September 25, 2016 - Msg 105805: Boo, I hear what you're saying, but it scares me. If enough people feel that way, and abstain from voting, we will elect Hillary. It's going to be a close race, I think, and not voting for Trump is the same as voting for her. I went through the same soul-searching = absolutely sure I couldn't vote for her and live with myself, but having a hard time picturing myself voting for him. Thought about one of the other two, but that's the same as not voting. Votes for them will never win, the only thing that will defeat her is enough votes for a candidate with a chance of winning.

Our Sunday School lesson was the same as yours, and as we were discussing it and the teacher was teaching, it suddenly hit me. In the days when Peter (or whoever) was writing that passage, the people did not elect their leaders. They were appointed, and the people had no say in the matter. Today, we elect our leaders. So, if I Peter and other passages in the Bible imply that God puts leaders in their places of authority, then doesn't it follow that in this day He would do that by leading us (those of us who follow Him) to vote rightly? The glitch there is that there are more who do not follow Him than there are those who do. We've just got to be sure that we do our part, and hope everyone else does theirs. America is circling the drain right now. If we get Hillary in the White House, we will have a leftist, rewrite-the-Constitution Supreme Court for our lifetime, and a large part of our children's lives. It's not just the presidency that's at stake here, it's the Supreme Court as well, and that means America's future. I am reminded that people died to secure my right to vote, so I figure that means I should at least do it.

One more thing - we'd better be researching Tim Kaine. Quite honestly, if Hillary is elected, I have my doubts as to her finishing a term. She is not well. Kaine is a little more moderate than Hillary, but still a leftist. What a mess.

And on that note, sweet dreams, everyone! --Romeena
September 25, 2016 - Msg 105806: You're welcome. I even dusted the corners.--Romeena
September 26, 2016 - Msg 105807: HI ALL-- Good sweep RO -- Hey porchters..I saw the "Make Room for Daddy" ep on COZI TV the other day, that featured Andy as sheriff of Mayberry, for my first time. The court house was different, but I guess you all know that, but Andy was the same as in the first season of TAGS. Funny thing tho, Aunt Bee was on it as a different person, and same with Ben Weaver,
who was a Mr. Perkins.
BOO-- I most definitely hear you. I have had the same feeling lately, mostly because of the election coming up, but also because of recent Scotus decisions, and other things like the 20 Tril debt, etc., many churches are moving away from biblical teaching, there are the current race issues,then there is the world tension, as well. It all plays into our phychi. I often think back to my childhood, and many people tell me that it was bad then too, which is somewhat true, but my dad really DID leave the car keys in the ignition all night, schools taught just the basics, all the PC stuff was non-existent, etc, and we could use any kind of light bulbs that we wanted to, too! (OK,lol on the last part) Anyway, as our study today was Paul's letter to Timothy, we need to keep our faith strong, not be afraid to show it in the public square, and begin each day saying 'this is the day the Lord has made..." :) And by the way, we DO have a Kirkland's here and it is so cool there. Many Christian items too.
ASA--Snow and cool weather! That's, well...cool! :)
MAUDE and GF-- That is so neat that you met up at the Meet Up of MDs! I too would sure like to be there someday.
RO--I saw on the news about your area getting pounded with rain!!! Wow, it sure looked bad on the map!
TOM--my prayers are with you. May these fine suggestions and actions here help you out!
ALL-- I am entering into 40 days of prayer and (some, as as can) fasting regarding the election. If the whole Church would do that think how things could happen! I pray right now that the Holy Spirit will shower his gifts upon donald to speak well and truthfully and to be strong at the debate. Folks, this is so o o important! God, please bless America.
Love you, Prayers,
MDC

September 26, 2016 - Msg 105808: If any of you wanted to watch the pilot episode of the Andy Griffith show from "Make Room for Daddy" that MDC was talking about, here it is.... https://youtu.be/HubYfeC-x58

G-F....
September 26, 2016 - Msg 105809: Boo, I'm with ya sister, a lot of time I'm just to melancholy and nostalgiac for my own good.... The Mayberry Days trip both helps and hinders that, so I suppose I'm the wrong person to ask... My take on feeling blue is that it is a good sign that those times and people you miss REALLY ment something to us and grief is a measure of that I suppose.... G-F
September 26, 2016 - Msg 105810: Good Morning all. Monday morning at that.

Hey Boo, I can tell you are not quite yourself these days. And I know the Holidays can really get folks down sometimes. I'm sorry you are feeling so down, and I think it is normal to have some period like that. But if it drags on for to long, you might want to seek some help. To spend too much time dwelling on the past, robs us of the present, and you sure don't want that to happen. I will amp up my prayers for you as we go into the Holiday season.

So GF, Are you saying you didn't call that author sport? lol Sounds like you had a grand time.

Romeena, your description of queen hill was so spot on. No soul to her eyes. Kinda made me shudder. I wonder.... you reckon she has am image in a mirror? And I agree, we better look at her running mate, because I think she has some serious health issues that they are trying to hide. As much as I dislike her, I don't wish her ill health. But she is really doing the Country a disservice if she is sick, but just pursuing this to lay claim for the first woman President title.

I have the TAGS pilot on my DVR. I always get a kick out of the squad car Andy pulls up in with no windows in it. I suppose light glare was why they were removed.

I just watched some Matlocks that had some TAGS folks in it. One had the gal that played Millie. The other one had the fellow that played Frankie Flints daddy in it.

Well better get rolling. Boilers to prep, and evap. coolers to hibernate this week.

Prayers for all.

Asa
September 26, 2016 - Msg 105811: Good morning, porch. Believe it or not, it's 61° here today, predicted high of 76°. Sure does feel good. I noticed my a/c wasn't coming on as often last night. The wind is out of the north/northeast, and more rain showers are possible. I think fall is on its way! Boo, maybe this will make it down to the coast before long. Let's hope so.

On the election thing, I think I can sum up my feelings this way, and be done with it. I don't really want either of them, but I don't want HER a lot more than I don't want HIM. Therefore, he gets my vote. And then, in the interim before the next election, maybe God will raise up a candidate we can all respect and trust, and who can build on the foundation that Trump would begin to lay. At least we won't have a liberal Supreme Court. If that is allowed to happen, America is lost.

Good question, Asa, about Hillary having an image in a mirror! Funny! Maybe somebody will drop a house on her. Hey, it could happen! Of course, it would also take out all those guys who are so close to her all the time, ready to catch her if (when) she falls, or grab her, inject her, and propel her forward when her legs stiffen up in a seizure. That woman is a risk America definitely cannot afford to take. Even if she was politically acceptable, I couldn't vote for her because of her health issues. Put her health with her politics, and there's just no way.

Well, guess I'd better go get dressed and head for the dentist's office. Always a pleasant visit, though. This man has been my dentist since 1979. He was fresh out of dental school, looked like a teenager, newly-married and an excellent dentist. Now he's a grandfather, still looks like he's about 16, and still an excellent dentist. I've got a full set of my own teeth - several crowns and lots of fillings, but they're my own. Lots of folks my age can't say that, and I give him the credit. So, off I go! --Romeena
September 26, 2016 - Msg 105812: Good sweep romeena..hey Asa,MDC,possum,G-F,Boo and all...well we gona get down in the lower 50"s end of the week ! my kind of camping weather !..well let me get logged in here at work till 6am...International Linemans Rodeo coming up the 15th of Oct in Kansas wife and will be flying out ...back with supper SPOT
September 26, 2016 - Msg 105813: HI ALL.
WE WILL BE IN THE 70 FOR HIGH THIS WEEK .
EVERYTHING IS O K FOR NOW I HOPE, WORKING TO FINE A LITTLE HELP FOR NOW

TOM
September 26, 2016 - Msg 105814: Anyone watch the debates?
I wasn't going to, but unfortunately my wife turned it on. And unfortunately the antenna was able to bring in ABC. More often than not it doesn't.
Luckily, Noah wanted to play Minecraft so I brought him into the next room where the computer is and we played that. So really I just heard some of the debate.
My wife is vehemently against Donald Trump, for reasons I think stem mainly from something he allegedly did to some Indian tribe, I think in a business deal. She says she doesn't like Hillary either, but I haven't heard her get all hot under the collar the way she does when talking about Trump. She did mention that Hillary looked "dead" at one point when she was staring during the debate.
As far as my wife is concerned, my view is that we have two rotten choices for president. And that is the farthest I want to go in any political discussion with her. But I also know I could never vote for that woman. I was going to say "lady" but a lady has class and honor, and Hillary has neither. Anyone who says that a baby doesn't have any constitutional rights right up to being delivered, and thus can be aborted right up to delivery, should not be anywhere near the Oval Office.
Yes, she did say that, in an interview on The View.
https://youtu.be/URQavnykOMU


Ok, on to a more pleasant topic. We took Noah to a parade yesterday, and I thought of you all when one of the marching bands played the song that Barney "plays" on his newly acquired cymbals in the episode where the Mayberry band wants to go to the capital(I think that is the one). I can't remember the name of the song, but you remember it, don't you?
Ba-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-CRASH-da-da-da-da-CRASH-da- etc.

I have to say, and I was thinking at the time, that the cymbalist in this band wasn't playing it right. And definitely not with the same pizzazz that Barney had when he played it.

Glad things are going ok for you, Tom. It is going to be only in the 70's for the high here this week as well. Blah, I don't like the coming of fall. But, we'll get through it. We always do.

- Sterling Holobyte




September 27, 2016 - Msg 105815: Rather than watch the debate, I actually went into my 'prayer closet' and just prayed about the whole thing. We need to do that more and more as a country, and God will heal our land.
I am not trying to be precocious, just realistic.
Sterling, that video was so telling, she was so 'cold' in her statements. wow. Lord help us.
We got a little rain today, hoping for more tomorrow.
MDC
September 27, 2016 - Msg 105816: Prayer is the best thing we can do for our country, MDC. I need to do more of that, personally.

Sterling, such an ironic statement that Hillary makes...she calls the unborn child a person, but says that person has no constitutional rights under the law AND she supports that. I don't get it. As a nurse, I understand the concern over health issues but that is a whole different issue as far as I am concerned. Those in that category are a very small percentage. I think that the bottom line is money. It's about the money. Until people stop loving money more than human life, this issue will never be resolved.

Ro, thank you for sharing your insight, and I think you had some terrific points. I will remember them.

Well, it finally cooled off some here. It is still around 80 with overcast skies and the breeze is from the south but it feels so much better than the high 90's.

Looks like we have acquired a family cat. I couldn't get the SPCA or the local shelter to come and take the cat nextdoor, who belonged to the little girl who was shot and killed. I have been putting food out for it but we really needed to do something for it. She is a pretty calico and very sweet. Sean and I loaded her into a pet carrier and took her to our vet. She got her shots and some med for fleas and heartworms and such and now she is hiding behind my drier in the laundry room. Poor kitty. She did really well, though in the car and was easy enough to deal with and never got mean, even though she was afraid at the vet. They told us at the office that she would probably find a place to hide today when we took her home, and she did, but the cute thing is that I can go in there and find her easily enough because when I call sweetly to her, she purrs so loud you can hear it in the next room. So sweet. I am not looking forward to a litter box again, and cat hair, but it means enough to Erin that it's worth it. She has been through a lot and is still pressing on, doing well in school, and just growing into such a wonderful young woman. I'm very proud of her. Yesterday we were coming out of walmart, and an elderly lady came flying through the parking lot, right in front of the store as we were walking out. Erin saw it before I did and she jumped in front of me because she thought the woman was going to hit me. I told her thanks, but next time let me get hit, not you. lol

Well, think I will get some chores done. I guess I wont be doing laundry since the cat is hiding back there. :)

Boo
September 27, 2016 - Msg 105817: Boo, bless you for taking that poor little kitty in. I'm betting she will turn into a lovely little pet for Erin, and the whole family will love her. As everyone knows, I'm a confirmed dog lover, and will always have a dog as long as it's possible. However, if I ever find myself in circumstances where I can't have a dog, but could have a cat, then I'll have a cat. I like cats, and very much enjoy those that belong to my family and friends. Poor little kitty, she has been through quite a bit too, and then deserted too. I'll bet she warms up quickly and makes a sweet, loving little house-kitty. --Romeena
September 27, 2016 - Msg 105818: Thank you, Ro. She is very sweet and I hope things will work out. She came out from behind the drier when Erin came home and she ate something but she is back there again. I guess she feels secure since this is still a safe place.

Well, tomorrow is another day of work so better hit the ironing board. Love to all.

Boo
September 27, 2016 - Msg 105819: meant to say strange place....not safe...yawn!

Boo
September 28, 2016 - Msg 105820: No one has mentioned the passing of Arnold Palmer, he was one of those class acts. I used to go watch him at the Phx Open during the late '60s and '70s. Here's a good example...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1CKxsT_pdY

BOO-that is so good of you to take in the cat. I had a dream about
our dear kitty the other night. I still miss her a lot.
The weather is changing a bit here also. The high heat has gone
down into the 90s now, and even into the high 60s at night.
I have been looking at pics of MD on FB, and the lady who "takes off" on Charlene sure does look like her!! :) I bet she saw lot o purdy men too! ha
Prayers,
MDC

September 28, 2016 - Msg 105821: MDC.. The lady, Christy "Andylene" McLendon actually plays the child of Charlene because the "real" Charlene doesn't care for someone "taking off" on her character while she is still around. I think it is a complement, but that's just me!.. BTW she has a really good singing voice too...
Romeena may have seen her on one of her Mayberry cruises, I can't remember how long she has been doing "Andylene" ..

MDC.. I see where it's time to get the broom and dust pan out again... A Phoenix version of a snow storm...

G-F..
September 28, 2016 - Msg 105822: Good Wednesday morning porch friends, hope all is well today.

a cool 58 degrees this morning on my end of the porch.

Please say a prayer for Mr. Maude. he is having a root canal this morning. Hopefully things will be smoothly. they are not fun but apparently the dentist it was necessary.

Hope things are going better for you Tom. praying you can find the resources and assistance you need.

better get my work hat on and get busy.
Lunch menu will be; roast beef sandwhiches, chips and oatmeal cookies. and in honor of Arnold Palmer and Arnold Palmer tea/lemonade to drink.

Prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude
September 28, 2016 - Msg 105823: Big Maude, yes indeed, big prayers for your hubby!
Maybe he should loosen something! :)

GF- Thanks for that update on Andylina. I was going by the pictures only, plaid dress and all.

BTW, anyone ever notice how Arnold Palmer had those low
golf scores, yet he was better known than them guys who scored in the high 90s!? haha
Have a good day folks,
MDC
September 28, 2016 - Msg 105824: Bet he belonged to the Esquire Club too!...ha
September 28, 2016 - Msg 105825: Nice of you to take in that cat, Boo.
When I read what you did I was afraid that it might just keep the memories of that horrible day in Erin's head, but since she wants to keep it and is doing well in school and all, it sounds like she is dealing with it quite nicely. And that says a lot about how you raised her and her home life.

Well, I could use Gomer or Goober right now, since my brakes just went out and I need them fixed. I think the brake line broke, again. Well, it is a '96.
On top of that, I have a tree in the yard that has two big branches that are about to break. Well, one IS breaking and bending over toward our house, and the other one is off of the same section of the tree and is just a big, dead branch that teeters over our driveway and part of the trellis an awful lot when the wind blows. I am not hiring Mr. Wheeler for that though, because he would have me doing all the work anyway. I am not really confident in trying to do it myself, what with one of them close to the power line and me not having a decent way to get up there. But money has been tight so I guess I am going to have to get the brakes fixed first, and hope it is just the brake line like last time, and that my hometown mechanic can fix it and I don't have to take it to one of the more expensive shops.
Ah, when it rains, it pours.

Big Maude, did Mr. Maude get through his root canal ok? Hoping he is not in too much pain.

-Sterling Holobyte



September 29, 2016 - Msg 105826: Thanks, Sterling. I think that in some way, Erin taking care of Maddie's cat is helping her to heal. As she says, it is something she can do in honor of Maddie. The little girl really loved the cat.

Wow, that sounds kind of scary about the tree limbs, Sterling. I don't know a lot about snow and ice but would imagine once ice accumulates, it could really be a problem. Good luck with getting it taken care of...oh, and the brakes, too. Doesn't it seem like there is always something needing our time and money??!

I'm off today but have lots to do. How I wish I could just take a day to rest, but that never seems to be possible and I will be working Friday through Monday in order to get one day off on Tuesday. Well, it's money.

Hope you all have a good day.

Boo
September 29, 2016 - Msg 105827: I can see that it would be helpful for Erin, to take care of that little cat. She's probably been feeling helpless, like we all do when something bad happens to a friend. It must be terrible when the "something bad" is murder! Taking care of the cat probably lets her feel like she's doing something for Maddie, and that will naturally help her to heal. Good for you for being willing to let her do it. You're helping the poor little cat, and helping Erin even more, probably. I still can't imagine such a horrible thing happening, right next door. It's bad enough, knowing that a boy who lived just two doors down from me actually stomped that elderly woman to death back before Christmas, a totally unexplained and unprovoked attack. He's still sitting in jail, by the way. He's under a half-million-dollar bond, and no one, not even his parents, have offered to bail him out. Thank goodness! He'd have run, for sure, and I imagine his parents know that, which is why they haven't done it. That, and the fact that they probably don't have the $50k it would take. I know I sure wouldn't have it, and wouldn't put forth much effort to raise it either, in this case.

Well, I've got a pot of split-pea soup simmering, better go stir it up. That stuff will stick and burn if you leave it for more than a couple of minutes. Sure is good, though. Lots of onion and seasoning bacon in it. Yum! --Romeena
September 30, 2016 - Msg 105828: Sterling--I hope you get the brakes foxed. At least
you don't have sawdust in the transmission!
Regarding the tree, I suggest a tree co., as they know best where to cut them.
BOO-Sounds like the cat is working out pretty good. As soon as it
gets used to you all, I'm sure things will be better.
Get some rest if you can.
GF--yup, we had a good duststorm the other evening.
APB for LUCY MATTHEWS and PH please check in!
Yall have a good evening,
prayers,
MDC
September 30, 2016 - Msg 105829: Good morning gang ! lows in the low 50"s and highs mid 70"s here in Ga !..loving it ! Collards are growing good..hey MDC,Romeena,Boo,SH,GF,maude,possum and all...lets all meet at I-HOP ...on me...I will bring a local newspaoer ! prayers to all...SPOT
September 30, 2016 - Msg 105830: Good Friday morning all.

Boo, That is so nice of you and Erin taking in the cat. I imagine that will indeed help Erin in her healing process. How is Sean doing? Better I hope.

Wow Romeena, I haven't had split pea soup forever it seems. My Mom used to make it all the time, and it was delicious. I can almost taste it now. She also made Yorkshire pudding that was great. It wasn't until years later I learned that it was a cheap "filler food".

Sterling, you better get them brakes fixed for sure buddy. And I agree with MDC. Where the tree trimming is concerned, call the man!

Been getting some of your rain up this way MDC. Supposed to be a nice weekend and then a cold front moves in on Monday. 55 for a high on Monday.

Thanks for breakfast Spot. Good of you.

GF, Ro sent me your e-mail with Arnold. Now I hope you don't let him influence you. You don't need no lung exercises. :)

Well off to run some conduit for a new machine going in next month. I have to run two 480 volt three phase runs about 400 feet each GF. How are you at bending EMT buddy?

Later taters.

Asa
September 30, 2016 - Msg 105831: Hey Asa, I've done some conduit bending back in the day, using a manual rocker bender. We installed a lot of conduit in our warehouse. Since I'm closer to the ground the bending was my job, and let the taller dudes do the hanging..lol

With the damp cooler weather here old "Authur" is back making it tuff getting around today... But as Gomer says...
"That's Life!.. Through & Through....

BTW Asa, Arnold brought his bike with him, I should have hade the picture made with the bike too... But don't worry, I learned to shoot for the good feeling all my life... Never had the Raleigh lifestyle...lol

G-F....
September 30, 2016 - Msg 105832: HI ALL
Will I see G-F back home, but did you have to send the rain here?
No Romeen no one has called about it!
I just going to wait and see what this crazy family going to do?

TOM :( RAIN )
September 30, 2016 - Msg 105833: No TOM we had PERFECT weather for Mayberry Days... But continued prayers buddy!....G-F
October 02, 2016 - Msg 105834: Happy October to all! I guess everyone is is right there out in it today! :)
G-F--I had not been watching the baseball standings recently because my D-backs did so poorly
this year, but I see that the Indians had 92 wins and clinched the central division! Pretty cool indeed. Good for them.
Now to the playoffs!
As for football, I enjoyed watching college ball today (except my ASU lost), but i am giving the NFL my own little protest by not watching them, and definitely not
patronizing any of the sponsors. But that's just me. Also enjoyed some Ryder Cup. Much better TV than fists in the air IMHO. OK, soapbox back under porch.

BTW, I had not heard of the passing of John McLaughlin of the McLaughlin Group. I knew he was not well, and I hadnt been able to see it for
several weeks, but something else was in the time slot when I tried to tune it in on Friday. Then went to the net and saw his obit. May he rest in peace. I always enjoyed that program.
We've had some 'high pollution' days here recently, and that always inhibits my stamina a bit.
Thanks for all your prayers in recent days;
you all are always in mine.
Hey to SPOT and all, thanks for the eats.
Good Sabbath,
MDC

October 02, 2016 - Msg 105835: Yes MDC the Indians have done well as his year, hopefully they can follow the Cavaliers lead to a championship!.. As for the Browns... Don't think you'll have to worry about them!... They are not worth the effort to watch, so I'm with you on the protest of not watching the NFL games.. But I must say the Ohio State Buckeye's have been doing quite well for basically having a new team, since most of them went to the NFL...

Where has everyone been?... Somewhere's else I guess...

G-F...
October 02, 2016 - Msg 105836: STOP WHAT THE BEEN YOU WHO LIFE HERE NOING ABOUT THE BAD WEATHER EVERYWHERE THAT ILL THE POWER LINES
THE LINE MAN HAVE NOT FIX (SPO)

October 02, 2016 - Msg 105837: Hey there G-F. I don't know about everyone else but I have been on a tough work stretch until today. I have been trying to rest but had some things to get done and its back to work again tomorrow morning.

Hope everyone is doing well. We are ok. The new cat is adjusting well, I think. She is still a little nervous from time to time, but doing well.

Hey to SPOT. How are things on the farm?

Boo
October 02, 2016 - Msg 105838: Boo, just be sure Bernie tells the new cat the "rules" at the funny farm..Rule #1 Be nice to the chickens!...lol. G-F
October 02, 2016 - Msg 105839: MDC and G-F, I am with both of you on the NFL boycott, although I was never THAT much into football anyway.
It is perfectly within their means to put a stop to these anti-police/anti-American protests, but they do nothing. I'd like to know who the sponsors are so I can give them the old heave-ho too, but since I am not watching, I don't know who they are.

Well, tomorrow I bring my car in to see about getting the brakes fixed. I should have figured it would be a while before I could get in there when I went Thursday right when they opened and they were swamped with cars already. It was like Andy's driveway when Gomer was fired from his job and living there.

The tree branches are still hanging there. The one going over our house hanging by a twig, since it has cracked some more. I put some rope around it to hold the base of it to the rest of the tree in case it decides to crack totally. This must be a real busy time of year, because not one place I have called and left a message has called me back.

Drove down South to near Milwaukee for my niece's wedding yesterday. It was a real nice ceremony and was at a nice resort on the lake. And the food was stupendous. To make it easy I just ordered the chicken for the whole family, though giving my brother's rave reviews afterwards, I might have wanted to order the steak at least for Kai and my wife, who like that sort of thing.
The thing was, I wasn't sure what the beef dish was going to be, since when I RSVPed(excuse me) online the only choices were stated as Beef, Chicken, or Vegetable. I should have known it would be steak but like I said, I just decided to play it safe, knowing that everyone in my family likes chicken.

My other brother(the one whose daughter was getting married) played guitar and sang a nice song for the couple's first dance. Don't know the name of the song, but it wasn't "Dance 'til your stocking are hot and ravelin'". That'un makes me cry.
I almost cried during the song he did play, but I decided to fight it.
We left not long after that. The dj was beginning to play the dance music and it was loud. I thought maybe Noah might want to dance since he is always dancing at home, but he didn't like it because it was too loud for him, so thankfully that gave us an out to get the heck out of there before the place got too crazy.
All in all though, it was a pretty nice day, and I didn't even mind driving the 2 1/2 hours to get home.

Glad the cat is adjusting, Boo, and I hope you get a bigger breather from your work sometime.

-Sterling Holobyte
October 03, 2016 - Msg 105840: Good morning, porch. Sterling, it sounds like the wedding was very nice, and I'm glad you got to go as a family and have a good time. I'm still pondering your reference to steak as "that sort of thing." Should I take that to mean that you don't care for steak? Son, what is wrong with thee? Now, granted a really bad steak, maybe one bought from that new butcher shop in town - the one that likes to sell beef by the whole side - might not be too appealing, but even tough beef is okay if not cooked too long, and if you've got good teeth! However, if you start out with a good cut to begin with, don't overcook it (browned on the outside, pink on the inside, with a warm red center) -- yum! You got yourself a good steak! It always amazes me. I was at a table with a group one night last week, at Outback, which does serve a great steak. One person ordered their steak well-done (said "and I mean, well done!) and then spent the entire meal making little comments about how tough the steak was! Meantime, I was cutting my steak with my fork, and just almost letting it melt in my mouth. That person even said "Why is my steak so tough, when hers is obviously so tender?" Go figure. I could have told her but I didn't - well, yes I did, but gently. Instead of saying,"Because you had yours cooked until it was like leather!" I just said, "Well, the more toward rare a steak is, the more tender it seems to be." Hey, truth is truth!

I had a wonderful weekend. My younger daughter came up from Fredericksburg on Saturday morning, for the sole purpose of attending the M.E.N.D. Walk to Remember, honoring my grandson who died shortly after he was born, in 2002. His devastated but very brave mom refused to succumb to her grief, and quickly became active in M.E.N.D. (http://www.mend.org/home/) for support. She and David are still very active, Brittney serves on the Board, and they have helped a lot of people. There's an interesting story here, and I'll share it one of these days. For now, just know that if you or anyone you know has suffered the loss of a child, through premature birth or early death, this organization is a wonderful resource. It started with just a few grieving parents, here in Irving, and has now spread across the country.

Anyway, Heather came up, we went to the M.E.N.D. Walk to Remember, then out to dinner, then home, and yesterday morning she went back to F'burg. Very short visit, but sweet, and it really made Brittney and David feel good that she came to the Walk.

Well, guess I'd better end this before it becomes a novel. Blessings, friends! ---Romeena
October 03, 2016 - Msg 105841: A well done steak?. That just ain't Right!..A good sear is ok but well done... To each his own as Briscoe would say...
October 03, 2016 - Msg 105842: Happy Birthday to TAGS!! I'll head over to the Morrison Sister's place for some "celebrating elixir"!

*************
possum u.a.r.

October 03, 2016 - Msg 105843: Yes Romeena, I think I may have mentioned my aversion to steak, of any persuasion, before.
So you're saying that if I want a steak to melt in my mouth and not have to chew it to kingdom come, it has to be so red and bloody that it could probably even muster up a "moo" when pierced with a fork? Sounds like a catch-22, and nothing good can come out of it. And it certainly isn't going in me.
I think I'll pass. I may be a meat eater, but unlike jungle cats I like my beef to not be still twitching when I am eating it.
I think I will let the steak mosey on by out to the pasture, or at least to where there is a meat grinder.

You also mentioned probably my least favorite place to eat, Outback. They MUST have really great steaks(if you like that sort of thing ;-)) and they must be what is keeping them in business, because everything else I have eaten there has not been worth a plugged nickel, and I hate that place because there is never anything for me to eat there.

Glad you had a good weekend!

Well, I got my brake line fixed and it only cost me $100, parts and labor. Could have been much worse.
Now if I can only find someone to take care of that tree. I am still looking.

-Sterling Holobyte
October 03, 2016 - Msg 105844: Hey, Sterling. How do you really feel about Outback?? Hahaha! To each his own, that's what makes the world go around. Maybe your local Outback just needs a new chef. Around here, the place is crowded, with a waiting line, and the food is wonderful. They make the best coconut shrimp of anybody. Big meaty shrimp, dipped in a great coconut batter and deep fried, served with an orange marmalade dipping sauce. Terrific! Their chicken fried steak is passable, though not the best I've eaten. They have several chicken dishes that are very good, and they serve a mean grilled pork chop as well.

I'm glad you got those brakes fixed. Now, call the man and get that tree limb removed before it falls and causes damage or hurts someone. Tying it off probably helped, but sometimes the tie-off can backfire on you. It happened to the professional tree trimmer that was working on my trees one year. There was a pretty big limb that was breaking away from the trunk - sounds like a similar problem to yours - and the tree guy wanted to remove it, with a clean cut. They tied it off to a limb above it and proceeded to sever it from the tree. Just as they completed the cut, a gust of wind caught it, it swung out in an arc and then swung back at the trunk. The climber who was roped to the tree trunk just barely got his legs up and out of the way in time to avoid being hit by the butt end of the limb. Instead, it hit a squirrel house that was attached to the tree at that point and swept in cleanly off the trunk. It crashed to the ground, broke open like an egg, and revealed five tiny baby squirrels, eyes still closed. I put them in a shoe box, the tree guy repaired the box, and after they finished with that tree, he nailed it back up on the tree and put the babies back in. Everybody survived the event and no one was hurt, but it could have been bad. You never know where that limb will swing to, if the wind catches it, and it's like a battering ram. So - call the man!

Well, got a little writing to do. Blessings, all. --Romeena
October 03, 2016 - Msg 105845: The tree limb that is really cracking and that I tied to the tree is very low, Romeena. The base of it anyway. But along the lines of what you were talking about, I watched some Youtube videos of people who cut tree branches off, without tying off the branch, and the butt end of the branch would come down and knock them off their ladders(another thing you probably shouldn't use to get up a tree when cutting it). So that is why I tied it down, to prevent that base from ramming into the house(or anyone) if it decides to crack all the way. A top section of the tree is still resting on the roof. Another part branches off over the power line and into another tree, and that is where the main problem is. Because I don't want someone to just cut that branch and have the butt of it smack into the wire and stay there, if it is indeed intertwined with the branches on that other tree.

Whew, that is a complicated thing. I think I will call the man.
Oh wait, I already have, and he(they) haven't gotten back to me.
My wife is going to see if someone from the tribal services can do it. A plus from that is that it might be free, since she is a member of the tribe. I just want to get'er done.

Romeena, you probably don't want to hear this, but I don't eat bugs of the sea(what I call shrimp, lobster, etc) either. Haha!

Have a nice night everyone.

-Sterling Holobyte


October 03, 2016 - Msg 105846: Hahaha! Sterling, you must think I'm some sort of heathen, eating steak and shrimp and lobster. I was a fairly picky eater when I was a kid, but I've outgrown it, and now will eat just about anything, within reason. (I know, I call it it being a "picky" eater, you probably say "selective.") I even eat oysters, and have been known to eat them from the half-shell, though I much prefer them fried. I do have my limitations, though. I won't eat rabbit or lamb (I've had both as pets) and while I have eaten crawfish, I don't find the tiny bit of meat worth all the trouble, and they do look too much like a big bug. I don't care for dove or quail either - again too much trouble for a tiny bit of food, and I am not a fan of hunting. I will eat venison if someone serves it, but could never, ever, pull the trigger on a deer. Just couldn't do it. I like venison fine, but just couldn't be the shooter. Dale never hunted, my sons don't, and my dad never did. I do my hunting with a camera.

Sounds like you've taken care of that limb for now, and it definitely sounds like the final disposition of it is a job for the man. Glad you made the call! The things are so unpredictable. If they're roped, they can swing where you never expected them to go, and if they're not, once that leafy end hits the ground, they'll bounce back and travel many feet, like a battering ram. It's definitely not a job for amateurs. One time the wind broke a big limb on a tree out front. Dale saw it break, it fell into the yard, leafy end downward, sprang back about ten feet and the heavy broken end caved in the door of my dad's truck, sitting on the driveway! Dangerous stuff. --Romeena
October 04, 2016 - Msg 105847: RO--so, ever had snails with a sazerac? HA, or do you just let those slide by? :)
ALL---Well, I painted our kitchen today. It was a job that was a toss up after our remodeling was done, meaning, it could have gone for a few more years, but since we'll be having family and friends for thanksgiving this year, we decided to do it. Plus
we had decided to get a new stove after all, and fresh walls will look good with it! So NOW i think we're done!
I'm sure most of you have heard of Franklin Graham. I saw a program on tv tonite about how he has been traveling the country in recent months having rallies at state capitol buildings, preaching the gospel and calling all to repentance. So good to hear and see about that!
POSSUM--glad you came out from under rock for a bit! Was today the day TAGS first aired in 1960?
TOM-- I hope they got your electricity fixed.
ASA-- did you get those 480s in OK? I've had few benders in my early days....oh, you dont mean THAT kind of bender! Never mind. Har har.
RO--sounds like you had a good time for a great cause!
STERLing--glad you got the brakes fixed, now slow down! lol

OK, a little joke to close out today...
My wife and I were happy for 20 years, ... then we MET!! teehee

Prayers, HAPpy Feast of Trumpets! :)
MDC

October 04, 2016 - Msg 105848: BTW, my red birds, even tho I'm not watching, are sure flying into the ground this year! :(

October 04, 2016 - Msg 105849: Morning all.

MDC, I see that the Cards are off to a shaky start. Surprising because I think Ariens is a top notch coach. Although I am not purposely boycotting the NFL, I have not watched a single game yet this year. I am finding my interest in the game fizzling out more and more. I guess part of it is the players. I just don't relate to the prima dona's anymore. I think another reason is my dvr has spoiled me. I hardly ever watch anything live anymore. I record it and watch it later while zooming through the commercials. I find it very difficult to watch 3 plays, a punt, and then 14 commercials, 3 plays, a punt, and 14 commercials. I play, and injury time out and 14 commercials. That is just stupid! Sounds like you got the house all fixed up nice. Good on you. Is your head feeling better?

Well Sterling, I have to go with Romeena on your "steak debate". Although I prefer a more medium rare than a rare, mostly because of my gout issues. And I love me some lobster. Not a fan of venison though. Although I did have some smoked venison a few years ago and liked it.

Oh and MDC, I am still running the conduit for the two 480 lines. Very long runs and complicated because of 4 walls I have to go through, and running then 20 feet in the air along the roof. Having to do a lot of working off a lift. Just glad I have a lift to use and not doing it off a ladder. I will be a week or two on this job. Plus I keep getting pulled off to deal with other things.

Good to see you Possum. Hope you are well.

GF, I hope Mr. Itis (Author) hasn't over stayed his welcome.

Well better get going. A cool 43 degrees here this morning.

Prayers for all.

Asa
October 04, 2016 - Msg 105850: HELLO.

STOP LOOK AND LISTEN

STORMY CLOUDS SURROUNDED ALL
EACH AND EVERY DY.
LIFE'S PROBLEMS SEEMED TO GROW AND GROW.
NO ANSWERS ON THE WAY
GAVE HOPE FOR RESOLUTION.
NO PRAYER WAS BEING HEARD!
THE MULTITUDE OF STRIFE AND WOES
SURMOUNTED TO ABSURD!
TOO TIRED TO FIGHT THE FURIOUS WAVES,
THUS FLOATING TO THE SHORE;
FERVENT PRAYER WAS GIVEN UP,
TOO TIRED TO PLEAD FOR MORE.
TWAS THEN IN QUIET, WORDS WERE HEARD!
"YOU MERELY HAD TO WAIT
AND STOP AND LOOK AND LISTEN FOR
MY ANSWERS IN YOUR WAKE."


TOM

October 04, 2016 - Msg 105851: I can slow down now, MDC, and it doesn't take a couple blocks to do it. ;-)
Actually, I haven't heard anything about Franklin Graham doing that. I don't think the media likes to report on things like that.

Steak, lobster, venison. Boy, if I ever wanted to go on a diet, I should probably go eat at Romeena's or Asa's homes, huh?!

-Sterling Holobyte