February 27, 2017 - Msg 106897: As for me MDC I did my part by NOT watching the political platform of the folks who think by having "stardom" makes them smarter and above the rest of us "Little People"....
....That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!.....

I agree with TOM, Barney would have gone thru a lot of books of tickets writing citations during the Daytona race..
I think I like the new "rule" about only having 5 minutes to fix their cars if damaged.

G-F
February 27, 2017 - Msg 106898: SHAZZAM...A sweep to boot!...I need me one of the trucks they used to clean up the track yesterday...lol
February 27, 2017 - Msg 106899: Good morning, porch! Possum, it's good to have you back, we miss you when you drop out of sight like that.

Boo, I'm glad your MIL has finally gone to spread her joy and cheer to her other son. It's about time that the wealth was shared, I think. Oh, and as for her staying in a motel for three days, phooey! With all you have dealt with for so long, I think they can put up with her for 72 hours! I realize that part of her behavior is due to her age and illness, but not all of it. I recall one elderly lady who was so ill-tempered and hateful to all the staff at the hospital that we literally drew straws now and then to see who had to take her for the day. She had the temperament of a scorpion, a mean and foul mouth, and she would scratch and bite if she got the chance. She knew what she was doing too, and I proved it. She bit me once when I was cleaning her up, and I whispered to her that if she did it again, I'd bite her back. She said she would tell the doctor, and I asked her which of us she thought he'd believe. She glared at me, but never, ever, tried to bite me again. She knew exactly what she was doing. I wouldn't have done it, of course, but I made her believe I would.

One day her niece was visiting - the only person who ever visited her - and the old lady was really behaving badly. She cursed at the niece, she fought with the nurses and I thought it might be embarrassing to the niece, so while the aide had the old lady in the bathroom, I said something to the niece about age and illness making people behave badly sometimes. The niece just laughed and said, "Well, I'm sure that's true, but it's not the case with her. She has always been as mean as a rattlesnake, the rest of the family wrote her off a long time ago, and the truth is, she has a lot of money put away, and I'm here because I'm hoping to earn it. She has written everybody else out of her will, but I'm still there, so I show up to visit her, and don't react to her meanness." I had to respect her for her honesty, and in truth, I think she was smart, and I suspected that there was just a touch of pity for the old gal there as well. Without her, the woman would have been completely alone. I have the impression that MIL doesn't have money to hold over your head, but you and Bruce have been kind to her anyway, and that will forever be to your credit. Still, it's high time you had some relief, and let somebody else have her for a while.

I didn't watch the Hollywonk circus either. I have no respect for about 95% of those people, and won't waste my time watching them pat themselves on the back. Besides, I didn't see any of the movies. Very rarely do I waste my time and money on their crummy films. --Romeena
February 27, 2017 - Msg 106900: Thank you for those prayers, MDC. I am feeling them. I have been just as peaceful as can be for days. :)

Ro, I can tell you understand! lol...of course my mom in law is not as bad as that, at least not yet but about as annoying, self-centered, and narcissistic as a person can me. We all feel a huge sense of relief. We will go and visit her from time to time and I expect we will have to listen to some drama, but we can ignore it and drive home. You are right, it is time to share the wealth, and no, MIL doesn't have any money to will to anyone. She is getting social security and that is all she has. Anyway, I just hope nothing happens to Richard. He is an insulin dependent diabetic that drinks Dr. Pepper all day and is already showing some signs of early dementia, himself. That might be a good thing if it helps him deal with his mother. *wink*

I don't watch the celebrity awards shows because I don't watch the movies and would be completely lost. I did see a clip of that little best picture fiasco.

Well, I have to go get ready for work but wanted to check in. Ya'll have a good day!

Boo
February 27, 2017 - Msg 106901: Just to clarify, I am also not a fan of "the mutual-admiration society's" awards either, but was just curious to see who would get best picture, and as I tuned it, LaLa Land folks were giving their 'speeches' when, Whoops, they didnt win after all, Moonlight did, and they had to had their little trophies over
to them. Weirdest thing I've ever seen.
Prayers,
MDC
February 27, 2017 - Msg 106902: Frah, Rah, Rah,....Land sounded like a line from Christmas Story movie.....G-F
February 27, 2017 - Msg 106903: LOL GF Yer a treasure Rah Rah Rah.
So I think everyone here knows my opinion of the Hollywood freaks. But after all this chatter I had to go find it and see what happened. Now these elitists, who presume to tell the rest of America how to live, what to believe, and know how the Country should be run, can't even get their own awards program right. Brother. What a joke. So much more I would love to say, but I better hush.

I hope things have calmed down Boo, and that your tests all come back with good news. You are in my prayers.

We got another 6 inches of snow this morning. But a very wet spring like snow. It will be gone in a few days, especially where they are predicting temps in the 50's later in the week. Come on spring!!

Asa
February 27, 2017 - Msg 106904: Sing it Asa......https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2ie0Ivttylc
February 27, 2017 - Msg 106905: Hey Folks!

Sorry I have been absent yet again. Will be back and my wife has pushed me to keep my blog going to. So I will return. My best each and everyone of you!

John Masters
February 27, 2017 - Msg 106906: We are getting a light rain this evening. Rain is always
welcome here (except during the golf tourney!) ha
Good youtube clip GF. A John Masters sighting! ha Spring on it's way soon!

Thanks again to everyone who prayed for me post-op.
I am doing quite good these days. GF- what say you about yours?

Prayers continue for Boo and family!
RO--your flowers sound so delightful. Could you post some on Facebook?
Take care,
MDC
February 27, 2017 - Msg 106907: MDC... Another Tribe win!... Question? It appears the Indians share the Home field with the Reds?...

I looked on Google map Goodyear looks like a whole group of fields in the complex... G-F
February 27, 2017 - Msg 106908: I'm back on my blog. I will warn you though, there is some graphic content and language. Not too bad.
http://first1thing.blogspot.com/

Night folks!
John Masters
February 28, 2017 - Msg 106909: Good morning, porch. It's gray and overcast here today, but at 76°, it's quite comfortable outdoors. MDC, I could put some shots of the yard on Facebook, but have not installed it on my phone, and since my pictures these days are on the phone, it's a game of leapfrog to get them from the phone to the computer, where I do have Facebook. Just haven't done it yet, but will get Facebook on the phone, and then I can post pictures.

John Masters, I read your blog all the time, and I must say, we do think a lot alike. You're a bit more bombastic in expressing yourself, but that doesn't mean I don't agree. I left a comment, of course. Would you expect any less of me? In my opinion, the sooner those vermin are removed from this earth, the better.

Sunday night, I had the pleasure of seeing my 13 year old grandson, Hudson, on the stage at the Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth. He was playing his bassoon with the Ft. Worth Youth Philharmonic! His mother posted pictures on Facebook. If any of you saw those posts, in the picture that's more close up, he's the mopheaded blond kid with the big old mahogany bassoon, just slightly left of dead center in the picture. Two years ago, his mother took him there to see the Ft. Worth Symphony Orchestra present Handel's "Messiah", and he was mesmerized. During the performance, he whispered to his mom "Someday I'm going to be right there on that stage." His dream came true on Sunday night. I think that was only the beginning.

The child had never exhibited much inclination toward music until about two years ago, when he chose the bassoon to play in the band at school. He picked it up immediately and started playing recognizable music in just a few weeks. His teacher says he's a natural. Since then, he's started playing the piano and a couple of other instruments. It seems like he just has to learn the mechanics of an instrument - how the sound is produced - and he can produce music. Amazing! I wish I could do that. We're all so very proud of him.

Well, guess I'll go scare up some lunch. I've got a potato that needs to be used, a skillet with some bacon grease in it left from Saturday, when I decided to have a good breakfast for a change, and that's just a match made in heaven. I'll scrub and slice up that potato, fry it in that bacon grease (hush, arteries!) and have a little salad alongside, and you can't beat that! Blessings, friends! --Romeena
February 28, 2017 - Msg 106910: So great about Hudson, Romeena. I saw the pics on Facebook!

Boo
February 28, 2017 - Msg 106911: Good afternoon, Porch friends!

I..uh...*sniff, sniff* I can't do anything. I'm just SO upset I missed the *sniff* Academy Awards. I just can't function properly. I need someone to bring me a puppy to soothe my oh so rattled psyche!
LOLOL!!

Romeena - I appreciate you bein' a follower of my blog. Yeah, my "bombastic" way is because my anger is usually boiling at the time I write. Most of the time, I am writing from something I just saw or read and I am reacting at the moment. I am half tempted to find Barney and take him with me to Washington so we can "put 'em up, put 'em up! C'mon...we're in our civvies!" We, as humans, are really, really losing our way! Religiously, morally, ethically and just plain ol' common sense.
Good for Hudson! To find a 13 year old playing the bassoon in 2017 is unreal! Let's hope he sticks with the music and goes far! I have two 2nd cousins, one in high school and one in college, that are fantastic musicians. They are working very hard at piano, percussion and various other instruments!

Boo - You have had my full sympathy with your MIL. My wife and I are currently taking care of my 87 year old father with stage 3 kidney disease. He had two major surgeries last year where he had FIVE aneurysms sealed off, his appendix remove and a large softball sized mass taken out WITH his appendix! The mass was cancer and I broke the news to him. The surgeons took 95% of it and had to leave the rest because it was in too delicate of a position. Then, a few months later, he had a check up and they discovered the cancer just vanished. Literally was there and then it wasn't. Wife and I were told he wouldn't be able to live by himself anymore and he would need assistance. I am happy to say he lives a pretty routine life. We cook, clean, wash for him. I assist him with his showers and stuff. But sometimes he has...well....accidents. And sometimes...it is quite overwhelming. But nothing I can't handle. My mother, on the other hand, does not have things so good. She is 79 and taking care of her 96 year old mother. There have been "accidents" and she can be pretty cruel verbally. I believe grandma has turned bitter as she has lost her husband (parkinson's / diabetes) and two daughters (one from diabetes and the other from Crohn's disease). Her third daughter is a very selfish, self centered woman who calls ever now and again to see how things are going but has never once, not ONCE, made an effort to go help my mom and giver her relief and some time off. I can't help her because, well...I have my father. Talk about a rock and a very hard place!

MDC - Glad to hear you are humming right along. Prayers sent and prayers worked!

Asa - As Andy would say, "I'm for that!" Time for spring to get sprung and set a spell! I have been having 49* one day and 72* the next! Mother Nature needs to make a decision and stick with it!

G-F - Not Frah, Rah, Rah...it's La, La, La! A Christmas Story is one of my fav all time movies!

Well folks, better git for now. Hope you all have a great day! Hey to possum, SPOT, TOM, Maude and the rest of you waitin' for the gold truck!

John Masters
February 28, 2017 - Msg 106912: Good evening, porch. John Masters, I hear what you're saying. We have a lot in common, I think. Some of my porch "rants" were written when I had just read or saw something in the news that set me off, and of course, during the election year, I was "set off" a good deal of the time! Sometimes I just make myself wait a little while and cool down a little before I comment. Be thankful for that, porch!

Yep, I guess we're pretty proud of our Hudson. I wish English had a more appropriate word, but if it does, I haven't found it. I really have no right to take any "pride" in his accomplishments, because I had nothing to do with it. God gave him a talent, he has embraced it, and spends a great deal of time practicing and developing it. For lack of a more appropriate word, I can only say that I'm very proud of him. He's a well-rounded kid, loves baseball and is a crackerjack catcher. His older brother, Landry, is a fine pitcher and is a machine at first base. Both boys are helpful, polite, respectful and funny. Their parents are devoted to them, and are raising them very well. I thank God every day. They're keeping them in church, and both boys are involved and love the Lord. When we eat out, it's always one of the boys who will extend his hands to the rest, to form a chain, and will initiate a prayer of thanks. Good kids!

Well, guess I'll quit bragging on my grandsons, and hunt up some dinner. Maybe just a bowl of soup tonight. Blessings, porch. --Romeena
February 28, 2017 - Msg 106913: Hey folks,

I saw something on a color TAGS and I was offended! I mean to tell you I was just....well, it was all I could do from....My Word!
It was the one where he ate the three spaghetti dinners. And he actually said...are you ready for this?...he actually said he would actually walk around in his STOCKING feet and...*gasp* *choke* he might even leave his shoes in the middle of the ROOM!
It was all I could do to keep from raising all sorts of heck!

My, my. Even TAGS had it's vulgar and filthy moments!

LOLOLOL!!!

John Masters

I thought you all might get a bang from that. ;)
February 28, 2017 - Msg 106914: Good evening all.

John, I do love Howards facial features in that scene. His face pretty much says what you just said. He seems so shocked that Andy would even suggest walking around in his stocking feet. That entire episode is one of my favorite color ones though. Poor Andy, he was so looking for a nice quiet evening at home, alone, and look what happens. lol

That's ok to brag on the grandkids Ro. Lord knows I do plenty of it. I once heard someone say the reason Grandparents and Grandkids get along so well is because they share a common enemy. lol I get along very well with my adult kids though. But they had their moments in the teen years. Are you listening Boo? :)

Well off to go visit some of the older folks in our Church. Our mens group goes out once a week to visit widows and widowers. We had a Man who lost his Wife a few weeks ago and so we have been visiting him every week. He seems to appreciate it.

Prayers for all.

Asa
February 28, 2017 - Msg 106915: G F SENDING YOU BACK ALL THIS COLD

TOM
February 28, 2017 - Msg 106916: That's nothing, John Masters..remember when Andy came downstairs in his boxers in front of everyone while Aunt Bee was pressing his slacks for the dance?! AND, the time he sat in the cell in his boxers and told a story to Otis? Now that was simply scandalous. ;)

Keep bragging about those boys, Romeena..I like it. I am very blessed to hear of the young men they have become and I am happy for you and your family.

I was watching some of the president's speech but got annoyed with the applause and standing ovations every two or three sentences. I got my shower and come to the computer. Nothing against the president, of course, but sometimes I think I have a little Attention Deficit Disorder or something.

Yes, I am listening Asa. I was just telling Bruce today that I wish Erin wasn't so emotional and dramatic, but I guess that just goes with the territory. She will give me grandchildren one day, God willing, and that will make up for it. :)
PS-you know what they say about widows...or at least that's what Ollie says (scandalous!).

John Master, I absolutely hear where you are coming from. My sister and I cared for my parents until the end of their lives and mom was almost a total care for 15 years, following a bad stroke. We cleaned a lot of accidents and had to learn a lot of patience. It was all worth it, of course, but those were tough times because my kids were still really young. We made it, though, and now mother in law is being cared for by someone else..huge load off.

Well, I am working day shift tomorrow. Last night was kind of a wild night at work..we had four admissions on our shift, which is a lot along with everything else like pulling and administering meds to so many kids. We got it all done but I was tired when I got home. I didn't do a lot today..mostly laundry so I am feeling rested.

Tomorrow will be a busy day, though..work, then I have to drive into Corpus Christ for the diagnostic testing I have scheduled in the afternoon, then take kids to church after that. Full schedule until 9pm. I sure I can sleep tonight. Maybe I'll take some Melatonin.

Boo
February 28, 2017 - Msg 106917: hope I can sleep, that is
February 28, 2017 - Msg 106918: Hey Boo..

Andy's got hot knees!

Good night to the entire Porch!

John Masters
February 28, 2017 - Msg 106919: Good evening, porch. Well, the poor Democrats. They just can't seem to be able to resist the impulse to act like spoiled brats. I couldn't believe they would just sit there during that speech like their backsides were glued to their chairs, and then those two young women in the "white dress section" who were very dramatically making thumbs-down signs. How juvenile, how petulant, how rude! Oh well, what can you expect? Their queen got dethroned and they just can't stand it.

Personally, I thought it was a great speech, and he delivered it well. If he ever looked at a note, I couldn't tell it, and I don't think there was a teleprompter either. I sure didn't see one. I almost had to laugh at one of the after-speech commentators, who insinuated that it's easy to say what you're going to do, but what has he done? Good grief, he's only been in office for a month! And as for the people who are complaining because he's filled his cabinet with wealthy people, well - it seems to me he's appointing people who have a record of getting things done. What would they have him do, appoint the local dogcatcher?

Good night, porch! --Romeena
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106920: JOHN--Regarding the "accidents" your father has, for the last two years of my dad's life I spent a little extra and got my dad the REAL Depends brand extra absorbent, adult briefs (I dont like to call them diapers) and they were a grey color instead of white. I believe it it really helped with his dignity, as they dont look much like diapers, but more like underwear, and he seemed very accepting of them. Just a thought.
ASA--what a great ministry to be visiting those folks. Good on you my friend!
TOM--we had rain today, but you can send us some cold! :)
Prayers for BOO! :)
ROMEENA--I thought it was good as well, but he DID indeed have a teleprompter.
When they showed wide shots, you could see the two "slanted" pieces of glass.
I don't want the porch to become 'political' again, but all I can say is that it
was 'very refreshing' after 8 years!
The bleesings of our Savior, Jesus Christ, be upon all!
MDC
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106921: Good Morning all.

I didn't get a chance to see the speech last night, but all the reviews I have read have been good, except from the main stream press who had nothing good to say about it. That tells me indeed it was a good speech. I will have to go find it and watch it.

Thanks MDC. It sure does make a person feel good to visit these kind lonely folks. The fellow we tried to visit last night is in an assisted living facility, but he was asleep and we didn't want to wake him. The nurse on duty told us he had a pretty rough day and he had just barley gotten to sleep. She also mentioned that he was not going to be there long because he was needing more care than they could offer. So very sad. He just lost his wife a few weeks ago, and he isn't doing well at all.

It is supposed to warm up nicely as the week goes along. Pushing 60 by Saturday. I love March!

Well off to work for me. With spring on the way, I have tons to do.

Asa
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106922: Asa, I think as we get older we can connect better with folks of age... Plus a lot of good stories if you take time to listen. Good on ya buddy for that ministry..👍

MDC I'm pretty much back to speed, thanks for asking....

Yep, TOM that mild weather was a February gift for sure, but yes we are back to "Normal" Ohio weather this week.

G-F
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106923: Good Wednesday porch folks. just a check point chickie this morning.

hope everyone is well. my end of the porch is getting ready for some pretty wicked weather today. winds, rain, hail on its way. many of the schools have canceled today and are sending schools and staff home.

March is coming in like a lion which hopefully means it will go out like a lamb.

please say a prayer for Mr. Maude as he is dealing with work issues and stress. thanks.

going to get busy here at work.
have a blessed day
Big Maude
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106924: Hey y'all! I'm all caught up on the archives and will try not to get so far out of the loop again!

Boo, I am praying for you,girl and hope all turns out well once you get the sonogram.Prayers for Mr. Maude as well and all in need.I'm glad to see that our "surgery fellers" are on the mend!

G-F, I haven't been able to get up to Mt.Airy in quite a while,but it would be a lot of fun to be there for the Meet- Up this summer. I'll see if I can swing it! Have you ever attended the festival in Westminster,SC? Think it's usually in May and it's a whole lot of fun. I hope to be there this year,so c'mon down!

Well, I've got a basket full of laundry that needs folding,so better get to it. Y'all take care and remember to act like somebody,'cause Sheriff Tom will lock ya up if ya don't!

***********
possum u.a.r.
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106925: Prayers for all who are in the path of the storm especially Maude... Tell Mr. Maude if you guys come to the Meet-Up, we all will be sure he gets "unstressed" 👍...

Possum I have not been to Westminster, I don't think they are having it this year....

Button down the hatches.....G-F
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106926: Well,shoot! You're right,G-F-no Mayberry Comes To Westminster Festival this year! :( I did some checking online and just read the "Official Verification" from the festival organizer. Dang it! I really enjoy that festival-oh well.. it says it may come back in 2018,so that's something to wish for. Thanks for letting me know.

possum again
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106927: GF and Tom--stay safe! I hear a big storm is brewing your way.
And Big Maude too! Good to see you again.
Yes prayers for Mister M, indeed!
More later,
MDC
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106928: Good afternoon, friends!

MDC - Yes, my father does wear a "diaper", but sometimes...it's not enough. I'll leave it at that.

Big Maude - Hey! Good to see you again! I had some good rumblers my way last night! The wife and I stayed up til one in the a. m. to track them and see what was going to happen! Luckily, they skimmed the corner of our county and we just got some high winds, sideways rain and lightning that looked like Elvis had just walked out on stage! Prayers from em as well for Mr. Maude. Stress is not fun and can rattle your cage a good bit. I give him the same advice I gave Boo...try to find moments alone and just breathe. Try to get your mind and body to calm together and just enjoy any monet you have with any peace you can find. It DOES help!

Boo - Fingers crossed, four leaf clover and lucky rabbit's foot for your tests. We're pullin' for ya'!

possum - Hey to the possum! It's been a little bit since we seen ya'. Good to have you back in the loop!

I didn't see Trump's speech last night, but understand that some Democrats sat on their hands during the honoring of the Navy SEAL killed in Yemen and his widow who was there at the speech. Deplorable, selfish act! I absolutely blasted them in my blog!

Hey, Hello and Howdy to G-F, Asa, TOM, SPOT, Romeena and everyone else working on the Mayberry Pageant! Y'all have a great day!

John Masters
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106929: On the run but checking in to let you know my tests were ok..just showed a slightly enlarged lymph node within the breast...very small. They think it's fine but we will do tests again in 6 months just to be safe. Thanks for the prayers!

Boo
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106930: Great news Boo. That makes me smile. :)

Asa
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106931: Thumbs up, a Yay and Whoo Hoo to Boo!

John Masters
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106932: HI ALL
I O K JUST A LITTLE FLOOD FROM ALL THIS RUN?

TOM

March 01, 2017 - Msg 106933: That's good to hear TOM...Glad it was not worse, we just got the strong winds....
Glad you got a good report Boo....

G-F
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106934: Thanks everyone. :)

Well, I heard from my brother in law and Mom in law is safely in the new facility and her sister who lives in the area was there with her to help her put her things away, etc. I hear she has a very sweet roommate and I hope it lasts!

Well, busy day today, non-stop since 6:30 this morning. I get to pick Sean up from the airport in the morning. He called me earlier and said he has body aches, sore throat and his chest feels funny. I guess he picked something up in Florida. He is ready to come home to his own bed and someone to take care of him while he was sick. The friends he visited there really took good care of him and made the trip special for him. I couldn't have asked for more.

Guess I will think about hitting the ironing board soon.
Thanks again for the prayer this week. You all are the cats!

Boo
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106935: Hooray for the good report, Boo! I'm glad you're going to have continuing follow-up, but it sounds like all is well. I'm betting that Sean will be fine when he gets home to his own bed and his mom. I don't care how old they get, they still need their mom.

I'm happy for our "surgery guys" too. Recovery takes a little longer when you're no spring chicken anymore, but it still happens.

Possum, and Big Maude, it's good to hear from you. We miss you gals when you're not around. TOM, you stay dry now, you hear?

Today was a difficult day. The daughter of a long-time friend chose to take her own life last Friday. She was only 40, left two daughters, ages 10 and 17, and a deeply grieving husband. Apparently it was totally unexpected, and the family is really at a loss to understand why she would do such a thing. Apparently the method chosen left no doubt that it was intentional. The memorial service was today, and our class provided a meal for the very large family at the church, as we almost always do. That made for a long day, and then I had errands to run, so I'm pooped!

Guess I'll hit the ironing board too. My back feels like it's being held together with baling wire, and is hurting more than usual. (whiiine!) Blessings, porch. --Romeena
March 01, 2017 - Msg 106936: Glad to hear that news,Boo! Thank God!

Goodnight,all-rest well.

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

March 02, 2017 - Msg 106937: Wow we had some storms here in Ga last night..left work at around 11 pm last night and its almost 4am and I'm headed back to help...will check in around noon...prayers and hey yall got any food for an ole dog...SPOT
March 02, 2017 - Msg 106938: Boo, sounds like Sean should get his uvula checked out.

Billy Ray the Amateur Doctor Postman.
March 02, 2017 - Msg 106939: When I see Spot posting here, I am always reminded of one of Steven Wright's lines:

"I spilled spot remover on my dog. He disappeared."

Billy Ray the Postman
March 02, 2017 - Msg 106940: Billy Ray, you need to get a job on one of those excursion boats...Tehe yuck, yuck!...lol... G-F
March 02, 2017 - Msg 106941: Good morning to the Porch!

Boo - I think Sean needs some of that "fly spray." You know, every so often give his throat a couple squirts.

Romeena - So sorry for your friend. I imagine that was a very solemn dinner. The question of why she did it must be unbearable for her family. Especially her husband. He is probably drilling himself on if he did something wrong. My condolences for your friend.

SPOT - Getcha some SONIC on me!

hey to Asa, G-F, Maude, Billy Ray, possum, MDC and everyone else tuned in to Leonard Blush.
Have a great day!

John Masters


March 02, 2017 - Msg 106942: Sonic is always a crowd-pleaser round these parts.
More later,
MDC
March 02, 2017 - Msg 106943: I am going to tread very lightly on a serious subject. I am way off the rest of the world's track about suicide. Everyone else is shocked when it happens. I am shocked there's not far more of it. Much of the world thinks this life is it, that there's no afterlife. If there's not, I can really understand the desire to escape this one. Not trying to be too morbid here, but that's a thing with me.

Billy Ray the Postman
March 02, 2017 - Msg 106944: Very sad concerning your friend's daughter, Romeena. Very sorry..God be with the family.

Billy Ray, I think most of can relate to what you are saying. I know there were times in my early adulthood that I really, truly wanted to die to escape the severe depression and anxiety I suffered with. I know, had it not been for my belief in God, I would have carried through with it, so I hear what you are saying. So many, especially young people losing hope in life. Very sad. I also want to add, that some still go through with suicide that do believe in a God and an afterlife, they just are in such a dark and painful place, they don't see any other way. How important it is for us to share God's love with the people in our lives..lots of hurting and hopeless folks in the world.

Prayers for Mr. Maude. I know all about husbands with stress, Dear. Hang in there. :)

Well, Sean got in safe and sound and had a wonderful time. He does feel bad and has a sore throat but I figure being practically chest to back with thousands of people at Disney world, it is easy to pick up a bug. Erin called me from school today to tell me she is sick with a cold. I gave her some cold medicine and Kleenex and put her to bed.

The weather here is gorgeous today..cool and dry like I love it. I have been hearing some thunder and seeing some lightening so I guess there is rain in the forcast, though.

Hope you all have a wonderful evening.

Boo




March 02, 2017 - Msg 106945: Good evening, porch. Billy Ray, you raise an interesting point, but I must admit, I have a little different slant on it. To me, I would think that if I believed this life is all there is, I would want to cling all the more tightly to it. The only reason I don't fear death is that I believe there is a better life coming. I want to get all I can out of this one, and then when the time comes, I'll step through the door and be in the eternal life that will be incomparably better.

In my opinion, there could be nothing sadder and more pitiful than believing we just appear here at some cosmic whim, live for a while, and disappear into nothingness. If I believed that, I'd fight to my last breath to stay alive. I surely wouldn't end it voluntarily, however messed up the world may be. I think it can all be summed up very simply - hope, or the lack of it, determines our attitude. That's just my opinion. --Romeena
March 02, 2017 - Msg 106946: Hey, Boo. You slipped in there. I agree, sometimes even in spite of one's faith, the despair can be so great that it overcomes all reason. You are absolutely right, our job is to try to offer that hope of a better life to our young people. Living a Christ-centered life can vastly improve the life here, and guarantee our presence in heaven for the life to come. I've always felt that generally speaking, Christians are the happiest people I know. If they're not, they should be. --Romeena
March 03, 2017 - Msg 106947: RO--so sorry about your friend's daughter. My prayers are with her family.
I have yet another "take' on this terrible thing.
St. Paul tells us that we do not struggle with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers! I truly believe that! All Christians need to know that the fallen angels (I'll hold off on the d word) are doing all they can to get us to turn our thoughts to such things, which is why Paul also stressed the importance of putting on the 'armor of Christ' everyday to the Ephesians! We must always be on our guard. In my own life, as I was going thru the excruciating pain of the first weeks after my surgeries, the Lord really spoke to me about some of the 'small, yet significant' things that I had allowed in my life in recent times, and it brought me to
a strong repentance, and acknowledgement.
There is that old song...'the God of the good times is still God in the bad times...' that i have heard on a
Gaither tape. It is now one of my favs... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTl4tUYIAg
Well, God is full of mercy, and were not sure what she called out when she took her life. He is the judge. So hard to understand tho.
God's blessings and Prayers for all,
MDC
March 03, 2017 - Msg 106948: Good morning all.

Romeena, I am so very sorry to hear of your friends daughter taking her life. This is a very tough subject for me. When I was 19, the best friend I ever had took his life. We had been best of friends since second grade, always hung out together. Always confided with one another. Always there for each other. I, as well as his family was shocked when it happened. He had been in a bit of a stormy relationship with a young woman, but they were planning on getting married I'm a year or less. All I can tell you is it left a wake of sad, mad, and confused loved ones behind. I was a basket case for quite some time after. The loved ones left behind are beating themselves up with questions. What could I have done to stop this? Why didn't he come talk to me? Did he, and I just didn't see the pain? Did I say or do something to bring this on? My feelings were a mixture of intense grief, confusion, anger, and disbelief. That has been 40 years ago, and if I dwell on thinking about it much, those same feelings come back again. For a very long time I was really angry with him for doing this. Then I would get feeling bad because I knew it was not right to be mad at him. He obviously was not thinking right to do what he did. It didn't help in that the manner in which he did it, left no doubt it was intentional, and it was a very violent death. I can say this though. It has changed my way of looking at life. And in how I treat people. I think it a a part of the reason why I avoid conflict and contention with loved ones as much as I do. I suppose nobody wants conflict in their lives, but sometimes it is unavoidable, and needed to resolve things. And when you go to lengths to avoid it, well sometimes that isn't such a wise thing to do. I don't know if that makes any sense at all. But just reading Ro's post, and the several responses has stirred up some very deep and emotional feelings in me. It happens every time I read or hear about suicide though. My deepest prayers with her family and loved ones left behind. They are going through a living he## right now, I am sure.

Asa
March 03, 2017 - Msg 106949: Oh My, I don't even know what to say... But my heart and prayers go out to all concerned. Surely some deep subject matter here lately.. But, I can say when one of us hurts we all hurt.... That is what family does. Prayers be with you ALL...

Asa, I can relate to your story, and I'll just leave it at that!...Crazy how we are connected in so many ways Brother but when a guy "gets" you, the polite thing to do is "get" right back... But I will share one moment I'm proud to say God put me in the right place, right time.
One of my best friends that I worked with lost his wife suddenly, I'll just say he was in a REAL dark mourning her death and could not shake the grief.

I had a real weird feeling one day and was given a 6th sense something was not right, I called him and convinced him to go out to eat at a good pizza place quite a way a ways away from us.. We had a good meal and some very good talk, ( I did ALOT of listening ) we talked how his wife's death and my divorce at the time were so much alike, both were "death's" of a marriage. I think both of us needed to hear each other's story... This was over 20 years ago, he shared with me a few years ago, he was ready to "end all the pain" that night and my call saved his life....WOW what do you say to that?,..
I say it was ALL GOD. He puts people and situations in our paths in dark times to help us....Yes, God is good!...

This is the same Friend I go to Mayberry Days with, and as I shared the story of how we decided to go to the event on a "whim" one day at lunch....Yes Virginia, "Life's to Short, and SO AM I !"...Wow, some deep stuff!.....

G-F

p.s. BTW, I'm going to lunch with him today... Life IS GOOD....So is Cracker Barrel! 👅👍
March 03, 2017 - Msg 106950: MDC...Great Video...Sorta says it All!....G-F again
March 03, 2017 - Msg 106951: Good morning, porch! Wow. I didn't realize I was going to unleash so many emotions and memories with that post about my friend's daughter. I was really just sharing the story because I knew you would pray for the family. I'm amazed to see how many of us have been touched by suicide at some time in their life, and it's obvious that the collateral damage from such an act extends well beyond the immediate family. Asa and G-F's stories are evidence of that. I think it's much more prevalent than we realize, and that says a lot about the sad spiritual state of this nation.

I think about my best friend from high school. She married young, as I did, and had three children - two girls and a boy. They divorced when the kids were small, and shortly afterward, he killed himself. A few years later, her younger brother did the same thing, and when her son was 22, so did he. My cousin's wife attempted it twice, but never succeeded. My daughter's brother-in-law did succeed, just a few years ago, and there have been others. The spiritual desert in which this nation lives is at least partly to blame. There are other factors, of course, and they are powerful. All we can do is pray, be there for those who are at risk, and love them. And let me tell you this - any of us, at any time, can be at risk. None of us are immune.

Well, in the midst of such heavy thoughts, a rapid tapping was heard, and sure enough, in a moment a woodp3cker appeared. He's now patrolling a tree outside my window, stopping to drill here and there! He's so pretty. Then, just to brighten the day a little more, an enormous mob of cedar waxwings descended in the yard, at least a hundred of them. They are just gorgeous, one of my favorite backyard birds. https://www.google.com/#q=cedar+waxwing+image&*. They don't nest in Texas, but they do overwinter here. They travel in large flocks, restless and always on the move. They will land in the yard, drink from my fountain and birdbaths, perch in the shrubs and trees for a while and then in a flurry of wings, they're gone as quickly as they came. Beautiful things!

Well, guess I'd better get busy. Lots to do today, and will be playing bunco tonight, so I'd better "get to it!" Blessings, friends. --Romeena
March 03, 2017 - Msg 106952: HI ALL.

THE LORD WATCHES OVER US

For all you need, pray to the LORD,
And HE answers in sweet accord.
From all harm,HE keeps you free;
HE watches over you and me.
HIS grace flows from up above,
Keeping us ever in HIS love.
No matter where you may be;
HE watcher over you and me.
In time of stress, HE lifts you up
And offers to you HIS HOLY CUP,
In which all sins are set free;
HE watches over you and me.
Prayerfully, uplift your eyes
To HIM who dwells in the skies.
Direct to HIM your frailty;
HE watches over you and me.

TOM