December 03, 2023 - Msg 119491: Bet you are not the only one MDC 📹📼 🤣🤣🤣..G-F
December 03, 2023 - Msg 119492: ** Plus I used my old straw broom 🧹 to sweep up...👍😉
December 04, 2023 - Msg 119493: Good afternoon porch family,
I am sorry I have been missing in action for awhile now but I
have had a lot going on.
I thought I would update on some things and will update later on the other stuff..

Mr. Maude had his right knee replacement surgery on November 20th. All went well and he seems to be coming along with his rehab and physical therapy. Hopefully within the next couple weeks he will be off he walker, move to a cane and then soon after he will not need the cane.

The biggest and most exciting news is that our grandson was born on November 29th at 8:30 pm! Patrick Bryan Cox III “Tripp” for triple Cox was
born via c section weighing in at 8 lbs 12 oz and was 20.5 inches long. Both baby and Momma are doing well . As you know, this is our first grandbaby😁 and I am so excited to be a Nanna.

Work has been busy . I have only been working Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with everything that’s been happening. It’s sounds good to cut back to 3 days for a while but I have tried to put 4 days of people into those 3 days…. Crazy me. What was I thinking.

I will go back and read the archives and catch up. Hopefully I can drop by and rock more in the coming weeks.

Everyone have a blessed evening. Prayers and blessings to all
Big Maude


December 04, 2023 - Msg 119494: Yay, Big Maude is back! We've been waiting on the baby news! Congratulations,Nanna! You will love being a grandparent-so glad all went well. Welcome to the world,Tripp!
Glad that Mr. Maude's knee replacement went well and that he is doing good in his recovery.
Love and peace to all..

*******************
possum under a rock
December 05, 2023 - Msg 119495:

For BOO (and anyone else) "George Bailey lassos stork!" :)

Hey to Big Maude!! Good to see you again. So happy for you
and the new grandkid! So very cool. Also glad to hear
that Mr. Maude is doing all his rehab. Make sure that
he keeps it up!
Cecile's biopsy of bone marrow went well today. They are
still trying to figure this thing out, but its one stp at
a time.
This is a sort of weird year also as I think of all that
Ro and Asa would be sharing; but it is still a time to
revel and rejoice! :)
And our weather has been fabulous! I got all my outdoor
scenery completed and lit last night.
Hey to possum.
PEACE,
mdc
December 05, 2023 - Msg 119496:

Oh, and good sweep GF! :)

December 05, 2023 - Msg 119497: Hey Porchsters. I never noticed it before, but every oak tree in my neighborhood was VERY late to drop leaves this year. I hope we have a nice day tomorrow so I can rake/mow over a whole lot in my yard. I wonder what causes that........

Billy Ray the Retired Postman
December 05, 2023 - Msg 119498: I declare, Ben Weaver is in The Wild One on TCM tonight.

Billy Ray the Retired Postman
December 06, 2023 - Msg 119499: Good evening family.
All is quiet on my side of the porch this evening. Still having silence from the son. Time, I will give it time, as that is all I have to give right now. I have decided to cut back on the decorating and focus on baking and giving to elderly in the community. Like you Boo, working in the medical field as a traveling hospice / home care nurse, I saw a lot of older people who had been forgotten or tossed aside. Well, going to get some sleep before starting another cold day!!
~New Neighbor
December 06, 2023 - Msg 119500:

Hello all!
NN, good to see ya. And same here, other than my outdoor display,
we are cutting back a bit on other decs this year. Prayers for all
the elderly in care homes for sure.

Possum, you DO get around don't you!? On the Kelly and Mark show today,
they showed a video of a possum that got into a Christmas tree!
And the lady doing the filming had no idea how it even got into the house! ha
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4qLuyFL9n_A

Oh, here's another for BOO, I know its a fav of yours:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1ujXx2p-I
I hope all is going well in your home this year.

Billy Ray, our ash tree leaves are STILL on our tree this year.
It may be because of our very hot summer. Hmm, very interesting.

I hope everyone is well. Please post when you get a chance.

Keep looking up,
MDC :)

December 08, 2023 - Msg 119501: Ha! I'll just bet that possum was already in the tree when they brought it into the house,MDC. I would've freaked out to find it in my tree,even if it was (as Opie would say) one of my own kind!

Here it is almost Christmas and my petunias, geraniums,and marigolds are in full bloom! Strangest thing for this time of year-usually everything dies out towards the end of our hot summers but not this year. Curious,curious!

Good to see New Neighbor on the Porch. I'm sorry about your son,but think the same as you-give it time. Things have a way of working out. Sending prayers and love.

Y'all take care!

*************
possum u.a.r.
December 10, 2023 - Msg 119502: Gosh, hope they find out what is going on with Cecille soon!

Well, I have been so sick with an awful cold/flu bug that I caught from a sweet elderly patient I saw last wed. I started feeling bad on Friday and boy, its been downhill since then. I finally felt up to showering and washing my hair so thought I would drop by the porch for a minute.

Thanks for posting the video, MDC. I do love that one.

Ok, thats about all I can do for now. Take care,

Boo
December 10, 2023 - Msg 119503: Gosh, hope they find out what is going on with Cecille soon!

Well, I have been so sick with an awful cold/flu bug that I caught from a sweet elderly patient I saw last wed. I started feeling bad on Friday and boy, its been downhill since then. I finally felt up to showering and washing my hair so thought I would drop by the porch for a minute.

Thanks for posting the video, MDC. I do love that one.

Ok, thats about all I can do for now. Take care,

Boo
December 10, 2023 - Msg 119504: I guess Boo sneezed too....🤧
December 11, 2023 - Msg 119505: Couple days ago, I saw Convicts at Large. I noticed that all three captures were made by snapping a handcuff on one wrist only. Then some time after that you could see the cuffs dangling from the one wrist. Mighty peculiar technique by the High Sheriff.

Billy Ray the Retired Postman
December 12, 2023 - Msg 119506:

Hey Billy Ray, that IS pretty curious. You would
think that he would then cuff them to a post or something!
Good catch, you are a trained noticer! :)
Tonite on Me-TV I saw Stranger in Town. I always wondered why
Ed Sawyer just didnt tell Andy from the get-go that he had been
getting the newspaper! But then I guess there wouldnt be an episode! ha
I noticed that the gas station wasnt Wally's yet.
We used to have a LUCY Matthews posting here. I sure hope she is ok.
LUCY, you speken ze Deutch? :)

I hope everyone is ready for Christmas. We will have a small one
with just Cecile's sister and her husband. What are y'all's plans?

BOO-the fiesta Bowl Parade is this coming weekend! :)
So sorry about your cold. I hope you are feeling better real soon.
OK, here's another one for ya...
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=it%27s+a+wonderful+life+ending+
Hee haw and prayers,
MDC :)

December 12, 2023 - Msg 119507: MDC: I had the same thoughts about Ed Sawyer and the newspaper. Even stranger, is that he wouldn't first thing in town was to introduce himself to the sheriff and tell his back story. But, like you say, there wouldn't be an episode. I think we have to remember just how influential the Twilight Zone was at that time. In a couple ways, I think that sort of permeated this episode.

As for Christmas, we're in top level negotiations for whether we'll get together on Saturday night, the 23rd. I don't much care, I ain't so big on Christmas on general. My sister is a lot more traditional and I think she's not going to like it.

Billy Ray the Retired Postman
December 14, 2023 - Msg 119508: Hey Y'all- Starting to get Porch Christmas cards in the mail,which I look forward to each holiday season,so thanks! G- F, I love the little insert you put in your card!

Yep,some things that went on in a few TAGS episodes were kinda odd,but then again,like MDC said,we wouldn't have had the episodes that we did. Plus, it gives all the trained noticers something to talk about!

Hope everyone is staying well,as this is the time of year for all kinds of crud to get ya. I know that Boo has been miserable with the flu,so keep her in your prayers,if you will.

Y'all stay safe,well,and warm out there!

*************
possum u.a.r.
December 14, 2023 - Msg 119509: Thanks, Possum. I am feeling so much better. I ran some errands today and did ok, just a little tired. Now poor Sean has it so I have hardly seen him all day. He is trying to sleep away the misery. lol

Well, now that we are into Christmas card season I am really missing Asa and Romeena. Ive been looking back at some of the archives of Chrsitmas' past and reading their posts. It helps some but I'm just sad about it. I know you all are, too, and are trying to stay positive and carry on as they would want us to.

Well I am sitting here looking at poor King and he has welts all over him from getting into something outside. I better go give him an allergy pill.

Boo
December 15, 2023 - Msg 119510:
Hello All! Guess what? There was a grand opening of a
White Castle burger place here this week! Any of you
midwestern porchsters will know about White Castle!
I was born in Mpls, ya know, so when we would visit the rels
there in the summer time, we'd all go out for White Castles. :)

Boo, happy to hear that you are feeling better!
We had some GOOD news today concerning the bone marrow biopsy.
No cancer! I kinds figured that is what they were a looking for,
so that is really wonderful, but at the same time, they are still
not sure just what is causing Cecile's pain! Thanks for
the prayers!
Possum, you are a bird in this world! I know that you are
also a very goodly trained noticer! :)

Weather has been just peachy lately, hovering around 70. !

Oh, and Pappa bear says HEY to everyone! We got a nice card from him
the other day.
Billy Ray, you are right about the T Zone. In other CBS produced shows,
they would mention the Twlight Zone right in their scripts! ha

We are ready! tree is up, suit is back from the cleaners, halls are decked,
and Advent is coming to a close...10 days and counting!

Peace, Love, Joy,
MDC
December 15, 2023 - Msg 119511: MDC, I am a confirmed onion hater. Don't want them about like that one feller don't want green eggs and ham. But...few times a year, I get a crave and will get a few White Castle cheeseburgers. It's the only time, ever, I'll eat something with onions. I got no idee why it's that food only where I like them. I wonder what causes that.

Billy Ray the Retired Postman
December 16, 2023 - Msg 119512: Great news about Cecile, MDC! I am praying they get to the bottom of things soon and figure out a plan for her. Give her a Christmas hug from us.

I am feeling much better but this things is trying to on. I still have congestion and a slight cough and feeling rundown. I had to start back to work on Wed and saw patients all day yesterday. They seem to be having some issues I must deal with, such as increased falls and such. Now for all the computer input. I will be sitting here for hours. I am starting to feel the christmas crunch and there is much to be done this week. Hope you all are well and not too rushed to enjoy the season.

Boo
December 16, 2023 - Msg 119513: Great news about Cecile, MDC! I am praying they get to the bottom of things soon and figure out a plan for her. Give her a Christmas hug from us.

I am feeling much better but this things is trying to on. I still have congestion and a slight cough and feeling rundown. I had to start back to work on Wed and saw patients all day yesterday. They seem to be having some issues I must deal with, such as increased falls and such. Now for all the computer input. I will be sitting here for hours. I am starting to feel the christmas crunch and there is much to be done this week. Hope you all are well and not too rushed to enjoy the season.

Boo
December 16, 2023 - Msg 119514: Oops, chewed my cabbage twice again!

Boo
December 18, 2023 - Msg 119515:

Well, here we go with the "home stretch!"
Hang in there folks. I just take a deep breath,
and like Brisco Darling says, "jump in!"
More soon,
MDC

December 19, 2023 - Msg 119516:

Hello Porchsters. Thanks for all the cards. I hope everyone is doing well,
and ready to go! :)
Tonight was the Nathan Tibbs episode. Good to see Otis dressed up,
but he wore poor old Barney out at the beginning. ha
Well, about 95% of the leaves on my ash tree fell off last night. We had
a little wind and some rain, and down they came. I've been raking leaves
into piles for most of the day today.
My wife and I went to What-a-Burger tonight for supper. I think I've told this
here in the past, but back in 1974, after dating her for 6 months, I planned
to propose on Christmas eve. She planned to make us a nice supper, but her
room mate at the time was trying to bake cookies and make some homemade gifts,
and took up the whole kitchen and other spaces trying to do so; so I finally
said, "What-a-Burger is open til 7, let's just go there and eat." So we did,
and when we got back, her room mate was finally gone to her family.
We sat by the tree in the living room, and I proposed! So, for the past 49 years
we have gone to What-a-Burger sometime during the Christmas season! :)
Post when ya get a chance. I've got blankets and hot cocoa for y'all.
God bless,
MDC
December 20, 2023 - Msg 119517: Wanted to check in and it is pretty quiet on the porch. I guess everyone is busy with holiday activities.

I am having a tough time shaking this last bout of Covid I had two weeks ago. Still coughing and dealing with congestion, fatigue is bad some days. This Christmas is going to be low-key because I just cant do what I usually do and that's ok.

Not much to report. I have been working but not alot of patients. The ones I have are having issues I have to deal with, though. Its not unexpected.

Well, have to get ready for the Christmas luncheon at work. Blessings to all,

Boo

PS-I watched the Christmas ep last night and thought about Romeena when old Ben Weaver was singing Away in a Manger in the alley. That part always made her cry a little. I sure miss her.
December 20, 2023 - Msg 119518: MDC, neat Whataburger story! I was in the big Whataburger on the water in Corpus yesterday. I ducked in there real quick to use the lady's room while out visiting patients. It is getting a little rundown, unfortunately. They need to clean the place up because it is a popular tourist spot. I saw a group of Asian people there yesterday taking pictures of everything. They are such beautiful young people.

Boo
December 20, 2023 - Msg 119519: My sister gave a 10-4 to the family getting together Saturday night. I'm ready to go, so no last minute running around.

Billy Ray the Retired Postman
December 22, 2023 - Msg 119520:

Party at the Gigolo Club tonight,y'all slick down like Ernest T,and bring your a-men-a- nees!

**************
possum u.a.r.
December 22, 2023 - Msg 119521: Oops! The first part of my post didn't post!!

The big party is for Spot- it's his birthday!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SPOTTY,ya ol talkin' dawg! We love ya-have a great day!

possum again
December 22, 2023 - Msg 119522: Good evening porch family on this shortest day of the year. Sorry my visits are so sporadic. We have still been blessed with fairly warm weather for Illinois, so hubby and I have poured more concrete in our shed, raked leaves where our son lives, hauled wood, and enjoyed some daytime campfires. One day we even popped some popcorn! Thanks to all who included me in the Christmas card exchange this year. How fun! Back in June I told you all about the horrible derecho storm that hit here. I found a video of what we lived through in our truck which was filmed by a storm chaser who was only within a couple of miles from where we were in Durham, IL. If you have an interest in viewing it, search youtube for “6-29-23 LaHarpe, IL Derecho Warned 100mph Winds.” It was quite a storm I would never care to relive. It destroyed hundreds of bins, machine sheds, roofs, and a few houses.
Good luck to you and yours!
Charlotte Tucker
December 22, 2023 - Msg 119523: Happy birthday to Spot!
Charlotte
December 22, 2023 - Msg 119524: Just been reading through. Hope you’re feeling better, Boo. We all miss Asa and Ro. 😢 I enjoyed your Whataburger proposal story, MDC. Congrats on the grandbaby, Big Maude!
Charlotte again
December 23, 2023 - Msg 119525: Hello porch.I hope this finds you all doing well.I wanted to wish all of you a blessed holiday.I haven't got my Christmas cards sent out yet because me and my family are fighting this virus that affects your stomach and upper redpitory.I don't want to mail out cards and possibly share this bug with you all so I will just sit on the Porch and wish you all a happy holiday.Congratulations Big Mause on becoming a nana!I will try to stop by again soon-ky girl
December 23, 2023 - Msg 119526: Oh and Happy Birthday Spot!
December 23, 2023 - Msg 119527: Happy Birthday SPOT, thank you for the Christmas greeting. Hope you are feeling better. I am still under the weather a bit and dealing with a cough and just feeling kind of tired and yucky. I feel like postponing Christmas but guess I will just get through it.

Charlotte, its supposed to be about 80 with high humidity tomorrow on Christmas Eve. Should be getting a little front late that evening but it will only bring it down to the 60s. I like it cold on Christmas but it is seldom cold here at Christmas.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. I will try to pop back in tomorrow.

Boo
December 23, 2023 - Msg 119528:

In my best Barney impression: "HO HO HO, Merry Christmas!"
Howdy everyone. Good to see ky girl and Charlotte.
We just had two days of rain, wonderful rain! It has been so
needed here that no one really cared that it was just before
Christmas, in fact, it was kinda 'cozy!' Cecile and I had
soup and sandwiches for dinner last night. They say that the
sun will be out for Christmas eve day and Christmas with temps
around 65. :) I know how we all miss Asa and Ro, and their
Christmas greetings, movie quotes, ornaments, etc, and I admit
that after this 20 year cyber friendship, it is hard; but then i
know that they are both with our Lord, and that eases my mind.
Also, this year brought my dear wife's nerve issue.
After quite a few tests it has finally been determined that the
nerves in her legs are not 'communicating' correctly with the muscles
in her legs, causing the weakness. She is doing ok, and some
electrode treatments will be tried in January. Thank you for all
the prayers for her. Pleaswe keep 'em going up.
Well, here we are once again...have a very Blessed and Merry Christmas!
Love you all,
MDC
December 24, 2023 - Msg 119529:
Can't forget this... :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl1Kq8bGLfI


December 25, 2023 - Msg 119530: Merry Christmas with love to each and every one on our Mayberry Porch!

*******************
possum under a rock
December 25, 2023 - Msg 119531: Merry Christmas, Possum and all other porchsters! Christmas candlelighting service Saturday, our small extended family Christmas last night (aunt, uncle, and one cousin), and today a quiet day here with just my husband and grown son and daughter, 2 dogs, and cat. Ready to go back to my usual routine I think. I hope you’ve been able to enjoy your family during the holidays.
Charlotte Tucker
December 26, 2023 - Msg 119532: Happy Birthday to MDC!!!


possum again
December 26, 2023 - Msg 119533: I didn’t know it, but I will second it; Happy Birthday, MDC!
Charlotte
December 26, 2023 - Msg 119534: I really thought I had dropped in on Christmas but on further inspection I did not. lol That is just the way my brain works these days.
Our Christmas Eve was fun and we had a houseful. Thank God for my sweet Sean. He was so much help to me and we were both still drained from Covid but we pulled it off. Christmas Day was simple, and relaxing. People just came and went and heated up leftovers. I spent most of the day with my feet up and it was great. Had to go back to work today so I was feeling much better after getting some rest.

MDC, very glad to hear how things are going with Cecile and that you had a peaceful and restful Christmas. Oh, and Happy Birthday.

Better get some computer work done so I wont get bogged down this week.

Boo


December 27, 2023 - Msg 119535:

Thanks for the birthday wishes!
At 74, I may now be the 'senior' member here, but I
feel very well, and i still manage to work out 3 times a week.
Thanks too for the prayers for Cecile. Our next stop is
to a neuromuscular doctor for those electrodes. :)
Our Christmas was also a simple one, Just us and Cecile's
sister and husband. Steaks on the grill!
Thank you also for all the cards. Very cool to be in touch
with so many of you. Email any time. Jesus loves us,
this I know! :)
And HAPPY 2024!

MDC



December 27, 2023 - Msg 119536: Good Afternoon family;
Just stopping by to say Hi. Hope all had a peaceful Christmas. Mine was quiet. It’s not about things, but finding peace where we are at that moment.
I was listening to Manheim Steamroller the other day and remembering all the times Asa would listen and love them. It made the holidays even more special.
Blessing for the New year…2024.
~New Neighbor
December 28, 2023 - Msg 119537: Hey Porchsters. I watched Bailey's Bad Boy yesterday. Opie has a great line as he hesitantly tries to tell his Paw about a window he broke:

"It ain't hardly worth mentioning, but I'm gonna mention it anyway."

Great writing. Really nails that awful feeling of a kid trying to minimize their wrong doing.

Hope everyone is getting through the holidays just fine. If you need a little pick me up, the Morrison sisters might be able to help you.

Billy Ray the Retired Postman
December 28, 2023 - Msg 119538: Billy Ray...That reminds me about the time when I was a kid and got a new B-B gun for my Birthday....Much like Ralphie one got away from me, but unlike Ralphie I didn’t shoot my 👁 out rather I short my Sisters car window out....

With my Grandpa living across the street if figured I was a dead man anyhow so I went inside and confessed...
In true Andy form my dad just said you’ll have to pay for that so we’re going to the junkyard and window shop for a replacement...So get some tools 🛠 and meet me in the car!

We went to the junk yard my Dad pulled up a bucket and sat and watched while I took it off the junker car, I then paid the guy $15 of my hard earned mowing and snow shoveling money! 😩

All he said when we got home was...We’ll Son, now all you have to do is do it all in reverse...Not another word was ever spoken about it...

Moral of the Story.....
Don’t let you trigger finger write a check your 👁 (and your Piggy 🐖 bank) can’t handle....

G-F
December 28, 2023 - Msg 119539: * It was another Opie the Birdman moment...
December 28, 2023 - Msg 119540: Good to see so many here! Hey to New Neighbor. Thanks for sharing about the common Manheim Steamroller bond with Asa. Hiya G-F! Glad you didn’t shoot yer eye out! Billy Ray, I didn’t know it was National Potato Week. 🤫. Hey to MDC, Boo, Possum, Big Maude, Spot, Poor Horatio, Hazel, and anyone I’m missing!

I mentioned this before, but did anyone see the sequel to A Christmas story where Ralphie is grown up? I thought it was pretty well done.
Charlotte Tucker
December 29, 2023 - Msg 119541:

Hello all! Charlotte, no, sorry, I have never seen the sequel, but will
look it up! :) Hey to Billy Ray. Yes, so many thought-inspiring lines from
tags, and really good morals also. I saw the FBI one tonight, and I got to thinking. If the 2 men just showed up, how did the lady reporter from
Raliegh hear about it, and drive all the way down to mayberry so quickly!? ha
But that whole 'carp dialogue' still cracks me up! :)
Also, I never knew that real FBI agents could not have their picture taken
until I first saw that episode many years ago!
And here's one...ever notice that the scenery outside the open courthouse
door kept changing. Tonight you could see the church, other times the drug store
or other store fronts, and other times the post office, etc. Hmmm.
Hang in there folks, 2024 is almost here!
Prayers,
MDC

December 29, 2023 - Msg 119542: MDC, I have noticed that a lot lately. That part of season 2 has constantly changing scenery outside the courthouse. You see it when they open the door and through the various windows. I wonder what causes that.

Andy on Trial was on today and I got to wondering why Andy DROVE to pick up that rich feller. Surely a phone call would have made more sense than dressing up in a SUIT and driving to Raleigh, wherever, to bring him back. But I reckon there wouldn't have been an episode.

Billy Ray the Retired Postman

December 29, 2023 - Msg 119543: Hi everyone. Hope you are enjoying the season. I have had a much better week. Feeling better and less stress for the most part. I did have a stressful evening this evening, though. The neighbor has a young pitbull female who is probably less than a year old and she hopped the fence today and got into a fight with our old dog, Ollie. When I went to the door to call Bruce to come help, the little dog ran out and I figured she was a gonner cause she went right into the middle of the scuffle. I managed to grab her before anything happened to her but it really scared me. The neighbor dog managed to clear the fence into our yard. Its always something.

Well, Sean just got home and wants to chat with me so better make it short. I'll drop by tomorrow.

Boo
December 31, 2023 - Msg 119544: Well Im back but no one else is. LOL. Hope you all have a nice, safe New Year's Eve. We will have a quiet evening at home. I have been preparing food for tomorrow. We are having a big BBQ and a houseful of friends and family. I made a big pot of pinto beans that I will reheat tomorrow (because they are always better the second day). I tried something different this time that I saw on the internet and threw in a whole jalapeno during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It doesnt give the beans any spice if you put it in whole but is supposed to taste good. I cant tell any difference, frankly. My beans are never as good as most because I dont eat pork and dont want to put any in the beans to flavor them. I think they will be ok. I made some corn and black bean salsa and it is so good! I just finished a pan of brownies and noticed bruce cut himself a big one before they had even cooled. Anyway, I am looking forward to tomorrow. The weather will be very nice and one of my dearest and oldest friends is coming. I havent seen her in person in years, though we keep up over texting. She has never been to my home, even though I have invited her before. Her name is Susan and we carpooled to nursing school together back in the 80s and then we were room mates when we left home and got an apartment for the first time. She is amazing, and so sweet and funny.

Well, I guess I have talked yall's ears off long enough. I think I will sit down and put my feet up for a bit and watch TAGS! Love to all my porch family. Stay safe and many blessings in the new year!

Boo
December 31, 2023 - Msg 119545: Correction: my friend Susan is not my oldest friend but sometimes it seems like it. 1980 was a long time ago! I have a friend named Donia who I met when I was 5 and she was 3 and a half. From the day we met in the backyard of the house we just moved into, she and I were together like Barney and Andy! It's so nice to share long friendships like that because you share so many memories. I loved Donia like my own sister and when my family would go to Michigan for the summers, I grieved for her. I just talked to her today. her husband retired and they bought some land and built a house in the piney woods of East Texas. They move in on Tuesday. I am so happy for them. She has Lupus so she has her hurdles but right now she is in remission, thank God.

How many of you have a good friend from childhood that is still part of your life? I would love to hear your stories.

Boo
January 01, 2024 - Msg 119546:

HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR PORCH FAMILY!!! :)

Boo--I have two friends that I met in 1st grade! (Todd and Paul)
We went thru all 8 grades together, and then I went off to a seminary
for high school, but we kept in touch via letters, and during summer
vacations. But then I did not go on, so we roomed together during college.
to this day we get together a few times each year, watching their kids grow up,
etc,as we are all in the metro area! "lifelong" friends are really special!

It sounds like you are all set to go for your new year's day gathering.
Have a good time.
Let me end this year by saying how much I really appreciate all of you
porchsters. We have been thru a lot together. Thanks for all your prayers
and love, and may 2024 be a good one! "I appreciate it, and good night."
Thats Andy's line on the commercials that he did on the show.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, and God bless!
MDC


January 01, 2024 - Msg 119547: I heard from PaPa a little bit ago, he said he’s over halfway thru the first day of the New Year, an so far he hasn’t done anything bad, so he still has a clean slate for the New Year….🙌🏻 👍🏻

G-F


January 01, 2024 - Msg 119548: *PaPa bear 🐻 that is...
January 01, 2024 - Msg 119549: Thank you MDC, we appreciate you too!

We had such a nice time here today. The food was great and we had such a nice visit with friends and family. I enjoyed it so much. Our last visitor left at 9:30 and food is put away and kitchen cleaned. Im just preparing for my patient visits tomorrow. Life goes on...

May the Lord bless us all with peace in 2024.

Boo
January 02, 2024 - Msg 119550: Happy New Year's all. I was all set to watch a lot of football on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and to my disappointment, my WIFI went out. Maybe they needed bigger wires.

Billy Ray the Retiredd Postman
January 03, 2024 - Msg 119551: Good morning and Happy New Year porch family! Your celebration sounds wonderful, Boo. Glad you had time with friends and family. My friend Connie and I got acquainted in school in 8th grade through a mutual friend. We had a lot of fun in band and extra curriculars, on a bowling team, camping, and so much more. She was my maid of honor and I was hers. We don’t see each other often, but she was back Saturday so I went to her sister’s house for breakfast. (Pic on Facebook) Just like old times. Although she shares a concern I have—kids in their thirties who are still single—no grandkids. 😩 Unfortunately this is sort of epidemic with several of our friends. I feel sorry for young people today trying to find suitable mates. They don’t date the way we did. 😞 Oh well, praying for better times fir them in 2024. Billy Ray, You should have called the man about that there wifi! Hey to MDC and G-F!
Charlotte Tucker
January 03, 2024 - Msg 119552: Charlotte, do you know, I did NOT call the man. I figgered it would be a waste of time with it being Sunday and then the holiday. I thought my Wifi provider might be deep into the Morrison elixir, and planned to call Tuesday. Do you know someone else called the man and they was out Monday morning working on their lines. They told me the whole neighborhood was out and so they were up in the lines like Mr. McBeevee. I didn't ask them to blow smoke out their ears.

Billy Ray the Retired Postman
January 03, 2024 - Msg 119553: Don't you know the man is back again today? He rang my doorbell shortly after my last post. I told him everything was fine for me, but he said they's still people in the neighborhood with Wifi problems. They definitely need bigger wires.

Billy Ray the Retired Postman
January 04, 2024 - Msg 119554:

Hey Billy Ray, I have tried to keep things pretty simple. No wifi, and for internet
I use a hotspot. TV is all over the air. (35 channels OTA) But alas, new years bowls
aint what they used to be. In fact, sadly, college sports are changing quite
quickly with the endorsements, transfer portal, etc. I still recall the 4 big bowls,
the Rose, Sugar, Cotton and Orange on NYD. Miss those times.

Oh, but me-tv tags tonight..."Of course we have swings, we just don't use 'em at night!" I heard the line of Opie's, and it could also be construed that even tho he
was not 'caught in the act' his conscience was bothering him enuf that he brought it up. :) Wadda ya think?

GF--good story about that car window. I remember those days. I would head to the junkyard
first for things like an alternator, door handles, etc. Your's was good experience,
and also a good lesson learned.

Charlotte, good story about your friend. Those tried and true freinds are really
special arent they?

BOO--so glad that things went well. Did you have to 'coax' those 9:30 leavers out the door? haha. Well, here goes 2024!
Please keep up your prayers for Cecile. The good news is that she is no worse
as they try to figure out why some nerves have quit working.

HELLO TO SPOTTY, POSSUM, PH, BIG MAUDE, NEW NEIGHBOR AND ALL! :)

later,
mdc

January 04, 2024 - Msg 119555:

Oh GF-pappabear called me today. He cracked a few jokes. a good conversation.

January 04, 2024 - Msg 119556: oops...should say "the other day."
January 04, 2024 - Msg 119557: Barney and the Cave Rescue just ran. I know we ain't supposed to apply too much logic, but a couple things bother me. When Andy and Helen escaped the cave, they got a ride to town. How did that feller not tell everyone about driving them home? And Helen talked to Sarah on the phone. How didn't a gossip like Sarah spread that around town? Okay, that's my sermon for the day.

Billy Ray the Retired Postman
January 05, 2024 - Msg 119558: Good morning! Billy Ray, I’m sorry you didn’t call the man but glad someone did and you got your wifi going again. We’re pretty dependent on such things these days. When I was a kid, I loved that cave episode. I think I thought it was scary—like they might not get out alive. Lol! But regarding your observations, Billy Ray, Sarah probably was unaware of the troubles and she was likely the only one in town since everyone was at the picnic, leaving no one to gossip to! But it’s been a while since I’ve seen the ep so maybe I’m missing something. MDC, which episode is it that Opie talks about the swings? I can’t place that. Have a great day, all! Dealing with car issues today. Getting ready to take it to the man.
Charlotte Tucker
January 06, 2024 - Msg 119559:

Hi Charlotte, it is actually the episode with Bill Bixby, who is the
rich kid in jail, and He asks Barney if anybody "swings" in Mayberry,
and that was Barney's answer! haha

Billy Ray, I like Charlotte's thoughts on Sarah, and my thought on the ride
is maybe he wasn't from Mayberry, but just some guy driving thru. ha BUT...
how did they get BACK to the cave? Hmm. :)

I missed tonight's ep, but last night was the Barbara Eden episode, and for the
first time I realized that "Floyd's Barber Shop" had been removed from the window
so we can see all the googly-eyed men looking thru it. And here's a thought...
why didnt she just go the the beauty parlor instead of the barber shop?? :)

Well, we are in for some rain this weekend, and I heard that several of you
will be getting some snow. GF--fire up the Sno-Joe!! Keep safe!

Prayers,
MDC
January 06, 2024 - Msg 119560: Good morning all! Ah yes, MDC, the Bill Bixby episode and that kind of “swinging.” That makes sense. I always thought Andy and Helen got out a back entrance and returned through the same entrance while the masses were elsewhere in the cave. What a drag to get all cleaned up and then have to make yourselves dirty and disheveled again just to make Barney look like a hero. Lol. We had a skiff of snow here today. I had to scoop off the patio. More expected Monday. My husband gave me a gift pass to swim at a local hotel pool the month of January. It is so amazing. It’s like my own private, heated pool. No tourism this time of year. Take care all. Enjoy your sunshine you southerners! 🌞 Gloomy and cloudy in the Midwest.
Charlotte Tucker
January 06, 2024 - Msg 119561: MDC...❄️Joe is “READY TO GO!”.....👍❄️☃️❄️...That even rhymes...lol...G-F
January 09, 2024 - Msg 119562:

Hello everyone. Kinda slow on the porch to begin the new year!
All is well here. We did indeed get a good rain on Sunday. A good
steady light rain for most of the day. Temp was only 52 today.
MIZ, are u still checking the porch? How cold was it in GC today?

Tonight I saw the "Thomas A Moody" episode! (Or, as I like to give
him the AKA of "Five Finger Moody!" haha) I like when Andy
says "Mayberry is yours!" :)

I hope y'all had a good start to the new year. Any special resolutions?
For me this year it is to hope they can figure out Cecile's situation.
I am being very positive and know that good doctors are helping her.
Hang in there folks.
GF--get any snow yet?

Keep looking up!
MDC