July 05, 2010 - Msg 79802:
anybody on line?
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79803:
Guess not..well..happy be-lated 4th to all :)
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79804:
I'm here! Just got home about 11:30. Went with a group from the church on the church bus out to Ranger Stadium. We had a "tailgate party" first. Found a perfect spot, way out on the edge of the parking lot, huge oak tree that shaded a very large area, room for everybody. We had about 60 people, including the kids. The pastor grilled hotdogs - very good. Lots of cold drinks and water, chips, cookies, everything you could need. At 7, we all went over to the stadium for the game. My son, David and his wife and two boys came, though they now go to another church. The boys had a wonderful time, and were so polite and considerate of people. I was so proud of them. After the game there was a spectacular fireworks show, one of the best I've ever seen. Then we loaded up and came back to Irving, and I was glad to get home. The weather was decent, it was warm but not miserable, but the a/c still felt wonderful when I walked in here. Toye Starr was put out with me, but she got over it pretty quick. She just hates being left alone, poor little thing, especially when she gets left twice in one day. First church this morning, then the game tonight, that was just a bit more than she was prepared to tolerate, so she was a little huffy for a while.
Services this morning, of course, were patriotic, and the music was thrilling. Pastor Ken brought a very impressive sermon regarding freedom, and how there are many kinds of freedom, because there are many kinds of enslavement. He spoke of being a slave to sin, and how "whom the Son sets free, he is free indeed." I really enjoy his sermons, every time. He's always spot-on. I truly feel that God leads him in what he brings to us each week. He's never "dry as dust", and has a delightful sense of humor. For example, this morning, the themes from the various branches of the military were played. Those who had served in the military were to stand when their branch was honored. When the Navy hymn began, Bro. Ken stood with the other former sailors. He stood there in his suit and tie, and a sailor cap on his head! Serious as all get-out, never cracked a smile, but he did it to lighten the mood, of course. (He had been in the Navy, of course.)
Well, I'm pooped. I'm off to bed, before my tired back just breaks into pieces. Be blessed, my friends. --Romeena
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79805:
Well, it's still the 4th out here in AZ, so I can
still say Happy 4th of July!
We watched "A Capital 4th" on PBS, and they always do a great job! Kinda sad without the condutor of the past 20 years, but very good performers and messages!
Maybe the mayberry band will play "Stars and
Stripes Forever!" ha (OK, maybe NOT) :)
Maybe little John will break out a quaf of brown ale to celebrate!
PH- Yes, many churches are promoting this idea,
people actually making a covanant to do so, to
pray for godly men and women to run for office
in this coming election. Much prayer and sacrifice from now until Nov. 2. Thx.
Congrats to HM and sterling!!
SPOT - great BBQ. A bit much however with fireworks from the outhouse! haha
And.. to the mystry poster above-Welcome!
Happy 4th to you all,
God bless,
MDC
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79806:
Oh, ouch, Ro, ya rocked on my toes there! ha
mdc
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79807:
Oh, and nice sweep of the porch, mystery poster!
It looks nice!
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79808:
http://www.leadingtheway.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sto_GodSaveAmerica
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79809:
I posted the above address!
I'm in it for the haul, hope you all will be also!
BTW, on PBS July 3, there was a program/reenactment of Patrick Henry's
"Give me liberty or give me death" speech.
It was really well done following the actual minutes of that meeting! Good stuff! Good history.
MDC
Ok, I guess that enough from me! ha
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79810:
Good Morning gang...breakfast will be at waffle house on possum and I...hey Ro,MDC,Hm,Tom....Mavis?,Lucy?...well Boo will you bringa morning paper?....SPOT
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79811:
Morning, SPOT...got the paper right here but its kind of late. I slept till almost 9am! It was wonderful. Everyone is still sleeping around here but Bruce and I are awake. I was the first to go to bed last night at 12am and I slept well..still tired from the sleep clinic experience! I spent most of the day yesterday on the couch just resting...was feeling under the weather all day but did go out and see some fireworks last night and they were beautiful! It was a good night for it, clear and breezy not hot when you sat outside. That is one thing about living on the coast that I do really like is that there is always a nice breeze in the evenings that keep you from being too hot. The humidity can be a real booger, though...and make sure you have some mosquito spray. You can't beat the weather here in the winter/spring, though...really lovely. Sometimes I like to thing that the heat and humidity only make us appreciate and enjoy the cooler months all the more.
Can't say anymore about America than has already been said. I am very thankful to be a citizen of this great nation and don't take it for granted.
Boo
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79812:
Good grief, it's hot out there! Actually, the temp is only 86, but the humidity must be at the max. As soon as I stepped out the door, I started sweating. I skipped over "glowing" and perspiring, and went straight to sweating. I'm sure you can guess why I was out there - yep, the pond filter. My poor little fish were just languishing in very poorly oxygenated water -nothing providing any oxygenation but the bronze fish, spitting his little stream back into the pond. He helps a lot, and I can always depend on him. His filter consists of a grate that blocks the biggest stuff, but doesn't clog like the others do. Anyway, once out there, I spotted a little stand of weeds and of course had to stop and pull them. One thing led to another, I was out there nearly an hour, and finally quit and came in when I started getting tunnel vision! Now I need another shower! At least my fish are happy.
I planted a couple of tomato plants a few weeks ago, in the rose island. They're now huge plants, running everywhere, and not a single bloom could I find! I have news for them. No tomatoes, no space in my flowerbed. There are only a few criteria for occupying space in my yard. Bloom, or display pretty foliage, or provide food and/or cover for wild things, or bear something I can eat. A rangy old tomato plant that has no tomatoes doesn't fit in there anywhere, and I will have no qualms about yanking them out. I even tolerate peanut vines in my flowerbeds, even though the vines aren't particularly ornamental, because the little squirrels dig them up and eat them (they planted them, you know) so I give them space. The only thing that eats a fruitless tomato plant would be a tomato hornworm, and I really don't care whether he gets fed or not!
I think next spring I'm going to plant about three of those HUGE sunflowers, back along the back fence. They get about ten feet tall, and the flowers are enormous, some over a foot in diameter. I think it would be a big laugh to look out there, across the gorgeous irises, the roses, the pond, the green lawn, and there are some big old sunflowers, just nodding over the whole scene. Besides, the birds would love the seeds. Yep, that's what I'm gonna do - plant about three big sunflowers on the back fence. Yep...
Blessings! --Romeena
P.S. I'm with ya, MDC!
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79813:
Hey y'all!
I hope everyone is hangin' in this heat. Goodness gracious is it hot! Sometimes it feels like we are living in a h$ll here on Earth and this summer feels like it.
I'm still healing from my burns. My 6x4" burn is about half the size and ironically in the shape of Italy. Ha! I hope it will be completely healed in the next week or two in order to get some swimming in before they close the pool.
I hope everyone had a great 4th. MDC, we watched the PBS things too. I thought it was interesting they used Jimmy Smits as the host. Didn't quite seem to fit, in my opinion.
I hope everyone is well. If y'all see fit please keep praying for my bum and for mine and Bryan's marriage. Our issues last year seem to have re-appeared. Love to y'all!
Blessings,
~Lucy
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79814:
I need a silent need prayer for anyone listening/reading today. Thank you advance. . .
hm
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79815:
MDC - you are thinking of Erich Kunzel - he was from Cincy and great "leader of the band."
hm
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79816:
For the love of Mike, Romeena...plant those sunflowers!
Lucy, are you telling us you have a burn in the shape of Italy on your patootie?...how unique...
Prayers for your healing and for your marriage.
Prayers for your need, HM.
MDC, I was listening to Jay Sekulow's radio program today and they were discussing the happening along the Arizona/Mexico border. Unbelievable. I will not comment here about what i think but i shudder to think about it.
Boo
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79817:
Prayers HM...hey all well im back at work...got left over ribs in the oven for all who wants...baked beans too...well hello Local Lucy!..prayering Lucy for sure...and it is hot and gona get hotter...we are going to lake Burk camping this thursday...might be a little cooler in North Ga...at least we will have the lake...gona rent a pontoon for sat...well let me read and get settled in here at work for the night...back in a bit...hey Possum!....SPOT
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79818:
Hey there SPOT..I was just over on facebook and saw the picture you posted of your dad working on the lawnmower.
Have a good night at work. :-)
Boo
July 05, 2010 - Msg 79819:
Yes boo, just in the last 2 years especially it has really
mushroomed out of control, thus the law. One really has to live here to realize the extent the
cartels are going to, to get this state, and we aint givin' it
to em! Jay is spot on.
Only 102 in Phx the past few days! Humidity is up to 23 percent! (HA, sorry RO, I said that for you!) Our "drippin' weather aint usually til August. Or as PappaBear would say, the dogs are just walkin behind the cats instead of chasin them! ha
Prayers for all and for America, day 2.
MDC
July 06, 2010 - Msg 79820:
Breakfast time!..a dozen eggs apiece,a pound of bacon,12 sausage pattys,10 potatoes cut up and fried,loaf of bread,jar of jelly,pound of butter,box of grits,gallon of coffee and milk,quart of oj.....NOW that will lay on yer chest!!!....hee hee SPOT
July 06, 2010 - Msg 79821:
Mornin all.
Hope your 4th was wonderful.
HM, You got em Dear. (my prayers)
and prayers for you Lucy. Glad your burns are on the mend.
Tomatos are rather finicky about temps. If it gets too warm, especially at night, they won't set fruit. They grow like mad, but not produce much fruit. Likewise, it it's too cool they will struggle also. And if they are getting a lot of green tomatos, but refusing to ripen, quit watering them. That will stress the plant and cause them to ripen much faster. Things I've learned from farmers I have known through the years.
PH, I think our only chance is for people to petition the Lord. We have spent the last number of years trying to remove His influence from our society, and see what it's gotten us? Divine intervention is our only hope and will really demand our sincerity and devotion. (IMHO)
MDC, Y'all hang in there buddy. I think the silent majority are behind you guys. But we best get off our hineys and loosen our tounges and speak out, in spite of the flak we will get. I do believe that is where this whole Tea Party thing got started. Folks have had enough!
Well I took an extra day off today. Glad I did. I don't know why but yesterday I was just beat down to my socks. I spent all day doing nothing. Read a little, watched a little tv, napped a lot. I feel like I have had a bit of a cold now for a week or so. Maybe I have a little bug. I don't know. But I didn't enjoy yesterday much at all. I hate feeling so tired. Hopefully today will be better.
Prayers for all.
Asa
July 06, 2010 - Msg 79822:
Hi All.
This 90-100 deg weather have to go.
now I would injoy a good old snow stomr right now.
TOM
July 06, 2010 - Msg 79823:
Asa, as hot as it gets in Ro's area this time of year, I expect that is just the problem with those tomato plants. I know here it has been in the 80's at night lately. That's how it is here in Texas, you really never see any cool weather night or day for months at a time. BTW, I had a day just like your's on sunday...so tired and felt like, well...crud is a good word. It just happens at our age when we overdo...finally we have to take a break whether we like it or not.
MDC, we have alot of that sort of crime happening here in Texas, too, down south, mostly near Laredo. Most us citizens won't even go into Mexico down there... too dangerous. I know I won't be going. While our leader sits up in Washington, we are down her in the south dealing with drug murders. It seems much scarier for you all in a smaller state like Arizona. It is really knocking on your front door.
Heard from Me-They yesterday and he is doing fine. The wifey is working and he was taking care of the young 'uns during a week off from work. Too busy to do much else, I expect.
Also been seeing Mavis on facebook. She has been having some woes and her hubby injured his shoulder somehow and has been in alot of pain. Ya'll remember them in your prayers.
Sister in law has been doing so much better since she moved in here. Thank you for your prayers. She has been completely off all meds except her depression med and is finally sleeping...her days and nights are mixed up right now but at least she's sleeping, which has not happened without sleeping pills in years. She is clear headed for the first time in a very long time and no more anxiety attacks. Yesterday she even went outside and helped bruce load the tree limbs into the tractor that he had trimmed off the trees. I was pretty surprised by that. I think she is finally at a place where she might be able to work at least a part-time job. She goes to visit her pastor friend in Killeen on Thursday so she won't be back here until the end of the month, if she decides to come back. It's really neat to see someone so completely messed up, get better once they are off the substance that was causing the problem. She is eating now and sleeping and functioning. Terrible what those drugs can do to a person.
My late friend Karen's little girl Allison stayed over last night and I always love having her here. She is so much like her mother..so sweet and easy-going, and funny! She is growing up into such a pretty little thing. I wish so much that Karen was here to see it and I forgot to tell you all about another BIG answer to your prayers...(I think I did anyway). Karen's boy Zach, who is not 16 is doing so much better now. He got involved in another baptist church where more of his friends attend and he is very involved with the youth group, doing good things, teaching a little one's sunday school class and is even at youth camp this week. He finally had his "ah-ha" moment with God and knows He is real. He is serving him, reading his bible praying and finally at peace. No more destructive behavior, as far as I know. He even got a job this summer as an orderly in the hospital and is loving it. So, thank God and thank you for hanging in there with me while I was grieving over Zach and trying to help him. Your prayers are being answered.
Better git!
Boo
July 06, 2010 - Msg 79824:
Hey there TOM. Get out your wading pool and stay cool now! ;-)
Boo
July 06, 2010 - Msg 79825:
Hey y'all. Prayers for you, homemaker.
Boo, I'm happy to hear that Karen's children are doing well. Yes, the Lord does answer our prayers.
Thanks too for the Mavis update- praying for them as well.
What's for lunch?? Spot,can you rustle up something for a bunch of hungry buzzards??
Talk to y'all later- happy Tuesday to everybody. Stay cool!
*************
possum u. a.r.
July 06, 2010 - Msg 79826:
Hello porch family.....man I've been missing you folks but been steady rolling. Was in La then into TN a few days ago, then in NJ on the 4th and now on my New England tour. In Maine right now but it's hot here too. The concerts are going great.
Have to chack the archives as soon as I can. Gotta go for now.
Praying for you all daily and I send a big ole hug your way!
And as always.....Remember, Jesus loves you!
-REV.
July 06, 2010 - Msg 79827:
Boo- thanks for the praise reports!
Rev- good to see you. Glad all is going well.
Looking forward to the new album.
Possum, Spot, see you at Snappy Lunch.
ASA- I see that the SLC council told the LA council
to go suck an egg! (in essence! ha)
Tom- lots of heat all atound. You know what calvin
Coolidge would say... ha
prayers,
MDC
******
under umbrella! teehee
July 06, 2010 - Msg 79828:
TOM, why not fill the bath tub with cool water and sit in it for a while to cool off?
Another trick I do is to take a bottle of water or pop and unscrew the cap to release any carbonation gas pressure. Then screw the cap back on and place it in the freezer. After about 2 or 3 hours, you will have a very ice cold drink to refresh yourself.
Asa, sometimes I think it that we need a personal appearance by God to straighten things out. Only then can we get everyone on the right road to salvation.
Lucy and hm, I will add you to my prayer list. I wish you two the best.
REV, I'm glad to hear your skills and popularity keep you working. I'm surprised to see you have expanded out into the northeast. Any chance of working the midwest?
I just bought 16 pounds of ground beef that was on sale ($1.69/lb). Gonna make an 8 pound meatloaf tomorrow. That should last me a while.
from Poor Horatio
July 06, 2010 - Msg 79829:
Hey MDC,horatio and all...Rev how about some of those Maine Lobsters!I think they can ship those boys Live too!..man now there is a cook out for the weekend!..well here at work ..let me read...SPOT
July 06, 2010 - Msg 79830:
Evening Porch Family:
Just dripping by to say Hi, and then heading to the shower. It was 102 today on this side of the porch. The poor corn is literally dying in the ground.
Rev- stop by when you're heading south on 81 past Harrisburg.
Better go get that shower. love you guys. Please drink lots of water in this heat!!! ~New Neighbor
July 07, 2010 - Msg 79831:
You're not planning on keeping all that meat in a faulty refrigerator, are you, Poor Horatio? ;) If you do, remember to call the man.
Seems like it is hot all around. It feels like a heavy heat here.
Sorry, still don't believe in man-made global warming though. Around here we call it SUMMER! :)
-Sterling Holobyte
July 07, 2010 - Msg 79832:
SPOT, hey back at ya. I never tried lobsters. I hear they taste like chicken.
New Neighbor, we are lucky not to have reached three digits yet in temperature yet. For a nice ice cold drink, try my technique in Msg 79828. I'm also lucky enough to have a large window air conditioner next to my bed.
Sterling Holobyte, I had the man check out the freezer before I got the meat. Don't want to make the same mistake like the Taylor's did. And even if the freezer does become faulty at some point, I have my trusty wagon to haul the meat over to the local butcher along with my hard luck story. Good thing we don't have stray dogs in this neighborhood.
from Poor Horatio
July 07, 2010 - Msg 79833:
Don't eat that all at once PH. It will lay on yer chest for sure buddy.
N.N. and all others dealing with the heat... I almost hate to say this but we have really been having wonderful weather here. Our highs this weekend were in the upper 70's during the day and as cool as the low 50's at night. That's expected to change this weekend, but it sure made for a nice holiday weekend. I went golfing Saturday morning and had to wear a sweatshirt it was so cool.
MDC, Yea the SLC Council surprised me. Although I'm not in Salt Lake. I'm really miffed with this lawsuit the Feds have filed. They can't do the job they are required to do, but want to sue a State for doing it? This is just plain nuts! There is much I would like to say on this, but I best not, not here at least. But I will say this. There is a growing discontent in this Nation that I think is going to surprise a lot of folks. We have gotten a small taste of it in some of the early Primary elections. I think November is going to send a very clear message to Washington. Lord I hope so anyway. We are teetering friends.
Where the heck are you Auh2o? Get your hiney in here.
Boo, I'm glad to read your SIL is doing better. I hope that trend continues. One of the tragedies with mental illness is each day can be a new adventure. But I know you know that and are prepared for it, as best as a person can be.
Possum, what's Laci up to these days? Is she adapting to the hearing aids?
Good to hear from you Rev. How's yer uvula doing? Hope you are keeping it sprayed up good.
Spot buddy. Whats on the breakfast menu? I'm half starved.
Better get going. Work to be done.
Asa
July 07, 2010 - Msg 79834:
Asa, if you don't hush up about that cool weather, you are gonna find yourself with a houseguest...and I won't be as easy to get rid of as Cousin Ollie! ;-}
Yes, ASA, things are still going well with SIL but I don't let my guard down. She is getting ready to leave tomorrow so we will see if she stays gone or comes back. Its pretty amazing how she has changed in the time she has been here. She wanted to get her hair done for her son's wedding and had highlights that had grown out so I went and bought one of those kits you can frost your hair with at home and did it for her myself. The kit cost 10 dollars, having it done at a salon would have cost 60 to 100, depending. Well, it turned out fan-dam-tastic! It looks perfectly professional. I think I found a new talent. I am, however, taking her to a real hairdresser to have it cut...would NOT attempt that.
PH, I seldom have a soda in a bottle but what I usually do is that I drink about half, then put the other half in the freezer for later. Nothing like a Dr. Pepper slush on a hot day! PS-might want to give the other 8 lbs of that meat to Homemaker...she could make you some meatballs to put in your freezer.
Where is Auh2o anyways?
Boo
July 07, 2010 - Msg 79835:
PH- did you get the meat from Foley or that new cut-rate butcher? Better watch it or you'll be in Opie's paper! ha
ASA- All the talk here yeaterday as you can imagine. One good point I heard is that there are a fed pot laws, yet many states have "legalized" it in several different ways, yet those states were never sued! so this is purely political, so the
"don't tread on me" flags are flyin' here.
OK, that's all i better say on that. (:
Prayers for all!
MDC
July 07, 2010 - Msg 79836:
Afternoon Y'all -sorry about everybody up North roasting in the heat. Welcome to my world- LOL
Nah, I know it ain't funny!
Spot's vision must be going on him. How did he not see PH's post about the 8 pound meatloaf?? Expect Spot to show up on your doorstep any day now, PH!
Asa, thanks for asking about Laci. She gave us fits with those hearing aids for the first couple of days, but now- no problem. She realizes that she can hear. You can see a big difference in her- she is more vocal and even says a few words. She is going to need lots of good speech therapy,but I have the feeling we'll have her talking before long, God willing.
Let me go see what I can rustle up for sup- pah ( saying it like Aunt Bee does!)- y'all have a good afternoon!
********************
possum under a rock
P.S. I thought you was confiscating on my rocks up there, MDC! I see it was an umbrella you had up,though!
July 07, 2010 - Msg 79837:
Still asking for your prayers. . .
We are heading to Shelby, NC on Friday morning for a goat show. We are leaving at 4:00 in the morning to beat the heat and then we can arrive about noon. Making a picnic lunch to take with us. We head back on Sunday morning early - hubby goes back to work next week.
Glad Laci has adjusted to the HA. It takes awhile and a lot of patience for those helping her. Let me know if you need more insight. I do more than goats! (And donkeys)
hm
July 07, 2010 - Msg 79838:
FYI: I will be on vacation from friday until July 20th, so don't panic if you don't see me around much or at all next week! I'm goin off to
make a few ships in a bottle and tear newspapers! ha
MDC
July 07, 2010 - Msg 79839:
Still hot and sweltering here in PA. Trying to stay cool and keep the animals hydrated.
Asa- you brat! Just rub it in that it's cooler in your part of the porch. You're air is thinner too!!!
Gonna go get some supper started...think we'll cook out on the grill. Keeps the house cool. See ya later. ~New Neighbor
July 07, 2010 - Msg 79840:
Hello porch family.....still hot here in Maine.
New Neighbor.....spent the night in Carslile, PA on July 2nd before heading into NJ.
MDC...have a great vacation and be safe.
HM....have fun in Shelby at the show this weekend.
Possum....great news on Laci
Asa....yep....keeping the uvula sprayed up
PH....I've been touring the northeast for about 16years now. Don't do much in the midwest cause really don't have the contacts there. Wouldn't mind doing a tour out there though.
Well gang I better get some rest.
Love and prayers to you all!
-REV.
July 07, 2010 - Msg 79841:
Your making ships in a bottle and tearing newspapers next week, MDC?!...can I come along, too?..don't want to be a third wheel but that just sounds too good to pass up. ;-)
Well NN, the grill may keep the house cooler, but standing outside cooking on a grill keeps the cook hotter! That's always been my philosophy anyways.
Night REV.
Boo
July 08, 2010 - Msg 79842:
Mornin' y'all! Thanks for all the concern over Laci.
Homemaker,if you have any advice on how we can work with her in order to help her speech I would sure appreciate it. She's not receiving any speech therapy right now with school being out. Thank you,and hope you know you've got the prayers coming,friend.
Rev, you must have carried the heat up North,huh? You forgot some of it- it has been over 100 degrees down here lately with the heat index. I think most of the country is sweltering.
You taking a trip to Dee- troit, MDC? Have a good vacation-we'll miss you!
Ok, breakfast is at Maude's- we'll just pop in,wake her up,and see what's in her fridge!
************
possum u.a.r.
July 08, 2010 - Msg 79843:
Well, its not so hot here, Possum. its been raining all morning due to the tropical storm that moved inland south of us. This si going to be a wet summer for us, but that is ok for me. I just don't want a direct hit from a hurricane and we are way overdue for one.
Busy day today. Better finish the coffee and get moving.
Boo
July 08, 2010 - Msg 79844:
Yup, packin' for DE-troit by way of Anaheim! ha
I may get online once or twice from our room at the Y,
otherwise, I'll see ya all around the 20th.
We're going to Cal for a wedding, then driving up the coast a ways. I havent surfed in about 40 years, and plan to try it again (with instructor).
Surf's up dudes! Cecile, on the other hand, will hit the
shops in solvang! Yikes! Singlehandedly stimulating the economy! haha
http://www.solvangusa.com/
Prayers continue,
Will try to pop in tonight.
rev and me ,MDC, on the road again... (:
July 08, 2010 - Msg 79845:
Good Thursday porch, hope all is well.
HOT on my end of the porch, humid today and about
99 degrees. My lawn is dry and turning brown. several of my flowers ( no matter how much I keep them watered or shaded) are not handling the heat very well. They are calling for some rain tomorrow but probably not enough to really help the farmers and gardens.
thought I'd drop by for a quick visit, gotta get back to work.
Dinner menu: steak, chicken and shrimp skewers on the grill, grilled vegies and grilled potatoes (too hot to heat up the kitchen) and big picture of COLD leomoade and iced tea. store bought bakery brownies with ice cream and chocolate syrup.
prayers and blessings to all.
Big Maude
July 08, 2010 - Msg 79846:
Mornin', honeys and dears. I've been either working, sleeping, or watching grandsons play baseball for the last couple of days. Those little guys are such fun to watch. Eloise and I try to get to as many games as we can. It's just amazing, to watch how they've progressed. Landry's first season (T-ball) was just a hoot. Those kids had the attention span of a gnat, couldn't have caught a ball in a bucket, and as for throwing - well, let's just say if anyone had gotten hit with a ball it wouldn't have hurt very much. Now, at age 9, it's a different story. Landry can throw from mid-right field to home easily, and put the ball right in the catcher's glove. At bat (kid-pitch now) he can smack the thing to the back fence, which is 175 feet at the field where they play most often. When a ball is thrown to him, he just whips his lanky arm out there and snags the ball right out of the air, no problem. And these kids are focused! At one of his first games, as a beginner, he nearly lost his cap (or worse) to a ball that whizzed right over his head as he was kneeling at third base, examining a bug on the ground. That wouldn't happen these days.
Then there's Hudson, who will be 7 next month. He's a big husky kid, weighs 82 pounds and he's not fat. He's just tall and very solid. Landry is tall and lanky at 84 pounds, Hudson is almost as tall and a much heavier build. Well, the other night, he hit a long one and was running for home. The catcher, a wiry little kid who is small for his age, was standing on the third base line, watching for the ball to eventually make its way to him. Suddenly he looked up and saw Hudson charging straight at him, and realized he was about to die! He made a dive off the base line just as Hudson went chugging past, to the plate. It's a good thing he moved, because Hudson would have mowed him down, plowed him under and planted corn! I'm not sure he even saw the kid in his way - he was going home! From the expression on his face you'd have thought he just won gold in the Olympics! As I said, these kids are fun to watch!
Well, have multiple errands to run, and may have a game to attend this afternoon, if it doesn't rain them out. I think something is going to happen though, because the birds are behaving strangely. I'm at my window, of course, and things just don't look right out there. A flock of sparrows has congregated on a wire, a couple of dozen of them. They're just sitting there, and sparrows are usually very busy. A big grackle is just flying back and forth across the yard like he's not sure what he should be doing. One squirrel made a quick visit to check out the feeder (it's empty!) and left. There are usually three or four out there, but they all seem to be holed up somewhere, haven't been in the yard all morning. I have two resident pair of cardinals, but they're nowhere to be seen, and the bluejays haven't appeared today. I saw one mockingbird, and there are usually several out there, bossing everyone around. I think the critters sense something, and are congregating to discuss it, or have sought shelter. I guess we'll see. Maybe I should go and get my errands done before whatever is coming gets here. I have to go to the bank and get some cash. Right now I'm so broke I couldn't even pay attention. Then I've got to buy groceries. I don't even want to look at another can of soup, I'm ready for a good meal.
Prayers, friends, for all the requests mentioned here. I won't go over them again, but you know who you are, and so does our Lord. Be blessed! --Romeena
July 08, 2010 - Msg 79847:
You are a bird in this world!
July 08, 2010 - Msg 79848:
Ha! Yep, you're probably right. No problem, I've been called worse. --Romeena
July 08, 2010 - Msg 79849:
Good evening, porch. Where is everybody??
I have a new plank in my anti-CFL bulb platform. Anyone who knows me at all knows I hate the silly little things. They're terribly expensive, they DO NOT last as long as they're said to last - nowhere near it - and when one burns out, just how are you supposed to dispose of it? And, God forbid, if one is broken in your house, you had better hope you have a hazmat suit available to wear during the cleanup - at least if the instructions are to be believed, and I'm quite sure they're accurate. Free mercury in any form is nothing to fool around with. I hate their sickly gray-green light, I hate that they ring or rattle and go out if you try to use them with a rheostat, and I hate that they're being forced upon us by the nanny government. Tonight I discovered a new "hate". I've been using them in a couple of places in the house, trying to do my part and save the planet. Well, for the past couple of days, I've been having trouble reading the newspaper in my favorite chair. Quite honestly, I was wondering if my lens implants were clouding or something, but was having no problem anywhere but there. Tonight I realized that the light from my chairside lamp was getting very dim. I yanked that miserable little bulb out and replaced it with a 100-watt incandescent, and whaddayaknow? My chair is flooded with a pretty, soft light, and I can read again. So - apparently they don't burn out like regular bulbs, they just slowly sicken and die. So now that bulb will join the other two (floods - from the ceiling light in the guest bathroom) in the covered can in the garage, and will eventually cause me to drive about five miles to a recycling center, using approximately 2/3 of a gallon of gasoline for the round trip. I'm sure there's a big green savings there somewhere, and the polar bears will rest easier for it. Meanwhile, 99% of the population of this town will toss their worn out bulbs in the trash can, and the landfill will be full of mercury. Still, I'm trying to do it right. I have one more bulb - it's in that guest bathroom, the last of a 3-pack, and when it's gone, that's it. I've also got a cabinet chock-full of incandescents in the garage, and that's what I'm using from now on, until the light police come knocking on my door. OK, end of my rant.
The critters were right. We had a big old storm this afternoon, purple clouds, heavy rain - the whole thing. I just got my water bill, and it isn't breaking my heart one bit to have my sprinkler system turned OFF for now! Mercy!
Well, guess I'll go cuddle little Starr. She's been patting my ankle with her tiny paw - such a polite little girl. What would I do without her? Be blessed, my friends! --Romeena
July 09, 2010 - Msg 79850:
Hey Ro, I was busy all day yesterday and didn't get to check in until this morning. I know what you mean about the critters, you should have seem my critters last week when that hurricane was out there in the gulf...strange.
We have certainly had our share of rain and everything is green and beautiful...unusual for July around here. There are even wildflowers popping up.
Here's one for Hazel...you out there Haze? You may remember my friend (Paul)who was supposed to go to trial for s@xual assault this past year...he was the one who took an overdose and I had to take him to the ER several months ago. Anyways, he was finally set to go to trial this week but they were unable to select even one jury member over two days time so they reset the trial for August 30th. Now, how is it that you can't pick one juror out of 100? Paul said that they were unable to find anyone who did not either know him (he used to be a drummer in a local band that played in the area, etc. so he was fairly well-known), or had not heard about him in the news or the papers. Also, one of the questions was if there is anyone who would ever consider probation as a sentecce in a s@xual assault of a minor case. None of the 100 said yes, so they are back to square one. I can understand not being able to come up with an entire jury, but seems like maybe one....interesting. I am wondering if he may have to be tried in another city.
Well, better go get some chores done. You all keep cool and hope MDC doesn't come back with a piece of his tail missing (sharks).
Boo
July 09, 2010 - Msg 79851:
Morning porch family.....starting to cool off a little up here in the north today. Feels good now. Didn't even have to run the a/c last night in the motorhome.
I'm leaving this area in about an hour so I may not have internet service where I'll be (heck where my concert is at tonight they don't even have cell service except for one spot at the top of a hill in town). That's no joke.....you see people in cars parked there talking on there phone. But we always have a great concert there and the folks really turn out for it. Then I head further north for two concerts on Sunday...Augusta, Maine on Sunday morning then in Lewiston, Maine on Sunday night. So I guess I'll chat with ya'll again on Monday.
Well you all have a blessed weekend and know that you are in my heart and prayers.
Love to all the porch family!
-REV.
July 10, 2010 - Msg 79852:
Have a good one, Rev.
I know what you mean about those "more dangerous than they're worth" bulbs, Ro. I only use incandescent bulbs in our house. Luckily, my wife can't stand those other bulbs either. She hates the light that they give.
I have to ask you folks a question, would you send a kid who doesn't know how to swim to a summer Bible camp?
I never really thought about it before we signed Kai up, because I never went to camp when I was a youngster, but I guess that is one of the things that seem like a main part of "going to camp" - water.
We have been taking Kai to a pool in one of the hotels here the last couple of days, but she still is shy about learning to even doggy paddle, because she is afraid of her face going under the water, so that is impeding her from really trying it. We made some success today with her putting her face under water, but as far as swimming, she just won't have it. And we are running out of time, as her camp starts on Monday.
I was a nervous wreck last night thinking about all the things that could go wrong - her paddle boat tipping over; Kai going out too far when swimming with friends, etc. I didn't get to sleep until around 4 am. That's why I took her swimming again today, but we didn't get too much farther than the last time.
I wish we would've started this sooner, like years ago, but we don't really do much swimming, and my wife just recently learned to swim herself.
I don't have as much of a problem with her just playing in the shallows, because she is pretty good about not going beyond her limits(though I do fear an overly-ambitious camp-mate intimidating her into going farther out), but the boats freak me out. Because there you are out in deeper water, and if her boat tips over, well, even though I'm sure they would be wearing lifevests, there still could be problems I don't even want to think about.
She really wants to go on this, and I think it would be good for her, but this water thing has been gnawing at me. The least I will do is make sure they know she cannot swim, and that she reminds them while there.
Now, the most I "could" do is go along with her, but I'm sure they would not care for an over-protective parent looking over their child's shoulder. And I am sure Kai would be rather embarrassed as well. :)
If you have any tales of your experiences with camp, or your children's(especially those who cannot swim), I would be most appreciative hearing them.
Ok. I should try to get to sleep tonight.
Boy, I am just going to be a wreck next week. ;)
-Sterling Holobyte
July 10, 2010 - Msg 79853:
Rats!!
I had a whole big post, and I came back to see if anyone had replied to it, and my post was just gone. I know I hit the "post" button and it was there, because I read it over.
Oh well, no sense crying over spilled bytes.
The gist of the post was wondering if anyone had any tales to tell about themselves(or their kids) going to summer camp. Especially if they cannot swim. I have been up nights wondering if I should even send Kai to the Bible camp we signed her up for(which starts Monday), when water-based stuff seems to be a big part of camp. I didn't really think about it until recently because I never went to camp, and I can swim. But I am particularly concerned about the boats. As I said in my POST I ALREADY WROTE BEFORE ;) though I am sure they would be wearing lifevests in the boats, things can still happen in that deeper water.
We have been trying to teach Kai how to swim but she has such a hard time with it because she doesn't like her face going under water, even when we teach her doggy-paddling, with which you don't even have to put your face underwater, but her fear keeps her from trying.
So, once again, if any of you have any tales of camp, of yourselves or your children(especially if they cannot swim) I would be most appreciative.
-Sterling Holobyte
I hope this one stays put this time.
July 10, 2010 - Msg 79854:
Ooookkkk!
I think the Count is around tonight, because I could've sworn my first post was not there when I checked on it just a little bit ago(hence the second post pretty much saying the same thing).
Either that, or I just need to go to sleep. Night all.
-Sterling Holobyte
July 10, 2010 - Msg 79855:
Good to see you Sterling...I understand your anxiety and it is so hard to let go as our children get bigger. This summer was Erin's first time to go to church camp and being the selfish individual that I am, there was no way I was going with her! ha...kid's camp is not on my list of favorite things to do, however, if Erin was not a swimmer, I would have considered going as a sponsor. I don't know about your church but ours is always looking for parents to go along as sponsors...this year there was only one who went and a male sponsor was needed. You might consider asking if they need a male sponsor to go along. Another thing I would suggest that helps me is to consider all the kids who attend summer camp and how few accidents actually occur. I am sure she would be required to wear a safety vest while on a boat and there will be supervision at any pool she would be swimming in. It's my experience in the past that the kids are well supervised and there are LOTS of adults around. I have to tell you, that I do feel your pain, though. I was very protective of Sean since he was my first, I guess, and when Erin came along, something changed; it just seemed natural not to worry about her and let her get out there and be independant...maybe it was her personality but I just don't seem to worry about her. Once i make my mind up about a thing (like sending her to camp), I just don't let myself think anxious thoughts. I wasn't able to do that with Sean but it's different with Erin. I love them the same, of course but I just never worried much about Erin and I am very glad I let her go to camp...she had a great time. My prayers for you and Kai. Hope you can come up with a solution that brings you peace.
Boo
July 10, 2010 - Msg 79856:
Good afternoon, porch! Sterling, I hear you, and sympathize with your concerns. It's natural to have those reservations and worries, especially with your first child, just as Boo said. My first two were just 26 nonths apart, so the "diluting" effect of the second child happened early on for me. Still, you do worry. We put ours in a "Y" program when they were 6 and 8, and they soon were swimming like little otters. My grandsons have taken private lessons, and at 6 and 9, they swim well enough for safety. One question - the pools you've been using with Kai - are they heated? If not, they should be, even in warm weather. Nothing tenses a child up like cold water. Warm water causes them to relax and feel much more comfortable in the water.
As for letting her go to camp - relax, Dad. As you said, make sure the sponsors are aware she can't swim, be sure that no child is allowed to go out over deep water without a lifejacket on, remind Kai that she MUST have one on, and then let her go. Her own innate fears will keep her from venturing too far, but peer pressure will influence her, of course, and may get her to try things you've not been able to get her to do so far. What you may find is that by the time she comes home, she'll be a swimmer, or at least a dog-paddler.
Well, guess I'll go rustle up a snack. I didn't eat breakfast, skipped lunch because I was getting my hair cut, and it's still several hours until dinner. So - a snack is in order. Maybe a banana and a handful of nuts. That sounds pretty good.
Be blessed, everyone --Romeena
July 10, 2010 - Msg 79857:
Afternoon Y'all- Spot asked me to tell the Porch that he's run off again! Yep, the ol' dawg is in Murphy,NC, up in those gorgeous mountains, trout fishing. I forgot when he'll be back,but at least I remembered to tell y'all! I think the heat is getting to my brain- LOL
Anyway, not much to say. Hope everybody is well. Anybody for Chinese in Mt.Pilot tonight? My treat!
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possum under a rock
July 10, 2010 - Msg 79858:
Oh, didn't mean to ignore you up there, Sterling. I understand your concerns- I'd feel the same way. I " take" from Mama Ro- good advice! All I'll add are my prayers,friend.
Gotta go- I hear thunder!
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possum again
July 11, 2010 - Msg 79859:
Boo, Ro and Possum, thank you for the prayers and reassurances. I looked on the camp website tonight and yes, Boo, there are alot of counselors so alot of supervision. Looking at some of the pics on there I see there is also a lot of things to do that don't even involve being in water, so that eased my mind a bit.
Though I was wondering about the same thing you commented on, Ro, that Kai just might come back a swimmer, since she will probably feel less tense trying to swim around her friends, as a lot of them are going.
-Sterling Holobyte
July 11, 2010 - Msg 79860:
Well, where in the Sam Hill is everybody lately? hehe...been real quiet on the porch. i know i have been busy and not here as often this past week. Before I forget, I am going to Louisianna on Tuesday and you probably won't hear from me until Friday or Saturday....I don't have one of those fancy internet phones or anything..not even a laptop.
Been a lazy sunday...went to preaching, came home and had lunch and took a nap, watched a little bit of tV and that's about it. I am trying to get up the nerve to clean out the car but the mosquitos are SO bad right now from all the rain.
Well, guess I will do a few chores...always plenty to do.
I am a little bummed after receiving an email from a good friend who I found out is getting a divorce. I didn't see it coming but apparently her husband has an alcohol problem that she has been dealing with for years and finally had enough of. They have three girls, teenagers still at home, which is the hardest part. I am just really surprised because I though everything was good. She is the friend who has a horse ranch in nevada. She tells me that she is very happy now but it is early in the divorce process. I hope everything goes as well as possible. I know she will have a grief process to go through and it won't be easy helping the girls through this.
Better go doing something productive...
Boo
July 12, 2010 - Msg 79861:
Well, its me again and I see that I am the only one who's been on the porch all day. I am starting to feel like Barney playing himself at checkers. ;-) Andy: "How are you doing?"...Barney: "Won two, lost two".
Boo
July 12, 2010 - Msg 79862:
Did you win, Boo? ;)
I really should be getting to bed. Kai leaves for her camp tomorrow morning and I really would rather not be in a fog from not getting enough sleep. I am sure there will be more sleepless nights while she is away. I think that is just a given.
Sorry about your friend's marital problems. That's too bad it had to end up that way.
-Sterling Holobyte
July 12, 2010 - Msg 79863:
Thanks Sterling. It is too bad because, believe me, before he started drinking things were very good between them. Its very sad.
Hope you get some sleep and are able to worry less about Kai...my prayers tonight.
Boo
July 12, 2010 - Msg 79864:
Mornin' y'all. Sterling, hang in there. I think you'll be surprised in the long run. I understand your anxieties and concerns, though. Try to relax. Praying for Kai's safety and that she has a wonderful experience while she's away at camp.
Boo, sorry about your friend. I know how that is though.Sounds like she just can't do it anymore.
Yeah, who won that checker game,Boo? Ha Ha
Haven't heard from Spot.Guess he's catching all the mountain trout in N.C.!
Y'all have a good day- love to all!
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possum under a rock