[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-February 2018 #77782

Oh my God, Adele, I am so very happy for you all that Gary is okay. He was right there, and he was experiencing the “subtle” symptoms and probably did not really tell you all how much pressure or pain that he was having until even he knew he couldn’t get help quickly. And as you had to see, the quicker the help the better. I am saying a thankful prayer for all the medical staff that went into action to save our Gary. Prayers to you and your family.
I’m sorry that tooth has given you so much pain too. You are taking some antibiotics I guess. I woke up one morning with the right side of my face swollen so badly; and had not had any pain from this tooth that had the abscess under it; but had to find a dentist on a Sat. morning to help me. Was very fortunate that he was extremely sweet and took such good care of me; but all that pushing and probing and getting that horrible infection out left me with a sore scalp even the next day. But I know he had to do what he did; and I was so grateful. I have had some really bad memories of dental things as a child; and it left me really leary of dental procedures. So after that I only go to him now.
Well, guess now is a good time to tell you all what I have been holding back; because of all the “other things” with Sarah and Neal. It is hard even to say now, but here goes. Joey and Lisa are engaged. I can just imagine how you all; as normal loving souls that you are saying what the heck is her problem, this is good news. If Jerry and I felt in our hearts that Joey and Lisa really love one another; we would be very happy. But Joeys reply when we asked him in private, what helped him decide this was the right thing for them both, he looked at us for a long time, and then said something like “I really do love Lisa in a lot of ways, and we have been together for over 15 years, and we both know each other. He also said that while she was gone for over that year when she packed up and moved out; that he dated a lot, and that he said all the women he dated was either divorced at least once; usally more and they have several children, which he said he understood since he should by most people’s thinking be married with children too at his age. So we told him that all we want is for them to love each other and take care of each other. He had given her a ring, but he said she doesn’t really like it too much, he said she wanted to pick out her ring, and all I could think of was how much Sarah went on and on about how her diamond was “conflict free” and how it was a flawless diamond (it is really beautiful) and Lisa’s is not as expensive. Friends, I need you all to help me. I guess the cherry to top the wedding is that Lisa is having it in Ca. where she and all her family live. I have talked to the doctor and he said rather than flying; he suggests a train or bus. We talked to Joey about a train, and he said his Daddy could not be shaken and climb steps etc. and for us not to even consider being there; he was only agreeing to do this for Lisa; and he really needs us to stay here and take care of all the animals and our homes. Can you believe this? All of this has been going on during our other issues; and now it seems that Lisa and Sarah are just the best of friends. Lisa actually stepped outside yesterday (I had baked a ham and they stopped by for dinner) came back in and I could hear Colin just jabbering and Sarah talking, and announed that Neal and Sarah had bought them a new dryer as a wedding gift since Sarah saw Lisa at a LAUNDRYMAT on facebook doing her clothes (she knows she can use our things) and Sarah was just getting the baby to talk to Lisa and wave bye bye, and Lisa said to her “I will call you back when we get out of here” I sang out bye bye baby and he said bye, but it just chrushed me, and I know they did this on purpose. Jerry has told me to just get me a train ticket and go to the wedding and turn around and come right back home. Girls, this has been almost more than I can handle. WIth all your really serious things going on, I feel bad even bringing it up, but just needed to get this off my chest. My prayers are with you all. All my best wishes to all of you. Take care of yourselves and all your loved ones. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-February 2018 #77351

I have to say I am with Adele this year on the Olympics; sorry Gail, I just cannot get into anything on it. I always LOVE the figure skating; but for some reason, nothing nada…. I think my doldrums spread over into my Olympic spirit. ha ha I was watching Q 2 with Leah W. since I like to see how clothes look on her because EVERYTHING seems to look really good on the size 0; but you have to add more digets to get to me. and they just showed the sweetest clip of our Jeanne when Amy started her show; so I had to stop and order a pair of her capri pants in red. I want something bright and cheerful right now. Can’t wait to do something nautical with it this summer. It is pouring rain here and is expected to for the next few days and nights. It is very cold northwest of us even into Texas, but thankfully just rain for us. I bet you all are getting some too Colleen.
Jerry is on a watching old westerns; and I am watching lots of Andy and Mayberry now. It just makes me feel so good and reminds me of a sweeter time of life. I am sure things went on but we just seemed isolated from them. But I do remember how we had curfews here when I was about 16 and I know you all are familiar with our cities history. Sad times. Sometimes I think we will not ever learn from the bad things that happen.
My computer is really acting up; must be this weather. Better get off it before I just up and lose everything. HOpe everyone is doing good, and you all have heard good news from Brent and your friend, DD. Colleen and Adele, please tell your Moms I would love to sit and talk with them about how life has been and all the many changes they have gone through. I can only imagine. Boy, would MawMaw love to sit and talk with them too. She can really tell some stories. Take care, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-February 2018 #77118

Hello to All. It sounds like everyone had a good “heart” day, with good food, good company, and of course, good chocolates lol. It was so funny, my poor husband did not have a clue it a “V” day until he heard the weather reporter say that she was hoping everyone was enjoying their special day of love and I could hardly keep from laughing; since you could see the look on his face of “oh, my gosh, I’ve really messed up” lol As he slyly glanced over at me to see if I had caught what she said, and he saw I had, he quickly said he was just waiting to see if I remembered it was V day. ha ha I said, Jerry of all your cover ups; this has to be one of the top ten. He began to offer me dinner options; etc. and I saw him walk back to our bedroom; to check to see if I had left him a card already under his pillow like I have for years, I’m sure hoping I had somehow forgotten, but it was there. ha ha It was a classic potato soup moment Colleen, but I was like Tillie, I just had a taste for some take out Chinese, and he was very happy to go get some for us.

Gail, I am SO happy that your family was safe. We are under some sort of “sorrow cloud” in our country, and I just cannot think of what we can do to stop these terrible things that keep happening to innocent people. I pray for Gods help to heal our hearts, and for strength for those hurting so badly.

DD, love your pictures. Hope your friend is feeling better every day. I know she was so glad to get home and be with you. She is so fortunate to have a caring person like you to see about her and be of comfort to her. Mabey your kitty needs to teach Colleens kitty some “no biting” rules. ha ha Our kitty is so laid back; that I don’t think he would use the energy to take a bite; unless it is of his favorite kibble treat. ha ha

Adele, it sounds like you had one of those 24 hour stomach viruses. THey are just awful; and make you feel so terrible. You get so dehydrated; and everything seems to just run right through you; unfortunately literally. Sounds like mabey the Roto virus; and you can pick that up anywhere. Yucky. Glad Ms. Tillie did good with her shot too. Tell her that she and I were hungry for the exact same thing that day. Colleen, it is just wonderful that your Mom is able to stay in her home. You all were surely right to tell her to be careful what she says on the phone. People are so devious and prey on us all. Jerry and I had that tax call that they were going to take away basicly everything; lock us up and throw away the key business. We reported it to the local people and the better business bureau; but never heard anything back. I was surprized they left a message on our answering machine. And you are right Gail, they use local numbers now to try to fool us all.

Neal called us today, they were on the way to I think Sacremento to a car show. We could hear the baby just jabbering in the background. We talked to him and I said hello Sarah, how are you doing today? She said, just fine, so I said good. Neal sent us a picture of the baby on valentine with him with a tee shirt on that said “everyone loves me” with a heart on it and little blue jeans on and red and navy sneakers, and he was smiling and making a heart sign by putting his hands together. It was so sweet. Neal put a message saying, Colin wishes grandma and grandpa a happy valentines day. We were thrilled. I pray everyday that God will guide me to be a good MIL; and things will continue to heal. Jerry on the other hand is still very upset; but he doesn’t show it when talking to Neal or the baby. He just can’t bring himself to talk to Sarah except to say and occasional hello.

Well, better close, I hear Jerry rattling around the kitchen; so he must be getting hungry. Can you believe I cooked a pot of chili on this warm day? Just got the taste for it. ha ha Take care everyone. I am like you all; I want to get out some spring decorations. I need something pretty to look at. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-February 2018 #76926

Hello dear friends from sea to shining sea…..I have really enjoyed having some time today to read your posts; and catch up a little on what is going on in your lives. Well, we went another full week without hearing from the kids; and just when I felt we were stepping back again the Ipad started playing it’s facetime music, and lo and behold it was our baby; sitting in Neals lap then down he goes and starts showing us his toys, and the more we would laugh and clap the more he did. He started dancing all around and squealing and jabbering and laughing. It was like the Philamonic Orchestra playing a song just for us. Sarah was there; sitting on the couch; and I asked “how you doing, Sarah?” and no answer; so about 5 mins. later; I said “what is that cute little fellow on his shirt called, Sarah? I know I see them everywhere” and she finally said, “I don’t know, it’s just his pajamas’ Well, I already knew it was a Minion…..and I know she knew what they are, but just didnt tell me. But I just wanted to show that I am not in any way holding back from talking with her; and mabey just mabey one day she will see me as an ally not an adversary. I want to be close to all my DIL’s. THen today, Neal calls us on his way to work and talked for about half an hour. It felt so good. Words cannot even come close to thanking all of you for your prayers and support as we go through this. I hope with all my heart that I can somehow in some way comfort you all too.
DD, we are watching on the weather channel about Mt. Hood with people who have been hurt and a rescue taking place. Praying for them. This is so terrible. I was so glad to see that your dear friend is coming home soon. I really am glad that they are keeping her this extral week to make sure she is strong enough to be released. I know she and you will be so happy for her to get home, but she must really really take it easy.
Hope all goes well with Tillie and her shot. I think the soup idea is a good one; since it takes so much out of everyone when you have a procedure to go through. It sounds as if Bobby has turned into Bobby Flay with his great cooking skills. Speaking of the food network; this past weekend our DIL who is our oldest sons wife and a Nurse Mgr. in an ER in Vegas attended this big party given to all the emergency personnel of Vegas at Caesars Palace that each course was prepared by one of five of their stars. Our son, Buddy, said it was a fabulous dinner, and that Guy F (can’t think of his last name, but he does that diners, drive ins show) did the appetizers (looked so beautiful and artistic) Flay the entree, Gordon Ramsey the dessert, and the lady Giada made take home pkgs. for everyone of her lemon ricotta cookies. It sounded like a fabulous night, and for such a good cause to show how much LV supports its first responders and hospital personnel. She loves her job; and our son works where they train the top gun pilots. Really proud of them.
Joey just stopped by to check on us. Jerry has been under the weather for about a week. Thank goodness I got him to go to the doctor; even though he fussed and fussed. They were all telling us about this “super flu” but felt he was needing antibiotics and I am really keeping him on a short leash. He thought he would sneak out today, but I caught him. Everyone please be careful. I was in the pharmacy the other day and a lady was coughing and coughing. I kept moving to another isle everytime I would hear her. I feel so bad, since I know people have no choice sometimes but to go get their medicine themselves, but with so much going around you just have to be as careful as you can. Jerry had to take medicine out to his Mom a few days before he started feeling sick; and I really think he may have picked it up out there. She is doing lots better, thank God. How is your Mom doing Colleen? Is she still able to live in her own home? Hope she is doing good.
I agree with you all about all the nudity and bad language. I get embarassed; especially if a young person is in the room with us. There just doesn’t seem to be any romance; unless I watch a Hallmark movie or a really old movie. I still love the black and white movies. It just seems like everyone just gets so intimate on the very first date; if what they show is anywhere close to being right. I am not a prude; but I just love the “chase” and watching the people actually get to know each other before they rush into a relationship.
Well, Colleen, we are having potato soup tonight and some fresh bread. Tell Ron he is safe; we are eating it all up. ha ha
Better close for now. Thank you again for all your good thoughts and prayers. I remember you all too. And Adele; I still keep phone numbers and addresses from many years ago. Just can’t let go. Take care everyone. Love helps us all. So happy Valentines Day to you all. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-February 2018 #76715

Hello dear friends. I know you all have been praying for us; and it has really helped to know you care. Neal called one night on his was home from work. It was a “good” talk, but no mention of anything except his job; weather; you know, small talk. But I just kept saying little comments on how I cook roast in the crock pot vs. the oven; how very cold it has been here; nothing of any substance; but a huge step just that he picked up the phone and called us. He talked about 10 mins. and then said Sarah was calling him and he had to take that; so I quickly said “we love you son, and be sure and kiss our baby for us” and off he was. We heard nothing else until last night and he facetimed us and we got to see the baby and we did our usual play games, sing to him, ask him where his belly button is, you know; we acted just like we always have. Sarah was there sitting on the sofa; we said “hello Sarah, how you doing?” but she didn’t answer. The baby just played and played and seemed so happy for us to be clapping when he would do a little trick for us. He threw us kisses. So all of your prayers were answered in that he has called us the one time and after almost a month let us see the baby. We have no idea when we will hear anything again. But we are so grateful for what has happened. Gail, Jerry and I have gone over and over has there EVER been a time that we mislead or even “white lied” to Neal that would make him wonder if we didn’t tell the absolute truth; and we just can’t. But we are still just so heartbroken about this whole ordeal. Only time will tell where this will go; but the pain for us and for him will always be there I feel. And I do think he has been so hurt and confused knowing we would not lie to him under any circumstances. I was SO proud of Jerry for saying to Neal when this all began; I don’t think I will ever forget his words to Neal. He sent Neal by email two pictures that we had made by that photographer. One was of the baby sitting in his little wagon and the other was Jerry and me holding him standing in the middle of our tree lined drive to our house, and he wrote to Neal that nothing he had said to him mattered as much as the baby, and his taking care of his family; up to and including leaving him and me in the past and living his life with his precious family. He told Neal that he, Jerry, has always just spoken his mind, and he knows him and that he loves Neal and he and I will always be proud of him no matter what. I don’t think I have ever seen Jerry so hurt as we have faced this time without them. But hope is slightly visable; so here’s hoping. Love to all, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-February 2018 #76393

Hello friends. I hope I can tell you all what is hurting us so badly. I will try. Things were going great; too good, I guess. Sarah had come home with the baby and Neal had already asked us if the baby could spend two days with us? We had our two day; it was heavenly. Jerry and I were so happy with him. Then, it happened. Jerry was talking with our son right before she was to go back to CA, and Jerry was talking to him about how happy we were to have the baby with us and how great for us to be able to take care of him. Neal asked what did he mean, that we saw him every week since he was born, and I guess you know where it went from there. Jerry made the terrible mistake of thinking he could just tell our son about how Sarah would not let us keep the baby while he was gone; and Neal said that he knew we did because that is what Sarah had told him, and I rushed to get to the phone because I knew in my heart that Neal loves her so much that he would not bring himself to try to understand our feelings; and that it would get bad. Jerry told him that her parents kept Colin all the time (which you all know is true) and how even when I begged her to let us keep him she would not. Even though everything Jerry said was true; I knew I was standing in the middle of a storm just watching it cause more
and more damage. So; we went from facetimeing with the baby almost everyday since Jan. to absolutely nothing. Neal has called us twice in three weeks; and we have not seen the baby at all. It feels like someone has just ripped a huge hole in our hearts; both for the hurt we have done to our son; and the loss of our finally being able to spend time with the baby. Jerry has always been someone who talks honestly with his sons’ but I don’t think he realized how small a part we really play in our sons lives right now. We have had a huge reality check and the fact that we both know all the hurt that Sarah has done to us; and we have been silent; and now that the truth has been told; it did nothing but backfire on me and Jerry. This should never have happened; especially the way it did. Jerry is so hurt; he has cried, he said he felt he could say anything to one of his sons, and they would know he was not lying to them. He is crushed, I am crushed. Neither of us know what the future holds. We have cried bucketfulls everyday. I can just imagine what you all must be thinking, how stupid could you two be doing this? Of course, he will believe his wife. Trust me, I have asked myself all these questions and thousands more.
So I have to close now; crying again; feeling like the worse mother and mother in law, grandmother, you name it. I do hope you all can bear with me as I wallow in my self pity. I hope and pray that all of you and your families are doing well. Praying for the sick; the sad, and all of us who need some guidence. Thank you my dear friends, for your patience and understanding of how hard this is to write these words. It makes what has happened even more real. Hugs across the miles to you all. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – January 2018 #76267

Just wanted to drop by and say hello to everyone. Gail, I know you and Greg feel like going to NM and stomp your feet until that doctor gives you all some definitive answers to what is bothering Brent. I am so happy he has someone close so he is able to share his thoughts and concerns with. I think we as parents or of people we care about, just want answers so we can help our loved ones. How is your friend, DD? hope she is doing better. Sorry to hear about the dental problems Adlele and Gail. Isn’t it just mind blowing how expensive dental work of any kind is nowadays? I also have some looming on the horizon; but it is so expensive that we just have to pace the procedures out; since Jerry has some needs as well.
We are due for more cold this weekend, but mabey some will miss us. Our wind blowed so hard today.
I know this is short but all of you and your families are in my prayers. I just can’t seem to shake some things that are happening now; and it is just too hard to put things out of my mind right now. I know we are so blessed, and I really feel selfish knowing how fortunate we are, but please just bear with me and pray for us as I am doing that the good Lord will soften hearts and show us the way. Take care everyone, and hopefully I will be feeling better soon. Hugs to all, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – January 2018 #76089

Happy Sunday afternoon everyone. So happy that Tillie got her new chair and that she is comfy in it. That should really help the swelling in her feet and legs. Many years ago; we had these trianglular shaped foam forms that we put under the patients’ knees to hold their feet and legs up higher than their body while lying in bed. It was designed to have the blood circulation from the legs to the heart work better and not to cause the swelling in the lower limbs. That is really why recliners are so good for us all.
Gail, why did the doctors prescribe Nitroglycerin for Brent? Does he have chest pain? I will be glad when they finish the tests. Did the doctor tell Brent to put the pill under his tongue? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to understand the rationale for what they are doing. Did they tell him how long until they can do the thyroid tests? Have they done any blood work yet related to his thyroid levels? Gosh, I am just asking you too much. I am sure they have a good reason for everything, and I know that you all will find out really soon how to fix this so he will be able to get his poor life back to normal. Prayers for all of you. This has got to be so hard for you and Greg.
Well, I have not told you all most of my baby news. You are right Colleen, he did sort of just look at me and Jerry for a few minutes at first as if he was trying to figure out how was we so different that he remembers us in that little screen, but it was just for a few minutes and he held his little arms out for Jerry first and then to me. He was not shy at all. So I think from that he is used to seeing lots of people already. The next day when Jerry and I kept him most of the day he didn’t cry or anything when Sarah left. That sort of told me that he is used to seeing her leave too; so he was not at all afraid. We had the most wonderful time with him. I was standing by Jerry at one point just holding him in my arms and talking to him about how much I love him and miss him, and he was looking so intently right in my face and appeared to be just listening to everything I was saying, and then he just put a little hand on each side of my face and then kissed me right on my lips. I thought Jerry was going to cry; it was such a special moment for us. He kissed Jerry too a little later on. He played so good with us. I have to say it was one of the best days of our lives. Then we got to watch him the next day while Sarah went to have her hair done. So all in all we had two perfect days. And this is what has sustained me and Jerry for the last two weeks. I really just cannot say right now; because it hurts me so badly, but things have changed. Everyone is still healthy and well; but I am not sure if we will ever go back to having a close relationship with them again. But, I apologize for not being able to say more, but the hurt is just too deep and I just can’t right now. So just remember us in your prayers and time will tell.
Adele, it sounds like you all have had wonderful birthday celebrations. Good food and fun family times for all. You are so right about loving to hear the noise of all the loud but happy sounds of a big noisy family. Too quite is not good. I remember how sometimes I used to say to myself when I would be so tired and having just finished cooking a big meal that it would be so nice to have less confusion and how I would love some help; but now the quiet is worse than being tired. But I do have to say that Jerry and I spend a lot more of our time doing simple things. And Jerry does more cooking now than I can ever remember his doing. He always enjoyed grilling, even in the winter, but I guess he has arthritis in his thumbs now. It doesn’t affect his other fingers like it does both his thumbs. Have you ever heard of this, Gail?
DD is that your kitty in the picture? Ours is in a QVC box right now all curled up. He slept with us last night; and is looking forward to spring too.
Better close for now. I know I must have you all thoroughly shaking your heads, but just keep saying, it’s just Barbara. She always seems to be able to stir up a pot. Take care all, and will keep praying for us all and especially those sick. Hugs to all, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – January 2018 #75862

Everytime I try to get on here; my computer lets’s me put some things and then poof, off it all goes somewhere. I will try to get a few words on but not press my luck. Still praying for Brent, Gail. I will be so glad when they are able to tell him what is going on so they can start fixing the problem. Hope you weather is better now for all. We are thawed out right now; but due for more cold sometime within the week I think they said. I am just so happy to be warmer right now. I know I sound just wimpy with all the terrible cold you all have to endure; but I get so cold that it’s like I just cannot warm up no matter what I do.
I am so sorry about Tillie’s chair and surely hope they get her new one out tomorrow early so she can feel better. It is a shame for her to hurt because of the chair. I am glad you got on to them Adele. You were right that a lady her age should not have to suffer longer. Good for you. Sometimes we just have to speak up for ourselves or our loved ones to “motivate” someone to pay attention to what we need. JJ looked very cute in his little play. I bet you all had a great time seeing him and all the children.
We have been doing some crock pot meals; soups, chili and other big pot meals with all this bad weather. Tonight; we are lazy and just doing pizza. We have a store in town that makes it fresh to your likings; and you bring it home and bake it yourself. It tastes really good. The veggies are so fresh so we really like them.
I haven’t ordered anything lately from the Q. I see things I really like and then get busy and forget so I guess in a way this is good. I’m sure Jerry would think so. ha ha
Better go and not take a chance on this thing. This is just not a very good computer. I have had so many problems with it. Take care everyone, Barbara

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