[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's May! Let's Celebrate Mothers and Memorial Day. #61597

Sue, so glad you are home safe and sound. You will probably find that you become tired very easily; but don’t be discouraged; that always happens when someone has had surgery. I think it is our bodies way of saying to us, “okay, I am in charge now, and I will not let you overwork yourself, and will make you rest so we can recover slowly but the right way”. So many people push themself to want to be better sooner than our body is ready; so I know that PT will really help you along those lines. Just cuddle with your Cuddles, and take naps and rest in between your work outs. Okay; enough nurse bossy advice ha ha.
I was on here the other day; and wrote such a long note to you girls, and of course; right at the end; POOF away it goes to where ever it hides my and your notes and I couldn’t find it to for anything. I was so frustrated. That is great about Brents promotion. I am so happy he is doing better now; after all that he has gone through in his young life. Glad he has a new “friend” to share things with too. Hope you and Greg can meet up with him in Kansas City. It would make you all feel better just to be able to see him even if for a short visit. I know all of you are so proud of your children with all the special accomplishments each has made. Isn’t it just facinating how each chooses such a different direction in their life? I love to watch young people grow up and move on to adulthood. One of Joey’s dearest friends who he started kindergarten with remains his close friend, and he is now a Sheriff. It is funny how I guess it was worrying our neighbors seeing him stop by to eat lunch with us in his squad car; so one finally asked us one day if everything is ok? We said it was fine; just a dear friend of Joeys eating lunch with him since they work different shifts.
Would you believe we have not ever been to a play? There is no such thing around here. We have a really old theatre downtown that used to have plays and occasionally still does; but Jerry would not ever be able to sit in one of the seats. I have always wanted to go to NY just to see a Broadway show. But Jerry has no interest. We definitely have meat and potatoes men around our house, and they all love things like IMAX or museums. And they love watching someone make molasses the old fashioned way with a mule grinding the sugar cane, or a bucket maker with the wood, or a knife forgerer. But since our oldest son has been all over the world; he has experienced a lot more of the arts, and he loves it. Jerry sings loud in church; so I guess he loves music LOL I dont think Greg has any competiton though. ha ha
We have been very busy with Maw Maw and her house. There have been quite a few nights we have been so exhausted that one night Jerry said he was too tired to eat anything, and I insisted he eat at least a sandwich I made him; and took it to him and he literally fell asleep while chewing on his sandwich sitting in his chair. I woke him up gently; because I was afraid he would choke, and helped him get to bed after I got him to drink a good bit of water, and he was asleep I think before his head even touched his pillow. He has really worked so hard. I know there is no way his Mom will ever know what all he has been through; but he has really given her a great Mothers Day gift of his love and devotion to her.
Speaking of Mothers Day; this was supposed to be Joeys weekend off; but he took a ladys shift on Sat night and tonight. She had been hit really hard by a patient, and she is quite a bit older so he took her place. He is so kind hearted; sometimes to a fault. I asked all of the boys not to worry about getting anything for me; since both Neal and Joey are working. But I have a feeling something is on the way. Poor baby Colin has been so sick. He ran a fever for 5 days; up to 103 at times. Sarah took him to the doctor on day 2; and was told he had a “virus” and just to “let this run it’s course” and he was so sick; Jerry and I were beside ourselves with worry. Thank God his fever finally broke day before yesterday. Sarah stayed home from work one day and then Neal was off the next two days with him. Neal called us and we gave him all the advice we could and it just broke our hearts to see the baby looking so sick. He gave him tepid water baths and kept wiping his little head with a cool cloth. He skyped us yesterday and the baby was smiling and playing with his little toys in Neals lap. We are so relieved. I sent Sarah and my other DIL some of those chocolate covered strawberries for Mothers Day. Also for Lisa; for her puppy babies. Take care everyone. Will write more soon. Need to check on Jerry. Hugs and Happy Mothers Day to All my wonderful friends and their two and 4 legged babies! Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's May! Let's Celebrate Mothers and Memorial Day. #61176

I think it is so cute that JJ is going to be a little mouse in the play. I know you all are so excited to watch him. Is he nervous at all? Most little ones just go on out there like it is nothing. Some of course are a little shy. But I bet he will do so well. Enjoy! So happy you got a great report from the doctor DD. I know you were so relieved. We celebrate all things here and especially good news from the medical part of things. Isn’t Monday surgery day for you, Sue? Prayers are coming your way. I know in my heart that you are going to be taken really good care of and I am proud that you are doing this to help yourself get better. Please keep us posted as soon as you can.
So 47 years for you and Ron now, Colleen. Isn’t it just amazing how quickly the years seem to have flown? I don’t blame you for rescheduling your night out until the weather got better. My heart has just broken for all these people who have lost so much with all these storms. This has been such a strange year from coast to coast. We had such high winds after even all the winds during the storms and rain. It turned clearer but the winds just kept blowing and blowing. And then it turned so cold here. We actually had to put the heat back on.
Yes, it was so sad to be clearing out Maw Maw’s home, but I think the good Lord actually intervened one day. A lady came up to the house from around the corner, and asked if she could possibly have some of anything that we were about to donate; because her daughters home had just burned to the ground, and they have absolutely nothing. We began to let her have so many things, and she wwias just crying and thanking us. She asked if she could try to get her husbands friend to bring his truck for the washer and dryer, and we said of course; so she took that too. I really think that helped Jerry and his brother so much to know that they were helping someone who needed help so badly. Our sons did keep quite a bit, Gail. We had already made many trips over and taken many momentos and personal things that would only mean something to our family. Maw Maw was aware that we were doing all the cleaning out of her home, Colleen. She was sad; but she said we had no choice and she trusted us to do what was right. She is happy in her home now, and the staff is so good to her. This whole process has been so hard on us. The sadness that hangs over us about all of this is like a dark cloud. But I know there is nothing else we could do.
Take care, everyone, and enjoy your weekend. Gail, that was a great idea to put the baby in his stroller while Neal showers. He could just sit there and watch Neal and they could play peep eye. Hugs to all my great buddies! Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's May! Let's Celebrate Mothers and Memorial Day. #60916

Quack Quack or mabey I should say glub, glub from wading through all this water, but oh my goodness I feel for Colleen and her family and all those poor people in the really bad flooding areas. We have been managing the storms and rain for days now, but things run off here so far so we are SO fortunate that way. We have been so busy for weeks now getting Jerrys Moms house all cleaned out and getting ready to sell. This has by far been one of the major undertakings of our lives. We were literally so tired last night that we both went to bed at 7:30 and fell asleep almost instantly. We had to be up at 5 this morning to meet the packers and movers at 7. Jerrys brother from Nashville drove down leaving his home around 4 am and met us at Moms. I have been astounded at how hard it has been to donate her items to charity. The final cost for all of this packing (which is required to donate the items here) and then moving everything has cost almost $1000. We also had to set up a huge dumpster in her front yard for items that were just not salvage items, and that cost 400. Our biggest problem has been in the fact that jerry and I don’t have a way of loading ourselves and going from place to place with donations. Can you imagine looking around your home and knowing that everything down to the paper towels have to go somewhere and then deciding how and what to do with everything? Girls, I think Jerry and I both have pushed ourselves a little too much. He can barely walk some nights and I don’t know what to say about me. Next step, selling the house. Any helpful ideas?
My really bright moment was skypeing with the baby and Neal. Sarah began her new job on Monday; so she has a month of M-F orientation. Neal is off on Weds. and Thurs> so today was his actual first day of having the baby all by himself. He said he was doing good he thought; but the one thing he couldn’t figure out was how he was going to manage to take his shower and watch the baby at the same time. I told him that when he takes his afternoon nap and leave the bathroom door ajar so he can hear the baby and take a quick shower this first time and he will get more used to how to manage this as time passes. I know Neal misses Sarah so much, and I told him that it will get easier when she has finished her orientation. Poor Neal has missed so much of his time with the baby but I am just so happy they are finally together all of them.
So hope everyone is doing well. I know it’s almost time for Sue’s surgery. I surely will be glad when it is done and she can begin her rehab.
Joey and Lisa seem to be getting along well. We eat dinner with them at least once a week, and Joey calls us almost every day. We don’t ask any questions. I really don’t know where the relationship is going but pray it will be good for both of them.
Hope Tillie is feeling better, seems I saw something on here that she was under the weather. I know you and Colleen both have special Mothers’ Day plans in place for your Moms. Please give them a wish for a wonderful day from me too.
It’s thundering again, so I better get off of here for now. Miss you all so much and wish I could be on here more with you. Right now we are so running wild, that I am glad to at least have these few minutes. Hugs and best wishes for you all from down South, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! The Month of Showers and Flowers! #60489

I am really lazy feeling today. Can’t quite figure out why except I was sleeping really soundly last night and Jerry was watching some TV, and he woke me up and asked me to feel his chest, that he thought his heart was beating too fast. Well, that scared me because we know he doesn’t confess anything about sickness; so I checked his pulse, and his heart rate was up and checked his BP; and it was good. He said it just came on him while he was lying there, and no arm pain or chest pain, just feeling like his heart was racing. I kept a close eye on him for a long time, and I know there are different heart conditions that will cause a person to develop a fast beat, and then they just go away and everything goes back to normal. Sometimes even drinking too much caffiene will make it do that, and he is difinitely guilty of that. He tried to brush it off as he began to feel better; but I told him that we are not going to take chances with our health So I will be watching him closely.
Gail, that is an interesting question for me to ask Neal, and I surely will the very next time we talk. He is off today; so I am hoping to hear from him and itty bit later today. They usually go sightseeing on his days off. He said it is so beautiful out there, and also that they have offered him a permanent position there if he would like one. That was really a confidence booster, and he thanked them and said he would certainly consider it; but told us that he will be heading closer home as soon as his training is over. But, as Jerry said to me, Barbara he has lots to consider when making decisions now; and we just need to support him and let him know whatever he decides is what we want for him and his family; in spite of how we might want to say.
Adele, I have a Shark vacuum that was a TSV a few months ago, and I really like it. I also have a Dyson, and it is SO heavy that in spite of the fact that it was working okay, I bought the Shark. My dyson got so much dust inside that I spent a lot of time rinsing out the filter and the inside of the cannister, and broke the hinge on the cannister; so had to be extra careful to keep from making a mess with it. I ended up giving it to Joey since he needed a vacuum and he said he didn’t care about the issues I had caused with it; and he is still using it. I have always wanted one of those Zoomba things that go all over the room, but am afraid we might trip over it and hurt one of us.
Colleen, are you in the storms? We have had lots of cloudy weather today; and it supposed to be stormy tonight. Hope you all are okay. I agree with you, Pablo needs to resurface and cater to our needs now that the weather is getting warmer. And since DD hasn’t met him yet; we would have a new reason to celebrate. LOL And I think one of DD’s beach scenes look like a lovely place for us all to get acquainted.
Jerry and I are still reading at night. I ordered a subscription (large print) of the Readers Digest and we read a few of the funny things each night, and then one of the stories. We are enjoying it and I hope we get out to the bookstore soon; and we will pick us up something new to read there too. Guess I could just go to Walmart for that matter.
Colleen, Ron sounds just like Jerry in keeping all his “stuff” for years “just in case someone would need it”. And it seems like everytime I go to complaining about it then after years of it just sitting there, he needs it for someone. So I don’t even say anything anymore. ha ha’
Gail, if I had to walk 18 holes to watch a golf game, I would have to have Pablo just push me around in some rolling chair with a nice umbrella and a cook drink, and mabey some cookies to snack on. I might just have to nap a while too.
Take care everyone, and enjoy the rest of your evenings. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! The Month of Showers and Flowers! #60288

Well, ladies, I had written a LONG story to you all yesterday and was just finishing it when poof, off it goes into wherever land, and I just wanted to cry. So I will try again today, and try not to be so mouthy; so mabey it will stay. DD. sorry for the loss of your friend. Hope it will bring you some comfort to know how her daughter thinks of you as her aunt; and that has to mean because they are so fond of you and that you are such a good person. Prayers for you and her family. I guess this may not be appropriate to say; but losing someone we love quickly has really made me want to live each day with that thought in my mind, and love life even though it may not be the best of days or the best of circumstances happening that day. Does that make any sense? I know that is helping me now with the “why?” questions that surround me each day about my DIL and other things that I just don’t understand. I try to remind myself how very very fortunate I am, and to just let life happen and count my blessings instead of being negative. It surely is hard but I try.
Sue, I am sure that you are going to really have lots more people than you think you will that are going to check on you after your surgery. You have helped so many and kind acts do come back. It is going to be so nice for you to have pain free knee. You will be able to do the Angel kick after your healing time is over! Did you all get to have dinner with Angel on the cruise? I bet she is so friendly. She seems so happy and does such a great job with the clothing. I am so sorry your SIL is not helping you and your brother is following her lead instead of taking care of you. One day; I bet he looks back and asks himself why did he do this. But you just keep being you and you are going to be fine. After all Cuddles will be there to see about you, and she will comfort you all the time.
Adele, that spilling the powdered sugar sounds JUST like something would happen here to me and Jerry. I know you and Gary were exhausted by the time you finally got all that cleaned up. On the bright side; the cake looks fabulous! Please rest and enjoy the party and the take out. You all deserve it. I have a funny story for you. I saw where you had a mandolin, and would you believe that when I was reading it; I thought that you had the musical instrument not the food chopper! How crazy am I? All I could picture at the time was you plucking the strings of that thing. LOL I guess I am just a little slow. I almost got one when they showed it since the main reason I don’t have one in cutting myself too.
I sing to the baby when he skypes us, itsy bitsy spider and if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands. He just laughs and makes his little noises. He is learning to wave bye bye too. We sent him some books, and we bought two of them just alike; so we could keep one and then read to him from our book as Neal turns the pages on his book out there. Mainly he wants to chew on his ha ha.
Better close for now before this thing takes it off without me knowing it. I meant to ask the other day if any of you have any special travel plans for this summer? Jerry and I are looking into train trips out California way. Lots to find out though; especially about Jerrys back issues. He got so sad the other day just thinking of all the things that he is not able to do now. Wish I could help him more. Just don’t have a “magic pill” to go back in time and make that day different. Take care everyone. Hope you are having good weather. It is so cold here right now. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! The Month of Showers and Flowers! #60031

Hello everyone! It sounds like we each had good holidays, and I know the little ones must have just looked darling whether they chose dressy or the more “casual” look for their outfits. It is so sweet to see them so excited and having so much fun looking for the Easter treats. Gail, I remember the party line telephones, and how you would have to keep lifting the reciever to check to see if the line was open. It is so funny, but I know what our phone number was way back then too, and yet; I forget what happened yesterday now. Jerry and I were reminising the other day about when we were putting in a culvert on our land across the front of the drive so water could flow through the pipe we were laying and we could drive over the pipe and water would run down to the creek. It was such hard work; but we both have such good memories of that time. When we first had one of those huge disk in our yard for the TV; that thing was so big and you saw one it seemed like in everyone’s yard. Some of our neighbors actually would decorate them or paint them like they would be a big sunflower or smiley face.
We had a great dinner. Joey and Lisa came up and the baby skyped us. He was full of energy that evening. We played peep eye, and he has learned to wave. That really tickled Neal to see him wave at us. It was his first time to see it too. Sarah is to begin her new job the 1st of May; and has to attend a month of orientation; Monday through Friday. Jerry asked Neal what about the baby? and I tried to hush Jerry for asking personal questions, but he expressed concern about Colin needing someone trustworthy. Neal hesitated, and I could really tell he didn’t want to outright say their plans, but he finally said, “Dad, Sarah and I have decided that Sarah’s Mom can come and spend a month with us and watch the baby” You would have thought that Neal had threw a pie at Jerry; and I knew what Jerry was doing, because he had offered right from the beginning of finding out about her new job and the month of orientation; had said I could come keep Colin and help them out. I have known in my heart that Sarah would not choose me and that somehow she would decide on another way to have the baby taken care of; but Jerry remains upset. I have just had to put my feelings aside; because as I have tried to tell Jerry, as long as the baby is seen about; that this is all that matters, and that even though I would love to be with the baby that I put my own feelings aside just to know he is being seen about. I know I sound a lot stronger than I am; but if I can’t change a hurt, I just can’t and I hope I have shed all the tears I am going to over this whatever it is called, between me and Sarah.
DD, glad your eye is better. That must have been so uncomfortable. Sounds like you had fun with your friend on Easter. I enjoy your pictures too.
Sue, you will be in my prayers for your surgery and your recovery afterwards. You have really put lots of thought into how to manage after too. One suggestion for your consideration that helped me after my stroke, was since my right foot and leg was weaker, I put one of those seats in the shower that also works in a bath so when I would get tired of standing, or just couldn’t reach parts of me, I could just sit and rest a minute and think of how to get it done. Your idea of the bath products with a handle was very smart thinking. Those things help so much. And one of those reacher things that act like an extension of your arm It really came in handy for me since it seemed like I dropped just about everything I would pick up or be holding on to. I know you are going to do good, and I am so sorry that you are worried about not having close family to call on during this time. It is certainly something that I can relate to and I don’t like to know that anyone else is having to feel the same way. But you are such a smart independent woman who has always been there to help others, and sometimes people just don’t realize that we strong ones can need help too. From my past nursing experience; mabey this will help you. During your few days in the hospital post surgery; begin from your very first day of feeling able to talk with your Doctor AND your nurse, and tell them you need to speak to the occupational therapist as well as the physical therapist, and the social worker assigned to you, and explain clearly so they understand your situation of not having ANY help once you are discharged, and how you require post hospitilation nurse or therapist assigned to your home at least 3 to 4 times per week to take care of your “at home” care and needs, such as grocery shopping, social activities (even if it’s just playing cards with you, or watching a movie, and cooking you a meal, or have home meal delivery set up for you, house cleaning, if needed) you go into the hospital with your list of what you know you will need help with. All of these things are provided, you just have to ask sometimes, because people “assume” there will be someone there for you, and they need to know. Not trying to be pushy, so forgive me is I have overstepped my bounds, but just wanted to put this out for you to consider.
We are doggie sitting this evening. Joey and Lisa have gone to Lowe’s for something, so we have Ruby with us. She loves to visit us; since I always feed her the fancy canned doggie food, and she is used to dry food at home. Guess I spoil the grandpets too. LOL
Take care everyone, and have a great evening. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! The Month of Showers and Flowers! #59734

Thank you all for the eye opening words of wisdom on our DIL. You all really echoed the same sentiment as Jerry did just the other night after we had spoken with our son and the baby. Jerry told me that he felt we should continue to always say “hello” and make comments to the baby about “you are taking such good care of MaMa and Daddy” and just not worry. I would LOVE to be close but since I cannot see what is in her head or her heart; I think I need to just “let go” and let things work out however they are meant to. Gail, yes, she does have her Mom and they did take trips together when we first met Sarah. Her Dad is retired, and she has one younger brother; who our son isn’t close to. He does things; shall we say; that Neal doesn’t respect, and Sarah and her brother don’t seem that close; in fact; kind of jealous comments about how much attention and money he recieved from Sarah’s parents instead of working hard like she does sort of comments. But like you, I always felt a man who was good to his Mom would be good to me; and I still feel that way. We all just look at things differently; I guess. But I love our sons, and I am not ashamed to say so; and all I hope for is to find someone who loves them, and works with them to build a life together. That is what brings me real happiness.
Neal sent us a video last night that he had made on his phone of our angel eating his first solid food. He got so excited after the first two bites and would wave his little arms and open his mouth like a little bird, and after each bite he would look at Neal and smile. Neal asked him, “boy, why do you keep looking at me?” and just laughed and then Sarah would spoon another bite in of the sweet potatoes. Neal would say “yum, yum!” to him, and he would wave those little arms. Jerry and I watched it over and over.
It has been beautiful here today; up in the 70’s and partly sunny. I hope it doesn’t rain like it usually does here on Easter; so families can do their outside activities and everyone can enjoy a beautiful day. I was thinking about when I was 14, my Mom had gotten my first pair of “heels” to wear from Sunday service (they were little kitten heels, but I felt so grown up). Anyway, I got pneumonia and was in bed so sick. I cried and cried because I couldn’t go to church, not for the right reason, but to show off those shoes LOL Finally, come Easter morning, MaMa dressed me up in the bed; shoes and all, and there I lay while everyone else went to service but me and her. I will never forget that day. That is one reason I love to see little children all dressed up in their Easter finery. Adele, I think it is so funny how you all hope that Heather will not burn the casserole; like that is part of your tradition. I also like how you must have “corn” for Gary. That is so funny. We are all kind of set in our ways about some things, aren’t we? By the way, your Mom is beautiful, and looks so happy.
The main reason I don’t put pictures on here is I don’t know how. I have just got to look up how to do that. There are so many things I would like to show you all. Well, got to go take Jerry some water since he picked today to knock down some kind of vine (lord, I hope its not poison ivy) that he saw when we were pulling in the garage. He is using his cane on it. I don’t know what I am going to do. ha ha Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! The Month of Showers and Flowers! #59565

Hello ladies. Sounds like everyone is having a good day. Gail, I must say your idea of not working too hard and enjoying the day sounds good to me. I bet everyone enjoys the ice cream cake. Don’t know why but I just never thought of that. When I do get one, I have to buy two because Jerry will only eat plain vanilla ice cream and chocolate cake and everyone else wants cookies and cream or strawberry or some other flavor and he just fusses if doesn’t get “his favorite” ha ha. Little Colin skyped us last night. Joey and Lisa had just left to go out to dinner. I wish they could have seen him too. We had a wonderful chat. I sang “here comes Peter Cottontail” to him while he chewed on his Sophie giraffe that we gave him. He smiled so sweetly. Jerry just turns into mush and makes all kinds of baby noises. Colin will just laugh at Jerry and then Neal laughs in the background. I am so grateful for that technology. They are going on a train ride today. It is a real train that does tour rides around that area somewhere. Neal is off work on Weds. and Thurs. for now; so they do lots of sightseeing on those days. Sarah doesn’t ever say “hello” to us. We always do to her and sometimes when Colin grabs Neals’ phone we will see her sitting close by but she doesn’t answer. I must be the worst MIL ever; and I just wish someone would tell me why so I could do differently. But, human nature is one subject that someone MUCH smarter than me will have to figure out.
Gail, you and I have the same restaurant shirt. I wear mine too sometimes when we go out to dinner. People like it, don’t they? I have had mine for several years. When I tell Jerry this, he really doesn’t believe me. They juhst wear forever, and look brand new so I can see where he would think that, and I must admit I do add to my collection on a regular basis. The main reason I went with the long sleeves Gail, was because it helps me when I am in one of the freezing cold offices, like the doctors office, and can roll them down for just that short time. It gets SO hot here in the summertime that we just melt most of the time, and it seems like when we do have to go into a cold place that I freeze. I will go to shaking, and I don’t think that is good for you. I love the dress, but will NOT show my knees and I am 5 ft 8 or so, and I always wonder about the length of a lot of dresses. Several years ago, I bought 2 Susan Graver loose fitting summer dresses, and still wear those because they were long enough to cover a lot of my knees. Sometimes I like to just wear them around the house here, because they are so comfortable and wash up like a breeze.
DD, love the picture of the kitty and the bunnies. It’s like he is saying, are you all kitties or am I a bunny? Our kitty is gaining too much weight (he is following my footsteps) and we are trying to cut back on his “frequent meal times” but he is not happy about that. He is so much company for us.
We have been calling around trying to find a charity to donate a lot of Jerry’s Moms’ linens, towels, blankets and so on too, and they are all telling us that we have to bag everything up, have it waiting outside for pickup, and then they will load it on to their truck, or even worse, we have to bring everything to the charity and unload onto their loading dock. Never would I have thought it would be so difficult to donate items to charity. So now, we are going to go visit a local church in her neighborhood, and see if the pastor there would have some of his parishoners come in and help us clear out items needy families from their church could use. It has been quite a week dealing with all this. Jerrys Mom got her hair done yesterday too.
Better go for now and pick up a few items for Sunday. We are doing ham, potato salad, rolls, some green veggie, and chocolate pie. Joey and Lisa will come up, and hopefully we will get a call from our “bunny”. Take care everyone. Your Tennessee Pal, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! The Month of Showers and Flowers! #59446

Sue, thanks for the heads up! I ordered the anchor outfits; our son’s wedding theme on the beach was an anchor that said “love is the anchor of our life” and it was so beautiful; so I am thrilled to see Jeannes’ clothes with the anchors. Course; I am loving all the other ones too ha ha. Gail, my pocket will be a little more empty too. And you know; black is “so Slimming!” ha ha. I surely hope poor Patrick is feeling better soon. He had better take it slow for a good while; these bugs are so strong, and it takes quite a while to recover; especially from the flu or pneumonia.
Your home sounds absolutely beautiful Gail. One of the leading signs of a great marriage is how well the couple does during a move, or renovations, or money issues. It seems you and Gregg handled it very well; and cursing is just part of the instructions included that as we all know our husbands don’t EVER read the instructions. ha ha. I can’t even begin to say how many “discussions Mr. Jerry and I have had over the years about the “did you read the directions?” and that scowl that followed. I have always said to Jerry, when all else fails, read the instructions. ha ha
Adele, I do a bunny cake too, but here is how I do mine. 3 round layers, and one of the layers I frost and decorate like the body of the bunny with jelly beans, cut the one of the layers like this shape ( and ) curved right down the middle to make its ears, and the other layer is his face, where I use jelly beans, or M and M’s or whatever I have on hand to make its’ little face and smile, nose and eyes. I frost the ears with two different colors of cream cheese frosting. It sounds so much harder than it is to make and the boys always looked forward to helping me bake it and then of course to decorate it. Bet your grands would too. We used malted milk balls one year for his smile and his eyes, and one year upside down hersheys kisses. We were SO talented. ha ha
I stopped in the florist yesterday to see about getting a corsage for Jerrys Mom for Easter; and would you believe they said they are $35 plus tax. I guess I must be out of touch about corsages, but I was thinking more in the twenty dollar range for two pink carnations and a little greenery. But she didn’t hesitate; so when I told Jerry he said he would bring her some flowers from Walmart since he has gotten flowers from there before for her, and they really were pretty and reasonably priced. We are taking the staff and residents lots of candy on Sunday. We are getting up early that day to attend the Easter sunrise service over at the cemetery where Jerrys Dad is. We go every year for his service. It’s sad but beautiful all at the same time.
DD. how is your eye doing? Bet that benadryl made you sleepy. Hope you are doing better.
Sue, your MRI experience reminded me of one of the first times as a nurse I took my ICU patient for an MRI. It took a long time getting all the IV’s and lines that we had attached to the patient together, but when we finally got to the MRI and I finally got the patient ready for the test, I stayed close by the patient because he was so critical, and during the beginning of the test I felt like someone was pulling my hair, and I kept looking around and the pulling just kept happening, until I FINALLY remembered that I had two bobby pins tucked in my hair to keep it out of my face and the magnet from the MRI was literally pulling those pins out. For a while I thought there was a ghost or something inside there with us. My patient was on a special ventilator that they have for ICU patients; so it wasn’t affected by the magnets. I was at a loss as to who and how my hair was being pulled so hard when it was just the patient and me, and everyone else was a long way off. So yes, those are strong magnets.
Better go for now, and help Jerry. He can’t find something and is getting frustrated. Imagine that. Barbara

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