March 08, 2015 - Msg 100875: Aww, someone did post the original pilot at one time on Youtube. They must have taken it down, because I remember watching it. Yeah, I am glad they went with Dawn Wells, Tina Louise(even though she didn't like the show for the longest time), and Russell Johnson.

Can't believe I am arguing with some anti-Israel person on Twitter tonight. Started with Eric Braeden(Victor Newman on the Young and the restless) praising Obama's speech and railing against someone who mentioned Netanyahu's speech. Debating whether or not I should "unfollow" Mr. Braeden. I respect him as an actor, but some of the things he says when someone calls him out on his praise of Obama or his lambasting Netanyahu when he made his speech to Congress. I mean, he has every right to have his own opinion, but he can get pretty rude, and when he insults our closest ally in the Middle East, it is getting to be more than I can stomach.

Well, remember to set your clocks ahead and don't be late for church tomorrow. Have a Blessed Sunday everyone!

-Sterling Holobyte
March 08, 2015 - Msg 100876: Whoa, I must have been worked up, I even got worked up enough to grab the broom and do some real work, sweeping!
-Sterling Holobyte
March 08, 2015 - Msg 100877: Good sweep Sterling ...well im here to keep the Church lights on for the day...we got showers for the next week here in Ga...whew...I put 8 tons of gravel on my driveway this week...rain about to wash me away ha ha..ok let me get logged in and find what sermon im gona watch in a bit....breakfast? SPOT
March 08, 2015 - Msg 100878: I thought Gomer was here last night messing around with the vacuum. I guess it was Sterling tidying up. A nice clean porch for our Sabbath. Good job Sterling. Do you do windows?

Yessir, I changed my clocks last night. So I should be to preachin on time this morning. I hate losing that hour, but I enjoy the extra hour at night.

I always enjoyed G.I. even as goofy as it was. Not my wife though. She lost 3 of her brothers at sea back in 1974. They were in a yacht off the coast of Baja California and got caught in a tropical storm. It took several weeks before the Coast Guard found any signs of the yacht, and no bodies were ever found. I think there were 11 people on board. Very hard on the families involved to never have complete closure.

OK Spot. You keep the electrons moving and I will get you some vittles. Deal?

Well we are in the 60's here also. Sorry GF and others back east. We better have a wet spring though. Been a very dry and mild winter. PH, for us, the warmest on record.

Well better go find something to eat before I go to preachin. If not my belly will be growling and folks will be looking at me oddly. And my fragile ego can't handle that. ;)

Asa
March 08, 2015 - Msg 100879:
Sterling Holobyte, I also remember viewing the Gilligan's Island pilot episode on the internet some time ago. Unfortunately, I can no longer find it.

Asa, regarding the loss of your wife's two brothers at sea, I recall a post-accident investigation revealed an alleged corruption connection with at least one of the politician passengers. Check out http://dissenttheblog.blogspot.ca/2012/02/mysterious-sinking-of-shooting-star.html

from Poor Horatio
March 08, 2015 - Msg 100880: Yep Sterling, Victor can get under your skin, Mom was a Y&R fan she always said Victor was a scoundrel....

Asa, Sad story about your wife's brothers, they were saying it was a year ago yesterday the Malaysian plane was lost, I agree there is never closure...

You know, yesterday it was an hour earlier then today, so if they had preachin' yesterday we'd be early..Then we could beat the others for eating out after church...(not a good deal for those who had to work tho)...Back in the day, everything closed n Sunday....What a concept... A day for rest...But, if you go home and cook a big Sunday dinner, SOMEONE has to work to make the meal, so it is quite a point to ponder..But, if you enjoy cooking then it is not work? Sorta like if you enjoy washing the car it's OK then??? Hummm,... Dr. Brean WAS right, "What's your hurry?"

G-F...
March 08, 2015 - Msg 100881: Good morning, porch. I didn't make it to preachin this morning. Woke up about 6, and as soon as I moved the room started to spin. Drat! Another spell of vertigo. I hate when that happens. I got up and slowly made it into the bathroom, and took a meclizine tablet. Got back into bed, fighting nausea, but it finally subsided. I awoke again around 9, dizziness almost gone. Got up at 10:30, and am fine now. This is the first time I've had two spells of it this close together. It usually hits me just once or twice a year. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come!

My DIL, Brittney, got tickets to a movie this afternoon for Eloise and me, and one for herself as well. She and David saw it yesterday, and said it was just wonderful. I'm not sure of the title, but think it's "The Thorns", and it's about the life of Christ. It's being shown at one of the big churches in the mid-cities area. I'm so glad the dizziness left me, so I'll be able to go.

It's 47° here and drizzling rain. I'm so happy with all the rain, ice, and snow we've had. Lots of moisture, and we surely do need it. I think we've had our last hard freeze, and spring is waiting in the wings. I'm ready for it!!

Have a good day, folks. See you later. --Romeena
March 08, 2015 - Msg 100882: Oh, about Aunt Bee and the laundry. I can recall a couple of times she mentioned laundry. One was when "Cousin Gloria" was visiting after her broken engagement. When her fiancé came to make up with her, and Andy and Helen were all cuddled up in the kitchen, and Aunt Bee was feeling a bit redundant, so she said, "Well, I believe I'll just go bring in the laundry." Or something to that effect. There was at least one other mention, but I can't isolate it right now. --Romeena
March 08, 2015 - Msg 100883: About Race time Race Fans...Chicken on the smoker...yall bring sides ! SPOT
March 08, 2015 - Msg 100884: SPOT, I am in the process of making macaroni salad, since you are in "Dukes" territory, I figured I had better not bring it.... Maybe baked beans instead with extra molasses Ok?

That is one thing I forgot to do when I went to Mayberry Days, is to get some "Dukes" and give it a try...I'll try to remember this year when I go there. Nobody up here carries it.

G-F...
March 08, 2015 - Msg 100885:
BOO-I left you a question on FB. Good to see you there.
RO--please be careful, especially with two bouts so close together. Could be heart related, blood to the brain ya know!
Topic of the sermon at church today...sin. Really! It's the season
of Lent, so lots about the topic.
Friends, things are happening so quickly, it all reminds
me of how fast venuzuela went down with chavez.
True, we have some checks and balances here, but even the new congress is a do-nothing bunch. Now the House is off for two weeks! For Pete's sake congress, do some work.
OK, that's it, I better go rest.
Love you,
MDC
March 09, 2015 - Msg 100886: Good Monday morning all.

I hope the new week finds all happy and healthy.

Sure been nice weather on my end of the porch. 60 to 65 all week they say. I can manage that for sure. I hope you guys are going to see some breaks GF and Tom, and anyone else who has had such a rough winter.

MDC, Our Sunday School lesson yesterday was on being "yoked with Christ". Very good lesson that kind of morphed into keeping the Sabbath day holy. I think the instructor touched on it briefly, but it kind of took a life of it's own with comments and discussion by class members. So she just wisely let folks discuss it for a while. Sometimes that happens, and I like it because it just feels like the spirit is there and we get some great discussion going. Was a great class I thought. And next weeks class is on the parables. I am excited about that. I love the parables.

Well best get moving I reckon. I love spring but it is very busy for me. I'm just glad my back is doing better so I am up for it. Just hope it stays that way.

Prayers for all. I'm glad Boo is at least checking in on Facebook. I miss her here, but oh well.

Asa
March 09, 2015 - Msg 100887: Asa, The "THEY's" around here say temps in the 40's Whooo! Hope they are right..as the song goes: "Were havin' a heat wave, tropical heat wave" I forget the rest...

G-Finally warmer weather? Probably NOT! :/
March 09, 2015 - Msg 100888: Here it goes.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57qy7MCzLXA Come on TOM,PH,Auh2o, and everyone else who is tired of cold weather, join in it might help if we ALL join in, sorta like getting rid of Henry Bennett's hex....lol

G-Fitzgerald (not really, can't sing a lick)..haha
March 09, 2015 - Msg 100889: well it is suppose to reach 54 degrees in illinois today now i am trying to decide whether to build a boat because of the massive snow melt or seeif i have heat exhaustion. my prayers go out to all in need i think of all of youu. papa bear
March 09, 2015 - Msg 100890: Happy Monday porch! hope everyone is doing well

Its cloudy but warmer on my end of the porch today. I think it is supposed to rain most of the week but the temperatures are supposed to be in the 50's and 60's so I will be take it.

The past 2 weeks have been very cold, snowy and icy. Its been bad for business as most folks have canceled their appointments and rescheduled. Guess none of us really needed to be out anyway.
Hopefully my schedule will get back to normal now.
I am looking forward to Spring.

Its good to see everyone, good to see you Pappa Bear.

lunch menu will be: fried chicken with crusts, potato salad, SLAW, baked beans. tea, lemonade to drink. brownies for dessert.

Prayers and blessings to all.
Big Maude




March 09, 2015 - Msg 100891: HI PORCH.
Will I back from my long winter sleep and now to fine the two who was bad?

Big Maud the weather is called warm day in the50 and by Friday in the 60 o boy a heat

G F be safe from all the floods coming from all the melting snow.

back to work now

TOM

March 09, 2015 - Msg 100892: Well Tom, I ain't no tattle tale so I will not mention by name who has been bad, but his initials are G.F. :)
Good to see you come out of hibernation buddy.

Asa
March 09, 2015 - Msg 100893: BULBSNATCHER!!!
March 09, 2015 - Msg 100894: Good Evening Porch,

How is everyone doing today? It's nice and warm here. I love having the windows open.

I was just watching the episode where Ernest T joins the army. That was so funny! Before that was one of my favorites...when Miss Ellie is introduced. She's my favorite of Andy's girlfriends. I love her style, and would wear most items now.

Tom- it's good to see you! You too Big Maude. I hope you're both doing well.
Sterling-I'll be honest, I was never a fan of GI. It just seemed so silly. In regards to celebrities on Twitter, I think they really need to hold themselves accountable to causing arguments. They have to be respectful. My username is vintagewasp if you want to find me on Twitter. I'm off of it for lent right now, however.
Papa bear- how wonderful for you to stop by. And that your snow is melting!
G-F- I like your name changes. Hahaha! I just used Duke's tonight on my mozzarella chicken sandwich. It's the best! However, once or twice a year I enjoy Miracle Whip at my FIL's house.
Asa, I thought about your comment on changing all of the clocks when Bryan (husband) pointed out that we only had to change the microwave clock and watches as our one wall clock is solar powered and changes on its own.
MDC, sin is always a good topic as long as it's not being yelled.
Hey to everyone that I've forgotten!

I hope everyone is having a great week so far!
Blessings,
Lucy

March 09, 2015 - Msg 100895: Good evening, porch. Some of you who are on my email list received an email from me today about a production that Eloise and I saw yesterday, about the life of Christ. It's entitled "The Thorn" and is a very powerful presentation. PH was kind enough to provide me with a link to the website that offers a schedule of future presentations. Here it is: The Thorn Home

For those who didn't get the email, trust me, this is something that everyone should see. An amazing production. There is a core troupe of about 50 people who travel with the show, and the rest of the cast (about 200 more people) are drawn from the membership of the host church. It is presented in major cities, in the facilities of one of the larger churches. The church we were in seats 2400 and it was packed. Not an empty seat to be had. A church member told us that all five performances were filled. As near as I can tell, they usually do five presentations in any given venue, so a lot of people got to see it here. I have already emailed them and asked to be placed on a list for advance notification, if they do such a thing, for any future visits to this area. It's that good.

Well, sounds like winter is beginning to loosen its grip on us. We've got moderate temperatures - 40s and 50s - and a slow, steady, soaking rain. There's even word on TV that some of our lakes are starting to fill. That would be wonderful. God is good.

OK, I'm off to cuddle my little Starr. She's ready for some lap time. Sweet little old thing. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
March 09, 2015 - Msg 100896: Hmmm. Looks like that link didn't copy and paste too well. Let's try this: http://thethorn.net/
--Romeena
March 09, 2015 - Msg 100897: Yep. That worked.
March 10, 2015 - Msg 100898:
Hello all, porch is nice and full.
ME-TV here is now showing tags both AM and PM. This morning was the color one where Andy gets lost in the woods with the lady and Helen has a hissy fit. Andy's perfect line was "This is one argument that you're not gonna win!" Yea Andy! He told her off good! ha
OK back to reality...RO, that sounds like really good presentation of what Jesus actully endured thru the passion and on the cross, just for US,
and ASA, that is neat how class turned into a spontaneous conversation in SS. TOM, good to see you back from the frozen tundra.
PappaBear, glad you're doing OK.
LUCY--I think many in the US have put sin out of their minds (as far as doing it as they like, that is!) We need a real revival!
MAUdie--sorry you lost some business, but hopefully things will get going again.
I think I mentioned that my dad's service will be the 28th so that many fam and rels can get here.
prayers,
MDC
March 10, 2015 - Msg 100899: Ha ha, Asa! Oh, I mean, Asa, that wasn't very nice. Poor G-F. ;-)

Lucy, I sure will look you up on Twitter! "VintageWasp" huh?! Were you a pilot in WWII or something? I just know that "WASP" term from an episode of Black Sheep Squadron when these women fighter pilots were featured.

Good to see you, Pappabear! And thanks for thinking of us. I don't think I would be overstepping my bounds to say we all think of you quite a bit as well.

That's probably the only time he got to tell her off, and live, MDC. Poor Andy.

Well, the wife is over in San Diego this week, so I am having to do all the cooking and cleaning and taking care of the kids myself. What am I saying, I do that already. Oh well.

Have a good night everyone. Supposed to be warm this week; started today(Monday), so I don't have to feel envious about my wife being in California all week.
Nah, I wouldn't be envious anyway. I've been to San Diego, and thought it was rather a dirty place. Didn't like it.

Well, good night again everyone!
-Sterling Holobyte
March 10, 2015 - Msg 100900: GF yea we are Dukes country here !...rain and in the 50"s here all week....whew...dont need the rain...got some sausage and bisquits make....SPOT
March 10, 2015 - Msg 100901: Good to see TOM & Papa Bear back rockin'...TOM, don't let Asa fool ya he can still disturb the peace with the best of em' too....lol

PaPa Bear, Are you coming to Mayberry in the Midwest in Danville Indiana? It is May 15-17. I went to it last year and it was a pretty good event for their first time. Rodney Dillard, Charlene Darling & Don Knotts daughter are going to be there doing shows.

They had (3) Mayberry in the Midwest shows in New Castle In. a few years ago, this is a different group. Hope to see ya there. It is not far for to come. I already made my reservations....

MDC, Glad to see you are doing well, I think of your Dad and all who served when I re-watch the video link of the missing man bomber formation I posted, it truly was something to see. It was a touching thing to watch, both the planes and the Vets that were there...God Bless the USA! He truly did bless that generation....(and THEY blessed him back!)..Just sayin'.....

G-F....
March 10, 2015 - Msg 100902:

Mayberry in the Midwest Festival
May 15, 16 & 17, 2015
Danville Indiana (about 22 miles due west of Indianapolis)
https://www.visitdowntowndanville.com/mayberry-in-the-midwest-festival/

from Poor Horatio
March 10, 2015 - Msg 100903: Poor Horatio...The rules are since you post the link now you have to go to the festival...Haha See you there Buddy....
You know...Barneys Rules say: Rule #1 Obey ALL rules...Right Sgt. TOM?...

G-Festival....
March 11, 2015 - Msg 100904: Here I am Ro. I am sorry I have been away so much and I love you all and thank you for missing me. I do think of you so many times during my days. I have been working a lot and it seems like when I get a day off I am doing piles of laundry, cleaning or going to the store. You working moms know how it is. Bruce and the kids are trying to help out but they are busy, too. Sean goes to school all day three days a week and then works all but sundays, usually and Bruce keeps the kitchen clean and holds everything together in the evenings. Erin is finally gaining some maturity and helping out more without being told. That girl has come a long way in the last 6 months, thankfully.

The job I am doing now is a good one. I am getting a hang of the paperwork and enjoying it. My supervisor is there often and is a very sweet Christian woman from south Africa. She hugs me when I come in everyday and never stops encouraging me. I have never worked with a better group of nurses and have never felt more appreciated in any job. It is a blessing. I think the best part is that I do most of the admissions and have the opportunity often to sit down in a room with some very troubled kids and talk to them. I have the freedom to tell them about what Jesus has done for them and encourage them in their faith. I love that God has made that possible. Those poor kids have stories that you just wouldn't believe..so unfair.

Boo
March 11, 2015 - Msg 100905: Continued...I when ahead and posted before I was done because this crazy computer often loses what I am typing..

Hope you all are doing well these days. Hope you are healing, MDC. I know God's grace is with you as you go through the healing process. I think of you often.

Hope that crazy vertigo doesn't keep coming back on you, Ro! That stuff is terrible. Hopefully, you wont see it again for quite a while.

Thanks for missing me, Asa. You're my buddy and I miss you too. I will certainly give it a good effort and be back on the porch more often.

Want to address all of you personally, but don't want to leave anyone out. Blessings to each one of you. You are loved.

Better check on the laundry (some things never change).

Boo
March 11, 2015 - Msg 100906: Thanks Boo, this is a very unique porch indeed!
"Baby, have you ever wondered, wondered what became of me..." MDC
March 11, 2015 - Msg 100907: Good afternoon, porch. Boo, it's good to hear from you. Sounds like you're doing well. I think God has placed you in a job that will be very fulfilling for you, and where you can be of tremendous help to some kids who need help badly. I worked the adolescent drug rehab unit at our hospital for about a year, back in the early 90s, so I have some idea what you're encountering. The histories of some of those kids would chill your blood.

Well, David dropped Hudson off at Eloise's this morning. As a surprise to Hud, he and Brittney are completely remodeling his bedroom today. Paint, new furniture, new curtains, additional storage and shelving - he's going to love it! I'm on my way to Eloise's, and we'll take him to see "Paddington" at the local theater. He'll stay with Eloise tonight, then we'll go to lunch tomorrow, and Hudson will come home with me, and stay here tomorrow night. Friday, Dave and Brittney will come over in the afternoon and help me get my Christmas tree down and stored away, and we'll make something good for dinner. Of course, Hudson will go home with them Friday night, and be surprised by his new room.

Yes, my Christmas tree is still up. No tacky comments, please. I know it's ridiculous, but I don't care. January and February are always so gray and dismal, the tree is bright and beautiful, I enjoy it, and Toye Starr doesn't object, so what's the hurry. Now that flowers are starting to bud out and peek through in the yard, and the days are brighter, I'm ready for it to come down. Just one of the little things that make it easier to be alone - you can do as you darned well please!

Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
March 11, 2015 - Msg 100908: "I'm livin' on the air in Cincinnatti, Cincinnatti WKRP." --Romeena
March 11, 2015 - Msg 100909: To, I think it's absolutely awesome that you kept the tree up and enjoyed it all this time. I enjoyed my new artificial one so much that I hated taking it down. Every morning I would turn on the tree and enjoy the warm glow it gave the room. I loved it!

Boo
March 11, 2015 - Msg 100910: Romeena, Don't worry about keeping your tree up, I keep my Mayberry Christmas tree up all year (it's only a 4'er). We had 2 days of temps in the 40's good to see some grass peaking out again, it will be awhile until I see any flowers budding tho. Can't wait to plant the iris's my back yard, is so wet it will be a long time before I can get back there to do it. But as last night dinner....This too shall pass....

Boo, Good to see you pop your head out too, hope Bernie and the gang came thru you cold temps ok, golly he would have needed a coat and hat if he was around here.

G-F....

March 11, 2015 - Msg 100911: Thanks, Boo and G-F. I'm used to people looking at me funny when I say the tree is still up, but it's nice to have somebody understand. It does get me through the "letdown" after Christmas, when the days are so short and gloomy. It helps that the LED lights on it cost about a dime to burn all evening, so I don't feel so wasteful. It will be down by the end of this week, though. A 4'-er is one thing, but an 8 1/2' tree standing in the corner eventually becomes like the proverbial elephant in the room. It's time.

Just got home from going with Eloise and Hudson to see "Paddington", and trust me - it was worth going to see! It's not just a kids' movie, though it is that, but it's really for all ages. The blend of live action and animation is seamless, and you immediately begin to "believe" Paddington. The devices used at times to tell the story or develop the mood were ingenious, and worked so well. For example (no spoiler alert here), at one point Paddington is inside a three story home. The camera backs away from the house, and the façade of the house opens and folds back, like one would open a doll house, giving you a view of all the rooms at once, so you can see all the action at the same time. Very effective, and very clever. I would strongly recommend this movie for anyone, and especially if you have children or grandchildren. Don't miss this one.

Well, our temp is 68° right now, and I'm loving it! The 10-day forecast predicts 60s-70s all the way through, so I'll have flowers blooming in a week or so. I noticed some tulip foliage breaking ground out front, and I didn't plant any out there this year, so they must have made it through the winter. That's a pleasant surprise! I've got daffodils blooming front and back, and I noticed a few buds rising deep in the heart of some iris clumps. Also, pansies that we planted back in the fall, which have been covered with a deep layer of leaves through the coldest part of the winter, have now poked their pretty little faces up through the leaves and are looking good! I need to get the blower and clear the leaves away now, so the foliage can get the sun. Always something to do!

Well, I'm tired. Missed my nap today! So did Toye Starr, apparently, as she's in here trying to lure me to our chair. She was free to get in her cuddle bed and nap the whole time I was gone, and I'm sure she did exactly that, but she misses "our" nap. Nothing spoiled about her!

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
March 12, 2015 - Msg 100912: Romeena, I am glad you saw that movie and gave it a good review. I feel we can trust your judgment. I am never sure about any movie made nowadays. I was already dismissing the Paddington movie, mostly just because he looks like a read bear, and the Paddington I remember watching on PBS always looked like he was a Teddy Bear. But with your glowing report, I may have to give this one a go.

Nice to see you Boo, and glad your job is going well.

Funny you mention keeping Christmas trees up. I was taking Noah for a drive so he could nap after we dropped Kai off at the church for teen group, and I drove out into the country, where I saw this house where it looked like they kept ALL their Christmas decor up. I mean, there were the lights glowing; santa, reindeer and elves still waving to passersby; and I don't know what else because I was just driving by, but it looked like there was more there.
So I guess if the most you do is keep your tree up past the holiday(s), it's not that bad. :-)

-Sterling Holobyte
March 12, 2015 - Msg 100913: What's a "read" bear. I guess a pretty well educated one. Of course, I meant "real".

-Sterling Holobyte
March 12, 2015 - Msg 100914: Great to see you Boo. Thanks for checking in. We miss you and your sweet spirit here. :)

Not worry Ro. I just put my tree away last week. But mainly because my back was so sore I couldn't do it earlier. But hey, if you enjoy having it up until whenever, enjoy it I say.

GF and Tom, glad you are getting a break in your weather. We are getting a little rain today, but supposed to hit 70 by the weekend. I think it's time for me to fire up the rider and start getting my lawn ready. I have a dethatcher I drag around, and then an aerator. Then throw down a pre-emergent. Whew, I'm bushed just talking about it. I need to go hit my "Wheeler" for a bit and rest up. :)

Asa


March 12, 2015 - Msg 100915: About the 7th or 8th day of rain here...got scrambled eggs with cheese and toast and sausage links ... enough for all...SPOT
March 12, 2015 - Msg 100916: Asa, With the April 16'th deadline soon approaching I am going hot water heater shopping before they change the standards & tanks. My understanding is the vendors can still sell the "old" style tanks until they are gone. Then the "new" and improved and (much more expensive) tanks will then be sold. Yep, the government stuck there nose in yet another thing that was working fine.... So as a smart maintenance minded person I will have a stand by ready when my 12yr old tank poops out...

Thanks Buddy for the "heads-up" on the new changes, being out of the loop with my old vendors I may never have realized it before it was to late. Because ANYTHING mandated by the government HAS to be better right?....Lol lol LOL...It will be placed right next to my belt driven, standing pilot, 70's vintage furnace that has been working just fine since 1974...Case closed!!!

Thanks Again Asa, you truly are one of my kind....Just don't get me started on sticky sump pump switches. Since they took the mercury out of the switches they have been not worth a plumb nickel (no matter which way the buffalo is pointing) but, I can sorta see the necessity of that one tho...

SPOT, Look on the bright side, with all the rain comes fuller lakes & streams, with fuller lakes & streams means MORE FISH! Better get that boat cranked up, it's gonna be a busy year fishin'....

G-Fishin'....
March 12, 2015 - Msg 100917: Good morning, porch! Sterling, I think you can safely take Noah to see "Paddington", and you might want to take Kai as well. It truly is a movie for everyone. You might be happy to know that the "teddy bear" side of Paddington is not lost. He still has a quality of innocence, and wide-eyed wonder, and at the same time he's resourceful and courageous. Now and then he "speaks Bear", and the first time he roars it might startle Noah a bit, but really isn't scary. Actually, the first time you hear that, he's pronouncing his "bear name." Of course, he speaks perfectly accented English as well. Hilarious! There was one other thing I thought was so appropriate for children to see. Paddington, not understanding the ways of civilization, gets into all sorts of situations that immediately spiral out of his control, and the results are disastrous. Just like a little kid, trying to do something to help, but the "something" is beyond his ability, and he gets in a big old jam. Kids will identify with Paddington.

G-F, have you considered a tankless water heater? I had two installed several years ago. Lowe's had then for half price, as the new year's model was coming in. My friend Ted installed them for me, and he always charges lightly. I know they're expensive, but boy, do I ever like them! When the family is here, the hot water is a never-ending stream. When the water is not in use, the heater is not running. Just a tiny standing pilot, no heater running every few minutes to keep 40 gallons of water hot, on the off-chance that somebody might need it. Because of the layout of my house, two heaters were needed - one in the bedroom end, and one in the kitchen and laundry room area. These days, the one for the bathrooms runs once a day, when I shower. The one in the kitchen area runs off and on, for the dishwasher, the washing machine, and whenever I need hot water at the sink. My gas bill used to run about $60 in the summer (when the furnace isn't in use) and now it's the minimum of $12 every month until the furnace is in use again. Well, look who I'm talking to. I'm sure you know much more about the things than I do. You may know some negatives, but so far I haven't found any. I love 'em!

Well, gotta run. One more appointment with the hearing aid doc - part of the purchase package. She has seen me about ten times so far, fine-tuning these things. I'm glad I got them. Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
March 12, 2015 - Msg 100918: Romeena, Funny you should mention the "tankless" technology, I have experienced nothing but heartaches with those tanks. One of my elderly buildings had them and we had nothing but troubles! I realize they were electric and the high calcium content in the water was a major factor...

G-F
March 12, 2015 - Msg 100919:
All this talk about tankless water heaters interests me. I myself had considered installing one until I read the following consumer's report at http://tinyurl.com/566pta

from Poor Horatio
March 12, 2015 - Msg 100920: Hey, G-F. I can see where the high mineral content could be a problem with them, just as it often is with the old-style tanks. My heaters are gas, I've had them for about eight years, and absolutely think they're great. No troubles at all. We have a lot of minerals in our water here, too, and actually mineral build-up is what killed three tank-type heaters for us over the years. Unless you religiously drain them every few months (who does that?) they will build up a deep layer of mineral silt in the bottom and eventually fail. My heaters are about 2'x3'x8", and they hang on the wall. Sure gave me a lot of room in the water heater closets. My son, whose crews used to do the display sets in the big box stores for Bosch, American Standard, and others said the Bosch rep said Europe has gone almost 100% tankless. They last much longer than the tank-type kind (at least around here) so just imagine all the big old tanks that aren't in the landfills now. I know nothing about the electric ones, except that they're much, much smaller, about the size of a big phone book, so maybe the smaller size makes them more prone to failure.

Well, gotta run. Blessings, friends~ --Romeena
March 12, 2015 - Msg 100921: Hey, PH. You posted between me and G-F, so I didn't see your comment. I followed the link and read the article. I have to say I disagree with a lot of what it said, but it's only fair to note that my heaters are Bosch brand, and that brand was not mentioned in the article. I think there are probably several variables here. For one, since I'm just one person using the hot water, it's probably more cost effective for me than it is for a family of six, for example, where the unit would be running frequently. For me, the figures stand for themselves. Consistent gas bills around $60-$70 each month all summer, vs the minimum $12 now. Also, I caught a great sale on my heaters, paying about $400 each for them, so that expense was wiped out in about four years or less. Remember, we have long summers. As for the fluctuation in water temperature, I have noticed it at times, but the cooling lasts about five seconds, happens only once in each shower, and never gets really cold. I have wondered what causes it, now I know, thanks to the article. I think a person would just have to evaluate all the factors, and a big one would be whether they could install it themselves, like G-F undoubtedly could. For me, I would definitely do it again.

Well, gotta go feed my grandson before he turns into a pumpkin. --Romeena
March 12, 2015 - Msg 100922: I have heard good and bad on the tankless heaters. My Dad put one in his house back in the early 80's and seemed to really have no problems with it. But he lived by himself so the demand wasn't great. I have heard the problems with scale build up in them and the need for frequent back flushing with acid. So I'm still uncertain. But Romeena, you mentioned Bosch, and that speaks volumes for me. I am a huge Bosch fan, from their power tools to appliances, they rock. They are a bit pricey but they offer the best bang for the buck by leaps and bounds. And you got a steal at $400.00 per unit.

Anyway GF, I am glad my heads up saved you some $$$ buddy. Maybe my next post will be on "Wheeler" maintenance. How, when, why. :)

Asa
March 13, 2015 - Msg 100923:
Glad you are getting your water heater now GF.
I bet there will be a black market for the old models soon! HA. (Hey buddy, ya wanna buy some light bulbs?)
I dont get all the govt regs at all, it's the old camel's nose under the tent again.
Well, I'm looking for a good medicare supplement plan. I have til march 31 for my initial enrollment. Looks like I will go with United HC, and Humana for Rx.
Good to see BOO and others.
GF--Cleveland still doing pretty good, and racing coming up here too.
Funeral plans going well. Dad's obit will be in Sunday's paper. We got a 50% discount since he worked for the paper for 30 years, then fam pooled funds and got him a nice big one.
If you want to see it, go to
azcentral.com on Sunday, and to "Obituaries" on the left menu. I think most of you know this, but
last name is r a t h s
Prayers for all,
MDC
March 13, 2015 - Msg 100924: Yep, Asa, as I recall, they were half price. Regularly $800, but it was the model year end, new models coming in, so they knocked off 50%. This was about eight years ago, don't know what they'd cost now. Like you, I'm a big fan of Bosch products. I have a Bosch dishwasher, and just love it. That thing will clean anything. I've put casserole dishes in there with burnt-on food, and they come out sparkling. I just rinse my dishes lightly and stick them in there, and don't run it but every two or three days, as I don't accumulate dishes very quickly, since it's just me. Everything comes out shining clean. Also, it's so quiet that if it wasn't for the red sentry light it projects onto the floor, I wouldn't know it was running. When the family is here for a meal, we all usually sit around the table and talk for quite a while. Dishes are cleared quickly, loaded in and the dishwasher runs while we talk, and we can't even hear it. It's ten feet away, and we can't hear it. Amazing.

Eloise and I took Hudson to lunch today, and he wanted to eat at a place called Pie Five. Have any of you heard of it? It's a pizza place, with a twist. They offer one size pizza, and two crust choices, thin and thicker. The thin is very thin, like a cracker, and is quite crisp. It's delicious. You choose your crust, which is already partially baked, and then choose your sauce from four kinds. Then you pass in front of a row of bins of toppings, and you can choose as many as you like. It's still all the same price, 6.99, whether you have one topping or twelve. They have the "package" for 9.99, which includes a pizza, a drink, and a little salad served in a crispy pizza crust bowl. Good salad, too! That's what I had, and brought half the pizza home to have for dinner. It's the best pizza I've had in quite a while, and I will definitely be going back.

Well, guess I'll go see what Hudson is doing. We're supposed to be putting Christmas stuff up, but we've just been goofing off. Guess we'd better get busy. David and Brittney are coming over tomorrow to take the tree down, but I don't think they're expecting all the sit-around stuff to still be out. I think Hud and I should at least put that away. Or not. Maybe we'll do that in the morning, after I put the pot roast on to cook. I love being retired. Seems there's always tomorrow! --Romeena
March 13, 2015 - Msg 100925: Here ya go Romeena....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk0pQKusB74&t=612
March 13, 2015 - Msg 100926: Yep, Romeena there nothing a (retired) man (or woman) can't do tomorrow...tehaha It's what separates us from the apes..G-F
March 13, 2015 - Msg 100927: Good Afternoon Porch,

I hope this finds all well! I've had a rough week. I lost my job. They said there's not enough funding. I have until the end of the month to give them all of the passwords and updated alumni list. I'm praying and weighing my options on what to do next. I'm going to need ANOTHER ankle surgery and incisional hernia repair AGAIN this year. So, I will need another work at home job. Nick has been in town since Saturday though he's only seen us for an hour. He says he'll be with us on Sunday, but I doubt it as he's said that we will see him every day this week then never show. When he left for basic training in Jan. 2014, he left on a bad note. He didn't speak to his dad for 6 months. It hurts our feelings that he is in town yet doesn't care to see us even though we did nothing wrong. He did show up for family pictures, so at least there's that. My hematologist said that my Coumadin can't be kept straight so she's putting me on a medicine that costs over $100/month! With my not having a job and Bryan's not getting paid (the lab he works for was shut down for 3 months to get their markers straight but is still not fully functional), I don't know what to do. Thankfully we started Financial Peace University. It's all just been a bit much this week. Having my blood messed up makes me a bit more emotional. Pollen count is up and that doesn't help at all, except if I want to cry and don't want anyone to know all I have to do is blame the pollen. :) Sorry for the whine fest, I just wanted to fill y'all in. Especially as I put it on Twitter and Sterling was kind enough to offer prayers. Oh, and I'm not on Twitter too much during Lent. My Twitter handle refers to my love of old fashioned living in preppy clothes so WASP as in White Anglo Saxon Protestant, not the flying gang.

Boo, I'm glad to see you are doing well, busy, but well.
Romeena, I'm hoping to see it as soon as Paddington comes out on Redbox! I'm such a child at heart.
Spot, with it being so stinkin' gloomy around here maybe we need to put our trees back up!
MDC, I will look for it on Sunday! Being a newspaperman, I'm sure he would appreciate the big obit.
After reading MDC's comment about light bulbs, I thought about the episode of Last Man Standing when the main character (Tim Allen) goes to get light bulbs out of a van in an alley. I thought that was so funny, but maybe necessary! I've found a few at local hardware stores, but that's about it.

Y'all have a most wonderful day!

Blessings,
~Lucy
March 13, 2015 - Msg 100928: Me again,

After I typed that I got a call from my crying 19 year old daughter. Her car that she's planning on driving to LA on Monday in was hit by her neighbor whom was drunk at the time. They gave her $3500 cash so she wouldn't call the cops. Now her door and fender are broken and it will cost $2000 to fix a 18 year old Camry. I told her to just buy a new car with the money and leave a week later. The problem is that I bought Nick's plane ticket from LA to his base for $500 and it's nonrefundable. Now he's saying that he doesn't even want to go with her and would rather spend the week partying with his friends, as he's been doing all week. She's devastated. That deployment didn't change that boy one bit. I can't drive more than 4 hours at a time because of my ankle and Bryan is trying to make money. If she doesn't find a car then she will have to fly out. Oh my. My glass half full isn't feeling full at all right now. Y'all know that I'm Miss Positivity, but I'm not feeling it right now.

Blessings again,
~Lucy