[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All! #73638

Hello friends. So, Miss Gail, our Piper is not just a model, but can explain all about everything in the process. LOL She was so cute in just up and admitting that she is a “chatterbox” and proud of it. Woman power, hear me roar ha ha She and little Aliza are so smart. She knew Santa was one of those chubby men that she could just wrap around her little finger, and then plant that kiss was to seal the deal, Colleen. ha ha I think their little innocence is endearing and we should just sit back and soak it all in while we can. I am sorry poor Owen wasn’t feeling good. I hope he is doing lots better by now. How is JJ doing Adele? They just grow up so fast. Does he want anything special for Christmas? I too am very disappointed with the choice of toys and goodies for the little ones this year at the Q. It’s like it is vacuums, bose, coffee, loads of “gourmet food” and besides our Quacker, lots of expensive clothing. I ordered MawMaw two pair of D&C pants (she loves those) and three fleecy sweatshirt like tops, since they keep her so warm, and it was over $150. Guess I am just being stingy, but I don’t mind paying for good quality Quacker; since they just last forever. But the tax and the shipping brought the price up; when it didn’t seem like it would be that high before I went to check out. What do you all think? That being said, I guess I should preface this with a full disclosure statement, ha ha, I always buy those chocolate covered pretzels that come wrapped seperately. THey are just SO good. ha ha
You know, Adele, love can really change a person. Our son, Joey, is such a wonderful man, but his being with Lisa has brought us so many concerns over the years. Just yesterday, we had one of those “awful” family moments. They came to dinner; and Lisa had made up her mind before they got here that she wanted pictures of the two of them made outside with all the menagerie of animals she has brought here in the picture. Well, there are not enough words to say what a fiasco it turned in to. The dogs were acting up so badly; running, jumping. And she yelled at Joey that he was causing it not to go right; since he didn’t get up to our house while “the sun was shining bright” and now they were rushing. One of the doggies actually bucked back and split Joeys lip while they were trying to do a picture of them on a blanket on the ground in front of a nandina bush. It was TERRIBLE. She then had such a bad attitude the rest of the evening, and I talked to her at one point about how little things that don’t go right are just that, little things, and if she could just to remember how thankful we all should be this time of year especially; because so many people are sick or suffering, and how much they would give to just be able to TRY to make some pictures; even if they didn’t come out well that day. But to no good. I just wanted to hug Joey up and say RUN son as fast as you can. It worried Jerry and me so badly that we could barely choke anything down. So that is my happy story for the day. SO prayers needed.
DD. hope you are doing better; as well as your good friend. She is so fortunate to have someone like you. Take care all. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All! #73441

Adele, thank God your friend recieved good news on her son. I know they needed something to help them all; and am so happy for them.
As usual; when I say I am going to do something it is gone, poof, so I will really try to put in my address today. I thought about it today when I was making my list of folks that I want to send out cards too. I love to get cards. They are so personal, and it just makes me feel good to know that someone cares enough to take the time to think of me. So I love the idea.
Jerry and I just finished sitting here deciding on dinner tonight. We eliminated several things; and ended up on making breakfast for dinner. He is munching on fresh brocolli and dill dip as we speak; so he may be filling himself up before we finish cooking dinner lol. I am doing some biscuits and want some strawberry jam and butter. I am really in the mood for warm comfort food. Does it show? ha ha Bet you all are having something much more nutritious and complex than the lazy Southern couple.
DD, how is your friend feeling? Sure hope she is doing okay. Just love your pictures you post. Thank you for doing that. I am very sentimental, and they are so nice to see.
I fell asleep while we were watching TV last night. Didn’t know it; but Jerry was asleep too ha ha. Joey woke us both up when he called us from work to check on us. So he and I are turning into two old bears going into hibernation I guess. He of course, denied being asleep, but I know he was. He said he was just “being quiet so he wouldn’t wake ME up” Doesn’t that sound just like a man?
Adele, one thing you could have done when your had your little “gastro” episode in the elevator would have been, as soon as the door opened, you could have stepped as far away from the men who entered and then began fanning yourself as if the “offender” was one of them, and then they would have been both looking at each other instead of the “innocent” little lady who had found herself in an offensive situation. LOL Just saying……….
Better close. My biscuits smell done to me. Time to slather on the good stuff. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All! #73416

DD-do you think that your friend may be having mini-strokes that is causing her lapse of memory? If she is having blockage of blood flow in her brain; it will definitely affect how she acts or what she remembers. Just a thought; but she, in my opinion, should have gone at least to a doctor. I am really worried about her. Glad your back is doing better and that Jewell is too. That was a great Christmas gift for you.
Sue, your ice cube story was funny to me. One of my DIL’s actually gave me a metal ice cube tray for Christmas one year since I had complained so much about how our ice maker just didn’t work right (kind of like how our computers have a mind of their own). I was so thrilled. It is the retro kind with the metal slide piece up the center that you pull up to break apart the cubes; like I had as a child. I have it to this day; and it is one of my treasured pieces. It is facinating how your “appendage” managed to form like that. Could an air bubble have caused it? I’m laughing as I write this; since it has my porno/scientific mind thinking. LOL
Adele, I surely hope the neurologist has a simple easy answer to your dizziness. Just if you think of it; should you become dizzy between now and the time you see the doctor; if you would write down the dates and times and exactly what you are doing when it happens to you. Sometimes that helps them narrow down better what is happening. So happy Gary’s tests came out good, and that Tillie is better. I know it really hurts you to see her have to endure so much at her age. But she has a wonderful daughter who loves her and takes such good care of her. I guess I must have missed that we are exchanging our addresses this year. So I will go to the page and do it. That is a sweet idea.
We are so cold here today and to get colder and colder. We had storms yesterday and now this.
Sue, I would love some soft warm sheets; but Jerry just burns up. I really wish they came with half the bed warm and soft, and the other half just plain sheets. LOL My feet get so cold that I keep my socks on after I go to bed, and keep a heating pad on my shoulder. Yes, Ellie was bitten; twice in fact; by a snake. The first time was the worst and she did lose the sight in her right eye. The second time she was sick; but they treated her here at home. We are very fortunate to have a mobile vet that treats lots of horses out here. He just happened to be close that day. Ellie is good now. She is such a sweet doggie; and so smart.
Better go for now. Hope everyone is okay. Talk soon. Prayers to Brent and to the poor young man having so many problems, Adele. Prayers to all my dear friends and their friends and families. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All! #73263

Yes, dear friends, you can always count on me to mix up our guys, our puppies and kitties, our grands; well you get the jest LOL I think I must have been thinking of Ron and Colleen with the potato soup; and wondering if it would help Tillie get her appetite back. I have been in social settings so many times in my life and have someone walk up to me that I know their name as well as my own; and cannot think of it to save my life. Has this ever happened to you all where you have to stand there and think of things to avoid calling their name hoping it will just suddenly pop into your memory? That is SO embarassing. Sue, in my case, count it as a miracle that I didn’t have you married to Cuddles ha ha. Your crock meal sounds delish. How long did you cook it for? I am definitely going to give this a try. I love meatloaf too. I actually cook individual ones in about 4 inch by 3 inch rectangle shapes. I have this receipe that comes from Ina Garten on the food network where she sautes the bell pepper and onion in butter or olive oil and mixes this in with her meat loaves with s&p; and I really can’t think of any other spices. Oh, yes, she adds some tomato paste (or ketchup) in the meat, and then on top of each loaf. It tastes yummy. I have probably forgotten something; so if it sounds good to anyone; just check on the Food Network site.
You all are way ahead of me on the shopping and wrapping. I have sent the baby’s gifts through amazon to him. I am SO hoping that he gets them. I am doing just a little something for the boys and their wives, and sending our grandaughter in Fla. one of those anybody PJ sets that was a tsv. It really felt comfortable when I was wrapping it; and she is a tiny little thing.
I surely hope DD is okay too and her precious kitty. Hopefully she has just been busy and we will hear from her soon.
Tonight is Southern Italian night at the Smith household ha ha. I know you would laugh just watching me try to cook spagetti, Adele. We had a couple that lived next to us once that were from Italy, and the wife always had a big pot of “gravy” on the stove, and let’s just say, it was so so good. And lets also say, mine is nothing like hers. We don’t have a bakery in our little town; so no real garlic bread here; we have the, dare I say it, FROZEN bread from the grocery store. I know Adele is shuddering as you read this. LOL Had we not ever met this sweet couple, we wouldn’t have tasted the best Italian dishes we have ever put in our mouths.
Here’s sending good wishes to all. Prayers for all. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's December! Peace on Earth-Goodwill Toward Men! The Greastest Gift of All! #73231

Gail, will pray for Brent everyday. How cold and callous that doctor was to tell him such a thing without knowing absolutely sure this was the case. Now instead of planting a seed of hope he has planted a seed of doubt; and no one who is already worried about not feeling well, needs anything negative to have to think about. I really found working in my job was so fullfilling because of all the areas of medicine I worked in; the Trauma unit was the most positive; we can and WILL do everything possible to help your loved one. And we actually meant it; and no matter how hard it was to do; we didn’t give up; regardless of all odds. So; if this brings you any better feelings; just know; that there really are good people out there in medicine who will look after Brent and help him to get better.. you all and Brent have GOT to put this insensitive person out of your mind, and be as positive as you can. I know you are worried; rightfully so; but he went to the worst extreme of “guessing” and there is also a “best” guess as well. I just wish if he had to say anything that he would have given his “best” guess. Hugs to you all and to him. I hope you are feeling better too. That is sweet that Gary helps you with the cleaning. Jerry is really good to help. He has to wait until evening time; because his back is usually doing some better then. But since we don’t exactly have a strict schedule; it is fine with me. He is good with if I cook he cleans; or vice versa. We have started the team approach to a lot now.
DD. I hope your Jewell is feeling better by now. We love our little four legged babies so much. They bring us such comfort; so much love. Right now, our Auto Kitty is all rolled up in a bath towel that hadn’t gotten folded yet with the others. It was warm out of the dryer; and he pounced on that right away. It is clear here today; but chilly. He is like me; does not like to be cold. Prayers for your baby too. We all know how much our fur babies mean to each of us.
Adele; I love your little game with the baby and hugs with his mouth open. That is such a cute idea; I think I am going to have to borrow it from you all. I am glad your shot in your knee has helped you. Poor Tillie; I know she is wanting to feel better; and it seems like she is up one day and not feeling so good the next. I kind of hesitate to ask; since I know how much Ron doesn’t like this LOL, but do you think some potato soup would be good for her? It seems easy on the tummy, and mabey she would enjoy that. Prayers coming your way too.
Gail, I think it was a good idea for you and Gary to step back and let the new generation of ONP folks do all the hard work you all have done so many years. You all have left them some big shoes to fill. You should be very proud.
Sue, are you and Cuddles doing okay? Does he have any arthritis issues? Our Ruby is showing some signs. We have to give her Tramadol at times. The Vet said it is arthritis. He said it is the same medicine they give humans. He doesn’t have her on an anti-inflammatory but said just to give her this when she seems in pain. You know our OZ lived to be 19 and didn’t ever have a problem with stiffness or soreness in his joints. I really do miss him. He was such a loving dog.
Well, I know you all are tired of reading. Our son sent us a video last night of him putting a Santa hat on the baby; and the baby felt his little head and stuck his head right out at at son and said “DADDY” just so plain and clear and went just sashshaying off swinging that little bottom and talking. He is going to be a little character too. Big hugs and prayers for everyone. Barbara (and please forgive me Gail, if I said anything inappropriate)

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: November! Let Us give Thanks! #73078

Oh, Gail, I am so sorry that you and Greg are sick. There is no telling where you all picked up “the bug”. I am almost afraid to go anywhere nowadays for fear of picking up something ugly and getting us sick. Isn’t that just awful to feel that way? Hope this passes really quickly for you, and that you all receive good news on Brents’ doctor report. This is supposed to be our season of “tidings of comfort and joy”. I sort of feel like we could all use some about now. Glad Tillie is better. I know she is uneasy about her next shot. Colleen had a great idea of the hospital providing some kind of transport cart for you when you have to walk a long distance to get around in there. They, of all people, should be aware of the physical needs of patients and family.
I am glad you are doing better DD. Your trees sound beautiful. I have to admit, in shame, that I have only put my little ceramic tree with it’s lights on the tips, up on our bar top that seperates our kitchen and the family room. It is on a timer and the lights come on each evening at 6pm (already dark here) and my very old Santa figurine that has a lot of forrest animals around it, by the tree. It is so old that it has a wind up key on the bottom, and it plays “Have yourself a merry little Christmas” when you wind it up, and I do every evening. I put up a wreath on the front door and decorated our mailbox with those microlights and ribbons. But that is all I have done for this year. Oh, I take that back, I did do those Valerie Par Hill timer candles in our front bay window and a small Valerie lamp with the candle in it on a timer in the bathroom and the mirror shines and reflects the light, and it is so pretty. So this may be the extent of our decorating. LOL
Please take care everyone, of being extra careful being out and about this time of year. We have had several attempts at break ins in our little town in the last few weeks. The sheriffs office said it is the bad people trying to steal packages and things. Terrible but true.
That is such a great idea to have JJ and the family go to the play. He will just love this. I like your idea of making cookies too with them so you will be a part of the good day. THis way it will be fun for everyone.
Take care everyone. Thoughts and prayers out to everyone. Cheers to you for the best to the best! Hugs Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: November! Let Us give Thanks! #73014

Hello to everyone. Adele, I am so sorry that it hurt poor Tillie. I cannot imagine them not putting eyedrops to anesthesize the eyeball prior to the procedure. Please, please don’t EVER feel guilty that you are not doing enough to help see about your mom. She counts her blessings everyday, I am sure, for having such a wonderful daughter as you. She knows what you are going through, she knows most people would just put her away and go on about their life without a single feeling of guilt. That is why she keeps asking you when she hears of someone else going on to heaven why them? You and Gary have earned special halo’s when you go to heaven for all your love and goodness that you show to her and to everyone. You have a heart as big as a mountain, and don’t you ever ever even doubt yourself. Our son, who is the nurse at the geriatric center here tells me how sad it is that most people only come to see their mom or dad on a holiday or on the final day. He said then they “act” so upset they are gone on to heaven. He said it makes him sick. I said son, you are a good man to show kindness and compassion, and they love you for it more than you know.
Gail, I am praying for your son. I know he will feel better when all the tests are over, and he can begin to be treated and hopefully start to feel better real soon. It is so hard to be away from your loved one when they don’t feel good. Do you like the new lady he is keeping time with? I surely hope she is helping him; especially while he is not feeling well. I have the old thyroid problem too; but mine is the sluggish one; actually the non existance one; since mine was destroyed due to all the radiation I had on my throat. Does he have certain things that trigger his symptoms or is it a continuous problem for him? It took them several years to pick up on this after I was so sick; but have taken Synthroid every day since. Will really keep him in my prayers. I know what you mean about how much more difficult it is now to do the things that I used to do without even a second thought 10+ years ago. My REAL problem is getting Jerry to accept his changes in his physical shape now. He continues to do things that hurt him; and I know that no matter what I say, if he has made up his mind to do something, he is going to try. And then he is in such bad shape it hurts me to see him, and he is so down because he is not able to do what he was determined to do. I simply cannot keep up with others now; and it embarasses me, and honestly, it keeps me from going places when invited because I know in my heart that I won’t be able to keep up. Simple things like walking from one side of the store to the other just wears me out, and sometimes I have to just sit in our car for a while after I get out of the store and rest a few minutes. I have tried exercising, but not been successful at all, and I know if I was just able to keep doing it, that I would mabey get stronger, but I just can’t keep up. I really feel that if I could go to the water aerobics at the YMCA that it would help us; but they have closed ours down here close by. So, what’s a girl to do? Life has just changed so much. But all we can do is just do the best we can.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving on Saturday. It was a good day. Jerry was a little “miffed” with Joey for not moving some logs that Jerry wanted moved; but that smoothed over, thank goodness. It would have crushed me if the day had not been a good one for us. We missed everyone so much.
DD. that is so scary about someone knocking on your door. Please be careful. You just can’t be too careful anymore. It sounds like your trees are going to be just beautiful. Does your kitty play with your trees? Ours always does. He loves sleeping in a QVC box. I guess it keeps him warm.
Colleen, you will just have to get used to being grand pa pa. I think that is sweet. Our itty bitty is running, not walking now. He says several little words; not real clear. But he is really growing. I miss him more than words can say. I would just give the world to hug and kiss on him right now. Neal is in Oakland this week on a training thing. He is officially an air traffic controller now. There were other tests he had to pass after moving to Ca. to make it all official. He found out last week. He was so excited.
Better go for now. Good to talk to you all. Hope to talk again soon. Hope you all get good news on everyone really soon. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: November! Let Us give Thanks! #72701

Everyone sounds busy with their delicious Thanksgiving plans. So glad you enjoyed your meal DD. That was great you could bring home extras for another meal. I happen to love the leftovers as much, if not more, than the “big meal”. Everyone’s recipes and menu sounds so yummy, and the pies look so good. Even Gail’s butterfly flew all the way to your house in your pie Adele. Our dear neighbors from across the street called us today and invited us to their daughters’ home tomorrow; since they know we won’t be having our meal tomorrow. I just thought that was so kind of them to think to include us. I told her that I will be helping Neal by skyping. We talked a little while today while I walked him through making cornbread for his dressing. The baby was really drooling; and Neal he heard the baby with this “dry” cough about 3 am; so he went and got him and he took the baby to the spare bedroom with him and layed down. He watched over him and put him back in his crib about 6; and he said he is not running fever, but I know he is worried about the baby. He had that “wet” cough for several weeks; and the doctor put him on this inhaler thing; and now this. I miss them and wish we could help them. So we will be here to show him things tomorrow; and that lead Jerry to ask me, “what are WE going to do for dinner tomorrow?” and I said, probably spagetti and garlic bread Ha Ha. So it may be Italian night at our household while you all are all enjoying your turkey. Hope everyone has a fabulous day
I am in to really simple desserts; but I must say I can’t remember meeting a dessert that I didn’t love. I really could start my meal with the goodies served at the end. LOL That could explain why I am such a “fluffy lady”. I do think I have lost my taste for meats as years have gone by. It is so funny how my taste has evolved. I remember once, when I was around 16, I decided that I was going to be a vegetarian. It lasted for about 4 years; and then, I just had to have a hamburger. We were at a cookout, and the aroma of that hamburger just drove me crazy; and I think that was one of the best things I have ever eaten at the time was that plain old hamburger. I didn’t miss meat at all until that time. Isn’t that something?
I love a seven layer salad, Gail. I have actually never made one myself, and that is strange since they are so good. Just love the brocolli salad that Sue showed me how to make with the raisins and cheese and bacon. Yum Yum. Jerry loves it too.
Take care all my dear friends, and my hope for this Thanksgiving is that you all are blessed with good health, love with friends and family, and a wonderful day. Enjoy my friends. And then take a good nap. Hugs across the miles, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: November! Let Us give Thanks! #72352

Hello ladies. It is sunny here today, Gail, and much warmer than we have been having. It is in the 60’s today; so I guess that explains the gloomy rain we got yesterday. I just wanted to crawl under the covers I could barely hold my eyes open. You know, that is one thing that I want to do even more in the winter is sleep; and sometimes about 4 or so my eyelids are so heavy I can barely hold them open. I remember seeing PawPaw just sitting straight up on the couch fast asleep, and how I would wonder what in the world would make someone just sleep like that. LOL But NOW, it seems to come easily to me during the day, but I lie awake at night or wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning and just can’t go back to sleep. Like this morning, I woke up at 5 and I was SO tired and felt sleepy, but sleep just wouldn’t come. I finally gave in after lying there for about 2 hours and started playing solitaire on my ipad. I thought I had the sound off, but of course did not, and woke poor Jerry up around 8 and he was sleeping so soundly. He was really tired this morning and I know he could have slept but he just wouldn’t go back to sleep knowing I had been up for so long. He told me this morning that the bottom of his big toes feels “asleep” all the time, and I asked him how long has this been going on? and he said several days. Then I think he realized that he has confessed to something and started back tracking. I told him that we are definitely talking to the doctor about this when we go for our check up the first of next month. I really believe that it is some sort of neuropathy from the damage to his nerves in his back from when he hurt himself. He is just terrified of having any other doctor do anything to his back after he had such a hard time the first operation. Joey begs him to have injections or something if for nothing else but to numb the pain, but he is scared that he will come out worse off. It really hurts me to see him like this.
We had a wonderful skype with Neal and Colin today. He was just swinging and swaying when he was walking from Neals lap into the kitchen. We heard him just jibber jabbering and Neal went to see what he was doing. He was taking all his diapers out of the Amazon box that Sarah had just left in there yesterday, and he was trying to crawl in to the box after he made room. He is in to everything now of course, and has the most precious smile. I will see him pick up his cup of milk (we haven’t ever seen one, but know you all have, but it won’t spill and yet the milk comes out when he wants a drink) and I will say oh, your blue cup is SO pretty and he just smiles that little toothy smile. He fell while he was talking wilth us, and Neal scooped him right up and loved on him and kissed his boo boo, and he just snuggled up with Neal. It just melts our heart to see what a good Daddy he is, and we are always complimenting him and Sarah for being good parents. Sarah doesn’t ever call us or anything, but we neither do any of our DIL’s; so I guess this is just because they have lots going on in their young lives. I would love to get to know them better, and for them to get to know me better. Lisa dropped by last night on her way home from work to put some old DVD’s up in their old room upstairs. She had messaged me and asked if it would be okay. She has bought a used sofa and love seat from someone she works with, and said she was trying to make some room and clear things out. Just something else for us to add to our “we don’t need this” collection, LOL. She and Joey seem good now. Lord knows, I want them to be happy. I think that trip to Florida was definitely a turning point for them.
Hope all is well with you guys. Surely hope Tillie is better. Colleen, is your Mom looking forward to all the holiday plans? Jerrys Mom surely is. She said yesterday she can’t wait for some chocolate pie ha ha. Take care everybody. Talk soon. Barbara

[Author]

Posts