February 27, 2013 - Msg 92636: Whew! Finally back at 10pm. Been a busy but a good day. Poor Bruce has been working for I don't know how many days straight, but the furlough begins tomorrow so no more overtime. He will have to slow down. Not sure how long it will last but we have been pinching our pennies and actually enjoying it. We eat at home around the table together nearly every night, which is great. No eating out at all and no fast food, just good home-cooked meals. Its more work for me, but its worth it. Today I fried up some venison per Bruce's request. I had chicken, though. We had mom-in-law over for supper for the firs time in quite awhile. Since sister-in-law (the troublemaker) has been out of the picture for awhile, our relationship with MIL seems to be improving. Its interesting how one member of a family can be stirring up trouble between family members and you don't even realize how much until they are out of the picture for awhile.

I started a women's bible study at church this morning on the fruits of the Spirit and I think it is going to be good. There are only 9 or 10 of us in the class and most are young mother's with babies and small children. Those poor young things are sleep deprived and exhausted but came anyway.

Well, better think about hitting the ironing board soon and will be here in the morning with my coffee. I'll bring a thermos...anyone want coffee in the morning?

Boo
February 27, 2013 - Msg 92637: I think that is the third time in a row I have had to sweep. Its someone else's turn now.

Boo
February 28, 2013 - Msg 92638: Good evening, porch. It's late, and I'm headed for the ironing board very soon, but thought I'd stop by.

MDC, to answer your question - yes, we have had some rain. Not much, except for one night when it rained a pretty good amount, some still standing along the curbs the next morning. Come to think of it, that's about the time the phone started acting up. It's working fine now, but my email is still sporadic. Some things go through, others don't, and one person has gotten a little miffed at me, because they think I'm ignoring them. Not true, I have only received one of five emails they've sent. They know the problem now.

Oh, and yes, the phone line is connected to my computer. I really don't understand how all that works. It's connected to a wall jack, and to the computer, and to the wi-fi, and the Vonage router, and the cable modem, and even to my desk phone, which is a recorder. Lots of connections, and I don't know which one comes first. All I know is, when someone calls, all the phones ring all over the house (there are six), caller ID shows up on the desk phone, and is also displayed on the TV in the living room. How all that happens is a mystery to me, but I just accept it, like I accept that when I flip a wall switch, a light will turn on. Don't ask me how it works. And I really don't understand how turning a little dial or moving a slider can dim a light down to a candle-glow, but it does, providing it's not one of those annoying CFL things. They won't dim, they just cry and then turn themselves off. I know, they have some now that they claim will dim, but a friend tried one and said it didn't work.

Well, guess I'll head on to the hay. Toye Starr is ready, she's tapping me on the ankle, alternating with spasms of "digging" on the vinyl carpet guard beneath my chair. That's how she has expressed annoyance, since she was a little puppy. She "digs", fast and furiously, with her front paws, until she's just exhausted and panting. How she has any nails left on her front paws, I don't know. It's hilarious. Whenever I comb her hair, which she hates, as soon as I let her down, she runs over to one of her pillow beds, hops in and tries to dig to China. Then she looks at me as if to say, "There! That for you!" Too funny!

Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
February 28, 2013 - Msg 92639: Morning...who wants coffee?? I wonder if everyone is staying warm? It is a nice day here so far...in the 40's this morning but will get into the 70's again.

I am feeling my age today. I think I will slow down (what's my hurry, as G-F said) and sit down more today. :)

Boo
February 28, 2013 - Msg 92640: You are right about the CFL's not being dimmable Ro. They say some of the new generation CFL's are (I think the ones with electronic ballasts) but I've never tried them so I can't really say. The LED lights are dimmable, and the newer ones also have the ability to change color. Quite remarkable. And from what I've seen so far, these bulbs do save big bucks on energy useage, and will last a lot longer than incadescent's and flourescents with a much better and cleaner light color. The bad thing about them is they still cost three arms and a leg to buy. They have come down in price some, but need to go a lot lower. I think they will in time. Especially when another new technology comes along that's even better. And it will. I'm hearing about a new type of "induction light" that has some folks wagging their tounges. But I know very little about them at this time. We will see.

Ro, I'm sure you have tried this, but just in case you have not, how about the "fix all" for electronic things. The reboot. Unplug power from anything that requires it with your equipment for 30 seconds or so, and plug it back in. And not just turn it off, but remove all power from it completely. A lot of electronic things will reset back to normal functions when you do that. For example, the fire alarm board I was mentioning last week about, I finally resolved by disconnecting all power to. At first it didn't do the trick, before I remembered they all have battery back ups. So I killed all power, including removing battery power, and then brought everything back on line, and walla, all systems cleared and normal. So you may want to look at that if you have not already, including an that have battery back up. Just a thought.

Boo, that class sounds like a great one. I imagine you will be discussing some of Pauls episitles to the Saints found in the Corinthians. Great council for those early church believers then, and for us today. I wish I could join y'all. Prayers for you that it will be a success.

Guess I best get at it. Been off work all week with a pinched nerve in my upper back this time. Not a clue how it happened, but it's feeling better after resting it for a few days. I declare, this getting old stuff ain't for sissies.

Prayers for all.

Asa
February 28, 2013 - Msg 92641: Mornin' Y'all- Haven't been rocking on the Porch in a while,so thought I'd pop in. Been busy working and just living life,which is good these days!
Hope my Porch family is doing well- I will catch up on reading the archives soon. Let's all head over to the diner for breakfast- we'll put it on Spot's tab!
love to all~ *******************
possum under a rock
February 28, 2013 - Msg 92642: " Old age ain't no place for sissies." ~ Bette Davis

(That's for Asa-we sell a coffee mug at Cracker Barrel with that saying on it!)

possum again
February 28, 2013 - Msg 92643: Thanks, Asa, wish you could attend bible study, too. Sorry you are dealing with a pinched nerve. Are you walking crooked, Honey? Bless your heart (spoken in my most genteeelll southern accent). ;)

Good to see Possum back on the porch. Don't stay away so long, ya hear? We need to get together soon and hit the squeezins.

Well, my day has gotten busier...found out my nephew is having a birthday dinner (he's 14) and was invited to come. I will have to make him some pecan pralines (his favorite) and get him a gift card from gamestop. Later Gators...

Boo
February 28, 2013 - Msg 92644:
Howdy porch family......really nice day here:)

Boo...I'm sure the Bible Study is a real blessing for everyone.

Asa....sure hope that pinched nerve gets better real soon! Prayers!

Possum....it's sure good to see ya back on the porch.....Missed you!

Love and prayers for all the porch family!
-REV.
February 28, 2013 - Msg 92645:
RO, yup, I bet it was the rain. Even on overhead wiring like you have, the insulation
can crack or the wires themselves even. Usually from those
"turdie birdie feet" or just plain ole old age.
Your phone company can come out and test the line
and install a new one, and I bet it will work just fine after that;
because, like I said, our problem was the same thing, and the new wire, which will be buried in a few days, did the trick!
Hope that helps!
Prayers for all,
MDC
March 01, 2013 - Msg 92646: So Barney was right. Just needs bigger wires huh? :)

Asa
March 01, 2013 - Msg 92647: Just a quick rock. This has been the busiest week in a long time. Lots of driving, which is bad for my foot. How is everyone?

Thank you to those that have been praying over husband's job situation. It's still a weird situation. We'll see what The Lord has in store.

Boo, we've been eating dinner at home and around the table (most nights). I love it!

Y'all take care!
Blessings,
Lucy
March 01, 2013 - Msg 92648: R.I.P Bonnie Franklin...you can now take it one day at a time...back in a bit....SPOT
March 01, 2013 - Msg 92649: Good to see you, Lucy. I hope things go well for you family concerning your husband's job situation. Bruce started furlough today but he will only be taking off one day every two weeks, which makes it more bearable.

I was just out sitting on the porch swing but it got too chilly out there for even me. It was in the low 70's today and beautiful.

Hope you all are having a nice Friday evening. :)

Boo
March 01, 2013 - Msg 92650:
BOO- will be praying for Bruce. It may even be a blessing in disguise, but i will also pray that it wont last long. Too bad the gov. couldnt start with eliminating funding for "dumb" projects like their
researching the s*x lives of muskrats or whatever! Also, when one sees all those sponsors, foundations, charitable trusts, etc, that fund pbs, pulling out the gov mony would not be missed because all those sponsors, foundations, charitable trusts, etc, would quickly fill in the gap to get their name mentioned even more on the so-called non-commercial network! OK, that's enuf from me!! (:
God bless,
MDC
March 02, 2013 - Msg 92651:
Morning porch.....Kinda early but leaving out to spend the day with my family. Daughter has some meetings with some folks about the wedding so I'm on daddy duty today.....and loving it. (Until she ask for my debit card..lol)

Concert tomorrow so may not get to check in....if not you all have a very blessed weekend!
Love and prayers
-REV.
March 02, 2013 - Msg 92652: FREE CONCERT...
When: Tomorrow night
Setting: Under the stars
Who: Rev
For: Everyone
Setting if it's cloudy: Free concert under...
If it rains: .....
Forget the poster?
I would! :)

Asa
March 02, 2013 - Msg 92653: Good morning, porch. I've just spent a very frustrating, irritating and aggravating hour, that finally had a happy ending. My phone problem had returned, only this time it just didn't ring at all. It was ringing once and disconnecting. Now it just was silent and people were calling me on my cell to tell me my home phone wasn't working. So, I waded through the impossible jungle on the internet, finally found the right link that took me to Vonage (there are a lot of false leads out there!) and had the good fortune to get a pleasant and capable young man, who after directing me as I jumped through about three dozen unbelievable hoops, finally fixed my phone. He also - wonder of wonders! - helped me get my fax working, which had not worked since day one with Vonage. Amazing. I think his education was worth every penny.

It's beautiful here today. Beautiful, but cold. Bright and sunny, but cold. The sky is crystal clear, there's a light breeze, enough to ruffle the fur on the squirrels' tails, and it's cold. Flowers are popping up, tulips are blooming, verbena is blooming and it's cold. All in all, a beautiful day. Did I mention that it's COLD?? Around here, 39° at noon is COLD!!

Speaking of squirrels, my back yard is full of them! There are three in one tree, and I don't know how many more dashing madly around in the yard, one peeking out of a nest box. There's not a flowerbed that hasn't been explored, and the watermelon rind I put out yesterday has been nibbled down to the green. They love it! Birds like it too. I find that a lot of kitchen scraps are very well received by the local wildlife population. Whatever the birds and squirrels don't consume during the day usually disappears overnight, presumably enjoyed by raccoons or possums. We have both. The green melon rind that's left, I'll just kick out into the yard and Eddie will mow over it next time. The mower will chop it into fine shreds, which will not even be visible in the grass and it will compost in. Nothing need be wasted.

Boo, I think it's great that Bruce will only be off one day out of two weeks. Actually, I could leave the "only" out of that sentence, and it would still be a true statement. I hope the two of you will designate those "off" days as your special time together, and take advantage of them. Go out to lunch. Go for a drive. Complete a household project together. Go visit a friend, or when the weather gets warm, go to the beach. Go to the church and put covers on the hymnbooks. Turn that lemon into lemonade!

Well, gotta run. I didn't eat breakfast, and lunch is sounding pretty good right now. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
March 02, 2013 - Msg 92654: Hi All.
Just sitting here watching it snow! :(

Mr TOM

March 02, 2013 - Msg 92655: Mr. Tom, I sent you an email that might make winter and snow a little bit funnier and easier to put up with. Enjoy. --Romeena
March 02, 2013 - Msg 92656: I hear you, MDC, it seems like one of the last places to make cuts would be in areas that protect the citizens, but there you have it.

Your back yard sounds like a fun place, Ro! :)You know, I loved your suggestions about Bruce's days off...sounds like a wonderful way to make lemonade out of lemons, thanks!

Boo


March 02, 2013 - Msg 92657:
Cute one ASA! (:
March 02, 2013 - Msg 92658: Evening porchters.
Well I went out to get my mail a few minutes ago, and in the mailbox was a manila package that was quite thick. I couldn't imagine what it was. Then I noticed the return a.d. was Goober Fife. Bless his heart. After the Christmas card I got from him, I wasn't sure what to expect. I must admit I squeezed it pretty good to make sure it wasn't a bat. LOL Well guess what he sent me? A package of Mayberry's Finest bisquet mix, with a nice note attatched to it. Wasn't that nice? Thanks Goober Fife. Mighty thoughtful of you. I suspect they will taste mighty fine with tomorrows breakfast. As Floyd would say, "What a nice man." :)

Glad the furlough is not going to be as hard as you first thought Boo. And I really like Ro's suggestion also. Make that a special day for you and Bruce. Don't let others try and crash your time together. How go's the Bible study class?

Well I tried my hand at meatloaf today cooks. Actually wasn't so bad. I'm still alive. I think I was a little heavy with the salt and ketchup though. And could have mushed it up better I reckon. But still, I ate it and lived to tell about it. :)

Asa
March 03, 2013 - Msg 92659: Good for you, Asa. I'm proud of you for trying. Next time, you'll lighten up on the salt, and it will be better. Also, maybe try tomato sauce instead of ketchup, or use a little of both. Tomato sauce is a little milder than ketchup. Ha! Look who's giving advice! I'll have to confess, about the best thing that could be said about any meatloaf I ever made was that we ate it and lived to tell about it. I don't know what my problem is, but I just don't make very good meatloaf. And I love it, when it's good. I haven't made one in years. When Dale was here, I used to try, because he liked it so much, but about the best way to describe his reaction to mine was "polite." After he passed, I just quit trying.

Boo, my yard is fun, I suppose. It is for me, anyway. I love using lighting to make it as interesting at night as possible, when it's too dark to see the flowers. I just got a little string of "firefly" lights to try out. I got a ten-light string, which was quite cheap. They are very cool - they brighten, dim off, then brighten again, in random order, like fireflies. I wove them through the sheared eleagnus on the fence, in a fairly dark area between floodlights. Very nice! Now that I know I like them, I'll get the hundred-light set in a little while.

Well, guess I'll head for the hay. Kinda tired tonight, don't know why, I haven't done a bloomin' thing all day. Well, that's not true. There was that tedious hour on the phone with the Vonage guy, but it did have a good outcome. Then I spent another hour on the phone with my computer guru friend from Florida, trying to resolve the issues I've been having with my email. I think we got it fixed. Time will tell, I guess.

So - everyone have a good and restful night, get up in the morning and thank the Lord for another day, and if you're so inclined, go to His house and spend a little time in worship and learning more about Him. If that's not in your plans, then have a good and happy day anyway. Blessings! --Romeena
March 03, 2013 - Msg 92660: That's a good idea Romeena. I don't think ketchup was the best idea. But the recipe I had called for it, so that's what I used. It was overbearing it seemed to me. I used cut up bread for a filler, but I wonder if something else would be better. Crunched up saltines maybe?

I believe landscape lighting is fantastic Ro. Maybe it's just the electrician in me, but I really enjoy it. And with the new generation of low voltage applications now, most folks can do it themselves quite easy, and even change it up without a lot of hassle.

We got up to 48 here yesterday. Nice, real nice. I still have at good foot of snow on the lawn, but it's diminishing slowly. Might get some rain today. That will help also. Next weekend brings back daylight savings, a sure sign of spring. I am soooooo ready for it. Sorry Boo. I know you kinda dread it.

Better get moving. Gotta iron my preachin britches, and I wanna leave enough time for them to cool down so I don't go to preachin with "hot knees". That would be uncomely, don't you reckon? :)

Asa
March 03, 2013 - Msg 92661: Good morning, porch. Asa, I'm not the one to ask about meatloaf, because mine is never very good. My mother made great metloaf, and I recall that she would often put a little leftover cooked rice in hers. Not much, but I remember it being there. I use leftover rice as a filler in a lot of things. It's great in tuna salad, and even in chicken salad. Brown rice in chicken salad is "extry good!"

Well, gotta get dressed. My hair is still wet from the shower, but it'll dry. When I think of all those years I spent with curlers and such in my hair, sweating under a dryer, and all the torture associated with trying to make my hair look decent, I can't believe it's so easy now. The older I get, the more curl it develops. It started after my hair grew back after the chemo in 1979. It came in with some wave in it, and that has remained, and even increased. All I do now is wash it, put a little mousse in it (no, not mouse - mousse!) and comb waves in where I want them and scrunch the rest. Let it air dry and I'm done. It's nice, but I think it's only fair. Getting old has a lot of drawbacks, so there should be a reward now and then, don't you think?

Blessings! --Romeena
March 03, 2013 - Msg 92662: Cut up bread, Asa?...and too much ketchup...hmmm...I understand why it might not have been as good as you wished. ;) I make good meatloaf but I don't measure anything, I eyeball it. I use a good ground sirloin and I add a pkg of Lipton onion soup mix, a little tomato sauce, a few dashes of worchestershire sauce, salt and pepper, a beaten egg, a dash of milk, salt and pepper and I usually put in about 3/4 C of bread crumbs...I just buy the ones that come in a box from the store because its easy, but I have made my own bread crumbs in the food processor or the easiest thing to do is put some crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them up with a rolling pin. I actually used Ritz crackers a time or two and they were good (remind you of a commercial starring our favorite actor)? After my meatloaf cooks for awhile I mix up some ketchup, a little mustard and some brown sugar and make a glaze for the top that you can add on at the last 15 minutes of cook time. You can also make meatloaf in the crockpot. Spray the cooker with non-stick spray and put your meatloaf in. Cook it on low for several hours while your at work. I've made it that way and its good.

Ro, you should see my hair. I have not been to get my roots done in months and I look like a barfly. Been busy and putting it off but it has to be done soon!

I don't know if we will make it to preachin or not. Sean new med is not working well so far and he was having some anxiety last night. He has a drs appointment so so we'll see. Erin started having vertigo yesterday for some crazy reason and she is still having some of it today. She said she was in her room wrestling with her big stuff bear...kind of throwing it up in the air and then slamming it on the floor (that's just the kind of girl she is...pity the man she marries;) and when she picked her head up, she was so dizzy she fell sideways, then the room started spinning when she lay down. I gave her some meclazine and it helped but it is back today...not as bad but stills some dizziness. Crazy.

Boo
March 03, 2013 - Msg 92663: Church first, then PIR, yup that's the plan...(:
March 03, 2013 - Msg 92664: Hey.
Thank Rom for that, it just cabin fever and not having someone arould here.

Mr. TOM

March 03, 2013 - Msg 92665: Asa, I thought of a really good, easy recipe that I may have shared with you but not sure. All you do is brown up some stew meat alittle, throw it in the crockpot with a can of cream of mushroom soup, a package of Lipton onion soup, and 2 cups of red wine (or beef broth, or even water). Put it on low and cook it for several hours while you are at work. When you get home all you have to do is cook some noodles or rice to serve it over. I think you would love it...real "comfort food" and goes great with a simple salad.

Boo
March 03, 2013 - Msg 92666: Thanks for the tips Boo. I'll pick up the things I need on my next grocery store trip and give it a try.

Asa
March 03, 2013 - Msg 92667: Good luck...there is really no way you can go wrong with it. :)

Boo
March 03, 2013 - Msg 92668: Good evening, porch. Boo, I like the sound of that recipe. I think you could add some sour cream and turn it into a version of beef Stroganoff, which I really like. Of course, I'd like a mud pie if you put enough sour cream in it. Good stuff!

Did I tell you all about what my grandson did in the play he and his mother are acting in right now? I don't think I did, so I will. Anyway, my daughter Heather and her middle son, Travis, are members of the Fredericksburg Little Theater company. Right now, they're presenting "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." If you're not familiar with it, it's a musical comedy that has been on Broadway and was done as a movie as well. It's hilarious, and I can hardly wait to see what FLT has done with it. Anyway, my daughter and grandson both sing very well. Heather has been saying that she thought Travis has perfect pitch, which of course is pretty unusual. REV will confirm that, I think. Well, apparently he does have it, and he got a chance to prove it in one of their first performances. Being a small-town theater company, they don't have a live orchestra, so they use recorded music. They've had trouble with their sound system, and in that performance, when it came to one of Travis's solos, the music didn't come up. The kid didn't miss a beat. When his cue came and the music didn't, he just started singing. There he was onstage, doing his solo a cappella. Heather was backstage, praying that the sound person would just let him finish and quit trying to bring the music up, because if he wasn't on pitch, it would be a mess. Well, up came the music, timed to a natural place for the music to enter, and guess what? Yep, Travis was on pitch, perfectly. It was seamless, and the audience thought it was supposed to be that way. Very effective, as a matter of fact. So, I guess the kid has perfect pitch, because he had nothing to start him off except the music he heard in his head. Oh, did I tell you all that he has been given a $15K scholarship by the Thespian Society? He graduates in May, and will be going on to college, so that's going to help. A lot! OK, enough bragging by this proud grandma. Please forgive. You know what they say - Grandchildren are the reward God gives you for getting your own kids raised without killing them!

Blessings, everyone. --Romeena

March 04, 2013 - Msg 92669: Very cool about Travis, Ro! Thanks for sharing that with us. :) I know for a fact that his mama sings very well and it sounds like he inherited her talent. Too bad his grandma sounds like...what was it again??... hehe I'll have to go back and look for that post. ;)

Oh, I tried sour cream once in the recipe above and it was really good. It has to be added right before serving, though.

Well, Erin is still dealing with some vertigo so I guess i will be taking her to the doc tomorrow. Not what I wanted to do but I am afraid not to. I have a friend who's daughter had the same thing and ended up having some nerve damage in the ear. With Bruce's family history of nerve deafness I want to be very careful with Erin's ears. She is due a hearing test anyway, so she needs to go.

Better hit the ironing board...tomorrow is Monday...

Boo
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92670: Good Monday morning y'all.

That's a nice story Ro, and not a thing wrong about boasting on your Grand kiddies. Guilty of it my own self. They say the reason Grand parents and Grand kids get along so well is because they share a common enemy. lol

Boo, I sure hope Erin can get feeling better. I just went through a bout of that stuff. No fun atall. Thankfully mine seems to have subsided.

Well cooks, yesterday was quite a successeful one for this wanna be cook. I started it off with making the biscets that Goober Fife sent me. They came out great, but pretty hard to mess them up. Just add some water and bake. Then I had a recipe for stew my Daughter gave me. I had all the ingrediants I needed on hand, so I figured why not. So after I got home from preachin, I commenced chopping and cooking. Hot diggity dog, it came out delicious. In fact I improvised a tad. When I added the stew meat to it, it just didn't look like enough meat to me. I like my stews "hearty", so I browned up some hamburger and added that to it. I also added some A-1 steak sauce to it to give it a little kick. I'm learning to add a little, let it cook for a bit, then taste it, and add a little more if needed. I'm getting quite refined in the kitchen, thanks to all your coaching and help. I'm ept, I',m ept! lol

That video you sent me Ro, sums up pretty much everything I detest about winter. Felt bad for the folks slipping and falling by accident, but not for the doofuses who were doing dumb things. Like the one trying to do a cannonball into his frozen swimming pool. That had to hurt.

Well I'm off to slay the dragon.
Prayers for all to have a good day and a great week.

Asa
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92671: Boo, I have a good one for you! check out this link..Is this Thelma Lou in the video?? I did not know you had a star at the "Funny Farm"...What's next? Do you have one for Bernie?....

G-F...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yietmUdqJos&feature=player_detailpage
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92672: Thanks, G-F, but do you know the difference between a goat and a donkey, dear? ;)

Congratulations, ASA! Glad you are getting the hang of it and sounds like you are even enjoying it. :)

Boo
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92673: MDC, The study of the s** lives of muskrats? I thought The Captain & Tennele covered that on in their song "Muskrat Love". So I agree, we don't have to spend more $ on that one...

Atta boy Asa, I knew you had it in ya! Any thing that starts with Mayberry has to be good!

G-F....
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92674: Sorry Boo, I don't know what I was thinking...I did not have my coffee yet..Plus it IS Monday.
I should have said Elvis? Right? Since you don't have Goober & Gomer anymore I just forgot...I was thinking about the Jack A**es in Washington and got confused....

G-F....
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92675: Good morning, porch! My, everyone is in high spirits this morning. I love to come here first thing, and get my morning "fix" of silliness and fun.

Asa, let me add my congratulations! You sound like an experienced cook. You're doing exactly what we've been saying - just go for it! If something sounds like it would be good, it probably will be. Adding the ground beef to your stew to give it some heft was a very good idea. You created another layer of texture - the ground meat vs the solid chunks - probably a bit more beefy flavor, and just generally made the whole thing more hearty and satisfying. In fact, I may just try that myself. Oh, and Boo is right about adding the sour cream to that recipe she gave you. You gotta do it at the last minute, after you've taken it off the heat. Otherwise, the cream may curdle. Good for you, buddy! I think you've arrived!

Boo, thanks for the compliment to my daughter. She does sing well, and I'm glad she's gotten back into the theater, so she can showcase her blessing. I had no idea Travis could sing - no one did, until he started literally singing in the shower about three years ago. Surprised the whole family, and surprised himself, I think.

Wasn't that winter video hilarious? I just couldn't resist sending it around. I think my favorite may have been the poor old bull. A thing like that would cool a feller's ardor pretty fast, I think. I wonder if he went and looked in the mailbox when he got up? Did I ever tell you all the story of my grandma and the mailbox? If I did, you'll know how it relates here. If not, you'll just think I'm weird, which will come as no surprise to anyone.

Well, gotta go to rehab. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92676: You're welcome, Ro.

G-F, I no longer have Elvis, either...got rid of all the goats and life here on the farm got MUCH easier for everyone, especially Thelma Lou. We only have Thelma, Bernie and three lady hens, two outside dogs, and a fat and lazy cat who lives indoors.

Well, I just got off the phone with St. Susan and she told me that mom's home health was cancelled again and the nurse from the agency said she wouldn't be getting it back this time. She said the medicare cuts have made that final. So, for now, we divide bathtime duties and such. It is aggravating that when people choose to keep their loved ones at home and save uncle sam alot of money, they cut off what little help that is available. The would rather spend thousands and thousands of medicare dollars on nursing homes. Mom-in-law is getting worse and I am afraid a nursing home is going to be in her future. She is still estranged from one daughter and the other daughter is the "problem" sis-in-law who can't even take care of herself, certainly not her mother. SIL is still being hateful, too, but she is wise enough to keep it to herself these days and not spew it on us. She gave my brother-in-law an earful, though. Life has been so peaceful without her toxic influence.

Got to get to the store and then take Erin to the doc for her vertigo. Talk to you all later. :)

Boo
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92677: Oh, my. So now it begins. Boo, I'm so sorry to hear about the cuts to the care your mom was receiving. This is only the first of a lot of hurtful, wrong-headed things we're going to have to endure. I'll guarantee you that if Michelle's mom was going to be affected, this would not be happening. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

As for the pre-existing stupidity in Medicare, it's been around for a while. Twenty years ago, when I was still working on the med/surg floors, it was a constant frustration, learning how to navigate the system. For example: An "eggcrate" mattress - those bumpy foam pads intended to help prevent pressure sores - were not paid for by Medicare. True, they didn't help a lot, but they did help some. Still, Medicare would not spring for the $15 they cost. So, the patient would get a big old ulcer, and would be in the hospital for weeks on a specialized, air-fluidized mattress, at a cost of about $200 a day, until we could get the ulcer healed. Idiotic. Naturally, we found ways around it. Ask the family to bring an eggcrate in, provided there was a family. I know one doctor who would buy them himself for his patients. Unfortunately, the pads that are available on the open market are thinner and less effective than the ones the hospital gets through their supply channels, but they were better than nothing.

When my dad had knee surgery years ago, part of Medicare's prescribed care plan for recovery involved a very expensive, heavy, custom-fitted brace which he was to wear for an hour, four times a day, to force his leg into full, straight extension. He couldn't even put the silly thing on by himself, and my mother's little hands weren't strong enough to fasten the buckles on it. He told the therapist not to order it, because he wouldn't use it. The answer? "That's up to you, but for us to be paid by Medicare, we have to do everything the care plan calls for, so we'll be giving you the brace." Daddy took the thing home, put it in the closet, and made his own device. He knotted the ends of a long dish towel in such a way that pockets were formed, put a five-pound bag of flour or sugar in each pocket. Then he put his foot up on an ottoman, and hung his contraption over his knee. The weight pulled his knee down flat and straight, and he could put the thing on and take it off with ease. When we eventually moved him from his home, years later, I found the brace in the back of his closet. It had never been used. I offered it to the rehab unit, but they refused it. Go figure. Such is big government.

Well, off I go. Eloise and I are going to Fredericksburg next weekend, and this house is so dirty. I'd surely like to get it cleaned up before I leave, but I don't know if I've got the "stuff" to get up and get it done. I'd rather sit here at this window and enjoy what I can see out there. The pond is crystal clear, fountains flowing, the grass is greening up, more and more flowers are blooming, and would you believe it's 86° out there? Still no leaves on the mesquites though, so I'm holding off on putting in bedding plants. We could still get a freeze. I'm going to go very heavy on the snapdragons this year, I think. There are already some blooming out there, leftovers from previous years. Lots of bang for your buck when that happens! Blessings, friends! --Romeena
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92678: G-F, you're the cats! Thanks, buddy! --Romeena
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92679: Two perfect examples of waste spending when it comes to medicare, Ro. Crazy.

Boo
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92680: Took Erin to the doc today and her ears were fine and no infection. It could have just been caused by motion or dehydration but she made us an appointment with an ENT doctor incase it is still bothering her later. It will probably just go away on its own.

Well, its been a long day and kind of hot here in south texas, actually. I am hoping it gets cold at least once more. I am tired tonight and looking forward to getting to bed.

Be back with my coffee in the morning. :)

Boo
March 04, 2013 - Msg 92681:
HI All, busy day today with dad, but he continues to get more adapted to the new place.
The caregivers there are absolute angels in scrubs!
I had a "day off" yesterday and went to PIR!
Edwards wins!
God's blessings to all!
MDC
March 05, 2013 - Msg 92682: Morning all.

Hey MDC, glad your Dad is adapting to his new place, and that he has good caring folks on staff to help him when you're not there. That has to be a blessing for you all.

Ro and Boo, your examples of Govt. waste are so true, and just a small sampling of what goes on throughout Govt. I worked for the D.O.D. a number of years ago and was shocked at the waste I saw. I'm sure Bruce sees it all the time in his world Boo. Oh the stories I could tell.

Ro, that poor old bull in the video. How humiliating. Reminds me the story that Mr. Herriot told in All Creatures Great and Small of his first time effort to collect a sample in an A.V. and all he went through. His description of the looks the bull was giving him in his fruitless efforts leave me in tears from laughing so hard. If you have read it, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, you really need to read the books. "Mr. Erriot" could sure write.

O.K. G-F. I have the State Boiler Inspector coming today for a follow up. A new boiler I installed last year, I ran a line from the pressure relief valve over to a floor drain. It has a total of three elbows on it to do that. Well last month on his yearly inspection he informed me that was not allowed. It could only have one elbow max. Stupid rule if you ask me. When I pressed him on why, he couldn't really say why. Just that it was code and I'd have to change it. I reminded him this was on a second floor and if it should "pop off" and not be diverted to a floor drain, it would most likely flood the room below it before anyone knew it had discharged. Anyway, to make it right in his eyes, and to keep it diverted to the drain, I cut the discharge pipe right after the 1st elbow, and then left a small gap and plumbed it back to the floor drain in 2" copper so as to handle the flow if the 3/4" relief valve should go off. I'm not certain even the 2" will handle the flow right, but it's the best I could do to satisfy the State and keep the system done right in my application.

Speaking of such, I better head over to that property and be ready for him.

Prayers for all.

Asa
March 05, 2013 - Msg 92683: Good luck with that inspection, Asa (sounds like a pain). I read the Herriot book of which you mentioned, but it has been several years and I don't remember that particular scene. I do remember that the poor doc had some very difficult jobs to do! Loved the book.

Have bible study group this morning and I have been a bad girl and didn't so my homework. I guess I will double up this week...somehow. After bible study I will go visit mom. My sister and I decided on Tuesdays as the day i will go over and help mom with some things like her bath. Losing the home health is not so bad except we depended on them to draw mom's blood each month because she takes Coumadin, and it is really hard on mom to have to get her in the car and to the office for that every month. Mom is so terrified of falling that it is an ordeal that she worries about for days ahead of time.

Better get going.

Boo
March 05, 2013 - Msg 92684: Good morning porch, just stopping by for a visit.

work has been busy which is good for my paycheck but makes for a tired ole Maude! seems like I go to bed earlier and earlier at night.

weather is cold and raining on my end of the porch. Sunday was sooo cold, my bones were actually cold. supposed to get snow tonight and tomorrow. I guess March is coming in like a lion so hopefully it will go out like a lamb. The cold dark days we have been having are hard on folks.

lunch menu will be: homemade vegetable beef soup,
grilled ham and cheese sandwhiches, pickles, chips, brownies and tea to drink.

better get busy.
Prayers and blessings.
Big Maude


March 05, 2013 - Msg 92685: storms headed this way.....busy at work......back in just a bit....SPOT

March 05, 2013 - Msg 92686: Asa, You DO live in my world too...Nice to know it's not just me or our State's inspectors. I think they are all trained in Washington D.C. is what I'm thinking..Also have REV sing him some songs it seemed to work for me...How about it REV, can ya help Asa out? Meee Theeeey!!

Romeena...It goes good with peach ice cream too :)

G-F.....

p.s. Auh2o Snow warning for end of the week for you? We are getting it tonight & tomorrow..Hopefully the last big one?
March 05, 2013 - Msg 92687: Hey All.
G F hope all the snow stay right there in your gity!
Im sick of all this cold .
All good old 14A just in time for to help us .

Mr.TOM

March 05, 2013 - Msg 92688: Evenin' Porch,

How's everybody today? Snowed in? We had some thunderstorms, but so far we've only had a dusting of snow this winter.

Thank y'all for prayers over my husband's job. So far everything is fine, but we don't know for how long. He's in his late 40's and starting a new career feels daunting to him. I'm excited about going back to work in a year or 2, but he's much older than me.

G-F, I'll take some peach ice cream if you're handing it out! ;)
Mr. Tom, 14A will be here soon! I'm sorry you're lonesome.
Boo, I'm glad Erin's going to be okay. I'm legally deaf in my left ear from nerve damage and it can be a nuisance, but tolerable.
Big Maude is ballin' ;)
Asa, I'm so proud of you and your cooking skills! I'm going to give you the easiest recipe:
1 lb ground beef
2 10oz (the small can) vegetarian baked beans
1/2 lb bacon
1/2 c ketchup
3 tablespoons maple syrup

Preheat the oven to 400. Cook the bacon then take out of pan. Cook the beef . You can add an onion if you have one to cook with the beef. Drain. Combine all ingredients and pour into a 13x9. Bake for 30 minutes or until it's firm. I add a salad from a bag and Jiffy cornbread. My MIL from Ohio gave me this recipe and it's a winner here.

REV, out of curiosity, what are your feelings about your daughter marrying? My oldest is almost 19 so you never know when his time will come.
MDC, I kind of thought Smoke would win PIR again this year.

Well, y'all, I had an allergic reaction a few minutes ago and the Benadryl has kicked in causing me to be very drowsy. I'll check in with ya later. Bring the cocoa!

Blessings to you and yours,
Lucy
March 05, 2013 - Msg 92689:
Howdy porch family.....rainy and messy here in SC tonight.

Ro....yes you should be very proud of your family's talents That's great...thanks for sharing.

Lucy....I have mixed feelings about my daughter's wedding because she's my only child and she's my baby girl:) ButI love my future SIL like a son and I know he loves my daughter very much. That certainly makes it so much easier. She dated a couple guys during high school and college that I really believe I prayed them suckers out...lol But this one I believed I prayed in:) And that's all we can do.....raise them the best we can and keep them covered with prayer.....and even with that, yes they will still make some foolish decisions like we all do sometimes but we have to just be there for them. This past few weeks I've been in the recording studio recording a song I wrote for the wedding....I've written 100s of songs and this has been the hardest song I've ever wrote. But it has turned out super good. I'm even putting it on my new cd.

Well you all have a good night and remember that Jesus loves you!
Love and prayers
-REV.
March 05, 2013 - Msg 92690:
MAUDie--at least you will get daylight savings time back this weekend!! Thanks for lunch.
TOM- I heard that there is quite a storm brewing in your end of the porch.
LUCY -That recipe sounds good. I may even try it! ha
Prayers for all,
MDC
March 05, 2013 - Msg 92691: Good to see you, Lucy. Hope things work out for your family and husband's job. That recipe you shared with Asa sounds good.

Glad you love your son-in-law, REV. God does answer prayer. :)

Well, long day. Hey, I actually made fried chicken. I have only made fried chicken about three times in my entire life. I just hate doing it but it turned out well and the family enjoyed it. I also made baked beans and potato salad and strawberry shortcake for dessert. I wish you all could have joined us.

Well, time for bed!

Boo
March 05, 2013 - Msg 92692: And before you ask, G-F, I did NOT fry up Bernie! ;)

Boo
March 06, 2013 - Msg 92693: Boo, did you at least let Bernie see you cooking his bro? Kinda like sending him a message? Might learn him some manners.

Thanks for that recipe Lucy. I'll have to give that a try. Sounds good. I sure do hope and pray things will work out for your hubby's job, and for your durn ankle to heal up. That's just no fun at all. But I reckon we all carry our burdens, and probably wouldn't want to trade them for others.

Yep MDC. Daylight savings is back this weekend. If I remember right, you folks in Arizona don't mess around with the clock changing. I like having the extra hour at night that DSL brings. And I hate it in the winter time when the sun is setting at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. But I guess it all works out in the end. 24 hours is still 24 hours, no matter how you slice it.

Rev, it sounds like that song is going to be great. I didn't realise she was your only Daughter. I know how hard that was for me to let go of mine when they wed. And the one, I didn't fancy him at all at first. Our first meetings didn't go great. But he has turned out to be a wonderful husband for her, a great Dad to my Grand kids, and a fine son for me. I would have never thought that would be the case. So hang in there my friend. I'm sure your prayers are being answered.

Well G-F, the inspector cancelled yesterday and is coming today instead. I should have saved him one of your biscuits maybe. That would have won him over I bet. Maybe put a slice of Aunt Bee;s pickles on it. Yea buddy!

Hope all you folks in the Northeast don't get hammered to bad. At least we know spring is on the doorstep.

Asa
March 06, 2013 - Msg 92694: Ok Boo...I know Bernie is your pride & joy..But ya got to fry chicken from time to time just to keep him in line..ha

Asa, I thought about that too, but at my place that would be considered trying to sway him to take a bribe...Good luck Buddy!

Well we dodged the bullet for the snow we were on the very outer edge of it and only got 2" of it. TOM, how did you guys make out? It seemed to track more to the south of us.

G-F....
March 06, 2013 - Msg 92695: NO, Asa, Bernie didn't watch but maybe he shoulda...of course, as far as roosters go, he already has some mannerizin'.

I know what you mean about DLS, Asa. Since I've been living on this little farm and there are chores to do, I hate it when it gets dark early. I hate the heat in the summer but I like those days when it doesn't get dark till nearly 9pm.

G-f, it is one beautiful day here in south texas...the sun is shining, the humidity is low and the temp is about 50. It will be in the low 70's by afternoon.

Boo
March 06, 2013 - Msg 92696: Boo I'm going to send all this snow to you !
I'm sick of looking at it.
G F I get a 2 inch of snow here?

Mr.TOM



March 06, 2013 - Msg 92697: Finally home, didn't leave work til almost 6 pm. Made for a long day. Came home, ate a little dinner, mopped the kitchen floor ( I think somebody comes in while I am at work and tracks mud and dirt all over it ). I have 2 loads of clothes to wash and then will hit the ole ironing board and be ready to go again tomorrow.

Snow has stopped but still pretty cold and damp. Supposed to warm up tomorrow and be in the 50's by the week end.
Once again, Bipolar weather!

Bedtime snack : cranberry oatmeal cookies, chocolate milk or just plain milk ( plain Claude likes it better)

Prayers and blessings
Big Maude
March 06, 2013 - Msg 92698:
Howdy porch family.....Hope everyone is staying warm!

G-F....thanks so much buddy:) I know they will be good! When my wife saw it she said "That must be something from that 'Mayberry Porch' thing"...lol

Mr Tom....maybe that snow will pass on through quick for you.

Asa...yep she's our only child....but like I said we love our future SIL and she has said over and over..."Dad you're not losing a daughter, you're gaining a son you never had". Makes me feel good:) And I'm so glad things have worked out with your SIL....God is good:)

Maude....those cookies sure sound good. Are they homemade?

Well I'm hitting the bed early tonight....You all have a very blessed day tomorrow!
Love and prayers
-REV.