[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – January 2018 #75519

Hello to everyone. I am finally able to sit and write to you all. I just admire how you can keep up with each other so much better than I can. My days and nights all just kooky and I have all of these honorable intentions, and they just don’t ever seem to work out LOL All I can say in my poor diffence, it is that I am one happy grandma who has nothing but cherished memories to hold on to from our little visit. We had two wonderful days of keeping our baby all to ourselves; for severall hours while Sarah went out for the day with her Mom once and again when she went to have her hair touch up and cut. He is just amazing, but you all know that by your own. So, they are home safe and got out of TN. just in time to miss a snowstorm. If they had left one day later; it might have really been hard. Poor Neal let us know today that he have thrown up all day today; so he must have some kind of stomach virus or has eaten something that was bad. That is the sickest sick, isn’t it? Sure hope Sarah and the baby don’t catch it. I will “brag” more later and I will really try to keep all my little stories to one at a time in my posts. Just know we had a wonderful time.
So sorry that your friend is in the hospital DD. But with her other physical problems I think her being in a hospital is the best place for her to give her the strongest medicines and keep a watch on her 24 hours a day. Praying she improves very soon.
I haven’t been able to read by far enough, Gail, to see how Brent is doing. So hoping he is doing well. My prayers are with you all.
Colleen, every time we would see the pink and blue on our weather channel here indicating ice and snow in Missouri, I would say to Jerry, that is on my friend Colleen and headed our way. So finally one night we were watching, and he saw it and said, “your Quacker lady is getting snowed on” ha ha. He has asked me where Ron finds his lawn mowers from; since I made the mistake of telling him one day last year that one of my lady friends husbands stops and picks up things and works on stuff like you do; and of course; he now thinks that Ron is just a very smart man. LOL You know what they say about “birds of a feather flock together” and I still say like you do that if those two ever got their heads together we would have that old train car in our field filled up in no time ha ha
I have worried about all of you up North in this terrible weather. Our entire patio is completely covered in a solid sheet of ice; and I will not let Jerry go out there. I am so afraid of one of us falling. I did buy some of those things you stretch on the bottom of your shoes to keep you from falling on ice; and gave those to Joey since he had to go to work. Lisa has been off since last Thursday due to weather. I know her doctors office will be SO busy when it does open back up. We don’t have many snow plows here; so even our interstates can really get in a bad way. Sue, has it ever cleared enough for you to be able to get some groceries or go outdoors? Please be careful everyone.
Those pictures of the spring flowers surely did look pretty. I have so much that needs to be done outdoors; and you all know I love solar lights. I really do want to fix up our front porch this spring. It looks kind of sad. We have a pretty glass storm door with an American eagle flying and some of the flag in the background. I guess it is a tempered glass; since it was a special ordered door. But I would just love a rocking chair out there and some potted flowers sitting on the brick steps going up to the porch. Now, mind you, we don’t ever come through the front door; always either the back or the kitchen door through the garage. But we see it each time we drive down the road.
This was a perfect day for a stew; but I stayed under the warm covers for too long sipping hot chocolate; so it will be warmed up leftovers. But thankfully Jerry likes that. So you all take care; and I hope and pray all is well with everyone. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – January 2018 #74926

Gail, just was reading about Brent and the doctor sending him for more tests. Has he worn the heart monitor and is that how they diagnosed the v-tach? I am presuming they did. V-tach stands for ventricular tachycardia (the lower chambers of the heart beat faster than they should). We all know what it feels like because we feel that way when you get scared or have been running really fast. Or say someone is having a panic attack; and their heart just begins to race. I am really glad that they are doing tests on the thyroid; because one of my first thoughts was Graves Disease; which has symptoms of weight loss, faster heart rate, increased nervousness, some people have diarrhea, some muscle weakness; and it is brought on by the thyroid glad secreating too much of it’s hormone. Do by any chance his eyeballs seem to “stick out a little bit” I know this sounds crazy, but sometimes this will happen in this disease. I actually have hypothyroidism (hypo means low, hyper means high) so I am chubby, skin dry, instead of reved up I am sluggish; all due to that thyroid gland. It sits on both sides of your neck. I just feel this is what is causing him his problems. There are other reasons for V-tach. One is due to the electrical pathway that runs through the heart muscles and messaging centers and causes the heart to race when the signals get out of sync. This can be fixed by threading an instrument into the heart and “zapping” the bad messaging node or by some medications. My prayers continue to be with all of you. I know this must be so hard. He has been searching so long for an answer. But that should bring you and him some real hope that whatever is causing this is not so dangerous that is required immediate emergent action. Does that make any sense? I know there is an answer out there; I will just be SO happy when they let you all know what he needs to do to make this better. Prayers for you all.
Our baby is due to come visit Sarah’s family next week. It is so cold here; so I hope she bundles him up really well. They will be coming from his running around barefoot in their apt every evening to the teens here. I have been hearing about all the horrid cold you all are having. Please be careful.
Colleen, I owe you an apology. Would you believe that I found your card UNDER some of my papers today on the kitchen counter? So I know you didn’t get yours. I don’t know where my mind is these days.
Jerry has a Star Wars marathon or something on. It seems he has been watching it for hours. I find myself going to bed so early just to get under the covers and get my heating pad on my shoulder. I am turning into something that hibernates during the winter. I just don’t know how you all do it.
I hope I helped some Gail.
Take care everyone. I will be thinking and praying for us all. By the way, Adele, I think you should consider naming your Kitchen Adele’s “Sit a Spell” with a sign on the wall that announces the Rules of the kitchen Only compliments; no complaint section and If you don’t like somthing, you cook and I’ll eat – ha ha. There would be some surprized and worried faces I’m sure. Bye for now; and please keep us posted. Hugs Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk – January 2018 #74801

well, again we are freezing our little Southern hineys off; and again I am ashamed for even thinking of complaining knowing how very very cold it is on you all. I tell you, we just are not prepared for this kind of cold in our area. You all would laugh at this I know-the schools were closed in Nashville today because of the cold. There is no ice or snow; just cold; so they shut down the schools. I am serious when I say that we just don’t react well at all. I always thought it was a shame the way people here just run over each other if there is even a threat of a snowflake. I told Jerry that this school closing really worries me for all the little ones that don’t have good parents to take care of them; because at least they get a good meal and are taken care of at school. He said, Barbara, sometimes I think you just worry too much LOL. Course; this was right after I had him break up all the ice in the puppy dogs water bowl on the porch; and I had warmed up this “smorgesboard” of leftovers and we had all the puppies lined up to make sure they all had something warm in their bellies today. Our kitty was asleep in our bed when I woke up this morning all wedged in between me and Jerry. He had found him a good warm place to cuddle up. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw him. He usually sleeps on the foot of our bed but last night he got way up in the bed. I bet Jewell was snuggling with DD as well. I was telling the kitty how sad I was for the puppy dogs, and he really didn’t seem to appear too sorry for them. ha ha Oh, we also have heat lights up under the porch roof and Jerry enclosed the area where their dog houses are within that area.

Speaking of Jerry; his poor back was just killing him yesterday. I know the cold had a lot to do with it; but it really scares me to see how he has gone down so much in the last few years. I spoke to the doctor about some of the problems he was having our last visit, and he would say, Barbara don’t say that I am doing okay. The doctor said, now, Jerry, you know that this is not going to get better; and you hiding things that happen is not good. He told him that if he knows what is happening that he might be able to help. Jerry told him that his biggest worry was that he might get to the point of not being able to see about me if something happened, and he said that we all know that we cannnot control what may happen, but we are so lucky to have good sons, and that he needs to be honest with them, and not pretend that he doesn’t need their help. I was so glad I brought it up; but Jerry was upset with me. It is hard; but I know you all understand and face a lot of the same fears.
We had a quiet New Years evening. We made some homemade eggnog from Jerrys Daddys recipe that was handed down from his father. It is strong; so one small glass for me. I get sleepy without drinking it; but fall asleep every time I drink it within just a few minutes. Speaking of falling asleep; I find that now I can be sitting straight up in my lazyboy chair and get so sleepy about 4 pm that my eyelids just start getting so droopy and off I go. I will fight going to sleep sometimes; and just can’t help it. And sometimes I wake up feeling so much better; and other times I am SO grouchy that it is best for poor Jerry to stay far away. ha ha I too have that wake up in the night issue, Sue; so welcome to our club. Sometimes I just pull out my I Pad and go to looking at it or turn on the Q with the sound muted and sometimes order, but usually just watch. I have been surprized at how they do some really good sales that time of morning.
I am having pancakes for dinner and sausage. Just got in the mood for pancakes. Jerry is having a baked sweet potato and warming up some of his black eyed peas, and some leftover cornbread. I got an extra order of pancakes, because once Jerry smells mine warming up I have a feeling he will want some too. ha ha Bet you all are having something warm and filling. I am thinking of a roast in the crock pot tomorrow. I will put some potatoes and carrots and onions in too. I know you all need something to keep you warm on the inside.
I cannot imagine anyone doing the polar plunge this year. I know it is always for a good cause; but would think it would not be safe. I saw where some poor puppy froze to death on his front porch. How sad. It just breaks my heart to think of poor people and little animals in this weather. And so many people just don’t seem to have any compassion for what happens to others. And they treat little animals like they don’t feel pain or suffer. I am a real softie, but proud to be.
Hope everyone is doing good. We were to go get MawMaw today; but she said not to. She wants to stay inside; so Jerry went to visit her. Take care everyone; and rest up. I have a feeling everyone needs to. Try not to laugh too much about us being such “sissies” down here. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All! #74597

Burr from Tenn. I feel so bad acting like you all are not having it lots colder than us here; but as my grandmother used to say, “our blood is too thin for this cold weather” HA HA But in all seriousness, we down South just do not handle anything below freezing well at all. And we are due for some snow and the temps are to be below 10; so it is definitely time for something warm from the oven and a bubbling pot on the stove.
Our New Years day always consists of a big pot of blackeyed peas and get ready girls, hog jowl. I know you all must be saying what in the world is that? but it is just part of the hog that old time stories says if you eat a bite of it on NYD that you will have good luck in the coming year. I know Colleen has heard of this before. It is like smoky fat ham; and you use it to flavor your peas and then eat some of it. We add lots of good ham while we cook the peas as well. We also make a big pan of cornbread to go along with it; and bake some sweet potatoes and usually steam some brocolli or do cabbage and of course; we have to add dessert. The boys have always asked for banana pudding. I love how Tillie does her kraut. Sounds yummy. Jerry and I are the only two who will eat sauerkraut here.
I have heard of the Hess trucks; but haven’t actually seen them. So I will look this up too.
So glad that Tillie will be seen by a specialist. She will be treated very well, I believe. Hope you all will hear that Brent receives good news soon. The wait must be so hard for you all. Prayers for everyone. I remember once when our oldest son was so sick; and no one could decide exactly what was wrong, but was hinting for us to prepare for something really bad, and Jerry just literally fell to his knees in the doctors office and prayed that if it was that it be him instead, and I was praying that it be me. It turned out to be something that once the right doctor saw him he took care of it right away, and Buddy was fine soon; so just be as strong as you can Gail, and pray. Hope I didn’t say anything wrong; just want to comfort you all.
Better go, Jerry is saying something from the kitchen and heavens knows what he may be up too. ha ha Take care all and Happy New Year to everyone. Hugs and best wishes to all, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All! #74462

Hello to everyone! I haven’t had a chance to read anyone’s notes before writing to you all; but surely do hope you ALL had a wonderful Christmas and are making plans for this weekend. We have had some very cold weather; not like you all I’m sure since we don’t have the ice and snow YET, but they say we are due to get some this weekend. It is just bitterly cold here; so I am trying to make sure that all the animals to have to stay outdoors are protected and fed something warm everyday. I just feel so badly for them; but we have a lighted area out at Joey’s that is enclosed where they all stay with lots of cheap blankets and things for them to cuddle up with.
We had a quiet Christmas day; with the exception of our skype time with the baby. He was so excited. He really didn’t know what was the reason for everything that was happening; but was running and playing and just jibber jabbering and moving from toy to book back to ride on car for 5 seconds and then on to something else. ha ha I told Neal that he and Sarah are just beginning to be Santa helpers this year but just get ready for years to follow where they will really be busy. They are actually doing their dinner today since he worked on Christmas day and he and Sarah both worked half a day on Eve. Neal called today for some instructions on baking a ham and making potato salad. I really think he does most of the cooking; with her helping him, and she does most of the cleaning and laundry. So; if it works for them; it is fine for me. They seem to be doing really well; but homesick.
Our oldest son who lives in Vegas called. Their daughter from Florida is visiting. He said he had told his wife that they have to adjust to not being in the military and start living a normal civilian life and spend holidays at home. He said he missed us all and I told him how happy we are that he is at least within a day of Neal now. They have already visited Neal and his little family during the babys first birthday.
Joey had to work that night; so we had dinner on Christmas eve. Lisa was sick; coughing a lot; and Joey whispered in my ear for us to please not get too close. He said she is much better; but just wanted to come up and join us for dinner. So I am praying none of us get sick. Jerrys brother and his wife both have the flu; and so does our friends we go to dinner with occasionally. So it is definitely going around down South. Hope all of you are okay.
Gail, I have surely been praying for Brent and his tests. Any news? The wait is always so terrible. At least when you know what is causing him problems you can begin the process of doing things to make it better.
Love all the smiling faces in your pictures Adele. I can tell you all had a wonderful time. Bet there were some happy people with all the baking and cooking you have been doing. It always makes me feel so good to have someone enjoy something I have cooked or baked.
DD; it is so cold here that one day I was looking for our kitty and calling him; and after about 30 minutes of searching I found him up under the covers of our bed where he had gotten himself up under there and would not come out since he was all warm and comfy. ha ha So now if I am missing him I look under our covers first. He does not like the cold. Mabey his little bones ache too.
I am so sorry to see that it hurt Tillie again on her eye. We did the birthday get together for MawMaw on her 91st birthday last week. I had her a chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream icing made and lots of pretty piped roses and decorations. She loved it. We sent what was left back with her. She has some periods of confusion now; but when you talk for a while about something it seems to “jog” her memory and then she starts to talk about things. I really believe she had a good time. Lord, Jerry is such a good son to her. Would you believe he bought her not one but three zip up fleece jackets? When I asked why three he said well she wears them all the time (which she does) and he wanted to keep her warm. We also brought her out for Christmas, and since it was so cold we just had some vegetable soup and cornbread and apple pie. She didn’t want to visit as long that day; but it was really cold out and she does not like to be out after dark.
Well, I will close for now and try to catch up on all of your news that I haven’t had a chance to read. We do not go out on New Years; haven’t in years. It is definitely one holiday we stay indoors here. I think it is supposed to snow that night. BURR Take care everyone. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All! #73903

Um, Um Adele. There is nothing that compares to the wonderful smell of bread baking. And I bet your cookies were so good. Jerry and I are the only ones I know around here who love sauer kraut; but we can only get it in, wait for this hope you are sitting down, CANS. But we have what is called Bavarian Sauer Kraut and he and I can just eat that up with some hot cornbread and sometimes I make brisket; but unless one of you all know how to do it some easy way, we don’t have it often. I apologize to any of you all who know how to do a brisket but that is one of those dishes we just rarely serve in our area. I actually broke down and reintroduced myself to my stove and oven today; and we had salmon croquettes, creamed potatoes, brussel sprouts, and rolls. I also did a small bread pudding for just the two of us. Joey doesn’t like it; and you all probably haven’t ever heard of it. It is sort of a regional thing too.
I bet you all are so busy with your last minute things. Hope you are having some wonderful time with your families and friends. We rode into town earlier today since we needed some 1/2 and 1/2 milk for my pudding, but there were so many people in the parking lot that Jerry just let me out and I ran in got the milk and back out and home for us. Jerry was very happy with a home cooked meal. ha ha
Well, I will close for tonight. Jerry is searching for a movie on the Hallmark channel. I told him we need something good and hopeful. So enjoy your evening, and stay safe. Hugs across the miles. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All! #73888

I am so mad to hear that the cooking show is just gone. Did anyone ever hear of innocent until proven guilty? I know that having experienced many many years ago a man being SO inappropriate to me at one of my jobs. I reported it to my supervisor; and SHE didn’t do anything; just said it was “your word against his”. I think it is great that women (and men) are getting a voice; but it just seems like everyone is guilty first; and we are trying so hard to make up for all the terrible things that have happened in the past. I surely don’t want to sound at all insensitive; because I surely am not; but darn, I want my cooking shows to finish. It looks like they could have just put in a new judge in his place until the controversy could be reviewed. How do you all feel?
DD. was there a tree in your pictures? I couldn’t get past that deliscious eye candy in the middle LOL Just kidding; but gosh, he is one handsome man. I guess I sound bad now don’t I ? Seriously; your trees looked very pretty. Just thought we needed a laugh. I can’t help but ask myself how come I didn’t age like he did ha ha
Gail, our favorite colored lights are the bright icy blue. But we have ALL shades all over including white. I really would love to have one of those fold out trees from Lorie Granier; but I really think if I get one then I will want another; and another, well you know how I get. I love for my clothes to sparkle and our outdoors to sparkle. Ha ha Jerry and I rode around our little town yesterday evening and looked at all the lights. Lots of blow up things and I think I am seeing more lights this year. We had a really good time.
Joey has to work all weekend. I worry about him. Can you all tell? ha ha Mabey I should trade in my broom; my Grinch green, and just get me a big whopping worry stone to wear around my neck and drag it around. I am something else; and it is probably good that I don’t stop to figure out what.
Adele, that is such a great idea for us to try with the baby. I have some of his toys here that we got for him before they left; and as Neal said, Mama, we just can’t take everything with us; so will you keep this here for when we come home? So I know we have a GET THIS soft duck puppet that it’s bill will quack when you squeeze it; and I am going to hug and hug it when we are talking next time. Thanks for a wonderful idea!!!!!!
How is your friend, DD? Hope she is feeling better. I know she just loves having you for her friend.
Jerry and I watched Scrooge last night. THe old one with George C. Scott. Love it. Do you all know I have not ever seen the Nutcracker. I have always wanted to visit NYC during Christmas. Have any of you been there?
Well, we are doing take out Mexican tonight. I am ashamed Adele. And don’t you do fahita’s Colleen? Lisa made something for us one day; and it was good but very spicy, and poor Jerry just doesn’t handle spice very well. He ate it like cake and then I saw him sneak off to get Tums. That is the only meal she has ever done for us. But the gesture was very nice. I know you all are very busy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hope Brent is doing well, Gail. Fingers and toes crossed. How is Tillie and your Mom Colleen? Good I hope Goodnight ladies. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All! #73819

I really got a big laugh out of your heated comments as well, Adele. No wonder Mr. Gary has been so “helpful” since he may have other reasons for being so “nice” right now LOL I can just see him rushing to get you more prednisone; so we keep that heated feeling going ha ha. There is no telling what I write on here sometimes. It was surely funny.
DD I am so glad that Jewell is doing better. Is that him peeking over that book? That is a beautiful kitty. Ours is sleeping soundly on his “perch” right now. It is one , and he wants to be close to us but will not sit in our laps for the world. The nearest he will come is lying between us (sometimes) or sitting next to us in our recliners. He loves us; and we want him to sit closer; but it is just not his personality. He has started recently to want to play about 3 am and he comes and wakes us up; usually brings his little toy too, and just plays and plays at the foot of the bed. Then he wants a few treats; and off to the heat source up front until morning. We love him so much; and he provides us so much complany. I know you must feel the same about Jewell.
I know you must be getting tired from all your company Colleen. Please take care. You are such a good Mom and Grandmother.
I miss the baby so much I can barely stand it. He has so many little teeth now; and loves to eat those Goldfish crackers. He will hold his litttle hand out toward the phone and say something that sounds like “want some?” and we just think it is so sweet. He sort of throws kisses too. He is the light of our life. I miss our oldest son in Nevada so much too. It’s almost like we just don’t hear from him anymore. I know he is busy; but I see all these wonderful things he and his wife are doing that she puts of facebook. It’s like he has forgotten us. I am feeling sorry for myself. Sorry girls.
So glad Brents tests are coming along Gail. This really does seem to indicate some sort of thyroid problems, doesn’t it? The doctor who is helping him now I like a lot better than that original gastro doctor. She seems on top of things for him. Prayers continueing for him and you all.
Jerry and I are considering what to do on Christmas day. It will be very quiet here; since Joey is working Christmas eve and we are not going to do our day until probably Tuesday. We are considering volunteering at some place that serves dinner to the poor or homeless. Then find someplace for us to hang our hat and reminence. I hadn’t heard about Dan H. retiring. He has really been such a good person to share his feelings and the love for his wife and for God helping him. I really believe he will continue doing good work helping those who are grieving hurting.
Sorry about your fishy Adele. I remember when you first got them. Is JJ doing okay? Reminds me of Gregg and all his Koi. Has he ever gotten over losing them to that mink or whatever animal that was Gail? And poor Colleen and Ron lost their guineas. That was to a fox wasn’t it? We have been through a lot over the years, haven’t we my friends?
Take care everyone. Oh, yes, I did mean to tell you all that I got a wonderful email from Debbie in Oregon. She was in very good spirits; and feeling so much better at the time. She is doing accupuncture; seeing a chiropractor, and doing herbal Chinese tea; and it all really seems to be helping her. She was estatic; and for all of us who know of this terrible sickness journey she has suffered through; I know we are all celebrating her relief. Hope to hear from her again soon. Take care everyone; and find some joy with each day. Life is such a precious gift. Love, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All! #73675

Hi Girls! I am determined to be “positive” on this little news letter today LOL Jerry has gone to see his mom. We are planning this big birthday party for her at our house next week. She will turn 91. I say big; but really just a few friends and family, but I know she will really enjoy it. She loves sweets, as you all know, and so chocolate cake with pink buttercream icing; and lots of soft decorations on top. I will bake the sheet cake on Monday and freeze it; and then thaw and frost later. We haven’t told her yet; but she will like it. We take her on little trips around town at least once every couple of weeks; and bring her out to our house more often than that. She loves Kentucky Fried chicken Ha Ha; and so thats what we got the other day. It is just amazing to me as tiny as she is that she can put away so much food. I’m surely not complaining; but she has a great appetite if she is feeling good.
You know Gail, I have really thought about your question regarding if Lisa has changed since her accident. With all my heart I want to say Yes, but there is this nagging seed of doubt that mabey I just was not seeing the “side” of her that she didn’t show me. Even after I talked with her about how both she and I have laid in the ICU; and how much it meant to both of us to have another chance to live and love life; she didn’t change her “tone” in her answer to me. What she said was sort of like, “well, I don’t really care about it anymore; it wasn’t really important to Joey” and it was at that point that I guess the mother in me surfaced and I said “we all, me, you, Joey, everyone, have faults, and if Joey is not the person that you can accept him for the good and the bad that I think you should go and find the person who will make you happy” I know I may not should have said it but I would have said the exact same thing to Joey had be been in the room at the time. I did let him know that she and I had talked, and he just said not to worry, let’s try to put today back together. And we did somehow to some resemblance of tranquility. A nandina bush stays green and bushy, and has bright red clusters of berries on it. It really is beautiful.
We are doing a “deli” tray for dinner this evening. Adele, you are putting me to shame. Here you are having to take meds for your knee, and still have a warm meal for the family. Hope you are doing good. A muscle relaxer just knocks me off my feet. I usually have to break them in half if I have to take one. I think I would be out for a couple of days on a whole one; which come to think of it, that might not be so bad LOL
Better go for now. If not; I am sure I will start to complain or something. I am in a bit of a “funky” mood. Or, then again, mabey I am just the Grinch in desquise with all my Quacker. After all, I did order the green Dreamjeannes. Quack Quack————

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