[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: June-The Official Start of Summer #42349

Another blistering hot day here today. All of the out of state children have gone to Florida to visit Buddy’s wife’s family. They are having a big ceremony on the base at Eglin in Ft.Walton of Friday commemorating the 20th anniversary of the attack on the base where our son was living in the middle east. It was a horrible day, many lives lost; gratefully ours returned injured buy alive. He will be one of the speakers at the ceremony. They are having a special dinner the night before for the survivors, families of those who lived and those who did not. It is very sad for Buddy, and yet good for him to rejoin those close to him. So he will be staying in Florida for a couple of weeks, and then they are driving back to NM. I asked him to please take some time to rest somewhere during all the things planned. He and his MIL and FIL enjoy playing golf; and he brought his clubs; so hopefully they will have some nice early morning time to spend on the course.
I shudder each time I think of all you are going through with your renovations, Adele, but it will just one day magically come together and you will be so happy. We replaced all of our carpet in the family room and down the hallway a couple of years ago with tile. It has a 4 inch strip of decorative tile all around and then in the very middle; that kind of looks like it is a rug. (got the idea from a magazine). Well, about half way through they tell us that the tile is on “back order” and here we sit, with weeks to wait, not to mention we also had wiring all under the tiles and on the now bare places that is on a heating mechanism that heats under the tile during the winter and warms it to your feet. They told us that we could not step on ANYTHING or it would mess it all up. Jerry was furious, me too. Also, after it was finally finished, here comes’s the contractor with a piece of paper and he starts explaining to us that we were not charged correctly, that we owed 2000 more for the little decorative tiles and that even though it wasn’t explained to us as a separate order; that it was and we owed for it. I went into a nuclear meltdown, and Jerry just let me rant and rave and the contractor kept trying to show me how it was explained to us but just not written so we would understand it, blah blah blah. Ended up, we paid around 1300 dollars more, and I told him I would never do business with his company again. I love how it looks, but would have not agreed to what it ended up costing us. Jerry checked several contractors before we paid, and the man was correct, and Jerry is someone who pays what he owes. So all in all; things could be worse; so just grin and bear it and enjoy when it is done. It sounds beautiful.
Glad Greg did good with his MRI. Hope you get good results. Glad the shot went well too Adele.
I remember when Debbie used to say she would just get a helicopter to stop by all of our homes and pick us up. Remember Gail, when we had you to design a reading room that we would all just snuggle up in comfortable chairs and have a whole library of books to read? Wasn’t our pool boy named Pablo and he would bring us pretty colored drinks with little umbrella’s and fan us to keep us cool, Colleen? Yes, you are so right, we do need a vacation. I hope she is doing good, and happily planting her flowers and enjoying her Belle. Do you remember how she would keep the spare bag of sparkles that she would get with her Quacker clothes and makes vests for her puppy dog Belle? She is a great seamstress.
Better close for now and put that laundry in the dryer. Hope everyone is enjoying their day. Take care. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: June-The Official Start of Summer #42283

Just lost all I had written to you all; so will try again. We had an absolutely wonderful week with our sons and their families. We laughed so much. Jerry and I would just listen to them all telling their stories and laughing together. Joey would say, “I don’t thing Mom and Dad know about that” and they would just grin and tell something else. All the daughter in laws got along too; which really was nice. My DIL from NM made dinner one night; Mexican food; the real thing, and it was delicious. Everyday was filled with something to do or somewhere to go. One day; our son took Sarah and me out to the military base, and we had to go in his truck; since he has all the stickers he needs on it. Well, he has this really big truck, and for a few minutes there, I thought I would not be able to get up in it. My right leg just would not work right; so when I changed to my left leg to step up on the running board and grabbed the handle I was able to lift myself up inside. Buddy was afraid for me; but I told him that it might take me a little longer; but I really felt I could make it work. We had a great time at the base; but I got tired and actually went into the restroom where they have like a sitting area in there and rested a few minutes while Sarah shopped. Buddy kept saying to me, Mama, you doing okay? I said that I was but that I just wasn’t able to walk as much as I used to. There were a few nights that Jerry and I just literally fell into bed, but we rested good and was able to go again the next day. I was so glad that the boys got to spend time together too. I made sure that Jerry and I gave them their time alone just to be brothers again.
Sarah looks like a balloon about to pop. She said she feels good; just has “restless legs” at night. She doesn’t have too much longer to go. Mid August is our due date. She stays hot all the time; but it has really been hot here lately. Her feet and legs are swelling; but not too badly. Buddy was born the end of August; so she said she feels for me. They have told us they have picked out the name of Collin Andrew. I am glad they did go with Neals’ middle name for the babys middle name. Haven’t found out where the Collin came from. THey went and had some special 4D ultrasound pictures made of him (twice, the first time he kept putting his arms in front of his face LOL) and although they said you would be able to really see him good; I just couldn’t. So we are anxious to see him when he gets here. He kicked Sarah so hard at the base that it scared buddy. Her belly just jumped out and you could see his foot or hand just lifting her tummy up.
I so hope you all are feeling better. Just seems like so much has been going on these past few months health wise, and just family things. Adele, how is your BIL? Does he know his brother at all now? That is just so sad. DId you get your shot? Hope that has given you relief. Gail, how is Greg’s back? I remember going through the MRI and I am so claustrophobic, but I just prayed the whole way and kept saying to myself, they put little children in this thing, and here I am a grown up, a nurse, and still afraid of it. This is just a machine that might just save my life. That is what I try to tell myself now, still scared, but somehow it helps me. Dianne, I hope things are going better in your family too. It sounds like you have a lot on your mind right now as well. Colleen, how is your tummy? You have really suffered with this. I just wish they could once and for all fix what is causing you to have these problems. Is Ron doing okay? We worry so much about the ones we love. Jerry told me the sweetest thing I believe he has ever said to me just the other day. It was a regular day, and just out of the blue while we were discussing whether we would have popcorn or make breakfast for dinner that night, he said “I just want you to know that the luckiest day of my life was the day I met you, and that even though we don’t agree on everything and probably never will, that you have always been my best friend, and I won’t be able to live without you with me” Coming from a not so great romantic, those were some very powerful sentimental words that I know for him to say, he really meant. I think all these years together and watching our children grow into men, and now with families of their own, just touched his heart and made him see how truly blessed we are. It touched me and I will always remember it. Not to say I won’t continue to be a back seat driver ha ha but it was really sweet of him.
Very hot and humid here today. Heard of some really stormy weather up where some of you are; so hope all is safe.
Take care everyone, my prayers are with you all. Hugs from afar, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Prayer Request #42117

Gail, I am wearing my “crossing over the Rainbow Bridge” Kirks Folley broche in memory of our beloved Rocky today. The last time I wore it was when I was mourning the loss of our beloved Oz. I know that he and Rocky are playing and rolling in the soft grass today talking to one another about how happy and loved they have been by us who they have had to go on ahead to wait and play. Miss him, but try as hard as you can to remember all those happy memories each time a tear begins to creep up. My heart aches for you and Greg. So very, very sorry. Hugs from one fur baby MaMa to another, your friend, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: June-The Official Start of Summer #41962

Hi Everyone! Today the “young ones” are out and about doing their thing. Our granddaughter and our son’s wife are here; arrived yesterday. They have gone to some hair salon to have I think some strands of purple put in her hair. She is cute as a button, and so smart. She is crazy about our son; so I know he has made a really good Father. Bless his heart; it is about 95 here today; and he and Neal are moving tables and chairs for the young people outdoor party scheduled for tomorrow evening. I know they must be burning up. Down here, the humidity is so awful, and it feels like you are standing in a sauna everytime you go outside. We have two ceiling fans on our patio for our puppy dogs, and they just lay under them during the day. How is Rocky doing, Gail? Hope he is feeling better now. Does he have little steps that he uses to get up on things or is he happy with a bed on the ground?
Yes, Joey is living back out at the little house. He has not heard from Lisa since she left, but she did text Buddy’s wife and say she would like to have lunch with her while they are here; so I think mabey they are doing that today or tomorrow. It is some better now that we don’t have to see her drive by our house everyday now. That was just a constant reminder that things were changing. Joey is quiet and doesn’t say much about it. I think it will ease with the passing of time. He has to work all weekend; so he could only spend the last two days with the family. But you know; I feel that may be for the best right now; since things are so new.
Jerry had a really long talk with his Mom, and things seem to be going better now. I do think her other sons are trying to get her to leave her home, and not for the right reasons. She is doing so well, and that is the direction we want her to keep going in. I made Jerry come home early today from his Moms so he could get some rest. He is back in the bedroom with Auto Kitty and they have a movie in and are both sleeping. The boys have all told him that they want to take him out for Fathers Day, and he is busy trying to make a nice Fathers day for them LOL I told him, Jerry, just let the boys decide what they want to do since all 3 of them are actually here for the first time in many many years, and they will know what will be fun.
Hope your kitchen redo will be completed today for you Adele. It sounds absolutely beautiful. Is there going to be an Aizen cookie corner? The family is so fortunate to have such a good baker as you are. I just drool when you put up a photo of your latest goodie. I am making a banana pudding tonight. Everyone loves those around here. I was going to do strawberry shortcake, but went with the pudding since I already have everything I need.
Hope all have a wonderful weekend. Wish a Happy Father’s Day to each and everyone one of the loves of your life; whether they be human baby or fur baby Daddys. Love certainly does make this world go around, and there is lots of it on our site. Thank you again for all your support and prayers during our difficult times. It strengthens me to know how much you all care; and I hope my prayers and good thoughts will help you all as well. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Prayer Request #41953

Prayers and hugs from my heart to all my dear Quacker friends and families who are suffering or in need; physically, emotionally, or spiritually. You all have brought such comfort to me over the years; especially during our families times of need, and I know that each of you are probably hurting in some way yourselves; but yet will take the time to remember others in their times of need. Our paths may never cross; but our hearts certainly do. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: June-The Official Start of Summer #41804

Hello Ladies. This has been another very busy week. Some really good times with our son from New Mexico being here. Words cannot describe how happy I have been just to walk by him and give him a big hug. His wife will fly in tomorrow. She and Neals wife are not really friendly to one another, but that is a young person thing that they will just have to work through on their own. Neal’s job gave him a surprise baby shower on Monday and invited us. I know quite a few of them since we worked so closely with the air ambulance. The look on his face when he walked into the breakroom was priceless. He turned instantly red and said “what is going on here?” when he looked over and saw his Dad, Me, Bud, and Joey. It was a wonderful time for us all and they received some great things for the baby. They had prepared pot luck dishes and everything, It was so sweet of them. The crew who flew me when I had my stroke were all there, and I hugged them so much too. Plus, two of the nurses I had hired for my unit now work for the Wing; so it was sort of like old home week too.
Joey and Lisa are apart now. He stayed away from the little house for 4 weeks, and then we went through the very hard time of her following him over to the sheriffs home where he was staying. Many, many, many tears have been cried, but in my heart I know it is for the best for both of them. It has been like losing a family member. They had dinner together the night before she moved out for good, and Joey said it was hard, but he wants them to stay friends if at all possible. But he knows that she will find someone else as it should be, and he told her that he only wants what it right now that they both know the real love has gone. So very very sad.
Jerry is not been doing too well with his Mom this week. She went through a couple of days of doing just great, and then just out of the blue began to talk about how she needed to start packing up things in case she had to move; that she knows that is what everyone thinks she should be doing. Jerry told her MaMa, this is your home and as long as you are doing as well as you have been that you don’t have to move out of here. I think she may be having little TIA”s with slower blood flow to the brain; so we got her an appointment to the doctor just to check it out. Jerry has just been pushing himself so hard that I am worrying about him.
I apologize if I have missed some event in you all’s life that I should be mentioning; but I honestly have not even had time to read your posts. So please forgive me if I have. I think of you all so often; and wish life was a little less hectic these days, but you know, it is what is it and we just have to pray for the strength to face the day.
Take care everyone, will try to catch up more soon. Hugs across the miles, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: June-The Official Start of Summer #41340

So sorry that I have been out of pocket for several days, ladies. You all have been going through so much. I was just so sorry to hear of our dear sister in heart quacker, passing. It is a reminder to us all that each and every moment is a true gift from God; that he gives us another day on his beautiful earth that he created for us. I pray for all those who knew and loved and are missing her; as I also pray for each and every one of you dear ladies and the things that it seems each of us are going through in our lives. Sometimes I really think that these “tribulations” are reminders to us that we are not in charge and that only by the grace of God will we make it through whatever is happening in our and our loved ones lives. We are strong, but we are weak; all at the same time. Prayers for you all.
Christine, I hope your boyfriend is able to find work really soon. Isn’t it a shame that so many people want to work, and others will not work for anything? I agree with Gail about planting the saint statue in the yard to help to sell the house. I truly believe that it can help. I have looked at homes on the website Zillow too; and it is so interesting. It really gives you an idea of what homes are selling for in an area, and you can see inside without actually going to each one.
What a terrible scare Adele, for the swollen throat and infection. It must have been so very painful. I know you all were so worried. It is a shame to say; but there are so many people who do call in sick that are not that it makes it so bad for the really sick ones. I am so sorry and hope he is feeling better. Did the doctor say anything about gargling with salt water? That is old fashioned, but germs cannot live in salt and it really helps. His tonsils must be so very infected. How is he doing?
We have had so much go on here that honestly, I just am too exhausted to write it all down now. We are okay; so don’t worry, but Jerry and I are just about basket cases at this point in our lives. But counting our blessings at the same time. So forgive me; I will try my very best to write more tomorrow; but I just must go and lie down for now. Hugs to you all. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: June-The Official Start of Summer #40739

Hope you all are having a good day in your parts of our world. Nice to meet you, Christine. You will absolutely love all the goodies from Quacker. We have all been shopping for years with them; and talk about some satisfied customers! I know I have a closet full and still go for more pretties. They are such good quality clothes, not to mention how long they last. I have pieces from 20 years ago; and I just love them; and they still look great today. I have a white short sleeved cotton button up shirt with Americana decorations and lots and lots of sparkly fireworks on it; and I wear it every 4th of July.

Gail, I am glad that we are finally getting to some closure with Joey and Lisa too. I know now that poor Lisa has been in denial for some time; and I really believe that she has had a really hard time just letting it all go; so she and Joey can go on with their lives. One of Joeys’ biggest faults is that he really doesn’t want to hurt her feelings, and has had such a hard time making a break. This has been like a soap opera, not to make light of it by any means, but I will be so grateful to put this time in the past. You are so right; there are too many wonderful things happening now, and all we can really do is offer to help her move, and that is really about it. My “understanding” of her living in Paw Paw’s house and Joey living with his childhood friend is quickly coming to an end. Wish us luck.

Colleen; I am not at all surprised that Ron uses super glue for his cuts. What I am surprised is that Jerry hasn’t thought of that yet ha ha. But do you know what? We actually use a glue like product instead of stitches at the hospital; called Liquid Stitch. Very expensive; but really helps when you have to do stitches on a child. And Adele, the old duct tape has been used here too. Men are so ingenious. Now, if they could only figure out how to take out the trash!

Where is Mary Beth Roe on the Q, haven’t seen her in forever. I have heard they all make really good salaries for being hosts; so mabey she is on a nice long vacation. Hope all is well. I read somewhere that Valerie Parr Hill had lost her Dad recently. Sorry to hear that. I think she is so good at decorating. By the way; so any of you wear those Vionic shoes? I have a pair of flip flops that I just slip on when I am going outside to feed or water the puppies, and they seem like they cost a lot. Do they help your feet? I wear Skeechers, and just love them. I am definitely more into comfort and cannot wear anything with a heel anymore.

Collen, funny you should mention that sea food thing where you throw everything out on newspaper on the table. Neal is having a crawfish boil when out son comes up from New Mexico. Neal gets his crawfish from some man here who gets them fresh daily from Louisiana and then he adds shrimp, and potatoes, corn, and I think something else and the seasoning packet that comes with the crawfish. They sit out there and peel and eat those things for hours and can barely move when they finally quit eating LOL I am really looking forward to having all of our sons and families together. I am just planning on sitting back in my chair and having Jerry just sit back in his chair, and letting all the young ones run the show. I would invite you and Ron, and you and I could just have a great time visiting, and Ron and Jerry could just spend HOURS looking at all of Jerrys junk, and mabey Ron could talk Jerry out of it and you all could take more junk home with you! ha ha

The writing on this thing is tiny, and I can hardly see it. Is it just Mine? Take care everyone. Praying for all my Quacker ladies who are facing life’s challenges. From the HOT state of Tennessee, Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: June-The Official Start of Summer #40659

Gail, glad to see that you have started us a “summer” page. LOL We are such “women of the world” that we just must change with the seasons. I just cannot thank you all enough for your sweet, down to earth, common sense advise on our worry about Joey and Lisa. I have to keep reminding myself that Jerry and I did the very best we could to raise good men, and with Gods help they will do as their hearts and heads tell them and all will be okay eventually. I hurt when I see them hurt, and I know you all do too when someone in the family is going through troubling times, but as is said “this too shall pass”. I just need someone to give me a nudge every day it seems like, to help me keep things in perspective. I am so sorry to hear that you cut yourself, Adele, I hope it is better. One of Jerry’s brothers was a hemophiliac so it was really serious when he got hurt. And since they were boys (7 of them, no girls) you know there was lots of rough and tumble things going on. Jerry does some pretty serious bleeding when he gets hurt too. He came in from the barn one day when we were younger, and there was so much blood I didn’t know what in the world he had done. The lid of the tractor had fell on his head and cut it open, and all he says is; I need you to sew this up for me; I left the tractor running. LOL I said, Jerry I can’t you have got to go to the ER and he said I don’t have time for that mess, YOU are a nurse for pete’s sake. ha ha Well, he was right that I did do sutures at work, but I didn’t have anything to take care of that big cut here at home; so after much protesting on his part, he finally gave in and fussed from the moment we left until days later. ha ha I bet Colleen has experienced some of the same kinds of incidents. They grow them tough out here in the country ha ha and somehow I bet they grow them tough in you all’s neck of the woods too. The hospital did send me a suture removal kit home because he was fussing so much, and they knew I took them out all the time, so he at least didn’t have to go back. You can just imagine how hard it was for me to take out stitches with 3 little boys heads all right up there watching the whole process. ha ha
Your kitchen is going to be beautiful when all is finished. I am so happy for you. Isn’t it exciting just to know that it will be all bright and shiny and new when they are finished? I have been busy taking some things out of my closet as well to make room for my new Quacker. Of course, no Quacker is leaving. I look at some of the things I have bought over the years, and think to myself, what in the world was I ever thinking? Do you all have any trouble putting outfits together? It just seems so right on TV, but then not so right when I try to match things up or make an outfit. I have my comfy things that are my old standbys, and it is usually the Quacker jeans or capris and then I change up my tops a lot. Colleen, what two piece set did you get? would you believe that I have not ever watched anything but the main QVC channel. And I can’t even say why. Right now David is trying to sell that meat and cheese thingy that keeps your food sealed. If I had one of those, I think I would mainly use it for meats to keep them from getting freezer burned. Well, I canceled my order for the Smash burgers. I chickened out; since several people said they found bone in theirs and they didn’t taste too good. My luck, I probably missed a good order of burgers. Dianne, did you order them? I was thinking you said you had. Hope yours turned out good. I must be hungry, because his Top Secret recipe book that he is showing now has some really good looking food on there.
Sue, sorry you are having the “lights out” things. We have gone through that several times in the last few weeks. We had our electricity pole fall down during one of the storms and it fell across our drive; so no one could come down our drive for about 10 hours. Now that was a mess. We were stuck inside and our son and his wife was living with us at the time; and they had to go to a hotel for the night. We had the electric wires across our drive and our road; so of course I worried about our puppy dogs getting close to them. But they closed off the whole road and worked like crazy to repair it. Two nights in a row right at dinner time is pretty frustrating. I love the BLT but no bacon. I love a good BLT. But must admit; I need all 3 ingredients to get the “full effect” ha ha
Gail, we are reading Experiencing Heaven, it is 3 stories in one book of 3 people who were in terrible accidents, and what they remember of seeing heaven while people were working on them to help them to survive. It is very interesting. So far; we are really enjoying it. The book really makes you stop and think; and is so comforting. The other book we read was Worth Dying For, written by Rorke Denver, a Navy Seal, It was written from the perspective of being someone who had to make life and death decisions, and included all about the families these men left behind to do their duty and the lives they had to face in their loved ones absence. It was excellent; Jerry really enjoyed it.
Better go for now, girls. Hope all is going well for everyone. You all are such good friends. Hugs, Barbara

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