June 15, 2020 - Msg 114667: Good morning, porch! Hi, John Masters. Looks like we're the only ones here. I've just been enjoying the view from my window, watching the squirrels play, marveling at the huge and beautiful hibiscus flowers, and noticing how thick and pretty the grass has become, after almost being wiped out by that miserable fungus last year. St. Augustine grass, given enough water and a little sprinkle of dry molasses and corn gluten meal now and then, will just take over and it doesn't take long.

Well, now I've heard everything. I don't know if you all have the "NextDoor" thing where you live, but it's alive and well on my end of the porch. Basically, it's an online neighborhood watch program, and it's linked with the surveillance cameras that are appearing everywhere. I have four cameras around my house, and not much happens that I don't see, either as it's happening, or whenever I access the recordings. If your cameras record someone stealing a package off your porch, you can post the video on NextDoor and the person is seen in all their glory, as they make off with your property. Imagine some mom seeing her "good boy" in someone's video!

NextDoor is used to communicate in the area, whether a video is involved or not. This morning, there is a report of a neighbor who shot a lady's 6 month old kitten with a BB gun. Shattered the kitten's tiny leg, and it's not fixable. It will have to be amputated. I cannot imagine anyone being that cruel and heartless, but it happened. When confronted, his explanation was that he was shooting at some bees in a shrub, and didn't know the kitten was in the bush! Shooting at bees? Wow. The army needs to recruit him as a sniper. That is one small target. And he never heard of bug spray? He doesn't know that our bees are threatened, and if they go, our plants will lose their major pollinator? So, he could see the bees, but couldn't see a half-grown kitten in the bush? Please! I should feel sorry for him, because he's getting a royal rake-over on NextDoor, but I don't. That poor little kitten is in pain, is hurt and scared and confused, and will lose its leg, because he was "shooting bees." Idiot! May the fleas of a thousand camels infest his armpits! There, now I feel better. I wish the kitten did.

Well, guess I'd better get dressed and go to the pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions. Maybe I'll stop at Taco Bell while I'm out. I just saw an ad for them on TV, and it done flung a cravin' on me! That happens about once a month around here. By the way, y'all do know that "taco" is a generic word, and doesn't necessarily mean the typical "taco" you get at Taco Bell. In Spanish, it is similar to our use of "sandwich", in that it can mean just about anything you can imagine, tucked into a rolled or folded tortilla, either eaten plain and soft, or folded and fried crisp. Just as you can put anything between two pieces of bread and make a sandwich, so can you put almost anything into a tortilla to make a taco. In older, typical Hispanic homes, Mama might keep a pot of some concoction of meat and veggies in a pot on the stove, and the kids come in from school, grab a tortilla (homemade) and spoon some of the contents of the pot into it, fold it over, and make a taco for a snack. I've enjoyed a few of those homemade tacos in the past. I wasn't entirely sure what the filling was, but it was good.

Well, off I go. Trinket will have her little nose out of joint when I leave, but she'll forget all about it when I return. Dogs are so forgiving! Blessings, everyone! --Romeena


June 15, 2020 - Msg 114668: OH, thanks, John. Nice of you to help me sweep the porch. Where DOES all that dust come from?? --Romeena
June 15, 2020 - Msg 114669:

SHAKEDOWN! (:


June 15, 2020 - Msg 114670: Romeena - That "done flung a cravin' on me" seems very similiar to country comedian, Jerry Clower. Fan of him, was you?

Poor little kitten. Wow. Well, if there's an upside, at least it didn't lose it's very early life!

Not sure if that was dust. Might have been that Newton Munroe didn't open the flue again!

John Masters
June 15, 2020 - Msg 114671: All this talk about our late Rev puts a smile on my face. Here is a little background information.

Although Rev had been visiting and reading The Front Porch for an unknown amount of time, it was not until he made his first posting in 2005 that is repeated below:
November 28, 2005 - Msg 31802: It sure seems like some good folks here. I unsually don't post anything but I do enjoy reading. Be blessed to all.
Rev.
And then his final post just nine days before he passed was as follows:
October 11, 2013 - Msg 94969:
Howdy Porch Family.....My concert went great in Alabama...in Louisiana now....then into Texas. Ya'll be good!
Love and prayers
-REV.

He traveled a lot in his motorhome to churches, dance halls and even saloons to perform his Christian country music.

You can read a short biography at https://www.mcswain-evans.com/index.php/obituaries/2013-obituaries/1005-rocky-morris

I own a few of his CDs. If you would like to hear some of his music, search using his name Rocky Morris over at YouTube.com.

Rest In Peace Rocky Morris, aka Rev.

from Poor Horatio
June 15, 2020 - Msg 114672: Thank you for that report, Poor Horatio. It is an honor to have you on the porch. I miss REV, too. He was indeed a great blessing to us all. Romeena, your memories made me cry. I have so many loved ones, "in another room". It is really bittersweet to remember REV. I was so thankful for his many prayers and his positive and inspiring attitude. I wonder how his family is doing these days?

Been a fairly busy day today. I have been waking up too early for my liking but I get a lot done. I had to go into town for blood work. I haven't been since before this corona nightmare so it was past due. I went to a new lab and experienced the most pleasant blood draw I have ever had...short wait, nice girl who got me on the first shot and no pain at all. I love when that happens. Later Sean came home for lunch and I fixed him a burrito, then I went to the store for a couple of things and Erin helped me go through some of kitchen cabinets and get rid of things I didn't use. That is a big help! I made an omelet for Bruce for dinner then went to St. Susan's for a dip in the pool. She has a four foot pool that is just big enough to get some exercise so she and I get out there in the evening and exercise and visit. It is really nice when the mosquitos aren't bad. I took Poopsie along to play with Susan's dogs and they had a time! She smelled awful so I had to bathe her immediately when I got home and now she is already passed out on her pillow bed. Such a sweet little thing!

Well, I have been watching some old Twilight Zone episodes on Netflix this week and really enjoy looking for TAGS characters. There aren't a lot but enough to make it fun. Last night I watched my favorite TZ ep called The Hunt. Its the one about the old man and his dog Rip..they go hunting and both drown but they wake up beside the creek and the old man doesn't know he is dead. He and Rip figure it out when they head home and no one will recognize their presence. The old man and his dog start up a country road and are intercepted by a man who claims to be St. Peter. He tries to get the old man to pass through a gate that he claims is heaven, but when he tells the old man that no dogs are allowed, the old man decides to keep walking. Soon he is met by a young man further up the road who is dressed like a lumberjack. The young man is an angel who is looking for the old man to take him to heaven. Turns out he was almost tricked into going to h#ll, but Rip kept from that mistake. Such a great story. Watch it if you haven't seen it.

Think I will get me a glass of green tea and make some popcorn for my supper, turn on some twilight Zone. Hope you all have a good night!

Boo
June 16, 2020 - Msg 114673:

BOO--I have seen that TZ ep on ME-TV and I thought it was so good too! (The man played Mr. Wakefield in a tags ep.) Many don't realize that Rod Serling was a very moral person, and many of his shows have a very strong moral meaning to them. Oh, BTW, because of the virus, I have had my last two monthly INR draws in my doc's office, and they just do a finger priGood sweep Romeena. I've never heard of Next Door, so cannot comment; but I can related to your taco comment. When the Bell came out with the chalupa, I knew that it's literal meaning is 'canoe.' So at the drive-thru one time I asked for one canoe. There was a long pause, and then the voice said. "A chalupa?" haha

On the Rifleman today there was a crooked horse trader. He slipped a tack under a horse's shoe so that the buyer would bring it back and only get half the purchase price back! He reminded me of Mrs. Lesh and her sawdust in the transmission. I guess there have been crooks among us ever since Cain slew Abel, all with
their sneaky little cons.
POOR Horatio--thank you for your post about REV. I did not realize how long he was with us here on the porch.
Well, that's about it for tonight. On Thurday, me and the missus will celebrate 44 years
together.
MDC :)


June 16, 2020 - Msg 114674: Not sure what happened up there. Anyway, the doc's nurse just just lanceted my finger tip. I may do it that way from now on. mdc
June 16, 2020 - Msg 114675: Afternoon, folks

I tell you....is it me or does it seem like EVERYthing is doom and gloom? Dr. Fauci says we can't expect real normalcy again for about another year?! China is breaking out with the virus AGAIN! Seattle is...well...a joke. Statues coming down all over the world, rename this, rename that. North Korea is starting trouble again, Pelosi just handing the flag off..... *deep breath*
Where will it end? I have a feeling this is JUST the tip of the iceberg and we are in for a LONG haul with social upheaval and the virus.

If we ever needed Mayberry and TAGS, THIS would be it!

God. Help. Us. All.

Stay safe, folks! Meaning the virus AND staying away from any unstable places in your locales.

John Masters
June 17, 2020 - Msg 114676:

HI ALL, just a quick Hello tonight.
Things are going OK, but as JM mentions above, there are so many happenings going on right now.
We all need to keep the faith, and stand on God's word, going back to those Bible verses that we learned as kids. "Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world."
God is Good and God is with us thru this valley.
Love ya, MDC :)
June 17, 2020 - Msg 114677: Morning, everyone

A mighty nice morning on my end of the porch. Sunny with a very comfortable cool breeze. Just perfect.
No news for me today. Believe I'll take a break from it for awhile. Whatever happens, happens. The stupidity of most of it is just mind numbing.

Hope you all have a great Wednesday! Have a half a calzone in the fridge for lunch! There's a local place up the road that makes jaw dropping calzones! The kind that you can become addicted to!

John Masters
June 17, 2020 - Msg 114678: Excellent idea John. Turn the news off. The main news sources are very questionable at best IMO. I don't believe I have ever had a calzone because I'm not sure what it is.

MDC, Happy Anniversary to you and your sweetheart. 44 years is quite an accomplishment my friend. Any big plans for the big day? Maybe you, her, and the Third Party can go for a ride out in the country.

Boo, that sounds like an interesting TZ episode. I'll have to watch for it. I watch a lot od Alfred Hitchc@ck shows. I see a lot of TAGS folks in them.

Well off to mow. I have to spend a good half hour raking up pine cones that my Austrian Pine tree's drop this time of year. Mercy sakes, hard to believe there are so many. I wish I could figure out a good use for them

Asa
June 17, 2020 - Msg 114679: MDC, with your 44th Wedding Anniversary coming up, why not do something wild and exciting? https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractions-g31310-Activities-c61-t213-Phoenix_Arizona.html. This is what I suggested to my wife on our last anniversary.

From Poor Horatio
June 17, 2020 - Msg 114680: Good morning, porch! Beautiful day here too, John Masters. Just 89°, nice breeze blowing. Headed for the mid-90s, and the breeze may drop, in which case it will feel much warmer. Still, it's nice right now. Eddie and Tommy are here mowing, almost finished. Then they plan to plant some more St. Augustine strips in a bare area between my house and the neighbors. By the end of the summer, that area should be solid grass, if I keep it watered sufficiently, and I will. I love my little remote - push a button, and watering begins - in the zone of my choice, or the whole program.

Asa, I've never eaten a calzone either, and didn't really know what they were, so I looked up recipes online. It appears to me that they're related to a sandwich, but prepared like a turnover. The bread dough is like pizza dough, and you put a pile of mixed ingredients in the middle, fold it over and seal the edges, then bake it until it's browned. The ingredients inside can be a mix of lots of things, traditionally ham or pepperoni, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, ricotta, basil, etc. What I took away from reading recipes was that basically, a calzone is like a taco or a sandwich, in that you can put whatever you like in it. The good thing I can see about a calzone is that it's baked, therefore it's a single unit, and will not spill the contents until you bite into it. Or cut into it, however you eat it. I think I'll have to try one, but mine will contain some cherry tomatoes, sliced in half. I need that tangy, acidic flavor of a tomato with all that other rich stuff. Seems to me that some fresh baby spinach wouldn't hurt it, either.

Speaking of news services, I've pretty much sworn off of listening to them. I canceled my newspaper over a year ago, and don't miss it all. I breeze right on by the news channels on TV, and don't miss them either. It's all negative, and scary, and most of it is fake anyway, especially the political stuff. You can't trust any of it. I don't understand why on earth the Left thinks they can make Sociali$m work, when no country on earth has been successful with it, and most of them are war-torn, hungry, and eating themselves up from the inside. It works fine for the upper-echelon elites, but the general populace is in deep trouble.

Well, 'nuff of that! Asa, you have Austrian Pine trees? While my Dale was living, we always had real Christmas trees, and my favorite was an Austrian Pine. They are gorgeous, graceful, don't dry up and collapse like firs and spruces will do, and aren't just a dense round ball like a Scotch pine. They have an open growth habit, so I could decorate right on into the trunk. They never drop a needle! I would have them heavily flocked, and you just can't imagine how beautiful they were. Pricey, but so beautiful that Dale and I had a deal. He said he would give me the Christmas tree as my Christmas gift. I said that sounded like a deal to me, but what could I give him? He promptly said that my gift to him could be the way I decorated it. I'll immodestly confess, I do a pretty good job of decorating a tree! So he bought the tree, I decorated it, and we were both happy.

Any of you who have read my little book know this story, but here goes. My tree lot guy, Tony, would only have 12 Austrians each year, and he ordered them not sheared, just in their natural state - so gorgeous! Big bear-paw clumps of heavily-needled twigs at the end of each long branch. I often nestled certain ornaments into those clumps. Really pretty. Then came the awful year when Tony called me to come choose my tree as they were coming off the truck. As he took the ropes off the branches, we discovered that even though he had marked them, the cutters had sheared the branches to make that perfect little cookie-cutter pyramid, and all those lovely, graceful branches were gone. Just thick sawed-off stubs sticking out where there had been beautiful bear-paws. I was crushed, Tony was furious and was on the phone to the cutters, but it was too late. I never had a real tree again.

Now I have finally found an artificial tree that is almost as pretty. Not quite, but almost. I got it last year, and was very happy with it. Again, pricey, but if I use it three more years, it will have paid for itself, in the real trees I won't have to buy. If it comes to a point where I can't use it anymore, I'm sure it will find a home with one of my kids.

Happy Anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. MDC! Maybe you should go out to Morelli's for dinner, but be sure to tip the violin player more than a quarter. Those gypsies can be moody!

Well, better go see if Eddie and Tommy need anything. Blessings, friends! --Romeena
June 17, 2020 - Msg 114681: And how did your wife respond, PH? Did she like the idea or did she put knucklebumps on your head? (heehee) If someone had made me that offer in the first years after my beloved husband passed, I would have done it. I did let my son send me up in a glider with a glider pilot friend of his. My son flew gliders as well, but didn't want to be responsible for me, and he said the guy he chose is the one who taught him. It was tremendous fun, and I loved it! I was very daring in those days, because I figured I had nothing to lose, I wanted to follow my husband anyway! In time, I got over such thoughts, and now I'm not sure whether I'd go up in a balloon or not. Maybe. I'll have to talk to Johnny Paul Jason about that. He always seems to know a lot about everything. --Romeena
June 17, 2020 - Msg 114682: I stopped watching the news and I feel better, mentally. I just get so frustrated due to so many different opinions, etc. I am just doing my best not to worry each day because that just messes with my immune system. I have developed a little cough today so taking the supplements and drinking green tea, hoping its nothing. Prayers for the porch.

Boo
June 17, 2020 - Msg 114683: Hi all ! Deputy warren Ferguson here! Man , I used to post when I W as as kid, 12/13/14 years old, back In 2006-2007ish. Hope you are all doing great, already recognize names like Boo, Romeena and Poor Horatio. Hope you all have a fine evening,,,chat soon

DWF
June 17, 2020 - Msg 114684: Hey DWF, you forgot your Huh, huh, huh.

Happy 44th to the MDCs! Maybe have a nice candlelit dinner. That's what you call "gracious living!"

John Masters
June 18, 2020 - Msg 114685:

HI Porchsters! I think we all need a little Rodney Dangerfield. If you're a fan, I think you'll like this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsDGv2V9tEE

Well, hello again Deputy Warren Furguson! Wow, it has been a long time...in fact, it was back when we were all still WORKING instead of retired! ha I hope you can set for a spell and take a load off. Good to have you back.

PH--believe it or not, we have done that! About 15 years ago, in fact. It was a great experience. So cool.
But around these parts you have to do it during our "winter" months because they won't fly in our hot summer temperatures! ha

ASA-- good one with the 'third party!' Now you'll want to know if I'm 'runnin' with Cecile! haha
Thank you porch for all the well wishes. We decided to keep it low key this year with a nice supper at home, and maybe even with candles JM. :)

Actually, I have my Medicare wellness exam Thursday in the morning. They werent
doing them for a few months, and it was the only date that I could get.

Well, y'all take it easy. Prayers,
MDC



June 18, 2020 - Msg 114686: MDC you guys going to that French Restaurant for Snails 🐌 and Brains 🧠 for dinner?..G-F
June 18, 2020 - Msg 114687: GF, MDC and his Wife are at that fancy French Restaurant and he is calling her all kinds of endearing names, like sweetheart, cupcake, love of his life. She excuses herself to go to the powder room and the guy sitting in the next booth, hearing all the conversation, compliments MDC on his "smooth ways". MDC shrugs and says "It's survival bud, I forgot her first name 3 years ago". BABOOM! :)

Asa
June 18, 2020 - Msg 114688: Good morning, folks!

Hey everyone, that's Asa! *rimshot* He'll be back for the late show at midnight. Be sure to tip your waitress! ;)

Another nice day here in the Ozarks. No complaints. Or, as Uncle Ollie would say, "No strain."

MDC - It just hit me. For an anniversary present, are you considering cases of Mason Jars, salt and pepper shakers or a bed jacket? Hey! I know! A septic tank!

Y'all have a great and safe day! Keep that news turned off and shout WE DEFY THE MEDIA!

John Masters
June 18, 2020 - Msg 114689: How about a pineapple skinner? Every woman should have one! --Romeena
June 18, 2020 - Msg 114690: I dunno Ro. A pineapple skinner is pretty major. He may wanna save that one for the big five oh.

Asa
June 19, 2020 - Msg 114691:

HI ALL, We had a nice anniversary day. Even my medicare exam went well! I gave my wife a can opener with a tiny umbrella on it! (My cheek is still smarting! haha) More later...thanks for all the well-wishes!
MDC


June 19, 2020 - Msg 114692: MDC...Did Ben Weaver tell you to put that back or give him $1.25?....🤣.....G-F
June 19, 2020 - Msg 114693: Good morning, folks!

MDC - Sounds like you're doin' well all the way around! You should've drank more pop and got a nice handkerchief! :D

Looks like rain later today. Boy, our wet weather pond sure dried up in the heat. But that's the way it goes!

Better go get some groceries. Y'all have a great and safe day!

John Masters
June 19, 2020 - Msg 114694: Good morning, porch! I got up earlier than usual this morning. Got my shower and washed my hair, will get a haircut this afternoon. I have to go in with my hair clean, as I can no longer bend backward over those shampoo bowls, even with a towel to pad the edge. Just too painful, so I wash it in the shower. Much easier. I wonder if Floyd would have a better solution??

Poor Trinket will have to stay at home, which she hates. I used to take Toye Starr with me to the hair salon, they didn't mind, and she would just sit on my lap, under the drape they put over you, and have just her little head sticking out. She drew a lot of attention and head-pats, and she loved it. Trinket, however, is so much bigger, it just doesn't work as well, so I leave her at home. Also, she's too wiggly. Toye Starr would sit perfectly still, just moving enough to put a puppy kiss on the wrist of the person who was petting her. Trinket would be fighting to get free, so she could be all over the person! Every time someone opened the door, she'd be struggling to get free so she could go and greet them. She's a very people-friendly, "gotta check 'em out" kind of doggie! She's learning the "down" command though, and doing pretty well with it. I took a vote, and decided to keep her!

God looks out for me. My sprinkler system was all boogered up, not working right at all. I'd use my remote and ask it for a certain zone, and something else would turn on. Then Eddie and Tommy came on Wednesday, and planted grass in my side yard, where it never recovered from the fungus attack last year. I turned that zone (7) on and moistened the dirt before they came, because it was baked pretty hard. The zone came on and ran just fine. They ran a tiller over the area to loosen the soil, then planted the St. Augustine in 4"x16" strips, countersunk into the ground, not just perched on top. After they left, I tried to water it down, and the zone would not come on. Just nothing. I put hose/sprinklers out and watered the grass, as it would have died very quickly. I figured I was going to have to buy a new control box for the sprinklers. The existing one is about 15 years old, and they don't last forever.

Then Ted came yesterday morning, tinkered with the box, tightened some nut that was loose, and Shazam! The zones ran as requested, just fine. All but 7. It would not turn on at all, either with my remote or at the control box. Well, it wasn't hard to figure out what had happened. Since the zone ran fine to allow me to dampen the area before Eddie planted the grass, and now wouldn't work at all, we knew the tiller had cut a wire somewhere. But where? Ted said the best place to start looking at was at the box in the ground for that zone. I knew approximately where that was, so he poked around and found it. Sure enough, one of the wires had apparently been snagged and yanked out of its little twist-on thing that connected it to the other wire. He twisted them back together, put a new cap on it, and when I punched 7 on my remote, we got wet! He also fixed my gate, which wasn't closing right and wouldn't stay shut. All for $35. Sure beat the socks off the $300 or more for a new control box, that I was expecting. After he got cleaned up (he was muddy!) we sat in the sunroom and ate lunch and solved all the world's problems, as we usually do. Ted is a strong Christian, and an all-around good guy. He is definitely one of the blessings that God has put in my life, and I told him so.

I just spoke with my computer friend, Bruce, out in Florida. I think I mentioned him a while back and asked for prayer for him. He has advanced prostate cancer, with invasion into his bladder, and was at death's door when he finally sought medical help. He's something of a recluse, just lives in his world of computers, building systems, and repairing them remotely. He links up with my computer and roots out whatever problem it's having and fixes it. Anyway, he had surgery, and spent weeks in the hospital and rehab, trying to get his weight and strength back up. I just spoke with him by phone. He's home now, has finished his chemo, and is still receiving radiation treatment. He has gained back 30 lbs, but is still very weak, but is able to care for himself. I would very much appreciate it if you would continue to pray for him. For his physical recovery, of course - but more importantly, for the state of his soul. I cannot say whether he knows the Lord, but his tactful refusal to respond to any leading questions on the matter, pretty well tells me that he does not. He is a practiced master at avoiding the subject. Naturally, I don't press, because he would shut down completely. Going by his last name, he could be Jewish, but that would be total speculation. I just don't know. I told him I was praying for him, and he simply said, "Thank you. I appreciate your concern." And changed the subject. So, please pray for him, that if he is not a believer, that someone, somehow, will be able to reach him.

Well, guess I'll go hunt up some lunch. Maybe just a bowl of berries, I've got a lot. My favorite way to eat blueberries and blackberries, is to mix about a half cup of sour cream with a couple of tablespoons of powdered sugar, stir it into a smooth dressing, and then stir it into the bowl of berries. The flavors are amazing, and so good! Just sweet enough, yet tangy, and the fruit flavors blend in, and it's so goooood! Blessings, everyone. Stay well! --Romeena
June 19, 2020 - Msg 114695: Evenin' Folks

I just want to say that with everything I have been seeing on social media regarding racial attacks without regard to age or size, PLEASE be careful with where you go, keep your head on a swivel and your eyes sharp. I dont know how many of you have seen the random attacks but they are swift, brutal and severe.
I know some of you are also in delicate health too. So please watch yourselves!

Have a good night, everyone. And if you pray at night before bed, you might drop a quick mention to watch our United States! We're in deep, deep trouble!

John Masters
June 20, 2020 - Msg 114696:

Hi all, I hope everyone is well. No JM, i have not heard of those attacks. Is it that antifa group doing them?
RO--good to see the 'fix' was not too costly.
BTW, that 'twist-on thing' is called a wire nut. You made me smile.
I will be praying for Bruce.
Things in AZ are OK, but some increase in cases; but then there is
more and more testing going on too. Also when we began to 'open,'
some businesses went hog wild and didnt require any safeguards.
I hope they will soon have a vaccine.
I can still remember the days of polio, and how wonderful it was when a vaccine was finally developed. We all went down to the nearby high school, and got our sugar cube with the vaccine in it.
Then again, if the Lord is ready to come back, I'm ok with that too. :)
Thanks again for the nice anniversary wishes. Someone asked us our 'secret' and I told them that it's the three "Cs"... Commitment, Compromise, and Communication! :)
God's blessings,
MDC



June 20, 2020 - Msg 114697: Mornin' Porch family- Wanted to let y'all know that I saw on Facebook last night that Hazel's mom recently passed away. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
I hope that everyone is doing okay in this crazy ol world we're living in these days-y'all take care!

************
possum u.a.r.
June 20, 2020 - Msg 114698: Morning, folks

Again, I am usually in a pretty good mood. But today, I am literally distressed. After turning off the news for awhile, I have tuned back in and I have to say I my patriotism and soul is restless. Our politicians are failing us by letting all of this violence and insurrection go by without punishment. It's crickets from coast to coast. Republicans AND Democrats. Conservative websites and political personalities I follow on Twitter are telling us the politicians have folded and it's up to us. There are other things, but I know we have to keep this site clean of some language.
The UNITED NATIONS has PUBLICLY condemned Trump for calling ANTIFA a terrorist organization, an order came down from the PENTAGON calling for the National Guard to back down in D.C a couple of weeks ago, Seattle's mayor is calling the CHOP zone a "summer of love" even though horrible crime is being committed inside it. My heart fears no good. If Trump wins the next election, things could get much, much worse. If Biden wins, things could get much, much worse. I know there is anger simmering to a boil across our land. The question is...where is it coming from and where will it boil over. Especially in the South. The old saying goes "The South will rise again!" They just never said WHEN.
I have heard many say that we are in a whole new ballgame. Thisn't about race. This is an all out frontal attack on America. When the left starts pulling down statues of figures that was "on their side" years before they were born, then you know it's a destructive free for all.
I am 52 years old and never witnessed anything like this as I'm sure you havent either. I know some of you lived thru the civil rights movement, flower children, Black Panthers, etc. but I dont think the movement was as worldwide as this and everything being renamed around the world.
I believe we are on very dangerous, unstable ground here and we have NO idea what the next day will bring. We as Trump supporters and conservatives are marked now more than ever before.
I have a feeling we have a very long wau yet to go.

Soapbox back under the porch. Hopefully, no one will pull it back out and spray paint it.

John Masters
June 20, 2020 - Msg 114699: Good morning, porch! John Masters, I didn't plan to pull my soapbox out, but I'll just say this. I hear you, brother! You are 52, and I will be 81 in July. I grew up in an America that was Utopia, compared to what we're living in now. Those 30 or so years before you entered the world were even better than the best years you recall. One exception was the acceptance of segregation, and the less-than-ideal, often terrible, way that people of color were treated, and had to live. I was 16 and in my senior year of high school when the first black student was admitted there. He was a nice young man, had a positive and outgoing attitude, and we had no incidents. He was accepted and everyone liked him. That was not always the case, but in our little country school, that's how it was.

There are things happening in America today that I would never, in my wildest imagination, have believed could happen. I dare to bring up the issue of abortion, and realize that there are all kinds of opinions. I won't argue them all, this isn't the place for that. I just want to put forth this one point. Not only is the Left fighting the law that requires an abortionist to take steps to preserve the life of an infant who manages to survive his original attack. That's bad, and loony, enough. Abortions now can be done right up to the moment of birth. Snip the spinal cord, and deliver the now-dead baby. Now there is a push to allow "after-birth abortion". That's a fancy substitute for "infanticide." So, where does it end? Must the baby be less than two minutes old? Five? Ten? An hour? How about three months, when he has cried all night, and the mother is just worn out? Can she return to the doctor and say "Please just kill him. I don't want him anymore." Talk about a slippery slope! This all sounds too far out, not gonna happen, right? Well, that's how any abortion sounded to everyone when I was young. Pray, America. We are indeed in deep trouble.

OK, that's that. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" --Romeena
June 20, 2020 - Msg 114700: Good morning all.

Possum, thanks for letting us know about Hazel's Mom. I sure miss talking to my northern neighbor. She will be in my prayers as will Romeena's friend Bruce.

MDC, So glad you had a good check up and a nice anniversary buddy. You are very blessed to have had such a lengthy marriage. And I really like your "3 C's" for longevity. I might add a 4th. Compliment. Never take the spouse for granted.

John, You see what happened? You turned on the news and now your jaw muscle is all tense again. I understand you want to stay informed, but most news sources are not informing. They are instigating and trying to paint a hopeless picture of doom. There is one who wants doom to rule your life, and that isn't the one you want to follow. Case in point. The last couple of weeks at all these "peaceful protests" you have seen people shoulder to shoulder, yelling and screaming a nary a peep from anyone about wearing masks or social distancing. But today, President Trump is holding a rally in Tulsa and the ONLY thing you are hearing is how terrible this is because they are not demanding the wearing of masks. It's almost comical if you step back and look at how big the double standard is. And I think most folks see it and understand.

Last night I saw Malcom Tucker on an Adam 12. He was playing the part of an Used Car Lot owner and had tricked an Hispanic guy into signing a sales contract on an old jalopy. At one point he got pretty dramatic and says "oh for the love of Pete". I was hoping he would have said "Mike" but nope, it was Pete. At least it wasn't "Don". lol

Romeena, your sprinkler control story reminded me of my own adventure. Last fall when I was blowing my system down, the selector knob broke internally. I was down to just needing to blow down to stations so I just opened them up manually and figured I'd get a new controller in the spring. Well having some time on my hands I decided this spring to dismantle the timer just out of curiosity. I like to see the insides of devices to see what makes them work. Any way, what I found had happened was a small plastic cog on the selector knob had broke off. It's only function was to stop the selector knob at each section on the face plate. So I put it all back together and tested it out and discovered it still works hunky dory. I just need to be sure when I turn the selector knob I stop it in the right place. So I marked it all well with a sharpie and it has worked fine all summer so far. It's 20 years old this summer so I am impressed. And like you, saved a tidy sum of dollars for a while longer.

Speaking of summer, Happy Summer all. I guess today is the official first day of summer. Longest day of the year. Christmas will be here before you know it. lol

Asa
June 20, 2020 - Msg 114701: Good evening, porch! We actually had some rain last night, and I was able to stop my sprinklers this morning and again this evening, when they came on automatically. Saved a little money there! Every little bit helps!

Sorry to hear about Hazel's mom, and will pray for comfort and consolation for Hazel. It's never easy losing a parent. I was 60 when my mom passed, and 64 when I lost my dad, and even at 64, I felt like an orphan. Prayers are ongoing.

Asa, thank you! I want you to know that I copied the paragraph about your sprinkler system, and pasted it into a file I keep about my sprinklers. I assume the part about "blowing the system down" won't apply here. I'm thinking that means that you blow the water out of the lines to avoid freeze damage, but we don't get that cold. Anyway, that sounds very much like it could be the same thing that's wrong with mine, though it's working now. If it malfunctions again, I'll call Ted, and will show him that note, and I'll bet it will be the answer. That file comes in so handy. It lists all the 12 zones, and describes their location - exactly what area the zone covers. It also has the procedure for accessing the remote, the "password procedure", I guess you could say. If it gets canceled, and won't function, I just go to the note and follow the 3 or 4 steps to reactivate it.

I love that remote! Watered a cat with it just this morning! It's just hilarious to watch one, as it strolls through the yard, all full of cattitude, hoping to locate and rob a bird's nest, or catch one of my treasured lizards. I wait until it's in just the right spot, then turn on that zone. Most of them take off like a rocket, find a place to climb the fence, and disappear. Others are so startled, they just stand there in spin cycle for a minute, ears flat and tail drooping, then finally run. All of them totally lose their haughty dignity, and I just sit here and laugh. They are unhurt, just a little wet. You know I'd never hurt an animal, but I do love to burst their little bubble now and then.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some grub. I've got three broiled chicken legs left from last night. I'll probably eat two, and have the last one for lunch tomorrow. I've also got six ears of that delicious young sweet corn. Three of them will be more than enough, they're about 6-7" long. I do love young sweet corn, much better than when it gets older and tends to get a little gummy. The chicken and the corn and a handful of cherry tomatoes, and I've got it made!

I can remember as a kid, walking with my cousins through Grandpa's cornfield. We would pull a young ear off the stalk, tassels just starting to turn brown. We'd strip the shucks back and use them as a handle to hold the ear, and eat that ear of raw corn right there in the field! Couldn't eat more than an ear or two, because too much will send you running for the house pretty quick, but we knew when to quit.

Laawww, the things we would eat. Besides the corn, we ate green beans right off the vine, carrots pulled up and the dirt wiped off on our jeans, and of course, tomatoes. Just pull them off the vine, wipe them on the tail of our shirt, and enjoy! Then of course, we ate "sweet feed", the molasses/bran mixture the cows loved so much, and the "scratch", a grain mixture for the chickens. We also drank from the faucet that supplied the water trough for the stock, even though the cows and horse would lick the drips from the faucet. It was always left dripping slowly, to keep the trough full. With all of that, I don't recall any of us ever being sick, other than the occasional cold. Well, one cousin always had ear infections, but that wasn't related to our eating habits. Anyway, we were free range kids, and we grew up happy and self-reliant, and had a lot of fun.

Blessings, everyone. Stay safe, stay well. --Romeena
June 20, 2020 - Msg 114702: Well, dadburn it! I've done it again. There, that should do it. Sorry, didn't mean to yell at you! --Romeena
June 20, 2020 - Msg 114703:

A perfect book for ASA!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8gr2fUTViM

More later,

MDC :)




June 20, 2020 - Msg 114704: I don’t know about that book 📚 MDC...Back In Asa’s and I’s day we didn’t need no books to teach us. You wanted to know how something worked, you took it apart and put it back together. Sorta learned by doing...Amen Brother? And we didn’t have no YouTube to learn us either!...🤷🏼‍♂️

G-F
June 20, 2020 - Msg 114705: John Masters, I would highly recommend taking a break from the news. Remember that stressing over things wreaks havoc on the immune system, which is something we don't need right now. I know its hard and very concerning but I am also convinced that much of what we see on the news is slanted. Hang on to what is good in your life, look for the good in the people around you and help where you can. I have to be honest with you, though, and tell you I am no supporter of Trump. I hate what abortion has become in this country but other than that stance, there is much about Trump I do not like. I hope we can agree to disagree.

I wanted to share a TED talk I watched today on YouTube, made by a woman who was raised in the Westboro Baptist Church (Fred Phelp;s grand daughter). She left the church and she shares some amazing wisdom about how to try and lessen the divide between citizens of this country. I hope you will all watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVV2Zk88beY

Boo



June 21, 2020 - Msg 114706: Good Sabbath all and Happy Fathers day.

Romeena, may I applaud you for your BOLD post above. lol I'm glad if my fix helps you out with your controller.
When I was a kid I was really bad about tearing my toys apart so I could see what made them tick. My Mom would get mad at me but my Dad never did. I think deep down he was the same way. His ability to take something and modify it, or tweak it, or repurpose it for something else was incredible. I think I told the story of his tractor before, but I will tell it again. He had built his own tractor in the early years and was quite proud of it. But it was limited in what it could do. Well one day he came home very excited. He had built a special winch/hoist for his work truck that he used to pull fuel pumps out of underground tanks with. One day a farmer getting some gas at one of the stations was watching my Dad as he was pulling a pump out with his contraption. He asked my Dad where he had bought the winch and my Dad told him he had made it himself. One thing lead to another and they struck a deal. My Dad would make one for this farmer and in return the farmer had an old Farmall tractor he would give him. You would have thought my Dad had hit the lottery that day. He was thrilled beyond words. Anyway, he got the tractor and it was his pride and joy. It was very old, pretty small, and no attachments, but that didn't matter to him. He made his own for it. Now fast forward 20 years. I am no married and we go out to visit him one day and sitting in the driveway is his tractor. And mounted on the fron of the tractor is a large Briggs and Stratton engine. I'm thinking what on earth has he got going on mow. Well it turns out there was something that broke on the tractor engine (I can't recall what it was now) and he could not find a replacement part for it anywhere. And it wasn't anything he could repair or make himself so it seemed the tractor had finally met its maker. But my Dad, ever thinking, ever tinkering, ever hopeful, decided to do the next obvious thing. Tractors don't have frames like automobiles. The engine is the frame in essence. So the engine would have to stay. So he made a frame and attached it to the front of the tractor. He had an old 25 H.P. B.& S. engine sitting around so he mounted that on the frame and then made a coupling to attach the small engine to the crank on the tractor engine. He then went and removed the pistons and connecting rods from the tractor engine (to take out any compression issues) and he was back in business. The ting looked absurd but worked like a champ. lol My Dad was amazing.

GF, Amen bro. There is something very satisfying about taking something apart and investigating. Electrical stuff always fascinated me. I guess that's why I became an Industrial Electrician. That allowed me to not just wire things up but to dig in and repair stuff as well.

MDC, I got a good laugh from your book idea. I actually have several books of that nature only for adults. They are full of good info.

Well Boo, I will go watch that link you posted later. I don't have time currently. I must admit, I voted for Trump only because the alternative was not an option for me at least. And I wasn't about to not vote. I just don't cotton to that. But I have been pleasantly surprised with him, at least with the things he has been getting done. His ability to play the media maybe for me his greatest attribute. I loathe the media!!

Well I hope everyone has a great day and a great rest of your weekend.

Asa