August 11, 2016 - Msg 105497: Good morning, porch! Well, howdy there, Ky Girl! Long time no see! Now don't let this just be a drive-by visit - stick around for a while. We miss you! That grandson sounds like fun. He's going to lead the family a merry chase!

SPOT, you're not going to believe this, but Toye Starr is nine years old. They say time flies when you're having fun, and I surely have had fun with her, so I guess that explains it. Still miss the Plum, though. I guess I always will. She was a special little lady. Toye Starr is like a little kid, and I wouldn't have her any other way, but the Plum had dignity along with her sweetness and charm. Two completely different personalities, but both with the sweet, loving and gentle character of a Maltese.

Yes, MDC, I probably could write that book, and I have thought about it. I'm not sure how the privacy laws apply, but I think I'd be safe if I changed enough personal details. I'd never use names, of course, but some of the situations were so outrageous and weird that they'd be recognizable. Like - how many alcoholics suffering from the D.T.s think they're tied down on a runway, about to be run over by an airliner? They all see bugs and snakes, but airplanes? Pretty unique!

Ditto on the family vacation (car trip) idea. Some of our best family stories took place on a car trip. For example, one son always - always - had to go to the bathroom about ten minutes after we would get on the road. I could send him to the restroom just as we left a motel or wherever, and he would, well, pee - but as soon as we cleared the town and got up to speed, a little voice would say, "Uh, Dad?", and Dale would say, "Not again!" Eventually, Dale would have to pull over on the side of the road, the kid would get out, and I'd tell him to just leave the doors open, stand between the doors, and no one could see him. He would be on the side away from the road, of course. Well, that wouldn't do. Seems he couldn't go unless he had a target, and it had to be something fairly substantial. A weed wouldn't do. So, he would traipse through the weeds along the road, until he got to a fence (usually) but a small tree would work, and would then proceed to "water" the target. Once, as the kid was anointing a barbed-wire fence, (or "bobwire" as we say in Texas) I heard Dale mutter, "Too bad that's not an electric fence!" Naturally, the fence-watering stories are legendary in our family, along with many, many others. We had a big old red '71 Buick Roadmaster wagon that was a wonderful road car, and we had some wonderful adventures in Big Red.

Well, I've got places to go and people to see and things to do today, so guess I'd better get to it. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
August 11, 2016 - Msg 105498: Swish! All clean! --Romeena
August 12, 2016 - Msg 105499: Where is everybody? Has the rapture come and I've been left? --Romeena
August 12, 2016 - Msg 105500: I hope not, cause Im still here!

A red Buick Roadmaster wagon?..wow I would love to get my hands on one of those now. How fun. Love the story. So true about family bonding. I think I have told this before but the one I always remember is the time St Susan and I, mom, dad and Sean (he was 4 a the time), went to Colorado together and Mom had her bad stroke in Colorado Springs. It was a bad, bad trip. Mom was in the ICU and we found a motel in Manitou Springs that would rent us an efficiency room with a little kitchen for a weekly rate. Dad stayed at the hospital with mom most of the time while I took care of everything else. Well, first Susan got sick, then me, then Dad, then Sean...the worst flu any of us ever had or have had since. So bad, I think I lapsed in and out of consciousness at times. We finally got over it and Mom was getting better and in a regular room. We were weak, though and Susan, in particular was left with a bad, hacking cough. When we were finally able to venture out of the motel and make it to walmart for some groceries, we loaded ourselves in the suburban at around 8pm and did our shopping for a few things. On the drive back, Susan and I were talking about the difficulty we had on the trip and I mentioned an interview I had heard with Dr. Gary Smalley (author and speaker) talking about the family bonding that occurs during difficult times, especially bad vacations. About that time, Susan went into a coughing fit and needed to find something quick to spit in! She grabbed an old McDonald's cup that was in the cup holder..thinking it was empty, but it still had about a cup of old melted ice in it. For some reason, instead of leaning over and spitting into the cup, she grabbed it and literally threw the contents into her own face. I heard her gasp and say under her breath, "Dr. Smalley!'. Since then that is our code words for bad family bonding experiences..."Dr. Smalley!". :)

Anyone else wanna share a story? This is fun.

I took Erin for her first orthodontist appointment yesterday and she will be getting braces on Tuesday. Ouch. :) The doc discovered an unusual degenerative-time problem in the jaw joint on the right side. He wants me to contact a specialist in Houston. It seems the bone is wearing away on that side. Great. It's nothing that needs immediate attention since she isn't in pain, but he wants me in touch with the specialist in case it gets worse. I have to pick up xrays for her from her pediatric dentist today so he can try to judge the progression of the wearing away of the bone.

Well, things to do...have an appointment in town this afternoon. I will be working a stretch starting tomorrow, so if you don't hear from me as much, that is why.

Boo
August 12, 2016 - Msg 105501: type, not time of course

Boo
August 12, 2016 - Msg 105502: Hey, Boo. Well, poor little Erin! Seems like that baby just can't buy a break. First, braces, and a TMJ problem at the same time. I'm assuming TMJ, don't know of any other jaw joints in that vicinity, but I could be wrong.

Oh yeah, I've said many times that if I could find another Big Red I'd have to buy it, but probably not a used one. It would have to be a new one, unearthed in a warehouse somewhere. I don't know what I'd buy it with - beads and shells, I guess - but I'd figure it out. I just emailed you a story I wrote about the car, and Charlotte Tucker used it in the magazine she edits. It was a great family car, and we got many happy miles out of it. It was big and roomy - three adults could ride comfortably in the back seat. It was "my" car, because I found it, arranged the deal, secured financing and all Dale had to do was sign the papers (it was 1971, you know) and the banker even came to the house one evening for him to do that. Believe it or not, we bought that car brand-new for $5000. Dale had been traveling all week, and just left the whole thing up to me, but in those days, a married woman couldn't sign the papers. I suppose if you made an issue of it, you could, but the bank preferred a man's signature! I didn't care, I just wanted the car. So Big Red became my "pet car", like my old Caddy is today. Both good cars!

It is 103° outside today, but in the last 15 minutes, it has clouded over and there is a light, misty rain falling! As a matter of fact, rain is predicted for the weekend and most of next week! Glory be! Maybe my water bill won't bankrupt me after all. Rain is a wonderful, wonderful thing.

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
August 12, 2016 - Msg 105503: Thanks for the story Ro, hope there are more to come. I just love reading your stories!

I remember the first and only new car my parents bought. I was 5 and he bought a new Pontiac Tempest. Worse car we ever had. He paid 900 dollars for it in 1967. Talk about a lemon. We made a few trips all the way to Michigan in it but seems like something was always going wrong with it. I do remember no seatbelts and no AC.

It has been sweltering here, too. Have been under a heat advisory the last few days due to the heat and humidity.

Yes, Ro, the degeneration of the bone is in the right TMJ. I am hoping it will just go into remission but I am going to get a consultation from the specialist in Houston so we will have our foot in the door if it gets worse. She does have pain when she opens her mouth wide but it sounds like the pain might be getting better, so maybe the dissolving of the bone has stopped.

Better go fix Bruce some supper. He has been hauling dirt with the tractor all day.

Boo
August 13, 2016 - Msg 105504: I'm rightcheer RO and BOO. RO, did you see my question about The Pecan Lodge in Dallas? Saw about it
on the Day Tripper show.
I have been out pricing new printers yesterday and today, and ended up buying an Epson 4 in 1.
My HP 4 in 1 was 12 years old and the 'lectronals
got messed up constantly saying there was a paper jam. Set up of the new one went well.
Have we ever discussed here if any of us had CB radios in the '70s?
A brother was a truck driver then, (even worked on the Alaskan pipeline)and had a CB. We had a lot of fun talkin' with other truckers, as well
as some home bases.
Wow, pre season football started for us tonight! And USA swimmer Ledecky set a new record! Much needed this year as the election is driving me crazy! Ha
Seriously folks, please pray for our country!
Later,
MDC

August 13, 2016 - Msg 105505: Wow, MDC, I did miss your reference to the Pecan Lodge. I found it, then looked the place up in Google. It's in an area of Dallas called Deep Ellum, which is a kind of funky, bohemian place, very popular with the "night life" folks. I've never been there, but after reading the write-up about Pecan Lodge, I may just have to try it. From the looks of those briskets pictured on the website, they know what they're doing.

Yes, please pray for America. It's getting more scary all the time. The notion of Hillary in the Oval Office makes my blood run cold, and Trump scares me only a trifle less. If his handlers would just muzzle him a little bit, it would help. He's Harry Truman on steroids, but maybe that's not such a bad thing. I have to keep reminding myself that God put some highly unlikely and sometimes very questionable men on thrones. I can only pray that He's got a hand in this election, and hasn't just abandoned us to our own fate, like we have abandoned Him. --Romeena
August 13, 2016 - Msg 105506: MDC...10-4 Good Buddy! You got your ears on?...lol I had one back in the 70's I used it a lot on vacation trips to Myrtle Beach and Florida. It helped us keep a eye out for those "Smoky Bears" ..lol Catch ya on the flip flop... "Green Hornet" out! (I had a green Chevy Nova)...https://youtu.be/Sd5ZLJWQmss

G-F

August 13, 2016 - Msg 105507: I have a hard time even thinking about the election. It seems surreal that we have only those choices..like some kind of cosmic joke. God help us, indeed.

Boo
August 13, 2016 - Msg 105508: HI
G F DO YOU NO WHY THERE WAS THE CONVOY BOY START FOR? 10-9

TOM

August 13, 2016 - Msg 105509: TOM... I think it was to protest high fuel prices and shortages... I repeat... High fuel prices and shortages...10-9... G-F
August 13, 2016 - Msg 105510: Amen to that, Boo. Pathetic choices, indeed. --Romeena
August 13, 2016 - Msg 105511: BOO--you may want to have a good mother/daughter with Erin regarding that she may be called some 'names' like 'tinsel teeth' etc due to her braces. Back when I was teaching I sure heard such things. Just sayin' that kids can be mean like that.
GF- good video! There was even a saying 'Keep on Truckin'' Ha Cool handle you had!
As for the election, too bad Pat Paulsen isnt with us anymore. I may have actually voted for him this time! ha (Just adding a bit of comic relief).
RO--Yes, from what I saw on Day Tripper, the food there looked really good. He said it was in a part of Dallas that was experiencing a 'revival'. (In the non-religious sense.)
Well, ya all have a good saturday!
PRAYERS,
MDC
August 13, 2016 - Msg 105512: http://www.cafepress.com/keepontruckin

August 13, 2016 - Msg 105513: MDC... For the record... That 72 Nova ran a whole lot quicker than my old 63 Chevy Biscayne wagon!...lol (Sterling) It was my second car, I got it my Senior year in HS. I later got a new "79" Nova and kept it for 17yrs. It STILL ran and looked good when I sold it... That broke my heart!.... I loved my Nova's!....

G-F...🚘
August 13, 2016 - Msg 105514: Well, MDC and Romeena, speaking of car trips, the wife and kids are on an excursion to Chicago today, and will be staying overnight. Of course MIL is with them. She can't seem to go one week without inserting herself into every area of our (children's)lives. I mean, here is a 60-something, - or 70-something, I forgot exactly, - who simply had to go with Kai and her cousins to a concert by one of those "boy bands" a couple weeks ago. Can you imagine?!
My wife, who drove them there, didn't even want to be there, but she really had to.
And now my wife tells me that MIL wants to sell us her old car so that it can be Kai's first car. First off, we'd never be able to afford that car. Secondly, I can't believe my wife would even entertain that thought when she herself told me that her mom thinks because of things she has bought Kai that she kind of "owns" her. So it seems like to me that having Kai's first car be her mom's old car is just more of that "attaching" of herself with Kai. And quite frankly, it is disturbing to me. My wife even told me that her mom is expecting Kai to move in with her so that Kai can take care of her in her old(er) age.
She thankfully rebuffed her mom on that one, so I hope she sees that this car business is just more of the same.
Sometimes I really wish she didn't move up here with us(sometimes, like every day).

But enough about that. Just wanted to vent. Thanks for putting up with me.

Anyhow, so I elected to stay home and have some time to myself. Don't seem to have too much of that lately. Hopefully I can get something accomplished, that I want to do.

MDC, I can remember always wanting a CB radio, but never getting one. My grandmother on my mom's side had one of those in her house, and we always thought it was cool to listen to people talk on it. I was chicken most of the time to say anything on it, because we didn't know what the lingo meant except for 10-4 and 10-20, and I was afraid that I might say the wrong thing and someone would come after me. Silly, I know. How would they even know where I was?! That was way before GPS and all that. But I was a kid and didn't know any better.

Well, I only have one day of aloneness before the family gets back, so I'd better start doing something and acting like somebody.

Have a good day everyone!

-Sterling Holobyte
August 14, 2016 - Msg 105515: Hey Sterling, so, like ol' Barn, you wouldnt have been able to record for Mr. Maxwell? ha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpKhWePGNPc
Maybe one of these days you could sit in in place
of your MIL on a trip. When i was a kid we went on
camping trips. All 8 of us in a tent was indeed a real 'trip!' lol We had so much fun on those
outings tho, looked for frogs, etc, found a few swimming holes, roasted marshmallows, etc. I still cherish those memories!
ALL-Please pray for Louisiana on this Sabbath day. My goodness, 24 inches of rain in just about 12 hours!
God bless,
MDC
August 14, 2016 - Msg 105516: Hey all- I need to dust off my rocker and get caught up on things,but wanted to at least drop by long enough to wish everyone a good Sabbath. Hope everyone is doing ok. Things are good at the rock-just waiting on Autumn to arrive!
Y'all take care-love to all!

*************
possum u.a.r.
August 14, 2016 - Msg 105517: Yeah MDC, we do go on trips sometimes, but it usually ends up... well, like I said, I enjoy have some alone time.

I love this clip. Had never seen it before. It's weird seeing the Darlings all dressed up(well, not ALL the way dressed up....) and smiling, as well as talking. But this is funny. Some real talented fellows them Dillards. https://youtu.be/G0l-ywr8DW8

Enjoy your day!

-Sterling Holobyte


August 14, 2016 - Msg 105518: "Make up something."
August 14, 2016 - Msg 105519: Neat video, Sterling. Hope you are enjoying your time alone..sometimes that is the best kind of vacation, especially if you are used to looking after little ones. When mine were little, I used to dream of checking into a hotel alone and sleeping as long as I wanted!

Worked this weekend but the evenings were good..calm, no major happenings and the place is cooling off some. I stayed comfortable with the fans going. Not sure what is going to happen..guess I will have to wait and see.

Hoping you all had a blessed Sunday.

Boo
August 15, 2016 - Msg 105520: Good one Sterling. I also like this one with Charlene singing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFU10kFu90I

I wonder where Big Maude has been? Maudie you out
there somewheres?
BOO- glad things are settling down a bit at work.
Those kids are in my prayers.
Take care friends,
MDC
August 15, 2016 - Msg 105521: Where has Asa been?.... Hopefully someone didn't steal his ladder and left him on the roof!..
Romeena glad your on the mend...Hard to slow her down.....G-F
August 15, 2016 - Msg 105522: Happy Monday porch! Hope all is well. checking in from work today.

staying busy with first one thing then the other. usual routine stuff.

I did attend a play over the week end. A friend and I attended a live performance of Mamma Mia at the Barter Theater in Abingdon, VA last week end. We had a grand time and the play was awesome. The Barter usually does great performances and this one was no exception, The musical was perfectly done. If any of you ever have the chance to visit historic Abingdon and attend a play there i highly recommend it. They never disappoint. Many famous performers got their start there (Earnest Borgine,Ned Beatty, Larry Linville, Gregory Peck, Paticia Neal and Hume Cronyn) . If you have a chance google The Barter Theater and read about it. Its has quite the history and is only about an hours drive for me,

better get to work.
Lunch will be at Cracker Barrell, my treat.
prayers and blessings to all

Big Maude

August 15, 2016 - Msg 105523: Good morning porch family,
BIG Maude-thanks for checking in! My wife and i saw
that play several years ago here. Very good.
I will check out that theater on-line.
I watched some olympics yesterday. Beautiful horses in the equestrian events.
Prayers for many things this day.
Y'all have a good one.
August 15, 2016 - Msg 105524: Good afternoon, porch. Been busy, my kids - Robbi and Richard, or R2 as they call themselves - came in yesterday, and just left a few minutes ago. They came up on a quick run from Fredericksburg, to pick up a ceramic kiln they had bought from a friend of mine. They got a deal! The thing is just a few years old, has been fired up just four times, and they got it for $300. A similar one, new, would run about $1600. It came with a stand, has electric controls (mine, which is quite old, just has off and on) and includes all the shelves and posts and everything needed. They got a deal. They couldn't stay long, though. Richard has a boat he bought and restored, and a man was coming from several hundred miles away to buy it, so they have to be there in the morning.

They brought their new puppy with them, and she is a delightful little dog. She was a rescue, is about six months old, and they've had her about three months. She's a mix, but of what, we're not sure. They got her through a Chihuahua rescue, but she doesn't look like a Chihuahua. She's about ten inches at the shoulder, and weighs about ten pounds. Long slender muzzle, slim and streamlined head and body. She looks like she could have some Italian greyhound in her. Sweet little thing, uses her front paws like hands, will put them on either side of your face and hold you so she can see your eyes. Very loving and gentle. She and Toye Starr hit it off immediately, and played until they were both just worn out. They quickly became best buddies. Her name is Bexar, because they found her at Bexar County Chihuahua rescue. For you non-Texans, that's not pronounced Becks-ar. Technically, in Spanish, it would be Beh-har, with the accent on the second syllable. However, in Texas it's pronounced somewhere between Bayer (like the aspirin) and Bear. You almost have to hear it spoken to learn it. I will never forget when the big TV news station in San Antonio hired a new TV personality to deliver the news, but they failed to teach him how to pronounce the local places. So he was saying Becks-ar County, and referring to Groene (Green) as Grow-een, and Boerne (Burney) became Burn. Boy, did their switchboard light up!

Robbi brought me a spiralizer, where you can cut a zucchini squash into perfect, even flat strips, or use the other blade and make it like spaghetti. She made the strips and used them in lasagna instead of the lasagna noodles, and boy, was it ever good! Good sauce, some Italian sausage, three cheeses and some ricotta - yum! She made two, so I've got one to feed me for the next two or three days. Fortunately, I love leftovers. She is very gluten-intolerant, so she does most of the cooking when she's here, and I just don't mind one bit! Poor thing, she had been having abdominal pain for years, with nobody able to find a reason, and one day it clicked, and she wondered about gluten. Started eliminating it from her diet, and her pain quickly started decreasing and now, as long as she avoids gluten and certain highly seasoned things, she's pain free.

Well, guess I'll go have some of that lasagna. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
August 15, 2016 - Msg 105525: lots of rain my way been meaning to fix that hole in the bottom of my boat. hi ky girl good to see you. sounds like a full porch tonight. prayers for all pappa bear
August 15, 2016 - Msg 105526:
Sterling Holobyte, since you enjoyed watching the Dillards perform on the Judy Garland Show, would you like to see an out-take of that same performance that ends abruptly when a banjo string breaks? Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMPq4sF8C2w

And if you got the time, watch a television concert with the original Dillards from 1999. What made this concert great was that in between songs, they talked about their musical experiences such as what influenced them to write some of their songs, how they took a chance to move to California where bluegrass music was unknown, got a recording contract in one month and got picked by Andy Griffith for his show just two months later. The only bad part of this concert occurs near the end when the song Ebo Walker gets cut short.
Watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im6Cea2OGwI

from Poor Horatio
August 16, 2016 - Msg 105527: HI All--That was me up there before RO, but I'm sure ya all know my
style of writin'. Just forgot to sign off with my handle.
Hey PAPPA bear. We could sure use some of that rain. We were suppose to get lots from TS Javier, but it fizzled out.
RO--That is pretty funny about the new person not knowing the pronunciations. I kinda wonder if not telling him was a sort of 'initiation?'
And, wow, that is a great price for a kiln!
PH--very funny! That is quite a banjo move, so I can
sure understand why it broke!
Later folks,
MDC
August 16, 2016 - Msg 105528: Wow Toye is 9 yrs old Romeena ..I remember when you got her! well my night is about done and gona head dome for bed...off till 10 tonight..I know FB friends saw post but will post here...last week I started into my 35th year here at the ole power company !..just wondering how many more ??..will be 57 this year...ok...yall want to meet at McDonalds for some hot cakes?...im buying Prayers to all....SPOT
August 16, 2016 - Msg 105529: Finally have a minute to sit on the porch and rock. I was off today but had to do the grocery shopping and take Erin to town to get her braces put on. They told her she would be pretty sore for a few days so I bought some food I think she will be able to tolerate.

It's back to work tomorrow evening and then off for a four day stretch. I am looking forward to some days to catch up on the chores. I take Sean to see the allergist on Thursday. He has been having a terrible time this year with allergies.

Ro, we have some of those small towns down here..like Refugio (pronounced in Texas as "ree-furrio") and Banquete ("ban-ket-ee"). Crazy.

Feeling tired so guess I will put my feet up for awhile.

Boo
August 17, 2016 - Msg 105530: I like that first link, Poor Horatio. Thanks for that! Boy, do I remember that sound of strings breaking when my brother's and I used to play, yes, in our garage. Though we also did a talent show and a benefit concert for our boyhood church.
I haven't watched the whole video in the next link you posted, but from what I have seen of it it looks interesting.

Boo, I am feeling sorry for you. Mostly because you said you are "looking forward" to your days off so you can catch up on your chores?! I hope you get some time for yourself somewhere in-between them. Prayers for Erin with her new braces and for Sean with his allergies. How has Erin been feeling lately anyway? Emotionally, I mean.

Possum, can we put autumn on the back burner please? I am not done with summer, and I don't even want to think about autumn, or what comes after. For now, it still smells like summer in the air, and I hope to enjoy it while it's there. I imagine that tinge of autumn air will be in the, well, air, soon enough.

Have a nice night everyone.

-Sterling Holobyte
August 17, 2016 - Msg 105531: Good evening all. I guess Possum is attending a re-make of Woodstock! ha Check in dear.
You too TOM!
And ASA, He mentioned that his wife was not too good.
Please say a prayer for her.
Prayers now for Milwaukee too! We have friends there who
live just a few blocks from all the unrest.
Strange times.
I am trying to enjoy some of the Olympics, but it
sort of all seems surreal this time.
I watched the TAGS ep tonight where Gomer takes Thelma Lou to Mt. Pilot, and it comes out that it is 12 miles away; yet in another ep, Barney says that Mt. Pilot is an hour away. Hmmm
Well, good night all.
Prayers.
August 17, 2016 - Msg 105532: Morning all.
Checking in as requested MDC and GF. Thanks. Just been very very busy at work and at home. Appreciate the prayers for the Mrs. for sure.
I will check in with more later.

Asa
August 17, 2016 - Msg 105533:
Sterling Holobyte, I'm glad you enjoyed that first video I posted in Msg 105526. And when you have the time, be sure to view that second longer video. Not only is the music entertaining, but the stories they tell in between the songs are very interesting and humorous.

Back when I worked for an employer in Chicago, I used to commute primarily by train. So I am very familiar with crowded trains during rush hour where some passengers had to stand in the aisles and on the platforms in between the cars. However, we always stood inside the train, not like the people at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iDyCEJLD10

from Poor Horatio
August 17, 2016 - Msg 105534: Good morning, porch! Very cloudy here today, sky is the color of pewter, and it's cool out there, only 75°, if you can believe that. Not supposed to get above 78° today. In August? In Texas? What happened to global warming?? We're supposed to get rain today, which is just fine with me. Sure does save on the water bill.

I'm having the same reaction to the Olympics. Just can't really get interested in it, for some reason. I've always enjoyed the Winter Olympics more anyway, and this year's Summer stuff seems to be topheavy with tennis and beach volleyball. Not much that's very exciting there. I think it's the grace and beauty of the winter events that make it so interesting. The skiing, ski jumping, ice skating - all so pretty!

Well, guess I'd better get busy. I have a repeat pulmonary function test at 1245. I'm hoping I can do a bit better this time - the one I had a few weeks ago wasn't too good, as I scored about 55% of expected performance. I guess we'll see. Then tomorrow, I see the pulmonary doc to get the results of the CT I had a couple of weeks ago. There may be some answers there.

Asa, I pray for you and your wife all the time. I know her illness is a rough one, and everything falls on you at home, on top of working full time in a stressful and physically taxing job. You have my respect.

Well, I guess Mt. Pilot would be an hour away, if Barney was driving that car he bought, because he'd have to push it most of the way! --Romeena
August 17, 2016 - Msg 105535: PH--wow, that train is just crazy! It must be in India. How do they balance themselves up there?
RO--so true about Barney's car! Will pray for you
regarding the test. Maybe the impending 'election' is throwing things off! ha
ASA--thanks for checking in. Was afraid that maybe your dear
wife was in the hospital or someting like that.
Still plain old HOT here. We had our 30th 110 or higher day today for 2016! Now that's dang hot!
Take care.
MDC


August 18, 2016 - Msg 105536: Good morning, porch. It's cloudy once again, only 77°, high predicted is 86°, and possibly heavy rains. I am most definitely enjoying this cool weather, the a/c only kicks in now and then and I'm not having to run the sprinklers. Saving money for sure! Yes, MDC, that is dang hot for sure! I'll bet your a/c unit rarely turns off. Wish I could send you some of our cool weather and some rain.

I've got to leave in a few minutes to see the pulmonary doc. He's got all the various test results now, so maybe we can start pulling some of the info together and figure out what the answer is. I'm not sick, and not really all that short of breath. I'm functional, and can do pretty much anything I wish. The docs are just concerned that whatever is causing the spells of shortness of breath, and the slightly low oximetry, might be signalling something that's going on that could get worse. Could be cardiac or respiratory, it's hard to tell. I think we have enough information now though, to sort it out. Meantime, life goes on. I come and go as I please. You know, I'm grateful for those years I spent working at the same hospital. I've known almost all my doctors for over 35 years, they're friends, and they take a personal interest. Also, they're very up-front with me, use straight-forward medical terms and don't feel like they have to sugar-coat things. I get the whole truth. I like that.

Well, guess I'd better get cleaned up and head on up there. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
August 18, 2016 - Msg 105537: Afternoon all.

Romeena, I pray your visit to the Doctors went well and all is well with you. I know you pray for us, as we do for you, and those prayers are both felt and appreciated. Thank you for all you have done for us.

MDC, That heat is just ridiculous buddy. We have had a huge number of triple digit temps here this summer, but the highest I think was 104. I am starting to see and feel the first changes of the season here. I really can't explain it, but the air just has a different feel to it. And the day light hours of course are getting shorter.

GF, You doing ok? You been kind of quiet yourself. I got my first work orders last week to start prepping some things for winter. YIKES!

Hope things have improved for you at work Boo. And that Sean and Erin are doing better.

Well I best get. Been up in the bucket truck all day working on lights. The same tomorrow. I enjoy the view from up ther.

Asa
August 19, 2016 - Msg 105538: HI ALL, just a quick hello tonight. Wanted to say 'greetings and salutations' before I head for bed!
Prayers for all,
MDC
August 19, 2016 - Msg 105539: Yep Asa, I'm still kickin' had a bit of the pip the past few days... As they say, "This too shall pass!"... G-F
August 19, 2016 - Msg 105540: GF, I hope the pip passes buddy. I was thinking you and me can sneak over to MDC's place and tuck his blanket under his bed legs whilest he is snoozing. Then yell "Breakfast" and watch the fun. You in buddy? :)

I hope Ro's appointment yesterday went ok. Check in when you can Romeena. Prayers.

Asa
August 19, 2016 - Msg 105541: HI
ASA LOOKING FOR TIME IN THE BIG HOUSE.

August 19, 2016 - Msg 105542: Haha Asa... It's too dang hot out MDC's way... How about we just call him and ask if he has Prince Albert in a can?
Maybe that would keep us out of the Big House...lol Glad to see you pop in TOM, how is your sister doing buddy?...
Even tho TOM hasn't been posting, doesn't mean he's not watching!.. You can't get away from the long arm of the law as they say.... G-F
August 19, 2016 - Msg 105543: Good morning, porch. Again, it's cool in the Dallas area! It's just 77°, with a predicted high of just 85°. Also, we have a big thunderstorm coming this afternoon, and I guess I'm going to be right there in it. A group of us are taking a friend to lunch for her birthday. I'm tempted to stay home, but I guess I'll go. If I haven't melted in the rain in 77 years, I guess I won't do it now.

I saw the doc yesterday. For the most part, his findings were about what I expected. The upper part of my right lung is scarred and fibrotic from the radiation I took in 1979, so essentially doesn't function. This reduces my lung capacity by nearly one fourth. Nothing to be done about that. My heart rate runs a little faster than normal, which is my body's attempt to improve the perfusion of blood, thereby improving the oxygen saturation. It helps some, but not a lot. The CT scan showed an enlarged lymph node in my chest, which is probably nothing, but he wants me to have a PET scan to make sure it's not "hot." That's medical-speak for malignant. He also wants me to start using supplemental oxygen at night. The overnight study showed that my oxygen saturation drops as low as 83% at night, which would explain why I'm so tired and draggy in the mornings. That's probably due to my heart rate dropping when I'm in a deep sleep, which is normal, but that decreases the perfusion. It's all inter-related, one thing affects another, and supplemental oxygen will break the chain. At least we're going to try it and see if it helps.

Ha! Other than that, I'm just fine. No, seriously, I am fine. I don't feel like I did when I was 25, but then I'm not 25, so why should I? Life goes on, and I'm about where I should be. After having Stage III cancer at age 40, just being here at 77 is a tremendous gift, and I'm grateful. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
August 19, 2016 - Msg 105544: To make Y'all smile.... https://youtu.be/FWSkYnpGNW8 :). G-F
August 20, 2016 - Msg 105545:
G-F, thanks for that Rocky Morris Concert 2013 link in your Msg 105544. In case there are some readers who don't know who Rocky Morris is, he was an infrequent but popular poster here at The Taylor's Front Porch. Unfortunately, he passed away suddenly back in October of 2013. Rocky was not only a very talented singer, musician, song writer and recording artist, he was also a minister (bishop) who performed Christian music around the country. He posted here using the username REV.
Rest in peace REV.

from Poor Horatio
August 20, 2016 - Msg 105546: ASA and GF, I agree with TOM...to the big house with ya! haha
Packing for our trip...more tonight.
MDC
August 21, 2016 - Msg 105547: Well, looks like I made it back before anyone else.
Are ya all watching the 'lympics? (or at least the commercials ...like every 5 minutes! ha) Oh well,
I guess NBC has to make some money.
We are heading for the AZ pine country on Monday for a week, but i will take my 'puter with me, so will keep in touch.
You all have a great Sabbath day! That Rocky Morris video sure got me going! But now i miss him
all over again.
Hang in there,
MDC
August 21, 2016 - Msg 105548: MDC... While in "Pine Country" ya better watch out for the knots!.... Better not think it's funny, cuz it's knot!..G-F
August 21, 2016 - Msg 105549: Trouble check...prayers SPOT

August 22, 2016 - Msg 105550: The porch sure has been quiet. Hope everyone is doing well and had a nice weekend. We have been busy around here, as usual but wanted to drop in before getting ready for work.

Thanks for the concern and prayers for the kids. Sean seems better taking his allergy med and nose spray. He is very allergic to dust and there is a pill coming out in the spring that is supposed to be as effective as the allergy shots so we have our fingers crossed on that. He is allergic to a lot of things, but the dust seems to be the one that is getting him.

Erin is finally eating solid food again and it is amazing how well those braces have worked already. I can see that the front tooth that was crooked is already aligned with the other tooth. No wonder her teeth have hurt. She starts back to school tomorrow..first day of high school. Where has the time gone?

Im working day shift this week and will be busy getting ready for mom in laws birthday party here on Saturday. I only have to make pinto beans and provide drinks, so shouldn't be difficult. The hard part is making sure the kids keep their bathroom clean and keep their stuff picked up..and by kids I mean Erin and Bruce. Sean takes care of things. They have been forgetting to do their laundry, though and I did 10 loads on Saturday!

I am already thinking about cooler weather but may have to wait a long time to see it. Fall is on the way, though. I imagine some of you are already seeing cooler temps in the mornings.

This past week I did a study on the ancient history of the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem in 70 AD. I read the accounts of Josephus, who was an eye-witness. Wow..what I read was really terrible. Interesting, though. Any of you studied into it?

Better get ready for work.

Boo
August 22, 2016 - Msg 105551: Good morning all.

Yes Boo, the Porch has been quiet as of late. I reckon folks are busy with summer things as it begins to wind down. I have noticed the mornings cooler the last week or so. And things not so hot in the afternoons, although we hit 94 yesterday. And am noticing very much the loss of daylight hours. Several of our properties utilize timers to control outside lighting. And I have to go and adjust those setpoints about once a month. I have them coming on almost a full hour earlier now than they were back in July, and stating on later in the mornings. That alone I am sure results in temps lowering.

Well I am kind of bummed out. About 3 years ago I went through a procedure on my heart called an ablation. I had had numerous bouts of a-fib and/or a-flutter. The procedure had stopped these for just over three years. But Saturday morning my heart rate went all wacky on me. I got myself up to the E.R. My resting heart rate was 205. Well after several attempts to convert it back to normal, they finally had to do a shock procedure on me to convert it. I guess they did it twice to get it back to normal. So now I am on a medication to help keep my heart rate lower, and on a blood thinner as a precautionary measure in case it returns. They say the risk of a blood clot increases a lot when a person is in a-fib or a-flutter. I have to call my Cardiologist this morning and get in to see him. The Doctor who did the procedure on me left the Hospital not long after he had worked on me for another Hospital. So I will be seeing someone new. That bums me out because I really liked my old Doctor. I was hoping this was all behind me, but I guess not. My first Doctor told me that often times they might have to do a second procedure. Oh well, that's life, through and through.

I hope you all have a blessed and wonderful day.

Asa
August 22, 2016 - Msg 105552: Sorry to hear about that Asa... As Roseanna Danna said: "It's always something!"... As we get older, you & Gomer said it right.. "That's life, through and through... And as Forrest's Momma said too, "Ya never know what you're gonna get!"

Yep, One Day at a Time!.... G-F
August 22, 2016 - Msg 105553: HEY.
HE ANSWERS EVERY PRAYER.

GIVE YOUR THOUGHTS TO JESUS,
HE WILL GIVE YOU PEACE
CALMING EVERY WORRY.
AND WITH HIS GRACE RELEASE
THE STRENGTH TO OVERCOME
ALL PROBLEMS YOU MUST BEAR.
WILL LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING,
HE ANSWERS EVERY PRAYER.


TOM