MORNING ROLL CALL! ! ! OCTOBER -DECEMBER 2020 CLOSED

Community Champion ⭐

Winter has come and we had 3 nights in the high twenties. The first real cold spell is the hardest until we acclimate. Pretty boring here, not much news to report. Still struggling with Maggie the dog's eye. I am not nearly as tired now as I was in the summer months. Site of last picnic for this year, last week in October

Community Champion ⭐

Hi, Everyone!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Got my tree finished last night. Just need to vacuum (yes, even fake trees shed their needles, especially after over a decade of use) and put the tree skirt down. I don't care if anybody else but me sees it; I enjoy it!

It's raining right now and will be raining into tomorrow. Just glad it's not snow!

(sorry, @Frozenoem) 😸

@LaDolceVita ...that looks like a nice setting for a picnic. Glad you enjoyed it.

Take care you all, and enjoy the weekend!

My tree

LOL!

Not sure why my tree photo is sideways...it was upright when I added it?????

Community Champion ⭐

14* and windy, power went out this morning. Put sandwich in woodstove wrapped in foil, heated through in a minute. Good news airpot worked, hot coffee.

Got snow, sleet, etc last Night, perhaps 14”, town plow came through my driveway.

@st18688804

@catwoman500

Understand this may work, to protect ornaments on trees.

Froze

And yes, after long days/nights, I'd still like to swing these hunks of glass , plastic and silicon against the nearest wall Come on retirement!

st18688804

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

We thought about this last year, just for something different, LOL.

Shari

Community Champion ⭐

@catwoman500 Haha, the shaking cat, yes I feel like that often, though not about Christmas! The picnic spot is Cave Spring, Ga, looks like just a little city park but feels like a world away. People bring containers to get the mineral water to take home.

st18688804

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

Good Morning Everyone!

Not sure what the temperature is outside this morning, it is wet out and it did try to snow here in my corner of Chicago, IL. Working on my second cup of coffee this morning and thinking I need to find my desk and tend to my house plants, oh and plan something for dinner. Small problems but hey better than big world issues.

I do know that I am going to work on my crocheting at some point today, it is my new project for next year, crocheting blankets to donate next fall to women's shelters and other donation sites.

Shari

Community Champion ⭐

Having a heat wave, temp around 25* and cloudy. Awoke to first convoy of 6 telco/electric trucks replacing poles before 1st cup.

We had a storm blow through on Saturday/Sunday, only lost power for 6-8 hours.Today I clean out snow 15-16” and find my woodpile again.

Then swap out filters on landlines, it’s time.Took 5 minutes this am to discover why someone could be calling me about “Satanic Positives” magazine renewal, was “Photonics Positives”, and I have fiber optics cable to telco.

Time for coffee, then let the good times roll.”Laissez le bon temps rouler”, after I find my boots.🤣

Froze

And yes, after long days/nights, I'd still like to swing these hunks of glass , plastic and silicon against the nearest wall Come on retirement!

DaveMcKAuthor

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

On the morning of December 7, 1941, Imperial Japanese forces ambushed the Naval Station Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Tragically, 2,403 Americans perished during the attack, including 68 civilians. On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we solemnly honor and uphold the memory of the patriots who lost their lives that day“a date which will live in infamy” and we reflect on the courage of all those who served our Nation with honor in the Second World War.

Seventy nine years ago, Imperial Japan launched an unprovoked and devastating attack on our Nation. As torpedo bombers unleashed their deadly cargo on our ships and attack aircraft rained bombs from above, brave members of the United States Navy, Marines, Army, and Army Air Forces mounted a heroic defense, manning their battle stations and returning fire through the smoke and chaos. The profound bravery in the American resistance surprised Japanese aircrews and inspired selfless sacrifice among our service members. In one instance, Machinist’s Mate First Class Robert R. Scott, among 15 Sailors awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of valor on that day, refused to leave his flooding battle station within the depths of the USS CALIFORNIA, declaring to the world: “This is my station and I will stay and give them air as long as the guns are going.”

Forever enshrined in our history, the attack on Pearl Harbor shocked all Americans and galvanized our Nation to fight and defeat the Axis powers of Japan, Germany, and Italy. As Americans, we promise never to forget our fallen compatriots who fought so valiantly during World War II. As a testament to their memory, more than a million people visit the site of the USS ARIZONA Memorial each year to pay their respects to the Sailors entombed within its wreckage and to all who perished that day. Despite facing tremendous adversity, the Pacific Fleet, whose homeport remains at Pearl Harbor to this day, is stronger than ever before, upholding the legacy of all those who gave their lives nearly 80 years ago.

On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we recall the phrase “Remember Pearl Harbor,” which stirred the fighting spirit within the hearts of the more than 16 million Americans who courageously served in World War II. Over 400,000 gave their lives in the global conflict that began, for our Nation, on that fateful Sunday morning. Today, we memorialize all those lost on December 7, 1941, declare once again that our Nation will never forget these valiant heroes, and resolve as firmly as ever that their memory and spirit will survive for as long as our Nation endures.

The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2020, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper

Community Champion ⭐

@Frozenoem …It was a good thing I wasn’t drinking coffee when I saw that cat with the “shiny” thing. Oh, gosh that was so funny I would have had coffee all over the keyboard

I have seen those upside down trees before. Funny.

Not much going on here.

Made my mother’s meatballs Tuesday since one of our old traditions was to have spaghetti and meatballs on Christmas Eve. Froze them in small batches.

Fighting with Bed Bath and Beyond over their screw up of my order.

USPS not a friend right now either as it still hasn’t delivered one of my Ebay items to a customer. Mailed 11/30 to Illinois!

Needed to vacuum my car since I’ll be taking 2 friends up to another friend’s house on Friday so we can do our little Christmas that we usually do at one of our favorite restaurants. Still too iffy to go there in the holiday crowd. So decided to use just the dust buster inside the car and not connect the shop-vac and do a major thing. So glad I made that decision. Halfway through doing the minor clean up a snow squall decides to come. I ended that job fast. My hands were freezing. So hard for me getting in and out of the car I had the darn-dest time trying to pull up the passenger seat so someone with knees could sit behind that seat. Finally figured it out. Glad the driver’s side has an automatic slide thing. It’s still snowing, but it’s not going to do anything….I hope.

Good news about the vaccines. Not sure what phase we’ll all be in to receive it, but at least it’s on the way.

Pretty cold here still, but may warm up this weekend. I turned off the last outside spigot today.

Hope all of you are having a good week!

Off to get another cup!

Community Champion ⭐

31* fair weather clouds, and snow this weekend.

@catwoman500

P.O, may take awhile to deliver in timely manner or before this years fiasco with sorting equipment😇 and present?? postmaster general

Took me a week to get pkg of

wireless air pods from China by mail, last 3 days of trip in UPS system. But, that was in Sept. Present pkg is in US but, delivery delayed due to pkg. volume = translation another week.

Still in lockdown mode with no desire to play in crowds, or suggest they back off politely (kinda).

My age bracket suggests March or July for vaccine, maybe - Sexagenarian. But, this is Maine so it’s a crap shoot, and there’s still 100Million Positives in line ahead of me.

Time to play 2 hours of interruptions later, I think I best get moving.

My niece needed cheering had to find it, her cat “Clarice” crossed the rainbow bridge last night after 20 years.Diabetic with prolapsed something (if I say what I’ll be getting a nasty gram). Someone may need a Hannibal kitten this Xmas.

Her fav flick is “Silence of the lambs”.

Froze

And yes, after long days/nights, I'd still like to swing these hunks of glass , plastic and silicon against the nearest wall Come on retirement!

Community Champion ⭐

@catwoman500You really are conscientious about the mask! Yeah, I know, do not throw stones at me. Remember, I wore a face shield for a while. I am very conscientious about 5000 IU of vitamin D, as much C as I can remember, zinc almost daily. So far so good. My lifestyle does not allow for much social interaction and I feel somewhat safe with the limited interaction I do have.

Our winter so far is very nice. Not much cold, not too much rain. Would like more sunny days though. Enjoy your days folks. I am enjoying mine right now somehow have come to joy again.

Community Champion ⭐

Afternoon all 10* and sunny seem to have got lost on way back to rollcall, still breathing and awake.

Slept through Dr’s appointment and now it’s catch up time, rebooking appts.

Masks I’m fine with before Covid used to spend between 4 and 12 hours per day wearing them, if I had to take apart hard drives to recover data or swap boards to make them accessible to reads.

Hope all enjoy the heavy snows coming your way, a special gift from me🤣. If I can’t get it this time around, It’s better I should share it with friends so you might have a “White Christmas”.

Mine will most definitely be , no melting coming much before Spring.

@catwoman500

If you enjoyed my last picture, found a new one, if it posts.

And now it’s time to play in the woodpile it’s going to get colder tonight.

Finally have a packed to gunnels fridge, made it to the store and actually shopped.👍

Froze

And yes, after long days/nights, I'd still like to swing these hunks of glass , plastic and silicon against the nearest wall Come on retirement!

Community Champion ⭐

Hey, Peeps!

Nor’easter going on here. Snow started around 1:00. It’s supposed to keep on going into Thursday AM. Luckily I had my appointments in the AM and got home before it started. Yesterday I did put my cane spike back on my cane.

@Frozenoem ….will this be bringing more your way? Yes, I like the new cat photo! 😸

My only worry is losing power. I can’t stand to be cold. It’s kind of like a white-out right now. I may not get out for a couple of days at this rate. I did bring the snow shovel up from the basement, but shovel in one hand, cane in the other, and ice grippers on boots doesn’t really work too well. Don’t want to end up with the wrong end of me on the driveway. 😳

You all be careful out there, and stay safe!

Mine!

Community Champion ⭐

Wondering how you all are making out in the northeast. @DaveMcK Not sure if this front made it to Wisconsin.

Very gloomy here, cloudy, cold and feels damp. The kind of day that makes me want to stay in bed all day and read. Fat chance of that! No white stuff though, good thing, I needed to run errands.

Community Champion ⭐

A snowy hello to the Porch Peeps!

So…Miracles do happen...I got all geared up to shovel a path to the street to get the paper and trash cans, and lo and behold… someone had cleared the bottom of my driveway and made a path to where I keep the trash cans. Neighbor Kathy must have brought the paper up, but pretty sure she didn't do the rest of it. Looks like a snow blower did it. All I had to do was shovel in front of my doors and a path to the driveway. I may even try to clean off the car later.
Wish I knew who the Christmas elf was who did the job. 😻

Puts the spirit of Christmas right out there!

We had only about 8 inches, but since we had next to nothing last winter, it seemed like a lot. It was probably more than 8, but when the sleet arrived, it pushed some of the accumulation down. Had trouble falling asleep last night with the sleet blown by the high winds attacking my bedroom windows. But, at least we didn't lose power!!! 😸
Hope all you guys are OK.

MsStretch

Community Champion ⭐

Some parts of northwestern Virginia out towards the Blue Ridge got serious snowfall on Wednesday, but I saw mostly sleet and icy rain, just enough to make things very dicey.

My bushwhacking partner and I resumed our Shenandoah NP search for the past (homesites, cemeteries) on Tuesday and Skyline Dr. was closed due to icy conditions. However, we were able to hike the AT to our first designated homesite and revisit a cemetery along the way.

Down the frozen AT

Old family cemetery in SNP

Someone didn't fare well -- upside-down vehicle along road trace

Then, of course, the next day, SNP got hammered with serious snow.

Wreaths Across America was canceled this year at the national cemeteries, but I was able to take part yesterday helping lay wreaths at the Quantico cemetery through a private group/sponsor. I believe that is how most cemeteries, including Arlington, are doing it this year. They are spreading it out over different time periods through four days. I signed up for passes/tickets for yesterday. Wednesday was canceled due to weather conditions, but it went forward yesterday. Four of us were supposed to participate, but 2 had to bail because of snow/ice in their area.

We had to check in at a church parking lot across the cemetery and then, we were put in a convoy queue and assigned a specific section in which we were to lay 2 wreaths each. I was also allowed two grave-specific wreaths which they gave me at the church. The rest of the wreaths were shuttled over. Only a limited amount of people allowed in cemetery at one time. We followed a lead car to our designated section.

That would be me (in my linebacker position) dressing up hubby who's been here since 1989.

Stopped to see Mom & Dad, too. Even though they were one of the first to get dressed up, by Sunday, this section will be filled.

https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

Community Champion ⭐

@MsStretch

Wreathes Across America did leave from Cherryfield, ME in convoy to Arlington earlier this week, with 1.3 or 1.7 Million wreathes on board for their 8th year.

Think they have or are being placed this weekend, almost cancelled due to Covid but, workarounds we’re found.

Mentioning it now, as I just woke up, the joy of 2 days upright. The local TV stations covered the convoy it does come from Maine .

Facebook covers them on their home page. On that note I need coffee.

Just double checked 12/19 is day of Arlington placements.

Froze

And yes, after long days/nights, I'd still like to swing these hunks of glass , plastic and silicon against the nearest wall Come on retirement!

MsStretch

Community Champion ⭐

@Frozenoem , wreath laying at Arlington will be done by Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and Wreaths Across America (WAA), along with their partners the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (MDW) and the 3rd U.S. Infantry, “The Old Guard” (TOG).

It will not be opened to the general public, but they are invited to participate virtually.

Each national cemetery is doing it differently. Quantico requires you sign up online and check in at a church located outside the cemetery and wait for further direction. It is being spread out over 4 days because only 25 people are allowed in any one section at a time, masked and socially distanced.

Yes, I did know that the wreaths come from ME. 😊👍

📰 Wreaths Across America convoy set to head for Arlington National Cemetery

DaveMcKAuthor

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

Good Thursday morning to everyone on the Front Porch! Our weatherman tells us we will have mild temperatures and a chance of snow Wednesday night.

Saturday noon we had a celebration of Mary's brother-in-laws life form our niece's church in San Diego. Rick was a victim of Primary Progressive Aphasia for about 10 years which is a rare form of nervous system syndrome that affects one's ability to communicate.

Rick introduced me to my future wife Mary in the Spring of 1964 at UW Stevens Point where we went to college in the mid 1960's.

Now 56 years later we celebrated his life which included his 10.year battle of being locked in his own mind. This must have been very difficult for him as he loved communicating with people wherever he went.

Mary's sister Kathy who was Rick's wife since the Summer of 1964 passed in May of this year after battling several types of cancer over the years.

This truly has been a very challenging 2020 for our family beyond what everyone has been dealing with!

May 2021 be a very positive year for everyone!

The first photo is of Kathy and Rick on one of many courses!

The second photo is Rick

Third photo left to right in the front row is Rick, myself, Mary and Kathy.

Back row is their family who were at Rick's 70th birthday dinner in February 2011.

Their 50th wedding anniversary

Posted by Dave the Lighthouse Keeper