[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-November 2019 #103149

Thank you Gail for the update with Brents tests. Wish they were sending a home health nurse to give him his shots. Bless his heart; that is hard to do to yourself. But since he knows they will help him I guess he is willing to do just about anything to finally get better. Will definitely keep praying for him. I know you all exhausted. Bet you rest tonight. For some reason, Jerry is having a hard time sleeping too like me. I am used to it. I will be so sleepy around 9, fall fast asleep, and then wake up around 2 or 3 and cannot go back to sleep. We both stayed awake last night from 3 until after sunrise.
I bet there was lots of celebrating with Stephs success with her driving test. That is such good.news. we needed some. Adele, down South we make what is called fried pies. I use those same premade pie crust sheets for them. You cut the pie sheet in quarters and fill with some cooked dried peaches or apples, then fold the pastry over the filling and seal, then fry or I also bake them. Very old time recipe passed down for years. I love how you are making your Moms cranberry salad to carry on the tradition Colleen. I feel this is one way we keep our loved one there with us always. One of our traditions also is putting a picture of our loved ones who have gone on out on the bar or kitchen table for the “big Meal” Just something we do in our family. I hope our boys carry this traditon on.
I think of Debbie too Gail. She loved her puppy dog and her weimeranian was so similar to Ellie that she used to give me really good advice when I had questions about her. I like to think she is living the traveling with her hubby life since she was finally able to get well. I remember how much she went through; thinking it would just never come to an end. Hope all is well with her. I guess I missed the note on Sue’s friend being sick. I hope things are going better there too. I miss hearing from Sue too. Hope her door is not giving her any more problems.
Better go for now. Take care all. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-November 2019 #103068

We made it back from the doctor and we got in and out quickly, thank goodness. Jerry and I used so much hand sanitizer while we were there we reeked. lol But we are just so afraid of picking up something especially when we are well when we go in. He was happy I guess today. He laughed with us about this requirement of coming in due to pain med questions (do you share, do you sell, do you have suicidal thoughts etc.) and his last question was “are you doppy, sleepy, grumpy?” So even I couldn’t get mad for this ridiculous rule here. The insurance companys thought this up in our state; so guess that means something not so great about our state. So glad to hear you made it there and back safely Gail, and great news about your labs. Yahoo for that. We also had to get gas; and I ran inside the little convenience/gas store and got 4 morning leftover ham and biscuits under the warmer light and brought them home to our puppy dogs. They were so happy. It went down to 16 degrees here last night. I don’t know how you all can bear those temps. We have “thin blood” I guess. Poor Jerrys hands were freezing after he finished pumping the gas. He “forgot” his gloves. I keep mine in my jacket pocket and wish he would. Yes, Gail, I wish for those days of having people come out and help you. love talking to people like we used to.
Colleen, I wondered about the baby things on the Q. I have found some really cute little outfits at Target and Walmart for lots of baby toy things. I bet your Fannie Flagg book is so good. I love her books. Do you remember the one that I think was her first one “The Grass is always greener Over the Septic Tank” That was a good one too. I agree with you about saving some of your excitement for itty bitty and really enjoying this Thanksgiving and Christmas before he makes his grand entrance. Just think, this time next year he will be pulling up or swaying back and forth on those little arms and legs and trying to stand. Boy, does this time fly. Our little one said really loudly to me when Neal called us from outside and I Hop where he and Colin were about to go in and eat, “MiMi, Guess What? I want to tell you something….” and then off he went to tell me how he and Daddy went to see Power Rangers at the movie and Daddy got him some popcorn, and Daddy wanted to eat all his popcorn” Neal said “Boy, you ate all MY popcorn” Love to hear them banter back and forth. Don’t know where Sarah was, and didn’t ask. I know I’m being childish, but I have tried really hard and no more.
Adele, glad your shot is helping. Love your premade pie crust idea. That would really make everyone think homemade. And I think everything that I cook in our kitchen is “homemade” since it’s made in the kitchen. ha ha You decorate cakes so beautifully. I know where everyone gets their decorating talents from. That is so cute that Tillie loves French Fries. My suggestion about lighting a candle I base on my experience. I bought a wonderful smelling apple cinammon candle from Yankee Candle a few years back and it had the kitchen and dining room smelling so good. Well, we ate dinner, and I noticed Jerry was looking for something in the oven, and on the bar, and all around. I asked what are you looking for? he said where did you put the apple pie? After I told him, which he didn’t believe at first, there was NO apple pie, and it sunk in that there really wasn’t it was the candle smell, he was like a petulant child who lost their sucker. He had his mouth all set for warm pie and ice cream. I broke down and baked him one a few days later, but I learned not to tease a man with a good smelling “food” candle; they want the real thing. lol So proceed with caution. ha ha
By the way; just a suggestion; and you ask the doctor, but I wouldn’t want Heather to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk weighs. THat has sort of been the standard if you have injured your back or have low back pain. I know they told Jerry this too, but he was not as compliant as I was after I had gall bladder surgery. Just check with the ones taking care of her. I pray Steph does pass her driving test. Just tell her to take deep breaths and take her time. She knows what to do; and we all have faith in her since she is so smart. Also prayers for the poor fireman and his grieving family. Oh how terrible especially this time of year. God bless and help them all.
Better go for now. We are having roast and veggies from the crock pot started this morning. House smells so good. Take care everyone. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-November 2019 #102993

My goodness are we ever COLD here tonight. DOwn in the teens for us and not over the 20″s for tomorrow. Guess what? Jerry and I have our doctors appointment tomorrow too. Down here; if you are on any kind of pain medicine you are required to come in every 3 months for them to ask you questions regarding drug abuse. It is absolutely ridiculous. But hopefully we will get out of there without “catching” some illness from someone in the waiting room who is sick. I told the doctor when this all started was sick people and well people should NOT be in the same waiting area. I am not being ugly; but I know if I am sick I don’t want to make anyone else sick. We both got sick last year after seeing him and we were both well at the time.
I am very hopeful about Heathers leg and foot. And so glad she likes her doctor. Will continue to say prayers for her. Hope Tillie is feeling more like joining in tomorrow. Mabey if you tell her Adele, that you really need her help and she can help you now that it would make her feel useful instead of a burden to everyone. Just a thought. So glad your shot helped you. I really understand what you mean about the “smell” of the holidays. It just floods me with memories of days gone by. One little hint; I use the frozen deep dish pie shells to save me time baking my pies now. They really do taste good. I will do a pecan; pumpkin; and two chocolate cream pies; if all goes as planned.
It is getting close to baby time! Colleen; I bet your little one is so handsome that he just wants to show off when he makes his big arrival. Thats cute that they are already calling him stubborn for not facing the camera. lol I haven’t bought hardly anything off the Q this year. I was hoping for some good toys, but was so disappointed.
Love your kitty stories DD. You have quite a little rascal there. Our kitty jumps up and lies down all curled up in the bathroom sink sometimes. He also will take his paw and open the linens door under the sink and get up in there and make a bed on the bathtowels. He won’t come out no matter how much we call him. He would climb up our Christmas tree until he got a little too round to go up it without it starting to tip over. He definitely does not like for anything to be moved in our house. So I understand how your kitty was about you rearranging furniture. I hope Critt is doing better too. And the lady who was hospitalized.
Sue did you get a lot of ice or snow? Hope not. Sounds like you did Gail and Adele. I won’t go out in that stuff. What is the plow you mentioned Gail that your husband has on the truck? Does it help with the snow? Hope Brent is doing better too.
Better go for now. Hope we all get only good news at our doctor visits tomorrow. Take care everyone and stay warm. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-November 2019 #102800

Hope everyone is doing well this evening. It is very cold here; Jerry is building a fire tonight; and we also have little space heaters that we have been using before it turned so cold. It is to go down to 16 here tomorrow night and stay really cold; then warm just enough on Monday for rain but then turn into snow/sleet/ice around sunset that day; so I worry about those out in that mess. Joey has already asked us to make sure he is awake since he will be working Sunday night; but wants to get up after his nap Monday to go pick up Lisa at her job if they don’t let them leave early due to weather. This part of the country is NOT prepared for any type of winter frozen weather. He has to work all weekend. He came up and ate dinner with us last night; Lisa had stayed late to catch up on some paperwork now that she is Manager. We had a great visit. Joey has such a kind heart.
Adele, the shower pictures looked wonderful. And Marissa’s little belly just looked precious to me. It is so exciting the prospect of new life. I know you and Colleen are just beside yourselves in anticipation. Heather and Tillie looked so good too. I pray that Heather continues to improve every day. As well as Brent, Gail. Our young people just should not have to be going through sickness. It really hurts us to see them not in good health. Prayers for all. How are your eyes doing Gail? Good I hope. I have actually turned Jerry on to audio books; had to start with a Western; but he loves it. Now; next step is while we are driving. All of our sons listen when they are on trips and have said their Dad would enjoy it if he gave it a try. I go back and forth with reading and listening. How is your shoulder doing Adele? Did the shot help your knee? Gosh, girls time for some good medical news.
I agree that the cupcakes were beautiful. I would never be able to pull off a decoration that beautiful.
I joing you all in the fact that I don’t shop nearly as much at the Q as I did in the past. So much seems either too expensive or what really makes me not watch is “selling” so much in their phrases “many of you are buying more than one” or “YUM” when you know there is no way possible they can like every single thing they eat. I really like to have a good description, and not much pressure salesmanship. Guess I am just getting older. And don’t even get me started about those reading glasses hanging off the end of one lady’s nose when I don’t see her really reading anything. I just miss the older shows that have just gone away. I am so happy that Jeanne and Quacker are still here. But I worry about this.
Take care all and have a good evening. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-November 2019 #102633

Two very tired but very happy grands back from the mountains and our little one. Bless his little heart; he has so much energy and he has such a small area to play in their apartment. I wish so much that they were able to have a yard for him to play in; but just not the right time I guess. Jerry was so stiff and hurting from the drive; but he wouldn’t say anything to the kids; but as soon as the door closed he would tell me so much that I knew we wouldn’t be able to stay long; so I tried to make the most of every moment. All the way home I just bit my tongue. He fussed over how Sarah just sat and wouldn’t offer to help us or Neal; but even when I would say there is nothing we can do or say; that would set him off again. I know pain is behind so much but I was so tired. Our baby is so sweet and just loved up to us both; and when Sarah said, they have to go home; he immediately said NO; I dont’ want them to go…boy, did that make everything worthwhile. Can’t wait to see them again for Thanksgiving. He was Spiderman for his costume. It was pouring rain; but everything was covered in their complex.
Your shower sounds just grand, Adele. THe decorations and goodies must have been so great for everyone to keep on complimenting about how pretty it was. I love the babys name, and his nickname of Sonny. He is one lucky loved little fellow. I know all of you must have been exhausted at the end of the day. I am glad to hear that Heather is home. Praying that she gets good news from the Neurologist. Did they say what caused this? You probably said in a note I haven’t seen. Does she use a cane or walker? Glad you are getting your knee injection Adele. I know you have said they really help you. I hope your colitis has calmed down too. Ischemic before any other medical term means lack of oxygen; other words not as much oxygen as normally reaches the organ or part of the body, has a temporary or permanent decrease in the amount of oxygen it usually recieves there. Did that make sense? That leads to the next question of what caused this decrease? Hope you are feeling better. But the shower sounds just beautiful and fun for all. Your little boys did such a sweet job sitting there so nicely while all the ladies had fun doing “girly” things. Such good manners; I know you were proud.
Colleen and Sue, I would like it if they changed Halloween each year to say the last Saturday night of October; so parents had plenty of time to get the little ones ready; not worry about homework or next day school. That just seems to make more sense to me; but there must be some reason I don’t know about. I wouldn’t care what Saturday they chose; but just pick one. lol Speaking of time; this Fall Back has us all messed up. We are both sitting here at 7 or so now and falling asleep in our chairs. We don’t know when to eat; but we are getting hungry and it is only 3:30 or so. I really wish we didn’t have to keep changing our times back and forth. Joey worked Saturday night; and he said it was “painful” to turn back the time and then have to work an extra hour that night. Really brought back memories to me. I so agree that I hope Brent is happy with his new lady. I agree with you Gail; with not caring so much whether they marry as long as they are happy. I still feel in my heart that Joey and Lisa would have been happy without marrying. I believe they care for each other; just don’t see “love” but pray it’s just me. So glad to hear that Brent is feeling better Gail. You are so right; we don’t ever stop worrying about them; our children, our parents, our nieces/nephews, puppies/kitties; you know what I mean. And yes, I too lie awake at night sometimes wondering where the years have gone.
Better go for now. So glad to be home Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-October 2019 #102136

Bless little Heathers heart Adele. I know you all are so worried and I will definitely be praying for all of you. Is her blood sugar normal? Just thinking that blood sugar levels being too high or too low leads to nerve problems (I know Colleen can help us on this) but was just thinking mabey her levels might have caused some nerve damage that no one was even aware of. Still praying for nerve damage that could hopefully be fixed. But thank goodness she is where answers will be found, and you all will know what needs to be done. I agree with Colleen; this stair lift decision has been a real blessing for so many. So glad you all went ahead and had it installed. Please keep us posted. You all rest as much as you can. The shower will be perfect; they always are. And itty bitty who is about to make his grand appearance will have a wonderful time. When is his due date? And when is your babys due date Colleen? So much wonderful news and I just know Heather will be okay Adele.
I am glad they put a name to your belly upsets Colleen. At least now you can work on helping it not keep bothering you and I pray that this pill they have prescribed for you will make all the symptoms go away. You have really had some hard times dealing with this and I’m praying for you too. I don’t blame you for not wanting to wait next year to cover your pool I have always wanted one; especially now for the kids, but Jerry and I just would not be able to put a cover on and off. It would make Jerry mad and he would be determined to prove he could do it. He had to stop going to the pool at the YMCA. He hurt his shoulder by rotating his arms like regular swimming. They kept trying to get him to just do the water aerobics that was mostly from the waist down standing in the water, but he is hard headed and in denial. So I will just quit now, and pray for better luck with something else.
It has rained so much in the last 24 hours and is supposed to continue all night. We don’t plan to leave until Monday now; but I just dont’ want to be on the road in this hard rain. But we are really looking forward to being with our baby.
Sue, your cookies sound yummy. I look for food items that can be cooked a little at a time too. The soup was yummy. But, honestly, besides the expensive meat in it, and there was plenty, my stew tastes really good too, and isn’t very costly. But I splurged and I am going to enjoy it ha ha. I will go on line tonight and look for those cookies. I love warm cookies.
DD those pictures of the orange roses were so pretty. I have never seen that color and so beautiful. I love lavendar roses. They seem rare too. I have only seen them once. Your kitty had to greet Critt too. I bet she thought he needed her cheering him up with her little antics.
Better go for now. Praying for good news to all my dear friends facing sickness or other challenges right now. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-October 2019 #102097

DD I am praying for your friend Critt and for Hallie. I know they both mean so much to you; and it hurts us to see those we care about hurting too; whether physical, mental, or both. Our son Joey, who stayed in the military for 4 years where our oldest son Buddy, stayed for 25, anyway, Joey shakes a lot now, and never did before he went overseas and was stationed at some very scary places. Joey never told us; our older son did since Joey had confided in him, about how Joey was the only survivor during a shooting ambush and how his closest friend literally passed away in Joeys lap. Buddy asked us not to mention this; since Joey also felt guilty about his survival, and all others perished. We trusted our son when he told us how he talked with him a long time to help Joey and he said he would call him regularly to stay in touch. Our oldest son also experienced some horrible things but he told us that if he ever feels Joey needs more help he promised us he would tell us so. IWe know now that Joey has PTSD and that is why he shakes like he does. So I really understand what you are saying, and like Adele said that you just being there for your friend is helping him know how much you care. Poor Hallie, those UTI’s are just awful. Thank goodness they have good medicine for them.
Poor little Heather too. I so agree with you Adele that she needs the stair lift at your house and some good TLC too. Bless her heart there is no way she could go in to work like this. That is some special news about the baby too. It is miraculous all the tests and procedures that medicine is able to do now on mommies and babies. Neal showed us a 3D picture of Colin before he was born. I sure hope she is feeling good. I was thinking of how I used to wear those big maternity tops and I bet no one wears those anymore. I thought it was so comfortable. Now the ladies wear tighter clothes and I see their little belly buttons just sticking out. Isn’t it funny how things like that change? One fashion that hasn’t changed much is blue jeans and tee shirts. I was so happy when I first saw Jeanne. I loved her clothes from the beginning. She was someone who understood comfort and being pretty all at the same time. I really need to thank Angel for doing such a good job and Patrick too. They both always make me smile.
Gail, did you see Kirks Folly yesterday? I didnt get a chance to watch it live so I recorded it and am going to watch after I write you all. I have David on now and he just said everything on sale is 20% off until midnight. That is good.
Our plan is to leave Sunday if the weather clears. It is really raining here now and is supposed to continue through Sunday morning. I went ahead and mailed Colins Halloween box just in case. I have to make myself not get discouraged but it just seems like whenever we plan a trip then one or both of us get sick; or Jerrys back gets worse. Or something happens to me. Jerry doesn’t like since the car lights bother his eyes shining so bright at us. But I get nervous if the traffic is heavy since he is not very patient. I keep reminding him that our car is not a semi-truck, and people won’t just move over for us. Gail, I put on an eye mask, pop in my ear buds and listen to audio book. I just have to. But Colleen, I so agree, I need that baby and he needs us. So say a little prayer that Jerry doesn’t sit me out on the highway between here and NC. lol By the way, Adele, how is your shoulder and Knee? Sue, have you had any more problems with your door? Sure hope not. Baked some cookies yesterday, and the house smelled so good. thanks again for letting me know where to look for them. I buy at least 4 packages, since Jerry loves them too. We treat ourselves to them so much they are gone quickly.
Love all the Fall pictures and of course our kitty model Snowball. Take care everyone. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-October 2019 #101991

Sorry to hear about your gout acting up Adele. Gosh, you are just needing some relief from all this. I can’t see what you ate that would bring it on; but it may be just like the nurse said, your whole system is out of sorts right now. Prayers coming your way.
Joey came up for a couple of hours this evening; ate dinner with us; and we visited. It was so good to talk with him. He is still way too thin, but is at least eating better; which makes us happy. Lisa is working late at the ortho clinic tonight. She has recieved a promotion to manager. I am not sure how much she likes it so far; but Joey said he tried to explain to her that she would be salaried now; and she was upset when she saw her check; even though she got a raise. But hopefully she will like it as she adjusts to it. Lisa is a very hard worker; almost a perfectionist; but that’s what I like from medical personnel. Someone who cares.
DD our kitty has gotten cold. He stays either snuggled up at the foot of our bed or in a QVC bag like your kitty. I think it must hold their body heat in. Your kitty is so cute. I know she brings you lots of happiness.
Sue, hope your door is doing good. Did you get nice weather after the storms? We did here.
Gail, do you all plan to go visit Brent any during the holidays or him be able to come home? We are trying to make some plans with all of our family. We were going to go visit Colin next week; and just found out that Joey had arranged to take next Saturday off and he and Lisa go visit them next week. We know the baby loves them so much and would be able to walk a lot further than Jerry and I could to trick or treat. Joey said for us to go; but we should have said something before now; we just can’t seem to make any real plans anymore since one of us always seems to come down with something everytime we plan a trip,. So we will see what happens. Neal and family are due to come home for Thanksgiving.
Better go since it is getting late. Hope everyone is having a good evening. and will be able to rest well tonight. Barbara

[Barbara Smith]

in reply to: Quacker Talk-October 2019 #101873

Hope all those awful storms have passed now. Sue, that was terrible about your door that night. I would have been beside myself with fear. I bought two of something called Adalock from Amazon. I bought it originally for my husband when he was having to stay in these not so nice hotels when traveling across country driving the big truck. His company made me so mad by what they did sometimes. I was always afraid of someone breaking in his room. They keep anyone, and I mean anyone, from opening your door once you put it on from the inside. They used to sell them on the Q but I don’t see them now. Might want to look at them. I gave one to our oldest and youngest son since they travel so much. I like them for our home too; even though we have a security system. So glad your landlord came on and helped you.
Are you any better Adele? You have been through so much. I hope you are able to get your shot in your knee. Your PT man sounds like such a good person who really wants to help you. Did they ever decide what caused the gout attack? Jerrys Dad had this and we did have to be careful with his diet, but surely the doctor will give you a list of dietary do’s and don’t’s. I am like Colleen said, it’s time for you to get a break and feel better. So happy that you all and Sue and Gail made it through that storm. Gosh, your wind must have really been blowing bad. We had lots of storms here as well. Lots of rain and thunder. DD, does that scare Snowball? It does our kitty. You were talking about your lights going out. Ours will do that sometimes; especially in stormy weather. It makes Auto Kitty so nervous when it happens. He will follow us around mewing as if to say “what is wrong?”
Colleen, I remember how you and your girls would get up so early the day after Thanksgiving to go shopping. I barely had the strength to move the day after but you all would be up and going. ha ha. You have really done good this year. Mabey your dream is your Mom and Dad telling you that they are happy being together again and to comfort you by this. Just a thought.
Better close for now. Goodnight everyone. Barbara Love your stair lift Adele.

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