August 10, 2015 - Msg 102294: Congrats SPOT! Wow 35 years, hopefully they will give ya a stainless steel watch with a "35" on it. As I found out it is rare these days to stay at one place that long I worked at my job for almost 39 years.

Thanks Sterling for the link, I'll watch it later when it is suppose to rain and I have to come inside..

MDC, yep the HOF festival puts Canton on the map for the week. I grew up and lived & worked in Canton, funny thing I lived only 1/2 mile from the HOF and I went there only once when I took my Son to a Father/Son autograph event... I would go to the parade because both of my kids were in the HIgh School band and they got to march in it....

G-F
August 10, 2015 - Msg 102295: Sweeeeep!... Another clean slate...G-F
August 10, 2015 - Msg 102296: Good morning peeps. Hope you are all fine and dandy.

Happy anniversary Spot. I started year 31 at my place of employment back in January. And I see it the same way, a blessing from God. Blessed with a good job, with good co-workers, and a healthy body in which to function. How long before you retire?

Romeena, I agree with you on the well doneness of a pork roast. It's my first attempt, so I was pleased with the outcome. I kept a close eye on it with the thermometer.

Sterling, glad your back is doing better buddy. Just ease back into things gently.

MDC, There is an older gentlemen in my church who has one of them cookers and he loves it. Uses it all the time. If you do buy one, let me know what you think of it. Something I am considering buying, but doubt I will is a freeze drier. There is a local company here in Salt Lake that is producing these units that sounds pretty good. They have managed to bring the cost down quite a bit, although they are still pretty pricey. But they make it sound very easy to operate, and the food is just as good tasting and nutritious 20 years later as it was when it was fresh. At least that's the claim they make. But it's still an expensive machine.

Well I took the day off. I am at use or lose on my vacation, and I just as soon use it. Maybe I'll go putter around in the garden for a spell.

Asa
August 10, 2015 - Msg 102297: Wow GF, We must have been posting at the same time. You wasn't there when I started mine, but you were when I finished. You sneak! :)

Asa
August 10, 2015 - Msg 102298: Good morning, porch! Spot, congratulations on your 35th year at your job. When you find a job that suits you, pays fairly and you enjoy it, it's great if you can just stay on. Asa and G-F, you apparently have done the same, and so did I. When I left the hospital, I had 35 years of constant employment behind me. I almost left once, after about twelve years. A middle manager went back on a commitment and tried to shift me to a schedule I simply couldn't follow. I wasn't trying to be uncooperative, I just couldn't work the schedule he wanted. I had found another job and was about to give notice, when an upper-level manager learned through the grapevine that I had interviewed at the other hospital. I never told anyone, but someone saw me there. She called me in and offered me a different assignment, one that would allow me to stay on the schedule I needed. She wanted me to work in the "PRN pool", which meant I would float the hospital and go wherever I was needed whenever I worked. It was a dream job, varied experience to be gained, challenging, interesting and no "unit politics." I snapped it up. When I asked her how many nurses were in that pool (I didn't know we even had a pool) she replied, "Well, if you're taking it, then there's one."

Sheer managerial genius. She created an experimental job (which worked out well, and the pool still exists today.) She didn't countermand the middle manager's order, so he saved face (and possibly learned something in the process), she kept an experienced employee, and made that employee very happy. It was a win-win all the way, and I was the biggest winner of all. I loved the new assignment, and floated the house for five years. You name it, I've done it. Some managers "get it", and some don't. Some think "management" simply means telling everyone what to do, whether it's a good fit for them or not, and others know it's like conducting a symphony. You have to know the capabilities of everyone, and find the place where they fit best. You don't expect the tuba to play the part that's better suited to the flute. That manager was a great conductor!

Well, I need to change the sugar water in the hummer feeder, put out critter feed, and feed the pond fish. Seems like all I do around here is feed something. Bentley and Toye Starr have been fed, did that when I first got up. Maybe I should think about feeding me, too. I rarely eat breakfast, but it's getting close to lunch, and I'm getting hungry.

Have a wonderful day, everyone! --Romeena
August 10, 2015 - Msg 102299: Yes Romeena middle management IS much like conducting a symphony, or at least like Andy trying to get the Mayberry band to play together... A lot of different personalities and egos to deal with. I'm so glad now all I have to conduct is the proper animal edicate at my feeder, ya know squirrels, woodpeckers, and blue jays need need guidance at times....haha

G-F...
August 10, 2015 - Msg 102300: Oh, don't they though! I have some very sassy bluejays around here, who don't grasp the idea of working and playing well with others. Talk about bullies! The squirrels let them get away with it for just so long though, and then they get together and "whup up on 'em" and put them in their place. It's hilarious to watch. --Romeena
August 10, 2015 - Msg 102301: ASA--something to think about...unless they invented the freeze drier more than 20 years ago, how do they know how it tastes "20 years later?" haha
MDC
August 10, 2015 - Msg 102302: Sterling, thanks for that ep, it was great!
I was watching Emergency today and it was about a "Sister Barbara" who was driving a school bus and the steering went out. She was pinned in it. She asked DeSoto to say a prayer for her. Beautiful moment. On the opposite end of that spectrum, when I was in Cal recently, I caught a glimpse of TV-Land and there was a comercial for some show called Impastor! Oh man, just the commercial turned my stomach! It was SICKening! Have we de-graded that much in these years??
SPOT--congrats! I hope they at least paved the lot for ya! ha After all, they did the gasworks last year. :)
ASA-I will indeed let you know if I get one. It is good you mentioned a review other than in the ones in the infomercial.
Wow RO, she basically created the job to keep you on, that is very cool!! Yes, it takes a special person to do that. When I was teaching, I had a principal like that. He was one amazing man.
Speaking of such, let me mention Frank Gifford once more. From what I have seen and heard, he was also one amazing man!
Take care folks,
MDC
August 10, 2015 - Msg 102303: Good evening, porch. Yes, MDC, I guess we have degraded that much. When they first started running the ads for "Impastor", the very title put me off, but I decided to give it a chance. I watched about ten minutes of one of the first episodes, was completely disgusted, and haven't watched it since. America is on a very slippery slope right now, and we're sliding downhill fast. Scary. For all our "modern" ways, we're forgetting one thing. The Bible says in Galatians 6:7 - "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." For years now, we've been sowing the notion that man is in charge, God doesn't really matter, religion is for old folks and sissies, and we can do as we please. Well, take a look at our moral climate today. Is this really who we are? I hope not. I could get on a soapbox about the progression of things (promiscuity→more unwanted pregnancies→abortion on demand→thousands of babies killed every week→extremists on both sides acting out→ and on it goes) but that's as far as I'm going. We just need to turn things back, and find our moral compass once again.

Actually, MDC, I can't honestly say that job was created for me personally. I think she had been toying with the idea for a while, and my situation just pushed her into it. As I said, the pool still exists, with several nurses in it now, and I'm long gone. I'm just glad she was smart enough to realize that it would work for me, and glad she thought I could handle it. It was a challenge, I'll admit, but I really learned a lot, and before long, I was comfortable working anywhere in the hospital, except in surgery. That requires special training and certification. I have to say, I really enjoyed my nursing career, and at times, I still miss it. The little bit of home health nursing I'm doing now is mostly just dressing changes, catheter care, monitoring vital signs, just very basic stuff. Mostly, we're qualified "eyes on the scene", monitoring the patient and reporting to the physician. There's not much challenge to it, but that's okay. It would have bored me to tears a few years ago, but right now, I value peace more than anything else.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up something to eat. I'm not very hungry, maybe just some blackberries and cottage cheese. Yep, that sounds pretty good. Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
August 10, 2015 - Msg 102304: Hello porch. I'm sure someone here can help me. I have a mutant cricket in my house and it's about to drive me crazy with its loud chirping. It's not one of those nice ones you'd hear at Myers Lake. It's obnoxiously loud and annoying and I am sick of it. I can't quite tell where it is, and every time I start to walk toward the general direction, it stops. I don't want to spray Raid or anything, I don't have a dog, and it's just got me all out of sorts. Anyone?

Billy Ray the Postman
August 10, 2015 - Msg 102305: You're welcome Romeena, G-F, and MDC. There are other episodes that I find touching, but that one just stood out recently.

I don't know, MDC. My remote finger hasn't darkened TVLand's door for a while now. And won't unless they get rid of the filth and bring back the (classic)funnies.
(haha. That sounds like I have a detached digit)


Well, my appointment at the physical therapist went pretty smoothly. Though kind of disappointed that she thinks I probably should wait a little while longer before getting back on the bike. I told her I hoped the summer isn't over with before I get to ride bike again. But she said given my progress, she doesn't think it will.

Billy Ray, I don't really know what to tell you if you don't want to spray. We used to have a cat that was really good at hunting house centipedes, and would eat them after she caught them. I don't know, maybe a cat would track down a cricket also. Do you have one? (Cat. I know you have a cricket)

-Sterling Holobyte


August 11, 2015 - Msg 102306: Where's Buddy Holly when ya need him? (:
August 11, 2015 - Msg 102307: It might be early but I did get the Buddy Holly reference...lol

Billy Ray, you might want to try boric acid power on your cricket problem sprinkle it around the area you suspect it won't hurt anything.... Our exterminator we had on staff used it a lot it worked on all types of bugs, and was not toxic... As "Vince" always said: To beat a bug ya gotta think like a bug. Sorta like Romeena and her Houdini rat!...haha

G-F.....
August 11, 2015 - Msg 102308: Good morning, porch! Cloudy here today, might mean it won't be quite so hot. I sure hope so. That 106° we had yesterday was just a bit much. And no, it's not a "dry heat." Not around here!

Billy Ray, that's good advice from G-F. Boric acid powder works well against pesky creepies. I've never thought of crickets as being creepy, but to have one screeching in the house at all hours would indeed be annoying. As G-F said, it's not an actual poison, though it does act like one on insects. It never loses its strength, as long as the powder remains undisturbed. If you're building a house, you can ask the builder to put it along the foundation (we have slab foundations in Texas) and build the walls over it, then put it down heavily where the cabinets will be built, and roaches will avoid your house forever. It works.

Another good choice is diatomaceous earth. If you're not familiar with it, it's a white powder, has multiple uses, and is also non-toxic, especially if you get the food grade kind. DE spread on the lawn and deposited around the perimeter of your house will help eliminate snails and slugs, roaches (ugh!), ants, and fleas. My daughters, who live in rural settings, actually put it on their dogs, and they have no fleas. It's perfectly safe to do this, as food-grade DE is exactly what it says. Many people mix a tablespoon of DE into cereal, or just in a liquid and drink it every day. Just do a search on "Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth" and read what comes up. You'll be amazed. I don't consume it myself, but I'm considering it.

Well, better get moving around here. Lots of little "tidy up" chores I've been putting off. Have a great day, everyone! --Romeena
August 11, 2015 - Msg 102309: Hey Billy Ray. If GF and Romeenas ideas don't work, you could try having Barney come over and try talking it out. I'm sure if Barney knows bird talk, he has to know cricket talk. Maybe he has a bug poetry book he could use on it. :)

MDC, I was wondering the same thing about that freeze dried stuff. But I think freeze drying has been around a long time. This outfit has just created a smaller machine that a homeowner can do it with, both in size and affordability. Although it is still pricey.

Better follow your P.T.'s advice Sterling. Don't overdo or you will go backwards.

I saw Mr. McBeevee on an old Bonanza yesterday. And he was a captain on a steam paddle boat that was floating around on Lake Tahoe. His part wasn't to big though. He got himself killed fairly early in the show. Left behind a grieving daughter and everything. A real tear jerker!

Well better get things buttoned up here at work and head for home. Leftover pork roast waiting for me.

Prayers for all.

Asa

Asa
August 11, 2015 - Msg 102310: Excuse me. I hiccupped.

Asa
August 11, 2015 - Msg 102311: Hold your breath, Asa, and count to ten. If that doesn't work, take three big gulps of water in quick succession. If that doesn't work, I'll pop a balloon behind your head and scare you.

That reminds me of a hospital story. Some new parents are notoriously ignorant of what to expect from a new baby - no experience, they're scared! One night I got a frantic call on the intercom from a young dad - "Come quick, the baby is having a seizure!" I went flying to the room, to find a perfectly peaceful baby, lying on his back in the little crib, and he had the hiccups. The dad was watching him intently, and when the next hiccup came, he yelled "See, there he goes again. A seizure!" Then he started yelling at me to do something! I had a good rapport with that couple, and knew I could get away with it, so I said, "I know just what to do. Watch!" And I leaned over the crib, looked at the baby and said, "Boo! There, that should do it. That should scare the hiccups away." Of course, it didn't affect the hiccups at all, but the parents stared at me for a minute, then started laughing until the tears came. Then I showed them how to pick the baby up, pat his back, and just comfort him until the hiccups stopped, as they usually do after a few minutes. That was the cutest little couple!

Leftover pork roast? Hmmm. Sounds like a job for some good all-grain bread and some mustard, to me. Yum! I may just have to get a big old pork roast and cook it one of these days. Let's see. Roast and gravy and mashed potatoes the first day, maybe the same warmed up the next day (to finish off the gravy), sandwiches the third day. Then on the fourth day, brown some diced onion in a little butter, dice up the remainder of the roast and add it to the onion along with any veggies that might be among my leftovers, and brown it in with some cooked rice. Yep, four days of good eating out of one roast. That's the plan. Cook a roast, sandwiches, hash - sounds good to me!

Well, the kids are coming home tonight, got to pick them up at Love Field at 11 pm. Bentley will be ecstatic. That poor puppy just pines for his people. He loves me, and sticks to me like glue when he's here, but he looks at the door and sighs a lot, jumps up at the slightest sound, doesn't real well, and just generally mopes. He's such a sweetheart. At least he doesn't howl like Toye Starr does when I'm gone. Her little tiny howl is no problem, but sweet Bentley has a fearsome bark, I can't imagine what his howl would be like. Honestly, when that sweet mopheaded baby barks, he sounds like I would imagine a lion would sound if a lion could bark. Deep, resonant, and LOUD! He's going to be a happy puppy in a little while.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena
August 11, 2015 - Msg 102312: Uh, that's "doesn't EAT real well" up there. Sorry! --Romeena
August 12, 2015 - Msg 102313: Exactillioso! :)
August 12, 2015 - Msg 102314: Good morning all.

Boy howdy Ro, them are some great ideas for that roast. In fact that's my plan for tonight, a hash with the left overs. That one roast has fed us all week. Can't beat a deal like that. Although they say pork is one of the foods I should avoid with gout problems. But I have not been able to detect any particular food I eat that brings on a flare. There have been times I watch what I eat with a passion, and still have a flare. And other times I go ahead and eat whatever, and no flares. The only thing I do know that will give me a flare is if I crash diet. If I try losing to much to fast, I know I will start having gout issues, and bad ones at that. The other thing is if I get dehydrated. I drink a lot of water, especially this time of year to try and avoid that.

I was watching "A wife for Andy" last night. Boy you have to give Andy some credit for not punching old Barn right in the nose sometimes. Poor Andy, not once, but twice ends up with a herd of women in his house thanks to Barney. I guess he figured Barney was just trying to help. but mercy sakes, he could be a nuisance at times. One thing he had right though, he tried warning Andy off of Helen. Andy should have listened to that advice. I doubt very much Helen ever did learn how to cook a leg a lamb, Andy's favorite dish.

Had another nice rain here last night, with more due in today and tonight. Getting that monsoon moisture that MDC is sending us.

Romeena, that e-mail you sent with the little dog sneezing was a hoot. Funny how it took a few seconds for the sneeze to happen, but when it did, that little feller made the most of it.

Better get moving. I need to try and get some outdoor stuff done here at work before the rains hit.

Prayers for all.

Asa
August 12, 2015 - Msg 102315: Happy Wednesday porch, hope everyone is well today.

Haven't been much lately, been busy at the "big house". My business partner retired at the end of July and which has created changes for ole Maude. He signed his percent of the business over toe me when he retired. Its only a very small private practice counseling office so I should be able to manage fairly well. He had been phasing out for the past year or so anyway. will be different without him but think it will be good. I share office suite space with 2 female therapists who also have their own practice so I am sure they will be a great support.

Patrick goes back to Cookeville Sunday for his last year of graduate school so have been spending time with him. His girlfriend Daysie will finish her last semester of college in Dec. and Beth will graduate in May 2016. time is surely flying.

Mr. Maude works for CVS Pharmacy. He has been in the same building for over 30 years but over time he has worked for Eckerd, Begley Drugs, Revco and past several years CVS. Anyway, CVS purchased land and built a free standing CVS across the street for the shopping center he has been in. They will be moving to their new store this week end. its kinda bitter sweet for him. leaving a place he has called work home for all these years and go into a new and improved work space.

so seems like all of us at the Big House are going through some kind of transition at this time. that's how life is tho.

better get to work. Lunch at Sonic. my treat,

prayers and blessings to all.
Big Maude
August 12, 2015 - Msg 102316:
Morning Asa, Big Maude, and Porch

Big Maude-We are getting our first (I think our first) Sonic in the area. I guess it is suppose to be a big one. Sonic are pretty good???

Asa-We also had a gutter washer last night.

Later folks,
auh2o
August 12, 2015 - Msg 102317: Good afternoon, porch. auh2o, you will love Sonic. Their burgers are great, their ice cream slushes are wonderful, the kids tell me their chicken products are good, and I like their hotdogs. They make a Junior Burger that's very tasty, has everything the big burgers have, but just smaller. They're perfect for me for lunch. I think you'll be glad they came in.

Well, the carpet cleaner man came and cleaned the surface of the carpet, and it looks awful. The water stains didn't come up. So, I've called State Farm. Looks like I'm going to have to bite the bullet and cover the deductible, which is 1% of the value of the house. Eek. However, I'll get three rooms of new carpet for that price, so I guess it's okay. Trouble is, the carpet wasn't bad at all, it was actually in very good condition. All of this is so unnecessary. Drat.

Maude, time is indeed flying, just sailing right along. I can't believe my grandchildren are so grown up. David's oldest, Landry, is six feet tall, can rest his chin on the top of my head now, and he's barely 14. Heaven help us, he'll be driving in two years!

Well, gotta run. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
August 12, 2015 - Msg 102318: Romeena, Hopefully "Jake" from State Farm will treat you right! If not we'll take his khaki pants away from him!

Asa, I'm proud of you! You made that pig go a long way! Sorta like all the ways Forrest & Bubba came up with ways to make shrimp.... Maybe shrimp can be your next kitchen adventure. But I suppose those shrimp aren't cheap in Utah. Maybe Boo can trade ya some shrimp 🍤 for some good sweet corn? 🌽

Where has our PH app been?.... We miss his knowledge...

Billy Ray, how's the cricket problem been? Hope ya got him evicted....

G-F
August 12, 2015 - Msg 102319: I got the cricket. He decided to keep chirping as I worked my way toward him. It was driving me crazy that he'd stop every time I moved. Nothing like being outsmarted by an insect. There was another one, not an obnoxious one, but he appears to have fled the premises today. I might have a little DE left over from my swimming pool filter and will scatter a little around the basement window ledges, which is the apparent hangout. At least that's where I'd hang out if I was a cricket. Didn't know you could eat that DE stuff. I am guessing you don't want to eat boric acid powder.

Billy Holly the Postman and the Crickets
August 13, 2015 - Msg 102320: Hey, Billy Ray. About that DE - unless it says "food grade" on the package, you would want to keep it away from any food products, and don't put it down where a child or pet could get to it. I wouldn't think the pool stuff would be food grade. And you are correct - don't eat the boric acid powder either. The DE my daughters put on their dogs to control fleas is food grade, of course, because the dogs will naturally lick some of it off. Some breeders mix it in their dogs' food to control internal parasites, but I would check with my vet first. Oh, and glad you got that cricket! Now would you like to come here and try to get my dratted rat? He's still in the garage, and I'm so afraid he's going to find his way into the house. That will be the last straw. At that point, I'm going to find about six hungry feral cats and put them in the garage until somebody catches the rat!

Well, I'm off to dreamland. Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
August 13, 2015 - Msg 102321: ASA- yup, the last few nights we have gotten soaked! Last night they recorded 2700 lightning strikes! It is all coming up from the south.
That "Wife" episode is a strange one for sure.
AUH20--I think you will like Sonic. They are built like the old time drive-ins, with wait staff on roller skates at many of them. here's a link...
https://www.sonicdrivein.com/
POOR HORATIO 54 Where Are You??
Big Maude--good to see you, thanks for the report.
Yup, that will be quite a transition for Mister.
I remember Revco, Boy, that IS a long time! ha
I think there are some RIFLEman fans here. Yesterday on me-tv they had one of my
favs...about the lightning rod salesman named Speed.
In his model demo for Lucas, he puts some kerosene on the model house roof, and then
zaps it, then covers it with a blanket; to which Lucas says: "I don't generally pour kerosene on my roof
during a lightning storm." haha
Then today Micah says to Mark; "You're quieter than snow in August." Sounds like a tags line.
ROMEEna-- regarding the old nurses' caps, could 2 stripes mean a head nurse or supervisor?
Now that i watch closer, Dixie's cap has two and all the others only one. Also, now I hope there are two happy puppies
again in TX. :)
For our summer of love Possum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0fErmzmfqo
Well, hope all your summer's are going good, prayers,
MDC

August 13, 2015 - Msg 102322: WHERE IS TOM?? Maybe he and PH took off together, and are in hiding somewhere. I sent Tom an email, but he hasn't responded. Wish I had his phone number. I thought I had it, but it's not on my list. He goes missing for a few days now and then, but this time, it's like he just dropped off the earth. I'm getting concerned. Anybody heard from him? How 'bout you Facebook followers? Has he been posting? --Romeena
August 13, 2015 - Msg 102323: I never watched The Rifleman until a couple years ago, MDC. I just happened to see it on Me-TV, and then I kept watching. Some real good lessons on that show. That, and I think maybe Clint Eastwood got some of his squinty "sneer" look from Lucas McCain.

Well, have to get going to the physical therapist soon. All's going well on that front.

-Sterling Holobyte
August 13, 2015 - Msg 102324: RO--I just checked Tom's facebook page and his last post was July 24, about three weeks ago.
I shall keep him in my prayers.
MDC
August 14, 2015 - Msg 102325: Howdy porch family. Hope you are all well this evening.

I have had better weeks but I will spare you the gory details. I will say that I had an abcess that required a trip to the doc to be cut and drained and I am sitting crooked now. ;) I will be fine but not really comfortable. I did get a couple days off work, which was nice.

I still love my job, but it is good to get a break now and then. I wish poor Bruce could retire because his job is a booger. He is looking at several more years, though.

Today Bruce brought home a piece of antique furniture that we purchased a few months ago from someone and it was quite a deal. It is an antique buffet with the most beautiful carving. He took it to someone reputable to have it restored and it turned out to be gorgeous. I posted a pic of it on facebook for any of you that go on facebook. When we bought it it looked very dark, but turns out it is oak and was just covered with so many years of dirt, the grain and the color couldn't come through. Anyway, I think it is perfection and am so happy he did it for me. He's a keeper, that Bruce.

Its 12am and I am working on laundry. I just didn't feel like doing it this week and it really piled up on me. Wish I could snap my fingers and have it all done. This working outside the home and inside it, has its drawbacks. I think it is worth it and the transition is not as bad as I thought it would be.

Not sure what I have already told all of you..I think I told you Erin went to church camp and had a wonderful experience with the Lord. She went to San Antonio this past weekend to attend a red cross course on babysitting. She wants to start sitting with children for extra money. She would be really good at it, too. She is very anxious to start back to school in 10 more days. She misses her friends and activities.

Sean is working part time and about to start the fall semester. It will be a tougher semester but I think he will do fine. The Tourette's symptoms are getting worse some days but not too bad. He was to start a new med for it but I am still waiting for to hear about when they are scheduling him to get his wisdom teeth removed and don't really want to start a new med now.

Well, guess I should fold some clothes and get to bed. Talk to you all later.

Boo
August 14, 2015 - Msg 102326: PS-I will go to Toms facebook and try to leave him a message.

Boo
August 14, 2015 - Msg 102327: HI ALL! Hot streak again here in Phx area...115 for next few days. But not like RO's humid 106, that must have been bad.
Prayers for BOO and family. Good to see you posting. Have a great weekend all!
MDC
August 14, 2015 - Msg 102328: Did MDC say something about "hot" and "streaking"? Land sakes alive, it must be hot. Hot here also, and even worse, humid. Not a combination we often get, and not one I like. Most of our shops are cooled with evap. coolers, and they do pretty good in our climate of dry. But when the humidity starts climbing, they become worthless, and that's where we are right now. Supposed to be near 100 today, and we have been around 50% humidity. I know, most of you are laughing at that being high, but for us up here at our elevation, we just don't see that often. Oh well, summer is nearing and end, and it won't be long before you hear me whining about cold, snow, winter, wind. I'm a sight!

Good to see you Boo. Sorry to hear about your little problem. I had one of those about 15 years ago, but I had to go in the hospital to get it taken care of. Just an out patient deal, but had to have the dressing changed 3 times a day for a month. Dag gum, now that was a month to forget. Hope yours heals up well. I'm sorry Sean is still battling that problem, bless his heart. Glad he has you and Bruce to help him. And glad to hear Erin had a great experience.

Hope Tom and PH are doing ok.

Better get. Need to button a few things up and then call this week done.

Asa
August 14, 2015 - Msg 102329: That was one "groovy" video, MDC- thanks!

Hey y'all! It's been a week,and I'll just leave it at that. Sorry I haven't been rockin' much.

Looks like my plans to have an exciting weekend doing some toilet sitting at Lowes have gone "Kablooey!" since the other fun girl of the Porch, Boo, is out of commission-LOL Ouch! I feel for ya, girlie!

Hope our missing Porchsters show up soon.

Well, y'all have a good weekend-love to all!

******************
possum under a rock
August 14, 2015 - Msg 102330: Possum are you sayin' 7 days makes one.... Weak?

Asa, don't wish the end of summer away to quick, after last winter I'll take any thing above 40 degrees.... But ya better get them filters ordered... Once a Maintenance guy always a Maintenance guy ya know....lol I don't call summer over until after Mayberry Days.. So MDC, keep the heat on!...

G-F....👍
August 15, 2015 - Msg 102331: MDC "They" are saying 116 for you guys? That's crazy! Better load up on those raspberry snow cones... But watch out for those people who bite off the bottom and suck out the syrup!

Stay Cool!...😎. G-F
August 15, 2015 - Msg 102332: 117 yesterday GF! I need some of those Johnny Carson "it's so hot..." jokes! I'm staying under
MY rock for a while! ha
hotter than a pepper sprout MDC
August 16, 2015 - Msg 102333: .... It's so hot in Phoenix MDC wants to move to Ohio...lol
August 16, 2015 - Msg 102334: It's so hot that when you turn on the cold water tap, you can make a cup of tea!!
August 16, 2015 - Msg 102335: Here you go...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3rtPA6XnA0

August 16, 2015 - Msg 102336: Good very late evening, porch. Just had my second meal from the pork roast I cooked yesterday. It was a 4 1/2 lb shoulder roast, so I've still got more than half of it left. I actually prefer the shoulder roasts to the little tenderloins. They're so lean that they're usually on the dry side, and don't have as much flavor as the roasts with a bit of marbling. Sandwiches tomorrow, probably for lunch and dinner both, then a skillet hash on Monday. I've got a big old potato that will go well in that, some leftover peas, and I can open a can of green beans. I just toss any old thing into those skillet meals. A couple of diced carrots would be good too, and I have some. By the way, Asa, this general plan works as well with a beef roast as it does with pork.

It's hot around here too, but nothing like what MDC is having. Actually the last couple of days have been a bit cooler. Not cool, mind you, but cool-er compared to the 106° we had earlier. On those days, the birds in my back yard were literally just walking around in the shade, seldom flying, and were holding their wings out from their bodies and their beaks wide open. Poor things.

Well, guess I'll hit the hay. I'm up far too late, got to get up for church in about five hours. I wonder if my internal clock will ever adjust, after working nights for so long? Oh well. Blessings, friends, sleep tight! --Romeena
August 16, 2015 - Msg 102337: Great day yesterday, I went to a all day Bluegrass Festival, they didn't finish up until after 11:00pm... Nice night for music under the stars. But I did find a cool shady spot under some trees to set up my chair & refreshments.. If any of you are Bluegrass fans, Rhond Vincent was the headliner...

G-Fiddle listener.....🎻🎶🎶
August 16, 2015 - Msg 102338: Very cool GF, you know I'm a big Rhonda Vincent, Mule Sinner Blues fan! ha
Not quite as hot today, but still up there.
Praying for rain.
I saw Howard Morris on an old "Wanted Dead or Alive" the other day. He was playing an ol' forlorn lover in that show too!
Good Sabbath all,
MDC
August 16, 2015 - Msg 102339: HA! I shoulda proofread! RV FAN and make that 'SKinner" mdc
August 16, 2015 - Msg 102340: MDC... For your listening and viewing pleasure...... Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/RKt542s0MO0

BTW, Rhonda did play that one yesterday... Just don't try it at home ya may lose your fingers!.... Yep, her and the boy sure can pick!!....

G-F

August 16, 2015 - Msg 102341: .... Also one of my favorites http://youtu.be/1yafnkTSPmA
G-F again
August 17, 2015 - Msg 102342: Glad things are a tad cooler your way, MDC, even if not by much. I guess anything below 117 would be a welcome relief. Whew! It's been hot here, but nowhere near that.

Speaking of Howard Morris, I just watched a couple episodes of Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. that he directed. That Ernest T. Bass really got around, didn't he?! The ones he directed were from the first season when they were done in black and white. They were pretty silly episodes. But then again, what episodes of Gomer Pyle weren't silly?.(Besides that Opie one)

I'm not looking forward to this week. Kai has her freshman orientation at the high school on Thursday, and I don't really understand the setup. They say its from 8am to 12pm, and that parents "can come at 12:30pm" for the open house.
Does this mean that parents are not allowed at orientation? And why not? Wouldn't it make more sense to have parents there so that they and their child can see what's going on together, and then they could kill two birds with one stone, instead of having to explain the school and how things work there a second time to the parents?
I guess I am used to Kai's school she used to go to where parents and children went to orientation together and found out everything all at once. Those of you with kids in public school, is this normal for orientation day?
I just find it weird when the public school wants to separate the kids from their parents.
I suppose worrying about it won't help, and I plan on calling the school to find out more about what will be going on and whether parents are invited to the orientation part of it. Because it seems like they are having two orientations; one for the student and one for the parent. And that, I don't like.

Ugh. I am going to hate Kai going to public school. Wish I never would have made that deal.


Well, my brother is probably going to come over tomorrow to help me put up the new antenna posts I bought to make the thing more stable on the roof. That flimsy little thing we have up there I am sure didn't help the reception any. And certainly didn't help when the wind took the antenna and turned it South where I only get two channels. Also bought some self-tapping screws and a couple of u-clamps to hold the thing better.

Then I have another appointment at the physical therapist. I didn't even bug her about when I could start riding bike again last time. I haven't been riding, but I have definitely been wanting to. Especially during this hot weather when there is absolutely no breeze. Can't even make a breeze when you have to walk.
But I don't want to reverse any progress I've made, either. So, a-walking I will go. Until she says it will probably be ok.

Goodnight all.

-Sterling Holobyte
August 17, 2015 - Msg 102343: Well we are back home ! Had a good vacation in Tenn ! now back to work...gona read the archives SPOT
August 17, 2015 - Msg 102344: Good afternoon, porch. Sterling, "I feel your pain." I recall an afternoon about 35 years ago, when I sat in my car at the high school, waiting for my daughter to come out. It was hot, the car windows were down, and I sat there listening to language that would have made a dock hand blush and it was coming from teenage girls! I can only imagine what it would be like now. You are absolutely right to insist on being informed about what is being taught to your daughter. Trust me, you're not going to like some of it. However, life is life, and you can't shield her forever. You have given her a good foundation, a strong moral compass, and taught her to trust God. Now, you have to trust her. Stay involved, keep the dialog open, give her a little room, and let her know that you trust her. Believe me, nothing will modify a young girl's behavior like the fear of disappointing her dad.

Spot, welcome home. I'm glad you had a good time. You needed a vacation, and I'm glad you and Mrs. Spot were able to get away for a while.

I have finally found a bread that I really like. I'm not much on plain white bread, unless it's for a bologna sandwich, or a PB&J. For those, white bread is a must. For anything else though, I love whole grain, nutty and seedy bread. Years ago, Oroweat made a really good one, then they discontinued it. I've made do with others since, then, but recently discovered a bread at the Braum's ice cream stores. It's a whole grain bread, and contains chopped nuts, sunflower seeds and other little seeds, and it's wonderful. Makes great toast, with peanut butter or cream cheese on it, and for sandwiches it's wonderful. A chicken salad or tuna salad sandwich on that bread is just delish! Even yummy! If you haven't discovered the little market in the Braum's stores, stop by sometime. You'll be surprised at what you can get there.

Well, speaking of sandwiches, I've got enough of that pork roast left for a sandwich now, and still have enough to make some skillet hash later on. For $13, that little 4 1/2 lb roast has given me five, and maybe six, good meals. Can't beat a deal like that!

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
August 17, 2015 - Msg 102345: I appreciate your sentiments, Romeena, and they should make me feel better about it, but sometimes I wonder. As Kai has grown, she has been becoming more rebellious, mostly in her attitude. Now, I can chalk up a lot of that I suppose to being a teenager, and I do. And reprimanding her for any time she engages said attitude is met with either more defensiveness or apathy.
And to be honest, I am not sure anymore about the foundation, her moral compass, or her trust in God. Much of that is my fault, being that I decided a while back to stop forcing her to attend church on Sunday with me, instead just making a deal with her that if she doesn't go with me on Sunday's, she goes to Wed. night teen group, so that is the one she chose.
I prayed about it, but still not sure if I made the right decision there. But I just got so tired of forcing her to get up, dressed, and out the door with me, silent attitude all the way, just to have her sit like a lump in church or doodle on her bulletin(had to stop her from doing that a few times when I caught her). Then asking her later what she learned just to get an apathetic "I don't know." Sunday went from a day of rest, to a day of frustration from the beginning.
I guess I was kind of hoping that by giving "her a little room" by not forcing her to attend church when she didn't want to and just go to teen group, would help open up her mind to God instead of closing it off more through her rebellion.

Anyway, that is the reason for my trepidation toward having her go to this thing. Btw, I did call the person the flier said to call if we had questions, but she didn't really allay any of my concerns or really, give me any real information on what this 4 hr meeting for students was really for, since she said that after the parents come at 12 for the open house is when they get their schedules and have pictures taken and learn about the laptop computers I guess every student gets.
I mean, the thing that Kai said concerned her most was finding her classrooms. But if she doesn't get the schedule until after the "orientation" is over, what is orientation for?
From what the lady I spoke to was saying, the orientation is a time to have fun, and said they are shown the school by "student leaders" and break into smaller groups for "discussions" and other activities.
But one thing jumped out at me when she was talking about that. She said that it was a time when the incoming students could "talk about things with peers that they feel they can't talk about with their parents or teachers."
Now I don't know about anyone else, but when I hear something like that, it raises a red flag. If a child feels they can't discuss something with their parents, that is part of the problem. And leaving a student "leader" to guide them taking the place of the parent doesn't give me a good feeling about where they will end up.
The lady caught herself after she said that, and said, "I mean, it wouldn't be anything real serious."

Maybe it's just me, but I get suspicious any time a public school wants to separate students from their parents and try to become the children's guardians. I'd be interested to hear what others have to say about this, though.
And when Kai already has that rebellious attitude and more interest it seems in bands like One DIrection than The One who made her, it makes me apprehensive about letting some student guide her and maybe even steer the discussion to the pre-approved outcome.

Anyway, enough of that for now. I have to go make supper. Just hamburgers and tater tots, with some Mrs. Dash.

-Sterling Holobyte