The Taylors' Front Porch
Pull up a chair! Have a sit-down an' shoot the breeze with us. Later on, maybe we'll go down to the drugstore to get a bottle of pop .  .  . maybe see what's showin' at the Grand .  .  .  . What you gonna do tonight, Barn?

August 14, 2026 - Msg 121549: Melissa, Boo. That was her name and yep,the " daddy"/husband was the same actor who played Uncle Fester- Jackie Coogan.
I'm really glad you enjoyed your day trip. Good to hear your blue mood went away 💙.
Oh yeah, getting up so early and just go go going all day long is very hard. One day at a time, though and I trust that things will get better.
Thank you and MDC for your continued prayers. They mean a lot to me.
Blessings to all.

possum once more
August 14, 2026 - Msg 121550: Work,work,work!I even had to sweep the Porch! Geez... lol


August 15, 2026 - Msg 121551:

Thanks for checking GF. Lydia might know.
The ep guide has the Gus name, and then Jim's name in parenthesis. Hang in there for just a bit more Possum.
I know how tough that is, as I also did similar for my dad.

Well, I was going to go to Durango, CO, and Mesa Verde,
to visit my niece who is working at MV, but alas, she
just got laid off from the lodge there, and is going back
to Flagstaff. Flag is about 3 hours from my house,
so I may go there in Sept.

APB FOR CHARLOTTE, JULIE, NN, MD, PH, AND ALL!

Prayers,
MDC

August 15, 2026 - Msg 121552: MDC...I did ask Lydia, she didn’t know either....G-F
August 16, 2026 - Msg 121553:
Good sweep Possum, looks nice! :)

August 16, 2026 - Msg 121554:

GOOD SABBATH TO ALL! (:


August 17, 2026 - Msg 121555: My daughter got the house!! Thank you,Lord
Please continue to pray all goes well.
More later.
*************
possum u.a.r.
August 17, 2026 - Msg 121556:

Oh Possum, that is wonderful news! God is good, as RO would say.
Yes, will continue to pray that everything will work out.

GF-A question--how early do you think I should reserve a room
at the Mayberry Motor Inn for the '27 meet up?
Also, I recall when you and ASA would 'talk shop' about always
having items like fan motors on hand, and I think of it more
as lately there have been a lot of
Grainger commercials here, and I think of you two when they say,
"The guy to get it done!" :)
We are facing another 4 or 5 days with 112 to 115, but then
that is just August in the Phx area! C'est la vie!

Praying for all,
MDC
August 17, 2026 - Msg 121557: MDC...If I were you, I’d call Mikel at the Motor Inn, he keeps “the book” as he also does for Mayberry Days. Floyd hasn’t officially determined the date yet. ( He made it a week later this year than last year ) So I really don’t know if it will change back or not...

Mikel will put you down in his book regardless of the week. So yes it’s never too early. The early bird gets the room...lol

I DO miss Asa’s shop talk as do I miss going to Grangers’s for parts. They had a system of getting parts that nobody could beat....

Possum....That is AWESOME NEWS!...🙌🏻🙏🏻

G-F
August 18, 2026 - Msg 121558: Thanks, y'all but not going to get that particular house after all. Landlord doesn't work with third parties ( shades of Helen Crump- ha!) and the VA program is a third party,so there's that. However,the VA caseworker found another house he thinks we'll like and it's in the same neighborhood for less rent. Will send the info on it for daughter to take a look- see. We are trusting the Lord to put us into the right home. Will keep y'all posted.

possum again
August 19, 2026 - Msg 121559: Sounds like good news, Possum. Lord let things go through as needed~!

Not a lot to report on my end of the porch. Its been hot but that is nothing new on my end of the porch. MDC is dealing with triple digit heat for months now.

Have to get ready to go to an appointment with Bruce with a new ortho doc to see what we can do with his back.

Blessings,
Boo
August 24, 2026 - Msg 121560: Yoo Hooooo! Been almost a week and no one has been on the porch. Hope all is well.

We are doing ok. No real news.

Boo
August 25, 2026 - Msg 121561: Hello Porchsters. It's 5 AM in these parts and I'm tired clear down to my socks. Gotta leave soon to go roll greens at the golf course. Sure don't feel like it. But I reckon I have to help those fellas get their score even higher.

Billy Ray the Exhausted Postman
August 25, 2026 - Msg 121562: Y'all was talking about Jackie Coogan. I believe he was married to Betty Grable way back when


Billy Ray the Retired Postman
August 25, 2026 - Msg 121563: Rest in peace, Dolly Parton.

Boo
August 25, 2026 - Msg 121564: Just doing a little looking back in the archives to 2013. I sure wish Romeena was still around to talk to. She always had such wise advice in family matters.

The weather here has been getting more tolerant. It is still hot as blazes during most of the day but is starting to cool down a little near the end of the day and we have had a nice breeze. I have been trying to walk at least every other day and am discovering it isnt as easy as it used to be when I was younger (big surprise). Lots of aches and pains to push through but I know it is really good for me.

Sean is still having quite a struggle with his anxiety and we are seeking the Lord for answers for him. His meds were adjusted and he has a pending appointment with a counselor. This anxiety disorder is such a pain. God is bigger, though.

It helps sometimes to go back over some of the archives to see what the Lord carried you through and all the prayers and words of wisdom shared by friends here.

Time to go put my feet up and call St, Susan for a bit. Her son matthew had a birthday today and is 47! How did that happen so quickly.

Boo
August 26, 2026 - Msg 121565:

HI ALL, sorry that I have been AWOL for a bit. No reason other than volunteering at church. I feel such solace there. I have been helping in our
food pantry as of late, and am also keeping busy on the Monday cleaning crew.
We will often go out for lunch when the cleaning is done.
Many young families are coming to church which is so good to see also.
We do have a glassed in 'cry room' for when needed. It works great, the kiddo
gets his/her screaming done, and the rest of us can still hear the sermon! haha

Yes, I was saddened to hear about the passing of Dolly Parton also. She was quite a lady,
one of 11 kids growing up in the smokey mountains. I love her Coat of Many Colors song
and also I Will Always Love You!
BIG MAUDE, didn't you mention one time that you
saw her at Pigeon Forge? Maybe not, but I think so.
Hope you are doing OK with all those rainstorms.

And BOO, I think we got your heat this year. A record 117 today!! And right now it is not
a dry heat, as we have had some recent thunderstorms. Last Friday we had
very loud 'cracks' of thunder like it was right over the house!!
I am so sorry to hear of Seans issues. I thought all that was so much better,
but he is in my prayers for sure.

Billy Ray, who is Jack Coogan? Seriously, I don't think I know who he is!

I have been seeing a lot of 'Mayberry folk' on Perry Mason, and several old westerns lately.
The other night the original Mr. Weaver was an old country doctor! Such goings on. :)

That's about all for now.
Peace,
MDC


August 26, 2026 - Msg 121566:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW2TgGy5gjY&list=RDpW2TgGy5gjY&start_radio=1


August 26, 2026 - Msg 121567:

That's from me, mdc

August 26, 2026 - Msg 121568:
And also this one, she was so amazing...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e17Rz0V5QiM

MDC
August 26, 2026 - Msg 121569: MDC, you can watch Jackie Coogan right cheer:

https://youtu.be/mlZRxkojzro?is=hDNWwe6CPQwOC3ZT

Billy Ray the Uncle Fester Fan
August 26, 2026 - Msg 121570: Yes...Dolly will be missed...Sad day indeed!
UNCLE FESTER!.....🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 G-F


August 26, 2026 - Msg 121571: Thanks. mdc
August 26, 2026 - Msg 121572: I declare if this doesn't remind me of Man In a Hurry.

https://youtu.be/rAULsL_FR2A?si=NIwUvW9pnrHzwlSf

Billy Ray the Retired Postman
August 27, 2026 - Msg 121573: Rest in peace,Dolly.What a bright light she was in this world!

Quick update on things here- my daughter got up to the city today where our new house is and will stay in a hotel until she can get in the house.She needs to be up there to tend to paperwork. Tomorrow, a caseworker transitions her into the HUD-VASH program,that will pay the majority of the rent. We will pay 30%. SSVF is doing the heavy work- getting us into the house and then HUD-VASH takes it from there. She and both her caseworkers go meet the landlord, see the house and lock it in on Monday. Things are getting real!
I dread having to tell Mr. Possum of my plans. It's a heartbreaking thing but I know it's what I must do. If y'all would pray for me to find the right time and the right words and for God to hold me up through all of this,I would be most grateful. Thanks, friends.
Love and peace to all.

*************
possum u. a.r.
August 28, 2026 - Msg 121574: Hi, Everyone! I'm getting excited about Mayberry Days. Not too much longer now. Looking forward to seeing many of you there. Steve, I did hear Floyd announce the Meetup dates for next year as July 23-25th. I had a funny moment happen to me the other week. The other Sunday while the preacher was preaching, he mentioned how people love to break the law. They just can't seem to help themselves. He said, "For example, if the speed limit is 45, then the person wants to go 50 or if the speed limit is 50, then the person wants to go 55." Instantly, I looked over at my friend who knows enough about Mayberry to get my look and our eyes met with delight. Preacher Barney Fife was way ahead of his time. Ha! Ha! Julie
August 29, 2026 - Msg 121575: Hey Possum. Glad to hear things are coming alone with housing but certainly understand how hard it is to be in your position. I will be praying and I hope some of Mr Possum's children will step up and help him. It's their responsibility now. Now, as you sit here reading this, I want you to repeat after me: "I am not responsible for his care. I can not do it all. I have others who need me and must be my priority now. I have already done so very much for him. I can live with that.". Love you Pam.

Julie, how I wish i could meet you at Mayberry Days. I was hoping since I couldnt make it this year, maybe next but we have had a recent setback and my husband will probably not be able to retire at the end of this month as hoped. It breaks my heart but it is what it is, as they say. Hope you all have a wonderful time, though.

Still real hot here in south texas, but that is expected. Next week Bruce and I will celebrate our 32nd anniversary (though we have been together for 37 years). I have been so blessed by my wonderful, hard-working husband but he will be 70 soon and I cant believe we got here so quickly.

Anyhow, hope you are all having a great weekend and staying cool out there.

Love,
Boo
August 30, 2026 - Msg 121576:

HI ALL! Possum, I echo Boo's sediments. My prayers continue for all
involved. I sure hope this house thing works out very soon for you.

I just heard that on Sunday afternoon (today) ME-TV is having a Dolly Parton
tribute special. (around 4 PM)

BOO, so sorry that you are going thru a set back. I wish that Bruce can
retire soon, especially as he gets his hearing fixed.

Julie, good to see you posting. Thanks for the 2027 dates for the Meet Up.
I sure hope to make it, Lord willing.

BIG MAUDE...if you check in, I left a question for you above.

BILLY RAY, thanks for the Jack Coogan info. I guess I just didnt know his name.

In watching Perry Mason lately it is like old home week for tags! There has been
Mr Tucker, Briscoe, Miss Peggy, John Masters, and a few others!

Well, we should only be in the 'low 100s' this coming week, so that will be a nice break.

GOOD SABBATH, and prayers for all,
MDC
August 30, 2026 - Msg 121577:

Oh, BTW, ME-TV is starting over with the tags eps, and I forgot that
in episode #1, (after I watched it) that Opie prays for his bird, his snake, his lizard, and his dog! ha


August 30, 2026 - Msg 121578: Thank you for that,Boo. I needed it. I love you too. Sorry that retirement might have to wait a while for Bruce. I know that's disappointing.
Thank you too,MDC. Tomorrow is the big day for my daughter going to see the house,meet landlord and hopefully lock it in. Then sometime Tuesday I will break the news to Mr. Possum. God help me through that. It will be so hard!
Will update later,y'all take care.

************
possum u.a.r.
August 30, 2026 - Msg 121579: Possum, Continued Prayers for your situation...Hopefully it all will come together...I’m sure there’s going to be one angry Possum when he finds out your plans....

Boo, same for you. Hopefully it gets better for you guys too. Life is hard for sure and many rough roads!

Speaking of roads, I’m starting to set up my lab for the coming winter weather crafting projects...I found a beautiful piece of wood that I’m doing an example of Barney’s “During Our Life Times, We Travel Many Roads” speech...

The Quote: "During our lifetime, we travel many roads. There are smooth roads, and rocky roads. Dirt highways, and improved roads."

But not before I clean up my shop from previous works....
I hope they bring in a good amount at the Mayberry Days Auction... * The money goes towards putting on the event.

G-F
August 31, 2026 - Msg 121580: Thank you,G-F. Yep, I believe you're right. Can't be helped,unfortunately. I have to do this. Hoping for the best.
Well,the big day with the house will be tomorrow instead of today. Daughter's caseworker is assisting someone else who was only available to do whatever they're doing today. Disappointing but tomorrow will come.Just praying things go as expected. Will keep y'all posted.

possum again
August 31, 2026 - Msg 121581: Sorry to hear about the delay, Possum. Will continue with the prayers. Will you be alone with Larry when you tell him of your plans? I am concerned that he may lose it and hurt you or himself. I would suggest having a good friend or one of his family members there when you tell him about your plans.

Sean is doing much better and will attempt to go back to work in the morning. Please send up a prayer for him. Thank you.

Love,
Boo
September 01, 2026 - Msg 121582:

Possum, so sorry about the delay. Be patient, for as the saying goes,
wait upon the Lord. :) Yes, I hope some family can be present
if possible, so then they can immediately assume the resposibility.
Some of you may have heard about the terrible flooding in the
Grand Canyon. I have hiked to the bottom 3 separate times in my
life, and to see what I have seen of the destruction on video
is amazing. I've walked across those bridges that have been wash away!
Stunning. Some are still missing. Please keep them in your
prayers. Prayers for Sean too.
Only 99 today! First time under 100 since June 1st! :)
God's Peace,
MDC
September 01, 2026 - Msg 121583: Well,another delay- my daughter is sick now,sounds like she ate some bad leftover food. Geez.. so, plans are for tomorrow. With the weekend and Labor Day approaching,I have the feeling we might be tangled up with this for a while. It WILL happen though!
I don't want anyone here when I tell Mr. Possum. I can call his people after,if need be. His doctor is literally right next door as well. He might flip out and rant but he's not going to harm me. Y'all just keep praying this all goes as well as it can.
Continued prayers for Sean and prayers too for those impacted by those floods ,MDC.

possum once more
September 03, 2026 - Msg 121584: Quick update and prayer request- Learned last night that Laci's father committed su!c!de. Asking for prayers for his mother and sister. I am grateful that Laci won't grieve him as he never had much to do with her. Very sad,though.No details, other than we learned he was separated from his 2nd wife,so that likely was the catalyst.
Daughter going today to view house and hopefully lock it in. Fingers crossed! Will keep you posted.
*************
possum u.a.r.
September 04, 2026 - Msg 121585: Things did not work out with the house. Now the VA housing program wants to put us in a 2 bedroom place instead of 3. There are 3 of us but they go by income caps or something. I don't know. Rough rough night with Laci, only 4 hours sleep. And Mr. Possum was giving me fits yesterday, up until 11pm. I am beyond exhausted. Please continue to pray all works out. I know God will make a way. Thanks,y'all.
possum again
September 04, 2026 - Msg 121586:
Possum, I gotta be honest with ya, with the VA, there are usually
"complications," and when you talked about doing it so quickly,
I had reservations but held them back. As hard as it may be
right now, please have patience with the whole process.
It seems, however, like they would know about income requirements, etc, and not show you places that would not work out according to their guidelines.
Sorry to be so frank, but I have seen all such goings on with friends
and family. It WILL happen, but you may have to be a bit assertive
and say "does this house for sure fulfill all the requirements, etc."
My prayers continue for you all!!
Peace, Love, and Joy of Jesus,
MDC :)
September 04, 2026 - Msg 121587: Thank you,MDC. Things have turned for the better,I hope. Looks like we just might get our 3 bedroom house and a beautiful one at that. Check your email, I go into more detail there. Please pray we get this one- it's perfect! Thanks. Will keep y'all posted.
Blessings to all.
************
possum u.a.r
September 05, 2026 - Msg 121588:

I sure hope things go better for you Possum!
Prayers continuefor sure.
I was watching the Mayberry goes Hollywood episode tonite,
and when Floyd re-did his barber shop window, it said
"Colby's Tonsorial Parlor." So I have to ask...
Who is Colby? Was that ever explained by anybody?
GF or Julie...any ideas?
BTW, the backlot crew sure must have been busy that week
doing and painting all those new signs, etc! ha

Sure wish Charlotte, KY Girl, Big Maude, Spotty and others would
stop by again

MDC
September 05, 2026 - Msg 121589: MDC “Colby” refers to the first Floyd, Colby was his last name they replaced him after a couple of episodes if I recall correctly.
Howard McNear was far the better choice in my opinion.

Speaking of Floyd, Our Floyd posted on the website that “Kit” McNear Howard’s Son had recently passed away…

Hang in there Possum good things are on their way Sister!…

G-F
September 06, 2026 - Msg 121590:

So Colby was his last name in the show, or as an
actor? If in the show, then they must have made that sign
before the production co. let the original Floyd go;
because the Floyd we all know used Lawson as his last name.
I acually think he was only in one episode talking about
hog jowls! ha
Good Sabbath to all, and Happy Labor Day!
MDC


September 06, 2026 - Msg 121591: MDC… Walter Baldwin is the actor who played the first Floyd. Thankfully it didn’t take them long to find the right Floyd for the part…..

Y'all Relax..Slow Down, take it Easy tomorrow…”What’s Your Hurry?

G-F
September 07, 2026 - Msg 121592: Thanks,y'all,please keep the prayers going. Hopefully we will have some very good news on the 9th.
Some good news today- it's Laci's birthday! Our lil porch baby is 23 years old now. Wow!
Happy Labor Day!
************
possum u.a.r.
September 07, 2026 - Msg 121593: Happy Monday / Labor Day folks .
I have been busy at work and busy with things at home so I
haven’t been rocking in my chair for a while

Dealing with another sinus infection so taking more antibiotics. So aggravating.

We are all saddened by the loss of Dolly Parton . She was certainly a major Icon in our State and in East Tennessee. I live about
90 minutes from Sevierville and Dollywood. Although we have been to Sevierville/Dollywood/Gatlinburg many many times I have never actually saw her in person. I never went to Dollywood when she was there due to the volume of people, traffic that were going to try and see her in Dollywood. She has done so much for the community, her family and really everyone in the area she grew up in. Hope her spirit and legacy will live on and never be forgotten.
Both my grandkids get a monthly book from her Imagination Library and will receive one until their 5th birthday. Tripp really loves getting his and having it read to him. He recognizes her face on the back of the book as “the book lady”. If any of you have grandkids who might enjoy getting on the mailing list go to the Imagination Library site and sign them up. It free and is available in
Every state and even some other countries. Dolly has said it is the thing she is most proud of and started in honor of her Dad who never learned to read or write.

Thanks for checking on me MDC! I ‘prreciate it.
Prayers for everyone and Happy Birthday to Miss Lacy
Big Maude





September 07, 2026 - Msg 121594: Good to see you Maude. I will look into the imagination library for little Jonah.

Hang in there Possum!

I liked Walter Baldwin as Floyd. I just loved it when he told Barney that his head would fit in a pencil sharpener! hahahaha..great line.

Been a fairly quiet labor day around here. Bruce and I went to town to the lazy boy place to buy Bruce a new recliner. He has had the same one for 25 years and it has holes worn in the arms and back where his head rests. Its so awful but he had been unwilling to part with it because he is comfortable in it. I cannot figure out how because all the stuffing is worn flat but anyway, he finally agreed to check out the labor day sale and after hours in the store, he finally decided on one. It has to be ordered, though, to get the right color leather on it to match the rest of the furniture but he finally did it. Those lazy boys arent cheap but he certainly got his money out of the last one and will this one, too. We made the mistake of buying another brand for Sean several years ago at a furniture store in the city. It was leather, too, but cost 800, which is nothing to sneeze at. The dang things ended up being a piece of junk and we dont even have it anymore. It started to tear at the back and at the arm rests and the back just caved in. In the case of recliners, you get what you pay for.

Well, hope all of you have a good evening and week.

Boo


September 08, 2026 - Msg 121595: Hey y'all- Thanks for the encouragement and birthday wishes for Laci. She had a nice day!
Well, we backed away from renting this lovely house we liked. Something just didn't sit right with me. The house looked great but the neighborhood looked really bad. Unsafe. There's an apartment complex butted up next to it and I learned there's a lot of bad stuff going on over there. Just months ago ,a man got,well,you know. I won't say anything to activate the censor. Found out this area has a very high crime rate. We can't take the chance. So she's contacted her caseworker, sent a few other suggestions we found to him and hopefully we'll lock in something soon. I am stressed out because keeping her in a hotel up there is bleeding me dry. I can do one more week,maybe a few days after but that's it. M
Y'all keep praying for us,please. Thanks.
Yes,Maude, Dolly was a wonderful humanitarian and side so much for the folks up around where she came from. Actually,her generosity reached farther than that. The whole world loved Dolly. May she rest in peace.
Hope you feel better soon,Big Maude.
Hope Bruce enjoys his new recliner,Boo.
Well,guess that's it. Y'all take good care!
************
possum u.a.r.
September 08, 2026 - Msg 121596: Dolly DID so much for folks,not side- sorry! This dang phone must've changed it.

possum again

Comments:

Let me know if the porch needs a sweep                                   Archives
This version of The Taylor's Front Porch has been created to pay our respect to the original porch found on Mayberry.org. Thanks to Frank for all the work he did for Mayberry on the web. We've tried to make this just like Frank's Porch. This is also a tribute to Ollie's "Trivialities" site which was another homage to Frank's porch but is no longer with us.