[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: February-Will the Groundhog See His Shadow? #55697

Hello everyone. I will surely try to get this note off to you all before this thing kicks me off. We have had lots going on. Jerrys Mom is in the hospital. She went to stand up and just sort of collapsed back into the chair and had a fainty spell. They called 911 and when the ambulance got there she was much better. We had been out ot visit her just the day before and I didn;t notice anything different about her. The paramedics talked to us on the phone since we were at Neals helping Sarah get some things packed up, and long story short the left and about 30 minutes later she went to the bathroom and the aide smelled blood and saw where she was passing some. They called the ambulance back, and we told them we wanted her taken on to the hospital for sure. We met them at the hospital, and spent most of the night there. She is very anemic, and it looks like it is from stomach ulcer. Jerry was so nervous I thought he was going to have to be admitted. He wouldn’t leave her; but the nurse told us to go on home after we had talked to the doctor, who said he was going to give her some blood, some iv anitbiotics and some fluids. We were back early today, and she seems to be doing some better. THe doctor said she does have an infection, and some bleeding from her stomach, but he feels he can get her back feeling much better soon. Jerry is just exhausted. It was so strange that you all have been talking about back problems. He has rods up both sides of his spine, and it hurts him so badly to sit in a straight backed chair. So we are doing this, and DD, our son Neal is on the Pacific coast of California, and it has been raining so much there that the other workers have accused him of bringing the rain with him, but they are glad to replinish the water supply. He also has had a problem with a man just hanging around his extended stay hotel where he is now until he can get the apartment for them. He had his passenger window broken out and his paperwork (personal and work related) stolen the other night. I am so afraid for him, and his little family that is about to join him there.
I surely hope you all can clear out the storms you are having soon. It is like we are all having such extremes this winter. we had terrible thunderstorms here a few nights ago with lots of hail and strong winds. And now I hear you all are under lots of snow and blizzards. So sorry. Stay safe everyone.
Must close for now and check on Jerrys Mom. This has been quite a week. Goodnight everyone. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: January 2017 A New Year Full of New Adventures #55115

Adele, how are you feeling? Any more sharp pains? Have you had any nausea? How far down the right side was the pain? Sorry for all the questions, but just concerned. Most times with an appendix problem; you will hurt all around your belly button and if someone “thumps” your belly, it really causes some pain. Do you have your gall bladder? That was a really sharp, bring me down, pain on the right and started out by actually hurting me badly under my shoulder blade. I know that sounds crazy, but that is a classic sign. But once the actual GB attack came it came quickly, and I felt faint and could not stand. I hope this is something simple. I know I am not a doctor, but just tossing out some things to consider. Each of us is a little different but surely do want you to take care of yourself. We all have to stick together and help one another out. Please be checked out by a doctor.
Jerry is doing better. He put his back brace that he used to have to wear everyday after he first broke his back; and it has helped to support I guess you could say that rib. The main reason he quit wearing the back brace was pure vanity and getting overheated. He would complain and complain about how hot he was; which I know he was uncomfortable, but it really did help him. It is the big black brace that covers his back and comes all the was from his shoulders to his waist and then wraps around to the front plate which is attached on with these large velcro straps. I told him that since he has gotten some relief from wearing this again that he should definitely bring this up the next doctor visit we have and have him order him a new one that can be fitted for him. He actually didn’t fuss too much; so I really know this is helping him.
Your cake looks deliscious! I just feel you are working too hard. I know it brings you a lot of joy to see everyone enjoying themselves with your baking. Sometimes I will just work all day on something, and then I am so tired once everyone arrives that all I can do is just sit back and watch everyone enjoy themselves. I am not even hungry, and that is saying a lot with my appetite. ha ha
You all were asking about things we like to collect. Well, I must love to collect outdoor decorations. Those spinners got me as well as a lot of the Plow and Hearth. And if it’s solar and I can look out there and see it glowing at night it just makes me happy. Other than that I am not a big collector of “breakable” things; since my boys broke most of what I bought when they were growing up. ha ha Of course, no one would confess who did what.
Warm here today. More like spring than winter. This has been such strange for us but I thought I heard that some of you all are getting some real winter weather. Stay warm if you are in the midst of that.
Will close for tonight and hope that you all are doing better. Take care, and goodnight. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: January 2017 A New Year Full of New Adventures #54921

Happy Saturday to All. Hope Ron is not at Verizon today, so that Colleen won’t have to listen to how outrageous those sales people are. That is how Jerry interpretes it when they don’t just automaticly agree with his point of view. ha ha Most of the time I just walk away as if I don’t even know who he is; because once he digs his heels in there is no turning back. Joey has offered to give me his I phone because he is planning to get a newer model, and Jerry told him that “your Mother’s phone works just fine, and we don’t need all that new fangled stuff” unquote. I just looked at Joey and said that is so sweet of you son, and I would love to have it. So we will see how this works out.
Hope your hubbies are doing better and old Arthur (as Paw Paw would call his arthritis) is not hurting you ladies too badly. I know the cold really effects my joints and it does Jerrys back too. His rib is better. Lisa brought him some medicine from her clinic for inflammation, and it really has helped hiIm. I just get so tired of talking about our aches and pains sometimes. I would like to start this out by reporting if the waves had whitecaps or the breeze off the ocean was warm or had a bit of cool to the breeze. We need a trip girls. And I don’t mean to the doctors office. LOL
Adele, I just follow the directions on the box when I make grits the regular way. I usually do the one with cheese if I am doing breakfast for dinner thing. Grits are very filling; and like barley, they seem to “grow” after you eat them and you really get full. I love them; especially with ham and biscuits and eggs. I love a good quiche; but Jerry does not. I think he would if he would just try one; but he says it is too “fancy” for him. He told me that the only thing with a pie crust should have pie filling in it. ha ha Did I tell you all how I had lit a candle that was apple pie scented with spices and when Jerry came home he just thought I was baking a pie I guess; because after dinner he said he wanted his piece of pie. I said “what pie?” and he thought I was just teasing him when I told him that was a candle I was burning that he must have been smelling. He actually got mad at me and said it wasn’t fair to make someone think they were going to have apple pie and not have baked one and about that time in the door comes Joey and the first thing he excitedly said was “oh, boy MaMa, you are making apple pie!” so here I had to go again with explanation. It taught me not to light any food smelling candles around my guys unless I had baked the real thing as well. ha ha Talk about spoiled; but I loved spoiling my guys.
DD, I am so glad that bad weather is leaving your area. I know our son told us that it was pouring down in Napa and also in San Francisco. Hope you all enjoy your dinner and the game. Thanks Sue for getting our email notifications back. And this larger type suits me so well. Isn’t it nice just to cuddle up with your little puppy dog on the bad weather days now? That is surely a great feeling.
Well, I have probably bored you all to tears by now. Seems I get on here and just rattle on and on. By the way; the baby is getting better from his bronchitis. He had to take breathing treatments and Sarah took him with her when she went to exercise. I hoped she would ask me to keep him but she didn’t. It hurts me; but I love when I am with him. Mabey this is the good Lords way of helping me and Jerry be able to bear his leaving us when they go to California. Well, I will close for now and hope you all are doing well. Take care. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: January 2017 A New Year Full of New Adventures #54846

Joey and Lisa just left after they had dinner with me and Jerry. We had a nice evening. I had cooked a pork roast and vegetables; rolls and made a yellow cake with chocolate icing and ice cream to scoop on. The kids took the dessert home with them; but left enough for Jerry to eat later. He is surely having some trouble with that rib hurting him. Lisa talked to her doctor she works for and he recommended of course to see the doctor (good luck with that with Jerry) and to take a NSAID for the pain. Jerry is SO stubborn. I have put an binder around his rib cage and it has helped him, but if he isn;t better by tomorrow I am just going to put my foot down and take him to see the doctor. I really believe he has cracked one of the ribs that he broke years ago; but it is not something to just guess about. I am watching him carefully because he will try to hide things like pain from me.
Yes, Gail, Joey and Lisa were together for about 7 years before they went seperate ways; so they have a real history together. They were as married as you could get without the papers. Life is so strange now. I remember when I was young that if a girl got pregnant that her parents would ship her off in shame to “visit her sick aunt” and then after months she would be back and no one would say anything but everyone knew. Now that seems so mild in comparison. I was just thinking about how we wore petti coats beneath our skirts and saddle oxford shoes and of course, bobby socks. ha ha I remember one Easter Sunday when I had my first pair of high heels (they were just about an inch high, but I felt so grown up) and I was so sick that Sunday that I couldn’t attend service; so MaMa just let me wear them in bed that day. Funny how those kinds of things stick in our memories, isn’t it?
It is very cold here again today. THis has been the craziest winter here. No, Adele, we were blessed and missed where the terrible tornadoes went to. They scare me so badly too. We do usually had some bad storms and one of the worst ones we had was on a Christmas eve when Joey was 3 weeks old. It was so hot that day that we had to open the windows while I was preparing Christmas dinner. It stormed so badly that night that Jerry and I stayed awake all night. It was terrible.
They really did have some beautiful jewelry on the gold show. I guess I am like your Mom Colleen, I am downsizing. ha ha I was certainly tempted on several things, but I held back. I want to try to visit Buddy and Neal. Jerry and I are thinking of going by train. Have any of you all done that? I just wonder how it would be. If you have, please share the good and bad with me. I had rather know it both so we could be prepared if we go that way.
Adele, sorry buy I forgot you asked me how to make grits. I do make them, but mine are more of a casserole. Here is the recipe if you would lke to try it.

Grits Au Gratin
3 cups water, 3/4 cups quick cooking grits, 1 tsp. salt, 1/4 pound grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 Tablespoon Butter melted, 1/4 tsp. paprika

Bring water to a boil, stir in grits and salt. Heat for 2-5 minutes, remove from heat. Alternate layers of grits and cheese in a 1 and 1/2 quart casserole dish: pour milk over the top. In a seperate bowl, toss bread crumbs and butter together: sprinkle over casserole, Sprinkle with paprika and bake at 325 degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
I do like plain grits with just butter and S&P with my eggs and sausage or ham. But this casserole has the cheese in it; so Jerry likes it and we have made it for dinner too. HOpe you lke like it.
Better go for now. Jerry has decided to go to bed a little early; so I better check on him. THis is sort of unusual for him, and I am keeping a close eye.
Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: January 2017 A New Year Full of New Adventures #54665

Hello everyone. So glad to hear that Brent will be coming home soon, and bringing his lady friend too. I know you all have really missed him. Hope you have a great visit. You know what Colleen? I was just wondering if the mysterious “DR. Taylor” could actually be a physicians assistant instead of a doctor? Mabey that is why there is no information about him on medicine. Or mabey he is a nurse practictioner. Some of them have their doctorate. Just thinking.
DD. I don’t do oatmeal cookies since my gang won’t eat them, but thought I would pass along a recipe they really like. It is called “Home Run Bars” and you make it in a 13X9 pan. (I use the throw away pans like Colleen does ha ha). anyway, I digress. Here is the recipe:
4 Cups of quick cooking oats, uncooked
1 Cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 Cup corn syrup
1 Cup peanut butter, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 Cup softened butter
2/3 Cup chocolate chips
1/3 Cup butterscotch chips
Combine oats, brown sugar, corn syrup, 1/3 cup peanut butter, vanilla and butter: spread in a greased 13X9 baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes. Stir chocolate chips; butterscotch chips and remaining peanut butter together; spread over hot bars. Makes 2 dozen,.
This tastes really good, so if you make them I hope you enjoy. I think everyones grands would like them and they are easy to make.
Gail, I used to listen to audio books to and from my work. It helped me not to be so nervous when driving in heavy traffic. I really enjoyed it, but only did it while driving alone. No, we don’t have bad dreams from our current book we are reading Adele. We may try a Fannie Flagg next though.
Got to go for now. It’s a popcorn night. Now to pick a movie lol Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: January 2017 A New Year Full of New Adventures #54503

I am glad too that the font is larger now. I was really having trouble reading and writing our posts. Jerry and I got up with the full intention of getting out today and having a adventure, but as he was showering, I sat here thinking all I really wanted to do today was spend a quiet day here at home. I am usually happy to be out and about, but today is gray and gloomy and just seems like a day to sit back, relax (which may include a nap) and call and check on all of the boys and their families. We had such a good time yesterday at the talent show. We watched the Daddy of the child in the show grow up with our boys, and it is just sort of surreal to see his little family and Sarah and Colin and think of how I still remember him running so carefree out here through the fields and how our little Colin and his girls are a whole new generation coming along. I sat next to his Mom, and of course she was very excited to see her grandchild perform. She placed second, and also got a trophy for most popular. Our vets son was also in the show. He did a performance with the Rubic’s Cube, and he was so fast that he was able to do 2 of them within 4 minutes, even with his helper moving all the cubes around two minutes into his performance. It was pretty amazing. I remember when I first saw that thing that I tried so hard to match up the cubes that I got so frustrated after about two weeks, that I took the thing apart. LOL Do you all remember that thing?
Jerry and I had a wonderful time with the baby. He just laughed at us and tried to talk to us. I just love how he looks us right in the eye when he hears us say something and listens so intently. Everything you all told me before he was born was so true. Did I tell you all that she has moved back in with her parents while she is waiting for her California license to come? I wish she would go ahead and be with Neal, but I know they will do what they feel is best for them all. I know Neal is so lonesome for them.
Gail, that is so neat that Greg is on you tube. That was such an honor for him to perform during the inaguration. You all have really had some special times in his vocal career. It must give you chills sometimes to hear him sing.
Colleen, I have sort of hesitated to bring up Joey and Lisa since Jerry and I are just sitting back and watching from the sidelines so to speak. So far; they seem to be getting along so well now. THey had a wonderful Christmas. They were up here together and had Christmas dinner with us. She seemed happy and they both sat close together, and I saw Joey kiss her at least twice during the day. We don’t ask any direct questions, just things like how are they doing. Joey told us that sometimes he feels that their history together and how good she is to him right now really confuses his feelings. He said he wants to believe with his heart that they are past the bad times of the past, but he has experienced so much mixed emotions with her that is is scared. I told him son, only your heart, not your head, will lead you in the right direction, and just to pray for guidance in making his choices. Truthfully, I really think they are going to stay together. Lisa has told Sarah that she will stay with Joey even if they never marry, but Jerry and I both feel, but don’t say, that a couple really should commit through marriage their love and faithfullness for each other. So you can see why we just keep watching from afar. He is such a good man, and she really hurt him, as I am sure he has her as well. Do you all ever get to the point in your life where you feel that you, as a parent or grandparent or sibling, should have experienced enough of life to be able to just advise your loved one without having doubts that you might be wrong? But for me; I sort of doubt myself in giving advice now than ever before. I always used to think that older people were wise. I don’t feel too wise. ha ha
So girls, I am just going to sit back, relax, and Jerry has said he will go pick us up something for dinner, and that sounds fine to me. By the way: I ordered his Mom a pair of Clarks that you just slip on because they have a stretchy piece on top of them; and she just loves them. She was so proud of them. Made me happy to see her in such a happy mood. She also wanted some of my chocolate pie; so Jerry and I took her a whole pie. I made 3 of them so everyone could have a piece. I made one diabetic so everyone could have a piece, and they all really seemed to enjoy it. We are going to have a Valentines Day party for the residents and staff. I went to the party store before Christmas and stocked up on the supplies and decorations. I think it will be lots of fun.
Gail, Jerry and I are reading Still Missing about a young woman realtor who was kidnapped and is being held captive in a cabin. It is a real page turner, and I am surprised that Jerry is liking it since it really isn’t his style of read. So far; I am really enjoying it. I do love our little night time tradition of reading together. I tried to talk him into audio books, but he likes to hear me read to him.
Sue, what are you doing with your free time now? Any travel plans on the horizon? You certainly deserve a rest. Isn’t it nice just to snuggle in now instead of facing the cold or rain? I am happy for you.
Better go for now, I am sure you all think I write books instead of notes to you. Take care and hope you have a great week. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: January 2017 A New Year Full of New Adventures #54417

Happy Birthday to Adele and Dianne! Hope you both had wonderful days. Hope everyone is feeling good today. Poor Jerry hurt one of his ribs. He was pulling on something harder than he should have and it hurt one of his ribs that he broke several years ago. He says he is fine, but I know it hurts him. I was just laughing thinking of Ron getting used to his new phone. He is so much like Jerry. Jerry has one of those flip phones and has had it for years. It had gotten to where he could hardly hear on it; so we went to Verizon after I finally convinced him that it was the phone and not something I had done to it. The little young girl at Verizon had not ever seen a phone like he has. ha ha She said she would have to go get her manager to help her. The manager tried to talk him into getting a newer version phone and he actually expected her to just trade his phone for an I Phone like phone. She told him that they didn’t do that, and when he found out how much it was going to cost I thought he was going to pass out. LOL The manager actually said that she had only seen a phone like he has at a training session where they were showing how they started out making their phones. ha ha Jerry and Ron would make such a scene if they went in a store together with all their complaints. They surely do help us when we need them though. So I guess along with their quirks they do good too.
Sarah and Colin are moving back with her parents until they leave for California. Hopefully they will all be together within a few weeks. They are coming over tomorrow to visit and to go with us to a talent show where one of our neighbors grandaughter is going to sing. They are so proud of her, and I hope she does good. Her Mom is a good friend of Sarah. So we will have a good time. We will probably go to dinner tomorrow night. I am just not in the mood to cook, just bake ha ha.
Didn’t realize it was getting late, but Jerry is ready for bed. Take care everyone. Will talk again soon. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: January 2017 A New Year Full of New Adventures #54316

Hello to All. We are rainy here today; but sort of warm. We heard from Neal today. He finally got a good nights rest last night, and he was driving to the airport where he will be working so he will know the route for first day of work there on Friday. We could hear the excitement in his voice describing how beautiful it is there. He is seeing things that we have never seen before. The airport where he will work has lots of very rich people who fly into Napa Valley in their own private planes. I was looking on google at some of the prices for hotels/motels/spas there and it was nothing for them to charge over $600 a night; and that was supposed to be a good deal. LOL Jerry and I had to laugh when he called Jerry last night to ask him if his commode in his bathroom sometimes would gurgle did Jerry think he might be having an earthquake? Jerry assured him that it was due to the very strong wind that was blowing since he was having a storm when he called. Bless his heart, no telling how long he stood and watched that water before he broke down and called home. Jerry told him that he would experience that a lot while traveling out west in the high winds. We miss him so badly. But we are trying to do our best to stay positive for him; because I know he is so lonely out there all by himself.
DD, I am also ready for some spring. This has been the strangest winter I can remember. I am with Colleen, we need us our cabana man and the feel of warmth and the smell of the sea in the air. It seems that according to the weather channel, your area (you are in Oregon right?) that you all have been just freezing there. My husband has said that is unusual for your area. He traveled to Portland a lot. He said it is absolutely beautiful there.
Gail, I am glad you are better. How is Greg? Is his back doing any better? I bet he is a little concerned when he plays golf that he might twist or turn the wrong way and throw his back out. Does he do as much singing as he was? He has such a wonderful talent. Did any of your children recieve his vocal talents I guess you think I am full of questions tonight LOL Of course, we know that little Piper is destined to be on stage just any day now.
Colleen, you have made me so hungry for some peanut butter cookies! I haven’t had them in quite a while. You are so right, Adele, the buns are a lot of work. But they were so yummy. I have been baking quite a bit just to take my mind off things. But now, there isn’t hardly anyone to eat all of this so I am doing like Colleen in freezing them in small batches. Joey came up one night late to pick up an apple pie I had baked that day. It was only missing one piece that Jerry ate. Believe it or not; I didn’t want any because I didn’t have any ice cream to go on mine LOL
How are your Mom’s doing? Jerrys Mom is good. She was complaining of lower belly pain one day, and they called Jerry and asked him if he would okay them to do an X-ray of her lower belly just to be on the safe side. He said sure, and the on call service came and did the test and the nurse called us back later in the day and said it was good. Jerry missed going to see her for a couple of days due to his needing to be here to talk with Neal to help keep him awake and to help him look for certain roads etc. so she was lonesome for him. He got out there yesterday, and she was doing fine. She asked him to bring some candy for the staff; so I think she is really adjusting well.
I think it is so cute that you all and your Moms or daughters both wear Quacker. I did order the red tee with cut out hearts on it for Valentines and because I simply like red. I also got the lilac two piece dragonfly top with the tank underneath. I don’t have anything I can think of in that color. I just love my new DJ’s with the metal circles at the bottom. I got them in black, and I really would love them in white too. But have to pace myself.
Take care everyone, and thank you all for your kind thoughts and for understanding of missing my boys. Where did the time go? Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: January 2017 A New Year Full of New Adventures #54125

Hello ladies. This has been a very busy week. I am so proud to say that I have held myself together; except of course when hugging him goodbye; because I know how badly he misses his little family. He left very early yesterday morning and his original plan was to drive through Arkansas to Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, and then into California around LA and go upwards to Napa. But since poor Colleen got all that ice; his Dad and he talked about his going further south( several hundred miles further) and through Dallas, El Paso, then up through Phoenix and on to Bakersfield Ca. and on up to Napa that way. He went through a terrible rain storm around Dallas, but he finally got out of that and made it to Midland Texas where he spent the night. Now he is to stop in right outside of Phoenix and then on to California tomorrow. Jerry and I wanted to pay for his hotel for tonight since he just wouldn’t take a dime from us before he left, and it was like an act of congress to simply make and pay in advance for his reservation tonight. I am very glad that people are so conscientious about identify theft; but it was a lengthy process. I had to call our CC company and okay the charge since it was for an out of town charge. That probably makes no sense. We will be so happy when they all are together again. Jerry offered to drive the trip with him; but Neal told me today that he just couldn’t hurt his Daddy like that. He said he knew that would be too hard on Jerry. Made me proud. I know Jerry would have grabbed an overnight bag and been off if Neal had said yes.
Dianne, I love your pictures. I love roses too. I love the Kincaid one with the lighted windows and the walkway that looks like it just invites you to come inside. Jerry was going to buy me one for me years ago; and it just really wasn’t in our budget (was an original no less) but I have always missed not being able to have it. You know what I was thinking one day? If I just had taken all the money I have spent on this and that, and things that collect dust now, that I probably could have had that painting. LOL Isn’t it funny how we look back on things as years go by? Speaking of that; do any of you all know of how to have someone come in your home and take out all the things that you want to sell and you give them a percentage of the profit of the sale of things like clothes household things? I just don’t have the strenght to collect up all that I would love to get rid of but need to do this so badly. I want to downside in the worst way. Would appreciate any ideas.
So glad to hear that some of you and your families are feeling better. Gail I worry when you get that cold, bronchitis, whatever that is thing. Hope everyone gets good results from your tests. Colleen, you can google the ratings of doctors and information about them. Usually people give their opinions about them. Mabey that would help you to find out something about this doctor they have you set up with. Hope he turns out to be Highly recommended.
Better go for today. It is rainy here, and Jerry and I are having a sandwich and pickles night. Neither of us have much appetite today. Waiting for our boy to call and say he is safe in his hotel. Take care everyone. Adele, I have made the sticky buns. They were deliscious. Now I am in the mood for some warm cookies or something. Bye you all. Barbara

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