July 31, 2018 - Msg 110327: Ok Gang here is the link to last nights podcast about the Meet-Up we had in Mt.Airy. https://youtu.be/u_VFY2T4Wso
Asa if you look close at the beginning advertisments you even got one on there...Yep it was a FUN time..Amen Maude?

G-F again
July 31, 2018 - Msg 110328: Let me sweep while I’m at it too!.....
July 31, 2018 - Msg 110329: Good afternoon, porch. I hope all the birthday folks had a happy one. I know my mom did, since hers is being celebrated in heaven. She would be 100 today, if she were still here. You know something? As hard as it is to give our loved ones up when their time comes, after a while you see the brighter side of it. My mom was still quite active and happy when she passed. My dad had Alzheimer's, but was still physically functional, and had enough of his mind still working that he could make little jokes and enjoy limited conversation. My Dale was healthy and strong. None of them had to pass through a miserable time. Also, in my mind, Dale will always be 58, tall and handsome and strong. I realize those gifts aren't given to everyone, but for many, they are, and it's a comfort to the family after the initial shock subsides a little. At least, it has been so for me. And then, as James Montgomery said, "it is not all of life to live, nor all of death to die."

Boo, like you, I'm sick of gun violence, but it occurs to me that in reality, it's just violence that is the problem. If suddenly every gun ever made just vanished, those who wish to do harm would simply use another method. They would bomb, or throw acid, or use knives, whatever. It's the heart of the individual that is the problem. Guns are merely a tool, and could be replaced at any time with something else - anything else. That man in Toronto last April murdered 10 people and injured 15 by driving a van along a sidewalk in the city. That's why I don't want to see guns outlawed - they're the only defense we have.

I feel safer sitting in my church's sanctuary because I know if a deranged person came in there shooting people, there are several men in our congregation who are armed, and somebody would take him out before he got to far. If he came in and started throwing bombs or grenades, he could do a tremendous amount of harm before he was stopped. It's a sad day, when people have to be defensively armed in a church, but that's the way it is. The problem is in the hearts and minds of a few troubled people. It's not the guns. The one on my nightstand never moves an inch, except when I pick it up to clean it or dust under it. It has never hurt anyone, and it won't, unless someone comes in my house and threatens me. Then it will defend me.

Asa, you be careful getting so overheated. Carry a lot of water and stay hydrated. As for those who gripe about the 77° in the building, I would definitely find them an outdoor job for a few hours. Snowflakes!

Well, guess I'd better think about dinner. I have some Chinese food left from last night, maybe I'll just have that. They give you so much in one order of take-out, I never can eat it all in one meal.

Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
July 31, 2018 - Msg 110330: Romeena, you had me pondering on your last post...SNOWFLAKES!..I was always told no two snowflakes are alike, but in today’s world they are TOTALLY alike!...But as I sat down to eat and thought on the subject I realized when they pile up on one another they make a REAL MESS!...Then you have to shovel, blow, plow them to another location to get them to move. So in that sense it is the PERFECT connotation for the term...Amen Asa?....

Thru the eyes 👀 of a Goob....
July 31, 2018 - Msg 110331: Hahaha! G-F, you put a whole new light on the snowflake thing. I was using it from the political sense - can't stand the heat, sensitive to every little nuance of what people say, meltdowns are frequent, etc. I like what you've added to the picture. I like real snowflakes, but not too fond of the other kind. --Romeena
July 31, 2018 - Msg 110332: I agree, Romeena. If it had not been a gun, it could have been a bomb but in this case, I think if the guy had not had access to a gun at that time, he might have sobered up and thought things through. who knows, though. If he was the kind of guy who was determined, he could have done something that would have resulted in more loss of life. There are just so many unknowns.

Well, it has been a very special birthday so far. I met with my new friend, Tori, and had a very interesting visit. We sat and had tea and coffee at this great coffee house near here that I had not really known about but it is a great place to meat and visit. We had a very deep conversation for 2 hours before we had to go. I think it was the best talk I have had with anyone in probably years. What a blessing. Someday I will tell you more about her and her story because it is very interesting. Later I had to make a trip to the store (but a quick one) and then I went to see St. Susan for a quick visit, then came home. Here is what was amazing..at around 6:30 or so, the sky darkened up and I was curious so I went out onto the back porch to take a look. I stepped out into the yard and it happened!..I swear a cool front blew in. Strong north winds and the temperature immediately dropped 10 degrees..then the rain started. Now if you know me very well you know how I struggle with the endless summer temperatures here. It was just amazing. I stood in the middle of the yard with outstretched arms feeling like that guy on the Shawshank redemption when he finally crawled out of the sewer and into freedom. I just stood there as the cool wind blew and the rain came down on me, and in a flash...the smell of the rain took me back to my childhood and there, magically, were those feelings! It was surreal and felt like a real gift from God himself. In my now 56 years, I don't ever recall a front of any kind in July. Wow. I pulled my chair out into the middle of the yard and just sat there in the rain for at least 30 minutes. It was sheer heaven..until I actually got too cold and had to come in to a warm shower. What a wonderful gift on my birthday!

The evening isn't over yet. Sean will be coming home from work and his friends Alaina and Josh will be coming over and we will have pizza together. I will have the vegetarian one but am going to allow myself a little cheese on my birthday. :)

Love to All,
Boo
August 01, 2018 - Msg 110333: HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOO! That is really amazing about the rainstorm! Very cool indeed. We had one last night too, but it was more dust and wind than it was rain. :(
ROMEENA--did you get a new printer yet; or perhaps one of the grandkids fixed the current one? ha
G-F---thanks for the video link. I really liked the part where
Allen said that in today's world of such craziness, how neat it was to sit under the gazebo and listen to people talk about Mayberry.
Did you get to meet Big Maude??
JOHN M.--thanks for the Sonic drink. Did you hear about their new
pickle juice freeze?!!
Hang in there folks,
MDC

August 01, 2018 - Msg 110334: Oooooh, pickle juice freeze? I think I'll just have to try that. I love pickles, and have been known to drink pickle juice, and I like any kind of freeze-y drink, so it sounds made to order for me.

Yep, MDC, I got a new printer, but it's still in the car. It's too bulky and heavy for me to get it out of the car and wrestle it into the house, so will wait for my son, or a grandson, or maybe Eddie can do it when he comes to mow. I got an HP 8710 for $119 and it comes with already loaded with ink, so it was a bargain. Of course, the printer people aren't really selling printers, they're selling ink, and we all know that. It's a good printer, a four-in-one - prints, copies, scans and fax. It even prints front and back. For $70 more I could have gotten the 8720 which also scans front and back, but I don't need that at all, so no point in spending the extra money. I do use the front and back printing, though. It saves me a lot on paper when I'm printing stuff for my ESL classes.

Boo, I know what you mean about the feeling of a fresh "norther", but I don't think I've ever experienced it in the middle of the summer. I'll bet you really did enjoy that. I think we got that same front, though it didn't enter so abruptly. We've been ten to fifteen degrees cooler the last two or three days, and it really has been nice. We got a little spitty rain shower yesterday morning, not enough to do any good, but better than nothing.

Well, Toye Starr is huffing and puffing, I think she's ready for bed. She hates it when I stop ff at the computer, poor little thing. She just gets into the little cuddlebed by my feet under the desk, and sighs a lot. She's rotten, but I don't care. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
August 01, 2018 - Msg 110335: I've noticed a lot of typos in my posts lately, guess I'll have to proofread. My right wrist and hand are still boogered up from when I fell. I did sprain the wrist, which has probably healed, but it aggravated the arthritis. I notice I'm skipping a lot of letters - that's because my typing touch is altered somewhat. Any extra letters or symbols are probably due to my fingernails being too long and catching on the key above the one I want. Guess I should at least fix that! Bloomin' things grow like weeds! --Romeena
August 01, 2018 - Msg 110336: Yep MDC Maude and gott together, she rode with me to eat at the “Depot” and the “Loaded Goat” restaurants..
http://www.theloadedgoat.com/
http://www.codycreek.org/
Both are neat places to eat if you ever are in the area....
BTW she is in the videos Floyd showed on the podcast, we had a fun time as you can see from the video.....Speaking of dill pickles, they had fried pickles at the Loaded Goat too!

G-F
August 01, 2018 - Msg 110337: Woo Hoo Gang ..Rain all day here in Ga..Hey Possum,Romeena,GF,Boo,MDC,Asa,Lucy,JM and all...Lunch Menu:Grilled Burgers..Swiss or American Cheese,fresh SPOT garden tomatoes,bacon if ya want(both limp and crisp)tater salad,baked beans,hot peppers...sweet tea..gona be good...prayers...SPOT
August 01, 2018 - Msg 110338: Good Wednesday porch! stopping by for a quick visit this afternoon. hope all is well today.

G-F is absolutely correct when he says we had a big ole time at the meet up. A good time was had by all in attendance. The Loaded Goat and The Depot was a great time as was sitting around Gazebo and visiting,watching episodes and playing trivia games. I visited with Betty Lynn again this year at the Andy Grffith Museum and was able to get another picture autographed. She is a lovely person and so gracious to all the fans. Thanks to GF who graciously let ride to The Loaded Goat and The Depot. He along with other folks put their time and energy into making the meet up fun for everyone. His sister made the cutest and tastiest barber pole cookies for the meet up. I am looking
forward to meet up # 7 next year.

Thanks for lunch SPOT.
Better get to work.
Prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude

August 01, 2018 - Msg 110339: Very cool about you and Maude getting together, G-F! One of these days I am going to drive up and pick up Possum and head to Mayberry...and Ro, too, if she is willing. :) wouldn't that be fun? I will drive, Possum can be in charge of roadtrip music, and Romeena can tend to Toye Starr and enjoy the scenery. Wonder if we could make that happen..?

Romeena, out little front didn't last long. I think the high here was 99 today. Ick. I was in side mostly, though so it didn't bother me. I went in to Corpus Christi at lunchtime with Sean and his friend Alaina and we met with my sister in law and another friend to have Mexican food. It was really good but it is time to slow down on the eating. My stomach has been giving me some problems lately and I am putting too much food in it for it to recover!

Maude, I am so glad you had a good time! How I would love to meet Betty Lynn. she seems like such a sweet person when I see her in interviews.

Well, I am working on laundry tonight because I took the day off yesterday. Better get back to it.

Boo
August 01, 2018 - Msg 110340: I wanted to drop back by and just take a minute to thank our Floyd for keeping the porch up and running. It means so much to us. Thanks again, Floyd. We appreciate you! You are the cats.

Boo

August 01, 2018 - Msg 110341: Thelma, Louise and Possum Go to Mayberry....Sounds like a movie to me!...Except no driving off cliffs!... But the trip up to Pilot Mountain is a must see!...The view is AWESOME!

G-F
August 01, 2018 - Msg 110342: I've got the music to swing it! I'm in!

************
possum u.a.r.
August 02, 2018 - Msg 110343: Well, I have shaken my cold, thank the Lord, and tomorrow is the
day I meet with the heart surgeon. Please say a little prayer. Thx.
BIG Maude, good to hear from you. Glad you had a good time at the meet-up, and even got to see G-F and tags under the stars.
RO--dont worry about the typos. Finding them keeps my 'English teacher" skills sharp! ha
Possum, you are one wonderful 'person!'
God's rich blessings upon you and yours.
SPOT--dont be such a stranger!
Well, better hit the hay before the windmills of my mind stop spinning! :)
MDC
August 03, 2018 - Msg 110344: Shakedown!

August 03, 2018 - Msg 110345: Good Friday morning all.
Looks like we are in the middle of a SHAKEDOWN! That's serious stuff.

All this talk about our Birthday girls here on the Porch, I just have to add that my 7th Grandkiddy will officially arrive in a couple of weeks. He will be my second Grandson. We are pretty durn excited.

Possum, I pray you are doing ok. Bless yer little Possum heart. Stay strong!

Good to see you GF. I need to take a look at the link you provided for the meet-up. I will do that this weekend. I hope you and yours are well.

Romeena, did you get your printer hooked up and working? Make sure your wires are big enough.

I will second Boo's shout out of thanks to Floyd for the Porch. Speaking of Floyd, I saw the first Floyd on a "Fugitive" episode the other night. I think that's the only other time I have seen him besides on TAGS. But that does lead me to a question. Was the first Floyds last name Lawson? Or Colby? I don't think it was ever mentioned in the one episode he was in, but if memory serves me, wasn't the name of the shop Colby's? Curious, curious, curr-ious!

Boo, yes, It is most as$uredly the dog days of summer.

MDC, I pray your meeting with the Heard Doc went well buddy. You are certainly in my prayers my friend.

Well off to slay the dreaded dragon.

Asa
August 03, 2018 - Msg 110346: Whoops, that's Heart Doctor. :0

Asa
August 03, 2018 - Msg 110347: I'm doing pretty good, Asa-thank you.I do have my moments but they don't last too long. I know where my mama is and that brings me a lot of comfort. Plus,she wouldn't want me to get totally bogged down in grief. Just taking it day by day. Sure appreciate all of the kindness,prayers & love.

Now, does anybody have an incant to STOP rain?! Good flippin' grief,have we had the rain!

Prayers for MDC, Nick, and all in need. Y'all take care.

***********
possum u.a.r.
August 03, 2018 - Msg 110348: Good afternoon, porch. I've been almost incommunicado for the past couple of days. Not only due to my woes with the printer fouling things up, but Spectrum cable was in the area for the past two days, replacing all the cable in the neighborhood. As one of the linemen told me, it was "years" old, and this is a "squirrel-y" area, so the cable was not reliable. The workers were polite, efficient, and respectful of property. They're finished now, and when I logged on to my computer just now, I can really tell a difference! When I click a link, the page appears almost before my finger leaves the key! Big improvement, very big. BIG, I say!

I haven't installed the new printer, but will probably do that tomorrow. I did get it out of the car, now I have to get it into the house and back to this room. I have a little luggage thingy that I think I'll use. Actually, I can carry it - I lifted it out of the car and it wasn't as heavy as I thought, but it's very bulky. When we Bumbles no longer bounce as well as we used to, we learn to be a bit more cautious about risking a fall. For that matter, I suppose I could just drag it. The box is just too big and cumbersome to carry. There's a step-down and a step-up on the path to this room. I'll figure it out.

MDC, I pray that all the news from the heart doc today is good. Hang in there, buddy.

Possum, reading your comments above, I can see that your thinking is good and positive. Stay strong, think of the good times, and anticipate the unspeakably good times that are to come. I'm proud of you!

I slept "wrong" last night, and woke up with a big old crick in my neck! I hate when that happens. I'm supposed to go play bunco tonight, and I guess I will, but I think I'll have to break down and take an Advil before I go. I don't often take anything like that, I mostly take no pain medication at all, but this crick is the kind that goes clear down into my back and shoulder, and is really uncomfortable. (whine....) I think I'll put a hot pack on it for a half hour or so before I get dressed to go play. I'd skip bunco, but it's too late to get a sub, and that's not fair to the others. If someone doesn't show up or get a sub for themselves, the group has to play with a "ghost" at one table all night. It can be done, and has been done, but it's awkward. It gets confusing too, since you change partners after each hand, one pair also changes tables, and the ghost has to accompany you to the table you're moving to, then picks up a different partner at that table.

Well, guess I'll go get that hot pack. Blessings, friends. --Romeena
August 04, 2018 - Msg 110349: HI ALL, we did meet with the surgeon yesterday,
and here are the basics of what transpired: After looking over the
heart MRI (July 3) and the heart cath (July 13) results, he has determined that I AM a candidate
for heart valve replacement surgery.
It has been scheduled for September 14 at a Banner hospital in Phx.
He will replace my mitral valve with a bovine (cow) valve, and he will 'repair' my tricuspid valve
with a 'ring' device that he showed us. It helps the valve to open and close properly.
He will also seal off something called the Atrial Appendage, as blood can clot in there.
He said that my heart problem is neither 'restrictive' or 'constrictive,' which is good, and also the tests showed that
the equalization of pressure between the chambers is OK.
This doctor, Orazio Amabile, MD, has an excellent record with this type of surgery, and comes
highly recommended. He has been doing these for about 17 years.
I am not looking forward to this, as I have been poked and prodded so much since February,
but if will help strengthen my heart, really help me cut down on diuretics and
blood thinners, and help me be generally stronger, then I am all for it.
After about 5 days in the hospital, it will be about an 8 week recovery time.
If I could live thru that wild hip surgery recovery of 2017, I guess I can do this too.
There is one thing tho, he wants another heart cath done first because the first one didnt show the coronary arteries very well. So that will happen in about 10 days.
Thank you for all your prayers and support during these many months.

Now on to TAGS, ha! I was watching the Rifleman today, and Mark went fishing at Myers Lake! ha I'd recognize that lake and clearing anywhere. So funny to see the same trees, everything.
RO--do you have any kind of rolling kitchen cart you could put the printer on?
(or "on which you could put the printer.") :) Then you could roll it to its destination, and it would be 'up high.'
Not much Nascar talk this year on the porch. SPOT, you been watchin?
God's blessings upon all!
MDC
August 04, 2018 - Msg 110350: Wow! Sorry for the book! mdc
August 04, 2018 - Msg 110351: We will keep you in our prayers MDC for your procedure in September. SHAZZAM a cow valve? What they won’t think of next!...It puts a whole new meaning to the term “I better get MOOving”!..Good Luck Buddy, But the most important thing is to get the heart working properly again...

G-F
August 04, 2018 - Msg 110352: Good morning, Porch

MDC - My 85 year old father went thru TWO major surgeries in three months. The first was two remove his appendix along with a cancerous growth the size of a grapefruit. The appendix had to come out because the growth damaged the appendix by it's growing against the appendix.
Next, he had FIVE aneurysms from his stomach to where your torso meets the top of your thighs. They cut him from bottom of rib cage to well....very low. They wrapped all five to keep them from bursting. They told us, when he was finished and in recovery, that he had a heart attack during the surgery.
I am happy to say he is currently sitting in his bedroom watching westerns and drinking his coffee. Sometimes, the body can do AMAZING things!
Best wishes, good thoughts and prayers for your surgery!

Possum - Dog gone 'ya!! Look up them gypsies and see if they can't hex us some rain in southern Missouri! My grass is brown and sounds like thin toast crunching when I walk on it! There are creeks here that have turned into rock gardens!

Romeena - I am in need of a new printer too. My is sluggish. Hope you get that kink worked out. Might try Barney's stretchin' harness!

Asa - Congrats on the new addition to your family! When you get to hold him, see if he'll take hold of your "fanger."

A Happy weekend to Boo, SPOT, Maude, G-F and everyone else that attended Tom Silby's funeral.

SONIC drinks on me today! Get your pop, shakes or slushes!

John Masters
August 04, 2018 - Msg 110353: ^^^^that should say "to remove his appendix..."

JM
August 04, 2018 - Msg 110354: ^^^^that should also say "MINE" is sluggish

Folks, can you tell I was a little foggy when I decided to write this?! :D

JM
August 05, 2018 - Msg 110355: Well, sorry to hear that you will behaving surgery, MDC, but glad there is something that can be done to help you. Hope you feel like a million bucks after your recovery and I will certainly keep you in my prayers! Nobody wants to go through something like that, but I have heard so many positive testimonies from people who have, including my own dad, as I have mentioned before.

I heard from my friend Cynthia today and her scan showed little progression of the cancer since May, so they are going to do another round of chemo this coming week while she is in Austin.

Tonight I hosted Emily's birthday party and it was a good time. We ate burgers and hotdogs, had cake, and showed an outdoor movie on the garage door.

Hey to John Masters...amazing about your dad!

Wonderful news about getting a new grandson soon, Asa!

Romeena, hope your neck crick is better. Those are the worst.

Boo
August 05, 2018 - Msg 110356: I just love the porch. Very relaxing. No Frankie lately. What’s up? Also, where’s Poor Horatio? Medwin Bill Medwin
August 05, 2018 - Msg 110357: GOOD SABBATH to all.
I think I saw Hody Snitch fishing with Mark McCain! lol Do you all remember the Hody story that Andy told Opie?
Regarding the surgery, I am placing it all in Jesus hands. So far, I am at peace about it.
JOHN--Thanks for the word about your dad, that IS pretty amazing!
BOO--that party sounded like a good old fashioned cook out! :)
RO--I hope the 'bunco squad' didnt raid the game! haha
Well, heading off to bed.
MDC

August 05, 2018 - Msg 110358: Good Sabbath one and all!

Boo - Well shoot...kinda sorry I missed your party. Sounded like a humdinger! Best wishes to Cynthia!

Hey to Medwin, Frankie, MDC, Asa, Romeena, G-F, PH and everyone else that helped fix up Frank Myers' home.

John Masters


August 05, 2018 - Msg 110359: Thanks John Masters! Wouldn't it be a dream if we all actually lived in the same town and could attend events together? I'd be having Mayberry gatherings every month!

Yes, MDC, it was a good time because the people who came were folks that attend my sister's church but I have known for many years..really good folks. If you noticed the guy at the table with the beard, I knew him since he was an infant. He is almost 40 now. Everything just turned out great and I didn't have to do a lot of the work because Matthew did the grill stuff and susan made potato salad. All I made was a big pan of the best baked beans you ever had!...and vegetarian, believe it or not. I don't eat cake or desserts, so the sweet baked beans were my dessert. I am still very careful about sugary foods because I feel so lousy if I eat too much sugar. It just isn't worth a few minutes of enjoyment to me.

MDC, I have been thinking on your surgery and praying. I know you said you put it in Jesus' hands and that is the best thing to do. If any worrying needs to be done, just tell us and we will do the worrying for you while you cast your cares on God. ;) I am hoping and believing that you come through it all much better off than you feel right now. Some things (even the hard ones) are so worth going through when you get to the other side. Thanks for the best wishes for Cynthia. I hope and pray this round of chemo is easier on her than the last one.

I hope Romeena is doing better today and didn't get too crazy at Bunco last night. Hopefully she didn't make her crick worse. lol. I'll bet the ibuprofen helped. I seldom take anything but if I take just one ibuprofen, sometimes it does so much good.

Well, Bruce has his shoulder surgery bright and early in the am. I will let you all know how it goes. Please send up a prayer for him.

Love to all,
Boo

August 05, 2018 - Msg 110360: If you are out there, Possum, hope you are having a good day.

Boo
August 05, 2018 - Msg 110361: oops..it was John Master who sent the good wishes to Cynthia..thanks, John.

Boo
August 05, 2018 - Msg 110362: Here's a little something that I thought you all may enjoy on this Sunday afternoon...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUwkHWwC-D0

Prayers,
MDC :)
August 05, 2018 - Msg 110363: and prayers for Bruce!
August 05, 2018 - Msg 110364: Howdy, porch. I just got home from church and lunch afterward with a bunch of my SS class friends. We went to a Mexican restaurant that makes the very best chips and salsa - I could make a meal off just that! (But I didn't!)

MDC, you will definitely be in my prayers as you undergo that surgery. Boo is right, there are so many wonderful stories from folks who have had that done. I just know that you're going to feel so much better when it's over. Are they going to do it open, or through a scope? Some of the valve replacements are scope surgeries these days. Hard to imagine, but they're doing it, and it works well.

Boo, Bruce will also be on my prayer list. Shoulder surgery is no picnic, not for him, nor for you! He's going to need a lot of assistance, as you know. Hang in there, trooper!

Yep, this porch is a peaceful, restful place. I know a lot of non-Mayberry folks don't understand that, but it's true. Blessings, y'all! --Romeena
August 05, 2018 - Msg 110365: Well, I am thankful for the Porch friends! It has been a long time, but life happens. I need to do a lot of reading.. catching up, and just plain relaxing with friends. Thanks. Glad to see the folks still here. Now where's my chair?? ~New Neighbor
August 05, 2018 - Msg 110366: Hey there, New Neighbor! Great to see you on the porch again. Please don't stay away.

Thank you for the prayers for Bruce.

Loved the video, MDC.

Boo
August 06, 2018 - Msg 110367: Good Monday morning all.

Well I'll be dogged. New Neighbor popped back in. So good to see you back. How are you and your family? I think of you all often. I had the pleasure of meeting New Neighbor and her Daughter Courtney years ago when they came here to visit Utah State. Great to see you, and I hope you stay with us. How is Grace doing?

MDC, I am sorry you are having all these health challenges my friend. But I am glad they can offer you a fix for it all. You are for sure in my Prayers my friend. Hang in there.

Boo, My prayers for Bruce that all goes well. My co-worker finally returned back to work last week from his surgery. His went really well, just a very long recovery for him. I'm glad Cynthia's condition has not gotten worse at least.

Hey to John Masters. And Bill Mwdwin

Romeena, Is your neck all better? Makes you wonder how you could have slept to make it hurt like that, doesn't it? I hate when that happens.

Prayers for all for a good day.

Asa
August 06, 2018 - Msg 110368: Morning, Porch!

New Neighbor - Hello! I dont believe we've been formerly introduced. I'm John Masters in southwest Missouri.

Boo - I am so sorry. I guess I missed Bruce having his own health problems. My best to him and his surgery! Good wishes and prayers!

Romeena - Back when I was about 12 years old, me and some friends used to walk up to a Mexican diner and order Cokes. They brought the complimentary chips and salsa only if you ordered. So....we ordered....the drinks to wash down the free chips and dip! ;)
To paraphrase Fun Girl Daphne, "weren't we terrible!"

It's a new week. Better get after it. A good Monday morning to Asa, GF, possum, PH, Maude, MDC, SPOT, Medwin and everyone else that bought something at Burt Miller's stand.

John Masters
August 06, 2018 - Msg 110369: Well, for pete's sake! New Neighbor, it's been dog years since we saw you. So good to have you back in your rocker, and we really hope you won't disappear again. This porch is a mighty fine place to be.

Praying today for MDC and Bruce as they undergo surgery, that all will be successful, and recovery will be easy. Prayers also for Cynthia's recovery.

Asa, yes, my old crickety neck is fine, thanks. A couple of hot showers, one Advil tablet to reduce the inflammation a little, and being more careful about pillow arrangements did the trick.

John Masters, that was pretty sneaky of you kids to get a free lunch that way, but smart. I say "lunch" because I could easily make lunch out of just chips and salsa. I like a thick, tomato-y salsa, with enough heat in it to be interesting, but not too uncomfortable. I do like my hot stuff. By the way, does everyone know how to get relief from the heat of peppers? Drinking water or tea or whatever just spreads it, and doesn't extinguish the fire. What you want is something dairy-based. Obviously, milk is the best thing, but when you're like me and don't drink milk, you have to find other answers. So - butter (real butter) will work, as will sour cream. Those things are usually on the table somewhere in a Mexican restaurant, and trust me, just a bite of sour cream will cool things right down. Try it!

Well, guess I'll go scare up some lunch. Not much in there, but I'll find something. I'm easy to feed, since I like pretty much everything. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
August 06, 2018 - Msg 110370: Drat! Sorry, porch. Didn't mean to yell at you like that! --Romeena
August 06, 2018 - Msg 110371: Boy! Just leave out one little old / and the porch will get all bent out of shape. --Romeena
August 06, 2018 - Msg 110372: Hello Front Porch: Such a safe place to visit. Because you're always locked and loaded. With PRAYER. My brother Don was in a car wreck Sunday morning. (wouldn't you know his name is Don). He is a senior. He has a hip injury. Also back in the hospital this morning for other related issues. We don't speak or visit often anymore like we once did. We are on good terms though. But he is my brother. My stomach is sick. My thoughts are wandering aimlessly in my head. I don't like to ask people for anything but I need to get the job done so he returns home in good health. So if you will help us out on this one I'd really appreciate it. Please pray for my brother Don and my situation. I seen a picture of the damaged car and it is now just scrap metal and plastic. If it wasn't for seat belts and air bags this thing could have easily gone the other way. Medwin Bill Medwin
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110373: Well Medwin, sending good thoughts and prayers for your brother! Take a deep breath and a day at a time. I'm sure our fellow Porchsters will be right behind me in sending their wishes.

Nasty storms comin' across the midwest tonight. Hope not to get rumbled out of bed in those wee hours.

Have a good and peaceful night, folks!

John Masters
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110374: Thank you John. The prayers have been working hard all day and evening. I feel it. I know the Porchster’s are behind us. That’s why I asked. Sometimes in life you have to call upon the big hitters. I understand completely about the deep breath. I listen to this calming hypnosis type delta wave sound on YouTube. Some have breathing and exhaleing as a initial excercise. It’s pretty interesting to research on how it works. Medwin Bill Medwin
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110375: BILL--you have my prayers for sure. We catholics have our wriiten prayer books, but I tend to just talk right to Jesus as I would a brother, and I asked him tonight to please heal your brother, and
to give aid and comfort to the family. :)

RO-- you are very bold! I'm still afraid to try to do that. I think I would mess things up. BTW, my surgery is scheduled for Sept. 15,
but your 'early' prayers are most welcome! :)

BOO--how is Bruce doing? I pray that it is an 'easy' recovery.

Nwe Neighbor--good to see you again! So neat you got to meet ASA.

Take care all!
MDC

August 07, 2018 - Msg 110376: Make that Sept 14th
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110377: Prayers for your Brother Bill Medwin.

Hope you are doing ok Possum.

I'm worried about Frankie Flint. I hope her Mom is ok.

Asa
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110378: Bruce is fine..surgery went well but he needs alot of help now. He can't use his right arm and it's in this contraption that hold it up and away from his body. He has to sleep in the recliner but can't put the foot up and down so you can see how things are. Lol...could be a long week. Thank you for your prayers!

Boo
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110379: Good morning, porch! My goodness, so many prayer needs this morning. What a blessing, to be able to approach our Lord with our needs, and know that we will be heard.

MDC, I don't know where I got the idea that your surgery was yesterday, but I did. Oh well, as you said, it doesn't matter. God honors the intent of our prayers, not the timing. The model prayer, given by Jesus in Matthew 6, is a beautiful guideline for prayer, and many of us memorized it as children. Sometimes we recite it as it was given, especially in a group setting, and find a lot of comfort in it. However, as you mentioned, personal and private prayer often becomes more like a conversation between friends, and can be infinitely sweet. It has become so habitual for me that it's almost like it never ends. The best analogy I can offer is it's like the operating system of my computer. It's running in the background, influencing and assisting me in everything I do. (There's a brief discussion of this in the book I wrote.) It's true that we non-Catholics don't engage in memorized prayer as often as Catholics do, but as you have revealed, I believe many Catholics pray from the heart quite often. I think if the intention of the heart is what it should be, God hears prayer, whether spontaneous or pre-written. There have been times in my life when I just couldn't frame the words, and fell back on the 23rd Psalm. It said it all. Then there are those most desperate of times, and I know now that this was done for me after Dale passed, when we can't even utter a written prayer. That's when the Spirit takes over, as described in Romans 8:26-27. God has, in all things, made provision for us to find help and relief. The one thing He has not done is to force us. It's all done by free will. We have to seek Him, and ask Him to help us. We are not puppets, He doesn't pull our strings.

Boo, I guess your assignment for the immediate future (should you choose to accept it) is to make that recliner go back or forward, PRN. I'll bet it's really annoying Bruce to be so dependent, but I'll bet he's also grateful that he has you. We all face times when we need a little help from a "friend." Prayers for you both!!

Well, guess I'd better go feed my little pink-eared friend. She looks so cute and pretty after her grooming last week. Tiny solid white dog, with bright pink ears, topknot and tail plume. She's a sight! When I take her out somewhere with me, people just can't resist petting her, and she loves it, so she makes a lot of people happy! Goodness, what a blessing she is, the sweet little thing. --Romeena
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110380: Good afternoon all.

Boo, I'm glad Bruce survived the surgery, but Oh my goodness, he can't operate his Wheeler lever. This is serious!! You can't take that away from a feller and not expect anything but bad to result. Poor Bruce. You hear about stuff like this, but you never think it's going to happen to you! :)

Romeena, very well said about prayers. What a blessing to be able to converse with God.

Well back at it for a couple more hours.

Asa
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110381: Glad to hear that Bruce's surgery went well and I'll be praying that he has a quick recovery. Prayers also for MDC as he gears up for his surgery and sending healing prayers out for Bill Medwin's brother.

Y'all take care. I'm doing okay.Love to all!

*************
possum u.a.r.
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110382: Hope y'all are getting out for those primaries today! Gotta back the President and his picks. Seems like some very "off" and wacky politicians out there who should be leaving office or never let in the door! Wife and I going later. BTW, I thought some of you might want to check out a journalist named Todd Starnes. He has good coverage of religious persecution and other left factors in the U.S. Here is his site:

www.toddstarnes.com

My state is one of the BIG ones. Wife and I going to vote later.

John Masters
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110383: Hi again, folks.

Listen, I usually dont go into any real political stuff on a high level, but I wanted you all to read this piece. It is one of the most reprehensible, horrible and gut turning things I have ever read. Holding my tongue right now is very hard. Soapbox back under porch.

Go to www.townhall.com and read "Heartless critics mock terminally ill prolife Texas teenager"


John Master
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110384: Evening folks, it's so good to be back among friends. Asa, in response to your question about Courtney... she is the mama to 3 little blondes. 1,3 &4 years old. She gragiated from vet school in May and has now been deployed to Cuba! The army doesn't look at your mama status!! More later.
~New Neighbor
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110385: Well folks, it is indeed the dog days here on my end. 92 was our LOW temperature last night! Yikes.
Highs have been about 115, but y'all know the drill. ha
JOHN--our primary is not until Aug 28th here. Not sure why so late,
but has been end of august for many years.
I've seen your sweet doggie on FB, and my, she is indeed a cutie! :)
Hang in there BOO. Here comes some of that "for better or for worse" stuff. :) I'm sure the kids are also pitching in.
More later,
Prayers continue.
MDC
August 07, 2018 - Msg 110386: Loved those words on prayer, Romeena..so true! thanks for sharing your heart.

Yes, Asa, Bruce is having a frustrating time with that old recliner. Now he is wishing he had listened to me and gotten rid of that old dinosaur when I wanted him to get a new one. It is hard to put the foot up and down and now he can't. Last night we tried to rig up a pulley with a rope and duct tape but he still couldn't work the thing. We decided to leave the foot down and replace it with the ottoman from my chair (oh, the sacrifices one makes ;), that way he can get up and down without my help now. He is in a considerable amount of pain today but should be getting better tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for the prayers!

I have had to stick around the house and only ventured out once today to get subway for dinner. They make a pretty good veggie sub on whole wheat. I just substitute some avocado in place of cheese and it is really good. I have them load that sucker up with veggies (hold the jalapenos and banana peppers).

So right about the for better or for worse stuff, MDC. I have turned my back and rolled my eyes so many times they may just stay that way! lol

Boo