July 26, 2022 - Msg 118094: I agree, Romeena, God takes note of those things. I have not a shred of doubt that he cares greatly. Animals are souls in this world, capable of feeling pain, emotions, and love. I read a story this morning about a dolphin who was separated from his longtime trainer and moved to another state and the poor thing killed himself by sinking himself until he drowned. Heartbreaking. People really need to take note of the care of and preservation of animals because, frankly, we need them to survive. Mankind is really good at destroying their environments and refusing to care. I wish there was something I could do about it! As I sit here in front of this computer, I see little Poopsie in the chair near me and King on the spare bed near me. I never called them in here but they just want to be close to Mama. Dear, sweet things!

Well, I took Erin to the Rheumatologist for her follow up and we got some bad news. Besides the Fibromyalgia, she has Rheumatoid Arthritis. No wonder she has been so fatigued and had so much body pain. I have to take her back to the neurologist for some sort of nerve testing because the doctor still has some unanswered questions. This time the visit was much different. The first time, the specialist seemed kind of aloof, as though he though maybe Erin was exaggerating her symptoms because of her young age. This time he was very concerned and attentive, explained everything well and showed true concern and compassion. He told us the RA was genetic and could have been triggered by trauma. So, next we go back to the neurologist for more tests. She has been managing to work part time but I dont think she could do full time at this point. Its just very sad that her immune system has turned on her at this young age. I had so hoped that some day soon she would be independent and have a job that provided medical insur@nce but if she cant work full time that wont happen. How I wish we had a good health care system in this country that was affordable to all!

Well, have to get back to finishing up my continuing education credits to renew my nursing license this week. God bless,

Boo
July 26, 2022 - Msg 118095: Good morning, porch! Beautiful sunny day here, at least what I see from my window is beautiful. Step outside, and it's like walking into an oven. It's 96° right now, heading for 103°. No rain predicted for the next ten days! I dread seeing my water bills!

The last bill was $310, but that was including a leak near the meter, but on my side of that meter, unfortunately. I paid a $700 plumber bill yesterday. The leak was under a sidewalk, of course, so it was costly to fix. Now I can take the bill down to the water board offices, and they'll adjust it downward based on the proof of a leak repair. I don't know how much adjustment they'll give, but every little bit helps.

Boo, I'm so sorry to hear of Erin's problems. However, I'm glad to hear that her doctor has gotten on board and is taking things seriously. As you and I both know, sometimes doctors proceed slowly with a young person and their complaints, until they're convinced it's not just drama or otherwise motivated behavior. Sounds like he's ready now to take her seriously and proceed from there. I agree, our healthcare system is messed up, and I don't know what can be done about it. Those who advocate fully paid healthcare for all make it sound so good, but there are big drawbacks. I know an excellent nephrologist who came here from England. I worked with him at the hospital, and have actually seen him myself. He told me he left England and moved here because he was so frustrated by the healthcare system there! Why? Because he had to turn patients away because they were past the age where they could go on dialysis if needed. Just go home and wait for death, basically. Also, for procedures that were available to people who hadn't aged out and could still be treated, they sometimes had to wait a year or two before they could be treated. Seems there are long waiting lists, just to even get an appointment to see a doctor! I guess all is not gold that glitters.

Good for you, keeping your license active. I have finally let mine expire. At my age, and physical status, I knew I'd never be working again, so why pay to renew that license? Also, I figured there was no point in completing the continuing education to qualify me for renewal. The education is helpful, but I don't care how many reviews and such I completed, I would be lost if I walked back onto a patient floor now. Nothing beats hands-on experience. One thing I learned during my little stay at our hospital last week. There have been a lot of changes! There are no more charts in a rack at the desk. It's ALL on computer now! I'm not sure what the staff does if the computer ever breaks down. Just sit and look at each other, I guess.

I can just picture Poopsie and King, snoozing near you. That's really all they want out of life, to be able to be near you, because they love you. My little pestilence is in her cuddlebed under my desk, my feet are in there with her, (warm) and I get a warm little lick on my ankle every couple of minutes. If I leave the desk, she follows me. When I return, she's in the cuddlebed before I get settled in my chair. Sweet little thing, indeed. She's a big licker. Eloise hates it, but I don't mind. I even have a little white plaque above a door in the living room, with a picture of a Maltese on it, and "Licker License" painted beside the little picture. In the car, she perches or lies down on the lid of the console next to me. That's her spot, she hops in the car and settles there before I even get in. Then as I'm driving, she licks my elbow about every thirty seconds, as we go! She hates it when I have long sleeves, and will even grip the sleeve with her teeth and pull it up out of the way, if it fits loosely enough.

As I've said so many times since I got her - she wasn't the dog I thought I wanted, and was hoping for (I wanted another "littlest angel" like tiny Toye Starr,) but she turned out to be exactly the dog I needed. God always knows best!

Well, guess I'll go scratch up some lunch. I've got a big juicy pear in the fridge, and some good swiss cheese. That sounds like a perfect lunch to me. The pear - fruit, several vitamins and great flavor. The cheese - protein, calcium and other things. Not too shabby. Tonight, I may make some tacos. I've got everything I'd need for them, and I love them! There's a little tortilleria about two blocks from here, and they are made there and so good! They're usually warm off the griddle when I get them. I've got a big beautiful avocado too, and a lovely grapefruit. I'll peel the grapefruit with a sharp knife, leaving none of the bitter white part of the peel, and then shell the sections out of the membrane dividers, chunk the avocado up, salt it very, very lightly, and it will be delicious! One of my very favorite things!

Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
July 26, 2022 - Msg 118096: Good afternoon all.

Boo, so sorry to read about Erin's health issues. RA is not fun from what I have read. I hope they can do something to help her. Prayers for you all.

Romeena, I have always wondered what makes some dogs lickers. Our second mini Doxie (Sammy) would lick the skin off you if you let him. Our Third one (Barney) licked very little. He did like to lick behind my ears for whatever reason. He would give them a good going over if I let him. It's funny also, Barney loved to fetch his toys when I threw them. He could do that all day. His favorite was a rubber squeek hamburger. Sammy on the other hand would have nothing to do with fetching. Just wasn't in his make up. I do have to share yous story though. Sammy was around 8 or so when my Daughter Sarah bot a Doxie. And she loved to fetch. One day Sarah had come to visit and brought Abby with her. I was sitting in my recliner and Sammy was tucked in next to me. I started throwing one of Abby's toys down the hallway and she would run and bring it back always dropping it in my hand. Well we had been doing this for a while, when from nowhere, I threw her toy and suddenly Sammy vaulted from the chair and ran down the hallway, getting it before Abby did. Then he triumphantly brought it back and set it down in the middle of the family room. Then walked back over to my recliner, jumped in my lap and worked himself back into his spot between me and the recliner arm. Sarah and I bust a gut laughing because prior to that Sammy had never fetched anything. And when he walked back into the family room carrying the toy in his mouth, his body language clearly said, "this is so stupid a game for stupid dogs. I need to put a stop to it!" My goodness, Sammy was a legand.

Well MDC, when you leaving for the hills? Sure has been hot here. We are about to break our record for the most triple digits in a season. 100 in the day and 75 at night. Sure glad I don't have to work in that stuff anymore.

Romeena, I just whipped up a bowl of cole slaw that will feed me for several days. I don't mean to brag, but I make a pretty decent cole slaw. It's supposed to be a KFC knock off, but I think it's even better. Not much in the kitchen I do is much good, but my cole slaw is dang good.

I hope everyone has a good day.

Asa
July 27, 2022 - Msg 118097:

HI ALL! just a quick check in from the lodge's computer
in the lobby. We are at a place called Kohl's Ranch here in
northern AZ and having a great time.
https://www.diamondresorts.com/destinations/property/Kohls-Ranch-Lodge

Weather is cool, and today
we got a nice rain shower, and the clean air is rich with pine aroma! :)
We will be here until Friday, doing some hiking, and visited a
fish hatchery today, saw thousands of trout thru their growth cycle.
Sure beats the corner room at the Y, but alas, no peek-a-boo blouses. haha
Later gators, prayers for all,
MDC 10-4 :)
July 27, 2022 - Msg 118098:
Oh, check out menu item "gallery" to see the amennimies. :)
July 27, 2022 - Msg 118099:
One more OH, we drove up here on Sunday.

July 27, 2022 - Msg 118100: MDC, But do they offer any breakfast specials before 5 a.m. Take away the peek a boo blouses and the early morning breakfast special and what do you really have? :)

Asa
July 27, 2022 - Msg 118101: Good morning, porch! Another hot one here, of course. Beautiful viewed through my window, brutal if I go outside! And we still have August to get through!

Asa, I loved the Sammy story! That's hilarious! He just finally got enough of that nonsense, and intervened. Too funny! Dogs do have some unappreciated powers of reasoning. I think of all three of the Maltese I've had - Sugarplum, Toye Starr and now Trinket. All of them, for some reason, have objected to me getting into the shower. Each one, in her turn, had to endure one shower in there with me, because it's so convenient for bathing them - splashing is not a problem, and there's a hand-held showerhead I can access, etc. Each one absolutely hated it, and I only did it once, with each one, because of their distress. Then each one, in her turn, began trying to discourage me from entering the shower. Once I was in and water was running, each dog would go to their toy box and begin bringing their toys, one by one, and placing them by the shower door! I could only conclude that they were trying to lure me out of that scary place! Trinket does the same thing now. There are always at least six toys in front of the door. Once that's done, she opens the laundry hamper door and goes inside, curls up on my towels and dirty clothes, and waits (and prays, probably) for me to emerge safely. It's so funny, and when I do step out, she's just hysterical with joy! What would I do without her joyful little self around?

MDC, that lodge is beautiful! If it's as nice inside as it is outside, you've got a winner! I'm so happy for you, that you and your dear wife are enjoying such a pretty place, and great weather! Have fun!!

Well, guess I'd better get dressed. Have to see my primary doc for an annual physical, required by Medicare. Also will serve as a follow-up, after my recent little visit at the hospital. I'm doing fine, no problems at all. As I said, a tempest in a teapot.

Then, later this afternoon, Trinket's groomer will arrive, and Trink will get a bath and a haircut. Her hair has gotten out to about 4-5" long, and it's getting harder and harder to keep her snarl-free. It's more than my arthritic hands need, and it's rough on her as well. A Maltese will grow out a coat that reaches the floor, and can be so beautiful, but is very, very high maintenance. So, I have traditionally kept mine in a puppy-cut, they're cute as little bugs, and both of us are much more comfortable. I love the look of one in a full coat, but it's just not worth the aggravation. Besides, it's their loving nature, more than their appearance, that keeps me in love with them. Just nothing like a sweet little Maltese. I know, all dogs who are loved will love in return. My family all have dogs, big (a big black lab)and little (a small, frazz-faced mix), purebred and hilarious mixes, and all are delightful, because they are treated with love and care. I love each of them dearly, but I'm just partial to Maltese. Who can explain love? It just happens.

Blessings, friends, and keep looking up. --Romeena
July 27, 2022 - Msg 118102:
Boo, so sorry to learn about Erin's continuing health issues. Please check out the following web sites to learn if she is eligible for government assistance:
https://tinyurl.com/ms65e9ud
https://www.usa.gov/disability-financial-support https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability.

from Poor Horatio
July 28, 2022 - Msg 118103: Good morning, porch! Hot, hot, hot! Eddie usually arrives around 10 a.m. or a little later, to take care of the yard. This morning, he was here just before 8 a.m.! Smart man. It's now 10:15, the temp is 89° and rising rapidly, going for a high of 101°. Actually, that's relatively cool compared to the 110° we've hit several times recently. We need rain so badly!!

Well, Trinket's groomer didn't come yesterday, all of her appointments in this area took an unusual amount of time, and she just didn't make it here. So she's coming on Monday. Meantime, Trinket looks like a woolly-booger. I, on the other hand, look like a tumbleweed, but I'm getting a haircut tomorrow, thank goodness. Right now, I'd scare small children.

Well, not much happening around here. Guess I'll go see if Eddie wants to put some ice in his cooler, and get some drinks out of the garage fridge. Also, I just saw a hummingbird hanging around the chain that hangs outside my window, and usually supports a hummer feeder, but there's not one there right now. The old one cracked, and I haven't filled and hung the new one yet. Poor little hopeful bird, in this heat he definitely needs a nectar source, and there are only a pitiful few flowers out there. So, I guess I need to get busy.

Blessings, friends. Keep looking up! --Romeena
July 29, 2022 - Msg 118104:

HI Porchsters! We just got in (Friday eve).
Our vacay was very refreshing and renewing!
I'll tell y'all more about it this weekend.
Prayers,
MDC


July 30, 2022 - Msg 118105: Welcome home MDC. Glad tou are home safe and sound.
Now get outside and cook Cecile an egg on that sidewalk. :)

Asa
July 30, 2022 - Msg 118106: Glad you made it home MDC.Hope you had a wonderful vacation.Boo so sorry to hear about Erin.I hope the doctors can give her something to help her.How is your son?I haven't been on the porch for so long I am completely out of touch.Romeena that is so cute that your dog brought you toys while you were in the shower.Animals are so smart.Well it is not too hot here in Pa today so I have been outside.Think I will fix some supper.You all take care and I will talk to you later- KY girl
July 31, 2022 - Msg 118107:

HI ALL! One thing about vacations is having to put away
everything afterwards! ha (But all that is now done!)
Anyway, we had a marvelous time; got a shower every afternoon
that cleaned the air and brought out that delicious
pine scent. We played a game of chess on the "Big board" that some
of you may have seen in the website pics, and also our first ever
game of pickleball! Interesting. Thanks for all the prayers.
BOO- i continue to pray for your family, and hope better times are ahead
for you.
RO-a while back you mentioned that you had 21 dogs. I'm guessing that you
must have had 'multiple dogs' at one time, right?
KY Girl, thanks for the greeting, good to see you posting again.
I guess we have all heard of Tony Dow's passing. He sure made a great Wally!
My favorite episode was when his girlfriend got pushed into a fountain
and he has to explain it to both set of parents! May he rest in peace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJcHqbAZZ7Q
Good Sabbath to you all. Have a good week in the Lord.
MDC

August 01, 2022 - Msg 118108: Good morning, porch! Sunny and headed-for-hot again today. We have the entire month of August to get through, which is a scary thought, but it is what it is, so will try to make the best of it. No hint of rain in the next ten-day forecast. I don't want to see my water bill.

Trinket's groomer is supposed to be here today between 1 and 3. She needs grooming! I do what I can, and spend about a half-hour with her comb and brush every day, until her patience wears out, my hands wear out and I stop. Her hair would grow until it swept the floor if allowed to do so, and it's just too much for both of us. So, I keep her in a "puppy cut", which is adorable. A fluffy little topknot on her head, an 8-10" long graceful plume on her tail, and the rest of her coat is short, about 1 to 2" long. A Maltese in a long, full and beautiful coat is a sight to behold, but it's just too hard on her (and me!) to try to maintain that coat. Since she'll never be in a show, and all I want is a cuddly little companion, she doesn't need that long, sweeping coat. So, groomer comes today, with some clippers!

MDC, yes, at times I have had more than one dog. Dale and I raised c@cker spaniels for about three years, and had two little mamas. We sold the puppies at ten weeks, and hated to part with them, they were so cute and sweet. The pups from those litters are not included in the count of pets I've had throughout my life. I got my first pet dog when I was two years old, a little terrier mix. In those days, dogs simply did not live in the house, but they had nice little houses in the back yard, and were well cared for. Nobody but movie stars had housepets. Things changed, but very gradually. I was married and had all four of my children before a series of events opened our eyes and we realized that our dogs could co-exist with us in the house. Thank God! I think I'm going to have a lot of apologizing to do when I get to Heaven. There were at least three phases when we had two or even three dogs in the back yard. We were down to one 7 year old c@ckerpoo back there, and she was lonely and unhappy, howled a lot. I was wanting to bring her in the house, but Dale wasn't convinced. Then someone gave me a Yorkie, obviously not a dog designed to live outdoors, so he was the first one to actually live in the house. Poor Flop, the last one to live outdoors, was sitting in the rain one day, howling, (she had a lovely, snug little house but refused to go in it) and Dale was watching her through a window. He suddenly said, "Lanni, I'm tired of that miserable, stupid dog sitting in the rain and howling, while this little spoiled brat of yours is in the house. Either bring her in, clean her up and housebreak her, or find her another home." Well, that's all I had been waiting for. Within three hours, she had come in, had a bath, heavy coat clipped down, and had been escorted outside to potty, the first lesson in house-dog etiquette. She spent the next ten years living in the house, and no doubt trying to remember what she had done to bring about the change, just in case she ever had to do it again! Those two dogs (Flop and Buckwheat) were the first in the house, but by no means the last. When they passed, both at age 17, the next one was Sugarplum, followed by Toye Starr, and now Trinket. There were many others before them, outside dogs, and I sometimes wonder what joys and fun times, loving times, I missed by not having them indoors with me. A lot, I'm afraid.

Well, better get busy. I've got a few little chores and errands to get done today, nothing earth-shaking. I need to get my 2020 income tax papers together and take them to the CPA. I always run about two years behind on them, and the refund is very welcome. I do that deliberately, sort of an ace-in-the-hole when I need it. I just never let it pass three years, or the refund is no longer available. I get it all back if filed within three years, and hey, it pays better interest than the bank does!

KY Girl, it's nice to have you back on board. Don't run off again, you hear! It takes all of us to make our little neighborhood complete.

Blessings, everyone! Keep looking up! --Romeena
August 03, 2022 - Msg 118109:

Howdy. I hope everyone is doing OK.
ASA--is your heartburn issue any better
these days?
Well, I'm trying to get used to the heat again,
tho it has only been about 103 since we got back,
but our August humidity is definitely here!
RO--thanks for clearing that up about your pet dogs.
When you get to heaven you will have your OWN episode
of DOGS!DOGS!DOGS! greeting you! haha
(Especially the similar part about the dog(s) in the rain.)
I missed seeing TAGS tonight. Oh well, thats life.
Hang in there folks,
MDC



August 04, 2022 - Msg 118110: Hi porch friends.Hope you all are staying cool where you are.It is 85 here today and I haven't been outside much . Just to run to the store and do a few errands.I know 85 doesn't sound like much when some of you have Texas and Arizona heat.But here in Pa this is hot for us lol I am not a cold weather person either so too soon for me we will have snow.I am headed to a Christian ladies retreat this weekend.I have been going for a few years now and it sure is nice.Good speakers and good fellowship.Hope you all are well.Have a blessed weekend.Talk to you later-Ky girl
August 05, 2022 - Msg 118111:

Hey to KYgirl, have a good retreat!
We are definitely in the "dog days" of summer
around here. Most days have only been about
103-104, but now we have our humidity, and the late
evening showers.
Most schools here start back on Monday! For the
last 6 years or so, they now have a two week fall break,
and then a two week Christmas break, and a two week
Spring Break. As a former teacher, I just don't get it!
You get the kids all settled and learning, and then wham,
you lose them for two weeks. Craziest thing I
ever heard of, but that's just me I guess.
I hope everyone is OK, please check in when you cam.
Prayers,
MDC
August 05, 2022 - Msg 118112:

CAN! (:
August 06, 2022 - Msg 118113:

Oh, BTW, I think we have talked about Daisy products
in the past such as cottage cheese and sour cream;
but if you ever need such, give the "ingredients"
a good look-see. Most other brands have all kinds
of artificial stuff in them, but not Daisy. Anyway,
Hang in there folks. Where is everyone?
MDC

August 06, 2022 - Msg 118114: Amen MDC. I had quit using sour cream because it contained corn starch. Then I found Daisy sour cream. No headaches because no corn starch. And it just plain tastes better.

BTW, Another product line I really like is Simple products. Years ago I had a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice and I knew I would never drink store bought oj again because there was no comparison. Then I tried a bottle of Simple high pulp oj and I stunned. Still no where as good as fresh, the closest I have found. They make a bunch of products I really like. In the summer I pour a glass on there Lime aid over ice and I am in hog heaven. There Lemon aid is good, but I like the extra kick the lime aid has. Good stuff.

Have fun on your retreat Kg girl. Sounds very nice.

We were supposed to get some of the rain MDC, but it is having a hard time getting this far north this year. Southern Utah is getting blasted though. Lots of flash flooding.

Well off to the grocery store. My back has laid me up for a few days but I am feeling a bit better today,

Asa


August 06, 2022 - Msg 118115: Good morning, porch! Beautiful day out there, not a cloud anywhere, lots of critter traffic, and only 86° at 10:30. Only 98° predicted, and just upper 90's predicted for the next ten days. Sounds more like early September instead of early August, but I'll take it and be very grateful! Of course, being Texas, it could turn around and hit 110° tomorrow. We never take predictions very seriously around here.

MDC and ASA, I'm right there with you on the Daisy brand. I'm a reader of ingredient lists, and long ago discovered the purity of the ingredients in Daisy. A few years back, the Kroger store where I usually shop really started pushing their store brands, on everything. I love Daisy cottage cheese and sour cream, and suddenly found that those two Daisy products had been moved to the highest shelf in the cold cabinet, and only the small-size containers were available. I usually buy the big ones, because I hate those dinky little "cups" of both products. Being 5'2", I can't reach those high shelves, and always have to find a tall man to get them down for me. After a few of those little excursions, one day I picked up containers of both products in the store brand, and went in search of the store manager. I'm on good terms with him, because whenever I need to make a negative comment, I try to compliment something as well. Found him, and asked him to come with me to the dairy cabinet. He's tall, so I asked him to please get me one of each product from their high perch, as I couldn't reach them. He almost couldn't either, as the Daisy brand was nearly sold out. Lots of store brand stuff on the lower shelves, though. He managed to reach a small container of each item, though. (By now, he was beginning to realize where I was headed, I think.) I commented that it appeared that the Daisy stuff was selling quite well, in spite of the inconvenient location, and he walked right into my trap. Said, "Have you tried the house brand? We have a good supply of it, and it's in easy reach!" I answered - "No, and I won't, because I've read the list of ingredients, and I try not to eat things I can't pronounce." He picked up one of each brand, and read the list. Daisy products: Sour cream: (Cultured cream.) Cottage cheese: (Cultured skim milk, cream, salt.) Store brand: Both sour cream and cottage cheese featured a list that occupied three lines of print, that circled halfway around the containers, and most of which were words that were not pronounceable. By the way, what on earth is "karageenan"?

He began to look a bit worried, so I asked him which he would prefer to feed to his family or himself, a goulash of chemicals, or a clean and simple dairy product. I added (with a smile) that if he was going to continue locating the clean products on a shelf out of reach of many women, especially when the shelf had nearly been picked clean by customers, would he mind locating a small step stool nearby? He had to laugh, and said my point was well taken. The next time I was in the store, the Daisy products were on a middle-range shelf, and had been fully restocked. The store brand was reachable as well, because upper management dictates that, but our manager had made a large effort to solve the problem. (No step-stool needed!)

I had a lot of fun last night. It was our monthly bunco night. Imagine if you will, twelve elderly women, seated around three card tables, playing the world's simplest game (absolutely no strategy involved, just roll the three dice and try to remember what suit you're playing in.) It's a game intended to be just fun, and it is. We had at least three who use walking canes, one has to be helped out of her chair at times, two cannot remember the rules and just do what their tablemates tell them. Most of us have been in the group for about fifteen years, and some are relative newcomers, having been invited to join following the death or relocation of a member. We also have a sub-list, to provide a sub when a regular is ill. My granddaughter, Amanda, was here from Kerrville a few months ago, visiting me on a bunco weekend, and since we almost always need at least one sub, she played with us. She loved it, and is still talking about how much fun she had. That roomful of old biddies fell in love with beautiful and fun Amanda, age 39 at the time, and she had a wonderful time.

Asa, I have never tried the "Simple" products, but I will. Do they make a lemonade? By the way, if you like apple juice, "Tree Top" bottles an apple juice that is just wonderful. It's made with Honeycrisp apples, and has a flavor that's just wonderful. It's cold-pressed, cloudy, unfiltered, like fresh juice should be, and has a rich and delicious flavor. The Kroger house brand has tried very hard to duplicate it, and has come close. It will do when the Tree Top is sold out, and is just almost as good, but not quiiiite!

Well, better get moving. Things to do and errands to run today. Wish I could take Trinket with me on the errands, but it includes a stop at the grocery store, so guess she'll have to stay home. I'll bring her a little treat, of course.

Blessings, friends! Keep looking up! --Romeena
August 06, 2022 - Msg 118116: After I wrote the above, I started getting curious about "karageenan." So, I looked it up. Eeeek! First of all, I misspelled it. It's spelled "carrageenan". Sorry! Worse than that, are the described properties and uses for the stuff. The most concerning thing, for me at least, are the frequent references to China and their activities in the development of uses for carrageenan. I've developed a major mistrust for anything coming out of China. I can't help but wonder what other little surprises are simmering in their labs, to be released at their pleasure into the rest of the world? Call me a spooky old woman, but there's food for thought there.

Oh, if you're wondering about "carrageenan" too, check this out: https://ginobiotech.com/carrageenan-uses-in-food/

Blessings, friends! Stay alert! --Romeena
August 06, 2022 - Msg 118117: P.S. If you're thinking of eliminating all carrageenan from your diet, think again. It appears that if we did that, we'd all starve to death, because it seems to be in just about every manufactured foodstuff in the store! Scary. --Romeena
August 07, 2022 - Msg 118118:

ASA, so sorry you had a pain, but Miss Ellie
will give you some great pills for it,
and for only a dime! (:


August 08, 2022 - Msg 118119: Oh my goodness, I am just heartbroken tonight. I just saw that my all time favorite female singer, Olivia Newton John has passed away. I had such a major crush on her back in the day. It lasted several years so it probably had advanced from crush to infatuation. She is my favorite female singer and Gordon Lightfoot is my favorite male singer. From Canada to Australia.
May she Rest In Peace.

Asa
August 09, 2022 - Msg 118120:

Yes ASA, I just heard that news as well! Olivia was a real fighter,
and she was very open about her condition. May she indeed rest in peace.
I guess every generation goes thru this. I remember when all the
sports figures, entertainers, etc of my dad's generation began passing,
like Bob Hope, he would mention to me how so-and so was his favorite, etc.
It's the cycle of life. I heard a preacher once say, when we think about it
we are only about 20 generations removed from Jesus' generation!
Really? A 'generation' is about a hundred years, so from year 1 AD to 2000 AD
is only about 20 generations. Amazing when ya think about it!

RO--I like Blue Bunny ice cream mini 'drumsticks,' and when I just
checked the ingredients, sure enough, there was that "C" word!
And, yes, many things in my fridge have it in! Wow!

BOO--how is Bruce doing these days?
I also hope MAUDIE, PH, JOHN MAJORS, KY GIRL, G-F, POSSUM, AND ALL ARE DOING ok.
Peace and Love,
MDC
August 09, 2022 - Msg 118121: MDC...A place you might like ☮️❤️Little🍩 ....https://www.peaceloveandlittledonuts.com/
We’ve been dealing with the COVID here we are on the tail end of it, just haven’t had much to say lately..Go Figure!


☮️❤️🍩....G-F
August 09, 2022 - Msg 118122: Good afternoon, porch! Hot, hot, hot here! Next ten days of more heat, one day of "maybe" some light rain. Forgive me if I don't hold my breath waiting for it to fall. Hazy, with a few fat, lazy clouds hanging around, but not a drop of rain. Many yards in town look like hayfields. Water bills = $$$.

G-F, I'm so sorry you're dealing with COVID (I hope the Chinese are happy and pleased with themselves) and hope you're truly on the other end of it. By the way, did everyone get the memo about folks on Medicare being able to get at-home COVID test kits free? I saw an ad on TV, with a phone number. I called it, and it was easy, just supplied my name, address and Medicare number, and on Saturday, my little box arrived, with six kits inside. I could have ordered more if I had needed them. Also, I saw some at my pharmacy, didn't investigate because I already had these, but check with your local pharmacy. I think they're available there. Beats standing in line somewhere, waiting for a test. I just hope they're accurate.

About the 20 generation thing, I think there are definitions of a generation, and there are other definitions. I always considered a generation to be 20 years, with 20 years being roughly the age at which a couple begins to start having children - the "next generation." I can see how 100 years could be the length of time when sweeping social and technological changes would be completed. This I know - Two thousand years could be considered a generation, in the context of God's time. His clock and calendar are different from ours.

Well, guess I'll go pull a weed or two. That might be about all I can manage, as hot as it is out there, but it's worth a try. I look out at my yard these days, and want to cry, when I remember what it used to look like, when I was able to spend all day out there working. I just can't do it like I used to, and it shows. Of course, the current heat and drought aren't helping much, either. I'm "no spring chicken anymore", for sure, and to make it worse, Eddie is aging as well, and his burn-injured leg is making things worse for him. He tells me it's healing, but he still has every-other-day nurse visits, they saw a hint of gangrene and immediately started vigorous treatment for that (he says it worked) and yet he keeps on going. Eddie is a gem.

Stay cool, friends. Eat well, drink juices, avoid crowds, and ask your doctor if you should be taking supplements, and if so, what? Personally, I take a multi-vite and bolster it with Vit C and D, and with zinc. Stay out of the heat! Blessings, friends. Keep looking up! --Romeena


August 10, 2022 - Msg 118123:

Wow RO, so sorry to hear of your current hot weather.
We, on the other hand, are experiencing a quite 'mild' August.
So far everyday in August has been no more than 102, with another
week of similar temps forecasted! Sure, the humidity is up (in the 30s)
but that is normal for us. As a kid, we only had a swamp cooler, and August was so miserable, but now with AC, all is so much better. I sure hope Eddie is
being sensible and careful! As for generations, have you ever read 1 Chronicles, Chapters 1 thru 9? Give it a look-see, Such fun! haha

Tonight I saw the tags ep about Mayberry Goes Hollywood. So many great lines
from the little fat mayor to peaches not being fuzzed up enough! Also, of course
the part about Gabby Hayes and "We tried to tell 'em, Andy." :) Good stuff!

GF, thanks for stopping by. Cute site you sent me too, but So sorry about the virus. Sure hope this thing is over soon. I am so concerned about the direction so many things seem to be going,
but I am trying to stand firm in my faith, and trusting God thru it all.
Prayers,
MDC


August 10, 2022 - Msg 118124:

Mr Finch, of the Manhattan Shoe Company say Hi! (:


August 12, 2022 - Msg 118125: Thought I better check in before you send out an APB. It's been really hot here, too and it keeps clouding up and we even see lightening for the past three days but zero rain. Its like mother nature is teasing us! It really has been a difficult summer for us because when you factor in this brutal humidity on the coast, the heat index is dangerously high. We had two people die in a mobile home here last week because they didnt have air conditioning. It was a man and his son and I dont think they were very old. Very sad. Sooner or later it has to let up, though. Winter will come and lately they have been colder than usual so i have that to look forward to. The weather people say the jet stream has gotten lower due to the greenhouse effect or something so our winters are getting colder. That's fine with me as long as we dont have another week long freeze with out electricity like we had in 2020.

One other problem we are having is that our irrigation system is on the fritz and Bruce is trying to find the problem to fix it. Our grass is about dead after a week of to irrigation and the shrubs are having to be watered often. I dont mind telling you that I am a little concerned about next summer already. Will it be even hotter? I wish Bruce would retire already, sell this house and move.

Well, I think I already reported that Bruce's tests were ok. We saw the kidney doc and he told Bruce he has stage one kidney disease, which means, basically, that he has to be very diligent about keeping his blood pressure at a lower level. He is keeping a log and if the diastolic stays above 140, he has to call in and have his meds adjusted. His back is a little better but he still has an appointment pending for that.

Erin is doing a little better but still has her days. Bruce is setting us up for some family counseling so we can all live together. She is working and doing well at her job but not good at saving her money so that has to be addressed. I wish used cars werent so expensive right now.

Not much else to mention. Hope you all stay cool and have a good rest of the day.

Boo

PS-If you have Netflix, there is a documentary playing right now that is very interesting called, "I just killed my dad". and some of the story takes place in Ingleside (My hometown near here). I dont know the people but the trailer park in the documentary is down the road from my parents house. It makes Ingleside look like a real low class place but that isnt true, its just the area where they are filming is a bad area where the drug addicts reside. It's interesting and worth a watch.
August 13, 2022 - Msg 118126:

HI BOO, good to see you here. Before my heart operation (4 years ago already!) I was in stage 2 CKD, because my heart at the time just wasnt pumping blood good enough
thru the kidneys and liver. In my quest to help the situation I found Solaray Kidney Blend and Solaray Liver Blend at Sprouts, and they both really helped me.
It is a proprietery blend of goodies from cornsilk to kelp. It's only about $8.00
for 100 caps. It might help Bruce. (BTW, I no longer have CKD!! :)

Also, it seems to me someone here has had gout flare ups in the past. I just got a catalog from
The Old Vermont Store, and they sell a black cherry concentrate high in uric acid!
(Much better than Indian Elixer!)

Tonight's tags was Mr. Maxwell's record and barney's diversifyin'. I really like that episode. Season one had a lot of music in it!

Our mild August continues... The next 10 days are only to be 101-102. That is amazing
for August when you consider that our August of 2020 was the hottest on "record." :)

Keep well and keep the faith.
Prayers,
MDC
August 14, 2022 - Msg 118127:

GOOD SABBATH!


August 16, 2022 - Msg 118128:

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is OK.
Please check in when you can. It's kinda lonely here lately.

:) MDC


August 16, 2022 - Msg 118129: Good evening, porch! Today was a hot and busy day. Our newly-organized women's group, WInGS (Women In God's Service) met at a favorite cafe for breakfast. There were 19 of us present. We discussed several proposals for church and community service projects. One will be a gathering at my home to have a big "baking day". My kitchen is pretty big, and I have two big,full-size ovens, both of which could accommodate 2 or 3 dishes at once. Each lady will bring everything they will need for their chosen project., from the ingredients to the pan they will need. We'll make cakes, pies, cookies, whatever. Then we'll deliver our goods to families where there's a need - illness, grief, whatever. We may visit a firehouse, or a couple of nurse's breakrooms at the hospital, just anywhere that a little treat might be appreciated.
Also, we may schedule a discussion with our pastor to our Hispanic congregation (about 150 members, with their own pastor) to discuss organizing a class of "Spanish as a second language." I ran the idea past Pastor Israel a few weeks ago, and he will be supportive. Now we need to find out whether our Anglo members will be interested and will participate. It's such a beautiful language! I'm by no means fluent, but could probably survive in Mexico.
Well, off I go. Guess I'll go polish off some scruffy little leftovers. Waste not, want not! Blessings, friends. Keep looking up. --Romeena


August 16, 2022 - Msg 118130: I just heard Barbara Eden has passed away.
Makes me sad.

Asa
August 17, 2022 - Msg 118131: Hey Asa...Is that WinGS group anything like the “Ladies’ Aide Church Committee?”...If they come over you better hide the cooking Sherry just to be safe....https://youtu.be/XPFvyZhJHOc If That doesn’t work out there’s always room for another Girls softball 🥎 team...

I hope that news about Barbra Edens passing is “fake news” there’s a lot of that on the interweb lately I had not heard that news...

G-F
August 17, 2022 - Msg 118132: Hey GF, It would seem that indeed the reports of Miss Eden passing was indeed a hoax. Glad for that but I am really P.O. that I fell for it and reported it here. People shouldn't ought to do that. Kind of like when Barney shot himself in the chest.
I just happen to watch her episode the other night. Near the end when she is walking down the street with the drums beating in rhythm with her ... uh.... hips moving is real funny.

Romeena, you surely do keep yourself involved in good causes. You are an inspiration.

GF, Glad your August is being a bit cooler. I was listening the other day to an interview of Kari Lake who is running for Governor for Arizona. Boy, she was impressive.

GF, So sorry you all have been dealing with Covid. I hope everyone is recovered and doing well.

Boo, I sure hope Bruce can find some relief from his back pain. I can relate to it for sure. How is Sean doing?

Well off to do some yard work in these dog days of summer.

Asa