[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – April 2019 #94976

Just wanted to say hello. We have had so much sickness here. Jerry is finally doing better. I have been so worried, but thank God a lot of that congestion that was in his head and chest is doing better. I would lay there at night listening to him trying to breathe and it just hurt me. I would get him up all during the night even though he would fuss as much as he could muster the strength to so I could walk him to try to get the congestion from just setteling in his lungs. He would always start to get alittle better during the day but would be feeling so bad by the time the sun would start to go down, Sometimes I would just sleep in my recliner. I was so afraid I would catch this stuff. He had to take two full prescriptions of antibiotics before things began to really get better. I have missed you all so much. I have also had to leave most of my “cleaning” because I was just too tired to do anything but take care of him.
I know how hard it was for you and your family to take care of your blessed Mom’s home and things, Colleen. But I bet there were some laughs and sweet memories mixed in with all your hard work. It took us forever to do that job with my parents and with Jerrys. We have quite a bit of things that Jerrys Mom has at her home now, even though she just has the one room. She has been doing really well thank God. She gets so excited when she see Jerry walk in the room and her face lights up. It was a real battle for me to keep him home these few weeks, but I went out to see her at least once a week. I just don’t know what we will do for her Easter. Thinking of ordering cupcakes for everyone and taking her some bunny ears.
Praying for Heather and for Brent. Our children worry us no matter their age.
To be honest with everyone I am almost too tired right now to show my excitement about our family coming. I will difinitely write more hopefully tomorrow. DD I am glad Jewell is better, and Sue I hope thing are doing well for you. Please take care. And Adele, my prayers are with you for your upcoming surgery. Don’t worry about anything but taking care of YOU and getting better. Hugs from the stormy state of Tn. Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – April 2019 #94643

Hi everyone. It is cloudy and the rain seems to have let up for a little. We are just soaked here, and more on the way they say. I think I must be a lot like little Aliza; I get all out of sorts without a nap too. There are days I just have to lay down and before I know it I am sound asleep. If I sleep too long then I get up feeling groggy, but if I don’t take that nap I just feel awful. Mabey Gary will eventually get used to the new bed. I am so glad that it is helping your shoulder though Adele. At least that helps. We are busy but Jerry is sick right now with the flu. I hope and pray he will be quiet and still and get well as soon as possible and that I will be blessed and miss catching it. He tries to bounce back too soon, and we all know that the flu is not something to really take care of. I have already used up a can of Lysol spray and I have this huge bottle of hand sanitizer sitting right on the kitchen bar. So if I can get him better I have LOTS of things to do before our family arrives. But trying really hard not to stress. He has lots of chest congestion, and stuffy head. I know he feels just awful.
Gail, are you getting the chance to read much? I have two sitting waiting for me to start. Something tells me that I won’t get to them for a little while. Did you put much decorations out for Easter? We are going to be crowded ; so I am just putting out a little for the baby and of course; he has an Easter basket. Neal asked me Mom, please don’t send Colin anything we have to box up lol I think he has boxed himself out ha ha. Moving is such a hard chore and to be moving across country; literally; is hard to imagine.
Sue, hope your little broken things are all repaired and the third thing will just forget to show up. lol We had two things go bad a couple of weeks ago; we had to replace our hot water tank (expensive) and then the next day we had a flat tire and my husband said that if we only replaced the one that it would cause the car to run crooked or something; so we had to buy two tires instead of one (again expensive) and since our property taxes came due the following week, I think that was our third thing. So we are just keeping our fingers crossed that this is all. HOpe yours turns out less costly. I felt like poor Adele with the bad leaky roof during the cold rainy weather.
DD, I have been “bored” or something with the Q too here lately. I couldn’t even finish watching David the other day. And some of the food items I really like are so expensive this year. Well actually the price of most everything seems to have gone up. I used to buy button up bloused from S. G. for around $25 and now they are $60, and I guess the Lori fans must be loaded, because to me her line is just outrageous in price. Glad Jewell is better. Our kittly is all snuggled up on the throw right now. I don’t think he is going to like all the noise and confusion to his routine with company coming lol
Colleen, Joey has already seen two big snakes so you all please be on the look out too. This warm rainy weather is bringing them out early I think. Hope everyone has a good evening. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – April 2019 #94548

Hello Ladies. So glad to read that Jewell is better. Hope he will feel better and eat his new food good. Our kitty had a problem with his chruchy treats recently. He would be so mad at us for not giving him the kind he really liked; and as you know they do not want you to change their little routine; as I say, without their permission. lol Our kitty gets on the very top level of his stand when any child visits; so I know he will be spending a lot of time up high while our grandbaby is here.
Sue, besides all the “picking up” I have on my plate right now, you seem to have quite a bit going on right now. I really lead a sort of boring life. My poor husband has really had a hard time with his back; and trufthfully; I am really concerned that he seems so discouraged. I really feel that after all the training and life experiences I have been through; that I should be able to help him but just don’t seem to. I know our Adele is experiencing that grinding won’t let you alone, kind of pain now; so I will be so happy when she is able to get some relief. The doctors just don’t seem able to help him; and he gets so frustrated and let down and discouraged. I so remember when going to the doctor would mean talking really talking and knowing that the doctor was giving your his attention and was showing real concern. I know there are many good ones still out there and God bless them for being so kind. We just feel lost right now; so sorry for the long what was supposed to be encouraging note. LOL
I bet this is a strange time for you Gail with the dating situations, and for your daughter. Hope all goes well, and I am like you, as long as the little ones seem to be doing okay then I would just go on as normal as possible. You and your husband are such good parents and grands. How is Brent doing by the way? Hope he has been told some very encouraging news by now. .
I know you will enjoy the children doing all their Easter activities, Colleen. Our puppy used to run around just like one of the boys to try to find the eggs. They spent a lot of time trying to catch to puppy and retrieve the egg from his mouth. ha ha Such good memories. I spoke to the cake lady yesterday, and she said she would do the Strawberry cake for me with a buttercreme or a whipped frosting. Both sound yummy. I hope Sarah likes it. I know that is her favorite.
Better go for now. I didn’t drop my computer, Gail, but it still acts up on me. This was one of the worst we ever bought. Oh, by the way, I have used the Beekman Goat milk bars, and just love them. They are huge, in fact Jerry cuts it in half for me. But they last forever and are just silky. Hope you enjoy if you got some. Take care everyone. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-March 2019 #94213

Hello To everyone. So glad to have you back, Colleen. I know each day is hard but I pray you will be able to find a sweet memory to help you to smile so you can pass the sad moments. I know you said you were looking forward to reading the letters. I have a box of memories and pictures from the past that I take out to help me and there are letters that my grandfather wrote to my grandmother before they married; letters from my Dad to hid parents when he was in the Army that look like tiny little slick copies that came from the “War Department” and some of it would be blacked out. Then there are pictures of my Dad as a baby and toddler; so much to see. Our boys love looking at them. I bet you and your family will really love it too. Your chair story was just what your MaMa would want to help her children get through the hard time. God bless her for still being a good loving Mom. Prayers for you all.
Adele; I know you have lots of worries and are trying to think of everything to help make your surgery/recovery time easier for everyone, but please just know that it will all be okay; even if no one knows how to do anything. So please rest up as much as you can; and everything will somehow be okay. When is your surgery planned for?
Neal and family will be coming through right after Easter; so we will do our dinner while they are here. To say that we are anxious to see them is putting it mildly LOL Just thinking of it makes me smile. My little Easter bunny is hopping his way to Tennessee! Take care everyone. Will write more soon hopefully, but this crazy computer is acting up on me. Love and prayers to all, aBarbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-March 2019 #93959

Hello friends. I sure do wish that Gary would give your new mattress a better chance. I really believe it would help him; and he needs to be off that wound and since it has helped you so much, Adele, I think if he just gave it a little time he would see he really loves it. It sounds so comfy to me. Yours too, Gail. My Jerry is so pessimistic about trying new things. Our mattress did the same thing, it sank right in the middle, and we bought the Casper mattress. We both love it. But when he first heard I had ordered us one; he was like “that thing will never work, you are not going to like that thing” and lo and behold the “thing” has helped us both sleep so much better. He sings its” praises now. It came in a small box; and we just rolled it out since it was compressed so tightly within some heavy plastic. The instructions were to let it expand for 48 hours and even though he fussed and fussed after 24 hours (we slept in Neals old room while it inflated). He really didn’t want to give it 48 hours like it said, but I just put my foot down and said for once we are going to follow the instructions, and when we both laid on it the first time we took a nap it felt so good. And would you believe that he said he was the one who thought we would like it. He is a mess LOL
Neal is still sick. He just cannot seem to shake this sinusitis/brochitis. He sounds like he just feels so bad. He always says he is okay, but you know how you can hear it in their voice. Sent our Easter card off to the baby today. Also a gift card for Honey Bake ham, and some side off the Q to the kids for their Easter dinner. Neal usually bakes their ham, and I know he won’t feel like it this year.
Our grass is beginning to grow. We have had so much rain. It came a thunderstorm in the middle of the night last night. I woke up around 5 from a sound sleep just in misery needing to “relieve myself” and I didn’t think I was going to make it to the bathroom quickly enough. TMI, I know but I kept thinking, why tonight? and remembered that I was SO sleepy last night that I didn’t go pee right before I go to sleep like I usually do; and I woke Jerry up when I got up and then he had to go too. THen the kitty woke up and wanted attention; so had to rub his ears and give him a few little treats to get him to lay down at my feet and go back to sleep. So by that time I was wide awake; and laid there for about an hour or more before I went back to sleep. I do feel like now that I need a nap every afternoon. And I really think Jerry does too. So guess they need to study us Gail; goodness knows what the results of that would be LOL.
THe poppies are beautiful, and the butterflies too. Didnt know that about the Monarchs. I don’t know what in the world my computer is doing now; since the font just turned huge; so better close before I lose this. Take care all. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-March 2019 #93867

It was a nice day for us today. Temps were in the 50’s so that was comfortable. Joey came up and ate dinner with us. Lisa is working late; so he made her a plate for home, and took him one too. lol It makes us feel so good to see him eating a little more now. He was getting so thin. The monitor report finally came; and it mostly said he has periods of rapid heartbeats; but they did not detect any issues of concern. So that leaves us with questions, but we are so happy for no bad news that we just count this as a blessing. He doesn’t seem so stressed, and that makes me feel better.
Have had Colleen and her family on my mind today. God bless them all..
DD. I think you are doing really well in using your stick thing and Prime. I am like you, I look for ways to save. Your pictures were so cute as always. They make me smile. Thank you for picking such sweet things.
I almost ordered some roses from the Q the other day; but had to keep reminding myself that I cannot grow anything I have ordered before. They are so beautiful on TV but poor little things just wither on me. So to save them; I left them for someone else. ha ha Did you all order anything?
I meant to ask you Adele; were you all ever able to repair your leaky roof? Hope so.
Not much news tonight; so will colse for now. Take care my friends. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-March 2019 #93838

Dearest Colleen and family, God has called home another beautiful soul; and even though we cry for our earthly loss; she is now your heavenly Angel. Love and prayers for you and your family.
Beautiful messages and pictures from everyone. So sweet and I remember how comforting your messages have always been for me when in times of trials and worries. You all are such great ladies.
Our kitty has had his “get UP” times recently too DD. For someone so small he can howl like a wolf or something when he wants you to do what he wants. I think I should show Lori Grenier listen to him as an alarm clock; because I don’t think anyone could sleep through how loud he is when he wants you to get up and feed him. LOL Mabey you and I could combine him and Jewell on Shark Tank and then onward to the Q and millionaire land. ha ha If you all have seen the kitty on the Purina commercial who is gray and white it looks exactly like Auto but “slimmer” ha ha Ours is fluffier. There’s another idea; Nutri System for kitties. He could be the before; and the commercial kitty could be the after; because he turns his nose up over diet food. ha ha You are right; they are our kids. I told my hubby that all our little four legged babies know how to put their little sad face on and they get their treats.
Hope your shoulder is better Adele. Your soda bread hit a “flat note” I think Gails Gregg would say. But I go by taste; so as long as it didn’t affect the taste we just go with it. Fresh baked bread just makes your house smell so yummy.

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-March 2019 #93730

Very sunny and warm here today, flowers blooming, trees blooming. We rode into town and dropped off our tax information. We have literally had the same tax person for 30 years; and she and her husband retired; so NOW…I am on pins and needles because we have never even met our new lady. Our other lady became like a friend; who we came to know of her family, marriages, births, etc. just like she of ours. It made me sad and yet happy for her that she was able to finally retire and move close to her grands. They moved to Florida. I got a sweet Christmas card from her.
Gail; that hat certainly has your name all over it. I love the color; and being Southern; and with the Kentucky Derby; I love hats. I can remember Mama and the other ladies at church; and Easter Sunday was a sight to behold. All the beautiful pastels; my first pair of kitten heels at 13; petticoats to make our skirts flare out; white gloves; little purses….many wonderful memories. So your hat has my vote!
Adele; I have treated many with what is called “Roto virus” which gives bad diarrhea; vomiting; fever; makes you so sick. Poor lady; I know she must just feel awful. And I too wonder about the lesions. Very concerning. Hope she makes a good turn around very soon and gets better. How sweet to have your friends husband over for dinner. His bread sounds good. I love what we call here “cinnamon raisin bread” that has a swirl of icing on it. Tastes yummy. I bet you and Gary are really going to love your new bed. Hope it helps both of you be more comfortable. You may need to start doing a list of crock recipes for Gary now lol We have a lady in town that actually makes complete dinners for up to 4 for nightly meals of just regular food like you would make for yourself. And she either delivers or you pick it up at her home. She has turned it into a good little business for herself. It really doesn’t cost much more than fast food; and is so much healthier. We have a cafeteria style restaurant locally that Jerry and I love; and go at least every couple of weeks and sometimes get a “to go” meal, and bring it home. Do you have anything like that close by where Gary or one of the kids could bring something? I bet you have so many people there to help you all that you will really be using that new bed for resting and napping.
What are your Spring plans Sue? Has your temperature gotten up above 50 yet? I keep hearing a lot of the hosts on the Q talk about “going to the shore” and I always think that may be close to where you live. Pictures I have seen of fishing boats coming in; light houses; piers are just so beautiful. I know how Jeanne always loved light houses. Are you able to stay in contact with Angel quite a bit. She seems so sweet and natural. Just love her. I bet you had a wonderful time on the cruise.
Hope all is going well with your Mom and everyone Colleen. I know this must be a very busy time for you with the surgery coming up soon. Prayers coming your way. Please take care of yourself too.
DD, how are you and Ms. Jewell? Our kitty has had a hard time adjusting to the time change. Does Jewell? Can you put flowers in pots on your windowsill? I can’t because Auto Kitty eats the plants or flower. I am afraid he will get sick. So no indoor plants for me. It is so beautiful where you live. I can’t imagine looking out my window and seeing that glorious mountain peak with the snow at the top.
Better go for now. You all take care and have a great evening. Hope your shoulder is better Adele. That pain that makes you nauseous is awful. So sorry. Hugs, Barb

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-March 2019 #93677

So sorry your shoulder is giving you so much pain, Adele. Yes, I agree with you that since it is just getting worse that you have made the right decision to see the doctor about surgery. Please keep us posted. Hope your friend will feel better soon. I know you are worried. Love that Tillie wore her green finery. She is doing so well. And Colleen we will all be praying for your Mom and her procedure. She has been through so much and I know she and you all want her back home and feeling better. Neal and family are doing some better. Joey has gotten good results so far on his labs and his stress tests. We are waiting to hear from his wearing the monitor. I made BLT’s last night; plenty for them too. He and Lisa came up and did some work changing the oil in the tractor for Jerry. It reminded me of many years ago when Jerry and I would work together on those jobs. When you live in the country, you learn the value of keeping you farming equipment in good working condition. But now; it has become a real concern for us.
DD, love your beautiful Spring flowers. I could almost smell the fragrance coming from the page. I used to loved smelling the sweet smells as a child. No air conditioner back then; so the windows were wide open and I would smell the sweet rose bushes outside my window sill. Honeysuckle grows wild here and boy, does that smell wonderful. And I think the most fragrant is the Gardenia. What a glorious smell. Bet you all have your favorites too.
Better close for now. My computer is stopping every other word. Take care, praying for all. Hugs Barbara

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