January 04, 2009 - Msg 69068: Morning gang I will holler from work...b-fast on Asa somewhere!...SPOT

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69069: Well swish for me!.....im at work now...Asa lets fry up some country ham and sausage and bake some bisquits...yall can swing by and grab one before Church...I will try to keep the lights on!...SPOT

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69070: You got it Spot.

Asa

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69071: She who must be obeyed! Ha!
I remember that from Rumpole of the Baily. Anyone ever see that show on PBS years ago?

Asa


January 04, 2009 - Msg 69072: Nope, never saw it, ASA. Sounds funny.

Ro, I don't remember you telling us anything about a cousing driving a bulldozer in the rain, wearing nothing but boots and a Stetson...I think I might have remembered that?...tell us again. Oh, and if I had not been 99.9% sure there was no body hanging in that tree, I wouldn't have crossed the yard to examine it (well, maybe not). :)

I had better get ready for preachin'..

Boo

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69073: Afternoon Y'all! Where is everyone? Out looking for bodies? Ha! Boo,I would've been too spooked to walk out to that tree! Let's talk about VICKS, mayo,or one of our other favorite old subjects,ok?!
Rainy & dreary here today.Laci is staying a few nights with me,so if I'm not on the Porch too much,I'll be busy with her.
Not sure if I recall the tale of Ro's bulldozing cousin either.She'll have to retell that story.
Well,guess I'll mosey along.Y'all take care!
******************
possum under a rock
P.S. Spot,I got your e-mail & wrote ya back. Don't work too hard buddy!

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69074: Good Sabbath porch, just checking in for a minute.
Back from church and a quick lunch at Subway after. Taking it easy this afternoon. My husband is working today so the kids and I are staying in and taking it easy. They go back to school tomorrow so they need to get their minds and bodies ready to switch to that gear. Back to a full work week for me as well.

Its about 58 degrees and partly cloudy on my end of the porch. Not too bad for January weather.

Dinner will be: spiral sliced honey ham, mashed potatoes, pea, SLAW, corn on the cob, rolls with butter. banana pudding for dessert. tea or kool aid to drink.

see you all at dinner.

Prayers and blessing to all today.

Big Maude

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69075: The Stetson story can be found on October 25, 2006 - Msg 46625

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69076: Hey Maude thanks for supper...can I make a plate for later if there is enough leftover?..hey possum,Boo,Asa,Romeena I dont remember the bulldozer driving man boots only story?....drizzly here in Ga...Gary check babk in buddy..TOM,CHUCK,Lucy,horatio,auh20,MDC,MD,goober,gizzmo yall check in now...hazel what are you doing?..Mavis I read what Romeena said about ashes being many people...kinda a joint bury effort...mercy...hey if ya want me to the metal detector idea is still open..I will find that rascal....im still at work working 24 today till 6am...and did have 2 Churches out of power for a short bit today but back on now..had some trees fall...well back to football...prayers to all..SPOT

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69077: Well, thanks, Unsigned Helper, for locating the little bulldozer story. I went back and read it, and yep, that's how it happened. I wish you could all meet that cousin. He sends me the sweetest forwards all the time - things about wildlife, pets, and his Lord. He's such a mixture of qualities - rough, tough and probably couldn't begin to count the fistfights he's been in over the years. At the same time, he's as tender as a woman with his daughters and numerous granddaughters, and his dog wants for nothing. He has the simple, direct faith of a child toward God, and will not hesitate to share it, anytime. He has a wonderful, fresh, wacky sense of humor, and if you can be with him for more than five minutes without laughing, you need to lie down, because you're probably dead. I see very little of him these days because of distance - he lives in San Antonio. However, through the blessing of email, we stay in touch. God provides. --Romeena

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69078: Oh, one more thing. You know how the high school graduating classes used to have a "graduating class will"? You know - Jane Doe leaves her baton-twirling talent to Betty Smith, etc. Well, his read - "Guy W. leaves - finally!" Yep, he missed it once, had to take a couple of remedial courses, and took his last final on a make-up English course the night before graduation. Passed it with a C minus, but he passed! --Romeena

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69079: Hey guys, hope you all had a good Sabbath today. It's been drizzling/cloudy all day just enough to make everything feel damp. But better than freezing cold weather thats for sure. Well things on my end are looking up somewhat, heard from my friend with cancer, that it was confined to one kidney, which they will remove. Dr's are saying it's not the agressive kind and have a positive outlook for him, also found one spot on one of his lungs which they are doing a biopsy on today and I've not heard yet how that went. Also my friends dad is doing better, speech is getting better, and he's walking around a lot more. So Praises to our wonderful Lord above for answering prayers. Thank you all so much for all your prayers, they do work!! Best get back at it around here, I have a counter full of groceries and I doubt they will put themselves up. Ya'll have a great evening love to you all~Salty Dog

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69080: Glad to hear that your friend's cancer is one they can treat, Salty.

It has been an emotional day for me. Jubi came to church today (which is wonderful) but her hair is gone. I only saw her over a week ago, and she had her hair and it is already gone. She looked sick today and her parents looked so tired. I have to try to focus on the good concerning her. As I mentioned, her outlook is so positive and she needs the people around her to be positive, too. I think I mentioned that they had to give her little dog away and I found out today that the new family accidentally let the dog out and it was killed be a car, so that is something else for her to deal with. Please remember her and her dear family in your prayers.

We had some distressing events with Zach today, too. I had asked my porch friends to pray that his dad would get him some much-needed help and nothing so far, but today Zach came to sunday school with some self-inflicted cuts all over one side of his face. He tried to make up a story but when I told him it was obvious what they were, he confessed that he had cut himself late last night and that his dad had not seen it yet. He was terrified to go home and face his dad after church and asked to come home with us. I took him home and then Bruce went and had a talk with his dad. He didn't hold anything back and I pray Zach's dad listens. We found out that Zach had been trying to find a gun all week and had found a shotgun at his grandparent's but couldn't find any shells (thank God). He told Sean about it and I told his dad. His dad told me that Zach had been asking for a gun, saying that someone had asked him to go hunting!...Please continue to pray that Zach will get the help he needs so desperately. After having just lost a member of the youth group to suicide, the pastor and youth workers are going to stay on top of things. Pastor will be calling Zach's dad tomorrow to be sure he follows up immediately. It looks like he will get the help he needs, but he has a long road ahead of him. Thanks friends.

Boo

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69081: Evenin' Porch,

Happy Sabbath! It doesn't feel like Sabbath day to me because we didn't go to church this mornin'. I am still hunkered down with bronchitis. I don't know the last time I spent so much time in the bed! I think I'm a tiny bit on the mend. That Mucinex combined with Claritin works really well.
Big Maude- My kiddos go back to school on Tuesday. In 1 way I'll miss them, but having peace and quiet plus time to get things done (or rest if needed) will be nice as well.
Boo- I'm so sorry to hear about Zach. Cutting is very dangerous. I pray he gets help soon and his Dad realizes that by not getting Zach help he is hurting Zach. You need to take a hot bath and get to bed Mama!
Salty Dog- I'm glad to hear about your friend! Absolutely, Praise the Lord!! Not Jim Baker thing though.
Romeena- I think they stopped that graduating class will before I graduated, though I remember my sister who is 7 years older than myself having them.
Spot- I wish this rain would just go away for a few days and then come back again later. It has been just so dreary!
Asa- Glad to see you're back more regularly. How's your wife?
Possum- I hope you and Laci have a ton of fun while she's visiting you! How's her Mama and Daddy doing?
Have y'all been watching the TAGS minimarathon? I don't really like the episode with the very attractive woman taken to court. I know that Andy is human, but to see him almost be seduced really upsets me. I have to admit, however, that I adore her figure!
Well, I'm tired again. I'll talk to ya soon!
Blessings to you and yours,
~Lucy

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69082: I hope you feel better soon, Lucy. I agree about the ep "Prisoner of Love"; it's hard to see Andy being tempted by the prisoner, but, never-the-less, I still love the episode. Lots of funny lines.
Boo, prayers for Jubi. Bless her heart.
And prayers for Zach. That post brought tears to my eyes. To hear of him being so depressed, or lonely, or whatever is causing it, that he is cutting himself, and actively looking for a gun; well, that is just sickening. I feel really bad for him. I hope his Dad gets him the help he needs. Bless his heart, too.
On that note, 10-4
- Hazel

January 04, 2009 - Msg 69083: Well, Hazel and Lucy, I am happy to say that Zach called me about an hour ago and said his dad was taking him to the counselor tomorrow. He was much less resistant to the thought now that he has to go. He said, "I just want the pain to stop". So, thank you all for your prayers for him. God is answering.

You know, Lucy, there is an episode of TAGS that sort of disturbs me, too, and it's the Citizen's Arrest episode. It has some funny parts but the way Barney is talking to Andy just seems so out of character and I just hate it. He is just too mean to be Barney. Anyone else have that reaction to it? As far as Andy almost being seduced by that woman prisoner. I can see it. Remember he had been single for years at that point and that mean old Helen probably was a cold fish. hehe :)

I think I will take your advice and go to bed, Lucy. Blessing to you and your's, too.

Thank you for your concern and compassion toward Jubi and Zach, Hazel. It looks like things are taking a turn for the better for Zach. On that note, "Over and under"!

Boo



January 04, 2009 - Msg 69084: Yea Lucy we have had our share of wet weather...watching the movie dick and jane...(jim carey)...kinda funny...slow right now herre..hey Boo and Hazel..Mavis check in ok?...you too possum..will be here all night at work....Salty prayers for ya and all in need..Tom where are you fellow?..well capt crunch and milk time...SPOT

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69085: I'm right 'chere Spot been out at the house all day moving furniture in, now I'm fixin to flop on that old ironing board. I did find out more about the "body in the woods" situation at our house. He WAS cremated and there IS a grave there, I found it while we were there today. Very small, with a few stepping stones, an angel statue and some new Christmas type flowers laying on top of one of the stones. The Police department told us as long as there was not a fenced-in family cemetery there, she has no right being there if we don't want her there. They also suggested "No Trespassing" signs, that way, she won't have to be told my mouth, the signs ARE her first warning. They said if we needed them there to tell her to stay away, the would be there, so the plan is this...Hubby will call her and tell her we would rather she not be coming up there and that we ask that she remove the ashes, set up a time for her to do that and have the cops there when she gets there. (there is something buried there, we looked under the stones, but didn't dig anywhere, you can just tell by the way the ground looks)
Keep this situation in your prayers that it goes well without any type of retaliation on her part. I posted about it on my blog if ya'll want to read and comment over there www.groomerang.blogspot.com and while you're reading blogs, Romeena posted another installment in her Missions to Mongolia blog too, great reading! http://romeena-missionstomongolia.blogspot.com/
Now, I'm off to the ironing board, sleep tight ya'll and Boo no chasin hangin bodies around the backyard tonight, HA! I would have done just what you did, gone to look. Feel better Lucy and don't work too hard Maude and Spot Welcome Gary! Where is Lester and Trixie??
Night porch
*Mavis

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69086: Floyd, the podcast are great. Please keep'em up.

Hello to one and all, and hope everyone made through the holidays okay.

Blessings to everyone.

Thomas A. Moody
(formerly "Chuck")

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69087: Well hello CHUCK! (Thomas A. Moody)...Mavis was it legal to bury the man there?...hum...yall just wander around and find him?...very neat story..well anyway keep us informed...we look forward to the news...well im headed home then back at 2...breakfast will be at waffle house on me!...hope all slept well and I will holler when I get up...Local Lucy we are getting more rain today...wet..wet....prayers....SPOT

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69088: Morning all, Spot did you leave us some capt crunch for breakfast? Boo, prayers for your situations. Hope you feel better soon Lucy that stuff is really running rampid these days. Ya know, out of all the TAGS eps, the one I'm not fond of? Is Opie the Birdman, it's supposedly one of the most popular, and I never have liked that one. Anyways, I'm off to work ya'll have a blessed day--Salty Dog

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69089: Whoops didn't see ya there Spot, will meet you at Waffle House for sure--SD

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69090: Wow Mavis, so you found "the body" (in a matter of speaking). Good luck with that...sheesh! Prayers that all goes as smoothly as possible. Seems like it's always something, doesn't it?

Why "formerly Chuck", Chuck? Just curious about the name change.

Thanks Salty.

Gotta go get Erin up for her first day back to school (it won't be easy) and it is in the 30's outside (cold for us)...I love it, though.

Boo

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69091: Good Monday morning porch, hope everyone is up and ready to face the week ahead. Back to work and school today on my end of the porch. May take a few days to get everyone adjusted.

Raining today but not too cold. around 52 degrees.

lunch menu will be: chicken salad sandwhiches, broccoli cheese soup, cookies for dessert. tea, kool aid to drink.

Have a good day, prayers and blessing to all.

Big Maude


January 05, 2009 - Msg 69092: Spot from what I understand, in the state of TN, you can bury a person on private property, with or without the help of a funeral home, you don't have to have a vault, don't even have to have a casket! AND you can carry them to where you are going to bury them in your vehicle! How's that for "Hillbilly Ways" I thought I had heard everything. I just walked around, close to the house looking for the grave, spotted it pretty easy since the leaves are off the trees and she had put flowers out that had bright Christmas red in them, kinda stood out. Thanks for Waffle House, one of my favorite places for breakfast! Salty I don't much care for that episode either. Welcome home Chuck/Thomas Thanks for the prayers Boo it is always something.
Well off to get ready to start working today, been off a few days & I don't want to get going this morning.
Later taters
*Mavis

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69093: Hey Big Maude didn't mean to rock on yer toes, raining here too & pretty dreary looking. Thanks for lunch, I'll be there, I loves me some chicken salad.
*Mavis

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69094: Morning Porch.
Back to work, first of the week, first of the year Monday blues. I know I should not be blue. I have a good job. Our finances, although tight are meeting our needs. My health is good. I have a dear wife and 2 wonderful Daughters who are such a blessing to us. And yet am really struggling for some reason. Maybe it's just post holiday stuff. Anyway, if you could remember me in your prayers I'd be grateful. I need to be upbeat for my wife. Lucy, her situation is not to good. We are dealing with a Doctor I don't care for. It's all just a huge mess right now. More than I can go into here. Maybe that's why I am down. Please keep her in your prayers friends. Thank you.
The Prisoner of love episode was a little different, but it did have some redeeming qualities to it. (ring a ding ding) :)
I could not agree more with you Boo. Although Citizens Arrest had some funny lines, it was maybe the only episode where we see Andy and Barney really mad at each other. I really don't like it, although it is nice at the end when Gomers little plot all works out to bring them back together.

Chuck, you doing a personality change on us? Is this a New Years resolution? lol

Well best get to it. New year, new worlds to conquer.

Asa

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69095: Good morning everyone. I hope that you had a great weekend.

BOO: Your resolution list was hilarious. You and MDC really made me smile. Glad to hear that your mysterious tree visitor was just a pair of waders. Jubi and Zach will remain on my prayer list. So sad. It’s a darn good thing He has a plan for all this.

Just to update you on my grandmother’s situation, she is still not feeling well so please keep her in your prayers. Evidently, she may have had a mild heart attack a few weeks ago. About her situation, or our situation with her, my parents came back yesterday. Thanks for all your words of advice. As far as her situation goes, actually the Mrs. and I are usually (actually far and away) the ones who deal with it not my parents. Because we are right next door we are ones who go over and take out the trash, open jars, fix plumbing, unload groceries, etc., and happy to do it, I might add. The Mrs., especially, is the one who gets called over at all hours (typically the middle of the night) to check her out when she’s not feeling well or sit with her. I can’t tell you how many times the Mrs. has been over there as her personal nurse. And she’s glad to be of assistance, too. It’s not always convenient, but that’s what you do for family. It’s actually us that have to keep my parents apprised of what’s going on and not visa-versa. We are the first line of assistance for her.

No, what ticked me off specifically was that my parents knew the situation we were in and still decided they had to go that evening. My biggest concern was that if something happened that night (she still was pretty sick) we would have had to get her to a hospital, juggle the kids, and on New Year’s Eve. Since we are ones who deal with my grandmother’s situations and health issues, I thought it would be nice—considering the extra inconveniences to us—that they chip in and be around. It made it worse that they had no real appointment than “just because they felt like it.” I just can’t imagine pushing off such responsibility to my kids for my parents for no other reason than “because I felt like it.” I’m more than willing to shoulder much of the effort for my grandmother; after all, I am next door and able-bodied. But when I need some help, I think I should get it if possible.

ROMEENA: About my grandmother, can you believe that she spent 30 years as a nurse? The family has resolved that at her age, and with her issues, not much is going to change behavior-wise. She’s a good person, just has many phobias, anxieties, and issues that she won’t recognize. We alternatively deal comfort, tough love, and even some white lies when appropriate. We don’t take responsibility for her taking care of herself, but we do what we can to help out when she needs it.

The mom-in-law has shut her mouth, thankfully. We spent Saturday at my sister-in-law’s and she didn’t have anything to say about it. She seemed in an okay mood, nothing great, but I’ll take what I can get.

So many families have it much worse that I guess I should feel blessed. Still, these people are driving me crazy!

Well, that’s enough whining for a Monday. I’ll be back later and not so self-absorbed.

Me-They

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69096: happy new year porchsters. My prayers are with each of you .... salty dog and spot- there is nothing like a meal at waffle house. you think we could get one built in mayberry? wow for christmas I got a high end dvd players and my friend who went to mayberry days had 2 complete sets of all the episodes and gave me a set. what a pal- maybe he just didn:t want my lovely daughter to sing Christmas carols this year. well my time is about up so I:ll leave you with this thought, if someone asks you if you made any new years resolutions- tell them 25 of them but you forgot to put down the year you planned to implement any of them. well I;m on my way to waffle house to join spot and salty dog for breakfast. ASA- just think only 361 days left
this year, and even less working days. Anyone planning on attending mayberry days this year? how many of you have ever attended one? I hope to this year. GOOD MORNING MDC> PAPPA BEAR_ THE MAYOR

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69097: Hey porch, didn't mean to create concern for my mental well being. Maybe a little therapy is in order, but hey you only go through life once.
I saw on another board yesterday where a Neil Bentley was offering his legal services, which as you Porchsters well know the remarkable resemblance that Neil Bentley and Thomas A. Moody have, so he came to my mind. Actor Jay Novello is one of my favorite characters actors on TAGS, though I only think he was in two episodes.

At any rate, A) tiring of using my REAL name here, and probably the only one that does, and B) every time I visit this porch (I know I'm very infrequent)I feel like a Guest of Honor, I have split my personality in half and have morphed into Thomas A. Moody.

Please keep your watches to yourselves!

Thomas A. Moody

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69098: Oh Me-They, my brother! Boy, can I relate to your post. I am about ready to call my Bruce's brother and ask him to PLEASE invite my mother-in-law to come stay with him for a week or two. My MIL has burned her bridges with all of her kids except Bruce and nobody wants her to stay in their home. It sounds really sad but since she has been here I see why there is a problem. There is something very toxic about the way she deals with people, and especially her kids. She is very headstrong and bossy. She has the "I can say and do what I want" attitude and it has cause a big wedge between her and her kids. I saw the exact thing happen when her mom was alive. None of her siblings could get along with their mom or each other, for that matter, and she is like them. We have continued to have problems with her TV viewing and I had to make Sean leave the living room last night and stay in his room because of the inappropriate movie she was watching on Lifetime. The worst thing we are dealing with right now is that her driving is a real problem and I am afraid she is going to get herself killed. She is one of these people that is not aware of what is going on around her and when she drives, she tries to drive, and get things out of her purse, and off the floor, etc.! The other day Sean drove somewhere with her and while she was in the bank, he called me to tell me that Grandma was scaring him with her driving. He said she ran through a stop sign going about 40 and never even saw it, then when they were on the highway, she was trying to get her sunglasses out of her purse, which was on the floor of the car, so she put her head under the dash while driving, and nearly ran off the road. Sean had to grab the wheel twice to keep the car in the road. He told her that she was losing control of the car and she scolded him telling him she was in control and he was wrong. Well, it turns out that my brother-in-law (St. Susan's hubby) happened to be driving behind her and saw her swerving and weaving and thought it was a drunk! So, Bruce told Sean he couldn't go anywhere in the car with grandma and he is going to have to have a talk with her. I know it will do absolutely no good and will just make her mad, but what else can you do?

So, I know how it is sometimes with these older folks, M-T. I won't even go into the paranoia and problems we have with my mom and dad! Pray for St. Susan...she ain't no saint anymore. :)

Mornin' Papa Bear!!

Boo

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69099: Wow Mavis...hello all...thanks for lunch Maude...fix me a plate im headed to work will holler then...got to hurry...SPOT

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69100: Howdy, y'all! Good grief! So many family problems! As a nearly-70 year old "orphan", I know I won't have to deal with those things now, but it sure gives me something to think about, lest I become "the problem". I had my little challenges for the last few years with my dad, but they were really quite minor. He was so sweet and tried so hard to be cooperative. The scary things he did were just a result of his Alzheimer's disease, nothing willful on his part.

Boo, I think you have no choice but to prevent Sean and Erin from riding with her, and if that makes her mad, so be it. Your first responsibility is toward your children, of course. You cannot offer them up on the altar of her goodwill. You were right to forbid Sean to ride with her anymore, and it might just be a good idea if everyone refused to do so. Might give her something to think about. Incidentally, how is her vision, and how old is she? In Texas, she has to pass a vision test for a license at age 79. If you really feel she's a menace on the road, then just simply take her keys. She'll rant and rave, but it would be better than living with the fact that she killed somebody on the road.

You might have to resort to bargaining with her, like some folks do with children. You know - "I'll come and open that jar for you, but first you must take your potassium tablet." It'll make her mad, but do you really care?

Mercy, Mavis! Such a drama. I'm headed over to your blog right now to read more about it.

Be blessed, everyone! --Romeena

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69101: It is a pain, Ro, because I had to finally do the same thing with my Dad because of his driving (he is 83). He still hasn't forgotten it. I can't risk letting him drive the kids around. My MIL is on 76, so I don't think it's her eyesight. She is just willfully careless, it seems. She does have some pretty severe tremors in her hands so she should be keeping both hands on the wheel at all times and not trying to adjust the radio, find her sunglasses, etc. I'm sure the tremors have something to do with the weaving but I think she could drive safely if she was careful. BUT, if she refuses to listen to reason, I don't know what we will do.

Been a busy day of cooking, laundry and cleaning and now I have to go help Sean with his work.

Remember the girls at rehab tonight. Thanks!

Boo

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69102: Afternoon Y'all! Been busy with Laci,whose name I think must translate into "Girl who never slumbers"- she woke up at 3:30 this morning! Ready to play! Well,she did take a nap around 11 am,so maybe her name means" Girl whose grandmother never slumbers"! Anyway,I am kinda functioning in "daze mode" here,but skimmed a bit and read about Jubi & Zach.Prayers for them.A 30ish year old guy here just broke into his ex girlfriend's home & shot himself in front of her. Poor guy,to be that miserable,poor girl witnessed a murder when she was a child,now another one.Horrible. I will pray hard for Zach,Boo. And I always keep Jubi in my prayers.
I see Mavis found the ashes! I'll catch up & read everything else when I can. Oh,reason I had Laci was my daughter had two interviews at MUSC.She got a job! Working in the neurology unit starting Jan.20th.I'll have Laci more often-better get used to no sleep! Y'all take care.Gotta go see what she's up to. Her Barney video is over,so she'll be on the move!
"I love you,you love me,we're a happy family.."
See what lack of sleep does to your brain?!
**********
possum

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69103: It is indeed a problem, Boo. I was given a blessing in the form of my dad's attitude, and no one knows that better than I do. As I said, he always tried hard to be cooperative, and seemed to have an uncanny understanding of his problems. He could be stubborn and obtuse at times, but then in a flash, he would change his attitude, apologize, and do whatever he needed to do. He had admitted to turning the wrong way up a one-way street near his home more than once, and he confused the pedals in his car while pulling into his garage, thinking there was a clutch. He put his left foot hard on the brake, and pushed the accelerator with his right, thinking he was on a clutch and a brake. He told me "the engine just ran away with itself!" The car continued to inch forward until it ran into some cabinets and caved them in. At that point, he just turned the engine off! Pretty good thinking, given that he didn't understand what was really happening. If he had ever taken his foot off the "clutch" (the brake) he would have slammed clear through into a bedroom behind those cabinets, because he had the engine revved up so high that the rear wheels spun the surface off the garage's vinyl floor.

At about the same time that happened, an elderly woman apparently did the same thing, only she was trying to park her car in front of an Albertson's store, and she pinned two little girls to the wall of the building, killing one of them. When I explained to my dad what had happened to him in the garage, and told him about the woman who made the same mistake, he handed me his keys and said "Here, take them. I couldn't stand it if I did something like that, and I know that I could." He never drove again, bless his sweet little heart. My, how I do miss him and my mom sometimes. I wouldn't want them back in the state they were in just prior to their deaths, but I do miss them so much.

As for what you will do if your MIL refuses to listen to reason, you will do what you have to do. Knowing what you know, if you don't and someone is hurt, you will have a very hard time dealing with it. She'll get mad, and probably hole up in the house and refuse to speak to you, but when her needs become great enough, she'll come around. Just stay sweet, keep reassuring her that you love her and want what's best for her, but you can't allow her to hurt herself or someone else. Eventually, she'll get over it. If she doesn't, then that's her choice, but trust me, she will.

Be blessed! --Romeena

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69104:
Thomas/chuck, whatever! ha Like mayor pappabear, what's in a name? haha
MDC

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69105:
OK, that's it, I'm adding Boo's family to my book! ha
MDC

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69106:
Boo, those were funny resolutions! And thanks for the oregano plug! ha
Asa, auh20--40 days to spring training!
RO- excellent idea with the clean out. We need to
do that too.
Hey to pappa bear!
Asa- yup, Cardinals want it BAD. Kurt warner wants
one final ring I think!
Pryers for so many on the porch as we enter 2009.
ASA- i share your "depression". It was hard for me to get "up" for Christmas this past dec.
There is a lot of global anxiety, hamas rearing it's ugly head, etc going on. Some think BO
will solve it all, but I am aprehensive about it
all. But God is in control of my steering wheel,
so I pray and say OK Lord, I'm just along for the
ride. Thank you Jesus! I'm hanging in there,
Mr Darlin's Cuz

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69107:
Hazel- the funniest line from that prisoner ep is when she says, "Really Barney, you couldn't tell me from Adam?" Cracks me up everytime! MDC

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69108: I guess its "wouldn't know" not "couldnt tell"

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69109:
One more thing...Boo, you most certainly have
more "boys" than I do!! teehee
No way would I be outside by myself at 3 AM
to see what was hanging off that tree!
MDC (ok, that's it for a while!)

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69110: REPRINT of October 25, 2006-ENJOY! I've got a million of 'em. That cousin and I were little terrors. I grew up to be a bit more circumspect, he didn't. He is just a constant source of laughter, even now. He's retired, but for years he owned a masonry contracting business. One summer, he had a contract to build a small shopping center. In south Texas, only huge buildings have basements, so this little center was to be built on a flat slab foundation. The forms were up, the plumbing in and the steel was tied, and they were ready to pour concrete when the rains began. It rained for days. His crews were not on salary, they got paid only when they worked. Every morning, they'd show up at the location ready to work, the heavens would open and the rain would come. Of course, you don't pour concrete in the rain, so another day's pay would be lost. Needless to say, the men were getting disgruntled and thinking about seeking work elsewhere, under cover so the rain wouldn't matter. On about the tenth day of this, the same thing happened, and my cousin overheard the muttering and knew his men were about to jump ship. He knew he had to lighten the mood somehow.
Suddenly the group of men heard a roar from one of the big grader machines, and everyone looked to see what was going on. My crazy cousin had gone behind the machine, removed his clothes, climbed into the open cab and fired the engine up. Then he drove that big chugging earth mover down the length of the property, about 50 yards out from where the men were standing, and as he passed them he was wearing only his cowboy boots, and was waving a big Stetson hat, and grinning like a raccoon eating yellow jackets.
Of course, the men cracked up, roaring with laughter, the mood changed, and they decided to stay in there with him a little longer. The next day the sun came out, they poured concrete and all was well.
That's just the kind of person he is. Full of fun, big heart and would do anything for anyone in need, grandkids adore him - what else can I tell you? He's one of my favorite people.

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69111:
Ok,yes i did the reprint, mdc

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69112: Thanks MDC, that's certainly a compliment I have never gotten before...

Great story about your cousin, Ro...I had forgotten that one. I'll have to tell it to Bruce..if we ever have trouble with the crew working on the house, he can take off his clothes and climb on his tractor!

Such a sweet story about your dad and his decision to stop driving. What a guy.

Boo

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69113: Well caught up here at work finally...gona have storms tomorrow..some strong...I will be busy..hey Mavis,my friend Boo,Romeena our porch Queen,MDC,Thomas the train (hee hee),Rev,Tom,auh20,horatio,hazel,NN,Lucy yall stop by the check-point-chickie....Mauce I will get supper:country fried steak and gravy,greenbeans,oven roasted red taters,cream white corn,fried okra,cornbread,green onins and possum when your brain gets some slwwp will you make some tea?..and stop by and get Asa he dont got no gas money.....SPOT

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69114: thats "Maude" and "sleep"..mercy MY brain needs some slwwp!

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69115: What's "slwwp"?...I want some.

Boo

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69116:

Hi, everyone. Happy New Year!

My friend David's grandfather was 94 and still driving like a maniac. He'd been in a couple accidents - which he claimed were not his fault, although he did cause them - and in spite of his family's protests, he finally got in a doozy and killed a woman. It was only then that he gave up his keys. Such a sad situation. Prayers for you, Boo. I have a pretty strong-willed mom who is definitely set in her ways, but she's still an ace driver, thank the Lord.

I read the blog about the grave, Mavis. Whoaa... strange goings on there! Sent up a prayer for you and your hubby. I hope you don't have any problems with this woman.

Boo, prayers for Jubi and Zach. I'm so glad to hear he's going to get some help. I had a lady come into the office the other day to let us know she'd put one of our residents, her son, in a hospital. His wife of 8 years told him - on Christmas Day of all days! - that she'd "moved on" and they were through. His mom says she found another man and has taken off with him. If that's what she wants, ok, but to tell the man on Christmas Day, and in such a nasty way? Anyway, he became suicidal, and his boss called his mother saying he was driving around with a knife threatening to cut his throat. She was able to find him and talk him into admitting himself to a hospital. Bless his heart.

Prayers for everyone. Hope 2009 is a better year for all of us.

~De§~



January 05, 2009 - Msg 69117: Hey Boo girl and prayers!.and Des hey to you!..RAIN here is Ga...I mean RAIN!...may be a busy night here at work...porch is slow tonight..will be back with a snack in a bit..the movie Crimson Tide comes on at midnight I hear its good...sure miss Millie on the porch late at night...SPOT

January 05, 2009 - Msg 69118: Poor man, DES. Prayers for him. He doesn't realize it yet, but it sounds like losing that woman is the best thing that could happen to him.

Zach called me tonight and told me he had seen a counselor today and it went pretty well. She made him sign a contract saying he would call if he has suicidal thoughts again. I asked him if he really had been serious about trying to kill himself and he said he had been. It really scares me.

Went to bible study at the drug rehab tonight and it was good. I thought about Mavis and her body in the backyard because a discussion came up with the girls about death and cremation (sp?). One of the girls asked me if I had ever heard of people smoking embalming fluid. A couple of the girls say that kids buy cigarettes soaked in embalming fluid, then dried and when they smoke it they get a very "high" high. She said on the street they call it "Wet" and it only costs 15.00 for 2. One of the girls has used it and said it makes you feel like you are in another galaxy and you go stiff, like someone who is dead...you feel like you can't move. Creepy! She also said she had a friend who smoked a bad batch and is now brain-damaged. How sad is that? This kids are so at risk.

Think I will turn in and get some sleep. See ya in the morning.

Boo

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69119:
Wanted to hop on the porch for a sec to say hello.
Suppose to be up in the high 40's to low 50's tomorrow with some blue skies to look at. Can't wait. Might have to take my honda for a short spend through town and around the square.

Ro, I am I reading right? You've been doing some missionary work?

Boo, I feel for those kids. Dear God, deliver and save them all.

Asa, how's the weather up your way?
Spot, who's taking care of breakfast?



Thomas A. Moody

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69120: Mr Moody we can split the tab at Cracker Barrel if ya want...make Asa drive and Boo bring the newspaper....yea that will work....SPOT

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69121: Amen, TAM (hope you don't mind the abbreviation, Chuck).

I'm standing here with the newspaper tucked under my arm, SPOT, but where's ASA? I guess it's along drive from Utah to South Texas.

It's cold here this morning (love it) :)

Guess I better finish my coffee and drag Erin out of bed. Later...

Boo

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69122: Good morning everyone. It's raining here and hovering at about the point of freezing, so we shouldn be in a pickle by lunchtime. Seems there are mostly two kinds of drivers around here: those who can't drive in icy conditions and those who can't drive in icy conditions and think that they can. The latter group are the ones who scare me.

Prayers for you all, your families, friends, and others this morning. And prayers for all those in harms way.

BOO: Saddly, that has been around since I don't know when. Back in the early 80s when I was in high school you could get mj laced with PCP or embalming fluid. Man, kids are stupid. It was commonly called "greens." Not sure why. This does not come from personal experience, mind you, but it supposedly created mild hallucinogenic effects. For more than that you'll have to see Miss Ellie.

CHUCK/TOM MOODY: Whatever you want to be called is fine with me.

PAPPABEAR: So nice to hear from you!

I'll be back in a bit for a coffe break. Hold teh swing for me.

Me-They

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69123: MDC: I have to say, with a wonderful wife, three young kids and one on the way, friends like you all, and the eternal promise that the season brings, it was impossible for me not to get into the Christmas spirit this year.

M-T

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69124: Hey, ya'll wait for me, Cracker Barrel is another of my favorite breakfast places! Boo you better bring 2 newspapers, Asa and Me-They will be fighting over the funny papers & we haven't seen auh2o around lately, so he won't be there to break them up. You know how Spot is, he'll just be back there jumping around swinging his fists around just like Fred Sanford does, egging them on & we wouldn't want Thomas A. to think we're a bunch of hooligans & never come to breakfast with us again! :)
Thomas A. those blogs about Romeena's trips to Mongolia are so neat, you should read them, well all the porchsters should, we all know what a great story teller Ro is & she has me hooked on her blogs. Go read 'em, you won't regret it, be sure to start at the beginning though or you'll miss out. Now, back to our regular programming, which around here is heading down to the grooming shop & getting started. It's rainy, gray & nasty here today & all I want to do is go back to bed.
Ya'll have a good day.
*Mavis

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69125: Oh, hey there Me-They you sneaked in the back way & I didn't see ya there. You be careful out there in that ice, we had our share of it last week. It's days like that I'm glad my grooming shop is here at the house.
Later taters
*Mavis

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69126:
Hey Folks

Wow, it feels good to be back. I'll try not to belly ache too much... but lets just say sometimes you're the windshield and sometimes you're the bug. The last few weeks have been a bit rough. However, we are so blessed here and I feel like such a whiner when I forget that.

It is GREAT to see ya'll again!

I gave the achieves a real quick once over and heartfelt Prayers for all. Thanks for the APB's.

Me-They Congrats buddy!

Asa-The project is hopefully coming to an end this week. It started 2 months late and went 5 weeks over... sorry, just a little venting and no I don't want any cheese with my whine.

Gary-Good to meet ya. All things being relative, I am from upstate NY, albeit from the Western NY Great Lakes side. It sounds like you're from the Adirondacks area of NY. We actually can't see Canadians from my porch (a fact which does not break my heart).

MDC-Spring training is always good news. But, before that date occurs you forgot the goodness of January 20th. All our troubles will be over then buddy, nothing but blue skies and and entitlements. We will truly find out if it takes a village.

Squirt (auh2o)


January 06, 2009 - Msg 69127:
Hey Mavis!

auh2o

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69128: You know, Mavis, Sterling has been missing alot, too...and Homemaker. Wonder what they are doing? Too busy, maybe. I have been wondering how Kai is doing in the private school and if anything else ever happened with the old girlfriend of Sterling's.

What a great post, M-T (Msg. 69123). You are blessed AND a blessing! So smoking embalming fluid is an old trick...wow, I wonder what small mind was the first one to wonder, "Dude, wonder what would happen if someone put embalming fluid on a cigarette and smoked it?"...crazy. Glad you never tried it. I was always afraid of drugs as a kid, but I am learning that the reason alot of these kids gets started on them is because of the "emotional anesthesia" effect. Very sad.

Hey Auh2o! Have you changed your name to "Squirt"?...I am in favor..I love it. Sorry things have been difficult for you but it's great to have you back. I loved the bug and windshield thing, very funny!

Asa, I forgot to say earlier that you and the Mrs. are certainly in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for sharing and giving us the opportunity to pray for your needs.

Better get back at it...

Boo

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69129: Well, well, well. If it ain't Daddy long legs! Welcome back AUH2O. Sorry you're remodel hasn't been going well, but I expect soon it'll be a distant memory.

BOO: Thanks. Well, some people will smoke or do just about anything. Don't get me wrong, I was no saint in my later teen years (and early 20s, truth be told) and did some things that were probably near the line (okay, illegal), but I always had at least enough sense (if not enough sense to do the right thing) to know where not to fool around. Still, it's a blessing to have made mistakes and come out a little older and wiser. I sure hope that what I learned will make it easier to help my kids not make the same mistakes. I'm sure they'll have plenty of new mistakes to make (or not).

MAVIS: I'll be sure to stay as safe as I can.

Is it lunch yet?

M-T

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69130:
How about "Frick and Frack" for asa and auh20?? haha
MDC

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69131:
Or the Katzenjammer kids? ha

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69132:
The new jail inspector would like that one!
MDC

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69133:
Not much else to add this morning other than ..PRAYERS for all!
Auh20= great post! Loved your Jan 20th outlook! ha
God bless my friends,
MDC

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69134:
Just wondering, but are there any Auburn Tiger football fans on the porch?

Thomas A. Moody

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69135: Hey gang im back at work let me get logged in here a little busy looks like here at shift change...I will get supper in just a bit...SPOT

January 06, 2009 - Msg 69136: Good afternoon, all. Mavis, your comments about the Mongolia journals are very kind - thanks. I'm a great fan of your "bullie" adventures as well. Have you heard any more from that spooky woman?

As for January 20, among many other concerns, I find myself hoping that somewhere in the rantings of Jeremiah Wright, Hussein may have heard about Genesis 12:3, where God says, "I will bless those who bless thee, and those who curse thee, I will curse." Too bad Hitler never heard about that. With the current situation in Gaza right now, I can only hope Hussein has heard it!

Auh2o, don't be callin' yourself a squirt! Good to see you back - hope you don't stay away so long next time.

Thomas A. Moody, you remind of a feller we knew once, named Chuck. You also make me think of a little feller who sublet an apartment from Lucy and Ricky Ricardo one time - nervous little guy. Yep, I like Jay Novello too - very talented character actor.

Well, guess I'll go find some lunch. Sure is a pretty day - maybe I'll make a sandwich and take it out to the arbor, along with a good book. It's a good day for it, the temp is 58, balmy breeze blowing.

Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena