April 19, 2003 - Msg 13343: Hello all! Hey Romeena, Thanks fer them kind words. Time fer: "In Your Easter Bonet" Have a blessed Easter everyone. Here we go.

Briscoe Darling Jr.


April 19, 2003 - Msg 13344: Briscoe you do such a good job sweepin, would you come to my house & clean?
*Mavis
Aunt Bee~Let me see that muscle again?
Briscoe~Oh no you don't, you'll have me white washing the whole house!
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13345: I need to share something with my Porch friends.My husband & I broke up several years ago because of drinking.He came back into my life in 2001 and swore he had quit.I wanted to believe him.I took him back. Things were good & I did think he'd changed.Then one night he came home drunk.I forgave him.Then another night.He told me it would never happen again-that he did not even know why he went to the liquor store.Promised that was the last time. I told him that I would put him out if it happened again.Last night it happened.He was driving drunk.Later he went to my daughter's home and got rowdy with her and her husband.My daughter is pregnant.I packed his things and told him to go.He will NOT admit he has a problem.He is a good man 95% of the time.It's sad that two people who love each other like we do can't be together because of alcohol.I know I did the right thing,but it hurts,nevertheless.All my dreams blew up in my face-again.
I just wanted y'all to know because I feel like I'm cared about here.I might not be up to leaving Krispy Kremes on the Porch for a while,but will try to pop in and visit while I'm dealing with all of this.Prayers will be appreciated,along with any words of wisdom.Thanks for caring,everybody.Love to all.
*******************
possum under a rock
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13346: Hope everyone has a Happy Easter.

possum again
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13347: Possum,
I am so sorry to hear about the problems you and your husband are having. I know you did the right thing, but it is so hard to do nevertheless. You have my prayers, and I am sure the prayers of all our other friends here on the porch. In a hopeful note, I would like to encourage you to never give up, God can do wondrous things. This may be the catalyst that helps your husband to realize he does have a problem. Whether or not he can recover will be up to him. I know it is possible, because with God, all things are possible. It will be up to your husband, however, to take care of his end of the bargain. If he does truly and fully recover, then you will have a decision to make, but that is putting the cart ahead of the horse. I can also encourage you that if you seek God at this time, you will find the Sweetest Presence ever in your life. Isaiah 54:5 and 6 says, "For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. For the Lord hath called thee like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God." I would encourage you to read the rest of that chapter as well, because it is filled with wonderful promises. This scripture meant so much to me when my husband left me, (while pregnant and with a one year old!) twenty years ago. I can also tell you that while we were married our finances were a disaster, after he left, God truly did provide, and I can't even tell you how, bills were simply met, obligations kept, and we even managed to take a trip to Disney World when my children were 3 and 5 years old! I hope Easter can be a time of new hope and possibilities for you, don't let it be a time of worry and regrets, give the entire situation to God, and I can assure you, He WILL provide for you, bless you, comfort you, and poor out His love for you! Be ready to see Him become more real in your life than He ever has before.

((((possum)))) (and I ain't never hugged a possum before!)
Mary Wiggins
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13348: Possum Under a Rock, Alcohol is a very strong drug. And an alcoholic doesn't realize that he or she are destroying more than their own life.... they take everyone down with them. The apologies, the swearing off of, these temporary fixes are just a band-aid over a wound that needs to be stiched. You've have done all you can. An alcoholic has to hit bottom, I know you've heard this before, but really hit bottom in order to make the committment to change. YOU CANNOT DO IT ALONE. It's impossible. He needs to be in a support group that will help him through this addiction. Now, the key is getting him to go. And if he still doesn't want to stop drinking, no AA meeting on earth will help. Possum listen because this is very important, you have actually started HIS healing process by kicking HIM out. Do not let him come back until he is enrolled in some sort of support group for alcoholics. You are going to have to suffer in order for him to get better and this, as horrible as it is, is the first step. It takes time but YOU ARE DOING ALL YOU CAN DO. The strength from the pain of the family is what is going to treat him. He's a good man and good people are the easiest to treat. Hang in there, my prayers are with you. YOU ARE GOING TO BE FINE. YOU WILL!

Ed Sawyer
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13349: Oh my Possum, I also am sorry to read of your problems. Please know that we love you and care for you and are here for you anytime you need us. And know you are in my prayers dear. It hurts me so when one of my porch pals is hurting. Mary gave you some good advice I think. Please let us know how we can help. Alchohol is a cruel taskmaster. I have seen many good folks destroyed by it. I have no doubt you did what you had to do so don't go beating yourself up about it. God bless possum and hang in there. We are all behind you 100%

Asa
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13350: Didn't see you there Ed. Or if I did I didn't recognize ya. LOL

Asa
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13351: Dear Possum, Once again sadness has struck one of our beloved Mayberry porch friends. I have been reading the posts and I have been brung to tears. Dear Friends, do you realize what a treasure we have in each other? I can not think of a tragedy that we would not be able to share with each other or support each other through.

possum, here is a verse that has held me through the back surgery and the dark months following it and just about all the dark times I can remember.

"I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.
Plans for good and not evil. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:

Love and Prayers,
fun girl
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13352: Just went back to the archives and saw that there is someone out there who don't appreciate my episodes. I am cut to the quick. Woe is me. I thought every body liked a fun girl. Oh well, you can't please all the people all the time. And it just goes to show you that they don't really know me, cause to know me is to love me. Now you all, ain't that the truth?
a slightly self-esteem rumpled
fun girl
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13353: Prayers for you possum and I ain't never hugged a possum before either. ((((possum))))

homemaker
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13354: Thank you all for the love,concern,scriptures and advice.I will take it all to heart.Bless YOUR hearts-y'all are wonderful friends.I know how strong I am and that I will be ok.Oh,and thanks for the hugs! Here's back at ya: (((Mary))) (((Ed))) (((Asa))) (((fun girl))) (((homemaker))) and everyone on the porch.Love to all.
*******************
possum under a rock
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13355: Prayers from me too, dear possum. I have been going through my own serious marital problems since Christmas and some days are just unbearable, others not so bad. But I truly understand what you are feeling. Do you have kids at home? I do. Tough on them. Just trying to keep a smile on ain't easy. I pray for you with all my being. If you want to email me anytime, I'm on the Cutlass. (((possum))). Lots of us doing things we never done before today (like hugging possums!) Happy Easter everyone.
Charlotte Tucker
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13356: Oh dear Charlotte. I've been worried about you too. I am sorry things are not well with you. You also are in my prayers. I know things will work out for you. Just keep the faith.
I wish we could all meet for a group hug somewhere. Wouldn't that be cool.

Asa
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13357: I'm praying for you, too, Possum. Even though I haven't posted here in years I felt I needed to today. I am currently separated from my second husband. We were only married for a year. We were fine dating but the minute we got married he changed. I tried and tried to make things work but everything failed. When he left the last time he told me it was my duty to listen to him and follow him wherever he went. No wonder nothing ever worked and no wonder he always refused counseling. He wanted full reign over me and it just wasn't happening. He didn't have a drinking problem persay but he did drink more than I would have liked him to. I know how you are hurting and I pray for God to give you strength to get through this. I know I have to pray for it practically every day for myself even when I know it's best for me to move on. You sound like you are a strong person (stronger than I am) but I know how this kind of pain can tear you apart. But with every prayer a little more of that pain is replaced with peace.
Take care of yourself.
Maudy
April 19, 2003 - Msg 13358: Oh, my goodness, sweet possum! Just goes to prove that we never know the burdens someone else may be bearing. I'm so sorry to hear of your troubles, and you may be sure that you're on the top of my prayer list. You have been given some very good advice. The only thing I'd add would be to suggest that you talk with your daughter and any other family members that may be involved. Everyone needs to be on the same page, so that he meets the same response from everyone. Something like "You know we love you, and we want only the best for you. Right now your behavior is self-destructive, as well as being destructive and harmful to everyone else. We can't permit that, and we don't wish to be witnesses to what you're doing to yourself. Therefore, we encourage you to get some help, and once you're straightened out, we hope and pray that you'll want to be part of the family again, because we love you. Until then, please don't inflict your behavior on our lives." It's called tough love, and it's not just for kids. It can be applied to adults as well.

Honey, please stay in touch here. We're all interested and concerned, and wish the best for you. We'll understand if you are away at times, but please keep those times as short as possible. We'll be praying for you.

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13359: possum please know that my prayers are with you as well & if you ever need anything, email me or post it here on the porch. You are loved & cared about here & I think I can say that for everyone here. I went thru exactly what you are going thru now with Pat, Jake's dad, that is the reason we finally divorced, I couldn't take the drinking anymore. To this day, I can't stand it. Thank the Lord, my leaving Pat made him slow down, I don't think he has completely stopped, but he doesn't drink at all since the shooting. Hold strong in your faith & know that you are doing the right thing, for you & for your family. He will realize one day that you are doing this to help him & that you had to do this. Please keep in touch like Romeena said & let us know & again, email if you need anything. The Cutlass Our emails are all on there under Post Office. ((((((((((((((possum)))))))))))
*Mavis
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13360: And Happy Easter! to all my porch pals!
*Mavis
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13361: Good morning porch... Posssum I'm so soeey for all you are goin through.. you are in my prayers. Hope you all have a Happy Easter. I gotta work then spend the evening with my outlaws! Love you guys.. Salty Dog
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13362: First of all I want to say to everyone I pray y'all have a blessed Easter.

possum: I haven't been on here for a few days and I just was reading the post and Hon I'm so sorry, You know I'll pray for you and your husband, I understand that when you love someone your willing to believe they change, then the cold hard facts set in. I'm remarried now but every time Lightning acts up some I relive the past all over again, it's hard to put it behind you but dear you can and my prayers for your daughter, in her condition she sure doesn't need someone upsetting her. And CT honey prayers for you also, this world sure is a curel one at times but for the most of the time it is so wonderful and when you meet Friends like here on the porch it makes it easier to go on, the porch is that spoon full of sugar that helps the medicine go down, and I just want to say I truely feel blessed to have made y'all a part of my life, possum and CT email me anytime I'm in the cutlass address book.

*Ellen Brown
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13363: Bulbsnatcher I do have a site where we can post pics. It's at my communitte room if anyone is interested let me know, and I'll post the link.

~Ellen Brown
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13364: The Secret

One day, one friend asked another,
"How is it that you are always so happy?
You have so much energy,
and you never seem to get down."

With her eyes smiling, she said, "I know the Secret!"

"What secret is that?"

To which she replied, "I'll tell you all about it,
but you have to promise to share the Secret with others."

"The Secret is this:
I have learned there is little I can do in my
life that will make me truly happy.
I must depend on God to make me
happy and to meet my needs.
When a need arises in my life, I have to
trust God to supply according to HIS riches.
I have learned most of the time I don't need half
of what I think I do.
He has never let me down.
Since I learned that 'Secret', I am happy."

The questioner's first thought was,
"That's too simple!"
But upon reflecting over her own life
she recalled how she thought a bigger
house would make her happy, but it didn't!
She thought a better paying job would
make her happy, but it hadn't.
When did she realize her greatest happiness?
Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren,
playing games, eating pizza or reading a story,
a simple gift from God.

Now you know it too!
We can't depend on people to make us happy.
Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that.
Trust HIM! And now I pass the Secret on to you!
So once you get it, what will you do?

YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too!
That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU!

~Ellen Brown
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13365: That is beautiful Ellen. Thanks for sharing.
I want to extend to my porch pals a wish for the happiest and grandest Easter possible. I know there are several porchters hurting this morning, but what a great day to be reminded of the hope that our Savior brings. I pray for all of you this day to fing peace and happiness and a firm conviction in knowing that Jesus is the Lord.
And a special thanks to Floyd for providing us with this forum in which to meet and greet each other. God bless you all.

Asa
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13366:

IT IS NO SECRET

The chimes of time ring out the news
Another day is through
Someone slipped and fell
Was that someone you
You have have longed for added strength
Your courage to renew
Do not be disheartned
For I bring hope to you

Chorus
It is no secret what God can do
What he's done for others he'll do for you
With arms wide open He'll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do.

There is no night for his light
You'll never walk alone
Always feel at home wherever you may roam
There is no power can conquer you
While God is on you side
Just take Him at His promise
Don't run away and hide.
(chorus)

Words and Music by Stuart Hamblen

good morning Asa and I second that with Floyd and may you also have a Blessed Easter.


~Ellen Brown~


April 20, 2003 - Msg 13367: My special prayers to Possum and Charlotte Tucker -- we are always here for you. In affairs of the heart, I believe the Lord will help guide you through the rough roads you are traveling. And here on the porch, you have all of us who love ya too! (((Possum))) (((Charlotte)))

Here is wishing a beautiful, happy Easter to all my beloved buddies here on this hallowed porch
(((Porch Pals)))

Bulbsnatcher


April 20, 2003 - Msg 13368: Happy Easter all! Hey *Mavis, I'll come over and clean an' all. She's a buggin'. Lol! Time fer: "Peter Cottontale". Here we go.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13369: To: Maudy,Mavis,Romeena,Bulbsnatcher,Charlotte,Ellen,
and Salty-Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your concern & prayers.Thanks again to all the other Porchsters who " talked" to me about my troubles.There is hope,there is love.It's out of my hands.God is good and I know I will be fine.
Went to my sister's house for Easter.It was good being around the kids.Somebody asked if I had children at home.No,it's just me,thank goodness,because alcohol & kids just don't mix.I realize now what my daughter had to put up with while growing up.
Talked on the phone this morning and told husband what my conditions are,that I want him to go to AA or some type of program,even offered to go with him.He did answer "yes" when I asked him if he would admit that he has a problem with alcohol,so maybe that's a tiny step in the right direction-I don't know.Might have said it because he knew that's what I wanted to hear. I've done all I can.
Gee,I'm cheery! I am so grateful for y'all-I know I can share anything,good or bad,here on the porch.Thank you all again,and thank you too Floyd for allowing us to have this special place.Happy Easter and God Bless.
*************
possum under a rock
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13370: Happy Easter All, Glad to hear everyone is doing well this fine Easter Day. Possum, you hang in there. You are one the right track. It get's bumpy but stay the course. Take care all and have a Mayberry kinda day.

Ed Sawyer
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13371: The day's about done and I'm gettin' my kids ready for bed but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter. My day was wonderful...39 relatives all crammed into my grandmother's house! It was the first time in a while that all the grandchildren and great grandchildren were in attendance. Thanks for letting me join you on the porch. I look forward to getting to know each of you!
Maudy
April 20, 2003 - Msg 13372: Maudy, WELCOME. You pull up a chair and visit with some of the finest people you'll meet any where. You got a great bunch here and they're always there to visit and help a neighbor in need. Hope everyone's Easter was as wonderful as mine. I think I'm going to go take a nice stroll down Woods Way and walk off some of this ham and turkey. God Bless ya'll and have a fantastic Mayberry kinda evening.

Ed Sawyer
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13373: Happy Easter. I'm back, Asa, good to be here on the porch again. My computer monitor went out over a week ago and then I went on vacation last week. I drove my Dad out to Big Bend National Park. West Texas is gross. I don't think I will be making that trip again any time soon (especially with small children). West Texas is like the other side of hell. Hope I didn't offend anyone. It is pretty desolate and my kids got car sick and baby girl threw up twice.... the usual vacation story.

Anyway....I am so sad to hear about Possum. I just, plain hurt for you and Charlotte. I have never been in exactly your situation but my Dad was an alcoholic and I know it caused problems in the family. Funny thing is, though, my dad has a brother who is a preacher and he prayed for years that my dad would stop drinking and he told me that, specifically, he prayed that when dad drank, it wouldn't do anything for him and he would quit. Well, I am here to tell you that dad doesn't drink anymore and he never attended an AA meeting. He says that it just doesn't do anything for him anymore. Ha! He misses the feeling alcohol used to give him, but he has stopped trying. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

I would suggest James Dobson's book, "Love Must Be Tough". Excellant book.

Better hit the hay. I am tuckered.
Did anyone happen to see the show tonight on HGTV called "The Toys We Used To Play With"? Neat show about toys from the 60's and 70's. I thought about all of you. Later...

Boo
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13374: Hello friends, it has been a while since I've Posted. Happy Belated Easter. I am behind and haven't read the archives, but Charlotte - prayers for you and yours.
Possum, prayers for you as well. My father and father-in-law were alcoholics. Daddy quit drinking l0 years before he died...no AA, Mama just threatened to sell the house and told him to take his 1/2 of the money and go home to his mother's (and he sure didn't want to do that). Daddy was a lot different afterwards. DIdn't drink hard liquor much, beer, beer for breakfast and supper and all during the night.
About the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts on the porch, if you don't feel like coming by and leaving them, eat a few, comfort food. My prayers for all of you. I may be coming by a bit more often, finally got full internet service back. I was very limited before.
Good to see every one and hope you had a nice Easter. Mine was nice, with my husband and Mama and a few minutes with my cats. Keep me and family and friends in your prayers as there is lots of sickness and trouble abounding. Ain't no family exempt, but the Lord can change things if we let him....and I have to keep remembering HIS will not mine be done.
The Old Miss Ellie from way back when
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13375: Hello friends, it has been a while since I've Posted. Happy Belated Easter. I am behind and haven't read the archives, but Charlotte - prayers for you and yours.
Possum, prayers for you as well. My father and father-in-law were alcoholics. Daddy quit drinking l0 years before he died...no AA, Mama just threatened to sell the house and told him to take his 1/2 of the money and go home to his mother's (and he sure didn't want to do that). Daddy was a lot different afterwards. DIdn't drink hard liquor much, beer, beer for breakfast and supper and all during the night.
About the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts on the porch, if you don't feel like coming by and leaving them, eat a few, comfort food. My prayers for all of you. I may be coming by a bit more often, finally got full internet service back. I was very limited before.
Good to see every one and hope you had a nice Easter. Mine was nice, with my husband and Mama and a few minutes with my cats. Keep me and family and friends in your prayers as there is lots of sickness and trouble abounding. Ain't no family exempt, but the Lord can change things if we let him....and I have to keep remembering HIS will not mine be done.
The Old Miss Ellie from way back when
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13376: sorry about chewing my cabbage twice. had a computer 7 years, hit the wrong button ....still computer illiterate after 7 years. But ain't they grand ?
Miss Ellie
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13377: Happy Easter to all my porch pals, but I guess Easter is over here. OOPS! Never too late to celebrate what Easter symbolizes tho. Prayers for all who need them, and I reckon that is all of us. Wonder if Tom got off okay on his trip to West Virginia? Hope he took his penny that was run over by a train. It'll bring ya luck in your travels, ya know.

BDJ how's travel on the Robert E Lee natural bridge in the rainy spring weather? You all just knew I had to work that in the conversation as I hadn't mentioned it in a while, huh?

Later on then,
fun girl
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13378: My dear possum,

It brings tears to my eyes to hear of your troubles. I have been divorced now from my childrens father for about 5 years. I am praying that your husband will see the light. Divorce is not an easy road. I have often thought of it as a death while still living with the decaying corps.
I know that God has an answer to your husbands problem, we just all need to agree in prayer that he will allow God to answer. I know I am very new to the porch but I pray for you all everyday. I desire your prayers also. I sometimes suffer very much from loneliness. Thank God he is my husbandman.I have met someone recently who is interested in me, but I am very scared to trust anyone or almost afraid to love. I have had some very hurtful experiences .I dont know why I am saying all of this except maybe to say dont give up on this man too quickly if you and he truly love one another. The Bible says love covers a many of sins. I do think you have done the right thing and only thing you could have done for now. Please do not be offended by any words I
have said they are all in concern and love for you.
Charlotte I am praying for you also and all the other porchsters. Fun Girl, I dont see why anyone would not love you, you sound like a wonderful person.Dont let anyone drop any bad things into your beautiful spirit.

My cat is still missing, I think he may be gone for good.

lots of love to all,
sorry so long a post

BLONDE FROM A BOTTLE



April 21, 2003 - Msg 13379: When I was lying in bed last night, I started thinking about West Texas and Big bend and I think I will have to recant. I did some some beauty out West. There are "real" mountains and some beautiful flowers (alot of those cactus that bloom with yellow flowers). Maybe I was too hard on West Texas! Don't take your kids out there, though....just a warnin'. The hill country was wonderful, though. All the bluebonnets in the green fields, and old windmills. Heavenly!

Hello, Blonde. If the fellow who is interested in you is a good man, I hope you find the courage to try again, especially if your kitty stays away. Most of the time, a man is better than a cat. heehee (no litterbox). Just try to remember the wonderful memories that Romeena shares with us about her dear husband. She must miss him terribly and it must have hurt so to lose him but I'll bet she thinks loving him the years she had him was worth the pain of losing him (and she will be with him again, of course, thanks to what Jesus did for us). Real love always involves some pain, doesn't it?

Ya'll have a blessed day and prayers for you dear people!

Boo
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13380: Good Morning Porch,
We had a very nice Easter on my end of the porch. About twenty showed up for ham and scalloped potatoes and all the fixins. I have several nieces and nephews and I put a kind of bubble soap in each of their baskets where the bubbles turn hard so they can play with them. Well, those little bubbles also leave a film on whatever they touch after they do break. My poor brother's and sister's kids were going to need another bath when they got home! LOL You should have SEEN them. I didn't know it was going to create such a mess! My one niece told her mother, "Look, I am all scraped up!" It was actually just the residue of those bubbles after they dried on her skin!

Welcome to Maudy and "Old Ellie from way back when"! I hope to see you sitting here on the porch with us many a time! Maudy, we will add your situation about your second husband to our prayers.

Blonde from a Bottle,
when I read your comment about divorce being like living with a decaying corpse it made me laugh! I guess that is the twisted humor in the Irish side of me. But that is a good way to describe divorce. I don't think people realize how difficult it can be. Quite often people are living in such desolate conditions that anything seems better, but divorce doesn't always make things better, just different and maybe even worse. It is clear in the bible that God hates divorce, but He, in His infinite wisdom, also does spell out to His people that there are circumstances in which a divorce may be necessary. I think the world at large would be wise to realize that divorce is a very serious prospect, and that all care should be given to the choice of one's spouse before ever marrying, in hopes one will never have to think about divorce. I hope not to offend any one, or make any one think I am saying they should or should not divorce, I have to admit, I am one of the geniuses who did end up divorced, and perhaps that is why Blonde from a Bottle's remark about a corpse made me laugh, it struck so CLOSE to home! (By the way Blonde, I am remarried, and my second husband is a gem! He isn't perfect, of course, but he is a very good man, with a good heart.)

Boo! It is so good to hear from you again. I wondered where you had run off to. I didn't get to see the show about old toys, I saw the ads for it and wanted to see it, but then I forgot!

Left over ham sandwiches for brunch here on the porch, and some "angeled" eggs of course!

Mary Wiggins
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13381: Thanks Boo and Mary,For the kind words and good advice. Yes, you would have to be there to enjoy the corpse comment Mary. I am glad you have a good marriage now.I do not regret my divorce, as the lord has blessed me in my singleness.I hope noone thinks I am trying to tell them what to do about marriage troubles. I just know it helps to share you troubles with others so they can pray.
lots of love
BLONDE

April 21, 2003 - Msg 13382: Afternoon Y'all. Today was a better day.Being back at work certainly got my mind off of things.I feel hopeful.Thank you Blonde from a bottle and I am by no means offended.I appreciate the care & concern SO much from all of you.I am getting some wonderful advice and words of wisdom from my Porch friends.I wish you luck in what you are dealing with also.You will be in my thoughts and prayers.Prayers for all my buddies here.
I hear thunder rumbling,so I'd better get off the computer.Storm already zapped my modem once before,so I'm not going to take a chance!
Y'all have a good evening.Love to all!
God Bless our Troops and Allies
******SMILES*****
possum under a rock
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13383: Howdy porch. Glad you are feeling a little better possum. You hang in there.
Charlotte, you doing OK? Please know we are praying for healing in your situation also.
Yeaaaaa, Boo is back. Though we needed old Blue there for a minute.
Hope everyone else is doing good today.

Asa
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13384: Oh,I left out Boo and Miss Ellie earlier.Thank you both for caring.
Love,possum under a rock
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13385: Hey to Asa!
********
possum again
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13386: Evening Porch & glad to hear ya'll all had a great Easter. Is Tom back? Yesterday was also my mother's 60th birthday so we had a big day for sure. We celebrated with her again today tho since so many people had to go to 2 different houses. Asa you ever get that song to work? great to see you! Glad you got your full internet back, I have been meaning to snailmail you for so long & I just run out of daylight. Maudy welcome & join right in! The rest of ya'll, (((((((((((hug)))))))))
possum hang in there dear! where is Hazel??? and Ellen I would love to set up pictures of all us porchsters somewheres.
*Mavis
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13387: That should have been MISS ELLIE great to see you! Musta used that disappearin ink. & no there ain't no witchery in my family!
*Mavis
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13388: Just wanted to say hey to everyone. Thanks for all the kind words. I've found I'm being blessed in the midst of my upcoming "singleness" again as well. Right before we separated, I got a temporary job in the school system where I was just a sub before (he didn't want me to take this job but I felt I had to...good thing I did). I found out last week that even though the job is temporary (just till the end of this school year) I will still be getting paid through the summer. This will help me immensely!! I've also been blessed by having wonderful parents who have been completely supportive. My dad owns the house I'm moving to and is letting me stay there rent-free until I have secured a new steady job and then he's going to turn the house over to me once I'm on my feet again so I can sell it when I need to and take advantage of the equity to get something a little bigger. Sometimes I feel like a total loser, though, and very lonely (I think that's why I married the 2nd time. I'm not too good at dealing with lonliness). I'm 37 years old and bad choices have left me with lots of heartaches and no stable family of my own. I get very disappointed in myself sometimes and very depressed. I do have 2 WONDERFUL children that keep me grounded though and they are my reason for being on this earth. I thank God for them every night and cherish the times we have together. Being a mother has to be the most wonderful thing I've ever done. I hug them a lot and I pray for strength and wisdom just about every day. He's taking real good care of me and mine! Have a good night everyone.
-Maudy
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13389: Hey guys, I hope everyone is doing ok. I sure hate to hear of you all goin through times. I have an internet friend (not from tags) who confided in me the other night that her husband had beat her. She is scared to do anything because she does not want to loose her kids. Please pray for her. Hang in there guys, I hope and pray that things get better. Blonde, my kitty hasn't showed up either, it will be 4 weeks tomorrow. My hopes are gettin slimmer everyday. Yall have a good night--Salty Dog
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13390: test
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13391: Prayers for everyone on the porch tonight! Maudy if you want to talk or need to email any of us, the email addys & screennames for most of us are on The Cutlass it is a site I put up just for that purpose so we can all keep in touch with one another. If you would like to be included, just let me know & send me your info! ((((((((((((porchsters)))))))))))))))
*Mavis
Hey mister, whatcha doin' tied to that tree?
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13392: Dirty dirty me. I am disgusted with myself. I neglected to welcome Maudy and Miss Ellie back to the porch. Welcome back to the porch you two, and I ain't taking it back neither, so there. LOL
Well, well ,well, if it ain't Salty Dog herself dropping in to say hey. Hey to Salty.
Mavis, I never could here your voice or nothing else on that mail, course my hearing ain't what it used to be but I snuggled right up to my speakers and heard nuttin honey so I will sit by my mailbox and await it. LOL
Guess I'll go crawl betwixt the sheets. Gonna rain tomorrow, boy we need it.

Asa

"Puddintame, ask me again I'll tell you the same."
April 21, 2003 - Msg 13393: Maudy! I neglected saying hello. Maudy is one of my favorite TAGS characters, by the way. Your testimony was inspiring. My best friend in the world is 37, divorced, and has three children. I have been with her every step of the way and have watched her go through some very tough times. I have also watched her remain faithful to God and have witnessed God's faithfulness to her. She is about to finish nursing school next semester and I am so proud of her. She has had the kind of difficulty in her life that most of us can't even imagine but God is bringing her through. She doesn't even have any family here and has to rely on friends for help with the kids. Her ex-husband is a supreme loser, unfortunately, but she is making it and finally seems to have a little self-esteem.

Today has been a very wet day here in S. Texas but we are glad for the cool temps. It has been a good day and I have laughed so much at my baby girl. She can only say certain words clearly and doesn't talk much, but today she started jabbering alot like she is carrying on a conversation with you and it is hilarious to see and hear. She will look you in the eye and smile and say, "Do, do, nana, boo-boo, dada" real fast. Kids are such a hoot! She is also in the, "take off all your clothes and run around the house until Mom catches you" stage. She left a little puddle on the bedroom floor before I caught her this morning. We have low windows in the dining room and the other day she took off her diaper, sat down on the window sill and relieved herself. I think she was pretending it was a potty. Needless to say, she keeps her forty year old mom very busy.

I think I will head off to bed. Hope everyone has a peaceful sleep. Prayers for your friend, Salty.

Nighty-night,
Boo

"You missed the one about the idiot deputy that was killed by the berserk sherrif!"


April 21, 2003 - Msg 13394: Where is Romeena????
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13395: I'm sad to hear of all the marital problems on the porch. You know, being a guy who has a perfect marriage... Ha ha, hee hee, hoo hoo, uh, um, urgh, *sigh*.
No, but Possum, I agree with Ed Sawyer! Your husband has to hit rock bottom before he'll change, although it is hard to say what rock bottom is, as it can be different things for different people. I have a friend who's doctor told him if he drinks any more, he'll die! He was starting to have seizures caused by his drinking. I didn't even know his drinking was that bad, and I'm his best friend! Of course, he's been living in Germany for the past few years so I haven't really been able to keep track of his drinking. I knew he drank, I just hadn't known how bad it was.
I think it is a good start that your husband admitted it though, Possum!
Everyone have a good night!
-Sterling Holobyte
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13396: Hey to everyone! Hope all had a happy Easter. Rafe, sure is a sight for sore eyes seeing you post again. And Miss Ellie, too??? Just makes a body wanna jump fer joy. Fun Girl, I love yer episodes! They's some of my faverts. :-)

~De§~
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13397: P.S. Possum, just want you to know that I'm sorry for what happened to you and The Mister. I pray y'all can work it out.
So much to catch up on! I'll have to come back tomorrow and see to that. Goodnight, friends.

~De§~
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13398: I am looking for the words and the guitar chords for Look Down that Lonesome Road, sung Rafe Hollister style, of course. And I need it as soon as possible. If any of you all can help me out, I'd greatly apprecaiate it . Thanks again.
fun girl
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13399: Fun girl, ask over at Ms. Crumps. I'm sure you'll have the answer to your question within 1/2 a day. I've seen that question asked over there and someone knew all about that song. Asa, you know what they say, the hearing is the second thing to go. What's the first? I can't tell ya. Welcome back, to Maudy and Miss Ellie. I'm kindof socially inept, so I sometimes don't welcome people like I should. I have been practicing real hard on this sentence "How do you do Mrs. Wiley", and I've got it down pretty good. But Mrs. Wiley hasn't been around for awhile to use it. Bless her heart. Have a good day.
- Hazel
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13400: Yea, I miss Mrs. Wiley too. Hope she is well. Good to see you Hazel. Are you feeling better these days?
Gots a lot to do today, again. Sure will be nice when things calm down some here.
Y'all have a good day and keep on smiling.

Asa
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13401: God bless all the porchsters today,
bring peace where there is turmoil.
bring joy where there is sadness
bring love where there is loneliness
in other words bring JESUS
BLONDE
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13402: What a precious prayer, Blonde from a Bottle. Thank you. Prayers for possum and Maudy today. Thank you ALL for all your kind words of encouragement. I am doing better now. Things here on our porch are looking up right now. But sometimes they may be good for 4-5 days in a row and then there's a serious relapse when the silence in this house is deafening. But, I am looking to the Lord and praying that things will all work out. I plan to have a 50th wedding anniversary. We'll see if the Lord has the same plan in mind. Anyway, what I told you this weekend may explain some of those desperate posts in the last few months. Have a Mayberry Day everybody! : )
Charlotte Tucker
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13403: Just read some archives and wanted to clear up something that may have been assumed--our problems here are NOT alcohol related. Sorry if my chiming in after Possum led anyone to believe they were. I can't relate to that part, just marriage problems in general.
CT
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13404: Hazel you are FUNNY! Go ahead and say it, what's the first thing to go? heehee...

Have a great day, everyone!

Boo
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13405: Good morning, folks! Sorry to be so quiet, have been listening and keeping up, just not much to say. My heart breaks for those (so many!) with marital problems. Why I was chosen to have such a blessed union, I'll never know. Not that we didn't have our differences, mind you! Why, I even recall one time when he was "leaving, and not coming back" and I was packing his suitcase! He actually got in the car and left, drove around the block and came home, to find me blubbering in the kitchen. We could have some terrific fights (nothing physical, of course, just a lot of yelling) but they always ended with us making up. (That was fun, too!) We had one cardinal rule. We never went to bed with an unsettled quarrel between us. Of course we once stayed up for three straight days! (teehee) It worked, though. You get sleepy enough, you'll agree with anything!

Seriously, folks, a good marriage does take a lot of work, it doesn't just happen. You have to start with a firm foundation, though. If you're not with the one God wanted for you, it may be very hard to work things out. The vows state "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder." Well, I once heard a minister say that he wasn't so sure that God had anything to do with some of the marriages he'd seen. Now, there's food for thought! That's not to say that it can't be fixed, though. God can and will fix our brokenness, but we have to give him ALL the pieces. That can be hard if some of the pieces are out of our control. In those cases, He will fix things, but the result may not be what we thought it would be. We have to be patient, and willing to accept His results. An example would be my son and daughter-in-law's loss of their infant son last September. We had all prayed for a healthy baby, perfect despite the doctor's prediction of serious imperfection. Well, when he was born, he was not perfect, not by earthly standards. His little body was not capable of life, so in about an hour, God took him back home. I know in my heart that our little boy is now completely perfect, "fixed" by the power of God, and will live forever in a perfect body, and we will see him one day, to know the truth of God's power. Our prayer for perfection was answered, just not in the way we expected. Who can know the mind of God? We can only trust His heart.

Well, enough. Sugarplum is asking for a carrot, and I can't refuse her. Have a great day, friends. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13406: A great weekend here but busy.
Just to lighten things up a little. My oldest little boy has a goat. Well - I think it is a goat because we keep him in his pen all day but once we get home, he follows after my son like a puppy. He even skips up the steps to the porch to follow my son. It is the sweetest thing! My son yells, "Come on Blackie" and there goes Blackie!
Just a mommy moment.

homemaker
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13407: ROMEENA, SUCH WISDOM.
Blackie, a cute story
To both of you thanks for sharing
blonde
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13408: Romeena, you brought tears to my eyes again. We are so blessed to have you as one of our porch friends! By the way, where have you been lately? We missed your posts!

I sure hope we hear from Tom soon, I would love to hear how his trip went. You have such a sweet spirit, Tom! So come on and brighten up the porch with tales of your Easter vacation!

I can't stay long, I have all the youngsters this week as they are on Easter vacation! (The schools call it "spring break" but it coincidentally follows Easter, and was always known as Easter vacation when I was young, so to me, it remains Easter vacation!)

How about some "peeps" and chocolate for a late afternoon snack for y'all!

Mary Wiggins
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13409: Thanks for the story, Romeena. I have to say I am so thankful for the husband I have and sometimes when he is away from me, at work or out of town, I feel like I am holding my breath until he gets back. I have been so blessed and feel like life is so fragile sometimes. No one knows when tragedy or divorce might come and I feel so bad for those with marriage troubles-how painful that must be. My husband and I have only had a handful of real fights, but they were doozies. We always made up before we went to bed, though. I never take for granted the blessing of a happy home full of love. I only wish everyone on this porch could share that same blessing. I pray that in time, you all will.

Loved the "Blackie" story! My sister got a new puppy last week and it is the cutest! It is a little mini. poodle/shih tsu (sp?) mix. He is six weeks old and about six inches long. The kids are nuts about him. His name is Buddy Lou but we call him "Bud". Puppies are heavenly, aren't they?

Gotta go...

Boo

What a wonderful thought, Ro, "who can know the mind of God? We can only trust His heart."
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13410: My five year old son came walking into the room with a one dollar bill in his hand. He and his girl cousins had been fighting off and on, (more on) all day. Seems they wanted to play with dolls or color, which didn't seem to interest him much. I wondered where he had pilfered the dollar from so I asked him. "Reggi,(his cousin) gave it to me if I stayed out of the room for a while." He said it so matter of factly that it made me laugh. I guess there is a solution to EVERY problem.

Mary Wiggins
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13411: Nothing much to say that would be appropriate. Hope Tom had a good trip. Wishin I had a big batch of homemade potato salad and some sweet tea.

Trevor has never heard of grits, cream of wheat, or moon pies. Guess I shouldn't find that so surprising as Asa has never had two of the three.
Anyway, I reckon I will send him a care package and enclose those, anything else you all would reccommend that he probably has never eaten? He is from the United Kingdom and eats Bubble and Squeek and Toad in the Hole all the time.

Later on then,
fun girl
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13412: Ha! So everybody has his or her price! That's cute, Mary. Among my many cousins there was one family of three siblings, two girls and a boy. The boy was retarded, never progressed much beyond 6 or 7 years in mental age. He was younger than his sisters, and was a great torment to them. Somehow, they learned that he was terribly afraid of feathers - well, you can take it from there. A hen gave up a feather or two, and my girl cousins played in peace thereafter, a feather in the doorway. God does provide!

You folks are very kind, but what passes for wisdom in this old gal is merely age and experience.

Yes, Boo, puppies are a special gift to people, I think. Don't you just love their little puppy breath? Very faintly skunky, but still pleasant somehow. When they're tiny, a few days or weeks old, I love to hold them close to my ear and hear their little whimpering noises. When you don't have a real baby in the house, a puppy makes a good replacement. (Sometimes better, because they can be left alone for a short while, if you must. Also, they don't need braces, a car, or college tuition!)

homemaker, I'd love to see little Blackie. Baby goats are just precious - so playful and energetic. I never had one of my own - we had some stock, but not goats - but my grandkids had some for a few years. So cute.

Well, guess I'll scratch up something to eat around here. Not hungry enough to be motivated to cook, but as a diabetic I do need to eat. Guess I'll see what Schwan's has to offer in my freezer. Have a good evening, folks. Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena


April 22, 2003 - Msg 13413: Hey, fun girl! Didn't see you there. Do us a favor and enclose a large package of appreciation in your package to Trevor, to be shared among his countrymen, for standing and fighting alongside us in Iraq. --Romeena
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13414: Amen!! Three cheers for the Brits!

Boo
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13415: Hey ya'll...I just spotted the Rock over on the Bulletin Board. He had just posted today at around 10:00 a.m. So, he is out there somewhere.
Wonder what is keeping him from posting here?
fun girl
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13416: Hello all! Welcome Maudy! Hey Fun Girl, Travel over the Robert E. Lee Bridge is so bad when it rains. That, Moses said, "Forget it! There are some things, I just can't do". Lol! Howdy back to ~Des~.

Briscoe Darling Jr.
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13417: Fun girl, Tell Rock we miss his coffee in the morning and ask him why he doesn't visit anymore. You are correct in all you say, Romeena, and I'm trying to hang in there. Some days just are down right difficult though. Bless Possum and Maudy.
Charlotte Tucker
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13418: I looked on Mayberry FAQ but no such luck. How many times was aunt bee arrested? I know Barney arrested aunt bee and warren did also for gambling, are those the only two times?
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13419: I'm looking for a copy of episode102, "A Black Day for Mayberry." This is the gold truck episode.
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13420: Fun Girl, the "Rock" that posts at Ms. Crumps is a different "Rock". I do wonder where our Rock went. I miss him, I really do. sniff. He always made sure the crock was full. Homemaker, I had a turkey for a pet when I was a kid. He followed me too. Followed me ever' where I went. His name was Tom. I didn't have much imagination for names back then. Message # 13419, ask over at Ms. Crumps, there's a guy over there that will help you if you e-mail him directly.
- Hazel

Petula Abundalla ain't in the leg, it's in the brain. He gave himself away as a phony right off.
April 22, 2003 - Msg 13421: LOL BDJ your're a caution, that's what you are. There I said it and I ain't takin it back. How about a little "When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again?" Play it purty now boys.
fun girl
April 23, 2003 - Msg 13422: Hey guys how is everyone.. I have enjoyed reading all these posts on here. I hope that all the marital problems are resolved. Still no kity cat here, :( I took his little food and water dish out of my kitchen tonight.. it liked to have killed me. Yall have a good evening.. night--Salty Dog
April 23, 2003 - Msg 13423: (words & music by Walker - Sullivan)
When my blue moon turns to gold again
When my rainbow turns the clouds away
When my blue moon turns to gold again
You'll be back within my arms to stay
When the memories that linger in our hearts
Memories that make my heart cold
However some day they'll live again sweetheart
And my blue moon again will turn to gold

there ya go FG did ya hear BDJ juging away as I attemped to sing. LOL

I haven't read all the post but SD sorry to hear about the kitty. hey to all . (((hugs)))

Ellen Bbrown
April 23, 2003 - Msg 13424: Hey all,
Been real busy but just want to stop by the porch for a quick "Hey". Ya'll take care and have a fantastic, Mayberry Kinda Day!

Ed Sawyer
April 23, 2003 - Msg 13425: Oh, Salty! How sad! I feel just terrible for you. I can't imagine how hard it must be when a little furkid just disappears. I know your heart is breaking. The only thing I can suggest to you, and to anyone else who has lost their pet, is that you go to a local shelter, and find a little kitty that needs a home. It will give you a different focus, and something to love. It will never replace the one that's lost, but it will make its own place. Hope this helps!

Sugarplum says hey! --Romeena
April 23, 2003 - Msg 13426: Howdy to all my Mayberry pals! I just wanted to stop in and say hi. I also wanted to let Possum and Maudy know that you're in my prayers. I had a bad first marriage, so I know (to some extent) what you are going through. God bless.

Charlene D. Hollister
April 23, 2003 - Msg 13427: Hey Charlene, Is that why you up and left Dud Wash and got hitched to Rafe Hollister? Caint say that I blame you. When ol' Rafe goes to singin' he could convince me to court him too. LOL
fun girl
April 23, 2003 - Msg 13428: I just dropped by the porch to say hey
blonde from a bottle
HEY!!!
April 23, 2003 - Msg 13429: Good day, everybody. Nice day on my porch. Cleanin' my kids rooms for a garage sale. ICK!
Charlotte Tucker
April 23, 2003 - Msg 13430: Hello all! Hey Ellen Brown, You sure do have a high roof to your mouth. I will try to do your singing justice. Thanks. Fer Fun Girl: "When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again?" Play it purty now boys.

Briscoe Darling Jr.

April 23, 2003 - Msg 13431: Afternoon Y'all. Charlene,I thank you and all the Porchsters who've been praying for & supporting me through my troubles.Hubby called last night,said he was ashamed,said he wanted to come home.I asked him what was he going to do concerning his drinking.He said "I guess I will go to AA." He said he wants to quit drinking.We live in a rural area and meetings are held in all the little nearby towns.I mentioned that I know where & when one town has their AA meetings.He mentioned that he knew about AA in another place,so maybe he did some inquiring on his own,which is a positive.I told him to come talk to me and we'd decide on a course of action from there.So,please keep praying.Thank you all so much.
On a lighter note,my little Anthony (the 3 year old who cusses me on one hand and calls me his girlfriend on the other!) told me that he was going to pay me some money for my car taxes! Now,what does a 3 year old know about car taxes? This is a "Special Ed." child! Personally,I don't think there's anything wrong with him-he's had a kidney transplant and has a deformed hip,but he's sharp as a tack mentally! I asked him yesterday where was the money he was going to give me for my car taxes and he said "Mommy's purse." I was like :"Oh,no! Don't you DARE go in Mommy's purse for money!" Anthony is something else!
Kids-don't ya just luv 'em?
Y'all have a good evening! Love to all.
God Bless Our Troops and Allies
*****SMILES*****
possum under a rock