[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-May 2018 #81435

After reading your notes today ladies; I feel better than I have in months. You are all so right; and I really should remember that there is a silver lining to every cloud; and the young ones are grown; not children for a long time now. I had a good crying spell last night thinking I would miss the mother/son dance. Leave it to the mr. to so eloquently tell me, and please excuse the language, “if those boys feel one damn thing except they have the best mother in the world, then to hell with them” unquote. He added they know what we have and still go through, and if they can’t or don’t help their wives to understand our limitations, then they are not the men we worked so hard to raise. SO; I think this old girl needed a “reality check” and believe you me; Jerry is just the guy to spit it right out. And like you said, Colleen, you all have a wonderful grandchild even though other parts didn’t quite make it; so I am in touch with bakeries in San Diego and have two so far that will do grooms cake; and I plan to order one; and then have Buddy and Neal pick it up and take to the wedding when they get there. I also am asking them to request a song to be played from me to Joey at our dance time.Do you all have any suggestions of a song? Would really appreciate any ideas.
Gail, the after party is going well so far in it’s planning. We are going to rent a tent, picnic tables and lots of lawn chairs (which over the years we have at least 20 of those) do checkered tablecloths, all throw away plates, cups, utensils, and I am hoping since canning season will be in full swing to get lots of canning jars and I will go to Big Lots or Walmart and buy lots of either tea lights, or twinkle tiny lights. Which do you think would be better? Then put red, white, and blue, ribbons on the jars and mabey another pattern of ribbon with some rafia or artificial summer flowers scattered about on the picnic tables. So you can tell I am getting pretty excited about this. Haven’t decided on the menu yet; still wanting it to be as simple as possible, but tasty, and it will be a hot time here in Tn. then.
I thought your boob comment was funny Adele. Tell Gary they must have taken out his funny bone during his last hospital trip. Here is one for you all. Jerry is putting on his Hanes undershirt one night for bed and he is staring down at himself; and I asked whats wrong? He said, I think my “boobies” are bigger than yours now! I told him not possible, mine just hang down so far; so I had on my nightgown and reached down and pushed my “boobies” back up and squeezed them together like those models do; and his poor eyeballs almost popped out. I said “listen mr. don’t get yourself all worked up, you’ll hurt something” ha ha We both had a good laugh, and I think for a moment we both felt young. I had noticed that his chest has gotten bigger as the years have gone by, and after we both had a good laugh he said he remembers the Seinfeld show of how Kramer and Georges Dad invented the bra for men. Then we both started laughing again. So moral to this is that getting older CAN be funny if you look hard enough. ha ha
Have you all ever ordered the Jimmy the Baker cinnamon rolls from the Q? Just wondering, because I was thinking of ordering the twelve and having it sent to Ca. to the kids. I liked you could just pop one or two out and just microwave for I think 30 sec. and then frost. I bet little Colin would love a bite.
Yes, DD there are several guests and hosts on the Q that I just don’t watch or have to mute. I have a blouse from Susan G. that I bet I bought at least 15 years ago; and it looks brand new, but she is so energetic that I just mute her. My blouse is cream with beautiful colorful flowers; not garish, very nice, and has short sleeves and buttons up the front. It has been a favorite for all these years. I can’t watch Shawn, or Lori G. and sometimes even though I like Jane T. and have watched her for years, I think oh please, don’t tell us again about ballet and your frequent trips to NYC. I sound petty, don’t I? But the Q keeps me company, and I love watching In the Kitchen with Dave, and of course all the quacker, unless they put poor Angel with a size 2 and then it seems so forced on the hosts part at times. So much info, sorry.
Well, dear friends, my new plan is back to the night time reading to Jerry, positive thoughts on the wedding, and remember to count each breath as the gift and blessing it really is. THank you again, and if I don’t get a chance to wish each and everyone a happy celebration of our mothering caring nurturing way; I want to tell you all what great women you are, and how much your “mothering” has meant to me. Happy Mothers Day, dear friends. Whomever said, you do not have to have children to be a mother, knew exactly what they were saying.
Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-May 2018 #81386

Hello Girls! I got most of you in my “down in the dumps” lovely mood, and I am going to do better today. I will be so honest with all of you right now. I am so upset with the wedding because I just don’t feel in my heart of heart that Joey is really in love with Lisa. I pray everyday that they are doing what is right for each other and they DO love one another. I think because this last 15 (can you believe this?) years they have tossed one another back and forth has been years they both have wasted but I so want to be wrong; please God let me be wrong. I think if I could just feel this in my heart that no matter what else comes along; I can face it with a smile; no matter how phony a smile it might have to be LOL. So that is really whats wrong with this deflated old soul; and I really thank you all for your support. You know; as I find myself looking back at life I see so many mistakes I’ve made; and isn’t it something how we want our children/grands not to do the same thing we chose to do when younger? Guess I really am almost 70.
Ms. Tillie is quite the birthday girl. She must feel so loved to have so many family close and not to mention the strawberry cake. That is one of my absolute favorites, Adele. Tell her to save me a bite ha ha Jerry got a call today about his moms medicine being due at the pharmacy, and he told me when he hung up that it makes him catch a breath when he sees the care homes’ name on the phone, thinking something might be wrong. I told him, Jerry, your Mom really seems happy now and I know she likes to visit with some of the other ladies, and she has been there long enough to form some real friendships with a few of them. He made me laugh; when he was telling me that one of the men who lives in their cottage used to be on a lot of the old time westerns, and that some of the ladies get jealous when he sits at their dinner table instead of with them. I thought jealousy in the 90 somethings. Jerry said he is kind of bossy, but I told him its probably because he was so used to being treated so well when he was famous in the movies and TV shows.
I have the Q on while I am writing you all, and little Suzy G. has shown about 10 tops with the “cold” shoulders. You all may have some; but I need to cover my upper arms. Mine look like bat wings. And I have always been told I have “broad” shoulders; whatever the heck that is supposed to mean. I can’t help but wonder why there are not ever any 2 or 3X size models? I know that the older lady named Marie (younger than me I;m sure) said she is a XL, and so does Carolyn G. but it just doesn’t seem right to me. Mabey I just need some extra heavy duty Spanx. But then I couldn’t breathe.
Gail, my IPad is about 6 years old. I bet I really would enjoy a new one. Things have changed so much. DO you listen to audible books or do you just download the book? I want to download some, but I LOVE to read at night; and I really need some not to bright light within the device.
Love all the pictures. You are so upbeat DD and have such a wonderful outlook on life. I bet Tillie did love the puppy dog. I am a firm believer that having animals around helps us feel better. You just can’t help but smile.
Little Bit facetimed us yesterday. He just jabbers away, and Jerry and I will say “what else happened? or tell us all about it” and he will just go on and on. He is a ray of sunshine for us. Neals 34th birthday is on the 20th; so I am baking him a German chocolate cake; packing it up in dry ice after I freeze it overnight, and shipping it off to him as a surprize. I have looked on wiki links on how to pack it, and Jerry is going to help me. It has been 1 1/2 years not since we were with him; and I think he misses this cake for his birthday so much. Sure hope me and the mr. can pull it off. I ordered the baby a stick horse today like the boys had when they were little. It makes clopping sounds and whinneys. Hope he likes it and I think he will.
Everyone take care and know you all are in my heart. We will all help each other with our own challenges. So glad you are doing so well with your rehab, DD. Just be careful. And try not to let Gary get too frisky and overdo himself Adele. The turtle was slower but he won the race. Love, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-May 2018 #81338

Hope all of you are doing good. It is HOT in Tenn. today. But now that I’ve said that; it really isn’t so bad; it’s just that Jerry gets SO hot if it is over 75 degrees; and he just breaks out in a sweat, and is wiping his face with a cool cloth. So, I was okay, but knew he wasn’t so on goes the AC and up goes our bill. He and I are doing great all things considered, but we are like two old cats with their tales tied together. If he says right, I say left, well you get the picture. This is the same man who told me just a few days ago that we should just sell our home, but an AirStream motor home and just travel from one park to another until we just can’t go anymore. I know we all go through our ups and downs, whether it be a spouse, a friend, a relative; but I think most of it is my “fault” right now. Even though I put on this brave face to the world that this wedding is not bothering me about not being able to attend, it really just crushes my heart to know that all our sons and dil’s, little one will all be there but us. Gail, I am still putting my plans for the “after” party, but even that doesn’t seem to lift my spirits enough. Jerry has said several times that he can drive us to California, but I know he cannot, and we would be halfway there and him in terrible pain, and in the middle of some desert with no one to help us. I am willing to chance a flight, but know that he would only be able to sit in first class in order to give him more room to almost lie down as we fly. I wish you all could see how far his seat leans back while he drives; it is as far back as you can make it go, and almost touches the back seat. SO I guess you could say that I am experiencing some resentment and can’t seem to “fix” this. I am so mad that Lisa (and in all fairness, Joey) couldn’t have at least had the wedding half way between Ca. and Tenn. so we at least could make it. We talked to Neal this morning and he was saying he was fitted for his tuxedo Sat. I wanted to just bust out crying, but didn’t. Sorry girls, not a good day but yet, it is a very good day and I know it.
Colleen, I remember for about a year after my stroke, I cried and cried. It would just happen, it didn’t have to be caused by anything. Finally the dr. told me it was due to the stroke, and it might last a while for forever, but at least I understood what was going on. That is just so good that she has done so well. I know she gets frustrated, but what a blessing she is about to celebrate her birthday, or was that your mom Adele? In either case, it’s wonderful. Jerrys Mom is doing really well. We are doing a Mothers Day lunch for her on Saturday. She is excited. I went into town today and ordered a wrist corsage for her to wear. It was almost impossible to find, with all the prom things going on.
So glad your wall is finally getting done, Adele. It is do discouraging when a contractor stops in the middle of a job and leaves his mess for you. That has happened to us. We were replacing our roofing, and he just ups and calls and says he isn’t coming back. He had done less than 1/3 of the roof, and we had a heck of a time finding someone to finish the job. Plus of course they charged us more.
Well, I am sorry girls, I better go before I start feeling sorry for myself again and take it out on you all. DD, happy for you getting your new computer. Hope it lets you play your games and keeps the kitty happy sitting on it when its closed. Auto kitty loves a warm computer. ha ha
Take care, I am watching a new baking show that starts tonight, the best baker in Americal I think its called, on the food network. Love, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-May 2018 #81113

Hello Girls, hope you have found your lost pkg. by now DD. I have also had this happen to me in fact, more than once. Our delivery man has put our pkgs on someone else’s address; and it said on the tracking that he brought it to us. I called the Q that very day and said I have no idea where it is, but it wasn’t delivered here since we were here all day just like you. They did resend another, and then our grouchy postman (like yours Colleen) puts out mail and pkgs. just wherever he wants down our road. We get things that belong to our neighbors and they bring us things too. Wish I had some youngsters to introduce him to Mr. Mailman snake like the little ones did years ago ha ha You probably missed that story DD, but we live in a very rural area (thats a nice way of saying the country) and our mailman drove an open jeep. He was so grouchy with everyone and these little boys waited until he had just pulled off from their parents mailbox and flung a snake into the back of the jeep. Would have loved to been there when he discovered his “pkg” from his little friends. ha ha Has anyone gotten their hula philosophy waitlist order? I am waiting. I think that we must all have been needing Pablo our poolman when they started talking about it since it seems we all are on waitlist. ha ha
Gail, our husbands must be cut of the same cloth. You have to hear Mr. Jerrys comment on my weight. We are in this long line of folks at a theme park type thing, but lots of older folks as well as young, and anyway, as you go to enter you have to go through this thing that has a pole thing sticking out from it that rotates in a circle as you come through it and I guess it is counting how many people are entering each day. Anyway, he keeps looking ahead of us as others are going through and right as we get up there he says (loudly, I might add) “Barbara, don’t worry if you have to turn sideways it will still let you in” I can only imagine the shock you must be thinking, but knowing him as you know Gary I knew he really didn’t mean anything nearly as terrible as it sounded to the entire park but I just looked at him and said just as loudly, “don’t worry, honey…..I will just climb over if I can’t fit through the gate” and you could hear people laughing, and I know they must have thought boy, is HE ever in trouble. I was totally MORTIFIED, but I come from the old school that has the “philosophy” that kill them with kindness. LOL Jerry can lose weight by eating tons of food, and I can starve and gain. My problem, self diagnosis, is not moving enough to burn off what I do eat, and I am okay with being me. I just feel so badly for all the people who would love to be able to eat but because of sickness or a disability just can’t anymore. I love us in all sizes including Mr. Smith.
Thank God they have a diagnosis for Brent Gail. Now lets get his medicines and help him to get better. Hope everything is okay with Gary, Adele hope your soreness and fall is doing better. Sue, hope you are okay. Miss hearing from you. Take care everyone. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-April 2018 #80975

Adele, I am so sorry you fell. Thank God you were not badly hurt, but I bet you have been SO sore after the fall. You are under so much stress; I really feel that has a lot to do with your hair loss. Poor Gary, wouldn’t you just know he like any man would point out to you that you can see it more in sunlight? LOL Not too long ago my dearest said to me just out of the blue ” I can’t get over how thin your hair has gotten” and then nothing else. ha ha It just blurted out from no where, like oh year Barbara I have been meaning to insult you but have just thought of it and wanted to get it out before I forget it again. ha ha I just sat and looked across the room at him. So don’t feel like you’re alone. I think mabey your thyroid levels might be acting up too now along with the stress. I even had really leathery skin when I was finally diagnosed with low thyroid. And I barely had the strength to walk from one room to another. I was young then too so no telling how long I needed to be on thyroid meds. Gail, I was thinking of Brent too about thyroid, since if your thyroid is pumping out too much hormone, then you will have a fast heart rate, and even though you are eating, you lose a lot of weight and have diarhhea. But surely they have checked this out by now with all he has gone through. Hope he is better. Have they said it is ulcerative colitis? Still praying for you all.
By the way Gail, I considered “going on a diet” after seeing the flood of Jan/Feb TV things of I lost 50 pounds, 30 pounds and never felt better in my life that was being mind fed to me constantly, but if someone can and does lose weight; I am happy for them (unless of course due to sickness) but I am happy being fluffy, and I know me well enough to know that if I feel deprived, I get grouchy, and I don’t need to be more grouchy than I already am. Jerry is not a small man and I don’t even think of him in the terms of what he weighs, but we are sort of at a strange time of our lives. The finality of his back injury being forever setting in on him was so hard. I remember those many years ago when he was first injured that we had to see a phychiatrist as part of his rehab, and the doctor interviewing him and asking him how he felt about his injury and then after about an hour of talking with Jerry called me in and asked me how I felt about the life changing event that had happened to my husband, and how did I feel it was going to affect our lives for the duration? I know then and now that he really wanted me to say I was sad, mad, afraid, unsure, but I just couldn’t be truthful because I didn’t want to hurt Jerry, but I see more and more how he really didn’t think he couldn’t “beat this” somehow, and go back to his “before” time. Long way of saying, we all do things as wives, mothers, grandmothers etc. that I’m not sure helps, but we don’t want to hurt. So you do what feels right for you. It sounds like you and Gregg have so many wonderful times together, and that is all that really matters. After all, I have not ever met a Quacker that isn’t just beautiful no matter what the size.
I have also done some retail therapy this week. I went online and bought a Barbara King outdoor light that can be hung on your brick or it comes with a pole, It is item M57755 and I got the cabbage rose. I plan to hang it on the brick under the front porch so I can see it when we drive up the drive at night. I know Jerry will fuss, since I just got through “disposing” of several outdoor solar lights, but they lasted about 3-4 years in the weather, and I so enjoyed seeing them. I also ordered M56050 a solar lantern in the butterfly option. It comes with a shephards hook, so I can replace one of the ones that bit the dust. And Gail you know I had to get me some seersucker Quacker pedal pushers in charcoal grey. I have so many bright beautiful Quacker tops to wear with them. Item A200290, So he can fuss, and I will be silently singing in my head my Colin song “if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands” and thinking of my pumpkin ha ha.
Joey is finally better, and now Lisa is sick again. I think she went back to work too soon, and her immunity was down. I asked Joey to please ask her to stay home yesterday and today to give her body a chance to get better. I am still “party planning” by the way. WILL NOT BE IGNORED
Your cake idea was so good. You are so creative Adele. Yes, I am a napper too. Sometimes I will be sitting in my chair watching TV with Jerry and just go to sleep. It is so strange. By the way, happy anniversary Colleen. I am so happy you Mom is doing well. That is wonderful news. Glad Ms. TIllie is doing so well too. Your kitty looks so different with her haircut, DD. Does it keep her from getting hairballs? Our kitty has long hair too, and about once every 4 months or so he gets sick from licking all that long hair. I brush him, but he still gets lots of loose hair. Is Cuddles furry too Sue? Does he get brushed every day? I know some of our dogs love to be brushed and others don’t like it. It is so strange. Love everyones pictures. Children, grands, and fur babies along with all the great other pictures you all put on here. Really enjoy them all.
Well, I know you all must be tired of all my chatter, but wanted to check with everyone. It is a beautiful spring day here, but are looking for rain later in the week. Take care everyone. Hugs from Tenn. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-April 2018 #80697

I am so sorry that I am so behind on everyones news. First, let me say that my prayers are with all of you on your recent illnesses in your families and for you DD on having such a hard time getting everything in order for your rehab. I know you must have been absolutely paralyed with fear for Gary Adele. It is no wonder you could hardly speak. When something scares us badly we have a HUGE rush of adrenaline that pumps through our body and causes us to have a fast heartbeat, hard to breathe, hard to move and then a little while afterwards you get just the opposite, your body becomes limp and lifeless because now your oxygen level has been depleted and your blood sugar has dropped. Poor Gary. Are they for sure it was the osyters? Has he ever eaten them before? I am sure he has, and of course it could have been salmonella, but there is a virus called Rotovirus that you can pick up literally anywhere, by touching any item that someone who has it has touched, and it has very similar symptoms as he had, Have you all ever considered his wearing a medical alert bracelet that lets any first responder know that he has only one kidney, and it on medicines that affect his life. Just a thought; because I can remember hearing Jerry telling the docs what Meds I was taking when I had my stroke, and I couldn’t speak, and he was telling them some of them wrong, and there was nothing I could do at the time since all I could do was hear but nothing else. Very very scary. So after that happened I made a list of my medicines and made him put it in his billfold in a zippered area; so he will have it all the time, and I keep a list of his medicines with me in my billfold at all times as well now. I am shocked his BP could be that low and they did not have to put him on a breathing tube. I know they pumped tons of IV fluids in him to bolster his BP up to an acceptable level. Thank goodness he is okay. You all have been though so much. Please please take care of yourself. I am worried about you.
Colleen, so happy to hear your Mom is doing better. It is such a blessing you live close enough to go be with her on Wednesdays. Does she have any weaknesses in her arms or legs? It will really help her to do the PT. You have to really get on them to have them continue to come and give her the exercises, but put up a stink if you need too. It is almost like you have to fight nowadays just to get them to take care of you. Medicine has changed so much in the last ten years or so, and we have gone through so many of the same problems you all are having with our medicines costing so much more and our insurance rates being increased but yet we are getting less and less care. I told Jerry one day that I feel like we at the age we are now are in the “disposable” age and medicine just doesn’t want to keep us around so we are having to fight to get what used to be done for people without any problems. It makes me sick that the doctor has to get permission to get a test done on someone when it is obviously needed and you know that the person who is deciding “yes or no” is like you said Gail, some 20 something who doesn’t know diddly about medicine or care what happens to us. Please, don’t get me going. Here I am trying to console everyone, and just making it worse.
Joey was very sick for over two weeks. I am so sorry that poor Brent is having so much trouble getting help. I ask Joey one day how much of his check goes for his insurance and was shocked when he told me. They work and work, and then it is just taken away from them. The wedding is still on for July. I asked Lisa one day about a grooms cake and she said “my mother is doing everything, and she decided we are not doing a grooms cake” I really started to say something, but instead just cried after I went to bed. Jerry told me to say something, but I just feel so defeated.
On a sweeter note, our baby kisses the I Phone when we ask him to give us sugar. It melts our hearts. Neal just laughs. We have been kissing at the I Pad ever since he was a little baby, and now when we say “here comes sugar” he will kiss us back.
Sue, hope you are finally getting some decent weather. I know Cuddles is tired of the cold. I bet she thinks spring will never come. Did you see the Quacker shirt with the paw prints on it? I thought about you.
I will close and hopefully get a chance to check back tomorrow. Have lots to catch you all up on; but it just pales in comparison to what you all have been going through. Love and Hugs from me to you. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-April 2018 #80286

Hello friends. Colleen, I am so sorry to hear of your Moms stroke; but so grateful to know she is doing good. Thank God for that blessing for her and you all. I know this must have scared you all so much; and I am glad to know that you have help in caring for her when she comes home. We bought one of those push button things for MawMaw to wear around her neck after she fell the first time. I think it was called First Alert. I know we and she loved having it and it really was comforting to know that all she had to do was push the front of it and help would come and we would be notified. She didn’t push it when she fell the last time because she said she knew Jerry was on his way anyway to pick her up to go shopping. I will sure keep your Mom in my prayers that she is able to get her BP down and stay down and for you all too as you care for her. I will give you the same “advice” I always gave my patients families; rest whenever you can; that worry about your loved one takes so much of your strength, and not to feel guilty but instead feel good in knowing when you are resting it is only so you can have strength to care for your Moms needs. I am like Gail, I feel like Ms. Tillie and your Mom are my surrogate Moms; and I love hearing their stories.
Our sick folks are doing a little better. It turned so cold after the storms; so we have been supplying the kids with warm meals. No matter what their age; I still worry when they get sick and I know you all feel the same about your family. Gail, how is Brent doing now? Have they sifted through all the tests and come up with something that will help him? Sure hope so. Stress from having so many tests can cause our immune systems to have a harder time fighting off things; and I know he must have been so tired of all the poking and proding for diagnosis. Prayers for him and you all.
Jerry is doing some better; so now he is in the “danger” zone of thinking that he feels better so now he can leap tall buildings instead of counting his blessings and taking it slowly. DD I am so proud of you for having such a positive attitude about your cardiac rehab. I bet you do great. Please let us know about the dietary recommendations that they give you. I love fresh fruit and vegetables; and I bet they give you some good recipes that we would like to try too. I know I am big, have been most of my life. I am like Jeanne; I just proudly decorate all my chubby bits. Your pictures remind my of some really good memories. I love the kitty at the computer. Our Auto Kitty just LOVES to sit on my computer; especially if it is warm after I have used it a while and closed it up. And he looks so mad when I have to get him off. He just lays his ears back and walks away with a disgusted little sway. He does love to cuddle; but it has to be when HE wants to; not the other way around. Ha ha. We surely love him; and I know you do Jewell too.
Sue, I can’t believe you are getting such cold bad weather. I am so sorry. Hang in there; Spring has to be coming soon.
Well, sending some roast and veggies out tonight with some fresh bread and some chocolate chip cookies. I know they will be happy to see it. Take care everyone; and best of luck as Mom comes home Colleen. Prayers to all, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-April 2018 #80078

Hello Girls, we are right in the path of some really threatening storms from now until about 3 am; so I am on pins and needles. I am hoping that Colleen is okay since she and I usually get the same weather. I am praying for everyone in this storms path, and all the little animals who are out there. It has been hot here, in the high 70s and after the storms it is supposed to go down in the 40s. It is something to change like this.
I am so sorry that Ms.Tillie is having such a hard time, Adele. Mind really is so important in your well being, and sometimes you just lose the will to work or endure the aches and pains that you are going through. It is hard on her, and just as hard on you; since you love her so much. Will pray for you all.
I can only make this really short tonight; since I am scared of this weather. Prayers for everyone, and will write more when this is over. Take care everyone. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-April 2018 #79836

Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. It is very cold here today; nothing like what I know you all are enduring; but we just don’t know what to think about our weather anymore either. I just can’t imagine what you all must be feeling like by now. So I hope you all are seeing some relief very soon. I am so proud of all the stars in our young ones in the family. Actors and actresses no less. Tell JJ there is no such thing as a small part. They call Peter Pan the main role since the play and all the other actors have the important role of helping his character by holding the story together. One actor can’t do it all my themselves. But now that I;m thinking, our little Aliza or Piper might be able too ha ha. Speaking of talking; our itty bitty is in Las Vegas visiting our oldest son and his wife. He counts one, two, three and then throws a ball to Neal. Buddy had gotten the baby a little swimming pool with a little lawn chair his size that is sitting in the pool. So I know he had been “swimming” while they all sat there with him and visited. I am so glad than Neal and Buddy are getting this chance to spend some time together.
DD, your little kitty looks so cute. Does Jewell have to have an extra blanket when she gets a haircut? I know that our kitty is so cold natured, and will actually crawl up under our covers all by himself when he gets chilly. He has been staying right in front of the heater these last few days since our weather has turned so cold. I heard that you are getting some hard winds. Our son was saying they are getting a lot of rain in the Sacramento area too, and they are talking about mud slides now. Something about a storm coming in from Hawaii I believe. Is that what is affecting your weather too?
Jerrys back is doing some better. I know he is still hurting, but he scared me. It makes it so hard when the doctor can’t give you any answers; just speculation. It is so hard to hear them say “well, Mr. Smith, you know this is only going to get worse as time goes by, and the arthritis will hurt worse when the weather changes, or you stay in the same spot or blah, blah” I know they mean well, but you just want to have someone say, this is what has to be done to fix this. But, after the other day, I am just so grateful for him doing better. Guess I just want a miracle. I pray for one. So glad that Gary is doing good Adele. And you too DD. You all are definite living proof of medical miracles. Thank God. And I am proud of both of you for your rehab work. You work so hard with them, DD and poor Adele works so hard to help our Gary.
You are right, Colleen, no one would hear me if I went outdoors here and let out a whoop. I might get the old hound dog to howl right along with me. I lie awake at night sometimes and listen to an owl making his hooting from far off in the woods. One has been doing that since our boys were little. They used to go out and talk to him at night. Sweet memories.
Adele, I will start watching the show The Middle. I hadn’t heard of it until you ladies started talking about it. Jerry and I love a good comedy. He watches a lot of action movies like say Jason Bourne. I know that is not the name but it is all I can think of. But is does make you feel better to laugh. One day I was just reading us some jokes from the Readers Digest. He and I were both just laughing. Take care everyone. Thank you again for all your prayers. It means so much to me. Will continue praying for you all and your loved ones too. It comforts me more than you know, love Barbara

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