August 26, 2016 - Msg 105591: Boo, I TRUELY BELIEVE that God put people and things in our paths for multitude of reasons. Sometimes we are just the mouthpiece or the deliverer of messages, and other times it is to connect to the right person or situation.
All I know, as they say a man who has friends is TRULY blessed!.... All my Mayberry friends are like family, that is why the Meet-Up's have become so special... Right Possum?..
We get together for that week-end and it's like a Big family reunion. But as I also said, it's also much like summer camp where it's sad when we all have to go back home....

G-F
August 26, 2016 - Msg 105592: ...And I'll finish the day with a Good Seep too!....
August 26, 2016 - Msg 105593: SWEEP....that is..
August 26, 2016 - Msg 105594: Right- O, G-F!

Glad it was a "sweep" & not a "seep"-we don't need things getting all damp & icky underneath the Porch. Next thing you know ,Floyd will have to crawl under there with them spiders!

Good sweep, G-F!

possum again
August 26, 2016 - Msg 105595: Praying that your procedure goes well and you get the outcome you want, Asa.
You said that you've already prayed about it and feel it is the right thing to do. Then that means that it is. Trust Jesus and put all your concerns on Him. God gently smacked me when I was having worries about Kai's heart surgery back in 09, and after that I felt a great weight had lifted off of my shoulders and I just KNEW Kai would be ok.

Well, Noah got through his first 3 days of kindergarten, with flying colors. I asked the teacher the first day how he was, and she started to say he was pretty good, but then changed it and said, "Actually, he was perfect." It's got to be tough handling a bunch of 4/5 years olds all day.
I also found out from the principal that Noah doesn't have to wear belts, which is something my wife wanted me to find out, because Noah has a little trouble with them. The principal said that they are more relaxed with the rules for the younger grades.
Yep, I definitely am liking this new principal.

-Sterling Holobyte
August 27, 2016 - Msg 105596: HI All, well, we had a wonderful, refreshing mountain rain almost all day today, so enjoyed some indoor activities! :)
Sterling--glad things are 'equaling out' a bit these days for ya.

August 27, 2016 - Msg 105597: Darn, meant to hit 'archives' and hit 'post' instead! Funny video GF, when commercials had some
good lines!! ha
Prayers indeed for both Mrs GF and Mrs Asa.
Tom--keep us posted!
Love to all,
MDC
August 27, 2016 - Msg 105598: Hey Asa, when you go in for your procedure be sure to tell them you want the "turbo boost digital upgrade" too!... It is like putting in one of those digital ballasts....lol
All joking aside, hope all goes well for you Buddy!....

G-F
August 27, 2016 - Msg 105599: G-F--where did everyone go?
Well, anyway, we noticed that the local movie theater was doing a retro nite, and was showing "It Happened One Night" with Gable and Colbert. I know in the past that several of you said it was good, so we went to the 'matinee' today. And it was good! Hard to believe that it won five academy awards tho! Speaking of movies, I heard that the Ben-Hur re-make is bombing at the box office. Who wouda thunk that?! Well, we drive back to the Phx heat on Sunday.
Have a good Sabbath all!
Prayers,
MDC
August 28, 2016 - Msg 105600: Good Sabbath all.

Well Boo, I thought for a minute I was Cousin Eddy and you were Clark Griswold. ;) That recipe sounds good and easy, just what I need for sure.

Thanks for all of your prayers and well wishes friends. I do appreciate them. And thanks for the prayers for my Wife. They are felt and appreciated.

Drive safe home MDC, and if your car breaks down somewhere along the way, just call it a day and relax. Peel an apple, snooze on the porch. Take it easy.

That was a nice sweep GF. And nice sentiments you shared.

Sterling, so happy to read the school year thus far is going well. I hope that continues.

Ro, I have never seen that product around here. I didn't even know it was edible, but I saw an episode of Chopped a while back and it was one of the mystery ingredients. I suppose it is like most things, a matter of how it is prepped and cooked.

Well I best go get ready for preaching. I hope y'all have a blessed Sabbath day.

Asa
August 28, 2016 - Msg 105601: Thanks MDC and Asa.

Hey G-F!

I saw something that reminded me of summers long ago when I was younger. And that is the winged ant drones that I remember watching as they pored out of their underground hangars and took to the skies. Not the most skillful flyers of the insect community, but I guess they get the job done. They must. Those ants are everywhere.

Took Noah and Kai to church today, and for once Kai wasn't grumpy about it. Unusual for her lately, but I like this version better.

-Sterling Holobyte
August 29, 2016 - Msg 105602: Got home safe and sound this (Sunday) evening!
Thanks for your prayers and all! It was a little of 'everything'...fishing, relaxing, short day trips to various points of interest, rained in one day and enjoying just watching it come down onto the cabin porch (even went right in it for a bit!) ha, and that movie in a quaint little theater.
RO--I forgot to mention that I am sorry for you at the loss of your friend.
Hope you are doing OK.
Well, I'm beat...more tomorrow.
MDC
August 29, 2016 - Msg 105603: Good morning all.
And welcome home Mr. and Mrs. MDC. Glad you are home safe and sound and refreshed. I hope the heat calms down for you.

Hey GF and Tom, I saw that you folks got some serious rain yesterday. I hope you didn't get to wet.

Been kind of quiet on the Porch as of late. I hope everyone is ok.

Well better be off.

Prayers for all.

Asa
August 29, 2016 - Msg 105604: Glad you had a good time on your trip, MDC.
After my wife got came down with a cold and sore throat recently, I started thinking about that Oregamax stuff you were always talking about, MDC, and I went to look for it at Walmart but couldn't find it. So I looked it up online and saw the price and nearly fainted dead away. Ok, so I didn't get that hysterical, but $20 for a bottle of oregano stuff makes me think maybe I should just eat more oregano, think that would help?

-Sterling Holobyte
August 29, 2016 - Msg 105605: Happy Birthday to Miss Betty "Thelma Lou" Lynn! She turns 90 today!

Lots going on up in Mount Airy to celebrate and Floyd is up there smack dab in the middle of it. He's posting videos on Facebook,so check it out. Wish we all were there too!

*************
possum u.a.r.
August 29, 2016 - Msg 105606: Good sweep GF we are still camping here at the lake aint got a good interned connection on laptop...hey possum,Romeena,MDC,Asa and all ok grilled corn and steaks ! SPOT
August 29, 2016 - Msg 105607: Happy Birthday to Betty Lynn. Wow, 90. And she still seems so spry and as kind as Thelma Lou.

Very sad to hear of the passing of Gene Wilder today. I keep thinking of all the times Kai and I watched Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory. That was "our" movie. In fact, Kai liked it so much that she played an Oompa Loompa in the school play of 'Willy Wonka Jr.' that one year. Gene was one guy I really would have loved to have met and talked with. He always seemed so likable and reachable, with that sparkle in his eyes.
I read a statement from his nephew that he kept his deteriorating condition from Alzheimer's out of the media because he didn't want children who were fans of Willy Wonka to equate the character with an adult disease. RIP Gene Wilder

-Sterling Holobyte
August 29, 2016 - Msg 105608: Aww, I didn't know about Gene Wilder. I always like him. I heard an interview of his a few years ago that impressed me. he was not your average celebrity.

MDC, that sounds like my kind of vacation! The pines, cool air, a little rain, a movie in a quaint little theater...perfect.

Well, Asa, tomorrow is the day, right? Will be praying.

Still hanging in there at work but the census is nearly half what it was this time last year and they are asking nurses to stay home. The had a disturbing incident on Saturday that has everyone concerned. I think there is now a shortage of staff and the kids can get away with more. Anyway, I need to start working on my resume and thinking about looking for something else I guess. Im not giving up yet, though.

Believe it or not I felt a little hint of fall in the air this morning and this evening. Something is definitely different..just a touch of cool that wasn't there a week ago. We have had a little rain today, too.

Did Romeena say she was going anywhere? Seems like I haven't seen her here in awhile.

Boo
August 29, 2016 - Msg 105609: Good evening, porch. I've been a bit quiet, haven't been feeling just right. My heart threw a little hissy fit on Saturday, and while it's better now, it's still not quite right. Around 1 pm Saturday, I began to "feel" my heartbeats, though calling them heartbeats was a stretch. Just disorganized thumps is more like it, like a captive rabbit in there hammering against my ribs. I listened to it with my stethoscope, and couldn't hear a single organized, identifiable beat. Just a wild, jumbled series of thumps, yet I wasn't dizzy. I have a pulse oximeter, so kept tabs on my O2 saturation, which never went below 93. Not perfect, but acceptable. I also have a digital blood pressure machine, and found that my BP was all over the place, from one minute to the next. I took my bedtime dose of Tenormin early on Saturday afternoon, and things calmed down a tiny bit, but still wild. Then Saturday night, when I went to take the rest of my bedtime meds, which are in med boxes, I realized there was no Tenormin in it, and the dose I had taken earlier was not from the box, I had taken it from the Rx bottle. Checked the rest of the boxes, and none there either. I had accidentally left it out of the boxes, so had taken no Tenormin since Tuesday, when I refilled the boxes. I guess that answers my question, whether I really need the Tenormin or not. I'm catching up on it now, feeling about 50% better, should continue to improve. I also sent in an extra transmission from my pacer this afternoon at my doc's request. It will give him a readout of all that wild activity from the weekend, which he will evaluate. However, I think the mystery was solved when I realized I hadn't been taking my Tenormin. As soon as the serum level reaches a therapeutic point, I should be feeling normal. That sure was a dumb trick! Guess I need to make a checklist of my meds instead of relying on my leaky memory. What a dumb trick!

Glad you're home safely, and had a good trip, MDC. Everyone needs a bit of R&R now and then. That rainy day sounds wonderful. I love rainy days, if I don't have to be driving in it on the highway.

Spot, enjoy that camping trip! Sounds like fun. How do you handle the mosquito problem? Lots of repellent? Miserable little devils, I really would like to ask the Lord why He created such annoying little things. Maybe I will, some day.

TOM, how's your sister? I pray she's getting better, and that God will give you peace, no matter how things turn out. Just give it to Him, my friend.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up something light to eat. I've got a mango and a couple of Kiwis, that ought to do it. I don't want anything heavy.

Blessings, porch. --Romeena
August 29, 2016 - Msg 105610: Wow, I had not heard about that either... Good actor wasn't he married to Gilda Radner if I recall. She passed too soon too.

Hang in there Boo... I know it's tough to work at a place in such chaos.....

Asa.. Prayers Buddy... Check in when you can..... G-F
August 29, 2016 - Msg 105611: Romeena, we were posting at the same time, you be careful too, sounds like it settled down tho... Speaking of Gilda Radner... Roseanna Danna said, it's always something!
G-F again...
August 29, 2016 - Msg 105612: Prayers for Asa, and Ro,you take care!

Yes, RIP Gene Wilder-a fantastic actor.

possum again
August 30, 2016 - Msg 105613: RO--were you having PVCs by any chance? I have them but the digoxin keeps them in check.
Glad you found out what it was. Yup, some of those meds we just 'need!' til Jesus comes. :)
Regarding the pill boxes, I do 3 weeks worth, but I have a check list. After filling is done,
I empty one day's worth on the counter, and put each pill by it's name on the list. That tells me if I missed any, from like getting distracted, phone call etc. I do it for one day in each of the 3 boxes.
And yes, I have missed, and caught it that way! :)
RIP Gene--loved him in Young Frankenstein!
Sterling--Regarding the oregano price, yes, that is waht I pay in the health store, but ya don't pop them like candy, just when you feel the onset of a cold, etc, so that bottle of 90 lasts a while. (about 22 cents a capsule.)
Prayers for ASA regarding his procedure on Tuesday. All the best!
Love to all,
MDC

August 30, 2016 - Msg 105614: Sitting in the dark. We lost power after some severe storms and give inches of rain in the last few hours. Hope it comes back on before it gets hot in here.

Saying a prayer for As a this morning...and Ro.

Boo
August 30, 2016 - Msg 105615: Five...

Boo
August 30, 2016 - Msg 105616: Thinking of Asa as he undergoes his heart procedure today. Prayers for a successful surgery & recovery.

****************
possum under a rock
August 30, 2016 - Msg 105617: Good morning, porch! Feeling better today, should be tiptop by tomorrow. Yes, MDC, I'm quite sure there were PVCs in that wild jumble of thumps on my chest on Saturday. I've had PVCs for years, controlled by the Tenormin, so I know what they feel like. However, what was going on that day was too wild and disorganized to identify any beat, whether regular or irregular. It would take me two or three tries to get a blood pressure with my digital machine, as the beats were so wild and irregular. I would just get an ERR message, try again, and eventually I'd get a reading. 160/88 once, then the next one, about three minutes later, was 88/62. Through it all, the O2 saturation held steady at 93-94%. How it was doing that, with the erratic cardiac performance, I'll never know. This morning, what I'm hearing with my stethoscope, sounds like mostly a normal sinus rhythm, with the occasional PVC thrown in. I can even hear the little murmur that I've always had. Up until this morning, there was too much other trash and artifact in there to hear the murmur. Tenormin rocks!

Eloise's husband, Jerry, had a cardiac cath yesterday, because he's been having some dull chest pain. Jerry is a HVAC guy, age 77, and still climbing around in attics, doing a/c repairs and installs. David helps him when he can, but if he's not available, Jerry will do it himself. The report is all clear, the doc said his heart looks just fine, doesn't need anything. They were prepared to put in a stent if he had a blockage, but found nothing. So now, he'll be seeing a gastroenterologist to see if he's having a low acid reflux. That can cause chest pain that feels just like a heart thing, without the acid ever rising high enough for you to recognize if for what it is. I had chest pain about ten years ago, the doc tried me on a PPI, and my chest pain went away, haven't had it since.

Good grief! Looking at my history, I sound like a train wreck, yet I just zip around and do anything I want to do. Granted, I don't necessarily want to do as much as I used to, but still, my life is good, I'm active, and I'm happy. My cardio doc calls me Timex. He's a friend, I've known him since he was a pup, for 35 years. He told someone one day that I was one of the nurses who "raised" him.

I'm praying that Asa does very well today. He definitely needed to get that done. I'm glad he's got a lot of paid time off banked, because he's going to need to be off for a while. I hope his doctors impress that on him, so he doesn't try to go back too quickly. Proper recovery is crucial to the success of any procedure involving a cardiac catheter. Eloise is watching Jerry like a hawk right now, because if somebody calls and says their a/c is out and they're hot, he just might decide to get up and go help them.

Boo, I hope your power is back on by now. It can get hot real fast down there! People think those "coastal breezes" are so pleasant. They don't realize that sometimes those "breezes" are just a hot, moist wind that doesn't help at all. Wow - five inches of rain? That's a bunch of water!

Some friends have a food truck that they only open on Tuesdays, for lunch, and I'm thinking I may go get a sandwich from them for my lunch today. They actually operate a catering business, and make wonderful food, but they do the truck thing just for fun and a few extra bucks. They make a Reuben sandwich that's legendary. They also make a black-bean burger that's amazing. No meat, just a patty made of black beans pressed firmly together, and it's just really good. Their grilled cheese is decadent, and their plain old hamburger is wonderful too, but it's that Reuben that calls to me. Sooo good! Yep, that's what I'm gonna do, even if it does mean I have to get dressed and put on a quick face.

OK, off I go. Blessings, porch! --Romeena
August 30, 2016 - Msg 105618: Sorry MDC & Romeena, when you talk PVC 's to a maintenance guy we kinda think of piping, I think Asa would concur. I hope it all went well for him today... Let's just send out one BIG prayer to all who are ailing, we ALL seem to have something going on these days!
TOM do you have a update on your sister?... Hope she's improving....

Floyd was giving a live report on Facebook yesterday on Thelma Lou's Birthday party activities. He posted it on the "Two Chairs No Waiting" page. Looks like it was a fun time for her and everyone else. I'm sure he will be doing one of his podcasts on it soon.....

G-F
August 30, 2016 - Msg 105619: Sorry, G-F. In medical parlance, a PVC is a Premature Ventricular Contraction. That means that the big left ventricular, which is the workhorse of the heart and does the major work of sending blood around the body, is out of sync. The beats, or contractions should be evenly spaced, like bump - bump - bump - bump, etc. With PVCs, you have bump - bump - bumpbump -----bump - bump, etc. You will feel that early beat, and you will definitely feel the gap that follows, where that extra beat should have been. I used to have them all the time, and sometimes there would be a very long gap, with two or three beats skipped, sometimes more. Very unnerving. Atenolol (Tenormin) fixed all of that, I don't have them anymore.

You know, I still think Miss Ellie would have been the best choice for Andy. I'll never know why they ran him through so many girlfriends, only to end up with pouty Helen. Helen was pretty, and could be charming, but when she got her nose out of joint, she could be a real grouch. She's never have gotten to first base with my Dale. At least when Miss Ellie got miffed, she had a good reason, and she let you know it in no uncertain terms, instead of just freezing up and being quietly snotty like Helen. Yep, they missed a good bet there, in my opinion.

Guess I'll go rustle up some supper. Won't be much, I'm not very hungry. Blessings, porch. --Romeena
August 30, 2016 - Msg 105620: Yes, the power came back on about an hour after it went out, thankfully, because as Ro said, it gets hot quick down here in south texas.

I have PVCs from time to time if I am very tired or drinking too much caffeine. To me, it feels like my heart flips upside down then rightside up. Sounds crazy, but that's how it feels to me.

I am glad that Jerry didn't have a more serious problem and you are so right about the heart caths, Ro. I felt great the first day or two, overdid it, and really regretted it later.

I am a little sad/concerned today because I received the news that my dear uncle Rollo was put on hospice this week. He is having some congestive heart failure and severe a-fib, but chose to refuse treatment. He is 84, blind, has dementia and lost his beloved wife a year ago. he is ready to move on but is experiencing some bad shortness of breath. His daughter is caring for him and is hesitant about giving him the morphin#. I had a long talk with her this afternoon and explained that she could give him some for the air hunger and it probably wouldn't sedate him completely. He is a big guy, over 6 foot, and he keeps pulling his oxygen off
August 30, 2016 - Msg 105621: (continued..)..his dementia is such that he has periods of being lucid and then confused. He did express plainly that he wants no medical intervention to stop the normal process of dying. He signed a DNR this week, also. He is ready to go to Jesus and see his wife, for the first time, I might add. He was blind when they met. :) I am just having a bit of a struggle worrying about his suffering here at the end. Please say a prayer for Rollo and for his daughter, Debbie, who has some tough hours or days ahead.

Boo
August 31, 2016 - Msg 105622: Good morning all.
First off thank you all for your prayers and well wished, and Thank You Lord for your healing. The procedure went well according to the Doctor. Initially he was just going to go up the right side to do his work. But as we met just before I went in, he said at looking at my previous ablation, he may go in the left side also, depending on what he could see. Well that is what happened. He said it looked like in the previous ablation, everything had just about restored itself. So they basically had to redo everything, and one other area they found. Anyway, bottom line is that it went very well and I should be fine. And other from my back screaming at me from lying still for 6 hours, I do feel great. My family was worried because I was in the cath lab for so long, almost 4 hours. Sure glad that is over and done with, except the bill. Even with insur-ance there will be some expense. But praise the Lord for the technology that is ours today, and again, thank you all for your prayers and kind thoughts.

Romeena, I'm so glad you are feeling better and that those pills keep your ticker ticking well. We don't need you getting sick on us.

Boo, for sure I will pray for Rollo and Debbie. It sounds like he is done and wants to move on. A very tough thing for a loved one to be a part of I imagine. I prat his suffering will be minimal. Wow, 5 inches of rain in one storm? That is basement sailing kind of rain.

GF, Yep, PVC for us fellers is has a different meaning for sure.

Good to see you Possum. I hope you are well.

Well the Doctors and Nurses stressed on me about taking it easy for a few days to let the wounds heal up. I was going to go back to work tomorrow, but decided what's my hurry. As Ro said, I have a bunch of leave saved up. So I am going to take the week off. Plus Monday is Labor Day, and I have already scheduled Tuesday off, so I am just going to take I easy and relax.

Romeena, You mentioned Ellie. I was going through some old family pictures a while back and found some of my Mother when she was a young lady. I was stunned to see how much she looked like Ellie. I suppose I should not have been so shocked though. My youngest Daughter (Stacey) is the splitting image of my Mom, and she looks a lot like Ellie. Stacey is remarkable. She has given birth to 6 kids and weighs 115 pounds, her same weight in High School. I figure it must be because of all the running around she does watching after those kids. But she is in heaven. She loves kids like no one I have seen.

Guess I better get and rustle me up something to eat.

Love you all.

Asa


August 31, 2016 - Msg 105623: Great news, Asa. Four hours in the cath lab is a long time, though. Wow..no wonder your back hurt. Glad things are better now, and please do get the needed rest or you will start feeling achy and awful in a few days. So Stacey has 6 kids..that would keep you thin, I would think. She probably doesn't have a lot of time to eat, bless her. :) Thank you for the prayers for my uncle. I am going to have to try to go to work and put it out of my mind somehow because worrying about him wont help him or me. After Uncle, I have one uncle and one aunt left in Houston. They are in their 80s but are still getting around well and are pretty healthy, so I am blessed there. Both my uncles are my dad's brothers and what great guys there are. Growing up, there was a lot of love and loyalty among Dad's brothers and the families. Wonderful times.

Well, time to get dressed and face another day at work. I never know what news I am going to hear when I get there. Its kind of like watching someone expire..I get the feeling the facility is taking those last, weak breaths. I sure hope I am wrong, though.

Be back later...

Boo
PS-We all love you, too Asa
August 31, 2016 - Msg 105624: Asa, glad all went well with your procedure, now it's time to follow Doc's order and take it easy for awhile. Dr. Goob's advice... Get a bag of apples 🍎 🍏 and your pocket knife and practice your apple peeling techniques is what I advise Buddy!
Slow Down... "What's Your Hurry?"....

Boo, prayers for your Uncle...Tough times and Tough decisions..

G-F...
August 31, 2016 - Msg 105625: p.s. Then make a nice cobbler from your peeling efforts! Just don't forget a good dollop of ice cream....👍😛
August 31, 2016 - Msg 105626: Thanks for checking in with your Porch friends, Asa. I'm very pleased that the procedure went well & that you are planning to take things easy for a bit. Continued prayers!

I'm sorry, Boo. Prayers going out for your situation.

Wishing everyone a pleasant last day of August-take care y'all!

****************
possum under a rock
August 31, 2016 - Msg 105627: Asa, I am so glad to hear from you and that your procedure went well. Praise the Lord!
Now enjoy being waited on for a while while(no, I didn't stutter) you recover. Take it easy, and thanks for the update.

Glad to hear you are also feeling better, Romeena!

G-F, I am not a maintenance guy, but even I was thinking of piping when I heard MDC and Ro talking about PVC's.

Just had a minor celebration for Noah yesterday for his birthday, since the wife was sick and who wants to have a birthday party on a school day anyway. I did find some birthday cake-looking cookies for him to share with his classmates, and also took those same type of cookies for his Jiu-Jitsu class last night, where they also all sang Happy Birthday to him. It was nice. Then came home to the house decorated and a few presents he could open before we have his "real" birthday party.

Oh no, Possum. You just reminded me that this is the last day of August. I don't like that thought, as I know what is coming... and going. Rage, rage against the dying of the summer.... or something like that.

-Sterling Holobyte
September 01, 2016 - Msg 105628: BOO--that is a very hard decision for any one to make,
the morphin# that is. Took me one full day of discerning and praying and going over my dad's advanced directives again, and then giving the OK. Prayers indeed for both Rollo and his daughter!
ASA--so glad all went so well. Any problem coming out of the anesthesia?
I have had 3 heart caths done, and I am so glad they continue to improve the
'patches' that cover the entry point. The first one in the early 2000s was a huge thing almost covering my whole groin area called an angioseal or some such.
Well, Mr. T gave a speech tonight in Phx. I got to see most of it on TV.
Sterling--Happy birthday to Noah! Here in Phx we say YIPPIE to the going of summer! haha
Peace,
MDC
September 01, 2016 - Msg 105629: Didn't see that speech by Mr. T. MDC. I am going to have to look that one up. He's an interesting fellow.

And yeah, I can see how some of you folks don't mind summer exiting stage left.

Well, now both of the kiddos are at school. Noah is having a grand old time, thankfully. Though I was a nervous wreck thinking about Kai going. She was giving off some "vibes" last night that brought back memories of all the anxiety issues she went through last year around this time. And I surely don't want a repeat of that, especially with Noah in the school that my wife partly blames for those issues.
Kai did go off without a hitch today, but then again, it is only the first day, and she does only have two days of school this week. But I guess I better look on the bright side, and remind myself what I told her last night as she was worrying that her schedule might have changed(since she likes her schedule the way it is this year, with her friends in a lot of her classes and such), that to "not cross that bridge until you come to it." - taken from Laura and "Pa" Ingalls on Little House On The Prairie, and to "not look for problems" taken from Commander Riker on Star Trek: TNG.
See, all that tv viewing was worth something, I guess.

Have a great day, everyone!

-Sterling Holobyte
September 01, 2016 - Msg 105630: Good morning all. I hope the day finds you happy and healthy.

MDC, Surprisingly I was awake for much of the procedure. They sedated me, but not enough to put me all the way out. Other than a small area on both sides of my groin, and some tenderness there, I feel really good. I am going to take Dr. GF's advice and enjoy some apple cobbler and ice cream. Actually it's going to be peaches because my peach tree is ready for picking. The grandkids are coming over tomorrow to pick it for me. I told them I just need a small bag, and they can sell the rest to make some money if they want. They did that last year and made a few dollars.

Praying for a good school year for your children Sterling.

And praying for you job situation Boo. It sounds precarious.

I hope Romeena is still doing ok.

Well off to watch some tv I reckon. Thank goodness for a dvr. These commercials are mind numbing. Lawyers lined up wanting to sue every drug company in business it seems. YIKES!

Asa
September 01, 2016 - Msg 105631: Good morning, porch. Cardiac issues seem to be all calmed down, now that I'm back on the Tenormin. My cardio doc has read and evaluated the readings I transmitted from my pacer, and agrees that is the lack of Tenormin on board that triggered the "tantrum." He wants me to double up on the med for a while, and see him next week. I'm having that PET scan tomorrow, to see what the enlarged node in my chest is all about, so he'll have those results too, by next week. Seems like there's always something, these days. As Bette Davis said, "Old age ain't no place for sissies." Oh well, when you consider the alternative, it's not that bad.

Kids and school. I never remember us "back in the day" having all these issues. I imagine they were there, it was just that nobody realized it, or tried to fix it. We were just handed our sack lunch and told to go get on the bus! Shoot, Mama didn't even cut the crusts off my sandwich! I'm not saying that the kids don't have legitimate problems, I'm just wondering why nobody seemed to care about ours! I remember half-tearfully telling my mom about a certain boy at school who loved to make "dirty" comments to the girls. He was very obnoxious, and I was dawdling, trying to miss the bus so I wouldn't have to deal with him. I told my mom about him, and she said, "Oh, for cryin' out loud! Ignore him unless he's speaking directly to you. If he does, kick him in the shins, and then tell the bus driver. Now go get on the bus!" I did, kicked the kid (very hard), and he left me alone after that. Problem solved. These days, a girl who did that would be hauled in to the office for "violence", the boy would be put in therapy to see why he behaved like that, and the whole thing would have stunk for months. As the song says, life was simpler in black and white. --Romeena
September 01, 2016 - Msg 105632: Asa, I'm glad you're doing well, and so glad you had that procedure done. Just keep your exertion and activity down to a minimum for a few days, get plenty of rest, and let the world take a few turns.

Boo, I sincerely hope things settle in at your job. First, because I think you basically like the job, if conditions were better, and second, because this world needs some places like that, where troubled kids can feel safe and be in the care of someone who truly is interested in them, and who can show them a better way to live. Prayers for the whole thing, my friend.

MDC, I'm glad you're home safe and sound, and it sounds like you had a wonderful time. There's a lot of beautiful country out there where you were. I'm glad I got to see it when I was young, because I wouldn't risk going into any high country now. I can't handle the thinner air.

Well, better get busy around here. Later, taters. --Romeena
September 01, 2016 - Msg 105633: Asa.. Just be sure to tell the GrandKidders, make sure they are all fuzzed up good before they pick'em!..G-F
September 01, 2016 - Msg 105634: Also Asa, here is a link to a good movie since you have time now to relax, it's one of my favorites... Just a warning it is REAL SLOW one to be savored. I watch it when I need to slow down my mind and remember what is important in life!.
https://youtu.be/E2gg-bXAiMw
G-F again....

September 01, 2016 - Msg 105635: I believe you are saying that students are babied too much nowadays, right Ro? If you are, I would be the first to agree with you.
It probably doesn't help that the administrator for the school district(That Kai goes to) just put out an article urging parents that the "best way" to prepare our children for school is to teach our children how to be more "inclusive" and to tell our children to not tell other children that they "can't play with them."

Way to get the kids ready for the real world, administrator. No wonder college kids can't function in society(or on campus) and need "safe spaces" to hide in so that their feelings don't get hurt when they detect the least bit of differing opinion.
I swear, I would like to write a letter to that administrator, but I don't know if I would be able to make my point without some well-deserved sarcasm, which may send her scurrying for her "safe space" and I wouldn't want any backlash for Kai going to the stupid school she presides over.

-Sterling Holobyte
September 01, 2016 - Msg 105636: JUST SAID HI

TOM

September 01, 2016 - Msg 105637: Yea Asa, peeling apples is a good idea, as long as you sing Church in the Wildwood while your doin' it. I am assuming they went into your femoral artery to do the cath so you can peel apples, just don't to that thing that Andy did to Barney on his front porch, when Barney was trying to teach Opie how to strengthen his legs...don't do that. ;)

MDC, remember I had my heart cath through my right wrist and it was a snap. They put a little bracelet around my wrist that had a pressure balloon on it and every 15 minutes, they let a little air out until it was safe to take it off. Cool deal.

Happy birthday to Noah!! How old is he now, Sterling?

Thanks to all of you for praying for my uncle. I haven't heard anything new today.

Thanks, Possum, I got some news today from my friend Ted, who works with me. Ted is brother-in-law to the big boss, so he knows things the rest of us don't. He called me today to tell me that he wouldn't be back to work after his vacation next week. He said I should start looking for another job and that he is telling me that in confidence. He didn't go into detail, and I didn't press, but sounds like I had better start looking for another job, pronto. It's a sad thing because I never loved a job like this one. Yesterday, I admitted a young man who has a troubled past, was abused as a child and on several drugs. He talked to me about his life, I talked to him about what he believed, and he sat and listened respectfully and intently as I simply shared the gospel with him. Can you understand how much it hurts me to think of things and opportunities there coming to an end? I feel so bad for the kids. What kind of world/country do we live in where entertainers and sports figures make millions and a facility like this one is so undervalued that the state is h#ll-bent on closing it down and there isn't enough money to keep it going? I think it's too late now. We all need to pray that things change in this country and that wisdom would somehow prevail as decisions are made in the next administration.
September 01, 2016 - Msg 105638: (continued)...Sterling, glad things went well with the kids in school today. Hope they continue to. I had to smile as you mentioned the wise quotes from TV. Today after Erin's visit to the orthodontist, she was starving and I stopped at a sandwich shop to get her something to eat. they put a dill pickle in her bag but she didn't want it. I ate it and it was really good. I said, "Boy, that is not one of Aunt Bee's pickles. Clara's, maybe"...Erin smiled and said something under her breath but not sure what it was. :)

Well, I am sleepy and worn out from all the chores and errands today. I think Bruce and I are going to go on a little out of town trip this weekend to celebrate our anniversary. If you don't hear from me for a few days, that is where I will be. We both really need a couple of days of rest and to just get away. Hope you all have a good weekend.

Boo
September 01, 2016 - Msg 105639: Have fun Boo. I hope you and Bruce can enjoy some down time. That is so sad about your job situation, but who knows what is around the corner for you. Something great I bet. And no, I won't try those leg exercises. I have not been able to do my usual back exercises though, and my back is letting me know about it.

Thanks for the link GF. I watched a bit of it but had to stop to tend to the Mrs. Maybe tomorrow I can finish if. Gotta love that old rider he was on.

Hiya Tom. I hope your Sister is ok.

Romeena, I am glad the medication has got you back in sync. Yes indeed, this getting old gets tough, then it gets tougher! lol

Well I think I just might try my hand at some peach cobbler tomorrow. I saw an easy recipe on youtube that looks like I could handle.

Well off to bed and Matlock.

Prayers for all.

Asa
September 01, 2016 - Msg 105640: Good evening, porch. Not sure why I'm not in bed asleep, since I have to get up at 6 a.m., but being a life-long night owl, I know I'd just lie there awake anyway, so might as well be on the porch. I usually stay up very late, sleep late, and get up when I please, but tomorrow I'm having that PET scan at 7:45, so have to check in by 7. If I get up at 6, I'll be fine, as the hospital is only about 8 minutes from my house, and I'm definitely not dressing up for this!

Sterling, you pretty much read me right. You read articles about "helicopter parents", but what about "helicopter school staff", and worst of all, "helicopter government"??? It's all so ridiculous, and so inconsistent. The school nurse can't give your child a Tylenol tablet for a headache without contacting you first, but can give your daughter information on how and where to get an abortion, and is not allowed to inform you! Then Dear Leader sends a letter to all school districts in the nation, informing them of the new "bathroom laws" - boys can now use the girls' bathroom and showers if they tell a teacher they "feel like a girl" - and the school is forbidden to notify you! Most Texas districts are just ignoring Skippy's instructions, but the Ft. Worth district went for it, whole hog, and issued guidelines to all the schools. The parents overwhelmingly objected, practically rioted, and the school administration backed down, said forget it, we're not doing that. Exactly how King Hussein thought he was going to ram that through, I don't know, but here in Texas, we've had enough. We're just happily "clinging to our guns and our religion" and trying to use a little common sense. By the way, I agree completely - right now it's probably best to just lay low and observe, and not challenge or question anybody at the school, unless things take a freaky turn.

Boo, I'm so sorry about the job. I know how you love it, and the ministry you have there, and it's a crying shame that there is no money for such as that, while abusive, drug-addicted sports "heroes" rake in millions. Makes no sense.

Friends, I had an email from Tom. He said the doctor has told them his sister is not going to make it, and it won't be much longer. I think he just doesn't want to try to express his feelings on the porch right now, but he did want us all to know. He asks that we continue to pray for her, and for the family as they walk through this valley. It's very difficult, I know, and the prayers of friends are definitely felt.

Well, I guess I'd better go try to get some sleep, it's nearly midnight. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
September 02, 2016 - Msg 105641: Hello All. Prayers indeed for our TOM and his family and his sister. Hang in there Tom!
BOO-So sorry about the facility closing. Too back some private monies werent available to fix it up and keep it going!
ASA--glad the healing is going well.
ROMEENA--I have a chronic sinus issue, and do two sprays a day, and going up to 8000 feet was no real problem for
the condition, but boy did I feel it after getting back to Phx sea level elevation. Took about 48 hours for the head to reaclimate, and lose fluid in the left ear. So I hear ya about altitude issues. My doc (who i called) said that if we had gone up and then back in a day or so it would not have been so bad.
We need to do an APB for MAUDIE, John Masters and others.
SPOT--I hear that Georgia may be in for storms.
POSSUM--you doing OK?
Hope all is OK with you two.
Nite all,
MDC