October 23, 2019 - Msg 113116: Hey Asa...As I’m approaching my 6th anniversary of my retirement and you coming up on your first. I was thinking how nice it is to only have to worry about (1) filter and furnace to replace and service instead of HUNDREDS!..
Do I get a AMEN?.....

G-F
October 23, 2019 - Msg 113117: Speaking of cleaning, I better start with the porch floor!...
October 23, 2019 - Msg 113118: Good morning all.

Hey to John Masters. Good to see you. Your Chiefs look to be pretty good so far it seems.

Boo, Sounds like it may be for the best for Erin to try her wings, so to speak. That is always hard as a parent, to see them off, even if it is time or even past time. I remember when my son moved out, part of me was cheering inside (because he had become a bit of a problem) and part of me was sad to see him go. I told all my kids that I had a one return home card for each of them. That meant once they had moved back, and if things didn't work out, they were free to come back home to live for a spell. But they better make it count, because that would be it. I have seen first hand parents who have had a revolving door situation with their kids. The kids move out, often on bad terms, live a raucous lifestyle, then return home for a while to "regroup" (I think it is more recoup), and then repeat the process, over and over again. I have some friends my age who can't retire yet because there 40 something old child is still trying to find himself. Sorry, I just don't think that is fair to the child or the parent in most cases. It's different if there are legitimate health reasons or unseen factors that pop up. But mostly what I have seen are kids that refuse to grow up, and loving, well meaning parents who wish they had put their foot down 10 or 15 years ago in regards to the revolving door. I think someone once said that to many folks are using the safety net as a hammock. So I hope the best for Erin and that she will grow and learn from it all. You and Bruce are good parents.

MDC, The weather here has not been to bad. The mountains have had some snow, but not anything much down here in the valleys. It was a nice sunny low 60's day yesterday with lows at night in the mid 30's.
Goodness, I had no idea the Series had started. I guess it's that time of year though.

Got my property tax notice yesterday. Boy oh boy, they must think I am made of money. That's right, Asa Breeney's got plenty of money. Let's all take it from him! :)

Prayers for all for a great day.

Asa (formerly rich guy) Breeney.
October 23, 2019 - Msg 113119: Oh wow GF, We must have been posting at the same time buddy. And yes, a big AMEN on the filter statement. In fact I have a new one sitting on my table ready to go in later today. I love it, just love it!

Asa
October 23, 2019 - Msg 113120: Oh, and ASA and GF, don't forget to do a mulching mower workout with some of those falling leaves. Turns into great compost right there on the lawn over winter. (But i guess you both know that.)
Our big ash tree is just now starting to shed a bit.
BTW, good sweep GF! Glad to see that retirement hasnt turned you into a full time wheeler! ha
MDC
October 23, 2019 - Msg 113121: ** For Boo **


On Children
Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

************
possum u.a.r.
October 24, 2019 - Msg 113122: Hey to Possum! Wow, that is quite a poem that inspires some pretty rudimentary thinking! It also made me think of our dear Tom, and the many inspirational poems that he gave to us!
ASA and RO, I forgot to mention concerning that recipe that you can also try it with cream of mushroom and cream of celery (a bill bixby fav. ha)and you can also try adding broccoli or cauliflower the last half hour. Really good with the gravy. (tho it may lay on your chest.) :)
The Nationals are up 2-0 in the Series. I hope they go all the way, as we sure need SOMETHING to bring D.C. together a bit these days.
I hope you all have a good mayberry evening.
MDC
October 24, 2019 - Msg 113123: Good morning, porch! What a beautiful poem, so elegantly expressed, and such deep truths! Thanks for sharing that, Possum!

Grrrr. My neighbors are at it again. They seem to be such nice people, and then they do the most annoying things. These are the ones who tried to use my lawn-mowing friend, Eddie, to push me to cut down my 25-ft tall, five-trunk stand of crape myrtle, because the wife is "allergic." No one is allergic to crape myrtle, it's even on A&M's list of non-allergenic Texas trees. The truth was, it's dropping blossoms at times, and some of them get into their pool filter system, which as I pointed out at the time, is exactly what a pool filter is for! Besides, that stand of trees (and six more elsewhere in my yard) were there when they bought the house a couple of years ago, and they should have thought about her "allergies" at that time. Anyway, every trash pickup day, they put out at least six huge, stuffed garbage bags (there are about ten people living in that house) and two or three recycle bags when it's recycle day. I put out one, sometimes two small, grocery-store bags of garbage, and about once a month, one or two recycle bags. They have seven cars, and three of them are always lined up along the street, and often extend past the property line and all the way to my driveway. I have never complained, not even on the few occasions when they have partially blocked my driveway. I could still get out. Well, this morning, the garbage trucks just ignored the huge pile of trash out there, including my one little bag, which I had added to the pile. I just put mine in with theirs, to save the truck a stop. It's inside my property line, anyway! They put it there because the cars completely block the front of their house. On top of everything else, apparently an animal has torn at least one of the big bags open, and now there's garbage scattered around, and I don't blame the drivers for not picking it up. That's not their job. So now, I've got a doc's appointment to meet, there is trash everywhere, and I think I'm just going to leave it and see what happens. Just let the city ring my doorbell! Have I got a story to tell!!!

Well, better hit the shower. Need to be on the road soon, can't be late for the doc. This is the pain doc, we'll probably be setting the date for the ablation of those five nerves in my back. I'm ready! Blessings --Romeena
October 24, 2019 - Msg 113124: Thank you, Possum. That was truly beautiful. (wiping a tear)

Thank you to all of you for your words of encouragement and wisdom. You always bless me and make me feel like less of a loser. lol I just cant express with my porch family means to me!

Ro, I don't understand the garbage bag thing. Doesn't the city provide you with a big can on wheels? Everyone in this area has one and the truck picks up only what is in the big can and nothing more. No mess and critters cant get into it but if you have extra trash you have to wait until next pickup time or take it to the dump yourself. Its neat, but sometimes inconvenient. Its really great for us, though, because our house is so far off the street and we have to push the garbage all the way to the gate.

Been busy with house chores the last two days! I get in this mode this time of year when we get close to the holidays. I have been organizing and washing and cleaning. I even cleaned the grout on my bathroom floor. I watched a video about it on youtube and someone used Lysol toilet bowl cleaner to clean the grout. They just put it on, let it sit for 15 mins and wiped it off. I tried it and it worked like a charm! I only had to do a little scrubbing. I love it when something works the way you want it to.

I actually made my vegan dressing for thanksgiving and froze it to get a head start because I will be making three different dressings this year for thanksgiving. Mine, for obvious reasons, the traditional cornbread dressing (there would be a mutiny if I didn't), and I am making a bread, sausage dressing for our guests from the north (Michigan), who I happen to know eat bread dressing and not cornbread dressing. I have a great recipe for a sausage and cranberry bread dressing that I think will be well received. I have had my eye out for fresh cranberries so I can make some homemade cranberry sauce but haven't seen any yet. Cranberry sauce is a good thing to make ahead because it freezes well. Anyway, enough talk about Thanksgiving..I know it makes some of you nervous when I discuss holidays this early. ;) lol

Well, I spoke with Erin briefly today and she seems to be doing well. She is stopping by on her way home from work to pick up a few more things and "see the dog". She is missing Poopsie and I knew she would.

Well, better finish up in the kitchen and put my feet up.

Boo
October 24, 2019 - Msg 113125: You're welcome,Boo. Glad you and the others liked the poem. A lot of "good stuff" in it.

Well, can't rock long,but sending love to all!

possum again
October 24, 2019 - Msg 113126: Hello all! I saw our Goober on a Rifleman episode today, and he was playing
an escaped con! It was very strange to see him in that pre-mayberry part.
Have any of you ever received the American Community Survey from the US Census Bureau? We got one this year, but I only filled in a few items and sent it in as such after I read some things on the web about it. Technically they CAN say that one MAY be fined for not doing it all, but no one ever has been fined. Why do they need to know what kind of toilet I have, or what kind of computer, if any, and how many bedrooms are in my house? Well, I mailed it off today so we'll see what hap...








MDC :)
October 25, 2019 - Msg 113127: Nice sweep G-F
Asa-I got my property tax bill about a month ago. They seem to be sending them out early this year.
Possum-That is a lovely poem.
Well it got about 90 today and very windy. We should be getting some more heavy winds this weekend. They are already warning us of a even bigger power shot off this weekend. I am hoping the winds wont be as bad as they are reporting.
MDC- I watched that Rifleman show this afternoon. I have been getting hooked on that show lately.
You all take care,
Frankie
October 25, 2019 - Msg 113128: good morning. porchsters. thank you for. all your prayers. my health continues to. be. prooblematic. havent had much time on porch
maybe. i need some oof. the. sisters elexar. prayers. for all. can u believe the holiidays are oon top of us. again.. take care. pappa. bear
October 25, 2019 - Msg 113129: Great to hear from you papa bear!...Sorry to hear about your continuing health struggles, but try to pop in on the from time to time it’s THERAPETIC....

G-F
October 25, 2019 - Msg 113130: Good morning all. A nice cool crisp morning here in the mountains of Northern Utah. I have always enjoyed Fall, but usually with some reservation because I knew what followed it, and what it was like to have to work in it. But no more. And this Fall I am really enjoying more than any I have in a lot of years.

Hey to papa bear. I wish you could get feeling better buddy. You are in my prayers for sure.

How you doing GF? How is your bum hip? You still considering surgery?

Frankie, I hope you don't lose power again. That has to be a real pain.

MDC, I got all the fixins for that pork chop supper. Either Saturday or Sunday will give it a try. Except I could not find the one spice you mentioned. But I'm sure it will be fine anyway, unless you can suggest a substitute. I have not received any kind of census survey here. But now I wanna know what kind of toilet you have. You trying to hide something there feller? lol Speaking of toilets, I just replaced a seal on mine. Pretty easy fix. I still need to adjust the float though. Not getting enough water in it.

Very nice poem Possum. Possum the Poet, and she didn't even no it! :)

Boo, I always enjoy your Holiday posts. Makes me wish I lived closer so I could come visit. I love the Holidays. Even more so now days. Sounds like we have the same type of garbage cans Boo. One large can on wheels. Waste management picks up ours, but they are getting pricey, so I may change collectors. I understand there is another company that is about half as much.

Romeena, sorry about your neighbors. My next door neighbor just passed away on Wednesday. An older gent. I am not sure what his wife will do now. They have a two acre lot because he loved horses. I can't imagine her staying there. I hope she does, or at least one of the children buy it from her. They are a good family.

Speaking of such, need to get back on the mower and continue the battle of the leaves. Yep MDC, I do mulch most of them.

Prayers for all for a great day.

Asa
October 25, 2019 - Msg 113131: Good morning, porch! Can you believe it, it is 45° this morning? Trinket and I woke up cuddled close and shivering! I still had the a/c on, set at 73°, but of course it wasn't running, when it was 68° in the house! I clicked over to furnace, and it's now 73° in here, but still feels cold. It's funny how that is. What feels cool and comfortable in the summer always feels too cold in the winter.

No, Boo, the city doesn't provide those cans, and in fact prohibits their use. I have one, purchased for me by Dale, Jr. when my Dale passed. They use them in Florida, and he thought he was helping me by putting wheels under my garbage, but the city has no trucks that are equipped to empty those cans. Plastic garbage bags are required, and usually don't present a problem, as the piddle pads that are always in mine seem to deter animals from tearing into them. I guess they see them as another dog's territory. However, since my neighbors dogs don't use pads - they go outside - the dogs and whatever other critters are involved have no fear of raiding their many, many garbage bags. My one little grocery store bag will be left untouched!

This link to a Youtube video is worth watching! Robbi sent it to me in a Facebook tag, and I just included it here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTvlzIRULPA. It is really funny. Enjoy!

Pappa Bear, it's great to hear from you! I'm sorry your health is still a concern, and you are in my prayers. Hang in there, friend. We love you!

Boo, it's good that Erin is staying in touch. She's just trying to figure out who she is. She'll get there. I recall something my dad said to my brother, when he was going through a "growing up" trial, making some mistakes, and generally frustrating my mother. My brother commented that he was "just trying to find himself", and my dad suggested he look around until he located his feet, look directly above them, and there he would be! My brother got mad for just an instant, then the humor of it hit him, and he started laughing. That broke a lot of ice. My dad was a very wise man, and I thank God that He made me aware of that early on, when I was quite young. It saved me from a lot of dumb mistakes.

Well, better get busy. My back feels pretty good this morning, and I think I'll take advantage of that and get somethings done around here. Shredderteeth found a piece of newspaper and has made confetti again, so cleaning that up before she tracks it all over the house will probably be my first task. Then, at some point, when the house is warm enough, I've got to give her a bath. She has never had one, but she's beginning to smell a bit "doggy" and I can't have that! She's not going to like it, and I'll probably have to mop the kitchen and clean the windows behind the sink, but she has to have a bath. She's almost too big for the sink, but I have no choice. My back will not permit me to bathe her anywhere that requires me to do anything but stand up. I just called the groomer, and she can't get to her until November 6, and I will be out of town, so I scheduled her for a good grooming on Dec. 16, and will try to bathe her myself today. Wish me luck!

Boo, I wonder if that Lysol thing would work on the grout in my kitchen tile? It's an awfully big area, but at least the worst part, in front of the stove, fridge and sink? I think I'll try it.

OK, off I go, to bathe Trinket. I'll put on my slicker, rain hat, goggles and boots, and have a snorkel nearby in case I need it. Maybe by the time I mop up the water that will surely be on the floor, I won't need that Lysol! Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
October 25, 2019 - Msg 113132: Nice Video Romeena...Who’s the smart one?...I think the horse 🐎...
October 25, 2019 - Msg 113133: Hi all! Sixty days til Christmas!! Yup, Wow!
GF--you have really been retired for 6 years?
It seems like only yesterday! Or maybe that was ASA! ha
Frankie--I grew up watching the Rifleman, even got the toy rifle when I was 11. Every time I see one now I can think back to those days laying on the floor in front of our black and white set.
(Of course there was no color yet.) Great memories.
Hey to pappa! (We still write back and forth.)
good to see you here again!
RO--glad your back is better! How's the hearing these days?
Our city pickS up our trash in the big barrels.
Tuesday is garbage, Friday is recycling.
Yes, good luck indeed on the dog bath, but you should have been here when we had CAT bathing day!! nOW, that WAS A SIGHT! She was a pistol for sure.
pRAYERS,
mdc

October 26, 2019 - Msg 113134: HORSES - 35, HUMANS - 0 :)
October 26, 2019 - Msg 113135: Oh ASA, The "cousin" Gloria episode was on tonight. After seeing that ep again, I can see why you named your temperamental snowblower Helen! ha mdc
October 26, 2019 - Msg 113136: MESSAGE: Hey all. Yep MDC, Never was Helen's temperament on better display than that episode IMNSHO. Andy said it best when he told her "you beat everything, you know that". lol And yet at other times she could be as sweet as anything. Go figure. The color episode when she is wanting Andy to hook up Howard with the new County nurse (I can't remember her name now) Anyway when Andy says he really doesn't want to get involved with such, she shuts down on him pretty good, and old Andy quickly realizes he better ship up. I guess love is blind. lol BTW, They sure went through them county nurses in Mayberry. I wonder what causes that?

Romeena, I hope the bath went well and you didn't get your back flared up. I was watching an episode of All Creatures last night, and Jim Herriot's daughter, Rosie, who is 12 at the time has decided she wants to be a Vet, a large animal Vet at that. And James is trying to talk her out of that idea. He takes her to several cases to try and show her how hard and difficult and dangerous that can be. He much prefers she go into small animal practice if she is determined to be a Vet. Near the end of the episode he has to put down a horse he has been treating for tet@nus (censor got me) for some time. Although she waits in the car while he uses the humane killer, it is a very tough scene to watch. But he felt she needed to see all aspects of what being a Vet includes. In real life, she ended up becoming a Doctor instead of being a Vet. His son Jimmy became a Vet in real life and is still practicing as far as I know.

Well my three tree's are gone. Sad to see them go, but it was necessary. They had gotten to big, to close to the house, and were infested with aphids which in turn attracted wasps by the gazillion. The last few years I had not been able to enjoy the backyard because of it. Oh well, I will find a different variety to plant, and plant them further away. With an acre lot, I have plenty of room.

Prayers for all for a great day and weekend.

Asa
October 26, 2019 - Msg 113137: 3 less trees to rake leaves 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🤷🏼‍♂️Just Sayin’ but I’m with ya Asa, just hate to see trees cut down.G-F
October 26, 2019 - Msg 113138: Good morning, porch. It's a beautiful blue-and-gold day here, sun is shining, light breeze blowing, just 54° but heading for upper 60s. We've had rain for the last two days, so everything looks fresh, but the grass is slowing down, not growing very fast. My friend Eddie is having terrible problems with his arthritic knees, and cramped muscles in his shoulders (he's no spring chicken anymore), so he hasn't been here this week, but it's okay. I told him to just stay home and rest, and he says he's feeling a bit better. I'm happy to work with him, whatever it takes. He's worked for me and been my friend for 22 years, I'm surely not going to drop him now! He's so funny, he tells people I'm his "white mama." He also thinks I make the best turkey and dressing in the world! He happened to be here mowing on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, when we were having an off-the-holiday meal. We often do that so my kids can spend the holiday with their spouse's family. Anyway, I invited Eddie in to eat, but he refused, saying he was "too dirty", and I understood, so I fixed him a plate and took it outside to him. He ate back in the arbor, and declared it the best turkey and dressing he had ever eaten. I made him a "to-go" box as well, and he talked about it for weeks. As I've said, Eddie is my friend. (And I do make a mean turkey and dressing!)

Asa, if you're interested, I have a very detailed outline for making a turkey my way, prepared years ago for my DIL, when she was learning to cook. She now makes a turkey using those directions, and it's delicious. I would be happy to email it to you.

Well, I did it. I bathed Trinket yesterday afternoon. My kitchen counters on both sides of the sink, the window behind my sink, and about half of the kitchen floor haven't been this clean in a long time! I used her towels after she was dry, to wipe down and mop up the water that was just everywhere! She struggled, and tried to climb out of the sink about forty times, and I just pushed her back in and kept scrubbing! I wrapped her in one towel, to get the worst of the water, then wrapped her in a big oversized towel for a few minutes, then in another big dry towel and held her in my lap for a while. To my delight, her hair dries quickly and it only took about five minutes with a dryer to finish drying her. Then another five minutes with a brush, and she's beautiful. She had no, repeat no, matted spots. I couldn't believe it. Her hair is like silk, just brushes right out, smooth and soft. If she ever gets used to a bath and quits fighting me, she's going to be a breeze to maintain. Her hair is about 4-5" long right now, but will get longer. If I let it, that is. I may do a little puppy cut, like I finally did with Toye Starr, just because it was so much easier on her. Her hair did tend to mat at times if it got too long, but I'm thinking Trinket may not have that problem. Her coat is a different texture. I guess we'll see, as it grows out. She still has her puppy coat, which hasn't begun to shed off yet, so that probably explains the lack of matting. When she starts to drop that coat, it may be a different story.

Well, I guess I'll hunt up something to eat. My favorite Chinese delivery place closed, and while we do have some good Chinese restaurants, none of them deliver. Oh well. I've got some soup! I'm easy to feed. Blessings, all. --Romeena
October 27, 2019 - Msg 113139: Hello PaPa Bear
Asa, So far I am fine.
Romeena, Sounds like you did a great job with Trinket. I bet she looks so cute.
Frankie
October 27, 2019 - Msg 113140: ASA--you mentioned that you may try the pork chops this weekend.
Just curious if they turned out OK.
Wow, 3 three trees down, did Roger Cook help you? ha As GF says, a lot less leave to deal with.
You sure have a unique way to describe Helen! But now tell us what you REALLY think of her! haha
When you first brought up 'All Creatures' it thought it was fiction until your latest post, so I went to youtube and found this! Very interesting indeed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RtmLBsUaPM
Our shamel ash has been great for 30 years, and no wasps!
BTW, our news here says that SLC is getting some stormy weather!
RO--Glad to hear that the dog washing went OK, but I can just
picture her trying those 40 escapes in probably 40 different ways! ha
It sounds like you are having some nice weather tho.
Ours is finally down in the 70s now! woohoo!
BOO--hope all is well and that Erin's 'wings' are getting a good workout. She sounds like 18 going on 35, but one must take a 'test flight' from the nest to see how it all works. I like ASA's 'one free comeback card' idea! :) That way she would have that in reserve if needed.
Well, y'all have a blessed Sabbath day,
Love ya,
MDC

October 27, 2019 - Msg 113141: World Series all tied up 2-2
October 27, 2019 - Msg 113142: Good Sabbath all.

MDC, I am doing the pork chops today. So I will report later. I look forward to it.
All Creatures Great and Small are a series of books written by James Herriot (Al Wight) who was an actual practicing Vet in the Dales. They are true stories of his life. His books are very enjoyable to read, and the tv series produced by the BBC are a joy to watch.
Glad things are cooling down for you. I bet 70 feels fine and dandy.

Frankie, glad you still have power. I hope the winds were not to bad.

Romeena, I am glad your Trinket bath went well. She sounds beautiful for sure.
I would love your turkey recipe. Thank you. Now that I have more time on my hands, I can be a bit more adventurous in the kitchen.

GF, Yes sir, not as many leaves to deal with. Now I have to deal with the stumps. I am considering renting a stump grinder. Have you ever run one of those?

MDC, Speaking of Roger Cook, I wonder if he is having some health issues. I am seeing less and less of him on the show, and when he is on he seems and looks like he is not well. Have you noticed that?

Well I hope everyone has a great Sabbath day.

Asa
October 27, 2019 - Msg 113143: I am so lucky to still how my electric power on. We have had 50t gust winds all night and should go through tonight as well. Monday should be much better the weather man says. This morning the local news said the entire state is under emergency and red flag warnings every where. I went out this morning to check the back yard and my cloths line snapped in half and a few boards came off my fence. I can nail those back on once things settle down. I am just happy the whole fence did not go down. Keeping my fingers crossed it stays up. Staying in and staying safe.
Frankie
October 27, 2019 - Msg 113144: Good afternoon, porch. Just got home from preaching, and a stop at the grocery store on the way home. Our pastor is teaching a series from the Book of Ruth, and it has been just great. I've always loved that book, and he's bringing it to life so skillfully. Naomi is a great model for a mother-in-law to follow, and of course, there are so many things to be learned from Ruth herself.

Asa, check your email. About those tree stumps, how tall are they? If they have any height at all, like from 2 to 4 feet, have you considered leveling them off and putting pot plants on top of them? I've seen that done, and it can be very dramatic and pretty. I have one big cottonwood out front, just outside the garage, that is showing signs of distress, and the tree-trimmer guy told me it will probably need to come down in a year or two. That's my plan for it. I'll have the stump left at about two feet, flat-topped, and I have an enormous clay pot that sits on the ground beside it now, but will move it to sit on the stump. It's about 30" in diameter, so will be beautiful filled with caladiums, and potato vines around the outer edges, to drape down on the stump. That is, if the silly little squirrels don't eat the vines. I had a beautiful pot of vines on an old stump in the back yard, and I got to sit here at my window and watch Mr. Bushytail munch those vines down to little 2" stubs. The little varmints just have no respect at all! But - I love them!

Well, guess I'd better go bring in the groceries. No problem, I didn't have anything frozen, or even cold, except for fresh fruit, and I'm sure it's okay. I was just too tired to tackle that bring-it-in-and-put-it-away chore when I got home. Have a great Sabbath, everyone. --Romeena
October 27, 2019 - Msg 113145: RO--the 'theme' of our wedding was "Wherever you go, I shall go..." 43 years ago! Yes indeed, it's a wonderful book.
Is it your new, younger pastor the one doing the teaching?
Oh, a small victory regarding our music and hymns...Opening and closing hymns will continue to be traditional, but any hymns 'in between' will be more contemporary! :)
ASA--hope the chops were lip smackin' go-o-o-d!
I have never used a stump grinder, but saw one used on TOH.
And regarding Roger, at the close of one TOH episode last year,
all the guys were at a picnic table talking to Roger. He said that yes, he indeed had some medical issues, but was doing better, but also that he would be doing less on the show. He also did have some melanoma at one point.
Catching some of the game 5 of world series right now and hope to see the podcast again tomorrow!
Later,
MDC
October 28, 2019 - Msg 113146: Just checking in for a minute. Ive been working the last couple of evenings and am pretty tired tonight. For some reason, I just have not bounced back from that flu as I had hoped. I am still tired. Im no spring chicken anymore and the strangest thing is happening. A few days ago my shoulders started hurting in the joints. I have tried hard to think of something I did that would cause it but cant come up with a thing unless it was from laying in bed more than usual when I was sick. As Romeena would say, "Getting old is not for sissies!" and it sure ain't!

The weather here has been spectacular! Nice and cool the way I like it.

MDC, Erin seems to be doing ok. She wants to come over for dinner on Tuesday evening and asked me to make fried chicken. Folks, I have not made fried chicken in years. I hate doing it. Romeena, how do you make your fried chicken?? I think I need a refresher course.

Better go get ready for bed. Love to All.

Boo
October 28, 2019 - Msg 113147: Boo- try taking Glucosamine. It sure helps my joints!
As for Erin, ask her to stop by Babe's Chicken on the way over! haha (Said with love!) :)
mdc
October 28, 2019 - Msg 113148: Seriously Boo, you might consider telling her that you are not feeling up to par, that your joints hurt, and that you haven't made fried chicken in years, but you love her very much, and does she have a second choice? :) Just a tought
MDC
October 28, 2019 - Msg 113149: So you sayin’ to Boo MDC...Here in the Real World.. You give 'em just what they get in the big house - one cot, one blanket, one cracked mirror. Period...And No home cooked meals?

G-F
October 28, 2019 - Msg 113150: Good morning, porch. It's cloudy and cool here today, just 55°, heading for 70°. I think we're through with the heat for this year. My thermostat thinks I've lost my mind, though. It gets changed from heat to cool at least once, usually twice in any 24 hour period. I'm not complaining, I love this cooler time of year.

Boo, I'm on your side - frying chicken is a tiresome, hot and steamy task, but the end result is worth it. And MDC, you're spot on with the Babe's suggestion. Having those amazing restaurants located all over the metroplex now has really cut down on my "frying time", especially since they do carry-out as well. Still, now and then, my kids ask me to do it, and I usually will. Homemade fried chicken is still the best, I guess, though Babe's is just as good, in my opinion. One difference is that Babe's is not very good the next day, but homemade chicken is great cold, and makes a wonderful picnic meal. I think the difference between deep-frying and pan frying is the key.

As for how I make it, it's easy. Just rinse the chicken parts and pat them dry. Then I mix buttermilk and plain milk in equal parts in a bowl, and add a dash of salt and a little black pepper. Dredge the chicken parts in some flour, with a dash of salt and a little pepper stirred in, then dip into the milk, and back into the flour. I've found that using just plain milk makes a crust that is too light for my taste, and all buttermilk makes the crust too heavy and thick, but a mixture makes it just right. You can adjust the proportions either way to suit your taste. Also, the amount of salt and pepper you add to the milk and flour is adjustable. I don't use a lot of salt, but Eloise loves it, so I make sure there's a salt shaker near her place at the table. She can always add salt, but I can't take it out!

Don't have your heat too high, or you'll have blackened spots on the crust, or too low, as too low will take forever to cook the pieces, and will make the crust soggy. It's just a matter of sensing the heat and timing, I guess. You'll know when you have it right. When the chicken is golden brown, it's done. If you have doubts, you can always cut into a thick piece to make sure, but let it sit a bit before you do, to reduce the juice loss.

I fry in peanut oil, because it will tolerate the heat without burning or smoking. I use a big skillet, and put about a half inch of oil in it, before the chicken is added. When the skillet is full of chicken, the oil will rise to well over half way up the sides of the pieces. I use a medium/high heat, and try not to turn the pieces more than once, but sometimes you have to.

You didn't ask about gravy, but in case Asa is wondering, it's easy. When the chicken is done, pour off all but about a scant 1/4 cup of the oil left in the skillet. How much or how little oil to reserve will depend on how much gravy you want to make. More gravy, more oil, and therefore more flour, and requiring more milk! The reserved oil is the starting point. If there are bits and pieces of crusty stuff in there, all the better. Stir in some flour to make a roux, just enough to soak up all the oil, without any floating oil blobs. Let it brown very gently, but not very brown, heat about medium, and then start stirring in the milk, about a cup at a time, blending with a wooden spoon all the while. Add more milk as the mixture thickens, a little at a time, until you have the consistency you want. Some like thin gravy, my family likes it fairly thick, but you don't want to be able to slice it! Taste, and add salt as needed, and a little black pepper. My "secret ingredient" is a teaspoon or two of sugar! The gravy won't be sweet, but it will be so good! By the way, that gravy is wonderful the next day, heated up and spooned over some white rice! I keep some packages of Uncle Ben's 90-seconds-in -the-microwave rice on hand for just that purpose.

So there it is, "how to fry a chicken." Just my opinion, folks, and your family probably has a favorite method, and more power to ya! --Romeena

October 28, 2019 - Msg 113151: : )
October 29, 2019 - Msg 113152: "Look pa, chicken with crust!"
October 29, 2019 - Msg 113153: Good morning all.

Y'all talking about fired chicken now, now I have a craving. Sadly I am constrained to KFC for that one. No Babes around here. Besides, fried chicken has got to have the mashed taters with thick creamy gravy to with it to be complete. KFC's gravy doesn't quite cut the grade there. And I am not ready to try frying my own. Oh whoa is me.

MDC, The chops came out very tasty buddy. Thanks for the recipe. I bet that would be good with a pork roast also. Glad y'all have found a compromise to your hymn dilemma. I was watching Adam-12 a while back and Malloy and Reed came across two fellers in a church parking lot in a fist fight. Seems one was the music director and the other was the organist and they were arguing over what hymns should be played and sung in their service. lol Reminded me a bit of your situation.

Boo, I am so glad that Erin is keeping in touch with you. I think that is so important.

Big cold front moved in yesterday. Got some snow on my porch this morning. Not enough to bother Helen with, but mercy sakes it got cold. They are saying down to 15 degrees tonight. Talk about shivering your timber! Way to early for that kind of cold.

Another hankering I have now is for some chicken fried steak. The only time I don't mind my main dish being concealed in a heavy sauce. Do I hear Cracker Barrel calling my name? Romeena, I bet you make a mean chicken fry steak, don't you?

Well I was going to work on those tree stumps today, but the snow and cold is going to say nowt to that. So I will find something inside to do instead. Romeena, these stumps are not really in an area that I can really do much with them along the lines you were mentioning. Good idea, but in this case not practical. But then again, I might decide very practical after I try getting rid of these things. lol They say cutting down a tree is the easy part of tree removal. The real work is the stump removal.

Prayers for all for a great and safe day.

Asa
October 29, 2019 - Msg 113154: Good morning, porch! It's cold and rainy here, at 46°, heading for the mid-50s. Flocks of little cold birds are pecking around my feeding stones, trying to find a few leftover seeds. Guess I'll take a new supply out there. The poor little things look so cold and hungry!

Asa, as a matter of fact, I do make a pretty decent chicken fried steak. The method is very much like the procedure for fried chicken, with the flour/milk/flour buildup, and gentle frying in peanut oil. Gravy procedure is the same as well. Very easy, and very good. And yes - you just gotta have mashed taters, though my David prefers noodles. For the gravy, don't forget the secret ingredient. That little bit of sugar is magic! Actually, I put a pinch of sugar into a lot of things, like green beans, pinto beans, squash casserole, whatever. A squirt of fresh lemon juice can wake up flavors, too. Not enough to make the dish taste sour, it just takes a couple of teaspoons, but it enhances other flavors and brightens things up a bit. I wouldn't put it in gravy or anything with milk in it, but in green veggies and some soups, it's very good. Just experiment, and let your imagination and your taste buds be your guide.

Well, guess I'd better go feed Trinket. I don't know what has finally clicked in her little brain, but I think we may have turned the corner on her potty training. Time will tell. I certainly hope so, as I'm about to throw her to the woowoos!

Blessings, friends. --Romeena
October 29, 2019 - Msg 113155: Sure wish we had Babe's around here, but we don't and the chicken place near us is pretty horrible. I already bought the chicken so guess I will be frying it up. I bought some thighs and three breasts. I will season them up and give it a go. Thanks for the lesson in chicken, Ro. I remember my mom making it with egg and milk, then flour but seems to me her crust was kind of soggy. She always took all the skin off the chicken, too, and cooked it a long time so it was dry.

Well, I had the mother of all migraine headaches last night. I got ahold of some MSG in a salad with strawberries in it at a restaurant. Wow. That's all I can say. I am pretty sure I have developed what is called Vestibular Migraines. I seem to have been getting them off and on for a few months now and have pretty typical symptoms. They just make you feel miserable like you have a buzzing in your head or a pressure, and so fatigued. hard to describe but I am going to see the dr soon for my regular check up and actually have a visit with the cardiologist tomorrow too for a check up. Prayers appreciated. I have been having episodes of shortness of breath and such, which is probably stress related but will get checked out anyway.

Better get going. I am going to take it easy most of the day before getting started on dinner. I do have to do some vacuuming in the living room. There are pieces of a shoelace and Styrofoam from a ball Poopsie tore in pieces. Dogs are so messy!

Boo
October 29, 2019 - Msg 113156: MDC-I have been taking glucosamine for my knee`s for years. It sure helps this old body.

Boo-I sure hope your feeling better. Those migraines can be terrible. Sending prayers your way.

Romeena-Hope the potty training with Trinket is complete. It just takes time for the little pups.

I still have power over here and the winds are picking up again. Areas to my east and west are having shut offs again. I am in a good area and have not had shut offs. Should have gust up to 50mph again today and should calm down by the end of Wed. Wew! I guess this will be our normal for now on.
Frankie
October 29, 2019 - Msg 113157: Frankie, good to hear you are not in danger....All this food talk has got me hungry from bouncing around on my mower trying to get this round of leaves cleaned up before the rain and cold weekend...My hip just don’t cotton to all that bouncing around and I am thinking it’s getting closer to making the big decision to having it done....

Didn’t see you on the podcast last night MDC, Floyd did two shows since they will be on the Mayberry cruise next week.

Y’all take care....Hang in there Boo.....G-F
October 29, 2019 - Msg 113158: GF--I did not see the podcast last night, something came up again--supper! ha
(It starts at 5 PM az time)
Remember, if you do decide to do the hip, find a doc who will do ANTERIOR as opposed to a posterior procedure. Much quicker recovery time!
I'm proof! ha
More later,
MDC
October 29, 2019 - Msg 113159: WE WANT A GHOST 👻 STORY!..https://youtu.be/jpTsJhkV_O8
October 29, 2019 - Msg 113160: Floyd’s version....https://youtu.be/WPyRIJ2ZU6I 👻
October 29, 2019 - Msg 113161: Just to clarify above...the TIME for supper is what came up!! ha mdc