June 29, 2013 - Msg 93999:
"Put that in your smipe and poke it." Who spiked the
water crock? ha
RO and all, to answer a few questions, homes are very well insulated here, especially in more recent years where they even fill block walls with insulation, then insulation on the inside between furring strips. Then finally the wallboard.
We have a huge nuclear plant north of Phx that really cranks out the power. We usually set our stat at about 78, 74 for sleeping, and yes, the ac DOES switch off sometimes! haha
G-F-- those were some pretty good ones. Much of the west and midwest had quite a "Fry-day" today.
In fact, instead of throwing the punch-soaked napkins at the ceiling, I heard that Ernest T actually DRANK the punch! lol
Prayers for Sean's job.
Tally ho,
MDC
June 29, 2013 - Msg 94000:
As if I'm not hot enough, I even swept the porch.
Maybe I'm delerious... (:
June 29, 2013 - Msg 94001: Good morning, porch. Hey, MDC. That 78° setting is just about where I keep my thermostat pretty much all the time. I have ceiling fans in every room but the dining room, and keep them on in my bedroom, here above my desk, and in the living room. There's even one in the kitchen, and I use it sometimes when I'm using the oven. Those things run for pennies, and they make a big difference. When my polar bear son comes over, he runs the thermostat down to about 72° and we all freeze, so I keep throws and little blankets handy. His house is like a meat locker, but he's like his father, he likes it cold!

Well, Eloise and I are going to that ball game. It's just 84° right now, so it shouldn't be too bad, and the bleachers are well shaded. Haven't seen the kids play in a couple of weeks, and it's always fun at the ball park. So, off we go. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
June 29, 2013 - Msg 94002: Since my hysterectomy, the thermostat is at 71 or 72...ALL THE TIME. :) and with the dehumidifier it feels like its in the 60's. I love it. I have not been suffering as much as in summers past. I have been keeping the car in the garage, which helps alot when I have to go out.

Thanks for those prayers for Sean, MDC. Today is going to be his official first day working and it is going to be 104! He is going to get hot rounding up those carts in the asphalt parking lot. I also pray he doesn't get discouraged by customers. Some of them get pretty nasty if you don't bag their groceries just right and he is just learning. He will have to get some thick skin. His boss told me that the store he is working in is extremely busy in the summer because it is the last grocery stop between there and the beach. Folk get in a hurry to get what they need and get to the ferry line. They told Sean, "Be extra careful in the parking lot because they will run you over trying to get to the beach!". Alot of them will be drunk, too...just the way it is, unfortunately.

Well, I made some Aunt Bee pickles yesterday. Bruce harvested the cucumbers and I tried making dill pickles for the first time. I over-processed them and they got cooked. Oh well, live and learn. I need some lessons from Clara Edwards.

Now I have to finish cleaning up the mess I left yesterday. :(

Boo
June 29, 2013 - Msg 94003: His boss told HIM, not me...I never met her.

Boo
June 29, 2013 - Msg 94004: Maybe you just went crazy with the allspice?
Bruce will just have to learn to love 'em...
What next Marmalade?...haha..
I'm growing some cuke's, thought about trying it too this year...G-F...
June 29, 2013 - Msg 94005: Hey gang...hey Boo,Romenna have fun at the park...I used to love the nights at the park...hey MDC,Rev,Mavis,Lucy...and reading back...I have to have it very cool to sleep....ok...at ek...let me get settled in...SPOT
June 29, 2013 - Msg 94006: Good evening, porch! It's 100° here, at almost 7 p.m. Eloise and I went to Hudson's ball game, it started at 9:45, and was really pretty pleasant. We were in good shade, there was a breeze, and the temp was about 90°. Really not too bad. We were sitting on the top row of a three-tier bleacher, had our little stadium seats to make us all comfy, and suddenly someone behind me draped a cold, damp cloth around my neck! It was David! He had one of those cold cloths they're advertising on TV. My friends, those things work! I don't know how, but they do. You just wet it and squeeze the excess water out. When you touch it, it feels damp, but it doesn't wet your clothing. And it stays cold! Refrigerator-type cold. If it begins to get warm, you just shake it out like a dish towel, and it gets cold again. Technology! Amazing!

So, Eloise and I were talking about stopping at a sporting goods store on the way home, to get a couple of them. We never did, but did go by Lowe's so I could order the little fridge I need for the garage. Well, what do you suppose was the very first display we saw, just inside the door? Yep, the cold cloths. Naturally, we each bought one. Next time Joe and George are coming to work around here, if I feel like I can afford it at the time, I may get them each one. Maybe one for Eddie, too. Those things are really neat! They sure do feel good.

Well, a little hummer just came in, but didn't linger at the feeders. The sugar water is old and probably sour. Guess I'd better go replace it for the little flying jewel. He'll hang around a while - the sprinklers just came on, and hummers like to fly through the spray.

I love this time of the evening. The sun is very low, the light is about to get that golden, sundown glow, and the heat is gradually relinquishing its hold on the day. The sprinklers come on, and thirsty, droopy flowers perk up a little. The birds and squirrels are very busy, finding the last few nibbles before going to bed. The pond is now in full shade, and the fish come to the top, enjoying the cooling water at the surface. Goldie has gotten so big, and is just beautiful. I'm a little annoyed that I have to have that tacky net over the pond, but it's that or serve lunch to an egret. I'd be a whole lot more than annoyed if he got one of my pretty little fish.

Well, away I go, to mix up sugar water. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
June 29, 2013 - Msg 94007: WHERE DO I GET ONE, RO???!!! Good for David for taking such good care of his mama. I like that guy.

Bruce just brought in another load of cucumbers, so I guess I will try it again. Practice will help. :) I just they aren't kerosene cucumbers when I finish.

Sean had his first day and still has a smile on his face. He is a little sore in his back from the lifting. Seems lots of folks buy big boxes of beer and such to take to the beach and it is tough to lift. He said he had cart duty 3 times (30 minutes a piece) and it was really hot, but he did ok. I am proud of him for having a good attitude on what was probably the toughest day he will have. He tells me that his boss and everyone he works with is very nice and helpful and have been good about showing him the ropes and helping him out.

Well, I think I have decided to get my RN license renewed as soon as I can get accepted into a refresher program. There isn't one in my area, unfortunately. I can do the online course but the clinical hours have to be done out of town. The closest place is San Antonio and I don't know anyone there I can stay with for a couple of weeks. I can go to Houston for it and I have an Aunt and Uncle there that I could stay with but I am hesitant to do that because my Aunt has recently finished cancer treatment and she is the kind that no matter how hard you try, she won't let you do anything to help her. Not sure what to do but I have some time to think about it because there is a waiting list to get into any of the courses I can find. Time to pray for direction.

Boo
June 29, 2013 - Msg 94008: "hope" they aren't kerosene cumcumbers, that is..

Boo
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94009:
Hello all, still alive and kickin' in Phx. We DID hit 119 today.
RO- thought you might like to know that Sheriff Joe himself went to tent city jail and helped hand out those very cloths to the prisoners, along with popsicles and ice cream. then
he gave a short speech over the intercom reminding them that
their fellow Americans were in 125 heat in Afghanistan in pollester uniforms and keflar helmets, while, they, convicted felons sat around in their underware in swamp-colled tents. Very good point that you just talked about.
Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that ceiling fans are indeed a "hot" item here as well! We have five.
BOO-maybe Sean could wear one of those cloths while on cart duty!
Just remind him not to put a gallon of milk on top of grapes! Yes, one did that to me. ha
Prayers continue for ailing and recovering porchsters.
Hi to LUCY, SPOT, tom and all!
MDC
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94010: Good very late evening, or very early morning, porch. It's almost 1 a.m. and I'm still up. Old habits die hard, I guess. Night shift is programmed pretty deeply in my brain. Oh well.

Oh yes, those cold cloths are the bee's knees, and pretty "cool" technology. You can get them at Lowe's, I know for sure, and I think all of the sporting goods stores are carrying them. They're about $12-14 each, and come in a towel-style, or triangular bandana. And yes, my David is a good guy. He's so like his dad in so many ways.

Boo, I realize you may not want to travel this far, but when you're ready for the clinical part of your renewal/refresher program, I would be very happy for you to come here and stay with me. We have a lot of hospitals located very close to where I live. My own, where I have worked for 35 years, is about eight minutes from the house. Children's, St. Paul and Parkland are all about twenty minutes from me, and easy to get to. I would be very happy to have you here, and we could even get some Babe's fried chicken now and then! REV can tell you about that.

Good for Sheriff Joe, MDC. I know he's a controversial character, but I think he's great. I did a little googling, and discovered that there's a very wide discrepancy in the "facts" that one can find on the internet. No surprise there. Wikipedia was all over the place, again no surprise. That thing is just a collection of people's opinions and beliefs. Nothing is proven there. My own feelings come down to this - if you think he's mean and cruel and mistreats people, then don't do the crime and you won't have to deal with his rules. Pretty easy. And I still say, I'll save my sympathy for the troops, who are dealing with worse conditions than the prisoners have to live with, and they haven't been sentenced for a crime - they volunteered!

Well, I'm off to bed. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94011: Good Sabbath all.

Ro, they can't put anything on the internet that isn't true. (I read that on the internet BTW) HA! Has anyone else seen that State Farm commercial? Makes me laugh. The blonds haired gal they have playing that does so perfectly. And then when her "french model" date (that she met on the internet) and the "see I told you do" look, she gives the guy she is talking too, I jusy bust a gut laughing.

Been hot out here also. Not MDC hot, but we have been over 100 for 3 or 4 days now and are supposed to be there for several more at least. It's not comfortable to be in for sure, but I don't mind it to much. But I work in a shop full of wusses and I sure get tired of their belly aching and whining. I declare, for a bunch of burly mechanics they are the biggest group of cry babies I've ever seen. If the shop gets above 75 in the summer they carry on like you can't believe. And they are even worse in the winter if it gets below 75. I've listened to it for almost 30 years so you would think I'd be used to it. But I aint. The shop is cooled with evaporative coolers and can only do so much. And you try to tell them that's like trying to talk to a 5 year old brat having a temper tantrum. AGHHHH!

Boo, glad Sean's first day went well. Hope he continues to do well. I'm glad he has you and Bruce there to support him as he enters a stage of life that is hard for many. I think many kids struggle as they enter adulthood, as to what direction they should go. What type of career they should pursue. And how do I get the schooling and training they need. There are some I know, who know what they want, and have mapped out a plan of how to achieve it, but I suspect most are not so sure and are kind of groping around trying to figure it out. And if you add on the challanges that Sean struggles with, it really makes it difficult. That's why having good loving and supportive parents like you and Bruce is so important.

G-F, I just love your humour buddy. Your posts always make me laugh. "An Amish woman wearing Daisy Duke shorts". Oh my, I about hurt something on that one buddy.

Well I better get myself moving. Hope the A/C at Church is working. I'd rather have a cool church than a well adoroned choir, or even a leaning building. But a pool table in the basement would be nice. But our church aint got a basement, so I vote for an A/C. :)

Asa

June 30, 2013 - Msg 94012: Asa, I bet MDC coulda seen some of those women in their shorts..@ 119 deg. WOW! Ya know tho, some times those visions are hard to get out of your mind, now when you see a Amish women ya gotta wonder what she's sportin' under those garments. I always figured those Middle Eastern women gotta be going commando, who could stand all that on.
I bet they are wearing one of Romeena's new "cold cloths" too from the Lowe's, I'm sure they got Lowe's over there, how else would they build a garage to park their Camels in.
***Lord I apologize...Sometime it just comes out thru my fingers as I type...

Boo..Good luck with your pickles, when you get it tweek'd just right let me know my cukes aren't ready yet so you have time for trial & error's. Are we talking dill or sweet? I know they have ready made packets of ingredients but just never did any canning except to watch Mom do it for sauerkraut. Good Day All....

G-F....
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94013: Wake up,y'all! Breakfast at Cracker Barrel-we'll charge it to Spot!

*******************
possum under a rock
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94014:
Asa, just take 'em to that woodshed out back! (:
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94015:
G-Fife--you are TOO funny.
Hey to Possum, keep cool under your rock.
RO & BOO--I dont want to start a moulage,
but I still can't believe what your Sen. Davis
did. It looked like near anarchy in your Statehouse. Lord help us!
Good Sabbath to all. We could use a good sermon on sin right about now.
ASA- dont melt up there. Get out some of those
photos of your snow, and dream. ha!
APB FOR AUH20, MAUDE, NN, POOR H, and others.
MDC
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94016: Good afternoon, porch! How I do thank the Lord for this porch and all you nutty people. I always know, when I pop in here, I'm going to end up laughing at something.

Asa, that State Farm commercial cracks me up, too. That ratty-looking "French model" who badly needs a shampoo, and probably some deodorant, comes sauntering up to that girl, and the way he says "Bon joor" (that's as close as I can get to a phonetic spelling of the way he pronounces "bon jour") well, it's just hilarious. And yes, that "I told you so" look she shoots back at the other guy - could she be any more clueless? I don't know who handles the advertising for State Farm, but whoever it is, they're great! That little gecko was a stroke of genius, and they've made him an American icon. Everybody recognizes him. I have the little green guys in my yard, just love 'em, and find myself talking to them sometimes. So far, they haven't answered, and I haven't seen one driving a little red car, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Asa, I'd like to introduce your whiny co-workers to my back yard. Joe and Jorge, and Eddie and his helper du jour get out there and work in that sun, sweat pouring off of them, and I don't know how they do it. When I work back there, I tend to do it in the morning. I just can't handle it later in the day, at least not for more than a half hour or so at a time.

G-F, I know exactly what you mean, when you said, "Sometimes it just comes out thru my fingers as I type..." I experience that all the time, and you're the first person besides myself that I've ever known to describe it like that. Sometimes, I sit down to write something, and nothing comes. Nothing. Then other times, I type a few words, and it's like something else takes control. I'm just the breathing thing that keeps oxygen supplied to the fingers, and I'm watching with interest to see what they're going to type out. That's why some of my posts (like this one) grow so long. I'm not really in control, or something like that. I know, I'm weird.

OK, gotta stop somewhere. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94017: Romeena, I hear you. I often have to spend much of my time out in the sun working, and I come back to the shop and walk in that 75 degree building and boy it feels good. But all I get is sniping, bellyaching, and whining because "it's soooo hot in this shop. Them coolers aren't working right". I have told them "if they aren't working I might as well turn them off then and save some energy". But then they go crying to their boss, who talks to my boss, who talks to me. Thankfully my boss is in my camp, and understands what's going on. It has just got to the point where I hate any weather extremes, not so much for my own comfort, but because the shop has turned into a drama palace. The new manager over the shop (he isn't my manager) coddles these guys like crazy. And that's the last thing they need, is babying. Whew, Listen to me bellyaching would ya? I sound as bad as them. Sorry to vent, but on y'all here, but dag gummit, it ain't even July yet and my jaw muscles are working! LOL

Asa
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94018: Hi All.
Where is Mavis at I want to wish her a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY of 7 years!

TOM

June 30, 2013 - Msg 94019: Good idea, MDC...I will have to find a couple of those cool cloths. We have a Lowes about a mile from here. I'm not aware of Senator Davis did...I will have to look it up.

Thank you, Asa. :) I hope and pray we can be the kind of support Sean needs in the days ahead. Hey, I'll bet its cooler here than it is where you are. We had rain this morning and been cloudy all day with a nice breeze.

Ro, thank you so much for offering to give me a place to stay while I do clinicals. I might take you up on it. I am still doing my homework and trying to decide which online course to take. I did find one that is through Methodist in Dallas and is reasonable. They do clinicals at three different hospitals but not sure which would be closer to you. They are Methodist Charlton, Methodist Dallas, and Methodist Richardson. I don't think I will be able to get into any program until at least October, though. I'll keep you updated. :) It would be great to spend some time with you and Toye Starr (not to mention to eat at Babes!). You are very kind to offer your home to me.

Ro, I know you haven't been able to go back to work at the hospital, but have you been hearing anything from the nurses about how Obamacare is affecting things? An nurse friend who works north of Houston recently had her hours cut in half and many of her co-workers are unhappy and quitting...blaming it on the whole Obamacare thing. Not sure what is going on.

"Hey" to Possum...come around more often, ya hear?!

Happy Anniversary to Mavis. Thanks for the reminder, TOM.

Boo
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94020: PS-G-F, i am about to start another batch of pickles. i will let you know if they turn out well.

Boo
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94021: Asa...I have the answer to your problems with co-workers in the work place. I just found this out...They are called "Millenial's" this training video may help you understand..
We "Old Schoolers just don't understand, why you ask? It's because we were brought up on a work ethic and know the value and rewards of hard work.
We learned it from our "Greatest Generation" parents. Where did WE go wrong in raising these Millenial kids? They learned word "entitlement" before they learned to write (but not in cursive) because that was to difficult...Oh my, the Devil is coming from my finger tips so I better stop there! Help me REV...Cast those demons from my fingers....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz0o9clVQu8

G-F......
June 30, 2013 - Msg 94022: Hi, porch. Yes, Boo, I've been hearing some of the same kind of comments. I'm not in close touch with my former co-workers - it's usually not advisable to be in too much contact, especially when on medical leave. However, I have talked to one friend from my unit, and another who works elsewhere in the house, and it sounds pretty much like what you said. Short staffing, discouraged staff, lots of people quitting. Some are just changing employers, others are leaving nursing completely. I think a lot will depend on local upper management. Some hospitals will have a savvy manager, who will find creative ways to preserve their staffing. Others have managers who seem to always be on the defensive, with the attitude that "If you don't like it, you can leave." Well, that's what's happening. They're leaving. The unit I worked on is pretty much in shambles right now, with the remaining staff busting their tails to keep the patients from feeling the results of the strain. Not easy to do. I have until December on this long-term disability, so I'm just waiting and watching. Not sure what will happen when that runs out. My plan has been to return, but now I'm wondering if there will be a job to return to. I guess I'll find out. I do have a Plan B, however. One thing I do know, it's going to get worse before it gets better, thanks to Obamacare. I think all we can hope for is for Americans to get their collective belly full, and demand in no uncertain terms that the ridiculous, misbegotten thing be trashed.

Hey, Possum! Good to see you - we miss you.

I just made a little freezer of strawberry ice cream. I had some berries that were going to go bad soon, (big sale, bought too many) and I had some cream on hand. My little freezer makes a quart and a half, and doesn't require ice or salt. You just keep the canister frozen, and when you put the mixture inside and turn it on, it goes round and round, and a little scraper inside keeps the freezing mixture scraped off the inner wall, and pretty soon, you have ice cream! It's good, too! The thing is made by Quisinart.

Well, I need to go cuddle my spoiled baby. I've been up and down all day, and haven't just settled down and petted her, and she's not happy. She is so rotten. And I don't care.

Blessings, all! --Romeena
July 01, 2013 - Msg 94023: Good evening (or morning) porch ..well rave fans it was a good one today in Kentucky...and it was not a Jimmy Johnson day !..congrats Matt..well im off wk tomorrow and Lots of yard work to do..shurbs to trim also...hey Rev you on the road?..gosh I got to read back...hey Romeena you on nights..hey possum,G-F,MDC,Possum Tom and all...Boo lets treat breakfast at waffle house..and I will bring a paper...well I got to get the morning reports done...prayers and God Bless all....SPOT
July 01, 2013 - Msg 94024:
G-F and ASA -- I have an even better idea...buy a package of Pampers, and then go into the shop and set it on their main workbench! What? Did I really just say that? ha.
Ro, boo--I'm still hoping that people will wake up in 2014 and the R's willget the senate back, but also enough to override a veto. Miracles happen!
Some of you may have heard about the tragedy of 19 firefighters losing their lives here fighting a wildfire. The winds suddenly shifted and even their emergency fireblankets did
not save them. Please keepp their families in your prayers. Thanks,
MDC

July 01, 2013 - Msg 94025: Prayers for all those families who lost loved ones in the wild fires in Arizona..such a loss!

G-F....
July 01, 2013 - Msg 94026: Good morning, porch. That Arizona wildfire is just a terrible thing. I first heard about it on the news last night, and was just sickened by the whole thing. It's so sad. I feel so bad for their families, and can't bear to even think about the last moments in the lives of those men. What a terrible way to die! You know, I don't know the geography involved, don't know if the fire is located on a known traffic-way for illegals, but if it is, and it turns out that the campfire of some "undocumented workers" was responsible, I hope the newscasts just keep that information to themselves. I have already read that it is thought to have been caused by humans - not proven yet, but that's the initial assessment. If that turns out to be true, and it turns out that illegals caused it, well, I'd just rather not know that, and it's probably best if no one does. That knowledge could ignite another firestorm, of an entirely different nature. There are a lot of widows today, and children left without fathers, because of that fire, whatever caused it. There's a lot of hurt and grief, that could quickly turn to rage. God help those suffering families!

Well, I'd better get busy. Lots to do today. Have a great day, folks! --Romeena


July 01, 2013 - Msg 94027: We can hope, MDC, but it will take a miracle to get a republican in office. Nothing is too hard for God.

Ro, that is pretty depressing and makes me wonder if, after i get my license current, i will be able to get a job! Also, I was planning to eventually go back to school to be a hospital chaplain but I'll bet chaplains will be history soon. There won't be funds to pay them. I was reading some on how Obamacare is causing doctors to quit...MANY of them! Scary times. For the first time in my life I wish I lived somewhere else...maybe Denmark. :( My last job was in home health as a weekend supervisor but with all the patients they are cutting (including my 86 yr old invalid mother), I don't think they will be hiring nurses.

Very sorry to hear about the fire fighters. So sad!

G-F, I made a small batch of sweet pickles yesterday and I think they will be pretty good. I want to give it a few days before I try them, though. I'll let you know.

Waffle House, it is, SPOT.

Boo
July 01, 2013 - Msg 94028: Hello Porch Family!

Such sad news for those Firefighters and their families...RO you make a very valid point that I had not thought of...even more reason to pray for these fallen heroes and their families.

That is good news about Sean Boo but there again would expect no less from such a fine young man that has a great support structure in his family from you and Bruce.

MDC we can only pray, vote and stand up for what we know is right; the comforting thought is that we know that God is in control!

What is everyone's plan for Independence Day? I know that we all here on the porch will be praying for God's Blessings and Strong Hand of protection on this Country...that would be the best present the good ole' USA could receive this year!

I think I have told you that we have family coming in on the Fourth and we are having some baseball family friends over as well so it is going to be a big blow out at our house. I am going to try my hand at smoking a whole beef brisket this year. I have smoked a lot of meat and made a lot of barbecue before but never a brisket.

It takes a lot of work as we will trim the excess fat and put it into a brine/marinade tomorrow night and then on Wednesday night we add our rub to it and wrap it in plastic wrap and back in the fridge until Thursday morning. I will be up at about 3:00 AM to start smoking it as it will take up to 12 to 14 hours of low temp cooking and smoking to keep the meat tender and tasty. I really enjoy the long day as the boys and I will set up our pop up tent for shade with lawn chairs and hammock; we will have all their favorite snacks (including bolonga to fry on the grill with cooked onions...it is the best with that smoke flavor and add a tomatoe to the sandwish and it is mmmmm...good). We will have a marathon monolopy game together and it makes for some very special Father and Son(s) time together that I cherish.

Well enough about me I want to know what you are doing...I love to hear about what all you and your families are doing...always more exciting than mine!

Prayers and Blessings for everyone here, those in the fires, our nation and it's leaders!

SMH

ANDY:...where there's somewhere like 400 needy boys in this county alone, or 1 1/2 boys per square mile.
OPIE: There is?
ANDY: Sho' is.
OPIE: I never seen one, Pa.
ANDY: Never seen one, what?
OPIE: A half a boy.
ANDY: Well, its not really a half a boy, its a ratio.
OPIE: Horatio who?
ANDY: Not Horatio. A ratio. Its mathematics - arithmetic. Look now Opie, forget that part of it. Forget the part about the half a boy.
OPIE: Its pretty hard to forget a thing like that Pa.
ANDY: Well, try.
OPIE: Poor Horatio.
ANDY: Now look Opie, Horatio is not the only needy boy... Son, uh, didn't you ever give anybody anything just for the pleasure of it. Something you didn't want anything in return for?
OPIE: Sure, just yesterday I gave my friend Jimmy something.
ANDY: Now thats fine. What'd you give him?
OPIE: A sock in the head.
ANDY: I meant charity.
OPIE: I didn't charge him nothing.
ANDY: I meant something for the joy of giving.
OPIE: I enjoyed it.
July 01, 2013 - Msg 94029: I love that episode! I was watching it too, I guess at the same time you were, SMH. Then I watched the Christmas story, my all-time favorite. Poor old Ben! I feel so sorry for him, every time. Such a lonely old man, with no idea how to loosen up and let people welcome him in. I have several favorite spots in that ep. Andy and Ellie singing together, Ben at the window when Barney says his "ho,ho,ho" - I love the way Ben's eyebrows shoot up. I know we've discussed this before, but I think I figured out the part about the turkey already being down to bones when they hadn't eaten yet. I think they had done what my family does - carved all the meat off the turkey ahead of time. It looks like there are little piles of meat on the platter around the bones. That was kind of a skinny turkey, so the piles wouldn't have been very big. We always do that. David, or David and Dale, Jr., if he's here, always do the honors. Those boys can slice that meat off that bird in nothing flat. We have a platter of white meat, well basted with the juices that are floating on top of the dressing, and another platter of dark meat. It doesn't need basting! Then the dressing is scooped out into a big old bowl, the bones done away with, and the roaster washed. Those boys function like a well-oiled machine with the bird, while the girls and I get the rest of it on the table. Takes about ten minutes! I do not like to sit down to eat with a pile of dirty pans and stuff waiting for me. I clean up as I go, and my kids all do the same thing. After we eat, it's a simple matter to put the dishes in the dishwasher, and that's that.

Boo, if you're really wanting to return to nursing, don't abandon the idea. Jobs will probably be a bit scarce, but not impossible. Also, while secular hospitals may possibly cut their chaplain services, I think the faith-based ones, such as Baylor, and the Methodist chain, will undoubtedly continue to employ chaplains. I certainly hope so. Chaplains are a vital part of the staff.

Well, Joe is working across the street, at my neighbor's house, so guess I'll mosey over and say howdy. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
July 01, 2013 - Msg 94030: Thanks Romeena. Here it is the first of July and you have got me craving a Thanksgiving dinner. DOG-GONE YOU! (In my best imitation Briscoe voice) :)

So sad about them fire fighters MDC. Bless their families.

Gotta scoot.

Asa
July 01, 2013 - Msg 94031: Thanks for those very kind word concerning Sean, SMH. I can't tell you how much the encouragement of my porch family means, and has meant over the years. The many prayers brought us through some very tough times.

I watched the Christmas episode, too!! I didn't know it was on and happened to sit down for my lunch break and watched it. I love, love, love that episode. Trying to think of my favorite parts...I like when Andy teases Barney-Parney-Poo, and when Andy and Ellie sing. Such a great episode and so Christmasy. I really wish they had made more Christmas eps...wonder why they didn't?

Not only am I thinking of Christmas, but Ro has me thinking about Thanksgiving, too.

Well, made more pickles today and Erin came in from the garden today carrying another bucketful of cucumbers. She said, "Here's some more cucumbers, Aunt Bee!". Bruce has been calling me Aunt Bee for days and told her to say it.

Long day and I'm tired. I probably overdid it and my right side is hurting a little. I have just been feeling so good that it is hard to stay still and rest.

Boo
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94032:
CHRISTMAS IN JULY! (:
Ro-- just to let you know, it was announced today that it wasstarted by a lighting strike. More is coming in about the tragedy. Apparently there was a very quick wind change, and as well-trained as those men were, that is
the one thing they could not do a darn thing about. Extremely hard to predict, like wind shear at an airport. Last words from their radios were 'deploying fire shelters.' But as they said on the news, the fire sucked up all the oxygen.
May those brave men rest in peace.
They had some rain in the fire area today, but not enough. Please pray.
Still very hot here in Phx. It is usually not this sustained.
Hope all porchsters are keeping cool!
MDC
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94033: Thank you, MDC. I'm very glad to hear that. Had it been otherwise, I'm afraid this awful tragedy would only have been made worse. Those men and their families are really heavy on my heart. Such a terrible thing.

We're having a little respite from the heat. Would you believe it's only 66° here right now, and probably won't get out of the 80s today. We're supposed to have another day or two of this beautiful weather, then it will get hot again. I hope we get some rain before long, and really pray that the rain will come again to the fire area.

I just saw a welcome sight. A honeybee is visiting the blooms on my American Beautyberry shrub. These days, you don't see too many of the little wonders. People have used and abused pesticides, and something called "hive collapse" has begun to occur. I think the entomologists are not really sure what causes it, but I'm betting it's the use of pesticides, by someone nearby.

I've always been interested in the fact that John the Baptist, living in the wilderness, ate locusts and wild honey. The reference to "wild" honey seems to imply that there might have been beekeepers in those days, supplying "cultivated" honey to people. One thing for sure, wild or cultivated, I'd have required something to help me get those locusts down, and honey would have probably worked very well.

There's another interesting reference to honey in the Bible. When sends Israel to the Promised Land, He tells them that it is "flowing with milk and honey." Hmmm. Sounds kinda messy! Reading between the lines, though, it's actually describing a very fertile place. Milk comes from cows, who need grazing land to feed on, in order to make the milk. Honey is made by bees, who seek out blooming plants and provide the cross-pollination needed for abundant growth. Fruit trees and vegetables all provide the bees with the pollen they need to make honey. So, we can assume that the land offered everything the cattle and the bees needed, in order to make milk and honey. Of course, the people needed those things as well. Beautiful, isn't it?

Well, gotta run. Eloise will be here shortly. We're going out north to her eye doctor, then will pick up some lunch somewhere. --Romeena
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94034: Uh, that is "When God sends Israel" - but you knew what I meant. --Romeena
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94035: Asa...Thanksgiving?..This is always a classic!
G-F..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf3mgmEdfwg
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94036: Neat thought about the milk and honey thing, Ro. I never thought of it that way. Somewhere in the recesses of my fading memory, I think I have heard that ancient Egyptians keep honey bees for honey...probably goes back a long, long way.

Well, the bread and butter pickles turned out ok but I'm not so sure about the dills. They are ok, but I think there is something in the pickling spice that I just don't like the taste of. Maybe I should of gone crazy with the allspice, like Clara.

Boo
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94037: Who knew pickle-making was such an art form? I am starting to think rather highly of Clara for winning so many blue ribbons. ;)

Boo
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94038: Pickle-making as an art form? Oh yes, indeed! And I'm no artist. I tried making pickles once, many years ago. They weren't exactly "kerosene cucumbers", but neither would I call them good. Certainly not good enough to be worth all the effort and mess. Even Dale, who consistently found something to praise in whatever I tried to do, had a problem. His praise sounded forced, and when I mentioned trying again, he went on about how he hated for me to "work so hard", and remarked that Heinz made pretty good pickles, and they were cheap, too! Well, I could take a hint, so I never tried it again. Now, the ones my Aunt Hazel made? She could have given Clara a good run for her money, believe me. Those pickles were good! Her watermelon-rind pickles were kinda wonderful, too.

Well, I think I hear a nap calling me, so guess I'll go get in my chair and see if Toye Starr is interested in a little cuddle time. Don't bet against her - you'd lose. --Romeena
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94039: ITHINKIHAVEHEARDENOUGHABOUTTHEMPICKLES! :)

Asa
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94040: Methinks Otis got pickled a few times! :)
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94041: I think Dale was right, Ro. I am going to start giving all these cumcumbers away! Too much work for the results I've gotten. I like store pickles just fine. It so happens that the little girls from next door like my dill pickles so I will send some home with them.

I have something to say to you, Asa...PICKLES, PICKLES, PICKLES!! ;)

Boo
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94042: and as Forrest Gump used to say: "Sometimes there just ain't enough pickles"...or was it rocks? But yes he did say: "That's all I have to say about that"! So are you saying Boo maybe I should not waste my time trying to make them? Just learn to like them good old store bought ones....
Call me weird,but I like dill pickles on a peanut butter sandwich w/fresh white bread. Gotta be creamy Jiff P-B.

Hey just a F.Y.I. a bunch of us are getting together with Floyd the weekend July 20th in Mt. Airy. Floyd is going to interview Betty Lynn for his Monday nite pod-casts and then get together to visit. We will be meeting at the Mayberry Motor Inn on Rt. 52 in Mt. Airy.
REV....Are you gonna be in the area? We will be doing some pickin' and singin' at their gazebo. Maybe Thelma Lou will come too? She is doing a autograph session at the A-G Museum that Friday.

G-F...
July 02, 2013 - Msg 94043: troublecheck
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94044: Peanut butter and pickles, G-F? Are you sure you aren't expecting?? ;)

Boo

RAFE: Chicken and Dumplins'??!
ANDY:..and sweet tater pie.
RAFE: I shoulda turned myself in years ago!
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94045: Hey, Boo. In thinking about the future of nursing with Obamacare, check this out: http://tinyurl.com/m2swmeo

It would appear that our Fearless Leader is having to admit that his Great Experiment is a big fat flop. Oh, he won't do it all at once, he'll do it in little increments. This is the first one, but it's encouraging. I think within two years, it will all be history, and our system will again be able to function as it should. It will self-level, eventually.

G-F, I like peanut butter and pickles too, but I prefer sweet pickles. I like the little sweet slices, but you know what? I haven't noticed them on the shelves in a while. With good old creamy PB, and white bread, they're gooood! And I'll flat-out guarantee you I'm not expecting!

I do love little fresh cucumbers, too. I like to slice them into little rounds, just under a half inch thick, and put them in a bowl with some rough-diced tomatoes, some sweet onion slices, and put some vinegar over them. Add a few ice cubes to crisp everything up quickly, and refrigerate the whole thing. The next day, they are yummy! Eat the mixture as is, or spoon it into some shredded lettuce and make a real salad. So good!

G-F, that get-together sounds like fun. Oh, did I ask you if you know Tom and Kathy? I won't use a last name here, but if you do, you'll know who I mean, without it. If you know them, and happen to see them, tell them Eloise and I said hey! We met them on the cruises. Nice folks, lots of fun.

Well, I'm off to bed. Got errands to do tomorrow. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94046: Thanks for sharing, Ro. Let's hope someone, somewhere, somehow gets some sense in their thick head and does away with it all. All I can think is if this is something that is supposed to help the American people, why is my mother without home healthcare now? I thought the whole idea was to make healthcare available to those who needed it most. If an elderly stroke patient who can't care for herself isn't eligible, who is? I guess it's all those single mom's out there who have babies for the welfare benefits. We have a big mess on our hands in this country. Anyone want to move with me to Denmark? ;)

I am sitting here thinking about all I have to do and trying to keep a good attitude. I feel like I am back in full swing, as far as the work around here and I'm not quite ready for it. It's hard to know where to slow down...no more pickles for awhile, that's for sure. Starting to get that overwhelmed feeling. I think I need to stick to a schedule or something but I am just not that kind of person. Next Thursday, St. Susan and her husband are traveling to Michigan to visit his family and i will have Mom here at the house with me. I am glad she is coming here to stay because it gives us good quality time together, but she is getting worse and needs more help. Susan needs some time away, badly, and they need to go see her husband's mother before the furlow starts and they can't afford to (remember Susan's husband works
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94047: oops...for the army and is scheduled to start furlow next week. They are on a limited income and she is concerned. Her husband's mom is near 90, though, and they really need to go see her soon.

Well, I think I am stalling to avoid having to get up and do something...better finish the coffee and get to the day. :)

Boo
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94048: Howdy Fellow Porchsters!

Wow...PB and Pickles...hmmm...I'll have to try that but with sweet pickles don't care much for the dills although my sons love the spicy hot dill pickles.

Due to weather and baseball games we didn't get our little garden planted as early as we like so our vegetables are just now blooming but looking forward to some fresh home grown tomatoes, cucumbers and squash.

Well...lot's to do today after work and tonight to get ready for our Fourth of July barbecue with friends and family...not much sleep for me tonight as I will be up at 3:00 AM tomorrow getting the brisket in the smoke but I look forward to some time with my boys.

Hey no one has continued the monalogue on what you are doing for the Fourth...inquiring minds want to know...I really like hearing about what eveyone is doing so 'fess up...what are your plans?

Prayers and Blessing for everyone and whatever you are doing this weekend please be safe!
SMH

Barney: [while relaxing on the front porch after Sunday dinner] You know what I think I'm gonna' do?

Andy: What?

Barney: I'm gonna' go home, have me a little nap, and then go over to Thelma Lou's and watch a little TV.

Andy: Mmm-hmm.

Barney: Yeah, I believe that's what I'll do. Go home... have a nap... and then over to Thelma Lou's for TV.

Andy: Mmm.

Barney: Yep, that's the plan. Home... little nap... then...

Malcolm Tucker: [interrupting] For the love of Mike *do* it!

[shouts]

Malcolm Tucker: Do it! Just *do* it! Go take a nap, go to Thelma Lou's for TV, just *do it*!
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94049: Romeena, Yes I know Tom & Kathy, They are the ones who did the Mayberry in Westminister SC event back in the spring. I don't know him that well but we have spoken several times over the years @ Mayberry Days. He has a squad car and a big Mayberry collection. Yep they are good folk!....I'll tell Floyd ya said Hey too!

G-F....
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94050:
Porchsters, our dear Andy passed one year ago today. I am sure that heaven is an even greater place these days with so many of the cast getting there "ahead of us!" (:
Also, ya all have a super great 4th of July!
Despite all our current problems, this is still the greatest country on earth!
Prayers,
MDC
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94051: Thank you MDC...I can't believe that I let that slip by me...here is a extra quote from me today in honor of Andy...and you are right that despite our problems we live in the greatest country on earch...Happy Birthday USA!!

SMH

Andy: When a man carries a gun all the time, the respect he thinks he's getting might really be fear. So I don't carry a gun because I don't want the people of Mayberry to fear a gun. I'd rather they respect me.
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94052: sheesh...that should be "on earth"...by the way what is a earch?

SMH
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94053: SMH, that is one of my favorite dialoges in TAGS. In fact, the expression, "For the love of Mike, do it!," is something we frequently quote areound here. The kids never stop thinking it's funny. :)

As far as 4th of July plans, I was planning on doing nothing but Bruce told me last night that he wants to bar-b-que some chicken so I said fine. He makes good bar-b-que. I will just supply the beans and tater salad, which should be simple. Of course it means a trip to the store today on a very busy shopping day. Sean said that yesterday people were buying LOTS of meat, beer, and soft drinks. He did his job cleaning the church last night and will work at the grocery store today. He told me last night, "Mom, it feels really good to be working hard and doing something for somebody. It makes me feel good about myself.". That is what Sean has really been needing, is to build his self-esteem.

There is a young girl that is missing from our town, named Lakesha. She is 16 and they say she went missing from her bedroom a few nights ago. Folks are hoping and praying for her return. Please send up a prayer for her if you feel led.

So MDC, it has been a whole year since Andy's passing? Sadly, my children stopped watching much of the show after he died, and they still don't seem to want to watch it. I guess since they were raised on it since they were babies, it took some of the heart out of it for them when Andy died.

MDC, I was reading an interesting blog today about revival. It seems that many churches are feeling a real expectancy and sense that a great revival is at hand. I pray it is. That would be the only real answer to our problems in this country. Imaging, if a spiritual revival took this nation over. Things would absolutely change.

"Earch"...you been hittin' the 4th of July squeezins early this year, SMH?! hehe...hope you have a great time with your boys tomorrow. Now that i am really giving it some thought...I think I will do something different tomorrow and take the opportunity to involve my kids in a discussion about the history of this country...maybe we will watch the TAGS episode about "the shot heard around the world". :)

Better make my grocery list. I told Erin we would go see The Lone Ranger together when it came out so if she remembers, we will be doing that today.

Boo
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94054: "Imagine"...why did I type "Imaging"?? curious..

APB for Possum, Hazel, John Masters, Poor Horatio, Lucy Matthews, Mary Wiggins, and anyone else my poor, forgetful mind didn't think of...come back home for the 4th.
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94055: Hey gang...hey Boo,Rev,Possum,JM,lucy,maude,G-F,horatio,Romeens....whew ...check yer weather channel...We are getng flooded here in Ga...at work till 6am...yall got plans for supper?...SPOT
July 03, 2013 - Msg 94056: Ro, today I received an email from the nursing department at del mar college, here in corpus christi. In the past I was never able to get a response from them but I found out today that they do offer clinical hours at local hospitals here if I take an online course through a community college in austin, so if that works out I will be able to stay home for everything..BUT, I would certainly love to consider a short vacation in the future, to come visit you and eat at Babe's sometime. :)

Boo