at 350 for about an hour or until the chicken is done.

Boo
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92533: Wow, Boo, that does sound easy, and gooood! I'll be trying that one, for sure. Brittney would like it too, especially if the stuffing gets brown and crunchy along the edges. She loves the crunchies.

I just put in to more floodlights out back. One is highlighting a clump of nandina with a pear tree behind them and a little piece of garden art - my little meerkats - in the middle. The other one is pointed upward, to highlight a tall, slender juniper. I won't know until after dark whether the effect is what I want, but if it's not, it's so easy to change. That's what I love about low voltage. You just crimp it onto the line wherever you want it. Even I can do it!

Your pastor friend is so right. If you pray beforehand, as you have, and listen, as you will, God will guide you and His Word will speak through you, in the form of scripture that will come to mind. That has happened to me. I remember one time in particular, when someone was pulling me into a discussion and I was reluctant, because I didn't know what to say. So I just quickly asked the Lord to guide me, and suddenly, in answer to one of her questions, I found myself quoting a scripture that I don't even recall memorizing, but there it was. I didn't know the reference, but a concordance soon gave me that (the internet can do it now) and the answer seemed to satisfy the individual. It definitely wasn't I who answered, and I remember feeling a bit limp and very humbled afterward.

Blessings, friend, and prayers for you this evening. --Romeena
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92534: Er, that's "two more floodlights", not "to". --Romeena
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92535: Thank you for those prayers and for that testimony, Ro. :)

I will let you know how things go.

Bruce just told me that he might have to go on furlough for a minimum of 2 weeks (thanks to the budget). I guess it might happen to all government employees. We will know for sure in 2 to 3 weeks. We just paid out 6500 dollars for the year's taxes and insur@nce on the house last month so we will have to be pretty frugal to re-pad the account in case he doesn't get paid for 2 or more weeks. The Lord will provide and its good for us to trust him and learn to be more thrifty.

Better go put on the decaf coffee for company.

Boo
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92536:
Howdy porch family......trust you all had a Jesus filled day. Aren't you so glad He's always with us even when we don't "feel" it? :)

Boo...as aways Ro gave some very valuable advice.(Gosh I love that lady) That is something I always "try" and do.....be a good listener. That's usually what people need. And for sure your pastor's advice is right on as well.

Mr.McBeevee.....it is so good to have you here on the porch. Just grab you a rocker and join this wonderful Mayberry Porch family. Some precious folks here.

Well tomorrow will be a very long day in the recording studio so I won't be back in my rocker till Thursday. You all try and behave now.
Love and prayers
-REV.
February 19, 2013 - Msg 92537: Well, phooey! When the lights came on at dusk, the ones I had just put in didn't come on. I don't know why. I know the lines are live, because there are lights down-line from where I put the new ones, and they're working. The only thing I can figure out is that my arthritic hands aren't strong enough to close the clamp down hard enough to pierce the insulation on the wire. I thought with the new screw-down clamps, I could do it, but maybe not. I guess I'll try again tomorrow. Rats.

REV, you're so kind. You know I love you too, as my brother in the Lord. I'm eager to hear the new CD - do you have a title yet? What are some of the songs? I'm still enjoying the last one you released, it plays over and over in my car. I used to enjoy singing along with all that good gospel music you produce, but since the surgery back in June, I can't sing a note. Well, maybe a few. I've got about a six-note range now, very low. with middle C as the absolute top. Anything above that, there's no telling what will come out. I was an alto, not particularly good, but okay in a choir, and a two-octave range. Now I sound like an asthmatic crow. I know what note I want, but what comes out just ain't it!!

Boo, I'm sorry to hear about Bruce's furlough. Budget problems, huh? Sorry, but I can't help wondering if Congress is going to take an unpaid two-week furlough as well, to help with the "budget deficit" they and their boss created. I'm sure they will, and I'm sure pigs will fly.

Speaking of which, I found the most adorable little piece at Hobby Lobby a few weeks before Christmas, and bought it for myself. Merry Christmas to me, I guess. Anyway, it's a ceramic pig, stained to look like carved wood, and it has - yes - wings!! Absolutely hilarious! It stands about nine inches tall, and is about a foot long from upturned snout to little curly tail. I put it on the hearth, on one side of the fireplace. There is a lifesize bronze Maltese dog that stands on the other side, with a bronze rose in its mouth. In one corner nearby, there's a 3-ft. stuffed replica of Wile E. Coyote, a gift from my mother about 35 years ago. He looks fierce, and wears a Santa hat at Christmas. Yes, my taste runs to the whimsical. I refuse to grow up.

Well, better get to bed. I've got PT in the morning, so need to rest up a bit. They really wore me out yesterday. Blessings, y'all. --Romeena
February 20, 2013 - Msg 92538: Ro, one of the first things i asked Bruce was if members of congress would go on furlough and he told me they weren't subject to furlough...figures.

Hope you get those lights working today...frustrating, I'm sure.

Your fireplace hearth sounds like a real conversation piece. ;) I didn't know you liked Wile E Coyote. He's one of my favorites. :)

Well, the visit with my friend last night went ok, I think. She is just feeling rushed in her relationship. Her fiance is in a hurry to get her to sell her house and move up to Houston and get married by the end of summer. They have only been together for 2 months and they both have been married and divorced a few times so they have some "baggage" to deal with. All we did was listen and validate her feelings about wanting to slow things down for now. We just encouraged her to communicate her feelings to her fiance and take the time she needs. We did pray for her/them also. I was glad to help her because she is such a sweet friend, but at the same time I was uncomfortable, too...hard to explain, just want to be so careful with someone like her. She has a kind of child-like faith and spirit that makes her the type to take what I say very seriously. Well, nothing to do but pray and be there for her. She has to make her own decisions.

Boy, I woke up so early this morning I think it is going to be a long day.

Boo
February 20, 2013 - Msg 92539: Morning all.

Ain't it amazing how the law makers make rules that affect everyone...... but them. Why do we put up with this??? Things would change in a dang hurry if there was a law that stated any laws they impose on us, they themselves must adhere to. And we should demand that that law is passed. Then I could say we are serious about fixing our Govt. I'm sorry Boo, that this furlough may take place, and pray you all will have the means to get through it ok. And I'm glad your session with your friend went well. I thought Romeena's advice to you was spot on. Just be a listening ear and let her decide. Ro says she sings like an asthmatic crow (lol, I bet she sounds wonderful) but she is a wise woman and I appreciate her sharing her wisdom with us here on the porch. (I'm trying to make her blush)

Ro, I do believe you are right about not getting a good connection with your new lights. I'm sure you'll get it figured out. It reminds me of a situation I had a couple of weeks ago. I had an 8 foot flourescent light fixture with a flickering bulb. So as per my usual experience, I replaced both bulbs with new ones. Still flickering. So I figured a bad ballast. Installed a new ballst. Still flickering. Hmmm. So I replaced all four tombstones (the component the bulbs plug into) after double checking all the wiring. Still flickering. Well about this time I'm flumoxed. I get two more new bulbs and try those. This time the other side is flickering. I finally get two more new bulbs (this is the third set of new bulbs now) and walla, they work. I have on occassion founfd a new bulb to be bad here and there, but never 4 in a row like that. After over 30 years of dealing with these things, you still can get tripped up sometimes. I bet G-F can back me up on that one. Where is G-F anyhow? He's been quiet. Hope he's ok.

Was awakened by a call at 3 am this morning from our security folks about a fire alarm panel that is in a trouble mode and wont clear. So I know what I'm doing today. It's a finicky piece of junk that's always having problems. One of these days I hope to take an axe to it and pow, pow pow!!! Maybe on my retirement day. :) Although I guess I shouldn't whine about it. It has gotten me a fair amount of overtime over the years. Still though, POW, POW POW, with and axe would feel good. :)

Asa
February 20, 2013 - Msg 92540: Romeena, I got a memo from you little squirrel friends, "Enought with the lights!" We can't sleep!!..haha Guess you will have to make them some of those little sleeping masks...

Hey, McBeevee..Welcome to the Porch! Good group of folks here, now you can get you dose of Mayberry (and a whole lot more) other than on Floyds Monday night pod-cast.

Good to see PH pop in for a min. too....

Boo, good validation to your friend to take it sloooow, alot of baggage to deal with. If they arn't honest with themselves as to why they want to remarry and deal with their own "baggage claim", I'm afraid as the saying goes: "If you do as you always did, you'll get what you've always gotten... There are alot of churches that have divorce recovery groups that help people deal with the issues from a divorce before they try to "fill the love void" with another realationship just to have that one fail too...

G-F....

February 20, 2013 - Msg 92541: Your right, G-F. I think some couples counseling is what my friend and her fiance need. I am afraid they won't get it, though, since he live 4 hours away and only comes down every other weekend. I like that quote and used to use it "If you do as you always did, you'll get what you've always gotten".

Thanks Asa. :) It is frustrating to be on this end of things and feel so out of control. If I really believed a furlough was going to help things, I would be the first to volunteer to help my country, but I think it is just bad politics that lead to this. Bruce was on furlough once before when he worked for the army...that was during the Bush administration, I think, but I can't remember why it happened.

You're right about Ro. She's a treasure, even if she does sing like an asthmatic crow...hey, I'll bet she sounds alot like my mother-in-law.

Speaking of in-laws, about a week ago I got an email from the sis-in-law who has caused so much trouble. It was a very nicely-worded apology, stating that she wanted a relationship with me. I wanted to respond right away but Bruce asked me to wait, pray, and take a little time to decided the best response. Normally, just accepting someone's apology and moving on would be warranted but in this case, we need to think about some things. Several times in the past, when all her kicking and screaming didn't get the results she wanted, she would come to us with an apology that we would immediately accept, no questions asked. After a season of peace, something else would eventually happen...more truama and drama. Its tough to be in the position of having to question someone's sincerity but we didn't learn our lessons in the past and now we have to deal with things. Bruce asked me to let him take care of a response. He will let her know that she is forgiven but that trust is broken and there is healing that needs to take place if there is ever to be any kind of relationship. We are going to set boundaries and take the time we need, if there is ever any hope of a realtionship. As far as I'm concerned, I could walk away forever and never look back, but I know Bruce loves his sister and it will be harder for him. I am hoping that, in time, he will be able to have some sort of healthy relationship with her, if that's possible. If it never is, well, he knows that is a possibility. We are both getting a real education from all of this, I tell you that much. God is good at using difficulties to teach us, isn't He? I'm sure we will need these lessons in the future..for ourselves and perhaps to help others. I am glad that Sean is learning from all of this, too. He has learned things that I wish I had learned at his young age.

Well, Sean and his girlfriend, Alaina have announced that they are "in a relationship" now. They spend alot of time together but have always said they were just friends. I guess they feel differently now. Alaina is about to graduate in May and will be going to the local college to be a physical therapist. She is one of those straight-A, level-headed girls, and should do well. Now, if we can get Sean moving in the right direction and a career choice.

Well, have to go pay the water bill...

Boo
February 20, 2013 - Msg 92542: Boo,...Now it all make sence...Sean's stomach problems were due to the "Love Bug!" hitting him!Sometimes girls will do that to a guy...haha
Just as long as she's not Mary Alice Carter or he'll get his heart broken...

G-F....
February 20, 2013 - Msg 92543: Let's hope not! haha...she and Sean have been friends since they were three, so I guess it took some time to go from that friend relationship to feeling like boyfriend and girlfriend. She is a good, kid with a good head on her shoulders. Her life isn't an easy one, though, but that's a story for another day.

Boo
February 20, 2013 - Msg 92544:
Ro has wisdom way beyond her years, so she
must have a LOT of wisdom! haha, just kiddin' ya Ro.
Asa, so YOU'RE the one who takes those 3 am calls! Was it Sarah P on the other end just testin' ya? (:
As for this latest govt. "crisis", I've heard it all, like how they're gonna throw grandma off a cliff, but the so-called sequesture that BO
actually wanted, is now something he is trying to backpedal on, and making every outrageous
claim that he can. Case in point, a very popular
March air show here at Luke AFB has been canceled because it costs $200,000. Well, about 200,000 people attend it each year, so if they'ed just charge a buck a head, it would pay for itself, but I guess
that is too hard for the beauracrats to figure out! OK, soap box back under porch.
Dad is adjusting well to the new place. Thanks for the prayers.
MDC
February 20, 2013 - Msg 92545:
Oh, for those of you who watch ME-TV, do any of you get the old show EMERGENCY in the afternoon? ( I know that
programming can vary from place to place.)
Anyway, I forgot how good a show it was, groundbreaking on the whole Paramedic thing.
The ER scenes are kinda funny tho, compared to a real ER today.
mdc
February 21, 2013 - Msg 92546: Good evening, porch. To those of you who consider me "wise" - thank you, but as I've said, I'm not wise, just old. I've covered a lot of miles, and some of the roads weren't paved. There's no teacher like experience.

Yes! I get "Emergency" and really enjoy it. I agree, the ER scenes are a big "stage-y" but the show is still very good. I've discovered another station, which I think is local, called RURAL. It has farm news and stuff, and also, like MeTV, runs some good old reruns. Tonight I got to see "WKRP", which I haven't found anywhere in a long time. Also, "Newhart" - the one where Bob owns the inn in Vermont. Good stuff.

MDC, your idea of charging a dollar a head is a good one, wouldn't break anybody, and makes absolutely too much sense for it to ever happen. Another good idea would be for our fearless leader to stop tootling off to Hawaii every whipstitch, dragging his huge and expensive entourage and several airplanes along with him, and blowing a lot of money (I read that it costs about $4 million every time he goes) every time. Why can't he and his family just go to Camp David, like other presidents have done? Who said he has to have an oceanside villa in Hawaii to relax in? Grrrr.

OK, sorry. Sometimes it just comes over me and I can't help it. Unbelievable.

Boo, hang in there. I'm glad Bruce is taking the initiative with his sister. That is more appropriate, and likely a lot more effective than you having to deal with her. I think you're right - proceed with caution. Extreme caution.

Well, I'm off to watch "Perry Mason." Blessings, friends! --Romeena
February 21, 2013 - Msg 92547:
Oh, for those of you on FB, I posted some video of SNOW in Phx, AZ today!! It was quite amazing as
I have never seen so MUCH since my 1952 arrival here. And it actually stuck around! I was actually on the freeway IN it! It was really a
icy/hail/rain mixture, but close enuf to snow for me! Eat your heart out ASA! haha
Our high today was 48!!
MDC