[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-December 2018 #90536

Hello dear friends….sorry that I have been away this week. I cannot blame my absence on anything but just being 1. busy getting things packed and off for delivery 2. mad at the mister and 3. got a big unexpected “favor” asked of us. I was SO happy to get the things off for delivery. I talked to our oldest son, who was actually off in NM at an air base training some folks. We had such a wonderful, beautiful talk, catching up on so much since it was just us. He was on a flight line watching what the guys were doing as he talked and kept assuring me that it was okay. The second thing goes right along with Adele and Gary…Jerry has just been so distant and impatient with me; and on the times when I have gotten emotional or sad because of whatever; he has just not “been there” for me; and in fact has made me feel worse. So add me to Ms. Tillie; I think I am going through the “blues” too for a multitude of reasons; none of which I can do anything about. So I have taken it out on him and he in turn has returned the favor and so on and so on. Isn’t this just lovely? I just LOVE the holiday season; and this has been so hard for me this year and I in turn have made it hard for him. Now on to number 3…Lisa stops in on Monday evening after work; without Joey and announces that her mother saved all her travel miles that must be used before Jan 1st and just gave them to her and Joey for a wedding gift; so she was asking us (before she told Joey) if we would watch Ruby for them and keep an eye on the outside jumbo doggies starting this past Thursday until Dec. 30th? Well, there Jerry and I stand like two dodo birds and Jerry says “I think this is absolutely GREAT and we will be happy too” so now; it is just the two of us and the puppies and kitty. They flew out to California to Neal and family, and will be staying with them the whole time. Joey was shocked when she told him, and he apologized a million times to me and Jerry and said he was worried about leaving us with no one close by. So that’s my story.
Thank God your test came out good Adele. Praying for everyone; Brent in my prayers too. Hope everyone is good, and I’m thinking of you all during this blessed time. Hope to write more soon; wishing each and everyone a wonderful Christmas. Much love to all, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-December 2018 #89943

First, Adele, please be careful with the dizzy spells you are having. It may have been due to your water pill, but please make sure they know about this when you go for your heart tests. Had you just done something that you had to work at; or made you tired or short of breath? Take deep breaths whenever you think of it during the day; just to kind of “build up” your oxygen supply. That might help. Do they put that little oxygen monitor on the end of your finger when you go into the doctor? If so; what does it usually read? Just wondering if this is a new development or something they have been watching? Sorry, but am worried, and I am sure whatever is causing (could be as simple as adjusting your medicines) or some procedure, but we all know you will be fine, and we just want to have you feeling good for all the upcoming events.
So happy that Ms. Tillie came up and had a good evening with you all. I know everyone was happy for that. Here’s hoping this was just the beginning of many more good days together. How is your Mom doing Colleen? Jerrys Mom is I think doing really well. We are picking her up the end of next week to a day out for all of us. It gets dark so early, and she wants to be “home” before dark; so we will have a good lunch (she loves Cracker Barrel) and then we are driving to some “remember when?” places from Jerrys childhood. He is wanting to go over memories with her; she will enjoy this. I always just sit in the back and give them plenty of room up front to visit.
DD. love your pictures. Gosh, it is cold there. I love warm apple cider this time of year. I am like Gail, give me a good book and cider or hot chocolate, and then a good nap. Those are pretty much my cold weather plans. lol We are due for lots of rain this weekend; all weekend; and they are talking of sleet. Hope not. You and Jewell just snuggle and stay warm.
I have some of those Thomas Paccone ornaments from the Q from many years ago. Jerry was just like Gregg about that wooden box they came in and you had to put each ornament back in its specific place. I loved how “old timey” they all were; like from my childhood. By the way; we had a Christmas tradition when I was a child. Our Dad worked lots during the holidays, and back then the police were allowed to have as many jobs in security or such that they could handle. Well, anyway, back then we had a man who pushed a white porcelain cart that looked like a small freezer, but it was for hot tamales, make fresh with the corn husks around the tamales, and wrapped in some corn stalk leaves. Anyway; he would come home late about nine or so; and bring us all these hot tamales, and we would all eat them and it was such a treat. Now, honestly, I don’t know if they were sold all the time and because he was close to the man selling them at that time of year, but it was every Christmas season, and we always looked forward to that day. Bet no one saw that one coming. ha ha
Yes, we are all finding ourselves adjusting to “new traditions” this year. We did get to talk with Neal and Colin quite a few times when it was just “the guys” and we loved it. That little fellow is growing so much. He loves teasing me. He will say Paw Paw over and over, and I can hear Neal whisper, say MiMi, she is waiting, and then he just laughs and says loudly MI MI laughing. Of course, I just can’t help but say oh, how smart you are, I love you SO much, and before he says bye bye he will say “love you” This has been a very happy time of my life. I miss Neal so much. It has been 2 1/2 years since we’ve seen him. But thank God for this new technology.
Sue, how are you feeling? Please take care. Hope your weather is holding and no bad ice and snow for you. Same for you Adele and Gail. Hope this cold blast this weekend is not causing you problems too Colleen. Take care everyone. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-December 2018 #89813

Hello Ladies. things are seeming to settle down some here. First, Sarah’s brother is doing better. He is out of ICU and according to Neal, the doctors keep saying they cannot understand why he developed this sepsis; since he was on home IV antibiotic therapy. Sarah came and stayed the three days Neal has off and so he kept the baby. Was sad, but happy all at the same time since I know how much fun they have together. Neal seemed so appreciative that we did message him several times for updates on her brother. Jerry and I have lain awake at night trying to decide what is our “do this” or “don’t do this” next move. We have both made up our minds to offer help to all; sons/DIL’s, and since we in our hearts know we sincerely mean it; then let it go and know they will do the right thing. We have wasted way too much time trying to know what we should do. So…time for us to just “let it go”.
Sue, thank God you are okay. You are so right in saying that one moment up and the next, down, and we just don’t know what happened. I am glad your bruise is getting better. We could tell how long ago someone had gotten thieir bruise from the shade the bruise was. You know how they go through those different colors, dark blue/black, greenish blue/ yellow green etc. Your guardian Angel certainly was watching over you. I did something one day that I never thought would make me fall; but surely did come close. I was just walking along across our tile kitchen floor, shoes were dry, floor was dry, but it’s like my right shoe just stop quickly while I was walking, and threw me forward for lack of a better description, and I came so close to falling face forward, but grabbed the bar. It was so scary after I saw how easily that happened and for no real reason. Sounds like you have gotten all the goodies for cookie baking. I have gotten most of mine. I plan to do mine early next week; and have them all mailed off by Thursday at the latest. At least that’s the plan. lol They are predicting snow and the dreaded sleet our way withing the next few days. Hope your weather is better. It is cold here; wind just cuts through you. I bought one of those knit hat things that have cover your ears and the back of your neck with long pieces that come down from the back of the neck that you can then wrap around your neck to keep the wind from getting your chest and front of your neck so cold. I just love it. I put that on and then add another neck muffler around that so I stay warm. That cold wind just gets to me. I kind of think that living South like I do makes the colder temps just seem colder to me than I know you all have to suffer through. I worried so much about poor Adele with that leak of all things, especially knowing the cold and bad weather you all have to endure. But you live in such beautiful areas of our country. Ours, not so much so.
So happy your Mom was in good spirits today Adele. I know you worry so much; and it is just so hard for her to understand how much it worries you for her not to help you out by doing as you ask more. You know, sometimes I think that just like I think now our grown sons, who I fully know, are men and yet remember them so much as the little children they were. Mabey that is why as we grow even older we still have this idea that we are the Mother/Father and we give instructions/ not take instructions from our “children” Probably didn’t make any sense with that but hope you get my meaning. She loves you, she just thinks she knows what is best for her. That didn’t help you at all did it? lol
So far; no one at our Christmas dinner. Everyone will be somewhere else. Can’t even wrap my mind around this yet so like Scarlett O’hara I will “think about this tomorrow” Colleen, I am so happy your daughter will be able to come home. Your cookie baking day will make many memories. You just sound like such a great grandmother.
Gail, your little one with her sayings are precious. Where in the world do they come up with these things? You just much get you a little journal just for her sweet sayings. I think she is going to be an actress when she grows up. She just has such an imagination. Can you imagine, Piper, Eliza, and Aizeen all on stage together? What a production that would be. We would all have to show up for that performance. I will be thinking of an old time Christmas tradition. I am like Colleen, trying to think of something different we did.
Take care everyone, and thank you for your prayers. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-November 2018 #89669

This has been a “worry” day for us. Neal messaged us early this am to say that Sarah’s brother who lives here, is hospitalized and has sepsis. Neal had just heard from Sarah, and since he was at work he wasn’t able to get a lot of information. Neal asked us could we take care of Colin in case she has to fly home. Of course we said we would do whatever they need us to do. I don’t know what is wrong with her brother, he is a couple of years younger than Sarah. She has always had a love/mad relationship with him. He is married to a lady who had two children prior to their marriage, and now they also have a baby together. So we are here on standby waiting to hear something more after Neal gets home. I picked up the phone to call Sarah today; and Jerry actually said, “put that phone down” and reminded me that we have tried to be good in laws, and that Neal will let us know what we need to do. I can’t help but feel that it is childish of me to act this way; and then the ugly side of me remembers how hurt we have been; caused by her. So; please pray for us all. I knew Neal would go to work today; I respect him for his work ethics and want to shake him all at the same time. lol
Adele; I had always wondered too why in the world the couple had two tubs. Of course, as big as Mr and Mrs S are now we wouldn’t fit in one tub. Especially with the tub lift we have to have to help us get out of the tub. You know I really would love to have one of those walk in tubs. Do any of you have one? It just looks so relaxing. And Pat Boone has one. Wonder if they make one with two seats? Jerry and I could do a commercial if that was the case. ha ha. Course I would be complaining about how I was freezing out doors like that.
Sue gave me the name of those bags of cookie mix last year. They are so good; Jerry loves them and he is not much of a sweet eater. I am doing some homemade goodies to send each son and family this year. I have an Almond Joy Cookie; also a very easy cookie that’s made with sweetened condensed milk; and Tiger Bark; which is white and dark chocolate spread out and then swirled together, anyway it’s easy and good. The cookie mix that Sue gave me the heads up on is only sold here for a short time; and is simple and tastes like Fall to us.
I can tell that I’m worried, since I am just rambling on and on; so I will close for now. It is just so out of my nature to ignore what I think of as just common courtesy; but so much history and now I am acting just as badly. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-November 2018 #89598

Sue, I am so sorry you fell. And isn’t it just hard to believe all the hassle a person has to go through with the billing nowadays? Insurance companies dictate everything it seems nowadays. I kept getting bills from a procedure this summer, and called and called them explaining how all my copay was met; and what Medicare didn’t cover; I was NOT responsible for any amount my supplemental didn’t cover (after talking to both and making sure I knew what I was saying was correct) and still got another bill with the big red “past due” stamped and the threat of it being sent for collection. It wasn’t until after I told the hospital billing dept. that the next step would be my contacting the Dept. of Aging for them threatening me with a bill I was not responsible for; that they finally quit billing me. There is no telling how much people are being overcharged. I know you are so sore from falling. Did you trip over something or just get off balance? Have you thought about one of those emergency buttons you wear around your neck? Just a thought, in case you couldn’t reach your phone, but you probably keep your phone on you at all times. Please take care. On a happier thought; I did a bad thing. lol Our grocery store had 8 bags of the cookie mix, and I bought them all. ha ha They sell out quickly and don’t carry many. So I took all that was left.
Sorry you are sick, Gail. Gosh, it sounds terrible. Your and Greggs routine sounds like ours. I come up in the evening and we watch a movie; or game show. Thankfully Jerry likes the Hallmark movies too; so we watch those now. His Mom is doing pretty good. Some days she remembers things so well; and others she just talks about years ago; and talks like it was yesterday. Her hearing is still pretty good. She has always had a loud voice. Paw Paw was always quiet. He was hard of hearing; but too prideful (or cheap) to get hearing aides. Jerrys Mom still has a good appetite. She only has a few teeth; won’t wear her dentures; so they do a soft diet for her. She loves a Frappachino from Starbucks. Jerry takes her there often. He is so sweet to his Mom. She had 7 sons; 4 still living; but none of them have taken care of her like Jerry. Some haven’t seen her for years. But they were not good to visit their Dad either. Adele, we have always mixed ice cream with the Boost or Ensure. She really likes it like that.
Your little grands are really in the Christmas spirit. There little sayings are so funny and cute.
Finally have found out whats going on with Neals little family. Neal told us Thanksgiving day that he didn’t feel real good. Well, I have been just “uneasy” about them for days, so I messaged him this morning; and he said that he has been sick since last week; been back to the doctor for more medicine Monday; that the sinus infection had come back on him; that Sarah is sick; and so far the baby is well. He said his head is hurting and his face from all the pressure. Gave him all the helpful things I could think of to say; started praying for them; Please don’t let the baby get sick too. It just hurts me so badly for us not to be there to help them. Now I know he didn’t feel like saying something to Sarah on Thurs. and they had a couple over to eat with them. Hope they didn’t get sick.
Tomorrow is Joeys 36th birthday. Jerry and I asked him last night could we spend time with him tomorrow or does Lisa have special “spend time alone” plans for them? He said he would get back with us today. Love him so much; and pray they will and are happy. Our family is so scattered in so many ways. I miss the hugs and “look Mama, look!” and dancing around the room together to our favorite songs. Speaking of that, our little ones has really got some moves. Just warms our hearts. All the innocence and just fun….love to all and grateful that Gary is okay.

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-November 2018 #89519

Happy Monday to All. Very windy here since yesterday. Jerry and I had planned a short trip; but changed our minds. I know we need to get away, if only for two or three days; but just can’t seem to make it happen. Hope the bad weather is somehow getting better in the snow covered areas. Sue, how far do you have to walk to get to your mail? Please take care, you have worked so hard with your knee. Our mailbox is about 400 ft. from our home; but that is not unusual living out in the rural areas. We have talked to our other pkg. carriers and asked them to drive up our drive to the house and just honk, and we will come out; and they are friends with our puppy dogs, and vice versa. it’s so funny how our puppy dogs just dance and play with those nice young men. They know them by name, and bring them milk bones too.
I got out my little ceramic Christmas tree with the Santa statue with forest animals all around him. I also put out my little chubby Santa that has a candle with a timer inside him. I put that in the bay window. Auto Kitty had to really investigate him. He watches and notes every single thing that is moved or put someplace. The Santa has a little bell that hangs from his hat, and Auto has been gently swatting him with his paw; and seems to really love what he has found. Bet your kitty loves it too DD. I look forward to seeing your pictures that you put on here so much. I am so nostalgic. THank you, and you find some beautiful ones too Gail. Hope your legs are still doing great. I am so glad that this is behind you now. I agree with you about Brent. The one thing I can say on this is if there was something terribly wrong they would be acting much more quickly. So, if you can find comfort in this, I hope just knowing that this is how I feel will help. But they really need to give him and you all some definitive no nonsense diagnosis on this. NOTHING should have taken this long for you all to STILL be waiting for answers. I would not mince words with them. I know that men have a harder time than women in speaking up; but he definitely needs to speak up. I have actually written down what I wanted Jerry to say and supplied him with a pen to write down the doctors answer and one of the first things I wrote for him to say was “My wife wrote down these questions, and she told me I have to ask you these, and for me to write down the answers” That way he knew right on the front end that we expected answers, and we were not going to just take being brushed off with some fluff. I know that all those years of being around drs. have made me more assertive around doctors, but it really is for your best interest.
One of the “things” we have had going on in our lives is we have gotten into the habit of Jerry watching the news ALL the time and me and kitty going off in to the bedroom and watching the Q in the background, or reading a book, or playing one of my games on my I Pad. Then about 3 or so I get to thinking about dinner, and like tonight, I have spaghetti sauce, garlic bread, making salad. Messaged Joey a while ago and let him know what we are having for dinner. In spite of my best efforts, I just cannot make dinner for 2. There is always enough for them as well. Jerry and I need more time spent together, but he is so interested in the news, and I want to know what is going on, but not as much as he does. I am watching the baking/cooking holiday shows. Love those. So the holiday movies on Hallmark keep me in the mood by watching them; but Jerry just doesn’t want to watch them with me. But he absolutely loves “its a wonderful life” movie. One of my favorites as well.
Take care everyone. Have a great evening. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-November 2018 #89493

Happy belated Thanksgiving to All. Jerry and I are in our winter “aches” stage. I just want to scream by starting this off with a physical complaint; but its the truth. THe wind is howling outside; and I know you all are having a much harder time with the weather than we are; so I am so sorry for what you all have to endure. Please let someone come and fix your leak, Adele. I am just sick that no one seems to be able to do this for you. One of my SIL’s had a similar problem with a skylight in her den; and it did take a lot to repair once it started leaking. I think when they install them that they do not install them properly; and that leads to all these problems later and they are off and gone and you are suffering with it. Hope you get some good news this week.
Your legs sound like they are doing great Gail. We tend to hang on to all equipment that we have had to use over the years. In fact I just pulled out an abdominal binder for Jerry a couple of weeks ago because his ribs were hurting from the cold; and I wrapped that around him and it helped him. When his ribs were broken so badly; he wore it all the time for support. So you never know when you can use those stockings again for some reason. We have crutches, canes, walkers, etc. just like a medical supply store lol. Sounds like your holiday was different for you all this year. I have been “down in the dumps” for a while now. All I could seem to think of this year was the days of old when we were all together; and there was so much noise, and laughing, and music. It was just too quiet this year; and even though Joey put on a good face, I just couldn’t believe they were having a good time or happy. Our meal was tasty, and there were plenty of left overs that they took home most of; just a different feeling, kind of like a cloud. Most of the time that we would be Face Timing with Neal; Sarah wouldn’t let the baby talk to us and then he would cry since he could hear our voices, and we could hear him saying Paw Paw Paw Paw MiMi…..and we just had to keep saying don’t let us make him cry son. Just one of those times. I so feel what you are saying about family and friends being far away. And we all know that they have their own things they have to deal with and are doing the best they can.
As I reflect on years past; I see so many things that I wish I had to opportunity to do over. So I am hoping that my “holiday spirits” will definitely take an upward turn quickly. I have been bored with most of the shows on the Q and feel like the “gifts” they act like most people are buying two of would offend me if someone gave it to me as a gift. I did make the decision to send each son and DIL the Valerie wreath that should arrive soon. And then I am going to bake cookies; do some other goodies and put them in lock and lock containers and mail this to each family. As far as my tree Sue, I am just putting out the ceramic tree with the little lights on each tip that is about a foot tall. It is the one like we had as a child. I also have a wind up Santa with forest animals all around him next to the tree in the center of the bar, and add a timer lighted snow family and that’s it for my decorations. Oh, yes, I will drape a string of mini lights across the mantle with some greenery. I think my decorating is minimal this year as well.
Is Mom eating any better, Adele? Does she like potato soup? Or has she gotten tired of soup. Jerry and I both eat some of those soups that you prepare in the microwave; I think by Campbell. We have tomato and the make us grilled cheese sandwiches. I love the Chicken noodle with the larger noodles. I add some extra to mine. ha ha
DD hope your Jewell is doing good. Our Auto Kitty is snuggling up in the Peanuts throw that I got from the Q. He loves it.
Colleen, it sounds like your grandchildren really love sharing their stories with you. It must be so nice to watch them grow and become their own little people. Most of you have grandchildren about the same age, don’t you? Hope your weather is holding up without ice. That really scares me.
Take care everyone. I count having each of you as a dear friend as one of my best blessings this Thanksgiving. It surely makes me feel so good knowing you all are here. Hugs across the miles, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-November 2018 #89234

Must say ladies but from reading your notes that you all are having lots of Thanksgiving “happening’s” too. I sincerely pray that weather wise your situation is better by now, Sue. How dreadful for you and all those facing those conditions. Safe travels if you have to be on the roads, We are fortunate in our area of the country that usually we receive a much smaller amount of snow but the mere mention of the word sets Southerners off in a tailspin. We had less than an inch a few days ago; and of course they closed down the schools, leaving many parents without a back up plan or people they could call on because work doesn’t close down for them. We had frigid winds for a couple of days; but we are better now. I cooked some meat the meat market saves for me since they know I freeze their scraps that they can’t sell, and then I cook it for my outside puppies when the weather is bad. I am very lucky our little town does this for me.
I bet Ms. Jewell just snuggles in close when it turns colder for you all DD. I thought the kitty picture was so cute with them sitting there waiting for their meal. You will definitely be “turkeyed out” after all those delicious meals that your area provides. That is so good of them.
It will be an unusual day for us, too. Joey and Lisa are supposed to come; but not sure if that will happen; just never know if things change. Joey asked me the other night if I would make him something that is like a potato pancake; but I know that is not what it is called but he ate them while in Germany and said he just LOVES them. He has found the recipe’ and I said sure son; and after they got home he messages me and said please mom, don’t make the pancakes; Lisa said that she was supposed to do that not me. So I will not. Just don’t know what to do what not to do anymore. I feel so confused most of the time.
Colleen; glad your mom is doing well. I can surely relate to how you are feeling about the overseas tour. Our son has been gone so much; in fact one day I sat and wrote down all the time we had seen him over the 25 years, and it was less than 2 months; a day here; a week there. I just cried my eyes out. There is no way in the world that we can really know about his life. We have missed most of it. OK, now I am feeling sorry for myself; so I will quit.
Adele, hope your roof is fixed. So very sorry for all the troubles you have had just trying to get it repaired. Gail, glad your legs are better. Take care of yourself, this is to everyone. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-November 2018 #88959

Happy Saturday ladies, hope everyone is having a good day. Gail, only if it were Jerry and Me could your stocking story be funnier or more frustrating that you two endured with those blessed things. They are definitely a necessary evil. I always believed that whomever created them had a little bit of evil in them; and must only weigh about 100 pounds soaking wet. After Jerrys back surgery; he had to wear them for months; and here’s what we had to do. After many many tries i.e. battles; with the stocking always winning; I finally said to him, Jerry, let me lay the futon out flat; you lie down; and I will straddle you facing your feet and pull up from the bottom up to the top and I will have more strength by pulling that way instead of bending over and trying to pull them up your legs. Of course; that led to much “discussion” but he finally gave in. SO; I made him let me rest after I pushed and pulled to get the futon down. Then with my butt in his face and me bent over straddling him off we go. By the way, he wore shoes much too little for him as a child so his big toes are shaped like this <; so that was very helpful; in case you can’t tell I am being very sarcastic. Anyway, here is big Barb straddled hubby, and actually making progress getting those suckers on and lo and behold, our kitchen door opens and in walks Neal. I think for the briefest of moments he thought his old momma and papa were doing the nasty, and he almost fainted. He gasped; realized what was happening; and said, My God, what are you two doing? and then said mama, get off daddy which led Jerry into laughing instead of the cussing he had been doing, and Neal finished for us. It actually did help us, and the good Lord knew we needed help. So you have nothing to be worried about; those things are a form of torture to us all.
Adele; so glad Ms. Tillie is doing better. I was going to suggest putting the Paxil in some applesauce or something if you thought it would help her. Hope your roof is fixed by now. What a headache for you all.
Colleen, sending good thoughts for your computer. You sound so much like me; I feel for you. Good luck.
DD. love the pictures. I haven’t prepared for anything and don’t know why. I keep thinking something will jump start me; but so far; nothing. And I love the holidays.
Neal is sick. We have really been worried. It is the flu. And now the fires. Keeps us worried all the time.
Sue, please be careful. Mabey the Dept. of Senior Services in your area will help you with this. Hope so.
Better close, Jerry is getting antsy for dinner. This time change is not boding well with us. I think I need to go to bed at seven now.
Take care everyone. Prayers and good wishes for all. Barbara

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