June 23, 2016 - Msg 105066: I see by the National news the Democrats found out that "Adventure Sleeping" is not all what it's cracked up to be!
Sorry but I could not help myself... Again!...G-F
June 23, 2016 - Msg 105067: Put that on your broom and sweep it!....ha
June 23, 2016 - Msg 105068: Ha, Great way to sweep GF. I love it.

Thanks for the idea Romeena. Forgive me here, but when you say chicken tenders, what exactly is that? Sorry, but I am not familiar with the term.

Sure been hot here, but a cool down for Saturday. Low 80's. That will be nice. But back to near triple digits after that.

Well off to watch Perry. I saw the gal who was sweet on Andy when he went to Hollywood last night. But she was a brunette and not a blonde in this one. I wonder how they do that.

Asa
June 24, 2016 - Msg 105069: ASA--to me, chicken tenders are slices of breast meat about 1 inch thick, but RO may have another meaning of them. Sounds good RO, if my thinkin's right.
Maude--good to see ya, graat lunch, but send us some rain please!
ASA- are you talkin about Miss Darlene Mason? ha
Still hot here. Got my vehicle washed today, and as soon as it exited, it was DRY! :)
SPOT is on vaca with Mrs SPOT and his 5th wheel! He was loaded for bear per his FB foto. Maybe he'll find some wifi and give us a jingle.
God bless America... the balance of powers worked today!
PRAYERS,
MDC
June 24, 2016 - Msg 105070: TOM, I hope most of those big floods missed you... How's your Sister doing?..Hope things are still improving for her....
G-F
June 24, 2016 - Msg 105071: Good morning, porch! Asa, MDC is right. That's exactly what "chicken tenders" are. They come packaged, right alongside the drumsticks, wings, and other chicken parts. Just look for them in the chicken section, or ask the guy in the meat department. I hesitate to say "ask the butcher" anymore, because most of the big stores no longer have a meat-cutter, or butcher. I think it mostly comes to them already cut and packaged. Kinda sad. Anyway, that's what "tenders" are. When I make the dish again, I may use pineapple tidbits or chunks, rather than the crushed pineapple. It almost disappears after it simmers for a while. By the way, I added some sliced water chestnuts to my leftovers, and I'm thinking a handful of peanuts or cashews wouldn't hurt it any, either. That's "adventure cookin'!"

Gotta love those hardy hibiscus! I'm sitting here looking at a riot of color out back. Those things just bloom like crazy, and are so pretty. For a plant that cost all of about $3.50, and will keep coming back year after year, I think it's a pretty good deal. Sure are pretty.

Wel, gotta go take Eloise to the eye doctor. Her eyes will be dilated, so she can't drive home. Thus, I'm the designated driver. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
June 24, 2016 - Msg 105072: Having a blast camping. Y'all stop by for some ribs tonight !!SPOT
June 24, 2016 - Msg 105073: ....Don't forget the Cole slaw ....ha!
June 24, 2016 - Msg 105074: That has to be GF talking about the cole slaw. Adams Rib? Right GF? LOL

Thanks for the info Romeena. That dish does sound really good. I may look for some of them tenders tomorrow at the grocery store. I have to admit when you said "chicken tenders" I was thinking a totally different part of the rooster. I have heard of rocky mountain oysters off of bulls and sheep and such, but chickens? Ha, I was gonna ask "when did they start doing that? lol

Well my day and my week is done. 3 days off and I am ready for it.

Later taters, and prayers for all.

Asa
June 24, 2016 - Msg 105075: Wish I could, SPOT. It kinda looks like we wont be taking a vacation this summer.

The census is still way down at work and they are cutting back my hours already. They are only allowing two nurses per shift. This week the AC compressor went out in the entire facility and it was 90 degrees in the nurses station all day. I had my small industrial fan so I managed but it was hot. The boss told me that they cant manage a new compressor for a month because one has to be found and rebuilt. In the mean while they rented a compressor of sorts and boss told me it will cost 1,000 dollars per day to rent. Oh mercy! I don't know what they are going to do. The state is going to try like h*ck to keep the place open because it is the ONLY facility in the whole state of Texas that takes CPS kids as residential clients. Sometimes we have them for a year waiting for foster placements. Believe me, the state does not want to see us closed down. Guess we will see what happens. We are running out of funds, though.

Well Ro, those chicken tenders sound great. You know what I do? I buy the whole bre@sts on sale (can't remember if the censor will allow that), and I slice them thin myself. The thinner the better.

St. Susan and her family are coming over tonight for a family supper and movie night. We are having Susan's famous grilled Ruebens and I made some homemade sloppy Joes for those unfortunate ones that don't like the Ruebens. ;)

I think I will kick back and get a little rest before anyone gets here..been a long day.

Boo
June 24, 2016 - Msg 105076: Laawwwww, Asa, if what you thought I meant by "chicken tenders" was right, it would take a lot of chickens to make a meal! Kinda like hummingbird tongues! Oh, the carnage! Oh, the humanity!

Oh, and good for you, with three days off. Isn't that a wonderful feeling? Sure makes it hard to go back when the time comes, but it's nice while it lasts.

Spot, save me a couple of ribs. I'll take some slaw too, if you have it, but if not, I'll just take my ribs and go off in a corner and have a wonderful time! I love ribs!

Well, my pear tree is almost completely stripped. Just about a dozen little very green and immature pears left, and in a couple of days, when they get a little closer to ripe, those will disappear as well. A squadron of saber-toothed squirrels descended on the defenseless tree and robbed it of almost every pear it bore. The little marauders do it every year. I have no idea whether the pears are any good or not, as I've never managed to get a single one. Oh well. I can buy them in the store, and the squirrels can't, so let them have them.

Well, I think I left a short nap laying around here someplace, think I'll go see if I can find it. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
June 24, 2016 - Msg 105077: Yep Asa, I forgot to sign off that comment, SPOT I'm sure knows how to make good BBQ ribs, just needs to have some slaw to go with them... As for me.. It's meatloaf and mashed taters for me tonight...

Sounds like a hot time for Boo, sorry Asa & I can't help ya but we will thinking "cool bean" thoughts...

G-F
June 25, 2016 - Msg 105078: Remembering our REV, who would have been 57 years old today. Much loved and missed.

*****************
possum under a rock
June 25, 2016 - Msg 105079: Concerned about Tom and the terrible flooding going on in parts of West Virginia. Tom ,check in when you can so we will know you're okay.

possum again
June 25, 2016 - Msg 105080: Tom is fine. I called him, and he says he's "high and dry." Some of his family has had some flooding problems however, so we should pray for them.

It's clouding up here a little bit, sure hope we get some rain. It has been so hot, that two hours after the sprinklers run, the flowerbeds are dry as a bone again. I dread seeing my water bill. We can only water two days a week, and it must be before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. So, I run two cycles on my watering days. It takes four hours for all 12 zones to run, at 20 minutes each. The first cycle starts at 12:15 a.m., and is finished by 4:15. The second cycle starts at 6 p.m. and finishes at 10 p.m. I could, and may have to, set another cycle to begin right after the first one ends. It would finish before 10 a.m. Or - I could lengthen the cycles, but anything longer than 20 minutes tends to begin to run off, so I like to just repeat a cycle after the first one softens the soil somewhat. For sure, I'm not going to let all this landscaping dry up and die. I've got too much invested in it - not just money, but time, energy, sweat and effort, and I don't plan to lose it.

My white plumeria tree is blooming! How it managed to get a set of buds past the squirrels, I don't know. The little rascals love to nibble the buds as soon as they appear, so the tree rarely blooms. Sure does make a pretty clump of flowers. I've got a pink one too, but so far, the squirrels have won with that one. Pesky little things. God knew what He was doing when He made them so bloomin' cute!

Well, guess I'll go tidy up the kitchen a bit. I absolutely hate to empty the dishwasher, and therefore, I've got a few dishes in the sink! I don't know why I find that little chore so distasteful. It doesn't take five minutes, but it's just boring. Still, it has to be done. Later, taters. --Romeena
June 25, 2016 - Msg 105081: That's good news regarding Tom. Sorry to hear that some of his family had problems-they'll be in my prayers. Thanks for letting us know,Ro.

possum once more
June 25, 2016 - Msg 105082: ..... Should call you "Trey Possum"...?
June 25, 2016 - Msg 105083: Ro, thanks for checking up on TOM for us.

I understand about things drying up, which is exactly why we are putting in the sprinkler system. Since we have the well and a lot of area to water, it seems like the only sensible thing to do if we want grass.

Took it easy today. I think I was still dehydrated from work yesterday so I was feeling kind of tired. I watched some good movies on Netflix which is a nice change. I seldom watch Netflix because I never seem to see anything I am that interested it but I watched a movie today that was made in Argentina that I really enjoyed. It was called Lion Heart and you had to read subtitles but I thought it had a great story line. It was about a woman who was divorced and a lawyer. She met a charming man who treated her very well and she fell in love. The problem was that he was only 4 foot six inches tall. He was just the sweetest character, and of course I wont tell you the end, in case you watch it, but I just thought it was a sweet movie.

Well, better finish drying my hair and think about some adventure sleeping (the kind Opie did). ;)

Boo
June 26, 2016 - Msg 105084: I buy those chicken tenders sometimes, as I hate cutting raw chicken, especially with a dull(ish) knife. So the less I have to do of that, the better. I have learned the trick of putting the chicken in the freezer for a couple hours to let it firm up, then it is easier to cut. I think I mentioned that I was a meat cutter, back in the early 90's and then again about when Kai started going to elementary school. I won't say I was a full-fledged butcher, because I mainly did just what the head honcho butcher told me to do. And quite frankly, I wasn't all that interested in learning about every cut of meat there was and how to cut them. I think meat cutter's are like Privates to the main butcher's Sergeant. But we have always had at least one store here with a butcher, and I have always worked there at one time or another.

Anyway, I am up, at 1:40 in the morning, because of the stupid storm rampaging across the region. Why do those storms always pick the middle of the night to come around? It has calmed down now, though I can still hear the thunder making itself known. It got pretty windy for a time there, and the rain was coming down in buckets. But no trees fell over this time. Last storm we had - and it wasn't even a strong storm - caused one of our trees in our front yard to break a big branch off right over the sidewalk. So I had to borrow my parent's electric chainsaw and chop that sucker up. That branch was bigger than I thought, it looked like almost a tree itself, and it took a few hours just to chop it up and haul the bits to the landfill(or whatever it is called where you take brush and stuff) in my minivan. Sometimes I really wish I had a truck.

Night folks!

-Sterling Holobyte
June 26, 2016 - Msg 105085: BOO--It seems like that facility has AC problems every summer! Poor plant management? I wonder why they don't have an extra compressor on hand, because a thousand dollars a day could be saved! (Tho that really sounds high!) Hope all the kids are drinking plenty of fluids, and none get sick thru it. Sure seems like someone is really irresponsible there! :(
TOM--glad you are OK, prayers for all of WV.
Remembering our REV today Possum. Praise God he is with the Lord.
STERLING, hope the stormed passed OK. We could sure use some rain here! Our 110 days continue without a break (until to be down to 103 by next Friday.)
ALL- we got our new shower finally installed on Friday! It looks great, and has extra tall doors for my extra tall (6'5") frame! Now only a couple more rooms to carpet and we'll be done! wooHoo!
Good Sabbath,
MDC
June 26, 2016 - Msg 105086: MDC, as far as your comment about Boo's situation.... As Asa & I always say: "We tried to tell'em didn't we!"....
It is good to hear your Big project is almost completed, now you can sit back and enjoy the results...

Sterling, did you work st "Diamond Jims?"... My butcher knows my request for a chuck eye steak, I like putting it on the grill, it's referred to as the Poor Man's ribeye. It's good on the grill and a lot cheaper than most cuts...(sound like a good idea today)....

TOM... Good to hear you're Ok...

G-F....
June 26, 2016 - Msg 105087: Good morning, porch! Beautiful day here, but going to be hot. Not as hot as it is at MDC's house, but still very hot.

Boo, somehow I completely missed your post #105075. I think we must have posted at the same time, and when I entered my #105076 to answer Asa, yours entered above it and I didn't see it. That has happened to me before. Anyway, when MDC referred to the thousand dollars a day, I wondered what I had missed and went back looking for it. Good Grief! That's a lot of money! Surely there's a better solution? Write your Congressman! If the state values that facility as much as you say, and I'm sure they do - if they don't, they should! - you can probably get some help. Call a newspaper reporter (maybe anonymously, so you don't lose your job?) and get them on the bandwagon. Stir up a ruckus! That's just ridiculous, in this day and age, to be housing kids that have already been kicked around in many cases, in such an environment. They have behavioral issues already, and keeping them in a confining facility, where they're hot and sweaty and uncomfortable - that's a recipe for disaster.

MDC, I didn't know you were that tall. My son David is 6'5" too, and his oldest boy, Landry, is pushing 6'3", at age 15. I can't imagine being that tall. Sometimes I'll stand in the middle of the room, on a stepstool that makes me the same height as David, and just look around the room. It's amazing how different everything looks from there! You short folks like me (I'm 5'3") just try it sometime. It's a whole new world up there!

My mom was short, and David tried to tease her one day by commenting on the dust on top of her refrigerator, which of course she couldn't see. She handed him a damp paper towel, without saying a word! From that day on, he would dust her fridge when he noticed the dust, and neither of them mentioned it. Now he does the same for me. He just comes in now and then, gets a damp towel, and not only wipes off the fridge top, but he gets the ledge that runs above my ovens and some of my cabinets. That boy is a treashuh, and Landry is following in his footsteps. Very neat, and enjoys cleaning. His younger brother, Hudson, is very neat with his own room, but doesn't seek opportunities to clean elsewhere!

Well, speaking of cleaning - I've got laundry to put away and the living room furniture is dusty. The carpet needs vacuuming as well, but Landry is coming next week to stay with me while his parents go to Wales on a mission trip, and I'll let him do that. Vacuuming absolutely wears me out. Hudson will stay with Eloise, and Landry and I will have a big old cleaning-fest over here. We're going to clean out closets, and maybe I'll get that ridiculous "Christmas room" organized and things put away! I've just got too much Christmas stuff, and have run out of storage space for it.

Have a great Sabbath day, porch! Remember, as REV always said, Jesus loves you! Stay cool! --Romeena
June 26, 2016 - Msg 105088: Hey gang...Wow what a storm here camping at lake...Rev and I are the same age ..he was just a few months older than me..Prayers TOM..hey Boo,possum,,Asa, Romeena...ok let me police the area and check camp site out...Grilled Chicken tonight...gona have plenty SPOT
June 26, 2016 - Msg 105089: Yup ROMEENA, 6'5" and I "achieved" that at the end of my junior year!! Nickname was stringbean at 165 lbs. Today I weigh a whopping 173, give or take.
'Course I would not meet deputy requirements! ha
(Speaking of which, where has our MD been hiding??)
Look on my FB page RO, I posted a "full length" photo of Cecile and I on our wedding day.
GF--Yes, you think that a good HVAC man would have a compressor for Boo's facility, huh!?
BOO, yes, get some publicity going to get that terrible situation corrected!!
My fun for today?...laying some carpet tack strips! ha
God bless,
MDC
June 27, 2016 - Msg 105090: HI ALL.
THANK ROMEEN FOR POSTING THAT FOR ME, AND HERE A UP DATE SHE IS IN REHAB FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS IN Pittsburg .
NO THE FLOOD NEVER CAME UP THIS HIGH AND SOME WHERE FAMILY ARE DID GOT IT BAD?
GF IT THAT TIME OF YEAR FOR ALL THE FE IT HOT HOT !

TOM
June 27, 2016 - Msg 105091: Hot hot is right right Tom. And it is summer so I reckon it's all good. Glad you are dry and your Sister is on the mend buddy.

Wow MDC, 6'5". Is the air thin up there? My son in law is 6'4", but he is about 280 pounds. Mostly muscle. I tease him about a lot of that muscle being in his head. Just a good old farm kid. I stopped at 6' even. Be careful with that carpet tack. Them suckers hurt.

Hey Boo, that is too bad about the a/c situation. I hope they can get it resolved soon. Our heat here is miserable, but it is usually fairly low humidity. I can't imagine what it is like for you guys with that sticky wet heat. And you are right on. Evap. coolers work limited here because of the drier air. Usually in later July we will start getting monsoon weather working it's way up here that raises the humidity and renders the evap. coolers much less effective.

GF, I spent the morning doing some weeding in the garden. The tomato plant is looking really good. Already has a couple of maters on it and a bunch of blossoms. The cukes and cantaloupe are looking good too. Sure been nice to have the extra day off work.

Well Romeena, I am going to try that chicken recipe this week sometime. I have some leftover Chinese food I am working on tonight though.

Well it is just to blame hot to be outside now, so I am calling it a day. Kick the feet up, watch a little tv, drink me a tall glass of lime aide on ice. Yea buddy, that's the plan.

Asa
June 27, 2016 - Msg 105092: .... Asa did you get that Chinese food from Aunt Bee's Canton Palace?.... I have banana peppers and green peppers, nothing else yet. Tomatoes & green beans that I put in pots are doing good as for the rest of my Garden... Not so much...Thanks to "Fred Plummer" my bully groundhog!...

G-F
June 28, 2016 - Msg 105093: Oh yeah ASA, those tack strips do "talk back!" ha
We will finish our project with the rest of new carpeting this week, now that all the other stuff is done.
I decided to add the new tack strips by the new tile myself, as I did not want the carpet installers to whack the new tile! Just held a piece of old carpet between the strip and the tile, and voila,all good!
As for my height, I can change a light bub without a ladder! haha
TOM- Glad the rehab is going well for sis!
Floods and fires all over the place coinciding with recent scotus decisions...hmmm,
Prayers for all!
MDC
June 28, 2016 - Msg 105094: HI
G F THE GROUNDHOG HAS TO EAT AND YOU GARDEN WAS ON THE LIST.
ASA YOU HAVE ALL THE A/C DONG?

TOM


June 28, 2016 - Msg 105095: You have that right TOM... Maybe he needs to share his meal with my neighbors. But if he goes across the street that neighbor will whack him!.... Love thy Neighbor, the Good book says so!.... G-F
June 28, 2016 - Msg 105096: MAYBE IT'S A WOMAN AND HAS A LITTLE FAMILY O FEED.

TOM
June 28, 2016 - Msg 105097: Hahaha! Tom, you think the same way I do. That's always my first thought when I see a squirrel that's been hit by a car, or any animal that met an untimely end. What if it had babies somewhere, that will now be starving? --Romeena
June 28, 2016 - Msg 105098: So many comments I want to respond to..hope I don't forget anything. I am off today and doing chores around here. Its been a good day. I have Pandora playing and John Denver is singing "Leaving on a Jet Plane". Brings back memories. Wish I was going somewhere this summer.

Well, to respond concerning the facility. Yes, when money is spent extravagantly on so many needless ways in this country, it just is plain unfair that there isn't more help for a facility for kids. Yesterday my boss told me that they are seriously considering not renewing the contract to take CPS kids. Mainly because the government only pays just over 100 dollars a day, but with taking kids from the state, comes licensing and inspections, and any infraction can cost us thousands in penalty. I just don't think we are going to be able to keep doing it. What the state puts us through is unreal and the CPS kids have to just call the state and complaint over something they perceived, or even are dishonest about, and it starts a firestorm of investigation. It is a broken, ridiculous system. I don't think the governor can help that. I'm not sure what is going to happen. If we stop taking the CPS kids (which I hate to see happen), we will have mostly probation kids and insur@nce, which would be a big load off the facility. You cant believe the hoops we are jumping through to avoid fines from the state. It is really just plain impossible to achieve perfection, and yet that is what the state requires. They have even tried to prevent restraining the kids in any way or administering sedatives when kids are a threat to themselves or other. I don't know how things will end. As far as trying to make the need known publically, that gets sticky because when you are dealing with minors, there are strict rules of confidentiality. The facility is supposed to keep a low profile because some of the kids are being kept hidden, in a sense. As far as the cost of the portable AC, I just don't see what else they could do but continue to accrue debt while waiting on the compressor. The whole system is 54 years old and needs to be entirely replaced, along with new duct work but that would never be possible. Sad thing is the money they are spending on the temporary fix isn't even working well. it is still about 80 degrees in most parts of the building. conintued...

June 28, 2016 - Msg 105099: I decided to go ahead and post because my crazy loptop will usually lose a long post before I get a chance to post it. Anyway, I am looking at other options in case the facility goes under. I hope it doesn't come to that but I just don't know. I am working a lot in the coming week, so that is good.

Sterling, I don't remember that you used to be a meat cutter. I see that it could come in handy. I like to freeze my chicken a little before I cut it, too. It really makes it safer to cut, too. How are things with the kids? Is Kai doing anything interesting this summer?

Glad your sister is recovering TOM!

Well, better get going. Have to fold some towels and then take Erin to the church in a bit. She is helping out with VBS. Next week she leaves for youth camp in east Texas. I have seen so little of her if feels like I don't have a daughter! At least she is keeping busy and isn't bored. Last night she stayed the night with her best friend, Tyra. Sadly, Tyra is moving to Missouri this week so I know I will be seeing some emotional and teary times for Erin. She gets very attached to people and loves deeply, bless her heart.

Gotta go!

Boo
June 28, 2016 - Msg 105100: Hadn't been here in years! What the latest Mayberry gossip, er I mean news?
I see familiar names and glad are still posting and rocking in your chairs =)
Chuck
June 28, 2016 - Msg 105101: Well, hello there, Chuck. Long time no see! How about sticking around for a while? It's always nice when porchsters come home.

Boo, I'm sorry to hear that your youth facility is in such difficulty, but I'm not surprised. This country has billions to pass on to Islamic countries, but very little to spend on our veterans or our children. Sickening.

Anytime the government has its tentacles around any program, there will be problems. As you said, the least little infraction of some ridiculous regulation can cost thousands in fines, and very few organizations can afford that and still survive. Section Eight housing is a good example. It started out as a good thing, with the government subsidizing rent for families, the goal being to integrate neighborhoods and lift families out of squalor and give them a chance to prosper. However, the government makes it impossible for the landlord to survive. The people they move into those houses, in many, many cases, have no clue how to care for anything, and don't care. They'll break out windows, tear screens, break locks, kick in doors, repair their motorcycle on the living room carpet, and then report the resulting damage to their caseworker and the landlord is then ordered to repair and replace as necessary. You cannot evict them for damage, you just have to repair it. I have always said I'd burn a rent house down before I'd rent it under Section Eight, and most rental owners feel the same way.

You said Erin is going to camp in east Texas next week? With a church group or what? My grandsons are going to Pine Cove in east Texas, next week. Is that by any chance where she's going?

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some supper. I'm not really hungry, maybe just some fruit. I've got the blueberries and cantaloupe to swing it. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
June 28, 2016 - Msg 105102: Well, I am upset and asking that you all pray. I have talked about our nextdoor neighbors and their little girls who are friends of Erin's. They are the ones who drink and get in fights. Well, I thought things were getting better but just a little while ago we heard gunshots from nextdoor and someone screamed for us to call 911. It appears, from what I could see, that the stepfather shot the youngest girl and then shot himself. He was lying dead in the garage and the medics were just starting CPR and the girl was on the front porch with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and one to the chest area. At least I think it was the girl. It was kind of dark out..the girl is in middle school and is a little bigger than the mom. Sean said it was Maddie, but I never could see the mom. I don't know if she was actually the shooter and they had her in custody already or if she ran. I wont know what happened until tomorrow. It makes me so sick. I have seen this dysfunctional mess for years. I have seen the cops at the house, and tried to help those girls and take them to church, but I was afraid this would happen eventually. God help them.

Ive got to try and get some sleep but don't know how I am going to do it.

Boo
June 28, 2016 - Msg 105103: Did I mention that I think that alcohol was involved...it always was with this family. God, I hate the stuff.

Boo
June 28, 2016 - Msg 105104: We are finally getting a little rain in the late evenings, but barely enuf to wet the sidewalks.
As ASA says, its our 'monsoon' season, but don't think of a MONSOON like in Mongolia or the like,
picture instead about ten people spittin on the ground! haha
BOO--hang in there girl. That is such a bad situation. Ya think the state would get it fixed! So sad that kids end up in a place like that period. Lord help them all.
CHUCK, I remember you! Hello and welcome back!
MDC
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105105: Oh my goodness, Boo. What is this world coming to? Me with a murderer two doors down (he's still in jail) and now this next door to you. Sure does sound like the mom might be the shooter. Certainly I will pray for the kids. Why is it always the kids that end up suffering the most in things like this? And I couldn't agree with you more on your assessment of alcohol. It's the devil's strongest tool. Misery and sorrow, in one form or another, always seem to lie in its wake. I was brought up in an alcohol-free home, and Dale and I maintained that standard in our home. Our kids, I'm sad to say, do not follow that rule, not strictly. They all use alcohol to various degrees. David = almost never. The others, a bit more so. None "to excess", whatever that means. I just remember Dale saying more than once - "I can't think of any situation that was or could have been improved by the presence and use of alcohol, but I can think of a lot of occasions that went sour because of it." I think he said a mouthful. Under the influence, even mildly, people will say things they normally wouldn't say, and will do things they normally wouldn't do. People drive under the influence and end up killing somebody in a wreck. With enough alcohol to fuel their anger, people will attack and kill somebody. I just don't get it. Drink and have a high old time at a party one night, then feel like two miles of bad road the next day. It's just not worth it to me. I've never tried it, and at this stage of my life, I'm not about to change. Prayers for that pitiful family, and all the others tonight that are victims of alcohol.

Blessings, porch. Sleep well, and be safe. --Romeena
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105106: Turns out mom is dead. The guy shot her, her youngest daughter (only 10), and then shot himself. The little girl was usually trying to protect mom.

Boo
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105107: The little girl is dead (Maddie) and my Erin is having an awful time. We are heartbroken over little Maddie.

Boo
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105108: Good Morning all.
My goodness Boo, what a sad thing. I sure hope Maddie will be ok. I agree totally. Booze never makes anything better. Never. And what is this world coming to is right Romeena. Yesterday the authorities finally formally charged those two creeps of killing my co-worker back in May. They had cut his throat and beat on his head. I just hope they have put together enough of a case to nail the creeps.

Hiya Chuck. Good to see you.

Well I better get moving. Supposed to be a tad cooler today. But at 4:00 this morning it's 81. And humid.

Asa
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105109: Oh My Boo, what a sad situation. I'm sure it is hard on your daughter too. You never know just what goes on behind closed doors. Prayers for every one involved... Sad, Sad, Sad!....

Asa, I hope in your case justice will be served, don't know if Utah has the death penalty or not, but it seams like in this case an eye for a eye may be the correct punishment.....

Romeena... The stories I could tell on the Public Housing and Section Eight topic.. Although I was not involved in the Section 8 wing of our business the problems were the same on the Public Housing side where WE were the landlords...
I could write a book that would make War & Peace look like a comic book...

Hey PH.. "Where Are You?"... ( In my best Car 54 voice)...ha!
Hopefully he is just on a walk-a-bout and nothing is wrong...

G-F.....
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105110: http://www.kristv.com/story/32331857/3-fatally-shot-in-aransas-pass

The news story about Boo's neighbors....
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105111: Oh, my dear Lord! Boo, this is just horrible. That poor little girl! She has known nothing in her short life but discord and trouble, and now her life is over, ended by her father. At that tender age, I firmly believe she's with the Lord now, where she will know nothing but beauty and joy for eternity. As for the parents, who can say? No one knows but God, but I think I would not want to be in their place.

What on earth could provoke a father to shoot his child? Even if she wasn't his, how could he shoot any child? We had a case here in Dallas a while back, where a man had his two little daughters with him in his apartment, called his estranged wife on the phone, and while she listened to the children begging for their lives, he shot them. So, guess he showed her, huh? That's what it was all about. Hard to believe.

Poor little Erin! I can imagine that this will go pretty hard on her. I know she was friends with little Maddie, and while such naked violence is hard for any of us to comprehend, it will be doubly so for Erin. She's so young, and Erin was her friend. Boo, I'm glad she has you as her mother. You may just be better equipped than most of us to help her through this, because of your experience with troubled kids. Erin has a firm relationship with God, I know, and I guess that's the starting place. I'll be praying for you.

Well, guess I'd better get ready to meet the day. I'm not sure what all is going to take place around here today - may have the whole bunch over for spaghetti, or maybe not. Plans still simmering. Blessings, friends. Please pray for this old hurting world. --Romeena
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105112: Of course, I meant to say "Maddie was her friend." --Romeena
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105113: Boo, I can't get this thing off my mind. I can't imagine how you're feeling! I think I knew once, but can't remember for sure - weren't there other children, besides Maddie? If so, how many and how old? Dear Lord, how could anybody do such a thing?

I have been watching "The First 48" on TV, and it's a very good show. It's not your typical cop show, it's more of a documentary, and it's very well done. Last night I watched an episode where a young man, in a fit of rage, shot and killed four adult family members, then stabbed three children. By the grace of God, the children survived, and a 9-year old was able to tell the detectives that it was "Uncle Junior" who did it. They brought him in, confronted him with the child's testimony, and he broke down and confessed. The camera was rolling and caught it all. After he confessed, he just put his head down on the table and sobbed. Later, his mother came in, held him and patted him on the back, and told him she loved him, would always love him. He cried bitterly, really not even able to speak. Later, he was tried and convicted, and received four separate death penalty sentences, plus 165 years. In other words, he's done.

I think what I like about the show is the way it gets into the real nitty-gritty of life, and at times it shows the other side of the coin - gives you a look at what caused the problem. Sort of a "there but for the grace of God go I" thing. The preparation for life that a person receives shapes the way their life will be lived.

Another interesting thing about the show is the way the detectives proceed with an investigation. Technology is definitely their friend, and they rely heavily on surveillance cameras. Very often a case is broken and proven by camera evidence. They also scour social media sites like Facebook. You'd be surprised at what some people will post on Facebook! They really think that because they've set their limits on who can access it, that they're safe. Not so.

Well, guess I'd better get busy. Praying for you and your family, Boo. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105114: Thank you, we are having a tougher time than we imagined. Yes Ro, Maddie has a sister named Emily who is 12. She saw the stepfather (Steve) shoot Maddie twice, heard her mother(Brenda) scream, "Not my Maddie!" and then Steve shot Brenda near the back of the house and she ran outside and screamed for help..she made it about 10 steps into the yard and died from a gunshot wound to the chest. The other girl, Emily knew Steve planned on killing them all so she ran outback and hid behind a boat and Steve went into the garage and shot himself. There was also an older brother who is college-aged and was attending to his dying mother. So, we are thankful that Steve wasn't able to kill the other two children, but I feel so sorry for them.

I have to go lie down for awhile. I will be back later.

Boo
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105115: Wow Boo, that is so sad. I just can't imagine what evil could posses someone to do that. I am sure your Erin is going to have a difficult time with this especially. Prayers for you all, and prayers for this crazy sick world.

Asa
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105116: Boo, my heart goes out to Erin,you, the surviving kids and all who loved & cared for this family. So,so sad! I can't imagine the horror of witnessing this. Many prayers being said,my friend. You and Erin hang in there.

************
possum u.a.r.
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105117: Thank you Asa and Possum. Erin is better this evening and went to help out at VBS. Bruce and I aren't taking it as well. It is harder than I expected. I cant stand to go outside and see the trampoline next door and it seems like everything I see reminds me of Maddie. It is just heartbreaking.

We'll get through this but its a tough one. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers.

Boo
June 29, 2016 - Msg 105118: Hey gang just rolled in from camping at the lake whew will catch up in the morning prayers to all in need ...SPOT

June 30, 2016 - Msg 105119: BOO-we had apparently both posted at the same time last night, and without even looking, I signed off and did not see your post until today!! I am so sorry at what has happened. My prayers will also be for the two survivors and that a good, Christian family will follow in the days to come.
Jesus knows how hard you tried with those girls, and I think you mentioned that Maddie had accepted Jesus in her heart! Our world is so hurting right now. It needs Jesus so badly!
It seems sometimes that it is"anything goes" these days like in the days of Lot. Lord be with us and help us to commit fully to your Word. We must be lights in the darkness, and how great is the darkness.
God's blessings to all,
May God's peace reign in your hearts.
MDC
June 30, 2016 - Msg 105120: Continued prayers for Boo's situation, it's got to be hard for the remaining family members. I can't imagine what it would be like for Erin to know her friend is gone, and the vision as Boo stated not seeing the activities of them playing outside....
That picture is hard to see.... But take peace in MDC words, it goes to show how important our own walk is to others...

G-F
June 30, 2016 - Msg 105121: Praying for BOO, Erin and all involved in such a senseless tragic situation.
Big Maude
June 30, 2016 - Msg 105122: Boo, about 8 to 10 years ago my wife and I were sitting on our back porch enjoying a summer's evening. In the distance we heard a siren that was getting closer. I bit odd because we are out in the country a ways and don't see to much emergency traffic. Anyway it got closer and closer, and pretty soon a Sheriff's truck comes racing up the street behind us and stops at the home behind ours. Then came an ambulance, a Paramedic truck and more Sheriffs cars, all with the sirens on. We then noticed there 10 year old son out on the back porch yelling for his Mom to open the door. We didn't know what was going on. Come to find out the husband had locked himself in a back bedroom and shot himself in the head. Very sad deal for all. I was just glad he didn't decide to take the rest of the family with him as your neighbor did. I hope you guys are doing better today. My prayers continue for you all.

Asa
June 30, 2016 - Msg 105123: Thank you for the kind words and prayers. Yesterday was terrible, today is less terrible. Erin is keeping herself busy and stayed the night with a friend last night so she wouldn't have to see the house next door. She is helping out with VBS this week, so that helps.

MDC, I was talking with Erin yesterday and she reminded me that during VBS one year, she was with Maddie when she prayed to Jesus and asked him into her heart. Erin also reminded me that Maddie always wanted to know more about God and asked lots of questions. I can remember Erin taking her and her sister into her room, taking out her bible and reading to them. I also remember that Maddie's mom talked about the Lord and believed, though her life was a train wreck with the alcohol. I found out yesterday from her living daughter that her last words to her children were, "Let me go". I think those words could be very telling. I think that she was probably caught in the web of domestic abuse and was afraid to leave with the children. She had taken all she could take. Very sad.

Well, life has to move on today and I have to take Erin shopping for some shorts for camp for next week. I feel very tired from all the emotion of the past two days but have to get things done. I will be working Friday through Monday this week so you may not hear much from me until next week. I have 6 straight days off starting Tues, which will be good.

Love to All,
Boo