[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-February 2019 #92531

Glad to read that most of you all are having some thawing out, and none of those subzero temps. That was awful. We were so cold here. But today we have warmed up to 70 and then the thunderstorms began, and according to the forecast will stay here in waves of them all night and all day tomorrow. Our pond is already filled to the top so we are really getting a lot of rain. But they are also saying that I think tomorrow or it could be Saturday that the temp will be in the high 60’s all day but start dropping around 5pm and plunge to the low 20’s that night and back to cold again. This has been such a strange winter for us. And it sounds like for you all too. It is so scary to drive when it turns freezing like that after rain and warm temps. It is so hard for me to believe that the temperature can plunge 40 plus degrees in just hours, but I have seen it happen here before. I think that is one reason people get sick. At least it seems so to me.
So sorry you Mom fell Colleen. Hope she is doing better now. I too was wondering if she wears one of those medic alert devices? I really considered one myself after my sickness, but Jerry stayed close so I was able to call him if I needed something or just got scared. But I would have surely gotten one otherwise. Prayers for your mom.
Gail, I too watched a lot of the jewelry shows. I love looking even if I can’t buy. I am like you Sue, I was able to get some beautiful pieces years ago, and even though I see so much I would love to have, I just can’t make myself justify a new piece unless it is something that is really really special to me. It has hurt my feeling a little that none of my DIL’s seem interested in the pieces I would love to pass down. I thing their taste runs differently than mine, which is fine, but some of my things mean so much to me that I would love for someone young to wear and love them like I did. Actually they have pieces that put mine to shame so guess that might have something to do with it lol
I bet Ron is really enjoying his sausage making. You may have more sausage than you know what to do with since he is so much like Jerry. He sort of goes overboard (Jerry) lol
Better go and see if we need to start building an ark. Our kitty has already gone to bed. He pulls the quilt up over him and all you can see is a lump.. ha ha Take care everyone. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-February 2019 #92313

Hello dear friends. Hope everyone is warmer but I especially wanted to let you know of this thing I ordered from the Q Sue that I love so far. It is a Sunbeam Heated Throw with this pocket on the front for you to put you hands in or whatever. It is big 54 by 73 and has a pretty long cord to plug it in. The number is H216798….and I got it because when I get cold it takes me forever to get warm. I get in my recliner and throw it over me and turn it on and it really warms me up and feels so good to me. I hope they still have them and if you happen to get one that you like it. I thought it was a bit expensive, at $59 but I got it on six pay before Christmas. I was watching late one night and saw it. I was just about to order a heating pad because I sleep with one and I saw this thing. We have been cold down South but not like you all are having to endure. My husband is very warm natured, so that has led to some interesting “discussions” shall we say. He doesn’t even wear an undershirt to bed (sorry TMI) and I am laying there with mounds of bedding over me. lol I can’t remember Gail what the saying is about the little furry fellow and his shadow. He always looks SO miserable when they drag him out of his den. DD. our kitty decided that he was going to sit at the foot of the bed 3 times last night and howl. At first I thought he was sick or something, but I truly think he was just cold and wanted to snuggle in the covers. Because once I made him this nice mound of blanket on the foot of the bed and he got in it and turned around about ten times he settled in and slept and slept. Does Jewell do that too? I just love our fur babies. I think I have started a really bad habit with him. He knows that right after I get ready for bed and am fluffing my pillows and all that I stop and put 3 little treats in the palm of my hand and he eats them out of my hand. So now he keeps taking his paw and touching me on the arm or side gently like saying, here I am feed me. But it is my fault. My husband won’t feed him treats at night for that very reason. Does your baby have her little routines too?
Gail, that was so nice of you to put your Feb. opening. It is pretty amazing when you look at the map and visualize how far apart in distance but how close we all are in our minds and our hearts. Can you imagine the lively party we would have if we all got together? I am glad you still hear from Debbie Sue. It sounds like she is doing so well and I am beyond thrilled to hear this.
Adele, you are definitely a “wonder woman” and I have so much admiration for all you do to hold your family close and how you seem like the Energizer Bunny, when I know you must be so tired. I pray Ms. Tillie will keep doing as she should and her life continues to improve with each day. Prayers for you all.
Gail, I know how hard it has been for you to not be with Brent during all this. We love them no matter how far away life takes them, and I pray they get some definitive answers for all of you soon.
Colleen, is Ron still collecting his “treasures” from the road or fields he passes by? Sometimes Jerry drives in and I look out the kitchen door to the garage and see him putting some little something in his shop. I don’t even want to know. lol
Take care everyone. Have a good weekend. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-January 2019 #91940

I sure hope everyone is beginning to feel better. Gosh, all of you have been so sick; I am so sorry. I heard that the flu is really bad; both the chest kind and the intestinal kind. Adele, I think you had both from the sounds of it. It is so scary the way you all are having this bone chilling cold on top of all that ice and snow in your areas. We had such fierce winds blowing I thought it was going to blow our roof off at times. And it was thundering and lightning and snowing all at the same time during some of it. We had so much water running out of the places Jerry had plowed and made as drainage ditches years ago. It looked like a river rushing through. The cold wind was awful. You couldn’t even stand to go outside for 5 minutes. And I know it was so much worse on all of you. So praying it is warmer now and not so dangerous. What a shame you didn’t have your receipt Sue. I agree they should have notified you when you checked out about the savings. I know every penny counts around here, and I watch as they as checking me out since I have found that they miss my sale prices on quite a few things if I don’t. We had chili one night and I found some roasts on sale that I made yesterday for everyone. I just love a day when it is a one pot meal and you can just smell it cooking and simmering all day. I make some blueberry muffins also. It was yummy. I put any leftovers in small freezer bags and then send some home with the kids and save some for us so then we have an easy meal for another day. Just add fresh bread, and a goodie and we’re ready.
Thank you for all your words of support. You all know Jerrys Dad lived in his little house behind ours for over 25 years. We were so fortunate that he was able to live there until he passed. But at that time I cooked everyday and so he had a home cooked meal too. He was a good man. Everytime he was asked “how do you feel PawPaw? he would always answer “great, just great” and I know there were many times he didn’t. But Jerrys Mom wasn’t that way. She is doing actually better, mood wise, now that she lives in assisted living. She was not a happy person, and none of Jerrys six brothers ever helped us with his Dad or now with his Mom. He does have one older brother who has apologized to us for not helping us; and does help Jerry now with his Mom. I know family dynamics play so much in to all situations. Guess what I am trying to say is truthfully, I found times of feeling so good about what I was able to do for others, and sometimes not so nice. Guess that’s normal though.
I am like you Gail, if anything would help me with pain, I would be right there for my dose lol. Jerry is very set in his ways and where I am very open minded he is committed to his beliefs. I respect his way, but I guess there really is truth is the saying that opposites attract. lol I am surely bringing it up to the doctor though. We need help.
Better go for now and get some dinner. It is a soup and grilled cheese night for us. I need something warm on my tummy. Hope Tillie is doing well. Please be careful Adele. Aizen looked so cute and proud. You got a good price for his jacket. DD, I bet Jewell is snuggled in. I think I am like a bear hibernating now. I don’t even want to go out in the rain or cold or whatever. Take care everyone. Hope your eye and your stomach is better Colleen. How awful. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-January 2019 #91722

Hope everyone is having a good evening. If I am right; today was the day for your shot Adele. Sure hope you did well and that it is helping you.
It is cloudy and a little warmer here today. We rode into town and I went in and got us each a chicken salad sandwich/croissant at our little sandwich shop. We needed gas also; so got that as well. It looks and feels like rain. We were so fortunate to miss that last snow storm that stopped just above us. Did it get to you all Colleen? I know that Oklahoma and Missouri were really affected, and then it went north. So Gail, Adele, and Sue; I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you’re safe.
Gail, I have talked several times to Jerry about considering alternative methods of medicine. He is adamant that “no one” would be able to hypnotize him; gets really upset when I even talk about a phycology doctor; has made sure that I remember how he lectured our sons on marijuana, and how he would feel if he did this now, (which I would do in a minute if it would help me) and has considered acupuncture, but we don’t know of any offered in our area. So I am sorry for the long answer, but sometimes I just want to throw up my hands. I am proud of him but discouraged all in the same respect. His pain controls every aspect of our lives. I feel like such a bad wife sometimes because honestly, I know I harbor some resentment that our life is so restricted; and it makes me so ashamed of myself. And what makes it worse is that as a nurse I understand that there is a real grieving process that he and I face; and I feel so helpless. Sorry if this hurts anyones feelings, or make you feel not so proud of me. Trust me; no one could feel worse than I do about this. But I fully intend to ask the doctor our next visit about the medical marijuana and the acupuncture. Thank you all so much for your concern and helpful suggestions.
I am so glad Adele that you have a Quacker nurse with your Mom. You know for sure that this is a nice lady. It just makes me smile when I see someone else with their Quacker outfit on. I just love mine. I haven’t had a single one in all these years that wasn’t comfortable. And they last and last. Sue, I am going to follow your advice and write to Angel and ask her if the Q could possibly hire a model for quacker that is in her 70’s or older and at least a size 1X. I know that some of you all are small; but I like to see the larger model they recently hired but I sure would like to see someone older as well. Just a thought. How do you all feel?
DD how are you and Ms. Jewell doing on these cold rainy days? What do you do for fun? I know you have some really nice friends. Do any of those ladies wear quacker?
Sue, do you ever think that some day you might move to a warmer climate? I worry about you when I hear of the bad weather comes your way. I have always heard that you live in such a beautiful area of our country. I have always wanted to visit the Northeast, but not during any snow or ice times. I am definitely a warm weather person; mabey because this is all I have ever known, but as cold as my feet get down here (I go to bed every night with socks on) I can only imagine how they would feel in your area. lol But I hope things are going well for you.
Take care all. Hope everyone is doing well. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-January 2019 #91678

Hello everyone. Finally able to take a few minutes to say hello. Jerry has really had problems with his back. Our next appt. with the doctor is still a few weeks away. I asked him to lets go early, and he is adamant that we wait. I see in his face and in his attitude that he is discouraged. He gets spiteful and grouchy over just little things. And it hurts to see him that way; since I know so much of this is what is going on with him physically. Convincing him to talk to someone would take a miracle; so it may be me who seeks out someone to listen to my complaining and concerns. I just remember the doctor told him those many years ago when he was first injured that his life changed the minute it happened, and that it was going to affect him for the rest of his life; but being the man I knew him to be, he thought “I will beat this” and as years have gone by the realization is evident.
I am so happy that Tillie is doing better. And Adele, I join everyone else in saying that you must not feel guilt that “mabey” there was something else you could do. You have gone as far as humanly possible to be a good daughter and to see to your Moms’ needs, and you are exhausted and rightfully so. Please do something for yourself and let the staff take care of her right now. This is what they are trained to do; and without patients like your Mom they wouldn’t have anyone to care for. Ask lots of questions during your conferences with the staff; and I really recommend you write your questions down on a pad leaving room to write down their answers. Trust me, you will forget a lot they say, and writing it down just helps families. I was never offended; in fact, suggested it to them before we would meet. Ask who you call if you have a question/problem; and ask for business cards. Find out who will be available to talk to you on the weekends. That is important. Ask them what how do they expect her to behave the first week after you all go home. What do they consider normal/abnormal? Sorry, just want to help.
That is so funny about your Mom Colleen. She is the queen of the motorized carts. lol That reminds me of Jerry and his Mom doing their shopping together. They were a mess. She has had a cold, but is doing better. She loved the Quacker top and velour jacket we gave her. She really sparkles. She said it makes her smile when she sees herself in the mirror.
Been cold and rainy here. Hope everyone is doing okay weather wise. Sue, are you able to get to the mailbox okay now? I was wondering how you were doing. Just be careful.
DD, sorry I missed wishing you a happy birthday. Hope you had a great one. Did you have cake?
Take care everyone. Hope to write more later. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-January 2019 #91414

Hello friends. Adele, it seems that God answered your prayers by what happened with Ms. Tillie. You were there to do just what she needed by getting her to the hospital, and it sounds like the right geriatric personnel were there to address what is happening to her. I just kept thinking how much she really needed specialists who take care of the elderly would help. And now I pray for you all and for her that even though life is changing so much; that it brings you ALL comfort and peace. I know you needed some rest too; and so did she. Prayers.
Gail, I love your pictures. Poor little snowy footed puppy. Our little ones would get snow on their bellies too, and when they would feel that cold they would jump straight up in the air. I thought to myself; I would do the same if someone put cold snow on my belly. The horse looks like he is having fun. Thank God that your husband is fine. Those icy roads just scare me so badly. We have times here of what is called “black ice” and you just can’t see it on the road. People slip and slide all over. And we just don’t see snow ice much down here; so when we do it just gets people so crazy. I’m sure you all would laugh. Once, when we were young, Jerry and I were going out to dinner with another young couple. Bud was our only child at the time and they had a little boy the same age of 3. We had a sweet lady watching them, so we were on our way to dinner, and her husband driving. Well, he hit a patch of black ice and the car was fishtailing all over the road. I felt he was going too fast at the time he started sliding, and I was paralyzed with fear. We ended up in a ditch, just about to turn completely over. Jerry crawled out and pulled me out and the other lady. It started sleeting and my hair was freezing to my face. It took about 45 minutes for someone to find us since they had better sense than get out, and Jerry and I didn’t realize that the weather had turned so quickly. Anyway, we were finally rescued, and gotten back to their house/we spent the night since we knew it was too dangerous for us to try to get home with the baby, and truthfully I wouldn’t have left even if it was just Jerry and me. God was with us. I know you were so grateful to see him home safe and sound.
Colleen, I am just like you in thinking how fast your little one is almost 3. Ours is talking like crazy.
Sue, I have my days so mixed up too. I also put the garbage out a day early. And it will take me a while to get used to writing 2019. Did you see on the news where I think it was Australia accidently put 2018 in their fireworks celebration on New Years eve? So we are not the only ones ha ha Hope the sunshine makes an appearance for you all really soon. I feel like you just go into hibernation without some sun. We have had lots of rain here for days and days. Our temps are dropping, but they say we will have a cold rain for the next few days, instead of a not so cold rain I guess. My old bones don’t seem to feel any different/they just hurt when it rains. So my heating pad has gotten lots of use here recently. In fact; it is under my knees right now.
McAlisters is like Chili’s or Applebees, but has only soups, sandwiches, salads, loaded baked potatoes, big brownies, big slices of cheesecake, big cookies. Did I say the goodies are big? Now you probably know why I stop in there for the potato soup.
Better go for now. DD, hope you and Jewell are keeping warm out there. Our son in northern Ca. said it has turned cold there. Take care everyone. Prayers for a blessed New Year and I second your idea for Brownies for good luck for New Year. hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-December 2018 #91280

Cold and rainy here today. Just gloomy, but we are grateful since Joey and Lisa literally flew all night and safely got home around 10 this morning. They spent about 5 hours in Chicago; waiting for their outgoing flight. They left Calif. around 10 last night. Joey said they were exhausted. Lisa waited in the car while he came in and picked up Ruby. We asked him to just let us keep her today and tonight so they could get some rest; but he said, Mom, I just want to go home and all of us get settled back in. He looked so tired. This I thought was funny. One thing he told Jerry and me was “I don’t see how Neal does it. Our little man is in constant motion unless he is asleep” ha ha. We told him welcome to the world of toddlers. lol Lisa’s plan may have backfired. This was the first time he has been around a little one for this long a time except when Neal was little; but he had lots of energy himself at the time. ha ha. Jerry and I were so happy that they got to spend the holidays together. We will hear lots more after they rest up. Neither have to go back to work until Weds.
We drove up the highway today just to get out for a little while. We were watching movies; and our kitty had gotten back up in bed with us and was sleeping so good. We had gotten up had our coffee; showered; and yet somehow we both ended up just propping back up in bed and I covered up with this heated throw that I got for myself off the Q and watched the movie until around 1pm. Jerry doesn’t eat lunch; hasn’t in years; but fluffy me has to have all 3. I do eat light for breakfast. I really love my coffee which has lots of cream; sometimes hot chocolate; again nice and creamy. And I guess my lunch is on the light side; sometimes just a few crackers and cheese or even oatmeal, or sandwich. But it is a potato soup night here tonight. Do you all have McAlisters Restaurants in your area? We love their potato soup, and I get us some on the lazy days when I won’t even make it. Guess what though, I did do some baking-made brownies with walnuts. Does that count as a home cooked meal?
Yes, Adele, I do want SOMETHING for a gift; even small things like the scratch off tickets. In fact; I would love for him to do something he would never do and that is buy me say a $20 ticket; since that would really show me how much he cared that he would do something just for me that he wouldn’t do for himself. DOes that make any sense? Yes, the husband who bought the car set the bar high Gail. And Jerry does say, Barbara go get anything you want and it is from me, we have Christmas everyday, and you know what you want or need. BUT to me, that is just not the same. I really think of my gifts to people. I really want them to be happy when they open it; no matter if it is something inexpensive or not. Gosh, I just seem to be on a soapbox here lately, sorry ladies.
Adele, what I saw was just a bunch of jibberish looking letters and symbols and stuff. And some writing that made no sense. It scared me.
Hope you all are okay weather wise. Ours in predicted to be stormy the next day or so. Not good for all those people out for New Years Eve. Hope and pray they will call for rides and not get behind the wheel. It was so busy all those years of work. We don’t plan on going out at all tomorrow. I plan to cook spaghetti and some garlic bread and salad. I bet you all make some tasty sauce. Do you put in meat or not? I am too lazy to make meatballs, but I do put meat in mine. Take care everyone, be careful, and Happy New Year to everyone. Hugs Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-December 2018 #91245

Hello ladies. Sue and Gail, I came on here one day and saw all that crazy stuff and got off immediately. I don’t know how to notify James or anyone about something I know is wrong on here. So please let me know. I may have been the first one to see it; and I didn’t know what to do about it. Thanks in advance.
Colleen, Ron and Neal had the same idea with the purse. Neal called me just a couple of days before Christmas and asked me could I please order a Vince Comuto bag that he saw on the Q; gave me the number and color and everything. It was beautiful. He asked me to send it express and he would send me a check for all of it. I hope she loved it. I really did. I had it sent in his name so he could wrap it. Jerry and I had a “no gift” day. It hurts my feelings, but I really do understand how it came to be. Jerry’s family with the seven boys and a child with polio for many years, didn’t give “presents” except useful things to their children. His dad would always go to the Farmers Market at Christmas and buy a huge bag of oranges and Spanish peanuts in the hull, and Jerry said that his dad would bring home each child one of those huge cookies that you could buy down south in little convenience stores. Now that I have everyones heart strings being tugged; that makes him not think of Christmas like I do. He did really well for our boys; but most of the buying of toys and things I did and then he would do all the assembly. So now that this is off my chest; he did get me a beautiful card, and I know he means well, it is just natural to him, and you all know I am the person who can’t have too many windchimes, outdoor decorations, etc.
Adele, could Tillie possibly have an inner ear infection? There is a condition called Menieres Disease that affects a lot of people where fluid gets around the little bones in the inner ear and it will cause waves of dizziness and nausea. Just throwing some ideas out there. I have heard of doctors that do house calls; but I wish she could be seen by a Gerentologist who specializes in the problems of the elderly. That is a huge field now where it really didn’t exist a few years ago. Guess us baby boomers gave them a new need. Jerrys back has been just hurting him so badly lately. I don’t know what we are going to do. I really think we will have to go back to the original dr. who operated on him and then go from there. Something has to be done.
SOunds like you all had wonderful times with friends and family. Gail, you deserve to put your feet up. In fact/ I have an idea; let’s make that a New Years Resolution, that we try very hard to set aside one afternoon a week just to do whatever we want; like nap, read, sew, nothing—–you all get the idea. What do you think? By the way, did I tell you all I have been seriously thinking about going back to work. Just one or two days a week. I am feeling kind of useless. I will probably talk myself out of it.
Take care everyone and have a great New Years celebration. Ours will be spent quietly here at home. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-December 2018 #90574

Sue, do you still have Cuddles? If so; do you get a puppy gift from Santa for our fur babies? All of ours get some kind of either toy or treat from Santa. I baked some of our “special” cookies today. Jerry and I love them. I made me a cup of cocoa to have with mine; so yummy. Thanks again for the heads up on them. Colleen, I made some really easy cookies that I sent to Neal and family with some fudge too. But that is when I quit baking; will make us a chocolate pie Christmas day. We had gotten a big ham and all the sides before we found out it would just be Jerry and me; so I am not baking the ham Tuesday; its just too big for us. Not sure what we will do. May be sandwich and pie night. lol But we just got a sweet photo of the baby with Santa that Joey sent us. So it really looks like Joey and Lisa are getting lots of “baby” experience being out there with Neal and Sarah. Bet Lisa comes home wanting to start their family. So far; we are doing okay with all the puppy dogs and kitty. We go for a long walk everyday with Ruby on a long leash and the other big doggies go walking with us. They are happy to spend time with Ruby. Auto tolerates her. They actually get along well; but Auto doesn’t want to show it. lol
I would just love for you all to let me know if (forgive me if I spell it wrong) cannoli cookies are hard to make. They just look so yummy, and we love cream filled anything; so I would love a simple recipe if there is such a thing, and if not, please just tell me. You all know I do love to bake; but cannot do complicated recipes.
I know I have already said it but I am just thrilled your tests have come out good Adele. I keep also hoping and praying for Ms. Tillie. Do you think she might have a sore tooth that would cause her not to want to eat? I just thought of that since it happened to Jerrys Mom once when she wouldn’t eat and took us about a month to finally figure out what the problem was. She had a bad tooth and we didn’t know. She only has just a few teeth and won’t wear her dentures.
DD you all are really getting lots of rain from what it looks like. You and Jewell will need one of those umbrellas they sell on the Q that inverts itself so you don’t get wet. I got one of those for Lisa to go with her little Christmas goodies. I always send each DIL a new set of PJ’s. Do you dress Jewell up for a Christmas picture? Lisa dresses Auto up and it makes him SO mad. His little ears are just straight back, but he tolerates it. Ruby sets so sweet for her costume, and lets Lisa dress her up for her picture. She is such a sweet puppy.
Better go for now. I think its breakfast for dinner tonight here. Take care all. Hugs, Barbara

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