June 20, 2008 - Msg 63504: I can't stand flourescent lights either, ROMEENA. Even the improved new ones are terrible. I am on board with the vast majority of conservation suggestions, but I won't use those bulbs. My favorites are the natural light bulbs, which are typically tinted bluish. They really do offer a light as close to sunlight as you can get. Of course, during the day I prefer "real" light.

M-T
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63505: Achoo! Sorry I kicked up all that dust sweeping.

Me-THey
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63506: Hey to all...I'm back...

HoBo,
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63507: Yep, I guess I will raise the thermostat up to at least 76. I have already cut back on my traveling some. My sister and I have decided to put in a garden in mom's big yard and start growing our own vegetables and I am planting some fruit trees on the place after we get the water...which should be next week. I think we may end up going partially vegetarian! Forget the flourescent bulbs, though.

Sorry to hear about your wife, M-T. Must be very difficult to be feeling like that and caring for the children at the same time! Do she have endometriosis? I'm sure she is under a doctor's care?...I ask because sometimes we nurses are the worst about taking care of our own illnesses. Prayers for her healing and strength.

My mother is still not walking and Susan and I are wearing out. The home health nurse came out today and said they would be sending an aid for 30 minutes 3 times a week, which will help. One of the problems is that my sister has a hard time with what she calls "nursey" things and mom has elimination problems since the stroke. Anyway, sometimes we have to do the unpleasant things in life. Mom changed our diapers (and they were cloth, then) for two years and I'm sure that wasn't pleasant either. I can't always be there to do the dirty work so she is going to have to get used to it. Even us nurses had to start somewhere and get used to such things. I felt pretty sore when I got up this morning, so I hope mom is on her feet again soon and our backs hold out. I am trying to use the proper body mechanics for lifting.

Better scoot...

"Hey" to HoBo, welcome back.

Boo
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63508:
Welcome back hobo. Hope you had a good trip.
I just got a nice letter from Colt yesterday.
He says 'hey' to everyone and he told me he saw
barney buying a tin ink blot at the fun shop
to put on Aunt Bee's table! ha
Well, it's so hot here that rattlesnakes were seen skating at the local ice rink! ha
(I know, I know, how does a snake lace up those skates!? ha)
God bless ya, prayers for all this weekend. Rev, keep packin' 'em in!
Brother Love's travelin' Salvation show (for REAL!)
MDC
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63509:
Soory Boo, didnt see ya there. Sometimes ya just gotta do what ya gotta do! God love ya.
MDC
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63510:
Oh, Asa and AUh20, the history detectives are returning June 30th!
MDC
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63511: Thanks, MDC. I know you understand. I remember what a good son you were to your mama.

Do any of you have one of those George Foreman grills? I heard they were useful so I bought the 20 dollar one from walmart (they run from 20-150.00 for the deluxe model). I figured I would start out with the cheap one to see if I like it and boy, I love that thing already and we have only used it 2 days. I almost works like a pannini press and does a great job at grilling sandwiches. Easy to use, quick, and easy to clean. The kids love making grilled cheese sandwiches on it and we grilled some good burgers, too. I haven't cooked chicken breasts on it yet but I plan to soon.

Gotta run...have to go back to mom's for the evening.

Boo
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63512: Hey, Me-They. I had an idea you might be a "Monk" fan - I think it's just wonderful the way you can poke fun at yourself. We all have our little idiosyncrasies, and you wear yours very well.

Boo, you have my prayers, dear. You're in some very tough years right now, with your parents. Mercifully, my mom's trial wasn't long, and God took her on home. My dad did have nearly a year of difficulties with personal care, but since he was living in an as#isted living facility, it wasn't a problem for me except on the occasions when we took him out with us, which was usually several times a week. Finally, though, it became impossible, and on some level, he knew it and understood, because he started refusing to go. The first Sunday he decided he didn't want to go to church, I knew it was about over. He had soiled himself the Sunday before, and I had thought he wasn't aware of it, but apparently he was. That was the last time he went to church. He went downhill fast after that, and was gone in a few weeks. Thank God for His mercy in that regard.

Well, as has been said, ya gotta do what ya gotta do, and right now, I "gotta" get ready for work. Argh. Starr will not be pleased, poor baby, but she'll get over it the minute I walk in the door. Furkids are just SO forgiving! Be blessed, all. --Romeena
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63513: A George Foreman grill, huh? I had one, bought it years ago when they first came out, and I didn't like it at all. Ended up giving it away. Now you have me wondering if they've been changed or improved or something, and maybe I should try again. I tried cooking a steak on mine, and it didn't even taste like a grilled steak - it tasted more like roast, to the extent that it tasted like anything recognizable. It had sort of a "poached" taste or something, very bland. Same with the chicken breasts I cooked on it. Didn't try making grilled sandwiches with it - that was before the pannini craze hit, but it would probably do well with that, and I like pannini. Maybe I should look into getting another one. --Romeena
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63514: You burn then burgers Al, I'm not responsible for them. HA! We have one of them grills but have only used it for grilling hamburgers and I didn't care for the results all that much. My usually juicy burger was dry and not much taste to it. I'm sure it's healthier having all the grease run off, but hey, I wouldn't be eating a hamburger if I wanted health food, now would I? I don't eat em often but when I do I like em nice and juicy.

Boo, good for you deciding to try growing a garden. Back in the day folks grew victory gardens to try and save resources for the troops. I would not be suprised to see something along those lines again. If you want fresh produce, you're gonna have to grow it yourself. I encourage eveyone I come in contact with to get prepared. Now that doesn't mean I have a lack of faith in the Lord taking care of us, but I do believe also he has given us a brain, has given us wisdom, and he expects us to do all we can in preperation. He is even warning us IMNSHO. :) I hope things don't get as bad as I am thinking, but those who are prepared best will get through it better than not. OK, I'm done preachin.

Well the funeral went well. It was a nice graveside service. My Aunt is not fully understanding what's happened and I think that's for the best. I pray she'll be ok, but I really wonder. Health wise, she is very well, but her mind is just gone. Very sad to see.

What's fer dinner Spot? I'm hungry as an old buzzard.

Asa
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63515: Mercury emissions- the trout streams, lakes and trout in Pennsylvania are contraminated with mercury and the Pa Fish and Boat commission publishes restrictions regarding the eating of trout caught in Pa. The Hg doesn't come from flourescent bulbs but from coal fired utility plants generating electricity used to make incadescent light bulbs in the USA. The President has fought as best he can to prevent cleaning up these emissions. Maybe he (after listening to Gore) sang to himself "I Saw the LIGHT" and went along with the inevitable. It is a step ahead and removing the Hg might be possible but with LED lighting we will move past that problem. Thank God we have scientists and engineers who are relentless in improving our understanding and knowledge. My guess is that for each discovery leading to an untoward result there are many more findings to turn things around to make a real improvement not just economic or military progress. Now I can put the soap box away.
Asa-Boo-Ro- we didn't care all that much for that electric grill- it was OK and easier to use than the gas grill which we found lacking also. We like the charcoal and plain old fruit wood the best by far. Our church has an annual chicken BBQ -slow cooking over charcoal. Not the red sauce but the one with vinegar,butter seasonings etc. sprayed on every so often during the cooking process.
Me-They we tried those flourescent bulbs- I hated flourescent in the office and don't like them at home. The kitchen ceramic tiles lost all their color and the soft sage green paint in the living room tured a sick yellow green. It seems harder for the eyes to focus on reading material. Does anyone know is this is a real effect like maybe a larger percentage the light frequencies can't be focused on the retina or there is more glare? When I was at work everyone in my row removed the 4 foot flourescent bulbs above our desks. Management tried to force us to accept them telling us they would be responsible for our eye strain. Those light meters are baloney when predicting eye strain. The windows were fine even on cloudy winter days. No eye strain and no headaches and no tension causing bright lighting.
Thank you for your patience, Marty from Mt. Top
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63516: Hey gang...Asa I got some left over fried chicken from the lake!..im BURNT...had a great time got the boat tucked away in the slip at the lake and all is well...boy they were some Big Nice boats up there today...well Maude you got anything left over to go with this chicken?.....SPOT
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63517: Good evening to All.

Ro, I remember that time in your dad's life when he decided not to attend church. It really tugged at the heartstrings. It was a blessing for him that the Lord took him home soon after, but I know you missed him. My mom had her first stroke 10 years ago so she has been disabled for a while. I really feel for her.

Well, I cooked some steaks on the Foreman grill and they were so/so, but easy to cook. I left them on a bit too long so they weren't as tender. I thought they tasted good, though. Of course there is nothing better that using the old-time charcoal or mesquite grill, but the Foreman grill is easy to use and quick. Like I said, really makes a great grilled sandwich, IMO. I think we will use it alot...(one of my favorite things is a good grilled cheese sandwich and the one I made today on the grill was the best I ever had, hands down).

I am really tired and think I will retire to bed early and get a good night's rest. Tomorrow is another full day. Thank the Good Lord for a body that is strong enough to do the work, and a sweet family to serve. Goodnight!

Boo
June 20, 2008 - Msg 63518: Night Boo..sleep good..im off till monday..think I will turn in soon too..I have "Lake" lag..ha ha.and they aint nutten better than a grilled chees samich and either chicken noodle or tomato soup.....back in a bit ...prayers for all in need...SPOT the talking dof of this here porch
June 21, 2008 - Msg 63519: Well i just woke awake porch!..is anybody up?..breakfast will be at Shoneys Breakfast bar on Asa and I!...Boo you and the ladys get there early to gossip ok?...SPOT
June 21, 2008 - Msg 63520:
Hey Folks

Been away from the Porch for a few weeks. Good to see ya'll again. I took the advise and took my political drivel to some other part of the net. But, I've missed you good folks and had to stop back.

Asa-Sorry to hear about your Uncle.

MDC-Thanks for the heads-up, regarding "History Detectives." I love that show.

Me-They My old moulage buddy good to see ya.

Spot-You're still the best dog on the net. Grilled cheese and tomato soup, now there's a meal that has stood the test of time!

Hey to Romeena, Boo, Sterling, Big Maude, Marty, HoBo, Hazel, Rev, and New Neighbor.

As for Al Gore, I could go to the gas station and fill-up my car, then stuff it full of styrofoam, and set it on fire and that carbon foot would fall into a toe of the impression left by the Gore family foot. Using private jets to take his family on vacation, and then belch out the "chicken little" garbage he does, come on! The guys a clown that history will soon forget. He'll be remembered like the scientist that discovered "Global Cooling" back in the 70's... what was his name?? I know the "pseudo-science" of the left has to fit the talking points on show's like "The View," and just about anything on MSNBC, but the sky is not falling.

See ya'll soon,
auh2o
June 21, 2008 - Msg 63521: "Lake lag"..haha, funny SPOT. I got there early and had quite a gossip session with the ladies, thanks for the suggestion.

Good to see you Auh2o! I wish you wouldn't stay away so long. I always enjoy your posts and just plain like you alot. I know Me-They is missing you, too. A moulage is just not as much fun without you....speaking of, I wish I could think of a good one. Do you think gas will reach the 5 dollar mark this summer? I'm about ready to ditch this suburban of mine. I can't sell the thing. I wish I could get something smaller but we always carry at least two other kids to church every sunday and wed. Well, the Lord will provide.

Coffee break is now over and work will resume...

Boo
June 21, 2008 - Msg 63522: Hooray, auh2o is back! We have been missing you, buddy. You know, it relly isn't so important that we all agree on all things - what IS important is that we remember that we each have a right to our opinion. "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

Now there's a little statement that we all would agree is right, but boy, has it ever gotten us into a peck of trouble. Because of that "right", we have uncontrolled pornography, for starters. Then there is - aw, phooey, I'm not even going to start to chase all the rabbits that are contained herein. It would take a filibuster of monumental proportions just to scratch the surface. So, I'm going to put away the soapbox.

Except for one question. (You knew I couldn't resist, didn't you?) Let's say a family of eight (Boo and company, perhaps?) sells the large vehicle that has served them so well. In order to get everyone to church, or to Auntie's house, or on vacation, they now require two smaller vehicles. Meantime, the party to whom they sold the large vehicle (assuming they could sell it) is now driving it, so it's still leaving its big old footprint everywhere, followed by the two smaller footprints left by Boo's two new vehicles. I'd just love to know how much has been saved in terms of carbon footprinting? It's much the same question as I posed earlier, regarding my relatively large house. I could sell it and move into a tiny apartment, but the house marches on, quite possibly not operated with as much care and environmental consideration as I try to practice. I suppose I could burn it down, but that would really make a smudge on the ecological horizon, what with all the carpeting, paint, plastics and the like being burned.

Anybody got any answers? I don't mean to be arguing, I'd really like to know. Where do we go from here, friends? How do we get out of this political, environmental and human-rights corner we've painted ourselves into? --Romeena
June 21, 2008 - Msg 63523: OK, I did a little figuring. Realistically, I put about 7,000 miles a year on my car. Granted, that's not a lot, and is much less than the average person, but I know my numbers, and I don't know anyone else's. So, 7,000 miles of total driving in a year. About 2/3 is city, and I get an average of 15.5 mpg in town. The other 1/3 is highway, and the car truly does get an average of 25 on the highway. I know, because it provides little computerized readouts at the touch of a button. So - I drive 4666 miles in town, at 15.5 mpg, using 301 gallons of gas. I drive 2333 miles on the highway, at 25 mpg, and use 93 gallons, for a total of 394 gallons of gas used per year, times $4 a gallon, or $1576 spent for gasoline in a year, at today's prices. I can't cross-verify this with my gas card bills, because the prices have varied so widely, but that's the cost at today's rate. If I'm figuring correctly, that's a combined city/highway mileage rate of about 18 mpg, rounded up slightly.

Now let's go waaaay out on a limb and say I could sell my car (to someone who will, presumably, continue to drive it, though possibly not as well-maintained and efficient as it is now) and buy myself a little sub-compact that will get me a city/highway average of 40 mpg. (Is there anything besides a motor scooter that will do that?) But let's say I can find one. 7,000 miles at 40 mpg would use 175 gallons of gas, at $4 a gallon, for a cost of $700 a year. So, I could save about $876 a year, or $73 a month, in the little car. (Or the Moped.)

For this, I would be giving up comfort, convenience, carrying capacity, and reliability, not to mention safety, and oh yes - the incredible service I get from Sewell. Please don't try to tell me that Mickey Mouse Motors would put a new battery in the mousemobile at 62,000 miles and not charge me for it. Or that they would send someone out to where I'm stranded at 9 p.m. to install the battery, and not charge for that either. Sorry, that dog won't hunt. I could trade, but you know what? It ain't gonna happen. Not worth it. When a big old semi passes me on the highway, he's going to have to huff and puff pretty hard to blow me around. My grandkids and I will continue to ride solid, thanks. Call me piggish, elitist, or a bigfoot, I don't care. There are the numbers, and so far, they make sense to me. Things could change, but for now, I'm standing pat. --Romeena
June 21, 2008 - Msg 63524: Good question, Ro, how do we get out of this mess? Thanks for that very informative post. I feel a bit better now about the gas I am using. I have to admit, I wasn't really being noble in wanting to sell my suburban, I was thinking of my pocketbook. What concerns me more is the effect rising gas prices has on my groceries! Wow.

I am thinking, like Me-They posted, that changing our ways and going back to some of the ways our grandparents did things might be a very healthy thing...maybe all this mess can actually turn out for the good.

Better go feed mom and her dogs!

Boo
June 21, 2008 - Msg 63525: Essentials and priorities...that's what we'll end up adjusting. ~New Neighbor
June 21, 2008 - Msg 63526: Well said, New Neighbor. I find I'm already doing that, in a few small ways. For instance, instead of hopping in the car yesterday morning and going to the pharmacy and grocery store, I stayed home, found lunch in the pantry, went to the pharmacy on my way to work, and stopped at the grocery this morning on my way home. One whole trip eliminated, and a short-dated can of soup removed from the pantry. It's not much, but every little bit helps. --Romeena
June 21, 2008 - Msg 63527: As for a garden and trying to raise some of my own food, that just won't work for me. Birds and squirrels make short work of any edibles in the yard. I have a pear tree, but never get the pears - the squirrels haul them off just before they start to ripen. Tomatoes wouldn't last two hours with the flocks of birds that hang out around here. Besides, there is a family-owned produce market very nearby, and they have excellent produce. Most is locally home grown, and reasonably priced. I spent $35 there this morning, and came home with a cantaloupe, a small watermelon, a big bag of cherries, a pint of blueberries, four huge and beautiful tomatoes, a big sack of squash, three ears of corn, two pounds of shelled raw peanuts, a lovely avocado, three cucumbers and a jar of homemade candied jalapeno pepper rings. I bought it from the two delightful and friendly sisters who run the place, along with their mom and an assortment of their teenage kids, while their dad sits in a tilted-back chair in a corner and whittles. No kidding. The kindly old fellow just sits there, watching and whittling, all day. You'd love the place, it's like a page out of Mayberry. Nope, no veggie gardening for me, but hooray for those who do. I grew up with a garden out back, and know that nothing tastes better on a warm summer afternoon than a big old juicy tomato that you just pick off the vine, wipe on your shirt and bite into like an apple. You can just taste the sunshine in it.

Well, guess I'll go scare up some vittles. I'm going to try a recipe I saw on TV, involving ground Italian sausage, "smashed" frozen green peas, garlic, fettucini and ricotta cheese. It looked easy and good.

Good grief! It's nearly 9 p.m. Guess I'll do the sausage thing tomorrow night. Tonight I'll eat the avocado and one of the tomatoes and a cucumber, and those three ears of corn! A handful of the peanuts for protein, and I'm all set.

Be blessed, all. --Romeena
June 21, 2008 - Msg 63528: Well, after having a long shower and "taking a thank" in there, I have something to add. Regarding my long dissertation regarding fuel costs and big vs small vehicles, let me just say that I realize there were a lot of "I" and "me" statements in that. In other words, it was written strictly from my own perspective, which is naturally limited. I have only one frame of reference, and that's my own personal experience. I'm operating from the premise that my piddly little 7000 miles a year isn't going to make or break the economy, the oil situation or the environment, regardless of what size vehicle I drive.

However, I'm aware that there are others out there whose vehicles have a heavy impact. For some, it's obvious that they have no choice. Take REV, for example. He drives a motorhome that is no doubt a record-setting gas guzzler, and he drives it all over the country, serving the Lord. He transports a great deal of sound equipment and supplies, so if he drove a small vehicle, he'd have to pull a big trailer. He also lives in the thing when he's on the road. Without it, he'd be paying enormous hotel bills. So, he has no choice, and I rather imagine that the high fuel costs are eating his lunch, to put it mildly.

Then there are the long-haul truckers, who carry the food and goods that we all demand and use every day. What are they supposed to do, zip around on bicycles, or pull coaster wagons, like Opie and Aunt Bee? Again, no choice, and this fuel crunch is putting the independents out of business. It won't be long until the big companies are going to succumb as well.

So, since we really can't fault the ones we've mentioned so far, let's set our sights on the soccer moms who drive the big SUVs that everyone hates so much. They're an easy target - big as a barn, and there's one about every fifty feet on the road. But wait. Suppose that in that SUV there's a child with special needs, whose wheelchair and perhaps other special equipment are just out of sight in the rear deck? Or suppose that particular mom picks up discarded produce and outdated food items and delivers the load to a local food bank every morning? She could carry it all in a little lightweight pickup, I suppose, as long as it doesn't rain, snow or sleet, and if the bags of lettuce don't mind wilting in the sun in the truck bed. The couple you see in the SUV might be my friends - the husband a paraplegic who uses a motorized chair, with his wife to drive the vehicle, get the chair out of the rear deck and bring it around to the passenger door where he uses special handholds to enable him to transfer to the chair. The guy driving the SUV might be a dedicated kids' sports coach, who carries all the team equipment, and picks up and transports the kids whose parents can't or won't get them to practice and games. Or he could be a salesman who needs the strong vehicle and the lockable space to carry his bulky samples around.

Or the driver might just be a jerk who enjoys driving a big muscle vehicle and scaring the bejabbers out of everyone else on the road. The point is, we don't know. And until I figure out a way to know for sure, I'm going to try to be more careful about reserving judgment when one of those things is blocking my view, or bearing down on me like a juggernaut. Now, check this out. My son and DIL both drive Tahoes, and you can pick and choose out of my list up there, because some of it applies. No, no wheelchairs.

OK, now I promise - that's it. --Romeena
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63529: I agree about the SUVs, and other big rigs. You never know the details about why someone is driving one. I try not to judge. Although sometimes it’s hard to figure out why people want to spend the money, especially on the way to work. I ride a commuter-van, with 12 other people each day. As I sit there during the commute, staring out the window, it’s amazing how many people are driving an SUV, with only themselves in it. I suppose all of those people could have to pick up an elderly relative on the way home from work, or some such other noble errand, but I think it’s highly doubtful. No, they just like the feel of a big vehicle, or feel safer in one; or perhaps it’s their only car, and they have no other choice. I don’t know the answer. I don’t understand why they don’t at least ask a co-worker or neighbor to ride-share or something to help with the gas. Again, I can’t figure it out. My husband and I have always had small cars that get good gas mileage. Not only have we never had an income that could afford to pay for the gas of a bigger car; but our income also dictated the type of car we usually bought as well. Usually our cars were anywhere between $7,000 to $13,000. Which kind of limits your options. We’ve had a couple of old Mustangs, a Volkswagen GTI, a Volkswagen Rabbit, a Volkswagen Dasher, and a Ford Escort in our 31 years of marriage. Oh, and an Isuzu pick-up truck. All of which got pretty good gas mileage and were also in that price range I mentioned. Of course we would rather have had something with more room, but we couldn’t afford it. It made for interesting family vacations thru the years. You just do the best with what you have.

Welcome back, auh2o.

- Hazel
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63530: You're right, of course, Hazel. I completely agree that it's likely that the majority of the big SUVs you see on the road are just an extension of somebody's personality, rather than the reflection of a genuine need. Like you, I just try to give the benefit of the doubt.

I haven't always driven a Cadillac either. Over the years, we drove everything from a land-yacht Lincoln handed down by my parents for free (talk about a gas guzzler!) to a tiny Ford station wagon, to a big old '71 Buick Roadmaster wagon for which we paid $5,000 brand new, and which was probably the best car we ever owned, and the safest. We hauled four kids and assorted dogs all over the country in that thing. It got good mileage, absolutely never broke down, and we turned the odometer over twice - over 240,000 miles on that car when we finally gave it up, and I could count on one hand the number of times it had been in the shop for any major repairs. We named it Big Red, and of course, we gave it a human personality and it became a member of the family. I cried when it finally went away. It was my car - the family car, of course, but essentially mine, as my husband had another he used for business travel. I loved that car!

No, as I've said here before, the reason I drive the cars I drive is the security and service I get from the dealership. A woman my age, alone, has to look at things through a slightly different filter than someone who has a partner or a family. So, I figure others have their own unique reasons for driving what they drive as well, and as you said, I just try not to judge.

Be blessed, everyone. --Romeena
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63531: Morning gang. Good Sabbath.
I don't try to bother myself with what others drive. Live and let live, although I must admit that some of the jacked up 4 wheelers with the huge tires on them you see a lot of kids driving around, belching out black diesel smoke, tend to tick me off. I have to breathe that junk.
But what does bug me is how folks drive. Your stopped at a red light that turns green and folks take off like scalded dogs, just to pull up along side them a block later at another red light. That light turns green and "wham", we repeat the process. Just stupid if you ask me. Folks drive with one foot on the gas and the other on the brake and I ain't so sure they ain't using both at the same time. Agressive drivers really upset me because they are a menace to everyone on the road. (now my jaw muscle is working just thinking about it)

Good to see you AUH2O. You've been missed. You managed to get excited about this election, or you like me, just bummed out? Hey at least we have two choices. To bad they are little and none. :)

Hazel, how is your garden doing? My goodness, this has been a hard spring here for gardens. It had been so cool and wet nothing would grow. Now it's hot and dry. I planted corn for the 4th time yesterday. I know it's getting late in the season for it, but only about half of what I have been planting has come up.
Speaking of gardens, I realize that not all are able to do them. But I still worry the time may come when we have to plant our own food. We have a lot of locals that sell here as you mentioned Ro, but they are dwindling fast. Many of them are older and as they retire and/or die off, no one is replacing them.

My other concern is debt. I hope you avoid it as much as you can. Try to get out of debt as soon as possible and stay that that way. Our Country needs to do the same. Spend, spend, spend! We are spending ourselves into oblivian.
OK, That's my sermon for the day.

Asa
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63532: Good Sabbath everyone. I’m stuck at work today so y’all get to be afflicted with my company.

AUH2O: You old dog, don’t stay away like that! What’s a good moulage if nobody want to play in it?

BOO: We have a Foreman and enjoy it, too. Like you have found out, it’s great for some things and not for others. The kids love quesadillas cooked in it. We got one mainly because on real hot summer days it beats turning on the oven (we don’t have a/c and the downstairs window unit can’t keep up with a 400 degree oven on a 100 degree day).

ROMEENA: I heard a story on NPR the other day about cars and gas mileage. The upshot was the MPGs can be misleading. Evidently, most of the rest of the world uses a better formula that is more accurate (I forget what but you could look it up) and just going by MPGs doesn’t always tell the vehicle that actually is more efficient. He actually figured that in his case, a sedan was actually better than getting a hybrid in terms of gasoline efficiency.

ASA: We started planting a garden last year and continued this year. It’s pretty small, about 15 feet by 25 feet, and I likely will enlarge it next year. We are growing lettuce, spinach, parsley, beets (lots!), beans, peppers, cauliflower, and, of course, several different kinds of tomatoes. We planted broccoli but most didn’t take for some reason. Bad seeds maybe. We also planted dill, mostly because I just like the smell of it in the air. We don’t use much of it.

Growing up my parents always had a fairly large garden—about a half acre or so. I hated the summer morning chores of pulling weeds, picking peas, etc. Now it doesn’t bother me. We also had cherry trees (sweet and tart), apple trees, chestnut trees (I love chestnuts, and the burrs were great fro painful battles in the backyard!), grapes, raspberries, gooseberries, strawberries, and asparagus.

We have quite a few red raspberries and a large Concord grape in our yard now, and I planted a couple of blueberry bushes last year. The kids love picking the berries and eating them right off the vine. I don’t use any pesticides so they can do that. We’re going to put in a good size asparagus bed next year. I have been threatening to plant a couple of chestnut trees for several years now. I won’t have cherries or apples, though; the cherry trees need several to really do anything and draw all kinds of birds who devour them, and the apples trees need so much care and pruning.

I also remember how my mom and grandmother canned and froze every summer and fall. I can still hear that whistling steam. The basement was filled with mason jars. I remember when my grandmother died hundreds of jars had to be dumped. She was still stocking up to get through the Ice Age. It seemed like everybody did it then. Now I bet the vast majority of people wouldn’t even know the first thing about it.

Regarding debt, I enjoyed the relief check we received in May, but hate the thought that the government basically borrowed the money from teh Chinese to give it to me. The tax rebate we got a few years ago also was welcomed, but it left a real bad taste when we were told that we should spend it to pump up the economy. Maybe that the problem: our economic growth is based of people spending every penny they have then borrowing more to spend. There's a thought!

Well, better get some work done!

Me-They
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63533: Yep, that's were I find myself, Ro, wanting to down-size but needing to carry two boys to church whose parents won't take them there (or anywhere else much, for that matter). I originally bought the suburban because I wanted something large enough to hold my family and my elderly parents when we took trips and such and it's been great to have when hauling folks around but I wouldn't buy another one at this point.

Amen, ASA.

Hey there, M-T, you working on a Sunday again already? Guess vacation really is over. Think I'll go make my self a sandwich on the Foreman grill....

Boo
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63534: Happy Sunday porch..hey auh20,boo,ro,Rev,Tom,hazel...well talking about cars and trucks...I have a one ton 4 door duley with a gas burning 454 in it i drive every day..its gets anywhere between 8 to 10 miles to the gallon but i need it to pull the boat and camper and ...well....like my dad said if you cant do anything about something dont worry about it [gas prices]...i just try to have a happy outlook on life and pay the price!..i am looking for me something small to drive back and forth to work...well its a great day in Ga...sunny and low humidity and mid 80"s...let grill chicken tonight...fresh green beans from the garden...cream taters..rolls and tea....SPOT
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63535: Sounds great, SPOT. Count me in.

BOO: Yeah, every sixth or seventh week. Today our garden has been rented for an event. About 70 DAR members are here. As if working on a Sunday weren't punishment enough, I've been running around trying to please scores of blue-hairs all afternoon. And I say that with all the kindness I can muster.

About the suburban, I really think it's more about each family doing what they reasonably can than everybody doing the exact same thing. Some maybe can downsize vehicles; some can't, or shouldn't. Maybe others don't mind flourescent bulbs. Me, I'm going to take the hit and stay home and do nothing this evening. I may even put up the hammock. That should save bunches of gas and energy ;).

M-T
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63536: Just to clarify, that's the garden at the museum, not my personal garden. If a gaggle of snooty little old ladies with wide brimmed hats showed up at my house, I'd have the kids scare 'em off.

M-T
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63537: Just to clarify anothjer point, DAR stands for Daughters of the American Revolution. In other words, "pure-bred" blue hairs.

M-T
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63538: Good afternoon, everyone. Me-They, you make me laugh. I can just see you running around "yes, ma'am-ing" a bunch of little old ladies in sensible shoes, being all helpful and proper, and all the while thinking things that aren't fit to print here. Hahaha! I'd love to have been a butterfly, just drifting around and observing.

You know, you pretty much summed up what I took up half the porch to say. I really think it's more about each family doing what they reasonably can than everybody doing the exact same thing. You're so right. For those who don't mind fluorescent bulbs, go for it. I hate them, so will not use them in my lifetime, if I can buy enough incandescents to last. Ha! Just watch, somebody will come up with something wonderful and cheap (LEDs?) and I'll be stuck with a garage full of incandescent light bulbs! Wouldn't that be a hoot? Speaking of LEDs, I'm considering putting them on my Christmas tree, if I can find some I like. I guess they just about never wear out, and it would be nice not to have to replace a string or two every year. That's a real chore, on my tree.

Asa, I couldn't agree more, with everything you said up there. About the jackrabbit drivers, don't you just love it when they roar away from a stoplight, and you can just see their fuel indicator dropping, then at the next light you just slowly coast in beside them, having saved both gas and your brakes? I love to look over and give them a friendly smile. (heehee)

Well, I need a little lunch. I think I'll go slice one of those gorgeous tomatoes, sprinkle some Romano cheese on it, and stick it under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Yum! Maybe I'll eat those ears of corn, too, since I didn't cook them last night. I'll cook the corn in the micro, in the shuck, then just peel-and-eat. I don't even need butter. It's really good that way.

Be blessed, all. --Romeena
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63539: Romeena I will have to try the micro corn for sure!..Race fans its almost time!..Supper at 6..and dont be late.....SPOT
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63540: What gets my jaw muscles twitchin' is what I call "honkers". People that impatiently honk. Here's the scenerio. You're at a red light. You're the second car back. The light turns green, and the guy in the front just sits there. I NEVER honk. Sometimes it takes a few seconds to mash down on the gas pedal and start moving. I ain't in that big of hurry. I'll wait. Could be an old fellow. Could be someone who's distracted by something on the side of the road. (Or, like my husband, looking at a Harley in the lane next to him). Maybe if they don't move in say, 15 seconds or so, I may tap tap my horn a bit. But I can't stand people who the minute the light turns green, if the whole line of cars isn't moving, they're honking.
Gardens doing great, Asa. Onions and shallots are amazing, very healthy looking. Peas, not so much (the bugs got them early on). Tomatoes, squash, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, beans, cantelope, all looking good. Perhaps a little behind from the usual summer. Like you, we had such a wet spring, and really didn't get our hot weather until a couple weeks ago. Now, it's suddenly been 100, 2 days in a row. I meant to plant corn, even bought a packet of seeds, but never did it.
- Hazel
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63541: You people are making me envious, with your talk of your gardens. As I've probably said a zillion times, I grew up with a big old garden out back, and I admit that I miss it. However, for just me, it's too much work, I have too little space, and the critters would get it all anyway. So I'm just grateful that we have a nice little farmers' market close to my house.

Annoying drivers? Here's my pet peeve. There's construction up ahead. A lane is ending. There have been signs to that effect for about two miles. However, Important Business Bozo comes crowding along in the lane that's ending, passing everyone who has been in an orderly line, and forces his way in at the last minute. That's when my DH used to wish for a "rubber car". Even worse, the same scenario, only Bozo is driving on the shoulder, throwing gravel at everyone, and still insists on being allowed in when even the shoulder runs out. He got out of line way back there when the traffic slowed down, passed everyone on the right, and now thinks he should be allowed back in. Go figure. Maybe he has a real emergency? Possible - so he should turn on his flashers, use his horn, make it evident to everyone, and if necessary, call 911 for an escort before the baby is born in the car or whatever the emergency might be. No, it's usually some idiot who thinks his time is more valuable than everyone else's.

OK, off I go to make that Italian sausage dish. If you're in the neighborhood, drop by and I'll share. If not, I'll let you know later how it turned out. Be blessed, all. --Romeena
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63542: I agree, Ro, that is my big driving pet peeve, too. I try not to let it get me too upset but I love it when every now and then, some big car/truck positions himself in the middle, between the two lanes to kept those cheaters from passing...kind of makes my day.

Well, I am exhausted and packed for camp. I just have to pack the things into the suburban in the morning and pack up a lunch for the road. So, you may not hear from me until next weekend unless I have a few minutes in the morning to check in before I leave. Pray for me, it's going to be really hot!..haha

I'm off to bed!

Boo
June 22, 2008 - Msg 63543:
Hello porch family...I'm down in south Louisiana right now. Had some great concerts today. Some wonderful folks down here. And some good eating too.

Spot...did you see the race today? I didn't get to see it but just saw that Kyle won it. I'm not a big road course fan.

Boo...have a great camp trip and try to stay cool.

Ro....I have the same feelings about the rude Bozo drivers in the constuction sites. Of course their time is more important than anyone else.

Well I'm off to bed. Hope to check back in tomorrow. Sleep good and remember that Jesus loves you so much. Praying for all the porch family.
-REV.
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63544: Well hey there Rev...yea Kyle is on a ROLL..are you in La?..breakfast will be at waffle house ok gang...on Mrs Rev!...hee hee....Miss Sherry and I are gona go look at a 29 ft travel trailer today!...we aint getting any younger ya know!..my 19 ft pull behind is ok but she wants something self contained...and she is Buying!...SPOT
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63545: Good morning everyone. Looks like another beautiful day here, though they are calling for thunderstorms later.

Have a safe trip, BOO.

SPOT: 29 feet, huh? Then you'll have room for all of us, too! I get the overhead bunk.


Me-They
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63546: Good Monday Morning to everyone on the Porch:

Had a great weekend on Lake D'arbonne at a friends so called fishing camp (2 story A frame House with a 2 room boathouse and ramp). Caught alot of fish and got some sunburn. Enjoyed everyones comments on the economic mess we are all enjoying.

ASA: BLACK GOLD was a great show and my energy producing friends and I enjoyed it. It showed the real way things are done in the on-shore drilling industry. Only the guys I know who work offshore work for or with the major oil companies. I believe they are padding the cost like everyone else but we can start drilling in these new areas once the men are trained and the rigs are built. Every rig available is in production now. The new rigs are being built in Miss and La with American steel and good paying American labor. My next door neighbor for 25 years (son was one of my friends) owned his own on-shore drilling company with over 10 rigs in production at one time. My current best friend whose father still lives down 4 houses from my mom's house owns his own energy production company. BLACK GOLD shows the work and risk these guys are taking. If the hole is dry the government doesn't pay for the companies' loss of $10,000 to $40,000 a day. Me-They: No hard feelings but my mother and sister are members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and they do not have "blue hair". I think their blood is red thought. The charities they support are immense. I am a member of the Sons of the Confederacy and will gladly take your best shot at our organization. Hazel: I love to cook with Shallots, Leeks and good old Texas 10/14 (as sweet as Vidalia) Onions. Hobo- Good to see ya back on the porch. Boo- My 83 year old mom has a home health aide 3 times a week and can not for some reason stand the sight of this innocent woman. ROMEENA- You keep your Sewell Cadillac bought vehicle. They say if you bought a PRIUS right now you would have to keep the car for years before you saw any savings unless you currently drive a very large gas guzzler and drive alot. Auh20- Good to have you back on the porch, we don't have HILLARY and WILD BILL in the Spotlight anymore. SPOT: I will meet you for breakfast. REV: You enjoy that good food down in the southern part of my great state.

Weather is great here in and it is good to be an American. The "Dud"




June 23, 2008 - Msg 63547: Me-They: My daughter is a future DAR member who is looking forward to be with a group who cherishes a common history, she has to wait till she is 18. DAR identifies over 6,600 African Americans and American Indians who contributed to American independence. Their blood runs red I believe. The "Dud"
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63548: DUD: Didn't mean to offend with the blue-hair comments. We deal a lot with organizations such as that and like so many others they have had their heyday. The quasi-military/Greco-Roman motif is a little dated. Remaining members tend to be older ladies. They do, of course, do many philanthropic things and I'd never disparage that. In my case, I was surrounded by a hive of little old ladies who were bugging me almost to death. I wasn't commenting on their worth as human beings or anything, only relating my own frustrations. Anyway, I guess I shouldn't have even mildly charactitured them in that way. So, I apologize to you, your mother, and sister.

On the SOC, I will save my comments only to say that there are many good people affiliated with it, you among them.

But, slavwery was the primary reason for the Civil War. Oops! Did I let that slip out? ;)

Regarding our election choices, I'm not as despondant as some of you appear to be. Nevertheless, I have been more excited. I've decided that instead of letting it get to me I'm going to devote as much of my thought abouts the candidates to translate into continuing prayer that the Lord's will be done and He give both of them teh strength, wisdom, and guidance to lead this country. After all, McCain and Obama may not be our dream team, but the Lord can do anything.

Me-They
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63549: DUD: I missed you second post. YOu do sound a little irritated, and for that I'm sorry. I genuinely didn't mean to offend. Like I said, I certainly don't have a problem with the DAR or their good works. I also didn't accuse the DAR of being bigoted in any way, and don't think my comments could have been construed as such. I think it's great that your daughter is looking forward to joining.

M-T
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63550: I meet many people who do not know the history of their families for what ever reason. I am so proud of my heritage and the lineage of the two families of my parents who have served our country and the War between the States since arriving on the shores of this Promised Land we call North America. They joined the armed forces and helped build this country. Many people do not respect history and they have no clue what certain organizations do. Boo & ROMEENA can tell you that the ALAMO would not exist as an educational tool and tourist attraction if not for the "Daughters of the Republic of Texas". I will get off my soapbox now. The "Dud"
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63551: Me-They: Apology accepted in the good spirit of Barney and Andy. Let us all have a wonderful productive day. The "Dud"
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63552: Regarding respecting history, you're preaching to the choir here, DUD. I work in the field and my degree is in history, concentrating on early American. I also can trace my family back to their immigration to these shores in the 1670s, and am proud of my family history, if not for all the realities that all humans have failings and do not so nice things sometimes. Many members of my extended family have been DAR since it's inception in the 1890s. However, it's not really for me (besides that I'm not the right shape). I have no problem with organizations that honor their ancestors, patriots, or others, but I'm less inclined to be a part of organizations that restricte their membership based on pedigree. That said, different strokes and all, and I do not have a problem with any organization setting it's own rules for membership.

Me-They
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63553: My daughter is looking forward to joining the Jane Douglas Chapter of the DAR located in Dallas. It will be a honor for her and the meetings are located in the Continental DAR House, which was a gift to the Jane Douglas Chapter from the Continental Oil Company. It is strange how we are touched by energy in every facet of our lives. The "Dud:

June 23, 2008 - Msg 63554: Right now, mostly in the wallet, eh? ;)

M-T
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63555: You boys are a hoot! --Romeena
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63556: Me-They: I love your comments about the Sons of the Confederacy and my daughter, she will join the daughters of the confederacy when she turns 18. Yes, the War between the States was about slavery and let us say states rights, but over 75% of the warriors of the South did not have any people who owned slaves. I had one family on my father's side who did not own slaves. I had one on my mother's side a Tenn. family who owned 4 to 5 slaves who worked on their farm. Sherman's Troops were the first raping, stealing guerilla army in the US and they burned down my great grand mother's house and raped her, left her for dead and a little slave girl came out of the meadow where the slaves and livestock were hidden. She dragged my G. G. Grandmother out of the house before it burned and saved her life. The Slaves on this homestead stayed and sharecropped like my G. G. Grandfather did and payed the tax to the Yankees until reconstruction was played out. Laugh if you want, but this is family history and I am so proud of my G. G. Grandfather who would not plege allegiance to an illegal union. Off my soap box ....The "Dud"
June 23, 2008 - Msg 63557: Me-They: I am a "War between the States": military re-enactor. Please feel free to come on down to the Battle of Mansfield in the Western District of the Confederacy and wear your Yankee colors of blue and Yellow. Love to have you there and we have a great time targeting the blue coats....I will bring my daughter, who knows that over 7,000 Jewish southern patriots fought for their liberty and property. ROMEENA: Forth Worth has a whole section in their Jewish cemetary that is provided for the Jewish Confederate Patriots of the "War between the States". With Pride and Just Funnin' the, The "Dud"

The "Dud"