[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! The Month of Showers and Flowers! #59281

Sorry about your eye DD.Hope the antibiotics help and you are much better by Monday. It is so strange how things just happen to us from out of nowhere.Sue, we have one of those handle things for both of us on each side of our car. I keep mine in the little pocket on the door. I just can’t do without mine, and use it all the time. I saw it on HSN too. I really used it after my stroke, and now it helps me because my legs just seem to “lock up” on me if I sit for more than an hour or so riding or driving. Will surely keep good wishes coming your way for your surgery. You are so smart to have doing your exercises prior to surgery. That will really help you It will be so great for you to be able to get around again after the healing without having to endure all than pain you have been going through. Cuddles was just a puppy when we first came on this site wasn’t she? She reminds me so much of our dog we had, Peppy, but he was quite a bit older than she is. He came to us with our Oz, the shelter said since we were such “good customers” they were going to give us a two for one special that day ha ha. So we ended up with 2 adoptions, and I am so glad we did.
We have been showing Mom Smiths house all week to some interested potential buyers in her neighborhood. It has been a busy week; especially for Jerry. I will be so glad for him when this whole process is completed; it just seems to drain him. I think emotionally is the worst.
What an interesting subject of who we would like to have lunch with. I am really going to give this one some thought. I know for absolutely sure that I would love to sit down with the parents of both of my parents, and really know from their parents perspective what it was like for my grandparents as a child and through their adult lives, and what happened as my parents were born and then grew into adulthood. I do know my Mother’s mother died when Mom was 3 months old, but would still love to have met her. Such an interesting thing for us to think about.
Really supposed to be nice here this weekend. We don’t have any special plans; unless you call a trip to the big box store special; but I do want to stop at the bookstore and browse and then mabey after a visit with Mom Smith; dinner. That would be nice. Take care everyone. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! The Month of Showers and Flowers! #59031

Humidity is the bain of our existence during the summer months down South. You start to drip from the moment you walk outside; and it is such a shame because we LOVE to go out. I am like you, Colleen, just enjoy sitting on our glider on the patio with the puppies all curled up asleep and enjoying the sounds and smells of nature. We have a honeysuckle bush across one of the fences that lead out to the barn and you can smell it even though it is quite a distance from our house. I used to love to watch the kids when they were growing up out at the barn, playing with the pony or Cody our big horse. Such good memories. We always had a barn cat because the horses love to have a little “pet” of their own to keep them company. I would walk out and find the kitty just lying up on their back snoozing away. We also had our chicken coop behind the barn; and we had to cover the whole thing with wire to keep the bad critters from getting in the fence and hurting our chickens. I was always afraid for the boys to reach in the nests to gather eggs; but that was one of their favorite chores that they did with Paw Paw. I miss him so much. Our boys just adored him. He always found something so good to say about them; especially if they might be in a little trouble from a disapointing grade or something. Such a good man.
Gail, Jerrys’ Mom is 90. We had a big birthday party for her here at our house, and then did the cake and balloons and little hats out at assisted living so the residents and staff could be a part of it too. My Mom would have been 100 this past August. She lived to be 93. Our Dad passed away at 70. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in May and passed away 4 months later. He was healthy most of his life and took such good care of MaMa.
DD. love the kitty in the shoe. It surprizes me to see what a little box or sack that our Auto Kitty can wedge himself in to. LOL He is so much company to us. Does your kitty have different sounds he makes according to what he wants you to do; or is talking to you? Our kitty does not meow; and I thought all kitties did; but the vet said no, they all have their own personalities and “voice” If we put a treat down for him at night (he will take his paw and touch my husband on the arm if he is wanting a treat), and it is not to his liking, he will keep touching my husband with his paw as if to say, you put down the wrong thing, try again. ha ha Did I say, like all our furry friend, he is a “little” spoiled.
You know, I am glad that Charro was let go last night; but I feel embarassed and sorry for older ladies who try to pretend they have not aged or changed when it’s obvious they have. It sort of makes me cringe. One of our neighbors, who is mabey 5 or so years younger than me; so that sure means she is no spring chicken, attended a neighborhood watch cookout last summer in short shorts, and a really low top. She is not as big as me; but not small, and it was just so sad to see her and hear her trying to act so much younger and prettier than the rest of us. I had on my Quacker nautical 3/4 sleeve top with an embroidered anchor on it in red and some white dreamjeanne capri’s. I was so comfortable, but I would have been mortified to be in shorts, but then everything I have is going south quickly. ha ha
Thank you for your kind words Gail and to all for helping me feel better about having to go through MawMaw’s things. She really is not able to do these things herself anymore, and since we have no help but the one BIl and SIL and they are absolute angels. I don’t know how we would have been able to maintain our sanity without them.
Gail, I know you miss Rocky so much. They hold a forever place in our hearts, don’t they? He was so lucky to have such good human “parents” who loved and cared for him so much. Bet he and Oz are having lots of fun now. Adele, what is your fishes name? Is he in an aquarium or bowl?
Adele, do you use cake flour or plain King Arthurs flour for your baking? I find that using cake flour does make my cakes lighter; not quite as dense; but sometimes I use regular instead, and no one seems to notice any difference. Jerry actually out of the blue up and asks me the other night if I could make some of those Rice Krispy things I make years ago for the boys? I had to laugh. They Joey stops by and sees me making some for his Dad and said, wow, is there enough for me to take some home, Dad? The recipe makes it easy to form Easter bunnies and eggs out of at Easter time with the children. Haven’t thought about that in years.
Better go for now. By the way, Gail, we had to stop reading at night for awhile, I said had to, we didn’t but we were both falling asleep right in the middle of a sentence LOL, but we have begun a new book and for the life of me, I cannot even remember the name; so I will try to tell you next visit. ha ha
Have a good evening, everyone, and take care. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! The Month of Showers and Flowers! #58973

The storms did come last night and some not quite so harsh this morning, and we made it through them. Glad to see you all did too, Colleen. I was so happy that I didn’t listen to Jerry telling me we would be fine; even if a “thunderstorm” came while we were out yesterday evening. That storm was bad yesterday, and with lots of rain and lightening. I would have been a nervous wreck out in all that. I am hoping we get a chance to make a night out sometime this week. We both need it. Seems to clear our head and help us think of “the list” of things we need to do. I know it has to sound terrible for me to say this; but there is SO much for us to get done with Jerrys Mom all the time that I just feel overwhelmed.
I have a front loader washer too Gail, by Kitchenaide, and we have had such problems with that terrible smell unless I clean under the rim everytime I run a load, and then I have to do the tablets made for front loaders at least once a month. I got a notice from the company that someone had I guess filed a lawsuit on them and I could either choose a $200 coupon for a new washer or if I could show receipts of having someone come to serive the washer for mold, or any smell problems; they would replace the machine with a brand new washer. Of course; we have had someone look at the machine, and he told me how to clean it after each wash and that what I have been doing. It has been a real pain for me. I love the concept, and I can surely understand how if you have “vertically challenged” the front loader would help so much. I am 5 ft 7 in. so I can reach into a washer; but my problem is bending down so far to reach my dry clothes. LOL Always something, isn’t it?
I was just glancing at the Q, and Lori Goldstein has this top for almost $70. That is just so way beyond my budget for a tee shirt, but she must sell a lot; because she is on there a lot. And the “I am OBSESSED with this” which I know she should be proud of her work, but I am getting grouchy I guess and starting to pick apart what the designer is saying. I am really proud for anyone who is able to afford those prices, but they are out of my range.Mabey my problem is that I am NOT a size XXS. ha ha
Hope everyone has a good evening. You know Colleen, I hope you are right that I did the right thing by sending Easter dinner to California, and doesn’t hurt my DIL’s feelings. I can seem to mess up even when I don’t mean too. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: It's April! The Month of Showers and Flowers! #58918

Happy Sunday to All, I know I have missed so much of what is going on in everyone’s life; since I haven’t been able to be on in a while. Hope all is well. I did hear of that snow storm up your and Sue’s way, Adele; so praying that will be over soon. We on the other hand are expecting storms coming our way from Texas later this evening. I am SO afraid of them; and Jerry and I had finally carved us out a little piece of free time for us this evening; and I just won’t go. I get so nervous when they are talking tornadoes, and strong storms, and I had just rather stay home. Jerry told me a while ago that he was looking forward to us just going out to dinner or something, and it makes me feel so bad to let the “possability” of a bad storm keep us in; but I will. Is it coming your way Colleen? Hope not. Bet all the grands are looking forward to Easter. I am missing the “large” group that usually attends; and I haven’t even had the chance to ask Joey if he works that night yet. But I did arrange for a Honey Baked ham and sides and dessert to be sent to the kids in Calif. so I know they will feel a little more at home. We are missing everyone.
I bet you love your new appliances DD. It just makes me feel good to have a new toy. We have a side by side refrig. but when they built our house; I didn’t have sense enough to have the doors open right; so they both hit my bay window ledge and we have to be careful. It is one of those frustrating things that you only realize after the thing is installed; and since I have an island right smack in the center of the kitchen area; it was SO hard to put the refrig. in. Live and learn I guess. I agree though; having the ice and water on the front of the freezer door is so convenient. I have a bottom loading freezer on it that slides out; and love that feature. It is about 15 years old now; so I better quit or something will go wrong with it and I will be off to Lowe’s. I am in the market for a new washer. What is you all’s favorite brand? I am looking for a top loader.
We have been so busy at Jerrys Moms home with my BIL and SIL. They have been doing an inventory of things, and I think that his brother has, after talking to Maw Maw, decided to not do an estate sale because of the neighborhood she lived in, and try to sell it after moving her belongings to a storage rental building. That way; no one can say that he or we are just taking her belongings for our own personal use. So sad. She has made some beautiful afgans; so I took a pretty one out to her “new home” and put it on her bed. She really didn’t remember much about it. Her memory comes and goes. Sometimes she is so clear; and other times, not so.
Sue, how old is Cuddles now? Is she getting the little grey and white whiskers around her mouth yet? You know our Oz lived to be 19. I used to watch him lying in the soft grass all belly up warming his tummy to the sun; and I would think to myself; he loves his life. He actually caught a rabbit once; and just lay there by it; as if to say, what do I do with this now? He was more of a lounger than a hunter LOL
You all take care and hope if you are getting the frozen stuff; it goes away soon. I better check on Mr. Jerry, he is being entirely too quiet. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: March-Spring is Coming! Hooray!!! #58716

Hello Ladies! It is so windy here today and my chimes are really playing me some tunes. It sounds so pretty. You all know what a sucker I am for outdoor pretties. I had to really stop myself from ordering a hanging solar light to go out under one of our favorite trees out in the front. We had it dug up from a mans yard about 40 miles from here with this huge piece of equipment and transported out to our land about 20 years ago. It is another one of those Ginko trees that Jerry loves and I had bought it for him for our anniversary. They take about 100 years to obtain full height; and live thousands of years. They are mentioned in the Bible. Anyway; enough on our trees; I know you all must think we are whacko about things like this.
I saw where you all were talking about driving or not. I have been driving since I was about 10. Daddy would take us kids down to a real deserted place on the Mississippi River and let us all take turns going around a big flat area (with him right beside us of course) and we just thought it was such a wonderful day. And Dad told us that when he was a young boy, that living out in the country, many children had to be the only driving person of the family to care for the family; if something kept the father away for extending periods; like logging, or moving away from the family to find work. It is so interesting how many things change with each new generation.
Do any of you all do the family history research? One of our sons is very interested in looking back and learning all he can about our families history. I have to admit; I enjoy it too. You all are so fortunate to have your Mom’s to tell you stories of your family backgrounds. I know that there is so much I wish they had shared with me; but do remember hearing whispering about my Dad; who had a brother who was involved in some kind of gambling debts and ended up taking his own life. I never heard my Dad speak even his name; even after I was grown, and my Mom asked me not to ever ask Dad about him; but I regret not doing so.
Sue, you have lots to add to our little group. Hope you reconsider and add some news from your “neck of the woods”. For one thing; I would love to hear how you are spending your new found free time since retirement. I could live vicariously through your new life. Good to hear from you anytime you want to join us. You must look over me for all the gushing I do over the new grandbaby. I can so remember how in my younger days I used to feel so bored when others would babble on about the next generation and wish they would please stop. We are all just at different points in each of our days, and I know that for me personally; my life is so hectic; it gives me a chance to find that “sun behind those clouds” moments.
Adele, there is a perfect recipe for Italian Cream Cake by Trisha Yearwood on the Food Network site. It is just like mine, and I think there is even a video that goes with it. We really love it. Hope if you give it a try; that your family does too.
Colleen, I so agree with you about how inappropriate a lot is on TV and the movies nowadays. It used to embarass me so much when something like naked things just popping up unexpectedly; and my boys would be sitting there all together. I am not pruddish, but I just think the way they talk and act would make me cringe. So I am with you on this too.
Take care all and hope you have good evenings. From the windy South, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: March-Spring is Coming! Hooray!!! #58421

It is stormy here this evening; so I may not be able to write too much. I am so sorry you had all that stuff going on in your building, DD, but glad you and your friends are okay. It is so sad to think that society is the way it is; but I know when my MIL was stabbed when a man broke into her home that it just leaves you with such a feeling of desolation and being afraid. The first time I went back into her home afterwards, and saw all those police fingerprint dustings and the blood stains on the carpet; I just felt like I was going to throw up. You just cannot believe that something as terrible as that could possible happen. I am so glad that you now have good police protection and are being guarded and safer. Just like Adele said, we must be vigilent, watchful, and remember that we are easy targets for those who might be waiting to do us harm. So very sad.
So Greg is out for the minks, huh Gail? Mabey he needs to hang a sign that warns them “All minks found on this property are subject to punishment up to; and including made into mink coats” That should keep them away. LOL Jerry has his own war with the muskrats and the dreaded moles that burrow all those ditches in our land. It is always something to keep Jerry up in arms over nature and living out here in this wilderness. And you know how I feel about all the creepy crawly things.
We went over to my MIL’s home a few days ago with Jerrys oldest brother and his wife to inventory things, and our BIL wanted to pick up the cedar chest he had made for them years ago. His wife wanted to take it to their home. I felt so funny being there and going through her things. It just gave me the eeriest feeling like I was really invading her privacy, and to be honest; I could hardly do it; so my SIL did most of the recording of inventory. Jerrys brother feels that someone will ultimately just break into her home again if it just sits there empty, and she really does need all the help she can get from what resources she has; since the 4 of us can only do so much, and her other two sons simply won’t do anything to help. I could just picture our own children facing a similar task one day, and if nothing else, this has made me vow that if I have the strength that one way or another, I am going to get rid of almost everything Jerry and I do not need, and live as basicly as we can. My poor MIL has tons of receipts from 40 years ago, and little notes and boxes with nothing in them, it is pitiful. Well, enough of that, I am making myself feel sad about all of this.
Hope all the grands are feeling better. Poor babies. And keep us posted on whatever you have going on with your tests, DD, we all quack and stick together. I am SO happy that Gary’s brother was able to feed himself and his color was good. Little things help, don’t they? Your cakes were SO cute. I have to try to find some pans like that and make some cakes for Maw Maw and the staff. I think they would love them. I know you and Tillie enjoyed the carrot cake. Yum Yum Have any of you done and Italian Creme Cake? So good, but does take some time to make one.
It is starting to thunder; so I better close. Take care everyone and have a good evening. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: March-Spring is Coming! Hooray!!! #58065

Hello girls. I have to pitch in my two cents worth of opinion on DWTS too. I agree with the previous “reviews”, and I have to add that if you took the body of Charo without the face, then I would like to look like that at her age, but she must at least be 70ish, and I just really think we look better when we let ourselves age and not try to be “young” again. Those days for me are long gone, and I know that I won’t get them again, but I try to put on makeup (when going out with Jerry) and do my hairstyle (coloring the grays) but then I never depended on my looks for my income. But come to think of it; I sort of think this is an incorrect statement. I do remember looking back that I think there were times when the most attractive girl would be chosen even if she wasn’t the most qualified, and I am sure that still applies. What do you all think? We are vain; even the ladies at assisted living get jealous of one another. I just think a lady who looks and acts her age is prettier. Is any of this making any sense? LOL
Neal has been visiting with Sarah’s Mom and Dad who have driven her car to her these last few days. They all went to San Francisco yesterday, did lots of sightseeing, and ate lunch on Fisherman’s Wharf. He said they had a wonderful time. He sent us a picture of him and Colin looking out on the Golden Gate Bridge, and the baby had a tight grip on Neal, and Neal had a tight grip on the baby, and they were both just smiling. I know Sarah will miss her parents when they leave. They are to fly home tomorrow I think.
Colleen, I tried your recipe for the potatoes, and everyone loved it. They balked at first since it is somethings new for them, but once they tried they were hooked. So thank you.
Well you girls know I caved when it came to ordering something else in outdoor lighting on the Q. It is a big mosiac globe that looks like tiny pieces of mirrors and sits on a metal stand. I got it in the dragonflies. I am going to sit it on the patio so it will catch the sun and sparkle. I hope my Scrappy Man will restrain himself, and not lift a leg on it as he passes by. I just thought about that. so I may have to sit it up on the patio table. LOL I also got some more wind chimes and will put these hanging from the front porch. It is blue with etchings of silver so it looks like diamonds when the sun shines on it.
Expecting storms tonight. Thankfully Joey and Lisa got home late last night. They said they had a great time at the wedding. It was in Dallas.
I’m sorry but I am actually getting sleepy so I need to get up and start moving around. Don’t know where this came from. Take care everyone, and hope all of you are doing well. Praying for good test results for everyone. Hugs, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: March-Spring is Coming! Hooray!!! #57923

Hope everyone has enjoyed their St. Patricks Day celebrations. Would you believe that Jerry and I just ate tacos? I think I must have waited too long to buy a brisket; they were all gone, and we were so tired that day we went to get everything. Jerrys Mom had to go back to the hospital for her oxygen level being too low; but the emergency room only kept her for two hours, gave her oxygen, and sent her right back. Jerry has been wrestling with the insurance company for her for several months now. He changed her supplemental insurance over in December, and we sent all the paperwork THEY instructed us to send them showing her giving them permission to talk with Jerry about her policy, and it is as if they never saw anything, even though they say they have the letter in their system, that it is NOT the exact form they have to have; so we have been going through h…. trying to get all of this straightened out. Thank goodness we have proof of their cashing her payments each month since she has been in the hospital twice since Jan and now this recent visit this week. He is really paying a lot more now for her supplemental, and here we were thinking all was well, until he goes to call them and they won’t talk with him. So we have redone everything, and are trying to get this all straightened out. She has COPD, so we know her oxygen level will be lower than most; but we are trying to have just a permanent O2 tank left by her bedside for when she might need one. Girls, this has been quite a wild ride.
Joey stopped by on his way out to Dallas and set up my I pad to skype. Neal called us and we got to see the baby and Neal and Sarah and talk to the baby. It just absolutely made our day. He would reach over for Neals phone (he was sitting in Neals lap) and smile and talk to us and try to kiss the phone. It just melted our hearts. He is trying to cut his first tooth, and Neal called us on the way home from his job today, and asked if it would hurt him to rub his gums with his finger, and I told him no, that it would actually feel good to him. If this comes out big on your page I don’t know what I did to make it this way. But I am like DD, I just hope I don’t lose this. LOL
You know I got to thinking about it, Adele, and I think it is Debra who had the puppy dog. I can barely keep things straight these days. Your kitty is cute DD. They can be so much company.
I love cream puffs Colleen, but I am just too lazy to fix them; so I buy some fresh ones at a bakery in town. Do you use the frozen pastry sheets to make them? I bet they are deliscious. Sure hope your day with the family was fun. Does the baby say “no” to everything? So far; Colin is saying “da da” all the time. He loves to talk.
So sorry you all are still getting all that snow, Adele and Sue. It turned really cold here and now today it is about 75. It has been such a strange winter all across the country. I always feel like Dorothy this time of year because we start getting such bad storms and I know you do too Colleen. They call our section tornado alley. Isn’t that comforting?
Better go for now or I will lose all this. Hope everyone is feeling well and all the doctor tests will come out good for everybody. Mabey that would be a good Irish saying for this year “May all your test results from the doctor be bright and sunny, with not a cloud in sight!” Goodnight to all. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: March-Spring is Coming! Hooray!!! #57807

It is windy and cold here today; but nothing compared to what you all have been going through. I have prayed the weather would not be as bad as they were forcasting for you all; and then I look at your pictures Adele, and feel a big chill run through me. I am just like you; I would have kept the children home that day. I simply cannot imagine what a school superintendent must be considering to make a decision where those little childrens safety is concerned. I went to the state of Tenn. of several occasions during my “Trauma” days speaking tp the people who make the laws about how we as adults are required by law to wear seat belts, and yet the school bus has not one seat belt on it, and how through research and years of data collection we have proven that seat belts DO save lives. Don’t get me started on this; but at least; we were able to have helmets required for motorcycle riders.
DD I am sorry you had such a hard time with your cardiac stress test. I had one done several years ago; and thank God it turned out that my problem was due to extremely low blood levels; so that was what was causing my heart to beat crazy; and I am now on a lifetime of B12 shots monthly and others; but was so relieved to know it wasn’t any worse. I was so exhausted because they kept pushing me to “keep going” and when I just couldn’t go any further, I just fell down and could barely breathe. I really thought I was suffocating. It is scary sometimes. I have also heard of some people in our family who have had the same test done, and said it wasn’t anything. to it. So I guess it’s just different for us all. I am so sympathetic with patients though. I never liked to see them in pain or having a hard time of it.
Sarah called us to thank us for sending the baby a walker. He was sitting in it playing and “talking” while she was talking to me. I asked her to please put the phone up to the baby so I could talk to him, and she said we were on speaker; so I started really talking to him, and he went silent, and I talked to him about 5 minutes, silence, and I said Sarah, is he okay? and she said , he is looking all around for you, he just can’t see you, but he is turning his head all around and looking everywhere for you. I just melted. Jerry was beyond jealous when he got home. Joey is going to show us how to skype so we can see them and they can us.
Speaking of Joey, he and Lisa are driving to Dallas this weekend for a wedding of a couple they knew who moved to Dallas for the young man to attend a police academy. It’s like weddings everywhere; and that is like pouring salt into Lisa’s open wound. But I will just leave this where it is. My heart aches for them.
So we are doggie sitting this weekend with Ruby. She came up with them last night while we had dinner, and she tried to play with Auto Kitty, and he sat there so sweetly, and then calmly whacked Ruby on the nose and it was not an easy punch. I felt sorry for her. Here she is a much larger than him, even though he is like me; full figured LOL, and she just jumps back when he smacks her poor nose, and steers clear of him the rest of the evening.
Sue, how is your puppy doing? Good I hope. DD, do you have any fur babies? It seems I remember seeing you say that you have a kitty. We dress our little four legged friends up for the holidays (if they can fit into their outfit.) By the way, I enjoy the shows from Ireland. I know you do too, Colleen. I have a sweater from years ago, and it still looks nice. It is almost too heavy, but I know that means it was made well.
Take care everyone, and be safe. Jerry is telling me he is hungry and let’s eat. Barbara

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