December 08, 2016 - Msg 106263: Greetings to Romeena, Boo, MDC, TOM, Billy Ray, Asa and the rest of the Porch residents! I will give this "Christmas stories" theme a go here....

There was a mall in Kansas City, Kansas called Indian Springs (which, to my heartbreak and sadness, was demolished this summer) and they decorated so nice and cheerful for the Christmas holidays. The highlight of the mall was a "talking" Christmas tree. Yeah...you read that right...TALKING Christmas tree. It was very high and stood directly under the steps that took you between the two mall floors. It was kind of a second Santa as it asked kids what they wanted for Christmas, if they have been good, etc. It became popular because it saw the people in the mall like it had eyes. People would walk by it and it could single someone out (because it had a hidden camera in it and someone at a screen running the whole thing).

My main memory of Christmas was my dad's side of the family getting together for Christmas Eve. ALL of us, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, met at our church and then went to the grandparents after Christmas Eve service. We visited for awhile before time came to pass out presents. My uncle Vern would go to the tree and pass out the presents. He had me thoroughly and completely convinced that Santa himself appointed him, MY uncle, to pass out the presents! My uncle told me that Santa PERSONALLY called him and said "Vern, I can't make it again this year as I am far too busy, so I need you to pass the presents out again this year!" Wow! Santa called him!
As the presents were opened, there wound up being wrapping paper ev-er-y-where! In short, we all marveled and appreciated what we got and visited more before we all started heading back home. It might not sound like much, but they are memories I have cherished my whole life. In the early 90's, I started a Christmas Eve ritual of driving by the house. My grandparents had passed and the house sat abandoned. I would park in front and remember what was happening at that moment some 20 odd years before. I did that ritual for a long time until my life moved me. Geographically, that is.

Well, I guess I better git. Sorry for the brief stay, but my wife is driving to Kansas City to get our niece for a few days. Much preparation to be done! LOL!

Y'all have a great night and wonderful tomorrow! I'll be back soon!

John Masters
December 08, 2016 - Msg 106264: Well, whaddya know?! I haven't given the Porch a good sweepin' in a long, LONG time!

John Masters
December 09, 2016 - Msg 106265: Hey John Masters, I guess we put ya right back to work, huh! Good sweep. Got it all tidy for Christmas! Thanks. Good to have you "home for the holidays!"
I know what you mean about a mountain of wrapping paper, we did exactly the same thing. In fact, I just recalled that we have a video on youtube of Christmas 1975 when my brother had just joined the United States Marine Corps! It is 8mm film transferred to a tape and then to a dvd, so it is not the best quality, but you'll get the idea... those were neat times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8pm4tulBDQ
That house we grew up in is still standing, but with new owners. I have pulled up in front of it a many times and let my imagination go for sure!
Also, that talking Christmas tree was a pretty cool idea.
ASA--that is a pretty funny story about the lights. I'm glad you mentioned you were still an apprentice! haha Remember fuses? When our lights would go out, I remember my dad going to check the "fuse box!" One time he told us never put a penny in a fuse box, and I thought 'why would I even want to do that!?' ha
ROMEENa--may I ask WHY you were hooked up to all that electronal equipment?
Was you and Lefty gonna make a break for it? :) Seriously, what were they checking for? (If i may ask)
BILLY RAY - are the taps for the dwindling of our once great downtowns?
That's very cool about the reindeer! When our first mall did open in Phx, Santa arrived the day after Thanksgiving in a HE-LEE-O-copter! We kids loved it!
SPOT-- yes, please let us know how things are there.
BOO-very nice gesture regarding your daughter and the kitty charm. Glad Jesse will be OK too.
AND to whomever posted about John Glenn, I had heard he was in the hospital, and
I guess he has passed. Yes, he was a true hero, pioneer astronaut, congressman, and all-around good guy! RIP Mr. Glenn.
MDC
December 09, 2016 - Msg 106266: HEY
A SWEETSOMONE IS IN THE DOG HOUSE RIGHT NOW ?
SHE NO WHY TO. :()

A FRIEND

December 09, 2016 - Msg 106267: MDC, that was me who posted about John Glenn's passing. I forgot to sign and say....GODSPEED John Glenn too!

I do have a quick story about him tho. My nephew Brian is a U.S. Marshal and once was assigned to protect him while he was at a event in our Capital. Brian was a admirer of him and would have liked to get an autograph, but in his profession that is frowned apron. But Mr. Glenn got wind of the request and a signed picture of John Glenn beside Freedom 7 mysteriously showed up on his pillow in his motel room that night when he came back to his room... What a class act!...
He said how down to earth (literally) he and his wife Annie are.
Cool story, even tho it's not a Christmas story...

Boo, prayers for your friend..Sad Sad..."Those dirty Rats"..

Cool video MDC!....

Romeena, I have had sleep study done too, I know what ya mean about being "wired for sound" and cleaning up the gluey mess afterwards. But I suppose it's necessary to test what is going on while you sleep.

G-F....
December 09, 2016 - Msg 106268: Oh MY!...Remember "It's NO FUN WHEN THAT IRON DOOR SLAMS SHUT!"... Take it from someone who knows about being inarculated by Sherrif TOM...G-F
(Asa & I will bring you a peanut butter sammich and a glass of milk)
December 09, 2016 - Msg 106269: HI
G-F THE DOORS ON YOUR HOUSE ARE GOING TO NAIL SHUT AND ALL ME SNOW WELL HELP KEEP YOU IN MAY BE AS ASA AND MDC TOO...

SHERRIF TOM :(
December 09, 2016 - Msg 106270: Good morning, porch! And a frosty morning it is, too! We have 34° again today, but at least it's not windy like it was when I came out of the sleep study lab yesterday. My back yard is a solid carpet of fallen leaves, ankle deep, and yet there are still LOTS of leaves left on the trees. Eddie is going to have his work cut out for him next week. I just hope the leaves are all on the ground by then, so he doesn't have to come back. That gets expensive! I wish we had the service that Fredericksburg provides. There, my daughters just use the leaf blower and blow them to the street, leaving them in huge piles along the curb. The city has trucks that go by with big vacuum tubes on the side, and they just suck up all the leaves, shred them, take them to a central location where they're piled up and allowed to compost, then they're bagged up and sold back to the residents as good rich composted soil. Smart. Very smart.

I have a composter barrel, one of those you can rotate, and I do compost some of these leaves, but that one barrel wouldn't make a discernible dent in the leaves from six huge trees, believe me.

MDC, all that electronal stuff was a sleep study, to determine if I need to use a CPAP machine at night. I probably do. However, I really rested well last night! I think I was just so glad to be home and in my own bed. I have a Tempurpedic mattress, and believe me, you can get spoiled to that thing real quick! Anyway, I think I turned over once last night. My hair isn't even messed up!

Well, guess I'll go see if I can finish up the Christmas decorating here in here in the house today. I'm not leaving the place, I'm going to stay in, stay warm, and stay busy! Blessings, porch! --Romeena
December 09, 2016 - Msg 106271: Maybe I'll make some cookies, too! I love cookies! --Romeena
December 09, 2016 - Msg 106272: THIS IS SHERRIF I M LOOK FOR THE TROUBLE MAKER
TO TELL HER THE I SPY WAS HERE!
NOW I DID GET THE DRUG STORE CH ANDDRIVRE


December 09, 2016 - Msg 106273: Romeena, I have a large composting bin I got from a recycling seminar I attended back in the Spring. As part of the $10 fee I got the bin too. I harvested a large amount of compost this fall to put with my plants in the Spring. It was a good return on my investment...Black Gold as they call it!...

I started another batch from my leaves which I run over with the mowing machine first so I can get more in my bin, and hopefully have another batch ready in the Spring..

G-F
December 10, 2016 - Msg 106274: Looks like Sheriff Tom is on the move! Dang, I KNEW I should have built my fence out of chicken wire! ha
GF--I always 'do a mow' over the leaves too without a catcher, and that mulches really well whilest the leaves arent too thick on the ground. I dont cotton to letting them build up too much. It is a 40 ft ash tree in my backyard, and it do drop some kind o leaves! I gar en tee.
I just saw on FB the video that SPOT took in Gatlinburg! Not a pretty site at all, and they say it was all started by two boys. 13 deaths, very sad.
Praying for all,
MDC
December 10, 2016 - Msg 106275: Hey Y'all- Stopping by to wish our Floyd a very Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Floyd!

And even though she rocks on the Porch less than I do these days, it's also Salty Dog's birthday,so Happy Birthday to her as well!

Cold here at possum's rock and I don't like it,not nary a bit,as Andy would say!

Let me jump back down off of this porch before ol Sheriff Tom finds something to lock me up for! Sure don't wanna be in the Pokey at Christmas!

Y'all have a great weekend!!

******************
possum under a rock
December 10, 2016 - Msg 106276: Possum Sheriff TOM may lock you up for NOT rocking enough on the porch!..Just to let you know!...G-F
December 10, 2016 - Msg 106277: Morning and a happy Saturday to possum, MDC, Boo, Romeena, TOM, G-F, Asa and the whole kettle of fish!

Hope you are all doing well! Just wanted to drop in and say "Hey"

Happy Birthday to Salty Dog!

Now, you'll excuse me...I have to put ointment on these hives. Darn those Darlings!

Best,
John Masters
December 10, 2016 - Msg 106278: HI KIDS.
WILL G-F IT THE POKEY FOR YOU, WHY BECAUSE BACK IN MAY- SEPT YOU RAN CRAZY AND FREE WILL IT TO PAY BACK! JUST THINK NO MORE WATCH THE BROWN GAMES HEHE.
POSSUM YOUR SELF JUST STAY THERE UNDER THE HEAT ROCK.
AND ASA, MDC I WILL KEEP MY EYES O YOU TWO GUYS.

Sheriff TOM :(
December 10, 2016 - Msg 106279: Thank you for not locking me up,Sheriff Tom!

You'd best watch that free will of yours, G-F! Hee Hee

possum again
December 10, 2016 - Msg 106280: No TOM... Don't make me watch the Browns... That is REAL PUNISHMENT!.....G-F
Possum I took one for the Possum TEAM 👍
December 10, 2016 - Msg 106281: G-F NOW IN JAIL YOU WILL BE IN A BIG BLOCK OF ICE

SHERIFF TOM
December 11, 2016 - Msg 106282: I enjoyed the Christmas story, John Masters. I think I would love to be the person talking through that tree...would have been fun.

MDC, I LOVED that family 8mm film. Wow..so neat! Were you married to Cecille at that time? I think I recognized you, your brothers, your mom and dad and maybe a sister? You had on a really groovy tie and blazer? :)

Had to work this evening but pretty quiet night. Im not scheduled again this month but will work some when needed. I did a little decorating in that sad work facility..some blinking lights and a few decorations.

It's already warmed up here and supposed to be in the 70s tomorrow. Right now at 11:30p, the humidity is so bad it looks like it has been raining. Water is rolling off the cars and everything else. Not very pleasant but at least it isn't really hot outside.

Well, better get myself to bed...preachin' tomorrow.

Boo
December 11, 2016 - Msg 106283: BOO--Not quite married! It was 6 months later in June 1976. But that is her in the gray coat w white collar behind me. Yup, I'm in that teal blazer!
And yes, brothers, sister, one is bro's wife and their young son. Those were WONDERFUL Christmas eves! We would all then go to Midnight Mass as a fam!
So nice of you to put up some decorations in the rehab place for the kids!
I go to the jail again on Sunday morning for one last time before Christmas. Will give a 'report.'
TOM--Watch it, GF may drink all the evidence! He may get to know all the tricks of the Hubacher brothers!ha
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO FLOYD AND SALTY DOG!
Good Sabbath,
MDC


December 11, 2016 - Msg 106284: Hey MDC When you do your jail ministry today stop in and say Hey!.. But Remember what Clarence said... No man is a failure who has friends! Thanks for the BBQ wings Buddy!...

Your Friend Goober Fife....( How's that for a quote Boo?)
December 11, 2016 - Msg 106285: HO
WHEE ME SOME GLUE THAT I CAN USED ON SOME ONE TO
MAKE THIN WATCH THE GAME ?

December 11, 2016 - Msg 106286: HI ALL.
BOY G-F YOUR BROWN CAN NOT WIN IN BAD WEATHER

SHERIFF TOM
December 11, 2016 - Msg 106287: Browns can't win in ANY weather.
December 11, 2016 - Msg 106288: Evenin' Porch

Hope you all had a good weekend! My apologies to Floyd for missing the birthday wishes. I extend my Happy Birthday to you as well!

I havent watched NFL footbal in a few years. I touch base with it every now and again, but I truly got bored with it. I'll give you three reasons why...New...England...Patriots. SOOOOOO sick of them being right at the top of the AFC!!! And...low and behold...look who's in the driver's seat for AFC Home Field throughout the playoffs...AGAIN! If my Chiefs get home field and Patriots come in, I believe there is a shot KC can get 'em. BUT...if NE sews it up, t'aint no one gonna go in there and beat 'em!
Plus, I got tired of touchdown/extra point, COMMERCIALS, kick off, COMMERCIALS, one play and a time out, COMMERCIALS. I literally would be all amped up for a really great game and would slowly start nodding off because of the pace. Also, the refereeing seems to be getting worse, and even more worse and... well, you get the picture!

BOO - Yeah, the talking tree was quite something. But it sure made people grow eyes in the back of their head pretty quick when it would single a person out! Pretty funny when a kid was trying to figure out who was watching them!

Gonna git for now, folks. I hope you have a great night and I will drop in again asap.

John Masters
December 12, 2016 - Msg 106289: All went well at the jail today. Amazing to see all these guys in orange jumpsuits singing Christmas carols, some with tears down their faces.
We read Luke 2 all the way thru, prayed over those
who wanted it! A very 'unique' situation, for sure.
But once again, all sheriff tom kidding aside, it is very disconcerting when
that electric door slams shut behind you, and you're right in there with 'em!
It's a 'medium' security place, but still! God is with us tho.
This will be it for me for a while, as I get my hip done on Jan. 18, and the doc told me
to stay away from crowds etc from here on so all is well for the op.
As for my Cards losing to the Dolphins, not much to say there, just very sloppy
play. I'm more and more in John Masters camp! :(
TOM and GF are you guys getting much of the polar vortex storm?
Hate to say it, but we will be mid-70s here all week!
But then, remember this 'brag' when it's JULY! ha
GOOD SABBATH to all!
MDC
December 12, 2016 - Msg 106290: Good Monday porch family.
hope all is well

Checking in from work this morning. a very chilly rainy day so far. I had a full schedule of folks but seems like folks are either sick are out of town so I have had 4 out of 8 cancel for today. I will be here til 6 tho.

went to preaching yesterday and then back home for the afternoon and evening.

lunch menu will be: chicken tortilla soup, grilled cheese sandwich brownies for dessert.
coffee or iced tea to drink.

Prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude

December 12, 2016 - Msg 106291: GOOD DAY.
WHERE IS EVERYONE DID THE POLAR VORTEX GET YOU?
No M D C I did not the snow from it but cold air!

ICE TOM

December 12, 2016 - Msg 106292: ICE TOM.... I am being like Barney and cooking some chili in my room just don't tell Miss Mendelbright!....
https://youtu.be/64IxKVR7DFg Want some? I even have those little crackers and cider too!.... G-F
December 12, 2016 - Msg 106293: I'll share what I think might be interesting to you. I bought a new car, a Camry, back on November 30th. I drove it home from the dealer, and I ain't drove it since! I didn't trade in my old Corolla as they were talking about giving me $500 for tradein. I figured I can find some sucker named Bernard or something to give me much more than that. I left it at the dealer when I drove the new car home, had a friend drive me to pick up the old one, and have driven the old one ever since. It's parked in back of the new one, I guess, so it's easier just to climb in that one, I don't know, I just haven't driven the new one. I am looking for someone to buy a car that I only drove to church on Sundays. I guess church is a fur piece, because I've got 200,000 miles on it!

Billy Ray the Car Buying Fool Postman
December 12, 2016 - Msg 106294: Good afternoon, porch. Billy Ray, it seems to me that every mile you're putting on the old car now is a mile saved on the new one. It won't affect the value of the old car at this point, and it will save miles on the new one - not many maybe, but it all helps. Still, I guess that idea could run away with itself if you gave it its head. You could still be driving the old one two years from now, while the new one sits in the garage with its tires going flat. I do understand, though. My beloved red Caddie is a 2004, runs like a fine watch, and if I were to buy a new one, I know perfectly well it would sit, while I would keep driving the old one. I love that car, fits me like a glove, is big and roomy and rides like a Caddie should, and the new ones - well, not so much. I'm just not a fan of the new ones. Small, bumpy ride, no leg room - nope, I'll keep my old pet car. It gets 17 mpg in town, up to 25 on the highway - not too bad, and you have to stand close and listen to tell if the engine is running.

Tom, I got your email. Nicely done! I know what you mean, and I agree, this time of the year can be difficult. I wish you didn't live clear across the country, I'd love to have you come and join my family at Christmas. By the way, do you have a pet - a kitty or a small dog?

Well, guess I'd better go and cuddle my own "small dog" - she's in a little cuddle bed in the knee space under my desk, and now and then she ventures out, nudges my ankle with her nose, or pats me with a nickel-sized paw - she wants some attention, and it is my eternal pleasure to give it to her. Lots of company there in that little dog.

Blessings, porch! --Romeena
December 12, 2016 - Msg 106295: We back from the mountains ...all safe...back in a bit...SPOT
December 12, 2016 - Msg 106296: "now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their neighbor." (:

December 13, 2016 - Msg 106297: How many miles are on your Caddie, Romeena? just curious. I have been enjoying the Suburban we bought last month. Its very comfortable and everything works on it. :)

Been a busy day of chores and only got one load of laundry done before I had to go to Walmart. I did some shopping..pretty well finished my Christmas shopping by buying gift cards for the young people on my list. I also bought red sweaters for the dogs (for those cold nights), and a stocking full of kitty toys for our spoiled rotten calico. I think I am getting old now.

I thought I was all done with shopping when St. Susan called and asked me if I would help her do the shopping for the Shoreline kids...you will probably remember about my sister's church and their Christmas for Kids organization that provides toys and clothes to needy children every Christmas. We always provide stockings or bags to every kid at Shoreline where I work. This year with a low census we can give more so we went shopping. Now, I hate to complain, but let me tell you that when it comes to shopping, my
sister is an unorganized dingleberry. She had me going from corner to corner and crosswise in the walmart. Afer over two hours of it I was exhausted. We finished at 11pm. She asked me to come tomorrow and help fill the gift bags but I don't know if I will be able to walk tomorrow after the day I have had today! Im no spring chicken anymore.

Lots to do between now and Christmas, for sure. Cleaning and deciding on the Christmas menu, shopping for the food, etc. My husband's brother Richard wants to come down on Friday and stay with us to have a family meeting concerning what they are going to do with his mother and we have the toy distribution on Saturday afternoon. Sean is singing a solo for the service they will have. I want to be there to hear that and help give out the gifts.

We have our deacons Christmas party on Friday but I have bought the gifts for the exchange and have a new blouse to wear.

Well, I am pretty worn out and tomorrow is a full day so I will say goodnight.

Boo

PS-so glad you are visiting the prison, MDC. God bless you for that!
December 13, 2016 - Msg 106298: Hello Porch. I hope ya'll are fine and dandy.
Been busy as can be, so haven't been here much.
But I stumbled across this interview with Eleanor Donahue that I thought you might enjoy.
https://youtu.be/F768wetjbmc

I thought it was pretty cool, especially the very end.

Asa
December 13, 2016 - Msg 106299: Thanks Asa Great video!... That's one good thing about Mayberry Days they do interviews call " Proffesor Browers Lecture". They do a different cast member each year, I was fortunate to Hear Elinore one year, very nice lady...Tells Great stories too!.....haha and make good faces too!.. ( Opie's Quote)... Yes she is on my Mayberryroom wall of fame too!

Glad to see you pop in Buddy, stop in and visit me at the ROCK... You know the place!..lol...lol...lol 👍. ...G-F
December 13, 2016 - Msg 106300: Afternoon, Asa, Boo, Romeena, G-F, TOM, SPOT, Big Maude, MDC, Billy Ray and the whole barrel of apples!

Droppin' in to have a "look see" at how everyone is. Mighty cold here in mid southern Missouri. That wind has a bite to it!

Hope you all have a great day!

John Masters
December 13, 2016 - Msg 106301: Hey RO and all. I found this video on youtube of a
2004 Caddy, which i think is like Ro's other than being the wrong color. I too liked those designs much better than today's Cadillacs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqVxx5Dkufc
HEY to Billy Ray. Busy time of year for you civil servants. I gave my mailman of 18 years(!) a box of candy and a card today! He said that he is retiring at the end of the year. Too bad 'cause he has always been a prince of a guy!
Yes ASA, good interview with Ellie. I had heard that all the songs on the show were done in the studio, and then
dubbed in for the final print.
BOO--that is so nice of you to get gifts for those kids. Wish i could help.
As for your running around tho, ya better slow down that throttle a bit!!
Hey to BIG Maude. It sure does sound cold there. I hope your salary is not based on number of clients
serviced. That's a lot of cancellations.
Prayers for all,
MDC


December 13, 2016 - Msg 106302: Oh, and hey to John

December 13, 2016 - Msg 106303: Very nice video clip of Ellie, Asa, thanks for sharing. I like to hear positive interviews like that one after some of the terrible things that I heard came out in a book about Andy and Don. I can do without that.

Staying busy but today was not as busy as yesterday. I did spend two hours in the Veriz0n store getting a new phone after my old one stopped charging. So far I really like the new one. Other than that, all I did was laundry, cook supper and get Erin from school and drop her and a friend off at school for a basketball game this evening. I am trying to finish up the sock snowmen I am making for my fellow nurses and I only have two more. Whew! So much to do right before Christmas.

Hope you all are having a good week so far.

Boo
December 14, 2016 - Msg 106304: I agree Boo. Very nice to hear good things about Andy. I was listening to another interview someone did with Betty Lynn, and she was just glowing about the cast on the show. She is a very genuine and delightful woman. There is a slim chance I may be flying out to N. Carolina in January. If so, I need to see if it will be a time when she is signing autographs. That would just thrill me right down to my toe nails to meet her. I was honored to send her a birthday card earlier this year. Sweet sweet gal. Sounds like you had a crazy day yesterday Boo. You better pace yerself. Put on them square wheels as Briscoe would say.

Good to see you back John Masters, hives and all. I feel the exact same way you mentioned about football. I may DVR some of the play-off games and watch them later. I did that last year and noticed a 3 hour plus game only took me an hour and a half to watch if I zipped through all the beer commercials. The game has lost it's zip for me. Between the prima-donna athletes, to the rules having become so bizzar, I don't know anymore when a catch is a catch, when a hit is a legal hit, or when a celebration becomes taunting.

GF, Did you go get yourself innarculated again? I declare son, what we gonna do with you? I hope Tom is at least feeding you good and will let school out for Christmas. :)

Well I am up to the color episodes now. Those early color ones with Warren are a bit of a struggle, but still not bad. I saw the Taylors home from Hollywood last night, and Aunt Bee kinda carrying on about he winnings. But I didn't think she was that bad. I reckon that old green eyed monster can get any of us sometimes.

MDC, My mail carrier is a Princess, not a Prince. Very sweet gal, and easy on the eyes, if you know what I mean. :)

Well I better get. Maybe I'll go sit by my mail box and wait for her. DOGGONE you MDC. :)

Asa
December 14, 2016 - Msg 106305: Good morning, porch. MDC, thanks for the video about the '04 Caddie. Whoever ended up with that car got a real jewel. I noticed the video was posted in 2013, so the car was nine years old, with just 32,000 miles on it. That was a real cream puff. My car had 32k on it when I bought it, and it was 3 years old. That was a lot of miles at the time, but it's just turned 90,000 last month, so I've only added 60,000 in ten years. It has that big Northstar engine in it, 300 hp, and my SIL, Richard, says it's "barely broken in." It had been well-maintained, was clean as a pin, and I keep it that way. I have no plans to replace it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

There are seven squirrels having a little squirrely hoe-down in my back yard right now. They're so cute, and so funny! Chasing each other around the trees, leaping from limb to limb - how on earth do they keep from falling? I love this big old window!

Hey, do you folks want a Christmas card mailing list? I've still got last year's list, with any corrections that I knew about (Papa Bear), and would be happy to send it to anyone who wants it. I won't wait for permission to include anyone - I figure if it was OK last year, it probably still is, right?

Well, guess I'd better get busy. Christmas is coming at me fast now, and I still have some shopping to do. Hellooooo, Amazon! So convenient for my scattered family - Amazon ships and it's free, because I have Prime.

Blessings, porch! --Romeena
December 14, 2016 - Msg 106306: Well Asa, today is busy but a more pleasant day. I finally finished all the sock snowmen that I made my coworkers and cleaned up the mess. Yay! I will have Sean vacuum for me later. I think I told you all that Sean passed his math class and all the others. The past semester was a hard one so we are relieved for him. He will be picking up some extra hours at O'Reily now until school starts up again. He still likes his job there and mostly is a driver delivering parts.

Erin is barely passing algebra but assures me she is able to pull things out of the fire and pass the course. If not, I guess she will be spending more time on it after Christmas break. I think she bit off more than she should have her first year in high school. She is the only freshman in her advanced biology class and has all core classes, no electives. She tells me next year will be better. I think she is going to pretty much sleep through her Christmas break.

I agree about the color episodes. I like all episodes by now but just prefer the black and white, especially the earliest eps. I am trying to decided when I want to watch the Christmas episode. If any of you hear of it coming on in color this year, please let me know when and where because I had to miss it last year due to work.

By the way, I knitted some scarves for those of you who requested one, so you should be getting those in the mail next week.

Gotta run!..I heard the dryer stop and I don't run the clothes through the wrinkle release cycle.

Boo

Yes Ro, I would like a Christmas card list, please.
December 14, 2016 - Msg 106307: 🎄🦇🎄🦇🎄🦇🎄
December 14, 2016 - Msg 106308: No sooner said than done! Check your email, Boo. Anybody else? --Romeena
December 14, 2016 - Msg 106309: Ro,I used last year's Christmas card list. I don't think anybody moved,but I'm not sure that I have the current address for Pappa Bear,so if you would,please email me the list if he is on it. Thanks,Ro!

RIP Malcolm Merriweather. Actor Bernard Fox,dead at age 89.

******************
possum under a rock
December 14, 2016 - Msg 106310: Sad day in Mayberry and Heckmondwike England.... Arn't ya kind Possum for letting us know!...G-F
December 14, 2016 - Msg 106311: Thanks Ro.

Very sorry to hear about Bernard Fox.

Boo
December 14, 2016 - Msg 106312: Sorry to hear about Bernard Fox passing. I think he was on a few Hogan Heros eps and also MASH.
May he rest in peace. Many good folks "dying to get to heaven" lately!
RO--yes, those Northstar power plants can't be beat! Newer cars also have too many computers for my liking. Much more to go wrong.
ASA--I bet your "mail lady" is a lot more pleasant to look at than Billy Rae! Ha Just ribbin' you Billy.
Last week I was watching the movie Blue Hawaii with Elvis on a free movie channel that i get, and lo and behold, there was Howard McNair at an office job. The old boy really got around!
BOO--I will keep Erin in my prayers that she'll pull off that algebra exam! And good on Sean!
Well, nite all,
MDC

December 14, 2016 - Msg 106313: Just remembered that Malcolm was also in a color ep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8a-FtZOM-4

mdc
December 15, 2016 - Msg 106314: Morning all.
Yep MDC, I just happened to watch that episode 2 nights ago with Malcolm and Earnest T. Bass. An Englishter and an Irishter. And I have never seen Billy Rae, I think you would win that bet. lol

Thanks Ro, I would appreciate the Christmas list.

Thank you sweet Possum for your card.

GF, I had to replace a main blower fan on a Lennox rooftop unit this week. They sure do bury those things. Had to do a lot of dismantling to get to it. And then of course it was outside in 20 degree weather. And Lennox is in a world of their own when it comes to parts. But we got her done and running now. You would have been proud of me. I didn't even curse when I got the top all screwed back down and then realized I left my flashlight in the cussed thing. It was to good a light to forget so I had to open her back up and retrieve it. You ever do that?

Boo, Just don't over do it with Erin and her math like Andy did with Opie. lol I'm sure she will do fine. How is Bruce doing?

Well off to install a new boiler controller. This replaces the one destroyed in our last water pipe leak. Almost $800.00 and I have to figure it out. Hooking it up should not be a problem, but programming it looks to be a real PITB. GF, You ever deal with Tekmar controls? Too many dagblame bells and whistles on it I tell ya. I may have a Clark Griswold type meltdown before I'm done with that. Wish me luck.

Asa
December 15, 2016 - Msg 106315: Asa, I know what ya mean about Lennox parts and engineering, we had a lot of Lennox counter flow furnaces, you are right, you have to tear apart half of the furnace to change a blower motor. Plus they were crammed into a closet with the hot water tank. You can bet they were BOTH starving for combustion air. But then again it's still better than working on one on a rooftop when it's cold outside?
You have my retired sympathy......lol

G-F
December 15, 2016 - Msg 106316: Gosh, G-F, I hope that closet door at least had a grate in it to allow for a little airflow! I'm becoming surprisingly knowledgeable about HVAC things, between the conversations between you and Asa, and the dinner table talk between my David and his father-in-law, Jerry. Jerry has had his own HVAC business for many years, but he's my age and feeling it, so David goes with him and helps him a lot. Good help for Jerry, extra money for David, and he's learning the trade. He can actually do an install on his own now, and lots of repairs. He works under Jerry's license right now, but will probably test and apply for his own before too long. Jerry is happy to have him, and will probably turn the business over to David when (and if) he ever retires, because his own son is definitely not interested in it.

Christmas card list on the way to Asa and Possum. Anybody else?

Well, I've got a home health call to make, and then go to the grocery store and get stuff to start baking cookies. Blessings, folks. --Romeena
December 15, 2016 - Msg 106317: Funny you should mention that Romeena, the "Smart Guys" that designed it only put a Duct that drew air from the attic space which always drew the pilot and flame away from the thermocouples and would constantly make them go out...

But luckily us maintenance guys that operate in the real world setting knew better so we cut a hole and installed the grate so it would work properly.... But what do WE KNOW...

Do I get an Amen Asa?...lol.....G-F
December 15, 2016 - Msg 106318: MDC, don't get to thinking you're some kind of comedic Howard making fun of all the good folks in Mayberry. Me and Goober might get upset.

I've never been a carrier. I've been a clerk and a supervisor. I had a couple women carry mail for me who'd give Ellen Brown a run for the money in catching the men folk's attention, if you know what I mean.

Billy Ray the Postman
December 15, 2016 - Msg 106319: I got to thinking, not with my head in a bucket, but anyway, I got to thinking about Ellen Brown. What a looker. Here's a picture of the men folk admiring her form:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/698/21765135710_5c56a6422f_b.jpg

And here's a pic of Andy, Barney and Ellen having a smoke and coffee and talking in between shots:

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/41/04/0a/41040a9479102c52efcc8fa6121440c2.jpg
December 15, 2016 - Msg 106320: Oh, I forgot to sign my letter. Folks do that a lot, and forget to put zip codes, too.

Billy Ray the Forgetful Postman
December 15, 2016 - Msg 106321: Got it, Ro and you're very welcome,Asa!

possum again
December 15, 2016 - Msg 106322: Billy Ray, as for someone who was fortunate to meet "Ellen Brown" last year at Mayberry Days, I would concur Nature has been Real good to her!....G-F
December 16, 2016 - Msg 106323: Billy Ray, I better watch what I say 'cause you feds got connections! Put a mailbag on some people and it goes right to their heads. ha
And concerning Ellen Brown "Yup, that certainly aint a boy!" :)
Speaking of which, it made me think of a Christmas story which I am SURE i havent told here before, but now that we all 'know' each other pretty darn well, I think i will. When I was attending Phx Jr. College in the late '60s, I worked for a small pharmacy as a prescription delivery boy. The delivery car was a neat 1930 Ford coupe, with the name of the pharmacy on the side of it. (But that's not the story.) I got a call from the store at about 5 PM on Christmas Eve to come in and deliver a script to a lady, around 40, to whom I had delivered to many times before. Well... when I got to her house and she opened the door, there she was in her all-together, 'hidden' only by a very shear red negligee! I was like the guys in the barber shop window, awestruck, with about 1000 thoughts racing thru my head, especially that i was a Christian boy, and this was just unbelieveable. Oh, plus the movie The Graduate had come out that year, and I had just recently seen it! ha. Anyway, she said something like "Come in, I have to find my purse." She 'took her time' trying to 'find' it walking all around the place. Finally she did, paid for the Rx, and then she said, "Remember, I'm always here." Needless to say, I could barely drive back to the store!! (but also, i never did'follow up'on that 'offer', but I DID still deliver to her house, but she never brought it up again.
ASA and GF. I replaced my rooftop AC/Gas furnace
about 5 years ago with a Rheem model. It has been working really well. 14 seer and easy on the 'lectric bill.
POSSum, good to see ya settin', but ya sure didnt stay long. Maybe you had a 'tie dye' that had to come out of the bucket. haha
Prayers for all,
MDC


December 16, 2016 - Msg 106324: Funny story MDC!.... That story reminded me of the time as a kid working at my Dad's service station. A couple came in for gas who had been traveling and had a windshield full of splattered bugs. The man ask if I could get them off, we had a bug sponge for just that!. But the story gets interesting when the lady proceeds to breast feed her baby while I was trying to concentrate on scrubbing off the bugs, so it appeared I was staring at her but TRUELY I was trying to get the bugs off!
I was SO embarrassed!....But I must add he DID get a clean windshield ;) and a $1 tip to boot!!

G-F
December 16, 2016 - Msg 106325: LOL So are you saying you tipped the driver GF. HA!

Asa
December 16, 2016 - Msg 106326: HaHa Asa, ....I forgot to put in the (he gave me) part!... You Rascal!...G-F
December 16, 2016 - Msg 106327: Quite a story, MDC. Glad you took the high road, so to speak. That reminded me about the Gilbert Grape movie with Johnny Depp. He has a client he delivers groceries to like the woman you mentioned, but he delivers more than groceries...on second thought, don't watch the movie.

Speaking of such, from a woman's point of view, unwelcomed advances are a very disturbing thing. Creepy, you could say. I had some really bad experiences in my younger years as a nurse. I cant stand that sort of thing. Not that you good gentlemen need a lecture but I think there are a lot of men out there that don't consider that women just don't like that sort of thing...at least most.

Well, been a busy day but not a bad one. I did some baking today. I made fudge, a Texas Sheet Cake (the best!) and I dipped some pretzel sticks in almond bark. My kids love those thing!

Deacon's Christmas party tonight. Hope it goes well. Better dry my hair and start thinking about getting ready. Have a great evening.

PS-I enjoyed the photo of Andy, Barney, and Ellen you posted, Postman, thanks.

Boo