May 24, 2014 - Msg 97963: I was telling a tall tale, Ro...my cat really only weighs 15 lbs! Have fun with your family this weekend.

MDC, Sean still works for a Ford dealership but the Beamer was a trade-in.

Boo
May 24, 2014 - Msg 97964: and swi-i-i-i-ish! (:
May 24, 2014 - Msg 97965:

Luke Taft, if you are asking me if I know who the character is that you are named after, yes I do. Luke stands out because, according to Andy, he wears black & white two tone shoes, perferated tops with wing tips and white shoe laces.
Thelma Lou won't go with Barney to the dance until Barney can find a date for her visiting cousin Mary Grace. Andy suggests Luke Taft, but Barney rejects him because he claims that Luke is known to "hit the sauce".
Luke Taft is mentioned in the A Date For Gomer episode. You can watch this particular scene at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oxlDO8oLgY if you cue it up to 4:55.

from Poor Horatio
May 25, 2014 - Msg 97966: Wow!
May 25, 2014 - Msg 97967: I think Luke is related to Hodie Snitch. (:

May 25, 2014 - Msg 97968: I do hit the hooch!
May 25, 2014 - Msg 97969: Good Sabbath porch family. I pray you are all fine and dandy.

Happy Birthday to Tom. I am pretty sure today is his birthday. Glad you heard from him Romeena.

Boo, 15 pound cat is still a lot of kitty. Barney is 18 pounds and that is on the large side for a miniature doxy.

Sure has been nice weather here this spring. 70's during the day and 40's at night. Just perfect is what it's been. Have not had to run neither the furnace nor the a/c for a while. That looks to change this week as the temperature will be heading up. Got some corn planted last week. I will plant a few more rows next week. I hope to get my tomatoes planted this week. We should be done with frost hopefully.

Well better go get ready for preaching. That takes some effort let me tell you.

Prayers for all.

Asa
May 25, 2014 - Msg 97970: Asa, Done with frost? Might be......Might Not!..haha I'm taking that gamble too, I think I'll finish tomorrow that is if the Tylenol does it's job... I like to plant things on Memorial Day, sorta a way to honor all those who were not able to do their spring planting because they gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country....Amen?

G-F
May 25, 2014 - Msg 97971: Happy Birthday to TOM...Enjoy your day....G-F again
May 25, 2014 - Msg 97972: Happy birthday, Tom!

Heather and Edwin and little Trip are here, and David and Brittney and the boys, and Eloise and Jerry came over last night for hamburgers. They were delish! I had gotten some sweet corn, still in the shuck, and we roasted them on the grill, and honeys and dears, let me tell you, that was some good eatin'! That corn was sweet as honey, and the kernels just cracked when you bit them off the cob. I love corn! I didn't put a single thing on mine, no salt or butter or anything. It didn't need it. So good!

Well, we're getting rounded up to go out to David's for the afternoon and evening. The boys play together and have fun, even though Trip is much younger. He's six, Hudson is ten, and Landry is thirteen, but they manage to find some common ground, and the boys make allowance for Trip's age. Good kids, all three of them.

Blessings, friends! Have a wonderful Memorial Day, and let's all keep the reason for the holiday in our minds and hearts. --Romeena
May 25, 2014 - Msg 97973:
I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend. Just please don't forget the significance of this holiday. It is more than just a holiday to indicate the approach of summer. It is a federal holiday reminding our nation that we owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who died while serving in our military, whether it was in combat or in peacetime. So what can you do?
#1 - At 3pm local time on Monday, pause for one minute to give thanks or say a prayer.
#2 - Attend a parade or a commemorative service
#3 - Purchase a poppy from a veteran
#4 - Hang an American flag
#5 - http://www.uso.org/get-involved.aspx
#6 - http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=531#.U4JLb_ldWHi

I may live in Canada today, but I spent most of my life in the USA and served in the American Army and Navy. So to all my comrades in arms and veterans both in the USA and Canada, I salute you and thank you for trying to make this world a better place for all of us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_5aoptI5j0

from a grateful Poor Horatio who will never forget
May 25, 2014 - Msg 97974: Thank you for posting those suggestions, Poor Horatio. And thank you for your service to this country. People give up so much when they join the armed forces, and as they say, some gave all. God bless those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Have a great, reflective, Memorial Day everyone.

-Sterling Holobyte
May 25, 2014 - Msg 97975:
In the same spirit of the above postings, if you have never seen this short slide presentation of our American cemeteries overseas, I urge you to do so, it will move even the hardest of hearts. So many gave so much...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WuOl6LLxRA
Happy Memorial Day!
MDC
May 26, 2014 - Msg 97976: Thanks PH & MDC, for the posts, Wow seeing all those white crosses puts all the losses in perspective doesn't it? I second Sterling's sediments....

G-F.....
May 26, 2014 - Msg 97977: Happy Memorial Day.. remembering those who served & sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Thank you, PH.

Hope you had a great birthday, Tom!

*******************
possum under a rock
May 26, 2014 - Msg 97978: Thanks, guys, for posting these links. They are so important, to keep the memories alive. It worries me, when I realize that my three youngest grandsons do not even remember 9/11, let alone any of the wars and battles for freedom in which Americans have given their lives. It's up to us, who do remember, to make them aware. Otherwise, history will one day be rewritten. The Muslim nations are already doing their best to convince the world that the Holocaust didn't happen, and they are meeting with some success.

Those who do not study and remember history are doomed to repeat it.

Lest we forget....

--Romeena
May 27, 2014 - Msg 97979: Good Tuesday Morning porch! hope everyone is good today. back to work after a 4 day week end.Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day.

we took a day trip to Pigeon Forge over the week end. both kids and Patrick's girlfriend went with as well. sort of a low key day, just browsed around, did a little shopping, had a nice dinner and drove home. we are only about an 1 1/2 hours from there so it is an easy day trip for us.

not much else to report from my end of the porch today. just routine stuff which is good.

lunch menu will be: turkey club sandwiches on
sourdough bread, chips, pickles. Missippi mud brownies. lemonade or tea to drink.

Prayers and blessings to all.
Big Maude
May 27, 2014 - Msg 97980: Hey gang, Check out this guys work AMAZING! They look sooo real. https://www.flickr.com/photos/24796741@N05/page1/

Maude, Glad you had a good time in P-F Did you eat at the "Old Mill"?

G-F....
May 27, 2014 - Msg 97981: Hope you all had a blessed memorial day. Our's was good. Bruce's bbq'd some chicken and hamburgers, we had some pasta salad and corn on the cob. I took Erin and two of her friends to the pool to swim for a few hours, and then last night I went to my nephew's (St. Susan's son) for shrimp/crawfish boil and we hung out on the back porch like rednecks until the mosquitos got too bad. Perfect memorial day, I guess. :) I didn't eat the shrimp/crawfish..way too spicy for me, but Erin ate those crawfish like crazy. Ew. I told her that her Louisiana heritage was coming out in her (most of Dad's family was from Louisiana and he lived there for several years growing up).

Trying to catch up on some chores today..throwing out some clutter in the laundry room, etc. I love doing that. I am kind of the opposite of a hoarder. I get a thrill from getting rid of clutter.

Boo
May 27, 2014 - Msg 97982: PS- G-F...those pics were amazing. That guy is really a great artist to be able to do what he does. Beautiful.

Boo
May 27, 2014 - Msg 97983: Asa, Do you have a brother who is a weatherman in Michigan? Check out this link haha...
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/bat-interrupts-michigan-meteorologists-weather-forecast-n115541

G-F....
May 27, 2014 - Msg 97984:
OK, we got bats, crawfish ("both the ladies have brothers")trips to Pigeon Forge, corn on the cob,
and miniature cars! ha, quite a combo.
GF--after I did a "double take" I see what the guy does...takes photos of the small cars with real buildings in the background. Very clever!
108 in Phoenix today! It has officially begun!
Prayers,
MDC
May 28, 2014 - Msg 97985: Good morning all.

Boy GF, That weather guy is a better man than I. I'd gone running off the set, screaming like a little girl for sure. And I best be wearing a dark suit, if you get my drift. :)

Very cool pics GF.

Hey Boo, you ever tried that Cajun seasoning called "Slap your Mama"? Someone sent me a canister of it. Whew, too hot for me.

Well off to skid steer certification today. Be in Salt Lake all day. Goona hit mid 90's today. Not as bad as MDC, but we were at 70's just a few days ago. The corn will love it.

Prayers for all.

Asa
May 28, 2014 - Msg 97986: Good morning, porch. Asa, trust me, that bat is as scared of you as you are of him. Poor thing, all it wanted was out of there! I wonder how it got in there in the first place?

Well, I'm on the puny list this morning. Started with a sore throat and digestive upset (to be polite) yesterday. Felt better yesterday evening, and woke up this morning with a throat that feels like it's been clawed by a wildcat, and a voice that sounds like Darth Vader. I called the doctor's office a few minutes ago, and the person who answered addressed me as "Sir." I laughed my wheezy, strangly laugh and told her I was a "Ma'am", not a "Sir", but I fully understood the mistake. I sound awful! I'll see the doc at 1:30. Judging from the way it feels, I think it's strep. Just what I needed.

Boo, I think it's hilarious that Erin loves the mudbugs so much. Most kids say "Eeeww!" a lot and won't touch them. I'm not big on them myself. They're okay, but an awful lot of work for that little smidgen of meat. A pile of boiled shrimp yields a lot more meat with much less effort, and isn't nearly as messy, either.

A pretty day here. Blue skies, high scattered clouds, soft sunshine, 69°, occasional vagrant breezes. Birds and squirrels out by the numbers, lots of traffic out back. Big sassy bluejay just came in, thinks he's the boss, but that will change when a squirrel notices him. I think it's so funny, the way the squirrels put him in his place now and then.

I need to go out to the big flower island with some bamboo stakes and a few lengths of paracord. I just noticed a bloom stalk rising from the iris bed, at least four feet tall. It's not an iris, it's a gladiola, and there are several out there. I planted some gladiola bulbs several years ago, and forgot about them. Last year, one of them bloomed, and this year, there are three separate clumps sending up bloom stalks. Apparently they take a while to settle in before they bloom. Anyway, they're so tall and slender, I'm afraid if we get any wind they'll be broken, so will stake them. I get the bamboo stakes at the garden center, and I ordered a skein of parachute cord from Amazon a while back. I cut off about a foot of the cord, and use it to secure the flower stalk to the stake. Tied in a little bow, it's easy to untie and release, to save the cord for another day. Actually, I use that paracord for lots of things. Very handy.

Well, I think I'll go lie down for a while. Really feeling pretty crummy. If this is strep, I've got to get it under treatment. All I need is to have it settle around my pacemaker. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
May 28, 2014 - Msg 97987: Romeena, feel better soon, keep us posted.

Big Maude
May 28, 2014 - Msg 97988: I want some snow?

May 28, 2014 - Msg 97989: Hi, Porch. Just got back from the doctor, she did a swab for strep, and it was negative. Good! Just a garden variety sore throat. It's viral, I guess, so nothing to do but wear it out. I still feel droopy, but I'll perk up pretty quick.

I made a quick stop at the grocery store on the way home, so I'd have something to eat around here. Guess I'd better go put the groceries away, and then I'm going to sit down with a cold glass of tea in my hand and a warm puppy in my lap. Never mind that the "puppy" is going to be seven years old next month, she's still a puppy to me. Looks like one and acts like one. Can't ask for more than that. --Romeena
May 28, 2014 - Msg 97990: Good to hear you got yourself a negative...much better than a positive, so we'll just call you Ralph Henderson for today until your throat gets better...Just add some honey & lemon to your tea and you'll be ok....

Who popped in and wanted snow, surely it wasn't TOM, Speaking of TOM, you Ok buddy? Just checking.

G-F....
May 28, 2014 - Msg 97991: Afternoon all.

Sorry you're ailing To, but glad it ain't strep. Hope you are back to feeling better soon.

Yea GF, I don't think it's Tom wanting snow. But whoever asked for it can come to my house and I can have you in 8 feet of it in an hours drive. Our local news just last week did a story about UDOT trying to get the Mirror Lake road open for the Memorial Day weekend. At about 10,000 foot elevation they are using humungus snowbloers trying to do it.

Asa
May 28, 2014 - Msg 97992: Asa, Talking about skid steers, I was thankful for Mrs. G-F's Uncle, he has one and lives two houses up from me, he saved my back a lot this winter when the wet deep snows came. It is a wonderful machine does good spreading gravel too.
Been meaning to ask, how is the Speer family doing? Sad loss.....

G-F
May 29, 2014 - Msg 97993:
OK, so what's a skid steer? Like a grader or skip loader?
ROMeena, at most grocery stores in the tea section is a tea called "throat coat." Check it out if you are going anytime soon. It works good to soothe the throat area.
It wasnt me asking for snow, but maybe I should be asking! ha
Another good Nova tonight about sunken ships from D-Day, as well as clever inventions that were worked on leading up to that day, including floating tanks, that actually didnt float to well in the rough seas of June 6, 1944.
Have a good nite all.
prayers,
MDC

May 29, 2014 - Msg 97994: MDC, I saw that show too, I love watching those things about WW2. I also saw a show on History channel about all the weapons Hitler was developing, Very Scary! At least we got all the smart German rocket scientists out of the deal. There were many innovations that come from war, makes you wonder what we are developing now that we have computers...Still Scary! We need to heed Romeen's warning of post #97978..I guess our President was not much for learning History since he was to busy being a community organizer.
Sorry, I'll be good.. But I'm just sayin'...

Asa, Did you pass you skid steer recertification test? If a operator has a 3yd bucket and picks up 3 loads of dirt, how many yds of dirt did he pick up? If you answered 9 you would be correct! That is if they were full bucket loads...Wonder if the answer is different if you were picking up sand vs rocks? I'll let you study on that one. And yes MDC the skid steer is much like a bobcat but heavier.

G-F...
May 29, 2014 - Msg 97995: Morning all.

Yep MDC. A skid steer is a front end loader that you turn not with a steering wheel but rather with hand lever controls. It turns by locking the wheels on one side while the other side turns allowing it to turn very sharp. Very nice in tight spots.

I hope you are feeling better today Romeena.

Thanks for asking about the Speer family GF. I see Mrs. Speer every week at Church. She seems to be doing quite well. I know our Church family looks after her a good bit. She's a strong Christian woman for sure.

It was in the low 90's yesterday. Today, 75. Nice cool front rolled in last night. Now moisture, just wind and cooler. That's ok because I have about 40 acres of alfalfa to get cut, turned, and baled. I actually have cut half of it already. I will get the rest cut tonight, let it dry out, and get it baled. Somebody else is going to pick it up, thankfully. I detest hauling hay with a purple passion.

Well better get moving. Can someone give me a push start? :)

Asa
May 29, 2014 - Msg 97996:
MDC and G-F, I also enjoy watching military history documentaries on cable television. During my Naval officer training, we had access to the entire "Victory At Sea" documentary series. That is when I discovered that learning through visual media had a more profound affect on me than reading textbooks. Ever since then, I preferred watching documentaries instead of feature films to obtain factual information.
A few surprising facts that I learned from these military documentaries include:
#1 Adolph Hitler survived over 40 attempts on his life. He believed that God was protecting him.
#2 The first atom bomb was planned to be dropped on Germany. Lucky for the Germans, they surrendered before it was ready.
#3 During the invasion of Okinawa, Americans suffered their greatest amount of casualties of any battle up to then. This gave American officials an indication of what might be expected during an invasion of Japan. This was a major deciding factor to use the atom bomb.

Last month, I made a trip to the USA, expecting to stay just two weeks. Well, a month and a half later, I'm still here. My vehicle broke down twice that required almost 3 weeks of repair work. Aaarrrgghhh!

All you folks who are reporting temperatures in the 90's have me concerned because it still is not officially summer yet. Luckily, here near Chicago, the temperatures have been very mild and comfortable.

from Poor Horatio
May 29, 2014 - Msg 97997:
I'm just watched an episodeof Petticoat Junction and was surprised to see Mayberry's town drunk Otis Campbell in the episode. Although he had a different name in this episode, the character he played was a local moonshiner.

from Poor Horatio
May 30, 2014 - Msg 97998:
Hi All, slow day on the porch today.
I hope everyone is OK.
Yes, GF, ASA, and PH, things like those fake trucks and tanks were very clever, but technology today would find out about such very quickly! My dad mentioned that on the roofs of the airplane factories here they built scale "towns" as camoflauge!
RO- I been meaning to tell you that your nozzle problem
may be as simple as a cracked or deteriorated washer inside the end that attaches to the hose.
ABP for LUCY, NN, TOM and all.
Jesus is Lord,
MDC
May 30, 2014 - Msg 97999: ABP?? Let's try an APB!
May 30, 2014 - Msg 98000: ABP...What's wrong with that" (A)Any(B)Body(P)Prayin'...Sounds right to me.. Romeena you Ok? We have not heard from you for a couple of days, hope you got your voice back...

Asa, 40 acres of Alfalfa? That's a lot! You better get Spanky & Buckwheat to help too!

Well I'm off to the Dentist, I have a broken root and have to get one tooth pulled :( hate it when that happens specially with the amount of $ I have in it with a root canal and crown but It hurts and has my whole jaw swollen up. Been grumpy for the last few days so I guess it's worth it? Mrs. G-F would agree haha...
I suppose if you need a good Dentist you'd have to go to Raleigh? Just a thought....

G-F...
May 30, 2014 - Msg 98001: Hey, porch. It's a good thing this is written, because I can't talk. I sound like Wilford Brimley with the croup. The "little viral thing" my doctor diagnosed the other day has bloomed. Actually, what it is, is just a full-blown, garden variety head cold. I haven't had a plain old cold in many years. I thought I'd already had all of them and was immune, but I guess new mutants have shown up. I'm sneezing constantly, coughing when I'm not sneezing, and my head feels like a watermelon, and all wet. I've gone through a whole box of tissues already and am halfway through another. In other words, I'm a mess. If it runs the course these things usually take for me, it'll move down into my chest, and live there for several weeks. I'll sound awful, and cough a lot, especially when I laugh, which is my favorite thing to do, and I'll just generally be annoying for a while. I won't be contagious, though I am now. I have a little fever, so no doubt am shedding viral particles. My nose is red and running, my eyes are watery, and as they say, even my hair hurts. I'm staying home and away from everyone. I feel like a cheap imitation of the Seven Dwarves - Sneezy, Wheezy, Coughy, Snotty, Teary, Grumpy, and Whiny. So beware, world. Approach me through the written word or the phone only, or suffer the consequences. Trust me, you don't want this cold.

Asa, I agree with G-F.. 40 acres is a lot of alfalfa! What do you do with it? You don't run any cattle, do you? Is it a cash crop? Oh, I remember how my horse loved alfalfa! It was much more expensive than coastal bermuda hay, but my dad would buy a bale when he bought the rest of the hay, usually about one bale to three or four of regular hay. I'd give Ace a thick block of regular hay, and then a little thin block of the alfalfa, which of course he would eat first. He just loved it! I miss that horse. He was a good one.

G-F, that tooth sounds awful! I'll let you come and be Grumpy and Whiny with me, but just don't get too close. You don't need a cold on top of all that dental misery.

Well, guess I'll go lie down a while. Or maybe I'll get in my chair and put on some TAGS DVDs. That's the only choice these days, as no one on my Dish Network lineup is showing TAGS anymore. All we can get is Walker Texas Ranger, Roseanne (yuck), and other not-too-appealing stuff, some just downright disgusting. So, I'm defaulting to DVDs more and more. Maybe they'll figure it out someday.

Blessings, porch! --Romeena
May 30, 2014 - Msg 98002:
This is for Romeena and anyone else that is interested in watching television programs and movies on the internet. There is a web site called Hulu that has a wide selection of both free shows and subscription shows ($8.00/month). The subscription version is called Hulu Plus.
For a listing of all the television shows they offer, both free and subscription, visit http://www.hulu.com/browse/tv
If you want to limit the listing to just the free shows they offer, make sure you check the FREE filter on the right side of that web page and it will update the list automatically.
For a listing of all the movies they offer, both free and subscription, click on the MOVIES tab near the top left side of that web page. Don't forget to click on the FREE filter to limit the list to just free movies.
With the wide selection of free programs and movies they offer, it is easy to get carried away with your viewing. But be careful because that may cause you to exceed the limits of your download data package that could result in extra charges from your cable provider. We learned this the first month we tried Hulu.

from Poor Horatio
May 30, 2014 - Msg 98003: Hope you feel better Ro...the last little viral thing I had ended up being a big viral thing!

Busy day but wanted to check in. Had lots of errands and mom is here for a week or two to give susan a break. Better go doing something productive.

Boo
May 30, 2014 - Msg 98004: I just can't stand that rowanda. She is like commander mc bragg. So obnoxious. Her and her boy gail when he was living at home. He is dead now. Did you know our dog blue is fang on sea 1 ep 1 of get smart.
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98005:
RO-you mentioned that you had started a few home visits, I wonder if you picked up that cold virus
from one of their homes? Just a thought.
Starve a cold, feed a fever?
I guess ole Luke Comstock went bad again. On Adam 12 today he was playing a bank robber! Also, he walked with a limp
so maybe there really was something wrong with his leg.
In my post above I told you about my dad mentioning how they camouflauged airplane factories, well, here's a neat link! Pretty amazing!http://www.seenandshared.com/air-factory.htm
ASA- you aint expectin' a baby are ya, doing all that planting like that! ha
BOO--hope you get to slow down soon.
God's blessings to all,
MDC
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98006: Mdc you see pedro gonzalez gonzalez on a ep of rfd. Lavinia
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98007: Good evening, porch. No, MDC, I don't think I got this cold from a client. None of them had colds. However, David said both of the boys have colds, and I was with them over the weekend, so I would imagine I got it from them. They're both very affectionate, and are free with hugs and "sugar on the jaw", so that probably explains it. I hope they're feeling better than I do.

PH, I don't have Hulu, but do have Netflix, which is very much like Hulu. I don't use it much. I like to just sit down and turn on a program and watch it. It's annoying to have to push all those buttons, in the right sequence, to switch to Netflix, and I usually manage to mess it up. I've got a bunch of stuff in that TV setup - a surround-sound system, the Dish box, a DVR, a tuner, a power manager/surge protector, and when I want to watch TV, it all has to be turned on just so. There are four separate remotes, but I only use two unless I'm going to use the DVR or turn on Netflix. The Dish installers said the Dish remote won't accommodate all that stuff, especially the sound system, so I use the separate remotes. Very confusing, for me at least. David has no problem with it, naturally, the weasel.

Well, I think my top-heavy head and I will go to bed. Toye Starr runs for cover when I start a sneezing fit, so she's already in the bedroom, under the bed probably. She'll come out when I go in there. She's so cute. She stands and waits for me to pick her up, but I tell her to get in her box and go potty. She obeys, leaves a little spot on her pads and returns to me. She turns around so she's facing away from me, and again waits for me to pick her up. As soon as my hand touches her little chest/belly, she gives a little jump upward, as though to help me lift her enormous weight - all 4.5 lbs of it. I toss her onto the bed, she curls up at the foot and waits for me to get my nest made and get settled, then she comes and snuggles up against me, gives a big sigh, and settles down to sleep. Very predictable routine, and I love it. Blessings, all. --Romeena
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98008:
Romeena, when you posted that "I don't have Hulu, but do have Netflix", I think you might be confused. Because you have a personal computer, then you do have access to Hulu. Many people watch Hulu for free on their personal computer. However, it is possible to watch it on your High Definition Television (HDTV) without having to purchase a video streaming box that is required to receive such services as Netflix.
Assuming you have an HDTV, you would first go to Hulu.com on your computer. Then using an HDMI cable, connect your computer to your HDTV. Now you can watch Hulu for free on your HDTV through your personal computer.
Unfortunately, Hulu Plus requires a subscription no matter if you view it on your computer or on your HDTV.
Now if you have a Smart TV, then you would not need the HDMI cable or your personal computer. That is because Smart TV can receive everything from the internet directly, including Hulu and Netflix.
Finally, I enjoyed reading your story about how you and Toye Starr prepare for bed.

from Poor Horatio
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98009:
Happy last day of May!
RO-my prayers are with you that you can
shake that cold quickly!
I'd say "oregano", but reserve that for Boo! haha
Good weekend and Good Sabbath to all,
MDC
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98010: Good morning, porch. Somewhat to my surprise, I awoke this morning! I felt so rotten when I went to bed, I would not have been surprised to hear the trumpet sound for me! Still feeling like two miles of bad road, but I'm here. Did you ever hear anyone complain so much about a plain old cold? I haven't had one in years, and am just feeling pretty picked-on, I guess. Shame on me.

PH, you think I might be confused? How is that possible? (hahaha) Now that you mention it, I remember my son telling me I have access to Hulu as well as Netflix. Apparently I do have a Smart TV. I used to have a Wi-fi router, but when I upgraded my Time-Warner cable, the new cable modem has a built-in Wi-fi router and I was able to remove the old router from the tangle of cables behind my computer. Apparently it works, because friends and family who visit are able to catch the Wi-fi on their phones and tablets. David put the password on a sticky note, and stuck it to my printer. I think, in all this stuff I've got around here, I've probably got technology that I don't even know I have. I need to get my son to sit down with me some evening and explore it all, and I need to take notes. My leaky memory doesn't retain it. Now if he was explaining a medical procedure, I'd have it down pat, and would remember it. Any other technology just eludes me. I've had my Samsung Galaxy phone for a year and a half now, and am still learning about it. It does have "Dish Anywhere" on it, though, and I've learned to use that. No matter where I am, I can pull up Dish Network's menu, find a program I want to record, and tell it to do so. When I get home, there's my program, all recorded and waiting for me! Also, David and I both have Slingbox, and we can send recorded programs to each other.

You know, it occurs to me that with all this technology that provides the means for capturing and reproducing the TV programming, it would be very nice if there was something on now and then that's worth watching! I was running through the menu last night, and thinking that all I saw was either boring, distasteful, insulting or just plain idiotic. Some of the idiotic I can take - like Gilligan's Island. Some of it is so silly it's funny, and I like it, but so much of what's shown now is just dumb. Who ARE the Kardashians, and why on earth would I want to keep up with them? And the "real housewives" of wherever? I don't know any housewives like those people. If I did, I'd sever the ties pretty quick, just like I changed the channel.

I have abandoned TVLand, and pretty much WE-TV, and spend a lot of time in the science and history channels, Nat Geo, Hallmark, and TCM. The rest of it is pablum.

Yes, PH, my baby dog is very much a creature of habit, and she loves her mom. Poor little thing, she hates being separated from me. When I was in the hospital a while back, and my daughter and her husband were staying here, they got a phone video of Starr just walking through the house, making tiny howls, nose pointed upward. It was pitiful! I know dogs don't actually talk, but she communicates with me very well. This house would be indescribably empty without her.

Well, guess I'll rustle up something to eat. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98011: I'm with ya Romeena on the junk TV stuff, I really don't think there are any "Real House Wives" on TV any more since June Cleaver and Harriet Nelson left.. And Just what is a Kardashian? It is some kind of car with a large trunk is what I'm thinkin"...ha! So who needs to keep up with that, just borrow a truck if ya need to haul something..lol

G-F...
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98012: Ro, I have a "stupid" phone (not a very smart one). ;) It keeps draining the battery and it is hard to find batteries to replace them...went to four places yesterday and still cant find one.. the last one I bought online was defective.

How's the weather where all of you are? I think the how weather finally came to South Texas, but we knew it would.

Mom is going to be here for a few days and I am making her a pound cake right now. I am going to use it to make her strawberry shortcake, which she loves. Poor Mama is getting more feeble and has a hard time getting around but is brave enough to come here and stay awhile, although I know it is hard for her. I enjoy spending the time with her and doing little things for her while she is here.

Hope you all have a great Saturday. :)

Boo
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98013: meant to say "hot" weather!

Boo
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98014: Boo, Glad to hear your Mama came to stay awhile, bless her heart at least she stills tries to get around so that is a good thing. Does she get a "dollop" of whip cream on that short cake too?

As far as phones go I too still have a "Forrest Gumpp" phone, I buy minuets as I need them, and it flips too haha... Works for me... You ask does It have App's? If you call APPlying your fingers to the buttons Yep I have Apps!...haha

Everyone enjoy your day, Beautiful on my end of the porch today...

G-F....
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98015: Yes, G-F, Mom will get some real whipped cream on her strawberries.

I have been using a regular cell phone (not a smart one or an I-phone) and I cannot believe how long the battery holds a charge! It just goes and goes. I am thinking of sticking to it and not going back to my smart phone.

Boo
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98016:
Boo, why do you need to purchase batteries for your smart phone? Aren't they rechargeable?
I have a regular cellphone (voice and text only) for use in the USA and a smartphone (voice, text and internet) for use in Canada. And both of them use rechargeable batteries.
For tips on extending the battery life of any electronic phone, visit http://www.pcworld.com/article/229300/smartphone_battery_life.html

from Poor Horatio
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98017: Good afternoon, porch. Boo, I'm so glad your mama is still here, and is spending some time with you. I still find myself about to reach for the phone to call my mom, and she's been gone for fifteen years. Old habits die hard. I think of my dad every day, too. I had the responsibility of his care for several years. He was in a care facility for the last few years, but I saw him almost daily, called him twice a day if I didn't go over there, picked him up and took him places two or three times a week, and spent a lot of time trying to help him make sense of the world around him, as his grip on reality slipped more and more each day. God bless him, he never lost his sense of humor, and when a little beam of light would shine through the confusion and he would get a little insight, he would make little jokes and laugh at himself. That's what kept us both going, I think.

Yay for you, Boo. There's nothing like real whipped cream. David likes Cool Whip, and most of Eloise's family prefers it, but I like the real thing. Just a teaspoon or two of sugar in about a half-pint of cream, whipped. You don't want to make it sweet, just a hint of sweetness. The "real cream" flavor shouldn't be masked. So delicious!!

Argh. My ribs are so sore, coughing is not a favorite activity. It hurts! I put it off as long as I can, but eventually, I have to cough and clear my airways, and it feels like a mule kick. Groan, gripe, whine.

I've got some leftovers for dinner tonight, thank goodness. I don't feel like cooking. I fried a couple of strips of bacon in a big skillet last night, and wilted a big bunch of fresh kale down in it, and added a little vinegar/pepper sauce. Also broiled five chicken legs. I've got half the kale and two of the drumsticks left, so that sounds like supper to me. I love kale, and it is soooo good for you! Best part is, all I need tonight is a quick zap in the micro, and I've got supper. I love leftovers!

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
May 31, 2014 - Msg 98018: Romeena, Your coughing comment reminded me of a skit that our Floyd does at some of the tribute artist shows. Goes something like this, Floyd is complaining of a bad cough so Barney tells him he should go see Miss Ellie at the drug store to get something for it, so he does and she prescribes a laxative for him, and Barney asks him later how his cough is doing, and Floyd says: "I don't know, I've been kinda afraid to cough"! bada bing!

Say Good Night Goober Fife..... Good Night!


May 31, 2014 - Msg 98019: Gesundheit! (:

June 01, 2014 - Msg 98020: Ha ha! Thanks for that laugh, Goober Fife!

As for phones, I am like G-F in that I have a plain old flip phone. I don't buy minutes for it, but I got the most basic phone I could get from our cell phone company. The customer service rep was trying to upsell me to a "smart" phone, and practically looked at me like I was nuts for not wanting one.
My phone does text and can take pictures. They are not very good pictures, but I don't really care about that anyway. I wanted a phone, not a camera.

Still laughing at that last joke of yours Goober Fife!

-Sterling Holobyte
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98021:
Romeena, that was very touching what you posted about how Toye Starr whimpered during your last hospital stay. I don't recall if you posted how Toye Starr reacted when you returned. What happened?

from Poor Horatio
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98022:
As I mentioned earlier, my USA phone is an older flip phone that receives voice and text. And I'm on a pay-as-you-go plan where I'm charged $1.50 for any day for making an outgoing or answering an incoming call. After that first call, I have unlimited local calls for the rest of that day. It costs me about $100 for nine months of usage. When I had a monthly plan, I was paying about $70 per month. Since I made the change, I'm saving about $59 per month for USA wireless service.
As for my Canadian smart phone, I chose an older version that did not cost me any money when I signed up for a three year family plan. Just recently, Canada passed a law forcing wireless companies to eliminate their three year plans. So when I renew, it will be a two year plan.
I also use Skype with my computer to make and receive unlimited calls in the USA and Canada for just $3 per month. So when I'm in my home, I use Skype, and when I'm on the road, I use the cellphones.

from Poor Horatio
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98023:
Oops, I made an error in my last posting. I use Skype with my computer to make unlimited calls in the USA and Canada for just $3 per month. To receive calls, I would need a Skype provided phone number, which costs extra. Right now, I can only receive calls on my cellphones.

from Poor Horatio
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98024: #98019....He must be from somewhere's else..ha!
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98025: Maybe it was Old Hugo? Hugo Hopfleisch may have been on the wrong team back in '18, but he's one heck of a soldier. Just remember to polish the backs of your shoes before you go to prechin' Asa you know Hugo said that's the last thing a person see's of you as you are leaving...

G-F
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98026: Good Sabbath porch family. I hope and pray you are all fine and dandy.

Special prayers for Romeena and GF to get feeling better fast. I hope your jaw is feeling better GF. I have a tooth that had a root canal done on it last year and it still is sore. My dentist said he can do another one on it. Heck, I didn't know they could do more than one. It's not terrible pain. In fact it usually isn't bad at all, but I need to get back in and get it seen to before it gets worse.

I hope you are feeling better today Romeena. Terrible to have a cold anytime, but summer colds really stink.

Hey MDC, I saw Luke Comstock on Adam 12 also. I didn't notice him limping though. Maybe it was a different episode. I have seen him in other shows though, and have never seen the limp. Must be the actor of the man.

Glad you are getting to spend some time with your Mom Boo. And I am glad you recognize it as special. It really is. Good for you.

I also own a dumb phone. And I don't even own that. My work provides it for me. It's convenient but I am not a slave to it. I see folks walking around with their phone in their hand. Not watching where they are going. Crazy world we live in.

Well better get ready for preaching.

Prayers for all.

Asa
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98027: Good morning, porch. As you can see, I didn't make it to preaching this morning. I had no intention of going and sitting in a crowded sanctuary and spreading the wealth of this virus around. One of my good friends is having a pacemaker put in tomorrow morning, and I won't be there, either. She has serious sinus troubles, and they've spent the last two months trying to get her infection-free, so they can put the pacer in. All she needs is a virus to muddy the waters. I called her to tell her I wouldn't be there with her, and she thanked me! I guess I sound pretty awful.

PH, when I came home from the hospital, Toye Starr just looked at me for a minute, as though saying "Well, it's about time you came dragging home!" Then she was all over me. With help from my son-in-law, I managed to get into my chair (the most comfortable place in the world) and she was immediately in my lap, climbed up and sat on my shoulder with her chin resting on top of my head (a favorite place), then back into my lap where she just curled up and remained there. She was a happy puppy. She followed me with every step I took, including to the bathroom. She's very much a mama's baby, and I love it. Talk about an ego boost....

Regarding Luke Comstock (Leo Gordon), check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Gordon. You'll find some interesting information there.

Well, I'm having a coughing fit, which is giving me a headache, and I need to make up some lemon and honey. I can't take prepared cough syrups, they usually make me sick. I don't know what I did to deserve all this attention from this cold virus, but whatever it was, I ain't never going to do it again!

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98028: Sorry about that cold, Romeena...hope you are soon well.

I hate to be a downer, but need to ask prayer for a friend named Shannon. She is 70 and had a 43 yr old son living with her. She found him dead in his room this morning. She is understandably devastated and grieving. Sean heard her say that she is so upset because her son never accepted Jesus. My heart hurts so much for her. I know we have a loving, gracious and just God who does all things right. I pray Shannon can entrust her son to God and find comfort in His great mercy. None of us knows what happens in the moments before death but I am sure our merciful God keeps drawing sinners to himself unto the end. Thank you for your prayers.

Boo
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98029: Feeling a bit better now...I was very heartbroken for my friend but now the tears have dried and I am ready to pray, roll up by sleeves and be a help where I can.

Thank you all for the kind words concerning my mom. It is nice having her here for awhile to spoil but I nearly dropped her this morning while getting her to her chair. I had her dangling from my arms like a sack of potatoes while I called for Sean to come and help me. I was trying to help her walk from her bed to the chair, using her walker and I was right behind her. She didnt go far before her skinny little legs buckled under her. Her muscles have gotten week since she broke her hip. Anyway, she wanted a hamburger so I went to Sonic and got her one and she ate it while watching "Jaws". :) Now I hear her snoring.

Maybe I will take a short nap while she does.

How's the weather where you are? Its getting in the 90s here, but still pretty tolerable in the shade with a breeze.

Boo
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98030: Edmond-wight, England (:
June 01, 2014 - Msg 98031: Good evening, porch. It's 87° right now, at 8:10 pm. Was probably around 90° earlier. Getting warmer, 90s are predicted for the week.

I've got a tripped GFI on the circuit that feeds the lights around the perimeter of the back yard, the ones that are on line power. There's also a transformer coming off that line, so the low-voltage lights in the same area are off as well. Worst part is, the pond pumps are also on that circuit, so they're out. Ted is coming by tomorrow to see what's wrong. They went out last night when the sprinklers came on, so I'm sure something got wet and shorted out, but what? I wish I had noticed exactly when it went off, because I could have seen what sprinkler zone was running at the time. That would have narrowed the search down somewhat, but I wasn't at the window when they went off. I've tried to reset the GFI several times today, but it won't reset. This has happened before, but it always resets when things dry out a bit. Of course, it could be that the GFI has worn out. They do that eventually. I guess we'll see when Ted gets here tomorrow afternoon. I've got plants in the pond, so they're putting a little oxygen into the water, but in the morning, if the fish look stressed, I'll run a heavy-duty extension cord out there from the house, to run the pumps. I've got a 100-footer that will do the job.

Boo, I know that helpless feeling - supporting a rubber-legged parent and wondering who's going to support me! I remember when my dad was having an attack of vertigo and I tried to help him to the bathroom (it wasn't a "use the bottle" situation). He fought me like a tiger, and nearly pulled us both through a third-floor window. His brain was telling him I was pulling him off his feet, when I was trying to keep him from pitching forward. I managed to twist at the last minute, get my back against the window frame, and literally shove him back down into his chair. Then he thought the chair was turning over! Vertigo is a terrible thing.

I'm so sorry for your friend's loss. How terrible, to find one's own son like that! Prayers for that family for sure.

Well, guess I'll scare up some supper. I'm out of leftovers, guess it'll have to be soup. That's fine, I like soup. Or, I could go up to Sonic and get a burger.... Nah, the soup will do. Blessings, friends! --Romeena