August 13, 2019 - Msg 112733: ROMEena--glad to hear that your PT went well.
I'm not sure about TX, but here in AZ a PT person has to have earned a Masters. And also happy to hear that you will continue to work out at the senior center. I have mentioned how my town also has such a facility for 12 bucks and I love it!
Sounds like your fishies will be happy again in their newly cleaned pond!
Sarah, as you can see, we are all getting this 'retired' thing
pretty well in stride now. Don't worry, you'll catch on! ha
At least you didn't use that gambling stamp dispenser. :)
ASA--a while ago you asked if the sprinkler pipe got fixed.
Answer is YES! :) It was a pretty easy fix because it is on one of the circuits, so low pressure. I dug down to it, about a whole 7 inches, cut out the split, and put on one of those compression fittings. So far so good. Regarding our stop at SLCI airport,
it will actually be during our return flight on Sept. 24, as we will have a 3 hour layover. When we go thru on the 16th we only have a half hour to get to the connecting flight to west yellowstone. Also, I'll for sure give you an Amen! (and to Sarah's situation too.) Why do you think the doctors call it a "waiting" room! ha
ALL-I forgot to tell you all about something that happened during the prison lockdown.
A Mormon group was meeting in the room next to us, (we've gotten to know each other thru these recent years)and after the announcement, one leader came into our room and said, "did you hear that, WE can't leave! US, were stuck!" (He's a guy in his 50s, so I siad, "You've seen the Andy Griffith show?" "Sure" he responded. "Well, how many times did Andy and Barn get locked inside the cells? They eventually got out, right?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right." and he went back next door. TAGS came thru again! :)
BOO--hope all is well. Is the work environment any better these days??
Prayers,
MDC


August 14, 2019 - Msg 112734: Like Spot's tail, it goes 'swish' and the porch clean! :)
August 14, 2019 - Msg 112735: Good Morning Gang !.! Lunch menu: fried pork chops , mashed taters,green beans,gravy for the taters and chops.. sweet tea...hot peppers and slaw..ready at 12:30 est...prayers ! SPOT

August 14, 2019 - Msg 112736: Delicious Lunch Spot...that make a puppy dog pull a freight train!
Ya'll have a great day and act like somebody!
SMH
August 14, 2019 - Msg 112737: Good afternoon, porch. I'm sitting here looking out at my once-beautiful big flowerbed. Back when I had the money to buy 20 or so flats of bedding plants, and had the strength and energy to tend the beds (pain free, too) that bed was gorgeous. Now, one word comes to mind - tacky! Those dratted 4-5 ft tall zinnias, which were supposed to be 8-12" tall, just look awful. Lovely little flowers floating above the ugly foliage, though, and the butterflies are still just busy as they can be. Big old beautiful swallowtails, some sulphurs, some skippers and others I can't name, but the swallowtails are the stars of the show. Wingspread of at least 5", probably closer to 6", and they just float from flower to flower. I can still cut a very pretty bunch for a vase, and they last about a week in the house, but the plants themselves are just, well, trashy-looking. It's going to be a problem in the spring, when I start thinking about planting again, because these leggy giants have dropped seeds everywhere, and I won't be able to tell which ones I want to keep and which to pull up, when my new seedlings start coming up. Oh well. I guess I'll figure something out!

There may be hope for my little wild child, Trinket, yet. Just now I went into my bedroom, and checked her potty box back in the corner, and there was very clear evidence that she had actually done her thing IN THE BOX! Amazing! I praised her to the skies, practically called in a brass band, and danced her around the room. I hope this is an indication of things to come. I'm really getting tired of cleaning up after her! She's smart, but she's very headstrong and stubborn. She sasses me when I scold her, waves her little paw at me and makes little biting motions, of all things. Reminds me of one of my kids. High spirits, bold, and determined to have her own way. Well, I've got news for her. I won with the kid, and I'll win with her! I don't want to break that strong spirit, but I do have to channel her determination, and find a way to turn the wilfulness into cooperation. We'll get there.

Hey, Spot. Those pork chops sound wonderful! I love pork chops, and finally learned not to cook them too long. Taught by my mom and grandmother, I thought you had to just cook pork until it was nearly ruined, because of the danger of trichinosis. That was true, once upon a time, when folks raised and butchered their own pork. These days, the USDA monitors that, and pork can even be served slightly rare and be quite safe. Now, while I like my beef quite rare, I still want my pork cooked through, but that's not from any fear of harm, I just like it that way. However, it can be left with plenty of juice in it, and even a very slight hint of pink, but not rare. A good fried pork chop, with pan gravy - oh, yes! So good!

Well, guess I'll go next door, to the vacant house, and see if my mail is in their box once again. No mail for two days in a row is most unusual, and our carrier has a habit of getting off by one house in her delivery, and my mail ends up in the next house's box. I'm going to put a label on it that reads: "This house is 1832. Mail for 1836 goes to the next house. Please don't leave it here." Actually, Angie's daughters filed a change of address for her house, but still a lot of mail addressed to her gets left there, and mine somehow gets in there as well. There should be nothing left in that box, but there it is. I'm just glad she didn't leave my income tax refund there!

Have a good evening, friends, and blessings to you and yours! --Romeena
August 14, 2019 - Msg 112738: Good afternoon all.

Romeena, you like your bacon on the limp side, as do I. I think you are the only other person I know who likes it that way. Most folks look at me like I have two heads if I ask for it limp at a restaurant. and it never comes limp. So I seldom get bacon when I eat out. That is good to know about other pork though. I tend to cook the things till that are as dry as one of the Revs. sermons. I have been cooking them a bit less and have really liked them a lot more. I'm still working on gravy though. What about ground beef? I have always heard that should be cooked all the way, but I hear people ordering hamburgers rare. Is that safe? And I know chicken needs to be cooked well. No rare chicken. So much to know. Glad your PT visit went well and I hope she can help you feel better.

MDC, You made me tear up as you described your sprinkler repair. That's how proud I am of you. Well done man. GF is all choked up. That may be on the limp bacon I served him though. :)

Hey to SMH. Good to have you hollering.

Well all this cooking talk has got me hungry now. And I see a couple of ears of corn with my name on them. Plenty of butter and salt. Look out, I'm going in.

Asa
August 14, 2019 - Msg 112739: Hey there, Romeena, glad the PT is helping! I wonder if acupuncture would help you any?

Trinket sounds like a hoot. You know, some dogs are genetically born to be submissive and some are born to be the Alpha dog. Sounds like Trinket may be an Alpha but you will teach her who's boss. She is going to be great.

My Poopsie is definitely submissive to all of us, EXCEPT the poor cat. lol She acts like an angel until poor Gracie shows up and Poopsie gives her a run for her money. Luckily, Gracie can get up on something and get away from her but she rarely does. She seems to like it and sometimes plays along. Such a sweet kitty.

I made chicken parm for dinner tonight and the kids loved it. You should try it Asa. I was in a hurry and just used a jar spaghetti sauce that I slow cooked on the stove for awhile..just the store brand but it was good. I took boneless chicken bre@sts and put them between two pieces of plastic wrap, got out my rolling pin and flattened them good. I mixed 2 eggs with some milk, then put about a half a container of Italian seasoned bread crumbs in a bowl and added some garlic powder (about a teaspoon) and about a half a cup of grated parmesan cheese and mixed it up. I breaded the chicken by dipping it in the egg and milk, then coating it with the bread crumbs and then I fried it in just a little bit of oil until browned some on both sides, then I finished it off in the oven at 350 for about 20 minutes. While it was cooking, I boiled the spaghetti noodles and drained them. When the chicken was done, I plated it all up by putting some noodles on the plate, then some sauce, then a piece of the chicken, then sauce over the chicken, a sprinkle of parmesan, then sprinkled a good amount of mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt. I had some leftover rolls that I put butter and garlic on and reheated in the oven. It was a hit with the family, for sure.

MDC, things are getting better at work in some ways, tougher in others. We still have the rented compressor keeping things cool enough for the most part. Its not great but much better than normal. Our census is low but we have some very difficult kids there right now so we stay busy. The new boss has added some duties to our list and the paper work is more difficult. It would be great if we used computers but we don't. I went to dollar tree today to buy some supplies to decorate the nurse's office for fall so I will be working on some DYIs in all my spare time (ugh).

Well, best get going. Oh, almost forgot..my new LG dishwasher already stopped working. Can you believe that? I am washing dishes by had until a repairman comes out. Good grief.

Boo
August 15, 2019 - Msg 112740: On the subject of bacon 🥓 I like mine any old way. Limpy, bent in the middle, crispy, I just like bacon 🥓..G-F
August 15, 2019 - Msg 112741: Yum pork chops, corn on the cob and bacon (crisp please) I'm hungry. Sarah
August 15, 2019 - Msg 112742: VICKS!!! (:
August 15, 2019 - Msg 112743: Who said VICKS??!! That you Possum?

Boo
August 16, 2019 - Msg 112744: That backwards smiley face is somebody's 'tell.' hmmm
August 16, 2019 - Msg 112745: Nah, that ain't me,Boo. If I'm hollering anything these days, it's "Woodstock" over on Facebook- LOL

************
possum u.a.r.
August 16, 2019 - Msg 112746: Is Homemaker back????!!😊❤️

Boo
August 17, 2019 - Msg 112747: HI ALL, Weirdest thing happened here this afternoon... A freak cloudburst with whipping winds and hail!! It was about 5:30 PM, I was watching TV, and it was about 110 degrees outside, when suddenly i heard a clap of thunder, and gignormous drops of rain started hitting the roof. It lasted all of about 10 minutes, but was very eerie indeed! Here's a link, click on the weather forecast video. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/weather
Our Joanna Moore was on an episode of the Rifleman this afternoon. She was the wife of a reporter, but she flirted with Lucas a bit. I bet she had seven reflectors on her buggy! ha
One thing I have noticed in watching the old westerns is that the Bible was referred to a lot.
I've seen it on Rawhide, Bonanza, even Wanted Dead or Alive, as well as others. We sure dont see it much today. God Friended Me is perhaps one exception.
I saw my eye doctor yesterday because for the past 3 days my left eye was really bloodshot, so just
to be safe I had him check it out. Well, sure enough, AGING is a factor, but so is being on coumadin, and sneezing with my summer allergies. At least all was OK, and it will dissipate on its own.
ABP for BIG MAUDE!! All OK with you??
POSSUM--I have enjoyed your woodstock posts.
BOO--I sure hope they get that AC fixed permanent-like real soon. You and the residents deserve better!
And your chicken parm sounds great. Have the kids ever shown any interest in cooking?
I learnt quite a few easy make dishes from my mom, and still make them to this day, including
a pretty simple lasagna. IIDSSM :)
Well, take care my friends, I pray that all are doing OK making it thru August.
MDC
August 17, 2019 - Msg 112748: Morning all.

MDC, Sounds like you had one hail of a storm buddy. Those afternoon bubblers can get intense sometimes for sure.
Yea, so many of the tv shows back in the day had moral messages in them as well as humor. TAGS certainly did. Leave it to Beaver was another one. Quite sad to see how far we have "advanced" too today. (sigh)

I have been watching Perry Mason as of late. I always marvel at the number of TAGS folks in that show. I saw Rev. Breen (the "what's your hurry" Rev from New York) last night. He got himself killed off when hit in the head with a poker. And Aunt Bee was in another episode, as an Aunt to a girl who was getting married. Not much Bible referring in Perry Mason though. But a lot of smoking. I am guessing the tobacco companies were big sponsors. lol

Boo, the dish sounds pretty good. But you make it sound easy. I'm sure it is for you who cook. I get pretty frazzled if I have several things cooking at once and try to bring them together at the same time. Gets pretty frantic. I should set up a camera and record myself. I bet it would be a hoot to watch later, see me scrambling around like a chicken with it's head cut off. lol

Sounds like Possum is reliving her Woodstock summer. It sounds like the attempt to redo it fell through though. Age gets to us all I reckon.

My goodness, Seth turned 1 on Tuesday, and Allison turns 6 on Sunday. I have determined that Grandkids grow up faster than regular kids. And I don't cotton to it, not a-tall!

Well off to do some yard work before it gets to hot.

Asa
August 17, 2019 - Msg 112749: As I read my post it sounds like I am calling Possum old lol. Not so Possum. I was referring to Woodstock being old. I'm sure you ain't aged a lick! :)
(whew, why do I put that big old foot, all of it in my mouth)

Asa
August 17, 2019 - Msg 112750: Ha! That's all right,Asa, I wish I had been at Woodstock,but I was only 9,so I doubt Mama would've let me go if I had asked! I was quite aware of Woodstock,I guess I had been hearing all the hype about it on the news,and knew it was gonna be a lot of music and a big old happy hippy fest and even though I was just a kid, I really wanted to be there. And I AM old- just had the Big 6-0 birthday a few weeks back! Yes,don't these grandchildren grown up fast? Laci is going to be 16 in another couple of weeks! Happy Birthday to your grands,Asa!
Did anyone ever figure out who was hollering "VICKS!" up there? My guess would be Homemaker! Y'all have a good rest of the weekend!

*******************
possum under a rock
August 17, 2019 - Msg 112751: Hello Porchsters. My favorite Edith/Archie conversation:

Edith: Awww, does it hurt bad, Archie?

Archie: Well, it sure don't hurt GOOD, Edith!

Billy Ray the Postman
August 17, 2019 - Msg 112752: Asa, you should make some of those videos of you cooking and share them to YouTube so we could watch and laugh, too. ;)

I worked this evening but it was an easy night. Time to put my feet up for awhile but wanted to check in and say hey.

Boo
August 18, 2019 - Msg 112753: I just saw a local news report saying that a big study was done showing that 45% of Americans wear their underwear for at least 2 days before changing it. Can that be true?! Life, as I know it, will never be the same. Yuck! What is the matter with people?! I guess Barney was right and it's not a whim if you change your underwear. lol

Sorry, just had to share that news story. I really feel sort of nauseous since I read it.

Boo
August 18, 2019 - Msg 112754: BOO--that's a bit strange for sure! I'm a 'one and done' person myself. I know...TMI! ha
POSSUM--the VICKS person was me! When I post something
without my 'handle,' I usually do the 'backward smiley face.' I was just reliving one of our
Vicks moments!
BILLY Ray...good one! Hope all is well with you. :)
ASA--yup, you cooking would be a good youtube video! In the meantime...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzTnuke1_MY :)
Well, ya all have a good Sabbath,
MDC
August 18, 2019 - Msg 112755: Hello Porch
This is Frankie making her check in for the weekend.

August 18, 2019 - Msg 112756: Good Sabbath all.

Hey to Frankie. I hope you are feeling better. Been worried about you.

Billy, I can almost see Archies grimacing face when he says that. lol

Boo, I would sure question that number. How did they come to that conclusion? Not many would even respond to such a question I would think. Whims notwithstanding. lol

So MDC was the VICKS culprit. I guess if you used enough Vicks you could go all week in the same underwear. :)

Possum, glad I didn't offend you. I know age and weight or touchy subjects for some women. lol Except Emma. She was in her 40's and wasn't ashamed of it a-tall. Must have been all that peroxide gargling that kept her so young looking. :)

I sure am in a bad sleep pattern right now. I tend to wake up almost every morning around 2:00 in the a.m. And just struggle to get back to sleep. I finally get mad and just get up. Then I'm tired and cranky all day. I don't know what brings it on, but I'll be glad when it passes. I need my beauty sleep no doubt.

I hope you all have a delightful Sabbath.

Asa
August 18, 2019 - Msg 112757: Asa can you say...MELATONIN?...I take one most nights and it helps put me in “Wheelerland” 😴,,,G-F
August 18, 2019 - Msg 112758: Asa--I agree. I take a 1 milligram tablet made by Nature's Bounty (at Walgreens) . I let it disolve under my tongue, and works great. Also, I heard on Dr. OZ one time that 1 mg is all you really need,
and it works good for me.
Melatonin is a substance that our own bodies make, but as we age it makes less and less.
Drat old age!! Ha
MDC
August 18, 2019 - Msg 112759: Tough day for old Boo. Very emotionally painful and hard to just keep going on days like this. I know I can always count on the prayers of my porch friends. I’m not thinking of suicide or anything like that, just mentally worn out and hard to keep a good attitude

Love to all,
Boo
August 19, 2019 - Msg 112760: Boo, so sorry to read that you are in a bad place currently. I know that you have a full plate right now. You and your family are in my prayers for sure.

I will try the stuff you suggest GF and MDC. I usually have no problem falling asleep. But staying there is another matter.

Asa
August 19, 2019 - Msg 112761: BOO-- PRAYERS for you and your precious family.
mdc
August 19, 2019 - Msg 112762: Prayers and love, Boo. I'm sorry you're going through a bad time and hope that things get better.

*************
possum u.a.r.
August 19, 2019 - Msg 112763: Prayers lifted up for you and your family...you are never alone your Father in Heaven is always beside you.
SMH
August 19, 2019 - Msg 112764: Boo...Stay Strong Sister 💪🏻...They say you can’t keep a Texas Girl down for long!👊🏻✊🏻🙌🏻...G-F
August 19, 2019 - Msg 112765: I'm sending up a 🙏 for you Boo, take care. Welcome to the 2:00 - 2:30 am wake up time Asa, I'll give the Melatonin a try. I saw a short bio on Don Knotts and didn't know he was a ventriloquist and had a rough life growing up in West VA. Sarah
August 19, 2019 - Msg 112766: Aw, thank you friends. I love you. Today is a better day than yesterday. One day at a time, as the song goes.

Boo
August 19, 2019 - Msg 112767: Good evening, folks. Boo, I'm glad today was a little better. Hang in there, my friend. It's always darkest before the dawn, but the Bible tells us that joy comes in the morning.

I'm hoping for a little of that joy in the morning tomorrow. The back pain has been getting steadily worse, and today was pretty miserable. Advil, Tylenol and the lidocaine patches the doc gave me - none have even touched it. Nothing stops it but getting in bed or lying fairly flat in my recliner. Ten minutes on my feet, and I'm nearly in tears. The PT sessions begin on Thursday, but it's not likely to help. It was never intended to fix the back pain, it's intended to rebuild my muscle strength and stamina. However, I don't think I'm going to be able to do anything with it until this pain is addressed. I see the doc tomorrow morning, and we're going to talk about getting the ablation done. I don't think anything else is going to work. I've tried to avoid doing that, but after the last couple of days, I'm ready! I'm tired of hurting, tired of complaining about it, and tired of missing out on life because I can't get more than five minutes away from my bed or my chair. It's ridiculous! Boo, I'll make you a deal. Let's just pray for each other!

Poor little Trinket, she's still not housebroken, and it's my fault. I can't jump and run when I see her searching for a spot, and by the time I get up and get to her, it's too late. The habits are going to be set in stone before long, and very hard to break. That's not fair to her.

Well, back to my chair. Since I don't have laptop, and use a desktop PC (my preference) I'm limited for time on the keyboard. Right now, there is the sensation of a cold/hot lump in my left ribcage that is very painful, with a hard stinging sensation mixed in. The lidocaine patch is doing diddly, nothing more. I'm headed back to my chair. Nitey-nite, friends. --Romeena
August 20, 2019 - Msg 112768: Evening all.
Romeena, I am sure sorry you are in so much pain and discomfort with your back. My prayers for you. I just wish that I lived close to you so I could help out in some way. I know you didn't want to go the way of the ablation. I pray that it will bring you some relief and allow you more mobility back. Bless you dear.

Boo, I am glad today was better. Yep, one day at a time. Prayers continue for you all.

Sarah, so you have the same sleep issues as me? At least you can listen in on phone calls, although there are probably not very many at that hour. But i bet they are extra good. Lol

Well off to hit the ironing board. I just saw Perry Mason and Fred Goss was in it. Hardly recognized him. Mr. Friends was in it also. He was very recognizable.

Night all.

Asa
August 20, 2019 - Msg 112769: Mr. Frisbee. Stupid auto correct.

Asa
August 20, 2019 - Msg 112770: I'm praying hard for you Romeena and will continue to pray.

Thank you Asa.

Boo
August 20, 2019 - Msg 112771: BOO--my prayers are with you and yours. Here is a little song that really helped me thru the past couple of years with my hip and heart , etc.
It's five minutes that will change your whole outlook. I just love this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTl4tUYIAg
I am going to give you my cell number here sort of "cryptically." If you just need someone to
talk to , go for it: six-0-two-7-four-0-one-3-five-1
ROMEENA--prayers for you also my dear friend. Back pain is so bad.
I pray that the Lord will lead you to the right solutions, or better yet,
a miraculous healing! :)
I see my chiro on Tuesday to adjust my aching back. Always feels so good afterwards!
Here's a little porch sports report:
Denny Hamlin won at Bristol Speedway in BIG MAUDE'S neck of the woods.
Cleveland Indians is still in the race AL Central.
Frankie's A's looking good.
Looks like Spot's Tribe will be in the playoffs.
My D-Backs still a possible wildcard.

And that's it for tonight.
God bless,
MDC :)


August 20, 2019 - Msg 112772: MDC...Your phone number reminded me of how Barney explains how to remember 1776...lol...G-F
August 20, 2019 - Msg 112773: Good morning, friends. Up and at 'em this morning, pain and all. Will see the pain doc at 1030, and we are going to have a "meeting of the minds", so to speak. I'm impressed with her, and really think she can help. Even though what she has suggested so far has not helped, I still respect her for trying. I'm glad she isn't one to just rush right into a "big fix", but rather does what we were taught very early in nursing school - you move from the simple to the complex. I believe she knew, from what she saw on the CT, that the ablation was going to be necessary, but she was willing to try easier and less invasive measures first. That's good practice, and I respect her for it.

I don't expect to be 35 again, but if she can just get me to the point of being able to cook a meal for the family, keep up with my housework, and spend an hour a day in the yard, I will be a very happy camper. Last night I was so sick of canned soup, that I was determined to cook myself a meal. Nothing complicated. I stuck a small steak under the broiler, put three very small ears of tender corn in the microwave, and chopped up and stir-fried some baby bok choy in a little bacon grease in a non-stick skillet. It took all of about 20 minutes, and I was nearly in tears by the time I got to my chair with my plate. Now, that's ridiculous, and I just refuse to live out my remaining years in such a way. If we have to fry a couple of nerves along the way to get me to something like normal, then so be it.

MDC, thank you for that link. I love that song, and that's a beautiful version of it. I'm going to share it with my kids - they're doing well right now, but my son's wife in Florida will get a blessing from it, I'm sure, and Brittney is in a valley right now, having just taken Landry to UNT to start college. He's about a 45 minute drive from home, but to her, it feels like he's half a world away, I know. She can't even talk about it without tears. She's happy for him, but her firstborn has left the nest, and it's breaking her heart.

Well, better finish getting dressed, and head on out to the doc. I'd like to just sit here and gaze out this window for a while. The sunlight is so golden and pretty, there is a plumeria just outside my window, and behind it, two crape myrtles are in full bloom, one pink, one lavender, and the fun part is, I never planted them! They're volunteers, planted from others elsewhere in the yard, by the birds. Can't beat a deal like that! Farther out in the yard, behind that ridiculous stand of giant zinnia plants with little 2" flowers floating above their tacky foliage, there's another plumeria tree. Luckily, the plumeria plants are strikingly pretty, because I rarely see a bloom. The squirrels climb the slender branches of the little trees, perch in a fork and eat the new buds just as they start to show a little color! If the little vandals weren't so cute, I'd be mad, but the show they put on every morning and evening pretty much pays their way. Right now, the sprinklers are running along the east fence, and birds are enjoying their morning shower. God is good.

Blessings, everyone! Keep looking up! --Romeena
August 20, 2019 - Msg 112774: Romenna I hope you get the help you need from your doctor, I will continuing praying for you to get some relief from the pain. I have been where Britteny is right now and I cried for most of the day she left. I had pneumonia and wasn't able to go with my husband to take her to college. I kept the door closed to her room for weeks. Boo glad to hear you are feeling better. Sarah
August 20, 2019 - Msg 112775: By she I was referring to my daughter, I think faster than I can type😂 Sarah
August 20, 2019 - Msg 112776: Oh, RO, do you think a back belt would help?
I have one that I wear when vacuuming, etc.
I have seen some advertised that Medicare will pay for. Just a thought.
GF--Ya got your 17, ya see.... haha . That's was a good one for sure! :)
PRAYERS,
MDC
August 20, 2019 - Msg 112777: MDC-Yes the A`s have been playing well. Working for the wild card spot.
Asa- I have been having a hard time going to sleep at night also. The Dr. is having me try some Melatonin. Sometimes I have so much on my mind I just can`t sleep.
My sister from Colorado has come out here to CA. for a visit. It has been so nice to have her and her husband here. It is a short visit but such a nice one. They are planning on coming back out in Oct. also. They have been busy working on there house here in town and the plan is to sale it this next year. So they are trying to clear things out. They have so much in that house and it is a beautiful house. I am sure it will sale fast once they get it on the market.
I have been going through things here at my house. It is kind of silly how many things you pack away and then forget about it. Have to slow down because I strained a muscle in my back. Dr. is sending me to therapy. Dr. gave me exercises to do and that really helps. No more heavy lifting for me, I learned my lesson the hard way. It is the piriformis muscle and they call it piriformis syndrome. I feel a little better than last week.
Frankie
August 21, 2019 - Msg 112778: Hey gang, did you hear that today is National BACON Day! I made a BLT for lunch today to honor this wonderful holiday! ha Mmm, good.
Hey to Frankie. Their house sounds great! I hear ya about stufff piling up. We need to do that too,
but not with our heat. 115 on tap for Wed.
Sounds like a sidewalk steak is on the menu!
Tonite's ep was with Nurse Mary, always a good one! :)
God bless,
MDC
August 21, 2019 - Msg 112779: I'm wondering how the meeting with the pain doc went, Romeena. Still praying!

MDC, I haven't had bacon in over 2 years. Cant say I really miss it but I have never been much of a pork person. I had to smile when I read your comment about the black belt because for a few seconds I was thinking, 'He wants Romeena to take karate lessons?'..heehee

Glad you had a nice visit with your relatives, Frankie. Did you have to pretend there was an escaped convict on the loose to get rid of them? ;)

I am doing much better and finding some clarity. I really needed to stop in my tracks, rest my mind, and trust in the Lord.

I was thinking, most people have some sort of "dark night of the soul," when they question long-held beliefs and it is a very painful process. I know all of us here have had tremendous trials in our lives and I am wondering if any of you has anything they would want to share about how you got through those times and any advice to those of us who might still be doing battle in that realm. I have mostly good days now, thank God, but Bruce is still mad at God. I know God loves him and is going to get him through this but I feel for him now because he is not in a happy place at all.

Better git! Always plenty to do around here.

Boo
August 21, 2019 - Msg 112780: Boo, no escape convict yet. They are still hear for about another week.
You know when I am feeling real bad I just let it out and cry if I have to. And then I pray for guidance. Sometimes just listing to real nice soft relaxing music helps me also. And then other times just keeping myself busy.
Frankie

August 22, 2019 - Msg 112781: I just lost a long post! Drat. I'll try again later.
MDC
August 22, 2019 - Msg 112782: OK, I'm trying it again...
BOO, that is quite a question, and I shall attempt to answer it here. During the years that I helped care for my mom and then my dad, I kept reminding myself of the parable that Jesus told about the man who knocked on his neighbor's door at night to get a loaf of bread for some visitors. His neighbor did not answer, so the man persisted, and finally the neighbor answered the door and gave him the bread. Also, as Frankie mentions above, I sometimes just call out to God, praying and asking
for the 'bread." I bind the devil and his fallen angels, telling them to not bother me or my family members anymore, reminding him that the word of God is our two-edged sword against him. The scripture also tells us to 'stand firm.' This has gotten me thru many valleys,
knowing that the Lord is with me thru it all! :)
Prayers,
MDC
August 22, 2019 - Msg 112783: Good morning, porch. Boo, you have asked a very important question, and you will probably get as many different answers as there are people responding. I'm not going to go into much here, because I do believe that God meets each of us at his or her point of need, and that can be different for each of us. You are all aware of the struggle I went through when my beloved Dale passed, and how long it took before I reached peace. It's all in my book, "A Flat of Petunias", and to try to answer here would just be a repeat of the book, and would take too long. Also, the answer that finally worked for me might not be what you need. All I can say is, like MDC said, just lean on the Lord. Even when you're not too happy with Him, He still hears you, and will help. Mark 9:24 says: “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” To me, this confirms that God understands and forgives us when doubts come, and will strengthen our faith, if we sincerely ask for His help. That doesn't mean He's going to solve all our problems, but He will stand with us through whatever our need may be. You have many loving friends, and we are aware of some of your needs, though probably not all, and we are praying for you, too. Joy comes in the morning!

I didn't actually see the back doc this week, I saw a PA instead, but I liked her a lot. Very knowledgeable, and encouraging. Still going with the OTC pain meds (sparingly, I admit) and going forward with the PT for strengthening. I have my first actual PT today, the first day was just assessment and planning. Also, I know I need to lost another 15 pounds or so, and am working on that. It's not hard, because I don't feel like doing much cooking! I've been mostly living on canned soup, fresh fruit, cottage cheese, anything that doesn't require much preparation. Last night I threw a skillet dish together - fried up some hamburger with chopped onions, tossed in some drained golden hominy and a couple of cans of diced tomatoes, a few dashes of Tabasco, some dried basil, and a big handful of shredded cheddar. Let it all simmer a couple of minutes, and it was pretty good! I went with the hominy instead of macaroni, because I didn't feel like standing there waiting for the pasta to cook. It all cooked in one skillet, in about 15 minutes, and made enough for a meal tonight as well. Micro will warm it up, and it will probably be better tonight than it was last night. Dishes like that usually are. Oh, while that was cooking, I drizzled a little olive oil over some fresh asparagus, dashed on some lemon pepper, and stuck it under the broiler for a few minutes, turning once. Delicious!

Well, better get some clothes on and head up to the hospital for PT. Blessings, friends! --Romeena


August 22, 2019 - Msg 112784: Thank you MDC and Romeena. I appreciate your wisdom and insight. I am doing much better than I was the weekend, so thank you again for your prayers on my behalf.

Glad you liked the PA, Romeena, and hope all works out for you..I am praying!

Been a busy day and I finally got everyone fed and the kitchen cleaned. I have one last load of laundry in the dryer so I think I will put my feet up and watch a little TAGS. Wish you were all here to watch with me.

Sean started a temporary job cleaning at a Marriott nearby. He says its hard work but not that stressful and he isn't working outside in this dreadful heat and humidity. They are hiring at the army base next week so we are really hoping and praying they will hire Sean. It would mean starting pay of 20 per hours and great benefits..the kind of job he could have for a lifetime. Prayers appreciated! Thanks.

Better git!

Boo
August 23, 2019 - Msg 112785: POOR HORATIO--If you see this, please send us a quick hello. You haven't posted anything in ages, and I'm just wondering if you are OK.
Thanks,
MDC
August 23, 2019 - Msg 112786: MDC, the A`s sweep the Yankee`s! Way to go A`s.

Boo, Prayers for Sean
Frankie
August 23, 2019 - Msg 112787: .....Frankie...It’s ALWAYS a good thing when anybody sweeps those Yankees!....G-F
August 23, 2019 - Msg 112788: Morning all.

Boo, I am pondering your question and giving it much thought and prayer. It's a deep question. But the responses you have gotten so far have been excellent I do believe. I think I understand your dilemma concerning your faith and what is going on with Sean and Erin. I watched a short video a few years ago of an LDS family going through some of the same issues you are dealing with. A son, a returned Missionary, and a good hearted man finally had to tell his parents of his situation. It was a blow to them all, and especially to the Dad who was a "mans man" kind of guy. But the video goes into some of the struggles and feelings the parents had, especially the conflict they now had with their faith. It was very illustrative of what a lot of families of faith, and a lot of Churches are having to deal with today. That struggle of the hard line thought of sin is sin and should not be tolerated at all, to the thought that those struggling with same s3x attraction are children of a loving Father in heaven, and have not chosen this route. And everything in between. I was shocked this past week when Ed Smart, Father of Elisabeth Smart who was kidnapped and held for 9 months against her will announced last week that he and his Wife Lois, had filed for divorce because he had told her he was gay. This is a 64 year old man with 5 kids, been married for 40 years, doing this. When Elisabeth was asked to comment about it to the media, I really appreciated her comments. She essentially said she was very sad to see her parents divorce, but it didn't change her love and appreciation for both her Mom and Dad. I guess the scripture of hate the sin, not the sinner applies. But then again I know there are many who would today ask the question of is that lifestyle really a sin? I really think that is one of the major topics facing a lot of Churches today. Boo, I know how much you love your children, and I know how much you love the Lord. And I am imagining there is much conflict in your heart because of their announced feelings. How do you deal with that conflict. I really liked what Romeena said above. I think drawing close to God at this time is critical. To often when people get to this point in their life, the tendency is to withdraw from Him. I do believe that is when we need him most, and I think that is when we can feel Him closest, when our hearts are tender and open. I don't know who said it, but I really think it is true, "Pray always, especially when you don't feel like it". As always, you and your family are in my prayers Boo. Especially for Bruce who sounds like is having a very hard time with it, which is understandable. Well probably a lot more than you wanted to read.

Romeena, I sure hope they can get your back pain under control. It just makes me so sad to read of how much you are suffering with that. Prayers as always.

Frankie, I hope you are feeling a bit better. Did you get your new roof done yet?

GF, I take it you are not a Yankees fan. lol

MDC, Are you still liking the new truck? I can't remember, did you give it a name? I mean we have Tillie, And Tommy, and Libby. Ya gotta give it a name to be part of the family. Speaking of Libby, I got a recall on her the other day. It seems they need to replace some parts on her that might corrode and cause an accident. Better get that scheduled.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Asa
August 23, 2019 - Msg 112789: Asa...That would be correct!...Thurmon Munson was a local boy made good. But he was the epitome of the Yankee arrogance, I once met him while hunting with my Brother.
He had NO permission to be on the property and he came REAL CLOSE to getting a face full of buckshot from my shotgun when I made a shot! We didn’t know he was on the property...He told us...”I’m Thurmon Munson, and I’ll hunt any %$&# where I want!”....

Years later I was picking up garage door parts right next to the runway where he crashed his plane ✈️ I missed the crash by only a few minutes...Whoda Thought!.....

G-F
August 23, 2019 - Msg 112790: Wow! G-F/b>, that rude announcement from Thurmon Munson? Just wow! What arrogance! Someone should have answered him with "Well, that and 50 cents will get you a cup of coffee!" (Back when 50 cents would have bought a cup of coffee!)

Asa, you responded to Boo just beautifully. Very well said. I agree, it is indeed a knotty problem, and not one we're going to solve, I think. No question, the Bible is quite clear on the subject, but when the problem arises in one's own family, it gets very sticky. I'm right there with you, Boo. It helps to remember that the Bible also says that one sin is not greater than another, and "ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God." So if I have sinned, ever, (if?? Ha!) then I have no room to point out the sin in someone else's life. What was that hilarious example given by Jesus himself, regarding trying to remove a dust speck from someone else's eye, while ignoring the huge beam in one's own? The little insinuations there are just funny, when you think about it. Imagine trying to find a tiny speck in someone's eye, when you've got a 2x4 in your own. How could you expect to see anything in your friend's eye? For that matter, how could you see anything at all? The point is, none of us is perfect, never were, never will be. It's impossible. That's why Christ came and died, for heaven's sake! (No pun intended.) We can wish that our loved ones behaved differently in some ways, but that doesn't mean that we don't love them, and it doesn't mean that God doesn't love them as well. It has come down to this for me. I'm not perfect by a long shot, and neither is anyone else. I should just try to tend to my own knittin', pray for God to deal with the things in the lives of those I love, the things that I feel will not make them happy, but that I can't control. It's not easy, but then we were never told that life would be easy. We just have to trust God, and love our children and grandchildren no matter what, just as God loves us unconditionally.

Well, I took Tillie in this morning, and the problem I was chasing was not a problem at all. David was concerned that the alternator was in trouble, because the a/c and even the lights would pull down a bit when I took my foot off the gas. However, it was just a cap on a vacuum line somewhere that had come loose, they put it back on, no charge! However, I had asked them to check the wiper fluid, as it wasn't delivering fluid when I pushed the button. Well, it had plenty of fluid, and the pump was working, but the switch that controls that function and a few others, is not working, will be about $500 to fix. Also, the right rear window isn't working, and will be $300 to $500 to fix, depending on what needs to be done. Now I can go without that window working, of course, but I hate to start letting things go on the car, so I'm going to fix it. I told Richie to go ahead and order the parts, and we'll do the work next week. The wiper fluid thing seems trivial too, until you picture a big old truck throwing mud or slush on my windshield, and I can't wash it off. That could be a killer, so it will be fixed. Let's see - $1000 total, maybe less, that's about two car payments if I had traded the car when I was considering it about 7 years ago. Also, you'll remember a year or so ago, I spent about $6,000 on it, for a transmission, catalytic converter and some other stuff, so that's another 12 payments. So 14 car payments, balanced against the 60 payments I would have just finished up, and I'd have a 9 year old car, with problems of its own. Yep, I think I made a good choice in keeping Tillie. She's 15 now, runs beautifully, still a pretty car, rides like a Cadillac should ride, which the new ones don't, etc. I think we're together for the long haul.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena