August 22, 2020 - Msg 115182: Good afternoon, porch. Beautiful day here, but hot. Charles (Eddie's brother) has been here and my lawn has been mowed. It's presentable, and I appreciate Charles for helping out, and appreciate Eddie for making sure my lawn was cared for, but I do miss Eddie. I talked to him earlier, he's still in a lot of pain with his knee surgery, and says his couch is "the most uncomfortable thing I've ever seen in my whole life!"

MDC, thank you for clarifying your situation. I would have told anyone that you had an ablation for your A-fib. I don't know where I got that impression. Anyway, thanks for clearing it up for me. I'm so glad you're all recovered and doing so well. As for the coumadin, I'm guessing they're discontinuing it before the lawsuits begin. At some point, all of the anti-coagulant makers are going to be facing that. They all work well, and you can only thin the blood so much before you begin to have deaths from bleeding. That's exactly why the rat poison makers include warfarin (the main ingredient in Coumadin and probably the others as well) in their poisons. They work beautifully. There's enough in the poison carrier to greatly overdose the rat, and he just literally bleeds to death internally. Terrible, in my opinion. I'm not a fan of poisons in any form. In fact, I dropped Orkin after a few visits when Ratticus, et al, was living in my garage. Finally got him (them) with a snap trap that kills instantly, and one went to the car mechanic with me, jumped out of the engine and scared the bejabbers out of the mechanic's helper, and was last seen running down the highway, trying to escape the broom being slammed at him by said helper. I'm pretty sure I told that story here on the porch. Hilarious! I saw it all. Anyway, the downside of poisons is that it causes a slow and miserable death, and it often kills an animal that was not the intended target. Dying rat escapes the garage, prowling cat catches and eats the rat, and he gets a dose as well. Sprays intended to control ants and roaches before they get in the house will also kill the little lizards that I like to encourage in the yard, and the insects get in anyway. Diatomaceous earth sprinkled all around the perimeter of the house, right next to the foundation, absolutely works, is cheap, and if you use food-grade DE, it harms nothing else. I use it regularly, and once or twice a year, a very sick roach will be seen staggering across the floor. I let him crawl up on the swatting part of a flyswatter, he clings there, and I carry him to the bathroom and teach him to swim. No muss, no fuss, no bugs. You can get DE at any garden center, it's cheap, and the stuff works!

Well, how did I get on that subject! Anyway, I'm glad your valve surgery worked, you're feeling better and I'm sure your doc will find an acceptable anti-coagulant. It's true, with ongoing A-fib, you definitely need blood thinners of some sort. My doc lets me get away with just three baby aspirins a day, but my A-fib is sporadic. I don't stay in fibrillation long enough to build a clot on the wall of an atrium. A few minutes at the most, and maybe two or three times a day, if even that.

Asa, I heartily concur with your refusal to take the thinners at this point, for the same reasons as my own. To start them now would be unnecessary. If the A-fib returns, and is frequent and consistent enough, then that's another story, but right now, neither you nor I need anti-coagulants. My cardiologist is very well known and respected in this area. He and his partner (who has now retired) pioneered the use of data regarding cardiac enzymes in diagnosing a true heart attack in a patient. The lab can draw blood, check for the presence of those enzymes that are released when a heart muscle suffers injury, and have a proven diagnosis in a very short time. I remember when our hospital first started doing that, under my doc's direction, and now it is pretty much nationwide. So, if he tells me I'm OK with just aspirin, I believe him. He did say that the time could come if my A-fib increases, but I don't need the thinners now. They definitely have their place, but not for me just yet.

Boo, how are you doing? Any news to report as yet? I hope things are improving, and under control by now. Keep us posted!

The plumber was by here this morning, described the leak as "very, very tiny" based on his observation of the meter's activity. He did shut off the water to the house, like Ted did yesterday, and the meter stopped, so we know the leak isn't in the sprinkler system, it is in the house somewhere. He took his little listening device and went all over the house, but found nothing. He has another device which he will bring back on Monday. He says, and I agree, we do need to find the leak, because in time it could grow. We do have copper pipes, Asa, and the leak we had a few years ago was a pinhole in a copper pipe. I'm very much afraid this will be another slab leak, though the plumber did say they might be able to avoid that by isolating the area and going up and over with pipes. Whatever they do, I have a feeling it's not going to be cheap. Ah, the joys of home ownership!

Well, today is Brittney's birthday, Thursday was Hudson's, and the family will be doing something tonight to celebrate. Not sure what at this moment, but something. Guess I'd better get busy around here. A shower and a shampoo are on the list, and Trinket could use a brushing. She will attend, of course. The family dogs all go pretty much everywhere with their families, always welcome. I love it! Blessings, and stay well. --Romeena
August 22, 2020 - Msg 115183: I figured if you were going to sit on the porch long enough to read the little book I just posted, you might appreciate having a clean rocker. So, I dusted and swept. You're welcome! --Romeena
August 22, 2020 - Msg 115184: Poor Eddie. Hope he heals quickly.

I am doing better, Romeena. I spoke with my nurse practitioner yesterday and she said she would refer me for the colonoscopy. She prescribed a medication that would relax the gastric motility a bit and it really seems to have helped. Today I was able to eat some pear baby food and a smoothie made with fruit and veggies that I juiced, a little banana, and some ground flax. I was starting to feel kind of weak this morning so I am feeling much better now and no ill effects from what I ate. I am no longer "loose" at this point, Asa. lol Much less nausea, etc. so I am happy. I just am going to have to be careful about what I eat and pay attention to what causes a problem. I actually was able to go to Susan's for a little swim this evening, which hasn't happened in weeks.

I hope Britteny has a great birthday. Is her back doing any better?

Heard from one of the nurse friend's that there are less terribly ill covid patients in the hospital so things are getting better in Corpus Christi, finally. I saw on the local news that they chose Houston for the testing of a drug that they say has the ability to keep people from having to go on a vent. They are doing trial on 10 people so hopefully we will hear something soon. Gotta run

Boo
August 23, 2020 - Msg 115185:

BOO-it sounds like you got a touch of the pip! :)
But seriously, was it maybe a stomach flu or food poisoning of some kind?
Just a thought. Maybe a bit of Ginger Ale would help.
AZ is way down now also and more things are going to open.
But our water parks took a big hit this summer, as now school is starting here.

All--In these prophetic times, now they are saying that TWO hurricanes may hit the gulf
at the same time, something that has never been recorded before! My goodness!
https://tinyurl.com/yypry9nq

RO--I'm glad you understand now about my coumadin. As we have discussed in the past, and as you have said, it is only a 'poison' for rats because of the tremendous amount that a trapped rats ingests. My bloodwork is always very good 2 to 3, my concern with having to start a new
thinner is that it may take a while to regulate it again. I hope not, but we'll see.

ASA--I just figured giving credit where credit is due! :)
I remember a few years ago when you were in the bucket truck installing quite a length of conduit for
a 480. That was quite an accomplishment to do on your own! Also, you seemed to handle all the cooler/heater whiners pretty well over the years! ha (and more things you have mentioned too, along with GF.)
All is well here. Yesterday on the Rifleman, I saw one of the three "Bobby(Freddie) Fleets" as a cowboy
cattle driver. Always fun to see tags folks in other roles!

Good Sabbath to all. I hope you can either live-stream or attend a service. I remember when SPOTTY was working he would always watch a sermon in the control room! "Where there's a will, there's a..."
Later,
MDC



August 23, 2020 - Msg 115186: Good Sabbath all.

Boo, Glad to read you had a better day. Have you considered maybe you have become lactose intolerant? I don't know if you consume dairy products. Just a thought.

MDC, I can understand your concern about changing meds. I hope the new stuff will work okay for you and the transition will be a smooth one.
Concerning my days in the bucket truck, I do miss that. I'm not sure why, but I really enjoyed working up in the air. The first few times I went up it was nerve wracking, but I quickly adapted to it and never was bothered by it again. My helper hated heights, but wasn't at all bothered by confined spaces like I was, so I did all the high work and he did all the below grade work. Worked well for us.

Speaking of GF, I haven't seen him post in a spell. I hope he is okay. GF, Where you be buddy? Check in.

Romeena, I'm not sure how much pipe you have under your slab. But if it is much, you might want to consider rerouting everything overhead as far as the supply line. By that I mean right where the line go's under the house, cut it and go up (inside an exterior wall) into the attic, and then across and back down to tie back in where the old supply line penetrated. Maybe that's what your plumber is thinking anyway. I would think trying to find a small leak under a slab is going to be hard. But even more concerning is even if you do find it and repair it, how many more are going to show up. If you remember about a year before I retired we had a leak in our main at work. It was all under concrete but very easy to locate. The contractor excavated and we found the hole. He used what they called a band aide on it. It was in essence a long sleeve that went around the pipe and clamped on with numerous nuts and bolts. I was very leery of it but he assured me municipal water districts used these all the time. So he installed and I turned the main on so very slowly. Well by golly, it worked. Held just fine. The contractor warned us though that most likely there would be more leaks appear because the pipe was 30 years old. Well he had no sooner finished filling the hole, when water started bubbling out again. I was sure his fix had failed. I turned the main back off and he proceeded to start digging with his excavator. Well his fix was fine. We had another hole just about 8 feet from the one he had repaired. This was on a Saturday afternoon but I called my boss and told him that we had a major problem. Most likely the entire main line needed replacing. We are talking, if I remember correct, about 1,200 feet of 12 inch water line, 6 feet deep, almost all of it under concrete.. He got hold of his boss who in turn got hold of the President of the company. The big shots met in an emergency meeting that night and decided to replace it all. They really had no choice in the matter. So Monday morning we had a full crew there cutting and hammering out concrete. And of course this was in the middle of winter. A pretty bad few weeks for sure. Anyway, Just a thought on the rerouting idea.

Also I did better doing the work than I did dealing with the belly ackers on being to hot or to cold. I confess by the end of my time I had little patience with them. In fact you might say I was rather Ben Weaverish with them. lol

Well my prayers for all for a blessed Sabbath. My oldest Daughter Sarah lives in the Tampa area and she is keeping a close eye on those storms.

Asa
August 23, 2020 - Msg 115187: Good morning, porch! I just finished "attending" my church's services this morning, via live feed on Facebook. We are having in-house services, but seating is limited and all distance/mask requirements are met. And yes, the people attending the service are singing! Take that, California! That limits the number of people in the sanctuary considerably, so I (being high-risk anyway) just stay home and let someone else have my place. The wonders of technology! It surely feels good, being able to see and hear the service, from my own home. I can also read the comments and greetings from other stay-at-homes in the sidebar.

Boo, I'm glad you're improving. I was wondering if you gave the BRAT diet a try. For those who might not know, the BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Most docs have stopped prescribing it, because it isn't nutritionally complete (no protein, for one thing) but the objection seems to be for long-term use. Most concede that for a few days, it can be very helpful. It sounds like you're about out of the woods anyway, so probably should keep on doing what you're doing.

Asa, I got to go up in a bucket once, and it was fun! I was visiting my son in Florida, in early December. He had rented a bucket truck and was using it to put Christmas lights in all the palm trees in his front yard, I think there were six. He wrapped the trunks, then outlined the major palm fronds with twinkle lights. It was gorgeous when finished. He put me in the bucket and ran it up to the top of a palm and let me help string some of the lights. Fun? Oh, definitely! I don't even particularly like heights, but that was fun! Then my son took some pictures of me up in that bucket and sent them to his siblings, knowing they would all have a hissyfit. He also sent them pictures of me in the glider plane when he arranged for that little trip - something else I enjoyed very much. The siblings started saying they weren't going to let me go to Florida anymore! Like they could have stopped me!

I don't know exactly what the plumber is planning. The young man who was here wasn't Mark, the main guy, and I plan to talk with him before making any decisions. He has given me excellent advice in the past and saved me a lot of money, and I need that expertise again. I'm glad he's still active, even though he sold his business and tried to retire. The pipes are copper, and have been in the ground for about 47 years, and I think I'm entering an era of chasing leaks, as you mentioned. I'd prefer not to do that. So, up and over may be the way to go. It's going to get complicated, as there are two full bathrooms, and one water heater on one side of the house, and the kitchen, a half bath, washer and another water heater on the other side of the house. I can't visualize how all that is going to connect, but then I don't have to. That's the plumber's job.

Well, the family is getting together this evening to celebrate two birthdays - Brittney's and Hudson's. Not sure what we're doing, probably going out to eat somewhere. Whatever, I guess I'd better get in the shower and wash my hair. I look like Harpo Marx with gray hair right now. I also need to talk to David and see if he needs me to bake a cake.

Have a wonderful, peaceful, restful Sabbath, everyone. Blessings! --Romeena
August 23, 2020 - Msg 115188: Hey Gang, been absent for awhile, I had kidney stone(s) surgery and have been feeling a little whooped...But I have been keeping up with the daily mail and goings on...Talk more later...See ya in the funny papers....

G-F
August 23, 2020 - Msg 115189: Thanks Asa and Romeena. I would do the BRAT diet but rice and bread bother me. I have been eating some bananas and they seem to be ok. I had to start out with banana baby food, though. Today I had some gluten-free toast with avocado and that didn't bother me. I am trying to exclude gluten and see if that helps.

Wanted to let you know things are continuing to improve with Erin. She is much happier since she got over her toxic girlfriend and is having less anxiety. She goes to work like she is supposed to, so that's a real improvement.

Sean is doing well at the job at the auto parts store. His boss likes him and told him that he works circles around the other employees. He is finally starting to really catch on to some things.

Bruce is back to work, instead of working from home. He went out this afternoon and did a little fishing. He only caught 2 trout but I fried them up for him this evening.

not much else to say so going to sign off.

Boo
August 24, 2020 - Msg 115190:

HI ALL, just a Hello tonite. Hope y'all had a good Sunday. Possum and SPOT, keep your eye on those
two hurricanes! my goodness, Lord be with us! Please.
More later,
MDC
August 24, 2020 - Msg 115191: Good morning all.

GF, Thanks for checking in Bro. Sorry you are dealing with kidney stones. I understand they are very painful. I hope you are feeling better.

Boo, so glad that Erin is doing better and out of contact with that other person. It is amazing how one person can drag another down. I'm happy to hear Sean is doing well in his job.

Romeena, I would imagine and hope only your main supply line is under the slab and after it comes up through the slab has a shut-off valve and then branches out through the walls from there. But we don't have any residential construction here so I'm not sure what is typical practices in your case. Either way, I pray they can get you fixed up with as little upheaval as possible.

My goodness we are in those dog days of summer here. Although we only hit 97 yesterday. Our air quality is terrible due to all the wild fires. Including the ones in California. The weatherman says that the air stream is bringing it all to us. But they are calling for a chance of afternoon thunderstorms today and tomorrow and a gradual cooling trend all week. I am thinking we have seen the last of the triple digits for the year at least.

I hope everyone has a nice day.

Asa
August 24, 2020 - Msg 115192: I should proof read before I post. I meant to say we don't have any residential construction here that builds on slabs. I think due to frost and earthquake zones, we have to go three feet below grade with footings and a foundation. So most will go deeper and go with a basement. Others will utilize a crawl space instead.

Asa
August 24, 2020 - Msg 115193: Here’s one for Romeena....https://youtu.be/-vsXFH0YbZE Incase she downsizes her pond...G-F
August 24, 2020 - Msg 115194: Good afternoon, porch! G-F, I'm sorry to hear that you had to have surgery for those stones. However, I'm glad you did it, because the stones will deal you misery in capital letters, left in place! In extreme cases, they can even be life-threatening, so I'm so happy you had it taken care of. Thanks for the link - that little video is just so sweet, and heartwarming. I never knew hummingbirds were that vocal! I've heard them tweeting before, but those little guys were just having so much fun, they had to tell the world about it, I guess. Thanks again!

I just got back from taking Tillie to the shop again, the "service engine soon" light came on Saturday evening, has been on ever since. Until - you guessed it - I got to the shop with it. It was on when I shut the engine off, but when the mechanic started it back up, the light did not come on. (Did you ever take a sick kid to the doctor, and they perk up when you walk in the door?) Anyway, they ran a diagnostic on it, could find nothing. I had done a "moving diagnostic" on it last night, through OnStar, and the report I received this morning in my email says it's an emissions problem, but doesn't go into detail. The mechanic ran a diagnostic on it also, and theirs showed no problems. Go figure. So, I came back home, with instructions to return if the light comes back on, which so far, it hasn't. Cars!

Now I've got to see my primary doc, I guess. I've got a swollen foot and ankle, a big bruise just below the inner ankle bone, and a very sore spot just above the ankle joint, sore to touch. I've seen the orthopod, had xrays, no breaks seen. He said he thought it was just a bruised bone, done when I scraped the inner ankle on the plate where the door would close, trying to get up in the mechanic's pickup two weeks ago. I had braced my foot on that ledge, my foot slipped, and all my weight was on that foot as I tried to push myself up and into the seat. I think I mentioned this earlier. Anyway, I figured it would slowly get better, but it's slowly getting worse. I'm going to ice it today, but if it's not improved by tomorrow, I'll go see another doc. There was a fat little vein there before, across that ankle bone, and it's not there now. Right after I did the injury, there were five little lumps in that vein, then the vein went away, lumps and all. I think I damaged the vein, and probably scraped the periosteum off of the bone for a few inches as well - thus the "bone bruise." I hurt myself more now as an old lady than I ever did when I was a kid!

Asa, my water pipes are beneath the slab. Having them in the walls sounds like a wonderful idea, but that's not how it's done here. I don't know why. Anyway, the young plumber who came this morning thinks he knows approximately where the leak is. As he explained it, he found where there is a manifold in the back wall of the furnace and air handler closet. One of my wall-hung tankless water heaters is in that closet as well. However, there is no water visible in or under that closet. The floor is raised, and through a return-air vent he could see under the whole closet. So, he says the leak could be in the manifold, but likely is not, which means it's going to be under the slab under the closet, or anywhere as that inflow pipe comes from the outside, runs under a bedroom and crosses under a hallway before it goes under that furnace closet. All I can see is $$$$. I asked the young guy to have Mark, the top dog, come by. I'm not about to launch into something like that without talking to the man who has been my plumber for about 40 years. I want David and Jerry involved as well. Jerry is a career HVAC guy, and he is busily teaching David everything he knows, with an eye to handing it over to him. Both know a lot, and I want them in on it.

Well, guess I'll go get in my wheelerette with Trinket in my lap, a big glass of iced tea beside me, the TV remote in my hand, an icepack on my foot and ankle, and rest for a while. Maybe I'll whip up a quick little bowl of guacamole too, since I haven't had lunch. Love the stuff, and it's good for lowering cholesterol. Mine is not high, but I do eat a lot of avocado, so maybe that's why! Blessings, friends. --Romeena
August 24, 2020 - Msg 115195:

Just a quick prayer request: I re-test my A1C NEXT Monday. I have really been watching what I eat for the past 3 months, so hopefully it will go well this time, below 5.5 or so. Anyway, I just ask for prayer as I lead up to the test. Thanks. More later.
MDC :)
August 24, 2020 - Msg 115196:
For folks who are interested in learning about the final resting places for some of The Andy Griffith Show actors, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svUm3O4_J3k. I found it by accident.

from Poor Horatio
August 24, 2020 - Msg 115197: Thanks, Asa, but what made you think I had kidney stones? I have a condition with my gastrointestinal tract, not urinary tract. LOL

Stomach has been kind of off today but I still am feeling much better.

Romeena, just how old is Tillie now and what is she?..a Deville? Sean was asking.

Boo
August 25, 2020 - Msg 115198: Boo, I was talking about GF who is dealing with kidney stones. I called him Bro and maybe you saw Boo. lol I'm glad you are feeling a bit better.

Romeena, I hope your leg problem is feeling better. So sorry about your plumbing issues. It sounds like it is turning into a mess for you. I was hoping it would be an easy fix.

MDC, Prayers that your test numbers come back low. Remember the good old days when you could eat what you want, when you want, how ever much you want? Now days I look at food and I gain weight.

PH, I will check out that link. I understand that Andy was buried in a private site and was done just a few hours after his passing.

I was watching All in the Family last night and saw the episode where Judd was highlighted. He was supposed to be 82 years old in the show. I wonder if that was his actual age. He sure was spry for his age.
And nobody can butcher the English language like Archie Bunker did. lol

Well off to the grocery store. They open at 6 0'clock and I am there as the doors open. Usually the only one there and that suits me just fine.

I hope everyone has a great day.
Asa
August 25, 2020 - Msg 115199:
Asa, that link I posted was created by a guy who lives in Southern California so all the TAGS grave sites he visited are in California. Also, Andy Griffith is buried at his private 70 acre family estate on Roanoke Island, in Manteo, North Carolina.
Also, according to CNN Edition, in less than 5 hours after Andy's passing, his body was lowered into the ground. It came off as odd to many observers. His family had requested the burial as soon as possible. But supposedly, this was according to Andy's wishes.

from Poor Horatio
August 25, 2020 - Msg 115200: Good morning, porch! It's a beautiful day here, hard to imagine that Hurricane Laura is about to slam into our Gulf Coast. Where I live, we will be very lucky if we even get a little smattering of rain out of it, but Boo, now that's another story. It's going to make landfall to the east of where she lives, but she will probably still get some pretty serious backlash. b>Boo, keep us posted! We will be praying for you and yours.

You asked about Tillie. She's a beautiful, red 2004 Sedan Deville, and the best-driving, easiest-riding car I've ever owned. Still has the same "scat" she had when I bought her. I drive her gently, no jackrabbit starts or last-second braking, but when I need power, it's there. Most of my friends have cars that are less than three years old, and a large percentage of them wish they had their old cars back. Having ridden in the back seats of some of those new cars, I have to agree. One in particular, I won't name the make of the car, will just about beat you to death in the back seat, and fastening the seat belt is impossible. If you do manage to get it fastened, the strap passes directly across your throat! It might help if I was taller, but I'm not, so I just tuck the strap under my arm, and hope I won't have too many broken ribs or a ruptured spleen if there's a wreck. Yep, Tillie and I are in it for the long haul. God is good, because I could not afford car payments now.

MDC, does your endocrinologist want your A1C below 5.5? Mine has never been above 7, but was 5.3 once a while back, and my doc had me reduce the long-acting insulin I take at bedtime. She doesn't want it less than 5.5, prefers it in the low 6 range. That may be because I will occasionally have some morning readings that are too low, like in the 60s, and that can be dangerous. For example, I knew when I woke up this morning that I didn't feel well, and my reading was 62. A glass of apple juice promptly fixed that, but still, it can be dangerous.

My foot and ankle are still swollen, even after icing it all evening yesterday. It looked better when I first got up this morning, but after sitting here with it in a dependent position for over an hour, it's puffing up again. I guess I'd better go get in my wheelerette for a while, and get it elevated. Dratted thing is sore, too. Just a light touch on the skin hurts. No bone pain, I can walk on it just fine, and xrays were negative, so it's a soft tissue injury, but I'm a little concerned about that vein that took the brunt of the damage. There was a bright red, 2" circular bruise right where that vein passes over the inner ankle bone. It is now purple and blue, and gravity has drawn it down until it's at floor level now, but the vein has disappeared. I think the vein was compromised and has shut down. I'll be seeing my cardiologist today for a routine scheduled visit, I think I'll show it to him and see if he has any ideas. Cardiology is his thing, of course, but he's pretty savvy about everything else as well. Besides, he's a good guy, and a long-time friend. Being a nurse, in the same hospital, for 35 years definitely has its advantages. I know the doctors I want to go to, and maybe more importantly, I know who not to go to!

Well, off I go. Trinket is wondering if she's ever going to be fed, and I have half of a very sweet and delicious little honeydew melon to finish off. Blessings, everyone! Stay well. --Romeena
August 25, 2020 - Msg 115201: Hi Porch,

I'm still around. Not much in the mood for tea sipping and visiting on the porch. My soul is stirred with torturing of animals, innocent people being bullied and beaten and a left society that is so smug while lying thru their teeth.
Plus several things happening on a personal level.
Nope. Not a good time.

My absolute best to each and every one of you!

John Masters
August 25, 2020 - Msg 115202: Hey, John Masters. I hear you, and know you must be feeling pretty low right now. The things you mentioned often weigh heavily on me as well. Those are things which we cannot correct, it is not in our power. All we can do is pray, because it is in God's power, and ultimately in His plan to make all things new, as the Bible says. I'll bet you've been seeing that ASPCA commercial on TV, just as I have. It breaks my heart. I just don't allow myself to dwell on it, and definitely don't let myself focus on the human atrocities that are taking place every day. As the old Serenity Prayer says: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."

That's pretty powerful advice. However, I recently discovered the rest of that prayer. Here it is:

"Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen."

My dad had a little saying that he would recall now and then, that went along with that. I think I've quoted him here before, but he said: "When you have a problem to which there is no solution, then you don't have a problem." Now you have to think about that one for a while, before the truth of it sinks in. It says, in a nutshell, pretty much what the Serenity Prayer says, if you think about it. "The wisdom to know the difference" is the key. Concentrate on the things I can change, don't let the things I cannot change rob me of peace, and try to find the wisdom to tell the difference.

A beloved pastor once included this thought in a sermon. He said that Satan is the author of all evil things, the abuse of animals, the abuse of people, warfare, all the ills of this world. Most of it is outside my control, I can only be sure that I don't participate in the abuse. However, when I let it drag me down and invade my thoughts, as I sometimes do, I am giving Satan the power to make me miserable too. That idea takes me right back to the Serenity Prayer. So I've learned to try, and usually succeed, in clearing my mind and leaving it up to God. I just make sure I'm not a contributor. My own animal is loved and cared for. I am kind to the people around me. Ultimately, I trust God for forgiveness where I've failed, and accept His son's sacrifice as atonement for the sins I will invariably, inevitably, commit. I refuse to allow Satan to drag me down.

And that's about all I can offer, John. I will pray for you, for peace of mind and heart, and for God's help in solving the personal things, because they may or may not be within your power to correct. Blessings! --Romeena
August 25, 2020 - Msg 115203: Powerful message Romeena!
August 25, 2020 - Msg 115204:

ROMEENA--I typed a "typo" regarding my A1C!!
I should have put between 5.5 and 6.4 as that is the range for it. The 7.3 showed up on bloodwork as part of my yearly medicare exam in may, so I have cut back on potatoes, rice, white bread, etc in hopes to get back in that range.
Now I also developed a canker sore! Dont ya just hate those? But I'll gladly take it over GF's kidney stones! I have heard
that those are super painful! Prayers for you GF!
Ro, your pipe issue sure sounds complicated! I hope it won't be too costly to repair. May I suggest that you get some family members involved so you don't get 'taken to the cleaners' if you know what I mean. And regarding the back seat belt, sometimes they have a thing to make the height adjustable. Check next time your right there in it. :)
PH--thank you for that video link. It was made very recently too. Very interesting, amazing that most are very low-key grave sites, nothing fancy.
JOHN--YOU are in my prayers too buddy. Things may look bad, but hang in there,
I think we are about to turn a corner. Plus...what Romeena said! :) Keep in touch.
ASA-thanks for the prayers. I hope all is well for you and yours. Did you get all the
groceries you wanted? If not, maybe I can find it here for you. Email me if I can help.
BOO--Good to hear about Erin and Sean doing better. I bet that really takes a load off
your mind. Keep the faith, the Lord will see you thru this. :)
SPOT--Hope you are OK as these storms approach!
Prayers for all,
MDC




August 26, 2020 - Msg 115205:
POSSUM, you too, get under your rock if necessary!
mdc

August 26, 2020 - Msg 115206: Hi Folks,

Romeena - That was a powerful entry you posted. You're right in every way. I have just had a hard time with the U.S. crisis, our politics and then, as I said, personal things. It's hard to go "Wow, cities erupting by rioters, wildfires, hurricanes, animals tortured, things in my life are topsy turvy. Well, better get them dishes done." I know you have to take care what YOU can take care. And I have tried to use that "It's not on my doorstep mentality", but as a concerned citizen of my country and having to juggle personal things...it's been hard. There is someone I follow on social media who is a field journalist and gets right into the thick of civil unrest and upheaval. He goes undercover and is in the middle of it all. He recently posted a warning that if Trump wins, this gets MUCH worse! I mean, I think as Trump supporters, we kinda figure that the Left will go berserk. But he seems to know from the inside.
One thing we are trying to get thru is one of our family members tried to kill herself. She's OK and wasnt successful. Tried it by taking pills, but she threw them all up at the hospital and is now getting mental help.

Ok, that enough. I better get to my chores. My best to all of you and I hope you are well.

John Masters
August 26, 2020 - Msg 115207: Oh, thank you too, MDC. I see your prayers. Much appreciated!

John Masters
August 26, 2020 - Msg 115208: Good morning, porch! This is hard to believe, but it's only 84° here right now, with the high just expected to be 89°. Wow. It won't last long, we still have September to get through, but this day is welcome, for sure. Even the critters out back are enjoying it. My little hummer, Buzzy, is about to wear his nectar feeder out, and the squirrels are just everywhere! I need to go put out some more feed. I've got a small bag of shelled pecans that taste a bit "fridge-y", I think I'll give them to the squirrels. They won't mind the taste, and the nuts are fine, just taste a little odd.

Eloise and I are going to pick up a friend and take her to lunch. She's in the early stages of Alzheimer's, can no longer drive, but still can carry on a reasonable conversation and has the God-given ability to laugh at herself! We will have a good time. We'll go to Olive Garden. I told her to choose the place, and she was naming places like Burger King, Golden Chick, whatever. She was trying to think of places that wouldn't cost much. We will buy her lunch, and we ain't taking her to no cheap place! I suggested Olive Garden, and she brightened up, said she hadn't eaten there in "years." So, that's where we'll go.

Tillie goes in the shop tomorrow. I did that demand diagnostic while driving, through OnStar. The report they sent me matches perfectly with what my mechanic said was the problem, so it will be fixed. Something in the air intake system, which will be an easy fix according to Richie (the shop owner) but the problem is the labor in isolating the trouble and accessing it. That's always the way it is, it seems.

MDC, I'm glad to see the correction on your A1C goal. You had me scared there for a minute! The corrected info matches exactly what my endocrinologist says. As for the plumbing issues, don't worry, I've got my son and Jerry, his father-in-law involved. Jerry has some experience with this type of problem. He's an HVAC guy, and owns 11 rent houses. He does a lot of the repairs on those houses himself, so he's pretty knowledgeable. If the leak is as tiny as the plumber says it is, and there is no water appearing anywhere to help locate it, we may just watch the meter for any sign of increased leaking, and leave it alone for now. We could tear up half the house trying to locate it. If we wait, it may show us where it is eventually. I know zero about it, so I'm leaving it up to those who know more than I do. Incidentally, the plumber is trustworthy, he's been my go-to for years. He will not try to sell me a bill of goods. In fact, he tends to do the opposite. Several years ago, he gave me some good advice. For three straight years, my kitchen sink had clogged up on the very day when I was trying to cook a Thanksgiving meal for 14 people. Naturally, that would put a much bigger strain on the drain than just everyday activity would. So I would have to call Mark on Thanksgiving, and he would send a guy out to clear the drain. Big hassle! I read about putting PVC pipe inside a troublesome drain. The problem is tiny tree roots getting inside a clay drain pipe that would have tiny cracks in it. The liner fixes the problem, so I asked Mark about it. He said he could and would do it, if I was sure, but pointed out that it would cost from $1500 to $3000 to do that, and would tear up my yard in about three places. Or - I could call him in the middle of November, they would do a clean-out for $89.50, and the problem would be solved. As he said, you can do a lot of those before you get to $1500 or more. He was right, and that's what I've done ever since. Never had another clogged sink. So Mark will do what's best and wisest for me, and David and Jerry will be involved.

Well, guess I'd better get dressed, and get ready to go pick up my friend. Boo, I'm glad things are going smoothly right now. Be careful in the backlash of the hurricane. Scary! Blessings, everyone. --Romeena
August 26, 2020 - Msg 115209:
John Masters, I believe I understand just how frustrated you are. I myself have experienced something similar on multiple occasions. But eventually I come to the realization that there is only so much I can do about anything. Then I start thinking that if I did something drastic, how would that affect my family? That brings me to my senses.
The other day, I was listening to a popular American talk show host (first name is Rush) who seems to believe that the USA is doomed no matter if the republicans or the democrats win the upcoming election.

from Poor Horatio

August 26, 2020 - Msg 115210: Thanks everyone. I am still having some difficulties, but aren't we all? I seem to have good days and bad days but never seem to be able to really eat solid foods with a backlash. I'll get there, eventually. I am feeling pretty fatigued these days, though.

Just wanted to check in on you all. I am just doing laundry and some cooking today. I find that I do ok for about 30 minutes of housework and then have to rest. I have seen that emotional stress really sets things off. The other day Erin made me angry over something and from the time I walked out of her bedroom and to the kitchen, I was in pain. My stomach just does not handle stress at all! Im learning to let things go, so that's a good thing. It's like, 'remain calm or face the consequences!". lol

Better go fold the clothes

Boo
August 26, 2020 - Msg 115211: *without a backlash," rather

Boo
August 26, 2020 - Msg 115212: Just checking in because I saw on Facebook where MDC was concerned for Spot & me with this hurricane out there. Our states are in the clear,thank God,but that is one monster storm and things will not bode well for the folks along the coast of the TX/ LA border. Please pray for them!!
Will check back and get caught up on the Porch activities later. Y'all take care and count your blessings tonight.

******************
possum under a rock
August 26, 2020 - Msg 115213:

"Be still my soul..." (:


August 26, 2020 - Msg 115214:

I think we all need this right now.
Take 4 minutes, relax, and listen all the way through...
mdc :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqgC1tqifV8


August 26, 2020 - Msg 115215:

Oh, and hit "Skip Ads!" ha! mdc

August 26, 2020 - Msg 115216: Thank you for the hymn, MDC...timely lyrics.

Yes, I am very glad we wont be getting that hurricane this far south but feel very sorry for the ones who will. The aftermath of Harvey was so hard.

Boo
August 26, 2020 - Msg 115217:
Boo, I have not had any formal medical training, but could it be possible that you have developed an ulcer?

from Poor Horatio
August 26, 2020 - Msg 115218: Well PH, I think that is a good question and one I have been thinking about. Im going to talk to my NP and see about getting a test for H-Pylori.

Boo
August 27, 2020 - Msg 115219:
Prayers for everyone in the Lake Charles area as Laura approaches! God be with us all.
MDC
August 27, 2020 - Msg 115220:
After all of this doom and gloom discussion, it is now time for some musical entertainment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39xq5AATMp4

from Poor Horatio
August 27, 2020 - Msg 115221: Good morning, porch. I was up very late last night, watching the weather channel's coverage of the hurricane. My heart breaks for those in the path of that monster. Such devastation, damage, and no doubt injury and loss of life. That won't be known for a little while, I would imagine. Like Boo, where I am in Texas is far, far away from the hurricane, far to the northwest. Prayers for those who are affected by it, and their families. I was concerned for my cousin, who lives in Houston, but the thing turned in time and missed Houston. They got some wind and rain, of course, but nothing like the folks got where the beast made landfall.

Boo, you may be on the right track, to check for an ulcer. Stress doesn't necessarily give you an ulcer. We know now, as you said, that H. Pylori is responsible for it, but once there, stress can certainly aggravate it. I can almost hope it is an ulcer, because these days, with the understanding of the actual cause, they are highly treatable, and it would be wonderful if you could just go on an antibiotic regimen and heal the thing up.

Well, Tillie is in the shop again. I took her over there this morning so they can replace the problem part in the air intake system, but when I backed out of the driveway, there was a whining, rubbing sound, and I could feel the rub in the steering wheel. It was worse when turning. Yep, power steering fluid was very, very low, and when I got home, there was a puddle on the garage floor. So there's a leak in the power steering system, apparently. I will be glad when Tillie gets over her ailments and behaves herself! I declare, she's worse than I am!

MDC, thank you for that link. I have always loved that song, and that boys' choir did a beautiful job with it. Just lovely. I will be sharing that!

G-F, thanks for the link. You'll be getting it back, as I forwarded it to my list. Just so sweet! What a lucky, and happy, pup!

Well, maybe I'll get a few things done today. It's cooler outside, going to be in the 80s all day, so maybe I'll get a few weeds pulled, and start tucking my eleagnus canes back behind some criss-cross fishing line on the new fence. There are several canes that are sticking out in the yard out 6 or 8 feet, so I need to start bending them into place, to make the little "fans" along the fence. I'm not going to let them just cover the entire fence, like they did on the old fence. The contrast of new wood, with intermittent fans of shrubbery against it, and lights illuminating the wood in the open spaces, will be very pretty, and much, much easier to manage.

I need to get some laundry done as well. Now, if my "can do" will just keep pace with my "want to" and my "need to", this will be a good day. On the other hand, if the "can do" fails, as well it might, a day spent in my wheelerette with Trinket in my lap isn't too shabby, either. God is good.

Blessings, friends! --Romeena