June 11, 2021 - Msg 116741: Romeena, the Professor could whip up a batch of nitroglycerine and knock-out potions, I think he could handle making some baking powder.
In reference to that book I spoke of earlier, Russell Johnson said that when someone would ask him "why did the castaways bring so many clothes on a 3 hour trip?" and other "why's" and "how's", he said he would reply, "It's in the script." :-D

-Sterling Holobyte


June 11, 2021 - Msg 116742: Sterling...Bob Denver’s wife Dreama came to Mayberry Days a couple of years ago. She said they wanted Bob to replace Dud Wash that one episode to help put his face out there more with Gilligan’s island coming on the air...Personally I thought most people would know his face as Maynard G. Krebs on Dobie Gillis....🤷🏼‍♂️

She also said Bob never liked his fake southern accent, seeing they lived in West Virginia later in life he said he could have learned a lot if he had lived there sooner...lol

G-F
June 12, 2021 - Msg 116743:

Well folks, the cabinet saga continues. At this point I HAVE to laugh, because if I don't, I might say some naughty words! :) :(
I called "Lowes Support" this morning to find out the time of delivery, and their actual words were: "delivery of what?" So they called the manufacturer, and they said that they sent them to a trucking firm in Phx several days ago.
So then Lowes called the trucking firm, and they DID receive them, but they did not
call me to set up a time because the order is short two cabinets!
So then the Lowes lady called the manufacturer again, and they are re-making
the two missing pieces, but with no known date of completion! Folks,
truth is indeed sometimes stranger than fiction! So we are back into 'neutral'
for a while. We will call the installer after his vacay and see if he might
install what has come.

RO--that is so nice of you to take your friend shopping! I'm sure that she greatly appreciates it. And ha, you pointed out some really good 'Gilligan' bloopers. Another would be
all the coconut cream pies! :)

I did not see tags tonight, but last night's intro was so funny about Helen reading to Andy the critic's write-up about the local movie, to which he says:"
"You'll be rolling in the aisles one minute, and under your seat the next." to which Andy
replies: "Maybe we should wear our old clothes." A great line! ha

Our next 6 days are to be 116 or HOTTER! Pleaee keep us in your prayers! (and for RAIN!)
Thanks,
MDC
June 12, 2021 - Msg 116744: MDC....As REV used to say...That’s Dang Hot! 🔥 ...Sorry about your cabinetry whoa’s!...At this point you got to ask just WHO is running this Clown & Pony Show?... If I recall, you said they are Kraftmaid cabinets?...I sent you a email that may put light on the subject as to the problems you’re experiencing...

G-F
June 12, 2021 - Msg 116745: Good morning, porch - and GOOD GRIEF, MDC! I can't believe the misery you've put up with for those cabinets. At this point, I would be tempted to tell Lowe's or Kraftmaid or whoever, to just send those cabinets to their outlet store, and hire a good cabinet maker to build some custom ones. When my dad was building homes, he always, always had the cabinets custom made. He said the cost was about the same, and sometimes custom was cheaper. I have a kitchen full of those cabinets, they've been hanging there for 47 years, and the doors still close properly. Just a thought...

I wish I could send you some of our rain. It rained again last night, and looks like it's thinking about doing it again. Right now, I'd love to see some sunshine! I've got flowers, bulbs and vines all over the place, wanting to bloom, but the sun doesn't appear long enough to get the blooming started. A few things have a few tentative blossoms showing, but by now, there should be a riot of color out there, and it's not happening. Oh well. The sun is bound to shine in my back door some day!

Picking up my friend and taking her to the grocery is an easy thing to do. I also pick her up and take her to church on Sunday. She's about two blocks out of my way (big deal) and would do the same for me. If I didn't, there are about fifteen other women in our SS class who would step in. In fact, one of them will be taking her home tomorrow, as I have to remain for a meeting for the Vacation Bible School teachers right after church. We'll meet in the gym, have a sandwich lunch, and get to work. I haven't worked in VBS for several years, but it should be fun.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some lunch. I have a broiled chicken leg and some leftover salad in the fridge, that should just about do it. Blessings, friends - and keep looking up! --Romeena


June 13, 2021 - Msg 116746: Good Sabbath all.

My goodness MDC, I am in agreement with Romeena concerning those cabinets. This is getting beyond ridiculous. But what you are dealing with is the exact reason I struggle hiring people to do things for me. They make a lot of promises that they can't keep, especially when it comes to time frames. Having worked in that world most of my life, I am understanding that you as a technician are at the mercy of your supply chain. But typically I see contractors simply extending themselves to far out, and making a lot of promises they can't keep. I think you might be best off trying to find a capable and reliable handyman and utilizing him as much as you can. Someone you can develop a trust and a report with, kind of like what Ro has with Ted. I hope Maudie is having better luck with her remodel job than you have had with those cabinets. And please include us with the rain prayers. So very very dry out west right now.

GF, I can sure relate to your thoughts about how much I get done now days since retiring. Initially it bothered me, but not so much anymore. It's nice to not have to worry about the clock anymore. About the time of day, or how long it is taking me to do a job, or what time of day I do it, or get done. Very enjoyable to wake up early with a surge of energy and go out in my shop in the very early hours of the morning and work on some project when and where and how I desire. lol I love it. And when I get tired, or my back says enough, or I get frustrated with something, it is so nice to put the tool down, retire inside the house for a spell and return when I feel like it. :)

Romeena, I hope things will dry out some for you folks. It's funny how conditions can be so different in our various neck of the woods. What exactly will you be doing in the VBS? I hope it goes well.

I have been watching my Matlock dvd's as of late. So fun to see some TAGS things in Matlock, including some of the actors. I have read that Andy Griffith was always loyal to his freinds. I see so many Mayberryians in Matlock. Makes me smile.

Well off to rustle up some breakfast I reckon. My Daughter Sarah sent me a little egg cooker I think I'll try. Supposed to be perfect for boiling and/or poaching eggs. I'll give it a whirl.

Prayers for all for a blessed Sabbath day.

Asa
June 13, 2021 - Msg 116747: Interesting info, G-F. Yes, you would have thought that people would have already been quite familiar with Bob Denver's mug from Dobie Gillis. But I guess as they say, any publicity is good publicity.
Personally, I think Hoke Howell was a better fit as Dud, especially since - after watching Gilligan's Island for so many years - I could never see Bob Denver as anyone except Gilligan.

-Sterling Holobyte
June 13, 2021 - Msg 116748:

ASA-one Matlock ends with Andy singing
"Old Mule, Kickin Mule" to a bunch of kids.
So glad that he put in some of those songs now and then. :)
More later.
MDC
June 14, 2021 - Msg 116749: Good evening, porch! Well, Asa, I think your hope for us to dry out is coming true. The temps are in the high 90s the last couple of days, and while the skies are overcast at the moment, we've had a lot of sun today also. Eddie was here today to dig up the bazillions of little pecan trees that Mr. Bushytail has planted all over my yard, bless his little buttons. Yes, dig them up. As I have probably said before, once a pecan tree sprout gets big enough to attract your notice, you can forget about pulling it up. It will require digging. Not just with a little hand spade, either, you need at least a sharpshooter, or a "billdooky" as my dad called them. The root will be about twice as long as the part that's above ground, and usually the pecan is still clinging to the root, about three inches down, so you're trying to pull it up through the soil as well. From the time they appear in the spring, if left unpulled, they will be at least four feet tall by the end of the summer. Unfortunately, they will be the little tasty but hard to shell native pecans. To get the huge, meaty, delicious and easily shelled "papershell" pecans, they have to be purchased. They are produced by a grafting process.

Speaking of tasty nuts - I'm part squirrel, I think. I like all kinds of nuts. Which leads me to ask - have any of you found Nuts.com online? I did, and they're great! They ship all sorts of nuts, even delicious macadamias, which I love. They also ship dried fruit, and they do a great job with that. They sell "half-dried" apricots, and they're very soft, almost juicy, and very flavorful. I no longer buy the bagged ones at the store. Also, they ship dried tart cherries, and they beat the socks off of raisins in cookies! Just Nuts.com - I think you'll like them!

Anyway, back to Eddie, he didn't get very far with the trees, will be back tomorrow. It was so warm and humid, he was sweating heavily, and finally started feeling weak and shaky, in spite of drinking Gatorade, water, whatever. I was worried about him and suggested he knock off and go home. It didn't take much urging. I'm a bit concerned about Eddie, he's 70, and has some chronic ailments, and hasn't been feeling well lately. I hope he doesn't have to quit. I don't know anyone who could take care of this yard like he does, and most of all, I would miss my friend.

MDC, about those cabinets.... when I mentioned "custom made" cabinets, I wasn't referring to someone just building them offsite somewhere and bringing them in. That's what you have been working with. My dad's cabinet man came to the job, set up his saws and such in the garage, and built the cabinets right there, from the back boards to the drawer pulls. That way you KNOW they're going to fit, you don't have to wait for them to be shipped in, etc. Mr. Allen built all the cabinets in my house, bathrooms, kitchen, hall cabinets, etc., and I watched him do a lot of it.

Asa, you asked about VBS. I'll be a teacher/helper. The main teacher for our class (5/6 yrs olds) is a retired elementary school teacher, is the head of our "Mother's Day Out" for the church - every Tuesday morning, from 9-2, mothers can bring their children and leave them off and go shopping or to lunch or whatever. She is also my Sunday School teacher, and my dear friend of over 40 years. She's our lead teacher and coordinator, and two other ladies from our class will have our assigned table. The children will be divided into equal-numbered groups, and will rotate through the three tables. One is a "story-time" table, one is a crafts table - drawing pictures of things you might find (pottery jugs, whatever), and one is a question-and-answer table. I think she wants me to be at that table. After visiting the story-time table, the question table gives them a chance to show what they remember and can tell about from the story. There will be an outdoor-time table as well. A large plastic pool has been filled with sand, and all sorts of "artifacts" such as archaeologists would dig up, are buried in the sand. The kids will have a chance to get in the sand pool and dig until they find objects, then they can report back to the class and tell them what they found. The theme of the whole thing is Digging for Truth. Of course, the stories will be about prophecies and how they were fulfilled in the coming of Christ. It should be fun.

Well, guess I'll go rustle up some dinner. I bought a package of five chicken legs on Friday, broiled two of them Saturday night for dinner, had another one last night with a big salad for dinner, and am going to fry the last two tonight, and have it with some rice and asparagus. Three meals from a $4 package of drumsticks!

Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
June 15, 2021 - Msg 116750: Good Tuesday morning everyone.

I thought I would sit in my rocker for a spell before work. Goodness, it quite around here
this morning.

Its been hotter than a pepper sprout around here the past few days. we have had some rain so at least plants, flowers and such are not drying up.

not much excitement from my rocker these days. just usual routine stuff. my contractor is supposed to start on the bathrooms this coming week. Both bathrooms are relatively small so it shouldn't take a long time to do those.

My church did have Bible School last week. Preschool aged children through middle school were able to attend. We averaged about 185 children per night and about 100 VBS workers. We didn't have VBS last year due to crazy covid and this was our very first time having Bible School at night. It had always been in the daytime in the past. All in all it was a great success. About 10 school aged children came to know the Lord and I know many more seeds were planted.

Haven't seek Boo on the porch lately. Hopefully her back is on the mend and hopefully things are ok with Erin.

I guess its time to go to work. :(
Lunch menu will be: taco salad, salsa and chips.. tea or lemonade to drink.

Prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude

June 16, 2021 - Msg 116751:

Hello porchsters, Well, we are on "cabinet watch!" They are supposed to arrive Wed. minus the two missing ones. Per the suggestion of a fellow porchster, I am working with Lowes to get a little remuneration
because of the problems with this whole thing.
Meantime, we are sizzling with our third day of 116, and Wed will be 118 or so.
I have been watching some tags tho, and staying inside as much as possible. We are breaking some records, one going back to 1901!!! Can you believe people living here thru 116 in 1901?? Talk about
hardy stock! Tags tonight was about Opie's paper. Sure are some great lines, like about
widow Sanders going out with the dishtowel salesman! One thing I've wondered about is how many different radio sets showed up on the table behind Barney? Hmmm. BTW, I saw the name Sid Hikcox
on the credits of another show the other day.

Hey to Big Maudie. Sounds like summer has hit your area too. So glad to hear that Bible schools
are meeting this summer. Just don't flaunt your knowledge too much! haha

RO--our cabinets are 'somewhat' custom made, as they have to fit in our existing space, plus we are getting a few 'modifications' like a lazy susan corner, etc., but of course they come complete,
stained, lacquered, etc. I have seen nuts.com commercials, but we have a Sprouts Market about a mile
from us and they have quite a good variety.

We are looking to buy a new laptop soon. Anyone here know how much better a solid state hard drive is compared to a disc version hard drive?

BOO--I hope all is going well with Erin these days. Prayers going up! :)

God bless,
MDC

June 16, 2021 - Msg 116752: MDC...At 7:00am it is 46 degrees here in Ohio...Wish I could pipe you in some of this cool morning air...
But remember what y’all say...”It’s a DRY heat!...🤣🤣...Glad to hear Lowe’s is working with you on some “remuneration” for all your wows....Maybe you’ll get that $10 merchandise certificate like Barney got...At today’s rates that should be about $100 for pain &suffering!....

G-F
June 16, 2021 - Msg 116753: Good morning, porch! Bright and sunny here, not a cloud in the sky. I think that's the first time in at least three weeks that I could say that. It's 92° at 10:45, headed for a high of 96°. That sounds like a cold snap compared to MDC's temps. Good grief! Sounds like you could cook dinner by just sitting the food outside on a picnic table for an hour or so! If it got that hot here, we would have people dropping like flies, from heat stroke! Those temps and our humidity would be a recipe for disaster.

Can you imagine what it was like for the settlers, crossing the plains and the hot desert areas? I think about that sometimes. Imagine the women, wearing those long dresses, usually with long sleeves as well. No deodorant. No bathing unless they came to a river or at least a little creek. They could carry water in little barrels in those wagons, but that was needed for drinking and cooking. Couldn't spare it for a bath! Eeeek! You get men, women, and grubby kids in one of those wagons, for days on end, with no bathing - it's a wonder they didn't all just faint and fall out. I remember how my kids, who bathed daily, would smell at the end of a hot day of playing outdoors. As my dad said, they smelled like a rusty can of worms! I couldn't chase them into the shower or tub fast enough! Yuck!

Well, hooray for me! The men came yesterday and replaced my broken picture window! It was quite a job, the thing must weigh at least 300 lbs, and those two nice young men were struggling to carry the old one out and the new one in. They got the job done though, and it's so nice to look out into my back yard now without that big crack across the glass, and the strips of duct tape I had put over the crack for safety. They were both such nice guys, knew what they were doing, and got it done. It wasn't easy for them, either. My desk sits in front of that window, and it's heavy! It's a typical office desk, three drawers down one side and a drawer and a file drawer on the other side, all full, with a 26" knee space in the middle. I moved a 2-drawer rolling file cabinet away from one side, and a rolling printer stand away from the other, but no way could I do anything about the desk. I tried to remove the drawers, but they were too heavy for me to manage. I did take everything off the top of the desk but the phone and computer monitor, but the thing still weighs a ton, I'm sure. I told them they could remove the drawers, but they managed to move it back a few feet and could get in between the desk and the window, and do what they had to do. They were so nice. They even vacuumed the carpet where the desk had been sitting, which hadn't been done in ages. I can't get under it with my vacuum. I offered them a tip, which they were reluctant to take, but I insisted. They really went above and beyond to get that window installed.

Well, Eddie just arrived, and will have some questions for me, like where to start! The yard looks like a jungle! All that rain has really revved things up. No rain in sight for the next week though. It won't be long until we'll be praying for rain. What perverse creatures we are...

Blessings, friends. Keep looking up! --Romeena
June 17, 2021 - Msg 116754:

Good evening all! SUCCESS! The cabinet eagle has landed,
and guess what, those two 'wayward' units were with the others
when they were delivered this morning! Thank you Jesus! :)
That is a BIG load off my mind, as the installer wanted to wait
until all were present and accounted for, and now they ARE! woohoo!
We spent the rest of the day bringing the boxes into the house from our sweltering garage, unpacked each box and checking for any damage.
All look good! We have a family room full of cabinets cooling off
to room temperature. Next will be demo and install, so now we can finally schedule that! Thanks for the prayers.

ASA-when you mentioned above about not having to go to work,
it reminded me of the 'weird' feeling that I had for the first few months that I was retired. I 'felt' like I should be at work! ha
You know that feeling of, say, taking some time off to go to the dentist, and then having to go back to work? Sort of like that! But within a few months
I was into being "fully retired!" :)

ROMEEna--so glad that you finally got that window replaced! That winter freeze sure caused some havoc for ya. Our living room picture window faces west, so it is covered by a roll-down shade for most of the afternoons these days.
It has been so hot! I've donated water to Salvation Army. They set up
'hydration' stations around town. Also, our large St. Vincent dePaul center
downtown Phx takes in homeless during these brutal days. Those folks are
always in my prayers.
RO--you mentioned those settlers. I watched a program once about the Oregon trail, and the many old stoves, trunks, etc that were left along it by folks trying to lighten their loads. There are modern re-enactments that show how hard that journey was. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Trail

I hope everyone is doing well!
Prayers,
MDC



June 17, 2021 - Msg 116755: I think MDC and the Mrs. are doing the “Phoenix Happy Dance” right about now....Quite the ordeal!..G-F
June 17, 2021 - Msg 116756: Good morning, porch! Another beautiful, sunny day here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. For those who may not know, I'm in Irving, which is on the western and slightly northern edge of Dallas, the first suburb on the chain of suburbs heading toward Ft. Worth. It's all directly adjacent, no open land between. The huge, sprawling D/FW airport sits next to us, then there are several independent suburbs that eventually blend right into Ft. Worth. Each of those little cities has huge shopping centers along the highway that connects Dallas and Ft. Worth, so lots of concrete, and of course the airport is just miles of concrete. All of that concrete heats up, thermals begin to rise from it, and when a storm is moving in from the west, those thermals just cleave it like a knife, it divides into northern and southern fronts, and Irving is usually spared the roughest part of those storms. The folks to the north and south of us may experience some heavy weather, but we're usually not hit as hard as they are. Strange, the way that works!

MDC, I'm so glad you're finally going to have cabinets in your kitchen. That had to be so annoying, just waiting and waiting like that.

I just can't imagine temps like you folks get. We'll be in the high 90s today, and that's "dang hot", but nothing like you're dealing with. I'll bet the HVAC guys in your area stay busy, and make little fortunes! Or big fortunes! I know David and Jerry are busy right now.

Thanks for that link to the info on the Oregon Trail. We have no idea what life was really like for those folks, but I'm pretty sure they were a lot strong and tougher than I am. They conquered unbelievable hardship and discomfort, and we complain when there's a little rough patch of pavement on a superhighway! We think we have to smell like roses all the time, and they stunk like skunks! We pack our closets with clothes we wear only occasionally, if at all, and they probably didn't have more than three changes of clothes to their name. Dinner for us may be as simple as a phone call for delivery. For them, they had to stop, make camp, send someone out to shoot a rabbit or a quail, build a fire, dress out the game, and eventually get to eat a little something. Fruit and veggies were probably non-existent, except maybe some potatoes, carrots or onions. Root veggies only, no soft things like tomatoes, no leafy greens. Maybe they might find some dandelion greens in the spring. They really lived a very difficult life, and today, we have them to thank for the lives of relative ease that we enjoy.

My great-grandfather drove cattle over the legendary Chisholm trail, for a few years before the cattle drives ceased, and he was a member of the Old Traildriver's Association. I have his Traildriver's badge, and a little vest that he wore all the time (he was a small, wiry man, probably about like Barney Fife) and in the pocket of that vest is a sack of Bull Durham tobacco, and a packet of cigarette papers. My mother had all that, enclosed in a glass-front display box, and I inherited it when she passed. It hangs on the wall in my living room. I'm not sure any of my children would want it now, so I may will it to the Witte Museum in San Antonio. We'll see.

Well, guess I'd better go feed La Trink, and maybe have a glass of apple juice myself. Love that apple juice! Also better make sure I have the ingredients for a batch of cookies I'll make tomorrow. One of my SS class members lost an adult granddaughter in a car accident a few days ago, hit by a drunk driver. (Oh, there is so much I'd like to say about that, but I'll spare you my anger.) Anyway, the funeral is tomorrow at the church, and our class is providing a meal for the family afterward, in the fellowship hall. They asked for someone to bring homemade cookies, and I knew I could handle that. No big crockpots or heavy dishes to wrangle. I have a recipe for cookies that are just so good. They start with a box of butter pecan cake mix, and end up with all sorts of nuts and fruit goodies in them. I've got a bag of Nuts.com's half-dried apricots, some of their macadamia nuts, and some really good pecans from Jerry and Eloise's tree. Those will be some tasty cookies. I may keep a few for myself! (Don't tell on me.)

Blessings, friends. Keep looking up! --Romeena
June 17, 2021 - Msg 116757: Hi folks,

Thought you might want to know this if you havent heard..... the entire riot force in Portland Oregon have quit and walked away. Due to a left wing prosecutor indicting one of them for using excessive force during the riots of last year, the whole, entire riot squad of Portland is gone. This means that in overall terms, if Antifa lays into Portland, there will be no one to stop it. And the regular "badge" police wont have the means to do anything about it.

The "worse before it gets better" is magnifying!

John Masters
June 17, 2021 - Msg 116758: Thanks for asking about me, friends. I am doing ok and back has improved greatly but still very sore and I am still moving pretty slow. It sometimes hurts quite a bit when I get up from a chair or out of the car. I cant sit for a long time or I get very stiff and sore in my lower back and have pain in my SI joint on the right side. Its hard to be patient because I have always been the kind that could jump right out of the car and walk at a brisk pace as I went about my day. I feel so old, hobbling into Walmart today. We finally got the bed in that Bruce ordered but it has to sit for 24 hours before we use it. Its hard to wait! I looks so inviting and I have been sleeping in Erin's old bed. Its fairly comfy but not enough support.

Anyway, the reason I havent been on the porch much is that it is hard on me to sit at the keyboard in this chair without having lower back pain. I will try to check in more on my phone, though.

In regards to Erin, she is still in San Antonio but I am bringing her home next week for her appointments. I wish so much that she would just stay here with us but that never works out. I am very concerned for her and for reasons I cant really get into here, my heart is hurting for her and my hands are tied. God help me to do the right thing.

I had to go into town today and it was so hot! I hope and pray that ERCOT can keep it together this summer. If we lost power again like last winter, I dont know what we will do in this heat. Please pray for Texas, those in power making decisions, and the citizens who could be in for some suffering again.

Better go get in my easy chair. Love to all,

Boo
June 19, 2021 - Msg 116759:

HI ALL, today is our 45th Anniversary.
It was a nice relaxing day amid our 'cabinet warehouse!" :) Finished up the day at Red Lobster for a nice dinner and
then a nightcap of non-alcholic champagne.
See ya all tomorrow. :)
MDC


June 19, 2021 - Msg 116760: Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. MDC.. 🎉 I bet all they has to do to cook your lobster 🦞 was just sit it outside for 10 mins. in the heat you guys are having!... Did you go whole hog let her get the shrimp 🍤 crocktail too? Or were you not trying to fill up?
(In my best Barney voice)...haha

G-F
June 19, 2021 - Msg 116761: Belated Anniversary congrats on the Porch to Mr. & Mrs. MDC! ( I already gave my a-men-a -knees over on FB!) Much happiness to you both!

Continued prayers for Erin and all in need.

************
possum u.a.r.
June 19, 2021 - Msg 116762: Prayers for all the troubles you are going through, Boo. These storms of life will pass. And may God grant it soon.

Happy Anniversary, MDC! Have a good one!

I've been watching some of the color episodes, just for a change. And one thing I can't figure out, in the episode where Aunt Bee gets a job at the printing store for those two counterfeiters, is why Aunt Bee would ask a customer who came in to the store to cash her paycheck. Was that a common thing back then, to ask a total stranger if they could cash your paycheck? I realize they needed to do it in the episode so that the counterfeit money would be distributed around Mayberry, but it just makes no sense to me why she would think that a random stranger would have the money on him to cash her check.

Sorry to say for all of you in hotter areas, but our weather has been very nice here, in the 80's mostly with a nice breeze. Don't get too jealous though, we have some bad storms coming up tomorrow.

-Sterling Holobyte

June 19, 2021 - Msg 116763: Romeena and MDC, you bring up the suject of travelers experiencing hardships during the westward migration of the mid 1800's, try searching for "west diaries" on the internet to read first hand accounts of their seven month journeys. I enjoy reading them. There are many interesting web sites that I can't just post one link.
v
And happy anniversary to MDC and his better half.

Boo, it is good to learn you are recovering.

John Masters, I wish the Portland Police riot squad used a different method of protestng the indictment. The method they chose is a signal to violent troublemakers that may result in more violence and property damage, thereby risking the lives of other officers and civilians. I served as an auxiliary (part time) police officer for 13 years.

Thanks to everyone who offered me get well wishes. I have been transferred to a rehab hospital where I receive therapy to regain my strength so that I can walk again.

from Poor Horatio
June 19, 2021 - Msg 116764: Let me add my get well wishes and prayers to you, Poor Horatio. I'm sorry, I didn't know you were ailing. Were you in an accident?

I remember playing an Oregon Trail video game on my parents' old Mac computer. I never did get the wagon train through. I always died(or they did).
But those first hand accounts sound interesting.

-Sterling Holobyte
June 19, 2021 - Msg 116765: PH..Glad to hear you are on the mend....Just be sure to “Obey All Rules” at the Rehab place!...👍..G-F
June 19, 2021 - Msg 116766: Good afternoon, porch! Just got home from that funeral at church, took cookies to add to the little snack-feed for the family afterward. The deceased was a 30 yr old woman, killed by a drunk driver. Her grandmother is a member of my SS class. It is illegal to drink and drive, yet in 2019 one person was killed in the US every 52 minutes, in an alcohol-related car crash. As for drugs, they're illegal too, yet thousands die or exist in misery all the time, due to the use of drugs. And regarding guns, Worldpopulationreview.com says gun-related deaths are the highest of all, with 39,773 firearm deaths recorded in 2017, the highest since 1986. However, 23,854 of those deaths were suicides, and I think those should be considered separately. If someone is bent on doing that, they will find a way, gun or no gun. "Only" 14,542 were homicides. That's bad enough! Well, sorry - I'm not sure how I got off on that tangent.

Oh, yes, the mention of the Portland Police riot squad's resignation. Quite honestly, I don't blame them. We ask those guys (and some gals) to go out and put their life on the line to deal with some drunk, high, or just plain mean individual, or a mob bent on destruction and the acquisition of a new pair of Nike's, and then try to tell them how to do their job, or punish them if they hurt somebody's feelings. Let Portland survive for a while without police protection, and see how they like it. I know there are bad apples in every police force. It's inevitable, in spite of the psychological testing and all that's done to prevent it. It happens. When it does, weed that individual out, pull his badge, and offer yet another "how to deal with perpetrators" class for the remainder of the force.

In other words, deal with the guilty and support the good guys. By far the majority are good guys, and I don't want to live in a community where I can't call for help when I need it. And yes, if all else fails, I have my pistol, I know how to use it, and I would, if it became a question of my own life, or in defense of another innocent person. The Scripture gives me that right, and so does our Constitution, what's left of it.

Another point regarding the Portland situation - I just wonder what will happen now. I know in this house, if I knew I had no more police protection, I would be buying extra ammunition, tighten up all my home security devices, and woe betide anybody that shows up on a camera unannounced. If the police aren't available, the citizens might just do exactly what the Constitution suggests - arm a citizen-militia, and fight back. That could get interesting!

It could also become very dangerous for the protestors, looters and rioters. That citizen army will not feel bound by the departmental policies and restrictions that tie the hands of the police. They will just solve the problem. The rioters don't know any limits, why should the citizen militia?

Well, on that happy note, I'll wish you, PH, a speedy recovery to your normal strength. Do what the therapists tell you! Everyone else - have a wonderful day. I'm going to grab a cookie (I saved a few of the ones I made - good thing, they went over big!), and a glass of tea, and watch a little TV. Blessings, everyone. Keep looking up! --Romeena
June 19, 2021 - Msg 116767: Sterling Holobyte, no accident. I was walking from my bathroom to my bedroom when I began to shake. Then my legs gave out and I fell backwards. My back hurt so much that I could not get up even with my wife and stepson's help. Thankfully, xrays confirmed I had no broken bones. At least my back pain has decreased significantly. But my sugar glucose was extremely high so now I am on daily insulin injections.

from Poor Horatio
June 19, 2021 - Msg 116768: Sorry to hear that, PH. But glad you are feeling better.
-Sterling Holobyte
June 19, 2021 - Msg 116769: Oh PH, I feel for you and you had it worse than me. I dont know how I would have handled pain any worse than what I had! Certainly hope you are soon much better.

Thanks Sterling, I am doing better but it takes time to heal, I guess. I can feel like I am doing much better one day, and then be worse the next. A couple of days ago, my small dog shot out the door and I had to go after her. I had no choice but to chase her down and bend down and pick her up because I was home alone. She is only about 12 pounds but I think that set me back. One of the first thing the doctor asked me is if I frequently bend over to pick up things. Well, who doesnt?! I am forever doing that..either the dog, or the dogs toys and mess, or socks. Its never ending. I am trying to be mindful, though and am using those long tong things to pick up most things. I am also very good with using my toes to pick up things. lol

The heat is pretty bad already and we have months to go but its not really anything new. We suffer with it every year and I know MDC certainly does. I just hope the electricity holds out.

Ro, you make an interesting point about guns and suicide. I never really thought about that, and you are right, if someone wants to go they will find a way. I always think its interesting that women usually off themselves in non-violent ways like overdose, while men choose guns or hanging. Morbid subject, but interesting.

Better go sit in my recliner for awhile.

Boo
June 19, 2021 - Msg 116770: Romeena, I can understand how frustrated police can become when having to restrict their tactics while being assaulted. But even the actions of armed civilians are resricted by liability laws that applies to everyone, especially when it concerns the use of deadly force. While I was trained in when to shoot and when not to shoot, most civilians receive no such training. You don't want to find out the hard way when you get sued by a suspect in civil court and a judgement is awarded against you. Or worse yet, get tried in criminal court and end up with jail time and a criminal record.

from Poor Horatio
June 19, 2021 - Msg 116771: Good evening, porch. Poor Horatio, I'm sorry to learn of your health situation, but am so glad you're doing better. So you were an undiagnosed diabetic? Are we to assume that your high serum glucose caused your collapse? It happens. I'm diabetic, diagnosed about 17 years ago. I've been on insulin ever since, remain in excellent control, and have none of the common sequelae of diabetes. No retinopathy, no neuropathy, I heal easily from minor injuries or surgery, and am very grateful. If you haven't learned about "A1C", you will. For those who may not know, the A1C is an expression of the mean of your blood sugar for the last three months. Ideally, it should be 7 or less. Mine has been 7.1 on one occasion, and in the 6-7 range otherwise. I trust (and hope) that you're seeing an endocrinologist for your diabetic management.

Too many primary doctors, especially the old "family doctors", who are usually internal medicine docs, will try to manage it, and some are pretty good at it. However, just like cars, it's best to use a specialist. The primary docs can and do diagnose it. So could a first-year nursing student. However, the primary should then direct you to a specialist for management. If your kidneys fail, see a nephrologist. If your heart is sick, see a cardiologist. If you have diabetes, see an endocrinologist. I have a friend who developed diabetes, insisted upon seeing his usual doc, a man whom I know to be great with geriatric patients, but who tries to be all things to all people. Under his management, my friend's worst A1C was 17, and he was close to comatose. (Don't faint, Boo! I nearly did when my friend's wife told me about his results.) Anyway, I stomped my foot and practically yelled at him, and finally scared him into seeing my endocrinologist. His last A1C was 8.something. I guess I cheated a little, because I threatened him with the thing he would fear most. He's an amazing pianist, all by ear, plays beautifully. I told him that he could, and would, soon develop diabetic neuropathy with his blood sugars running that high, and he wouldn't be able to play anymore. I don't know if that really did the trick, but something did. So, please take care of yourself! Diabetes can be managed nicely, but it takes some intentional activity on your part. It's worth it.

As for armed civilians, I hear what you're saying, and certainly we don't want a bunch of people running around shooting each other. I don't know how it is in other states, but Texas has what is fondly called the "Castle Law." That means that if an intruder enters my home and threatens me, I can shoot him without fear of prosecution. A grand jury inquiry might follow, but under that law, I would not be prosecuted. The Castle Law also extends to my vehicle when I'm traveling, as long as I cross a county line. So, when I'm driving to Fredericksburg to see my kids and grandkids, my pistol rides "shotgun" so to speak, in my console. I do not have a CCL, though am planning to get one. One afternoon, on the way home from Fredericksburg, an officer pulled me over because I had a tail light out. When he approached the car, I had my window down and my hands on the door. When he got to the window, I said, "I think I should tell you that I have a pistol in the console." He didn't bat an eye, just said, "Well, just don't reach for it, and we'll be just fine. Did you know you have a tail light out?" I'm sure a silver-haired old granny like me didn't look like much of a threat, but I still thought I should make him aware that I had that gun. (I think I saw that on a cop show on TV.) He just told me to get the light fixed as soon as I could, he just wanted to make me aware it was out. So I had it fixed the next day, after I got home.

Well, guess I'll go watch a little TV, and have one of my favorite summer fruit desserts. I'll section out a couple of pink grapefruit (they're small, but very sweet) and dice up a ripe avocado and mix it in, add a tiny dash of salt, and it will be so good and so refreshing. So, with that in mind, I bid you all good night! Blessings, and keep looking up! --Romeena
June 20, 2021 - Msg 116772: Hello porch. It's official. I'm hanging up the old mailbag July 30th. People keep asking if I'm excited or nervous, but it really doesn't seem all that big a deal. Maybe as the time approaches...

Billy Ray the Postman
June 20, 2021 - Msg 116773: Romeena, it's nice of you to go out of your way like that to take Miss Rosemary to preaching.

Billy Ray the Postman
June 20, 2021 - Msg 116774: Good morning, porch! A beautiful day here, but gonna be a hot one! We're hanging around in the upper 90s these days. How MDC stands those temps where he lives, I'll never know. I walk outside here when it's 99°, and just wilt.

This is going to be a busy day. First, I'm going to have to fight with my stubborn hair. My haircutter friend (she's been cutting it for 45 years) decided to cut it a little different, has it going from right to left instead of left to right, and it doesn't want to do that. So it ends up sticking straight up! So I have my work cut out for me when I try to comb the stuff. Oh well, at least it isn't hanging in my eyes.

Then I have to pick up the donuts for our SS department before I go get my friend. We rotate that responsibility, usually have to do it at least once a year, sometimes twice. Also have to stop at a Dollar General or somewhere, and get a Father's Day card for my son. I thought I had one, but can't find it. He's a great dad, he and Brittany have raised two wonderful sons, and have kept their family in church. Will be having lunch at Eloise's, Jerry has a brisket in the smoker. Yum!

Congratulations, Billy Ray the Postman! You will love retirement. It will seem a little strange at first, (we old firehorses always want to answer the bell) but you'll get used to it. If it goes for you like it did for me, you will soon wonder when you found the time to work! Your days will just fill up somehow.

Well, better get moving. At least Trinket has stopped fighting with me over going into the bathroom to stay while I'm gone. She doesn't like it, but she sits still and lets me pick her up, doesn't run like a little rabbit when she knows what I'm going to do. I'll come home after church and get her, she will be happy then. She and Diesel will play all afternoon at Eloise's house. He's her best buddy, and such a good little guy.

Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there, and to those of you who have filled that role in one way or another for someone! You know who you are. Blessings, porch! Keep looking up! --Romeena
June 20, 2021 - Msg 116775: Good Sabbath all.

Romeena. thank you for the Fathers day wishes. I love being a Dad and am most grateful for the blessing of being one. And last night I recieved a very blessed present when Stacey called us to inform us she is expecting again. My goodness, we figured she was done, and so did she, but I guess the Lord thought different. Very exciting. I just pray she will be okay. Her last few pregnancies have made her pretty sick.

Billy Ray, good for you buddy. I know I was a nervous wreck when I retired. When you are used to getting up every morning and going to work, it just seems odd to not have that anymore. In my case, my job was quite intense and demanding much of the time. I tell folks I was on call 24/7 for 35 years. And that is not untrue. I got calls and call outs many times in the middle of the night, or a holiday, or whenever. So that was a real change for me when that ended. As Romeena said, you will adjust to it.

PH, I must have missed the fact that you had been ill. So sorry to read that but glad you are on the mend. This getting old can be taxing.

Boo, You mentioned how your aching back makes you feel old. Boy I can relate to that girl. Mine felt like it aged me 20 years overnight. Oh well, you just have to deal with it. Glad you are healing up. Is the new bed comfy?

MDC, I hope the actual cabinet install goes better than the delivery did. Mercy sakes, what a ride that has been.

The heat and dry out west here has been a real challenge. Although not as bad as MDC, but we did get up to 108 last week. Got so bad that they had to shut down a section of a major road because it started to buckle. One of the problems here is they use a sand/salt mix on the roads in the winter for ice control. In time that sand will fill in the expansion joints on concrete roads. Whe the summer heat hits and the concrete starts to expand, it cant. The next thing you know you have roads buckling and sometimes concrete exploding. Pretty crazy stuff.

Well happy Fathers day to you you all. I think I will go to the cemetery today and pay my Dad a visit. Hard to beleive it has been 16 years since he graduated.

Prayers for all.

Asa